#how disappointed she felt when he kind of brushed her off in the end

[sweetsweetjellybean]

20. Okay so this is totally for myself. But I’ve found out that it is so so so hard for me to cum from guys like I’ve never cum with guys. Anyways because of this reader doesn’t want to have sex with Steve because we all know he has experience and she feels embarrassed. So each time it gets close she just jumps away and makes a random excuse. One day he sits her down to talk about and she’s like well it just takes me a lot to cum and I don’t mind helping you but I prob won’t get off and didn’t want to disappoint you and our Stevie boi is like fuck yeah challenge accepted. And idk what to do from there because this is my situation and I just need a Stevie to have patience with me and help me 🥺

I love you so much

Alright, kitten. I changed around a few things but I hope you like it.

Come Together | Steve Harrington

TW: Fem Reader, Soft boyfriend Steve, Smut, creampie

"Tell me, sweetheart. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. Whatever it is, we can figure it out," Steve says, lightly brushing his fingers along your heated cheek.

Tightening your arms around your knees, you rub your feet nervously over the quilted bedspread that covers your bed. Steve asked you out a month ago, and you've been seeing each other ever since. And God, you really liked him. Ever the gentleman, he hasn't tried to pressure you into anything physical. Everything that has happened between you has been something you wanted. 

The problem is you. You can't cum, not by your hand and certainly not by anyone else's. The only time you've ever had an orgasm is with your vibrator, which is hidden in a little bag in your nightstand drawer. Friends have told you it's not a big deal, lots of women need a little extra stimulation to finish, but for you, it was the kiss of death in your previous relationships. Guys took it like some kind of challenge, and things between you fizzle out when it doesn't happen. So whenever things turn hot and heavy with Steve, you distract him with a blowjob and end the night. 

But that doesn't seem to be cutting it anymore. He wants to touch you, to fuck you, and you know if you let him, it will be the beginning of the end. He's felt how you tense up when his fingers trace over your panties. He's also felt the wetness. He knows you want him, and he doesn't understand. If you don't come clean, you might lose him anyway.

He's leaning on his elbow stretched out across your bed, shirtless, the button of jeans already opened, a lock of hair falling over his forehead, and his hazel eyes studying your face. Grabbing one of your pillows, you hold it against your face as you admit your problem.

"I can't hear you with a pillow over your face," he chuckles, pulling it out of your hands.

"I don't have orgasms," you end up almost shouting, and you can feel the blood rushing to your face. His eyes widen, but he lets you tell him the entire sordid tale without interrupting.

"So, I can go down on you or whatever you'd like, but you don't have to try to...reciprocate," you finish. In your experience, this is where he takes the blowjob and doesn't call. There's an ache in your chest at the thought of losing Steve. It hasn't been that long, but there is something between you, like a flower that hasn't yet bloomed, delicate, and growing towards the sun. 

He blows out a breath and rubs his hand through his hair, "I really like you," he says, taking your hand, "Like really like you, but I don't want to just get off and leave. I want whatever we do to be something we can share together. I'm not gonna be some kind of jackass and act like I know your body better than you do. But maybe there is another way to approach this? Is this something we can talk about?"

"Yeah, okay," your voice comes out small and shaky. 

He presses a kiss to your knuckles before he continues, "Does it feel good when I touch you?"

Letting out a breath you didn't know you had been holding, you nod your head and lick your lips, "It feels really good."

One side of his mouth raises in a soft smile, "You make me feel good too," he leans forward, brushing his lips softly over yours, "I might not be able to make you cum, but I want to touch you and make you feel good, will you let me?" His smoldering eyes hold yours with such intensity you can't imagine ever denying him. 

"Please," you sigh, your mouth already drifting towards him. 

He closes the gap between you, his plush lips covering yours in absolutely no rush, tasting you, letting his tongue tangle with yours, stealing your breath and filling you up with his. He kisses you until your sighs have turned to moans, and your hands wander up and down his chest. 

"You are so beautiful," he tells you, with a dreamy look on his face as he brushes your mouth with his thumb, "Can I see more of you?" his hand moves to the hem of your shirt, fingers dipping underneath rubbing the soft skin of your stomach.

"Yes," a warmth floods your core, "Can…can I see you too?"

He nods, returning his mouth to yours. Clothes come off between kisses, scattered and forgotten on the floor. His hands glide over your skin, leaving tingling trails behind while his warm chest presses you into the mattress, the bristly hair rubbing against your hard nipples. 

"Tell me what feels good, okay? I want to hear it," he says, kissing his way down the column of your neck, pausing every so often to suck and lick the sensitive skin. 

"That feels good," you moan and feel his cock jump against your thigh. He's enjoying you without expectations, and knowing that adds a layer of trust you hadn't felt before. 

When he cups your breast, and his mouth closes over your nipple, you pant and arch into him. Little electric jolts under your skin send shivers through your body as he sucks your nipple into a hard peak. "Steve…" you gasp, unable to finish your sentence.

"Does my girl like having her tits sucked?" he asks while his hands knead your breasts. 

"Yes," your hands run through his hair, holding him to you as his lips work your other breast. The things he's saying and the soft groans at your responses are turning you on just as much as the attention he's giving your body. Wetness coats your thighs as you rub them together, trying to find some relief for your aching core.

"Where else do you want my mouth?" He works his way down your chest and kisses the ridge of your hip, "tell me, sweetheart," he slides his hand up and down your thigh moving closer to your center with each pass. 

"My pussy…I want your mouth on my pussy," you move up to your elbows, the look on his face, his blown-out eyes, has you throbbing. Your words are getting bolder, and your confidence grows as you watch him grinding his hips into the mattress. 

His hands move to the inside of your thighs, spreading you open, "You're so wet. Is this for me?" he asks, kissing your puffy folds before his tongue darts out to kitten-lick your clit. 

"It's for you, Steve. It feels so good," the wanton noises you make spur him on. He adds more pressure and takes longer licks teasing your pulsing entrance before reaching your swollen bundle of nerves, your hips shoot off the bed when his lips suction around it. He holds you in place as he relentlessly sucks your clit, something you can't remember anyone doing in the past. Your head is dizzy and fogged with pleasure when he releases you and moves back up your body. 

"I want you to show me," he slides his tongue into your mouth, and you taste yourself on his lips. "Show me what you do when you're alone. Where's your vibrator?" he asks before going back to kissing you.

His request has you tensing up, but he kisses you through it, running his hands softly over your pussy and up your stomach to your breasts. He asks you again once you've relaxed, and you direct him to your nightstand.

"I want to make you feel good now," you protest slightly as your small bullet slips out of the bag into the palm of his big hand.

"Trust me," he says, passing you the toy, "seeing you like this is making me feel good. I want to watch you, baby," he leans on his side and spits in his hand before stroking himself. His saliva mixes with the cum leaking from the red tip of his cock, making his slow motions smooth as he waits for you to join him.

More slick drips from your entrance, and pleasure spreads throughout your body when you press the vibrating toy to your clit.

"This feels so good," he says, dipping his head to kiss you, his movements speeding up, "You've got me so hard and needy for you," he groans when you start rocking your hips, "Tell me how it feels."

"So good," you mewl, sloppily returning his kiss. 

"Can I finger you?" his hand moves from his cock to your thigh. 

"Mmmm, yeah," you sigh, pressing the toy down harder. 

His finger swirls around your entrance, coating him in slick before he slowly pushes into you, "You're so tight," a pleased hum follows his words as he moves in and out of you.

The slight stretch, the added sensation, has you aching, you want more from him, you want him to fill you, "Steve, I want you inside me."

His motions falter, but he quickly recovers, "I am inside you," he knows what you want, but he wants to hear you say it.

"Please. Will you fuck me?" you desperately plead. 

"Goddamm," he groans, kissing you frantically, "I want to so much. Are you sure?"

"Yes. I need you," you confess. 

He's up in a flash, wrapping his arms around your thighs to pull you to the edge of the bed. His eagerness makes you smile, but the want in his eyes quickly increases your need for him. 

He glides himself through your folds, gathering your wetness, "I want you to keep touching yourself. I'm going to go nice and slow. Let me know what you need. Even if you want me to stop, okay?"

"Okay," you nod, his tenderness adding an ache to your heart that matches the one in your core. 

He hisses as he pushes inside you. The intense stretch has you throwing your head back, a slight sting mixing with your pleasure. He's bigger than anyone you've been with, and he makes room inside you that hadn't existed before. A cry leaves your lips when he hits a spot you didn't know was there. 

"Did that hurt? Are you okay?" his voice is full of concern as he rubs the outside of your thigh.

"No. It felt good. Really good. I didn't…no one has ever..," you trail off and grip his wrist with your free hand, hoping he understands.

"You feel so good. You're so tight wrapped around me, and that buzz feels good, too," he keeps still inside you, giving you time to adjust. 

"You like it? You're not just doing it for me?" the question has been on your mind since you started. A slight pang of guilt has been echoing through your thoughts.

"Are you kidding? It feels really good. This is so hot. It's for both of us," he begins to gently stroke into you,"  You're so sexy right now. I'm thinking about basketball, so I don't cum."

His admission pushes away any last doubts, you turn up the speed on the vibrator and start rolling your hips to meet his thrusts. 

"That's it, baby. Take what you want," he's watching himself disappear inside you, breathing raggedly, muscles straining with the effort to keep a gentle, steady pace. His cock slowly drags back and forth against your walls, hitting that spot every time, but it's not enough-you want more. 

"Harder. Don't hold back. I want all of you," you pant, reaching for him. He leans forward, capturing your mouth as he drives his hips into you. Passionate noises fill the room as you get lost in the pleasure you share. 

"Is this okay? It's not too much?" he asks softly in your ear. 

"It's more than okay. Nothing has ever felt this good," you whisper back, kissing along his temple.

"Fuck, you don't know what you're doing to me. I'm not going to last much longer. Can I cum inside you?" his hips piston, rubbing that place inside you faster, harder. He wants to fill you, claim you. 

An exquisite feeling builds in your tummy, and you feel yourself tightening around him," Steve," you moan, bucking your hips erratically, "cum inside me. Oh, fuck," the curse flies past your lips as you realize you're hurtling towards climax. 

"Yeah, baby, I'm gonna..holy shit, you're getting so tight. You're squeezing me…are you gonna cum?" his strokes are getting sloppily. He's staying inside you longer between thrusts, driving in deeper.

"Don't stop," is all you manage to say. It's all you're able to think as you climb higher.

"Let go. I won't stop. We're going to cum together," his gentle words push you over the edge. Ecstasy washes over you as you cum harder than you ever have alone. He groans loudly as your inner muscles milk him, triggering his release. He fills you up with his warmth as your body trembles uncontrollably around him. His movements slow, but he doesn't stop thrusting until he softens inside you, coaxing out every last wave of your orgasm. 

"You're incredible," he pants, resting his forehead against yours, reveling in his bliss.

With closed eyes, you press kisses to any bit of skin you can reach as you float down, enjoying the little shocks still going off inside.

"Are you still with me?" he asks, brushing the damp hair back from your face. His expression is full of adoration as you open your eyes and smile at him. 

"When can we do that again?"

♡♡♡

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#steve harrington #steve harrington x reader #steve harrington fanfic #steve harrington smut #stranger things fanfic #stranger things #boyfriend steve #Jelly's requests

[foreverdolly]

baby-bliss | daddy!austin butler x reader 

summary: it's austin's first interview since the birth of his son, and he can't keep from gushing about you and your new bundle of joy. will he regret it later? most definitely. did it feel good? oh, absolutely. will he ever hear the end of it from you? probably not.

pairings: daddy!austin butler x mommy!reader

word count: 2,809

warnings/notes: this is just tooth aching fluff, austin is literally the best daddy ever, and he worships the ground that you walk on, he refers to you as "his ole' lady", i wrote this in record breaking time.

masterlist | requests are currently open for business !

It was physically painful to leave you and his newborn at home. It had been a month and a half of baby-bliss, and despite the fact that neither of you had gotten over five hours of sleep in weeks, part of him wished that it would never end. Austin had always known that he wanted to be a father, ever since he was a little boy. To say that his life now felt complete would be an understatement. Things felt perfect, and for the first time in his life, Austin was fully content. All good things must come to an end though, and so whenever his manager called him over the weekend to tell him about his upcoming interview, he wasn’t necessarily shocked- just disappointed. Leaving you, even if it was just for a few hours, seemed absolutely impossible. What if his son did something cute that he missed out on? What if the two of you fell asleep on the floor in the nursery again and he wasn’t there to take pictures of it? What if there was an emergency and you needed him? His protective instincts over you had always been pretty crazy, but now? He felt like he could lift a car if need be. Becoming a father had completely rewired his brain. 

Austin was a nervous wreck as he walked out the front door, turning around to get one last look at you. “I’ll be home soon.” He assured you, watching as you smiled and nodded your head. “I know.” He started to make his way down the porch steps, stopping only to turn and face you once again. You had already started to close the front door. “Call me if you need anything, okay? I’ll have my ringer on the entire time.” He could hear you chuckle under your breath before you nodded your head, flashing him one last good look at the tiny bundle in your arms before shutting the door behind you. He groaned the entire way to the site. He just knew his son was doing something adorable without him there to see it. He could have thrown his phone the second that he checked it once he sat down in the makeup chair, seeing the pictures that you had already sent him. You had put the bear onesie on him- the one with the ears- and his heart nearly imploded. 

“Do you want to see something cute?” He couldn’t help himself. He needed to get it off of chest now before he sat down for the actual interview. The makeup artist was patient enough with him to stop what she was doing, but was quick to grab his phone to get a better look once he showed her the pictures. Pride swelled in her chest as he watched her eyes widen, her pointer finger sliding from side to side as she went through each and every one you had sent. “Oh, he’s absolutely precious.” He took the phone from her whenever she handed it back. “Isn’t he? Look at this one,” He chuckled at the picture of him glaring at the camera, obviously very annoyed about you having the hood pulled up and over his little head. “This is my first time being away from them in a month.” he closed his eyes as she began brushing a sheer powder over his nose and forehead. She hummed as she closed the compact, taking a step back to get a better look at him. “Well you should be back with them in no time,” Once she had made sure that he looked matte enough for the bright camera lights she flashed him a kind smile. “When I had to leave my twins for the first time I thought that I was going to die. I understand how you feel completely.” He stood up from the chair, brushing out his light wash jeans before nervously running his thumb against his wedding ring. He twisted the gold band around and around his ring finger, taking a second to ground himself. 

“So the new daddy finally leaves his cave.” Austin turned to face the source of the voice, wrinkling his nose at his manager’s teasing. The older woman walked up to him, giving him a tight hug. “Congratulations. y/n did absolutely phenomenal.” And god had you. For the first few weeks you had been horrified by the thought of unavoidable pain and had told him as well as your doctor that you would be having the baby in the hospital. You’d even gone as far as to have a consultation. As the months passed, so did your fear. Ever since you had first gotten pregnant you had gone a little crazy with making sure that everything was as clean and as safe as possible. You insisted on getting all of your produce from local farmers markets, made sure that next to nothing either of you ate came from a can, and threw anything away that might contain microplastics. When you had told Austin that you wanted to have an at home birth he had brushed it off as you just nesting. The weeks flew by, and your mind never changed. It wasn’t until the birthing tank was delivered to your house that it finally set in for him that you were really serious. 

You delivered your son with absolutely no medication. Even the midwife was shocked by how well you handled everything. 

Austin didn’t think it was possible for him to love you anymore than he already did, but the second he saw you holding his son? He knew for certain that he could never go even a second without you. He’d move heaven and earth for you. There was absolutely nothing that Austin wouldn’t do for you or provide for you. He reminded himself that this very reason was why he was at the interview in the first place. 

“The ol’ lady did amazing.” He gushed, before he began to worry his bottom lip between his teeth. The faster he got this over with, the sooner he could be home with you. “Are they ready for me?” The woman nodded before ushering him through the hallway and into a tightly packed room. 

The blue eyed man was familiar with the interviewer, and recognized her the second that he saw her. She was younger than he was, probably in her early twenties, and was most known amongst other actors for asking rather intrusive questions. Austin rolled his eyes, grabbing his manager by the arm and pulling her closer to his side. “Her? Really?” His manager’s eyebrows furrowed as she briefly made eye contact with the young woman across the room. “What’s wrong with her? I’ve heard she does great work.” She was quick to defend. Austin shook his head, leaning down closely to her ear so that he wasn’t overheard. “Did you see that interview she did with Tom Holland? If I were him, I would have stormed off camera.” The mousy haired brunette’s jaw dropped as she finally put two and two together. “I can see what I can do-” He cut her off by simply shaking his head, waving her off politely with his hand. It was too late now. He was already here, and the interviewer was staring at the two of them curiously now, no doubt wondering what they were whispering about. 

He stalked over to the empty seat across from the young woman, being careful that his long legs didn’t get tangled up in any of the loose wires. “It’s nice to finally be able to meet you.” The woman reached a hand out, flashing him a bright white smile. He slowly returned the sentiment, extending his palm so that he could give her hand a quick shake. 

After a few seconds of the crew moving the cameras around to get the best angle, the interviewer dropped her cue cards onto her lap, her lips pulling up into a dazzling smile. Austin shifted in his seat uncomfortably, dreading what was to come, but returned the smile nonetheless. “The Elvis biopic has finally made it to theaters after nearly three years of tireless work. I saw it with a few friends of mine the other night and was absolutely blown away by your performance.” 

“Thank you so much. This has been such a rewarding experience, and it was an honor to work alongside Baz and Tom.” She nodded her head, her eyes flashing down to her lap for a second. It was obvious that she had some sort of an angle that she wanted to go with this interview- he just prayed that he had the patience for it. “The film was shot in Australia, so I know that you had to largely uproot a lot of your life in order to prepare. How hard was it to upkeep personal relationships during that time- especially with Covid.” Her perky voice was grating. He was functioning off of three hours of sleep, and he could already feel a headache coming on. 

“Covid made everything a lot harder, but it wasn’t too difficult. I made sure to call my friends and family on a regular basis, so it wasn’t too bad. It was sad not being able to visit California as much as I would have liked to during that time, but it also gave me the opportunity to go more method with the role as well. Everyone’s reaction to the accent for the first couple of weeks was pretty funny. I wanted to make it sound as natural as possible though, so I kept up with it.” He smiled through the question, folding one leg over the other as he leaned his back against the folding chair. 

“Your girlfriend went with you to Australia, right? I follow you both on your socials, and her pictures always make me smile.” His eye nearly twitched, but he schooled a sweet smile on his face. “Wife.” He corrected her gently. The woman’s eyes widened and she was quick to try and recover. “Wife, wife- right! Speaking of that, congratulations are in order.” You and Austin had thought about keeping the pregnancy as private as possible, but after the first few months the two of you were bursting at the seams. By the end of it all, it was all you two could really talk or post about. The same thing goes with all of your close friends and family. His best friend, Ashley Tisdale, had visited again last night and had posted at least ten pictures of the three of you on her Instagram story. You were both first time parents, and you wanted to get the full experience. Despite the fact that most of the people that messaged him to extend their love and excitement for him were strangers, it still felt great. 

He was willing to talk about his son, as long as the questions stayed respectful. “Thank you,” He couldn’t wipe the excited smile off of his face, staring down at his hands for a few seconds before glancing back up at the interviewer. “We’re both over the moon. It’s been a huge change to our lives, but a good one.” 

“Well I’ve seen a few pictures and he’s beautiful. He’s a perfect mix of the both of you. He’s got your forehead and nose.” A genuine laugh bubbled out of his throat, and the other woman seemed to feed off his excitement, happy that the interview was naturally progressing into something a little more feel-good than anybody was anticipating. 

“That’s what I keep telling y/n! The second that he opened his eyes I thought I would die though. I have a feeling he’s going to look more like her as he gets older, so I’m enjoying him being my little twin while it lasts. She’s the most gorgeous person on the planet though, so I wouldn’t be too upset about it.” His tiny features had been a constant source of teasing over the last month. You claimed that your son looked more like you than he did him, but Austin begged to differ. He would be sure to gloat about this once he got back home to you. 

“Was it hard juggling everything though? I mean. . . playing the leading role in such an important film all while your wife is pregnant must be stressful.” The young woman was beginning to grow on him. He usually didn’t answer questions this personal, but she had caught him during a time when he wanted to gush about his life. Would he regret saying so much later? Oh, definitely. For now though, he was content with bragging about you. 

“I’m sure she was upset about the long days without me, especially during the earlier stages, but she never let it show. She can get rather nervous at times- really get in her own head about things- but she was great the entire time. Really, really great.” 

“And hey- natural birth, right?” 

He beamed, nodding his head quickly. “Natural birth. She’s an absolute god. I’ve heard about dads getting phantom pains, but I never really believed in any of it.” The young woman was already laughing, and Austin began chuckling right along with her, placing a hand against his stomach as he remembered how awful he had felt during the majority of the delivery. “Oh god, the sympathetic pregnancy symptoms were real for me.” 

“Well I’m sure you guys must be good with just one child for now, right?” She threw her head back with laughter as he shook his head animatedly, crossing his arms over his chest. 

“Us? No way. We want an entire Butler tribe. Our goal is to populate a small village.” He could see his manager covering her mouth to stifle her own laughter at his teasing. 

“Well it was a delight to finally get to meet you. You guys need to see Austin Butler in the role of Elvis if you haven’t already. It’s in theaters everywhere, so make sure you get your tickets now. Seats are filling up fast.” Austin gave one final wave to the camera before the cameraman loudly called ‘cut’. 

“Thank you for your time.” The interviewer shook his hand one last time before he walked over to his manager’s side. “See? Painless.” He hated to admit it, but she was right. He was in and out in just under an hour and a half, which was better than he could have hoped for. “I don’t have anything else scheduled, right?” He asked hopefully. The second that the woman shook her head he was practically jogging through the halls and out into the parking lot. He wanted to catch you before you put the baby down for his nap. 

You were shocked when you heard the front door open, Austin’s voice calling up to you from the living room downstairs. “Baby one and baby two! I’m home!” You rolled your eyes, slowly making your way down the stairs. “I’ve been trying to get him to go to sleep for the last half hour, but he’s wired.” Austin was quick to take him off of your hands, giving his fuzzy head kiss after kiss. “Oh, I missed his smell.” With gentle hands Austin pulled his son away from his chest, holding the small infant out in front of him so that he could get a good look. You still had him bundled up in the onesie. Your husband was quick to look at you, his bottom lip jutting out in a small pout. “How can something be this cute? Hey buddy. Were you a good boy for mama while I was gone?” His constant baby talking made you chuckle. “You didn’t pull her hair, did you? We talked about that yesterday.”  The interview was posted the next day, the internet practically exploding with new hashtags, screen grabs, and reposted pictures of you and your small family. Austin spent the entire morning mumbling his apologies for being so personal in the interview, but you didn’t mind much. It felt good to know that everyone saw what a terrific father he was. What a terrific husband. “New daddy alert! Austin Butler gushes over son in latest interview.” You read one of the article titles out loud, hearing him groan from the other room. You scrolled through your phone for a couple more seconds before you found what you were looking for. “Austin Butler calls his wife a ‘god’ after the natural birth of his son.” You could hear your baby cooing from the other room. “I get it! I get it! You can stop with the news articles.” He called out over the sound of the running bath. “Daddy Austin Butler is a whole snack. Women are going crazy after the latest Elvis-” “Stop it, woman!”

the prequel to this fic is now posted !

#austin butler fic #austin butler imagine #austin butler x reader #austin butler x y/n #daddy austin butler #dad austin butler #elvis 2022 #austin butler one shot #austin!elvis x reader #imagine #austin butler fluff #austin butler fanfiction #foreverdolly

[stomach-bugg09]

hi you absolutely do not need to do this but I thought of it last night. (Almost woke up the entire house) can you do a lo'ak x twin sister reader were lo'ak and reader are just walking along the beach holding pinkes maybe just a way they bond (while netayam is spying on them 😑), and they just kick the water from time to time, then reader makes the so called "great discussion" to flick a bit of water at lo'ak with her tail then lo'ak splashed her back and it just ended up a whole spash war then netayam gets in on it, and there just splashing each other, throwing wet sand at there faces, hissing, I find it hilarious when they hiss at each other and there like "come at me bro try me come on-" (its how me and MY siblings bond) then jake and neytiry have to drag them home while there still hissing at each other then netayam like basically throw himself at reader and then jake and neytiry come back like 2 minutes later and see reader has pined netayam on the floor and she's all like "hehe haha funny funny" until they actually get in trouble for it...... sorry this is really specific I just like it, but yeah. Have a absolutely great day/night

summary: [y/n], lo’ak, and neteyam are caught by their parents in the middle of a very important water fight.

a/n: hope you enjoy !! it’s kind of short and sweet , but full of sibling bonding + fighting , a recipe for disaster. thanks for the request. reblogs + feedback are always appreciated !!

tags: @pinkhotdogsfr @wxnderingthoughts @liyahsocorro @bonnibuckets @hjkshshjkhklhkl @itssiaaax @grierpilots @fleurbeass @eywas-heir @historygeekqueen @missroro

warnings: nothing honestly , just the sully siblings wrestling with each other , lo’ak throwing sand , tails and ears being tugged , disappointed parents

words: 1.2k

water fight

lo’ak’s pinky was warm against her own. the two walked alongside the water, the consistent crash of salty cold brushing overtop their feet and igniting a chill across [y/n]’s arms. their arms rocked back and forth as they walked, talking and walking without much goal in mind. merely just to catch up.

they liked to do this quite a bit. a session of gossip ( mainly from [y/n] ) and drama to refresh their brains as they walked together. like twin bonding!

“and you would not believe what she said!” [y/n] said, her voice hushing to build up the suspense.

lo’ak shook his head, playing along with her energy. “don’t tell me—”

“yes!” her voice rose, shaking her head with amusement. “she said it. like, who in their right mind?”

it was stupid stuff, nothing worthy of true attention. but, it was fun, and that’s all they needed. the words would relay between the two, but none of it had true weight, and oftentime lo’ak forgot everything they discussed the moment that they returned home. he just loved to entertain his sister.

after a month of living among the metkayina people, they had even more gossip to exchange, some of which included some prodding questions.

“anyway, enough about me,” [y/n] trailed, biting her bottom lip to keep a smile off of her face. “what about you?”

lo’ak scrunched his eyebrows. “what about me?” she never asked about his gossip. she knew he was useless when it came to that stuff!

she groaned dramatically, rolling her eyes so far back that her pupils seemed to have been swallowed by the back of her head for a second. “i mean, what about you and tsireya?”

[y/n] let out a loud laugh at the face he pulled, a deep indigo crawling up his neck. “nothing,” he demanded, voice far too strong for it so be convincing.

“you are a terrible liar.” with that, [y/n] felt the cold water wash over, and as an immediate reaction, she decided to lift her tail upward in a swift motion. with the action came a good bit of water that splashed right onto her brother.

she stopped immediately, hands cupping over her mouth as to contain her laughter. amusement and concern for her life flooded her eyes as she flickered between watching lo’ak’s face and watching his own tail.

[y/n] shrieked as she received the same treatment she gave him, her own arm getting soaked in return. “lo’ak!” she cried, voice whiny as she choked out laughter.

just as she was about to push him over into the wet sand, a movement flickered in her peripheral vision. lo’ak seemed to notice it too, because he immediately fell to a pause, eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

the pair of twins narrowed their eyes, turning slowly. a smile broaden on [y/n]’s face when she saw neteyam frozen in front of them.

he blinked, standing and staring like an idiot. awkwardly, he lifted his arm and waved. “uh, hi!”

“were you spying, big brother?” [y/n] inquired, taking a step forward as she teased him. her tail swished to and fro, watching the way neteyam’s facial expressions changed.

“uh,” he trailed, clearing his throat. “no! of course not.” neteyam knew he was a goner the moment the set of twins exchanged a mischievous look.

before any of them knew it, the trio ended up tussling in the sand. tails and ears were tugged, playful punches were thrown ( softly… well, soft enough ), water was splashed, and all three of them were absolutely demolished by the rising tide.

they wrestled right next to the water, the waves soaking and re-soaking them in a very consistent manner. it seemed like every few seconds they were getting water boarded! but, of course, the geniuses decided it was too much work to move locations.

the fight escalated the moment lo’ak released a fistful of wet sand directly into his sister’s face.

“asshole!” she screeched, jumping on top of him. the tide was rising second by second, and she grinned as the wave flooded directly over his face. “that’s karma.” lo’ak hissed at his sister in response.

unfortunately, her glory was short-lived as neteyam came from behind and grabbed her. she was, once again, screaming for her life as he threw her into the surf.

once she resurfaced, she sputtered, wiping salty water from her eyes. “i’m going to murder you!”

before she could pounce on her eldest brother, she felt a larger pair of hands grab her shoulders, pulling her back into a warm embrace. “[y/n]!” he scolded from above.

immediately, she dropped her head sheepishly. “hey, dad.”

“all three of you realize that you’re in trouble, right?” their silence affirmed his question. he nodded, rolling his eyes.

“why must you make every day difficult?” neytiri held her sons’ biceps firmly, going back and forth from looking at each of them with a disappointed look.

after a beat, lo’ak offered, “well, at least we weren’t fighting any metkayina this time?”

[y/n] fought the smile that attempted to emerge onto her face, feeling the annoyed energy of her father that stood directly behind her. when lo’ak looked back down at his feet, she knew jake had sent a very disapproving look.

neteyam nearly laughed, but quickly covered it up with a cough.

a few seconds later, after a moment of trying to think it through on how to approach the issue, jake decided, “it’s time to go back. it’s nearly eclipse, and you would have known that if you weren’t fighting each other.”

[y/n] nodded slowly, eyes wide. “right,” she trailed.

the sully father tugged on her ear. “attitude,” he warned, to which she bit her bottom lip to hold back laughter. it became even more difficult when she caught the eyes of her brothers.

the walk home was awkwardly silent, the few times that [y/n] attempted to speak to either of her brothers being immediately shut down by the parents.

“this wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t thrown sand at my face—”

“quiet, [y/n].”

“yes, sir.”

or the occasional “accidental” step on her tail.

the third time that she felt the pressure, she turned to her brother with her teeth bared. “neteyam i swear to eywa—”

“[y/n]!” neytiri hissed, grabbing her by the ear to which [y/n]’s eyes watered and she clawed her mothers wrist.

once they finally reached the marui, the parents had to, unfortunately, speak to tonowari and ronal. as a result, they told kiri that she was in charge. of course, the eldest girl of the family only nodded with a roll of her eyes. there was no way she would get in the way of their fights!

it’d been two minutes of jake and neytiri’s absence, and once they returned, they both groaned at the sight of [y/n] sitting on top of lo’ak’s back, her fingers pulling at his hair. neteyam’s ankles were stuck in lo’ak’s grip as he attempted to crawl away.

the moment they re-entered the marui, the children all went completely silent, staring at their parents.

the first thing to break the silence was [y/n]’s laughter. “whoops!”

#avatar 2 #avatar the way of water #neteyam sully #loak sully #sully family x reader #sully family x y/n #tuk sully #tuktirey #sully family #kiri sully #sully!reader #sully siblings x reader #lo'ak x sister!reader #lo'ak x twin!reader #neteyam x sister!reader

[angelsanarchy]

One Long Weekend: - Clyde/YN One-Shot Series CH 10

"Don't worry, we're not gonna have to fuck in a closet." "Trying wouldn't kill us."

Tagging: @roryculkinluvr @siriuslymooned @cc-luvr @crypticsewerslut @icarus-star @desert-springtime @shady-the-simp @izuoyarmin

SATURDAY, 11:30PM

Y/n wasn't expecting so many people to be here. All of the apartments seemed small but Johnny's was packed, music blaring and smoke of all kinds hover above them all.

"FINALLY! Have a beer! Relax and join the festivities." Beau was approaching with a drink in both hands and Y/n felt an arm around her waist.

"Oh thanks Beau, we're about to hit the smoke circle though." Clyde had spun you away from a disappointed Beau but she couldn't help but laugh.

"You're getting better." Y/n put her lips to his ear so he could hear her and he wiggled his eyebrows at her. They found Snow and Lola who were six deep in the smoke circle but were more than happy to squeeze them in. Y/n was sharing a chair with Clyde when she almost slipped off the side during a coughing fit. Clyde laughed making sure she didn't hit the floor but didn't expect her to plop down on his lap once she regained her composure.

"Making yourself comfortable?" He asked trying to hide his blush.

"Yes actually. You have a very cozy lap." Clyde responded by putting one arm around her back and she rested her hand on top of his. The more they smoked the more Clyde seemed to loosen up, enough so to pull her in for a shotgun this time, letting his bottom lip brush against her own.

"We should play a game!!!" Snow jumped up and down in her chair earning some groans.

"You guys are so fucking lame. What else are we going to sit here and do?! Let's play Kings!" Snow started rooting through her bag and pulled out a deck of cards. The group had gained a few newbies, some who were just smoking and enjoying the atmosphere, others ready to play the card game. Snow explained the rules to everyone and Y/n was feeling buzzed by the time she started drinking. The only part of the game that seemed new to her was the rule for Queens. Snow thought it would be a lot more fun if some sexual tension was released. Anyone who drew a Queen had to pick someone in the circle to trap in the closet for 7 minutes. It seemed like a really immature, teenage party rule but no one sitting in the circle seemed to care.

She remained on Clyde's lap but he settled into the position, leaning his head against her arm on occasion. After the first handful of pulls Y/n almost ate shit when trying to hit the floor for a 4 of Clubs.

"Please don't hurt yourself. I'd hate to have to tell your roommate you ended up in the hospital playing for the win." Clyde teased, cheeks splotchy from drinking.

"Could you imagine? She would kick my ass." Y/n threw her arm around Clyde's neck to tighten her hold on him. The first Queen was drawn by Snow who surprisingly took Johnny into the closet. Lola set a timer on her phone. The game-play couldn't resume until the 7 minutes were up so most people just lit up and grabbed another drink.

"You want another drink?" Clyde asked reaching for the bottle opener.

"Yeah thanks." Y/n watched his hands carefully using the bottle opener and couldn't shake the idea of him using those long, slender fingers to get her off. Clyde was completely obvious to her dirty thoughts but she wasn't sure if she should push that envelope again.

"If I pull the next Queen, you'll have to take one for the team and go in there with me. I don't want to be trapped with a stranger." Y/n said watching Clyde sip his beer.

"That's fine. Sadly I don't think you'll escape the smells since that's Johnny and Beau's shared closet." Y/n scrunched her nose.

"How can anyone possibly get off in a closet that smells like death?" Y/n questioned.

"Johnny and Snow have been on and off for awhile. They could fuck in a trunk and they wouldn't be phased." Clyde explained.

"Aww." Y/n made a face earning a laugh from Clyde who almost spit his beer in his lap.

"Don't worry, we're not going to have to fuck in a closet." Clyde seemed very sure about this but Y/n shrugged.

"Trying wouldn't kill us." Y/n licked her lips making sure not to meet Clyde's gaze as he stared at her with longing. The alarm on Lola's phone went off and Denny the drummer launched the door open. Johnny's shirt was buttoned awkwardly and Snow pulled her skirt down lower.

The game resumed with another round of waterfalls, almost falling out of chairs to touch the floor and some Never Have I Ever's that were shocking.

"THAT WAS ONE TIME!" Johnny yelled making everyone laugh. Apparently shitting yourself while hooking up with someone is noteworthy enough to tell your friends about. The second Queen was pulled and Clyde flipped it around between his fingers.

"Ohhhh finally! I was hoping you would get it!" Snow clapped her hands making Clyde shake his head. Y/n remained quiet as she coyly got up off his lap to move towards the kitchen for another drink and he cleared his throat.

"Where are you going?" Clyde asked curiously.

"To get another drink? Did you want one?" She gestured over her shoulder and he huffed walking towards her, taking her hand and pulling her towards the closet. Everyone whistled and cheered as the door shut behind them, leaving them both in the dark.

"Seven minutes Stevie Wonder! Make it count." Beau slammed his fist on the door and Y/n snorted.

"Stevie Wonder is blind, not deaf. What the fuck?" Y/n was ready to argue through the door but Clyde stopped her.

"How are you feeling? You okay?" Clyde still had her hands in his own and she waited for her eyes to adjust so she could see him.

"I'm fine. Do I not seem fine?" Y/n worried how she was coming off and why he would ask her that.

"You've just had a lot to drink. Just want to make sure you're all good." He smiled.

"So have you, you seem fine." Y/n returned.

"You're not wrong but I get this wasted most weekends so my reboot is pretty good." Clyde bragged. Y/n leans her body into his more.

"Oh yeah? I'd like to see this reboot in action I think." Y/n put her hand on Clyde's chest. She could feel how hard his heart was beating.

"Your heart is beating super fast. Are you nervous?" Y/n pulled Clyde's neck to her mouth to place a soft kiss on the pulse point that she could feel.

"I wasn't..." Clyde stuttered. He let Y/n run her hands through his hair and continue to suck little kisses into the side of his neck, trailing up towards his ear. Clyde closed his eyes, trying to keep his focus but the way Y/n took little nibbles into the wet skin of his neck and throat were absolutely winding him up.

"Do I make you nervous Clyde?" Y/n asked innocently.

"You know I was watching your hands earlier. You have some really sexy fingers and I would love to see how nice they feel inside me." Y/n let the hand he was holding fall to the front of her bottoms. Clyde's eyes opened wide and he stopped her hand.

"Y/n...you're making this really difficult." Clyde squeezed her hand and she pulled back.

"What? What's wrong?" Y/n questioned. Clyde let out a sigh but before he could explain himself the door flew open.

"Damn Clyde! Nice hickey!" Denny pointed at Clyde's neck. The image of his hair a mess, a fresh hickey on his neck and her hand on the waistband of his jeans must have seemed filthy to some but Y/n was trying really hard not to let herself be upset. Had she read the signals all wrong? Maybe Clyde wasn't attracted to her like that?

Maybe he really was just a really nice guy who was giving her a place to stay for the weekend. Whatever it was, Y/n scurried out of the closet to find an empty chair across the circle from Clyde's. He left the closet with his back to the group, adjusting himself before going to the kitchen to grab another drink. Lola reached out to put her hand on Y/n's leg and she shook her head that she was fine.

#Electrick Children #Clyde #Clyde x Y/n #One Shot Series #One Long Weekend #Rory Culkin #Culkin Cult #One Long Weekend Series #10/18

[forever-rogue]

Eddie/Steve request! So yk in smut when they ask "are you ok with this?" I can't help but think , what if reader says no?? Like reader is uncomfortable, wants to take time in the relationship, or just it's scared of the idea right now. But doesn't say anything, and tries to continue bc shes scared they'll be disappointed,but the he notices her hesitation? Maybe they do something fun together afterwards? xx

AN | The best boyfriend Stevie energy is strong. And we love to see it🥰

Warnings | Language

Pairing | Steve x Fem!Reader

Word Count | 3k

Masterlist | Main

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

You had no clue how you’d ended up dating Steve Harrington. The Steve Harrington. 

But here you were, sitting in a dark movie theater next to him, sharing a giant bag of popcorn and soda, one of his hands resting on your thigh. There were still times when it hit you like a ton of bricks. He was really your boyfriend. And he was a good one at that - great. He was…everything you could have ever dreamed of - kind, funny, caring, sweet, and handsome as hell. You had no clue what he’d seen in you, but when he’d asked you out, you couldn’t say no. Truth was - you’d been crushing on him for some time, just as he had been crushing on you.

“What?” he whispered as he turned his head to look at you, quickly brushing his knuckles over your cheek. Oh. He’d caught you shamelessly staring at him…again. Your face warmed up, and you were glad for the darkness of the movie theater. You shook your head softly, trying to play him off, “everything alright, love?”

“Yeah,” you gave him a tight lipped little smile as you turned your attention back to the screen. You’d zoned out for about the last fifteen minutes and currently had no clue what was going on. Steve watched you for a few seconds longer before settling back in his seat, the hand that had been on your thigh finding yours and lacing your fingers together. You couldn’t help but smile at the feeling of his large, warm hand enveloping yours.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

You were staying at Steve’s that night, as he was once again all alone in the big house. This was the first you’d be spending the night there as his girlfriend. You’d spent the night many times before over the years, after movie nights, when you’d all had a little too much to drink, when the world seemed to be falling apart. But this…this felt so different. This felt much more intimate and private and special. It felt like there were expectations you were going to have to live up to. 

There had been a nagging feeling in the pit of your stomach all day, thinking about the evening with Steve. You liked kissing him - a lot - liked being with him in general, but you hadn’t had sex yet. Well…the subject hadn’t even really been broached in general.

It wasn’t that you didn’t want to; you knew this was serious for him and not just a ‘fuck her and leave her’ situation, but you still just…felt so nervous. He would never pressure you to do something you didn’t want to, or weren’t ready to, but you couldn’t help but think that he would get tired of waiting. That would find someone else to satisfy his needs and then leave you. That he would find someone better. 

“What’s wrong?” you were cuddled up next to Steve on the couch, a blanket draped over your bodies as some random movie played in the background. His arm had been wrapped around your shoulders and your head was resting on his chest, and yet for some reason he still knew something was wrong, “you’re thinking too loudly.”

“It’s nothing,” you promised softly, sitting up and shifting so you were facing him. His big brown eyes were soft with concern as he tried to figure out what was going on. You reached over and put your hand on his face, stroking your thumb over his cheek. His fingers wrapped around your wrist as he brought your hand to his mouth to press a soft kiss to your knuckles, “I’m just tired, Stevie. It’s not you.”

“Are you sure?” he asked gently as you just nodded, “you’ve seemed a little...off lately. If something is going on, I hope you can tell me anything. I just…I want to make it better. You don’t have to carry or deal with whatever is going on alone; you have me always.”

“I’m fine, everything’s fine babe,” you were trying to convince yourself of that. You couldn’t bear the idea of voicing your concerns to Steve. You knew he’d give you all sorts of reassurance and tell you it was okay, but you didn’t want him to pity you either, “‘m just tired is all.”

“Love…” he put his hand under your chin and turned your face up to meet his. You could have cried then and there, because you knew he just wanted to help. But this was all on you, all on the fact that you felt so stupid and insecure and shy. 

You looked at him for a few long, hard moments before you put your hands on his face and crashed your lips onto his. It took him by surprise, and it took him a second to figure out what was happening before he kissed you back. You pulled away just in order to crawl into his lap, wrapping your arms around his neck as you kissed him again. His hands settled on your waist in a loose grip. 

“Baby,” you knew that he knew that something was different from how you normally kissed. Things had definitely gotten heated before, but you never pushed it further and Steve never pulled, respectful as ever. Steve pulled back for a few, breathing heavily as he pressed his forehead to yours, his nose nuzzled against yours, “w-wait, we should stop. What’s going on?”

“Nothing,” you insisted as you leaned in to kiss him again. Sometimes he was too perceptive and intuitive for his own good. The look in his eyes told that he didn’t fully believe you, “please just kiss me, Steve.”

You didn’t give him a chance to respond before you found his lips again. He tasted minty and sweet, a delicious taste that was all Steve. You swore you heard him moan lightly as he kissed along your jaw before slowly moving down your neck. He sucked and nipped at the delicate skin, soothing any marks over with his tongue, which caused you to gasp lightly. You could feel how hard he was, and you were turned on too, deciding that tonight was the night you were just going to get it over with and have sex with him. 

His warm hands slowly skimmed under the hem of your shirt and you could feel his fingers trailed over your skin. It caused you to freeze for a moment, but you pushed through the initial nerves, and let him keep kissing you. Everything was fine, and you were enjoying everything, his touch, his taste, his feel, but everything came to a crashing halt. He’d moved his hips up to grind against you and you knew it was just an involuntary motion, but it caused you to put your hand on his chest and push him back lightly. 

“S-stop, please,,” your voice was soft, barely above a nervous whisper as you shook your head. You weren’t sure what you were expecting when you met his eyes, but he just looked so confused and upset. Fuck. You had really done it this time, “I’m sorry. I-I…I’m sorry.”

“Hey,” he touched your face and he sounded surprisingly gentle, “it’s okay, love. It’s okay. We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.”

“I’m sorry,” your eyes were stinging with tears as you moved off his lap, fixing your shirt before practically jumping off the couch. You wiped at your eyes with the back of your hand before moving towards the door, “I-I have to go. I…I’m sorry, Stevie.”

You were practically running to the door before he fully processed what was going on and went after you. You heard him calling your name, as you got into your car and started it. You chanced one last glance at him, tears running down your cheeks as he looked at you in worry. Without another word, you pulled away and headed home. 

Nothing about any of this could have gone worse. Not only had you hurt yourself, you’d hurt him too. And he didn’t even know what was going on, didn’t know if he had something to cause you to be so upset. 

“Fuck,” he sighed as closed the door, leaning it against it with a light thud, “fuck.”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

You’d managed to avoid Steve for the next four days. Four long, painful, hard days. He would call but you wouldn’t answer, or have whoever did pick up make an excuse for you. He came to your house, but you wouldn’t answer the door. He resorted to climbing to your window and tapping it on but you pretended to be asleep. He stopped by your work and you hid in the back. It had gotten to the point where his small gaggle of children were trying to get in contact with you too. But you just…ignored all of them. 

It was the most silly and immature thing to do, but you couldn’t bring yourself to face him and tell him what was going on. You were so worried that he would be mad, or that he would break up with you (which you were sure he would regardless), and every time you ignored him it only got worse. 

It was like the universe - everything -  knew that you needed to talk to him. 

Friday night had not come soon enough, and you were planning on doing nothing but eating pizza and watching old films at home by yourself. It was probably game or movie night at someone’s house, but you couldn’t force yourself to ask or even think about going right now. You wanted to wallow in your self-created misery and be sad for a little bit longer.

When the doorbell rang, you almost ran to the door to get the pizza, ready to eat your feelings while you watched sappy old movies. But when you opened the door, it most definitely was not pizza. Instead it was Steve, standing there with his hands in his pockets as he stared at the ground. 

“Steve,” his name still sounded better from your lips than it ever had from anyone else. It was golden, like the sweetest honey, despite the surprise it contained, “w-what are you doing here?”

“I think that’s pretty obvious,” he chuckled nervously as you worried your bottom lip, hand still on the door, “you ran out the other night crying and haven’t spoken to me since. I know you’ve been avoiding me and I just…I-I want to know what I did so I can fix it or help you or whatever you need, baby. I’m just worried about you and I needed to know you’re okay. I’ve been so worried about you.”

“Steve,” a few tears had already welled up and ran down your cheeks as you nodded. He reached up and gently wiped away your tears, “I’m sorry. It’s not you, you’re…fuck, you’re the perfect boyfriend and I’m just a mess. It’s not you, it’s never been you.”

“You’re not a mess,” he insisted softly as you shrugged him off, “can I come in? I think we should talk.”

“Are you sure you don’t just want to break up with me and get it over with?” it might have seemed like a joke, but you were more serious than not. He raised an eyebrow as he shook his head. 

“Why would I want to break up with you?” a bit of nervous laughter bubbled up, but he wasn’t giving in, “that’s the last thing on my mind, love. Can we just talk?”

“Yeah,” you agreed, relieved at his gentle words of reassurance, “come in.”

You opened the door so he could come in, but just before you could close the door, the actual pizza delivery person walked up. You felt like a fool as you shyly handed them the money and took the giant box. Closing the door, you quickly set it on the counter and turned back to Steve. He was standing in the living room, hands on his hips as he watched you. He looked so good that it almost made you forget anything was wrong; he was dressed in his wonderful gray sweatpants and his soft, yellow sweater that you loved stealing. He must really just have come over, unable to stand being away from you any longer. 

“H-hungry?”

“Not yet,” he said softly, holding his hand out to you. You nodded, putting your hand into his. Despite the fact that you were so nervous about talking to him, he also made you feel so comfortable and protected. Before he could say anything else, he pulled into his arm for a tight hug. You melted into his touch without even thinking about it, “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too, “ you buried your face into his chest, breathing in his warm, familiar scent, “I’m sorry for just running out on you like that.”

“‘s okay,” you could feel some of the tension leave his shoulders as he kissed the side of your head. After a few moments, he let go of you and gently moved the two of you to sit on the couch. 

You studied him silently, admiring every little freckle on his soft, warm skin, every little imperfection that you’d fallen in love with. Unable to stop yourself, you gently ruffled his hair, “you’re so pretty, Stevie.”

“You’re really fucking pretty too,” he grinned softly, “but that can wait until later. Can you please tell me what’s been going on?”

“Yeah,” you inhaled deeply before nodding at him, “I really, really like you. I-I think I’ve fallen in love with you. I mean…I know I have. And that’s both so wonderful and so fucking terrifying at the same time. And I know…you’re never pressured me to do anything, so please don’t think this is so on you. But I…I’m just nervous because I’ve never…I…I haven’t had sex before. And I want to, with you, I really do. But every time we get closer and closer to actually having sex, I just panic and get nervous and talk myself out of it. And…I worry about you. I’m worried that you won’t want me anymore if I keep making you wait, or maybe you don’t even want…a virgin. And I feel so stupid for worrying about all of this and keeping it all in instead of just talking to you.”

“You think…you think that would make me want you less?” he looked surprised at your admission, but not upset or anything that you had been expecting, “why would it matter that you’re a virgin? It doesn’t matter at all, and I don’t care if you want to take things slow. If you’re not ready or comfortable with doing something, we won’t do it. It’s totally okay to take things at a slower pace, love.”

“What if…you get tired of waiting?” your question was serious but he shook his head, a confident look on his face.

“I’m not going to get tired,” he promised gently, “the best things in life are worth waiting for. And you have been the best thing in my life.”

“You’re such a sappy romantic,” you laughed, wiping away the nervous, anxious tears that had bubbled up, “but I love that about you. Among so many other things.” 

“Yeah?” a light pink flush had welled up in his cheeks as you leaned in and kissed him quickly, “but baby, I mean it. I don’t care about any of that. We’ll take it slow - I want it to be as good as possible for you. I want to make you feel good, but only when you’re ready and what you’re comfortable with, okay? If you ever need me to stop or you don’t like something, you just have to tell me. That’s all…when we have sex, we’ll both be ready for it.”

“What about your n-”

“Listen, this is going to sound like I’m just a total douche,” he closed his eyes and exhaled nervously, “but I can…ugh...take care of myself in the meantime, you know? And that will never include anyone but you. I mean it - I’m…I’m all in for you, baby.”

“Yeah?” you were smiling, the knot in your stomach easing and some of the weight off your shoulders. He lightly trailed his fingers along your jaw before nodding, “I just…why me? You could have any girl, but you picked me.”

“I don’t want anyone else,” he insisted, “I only want you. I’ve…fallen in love with you too. I have been for a long time, even before I realized my feelings for you were more than friendly. I love you, angel. To me, you’re fuckin’ perfect and I wouldn’t change a thing. I mean, I should be asking you why me.”

“Stevie…to me, you’re perfect,” you threw his sweet words right back at him, which only caused him to grin from ear to ear, “really. You are just…everything I could have ever dreamed of. But are you-”

“Yes,” he cut off your anxious rambling by gently pressing his lips to yours, “I am positive about you.”

“You’re going to make me fall in love with you all over again,” you sighed wistfully, “can I ask you for something now?”

“Anything.”

“Will you kiss me?” your voice was barely above a whisper but he heard you loud and clear, “I-I don’t know if I’m ready for anything more tonight, but I really do want you. I want to be close to you.”

“When you’re ready, I’ll be ready,” his large hand gently cupped the back of your neck as he pulled you into him and kissed slowly and softly, “I love you.”

“I love you too, Steve Harrington.”

#steve harrington #steve harrington x you #steve harrington x reader #steve harrington x fem!reader #joe keery #joe keery x you #joe keery x reader #st

[rowanaelinn]

Happiness - Chapter Two

Happy Birthday @backtobl4ck !!! I rushed this one, but I know you were excited for it so I wanted to post it today for you! I hope you are having a great day!

Warnings: PTSD | Word Count: 3,400

As a hand brushed his shoulder, hope bloomed in his chest. He’d been standing here for more than an hour now, but it was alright. She was here now. He could work past the humiliation of talking everyone’s ears off about his wife for months now just for her to come out late, but only for her beautiful eyes. She’d just been late, exactly what he’d thought. Traffic could be awful at this time of the day. 

He broke the tense stance and turned around with his lips tipping up. He couldn’t wait to sweep her in his arms. Yes, there’d be a conversation to have later. About his departure, about their fights, and all the calls he’d left unanswered during his time away but… For now, he just wanted to breathe her in. 

Yet, he was only left with cold disappointment as he saw Fenrys’ mother there. There was a kind smile on her lips, the one she used to have on her face whenever she had to announce him his parents had forgotten to pick him up when he was a kid. He looked around, but at the exception of Fenrys and Connall, nobody else was there. Everyone had been tapped out already. 

“I’m sorry, honey,” the woman who used to take care of him as a kid said.

He wished he could tell her something, that he wasn’t so awkward with people that he could touch her shoulder or lie to her and say that it was okay. Instead, he managed to give her an uncomfortable shrug before turning toward Fenrys. They’d grown up together, went to school together and enrolled in the military together. Even if he pissed off Rowan to no end most of the time, he was still grateful for his friend. “Did she call you?” 

Out of all his friends, Aelin got along the best with the twins. She had that weird relationship with Fenrys that made him want to punch the guy in the face most of the time he was near his wife, and he also knew that Connall and Aelin supported each other whenever he and Fenrys were deployed. 

He knew the answer before Fenrys shook his head. The man had his emotions written all over his face. “She isn’t answering. Maybe something’s wrong with her phone?” 

He had to shut down any reaction he could be feeling. He had to be practical about this situation. Analyzing. Factually, he knew where she was. But if he was correct, it would mean that this would be another problem. It means that down the road he’d find pain. He had enough of pain. 

He cleared his throat, chasing all tells of his emotions away. “I’ll take a taxi to the hospital, thank you.” Thank you for waiting, thank you for tapping him out so one of the officers wouldn’t have to do it. 

“Nonsense,” Connall said. “Fenrys will catch a ride with Mom, and I’ll drive you.” 

He thanked his friend with a nod, and in the car didn’t bother to try to hold a conversation. Connall wasn’t trying, anyway. He knew better than to ask a soldier how they felt so early after they came back from active shooting zone, and he also knew that whenever he and Aelin had… issues, he became even less talkative than he usually was. It was easy to be silent when with Connall. 

Connall waited in the parking lot when Rowan asked one of the receptionists to call for Aelin, which he was only allowed to do once he said he was her husband. He was glad there was some semblance of security for the staff of this hospital. He wasn’t naïve enough to think that these places were safe. Aelin would say that he was paranoid. 

He looked at posters when he felt her. He couldn’t explain it, knew that there was no scientific reasons as to why whenever she entered a room he felt it. He still did, and had from the first moment they met. He took a deep breath before turning around, and then he allowed himself to take her in. His wife. 

She’d changed. There was some fatigue on her face that hadn’t been there when he left, no matter how much she threw herself into work then. He couldn’t help but wonder when her last full night of sleep had been. 

She seemed… surprised when she saw him. Surprised, conflicted. Happiness wasn’t the main trait on her features now, and he knew it was the same for him. He couldn’t blame her for that. 

When she hugged him, wrapping her arms around him, he wanted to leave. He didn’t want to have that conversation with her, but he’d missed her so fucking much that he still stuck around. At least it’d be time spent with her, even if it was just to argue.  

---

“We’re here,” Connall said, and when Rowan looked up, they were indeed parked in front of his house. They hadn’t chosen to live in a military house, instead buying one closer to Aelin’s work and back then, her university. They’d also wanted to avoid the nosiness that came with military towns. 

Rowan thought he’d enter the house alone, and maybe unpack. But Connall got out of the car and helped Rowan with his belongings, even if he could have done it alone. He told his friend so. 

Connall shrugged, “Don’t stay alone, offer me a beer.” 

That made him want to smile. 

The house was… cold. Not literally, as Aelin loved to live in warm spaces, but the feeling of entering. He thought he’d find stuff everywhere, knowing how messy his wife was. But no. The house was neatly clean. Not a single thing out of space. Her office had been organized with her messiness, showing how much time she spent there. But this house? It was as if no one had lived there in months. Yes, this house was cold. 

“You can just leave these here,” he told Connall, who listened and placed the bag just next to the staircase. 

He went into the kitchen, opened the fridge and was glad to find a few beers there. He liked his drinks cold, but Aelin hates beer and since she forgot about him coming… He didn’t think she’d have anything ready. But she did, and these were his favorites. 

Should that make him feel as conflicted as he’s feeling now? A simple beer in the fridge? 

He grabbed two and closed the door, but before he could walk to the living room where his friend was waiting, his attention was captured by the wall of pictures on his left. It had always been there, but there were a few new pictures. He walked there, wanting to see what he’d missed. 

Next to the one that had been taken at their wedding—a beautiful shot of Aelin and her cousin dancing together—was a new picture of her and Fenrys that must have been taken before their deployment. She was dressed in a pink sundress and had the man’s arm wrapped around her shoulder, the both of them grinning. He couldn’t pinpoint it, but there was something wrong with this picture. And it wasn’t Fenrys this time. He trusted his friend and his wife.

Under this one, another picture captured his attention. Was that at Aelin’s graduation last year? He’d been back home that day, but his superior had asked for his help to train new recruits, which means he’d been gone for two weeks. He wished he could have been there, although he hated how much she worked he knew how much she wanted that degree. He felt so proud of her, and wished he could have been there to celebrate but it wasn’t possible. No one can say no to Rowan’s bosses. 

But as he admired that picture of her, he had never seen, Aelin holding her degree and smiling for the cameras. No, she wasn’t smiling. That one was a little more obvious than the one picture before but… she was smirking. 

It was strange. Yes, he’d seen her make that face a few times over the years, but never when her face was supposed to be filled with happiness. Perhaps it was the biggest tell. Even louder than how she had stopped kissing him before bed two years ago, how she had stopped joining him downstairs after she woke up for coffee, instead choosing to stay hours in their room, always studying. It was even more telling than how she had slowly pulled back, always angling her body away from him. 

She wasn’t the same Aelin. She still looked the same, yes. But he barely saw the woman he married in that picture. There was no anger in him, though he had felt so much of it during his deployment. No, his emotions were… numb. How could she look the same and yet so different at the same time? 

He looked at another picture then, one taken at their wedding. It was the first picture they’d hung on that wall, and he hadn’t been able to keep his hands off her as they did that. Just as he was glued to her on that picture. She was wearing a short white dress she’d bought at the mall the same morning, and she was tucked right into his side. It didn’t stop him from staring at her, that smile that had felt so natural back then. She was smiling, too. So radiant that she must have blinded the entire room that night. 

But next to this picture was a new one taken when he came back from his last deployment. It wasn’t the same expressions. She still smiled, still looked at him but now, when he could compare, it was obvious the difference. She resented him. That wasn’t… wasn’t something he’d ever wanted to face. He’d been happy to ignore it, but how could he when it was so obvious? Did everyone who walked into the house saw it? Did any who ever saw them—

It was instinct that took over as the ringing in his ears appeared, at the way his body froze for half a second when the loud noise made itself heard. He went for his belt, only to not find his gun there. Goddamn it. How could he be in an active warzone and walk without his gun. He grabbed the first thing he saw: a knife. In the next second, he was in fighting stance, ready to kill or be killed. 

“Shit, man,” someone breathed on his left. The voice was familiar. He looked and saw Connall. 

Connall Moonbeam, a lawyer. Who had nothing to do with the military. He couldn’t be there.

And this room… this wasn’t a desert. It was his house, in Doranelle. 

He let the knife fall onto the floor, trying to regulate the shaking in his hands. They weren’t supposed to shake, had never before. 

What the fuck was that? 

“Rowan, you okay?”

He swallowed, looking around himself. The kitchen, he was in the kitchen. Not there.

“Yes,” he said, trying to sound convincing. He had to get away from here. “Con, can I spend the night at yours?” 

---

It was late when Aelin opened the door and was wrapped into the house warmth. Or perhaps it was early. She didn’t really know where the line stood, but she knew that she was picking as many hours in the hospital as possible. Even more so than before. 

What else should she be doing? 

Her plans were to pour herself an obscene amount of wine and watch some TV, and then hope to find some sleep. Not that she had been sleeping a lot lately. She particularly enjoyed the nights where she was so exhausted that she fell into a deep, dreamless sleep. 

But finding Rowan sitting on the couch hadn’t been in her plans. 

Her stopped in her movements as she saw him there, but quickly regained power over her limbs. She wouldn’t let him see her reactions. He looked up, eyes scanning her body as he always did when he saw her. Not in a lustful way, though it had happened, but more as a way to make sure she was safe. Probably something picked up from his entire love and devotion to the military. 

“Did you finally come back to your senses?” She asked coldly as she took off her coat, leaving her in her scrubs. 

“You’re home late.” 

She glared at him, making her way to the kitchen where she picked a glass and a bottle of her favorite wine. Then, she poured a little more than necessary. But no one was here to judge her for that. Oh, except… Yes, he followed her to the kitchen. 

“What are you doing here?” She asked, not even othering to spare him a glance as she took a long sip of her drink. She was too aware of him, so she knew when he settled against the kitchen island. 

“It’s my home.” 

She huffed a laugh then. “Is it, really?” 

“What is that supposed to mean?” He asked, tension in his voice. 

She braced herself on the cold marble of the kitchen island, then turned her head to look at him. “Well, I don’t know. You always look so eager to leave. First to sleep on bunk beds in the middle of the desert, then to spend a week the Gods know where just after you come back.” 

A muscle twitched in his jaw. “I have to leave for work, I don’t choose to leave so far. And I thought we needed space, until we could talk.” 

He chose to leave, though. His contract had ended at the end of his previous deployment, and he still re-enlisted. No matter how any times she begged him not to. That was his choice, not something that he was forced to do. 

“Where were you?” He was dressed in civilian clothes, but that didn’t mean he didn’t spend time at the closest military base. It was late, and he could have had time to change. The idea of him living there was funny. He’d be so close to everything he freaking loved, and twenty miles away from what he seemed to loath now. 

“Connall’s.”

She gritted her teeth. It bothered her more than she wished it did, that he spent time there. That was where she’d spent multiple nights during his and Fenrys’ deployment. He was a huge part of her support system, and he’s only texted her once in the last week. 

“Well, don’t let me stop you. I’m sure he’s waiting for you.” 

“I’m staying,” he stated, as if she wouldn’t question that. 

She snorted. “Yeah, for how long this time. An hour?”

“Until I find myself a new place. Until things are settled.”

She could feel the fire rise in her. He used to joke that the gold in her eyes turned into flames whenever she was angry, well if it was true, he was aware of how she felt now. She took another sip of wine. “I’m not sure she’d really appreciate it.” 

His brows furrowed. “She?” 

Aelin cocked her head to the side, taking a step in his direction. “Yes, she.” She swallowed another sip of alcohol. Why was she even brushing that subject, goddamn it? “You know, that woman you found in the Southern Continent.” Another step, but he didn’t move. “The one you’ve got to know. You fell for her. Who knows, you may have even fucked her,” she breathed, looking in his eyes. She took another step, not realizing how close she was. She was shaking, though. She didn’t know why. Maybe it was the fatigue, or maybe it was the disgust at the idea of him with someone else. “Or should I say the one you’re leaving me for. Does that ring a bell?”

Something shone in his eyes, before he dimmed it. “I didn’t meet anyone, and I don’t cheat.”

She snorted, “I don’t believe you.” But she wanted to, very much so. 

He took a step, breaking any sort of safe space Aelin had tried to keep. He had to look down to keep eye contact, and as a reflex, she tilted her head up. He was as punchable as he was lovable.

“You’re leaving me,” she breathed. It was settling in slowly, how he wanted out. When he mentioned it for the first time, she nearly laughed. Until she realized he was serious, that this was truly a wish of his. When this set in, it was as if a hole was being dug in her chest. A hole that kept getting bigger and bigger the most the thought about it, hence why she stayed at work longer. 

“Not for someone else,” he replied on the same tone. “I’d never do that.” 

“Just like you swore you’d never leave? Is that another of your promises?” They meant shit to her now. Nothing mattered because he was gone. Physically he was present, but emotionally? He found his way out. Using a backdoor she had contemplated using sometimes, but never found it in herself to really want it. 

He closed his eyes, breathing ragged. The warm, nearly burning, air hit her face at every respiration, but she didn’t push him away. She should, though. Shouldn’t she? They shouldn’t be allowed to be near, now. 

He wasn’t her Rowan anymore. It wasn’t just his idiotic wish to be separated but… He’d stopped being her Rowan years ago. She’d spent more time with a husband she resented than one she adored. 

“You don’t get to want a way you,” she sneered. “Not when I’m stuck here because of you. Not when I gave you everything.” 

He pulled away, then. Glaring. “Then accept. Let’s get divorced, so you can go back to your fancy Orynth.” 

Her lips parted. He wanted her gone. 

She had wanted to leave for years, to go back near her family. To where she had grown up. But she had made her home in Doranelle now. Had friends, her cousin had moved here. She refused to leave this nest she had created for him. 

She refused to be away for him, that was what she didn’t dare to admit to herself. 

She looked away for a second, but the pull to look at him was too strong. There was this pit in her chest, one that was filling with tears quickly. Tears that burned her eyes, making her bite the inside of her cheek until she could control the wobble of her lips. 

She couldn’t let him see her cry. 

Not when he was almost… a stranger. 

That was how she saw things. 

“You’re taking the spare room,” she said, because she knew that she had no way to tell him to not sleep here. 

She could ask him to leave, and he probably would. But she didn’t want to. She didn’t want to share a house with him, but she couldn’t throw him out either. 

She needed her own space, though. So, no, she couldn’t share a room with him. She refused.

There was something that flashed in his eyes, and she had an inkling on what it was. They had never called the spare room that way. Ever since they bought the house, that second bedroom had always been the Baby’s room. Where their child would sleep and play. But it never happened, and certainly would never happen now. 

Aelin had bought an adult sized bed and some furniture for the times her family from Orynth decided to visit. Her uncles were always welcome here, and she had wanted to make it has home-y as possible. 

He nodded. “Of course.” 

She could go back to her room now and break alone. But she stood there, watching him. He’d changed, was more guarded now. He had never been guarded with her, had always allowed her a door into his thoughts. She lost the key sometimes in the last few years, though. 

She shook her head, thinking of everything he’s throwing away. All the time she’d lost. Her voice was weak as she said, “I wish I had never met you.” 

••••••

@sheharahu // @morganofthewildfire // @thestoriesyoutell // @fromthelibraryofemilyj // @swankii-art-teacher // @itsforeverinnocent-blog // @becarefuloflove // @imnotsogoodatthis // @rowaelinismyotp // @a-court-of-milkandhoney y // @feysand-loml // @elentiyawhitethorn // @live-the-fangirl-life // @story-scribbler // @loves-books // @fangirlprincess09 // @theysayitscrazy // @danibutterr // @endlessdaydream // @thegreyj // @gracie-rosee // @acreativelydifferentlove // @cretaceous-therapod // @louphantomdragon // @mis-lil-red // @backtobl4ck // @whoever-you-choose-to-love // @lemonade-coolattas // @mad-madeline-ace // @the-introverted-bibliophile // @leiawritesstories // @emilyoftheshadows // @anniesbookshelf // @rainbowcheetah512 // @astra-ad-mare // @story-scribbler // @superspiritfestival // @wordsafterhours // @rowaelinrambling // @black-daisy-water // @fireheart-violet // @livsdriverslicense // @charlizeed // @ladykreads // @mariamuses // @autumnbabylon // @justreadertings // @highqueenofelfhame // @earthtolinds // @bowdawn // @psychopath-at-heart // @ginnyweasley06 // @cookiemonsterwholovesbooks

#happiness #rowaelin #rowan whitethorn #rowaelin fanfiction #rowan x aelin #throne of glass fanfiction #rowan and aelin #aelin of the wildfire #aelin galythinius #tog fandom #tog fanfic #throne of glass

[bicheetopuff]

This chapter has been bugging the shit out of me so I’m gonna rant about it here cuz that’s exactly what this account is for.

1) I feel like it would’ve been a lot more humane if they used Eri’s quirk after the war. It would’ve been interesting to see deku struggle for a few weeks or months while Eri trains to be able to rewind more precisely so that she can be helpful like she wants without mutilating herself. If you’re gonna use a child for nothing more than furthering plot, at least do it in a way that respects her. I get that she wants to be all heroic but cutting off a piece of yourself to save someone shouldn’t be celebrated so quickly. It reminds me back in October when edgeshot came out of Katsuki and all he got was a “thanks senpai.” Using side characters as pawns gets really old really fast.

2) same sentiment with the whole shiragiri thing. The impact this character has had Aizawa as one of the main characters, shouldn’t just be brushed over like it was. It felt like a “hey bro, nice to see you again, mind helping us out?” And then that’s it… there’s no “I’m glad you’re still kind of you” or anything. I hope they go back over that after the war and show more actual emotion.

3) I don’t like the fact that some of class a is showing up so soon. Not so soon but like… idk.

The whole war has been progressively getting more serious and dark and to be suddenly hit with “yeah sorry for that jumpscare of losing your arms like 30 seconds ago, have them back. Also here’s some of your injured classmates cuz ‘their bodies moved on their own’! Callbacks, right?”

Idk if I’m just judging too soon but I really hope this doesn’t turn into a “power of friendship” situation. This needs to be an ‘all or nothing’ thing for it to make sense. If Shoji and Koda are fighting AFO now, spinner should be on mt Fuji too. Having just class a fight AFO feels so cheap and basic and Hori has proved that he’s not a basic bitch so I’m hoping if all of class a shows up, all of their respective villains show up too. If Todoroki shows up, Endeavor and Dabi need to be there too. If Uraraka shows up, Tsu and Toga should be there too.

Taking the attention off the side characters own arcs to support the mc without conclusions or at least updates to their own stories is literally just bad writing and I hope it doesn’t end up like that. Like I said, I think I’m just judging too soon so hopefully this doesn’t go in the direction I feel like it’s going. So far it’s having an Avengers: Endgame esc feel but it feels it’s heading in the direction of everyone vs just Thanos instead of everyone vs Thanos’ brainwashed followers.

Idk if this post made sense, I’m at a nail salon so I’m typing fast and honestly I’m just upset about how disappointing this chapter was so this really was just an incoherent rant.

#bnha #bnha spoilers #bnha manga leaks #bnha 420 #mha 420 #puff speaks #the Eri thing didn’t bother me at first but when I read translations it started to piss me off a bit #bless her heart but you’re telling me someone HELPED her mutaikaye herself?? #someone who was supposed to be watching her and keeping her safe? #that’s crazy #also taking Deku’s arms for a chapter while keeping katsuki DEAD for nearly 50 is INSANE #my hero academia #boku no hero academia

[jokeringcutio]

Arthur Harrow x Assassin Reader Drabble

Prompt Fill: You are an assassin hired to end Arthur Harrow's life. But his lentil soup changes things. (Dark but decent version) Fandom: Moon Knight TV Pairing: Arthur Harrow x (AFAB) reader Rating: Teen Warnings: Assassin AU, poison, reference to non-con drug use. For @nicktremblaywayfu

Drabble: Assassin and Arthur Harrow

The bottle up your sleeve felt hot and cold at the same time. A mixture of feelings, as if it were burning through your clothes. As if everyone could see that you had it hidden there, cap ready to be popped.

But not yet. You waited patiently for your target to arrive. Around you, others said at the table, making pleasant conversation. You were blending in perfectly, dressed in plain clothes. An ordinary disguise for a not so ordinary assassin.

You could have chosen many way to terminate the life if this particular man. Swifter ways, perhaps even less painful ways. A gun to the head or a knife to the heart. Instead, you had chosen to stay under the radar and use a poison that would be hard to trace. All you needed to do was slip it into his drink. Or his soup, you mused.

You knew the leader of this particular cult usually sat to eat with his peers as a sort of bonding process. He was usually quite reserved and would sit in his private chambers for hours, hardly letting anyone near except a chosen few whom he trusted. Poisoning him seemed to be the least hard of all the options you had at hand, and the least messy as well.

Nervously, you waited for his arrival. The girl to your right kept chatting to you about all the things she wanted to see changed in this world. And wasn’t that ironic? You smiled politely at her, did your best to appear at your most charming. You knew no one noticed the tenseness of your muscles or the way you expertly schooled your expressions. You’d never been caught before and today wouldn’t be any different.

Finally, the man you had been tasked to assassinate appeared. He was followed by a handful of men and women, all eager to brush their hands past his shoulders and chest like he was some kind of messiah. You looked at them with contempt and bit your cheek. Why were you feeling all hot and bothered inside at seeing how others touched him? It must be because you could tell he took delight in it, right? That he was used to being revered as some sort of God. You wondered if he thought of himself as so, or if he truly believed he was just the messenger, tasked to speak for his Goddess?

It didn’t matter. After tonight, he would be gone.

Arthur Harrow did not have his own spot at a table. Rather, he liked to sit somewhere different each night, following a pattern around the room. And if you had not been mistaken, he would be seated at your table tonight. He did not disappoint, for he came over to where you were, footsteps slowly crunching.

You had prepared a plan to distract him. And you would use the girls by your side to enact it – they were unknowing of how you would lure them into doing the thing you needed them to do, of course. It would make tracing you down as the culprit that much harder – if the cult ever decided to treat Arthur’s demise as suspicious instead of natural.

You had to suppress a smirk at the thought of how you were going to get away with it. But it was in that exact moment that Arthur’s eyes met yours, and you felt as if he could look into your soul. Your smirk had gone, like snow in the burning hot sun. Was he onto you?

“I think, I’ll sit next to you,” was all he said, then waited for the girl next to you to scoot aside. It was clear which spot he indicated. It was on the same bench you were seated on, exactly next to you.

Shit, this ruined your plans. You had not expected for him to sit next to you. Somehow, that scenario had been off the table, because why would he pick a seat next to you when they had already been taken? You had to recalculate. The upside of it all was that it would be easier to slip the potion into his food like this. He was seated at the right side, at the right sleeve. And the potion would not take effect till at least a few hours later. You could get away with it. By the time suspicions were roused, you’d be long gone, back on the plane home.

The girl next to you scooted aside to make room for her leader. She looked up at him with lovey-dovey eyes, like most of the younger women here, you thought. And even some of the men.

Arthur had his charm, certainly. Yet you were determined not to let him work his magic on you. You flexed your fingers and waited with baited breath for the man to take his seat by your side. You instantly felt the warmth radiating from his body, and picked up his earthy scent of herbs and spices that enveloped you along with his presence. Everything about him was enchanting. You would almost believe that a Goddess truly existed and had claimed the man as her own. He was like magic himself.

“So,” he said, and turned at you smiling. “Have you tasted the soup?”

He gestured with his hand at the plate in front of you. The watery substance didn’t look very alluring, but it was highly recommended to you by the chefs. Of course, you had taken it, not to break character. You forced a smile and looked up at him until the two of you locked eyes.

He knew.

You didn’t know how you could tell, but there was a certain glint to his eyes that told you he was aware of what you came here to do. That you had come here solely with the purpose to annihilate him. And that you would do it by poisoning his food. Soup was the perfect medium for it. A liquid that he would devour enough from. He always finished his plate.

“I,” you hesitated, not able to conceal you had not taken a single taste of it. Then you shook your head.

“Pity,” he murmured, voice low while he bend his head closer to yours. “I’ll tell you a little secret,” and then he whispered, for the others not to hear, “I made it myself.”

You felt the stir around you, noticed how the other young men and women at the table grew restless at seeing their leader confide in you in hushed tones. There was a certain jealousy radiating off them. Especially the girl to Arthur’s right, the one who had to scoot aside and had been happy to be seated next to him, at first. She seemed angry now that his attention was on you fully. So his charm worked, you thought amused. He has them all in his palm, but could lose them just as easily by making the wrong move.

“Try it,” he urged you. And unable to break your disguise, to give away anything that might prove his suspicions to be true, you slowly picked up your spoon and sipped from the soup.

It tasted… nice.

Good even. Heavenly. You had not thought that such a plain looking soup could contain so much flavor. And you eagerly started to lap it all up.

“What kind of soup is it?” you asked after a few more hasty sips. Your eyes found his again and you could not but notice the small smile that played on his lips as he slowly started to eat from his.

“Lentil soup,” he answered, truthfully. “I am a vegan, but that doesn’t mean I have no taste.”

And indeed, the soup was heavenly. You sat there, hip against hip, while the two of you sipped from your soup in silence. Arthur radiated a warmth that made his presence undeniable. Suddenly, a weight plummeted in your stomach. It was the realization that you had been paid to come here and to murder this man. This hidden five-starred homemade chef.

“They say that the way to a woman's heart is through her stomach,” you murmured, catching Arthur’s attention fully. He tilted his head and looked at you from the corners of his eyes.

“Is that so?” he murmured.

You smiled. “It appears that you will have no trouble in finding yourself a bedmate, Mister Harrow.” Something in his eyes glinted, as if you had unearthed some kind of hidden secret there.

Your retort had given you away though. The expressions of the others at the table should have been a clue as they looked at you in shock. No one called Arthur by his surname except for his enemies. And what you had just done, was betray your identity without you even knowing it. Perhaps you could blame the soup. It was making you drowsy.

“It seems you’re tired,” Arthur whispered near your ear, then turned to the men and women by his side. “Bring her up to my room. I think she could use a laydown.”

Then he was above you again as he made you lie against his chest, vision spinning, head dozy. "Lay her upon my bed," you wondered if you truly heard him say that. Everything had started to spin and sounds became dull. It all was happening so fast. You could just make out his eyes, burning as they looked down upon you, and feel how his fingers slipped inside of your sleeve, taking the vial out between the tips of his fingers. For a moment you feared it had gone, that he had somehow used your own potion on you. But you knew it shouldn’t have worked that fast.

It was a relief to see all the contents were still inside, and to see how Arthur tucked it inside of his own pocket with a slight hum. Then his hair fell around his face again, the imitation of a halo of an angel.

“I had not heard that expression before,” he murmured only for you to hear, his hands gently on the sides of your face. “The way to a woman’s heart seems to be through her stomach indeed. And I promise you, I will cook my homemade soup for you every day after this, if you promise to stay with me.”

Your vision blurred, and with that promise, your consciousness was gone.

AN: Sorry, it became dark again. Ugh. I can’t help it… I have been feeling under the weather even more lately. Can’t wait for tomorrow, new hospital visit, hopefully they’ll find something.

Anyhow. I suppose Arthur became aware of the reader’s intentions and drugged her before she had the chance to poison him. I imagine she wakes up on his bed afterwards and gets a good thorough fucking to be put in her place. I’ll probably try my hand at a fill for this prompt again as it is too good and has so many possibilities <3

#Arthur Harrow x Reader #Assassin Reader #Arthur Harrow x you #arthur harrow drabble #prompt fill #moon knight prompt fill #moon knight #villain x reader #older man x reader #implied x reader #dark romance #dark version

[zeglythofficial]

According to R herself and from what we've seen so far:

R and T got along really well instantaneously.

He came for her whenever she needed him (which speaks volumes because it says so much about trust foundations. He must've offered her a lot of support. It speaks volumes that she felt that she could go to him, because R comes across at insecure and she might have been afraid of becoming a hindrance to him and that he'd be annoyed or find her needy. The fact that with time she felt safe and comfortable enough with him says a lot.

T already seems to understand R better than her own bf. He can read her demeanor enough to know when she's being serious or when she's upset and cares enough to show support. Whether or not your friend is right and it's because it has some kind of ulterior motive I don't know, but he's done more for her in a few months than T has in years.

R wanting to touch T and being upset that she couldn't. A part of it is due to how mentally taxing it must've been to shoot the movie, but it was almost as if she needed him for comfort. What I didn't understand was if it was at the same time of Sejanus' death or not.

T actually listens to her, engages with her and pays attention to her when she speaks. He's constantly complimenting her and checking her out.

I do agree that he acted petty during the Kiss interview when he talked about the notes from J. R thought she was special but turns out it's a common thing he does for everyone. The fact J doesn't do this one singular thing that is just hers is yikes.

Sometimes is like whatever it is they feel gets in the way and they do stuff to rile each other up. More T than R but still

At some level, whether unconsciously or not, it's almost like T is showing R what kind of partner he is/can be.

Signed - PA

This is a great summary! Thank you!

I agree. R is probably constantly worried that her mental health will be a burden to others and holds back often. So it’s refreshing having someone who doesn’t brush her off and offers supports.

Yes, T knows when to be playfully or serious. He allows her to lead the way with her emotions and reacts to her accordingly.

Physical touch is definitely her love language and uses it for reassurance and comfort. T seems to provide comfort that way too.

I have noticed that too! R can sometimes be awkward and say something cringy (it happens to all of us!) and J is silent / ignores her while T responds so she doesn’t feel bad / left out.

T definitely was being petty during the KISS interview. One because she didn’t give a real response to the kiss question and he was disappointed. Two because she brought up J sending her the love notes and T quickly said he received them too. Third, towards the end of the interview, T was petty again by reminding R that J said he wouldn’t save her in the apocalypse and laughed. She got super defense about it, corrected him saying J didn’t say that but he said she would hold him back. T smugly said “oh wow” knowing R was bothered by it lol. Love that he said he would need a singer and a hug so R would be needed after the world ended.

T loves riling up her up especially if J is involved. It’s like he can’t help himself.

And you’re so right! T is showing her what kind of boyfriend he would be. Also in the KISS interview, R mentioned that she’s the kind of girlfriend to talk and ask questions about everything and he looked very intrigued by that. And that’s when he got petty and mentioned J said he wouldn’t save her in the apocalypse smugly. He’s very cunning (in a good way!)

#my answers #zeglyth

[therealgchu]

WIP Wednesday

i'm going to publish chapter 3 of Seven Days on friday, but i wanted to put up a snippet of a story i've been working on for WIP wednesday. it's a call-back to a thing sam said to hwa about bringing his crush home when he was 15.

i've been kind of working on it off and on for a couple weeks. it's been fun to remember how i used to talk and think when i was 15. the story will simply be called Crush.

Anamnesis is up on ao3.

Some of my other stuff is on ao3 as well.

and tagging the coemancer crew, as always.

making with the snippets!

 It was the first day of school, and they were all sitting in homeroom waiting for class to start. Sam was sitting in the back, trying to keep his head down, but look cool and disaffected at the same time. Jacob called it his “slacker” look, when he bothered to notice Sam at all.  The door burst open, and a tall, lean boy walked in. Well, more like swaggered in, the kind of cool collectedness that Sam tried to convey, but felt he always failed at. This boy, though, with his black hair falling down in front of his face, and cool blue eyes that seemed to sneer at the entire class, was something else. He was probably the most beautiful boy he’d ever seen.

His girlfriend moved away at the end of the school year last year. Well, go call her his “girlfriend” would be charitable, as they went out on a couple dates, just walking around the city. The whole time he couldn’t get up the courage to even kiss her. Then her family moved off-world. Fucking broke his heart.

For the moment, he forgot about the girl, what was her name again? Anyway, this boy, though, with his ice blue eyes glowered at the room. He eyed Sam and the empty desk next to him, and stomped over, sat down, legs spread wide, and arms crossed. He turned to Sam, “Yo.”

Sam brushed his sandy blond hair out of his eyes, and with barely a glance at the other guy, replied back, “Yo,” in the same tone. Yeah, that came across pretty good, he thought. His voice had started changing last year, and he hoped it wouldn’t crack. He’d spent much of the summer not talking a lot since most of his buddies were off-world, and the only other person around was Jacob. And the only time Jacob talked to him was to tell him how disappointed he was.

 The boy looked Sam up and down, “Joe,” he said, and nodded.

 Sam returned the nod in kind, “Sam,” he said, and slid further down into his chair.

 “So, what’s this school like? Teacher ok?” Joe asked.

 Sam shrugged insouciantly, “Dunno. Never had her. But probably will suck like everyone else.”

 Joe nodded, “Yeah, probably.”

 The bell rang, and the teacher walked in, a younger woman, pretty with nut-brown hair and hazel eyes. Joe whistled appreciatively.

 “That’s enough,” she admonished. “I’m Ms. Turner, and welcome to your sophomore year at Akila High. First order of business is roll call,” and she proceeded to read the class names.

 Sam wanted to get the hell out before she got to him. It always caused a scene, though a lot of the kids in the class already knew him. But, he didn’t know how Joe would react, and didn’t want to see. He busied himself with picking at his hands, ignoring the teacher as best as he could.

#starfield #sam coe #fanfic #fanfiction #starfield au #the coemancer crew #coemancers #anamnesis #starfield fanfiction #oc #starfield oc #wip wednesday #wip fanfiction #fluff

[astralnino]

masquerade magic (a ken x reader fanfic)

~ ~ ~ ~

2 months, 19 days, 4 hours.

This was for how long Barbie was missing. initially, everyone gave their all in trying to find a stereotypical Barbie, but eventually, they stopped caring. All the Kens, barbies, Allan, and Midge had given up. They held a memorial for her after countless search parties, troops and squads had been sent out. They all gave up hope. all, but Ken.

Ken tirelessly looked for her, even after the others stopped. He went to their favorite place by the sea, her house, the courthouse, and all the shops she visited.. But to no luck. He resorted to punishing himself by not eating, sleeping, or going to the beach for leisure. his life was miserable, and he was waiting for his sweet Barbie to come along and make everything okay. But after 2 months, 19 days, and 4 hours, his resolve slowly crumbled under peer pressure. Everyone told him to forget her and find someone new, and pointed out the severe tolls it was taking on him. He was the husk of a person he once was. he started questioning everything he had done so far, and then, in the spur of the moment, gave it all up. He developed habits to forget the thought of his sweetheart. He drank, started boxing and quit his job. He made money by serving drinks in the 'Pretty in Pink Club', located at the end of 7th Ave. He stopped smiling and joking around, dyed his hair black, and decided he was done with everything- love, friends, and happiness.. but fate had something else planned.

You slowly got out of bed, rubbing your sore (e/c) eyes. You stumble into your slippers and down the stairs. Brushing your teeth, you glance at your phone, opening the health tracker app. No heartbeat, normal hydration levels, and no blood sugar, perfect, but your sleep.. You barely slept for 3 hours last night. You roll your eyes and turn it off. You were going through a break-up.. Well it happened 3 weeks ago, but you were slowly trying to re-adapt and live life normally once again. Allan was a lovely chapter in your life, but when all's said and done, you weren't right for each other... or so he said. When you caught him cheating on you with Midge, you were heartbroken, but you felt that it was to be expected. They were one of a kind, made-for-each other even.

You look at your calendar, expecting nothing to be there, but you notice a reminder for a masquerade party- shit. It was organized by Allan, who begged you to come, and you're considering it now- even after you parted ways. You were tired of hiding and slowly missing out on parties and socialization, so after some contemplation and a few more minutes of brushing, you decide to go.

A few hours before the party, you pick out a Black Satin Dress with ruffles and fishnet stockings with matching gloves, you weren't feeling very pink at all. You go to the antique store and grab a beautiful retro black and white eye mask. You pay for it and go home, and work on your makeup and you get ready.

On the other side of town, Ken hears from Allan that there's a masquerade party happening where he works. He talks to Allan about the preparations, and Allan, knowing what Ken was going through, gives him a day off and invites him to the party. Ken didn't want to go, but he reluctantly accepts after being cajoled by Allen and the homeboys. He goes home, stumbles through piles of papers and used clothes, and opens his closet. He looks through all his clothes and finds an elusive Grey Suit with a Black bow tie hiding in the corner of brightly colored chaos. It will do, he thought, as he went to shower and get ready for another disappointing night, or so he thought.

2 hours later, you arrive at the ball, fashionable AND fashionably late. You stand out like a black rose in a field of lavender flowers, and that made you feel weird and out of place. You sigh.

Taking a deep breath, you remind yourself of the promise you made to reclaim your life, regardless of the oddity you may feel in this sea of masks and extravagant dresses. Straightening your posture, you embrace the elegance of your outfit and enter the grand hall.

As you wander through the crowd, the sound of laughter and music fills the air, but your heart still feels heavy. Amidst the festive atmosphere, you can't help but wonder if you'll ever find someone who truly understands and appreciates you.

Lost in your thoughts, you accidentally bump into a tall, dark-haired man wearing a grey suit. Your eyes meet, and for a moment, time seems to freeze. It's Ken, looking just as out of place as you feel.

"I'm so sorry," you stammer, feeling the blush creeping up your cheeks.

"No worries. I should have been more careful," Ken replies with a faint smile, his eyes betraying a hint of sadness.

You find yourself captivated by his sincerity and warmth, making you forget the unease you felt earlier. Your conversation flows naturally, as if you've known each other for ages.

Amidst the masquerade's enchanting atmosphere, Ken opens up about his search for someone he lost, and you can't help but empathize with his pain.

"I understand what it's like to miss someone deeply," you whisper, touched by his vulnerability.

In that moment, the world around you fades, leaving only the two of you, connected by shared experiences of heartbreak and resilience.

As the night progresses, the bond between you and Ken grows stronger, feeling like a comforting embrace that chases away the shadows of the past.

The music slows down, and Ken offers his hand, inviting you to dance. Without hesitation, you accept, feeling a sense of tranquility in his presence.

In the embrace of the dance, the worries of the world seem distant, and for the first time in a long while, you allow yourself to feel alive.

As the night draws to a close, Ken leans in closer, his eyes locking onto yours. Time seems to stand still, and in that moment, you both realize that fate has woven your paths together for a reason.

With a gentle smile, he removes his mask, revealing the vulnerability in his eyes. "I'm glad I found you tonight," he whispers, his voice barely audible over the soft music.

In that moment, you know that you've found a kindred spirit, someone who understands the pain you've endured and the hope you still hold.

As you step outside into the cool night air, Ken takes your hand, and together, you walk towards the horizon, where new beginnings await— two souls no longer lost but found in each other's company.

#ken #barbie #kenxreader #xreader #fanfic #fluff #ryan gosling #ryangoslingken #ryan gosling ken #fanfic x reader

[sublimecatgalaxy]

Hihi I just read the request I made and I loved it 💕 I was wondering if I could request another one with Elliot but with Prompts 13, 16 and 17? I need full angst with happy ending pls :)) I’m so happy since I rarely see any new Elliot fics ☺️ thanks for having a whole euphoria theme night

I've got you honey, sorry this is a day late, I just got really tired last night❤️ I hope you enjoy!! Send me Elliot requests anytime you'd like!

There have only been a few times where I really wondered if Elliot and I would actually be together and if our relationship was the best for either of us. I wondered, with his past with addiction, and with the people he's surrounding himself with, if our relationship would flourish in the environment he's brought me into.

The first time I wondered if Jules and Rue would be a problem was on my birthday, last year, right after Elliot and I started seeing each other.

"No guys, I promise- she's super chill and totally dope." I can hear Elliot in the other room, talking to the two girls as they grill him about me, his 'mysterious new girlfriend'. I know that they've been friends for a while now, creating a sort of three musketeers group dynamic. But I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't nervous to meet the other women in his life. But if he keeps talking about me like that, maybe it'll ease the tension a bit and calm a bit of my anxiety.

"I saw a picture of her on instagram- did a little digging." Jules sighs and I can hear the sassy grin in her voice. "She's got nice tits but she kind of looks like an airhead."

Ouch.

I curse to myself, looking down the flight of stairs and contemplating just leaving as I lower my hand from Elliot's door, all of a sudden feeling completely and utterly embarrassed and self conscious.

I ended up yelling at him later, asking him how he could let them say that about me and not stand up for me but his argument was that he was too shocked to hear her say something like that and he laughed out of pure awkwardness.

We had come to the agreement that she was definitely jealous and harboring some sort of weird crush towards Elliot, even though she was in a 'committed' relationship with Rue.

Poor girl.

The second time I knew that Jules would be a problem, not so much Rue, was when I walked in on the two of them smoking, laying beside each other on his bed with dopey smiles after he had told me that he was going to be busy all day.

"I thought you said you were busy?" I ask, stopping in the threshold of the door as Elliot looks down at me with wide, nervous eyes, but Jules just looks proud, a sly smirk spreading across her lips as she takes another hit off the joint.

"Yeah, he is." She giggles, reaching out to whack the back of Elliot's head but he just looks like he's seen a ghost, lips parted in quiet shock.

"I'm sorry. I just wanted to hang out and chill and not go anywhere." I scoff at his sorry excuse, my shoulders dropping in disappointment and a pained laugh leaves me.

"You're just an asshole, Elliot." I whimper, brushing away my tears before they can fall to far. "You've always pushed people away. I just never thought you'd do it to me." He stands, his eyes riddled with a fearful expression as he ignores Jules' giggles and reaches desperately out to me. "How many times am I supposed to forgive you?"

He promised me that he just felt overwhelmed and that he wasn't ready for the relationship that we were developing so we decided to take a step back and take a break.

And it helped, it did. It helped him realize how much he wants to be with and I'm just happy that something made him realize how much he needs me.

Along with his realization that he's madly in love with me, he also realized that Jules and Rue were maybe not the best of friends and, the time that he was spending with them, he could be spending with me instead.

From there, our relationship improved.

Aka, the problem was definitely him. -o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o- Taglist: @bubblebuttwade @rafelover2405 @leslienjazzy @sorceresss @grxnde-dwt @alex–awesome–22 @bunnietoof @niyamar1e @serialghost @plantlungs @geniusohn @akaliltimmytim @lilaalouuxx @xshariex @elliotsbeigeguitar @elle4404 @lelieja @srhxpci @joselyn001 @taysirene @spinkspanther @thedivineuphoria @peter-maximoffs @tsukishimawhore @poohkie90 @szlaco @distantsighs @nstyles4299 @wolflover384 @givemefoodandlovesstuff @vane28282 @yeswhatever33 @amirrahfranson @vvaalleennttiinna @f-mu @yaspillz @jeyramarie @skylievin@abbybarnes17 @jointherebellion215 @visiondaddy @steezysimfinds @its-ya-gay-boi-luigi @crunchytoenailsyum@glizzymcguirex @beth123lg @melovesmut @rafecameronswhore @ariianelle @write-from-the heart @vampviolets@haylee-e @honee-chai-tea @lokiandbuckywife

@officiallyunofficialperson@heyaitsklaudia@rosepetalsparks @bluetreecloud20 @scenesofobx @double-shot-of-tequila @1dluver13xx @colbysbrocks @iamasimpingh0e @loveshineslikethesky @id-3-kbro @diorsitgirl @errorfound101-allideasburnedout @neverwillknowme18 @ellyskey @taylors-folk @loversjoy @myaloveee @thyris-is @lagataprrr @aaaaslaaaan @witxhy-lexx @minjix @luvroseee @tee-swizzle @savageneversaw @admiringlove @hysteriahall @piceous21 @starlightandfairies @igotmajordaddyissues @drewstarkey-wife1 @manyfandomsfanvergent

#elliot #elliot euphoria #elliot x reader #elliot euphoria x reader #euphoria #euphoria hbo #euphoria fic

[zuluoscarecho]

like a slow fire burn

AN: Episode 2x21 Coda. Set between the end of 2x21 when Zoe invites Wade in and the start of 2x22 when they wake up the next morning and George shows up. I actually tried to give this feelings but also it's smutty so there's only so many feelings but Wade is in love with Zoe so…

Also on AO3

Even as he hung his tool belt over the post he knew following her into her carriage house was a bad idea. Sure, the next few hours would be fantastic but she’d feel worse in the morning, and he would too for being close to her for a few hours and knowing it wouldn’t last.

But he could never deny her anything, he’d do anything she asked and he’d take what he could get from her even knowing he’d never get her back after what he did, no matter how hard he tried.

He paused for a second once they were inside to take her in, she looked kind of miserable but was still the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. She dropped the blanket from around her shoulders and stood there waiting.

He was kicking himself but he had to ask, he wouldn't be able to live with himself if he didn't. "Zoe…I hate to ask but are you sure about this?"

She huffed putting her hands on her hips in a move he knew well. "Yes, Wade, I am a grown ass woman, I can have a night of hot but meaningless sex if I want to and I know you can too so let's do this."

He paused again, questioning whether he could have meaningless sex with her or whether he could ever deny himself the chance of being with her again, even just for tonight.

"Wade!"

He blinked, kicking himself for wasting time when he could finally be touching her again. He pulled her against him and kissed her hard. He’d forgotten, maybe out of some misguided attempt at not missing her so much but he never wanted to forget again how good it felt. How she made him feel on top of the world just because she let him kiss her.

It'd been so long and she felt so good against him, smooth skin and soft hair and the little moans he swallowed with his mouth against hers.

He still couldn’t get over how small she was compared to him, how fragile it made her seem even though he knew she was anything but. She was fire and determination and lord was she stubborn, always convinced she knew better than anyone about everything. 

The palm of his hand fell to her lower back to pull her tight against him while he kissed her. He savoured every second, exploring her mouth, relearning what it was like to kiss her. It was better than he remembered, the feel of her pressed against him, the heat of her mouth, the little panted breaths that escaped her.

Zoe tugged at the zipper on his hoodie while the other hand pulled his t-shirt up, getting the fabric of the two tangled together. 

He pulled away with a chuckle. "Now hold on there, Doc. I know you're in a hurry but there's an order for these things."

Zoe glared but it had no heat, not like the looks she'd sent his way before they'd gotten together or worse, the silences after their breakup, and waved at him to hurry up. He smirked at her as he took off his hoodie and shirt. Her hands went to him immediately, one to his hip, flittering across to press against his abs while the other rounded his shoulder and pulled him back to her willingly.

He turned her in his arms, holding her tight against him for a moment as he brushed her hair aside and pressed featherlight kisses against the back of her neck.

He leant his forehead against her shoulder, taking a deep breath and savouring everything about this moment.

God he loved her more than anything, he never thought he'd have her in his arms again and even if it was just for one night he wanted to enjoy it while it lasted.

Her head rolled back against his shoulder and he took the opportunity to kiss the skin behind her ear that always made her shiver and moan. He wasn't disappointed this time round when a full body shudder vibrated through her and she tried to press impossibly closer to him. His hands found the back of her dress and tugged on the zipper, pulling it down and pressing kisses against every inch of skin he revealed until he was on his knees, lips pressed against the small of her back and hands spread wide across her hips.

She turned and let the dress drop to pool at her feet. She looked down at him and he realised, in that moment, that he'd stay there forever, on his knees, begging her to take him back. He'd give her anything she ever wanted just to have her again.

She bit her lip, suddenly unsure and hesitant and he realised, again, that he'd been staring. He made to stand up, hands sliding up from her calves to her hips. Instead she held on to his shoulders, keeping him on his knees, as she stepped out of the pool of fabric that was her dress.

"I kinda like you down there," Zoe said, a soft quirk to her lips.

The words were ready to roll off his tongue, to agree with her. I kinda like being down here.

Instead, he rolled his eyes and stood up to kiss her again. "Yeah I bet you do, Doc," he drawled against her mouth, smothering the laugh she let out.

This is what he'd missed, how they could joke and laugh in the middle of sex and it wasn't awkward and didn't ruin the mood. It made it better. It made him fall even more in love with her every time.

He moved his hands to either side of her neck to hold her against him, the feel of her pressed against his chest, skin to skin, was like fire.

He felt her kick a leg up and reach down to pry off one of her stilettos and he pulled back to look down at her. "Leave the heels on, Doc."

It wasn’t hot and fast like the first time they’d slept together, where he’d pinned her against the wall to grind against her, unable to decide where he wanted to touch her next, what he wanted to do to her first. When he couldn't stop kissing her long enough to get their clothes all the way off and he'd slid inside her with his pants still on.

This time he took it slow. He kissed her like he had all the time in the world, like he wanted to make it last. He cupped the back of her head and curled his fingers through her hair to guide her face where he wanted it. He left her breathless as he moved from her mouth down her neck to suck burning kisses against her collarbones. 

His hands slid down her back, over the curve of her waist to grab her ass then down further to her thighs to lift her into his arms.

She smiled against his lips and let out a little laugh. She'd told him once, sex-drunk and sleepy, that her favourite thing was how effortlessly he carried her around and ever since he'd taken every opportunity to do so.  It was one of his favourite things too, why wouldn’t he want her pressed against him and holding on tight? Well, it was one of her favourite things, he's pretty sure that thing he does with his tongue that makes her actually shut up for 30 seconds is her favourite, but she'd never admit it. 

Her arms wrapped around his neck and her legs around his waist, slotting her perfectly to grind against him. She let out a moan, right against his ear as she pressed against where he was hard in his jeans. He groaned, face pressed into her shoulder.

"Yes, Wade."

He placed her gently on the bed, sliding his hands down her body to relieve her of her shoes, the height difference not so severe once they were horizontal.

He pulled back, leaning over her and caging her small form against the bed under his body. 

“Zoe I-“

She shook her head, reaching out to press her finger against his lips. “Shhh, no talking, remember?”

He bit his tongue and nodded, leaning down to claim her mouth in a searing kiss. Make her feel better. He could do that, he'd pull out every trick in the damn book.

She looked beautiful, even if a little sad, like she knew this good feeling wouldn’t last long and Wade was determined to make it as good for her for as long as humanly possible just to keep that look off her face.

He moved back to her neck, going crazy with how pressing his mouth there made her arch against him. Her thighs squeezed around his hips and her soft skin brushing against him sent sparks down to his hard cock pressing against the zipper of his jeans.

She flittered one small hand against his shoulder in a barely passable attempt to push him way. “Don’t leave any marks," she babbled, continuing to push futilely against him. "It’s too hot for turtle necks.”

He wanted to though. He wanted to see the bruises later and know he’d put them there, to know she’d let him. He wanted everyone to know what they’d done. 

Instead he slid further down to her breasts, tongue laving across one nipple before he slid lower. “No one’ll see it here Doc, only me an’ you'll know.” He smirked up at her taking her in, mouth open on a silent moan, one hand scrabbling at the pillow above her head. He ducked his head back down and sucked a dark bruise onto the underside of her breast. She didn’t object, one hand pressed against the back of his head holding him there, not pulling him away.

He knew this wasn't going to last, he knew this didn't mean they were back together but selfishly, possessively, he wanted her to feel him well into tomorrow. He wanted to leave her mouth swollen and red, bruises across her skin from his mouth and his fingers around her hips, sore and aching in just the right way. Something to remember him by. 

Satisfied with the marks he'd left he started to move lower. He slid his lips down her stomach 'til he reached the edge of her underwear. He stopped to suck another mark on her left hipbone before he slid his fingers under the elastic. He dropped them carelessly on the floor beside the bed and slid his palms up her inner thighs, spreading them wide and making space for himself between them.

She shuddered, hips twitching against the bed and he smirked, it was just like riding a bike, knowing how to bring her pleasure.

He rested his hands over the juncture of each thigh and brushed his thumbs in slow circles moving tantalising closer to her centre. He wanted to make this last and he wanted to make it good.

She was beautiful like this (she was beautiful always), all breathy moans and stuttering sighs but he wanted to hear her scream and cry out, he knows she will, he knows he can make her. 

He settled between her thighs and he thinks he could stay there forever, keep that breathy moan escaping from her until the day he dies. He licked into her, smooth and slow as her hips bucked to get away while her thighs clamped down around his head.

“Easy there princess, you squeeze too hard and we won’t get anywhere tonight.” He chuckled against her before he dived back in.

"Wade, goddammit shut up!" 

He knew he was doing good when she shut up, when she couldn’t even form words, just moans and cries that spoke to his soul, when they only thing she seemed to be able to remember was his name.

"Wade, Wade, Wade, Wade. Oh fuck."

He pulled back to look at her, watched as her climax crashed over her in waves. She was trembling, eyes closed and mouth slack. Her eyes opened as he made his way back up her body, twitching away when his fingertips brushed across her breasts.

"No, no, too much," she whined, over-sensitised and buzzing. 

"Never too much of a good thing Doc, and that was a hell of a good thing." He grinned at her, cocky and assured but mostly proud he could still make her come like that. That he hadn't forgotten how to make her feel good, the way she deserved.

He lay beside her to give her a few minutes to recover but he couldn't keep his hands off her. One broad palm slid across her stomach and around to her hip to pull her against him so he could kiss her. He'd never get tired of kissing her and she fell into his chest and kissed him back.

"How am I buck naked and you're still wearing pants?" she groaned when she moved to hike her leg over his waist and came up against the rough material of his jeans.

"Tonight's about you, remember?" He ducked his head to tease at a nipple and rolled back on top of her.

"Yeah so it's about what I want, and I want you naked," Zoe said, demanding as always. She reached for his belt and the button on his jeans.

He slipped one finger into her warm, wet heat, curling it up to find that spot. The first push of him inside her, so soon after her first orgasm made her pause, hands falling away from him. She writhed against the bed, his name on her lips. A second finger followed the first and she cried out again.

He paused, two fingers deep inside her and she moaned trying to thrust her hips into his hand. She was so beautiful like this, sweat beading on her skin, her wet heat tight around his fingers.

“Tell me what you want,” he murmured, voice low and hot in her ear. “Tell me what you need, baby.”

“You, Wade, I need you, I want-" she broke off on a moan when he finally started to move his fingers again.

He brushed a thumb across her clit in fast circles, he wanted one more orgasm from her before he was inside her.

"You're so close, baby, I know you are," he murmured, moving his fingers slower now, sliding along every bump and ridge and pushing deep to curl inside her. "Come on, let go."

She groaned in frustration, her hips arching up into his hand. "Wade, come on, enough already."

Her hand fumbled out for the bedside draw but got distracted when his fingers slide across her g-spot and his thumb across her clit and a second orgasm roared through her taking her by surprise. He pulled his hand away, catching her gaze as he licked her juices from his fingers.

He leant over her while she stared dazedly at the ceiling and reached into the draw where he knew she kept the condoms. He allowed himself a private smile when he saw the new box, still unopened from the last time he'd refilled their stash.

He was just about to roll on the condom when small hands took it from him.

"Allow me," Zoe said, looking up at him from under her lashes. Her pupils were still blown wide and he could feel her pulse beating fast in her neck when he put his hand there to pull her into a kiss.

He groaned at the first touch of her hand on his dick, positioning the condom before she rolled it down.

It's not that he'd been unaware of his hard on before, just that he'd been more focused on her than his own pleasure but now that his dick had his undivided attention it was making its desires known. And it wanted to be inside her now.

He slid into her and choked out a moan. God, she felt so good. Like nothing else, like coming home, like everyone before and after her had been a cheap imitation of perfection.

He had to stop, buried inside her, to breathe for a second, hands on her hips to hold her still when she tried to squirm against him.

"Zoe," he managed, face pressed to her shoulder. "Zoe, Zoe, just give me a second here."

"Wade, please. You feel- it's so good, please, come on, I need-"

"Fuck." He breathed out against her, at war with his body on how long this was all gonna last. He ignored her pleading and the way she tried to buck her hips as he gained control and staved off his orgasm, at least for now.

He slowly started to roll his hips into her and she cried out.

His picked up the pace until his hips were snapping into her hard and fast and she was sliding slowly up the bed under the power of his thrusts. He reached one hand out to brace against the headboard to stop her sliding too far. He pressed his mouth to hers but it was more them breathing, hot and heavy into each others mouths than actually kissing.

He knelt back up and pulled her into his lap, changing the angle and making them both moan.

"You ready Zoe? 'Cause I am so ready, baby."

"I'm close, yes, almost." Her head was thrown back, his arms around her waist supporting her as he thrust into her. She reached down to brush her fingers across her clit and dropped over the edge, tightening around him buried deep inside her. He came a second later, spilling into the condom as he lowered her back down to the mattress beneath him.

Minutes, hours maybe, later he separated himself from her and ducked into the bathroom to dispose of the condom. When he came back, she was half-asleep already. He slide into bed beside and wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her against his chest, sliding his other arm beneath her head. She let out an annoyed sleepy sound at the man-handling but snuggled back against him anyway and he couldn’t resist brushing his lips across her cheek. 

The next morning he woke before her, which wasn’t much of a surprise considering he hadn’t really slept at all, too focused on savouring every moment of her in his arms while it still lasted. 

The sun was shining through the blinds they hadn’t closed the night before and he knew it wouldn’t be long before the brightness woke her. But he still couldn’t bring himself to move, to stop looking at her like this, so soft and warm and safe in his arms. He never thought he’d get to have this again. 

She was curled up against his chest, face buried in his shoulder and he had one hand curled around her back. He could feel her breath against his skin. He couldn't explain the calmness or the sense of rightness he felt lying here with her. Like waking up next to her every day for the rest of his life would be the greatest thing he could hope for.

He wondered if he smelt like her, if he crawled back into his bed now if he’d go to sleep thinking he was still next to her. The smell of her perfume and fancy shampoo had long since faded from his sheets, even though he’d waited until the last possible second to wash them.

He didn't want to leave. The thought hit him out of the blue, only not really. Zoe Hart got under his skin worse than anything else and no matter how hard he'd tried, he'd never be able to get her out.

But, with no other path to take, he still had to keep trying.

First step was having a shower.

He closed his eyes and took a breath before he slowly slid his body out from under her and replaced it with a pillow. 

He didn’t look back as he turned and headed for the bathroom. He spent much longer under the spray than he usually did, trying to put his mind back to rights now that Zoe’s brief lapse in judgement from the night before was over and things would be back to normal as soon as he opened that door.

He turned off the water and took a steadying breath before he had to open the door, took a second to find that cocky, arrogant swagger and devil-may-care attitude that was like armour whenever he was around her.

"Morning Doc."

#zoe x wade #wade x zoe #zoe hart #wade kinsella #hart of dixie #HOD #my fic

[missezramay]

The Portwell Confession we deserved 💖

EXT. The Campfire, after the show.

The sparklers are dying down, but the campers are still celebrating, blasting Disney songs and dancing around the fire log. Corbin and his team head off.

“Love Is Open Door” starts playing, catching Gina off guard. The other campers are still singing along and dancing, but she suddenly notices that EJ has disappeared.

Cut to INT. The Cabin Lounge

EJ is sitting where he was an hour ago, where he had called his father. Head in his hands, tears in his eyes. He quickly brushes them away as the door opens. It's Gina.

“EJ? Are you in here? Is everything okay?”

“Oh hey, Gina. Um, yeah I’m fine.”

“I can’t believe we’re trending in Brazil!” she exclaims. Noticing EJ is not himself, she suddenly goes quiet. “We… you did it.”

“Yeah, I guess so. Hey, you were all stars on that stage tonight.” He cracks a half-smile. “You should be out there celebrating. I just uh, felt like packing up early.”

He stands up to grab his things as she comes in closer, noticing the red in his eyes. “EJ, you’ve been… crying. What’s wrong?”

He meets her eyes, now full of concern. “Oh it’s just…my dad. He didn't show up so I called him. I actually felt confident enough to confront him and thought... anyway it doesn’t matter. He hung up on me.“

She takes his right hand. “Eej, that’s horrible. I’m so sorry. If he saw what you did tonight, I’m sure he—”

He breaks away, embarrassed. “You know, I’ve been thinking and he was right. This theatre thing, it’s not good enough. So it makes sense. I should go to St. Louis and learn how to be a better leader—“

She interrupts, placing both of her hands on his shoulders. “Hey, none of that is true. You're already a leader. Tonight's show was incredible. We did it our way because you made us a team, even when Channing...” she stops herself, realising the kind of summer that EJ had. Her heart breaks, full of regret over their last conversation.

Taking a seat, she continues. “If no one has told you yet, thank you. For all the work you did this summer. For the Wildcats. I mean, you basically ran the camp with Maddox and Val while I was just… oh Eej, I’m sorry that I didn’t reach out—“

“G, it’s okay. You have nothing to apologise for." He sits down next to her, letting out a sigh. “This is not the summer I wanted for us. I certainly didn’t expect this job… and then my dad sent me that letter. So, I panicked. But I never wanted to hurt you.”

They turn to face each other; clearly the love between them never left, it just momentarily turned to frustration.

He continues. “G, I want you know that I only told Val about the letter because I was scared that you would think we were over… but I planned to tell you. I looked for you all night but I guess that's when you found it. Then the “Real Campers of Shallow Lake” happened. I never thought our first fight would go down like that.”

Feeling remorseful, she takes his right hand. “Can we never talk about that day again? I don’t know what came over me. I hated fighting with you. I felt like you didn’t trust me… and I was so mad. I didn't think you were trying to protect me from something."

He squeezes her hand. “Well Team Wonderstudy always have the best intentions at first…”

They laugh in agreement and are warmed at the sight of the other smiling, like old times. A minute passes as the end of summer dawns on them. "Listen Eej, I’m so sorry about your dad. But maybe there’s a way you don’t have to go. You can go and stay with Ashlyn or—"

“Gina, my gap year was never about just staying in Salt Lake. It was about being close to you. And also because…” He looks down for a second, shy, and then up again, meeting her eyes.

“Because…?" She asks.

He takes a breath before continuing. “I’ve been scared for a long time. Scared of disappointing my dad and scared of taking risks. But tonight I realised... that I don’t care about my dad, or my future... as much as I care about you.”

He braces himself. “Gina, I’m in love... with you.”

Her heart races as she finds the words to say.

Relief washes over him; he finally had the courage to say the words he meant to say all summer. ”You don't have to say it back. I wanted you to know it, whether or not it makes a difference with where we are.”

She feels her eyes welling up as she takes both of his hands in hers. “EJ...I was wrong. At prom. I’m not a 'maybe' to you. I mean, yes, I expected a different kind of summer, but in a way I still got it. I got the lead..." — a tear falls down her cheek as she suddenly recalls that he had brought her flowers that day — "...and I’ve never felt more like I had a sisterhood behind me. Spending time with Kourt and Ash was an experience only Shallow Lake could've given me... and that it was you who brought me - well, all of us - here.”

She collects herself. "When you were asked to direct, it broke my heart because I dreamed that we'd be the leads together. But really I just wanted to be with you every day, and I think the reason I took it all so hard is because…”

She smiles, “…I’m in love with you too.”

He takes her face in his hands and kisses her. She kisses back. It feels different to their last one… still tender, but intense at the same time… better. Fireworks start going off outside, and they both look to the window, overcome with surprise and a sense of comfort. Everything feels right again. She wraps her arms around his neck and he embraces her whole body in his.

“So, Elton, would you like to know what I wished for at the beginning of camp?" She asks, with a cheeky smile.

He smiles back, relieved. Finally.

—END—

#sorry this is so long #I had to #portwell #hsmtmts #ej caswell #gina porter #fanfic #text post

[voidoflotusblooms]

I feel like I'm the only og fnaf fan that didn't really enjoy the movie 💀

In my opinion, it was just really boring. I honestly wouldn't have minded if the movie was actually horror, like advertised?? Personally, i find horror movies to be really slow at first, but a lot of the time, they tend to pick up towards the middle. However, this movie just never picked up for me until pretty much the very end. I think it was just bc there was a lack of jumpscares imo. Like the BB jumpscares were affective, don't get me wrong, but I wish there was more from the others? I would've happily gone in with a different mindset if it was advertised as a thriller tbh. Also, a little bit more gore would've been nice. There were so many scenes that would've been awesome if they hadn't cut away right as a victim was about to die. Also, I didn't really see any lore confirmations that everyone keeps going on about? I feel like Scott just retconned stuff more than he confirmed it? It just seemed like Scott had so many ideas he wanted to do, and instead of picking one, he threw them altogether and hoped for the best

Spoilers ahead from this point on 👉🏼

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Final warning... scroll past quickly if you don't want spoilers

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Ok so here are my disappointments:

What was the purpose of not confirming Mike was Mike Schmidt until pretty much the end of the movie? I feel that was really unnecessary as it wasn't a huge plot twist or anything. Like I understand why Afton cut himself off when reading the name, but to me, it just felt like it was leading to a big reveal that never happened. Maybe it was to help reveal Vanessa was an Afton, but it wasn't pulled off well if that was the case imo

I understand the purpose of the fort scene with animatronics, but that personally ruined the immersion for me. It genuinely just took me right out of the movie bc it was too silly imo. I did think it was cute af how they all interacted in that scene, but I feel there could've been better ways to show that these are dead kids

Where was Afton this whole movie?? I knew Steve was him the whole time, but I wish they developed his character a bit more. A sad short story from Vanessa was not enough for me to really hate William in this movie

Another thing about Afton is that I wish he showed more fear once he lost control of animatronics. Hell, if not more fearful than at least have him be more threatening?? The lack of character development really hindered this scene imo. Matthew Lillard definitely needed more screen time

Back to first thing kinda, the whole Vanessa Afton reveal was confusing for me. Why make her his child when Mike was in the movie? Michael Afton was such a huge part of the lore, and not being a part of the movie franchise was a bit of letdown for me. It doesn't help I just did not have a reason to care for Vanessa till she revealed who she really was. Like William, I wish we could've gone more in-depth with her character

Mike's dreams were kinda dumb. I get it was a way for him to communicate to the dead children, and so we can see his trauma, but imo it wasn't done very well. It also felt like a slap in the face since the majority of the fan base dogged on the dream theory in the past. Like it seemed like a mean way of teasing more than it felt like a lighthearted kind

Lastly, William having literal control of the kids was really disappointing. Especially with only a picture. Again, the whole picture thing could've worked out a lot better if Afton was in the movie more. Maybe if we could've somehow seen Vanessa drawing the image as a kid and William putting up the artwork to seem like a good dad when in reality it was for his own personal gain or at least something to show he had some part in it. If done correctly, this movie could've really used some flashbacks

To sum it up a bit, I just really wish there was more character development. It was really hard to care or even relate to majority of these characters bc we brushed past things so quickly

Ok, now on to things I liked! ->

Mike Schmidt's character. I thought he was very well developed actually (despite my previous complaints). He (and Abby as well) was one of the couple of characters I really cared for

The actors/actresses. They all played their parts so well. Especially Abby's actress, Josh Hutcherson, and Matthew Lillard (at least when he was on screen lol). I was actually satisfied by their performances

The animatronics. They were stunning. It really was as if they were pulled straight from the game. Jim Henson company really pulled it off. I also loved how expressive they are. Also, SPARKY!! Never thought he would be an Easter egg in the movie, so that was a really cool surprise. From fake screenshot to being on the big screen :')

The Balloon Boy jumpscares. Got me twice and had me giggling. I just know this was Scott being the troll that we all know he is. It so fucking funny. Really brought out the intense hate we all tend to have for that lil fucker 😂

The springlock scene itself. Tho I wish it was a bit more gorey as well as had more expressive emotions, I still really enjoyed it. The animatronics dragging him away to rot for god knows how long movie wise was such a nice touch

Matpat and Corey's cameos. I was so excited seeing them! Esp Matpat. The dude's acting in that one livestream of his had me fully convinced he wasn't in the movie. Then boom, there he was as waiter. A waiter whose name was NESS, btw. Whoever came up with that is a fucking legend 👏🏻

Og TLT fnaf song as the end credits theme. That was such a nice nod to the fans. I'm so glad they added that in. So deserving

THE PUPPETS THEME. Look, I'm a huge fnaf 2 fan, so hearing that had me ascending lmaoooo

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SPOILERS DONE

Overall, the movie was meh, and this is coming from someone who went in with low expectations. I'd advise just watching on Peacock (or 🏴‍☠️ it) personally. Don't go in expecting it to be anything similar to the games or even the books cause it's not. Treat it as a separate project. I went in expecting at least some of the basic things we've had confirmed, so I'd enjoy the movie more, but that just didn't work out for me, which is fine 🤷

Also, these are just my thoughts after my first watch. I could totally have a change of heart after another watch or 2. Unfortunately, the first impression was just not a good one, and that happens sometimes. So please don't take what I say to heart as, again, my opinion could change 😅

Overall rating: 5/10

I'm going to watch again at some point, so I'll update if my opinion changes in another post

#just want to put out there again these are just my first impressions and feeling towards the movie could change after some rewatches #im glad some really enjoyed the movie :) #tho i personally didnt like i hope theres a sequel. like all this movie needs is more in-depth characters and a sequel could fix that tbh #also remember this is just my opinion please still go watch and form your own opinion. you never know you might actually like it! #fnaf #fnaf movie #lotus is just reviewing

[elliepassmore]

Down Comes the Night review

4/5 stars Recommended if you like: Gothic fantasy, romantasy, murder mystery

Admittedly this is my least favorite Allison Saft book to date (which would probably say more if I'd rated it less than 4 stars, but whatever). I've read eARCs of all her other books and really enjoyed those, but I definitely think you can see her progress as a writer from this book to A Far Wilder Magic , and then definitely between those two books and A Fragile Enchantment and A Dark and Drowning Tide . The latter two books are my favorites by far and I really like the richness of the setting as well as the strength of the character arcs and plots, which I felt were lacking a bit in this book in particular. That being said, I did still enjoy the book, I just don't think it's as strong as her other three works, and particularly her two upcoming releases.

Wren is a medic in her country's army, and the niece of the queen, but she isn't someone who was born to be a soldier. In fact, she's had multiple moments where her emotions and desire to help people overpower orders she's been given, which then lands her in trouble. Honestly, while Wren acts impulsively at times and had me smacking my forehead, I also have to admit that breaking orders to help and to heal others isn't the worst reason, nor is it really one I can fault her for. I definitely felt bad for Wren at times since she is a healer but everyone around her seems disappointed she isn't a soldier. This feeling of constantly being a disappointment is really what jumpstarts the book and results in a whole host of messes. At the same time, while I have sympathy for her, Wren is also pretty set in her beliefs, which lead to her clashing with those who don't, even if they're being open-minded toward her, which I wasn't as much a fan of.

Hal is an enemy soldier Wren gets roped into helping, and not just any enemy soldier, but one who quite literally features in her nightmares. He comes off as pretty gruff and can be aggressive at times, but over the course of the book is revealed to be just as lost and hurt as Wren. I actually found Hal to be pretty funny at times and enjoyed some of his commentary. I also thought it was very big of him to (mostly) stick with his open-mindedness even when Wren was being a brat. I definitely liked seeing the dichotomy of him being a soldier and him being a gentle human being.

I really liked how Saft depicted the effects of war on the human psyche and especially how those effects show up in mirrored ways in Wren and Hal. Both of them were child soldiers and have seen and done things that will haunt them for all their days. They're also both stuck in that cycle and their own cycles related to that (for Hal, being held up as a war hero for actions he regrets; for Wren, a desire to squash all her soft parts so she can be accepted as a truly loyal soldier). I think the way their emotions play out, and what those emotions mean to the story as a whole, is really interesting and impactful and I think Saft dealt with war and the legacy of war in a really unique way. I'd definitely like to see more depictions like this in YA SFF.

The romance was....a little off to me. By the end of the book, Hal and Wren are very clearly devoted and loyal to each other, but I didn't really feel the buildup to that. There's very clearly lust, basically from the first moment the two of them lay eyes on each other, but I didn't feel there was a clear romance arc. They go from bickering to grudging respect/tolerance, and then all of a sudden they're in loooove. I especially didn't like the extremely xenophobic rhetoric Wren spouted toward Hal before they were getting along and how all of that is kind of just brushed over once they become friendly. I know if anyone said the kinds of things Wren said to Hal I would never, not once, even come close to considering them as a romantic partner. I get that overcoming those xenophobic beliefs are part of Wren's journey away from what the military taught her and away from those people who are constantly disappointed in her, but imo she does not do enough apologizing and reckoning to overcome her earlier vitriol. Her actions/words were especially surprising to me since she didn't seem that extreme earlier in the book! I did end up liking Hal and Wren together, but there was a lack of depth and development that kept me from really loving them and believing them as a couple.

The plot is a murder mystery, with Wren using her healing abilities and her scientific studies to try and figure out why the people of Colwick Hall are dying. I liked how Wren combined magic with science to do her job and I enjoyed the cat-and-mouse feel to the mystery that comes about later in the book. However, I do feel like a lot of the plot is pretty obvious and I clocked what was going on almost immediately. Since there are multiply mysteries at play throughout the book, I would've preferred to not have solved them right away, I would've liked some additional suspense.

The ending 1/3 of the book is the strongest in my opinion and we get to see all sorts of things come together in that portion, from Wren and Hal's individual and combined character development, to the various mysteries, to the war and those 'loved ones' that expect all the wrong things from Wren. I found myself really enjoying the ending of the book and liked how high-stakes and fast-paced it was.

Overall, I think this book is OK. It's definitely the weakest of Saft's works, but it isn't terrible. The atmosphere is there and I really liked with how she dealt with the effects of war. However, there were some character and plot problems.

#book #book review #books #book recommendations #fantasy #bookstagram #booklr #bookblr #bookaholic #bookish #allison saft #ya fantasy books #ya fantasy #fantasy book #ya fiction #ya fiction books #down comes the night #romantasy #queer characters #gothic fantasy