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sourxcherri · 3 months

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Wanna bet?

synopsis: Gojo isn't feeling up to going on a date with you and Geto, but he thinks of another way to have fun with you.

feat.: Gojo Satoru x afab!fem!reader x Geto Suguru [established relationship] (Gojo's only in the start and end.)

warnings: 18+ content/smut; sex toys [reader wears a vibe in public]; edging; orgasm denial/delay; public sex [reader is fucked in a public bathroom.]; unprotected sex; p in v sex; creampie; praising [reader receiving]; pet names [princess, baby, good girl, pretty girl]; picture taking [Geto takes a picture without asking]

w.c: 5k

a/n: This took me entirely too long to write but hey its finally done. There is a planned part 2 but it's going to be a bit before that one gets posted. banner by @/benkeibear

Minors and Ageless blogs will be blocked.

"Come on 'Toru, are you sure you don't want to come with us?" You ask with a pout as you get ready in the mirror.

"I'm sure. I woke up with a headache, plus you two haven't got to do anything without me in a while. You and Suguru go enjoy yourselves!" Gojo says as he leans against the doorway watching you get ready. A new cafe had opened up that you had been wanting to try, so you were going to go try it today with Geto after doing some light shopping.

"We can go some other day if you're not feeling up to it? You know I like spending time with both of you, it doesn't have to be one-on-one."

"It's fine, you two can go try it and let me know what to order next time we all go."

"Fine, if you're sure." You say, drawing on your eyeliner. Gojo is quiet for a moment before letting out a hum.

"Actually on second thought, since you want me there so bad, I have an idea." He says before walking back into the bedroom and returning shortly with something in his hand. "Since you want to have fun with me so badly today too, how about a bet?" He asks with a cheeky smile on his face.

"A bet?"

"Yep! Since I won't be there physically with you, how about you take this with you as a reminder of me?" He says as he moves what was in his palm to hold between his thumb and index finger. You look back in the mirror to see him holding a pink vibrator. You recognize it as one he had gotten you for Valentine's day last year. It was a remote control bullet one that could be controlled from a phone app.

"You're kidding, right? And what does me wearing a vibrator in public have to do with a bet?" You ask incredulously.

"The bet is, if you can wear this the whole time you and Suguru are out, without you removing it, and without you coming, then I'll be your slave for a whole week! Whatever you want; I'll be at your beck and call!" He smiles at you cheerfully while he spins the bullet around in between his fingers.

"And what do you get if I take it out or come?"

"If you take it out or come, then you're my slave for week. Equal punishment." He shrugs before smirking at you. "So what do you say? I'll obviously have my phone on me at all times so if you ever need me to stop all you have to do is text me and I'll stop, but that will mean you forfeit the bet."

Your eyes flick back and forth from Satoru to the toy and then back again, worrying your bottom lip with your teeth as you thought about it. You weren't terribly keen on the idea of getting caught in public, but you couldn't deny the thrill of it either. Plus the opportunity to have Gojo completely at your control for an entire week was too good to pass up. You let out a sigh and hold our your hand to him to put the toy in.

"Okay, deal." You couldn't believe you were going to go along with this, but you did trust him to stop if it did become too much, so it couldn't be that bad right?

"Excellent!" He says. You wait for him to put the vibrator in your hand. He just raises an eyebrow at you and makes a spinning motion with his hand, silently asking you to turn around. Of course he would want to put it in himself.

You resign yourself to your fate and turn around so your back is to him as you bend over the sink. You feel him walk up behind you and playfully grind himself into your ass before flipping up the skirt you had put on earlier. He pulls your underwear to the side and teasingly slides the toy down your folds, using it to circle your clit before sliding it back up. You bite back a small moan.

"'Toru, hurry up, Suguru is waiting."

"As you command princess," He chuckles before pushing it past your entrance, just out of reach of your sweet spot. Gojo lets your panties snap back into place before giving your ass a playful swat. He bends over and gives you a quick kiss on the top of your head then leans down to whisper in your ear.

"There, all set. Just remember, this is the one that gives feedback to the app, so I'll know if you come." He straightens back up before yawning and stretching. "I'm going to go lie down, see you when you get home."

As Gojo returns to bed, you grab your purse and head out to the living room where Geto is waiting for you, dressed in a plain black t-shirt and a pair of jeans. When he sees you he gives a small smile as he stands up from the couch.

"Ready?" You nod and let him lead you out the door.

You both decide to take the train, the station wasn't that far away of a walk and you didn't have Gojo to complain about the fact you have a perfectly good functioning car to take, one that he rarely drove himself, the passenger princess he was.

The ten minute walk to the station passes by smoothly, you managed to walk normally despite the toy inside you. You couldn't help but get a little suspicious though, as Gojo had yet to turn the toy on.

It wasn't until you both had boarded the train that Gojo decided to start the toy. It was fairly crowded, so you and Geto had to stand. As the train went to take off, Gojo turned the vibrator on, setting it to a slow pulsing setting. You let out a squeak and rock forward into Geto, the sensation catching you off guard for a moment. He's quick to wrap his arm around you to try and steady you.

"Are you okay, Y/N?" He asks, looking down at you. You give him your best reassuring smile.

"I'm fine, just lost my balance for a moment." He accepted your answer easily before picking back up your previous conversation.

Which made you realize, you and Gojo hadn't discussed the possibility of Geto finding out about the bet. If he found out would you lose? The rules were you couldn't take the vibrator out and you couldn't come. It wouldn't really matter if Geto found out so long as you didn't go against the rule right? He might give you and Gojo a disappointed look for leaving him out, but that would be it surely? Or would he get genuinely upset?

Either way, you were determined to not let him in on the bet, at least not yet. It would be an interesting surprise for him when you both got home. Who knows? Maybe you could have him help you find some fun punishments for Gojo for the upcoming week.

The first store you stop in doesn't go as smoothly as you hoped. It was a clothing store, and you needed to pick yourself up some new work clothes. So far Gojo had been keeping the speed relatively slow, instead opting to just change the pattern in which it vibrated, from a pulsing one, to a constant one, to a deeper, rumbly one, then back. You could handle that with relative stealth, Geto seemed none the wiser to what you and Gojo were doing.

You had already decided to skip trying on any pants today, feeling how damp your panties were already. Shirts should be fine though, and if it ever got to be too much you could use trying one on in the dressing room as an excuse to get away long enough to adjust.

As you were about to pull a shirt you liked off the rack to show Geto, you felt the toy almost double in speed and return to a constant buzz, causing you to pause as your hand had touched the shirt. You felt your body involuntarily shiver at the change in setting. Unfortunately, Suguru seemed to notice.

"Is something wrong?" He asks, confused. You quickly let go of the shirt like it burned you.

"Yeah, just, wasn't the texture I thought it would be." You say as evenly as possible. You walk around the clothing rack to put some distance between the two of you, hoping he couldn't see the blush that was slowly starting to rise in your cheeks. As if to sabotage you, you felt the toy pick up in speed again. You needed to excuse yourself from Geto's sight and fast or else he was going to catch on.

You snatch another shirt off the rack you were vaguely thinking about before turning back to your boyfriend and announcing you were going to go try it on. You moved as quickly as you could to the changing rooms, leaving him far behind you.

Once you located an empty one, you went inside and almost slammed the door in your haste to get it closed. You sit on the bench provided and lean back, letting your head gently hit the wall as you rode out the wave of pleasure the toy was giving you.

You take deep breaths, trying to focus on your breathing as opposed to how good the toy was making your pussy feel. You spread your legs and pull up your skirt before looking down at yourself. Just as you expected, your panties were already soaked through from your arousal. You felt the toy change patterns again, this time back to the pulsing one. Good, even at a higher speed you could handle this one easier.

Deciding you couldn't hide for much longer before drawing suspicion, you steel yourself and open the door to find Geto waiting for you. He looks up from his phone to see you and pouts when he notices you weren't wearing the new top.

"Not going to give me a little show?" He teases.

"No, didn't like how it looked on me." You shrug as you put it on one of the return racks in the dressing area. You grab his hand and go to lead him out of the store.

"Already done?" You turn back and smile at him.

"Yeah, I'm not seeing much I like, plus we still have to stop by that bakery for Satoru." Even though the last thing you wanted to do right now was treat Gojo to anything. You could picture his smug face as he lazed in bed staring at his phone, thinking of the best way to push your buttons. As if on queue, the jerk changes the speed again to another setting higher.

You try to make it through the bakery as quickly as possible, both you and Geto picking out something you think Gojo would like and waiting to check out. He had yet to turn the speed down from earlier, and was cycling through the patterns faster than before.

You weren't sure at this point if he was trying to make you come or if he just wanted to torture you. Just as you could feel yourself starting to tip closer to your orgasm, he changed the settings, causing you to lose any progress you had before switching it back again with a vengeance. One particular cycle hit you hard, maybe because your body was almost to the point of begging for release, that you had to cover your moan up as a sneeze, burying your face in the crook of your elbow to hide your face while you got your bearings.

You kept silently praying that Geto couldn't hear the buzzing of the toy inside of you, but if he did he acted like he didn't notice.

"Are you sure you're alright? Your face is starting to get red and now you're sneezing. You're not getting sick are you?" Geto pushes your hair away from your forehead, trying to feel for a fever as he looks down at your face.

"I-I'm fine, really! Just allergies is all." You lie, hoping you sound more convincing than you feel. He looks at you skeptically before letting out a sigh and removing his hand from your face. "Fine, but we're stopping at the store on the way home and picking up some medicine for both of you."

By the time you make it to the cafe, you're surprised you're even managing to function. You're so wet that every step you take causes the friction from walking to slide just right on your clit. Gojo hasn't let up on his ministrations either, making it impossible to ignore the toy inside you with how often he was playing with the toy. At this rate you didn't think you could make it one more stop after this. You had already been so tempted to tell Geto that you were already tired and ready to go home, but seeing as how you had been talking all week about how badly you wanted to come, you knew that would clue him in that something was wrong which would lead to more questions and him possibly figuring out what was really going on.

By the time you got to the register to order, your mind was so hazy you could barely be bothered to read the menu, and just ordered the first thing you saw that your over stimulated brain could comprehend.

"I thought you didn't typically like those types of drinks?" Geto questions as you both sit down at a table closer to the back of the cafe with your coffees in hand.

"I thought I'd try something different. Since the place is new, maybe they'd make it b-better." You take a sip of the drink as if to prove your point but find that you did, in fact, not like the drink you had picked out. Too late to change it now you thought as you went to take another sip, trying to convince Geto you had totally made this drink decision with your sound mind, and not your horny one.

Gojo had other plans though as you feel him crank the vibrator setting higher, a little whine slipping from your lips as you brought the cup up to your lips. You quickly set the cup down and cover your mouth to stifle any more noises he might wring out of you.

Geto immediately narrows his eyes and you could tell he was catching on that something was amiss with you. He watches you closely for a moment before going to open his mouth to say something.

"I-I need to use the restroom." You say shakily as you abruptly push your chair back and head towards the bathroom at the back of the cafe. Damn Gojo, for picking the worst timing to turn the toy to a higher setting. You thought you heard Geto calling after you, but you were so focused on trying not come in public that you couldn't be sure.

You make it to the bathroom and let out a sigh of relief when you notice it's a one toilet kind and not a restroom full of stalls. Less risk of someone walking in and hearing you.

Or so you thought. As you opened the door to go inside, a gentle hand pushed you in, and you felt the presence of someone behind you as you heard the door close and the *click* of the lock. You turn, ready to tell whoever off only to see Geto had apparently been close behind you as you made your escape.

Geto gives you a stern, worried look, but before he can ask you what was really going on, Gojo decided to change the setting of the toy again, changing it from a constant whirring to the deep rumbly setting, causing you to let out a small moan. You slapped your hand over your mouth but the damage was done, Geto's worried expression turning into one of recognition.

He backs you up against the sink, using a knee to spread your legs open for him as he slides his right hand up the inside of your trembling thighs under your skirt and cups your throbbing cunt in his large hand. You couldn't hold back your whine, the feel of his hand on you and the toy inside of you almost pushing you over the edge. Geto quirks a brow.

"You're soaked. Did the coffee taste so good it got you this wet?" He teases before leaning forward and pushing his fingers passed your underwear into your pussy, poking at the toy inside you before murmuring hotly in your ear, "Or maybe it was this?" He goes to push the toy into your sweet spot, but you grab his arm.

"I, I can explain. P-please let me explain, I c-can't come yet." You rush out, squeezing his wrist tightly. Geto withdraws his hand from your cunt, opting instead to gently hold your waist.

"I'm listening."

You breath a sigh as you feel the vibrator inside you slow to a lower setting. Finally a break, you might just win this yet.

"Satoru and I made a be-" before you can finish, the toy spikes to what you assume might be the highest setting, causing you to whimper and drop your head onto Geto's chest while your hands grip the counter edge. You try to control your breathing and focus on literally anything that might distract you enough to keep your orgasm at bay. Geto being so close and smelling so good did not help.

As quickly as it started, the toy slows inside you. It was so going to be over for Gojo once you won this bet. Oh right, you were telling Geto about the bet.

"Go on," Geto says soothingly, rubbing what would normally be comforting circles into your hips but now it only served to further overstimulate you in your edged state.

"Right. Satoru made me a bet that if I-I can wear the vibrator while we're out and not come, then he'll do w-whatever I say for a week." You manage to pant out, bracing yourself for the inevitable speed spike you knew Gojo was going to throw at you any moment now.

"Hmm, that wasn't very nice of you two to leave me out." He mutters, still rubbing circles into your skin before seeming to lose himself in thought for a moment.

You had a sneaky suspicion that Gojo would of clued Geto in to sabotage you, but none of Geto's earlier actions suggested he knew about the deal. Maybe Gojo hadn't clued him in after all. A surprise really given how much they both love to tease you.

Geto lets out a small hum and you notice a dangerous glint in his eye when you look up at him. Taking advantage of your hazy state, Geto begins to slides your panties down your legs, letting out a low groan as he watches a string of your essence break away from your pussy. "God, you're so fucking wet."

"W-wait, Suguru what are you doing?" He picks you up and sets you on the counter next to the sink before he finishes pulling your panties off to let them dangle around one of your ankles.

"You and Satoru are getting to have your fun, so I'm going to have some myself." He pushes his fingers inside you again. You cover your mouth with the back of your hand and bite to suppress your moan as his thick fingers pull the vibrator slowly out of you. He holds the pink bullet in his hand and observes its buzzing. Gojo must have changed the setting again as now its pulsing instead of the one continuous buzz you had previously felt.

You hear as the speed changes, the whirring becoming louder and echoing off of the walls in the small bathroom. Geto brings it closer to his face and licks your wetness off it, letting out a small moan at your taste. Your eyes roll back and your head falls back into the mirror with a dull thud at the obscene gesture. He chuckles.

"Poor thing, Satoru 's been so mean to you all day." He coos as he pockets the vibrator and goes to unbutton his jeans and pull his cock out.

You didn't quite know what to do with realization that he was going to fuck you here and now in the bathroom. The competitive part of you didn't want to lose the bet, and knew if you told him to stop he would, but the part of you that had been edged all day was very excited at the idea of having his thick cock inside you. In the end all you could do was whine out, "Suguru, please."

"Shhh, I know. Trust me baby, as soon as I'm done here we'll go home and you can end your bet, yeah?" He peppered your forehead with kisses as he ran his fingers up your dripping pussy, carefully avoiding your clit, before using the wetness he collected as lube to stroke his cock to fullness.

Once he's fully hard he lines himself up with your entrance before slowly pushing in. He slides right in from how wet you are. You bit your lip as he bottoms out to try and hide your moan but to no avail, he just felt too good inside you. Screw it, if you came from this you could deal with the consequences of losing your bet.

Geto grabs the backs of your thighs, pushing them up and almost folding you in half before he starts thrusting in.

All you could do was let your head fall back as you moan. His cock felt heavenly stretching you out compared to the small vibrator you'd had inside you all morning. His thrusts start out slow, giving you time to adjust to his girth. Not that you needed it with how turned on you were from the vibrator. It doesn't take him long though to start a fast and brutal pace, leaving your eyes rolling back while moans and whines fall from your mouth.

You were close, so close, that hot coil that'd been tightening in your belly all day just needing that one final push before it would snap. But why hadn't you hit it yet? You're lust riddled brain trying to sort through the fog to find that last spark needed to trigger your release. It's then when you realize that at the angle Geto was thrusting, he was purposely missing grinding against your clit, and just barely grazing that wonderful, spongy spot deep in you. How mean of him, couldn't he tell how badly you needed to come?

You snake your hand down between the both of your bodies. If he wasn't going to be of any help then you'd do it yourself! Except right as your fingers find your clit, he stops you by grabbing your wrist and pinning it to the mirror above your head. You whine, tears starting to well up at the corners of your eyes from how frustrated you were.

"Sugu pl-please! I'm so close, wan' come," you plead, looking up at him through the tears clinging to your lashes. His lidded eyes were locked on himself sliding in and out of you, fixated on the ring of creamy white that you were leaving at the base of his cock with each thrust. He smirks down at you and lowers himself closer to your face.

"Just a, fuck, just a little longer baby. I'm almost done, be a good girl for me, yeah? This pretty pussy 's takin' me so, so well." He ends his praise with a groan before covering your mouth with his own and giving you a languid kiss, contrasting the rapid snap of his hips into your own.

He kept his lips on yours, muffling your whimpers, causing the lewd sound of his body slamming into yours to echo through the small bathroom without any interruption, any fear of being heard by a someone else completely forgotten in the moment.

It didn't take long for his thrusts to become erratic and sloppy. You could feel his cock throb inside you before he shuddered against you, moaning into your mouth as he filled you with his white hot release. You moan with him, arms coming up to wrap around the back of his neck as you kiss him while he finishes fucking himself through his orgasm. He drops his head on your shoulder for a moment, allowing the both of you to catch your breath before he straightens up.

"Hold your thighs for me pretty girl." He commands as he fishes in his back pocket for something. You do as your told, your hands coming up to hold the back of your thighs the same way his own had earlier, keeping your ruined pussy on display for him. He pulls his phone out and you can see his thumb swipe a few times before angling it down at you. Geto pulls out of you slowly, both of you groaning at the loss of the other's warmth. "Eyes on me, baby."

You feel his release slowly start to drip out of you, mixing with your own juices that had dripped down from your entrance and onto the bathroom counter while he fucked you. You watch as his eyes roll back at the sight as he lets out a low moan at the sight. You also hear the sound of his phone's camera shutter several times before he shoves it back into his pocket.

He reaches back into the front pocket of his jeans and pulls out the pink vibrator, it still whirring lowly. "Stay still and relax for me. You're being so good for me pretty girl." He murmurs as he presses the toy against your fucked out cunt, causing you to shudder at the feeling. It slides in with a wet squelch, causing some of his come to slide out as it enters you, dripping down your ass to collect with the rest.

You're not entirely sure that you're thankful that its set on a lower setting or not, desperately wanting to come. Geto doesn't slide it in deep enough for it to rub up against your sweet spot, instead leaving it closer to your soaked entrance. He moves your legs around to slide your panties back up your thighs, causing the toy to jolt inside you slightly, making you whimper.

Realizing how close you must of been, he grabs your chin in one of his warm hands and forces you to look at his face. "Don't you dare come. Focus on me baby, deep breaths. You're almost done, don't ruin it now." You look up and focus on his face, still flush from his own orgasm, sweat dripping down his temples and part of his bangs stuck to the side of his face. You manage to slow your breathing down enough to bring yourself back from the edge. He gives you a quick kiss on your forehead as he stuffs his cock back into his jeans and zips them up. "Let's clean up here and head back home so you can have your victory lap, yeah?"

You nod meekly as he helps you down from the counter. He quickly wipes the it down before leading you out of the bathroom, not even bothering to check if there was anyone watching.

Gojo sits on the couch wearing nothing but a pair of gray sweats. He's staring at his phone with an intrigued expression. The app on his phone he's been using to control the toy inside you showing him a lack of feedback from the toy. It looks like its been lodged in one relatively restricted place for a good moment, meaning there was no way it was still inside of you.

Had you given up and taken it out to shove it your purse? He could tell you hadn't come from it yet; were you too embarrassed to have an orgasm in public? Or did you remove it temporarily to see if you give yourself an orgasm and avoid him finding out about it?

He smirks to himself. Either way, it looks like he won. You had taken the toy out before making it home, effectively forfeiting the bet. As he starts to think of all the ways he's going to punish you for losing the bet, his phone dings with a notification from Geto. Figuring it was an "on our way back" text, he opens it before realizing its an attachment.

Gojo's smirk is wiped off his face when he's greeted with a picture of you looking up at the camera. Teary eyes had caused your mascara to run down your face as you were leaned back against a bathroom mirror with your hands holding your thighs up and apart, putting your pussy dripping with both yours and Geto's combined spend on full display, his come dripping down your ass to pool on the counter while your underwear dangled around one ankle.

His sweats become tight as his cock that had been at half mast before was now fully awake and throbbing. As he takes in the filthy sight in, he receives another text from Geto.

[Found out about your little bet. Hope you're ready to clean up the mess you made when we get home.🖤]

Realizing that Geto must of taken the toy out of you to fuck you, Gojo decides that technically wasn't against the bet. He was hoping if Geto found out that he would of sabotaged you, but instead it looks like he decided to have some fun of his own, and helped you win in the process.

Granted you still hadn't made it home, so he could be a jerk and try and trigger your release. But he decided against it; he knew when he lost, and now that Geto was involved he thought losing the bet was going to be just as interesting as winning it would of been.

He decides to give you a break and turns the vibrator off. Gojo leans back against the couch and begins lazily palming himself through his pants, eagerly waiting for you and Geto to make it home.

#jjk smut #jjk x reader #geto x reader #geto smut #satosugu x reader #he's barely participating but #gojo smut #gojo x reader #satosugu x reader smut #cherri writes

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mousedetective · 1 month

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URGENT! Please Help A Homeless, Disabled & Mostly Queer Family Get Ready For Housing By Helping With Paying For Much-Needed Loans!

PAYPAL | AMAZON WISHLIST | KOFI | GOFUNDME

VENMO: @penaltywaltz | CASHAPP: $afteriwake23 | ZELLE: DM me for email address

4/29/24 - New Post

So some stuff has happened, some of the loans I listed before have been paid, and I missed a few things, so I'm making a new post!

So, we still haven't heard about Section 8, and while I'm grateful for the shelter housing and feeding us, there's been some pretty toxic activity on my floor and I'm at my wit's end. I'm not sleeping well, I have constant headaches from grinding my teeth, and my blood pressure (which is already high and I'm already on meds for it) keeps being high when I get it checked. So we need to get housing with or without the Section 8 voucher as soon as possible.

Now, I have a list of low-income apartments all over North County. While not ideal, we have also heard of a complex of studio apartments available for $1400 which give preferential treatment to shelter occupants. But the problem is that I not only have a bunch of payday loans to pay, but I also have a payment on a two-month loan, a five-month loan, a six-month loan, and a year-long loan that eat up my entire income until I at least pay off the first three. My mom only gets $1300 and my daughter isn't on disability yet. So we can't even afford the studio until October and we'll have been kicked out of the shelter long before then.

I can probably cover the remaining payday loans and this month's payment for the two-month loan and still pay for the storage units. But I need to pay off whatever I can on the other loans, and the longer I wait the more interest that compiles. So I need a lot more than I was asking for before and I need it quickly to cover at least all of this month's payments while I work on paying off the totals of the bigger loans.

This is the list of payments I need to make as it stands now:

$300 for my loan from Ace Cash Express (due by May 2nd)

$300 for my mom's loan from Ace Cash Express (due May 2nd)

$408 for my loan payment from Ascend Loans (due May 3rd)

$277 for my loan payment from Greenline Loans (due May 3rd)

$177 for my loan payment from Green Arrow Loans (due May 3rd)

$148 for my loan payment to Possible Loans (due May 3rd)

$148 for my mom's loan payment to Possible Loans (due May 3rd)

$321.80 for my mom's loan from Moneylion (due by May 15th)

$285 for my Moneytree loan (due by May 25th)

$285 for my mom's Moneytree loan (due by May 26th)

I can't make partial payments on any of these loans except the Moneylion loans my mom has. I need the full amount for the payment to pay it off early, and for the four non-payday loans, I can't make an early payment but if I can cover the payments in my bank account with donations I'm good.

The Ascend loan was for $1,000. The Greenline loan was for $500. The Green Arrow loan was for $400. The Possible loans are $300 each, coming out as two payments of $148 (one this May, one in June) per loan. So I'm going to set two goals: covering all of the above payments and then covering the bigger loans as a whole throughout the month of May.

I can't take much more of the toxicity at the shelter at the moment, though I have hopes some of it will subside if the most toxic resident on my floor leaves this week like he's threatening to, but yeah. We just need to get all this paid off and get into housing of our own, even if it's just a studio for now. I'm including the $35 I got from a GFM towards the current totals because I spent all the rest of the money I had and I still haven't gotten that donation in my account yet.

TOTAL GOAL: $47/$4850

IMMEDIATE GOAL: $47/$2650

Goal has been met! However, the car is acting up, so we have to take it to our mechanic tomorrow. I may still need some help.

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windvexer · 10 months

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A) your "the gods fucking suck sometimes" post came across my dash at a really good time in my own practice, which I feel like so many of your posts do, Chicken, and thank you for that.

B) i don't really engage with the witchcraft community except for lurking, so I guess who am I to talk, but i'm really becoming frustrated with the amount of beginner-friendly stuff on this website that tells people that 'everything they've heard about witchcraft is wrong so don't worry.' I wonder whether it comes from a place of fear deep-set within witches from a, well, Christian society of being seen as something they're not - and I don't imagine it's necessarily malicious, rather it comes from a place of comfort within their craft (ah, well I haven't suffered for years, so nobody else possibly could!) and a personal effort to distance themselves from an ingrained stereotype of witchcraft, which results in downplaying a lot of the things that align with that........

Regardless of intention people learn from that, become more experienced themselves, and when that leads to dismissing the experience of your fellow practitioners/assuming your craft and aspects of it are universal that's going well overboard

A) I am glad to hear it was helpful :)

B) At this point in time I'm not even talking about like, tricksters (and when people say that, I think they just mean "liars," the trickster archetype really needs a new PR team), demonolatry, or evil gods. I'm talking about regular, normal witchcraft!

People can have beautiful, fulfilling paths that are never dangerous, and then decide to deepen their connection by entering into intense ritual work with a local spirit for a year. And that work becomes demanding, and exhausting, and they have to make sacrifices to maintain it. And sometimes they ask if it was really the right choice.

It's not just about danger! It just sucks sometimes!

I had a tumultuous few early years of witchcraft, but even now when my path is feeling so much more comfortable and fulfilling and really like my true home, I still have responsibilities. Do I want to go to sabbat every 28 days? No! I'm lazy! I want to play Sims 4!

But I can't stop going, because I need to go. Because I love my spirit family. Because it's a part of me finding my true home in this world. I need those things.

It's just also sometimes a chore. You know?

I have spells I need to upkeep for my life to go how I want it to go. I have to take care of them. It can be tedious. Sims 4 has horses now. You know? It's 110 degrees outside. I don't want to walk around the property giving myself a sinus headache from the dust, checking on wards. But what else am I gunna do?

I'm not saying that the two modes are "safe" and "dangerous." I'm just saying, witchcraft can be burdensome. And not everyone is in a position where they can "just change it."

So yeah. I'm not trying to be on a "witchcraft is hella dangerous for real" rant. My rant is more like...

If this is a genuine faith that can carry people through decades of life, and we believe we are truly interacting with entities that have their own personhood and agendas, then from time to time things are going to get hard for some people.

That from time to time, developing those relationships will be difficult and require sacrifice. If we believe this is a faith that can allow people to work to modify their lives, then at times it will be work and feel like hard work and be something that a practitioner can't wait to be done with, because not only does Sims 4 have horses, it also has llamas that you can pet.

And pretending that can't happen, or always blaming the witch when things go badly ("just change! if you don't like your path, modify it! it's anything you want it to be! such-and-such spirits are always benevolent/will never hurt you/will never mislead you!"), isn't a service to anyone.

Idk. The more I talk about this the more I feel like my entire point is "witchcraft is just kinda like real life, it has its ups and downs." Which I could have just said that one sentence this morning and not have had to type all this lmao.

#answered

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danganronpasurvivoraskblog · 24 days

Note

Well, Mikan, I got some good news and bad news. The good news is that your clone had a blast of a night. The bad news is that she got super drunk at a casino, yelled "I fucking love my hot wife", and puked on the poker table. So you're now stuck with that embarrassing memory.

Yeah, that checks out...Man...That takes me back...Haven't been that badly drunk in a long time...

...I can't really picture you being drunk Mikan...I wonder what that's like...

Nothing pretty I assure you. And loathe as I am to admit it, I was actually pretty bad with it a few years ago. After the Killing Game, even when I was able to get some sense of self back, it was...difficult, tackling what was basically an entire life hood of trauma.

I took to drinking to sort of cope with it all and it put me in an even worse place. Miaya and Ibuki were the ones who worked me out of it, but the only reason I didn't become a full-blown alcoholic is because it wasn't readily available for me all the time.

Ah, so that's why there was a phase where Miaya asked me for an abundance of headache medicine. I never suspected it would be YOU though.

It's hardly the worst thing that happened to me. Miaya remained confidential about it for my sake. But I'm way past that now. My past is FULL of embarrassing and terrible moments, but I'm over it all now.

#danganronpa survivor #danganronpa #danganronpa 2 #dr2 #danganronpa 3 #dr3 #mikan tsumiki #seiko kimura #ask #the day the world stood still arc

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nine-of-words · 7 months

Text

Something Borrowed (Part Six)

M Gargoyle x M Reader

PREVIOUS || STORY TAG || NEXT

Wordcount: 6036

Content Warnings: Discussion of a Breakup

Sorry for the bit of a break, life really conspired to impede my ability to write for a few weeks. But I’m so happy to get back to writing this story! I did end up cutting this part in two because the wordcount had gotten a bit bigger than I’d like. So nothing spicy yet, this part is just pure sweetness.

You wake up in the morning disoriented with a dull, throbbing headache.

You sit up in bed, confused as to the barricade of pillows at your back until memories of the previous night start to come cascading down on you.

The tasting. Trevor. Having to put on a smile and get through it because it's your job.

Unintentionally slamming nearly an entire bottle of champagne like it was the dawn of the new year.

…Carlyle.

Making a sloppy fool of yourself in front of him…

Oh, I've completely blown that wide open for sure. You think to yourself, devastated, staring at the ceiling and considering the doomed nature of your love life. Figures. With the curse… Something was bound to happen sooner or later…

On top of everything else, you barely closed anything down last night, so this morning's going to be a major slog. Might as well get up now and get started…

You groan, sitting up and grabbing your head.

You're thinking of maybe just sinking back down and smothering yourself with a pillow instead, but there are cakes to be baked.

So, you will yourself to get up and start your morning routine. Before your feet even hit the ground, though, you notice some things on your nightstand that wouldn't normally be there; a glass of water and a pair of headache pills.

…He left that out for me?

You check your device for messages, and you're both partially relieved, and partially terrified to find some new ones from Carlyle waiting.

You can deal with a hard day getting your shop caught up with a hangover. You can't deal with any more heartbreak right now.

With a wince, you open the log.

> Good morning

> I hope you're feeling better

> I closed up and turned the lights off

> As well as I could, I'm no baker

> We can reschedule when you're ready

> Let me know if you need anything else, I'll bring it over

Except, you… haven't blown it? Somehow???

…What an absolute sweetheart. Literally the patience of a saint.

The tension in your neck and shoulders releases just a bit.

You type out a message yourself after you've popped the pills in and inelegantly gulped down the entire glass of water to follow them.

And after a few revisions, you've managed a message you think covers everything: you're fine aside from an expected headache, thanking him for his help, then sheepishly offering some times in the next week that could work.

Your relief is short lived, however; as you faintly hear the telltale sound of the shop door bell downstairs.

Dammit- is that an early customer? Or a robber leaving?

Finally fully dressed, you hastily descend the stairs into your still slightly darkened shop.

You do this every early morning, and the darkness doesn't bother you, yet this morning it feels… decidedly spooky down here.

Across your shop, the bell is indeed still jingling.

You're staring directly at the door, through the hazy light starting to filter in from the shop windows from the sun rising. The door hasn't changed position, but the bell itself is certainly moving.

You rub your eyes, assuming your mishap last night is making you see things. But when you reopen them, the bell is still moving, still ringing out in a gentle metallic jingling.

You steel your resolve and slowly, tentatively approach the door.

But wait- Carlyle said he locked the door. So how could…?

Hand trembling, you reach out to test the weight of your hand on the door.

Locked.

The hairs stand up on the back of your neck.

And just like that, the bell stops.

Silence falls over your empty storefront. You release a long breath you didn’t realize you were holding.

…Right. Okay. That’s fine.

You should tell Kirby about that. Definitely.

They asked for you to let them know about any peculiar activity when they're not there to see it themselves; it's Saturday, so they won't be coming into the shop today. So, you type out a message reporting the strange occurrence, in what's now a practiced routine between the two of you.

…After you’ve turned on every light in the store.

< hey good morning

< my shop bell's making a racket on its own today

< it doesn’t normally do that, to be clear

Now that your shop is bathed in light and has your full attention, you take a look around to survey the damage.

Though, there isn’t actually any mess to speak of. The back may not be set up exactly how you would’ve closed it down, but it is immaculate.

He did the dishes. He wiped down every surface. He swept under the tables.

He even took the cardboard and trash down! Did he do all of this in a suit…?

Marriage material, your brain concludes on its own, in the way your mother or sister would express their succinct approval for a friend or family member’s new guy. You can’t help but smile as you silently chide yourself. You haven’t even had a successful date, yet.

But the fact that you’re even entertaining the thought, after your last experience…?

Carlyle is really special.

Expecting Kirby will be calling you back soon, you set your device in its stand on speakerphone, and after washing up, begin to weigh out ingredients for the batters to mix for the day. It doesn’t take long into the task for you to receive the callback.

“Sorry, I know it’s still really early-” You say immediately, before they get a chance to speak.

“Don’t be!!” Kirby’s voice cracks a little, still audibly froggy from just waking up. “Are you okay? Do you feel threatened? I’ll come over and beat up the bell if you need me to!!”

“No, no, I wouldn’t ask you to do that on a day off,” You laugh. “It’s stopped now. It was just a bit of a spook.”

“Weird! That does sound suuuuper spooky! And not like the side effects of a curse at all, honestly!! Curses don’t really do a lot of poltergeist activity.”

“I thought much the same.” You reply, absentmindedly laying your hand on your chest, where you’ve been told the curse is seated. “Nothing like this has happened before now.”

“Hmmm. Do you know if your shop has had problems with that in the past? It could be that there is some sort of interference with your curse happening from an outside source, complicating things. Things get janky really fast when multiple sources of magic are involved. It could even be why I’m having such a hard time locating the source of your curse in the first place.”

“The space was supposedly exorcized to code before I rented it, if that means anything…”

“Ugh- But people cut corners all the time! Especially if it’s cheaper! So, it sounds like you’ve given me a lead to look into- that should be an easy enough record to find, hehe!” You can hear the excitement and passion of an expected breakthrough clear in their voice, even over the line. “I’ll let you know on Monday if I managed to dig up anything~”

“Thanks. I really appreciate it.”

“Don’t mention it! It is literaaaaally my job!” Kirby says in a singsong voice, sounding much more like themselves now that they’re awake. “Now, onto real business! You NEED to tell me how your date went. Immediately!!”

You cringe while telling Kirby about your lapse in judgement, but they seem largely unfazed, instead making sure you’re alright and commiserating on how awful of an experience getting stuck in a situation with your ex is. Overall, they’re much more interested in how Carlyle handled it. You can’t help it- you end up emphatically gushing about him for a few uninterrupted minutes, but again, Kirby seems to eat it right up, a squeal peaking the microphone at least once.

“Oh, that is the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard! I’m so happy for you!” Their voice bubbles with excitement. “Where do I find one of those for myself?! I was starting to think there’s no good men in the entirety of Windrise City- Or at least I’m not finding any of them- Hah!”

“I don’t think I’m the man to ask,” You laugh. “Every man I’ve had, I’ve landed with baked goods…”

“Haha, well not all of us are lucky enough to have innate baking skill bred into us. Did he finally like something?”

“No…”

“Ugh. Well, don’t give up! I’m invested now!!”

“Hah, no way I’m giving up when I’m this close to figuring it out. I was going to make something quick yesterday but then things happened. I still need to figure out something to make.”

You continue chatting for longer than you mean to, but decide to let yourself bask in the feeling of having a positive, supportive friendship again. It’s not like the shop opens for another few hours, anyway.

Eventually you hang up, instead shifting your idle thoughts to what to bake Carlyle next… And even though you’ve ended the call, something Kirby said has inadvertently given you a stroke of inspiration- specifically, the comment about having baking skills bred into you.

You definitely do, and now is a perfect occasion to use that fact.

After a quick glance at the clock, you dial home.

“Oh, now isn’t someone up early this mornin’?” Your sister Emer’s voice is clear and bold on the other end of the line, not even bothering with a greeting.

“I’m up early every morning,” You laugh. “You would know.”

“Right.” There’s a bit of noise on the other side. ”Yeah it’s him- Da wants to know how your starter’s doin’.”

“It’s doing what a starter does- Sitting on the counter. I wouldn’t let it die. It was a pain enough to smuggle through customs.”

“Oh no. He said he let it die, Da. What a blasted shame.” She says with a deadpan tone, followed by muffled noises of your father’s displeasure on the other end, and she can’t hold back her laughter.

“Uncalled for.”

“Hahah- So you usually call in the evenin’. What’s the occasion? Need somethin’?”

You sigh. You’ve accepted a long time ago that there’s no avoiding being read like a book when it comes to her.

“I need Ma’s cardamom bun recipe.”

Specifically, her family’s heirloom kardemummabullar recipe she brought with her when she moved to the Queen’s Isle from Linnea, long before either of you were even born. She tends to keep the recipe locked up tight- She’s always been quite superstitious, and she credits them with winning over your father, and consequently, both you and Emer existing.

Hers use mixed spice, rather than just the cardamom and orange zest alone. You’re planning to modify it further, and really highlight the star anise flavor from the mixed spice. You had considered cinnamon rolls early into this process, but had initially written them off as too sweet. But adapting these to tick all of the boxes that you need them to wouldn’t be all that difficult.

“Ooooooh, and what are you in need of that for? You found yourself a new fella?”

You hadn’t mentioned Carlyle to her yet, and definitely not to your parents. It’s not that you haven’t wanted to, though- you’ve just been hesitant to mention it too early, after what happened last time.

“...Yeah.” You sigh. “I think so.”

You recount everything you just told Kirby minutes ago, not losing even a bit of your excitement, despite it being the second time. You fill Emer in on not just the things he did to clean up the shop, but also give her a crash course on how kind and supportive he’s been so far in general.

“Marriage material.” Emer hums summarily. Even with how little she actually says, you can hear the undertones of joy and relief there.

“Yeah, I know. I know!” You say, flustered. You can feel the grin spreading on your face, and the blood rushing to your cheeks, hearing your own thoughts from earlier echoed back to you from the source.

It’s definitely a distinction that Trevor had never gotten awarded, despite the amount of time you’d been together. You used to wonder why, but the farther you get from that relationship, the more you’re starting to understand exactly why.

“So, are you going to give me those numbers now, or am I going to have to get on an airship for them?”

“Yeah, keep your knickers on, I have to find her- Oh. Here she is. Ma, can you fetch me the recipe card for the cardamom buns from your cedar box?... Your son…” She scoffs. “Yeah, he’s got a new fella. Why else would he want the recipe for these?”

You groan. If your hands weren’t gloved and partially coated in the wet batter you’re filling into cake tins right now, you’d be holding your head in them in despair.

“I dunno, Ma. I just found out too… I dunno! Doesn’t tell us anything. Not a scrap of information… Sounds leagues better than the last one though… I’m sure he’ll call back later and tell you everything, Ma, but if I hand you the phone now you’ll be on the line until close-”

Somehow, you survive the emotional gauntlet of listening to the women in your family talk about you like you aren’t there, and a notification for the image of the recipe card finally comes through.

“Ma says to make it count.”

“I’ll do my best.”

You say your goodbyes and hang up, feeling a pleasant warmth in your chest and trying to mentally dampen your accent’s attempt to re-emerge before you have to speak to any customers.

By the time you’ve finished the batters and got the first round in the oven, Carlyle’s responded.

> Good. I’m glad you’re feeling better

> How about tonight then? Same time, same place

That's how you end up on the train hours later, heading to the restaurant you were supposed to be going to this time yesterday. You're carrying a pink paper box containing your latest attempt at a baked good Carlyle would like- and you have a strong feeling that this time is going to be the time you're finally victorious. You're transporting a secret weapon.

As it turns out, the address Carlyle gave you is for a fusion fine dining restaurant at the top of an observation tower overlooking the entirety of Windrise City. You step out from the elevator and into a spacious, lavish dining room.

Massive gemstone pillars of varying colors line the walls. A great, sprawling chandelier hangs from the ceiling, studded with an array of gemstones that bathe the floor below in iridescent shards of light.

You’re instructed to take a seat on one of the leather settees lining the walls of the lobby, giving you just enough time to scope out the interior of the dining room while you wait.

There are several sharply dressed gargoyles and harpies peppered in the mix of customers, which given the the demographic of the city and the altitude of the restaurant itself, is not surprising at all.

There is a real, living person playing the piano- just sitting there, playing it as their job, in the middle of the restaurant.

The dress worn by the hostess who greets you probably costs more than a week of what your business brings in, given how many precious stones are attached to the bodice.

This place is swanky.

Are you underdressed? You picked out one of your finest sets of clothes you have for the occasion; your favorite non-work button up, fitted slacks and your nice chukkas. Nothing that you're currently wearing ever so much as sees the inside of your work kitchen, never once coming into contact with a speck of flour or sugar.

And yet, you can't help but feel out of place and small standing in the lobby. Everything in here is just so… shiny, glitzy, and polished.

…You're underdressed.

And you shouldn't have brought your secret weapon in a dessert box- it probably looks so tacky. No one’s said anything, but that doesn’t mean they’re not thinking it. Then again, holding onto it is the only thing keeping you from gnawing your nails down to nubs.

You're still awkwardly fretting in the lobby, sure you stick out like a sore thumb, holding your silly little pink paper box in shame when you finally see a familiar set of shiny pink horns peeking over the heads of the throng of people in the lobby.

The crowd finally thins out, allowing you to visually take in your date approaching from the elevator.

He's handsome as ever, dressed similarly to how he was yesterday, but with a darker suit and a blush pink tie with an intricate filigree pattern you haven’t seen before. He adjusts his cufflinks- which look like they perfectly match his crystalline horns- as he approaches.

You’re so excited to see him, you pretty much hop out of your seat in expectation.

"Good evening." Carlyle walks over to you from the group exiting the elevator. "Sorry, I wanted to beat you here, but you know how the trains in this city are."

Lady of Flame, he's perfect. So charming and smooth and put together and it looks so effortless and you're sure he's not even nervous at all.

"No," You feel like you're lying, even though you know you aren’t. It felt like a hellish eternity- but he doesn't need to know that. "Not very long."

The hostess leads you to a table with a quality view through the tall, panoramic window looking over the city.

The height is almost dizzying- and as you stare out the window, settle into your seat and set down your box, you realize that the restaurant itself must be very slowly rotating, providing a complete view of Windrise City from your seat over time.

People of the winged variety even seem to be landing at designated areas themselves, rather than taking the elevator from the ground. As you're watching the sight, a waiter comes by with a carafe of water, filling your glasses and just as quickly disappearing.

"First date jitters?" Carlyle asks when your eyes focus back on him.

"This place is just so nice, and I… I can't help but feel a little out of my element."

"What do you mean by that?"

"The location, the decor, the vibe- You saw what the hostess was wearing, right?" You start to fiddle with the silverware roll, lowering your voice as a precaution. "She looks like she's rolled about in a baron's bank vault-"

Carlyle barely manages to keep from snorting into his water glass.

"Not that she doesn't seem lovely, mind you, I'm only using that as an example- but," You motion to yourself. "Baker's son. From a farming village? I'd wager that chandelier cost more than my parents' bakery-"

"Ah, I see. Are you uncomfortable?"

"...Maybe."

"Don't be, you belong here as much as anyone else. …But if it's bad, we don't have to stay."

You start to relax marginally, soothed by Carlyle validating you being here.

"No, no, we can stay. It really does seem just lovely. If you're sure it’s alright…I just feel a tick underdressed…"

"You're dressed quite well as far as I'm concerned. Usually I see you in the apron, and while I certainly appreciate the apron look, this is a nice breath of fresh air for me.”

You would feel a bit silly, needing to be given verbal permission to exist in a restaurant, but it's hard to focus on chiding yourself when your brain is flooded with good feelings from the compliment you just received.

Your sense of belonging doesn’t last very long, as the second you open the menu, you’re hit with the worst sticker shock you’ve had, outside of buying kitchen equipment.

"Do you… often come to super fancy places like this to eat?"

You can't help but wonder if you're anywhere near each other in terms of income. …Would that be a problem for him? If he's used to this kind of thing every day…

You know there's a stereotype that lawyers tend to make a lot, and you don't do awfully for yourself with the bakery- wedding cakes aren't cheap, after all- but this place is not really within the scope of your normal budget. You're just as content frequenting the little hole-in-the-wall corner store in your neighborhood.

"Hahah. No, nonono." Carlyle shakes his head, incredulous. "This is definitely a special occasions only sort of place for me."

"Oh, whew…" You let out a long breath, before feeling a smile creep onto your face. "So, you define this as a special occasion?"

"Yes. A first date is a special occasion, as far as I'm concerned. A special occasion for a special person." The fond smile he gives you over the menu in return makes you want to melt. "Plus, you endured something difficult yesterday, and you overcame it. Is that not a reason enough to allow yourself a reward?"

"Ahh- don't remind me-" You hold your temple and wince at the empty wine glass on your side of the table, already deciding you won't be partaking tonight. "Thanks again for taking such bang-up care of me yesterday…"

"Don't mention it. I'd want someone to treat me with care too, if I was going through something of that nature."

"That's really kind of you, you know. I guess it comes with territory of exes, right? Having that experience with that, yourself…"

"...From work…? Yes, I try to treat my clients as carefully as I can, I'm sure it's bled into my personal life, too…" Carlyle replies, seemingly trying to make sense of your comparison out loud to himself.

"No, I mean," Muted terror builds in you by the second, realizing you've waltzed right into a minefield of a topic. "...From your own divorces?"

Carlyle pauses for a moment then laughs, a deep warm one.

"Oh, hahah- I was wondering when that was going to come up. It always does..." He shakes his head, dark eyes crinkling at the edges from his amusement and subtle chagrin. "I've never been married, myself; let alone divorced."

"But your horns…?" You trail off, quietly wondering how both things are true. Kirby wouldn't steer you wrong… "I'm so sorry- is that problematic to assume? I'm probably making a right fool of myself-"

"No, you're not wrong to assume that. That is usually the reason why a gargoyle would wear caps like mine." He motions towards them with an open hand. "But I wear them because my horns were damaged when I was a kid."

"Oooh, that makes sense. That would… definitely rule that out then."

His face twists into the little smirk you’ve grown familiar with, the one when he thinks what he’s about to say is amusing.

"Right? In my professional experience, it's uncommon for grade schoolers to be divorced."

"I wouldn't have guessed." You can't help but laugh. At least he's not offended… "I suppose it's personal preference in your case?"

"Correct. My choice was to wear caps and have people think I'm divorced, or go without and have people assume I'm taken. Mattered much less when I was a child, obviously, but as I got older I decided continuing to wear them would be the best option for me."

"I quite like them." You smile, watching the way the light from the chandelier high above glints off their rosy points.

"I'm glad- Even moreso that you still wanted to date me, thinking I was serially divorced."

"Of course I would. You've gotten a face full of my baggage, so it seems only fair. …Any other notable exes? You've gotten a crash course on my only one…"

"Not a lot of that to speak of, myself. I haven't dated anyone for longer than a year or so… Nothing that ever became serious."

"Oh… Should I be worried about my shelf life, then…?" You laugh, only half joking.

"No, definitely not. Dating before was more a compulsory way to waste time, if anything. I was starting to lose interest in it altogether, if I'm being completely honest. Until I walked into your shop. No one has really ever captured my attention the way that you have."

“That’s… very sweet of you to say.” You feel your heartbeat a little faster, and the blood goes straight to your face, the temptation to hide behind your hands growing by the moment.

“It’s true.” He affirms.

The conversation is temporarily silenced when the waiter shows up to take your order.

In the momentary quiet following, you find yourself taking in the features of his face, eyes languidly tracing one of the erosion lines up, until your gaze settles on his horns.

"How did it happen? … lf you don't mind sharing. I don't want to bring up any bad memories…"

"Mmm. We got new bicycles for our 10th birthday. Someone thought it'd be fun to put a stick in the spokes of my back tire while we were riding at top speed."

You grimace, taking a quick breath of air in through your teeth in sympathy pain.

"Yes, it was as pretty an outcome as you can imagine. Flew right over the handlebars and landed headfirst onto concrete." Carlyle chuckles, almost wistfully despite the gruesome nature of what he's describing. “Luckily, since I’m a gargoyle, I only walked away with busted horns and a few scrapes on my face, and not anything more serious.”

"Oh my- I'm glad there was no lasting damage, at least… Your parents must've been worried sick."

"My mother was absolutely livid with him- she still gets so mad whenever it gets brought up. But in Marcus' defense, he really didn't realize what was going to happen. He felt so bad afterwards…" Carlyle laughs and grins one of his wide, slightly fanged smiles. "…And it was pretty funny."

"It's hard to imagine getting up to that much mischief. The worst my sister and I ever did was ruin batches of bread here and there... Or fall out of the neighbor's tree and twist a shoulder trying to pick apples."

The time until your meals arrive is spent sharing stories about your respective siblings, finding that despite you having an older sister and him having a technically younger brother, they are loveably insufferable in similar ways.

It’s good to know that you can connect about things outside of work, but you feel as if there’s still so much you have to learn about him. It’s an equally daunting and exciting prospect. You want to know him better- to get even closer. It’s something you have been too hurt to let yourself feel about anyone in a long time, and you’re eating it up.

"Um, so…" You cringe a bit at how canned your questions are. But you've spoken with him for months now, why are you agonizing over every bit of conversation in the context of a date? "What do you do for fun outside of work? I feel like I mostly see you in the scope of your job..."

"Ah, right. Like stalking me at the law library?" He smirks.

"Like picking up cupcake orders for your coworkers," You correct, playfully. "The one time you came over socially so far wasn't for the best of reasons so far…"

"Well, I'm a bit of a homebody. So, nothing that exciting, if I'm being honest. Mostly reading, or watching documentaries or-" Carlyle produces his device from his pocket, scrolling for something before showing you the screen. "Marcus told me not to bring this up on the first date because it's, and I quote, 'lame nerd shit'. However… I have a feeling you'll appreciate it."

The picture this time is what looks to be a screenshot of a video game. It has a soft, cute looking style, with what's probably his tiny, chibi avatar- given the resemblance, save for the cat ears and tail- standing posed in celebration with its arms out. What's of even more interest to you is what's towering behind his avatar though: what looks to be a scale model of the Windrise City Courthouse, composed entirely of pixel materials.

"Oh-!" You exclaim, punched in the gut by the cuteness. "Carlyle, this is absolutely precious!"

"You think so?"

"Yes! This must've taken so much time to make- and so much patience." You go on, zooming in on the image to look at the finer details you can see. "All these immaculate little touches! I'm impressed."

"I'm flattered. But you would know much more about the intricacies of making beautiful things with your hands, I think. I've seen your work."

You can't keep the blood rushing to your face, warming your cheeks with affection. Compliments are always good, but something about having your effort and skill recognized is on a whole different level of warm, fuzzy feelings.

You talk more about your respective hobbies outside of work over your meals. Carlyle speaks a bit about not only the cute sandbox game that he showed you, but some of his other favorite games; as well as his favorite documentaries (crime) and his favorite novels (mysteries), both of which are a bit more what you expected from a lawyer. He even manages to get you to talk about specialty loose leaf tea blends and your admittedly embarrassing interest in trashy, guilty pleasure programs.

"Oh, I've almost forgot," You pick up the paper box containing your secret weapon. "Since it's about time for dessert- you should try this."

"Ah." Carlyle says, accepting the box as you hand it to him. "I had a feeling that's what this was."

"It is. And I hate to inform you, but you're in for it this time."

"Oh? Is that right?" Carlyle chuckles, and dexterously unfolds the top of the box, letting the warm, pleasant smell of fresh baked good escape. "It smells amazing."

There's no doubt in your mind; you’ve made something perfect for him this time, you're sure.

Baking the kardemummabullar went off as well as you can hope for a baking project to go. Meticulously mixed, proved, shaped and cut, then braided and twisted over themselves in intricate, love filled little knots, before you finally baked them off. No glaze or icing in sight- only slivered almonds on top to finish, and a sparse dotting of the typical pearl sugar. You even made sure to pick the one that looked the most beautifully appetizing to go into the box and make the journey here with you.

It’s perfect.

You don't even try to conceal the fact you're watching intensely with an expectant smile, waiting on bated breath.

It takes what feels like a lifetime for him to assess it. It's pure torture.

"...This is good." Carlyle laughs through a partial mouthful, so surprised that he momentarily disregards his table manners. "Really good."

"Haha," You gasp out a laugh, releasing the death grip you had on your cloth napkin."You're not just saying that to be nice?"

"No- you know I would tell you if I didn't like it. Light, not too sweet, strong flavor, pleasant texture. It's like you plucked the perfect dessert for me directly out of my mind." Carlyle says, having to pause to let it sink in himself. “It would honestly be somewhat disturbing, if I didn’t know that’s exactly what you’ve been working to accomplish.”

Laughter spills out of your mouth, unstoppable by the hand that reaches up to hold it back. You don't care if you look like a fool to the stuffy old rich winged folk in the tables around you; you're overwhelmed by this pure sense of satisfaction.

You did it.

You beam, surely glowing incandescently, as you watch Carlyle meticulously finish the whole thing. Your hand curls against your chin, trying to downplay just how ecstatic you’re feeling.

Carlyle's hand gently nudges underneath where your other is idling on the tabletop.

You sit there in pleasant silence, hand in hand, just enjoying the moment together. Normally, your eyes would be drawn to savor the beautiful, sprawling panoramic view while you had ample access to it, but you can’t pull your eyes from the handsome specimen in front of you.

It’s almost like the weight you’ve felt on your chest for the last year has completely evaporated.

For the first time in a long time, you feel light. Warm. Like your heart is full to the brim.

You finally stir as that particular arrangement of jazzy piano music transitions into the next. You regrettably pull your hand from underneath the weight of his hand, the smooth stone surface gliding over your skin as you do.

“We should probably stop camping this table, huh…?” You say, but honestly, you would bask in the moment forever if you could.

Your time at the restaurant comes to an end, and when you exit the elevator at ground level, Carlyle, the gentleman he is, offers to walk you home. Despite you living out of the way of his route back, you took him up on the offer- you just wanted to squeeze every last drop of time with him you could out of tonight. And not just because you’re riding the high of finally making a treat he loves.

You're standing in the alley behind your shop, in front of the stairs that lead up directly to your living space from the street.

“I had a great time tonight.” You say, rusty enough at dating that you don’t really know how to navigate this sort of exchange anymore.

“I’m glad. So did I.” Carlyle stands with his hands in his pockets, looking down at you with the most charming, bright smile. “I particularly enjoyed the dessert.”

“So, are you a convert now?” You smile wide and reach out for his hand, which he readily produces. His fingers fit nicely in yours, and you find your eyes lingering on his lips. “Have you been reformed of your sweet-hating ways?”

“I don’t think I’ll become an enthusiastic dessert person any time soon,” He squeezes your hand lightly, careful not to press too hard with his stone digits, but the points of his claws on the back of your hand feel delightful. “But there is something sweet that I’ve acquired a taste for now.”

The heat of desire is building up in you, concentrating in a heat where your dress shirt collar lays on the back of your neck.

Heavens, you just want him to kiss you.

Maybe if you stare at his mouth a little longer? How else can you hint at what you want? Or you could always just… verbally ask him to… But would that be too forward…?

“Would you like a kiss?” Carlyle asks, seemingly effortlessly.

Of course he asks, just like that. It’s so like him- he’s never indicated that he was anything less than respectful of boundaries.

“Yes!” You blurt out, perhaps too emphatic, but it just makes him grin. “Please.”

Then, mercifully, he leans in and kisses you.

You're standing in the relative quiet of a weekend night in the business district, but fireworks might as well be going off behind you.

You expected his lips to be cold against yours, but you’re pleasantly surprised to find them warm- just like his forehead when you pressed your lips to it yesterday. Firmer than an average numan’s, but still soft and full, with the added novelty of being as smooth as polished stone.

His hand cradles your jaw affectionately, the gentle touch making you want to melt.

As soon as you’re sure you’re not dreaming, your free hand grips his shoulder, crumpling the thin fabric of his dress shirt in your desperately clenching fingers, wordlessly begging for more.

"It's getting a bit late." You say when you finally part, forcing the words out before you can second guess yourself. "Carlyle, Would you perhaps… like to come upstairs?"

He looks at you quizzically with a slight tilt of his head, seemingly trying to make sense of your contradictory statements.

"...For coffee, of course."

"Oh." A light of recognition appears in his eyes. "Absolutely. I'd love to.”

>> ✨ MASTERLIST >> ☕ KO-FI

#exophilia #monster lover #monster romance #monster x human #gargoyle x reader #gargoyle #male x male #mxm #mlm #male monster #male reader #series: something borrowed #oc: carlyle #oc: declan #nine of words

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dre6ming · 1 year

Text

The delicate beginning rush

Chapter XI - it’s now or never

Masterlist <all chapters here>

Instagram photo dump masterlist

Imagines Masterlist

Pairing: Austin Butler x singer/actress fem reader

Warning: age gap (10 years), mentions of sex, explicit language, fluff, angst

Plot: working with Baz on the soundtrack of Elvis, then flying out to Canada to film, you miss Austin and the both of you put in the effort to make it work

Word count: 6700

Disclaimer: everything fake

Nervous doesn't cover even a tenth of what I'm feeling right now. My flight was awful, it got delayed and then there were turbulence the entire time, so I couldn't sleep, something, I desperately wanted to do, since I couldn't close an eye the whole night. I'm also a bit nauseous. From what? I can't say, maybe it's all the emotional turmoil I've been in or maybe it's just my period coming to bless me. Either way, I feel every single little bump in the road as Matt drives us to the RCA studio. Singing an Elvis song is a huge responsibility in itself, but singing it for the soundtrack of the new biopic, that hasn't even come out yet, it's bigger than huge, it's ginormous.

All morning since we landed 3 hours ago I've been doing vocal exercises, trying to open my throat and get sounds as smooth as possible. I'm pretty sure poor Matt, who's been the main recipient of my singing exercises, is ready to have me shut up and I don't blame him.

The whether in Memphis is a lot colder than LA, but almost everywhere is colder than LA. The sky is clear and the blue shade of it, reminds me of Austin's eyes, which immediately makes my heart sting, because I miss him. He said he would text and call, and it's been only a couple of hours, he texted me "sweet dreams" last night and a "good morning, my darling" this morning. I replied to both, but our conversations were cut short. Last night after I told Joshua that I ultimately think we're better off as friends and maybe work partners with our upcoming duet, I had to pack and go to sleep so there wasn't much time left for me to talk to Austin. And this morning we are both swamped with work.

Thinking back on my conversation with Joshua, I can't help but feel like I was horrible to him and I'd understand if he never wanted to see me again, my team really wants him to feature of my next song "Past life". I haven't even finished it, but I'm close to it and I know I'll have to make it a single, because the whole debacle with Joshua will bring attention to it. Just like the double release of both of out songs boosted the both of us. My team tells me I'm bound to a spot on the top 10 hot 100 and so is Joshua. It also lingers in my mind that I don't want to upset Austin by being close to Joshua, but he's generally a nice boy and talented and in the end it would all be a PR thing, right? Just like him and Kaia, why should it be any different for me? I won't fake a relationship, I'll just sing a duet song about letting yourself love and be loved.

Pressing my finger into my temple I try not to let the headache creep up on me, but my brain has been on high alert for months now. First the divorce of my parents, then the award season, work and now boys. Ugh...

As the car comes to a stop, I zip up my jacket and put my hood on, there doesn't seem to be any paparazzi, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Inside the studio the heat engulfs me and I find myself struggling to take off my warm puffer jacket. "You nervous, miss? You look like you're about to faint." I look at Matt wide eyed. "Really?" I ask in disbelief, touching my face, pinching it to get the blood flowing through my cheeks. He smiles at me, taking the jacket from my hands and resting a calming hand on my shoulder. "You have no reason to be, I know you'll be amazing."

"Agreed. Good day, miss (Y/n)!" Baz comes in extending a hand out to me. "Hello, it's an honor, I'm happy to be here." Baz shrugs me off. "The honor is mine, thank you for coming so soon." He then turns to Matt to shake hands with him as well, something not many do, only because he usually blends in the back and doesn't really get noticed. "You must be (y/n)'s dad, a pleasure to meet you sir, you have an amazing young lady of a daughter here." My smile drops, he thinks Matt is my dad.

I see how Matt doesn't really know how to react, moving his weight for one leg to the other. "Mathew is my driver and head of security, but I appreciate your kind words." I quickly say.

"A pleasure to meet you mr Luhrmann and yes, she is an amazing young lady, there you're quite right." Matt smiles and then he excuses himself, going back to the car. I hate that there's now awkwardness between me and Baz. "I'm sorry for assuming..." Baz starts to apologize, but there's nothing to be sorry for, so I cut him short. "No please, it's fine, if anything he is sort of like a father to me." I assure and Baz smiles at me, showing me the way around the studio.

"So any more exciting plans?" He makes conversation as we sit down. "Yes, I just booked a movie for Netflix and well I'm making music, I'm really just doing what I love and I'm lucky enough to have people around me who support that." I smile as he listens closely to me. "Well you're incredible and on the right path if you ask me, congratulations again for your achievement, an Oscar is a big thing." I wave him off, blushing.

"It is, but it's still just a piece of metal on a shelf, I have to expect that not everything I will do will be so well received, but I'm trying my hardest to make good art moving forward." I explain to him, my thinking. Getting swept away it's extremely easy, especially when you achieve something like I just did, but in my mind, luck has a big part in everything and when luck gives out, I'll need the work and talent to compensate for it. "You amaze me, I think I've met 40 year olds with Oscars who believe they walk on the sun, just because of that title. That kind of mentality will keep you grounded and will only bring you more proud achievements." He says in his thick Australian accent, the chain bracelets around his wrists clinging as he articulated his words with hand movements. "I have a little something for you, I was talking to Pricilla about the sound track and the specific scene where we want to put your singing is one with Elvis and her." He fumbles around his leather jacket, pulling out a small box. "And I told her I was thinking of you to sing "can't help falling in love", she loved the idea, said she was extremely smitten to meet you at the Gala and she asked that I give you this."

He pushes the black velvet box towards me and I take it with shaking hands. Baz leans forward, placing a hand on his chin and tapping his forefinger against his lips, waiting for me to open the box. I lift the top slowly, to reveal a thin gold cuff bracelet with black diamonds imbedded in it. It looks like one of those very popular Cartier bracelets, but the design is a bit different, the bracelet is not a straight band of gold, but rather a squiggly one. "Oh no this is too much!" I gasp trying to give the box back, but Baz pushes against it. "Priscilla said Elvis had this custom made for her when she turned 20, she said you remind her of her younger self a lot, witty, beautiful, smart, hardworking and kind. Pick it up, read the inside." I feel tears of joy prick my eyes and with a bit of struggle I lift the bracelet up from the box to look on the inside of it. There engraved in the gold, in cursive letters it reads: Tender Loving Care ~ for my Cilla from your E.

The overwhelming feeling of happiness takes over me and tears start flowing down my face. Baz takes the bracelet from my grasp and taking my right wrist in his hand he slides the bracelet on. It fits like a glove, sitting beautifully against my skin, providing a comforting weight around my wrist. "She had work to attend and she couldn't be here today, but she hopes that you might want to join her for dinner tomorrow night." Baz adds, offering me a tissue.

I mumble a quick thank you and dry my face, hoping I don't look too bad. "This means a lot," I suck in a breath. "I'd love nothing more than to have dinner with her. Are you sure she wants me to keep this? It looks very expensive and it's hers-" Baz takes my hands in his, smoothing the skin over my knuckles. "I'm sure, now what do you say I introduce you to our producer and we get to work?" I giggle and nod, following him inside the recording room, where he starts introducing me to everyone.

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Hours later I'm on my way back to my hotel, where I plan to just sit in bed and sleep the rest of the day. The recording process went smoothly, I have to go back tomorrow morning to do a couple more takes and finish the background vocals, then we should be set. Baz let me watch the scene for which I'm recording the cover of the song. It's Austin and his costar Olivia, he's dressed in a military uniform, which has no business being that sexy. The two of them talk for a bit and they end up kissing. The scene looked amazing and it told me that the rest of the movie will probably be a success as well, but I couldn't help the little sting in my heart when Austin's lips locked with Olivia's. I tried to play it cool and I hope I did, I'm not sure how much Baz knows about me and Austin, but he never brought him up so neither did I.

"Thank you so much Matt, I'll just be in my room for the rest of the day." I tell him, walking out of the elevator and heading for my room. "Have a good night miss!" I wave at him, unlocking my door and walking into the warm hotel room.

After a quick shower I put on my comfy pajamas, plopping down on the fluffy bed. I stare at my wrist, where the bracelet from Priscilla sits nicely. The black diamonds on it shine in the light. It's unbelievable she wanted me to have such an expensive and important piece of her life. And to think that she sees me as a younger version of herself flatters me beyond description.

As I turn around in bed, I pick up my phone, opening the text messages with Austin.

Me:

Just got to my hotel, I'm done for the day. How about you? 💜🧶

Austin B🕺:

I've got another hour or so, before I can head home. Did you have a good day?

Me:

Yeah I really did! You?

Austin B🕺:

Ugh almost, you know it's getting pretty boring answering all these questions.

Me:

Sorry, ik how that is.

Austin B🕺:

Can I call you when I get home?

Me:

Ofc, I'm free until tomorrow.

Austin B🕺:

Are you gonna tell me what this 'work thing' is? I'm just curious

Me:

Told ya it's a surprise, you're gonna have to wait.

Austin B🕺:

Ok... talk soon 💜🧶

Me:

💜🧶.

I relax into my pillows and stare at the ceiling, unable to stop the huge smile on my face. Slowly I feel sleep creeping up on me and my heavy eyelids give up, falling closed. I'll only doze off for a second, I don't want to miss Austin's call. But it seems that I'm so tired, that I can't actually hold onto my plan and I fall asleep.

After what seems like only minutes, I'm woken up by my phone. I try to rub the sleep away from my eyes, letting out a big yawn. "Baby, I'm so sorry, did I wake you?" Austin asks worried that he interrupted my rest.

" 's fine" I mumble still sleepy. "I was just, resting my eyes." He chuckles, shaking his head. "The ceiling of your room looks nice" Austin quirks, letting me know my still awaking muscles don't seem to have the strength to hold up my phone. I straighten the phone so now the camera captures me, with my hair going in a thousand different directions and my eyes barely open. "There's my beautiful baby, did you have a busy day?" I shake my head and hide my face in the pillows, acting like a small child not wanting to wake up.

"I want to see your eyes (y/n), let me!" Slowly I turn my face to reveal to him, my hazy eyes. A smile takes over his face immediately and I can't help but mirror it. "Are you gonna tell me where you are? It can't be far, since we seem to be on close time zones still." Biting my lip, I place my finger against my lips, not budging into giving any indication about where I am or what I'm doing. He sighs, scratching his head. "Am I gonna have to wait long for this surprise?" Austin tries, but I answer with a simple shrug of my shoulders, which makes him laugh.

"I want to kiss you so bad right now." The breath gets caught in my chest and I can see myself blushing, on the phone screen. "I want that too, maybe come to New York before I have to leave for Canada?" I suggest, but his face says it all. He can't come. I try to push aside the pain in my heart, holding onto hope that maybe I'm reading him wrong.

"I can't baby, I've got a lot of promotion to do and -" he licks his lips, pausing mid sentence, like he's trying to come up with the best way to say what's coming next. "Me and Kaia have to, um" the sound of her name, stabs me in the chest, it shouldn't, but it does, because he's not mine, he's not hers either, but she at least gets to have him more than I do. "We have to do a lot more press, outings and PDA stuff, I promise it doesn't mean anything, I have no control over it and neither does she." His excuse sounds hollow and it doesn't rest my soul in the slightest. There's this voice in the back of my head saying, I've only heard his side of the story, but never hers. He could be lying.

The lump that lodges itself in my throat, makes it difficult for me to breathe, but I try not to show that. "(Y/n)?" Concern drips off of Austin's tongue, he must know that what he just said hurt me. I clear my voice and try to make it sound as steady as I can. "That's fine" lie "it's all just pretend anyway." Lie, lie, lie... I feel like he's lying, like I'm lying, I feel like I'm being gaslit and taken advantage of.

"It's not, I can see on your face it's not, it's ok to be upset, I wouldn't want to be in your position and I swear I wish it could've been you in Kaia's place." That's when it hits me, two can play this game. Me and Joshua still have a duet to release and even though we are friends now, the song is a love song. "Well it's fine, I mean, me and Joshua will probably have to do some promotion for our song anyway, too, so I get it." Lie, why do I keep lying to him?

Austin's lips stretch into a think line. For the first time since we've met, there's awkward silence between us and I hate it. My ears start ringing and if I wasn't sat in bed, I'd probably be fainting. "I'm sorry!" Austin says. Why is he apologizing? I'm confused. "(Y/n) you don't need to feel like you're competing with Kaia, would you feel better if you talked to her?" Blinking a few times, to refocus my vision, I seriously start to wonder if Austin can read my mind. "Would that be embarrassing for me? I- I believe you Austin, but..."

"But you need to be wary of your heart, my daring, I know. It wouldn't be embarrassing, I talked to Alex, the dude she's seeing, I don't see why she won't do the same for me." Austin explains, fidgeting with the rings around his long fingers. I chew the inside of my cheek, debating over if I should take him on his offer or not. The part of my brain that's infatuated with him tells me not to, but the smarter part of my brain pushes me to do it. "I guess I'd feel a bit better, if it's ok with you."

The smile returns to Austin's face, as he bites his bottom lip. "Ok baby, I'll tell her about it." Then he breaks into laughter and even though I can't help but smile, my stomach twists thinking he's laughing at me. "I'm laughing because, remember when we went out for coffee?" I nod waiting for him to go on, no idea where this is going. "Well Kaia wasn't the one who wanted to meet up, I lied." He scrunches up his nose, rubbing it with the back of his hand. "I, um I asked her if I could say that she was the one who wanted to meet you for coffee, but it was actually me, all along." I'm stunned. Him wanting me is such a strange thing, but it's real, very real. "Really?" I ask

Austin nods, rubbing his lips together, before wetting them with his tongue. "I guess after that night at the Met, I just want to know you better, but I didn't want to google it or anything, I wanted to meet you from you." My heart is doing laps in my chest and it's getting hard to breathe. I see myself blushing on the screen and I can't help but feel a bit embarrassed by how easily Austin gets my heart pounding. "And then dinner at your place, well Kaia was supposed to come, but she really did have to fly out. I almost ditched, but I guess I told myself: it's now or never."

"Be mine forever..." I sing, giggling, which makes him smile brighter than ever before. "Well that one is a great song, I do have to say." Austin points out. "Aren't they all?" I quirk a brow at him, biting back my smile. "They are, they are!" He admits. I feel another yawn coming through and I try to stop it, but failing.

"Rest the phone on the pillow and close your eyes, I'll sing you to sleep." He says in a low raspy voice. I open my mouth ready to tell him I'm not that tired, but another yawn comes out and Austin giggles. I place the phone on the pillow next to my head, so he can se me laying on my side in bed. "You're beautiful, so beautiful!" He says and I take in a deep breath, blinking fast. "Now close your eyes!" Austin tells me and I comply, but knowing he's there watching me, makes keeping my eyes closed, feel like torture.

"Try to think that love's not around, Still, it's uncomfortably near" he sings softly, tickling my senses. I recognize the song immediately. "You remembered?" I gasp opening my eyes to look at him, finding him with his lips stretched in a big smile over his pearly white teeth. "Of course I did, my brain is a sponge for everything you say, now eyes closed baby, you need to sleep." I giggle and snuggle my face back in the pillow enjoying the soft fabric of it. Austin clears his throat and continues singing 'Angels eyes', the song I told him was my favorite out of Frank Sinatra's discography. My heart twists in my chest with this warm feeling I've been having only around him, a feeling I can't yet describe. "My old heart ain't gainin' any ground. Because my angel eyes ain't here" funny enough the lyrics kinda work for our situation as we are apart right now.

As he keeps on singing, I feel sleep take over me slowly and I try to fight it, wanting to enjoy his voice some more, but I'm so tired I don't even make it through the whole song before I fall into a deep slumber.

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"Falling in love with you..." I finish my last take for the song, taking off my headphones and going over to the producer to listen back to my vocals. "This sounds beautiful, so beautiful!" Baz says, clapping for me. "Thank you, oh my, I really hope I did good." I say placing a hand on my chest, smiling brightly.

"Oh you did, definitely, it sounds so magical the way you sing it...in fact I was thinking, why don't you join us at the Cannes Film Festival in June? You could perform at the premiere after the screening, I think it would be magical." Baz articulated his words with big hand gestures, as I try to wrap my head around everything he's saying. He wants me to perform at the premiere of Elvis? At Cannes?

He must of read the fear written all over my face, since his smile glitches for a second. "Sir, it's an honor. Really. But are you sure you want me to perform? I mean by that time I would've barely dipped my toe in the music industry..."

"Let me just stop you there, you realize who you're talking about right?" My brows draw together in confusion. "You are talking about a very talented young woman, who has an incredible voice, whose songs are charting and whose movies are adored and awarded. So yes honey, I'm sure." Trying to hide my blush, I look away, but I can't actually contain my smile. By now I'm used to people saying things like that to me, but it's still very hard to swallow. I can't deny most of that, but my forever present lack of confidence and overthinking issues put a dent in my joy. "Well if you think it's what you want, then I'll do it." I agree and Baz is quick to hug me tightly. I pat his back, struggling to breathe in his tight hold. "Easy there, I need these lungs to sing." I laugh and he lets go of me, looking at me with a huge smile. I can't really describe it, but everything about Baz just screams father figure and for some reason in the short time I've spend with him, I've grown quite fond of his words and affection. "Well get ready to fly miss (y/n)!" Baz adds snapping her fingers with excitement.

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After I had dinner with Priscilla, I was back on a plane to New York, where I only got to stay for 5 days before packing my cats and bags to move to Canada for 3 to 4 months. It's actually quite nice here, a bit colder then I'd expected, but still lovely. The sights are wonderful, even with summer approaching there's plenty of snow so it feels like a prolonged winter, which in my opinion is always welcomed.

Filming has been going smoothly, Kyle and I have been having lots of fun with it and the more we work the more I get confident that this movie will be great. The love story between the two characters is epic and the development of it is so well built. It's truly unfortunate that they got their story cut short, but at least my character Tessa seems like she might be headed for a good ending.

In my free time I've been busy FaceTiming Jack and Finneas, recording takes in the makeshift studio we had built in the small apartment. Also I've been texting back and forth with Taylor, working with her on her new album, I don't plan to be a featured artist on it, just a co-writer on some of the tracks as well as the usual background vocals.

Now in all this work load one might wonder where do I fit 'a more than friends' situation. Well it barely fits, me and Austin try to make it work. We text everyday and call regularly, we tell each other about our day and future plans and work, so far I've played him most of my upcoming album, but I'm still keeping secret me being part of the Elvis Soundtrack or the fact that I'll be at Cannes with him. While he'll be there with his girlfriend, a girlfriend that's not me. Sure I've spoken to Kaia, I even met Alex, her real boyfriend, over FaceTime, but it still hurts to see the guy you like be packaged and sold with someone else.

Still even with all this talking and texting the distance is hard, I miss him, the scent of him, his warm touch. It's been a very long month. I miss it all and now as I push my way through the door of my small rental apartment a sigh leaves my lips. The place looks nice and it's cozy, but besides me and my two cats it's empty. Not as empty as the huge penthouse in New York, but close and I guess that answers my question about selling the penthouse and moving to a smaller apartment. Turns out just making the cage smaller, doesn't really make the inside feel fuller.

Today the apartment looks a bit different though, almost like something is missing? My cats! "William? Simba? Here kitty kitty!" I call them, but they don't come out of their hiding which makes anxiety bubble inside me. I take my jacket and shoes off in a hurry and make my way through the small hallway into the living room. I decide the kitchen might be a good place to search for my little trouble makers. The place is dead quiet and my cats are missing.

Suddenly the creaking floor behind me, scares the life out of me. Turning around I cover my mouth to stifle a scream. And there in front of my eyes with a grin on his face is...

"Austin!" I squeal and run over to him, jumping in his arms, latching myself onto him like a little monkey, locking my ankles behind his back. I nuzzle my face in the crook of his neck, inhaling his intoxicating scent. "Missed me, my darling?" I kiss his neck along his pulse line, all the way up to the corner of his mouth, letting my teeth graze his skin ever so slightly. "Yes I did." I say, brushing my lips over his, tasting his breath on my tongue. The corners of his mouth turn upward and one of his big hands leaves my back, to rest on my cheek, pulling me all the way into his mouth. We both sigh into the kiss, after weeks of being apart, touching him feels surreal and it's like life is coming back to me. Being far from him was horrible, I felt his absence in every pore. But now he's here. Austin is here.

He moves his lips against mine, slow and gentle, the tip of his tongue tickling my bottom lip, teasing. With a short gasp I let him in and he takes dominance into the kiss, sucking the breath out of me. "How did you?" I say out of breath resting my forehead against his, brushing my fingers through his hair, to make sure he's real and not just a product of my imagination. "Matt helped me a bit, he gave me the key." He shrugs his shoulders like it's nothing. My smile is so big and I can't help the way my heart beast against my chest. Austin's hand that's cupping my cheek, slides along my neck and finds a resting spot on my chest above my heart. "It's like a humming bird, for fucks sake, I've missed you!" He admits bumping our noses together, kissing the tip of my nose. "My pretty baby." Austin whispers with his lips against my cheek.

My eyes flutter close and I feel lightheaded, the way he calls me his, has my brain turning to jello. "I missed you too" I admit, squeezing him tighter. He slowly starts to move around the place, setting me on the kitchen counter. "I have a few free days and I wanted to surprise you." Grabbing a handful of his sweater I pull him closer, there's heat coming off of him and I enjoy it, having missed it for weeks now. "Baby? Are you upset?" Austin asks pulling back to look at me. Confused I shake my head and he comes down to kiss my cheek right under my eye. His flaming lips touch my still cold skin and his tongue teases my flesh. "Why are you crying then?" He whispers.

"Oh, oh, I'm, no -" I turn around and reach for the tissue roll, grabbing one and quickly dabbling my face. "It's because I just came out of the cold. My eyes water." I set the crumbled up tissue aside and thread my hands through his long blond hair, pulling at the roots. "Hm" he hums, tilting his head back. I smile and kiss his pulse line. "Have you eaten?" Austin asks, holding my waist, squeezing my sides. "No, I was going to...where are William and Simba?" I question remembering what had me stressed in the beginning.

Chuckling lightly Austin moves away from between my legs, leaving my arms to fall limp. He walks over to the door of my bedroom and opens it, the two cats coming running out of the room. "I asked them nicely to let me have my moment." He smirks.

I jump down form the counter, picking up Simba, as he goes to pick up William, who seems to have taken a special liking towards Austin. "I bought treats for them on the way here, but you'll need to approve them, cause I've never had cats before." Austin speaks, scratching William's stomach. Something about the way he acts around my cats makes me feel some type of way. "I never asked, why William? I mean Simba I get, the lion king, right? But this little guy?" William purrs in Austin's arms, snuggling close to his chest. "My favorite book series when I was 16 had a character named William."

"So no link to the royals?" He laughs and I simply shake my head, placing a kiss on top of Simba's head. "Ok then." He puts William down on the nearby couch, clapping his hands. "Sit right here and I'll make you dinner, how does some chicken cooked in the oven with white wine and rosemary potatoes sound?" I sit on the couch and twist around to face him. "Sounds like something very, very tasty." I unbutton my knitted cardigan as I'm starting to feel the warmth inside the apartment. Austin watches me take off my cardigan, then like snapping himself out of a haze, he blinks fast, turning on his heels to go start working on dinner.

Closing my eyes for just a moment, I hold Simba close to my chest and William comes to curl next to my head, purring. "So I've been thinking maybe tomorrow you could get a free day and we could spend it together? Go on a walk on the beach, watch a movie." Austin proposes and I take my phone out, already texting the director about getting a free day.

"We could, I'll see if I can get the day off, we're on time with filming so there's a big chance I will get it." Getting up, I stretch my arms and legs, going to the bedroom to change into something more comfortable. A fluffy cream loungewear set is my choice and I braid my hair out of my face. After the few minutes it takes me to get unready, when I come back in the kitchen, Austin is putting the food in the oven for it to cook.

I come behind him and hug his waist, pushing my face into his back, inhaling his woodsy scent. His hands come to hold my, rubbing up my arms. "The interview with Variety is coming out tomorrow, are you excited?" Austin asks me, spinning around in my arms to face me. He leans against the kitchen counter, looking down at me with his bright blue eyes. "I guess I am, yeah, it's a beautiful peace and what about you, a new Elvis trailer is coming soon, are you excited?" I wiggle my brows at him, making him laugh with his head thrown back. "I am, now about those treats I brought." He goes out of my arms, over to his bag which was hidden behind the couch. He digs through it and pulls out a bag of cat treats, coming over to hand it to me. "Salmon, their favorite" smiling I shake the bag and both of my cats, quickly jump off the couch. Austin opens the bag and crouches down holding a few treats in each of his palms, so the little fluff balls can enjoy them. My heart feels so light in my chest, watching him be here, for me, doing these small acts of affection.

I sit down on the floor next to him and hug his neck, peppering kisses all over his face. Austin giggles like a child and turning quickly around he tackles me to the ground, with him on top of me, tickling me sides. While his skilled fingers, tickle my stomach, his wet full lips kiss my neck tenderly. "Austin.." I laugh trying to push him off of me, but not really putting any effort into it, since I don't want him to actually get up. "I'm making Dandelions a single." I say between fits of laughter, which stops Austin in his tracks and he comes up to catch my lips in a sweet kiss. "I love that song so much." He mumbles against my lips.

We move in sink, our lips soft and wet, brushing against one another. My heart keeps doing laps in my chest and heat rises within me. I wrap my legs around his waist and pull Austin closer. His tongue touches my bottom lip and I give him full permission to explore. My brain is blank, all I know and care about is him on me. I don't even care about the hard wood floor hurting my back. I walk my hands over to his back, dragging my nails down it. "Mmh baby." Austin groans and a little whimper escapes me.

His hands grab my hips, holding me flush to the floor. "We need to stop baby." He kisses down my neck, sucking the skin above my collarbone, dragging his tongue over the flesh. "I don't want to." I whine, bringing his face back up, kissing him forcefully, squeezing my legs around his waist, bringing his crotch close to mine. Austin moans, thrusting his hips against mine. "Aus..." I sigh with my head thrown back and my eyes screwed shut.

I'm in a bliss, my senses completely diluted by the powerful feeling of him on top of me. But he pulls back swiftly, bracing himself on his arms above me. My head lifts off the floor, trying to reach his lips, but he holds his ground, pulling even further back. "Baby, no, I don't want you doing something just because you feel pressured or anything." He speaks in a low voice, brushing some of the strands of hair that came out of my braid. His calloused fingers magic against my soft skin.

Embarrassed I turn my head away from him, suddenly feeling so out of place. "No, (y/n), honey it's normal to want to do stuff, but..." I don't want him to finish talking so I push against his chest wanting to get up from the floor, away from him. Every cell in me feels so stupid for acting so so, I don't even know. Austin let's me get up, but he's quick to join me onto the couch and pull me into his chest, kissing the top of my head. "I'd do anything for you, (y/n), I swear, but I'm not sure you want to have sex now." I hide my face in my hands, but he takes my wrist and move my hands away, so he can look me in the eyes.

"How does it feel? I mean I'm sure you've done it, I'm just curious." I feel my cheeks on fire, but I have to ask, I've been curious for a while now and I didn't really have anyone to ask. Austin smiles at me, but not in a way that makes me feel dumb, but rather in a way that makes me feel safe. "I don't know how to describe it and I don't know how it feels for girls, but for me, it just feels good, you feel warm all over and your heart pounds in your chest and then it feels like there's this elastic band that keeps on stretching and stretching until it finally snaps and it's the most euphoric feeling." He twirls around a strand of my hair, kissing my forehead. "I'll show you, when you feel ready." He promises.

"What if I'm ready now?" I ask looking at him with puppy eyes. "It's your choice (y/n)" looking down at my lap, I try to think, really think if I'm ready for sex, sex with Austin. I don't know really, I want to see what it feels like and I trust him to be loving and caring about it, but I have yet to fully label us as a couple, so it would just feel like jumping over a few steps. "I was just curious, I think" I shrug my shoulders.

"And I'm happy you felt comfortable with telling me that..." he stops mid sentence, pursing his lips, "have you ever, done anything? Alone or with anyone?" He asks and I look around a bit confused, but I understand what he means. "N-no, I um, I've read some about it, I've seen movies and I think I've felt, aroused?" I'm unsure of what I'm saying is right and there's a part of me that fears I'm laughable, but Austin is serious, listening closely. "Okay, have you touched yourself?" He ask, caressing my back. I simply shake my head.

Austin licks his lips, his eyes, never leaving mine. "Well I think you should try that first, maybe, find what you like on your own."

"How do I do it?" I ask, I'm not stupid I know a bit about self pleasure, but I've never done it. His lips come close to the shell of my ear, as he speaks in a raspy tone, causing shivers to crawl down my spine. "I can show you, if you want me to." I open my mouth ready to speak, but instead of words, a ding sound comes out, the timer for the food finished, so Austin sighs getting up to take the food out. I'm left on the couch, flushed watching him move around the kitchen. He turns around holding the tray of food smiling brightly at me, so I giggle getting up and joining him at the table, ready to enjoy his cooking.

Tags: @kittenlittle24 @amorx @cryingabtab @lexicox044 @lrissa @feral4austinbutler @sageskywalker @jesssssicaa @rainydayz101 @flwersgarden @bobthefishiesworld @captured-memory @homebodybirkin2003 @galaxygirl453 @butlerslut @chrisevansgirl34 @myradiaz @pennyroyalcreep @macey234 @im-lame-irl @lordandmistress @the-girl-wh0-cries-w0lf @poppet05 @gabbywontlose @4shbug @0-thegoodwitch-0 @hauntedarchivesx @chewiethecatus @sunnyx07 @francesbloomer @jessaroni19 @finelineskies @stargirlbytheweeknd @cerenaydins-blog @girlblogger2002 @gigisworldsstuff @my-baexht-Is @denised916 @bluepeacheslandia @kibumslatina @samaraannhan20 @goldobsessionworld @silliypapercreatorangle @cmrxac @donnamarie23 @justarandomfamdomblog @marlowmode @natsnosehair @xxgggooomm @banksmars @namoreno @areuirish @choppedlamphandscowboy @yeetfack-blog @fangirl125reader @aliceforbes @k-1898 @lucid315 @katelswan @jellysquidjj @jojam10 @richardslady121 @fanfiction1107 @spideysbitch @cherryflvredconversations @lanasfloridakiloss @issabella1107 @hannahhhhhig @izzydefinatelybusy @purejasmine

#the delicate beginning rush #austin butler #austin butler x reader #baz luhrmann elvis #austin butler fic #austin #austin butler x you #austin butler x y/n #austin butler imagine #austin butler fanfiction #Austin butler x actress reader #love #fluff

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palaceofpassion · 2 years

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PAW:ToW

How about a story where Jaune and Pyrrha both get to say something to each other that they didn’t get to since both partners supposedly died in their timeline.

The worst part about this entire situation perhaps, was being alone with someone else. Jaune had been fine, he'd put on a facade of... comfort... though him and Weiss had been clearly freaked out. But... he'd grown good at doing these things. However, these were only things that he could do when he was in a group of people. When he was alone, one on one? That mask quickly broke... like now.

Weiss was with her old team, or new team? He wasn't sure... they had a lot to catch up on, and a lot to discuss. He... he wasn't sure how she was doing it, because he felt like he was going to crumble.

Then he thought he'd get the chance to spend time with all his team. But all he got was Pyrrha... he could understand why. Nora and Ren weren't sure what to say to him. He had been a mere speck in their life from what little they had talked. It wasn't like his relationship with his Ren and Nora. They hadn't spent a year and a half on the road together. No... they'd only been together for a scant few months, which hardly meant anything to the duo, he knew they hadn't been terribly close till they went out in the world.

They were happy to see him! But... but theyw ere closer to Oscar, than they were to him. And that stung a little.

No what really got him was that he was alone, with Pyrrha... and they both obviously had a lot to say.

"So..."

"Yes... well..."

But neither knew how to say it.

Jaune buckled down though, he sucked in some air, and summed his courage. "Hah, you know, I never thought I'd get to see you again... I really thought that... my emotions were better handled than that." His fingers ran against his knees as he kept his grip tight.

"I feel the same... the last time I saw you... you'd tricked me haha... took advantage of uhm... my attempt to get you to safety."

Jaune snickered, "I guess the me from here was smarter..."

"Jaune!" She shouted, obviously not liking his /joke/, "Ple...please don't joke about that..."

"I'm not." He spoke with a stern face, "Pyrrha, how do you think I felt in my world? When... when you stuffed me in that locker, when she did... I don't... I couldn't do anything but watch you as I flew away, weak and helpless..." His nails were thoroughly dug into his pants now.

"I'm sorry... I know how that feels..."

"Yeah... I... I guess you do."

The unnerving silence continued.

"So you and Weiss?"

Till Pyrrha broke it.

"I... maybe? I don't know... I'm not sure where we stand. We never got the chance to talk about it. It kind of just happened, when we were in her manor, and waiting on everything to go to shit." He bit down on his teeth.

He could tell that she was feeling glum, that her eyes weren't meeting him now.

"I never got over you."

Her emerald gaze snapped to him in an instant.

"I... I was left with so much unsaid, and... I never got the chance to tell you how I felt... it hurt... even now. I love Weiss, with all my heart. But... but I also still... it's hard looking at you..." He felt the tears burning his eyes.

PYrrha was just the same, "Me either... I've never... I haven't felt that way, about anyone... and... and it felt like I was the only one that cared and..."

Both of them teetered so close to one another, but neither made a move.

"Are you two going to hug?"

Both suddenly turned to Weiss, "Weiss!"

She rubbed her temples, avoiding an oncoming headache. "Jaune... it's fine... I just... I know this is hard. And well... I guess I don't mind?"

Jaune looked her in the eye and furrowed his brow. "No that's not, that's not right Weiss."

The heiress shrugged, "Eh, I don't really get what a loving family is... and well... I doubt either of you feel love for one another." She phrased it in a way they understood.

Neither were the one they lost, they weren't exactly who they were. And both knew that, they weren't sure what feelings would come in the future. But all they had right now was an understanding.

"Yes."

"Yeah."

They just wanted to let go of the pain.

"So hug. And well..." She sauntered over to Jaune, and placed a hand into his. "We'll see."

Pyrrha fought a blush as the heiress gave her a smile, one that held another meaning to it, it was an odd feeling to feel heated due to Weiss.

Regardless, the hug that Pyrrha and Jaune gave to one another, was one filled with remorse, fear, tears, and a hope to a new friendship.

#Weiss Schnee #Pyrrha Nikos #Jaune Arc #PAW:ToW

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inkycherie · 9 months

Text

I have had the most amazing summer. In July, my best friend came to visit. I brought her to Paris (her first time), showed her around my town and other neighbouring cities around Geneva, and we drove to the south of France. I made different meals for everyone to enjoy, danced to the loveliest music, and drank the best wine(s).

The third week of August, I went back to the Philippines. We had a long overdue family reunion. Our uncle from Canada also came to visit with his family, and my cousin who works for months at a cruise ship extended his vacation.

We all flew to Zamboanga del Sur to surprise my grandma and our extended family whom we haven't seen in 13 years ! We spent a week there living the simple life, eating pandesal for breakfast, and singing karaoke kahit brownout.

The first few days of September, I spent back in my hometown. I saw Bowie again. I didn't let any minute pass without cuddling him. Whenever I'm in the PH and everyone else is back home, my sisters and I stay in one bedroom with our parents (and Bowie), chatting away until we all fall asleep. These nights were even more special because we were all cooped up in one room while there was a storm outside. Felt just like the good old days when my sisters and I would spend nights holed up in our parents room trying to pass the time until electricity was back on.

I was also sooo happy to walk around the malls with Christmas music already playing in the background ! We bought surprise presents for our parents. My sisters and I chipped in to buy papa his dream TV, and mama a new iPhone. The rest of my money I spent on groceries, more presents for the fam, pasalubongs for Jon, books, Cheetos, Spicy Century Tuna, Vienna sausages, and Spam. lol

We spent my last week in Manila. Took mama, my sisters, and our aunt on a date - brunch in Wildflour and shopping at Rockwell, and then continued to shop in MOA. I wanted to make dinner for everyone, so I made sinigang na baboy which was perfect for the stormy weather. We had drinks with our cousins before bed (red horse, spicy Oishi, and isaw at bbq).

The next day, I brought my parents to IKEA so I can buy them stuff for the house. I could tell mama was so excited to drive back home so she can start using everything we got. Uncle flew back from Zamboanga later than everyone else so the day after he arrived, he went straight to the condo so we can spend more time with him. We asked him to make lola's bistek Tagalog as he is the only one who can make it exactly the way lola does. I am glad to report that I watched him closely as he was making it - even volunteered to be the sous chef - so I will make it for dinner tomorrow.

The day before my flight, the entire family celebrated my aunt and cousin's birthdays. I made some of my specialty meals, and we ordered a bunch of other food. Of course, there was cake.

I flew back to Switzerland on the 7th. I arrived on Friday at 8 in the morning, unpacked my stuff, ate pancit canton, and fell asleep at 16hr. I woke up at 3am still tired, but I managed to clean up and do all the laundry. I was hanging clothes at the balcony even before the sun was out. I found it hilarious. The rest of the day, I spent on the couch still feeling quite sluggish and brushing off the fact that I was having chills, and my nose wouldn't stop running.

Jon and I went on a quick café date and I couldn't taste the coffee nor the pastry I ordered which I found strange but thought nothing of. We did errands and bought groceries but I started feeling sicker as the hours passed. As soon as we got home, I checked to see if I had covid. The test came out positive. Dinner wasn't much fun. I was much sicker so I couldn't enjoy the food Jon prepared for me - he made me the perfect steak which I couldn't taste hahaha and some soup to make me feel better.

This morning, I woke up at 5am and called my family right away. The symptoms are getting worse, and now I have chills, body pains, and constant headache. I will rest more so I can feel better by tomorrow. I just find this to be a silly end to an incredible summer.

#personal #home #homesick

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autumnslance · 1 year

Text

Writer's Game: First Sentences

Rules: post the first sentence of your last ten fics. If you haven't written ten fics, share as many first-sentences as you have.

Tagged by @elveny! ♥️

Tagging: @driftward @mintibunny @yzeltia @scrollsfromarebornrealm @chysgoda @punchelf @gunbun @dragons-bones @theepicreboot @thebmatt @rinzukodas @phaedra-mero @eremiss @anomaliewrites @raelly-writing and whoever else would like to (also y'all should check these folks out).

Many of these are shippy nonsense, as my pairing sparks joy. I’ve been writing a lot of drabbles and microfics lately, though some things I’d only count as captions more than fics.

I seem to like shorter, snappy openers (especially compared to many of my longer sentences in a given fic), often with or entirely a little dialogue.

1 “Bearing Sins of the Past”, the current (as of 3/13/23) fic in progress on Ao3.

“You say Ser Alberic is missing?” the old lady knight asked as Aeryn warmed herself by the fire.

2 “A Little Lady’s Realization” a microfic about dresses and faith.

*Sigh* “I suppose my ‘princess’ must insist on keeping this new dress as well?”

3 “Linkpearls” a Year of the OTP prompt response.

When Aeryn answered the chiming linkpearl, Thancred’s familiar voice crackled on the other side of the line. “I received your letter.”

4 “Dual Perspectives” also a Year of the OTP prompt response. This line appears first in both sections.

Whenever I look at you, I see Light and Hope.

5 “Misunderstanding” a little pre-Endwalker culture clash.

“Everything all right?” Thancred asked, waiting a bit further along the trail as Estinien and Aeryn caught up.

6 An untitled blurb about languages I should clean up and move from Tumblr to Ao3.

Nanamo had a headache.

7 “Northern Lights” another drabble, about fashion in cold weather

“These northern lights are still impressive after everything.”

8 “This Home Wrested Forth” from the Dark Knight zine, Sidurgu’s 2nd person POV.

Your clan fled the Empire, crossing Ilsabard in search of homelike climes.

9 “Scholarly” a prompt response for Roevember 2022, Felina of the Night’s Blessed reminiscing.

While many important books had been taken to the Crystarium, or copied for inclusion to the Cabinet of Curiosity, a good number of tomes yet remained in the Bookman’s Shelves, a hidden and hard to reach library of history and magical theories.

10 “Mountain” also from Roevember 2022, Felina and Runar at the base of Mt Gulg.

The waiting was the worst part.

Bonus: Current first couple lines of that long promised Shadowbringers Thancred WIP...

“Let expanse contract—Eon become instant! Throw wide the gates that we may pass!”

One moment Thancred was presenting his proposal to the assembled Alliance leaders and his colleagues, the Admiral expressing her approval which was convincing the rest. The next moment, he was clutching his head in agony, hearing as if from a great distance his fellow Scions crying out, while the others called to them in confusion.

#final fantasy xiv #lyn prompts #lyn writing #lyn meta #shippy nonsense #thancred waters #sidurgu orl #Crystal Exarch #Aeryn Striker #Felina

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bogkeep · 1 year

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maybe it's a little bit early but i'm ready to do the Review and Reflection of my 2022!!

where the past two years were very static years for me with only subtle changes (yes there's a pandemic but i still had to go to work and it all blended together into a soup), THIS year set off the rube goldberg machine of Theo Quit His Job To Move To Sweden And Started Watchmaker School. SO YEAH i think i can make a list again >:)

- I QUIT MY HOTEL RECEPTIONIST JOB THANK FUCKING GOD!! on one hand, i've been incredibly glad to have had the income and stability, especially during a pandemic even though holy fuck i sure had to go to a public facing job during a pandemic, and there were many aspects of my job that i genuinely enjoyed, and i felt quite good at it. that said, thinking about my job now triggers a spike of anxiety through my brain, and i was planning to quit sometime already last year. all of my good and cool coworkers quit shortly before me and i had to train all the new ones (including the new manager!) and i hope i never have to work at a hotel ever again or interact with cops that much. i gave myself so many headaches trying to accomodate all the guests to the best of my very limited abilities - there's only so much i can do with old building inaccessibilities (the elevator didn't even go to the top floor) (most of the bathroom doors were not wide enough for wheelchairs) (COULDN'T WE AT LEAST BUY SOME SHOWER STOOLS?) and the lack of AC. and while my wages were livable enough, i don't think i got paid nearly enough to compromise my personal morals and ethics on a regular basis. that's capitalism for you i guess. ANYWAY GLAD TO BE OUT OF THERE

- i got into watchmaker school!!!!!! i was looking into this and preparing for it already last year, trying to figure out what to DO and where to GO, and it's a huge relief to me that i actually got in!!! a new and exciting step for whatever my future will turn out to be!! :D

- as a result i didn't only move out of my town but out of my country. for now. but now i get to live in an itty bitty garage-turned-house by myself and it's WONDERFUL. this is my first time living entirely by myself!!! i love it!!!!!! yes i will have to temporarily move out in the summers when the houseowner wants to use the space as a tourist season airbnb, but getting to be in control of my own environment is very healing and affirming to me. i spent so much of my teenage/early adult years thinking i'll never be able to handle adult life, but here i am!! thriving!!!!! i am more self sufficient and capable than i ever thought i'd be!!!

- my summer was incredibly chaotic due to all of the moving out and moving in and uncertainty of whether i'd get into school or not et cetera, BUT i did get to visit the czech republic again for the first time since december 2019. it was good to see my family and my childhood best friend again.

- i got to meet several close friends i haven't gotten to see in person for a long time. i got to spend some good quality time with friends i lived close to, as well (that i now miss so so much). i made some new friends that are very dear and important to me.

- i got really super into S & D tier this year, and my brainworms have calmed their wrigging since i've been busy with school and all these other life things, but it's such a wonderful series that i'm absolutely thrilled to have discovered. it even got me making fanfic, and it felt really good to get back into writing again!!

- i think i got a new tattoo earlier this year? so much has happened since march that it feels like a completely different year! it's also very small compared to all the tattoos i got during 2020 and 2021, but i didn't have much else going for me then. so.

- i wish i had like, anything to report regarding my gender transition, but all i've done has been like... 2? video consultations with the trans clinic? and zero progress? i don't want to think about it too hard because it makes me want to tear my hair out. I'M HANGING IN THERE

TO CONCLUDE. this year has been one of huge changes in my life!! i am thoroughly overwhelmed by it but doing my best to ride the waves!! i am being so so brave and pursuing the things i want to do!!!! every now and then things turn out Good and i have to confront the reality of Sometimes Things Are Very Good and it's a little bit like a blinding light too bright to look at directly, because i'm a little burnt out, i'm lightly toasted, and i'm taking on these big things and trying to change along with them, and it's a lot but ultimately worth it, yes? yes.

#swedenquest #other things happened too but these are the things i want to share!! <3

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straightupsickfics · 2 years

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I have an OFMD promt for you if you're interested! I love the way you write them! Lucius @Ed abt Stede, "That man spoils you rotten."

oh this is sooo cute for them pls <3 stede really will spoil him!

****

Ed wakes up alone in bed, which is unusual for a two reasons. First, he doesn't quite remember getting in bed, and two, he never wakes up alone. Stede is always beside him, reading or sipping his tea or kissing Ed's cheek or —

Well, anyway, Stede is decidedly not beside him. In fact, the right side of the bed is entirely made up, which means Stede hadn't been there at all just yet.

"Oh, look who decided to join us," a voice says from the other side of the room. "You look amazing like that, by the way."

Waking up to Lucius instead of Stede is not Ed's idea of a good morning, if he's being honest, but given the way the light is coming through the window beside him, it looks more like late afternoon than morning, anyway.

"Mm? Lucius...? Where's Stede?" Ed sits up too quickly, his vision going bleary and unfocused and the congestion in his head shifting enough that it brings the last few days back in vivid memory. He has some kind of bug...cold... sinus shit, which was all too soon joined by some of the worst headaches he'd ever had. And Ed had had his fair share, given all the drinking and hangovers over the years.

"He's off making sure Roach gets your soup just right," Lucius informs him, looking up from his notebook and smiling a little. "He left me here to make sure you're alright and to track any new developments. So far I've written down 'absolutely ungodly snoring' but not much else."'

"Fuck off," Ed groans. He feels a little better than he had earlier, but he's definitely still sick. His head feels heavy with congestion, he can hardly breathe through his nose, and he's vaguely aware that he's going to sneeze in a minute or two.

"Just reporting the facts, Captain," Lucius says primly. "Stede should be back soon, though, thank god. Not that I haven't loved this."

Ed sneezes once...twice...three times in response, aiming them down at the many blankets Stede had piled around him, too exhausted and out of sorts to do much else.

“eh-hH–httSCHssh’ooh! Chiiishhhew! ehh… etCHishh!"

He sniffles a few times, eyes and nose streaming after his little rush of sneezes.

"Attractive," Lucius teases.

"Snf! SNF! I don't remember note-taking needing a minute by minute commentary, mate. Tell Stede I don't snf! dneed soup I just ndeed..." Ed trails off, because all he really needs is Stede and the realization makes his breath catch in his throat.

"You can tell him that, but then you'll make his face to that horrible pinched up sad thing, and trust me no one wants to be the one to do that. Plus, that man spoils you rotten, why ruin it for him? Or yourself, for that matter."

This, too, gives Ed pause. Stede truly does take the best care of him, in general, but especially these last few days. Aside from this latest soup endeavor, Ed reckons Stede's hardly left his side the entire time he's been sick. The thought makes him warm all over, but it also makes him miss Stede something fierce.

"Yeah, s'pose you're right about that," Ed says quietly. His head throbs and he knows it's a matter of minutes before he's sneezing again, but at least he knows Stede will be back soon, and he can count on him not to narrate every fucking moment of this fucking cold.

"That's been known to happen, yes," Lucius smirks.

He looks back at his notebook and Ed lets himself burrow back down into the blankets Stede had covered him with. The only thing that would be better right now is if Stede himself were here beside him instead of — no doubt — torturing Roach to ensure the soup was done up the right way.

Ed's smiling to himself at that thought when the door creaks open and then shuts again.

"Oh, thank god," Lucius says, already springing to his feet and talking rapidly, faster than Ed's cold-addled brain can comprehend.

"You're a star, Lucius," Stede says, and when Ed looks up, Lucius is high-tailing it out of their quarters, leaving just him and Stede and a steaming tray full of mugs and bowls and spoons. If Ed had any sense of smell left, he'd bet it all smelled amazing.

"And how's the patient?" Stede asks warmly, setting the tray down and pressing the back of his hand to Ed's forehead. "You gave me a little bit of a scare there, Edward. I was afraid to leave you alone, you seemed to be in so much pain."

He's looking at Ed with so much fondness and genuine care that it makes a lump rise in Ed's throat.

Stede presses his fingertips to Ed's scalp, massaging lightly, like it's nothing at all. Ed lets out an involuntary groan at the touch, feeling some of the tension leave his body. His headache was already on its way out, but a few more moments of this and he'd be asleep all over again, and that wouldn't do either, not when Stede had gone to so much effort for the soup.

"S'nice," Ed says, fighting to keep his eyes open. "Y'really didn't have to do all this."

"Oh! Nonsense. No one likes to be sick. Let me fuss a bit," Stede says, as if he isn't already doing just that.

Lucius' words ring in Ed's ears. That man spoils you rotten.

He really isn't wrong.

"Yeah, alright, mate," Ed says quietly. He looks up at Stede and smiles, thankful beyond belief that the same man who would let one of his crew lose teeth to scurvy would drop everything to make Ed Teach soup. "But you'll have to have some too. Misery loves company and all that, eh?"

Stede sits beside him on the bed, smiling when Ed lets his head rest on his shoulder for just a moment.

"Ah, well, you know I always love your company, Ed."

Ed's stomach flips. Definitely, definitely spoiled by Stede Bonnet.

#anonymous #my fic #any time i get to write lucius is a good time #of//md

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supergito · 6 months

Text

Fusion Revived - CH 11 (Beginning a New Life | Epilogue)

➤ This story is actually complete (finished Sep 2021) over on my Ao3 already; I'm just publishing it here on tumblr too for archival purposes. I hope any and all curious readers enjoy if they haven't checked it out yet!

SUMMARY: Majin Buu has been destroyed, and the Earth has known peace for close to a year now. Life hasn't been too peaceful for the person responsible for saving the world and the entire universe however, but when an ordinary woman meets him one day, things start to change.

RATING: Teen and Up. PAIRING(S): Vegito x OC/Reader, alluded Gochi, alluded Vegebul CONTENT: Canon Divergence, Slow Burn, Friends to Lovers, Family Drama CW(s) THIS CHAPTER: None.

“Are you sure those numbers are correct? They aren’t matching up with my records.”

“They aren’t correct then, but I don’t know why. Nasshi’s the one who organized this.”

“Hmm…”

The air conditioning in the office right now was a blessing, as she felt very irritated at the moment and it was causing her to sweat. Usually her job didn’t give her that much stress, but today has proven to be especially taxing. Things not lining up how they should meant that her co-worker must have made an error somewhere, but she couldn’t ask him about it since he wasn’t in today.

She didn’t know why she even agreed to do his work for him, when the guy got on her nerves whenever she spoke with him. Even if one in their department lagging behind in their work causes the entire department to slowly suffer as a result, she was convinced she should’ve let him take the fall. She must’ve been getting too nice.

“Well, it can’t be helped. I’ll take the folders back to his desk and leave him a note. Nasshi can handle it when he’s back tomorrow.” Priya started to sort through a stack of papers she was holding.

Eager to get rid of this headache, she simply nodded in response and started to slip the documents back into their respective folders. Just as she was doing that, something in the corner of her eye caught her attention.

Or rather, someone. Her heart jumped, and she gaped; stunned.

Her eyes immediately honed in on his grin, broad and toothy as he floated upside down right outside of the window immediately to her left. His tail was swaying and his arms were crossed behind his spiky mop of chestnut brown hair, though he uncrossed one to give her a small wave.

Having no idea why Vegito was there, she could only give a slow wave back, just as Priya’s voice again entered her ears.

“What are you waving at?”

“Uh-” Her eyes whipped to her co-worker, but then back to the window, seeing that the Saiyan was suddenly gone.

If she didn’t already know how fast he was, she would’ve assumed she was hallucinating.

“Some birds flew by. That’s all.”

“…You are an animal lover, so I guess I can’t be surprised.” Priya shrugged, then gathered the other papers before crossing the room to the cubicles on the other side. She breathed out a sigh of relief, thankful she didn’t seem to notice Vegito. She hoped no one else in the office did, or anyone who happened to be outside. A man hovering up by a 30-story high window was bound to draw attention from anyone who just so happened to look up at the time.

She was confused on why he decided to show up. Maybe he finally felt like talking.

The outside air felt good on her face as she stepped out of her office’s building, finally through with her shift. The sun was nearing the horizon, and she was looking forward to going home and relaxing for the rest of the day. She would’ve made a beeline for her car, but she was stopped by someone who was leaning against the wall of the building.

“Hey.”

Vegito nonchalantly greeted her, dressed in new clothing. Instead of his usual gi with his white gloves and boots, the Saiyan had a more casual outfit, wearing an orange t-shirt with blue jeans and a pair of orange canvas sneakers. She especially noticed how his muscles were so clearly defined underneath the fabric of his shirt, making it seem almost too tight for him.

Mesmerized by how good he looked in “Earthling” clothing, something she’s never seen him wear until now, it took her a little longer to respond than it should’ve.

“Uh…hi.” Her eyes finished combing over him, something the man definitely noticed based on the amused twinkle in his gaze and how his tail twitched in its coiled position around his waist, and she fought to ignore the butterflies swarming in her stomach.

“What brings you by?”

“Nothing much. Just felt like picking you up from work.”

The rather charming answer further stunned her, and made her question just what was going on here. Vegito stopping by earlier was surprising enough, but this made her wonder if he truly has been avoiding her since their little reunion, or if she’s been imagining it all.

After they spent some time embracing that night, he did sleep over at her house, but he was gone the next morning. It took she calling Bulma to find out that Vegito was over at Capsule Corp and tried to get Vegeta to spar with him, but the Saiyan prince declined. Then, Vegito went over to the Son house to request the same thing from Goku, who was more than happy to oblige.

Since then, he’s been focusing on training. Not speaking to her at all, nor even stopping by to visit. It reminded her of how he did the same thing when he was trying to figure out his feelings the first time. Old habits die hard, she supposed.

But because of how he was looking at her in this moment, the way he was smiling…what changed?

“…That’s nice of you.” Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed some townspeople walking by on the sidewalks who also were eyeing her companion with expressions that were a little too eager for her liking.

She gripped her handbag tightly.

“But I can’t leave my car here.”

“No worries.” Standing straight, Vegito rolled one of his shoulders, flashing her a grin.

“I have an idea. Where’d you park?”

༻ ❁ ༺

“THIS was your idea?”

Beyond the wind rushing past and through her open window, she leaned out of it slightly to shout down towards the bottom of her vehicle.

“Yep! This is way faster than you driving home, isn’t it?”

Though she couldn’t see him, she could hear the laughter in his voice. Down below, the buildings and structures of West City grew smaller and smaller as Vegito carried her car into the sky. With this being her third time technically flying, the view of the landscape surrounding her was still breathtaking, but she was momentarily too thrown off by the absurdity of the current situation to pay much attention to it.

He was strong, but he doing this was putting it into a perspective that let her actually see it…

The little flight ended soon enough, as Vegito descended to her countryside home. Though he placed it down as gently as he could, the impact of her car meeting the ground once again did jostle her, but it didn’t ruin her relief of finally being home. She exited the machine, as Vegito stretched, tail now loose and swishing about.

“So, how was your flight with Vegito Airlines?” His sharp teeth made his mischievous smile appear even more so. A snort rumbled out of her nose as she rolled her eyes, not wanting to be infected by his cheer.

“There wasn’t any food or movies. Felt low-budget.”

“Ma’am, with all due respect, that sounds like a personal problem.”

His faux polite tone teeming with sarcasm overwhelmed her desire to keep a straight face, and she suppressed her giggling as much as she could as she unlocked her front door. Walking inside, she promptly tossed her handbag onto one of the plush chairs in the living room and headed into the kitchen. Vegito closed the door behind him while she grabbed a glass for a drink of water, and merely stood next to the sofa, arms crossed and staring down to the side.

The jolly atmosphere from before was gone, and the Saiyan no longer carried a playful demeanor. His mouth was twisted into a frown, and his eyebrows were pulled downwards, forming a scowl of sorts. She knew immediately that he was thinking about whatever it was that was causing him to borderline ghost her, and her stomach started to twist.

Now was the perfect time to finally confront it, but first…she figured testing the waters was the best initial path to try.

“I’ve never seen you wear casual clothes before.” She commented, sipping her glass as Vegito fixed her with an inquiring stare.

“You look good. Very handsome. Where’d you get them?”

His face darkened in a pale shade of red. “ …Thanks. I’ve always had clothing other than my gi for a while. Bulma’s mom took me out shopping when she learned I didn’t have anything and that I refused to wear Vegeta’s old clothes.”

She didn’t need to ask why he didn’t want to wear what belonged to the prince. The answer was obvious.

“Why not wear something other than your gi more often then? No offense, I’m just curious.”

The normally headstrong warrior was seemingly reduced into a timid mess in the moment, as his blush deepened and he rubbed a hand against his neck.

“It’s all at Capsule Corp, and I hate being there if it isn’t to train, eat, or spend time with Trunks. Though, I always got the impression he’d rather be anywhere else than with me, so that didn’t help. I never cared enough to doll myself up.”

She recalled he telling her about how the boy never accepted him as his father, which she understood, but she still couldn’t imagine how it made HIM feel. There was a lot about Vegito she couldn’t fathom, regarding his emotions and what he thought of certain things, since he kept it all hidden. Likely because of his pride, but their past interactions hinted to her that it wasn’t the only reason.

If only he would let her in…all the way. Not at the halfway point he was still keeping her at.

“If that’s the case…where have you been lately, if not at Capsule Corp?”

She sensed the atmosphere change once again, and watched as Vegito averted his gaze. It was only for a second or two, but it and how his tail was now occasionally flailing were good enough signs that the conversation was heading in the direction she wanted it to go.

“Mount Paozu, mostly. I wanted to spar with Vegeta, but he told me to get lost because he wasn’t in the mood, so I’ve been sparring with Goku.”

That made her quirk a brow. Goku was extremely friendly, and loved to fight just as much as Vegito and Vegeta, so he sparring with the former didn’t surprise her. If anything it made perfect sense; she suspected Goku would be thrilled to fight someone who inherently knew all of his techniques and strategies. It must’ve been surreal for Vegito to be face-to-face with someone who originally was a part of him, but she left it alone and prioritized something more pressing.

“How’s Chi Chi felt about that?”

“I dunno. Whatever chance she gets, she ignores me. I haven’t needed to talk to her at least, and she didn’t object in the few times I stayed for dinner, but it’s like I’m invisible.”

She could tell that bothered him a lot, but for what it’s worth, at least Chi Chi apparently hasn’t tried to cause problems. Goku being back, and especially wanting to train with him, meant that she couldn’t necessarily give Vegito any grief. She wasn’t sure just how the woman felt about the wish to have him gone being undone, but at this point, it didn’t matter.

This did answer the mystery of his whereabouts, so she could put that to rest. She didn’t miss that he said he’s ‘mostly’ been there, and judging by how she caught him fast asleep on her couch late at night once, she assumed he’s been sleeping here underneath her nose. That in of itself didn’t bother her, but…

“So…you’ve basically been focusing on training then.”

“Yeah.” His eyes narrowed slightly.

“Does that bother you?”

A loaded question. She placed her glass down on the counter.

“No. You can train as much as you like, I know it’s important to you.” Her fingernails tapped against the polished granite.

“What I AM bothered by, is how you’ve been using it as an excuse to dodge me.”

“ … … … “

That statement hit the nail on the head. Vegito inhaled sharply, eyes closing as his head craned downwards. An uncomfortable pit settled in her gut, and worry had her resolve waver, but it was temporary.

“We need to talk about…us. You know that.”

He didn’t respond. She moved out from behind the counter and exited the kitchen, stepping towards the man who’s never looked so nervous before.

“I’m not mad. Just confused…I want to know where we stand. Don’t you?”

“…Yes.” He spoke up this time, but with such an uncharacteristically quiet tone she was taken aback.

Goku told her he wasn’t good with mushy stuff, Vegeta especially wasn’t, so Vegito was left with the burden of being unable to properly handle his more ‘unmanly’ feelings. It wasn’t like she herself was in perfect tune with her emotional state, but it would’ve been selfish for she to put all of the weight onto his shoulders and expect him to know exactly what to say and do. She knew him well enough to figure he wouldn’t, and this proved her hunch right. He clearly didn’t.

She didn’t know the absolute right course of action either. But, she did have an idea. Sometimes, bluntness was something needed. For both of their sakes, there was no point in sugarcoating anything.

“Then…do you like me? In…” She involuntarily swallowed, and starting fiddling with her fingers.

“In the romantic sense?”

The Saiyan’s eyes opened. His expression remained largely neutral, if not slightly troubled, but the chaotic storm of emotion in his pools of dark brown pierced her with an intensity that made her breath hitch. The way he regarded her, it was like he couldn’t make sense of who or what she was. In a way, that could’ve been the case.

But, there was such a strong sense of adoration in that storm, that her legs grew numb.

… … …

“I think so.”

“…You think?” She parroted, to urge him to elaborate.

“I can’t put what I’ve been feeling into words. But you’ve been on my mind, constantly. Even before they made that wish and got rid of me.”

His arms fell to hang by his sides. She was slammed with the impulse to grab one of his hands, but she waited.

“At first it annoyed me, but now, it’s like I’ve been craving you. It’s been getting worse as the days have gone by. I’ve gotten very tired of it.”

Her heart was racing.

“Then, why did you wait so long…?”

Silence met her shy question, as Vegito stayed motionless, save for his tail writhing behind him. Under the two bangs that partially covered his vision, the slope of his brow and the uncertainty that flooded his bearing was like nothing she’s ever witnessed from him. Nothing she ever thought she WOULD witness. He looked so vulnerable, so unlike a warrior who could face a cosmic monstrosity with a smirk and eagerness to do battle, that it was jarring.

In the back of her mind, she discerned he must’ve felt incredibly safe around her to drop his guard like this.

“I can’t say. It could’ve been because what I’ve been feeling is confusing, and I just wanted to put it all off. Maybe I’m worried you don’t feel the same way. Could be both.”

If she wasn’t full of nerves at the moment, she would’ve scoffed at the latter confession.

“Actually…who says I don’t feel the same way?”

The manner in which he snapped to full attention, it was like she grabbed him by the throat.

“On the contrary. You say you think you like me…I know I like you. In the romantic sense.” Maintaining eye contact with Vegito drained her confidence to where she couldn’t keep it up, so her eyes fell to the carpet, and her hands gripped the front section of her uniform.

“Ever since that day, when you took me to see the sunrise, what I felt about you changed. You weren’t just some weird, irritating stranger to me who could fly and do other strange things. You’re a man who’s been through a lot, more than I could ever truly understand, but you keep your head up regardless. You still have kindness in your heart, no matter how much other people have put you down.”

Taking in a deep breath, she found the courage to look up at him again. His face was as red as an apple…

“You really think I wouldn’t like you? You’re a catch.”

“…!” Vegito drew back ever so slightly out of shock, eyes wide like he was hearing a language not of this world for the first time. It was plain to see that he wasn’t used to hearing such compliments, which was ironic, considering how often he carried himself as a cocky know-it-all.

Most of that was a front. Exaggerated. Possibly to help himself feel stronger mentally than he felt on the inside.

“Do you want me to be your girlfriend?”

She asked, getting straight to the point. He blinked, gawking wordlessly. She noticed the fur on his tail was puffed out, which frankly was an endearing sight. She didn’t rush him to respond, seeing he needed to take a moment to think.

“I…” He began, but trailed off. His tail was slowly inching its way closer to her, so she decided to take the initiative and reached out to gently take it into her hand. Faintly, he shivered, and the furry appendage wound itself up and around her arm.

“…Yes. I’d like that.”

“Good. Because I’d like for you to be my boyfriend.”

Saying that out loud felt highly embarrassing, but it released the pressure in her chest. Vegito’s blush didn’t lessen, but his lips twitched and quivered as they curved upwards. There was something half-hearted about it, however.

“Are you sure? No second thoughts? I wouldn’t blame you if you had some. I’m not exactly…normal.”

“And?” She challenged, poking his chest with the index finger of her free hand.

“I’ve always known you weren’t. Yet, here I am, smitten with you. That wouldn’t have changed, if you stayed merged or became the independent person you are now.”

Whatever doubt that persisted in him must have dispersed, as his smile turned fully genuine. This pleased her immensely, and she took ahold of the increase of confidence she received from it, moving closer to wrap her arms around his torso in an embrace. To her delight, it was returned without any hesitation, and she was pressed into his chest.

Before she became lost in the feeling of his pecs and abs, there was one thing she thought to do. Standing up on her toes, she pecked the Saiyan’s red cheek with a kiss.

His tail fell from its grip around her arm, and she could feel his body tense in response to the little action. She wasn’t given a moment to worry over if she should’ve done that or not, as Vegito turned his head seconds later to plant a kiss directly on her lips.

The combination of every sensation her body was currently undergoing caused a chain reaction, that was close to melting her brain. From his bangs brushing against her forehead in a ticklish fashion, to his arms holding her close, she being nestled against the warmth his body emitted, and especially his lips that were chapped to a small degree pressed against her own, it was a miracle that she didn’t faint.

Neither of them made a move to spice up the liplock, instead staying still. She didn’t have any knowledge in this area, and he probably had little experience himself. It was very sweet nonetheless. Tingles coursed through her nervous system, and she involuntarily clenched her fingers around the fabric of his t-shirt, causing him to hold her more tightly.

They broke apart afterwards, resting with their foreheads still touching. The dopey, euphoric expressions they wore were mirrors of one another’s.

“…It’s official, then?”

Her voice was low, soft and airy with sheer glee.

“Yeah.”

His was similar.

The following stillness between them was encompassed by an air of closeness she’s never experienced before now. She honestly wanted to kiss him again, and again, and again, but she didn’t want things to…escalate. Yet anyway.

She simply cherished this sense of peace. She hadn’t noticed, but Vegito had draped his tail across her back, further pulling her into the joy of the moment. She could stay here with him like this for hours. Perhaps she would’ve tried, had something she had forgotten about didn’t make itself known again.

“…So…”

She inched away, opening her eyes as her newfound lover did the same.

“Remember those flying lessons you offered me?”

He grinned.

༻ ❁ ༺

The evening sun and gentle breeze felt great on her skin.

It wasn’t everyday that she dressed down into a mere tanktop and shorts, but her work uniform was too suffocating for what she was apparently going to do, so a change of clothes was needed. Not knowing what to expect, but still excited anyway, she listened closely as Vegito started to speak.

“First things first, you need to get used to feeling your ki before flying’s possible.” He stood tall with his arms crossed, but his pleasant tone of voice and the enthusiasm in his features didn’t betray any seriousness there could’ve been. His own excitement was stronger than hers, as he’s been wanting to do this since he first asked if she wanted to learn this special trick months back.

“We’ll begin with that, then go into everything involving flight later.”

She nodded. His smile broadened.

“Getting in touch with ki sounds complicated, but it’s really not. The only challenging thing about it is that you need to quiet your mind enough and focus.”

“So, meditate?” Her head tilted.

“Basically. Thoughts cloud your mind and distract it, so not thinking at all will clear a path for you to feel what you can’t with your physical senses. It’s more like your sixth sense. Everyone has one, but not everyone can use it.” He hummed quietly.

“I’m sure you can. You’ve got good perception.”

She’s heard such a compliment a few times in the past, but it coming from him delighted her more than it has from anyone else.

“Hm…any tips on ‘getting in the zone’?”

“Exercise does wonders. Gets the blood pumping, which helps the brain function more effectively. Plus, getting rid of pent up energy can help you relax. Soooo…”

Vegito turned to survey her property, then faced her with closed eyes and a happy-go-lucky beam.

“Running twenty laps around your house should do the trick for today!”

“TWENTY laps?!” She jumped, and gaped in shock.

“Why not ten?”

“Ten’s like, nothing though.” He answered while eyeing her incredulously, hands going to his hips.

“For YOU, maybe!” Her nostrils flared, and she crossed her arms.

“I’D rather not collapse from fatigue!” Ten laps was still bad enough, but she knew he wouldn’t allow her doing a measly five.

“Eeeeh…” He squinted, tail curling and unfurling. He shrugged.

“Fine. You can do ten. I’ll run them with you so you’ll have more motivation.” He spun on his heel and started off on a jog, looking back at her and using his tail to do a ‘come hither’ motion.

“Let’s get going!”

A loud, petulant sigh was his only verbal response, as she stumbled forward to catch up with him. He was far more cheerful than she was doing this, shouting chants of “one, two” and encouraging her to pick up the pace while she lagged behind, trying not to trip on or over anything and make a bigger fool out of herself. Vegito naturally lapped her before long, giving her cheeky smiles and remarks of praise as he passed her. She would’ve been highly amused if she wasn’t struggling to breathe and trying to not stop due to the burn of lactic acid in her muscles.

She didn’t think she was out of shape per se before, but this opened her eyes. She hasn’t done any running like this since her physical education days in school, nor does she exercise hardly at all, so she was in a poorer state than she could’ve expected. Vegito on the other hand, was surely in peak condition for a Saiyan. Godly, compared to the average human. Yet, he was nice enough to spend time doing this with her. That alone gave her plenty of motivation to keep going.

It didn’t escape her awareness that he finished ten laps far sooner than she did, if not more than ten, yet he committed to jogging alongside her. When he announced she was done, he helped her not fall to the ground, setting her down onto the grass with an amount of care that made her further weakened.

“Your stamina is lacking, but outside of that, you did great. I’ll go get some water.”

She could only nod, panting heavily. She watched as he broke into a brisk walk over to her home, briefly disappearing into it. She’d be lying if she said his approval didn’t mean a lot to her, and it didn’t make that extremely draining task worth it. Sweat dribbled down her face and stung her eyes, but it failed to erase the smile playing at her lips.

To think, he was her boyfriend now…

And he was teaching her about ki, something she never entertained the idea of.

Talk about life being full of surprises.

Vegito returned with two chilled water bottles pulled from her fridge, and she gratefully accepted one of them, downing half of it while he sipped at his own. He hasn’t broken a sweat at all, which she figured would be the case, but it made her internally wonder just how much stamina HE had.

“We can move onto the more calm part of ki training for the rest of today.” After a period of silence, allowed on his end for her body to relax a little at least, Vegito shuffled to sit cross-legged before her.

“It’s invisible and intangible to you now, but your body is constantly emitting its ki. The only time it’ll ever stop is if you die, since your spirit will leave your body behind.”

He explained smoothly, eyelids shut together in a look of introspection. He so casually bringing up death was unexpected, but she shook off the shock. With everything she heard of Goku’s adventures, death was something he and all of his associates knew very well.

“You need to reach inside yourself, and take hold of it. Feel it. Then, pull it out of its figurative container. Channel it through every cell in your body.”

Clueless on how to do just that, but knowing concentration was key, she made no attempt to object and closed her eyes.

Whenever she got busy doing her work during her shift, or when she sat down to read a book in the break room her department had, she developed the talent of tuning out everything around her. As far as she could tell, that same principle applied to this. Only this time, she needed to direct her attention inwards, not outwards.

Her breathing was still at a relatively quickened pace, so she initially concentrated on steadying it.

In, and out…

In…and out…

… … …

Whether Vegito remained silent, or she blocked out the sound of his voice, she didn’t know. Eventually, through staying just like this, she lost her sense of time along with all awareness of her surroundings. A dark void was where she sat, her and her alone inhabiting it, with the beating of her heart becoming gradually…louder.

That wasn’t all. Something felt strange about her heart, but the sensation went deeper. She followed it.

It grew stronger. She could feel it more clearly; an indescribable force. The depths of it was beyond her current understanding, but she registered the gravity of it, as it pulled her closer. She became encased by it, and on instinct, she forced it away. Out.

A surge of energy that spread throughout every inch of her being resulted, and her eyes flew open on their own. They went to her arms, as she witnessed something new about her body. It was faintly glowing, with the same type of translucent fire Vegito had when he took her into the sky that special morning.

“Nice job!” He was still sitting in front of her, but in different lighting, as the sun had dipped below the horizon and dusk had fallen on this side of the planet. He seemed pleased, leaning forward in an ecstatic manner.

“You’re flaring your ki. You formed a connection with it.”

“…I did…?” She continued gaping downwards, taking in every movement of the light that was seeping through her flesh. That force within her was still heavy, resonating with every beat of her heart, and it was both hypnotizing and mind-boggling.

“You did that faster than I thought you would. It’s only been two hours…if I was reading the sun’s position right.”

“T-Two hours? We’ve been sitting here for that long?”

“Mhm. Doesn’t feel like it for you though, right?”

“Not really…” The light, while really cool, was admittedly starting to freak her out. Especially when it didn’t seem it would die down anytime soon. She didn’t want to be a human glowstick permanently.

“How do…I turn this off?”

“Just relax. Let go of the tension in your core.”

She inhaled deeply, and forced herself to release the grasp she had on that force. The light faded as it sunk back down within herself, leaving a strange hollow-esque feeling behind, but she could still detect it. She was no longer blind to its existence. Fascinating, was the only word to come to mind regarding it. But now, all of the action for the past handful of hours caught up to her, and she suddenly felt tired.

“For a human new to this stuff, you’ve made a lot of progress already. Next time, I think we can move right to getting you in the air.”

He turned his eyes to the sky, smiling in a calm way that was soothing. Not caring about remaining at a distance with their relationship having evolved, she didn’t think twice before inching closer to him, turning around so she could lean against his shoulder. He could push her away if he wanted to.

“Do you think you can teach me about sensing ki too?”

She murmured, a half-lidded stare aimed towards the blades of grass that danced in the gusts of wind. There was a pause as she felt Vegito shift, then he did the opposite of what she was expecting.

A brawny arm came around her waist and pulled her closer to him. She melted into it, one of her hands coming to rest on his forearm.

“Why not? It’s always a useful skill to have.”

Her head rested against his collarbone, and breathed in what she could pick up of his scent. Earthy, woodsy, yet paired with a pungent note and encased with something that was captivating to her. Vegito didn’t seem like the type to wear cologne or any perfumes, so this must’ve only been how he naturally smelled. She adored it.

A question did roll through her mind, on what her scent was like to him exactly; especially because of his sharper nose. Hopefully it wasn’t bad.

“We can start that little lesson after the flying ones.”

“Thanks, Veggie.”

“…No problem.” One of his fingers poked her stomach, and she stifled a squeak.

“But Veggie’s a corny nickname. Can’t you think of something else?”

Her mouth contorted into a pout. She surely has called him ‘Veggie’ before, she believed when he was brought back to life…he didn’t say anything about it there. But then again, he might have not heard her or have cared about it at the time. It was understandable if he was more paying attention to the fact that he was taken from the metaphorical abyss his existence was cast into. She thought it was cute, but if he didn’t like it, then it couldn’t be helped.

“…Uh…how about Gito?”

“I can work with that.” His finger was replaced by his palm lying on the curve of her abdomen, and on the inside, she marveled at the chemistry between them. Looking back on it, she and Vegito had managed to develop a surprisingly strong bond during the times they interacted with each other, and it peaked when he apologized to her after leaving her high and dry. Particularly when he chose to share more information about himself, so much that he basically told her his life story.

She wished she could tell him more about herself that he didn’t already know or gathered himself, but the massive gap in her memories surrounding her early life would make it difficult…

“…How has your sparring with Goku gone, by the way?” She didn’t want to let her thoughts go in that direction right now. She’d rather keep thinking about Vegito.

“Are you still stronger than him?”

“Yes, but not close to as much as I would’ve been before. He thinks it’s because I’m technically not a fusion made by potara anymore, so the power increase I got from it is gone.”

She imagined he didn’t like that, but his relaxed shrug and tone of voice showed otherwise.

“I still have his and Vegeta’s strength combined, but the two of them can realistically catch up to me soon. I’d like that, honestly. I don’t want to go back to being bored every day of every week from having no one decent enough to fight.”

That made sense. Funnily enough, it was said boredom of his that lead to them growing closer, so she was frankly thankful for it. But, it would be nice if he could start truly enjoying life, not held down by past grievances. There was nothing in the way of it now; no lack of challenging opponents, no…estranged ex-wives…

“Speaking of that…have you talked to Bulma lately?”

“No. Why do you ask?”

“…This might sound insincere coming from me, but she did tell me that she wanted to apologize to you for her hand in wishing you away. When she gave the radar to me, so Goku and I could find the dragon balls.”

“That so…?”

His content bearing now fizzled away, and she could detect that he tensed up again. This was a sensitive topic, but one she deemed important to touch upon, for the sake of him confronting whatever emotions he was still bottling up.

“If you’ve been avoiding her, I get it. From the look of things, she hasn’t made an attempt to seek you out either. I just thought I should let you know about it.”

No words came from him, but his chest swelled and flattened as he breathed a heavy puff of air. It was mostly involuntary, but her hand still on his forearm gently rubbed it to and fro.

“Are you mad at them?”

‘Them’ referring to Bulma and Chi Chi. She didn’t need to clarify to him.

“I’m livid. The fact that they did that to me is something I just can’t push aside. I’ve tried.”

“You have every right to be livid, so don’t think you should push it away.”

She could only guess if he needed to hear these words from her or not, but he merited validation and someone needed to give it to him.

“…Part of me does want to. Holding grudges isn’t my style. But…is Bulma genuinely sorry? What about Chi Chi?”

“It’s up to you to judge Bulma’s sincerity. And maybe, if you try to get Chi Chi to sit down with you, you two could talk about it. The chance of you getting answers otherwise is slim.”

“I know.” He inhaled and exhaled heavily again. From an outsider’s perspective, he gave off the impression of being exhausted over this situation rather than being furious. He could’ve easily been a combination of both.

When Goten and Trunks came to get Vegito that day, she had no idea how his talk with the two women went. It was too possible it was around that time they decided to make the wish, and Trunks apologizing to her after learning she wanted to fix the mess his mother helped cause told her that suspension held water. Her anger over it has long since subsided, but Vegito’s was alive and thriving for good reason. Bulma confessed that she realized what happened to him was wrong, but just how sincere was she truly? She could’ve only felt regret because Vegeta was around again.

She doubted the scientist would have felt the same if he was still gone. On the other side of the coin, a less pessimistic viewpoint would be the prince returning perhaps lifted the fog clouding Bulma’s judgement, and allowed her to see the error of her ways.

The same logic applied to Chi Chi, who could be ignoring Vegito because Goku was back so she didn’t need to concern herself with him, or maybe because she does feel regret, yet being the bigger person was too awkward for her to do. It was a complicated state of affairs, of which only what-ifs could be entertained on her side of it all. She no longer had direct involvement in it.

“If you end up not forgiving them, or you do, just know that I support you either way. Ok?”

The tightness in his muscles faded. The Saiyan exuded gratitude, in the way he shifted so he could nuzzle the top of her head.

Being a symbolic pillar he could lean on was one thing she was absolutely committed to being in their relationship, as he has gone on long enough without someone he could rely on in such a fashion. The chasm between her minuscule amount of wealth and Bulma’s family-inherited money was astronomical, but she would do her best to support him materialistically too, if he needed it.

“I’ll worry about all of that some other time. I want to focus on you for a while.”

“…! On little ol’ me?” She rhetorically asked, giggling when he tucked her more into his side.

“The best thing about those two having their husbands back, is that they won’t bother me with trivial matters. I have all the free time in the world to do whatever I want with, and I plan on you being a part of that. I deserve it.”

“You say that as if I make you happy.” She playfully shot back. A warm gust of air blew over her scalp as he chuckled.

“You might. I know I make you happy. You do a poor job at hiding it.”

“Whoooo says I want to hide it~?”

Her singsong retort was met with the Saiyan tickling her hip for a second, resulting in she having a fit of laughter. Amid her joy, she remembered something else involving him, and she couldn’t wait to see what his answer would be.

“…You said you hated being at Capsule Corp right? Do you wanna live with me?”

“You’re already asking me to move in? Can’t get enough of me huh?”

There was that cockiness she loved so much. She craned her head back so she could look at his face, and the merriment on it was uplifting. She’s never seen such life in his eyes.

“I have plenty of space.” She reached up to run her fingers through his soft, semi-coarse hair.

“Like I can say no to that. Your place is a haven compared to the Briefs’.”

She laughed again, squeezing her eyes shut in bliss.

“You can move all of your clothes and whatever else you have tomorrow. I have the day off, and I’m fine spending it with you.”

“Good.”

A pair of lips came into contact with hers, and her head being upside down in relation to his provided an angle that made her toes curl. Vegito broke away, and her eyes slowly opened, sparkling.

“I can get used to this.”

“So can I.”

He smirked, and craned his head down to kiss her again.

#story: fusion revived #selfshipping #x fem reader #canon x reader #canon x oc #dragon ball fanfiction #fanfics #fanfiction

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marmolita · 8 months

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medical stuff behind the cut (nothing particularly bad)

So I've been having annoying headaches, and I went to an ENT and he did some screening to see if it was sinuses or migraines and we decided probably sinuses. I took antibiotics to treat sinus infection and it seemed to help but not 100%, then he did a scan and was like "if it's not tolerable then the next step is sinus surgery" but I'm still not entirely sure it's sinuses and I don't want to surgery. It seems to be worse based on menstrual cycle and weather at times which seems sus for sinuses but idk.

I also had a time my endocrinologist was like "headaches? hmm cut your synthroid so that on Sundays you only take half a pill" a couple years ago and that seemed to help at the time, but then all my hypothyroid symptoms started coming back, and also at that time I weighed like 20lb less than I do now and presumably my synthroid dosage depends somewhat on my weight so idk, I'm trying it again though.

Also, maybe I have headaches bc I haven't been exercising and my veins suck ass?

But now I'm thinking about migraines and how I often have a lot of floaters in my vision that are kinda dark/shadowy colored dots, and I've had them long enough to have had two optometrist exams with retinal imaging so I know my retina isn't detaching, but it just occurred to me literally yesterday that that could perhaps be the kind of "visual disturbance" that might count as a migraine aura? It's literally just extra floaters that are dark instead of clear though so for all I know my contact lenses might be dirty, and it's only visible in bright lights, so idk????

Then meanwhile at the same time I had a blood draw for my thyroid labs where she absolutely could not get my vein, even the good vein (I have terrible veins) and also I've been more sore/achy in the mornings esp and now I'm like, what if this is all really part of whatever undiagnosable connective tissue issue I've had for forever? should I go back to the rheumatologist who ten years ago was like "look sometimes a diagnosis takes years because we have to wait and see if any new symptoms pop up, but since your chronic pain is manageable with OTC painkillers that's honestly about the best we could hope for anyway"? should I see a neurologist in case it's migraines or some other brain thing?

sure would be nice to have a primary care doctor who actually was useful but that appears to be a thing of the past, it takes three weeks to get a 5 min appointment where he tells me "try these allergy meds" that I then look at the side effects for and am like wtf no

#lita talks about herself

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lifeofkaze · 2 years

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On the Mountain There's Quiet

Summer Break Challenge, Day 8: Sunset

Dylan Amari, Rory McTavish

And this marks the end of the wonderful challenge created and hosted by @usernoneexistent. Thank you so much for the effort and the amazing content. It was a real blast! Find all the stories of this challenge here.

Rory McTavish belongs to @the-al-chemist, Rylie Hopper-Lee (in mention) to @thatravenpuffwitch.

Warning: Mention of alcohol

Over the years, Dana had had a lot of more or less stupid ideas. But as far as Dylan was concerned, her proposition to take her - or their, as she liked to point out - friend Rory McTavish and his new girlfriend Rylie Hopper-Lee out on a hiking trip had taken the Cauldron Cake for good.

Dylan didn't mind Rylie being there; she was a sweet girl and had always been. Ever since their time at school, she had been one of Dylan's closest friends, his actual friends.

Rory McTavish, on the other hand, was an entirely different story. He was loud, obnoxious, and had a sense of humour that made Dylan grind his teeth. According to Dana, Rory had toned down his constant flirting since he and Rylie had started going out, but that didn't stop Dylan from wanting to roll his eyes from the moment the two couples met at the agreed-upon spot at the base of Ben Nevis.

Dana gave Dylan a reassuring smile as she shouldered her rucksack with her climbing gear. Dylan returned it, trying to convince himself that maybe things wouldn't be as bad. Maybe Rory had changed. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

As it turned out, it was even worse.

One hour into their hike, Dylan's mood was deteriorating with every step he took toward the summit. Dana and Rylie had fallen behind, chatting animatedly about something Dylan neither knew nor cared about. He was walking at a brisk pace, trying to put a bit of space between him and Rory, but much to his dismay, Rory had no problems keeping up with him. Even worse, he still had enough breath left to talk, loudly and incessantly.

"Aye, it was a great idea to invite us," he now said, making Dylan roll his eyes. "We haven't seen much of each other since school, Dyldo."

"And isn't that a loss."

"I know, right? I spend more time with Reva than with you these days."

Like always when Rory mentioned Dylan's little sister, Dylan was intent to change the topic to a more inconspicuous one.

"So," he said, forcing himself to smile, "how do you enjoy the hike?"

"It's great. I've done this trail before."

Dylan frowned. "Have you?"

Much to his surprise, Rory nodded. "My mum and granda took me once when I was a kid. Speaking of which," he added with a frown, "don't we have to turn left?"

They had reached a fork in the trail. The broad path to the left led to the summit in a moderately steep but manageable incline. The way to the right was narrower, not as well maintained, and the one Dylan was headed towards. He cast a look over his shoulder.

"Oh, did you want to take the easy route?"

Rory laughed out loud. "Don't worry, I'm up for the challenge."

Dylan smirked as he left the fork behind and continued on the path meant only for experienced hikers and rock climbers. Much to his annoyance, however, Rory stayed true to his word. Dylan didn't need to worry about him at all. In fact, he would have needed to lose sight of Rory in the first place to worry about him, but no matter how hard Dylan tried, there was no respite from Rory's chatter.

He was still talking, and Dylan's headache still growing, when they reached the base of the climbing trail. Rory tipped his head back and whistled softly as he took in the sheer mountainside they were about to scale.

"That's impressive, pal. And you've done this before?"

"Yes," Dylan answered concisely, detangling his climbing harness from the spare one Dana had him bring for Rory.

"Looks pretty hard."

"You can stay down here if you're too scared."

He hadn't meant it as a joke - people like them had other means of getting up a mountain than old-fashioned climbing, after all - but Rory's freckled face turned into a grin. Much to Dylan's horror, Rory draped his arm around his shoulder in a brotherly fashion.

"Don't you worry about me, remember? Hard doesn't mean impossible. Actually, being hard makes certain things more possible," he winked, making Dylan draw a deep breath. "You're not getting rid of me anytime soon."

"That's exactly what I'm afraid of."

After Dana and Rylie had caught up with them, they began their ascent. Since Dana and Rylie were similar in height, the two girls had decided to partner up. Much to his dismay, that left Dylan with Rory yet again. With Dylan climbing in front to secure their rope, he at least didn't have to listen to most of Rory's blathering. That was until Rory suddenly appeared next to him.

"Nice view, don't you think?" Rory said with a good-natured smile as he made to overtake Dylan.

"What are you doing? You're supposed to stay behind me," Dylan snapped in return, moving his arm across the stone to where Rory had aimed to put his hand next.

"Don't get your knickers in a twist," Rory grinned. "A small race hurt nobody."

"A small race can get both of us killed," Dylan hissed and gave Rory a hard stare. "I don't care what you do, but I'd rather not fall to my death because of your stupidity. Now get back behind me."

Rory hesitated, taken aback by Dylan's tone, then nodded and let Dylan take the lead again. They continued on their way in silence, only broken by the odd remark on where or where not to step.

When they reached the top of the trail and Dylan untied the rope between Rory and himself, Rory was still silent, and Dylan began to feel somewhat sorry. But before he had a chance to consider whether or not to apologise, Dana and Rylie climbed over the edge, still giggling to each other. Their laughter died when they looked between their two silent boyfriends.

"Is everything alright?" Dana asked tentatively, her blue eyes resting on Dylan as she spoke. Dylan wanted to reply, but Rory was quicker.

"Everything's perfect, Dana. Isn't it, Dylan?" he added with a grin, but Dylan saw it flicker out as soon as Dana turned from them to step out of her harness. Dylan opened his mouth to say something, but Rory shrugged, gave Dylan his gear back and continued on the path leading to the summit.

The plan had been to spend the night on Ben Nevis and return to the base of the mountain early in the morning. After they had visited the summit and set up their tents just in sight of the mountain top, Dylan left Rory, Rylie and Dana to themselves to return to the summit once more. The sky was already darkening, so Dylan picked up his pace. He didn't want to be late.

When he reached the top, he stood there for a moment, surrounded by bare rocks and the odd speck of snow, and breathed in deeply. There was nothing but silence around him, and for the first time since they had begun their hike, he felt the familiar peace that nothing but a mountain beneath his feet could give him. Up here, all his problems were fading, rendered insignificant by the might of nature surrounding him. The earth was beneath his feet, yet he was so high up that it felt like he could touch the sky. He almost understood why his family loved flying so much when it was just him, the mountain and -

"There you are!"

The feeling of peace went as quickly as it had come. Dylan turned around and sighed as the ginger head of Rory came into sight. He had his hands buried in the pockets of his jacket and was coming up to Dylan at an alarming speed.

"What now?" Dylan sighed as he reached him.

"Dana sent me. She said she's not running after you, and if you don't come to have dinner with us, it's your fault, and you can starve as far as she's concerned."

"That's a quote, I assume?"

The corners of Rory's mouth twitched. "You bet."

"Go on without me. I'll eat later. I want to stay here for a bit."

But Rory didn't go without him. He drew his hand from his pocket, bent down and selected a small piece of rock from amongst the rubble covering the ground. Dylan raised his eyebrows as Rory picked it up and walked towards the cairn next to Dylan. He put the rock on top of it and stood there for a moment.

"I'm surprised you know this tradition."

Rory briefly glanced at him before returning his eyes to the pile of stones in front of them. "When you reach the top of a mountain, you add to the cairn. It's what you do."

"The cairns are there for many things," Dylan told him as he placed a stone of his own next to Rory's. "Some are just more geographic measurements. Some are summit crosses. Some are monuments for people who have died trying to reach the top."

"Oh," Rory said. "I didn't know that."

He was silent for another moment before he spoke up again. "Listen, I'm really grateful you and Dana took us along today. I haven't been here since I went with my mum and granda and… well, things have changed, haven't they?" He laughed quietly, and Dylan wasn't sure whether it was a happy or a melancholy sound. "Not only things, though. I have changed, too, you know? Rylie has changed me, I think. Or time, I don't know. I told you before, and I'm telling you again - I'm not the prick you think I am. Or maybe I am, but I'm really trying to be nice."

"Rory, it's fine. Listen…"

"I didn't want to spoil your hike, and I didn't want you to think I was being reckless on the climbing trail. I was having fun and didn't think much of it."

"Rory…"

"So can you just stop being a spoilsport and come back down with me because the girls are waiting, and I really don't want to make Dana angry? I don't even get why you're up here anyway when we could just have a fun evening and -"

"Can't you just shut up?"

Rory blinked in surprise before pressing his lips together in a fine line. "Hey, I tried opening up to you here and…."

"McTavish, I mean it. Shut up and look," Dylan sighed, taking Rory by the shoulders and turning him around. At the sight unfolding before him, Rory finally was quiet.

The sun had begun setting, casting the valley below their feet into a soft, golden light. The light reflected off the rocks and cliffs surrounding them, creating an intricate play of dark shadows and brightly gleaming highlights where the last light of the day hit the flecks of snow. As he looked at the wild explosion of reds, oranges and yellows painting the sky, a smile formed on Dylan's face.

"That's why I'm here," he told Rory quietly.

Rory said nothing and sat down on a big piece of rock at the base of the cairn. Much to his surprise, Dylan joined him a moment later.

"I'm sorry I snapped at you," he said, looking at the sinking sun rather than Rory.

"I can take it. Thank you for putting up with me," Rory shrugged, and Dylan could hear that he was grinning. Strangely enough, as he looked at the breathtaking display of colour in front of him, the thought wasn't as annoying anymore.

Rory reached into his jacket and pulled out two cans of beer. One of them he handed to Dylan. "Dana told me to bring you this."

Dylan laughed softly as he took the can from him. Dana always knew.

"Is that what you do? Go on a mountain, sit and drink?" Rory asked as Dylan opened his beer and took a sip.

"I come here to enjoy the view."

"Ah, I know that excuse."

"And silence," Dylan added pointedly.

Rory grinned and opened his can as well. He drank and then grimaced. "Don't you think we should go back? Dana will be livid."

"She can take it," Dylan shook his head.

"Admit it, Dyldo, you love the danger. We're alike, you and I."

"I highly doubt that."

Rory grinned but remained silent. When it was almost dark and their cans emptied, they returned to the camp.

"Wasn't that nice? A cold drink and a sunset. I've worked with less," Rory laughed as they clambered over the rocks and towards the campfire Dana and Rylie had started. "You could almost call it romantic. Or, bromantic."

"Please shut up."

"Come on, that was a stroke of genius. Get used to it."

Rory left him standing and joined Rylie by the campfire, Dylan all but forgotten as he kissed her, a gentle smile on his face Dylan was sure he had never seen on Rory McTavish before.

His eyes met Dana's, who was sitting on Rylie's other side. She smiled at him and padded the place next to her on her blanket, and Dylan felt a smile forming on his face as well as he joined his friends.

Maybe, he could get used to this after all.

#hpma #magic awakened #next gen kids #dylan amari #rory mctavish #danielle parkin #rylie hopper lee #summer break challenge 2022

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