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Invincible: Mark Grayson x FEM!reader
Firstly, I want to start by saying this: I had the first part written out perfectly, then Tumblr just suddenly exited out to my home screen. I wasn't able to safe it to drafts on time (cause I honestly didn't know that was gonna happen), so if the first part seemed kinda sloppy, you know why.
"I'm glad to see you're back here, Mark." The nurse greeted and gave her best toothy grin to the older male. The man, who had a bouquet of flowers, respond with a low chuckle. So low, you would assume he hadn't heard her. "Those flowers are for Ms. L/N?"
"Yeah," He rubbed the back of his neck as a nervous smile appeared on his lips. "These are my apologies for not showing up lately. Hope she doesn't get angry at me."
"I'm sure she won't be angry, Mark. Ms. L/N is kinder than you think. Although it's not my place to speak; you should know how amazing your grandma is, Mark." The man flinched at this. It was like a bullet piercing through his soul; It was something he couldn't dodge. He fixed a fake smile on his face to hide the disturbed one he had.
"I know she's kind. Too kind." With that, he bid the nurse farewell to meet with the patient.
His eyes came across many doors, but soon stopped at one he was most familiar with. His face was calm, but his eyes held fear. No, not because he was afraid of her, but because of the future after he leave her behind. What will life be like then? He groaned. He made sure his shirt was tucked neatly in his pants before walking into the room.
"Mark? Is that you?"
"Yeah. It's me." He quickly responded, making his way to the seat that was next to her bed.
"I'm was starting to think you forgotten about me." The older woman joked, which he laughed at.
"I'll never forget about you, Y/N." He leaned over to give the woman a kiss on the forehead. "I bought you flowers. "
The woman glanced at them, lips widen as she took in the sight of the beautiful plants. "Kee getting me these flowers, Mark and in here would be a garden." She joked, but Mark knew that she appreciated them anyways. "So..."
Mark gave the woman his full attention.
"How's Eve?" Mark knew where this was going and he hated it. He stayed silent, refusing to answer her. "Oh, come on. Has your lady magnet vanished? I would've assumed you'd have many women flocking over you."
"Yeah, Y/N, but—"
"But what? You're not thinking that we're still together, right?" The man stayed silent and Y/N sighed at this. "Look, Mark. I'm sixty-four and your twenty-five. It's not going to work out. You have a whole life ahead of you. Didn't you say you wanted kids? I'm sure it's still possible without me."
"Yeah, but I wanted them with you!" He stood up from his chair in frustration. "It's only because I'm half viltrumite that it's impossible to live a life with the woman I love. Dad was able to love mom, why can't I do so with you." Y/N stayed quiet as she listened to his rant. "I just.. I just..." He sat back down in defeat, placing his head tiredly into his hands. "I just really love you, Y/N. I really do."
The woman's eyes started to form tears at the man's words. "I know, Mark. I know." She then closed her eyes as she continued to speak. "But even so, Mark. You have to move on. Who knows when it'll be my last days on earth."
"Don't say that."
"But it's true."
The room went silent. Beeping noise from the machine was the only thing being heard. Mark's sniffing was just as loud as well. He tried to hold his tears back, but it was impossible. He didn't like the direction life was taking him. He didn't want this. At the moment, he wished he was born without powers, so then he and Y/N could live a life without worry.
"Um.. I'm sorry, Mark—uh, Mr. Grayson. Visiting hours are over. You can come same time tomorrow." The nurse from earlier entered the room, a small frown on her face at the sight before her.
"Yeah," The male only muttered. He stood up from the chair and began making his way out of the room. "I'll see you tomorrow." Y/N nodded in response at this and watched as her once in a lifetime lover left her sight.
———
Although it pained him, Mark decided to take Y/N's advice.
It had been a week since he had visited Y/N and during those days, he had went on a date with Eve, which Y/N was very excited about (he had told her during a phone call). Today, he was planning another date with the red head when he had gotten an unexpected call from the hospital.
"Mark? Hi, it's Annise from Silver's hospital and I called to let you know that—"
"Is Y/N alright? It has been awhile since I've last visited her. I hope she isn't too upset." He laughed, but was met with silence on the other line.
"Well, about that." The nurse was hesitant to continue, but she pulled through. "Ms. L/N has passed away. We really tried our best to—" Before the woman was even able to finish, the door to the hospital was bust open. Her eyes widen at the sudden sight of Mark. "M-Mark!"
"Where is she? Where is she?!"
"We've already placed her in the—"
"Let me see her!"
"Mark, please calm down." The nurse was panicky as she wasn't sure how to handle the male, so she opt to call for security.
"Please. You have to let me see her." Mark slouched his body as he allowed the security to take him away. "Please." Annise watched as the group of men took the pained man away. She felt terrible.
———
Mark, now thirty-five, stood before Y/N's grave with a somber look. Many years had past and if there was a way he could rewind time to prevent this from happening, he would, but sadly he can't.
"Daddy, daddy! Mummy told me to check on you." Mark removed his eyes from the tombstone and onto his daughter.
He smiled. "I'm doing good." He picked up his daughter, Terra, and gave her kiss on the cheek. "I'm just giving a gift to the dead."
"Do you know the dead?"
"Only this one." He answered and the girl stayed silent. Soon enough, Eve made her way to her husband.
"You ready to go?" She question, and yet, she knew the answer to that.
"Just.. Yeah. Let's go." He placed his daughter on the ground and took ahold of her hand, soon leaving the sight of the graveyard.
Placed on the tombstone was a familiar bouquet of flowers that Mark once gave to Y/N.
'You are loved and you will be missed.'
——
Let me know what you think?
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#mark grayson#mark grayson x reader#anime x reader#female reader#x female reader#x reader#invincible x reader#invincible#angst#y/n#mark grayson x female reader#fem reader#black tumblr#black author#fanfic#invincible comic#invincible show#invincible season 2#invincible season 1
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JUST A LITTLE SNACK: A SHORT STORY COLLECTION
A pregnant woman is devoured by an unsettling hunger. A man is buried alive, punished for a crime that is none. A boy goes missing, and he returns, changed.
In this collection of nine disturbing horror stories, the author of On Sundays, She Picked Flowers explores themes of disconcerting appetites of body and mind, of decay and the restless dead. Yah Yah Scholfield skillfully engages with Southern Gothic and Afro-Gothic traditions to create unsettling tales about nature, religion, and the body. Just a Little Snack is a perfect treat for fans of Her Body and Other Parties and What Moves the Dead.
Can everyone just like, scream with me and for me for a second? Because as of today, my short story collection is available for pre-order! Are y'all hungry for Just a Little Snack, or WHAT?
AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER ON NYX PUBLISHING
#🦢#SCREAM KISS MY ASSSSSSSSSSS#black author#black horror author#horror fiction#yah yah scholfield#cover reveal#book announcement
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Author/Poet Alice Walker in New Haven, Connecticut (1977), photo by William R. Ferris
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June always brings a deluge of recommendations of LGBTQ books, but often this coverage is very white. In this list, I want to highlight some of the Black authors writing swoonworthy adult F/F romance novels.
Reading Black Joy: 27 F/F Romances by Black Authors
#queer books#lesbian books#lgbtq books#lgbt books#lesbian romance#lesbian fiction#sapphic romance#f/f romance#Black author#author of color#main character of color#Black main character#Black#romance
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Anything But Love Part 2
AN: Hello my loves! First, I’m gonna apologize for disrespecting the sanctity of democracy, I hope you all can forgive me maybe. Love for Duties Sake Part 5 is still 150% coming, I’m just trying to be a good person, and A. Not make it a book. And B. Actually give them some peace for once in their lives (spoiler alert it’s not going well) SO yeah here's this gem of a story while I work on that, Shuri is once again a brat but maybe just maybe she doesn't actually mean to be a brat? Idk crazy idea. Y’all asked for Y/N to have a little bit of bite to her, I hope I did that lol. Blame two of your favorites on here for this coming out this morning instead of last night-
As always this is dedicated to the lovely @pinkwright, I simply exist to write fake dating for them.
Summary: Being the head of PR for the Udaku family came with its challenges. But staying on top of public perception and answering to elders paled in comparison to your most formidable challenge, dealing with the princess.
Pairing: Shuri x Fem!Reader
Warnings: Cussing, like BREIF mentions of sexual elements. that’s it I think.
Word count: 4,658
Masterlist. Taglist. Part 1.
Suggested listening: Bitches Broken Hearts - Billie Ellish
“You can pretend you don't miss me (me)
You can pretend you don't care
All you wanna do is kiss me (me)
Oh, what a shame I'm not there.”
“And again! One, two, three, four dip! One, two, three, four, turn!”
The feeling of Shuri’s foot coming down on yours had you pulling your hand from hers, a loud “Ow!” spewing from your lips.
“I wouldn’t have stepped on your foot if you had it in the right place.” Shuri looked down at you smugly as you rubbed your foot.
“Well maybe if you hadn’t skipped the first step, I wouldn’t be confused as to where we were at.” You glared up at her, wanting nothing more than to shoot up from your position on the floor and wipe that smug look off her face.
“Are you two really not over your issues, seriously? Mama gave you both a week, I thought you would have settled this by now.” T’Challa’s voice, while slightly annoying at this exact moment, was still right.
Queen Ramonda had given both you and Shuri a week to come to some sort of acceptance of the deal you both agreed to. Banning Shuri from entering her lab and you from your office, she hoped the time away from work would give you both some clarity about the situation, leading to you putting your childish bickering to the side and finally working together again.
While this all sounded good on paper, the time away from your safe spaces seemed to leave the two of you more irritable than before. Shuri’s attitude is on full display and your patience running dangerously low. Luckily, once she noticed this the Queen called in the one favor she had left, hoping maybe she could talk sense into the two of you before it was too late. But until she showed up under the Queen’s strict orders T’Challa was to teach you and Shuri the waltz.
“The only issue I have is that she cannot follow directions! I am supposed to be leading her in this dance yet every move she makes is contradictory to the one I have made. I step left, and she goes right. I take two steps forward, and she takes two backward. How am I to lead someone as stubborn as Y/N?” Shuri folded her arms over her chest, no longer giving you the satisfaction of looking in your direction once she finished her array of insults. Classy.
You rose from where you had been sitting checking your foot. Where Shuri may have beaten you in height, you had her in pure intimidation. Shuri was all bark and no bite and the minute you really mouthed off back to her, she faltered. “Maybe if I had a good leader, someone who I trust to lead, maybe then I’d have no problem following them. But when she can’t even remember the order of simple steps to a waltz, how am I supposed to want to follow her mkhuluwe? (brother)”
T’Challa tried to answer and de-escalate the situation but his sister's fiery attitude stopped him.
“I find your continual suggesting that I am an unfit leader to be disrespectful Y/N.” Shuri took a step closer to you, looking down at you through the curls that had fallen into her face. “Some would even say what you’re suggesting is treason. Are you committing treason against the Princess?” The tone in her voice was cocky, like a cat playing with her food. What you said was not treason, you knew it, she knew it, T’Challa knew it, and everyone else in the room knew it. But still, she chose to pull rank on you, a subtle reminder that you two were not acting off of an even playing field. Another low blow.
“You know I almost wish what I said was treason worthy Shuri, I’d gladly take whatever punishment that brings over having to continue this charade with you.” You chuckled softly. “Fifty years of solitary confinement, I think I’ll take my chances.”
The young Princess’s fists balled and the next smart remark was just about to leave her lips when another voice cut in. One that wasn’t yours, hers, or T’Challa’s.
“Bast! You both still fight like children!” You and Shuri both whipped around to see Nakia leaning up against the ballroom wall behind you. The sight of her had your feet moving faster than your brain could process, leading you right into Nakia’s arms. She let out a groan when your body connected with hers, squeezing you tightly. “Well hello to you too, usisi omncinci (little sister).”
“I didn’t know you’d be here so early.” You still hadn’t removed yourself from Nakia’s body as you spoke.
“Well, clearly she is,” Shuri’s slick remark rang out before Nakia could speak. “Now move, you’re not the only one who has missed her.”
With reluctance, you peeled your body off of Nakia’s to allow Shuri to hug her. As you watched the two embrace you were brought back to your childhood, Nakia’s family being the other one that you lived with when you weren't in the palace. She had taught you everything you knew about being an adult and your eagerness at her return was no different now than it was when you were younger.
When Shuri finally finished she stepped back next to you, leaving T’Challa as the only one who hadn’t greeted Nakia yet.
“Hi.” He said sheepishly as he stepped up into his girlfriend's space. Nakia smiled fondly at him, holding her hands out for T’Challa to take.
“Hi.”
“You did not tell me you were coming back.” T’Challa’s hands rubbed idly at Nakia’s knuckles, memorizing the feeling of her skin under his. These moments between the two of them were rare, Nakia busy with her war dog duties and T’Challa with his kingly responsibilities.
“Mm, I wasn’t supposed to be back this early but, Queen Mother called.” Nakia took her hand and cupped T’Challa’s cheek, rubbing gently on his soft skin before placing a sweet kiss on his lips. “And, I missed you mtuwam (my person).”
The sight of the two lovers made you smile and that same smile stayed on your face as you backed away to give them some privacy. Of course however when in the presence of the Princess such a smile can only last for so long. The sight of her staring at you in disgust had you rolling your eyes at her. “What is your problem? Is your heart so cold that you can’t appreciate a couple in love?”
Shuri let out a dry laugh. “No, I adore my brother and Nakia, she makes him significantly less lame. It is your reaction that I don’t believe.”
“What? I am a lover of love. A certified lover girl like Drake said. Especially true love like that.”
“Mhm if that’s what you need to tell yourself to sleep at night, but that’s not what I have heard.” Shuri dismissed herself from the ballroom, seeing no need to continue the dance lesson now that T’Challa was occupied.
You followed hot on her trail, what the hell had she “heard” about you that could make her of the opinion that you weren't a lover of love. It was blasphemy honestly, defamation of character.
“Shuri!” You grabbed her arm, forcing her to stop in her tracks. She tried to pull out of your grasp, expecting to overpower you easily. What she didn’t account for though was your newfound muscle from training with Ayo, rendering her attempts unsuccessful.
“Let me go.” She still hadn’t turned to face you, to you this seemed like disrespect, another time Shuri couldn’t even give you the decency to look at you. But internally, Shuri’s heart was beating a mile a minute. She hadn’t even realized how much she missed the feeling of you touching her skin. Holding hands to dance was one thing but the way you held tightly onto her now felt like a security blanket, holding her down to earth.
“What are you talking about? What did you hear?”
Shuri tried to pull her arm again to no avail, taking a deep breath, she turned and faced you. “When I tell you, you’ll remove your grabby hands from my wrist, yes?”
You roll your eyes at her use of the word grabby, this was a tactic you two would use often as kids and she never had a problem with it then. “Yes, if you tell me what you’re talking about, I’ll let you go.”
The Princess looked you up and down as she debated how to spill this information. “All I’m saying is I find it hard to believe that you are a lover girl when you so clearly have shown that you’re the opposite.”
That got you to loosen your hold on Shuri’s wrist just enough for her to pull away, her heart finally steadying. But to your surprise, she didn’t leave, rather staying and standing in front of you almost waiting for your questions.
“Explain what you’re talking about right now!” You demanded, your voice cracking slightly under your urgency.
“Adah.” That name was all Shuri gave you as you two stood staring at each other. “Oh don’t play dumb now, you two have been doing this thing since we were teenagers.”
You gritted your teeth, for a second time today, an Udaku child was right about something. Adah was a year younger than you and Shuri, her grandparents sat on the council so she was frequently in the palace growing up. Shuri never cared too much for Adah, saying that she was too whiny and took up too much of your time. This dislike only increased when you and Adah started casually dating as teenagers.
While you put the emphasis on casualness, Adah could never do the same; always trying to cling to your side and attach herself to your and Shuri’s plans. This only led to the Princess feeling more confident in her ability to voice her disdain for the young girl, consistently pointing out her shortcomings. When you finally did end things with Adah, she still seemed to pine after you, even going as far as to join the Dora Milaje to maintain proximity.
“Adah is just a friend Shuri, the same as she was back then.” This earned you a laugh from the Princess.
“Oh I’m sure she’s just a friend to you, but she doesn't see you the same way and she makes it abundantly clear.” Shuri looked you up and down. “And you don’t seem to have a problem with that, do you?”
You chose to ignore the second part of Shuri’s statement, instead attacking the first part. “Why does it matter who I’m friends with Shuri?”
She scoffed at you and attempted to walk away, done with this conversation. But you had grown tired of things always ending on her word, by her command. So you stepped in front of her, blocking her path with your body. When she stepped in another direction you followed suit, leaving her nowhere to go. “Why does it matter who I’m friends with?”
“Get out of my way.”
“Answer my question.”
The Princess was left with a decision, attempt to worm her way around you, success rate: twenty-five percent, or answer your question. Reluctantly she chose the ladder.
“I do not care who you’re friends with Y/N. Truly, I don’t.” She used the closeness of your bodies that you had created to her advantage, leaning over you. “But Adah, she’s not just a friend, is she? Because I remember what it was like to be your friend and I don’t recall it involving sneaking out of your bedroom at three AM every other night.”
Fuck.
Your eyes widened at her words and your breath caught in your chest. How did she know about that? Those were isolated incidents. The few times when you had permitted Adah into your bedroom late at night it was just long enough to make you feel something again, before swiftly kicking her out.
“Oh don’t get quiet on me now Y/N, where's all that energy you just had?” Shuri teased you, cocking her head to the side with a chuckle.
Two options played out in your head at that moment. The first was to stick to what you knew worked with Shuri, logic, and reason. Walk away from the conversation and wait until you were both cooler-headed. The second option was to really give it to Shuri, and remind her why your attitude was just as feared as hers, with the hopes that she’d step off afterward. Two shit options but beggars can’t be choosers.
“You know what Shuri, first off fuck you. We’re not friends, right? So, who I decide to spend my time with is none of your business.” Your words had Shuri straightening up, no longer towering over you.
“Second, fuck you again. You ended this, you didn’t wanna be my friend anymore, so yeah maybe I decided to be friends with Adah again. But guess who no longer gets an opinion on it? You.” You had effectively backed the Princess into a wall, her having nowhere to go but to press her back up against it and wait for you to finish.
“Third and finally fuck you. Fuck your bullshit ass entitled attitude that pushes everyone away that tries to help you. Fuck your inability to not be an asshole for once in your life. Fuck you for not even being able to be a decent non-friend to me Shuri. I mean shit, we didn’t have to be best friends but you don’t have to be such a dick.”
By the time you finished speaking, you realized you had said way more than you’d originally intended to. Letting some of the anger that you’d held onto from your adolescence spew out on the princess now. You two stared at each other for a moment, not sure what to say after your honest words.
Shuri tried to speak but you stopped her with a raise of your hand. There was nothing left to say here. Backing away from the Princess you ignored her calls and made your way away from her as quickly as you could.
Once you were clear out of sight Shuri sunk down to the floor, burying her head in her knees. How did she keep doing this? Insulting and pushing you away when all she wanted to do was recreate the relationship you guys used to have. But how could she when clearly she had hurt you so badly?
Two shadows appeared over Shuri and she looked up to see Nakia and T’Challa, locked arm and arm, staring down at her. The last thing she wanted right now was some lecture from her brother. “What do you want?”
“We heard everything.” T’Challa rocked on his heels slightly, his nervousness apparent. He wasn’t sure how to go about a situation like this. Being king, that was easy. But being an ubhuti omdalana? (older brother) This was much harder.
“Okay…” Shuri buried her head back into her knees, her braids shielding her face from view.
The King looked to Nakia, hoping his girlfriend might have something to say here to help the situation. Instead, the war dog just smiled and squeezed T’Challa’s arm. “I am going to check on Y/N.” She whispered to him quietly. “You got this.”
T’Challa held tightly to Nakia as she tried to pull away, shooting her a “Do not leave me here.” look, which only made Nakia smile. After a few tugs, she finally got her arm out of T’Challa’s hold and she bent down to speak to Shuri. “Sisi (sister), try to at least listen to what he says hmm?” She rubbed the princess’s shoulder gently, satisfied that she could go when Shuri gave her a small nod.
When Nakia left T’Challa sat down next to his sister, pulling his knees to his chest to mimic her. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“No.”
“Okay…” The siblings sat in silence for a little bit, T’Challa unsure of what to say. He tried to think what his Baba would do if he were still here or what kind words his mother would offer but he drew blanks. Just as he went to speak Shuri’s head popped up.
“It is like she wants me to hate her or something.”
“Ingaba uthetha ukuthini? (What do you mean?)” T’Challa turned to look at his little sister confused by her words.
“Y/N, it’s like she wants me to hate her. Everything she does I’m convinced she only does it to infuriate me.” T’Challa recognized the tone of his sister's voice, it was the same one that developed when she had solved a math problem or fixed a mechanical issue by herself. A tone of finality.
“And what has she done thus far to make you hate her?” Now that he understood where Shuri’s problem lay, her brother felt much more confident helping her work through it.
Shuri looked up at her brother as if he was crazy. “What do you mean what has she done to make me hate her? You heard the whole argument right?”
T’Challa nodded.
“Then you have heard just the most recent thing she’s done to infuriate me, becoming friends with Adah.”
“And why can she not be friends with Adah?” T’Challa posed the question simply, raising his eyebrows at the Princess.
“Because she knows I dislike Adah, she could have chosen any girl in the palace to be friends with and yet she chooses the one she knows I do not like? What kind of a friend does that?” Shuri let out a puff of air as she spoke about your behavior, but she didn’t stop there.
“I mean really mkhuluwe (brother), do your friends treat you like that?”
“Shuri,” T’Challa tried to stop his sister from continuing.
“One moment, I am just saying who gave her the right to be so annoying! Friends are not supposed to be annoying-”
“Shuri,” T’Challa tried again to interject but was shut down.
“You came to listen to me talk, yet you keep cutting me off. Like I was saying friends are not supposed to be annoying, petulant, life-sucking-”
T’Challa couldn’t stand it any longer and finally, he fully interrupted her. “Shuri! For Bast's sake listen to me for a moment.”
Shuri cocked her head back in disbelief, cutting her eyes at him in the process. “Did you just yell at me?”
The King swallowed, “Yes.”
Shuri looked him up and down before nodding, impressed at his ability to finally stand up to her. “Go on.”
“All of this,” He gestured around her body. “Is because you’re upset with Y/N, yes?”
Shuri faltered for a second, “Not just because of Y/N-”
“Your heart rate increases when you are lying, try again.”
The Princess gasped, shoving her older brother. “I told you about using your black panther powers on me, it’s weird!”
T’Challa only laughed. “But I am right, yes? All of this is because you’re mad that Y/N has made friends with someone you do not like.”
“Yes.” Shuri’s response was quick, almost as if she didn’t wanna agree to what T’Challa had said.
“But sisi, were you not the one to end the friendship with Y/N in the first place? How can you be mad at the way she has chosen to move on?” T’Challa’s words struck a chord with his sister. “Even if she did deliberately choose Adah to upset you, which we both know our Y/N, and I do not think that is something she would do. Why do you get to treat her poorly because of it?”
Shuri let out a groan and turned away from her brother, but T’Challa continued.
“What it sounds like to me, little sister is that you are jealous that Y/N has moved on and has found someone else to spend her time with.”
Shuri sat there processing her brother's words. Jealous? She wasn’t jealous… Right?
On the other side of the palace, Nakia had finally located you.
“How did I know I would find you here?” The older woman looked up at you in the trees. Nakia guessed that this tree, the same one you would climb up as a child, is where you would be.
“Not too much has changed hmm.” You offered.
“Oh but so much has.” Nakia mused with a smile as she started her ascent into the trees.
“Be careful, your body is not as young as it used to be.” You warned her with a laugh, earning a gentle shove from her once she finally got herself situated.
“Are you calling me old sisi (sister)?”
“I am not calling you young.” Your laughter only increased at her shocked expression.
“I leave for a few months and you start insulting your elders? You really are just like Shuri.” Nakia meant the comment to be funny, and a few years prior it would have been. But now the mention of the princess made the smile slowly fade from your face.
This of course did not go unnoticed by Nakia, she brushed your shoulder with hers gently. “Talk to me about her.”
You shook your head, “Nakia, there's nothing to say about her that I haven't already said. You heard it all.”
“Then tell it to me again. Explain to me how two girls who I watched grow up like sisters, now cannot spend a minute together without fighting.” Nakia’s brown eyes bore into your own. She always had a way about her, this energy that encouraged you to spill what had been weighing on you. And especially up here, high above the palace looking out onto the rest of the Golden City, you felt the urge to open up for once.
“I don’t know what I did to make her so upset with me.” The words came out of your mouth quietly. “It was like one minute she was my best friend and now she can hardly stand the sight of me. Everything I do is somehow wrong in her eyes.”
“You know that’s not how she really feels Y/N.” Nakia tried to reason with you.
“As much as you and Mama keep saying that Nakia, I think you’re wrong.” You finally pulled your eyes away from her. “She is all upset that I’ve chosen to spend time with someone else but she was the one who decided she didn’t want to spend any time with me.”
Nakia tucked a few stray curls behind your ear. “Do you want to know what I think sisi?”
You made a sound of inquiry, encouraging Nakia to continue.
“I think she regrets her decision.”
You whipped your head to face Nakia. “Intoni (What)?”
“I am being serious, I think Shuri regrets her decision about ending the friendship,” Nakia spoke matter of factly as if she had weighed out all the options in front of her and settled on that one.
“Yeah, and what about her behavior is saying ‘I want Y/N back as a friend.’ to you?” The question came out more comical than you intended but you couldn’t help it, the idea Nakia was pushing was laughable.
“You and I both know Shuri, so you and I both know the last thing she can do is admit when she’s wrong. Think back to when we were kids and she didn’t want to admit that it was her miscalculations that made the hair dye ‘semi permanent’ not ‘washable’ like she insisted it was.” The memory Nakia brought up had you laughing.
You and Shuri couldn’t have been but thirteen when she insisted that her new project was a hundred percent safe and a hundred percent NOT permanent. That of course led to you both having matching bright purple streaks in your hair for two months.
Seeing your smile again brought Nakia some peace, she hadn’t lost you to your mind's overthinking yet. “Shuri is just hard-headed. She does not know how to say she wants you back in her life, so she doubles down on her stance.”
You pondered Nakia’s words, it was true that Shuri did seem to double down on her dislike of you in the past three weeks. Almost as if being in increased proximity to you was making her miss you and lash out in response.
“Promise me something?” Nakia wrapped her arm around your shoulder bringing you into her.
“I can’t promise something if I do not know what it is Nakia. What if you wanted me to promise that I’ll jump from this spot right now? That’s not a promise I would make.” You were only rambling to annoy Nakia at this point and she knew it. She brought her other hand to flick your forehead.
“Hush. Just promise me that you won’t shut Shuri out completely?” The older woman looked down at you awaiting your answer. “I know this is hard for you, having to be with her constantly when she isn’t the Shuri we know. But, there will come a time when she is again and I want you two to be able to rebuild when that comes.”
You inhaled deeply debating if this was something you could promise to.
“I’m not asking for you to lay down and let her insult you, Shuri needs someone to keep her in check too.” That got a chuckle out of you. The Princess needed more than just someone to keep her in check, she needed a full attitude adjustment. “But I am just saying, I think the more time you two spend together the more she’ll come back around.” There was a glint in Nakia’s eyes when she spoke that you didn’t recognize.
“Okay.” You agreed quietly.
“Okay?” Nakia squeezed you tight. “I will take an okay, I was not even sure if you were going to let me get this far!”
The two of you both laughed in unison, knowing that it was a rare occasion when you actually took someone's advice. Your laughter was interrupted by the chirp of Nakia’s kimoyo beads alerting her that she had an incoming call.
“Oh it's Challa, let us see what he wants.” The call went through and a holographic picture of the prince popped out of the beads. “Molo (Hello), sthandwa sami (my love). Everything is well I assume?”
T’Challa grinned back at Nakia. “Ewe, just like you said it would.” The two just gazed at each other through the phone for a moment before the King cleared his throat. “I was um calling to see if you’d be joining us for dinner tonight?”
“Of course, I would not miss it for the world.” Nakia’s reply came quick and you could have sworn T’Challa’s smile doubled in size.
The soft sound of Shuri’s voice interrupted the moment. “Is Y/N with you?”
Nakia hesitated a moment, “Yes, she is.”
“Is she uh- coming with us to dinner?” Shuri herself seemed unsure if she actually wanted to ask the question. Peeking out from behind her brother's shoulder, showing that they were both still sitting on the floor.
Nakia looked over at you, trying to judge your body language. When she didn’t sense anything that seemed like you were against the idea she finally spoke. “Ewe, she will be joining us for dinner.”
Shuri sat up from her slouched position, her tone sounding more joyus. “Really? So it will be me, you, T’Challa, Mother, and Y/N. Good.” When she finished speaking she felt the eyes of T’Challa and Nakia on her, now both bearing sickeningly wide smiles. Why were they looking at her like that? As if her response was something they could have predicted. It made the princess check her attitude, returning back to her unbothered demeanor. “It is good Y/N will be joining us, for work and everything.”
“Mhm, I think so too.” T’Challa followed up his sister, alleviating some of the attention from her to himself. “Just like old times.”
Taglist: @shuriszn @sokkasbae25 @verachii @cuddl3s4shur1 @takeyaki @jinnie10101 @letitias-fav @sweetalittleselfish-honey @beautybyfire @6-noir @mocha-aya @yvxmpire @mysticalmarss @ziayamikaelson @youralphawolf72 @n7cje @inmyheadimobsessed @shurisjournal @shurisbigtoe @saintwrld @pinkwright @chatitajens @playhousedistee @motheroffae @injeolmiee @tchhairbandhere @._mrqs @msudaku @lppriceisright @bratydoll @blackqueengold @iheartsolo @cafehyunji @abenomeiiii @naomis-daydream @ilroachsworld @locoforshuri
#shuri black panther#shuri udaku x reader#shuri of wakanda#shuri x y/n#shuri udaku#shuri fanfiction#shuri x reader#shuri x you#shuri x black!reader#shuri x fem!reader#black panther#black panther imagine#black panther fanfiction#wlw blog#WLW#wlw ship#wlw fanfic#wlw love#black author
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Euphoric
pairing | Daemon Targaryen x Black F!Reader
Warnings: Nudity
summary: You catch the eye of Daemon Targaryen.
word count: 1.4k
A/n: This is my first series I have every done. Also is the second thing I gave written in a long time so please try to be patient with me. I will take any feedback you can give me. Anyone can read. Other than that, enjoy :). Divders by @firefly-graphics
If someone told you three years ago that you would be working at a strip club to get through college, you would've laughed in their face. But sometimes life has a way of putting you in situations you would have never thought you'll end up in.
You worked at one of the most popular strip clubs in all of King's Landing and was one of the top dancers there.
The Pink Paradise.
The club was owned by Jacqueline and Anthony Carter. Anthony handle the money and Jacqueline keep the girls in check. And together they ran the club as one big happy family. You started working there after one of your college friends that worked there told you about it. Even through things can get out of hand sometimes, you loved it there and plus the pay was good...most days.
"Alright ladies." Jacqueline announced to everyone in the dressing room, "We got some important people coming tonight, so I need you guys to do your best out there. Don’t fuck this up."
Before she leaves out, she turns to you and points a manicured finger at you, "You're on in 10."
As you are trying to finish putting yourself together, your friend Imani, who goes by Jinx on stage, comes over and leans against you vanity.
"Did you hear who is coming tonight?" She questions as she look at herself in the mirror checking her lip gloss.
"Don't know and don't care." You said, making sure your hair was good.
"Cmon. You're telling me, that you're not a little bit curious." She nudges your shoulder.
You look up at her, " I just came to get my money and go home, that's it." You told her.
She rolls her eyes, "Well I'm going to tell you anyway." She says, "It's Daemon Targaryen."
Even through the name sounded familiar, you couldn’t place as to why. Before you could as her who he was, your name is called fo you to go on stage.
"Alright, alright settle down everyone." You heard the Dj say, " Next coming to the stage is a crowd fav. Welcome to the stage Miss Luna!"
The crowd starts cheering and you take one final deep breathe before walking out.
Don't walk in here with the bullshit look up on your face.
Mad about some argument from yesterday, yeah
Cause tonight, no need to fight, I can ease your mind
As the song starts playing, you strut towards the pole in the middle of the stage. You grab ahold of the pole and wrapped your legs around it, twirling and pulling your body around it. You moved your body to the beat of the music.
Everyone's attention was on you.
When I put this cake in your face
I got that shit that you're cravin' (ah, ah)
Boy, come here
Eyes rollin' back of my face
And I got you feelin' the same, yeah
'Cause I want it
Your eyes scanned the crowd and locked on a pair of eyes in the VIP area. You twirled around the pole and swung your legs around it. You blocked out the sound of the crowd and kept eye with the man. It was you was dancing for only him.
Got you curling your toes
While you're deep in my throat
I want it
I'll be the six and you'll be nine
I want it
As the song comes to an end, you put your legs out in the air into a split, doing one final spin before dropping down onto the stage still in the same position. You leaned back from the pole a little and let the money fall on you and on the floor around you.
" Everyone gives it up for Miss Luna!" The Dj says.
As you grab the money from the floor, you could hear the disappointing groans from the crowd because you had to leave.
After putting your money up, you walked out the dressing room and you changed into a different outfit.
You put the bag of money into your locker and went to grab a drink from the bar. You could see Imani sitting on one of the stools flirting with Xavier, the bartender. Once she sees you, she smiles at you.
"Girl you did that. Had they asses on the edge of their seats." She tells you and gives you a high five.
You chuckle “I mean… I try.” You said an gave a little shrug and took the drink Xavier hands you. You thank him and down it, before you hear someone calling your name and looked behind you to see Jacqueline waving you over to her. Wanting to see what she wanted, you got up and went over to her.
"You need something boss lady?" You questioned her.
"I need you to go to one of the private rooms. One of our special guest paid for a dance." She says and tells you the room number.
You had never really been to one of the private rooms, always choosing the safe option to dance out in the open. Even through you were nervous, you were also curious as to who was behind the door.
You stood in front of the door of the room you were told to go to before knocking on it and heard a male's voice behind the door.
"Come in." The voice says.
When you walk in, you see the man that was making eye contact with you sitting on the couch with a drink in his hand. He beacons you into farther into the room with the flick of his hand. Nervously, you look around the room to see a pole in the center of it and a stereo in the corner of the room.
The man clears his throat and your eyes snaps to his figure. Your eyes scan up his body as he does the same to you. You could tell just by looking at him, he was someone important. When your eyes got to his face, you see that he is already looking at you. There was something about the way he was looking at you though. The look in his eyes was intense but it also did something to you.
You went over to the stereo in the corner of the room and grabbed the remote and turned it on. As you walk over to the pole, the music comes on and fills the room. The liquor in your system gave you a little courage to be a little less anxious. You listened to the lyrics of the song, letting your body move to the beat of it on the pole.
Drip too hard, stand too close
Fuck around and drown off this wave
This go hard, it's the most
You ever make sounds, girl, behave
The man leans forward to sit his glass on the table in front of him. He pulls his hand back and places his arms on the back of the couch, spreading his legs wide. You twisted and turned your body in different positions on the pole.
There's no limit, yeah
I'm a master with the P
Once you in it, yeah
Disaster with the D
You won't last in it
Getting down from the pole and onto the floor, you seductively crawled over to him with your ass high in the air. You leaned up and slide your hands up his legs. He stares down at you with those intensive eyes of his. Standing up, you leaned forward, putting your breast in his face. You felt him let out a breath against you and it sends a shiver up your body. You straddle him and sit down in his lap, reaching behind to unhook your bra. The both of you held eye contact with each other as you threw it somewhere behind you.
Moving your hips to the beat of the song, you felt him harden underneath you. He lets out a groan and tries his best to not touch you without your permission. He tipped his head back on the couch, giving a full view of his neck. You licked your lips and bit on your bottom lip.
He puts his head back up when you turned your body in his lap, putting you back to his front. You laid your head back on his shoulder next to his and grinded your ass back against his crotch.
"You're so beautiful." He whispers in your ear.
Hearing him says that makes you squirm in his lap. You grabbed one of his hands and laid it on one of your breasts. He squeezed it, making you let out a whimper as his thumb brushed over your nipple.
As the song comes to an end, you slowly get up out of his lap and bend down to grab your bra from off the floor. He says something as you are walking out of the room.
"See you around." He shouts over the music of the club as you open the door.
You looked over your shoulder to see he has a smirk on his face. Without saying anything, you continued out the door.
Taglist | @avalyaaa, @simbaaas-stuff, @thirteenth-fangirl
#daemon targaryen#daemon targaryen x reader#black reader#daemon x reader#daemon targeryen x reader#black author
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Thanksgiving (2019) by Rachel Long
In Episode 199, Rachel shares a poet recommended by a listener, Milo Rey!
Rachel: In fact, Rachel Long is actually a founder of a poetry collective called the Octavia Poetry Collective for Women of Colour. She talks a lot about the experience of being what she calls, like, both the invisible and also hyper visible.
[...] And so that poem kind of gets at that a little bit, of just this idea of like trying to exist in this space and be what somebody else wants you to be, you know? And I mean, obviously I don’t have that exact experience, but that experience of being with somebody that you feel is different than you, and trying to just keep everything unique about yourself, like, hidden.
This poem always manages to catch me off guard; it's title and opening lines seem to be guiding the reader towards a peaceful, and even tender, road. But suddenly, you finish reading it and realise that, without even noticing it, you'd been steered right to the edge of a cliff. It's such a quiet, heartbreaking poem.
If you’d like to hear more about the author's experience, you can do so here: In Relationship with the Orbeez, from 23:38 - 35:00
#poetry#rachel mcelroy#griffin mcelroy#poem#Rachel Long#poet#Thanksgiving#writing#words#literature#love#bittersweet#black author#black artist#wonderful!#wonderful! podcast#rachel’s poetry corner#episode 199
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AUTHOR FEATURE:
﹒James Baldwin﹒
Ten Books Written By this Author:
Giovanni's Room
The Fire Next Time
Go Tell It On the Mountain
If Beale Street Could Talk
Another Country
Notes of A Native Son
Sonny's Blues
Going to Meet the Man
Nobody Knows My Name
Tell Me How Long The Train's Been Gone
___
Happy reading!
#Author Features#Author Feature#James Baldwin#Black Author#Diversify your shelves#on books#on reading#book list#booklr#books and reading#books#bookish#features#bookworm#bookaholic#book blogger#book blog#LGBTQ+ Authors#readers of tumblr#bookblr#readers#tbr#to-read
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Sinbound- Chapter 10
Summary: It’s Eddie and Y/n’s baby shower and Buck is still hiding the fact that Eddie cheated on Y/n.
Series Masterlist
I was so occupied with planning the baby shower, I barely had time for anything. Buck has been calling me and trying to meet up and talk but I really had no time to spare. Finally the day of the baby shower came which meant I was away from my phone all day. It was set-up, food prep, more cooking, making sure all the games were in their proper area, and all the guests had the location. By the time that was done I went into the room to shower and change. The dress I found for today was perfect. It was a beautiful cream color that highlighted my features well and it hugged my bump enough to where it was noticeable but it didn’t feel like it. When I came out, guests were starting to roll in one by one. First was Bobby and Athena’s family, then Chimney, Maddie, and Jee, Then Karen, Hen, and Denny, Then Lucy, and Ravi, and finally there were my friends from my old job and a few mutual friends. Both Eddie and I’s families could not make it on account of my sister being stuck grading papers and my dad recovering from a golf injury. Eddie’s parents' flight got delayed and there was no point in them coming considering the next available flight would make them arrive at 3 am tomorrow. I noticed Buck still hasn't arrived yet but I tried to brush it off. Afterall, Buck wouldn’t miss my baby shower. As time went on food was eaten, games were played, and small talk was spoken, but Buck still hadn’t arrived. Just as I started to lose hope, Buck walked through the door. “Buck, I’m so glad you made it.” I quickly greeted him.
“Yeah me too. Hey, Y/n can I talk to you really fast?”
“About?”
“Uhm I can’t really say it here. Can we go somewhere a little private?”
“Yeah umm sure Buck.” I ushered Buck into a room where I knew no one would be. “What’s up?”
“I need to tell you something and it’s really important. I’ve been trying to reach you all week and you couldn’t meet me.”
“I know I’ve been really occupied. It isn’t anything about Alex, is it because I don’t want her to think because of the new baby I’m neglecting her needs or anything.”
“No it’s not about Alex.” Buck looked nervous to say anything. “How about after the party you come find me so we can talk?”
“You said it was important, what is it?”
“Now’s a bad time. Let’s do this later.”
“Buck, what is it? Why are you so tight lipped all of a sudden?”
Buck let out a sigh. “I didn’t want to tell you here I just wanted to remind you that I needed to talk to you but uhh I heard something and I think you should know about it. Chimney and Maddie told me that Eddie confided in Chimney about sleeping with Ana.” When Buck said those words it’s like my whole world came crashing down. It felt like someone punched me square in the chest and then sat on it. Suddenly, my legs had a mind of their own and I was walking to the living area. Despite Buck’s attempts to get me to stay in the room, I made my way over to where Eddie was talking with Karen and Hen. "Karen, can you take all the kids outside? I need to talk to Eddie."
"What's going on?" Eddie asked.
"Karen please?" I practically begged without taking my eyes off of Eddie.
"Come on kids. Let's get some cake." Karen called. I waited until Karen and the kids were outside before I questioned Eddie.
"Is it true?"
"Is what true?"
"Did you sleep with Ana?" I loudly asked. Silence filled the room as all eyes were on us. "Well tell me? Did you sleep with Ana or is Buck lying?"
"Can we talk about this in private?" Eddie tried to whisper.
"You wanna talk about this in private. Why? Is this embarrassing for you?" I felt my eyes fill with tears of anger. "Is it true!" I yelled.
"Yes. It's true." Eddie answered barely above a whisper.
"Let me ask you something. What do you think is more embarrassing, everyone knowing that you cheated or being the last person to find out about your partner's infidelity while 7 months pregnant?"
"Seriously honey. I think we should talk about this in private."
"Well I don't." I turned towards everyone. "You heard it here first everyone, Y/n Y/L/N was cheated on by Eddie Diaz and she found out through her ex. I mean, isn't that something." I turned back towards Eddie. "Let me ask you something, what was it like huh? Did it feel great? Was it everything you ever hoped for? I mean I know it was getting pretty lackluster in the bedroom. I was getting bigger, less attractive..."
"No, don't go there. That's not what that was about."
"Then what was it about?"
"I didn't know we were having problems and I was drinking..."
"Alright everyone it's time for us to go." Athena interjected. “Let’s go, I’m not asking twice.” Slowly everyone started to clear out until it was just Eddie and I inside the house. Buck went outside to stay with the kids so they wouldn’t come inside or hear what was happening.
“So why? Why did you do it?”
“Do you really want a reason or are you just trying to get me to say it?”
“You have the audacity to question me? I’m not the one who stepped out in this relationship.”
“You didn’t? I mean you might as well have. This relationship was never just me and you, it was always me, you, and Buck. He’s like this tumor that just keeps growing back. Each time I think he’s finally out of our lives he’s back sniffing behind you, trying to come between us.”
“Don’t do that. Don’t flip this around on me or him.”
“Him. He can never do wrong in your eyes right. The golden boy?”
“You and I both know Buck is far from perfect, but at least he makes up for it. What do you do huh?” By now I couldn’t even see Eddie in front of me. My head was pounding, my eyes were flowing like rivers, and my mouth was moving without me even knowing what was being said. “You shift the blame on everyone else, but you don’t ever take a look in the mirror and see that if everything keeps going wrong in your life maybe it’s you.” After I said that we both went silent. “Just tell me why Eddie? Why?”
“I don’t know.”
“Yes you do. Don’t do that.”
“Because you weren’t here.”
“What are you talking about? I’ve been here for you everyday. I’ve been here since the moment you became my patient.”
“Yeah but you weren’t here for me. You were here but you weren’t here for me Y/n. Everytime we talked it’s like you never listened and everytime we tried to talk to each other it was an argument. So, I slept with Ana.”
“When?”
“That night.” He didn’t have to say more than that. I knew which night he was talking about and the more I thought about the next day the stupider I felt. What man leaves for hours and comes back home not guilty?
I don’t know what it was but that felt like the straw that broke the camel's back. “A chance.” I said, barely above a whisper.
“What?” Eddie replied.
“A chance. I gave you a chance! I asked you if anything else happened and you looked me dead in the face and said nothing else happened! You lied to my face and you didn’t even flinch!”
“How could I! How could I tell you the truth knowing it would break your heart?”
“Oh you couldn’t tell me because it would break my heart but you didn’t think about that when you did it. Did you Eddie?” Eddie was quiet. “Eddie, I need you to be completely honest with me about these next two questions because your answers to them may determine everything.” Eddie just looked at me with those same helpless eyes I saw the day we met. “Was it only that night?”
“Of course. The next day after it happened I regretted it. I told her the same thing. It was a mistake, a one time mistake.”
I just nodded my head at his answer. I looked down at the engagement ring on my finger that now felt like a 1000 lbs weight. “Did you have the idea to propose to me before or after that night?” I looked at Eddie and saw his expression. The way his usually relaxed face twisted into a nervous wreck. His eyebrows were slumped and low. He was rubbing the nape of his neck and his arms crossed around his chest.
“After.”
“So you didn’t want to marry me?” My eyes welled all over again and I could feel myself losing control. “You felt guilty about what you did.” My arms crossed, hands gripping my upper arms in hope to give myself some kind of comfort.
“No, of course not baby. I want to marry you.” Eddie crossed the invisible barrier that was between us and raised his hand to touch me but I couldn’t stomach his touch. His touch felt almost disgusting and I quickly stepped back to shake it off.
“When you proposed to me you said you never felt this way since Shannon. That after losing her you never thought you could feel this way about anyone. Was that all a lie? A way to talk yourself into it, to convince yourself that you felt that way. That I wasn’t anything more than some girlfriend that you knocked up?”
“Y/n, don’t ever say that. I love you more than words can describe. That night was a mistake.”
“But it happened Eddie! And I can’t get past that. I can’t get past the fact that you lied to me, I can’t get past the fact that you proposed to me knowing that you cheated on me, I can’t get past the fact that not one, not two, but three people knew before me. I can’t get past the fact that I don't trust you anymore. I can’t do this. I can’t do it. I can’t do you. I’m done Eddie.”
“You’re done? What do you mean?” His words came out rushed and jumbled together that if I wasn’t so focused on this moment I might have misunderstood them.
“You know exactly what I mean.” I slipped the ring, not even a ring anymore to me, an anchor, off of my finger and handed it to Eddie. “I deserve better. You deserve better. Alex, Christopher, and this baby deserve better. Not this constant rollercoaster of hurt and pain and sorrow. I can’t do it any longer. The thought of you and her will always be on my mind. Maybe one day I can forget but for now I know I won’t be able to. Give me 2 hours. 2 hours to pack Alex and I’s things. We’re done Eddie. Please leave.” The tears were still flowing but the anger in my voice was long gone. Eddie tried to speak but it seemed like nothing could come out. Like everything he needed to say was already said. I could tell he was hurting. He wanted to scream, shout, cry, but he just couldn't. He knew, deep down he knew, I’m done. As he tried to approach me I threw my hand up to signal for him to stop. Eddie walked away without a word towards the backyard to get Christopher and maybe explain what was going on. I knew I wouldn’t be able to take the look on Christopher’s face as Eddie was taking him, the boy that became my son in just a short time, away. I went to my room and broke down. It felt like the walls in the room were caving in on me. Like the air in the room was replaced with something entirely else.
As I sat in there and weeped for what felt like hours, I heard a knock on the door. It was Buck. He was still there with Alex and came to check on me. He could tell by my state that I wasn’t okay so there was no need for that stupid question. He just sat beside me on the bed, wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me into his embrace. As my head rested on his shoulder and I soaked his polo, I heard him whisper “I got you.”
Author’s Note: This was supposed to be the chapter I took a hiatus on which would leave like a massive cliffhanger but I got behind on posting so my bad. The next chapter will be out tomorrow and the reason I’ve been uploading like crazy is because I finally have a break from school (yay spring break) and I’m trying to get as much done as I can before it starts back up and I’m can’t focus on my page anymore. I see the requests in my inbox and I plan on replying soon.
#Eddie Diaz#eddie díaz#eddie diaz x reader#eddie and christopher#black reader#Black Author#evan buckley#evan buckley x reader#evan buck buckely#past evan buckley x reader#911 fic#911 fanfic#911 fandom#911 fox#911onfox#911 on fox#911#118 firefam#118
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Living in North America, even when you aren’t celebrating Christmas, it feels like you're celebrating Christmas.
Promptly on November 1st, the red, white and green festivities begin and their brilliant hues are inescapable. There are elves on shelves and an inflatable Frosty on roofs. And Santa! He really is always watching you as he’s plastered on every surface. He sees you when you’re sleeping because he’s on the half-eaten chocolate wrapper on your dresser. He knows when you’re awake because he’s also on your cereal box, milk carton, and morning coffee sleeve.
Around this time of year, there is a spike in cases of FOMO within first and second-generation immigrants whose holiday rosters do not include Christmas. For over fifty days, they are stuck between a rock and a jolly place because Christmas can be… tempting. The twinkling lights are alluring, the merry melodies are mesmerizing, the promise of gifts is promising, and so the fear of missing out can be all-consuming. It all starts on an ordinary November morning when suddenly, "the holiday spirit" infuses everything the light touches. Every mode and medium has a Yuletide tinge, and every sector of life has a little trimming. For two months, these FOMO-ridden individuals trapeze through jagged tinsel and paper-cut sharp wrapping paper, trying to maneuver in the aftermath of Big Hallmark’s joyous rampage.
In schools, children sing carols in winter pageants, some only mouthing the words to Silent Night or hesitantly rockin’ around a Christmas tree.
There's no argument that these activities can spark joy, and that's precisely the problem. Celebrating, the very act of it, is fun. Whether it’s Halloween, a wedding, an achievement, however minimal, or even a dog’s birthday, people find reasons to come together and celebrate. But in this case, Christmas is not theirs to celebrate. Some people have a little voice in their heads that nettles them each time they put on reindeer ears or take part in Secret Santa. Depending on the individual, it could be their conscience screaming, “What would my parents say?”
In the winter whirlwind of hope, excitement, and merriment, it’s almost impossible to not want to be a part of it all, even subconsciously. It’s difficult to deny that Christmas is fun.
Especially since celebrating non-Christian holidays in the West can be challenging.
There are no signature drinks or holiday hours. There are no lights and most definitely no statutory days off. Christmas is fun because of the sheer scale. The stakes are high with countdowns, giveaways, and so many parties.
Christmas isn’t just a day you celebrate, it’s a season. It’s a pallette and a theme. It’s a genre of music and film. It’s a category of dessert, dinner, and beverage.
That said, it’s difficult to compete with all the fanfare that happens each year in December. Parents are often compelled to go above and beyond to get their kids excited about their own celebrations. Usually with the help of old reliable Mr. Chuck E. Cheese and even older — and therefore more reliable — Mr. Wad of Cash. Worse yet, when one has to justify their need for a day off to a manager who is apparently fascinated by their religion, people can’t help but pray for patience, or better yet, a miracle.
A miracle in which there is no rock by the jolly place. What if a certain non-Christian American demographic could celebrate their holiday at the same time as everyone else? What if they could ride on the Christmas coattails of vacation days, holiday parties, and sales? What if a certain non-Christian religious holiday coincided with Christmas and millions more could wholeheartedly celebrate together with the masses? What if, for example, Eid al-Adha fell on December 24th?
Wouldn’t that be a miracle?
***
You've just read the introduction to my new book, Christmas Eid, available now on Kindle (E-Book) (Print coming soon).
It's Booksmart meets the holidays wrapped up in a warm, festive coming-of-age story.
Christmas Eid introduces a unique format. It's a novelplay. A book that reads like a movie!
Christmas Eid: A Novelplay (Available Now)
If you'd be interested in receiving a copy in return for a review, please message me! Also, please share this with anyone you think might be interested in reading!
K.W. Shahrazad
#my writing#books#ya books#ya fiction#young adult#coming of age#bipoc#bipoc author#christmas#xmas#christmas eid#christmas recs#reading#christmas season#muslim author#muslim authors#black author#black authors#author#authors of color#authors of tumblr#christmas books#booksmart#dash and lily#let it snow#christmas YA#holiday reads#holiday books#eid books#eid
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Yah Yah Scholfield by hntrgraphy
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Happy Bi Visibility Day!
(And happy Bisexual Awareness Week! 💗💜💙)
Here's a list of books with bisexual representation, or by bisexual authors.
Books in the pictures are:
Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Gearbreakers by Zoe Hana Mikuta
Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld
Revolutions of All Colors by Dewaine Farria
Running With Lions by Julian Winters
Our Own Private Universe by Robin Talley
Heartstopper, by Alice Oseman
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
Difficult Women by Roxane Gay
I’ll Be the One by Lyla Lee
Two Serious Ladies by Jane Bowles
A Darkly Beating Heart by Lindsay Smith
Fresh by Margot Wood
Just Your Local Bisexual Disaster by Andrea Mosqueda
Subatomic: And Other Stories By and About Bisexuals edited by Mariëlle S. Smith and Sìne Màiri Ní Ailpín
I Hate Everyone But You by Gabe Dunn and Allison Raskin
#BiWeek#bisexual day#bisexual author#bi rep#ya#non-ya#book recs#fantasy#scifi#bisexual protagonist#bisexual characters#black author#diverse reads#alice oseman#running with lions#roxane gay#red white and royal blue
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✧*:･ﾟ✧ .・゜゜
meet the main character: silas callisto turner
19 // he/him // astrophysics major
ftm, achillean
favorite drink: boba
favorite book: the darkness outside us
favorite color: space cadet blue
quote: “Nothing will change. Your past will be just as traumatic and cumbersome as it was the first time you lived it. You fall asleep nine years ago and hope you wake up in the present. At a certain point, the words “past” and “present” lose their meaning. But you keep a record, because you're a scientist. You track the days and study the data, but there's no pattern.
No equation.
You are at the mercy of the universe and you don't know why.”
✧*:･ﾟ✧ .・゜゜
Falling Into You - LGBTQ+ Romance w/ Sci-Fi Twist
Silas Turner, a Black trans college student in STEM, has been experiencing a strange phenomenon since he was young: his tomorrow's aren't always tomorrow. Seemingly at random, he falls into his past and relives hours, days, or weeks before returning to the moment he left. While dealing with the dysphoria from his time-trips, he tries to learn why this is happening to him and how to fix it. He only begins to find the answers when he meets Jude Forrester, a handsome and familiar stranger, who's been experiencing the same thing.
Visit the link below for purchase options as low as $4.99
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If you like this poem check ouy Abundant Mind the link is below and pinned to mt page.
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From My Headphones: Mountains
AN: Hello my loves! I really just wanted to write something today so we went back to old faithful and pulled something from my song inspo playlist. This thing really is like a quick writing palate cleanser for me in full honesty, hence why it’s so short lol. I really didn’t even wanna put a tag list on this one cause it was so short lmfao.
Summary: Who else would Shuri turn to in her time of need?
Pairing: Shuri x Fem!Reader
Warnings: Cussing, mentions of injury that’s it I think.
Word count: 1,068
Part 1. Masterlist. Taglist.
Suggested listening: Mountains - Charlotte Day Wilson
“Up on the mountain (up on the mountain)
Searched through the valley (searched through the valley)
You hear me calling (you you hear me calling)
Won't you come find me? (Won't you come and find me?)
Please don't forsake me (please don't forsake me)”
It had to be easily two or three AM when the familiar sound of a certain someone knocking at your door came. Groggily throwing a large fur over your shoulder and slipping your feet into your slippers you opened the door, greeted by an injured Shuri. She stood sheepishly there, staring down at your feet waiting for you to say something.
“This is the third time this month Shuri.”
“Does that mean you’re going to leave me out here? I mean, I trekked all the way up here in the snow.” The young Queen rocked on the balls of her feet, pulling her bottom lip into her teeth.
You stared at her for a moment, contemplating if denying her to teach her a lesson would be best in this case. But as much as you wanted to, your heart said no. Here Shuri was, feeling comfortable enough with you to come to seek your aid when she was at her most vulnerable.
No, you could never turn her away when she was like this.
Stepping aside to let the poor girl in, Shuri breathed out a thank you. Appreciative that your thin patience hadn’t run out just yet.
At this point you two had turned this whole ordeal into a dance, knowing the ins and outs and working with each other to make sure you had all the materials you needed. While you pick out an incense stick to set the room, Shuri grabs the matches from the cabinet above you. Making sure to breathe ever so slightly down your neck when she, leaving goosebumps in her path.
As you clear your small kitchen table of its wood decorations, Shuri strips out of the thick over-layers that she wore on the climb up here. Leaving her just in her sports bra and leggings. You try not to oggle at the sight, this was about healing Shuri, not praising the God’s for giving her a perfect body. Shuri however was amused at the way you pulled your eyes from her quickly as if you’d seen something you weren't allowed to.
This dance you two did ended with Shuri laying on her back on the table and you standing over her, a bowl filled with various herbs in your hand. There was only one injury Shuri came to you for, the one thing she didn’t trust anyone to try and heal; her injury from the fight with Namor.
Looking down over her as you gathered some of the mixture in your hand you analyzed the wound. Clearly, she’d reopened it doing God’s know-what and tried to get it to reseal by itself with no success. “What did you do to it this time?” You distracted her with a question as you applied the first layer.
She groaned slightly when your fingers made contact with her skin. No matter how gentle you seemed to be, that area was always extra sensitive. “I was helping with the rebuilding efforts in the River Tribe, moving things, stuff like that.”
“Mhm,” You encouraged her to continue on as you applied the second layer thicker this time.
Shuri’s eyes studied all of your movements. How focused you were on the task at hand, how every movement seemed filled with intention and you allowed not even a drop to go to waste. “I was playing with some of the children, showing off my strength.”
This pulled your eyes away from her stomach and up to her own. Giving her a look that let her know you were not pleased.
“What!” She cried out in mock defense. “They’re small children, what was I supposed to do? Not pick them up?”
You rolled your eyes. “Uh huh yeah whatever. So you pick them up and then what?”
Shuri lets out a sigh, moving her hands from her side to rest interlaced behind her head. This put her toned upper body right in your face and it took everything in you not to feast on what she was so clearly dangling in front of you. “Well of course when I feel my stitches rip, I can take a good guess that picking up all twenty of them was not the best idea. So when I got back to my lab, I whipped something up quickly to deal with it and went about my day.”
You shook your head as you wiped the last bits of the mixture onto her skin, encasing the previous two layers with this one. “That’s your problem.” You declared as you cleaned up your workspace, Shuri sitting up from the table and looking down at your work.
“What’s my problem?” She asked as she hopped off the table and followed you around the kitchen. Not giving you a lick of space to yourself. This was on purpose and you knew it, Shuri didn’t get a lot of time to spend with you. With your house being situated deep enough into the Jabari Land mountains your own brother M’baku had famously declared he would never make the trip. And Shuri’s newfound responsibilities being Queen and Black Panther, time just wasn’t on you two’s side.
But that didn’t stop Shuri from coming to you anytime she was injured, using it as an excuse to turn up at your doorstep at odd hours without invitation. Knowing you’d never turn her away.
“Your problem,” You turned around to answer Shuri but found that she was right behind you. “Is that you keep expecting a machine to heal something that only you can.”
Shuri sighed at your words having heard a variation of this speech before a million times. “I’m serious ihunanya (love).” You reached out and ghosted your fingers over where the paste had now completely dried to her skin. “You can’t use technology to heal this, nor can you expect me to with my herbs. Your body will heal once your mind has.”
You looked up at her hoping that maybe this time your message had gotten through to her, but you couldn’t tell.
“Can I stay here tonight?” Shuri’s request came quiet, it wasn’t unusual, but it did come as a shock to you that she asked. Typically you would just go to bed normally and she would join you, no questions asked just a mutual understanding. But tonight you had a feeling this was about more than just sleep, Shuri was searching for connection.
“Of course.”
Taglist: @shuriszn @sokkasbae25 @verachii @cuddl3s4shur1 @takeyaki @jinnie10101 @letitias-fav-deactivated2023040 @sweetalittleselfish-honey @beautybyfire @6-noir @mocha-aya @yvxmpire @mysticalmarss @ziayamikaelson @youralphawolf72 @n7cje @inmyheadimobsessed @shurisjournal @shurisbigtoe @saintwrld @pinkwright @chatitajens @playhousedistee @motheroffae @injeolmiee @tchhairbandhere @._mrqs @msudaku @lppriceisright @bratydoll @blackqueengold @iheartsolo @cafehyunji @abenomeiiii @naomis-daydream @ilroachsworld @locoforshuri @nrc-06
#Shuri x you#shuri black panther#shuri udaku x reader#shuri of wakanda#shuri x reader#shuri fanfiction#shuri x y/n#black panther#Black Author#black panther fic#black panther imagine#WLW#wlw ship#wlw blog#wlw fanfic
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I wrote myself back together. I wrote myself toward a stronger version of myself . . . Through writing and feminism, I also found that if I was a little bit brave, another woman might hear me and see me and recognize that none of us are the nothing the world tries to tell us we are.
Roxane Gay
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