#was supposed to see her last friday for the first time in four weeks

[eff4freddie]

Touch | Epilogue

Joel makes good on his promise to date you, at least once.

Words: 4k

Warnings: Just a slutty lil farewell to our resident Jackson masseuse and her grumpy-arse maybe sorta boyfriend, smut, vaginal fingering, sexy times, stockings that are far too thin for early Spring. Minors DNI

A/N: Another thank you for your support of this little story that ended up being a bit bigger and more complex than I expected. I went there because of your encouragement. Thank you, always.

Part Eight | Series Masterlist

The season was turning, but there was still a chill of a nighttime. It had been six weeks since Joel returned to Jackson, the medical supplies he and the second expedition managing to find and defend ensuring a healthy and safe Jackson for at least another two winters. The whole energy of the place, the optimism, was back in the community, and you had thrived in it, started to bloom alongside the wildflowers dotting the pathways into town.

You’d spent the time working, teaching Ellie, occasionally hanging around Joel’s place while he convalesced, first in his bed, then on the new-ish couch Tommy had found and dragged in through the back door. It wasn’t leather like his old one, and the springs stuck out in the centre so that you had to be very careful where you sat, but it was better than the rocking chair, and it was enough for him to sit still in for at least a few weeks.

He kept promising that he was going to date you, at least once if you’d let him, and each time you’d fobbed him off, telling him he had to get better first, that he was no good to you limping, that you wanted him marginally less grumpy if he could manage it. You weren’t sure why you were stalling, other than that you felt you were toes to the edge of a precipice.

When you were little your little family of four had driven out to the Grand Canyon, and you’d stood on the edge of the red dirt and been totally overwhelmed by the size of it, of all the negative space, the absence. You’d found yourself, aged eight and a half, ready to cry and even now, thirty years later, you remembered the howling wind, the echo of it.

You thought about the beauty of it, now. Now that you had seen so much worse, so much more, you reminded yourself that people used to travel entire countries to see the Grand Canyon. In your mind’s eye you entered your memories and stood beside yourself, your child self, and took her hand. You pointed to the sky, drew her eyes up and away from the ground beneath. Felt her pulse race under your touch as you showed her that the magnitude of it was the beauty in it, was the point of it all.

You accepted Joel’s invitation for the next Friday night. Then you ran to Maria’s to find something to wear.

--

You were supposed to meet at 8, a respectable time after dinner so as not to feel like you needed to have a meal; a more casual time, a more intimate time, when you could drink and chat and only stay an hour if you found it wasn’t working. It was both an in and an out.

Except that you were late, your last client having not only stored muscle tension in his fascia but emotional tension as well, and as soon as you had pushed into the glute he had unleashed years of mourning, of loss, of fears. You had stopped, wrapped him in a towel and pulled him upright, stood back and let him shake with the force of it. It wasn’t new, that people would come with muscle aches and discover trauma aches instead, but you lost track of time trying to put him back together again, trying to assure him of his safety. Tommy was right; sometimes it doesn’t come out until you feel safe enough to let it.

But it meant by the time you were pulling your door open you were about forty minutes late. Your cheeks burned with the shame of it, your timekeeping one of your strengths in the before-times, in the times when you had no other responsibilities other than the hell of being 15.

Joel was coming up your path and you stopped, nearly dropping the jacket you were still trying to pull over your shoulders. You couldn’t read his expression in the dark but his eyes were on you, and he was coming up, fast.

‘Joel, I’m so sorry,’ you started, as he strode towards you and up your porch. ‘I got caught up with a client, I couldn’t leave until they were…’ his hands were on you then, gripping you to him, your jaw resting in his warm palm.

‘You OK?’ he asked you, his eyes searching yours.

‘I’m fine, of course I am,’ you said, flustered, under the intensity of his inspection. ‘I just couldn’t…he was so sad, Joel. I had to stay.’

He nods at this, his jaw ticking. You resisted the urge to reach up and sink your fingertips into the masseter. ‘Were you worried about me, Joel?’ you asked, and he narrowed his eyes at you, then, suddenly freezing up.

‘Thought you weren’t coming, or that you were…thought maybe something had happened,’ he said, and you felt yourself soften.

‘I’m fine. And I would never stand you up,’ you said, moving to hold him around his waist, to circle him in your arms, only able to reach halfway around him, broad as he was. He avoided your eyes, the worry etched deep into his brow.

You still hadn’t kissed him. All of the things he had done to you, the way he had pulled you apart under his hands, his mouth, spread around his cock, nothing so intimate as a kiss.

‘I’m sorry,’ you said again, low and velvet in your throat. ‘I really like you, Joel,’ you went on, and he finally met your gaze, again. The naked vulnerability in it making you pause. You wondered how many people had ever seen this side of him. You suspected he could count them on one paw.

‘It’s late,’ he said, and started to pull away from you. ‘Maybe we should try again some other time.’ To your dismay he had nearly turned his back to you, and without thinking you grabbed him around the middle and tried to turn him back.

‘Wait,’ you said, and he hissed then, his muscles seizing. You let go of him, horrified.

‘M’ok,’ he muttered, raising his hand to stop you from rushing toward him. ‘Just…still gettin’ there, is all.’

‘Come in, please,’ you said, not touching him, not moving towards him, hoping your voice would be enough to get him to stay. ‘It’s cold, I have a bottle of whiskey Tommy slipped me when you were in the hospital, I can…’

‘You needed whiskey, baby?’ he said, and he had that lopsided grin on his face again, and you wanted to lick it off him. ‘Were you worried about little ole me?’

Never mind, you wanted to slap it off.

‘Oh for fucks sake,’ you said, rolling your eyes and turning back to your door. ‘Don’t get all cute just because I got scared when you nearly died,’ you said, and you heard him chuckle. You entered your house and turned to him, one hand on the door. ‘In or out?’ you asked, and you knew that you were talking to the both of you, knew that he wasn’t the only one facing the indecision, knew that you palming the responsibility off onto him, that you would accept his decision even if it meant never talking to him again. He hesitated, but only for a moment.

--

He was back in your kitchen, on the same chair from a more recent before-time, from before he’d found a place for himself somewhere under your skin. You were both sipping your whiskey, listening to the crackling fire in the other room, letting the silence seep out and blanket you. He was still enormous, still took up nearly half the space, and you ceded all of it to him.

‘Ellie speaks the world of you,’ he said, after a while, and you knew that this was important to him, that first and foremost he was her dad, her keeper and her protector.

‘She’s a lovely kid,’ you said, and then corrected yourself. ‘Not a kid. She’d fucking kill me if she knew I said that.’

He chucked into his glass. ‘Won’t tell her,’ he promised.

‘How’s that healing?’ you asked, gesturing to his wrist. It wasn’t in a splint anymore but it was still tightly bandaged.

‘S’just weak, aches in the cold,’ he said, and you nodded. You reached out and pulled it towards you, lay it on the kitchen table between you. You slipped the bandage away, watched the blood rush back in and pink up the flesh underneath it.

‘You need to stretch it, keep it strong,’ you said. ‘Bones probably healed but now the muscles’ll be lazy.’

‘Yes, doctor,’ he said, and you glanced up at him, at the crinkles in his skin and the warmth in his eyes as he teased you.

‘I mean it,’ you said, pretending to be offended, using it as an excuse to slip your hands around his wrist, his forearm. You felt the chords of the muscles there, the sinew and the veins. You rubbed your thumbs in firm circles, like you had shown him to do on your knee, all those weeks ago. You blushed at the thought of it, at the echo of the pleasure he had wrung from you not ten paces away.

He grunted a little, shifted in his seat, and you pulled his arm up at a right angle, so that his elbow was resting on the table. ‘Here, do this,’ you said, and you slipped your fingers between his, rested your forearm against his, leant in a little to ease your combined weight onto the joint.

‘I’m going to try and push your hand backwards, you push back,’ you said.

‘We arm wrestlin’?’ he asked, smiling again.

‘We will if you don’t behave yourself,’ you shot back, and he grinned.

‘Tell me when,’ he said, and you nodded your head. He grimaced at the strain through the joint, but you felt it stretch, felt it working under the force you were applying to it.

‘That’s good,’ you said, without thinking, ‘doing real well.’ He sucked a shy little breath in through his teeth. You stopped pushing, looking up into his pink cheeks. You continued to hold his hand, your eyes fixed to his.

‘Say it again,’ he said, and your mouth went dry.

‘Doing real well, Joel,’ you said, and watched as he blinked slowly, drinking it in. ‘Doing so good.’

He pulled you then, by the arm, out of your chair and into his lap, his mouth finding your neck and suckling, hard, as you struggled for purchase on his thighs. You could feel how hard he was through his jeans, the pulse of it pushing into your cunt as you settled yourself down on him, your thin little stockings under Maria’s borrowed dress doing absolutely nothing to provide a barrier against his throbbing for you.

He gasped, looked up at you as you perched above him. His pupils, blown wide with want, mirroring the ache you felt between your legs and in your heart for him. He tasted like peppermint toothpaste and you wondered idly if he’d brushed his teeth before heading to the Bison, if he’d hoped this would be the end result of the night or if it was just habit. You smelt the leather of his worn jacket. You reached up and let his salt and pepper beard scratch at the skin on your fingertips.

‘So good to us, Joel,’ you said, and you heard the gentlest whimper catch in his throat. ‘Looking after the town. Keeping us safe.’

‘Want to keep you, baby,’ he whispered, his eyes dropping to examine your lips. ‘Keep you tucked up all warm and safe, keep you under my roof where I know you’re protected.’ You shivered, at the heat of it, at the sincerity in it. ‘Be the one to shield you. All sweet and soft in your little kitchen. Wanting me, waiting f’me.’ He finished, biting his bottom lip.

‘I want you,’ you said, simply, feeling his cock jump underneath you.

‘Yeah?’ he asked, and you nodded.

‘Been waiting,’ you bit out, realising for the first time that it was true.

‘M’sorry baby,’ he said, playfully goading you. ‘Where did ya want me?’ he whispered, tucking his head under your chin and licking a stripe up your neck, chewing idly on your earlobe. You shivered again, a shuddering little thing that also came with a whimper. You took his hand from your waist and dropped it to your pussy, pushed his fingers to cup you there, gasping when he ran a fingertip along your seam.

‘Everywhere,’ you whispered, and he grunted, shifting his weight. With one warm hand splayed across your shoulder blades he leant you back, his eyes running up and down your body, devouring you. He kept his hand on your cunt, idly running a finger up and down where you ached the most for him, and you worried for a moment that he would feel how wet he’d made you just with his gaze.  

His breath was warm across your cheeks when he exhaled. He took the hand from between your legs and cupped your breast, rolled the nipple through your dress, made you whimper.

‘Joel,’ you whispered, and you watched as his eyes lit up, as the sparks caught on kindling and turned into a forest fire, as he swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing from the strain. You wanted to run your tongue over his bottom lip, nip at it.

‘Sssh, baby, I know,’ he said, pulling you up off his lap to stand in front of him, your knees shaking. His arms bracketed your hips, gripping the table behind you, so you were surrounded by him. He remained seated, watching you from under heavy eyelids.

‘Take it off,’ he said, and you felt your pulse in your neck, thunderous.

‘Which?’ you asked.

‘Maria’s dress you don’t think I recognise, those silly little stockings that ain’t doing nothin’ to keep out the cold.’

He leant back on the chair again, kicked his legs out so that you were standing between his ankles now, leant his arm on the back of the chair and scratched at his beard. ‘Well, go on,’ he said, and you felt so exposed to him then, vulnerable in the heat of his stare.

‘Help me,’ you said, feigning not being able to get to the zipper, just for the excuse of turning away from him, from his eyes that were taking you apart atom by atom, from his hands resting on his thigh, from his thick fingers you wanted to slip into your mouth, let him push down on your tongue and suckle at him.

You felt his hands on your back, the zip coming down, the way he slipped the dress from you like he was unwrapping a present on Christmas morning. You leant over a little, trying to slip your stockings off and you heard him moan, felt his hands on you again, his warm paw on your lower back pushing you into a deeper bend, the other pulling on your hips to bring you closer to him, his hands gripping you, positioning you. You heard his sharp inhale when you slipped the stockings over your bottom, felt your cheeks blaze when he reached up and slipped your panties off along with them, bent over and completely exposed to him, wet and glistening in the light of the kitchen, the sound of your gasped little whimpers mixing with the ever-present whir of your forty-year-old fridge.

‘Oh, my girl,’ he said, and you wanted to launch yourself at him, seat yourself back on his lap and bury your head in his neck but he was running his hands up and down the back of your thighs, edging himself closer on the chair, pushing you forward so that your breasts rested on the kitchen table, your cheek flush to the cold wood.

He bent his head and placed a single kiss at the base of your spine and you worried your knees would buckle, worried you would collapse onto the kitchen tile. As you gasped he brought his hands up to cup your bottom, spreading your cheeks enough to slip a thumb into your cunt, probe the warmth and feel the wet collecting on his fingertip. You startled, trying to buck away, trying to buck towards him, circling your hips to capture him inside you, and you heard him chuckle, felt his lips dip lower to your tailbone as he twisted his hands, his thumb still inside as his fingers came around to cup and rub at your slit, your poor little aching clit caught between his fingertips.

‘Jesus,’ you cried, finding religion despite never having set foot in a church.

‘Want to keep you full of me,’ he muttered, sitting back down on the chair again and pulling you with him, spreading your legs over his so you were open wide, obscene and dripping in his lap, pulling your legs apart with his and whispering filth in your ear, cupping your breast with one hand and the other sliding into your heat.

‘Want to keep you here, my pretty girl all safe and warm in my arms, full of my cock and my fingers, crying out for me when I’m not there.’ You were gasping, your vision narrowing, barely able to concentrate on anything except for his words, for his fingers stretching you, his legs pulling you impossibly wide. ‘Won’t let nothin’ hurt ya, baby girl,’ he grit out, and you felt a sob rip through your throat, the pleasure he was drawing out of you mixing with the comfort, with the intoxicating allure of him protecting you, of him standing between you and so many terrors.

In your right mind you wouldn’t have believed him. Would have known there were things out there even the great Joel Miller couldn’t topple, that there were threats known and unknown, seen and unseen, things out there wanting to spill your blood, the blood of the people you cared the most for. But Joel was inside you, in your cunt and in your ear, and his words were chipping away at your resistance, sliding under the door long ago locked tight. You were far from your right mind. You surrendered to the seduction of it, of the intoxication of it, of the myth this man was peddling that you would buy again and again and again.

‘There she is,’ he said, as you came on his fingers, your cunt gripping him and your hips rolling, his face pressed hard into your neck as you twisted into the agony of it, your mouth open and gasping, your face turned to the Gods.

You felt his fingers underneath you, one hand wrapped tight around your torso to hold you steady as he released himself from his jeans, and you felt him then, pressed against the back of your thigh, the velvet heat of his length, the thundering throb of it. You had barely caught your breath, had yet to fully come back to yourself, before he was pushing himself into you, pulling you onto him, your neck caught in his teeth as he bit down on the nape, tried to stifle the groan blooming in his chest.

He felt bigger this way, the stretch even sharper despite his best attempts to prepare you, and your walls fluttered, fought to accept him. You shuddered, the sudden sting slamming you back into your body, and you gripped his hands to stop him, to pause. He stilled immediately, his breath hot and gasping.

‘Give me a minute,’ you gritted out, leaning back onto his shoulder and burying your nose in his jaw, panting, placing a placid little kiss to the salt and pepper patches there.

You felt him reach around you, his finger finding your clit and gently circling it, collecting your slick and pushing it over the nub to rid you of any friction. You groaned, arching your back against him, your hands digging into the meat of his thighs underneath you.

‘So beautiful like this,’ he whispered into your ear as you felt the pleasure overtake you, the throb in your cunt synchronised to your thundering pulse. ‘Can feel you gripping me,’ he went on. ‘Stuffed fulla me, baby.’

‘Stop,’ you gasped, the moment suddenly too intense, a fear gripping you then that if he kept talking you would give him anything; the shirt off your back, the blood in your veins. He chuckled, watching you struggle to take the pleasure he was pushing into you, through you.

It was wrong but you couldn’t figure out why, because it still felt so fucking good, and you wanted more but couldn’t figure out how it was possible, not sated by him seated fully inside you, not close enough to him as you pressed your body entirely against yours. You huffed, frustrated, standing before he could stop you and pivoting to face him, straddling him again in the chair and sinking yourself down on him in one swift motion, so that he gasped and then groaned when the heat of you enveloped him, joined you in a harsh cry when your clit met his hipbone and you settled there, shifted your hips to press into the nub.

‘S’better,’ you said, and you watched his lopsided grin emerge.

‘My girl miss seeing me?’ he asked, and you rolled your hips to shut him up, watched any semblance of cogent thought leave him when you gripped him there.

‘Say it again, Joel,’ you said, sliding your hips forward and back in a way that you knew wasn’t enough for him, but was making your clit throb when it grazed over his skin. He grunted, suddenly finding it hard to think clearly, and his brows saddled.

‘Keep you safe?’ he said, uncertain but meaning it anyway, and you shook your head.

‘Keep who safe?’ he asked.

‘You,’ he answered, still not following, and you planted your feet on the floor, raised yourself up just to bounce back down again.

‘Who am I, Joel?’ you asked, nearly breathless, and finally, finally he understood, his little huffed out laugh sending a thrill through you as he reached down between your bodies, felt where you were joined.

‘My girl,’ he said, finding your clit and edging his fingertips across it, sending fireworks up your spine. ‘My beautiful girl, so tight and wet, so needy for me, cryin’ out for me in her kitchen.’

You groaned, feeling him grip you around the middle with one arm, lifting you up and down on his cock, rocking into you and always, always, always watching your face, nibbling at your chin when you leant back to gasp for air.

You were going to come. It was too fast. You still had so many other things you wanted to say to him, wanted him with every atom of you, with every fibre, the neurons in your brain lighting up just for him. Wanting to live in the torrent of pleasure he brought out in you, wanted to twist and writhe in it. You felt, again, on the edge of tears, but not for wanting, this time. Not for the losses.

For the having. Of Jackson, of the wildflowers on the paths pushing past the cold. Of the little family you had eked out at the end of the world, of Ellie, of Tommy and Maria and Robin. Of this man under your body and on your kitchen chair, calling you his and promising to keep you safe. Of this man, pushing you closer and closer to the edge of oblivion and clinging to him, willingly readying yourself to cascade over it.

‘Want you right here, always,’ he grunted, and you keened, felt it then, that you were wanted, that you belonged.

You didn’t have the words for it, vowed in that moment that you would spend the rest of your life trying to find them. For right now you did the only thing you could think of, leaning over and gripping his jaw, angling his face to you as you landed your lips on him, kissed him as you felt a tear streak across your cheek and onto his skin, as you shuddered and felt your cunt milking him, as he spilled into you and you joined him, the ecstasy and the pleasure and the warmth of it. In your little house in Jackson, behind enormous walls, to hold you.

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[tradgedyinwaves]

Touch - Ch. 5

Sunday Morning. 

You woke the next day to a bouquet of white lilies of the valley and yellow roses from Price for his “ungentlemanly actions” the night before and you found yourself immediately forgiving him. It was nice to know that despite what Kit had said, you were desired by someone. And how could you hold that against John? 

🪻: I suppose I forgive you. 🥃: How magnanimous of you, little bird. Does this mean I can expect a second date? 🪻: I guess. :P 

Your phone was now constantly blowing up with messages from Johnny and Price. And then Kyle was added, asking for your number from Price who’d asked you and you’d given your permission. You didn’t know what was going on. This time last year, you couldn’t get your husband to even look at you and now three very, very attractive British S.A.S members were clambering over each other for your attention. You didn’t know what they saw in you, but you weren’t going to complain. Eventually, the four of you ended up in a group chat when both Johnny and Kyle decided they wanted to take you out too. 

🪻: Alright. Do you guys even know the others have asked me out? Cause while I’m not complaining, ya’ll are friends.  🧼: Aw Petal. Just a wee competition between mates. 🥃: They’re just worried that I snagged you first, little bird.  👀: Excuse you. We’re giving her options for when she decides she doesn’t want you, old man.  🥃: Kyle, I am barely 10 years older than you. That doesn’t make me elderly. 🪻: -grabs popcorn- This is entertaining. I’ve never had men fight over me before. 🧼: Just you wait, they get worse than this.

And it did.

On Monday, Kyle showed up at your job and insisted on taking you out for lunch, his treat of course.

On Tuesday, Johnny brought flowers to you AND your boss who immediately told you that he was the one to pick. 

On Wednesday, Price picked you up from work and took you to a little bookstore, buying anything you even glanced at.

On Thursday, no one showed up to dote on you and despite numerous messages, no one replied to you.

On Friday, you received a single message from each of them.

🥃: Being deployed. Be safe, little bird. We’ll be thinking of you.  🧼: Heading out for a mission, petal. We’ll miss you. 👀: Will be gone for a bit, dove. Don’t miss us too much. 

On Saturday, you tried to find something to do all day besides checking your phone every five minutes. 

On Sunday, you visited Magda.

When you finally received a text from Price two weeks later, telling you they were home safe and inviting you over, you felt a weight lift from your shoulders. You’d missed them terribly and were eager to see each of them. So after work on Friday, you rushed home, changed into some leggings and an oversized sweater and headed to the address you’d been sent. 

Pressing the buzzer, they let you in and when the door to their flat opened, Price was standing there with a warm smile. Your arms wrapped around his waist immediately, feeling his thick arms coming to envelop you while he kicked the door closed. 

“Aye, lass. He the only one that gets a hug?” Johnny asked as he rose from the couch, opening his arms with a laugh. “Johnny!” You instantly released Price and launched yourself into Johnny’s arms, hugging him just as tightly. He smelled fresh, like he’d just gotten out of the shower and you breathed in the clean scent of him. 

You felt Kyle wrap his arms around both you and Johnny, pressing against your back and sandwiching you between the two. If you thought it was weird that the three guys you were dating lived together, you didn’t say anything.

A few minutes later, you were tucked into the corner of the couch with a steaming cup of tea while you watched Johnny and Price interacting in the kitchen. It wasn’t lost on you how Price’s hand rested on the small of Johnny’s back or the way Johnny’s eyes softened when he looked at Price. You thought to ask Kyle who was taking up the other corner of the couch, but then you caught him gazing over at the other two wistfully and you felt a little like a fourth wheel. 

A door slid shut somewhere down the hall and it startled you before your gaze slid to Kyle with a raised brow. “I assume that’s Simon?” you asked, nodding your head to gesture down the hall. “Yeah, he’s not much of a people person, but he’ll warm up to you the more you’re around,” Johnny replied instead, making you look at him where he came to sit between you and Kyle. “You make it sound like I’m going to be over here a lot,” you replied with a raise of your brow. 

“Well, we’d like ya to be,” Kyle answered this time, a warm smile on his pretty face. But it felt like there was something that wasn’t being said and it put you on edge. Price could feel your apprehension as he went to sit in his armchair, noticing it on the edges of your eyes and the way you straightened up in your seat. “You look like you’re about to spring out of your seat, birdie. What’s going through your head?” Price questioned, tilting his head slightly while his eyes studied you. 

You froze at his words. You didn’t think you’d been that obvious with your discomfort, but Price had a keen eye and didn’t miss much. “I feel like there’s something I’m missing here,” you theorized, staring into your cup of tea like it was the most interesting thing in the room. Price pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, standing from his chair to sit on the coffee table in front of you. Your eyes widened when your gaze lifted to meet his sparkling blue eyes, feeling as though he was about to tell you that they no longer felt the same and you needed to leave. 

“When you work as closely with a team as we do, things…develop,” Price watched you with trepidation while you nodded, urging him to continue. “The four of us, myself, Johnny, Kyle, and Simon, we’re a team in more ways than one,” Price paused, seeing if he needed to clarify any further. You stared at him for a moment, letting his words process in your head.

“So you’re all like together together?” You clarified, bringing your cup to your lips and sipping, using the moment to gather your thoughts. “Aye, petal, we are,” Johnny replied, reaching over to pat your calf. “So what am I doing here?” you asked, trying to figure out where you fit into this with their doting and dates. Kyle’s laugh was light and airy as he moved to sit next to Price on the coffee table. “We were hoping you’d join us, dove. Don’t worry about Si. He knows what’s going on,” Kyle explained, looking at you with those dark, hopeful eyes. 

Who were you to deny these men? They’d treated you better in the weeks you’d known them than anyone else ever had and there was no question about your safety with them. “I don’t know how to do this,” You stated, hand coming out to gesture between the four of you. “I barely know how to date one person, let alone three,” you continued, feeling the shame of your past settling into your chest. 

Johnny’s hand on your calf squeezed and he flashed you a lopsided smile. “We can figure it out, together, if you want?” He offered, hope filling those cerulean hues of his. You looked between each of them, quiet as your mind swirled with questions. The most prominent being the fourth man in the equation, Simon, but you couldn’t be assed to worry about him right now. If they say he knows and would warm up eventually, you believed them. 

“Okay,” you stated, a soft smile on your lips as the boys processed your single word response. The first to react was Johnny, leaping across the couch to smother you in a bear hug while he buried his face in your hair. Price, always the mother of the group, snatched your tea cup before Johnny crushed you, setting it off to the side before pulling Kyle into his side with a wide smile. 

When you left that night, you felt at ease and dare you say it, happy. You were blessed with three men who doted on you, cared for you, treated you as if you were the world to them. Humming a little tune, you entered your apartment and immediately noticed something was different. You checked every nook and cranny, double checking the locks on the windows and even checked the door handle for pick marks. Everything looked right and instead of calling one of the boys, you sighed and shook it off, telling yourself you were imagining it. 

“Si, you’re going to have to face her at some point. She’s going to be around a lot more now,” Johnny chided while the two laid in bed. “I know, Soap, but she’s not ready,” Simon countered, staring up at the ceiling with an unlit cigarette hanging from his mouth. “Are you sure it’s not you who isn’t ready?” Johnny asked, propping himself up on his elbow and looking down at the behemoth of a man next to him. Simon just grunted and slipped from the bed just to shove the window open and light the cigarette. 

“What are you scared of?” Johnny asked as he joined Simon at the window, both of them looking down over the street below. “I just don’t want her to think I’m stalking her or something. It was over six months ago and I suddenly show up again? Not likely. I was lucky to even see her again.” Simon had never been an optimist. And that wasn’t likely to change any time soon, so Johnny let it lie as he rested his head against the man’s shoulder. 

On the roof across from your building, your shadow stood with his skull mask in place. Watching. Waiting.

Uh oh. Reader may be too happy. Hope nothing happens to her.

Thank you so much to everyone who is liking and reblogging this story! I appreciate every single one of you!

[its-time-to-write]

i honestly would love to see more of jamie with bea like him deciding to take her to see the team for the first time after she’s born because maybe him and reader wanted some time for themselves and get adjusted before having everyone meet her?

My whole family is out today and I have nothing to do, so I’m going to be answering some requests! And maybe opening up my inbox again

I’m a sucker for requests that ask for continuations of my other fics. Thanks for requesting!

lyrical smile, indigo eyes

How did you become lucky enough to have a baby like this with the absolute love of your life? You were pretty sure that you and Jamie had peaked at marriage, but Beatrice Georgie Tartt just takes the cake. You are exhausted because labor was intense, and Jamie swears if you gripped his hand any tighter you would have shattered it. But you didn’t, and you’re out of the hospital and back at home. Bea is a week and a half old, and there are only four people who have met her, outside of the hospital staff: Georgie, Simon, Roy, and Keeley. Jamie didn’t want you to be overwhelmed by a lot of visitors right after you had Bea, so he asked a favor from Ted, who promised to keep AFC Richmond so busy that they wouldn’t have time to drop in unannounced.

But now Jamie’s getting ready to go back to training, and he wants to take Bea with him before it starts.

“I can take her this Friday, Isaac’s been texting me all week and Coach said he’d end training early,” he says from his place on the living room floor, folding onesie after onesie.

You roll your eyes from the couch with Bea in your arms, half-asleep in the middle of her feeding. 

“You sure you’re up to it, babe? She goes through diapers like crazy. You’re gonna have to bring a brand new pack if you even want to stand half a chance.”

Jamie just grins. “No problem babe, I’m a pro. Ain’t in the Premier League for nothing.”

“Alright,” you say, “I’m coming too, but only to go have girl time with Rebecca and Keeley. Becca says she has some like spa-day stuff for me. Apparently she did all the research into postpartum care.”

Jamie makes a hm, interesting face and Bea lets out a gurgle and wakes herself up.

—

You roll up to Nelson Road at 1pm, diaper bag packed with everything you could possibly need. This is your first time out of the house with Bea, and both you and Jamie are nervous. He’s trying to make you laugh with dumb jokes but your eyebrows are tightly knit together. 

Bea is incredibly tiny, and the Richmond boys are… well, they’re not. You know they can be gentle, but you also know they are capable of getting overexcited way too easily. You nervously fiddle with the toy hanging from Bea’s carseat so Jamie looks at you in the rearview mirror and says, “Babe, relax, it’ll be fine, yeah? They don’t have to hold her or anything, and I’ll make sure she’s alright.”

That calms you down a little. You know Jamie means it. He’ll watch Bea like a hawk, and isn’t afraid to be a prick when it comes to taking care of the people he loves. You take a breath and nod as he pulls into a parking space.

—

The team is on the pitch, so you and Jamie walk out to meet Ted, Roy, and Beard. The boy see you walk up and immediately stop their drills, but Roy shouts “Oi! You lot still have got thirty fucking minutes! Keep fucking going!” So they go back to whatever the heck they’re doing.

Ted says, “Look at this cute little tartlet! Ain’t she just the sweetest thing?” and you can tell by Beard’s reaction that Ted’s been waiting to use that one for a while. 

“I washed and sanitized my hands three minutes ago,” says Roy, “can I hold her?”

That is a little bit surprising. You would have assumed Ted would be the first one to ask, but you suppose he’s Phoebe’s favorite “Uncle Roy,” a reason, so you hand her over with a kiss on her forehead. You kiss Jamie and say, “Bye babe, I’m headed to see Keels and Becca,” then turn on your heel to Rebecca’s office. You’re headed inside when you throw one last glance at Bea, and almost burst out laughing; Jamie’s helping Roy put on the wrap so he can wear Bea while yelling at the team. You look out the window once you make it to the second floor of Nelson Road and see Roy coaching with Bea snugly secured to his chest and Jamie hovering close by. You’re glad today’s drills don’t seem to involve any footballs.

You tap on Rebecca’s door then push it open, and are immediately almost knocked over by Keeley, who has launched herself at you. 

“HI BABE, HOW-FUCKING-ARE YOU?” she squeals, and you wonder if she’s so loud because she was containing herself when she met Bea. You grin and squeeze her back.

“I am so fucking tired and so fucking happy,” you reply. “Hi Bec!!”

Rebecca gets up off the couch and gives you a tight hug as best she can, because Keeley is still holding you.

“It is so wonderful to see you, darling,” she says, “I saw Roy has the baby out on the pitch. She’s going to be kicking a football before she knows how to walk properly.”

You laugh and Keeley says, “Oi, Roy’s got her? Good luck getting her back. If she’s anything like Phoebe she’ll throw a right fit when it’s time to go.”

“I know,” you sigh, “She’s going to have so many aunts and uncles, it’s insane. Not sure where Jaim and I are going to fall on her ranking of favorite people.”

Rebecca smiles and moves to the couch. “Would you like to sit and have some tea? I read there are certain types that help with breastfeeding.”

You grimace. “I would, except sitting is not exactly my favorite right now. But tea sounds wonderful.”

“You can lay down on your stomach, babe,” Keeley says helpfully. “Rebecca and can cuddle and catch you up on everything you’ve missed.”

You say, “That sounds fucking amazing,” and you’re asleep ten minutes into their chattering.

—

You startle awake to the sound of a knock on the door. Rebecca calls, “Come in,” and it takes you a moment to figure out where you are. There’s a blanket draped over you and Rebecca and Keeley are still on the other side of the couch, both furiously typing and scrolling on their laptops.

You rasp, “How long was I out?” as Roy pokes his head in the door. He’s still wearing Bea.

“Twenty minutes,” Rebecca answers. “Keeley and I thought it best to leave you be.” Keeley nods, not looking up from her screen.

Roy clears his throat. “Hi babe!” says Keeley. She half glances up from her screen then does a double take.

“Holy fuck, you look right sexy like that, Kent.”

Roy grins at her. “Don’t get any fucking ideas.”

Keeley says, “Too late. I have so many fucking ideas,” to which you and Rebecca share a disgusted face.

“That’s disgusting, Keeley,” you tease.

“Oi, you’re one to talk!” she returns and Rebecca nods as if to say, she’s got a point. 

“Any-fucking-way,” Roy says, looking at you, “Figured you’d want to be downstairs when the boys meet Bea. They’re changing and getting clean so it’s going to take a fucking minute.”

You nod. “Hey Bec, you wanna hold her?”

Rebecca closes her laptop. “I would absolutely love to.”

Roy growls in a way that means fuck no, but Bea’s your baby so he unwraps her and gently hands her to Rebecca. Bea settles so sweetly into Rebecca’s arms that you swear you want to cry. Stupid hormones.

“Your prick husband is still downstairs bothering Sam and Dani,” Roy says, and you remember oh yeah, I have a prick husband. You get up off the couch.

“I should probably go see him,” you reply. “Becca, you want to come, or..?”

Rebecca is still gazing at Bea, but she nods and stands up, heels discarded on the floor.

You make your way to the locker room to find Jamie surrounded by the team, scrolling through something on his phone.

“…And this is her wearing her Tartt onesie. Here she is with me mum, and this one…” he trails off when he sees you. 

“Hi love!” he says, “Just showing the lads the pictures I got of Bea.”

There’s something about Jamie standing in the middle of the locker room crowded by his team that just makes your heart feel like it’s going to explode. You laugh and bound over to him, throwing your arms around his neck.

“You’re such a dad, Jamie Tartt,” you tell him affectionately, to which he replies, “Learned from the best, didn’t I?” with a glance at Ted.

“Alright,” you say, arms off of Jamie’s neck but now entwined around his left bicep, “who wants to meet Bea officially?” 

Hands go up around the room and to your surprise, they’re all quiet. In scary unison, they move to sit on the benches and hold their hands up, palms facing outward. 

“What the fuck is happening?” you whisper to Beard.

“Ted had a baby-etiquette debrief,” he whispers back. “Inside voices, clean hands, neck support, the whole deal. Had me make a slideshow to back him up.”

Rebecca shakes her head in disbelief as you all watch Isaac make his way around the room, inspecting hands and pronouncing them clean.

Rebecca does not look like she wants to give up Bea, but you tell her you’ll invite her over in a few days, as long as she doesn’t mind a messy house and takeout. She reluctantly hands Bea to Dani, who is beaming so hard you’re worried for his face muscles. 

Jamie, meanwhile, rests his head on yours. 

He leans down and whispers, “Hey babe?”

“Hm?” you respond.

“I’m going to fall asleep standing up. D’you think Bea would be fine if we crashed in Ted’s office?”

You grin. You think Bea would be fine anywhere there’s a member of AFC Richmond.

[itsouttherenow]

Team Mom: Kali

It was another day at Beacon within the dorm room of team RWBY. Their first year of Beacon went off without a hitch, mostly. Fighting mechs, criminals and terrorists is not something that you can really just brush or mention casually. So what is a girl to do on a Friday afternoon. What possible exciting activity could these adventurous girls do?

“GUYS! Mom is coming!” Entering the scene is our resident cat, Blake Belladonna. 

Sitting up from their respected beds, the rest of the girls quickly started firing off questions.

“When is she coming?”

“Are dad and Ghira coming too?”

“Snuggles?”

The last question had eyes drawn at Weiss. 

“Hehe, just, you know, asking.” She replied sheepishly.

“Aside from Weiss touch starved condition (HEY!), she said that she be coming soon to visit us here at Beacon. Tai and my dad are staying in a hotel in Vale for the time being.”

“Cool, what time is she supposed to be coming then?”

“She said around 6.”

“It’s 6 already! Why didn’t you call us instead?”

“Forget about that, we need to hurry. QUCKLY! THROUGH THE WINDOW!”

“No Yang wait I c-“, before Ruby could say otherwise, Yang had leapt through the window of their dorms

“We can worry about her later when we’re outside. The bullhead could be arriving any minute now.”

Using her semblance, Ruby quickly took the girls to the bullhead landing pads, picking up, more accurately digging up, Yang from her earthly confinement. They eventually made it to landing pads 5 minutes late.

“Do you see her?”

“No I can’t, I’m too short.”

“Blake, what about you,?”

“No. Yang?”

“Negative captain.”

“Where could she b-“

“YOO HOO! Girls, I’m over here!”

With Weiss question answered by their target, the four girls quickly rushed to a woman with similar cat ears to their feline friend. The woman was quickly enveloped in a group hug from the girls.

“Oh oh my, eager aren’t we today?”

“Why wouldn’t we? It’s been a sooo long since we’ve last meet you in person.” Replied Yang.

During a break in they second year, the WBY of RWBY meet Kali and Ghira Belladonna, the mother and father of Blake. There, the three girls quickly took a liking to Kali, considering she was the first real motherly figure that they have had in a while. While the three may be her daughters by blood, she treats them as if they were her own.

“(giggles) That is true. And we have a whole week to spend together!”

“(gasping) A WHOLE WEEK!?” Exclaimed Ruby.

“A whole week? What’s the occasion?” Inquired Blake.

“Why the parent conference. They’re going to  discuss on how our little ones are doing and behaving.”

“Well, it is with great pleasure to say that we have all been model students.” Booster Weiss.

“We’ll see. Now, how about you girls give a quick tour of the area. I don’t want to be getting lost.”

“Alright Team RWBY, let’s lead the way!” Yelled Ruby as she jumped into Kali’s arms.

“Ruby” chasted Weiss, “get off her. You are not a child!”

“I don’t mind dear. I’m quite comfortable.” Said Kali she nuzzled Ruby who laughed.

“(Laughs) Hey, that tickles.”

“Are you sure? I can take Ruby.” Offered Yang.

“Yes, I’m quite sure. In fact, I quite like it when you girls jump into my arms. Reminds of when Blake was a little kitten.” Answered Kali.

“If it’s alright with you, then I guess she can stay.” Said Weiss.

“Good. Now let’s go and give mom the best tour of Beacon!” Exclaimed Ruby.

“I’m looking forward to this ‘awesome’ tour girls.”

(Like break.)

An hour into their tour, Ruby had fallen asleep in Kali arms so it was up to the rest of the girls to decide on where to take her next. Walking underneath an arc way of vines and growth, they enter the gardens.

“And here” Weiss gestured around, “is the Beacon Garden. Used by most to study but many can often be found eating and aswell as hanging out.”

“My, how gorgeous.” Awed Kali as tucked Ruby closer to her body.

“Gorgeous indeed. This garden is actually the newest addition to Beacon, having been made thirty-seven years ago. Furthermore, th- (BOOM)- What In Monty’s name was that?” 

The answer to Weiss’s question came in the familiar form of Beacons resident dork Knight, one Jaune Arc, who was coursing throw the air, straight into a tree. After face-planting into said tree, his limp form sliding down onto a branch. 

“Ow. Note to self, make sure that Nora does NOT help in the kitchen *ever* again. *EVER*.” muttered Jaune to himself.

“wa-wa-what’s going on?” Ask an awoken Ruby.

“Just Jaune flying into a tree. Nothing new.” Answered Yang.

“Jaune? Blake, isn’t he the boy you mentioned to me? The blonde?” Asked Kali to her daughter.

Smelling blood, Yang seized the opportunity to tease her partner. 

“Oh, keeping secrets are we now? And here I thought we were family. I’m hurt.” 

Blushing, Blake whined, “Mom. I thought I told you to keep it between us.”

“Oh my Gods so it IS true. You’ve Fall for that dolt.” Exclaimed Weiss

“Well I think it’s sweet.” Chimed Kali.

A second later, said boy fell off the branch.

“Oh, this is a perfect time to talk to him dear. HELLO dear.” Yelled Kali out to Jaune.

‘What? Who is that. I didn’t know Blake had a si-‘

Jaunes thought we’re immediately cut short when the branch he was on earlier fell on top of him.

“Oh no. That branch just killed Jaune!” Yelled Ruby.

“You bastard.” Followed by Yang.

“No you dolts. He’s just knocked out.” Explained Weiss.

“My oh my. What a shame. He needs to be tended to. And who better to wake up than you pretty face dear.” Said Kali.

“No mom, you don’t mean-“ Questioned Blake.

“Yup. Let’s take him to your room. He’s needs to be well rested on a nice comfy bed. Next to a beautiful lady.” Kali said as she picked up Jaune.

“Mom no.”

“Mom yes” 

Blake was then handed an unconscious Jaune.

“Come along girls. The day just getting started.”

Three of the four girls ran to catch up with Kali as Blake just stood in place dumbfounded.

Looking down a Jaune, she blushes abit.

“Well, I guess it would hurt to give it a try.” And then placed a kiss on Jaunes forehead and quickly caught up the others 

‘That’s my girl. Grand kittens here comes Grandma.’ 

[romanreignseater]

Time Alone.

Jey Uso x Reader

Rating: 18 +

Warning: Smut & a slight mention of a stomach bulge.

“Time was something that didn’t even seem to exist to you. But, your husband Jey does sure know how to have a fun time.”

A/N: I just had to write a little something for my Main Event Jey Uso, and after seeing his Instagram story this past week… It was my destiny 😭😭. I did say that I would release this yesterday, so let’s just consider this a little Valentine’s Day piece.

GIF: @rebecca-quin

Being a business owner of your own makeup brand, Zeta Cosmetics, and being a full time mother to four kids was really tough. Even though your husband Jey, was a big time help and support system, it was still super difficult to balance everything. And you’re blessed to have such smart and active children, but you’re starting to think they’re a little too active.

The fact that three of your children had different after school activities, was a WHOLE struggle in itself. Your oldest daughter, did humanitarian volunteer work for an hour after school, then softball practice every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. NOT to mention, she just got her first job, and guess who has to take her to work? Yup… it’s me. Then, your first son, wants to be an all sport MVP, cause he just plays every single sport there is. So, his practices are just all over the place. Your second daughter is a cheerleader for her brothers football team and has weekly cheer competitions. The hair, the makeup, the uniforms, and that monthly fee… She’s lucky she looks absolutely adorable with that little bow on her head. And your last child, which is your son, is only 10 months old. So, he’s basically the Pomeranian that you keep in your purse DAILY.

Kids are such wonders, but mama needs a break sometimes.

“Hey baby”, your husband Jey said smiling through the phone. “I miss you so much. Why did you have to leave me this week for your crazy ass twin?!” You said chuckling.

“Put some respect on my name sis.” Said the crazy ass twin himself, Jimmy. “I ain’t gotta do a damn thing, you took my man from me”, “He was mine first anyway”. Jimmy said sticking his tongue out at you. “Okay, okay, let’s not fight.” Jey said sternly. “But, listen baby I know how tired you are, and I wanna make sure my lady good. So, pack a little overnight bag, the jet is gonna be ready in about four hours.” “What are you up to boy?…” You said smirking slightly.

“Don’t worry about it, you know I got you girl.” Jey said showing that blazing smile. “Okay, but what kind of clothes am I supposed to be wearing sir?!” “Well, I was hoping you’d be wearing nothing. But, it’s somewhere a little tropical, so I guess that gives you the chance to just to what it do”. “Can you not talk about Y/N being naked, I think I’m gonna throw up”, said his goofy older brother. “I know you not talking Jimmy. Don’t let me get Trin on that ass.” “Y’all just stupid”, Jey said giving a breathless laugh.

“But, I’ll see you later tonight, alright baby.” “Wait… what about the kids?!” “I’m WAYYYY ahead of you. I got my mom and pops on that.” Thank god he had that sorted out, even though it’s gonna be a little hard to leave my babies, we could use some time alone. “I’ll see you tonight.” “See you tonight”. ~FaceTime ends.~

5 hours later

Jey is the best you could ever ask for. After packing your overnight bag, and saying bye to the kids. It was you and the love of your life… forever. He took you to a quick day and a half trip to Cuba. The villa you guys were staying at was absolutely gorgeous and the workers were radiantly exceptional. “This is so beautiful baby.” You said blushing. “I’m glad you like it, you know the Tribal Chief knows all the vacation hot spots.” “He damn sure does. But… he never stayed in this specific room. Right?!” Jey looked at you and said, “I’m pretty sure they have multiple honeymoon suites.” “Thank god, cause you don’t know what that man does.” You said barely being able to hold in your laughter. Jey laughed along with you.

Since the trip was pretty short, you guys had to make the most of it. By sleeping first, since there was no time difference and it was late at night. But, by tomorrow you guys would be up and at em’.

Soon the morning came and the workers at the villa surprised us with a lovely breakfast. Following us taking showers and getting ready, it was time for the tour. The tour guides showed us around the city and as we were on the tour, we jumped straight into every single activity there is to do. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. Even though I don’t smoke, cigars are something that are widely used in Cuba. So, one puff wouldn’t hurt. After our morning and afternoon endeavors, we stopped by La Guarida in Havana for a lovely dinner at the top floor of the restaurant. He is more than you could ever ask for.

Jey always seemed to have a tough exterior, but he was a huge softie for anything romantic. We later arrived back at our villa and where a trail of rose petals and sensuous candles led into the bedroom. “Now… what is this Joshua?!” You said turning to him with a sly smirk on your face.

“Its some time alone that you deserve”.

As we have both known from experience… we had to blow out all of the candles first. Jey then took my waist into his hands and held me tight. As if he didn’t want to let go. We started to make out with one another, our tongues fighting for dominance, and Jey winning the battle. He gently laid me on top of the comfort heart shaped bed and pulled the zipper of my short bodycon dress down. Jey started to my massage my breasts as if he were yearning for them. I slid the rest of my dress down my body, as Jey continued his assault on my breasts. “Mmmm…-, it feels so good baby”. I moaned to my husband as he said, “Imma make you feel something real good.”

He quickly removed my panties and flipped me over to all fours. Jey pushed his hand into the middle of my back to get me to arch. “That’s just how I like it baby, stay like that”. I then heard him pulling off his shirt and unbuckling his belt from his slacks. His pants made a thud onto the white marbled tiled floor and the bed plummets down as he arrived on top of it. “Aaaaa- oooHhh my goddd”. I moaned loudly as Jey dove right into my wetness. His tongue basically playing mind games on me. It felt like I didn’t know where I was.

“Shit tastes so fucking good mama, I could eat it all day if I could.” His words of appreciation make me gush out even more. The intimacy levels were through the roof as he paused his eating to finally give me what I’ve been wanting.

He entered me so smoothly, as my cunt was slick. “Damn baby, it’s like a waterfall up in here. That’s what I do to you… huh?!” Jey said. “Yes baby that’s what you do to me, now please fuck me.” “My pleasure.” Jey said as he started to profoundly pound into my hot sex. My moans couldn’t stop, the pleasure was just too much. “uhh-huh—hhhh”, my moans started filling the room. Jey started to pull on my hair and spank me repeatedly. “You like that shit.. huh?!” He said. “Ye-ssss, I love ii-ttt, give me more”. And Jey did as you wished. It felt as if he was in your stomach, as that thought crossed your mind. Jey put his hand onto your stomach and said, “You feel that baby, I’m in your stomach.” You took your hand from the sheets and placed in onto your stomach.

He really was in my stomach

I felt his cock bulge into my stomach and my eyes rolled back. Jey continues to give it to me and I felt my climax reaching its point. “Baby, I’m gonna cum.” “Go ahead baby, I’m there with you”. Jey said as his thrust became sloppy and grunts lowered. We both reached our peaks at the same time. I lied flat on the bed and Jey right beside me. “That was so good baby, we gotta do it like that every time”. Jey said with his forearm over his face. “But, we need more time alone before that.”

“You know I got you on that baby.” Said Jey smiling at you.

Just some more time alone.

THE END.

Let me know what you guys think about this and if I should write for more members of the Bloodline. Maybe even for other superstars

[the-queen-and-the-king]

Just a booty call - 5

Summary: It's Aaron's birthday and he clearly doesn't want to celebrate it. But Emily wants to change his mind with a very special gift.

Characters: Aaron Hotchner, Emily Prentiss

Contents: explicit smut, handjob, oral sex (m receiving), unprotected sex (don't do that!), creampie NSFW/MINORS DNI

This text is a try, with a reverse structure compared to the other Hotchniss' AU I'm used to work on. It all starts with a FWB that will evolve into something else (with a certain amount of angst).

PS : English is not my mother language so they are necessarily mistakes. Sorry about that.

___

She was born on October twelve, he on November two. It wasn't information he shouted from the rooftops – truth be told, only Penelope was supposed to know – but she'd done her research on her own. She wanted to return the favor. He'd given her a treat on her birthday, and she wanted to do the same. Luckily for her, the date she was interested in came only a few weeks after the party that had – temporarily – brought them back together.

                She didn't know why he refused to tell team members when he'd been born, when they were all so happy to gather at each other's homes to celebrate these special days. Because it allowed them to share a festive moment, far remote from the tragic scenes that made up their daily lives. It was an enchanted interlude that allowed them to breathe a little, to relax, to discuss something other than murders, rapes and victims. Everyone was invited, of course, and Hotch took part in the celebrations: he donated money to the kitty, went out himself to buy the gift(s) and helped set up the festivities.

                But when his day came, he behaved as if nothing had happened. And the fact that no one wished him well didn't seem to affect him any more than that. At the same time, it was difficult to tell him anything since he hadn't passed on the information to anyone. She had asked Garcia why this secretive attitude, but she had replied that she didn't know why. She believed her. Knowing the technician as she did, she would have tried anything to find out more. In vain, obviously. There could have been many reasons for this rejection, all of which point to a less than stellar past. Indeed, if people enjoyed celebrating births so much, it was often because positive memories were attached to them. Those who ignored it had rarely lived in a pleasant environment.

                However, while she hoped to give him a good evening, she wouldn't betray his trust by spreading the word all over the floor. So she kept a low profile all day about her nocturnal plans. It was Friday, and the team wanted to go to a bar in town to unwind. Hotch had rejected the proposal before being given any address. He didn't even put forward a pretext to justify his answer, and we didn't insist. It wasn't the first time he'd declined, and it certainly wouldn't be the last.

                Despite his senior position, which required him to be in constant contact with strangers, the director was not a very sociable person. Repelled by his impressive build and cold expression, we mostly dodged him. Shy and loath to be in the spotlight, he didn't make the effort to break the ice either. Whereas, Emily knew, he was far, in truth, from the austere, strict character he appeared to be. But to find out, he had to be willing to breach the carapace surrounding him.

                She hoped her surprise would crack his shell and he'd once again agree to drop his barriers for her. For them. She wanted him so much that her heart missed a beat every time she thought he might refuse her proposal. She avoided thinking about it, however, as she made her way to and from his home. By the time the day was over, she'd bolted into her plush apartment, climbed the stairs to her bedroom four by four and rushed to the package on her bed. She'd bought the present specifically for this occasion and couldn't wait to see his reaction when he saw it. She then got ready, put her coat back on, grabbed a minimalist – and overpriced – bag and climbed back into her car.

                She smiled when she saw that there was light in his house. At least, he wasn’t sleeping already. What if he was with someone? A surge of panic seized her at this eventuality, which she had forgotten in the run-up to this surprise. She hesitated to leave again, then remembered all the energy she'd put into this moment and stepped into the corridor. Before ringing the bell, she put her ear to the door and heard a feminine voice. A familiar voice, to which Aaron said nothing. She frowned, thought, looked at her watch and had an epiphany. It was the voice of a TV show hostess. She raised her eyes to the sky and sighed, relieved.

                Emily straightened up, tugged at her coat and tucked back a few strands of hair, then pressed the doorbell button. She sensed movement behind the lintel and it soon opened.

“Em…?”

She cut him off with a finger over his mouth and invited herself into his home. He didn't stop her, watching her sway until she found herself in the middle of the living room. With a glance, she made sure the shutters were closed and untied the belt of her jacket. The giant's eyelids widened as he discovered the red lace nightgown she was wearing underneath. His gaze fixed on the opaque triangles covering her nipples and pubis; he pushed the front door closed. Emily smiled; the fish was hooked.

                She dropped her coat at her feet and came back to catch his lips. They exchanged a fiery but brief kiss, and then she grabbed his tie and led him to the couch. He didn't balk, obediently following in her footsteps. When his large hands came to brush against her hips, she pushed him back onto the sofa and leaned in to kiss him again. He said nothing, but his smile was equivocal. He was appreciating her proposition. She presented him with her back for a moment and bent forward to grab the remote control from the coffee table, knowing that her buttocks were right at his eye level. She turned off the TV and straightened up, facing him up again.

                Then a knee planted on either side of his thighs, she captured his mouth for the third time, lingering longer to enjoy the flavors that stirred her taste cells. She caressed his cheeks, hair and shoulders as he slid his fingers up her legs, gradually working his way up to her asses. When he grabbed her posterior, she pushed herself away to bite her lower lip ostentatiously.

                She moved his hands away from her skin and put her feet back on the ground. With a certain dexterity, she grabbed the end of his belt and, with an energetic gesture, opened the silver buckle. She then reached for the only button on his pants before grabbing his zipper. She could feel that he was already erect, so she was careful as she lowered the zip. He was still smiling. She wasn't sure whether the scene amused or excited him – both, perhaps – but he helped her with the next step, lifting himself just enough so she could pull at the fabric to expose his boxers. He was now clearly hard.

                A sudden thought crossed her mind: she'd never seen him naked. Sure, they'd slept together a few times, but she'd never really taken the time to detail his genitals. Since she'd already taken him in hand, she knew roughly how long and thick his rod was, but her knowledge stopped there. And very soon, she was going to have it right under her nose. Her hesitation was not lost on his host, who brushed her cheek to get her attention. She looked up, saw his frown and regained her resolve. Without taking her eyes off him, she tugged at his underwear. It wasn't the first penis she'd seen up close, or the first she'd graced with this very special treatment.

                With the tip of her tongue, she licked the bead of pre-seminal fluid oozing from his end. It was salty and hot. Then she parted her lips and slowly sucked on the smooth, hard tip. Aaron let out an appreciative growl. She leaned in a little more, opened her mouth wider and engulfed that shaft that had already given her so much pleasure. A viscous fluid flowed over her papillae as the titan's member swelled with excitement. She continued the maneuver, sliding along the peculiarly textured skin, under which veins were visible. Each exhalation from her beneficiary stirred her as it passed, fanning the inferno rumbling in her lower abdomen.

                Having already performed a number of sucks that pleased her prey enormously, she opted for a methodical, diligent lick that drew grunts from Aaron. A strong pressure was being exerted in her intimacy, a sign that it wouldn't take long for her to cum if he or she were to caress her clitoris. As if he'd read her mind, he stopped her just as she was about to swallow him again and told her to get up. She obeyed, momentarily unsettled, and vibrated when he came to kiss her navel. Skillfully, he dropped her panties to the floor and, with a gentle touch on her hips, led her to turn her back to him and bend her knees.

                Although she had nothing against sodomy, vaginal intercourse was her preference. She didn't have time to say anything, however, as he directed his swollen member into her warm, moist vulva. She was so electrified by what she had just done that the passage was more difficult than usual. But gently, without hurting her, he pushed himself as far into her as he could. When he had reached the end, she began long, slow strokes up and down his sex, completing the job in no time. Aaron propelled an abundant spurt of semen into her and a lightning orgasm immediately paralyzed her. 

                They quietly caught their breath after that, she still sitting on his thighs, her calves still trembling from the endorphins. Then she stood up, put her underwear back on and headed for the bathroom. She emerged a few moments later; cheeks still a little red, retrieved her coat and bag from the floor, and approached the sofa. He hadn't moved, his chest rising sharply as he seemed to struggle to regain his senses. She caressed his face, placed a kiss on the corner of his lips and whispered in his ear:

“Happy birthday, Hotch.”

She left the premises less than a minute later, hoping to have changed his mind about this very special date.

___

First chapter >> https://www.tumblr.com/the-queen-and-the-king/757694774493986816/just-a-booty-call-1?source=share

Next chapter >> https://www.tumblr.com/the-queen-and-the-king/760865647482765312/just-a-booty-call-6?source=share

[ejzah]

In Miss Blye’s Class, Part 36

***

The last day of school fell on a bright and sunny Friday. They spent a good portion outside playing games and watching movies. It could turn a little crazy with the sheer amount of sugar available in the form of cookies, cupcakes, candy, and drinks and the promise of the summer off within reach

Kensi always looked forward to it despite the potential headache at the end of the day. She relished in watching how much all of her students had grown and flourished, but none more than Caleb. Though she hadn’t known when he first came into her classroom, she could see now how much confidence he’d gained. Even in the last few weeks, he’d struggled with his mom’s unexpected return, and somehow come out on the other side an even kinder and sweeter little boy.

She looked across the playground where he pushed another student on the swings, their laughter audible. She turned around, looking out for the students on the climbing structure, tied another’s shoe, kissed a bruise.

“Miss Blye, we brought you a surprise,” Caleb announced, stopping in front of her with Matthew. Together, they held out a fist full of dandelions and clover.”

“These are beautiful! Thank you!” She hugged each boy, feeling a wave of sadness. Watching her students move on to the next grade was always a joyful occasion, but she would miss them. “Alright, go play. We’ll be going in for lunch in a few minutes.”

Matthew ran off towards the swings again, but Caleb hung back. “Kensi, are you coming to dinner with me and dad tonight to celebrate?” he whispered.

Crouching down to his level, Kensi fixed him with an admonishing look. “Hey, we’re not supposed to talk about me and your dad at school, remember?”

“I know.” He ducked his head, letting out a frustrated sigh. “But it’s the last day.”

“It is.”

He stuck out his lower lip, looking up at her from under his bangs with sorrowful eyes. Not the first time, she thought that he’d definitely learned that from Deeks.

Enough of the staff suspected Kensi and Deeks had some sort of relationship, if they didn’t know outright. Still, she didn’t want to make it public for a little longer. It would be easier once Caleb was in first grade and no one could claim favoritism.

“I know it’s hard and confusing, but it’s just one more day. Ok?”

“Ok.” Caleb dug the toe of his shoe through the wood chips covering the ground. Then his face lit up with a mischievous expression, and he whispered, “But if you don’t come with you’re going to miss out on sushi,” before running off.

***

Deeks checked his watch, breaking into a jog as he hurried toward the front entrance of St. Bridget’s. It would just be his luck to be late for Caleb’s end-of-year celebration. In anticipation of the momentous occasion, he’d made sure to dress up in a suit and tie (as Caleb instructed) and brought cookies they picked up last night as well as a small gift for Kensi.

From his understanding, each grade had a separate time slot, with kindergarten just after their lunch. He followed a few other parents to the gym, taking a seat in a middle row. After a few minutes, Caleb’s class filed out onto a temporary stage across the room, led by Kensi. The music teacher and Sam Hanna were also in attendance.

Kensi looked particularly good in another blue dress with some kind of capped sleeves. He had to remind himself not to stare, but when she looked his way, he flashed a smile.

Caleb waved when he spotted Deeks with a giant grin. Deeks waved back, taking a quick picture before the program started. After a short introduction, Kensi stepped aside so the music teacher could lead the class through a series of song. Even though Deeks had heard Caleb’s not-so-secret rehearsals at home for the last four weeks, he enjoyed every minute of it.

When they finished the last song, Deeks jumped up with the rest of the audience to clap. Caleb looked startled by the response for a moment, but he recovered after a moment and started waving to the crowd like a little celebrity. Deeks shook his head and took another picture.

Coming back to the stage, Kensi took the microphone again. “Good afternoon everyone, thank you so much for supporting these wonderful children today. I’d like to take a moment to say what a pleasure it’s been to be their teacher and I know they’ll do wonderful things in first grade,” she said. “Now, I’d like to hand out some certificates of achievement.”

One by one, worked her way through the class. Each student was recognized in some way. Caleb’s friend Matthew received an award for a painting he made in art class while Caleb received a star reader award. Caleb held the colorful piece of paper to his chest as though it was made of gold.

As soon as all the festivities were over, Caleb jumped off the stage and ran to Deeks.

“Dad, look at my award!”

“I know! I’m so proud of you,” Deeks told him, picking him up, and holding him against his chest for a moment. “You did a great job up there.”

“I sang as loud as I could,” Caleb said, proudly.

“Oh believe me, we all heard you.” He ruffled Caleb’s hair, setting him back down. “All that practicing payed off.”

“Uh-huh. C’mon, we gotta give Ken—I mean Miss Blye her present!”

Tugging Deeks with him, he charged across the floor to where Kensi was talking to other parents and students.

Caleb waited very impatiently for his turn, bouncing slightly up and down with anticipation like he hadn’t spent the whole day and dinner the night before with Kensi.

“Caleb, you did such a wonderful job today,” she told him, giving him a tight hug.

“Thanks. We got you a present to say thanks for being the best teacher in the world,” he said very seriously. He offered Kensi a small box.

“You did not have to do that.”

Deeks had a feeling that was directed towards him more than Caleb.

“Oh, this is beautiful.” Kensi held up a bracelet with heart, book, and cookie charms. “Thank you so much, Caleb.”

“I picked it out all by myself,” Caleb informed her.

“Well, it’s perfect.”

After a little more chatter, Caleb drifted off to one of his friends, and Deeks moved closer since no one else had come along yet.

“You look nice,” he murmured.

“Do not start here,” Kensi warned him, even though she was clearly fighting back a smile. “Behave yourself.”

“I am on my very best behavior.”

“Well if it isn’t our favorite lawyer,” Sam Hanna said, coming up behind Deeks.

“Mr. Hanna, good to see you.”

They shook hands, and Sam gave Deeks a once over, nodding a couple of times.

“Well, I guess I was wrong. Turns out you have better taste than I thought.” He directed the last part to Kensi, who didn’t have time to respond before he started walking away. “Thought for the record, you weren’t fooling anyone.”

“Did he—?”

“Just give us his blessing?” Deeks finished. “Yeah, I think so.” Rolling her eyes, Kensi looped her arm through his.

“Come on, it’s time for cookies and juice pouches,” she said, but she didn’t resist when Deeks leaned in to kiss her cheek.

[callmewrinkles3]

Phone Call

Summary: While sitting waiting for their hotel room to be available the day after Silverstone, Em gets a phone call that changes the rest of her year.

July 2023

It was supposed to just be an easy day, relaxing in the hotel while Blake and Dan had their meetings in Red Bull to prep for the tyre test and what Dan needed to do to be in contention for next year. A couple of hours later her phone rang, Em going out to the lobby to take the call.

“Hey Baby, what’s happening?”

“I know we said next year. I know. But how do you feel about finding somewhere to live in Faenza for the rest of the year?”

Her heart felt like it had stopped. This year. She couldn’t believe it.

“Seriously? I’m in public I can’t really talk. But what’s the details?”

“Helmut gave Nyck till Silverstone to get on Yuki’s level, he hasn’t done it. If the tyre test goes well tomorrow then it’s mine if I want it. But I promised you this year. And you’re pregnant. You won’t be able to go to the last races. I just..fuck.”

“Will you regret it if you say no?” It was quiet between them for a moment, the ease between them simple.

“Yeah. I will.”

Em took a deep breath before looking around the hotel, spotting people in team gear. She’d said yes already, but this felt different. “Then you do it .”

“You sure you’re ok with me taking it?”

“Yeah. It’s not going to be easy, but we did it before. We can do it again. I can’t totally talk, but do it. It’ll be fine.”

“Thank you Emmy.”

“Go prove you deserve it. I’ll see you soon. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Em stared at her tablet as she went back into the bar, staring at the mock up for the baby’s nursery that she’d been working on. Instead she pulled up one of her old travel spreadsheets and made a copy, getting to work with planning. This was going to be insane.

“What’s going on?” Charlie asked, Em shaking her head.

“It’s about what we talked about last night, Dan had to tell me something, I’ll tell you when we’re in one of the rooms?” Her words were clear enough that Charlie knew it was serious but didn’t reply, working out what she was doing for the week. It was working remote and running her sessions remotely where possible, but with the kids that wasn’t always a thing.

Finally Dan and Blake got back as their hotel rooms were ready, the four going up and piling into Dan and Em’s room. He’d organised a room with a balcony that looked over Silverstone for Em to watch the tyre test as he drove. When everyone was sitting down Dan spoke.

“If my times tomorrow are representative of the times I’ve been doing in the sim, I’ll be announced as an Alpha Tauri driver on Friday morning.”

The shock fully hit Em, staring at him as she felt the baby move. This is real. It’s happening. Oh god.

“Nyck’s seat?” Charlie asked and Dan nodded. “Does he know?”

“Marko gave him till Silverstone but he hasn’t improved. The gap with Yuki hasn’t changed at all. I think he thinks he’ll have till the summer but that won’t happen. Christian told me this is an audition for the big one. I heard some of the mechanics talking. Checo and Carola had a fight after the race on Sunday.”

“Poor girl.” Em was quiet for a moment. “So Friday? That’s soon. How does it feel?”

“Terrifying. But I’ll get there. You ready to be a wag again? Charlie are you ok with this? I know it wasn’t what you planned.”

“We’ll make it work. I…you belong in a car, Dan. You do. Blake and I can work out, right?”

“Yeah we will.” Em watched Blake take her hand and squeeze, holding onto her tightly. “Chuck comes first, if I need to go I’m going.”

“If you need to go I’m booking your flight myself. You made sure Dan and I made things work, it’s our turn now. But this is happening? We’re all good with it?”

“Yeah. It is. Fuck. I’m driving in a race in two weeks.”

After the four of them ate a late lunch they agreed to chill out in their own hotel rooms for the night. Dan pulled Em into his side as she ran her fingers through his curls.

“Have you told your parents yet?” Em asked quietly.

“Not yet. Not till it’s official? I don’t want them to think it’ll happen till it does. Plus they’ll ask about Mike and that…yeah. Fuck.”

“Oh Baby, I know. I know.” It still hurt that they didn’t speak anymore, that the hug she’d given him at Silverstone was the only time she’d seen him since her wedding. But she’d come home to see him leave the house in anger, Dan unwilling to talk about everything in their fight. She still missed her big brother so much, and spending weekends in the same hotel and garage would be surreal.

“Fuck. It’s just shit. He was my best man and two days later. It’s shit.”

“I know. And I can’t say anything else. But you won’t be working closely with him. And maybe it’ll thaw things.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

Em kept running her fingers through his hair, kissing Dan’s forehead. It had to be ok. It had to be.

[heyiwrotesomethings]

hey hey, so trying my luck with the october request.

Since it's spooky time: halloween pumpkin carving date with they/them reader and Miroslava? I miss her. Maybe something like reader feeling jealous bc Miro spends so much time with Itsuki, not knowing that she just helps Miro planning a date she wants to ask the reader out to.

If I get in and you decide to write it: thank you so much!! <3

Carving Out Time

Miroslava Honebami x They/Them Reader

A/N: I just wanna say to the person who asked for that part two to Scholarships that I am sooo sorry it’s taking so long. I just can’t remember what happened in the manga enough to write out something without re-reading that part, but to find the energy to do it is not working out. And now sorry to this person, because now that I’m re-reading the prompt, I’m thinking this might’ve supposed to have been a first date situation and I messed up. Hope you still find it somewhat enjoyable? Sorry if the spacing is as weird to y’all as it looks to me, I’m posting this while in the car on a different device. Word Count: 1,384

“Good morning, Miro!” (Y/n) darted around the corner they had just seen their partner turn mere moments ago, somehow expecting to sneak up on her for a hug from behind, but of course, Miroslava was already staring over her shoulder, golden eyes boring right into (Y/n)’s the second they came into view.

“Good morning, (Y/n).” She replied a small, but genuine smile. “Did you sleep well last night?” She lightly ran a gloved finger over their cheek, “You look tired.”

“I’m just excited that it’s finally Friday.” They yawn. “You know how much I enjoy fall, and the leaves are just right so I’m really hype about spending time with you tonight!”

Miroslava winces almost imperceivably, but having a partner who regularly gambles and is getting better at reading her micro-expressions by the day, (Y/n) mood dampened.

“No way, you have plans? Again?”

Miroslava had been flaking on (Y/n) all week. Worse yet, it was always with Sumeragi Itsuki for some reason. Itsuki was fine, (Y/n) had no real problem with her, but to be put on the back burner for their partner to go off with her doing god knows what time after time made them feel more than a little jealous.

“Yes, (Y/n), I apologize, but I promise Saturday is all yours.”

“Can you at least tell me what you’re doing? Why can’t I come? I promise I’ll stay in the car this time if this has to do with the family “cleaning” business.”

Before Miroslava could confirm that it was not Bami related, Itsuki popped up looking all excited.

“Honebami-san, I got the—“ she noticed (Y/n) standing there and quickly switched gears, something (Y/n) caught and it made them uneasy. “(Y/n), hey! How are things?”

“Fine…” However, the tone (Y/n) was using was indicating that things were indeed not ‘fine’. Not when their partner was once again leaving them high and dry to hang out with the same person she had been hanging out with all week.

Both girls were quite aware of this and had the decency to look a little sheepish.

“So you’re hanging out with Sumeragi again today and I’m not allowed to hang around for a reason you keep neglecting to share with me?”

“I know it looks weird, but it’s nothing bad, I swear!” Itsuki promised.

“Yeah, I believed that excuse the first four times, but now I’m not so sure.”

Miroslava approached (Y/n), placing her hands on either side of (Y/n)’s face, staring deep into their eyes, “It will all become clear tomorrow. I’ll have a car drop by to pick you up. Can you hang on one more day, please, for me?”

(Y/n) tried to hold firm on their position on the matter, but the pure honesty Miroslava’s eyes held made it exceedingly difficult. Finally, they sighed,

“Alright, one more day.”

“Thank you.” Miroslava stroked their cheeks with her thumbs.

“It’s all going to be worth it, you’ll see!” Itsuki chimed in.

(Y/n) managed a small smile, but they still eyed the pair warily. Just what were they doing together that they weren’t allowed to be a part of, nor know about? They went through the rest of the day feeling uneasy, heart clenching jealously every time they would catch a glimpse of Itsuki and Miro throughout the day.

They couldn’t even enjoy the sweet goodbye Miroslava gave them after school that day because watching them leave school together in the same car while (Y/n) was left behind only made the uneasiness and jealousy grow.

They didn’t want to believe something was going on between Itsuki and Miroslava, because their Miro couldn’t possibly do something so distasteful, so heartbreaking, but the more time that passed by, the more the negative little voice in the back of their brain grew. They had another hard time sleeping that night, but not because they were excited about tomorrow, they were anxious for it.

***

They startled out of a stressful dream when their phone started to ring and they cursed when they took note of the time. They were supposed to be out the door almost half an hour ago and now Miro was calling them.

“Hi, sorry, sorry, I over slept. I’m getting out of bed right now.” They said a bit frantically, almost tripping in a tangle of covers.

“Take your time, darling. No need to worry, the driver won’t leave without you. As long as he doesn’t want to find himself at the bottom of the ocean, anyway. So just take your time, wear something comfy that fits the weather and I’ll see you soon.”

“Okay, sure, yeah, see you soon.” It was clear (Y/n) was still a bit frazzled as they began digging through their closet for something nice to wear.

“(Y/n), I love you, take your time. I mean it. It’s only fair after I asked you to be so patient this week.”

(Y/n) finally slowed their movements, heart melting at how confident Miroslava sounded when she said she loved them.

“I love you too, I’ll be there soon.”

“I’m looking forward to it. See you soon.”

“See you.”

They hung up and less frantically, but no less quickly, got ready to leave the house. They apologized to the driver for their tardiness and sat on the edge of their seat the entire drive to Miroslava’s house.

When the car slowed to a stop in front of the the lavish home, Miroslava was waiting outside in a cute cream colored sweater, sleek black leggings and cream ankle boots. She looked so pretty and comfy. (Y/n) couldn’t wait to hug her!

When they rolled up to the curb, Miroslava came up to (Y/n)’s door and opened it for them, extending her hand to help them out.

“Welcome, my love.” She kissed their cheek. “I’m glad you made it.”

They got a little dreamy look on their face and smiled, “Me too.”

“Come, there’s much to do.” Miroslava grabbed their hand and lead them through the house to the backyard.

“Wow…!” (Y/n) gasped, they marveled at the changes the backyard had underwent since they had last visited.

There were many cute decorations, but the highlight was probably the lattices decorated with orange, black and white fairy lights. There was a projector screen set up along the fence in front of the outdoor furniture, currently playing a Halloween baking show, but (Y/n) could also see an array of movies sitting nearby. The outdoor kitchenette smelled like cinnamon and sugar. On top of the granite countertop were a few pumpkins of varying size accompanied by an assortment of tools and snacks.

“What do you think? It’s not too much, is it? Itsuki assured me it was perfect, but you know I’m somewhat new to all of this…” Miroslava gestured to the set-up, a faint blush dusting her pale skin.

(Y/n) hugged her tightly. “It is perfect, this is really sweet, thank you so much. I’m sorry for giving you a hard time this week. If I had known…”

“I don’t mind, I can understand why you weren’t happy, I wasn’t happy with having to spend time away from you either. Perhaps next time I should at least tell you it’s a surprise for you instead of being completely tight-lipped.”

(Y/n) squeezed her a bit tighter, “I love you.”

Miroslava melted into the hug, holding them gently, “I love you too. Now, how about we carve some pumpkins?”

“Absolutely!”

They stood next to each other talking and carving the pumpkins while the projector flickered and whirred. When the pumpkins were all lined up and lit, they washed their hands and took a big bowl of snacks to the couch in front of the projector and cuddled beneath the soft and fuzzy throw blankets, stealing a few kisses here and there. Occasionally they’d look back at the row of glowing jack-o-lanterns and chuckle at the more misshapen ones. (Y/n) would have to make sure to thank Itsuki as well for this later.

Laying on the couch in a tangle of limbs and blankets while the leaves rustled overhead and the scents of autumn and candied apple slices wafted over them, (Y/n) began planning their own special date. The fall season wasn’t over yet after all, and the apple slice Miroslava just bit into gave them the perfect idea.

[taomyou]

The Affections of an Architect - Chapter 5

Pairing: Levi Ackerman x Reader Status: ONGOING, inconsistent updates Summary: There’s a woman Levi sees every Friday on bus 143, and he thinks she’s really cute. It wouldn’t hurt to keep a paper star from her, would it? or, you and Levi take the same bus home from work every Friday, and he falls in love slowly, clumsily, and with all the time in the world to design the architecture of his dreams. Word Count: 6.9k Tags: slow burn, friends to lovers, modern au, office au, fluff, romance, meet-cute, matchmaking, levi pov (A/N: this fic is available on ao3 here if you would like to read it there instead! The Affections of an Architect is a spin-off of The Romance of Reimbursements, but can be read as a standalone if preferred. They are the same story, but The Affections of an Architect is written entirely in Levi's POV. The Romance of Reimbursements is already completed, and The Affections of an Architect is currently a side-project that will be updated infrequently.) Chapter Navigation Accompanying Playlist

our bus

“I’m driving, what do you want?”

“What?” Hange singsongs. “Can’t I just call my favorite architect friend?”

“I’m your only architect friend. I’d say Shadis barely counts, seeing as you-”

“Don’t you bring that up with me! I don’t know who started that joke that I had a crush on him,” it was Isabel, but, to be fair, she was, like, 15 at the time, “but I just thought Keith was cool! And that was way back in college!”

Levi knows that, but he rolls his eyes anyway.

“Okay, so what do you want?”

”Oh, I just wanted to call you for no reason.”

“Really?” His sarcasm bleeds through the line.

”Nope! No reason at all!”

Levi sighs. “I’m hanging up,” he takes a hand off the wheel to end the call from his car’s monitor, “text if you want to annoy me, I’ll look at it when I’m home.”

Hange’s voice passes through again. “Wait!”

“Fucking what?”

“I’m actually calling to ask if you’re gonna be free this weekend?”

Well, he knows where this is going.

“We’ve gone out every weekend for the last month, Four Eyes.”

“And?”

Which excuse is he going to give this time? “I have work.”

“Do you really?”

"Yes." This time, he's not lying—he has a work meeting tomorrow—but he'd still say yes regardless.

“Ok, well, we’ll only be out for a couple hours! Do it when you get home! You aren’t being paid extra to work overtime, anyway, so just come with! I was thinking that we could get dinner with, you know, the whole crew, plus my super cool neighbor-slash-best friend!”

He pauses for a second before putting his hand back on the wheel, sighing.

“Yeah, I’ll pass.”

“Oh, come on! Who else are you gonna socialize with? That bald dude that regifted you his grandma’s tea set?”

“He’d be better company than you, holy shit.”

“Then he can come too!” Hange laughs, and they sigh happily. “You’re coming with us, capeesh?”

Levi flicks his signal on as he waits to turn into the open parking lot in front of Magnolia Floral. “I wasn't lying, I do have work. Go without me, what’s the big deal?”

“Aw, really? That sucks! Okay, next week, then!”

Levi groans, letting himself fall forward enough to tap his forehead against the top of his steering wheel. “I’m so sick of you.”

“So what I’m hearing is ‘yes, Hange, I would love to grab dinner with you and the others next weekend! Thank you so much for inviting me, and I’ll happily wait for more details?’”

“No.”

“Well, that’s what I heard. This all works out anyway, since I just remembered Astraea is staying in this weekend. I'll text you later! Buh-bye!” They hang up, and Levi lifts his head to sigh and put his focus back on the road.

Why him? Why does it have to be him?

He’s not an idiot. He knows Hange is trying to set him up with you, and so is everybody else.

He supposes that you probably can’t pick up on Erwin and Miche’s scheming because you only knew Erwin as your work superior and you’d only met Miche for the first time a few weeks ago, but it’s not lost on him at all that the two aren’t subtle at all in their unnecessary teasing and excessive play on his “positive qualities.” Erwin drops a line or two about how Levi lead the pack of them professionally, Miche casually mentions his master’s degree, and the cycle repeats while the two of them are high-fiving each other underneath the table.

(Moblit is excluded from all this because Levi knows the guy couldn’t give a rat’s ass about anyone’s dating life (save for Hange’s—it’s painfully obvious he’s liked them since that one time they kissed at some college party Levi was forced to hear the details of from Furlan) (Isabel asked for them, not him). Moblit minds his own business otherwise).

But at least those two are at least attempting the art of subtly. With Hange, they burn the canvas with a million matches and chooses to start a bigger fire elsewhere.

”Hey, did you know Levi is set to be tenured in a few years?”

”Say, doesn’t his hair look so good today?”

”Levi, why don’t you tell her what kind of car you drive?”

”Oh, didn’t you mention making, like, seven figures a year? Really, no? Is it eight now?”

It’s so juvenile, the way they try to make him out to be such an eligible bachelor, and, quite frankly, it’s embarrassing. It’s humiliating enough that he has to be out in public with them when they act like this, but also in front of you?

Yeah, no thanks.

Ugh, and, best worst of all, “oh, Levi, you go sit next to her!”

“…Why?” You’d ask. Levi's too mortified to ask himself.

“I wanna sit with Moblit, and Miche and Erwin need to be on the ends because their legs are so long!”

Levi swears Hange makes sure to choose restaurants and eateries with only booths to accommodate their party.

He doesn’t say anything about it to them right there because doesn’t want to be rude and suggest the notion that he’d rather drive off a cliff than be squished into a booth between a giant (Erwin) and someone he’s already way too nervous to be around (you), but he hopes it’s still obvious enough to you that he’s not the one orchestrating this contact, regardless of how harmless it actually is. You probably do know all of the above is Hange’s doing, since he assumes you know well enough by now that that’s just how they are, but if you’re bothered by it, you don’t mention it yourself, and it’s not obvious enough to him for it to be any outstanding issue.

Quite frankly, that’s also probably why he’s gone this far without wanting to actually drive off a cliff—the fact that you’re also being forced in the spotlight, and that he’s not entirely alone in this weird high school-esque matchmaking plot.

It certainly doesn’t matter to Hange whether or not the two of you are receptive to their teasing, but it’s good enough that Levi can share his misery with someone else. Gives him something to think about to stave off any embarrassment that’s beyond what’s normal for Hange to bring upon him, and the forced proximity is great practice for him to steel his expression during more intimate interactions. He’s gotten pretty good at it, not that you’d notice anyway since you’re in your own world sometimes, just folding paper stars while he watches and everyone else at the table complains about the drive over.

It's probably just because he’s the closest one to you, but when you’re finished with folding a few, maybe four or five, you drop them into his hand. He rolls them around, one by one, in-between his fingers, and he just nods when you smile over at him.

Totally not because he has no other idea how he’s meant to react when that happens, but yeah.

This is all fine.

He’d rather you be uninvolved entirely, but this is the next best thing.

And, well…

He supposes it’s a nice change of pace that he now has someone to talk to on the bus, even if just once a week. He did use to wonder what your company would’ve been like (….even if that was just a month ago), and while the circumstances of his formal introduction to you were less than ideal, it’s… nice to at least know your name now. There isn’t really much that you and him talk about besides what’s considered office small talk. Maybe you'll imply you've been sleeping worse or that work's been especially hard, and he'll do the same, but that's all in-between much more lighthearted dialogue about how the weather is or what your weekend plans are.

It’s very casual, but it’s cordial, and that’s more than he can say for pretty much any other conversation he has throughout the week, so that’s good enough for him.

Plus, you have pretty good decent taste in tea, so at the tip of his tongue is a question about what you’d suggest. He’s never actually asked, but maybe he’ll venture past what’s already been established as the boundaries of this routine when the two of you aren't being constantly hounded by Hange. It's just the two of you on the bus on Fridays, but there's still the ghost of awkwardness that lingers from all the embarrassment Hange brings upon them on the weekends. It'd probably be there even if Hange wasn't like that, but, for now, he's just going to blame his nerves on that.

The driver behind him honks their horn at him, and Levi sighs again as he raises his hand in apology and puts his foot back on the pedal.

Fucking, whatever. At least there’s something for him to be looking forward to for next week, even if it is just another handful of paper stars he drops into his glovebox. Not that that really beats out seeing you on the bus, but he'll deal with that thought later.

✰

Ok, so maybe it isn't the worst thing in the world that he's being forced to go out soon. He really could use something to keep him away from his laptop because it's probably going to explode from all the angry typing he'd bound to do soon, all things considered.

Ugh, winter semester has barely even started, and there's already so many things irritating him. It's not even like it's his fault.

He spent all of winter break prepping for the new term, making sure to correct all his mistakes from fall semester, but there's a whole new plethora of problems that arise now that he's actually trying to settle into the groove of things. He was beating himself up already with the pacing of his class (which he still does, but he'd spent the last month trying to get back everyone back on track to pass, so he feels better about that now), but as the semester's progressed, he's come to realize that these problems aren't even his doing.

Annie, one of his teaching assistants, had emailed him earlier in the week to meet today before class, and she told him that, apparently, the department decided that it was a great idea to schedule all the core architectural classes at the same exact same times on the exact same days, and that's why so many students don't show up half the time and why the rest can barely keep up, even if Levi was moving slight above pace for the first couple of sessions.

He doesn't even smoke, but as the words pass through her lips and she expresses her  frustration and thinly-veiled contempt, he wants to bolt to the nearest smoke shop and get a pack of cigarettes to burn through. Annie leaves after Levi reassures her that he'd figure this all out and to relay that message amongst the other TAs, but now, as he walks back from yet another lecture with half the seats empty, he can't stop himself from sighing as he keeps his arms crossed on his walk over to the bus stop.

Seriously, what kind of fucking idiot thought that would be a good idea? He wouldn't have bothered blaming his students for double-booking courses since it's not exactly easy to get a schedule put together in the first place, but, now, he can't even if he wanted to.

How he's meant to remedy this problem, he's got no idea right now. None of his asshat colleagues even bother replying to his emails under any circumstances (especially Pixis), so he doubts they'll be any help even if they did ask. Not to mention the fact he has close-to-no pull with the department considering it's his first year teaching and he's technically still on professional probation, and he'd probably have a better shot at getting struck by lightning than being able to get different times made available for his classes.

His feet somehow guide the way to the bus stop without him really putting much thought into it, and as he goes to tap his fare against the scanner, he thinks to himself that maybe today's meant to be the day that he actually talks about something other than the weather with you. Work's never really been something Levi's found much enjoyment in talking about with others, since he's always considered his work and his private life to be very separate, and, well, private, but, all things considered, he think you'd listen without judging him.

Besides, you're a part of the bridge's journey between work and his private life, and no doubt that you have your own complaints about your day. Maybe it'd be a nice offer of comradery for his fellow subject of entertainment.

He finds his usual seat on the right, facing the sidewalk, and he slings off his backpack to put onto the spot next to him. He'd thought it was a bit much for him to him have done it last week, considering that he really doesn't need to (that one day in January was an exception), but there's no ulterior motive to it; it's just a gesture meant for himself since he moves the backpack onto his lap when the bus approaches your stop.

He'll just call it a force of habit, or something like that. He doesn't know the exact phrase he'd use, but that's hardly relevant when he'd never admit to doing something like this to literally anyone.

The bus starts back up again, and Levi tips his head back against to top of the seat to stare at the overhead lights and the route map sticker pasted above the windows. His eyes follow the red line connecting all the stops, back and forth, because it's a hell of a lot easier than accidentally letting his thoughts linger on the shitfest that is his teaching career right now, and the gentle hum of the engine combined with the rock of his seat keep his other senses occupied. He looks out at the street view in his peripherals to see if the bus has miraculously moved fast enough to get to your stop before all the other ones that come before it, but that's more of him just trying to waste enough time for you to get on.

His fifteenth time following the red string, the bus where it's meant to catch you, and Levi scrambles to move his backpack off of your seat. He holds it up by its lifting handle and gently holds its side to shake off any dust that's caught on the bottom of it, then placing it on his lap before cautiously looking out towards the front of the bus where the scanning machine is. His hands have learned to not show his nervousness anymore after having to hold them out to you so often, but he tries his best to not let it show on his face. He leans forward slightly to see because there's a few stanchions blocking his vision of the front, and he rests his chin atop his bag.

The first person that comes on isn't you, but Levi thought it could've been because the light reflecting off their watch is like the one that comes from the the clasp of your briefcase. The second person that comes on isn't you, but Levi swears it might be because the tap of their shoes on the upwards stairs are like the clicks of your flats. And the third person. And the fourth person. And the fifth person. After eight people get on the bus and are squared away in their seats or standing and holding the railing, the doors close, and the engine starts back up again, the seat to his right still unoccupied.

Levi has to blink to really make sure he hadn't missed seeing you sit down next to him. He can hear the jingle of his bird keychain as the bus starts and stops, so his ears work; he hadn't missed your greetings to the driver. He looks back up at the red line chart and through the window to make sure it'd stopped exactly where it's meant to catch you, and it did.

Huh.

It's probably just the break in routine that's getting to him, but his face falls slightly. He slumps back in his seat, moving his bangs out of his face, and he sighs as he lets the weight of his backpack settle further back onto him.

Like a rolodex, his mind riffles through all the possible explanations as to why you aren't here, cards flipping mechanically and without rest.

Are you stuck in the office? Did you get off early? Did you decide to try out a new line to get home? Is he the one that's on the wrong bus? Did you take your car to work today? Did you decide you were getting sick of having to see him so often?

The actual answer could be more important to him if he had any semblance of entitlement for your thoughts, but he doesn't, so the reason why you're not here isn't important either. The two of you hardly know each other beyond formalities and half-truths that're probably more fiction than not, and while, yes, he isn't repulsed by your existence like he is most other people, that's not enough reason for him to really have that be any of his business.

Still, he thinks he cares is curious enough for it to not be that weird if he were to text you and ask if you weren't going to be on the bus at all today.

Maybe something happened to you? There's no harm in looking out for someone who's, at the very least, a frequent acquaintance, right?

Looking over at the empty seat next to him, he concludes that he is right; it really would be okay. He wouldn't mind if you'd done the same if you were in his position, or more since he'd think you're more forthcoming with your friendship than he is. You've already exchanged numbers anyway, even if neither of you use it, so it's not like he's really having to go out of his way to contact you.

Think of it as a premature gesture to reassure you that his opinion of you hasn't been tainted by Hange's ramblings about your (definitely inflated) salary and whatever else they want to lie about.

He moves his backpack back onto your seat so he can stand briefly to get his phone from his back pocket, and he rests his right elbow on the plush of his bag as he pulls up your contact on his phone. He drums his nails against its side as he ponders what to text, but it's not all that hard when it's straightforward enough.

Not taking the bus today?

That's casual enough. Not demanding of any further answers, not too small-talk-esque that it suggests he's only asking to get your attention for something else.

Very casual. Very simple. Very face-value.

Yeah, that's good.

He sends it as-is, and he sees the Read receipt almost immediately. No reply comes in, though, even after he waits for a minute or so, and he pockets his phone again to ignore the email notification he just got from his work account.

That's kinda embarrassing, but whatever.

It's probably better, then, that you're not on the bus today. He can't imagine how boring he would've been to you, talking about his work, and how inconsiderate it probably would've been if he just sprung that on you. He imagines the most likely reason you're not here is that you're caught up in the office, and that combined with the bags underneath your eyes that he's noticed over the past couple of weeks means you probably have your own share of hardship at work too. He wouldn't ever comment on it, but it's best left unsaid anyway.

He sighs as he crosses his arms and tips his head down to wait out the rest of the ride. He'd go to sleep if he could, but a thirty-minute nap hardly sounds appealing anyway with all the bumps and breaks of the ride. His mind just focuses on the abrupt starts and stops, and because there's so many and they're so inconsistent, he's very easily able to just force time to pass that way and, sooner rather than later, he's at his stop, and he boards off after raising his hand in thanks to the driver through the rear mirror.

On her way out the house this morning, Isabel mentioned that her evening class was cancelled for the day (basically asking if Levi could take her home after her afternoon shift), so after he slings his backpack onto both shoulders, he heads over to the floral shop to go fetch her. She should be wrapping up by the end of the hour, but Levi's fine just waiting in his car 'til she's done. As he approaches it, he rolls his eyes at the display that's been put up in the storefront window.

Gaudy, obnoxious red roses in (quite frankly, kinda ugly) vases line the bottom, and hearts are drawn over the glass in all the cheesy romantic colors. Heart balloons with corny pick-up lines and red animals are floating at the sides of the display, and Levi can see more of them lingering at the back of the shop. There's a holiday banner hung at the top of the window and there's lights strung beneath it, and Levi cringes to himself as he takes it all in. He'd already been acutely aware that Valentine's Day was coming up because several students have asked for extensions on their projects that're due by then, but, now, it's like he's being forced to remember.

No doubt that this is all Isabel's handiwork because none of this was up when he parked his car here in the morning. The elder Magnolias have no trouble with subtly and they already had a Valentine's Day display set up with some teddy bears and their usual assortment of roses at the front, but their daughter probably just wanted to make a bigger deal out of it and redid it herself. Probably told them that it'd be better for business if lonely businessmen were to be reminded of the upcoming romantic holiday (even though any respectable husband would've remembered regardless, and the less-than-respectable ones would just go to the grocery store just a few feet away for shittier flowers instead).

Levi looks over his shoulders to check that there's nobody around (because the last thing he wants people to think is that he buys into this romantic bullshit), and he opens the door to the shop to go check on Isabel. The bell rings as he steps inside, and he scans the store quickly to look for her, and he spots her at the counter where she usually is, her back turned.

"Isabel, do you need a ride back toda-"

And, mid-sentence, he makes eye contact with a very familiar face.

You sheepishly wave from where you are, right at the counter. "Hey, Levi."

He pauses, blinking.

What're you doing here?

He makes his way closer to where you and Isabel are, his eyes looking anywhere but you. They land on the countertop, where, now that he's closer, he can see that Isabel's assembling a bouquet.

Isabel turns around, and she waves at him in greeting. "Nah, I'm good. I was gonna go to the movies after my shift's over." Levi nods, and his eyes drift back awkwardly to you. "Oh, yeah!" Isabel continues, pointing an accusatory finger at him. "You bastard, she told me you guys made the tarts! Why didn't you just tell me that? Me and Furlan have been looking all over Yelp to try and find them, and you just let us struggle!"

Levi rolls his eyes. Seriously, that's what she's mad about? "Because, if I told you, you'd force me to make them for you."

"Damn straight I would!" Isabel whines while grabbing some more floral accessories. "You don't even know how to bake! Is that why some of them were so ugly?"

To his right, you laugh, looking away from the pair to hide your smile. Levi holds his breath for a second to steel his face because he already can feel blood rushing to his face.

"Yeah, Levi, why were they so ugly?" You tease.

"Good one!" Isabel laughs, the sound just a bit louder than the crinkle of the floral wrapping paper that she's assembled around the bouquet. She tilts it up to show it to you, and she waits as you get closer to look at it. "How do you like it?"

Is it yours?

"It's perfect! Thank you so much!"

Levi stands where he is as you and Isabel drift over to the register, but your eyes float back to his once you're there.

Again, he steels his face. He can't be too sure he doesn't turn red if he doesn't do that.

"Why didn't you tell them where they came from?" You ask.

He shrugs, leaning back onto the counter. "Didn't want to bother you for the recipe if they asked for more." That, and he doesn't want to give off the impression that he only values your company because you can give him something tangible.

Oh, god, he's trying so hard to look nonchalant, but he's already having trouble not stealing glances over at the bouquet now sitting on the register table while Isabel punches in something into the machine there.

Red and white are the colors he spots in the assortment. No roses, but it seems Valentine-esque, doesn't it? He's not so old-fashioned to believe that any and all flowers are just for lovers, but it's the most natural assumption when Valentine's Day is less than a week away. He doesn't think Hange would encourage homewrecking, so he'll rule out the possibility that you've got a lover already, but maybe you're interested in someone else already and just waiting for Hange to get off your back so you can pursue them?

He sees you wave your hand half-heartedly, and he pulls his attention away from the flowers.

"It wouldn't be a bother," you tell him, smiling slightly.

"I don't think I could make them anyway. It was mostly you."

You roll your eyes at him, probably teasing him. "Don't sell yourself short. I could make them again for Isabel and your other friend too, you know? I don't mind."

Before he can tell you he wouldn't want to inconvenience you and pull you away from whatever free time you have outside of work and hanging out with Hange (which he assumes isn't that much time to begin with), you excuse yourself to go over to the register and pay for the flowers.

You smile at Isabel, and you bring up the bouquet to smell them before tucking them underneath your arm. "I should be leaving now, but thank you so much, Isabel! I'll be sure to get some more tarts to you, and I'll text you," and you look over at Levi now, that smile still on your face as you speak to him, "the recipe when I'm home, okay? Bye"

When you're out the door, Levi turns to glare at Isabel.

She looks back at him, eyebrow raised. "What're you looking at me like that for?" Looking between him and the door, she smirks, crossing her arms across her chest. "You want me to tell you who those flowers are for, don't you?"

Levi frowns, scrunching his nose. "What the fuck? No, I don't."

"You totally do!" Isabel laughs, uncrossing her hands to put her elbows on the register. "What, you like her? I don't blame you, she's really pretty! I have been wanting to go to a wedding lately, think you'll be having one anytime soon?"

"I don't like anyone, much less her," he sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. "And since when do you care about my dating life?"

"You don't have one for me to care about!"

He walks over to her, flicking her forehead once he's close enough. "Exactly, and that's how it's going to stay." Isabel knows by now that Levi's just messing around, so she doesn't move her hands, instead letting Levi rub at the spot with his thumb so that it doesn't hurt.

Still, that doesn't stop her from whining. "Oh, come on, Levi! I'm just teasing you!"

Levi pulls away and rolls his eyes. "You must think you're so funny."

"I do, actually," she huffs, smiling. "Okay, but, really, do you wanna know?"

Yes.

"It's none of my business."

She raises a brow. "That's not a 'no.'"

"It is."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, Romeo," Isabel taunts. "Say, do you think you could give me her number? She seems really nice, and it'd be good for me to be acquainted with a lawyer, y'know? In case I get into legal trouble or something."

"You're insufferable. I'm going home," Levi groans. "And she's a family lawyer. Unless you need a divorce or custody of your kids, she's not gonna be much help." On top of giving out your personal information being a real invasive breach of privacy, he's a bit humiliated to be left on read. He's not just gonna go back and look at your contact just to be reminded of how pathetic he is.

"Still! I think she's cool, I'd wanna be friends with her! Do you think you could at least pass my number off onto her?"

"Ask Four Eyes for her number if you want it so fucking bad, I'm not doing that either."

"You're no fun," Isabel sighs. "Well, go on home. I'll be back at, like, 11 or something."

"Call me if you need a ride later, Furlan's out for drinks with his coworkers so don't get in a car with him. Or make one of your annoying ass friends drop you off, I don't care as long as you come back in one piece."

"Yes, dad, I'll make sure to wear my seatbelt too," she replies, waving him off in the direction of the door. "Now, shoo!"

"Don't need to tell me twice," he says under his breath, turning on his heel to leave.

Just before he puts his hand on the door to push it open, Isabel yells out at him again. "Wait! I actually forgot my keys today, can you or Furlan stay up to open the door when I'm back?"

"No." He already saw that she left them in the morning, though, so he fishes the obnoxious neon orange lanyard she keeps her keys on from his backpack's side pocket and throws it back to her. "But stop forgetting them. You're lucky I saw them on the couch on my way out."

She catches it before grinning at him and making a heart with her hands above her head. "You're the best, Levi! How ever can I repay my hero?"

"You can start by vacuuming the living room."

"Oh, nevermind then."

He expected as much. "Of fucking course. Anything else?"

"Well, Romeo, since you were asking, she was getting those flowers for her-"

And before she can finish her sentence, Levi is through the door and already on his way out.

✰

After getting home, getting changed into comfier clothe, and making dinner for himself (and for his housemates to eat when they get home), Levi is now at the dining table, typing an email on his laptop as he gets ready to turn in for the night.

The solution he's come up with to making sure his students don't fall behind and don't have to choose between his class and someone else's whose much less forgiving is that he's going to have to start recording his lectures and providing a separate transcript of his lessons. It's unfortunate that that's the only reliable enough option, since it's sure to lessen attendance and the department will hound him for not being strict enough to demand it, but it's the only solution Levi has that isn't going to inconvenience anyone but himself.

He has to email the technician for the lecture hall he teaches in because it doesn't have a camera and recording system hooked up, and he'll figure out what else needs to be done later. He's already done enough since having dinner—redoing his course syllabus sheets, contacting all his TAs and students and informing them of any changes, doing some preliminary grading to help take the load off his teaching staff—and a lot more to do, but, right now, all he cares about is getting settled in for the night and having a cup of tea.

After proofreading the email and making sure that he's properly listed what he needs for the class recordings to happen, he hits send and is on his way to get some water boiling. He closes his laptop and brings his phone with him to the kitchen so he can keep track of time, and he goes to the counter to grab the kettle and fill it with water.

While he's waiting for it to get full, he hears his phone go off with a text notification. Is Isabel already on her way home?

He checks it, and it's you.

Astraea - 8:56 PM

sorry i didn't get back to you earlier yeah, i had work off today to plan an intern's birthday party

...Is that who the flowers were for?

Levi mentally knocks himself for immediately assuming that they'd be for someone else for something else, but before he can do anything else about it, the water has spilled over and Levi has to frantically move it out from under the spout and put the kettle on the counter. He goes to grab a kitchen towel to clean up the spill, and he frowns as he goes to pick up the now-wet fabric and put it in the laundry bin in the washroom. Coming back to the kitchen, he plugs in the kettle and turns it on. While he's doing that, his phone goes off again, but it

When he comes back, there's another text from you. This time, it's a picture from what looks like a handwritten recipe book.

Astraea - 9:03 PM

here's the recipe! sorry, my handwriting's kind of garbage

Clicking on the picture and zooming in, it really doesn't. It's fine enough to read, all the numbers clear and written distinctly. The two-page layout is spotted at the edges with what looks like flour residue and earmarked, but it looks like all the other pages in this recipe book are too. It seems well-loved.

Levi - 9:07 PM

No need to be sorry I was just worried you missed our bus

Is that the right word to use? Worried? The word feels a bit too... intimate, but Levi thinks it's the truth; he was worried something had happened to you, even if he knew he wasn't entitled to know what that was.

Looking at the text again now that it's sent, his face falls when he reads that he'd written out "our bus."

He puts his phone face-down on the counter and runs his hands down his face, groaning.

Why the fuck did he do that? Sure, he considers seeing you there every week part of his routine, but that doesn't mean he entirely associates it with you. He doesn't own the bus, neither do you, so what the fuck was he thinking, call it our bus?

Okay, okay, he can save this. Hange, in their infinite wisdom, would suggest making a joke, and even though Levi doesn't quite listen to their advice, that seems like the appropriate thing to do now.

Levi picks up his phone again.

Levi - 9:09 PM

And I'm a professor, do you think I can't handle some messy handwriting?

He waits impatiently when he sees you typing back a response near immediately, but a breath of relief passes through his lips when you don't say anything about his text about our bus.

Astraea - 9:10 PM

i said nothing of the sort! but is it really that messy?

Levi - 9:10 PM

I can read it just fine Thank you for sending it

He's not entirely sure he's going to be making use of it anytime soon, but it'll be nice to have if he needs to get Isabel to clean her bathroom or get Furlan to grab dinner on his way home when Levi's took lazy to cook.

Astraea - 9:11 PM

yeah, of course! let me know if you need help with any of it

Levi - 9:12 PM

I definitely will need it

Astraea - 9:13 PM

i can also make them for you guys i really don't mind

Levi frowns slightly. Of all the half-truths Hange tells him about you to get him interested in you, the one he finds the most true is that you're much too kind and forthgiving with your time.

Levi - 9:13 PM

You barely have time to sleep

Astraea - 9:14 PM

and how do you know that?

Levi - 9:14 PM

You look more tired nowadays

Astraea - 9:14 PM

that noticeable?

Levi - 9:15  PM

Yeah, no offense

Fuck, why the fuck did he say that? It isn't that hard to keep his mouth shut about it, but it's not really like he's lying or exaggerating. He groans again as he puts down his phone, this time, face-up, and he hears that the kettle beeps. As he goes to grab a teacup for himself and the cannister of dandelion root tea that's about half-way empty now, he sees another text back from you.

He tips some of the tea leaves into a strainer, and he drops it into his teacup, watching as the colors bleeds into the water. In his peripheral, he reads what you'd said.

Astraea - 9:16 PM

none taken i'm in bed so i'm gonna go to sleep

That's good to hear. He'll assume that Hange's backed off on having you join any plans now that Levi isn't coming, so you can actually rest up this weekend. He sets a timer for his tea before replying to you.

Levi - 9:16  PM

Sleep well then

Astraea - 9:16 PM

you too!

There's an unfamiliar flip in his chest at the sentiment of the text—like he's about to throw up but he doesn't feel the actual dread that comes with that feeling—but he ignores it.

And maybe it's because you're already on his mind and there's already a cup brewing, but he takes a picture of the teacup as it sits alone on his countertop, and he considers for a second sending it to you so that you can see that he's making good use of what you'd given him. He attaches it, and he types out the first thing that comes to mind.

I will. See you next week

And, almost immediately, he physically cringes and deletes everything: the text, the picture, the thought of sending something like that at all. He clears all the apps active on his phone, and he haphazardly slides it across the counter to be out of reach.

What the fuck is going on with him today? He's all worked up over nothing, and it's making him act all... weird. He's a near-thirty-year old man, what the hell is he doing?

Before the tea feels like it's had enough time to steep, his phone beeps to tell him that it has. Maybe time just moves faster when he's flustered. He takes out the strainer, opening it and tapping it against the side of the compost bin, then dropping it into the sink, and he pulls the teacup closer to him.

And even though there's nobody around, before he takes a sip, he looks over both shoulders again here because, uh... he doesn't know? He thinks a robber has broken in? God forbid he's not aware of that happening if somebody had just come in and ransacked all his belongings.

It's definitely just because he's shy all-of-a-sudden, but he isn't going to be the one to admit that.

As he takes his first sip of his tea, he finds himself smiling faintly at the taste. It's become familiar, as absurd as that sounds, and regardless of how much of a mess today way, this is still a nice way for him to end his evening before having to turn in and get showered and ready for tomorrow. The citrine eventually calms his nerves, and he carries the cup with him to the couch as he watches a rerunning episode of some random cop show that pisses him off.

And as he watches the courthouse drama unfold and tips the cup all the way up to find it empty, the thought strikes him as harshly as the gavel does wood—that even without any meddling or orchestration by anyone other than the universe, he was able to see you on this particular Friday.

And that realization is kinda... nice.

Yeah, nice. It's nice that the one good thing he's looked forward to for the last, like, five months still hasn't really changed, and that he can keep that little bit of nicety to himself to enjoy.

...

God, he's going to be so fucking nervous when he sees you next week.

✰

Next Chapter - coming soon!

thank you for reading, and please consider checking out a sip of sunshine for more content from levi's pov! it's postcanon, slow burn, angst, (domestic) fluff, friends to lovers, and is a very lengthy levi character study (42k+, to be completed by the end of august)! i'd appreciate it a lot ^^

[dangerous-disposition]

WIP Wednesday - Friday (from last week): romcom!AU edition

So I've just been plugging away at this fic and I actually kinda just forgot to keep posting the snippets but I'm here!!! I'm going to post the snippets I promise so here is the next section!!

The Set-Up - Steve POV & SFW

“You wanna take a shower before you go?”

“Probably a good idea. I’m pretty sure there’s lube in my hair,” Eddie complained lightly, raising an eyebrow accusingly at Steve. “You have any idea how that got there, Stevie?”

“I plead the fifth,” Steve responded and Eddie rolled his eyes with a laugh. When Eddie made a move to roll over to the edge of the bed, Steve grabbed his wrist lightly and smiled when the other man looked over at him curiously. “Quick kiss?”

Eddie’s expression relaxed, even as he sighed heavily and leaned over. “So needy,” he grumbled before kissing him. And Steve knew Eddie was just teasing, that it was just a joke, and he even knew that he was being a little needy.

The comment still cut Steve to the quick.

When Eddie pulled away, he immediately rolled off the bed and onto his feet. Steve absently registered that Eddie was complaining about something—“Jesus, my legs are still fuckin’ Jello.”—and he was pretty sure he laughed an appropriate amount when he realized Eddie was looking at him. Eddie had smiled back at him, broad and dimpled before disappearing in the bathroom, leaving the door open.

Steve watched the doorway for several moments before turning to stare up at the ceiling. Letting out a slow breath, Steve closed his eyes and tried to bring back some semblance of the confidence he was feeling just ten minutes ago.

“Needy.”

Letting out an explosive sigh, Steve ground the heels of his palms against his eyes.

It only hit so deep because it was true. At his core, no matter how much he tried to make sure everyone was happy and content, Steve was desperate for the attention and affections of others. He was clingy and pushy, and sometimes inappropriate like asking a one-night stand for a kiss before he went to take a shower before going home.

“Yes, Steve, you wanted ten days to ‘get away.’ Not me, but you didn’t even actually ask me.” “You suggested it! What, I was just supposed to go on a vacation alone?” “Of course not, Steve. I mean, you don’t even go to the grocery store alone.”

The argument with Nancy was crawling back into his head for the first time since before he went to the pool. Steve had managed to tuck away the hurt and the bitterness, even while talking about her to Eddie, but now? While he was grappling with wanting Eddie to stay when the man wanted to leave? It was impossible not to remember what she said. Hell, didn’t he just prove some of her point? Not even twenty-four hours after she dumped him and Steve was already fucking someone and getting moody that they wouldn’t spend the night.

Steve only managed one night alone, and that was probably only because he was drunk.

Taking a deep breath, Steve worked to set aside those thoughts until Eddie left. The man would be finishing up in the shower soon, and Steve didn’t want him coming out to find him moping like a child.

Tagging the people who asked for a snippet: @sidekick-hero @scarcrossdlvrs @inairbinad @theheadlessphilosopher @hellion-child @stobinesque Tagging the ppl i think would also want to see this: @xenon-demon @lets-try-to-be-normal-otakus @thefreakandthehair @legitcookie @patchworkgargoyle @starryeyedjanai

[tellthemeerkatsitsfine]

Was my mother's birthday today. Spent the weekend making her a video as a gift, today went to her friend's house after work for a birthday celebration. Tomorrow after work have to go perform ten minutes of stand-up for the first time (have previously only done six). Have a document full of ideas for stuff to try beyond my six minutes, just need to sit down and map out a plan. Had several hours to do that tonight. But also have to go this weekend to the junior and senior national championships that are being hosted in my city this year, a few years ago that would have meant months of hard work on my part, I've now stepped back from the sport so much that I wasn't even part of the prep, I just need to show up. There's the competition, and then also my first ever teammate/training partner, whom I started training with in 2005, has recently retired from competition, which doesn't normally warrant a national event but it does for her because she had a massive career that included a gold medal at the Rio Olympics, so on Friday they're doing a ceremony before the finals at the championship to honour her, and then a social at the bar after that of course I'm looking forward to because she lives across the country now so I haven't seen her in ages but I love her and want to be there to celebrate her, but also that event will be full of coaches and athletes and refs that I used to see all the time and now barely see, due to my stepping back from the sport, about which I feel very conflicted and find very emotionally difficult, so I'll just go confront that all weekend, partly at a bar, while I'm still trying to avoid drinking though to be honest I've slipped a few times in the last few weeks.

And these are the few hours that I was supposed to spend mapping out my stand-up set plan, but every time I look at the page I become overwhelmed with 1) the idea that I've happened to come up with a few funny things but everything else I might think of would be embarrassingly terrible, and 2) I did stuff on the weekend and then more stuff today and then there will be stuff tomorrow and then stuff Friday and then stuff all weekend and it's too much stuff and I can't think about any of it.

Thought of how John Robins occasionally explains that "If I have to think about four things at once I'll curl up in a corner instead of thinking about any of them and then tomorrow there will be five things." Decided to throw on the radio show to distract myself. I'm into March 2018, when John Robins is the middle of his large tour during which he filmed Darkness of Robins. The first few months of 2018 on that radio show is just documenting John Robins having a breakdown; at first he said he'd do dry January then says no because touring is too stressful, comes in tired and a bit sick one week then full on tonsillitis and can hardly talk then keeps getting sick with other things and explaining that he's not sleeping then turns up to an episode an hour late because he forgot it was happening, reports that he's lost a stone from stress, then takes a couple weeks off and gets replaced by James Acaster, comes back the next week with fresh anecdotes about having a cry in a hotel room, entirely because there were too many things going on and had to do too many things in a row. I was looking forward to getting to the era of this show when I find out what happens when you win a Perrier Award, and now I know. You significantly expand your tour at the beginning of the following year due to increased demand, and then have a breakdown due to increased having to do things on multiple days in a row.

This is the saga I jump back into as my distraction, listen to him explain how touring is still wildly stressing him out, and I thought, this sounds familiar except that I've been paralyzed by the stress of a ten-minute open mic set in a way that feels relatable when he discusses the stress of like a 68-date tour. Then I thought, to be fair, John Robins is not doing quite a stressful job all day involving constant human interaction. It's the constant human interaction. I need to not have that. I also need to have a better idea for stuff to say in a pub tomorrow. And preferably a brain that can think about four things at a time without short circuiting.

Also I have scratches all over my hands because a kid had a meltdown at work. He stood up, screamed, cried, hit himself, fucked up my hands, and then I played him some Lynn Miles and he very slowly calmed down. I tried to change the song but he used his very small verbal repertoire to say "play that again" so I just kept it on repeat. If you ever see someone have a meltdown, try this song:

Some scratches on my hand are not actually a big deal, I don't mind that. It's the look in his eyes when he does it. He doesn't want to hurt me. It's so clear that he's just truly desperate to make it stop and thinks tearing something apart might help and is willing to try anything. I'd let him do it as much as he wanted if 1) I thought it would actually help, and 2) it weren't very dangerous to teach a kid - a kid who will one day grow up to be a black man who has a disability that causes him to make strange noises and barely be able to communicate and not understand the rules and sometimes get uncontrollably upset in public, that it's okay to grab people and dig your nails in when you get upset. Our goal with his therapy is mainly to make sure he doesn't grow up to do the wrong thing to the wrong person in public and get badly hurt. I get very scared when I think what might happen if he's still responding to stress by grabbing people once he's too big to be cute.

See, you can't make jokes about that. Not in ten minutes, anyway. Maybe a highly emotional Edinburgh hour. But I can't make jokes about that, and everything funny that does happen at my job is protected by medical confidentiality anyway. It's not fair, other comedians have jobs with amusingly stupid clients and things like that. What am I supposed to talk about? I mean I've got a Word document but I'm looking at it and I don't think I've ever had a good idea in my entire life. And I still can't think about more than one thing at a time.

...New Taskmaster date's exciting though. Pretty hyped about that. Taskmaster! March 28! They've all gone big on costumes! Let's fucking go!

I am actually fine, by the way. I made some posts earlier in 2024 about how I was in mental health crisis, which was true then, I just want to clarify that I'm not in that now. I'm just overwhelmed because I've been asked to do more than like two things at a time and I possibly should start leaving some of my anxiety meds at my mother's house so I don't just skip the nights when I stay here. I'll feel a lot better after my set tomorrow. I had a stressful fucking week last week too, for reasons that have nothing to do with any of this, so that doesn't help. This is really making me remember why I hated university so much, though. I don't do well with homework.

[kolour-me-kourt]

Chapter Twenty four:Flying out

"Okay baby I'm heading out I'll try to come back tonight or tomorrow morning" she says kissing his forehead while he was still laying down"if you can leave today just come to the game" he looked pitiful it almost made her wanna cry. When she left her home Friday with all intentions on staying the whole week he had things planned he was pushing for her to come to the away game because he already had something planned with her Phoenix. It's Monday he would be going to Arizona today and she would be going ... back to her city.

She set up a zoom call with Liangelo's assistant and she had a meeting with her new clients Jonah and Lorenzo. She was finally meeting Jonah's partner even though she was pretty sure it was Lorenz. And lastly she had to meet with her boss.... Doing all of this the day she gets back was crazy and that's why she had to fly out at seven in the morning. Cause she had to make her baby's game he was looking too depressed and they needed to win.

Jayson glanced outside "it's still dark I don't want you in a Uber I'll drive." He was yawning before he could even finish the sentence "I gotta head out ... like in five minutes" YN had anxiety when it came to flights and being there on time.  he smiled "im just sliding these sweats on and taking you bae give me one second." He peed and brushed his teeth quickly. Walking out grabbing her bags from her hands and they started to go towards the car he grabbed the keys off the hook locking up the house.

They get in the car putting on seat belts and then he takes off towards the airport. "You'll call me when you get home right?" "You won't be sleep?" "I will be ... but still call you'll get there around nine right?" "Yeah if they leave on time" "and then what's in your line up" "I have my meeting with new clients at 10 then a zoom with Liangelo assistant at 11:30 then I have a meeting with my boss at 2." "You can try and get you a nap between those last two."

"Yeah I might be too nervous about that last one I've never been in trouble at work like what if she fires me" "baby you didn't do anything wrong grown men being petty got you in this situation it's your first issue at work they not firing you. You do too much for them" "what if they say I can't come to Boston anymore like to live cause they don't trust me... maybe that's why she's calling me in to tell me the bad news" "let's just hope not ... these four days straight have been better than any other ones cause it's really like we live together" she smiled

"I was thinking about that while I was getting ready to go... like what made this time different" "yeah it felt like you was never gonna leave ... in the best way possible" she smiled "I know what you saying baby" "so you'll come to Phoenix tonight? Game starts at seven I know you'll be tired but baby please" "ima try bae you know the plane ride is a little over four hours ... but I'll try" "that's all I ask"

YN ran the numbers in her head if she Ubers to her office and leaves her luggage in her office while she talks to her bosses. She wouldn't have to go back home she could just Uber or get Leslie to drive her... that would also give her time to catch Leslie up on the meeting. The meeting is supposed to be short so she should be able to leave by 2:30 if she leaves the city at 3....4,5,6. Getting there after six he'll already be at the game but she would still be on time technically.

"You think you can get the private jet to be ready at 3 and then have a car service at the hotel for when I get to Arizona? Like I'll be cutting it close but I might can get there" he smiled "yeah I'll call them right at 9" "okay thank you baby" "thank you too" she smiled and then he pulled into the departure lane of the airports "I love you I'll see you tonight." "I love you too. Call when you get home Fr" "i willl" She kisses his lips grabbing her luggage rushing to tsa.

She barely makes it through before they start boarding first class but she makes it. Once she's on the plane she sighs in relief. Okay good start to the day she thought.

The plane was partially empty it was no one else on her row and they were giving out orange juice and water. Once she landed Leslie picked her up. From the airport.

"Hiiii girl" "Hi Leslie thanks for coming ... breakfast on me" "oh shit I'm ordering everything rich lady" YN laughs. "Girl hush... how you been?"

" busy cause of this Mr.Ball situation writing statements and reworking contracts" "yeah sorry bout that" "he wasn't specific so what happened" "ummm long story made very short Jay punched Melo" "what!??!" "Yes girl" she sighs

"and since you his girlfriend you got punished" "pretty much" "it's was the company or Liangelo?" "Liangelo cut ties I don't even think he told Alicia and then" "why would Jayson just punch him though that seems out of character" "and it definitely is but you not ready for all of that and I can't even tell that story tbh"

Once they got to YNs house she took a quick shower and asked Leslie to order some breakfast. So when YN got dressed and out of the shower she expected food but smelled nothing.

"Leslie what happened" "well Jonah and Lorenzo wanna meet at a restaurant" "ohhh okay" "I'm gonna grab a muffin? You want one? I'm bout to pass out" "lol yeah chocolate chip is fine" "bet" YN goes into her kitchen looking at her muffins shaking her head she walks back out

"Um they're molded I have to deep clean this whole house. I was in such a rush on Friday I didn't even take out the parishable food" "well we about to meet them soon so we might as well just head out" "yeah I'm glad they pushed it to 10:30" "you riding with me?" Leslie asks "if you don't mind Doll😂😂 and if you could take me to the pj after my last meeting" "oh wow yeah just so I can see what one looks like" YN laughs "bet" they head to Leslie's car at 10:00.

"Why you don't invite me on your lil trips I won't bother you and Jayson" "you wanna come to Arizona today?" "Don't play with me yn" "I'm serious we're only staying for a day and then going back to Boston tomorrow morning.... And I can show you arounddd and I can show you were my new place is gonna be we do have a fundraiser to go to tomorrow but like we should still be able to hang out" "you not moving in?" "With him?! Nooooo not yet" "and why not" "I haven't even met his son in person ... I would prefer that before just springing this on him" "but his son is only there half the time" "yeah but still and idk if he's even ready for that"

"well I do wanna come with you" "okay but you gotta come to the game" "of course ... I guess I'll just run and get my stuff after I drop you off at the office for your zoom meeting" "sound good to me see ask and you'll receive" YN laughs "ima ask for everything now ... I'm surprised Jayson ain't called yet" " oh shit I was suppose too call him let me do it now"

YN calls and it rings and rings and rings so she hangs up calling right back. "Baby it's after ten you were supposed to call as soon as you landed" "your phone on dnd" "baby you ain't call me until just now" "I know I was just saying"she smirked "mhm how was your flight" "pretty good it was empty me and Leslie are heading to our meeting now" her way of telling Jayson that she wasn't in the car alone "well okay baby I have the jet waiting for you at 2"

"babyyyy they'll have to wait cause I said 3" "I know but something in my heart told me to tell them 2 I did say you might get there after three so don't feel like you gotta rush they expecting some time" "okay baby thank you I love you and um Leslie is gonna come with me" "to Arizona? And Boston?" "Yeah I wanna show her around my part time city and she wants to come to the game" "okay I'll make sure y'all get the passes and tell her I'll get her a room by us so she don't have to worry bout it". "Tell him thank youuuu" "Leslie saysss thank youuu and are the passes on my phone? " "yeah it's on your phone bae and of course I gotta make sure your friends like me so you'll stay with me" "boy... when are you heading to the team plane" "right now" "did you eat?" " no I didn't ... and I'm feeling it right now"

"your mom had left overs in the fridge" "damn you Fr?" "Hella that's the whole reason she came over for five seconds yesterday ... she said it was your favorite" "you got me tempted to turn around" YN laughs "sorry baby I thought I told you" "I think you did I just forgot this morning with everything going on" "well she'll make you some more I'm sure" "hopefully or you gotta learn how to fix it" "I have too?" "I'll appreciate if you do" "it won't be your mamas tho I don't have time for that" "for what?" "Nothing mamas boy"

"I don't expect it to taste like hers" "you say that and then I fix it for you and you'll be like this shit nasty af" "I don't talk to you like that stop performing for Leslie" YN laughs even louder "baby that's not what I'm doing" "I'll see that ass tonight ... once I get settled I'll get her room stuff and send it to you" "okay baby once again thank you I love youuuu" "I love you too see you soon" "see you soon baby byeeee" "bye bae" YN hangs up

"You got me hype" "good you wanna do something after the game?Cause k think he just has a little dinner planned for us but you can come" "I'll probably be tired and you should be with your man... I'll catch back up with you in Boston" "I don't ride the team plane with him so you can just ride with me" "oh? Really?" "No... I don't think I can. I've never asked😂😂" "interesting" she laughed

"I couldn't imagine being on the plane with all those men" "shit I can!! Walking down the aisle to all those giants" "girl bye" YN laughs She parks the car. "I'm just saying" "I get you girl"

They head into the restaurant to find Jonah and Lorenzo and just like YN thought it was Lorenz. "Damn his partner fine too I'm bout to work for them" Leslie smiles as they walk over "please be professional" "I'm just saying ... or you so in love you don't see nobody else" "that's correct" "whatever bitch" YN laughs again

"Hi Jonah nice to see you again ... hiiii Lorenz" "ouu Lorenz do you two know eachother?" Jonah asks Lorenzo smiles "yes I've had the pleasure of meeting YN before how are you?" "Great I'll be even better once we get started on this deal ... also this is my lovely and always helpful assistant Leslie" "hi nice to meet you two" she smiles bashfully

YN yawns "it's only 10:30 already sleepy?" Lorenzo asks her she smiles "I was on a red eye because you guys are my main priority" "I like that" "so what do you need from us do that we can help you better" Jonah asks "well in a perfect world I would like to construct a list of everything we need to do and then split it up... but that doesn't work" "why not" "well all the jobs aren't equal some are so time consuming plus I need you two to give me deadlines with all these projects"

"Well we have that written out already I can email it over to you later today" Lorenzo states "great! And I was thinking we could rate the jobs like what's the most time consuming and what's the least time consuming and then break it up from low moderate and high and thennnn chose from each"

"that makes sense to me YN ... but you have all the connections" "which Leslie will send you the information and just casually drop me in the conversation within the first three minutes" they all share a laugh

The rest of the meeting went well food was good conversation was great and they got a lot of planning done. Next they rushed to the office so YN could make the zoom meeting. Once it started YN was shocked to see Gelo behind his employee. But she straightened her face and went straight into bite the bullet she apologized for not knowing the personal situation and she apologized for what happened she apologized for everything she could think of and then she offered to pass his buisness to the next employee ... shockingly they agreed. YN thinks it's because he didn't want to pay the contract fees but she'll take it as a win anyway. And now it was 1:00 she glanced at her mini fridge standing up she grabs a water. When her bosses knock on her door.

"Come innnn" YN says melodically "hiiii we just got the good news nice work glad you were able to solve the problem any suggestions on who would should pass it too?" "Um possibly Hannah... I think she also works well with more known clients"

"well I'll definitely keep that in mind.... Now to the real reason we came in here we have a corporate meeting at 2:30" "and we just remembered you're supposed to be off soooo" they glanced at eachother smiling YN speaks up "so?" her heart was racing and breath was heavy.

"We're duiscusing numbers and everything but our bosses have been talking about opening up a new office in a different city ... they asked us who we thought would be a great fit. And we recommended you.... And of course they approved" YN smiled "really?" "Yes and guess what city it's in?" "Where?" "Boston" "really!?!!" "Yes YN" "I cannot even describe how thankful I am you guys won't regret this at all" "we know now we're gonna make a big announcement on Friday so don't tell any coworkers before then except Leslie ... because hopefully she'll go with you"

"so with my current cases" "you'll discuss with your clients if you can be virtual and fly to them when need be it'll be a case by case then .... But in the new building you will be the boss you are officially a partner" "wow thank you guys really!" "Well we're gonna let you head out enjoy the rest of your vacation see you next Wednesday" "of course have a great day guys" "you too!!"

YN couldn't wait to tell Jayson. He would be so happy .

.

.

.

.

And then doubt set in ... what if he doesn't want her that close. Sure he's buying her a place up there but it's only for a limited amount of time originally she wasn't supposed to be there alllllll the time... hopefully he's happy for her and doesn't think they're moving too fast.

Leslie rushes in knocking her out of her thoughts "I'm ready when you are" "I'm ready now... look at Jayson being right cause it's only 1:25 we're gonna get to the jet by 2 so we can get there early ... yayyy" "yeah if you hurry up"

Leslie laughs

Once they got off the jet Jayson was there to pick her up much to her surprise. "Hiii baby" "hi bae... hey Leslie" "how are you here" "you know with all your planning you forgot ... we ahead three hours back home." She laughed "wow I feel slow" "you shouldn't it gives you extra time baby. It's five our time but it's only two here. You left early and everything" "yes but that's good... I'm glad you made it" they finally get in the car after he puts the bags in the car.

"Leslie your room is right beside ours" "oh ok thank you Jayson" "bae..." "yeah?" "It hadn't even been 12 hours and I was missing you really bad" "I missed you more Fr" YN smiled "should I tell him the good news now or later Leslie?" "Nah tell him right now" YN laughed she only wanted to tell him now because if he didn't like it he wouldn't say that in front of Leslie but YN would still be able to tell if he was genuinely excited or if he was freaking out.

"yeah tell me now" "so baby .... It's so good I'm getting my loft in Boston because I got a promotion at work and...... the company is expanding to Boston they want me to be the boss over there" "bae that's so great I'm proud of you" "so you'll go out there and win for me right?" "I try my hardest everytime" she smiles "so when we get in you're taking your nap?" "Yeah ima try too" "okay we might go shopping or something since we have all this time" "be careful out here" "always baby" he glances at her

"and be on time for the game" "yes sir.... You funding my little trip?" He laughs loudly. "That's how you asking me?" "Can you pay for my shopping spree baby?" "What I get for that?" "To see me in the clothes duh" "dang I was gon give you 2 thou till you said that" "babyyyy" "mhm?" "I want 3 thousand i have to look out for Leslie too. And then really I need four cause what if I see something for you... maybe I should just get the card instead of you zelling me " he laughed shaking his head

"I'll give you the credit card" "hmmmmmm okay baby" "and what do you say brat?" "Of course ... thank you baby" "get me something fly too not just no small shit" he laughed "of course I always look out for you. "

The driver pulls into the hotel room letting them out Jayson grabs a thing from the lobby loading their bags onto it and a bell hop grabbed it from there bringing it up to their rooms.

YN took a quick shower putting on some new clothes and then she headed straight to Leslies room.

Jayson was already sleep soundly so she grabbed the key. "Open up its meee" YN says and soon enough Leslie opens the door smiling "I've never been to Arizona before" "honestly me either.... I figured phoniex had to have a dope ass mall though." "Let me look one up ... we ubering?" "No same car service" "they have a mall but they also have outlets... what you wanna do?" "We can probably get more at the outlet" "bet let me put on my shoes and then I'll be ready" "okay boo I wanna be back here around 5 so I can get ready for the game and I like to see him at shoot arounds" "sounds good to me"

*time skip*

They tried their hardest to make it to every big name store but time wasn't on their side. However they had more than enough stuff. YN had bought Jayson a new wallet from coach and few more gold chains.... One had her name on it one had (your initial) +J it was childish but she thought it was cute enough to get away with and honestly if he didn't wear it she would. She of course got some more clothes and few pairs of shoes and plenty of purses. And now they were back at the hotel. She texted Jayson to let him know they were back and he should text her when he was awake.

"I can't wait to see this game I feel like it's gonna be fun Fr" Leslie says "thank you for coming friend Fr like I'm glad you asked cause I would've just been in there sleep with him." They shared a laugh. "Well good for us both and now you gotta brand new outfit for the game tonight" "idk if I wanna wear it.... I bought it as kind of a laugh like a joke" "YN you look so cute in it tho... so yeah it's corny but he'll love it side it's you" "with the white coach heels?" "Yupp and wear your hair up and do curtain bangs" "Leslie I'm trusting you..." "and you should it look cute on you I think everyone will appreciate you supporting the team ya ass looks great" Leslie laughs

"we gon see... but he just texted so I'm give him about ten minutes to get his self together and then ima go get ready" "okay sounds good to me" "what you gonna wear?" "This?" "Absolutely not you gotta at least wear a cute shirt with some jeans" "what's wrong with my sweats" "girl they five sizes too big and not in a cute oversized way" "I just wanted to see where your heart was ... my fit over there" Leslie laughs pointing to the window seal YN walks over. "Ooooou supper cute" "thank you.... Ima hop in the shower and I'll just come over when I'm done getting dressed" "okay boo"

**Leslie outfit

* YN outfit with white heels

*time skip

The game was in full affect and Jayson was playing his ass off. Grant Williams was being a hell of a play maker and showing major defense. YN couldn't ask for a better game to watch with her friend. The tension was high and the game was close because play offs are right around the corner every players heart was out there on the floor . But YN had nothing but faith in Jayson and clearly he was hot tonight she don't know what would calm that man down after they were done winning.

*time skip*

After going into double overtime Derick white made the game winning play two seconds before the buzzer. The crowd jumped into the air the vibe was electrifying YN knew right now Jayson wasn't going to sleep anytime soon it was just too much adrenaline.  He glanced at her smiling. She blows him a kiss and he taps his lips before getting pulled away to do a interview.

Leslie was in complete shock. "Glad i get to go to Boston with you when we move cause I need this energy all the time it's crazy in here!!" "Nah Fr like whew" "you think I have time to run to a bathroom?" "Mhm I'll wait right here" "okay bet be right back" Leslie walks off.

After his interview he came looking for his girlfriend finding her in the stands he kissed her deeply. Making YN shy it was PDA in front of every single person her mother could be watching at home. He pulls away slowly. "I love your outfit tonight....we gotta get you one that just has my name on it though I don't wanna share" He says on her lips kissing her again she moans.

"Yes" she says softly trying to keep from moaning loudly he pulls away after kissing her again. "I gotta get back to the locker room but go ahead to the room.... Change and be ready we stepping out tonight. Okay?" YN nods her head.

"Come closer" "yes baby girl?" "After that performance and coming over here kissing me and my extremely long day I need some before.... And after our date daddy"she whispers in his ear "I'll see what I can do" he starts to stand up she kisses him again "no teasing tonight daddy please" he smiles "since you being so vocal ... be ready for all that... I gotta go. I love you" "I love you too"

After he walks down the hall Leslie comes back. "You talked to him yet?" "Mhmm  did you decide what you're doing tonight. Cause he's still talking about a date " "uh.... No need to figure out .... I think I have a date too" "huhhhhh!?!" "Yeah with one of his teammates I don't wanna say yet so don't ask who and don't guess. He saw us together and assumed I was good people" "good job Leslie" "I mean when in Rome." "Alright let's head out and get ready for our dates.... Name or no name I want details tomorrow on that plan" "yes of course"

As they head back to the hotel Leslie opens up Twitter to see Jayson trending. "Jayson is trending" she says looking at YN "he usually trends during and after a game.... Good or bad" Leslie clicks on the trending topic "or for kissing some girl... when tf this happened" YN looks at the phone laughing "Leslie that's me!!!" "Oh shit they don't think it's you. Everybody saying you got the boot"

"this shit gets exhausting like Jay claims I don't have to clear everything up but it's hard not too" " people are noticing you was sitting there before... but again when did this happen" "when you went to the bathroom" "mmm well girl you know it's you it doesn't matter" "let me just post pictures of me In The dress and on the court."

"Courtside wit a bad bitch" her caption said it all without explaining anything.

Once they got back to the hotel YN helped Leslie pick out a outfit for her date. She put on a dress and some heels  that she had got from the outlets that day. After she was dressed they went into YN room to help her find something.

"What's the date?" "He only gave one hint... he said artsy... in my head I was thinking of something like a dark blue something" "do you have anything dark blue" "I don't even know what I packed" YN laughs they rush over to her bags

"Which one?" "Both sexy af" "maybe he'll chose for me I can't get dressed right now anyway" "why?" "Cause he gotta fuck me before we leave" "why?" "Because I need it" "oh you said it like it was ritual or some shit" Leslie laughs

"no but yeah he played so well it does something to me... but at the very least turn your location on and let me know when you get in cause we don't know this city and I don't know the man you're going out with" "let me do it right now and give you piece of mind" Leslie picks up her phone "ooop he's here" "turn that location on while I'm watching Leslie" YN says sternly

"done can you see?" YN checks her phone as the room door opens Jayson says something but neither of them could hear fully "yes I can see go have fun" "okay mom" Leslie rushes out the door saying hey and bye to Jayson

"What did you say bae I didn't hear you" "you had me thinking something crazy" "like what?" "you asked Leslie to join on our fun" "I don't share your dick it's too good" he laughed "good this dick only for you" he kisses her picking her up "what are you wearing tonight" "something so chill" "I picked out two dresses" she whined

"cool I wanted you to dress up" he moves his thumb up and down her panties  "oh okay" he lays her down moving her panties to the side "we don't have much time ... you wanna argue about outfits or you want a quickie you choose" "... a quickie please" he smiles pullng his pants down just enough to slide inside her her eyes closed immediately. He kisses her lips when he began to talk he kept his mouth close to hers

"We can do both if you want... you wanna argue wit me? Hmmm?" She grabs his hand placing his thumb on her clit he moves it away "ughh you're purposely not doing things that I want" "well ask for it then" " rub my....." "say it ... now" "rub my clit please" her cheeks became red "why are you shy" he slowly began rubbing her clit he smiled

"ohhhh fuck... faster" when he listened her head hit the headboard serval times but she didn't care if anything she love it "That feel good?" "So good baby please don't stop" he could feel himself getting close so he pulled out eating her pussy to give himself more time. "Bet that will shut you up" he groans she whines. "Jay...." "What?" "I'm so close please finger me too" "you're being direct?" She bits her lip "I'm trying" he smiles doing it

"like this?" "Yes" she says while losing her voice she gently grabs his head redirecting him to her clit as she slowly grinds when she gets closer his free hand grabs both of her hands pinning them to her stomach. "Oh baby that's perfect please don't stop" "wanna cum on my dick? Because we gotta leave soon" "ughhhh" "tell me... right now" "I wanna cum from your mouth I wanna...ughhh pleasee I'm so close don't...." once she said that he made his mission to make it happen and it did quickly he kisses up her body sliding inside her

"we don't have time to play anymore. Once I cum we're gonna put on our clothes and head out ... you hear me?" Her back arched and her eyes roll in the back of her head "yes daddyyy" "fuckkkk you feel so good" he groaned in her ear "baby I'm so close again let me cum with you please" "shit" he says softly "please baby....." "mhm ima wait on you" she smiles "right there right there right thereeeee" "like this?"

"Just like that oh fuck I'm Cumming—Jayson pleaseeeee" she whined completely shocked at herself for being wrapped up in the moment she lost it before she intended to suddenly his movements got a little faster and little sloppier. "Cum inside me Jayson" he smiled kissing her forehead "I'm cumming right in this pretty pussy... feel good don't it" "so good I love you" he kisses her again until he was empty and he slowly pulls out "I love you too get ready please" he fixes her panties.

"Which dress?" She says trying to catch her breath He glanced down "you got that one wet so I guess the other one" he laughs "I meant to get it off the bed... damn... the other one was sexier" "yeah but this one will be nice for where we going I would've choose it anyway" "nice to know"

" you ready?" "I'm gonna put my hair up" "no I like it down" "it's all flat in the back" "let me fix it" she walks over to him and takes the time to fluff her hair. "It's really the little things with you" she says while looking up at him "what you mean" "most men would've just let me put my hair up.... But you care about the details when you were visualizing this date ... my hair was down" "you right... i like your shoes by the way" "they're new you should" he smiled holding the door for her they leave the hotel at 10:30.

*time skip*

"Come this way for me" "before I even go in here—" Jayson cuts her off "no baby just experience this I know you're grateful and thankful and you love me" she stared tearing up "okay as long as you know" "you ready?" "Yes" he grabs her hand guiding her towards the building.

When they walk in she was mesmerized. "You out did yourself with this one" "I try" "I thought they closed at nine" "they do... but I'm Jayson Tatum" "I love you baby" "I love you too... let's walk around"

They enjoyed their time walking around slow taking pictures and making memories but now it was time to get back to the hotel. On the way back in Leslie texted letting her know she was already in for the night.

*time skip*

She was on the desk with her legs spread and he stood in between them kissing her slowly. He had a long day she had a even longer day... but she still wanted more of him. However he had already crashed from the adrenaline high and was sleepy.

"Gotta get up early" he groaned while kissing her "so you wanna stop?" "I don't want to but we need too" "okay baby" she kisses his lips again about to get down he holds her close making her laugh "Jay?" "Hmm?" "You said you need to stop" he licks his lips "yeah" "so let me get ready for bed" "I don't want too" she smiled "okay we'll stay like this for a little while" he holds her tightly kissing the top of her head completely zoned out and comfortable in this moment with her.

She felt safe and at peace right now. It almost made her grateful they weren't having sex as bad as she wanted it five minutes ago she loved that she was still getting intimacy without having sex.

He groans causing her to laugh. "Bae?" "Did you have fun tonight?" "Yes the museum was beautiful" "good I figured we should do something out here since I got you dealing with the bullshit tomorrow" "what bullshit?" "The party" "why is that bullshit?" "I'm just going for looks... after twenty minutes we can head out" she smiles

"maybe you'll have fun since ima be there and your friends" "it's a our first party like that Fr" "I know .... It seems like we've done everything" "not a vacation" she lifted an eyebrow "after you get your championship ring maybe we can plan one" "I like the way you talking.... So about Leslie" "yeah?" "We putting her up at the house or?"

"Damn I haven't even thought about that baby I can find her a hotel it's your house so it's up to you" "she can stay with us if you think she cool people then I'm fine with it" "I might hook her up with YFB (friend from Boston) and they can go out while we at the event"

"and you can tell her the good news" "exactly .... They'll have fun together" "definitely" "anything I need to look out for at this event tomorrow? Groupies? People who hate me? People who hate you?"

"Bradley didn't say how big it's gonna be or what but he did say it's industry and it's a black tie gala ... that mean it can be anybody from any entertainment industry" "he's raising money right?" "Yeah it goes towards his foundation" "ohhh okay it's all making sense now like I know you would go just cause it's Bradley and he's like a brother to you but I can feel that you don't wanna deal with anybody else there" he smiles

"you're right baby but like you said you'll be there we have fun with eachother" "you think Ella will come?" "Doubt it ... if he's inviting music people it'll be like Jay Z and Diddy" "ohhh okay" "you scared to be in the room with her?" "No baby I actually feel sorry for her" "I might regret asking this but why" "well you could've down played the sex but I don't think you did and  it just didn't sound good and as a woman even when you know it's not you. You question yourself you made her cum but you didn't cum and then you didn't leave me" "she didn't want me to leave you" "she did ... wether or not she said it... trust me baby"

"enough about her" "definitely... but anyway let's get ready for bed so we can be up and ready for check out." "I love you" he kisses her lips letting her go "I love you more"

[linguenuvolose]

2024 goals - March progress

I can't claim I focussed on my goals at all this month... Idk I don't really see them as goals either they're just kinda.. things I keep some track of. I know I said this last month but I think April will be more productive because this month for sure spring will feel like it's here (we're still waiting for the trees to turn green, it snowed A Lot last week, just to give you an idea of the situation).

Anyway love and light below are some reflections on my specific goals :)

Get back into a reading routine

I've kept on reading Orlando by Virginia Woolf and I only have 35 pages left. I'm still not consistent at all with it, I read a bit about once a week. I find it so hard to reach for the book instead of my phone, it's annoying because I really do enjoy the book.

Meet friends at least once a month

I've had some good hangouts this month, mostly others that have been reaching out. I'm happy because one of my friends came to my boyfriend's show and was so excited about it and I'm happy they are bonding! In April I have plans to go visit a friend who lives in another city (one of my closest friends who will also meet my boyfriend for the first time) and I'm also planning to reach out to another friend!

Do the damn exercises for my back :(

I did them like.... 2,5 times :( not good at all. And my salsa classes stopped in the middle of the month and I've decided to not continue so it's not looking perfect. Hopefully with the extra light we get now I can have more energy to do them in the evening.

Get better at Portuguese

I signed up for the Portuguese course at uni <3333 Hopefully I'll get in and I'll be able to do that in the fall. I studied in some way 11 days of the month which isn't nothing!! Started doing Clozemaster and I really like it, especially on the writing mode (let's be honest, all my knowledge in Romance languages makes the "choose from these four options" a walk in the park for me). It's super annoying that the free plan only allows you 30 words a day. What I really should do is produce more, write little texts and stuff.

Get my license

We're still waiting for the permit to be able to practice driving with my boyfriend but it's taking a while... I've had 2 lessons though (was supposed to have 3 but one got cancelled). I don't know that I feel that I'm getting any better but I do really have to start studying the theory. It would be nice to talk to my instructor also and ask him what he thinks a reasonable time frame would be for me. In my head I'm seeing myself getting the license during the summer but who knows.

Get back into the habit of going on walks

I have been on some walks this month but more in the sense of I am somewhere and walk a bit instead of taking the closest subway. But I mean now with the change of the hour and the warmer weather I for sure am seeing myself going on more walks!

Go to the theatre more (youth discount my beloved) and also to some museums!

I went to the Maurizio Cattelan exposition at the Modern art museum because my friend had a free entrance with her job. I actually really liked it! Unfortunately I was in a bit of a hurry so I didn't have time to meander or look at the other expositions but I would love to go back! They do the free entry on Friday evenings so I think I might go!

Improve my sleeping schedule

I actually compiled my statistics for this this month (yay!). Slept an average of 7h15 but if we just look at work nights it's 6h20. Not great... It's not something I've paid particular attention to this month but I think I should. I think a goal could be maybe sleep before 1 more often (this month it was 3 times hihihi ma come siamo messi raga).

[causenessus]

NO I GET ANXIETY- MY BRAIN GOES “wait patiently till your ask gets answered before sending another one.” AND I GO 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️ “we are not to be annoying, they have lives outside of tumblr (unlike me) and are not chronically online.” SO I JUST GET ANXIOUS- OR I GET ANXIOUS THAT MY ASKS GET EATEN. OR WORSE. I FORGET TO TURN ON ANON. Not even going to lie, I have almost sent these in without anon so many times bcs I’m not used to yapping at people 😭😭😭 like for the entirety I’ve had my tumblr this is like one of the first times I’m using anon not to request things and just yapping.

I shall try my best to get over my anxiety…like my friends will tell you I’m a chronic like paragraph texter (will send fifteen messages and not care if you respond right away even if I’m writing paragraphs) but the minute I have to like email one of my teachers??? Or ask someone something??? Or send in yapping asks???? No. Like suddenly I get anxious that I’m being annoying- anyways…

YES THE BASEMENT IS NICER. That’s actually why my mom suggested it. Sure it’s smaller than my current room and obv doesn’t have like a closet but! It has its own bathroom, and the laundry room is down here and I’m sure I could add more closet space in there. Since I’m almost a real adult (not really, I’m just 18 and a soon to be no longer high schooler) she wants me to have more privacy especially since her boyfriend will be moving in. So very slowly I am cleaning my room.

OMG YOU’RE SO SWEET THOUGH. I WOULD FEEL BAD IF YOU WERE TO HELP THOUGH LOL. Like my friends have offered to help and I’m just like “😀 it’s like embarrassingly depression. Like needs to be cleaned I cannot see my floor. I can’t make you clean that.” But I appreciate the in spirit help 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️ <3

Yeah my senior year is pretty chill. I go to a career tech school so I only have 4 classes and then lunch and then after that I finally get to go to lab (basically where we learn our career stuff). I’m taking English Comp 1 + 2 but that’s the only like higher level course I’m taking. The teacher is so sweet though, like he has a coffee and espresso machine in his room and supplies coffee, creamer, milk, and sugar for us and doesn’t make us pay. He actually encourages it 😭😭😭 he’s like “Are you tired? Oh, why don’t we go make you a cup of coffee yeah?” And then if you bring your own mug he tells you to leave it and he washes it for you and like puts it in the cupboard. Genuinely my fave teacher this year. He also never had the lights on, like he has fairy lights all around his room and then he has soft music playing in the background (The Smiths, Cigarettes After Sex, and some others). His room is so chill and comforting.

The school wanted me to take Collegr Algebra but I said no (mostly bcs I don’t need it for my degree. Culinary/ Pastry majors take business math or at least where I live they do) because the school messed up and I wasn’t supposed to take a math last year (I already had four credits cause I took 2 math classes sophomore yr) but was put in one anyway. So I wanted 1 year where I didn’t have to take math 😭😭😭

All my other classes are pretty easy, they’re both history lol. Or I guess maybe a science and history? They were both labeled as history when I was picking classes so- I have to take American History (like World History isn’t just American History expanded 😒) and Criminology (which is kinda sick ngl- like we’re only on the second week of school but it’s fun so far. We watch movies every Friday and connect them to themes about sociology/criminology).

The only other class I have is study hall and bcs all my classes are so easy I don’t do anything in there except try to write fics to post or read fics other people have posted. Slowly making my way through my drafts. Very slowly. But! Progress nonetheless!!!!

IT’S GONNA BE A WHOLE SEVEN DAYS AND MY MOM IS PAYING FOR MY BEST FRIEND OF 7 years (omg it has been 7 years. Hold on I need to throw up-) TO GO WITH US!!!! My graduation present was supposed to be going to Europe but apparently not all of us have been saving money to go 😒 /lh (adult stuff happened that they had to pay off and we’re gonna have a lot more fun when I’m 21 anyway). I DO DESERVE IT! SCHOOL IS HARD BUT I DIDN’T QUIT AND I GOT GOOD GRADES SOPHMORE YEAR ON (freshman year is when the depression room started 😭😭😭😭). Also kinda glad I’m not going to Europe anymore bcs I’m like terrified of planes. Like no joke I get such bad panic attacks, I hyperventilate and my eyes tear up (and that’s just taking off don’t get me started on turbulence!) like it’s not a fun time. (OF COURSE I’LL CHECK IN BEFORE THEN!!! I HAVE TO YAP TO YOU DUH!)

TURNS OUT I WAS READING THE WRONG SCHOOL EMAILS. (For a little context: I still get emails from my “home” school or the school I went to before the career tech school. I get two graduations because I’m technically part of both schools) AND MY SCHOOL DOESN’T TAKE LIKE SENIOR PORTRAITS. 😔😔😔 my senior photos for like graduation announcements and stuff are Saturday though 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🥰🥰🥰

THE PURPLE AND PINK IS PROBS MY FAVORITE HAIR I’VE HAD SO FAR. NOW THE ONLY COLORS I HAVEN’T DONE ARE ORANGE AND GREEN. That does sound so cool WTH!!! Aww I’m sorry :((( I have white people hair that lightens really well lol- thank you mom! ALSO!!! IF YOUR SISTER BLEACHED HER HAIR BUT IT WAS YELLOW/ORANGE THAT’S WHY IT TURNED GREEN/GREY!!! MY HAIR DID THAT ONE TIME! YOU JUST NEED TO TONE IT AND THEN HOPEFULLY IT WILL WORK! 🫶🏻

Listen- I love Suna okay but he’s not like husband. He’s a great character DON’T GET ME WRONG. But there’s just some other characters I like a little 🤏🏻🤏🏻🤏🏻 better than him. however, my irl friend told me I could pull Suna, Timeskip! Osamu, Tendō, and Seijoh 4 (minus Oikawa) so. Confidence??? RAISED ABOVE THE ROOF. ME??? PULL TIMESKIP! OSAMU????? ME??? PULL?? MATSUKAWA ISSEI (HANAMAKI TAKAHAIRO’S FAVORITE FOOD)???? LIKE ???? Little old me???? [sidenote: I love these men but they’re too tall. I KNOW. NO ONE HAS EVER SAID THAT. But I’m a little guy and I would be concerned about their backs from how far they would have to bend down to kiss me 😭😭😭 like 5’ 7 already makes me stand on my tiptoes- so please. Give me a short king. GIVE ME YAKU. But also at the same time I love these men and would NEVER say no if they took me out]

NO I MUST STAY STRONG. I MUSN’T JOIN THE SELF SHIPPING HOURS ❗️❗️❗️❗️

I have failed! I’M JOINING. AND IT’S FRIDAY WHERE I’M AT SO. HAH!

I need Love Notes! Osamu religiously (you can determine what that means).

MAC N CHEESE WITH ORANGE JUICE IS EVIL. Like I already don’t like orange juice (apple juice anon for life [please don’t start a war I’m not fighting. If you like orange juice then like orange juice. I just don’t] <3). In all honesty I’m not that much of a pranker however. 😏 I AM an enabler. I’m the brains and Osamu is the one who executes the plan. I sit there and hand him things.

Speaking of self ship Friday I’ll ask and answer some questions!

Favorite couple thing you guys do?

Me + Love Notes! Osamu enjoy baking our own like fruit bars to eat during movie marathons. What do you and Suna like to do?

Favorite kind of hug?

I’m partial to a back hug but I think that’s bcs my friends do it so often to me. Like arms around waist, chin on head, 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️ little head kiss? Heaven.

Do you guys play video games together? If so what do you play and how?

I would force Love Notes! Osamu to play Stardew Valley bcs I have an addiction and everyone I love must play with me at some point (I got my grandma to play, she was very disappointed that she couldn’t romance Gus or the Wizard which really for that). Osamu def tries to blow up the character I’m trying to romance. 😔😔😔😔 But he also probably grinds the mines so I can have pretty rocks. What’s your favorite game to play with Suna?

And the self shipping section of our night comes to a close folks. Tune in next week for more with Bakery Anon and Ness! <3

I think a man (Suna, Osamu, Sakusa. OIKAWA.) sending me a photo of him all bloodied up and smirking I would gen faint. Like swoon. “Is that the light I see? Is it getting closer?” Like I want pathetic beat up men while they’re also able to manhandle me and throw me over their shoulder if they really wanted to. Is that too much to ask???

MANGO ANON <3333 OMG I LOVE THEM!!! I LOVE READING THEIR YAP SESSIONS THEY FILL ME WITH JOY!!!! <3333 mango anon if you’re reading this I love you, keep being silly and full of whimsy <333

OIKAWA IS SO IMPORTANT TO ME. Like I relate to him on a level I don’t even understand. Can I just work on how I ABSOLUTELY ADORED BINARY STARS. I THINK IT WAS ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS I READ WHEN I MADE THIS ACCOUNT. IT WAS DELECTABLE AND I ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF IT. I’m not gonna lie, when I get bored Oikawa is who I draw. He is my comfort drawing character. When I try something new for art but need to draw something to test it on I draw him 🧍🏻‍♀️ not everyone is made equal.

Oikawa as a side character in smau’s is so satisfying because he’s usually there with Hinata causing chaos and I love them. Oihina friendship dynamic fills me with such joy. They’re so WHIMSY (yes this is my favorite word rn besides “very cutesy. Very mindful. Very demure.”) I agree though, he’s a very good side character. If he was the main character I don’t think the story (hq) would have the same feel (no duh) like I think it would feel a lot more serious and angsty. Oikawa can be a main character but he’s such a good like foil??? Is that the right word- for Kageyama that he’s the perfect side character.

Like the way both of them work so hard to reach their goals and still somehow fail before they reach them (beating Shiratorizawa and then Kageyama having a team that trusts them so they can win) but eventually they overcome those hardships and get their goals. Does Oikaw beat Shiratorizawa? No and yes, he doesn’t physically beat them no. But he beats them because he gets over his mental challenge of not thinking he’s even good enough to try to beat them. He wins because he starts believing in himself. And Kageyama gets Karasuno (and Hinata) where he learns to trust them and learns it’s okay to fall back on people and you don’t have to do it all on your own (a lesson Oikaaa has to learn too-) and they go to Nationals.

DON’T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE WHOLE “b-but he abused Kageyama 🥺🥺🥺” like stfu. Oikawa was a MIDDLE SCHOOLER. LIKE 14-15 HAVING A PANIC ATTACK. Everyone likes to talk about “Oh just feel your emotions it’s okay to have them.” Until someone having a mental break does something that someone does on a breakdown. Like Oikawa was a child who wasn’t thinking clearly, you can see him literally panic during when he tries to hit Kageyama and then after he just kind of shuts down. STOP BLAMING A MIDDLE SCHOOLER FOR HAVING A PANIC ATTACK AND RESPONDING IN A WAY THAT SOMEONE NOT THINKING CLEARLY WOULD RESPOND.

SORRY ENOUGH YAPPING ABOUT OIKAWA BCS I FEAR I WILL NEVER STOP IF I DON’T NOW.

Okay! HAVE A GOOD DAY!!!!

For everyone who made it this far: I want you to know you’re loved. You are worthy of love. You are worthy of your desires, you deserve to be loved the way you want to be loved. Whether that be in the small hours of the morning or in the loud evening lights. You deserve love, you deserve food, you’re beautiful. If no one else tells you today. I love you!

For Ness: YOU’RE WONDERFUL. THANN YOU FOR YAPPING WITH ME AND MATCHING MY ENERGY. I’m so sorry this ask is so long- I’ll be back to yap about try again later!!!! Your writing is lovely and I finally have time to read it!!! <3333 go have a little snack you deserve it. I hope you sleep well <3

<3

-sincerely bakery anon 🍪

BUG I AM FINALLY HERE OMG I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO THANKFUL FOR DMS BC I WOULD'VE CRIED IF I HADN'T BEEN ABLE TO TALK TO YOU FOR LIKE TWO WEEKS!!!! <3 AND NO OMG I GET ALL OF THOSE ANXIETIES 😭😭😭 ESPECIALLY THE ONES ABOUT AN ASK GETTING EATEN OR IF I FORGOT TO TURN ON ANON!!!! and dw i don't have a life outside of tumblr 😔😔😔😔😔 i am just forced to have responsible human duties aka school!!! but it's not by choice!! </333

omg bug i cannot cannot cannot tell you how excited i am to read this ask like i keep reading bits of it and hearing about buggykawa AND I AM SHAKING!!!!

and aa the moving into the basement sounds so so fun and nice!! i definitely get like the extra room and everything <3 i cannot remember how much i told you but for a little bit i lived with my sister who was rooming with a friend in a house so they got the top floor and she got the basement and it was really nice!!! and i would move into my basement in my house now but my dad basically uses it as his closet and i don't like the bed down there 😭 but it's okay!!! my room is a little cozy too so i don't mind it <3

AND OMG DW I KNOW WHAT DIRTY ROOMS FEEL LIKE </33 I'M SURE I'VE ALREADY MENTIONED THIS BUT I JUST THROW EVERYTHING ONTO MY FLOOR AND DESK WHEN I GET HOME </33 there's like two bags on my floor at all time for when i go out, a random ziplock bag i always slip on, a camera bag, a trashcan in the way of my dresser (the TOP of my dresser is stacked with clothes) my desk is a mess of scripts and random stationery, and my chair has an unfolded blanket that bothers me so much!! (i promise my room is cozy!! i feel like as i describe my room it sounds worse than it really is but it lowk is that bad SO I GET IT DON'T WORRY) SO I WOULD GLADLY HELP YOU!! I'M ACTUALLY ON THE WAY NOW DON'T WORRY 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

and oh my god what??????????????? your english teacher?????? please bug please i need to go to your school please let me transfer schools PLEASE HE SOUNDS SO NICE like the exquisite music taste?? the fairy lights?? the COFFEE MACHINE??? THE FACT THAT HE WASHES YOUR MUG FOR YOU GUYS?? okay and see this is why i am fighting professions rn bc i want to be a teacher and have a cozy room but i really really want to go into psychology too I CAN'T </333 your english teacher sounds so so sweet!!! please i'll do anything i want him so bad omg i'm crying </3 like genuinely felt a pang of???? sadness?? READING ABOUT HOW COMFY HIS ROOM SOUNDS WHY IS MY SCHOOL FILLED WITH DRUGGY KIDS WHO SNORT COCAINE OFF THEIR DESKS RIGHT IN FRONT OF THEIR TEACHERS 😔😔😔😔😔😔 (true story. i cannot even make that up. i have nothing else to say abt it.)

and aa your classes sound so fun!! i have college algebra second semester but i'm so ready/excited for (hopefully) how easy it's going to be bc last year i fought for my life in trig/pre-calc (THE ONLY CLASS I'VE EVER GOTTEN A B IN IT MADE ME SO MAD AND I WAS SO CLOSE TO AN A BUT I DIDN'T DO AMAZING ON THE FINAL AND I HAD TO BE AT AN 88% OR HIGHER FOR HER TO ROUND MY GRADE AND MY FINAL BROUGHT ME DOWN TO LIKE AN 86 OR SOMETHING 😔😔😔 but i've kept my 4.0 thanks to ap classes <33) AND CRIMINOLOGY IS FUN!! i knew some people who took it last year and they had a blast <3 this semester i have english, sociology, tech theatre, i'm a ta for my acting director teacher, and econ!!! so it's a mix of good and bad classes </3 like econ sucks but i have an amazing teacher who was also my teacher for ap psych last year!!! english kind of sucks, i really actually didn't want to take tech theatre this year but i have to bc i'm basically like in charge of our tech department tbh 😔and i love being a ta for my acting director!! (i tried to be one for him last year but basically i walked into his office which he shares with my tech director and my tech director was the only one there and i asked him where my acting director [we'll call him G to make this easier and my tech director is W] was and W was like "he's not here today. just be a ta for me." and i was like "okay 😃" WORST DECISION OF MY LIFE THAT MAN WORKED ME TO THE BONE being his ta basically meant i was in both tech theatre classes [where we build the sets and i have to carry the lighting department on my back, etc.] BUT i only got like 0.25 credits for it i think?? while taking the actual tech class was 0.5 credits </33 so i really burned myself out last year BUT ANYWAY)

AND NO I TOTALLY GET IT I'M SO SCARED OF PLANES TOO!!! like the way especially that they start all shaky and everything and it just feels so unreal being in one in a bad way they scare me so bad!!! and like i randomly got forced to go on an impulse trip with my mom and her parents on a cruise to Mexico???????? which is WORSE BC I'M TERRIFIED OF WATER!!! the only reason i'm excited to go is bc my mom's parents are the one who just gifted me a camera (and why there's a camera bag on my bedroom floor) AND I AM SO SO EXCITED TO USE IT AND LIVE OUT MY LOVE NOTES YN LIFE!!!!! but other than that i'll permanently be locked away in my room praying that the cruise ship doesn't randomly stop working and i die </33 i'm so scared tbh aaaa

AND OH NO SO LIKE DO YOU NOT EVEN HAVE TO TAKE A SENIOR PHOTO??? i'm so jealous of how many colors you've dyed your hair!!!! my mother's pitch black asian hair definitely ruined all my dreams of having colorful hair 😔😔😔 i just stick to like red highlights bc i think they suit me and it's the only color my hair will maintain!! 😭

AND NO OMG I GET IT 😭 SOMETIMES I THINK ABOUT THE HEIGHT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THOSE MEN AND ME AND LIKE BRO I AM MAYBE JUST BARELY 5'3 AND IT TOOK ME 4 YEARS TO GROW THAT INCH BC BEFORE THAT I HAD THIS MOMENT IN 7TH GRADE WHERE MY DOCTOR TOLD ME I WAS BASICALLY 5 FOOT AND COULD EVEN LIE AND SAY I WAS 5'1 AND THEN I GOT MEASURED AT SCHOOL AND THEY WERE LIKE "lmao no. you're 4'11 pookie" SO I DID NOT GET ANY OF THE HEIGHT GENES I THINK THE VOLLEYBALL BOYS STOLE ALL MINE 😔😔😔 AND I DEFINITELY AGREE WITH YOUR FRIEND WHO SAID WHO YOU COULD PULL!!! ALTHOUGH I THINK YOU COULD ALSO PULL OIKAWA <3 like i think he'd be a sucker for someone super sweet!! especially if they like baked for him yk?? HE'S SOLD he's never been in a kitchen in his life but for you?? he'll happily stand there all day just watching you with a look of love in his eyes <333

AND HELP I LOVE HOW YOU TRIED TO RESIST SELF SHIPPING 😭😭😭 BUT I'M SO GLAD YOU FAILED!!! WELCOME TO THE CLUB BUG <33333

and dw!! i actually don't really like any juices 😭😭 like orange juice is too tangy and sweet and citrusy and pulpy for me (i am so so picky) and apple juice is WAY too sweet for me (apples lowk make me feel sick anyway for some reason?? i think i was just not built for sweet things anyway unfortunately </33)

AND AW THE FRUIT BARS TOGETHER?? okay please and thinking about you and osamu like going to the grocery store together too to like buy the ingredients you need and he's always following you around holding the basket for you </3 and the both of you knowing how to pick out good produce and everything like that <3 LIKE YOU GUYS WERE MADE FOR EACH OTHER AND COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER SO WELL IT'S SO SO CUTE!!!

for suna and me i think we just like lazing around or rotting in cafes all day <3 like we'll steal booths (my favorite cafe which i'm at now has little booth benches!!) and sit next to each other and just lean on each other watching movies or doing our own work the entire day <333 and even when we go out to restaurants we lowk like sitting next to each other more than sitting across from each other!! and ik most couples like sitting across from each other to like see each other but if he wants to see me and i'm not looking at him he'll just hold the side of my face and turn me towards him anyway <3 (our servers always get sick of us by the end </3)

AND NO HUGS FROM BEHIND ARE SO SO SOFT AND ADORABLE AND WARM AND I LOVE THEM TOO!!! and i know like them being from osamu?? he'd literally have to hold me up bc my knees would turn to jelly and give out being in his arms </3

AND OMG I LOVE STARDEW VALLEY TOO <3 I AM DEF MAKING SUAN PLAY WITH ME AND WE CAN HAVE BUGMU SUNESS STARDEW VALLEY CO OP NIGHTS!! <3333 you're so real for making everyone play too like i've bought sdv for three friends at this point i think?? bc i love it so much and i just want other people to play it too!! YOUR GRANDMA TRYING TO ROMANCE GUS/THE WIZARD IS SO REAL 😭😭 i love giving gifts to gus!! like that man fr deserves the world <3 I CAN IMAGINE OSAMU TRYING TO BLOW UP WHOEVER YOU TRY TO ROMANCE AND LIKE GUS/THE SALOON TOO 😭 simply bc he's like "i could make a better restaurant like let me build an onigiri miya here rn!!!!" also imagining osamu coming home from the mines at like 1 am bc you've been yelling at him to get back before 2 am for the past 10 minutes and he's just like "but i needed to get u pretty rock!! <3" i am in love with u guys. i am the #1 bugmu stan for life

BUG WE HAVE TO DO SELF SHIP TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY LIKE I CANNOT!!! I NEED TO HEAR MORE ABOUT YOU GUYS OMG <3

and me too completely omg the duality of a man??? pathetic but can manhandle me?? like i'm turning into putting in a man's arms i'm ngl he can have his way with me i am so down bad for suna hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

I LOVE MANGO ANON TOO!!! MANGO ANON IF YOU'RE READING THIS BUG AND I ARE STARTING A MANGO ANON FAN CLUB!!!!!! WE'RE YOUR BIGGEST FANS WE LOVE YOU SO SO MUCH <33

AND OMG I'M GLAD YOU LIKED BINARY STARS 😭😭 BC IT WAS FR JUST A TEST RUN BUT THAT MAKES ME HAPPY TO HEAR!! and i wish i could draw!! i would totally draw oikawa if i could but i think it'd end up looking like a really disfigured pinwheel or hazelnut or someting idk BUT EITHER WAY I WOULD NEVER EVEN TRY TO DRAW HIM BC I WOULD BUTCHER IT 😭😭 I WAS NOT BUILT FOR DRAWING

AND YES FOIL IS THE RIGHT WORD!! and i totally get what you mean!! like he is such a perfect side character and i would love to be on the sides with him yk <3 like what's that margaret atwood quote about not being the people written about on paper but in the white spaces on the edges of paper?? that's oikawa and me <33 i love him so much just the way he is!! he's absolutely perfect and i love how he's always causing chaos <3

AND YES OMG OIKAWA MENTALLY BEATING SHIRATORIZAWA BECAUSE HE GREW INTO HIMSELF AND LIKE WHO HE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE :(( EVENTUALLY FINDING HIS PLACE IN LIFE IS GOING TO MAKE ME CRY!!!! AND SO REAL!!!!! LIKE I LOVE KAGEYAMA TOO BUT I WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY STAN WHO DOESN'T LIKE OIKAWA BC HE WAS MEAN TO KAGEYAMA OR WHATEVER like take one good look at tsukki and yams and tell me you hate tsukki bc he's mean LIKE IK IT'S A DIFFERENT DYNAMIC BUT JUST!! YOU GET WHAT I MEAN!! BEING MEAN TO SOMEONE AND ESPECIALLY WHEN OIKAWA WAS A MIDDLE SCHOOLER AND GOING THROUGH A LOT IS NOT A VALID REASON TO NOT LIKE SOMEONE!!!

BUT BUG OMG I LOVE YOU SO MUCH I HOPE YOU'RE HAVING A WONDERFUL DAY!! FORGIVE ME FOR HOW LONG IT TOOK ME TO GET AROUND TO ANSWERING THIS BUT I AM SO SO GLAD THAT I AM FINALLY ANSWERING IT!!!! YOU ARE SO LOVELY I LOVE YOU SO MUCH BUG YOU DESERVE FOOD AND ALL THE LOVE AND ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING GOOD IN THE WORLD!! I LOVE YAPPING WITH YOU AND IT MAKES ME SO HAPPY TO YAP WITH SOMEONE ABOUT SELF SHIPS AND OIKAWA AND JUST EVERYTHING OMG YOU'RE THE ABSOLUTE BEST AND I AM FOREVER THE NO. 1 BUGMU STAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM PRESIDENT OF THE BUGMU AND MANGO ANON FAN CLUBS!!!!! NO ONE CAN OVERTHROW ME!!!! <3333 I LOVE YOU SO MUCH BUG <333

[theretirementstory]

5/5/2024. Greetings, not from the Gare de Lyon but from my hospital bed yet again. This date is an anniversary I would rather forget, it is a year to the date since I was “blue lighted” to the hospital at Troyes, where the following day they gave me the news that my cancer had returned. However, a year down the line, although still receiving treatment, I am continuing to write my blog.

As you can imagine (or maybe you can’t) being confined to one room, looking out onto other parts of the hospital, there could be very little to report. However, as you will also know, family and friends keep in touch and so a part of my normality returns.

One of the comforting things about this hospital is that you can choose your own meals. The dietitian came to see me on Monday, she said don’t worry if I can’t eat the hot food as long as I am eating something she is pleased. I showed her “my stash” and she was impressed with what I had brought in. She is sending me extra’s too on my food tray.

Anie, has messaged sending photos of her garden, Monique too has been working in her garden and sent me photos. We have had strong winds and rain (apparently) and I am hoping that those budding cherries have clung onto the branches. I also hope that the wind hasn’t scattered the primulas, in their pots, far and wide around my garden. My American friends are back in Bar-sur-Aube and are waiting to give me a big greeting on my return. They had been back in the states for over a year now so it must be wonderful to return to their dream house in France. I know what it was like when I had four weeks away from my home last year, I am not ashamed to say, I cried as we approached Bar-sur-Aube.

One of my friends in the UK celebrated her 60th birthday at the end of April. Of course my card had been posted off in advance.

We have had the 1st May “jour férié” and people will be looking forward to 8th May “jour ferie”, celebrating Victory in Europe back in 1945. As my son informed me May is the month of holidays here in France.

Yesterday, my granddaughter had her birthday party at her Daddy’s house. Daddy, “The Photographer”, took some photos of her reading the card I had sent and opening her birthday present. I had a video call yesterday afternoon, it was wonderful, I was pretending to be asleep and my grandson was saying cock-a-doodle-do to wake me up. I saw the presents for the birthday girl. It was amazing and at one point the nurse came in to change the drip and my conversation continued with my grandson.

“The Jetsetter” took off for London on Thursday, stayed overnight at the airport and flew to Vancouver on Friday. This was something I had been thinking about doing before I was ill. Not to stay in Vancouver but to make my way to where my Great Uncle went to live back in early 1910’s. His life is something I would love to have more information on but there is no-one now still alive who can give me the information. I do know that he signed up in Victoria BC for World War 1 and was killed in France. I have visited his final resting place.

“The Trainee Solicitor” and the “The Reconnect Navigator” have had a relaxing end to the week. It’s good to recharge your batteries and although a week by a pool may appeal, sometimes it’s just as good to be at home. Of course they went to celebrate my granddaughters birthday too, I am sure she had a smile from ear to ear when she saw her Uncle.

It’s time for the music part of the blog again, I know that a lot of this music is so old but I do throw in “more recent” records like Maroon 5 last week.

This week however, they are still oldies I suppose. The first is from 1980 it’s by Sad Cafe and is “What Am I Gonna Do?”. I actually remember buying the album, having just returned from holiday, with spending money left over. I was in Darlington and saw the album “Sad Cafe Live in Concert”, so I bought it. Loved it so much and still do.

The second song is from Melanie C from 2003 and it’s “On The Horizon”. I loved her “Northern Star”Album and also the album “Reason” from which this song is taken.

So Saturday and Sunday have been days without treatment and Monday is the day of my CAR-T cell treatment. It’s a big day but hopefully for me just a day nearer going home.

I will still be in hospital next week, but as with this week, God Willing, I will be back next week.

Have a good week until then.