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#a little trip to the ROMANCE festival
windwheeler-aster · 1 year
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matchmaker to the rescue!
summary: nahida helps you and your crush, one of sumeru’s luckiest men, get together
masterlist
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pairings (separate): tighnari, cyno, and alhaitham x reader
reader info: uses gender neutral pronouns, is a sumeru citizen, reader is slightly insecure, in some parts reader works as at the akadeymia (alhaitham and cyno), and reader is not traveler
word count: 575 words per character’s section (2 mins~ each)
genre: romance, matchmaking, mutual pining
format: drabbles
warnings: self-doubt/insecure thoughts implied for reader but not described
a/n: i’m trying something new with the drabble formats!!!!!! also omg hi!!! (also,,, kinda wanna make this a series with all the littles, hehe,,, would anyone wanna see that...?) 
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it’s so obvious that tighnari likes you. 
he is all smiles and sass whenever he’s with you, witty quips rolling off his tongue with ease in your presence. tighnari’s lips pull into a grin when you snap back at him with something equally as witty, always making him laugh into his hand. and, despite how much he tries to still it, his tail wags wildly when you laugh. he just thinks the sound of your laughter is precious, alright?
now, to any passer by, it’s so painfully obvious that he likes you. why else would he be taking trips into sumeru city everyday if not only to see you? cyno teases him all the time when he sees you two together, always making flirty gestures and a knowing look whenever you look away. and even collei, sweet and oblivious, asks tighnari about it. often things like why his tail was wagging so hard. or even why his ears perk up like that at just the mere mention of your name. the poor forest ranger can barely handle it, clutching onto his face or ears as his friends tease him. 
was it really that obvious? he asked himself at night, hugging his pillow tightly. if cyno and collei know... then wouldn’t they know, too? tighnari clutches his pillow tighter, a pang of sadness hitting his heart. 
then why haven’t they said anything about it?
unfortunately for tighnari, you are as completely oblivious to his feelings as he is to yours. it’s not at all that you don’t like him, though! you just... can be a little dense sometimes, and mistaking your enjoyment of being with him as purely platonic. and vise versa.
and nahida sees this as she strolls the streets of sumeru. she accidentally hears tighnari’s racing thoughts of overanalyzation of his words, how he holds himself, of tighnari in general when he is around you. and when she looks over to you, nahida is sad to hear many thoughts of self doubt.
sure, she had many projects waiting back for her in the akademiya. but surely something as trivial as getting you and tighnari together wouldn’t be too much?
and sure enough, it isn’t!
sending dreams to both you and tighnari helps bring you two closer together. sure, tighnari ends up waking up incredibly flustered after each one. even if it was just about you two hugging, tighnari using you as a pillow as he sleeps, or whatever simple and fluffy thing that entered his dreams. it definitely affects how he sees you, as he is incredibly nervous and awkward around you. he can’t even look you in the eyes now!
for a moment, nahida worries that she’s interfered too much. however, she notices how you, albeit shyly and hesitantly, begin to make some moves on tighnari. complimenting the small things he does, like how lovely his eyes look in the late evening as the sun sets. or how you teased him for how much his tail wagged whenever you said something kind. and the dendro archon rejoices when you ask him out to eat, even if it’s just a “simple dinner between friends.” she knows what you’re doing, and she’s quite proud.
some time later when it’s announced that the two of you finally started dating, nahida is in great spirits. she’s much more talkative and bubbly as she has meetings with the akademiya scholars, almost tempting her to throw a festival of love in celebration of your and tighnari. that is until she remembers that love is the tsaritsa’s domain. oh well.
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cyno is amazing at keepings his feelings from you hidden.
you’re a scholar at the akademiya, one that is often visited by the general mahamantra on the dendro archon’s behalf. whenever you two talk, he keeps his replies curt. he nods along to whatever you’re saying, sometimes interjecting something half-heartedly to the conversation, with a dazed look in his amber eyes. it worries you that you’re boring the general mahamantra, but cyno reassures you that he’s not. he’s just tired, that’s all.
so why does he always act tired? you think.
little do you know, cyno does like spending time with you. he enjoys visiting you everyday, whether or not nahida asks him to. he loves the little amounts of knowledge you share on a topic when he asks you. and he does like you, because how could he not? like, seriously? you’re you, one of the most talented, amazing, downright precious, attractive, and intelligent person he’s ever met. why would he not like you?
however, with his title, cyno makes a lot of enemies. it’s best for him not to involve you in any sort of danger. even if it’s a matter of your safety, it pains cyno so much when he sees your hurt expression when he pretends to disregard whatever you just said. he’s internally screaming at himself, desperately wishing he could just grab you and hug you so tightly that the hurt and pain he’s caused is squeezed out of you. 
just as he thinks that, however, the sumeru archon accidentally pears into his thoughts when she passes you two by in the akademiya. she’s a little shocked that cyno felt that way about you, and even more shocked when she hears your cruel thoughts about yourself, going on and on about how cyno would never like someone like you. nahida smacks herself so hard on the head that it alerts cyno, which lets him leave swiftly to take care of the dendro archon.
but nahida doesn’t stop thinking about the two of you together, even whilst she’s in the middle of meetings or while she’s talking with cyno himself. 
how could two people like each other so much but don’t know it? she asks herself. 
finally, after enough pondering, nahida begins to plant the seed of her elaborate plan to get you two together. hopefully.
first, it starts with mentioning your name to cyno as he escorts her on a walk throughout sumeru city. she’s internally delighted to see a subtle smile form on his lips at the mere mention of your name, even if it disappears soon after he gives a vague description of you. but after enough prodding, nahida gets a genuine compliment about you from him. she smiles at the general mahamantra, and cyno is left wondering what is so amusing to her.
then, she sends sweet dreams to cyno of you. sweet days spent together, making breakfast for you while you’re still in bed, waking you up with a sweet kiss and an even sweeter greeting. making you laugh, or sometimes groan, at all the ridiculous jokes cyno has to offer. enough sweet moments with you that makes him wake up, craving for more of that sweetness, craving for your presence in his life once more.
eventually, cyno begins to lower his guard and warm up to you. it’s definitely something to grow used to, as you first thought it was all some cruel prank at your expanse. but once you realize that cyno’s nods and interjections in your conversations were now genuine and sweet, you began to warm up to him, too.
nahida was delighted when she saw you and cyno together, casually holding each other’s hands as you strolled through the marketplace. she’ll make sure to offer her congratulations to cyno later, right after she congratulates herself for such a success. 
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haitham acts so casual and friendly that you would never think he’d like you back in that way. 
he leans over the desk that separates you two, listening intently to whatever you’re talking about. although, his gaze does glaze over a few times and his eyes drop down more than once. you falter, slightly, but haitham is very quick to reassure you to continue, perking up and looking at you with genuine interest as a very subtle blush takes over his face. 
please tell me they didn’t see me checking them out, haitham prayed, silently.
haitham thinks his crush on you is so obvious that he does everything in his power to not let anyone know, yourself included. and it’s not at all that haitham is ashamed of liking you. if anything, haitham wants nothing more than to show all of teyvat that he cares for you! he’s truly, madly, and deeply in love with you. however, he’s a little embarrassed at how quickly he fell for you. what if he comes on too strong and scares you away? what if you don’t feel the same way? what if you hate him and he didn’t realize it?
so, haitham wants to give himself some time before he asks you out, however long that may be.
and yet, haitham’s so well thought out facade is easily found out by nahida. all she needed to do was look at how earnest haitham looked at you as you two browsed the shelves of the akademiya’s library. but, just to make sure, nahida let your and haitham’s thoughts grace her. and she was delighted to discover that you both truly did care about each other, even letting out a small giggle. however, at the pace you two were going, haitham probably wouldn’t have asked you out until the hairs on his head were... greyer.
so, nahida sends some dreams haitham’s way. 
he gets these tortuously sweet dreams about you. watching you over the top of his book as you read in the same room as him, more than content with just coexisting with him in the same space. sharing space with you in general, whether that be in the kitchen making food or laying down together on the couch. his personal space is now your personal space too, and haitham is more than content with that fact.
but when he wakes up, haitham is quite sad to find out it had all been a dream. a part of him craves for those moments so badly that he begins to plan out a confession.
nahida tries not to act too happy when she hears news of the scribe and you getting together. internally, she’s overjoyed and can’t wait to see your romance blossom further. however, externally, she gives haitham a smile whenever she sees you walking him to work, holding onto his hand as you wish him well at the akademiya.
maybe the dendro archon should try match making more often.
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taglist:
@x-zho  @cxlrosii @i23kazu @tiredsleep @ireallylikehamsters​
(send an ask to be added or removed)
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thank you for reading 💖 all forms of interaction to my posts are appreciated 💖
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joyful-enchantress · 3 months
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Jól Never Be Alone | Loki x Fem!Reader
banner created by the amazing @springdandelixn
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A/N: Hello! Enjoy this festive oneshot that I wrote as a gift for @smolvenger for this Secret Santa event facilitated by @fictive-sl0th. I took inspiration from a request submitted by @smolvenger and also from the Old Norse jól (pronounced yule), a midwinter festival which celebrated the passing of the longest days of winter, and fertility in the coming year. Happy Holidays!
Genre/Warnings: Arranged marriage, mild angst in the beginning (with a happy ending, I promise!), hurt/comfort, fluff, thirst, pining, smutty thoughts, language
Word Count: 3k
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Three damn days.
That’s it. That’s all the time you had to pull yourself together.
To clean up the mess that you’d become these past weeks and be what the people of Asgard expected you to be. Needed you to be.
The shining star of the upcoming jól feast. You were to be the gem of the midwinter celebration as their newest princess.
That is, after all, what you were. You were married into the Asgardian royal family just over a month ago, joined in holy matrimony with Odin’s youngest son. The dark prince. Loki. A man — no, a god — that, for centuries now, had maidens everywhere falling over themselves just for the chance to spend a night warming his bed. How lucky you were to be his wife, right?
Though it wasn’t exactly a love match. Your marriage had been arranged by those that claimed more of a say in your lives than either of you did. Loki’s father and your own had devised a scheme — years in the making — in which you’d become Loki’s wife to strengthen the alliance between Asgard and your home realm, Vanaheim.
Yes, unfortunately, your love story felt less like a romance and more like a political drama.
It certainly didn't help that Loki has been cold and distant since the betrothal. He was always keeping to his own side of your shared living quarters, the physical walls between you serving as a constant reminder of the figurative one that loomed —towering and unsurmountable — between you. Short, clipped greetings are all that fell from his lips to welcome or acknowledge you when your paths did cross. Roommates with fancy titles... that's all you were. The dark, handsome prince, your husband, was never disrespectful — far from it, actually — but he never showed any true interest in you beyond what has been required during public appearances.
You couldn't blame him, not really. This couldn't possibly be what he had hoped for, when he would daydream about his own future. Trapped in a loveless marriage with you, likely feeling like little more than a pawn in his father's political chess games. No, it was no wonder why he kept his distance as much as the nature of your entanglement allowed.
There was a time, not so long ago, when you had allowed yourself to dream of a future where you sat beside Loki, as his wife. But not this way. Not like this.
Since childhood, you'd had a crush on the younger prince. Once you were old enough to accompany your father on his delegations to Asgard, where he'd speak on behalf of the Vanir at the council meetings, he was sure to bring you along. In hindsight, you realized, he only brought you with him so that you could become acquainted with Asgard before he secured your place there, within the royal court. But oh, how you looked forward to those trips! And a certain mischievous god was to blame...
Loki caught your eye the very first time you met him. How could he not? With those sharp cheekbones and chiseled jaw that you swore were sharp enough to slice through your dignity. The silky curtains of raven curls that framed his stupidly handsome face, always looking absolutely perfect, no matter how unkempt and mussed they were. Then there were his eyes, glistening like two polished emeralds against the alabaster planes of his face. You had frequently wondered what it might be like to lock eyes with him during the throes of a passionate night of lovemaking... meeting his gaze as you're writhing in the sheets underneath his lean, sculpted body, appreciating the length of him — of his neck, his limbs, his cock as he buries himself inside you.
Perhaps it was foolish, but you spent those years pining for him from afar, dreaming of what could possibly be someday. Sure, you spent time with him during your visits, enjoying strolls together through the gardens or his personal library, sharing details of your lives and bonding over your joint love of books. He definitely wasn't a stranger to you. In fact, you’d say you knew him well. But you never made your romantic feelings for him known; you never hinted at the desire that scorched through your veins like an untamed fire every time he was near.
You'd tell him someday, you'd tell yourself. You would tell Loki your feelings and with any luck he'd be yours... and it was that thought, that hope, that fueled your daydreams and pushed you through until your next visit to Asgard.
But before you ever got the chance to share the true nature of your feelings with Loki, you were both called into the throne room where your fathers informed you of the arrangements that had been made. You were to be married. In three fortnights.
And your dreams of a fairytale romance with the handsome prince were thwarted in an instant. You wanted him, but not like this. You wanted something real... you wanted Loki to want you.
Now you were homesick and, during a time when you should be feeling surrounded by love and holiday cheer, you had never felt more alone.
Jól was in three days. And the midwinter festival was supposed to be magnificent — a giant feast honoring the gods Odin and Freyr and celebrating a hope for peace, sunshine, and fertility in the coming year. Your place of honor at the celebrations was especially anticipated, not only because you were Asgard's newest princess, but because you were from Vanaheim — you were Vanir, same as Freyr. And, you were one of his descendants; his granddaughter, in fact. Yes — Loki was Odin’s son and you were Freyr’s granddaughter. Your union was a jóltide dream. The people of Asgard were abuzz with excitement, chattering about how special this year’s festivities would be… thanks to you.
You and Loki had been seen in public before, of course. You had endured your wedding and the celebrations that followed and managed fairly well. But that was a formal affair; beyond a few pecks on the lips throughout the day's festivities, you could go through the motions with little more than the occasional formal dance required, as far as physical contact.
The expectations at the jól festival were entirely different. It was to be a wild and sensual affair, with you and Loki performing a dance as the centerpiece of the fertility celebrations. This dance... the sensuality was not something that could easily be fabricated. You couldn't just go through the motions. The two of you would be chest to chest, eyes locked in a passionate stare, hands roaming and exploring each other's bodies. Your performance was meant to inspire not only yourselves, but all in attendance to go forth from the feast and be fruitful.
The thought twisted your stomach in knots and made your heart ache. How were you supposed to make it convincing? And if you did give in to the burning desire you had for Loki to put on the show that the people of Asgard were expecting, how were you supposed to protect your heart? Knowing that it wasn't the same for Loki; it wasn't real for him, too...
You had been training for this dance with an instructor for two weeks now, learning the basic steps. Having grown up in the royal court here, Loki was already familiar with the dance, so he didn't require the same training. But now it was time for rehearsals to begin. With only three days until the festival, you had to practice the dance with your actual performance partner... with Loki. You had to get a feel for each other during the dance; see where it felt natural to add in those caresses of your nose on his cheek, his fans of hot breath on your neck, the wandering touches on each other's bodies that linger just a whisper too long...
And your first rehearsal was in two hours.
You needed to get some air.
As you step outside, the frigid air engulfs you and steals your breath away. It’s a welcome feeling — a cleansing feeling. And it’s exactly what you need to clear your head and collect yourself before this dreaded rehearsal. You make a beeline for the palace gardens without much of a thought, your usual walking route essentially muscle memory at this point.
Your footsteps were nearly silent on the fresh-fallen snow that blanketed the path beneath your feet as you strolled throughout the garden, admiring the pops of color provided by the hardy winter flowers and berries that were currently growing there. As you approached the crocuses, you stopped to appreciate their bright purple blooms and the way the snow clung to the delicate petals.
Despite the harshness of the current environment, the flowers were thriving, refusing to let the cold and the ice dampen their beauty and light. A single tear rolled down your cheek as you resolved to do the same. You wouldn’t let your situation dampen your own light any longer.
“Darling…?” A familiar voice sounded from just behind you, seemingly out of nowhere. The snow must have muffled the sound of Loki’s approach.
What was he doing here?
“Oh, hello, Loki! You startled me; I didn’t expect to run into you out here.”
You quickly made to wipe the tear from your cheek as you turned to face him, but you weren’t quite fast enough; nothing got past Loki’s sharp gaze.
“So sorry to alarm you, I just came to the garden for some calm and quiet. The bustling in the palace as everyone prepares for the festival can get overwhelming.” He paused for just a moment, his brow creasing ever so slightly as if considering whether to continue before asking, “Is there anything troubling you, Y/N?”
Yes. So many things, you have no idea.
“I’m alright, Loki. I… I think the frigid air is just making my eyes water.” You managed a weak smile as you lied to your husband.
His eyes softened at your words; they beheld more warmth than you’d seen from him since before your forced betrothal.
“You know, Y/N… I know this hasn’t been easy. On either of us. But it doesn’t have to be this way between us forever. You don’t have to hide your feelings from me just because you don’t… just because we’re not…”
He struggled to find the right words to finish the sentence, but the implication was a shard of ice to your heart.
“What I’m trying to say is that you can talk to me. Ours may not be a marriage of love, but it still is a partnership. I can tell that something is wrong, that something has been wrong since our fathers broke the news of our arrangement to us. It was like, at that very moment, the light inside you was snuffed out. The woman that walked out of the throne room that day was not the same woman that entered. You’ve been a shell of yourself ever since you learned that you’d been sentenced to spend your life with me. And I’ve tried to give you space… to give you time. I didn’t want to pressure you, or suffocate you, so I’ve kept my distance. Waiting for you to be ready to speak to me again; perhaps even to spend time together again, enjoying our shared interests. But it has been more than 10 weeks now and I don’t think I can wait any longer, darling. Talk to me, please. I… I miss what we were before that day in the throne room.”
You blinked at him, flabbergasted. At a loss for words.
Set aside the sheer wonder of the sight before you: the tall frame, hung with lean muscles that strained against the fabric of the emerald tunic he was wearing. A note of gratitude crossed your mind that his Jotun ancestry allowed him to forgo any bulky outerwear to protect him from the elements, so you could enjoy this view, unobstructed. Even the way the snow clung to his dark, luscious locks and reflected the garden lights like a glittering crown had him looking every bit the winter king.
This man — this god — missed you. He mistook your heartbreak for… disgust.
As if you could ever find any part of him disgusting.
“Loki, I…” Your eyes darted frantically, looking everywhere but at him. Searching the winter blooms, the snow-covered tree branches, the festive garden decorations for a sign… for a whisper of encouragement. A murmur of reassurance. Was this it? Was this your moment?
When you finally met his gaze again, you saw nothing there but patience. Kindness. But also… longing?
“I love you.” You blurted it out, pushing the words from your lips before you could change your mind.
Your heart was pounding loudly in your ears; you actually said it. Nervousness enveloped your body like fresh steam, causing you to sweat despite the cold temperature.
“You…what?”
To say he was taken aback would be an understatement. It was clearly the last thing he expected you to say.
“I love you, Loki. I have for a while now.”
“Then why —?”
“Because I was heartbroken. Shattered. You’re right, Loki, the light inside me was snuffed out that day. Extinguished in an instant. But not because I was appalled or disgusted at the thought of spending forever with you. On the contrary, I had been dreaming of that very notion for years…”
You saw his eyes widen and his breath hitch before you continued.
“The light went out because I lost the hope that carried me forward; I never got to tell you how I truly felt about you — how much I cared about you…how much I wanted you.”
His eyes darkened almost imperceptibly at hearing you confess your desire for him.
You swallowed your own budding lust and pushed forward. “And so the delicate and, perhaps, foolish hope that we might have something real someday crumbled. Then, when I saw how much you withdrew from me, I… I was sure you had no interest in me. And that broke my heart even further, Loki, to know that you didn’t feel the same way about me and yet, we were trapped together in this marriage. I’ve never felt more alone than I have these past 10 weeks.”
“Darling…” he sighed as he closed the distance between you, reaching out his fingertips to softly caress the side of your face before brushing them under your chin and tilting your head back, forcing you to meet his gaze.
The small gesture stole your breath away. It was the first physical contact you had with Loki since the wedding, and certainly more intimate than any touches you had ever shared. This wasn’t a public appearance; there was no audience. There was only him. And you. And the hammering of your heart.
“It appears that we have both been foolish.” A smile slowly crept across his lips as he muttered, “a pair of hopeless, lovesick fools.”
By now the smile had wholly taken root and a full grin had bloomed on his face, casting a light there that you hadn’t seen in months.
Oh, how you missed that smile.
“Loki…” you gasped. “Are — are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
“I love you too, wife.”
You couldn’t think straight. You could barely breathe. You had to be dreaming.
Loki could tell that words were beyond you, so he just continued.
“I’ve adored you for years, Y/N. Admired you in secret like an adolescent with an unattainable crush. Because that’s what you were to me: unattainable.”
“Loki, you’re a prince, a literal god… you’ve had a horde of maidens throwing themselves at you for as long as I’ve known you. If one of us was unattainable, it was you.”
“They were only ever interested in my body, in my array of talents between the sheets.”
A warm flood of arousal washed over you, hearing him talk so casually about his own sexual prowess.
“But you, darling… you saw me. You showed interest in my mind, my ideas, my company. You asked me thoughtful questions and you actually listened when I would answer them. I was so convinced that I didn’t deserve someone like that. Someone like you. And so I kept my feelings hidden.”
“Well…” you began with a shy smirk, “I am interested in your body and your carnal talents too, you know.”
“And I don’t know if there’s anything that could delight me more than learning that about you tonight,” he said with a mischievous smile and lust-darkened eyes that lingered on your lips before darting back to your own hooded gaze.
“Kiss me, Loki, please…” you breathed.
Without hesitation, he leaned down toward you, brushing his lips against your own. Featherlight at first, but soon growing more assured and confident, claiming your lips as his. And you were more than willing to let him stake his claim.
When he finally broke the kiss, you opened your eyes to see him staring down at you reverently.
“I love you, my darling wife. And as long as my heart is beating, I promise you’ll never be alone; you’ll never feel alone again. Perhaps things in our relationship have occurred… somewhat out of the preferred order, but by some generous twist of the fates, we’ve been thrust into each other’s arms and allowed to spend the rest of our lives with our one true love.”
Your heart swelled as you stared up at him. You felt that light within you reignite, shining brighter than it ever had.
“I love you too, husband. With my whole heart.”
He bent down and claimed your mouth once again, his tongue sliding against your lips, which you happily parted to allow him entry. All of the love and desire that you’d both been harboring all these years was finally unleashed and it was conveyed in the intensity of your kiss, and in the way his hands now began to explore your body. At least, as best as they could, over the coat you were wearing.
Suddenly, you found yourself looking forward to rehearsal.
And to the jól festival.
And to the rest of your life with Loki.
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Below is the request I received from @smolvenger - I hope I did it justice, my lovely! Happiest Holidays! 🎄
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Secret Santa 2023 Taglist 🏷️ @mochie85 @muddyorbs @holdmytesseract @sailorholly @lady-rose-moon @superficialdomina @cultofcarter @coldnique @ijuststareatstuffhereok89 @smolvenger @loz-3 @catsladen @lokisgoodgirl @acidcasualties @divine-knight-hand @quirkiest-turtle @glitchquake @nyxlaufeyson @fandxmslxt69 @holymultiplefandomsbatman
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stardewremixed · 2 months
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Stardew Valley Employment Headcanons
I've been thinking a lot about how many folks in the Valley don't work. In some ways, it feels realistic. A small town that is clearly dying until the Farmer comes along struggles with unemployment rates. It could be related to high taxes (*side-eyes* I'm looking at you, Lewis) and competitive megacorporations (like Joja) undermining the local economy. However, I'd like to do a little headcanon for the residents and their job situation.
Under spoilers, because TL;DR.
Abigail - after graduating with a degree in art history, Abigail starts working out in her mother's fitness group. She starts swimming at the spa. And she starts a workout regiment with Alex. Of course, this leads her to finally join the Adventure Guild full-time, protecting the Valley and exploring the depths of the mines. She still jams from time to time with Sam and Seb. I also like to think she leads a local Scouts troop.
Alex - this man deserves to have an amazing job as a pro gridball player. However, while he waits, he could coach a local kids team at the Community Center. I can also see him work part-time stocking shelves at Pierre's General Store. Maybe he lifeguards at the Ginger Island Beach during the busy season or drives deliveries out to Sandy in the desert for Pierre. Or he could work with Robin. Mmm... this man, chopping wood... fantasies. He still sells ice cream in the summertime maybe on the weekends or at festival days (because come on, Pierre needs a little competition and I love the idea of pineapple ice cream at the luau and stardrop sorbet at the moonlit jelly fest). I also see him doing odd jobs around the valley until he gets more stable work at Pierre's or Robin's. Need someone to fix your leaky roof? Alex is your man! (Because Evelyn mentions George can't do it anymore).
Elliott - I still like the idea of Elliott's secret wealth and he escaped his family to become a writer. However, maybe he regularly submits poems and sonnets via various contests online under a pseudonym, and does a few freelance articles (maybe on small towns, fishing, romance, etc.). This man deserves to publish a masterpiece and make it on a bestseller list, then gets an agent, and of course, publishes a series. He still does readings in the Valley at the library and the Saloon because he always wants to remember his humble roots and the people who cheered him on when he was a nobody in the business.
Emily - She absolutely needs to start a side-business as the town tailor. It's kind-of already in the lore, but I could see her starting up an online business (maybe with the help of Seb) on an Etsy-esque site. Also, I can see her helping out on the farm for a little something extra when she's not working at the Saloon. Maybe tending to the flowers, watering plants when the Farmer is in the Mines or off on the island or in the desert for the day. She mentions she would like to do this, but Gus apparently frowns on a side job. Hmm... well, I can see this girl eventually leaving her job at the Saloon to pursue her sewing passion full-time. She totally hosts a yoga class in the winter at the Community Center.
Harvey - He is already a well-respected town doctor, but the man is so stressed that he is hardly ever in the Clinic (at least not without mods). I propose Harvey hires some extra help, an associate, maybe another nurse, and a receptionist to assist, especially if patients from surrounding towns (like he mentions) start visiting (i.e. expansions). And he teaches first aid classes at the Community Center.
Haley - Like Leah, she needs an art exhibit to showcase her photography. Unlike the other villagers, I don't see her staying in the Valley, eventually pursuing the work of a freelance photographer and traveling the world (like her absentee parents). She does make an annual trip back for the Flower Dance, her favorite festival. I have pursued Haley the least in game so I'm struggling to come up with more ideas here.
Leah - Speaking of Leah, she transforms the Valley into a premier art destination. She can teach art classes at the renovated Community Center. She teams up with Seb and Sam (and drags Elliott along for the ride, and the writing) to produce an avant-garde film about the art all around us in small towns. I also think she grows her own herbs and sells them at Pierre's, festivals, and the Farmer's Markets (as she gives me green witch vibes). Maybe she partners with Caroline (or the Wizard) to create some herbal potions and creams. And of course, she's still at it with woodworking, though these days she works on commission for those types of projects.
Sam - This man deserves to be a rock star. And I think he'd make a great solo artist. However, if his guitarist dreams don't pan out, he has options. In the vanilla game, he starts working with Gunther at the museum after JojaMart closes. It's a strange choice, but... I figure, maybe he minored in anthropology in college. He would absolutely give amazing tours of the museum, full of exuberant commentary, perfect for kids field trip days too. And I think he plays gigs in Zuzu City and at the Saloon regularly, and maybe even out at Sophia's winery (Stardew Valley Expanded).
Maru - Nursing just doesn't really seem to fit this woman of multiple interests. She finally pursues her passion of robotics and goes to work in a proper lab in a nearby City (doesn't have to be Zuzu - my headcanon is Pine-Mesa City or Grampleton from Stardew Valley Expanded). I think she makes regular trips to the Planetarium too. I could see her visiting the Valley on long weekends, and maybe taking the local kids club on a night-time stargazing event in the summer.
Sebastian - Please give this man a proper window in his basement, Robin! Okay, if he doesn't marry the Farmer, Seb moves out anyway and goes to live in the City for a while, to find investors for his indie game studio. In the meantime, he continues to do freelance programming work. And then, one day, he makes a breakthrough game that revolutionizes the industry. After making A LOT of money, he invests in a SAVE-THE-FROGS campaign, hires multiple developers and other staff, and starts working on his next big game. But he still makes time to jam with Sam and Abi from time to time, and of course, take long rides on his motorcycle.
Penny - This poor woman needs some love. Penny pursues her higher education and officially receives her teaching license. She is hired by the local school district so she can do more than just tutor. She can finally afford her own little apartment. She starts a kids club in the Community Center, and creates a summer reading program at the Stardew Library. And I like to think she takes a monthly trip to Zuzu City to shop in a big bookstore for fresh reading material when she has some down time.
Shane - Oh this guy is definitely a mess. If you don't "romance" him in game, he doesn't really turn his life around, and even if he does, it doesn't really point to recovery as it should, imo (without the help of mods). This man hates his job, and yet he feels stuck. I propose the following. After he recovers in therapy, completes rehab, and genuinely quits drinking (forever), and of course, loses his job at Joja (suck it, Morris!), Shane starts working at Marnie's shop and contracts out as a farmhand all around the Valley. Then he can be a proper godfather to Jas, and provide some actual service at the Ranch (when Marnie's off doing who knows what with you know who...)
I have thoughts for the other Villagers in the Valley too, but I'll save those for a different post.
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jeongharine · 2 months
Text
a fruit made for two
⚝ jeonghan x reader
⚝ comfort, romance, established couple
⚝ notes: you might think "how lame" when you will be done with it, or "can she write about anything else other than tangerines" and yes, while i acknowledge my problem with tangerines, i can tell you that i'm done writing about them. but enough of my rambles, just wanted to post this little (maybe a bit sad) scenario that i have come up with during these days.
wishing you a good start of the year and a not so rough january (i personally dread this month) :)
enjoy and thank you for taking time to read this short fic x
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you have always liked to peel tangerines neatly. jeonghan was focusing his attention on your fingers work. the sections coming apart cleanly in your hands.
he’s trying to cut out the noise, the laughters of the other guests at the table, the cracking open of the nuts, the clinking of the glasses and the cutlery, your aunt bragging about your cousins to your mom and your nan nearly tripping into the dog.
“that’s the limit, from then on her eyesight will worsen to blindness and there’s nothing they can do,” that’s what your father had told jeonghan before christmas lunch.
he reasoned you didn’t have the courage to confront jeonghan with the matter. so, he took it in his hands.
your thick eye-glasses nearly falling off your nose while you’re peeling away neatly the white parts.
“hannie,” you said, “i don’t know how you do it. always tearing holes when you peel tangerines and oranges, juice going in every direction,”
you’re jeonghan’s love of his life.
“i hope you never learn how to peel them, hannie. i want to do it for you for a lifetime.”
x
“where’d you get these?” you nearly shouted in the college backyard, while jeonghan handed you an orange.
“just took them out of a plastic bag someone left behind in class,” he said.
you laughed. you started to peel the orange, separating it in two perfect halves to give one of them to him. “you know, when i won’t be able to see no more i will miss terribly peeling citrus..”
if he could have wore his half like a friendship bracelet, he would have. “i mean, i still will be able to do it but man how it satisfies me to see the colour of the fruit changing: different shades of orange, white and then orange again,”
instead, jeonghan just swallowed each segment one by one and told himself that this, this exact moment, would have always meant so much more.
“... and your face, to see your face so focused on how i peel citrus fruits! i have to start giving you lesson,”
to share it with you. to chew and to swallow with you the sections that you so dutifully and accurately peeled, listening to all the possible rambles you might have had to tell him. to just taste the same thing in the same moment.
“here you go hannie,” you handed to jeonghan his perfectly peeled half.
the air around you filled up with the smell of peeled orange.
x
it was christmas’ eve. no festivities at home this year. closing the front door, jeonghan longed to hear your hasty steps down the corridor.
longing to slip an orange or a tangerine into the pocket of your wool coat before heading to town.
instead, he ignited the engine of his car and drove to the hospital where you had been staying. your eyesight barely spots of colour and light by now.
you were looking out the window into the wintery morning haze with a smile on your lips, when jeonghan entered the room. “hannie you’re here,” you recognized his footsteps and his scent. the sweetest kind.
he brought tangerines with him, peeled three of them in his car. he peeled them perfectly, peeled away every little part of the white stuff until they were all orange like you did. so you wouldn’t have to worry about not enjoy one of his favourite things.
it took him some time, but love always does.
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bonny-kookoo · 1 year
Text
Jungkook:
𝐄𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Intro
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Every year, he joins the old tradition of traveling, where his ancestors have once ruled the skies. Every year, he meets familiar faces and new ones he's never seen before. Every year, he watches how his brothers find their mates, build their families, and introduce new generations to stories as old as time. But this year, something might be different. This year, there's you - a treasure worth more than he could ever offer.
Tags/Warnings: Dragon!Jungkook, strangers to lovers/mates, mentions of folklore and traditions, modern fantasy, romance, human?Reader, Fluff, Courting, MC kinda wary of kook at first, but he's cute give him a chance pls
Length: ~2k
-> Masterlist
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"Look at you! All the new color suits you well!" Seokjin laughs, commenting on Jungkook's tattoos which had been changing over the course of the year since he's seen his friends last festival. The younger dragon simply shrugs, though he can't help but stand a bit more proudly at the comment, considering that his body ink is a visual representation of his identity within the Clan up to this point.
It's all part of the tradition after all; as soon as a dragonkin turns 21 years old, they're considered an adult, officially on their own and ready to build their own families and futures, and while not all do it, he likes to wear his identity openly like this.
Even though in the modern world, his dragon blood isn't seen as something to be proud of anymore. In fact, it's treated as nothing more than a simple remnant of lost times, outdated and no longer of any importance.
It's why most members of the dragon bloodlines tend to stay amongst each other, most of their social circles consisting of other dragons, just like he himself tends to do. A lot of his friends have been finding their mates recently, and while Jungkook is happy about that, he himself isn't really interested in that- at least not right now. He's doing good all by himself at the moment, so he doesn't really see the need to settle down right now. He's also not yet found anybody he'd really honestly see himself wanting to settle down with- so for now, he just attends the traditional festivals every year to reconnect with his friends and family, let himself go for a little while and leave all those expectations of the modern world behind for at least a small amount of time.
"Are the rest here too?" Jungkook asks Jin as they both walk into the Hotel close to the festival spaces, many already setting up their tents and booths for tonight.
"Taehyung is coming a bit later, he said the whole trip is taking a bit longer now that his mate's pregnant." He says, making Jungkook nod next to him, greeting some elders along the way. "she's not even properly showing, yet he's already all scrambled up in the head." He jokes.
"I've heard about that! Yoongi owes me a hundred bucks now." He laughs, remembering the bet he'd made with the older dragon last year when Taehyung had announced his engagement to his mate. He'd always dreamed of a big family- so it wasn't surprising to Jungkook that his friend already had the first child on the way.
Maybe one day he'll have his own, too.
"I remember when Yoongi of all people attended the hunt and actually caught his mate too!" Seokjin laughs. "Remember that? It was honestly hilarious to see him so desperate. The old slow guy all out on the fields." He teases, as the man in question walks into view.
"At least I've caught something. Not like mister forever virgin over here." He teases, laughing when Jungkook growls offended, mumbling something about that 'not being true at all hyung.!' Under his breath as the older one walks alongside them.
It's when a giggle catches him off guard, the sound accompanied by what he can only describe as a small bell faintly in the background.
When he looks for the source of the sound, he finds your eyes pretty quickly- gaze hauntingly beautiful as he doesn't even realize he'd just stopped walking for no reason, one of his friends bumping into him the only cause of distraction for him. And for a second, he looks away, only a small but of time - and suddenly you're no longer there, disappearing as quickly as you've appeared in the first place. "Who was that?" He asks no one in particular, Yoongi shrugging as he tries to find what his friend seems to be looking for.
"Who was who?" He asks, before everyone walks away with him to greet Taehyung and his partner who'd just arrived.
⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅ ── ⋅ ⋅
He spots you again as you tie your hair up, elastic in between your lips where you hold it while your hands collect all your hair. It's a normal thing he's seen a lot of people do- himself included, considering the length of his hair these days- and yet when you do it, it looks like Aphrodite captured in marble, details enchanting and intricate.
He almost feels like he shouldn't watch.
And yet he does, even continues to look your way with his hand around his glass of water, small leftovers of his meal completely uninteresting compared to the sight of you walking closer to the older women to help with washing clothes and other things in the riverbed. He can spot Jimin and other male dragons between them as well, and he wonders if you enjoy those tasks.
During this time of the year, everyone is pulled back to the old ways of living. From using almost no electricity to trading things instead of buying it with money, things work simply differently during these next few days, and he personally enjoys this more simpler way of living to the fullest. There's no space for boredom or anything like that- always something to do for him, never an empty second.
Even now, as he watches you.
For a while, you seem to not notice him until one of the women taps your shoulder, talking to you for a few words before you turn your head to meet his eyes. Surprise is written over your features, especially when he boldly pats the spot next to him at the table, silently inviting you to sit with him, maybe even share a meal.
You wonder a little. Does he know that offering a meal is one part of courting a fellow dragon?
He probably does, considering his appearance. He does look like you'd expect a modern dragon to carry himself; from the wyvern tooth necklace around his neck, the colored tattoos under his skin, even the challenging fire behind his eyes. He surely knows his heritage, which makes it even more odd to you.
Though you wouldn't ever pass the chance of getting to know someone like him.
He's well known in the community of female dragons- mostly for his lack of interest in anybody when it comes to actually finding a mate. For a long time, there's been a rumor going around that he wasn't simply interested in females in general- but that was quickly debunked after it got known that he does, in fact, seek out pleasure without any long-term relationship in mind. It makes you wary of his intentions right now though-
Because that's not what you're seeking here, or at all.
You sit down across from him at the table, having dried your hands before joining him, his eyes friendly as they watch you, someone already next to you asking what you'd like to eat. As soon as that person leaves, it's Jungkook's turn to talk to you. "I've never seen you around here before." He tells you, arms now on the table as he's got them crossed in front of him. "I'm Jungkook."
"I know." You nod. "Both of those things." You shrug, looking around for a moment before you spare him another look. "I'm not interested."
"I haven't even proposed anything." He counters, head tilted a bit as he's internally confused as to what you might've heard about him that could make you so wary of his intentions. In his world, he's not done anything questionable, ever- he doesn't fuck around, never broke somebody's heart, is always pretty clear and honest with whomever he crosses paths.
"But I know what guys like you want." You simply say, thanking the young dragon who puts your plate down in front of you. "And I'm not offering that." You tell him without looking, simply starting to eat instead.
"What do I want then?" He asks, moving one of his arms so his chin can rest on his palm. "You got me curious."
"Sex." You bluntly tell him, reaching for the large water pitcher standing somewhat closer to Jungkook than to you- something he instantly notices, lifting it for you instead to fill your cup. "Thanks." You offer quietly, and he nods at that, putting it back down.
"Interesting." He just shrugs after he sits back down in front of you. "That's not what I want though. I mean- you're attractive, don't get me wrong- but I'd like to get to know you first, if anything." He proposes, and you narrow your eyes at him.
"That sounds like you're aiming for my heart." You accuse, pointing your steak-knife at him. "And that's even worse." You say, making him laugh.
"No, I promise. I really just.. think you're really pretty, and from what I can tell, you're also exactly my type- but if you want me to leave you alone, I can totally do that too." He offers politely, and you chew on your food in thought before you rest your cheek on your palm, poking at some vegetables.
"How am I your type?" You ask him, curious to know what makes you stand out to him. It must be something at least- because if he's never wanted a relationship with anybody before why pursue someone as boring as you for that role of all things? You know you're a good friend, but a girlfriend? No, you're lame, and you've come to accept that after all those failed relationships.
Your question makes him light up visually, as he sits up straighter with a bit of a smile on his lips. "It's hard to explain. You're cute, but I like people who have their own mind." He shrugs, explaining his view on you while you don't look at him. "Visually, you check all my boxes. If your character does the same thing, I guess we just have to find out." He tells you, and you look at him now.
"What if you don't check any of my boxes?" You ask him, looking for how he's going to react. "You're too tall for me, for example. And your muscles scare me a little." You jab at him, cutting your food as if you're talking about the weather. "You seem like someone obsessed with working out. I'm not. In fact, I don't ever really work out. I don't really look at what I eat in general, to be honest."
"That's fine by me." He simply answers when you stop talking. "I don't really watch it that much either- only if I have a shooting or something alike." He explains, making you nod quietly. "But if I don't check any of your boxes, like you say, why come over and sit with me then?" He teases, leaning in over the table a little bit.
You shrug. "Your tattoos." You simply tell him. "They're pretty good. Who made these?" You ask, and he looks at them for a second, before he moves his gaze back to you.
"Min Yoongi back in Seoul did most of them. He specializes in dragon tattoos." He explains, and you nod at that.
"I thought I remembered the artstyle." You say. "He's always been very neat with his work." You mumble more or less, before you sigh, putting your cutlery onto your empty plate, pulling your glass of water closer. "Alright- do you want my number now, or.?" You ask, suspecting that he would maybe ask you on a date or something after the whole festival is over. But he genuinely surprises you, when his eyes narrow in a challenging manner, the dragon peeking through in a way as he leans forward over the table, standing up.
You're wary- and he assumes it might be because you've never truly experienced anything good when it comes to finding partners. He can relate to this; and he can also gain power from that simple fact, simply because now more than ever, he wants to prove himself to you. He wants to show you that he truly is different from what you might believe.
"I'll just win you over, easy." He tells you, promises almost, as he pulls the wyvern tooth from around his neck, and leaves it close to your hand- an offering of sorts, a first step at trying to impress you, even if small. "The traditional way." He finishes up, leaving you alone at the table, simply watching as he walks away and merges with the crowd.
Maybe you've underestimated him.
Maybe he's not who you think he is.
Maybe you've finally found your match.
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just-juniper-joy · 1 year
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I feel like I needed to get this out there somewhere before anything ingame invalidates the theory....
As far as whether on not Hoyo intends to imply romance between Kaveh and Haitham, I feel like they set up something very important that we wont see the payoff of until we get Kaveh’s drip marketing.
A lot of tiny details of things often come back around to have meaning in Genshin right? little things that seem innocuous come back around to slot right into place.
So Haitham’s constellation is Vultur Volans right? 
Well theres this well known legend/festival/etc. Called Qixi in China and Tanabata in Japan that is related quite heavily to his constellation. I will be using the Japanese names for the (festival)characters in this post as they are the ones I am more familiar with. 
Turns out that Vultur Volans is a real constellation that contains the star representing one of the characters in this story. The star Altair, also known as Hikoboshi. 
So the Tanabata festival, The one time of the year that Altair(Hikoboshi) and Vega(Orihime), lovers that are separated by the milky way get to meet. Although customs varied, the most common festival wish for boys was to have better handwriting which clearly fits our scribe, and the most popular wish for girls was better craftsmanship. I'll swing back around to why I think that's important in a minute.
I would like to also say as an aside that this constellation also is related to both Hindu Garuda as well as The constellation's meaning, eagle, which was possibly seen as Horus' falcon in ancient Egypt. We all know how Hoyo LOVES to double-dip their lore.
Anyway, back to Tanabata. Orihime is a craftswoman, a weaver, hers was works of beauty and could not be allowed to go undone so they were banished from each other except for one day a year.
They were assisted in seeing each other by birds, which each of their constellations mean. Hikoboshi's Aquila or Vultur Volans meaning eagle, and Orihime(Vega)'s Lyra seen as either a vulture or a swooping eagle by early Arabic astronomers.
Now in various versions of the story, there are different names characters are known by, one stuck out to me. Tomoshibi-hime, used for Orihime, meaning bright light princess. We DO have a character associated with Haitham that has a light-related appellation. Kaveh "Light of the Ksharewar" and it could easily be said that he has an association with craftsmanship, similar to how Alhaitham has an association with handwriting. 
I think Hoyo is continuing their trend of twisting parts of RL stories to make interesting changes yet still preserving  connections. Haitham and Kaveh, instead of being forced to live apart, are being forced to live together. as an example of this interesting twisting.
I feel like Hoyo is setting up Kavetham to be an obvious but not concrete duo like Beigguang. Doing what they can without tripping Chinese sensors.
If they weren't, I feel like using a romantic story like Tanabata anywhere near Haitham(even tangentally through his constellation) would be weird because it seems wildly out of left field for his character. 
The real test will be whether Kaveh's constellation will have Vega or Lyra references.
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jaeyunverse · 1 year
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the bet
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pairing: sim jake x fem!reader
genres: fluff, neighbours to lovers, summer romance au
wc: 1230
warnings: i can think of none, but lmk if you want me to add anything!!
summary: in which jake bets he can make you fall for him in three weeks. you don’t tell him you’ve already lost.
note: happy jake day!! ♡ i raced against time to complete this before the 16th and YAYY i still have a little less than two hours :D i hope this is to your liking!! feedback would be appreciated <3
masterlist
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“We should compare hand sizes.”
You averted your gaze from the sea and raised an eyebrow at the boy lounging beside you. “Really?”
Jake hummed, his eyes following a crab that was skittering several feet away from where you were seated. He was lying down with his legs stretched out in front of him, his elbows propped up to support his upper body weight.
There was barely anyone on the beach. One of the town’s biggest events was commencing at sundown and everyone was busy getting ready for it. Jake wanted some alone time with you before the festivities began, so he had dragged you to the shore to watch the sunset with him.
The cool evening air ruffled his fluffy hair, and you bit down on the urge to run your hand through the soft strands. It was a beautiful sight, really, watching him be at peace with nary a care in the world.
Tucking your knees under your chin, you rested your cheek on them. “Did you run out of ideas already?”
“Old is gold,” he quipped, finally sliding his eyes to meet yours. A mischievous smile adorned his lips as he said, “Though we can try something else if you want; how do you feel about comparing feet sizes?”
You laughed, shoving his shoulder playfully. “You’re impossible.”
Jake snorted. Pointing at himself, he feigned disbelief. “I am impossible? You are the one who keeps playing hard to get. I’ve been trying to woo you for over two weeks.”
“Giving up already?” you teased and pointed out, “I told you I wasn’t going to make things easy for you.”
You’d met Jake at the start of your break. Spending summer vacation at your grandma’s home was an old tradition for your family, but you hadn’t been able to visit the previous year due to a multitude of reasons.
On the day of your arrival, you’d exited the car and sprinted into the beach house even before your dad could stop the vehicle fully. You hadn’t seen your Nana in so long—your excitement obviously knew no bounds.
However, instead of finding her, you had come face-to-face with a strange blonde boy unloading groceries on the kitchen island.
Your first encounter with Jake had been horribly embarrassing. His soft, boyish features had thrown you off.
Literally.
You had tripped over your own feet when your gazes locked. Thankfully, he’d proven to be someone with good reflexes and caught you before you could fall.
Your Nana, upon hearing the commotion, had rushed inside (from the garden out back, you’d assumed) and gotten introductions out of the way.
Jake Sim and his family had only recently moved into the house next door. His parents, after a successful career, had seeked early retirement and taken sanctuary in the small town of Rockcrest.
Jake, apparently, surfed and ran errands for your grandma when he wasn’t busy doing his summer job as a waiter at the golf course.
The two of you befriended each other and started hanging out, only to discover that you actually had a lot in common.
For instance, both of you had the terrible habit of betting on things to prove to other people that you were right. One thing led to the next, and here you were now, risking your prized possessions yet again to win another bet.
If Jake couldn’t manage to make you fall for him in the span of three weeks, he would have to surrender his DSLR. But if he did make you fall, you’d have to hand over the signed first edition copy of your favorite book.
The stakes weren’t nearly as scary as the dangerous game you were playing. Though, you supposed, there wasn’t really anything to be afraid of.
The damage was already done. You’d fallen for Jake long before the bet came into existence.
Why, then, did you agree to his conditions?
Jake Sim was cocky. He was overconfident. If given the chance, he was sure he could convince you to be his girlfriend.
Admitting that you were already head over heels for him would have been embarrassing. It would have implied that he’d managed to have an effect on you without even trying. No way were you going to allow that to happen.
So, you let him try. You let him hold your hand. You let him hug you. You let him take you out on dates. You let him kiss the corners of your lips and do all sorts of cheesy things.
You let him in.
Each moment you spent with him made you open up to him more and more. Not only did Jake know your dreams and the things that made you happy, but he was also aware of your insecurities, fears and sorrows.
You didn’t even care about the bet anymore. Your pride and competitiveness could go down the drain for all you cared. You only had two months left before school began; time was of absolute essence.
“Jake—”
“Why would I give up when I know I’ve already won the bet?” he interrupted, answering your question. His eyes bored into yours and you felt your heart rate pick up. “Why would I accept defeat after I’ve managed to make you fall for me?”
Your mouth parted open in surprise. You could only stare at Jake dumbfoundedly as he stood up and dusted himself off, offering you a hand. “You might have done your best to keep up the pretense, Y/N, but I noticed your slip-ups.”
“Since when have you known?” you whispered, slipping your hand into his and allowing him to pull you to your feet. He didn’t let go, though. He only intertwined your fingers and caressed your face.
“A few days into the bet,” Jake answered, his gaze darting between your eyes and mouth, as if he had a hard time not looking at the latter. “I was reaching for a bottle behind you, but you thought I was going in for a kiss.”
Your cheeks burned with embarrassment. You hadn’t realised he’d known.
“Sorry for disappointing you then,” he mumbled. “Can I make it up to you now?”
You couldn’t believe your ears. Breath hitching in your throat, all you could do was nod. But Jake wasn’t having it. Tracing your bottom lip with his thumb, he whispered, “Use your words, princess.”
You exhaled shakily. “Make it up to me, Jake.”
And then his lips were on yours. His arm snaked around your waist, pulling you impossibly closer. Tilting his neck to the side, Jake deepened the kiss.
You thought you had died and gone to Paradise.
Your heart swelled with happiness and contentment, and if it weren’t for Jake’s thumb caressing your face in a comforting manner, you might have exploded into an array of light.
All your other senses dulled and for the first time in your life, you realised what it was like to live in the moment. To enjoy it so thoroughly that everything else becomes meaningless.
Out of breath due to the sheer euphoria you were experiencing, you broke the kiss and rested your forehead against his.
“Y/N?” Jake murmured. “Can I ask you something?”
You slowly opened your eyes in response and stared into his hopeful ones.
“Will you accompany me to the festival as my girlfriend?”
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keerysfolklore · 4 months
Text
Yuletide Pixels; S.H
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Part One: Virtual Greetings
Masterlist
Pairing: Steve Harrington x Reader
Summary: Steve Harrington, still nursing a broken heart from his previous love, decides to embrace the holiday spirit by heading to New York to meet his online girlfriend, Y/N, for the first time. As he navigates the festive cityscape, he grapples with the ghosts of his past relationship, determined to open up to new possibilities. However, as Steve gets closer to Y/N, he begins to question if she is everything she claims to be, unraveling a mystery that adds a layer of suspense to their Christmas rendezvous.
Warning: Fluff, Hallmark Type of Fluff, Alchol, A little bit of spice - smut to follow, angst etc.
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Steve stood in the middle of his room, surrounded by an array of clothes, as he contemplated the essentials for his upcoming trip. The invitation to spend the holidays in New York with Y/N had arrived like a serendipitous gift, and excitement mingled with nerves as he prepared for the journey.
His suitcase lay open on the bed, a blank canvas waiting to be filled with the promises of a winter romance. Steve meticulously folded each shirt and sweater, a careful choreography of packing that mirrored the precision he once used in styling his hair. He couldn't help but smirk at the irony; love had a way of turning the tough into the tender.
Amidst the packing, Steve's mind drifted back to the moment he decided to make this leap, to bridge the gap between pixels and reality.
——
It was a chilly evening in Hawkins, the kind that whispered the arrival of winter. Steve sat in his dimly lit room, surrounded by the soft glow of fairy lights that his Mum had hung to add a touch of warmth to the space. The room, once a fortress of solitude, had transformed into a sanctuary where he connected with Y/N through the digital waves.
His phone buzzed, which nowadays meant two things - one a phone call from Dustin asking for a ride or two, a message from Y/N. Tonight it was the second. They had shared countless messages, pictures, and even late-night conversations that stretched into the early hours. Yet, tonight felt different. The holiday spirit was in the air, and Steve's heart carried a newfound courage.
With a deep breath, he tapped out a message to Y/N, his fingers dancing across the screen.
"Hey, Y/N. I was thinking... the holidays are coming up, and I was wondering if you'd be up for something crazy. What if I hopped on a plane and spent Christmas with you in New York? In person, finally? Be nice to finally meet my girlfriend. 🙂"
The seconds that followed felt like an eternity. Steve anxiously stared at his phone, waiting for the response that would decide the course of his holidays. A flurry of thoughts raced through his mind. What if Y/N found the idea too impulsive, too forward?
Then, the reply arrived, a virtual heartbeat that echoed through the room.
"Stevie, that sounds amazing! I'd love for you to spend Christmas with me. It's a date! 💗🎄✈️"
Steve's heart skipped a beat. The anticipation of their first meeting, wrapped in the magic of the holidays, sparked a newfound excitement within him. The decision was made, and the path to New York, paved with dreams and promises, awaited him.
---
Robin sat on the worn-out beanbag in Steve's bedroom, a hint of concern etched across her face as she watched him pack for his trip to New York.
"Okay, Steve, spill it. What's got you grinning like an idiot while stuffing your entire wardrobe into that suitcase?" Robin quipped, her eyes narrowing with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
Steve looked up from his packing, a sheepish grin playing on his lips. "Guess what? I'm finally going to meet Y/N in person. I'm flying to New York for Christmas!"
Robin's eyes widened, and she couldn't help but let out an involuntary gasp. "Seriously? That's... huge, Harrington. But wait, aren't you nervous or something?"
Steve chuckled nervously, "Well, maybe a little. But it's exciting, you know? I've been talking to Y/N for months, and it feels like the right time to take the plunge. I asked her to be my girlfriend a couple of months ago after a few too many drinks at Eddies, so if feels right yanno. To meet her."
Robin arched an eyebrow, a sly smile forming. "Hold up. You're not getting catfished, are you? This Y/N, is she even real? I can’t believe you’re dating a girl you’ve never met!"
Steve laughed, "Come on, Robin! We've video chatted, and she's sent plenty of pictures. She's real, and she's amazing plus she’s super cute."
Robin leaned back, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Alright, alright. But what if she's, I don't know, too perfect or something? What if the real deal doesn't live up to your digital fantasies?"
Steve paused, a thoughtful expression replacing his earlier excitement. "That's a possibility, I guess. But I like her for who she is, you know? Even if she's not exactly what I expect, it's about connecting in person and seeing where it goes."
Robin raised an eyebrow, "And what if she's secretly an alien or something? You gonna fight off extraterrestrial beings for the sake of love?"
Steve laughed, "Hey, you never know. We’ve seen weirder things Robs. But seriously, I'm going into this with an open mind. It's an adventure, and I'm up for it."
Robin couldn't help but smile at Steve's optimism. "Well, you better keep me updated, Harrington. I need to know if I should start preparing a dramatic speech for when you come back heartbroken."
Steve rolled his eyes, "You watch too many romantic movies, Robin. This is real life."
"Real life can be more dramatic than the movies, trust me," she replied with a smirk.
As Steve continued packing, Robin couldn't shake the worry lingering in her eyes. "Just promise me you'll be careful, alright? If she turns out to be a psycho killer or something, you better have a plan. Let’s be honest you’re not a final girl.”
Steve grinned, "I promise, Robin. I'll be careful. But I have a good feeling about this. Y/N seems genuine, and I think it's worth taking the chance."
Robin sighed, shaking her head, "You're hopeless, Dingus. But fine, I hope it works out for you. And if it doesn't, well, you'll have a dramatic story to tell. And Dustin owes Eddie $20."
Steve chuckled, "Thanks, Rob. I appreciate your concern. Now, can you help me zip up this suitcase? I think I might have overpacked."
The next morning, Steve found himself at Airport, the scent of coffee and the murmur of travelers filling the air. As he checked in, the reality of his journey set in, and the thrill of adventure coursed through his veins.
Steve sat in the bustling airport terminal, his fingers tapping nervously on the armrest of the plastic seat. The announcement for his flight echoed through the air, a reminder that his journey to meet Y/N was about to begin. As he scanned the crowd, his eyes caught sight of an elderly couple, hands intertwined, sharing a quiet moment that spoke volumes.
Steve couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia mixed with a touch of melancholy. It reminded him of a time when he believed in love, a time before heartbreaks and shattered illusions.
Nancy had been his first love, and the painful aftermath of their breakup left Steve wary of diving into the depths of his emotions again. In the years that followed, he became a self-proclaimed serial dater, avoiding anything that resembled commitment. Casual relationships, casual sex – they became a shield, protecting him from the vulnerability that accompanied love.
The elderly couple's laughter drew Steve's attention back to the present, and he couldn't help but wonder if he could find that kind of love again. The fear of getting hurt had kept him at arm's length from love, but as he embarked on this journey to meet Y/N, a newfound sense of hope bubbled within him.
It had all started when he reluctantly signed up for a dating site. Swiping through profiles had felt like a chore until he stumbled upon Y/N's. Something about her witty bio and the genuine smile in her pictures sparked his interest. As they exchanged messages, a subtle shift occurred within Steve. It wasn't just about the thrill of meeting someone new; it was about the prospect of finding a connection that went beyond the surface. Beyond looks or sex.
thek1ngharrington: speaking to you makes my day honey, I wish I could see that cute face in person…
newy0rkg1rly: same stevie, you’re not like the other guys on this app <3 you’re so charming!
thek1ngharrington: charming hey?
newy0rkg1rly: most definitely stevie <3
thek1ngharrington: you know what else would make my day? …
thek1ngharrington: if you’d let me be your boyfriend…
The elderly couple's affectionate gestures fueled Steve's daydreams. He envisioned himself and Y/N, decades down the line, still sharing quiet moments filled with laughter and understanding. The idea of a lasting love story, one that could weather the storms of life, resonated with him in a way that casual flings never did.
His boarding group was called, pulling Steve back from his musings. As he made his way down the crowded aisle of the plane, he couldn't shake the mix of excitement and nervousness that fluttered in his chest.
The hum of the plane's engines became a comforting backdrop as Steve settled into his seat. With each passing mile, he felt the weight of past regrets lift, replaced by the anticipation of what awaited him in New York. The idea of meeting Y/N face-to-face stirred emotions he had long buried.
As the plane ascended into the sky, Steve gazed out of the window, lost in thought. The elderly couple he had seen earlier served as a silent reminder that love, resilient and enduring, was worth the risk. The journey from heartbreak to hope had brought him to this moment, and he couldn't help but believe that Y/N might be the key to a new chapter in his life.
As the plane soared above the clouds, Steve's mind drifted back to their virtual conversations. The late-night calls where laughter echoed through the digital waves, the moments of vulnerability shared in text messages – they all contributed to the tapestry of their connection. Now, he was on a journey to weave those threads into something real.
The flight passed in a blur of anticipation and daydreams. Steve landed at JFK Airport, greeted by the bustling energy of New York. The city, adorned with festive decorations, welcomed him like an old friend. The adventure had officially begun.
---
Steve's hotel room exuded a warm, intimate ambiance that wrapped around him like a cozy embrace. The dim lighting cast a soft glow on the walls, creating an atmosphere that felt both inviting and secluded.
A plush armchair nestled in a corner invited him to unwind, its velvety texture a tactile invitation to relaxation. The room was adorned with subtle Christmas decorations – a miniature tree adorned with twinkling lights, a wreath hanging on the door, and a scattering of festive throw pillows on the bed. The scent of cinnamon and pine permeated the air, courtesy of a holiday-scented candle flickering on the bedside table.
The focal point of the room was the bed, dressed in soft, inviting linens. A plump duvet beckoned Steve to sink into its warmth, promising solace from the chill of the winter night. The TV, strategically positioned at the foot of the bed, played classic Christmas films that filled the room with the familiar melodies of holiday cheer.
Outside, the city was blanketed in a layer of pristine snow, muffling the sounds of the bustling streets. The occasional gentle tap of snowflakes against the windowpane created a soothing rhythm, heightening the sense of coziness within. Steve, nestled under the covers, watched the flakes dance in the soft glow of the streetlights, feeling a sense of tranquility settle over him.
Steve fumbled for his phone, excitement bubbling as he dialed Robin's number to share the news of his safe arrival in New York. The phone rang a couple of times before Robin's voice greeted him with a characteristic nonchalance.
"Hey, Harrington, what's the word from the Big Apple?" she quipped.
"Hey, Robs! Just wanted to let you know I've landed, and I'm in the hotel room. New York's looking pretty cool," Steve replied, his enthusiasm evident in his voice.
"That's awesome, Harrington! Make sure to hit up all the touristy spots and get a slice of real New York pizza," Robin suggested.
As they continued their conversation, a raucous voice in the background cut through the line – it was Eddie, always the embodiment of crass humor.
"Tell Steve to find a hot New York babe and live his 'best life' or whatever," Eddie blurted out, causing Robin to groan audibly.
Robin chuckled nervously, "Uh, yeah, Eddie's always full of stellar advice, as you can tell." She rolled her eyes, "Ignore him, Harrington. So, what's the plan for your first night in the city that never sleeps?"
"Well, I was thinking of grabbing a coffee and then maybe checking out the Christmas lights. You know, classic tourist stuff, I think I’m gonna see if y/n wants to meet tonight instead of tomorrow." Steve explained.
Robin teased, "Aww, look at you trying to be all romantic. If you start quoting poetry, I'll disown you."
"Eddie's already given me enough questionable advice. No need to worry about poetry just yet," Steve replied, playfully. Eddie, in the background, added another crude comment, earning an exasperated sigh from Robin.
"Okay, Harrington, just promise me you won't end up in some New York tabloid with a headline like 'Small-Town Boy's Big City Misadventure,'" Robin quipped.
Steve laughed, "No promises, but I'll do my best. Anyway, I'll let you go. Just wanted to fill you in. Catch you later, Rob."
"Take care, Dingus. And don't let Eddie’s advice drag you into any shenanigans," Robin advised before hanging up.
As the call ended, Steve couldn't help but shake his head at the amusing dynamic between himself, Robin, and Eddie.
As he sipped from a steaming mug of coffee, the festive scenes on the TV transported him. The crackling fireplace in the films mirrored the warmth emanating from the room, and the characters' laughter echoed in harmony with the gentle snowfall outside.
In that serene space, surrounded by the charm of the season, Steve felt a sense of peace. The darkness, far from being oppressive, cocooned him in a sanctuary where the glow of holiday lights and the comforting embrace of a well-appointed room created a haven for him to relish the magic of Christmas, even if miles away from home.
Steve sank into the plush pillows, As sleep claimed him, the transition from reality to dreamland was seamless. He found himself transported to a bustling New York street. The snowflakes danced in the air, and the festive atmosphere mirrored the holiday charm he had come to love. Steve was wearing a red beanie hat and gingham jacket.
Amid the crowd, Y/N appeared, or at least, Steve thought it was Y/N. However, to his utter surprise, Y/N was no longer the vibrant, beautiful girl he had known. Instead, she had transformed into an old man – complete with a flowing white beard and a twinkle in his eye.
Steve blinked in disbelief, unable to comprehend the absurdity of the situation. "Y/N? Is that really you?" he asked, bewildered.
The old man, who now seemed to be an embodiment of wisdom and whimsy, simply chuckled. "Ah, young man, appearances can be deceiving."
They strolled through the imaginary New York together, the old-man Y/N imparting cryptic advice and sharing tales of a bygone era. The dream unfolded like a quirky holiday movie, with Steve as the unwitting protagonist of this bizarre tale.
"Love is like a new season. Embrace the change, let go of the past, and allow yourself to bloom anew. The hardships you faced are lessons, not anchors.”
The words hit Steve like a train.
“Open your heart, learn from the storms, and let the warmth of a new love melt away the cold remnants of what was. Trust the journey, Steve, and you'll find a love that complements the person you're becoming."
Steve's laughter echoed in the dreamy streets. Suddenly, he jolted awake, finding himself back in the quiet hotel room. The Christmas lights still twinkled softly, and the snowfall outside painted a serene scene.
A wave of relief washed over him as he realised it was just a dream.
Steve chuckled to himself, shaking his head at the hilarity of his dreams.
“That’s enough sleep for me.” He said as he ran his fingers through his bed head.
As evening descended, Steve decided to take a stroll through Central Park. The park, blanketed in a soft layer of snow, became a magical haven where dreams took flight. He paused near the iconic Bethesda Terrace, a scene that seemed to belong to a romantic painting.
The crisp winter air carried with it a swirl of memories, a bittersweet symphony of Christmases past. His mind wandered back to a few years ago when the holiday season was wrapped in the warmth of Nancy’s family.
The park, adorned with a dusting of snow, mirrored the enchanting backdrop of that particular Christmas. Steve recalled the laughter that echoed through the air as they engaged in a friendly snowball fight, the cold nipping at their noses but the warmth of camaraderie keeping them toasty.
Nancy's family home, nestled in the quiet charm of Hawkins, had been a haven of festive cheer. The living room, adorned with twinkling lights and a towering tree, had felt like a scene straight out of a holiday movie. Steve remembered the crackling fireplace casting a cozy glow, the aroma of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts lingering in the air.
The memory of that Christmas lingered, a poignant mix of joy and nostalgia. The exchange of gifts, the shared laughter, and the gentle hum of holiday tunes playing in the background painted a picture of a time when Steve's heart was entwined with the spirit of the season.
As he continued his walk through Central Park, the present-day snowfall created a serene atmosphere that mirrored the magical moments he had experienced in the past.
Steve couldn't help but feel a tinge of wistfulness as he acknowledged the passage of time. Yet, with each step, he found solace in the fact that those memories had paved the way for new chapters. This Christmas, he was on a different journey, heading to New York to meet Y/N, a virtual connection that held the promise of creating fresh, meaningful moments.
Central Park, veiled in the tranquility of falling snow, became a canvas for reflection. The past and the present converged, and as Steve continued his stroll, he carried not just the nostalgia of holidays gone by, but also the anticipation of new memories waiting to be unwrapped in the heart of the city that never sleeps.
His phone buzzed with a message from Y/N, a reminder that she was just a heartbeat away. The virtual world and the tangible one collided as he typed out his reply, each word carrying the weight of his excitement.
"I'm in Central Park, Y/N. It's even more beautiful than I imagined. Can't wait to see you. Where should we meet?"
Y/N's response was swift, a digital rendezvous in the heart of the park. As Steve made his way towards their meeting point, he couldn't shake the feeling that every step brought him closer not only to Y/N but also to the culmination of a journey that began with a simple message and the courage to take a chance on love.
Steve walked into the cozy coffee shop, its walls adorned with rustic decor that exuded a warmth matching the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The place was a visual delight, with dimmed lights casting a soft glow, and the chatter of patrons creating a soothing background symphony.
His heart raced with anticipation as he scanned the room, hoping to catch a glimpse of Y/N. The plush couches and wooden tables were filled with people engrossed in conversations or buried in books, but none seemed to be the person he was eagerly awaiting. Steve's nerves were palpable; he couldn't help but wonder if the connection they'd shared online would seamlessly translate into the real world.
Every time the door chimed, signaling someone's arrival, Steve's gaze instinctively darted in that direction, hoping to see Y/N's familiar face. Yet, with each entrance, he was met with disappointment. The minutes ticked away, and the quiet hum of anticipation mingled with the low murmur of conversations around him.
The ambiance of the coffee shop seemed to magnify the intensity of his nerves. He felt a knot tightening in his stomach, unsure of what to expect from this meeting. The coffee cup before him remained untouched, as if mirroring the hesitation that lingered in the air.
An hour passed, and several unanswered phone calls later, Steve's optimism waned. He tried to quell the rising worry within him, but with each unanswered ring, doubt began to cast shadows over his initial excitement. The pretty surroundings that had initially captivated him now felt like a backdrop to an unfulfilled expectation.
Steve stared at the coffee cup before him, contemplating whether he should wait a little longer or admit defeat. The allure of the venue was overshadowed by a cloud of uncertainty. Was Y/N real, or had he been drawn into an elaborate ruse? The doubts gnawed at him, making the cozy atmosphere feel more like a trap than a sanctuary.
He decided to send another text, his fingers tapping the screen with a mixture of frustration and concern. The message remained unanswered, leaving Steve with a sinking feeling. He contemplated leaving, abandoning the hopeful narrative he had painted in his mind, and facing the possibility that Y/N might not be who she claimed to be. Steve looked at the photos y/n had sent him, what if she’s not real?
As he replayed their online interactions in his mind, Steve couldn't shake the suspicion that this might have been an elaborate prank or, worse, a cruel joke at his expense. The vulnerability of putting himself out there, only to be met with silence, left him feeling exposed and raw.
Time seemed to move at a sluggish pace, each second echoing with the unanswered questions that reverberated in Steve's mind. He considered making one last attempt, reaching out with a final call, hoping against hope for a response that would dispel the growing unease within him.
The phone rang, and Steve's eyes were fixed on the screen, the suspense building with each passing ring. No answer. The silence that followed was deafening, a stark contrast to the bustling coffee shop around him. He sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration.
With a heavy heart, Steve pushed back from the table, the legs of the chair scraping against the floor as he stood. The once-inviting surroundings now felt oppressive, and he couldn't escape the feeling of being played. As he made his way to the exit, the barista shot him a sympathetic look, and Steve offered a half-hearted nod in acknowledgment.
The city outside greeted him with its usual hustle and bustle, but Steve's thoughts were consumed by the unanswered questions. Was Y/N ever real, or was she merely a figment of someone's imagination behind a screen? He grappled with the disappointment, wondering how someone could play with another's emotions in such a way.
Outside the coffee shop, Steve knelt down to tie his shoelaces, trying to distract himself from the mounting disappointment. Just as he focused on the task at hand, the crisp winter air carried the sound of hurried footsteps, and a voice cut through the quiet, "Stevie!"
Startled, he looked up to see Y/N running down the snow-covered road, her breath visible in the cold air. Flustered and apologetic, she reached him, cheeks flushed from the cold and the rush to get there.
"Steve, I'm so sorry," Y/N panted, her words stumbling over each other. "I got caught in loads of traffic, and then my phone battery died. I couldn't call or message. I know it's late, and I feel awful about it."
As she spoke, Steve found it hard to concentrate on her explanation. The winter wind had tousled her hair, framing her face in a way that made it impossible for him to focus on anything else. Her eyes, wide with sincerity, held an earnest apology that seemed to melt away the frustration he had been harboring.
"It's just, the snow and the traffic, and I tried to find a charger, but..." Y/N’s voice trailed off as she caught Steve's gaze, her apologetic tone turning into a sheepish smile. "I'm really sorry, Stevie. I didn't mean to keep you waiting."
Despite the initial frustration, Steve couldn't help but be captivated by her presence. The snowflakes dusted her hair, and there was an authenticity in her eyes that resonated with him. The weight of disappointment lifted as he found himself entranced by her genuine apology.
Y/N, still catching her breath from the snowy sprint, suddenly paused, her eyes widening with realization. A flush of embarrassment tinted her cheeks.
"Oh gosh, Steve," she stammered, "I got so caught up in explaining and apologising that I forgot to properly say hello! We've never actually met, and here I am rambling on."
Steve chuckled, finding her flustered admission endearing. "No worries at all honey. It happens to the best of us. Hey…officially." he says running his hand through his snow covered hair.
Y/N's eyes softened as she met his gaze, and a genuine smile graced her lips. "Hey, Stevie. It's really lovely to finally meet you in person..” she said whilst hugging steve, taking in his warmth.
She couldn't help but be struck by the reality of him standing before her. "And I have to say," Y/N continued, her cheeks gaining a tinge of pink, "you're even more handsome in person. Your photo didn't do you justice."
Steve's surprise transformed into a bashful grin. "Well, thank you, Y/N. I guess photos can only capture so much."
As Steve and Y/N walked through the quiet, snow-covered streets, the city lights casting a soft glow around them, a comfortable silence settled between them. But as they strolled side by side, admiring the winter scenery, both seemed to have the same thought simultaneously.
"I can't believe you're real," Steve chuckled, breaking the quietude with an incredulous smile.
Y/N, with a twinkle in her eye, responded almost simultaneously, "I was beginning to think you weren't real."
Steve couldn't help but find himself captivated by her presence. The soft glow of the city lights reflected in her eyes, and the winter air had given her cheeks a rosy hue that enhanced her beauty.
He found himself subtly stealing glances at her, admiring the way the snowflakes danced around her, creating a whimsical aura. A sense of awe overcame him as he realised that she was even more stunning in person than he could have imagined from their online interactions.
The jealousy, however, was an unexpected emotion that stirred within him. As the snow delicately touched Y/N's hair and cheek, a pang of envy crept in. He couldn't help but wish he were the one experiencing that intimate connection with her, he wished he could touch her softly like the way the snowflakes softly grazed her skin.
The snow continued to fall gently as Steve and Y/N meandered through the winter-clad city, their footsteps creating soft imprints on the sidewalk. There was an unspoken warmth between them, an acknowledgment of the connection that had transcended pixels and screens. Y/N, with a genuine smile, finally broke the companionable silence.
"I'm really happy you came to see me, Steve. It means a lot."
Steve returned her smile, feeling a sense of contentment at her words. "I'm glad I did too, It's even better meeting you in person."
They continued their stroll until they stumbled upon a small, quaint bar nestled between taller buildings. The inviting glow from its windows and the muffled sounds of laughter hinted at an intimate and cozy atmosphere. With a shared look, they decided to step inside and escape the winter chill.
As they entered, the warmth enveloped them, accompanied by the comforting hum of conversations. The bar was small, with dim lighting casting a soft ambiance. The walls were adorned with vintage photographs, and a scattering of mismatched wooden tables and chairs created an eclectic yet charming vibe. A fireplace in the corner added to the snug feel, crackling with a gentle warmth that contrasted with the cold outside.
Y/N and Steve found a cozy corner table, the flickering candlelight creating an intimate space for them. They ordered drinks, and as the evening progressed, the connection between them deepened. Laughter and shared stories filled the air, weaving a tapestry of memories that belonged to their first real-life encounter.
“Robin was worried you’d be some creepy old man. But nope you’re definitely…not” he stuttered.
“I hope you’re not disappointed Stevie.” Y/N said blushing.
However, as the evening unfolded, Y/N couldn't ignore the subtle flirtation from their waitress. A friendly smile here, an extra linger there—it was all harmless, but the possessiveness that had surfaced earlier resurfaced. She watched as the waitress chatted with Steve, a twinge of jealousy knotting in her stomach. Y/N, not wanting to spoil the mood, chose to keep her unease to herself.
The waitress, with a playful wink, handed Steve his drink and left them to their own devices. Y/N took a sip of her own drink, trying to shake off the unwarranted jealousy. It was irrational, she knew, but the unfamiliarity of navigating these emotions in person added a layer of complexity.
As the night unfolded, the effects of the drinks began to seep into Steve's senses. The dim lights and ambient hum of conversations merged into a slightly hazy symphony. Steve, ever the charming conversationalist, found himself a bit more unrestrained, the laughter a touch louder, the smiles a bit wider.
Steve couldn't shake the warmth that spread through him, both from the alcohol and the genuine connection he was building with her. The conversation flowed effortlessly, but in the midst of the laughter a singular thought began to dominate his mind – the desire to kiss Y/N.
As each moment passed, that longing intensified. The soft glow of the bar lights seemed to highlight Y/N's features, and he found himself captivated by the way her eyes sparkled with every smile. The alcohol acted as a catalyst, amplifying the magnetic pull that drew him toward her.
“So what have you been up to before you met me then honey?”
“Nothing really just last bits of Christmas shopping and getting things ready. I hope you like the gift I got you.” she said grinning from ear to ear, the slight scrunch of her nose making Steve blush.
“I’ll love anything you have for me. Because you bought it.” he slightly slurred.
In the midst of a particularly amusing story Y/N was sharing about her run in with her neighbour, Steve's focus wavered. His gaze lingered on her lips, and a subtle flush crept up his cheeks. The desire to taste the warmth of her laughter on his lips became a tantalizing distraction, creating an undercurrent of tension in the air. The mulled wine that she had been drinking throughout the night tinted her lips Ruby red. He wondered if they tasted like cinnamon.
Steve couldn't escape the persistent yearning. With every shared joke and exchanged glance, the gravitational force pulling him closer to Y/N intensified. The gentle brush of her hand against his, the soft laughter that seemed to dance around them – it all fueled the intoxicating desire that had taken root.
He excused himself for a moment, heading to the bar to grab another round of drinks. The cool air outside the bathroom helped clear his head momentarily, but as he returned to the table, the allure of Y/N pulled him back into the mesmerizing orbit.
As he sat back down, the air seemed charged with a palpable tension. Y/N, unaware of the internal struggle within Steve, continued to share stories, her laughter becoming a melody that resonated in his intoxicated mind.
Steve's gaze, now more intense, bore into Y/N's eyes. In that moment, the bar, the laughter, and the conversations faded into the background. All he could think about was the magnetic pull drawing him closer, the yearning to bridge the gap and feel the connection with a kiss.
Yet, a small voice in the back of Steve's mind urged caution. The line between desire and respect for the budding connection was a delicate one. He tried to anchor himself, aware that the alcohol might be clouding his judgment.
As the night wore on, the push and pull of desire and restraint created a dance of emotions. Steve, caught in the throes of intoxication and longing, grappled with the question of whether to act on the impulse or let the night unfold naturally.
The animated banter that had characterized their evening had given way to a subtle quietness, leaving Y/N to wonder if Steve regretted his decision to come and see her.
"Steve, is everything okay?" Y/N inquired, her voice soft against the distant hum of conversations. "You've been a bit quiet. Like in your head a lot. You’re not regretting anything are you?"
Steve's eyes gleamed mischievously as he glanced at the jukebox, a silent promise of changing the mood. "Regret? Honey not a chance. I’m just feeling festive is all."
“You mean drunk.” She laughed.
As if responding to Steve's unspoken cue, the jukebox started playing "Fairytale of New York.", the festive notes filled the air, momentarily distracting Y/N from her worries. However, Steve's true intention became evident as a broad grin spread across his face.
"Come on, Y/N! Let's dance!" Steve declared, his enthusiasm contagious.
Y/N, initially puzzled by the unexpected change in direction, found herself caught up in Steve's infectious spirit. As they stood up, Steve began singing the lyrics with gusto, his voice resonating through the bar.
“Came in eighteen to one, I've got a feeling, This year's for me and you…”
The chorus approached, and Steve, fueled by both festive spirit and perhaps a bit of liquid courage, pulled Y/N into an impromptu dance. The bar's patrons, initially taken aback, soon joined in the merriment, clapping along to the spirited rhythm of the song.
“All the drunks they were singing, We kissed on a corner, Then danced through the night.”
“Wow I guess the drunks are singing aren’t they Stevie” she laughed.
“We’ll yanno I’m with a beautiful girl what more could I want?” He said shooting a grin that made her melt.
Y/N couldn't help but notice the genuine joy on Steve's face. His carefree demeanor and the way he effortlessly brought a festive spirit to the bar painted a picture of someone who cherished the simple pleasures of life.
As Steve twirled her around the small space, Y/N's initial worries melted away. The laughter, the music, and the shared dance created a moment that felt like a respite from the uncertainties that sometimes accompany new connections.
In that moment, Y/N knew in her head and heart that Steve was special. It wasn't just about the spontaneous dance or the infectious laughter – it was the way he embraced the unexpected, turning a quiet moment into a lively celebration. The genuine joy he found in simple moments painted him as someone who appreciated the warmth of connection, someone who brought a touch of magic to the ordinary.
“And the bells are ringing out, For Christmas Day.”
As the song reached its crescendo, Steve leaned in close, his grin undiminished. "You see, Y/N, no room for regrets here. Just good music, great company, and a bit of holiday magic. What more could we want on our first date?"
Y/N, caught in the twirl of the dance and the enchantment of the night, couldn't help but reciprocate Steve's infectious smile. The worries that had lingered earlier in her mind if Steve wasn’t who he said he was was replaced by a growing sense of admiration for the person who, in the midst of the ordinary, had revealed himself to be truly extraordinary.
With a spark of boldness, Y/N, on her tippy toes, closed the gap between them. The lively hum of the bar faded into the background as their eyes locked in a silent exchange, and in that moment, it felt as if time itself bowed to the intimacy unfolding.
Y/N's lips, soft and warm, gently met Steve's in a delicate dance. The initial contact sent a ripple of sensation through both of them, a subtle exploration that spoke of a connection that had been building throughout the night. The taste of holiday spirits lingered in the air, adding a subtle layer to the kiss. Steve’s lips were soft and tasted like the whisky he’d been sipping throughout the night.
As their lips melded in a tender embrace, the world outside the two of them blurred into insignificance. The notes of the jukebox played on, providing a melodic backdrop to this private exchange. Y/N's fingers found their way to intertwine with Steve's, creating an unspoken bridge that conveyed a sense of shared intimacy.
Noses smashed together as the kiss deepened, a testament to the genuine emotion and hunger that flowed between them. It wasn't just a physical meeting of lips but a fusion of unspoken desires and a recognition of something special. The ambiance of the bar, once filled with the laughter and chatter of a lively crowd, now felt like a sacred space reserved solely for the two of them.
With each passing moment, the kiss became a sensory exploration. In the midst of the kiss, Steve became acutely aware of the subtle nuances – the way Y/N's lips responded to his, the playful dance of their tongues, and the ebb and flow of their shared breaths.
Y/N could feel the beating of Steve's heart, a steady drum that echoed the shared anticipation and excitement of the night.
As they eventually parted, the quiet exchange of glances spoke volumes. A shared smile illuminated their faces, carrying the weight of unspoken promises and the magic of a connection that had blossomed unexpectedly.
Steve wished that he was no longer in this bar with her. He wished he could be alone with her, to show her how beautiful she really is to him. He thought to himself whatever happens after tonight he’d never forget how soft her tongue felt against his and how beautiful she looked under the soft glow of the fairy lights.
The jukebox continued its festive serenade, and the ambient glow of fairy lights bathed them in a gentle radiance. The kiss, more than a fleeting moment in a crowded bar, would lead to became a defining chapter in their shared story – a testament to the chemistry, understanding, and the promise of more shared moments yet to unfold.
“Well Merry Christmas honey..” Steve whispered.
“Merry Christmas Stevie, I’m so glad you’re here…” she giggled.
Tagging my loves @ghostlyfleur @forevermoreharrington @stevesxyellowxsweater @munsonsreputation @palmtreesx3 @hopsgirl @jadeylovesmarvelxo @seatnights
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oh-saints · 10 months
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Could you do something for Mason about Reader being insecure and self conscious ?
of course i could for you! this is one of the topics i like to explore but this time's with a twist whooo sorry for the long wait thooo mason's latest absence is what drives me to finish this up bcs i miss him :(
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beauty
it's only supposed to be a trip back to his hometown, portsmouth, and a little visit to his childhood friend's house. but the sister's insecurity changes everything.
mason mount x female!reader
word count: 1.6k
tw: physical insecurities, degradation of self-images, self-concious, minor mention of online bullying
note: another old prompts out from the vault! aforementioned twist is the brother's best friend trope and some parts are mildly inspired by colin and penelope's story of bridgerton the book ("romancing mr. bridgerton"). but as usual, i happen to write at dawn so ofc this is not proof-read.
“what are you doing?”
it was early morning, nearing dawn even. mason woke up for a bathroom break, only to find his best friend’s sister already standing in front of the mirror. from her posture, mason could only guess you were trying to put on contact lenses.
why so early in the morning? especially when tomorrow the family—including mason, whom the family had unofficially adopted since primary school—had the agenda to go and see the local festival from the morning, so they all could get the once-in-a-year sightings, both of the sight and food.
you immediately froze at mason’s voice, your limbs awkward from getting caught red handed in action. “uh… putting on the contact lenses?”
“since when do you wear one?”
“never?”
gone was his need to pee. this young lady in front of him was certainly more fascinating. “why start now? doesn’t it feel weird?”
you let out a deep sigh, officially giving up your futile attempt to wear the damned clear magic rubber. “they say beauty is pain, you know?”
mason leaned against the door frame of the small bathroom, hands tucked inside the pockets of his trainers. “still doesn’t answer my initial question, though.”
you’d cleared up your station when you turned around your body to face him. “it’s because of you.”
despite leaning, your words definitely caught his attention that he couldn’t help but stand straighter, his face contorted into confusion by the accusation. “what did I do?”
you winced as your hands placed your glasses on their designated place. were you hurt somewhere? he thought.
“did you see twitter today?”
mason’s whereabouts would always be the talk of town. literally and figuratively speaking. he was a buzz when the small town of Portsmouth noticed his presence back to town for a short visit—his annual short visit to your family because it’d always been the tradition, besides his other casual trips to see his mum—so he was definitely going to be a buzz around internet town.
“there’s a reason why I don’t use twitter anymore,” how mason remained calm in this condition supposed to spook you, because he was almost always boisterous, but you realised maybe it was because he was more experienced in handling spotlight. good game, bad game, good look, bad look—he’d had the taste of it all. “but enlighten me. what did I do?”
“well, not what you did. it was rather the press and your fans,” while you weren’t the brightest, happy-go-lucky kind of girl, sighing that deep and that much still didn’t sit well on mason’s ears. “they were saying mean things about how ridiculous I looked beside you.”
the birdy app must’ve caught his sightings while he was out for a lunch with your family. he did take several pictures with passing fans in between waiting for a seat to your family’s favourite restaurant, but netizens could’ve twisted reality into a selling story. especially when the rest of the world didn’t know he was so close to your family because he was always over at your house since primary school, attached to your brother by the hip from then on.
especially if any of the papz or creepy fans taking pics from a far took a notice of him being alone with you when you both took the liberty to come up to the cashier after the rest of your family was seated. not because they were kind, but they were the closest to the front desk.
it made sense now.
but somehow it didn’t.
because at that exact moment, as you were standing in front of him without make up and only helped by the bright light of the bathroom, mason could see anything but ridiculous looking woman.
you might not sport a luxurious piece of clothing because it wasn’t your preference but you always have a nice, modest style that was simple but clean. you might not also be the kind of woman who pampered your self in a beauty clinic every two weeks but your hair was always styled nicely, and your face and hair glowed healthily.
you were averse of body-fitting clothes because that style once hurt your lower lymph node so you’d always don on baggy fits, but you were now standing in front of him in a loose lingerie top and a tennis shorts—at the break at the dawn, no less—yet you looked stunning in the most natural way.
mason even dared to say that he liked you better with those spectacles on because it gave you the impression of a smart look. like pretty and smart look, not the nerdy smart appeal. he could even appreciate the blue ring that surrounded your orbs, beautifully enhancing the colour of your eyes.
it didn’t make sense to him, too, that he only realised how breath-taking you looked now, despite having known you for years. he noticed you weren’t so much different from the lunch, he could only point out some of your features lacking the make up product needed. and you looked even good when your hair was ponytailed like right now, which was a style hard to pull off, if mason was being completely honest.
it didn’t make sense to him that he was only seeing this now. yes, your family bore good looking genes and all but he never recognised you being attractive in the least glamorous way. and he found himself liking the reality more than he thought he should.
no, nope. damn it, you were his best friend’s sister. he watched you grow up alongside him—acnes, broken hearts, and all. he couldn’t possibly like you more than that.
couldn’t he?
“they must be blind,” was all mason could say as a reply. if he said a word more, he would’ve broken down a dam.
“you say that because you’re friends with my brother,” you shook your head in a very dissatisfied manner. “he would’ve cut you off if you said the otherwise.”
“trust me, I’ve seen models and celebrities and you don’t fall short to them,” mason tried to shrug off his shoulder cooly, not wanting to spill some of his internal thoughts. “have a faith in yourself.”
“easy for you to say when you’re the one every girl fawns over,” you chuckled bitterly as you gathered your belongings now. “try becoming me who no one dates.”
if they were talking another topic, mason would’ve liked to cover the whole no-boyfriend thing because wow, apparently everyone was blind, huh? but that would’ve been out of topic and mason had to ground himself back to earth.
he still couldn’t hide his exasperation, though. “why is it so hard for you to believe me?”
“because I really look like what they described. horrendous, like modern Ursula,” but you were also desperate for mason to see your concern. “thank god your fans didn’t dig up my past to find an old picture of me wearing braces. what a field day that would’ve been.”
you were busy putting together your beauty kit that you didn’t realise mason had fallen into a silent tirade. not until suddenly you heard your name being called, in the lowest bass mason had ever mustered—even lower when the time you saw him reprimanding your brother for being a stupid jerk to their fellow classmate, poor girl—and you could feel shivers running down your back.
you turned your body slowly because you swore a horror movie wasn’t more eerily frightening than that. combined that with the fact she had to face a fuming mason mount, who was no longer leaning against the door frame, you knew you were fucked.
you would so much rather have the handsome, chirpy mason mount back. the one who everyone falls for. which meant it included you, unfortunately. maybe you were the most unfortunate one because you had been crushing on him since your puberty days and yet you couldn’t say anything, afraid it would make your brother’s relationship strained or it would make the atmosphere awkward when he was your mother’s favourite.
“yes?”
you tried to sound brave, like mason cutting in the distance between the two of you didn’t make your heart leaping, both from the earlier fear and from the close-up sight of mason’s gorgeous features. the latter always made your knees busted.
“shut up.”
and shut you up, he did. he cupped your face rather harshly that you gasped, because his soft skin on your face was a complete contrast, but maybe it was to distract the fact he brought your face closer to you afterwards, eliminating the distance between both of your lips.
maybe you gasped because you didn’t have the chance to digest the reality.
maybe you gasped because you couldn’t believe this. mason mount was kissing you, for god’s sake. and he felt exactly like what you thought he would taste like—soft, gentle, but urgent like a bad boy trying to prove something to you. which in a way, it was like that.
maybe you gasped because it felt so damn good, better than your dirtiest fantasies involving him. surely none of those included the scene where he pushed you off against the white wall in these small four walls, coaxing your mouth open so he could taste you further, his tongue didn’t waste a chance when you granted him access because he needed you to feel you were beautiful and needed and fantastic.
he needed you to know that if you pulled away at that moment, he would feel utterly disappointed because you were beautiful inside and out, literally and figuratively, that he was addicted to the first taste. and god, were they right about the first taste of the forbidden fruit.
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sailingshellsgames · 8 months
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The early demo for Tumblr is live!
You can play it here! Thank you so much for following this blog (and for being patient while I wrestled with dashingdon to get it uploaded! ^_^'). I hope you enjoy the game! 🧡 Notable additions this demo:
Chapter 7 Part 2 is complete 🎉 Attend the festival with the date (or friend) of your choice. There will be food! Romance! Probably some weird crap happening at some point! 😆
Some changes to Wren's character.
Choose the style of MC's quarters at the Den in chapter 3!
Choose MC's parent's gender in chapter 3, and get a little more backstory on MC's family situation.
Achievements have been added to the game!🏅
Enter your own pronouns in chapter 1, if the default options aren't your preference.
Change your pronouns from the stats screen anytime throughout the game.
Jewelry choice addition (by request) to Chapter 7 Part 1 in preparation for MC's trip to the festival. 💎
Consolidation of the stats screen (by request). There are now two stats pages instead of three: one for personality and relationships, and the other for MC's skills.
Thank you so much for playing!❣️ This will be the last demo for Leas: City of the Sun until the game is published, but there will still be plenty of content on this blog! Everything you can expect is below:
What happens now, if this is the last demo?
Good news on that front! You can still expect demos, just not for the first game. I've been working on the Fey minigame and will be posting demos of that as I work on the final chapters of Leas: City of the Sun. There will be previews of other things as well in the upcoming months, but that's all I'll say, since I don't want to spoil anything for now 👀 🤫
Will this blog still update?
Yes, absolutely! You can expect business as usual: weekly writing updates, preview snippets on Sundays, answers to your asks, and news on when chapters have been completed. It'll be easy for you to track progress and know how close the game is to completion.
When will the game be complete?
My original goal was to have it submitted by the end of 2023. I'm still shooting for that, but there's a decent chance it'll take a bit longer depending on my life circumstances. I'll keep everyone informed on chapter-by-chapter progress here, so you'll always have a good idea of how things are going.
Will there be any major changes to the existing demo between now and the game's launch?
Probably not. With this demo I feel like I really ironed out everything. I've got the right elements in place to set up the final chapters and future story plots, and the character voices feel solid. So while there may be minor changes to wording here and there, the core of the story should remain the same 🙂
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tadpole-apocalypse · 2 months
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OC MEME
tagged by @vspin. Thank you fren!
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name: Morgan. Just Morgan.
nickname(s): someone probably called her freckles a few times?
pronouns: she/her
star sign: not applicable
height: I hadn't thought about it honestly...a little bit shorter than Astarion since that tends to be how I draw them.
orientation: Pansexual, but prefers men due to them being a forbidden fruit for most of her early life.
race: Human. Probably.
romancing: Astarion and Halsin
fave fruit: Pears
fave season: Winter, less work to do and more time to play in the snow!
fave flower: She doesn't know much about flowers, but she likes the white ones that look like bells.
fave scent: Fresh bread. It's nostalgic for her, she was tasked with being the Baker Mother's assistant and helped with making everyone's daily bread. She likes walking through food markets near her shop in Baldur's Gate to smell all the fresh pastries and bread products.
coffee, tea, or hot chocolate: hot chocolate because caffeine sets off her wild magic, but she'd really prefer a nice sweet wine.
average sleep hours: normal human sleep hours
dogs or cats: No, her and her Vampire lover have normal pets, like a brain that is also a Kitty and 4 undead ghoul servants they named Gortash, Ketheric, Orin and Brain.
dream trip: She'd like to see another big city someday! She likes the bustle of the crowds, the local marketplace and food scene, various festivals for all sorts of holidays she never knew of, for races she is still learning about.
amount of blankets: Everyone who sleeps loves many blankets, this is known, and her boyfriend generates no body heat and actually steals all of hers. I feel like the blanket situation during most of the early acts is pretty poor, they probably have something basic to keep off the worst of the chill but nothing cozy until they get to the city proper. Then the Elfsong Tavern has all these thick, furred blankets and she just cocoons herself and hisses when Astarion tries to touch her with his ice cold hands.
random fact(s):
(stealing your fact about languages >:3c) Morgan's native tongue is an obscure dialect of Elvish that is spoken mostly by Feywild Eladrin. I feel like she should have an unusual accent because of this but I kind of just like, write her with a valley girl accent because that's how I talk, lol.
her wild magic is very active and tends to surge in response to her emotions. She's learned to control her emotional responses pretty well and is a fairly zen person overall. She took up meditation after accidentally setting loose a couple of cambions in the marketplace during a heated haggle. Oxus is who suggested and taught her the techniques! Then during the events of the game, she starts joining Halsin in his morning meditations, which is how they start to grow close.
tagging @withersily, @collegeoflore, @eeblingtheshade, @grandmother-goblin, @thebearmuse and @bl3ss3dbyt1amat or like, anyone else that wants to do this ofc!
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chickenparm · 1 year
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Reduction (Albedo/Reader)
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header GRACIOUSLY and SEXILY made by @drawlypsy. the full version is a bit uhhhhh eyesemoji, so it'll be posted on their patreon here.
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AO3 LINK
MASTER LISTS
Albedo/Reader (no pronouns or body parts mentioned, but kinda f-coded) 7,693 Words - NSFW (m!Masturbation, consensual voyeurism, semi-public sexual acts, cum swallowing, pining)
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Windblume has always been a bit of an odd time of year for you. 
Sure, there’s a bit less of your typical workload. That is, your usual duties when it comes to the Knights of Favonius are put on hold since you’re more administrative than the sort of knight that goes out on patrols. That’s just your niche, that’s where you’ve fallen in. 
However, there are certain other tasks you’ve silently taken on for yourself that have gone unsaid and unannounced, but are just implicitly known. Namely that for the past two years or so, you’ve served in an unofficial capacity as the liaison between most solicitors and the Chief Alchemist, Albedo. 
It’s not like you sat down and decided all at once that it was going to happen this way. It’s just that over a gradual amount of time you wound up being the best person for the job. It certainly helped that you got along swimmingly with his assistant, Sucrose, and could discuss matters with her rather easily. 
So, unofficial secretary or not, for better or worse you’re the one most people come to when they need to ensure that something will make it directly to Mister Albedo’s hands.
And that’s really just fine with you. Despite only ever seeing each other in passing and having never exchanged words beyond a few scribbled notes back and forth passed via Sucrose and occasionally Timaeus, maybe you’re a little fond of the man just based on what you’ve heard from Sucrose herself when she mentions him. 
Albedo is kind. A genius, honorable, creative, and patient. Sucrose’s words paint a picture of a man that worms his way into your brain and has made a home for himself despite not even knowing what his voice sounds like. 
It’s as you serve in this unofficial position that it becomes apparent that Windblume is an oddity. Because during most days of the year, Albedo has his admirers but they’re happy to do so from afar. Something about the festival of Love and Freedom truly brings out the boldness in those who hold a torch for the Chief Alchemist. 
The point of the matter is that you wander into your office and your desk is piled high with gifts that aren’t meant for you. Each one holds a little note, explaining that this is their Windblume for the Chief Alchemist and they would so appreciate it if you made sure he received it. Jealousy curls in your gut, before it’s swept away immediately. 
You have nothing to be jealous about. Albedo isn’t yours in any capacity - not as an employer, nor a friend, and certainly not a prospect for romance. 
Sucrose arrives not long after, her eyes widening at the sight of the desk. This was a similar situation to last year, though it almost seems to have doubled in magnitude from the prior Windblume. Nervously, she laughs and says, “I don’t suppose these are for you?”
“No, you know exactly who.” Your voice is monotone and deadpan as you finish piling the gifts into a neater stack so you have a bit of space to work. Officially you’re not required to work today, but you just want to get a little more caught up before you enjoy the festivities. With a little sigh through your nose, you turn to look at her with your hip leaning on the desk. The pile wobbles from your movement. “You might need to hire out a cart to get these up the mountain to him. Let me know when your next trip is, and I’ll get that sorted for-”
“A-actually, um, Mister Albedo is in the city currently. Perhaps he could come get them himself?”
That’s a terrible idea. If only because you’d have to be here to let him in your office, meaning you’d have to likely share conversation. And if he’s as polite and kind as Sucrose touts him to be, there’s no way you’re coming out of that interaction with anything less than a big fat crush. 
As you open your mouth to offer the weak excuse that you’ll leave your office key with her so you can tactfully avoid crossing paths with Albedo, Sucrose seems to remember something and reaches into her coat to pull out a neatly folded envelope. Hesitantly, she offers it, as if she can read your mind and understand the inner turmoil you’re currently wrestling. 
“He also asked me to bring this to you. Before you read it, I’ll have you know that I… assisted him in writing this. I really think you shouldn’t turn it down, if only because he’ll be disappointed.”
That’s ominous, and you really don’t like it, but you accept the envelope anyway. Sucrose shifts a bit as you carefully unfold the envelope - it's on nicer paper, with care put into it instead of the usual hastily-folded scrap papers she passes off to you. This has effort.
Thank you for your help… Appreciate your hard work… get to know you better… dinner, my treat… look forward to your answer-
“Sucrose, what is this?”
It’s obvious, at least to the green-haired woman, but she humors you in her patient way with a smile that feels far too mischievous to ever look at home on her face. You don’t like it. “Just between you and me, it took him three days to write this out. He went through nearly an entire sheaf of parchment paper.”
“That doesn’t answer my question…”
“I don’t mind answering anything asked of me, but don’t you think this one is a little obvious?” Sucrose’s smile morphs from mischievous to simply sweet, like the sort you’ve seen her wear when watching the kittens outside the Cat’s Tail. “Mister Albedo wants to take you on a date.”
A date. A date. A date.
It rattles around in your head, threatening to blow up like one of the Klee’s bombs that shake the panes of your office windows a little too frequently. You lean a bit more heavily against your desk, and the pile of gifts topple and lay forgotten on the floor. Sucrose immediately bends down to begin organizing them again, her voice soothing to the point of almost being missed in the rush of blood pounding in your ears.
“It’s not my place to reveal any of his feelings, but I think you should know that this isn't something out of the blue.” Sucrose decides to just pile the gifts on the floor next to your desk, rather than precariously on top. “He’s rather busy, and tends to get lost in his interests to the point of putting off other matters that aren’t directly in front of him.”
And as she looks up at you from over her glasses, there’s an excited, knowing glint in her eye as she explains, “I just might have… kept putting you in front of him. Mentioning you, making sure he reads your notes, even if they’re inconsequential or meant for me. Maybe it was a little underhanded, and I’m sorry if I overstepped. But if I didn’t do something, then the two of you would just orbit around each other without ever-”
Sucrose stops sharply, realizing she’s rambling. Clearing her throat, she stands straight and folds her hands behind her back in a show of common bashfulness from her. “A-anyway, I really think you should accept. You don’t have anything to lose, and if things work out, well… I think I’ve talked about him enough that you know what I hypothesize the outcome would be.”
Of course she’s planned this out like it’s some experiment. Yet, you know just as well that she’s also done this out of a genuine place of caring. Barbatos knows that she’s intuitive to pick up on the way you eagerly listen to her when she talks about him, and she’s known Albedo longer than she’s known you, so surely she would know his feelings on the matter as well, right?
And that begs the question of if there ARE feelings to speak of, or if this is offered out of some misplaced obligation. 
Your eyes travel back down to the letter, trailing over the words he’s written about how he’d like to “get to know you better” and a part that you’d skimmed over in your panic that details how he’s been interested in you for a while.
Tomorrow. The date he’d like to take you on is offered tomorrow evening. That’s just enough time to overthink things and get yourself in a pretty ridiculous jam, and with only a second longer of hesitation you reach for your desk to find some paper to respond to him with. Sucrose smiles wider than you’ve ever seen her.
Sucrose never stays longer than she has to on Dragonspine. Really, if it weren’t for the letter she’s holding in her hands, Albedo is certain that he wouldn’t see Sucrose until their designated meetup time in Mondstadt proper tomorrow. 
But there she stands, at the mouth of the cave his lab is situated in. Bundled up from head to toe, only her eyes peeking out between her scarf and her hat, and in her gloved hands is a letter on paper he shouldn’t be so familiar with. 
Except he is, because it exists in abundance in the locked drawer of his desk here. Pages and pages of it, each one marked with handwriting that he has no right to be so fixated on. But he can’t help it - it’s akin to an addiction, one that he logically could and should detach from. 
Hundreds of years have gone by and not a single one of them has been marred by distracting feelings quite like this. At first, he wanted to discard them, but then his interest was piqued in terms of learning its intricacies. It was when he started to ferret away your little notes - every single one - that he realized perhaps he’s made a misstep.
“They answered!” Sucrose says, tugging the scarf down with a smile that’s wide and brilliant. It’s almost as if she’s more excited about the whole situation than he is, but it only serves to nudge his own heart into a slightly quicker tempo. If Sucrose is excited, that must mean she knows the content. And if she’s happy about the contents, then that surely means…
“Thank you, Sucrose. You didn’t have to hurry back straight away. Tomorrow morning when we were meant to meet would have been fine.”
Sucrose opens her mouth to answer, but then shuts it with a flush on her cheeks. Albedo can see the wheels turning in her mind as she realizes he’s right, and a bit sheepishly she stammers, “I-I was just excited to let you know, is all.”
Albedo can’t fault her for that. Sucrose has done him a great service by hurrying back with this letter, and entirely out of the kindness of her heart and a vested interest in the situation that has unfolded thanks to her prodding.
And he knows she’s had a hand in it. Albedo may be unfamiliar with navigating relationships like friendship, and even more woefully inadequate at anything even suggesting romance, but he’s not blind enough to overlook the way she’d mention you often, or the way she’d suggest he personally write a note back to answer a question you pose rather than send Sucrose along with just his verbal answer. 
For all the mysteries in the world, some of them just aren’t a complete shot in the dark. And Sucrose’s good-natured meddling reveals all the secrets he might want to know. She wouldn’t have bothered with any of this if she wasn’t entirely sure that you were harboring some sort of fondness for him.
It’s with this surprisingly comforting thought in mind that he accepts the letter, then pointedly pockets it to read when he’s alone. Investment or not, Albedo is well aware that perhaps his reactions to your letters should be embarrassing. That isn’t something he experiences often - he can’t remember the last time - but he’s extremely uninterested in testing if today would be the day he learns what that feels like. 
Sucrose does her best to not seem put-out. But she knows that he knows what the contents of the letter are, and Albedo humors her by at least averting his eyes to the ground with a smile. She can interpret it as one of gratitude, or she can see it for the happiness it truly is. Neither answer would be wrong, he supposes.
After a short time, Sucrose returns to Mondstadt. Albedo is left blissfully alone, and for good measure he makes sure to wait a sufficient amount of time before striding with purpose across the cave to all but force the lock of his drawer open. 
Inside are the stacks of paper he’s grown fond of. Some of them are worn, as if he picked them up and looked over them often. Setting the letter on the desk, he reaches for one of the most worn pages, where the creases have grown thin from being folded and unfolded, over and over. 
Enclosed is the shipment of Cor Lapis you asked me to source from Liyue. I took the liberty of opening it to ensure all was accounted for. Everything seems to be in order. 
And just after you’ve scribbled your signature, there’s an addendum that he favors with almost reverence. 
Sucrose told me it’s your birthday tomorrow, though I should say today by the time you read this. So… Happy Birthday, Albedo! I hope you have a wonderful year, and that my well-wishes keep you fortunate until I can offer them again on your next birthday.
The addendum is longer than the original note. Perhaps it’s because you lost track of yourself as you wrote, or maybe you considered your wishes of happiness to him to be more important than the report on Cor Lapis that has since been used up. Albedo likes to use his thumb to cover the top of the note, and imagine that you simply sent this without a purpose beyond you thinking of him on the day of his birth. 
For all the kindness and honor that people seem to tack on to him when describing his traits, he wonders how they’d react if they knew how incredibly greedy he was for a speck of your attention.
With a steadying breath, his exhale releasing in a chilly cloud, Albedo places the letter back in the drawer and reaches for the envelope. With a steady, practiced movement, Albedo unseals the hasty wax melted against the flap and is well aware of how ridiculous he must look with the way his breath comes in short little pants.
Albedo, the letter starts, and his throat is already dry. I was surprised to read your letter that Sucrose brought. I’ll admit that this is sudden, but I’m far from displeased or uncomfortable with the offer. In fact, I find myself smiling even as I write this. Is that silly?
No, it isn’t, but only because the corners of his own lips threaten to upturn into a smile as well. 
I’ll admit that I’ve been curious about you. I’ve heard a lot from Sucrose as well as idle chatter that I’m sure you know all about, but I don’t think that paints an accurate picture. I’d like to learn these things for myself, and directly from you, if that’s not too forward.
Albedo pauses, a short huff of amusement leaving him as he closes his eyes. The tips of his fingers press against his forehead as the letter falls to the desk. Forward…? If only you were aware of the things he’s done before, the action he’s about to repeat yet again with this letter clutched in one hand while the other is occupied. 
Shakily, he sits at the chair that’s been pushed into the desk, taking the letter up again in his right hand. Once more, he reads over your opening words, pausing at how you tell him you’re curious about him - how curious, he wonders? Curious enough that you’d overlook the way his hand curls against his thigh, his thumb brushing against the tip of his hardening cock through the fabric?
Or perhaps you were curious enough that you’d participate. The very notion makes his mind screech to an abrupt halt, his thoughts falling stagnant as his eyes drift down and he squints at the space between his parted knees. 
For a moment, he can imagine your hands wrapped around his thighs, just above his boots. Albedo can picture how you’d slide your hands up, up, up to the clasp holding his pants together so you could take his cock in your hand. As his own fingers wrap around his length, he shamelessly imagines that they’re yours instead, and that the latent chill in the air is from you blowing your breath across the precum smeared along his tip. 
With shaking, barely-focused eyes, Albedo continues to read that which he hasn’t gotten to, yet. 
I’ll gladly meet with you tomorrow evening for dinner. It will be the highlight of my Windblume festival. Albedo’s eyes flutter for a moment at the reminder that you’re willingly spending time with him during a festival notorious for its connotations of both friendship and romance. Your next words cause him to tense, his hand curling tighter around himself as he strokes slowly. 
I hope it’s not too forward, or that I’m reading too far into things, but I can’t help but think of this as a date, and I’d like to treat it that way if you’re open to it.
A date. A date. A date. 
Albedo lets out a choked sound as he hunches in on himself, his shoulders rolling forward as if to protect his body from an incoming blow. Instead, the rise of sensations come from the inside, centered on the way his hand increases its pace and he desperately wishes that he knew what you sounded like so he could recreate these words in his head with your cadence and tone. 
And that he could imagine what your moans might sound like as you take him into your mouth and onto your tongue. 
Admittedly, I’m not the best at reading people and their intentions, so I hope that you will be honest with me about what you’d like from me, and I’ll be frank with you in turn. I think that’s fair, don’t you?
Albedo is rather skilled with multitasking. It takes all of that built skill for him to not crumple the paper in his hands as a sharp breath leaves his lungs like a punch. If only you knew what you were asking, if only you knew what he was doing right now. Albedo can’t imagine you’d want to be in the same city as him, much less sitting at the same table. 
Whether you ask for honesty or not, Albedo wouldn’t dare tell you about the depravity that’s conjured in his mind. Not that he’s ashamed, far from it. At its basest level, this is just a normal bodily function that he managed to pick up despite not being quite entirely human. No, what he would be ashamed of, if he could manage that, are the exact thoughts going through his head. 
Thoughts of you kneeling between his thighs, pleasuring him with your mouth until tears prick at your eyes and your breath is stifled in your throat. Images behind his clenched eyelids of you sprawled across some bed in some room where neither of you will be bothered, naked and willing and looking so alluring that it stirs feelings in his gut that he wasn’t sure he was ever created with the purpose of experiencing. 
Perhaps the only shame in any of this is that it’s really all just superfluous and selfish. That there’s no purpose in this. It’s not like he can naturally reproduce, and being swayed by things such as feelings of affection or desires of the carnal sort are little more than a distraction to the purpose laid out for him by his master.
Anyway, I appreciate your invitation. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow - I can’t wait.
Albedo’s teeth grit as he bends enough to press his forehead to the desk harshly. With a sharp hiss between his teeth, the sound in his throat being strangled by his own refusal to let loose completely, his hips jerk into his hand one final time before his hand grows slick with his own release. It promptly cools on his hand as he falls back in the chair and focuses his gaze on the ceiling of the cave. 
With a clearer head and the looming thought of tomorrow on the horizon, Albedo can’t help but realize for the first time that he would get this close - both to you, and his own form of insanity.
You really shouldn’t be as nervous as you are. He is the one that approached you, meaning he must already be interested. But writing that letter had felt like displaying your internal organs under a microscope, especially with the little bit of gall to tack the label of “date” onto the whole affair. 
But Sucrose said - promised - that you weren’t misinterpreting anything at all. That Albedo wasn’t asking this of you as an acquaintance or a friend but a… romantic prospect.
The mere thought of it makes your skin warm and your hands shake just a little as you straighten out your clothes before lacing your hands together on the small table in front of you. This was the place he mentioned - a balcony just off Mondstadt’s main square, attached to Good Hunter. It’s a private place, with a cloth-covered table and little flowers laced around the balcony’s railing. A candle sits in the middle of said table, lighting the area enough that it would create a warm atmosphere if you weren’t alone right now. 
Those nerves come and go, and for now they’re here in full force as you fight the urge to pick at your cuticles and bounce your leg to release the built-up energy. Certainly he wouldn’t stand you up. At the very least, he’d somehow get word to you if he couldn’t come, right?
But how do you know that? Because you certainly only know hearsay and conjecture based on the words of others and Sucrose. Maybe he secretly is the sort of man who would stand someone up, and his unfortunate “victims” never say a word because they’re just as embarrassed as you-
“I apologize, I hope you weren’t waiting long.” Albedo sounds almost breathless as he steps through the balcony’s door, shutting it with a quiet click behind him. When he turns to look at you, it’s with a small, apologetic smile. Guilt settles in your stomach for ever thinking ill of him. 
Internally, you grab yourself with both hands and give your brain a good shake to manifest some sort of response to him. “No, I haven’t been here very long at all.”
Albedo’s eyes shift to the candle sitting on the table, and you follow his gaze. It’s the staff’s usual protocol to place a new candle for each patron that sits down, and this one is burnt a quarter of the way through already - nearly an hour since you’ve arrived, it seems. But you’re not about to let him feel bad about it, and gesture with a hand for him to take the seat across from you. 
“Seeing you now makes it feel like I was never even waiting in the first place.” Internally, you absolutely cringe at the cheesiness of it, but Albedo’s expression goes slack for a moment, before he averts his eyes with the faintest blush.
Gingerly taking his seat, he answers, “I’ll endeavor to make any future waits a little more bearable, nonetheless.”
Future waits. As in, more occasions to meet with him in the future. Meaning he might want to continue this. Your heart skips uncomfortably, and you mask it by hiding a smile behind your fingertips.  Despite the attempt, Albedo’s eyes are trained on you with a single-minded focus, as if he were committing the sight of this to memory. 
From anyone else, you’d feel uncomfortable with such rapt attention being given to you. Albedo is an exception, it seems. Rather than anxiety prickling over your skin at what your viewer might see, it’s almost immediately apparent that with Albedo, he’s entranced down to the very way his gently-curved smile seems distracted. 
Sara brings up your meal not long after, saving you from having to think too hard about small talk. It’s the daily special, though you’re far more interested in the man across from you than any sauteed matsutake or bolognese. As the two of you tuck in, you take a moment between bites to venture, “Can I ask you something, Albedo?”
“Of course. I’m an open book - read at your leisure.” Albedo’s answer is nonchalant, showing no signs of the nerves you feel. Perhaps because he’s naturally calmer, or this sort of thing doesn’t bother him. Confidence must come rather easily to him, you think. 
Taking a moment to arrange the words in an order that makes the most sense of your rattling thoughts, you pose your question. “Why did you choose now for us to meet like this, rather than sooner? I suppose I’d just like to know what the turning point was. We’re strangers, but we’re at least tangentially known to one another.”
Albedo hesitates, his fork mid-spin around the noodles on his plate. His face falls vacant for a brief second, as if he were deeply considering what to say. It’s a little concerning; this shouldn’t be something to think so hard about. But far be it from your place to dictate which things he puts importance on. 
He doesn’t keep you waiting much longer. 
“Sucrose speaks of you often, and if I had to make a claim, it would be that the same is true in that she’s brought me up to you many times.” Albedo places the fork down against the edge of his plate, carefully avoiding any sauce getting on the handle. Even off-handed and distracted, he has a deliberate sort of grace to what he does. 
At first, you think he’s going to reach for his glass or water, or to lace his hands together on the table. But instead, he slowly, slowly reaches to where your hand rests on the surface. It’s as if he’s giving you time to deny it, to deny him, and you hold your breath and go still in fear that any single twitch will give him the wrong impression. 
Through his gloves, he’s warm. Albedo seems to inspect your hand for a moment before cradling it oh so gently in his palm, his fingers curled around securely. All of this is done with a stiffness that speaks of lack of practice, as if he’s trying something so simple for the very first time. Thankfully, his words are a little more smooth and even. 
“Relationships aren’t easy for me to navigate. I find it troublesome that they have the potential to deteriorate so quickly without regular upkeep in the form of spending time or effort on one another.” Albedo’s eyes are trained on your hand, on the way his thumb presses into the back of it and makes a slight indent on the skin. “My few friendships are made through necessity or close enough quarters that it’s no extra burden to attempt to cultivate closeness.”
Teal eyes snap up to yours with a sharpness that nearly makes you flinch. A breath leaves you, fingers curling around his hand, and he thankfully doesn’t misinterpret this as you wanting to part. Instead, he finally makes it to the point he was trying to make, and the answer to your original question. “I think of you often, and I realized that perhaps the version of you in my head is inaccurate to who you might truly be. In short, I simply thought it time to attempt to get to know you as a person, and not an abstract concept in my head that I’ve grown fond of.”
A few things stand out to you. 
First, that ultimately the turning point was… nothing? Just a whim, it seems. That’s just fine, considering he’s a busy man with a lot on his plate. Really, your only gripe is that he could’ve said something sooner but… so could you. 
The other is that he thinks of you often. Often. Perhaps it’s overstepping, or pushing a boundary, but your curiosity is too strong for you to hold back the question of, “How much is often?”
A question like that comes with the expectation of some form of embarrassment. For both you and Albedo, except between the two of you, you seem to be the only one that’s flustered in any capacity at this line of interrogation, as light as it might be. Albedo is under no obligation to answer nor even tell the truth, but he draws his lower lip between his teeth to stall for just a moment until he decides that the best answer must be the truthful one. 
“All current dating systems use a three-hundred sixty-five day calendar spread across twelve months, with approximately thirty days in each of those months. With twenty-four hours in a day, and while I don’t require much sleep, it should still be accounted for… I’d give a rough approximate guess of sixteen instances in a given day?”
Your mouth falls open in undisguised surprise, but Albedo is simply staring at the table with his free hand on his chin, as if he truly were puzzling out the answer to this. As your mind tries to comprehend the audacity of such honesty, Albedo drives the point home. 
“I suppose it depends on a given day. I’m reminded of you plenty and it’s not as if I’ve made any attempt to not think of you. Though on a slower day I’d say the frequency is increased, perhaps it could be counted as a single instance stretched over a long period of time rather than smaller segments.”
“Albedo…”
“Even things that hold no connection to you somehow spark thoughts when I’m not engrossed in something else, but when I’m not focused on my research it’s almost as if it’s become my default thought, especially when I’m alone-”
Albedo stops, you stop, the world holds its breath as the very poignant implication is laid out on the table. Weakly, he attempts to remove his hand from yours, but your fingers squeeze his palm enough that he can’t pull away with an attempt so meager. He doesn’t try again. 
Breath leaves your lungs in a little exhale, one that sounds almost like amusement but more close to disbelief, you ask in a quiet voice. “What sorts of things do you think of me?”
“How you smell.” Albedo answers without hesitation, possibly without even a second thought. “What you’re doing at any point in time. How your day has gone. Whether you’re taking care of yourself, or working too hard. The exact color of your hair, what your eyes would look like if you smiled.”
“And… when you’re alone?”
Once more, his breath catches in his chest mid-inhale, and he looks at you without embarrassment or fear. It’s almost suspicion. Like he couldn’t understand why you would pose that question, or why that would even interest you. 
Or… he doesn’t believe that you’d be amenable to what comes next. But, he did say he was an open book, and that implies he’d answer any question. After finishing his breath, he uses that very air to answer, “That’s not something that should be discussed so openly. That’s a sufficient enough answer that you should understand exactly what it is that crosses my mind at those times.”
Oh, you certainly do. Your throat goes dry, your fingertips go numb with how hard you’ve been gripping his hand without realizing it, and you struggle to put your rambling thoughts in an order that makes sense to even yourself. Night has fallen, the only light coming from the half-burned candle on the table, and the breeze makes your skin prickle with goosebumps. 
Amidst everything jumbled in your head, you’re only able to procure one solid image, and that’s a conjured-up scene of this man sitting in a snowed-in cave on Dragonspine, surrounded by alchemical tools and sparse furniture, sitting in a chair just like this one with his head thrown back and his hand around his cock. 
Would he be silent? Or would he carelessly make sounds while knowing that no one is close enough on that mountain to know what he’s doing? And then, a second thought wheedles its way out next to that picture of a ruined Albedo, a silent whisper wondering what he imagines you doing to put himself in this state.
As if on autopilot, your mouth moves before you have any chance to stop it and think about what it is that you’re asking. Dread creeps in as you say, “Show me.”
“...Show you?”
Too late to back down now. It’s all or nothing, though you find yourself not quite as bashful as you might’ve been, considering he technically approached this topic first. Your subconscious mind just took it where you both seemed to want it to go. Albedo’s eyes dart to the right, then to the left, almost as if he’s making sure no one is on the balcony with you. 
Of course, there isn’t, and you realize that he’s not simply doing that. Albedo is checking vantage points, looking for prying eyes, making absolutely sure that there’s not one single soul that could catch a glimpse of the two of you. Then, those pretty eyes lock back on yours, suddenly serious in a way you haven’t seen from him yet. 
“Say it outright, or I won’t believe you.” Albedo grips your hand just as tightly as you do to him. And when you take a little too long to make your voice cooperate, he leans in closer. “Tell me what you want me to do, and I’ll do it.”
Any number of things cross your mind. Admittedly, you’re not entirely innocent in that you’ve never had thoughts about Albedo in more compromising positions. You’ve definitely thought about him before, in a number of different ways, in a variety of situations. 
None of them have ever been quite like this, and of all the requests you greedily want to make of him, you simply wet your lips with your tongue, just a subtle movement that catches his eyes, and you request the most prevalent thought in your mind. “Show me how you touch yourself when you think about me, Albedo.”
The breath squeezes from his lungs in a quiet laugh that is tinged with partial amusement, partial awe. Like he hadn’t expected you to hold on to your nerve to ask this of him. But he’d mentioned it, he brought it up, he was the one that planted this thought in your head. So really, it’s up to him to rectify the problem. 
Albedo’s hand slips from yours, moving to his lap to work at the fastenings while his left hand rises to his face. Using his teeth on the middle finger, he tugs the fabric off to reveal his hand - smooth, just as pale as the rest of him. With his index and ring finger, he pinches at his tongue for a moment before reaching over to snuff out the candle, sending the two of you into relative darkness. 
The legs of his chair groan against the wood floor of the balcony as he shifts himself to the right, just enough that you have a view of exactly what he’s doing with that ungloved hand of his. His index finger and thumb wrap around the base of his cock loosely, the remaining fingers cupping the rest of him. A single bead of precum wells at his tip, barely visible in the light of the moon, and it takes everything you’ve got not to bunch the fabric of the tablecloth in your hands on reflex.
At first, you think his lengthy pause is for some sort of anticipation, or delayed gratification. That perhaps he’s teasing you with this, now that he’s got you where he wants you. But then he looks at you through eyes that have suddenly gone dark and half-lidded, with just the faintest hint of desperation wavering just out of initial sight. 
Albedo is waiting for you to say something, to confirm that you’re still comfortable, or to tell him to put himself away and never bother you again. It’s some convoluted way of verifying your want for him, though perhaps done a little too late. Regardless, you most definitely do want him, and your voice feels as if it’s not your own. 
“Show me what I’ve been doing to you.”
It’s nothing like a thread snapping, but more of a gradual unravel as his fingers curl around his length and his upstroke is done with agonizing slowness. His thumb sweeps across the tip, sweeping away that bead of arousal and spreading it with a lazy, practiced movement. Albedo has done this before; you’re certain that it must be numerous with how easily he relaxes into the chair.  
He’s not embarrassed in the slightest. Not about himself, not what he’s doing. If there’s any shame to be had, it had solely been concerned about your feelings on the matter, and your request had all but dissolved those reservations into thin air. Now he’s looking at you unabashedly, first at your eyes, then down your shoulder, across your chest where he lingers for a little too long to be anything but lascivious. 
There’s very little you can do to force yourself to look him in the eye. Not when the movement of his hand is so fluid, and the first little sound leaves the back of his throat before he can strangle it. 
That one slip-up on his part has you so distracted that you nearly miss how he murmurs beneath his breath, shoulders pressing against the back of the chair. “This is it. Here’s what you reduce me to.” Albedo’s voice is barely above a whisper, intimacy lacing his words with the darkness surrounding you. 
He’s barely started, and he already is flushed from the stimulation, his chair creaks as his hips jerk up toward his fist. “You’re all I can think about, this is the first-... the first time I’ve been so enamoured.” A huff of air, that turns into a low, throaty sound. Then, “Do you understand now?”
Mutely, you nod. Your tongue feels as if it’s stuck to the roof of your mouth, your hands stiff from how hard you’ve clenched them into fists to keep from reaching out to touch him. All that’s in your mind is an endless deluge of desire and hunger and greed toward what’s being displayed so wantonly before you. 
At the sight of your acceptance, of your stunned and hungry silence, Albedo is spurred on to squeeze harder, to go faster. Even as his head rolls back, just like that image your mind conjured not so long ago, his eyes remain on yours as if that’s what’s doing this to him more than any action he could picture in his mind. 
You want to do something. Passively observing is far from satisfying for either of you. Maybe it’s a little too bold, or too fast, but Albedo doesn’t make a single move to stop you when you slide from the chair to your knees, then across the smooth wood floor until you’re right between his parted knees. 
The dryness in your mouth is gone, replaced with pooled saliva at the thought of how easy it was to come over here and take what you want. Albedo is offering it so freely, willing enough to do what you want that he’d openly touch himself in front of you like this. 
Low, nearly inaudible, you ask, “Have you imagined me like this?”
“Countless times.” Albedo’s voice is sharp as it grinds through his clenched teeth. “And in… as many other ways as you can think of.” 
“Do you want me to-”
“No.” He says sharply, his free hand finding a place at the top of your head, as if he expected you to go against that demand and do whatever you pleased with him. Surely he wouldn’t mind too much, but his next words hammer home his intentions. “Next time. You asked me to show you. So, just observe.”
Inches away from him, you can see the little details of every stroke, the prominent vein growing more stark as he gets closer, the little ways he shifts his fingers to catch on the edge of his tip where he likes it the most. More than anything, you want to cross the small gap and drag your tongue along him, if only to verify that the way he tastes correlates to how pretty he is when his mouth opens again to ask, “Open your mouth for me?”
Not even a first thought crosses your mind, much less a second as you open your lips and push your tongue past your teeth, just in time for the first rope of his release to land squarely on your tastebuds. As much as you want to close your eyes and relish it, you stubbornly look him in the eye and memorize the way his subtlety is preserved down to the very way he simply bites his lip and furrows his brow as he comes undone with such little effort. 
Albedo’s hand trails from the top of your head, down your cheek, then to your chin to encourage you to keep your mouth open for a moment longer. As if he were imprinting this moment to his memories, he openly marvels before he lets your chin go in a silent command for you to do as you wish with what he’s given you. 
A simple swallow clears things up easily, and if it wasn’t what he wanted, he doesn’t quite show it with how his exhausted expression turns pleased and stays that way. 
Sweeping your thumb across your lower lip, you remove any excess before shuffling back and away from him. Silence lingers for a moment, almost awkward with how heavy it feels, before Albedo haphazardly puts himself away and kneels in front of you. Without warning, he asks, “Can I kiss you?”
It strikes you that you’ve done things a little out of order, but that doesn’t stop you from nodding just enough that he can see it in the darkness of the balcony. His gloved hand curls around the back of your head before he pulls you into him, a bit clumsy in the dark but he finds a rhythm that works for both of you soon enough. 
You don’t particularly have many prior experiences to go off of, but if what he says is true, he’s as unpracticed as you. But it’s almost intrinsic the way he shifts a little to the left, lets you take a moment to breathe, matches your pace when you go faster or back off. If you were a little more sentimental, you’d nearly think the two of you were made for one another - but it’s too soon to be making any claims like that. 
For now, you just accept this push and pull for a moment before he finally lets you gently push him back and away from your embrace. Short of breath, your voice is thin as you murmur his name in a question. That one word could hold any number of subtexts about what exactly you’re unsure about, and it’s serendipitous that he somehow picks the exact one you meant. 
“I want to explore more of this.” And almost as if he realizes he’s getting a little ahead of himself, he adds, “If you’ll have me.”
If you’ll have him. Such a ridiculous thought, considering you’re kneeling on the floor of some balcony in Mondstadt with the taste of him on your lips in more ways than one and his hand still cupping the back of your neck like you’re something fragile and worthy of being coveted. 
It’s not dark enough that he doesn’t see the way you nod in response. Something akin to relief passes over him, palpable enough that even you feel its effects. “That’s… that’s great to hear. To be honest, I hadn’t thought of the outcome if you’d said no.”
“You… didn’t think any of this through?” Bemusement laces through your words, and for the first time you actually see some semblance of real embarrassment in his expression. 
“No, but I admit that this wasn’t exactly how I expected this to go.” His hand on the back of your neck squeezes, almost as if he’s trying to reassure you rather than himself. “Should we get you home? It’s getting late.”
Without the candle, you’re not sure how much time has passed. But the bustle of the city below has dulled, and the moon sits a little higher than you remember it being the last time you looked. At first, you want to say that you’ll be fine getting home on your own, that you don’t want him to be wandering the streets so late himself, but then the most secretive part of you whispers again of the possibilities. 
It’s late, it’s dark, it’s getting a little cold out. Surely Albedo wouldn’t be averse to walking you home and coming inside for a while? And if you lose track of time and he needs to stay for the rest of the night, well… Will he really complain, when this is so obviously playing right into his hands? 
When you nod, accepting his help to your feet, there’s a knowing look in his eye stating quite clearly that perhaps you share the same motives concerning his offer.
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gnostichymns · 2 months
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We may not know where our wishes will end up. But together, they will light up the night sky and turn it as bright as day.
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ABUNDANCE:
[NEW YEAR MARKETS] - With so many vendors setting up shop, now is the best time to purchase a trinket as a reminder of the new year, or to get some much needed errands done.
[WANMIN MEAT CART] - Despite how short a trip it is, Chef Mao has some classic recipes right on the water, along with some brand new cuisines just for the Lantern Rite. Try some classic Mora Meat pastry, Dragon Beard Noodles, or his latest: Rex Lapis’ Delight! 
[XINYUE KIOSK DESSERT CART] - If sweet treats are more your thing, just a few spots down is a stand specially reserved for Xinyue Kiosk’s brilliant desserts! Buy one dessert, get one free “New Moon Cake,” with not one, not two, but SEVEN original fillings.
[TEA TASTING] - Third-Round Knockout is offering a rare, once a year opportunity to personally taste test some of their newest flavors. Jasmine Pearl, Dragon Cinnamon Oolong, Aged Golden Dawn, Phoenix Fire Oolong, why not indulge in some of the finer things in life?
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ELATION:
[DRAGON DANCE] - Join the Lantern Rite parade! With so many dragon puppets needing twice as many hands, join the show and dance until you drop.
[MAHJONG] - How about one of Liyue’s quickest games? Mahjong, known for its lightning rounds and fast-paced gameplay, is a classic this time a year. Surely you won’t be here all night…
[SHADOW PUPPETS] - Puppet shows are quite popular this time of year, using lights and small paper designs to convey thrilling tales. Comedies, Romance, Tragedies, woe, these poor hearts will be forever changed.
[DRESS UP] - Red and gold, the colors of each festival this time of year, are absolutely stunning. Glimmer and shine for the kamera, dress up and serve on the runway.
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BEAUTY:
[LANTERN MAKING] - Each year, we send up glorious lanterns with our thoughts, prayers, and hopes for the future, and what makes them so special is that no one lantern is the same. Create your own work of art to carry on into the vast expanses of the night.
[CUSTOM FIREWORKS] - Art is passion and desire, fleeting as it is eternal. With brilliant dyes, light up the night in a wondrous explosion for just a moment, and create those lasting memories.
[DRAGON CHARMS] - Representing good luck and strength, creating a little charm of the dragon itself can often inspire hope while passing into the next year. Though, many Adepti now have become popular faces of such ornaments.
[JADE TALISMAN] - Pure and indestructible, jade is the embodiment of virtue and benevolence. Taking days to etch at a time, these talismans are truly a rare and valuable gift.
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HARMONY:
[WORSHIPPING ADEPTI] - The protectors of Liyue are often secluded and forgotten about per their distance, though for the Lantern Rite, small shrines of each prominent Adeptus are made. With incense burning, make a prayer or offering to the illuminated beasts.
[PROSPERITY TOSS] - A common tradition to signify the end of the year and the birth of a new one is to create a bowl of fruits, vegetables, fish, and other fresh foods, and to feast. Many restaurants host these during the Lantern Rite to bring us together.
[RED ENVELOPES] - Though much more common, a sign of good faith and friendship often comes in the form of a red envelope. Containing a small sum of mora, each envelope is a gesture of amity.
[FEED THE KOI] -  Koi represent harmony and wealth in Liyue, and a common tradition is to visit when the moon is at its highest. A small sacrifice, in the shape of some crackers or bread crumbs will often please these simple creatures.
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bellaxgiornata · 10 months
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Falling For the Devil [Part forty: "The Secrets in Your Suitcase"]
Pairing: Matt Murdock x Fem!Reader
Summary: You go shopping with Marci and Karen before helping Matt pack for the road trip the following night.
Or
You pack a few things in your suitcase and try to keep Matt from finding out what.
[Series of one-shots about Reader meeting, falling for, and dating Matt Murdock.]
Warnings: 18+ for this series; contains humor, fluff, romance, angst, smut (like...a lot of it later in the series), language, some violence
Word Count: 2.5k
a/n: Just a fun little installment piece before we see Reader and Matt undertake a two part roadtrip with a smupdate at a hotel breaking everything up. You can find all the installments for this series on tumblr here.
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Walking in step with Karen, you both followed behind Marci out of the store. Marci had been on the hunt for one last Christmas gift for Foggy, which she had just purchased, and then she’d wanted to grab some lingerie from a boutique a few shops over. The three of you had decided to spend your Thursday evening having a girl’s night out together while Foggy and Matt were finishing up a few things at the office before your Christmas road trip. You knew Matt had been busy today, which was why you hadn’t bothered him earlier about the interview you’d managed to last minute obtain with a representative for an influential investor in Wayland Corporation. You were hoping to avoid bringing that subject up until after Christmas.
“Glad that’s finally out of the way,” Marci said, drawing her coffee to her mouth and taking a sip.
The three of you managed to fall in step together on the sidewalk, Karen and Marci on either side of you. You all began the struggle to make your way down the busy sidewalk lit by countless Christmas lights towards the last store on Marci’s list for tonight’s excursion. Which you were thankful for because the foot traffic was terrible considering the hour and how close Christmas was–everyone was out doing their last minute shopping tonight apparently. 
“So lingerie is what’s left on the list?” Karen asked, glancing past you to Marci.
“Yes,” Marci said, shooting you both a coy smile. “I’m thinking about getting something festive for Christmas Eve. I want to find out how naughty or nice Fog’s been this year…”
“I envy you both for having an active sex life,” Karen muttered, drawing her cup of coffee to her mouth.
Marci nudged you sharply with an elbow, causing you to almost spill your own coffee that was warming your hands. You startled, shooting her a questioning look beside you.
“How is your sex life with Matt?” she asked curiously. “We haven't gotten a lot of girl time to discuss it lately and I need to know our boy is taking care of you.” She shot you a wink as she added, "Especially with those new presents from last night."
“And with how long we watched you both pine over each other,” Karen added, a mischievous glint in her eye. “So spill.”
Feeling put on the spot, you felt your cheeks flush despite the cold of the evening. It was like being bombarded by two Katies with these two.
“It’s good,” you said, raising a hand and tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. 
Marci’s face fell flat and she shot you a pointed look. “Really? It’s just good?” she asked in disbelief. 
“We want details,” Karen pushed.
"Well, he uh, he certainly knows what he's doing," you said quickly, raising your coffee cup and taking a drink.
"So mind-blowing, earth-shattering, body-quaking orgasms every time?" Marci pressed.
You choked on your coffee, coughing and sputtering as both women stared expectantly at you while you all walked. You cleared your throat, trying to recover. 
"I mean, yes?" you answered awkwardly. 
"I knew it!" Marci said triumphantly, leading you all through the sea of people towards the lingerie store's entrance.
You followed her into the store with Karen, your eyes raking over the vast amount of leather and lace and silk everywhere inside. Your eyes widened at a few of the things the mannequins were dressed in. Marci seemed to spot exactly what section she wanted immediately and darted towards it. Karen and you followed slowly after Marci, your eyes still darting around to the various articles of clothing. 
"So how much fun are you having with him?" Karen asked quietly.
"We had sex on the kitchen counter at the end of last week," you whispered back. "While he was still dressed in the man in black outfit."
Karen's eyes went wide as her jaw dropped. Soon after she let out a quiet and restrained but excited squeal as she grabbed your arm. "Are you serious? I knew you had a dirty side to you!" she exclaimed.
You shrugged, drawing your cup back up to your mouth for a drink. "There's just something about that black suit…and I suppose Matt in general," you admitted a little sheepishly. 
"So how did he like your Halloween costume then?" she asked. "You never did give us the full details of that night."
You grinned, eyes dropping down to your feet as you moved, remembering that night at the bar and then everything that happened on his leather couch afterwards. "He definitely enjoyed it," you answered. 
"Like a lot or…?" she pushed. 
"Like so much that he asked me to sit on his face in it," you blurted in a rush before hiding behind your coffee cup again. 
"Oh my God !" she exclaimed excitedly. She turned, grabbing Marci as the pair of you approached her and spun her around. "You know how much Matt enjoyed her Halloween costume?" Karen asked her. 
"Karen," you whined, covering your reddening face with a hand. 
"Oh, this sounds good," Marci replied quickly, leaning in towards Karen.
"He had her sit on his face in it," Karen whispered, Marci’s eyes going wide before landing on you.
"You two have a naughty side in the bedroom!" Marci shrieked, a devilish grin on her face as you cowered into your scarf. "I knew there was more behind all those sweet kisses at Josie’s and the hand holding and little pet names! You are definitely going to try out those restraints and that flogger, don't lie."
Nodding enthusiastically beside you, Karen said, "You really should pack those with you."
You groaned, embarrassed. "Can we talk about literally anything else?" you begged. 
"No," Marci said, a hand darting out to grab your coat-covered shoulder, "because you should buy something here. Hide it in your suitcase and bust it out some time over your little vacation with Matt. Don't tell him, just let him realize you're wearing it. And then let him spank you with that flogger." She shrugged a shoulder, waggling her brows at you. "Or spank him with it."
"Yes!" Karen vehemently agreed with her. "You should totally do that! You're staying at a rented condo again, right? Not a family member's house?"
"Yes," you answered her slowly. 
"So you can fuck as loud and wild as you want without an embarrassing intrusion," Marci urged. "Oh come on, if he liked your costume that much he would love unwrapping you for Christmas." She shot you a wink and your cheeks burned further. 
"I don't know," you said nervously, eyeing the lingerie around the three of you. "Putting on any of this requires way more confidence than I think I have. I mean–" you continued, pulling out a piece on the rack beside you that didn't even have a crotch to it, "–I do not think I can pull this off. I have no idea how to be sexy." You frowned, putting the skimpy article of clothing back.
"Clearly you do if you're riding his face in a devil costume," Marci countered reassuringly. "No one's saying you need to give him a lap dance, just like…wear it under some clothes while it's just the two of you. Let him undress you and find it himself."
"Or change into it before bed," Karen suggested, "instead of what you usually wear. Just don't say anything. I'm sure his hands would be on you at some point before falling asleep and he would figure it out real quick."
Chewing the inside of your cheek, you contemplated what they had said. Either of those options did sound like something you'd be comfortable enough doing. And Matt's reaction to you surprising him in some lingerie was something you were now really, really wanting to witness. Especially after his reaction to your Halloween costume.  
Marci’s eyes narrowed at you, that coy smirk slipping back onto her face. “Your silence and that look on your face are telling me you definitely want to,” she said.
You sighed, rolling your eyes as you gave in. “Okay, yes, that sounds like it might be fun,” you agreed.
Karen quickly looped her arm through yours, steering you over towards an obviously tamer area of the store. Marci promised she’d be over to help you pick out something soon once she grabbed something herself.
“So,” Karen began, the two of you pausing in front of a handful of displays and racks, “what do you think your Devil would like?”
For some reason hearing someone else acknowledge Matt as your Devil had the hair on the back of your neck rising. You liked hearing that–knowing he was yours .
“Silk,” you answered, your eyes scanning the various lingerie pieces before you. “I know that man loves silk.”
“Then let’s find you something with silk,” Karen replied, her tone mischievous. 
________
“You really don’t have to help me pack, sweetheart,” Matt assured you, pulling out a handful of neatly folded shirts from his dresser. “You’ve got a long two days of driving ahead of you. You can just go relax.”
Shrugging a shoulder lightly, you continued organizing his sweatpants and fuzzy socks in his suitcase. “I don’t mind,” you told him. “I’m sure it’s a lot easier for you this way.”
He carried a stack of shirts over to the end of his bed, setting them down. One of his hands reached out, halting your movements of repositioning a set of socks in his luggage. Your eyes darted up towards him curiously. A smile slid onto his lips as he gazed down at you.
“It is, thank you,” he whispered.
He made his way over to his closet next, pulling out his neatly folded jeans from off of the top shelf. You began packing away his shirts next in the suitcase as he sorted through how many pairs of jeans he would need.
“So how much are you dreading being stuck in a car?” you curiously asked Matt as you worked.
“I’m not dreading it at all, actually,” he answered. “I’m looking forward to spending all that uninterrupted time with you.”
“Ever the charmer, Matthew Murdock,” you muttered as you finished packing away his shirts.
He set a stack of jeans down on the edge of the bed beside you. A moment later he was placing his hands on your hips as he stood behind you. “Only for you, sweetheart,” he murmured.
You felt him brush your hair aside and plant a lingering kiss on the back of your neck. Your eyes briefly fluttered shut, the warmth of him from behind you awakening something briefly inside of you.
“Oh,” he began, hands releasing themselves from your hips, “your laptop is still on the coffee table, sweetheart. You might want to pack it now so you don’t forget it.”
“Shit, thank you,” you said.
Exiting his bedroom, you made your way down the hall to his living room. Your laptop was in fact still sitting out on the coffee table, the little laptop case leaning against the side of the table. With a sigh you packed it up, double checking you had all of the cords you’d need for it. Then you made your way back down the hall towards Matt’s bedroom where he was currently packing up a handful of his black boxers. 
You grabbed your suitcase from where it was tucked out of the way in the corner of his room and pulled it over before setting it on the bed away from where Matt was working. You unzipped it and carefully pulled it open so nothing went flying out. Grabbing your laptop case, you maneuvered a few clothing items around, wanting to place the laptop between some clothes to hopefully keep it a bit safer while you traveled. But as you shifted a few things, your hand instantly came across the soft silk of the black lingerie piece you’d bought while you were out with Karen and Marci last night. Beside it was the red, silk rope wrist cuffs and the flogger you'd nervously packed. Your heart immediately sped up in your chest, heat rising to your cheeks at the thought of wearing the lingerie for Matt and possibly using the other items sometime soon. Out of your peripheral on the opposite side of the bed, Matt’s hands paused what he was doing. You saw his head slowly rise up towards you and you swallowed hard. 
“What was that?” he asked curiously, eyeing you.
“Nothing,” you answered quickly.
Slipping your laptop between some clothes, you hurriedly readjusted the contents of your suitcase before closing it and zipping it up. You moved as if he’d somehow figure out the naughty little things you had packed if your luggage was open too long in front of him. And who knows, maybe he would.
“No,” he said, drawing the word out as his hands entirely stopped what they were doing. “That wasn’t nothing. What’s got you so flustered in that suitcase, sweetheart? What is it you clearly don’t want me to know about?”
You could feel your heart thudding in your chest at his questions. If you answered one of them truthfully, could he still tell if it was a lie? Because technically you didn’t want him to know about your Christmas present for him. And also…the lingerie was also sort of like another Christmas present, right?
“I just, uh, don’t want you to guess your present,” you answered in a rush.
A cheeky smile slid on his face as he eyed you. “Unless you got me a cock ring, I don’t know why you’re so flustered.”
Your eyes grew wide and your jaw dropped. “ Matt !” you hissed loudly, embarrassed.
He laughed, shaking his head at you. “You really mean to tell me you’re going to get bashful joking about cock rings with me, sweetie?” he teased. “After some of the things we’ve done together?”
“I just–” you paused, trying to figure out how to drop the conversation as fast as possible, “–I don’t–I mean, I can’t, uh–”
“Relax,” Matt said with another laugh, resuming his packing. “If it’s got you this flustered I’m sure it’ll be worth waiting for to find out later.”
You sighed, pulling your suitcase off of the bed and setting it back into the corner out of the way. You were glad he wasn’t going to push that topic.
“Unless it’s anal beads,” he mused, your body going rigid, “because I know how much you love my ass, sweetheart, but I’m not sure how I feel about that.”
You spun on your heel towards him, cheeks turning red again. He was biting his bottom lip, fighting back a wave of laughter as he continued to pack clothes into his suitcase.
“Fucking hell , Matt!” you groaned, embarrassed. “I don’t have any anal beads in my suitcase!”
He glanced up at you, pausing as he held a pair of socks in his hand, shooting you a teasing grin. “If you say so.”
You buried your face in your hands, your cheeks feeling like they were on fire. “You’re going to make me regret two days in a car with you, aren’t you?” you grumbled.
“I guess we’ll see,” he teased, laughter in his voice.
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bonny-kookoo · 7 months
Text
Yoongi
𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐞 [Intro]
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He's come to find his way into a place where he can feel some sense of belonging. He's joined this year's Festival to reconnect with what he thought he had to live without. But what he actually finds is worth so much more.
Main Tags/Warnings: Dragon!Yoongi, strangers to lovers/mates, mentions of folklore and traditions, modern fantasy, romance, Dragon!Reader, Evocation!AU
Length: didn't count sorry haha (mid)
-> Masterlist
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You're not sure what to make of Min Yoongi yet.
But granted, you've only just met yesterday, where he'd offered you his quiet company to not make you feel so left out. You'd been thankful for that- but you also don't know if that action had any sort of meaning behind it, or if he'd been just nice to you.
Maybe dragonbloods are just like that? You're not sure. You are one, sure- but you didn't grow up with any of it. Your parents didn't really care about their own heritage very much, didn't teach you anything, and only recently, you got to connect with someone who's also a dragonblood. She works in the same department that you do, though remotely from home just like you as well, and she's pretty much your polar opposite; Bubbly, loud, and most of all- confident and proud of herself. She wears her heart literally on her sleeve, and has been taking you under her wing ever since you joined the company.
You became friends because you both coincidentally lived in the same city, and after she found out about your situation- that you kind of wanted to learn more about your own heritage but didn't know how- she took on the job, and basically paid for your entire trip here, into the mountains, saying that you'd need to reconnect with it all more than anyone- whatever she meant with that.
But now you're just so lost, and you don't want to cling to her and make her babysit you. That would just be unfair- and you can just socialize on your own, right? How hard can it be?
Very hard. Especially with all those intimidating dragons around.
So you just stay by yourself again, nod Soyoon off because she deserves to be with her friends and family for these festivities.
It all looks pretty fun already.
Even though lots of wooden structures are still being constructed, the day is mostly spent catching up for most, it seems like. So you'll just take the time to explore a little instead, maybe get an idea of the area for yourself, to find some spots where you could recharge your introverted social battery a bit.
Suddenly, you feel eyes on you. And as you turn around, the red-haired man you now know as Min Yoongi looks at you again, with his cat-like eyes and a soft, small smile.
Soyoon had told you that she actually knows him- and that you shouldn't be alarmed by his sometimes stoic face or harsh sounding words. She'd told you that he's a bit grumpy sometimes, but mostly a sweetheart with a severe case of resting-bitch-face, and that his dragonblood is just extremely strong, influencing a lot of his behavior and making him act a lot more on instincts than someone else would.
She'd also told you last night that he doesn't have a relationship currently. And that even his action of sitting next to you, and sharing some food with you, was something new, because he typically doesn't really make the first step towards anyone, rather waits until he's approached instead. It made you feel a little complimented to hear that- but at the same time, maybe he simply thought of you as pitiful.
So you turn back around after waving at him a bit awkwardly, instead deciding to watch the people constructing the wooden stages and booths. Though you can hear steps towards you only moments later, Yoongi appearing standing next to your bench with respectful distance. "Is it okay if I sit here?" He asks you, and you nod right away, scooting over a bit. "Thank you." He offers, and again, you just nod quietly.
This is awkward. He looks so good, seems so.. comfortably confident. His sweater looks awfully soft, and his posture is way more relaxed than yours.
"Soyoon told me it's your first time here." He says, not looking at you, probably not to make you any more nervous than you actually are. He seems really good at reading people, you notice. Maybe he can sense it, somehow.
"I think.. I don't know. I wanted to maybe try and re-connect with.. all of this." You shrug to yourself, looking at your feet. "I.. kind of want to belong somewhere. But it feels like I missed the chance long ago and now I can't." You sigh, watching how two people laugh together as they work.
"It can be intimidating to join a new group of people. Especially if you're not used to actively socializing." he comforts you, leaning back a little as he greets a young man with a nod. "But it's not too late at all." He tells you. "You've already made the first step by coming here. I'm sure you'll be fine." He reassures, and you nod after a moment, silence falling over the two of you for a good little while. But it's not truly uncomfortable - it's a simple company without actually needing any words.
And he doesn't seem to mind it either.
And suddenly, just as you've started to relax next to him, he speaks again. "Would you like to spend this festival with me?" He asks, now actually looking to the side at you.
Internally, you have to disagree with Soyoon on his alleged angry resting face now that you look at him; he looks nothing but kind to you, even without a clear smile on his face. He rather looks comfortable and relaxed than mad, really, so his gaze also doesn't intimidate you at all, giving you no problem with eye contact.
"Would you.. would you like to?" You ask instead, and he chuckles, corners of his lips now tilting up a little.
"I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't interested." He teases a little, and you can't help but smile now as well.
"Okay." You say because of that, making his smile turn a little bit wider, eyes warm as they rest on you. "...what does that mean?" You meekly wonder, and he laughs to himself, before he shrugs towards you.
"Guess we'll have to find out, hm?" He teases again, and you can feel your cheeks heat up.
Min Yoongi truly seems to be a charming dragon, a fire burning hot under his skin-
And it's starting to heat up yours too, without any need for physical touch at all.
What have you gotten yourself into?
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Text
Seventeen Reaction: Your Birthday
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MASTERLIST
Thanks for the request anon! I hope you don’t mind, since you wanted either, I just turned it into a reaction so that way both could be included (I also feel like I’m best at this writing format lol).
Remember gifs aren’t mine! If you like them, pls click through and show their OPs some love!!!!
Warnings: None I think, let me know if I missed anything!
CHOI SEUNGCHEOL
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Seungcheol is the perfect boyfriend to celebrate a birthday with. He is attentive and listens so anything you mention throughout the year that you might want or  an activity you want to do- he’s going to remember. He loves to spoil you, so expect gifts throughout the day. He probably wants to spend a lot of time one on one and show you how happy he is that you’re in his life, but he also realizes you want to see your friends and family. He’ll probably plan two events. There will be a really big party for everyone in your life. He stresses over making it perfect lol. He wants you to have a good time with the people you love without any other worries. After that, he’ll want a nice dinner with just the two of you. You get to pick any restaurant you want, he’ll make it happen. Any birthday with Cheol feels like a perfect rom-com romance scene. 
YOON JEONGHAN
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I don’t know why but something makes me absolutely positive that this man gives you as many flowers as possible on your birthday. You wake up in the morning to flowers, you come downstairs to flowers, you get into your car to flowers, you come home to more flowers, every time he sees you- a flower. “Hannie, what on earth are we supposed to do with all of these?” you ask, feeling as though your house is nearly overflowing with flowers. He’ll probably do something really cute like press some flowers from each bouquet and put them around a picture of the two of you as a gift for your next birthday:(. Each birthday with Jeonghan is just tons of flowers. He’ll do other things as well: he tries to make you a cake every year (he’s getting really good at it), he’s also into getting you nice jewelry, he’ll take you to do whatever you want to do that day. He doesn’t like planning lots in advance because he prefers to do what you’re in the mood for that day. But he’ll make it fun no matter what.
JOSHUA HONG
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Joshua simply does not trust his intuition enough to plan anything for your birthday on his own. Don’t get me wrong, he’ll take care of it all. But before he does, he will ask you directly what you want and what you want to do so he can give it all to you exactly how you want it. He’ll try to get you at least one gift or plan one activity that you’re not expecting so that you’ll have a little bit of a surprise, but he feels a lot better knowing that most of it is what you definitely want. Usually he likes to include a handwritten letter telling his favorite memories with you in the past year and how much you mean to him. That way with a few extras, you’ll have not only the birthday you wanted, but also some gifts from his heart to show how much he cares. He just wants you to have a good birthday.
WEN JUNHUI
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As always, Jun is a bit of a wild card. He’s also unsure he knows what to plan for you. But instead of asking you, he just tries different things every year. From giant parties to quiet dinners, Jun has done it all for you. It’s always exciting to see what adventures your birthday will hold this year. Since he’s done so much for your birthday, he always tries to find somewhere new. Trips, museums, festivals. One year, he even took you around town to every place you could get something for free when it’s your birthday. He’s not too big on gifts, most of his effort goes into the experiences he tries to create for you. So usually, you get one really nice, thought-out gift from him along with a day of fun.
KWON SOONYOUNG
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Hoshi loves birthdays. Like absolutely loves them. He gets more excited about your birthday than you lol. Hoshi is like a little kid on Christmas on your birthday. He’ll wake you up at the crack of dawn and already be yelling about how it’s your birthday. There’s no way you’re not partying. Hoshi wants you to have the most fun with all the people who care about you. So whether you go out on the town or throw a party at home, Hoshi is going to make sure you’re being celebrated. He’s BIG on gifts. Gag gifts, serious gifts, humorous gifts, sentimental gifts. He’ll do it all. You love it but usually by the end of the night, you’re wondering how on earth you’re going to out-do him for his birthday lol.
JEON WONWOO
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Wonwoo also doesn’t like to plan for you in case he messes up. But he truly tries his best. His go to is a nice dinner. Wonwoo knows how stressful life can be so he tries to make sure it’s a day of rest for you. He’ll make breakfast for when you wake up. He books you a spa appointment with all the extras that you could want added. One year you actually convinced him to go with you. He’ll never forgive you for the hundreds of pictures you took of him with a towel wrapped around his hair and cucumbers over his eyes. Anything that soothes you, he will make happen that day. He’ll make you your favorite warm drink, make sure any work calls are blocked, and just let you do whatever relaxes you. Then he ends it all with a very nice dinner with a nice bouquet of flowers and a sweet gift. 
LEE JIHOON
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This nerd probably writes you a song for your birthday. It’s not his fault he’s so cheesy, that’s just one of the only ways he feels comfortable expressing his true feelings. Also because it’s him, the song is actually very beautiful and well made, not a cheesy cheap song. He literally doesn’t know how to plan a birthday. He usually depends on your friends to help. They say what they need and he makes sure it happens. He’ll add his own little touches to the party to make it a little bit his and just to know he did something for you. He’ll also stress over what to get you. This stuff really does not come easily to him. Not because he doesn’t care or because he doesn’t know you. But because no idea seems good enough. So he may need a little help with gifts and parties, but it always turns out perfect.
LEE SEOKMIN
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Seokmin is also super into birthdays. He loves getting to celebrate you on your day. He’s not into super big parties. He’ll probably plan a small gathering with your closest friends and family. He might even plan a day trip to the beach or somewhere for all of you. He’s the type that calls each person personally and tells them how much it would mean to both him and you if they could come celebrate your birthday :(. It results in a slew of comments from everyone in your life implying that you need to marry him. He just wants you to have fun with all the people you love on your birthday. He’s also the type to just get you one or two really nice gifts that he put a lot of thought into.
KIM MINGYU
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If you have a party that includes friends and family, Mingyu will make sure it’s planned for a different day. He’s a little selfish, he wants you all to himself on your actual birthday. He wants to spend every moment all over you. He’s also a big fan of lazy days on your birthday. You’ll spend most of the morning cuddling. If you want to go out, he’ll still be nearly on top of you the whole time. He’s holding your hand, hugging you from behind, sitting next to you instead of across from you in restaurants. He also doesn’t do much planning, he lets you lead the day. He’ll take you anywhere you feel like going and pay for absolutely everything. Do not even try to pull your wallet out, it’s not happening. If you so much as look at something like you want it, he’s buying it for you. He just wants to spoil you on your special day.
XU MYUNGHO
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He’s also a fan of more intimate gatherings for your birthday. If he plans a party it’ll just be close friends and family. He really likes taking you on trips for your birthday. Usually pretty nature spots but if you prefer something else, he’s happy to go there too. They’re very nice trips too, usually a week long, with lots of activities planned, and plenty of time to just rest. Like Mingyu, if he sees you out shopping during the trip, he’ll buy you anything you want. He’s also your personal photographer so you have plenty of nice photos to show off once you get back. When it comes to gift he cares more about sentimental type gifts. He wants something that shows he cares or something he put a lot of effort into making himself (your apartment is filled with very nice art painted by him). He just wants to show you he cares.
BOO SEUNGKWAN 
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Also not much of a planner. He’ll let you lead the way for your birthday but he’ll hype up whatever you want to do. He also does a lot of research to make sure you get the best out of any experience you want. He does anything he can to make sure the day runs smoothly. He’s much bigger on gifts. He will shower you in gifts. He spends the whole year buying the things he knows you want just to give it all to you for your birthday. He is very intuitive when it comes to gift giving, you’re never disappointed by a gift from Seungkwan.
VERNON CHWE
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Also prefers for your birthday to be just you and him. And also a big fan of trips on your birthday. He also likes taking you to very unique experiences. Maybe there’s an art exhibit temporarily in town, or a festival, or a show. If he does a trip it’ll be one that he saved up for for a very long time and be a once in a lifetime experience. Your birthday is special so he wants it to be full of things you don’t usually get to do. If you do throw a party he’ll pick very interesting venue locations so that it’s still something special. His gifts will also be more of the sentimental type. And often he gets you tickets to more fun things to do. He believes spending time with you while doing his best to make you happy is the best gift he has to offer.
LEE CHAN
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Strangely good at planning birthdays. He’s the oldest in his family so he can be very responsible. He always knows exactly what you want and makes sure that it happens. You want a big party with all your family and friends? He’s planning for weeks to make sure it’s perfect. You want a nice dinner with you and him? He’s made reservations at the nicest place in town. You want to go on a trip? Name the place and he’ll book the tickets. You just want to hang out around town and do whatever comes up? He’s packing a backpack to make sure you guys are prepared to stay out all day. When it comes to gifts, however, you need to tell him exactly what you want. He’ll get it, but he needs guidance lol.
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