#was playing around with my style and stepping out of my comfort zone

[bluebellwrenart]

𝐁𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐨𝐠

[art]

Creator Spotlight: @themetalhiro

Hi, I’m Metal! I’m a freelance artist from good ol’ New Jersey. My favorite things to work with are a lot of bright colors, exaggerated poses, and candid scenarios. I try to farm sensible chuckles whenever I can, so I’m also big into comics. I love making them about my life, and the media I’m into, and one day I’d like to publish my own series!  Thank you to everyone who has gotten me this far!!

Check out Metal's interview below!

Did you originally have a background in art? If not, how did you start?

I guess so! It’s funny, I don’t remember a single time in my life that I wasn’t drawing as a hobby… somewhere in middle school (a little late, I know.) I put the pieces together that animated movies were made by artists, and that it wasn’t just for fun, they were paid to do it. The moment I discovered people could be paid to make art, I decided I would do that, too. Now I’m here!

How has your style developed over the years?

I think the best way to answer this would be with an example! Over the last few years, I have made more of an effort to draw more intentionally, which sounds silly. Now, I put more thought into my poses and step out of my comfort zone with shape language and composition. I had a phase where I drew everyone with a huge, perfectly circular head and no nose. That definitely did not lend much variety...

Which 3 famous artists (dead or alive) would you invite to your dinner party?

Ack! I’m so terrible at history! I’d love to give a well-thought-out answer about fine artists of old, but I don't think we’d have much in common… Most artists I admire and who have driven me forward creatively are the people behind comics I’ve read. Andrew Hussie, Bryan Lee O’Malley, Eiichiro Oda... these guys have inspired me greatly and had a heavy influence in developing my art style and sense of humor. I’d love to ask them questions about their processes and upcoming projects. I think it would make for an entertaining night!

Over the years as an artist, what were your biggest inspirations behind your creativity?

Outside of pure aesthetics like searing bright colors, layered clothing, and loud noises…. the best and most inspiring moments in my life were those surrounded by friends and loved ones! I cherish the hell out of memories of hanging around in fun locations, trying weird food together, and impromptu midnight walks... so I try my best to capture that atmosphere and my own memories in my work when I can, even if I’m imposing fictional characters on top of them. That’s always the core of it.

What is a medium that you have always been intrigued by but would never use yourself?

I would never permanently refuse a medium, but every time I pick up clay, I’m like a baby using its hands for the first time. Absolutely dreadful. If one day I could make and paint a figurine like the ones I admire in videos, that would be awesome... But for now, I’m not counting on it.

How do you want to evolve as a creator?

I’ve had an absolute blast drawing fanart over the years, and it’s certainly played a massive role in my growth as an artist. But my dream has always been to publish my own stories for y'all to enjoy! I have lots of worlds I want to introduce to you before I’m old and gray. I want to get faster, work harder, and get better at drawing interesting settings so I can get the wheels turning as soon as possible. I also want to stop avoiding the color blue like a coward.

What do you wish you knew when you first started out creating art that you know now?

Pay your taxes quarterly. Tablets will break at the exact moment you need them most, so have a spare. Wear your blue light glasses. You’re going to need to wear a brace on every joint on the right side of your body. It can be lonely sitting at your desk all day. The car on the side of the road that costs $1000 cash….. don’t trust it!!!

Who on Tumblr inspires you and why?

@cranity—They use absolutely beautiful colors and weighty line work. Everything looks so sharp and clean! I wanna put it all up on my wall!

@vewn—Their ability to crank out quality short films and illustrations packed with detail is incredible. The off-kilter perspective they use really sells disorientation and catches your attention like nothing else.

@nelnal—They have absolutely banger character designs again and again, I can’t believe one person’s mind can come up with so many creative ideas!

@jinx88kc—They have a beautiful and recognizable style, and the way they incorporate animation into their illustrations sometimes is SO cool!

Thanks for stopping by, Metal! For more of Metal’s work, follow their Tumblr, @themetalhiro! If you haven't seen their Meet the Artist piece, be sure to check it out here!

[justmystyles]

Ok so I was thinking Harry is very private and only seen with skinny girls but then he got a new bandmember but she is plus size and wears glasses so even tho they act cute and couply ? On stage fans just think they are really good friends but one night Harry slips up bc bandmember got hurt by flying objects and he rushes over to her giving her hugs and pecks asking over and over if she is ok ? And well he might’ve sorta forgot where they where but then didn’t care bc his baby girl got hurt hope that makes sense and hope you wanna write it

Line of Fire

check out my other works!

pairing: Harry Styles x band member plus size reader

word count: 1.5k

summary: you and harry have been keeping your relationship off the radar, but his concern for you overwhelms his need for privacy.

warnings: physical injury, not sure if that is one, but better safe than sorry.

a/n: thank you so much for this ask @fanficismydrug! i loved this idea so much, and it was so exciting to bring it to life. i hope it's what you were hoping for!

tags: @allthelovehes @ameerakane20 @ash-craze @bethanysnow @blue-ballad @brightlightsinlife @cute-as-ducks420 @fanficismydrug @gem1712 @golden-hoax @gothmingguk @groovychaosavenue @hillzrry @iceebabies @indierockgirrl @jerseygirlinca @jng4kook @jooniesbabie @kaverichauhan @lexiecamposv @n0vaj3an @ravenclawdirectioner @stylesfeverr @superchrystaldrug @tenaciousperfectionunknown @tiaamberxx @thechaoticjoy @theekyliepage @walkingintheheartbreaksatellite @youknowwhaaat

You tapped gently on Harry’s dressing room door, almost immediately hearing him call for you to enter. As you stepped over the threshold, you watched his eyes peer up from the book he was reading, his pensive expression quickly turned to a smile as he folded over his page, putting the book down on the table behind him.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bother you.” You apologize as you enter the room. 

“Don’t be silly, you’re never a bother.” He outstretched his arms. “Get over here, angel.” 

You happily sauntered into his embrace, kissing him softly as he pulled you into his lap. “Hi,” you smile against his lips. 

You were so excited when you were hired to play trumpet in Harry’s Love on Tour band. It felt like the ultimate validation after spending so many years as a tormented band geek. You were in your element, playing music with people who loved it just as much as you did. Especially Harry. 

You hadn’t expected you’d spend much time with Harry, he was the superstar, you were just in the background. But you quickly realized that was the farthest thing from the truth. The two of you clicked immediately, falling into this comfortable flirty friendship. You two had become inseparable, everyone on the tour knew that if they couldn’t find one of you, your best bet was to look for the other. Even the fans had noticed your back and forth on stage, and you were quickly labeled as Harry’s bestie. 

You had been ‘friend-zoned’ so many times in your life that you were used to palling around with the guys you liked. It didn’t stop you from falling for Harry though. You knew he was flirty by nature, so you always tried not to read too far into his actions. He obviously didn’t see you the way you saw him. You’d seen the kinds of girls Harry had been photographed with, you’d heard all the rumors about his lovelife. None of those girls looked anything like you, they were these gorgeous supermodels with tiny waists. You would never be that, so you just settled for being his friend. 

But then, there was a shift. Harry’s touches started to linger a little longer, when you would hang out and watch movies, you noticed he started to sit closer and closer. And then, one day everything changed. You had just finished sound check, and Harry asked you to come back to his dressing room with him. And he took that opportunity to confess his feelings for you. You had been together ever since. 

“You’ve been busy today, I’ve hardly seen you.” Harry pouted, you giggled before biting his bottom lip gently. 

“I know baby, I’m sorry. I promise I’m going to make it up to you.” You wrap your arms around his neck and pull him in for a lingering kiss.

“Mmm, you always do.” He sighs, squeezing your hips gently. 

“Oh, I meant to ask you. How’d your date go the other night?” He gives you a confused look. You chuckle as you pull out your phone, tapping a few times before pulling up a deuxmoi post that was submitted of Harry, the caption saying he was out on a date with a mystery blonde. 

Harry’s eyes soften, and he lifts his hand to your cheek, stroking it gently. “Angel, you know that’s nothing right? It was a business dinner.”

“I know, I’m just joking around.” He smiled widely at your words and pulled you in so that your head was resting against his chest. 

Harry liked to keep his private life to himself. He felt that he gave so much to everyone all the time, that he wanted to keep some things just for him. Your relationship was one of those things. You were fine with that, you didn’t need to parade your relationship around to the world to know it was real. 

Later that night, you were onstage playing your heart out. You and Harry had been playing off each other all night, like you usually would. He would also shoot an occasional wink, or sly smirk in your direction every now and then. 

The crowd had been particularly rowdy all night, but as the opening notes to Watermelon Sugar began, the screaming crescendoed and people began truly losing their minds. Harry and the band had gotten used to things being thrown onstage, you had gotten pretty good at dodging the assorted items. Until you weren’t.

You were so caught up with the energy in the room, watching Harry drink it all in and give it right back to them, that you didn’t see the watch soaring in the air. But you definitely felt it when it hit you in the side of the head, knocking you to the ground. 

Harry heard the crowd collectively gasp when you went down. He looked around, his brow furrowed in confusion, looking for the scene that caused such a reaction. He turned behind him and saw you on the ground, wincing in pain and holding your head. 

He ran full speed toward you, dropping to his knees in front of you. He tossed his microphone on the riser beside you before collecting you in his arms. 

“Y/N, are you alright?” He asked frantically, stroking your hair. He felt you nod against his chest, but it wasn’t good enough. “Talk to me angel, I need you to say it.” 

You pulled back, tears streaming down your face, you looked up at Harry with a sniffle. “I… I’m.. it’s okay. You n–need to finish.” 

“Oh sweetheart,” he takes your face in his hands, leaning in to kiss your tear stained cheeks before turning you to inspect the spot where you were hit. It was already starting to bruise, and there was some blood dripping down. He looked up at Pauli signaling for him to toss him a towel. He pressed it to your head gently as he tried to calm you down. 

“You’re alright baby, I’m right here. I’m so sorry angel, I love you so much.” The words flew from his mouth rapidly, seemingly unaware that his nearby microphone was picking up on all of it. 

Once you composed yourself, you reached beside you, grabbing your glasses that had fallen off when you hit the ground, and placing them back on your face. “Sorry Harry, you didn’t have to stop everything for me.”

“Of course I did,” he assured you. “You’re my girl, you come before anything, always.” 

A wave of murmurs washed through the crowd at Harry’s words. Tens of thousands of people were all watching with rapt attention as he cared for you so tenderly, and professed his love for you. Their confusion and curiosity quickly turned into a chorus of ‘awwws’ when they watched Harry press his lips against yours. 

The sound brought you both back into the moment, suddenly realizing that you were still onstage, and all eyes were on the two of you. Your face turned bright red, you quickly brought your hands up to cover it. Harry chuckled, pulling you close. 

“I guess you’re about to get your deuxmoi debut, angel.” He joked. 

“And tiktok, and twitter, and everything else.” You chuckle in response. 

Harry pulled back so that he could look you in the eyes. “C’mon, let me walk you off and get you comfy, then I’ll come back and finish up here.” 

You shake your head quickly. “No, I want to finish the show. I can do it.” 

“Are you sure?” He asked, his tone thick with worry.

You nod and stand up, picking up your trumpet to show him you were fine. He shrugged, giving in to you. He knows how stubborn you are, it would be easier just to finish the show. He gets up as well, picking up his microphone with one hand, and taking your hand with the other, leading you to center stage. 

“She’s okay!” He announced into the microphone, lifting your arm up in the air. 

The crowd erupted, and you curtseyed shyly. You looked over to Harry, who was already looking at you, you could see the adoration in his eyes as he lifted your joined hands to his lips. 

“Alright,” Harry returns his attention to the crowd. “Shall we try that one again?” The crowd cheered and Harry let go of your hand. When you turned to return to your spot onstage you jumped suddenly when you felt Harry’s hand playfully tap your backside. You shot him a wink over your shoulder and he smiled in response. 

You waved off your fellow band members as they all asked if you were alright, and if you were sure you wanted to do this. You lifted your horn to your mouth, showing everyone that you were fine and ready to move on. The song began, and the rest of the show went off without a hitch, Harry continuing to look back at you, giving you questioning thumbs ups to ensure you were feeling alright, you returned them all with a wink. 

You were alright, you were great even. You knew you didn’t need the validation or acknowledgement of his fans for your relationship to work, but it felt really nice to know you had it anyway.  

[daisynik7]

“S&M” by Rihanna for Toji Fushiguro - smut

S&M

I may be bad, but I'm perfectly good at it. Sex in the air, I don't care, I love the smell of it

Pairing: Toji Fushiguro x f!reader

Rating: Explicit – MINORS DO NOT INTERACT

Word Count: ~2.0k

cw: smut - PIV sex (doggy style), cunnilingus, mild S&M practices - whips, blindfold, handcuffs, protected sex (for once lol), use of safe word, rough sex, pet names (cutie, sweetheart)

Summary: You are next-door neighbors with a man named Toji Fushiguro. You don’t know much about him, except for the fact that he’s a divorced father who spends every other weekend with his young son, Megumi. On the weeks he doesn’t have him, you notice the same trio of women visiting his house. One night, his package gets incorrectly delivered to your door. Too curious, you walk over to return it, only to find the front door unlocked and a naughty secret to discover.

Author’s Notes: Thanks for the request anon! I love Rihanna, so it’s no surprise that she’s on the y2k karaoke party playlist! I personally am not well-versed with S&M practices, so this was an experience to write, definitely a little bit out of my comfort zone, but I hope it’s still okay! This is more on the milder side, I'm sure. Likes, comments, and/or reblogs are always appreciated, thanks for reading! MDNI divider credit to @/cafekitsune.

You’re not usually this nosey when it comes to your neighbors, but something about Toji Fushiguro draws you in. Maybe it’s the fact that he’s a divorced dad who takes good care of his adorable son, Megumi. Or maybe it’s the mysterious trio of women who frequently visits his house on the weeks he doesn’t have his child. Or maybe it’s his obvious good looks and impressive physique that you can’t help but notice every time he steps foot outside. Whatever it is, whether it’s a combination of all of the above, you just can’t get Toji Fushiguro off your mind. 

On this particular Friday night, you’re staying in, binging a TV show with a glass of white wine in your hands and a frozen pizza that you just baked in the oven. There’s a knock on your front door, which surprises you because you aren’t expecting anybody at this hour. You give it a few moments, seeing if there’s another knock. When none comes, you get up to scope it out, finding a large package directly in front of you and a delivery truck driving off in the distance. You check the shipping label, reading Toji’s name on it instead of yours. You glance at his front yard, spotting his car parked in the driveway and no one else’s. His girlfriends must have already left; you noticed their vehicle earlier beside his. 

Not bothering to change into anything presentable, currently wearing your sweats and fuzzy slippers, you carry the wrongly delivered package to its rightful owner, hoping if you can find some truth behind your neighbor’s unique bi-weekly ritual. You’ve thought about it before, the most likely answer being a polyamorous relationship or group sex. Still, it’ll put your mind to rest to know exactly what he does in there when little Megumi is away and Toji is free to play. So, you carefully lift the box, which isn’t heavy, over to his front door, setting it down to ring the bell. You push the button, then notice that the door is already open, slightly ajar. Another ring, and no one comes, though you’re certain you hear movement inside. 

You should turn around. Go back home, sink into your couch, continue the night as normal. Yet, your feet guide you in, closing the door shut behind you, tip-toeing farther into the house, waiting to catch Toji in the act, whatever that could be. Eventually, you make it to the living room, where you stand in the doorframe, searching for your neighbor, who you find sitting on the couch with his shirt off, scrolling through his phone. 

You knock on the wall, announcing your presence. He looks up, confused, inspecting you carefully before saying your name. “What are you doing in here?” He’s way more cavalier than you imagined he’d be, which you’re thankful for. 

You present the box to him, a nervous grin on your face as you explain, “This just got delivered to my house on accident. I rang the bell, but no one answered. And your front door was open, so I figured I’d just come inside to give it to you.” It’s a poor excuse; you really shouldn’t have barged in without permission. 

He seems to buy it though, rolling his eyes, muttering, “Damn Kimi. She’s always doing that.” He approaches you, grabbing the box from your hands. “Thank you for getting this to me. Been waiting for it all night, so I was bummed it didn’t come in on time.” He sets it down on the floor, kneeling beside it, ready to unwrap. 

You search the room, trying to find any clues of what they could be doing inside here. It looks normal, nothing nefarious standing out. Slightly disappointed, you take this as your cue to leave, turning on your heel to make your way back home. Before you can, Toji calls out your name and asks, “Don’t you want to see the little present I got? After all, it was almost yours. Would have loved to see your reaction if you opened it by accident.” His tone is playful, yet there’s something wicked behind his words. Something naughty.

You swallow hard, mouth already salivating. This isn’t how you planned your night to go, but you’d be lying if you said you haven’t thought about it before. You face him again, stepping towards the box slowly, sitting on the other side. He uses a pocketknife to slice through the tape, eyes lighting up as he reaches inside, holding up his delivered item like a treasure. It’s a riding whip, soft leather on one end, handle on the other. He smirks at you, slapping it against his palm, making a loud crack sound. You jump up, startled by the noise. He barks a laugh at your reaction, laying the whip down on the coffee table next to him. He reaches in again, pulling out three sets of fuzzy handcuffs, twirling one around his fingers. “Damn, would have been fun to use these tonight.” Glancing over at you, legs squeezed tightly together, arousal seeping through your panties, he scans you up and down, giving you a wicked smile. “You want to try these out, neighbor? I promise, I’ll go easy on you.”

It's ridiculous, right? Completely silly and irresponsible for you to agree to this, right? You blurt out your answer before you can even contemplate those questions logically. “Yes.”

He chuckles, biting him lip, eyes focused on your loins currently throbbing against the fabric of your sweats. You really wish you dressed up now, but it doesn’t matter, as he commands you to, “Strip.”

Almost too eagerly, you obey, kicking your slippers off and undressing, starting with your shirt, which you toss behind your shoulder. He studies you carefully, eyes following your every move as you slip out of your pants, down to only your underwear and bra now. He licks his lips, stepping closer to you. “Yeah,” he purrs, breath hot on your skin. “This will definitely work.”

~~~

Within minutes, you find yourself naked in his bedroom, blindfolded, wrists handcuffed behind you, face buried into the pillow, and ass up, perfectly vulnerable for him to do as he pleases. The two of you establish a safe word: mignon, because he thinks you’re cute, and the filet mignon is his favorite cut of meat. He suggests several acts he wants to perform on you and lets you decide which ones you want to go through with. You make your choice, asking to be spanked with the new whip he received. Something about breaking in one of his new accessories turns you on. 

Not being able to see anything, you listen carefully to what he’s doing behind you. You hear him unwrap the condom wrapper, sliding the latex over his cock. Then, there’s a squelch, most likely the lube he’s pouring into his hand, coating his shaft with it. “Are you ready, cutie? I’m going to start with the whip first, okay?” You nod, heart pounding in your chest, nervous and thrilled all at once.

“Words, sweetheart. Use your words. I have to hear you say it.”

You swallow your spit, trying to speak coherently. “Yes. I’m ready.”

“Good. That’s a good girl.” You feel the cool leather against your skin, anticipating it as he counts down. “Three, two, one.” Then, smack. It’s quick, painful for only a few seconds. You can tell he’s holding back, cautious of you. “Did you like that?” he asks. 

“Yes,” you say, wiggling your ass to him. “Give it to me harder.”

He chuckles, swearing under his breath. “Fuck, okay. I’ll go harder then.” He counts down once more, the slap definitely more intense this time. Your skin stings from the contact and it feels like you’re already gushing from your cunt, core tight with pleasure. 

He continues this until he’s delivered ten smacks to each of your ass cheeks. Your body is sweltering now, the skin on your ass surely hotter than the rest of you. Your pussy flutters, aching to be filled, clit throbbing, desperate to be licked. “Toji,” you whimper, drooling from the sides of your mouth. “Fuck me.”

There’s that laugh again, low, taunting, so fucking sexy. “Not yet. Want to make you come before I fuck this pretty cunt.” He positions himself beneath you, between your legs. “Fuck my face. You can be rough with me. I can take it.”

His grip is firm on your hips, guiding you as you ride him, spreading yourself over his wide tongue and gaping mouth. He’s eats you better than any guy you’ve ever fucked before, sloppy and wet, as if he thoroughly enjoys slurping at your juices. He slides his hands over your ass, massaging the skin made raw from his spanking. And before you get a chance to warn him, you come all over his face, gushing into his mouth. 

“Fuck yeah,” he muffles, lapping up your slick. “So fucking good for me.”

Desperate now to be filled, you beg, “Please, Toji. Fuck me. Need you inside me.”

He slides out from beneath you, positioning himself behind you with his cock pressed between your ass cheeks. “I need it too, cutie. Need to pump my fat cock inside this perfect pussy.” He moans loudly as he slides himself inside you, stretching you out, inch by inch, until you swallow him whole. He thrusts into you, slowly at first while you adjust to his length. Gradually, he picks up the pace, pounding you hard and fast, his grip on your wrists, still bound by the handcuffs. The stretch in your shoulders is starting to burn now, arms pinned way back as he uses it for leverage. It’s not enough to coax the safe word out of you, yet. You need more of him to satiate this overwhelming desire.

“You’re taking it like such a good girl,” he moans, pumping himself into you. “Did you ever think about this before? Think about me?”

“Fuck yes. All the time,” you admit, drooling onto the pillowcase. 

“Shit, I knew it. I knew I should have slutted you out sooner,” he growls, bullying his way deeper. It’s almost too much. Almost. A couple more strokes and it actually is, your shoulders sore, nervous they’ll pop out of its sockets. You’ve had your fill of him, your guts feeling like they’ve been rearranged by his massive cock. You’re tempted to stay quiet, not wanting this to end just yet. But your body is begging you for a break. 

“Mignon,” you croak out, throat dry from the incessant moaning.

“Fuck,” he mutters, pulling out, immediately unlocking the handcuffs on your wrists and untying the blindfold. “You were taking that so good.” He flips you over on your back, inspecting you. For the first time since you started, you make eye contact with him, your heart swelling from the genuine smile on his face, gazing at you fondly. “Are you okay, cutie?” He brushes the tears from your eyes, cupping your cheek in his calloused palm.

You nod, mumbling an exhausted, “Yes,” closing your eyes to lean into his touch. 

He cuddles you, kissing your neck as he continues to stroke himself off. He trails down your chest, latching his lips around your nipple, sucking until he comes inside the condom. When he’s done, he removes it, tying the open end closed and tossing it into the waste basket next to him bed. 

It’s silent for a few moments as the two of you relax in each other’s arms. Eventually, he clears his throat to say, “This was fun. I usually don’t do this outside of the group.”

You understand that he’s referring to the trio of women who you saw earlier, and finally, the mystery is solved. Slightly disappointed, you respond, “I’m sorry if I messed anything up.”

He smiles at you. “You didn’t.”

You snuggle closer, kissing him softly. His lips melt into yours, tongue slipping inside your mouth. When you break apart, you ask, “Then, should I only show up when they show up?”

He shakes his head, smirking. “No. I think I want you as my own special plaything from now on.”

[brbzonedout]

Miles comforts insecure reader

Pairing: E!42 Miles x Fem(tomboy)!Reader

Warnings: Body Imagine issues, catcalling?, Crying.

You stared at yourself in the mirror turning to see the pair of jeans at every possible angle.

“Ain’t no way,” you muttered to yourself.

The pair of snug fitting 2000s style jeans hugged your thighs and hips in a way that made it uncomfortable to stand let alone walk.

Eying yourself in the mirror you started to feel extremely insecure. Ever since you hit puberty you’ve been thick and developed faster than the other kids in your grade. It wasn’t a bad thing by any means it’s natural but for you it brought a lot of unwanted attention at such a young age and that carried well into your teenage years.

Earlier before you and Miles entered the store you both decided to stop for chick-fil-a. While in line an older guy maybe in his late 20s and his friend decided to take it apon himself to comment about how you looked in your school uniform. Commenting that you had quote on quote “anime thighs” and that he’d “Take that over a desk any day,” Miles wanted so badly to chew them out up held back after you said not to start anything.

Bring a shy person to begin with didn’t help much, so to cope with your feelings, you started wearing slightly baggier clothes. They gave you a sense of comfortability you hadn’t felt in a long time. On top of that the style was just cute in general.

But today while in the mall with your boyfriend he picked out the jeans for you. Was this him saying he didn’t like the type of clothes you wear now?

“You good in there?” Miles said from outside of the dressing room.

You jumped being startled out of your zoned out state.

“Y-yeah i’m cool…” you shouted back making sure he heard you.

You didn’t want to have to lie twice.

“Can I come in?”

“If you want…” you cringed at the way that came out, like you didn’t want him in there.

Miles slightly parted the curtain and slid in through the crack.

“If I want?” he said eying you up and down with a slight smile.

You shrugged.

Miles look up and met your eyes through the mirror before you broke eye contact causing him to start worrying.

“What you don’t like ‘em?”

You shrugged again lightly pulling at the material around your thighs.

“They’re nice…kind of tight-”

The boy put his slim fingers through your belt loops and pulled back lightly.

“Mm, yeah I guess- ain’t that the style though? Want me to go get a bigger size?”

“The style? You sound like your mom,” you forced a giggle at the boy honestly trying to change the subject.

He smiled at your comment and stuffed his hands in his pockets. But, his eyes glanced up at yours. Once you broke eye contact for the second time he knew something was wrong.

“So do you want a bigger size? They’re right out there.” The boy peeked through the curtain and squinted to see the available sizes, “I think the next size u-”

You cut him off, “Don’t we gotta find something for you too? Is it getting late?” You rambled and scrambled to find your phone to “check the time”.

“Baby….” he said flatly with a slight confused look on his face, “why are you avoiding my question?”

Eye brows furrowed trying your best to create a false confused expression, you turned around to face him.

“What question?”

“Seriously?”

“Miles-”

“I can’t help you if you don’t tell me.”

With a slight pout you played with the hem of your white collard shirt, “I just don’t like the pants…”

“Ok? That’s fine we can look for more.” he shrugged.

You looked in the mirror once again noticing how the denim tightened around your hips…and thighs…and butt. The man’s voice played back in your head, “I’d take that over a desk any day,” it was too overwhelming. You just broke down.

In your relationship with Miles he had never seen anything trigger you this much and this fast.

Without hesitation he stepped forward and gently placed his hand on your arms to calm you down.

“Hol’ on hol’ on, chill i can’t understand you if you’re crying. Just relax ok?” said as he rubbed his thumb soothingly over your arm.

You took a deep breath in and wiped your tear stained cheek with the heel of you palm then nodded head.

“I don’t like how they look on me, and it just triggered me cuz of what happened earlier.”

Miles sat you both down on the dressing room floor listening intently making sure you understood he heard you.

“Then why’d you say you liked them?”

“I thought you would want me to get them? I don’t know. I just wanted to get out of here.”

He chuckled, “Since when do you care what I think about clothes?”

With a quick glance up you thought for a moment then laughed sniffling and wiping your tears once again. “Ok true, I don’t. I don’t know you just seemed to like them a lot.”

“Listen I don’t give a fuck what you wear I just wanna make sure you’re comfortable,” he leaned back against the dressing room wall, “What kind of boyfriend would I be if I told you what to wear all the time.”

“A bad one.”

“A bad one,” he parroted you. “And what that bitch said earlier don’t matter he was ignorant and obviously gets no play talking about anime thighs. Looked almost 30 acting like a little bitch.”

You smiled slightly and nodded sitting up to wrap your arms around his neck, pulling him in for an embrace.

“I’m sorry that was dramatic, breaking down out of nowhere.”

Miles hugged back and laid a quick peck on your cheek.

“Stop apologizing for dumb stuff, no offense. You were sad so you cried it’s normal, now come on we gotta go I don’t think i’m supposed to be in here.” he laughed and handed you the skirt you walked in with.

A smile came across your face as you took the clothes from him.

“Wanna get Cinnabon after this?” you asked unbuttoning the jeans.

“What kind of question is that? No duh I want Cinnabon!”

This is lowkey based on myself, this was really fun though. Exploring different emotions I feel like i’m getting slightly better. Thank you for reading!! Remember requests are open right now so don’t be shy!

[icycoldninja]

hello! my birthday is tomorrow and i was thinking requesting the dmc boys x goth autistic reader who can go on and on about their favorite horror movies (my personal favorite is saw or coraline) or bands (type o negative or london after midnight, i feel like v would potentially like type o alot :3 )? bonus points if you can maybe work in that reader usually wears long skirts/sleeves but maybe one particularly hot day they wear shorts which is out of their comfort zone but the boys reassure them!

Hey, sorry this might be too late, but happy belated birthday! Please enjoy!

Sparda boys + V x Goth!Autistic!Reader headcannons

¤ Dante ¤

-He thinks your style is really cool, kinda like what a vampire would wear if one was alive today.

-He could listen to you ramble on for hours, even if he doesn't have a clue as to what you're talking about.

-He ends up spending a lot of time watching horror movies with you and can now be called an expert on this field.

-Your taste in music is alright in his eyes, but he still prefers his stuff (and his own playing).

-When it's too hot out and you're forced to wear shorts, Dante's there to hype you up.

-Your legs do not look like skinny pencils to him, they're beautiful, and he insists you show them off.

■ Vergil ■

-Vergil thinks you're very beautiful, and admires your clothes.

-He doesn't mind that you like yammering on about your interests because he would honestly do the same if he weren't so closed off.

-Pretends to not care about your favorite bands, saying he prefers classical, but he secretly listens to it when you're not around.

-Has a lot of fun staying up till 4 watching horror movies with you, even if he's never scared by it.

-Feels your frustration regarding the heat, because he too is forced to wear lighter clothes, which he hates.

-He comforts you when you're embarrassed by patting you on the shoulder and/or back.

□ Nero □

-Nero thought you were pretty damn weird at first, then realized you were just an autistic dork like his dad.

-He thinks it's cute whenever you start nerding out about your favorite interests and such.

-Watches horror movies all the time with you, but is never scared. After killing devils his whole life, nothing scares Nero anymore.

-He's actually now very interested in goth music despite originally thinking he wouldn't like it.

-He's pretty indifferent to the heat, but knew that you and your thick clothes would suffer.

-It's unfortunate you have to step outside your comfort zone during this time, but you must, or you'll overheat. To remedy this, Nero tries setting up fans and air conditioner, but ultimately, you'll still need to wear lighter clothes.

● V ●

-V admires you and your unique clothing.

-He also enjoys your taste in music to such a degree, he might now be more of a fan than you are.

-He loves to watch movies with you, not just horror movies; he'll watch any genre.

-Loves chatting with you about your favorite horror movies and will listen to you talk until the end of eternity. It's never boring.

-While he cannot relate to your pain during summer, he does understand it. He doesn't like wearing shorts either.

-He will comfort you however he can, either by turning on all the fans or by simply patting you on the back and saying some encouraging words.

[chansabsfanclub]

BangChan NSFW Alphabet

genre : suggestive smut word count : 1212 warning : suggestive and some smutty content A/N : if you enjoy my work, please like and reblog so it can reach more people, and if you want me to do another member please feel free to send me a request!

Aftercare : 

Chan isn a very sweet person, he's always looking after other people, there's no exception when it comes to the person he loves.  After you finish the deed, he would do or get you anything you need.  Run a bath for the two of you to relaxe and clean up, get you both some snacks to eat while you watch a movie and cuddle, and eventually fall asleep together.

Body : (his favourite part of his and your body)

He loves his abs, he works on the all the time and is very proud to show them off to his partner and feel them touch them.  On you he loves your hair, p;laying with it and holding it up, back and to the side.  He loves brushing his hand through your hair as well.

Cum : 

Unless he's wearing a condom he will pull out when he finishes, cumming on your stomach, he'll promptly wipe it up though since he doesnt want you to feel dirty from it if that makes sense.

Dirty Secret : 

For the most part Chan likes very loving, vanilla sex.  But he secretly wants to have a rough session every once in a while, maybe use some bondage and try out some bdsm things, but nothing to the extent of causing you pain.

Experience : 

I feel like Chan doesn't have a lot of experience when it comes to these things, so he's always learning new things every time you guys do it.

Favourite Position:

Chan's favourite position is doggy style.  He can go as fast as he can and it feels the best for him, and his partner.  He also enjoys seeing their ass clap against his thighs, the site itself makes him want to cum.

Goofy :

Chan likes to have fun during sexy times, he likes to make you feel comfortable and cared for and if one of you makes a weird sound he'll ease your embarrassment with laughter.  Although, during certain times he does like to be serious and focuses on showing you all his love.

Hair : 

Chan doesn't mind hair at all, he prefers to keep himself clean cut but not completely hairless.  

Intimacy :

He gets very passionate when it comes to sex.  He gets into the zone and does his hardest to make his partner feel not only pleasure, but loved as well.  He doesn't goof around when he's in the moment having sex, but afterwards he'll giggle and pull them in tightly for cuddles.

Jerks off :

Chan only really jerks off when he's super stressed.  Once or twice a week, but he doesn't go crazy.  He's very busy so there's not much time to do it anyways, but if he's working late in his studio and the thought of his partner comes to mind he would pause to relieve some of his stress.

Kinks :

HUGE dominance kink, size kink, choking kink and control kink.  He's soft natured, but once he's in the bedroom he becomes a beast.  He likes to experiment with new kinks and to see what pleases his partner and himself.  He loves being in control though and seeing his partner submit to him.

Location :

He prefers the privacy of a bedroom versus public sex.  He likes to spend his time with his partner, taking their time to slowly reach an orgasm together and really enjoy their intimate time.  The only other place would be his office if the door was locked and he was really horny and desperate.

Motivation :

Music.  Chan loves music, it's his profession.  If he hears a sensual song or his partner singing beautifully he could get turned on in a second.  Music playing in the background is an essential during sex for him, he uses it to help control his pace and to create a more sensual environment.

No :

His biggest turn off is pain.  He has a choking kink but he would never actually hurt his partner.  If they asked him to spank them, hit them, bite them or anything that would cause them pain he would stop immediately and step away.  He could never cause harm or pain to his partner.

Oral :

Chans not too big on oral, he would give his partner oral if they asked, but he's not big on it.  He prefers hands, using them to give his partner pleasure and to be pleasured.

Pace :

Like I said before, he likes to listen to music and match his pace with the music.  He prefers a slower harder pace though, reaching as far as he can and feeling every inch of his partner.

Quickie :

He doesn't like them.  He prefers long intimate sessions, quick sex just to get off isn't too appealing to him.  If his partner really wanted a quickie he would do it though, he just doesn't like them that much.

Risk :

The only risks he's into are trying out new kinks.  He'd never risk being walked in on or seen in public, he likes to keep those things private, so he's not a very risky person.

Stamina :

Chan has great stamina, he could go for hours if his partner wanted to, whatever it takes to get them to orgasm.  He enjoys sex and wants it to last for a long time.  He however doesn't have enough stamina for multiple sessions.  One long session is good for him.

Toys :

He has a vibrator or two for his partner, anything to help them reach a climax.  They also are great for foreplay to get his partner riled up, as a dominant he will use anything to make his partner cum, wether that be vibrators or penetration.

Unfair (teasing) :

He likes to tease as a way of foreplay.  Slow make out sessions, a little touching and then retreating to tease his partner, getting them excited for sex.  Once he gets to the actual sex he stops teasing and goes into a serious mode.

Volume :

Chan likes top keep his own volume to a minimum, he likes hearing his partner moan and whine during sex and he gets off to the sounds they make while being intimate.  

Wild card :

Hair pulling.  It's not something he would normally be interested in, but one time when his partner and him were going at it they pulled his hair and he groaned and finished in that very moment.  It's a secret that he tries to keep, and his partner likes to tease him with it, while they're out they'll pull his hair slightly to turn him on, and he can't do anything about it.

X-ray :

"Y' know what else is big?"  Famous words of Christopher Bang Chan.  He's probably average size when fully hard, around 6.5 inches, but with girth.  He has good girth.

Yearning (sex drive) :

His sex drive isn't too high, he doesn't feel the need to have it every day, but it does increase when he's stressed out.  He's not too horny, but he'd like to have sex at least once a week, he like's to make his partner feel loved in that way.

Zzz (sleep) :

He waits for his partner to fall asleep first before falling asleep himself.  He'll stroke their hair and kiss their cheek and head and humm them songs till they pass out, then he'll fall asleep.

[kaydeefalls]

💗 Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers (if you like). Spread the self-love! 💗

Sweet, thanks for tagging me!

Also OOF I've got like 200 fics up on AO3 spanning 20+ years in fandom, playing favorites is always hard. Gonna try to spread the love around multiple fandoms rather than give in to recency bias (because otherwise this list would all be TOG fics, and I don't think that's representative of me in fandom as a whole). 😊

In no particular order:

Carthaginians (Old Guard) - I'm genuinely proud of this one! It took quite a lot of research and thought to pull it together, and it was a big step outside of my comfort zone (a historical setting I was NOT already familiar with, intense deep dive into battle scenes and military strategies, significantly more heightened relationship drama than my usual style). So, yeah, pleased with that experiment.

Boden's Mate (X-Men) - look it's still the fic I'm most likely to be known for, more than ten years later, and I'm okay with that. Taught me how to do a proper fusion AU, which is now one of my favorite tropes to write, and I still vividly remember the rollercoaster ride of writing and posting this one in realtime.

The Conspirator's Gift (X-Men) - writing this one dragged me back into fandom after a three-year hiatus, and I will always look on it fondly for that reason alone. It was just a FUN puzzle to put together - it pinged my brain in all the best ways. Still pleased with my weird obscure medieval mystery AU here, currently back in that headspace again as I plot out a potential sequel that may or may not ever see the light of day, but at least I'm enjoying myself!

she's the one that they call old whatsername (Star Trek AOS) - my lone Trek fic and a genderswap to boot, but whatever, I am Fond of it. I really like girl!Kirk's voice, okay, it pleases me.

The Rose of Jericho (Torchwood) - maybe it's gauche to still be proud of fic I wrote fourteen years ago? Whatever. This is still my personal headcanon for Torchwood post-COE, and I stand by it.

[iibonniee]

Lets Meet Under The Moonlight | Chae Hyunwon

Paring: Chae Hyungwonx Reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: none

Rating: G

Word Count: 3.4k

Masterlist

Tags: @doveslittlekpoparchive @choicethot @xosunny@heaviihamonii

“How are you feeling?”

Her voice broke the almost next-to-comfortable silence that filled the car. The radio played soft tunes on a low volume to allow him to focus on driving amidst the heavy highway traffic flow.

Her eyes flicked from the window to her lover, who had his focus on the road ahead. His face was next to expressionless, almost as if he was zoning out. But she had known better. He was still trying to wake up, and the half-empty cup of Iced Americano was one of the things that helped him.

“Hm?” A questioning hum came from him as he quickly glanced at her. She watched as a smile crept on his face. Soon, it was full-blown, his cheeks chubby but just as adorable as always.

“I asked if you were okay, Woonie.” She laughed as her hand fell on his. “You’re unusually quiet.”

His laugh felt genuine as he shook his head. His focus was back on the important thing, the road. His warm hand wrapped around her, making her smile widen as she watched his reactions almost carefully.

“Nervous?” She questioned, head tilted to gauge a reaction. His silence remained unchanging. If he was nervous, she wouldn’t blame him. After all, the step they were taking was a big one.

Chae Hyungwon was finally meeting her parents.

When they got into a relationship three years ago, she wanted to ensure their relationship was strong before mentioning meeting her parents. He was a celebrity, after all. So, his constant busy schedule and the secrecy could’ve been a big downfall. She didn’t want to risk telling her parents if it went downhill.

So far, their relationship has remained as strong as ever.

“A little bit.” He finally spoke as his hand lightly squeezed her own. “Knowing I have you by my side eases it all away.”

His words were smooth for how tired he seemed. But, without fail, his words affected her immediately, causing her once calm and relaxed cheeks to turn red and feel aflame.

Damn him.

His smile brightened as he noticed her flushed smile. She quickly turned her attention back to the window, hoping the cool air that bit at the glass window would seep through and kiss her warm cheeks.

“Damn you, Hyungwon.” The soft sentence had him chuckle. She refused to meet his gaze, for she knew damn well his once sleepy smile would be replaced with a smug smirk upon hearing her almost hushed whisper.

“You love me.” He softly chuckled, bringing her hand to his lips for a soft kiss. “I wouldn’t wake up at this time willingly for any other reason, babe. I promise you. I’m excited.”

“You aren’t the least bit nervous?” Y/N hummed in question. Once again, she found her eyes trained on her boyfriend, gauging each reaction he might give her. But she only got a soft smile and a firm head shake.

“Do you want me to be?” His question was met with an eye roll. She knew better than to play into his coy ways. If it wasn’t for Minhyuk blabbing about how easily the main dancer of Monsta X kept messing up, she would’ve fallen for the mind game.

She’d have to thank Minhyuk for being a blabbermouth when they returned.

“I promise, babe, I am going to be alright. What’s the worst that could happen?”

“My dad disapproves of your career style. Maybe my dad will get on my case about not marrying a lawyer? Or maybe, just maybe, my mom will nag about me not telling her sooner.”

Y/N had to appreciate how infectious his laugh was. How it was almost carefree given that he was the man that was driving them closer to their destination. Just maybe she’d laugh along with him. What is the worst that could happen?

Taking a deep breath, Y/N let the chilling air of the night seep into her lungs, cleansing her thoughts. She turned to Hyungwon, seeking solace in his enchanted yet apprehended demeanor. His laugh resonated within her as she mustered a slight chuckle, her fingers lightly squeezing him in a silent assurance.

“Maybe the worst that could happen is,” Y/N mused, her tone lightening as she spoke. “They might just love you as much as I do… more so than any lawyer they’d hope for me to marry.”

She wasn’t unaware of the pressure encapsulating him. Her father was a big believer in traditional and stable career paths, often vocal about his discontent with unconventional choices. However, Y/N knew Hyungwon’s success in his chosen path and his efforts to be where he was. She knew her parents’ fondness for ambition and earnest deeds would not fail to see Hyungwon’s commitment to his work.

Watching the anticipation clear a bit from Hyungwon’s features, replaced by the warmth of his affectionate smile, Y/N giggled. They pulled up to the front of the house, the warm glow of the porch light reflecting off the elaborate decorations that her mother had so lovingly adorned.

In the dim light, Y/N observed the intimidating silhouettes of her parents, knowing too well the expectations and hopes they carried for her. She gently nudged Hyungwon out of the car, her fingers still nervously entwined with his. It was an overwhelming moment for both of them, but it was her strength in his resilience that might turn the night around for the better.

“How are you feeling, bubs?” Y/N cautiously questioned Hyungwon while glancing at him from the corner of her eye.

His characteristic playful smirk was replaced by a stiff line of nervous anticipation. His grip on her hand was telling, his fingers slightly trembling and holding her tighter than usual. Hyungwon’s eyes, which used to be full of mischief, were now flickering, uncertain.

“I’m fine,” replied Hyungwon, but Y/N knew him too well. She ran her thumb across his clenched hand, a gesture to calm him, before reassuringly squeezing his hand.

Their faces cloaked in shadows, Y/N apprehensively guided Hyungwon towards the big wood-seasoned door of her childhood home. The familiar aroma of cedar and old oak hit her, amplifying the nervous beats of her heart.

The sudden ring, triggered by a light push to the doorbell button, sent a wave of adrenaline surging through them. The sound echoed through the silent house before footsteps rumbled from the other side. Y/N held her breath, pressing herself closer to Hyungwon and his comforting presence.

Without delay, the door swung open to reveal her ever-enthusiastic parents with wide smiles, full of anticipation and excitement. Their expressions softened upon looking at their little girl standing before them. The nervous twiddling of their hands portrays their excitement at finally getting to meet Y/N’s boyfriend, a fact only told in hushed voices and loving hints dropped by their daughter.

“Hello darling,” came her mother’s soft greeting. Soon, her eyes were darting between Y/N and Hyungwon, a silent ‘welcome’ in her anxious gaze. It was time; Y/N had brought Hyungwon home.

The world seemed to stand still at that moment as Y/N’s mother rushed forward, enveloping her in a warm and familiar embrace. She could feel her mother’s heartbeat against her chest, a comfortable rhythm that she missed more than she cared to admit. As they pulled away, a soft smile of reassurance adorned her mother’s face, eyes glistening with unshed tears of joy.

“Hyungwon, so nice to finally meet you,” her father’s voice was firm but laced with warmth as he extended a hand for a greeting handshake. He held an expectant gaze on the young man, inspecting him not as a challenge but as a sign of paternal concern. Despite his initial skepticism, Y/N could see a trace of interest linger in his eyes - a testament to the intrigue Hyungwon stirred within him.

“Welcome to our home, dear,” she said, the words carrying an emotion akin to relief and satisfaction. To Y/N’s surprise and Hyungwon’s astonishment, her mother pulled him into an unexpected yet sincere hug.

Her mother’s excited chattering filled the air as Y/N felt Hyungwon relax in her grip. The corners of his lips pulled up in a small smile, confidence seeping back into his demeanor. It seemed the tension had finally subsided, leaving room for hopeful anticipation.

“Come in, come in. Make yourselves comfortable,” Y/N’s mother urged, leading them over a familiar threshold and into the cozy living room. The narrow hallway was filled with old pictures ranging from Y/N’s childhood to adolescence. Hyungwon took in the surroundings, absorbing all he could about his girlfriend’s past. He noticed details like the worn-out couch that probably hosted thousands of family movies and the coffee-stained coaster on the old oak table, intricate details that painted a clearer image of Y/N’s upbringing.

As her mother busied herself with minor details and some last-minute tidying, Y/N followed her inside, settling Hyungwon on the plush sofa before excusing herself.

“Mom needs some help with dinner preparations. You’ll… you’ll be okay here with Dad?” Y/N asked, placing a comforting hand on Hyungwon’s arm. There was hesitation, a slight shake in her voice, but she managed to squeeze out a reassuring smile.

Hyungwon, despite the butterflies in his stomach, gave her an encouraging nod. “Will be fine, Y/N. Go on,” he said, returning her smile with one of his own. Turning back one last time to give Hyungwon a parting glance, Y/N left him in her father’s company.

Entering the kitchen, Y/N was immediately wrapped in the familiar aroma of her favorite dishes simmering away. Her mother, with a sense of relish that only a homecoming could bring about, quickly pulled her into the fold, excitedly chatting away and handing her an apron.

Her mother’s curiosity took over as Y/N began to assist, chopping various vegetables and occasionally stirring the simmering sauce. Y/N couldn’t help but smile at the eager gleam in her mother’s eyes. “So, Hyungwon…” she trailed off, the question evident in her eyes.

Feeling a rush of affection for the curious woman in front of her, Y/N smiled, “He’s amazing, Mom. Kind, smart, and caring. He….He really respects me.” Her eyes softened at the thought, and the corners of her lips turned upwards into a reverie only Hyungwon could induce. “He makes me feel loved and supported in a way I’ve never experienced before.”

Her mother listened intently, humming in acknowledgment, her eyes lit up with enthusiasm and curiosity. She fired off questions at intervals, “What does he do?”, “How did you meet?” “What’s his favorite color?” each helping her form an image of the man who had captured her daughter’s heart.

As she provided her mother with the answers, Y/N could see how her mother’s expectations and interest morphed into satisfaction. They continued their tasks in comfortable silence, quickly falling into their old routine. Through the kitchen window, she glanced back to see Hyungwon deeply engrossed in conversation with her father. A sense of contentment washed over her, a serene smile ghosting over her lips. Despite the initial nerves, she was glad about how the night unfolded.

“So he’s in a group? A big K-Pop star! I can’t wait to brag about having him as a son-in-law!” Y/N chuckled, watching her mother’s eyes sparkle with pride and excitement.

“Mom, it’s still too early for us to get married,” Y/N said gently, her tone filled with warmth and affection. “There’s still so much we want to explore and experience together. I want to give our relationship the time to grow and evolve naturally.”

With dinner preparations finally complete, Y/N’s mother called out for everyone. Naturally, rumors of the delicious spread had reached the living room as Y/N entered to find Hyungwon excitedly discussing some old family photos with her father. The sight warmed her heart. She could see how her world slowly merged with Hyungwon’s, each moment strengthening their bond.

“Eat up, everyone,” her mother chirped happily, placing the last dish on the vibrant tablecloth that was laden with an enticing variety of meals. The spread was a smorgasbord of some of Y/N’s favorite comforts; each intricate recipe embodied the affection her family poured into every meal.

The dinner that followed was a mix of hearty laughter, engaging stories, and inquisitive fire-questions from her mother aimed at Hyungwon. While her father mainly remained silent, his eyes watched, observed, and served as a riveting audience to the ongoing conversation at the table. Her dad’s silent attention was his way of approval and understanding and, in his own distinct manner, a silent welcome to Hyungwon into their family fold.

Hyungwon, on his part, handled her mother’s continuous inquiries with grace, explaining his career and his life’s trajectory with humor and simplicity that diffused any remaining tension. Each answer he gave was met with coos of admiration, shared smiles, and even an occasional laugh.

As the sound of clinking silverware on porcelain ebbed, it was replaced with quiet satisfaction and soft murmurs of appreciation for the meal. The laughter had subsided, but the warmth had not, the silence now a content quiet rather than the tense silence that sat inside the room before. A pregnant pause enveloped the table, broken only by the occasional sound of shared understanding and comfortable silence.

After the enriching dinner, Y/N and her mother gathered the dishes, insisting that the men relax while they dealt with the cleanup. As they retreated to the refuge of the kitchen, Hyungwon and her father were left alone in the living room, opening up space for much-needed bonding. It was a new chapter in their relationship that held the promise of shared laughter, mutual understanding, and a magnifying love.

The comforting clatter of dishes and warm water in the kitchen provided a sense of serenity and comfort. Her mother consistently praised Hyungwon, but her excitement still felt palpable. Amid the mundane dishwashing chore, Y/N savored the moment, the drudgery of the task forgotten amidst a casual conversation about Hyungwon and their relationship.

The soft neon lights above the sink reflected off the bubbles as she diligently rinsed each dish, placing it on the rack beside her. Her mother, too, was busy drying and arranging, their movements in perfect sync. Together, dish after dish, they washed away the remnants of a meal well-enjoyed.

As the pile lessened, so did their chat. It was as if their hearts were satisfied, having shared their views, their concerns, and their laughter, and now rested in the comfort of silence that was occasionally broken by the soft clink of clean cutlery being placed in the drawer. A silent affirmation of a dinner well prepared and well received.

Once the last plate was tucked away neatly in the cupboard, she glanced around to find Hyungwon eager to know how he was faring with her father. Upon stepping into the living room, she discovered her father, a book in hand, nestled in his favorite armchair. But Hyungwon was nowhere to be seen. Sensing her curious glance, her father gestured towards the back door with a tender smile. “The lad’s at the deck. Wanted to catch the first snowfall.”

For a moment, Y/N stood frozen at the doorway leading to the deck, overwhelmed at the sight that greeted her. Hyungwon stood there, his back to her, staring at the full moon that lit the snowy landscape with a magical shimmer. His tall figure was silhouetted against the luminous backdrop, stark yet somehow fitting into the beautiful painting that nature had prepared.

The winter air, although biting, brought a sense of tranquility. The soft snowflakes delicately carpeted the ground and the trees, muffling sounds and rendering an ethereal calm. Under the celestial glow of the moon, the world was draped in a blend of silver and white, the first snow of the year transforming everything into a scene straight out of a holiday postcard.

Watching him sprawled leisurely against the wooden railing, his gaze fixed on the moonlit scenery, Y/N felt an inexplicable warmth. It was all so surreal and yet so incredibly right. Each moment of the evening, from their arrival to the dinner conversations, the apparent affection from her parents, and now this quiet moment of Hyungwon against the silver backdrop of the winter night had reaffirmed her feelings for him. As she treaded softly across the wooden floor approaching him, her steps were muffled by the soft blanket of snow underfoot.

The silence between them was comforting as they stood side by side, eyes fixed on the tranquil landscape before them. The silence was broken when Hyungwon subtly extended his arm, pulling her closer to his side. The warmth radiating from his body seemed to melt away the biting cold of the winter air.

“How’d it go with my dad?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, the only sound amid their shared silence. Under the moonlit sky, Hyungwon turned his gaze toward her, his eyes searching, perhaps looking for an answer only she could give. She met his gaze with a warm smile, the question unspoken yet understood.

At her question, Hyungwon chuckled softly, the sound mixing with the gentle rustle of snow against the deck's concrete. “He interrogated me, alright,” he admitted, his tone laced with fondness rather than resentment. “Asked about everything - the group, our career, and yes, about us,” he added, his fingers gently brushing against hers as he spoke.

“But, you know,” Hyungwon continued, his voice growing softer yet more confident, “I understood where he was coming from. He was just trying to see how we fit together.” As he finished, he turned to fully face her, his left hand coming up to gently tuck a wayward lock of hair behind her ear, his eyes never leaving hers.

The gentle atmosphere cast by the first snowfall, the silver hue of the moonlight, and the warmth they shared on that winter’s night, bolstered by Hyungwon’s reassuring words, comforted Y/N. Even amidst the biting winter cold, she felt a stirring warmth, an affirmation of their inseparable bond, echoing in the silence of the snow-disguised night.

Nodding, Y/N leaned against him, the rhythm of their breathing slowly aligning with the gentle cascade of the falling snow. For a few precious moments, they allowed the beauty of the scene before them to sink in: the snow-capped trees standing stoic against the cold, the night sky painted a majestic canvas of hues by the moon, and the soft crunch of the pristine snow under their boots created a symphony of silence. Everything felt ethereal, dream-like. Yet, the warmth of Hyungwon’s body pressed against hers was a tangible and comforting reality.

Hyungwon, always the one to capture the essence of times like this, tucked his chin over her shoulder, whispering into the peaceful air, “The snowfall… It’s just as magical as the first time we watched it together. Do you remember?” His reminiscing triggered a chain of fond memories—those first shared moments that laid the foundation of their relationship. As she nodded, she felt his smile against her shoulder. It was a shared memory, a moment precious not just to her but to him as well. “I never will forget that. It was the moment I fell so hard for you.”

After exchanging quiet words, reveling in the intimacy of their shared memories, and watching as the last flurry of snowflakes kissed the ground, the pair decided to retreat to the warmth of the house. As Y/N stepped away from the railing, Hyungwon’s hand instinctively reached for hers, entwining their fingers.

Walking indoors, the heat inside starkly contrasted to the winter chill they had immersed themselves in. Yet the warmth that spread through her was more than just the physical comfort of the heated rooms; it was the warmth of a day well spent with her loved ones, with Hyungwon seamlessly fitting into their intimate family circle, making her parents smile, easing into conversations, and sharing comfortable silences alike. Tonight, she had seen a side of Hyungwon that had deepened her feelings for him and solidified their bond further.

As they bid goodnight to her parents and retired to their room, Y/N realized she held not just the heart-melting memories of that day but also a stronger sense of love, appreciation, and assurance for Hyungwon. As she lay in bed, staring at the moon past the window—the same moon Hyungwon was perhaps staring at from beside her—she was reminded of their shared moment under the moonlight. Her heart fluttered at the thought, echoing the warmth and love that had blanketed her home that night. She couldn’t help but be excited about what the future held for them.

[eddiediazismyhusband]

LOVED your new fic!! The smut was *chefs kiss* in my opinion! 😍

But do you have any advice on writing fic? You and so many other awesome writers in this fandom inspire me to give it a try, but I don't know where to start...

ahhhh thank you so much!!! i’m so grateful for the support it’s gotten so far bc it was kinda stepping out of my comfort zone since i’ve never written smut before but i’m glad that people seem to be enjoying it!

as for starting to write… ik this sounds like such a copout answer, but it’s what worked for me years ago when i first started, but lityjust start writing. start small w one shots and simple plots, play around w tropes you like, read a lot of fics for inspiration for style/voice (obviously no plagiarism or copying content but sometimes mimicking writing style of already established authors helps you figure out what best works for you/what doesn’t) and don’t expect it to be perfect on the first try! obviously never expect perfection, but don’t hold yourself to extreme artistic standards bc sometimes simpler is better! it’s all about playing around and finding what works for you, starting smaller, and building your way up!

i believe in you, anon 💕💕 sometimes you just have to put yourself out there and take that leap to find your rhythm

[ladylooch]

The Ugly Sweater [Lio Meier]

A/N: Major props to Bestie for coming up with this idea yesterday. Thank you for living in my AUs with me daily ❤️

Also, yes, I am feeding you sweet Lee before the major angst. Because I want us all to suffer? I love punishing me and us? I don’t know. But enjoy this holiday flavor until then😘

Word Count: 2.9k

Lio Meier isn’t one to get nervous. He plays in front of 20,000 people every other night in the greatest hockey league in the world. He can walk into any bar in New York City and leave with a willing woman on his arm. He thrives at being put out in 3 v 3 OT with an entire franchise strapped to his back.

But something about being invited to Savannah Miller’s place of residence scares the shit out of him. And he isn’t even the only one going.

Savannah is hosting the holiday party for the team and their significant others on the first day off for Holiday break. Apparently the theme is ugly sweater? It really isn’t Lio’s style, but as per usual, Savannah has him outside of his comfort zone. Admittedly, Lio is embarrassed about the amount of time he spent sifting through racks of sweaters at the local thrift store trying to find the perfect one. He finally settles on a florescent green one that mimicked a Christmas tree. Balls of fluff hang off every few inches of his chest in various colors as ornaments. Green, crunchy fringe wraps around his body and the entire smell of the get up has an underlying of must despite washing it twice when he got home.

A cloud of white fills the air in front of his face as he breathes heavily walking up Savannah’s front steps. He can hear music and laughter inside. His fist knocks forcefully on the door to be heard over the music. The distinct click of high heels against hardwood can be heard from the other side. The knob turns and Savannah appears. Whatever she is wearing is not the theme she told Lio about earlier this week. Her gorgeous body is wrapped in soft, red velvet to her mid-thigh. A deep V cuts down her chest showing off her plumped cleavage like it’s just for Lio. He has to hold his tongue to the roof of his mouth to prevent it from dropping open in appreciation.

“What! Lio Meier came to my little party!?” She squeals out excitedly. 

In one of her hands is a glass of red sangria. Apples and cranberries bob in it as she leans forward to hug him with one arm. He steps forward, careful of her toes in her peep toe heels that show off her white toe nails. Her blonde hair is down and curled, getting all up in Lio’s face as he leans in further to their hug. She smells like home to Lio- specifically the Swiss Summer when the mountain wildflowers are at their peak. When Savannah pulls back to take him in again, she bursts out laughing. Despite the daze she has him under, Lio laughs and grins back at her.

"You asked me to." He knows his reaction is delayed but he couldn't speak with how good her breasts felt against his disgustingly ugly sweater. "Is this your interpretation of ugly or did something get lost in translation?" He chuckles, grabbing her hand and encouraging her to spin for him. He is unashamed at the way his blue eyes curve over the soft velvet hugging her ass cheeks. His favorite thing about watching her walk away from him after they get sassy with each other. 

Savannah has had a few glasses of sangria already; she was nervous about offering to host the Holiday party, so the spin makes her a little dizzy. Her free hand comes to Lio's chest to catch herself. He wraps his hand around her back, holding her close until she looks up at him with wide eyes, very aware of how close their lips are to each other. 

"This feels like a bad time to tell you I was kidding." She bites her lip, but giggles too

Disappointment surges through Lio's chest.

Fuck.

He thought this would be an opportunity to impress the pretty girl he can’t stop thinking about. The one that makes his stomach flip in his body when she smiles or laughs, even if it is at his expense. He figured if he showed up at this party in the ugliest, most outrageous sweater, maybe Savannah would start to see him as something more than a hockey superstar. She has him pegged for exactly what he is, but… maybe for her he wants to be something different. Now, Lio feels like he won’t have that opportunity. 

He looks beyond her at his teammates, seeing them all dressed in suits or nice attire while he is in this loser ass sweater and black jeans. At this moment, he makes eye contact with Rob, a seasoned vet, who spits out his whiskey neat at the sight of him. Great. 

"Holy fuck, Meier!” Rob hollers down the hallway.

This gets the rest of his teammates curious and they all take turns, peaking around the walls to take in Lio Meier in his ugly Christmas sweater. This is what he gets for breaking his own rules and trying to impress a woman. The same woman who purses her lips against an obvious laugh. Her blue eyes squint up at him as she covers her hand with her mouth, eyes squinting closed as she laughs again. The distraction luckily hides the bummer in his eyes as he takes the jokes and cat calls while moving further into the apartment. 

Savannah's place looks amazing. It has an air of HGTV or those magazine you always see on the end caps in the grocery store. Everything has a place and it’s bright and shiny, but incredibly welcoming, just like it’s occupant. Savannah has a clear knack for decorating that reminds him of his mom. Mama Meier would love it in here. 

From his left, someone hands Lio a beer and he quickly chugs half of it down. He scans the room, giving head nods and accepting the continued razzing from his teammates. He spots the alcohol cart across the room by the rookies. Figures they would be posting up there. Lio works his way to the front, grabbing a shot glass and taking a quick hit of whiskey. The comfort of the burn grips his esophagus and he feels his heartbeat fall down ten more beats to normal. 

”Yeah, that sweater is so fucking ugly, I need to drink." One of the rookies, Jax, jokes to his right. His laughter is silenced by Lio's direct, angry side eye. The look also diverts Jax’s eyes away from Sav's ass a few moments later.

"Hold my beer the rest of the night, rook." Lio snaps after recognizing where he was looking. Nobody looks at her like that in front of him. Plus this dipshit’s girlfriend is right there. Who does that? 

Lio converses with a few guys, feeling looser after he finishes his beer and whiskey, chasing them with another of each. At some point, he tries some eggnog. It’s not is favorite but it packs a serious punch so he keeps drinking the creamy concoction. Eventually, nature calls and he dips out of the room to go to the bathroom. As he is washing his hands, he catches a glimpse of his sweater. Frustrated and disappointed, he tugs it over his shoulders, going with the crisp white undershirt beneath instead. He has suffered enough.

On his way back to the main area, he walks by Savannah's office on his right. He backtracks a few steps, peeking in. Just like Sav, it's perfectly put together. He walks in further, running his fingers along her white desk. He sees pictures of her and her friends and of whom he assumes is her parents. She’s a blend of both of them. He can’t remember seeing them around the Prudential Center before. In the corner, a small Christmas tree lights the room up. The twinkling lights call him over to it. He takes in the pink, white and teal ornaments, scrunching his nose at all the glitter on the tree. He lifts a pink ornament up with his pointer finger.

"Don't touch, Mr. Grinch." Sav murmurs from the doorway. Lio turns quick, cheeks turning pink at being caught snooping

"Mmm, I may be a snoop but you're a liar, Savannah Miller.” She laughs at his ribbing.

"I'm the liar in this room? How many times have you lied to get someone in bed with you?”

"Too many." Lio admits. He watches her face. She isn't even phased by his confession. She knows all about him and his games yet she walks further into the room with him. Lio’s stomach does summersaults. There is a heaviness in the air with each tap of her shoes closer to him. 

“I called you a Grinch because you don’t seem to be having much fun at this holiday party.” She murmurs, drawing an imaginary frown over her lips. 

“You watching me?” He tilts his head at her. 

“Hard to miss with that color on. And stop dodging my question.” 

“I’m having a great time. Beer is cold. Whiskey is warm. And now that I don’t want to claw my skin off cause of this, I’m ready to enjoy the rest of the night.” He holds the sweater up at her.

“I really thought you would get all squinty and then we would laugh about it like we usually do. Not… whatever this is.” Lio shrugs like he isn’t sure what she is talking about it. “I’m sorry if I hurt you. I thought it would be fun and it obviously fell flat.”

“Takes more than a joke to hurt me.” Lio chuckles. Savannah’s blue eyes bore into him. It makes Lio uncomfortable. He hates the way she sees him, worms her way right under the shiny, metal armor he puts around himself to keep everyone out except a few select people. Savannah keeps staring. Lio shifts awkwardly from foot to foot. “What?” He finally asks.

“I just can’t stop thinking about how you’re the only man who has ever been in this room. Despite all the deliberate decisions on decor in here to bring out a feminine energy, your dark masculinity completely dominates the space.”

Lio doesn’t notice feminine or masculine energy. All he feels is the buzzing connection between the two of them. Can’t she feel it? How a large magnet is pulling his arms up to reach for her. The way the room dares him to fuse his fingers to her hips and bring her into his body until every inch of them connects. Because for Lio, the urge is all consuming. Savannah steps forward. Her hand brushes at the long strands of hair falling across his forehead. 

“Sav.” Lio croaks, voice coated roughly from the alcohol and his desire for her. “If you don’t want me to kiss you, step back in three… two…” 

Lio doesn’t get to one. Savannah hastily closes the gap. 

Her fingers move from his forehead to his cheek and she tugs. His face collides with hers. The kiss is awkward for a moment as their lips miss each other, connecting with cheeks instead. Quickly, Lio turns, connecting them finally. At Last by Etta James may as well be playing as their own movie soundtrack. Lio’s body screams at the delicious pressure of her mouth. Of all the kisses he’s had, this one accelerates to the top. It consumes him in a burning fire that lights his soul up. Explosions, bells, and whistles go off in his brain as he wraps his hand around her. They are as much warnings as they are encouragements. The softness of her dress makes for an easy glide of his skin across her back. Then Savannah let’s out a soft moan into his mouth. 

Fuck.

Lio feels the tightness building in his pants. Savannah pushes forward and he stumbles back. His other hand comes to her hip so he has one in each of his palms. She steps forward again, not letting their lips part except to run her tongue along his bottom lip.

Oh fuck. If Lio’s eyes were open, they would roll to the back of his head. 

Gradually, Lio falls backwards, startling until his butt hits the cool leather of a chair. Savannah climbs into his lap. Her hands greedily grip his cheeks as her tongue nudges into his mouth. She moans against it. Lio sighs, resisting the urge to roll her hips into his tight zipper. He wants this to last, become a slow build that irritates and inspires him if she’ll ever let him have her completely. Her dress is bunching up higher on her thighs. Lio forces the fabric down a bit more with his thumbs to help keep her covered. 

This hasty make out continues until their lips are puffy and their chins and noses are bright red. Wetness is highlighted by the blinking lights of her Christmas tree. They both pull away panting for breath. Lio can still taste the slight sweetness of sangria from her mouth.

“I wish I didn’t know how good you are at that.” She whispers. Lio pecks her lips again. “Gonna think about this every time I’m in your interview scrum. You’ve always made it hard for me to do my job, Meier.” She leans back, ghosting her fingers along his lips that she made swollen. Lio plumps his lips beneath them to kiss more of her skin.

Laughter carries down the hall to them. Regretfully, Savannah eases herself out of Lio’s lap, both of them knowing they need to rejoin the group. She shimmies her skirt back down her thighs completely as Lio looks away to give her a bit of privacy.

“You go back first.” Lio gestures, not getting up from the chair so he can hide what their kissing did to him. Savannah nods, heading towards the still ajar door. She glances over her shoulder at him, fingers touching her lips in wonder. Those same lips tilt up at Lio before she disappears into the hall. 

Lio leans his head back against the chair, closing his eyes.

Sav is righ. How is he supposed to forget about that?

- - -

Sweat drips down from Lio’s hair as he leans down, working out his skate laces at their first practice back from the holiday. All the fondue, desserts, and bread Lucie and Liv stuffed him with this holiday felt like a 12 pound balloon in his stomach with each stride he took. But it was worth it. He wiggles his foot from side to side to work his first foot up and out. Once the first one is free, he leans down to work on the other foot.

A pair of black, high-heeled boots come to stand in front of his locker. He shakes the hair out of his eyes, looking up to see if those boots belong to who he hopes. They do.

Standing in front of him in the ugliest sweater he has ever seen is Savannah Miller. It’s red with ruffles on every square inch of the fabric, including around the collar and each wrist. Bells are attached in random points including two that are weirdly close to the middle of each breast, almost like it was intentional. She grins down at Lio, tapping her phone against her thigh anxiously. Snickers fill the room as Lio leans back up, letting his hands hang off his legs between his thighs. He has not seen or heard from Savannah since his lips were on hers a few days ago.

“That might be worse than mine.” 

“It is.” She confirms. “Felt necessary to go big to get back on your good side.”

“Really wasn’t. I’m fine.” He reminds her. But fuck if his little Grinch heart isn’t growing two sizes in his chest right now. 

“Sure, but I am also doing a feature on you for February, so I need your full cooperation. Thought this might help.”

“Ah, work related.”

“Not completely.” She shakes her head while biting her bottom lip.

“Well, in that case, I’m happy to be featured but, ah, I only talk over dinner and a bottle of wine.” A coy smile spreads Savannah’s lips further apart. She leans in closer, glancing to each side to make sure no one is eavesdropping.

“How about my place? I can interview you in my office? You seemed to like the chair in there. Really comfortable…” Lio can’t help but laugh. 

“It was a good chair. I liked the velvet blanket in my lap too.” A deep red blushes up Savannah’s cheeks and down her throat. He wants to lean forward right now and kiss the path of her embarrassed rash in front of the whole locker room. 

“Tomorrow?” 

“I can’t tomorrow. Have a date with my favorite Rangers fan.” He promised Stell he would come over for hot dogs and Kraft macaroni. 

“Now that’s a girl I’m okay playing second fiddle too.” 

“She’s pretty great.” Lio nods, kicking off his skate and Savannah glances over her shoulder. 

“I should go.”

“Friday works though.” He fills in, not wanting her to leave without a plan in place. “I could come over at 5.” 

“Sure. Bring your sweater.”

“I wound’t last five minutes in that thing.”

“Yeah. I know.” Her direct eye contact makes Lio’s eyes widen in surprise. 

If this sweater gets him laid by Savannah Miller, he is keeping it the rest of his god damn life.

[imaginemalereader]

Imagine being trans and going shopping with Desire

You were a little nervous about asking Desire to go shopping with you. While it was abundantly clear that had no problems toying with their own gender expression, you were still a little nervous that they might be a bit pushy. Not that you didn’t trust their fashion sense, quite the opposite you actually rather admired it.

When they came down to visit from their realm, you gathered up your nerves and asked them.

“Hey Desire?”

“Yes hon?” They replied, lounging seductively (not that they really lounged any other way) on the couch.

“Would you come shopping with me? Clothes shopping, not grocery shopping or something like that.”

“Ooh a shopping date? Absolutely doll.”

You blushed as they rolled off the couch and took your arm, already power walking out the door.

“So, what are we looking for today? Some stunning new suits for my favorite man?” They asked.

“Actually,” you hesitated. Desire glanced at you, their golden eyes shining. “Actually, I was thinking of branching out. When I came out, I felt like I had to try to dress all masculine so I could pass as male but now, I realized that I miss some of the style and the clothes that I used to wear. And wearing it isn’t going to make me less of a man.”

“Of course not love.” They smiled. “This is going to be even more fun then.”

They had even more pep in their step as you walked into your first store, eager to play around with your style and try out all the different outfits they could think of. And of course they could always find some cute clothes too, even if they didn’t need to shop for them.

It was fun, if a little overwhelming at first. They piled your arms high with clothes to try on. Some you really liked, others not so much. You noted any styles, colors, cuts, or patterns that didn’t sit right with your dysphoria and they made sure to note those and find alternatives.

“Oh my, look at you. So hot.” They complimented as you tried on the latest outfit they had put together.

“You really think so? Cause you’ve said that about almost all of them.” You replied. Not that you didn’t appreciate the compliments since you were in some ways stepping out of your comfort zone, but you wanted to make sure this was truly a good one.

“Do you think so?” They replied.

You studied yourself in the mirror, turning to catch different angles. The outfit matched your style well and while it was more fem, it didn’t hit any big dysphoria spots for you.

“Yeah I like it.”

“Then of course you look hot in it.”

You turned in the mirror a couple more times before nodding.

“Then I think we’ve got enough.”

“Yes, I think we’ve exhausted this store’s options.” Desire agreed.

“This store? Desire, I’m walking out of here with 5 new outfits, not including the room to mix and match them. This is more than I thought I was going to get already.”

“But there are so many more options to see, for me to see you in.” They added with a wink. You laughed but shook your head.

“We’ve already been here for hours looking through I think literally everything that I thought might work.”

“But it wasn’t long enough.” They pouted. You had to smile at their little petulant pout.

“Well, I guess we’ll just have to go on another shopping date then.”

“Oh, you want to go on another date with little old me?” Desire asked, feigning surprise as you gathered up your items. They once again took your arm and led you to the check out.

You weren’t sure what magic it was that got your items paid for, or if Desire had somehow decided to acquire human currency, but either way you got to leave happy with your new clothes and the prospect of a future outing with Desire.

“I’m afraid I have to return, but I expect a fashion show the next time I see you. I’ll even bring my own catwalk.” They said.

You laughed. Of course Desire would carry a catwalk in their purse. Why wouldn’t they?

“Consider it done.”

“Until then honey.” They said, blowing you a kiss and twirling their fingers. You waved back with a smile.

“Thanks for the confidence boost.” You said.

“Anytime babe, anytime.” They winked.

[tailoroffates]

Safety Signals For The Anxious, And Why They Help.

Hey-hi! I am TailorOfFates and I’m back again to chat about yet another aspect of anxiety! Safety Signals… Many people have asked me about the face mask I wear. No, it’s not to protect me from covid, it’s filled with holes you sillies. Though, this question actually brings us to the topic of todays rant. See, the previously ignorant version of me used to call them safety items, but after doing my research and checking around I’ve learned that they’re actually called “Safety Signals.” This can be anything from playing a favored song or playlist, a comforting item, or even just a friendly face.

Safety signals are things that help us to feel comfortable while we are outside of our comfort zone, making it easier to cope with unfamiliar or even chaotic environments. This was officially named when researchers of both Weill Cornell Medicine and Yale University conducted a test where they taught a group of people (and mice) to associate safety with colored shapes and simple tones. They then exposed the group to a threatening object and of course, the people undergoing the test had the expected response, they got anxious, however, when shown the same threatening item with the addition of the associated safety signals the threat perceived by the group was significantly reduced.

Now, as I mentioned earlier “safety signals” can be produced by anything that brings the person in question comfort. Fun fact, you ever notice how children have issues outgrowing safety blankets and favored toys? Well, that’s because they are technically safety signals and they allow them to face new experiences with a calmer mindset. You hear that? Anxious people are basically just big children. Please be patient with us, we’re trying! So I’m going to assign those of you who are anxious a little homework. I know, I know, homework sucks, but I bet you it’ll help! The assignment is to study yourself so you can learn what your safety signals are, and once you figure them out, test them in areas that usually induce anxiety. Remember to take your baby steps. Try not to overstimulate yourself and day by day you may be able to use these safety signals to reduce your overall anxiety. They work pretty well for me. I personally have 6 safety signals. My vape, my phone & headphones (this includes the music I listen to and I consider it all as one item), my housecoat or a similar style of comfortable and soft coat, my water bottle, and my backpack (which I usually use to store things I think I might need when traveling away from my home). These items serve to help me feel more comfortable when I exit my comfort zone and by discovering your own safety signals you may be able to ease your anxieties in your own way.

That’s all I have for you today, but for those of you who have your own safety signals, I’d love to hear about them and how they help you. Stay safe out there, and remember, anxiety isn’t something you need to struggle through alone, so let’s do our best to help each other turn anxiety attacks into anxiety hacks! Bye-bye <3

[yungchaeng]

fluff 6 + 15 w/ chaeyoung?? 🥹🥹

Painter's Block (Twice: Chaeyoung)

genre: fluff - word count: 663 authors note: for @jihyosmole and @serpendity-stuff that also requested 15!! #teamchaeyoungsdimpleloversforthewin

As soon as you stepped foot into your apartment, the smell of the food your girlfriend had cooking welcomed you. There was some music playing and you smiled as you laid eyes on Chaeyoung drawing in the living room.

“Hey, Chae.” You walked over to the girl, giving her a kiss on the cheek. “How are you doing?”

Chaeyoung shot you a tight-lipped smile and went back to focusing on the canvas in front of her. “I’m good. You?”

“Don’t lie.” You held her chin in your hand and smiled when she leaned into your touch. Poking at her cheek, you raised an eyebrow. “Your dimple usually shows when you’re actually smiling. What’s wrong?”

“I’ve just been stuck with this one.” She kissed your hand and motioned to the drawing she was working on – it was simply some colours fused together, forming a background, but she seemed unhappy with it. “I feel like, a bit inspiration-less?”

“Like painter’s block?” you questioned “If that’s even a thing.”

This made her giggle and your heart warmed at the sight of the dimple that you had missed in her previous smile. “I don’t know, but if so, then yeah definitely like that.” She went into the kitchen and fixed you a plate of food, leading you to the seat in front of her easel as she handed it to you. “I think you can be my inspiration, though.”

As you took a bite of the food your girlfriend made, you squinted at her. “Are you trying to sway me to be your model with food?”

Chaeyoung peeked her head from the side of the easel with a grin on her face and a pencil already propped behind her ear. “Yup.” She spoke, plopping the ‘p’. “But I wouldn’t have to sway you, right?” the girl pouted.

“Oh,” you raised an eyebrow. “What makes you say that?”

“You’d help me, cause you looove me.” She sang and disappeared behind the easel again. You laughed at that – she had a point, of course.

“But I just got home, at least let me freshen up first?” You weakly protested. “I look rough.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” your girlfriend smiled. “You look stunning, as you always do.” With one more peak from behind the easel she smiled warmly at you. “Maybe even more so today. I love it when you wear your hair like that.”

You blushed slightly and gave up on the protesting as every time you’d open your mouth to do so, Chaeyoung would loudly shush you with a chuckle. What were you supposed to do against that incredibly ingenious and bulletproof defence? So you just sat quietly, enjoying the food your girlfriend had made you as the music played and she softly sang along. From time to time, she’d have you adjust your position or just gape at you followed by a mention of how pretty you looked.

You always loved these kinds of moments with her.

After a while, Chaeyoung stepped back from the canvas with a smile on her face and arms folded. Also known as the universal sign that she was done with her work, and satisfied. Curiously, you walked over and marvelled at her creation. She had stepped out of the comfort zone of her usual art style and made a somewhat realistic drawing of you, plate of food in your hand, hunched over in the seat she put you in with a spoon in your mouth on the background she previously drew.

“Wow, Chaeyoung.” You gasped and took a closer look. “It’s so beautiful.”

“You’re so beautiful.” She said. She snaked her arms around your waist and rested her head against your shoulder. “The drawing could never turn out less than perfect if you model for me. Thank you, baby.”

Sheepishly you grinned at your girlfriends words. “That’s the sixth time you’ve complimented me today.”

“And definitely not the last.” Chaeyoung laughed and planted a sweet kiss on your lips. “I love you.”

[faspxv]

Final Portfolio

Hi everyone! My name is Fatima. When I first started Introduction to Photography, I knew very little about photography. I had never picked up a digital camera before and didn’t even know where to start with using it. I had some exposure to taking photographs from my phone over the years, so I knew that my style of photography leaned more towards flowers and natural subjects. When I decided to take this class, I had no idea how much more I would discover about my style and the art of photography. I have always been a creative person, mostly expressing myself through sewing and baking. However, this class gave me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and start experimenting with other methods of creativity. I learned so much about editing, lighting, aperture, and various genres of photography (portraits, landscapes, etc). One aspect of photography that I didn’t realize played such a significant role until recently is lighting. I think lighting can be such a powerful tool because it can be manipulated to portray a vast range of emotions and stories. With each new assignment, I have come to appreciate the world around me and learned to look at the world through the perspective of a photographer by taking the time to observe the moments around me. Overall, this class has taught me how important it is to take a leap of faith and try new things because the outcome can be beautiful. I truly look forward to continuing my photography journey and expanding my knowledge about this form of art in the future.

[capnsaveahoe]

The Lasso Way

I'm doing my best to avoid feeling disappointed with the Ted Lasso series finale.

Here's my pov: I believe that the core message of the story is that Ted needed to step out of his comfort zone and undergo personal growth in order to excel in all aspects of his life. His emotional development played a significant role in various aspects, and he seemed quite stuck before moving to England.

Throughout the show, Ted exemplifies growth and resilience in the face of adversity. His journey underscores the importance of seeking help, nurturing emotional well-being, and forging meaningful connections with others. Ultimately, he ends up in a positive place both personally and professionally, even if some of us may think he deserved more.

Ted successfully confronts his struggles with anxiety and depression over the course of the series. He overcomes his personal challenges while leading Richmond to victory, both emotionally and professionally. He helps each member of the team grow into the best versions of themselves, which aligns with Ted's original motto: "For me, success is not about the wins and losses. It's about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves on and off the field."

Ted's coaching style, characterized by empathy and teamwork, remains a central aspect of his character. Furthermore, his relationships with his colleagues and friends deepen as they rally around him during difficult times. He strengthens his bond with Coach Beard (he will forever be known as Willis in my 💙), Rebecca (i’ll be a TedBecca stan 4lyfe), Roy (my emotionally inept bby finally started opening up), Jamie (probably my favorite character overall—give this man an 🏆), Nate (he’s forgiven tenfold), and many others who provide support and understanding during his lowest moments. Throughout it all, he leads by example, maintains his kindness, and stays true to himself.

I'd like to leave you with one of my favorite quotes from the series: "Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn't it? If you're comfortable while you're doing it, you're probably doing it wrong." While reading reviews last night, I came across this quote again, and something clicked 💡.

Ted became so comfortable with football that he even gained an understanding of the game he initially claimed to know nothing about. He propelled the growth of those around him and, in the process, learned a few things himself. With that said, he accomplished what he set out to do and emerged as a completely transformed individual.