#recovering from a book hangover

[actually-safer-to-kiss]

The Morning After

Summary: Reader and Spencer are waking up after a big fight the night before.

Couple: Spencer Reid/Fem!Reader

Category: Angst, Comfort

Content warnings: Relationship troubles

Word count: 1k

You woke up not convinced you had slept. Your eyelids sticking together and sore from the stark morning light must indicate otherwise, right? It stings no matter how often you blink. It’s a similar sting to chlorine and your body clears it out. But no matter how many times you blink, the pain remains.

Normally, Spencer’s hogging the bed, his arms pressed against your back like he was in a casket but sideways while you grip the edge and hope you don’t meet the floor with your nose. Stretching your arm out to feel the other side feels unnatural. No hand ready to grab you and smack your knuckles with a kiss. No grinding teeth that you’ve told him is a sign of stress and he should get checked out.

This all felt worse. Even though Spencer was just in the living room, he still felt too far away. But what’s the right way to deal with that? How does one bounce back from such a brutal night?

Well, you don’t bounce back. You take it slow. You pick yourself up from the pillows, your body aching like a hangover. Sitting upright did not help your headache; the pain between your eyes is strong, recovering from scrunching so violently in the midst of sobbing and yelling. You’re both lucky the neighbors didn’t call the cops.

You sway around the bed, left to right like a stiff pendulum. In the doorway, you see your boyfriend. His hair is a moppy mess. He's got a fresh dark roast in his hands, and it takes all his concentration to bring it to his lips. It’s almost precious if you didn’t remember you’re partially responsible for putting him in that state. You watch him sip slowly, the heat hits his skin and he remains unfazed. He pulls it away.

“Morning.” You croak out. You push yourself out of the doorway as you wrap yourself tight in your robe.

His face turns to you as he considers another sip. “Morning.” He puts his cup on the end table. “There’s… uh there’s plenty more. If you want any.”

You nod, crossing your arms close to your chest. Even though you don’t waste time grabbing the hot pot and plenty of creamer, your mind concentrates on the feeling of eyes pressing into your back. The sound of the leather shifting with his weight, maybe he was watching to make sure you weren’t walking out (like you may or may not have threatened to do last night). When you turn around though, he does too, he knows you saw it.

Because you know what to do.

You walk to the couch, taking the side opposite as you take two gulps of your beverage, ignoring the semi-sweet liquid’s heat. You settle in with your cup close by while Spencer occupies himself with his own hands like he’s been called to the principal’s office.

“Do you… want to talk about it?”

A third sip. “Yeah, probably best.” You eventually put your cup down after another eager drink. Your magazines were arranged on the table in front of you, labeled by issue. And not just that, but the books that were once sprawled on the floor were put back neatly on the shelves, in their intended alphabetical order. You pause at the sight. “You… wait, you cleaned up last night?”

Spencer coughed to pretend he wasn't so tired, saying "Yeah. I couldn’t sleep, so I figured, you know, why not?” He equipped the rhetorical question with a shrug.

You rub your face. It all hurts. “I didn’t mean to back into the shelf. I hope you know that.”

“I know.”

“Good, okay.” The silence is thick. Expected, but still daunting. The chest pain that comes with holding your breath so sternly is not something you thought of before. And you wish it would go away. So you start it. “Do you want to go first, or would —”

“I’m sorry.” Spencer interrupts.

“Huh?”

“I’m really sorry. What I said, it was out of line.”

You sigh. The relief of it all (or part of it, the rest will come in time) pours out with one exhale. Your lungs still feel the ache, but again, in due time. “Me too. I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have retaliated the way I did.”

Spencer’s lips pull into a smile as his head falls back. “Okay. Good.” He swallowed. “Good.”

You don’t waste time taking up space between you. Your knees touch as you reach out to brush his cheekbones with your knuckles. You move further up and rub the redness around his eyes. They match yours. So you know the area is sensitive. Spencer, however, looks up at the ceiling as you touch it. Soon though, he takes your hand and presses a kiss to the skin. “Not as sloppy as I usually am."

“It’s okay.” Your grip tightens in his. “I think we both need to rehydrate.”

“And sleep more,” Spencer said.

“That sounds nice.” You slip out of Spencer’s hold and comb his hair back with your fingers, clearing them from his face. “Want to go back to bed?”

Spencer’s face scrunches and readjusts in his seat, rubbing his shoulder blade against the couch’s back. “I don’t think I can. It’s not easy to turn comfortably here.”

“You don't have to sleep on the couch.”

Spencer looked back at you. “Really? You sure?”

“You deserve a decent sleep in your own bed.”

Before Spencer has a chance to protest, you’ve picked yourself up from the couch and started pulling him up by the wrists. Despite his weary state, he followed you and stood up himself. You tugged his arm to the bedroom, to the sweet relief of a mattress, pillows, and potential cuddles. Spencer however tugs back, and he brings you into a soft hug. His head on your shoulder, his arms linking together to cage you into the warmth of his body. You gladly (and sleepily) follow by putting your arms around his neck. And you stay there. For a while.

#spencer reid #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid x you #spencer reid angst #spencer reid comfort #spencer reid fanfiction #spencer reid fanfic #spencer reid x y/n #spencer reid /you #spencer reid/reader #spencer reid self insert #spencer reid imagine #spencer reid oneshot #spencer reid one shot #spencer reid blurb #criminalminds #criminal minds #criminal minds self insert #criminal minds fanfic #criminal minds fanfiction

[ragingbookdragon]

Soap reclined against the back of the metal wall of the plane, eyes dragging from each member of the team until they landed on her. She, oddly enough wasn’t sitting like the others were, contemplating the mission and the risks. In her hands was a small book, about the size of a cigarette holder, perhaps a religious book, but he’d never known her to pray or be religious outright; then again, she wasn’t very open about many things of herself either.

Her eyes drew along the pages, quietly turning them, occasionally shifting with the movement of the plane and he heard lowly, “Keep staring at her like that and she’ll think you like her.”

He fought the urge to roll his eyes and merely retorted, “Would that be such a bad thing, Lt.?”

Ghost chuckled. “She’ll eat your heart out, Soap.”

“If it’s her, that doesn’t sound like a bad way to go.” He shifted his foot and tapped along the ground, loud enough for her to cock an eyebrow to acknowledge the motion. “Whatcha reading?”

She flipped a page. “A book detailing the capture, trials, and deaths of women during the Salem Witch Trials.”

Soap blinked, eyebrows furrowing together. “…Why?”

“She’s tryna figure out why they didn’t catch her back then,” Ghost chirped and her eyes rose from the page to meet his, knowing he was smirking behind that stupid mask of his.

“Don’t take the bait,” Price muttered beside her, arms crossed over his chest, and she was almost prepared to let it go. But, she also remembered that Ghost ate the last of her chocolate chip poptarts before they left.

She went back to her book and rattled off, “Ghost can’t play golf. We went to a putt-putt one time and I’ve never seen a man so competent in the art of war be so terrible at hitting a ball.”

Ghost spluttered as Soap snickered.

“He snores like an old dog and drools in his sleep.” She flipped another page. “One time we were on a mission in Baghdad, and he wasn’t paying attention and ran into a wall. Broke his radio from the impact.”

“I did not,” Ghost hissed.

“He cried watching Where The Red Fern Grows.”

“WHO WOULDN’T?!” he snapped. “SHE DIES OF A BROKEN HEART AFTER HER BROTHER!”

“One time he ate a box of fiber bars to recover from a hangover and he shit himself in the middle of the store.”

“Alright! I get it! I’m sorry!” he griped and she smiled to herself as she quieted down and went back to her book.

For a few moments, silence enveloped the group in the plane, then Soap asked, “Did you really shit yourself?”

“Shut. Up.”

#i jumped on the bandwagon of ghost whoring #ghost x reader #ghost x reader imagines #ghost x reader imagine #ghost imagines #ghost imagine #simon riley x reader #simon riley x reader imagines #simon riley x reader imagine #simon riley imagines #simon riley imagine #ghost #simon riley #simon ghost riley #soap x reader #soap x reader imagines #soap x reader imagine #soap imagines #soap imagine #soap #john mactavish x reader #john mactavish x reader imagines #john mactavish x reader imagine #john mactavish imagines #john mactavish imagine #call of duty modern warfare 2 #cod mw2

[pix3lplays]

Would it be alright if I request Genshin men taking care of s/o whose utterly blackout drunk????

Oooh okay!

-Genshin men taking care of blackout drunk s/o-

Diluc: He was busy that night with the bar, not paying attention to how much you were drinking, until he looks over. And sees how many empty glasses your sleeping body was surrounded by. Oops. That was kinda on him, he thinks, considering he didn’t tell you no. So he takes you home, carrying you, and when you get home he puts you to bed and gets to work making some tea for you, just to see if that’ll help. The next morning, he’s with you, making you drink all sorts of weird concoctions to help with your hangover.

Kaeya: Kaeya knows what it’s like to get blackout drunk by complete accident. Good chance you’re both borderline blackout drunk by the time you stumble out of the bar together, singing and laughing and it’s honestly amazing that the two of you manage to make it home. He’s no help for your hangover. Because he is ALSO suffering a brutal hangover. So the two of you kinda just spend all day in bed, complaining about your splitting headaches…

Baizhu: I’m sure he has all sorts of cheap, at home remedies for hangovers and stuff for you in the morning. He’s with you all morning, by your side while you’re recovering in bed. You know his medicine is So bitter, but it does make you feel better so that’s nice. He scolds you for letting your drinking problems get the better of you (Again) but deep down I think the Doctor likes having the opportunity to take care of you like this.

Neuvillette: Neuvillette, who exclusively drinks, Like, just water, doesn’t really know what to do when he’s asked by a Melusine to come pick up his lover from the local bar. He didn’t even know you liked drinking. But now he’s carrying you back home, quietly whispering to you that you need to Tell him next time you go out drinking. He brings you home, sets you on the couch, grabs a law book, and reads while he waits for you to wake up. When you finally come to he asks if you want to go to bed. Then he cancels his meetings and court appearances for the next morning so he can take care of your hangover.

#Genshin impact #genshin impact x reader #Diluc x reader #Diluc #genshin impact Diluc x reader #Kaeya #Kaeya x reader #genshin impact Kaeya x reader #Baizhu #Baizhu x reader #genshin impact Baizhu x reader #Neuvillette #Neuvillette x reader #genshin impact Neuvillette x reader

[goingxmissing]

2023 fic reader highlights

thanks to mostlymaudlin for putting together this template. i'm going to enjoy rereading all of these over the next few days and using the floating ao3 comment box, which has significantly improved my life, and increased the unhinged nature of my comments.

Fic that made me laugh

Cool Things to Say to Your Soulmate by @powerful-owl & @love-leah • daniel ricciardo/max verstappen • a collection of soulmate AUs (everything em writes is hilarious, and this is full of heartache, miscommunication, and so many fun takes on the soulmate trope. delightful. haven't looked at geese the same way since.)

2. Fic that made me cry

one step closer and i'm real by @officialmood • daniel ricciardo/max verstappen • time travel, alternate universes (this fic is exquisite, every version of daniel that max meets is distinctly different and broke my heart in a multitude of ways. made my heart twist in the best way.)

3. Fic that gave me a story hangover

all this happened, more or less by multi21 • charles leclerc/max verstappen • social media, canon divergence (so much fun and so inspired! charles is a secret singer-songwriter, told through social media posts and devastating lyrics, le castellet is in my head at any given moment. went with this for story hangover because i thought about it for Days afterwards and then charles literally put his music on spotify. drop the escalier des fleurs content charles!!)

4. Fic I want to discuss book club style

playboy in the grotto by @freeuselandonorris • lando norris/oscar piastri • watersports (the pinnacle of horny romance: gross, filthy, desperate, fond. had to pause reading several times to rant about my favourite bits. need a book club to discuss the wider cinematic universe where they explore more kinks in the most tender way.)

5. Fic that got me a lil flustered

the fire is slowly dying by @strawberry-daiquiris • oscar piastri/mark webber • age difference, mentor/protégé (this is one of the most unhinged fics i've ever had the pleasure of enjoying. oscar is a total menace. scenes in this fic will stay with me Forever. i urge anyone to take a chance on the pairing if you're intrigued and FEAST.)

6. Fic by one of my favourite authors

jump right in by @strawberry-daiquiris • lando norris/oscar piastri • rule 63 (imagine your fiancée muses, 'what if lando was a girl and she'd never had an orgasm?' one day and then a couple of months later she's still working on a 100k+ masterpiece following the 2023 season where a third of the grid are women? i'm the luckiest. this fic is everything and i'm going to be LOST without it when it's finished.)

7. Fic I reread more than once

screen glows in a dark room by @hollywoodsargeant • oscar piastri/logan sargeant • phone sex, sex toys (steaming hot phone sex, not a single word wasted. the first fic i read for this pairing and i keep coming back to it and also the whole apex predator series. HIGHLY recommend checking these out for the Dynamics.)

8. Fic I sent to everyone I know

side by side in orbit by @glasscushion • lando norris/oscar piastri, max fewtrell/lando norris • cuckolding, voyeurism, open relationships (the concept is rancid and the vibes are UNMATCHED. this was delicious. as i said in my comment: when max feels spit pool beneath his tongue, when he forgets to breathe because he's so into what's happening in front of him. i felt that!!!!! immediate rec.)

9. Fic that made me fall in love with an author

i'll kiss you first by venerat • lando norris/oscar piastri • a/b/o (my first fic for this pairing, i read it on a Very Early train and my brain never recovered. you might be able to tell from my tumblr. me reading this fic over and over like: 😅. still can't see the word 'ripe' and not think about lando being a grotty omega. every fic by venerat is an absolute BANGER. hit that subscribe button, my friends!!)

thank you to all of the wonderful authors and creators who have shared their work in fandom this year. 2023 has been a feast <3

#fic rec #i tried to do this post without commentary but it was impossible #blanket rec for all fics by the authors mentioned #i only wish there had been more spaces but it was such a delight to use the prompts to really think about fics that fit #i've read basically no books and A Lot of fic this year sooooo #can't wait to lose my mind rereading all these!!!! #maxiel #max/daniel #lestappen #max/charles #landoscar #oscar/lando #loscar #logan/oscar #oscarmark #nortrell #fic #ao3 #about me

[acatnamedloki]

Why Mycroft Canner is crying (and is the most sopping wet cat character of all time)

In the book 'The Will to Battle' Mycroft spends half the book crying so in order to recover from my insane Book Hangover I decided to write a list of all the reasons Mycroft is crying in this book (some of them are even valid!!)

If you haven't read Ada Palmer's 'Terra Ignotia' series, this list contains extremely out of context and vague spoilers and not a lot of plot information so give it a read and see if he's a character you'll like (and then read the series and go insane with me)

Chapter 2

Someone said they trust him

He's not exactly crying but he is sitting on a bench, hugging his knees and trying to ignore his hallucinations while people are debating the future of the human race (pure wet cat behaviour)

Chapter 3

He saw the Mediterranean sea

Now he's in Crete and the sea smells salty

He was told he couldn't join a meeting (to be fair, he just did a bunch of traveling to get to the meeting)

Chapter 7

He saw a pretty boy

Recovers for a bit, has a whole ass conversation then starts crying again for the same reason (also because the pretty boy is looking all sad and vulnerable)

Someone was kind to the pretty boy (he at least tried to weep silently here)

He found out someone cares about him enough to try and track him (OK but this bit is crazy because Mycroft was just beat up, is bleeding, kidnapped, has a collar of knives around his throat, tied up, electrocuted, pushed to the ground and having a heart attack. He is totally fine with this. But then starts sobbing out of GRATITUDE because he found out someone kinda sorta cares about him!!!!?)

Ok NOW he's finally crying because he's scared (he described it as "strange" that he was crying and "tinged my eyes with salt". Good job Mycroft! Way to under-react to the situation)

Chapter 8 (still kidnapped and just been double-stabbed)

Someone threatened to kill a 17 year old boy who Mycroft believes is god

Someone asked where Bridger was (ok this bit is actually sad I started crying too)

Someone tried to start WWIII and Mycroft had a mini freak out

He saw an old building covered in graffiti

He got told off because he didn't try to kill his kidnappers (Mycroft actually tried to protect??? the original kidnappers - this is kind of a nesting doll kidnapping situation)

Chapter 11

A really old document got stolen

Caesar (his sort of president/sort of master) is wearing a new suit (its noted that he is sobbing for like 3 pages here)

Chapter 12

Pride, relief and grief (an odd mix but ok)

Chapter 13

He was hallucinating and (understandably) freaked out. Then started crying when someone asked if he was ok.

Chapter 14

Theres like a super intense argument happening between Caesar and god

Caesar put a really harsh punishment on some people who deserved it and Mycroft had a full on existential crisis because he believes he deserved it too (like he passed out and started sobbing because he deserves worse? than being a slave?)

Chapter 19

The scary space people decided to join a war (not crying because a giant lion is sitting on him, happy because at least its muting his sobs)

Chapter 21

He saw some fireworks

#ada palmer #too like the lightning #Will to battle #Mycroft Canner #sopping wet cat behaviour #terra ignota

[sihtricfedaraaahvicius]

chapter 9

Note: direct follow up to chapter 8 of the Fighter fic. Other Fighter chapters are in my masterlist.

Warnings: 18+!! fluff, smut, suggestive. mention of alcohol.

pairing: Modern!Sihtric x you (f)

summary: Sihtric slowly found himself back again, while you managed to surprise him.

wordcount: 4,5k

Masterlist

'What's gotten into you?'

After you had finally managed to drag your husband away from the beach, up the hotel entrance stairs and eventually into your room, you didn't even have a chance to sober him up. As soon as Sihtric hit the bed, he fell asleep. And he snored. Loud. His insanely loud snoring could probably be heard all the way down at that beach party. You struggled to take off his clothes, leaving him to sleep in just his tight, Gucci boxer shorts, and you finally laid down next to him after having changed into sleeping gear yourself. You laid awake for hours, making sure he was okay and didn't accidentally get some kind of alcohol poisoning. 

After a while he more or less woke up and kept trying to hug you, which told you he was doing fine. He kept trying to kiss you, and you had to push him over to face the other side, so his cocktail scented breath wasn't being breathed in your face anymore. After that you eventually fell asleep for a few hours.

It was almost noon when you woke up because you suddenly heard Sihtric sprint to the bathroom, where he threw up, again. He reappeared after a few minutes, and you couldn't help but snicker at his appearance. He was looking awfully pale. What was left of his previously braided hair was more a tangled mess that resembled something of a bird's nest, and his eyes were heavy. So much for a fun night out. 

'You okay?' you asked as Sihtric stumbled back towards the bed.

'Yeah,' he said, his voice hoarse, 'just my head is fucking killing me. And I had the weirdest dream,' he shuddered, 'I fought one of those gigantic spiders you're so afraid of, but... but he wasn't afraid of me?'

You stared at him, blinking a few times while being speechless at the sudden random information.

'I... I think you should try to eat something, sweetheart. Do you want me to call room service? Get you some juice and some scrambled eggs or something?'

Sihtric groaned, grabbed onto his stomach, and ran back into the bathroom.

'Guess not,' you mumbled as you grimaced at the sound of him being sick again.

The rest of the day was uneventful, as Sihtric needed the entire day to recover from his hangover, and you had to catch up with some sleep yourself. The following days after the beach party, Sihtric slowly started to pick up a workout routine again. Early in the mornings he'd go for a jog, before the sun was fully risen, and you found him shadow boxing on the balcony in the evenings. Overall, his mood improved quickly within those days and before you knew it, you only had one day left before your flight back home again. You once again had dinner at the hotel and enjoyed some quiet time in your room, after both having packed up most stuff in your suitcases.

'You want to go to the beach?' Sihtric asked when you just finished braiding his hair.

You happily agreed, grabbed a bag and a few towels, and went to the same beach you've spent earlier evenings at. 

It was once again quiet, with only a handful of people around. Despite Sihtric being quite a pain to be around the first few days, this holiday did turn out to be the best one in regards to going out in public. You were hardly ever bothered, and it made Sihtric more at ease to leave the hotel with you. Sure, you hadn't really done any sightseeing, but then again, you didn't even want to go to Australia in the first place, so you didn't care much.

At the beach, you found a little hidden spot between a few high rocks, where you spread out the towels. Then, you took off your dress under which you wore your bikini, the latter which didn't cover a whole lot of skin to be honest, and you grabbed the book you were still reading as you settled down. You frowned when you saw Sihtric approach the water, something he hadn't done the other evenings, but you were glad he was keeping himself busy while it was still bright enough to read. For a moment you thought he was ging to take a dive in the water with his thin, white sleeveless shirt still on, but he didn't. Instead, he sat down in the sand and you focused on your book.

You finally managed to read one whole page of your book, and when you figured Sihtric was awfully quiet, you peeked up over the pages, only to see him do some sit-ups not far from you. You smiled at the pleasant sight, but managed to bring your eyes back to your book again, reading yet another whole page. When you peeked at Sihtric again, you caught him doing push-ups. You tried to bring your focus back to your book again, but couldn't help your eyes wandering back to your husband and his ridiculously sized biceps. You had to admit, after a few days without any sexual activity, you desperately wanted to be handled by him, but not that rough. 

Sihtric was oblivious to your hungry stare and, after a long moment of eyeing up your husband, you finally managed to continue your book. Until, moments later, Sihtric suddenly snatched the book out of your hands and grabbed your ankle. He pulled you towards him, quickly took off his shirt, then picked you up as you screamed and he threw you over his shoulder.

'What the hell!' you laughed as he walked towards the water again, 'what are you doing?'

'Going for a swim.'

'What? No!' you yelled and giggled, trying to fight him, but you simply didn't stand a chance.

Sihtric let his body drop down into the water once he had walked in far enough, and you went along with him, completely under, where you managed to escape his grip. You half swam, half ran from him, but Sihtric was still much faster than you. He got a hold of you before you could reach the dry sand, and he pulled you back in the water. You let out a sudden yelp when he picked you up again and did the same as before, dunking underwater with you in his arms. You hadn't seen Sihtric smile this wide or laugh this hard in a while, so you let him have his moment, enjoying the innocent taunting of the man you love entirely and wholeheartedly. All his flaws and his perfections, he was yours, and you him completely.

'What's gotten into you?' you smiled when he finally seemed to calm down, and he pulled you close as you stood almost up to your chest in the sea.

'I don't know,' Sihtric smiled, his arms circled around your waist under water, and he nuzzled your nose and cheek, 'could be that bikini of yours,' he chuckled.

'Oh, come on, you've seen it before,' you said, and softly hummed at his affection.

'Yeah,' he said, 'but it's like… I don't know,' he suddenly smiled shyly, 'like you look even prettier today than usual. Which should be impossible.'

You giggled and felt your cheeks heat up. 

'You look really good today too,' you said while squeezing his biceps, 'I saw your little work-out,' you grinned, 'I'm sure in some countries you'd been arrested for being too damn sexy.'

Sihtric smiled and blushed, then buried his face in your neck, softly pecking your skin while he held you close. Then, he hooked his arms under your knees and lifted you up. You wrapped your legs around his waist while he held you up, conveniently for him, by holding your buttocks in his hands. You didn't mind, but you were already aroused since he did those push-ups, and now that he squeezed your ass occasionally as you kissed him, the pressure only got worse.

'Honey,' you giggled, but Sihtric silenced you with a kiss.

He bit your lower lip softly, and when you wrapped your arms around his neck, you both deepened the kiss. Sihtric's breathing became heavier, turning into light moans against your lips while your tongues slowly moved against each other like waves, as the ocean water calmly pushed up against your back.

'Fuck,' Sihtric breathed, 'you don't know what you do to me, bunny,' he whispered in between his slow, wet kisses, 'you really don't fucking know, baby.'

'Then tell me,' you whispered, feeling overwhelmed with a sudden rush of butterflies as your lips crashed back onto your husband's.

'I can't explain it,' Sihtric whispered, 'you're everything,' he smiled against your lips, 'so beautiful,' he kissed you again, 'so sweet,' he flicked his tongue against your lips and chuckled softly, 'so fucking perfect, bunny. I'm the luckiest man alive,' he gazed up into your eyes, 'I only ever want you. I'm yours. All yours. And I want everything with you,' he whispered before he kissed you deeply again, 'everything with you, for the rest of my life.'

'Sihtric,' you breathed and cupped his cheeks, 'I… I really want you to make love to me right now.'

'Gods,' he chuckled with a desperate moan, 'I thought you'd never ask.'

He carried you back onto the beach, where he put you down on your feet as soon as he had reached the towels.

'Hotel?' Sihtric asked, impatiently, while you closed the book he had snatched away earlier and threw it in your beach bag, 'should I call a cab, bunny?'

'No,' you said, quickly looking around and not finding a single soul nearby, 'here,' you then giggled and sat down on the towels, 'now.'

'H-here?' Sihtric asked, with big eyes.

A sudden blush settled on his cheeks as he watched you lay down, slowly pulling to loosen the string that held your bikini top up around your neck, revealing your bare breasts to him within seconds.

'Come here, tiger,' you purred. 

You gave him a cheeky smile and beckoned him over, using your index finger teasingly to lure him closer. Sihtric wasted no time and followed your lead, moving on top of you. His head was spinning, and his eyes darkened at the sight of your almost completely naked body underneath him, in public, while the setting sun casted the colour of fire on your skin, which resembled the burning sensation he felt inside for you, he thought.

'What if anyone sees us?' he asked.

'Then let them watch,' you breathed, 'let them watch how good you treat me.'

You didn't care right about anyone else, you just wanted him, now. Sihtric grinned and bit down on his lip. He slowly removed your bikini thong, whereas you were fast to pull down his swimming trunks. A warm breeze touched your skin pleasantly, before Sihtric moved his body in between your thighs.

'Baby?' you whispered and cupped his cheeks.

Sihtric looked at you with soft, questioning eyes. 'Hm?'

'Go easy, okay?' you said, tracing his lips slowly with your thumb, 'I don't just want to fuck,' you whispered, smiling, 'I want you to love me.'

'I always love you,' Sihtric whispered, taking your chin gently with his fingertips, 'Always. I got you, bunny,' he smiled and kissed your lips, 'I got you, I promise. Let me take care of you,' he whispered before he kissed his way down your neck, to your breasts, down your stomach and on to your inner thigh.

You were already lightheaded with lust and love before you felt his lips leave soft, wet kisses onto your folds, until he slowly and firmly used his tongue to nearly push you over your edge within minutes. Desperately trying to keep quiet, you had to stop him before you'd finish and become overstimulated. Sihtric got the hint and, with a satisfied yet cocky smile, he brought his face back up to yours. He kissed you deeply as he finally entered you, both trying your hardest to keep your moans as quiet as possible. Sihtric moved his big hands up into your hair and one down to your thigh, holding you close as he thrusted into you, slow and deep, while you had your arms wrapped around his neck and one leg hooked around his waist. He moaned when you met his movements by rolling your hips against his. He then kissed you, slow and deep, the same way he made love to you on that beach while the sun was slowly disappearing into the ocean.

'I love you,' Sihtric breathed, with a desperate tone, 'gods, I love you, lady.'

'And I love you, husband,' you smiled against his lips, and Sihtric moaned heavily at your words.

The next day you found yourself in the plane again, first class, ready to fly back home. Before Sihtric settled down next to you, you quickly hid the tiny liquor bottles, which the flight attendants had prepared for each first class passenger. Sihtric may have said he didn't want any alcohol again, but you knew he would get bored during the long flight and would try to down whichever tiny liquor shot he could find. And the last thing you wanted was a drunk, former kickboxing champion stuck on a plane. 

Still all head over heels for you since the passionate love making on the beach the night before, Sihtric couldn't keep his hands or lips off you. Despite leaving boiling Australia, he was dressed in black sweatpants, a black hooded sweater, the hood pulled up to cover his braided hair and part of his face, while wearing black sunglasses to be more or less unrecognisable. He pulled you against his chest after he had reclined his seat, so he could lay back comfortably, and he brought your knee up to rest on his legs. 

Moments after the plane had taken off, Sihtric gently pushed your chin up to kiss you. Soft, sweet pecks at first, but soon enough his kisses became deeper and sloppier. He held your face while his other hand found its way to your ass, softly massaging as he moved his big, warm hand over the smooth fabric of your matching sweatpants, and occasionally giving you a firm squeeze. He hummed and chuckled softly during the sweet but intense make out session. And you don't know what suddenly got into you, but you couldn't seem to stop yourself from rubbing your palm over his crotch, feeling his cock harden quickly.

'Don't tease me like that,' Sihtric whispered, smiling, before he kissed you again while he squeezed your ass a little harder.

'You're my husband,' you giggled softly, 'I can tease you all I want.'

'Mhm,' he hummed, 'I am your husband, and proudly so,' he whispered, 'but you know we're too loud to have sex on a plane, bunny. We won't get away with it.'

'Don't worry,' you grinned as you snuck your hand down his sweatpants, 'I don't want to have sex.'

'You don't?' Sihtric furrowed his brow as he stared at you from behind his sunglasses, but he quickly smiled again as you continued teasing him with your hand.

'No,' you shrugged with a sly smile, granting him a few more seconds of the secret pleasure.

Then you abruptly pulled away from him and got up, leaving your seat. You looked back over your shoulder as you made way to the toilets, and you waited for about a minute before Sihtric managed to follow you without raising any suspicion. Without anyone noticing, you pulled him into the cramped space, locked the door, closed the toilet lid, and you pushed Sihtric to sit down before he could even take off his glasses.

'Wow, baby,' Sihtric chuckled and pushed the hood of his sweater down while he removed his shades, 'what has gotten into you today?'

You had no idea what had gotten into you, all you wanted was to please your husband right now. So you just gave him a cheeky smile and a shrug. Then, you parted his knees and kneeled down between his thighs. Sihtric leaned back, biting down on his lip with a sly smile, his eyes already heavy, his cheeks coloured rosy while his hands moved up into your loose hair.

'Hm, you gonna treat me, bunny?' he husked.

'Mhm,' you hummed with a smile, moving your hands slowly up his muscular thighs.

You cupped his arousal, gently massaging him as you leaned in to kiss his lips. Sihtric hummed against your lips, already struggling to contain his excitement, and you told him he better be quiet.

'How quiet I am,' he said and leaned back again, 'depends entirely on my wife.'

You smiled, then took out his cock, and proceeded to give him the best blowjob he ever had, according to him. And you knew he wasn't lying, as he nearly blacked out after you made him finish. And you knew his heavy, beast-like growl was without a doubt heard outside of the toilet door. But you didn't care. You wiped your mouth with a smile, satisfied that you could please your husband that good it made him lose his ability to function for a good while afterwards. After you had quickly hopped back to your seat, Sihtric followed shortly after, stumbling as his head was still spinning. He sat down with a deep sigh and pulled you into his arms again, holding you tightly against his chest.

'Thank you, bunny,' Sihtric whispered and pecked your lips, then he pulled the hood of his comfy sweater up again and put his sunglasses back on.

'My pleasure,' you smiled and kissed his cheek, 'I love you.'

'I love you more. I promise I'll show you a good time after we land,' he said with a smile.

'Eh... at the airport toilet?' you grimaced.

'What? No!' Sihtric snorted, 'you know I prefer to eat in my car,' he winked.

You were both happy to be back home again, and you were also thrilled to find out Sihtric had accepted a rather short notice job. He was invited to attend a charity event at a local gym in two weeks, which helped troubled youngsters to stay off the streets and take their issues out with boxing. As Sihtric was quite the troublemaker himself, sometimes still struggling to stay on the right track, he gladly accepted the invite, but only if you'd join him, which you would.

Despite feeling a little under the weather that day, you enjoyed seeing him teach a whole bunch of children and teenagers some kickboxing basics during a masterclass. After that, there was a Q&A, which you enjoyed even more. You told Sihtric you wanted to sit with the crowd, not on stage, as you had no business there, but Sihtric only agreed if you'd be in the first row where he could see you, so he knew you were still close. 

You smiled at the sight of him, as he was clearly quite enjoying this day, despite being the centre of attention. The difference was that there was no media around, except for a local newspaper, so no one bothered him with private matters or made things uncomfortable.

'Will you come out of retirement again?' one youngster asked during the Q&A.

Sihtric chuckled when the entire crowd erupted in massive cheers, and he couldn't speak before everyone quieted down, so he glanced at you. You shrugged lightly, knowing that you could never decide that for him, and never would.

'I don't know if I will ever fight professional again,' Sihtric answered honestly, earring a few taunting boos from the kids, 'but I will fight whoever booed me,' Sihtric quickly remarked, to which everyone laughed and a few brave teens yelled they're up for it.

He looked at you again and you smiled at each other. You mouthed an I love you to him, to which he visibly blushed and blew you a quick kiss, which left you with a satisfied grin.

'How do you stay grounded when you are capable of fighting at the highest level? Like… how do you deal with fame?' someone else asked.

'Eh,' Sihtric said, then paused for a moment. 'As most of you may know, I don't deal well with fame at all. But,' he paused again, 'you need good people around you, people you trust,' Sihtric said, 'I'm blessed with my team. They stuck with me despite the stupid things I have done. Not just in the past, but also recently. Look,' he said, 'I don't have everything figured out either. Half of the time I don't know what I'm doing, or where I'm going. It's a weird life,' he admitted, 'it's not always fun. It can be very lonely, very isolating. It can become very depressing. Getting into the game because you want to be famous is the worst thing you can do. If you train with that goal in mind, I can guarantee you, you will fail. You have to want to become the best because you love the sport, not everything that comes with it. Because at the end of the day, after winning that huge title fight you so desperately wanted, and you're alone in your hotel room with that belt in your hands,' he paused again and shook his head lightly, 'you will find out that the belt, the title, the money, all that… it means fuck all.'

'Oh, ehh,' the host of the event said quickly after Sihtric's cursing.

'Oh, fuck, sorry,' Sihtric said, then groaned, 'I mean, crap,' he chuckled when everyone laughed.

You laughed, but had teared up at his speech, feeling awfully emotional for some reason, and it only got worse as the Q&A continued.

'What I try to say is, you have to be yourself, no matter what. Pay attention to those who have your back now and stick with you all the way to the top. Because those are the people you can trust. I'm sure you all know Uhtred and Finan,' Sihtric said, 'they've been with me from the beginning. But remember, always be wary of those who start to get close after you're booking success.'

Sihtric looked down at his feet when he earned a rather deafening applause and you quickly wiped a tear away.

'Do you still feel lonely?' a boy suddenly asked him.

Sihtric's stern look softened, and a shy smile appeared along with a spark in his eyes.

'No,' he said, 'I don't. Not anymore,' he looked at you, 'I've been blessed with a pretty lady who didn't care about who I was or what I had. In fact, she didn't even like me at first,' he laughed, 'but I still married her. She saw right through me and my tough guy act. Things would've been way different if she didn't stick around through some of the shi-, I mean, the hell I've put her through ever since we met. So,' he sniffled and cleared his throat, 'a good group of friends around you is important, but also a husband or wife who has your back is really important, if not the most important. Believe me, nothing beats the feeling of coming home and having someone who is waiting for you to step through that front door.'

You were a bawling mess by the end of the Q&A, and Sihtric was quick to run up to you as everyone left the room.

'Hey,' he cupped your cheeks, 'what's wrong, love? You look a little pale.'

'God, I don't know,' you sighed, 'I just don't feel well and your stupid speech made me cry,' you sniffled, 'honey, I'm sorry, but I really think it's better for me if I go home. I really don't feel good.'

'No, it's okay,' Sihtric said as he embraced you, 'I'm sure they'll understand why we are going home, bunny.'

'What?' you looked up at him, 'no, sweetheart, you stay here. I can get a ride home.'

'But-'

'No, Sihtric. These kids are dying to meet you, to have a chat and get a picture. You can't leave. I won't let you.'

'But-'

'No,' you said sternly, 'just stay, okay? You can't do much for me anyway back home, and It's good for you to do this on your own too. You will be fine, I promise,' you pecked his lips, 'just don't fight with anyone, that's all.'

Sihtric gave you a pained look. He really didn't want to let you go back home on your own, and he also truly didn't want to be left on his own either, but he knew you were right. Reluctantly, he agreed and called Finan to pick you up, as he didn't want you to get a random cab home. And after an uncountable 'I love you's' and endless quick kisses, Sihtric finally let you close the car door and allowed Finan to drive off.

'Fin?' you asked from the backseat, 'can you please stop by a pharmacy?'

'Uh, yeah,' the Irish man said, 'you okay?'

'Yeah, just gotta grab some… stuff.'

'Stuff, huh?' he asked, 'anything Sihtric should know of?'

'No, no,' you said, 'it's probably nothing.'

'Not pregnant, are you?' Finan snickered.

'Heh, imagine,' you feigned a chuckle and stared out of the car window.

The next afternoon you felt even more nauseous than the day before, where Sihtric had found you asleep in bed by the time he came home in the evening. And today, you had to tell Sihtric some news, but you couldn't find him in the annoyingly big house. When you decided to give up and just sit in the living room in your pyjamas, Sihtric suddenly snuck his arms around you from behind. You cursed loudly at the sudden scare, but you were also glad to have found your husband again.

'So-,' you tried to speak.

'Come with me,' Sihtric said as he took your hand, not hearing you.

Before you could say something else, he pulled you with him through the kitchen, into the gigantic backyard. It was early fall, but it was a pleasantly warm afternoon. Sihtric was dressed in an unbuttoned flannel, exposing his trained body while his signature black sweatpants were underneath, and his hair was tied back in a bun. He was effortlessly looking good, as per usual, you thought. You only decided to ignore the white socks he wore in those hideous green flip flops.

'Where are we going?' you asked, 'what are you doing?'

'I'm not telling,' Sihtric smiled as he guided you into the small forest he owned.

A few minutes later you stumbled upon a large blanket, spread out on the leaf covered ground, on which a few pillows and all kinds of foods and drinks were placed.

'Siht?' you teared up as you looked back at him, 'what is this? Wha-'

'Shh,' he hushed you with a kiss and led you onto the soft blanket, 'sit.'

You sat down, trying to be as relaxed as possible, but you couldn't shake your nerves despite the sweet, romantic setting.

'So,' Sihtric said as he poured you a cup of tea from a thermos flask, 'I have something to tell you.'

'Oh,' you looked surprised, 'I… I actually have something to tell you too.'

'Oh?' he said as he poured himself a cup, 'you go first then, bunny,' he smiled sweetly after he brought his full attention to you.

'No, no,' you chuckled, 'it's okay, love. I mean,' you looked around, 'you did all this? Why?'

'No, it can wait,' Sihtric smiled and kissed your cheek, 'spill your news.'

'No, I-'

'Love, just tell m-' Sihtric cut you off.

'No, babe-' you interrupted him.

This cutting off continued for a short while, until you both got so confused and riled up, that you both spilled your news at the same time, by accident, while completely talking over each other.

'Bunny, the UFC offered me a contract and I've signed it.'

'Honey, I'm pregnant.'

taglist: @clairacassidy @finanmoghra @uunotheangel @hb8301 @bathedinheat @neonhairspray @anaeve @bubblyabs @travelingmypassion @sylasthegrim @bubbles-for-all-of-us @andakth @bel-bottoms @willowbrookesblog @lady-targaryens-world @skyofficialxx @diosademuerte @elle4404 @alexagirlie @sweetxime @solango @gemini-mama @cheyennep3107 @little-diable @jennifer0305 @drwstarkeyy @mrsarnasdelicious @verenahx @urmomsgirlfriend1

#sihtric x reader #sihtric x you #sihtric #the last kingdom fic #sihtric fic #sihtric kjartansson #the last kingdom #tlk #sihtric kjartanson #modern!sihtric

[stuckybarton]

Heads Under Water XV

Summary: Things come to a head for everyone to see. Character: K'uk'ulkan/Namor x Atlantean Descendant! Filipino! Female Reader. Word Count: 1,317 Chapter Warnings: Mention of Alcohol Consumption. K'uk'ulkan is groveling! A/N: Not yet back, just thought I could post this just for the hell of it. Just gave birth and me and the baby are back home so there is that little reason for me still not being able to be back.

Series Masterlist || Masterlist || Join the Library (no longer do taglist you can just turn on notif here)

Part XV

Somehow, the worse decision you have made was drinking. Catching up with your cousins meant sharing a good few beers and array of other alcohol that they could get in a short notice. You’ve consumed a beer too many from the likes of it and after everyone was asleep, you were sitting by the sand, watching the moon.

One hand held onto the remaining can of beer and the other held onto the conch shell K'uk'ulkan had given you before you left Wakanda. It still made you wonder how such an ordinary shell could communicate with the bastard. You had done your best to tinker with the damn shell without damaging it but all leads to the fact that it was an ordinary shell. The bastard must be fucking with you one last time.

“Fuck it.” You muttered downing the remaining beer before taking a deep breath and holding the shell against your lips.

It was midnight and you were certain that no one would be awake at this time so you did was you do best in times of drunken stupor, you cursed in your mother language right at the shell, over and over again, you called the man every choice words in your book for the shit he has placed on you. Making you like him, trusting him, and making you feel the very thing you tried your best to avoid all your life—love.

 “I fucking hate you for making me feel like this. For making feel like I deserve even a sprinkle of love then you all crush it down to hurt me.” You spat before you threw the shell onto the water with a resounding plop.

Wobbling back up, you tried to regain your balance in your drunken state and somehow you felt a little bit lighter for what you’ve done. Taking a deep lungful breath of the cold air, you exhaled and made your way back home. Praying you wouldn’t have to deal with the hangover that was always accompanies your drinking.

Stumbling your way back home, the familiar sensation of someone watching you was ignored as you shut the door behind you and went to bed, the dream of the man with dangerous brown eyes was there to keep you company for the next morning.

It was the fluttering warmth of the morning sun that brought you back to consciousness the following day. Making your way down to the kitchen, you caught sight of your parents in the dinner table. A hearty breakfast and strong coffee freshly brewed was there to welcome you for the morning.

“Morning,” You greeted plopping down besides your father, head resting on his shoulder while you tried to recover from the antics of last night.

“Unang gabi mo sa bahay alak agad inatupag mo kasama mga pinsan mo. (It’s your first night back and the first thing you do is drink with your cousin).” Your father playfully scolded. Hand already going right at work with rubbing your aching forehead. “Uminom ka ng kape para mahimasmasan ka. (Drink your coffee so you could recover).” He continued on.

You did just that. Drinking the kapeng barako with gusto, never minding the scorching heat from it and it did help with the headache a little but it would take you the entire day to recover the rest of it out of your system.

“Ano mga gagawin mo habang nandito ka sa bahay? (What are you planning to do while you’re in the house?)” Your mother inquired, handing you a plate of fried rice, dried fish, and spam.

“Papahinga lang muna ako ngayon siguro. (Maybe I’ll just recover for today).” You pointed out.

“Oo nga pala, Anak. Dumaan pala yung isa mo pang kaibigan. Sinabi ko nagpapahinga ka. (That reminds me, Baby. Another one of your friends stopped by. I told them you were still sleeping).”

The hairs at the back of your head stood at your mother’s words. Looking at her she seemed unfazed by whoever stopped by, but after what had happened from last night—the recollection of your drunken spree, you somehow feared for the worst.

“Sino? (Who?)”

“Namora ata yung pangalan niya? Hindi ko rin matandaan. Basta babae sya na kulay blue. Okay lang bang sabihin ko yun? (I think Namora was her name? I don’t really remember. But she was a blue-colored girl. Is that okay for me to say?)”

They have actually found you.

~ ‘I fucking hate you for making me feel like this. For making feel like I deserve even a sprinkle of love then you all crush it down to hurt me.’

When he had first received your message, he was happy that you eventually did want to talk to him. But what followed was a shrilling scream that almost woke the entire Talokanil population. Then it was an array of foreign words that he didn’t know the full context but caught glimpses here and there that he was for certain were curse words directed at him.

The next thing he had picked up was the slight slur in your words that had worried him for a moment fearing you to be in danger but only realized you were drunk by the hiccups that followed. Then it had ended with a confession that he would have never thought would ever come out of your lips.

Over and over those words had haunted him. It had been a week now since you’ve left, a week of him trying to handle the damage caused by the people of Atlantis, the cleanup had been a nightmare and the worry of his people was something he constantly needed to reassure. He genuinely had his hands tied behind his back and he could not choose to go to you as he is needed by his people first and foremost.

He needed to figure out where the enemy resides before anything else. Before he could truly pursue you in a mission to gain your forgiveness and trust back.

“K'uk'ulkan,”

He didn’t need to look behind him to know who it was. Since that fateful day in his chambers, Namora had tried her best to keep him at arms-length, focusing more on helping with the search, as well as assisting with whatever the people of Talokan would need while they recover. It was the first time in days since they had even spoke to each other.

“Namora,” He turned to acknowledge her, the frown that was now constantly evident in her features shook him still. It was because of him that she felt like so.

Without another word, the familiar shell he had given you a week ago was thrown towards him. The frown that reach his face could not fully express the utter confusion of why Namora had it in her possession. It was supposed to be with you.

“Leti' u ma'alo'ob u u ts'ook le ken estuvo waye'. (She is doing better than the last time she was here).” Namora explained his confusion. “Bey u náachkunta'al Wakanda yéetel Talokan ti' betaji' ba'al ma'alob. (It seems getting away from Wakanda and Talokan had done her some good.).”

He found himself visibly flinch at her words. But he was still, at fault for what had happened to you even throughout the days that you were in his chambers. Try as he might to deny it there was the underlying truth of your captivity in his chambers and the effect it had on your psyche as a result.

“Yaan in meentik le ba'alo'ob ma'alob. K'abéet in meetej ma'alob. (I will make things right. I need to make things right).”

In this moment in time, he was uncertain who he was making such a promise to. If it was to Namora, to you, or to himself. But one way or another, he needed to keep his word even if it means compromising everything else just to make it so.

#k'uk'ulkan x reader #K'uk'ulkan x filipino!reader #K'uk'ulkan smut #K'uk'ulkan series #K'uk'ulkan oneshot #K'uk'ulkan oneshots #K'uk'ulkan angst #K'uk'ulkan fluff #K'uk'ulkan imagines #K'uk'ulkan imagine #namor x reader #namor x filipino!reader #namor smut #namor series #namor oneshot #namor oneshots #namor angst #namor fluff #namor imagines

[ereawrites]

Book Club - Kakashi Hatake

Bonus Chapter - Men Are From Mars

Genma is a menace to society, Kurenai is your guardian angel, and you're going to have a hangover.

word count 1.6k (9.2k words total)

cw: alcohol use

read it on ao3 here

The next week is mostly uneventful, until Saturday. On Tuesday, it's Haruki's birthday, so you treat your team to tayaki on the way home from training; afterwards, they all beg you for ice cream, even Toshiko (who never expresses much enthusiasm for anything). An evil spirit on a higher salary than you must possess your body, because you say yes, and then you're sure to send them home to their mothers just before the sugar rush hits them. 

On Friday evening, a chance encounter with Genma ends up with both of you drunk in a bar. He's incorrigible as he drags you down the street, ignoring your half-hearted protests. "Come on, (name)-chan!", he insists, shoving you through the door. He's always called you that, even after you punched him in the Academy for it. "Don't make me drink alone - that would just be pathetic."

"Here's an idea, Genma - stop pushing, you've got me in the damn building already! - you could just not drink?"

He looks positively scandalised. "On a Friday?" Kami, he's annoying, but at least he pulls out the bar stool for you once he releases his iron grip on your shoulders.

"You know that only works for jobs where you get the weekend off, right?", you insist, one last attempt to get home at a reasonable hour. He's already ordering two bottles of sake. Oh, well. If you can't fight it then you may as well accept it.

Genma has a way with getting people drunk, and within the hour you're both leaning heavily against the bar top - he's flushed red, as he always does.. You nudge him on the arm. "You look boiling. Why not take your jacket off?". You've already done so: yours was covered in dust from today's training anyway, not exactly Friday night attire. At least the long-sleeve beneath is somewhat clean.

He winks at you. "You're a woman. You know how the ladies love a man in uniform."

"Are you blind-?!", you blurt a little louder than intended, spinning on your stool to gesture out at the room, "-it's a bar on the shinobi side of town - half the guys here are wearing the exact same jacket!"

"Which means I've already got an advantage over the other half.", Genma quips, and you glare at him.

"Don't tell me you're going to ditch me to go flirt."

He pats you on the arm. "I wouldn't dream of it. I actually went out last night so I already got-" you intensify your glare and raise a cautionary finger, "...Well, you know. But, hey, that doesn't mean we can't find some romance for you, (name)-chan. That guy over there's been looking at you for twenty minutes."

Genma's voice is sickly sweet, dripping with honeyed glee. You follow his gaze over to the man and barely conceal a shiver. He was a couple of years above you at the Academy, if you remember correctly, and yet he only passed the chuunin exams last year. "Oh, please, no - you're going to have to kiss me to scare him off."

"No offence, but I wouldn't go there.", Genma replies, then sips his sake as if he hasn't just horribly insulted you. It's silly how the comment makes your pride flare - Kami knows you'd never go there either - but you can't help it, especially after alcohol. A reminder seems in order.

"You begged me to be your girlfriend when we were nine, Genma-kun."

He laughs loudly, throwing an arm around your shoulder just long enough to deter the older man. "And I never forgot how you turned me down! Good thing I'm so dashingly handsome, or my ego might never have recovered."

You scoff, half-joking. "Your ego is fine, trust me."

"And yours is fragile tonight.", he responds, gently shrugging his shoulder into you. You instantly shoot him an apologetic look, albeit a little confused - you two have always bantered, but now he sounds uncharacteristically serious. Have you upset him? "...For the record, I totally think you're hot."

You try to smack him on the arm, miss, and hit the edge of the bar instead. Genma bursts into raucous laughter again, so genuine you can't help but join in. "Please don't ever say that again.", you grin, cradling your sore palm.

"Don't worry. I wouldn't want to upset Hatake."

The smile drops off your face, and his widens even further. "No! Don't tell me you know too!". Genma has a reputation for playing matchmaker for his own entertainment, even when neither party is particularly enthused by the idea. You briefly envision him trapping you and Kakashi in a broom cupboard together, or telling Kakashi with all the good intentions in the world how much you like him. 

You pluck the senbon from his mouth and wave it threateningly. It takes him a second to register the absence. "Promise me you won't say anything to Kakashi. You know he's more skittish than a deer with things like this.", you insist. Genma swallows, still smirking. "I swear I'll stick this senbon right in your-"

"Alright!", he laughs. "But I do think you guys need to get over yourselves and just confess."

"I agree, Genma."

Oh, brilliant, it's Asuma. 

He emerges from the growing crowd, sliding in next to Genma and looking at you sternly. "It's been weeks already since you figured out his feelings. I know you planned to goad him into confessing first, but clearly that isn't working." 

Genma slaps an enthusiastic palm onto his knee. "He's right, (name)-chan! I mentioned your name to Hatake on Monday and he choked on air. It isn't right for a grown man to act like that." 

"Neither of you get it!", you reply indignantly, and wonder for a moment why you agreed to go drinking with a man who has never had a relationship last longer than a month. "If I just come right out with it so soon - oh, forget it, I need to talk to a woman about this. Asuma, where's Kurenai?"

Asuma, to his credit, barely flinches. "Kurenai? I don't-"

"Don't even try it, I know you're meeting her here-" 

Kurenai appears through the door promptly. Genma high fives you without even looking. The best thing about having shinobi friends is that they hear you call them even in a crowded bar; Kurenai swans over with the elegance of a woman who hasn't started drinking yet, squeezes Asuma's forearm by way of greeting, and chuckles at you and Genma.

"Started early, did you two?" You didn't think you looked that bad. But, when you give Genma a good look, you notice that his bandana is lopsided and his drink is dangerously close to tipping out the glass. 

"That's my fault, I admit it." Genma admits gleefully, never one for shame.

"Kurenai, help me-", you beg, seizing her hands. Her warm eyes crease with concern. "These stupid, stupid boys don't understand why I can't 'just tell' Kakashi I have feelings for him, rather than playing the long game." 

She furrows her eyebrows, giving the boys a good long stare. "How much have you had to drink? It's Kakashi. He'd go back to ANBU before he talks about his emotions." Although Genma scoffs and rolls his eyes, you don't fail to notice how Asuma hums noncommittally when Kurenai looks at him. Fucking traitor.

"Sure, he's ridiculous, but guys just don't respond well to that weird cat-and-mouse thing you've got going.", Genma reasons. You'd take that a lot more seriously if it was anyone other than him saying it.

Kurenai takes the drink that Asuma has ordered for her with a smile. "Say what you will, but I used that same strategy on Asuma here." 

Asuma blinks. "...What are you talking about? We had a mature discussion."

"We did-", she nods, sipping her drink and watching him flounder. "After flirting for two months.  You would never have confessed so readily if I hadn't laid the groundwork first." Asuma blinks again, then turns back to the bar and asks for something stronger.

"I love you.", you almost sob, dragging her into a hug. Women, Genma mutters as he turns to Asuma; you both ignore him in favour of catching up instead. It's nice to see Kurenai and even nicer to have some girl talk after an hour of Genma, but you're reluctant to keep her for too long when she's with Asuma, so you discreetly point out an empty booth on the far side of the bar after a few moments. Just as they're leaving you, she looks back over her shoulder, and you mouth tell me everything next time.

"Ah, (name), I almost forgot to mention.", Asuma calls. You and Genma both sway dangerously as you spin back around. "Kakashi wanted you to know he's expected back in the village tomorrow." All of a sudden you're filled with the urge to chase after him and grab him and shake him, and shout whatexactlydidhesaytellmetellmetellme- but that's ridiculous, and they're already gone into the crowd, and Asuma wouldn't entertain your Sakura Haruno-like-behaviour anyway.

Genma wolf-whistles, and hands you another drink. You hesitate - you can't handle your alcohol like you used to, and you're not sure if you're keen on Kakashi seeing you hungover. That won't have him in any hurry to confess. Then you remember that you'll probably see - or at least hear - Naruto tomorrow too, and that settles the matter. You drink deeply.

"So, how about you forget to wear a bra tomorrow? If that doesn't push him over the edge, I don't know what will." 

#naruto #kakashi x reader #kakashi hatake #kakashi #Naruto x reader #genma shiranui #genma #kurenai yuhi #asuma sarutobi #book club

[kazimakuwabara]

Meet My Dad

Summary: Kuwabara's friends meet his father. His friends are amazing. (angst, shitty!dad, friendship) ((i might turn this into a long fic, or do another series of drabbles. I am thinking about it)

***

It's a lazy sort of day.

It's hot outside, there's no work, no school, no worries. It's the perfect kind of day for Kuwabara and Yusuke to lounge around Kuwabara's living room and play some video games. Kurama reads a book in the chair, idly commenting every so often when Yusuke and Kuwabara get stuck on a level. Hiei is sprawled on the couch forcing Yusuke and Kuwabara to play on the floor. Hiei watches their struggle with their game with one eye open, pretending he's not interested.

It's a damn good day.

The doorbell goes off, and Kuwabara opens his mouth to plead with Shizuru to get it.

"Don't you dare shout!" Shizuru warns as she glides past the living room, "I've a terrible hangover. I've got the door. Don't you fucking breathe a word or make a sound!"

Kuwabara snaps his mouth shut, and Yusuke giggles and elbows Kuwabara. Kurama and Hiei are also making soft snickering sounds, charmed as ever by Shizuru's display of sibling affection.

A few seconds pass, and then they hear a door bang against the wall, and Shizuru's shout of, "Get the hell out of my house!"

Kuwabara freezes as he recognizes that voice, his head snapping to the hallway. Kurama and Hiei are already getting up, Hiei already zipping towards the hall, a hand on his sword. Hiei is brushed past when a thick hand presses itself to Hiei's chest, and shoves him back. Not rough, nor threatening, but strong enough to push an S-class demon aside. Hiei's expression is surprised, but it's not at the touch. It's at the face of the one who moved him aside.

Kuwabara gets on his feet, dread curling in his belly.

He and his dad look so alike, his father may as well be his older self. His dad is aged so well, that they could be siblings. Twins even.

Kahoe Kuwabara pushes his sunglasses up on his head, and snaps at Kuwabara, "Kazuma. Let's go. You've been summoned."

Shizuru slides down the hall, her nostril's flaring and jaw set. She puts a hand on Hiei's shoulder, who now recovered from this older man's appearance, looks like he had been about to draw his sword. Kuwabara wishes Shizuru would let him.

"You're not welcome to come and go as you please-" Shizuru hisses.

"Shizuru, not now," Kahoe says, his eyes on his son, "You've been summoned to the mountain. Let's go."

"He's not going anywhere you fucking asshole!" Shizuru shouts, her low voice pitched high with her anger.

Kuwabara's neck and ears are blazing hot. He's embarrassed for reasons he doesn't even fully register, but he feels Kurama anxiously looking at him, and it's a slap of cold reality. His friends are meeting his father. They are going to know.

"Pops, get outta here. I ain't gonna do anything with you, Granddad, the shrine, or that fucking cursed mountain."

Kahoe slaps him with the back of his hand, and Kuwabara closes his eyes and inhales. It barely hurts. His father's hits stopped hurting when he was eleven; he had outgrown his father's strength then. But Kuwbaara aches with a different kind of hurt, a shame that his sister is always telling him he doesn't need to feel. But he's more than embarrassed, and he's ashamed even if he knows this isn't his fault.

Of course, his friends had to be here to see this.

He opens his eyes, and the ugly feeling that had been curling around the back of his neck fades at the sight.

Hiei has Kahoe Kuwabara backed up against the wall, a blade pressed to his throat. Hiei is not holding back, nor is his threat empty. A line of blood is trailing slowly down his sword, as he keeps his hand steady. Yusuke is up in front of Kahoe, his chest puffed, and his yoki ominously pressing the man back. Kurama has a hand on Yusuke's shoulder, clearly restraining Yusuke, but also himself as he levels Kuwabara's father with the coldest of glares.

Shizuru reaches Kuwabara's side, and curls her arm around her brother's foream, before turning her glare to their father.

"I told you after last time, not to presume you could walk around here and bother us," Shizuru spits acidly. "You can't speak to us, or our friends as if you're just... just part of our lives. You're not."

Kuwabara takes his own steadying breath, "Real charming dad. Great first impression with my friends."

"You're acting childish! You've been summoned. A man does his duty," Kahoe says, his Reiki, an impressive staggering amount, spilling into the room.

It only sets Kuwabara's friends more ill at ease.

Kuwabara's chin trembles, and he feels a thousand different things swirling inside him that he could hurl at his father. But there's so much to say, Kuwabara can't find the words.

"Only a man should lecture Kazuma Kuwabara," Hiei says slowly, "I see you don't fit that description."

"So watch your fucking mouth!" Yusuke hisses.

Kahoe tries to ignore Kuwabara's impressive friends, as he always ignores everyone until he needs them. He stares at Kuwabara, the two at last the same height. Kuwabara doesn't find the man so imposing now that he doesn't have to look up at him.

"You've been summoned. You're strong enough to take care of the mountain. The shrine needs your strength," Kahoe says, voice plain.

"I'm not going. The shrine, the monks, Granddad, and you can all rot in hell. Go catch fire on the mountain. Go die trying to save it," Kuwabara spits.

Shizuru slides her hand into her brothers, and she can feel her pride.

"You're not my family, and neither are they. Get out of here," Kuwabara orders again.

Kahoe levels his son with a stare and he knows his dad is going to attack his conscience.

"And if innocent people die, it's on your head because of your refusal, Kazuma. They'll have all died because of your petty discontent towards your father."

Yusuke palms Kahoe's face and he slams the back of his head into the wall. It is with a real effort he doesn't put the man's head through it. He overpowers Kahoe's Reiki with his own Yoki, a staggering force to be reckoned with. For good measure, he puts his reiki on top of his Yoki so Kahoe can feel just how mighty he is.

"Alright asshole, you're done," Yusuke snaps.

"I-" Kuwabara's father tries, but Yusuke squeezes the man's skull like he could pop his brains out through the top of his head.

"You're not wanted here. And whatever you want Kuwabara to fucking do, he ain't gotta do shit for you if he doesn't want. In fact, I'll be damned if I even let him feel tempted to help you. You're not his family. We're his family, and I don't recognize you!"

"I'll get the door," Kurama says smoothly, breezing down the hallway.

Yusuke drags Kahoe out.

Hiei wipes his sword before he sheathes it, and looks at Kuwabara. He doesn't say anything, he doesn't even have a question in those eyes. Kuwabara shrinks away anyway, sits back on the floor, and picks up the remote control.

"He's gone," Kurama announces when he returns.

Kuwabara can hear his friends gather around him. He holds up Yusuke's controller, "You want to play another round or what?"

When no one responds, Kuwabara resumes the game, "Fine, I'm just gonna kill your guy then."

Kuwabara's vision goes blurry as his character wins on screen. Yusuke drops next to him, his arms slung over Kuwabara's shoulder, and his hand buried in Kuwabara's hair, ruining his pompadour. Kuwabara feels shame when his breath catches, and Yusuke pulls him into a crushing hug.

Yusuke and Kuwabara hug in silence, while Kuwabara's eyes squeeze shut as he fights off a wave of disgust, repulsion, and guilt all aimed at himself. When Kuwabara opens his eyes, Yusuke is still hugging him, Hiei and Kurama are sitting on the coffee table watching them both closely. Shizuru has her arms crossed, and her eyes shine as she looks at the group.

Kuwabara shudders, "So... that was my dad."

"I'm surprised. There is hardly any resemblance," Kurama says, and his words sound so honest Kuwabara laughs, and he has to bat away some more tears.

"Well... there's some resemblance," Kuwabara admits, knowing full well he and his old man look pretty damn similar.

"Not anything where it matters it would seem," Hiei drawls. "Are you attached? I could kill him."

Kuwabara doesn't answer, and Shizuru mutters, "I might take you up on that if he shows back up."

"Kuwabara?" Yusuke says, hand on the back of his best friend's head, "You don't gotta tell us what all that shit was about, but if he tries to bring any sort of trouble, you know you an rely on us, right?"

Kuwabara shudders, and he laughs bitterly. There's a lot about his family he hasn't told his friends, but then again he stopped considering his Dad and those linked to him, his family a long time ago. It was him and Shizuru, just those two against the world. Had been for a while.

Had been sine he was born.

"I know I can rely on you guys... I... I just never wanted you to meet him," Kuwabara's words crack, and he closes his eyes.

The group hug he feels curl around him, breaks him, and he chokes on a sob, as he keeps fighting to keep it all in. He never wanted them to know, and he still doesn't think he can tell them everything.

But God, Kuwabara's friends are great.

#Kazi fanfic #yyh #Kazuma Kuwabara #hiei #yusuke #yusuke urameshi #kurama #friendship #found family #shitty!kuwabara dad #hurt/comfort #kuwabara

[ninja-muse]

As you might know if you saw my review the other day, my December felt very slumpy even though I read a lot of good books. I suspect this is because of book hangovers and working a busy Christmas retail season. (I also didn't write much because I kept coming home too wiped to think.)

But it was a good month! I managed to get to a couple new releases that I really wanted to, and I knocked a lot of books off my physical TBR because none of my ARCs looking interesting. I did have a DNF again, though, of a book that I was really hoping would be great. Isn't that always the way?

I also had two rereads! One because sometimes when you're at a loss to read, you pick up Pratchett, and one because I'd promised myself I'd get to it this year and dash it, I was going to! Weirdos of the Universe, Unite! was one of the most seminal books of my childhood, and it wasn't until I reread it that I realized just how much it was. I saw a lot of my personal attitude to life in Maddy, it was probably my first true urban fantasy even though there's a whole act on a spaceship, Baba Yaga is there as a very cranky but practical sort of witch…

As for my book haul, I just want to say that it was Christmas and I didn't actually buy anything? My parents came through with some really oddball picks, as I'd expected, my sister gifted me one of her favourite reads of the year, and friends helped feed my T. Kingfisher addiction. (More on that in my yearly wrap-up.)

But the book I'm most excited to have gotten is Hogfather, and not because of the pretty cover though that's a bonus. It is, in fact, the most astounding misprint I've ever seen and I couldn't pass up a chance at a free copy. I mean, how many times do you find a beloved book in which the entire thing is bound backwards?! Thank goodness the publisher didn't want it back, is all I'm saying.

And that's probably about it! I have no idea what book I'm going to start 2024 with, because I sort of read 200+ pages of Persepolis Rising last night so I could knock it off my list and now I'm recovering from the binge.

And now without further ado, in order of enjoyment…

A Power Unbound - Freya Marske

Jack, Alan, and their friends must find a hidden artifact and foil a plot. This would go better if Jack and Alan got along.

8/10

🏳️‍🌈 main characters (gay, bi man), 🏳️‍🌈 secondary characters (gay, bi woman, lesbian, genderfluid) 🏳️‍🌈 author

All the Hidden Paths - Foz Meadows

Velasin and Caethari are still feeling out their relationship when they’re summoned to the capital and almost immediately find themselves targeted again..

7.5/10

🏳️‍🌈 main characters (mlm), 🏳️‍🌈 secondary characters (mlm), mute secondary character, cast of colour, 🏳️‍🌈 author warning: anxiety, aftermath of trauma, dubious consent

Last Chance to See - Douglas Adams with Mark Carwadine

A bumbling science fiction author travels the world in search of endangered animals.

7/10

Illuminations - T. Kingfisher

Rosa wants to help her artist-magician family, but instead she accidentally releases a creature bent on destroying them!

8/10

Lovecraft Country - Matt Ruff

Two Chicago families in the 1950s become caught up in a world of cults, ghosts, monsters, and magical danger. Fortunately, they’ve had lots of practice at mistrusting white folks.

7.5/10

primarily Black cast

warning: depicts Jim Crow-era racism, including slurs; also abusive family dynamics

Persepolis Rising - James S.A. Corey

Thirty years on, the system has achieved a new normal. So of course one of the colony planets decides it’s time to shake things up.

7.5/10

very racially diverse cast

Remarkably Bright Creatures - Shelby Van Pelt

A cleaner at an aquarium mourns her losses. A young California man seeks his absentee father. The resident octopus tries to bring them together.

7.5/10

Jamaican secondary character, Korean-American secondary character

Ragnarok - A.S. Byatt

A child in wartime discovers Norse mythology, and the ways myths and the world reflect each other.

7.5/10

warning: animal cruelty and injury

While Idaho Slept - J. Reuben Appelman

Four students are murdered in a single night, and what came before and after.

7/10

warning: violent murders

Monstress, Volume 3 - Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda (illustrator)

Maika finds temporary refuge from the people chasing her, but the local leaders want a favour in return.

7/10

one-armed protagonist, cast of colour, 🏳️‍🌈 secondary characters (sapphic), Taiwanese-American author and Japanese-American illustrator

Reread

Weirdos of the Universe, Unite! - Pamela F. Service

Mandy and Owen get assigned a mythology paper, but then the characters they pick start coming to life and insisting they have a great purpose.

Black secondary character, Indigenous secondary character, Chinese secondary character

warning: somewhat lazy depictions of Indigenous and Chinese people

The Unadulterated Cat - Terry Pratchett with Gray Jolliffe (illustrator)

A humourous celebration of all things cat.

DNF

The Undetectables - Courtney Smyth

Someone’s committing Occult murders and a crack team of Occult investigators has been called in. Or, they’re totally going to be the crack team someday, at least.

main character with fibromyalgia, 🏳️‍🌈 secondary characters (lesbian), fat secondary character, Chinese-British secondary character, 🏳️‍🌈 author

Currently reading:

Music from the Earliest Notations to the Sixteenth Century - Richard Taruskin A history of early written European music, in its social and political contexts.

The Penguin Complete Sherlock Holmes - Arthur Conan Doyle Victorian detective stories

major disabled character

warning: racism, colonialism

Stats

Monthly total: 11+1 Yearly total: 128/140 Queer books: 2 Authors of colour: 1 Books by women: 6 Authors outside the binary: 0 Canadian authors: 0 Off the TBR shelves: 7 Rereads: 2 Books hauled: 8 ARCs acquired: 2 ARCs unhauled: 2 DNFs: 1

January February March April May June July August September October November

#books #book reviews #reading wrap-ups #stacks of books #read in 2023 #book recommendations #rec lists #my photos

[pantherlover]

Sleep No More Reaction

Holy SHIT guys, this book was AMAZING. I read it so fast I have a book-hangover. I'm very happy that the next book doesn't come out until the end of October, because I'm going to need at least that long to recover emotionally from this one.

Spoilers under the cut!

In no particular order, here are my thoughts:

Quentin is going to have a ROUGH time in book 19. I think he was the person who was least like himself in Titania's world - October was pretty different too, and Sylvester also wasn't having a great time, but there were still pieces of Toby that peeked out and Sylvester's *been* the Mad Duke before; it would've been unpleasant but not unfamiliar. Quentin never had the chance to be that person because Toby got to him first, and it must be pretty sobering for him to realize how bad he could've been.

I wanted to smack Etienne when he showed up and I'm glad Chelsea gave him an earful after she got her memories back.

I'm really glad we're getting a book from Tybalt's perspective, because he was not doing so good in this one.

I really feel like Team Original!Faerie could've gotten Toby on board a lot faster if they'd told her Titania was hurting kids. Toby was hesitant to help them fully even up to finding Luidaeg; the SECOND she met Raysel and Dean in Blind Michael's lands, she started back-talking Luidaeg and investigating things herself.

I'm so glad I re-read An Artificial Night before I read this book; I picked up so many things about the Ride I probably wouldn't have gotten otherwise.

Speaking of An Artificial Night, I was SO happy when Dame Altair popped back up; Seanan McGurie is So. Good. At callbacks and bringing back characters. I do hope we get to meet her in Real!Faerie; I feel this wasn't the best situation to judge her character.

Jessicaaaaaaaaa. She still calls Toby Aunt Birdie!

Grianne! I've loved Grianne since Late Eclipses, and I was so happy that she had such a big part in the book.

I honestly really loved August here? Growing up with someone clearly did a lot to cut through her mother's influence. I'm glad she got to keep her Lorden siblings *and* Toby.

The further we get in the series, the more I realize how much of a failure Amandine is; she fails as a wife she fails as a mother, she fails as a hero, I would even argue she fails herself because she can't seem to understand how to get the things that would make her happy.

Arden and Nolan's AU childhood was amazing and I hope a million fics come out of it (honestly I hope a ton of fics come out of Titania's AU in general; it's such a fun What If? scenario to play with).

Chrysanthe and Theron were awesome! I hope we see them again in another book.

So the baby's going to be named after a month, right? My bet would be June for May (and maybe Gillian?), but like - it has to be *one* of the months, right? (No one's popped up named after a month in AGES I'm dyyiiiiinnnnnggggg please please PLEASE let the baby be the next one!)

Literally the only complaint I had was that May didn't show up; I'm hoping she has a big part in Tybalt's book.

There's probably a bunch more things, but it's all I can think of off the top of my head. Maybe I'll add more if I think of anything. Anyways, if anyone loved the book as much as I did PLEASE come talk to me about it I'm losing my MIND!

#October Daye #Sleep No More Spoilers #Sleep No More #Book Reaction

[the-kr8tor]

KATYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!

I JUST READ CHAPTER 15 (SPOILER ALERT, SPOILER ALERT, SPOILER ALERT)

AAKSHYAHDINDUDHD THAT WAS A ROLLERCOASTER OF A RIDE. MY FRICKING HAPPY ENDING, AKANSHAJHSJD I LOVE YOU SO MUCH (RESPECTFULLY)

OMG OMG OMG I CRIED. I CRIED REAL TEARS. I CRIED REAL TEARS AND MY EYES ARE WET.

BUT THE ENDING AKAJAHVSISMKDKDJRJ I'M SOBBING WITH JOY AND SADNESS IT'S SO BITTERSWEET

THIS IS MY NEW ADDICTION. WHEN I SAW THE NOTIF I LITERALLY SCREAMED AND MY SISTER TOLD ME TO SHUT UP

AJWJAJJSJDJ GHOSTFLOWER/GWILES MADE ME SOB. AND HOBIE OMG I CAN'T ANYMORE I FEARED FOR HIS LIFE. And MIGUEL OMG I KNEW I COULDN'T HATE HIM THAT MUCH. Lyla my bae AND YURI UGHHHH I LOWKEY ADORE HER. I can't stop squealing and giggling and kicking my feet OMG omg omg omg omg omg omg omg omg I'm gonna kms

STOPPPPPP CAPTAIN STACY????? GWEN'S FATHER???? THERE FOR HIS LITTLE GIRL??? I'M GONNA CRY I HOPE SHE RECOVERS. AND MILES' FRICKING REACTION I'M LITERALLY DYING OVER HERE

HOBIE ALMOST GETTING EXECUTED GOD SAVE ME I WANTED TO MURDER SOMEONE. OF COURSE HE'S GOING DOWN WITH SOME SNARKY LITTLE COMMENT LIKE THAT

And I wanted Mathias to be killed in the harshest, painfullest, bloodiest way possible omg you did not disappoint

That queen istg I hated HER GUTS

I am never getting over this fic. Y'know when u read a really really REALLY good book and you get book hangover and you google everything related to it and make Pinterest boards for it (i totally don't already have a board dedicated to ur fics)?? Yeah. That's what I'm gonna do. Literally drunk on this fic. I'm gonna end up writing unpublished fanfic about this fanfic. That's how obsessed I am. Like I need all sorts of stuff I need to see R and Hobie grow old and experience the world together I need to see the twins in the BDAS universe- OMG I NEED TO SEE BILLIE AND RAMONA AS PIRATES OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG

Honestly worth the wait, my heart is satisfied ❤😭

I think that just about covers it, if you've read this review all the way through I'm actually so happy 🥺😊

Literally crying real tears rn I can't believe it's over 🥹

Sending loads of love ❤🌾

BDAS SPOILER ⚠️

THANK YOU SO MUCH, ANGEL!!!!

HAHAHHAHA I got u all with the miguel fake out 😂 Yuri is wifey material ngl

Yeeesss captain stacy did a magician move and appeared from nowhere 😂 now they've got an actual adult on the ship

I always knew mathias needed a very painful death! I was debating whether he accidentally gets hanged ala tarzan villain or drowned in shallow waters but I'm still glad I went through with what I wrote bc r gave him a beating lol

ONG YOU HAVE A BOARD FOR THEM?! THANK YOU THAT'S SO CUTE 🥺

They deserve so much happiness 🥺 can you imagine the babies in bdas?!!! Oh Hobie would have his hands full with them onboard

Thank you!!! I cannot express how much I appreciate your love and your thoughts ILY ❤️❤️❤️

Lots of love to you, my love!!!!! (⁠｡⁠♡⁠‿⁠♡⁠｡⁠)

#ask answered #chatting with lovelies #bdas thoughts #🫶🫶🫶 #ly #bdas spoiler

[silentmagi]

Rising Star

Main Page

Well once again, we have a tie in the results this week, and this was one of a few pairs that I had made plans for, since I know people love making ties. The winners are:

1 Take any and all books that were salvaged and return to the school. 5 Take a day off to recover.

She survived.

Somehow she managed to survive the storm and as she pried her fingers from the death grip she had on the door, she staggered into the gentle light of day, coughing against the painful dryness in her throat. Getting out of the debris ring surrounding the tower, she found the cabin sitting safe and pristine, with barely even some dust on it.

By the gods, she survived.

Turning around, she looked over the remains of the tower and tried to imagine how it hadn’t collapsed on her. There was only the first floor remaining in one piece, and the area was a complete wasteland of stone and wood and what was once inside the building. There was very little that she could rescue at this point.

But she survived, and she had several weeks worth of material to review. She survived, and by the gods did she need a drink.

Making her way to the cabin, she decided that she would take care of that first. One bottle was pulled from her small collection, uncorked, and then the rest of the day blurred. She would wake up the next mor- afternoon, and regret not drinking more water. Despite feeling like death, she packed up the remaining bottles, and then tried to figure out a way to take the books back.

She survived, and erased a day with some much needed downtime.

Reentering the tower was a slow, painful process, coupled with the blinding light of day reminding her of the folly of yesterday. However, she knew she had to get to the books she had risked her life for, the scrolls of knowledge that could be the key to bringing magic back to the world, the faded, musty hope scribed upon those pages could save the world as she knows it, or possibly even improve it.

She survived, and she wasn’t going to let a hangover stop her from destiny.

The books were mostly unharmed, and the scrolls hadn’t blown too far away from them with the winds and storm. Even the little fire on the rope had managed to miss the reading material, staying contained inside the shaft for the dumb waiter.

She was lucky that the rope hadn’t spilled into the room, and instead turned the shaft into an improvised chimney. She wouldn’t be able to use that again, even if most of the remaining wall wasn’t currently spread out over the surrounding countryside. At least it had served its purpose, and she would honor its sacrifice.

Transferring the books to the cabin, she managed to straighten them into neater piles based on how best to carry them. Thankfully, there was a two-wheeled garden cart that she could repurpose to carry the books under a blanket from the closet to protect it from the elements.

Finishing the last of the stew, she did the dishes and watched the night’s sky as she prepared herself to make the next leg of her journey. Returning to the school would be the best choice for her, and helpful for her goals.

She survived, and she hoped.

#Story #My Writing #Rising Star #My Polls #Star #World Building #Please Participate #Star Main

[runningandraisingmyheathens]

I recently discovered the world of Harry Potter fanfiction, and I have literally spent every spare minute over the past week reading. My to do list has been untouched, and my kids got a free day from school yesterday (although what was more to let me recover from my birthday hangover).

I know these aren’t for everyone, and the first one needs a good editor, but damn. They were both great. I feel absolutely ridiculous for being this excited and into fanfiction, but they were both some of the best books I’ve ever read.

It had been a really long since I’ve been this into reading something. It was nice to feel that again. The one part of being an adult with children that sucks, is not being able to just read all day long and ignore the real world.

Harry Potter fanfiction, my drug of choice.

[yellowkitkieran]

What the Heart Wants: Part 4

Read part 3 here

Masterlist

Word Count: 3.7k

Summary: Kieran is your best friend’s older brother. Your best friend’s fit older brother that you definitely haven’t had a crush on for years. Not at all. And he certainly doesn’t like you back, that would be absurd...

Monday at training, Aaron came in absolutely beaming, his smile ear to ear and it didn't take a genius to guess why his mood was so high. 

At least Aaron hadn't bragged about shagging you. If he had, Kieran wouldn't have been able to stop himself from punching him right in his stupid, apparently very attractive face and laying a verbal claim over you then and there. 

But no, Kieran simply avoided his best friend for a few hours, trying to drown out his merry laugh by throwing himself into his recovery. And thankfully yesterday was an off day, which left him free to binge a shoddy American television drama and eat all the ice cream he could.

Now it's Tuesday and what he can't avoid is his previously set in stone commitment of dropping the pair of you at the airport for your flight back home to Scotland. He was stiff and awkward on the drive, speaking little and looking in his rear view even less. At one point, he'd even had to roll his window down because he felt like your perfume was suffocating him, filling his lungs with the flowery scent of you and confusing his senses. 

Because since his revelation two days ago, he's not been able to stop his thoughts from drifting to you, no matter how hard he tries. In the shower, at night when he closes his eyes to sleep, even when he's on the pitch- you consume every minute of his thoughts. 

What's Bug doing now? Probably with Aaron.

Oh, she'd love that book. I should get it for her. 

She leaves today. I won't see her again for ages. I should tell her how I feel.

The last bit would be self sabotage, the likes of which Kieran might never recover from. He can't let you catch on to the lust that simmers beneath the surface; if you do, who knows how you'll react? You were frosty on the drive, which he can scarcely blame you for. He's avoided your messages, not responding to the ones asking if you could see him before you leave. The last thing he wants is for things to be awkward before you head home.

"Do you have plans to come back anytime soon Bella?" Kieran fights to keep his voice from betraying his true question: will he need to deal with seeing you again in the coming weeks? 

"I certainly won't be back any time soon." Kieran stumbles at the sound of your voice, knocking your suitcase on the bumper of his car as he sets it down. "Honestly it's a great city and all, but that hangover after our night out? Fucking hell, worst one of my entire life! I don't need a repeat."

Kieran's eyes remain trained on your feet, unable to lift them or find his words to reply. God, will it always be this hard? Why does looking at you seem like some herculean feat that he can't overcome? Will he ever be able to meet your eyes again?

Bella laughs, unknowingly taking the spotlight off of him, "neither will I! We're gonna have enough time in this city when we come here for uni- I don't need to set another foot in London until we start classes."

"I dunno though… I might come back once or twice and see Aaron? Depends on where that goes. I enjoyed the time I spent with him, at least." Kieran's eyes snap up. He immediately realizes his mistake when he finds you watching him intently, like you'd only spoken to see how he'd react. He can't help but feel like he's failed some fundamental test when fury flickers across your face, there and gone.

He can't do anything right with you. Between nearly telling you off a few nights ago and apparently upsetting you now, he has no idea where he stands. And it's infuriating as well as terrifying.

Kieran doesn't want to lose you. As a friend, of course. Nothing more. 

As he always does, Kieran turns to self-deprecation to ease the unease roiling in his gut. "Wow, yeah nothing about Bella's older brother- just the Gunner's keeper huh? I see where I rank- at the bottom apparently." Kieran laughs and Bella slugs his arm. He's acutely aware of how you remain silent. 

Your voice is iced over, "yes, you do. At least Aaron doesn't ignore me when something is clearly bothering him."

"Ugh you would know," Bella quips, cutting off Kieran's reply. "You abandoned me last night for him- again! That's twice on this trip you chose a boy over your best friend!" Bella rolls her eyes in a way that lets you know she's not really mad at all. 

Kieran's shock causes his mouth to move faster than his brain. "Oh- you spent the night with Aaron? Why?" 

"Because he's sweet." You cross your arms over your chest, popping your hip like you used to when you were younger and trying to be intimidating. "And he told me how you cornered him and basically told him I'm off limits. I can take care of myself, Kieran."

But Kieran is mad. Furious even- with his friend and with you, thanks to your attitude. He doesn't deserve to be chastised like this- he was simply trying to make sure you didn't get hurt. 

His hands curl into fists at his sides, blunt nails digging into his palms as he turns a similar frostiness back on you, "wow, all it takes is one drink and the two of you get real cozy huh? Usually it takes way more convincing for a woman to-"

"Finish that sentence," you cut in, "I dare you Tierney. Finish it."

Kieran takes a step towards you, leaving mere inches between your chests. This close, he can see the freckles of color in your irises, layering over each other to create a one of a kind mosaic. He can feel your hot breath on his chin as you raise your defiant gaze to meet his. He can practically taste the venom on your tongue, swirling behind your teeth ready to poison him. 

"Fuck off Tierney," you mutter, "before you get hurt."

"Maybe I should finish that sentence," he says with equal, level quiet. "You wanna know what I was gonna say-"

Bella shoves between the two of you, laying her hands on Kieran's chest and forcing him back. "Okaaaaay and that concludes our trip to London! Thanks brother- see you in a few months when you've lost your attitude!"

With her arm looped through yours, Bella takes a step. Ultimately she almost gets yanked off her feet; you stand your ground, feet a shoulder width apart on the pavement, like your shoes are glued to the sidewalk. The way you stare Kieran down stirs something in him. His soul responds to the fire in your eyes the same way his feet are drawn to the pitch by its siren's call- he finds he can't look away. He doesn't want to look away. 

Kieran's mind wanders as the seconds tick by. Do you look at Aaron like this, like you want to devour him and slap him at the same time? Or is this a look reserved only for Kieran?

"Goodbye, Kieran. I hope you learn how to treat your friends with respect before I move here, or else you can count me out of those ranks."

Ouch. Friendzoned, hard. 

Kieran nods to say, 'message received.' Seemingly satisfied, you spin on your heel and speed walk towards the check in desk. Kieran leans against the boot of his Audi and watches until your suitcases are loaded onto a belt and whisked away. He sees you hesitate, boarding pass in hand, and he's prepared when you glance over your shoulder like you feel his eyes on you.

Kieran waggles his fingers in your direction in a mocking sort of way. Your shoulders go rigid and you shoot him the finger. Kieran tips his head to the side. Despite knowing he'll regret it later, he can't help but blow you a bitter kiss.

**********

Three weeks later

You break into a run the second you lay eyes on Aaron. He opens his arms, anticipating your jump into them and sweeping you off your feet with ease. You laugh is bright as he spins you in a circle before setting you down, smiling when your eyes meet. 

"I missed you," he mumbles in your ear, bringing a blush to your cheeks. "I'm glad you finally agreed to come visit."

"You sort of made it hard to say no Ramsdale, what with you pestering me about it day in and day out." You smile at him, unable to miss the way he's unabashedly staring at your lips. You don't mind because the feeling is mutual; you can't take your eyes off his either.

"Use my name please, will you? I like that much better." He nudges your nose with his before letting you go to grab your bags, a fact which you're thankful for considering you definitely overpacked for a weekend getaway. 

"I thought Ramsdale was your name, or did I miss a memo?" You tap your chin thoughtfully as you continue, "did you change it while I was gone? I could've sworn that kit you sent me said Ramsdale…"

"You're an arse," Aaron quips, pinching your side. "You know what I mean!" 

"Alright Aaron," you say with a heavy roll of your eyes. He perks up at his first name though, a sight which you find utterly adorable. "Where are you taking me anyway?"

"Home." The way he says it gives you butterflies, like it's simply true.

"And then?"

"And then maybe I can take you on a proper date somewhere, maybe to get some food?"

"Ooh yes, something greasy and filling- that sounds perfect!"

Once you're at his car with your bag loaded in the boot and are within the relative privacy of the front seat, Aaron leans over the center and kisses your cheek. You blush again- how many times is this man going to make you blush today?

You turn to smile at him. "What was that for?"

"Because I missed you." That's it. No frills, no expectations hiding behind his words, just plain and simple admiration. In response, you lay your hand on his cheek and pull him in for a proper kiss, just a quick peck but at least it's your lips on his. 

Aaron echoes your question, "and what was that for?"

You parrot his earlier response with a grin, "because I missed you."

Aaron holds your hand on the entire drive to his flat, helping you settle in once you arrive. When you agreed to come for a visit, Aaron insisted on one of two options for lodging: one, he'd put you up in a suite at the fanciest hotel he could find, or two, stay with him and hang out in his guest room. You chose the latter, not wanting him to spend a fortune when he'd already paid for your plane ticket to London in the first place. 

And you're glad you did- Aaron's flat is gorgeous. As a bachelor, you would've expected bare minimum furnishings and football stuff shoved in every nook and cranny, but Aaron's flat is quite the opposite. The walls, as expected, have some football memories scattered on them, but at least the kits are framed and hung squarely. A thick patterned rug covers the hardwood floor in the living room, set before a large television and an L shaped sofa that looks like the perfect spot to binge watch a show. The neutral color palette is dotted with warm reds and sunny oranges, lending a coziness to the entire space. 

The guest room he leads you to is just as impressive, the wood framed bed perfectly made with crisp white sheets and a fluffy down comforter. Aaron sets your luggage near the closet and spreads his arms wide, "so what do you think? Does it pass inspection?"

You laugh, shaking your head at him, "I'll admit I'm pleasantly surprised Aaron- you've done well with your place. Are you sure you didn't pay a designer to pick all this out- or a maid to keep it clean?"

"No and no," he replies, "I like things tidy and I've always had a bit of an eye for design. Having my own space to do with as I please definitely gives me plenty of room to explore!"

You nod appreciatively, noting the bachelor-esque touches when you look closely. A football stashed in the corner, an Arsenal scarf over the desk chair- small things that add a touch of Aaron's interests to the room. 

"Well then, why don't you give me ten minutes," you say with a nod towards the attached bath, "and then we can go grab dinner?"

Aaron's smile could outshine a thousand suns. "I think that sounds perfect. I'll change into something presentable."

*********

What are the odds that you pick the same hole in the wall pub for dinner that Kieran does? Miniscule, in a city with as many options as London presents.

You aren't even in London, and yet Kieran finds himself catching glimpses of you in half the women that brush past him. 

Her hair is the same color as yours. That outfit is something you'd probably wear. Your eyes are the same color as her top.

Kieran is starting to worry that he might be obsessed with you. Instead of paying attention to his date, he's busy picking out pieces of you.

So when you walk through the doors into the dimly lit foyer packed with bodies, Kieran decides then and there that fate has it out for him.

"Oh bloody- fuck me," he breathes, ducking his head. His date, a lovely French woman named Collette that he'd met on some app, frowns over her wine. 

"What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost, chérie. Is everything alright?" She lays a hand on her arm and Kieran has to fight the urge to shove her off.

"No," he answers immediately, peeking over her shoulder with a scowl when he spots Aaron taking your jacket. Praying he's hidden well enough, Kieran watches as your eyes scan the room in search of a place to sit.

Collette glances behind her with a frown, failing to see anything that might disturb him like this. "What? Kieran what's happened?"

"Just… Someone I know is here."

Unfortunately for Kieran, you point to the stools a few paces from where he himself sits. Kieran curls in on himself, fighting between wanting to be seen and wanting to stay hidden. You come into earshot too quickly, making the decision for him and forcing him to hunker down.

"...no I'm serious- keepers are the backbone of any team!" 

Aaron's laugh has the hairs on the back of Kieran's neck standing on end. "You're flattering me. I won't be offended if you tell the truth! Without strikers, no one would score and thus there would be no game."

"Yeah sure, but without a decent keeper? There would be no real challenge, no one to stop those strikers from just hitting the back of the net over and over. It would be too easy! And wingers, yeah they're important too… they help you but when that shot comes in, it's all down to your reflexes as a keeper."

Kieran is so lost in your voice that he doesn't notice his date has abandoned him. He catches a flash of her blonde hair near the exit, escaping a mediocre date that took a rather abrupt nosedive when you walked in.

Sighing and resigning himself to his fate, he leans his elbow on the bar but keeps his back toward you. Maybe if he's careful you won't notice him and he can escape unscathed.

He should leave. But your presence keeps him rooted to the spot against his will. You're like a storm he just can't escape; appearing in his skies to rain on his parade. He's helpless, unable to run for shelter because his limbs won't work. Instead he stays still, letting your voice soak him like a cold rain until a chill settles under his skin. 

"Kieran?"

Fuck. Of course Aaron knows what his back looks like- he sees it all day on the pitch.

Kieran's eyes slide shut. He wills a smile onto his face, praying it isn't plastic when he swivels and is met by your hard stare, annoyed that you've wrecked the evening. 

Kieran misses your smile. He wishes you wouldn't look at him like he's the scum of the earth, like he's the one that betrayed you instead of the other way around.

"Hey Bug- Aaron couldn't find someplace nicer to take you than this hellhole?" 

"Don't call me that." Your voice carries the same ice as that day at the airport. It slowly begins to wear him down, bit by bit.

Aaron rolls his eyes, though the gesture is more amused than annoyed. "Don't look at me, she picked it. Insisted they've got the best bar food in the whole city, though I'm not really believing that just yet."

"It isn't half bad." Kieran half smiles. His eyes still haven't left yours.

Smile at me, Kieran thinks. Just once. Come on, Bug, please… I miss you.

The past few weeks have been… complicated, to say the least. Kieran has tried to put his own feelings aside to be happy for his mate, but there's only so many times he can hear about how amazing you are without wanting to snap. His jealousy is growing into a tangible thing. He spends less time with Aaron off the pitch, not wanting to hear him giggle as he texts you or worse, when he calls and Kieran can faintly make out your voice on the other line. 

You haven't messaged him once since the airport incident, as Kieran has dubbed it. Not that you talked frequently before then, but at least he could usually count on congratulations after a good match. Now he gets nothing, and each day that passes only makes his loss more apparent. 

Kieran forces himself to speak. "How are you, Bug? Haven't heard from you in ages."

Without a hint of remorse, you spin to face Aaron without answering his question. "You know what, I'm not all that hungry actually. Why don't we just find some place for takeout on the way back to your flat, babe?" 

Babe? Babe. You called Aaron babe.

You may as well have driven a stake through Kieran's chest. So you are a thing then. Kieran truly has no chance with you, not even in this hell.

"Yeah sure darlin- See you at training tomorrow mate?" Aaron, the sweet soul he is, has no clue about the turmoil happening in Kieran's head. Aaron doesn't know that he stomps on Kieran's heart when he takes your hand and smiles at you like you're his world- the way Kieran wishes you'd smile at him.

Like you used to smile at him. 

"See you later Bug," Kieran tries, praying you'll give him something. His heart is shattered into pieces at his feet, with the exception of one small shard. That one, that last, miniscule piece, you hold in your fist and crush it with two simple words.

"Bye, Kieran."

You walking out on him is becoming a disturbingly common occurrence in his life. Kieran waits until you're gone to signal for another drink, asking for a double in hopes it'll somehow make him forget the hurt surging through his veins with each beat of his ragged heart. 

"You love 'er."

Kieran startles, glancing up to the bartender. She leans on the counter, using one hand to slide him another whisky. 

"I'm sorry, what?"

"The lass that left with your mate. She was off like a rocket when she saw ya. Must be history there."

"No history." Kieran drags a finger through the sweat on the side of his tumbler. "No love on her end, either. Obviously."

The woman's laugh drips with pity, which Kieran is too depressed to call her out on. "That answers my initial question then, you do love 'er. Why don't you tell her, lad?"

"Because she wants nothing to do with me, you've got eyes. You saw how she was with me- is that a woman who has any interest in me? Nah."

"Actually she probably does. If I were her and ya pissed me off like I'm assuming y'have, I'd act the same way if I felt something for ya. Women don't hold that much hatred for someone unless they're trying to cover something up."

Kieran squishes the seed of hope that takes root in his stomach. What does this woman know about you, or what you might feel for him? She's nothing; an outsider trying to hype him up in hopes of a fat tip. As if sensing his train of thought, she holds up her hands palms out in defense.

"Look I might not know the whole situation, but all I'm saying is there's probably something there. It's worth a shot isn't it?"

"Not if I only make things worse," Kieran mumbles, knocking back the rest of his drink. "Can I close my tab?"

The woman smiles sadly at Kieran, but runs his card and hands it back. He pauses, grimacing before murmuring, "should I message her?"

"Now? Nah lad. But in the morning? Absolutely."

But when morning rolls around, Kieran doesn't have the balls. He leaves his phone on his side table and heads in for training, hoping to sweat out his sorrows and come home exhausted enough not to care. 

#kieran tierney #kieran tierney fanfiction #kieran tierney fanfic #kieran tierney fic #kieran tierney imagine #footballer fic #footballer fanfiction #footballer imagine #footballer fluff #arsenal fc #arsenal #forbidden fruit #jac writes

[shyvioletcat]

“I was saving your life.”

“Oh, yes. How very valiant of you.”

Do with this what you will 😅

I ended up making this a part two of this fic HERE. Hope you all enjoy it.

~~~~~

The first thing that Rowan noticed upon waking is that he was in his bed. For a few painfully groggy moments he didn’t know how he’d got there, and then some vague memory of Lorcan picking him off the ground surfaced and things started to make a little more sense. Then he got flashes of bright turquoise eyes and an amused face. Aelin, her name was Aelin. And she had given him her number.

Rowan sat up much faster than he should have, the sudden movement making his head pound. But he didn’t care, he needed to find that piece of paper with her name and number on it. He opened his hands and found them empty, he flicked out his bedding—still nothing. Getting out of bed he went to check his pockets of the clothes crumpled by his bed having shed his jeans sometime between the door and his bed. Rowan snatched them off the ground and dug around, trying not to focus on that sinking disappointment in his gut when he came up empty yet again. It couldn’t have gotten far. His eyes darted over the carpeted floor and flipped over some books and shoes just to find that little slip of paper. It was no good. He couldn’t see it.

By now Rowan was irrational, only made worse by his hangover and drowsiness. With no regard for his sleeping roommate he wrenched his bedroom door open, not caring as it slammed against the wall and he charged across their tiny living area to the front door. He had little grace when opening that one as well, but kept hold of it as he scanned the floor where he had been sitting last night. Nothing. It was gone.

Rowan swore, then he slammed the door closed. He knew he was being somewhat erratic, probably a tad dramatic. But he’d had her number right there. After all these months of stolen glances and not having the balls to approach her himself, she had been the one to come and rescue him in his drunken state. That was slightly embarrassing in itself, but it had been worth it. And then he had to ruin it.

In one last desperate effort to try and recover the small slip of paper he refused to believe was lost forever, Rowan made his way to Lorcan’s room, giving two swift knocks as his only warning before opening the door. Lorcan had been asleep but the sound of the door caused a flurry of movement. It was Lorcan’s insistence on pulling the sheet up that made Rowan realise his roommate wasn’t alone.

“Get out,” Lorcan growled, throwing an arm over his face as his dark-haired companion nestled in closer.

“I have to ask you something,” Rowan told him.

Lorcan groaned. “No.”

“Come on, it’s not like I was interrupting anything,” Rowan was determined to not leave without an answer.

“Lucky for you,” Lorcan muttered, followed by a delicate laugh from the woman beside him.

“Last night I had a piece of paper in my hand, do you know where that went?” Rowan asked, not wasting anymore time.

“A piece of paper,” Lorcan said incredulously. “You barge in here at the ass crack of dawn to ask me about a piece of paper?”

That certainly wasn’t the answer Rowan was looking for. “It’s important.”

“No, I have not seen your very important piece of paper. You can leave now,” Lorcan said as he relaxed further into the mattress.

“Are you sure?” Rowan asked. “When you helped—“

“Whitethorn! Get out!” Any patience that Lorcan had dissipated, and he nearly yelled the words.

Rowan knew that any further questioning was useless so he closed the door and let his roommate be. Lorcan might be a sullen bastard, but he wasn’t a liar. This had been Rowan’s mistake. He should have put the number in his pocket or even his shoe would have made more sense than holding it in his hand. It was then he realised he’d been rushing around his apartment in his boxer briefs and nothing else. Rowan went back to his room and threw on some sweats and a random t-shirt. Dressed appropriately for a shared space he went to the small kitchenette and started to make himself coffee and breakfast. He didn’t have class today so there was nowhere to rush off too. If he’d been able to retain any sense last night he could be texting Aelin by now, maybe planning a date or a drink. Instead he was just drinking his coffee and making his eggs alone, cursing himself for not having a photographic memory.

Sometime later Lorcan’s door opened and a petite woman walked out. She gave him a polite smile, and Rowan gave her a nod as he flicked through an eat cheap cookbook his mother had given him when he’d moved out. He turned over another page before he did his double take, realising who she was.

“You’re Aelin’s roommate,” he blurted just before she reached the door.

“And you’re Lorcan’s roommate,” she replied. “The one we found wasted outside the door and who lost a very important piece of paper.”

“That’s me,” Rowan said with a hint of embarrassment. “Rowan.”

“Elide, nice to formally meet you,” she offered.

“That piece of paper was actually Aelin’s number,” Rowan admitted. “But I don’t think you’re the type of friend to give out another friend’s number.”

“You’d be right about that,” she said, but her smile was amused.

“I was a little lost last night and she helped me find my way,” Rowan explained. “We chatted for a bit and she wrote her number down, then as you know, I lost it.”

Elide looked at him for a long moment, her smile twisting a little more. “I’ll tell you what. Aelin gets back from her last class at about 3. Just don’t turn out to be a weird stalker okay?”

“I swear I’m not,” Rowan insisted.

“I’m inclined to believe you. See you around Rowan,” elide said, opening the door.

“Yeah, sure,” Rowan managed to get out before she closed the door behind herself.

No matter what he’d said, Rowan did feel a little bit stalkerish as he waited for 3 o’clock to finally roll around. At ten to, he stuck his head out the door. He kept doing that every minute or so. By five to, he was standing in the hallway trying to look as casual as he could. His phone was his cover, but he was really just swiping from screen to screen, not even opening any apps, and glancing up at anyone who appeared. When it went and died on him, taking away his ability to check the time with it, Rowan slipped his phone into his pocket with a sigh. What was he even doing? He was stalking. This was ridiculous.

He was internally berating himself when a highly amused voice came from not too far away. “Locked out again?“

Rowan’s head snapped up and there she was. Aelin.

She was dressed far more casually than last night. Just some grey jeans and a maroon t-shirt, carrying her books in her arms with a small bag on her shoulder. Her golden hair was loose and styled with silky waves. It looked so soft, He started to wonder what it would be like to run his hands through it. She looked flawless yet again. Aelin was effortlessly elegant, and it was that thought that made him realise he’d been silent for a little too long.

“Ah, not this time,” Rowan said.

“So you just like to spend your time out here, instead in our exemplary campus accommodation?” she asked.

“No. Again.” This was about to get very awkward.

“Then what are you doing out here?”

“Um,” how was he supposed to get this out without sounding like the stalker he was. “I needed some fresh air?”

Aelin smiled, just a hint of mischief coming through. “Why did that come out like a question?”

Rowan laughed nervously, he might as well tell the truth. “I’m waiting for you actually.” Once he started he decided to completely throw himself under the bus. “You gave me your number last night and I somehow managed to lose it, so your roommate was with my roommate and I stopped her when she left then she told me what time you’d be back. This seems very stalkery but I swear I’m not, I just thought since you gave me your number once you wouldn’t mind…”

Her smile turned into a grin. “I know, Elide told me.”

“Of course she did,” Rowan said, not sure whether that was a reason to be relieved.

“I can’t believe after all I did for you, you lost it,” Aelin shook her head as she lent her shoulder on the wall next to him.

“You mean moving me down the hall?” Rowan copied her movements, and went as far as to cross his arm.

He watched as her face lost its playfulness and morphed into something serious. “I was saving your life.”

Rowan tried to keep a straight face, but the corner of his mouth twitched. “Oh, yes. That’s very valiant of you. There’s lots of dangers in a dorm hallway.”

“Hey, Elide carries pepper spray, you’re just lucky it was me and not her. Her reflex is fight, not flight,” Aelin said.

“I’ll have to let Lorcan know,” Rowan replied. Seems his roommate had chosen a spitfire.

Aelin pushed off the wall and held out her phone to him. It was unlocked and had a new contact form up. “Here. Unlike you, I won’t lose your number.”

With no defence after not being able to keep track of a simple piece of paper, he took her phone and tapped in his number and handed it back when he was done. Aelin tucked her bottom lip under her teeth and he could have sworn it was to hold back whatever it was she wanted to say. He’d only had a few conversations with her and her wit was sharp and quick. He liked that, a lot.

“Lost your name as well, have you?” She said at last.

“What?” Rowan asked, confused at what she was getting at.

She flashed the phone screen at him. “I got your number and no name. I can’t just call you the hot guy from down the hall.”

For the final nail in his dying from embarrassment coffin, Rowan felt his cheeks heat. He has never felt less smooth in his life—this was close to his complete lack of ability to talk to girls that lingered until he was seventeen. He’d been a late bloomer and gods damn him, this was just proving it further.

“It’s Rowan,” he offered lamely.

Aelin slipped her phone into her palm again and typed what he supposed was his name.

“Well, Rowan,” she put special emphasis on his name that made something in his gut twist. “I guess you’ll be hearing from me.”

She gave him a small wave and headed down the hall to her own room. Rowan watched her the entire way, and when Aelin turned to unlock her door it was evident that she’d known because she gave him one last wink before disappearing inside. Gone from sight, Rowan turned the handle of his own door—only to find it locked.

“Seriously,” he hissed and then started pounding in the door.

It took Lorcan far too long to open the door and he didn’t look happy about it when he did. “Don’t lock yourself out, dumbass.”

Rowan didn’t bother with a reply, he had more important things to do. Within 30 seconds he was back in his room, plugging in his phone. He watched the black screen, willing it to charge faster and light up. When it finally did after what felt like an eternity there was a single message waiting for him—sender unknown. But from what it said, he could very safely assume it was from Aelin.

>>So… you finally have my number. Now what are you going to do about it?

~~~~~

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