#sometimes I need a small break to work on new stuff to keep my inspiration flowing

[shubblelive]

— PAGES TURNED

summary : wilbur is a quiet guy, but there’s so much more to him than he shows. over swapped shifts, post it notes and paperback novels, you unravel him bit by bit.

genre : fluff

warnings : mentions of alcohol/drinking

pairing : musicianbur x fem!librarian! reader

pronouns : none (i think) reader is described as a “girl” and using other feminine descriptors

featuring : cc!wilbur soot, musicianbur, college!librarian! wilbur

word count : 2.6k

note : sorry this took. one million years. i had my exams and i turned 17, and then i went out of state to visit family, but i’ve had this in my drafts and i’ve been working on and off for a while. i hope you enjoy this, i’m thinking about maybe making it multi part? if people are into that? @starsyoubreaklikesugardust <333

You sincerely regret covering for your coworker. The campus library has a consistent, albeit small, staff. You work the same days every week; Monday morning, Tuesday afternoon and Thursday morning. The head librarian, Theresa, was more than willing to give you extra shifts whenever you needed. The library was where most of the richer students’ parents donated, and you were insanely lucky to get your job there. As a result of the consistent schedule, you work with two people regularly; Henry, who shares your major, and Janine, who’s one of the sweetest people you know. The rest of your coworkers, you knew exclusively through Theresa and her insistence of having staff get togethers at any opportunity.

There’s Chastity, who lives on your floor, and her girlfriend Kate. You got a front row seat to their first kiss after three months of egging them on with Janine at Henry’s 20th birthday. There are three more workers that work during the week on alternating shifts to you; Sam, the newest member of the term; Hae-Won, the only person who had worked there longer than you and Theresa; and Wilbur.

Wilbur, who was currently your new coworker as you started working five days a week. Hae-Won’s mother was sick, and Theresa had begged you to cover for them while they flew interstate to go take care of her. You’d been working at the campus library since you were a freshman, and they’d always been good to you. You had agreed, and now you were needing to rush from class to the library after every single one of your lectures. Sam, Henry and Theresa had all assured you that if you were late because of class you wouldn’t lose your job, but you felt bad leaving them with all the work.

Wilbur has barely spoken a word to you since you’d started working the same shifts. He’s not rude or angry, just quiet as far as you can tell. You like him. You both keep to yourselves, and Wilbur doesn’t snitch on you for smuggling your sandwiches out of the office when you browse the stacks during your breaks.

He doesn’t get mad at you for being late when you are, and he always puts stuff on the top shelf whenever you ask. He’s soft, and incredibly smart. You learn about him through hushed evenings in the office, both of you dead on your feet after you’ve locked the doors, neither of you wanting to leave quite yet. The low light gives his eyes an amber glow the same colour as sun as it peeks through the slats in the blinds of the office, surrounded on all four sides by large windows. The fishbowl, the kids call it when they come in on Friday afternoons. Not quite, you think. You’re both too boring to be fish, you make a joke when you hear a young boy say it. Wilbur gets a look in his eyes that he keeps for the next hour until you confront him. “Sometimes people don’t look a fish ‘cause they’re interesting,” he all-but whispers when you ask, eyes aglow and top row of teeth pulling on his bottom lip. “Sometimes they’re just pretty.”

You get to know Wilbur over campus coffees, and handmade bookmarks inspired by the paperbacks he checks out every week. Through his handwritten post-it note on the corner of the main monitor at the front desk, a stack of books with a cat perched on top, his writing slanted but mainly kept between the spines of each book. A request for a novel you’ve never heard of, but vow to search for. Theresa is the one who handles incoming books, but that’s not going to stop you from finding it yourself.

You begin to find those sticky-notes around more and more. There’s one resting on top of your backpack for you to find as you return from the bathroom. That’s a pretty skirt, the first one says. You should wear your hair like that more often, one three days later on the stack of returns he’s asked you to reshelve. There’s one a week after that forces a smile on your face. This made me think of you. It’s resting on a tiny journalist style notebook, one where you flip on the top. It’s got a quote from your favourite novel on it, and you slip the sticky note inside it gingerly, tucking it into the front pocket of your backpack. That afternoon during your lunch break, you go to the craft store instead of staying in and get yourself some post it notes. Yours are in the shape of a lemon, and when Wilbur goes into the fishbowl to grab his stuff once your shift is over, he finds one stuck to the side of his bag. Two words, ten numbers, all in your handwriting. Call me.

So he does, he calls you that very night. Despite the late time, you guys stay on the phone for nearly three hours. The next shift you two share, you tease him. “I thought you were meant to be the quiet type,” you giggle as his ears turn pink, him intentionally facing away from you to shield the smitten grin on his face as he pretends to write something on the staff calendar. “You had a lot to say the other night.”

It continues that way for a while, nightly phone calls in which you finally get to hear him talk unabashedly about the things he’s interested in. He’s in a band, he confesses shyly one night when you’re both on the verge of sleep. You don’t reply for a second, and he thinks you might have dozed off. You pipe up after a moment, voice heavy with sleep and Wilbur thinks he can’t possibly like you more. “Your first gig’s Saturday, right?” He nods, even if you can’t see him. You keep going anyway. “I’ll be there.”

He wishes you hadn’t told him, because he spends the next three days stressing. Performing always makes him a little anxious, a healthy amount of butterflies, as his friends say. But this is too much. He changes his shirt three times on Saturday night, twice because he wants you to like it, and another time because he sweated through the third one. He blames it on the intensity of the lights, when the drummer asks him if he’s okay, but they can all see the way his eyes are locked onto your frame, tucked into a little corner of the underground bar they’re playing. They play for about forty minutes, and you’re a little embarrassed to admit that you’ve never heard a single song they did.

Wilbur goes into the little backstage area after their last song, and his bandmates will swear he’s never moved so fast in his life. He’s chugging a bottle of water while trying to wrestle his guitar off his back, his glasses fogged up from the sweat covering his face. there are a few bothersome strands sticking to his cheeks, but he doesn’t care about that. He just wants to see you.

He gets to your corner and the table is empty. No, the table has things on it. Your chair is empty. There is something on the table. He reaches it and flops down into the chair you were just sitting in. A waitress brings him a glass of lemonade that you ordered for him and he gulps it down gratefully. He allows himself a few moments to bask in the post-show high. You might not be there, but that only brought his mood down slightly. He did it.

He is a little hurt that you didn’t stick around, but it’s nearing 10 and he knows you have a test on Monday. He takes another long swig of his drink, and reaches blindly for the one other object on the table; a paperback novel. It’s his favourite. He didn’t even remember telling you it was his favourite, but somehow you knew. His heart hammers inside his chest and he has to remember how to breathe for a second. He’d looked everywhere for that, even going as far as to see if he could order it online.

He flips open the cover, just to check, and he finds a scrawled message beneath the title page. Heard you were hoping to get your hands on one. I hope you enjoy. You’ll have to tell me all about it.

And he does. It takes him less than a week to read the entire book, and he comes to you on a random Thursday, eyes sparkling with a glint you’ve only ever seen that one night he was performing, and he leans over the front desk where you’re standing and before you can even process it he’s taking your head in his hands and pulling you into a firm hug. You’re not as tall, so you’re on your toes as you lean over the desk, struggling to wrap your arms around his torso as he hugs you.

And then he’s talking, loud and clear, and if the library was open people would be giving him dirty looks for how unashamedly he’s speaking to you. You revel in it. He keeps his hands enclosing yours and you lean over the desk to get as close to him as you can, wanting to absorb every single word out of his mouth. Wanting to breathe it in and keep it between your ribs.

Eventually he lets you go to go do some work, but you decide at that moment that you never want him to shut up again.

So, he doesn’t. With constant encouragement from you, Wilbur becomes more outspoken. Of course, there were the phone calls, but he was still reserved in person. He seems to take up more space over the next few weeks, unfurling slowly like an old painting, perfectly preserved with so much beauty to show once he was out in the open. It starts as small things, the way he calls out to you across the library after closing instead of approaching you to tell you softly. You’re almost in mourning, feeling like you’d lost that closeness with Wilbur that only you seem to have. The notion that once you put something out into the world it no longer belongs to you. Not that he ever did, not like that at least.

You’d feel like that and then Wilbur would do something so small, so sacred, that your heart would ache. Whispering jokes in your ear, fingers brushing yours when he passes you a book he thinks you’ll enjoy, grabbing onto both of your hands when he got so excited about something that he needed a physical tether to you to stop himself from floating away, into the air that he was now filling so wonderfully.

The others started noticing it too; Theresa mentioning to you how much more confident he seemed after he’d left the room, Sam, who brightened now that Wilbur seemed to return his enthusiasm, even the bassist of Wilbur’s band, who you ran into at a coffee shop, said he was different.

His band got another gig at a bigger bar, and of course you were invited again. This time you planned on sticking around for the whole thing, letting him wrap you in a sweaty hug once he ran off stage. “You were so good,” you gush, your breath on his ear sending shivers down his spine. His hands ghost up and down your arm, and you can’t bring yourself to let go of him. “But, Wil. Seriously, enough is enough.”

He pulls away just enough to get a clear picture of your face, shadows covering one side, the dim lighting in the venue not doing enough to take away from just how pretty you look.

“You guys need to start playing songs I know the words to.”

Your fake annoyance makes him laugh, one of the most genuine laughs you’ve ever heard from him. Warm, and thick, like caramel. Like his eyes when the two of you are huddled together in the fishbowl and he’s laughing, like there will never be enough time to spend with you. Because there isn’t.

His hands stop in their motions, and he notices your bare arms. “You’re freezing, lovely. Here.” He steps away from you and shrugs off his button up, leaving him in just a white-sleeved tee as he guides your arms in. The sleeves cover your hands and he goes as far as to roll them up delicately. His face is an inch from yours as he unwraps his hands from your wrist, and your fingers toy gently with a stray curl that bounces when you release it from your grip.

This time it’s you who takes Wilbur’s jaw in your hands, fingers running over his stubble. He’s drunk, hasn’t had a drop of alcohol the entire time, but well and truly intoxicated as he pulls you into him again, nose pressed to your hairline. “I’m so proud of you.” You mumble into his shoulder, and for a second, time is frozen.

You’re both brought out of it by rousing cheers from Wilbur’s bandmates, the guitarist and drummer both bullying Wilbur for not introducing you to them earlier. The bassist greets you warmly, and the three of them try to convince you both to go out for a drink. Wilbur’s the one who ends up ushering you out, arm around your shoulders as he placates his bandmates. Throwing a “We’ve got an early morning tomorrow at work,” over his shoulder as he steered you towards his car.

He’s only half lying. You do both have work the next day, however the library’s closed and Theresa’s hosting a party to thank everyone for their hard work. It starts at two, so you’re revelling in the fact that you get to sleep in. That doesn’t stop you from inviting Wilbur up to your apartment, though. Nor does it stop the two of you deciding to watch a movie together on the couch in your living room. It doesn’t even stop Wilbur from whispering to you while the credits roll. “You look so lovely tonight.” You flush, tearing your eyes from his face, looking down at where his hands are on your waist instead. “Can I kiss you?”

It definitely doesn’t stop you from nodding your head emphatically, your hands delving into his hair as he presses his lips to yours for the first time.

He tastes like spearmint gum and the mango of your lip gloss, his hands steadying you both and gripping onto the couch cushion. He pulls away just enough to murmur, “You’re wonderful,” and suddenly you’re so happy you’re laughing. He laughs too, taking your head in his hands until you’re kissing him again, and when he leaves nearly two hours later he’s gripping your hands so tight your breath hitches, promising he’ll see you at the party later.

And hours later, when you’re sipping on lemonade and leaning against one of the windows of the fishbowl, he sidles up to you and leans his head on top of yours. “My pretty girl.” Your hand wraps around his, and the two of you stand there for a few minutes in a comfortable silence, watching your coworkers mingle. He’d never been so outward in his affections, not when surrounded by people you both worked with. He was a reserved man, preferring to let loose around his family, his bandmasters, and you. But of course, that doesn’t stop him from pressing a kiss to your hairline, the two of you inside the library office, gazing outside into the rest of the library. “So so pretty.”

#em needs to shush sometimes #wilbur soot #wilbuh #wilbur #wilbur soot x fem!reader #wilbur soot x reader #wilbur soot fanfiction #wilbur soot fluff #wilbur soot fic #wilbur soot x reader fluff #wilbur soot x y/n #wilbur soot x you #wilbur x you #wilbur fluff

[averagewriter-inthedark]

Lt. Natasha “Phoenix” Trace — Fluffy Headcanons ❤️‍🔥 | Top Gun Maverick Headcanon

Link to my TGM masterlist

Dancing is weekly occurrence when in a relationship w/ Phoenix. She loves dancing and its better when she gets to hold you in her arms or spin you around. You two are the main attraction when you go to dance clubs. Sometimes when you’re home Phoenix will play music just to sway you side to side.

Whenever Phoenix lets her hair down you automatically love to run your fingers through it. She’s always keeping it up per regulation but you relish when its down in its natural wave. You especially love when its hair washing day and she needs your assistance. “Babe, can you help me with—.” “YES!”

Phoenix loves to cook and is always trying new recipes. You’ll be her taste tester and when its your turn in the kitchen she can’t help but stand to the side and watch you. You are that couple who plan your week’s worth of meals and go to the commissary or grocery store together to get the stuff. But never go on an empty stomach—cause then you leave with your cart overflowing with shit you didn’t come for in the first place.

Y’all are the ones who would host a Friendsgiving w/ the other members of the Dagger Squad. It became a tradition with y’all having a specific theme each year. One year it was everyone had to make a dish that started with the first letter of their name, then another you all dressed up ad Maverick. This past year involved going around the table and unpacking celebrity scandals.

You and Nat are not just partners, but each other’s best friend & cheerleader. In the gym you are pushing each other to get another rep in. When it comes to your jobs you’re both there to listen when the other needs to rant about the rough day they had. “Today the Gs were just too much and it gave me a headache. I was off target by five seconds.” You two are always going out of your way to make sure the other knows they are loved. Even if it small & simple gestures. “I ran you a bath if you’re feeling up to it. I went out yesterday to get those bath salts you love.”

Date night is a weekly ritual. They mostly consist of walks on the beach, dinner and movie night, of going to the arcade since you two are competitive. You’ll go to the fair when its in town or splurge on a concert every once and a while. It’s something you always look forward to at the end of the week when you’re free from nights nose deep in work where you can enjoy time with your lover.

Phoenix is a total book worm, in fact, the reason y’all met was because she saw you reading a favorite book if hers in a cafe. She was on her lunch break and needed a quick coffee to keep her going when she spotted you in the corner table completely invested in the book you had. When she saw the title —and how absolutely gorgeous you were—Nat walked up to you saying, “that’s a great book you’ve got there. One of my favorite reads this year. What part are you at?” You, completely speechless by the beautiful woman in front of you, stuttered out a response. Before Nat knew it she was well over her lunch break after you two fell deep into discussion over the main character. Once y’all became official, you guys would have nights where you cuddled up to Nat just to listen to her read aloud.

If you’re an artist of some form—photographer, musician, painter, writer, poet, etc—Nat would be your muse. Anything that came to your creative mind often involved her in some way, shape, or form. Your memory card would be filled with images of her doing candid things like reading, cooking, working on her car, or simply walking down the street ahead of you. The song book with pages upon pages of lyrics referenced her doe eyes and gorgeous smile. The protagonist/love interest of your novel would be based around her personality. Paintings often depicted Nat or drew inspiration from your relationship.

Rooster and Bob are your closest friends in the squad. Bob because he wad Nats backseater and best friend, and Rooster because not only did he know Nat the longest but also was the first to welcome you to their little family. He’d be the first person you’d go to when asking for advice on what to get Nat for birthday, anniversary, promotion and what not. You and Bob often have deep discussions where he gives wonderful advice whenever you’re seeking a third party opinion.

Nat loved dogs so expect to have multiple in your home. You guys are always fostering to help the local animal shelter—which sometimes makes you regret it since you always cry when an animal you’ve attached to has to leave. You guys have adopted four fur babies and must live off base since on base residents are only required two pets. And there’s no way in hell you’re surrendering/re-homing your fur children. “Wait Nat, they’ve all bonded—we can’t separate them!!” “Then we’re gonna need a bigger house, baby….one with a giant yard.”

#natasha trace #natasha phoenix trace #natasha trace x reader #natasha trace headcanon #Phoenix #Lt Natasha trace #natasha trace imagine #lt natasha Phoenix trace #monica barbaro #top fun fanfiction #top gun maverick headcanon #top gun maverick imagine #fluff #top gun Maverick

[streetkid-named-desire]

questions for writers

i was tagged by @luvwich (THANK YOU)

Last book I read: I'm currently reading Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak, I recently finished Several People are Typing by Calvin Kasulke

Greatest Literary Inspirations: Stephen King, though not as much anymore, Chuck Palahniuk, Douglas Coupland (these last two can be seen especially in Streetkid with regards to inner monologue and style), William Gibson and Neal Stephenson

Things in my current fandom I want to read but I don't want to write

Does smut of my own OCs count? Otherwise because I only ship my own OCs and am picky about like...idk ships in general (it's a vibes thing, not personal!) there isn't anything else. I just suck at and struggle writing smut. Maybe more like adventures and shenanigans, one off gigs and stuff.

You can recognize my writing by: Quick and snappy dialogue, action beats, describing gory bits more than scenery, little to no description of canon characters in scene, little to no description of the scene in general (i'm trying...). Oddly gory or gruesome metaphors for things not gory/gruesome (e.g. Bea branding V's heart)

My most controversial take (current fandom):

*clears throat*

I keep that shit locked down to small groups or specific people I know won't castrate me. While I am not worried about my reputation in fandom, I don't like randomly shit stirring and starting up discourse.

Top three favorite tropes: Gore gore gore gore gore gore gore gore gore gore. LOVE snapping bones and wet mushy guts. I also like unreliable narrators, I enjoy feeling disoriented and like the book is a personal attack on my person and psyche. That's why I describe my style sometimes as hostile to readers. And then the third one is enemies/friends/neutral working partner to lovers.

What's your current writing mood (10 -- super motivated and churning out words like crazy, 0 -- in a complete rut): Like a 6 or 7. Now that I'm working on new shit I know I can start and am looking forward to sitting down and writing, but also on a little brain break since I finished act one and need to do some housekeeping with my fics.

Share a random frustration: I am so tired of my hips hurting all the time and I am trying to ignore the fact that even after my hip surgery that hip but especially my left hip will still hurt and that's just like an unfortunate fact of my fucking existence with this stupid fucking connective tissue disorder. I don't think I have lived a day of my life fully pain free, even as a child I remember sitting cross-legged for too long would make my knees feel weird.

Tagging @dreadfulsanity @glitchinginthegarden @bloodydragam @dani-the-goblin

[blueberry-macaron]

LBSC Sprint Challenge: August

I finally completed my first sprint challenge!!

As a prompt, I chose the twitter post that said "When people are sad I let them color in my tattoos. Sometimes all they need is a shoulder to crayon" from this prompt list

I did the sprint in one go and i was surprised because i thought it would be way harder XD I'm quite happy with how it turned out. Enjoy!

@lovebugs-and-snakecharmers

The frustrated tapping of Marinette's nails against the small table halled through the greenhouse of the Liberty. With every movemet of her pencil and new line appearing on the page of her sketch book before her, with every line she removes with her eraser she felt more and more frustration piling up, until she put the pencil down, ripped the page out and threw it across the room. At this point, she had already given up on counting how many cycles of angrily sketching, erasing and ripping out she went through. Either way, she was pissed. A new, blanc page stared at her almost mockingly and she found herself fighting the urge to take the stupid book and throw it into the seine.

… No, that wouldn't be worth it. It was a good book of high quality. Throwing that anywhere would be foolish. She had payed a lot of money for that. And it wasn't like that would make her feel any less like a disappointment anyway.

These stage costumes had to be done in two weeks, yet she just couldn't find any inspiration. This was much easier the first time she had designed costumes for Kitty section. Cute little kitty masks and stuff. The skeches for those had been done in about 30 minutes. But Kitty section, now that they were older, kinda grew out of the cute kitty phase and were now reinventing their image and a rock and metal band, looking for more rock/metal appropriate designs (while still keeping the cat/unicorn theme because Rose, who never grew out of that phase and probably never will, insisted on it).

And Marinette wasn't able to do that. How should the rock and metal genre fit together with a cute kitty/unicorn aesthetic?

It's not like she didn't believe that was possible, but she had tried a good amount of designs, all of them now lying on the floor, and none of them felt right.

She rested her head on the table with a loud sigh. This was clearly not working.

She stayed like this for a short while when she heard footsteps approaching. She looked up and spotted Luka walking towards her with a glass of orange juice im his hand.

It was a hot summer day, so he was wearing a white tank top, exposing his quite toned arms and a big tattoo on his left shoulder, depicting a viper exposing it's long fangs. It was a great tattoo which suited Luka very well, though it wasn't colored yet. He had his next appointment in a few days to get it done. Until then, the viper remained colorless.

Luka put the glass down and sat next to Marinette.

„You look unhappy,“ he observed, placing a hand on Marinette's shouder and squeezing lightly.

She let out another sigh.

„Do you know that feeling when you're completely useless because you can't get anything done because you suck?“

She stretched out an arm to grab one of the papers she teared out earlier, unfolded it and showed it to him.

„Look at this... this... this disgrace,“ she whined, "it looks so bad, it doesn't do the band justice at all. Like... it makes me want to throw myself in the seine, that's how much I hated! Why am I so goddamn untalented?“

Luka chuckled.

„Watch what you're saying, that's my girlfriend you're talking about,“ he joked. It made Marinette smile.

„Sorry,“ she said. „ I guess I'm just in a really bad mood because none of the designs feel right. I want you guys to have nice stage outfits and none of those would do you justice.“

„It's ok, that happens“, Luka comforted her, „Sometimes the notes are here and you can hear them.“

He leans back on the couch and pulls Marinette along with him.

„But I just don't know how to... combine them. And it sucks, but I know you'll figure it out. You should get a break and I'm sure it'll make you feel better.“

His eyes fell on one of marinette's crayons. He smiled and picked the blue one up.

„You know,“ he said, „maybe you can just try to design something easier.“

Marinette tilted her head in confusion.

„Like what?“

„Like my uncolored tattoo“

He turned his shoulder to her.

„I haven't actually amde up my mind about what color exactly I want him to be. Maybe you could help me with that,“ he explained. „Plus...“

He put on a dorky smile.

„Plus what,“ Marinette asked, also smiling in anticipation what would come next.

„Plus, you'd have a shoulder to... crayon.“

The greenhouse fell silent for a few seconds. Marinette looked at her boyfriend as if he hadn't just made the funniest pun she had heard in a long time while he had the audacity to look back at her with this idiotic and utterly adorable grin.

Then a giggle escaped her which soon turned into loud laughter.

„A shlouder to crayon,“ she repeated in between chuckles,“You've got to be kidding me!“

Luka was laughing, too.

„I'm normally not good with puns. Come on, Medoly, you gotta give me credit for that one.“

„Ok ok,“ Marinette chuckled, „That was pretty funny. Well done.“

She ruffled his hair with her hand. Luka leaned into the touch.

Then he handed her the crayon and she started coloring the viper.

„I don't know if you know this, but I normally hate puns,“ she confessed, „Back in the days Chat noir made puns every time I'd meet him. Bad puns I might add.“

„Mostly about cats I assume,“ Luka asked.

„Yup,“ Marinette answered, „Though admittedly, some of them were funny. I just never laughed because I was focusing on fighting the akuma. And also...“

She put the crayon down and picked another one, „If I'd actually confess that he can be funny, he'd probably be so proud of himself that he'd be insuffarable.“ she laughed.

„Yeah, I can see that,“ said Luka.

„Not that I mean any offense by that though,“ she added.

They sat like this for some time, Marinette coloring Luka's arm while they came up with their own puns. People say laughter is the best medicine. Marinette found that to be true, as she felt her mood getting better with every second.

After some time, Marinette was satisfied with her work. The viper rested big and proud on Luka's shoulder in various shades of blue and green. She also put in some violet highlights to make the creature feel more alive.

„Wow,“ Luka said, „if you weren't on your way to be the worlds greatest designer, you would do great as a tattooist.“

„So you like it?“

„Like it? I love it!“

He wrapped his arm around his girlfriend and planted a kiss on her forhead.

„I will tell the tattooist to make my tattoo look exactly like that.“

Marinette looked up at him and felt really proud to have made her boyfriend this happy. She pressed her lips to his and gave him a little peck.

„Too bad I won't have that tattoo in the future to color.“

Luka chuckled.

„Don't worry babe. I have two shouders.“

#ml #ml fafic #my fanfic #my writing #lukanette #endgame Lukanette #pro lukamari #lbsc sprint challenge

[covenofwives]

Llama :)

So few people are aware, last month @fluffallamaful hit me with an appreciation post that went straight for my heart in celebration of our one year being friends. I had planned one similarly but dang drawing tablet was breaking on me and I've just managed to finish this now :D

I won't be as well planned/prepared as Llama was (because she's a wiz at keeping receipts) but I hope this post can lift her mood and make her smile like she makes me.

First off it baffles me we've kept talking. Like for a whole year we spoke near every day. I've never clicked with someone so well and shared so many interests with someone. Sometimes it floors me when Llama thanks me for speaking to her because it should be me thanking her. Someone as creative and kind as Llama taking time out of her busy day to send me hellos, share her thoughts with me and let me bounce ideas off her it's just...it's been an absolute joy.

And she admits that she was a simp for me? ME??? Llama and her wonderfully soft and brilliant blog was one of the reasons I made my own and posted up my first story! She'd have no-one to simp over if it wasn't for her! I said this a while ago but round about when I was lurking on the community I lost a volunteer position I was proud of due to medical stuff and on the day I was let go it was Llama's fics I read to cheer me up.

I can't count how many times I've just been in what felt like a pit, sinking down, and Llama lifted me up whether she knows it or not. Her joy is infectious and sweet. So many times my days have started out terrible, but even just speaking a few words with Llama lifted my mood instantly. She's been with me through panic attacks, nightmares, a heartbreak and constantly supported me when I was having terrible work troubles.

Llama's the one I instantly run to whenever I have a new thought or idea because I love her reactions (especially to the art) but she's also a fantastic person to bounce ideas off of. There's a reason so many of my fics are in dedication or credit to her and that's because she's so bloody brilliant that she just makes things better.

And I don't need to keep giving praises to Llama's talent because this community has seen it well enough. The ideas she comes out with are perfection. Her fics give wonderful butterflies. She's always ALWAYS engaging in the community, lifting people up and encouraging people, especially anons and new comers, to write and engage in the community because it's something she's truly passionate about. And seeing that passion is just so damn INSPIRING.

Llama is a blessing to this community and I am beyond blessed to have her in my life. I know for a fact I would have probably stopped writing and just faded from the community a while ago but Llama's passion lit a fire. She just encourages creativity in people, no matter how small, and has been so supportive through all my ideas and random thoughts.

So yeah, this is gushy and I'm bad with public affections but I wanted Llama to know the full extent of how much she means to me. I know we joke about it but sometimes it honestly feels like we're linked and I truly believe we were just faded to meet and be friends.

I love you Llama and I can't wait to share more wonderful ideas with you and see the wonderful things you're going to create.

#fluffallamaful #this is all sappy #all just coven being a big sap and a simp for llama #and i'm not ashamed of it

[stoic-whumpee]

Idk if this is the right time to ask this, but since asks are open, I'm gonna just do it.

How do you take inspiration from a work into your own? I'm so stuck these days, I get really inspired by something but then I just... Can't create anything else and it's eating me up. I'm an artist, I should create stuff, it's my passion!

Ignore this ask if you don't feel like answering it, that's totally alright! But if you do answer it, thanks in advance :) I really respect your opinion

Hi! I don't mind answering this at all so no worries!

For inspiration, I think it's pretty important as an artist to be analytical when you consume media. If you read or see something that you like, that creates that specific *feeling* with you, maybe try to look into it and see what part of the thing that you like. Is it a specific theme, specific technique, etc? That's how a lot of my prompts come to be, because I read a cool thing that gives me feelings, and then I ask myself "what gives me the feel and what can I do to replicate that but in my own way?". Like you take inspiration from something, break it down into its components, and then mix and match what you want to do with the things you got. The more you do it, the more you have unique pieces that are your own that you can mix with the new inspiration.

Also. Write everything down. Inspiration strikes in weird hours. Keep a notepad or use the note app on your phone. Write it down and look at it again a day later (this is very CRUCIAL. You have to look at it again) and sometimes you will have an award-winning idea at 4am after a weird dream you have.

I don't think there's anything wrong with only focusing on one thing at a time. The entire thing of having a hobby and doing art is because it's something fun and fulfilling to do, and if hard focusing on one thing feels most natural to you, then you don't need to force yourself to do other things. If you are inspired by one thing and it takes up all of your headspace, that's totally alright. Even if that thing ends up unfinished, it's okay to start something and just enjoy it in the meantime. There's no limits or rules for how and what you do as an artist and creator. There's no correct way to be an artist, and there's no minimum or maximum of what you can or should do. Arts and creativity should be fun and exploring, not suffocating :)

If you want to make yourself more comfortable in the creative process, I'd say learn your boundaries as an artist. Learn where your comfort zone is, learn how you can push at those comfort zone and maybe expand it, and learn where to stop pushing. It's your arts, you get to decide where any of those boundaries lie and you get to decide how you experiment with them.

If you want to work on multiple projects at once, maybe try working on different media. Like I can work on a fully written story and making prompts, or I can make prompt and do playlist or do ask games, etc. You can try doing other creative projects that is outside of what you usually do. Try to come up with other things that you want to try, and just jump right into it.

Another thing that you can do is try to create some kind of small pressure or deadline for yourself. The way that I post prompts on my blog very consistently is because I give myself a deadline to post at the same time almost every day and try to stick to that deadline most of the time. That pressure will actually kick my brain into gear and make it work, but I am also aware that if I miss one day, it would be okay. It's pressure, but it's soft pressure and it's not painfully uncomfortable. Give yourself a deadline, ask a close friend to uphold that deadline for you if you feel you can't hold yourself to it, or have a group chat/discord where there are more people who can help you.

I also think community is really important. I wouldn't be posting half as much as I do if people don't send me asks and requests. Having people whom you can bounce ideas off is also really helpful. And again, having friends to support and drive you to make cool things so you can show them can help a lot.

That was a lot of words but tl,dr:

Analyse the contents that inspires/moves you and figure out why it moves you, then add your own twists to it;

Write everything down and revisit those ideas;

Don't put arbitrary rules that limits how you can enjoy the process of creating but sometimes a deadline/pressure to make things can be good;

Learn your boundaries and how to push those boundaries, taking breaks as needed;

Have friends and community who will interact with you and your contents and motivate you.

That's all I have right now, but I'd be willing to talk more about my creative process and what works for me if you'd like to :) Also this is from the standpoint of someone who is doing this purely for fun, and it will be a lot different if you want to be productive on an industrial standard.

#r speaks #writing advice

[tj-crochets]

I ask this genuinely: how do you manage to create so much? I really admire how much you make things, and enjoy your hobbies so much. I'm trying to figure out how to feel motivated to do projects again

This got extremely ramble-y, so it's below a read more

A lot of it is honestly luck? I have a stay-at-home job that has a fair amount of down time* where I have to be sitting at my computer in case someone emails me/messages me/calls me but can make things while waiting for emails, and it pays enough I can afford to live and buy craft supplies. I've also had a bunch of people, including relatives, neighbors, friends' relatives, and strangers destash and give me a lot of craft supplies for free. Part of it is that I get...idk how to word it. Antsy and listless when I haven't made things in a while? Making things is enrichment for me, and I know that, so I make a point to not go more than a few days without making something. Sometimes I don't want to make things, but I know I'll feel better if I finish a project**, so I'll crochet a little monster or make a tiny witch hat or something, and usually once I start making something I feel better and want to keep making things. Part of it is that I let myself make things on a whim. I've accumulated enough colors of minky, yarn, and embroidery floss*** that I can pretty much make any small thing I think of immediately after I think of it. This isn't universally applicable advice; I have the storage space to (mostly) store it neatly, and I know myself well enough to know I will absolutely lose enthusiasm for a project if I have to wait too long to start it. If I'm making a quilt but have a strong urge to make a tiny monster, I will take a break from the quilt to make a monster (I sometimes struggle with finishing big projects because of this, but it's a work in progress, and I always finish the project eventually). I also love craft supplies as decor. I let myself switch between hobbies as I have the urge to, and trust that I will eventually go back to previous hobbies. I used to guilt myself about changing hobbies, but now I embrace it. Learning new things is good for me! I just spent like three months quilting, like two weeks making doll clothes and a doll to fit them, and now two and a half days embroidering. I'm thinking about making a teddy bear sized tricorn hat. A few weeks ago I made a chain mail/scale mail bracelet, and before then I think it had been like five years since I made anything with chain mail. Sometimes I do get caught up in guilt about crafts. Like, guilt that I promised to make someone something and haven't yet, or that I spent money on supplies but haven't used them, or that someone bought me supplies and I haven't used them. It can absolutely drain all my crafting motivation. When that happens, I try to take a step back, and find what is stopping me/causing me guilt. Is a gift late? That's okay, my friends and family understand crafting takes time and won't be upset. Did I spend money on supplies and not use them yet? That's okay, picking them out brought me joy and inspiration and I will use them in the future. Someone bought me supplies and I haven't used them? How awesome that they thought of me! Someday I'll make something cool with that stuff, and it's great to have another metaphorical crayon in my crayon box to open up more possibilities of things to make. Sometimes I also get hung up on patterns, where part of it is just utterly unenjoyable to me and I can't bring myself to start making the thing. When that happens, I try to figure out what bugs me about it. Is it too complex a pattern? Okay, I'll pick a simpler one. Do I hate hand sewing applique? Okay, I'll look up machine applique, or use a different fabric that doesn't need applique, or pick a different pattern. I think I might've gotten a little off topic? Part of it is also that I struggle to focus on watching shows or even sometimes reading if I am not also making something.

*I mean, it varies day to day, but a lot more downtime than my first job

**there's some neurochemical thing about finishing a project, especially when the finished project creates a tangible object? ***I used to make friendship bracelets

#ask away! #the person behind the yarn #sorry nonny this got really long lol #I also have unintentional automatic negative reinforcement built in #in that the weirdness of my adrenals and my allergies combined mean if I get angry or stressed enough #I will literally have an allergic reaction to my own stress/anger #(it's like adrenals dump stuff in the blood stream triggering mast cells to dump stuff triggering allergic reaction) #but it does mean it's WAAAAY easier for me to notice when I am being unkind to myself than it used to be #and if I overwork myself I tend to have a POTS flareup and my blood pressure drops dramatically #between them my self-care is a looooot better than it used to be #which helps! #making stuff for people also helps #I love making things for my friends and their kids and the kid I used to babysit #my friend's son absolutely loves dinosaurs #and I never struggle with motivation making him dinosaurs because I know it will make him happy #so...love? love is a motivation for crafting? but also so is boredom and the inability to sit still and the lure of cute fabric #and problem solving. sometimes I make stuff just to figure out how I can.

[caughtbubbles]

Hey Leigh! You've been making your webcomic for a long time now! I'm still working on concepts for my own on and off (reworking my theses into the webcomic). Is there anything you like and don't like about making Astral Sounds? I was thinking of getting Clipstudio Paint for it (heard a lot of ppl think it's easier to make it there than on PS) but I heard it was switching over to a subscription based program like PS (I could be wrong though)

Oh boy, it has been a long time since I started AstralSounds. Nearly 7 years! There's a lot to say I like and dislike about it at this point. I really enjoy seeing other creative folks getting excited and inspired by what I've been putting out in the world. I enjoy the sense of accomplishment when I finish a new page, or look back at all the work I've done on the comic overall. I enjoy the process itself, figuring out how to make the next scene work visually, and learning what does and doesn't work just by trying stuff out. I've grown so much more as an artist just by constantly working on a project like this.

The main thing I don't like is the silent (or sometimes less silent) pressure to keep updating, even when life hits. Most of my readers are very sweet and understanding when I have to take a hiatus, but I still feel guilty stepping away for too long. I don't take as many breaks as I actually need to. Even if I never ever got a rude comment (which I have), website algorithms demand constant updates. If I don't post semi-regularly, I lose readership, and lose what small amount of extra income the comic provides. It's a tough balance to strike.

As for Clip Studio Paint, I actually don't know that much about it. I keep wanting to test it out some and try to transition at least part of my process over to it, but I haven't had the time or energy to learn my way around the program. I do hear a lot of great things, though. My understanding of the subscription system they've introduced is that they are still doing a pay-once model, but you can subscribe to gain access to new features as they roll them out. I might be wrong, though.

Anyway, I wish you the best of luck with your own comic! I'm so excited to see what you do with it! I always adored your very early concepts from your thesis, and I simply love seeing projects grow over time. Just watching your main character design and overall artistic skill and style evolve over the years has been so awesome!

(To the rest of my followers, please go check out @delespi's work! Looking at her art always brightens my day 💜)

#ask snowy #not art

[bondsmagii]

I really liked your first address on the topic of guilt. I struggle a lot with guilt, like the other anons. My solution's been to go into healthcare, which is obviously a big decision. I love it but I keep noticing myself not settling - it isn't good enough to care just for the sick, I need to be in emergency or intensive care specialisations. And such. I think you're right about it being a common thing online. It really resonated with me to read it. I think my point is just to agree, really, so sorry if it contributes to a busy inbox. But you can't solve the problem of guilt by appeasing it, you'll always feel like you need to do more. There's definitely a point where you need to self-evaluate and consider speaking to someone, because caring is good but empathy burnout is a thing. Idk. You have a way with words and I think you hit the nail on the head.

you definitely have a good point there: with guilt like this, nothing will ever be enough. I've never struggled with this particular aspect of guilt, but I do suffer from OCD, and when it was at its worst, I was troubled by this overwhelming sense of irrational responsibility for things. I thought that if I didn't do certain rituals, I would be responsible for bad things happening to people or in general in the world; any bad news or bad event or bad health or bad grade that I or anyone I cared about experienced was of course my fault for not clicking the lightswitch enough when I left my room or something. to try and prevent this, I'd do increasingly convoluted and time-consuming rituals, until it was taking me an hour to leave in the morning and I was working myself up into a panicked mess. but no matter what I did, it was never enough. as soon as I reached one level of acceptability, my OCD would move the goal posts. once I realised this, I was able to begin breaking out of the mindframe, and now you could barely tell I have OCD unless you notice some of the small little compulsions I have.

I think this is a pretty good metaphor for this kind of guilt in general, because it all comes from a similar place. it's a completely irrational sense of responsibility for the world, powered by our feelings of helplessness. with stuff like what you and the other anons are experiencing, I imagine there's an element of frustration regarding this powerlessness, so you do whatever you can to alleviate it and feel like you're helping. it would be good if it ended there, with a solid plan and good compartmentalising (like working in health care but leaving work at work) but as you said, the guilt will never be satisfied. before you know it, you're beating yourself up for having hobbies and interests, and being happy sometimes, or having days where you relax or do nothing, or even for things you can't control like your circumstances and place of birth. it's definitely similar to the kind of irrational guilt-bearing that OCD has, and I don't understand how it's come to be viewed as the sign of a good and politically aware person. this is such an unvelievably harmful attitude to have, and it will eventually end up with serious mental consequences and a drastically reduced quality of life.

finally, I think that there's something to be said for the fact that art is the only life path getting this kind of shit. I resent the growing insinuation and perhaps even belief that art is just some bourgeoisie hobby, and that indulging in it is a sign of privilege. you see the same with all things academia-related, and it's a sign of a growing trend of anti-intellectualism that is really not as woke or productive as people seem to think it is. I think people need to take a close look at why they seem to think the arts are the only thing that inspires the feeling that they'll be doing nothing for the world, and I also think people need to understand that art isn't only worth something if it reaches everyone. it is very presumptuous and even a little white saviour-y to assume that somebody in the slums of India or wherever is even remotely interested in what you have to say. they have their own culture and their own art, if they need it. the idea that a white Westerner's art has to reach all these third world or developing countries to be worth something is, to me, condescending and very much more about the white Westerner's status as a politically aware artist among other white Westerners than anything else. your art is not meant to be and cannot be for everyone, and it's rather self-important to act like it could be.

#anon #asks

[theefairygodmother]

8 things I've chosen to embrace throughout my 20's.

We've all 'been through some sh*t' that we probably shouldn't have and maybe even felt IT would've taken us TF OUT the "game" - Here are 8 things I've personally embraced with time, experiences and GOD.

Intuition.

Follow that shit. Intuition can feel similar to Fear. Your intuition is ultimately pointing you in in a direction that is subconsciously comfortable -even though you're not too certain. Fear on the other hand ultimately dictates a decision that allows us to 'feel relieved' as if you've just survived a threat- but we didn't . Be very careful as this is often confused. Your intuition allows growth whilst fear does not. Intuition and fear can cohabitate peacefully with self awareness.

Silence.

'Speech is silver but silence is golden', We've all heard that before (or maybe just that last part), but what does it really mean? Sometimes things are just better left unsaid. Silence in my experience allows things to reveal their true nature. Now I can decipher if it's for me or not based on self awareness. Sitting in silence and saying nothing is the better option ;especially if you happen to be emotional. Silence for me meant no drama, arguing, hypocrisy, justifying, no one-upping, no outside distractions. TAKES F*CKING DISCIPLINE. "Still waters run deep while empty vessels make the most sound". Silence is more valuable than any response.

Authenticity.

Be your f**king self. Don't water down who you are to make anyone around you comfortable. Do not dim your light bro. Your calling is different from theirs. Everyone does not always deserve access to you just because they've been a familiar face. You know who you are and the value you embody. There will be people who are intimidated by your presence and will try to box you in where they want you to fit because of their ego & insecurities. NOT YOURS TO DEAL WITH. Move along, it's more freeing to be who you know yourself to be with time and experience. Everyone can't come along for the ride.

Going SOLO?

Just like Beyonce did Destiny's child, Justin did N'Sync & Normani did Fifth Harmony - GO SOLO. Time waits for no one & you probably shouldn't either. Take that trip, go to the movies, go on that date with yourself by yourself. There's this liberating sense of independence as you work through your fears, meet new people & gain real world experience. There's so much you learn about yourself while being all self sufficient and stuff. You won't ever get these years back. Do it tf up!

Single Life!

Embrace it if you've experienced/ing it. The pool has piss and Hennessy in it anyway. LOL J.K.. Kinda. There's personal growth and self discovery - in the works for you ; you bomb ass fine, kindmillennial bae . On your own terms & aware AF of yourself !

Making THE choice.

Stop waiting to be chosen or for them to choose. Their decision will always be based on what works best for them first. 'CHOOSE YOU. Put you first. Make the decision that is comfortable to who you are. It's not selfish at all -It's you finally choosing to consciously consider yourself when it feels like you've been the latter for the longest.

Privacy.

No one needs to know your every move at all times. A private life is indeed a happier life. In your own privacy, you make choices without fear or outside opinions. You create your personal boundaries here and authentically develop your identity - Who YOU are. That simple.

Kindness.

Personally, it feels good to be able to help others - even if its something small. Kind behavior helps to keep life within perspective and it feels like the more I do for others - the more I do for myself. .<don't let this right here go over your head). Your floor may be someone else's ceiling, & you can't break the ceiling if you don't acknowledge the floor. Your kindness can inspire someone else's kindness. It's free-costs $0!

#theefairygodmother #millenialblackgirl #me20's #eraofthe20's

[aaronkull]

Aaron Kull Discusses the Overlooked Challenges of Leadership 

The standard leadership advice is simple. It advocates working hard, staying positive, and empowering employees. But what happens when there are substantial challenges along the way? For Aaron Kull, that’s where real leadership begins. 

Kull knows his stuff. An entrepreneur, consultant, and former health care executive, he’s bounced between industries and worked at a wide variety of companies, from small-scale businesses to massive corporations. 

Along the way, he’s faced his share of obstacles. From organizational challenges to ethical dilemmas, he’s encountered a variety of hurdles that aren’t always discussed in traditional stewardship courses. 

The first step to effective captaincy during hard times is self-discovery, he explained. Leaders need to know themselves before they can hope to inspire others with their vision. Not only must a leader know themself, but a leader must also deeply know their team, and what motivates and inspires them. A servant and empathetic leadership style is key to supporting a team to produce results. That’s essentially what leadership is, producing results through others, and in order to do that, you must work across the leadership team to create an environment where leaders support all those below them with full commitment and conviction to enable their success.

Aaron Kull described his own leadership style as grounded in trust, transparency, humility, and high standards. “Transparency and consistency, and vulnerability, to the degree that it’s possible, are really important from a leader,” he said. “Employees are quick to pick up on incongruences. Once it’s displayed, leaders lose commitment of followership, and it becomes more difficult to get the team to adapt and continue to operate as high performing teams.

“One of the things that I have found to be most important about being a leader is being willing to roll up your sleeves and be in the weeds. You cannot hide in an office or behind a wall of a title. You must be visible, accessible, and understood. You must understand the business at every level in order to effectively lead. Sometimes that means getting your hands dirty with everyone else and walking some days in others’ shoes.

“The smallest of details must not escape a leader’s gaze,” Kull continued. “At the same time, they have to keep in mind the overarching vision. This is a tightrope to walk — you don’t want to strangle your team with micromanagement. You need them to be free to try, to fail, to create. You need to guide them in a way that makes them feel empowered.”

Beyond ethical and organizational challenges, leaders also must deal with personal challenges. Self-limiting beliefs, more commonly discussed as “impostor syndrome,” is something that many managers have to contend with at promotion or a new job, Aaron Kull explained. “I think one of my perspectives that I’ve gained from personal experience is that not having done something before does not preclude you from doing it successfully in the future,” he said. “I really think that trying new things is important for ensuring that you’re constantly growing and expanding your skill set. That is a huge part of professional and also individual growth.”

One of the best ways to handle nagging doubts is to purposely push yourself into new places, he added. Not only will it help you understand more aspects of business, but it can also spur new kinds of personal development that may surprise you.

Taking it up one level is where things get even trickier. Looking at the culture, style, and relationships/politics within the executive leadership team can provide a clear view of where the organization is headed and the risks that present themselves in pursuit of that vision. 

“If there is one thing that I have seen break businesses faster than anything else, it is misalignment at the executive leadership level,” Kull observed. “A leadership team that lacks the ability to have tough conversations and hold themselves and each other accountable will not survive difficult times — and even worse, if the leadership team is not laser focused on agreed priorities, the organization beneath them can quickly splinter. 

“When you’re a leader, you need to be able to make decisions that are congruent with the destiny you hope to achieve for the business and the mission that you've explained to the people that are working to make it a reality. It’s really, really important,” Aaron Kull stated. “Being able to make prudent decisions that help the organization achieve its goals while making sure that you stick to your own deeply held beliefs is essential if you want people to follow you.” 

Another essential for effective leadership? Facing hurdles with a self-effacing sense of grace. “As I grew in my career, I think the things that shaped me most effectively as a leader were challenge and humility,” Kull revealed. “I think that becoming humble through your leadership experience is really important and it helps you gain empathy as a leader; it helps you gain perspective as a leader.”

#business #chicago #entrepreneuship #healthcare #startup #aaronkull

[saurusness]

#coming soon #wip #s4cc hair #twitr named this one heh #YES all older hairs are being updated as we speak as well! #it's slow and horrid tedious work which is why it is taking me so long to update 160 or so hairs #but we're getting there bit by bit 💜 #sometimes I need a small break to work on new stuff to keep my inspiration flowing #I'll release them in larger batches with mass download posts #which is why I also have to reorganise them a little and that's adding an extra step #thank you for your patience 💜 #ily!

[dragonsareourfuture]

Ways the Death Note Cast Show They Trust You

I lost some inspiration towards the middle there, I’m sorry!!

L

- he will always have Watari make extra servings of food just for you. It’s a bit startling at first. So suddenly there’s just food in front of you that you think is for L, but when you push it towards him, he pushes it right back to you.

“You don’t want it?” He’d ask, leaving you confused until you finally put the pieces together.

“Oh, I…I guess I didn’t realize it was for me. My bad.” You begin eating. “Thank you.”

L simply hums and continues with whatever he was just up to.

- You know that thing cats do where they’re sitting perfectly still, eyes closed, guard slightly down, but still not quite asleep? I can picture L doing something like this during any moment of downtime he gets. Just sitting, scrunched up in his chair or wherever he happens to be, eyes closed but the cogs in his brain are still turning. You notice him doing this when it is only you and him in the room, simply thinking it’s because of the moment of rare solitude. Little do you know, it’s because he trusts that you won’t hurt him or let anything bad happen to him.

- L is a person who prefers to be in charge of his own life. He likes knowing what’s going on around him at all times and when things are out of his hands he can’t help but feel uncomfortable. However, with a person he’s developed a close relationship with and knows he can trust with everything he has, L will feel more comfortable leaving decisions up to them. You’ll have to start small though, like being the one to plan a surprise date. He might feel a bit uncomfy at the beginning, shifting around and possibly even insisting he sit so that he can see the exits clearly, but he eases into it eventually. Soon you both find yourselves joking around in the odd way that you do and gorging on cake and ice cream.

Mello

- being vulnerable is something Mello isn’t too keen on. He already feels vulnerable most of the time and would kick himself if he let that show through his actions. If Mello truly trusts you, he will feel as though he can be vulnerable around you without any judgement on your end. Small acts that show vulnerability such as asking you to help him with something he can’t quite handle on his own — even if it’s something as simple as not being able to reach something off a shelf or being unsure about how to fix something. Eventually, he’ll work his way up to the bigger stuff like being physically wounded in front of you or having a mental block.

- Sharing his clothes with you or letting you pick his outfit for him. Now, it sounds like he’s just being a little diva and that’s only partially true. But his clothes are important to him, they’re a factor that sets him aside from his plain-dressing rival and in his eyes they make him more interesting than him, visually at least. He’s happy to dress you up, and it is true that he has to have a close relationship with you to want to do so, but you should be especially proud if he lets you alter his appearance in any way.

- He likes to believe that he’s had his goals set out from the beginning. Surpass Near, become the next L, and go on from there. What he pushes to the back of his brain are the moments he’s been studying and he’s asked himself ‘What if I went down a different path?’. He quickly pushes these thoughts away, but they keep coming back. What would life be like if this wasn’t an option for him? What if he were a writer? What if he lived in the city with people he loves and went to the movies every Friday? Unwillingly, he has a whole list of possibilities. If he truly trusts you, he’ll share every single one with you. Whether it’s dropping hints or confessing them one by one late at night, he can’t help but feel that they’re safe with you.

Misa

- it seems a bit surface level, but it’s true — Misa will talk down on Light in front of you if she trusts you. But it’s not straight away. She had developed a lot of courage to actually break up with him, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t still doubt her decision to do so. It’s only when she finds out from you how loved ones are supposed to treat each other — with kindness and respect — that she feels her decision to ditch Light was the entirely right one. Slowly, she’ll start to admit to you all the things she hated about Light, starting with some of his mannerisms and building up to something like how he forced her to leave the entertainment business.

- Misa is…dramatic. She likes to go above and beyond for someone she’s infatuated with and make sure they’re the happiest they can be. If she trusts you enough to develop this kind of infatuation and, with some development, less of an obsession and more of a strong, bonding love, you will be doted on to the point where it’s almost ridiculous. You could be at home during one of her work days and you’ll get a delivery of lunch from your favorite takeout place because Misa was ‘thinking of you <3’, as she explains when you text her asking why food randomly showed up at your place. It’s rather sweet.

- Misa’s a pretty talkative person in general, that’s a well known fact. She’ll talk about clothes, a cute birdie she saw on her way home, really anything that comes to mind. But, she’ll do that with about anyone who’ll listen. It’s gradual, so it’s hard to notice, but if Misa grows to trust you she’ll start talking about some of the more serious things that have been on her mind for a while, those things that she thought would scare off anyone she liked because of how personal they are to her. Her family before they died, for example. It’s something that Misa thinks about. So much. But she doesn’t really talk about it. She wants to forget, put the past behind her but because she’s never talked about it with anyone it’s hard to do that. She’ll talk about her family to you, the little things her sister used to do and some things her parents did that she misses.

Matsuda

- Matsuda often begins to idolize those who he thinks are trustworthy and have a good heart. He starts to tell you how much he loves when you do x and that he wishes he could perform as well as you in that area. In a sense, he trusts you with his vulnerability, letting you know that he thinks of himself as less than satisfactory and how he wishes he could do better, only he channels it by pointing out good things about you. If…that makes sense.

- This sounds dire, but he’ll risk his life for the people he completely, without a doubt trusts. He was willing to do so with Chief Yagami, someone he saw as a father figure, and he would certainly be willing to do so with you, someone who he feels he has a deep emotional connection to. Whether you’re in a situation where he would need to or he’s just saying that he would, he means it.

- Matsuda trusts you to not make fun of him when he overshares or talks too much or anything his coworkers brush him off for. He feels that he can talk about things he finds funny and talk about his life without worrying about what you think of him when he does.

Matt

- he would drop everything to help you. Whether that’s dropping his game to help you kill a bug or leaving his duties behind to help you out of a life or death situation. Whichever scenario you happen to find yourself in he’s there no matter what.

- He’ll invite you into his personal life. I know this is kind of a given but Matt had the chance to become the next L. He had the chance to become something “great” and he said “ummm rather not” to it because it wasn’t something he wanted. If he shares this information with you, he trusts you not to leave him for something better when you discover the status he could have had and refused. He trusts you to appreciate him because of him and not the intelligence everyone but him cherishes.

- He leaves you alone around important technology and software he’s hacked. Unfortunately for him, betrayal comes with the business he’s got himself into and, if Matt really trusts you on both a professional and emotional level, he won’t have a problem worrying about whether or not you’ll take advantage of his coffee break to gather information for some other organization or something. He will literally just go “mkay babe I gotta go fuel up on caffeine real quick, you’re good watching the hacked government database right? Cool cya.”

Near

- Near trusts you to take him to public places. Sounds simple, yeah. But Near has never liked crowds, or even just too many strangers in a wide open place. It’s strange to everyone observing how one day he decides he needs a new toy, his old one having broken due to old age, and asks you to take him to the toy store. He’s questioned, people wondering why he wouldn’t rather you just go alone but Near insists. Apparently the toy that broke is special addition and he wants to make sure you get the right one. He stays close to you the whole way, not really saying much, but he’s there and that’s a big step for him.

- He helps you out with puzzles. Basically cheats for you. When he’s eyeing one specific empty slot, coughing lightly to get your attention, just know that he’s not helping you because he thinks you need it. Quite the opposite actually. With anyone else, he believes that they should be able to solve it on their own. He thinks that if they can’t, then that’s their fault. But with you…it’s as if he trusts that you’re intelligent enough without the puzzle being an indicator of that intelligence, so much so that he thinks the puzzle itself is obsolete when it comes to you. He doesn’t need a puzzle to know how smart you are.

- He’ll eat the foods you make him. Near’s picky eater-ness is above that of a child who only eats chicken tenders and pizza. He doesn’t eat that many people’s food because he knows it’s probably not he way he likes it. But with you, he trusts that you respect his eating habits and know him well enough to get it right the first time. Though he does check the food out for a bit, he’ll eat it. Sometimes all of it. Fuckin astonishing to Rester who had attempted many times to heat up microwave dinners for the guy.

#death note #death note x reader #x reader #x reader headcanons #l death note #l lawliet #l Lawliet x reader #l x reader #Misa amane #misa amane x reader #touta matsuda x reader #touta matsuda #Mello x reader #mihael keehl x reader #mihael keehl #death note mello #near x reader #near death note #Nate river #nate river x reader #Mail jeevas #mail jeevas x reader #death note matt #matt x reader

[soyouthinkucanwrite]

The money thing (part 1/2) - Daniel Ricciardo

It's always the little things, isn't it? The smallest stupidest things make almost no difference and then make all the difference in the world. They make everything special, but they also have the power to tear everything appart.

You and Daniel fight about money for the thousand time and he's had enough of it.

Warnings: super angst, but with a happy ending :)

Guys, this turned out WAY BIGGER than I expected, so I'm just gonna do a part 2, okay? Okay, thanks for understanding!

Song that inspired me: A list by HVOB

You and Daniel had been dating for a couple months now, having met through a common friend and hitting off almost instantly. You lived in Amsterdam and he, well he lived all over the world really, but his "time off" (meaning not racing) was spent between Monaco and London (for work), and Amsterdam now too, of course.

The changes were small and subtle at the beginning, like your weekends being spent traveling to meet him wherever in the world he was and consequently spending almost all your savings on plane tickets. You never complained to him (you planned on spending the money traveling anyway, so you didn't see the point), but didn't accept when he offered to buy your tickets, either. There's been some awkwardness around the subject but it usually died on its own.

*beginning of flashback*

"You’d have gotten here in time if you'd gotten the early flight like I told you" you remembered him saying that time you got in the paddock after the qualifying session had begun and couldn’t kiss him good luck.

"Baby, I told you. It was crazy expensive! Absurd even!"

"(y/n) for god's sake! What are we saving money for? I told you, you have my credit card number, I've offered to get you one, this is ridiculous, I can't believe I literally earn millions and my girlfriend wasn't there with me because the ticket was too expensive! I'll fucking fly you private if I have to!" he was almost yelling in his driver's room. You could only stare from the corner.

He took a deep breath running his hands through his hair. "Sorry. It's just... it was crap out there. I needed you" you grimaced at his words.

"Sorry. I really am..." you tried to approach him. "I'm here now?" you touched his arm. "It can't have been that bad, you're still on the top 10 and we both know what you can do from the 8th car..." you smiled at him.

*end of flashback*

He started to spend much more of his time off with you at your place, so you decided to get a place by yourself (having a roommate was great for company and splitting the rent, but having a roommate there while you guys just wanted some much-needed privacy was not working). Then there were more traveling to meet him, furniture for the new place, clothing for all the events (GPs or not), uber rides here and there... all of that without mentioning that you weren't being able to get the freelance jobs you used to get to make some extra money, so yeah, to say things were tight was an understatement. You tried to do all your shopping alone, so he wouldn't offer and you wouldn't refuse or be awkward about it, but Daniel seem to be glued to you whenever you were in the same city (not that you’re complaining).

He started to spend much more of his time off with you at your place, so you decided to get a place by yourself (having a roommate was great for company and splitting the rent, but having a roommate there while you guys just wanted some much-needed privacy was not working). Then there were more traveling to meet him, furniture for the new place, clothing for all the events (GPs or not), uber rides here and there... all of that without mentioning that you weren't being able to get the freelance jobs you used to get to make some extra money, so yeah, to say things were tight was an understatement. You tried to do all your shopping alone, so he wouldn't offer and you wouldn't refuse or be awkward about it, but Daniel seem to be glued to you whenever you were in the same city (not that you’re complaining).

The thing is, you always had trouble dealing with money. Sure, you liked to pay for your own stuff so as to not owe anything to anyone (especially boys), but it was so much deeper than that. Ever since a kid, you hated asking for money from your parents, and sometimes even the thought of buying stuff that was a bit more expensive made you sick. You couldn't explain why, you just felt guilty having so much and knowing that most people have never even seen that amount. It's not that you didn't want to spend it and save for the sake of it, you just didn't handle the idea of money very well. Needless to say, dating a millionnaire was bound to cause trouble in the relationship for you.

You were currently at his place in Monaco. It was the summer break and you had decided to spend some days just chilling at home, just the two of you - which you were glad since going out means hair, makeup, clothes, accessories, shoes... and, let's be honest, the kind of places he usually took you is not the kind of places you just throw something together last minute (the Instagram models and other driver's girlfriends looking you up and down were enough to make you think about spending money you did not have to hire a stylist or something like that). The whole situation was really stressing you out and you knew you would have to be honest with him eventually, instead of only dodging the subject and refusing most of his offers to pay. You tried to. You kind of tried. You suggested staying at home, in bed, most of the time, and he gladly agreed, but that strategy wasn't gonna work forever. You had to be honest with him. But at the same time, you knew what he was going to say and do, and the thought of him spending money on you, even if just by handling the restaurant bill, wasn't something you were much more comfortable with. Besides, it was only a matter of time before the "gold-digger" term starts to fly around in the small world that was the F1's.

You were laying on his couch, the Olympics playing on the TV but you were too busy overthinking the money thing to pay attention. Daniel was laying with his head on your lap, absently caressing your thigh and watching the TV. His phone went off and he moved to pick it up.

"Hello?" you watched as he answered the phone. "Hey mate, how's it going? Uh nothing, we're just chilling at home. Getting some rest... Yeah, I'm getting rested, you dirty-minded son of a bitch" you rolled your eyes while he laughed out loud on the line with someone. "Yeah, I know... the 19th is it? No, it's fine. Yeah, yeah. I'll be there. Alright, mate. Thanks for calling. Have a good one! Bye!" he hanged up and leaned in to peck you on the lips.

"Good news?" you asked him.

"Not really. Just wanted to kiss you" he shrugged, smiling. You smiled back and hugged him, pulling him in for another kiss. He was always so caring with you, always finding an excuse to kiss or touch you. You knew some people didn't like it, but you loved it. Physical touch was definitely one of your love languages.

"What's happening on the 19th then?" you asked him once you guys set apart from the kiss.

"Gotta be in London. Gonna run some testings and other boring race stuff..."

"Hum..." you hummed in understanding.

"You know what would make it less boring though?" he asked and you just looked at him, you already knew what he was going to ask you and it wasn't that you didn't want to spend every minute of the day with him, but you simply couldn't afford any more traveling, especially not in such short notice. "If you came with me. Huh? What do you say? A week in the Queen's land? Then we can fly together to Spa and after the race, I can go with you to Amsterdam. The next one it's the Dutch GP anyway, I'll just get there sooner" he laughed. It was crushing you, the man of your dreams was literally beaming at making plans with you, talking about spending the next few weeks glued together and you couldn't say yes.

"Dan, I have to work" you smiled sadly.

"Can't you work from distance? Or, I don't know, I mean... I know it's tiring, but you could come to London and fly home a bit early, then just meet me in Belgium?" great, his solution includes even more flying. And the thing is, you really didn't mind the flying. You always slept during the whole thing anyway, so you never got tired and the jetlag was minimal. You could work from distance, sure. Your boss wouldn't mind, as long as you got there eventually to check in on everything. But the whole logistics were just too expensive. There was no way you could afford it.

"I... sorry, I don't think I can" you said sadly and watched as his face dropped.

"That's fine, baby. I get it. I'm asking too much, all this traveling... don't worry about it" he tried to mask his emotions but you knew better. He knew you could in fact work from distance, so he was probably thinking the reason you couldn't do it was because you didn't want to.

He got up from the couch and walked into the kitchen. Meanwhile, you couldn't help but bury your face in your palms. This was so frustrating!

"You wanna go for a run or something? Maybe get something to eat?" he called from the kitchen, already moving on from the subject. You knew this whole thing was only gonna keep build up till he got tired of your excuses or you blowing up, probably the former, but you just keep going.

"Yeah, sure" you answered, getting up from the couch.

You and Daniel were both very active so going for a run, hiking, riding bikes, or whatever in the middle of the day was really routine for you. The Monaco summer weather was as beautiful as always and the sun was shining bright. You enjoyed the rest of your afternoon racing each other, kissing in the harbor, and just taking in the views, spending quality time together. Money wasn't even a thing in your bubble for a while.

"I'm getting hungry" he said on the way back home.

"Me too, and I'm super hot. I could go for a juice or something right now" you were all sweaty from the running, but you didn't care, he was too.

"You're always hot baby, I don't think juice gonna help with that" he grinned at you and you just rolled your eyes at him.

You passed by one of his favorite spots for food, nearby his place and he suggested getting some take-out, to which you agreed.

"Green juice, and a chicken wrap?" you tried to decide while the both of you waited in line.

"I'll never understand how you drink that"

"I've seen you drink that too, it's actually very refreshing"

"Because I'm forced to, I'm a high-performance athlete baby. But I'm on a break, so I'll have a coke, thank you very much" you laughed at him. He was holding your hand and tried to kiss you, wrapping his arm around you, you didn't dodge his kiss, you would never, but still laughed at the fact he wanted to kiss the sweaty mess you were right now.

"I'm gross, only you" you laughed.

"That's my baby, with no makeup she a ten" he rapped shrugging and grinning.

"Alright Lil Wayne, I know that one, don't even finish the verse" you laughed at him, making him laugh out loud, getting everyone's in the restaurant's attention.

"It's true, though"

"Sure..." You just shook your head smiling. Then you heard someone call his name.

"Hey! Daniel!" you both turned around to see Charles and Charlotte sitting in a corner, him waving at you two. You had met Charles a couple of times before but never spoke too much to him. They seemed to be leaving anyway, so they walked towards you guys, instead of towards the door.

"Hey mate, how's it going?" Daniel greeted him with a handshake. "Hey, Charlotte! You know (y/n) yet?"

"Hi! I don't think so, hi! How are you?" she greeted you smiling.

"Hi! Nice to meet you. Hi, Charles!" you said.

"Hey, (y/n). You're keeping him in line during the break? Char won't let me cheat my diet either" he laughed.

"Oh, that ship has sailed long ago! Daniel will just roll into the paddock if it's up to him" you laughed back.

"Hey! I think I've earned the right to some extra calories, we've been working out extra hard lately" Daniel said waving his eyebrows suggestively, making Charlotte giggle, Charles rolls his eyes and you go even redder than you were from the actual workout, while he just laughed out loud.

"I don't even want to know" Charles said. "Always great running into you mate" he was getting ready to say goodbye.

"Are we seeing you guys tomorrow?" Charlotte asked you.

"Tomorrow?" you asked her.

"Stefano's birthday" she said like it was obvious. Stefano Domenicali was the President and CEO of Formula 1, but you didn't know that yet - still, her tone made it seems like it was someone Daniel knew, so you just looked at him. He just rubbed his neck, looking a little embarrassed. "Oh, wait. Please tell me I didn't just said something I shouldn't" she looked at Charles.

"No, no. He invited me. Us, actually" Daniel reassured her. "I don't think we're going though, forgot to mention to you" he said looking at you.

"Uh mate, I wouldn't skip that if I were you. He didn't even invite all the drivers I heard" Charles said. "Maybe just stop by to say hello?"

"Stop by... a yacht... at the sea?" Charlotte said grinning at him. Daniel looked at you.

"You feel like going? It should be fun" he asked you.

"Sounds fancy... I mean, I don't mind if you go" you said.

"Common... I’m not going alone" he nudged you.

"I don't even have anything to wear, Dan" you told him.

"Oh! We can go shopping together!" Charlotte said and you had almost forgotten they were still there.

"Perfect!" Daniel answered for you. You could only imagine the types of stores she shopped.

"Tomorrow morning, then? Daniel can text your address to Charles for me? I'll pick you up!" she was being really nice about it.

"I thought you wanted to go today?" Charles said.

"That's when I thought I would have to go shopping with you, so I could use the extra time since you're the worst shopping partner ever!" she laughed at him.

"Burn!" Daniel laughed.

"His fashion taste is not the most reliable, let's face it" she laughed and kissed his cheek. "It's a date then (y/n)?" she looked expectantly at you. You didn't want to let her down, it was so hard to make friends with the girlfriends of other drivers, they were usually so... not nice. You could always just help her and find something to wear in your own stuff later.

"Yeah, sure! See you tomorrow, at 10?" you said simply.

"Perfect!" she beamed.

>>> end of part 1 <<<

#daniel ricciardo #daniel ricciardo fanfic #Daniel ricciardo fluff #daniel ricciardo x reader #daniel ricciardo imagine #daniel ricciardo fic #f1 fic #f1 fanfic

[warmblanketwhump]

safe enough to fall

a little university-themed thing I wrote using @sicktember prompts: comfort item, sneaky temperature check, medicine, unlikely caregiver, and lightly inspired by these prompts

the grip of the winter’s cold was their constant, unrelenting companion - but sometimes, B just wished it would be a little less faithful.

It doesn’t ease in the morning, when B wakes up coughing with a cold nose and stiff limbs. It stays as B shivers through the lukewarm shower and the hurried layering of clothes over damp, goosebumped skin. It sticks to them like cling wrap on the bus, in the lecture hall, the windy walk to their next class, makes them tense their rattling jaw, and leaves them hunched over and huddled up, desperate to conserve any scrap of heat.

This was a fact of their university existence - that after the pleasant crispness of fall, their poor, scholarship-funded body was plunged into four months of frozen hell. They didn’t like to complain - after all, they were getting a free education. But no one told them how brutal their university’s winters would be, nor that dorm heating was little more than a few puffs of warm air every hour, or that regardless of how many layers they pulled on, they’d be chilled to the bone until late March.

Their final class of the week is in a drafty science lab, and they hold back a groan. The cold's not the only source of their dread - it was the thought of spending 90 minutes with their perky, overly friendly lab partner, A.

A, whose parents were well-off, well-known benefactors of their university. A, who lived in a nice house with proper heating and had the money for a warm winter coat. A, who obliviously chattered on about anything and everything. Besides that, they were just so...happy. All the time.

The can afford to be, B thought miserably. There was no way all that sunshine could be real.

B really tried to tamp down their bitterness, but it was hard to listen to someone gush on about their amazing weekend their family spent on some tropical island when B spent the same weekend wrapped up in blankets, trying to stay warm enough to study their nomenclature notes.

Two minutes before class, A bounds into the lab like a freed golden retriever and begins their usual volley of caffeinated questions, which B responds to in short, clipped answers. Suddenly, the questions stop and A’s brows furrow.

“You look cold. Are you okay?”

B shifts on their stool and tucks their fingers into the sleeves of their worn secondhand coat, pulling it tighter with a shudder. “I am cold. It’s winter.” They cough weakly into their elbow - the nagging cough has gripped them for weeks now.

“Are you sick?”

Direct, then. That was new. “No. At least, I don’t think so. I don’t have a fever or anything.” In truth, they had been feeling a little lower than usual the past couple of days, the chill a little deeper, the aches more pronounced, the cough a bit more painful. But in their book, that was hardly enough call themselves sick. B sniffles and A opens their mouth to comment further, but the professor calls the class to attention, and the moment is gone.

90 minutes later, they’ve got their work cut out for them - a ten-page lab report that’s going to count for nearly a quarter of their final grade. And as luck would have it, it was a partner project, which meant B got to spend more time with the equivalent of human rocket fuel.

“So...do you want to just knock this out tonight?” A's eyes dart around nervously.

B frowns - it’s almost the weekend, and they figured A would have plans with friends this evening. But B sure doesn’t have anything going on., so they don’t protest. “No… I s’pose we should get as much done as possible while it’s still fresh. Want to go to the library?”

“Ugh." A cringes. "Do we have to? That place is like a tomb.”

B huffs indignantly. “It's not that bad," they mumble in a weak defense of their favorite study spot. A shoots them a glare, and B rolls their eyes. "Do you have somewhere better? It's Friday, so most places are closing up.”

“Well, my parents decided to go on some last-minute ski trip to the Alps again, so my place is free," A says as they step out into the biting wind. "Plus, I have a ton of food and it's actually warm in there, unlike these buildings.”

The promise of decent heating and food that wasn't from the dining hall was enough for B. "Fine. Your place." The pair trudge through the bitter wind as the sun begins to set, and soon they arrive at A's parents’ home - a beautiful, winding estate just a couple minutes away from campus. B has to bite their lip to keep their jaw off the ground - in the blustering snow, this place looks straight out of a Christmas card. Another reminder of how they don’t fit in this world.

Will you stop? B chastises themselves. A having money isn't a personal attack on you. Just enjoy the free food, finish the assignment and get over it.

Despite the towering exterior, B's house was quite cozy, colored in warm neutrals and filled with soft, comfortable furniture. Just past the mudroom, they spot a big living room filled with with an enormous overstuffed couch, squashy-looking pillows, and soft throw blankets. Everything about this place screams warm. A rubs their arms, suddenly aware of how cold they are. The heat nearly makes them dizzy, and they can feel the temperature difference as it seeps into their cold skin.

"Want some cocoa?" A tosses their bag into the corner and heads for an electric kettle in the kitchen, and B follows. "It always helps me warm up." B nods. A couple minutes later, A pushes over a steaming mug with the top entirely covered in marshmallows.

B wraps their chilled fingers around the mug and takes a sip, and the warm, rich liquid feels like heaven to their cold body. "That's amazing."

A smiles. "It's the good stuff." They sip in a surprising silence for a few moments, before A sighs in resignation. "As much as I wish this was just a social call, this report isn't gonna write itself." They grab a bag of popcorn and nod their head toward the living room, and B follows dutifully. A flicks on the gas fireplace and tosses B a throw blanket, and the pair gets to work.

------------------------------

After a couple hours of studying, three instances of indignantly thrown popcorn, and a dramatic reading of the periodic table, B realized that they may have misjudged A. Deep down, under the bubbly exterior, A was a genuinely kind, sweet person. It wasn't an act - they just were human sunshine. And the longer they spent time with them, the more B realized they didn't mind their company at all.

"Alright." A drops their pencil and rubs their eyes. "If I have to balance one more equation, my brain's gonna explode. Study break time." A flips on the TV and puts the volume on low.

B leans their head back on the couch and pulls their throw blanket to their chin, trying to ward off the shivery feeling in their core. Despite the heat of the fire, the mug of hot chocolate, and the thick blanket, they just can’t seem to get warm.

Their face feels hot, but their blood feels chilled and heavy, the weight of it making them ache deep down in their bones. B wraps their arms around their knees, trying to rub away the throbbing pain and get some warmth into their skin. They glance out the picture window at the now-blowing snow. It's gonna be a miserable walk home.

"B, you're shivering." A's turning to look at them now.

B startles. "It's-It's nothing. Just a chill." The concern in A's voice triggers their flight response. "I....I should probably get back to the dorms. It’s late–" They're cut off with a hacking cough that leaves them breathless and they wince at the ache in their chest.

"B, it's snowing, and you haven't even had dinner-"

"Where's my jacket?" They push themselves up and toss the throw blanket off, instantly regretting it as the air invades their pocket of hard fought warmth. They’re trembling and dizzy and desperately freezing, but they cannot stay here. Then, the world tilts and they fall back on to the couch. For a moment, they're just laying in an icy, spinning world, trying to catch their breath, when warmth suddenly envelops them.

A's tucking the same thick grey blanket around their shivering form. As they pull away, their hand lightly brushes over B's neck, then freezes. B twists away from the gentle touch, but it’s too late. Realization floods over A's face. Caught. "You lied. You are sick."

B groans, even as their fingers weave into the chunky knit and pull the warm layer closer. "A, please. Just let me go home. I'm probably contagious. You don't want me here."

"B, you look like death warmed over. I'm not sending you out in a blizzard when you're feverish like this. I won't do it." There's a spark in their eyes and a set to A's jaw that dares B to challenge them.

B leans back, defeated. Even though they want nothing more than to run out of this room, they're too weak to stand and too cold to move. So here they'll stay.

It's okay. Someone's here. You can give in now.

No. I can't. I can't let them see me like this.

What choice do you have? You already look awful. Let them help you.

A covers them with another blanket and places a gentle hand on their back, rubbing slowly. The firelight flickers, casting light and shadow across their solemn face. “B. Tell me what you're feeling, and I'll get you what you need.”

B swallows down the rising panic, the helpless vulnerability they feel, and takes a shallow, shaky breath. “I…I guess I just feel….not right. I’m always cold...but it's...worse.” They sniffle weakly, trying to still and order their swirling thoughts. “Chills, fever, cough, sore throat, kinda stuffed up. And it just hurts everywhere.”

A nods slowly, then leaves the room. They return in a few minutes with a few small bottles, carefully scanning the labels and holding them up for B to see.

“Can you take this? Any problems with this one?” B had to take a moment and match the brand names with their usual knockoff brands, but soon they had a couple over the counter medicines picked out, along with something for their cough.

A glances at the medicine labels once more. "This one says to take with food. I've got some leftover chicken and dumpling soup I can heat up - does that sound okay?"

B nods almost imperceptibly. "Sounds wonderful." A gets up to heat the soup, and B feels the anxiety rising in their stomach when they're not in the room with them. A returns with a mug and manages to gently spoon a few sips of broth into B's mouth before B starts falling asleep, clutching the grey blanket even tighter to their shoulders.

A smiles sadly. “That blanket's my favorite whenever I'm not feeling good. It's the best thing you could have to fight off what you’ve got. Trust me.”

B curls into the soft fabric. It was as if the warm environment of the apartment and the comfort of the blanket had been a signal that it was safe to leave survival mode, rest for a moment, open the floodgates that had been holding back whatever had been ailing them for weeks.

After B takes their medicine, A’s eyes shift awkwardly around the room. “So….when you’re sick, do you like having someone with you? Or do you want to be by yourself?”

A sudden rush of emotion crashes over B. They’d so rarely had the choice. It takes all they’ve got not to throw themselves around A and beg them not to leave. “Stay, please,” they ask in a small, trembling voice. “If it’s not too much trouble.”

A smiles halfway and gently pats B’s leg. “Seeing as how I live here, I don’t think that’ll be a problem.” They take their spot at the end of the couch and pull B’s legs over their own, flicking the TV to a familiar movie. B tries to keep up with the plot, but they keep falling in and out of a fitful, restless sleep, tossing, turning, unable to get comfortable enough.

When B’s about ready to cry from exhaustion, A’s there, covering them up with another blanket, bringing them a glass of water, gently stroking the damp hair off their forehead before laying a cold cloth over it. They flinch at first, but the cool dampness eases the fire of their fever, even for just a moment. The last thing B remembers before falling unconscious is a gentle hand squeezing theirs.

It could be minutes or hours later when they jolt awake from a fever dream in a cold sweat, choking and coughing. They’ve kicked off their blankets and the cloth is nowhere to be found, but the chills are back in full force. A appears in B’s blurred vision, hand held to B’s forehead. “Poor thing. Your fever’s worse,” they murmur.

B’s still gasping for breath, curled up in the fetal position, body wracked by the shakes as they try force the words through their chattering teeth. “A...It's so cold. I’m so scared.”

If B was more lucid, they’d see something in A’s eyes crack wide open at their weak, fearful cries. A pulls the trusted grey blanket from the floor and wraps it back around B, rubbing their arms to try and make them feel warmer. There's something in the tenderness of the gesture, and B’s panicked gasps turn into soft, quiet sobs. They try and cover their face with one hand, but A’s hand is there, catching their wrist and wiping the tears away with their thumb.

“Hey. You’re gonna be okay. We just gotta get through tonight, alright?” A’s voice matches their usual cheery demeanor, but B can see the fear in their own eyes. They don’t know what they’re doing either.

“Why are you helping me?” B whispers in a tear-roughened voice.

A shrugs. "You're sick. You need help. Is it that so surprising?"

B's eyes flash a delirious spark. "You don't get it. I'm a broke scholarship student. I'm nothing like you. I'm not fun, or bubbly, or rich, or any of those things you are, and I don't fit in here. So why?"

B can't stop the words now, every single insecurity laid bare. "Why do you try to talk to me when I'm nothing but rude to you? Why'd you invite me here? Am I just a project to you? Why are you helping me? I'm not worth it!" The words spill out before B can stop them, and the raw hurt in A's eyes nearly rips B's heart out of their chest.

B claps their hand over their mouth, tears flooding their eyes. Now they've done it. They've laid it all out there. A's gonna kick them to the curb. And B won't blame them one bit.

But instead, A just looks at them, and pulls B into a hug. Their voice wavers only a bit as they whisper in B's ear: "You're not a project. You are completely worth being cared for. And you’re not the only one who knows what it feels like to not fit somewhere. Trust me.”

Alone. In a big, empty house. Studying on a Friday night. No plans of their own.

A, are you lonely, too?

Their words are so simple.

And yet they're everything B didn't know they needed to hear. A's got one arm around their shoulders, and one hand threaded through their sweaty, fever-damp hair, and they're cradling B so tightly it’s like they're the one who needs to be held.

B can't find the words to apologize or comfort them back. They're too tired for that. But they wrap their other arm around A and let their head rest on their shoulder. They stay like that for ages until their head begins to drop, and A shifts so they’re both laying down, B curled against A, A’s arm wrapped around their shoulders as they tuck a blanket around them both.

And finally, finally, B lets go. It's safe to fall, this time around. Because for the first time, there's someone there to catch them.

#sickfic #whump #sickfic prompt #whump prompt #cold whump #lol i rewrote this four times #can i just be chill about whump #no #no i cannot #also it’s cooler today #fall means whump weather #I don’t make the rules

[woahsehun]

♡ boyfriend jaemin ♡

what I think jaemin might be like as a boyfriend

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disclaimer: obviously I don’t know jaemin lmao this is just for fun and if you disagree feel free to politely disagree elsewhere ♡ but I mean comment if you want idc just pls don’t be mean to me I’ll cry

I also tried to keep it gender neutral but I am new to writing these types of scenarios and stuff so if you notice anything that I should change feel free to let me know :)

now back to our regularly scheduled programming

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• house husband boyfriend #1

• if he wakes up before you… would probably drink a cup of coffee before you get up, but would then make himself another with yours so you could drink them together (or if you drink tea same situation different beverage)

• is a big fan of waiting to do things in order to do them together

• another example would be: I think even if he was super hungry he would often hold off on eating dinner until you got home/to wherever he is so he can eat with you, because he doesn’t like the thought of you having to eat alone and always prefers your company anyways :’)

• y’all know that clip of him hugging jaehyun? yeah. would do that a lot, but not just a back hug, like the full on pajamas-morning breath-messy hair-half open eyes vibe. has his face against your shoulder so he can take a deep breath in to let the smell of your hair and clothes comfort him

• taking a quick break because I’m making myself go insane I think

• anyways

• takes pictures of you whether you’re aware or not (but not in like, a creepy way idk). will also force you to let him take pictures of you like that one video of him dragging haechan by the jacket so he could take pictures of him yeah that. hey, it’s not his fault you’re breathtaking

• of course he likes taking the aesthetic candid pictures of you, but his guilty pleasure? taking absolutely wack pictures of you eating and sleeping. hilarious. cute. lockscreen material in his eyes

• expect your cheeks to be squeezed. ya got cheeks? congrats! you get a squeeze. or maybe even a squish who knows. you do something remotely cute jaemin is all over it “ooohhhhwowowo my baby so cute” while you’re just cheeks compressed like (〃￣ω￣〃)

• may tease and nag but it’s out of love ahdhba

• would be a really good person to talk to about your mistakes/worrys or make mistakes around, because I think unless it’s something serious he would be great at calming you down and assuring you that everything is okay. seems like a big fan of “keep moving forward” and thinks sweating the small stuff is a waste of time almost

• maybe I think that because of his not-so-competitive nature most of the time but either way

• I feel like (if you had a day type job or were in college) he would enjoy seeing you off to work or classes if he has time. has your bag and/or drink ready and held out for you as you’re on your way out the door, but he wouldn’t let go of them without a goodbye kiss of course

• yeah I’m going insane again brb

• really appreciates anything you do for him whether it’s getting him coffee unexpectedly, visiting him at work (and if he’s having a hard time it just lifts him right up), rubbing his shoulders after a long practice, or even just the way you look at him is enough to satisfy his happiness quota for life

• because of this, like I mentioned before, he would try and do small things for you too. would wash your dishes or put away leftovers if you forget, would put your shoes by the door if you happen to kick them off elsewhere, sends you goodnight and good morning texts if you’re not together

• probably wouldn’t have much time to visit you at work or school, but would always try and call or text you during your break

• obviously just really affectionate and caring I mean we know this about him but I’m reminding us

• might pout it you reject his affection, but also kinda understands if you need space (even if he wants to hug you tighter than some skinny jeans)

• other than that I don’t feel like he pouts much I mean he trusts you and respects your thoughts and opinions idk what else to say about it

• probably admires you for your similarities and differences.

• I don’t even think it would depend on if you’re a hard worker or successful compared to others he just thinks you’re inspiring to him in your own right. I know people say he’s a member that definitely admires strong women, ya know based on his music tastes, and I for sure agree, but I also think no matter your gender identity he would just be in awe at your inner strength and it would help drive him in other things he does :)

• hello I’m back bc I had more thoughts so am making some edits lmaooo

• the type to make you lunch and leave little notes in it like “I love youuu”, “you mean the world to me”, “have a great day!”, “ooooh sexy”

• takes care of you really well even when you don’t ask for it like makes sure you eat enough and drink enough water, get enough sleep, take care of your mental health etc.

• which I also feel like means he can be stern sometimes, but it’s just because he really cares and doesn’t know what he would do if something happened to you

• that’s where the nagging comes in a bit like if you got sick “”tch tch tch* see this is why I told you you have to drink more water” as he absolutely babies the hell out of you

• if you’re laying on the couch or smth he’d probably just lay his whole body over you limp like a blanket until you tap out from being SQUISHED

• alright I think I’m really done for now so if I think of anything else maybe I’ll just make a part two

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♡ I feel like this was kinda short but that’s all I have for now so thanks to anyone who read this I guess, and I hope everyone has a great day/night! ♡

(✿◕ ‿◕ฺ)ノ``` bye bye ```

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