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natsuyuki-w · 9 months

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Not one of the boys

Twisted wonderland cast realizes that (Yuu) is a girl.

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 Featuring: Idia and Ortho - Sebek and Silver

The dark figure in our dorm's yard was unmistakable, and like in his prior appearances, I jogged to him as soon as I noticed.

- VDC you say? Are you actually trying to invite me to this?- - Why yes...The boys have been working hard, I assure you, it's stunning! And well... As fun, as it is following your "Will-o'-the-wisp", I would like to be around you more. - and then backed - Only if you want to of course! -

Much as his Fae companion, Tsunotarou laughed at my expenses leaving me with my lingering smile and owlish confused eyes. - You really seem to know no fear. - he smiled broadly - Very well. I humbly accept your invitation.- and I smiled back, hoping that he would not just bully me after.

- Will you be going on stage? - - Ah no! I'm their "manager", as Vil likes to call me. - - mmm a shame...- I chuckled flustered - Crowley didn't want to risk other schools finding out I am a girl. You never know what accident can happen. Ha ha ha - - Mm yes I can see that. Lilia told me he discovered it accidentally as well. -

I thought back to each event. Practically everyone was surprised, and I started feeling a little insecure - ...Tsunotaro, you think...Am I perhaps not feminine enough? - And he threw me a weird look - I mean, nobody ever noticed till seeing my... More prominent features. And is not like I'm going so much out of my way to hide it! So you know...- and I scratched the back of my head.

He hummed and smiled beautifully - No, I think you're plenty. - his words without an inch of tease - I think the beauty of your femininity is enhanced by your boyish charm.- ... - Wai..what!? - - I'm looking forward to the day of the show Goodnight Yuu.- *puff* and he left me standing in a blushing mess.

- Tsunotaro thinks I am beautiful...- I sighed dreamily - and he looked happy, I'm glad.-

Trope

A couple of days before the culture fair I made my way to Mr. S's Mystery Shop - Gooood morning Sam! How is it going? - - Hello (Yuu), very well thank you. Radiant as always are you? hahaha. - - Of course! My delivery has arrived yet? - I scanned the shelves. - The pile is right there next to the Grimoire. - he pointed. - You almost caught them this time. -

- Uff... I don't understand why they're so... slippery. They've been so kind to sell all those manga for such a low price. I would really like to thank them face to face no? - - They are elusive indeed. - commented Sam - Sorry, but he begged me multiple times not to say a word. - and winked. He wasn't sorry at all, he just enjoyed seeing my frustration. - Yeah yeah... I'm not here just for those; we need to refill our team. - and I handed him the list of ingredients.

---

- Another pile? - Commented Grim. - I know right?- completely missing his point. - And for like 500 Madol??? - - Shopping again Trickster? - I nodded happily to Rook - Have you seen them this time? - - Nah. Again, they ran away immediately. - I climbed the stairs to pose my new collection - And it's... so frustrating? Like sometimes they go for an hour via chat, talking about what I should watch or read, his thoughts and theories... but then they shut down completely "Sry I'm such an otaku lmao bye.'" and avoid me for days. -

- Would you like me to do a little research? - asked the hunter with a sharp smile. -...no...tho, thank you for...the thought. I guess. - I patted his shoulder awkwardly. What I didn't know then was that he already discovered the identity of my seller. - But why give away all those books anyway? - pondered Grim. - Apparently bought a stock of Mangas and he owned already some of the series. They're "sharing the words of those artworks for the greater good". Something like that. -

---

On the day of the festival, me and Grim joined the booth check team. Entered the boardgames club exhibit we found a tall boy with long hair like flames sulking in a corner of the class. - Ahh, two hours left until the research presentation...- -... Idia, what are you doing at a place like that? - frowned Riddle. - It's called anxiety. - I mumbled.

- Uwah!!! Riddle master!!! Why are you here? - he jumped. - M-master? - - Fist of steal even outside the dorm eh? - I nudged the redhead on the side. He frowned at me and taking advantage of his distraction I saw the awkward boy nodding profusely. - Are you ready for the research presentation?- turned back the little tyrant. - Y-you don't have to worry. Just wait and see. - responded the other.

I stared for a moment in thought, making him even more fidgety than before - Are you perhaps... Ortho's brother? - - Sigh... *Eh-hem Y-yes. - he exhaled relieved. - 'Knew it I saw somewhere that blue hair! I have to say, after seeing him "draw a sword" defending your honor at the VCD auditions, I was very curious about meeting you. - - I-well-there's n-nothing i-i-interesting aab-b-bout m-me...I CAUGHT THE INTEREST OF A NORMIE IKEMEN????? - he mumbled hiding from my view.

- Riddle Roseharts, Trey Clover, Grim, hello! Of course, I'll always be there for Nii-san, he's a genius, (Yuu) (Wander)! - appeared the brother in question before I could protest the title of normie. - (YUU) (WANDER)??? - Idia jumped back but quickly covered his mouth and his back faced us all for a second time. He sneaked a look from his shoulder, caught my eyes, and the flames on his head turned pink. My companions looked me over questioningly, but seeing my expression just as confused, they searched for answers in his most trusted subject.

*Blank stare.* - W-well...*eh-hem Hi Ortho! I'm sure you speak the truth about your brother, I'm looking forward to hearing the...- - ...(Yuu) (Wander) - interrupted me once more in a softer tone. The four of us stared back and forth at the pair in search of answers.

- But it's great! - suddenly quipped Ortho. - Nii-san don't you understand? Is like in that Shojo where the girl in disguise in the boy academy becomes friends with her crush and...- - W-W-WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT ORTHO??? - The floating boy started to chant robotically. - (Yuu) (Wander) has sent at 09:45 a.m., Friday 2...- - I KNOW WHO HE IS BUT WHAT GIRL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT??? - - (Yuu) (Wander), student at Night Raven College, is a non-magical human being. Gender Female, height...-

- Stooop - I interrupted the chaotic theatric playing before our eyes. - 1, How was I unaware of sending messages to...you... - but the teenager was no longer with us, his soul probably left his body, and the now empty shell lay on the ground stiff...- ...and 2, when did you find out about me, Ortho? Being a girl that is. - I got closer to check on the dorm's leader's well-being. Tho, sensing my nearby presence he recovered immediately and ran out in a string of apologies. His hair turned a Barbie pink.

- I... Hope his presentation goes well. The magic, engineering that he specialized in has a lot of interesting articles about modern magic. So let's hope this...predicament hasn't caused too much brain damage. - pondered Riddle. - I'm a bit worried, but I'm sure he is going to recover. - and the little Sheoud turned back to us.

- So... What just happened exactly? - trailed off Grim. - You asked: 1, how were you unaware of sending messages to my brother? Nii-san has been chatting with (Yuu)San under the nickname of "Gloomy Samurai" in the second-hand shopping app: Twyst. - *GASP! I reacted dramatically - He was my generous dealer!!!! - - What was he dealing to you??? - Riddle panicked already picturing me falling into the drug club. - One launched Man, flexible cover edition from 01 to volume 23, Junior High attack, redesigned edition, flexible cover, complete... - - Mangas Riddle, Mangas. - I reassured.

- And for number 2: I scanned and stored your physical information when we met the first time. - he confessed nonchalantly. - That's... Fascinating intimidating. - I commented, eyes wide open. - And what was that Shojo girl in a boy academy... - teased Trey. - Please Ortho, don't answer that.- I flashed the green-haired boy a sharp gaze.

I had the impression Gloomy Samurai would've shut me down completely from this day on, and if before there was little possibility of him wanting to meet up in RL, now... stupid to even take it into consideration. - Say Ortho, what's your brother's favorite food? - If I couldn't thank him with me present physically or digitally, a gift would've sufficed.

Title

- TSUNOTARO????? - Sebek was in a tantrum.

- You too? - I murmured in disbelief once they finished their back and forth - Tsunotaro, can I confirm a suspicion of mine? - he smiled and nodded curious about what was going on in that small brain of mine. - This is just a stretch... But is it perhaps that you are searching gazes different from "Mighty prince" or "Terrifying magic user"? I mean why come to a public school otherwise right? -

His faithful knight threw again insults, but the subject himself stayed quiet. Silence needed to be fulfilled for my brain to function so I rumbled even more, in search of an understandable response from the boy - You know,...People can be so focused on What we are, instead of the Who. I mean I thought of it because I saw in us some similarities...Of course, is totally on a different level and type,...but, you know,... I can see a behavior change when my friends discover I'm a girl. And it's...- - WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT??? - Sebek screamed and became a blushing mess.

Silver widened his eyes in realization. - The infirmary, it wasn't a dream...- and pink gradually made its way on his face. I flew a hand on my mouth. - I got lost in my thoughts. - Malleus petted my hair chuckling while Grim clapped his paws with a flat face - It could've gone worse - I enquired to the cat - It could've rained...- I joked nervously.

- NOW EVERYTHING IS CLEAR! You have been luring our master! - screamed Sebek - That's why he has permitted you so much! For sure, under that innocent cute look, you're hiding some secret spell, seducing him you little witch. And grumble, grumble, grumble... - - I would take this as offense honestly - I murmured to the prince. - I would take that as a compliment, cute innocent witch, fufufufu.- he teased.

After recovering from my blush, he was still on fire with his ranting. So I decided to suffocate it with my trashing around - Doll, I'm not stealing your man dah. - - Wha...- As I predicted, his voice died stunned. - Not this again...- groaned Grim recalling the joke Catfights between me and my ginger friend.

- This relationship is completely consensual. - I gestured, and perplexed but very amused Malleus nodded - See? And now, look at ya. - I returned to Sebek - Chasing after him, seeking attention - and with a click of my tongue I concluded - so desperate. - - You... Never stop to surprise me child of man. -

---

Earthquake magnitude 6.2 in the Isle of Sages Possible causes: tectonic plates moved by repeated sound waves with abnormal peaks of decibels. Location: Night Raven Collage.

---

They say that I'm a witch And that I weave a spell Well, I'll be a son of a I don't know what Well, let me tell you brother I'd rather be burned as a witch than never be burned at all (I'd rather be burned as a witch - Eartha Kitt)

*Eh-hem so... What happened? - inquired Crowley. Both me and Ruggie despite the clear frustration of the headmaster, sat nonchalantly, being confident in our innocence.

I roamed my eyes on one of the topper shelves in the library holding on a ladder to reach them better. - What are you doing up there (Yuu)? - I heard a whisper from the ground. - Oh! Hi Ruggie! Just searching for my way home. What about you? - Maybe I could find some documents about magical transportation or alternative universes. - Ehmm okay(!?) Me? Same usual, Leona's chores. I'm taking some books for him or he'll just forget to do his research. - - Lazy ass... - I snorted reaching for another book. - Leona. That's who he is. *Shshshsh.-

His eyes then darted down. On the topic of asses. - *Eh-hem... Can you lend me a hand? I think I saw one of the books I need up there. - - Oh sure! Which one?- I responded. - There on the third, no no the fourth down,... Yep, A little more on the right...- - This one? - I glanced back. - No no the other one on the left. *Shshshhshs -

Yep, TOTALLY looking at the books.

* SBAM I jumped down. - AARGH DON'T HIT ME! - and neither of us expected the disaster after that.

- That's what you get looking at my boogie! - - YOU WERE TRYING TO THROW THAT BOOK AT ME! I can't believe you chicks! Thinking you have permission to use violence on men, am I right? - - NO I WASN'T! I just jumped down, You scared off yourself and hit the shelf on your own!... And don't deflect!!! You were the one scheming to... -

- SILENCE!!! - Crowley's strong voice covered both of ours. - Ruggie. - he called out sternly. The ears of the hyena were now flat waiting for the worse. - By "chicks" you mean,...girls? - he then trailed his eyes on me with that scary glowing gaze of his. Ruggie thought about it for a while and then smirked. - Yes. I meant girls. - he probably thought the Crow would get too distracted, so he could make a run out of his disaster. - That's quite an interesting predicament (Yuu)... Didn't I warn you to take secrecy? How is that this dear student know?-

- You... Didn't know, headmaster? - I blinked confused. - Know what? - I caught him unprepared. - *ps... What are you doing???- whispered-yelled Ruggie. Sure, he wanted for me to be scolded for HIM knowing, but he didn't expect... - I thought either Azul told you or you had noticed already. - I responded. - Aw. That's nice! It means they really did maintain the secret. - I reached the ahs blonde boy and patted his cheek. - I have such good friends! - - H-hey!It's because there was no advantage in telling anybody.- Embarrassed, he drove my hand away.

- (Yuu).- - Yes? - - EXPLAIN. NOW -

Finished this series!!!! Ruggie was with Silver the less brought up in the "discovery timeline", so I thought it might've been nice to include them a little more with two mini stories (Silver's is in part 3).

Malleus, on the other hand no, he didn't need more timing. But my simping for him did.

I hope you had a fun time with lil old me! Wish you the best, 'till next time! ✨💙

#bookshelf originals #twst section #twisted wonderland imagines #twisted wonderland x reader #twst x reader #twst x yuu #twst malleus x reader #idia shroud #ortho shroud #sebek zigvolt #silver vanrouge #idia x reader #sebek x reader #silver x reader #ruggie x reader #ruggie bucchi

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btsgotjams27 · 2 years

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Hey, congrats on your milestone!!! If your requests are still open I’d love to ask for one 👀 Can I have Yoongi E2L with the suggestion of: "I'm not the villain. I'm not the villain."

yoongi is a grumpy old man who doesn’t want your help.

✨ title: simple, starving to be safe ✨ pairing: wood workshop owner!yoongi x f!reader ✨ genre: enemies to lovers, angst | ✨ rating: m/18+ | ✨ word count: 1.9k ✨ warnings: language, alcoholism, yoongi calls reader sweetheart, yoongi is a mean drunk, yoongi’s veiny hands/arms, kind of bratty reader(?) but deep down she cares for him, kissing, light breast play✨ prompt: i’m not the villain. i'm not the villain. ✨ a/n: rachel! thank you so much for requesting this. it was so much fun to write. i hope i was able to do e2l alright T_T i apologize, i'm not the best at this trope but i hope you like it!

It wasn't hard to miss the highlighter neon yellow sign amongst the sea of white. You usually walk past the handwritten ads outside your local grocery store, but what was written on there caught your attention.

The first line in bold lettering:

Hot guy needs your help.

The second and third lines:

Looking for a social media coordinator and content creator for a small business.

Call Kim Taehyung for more details. Will generously compensate.

"Fucking Kim Taehyung. I'm gonna kill him," Yoongi mumbled. He guessed Taehyung was the one who posted something about needing help with the shop.

Like other small businesses during the pandemic, MYG Studios took a hit. It was thriving with clients and customers, but Yoongi's studio struggled to stay open once companies closed. His savings account was depleting by the day, and there were plenty of days when he thought of letting his shop go, but he couldn’t; it was his baby.

"Um…what?"

"Don't need you, sweetheart. You can go," he waved you off before taking a swig of his bottle of whiskey. Since business was slow, he took up a new hobby while working - drinking.

Sweetheart? Ew. The two of you were practically the same age, and it bugged you when men freely called you pet names.

"Err…you probably shouldn't be drinking while operating heavy machinery," you pointed out, worried that he would become a liability.

You had already inquired with Taehyung about the job and happily accepted the position. You were a micro content creator on TikTok, and your audience was steadily growing, so you knew the ins and outs of what kind of content your followers wanted.

"Why are you still here, sweetheart? I'm sure you have better places to be," Yoongi grumbled.

You didn't have anywhere better to be. The beauty of being a content creator; you are free to set your schedule. "I'm right where I'm supposed to be. Yoongi, right? Look…give me two weeks, and if you don't see an increase in business, then I'll leave you alone."

His eyes flitted to yours, beginning to rake you in from head to toe and back up again. Yoongi snickered, shaking his head. Standing up from behind the machine, he walked towards you, leaning against a table, arms crossed. "How old are you?"

You silently scoffed, not understanding what your age had to do with anything. "Twenty-nine." You could see Yoongi perking up at your answer, like an oh…"Why? How old did you think I was?"

You were older than Yoongi thought you were. By the looks of what you were wearing, he would have guessed the mid-20s. He grumbled something indistinct under his breath. The only thing you could make out was Taehyung's name.

"So…can we start now?"

Even though Yoongi dismissed you several times since your first meeting, you were unrelenting, showing up every day at his studio.

“You’re cramping my style and my business, sweetheart. How many times do I have to tell you to leave?” Yoongi grumbled, taking another sip of his usual glass filled with whiskey. You told him to stop drinking during business hours, but he never listened. He didn’t care what you thought of him; he wondered why you were still around. But you told him to give you two weeks; if he didn’t see any results, you’d be out of his grumpy old hair in no time.

“Business? What business? I don’t see any customers.” You asked, looking around his studio. Everything was pristine because there hadn’t been any customers for weeks. “But after I post this video, I’m sure people will come running.”

You opened TikTok, going to the MYG Studio profile. You compiled a video edit of Yoongi cutting wood, sanding down the board, and staining it. You needed to add music before it was ready to go.

Yoongi didn’t even acknowledge you anymore; he could barely tolerate you if he were honest, a thorn in his side that he couldn’t reach to pull out. And your excitement and perkiness only fueled his hatred and annoyance towards you.

Taehyung, Yoongi’s friend, knocked on his studio door. “How’s everything going? Getting any business?”

“Get her outta here, Tae, before I throw her out.”

“Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning,” Taehyung teased, walking over to you.

“When does he not wake up on the wrong side of the bed?” You suggested, with arms crossed, leaning against the wall. It had only been a few minutes since you uploaded Yoongi’s video, but your phone notifications were buzzing noisily by the second.

Flipping your phone over, you had over twenty notifications, and it wasn’t under your TikTok profile; it was under MYG Studios. As you opened the app, there were over a hundred likes for Yoongi’s video edit and at least thirty to forty comments.

“Who is this guy? His hands–the things I’d want him to do to me.”

“Pls sir. Choke me with those hands.”

“Where is this? I need go here and have this guy help me make something.”

“Can you imagine those fingers pumping in and out of my—nvm.”

You couldn’t help but snicker at the comments underneath the video. Now you know precisely what kind of content to record for Yoongi’s TikToks. You handed your phone to Taehyung to show him the thirst over Yoongi’s hands.

Taehyung audibly gasped, covering his mouth. “Hyung—all these people want you to finger them.” The two of you laughed. “Who would’ve known that all it took was hand porn to save your business? Damn–I wonder if these hands will make me money?” Taehyung joked while twirling his hand and fingers.

Yoongi scowled at the two of you. “What the hell are you talking about?” He asked, continuing to sip on his last few drops of whiskey.

You never showed Yoongi the final video before posting it, so you walked to him, handing over your phone. The footage mostly showed cuts of Yoongi working in the studio and focusing on his hands, which were now your most prized possession.

“Take this shit off of the internet, sweetheart. No one wants to see that.”

Snatching your phone from him, you spat out, “No, and make me grumpy.” You found your niche for Yoongi and were excited to make more content.

A month had passed, and you were right; you found your niche with MYG Studios, and the outpour of love and support for Yoongi’s business was insane. It was crazy how one simple video goes viral, and everyone wants a piece of whatever it is; that’s the beauty of social media.

Business was booming for Yoongi, and there were times when you thought he was going soft on you, that maybe he stopped hating your guts for helping his business thrive. But as much as you wanted Yoongi to change, some things never did.

You looked over on a Friday afternoon and saw Yoongi passed out on his work desk, softly snoring in his white tee and the navy apron he was always found in. Shaking your head at him, you continued sweeping away at the mess on the ground.

You set your phone on the work table next to you, waiting for an important call from a buyer who found Yoongi’s video through TikTok. Not realizing how messy his studio was, you kept sweeping until you reached the back room. Unbeknownst to you, your phone started buzzing, an incoming call from an unknown number.

“Yah–” Yoongi softly croaked, clearing his throat. “Yah–” he tried again to get your attention. He poked his head up, wondering where you disappeared to.

Walking back with the broom in hand and confusion on your face, you made a face at Yoongi. “What? Grumpy?”

“Turn off your fucking phone, sweetheart. I’m trying to nap.”

Today was the first day where he had some time off from clients and making new products for vendors. You rolled your eyes at him and walked to grab your phone, setting down the broom to answer the call that was annoying him. “Hello? Yes, this is she,” as the call continued, you couldn’t contain your excitement; it was the buyer on the other end.

When you hung up the call and muffled a scream, jumping up and down in place, Yoongi scowled at you as the grumpy gramps he was. “Yoongi, you have a very important buyer coming to your studio in an hour! I need you to buckle up, put on your big boy pants, and put away your grumpy attitude.”

Yoongi stood up, slamming his hands on the table, making your eyes flutter shut for a moment. “Jeez, sweetheart. You’re such a pain in my ass. I don’t wanna meet them. I don’t care if I go viral on TikTok or make money or become successful,” Yoongi huffed. “Don’t give a shit if I die in this hellhole.”

He didn’t scare you, and he could never scare you. As much as he was annoyed with you or was mean to you, there was an inkling feeling that he did all these things so he wouldn’t become close to others, and a part of you was determined to break down that wall.

You took a stride towards him; this was the closest you’d been near him. And like you expected, he smelled earthy, warm, and reassuring. “Yoongs,” slightly shaking your head, you said, “I’m not the villain here.” You sighed, feeling defeated, "I'm not the villain. I just…I don’t know—I’m invested. I can’t turn my back on you now."

And you were serious about it. You weren’t going to abandon him; it wasn’t about success or fame. You didn’t care about that; you cared about him.

Your eyes darted to his, then down to his apron, noticing a small piece of a wood chip stuck to it; your hand automatically reached to pull it, but Yoongi held your wrist. "Why do you care so much?" He looked into your eyes, hoping to find an answer. He didn't understand why you'd go out of your way to help him.

You shrugged, gently pulling your wrist from his grasp. “What? I can’t care about you?”

“Trust me, sweetheart. You don’t want to. I’m a fucking mess,” Yoongi muttered, reaching for the bottle of whiskey, but you stopped him. Peering at you, he almost wanted to start an argument, but he resisted this time.

You slotted yourself between his legs, your index finger lifting his chin to make him look at you. Yoongi’s eyes were easy to read, and you could see their sadness and hurt. "There are other ways to ease the pain, you know..."

Yoongi gripped your wrist once again. “Yeah? Like what?” He tilted his head, sporting a grin. He knew what you were alluding to, but he wanted you to say it.

You scoffed at his cockiness. Fine, you thought. "Me."

You leaned in, cupping his face, lips crashing into his. It's as if he was trying to resist what he wanted, but he finally gave in. His whiskey breath was hot against yours as he opened his mouth, moaning at the simplest touch of your tongue. His kiss was carnal, animalistic and full of lust. His veiny hands gripped your waist, pulling you in closer against his growing erection.

You annoyed the fuck out of him, but he thought you were so fucking hot when you pushed his buttons. He hated and secretly loved it. His hands slid underneath your sweater, pushing it further to reveal your lace bra.

"Shit–baby." He tugged you closer, burying his face in your breasts, kissing the soft flesh, gently biting your nipple. Through a shaky breath, Yoongi muttered, "This is just sex, and that's it."

"Good—I wouldn't want anything else from you."

#yoongi fanfic #yoongi fic #yoongi x reader #yoongi x you #bts fic #bts fanfic #e2l #follower milestone #fic: sstbs #yoongi #min yoongi #suga #yoongi x y/n

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imagine-knowing-a-name · 2 years

Text

The Kingdom of Yerffej

Summary: You’re a knight of the kingdom, Natasha is the Princess, and Jeff is the unexpected visitor you can’t help but love

Word Count: 4326

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x Reader

Warnings: Bullies try to hurt Jeff 😔

A/N: A while ago, @natsfirecat posted a Jeff fic based on a challenge set by @wolferine to include every trope she’d labelled as S-tier. Since I was also challenged, here’s a fic that includes Humour, Fluff, Gen, Hurt + comfort, Mutual Pining, Friends to lovers, and as a Royal AU :)

Also I’m in exam season so I stayed up way too late doing this after I finished studying✌️ excuse any errors. It is also heavily based on Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword because I love that game.

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Yerffej was a peaceful place. The small settlement had been founded lifetimes ago when the ancient people, let by the Romanoffs, had sought refuge from attackers, and the mountain cluster that would go on to become the Yerffej was the only place where the attackers did not follow. The present-day King was still a Romanoff. His ancestors had founded the kingdom, build houses for the other refugees, and built bridges between the mountain peaks, providing easy connections to all parts of the kingdom. They were a respected dynasty, responsible for the integration of the community and the prosperity of the land; but they were also known for their benevolence to the citizens, and never regarded themselves as above their subjects.

For that reason, the King decided against a tutor for his only child, Natasha Romanoff, although he could afford it. Instead, he sent her to the Academy, a free school he had founded for any child in the kingdom to attend. It taught the basic skills, such as maths, writing, and reading, but it also provided extra classes for students to specialise in, giving them a chance to become proficient in a skill of their choosing.

Princess Natasha was in your year, and you had bonded the moment you had met, much to your parents’ shock. She was perfect in every way, and the whole kingdom wanted to get to know her, yet in the very first class, back when you were both 4 years old, she had chosen to sit next to you. You talked a lot, telling each other your favourite colours, the names of your favourite toys, and a little bit about your families, though that was of little importance compared to talks of stuffed toys.

She had sat next to you in the next class, and you talked some more. And then it happened again, and again, and again, until years had passed and it became rare to see one of you without the other.

Of course, at the end of school she would return home to her palace, and you to your very much not-palace home, but it wasn’t uncommon for you to have sleepovers at the others’ house. When she stayed at yours, she never commented on how different it was; she treated your parents with kindness and politely accepted whatever food they offered her.

The King always prided himself on being equal to his subjects, putting in a lot of effort to make sure his daughter felt the same. Despite being a ruler, it was clear that he did not see himself as above his people, and so he welcomed you happily into his house, as just his daughter’s friend, and you built up a good relationship over the years. He tried to keep the two of you entertained when you visited and, as king, he had access to plenty of activities. The Royal Guard in particular spent a lot of time babysitting you and Natasha, letting you watch them spar and even letting you handle some of their wooden practice swords, very slowly taking you through the basics of sword-wielding.

It was that relationship that influenced your decision when you came of age to pick your specialist class, joining the knights. It was the first time you and Natasha would be separated at school, as she had to take a class on royal etiquette and history instead. Though you still had the other classes together, some of the students began to exploit the fact that she wasn’t by your side. On top of her royal status, they had begun to see her beauty, and they were jealous of how close the two of you were.

They couldn’t attack the Princess, nor attack you in front of her, knowing she would defend you; so they waited until you were alone. Plus, a class on fighting was the perfect time for them to get away with it. No matter how little they paid attention in their other classes, the bullies were smart enough to know the head knights were fond of you, and that attacking you outright would end badly for them. Instead, they resorted to hitting harder than necessary, or faster than you could dodge, managing to knock you back and leave bruises and cuts, before stepping away as soon as the trainers got close.

Natasha noticed your injuries of course, and it wasn’t difficult for her to work out the cause of them, but you shrugged them off as accidents and dangers of your field of study. She’d tut at you for getting injured, and likely for lying about it, but never confronted the bullies themselves since you so clearly didn’t want interference. Instead, she’d patch up the wounds, and do her best to make them better, before warning you to be more careful next time. The cycle lasted for years, but it helped you to become a better fighter, learning to dodge or defend against their attacks as the years went by, and making you top of the class at graduation.

There was a long ceremony, with the King praising the year’s cohort of new soldiers, before congratulating you all individually. You got a few days off after that to celebrate; at home, in the city, and even at the palace with Natasha and her father, before you were set to work. The knights filled several roles around the kingdom, from helping civilians, to guarding the walls. And for the experienced ones, guarding the palace and training new knights. You had to work your way up to that though, so your role, for now, was simply to stand by the kingdom walls, just in the viewpoint of the guards on either side, and keep an eye out for anyone who may be trying to sneak into the kingdom.

With the height of the kingdom and the steep mountains that had to be climbed to reach it, there was rarely ever a cause to call the alarm, certainly, nobody had made the trek in all the years you had been alive. Which is why it was the job given to rookie knights only; it provided adequate training without the risk of failure… plus it was too boring for any senior knight to want to participate in.

But, somehow, nothing boring ever happened in your life. The first day of your new role and somehow something showed up right by your section of the gate. Great.

The previous year’s cohort had taken you through the rules of procedure, though admittedly with little vigour or care, since the expectation was that it would be as uneventful a year as always. You were to stop the passer-by and ask for their business; if they wished to enter the kingdom, you would escort them in and towards the palace, informing the other guards to watch out for your place. If they had no desire to enter the kingdom, then you were to redirect them and inform them of the simpler routes down the mountain.

This, however, was not something you could easily interrogate. You watched the small silvery creature scrabble over the final ridge and enter your view. It seemed a little too early into the job for you to be having hallucinations, so you squinted in the hopes of gaining more details. The smooth, spherical body was shaped much like a dog, stout and close to the ground, with four little legs. The small being also had a protrusion on its back, and a tail split in two, much like the fish you had seen in the palace pond, but much larger and far less fragile looking.

The creature startled when it saw you, much like you did upon seeing it, but then slowly approached, tail wagging side to side. You kept a hand on the hilt of your sword, just in case the animal was violent, though you hesitated to draw it. Something in the way it looked made you trust it and put your bets on it being friendly. This was further reinforced when it flopped into a seated position right in front of you, opening its mouth wide and letting its tongue loll out the side. Rows of sharp, jagged teeth should have set you back on guard, but it was such a genuine smile that you took your hand off of your sword instead.

You crouched down, against all better judgement, and found yourself face to face with the being. “Hello there”

It said nothing. You took a look to your sides, glad to see that neither of them had looked in your direction, nor caught sight that you were talking to this animal. “Ummm… what’s the purpose of your visit?”

“Mrrr”

The small purr was unexpected, but then you broke into a smile. If this was the first day, then maybe it wouldn’t be such a boring year after all. “Oh, you’re here for mrrr are you?” you joked.

The animal huffed in reply.

“Not a fan of that joke, huh?”

“Mrrr.”

“Okay, how about you stay here until the night guard switches in, then I’ll bring you to meet the Princess, she’ll love to meet you.”

“Mrrr,” it nodded, confusing you, could it actually understand what you were saying? It seemed to. It stood up, turned around, and then sat down again; this time sitting up straight and facing the same direction as you as if it were an active guard on duty.

You kept talking to it, though not understanding any of its responses, but it passed the time and finally you could switch. You bundled the creature into your bag before your replacement came out, and carried it past the kingdom walls, heading straight for the palace.

The guards weren’t at all surprised to see you, letting you through without any checks and telling you that Natasha was in her room.

You practically ran upstairs (though you had to slow down after some indignant ‘mrrr’s sounded from your bag) and rapped quickly on her door.

“Come in”

“Hi Natasha,” you gasped

“Y/N! How was your first day?”

“I want you to see this, I met it outside the castle walls,” you explained, already shrugging the bag off of your shoulder and tipping it onto her bed, the creature inelegantly tumbling out.

“What is this? He’s beautiful” Natasha said, leaning closer to inspect it. The animal preened at the praise, showing itself off for the Princess. Yup, it definitely understood you all. “Is it a he? I just assumed but I don’t know” she continued.

“Um, I’m not sure, I’ve never seen anything like it before, does it even have gender?”

“Mmmm” it nodded

“You do?”

“The animal has a perception of gender?” Natasha whispered, and you turned to see her writing her observation down. She loved to gain as much knowledge as she could, about the nature within the kingdom, the history, and the culture of it all. There were many times where you could just sit in the gardens with her for hours and listen to her explain each flower, or tree, or insect in detail. It was far more information than you could even retain.

“Mrrr!” drew your attention away from Natasha and back towards the creature, who was tilting its head quickly between the two of you. Natasha cleared her throat, and looked back at the creature, having had her attention drift to you at some point. You hoped she hadn’t caught your staring.

“So is saying ‘he’ okay?”

“Mrrr,” he nodded.

“Well, that’s settled then, unless there’s anything else?” He shook his head. “Do you have a name for it?”

“I was thinking Jeffrey”

“You took the name of the kingdom and spelt it backwards? And that’s what you’re naming this?”

“It’s as good a name as any,” you shrugged.

“Fine, but how about we shorten it, like Jeff?”

“Mrrrr”

“I think that’s a vote for Jeff. From Jeff.”

“Jeff it is.”

You decided to take Jeff on a tour of the kingdom, since he seemed set on staying with the two of you, venturing out until town with Natasha, and the small creature between you. You tried to explain the landmarks and help it learn its way around. But it was to little avail as it focused on the ground, hopping from stone to stone to avoid the cracks.

After a while it was clear nothing was getting through to him, so you made yourself content to just walk alongside Natasha, listening to her talk through all she had learnt in her classes since you'd last asked. She would often go on tangents upon seeing certain buildings, explaining their history and the significance of their placement. You tried not to interrupt, save for occasionally wrangling Jeff back to your side, but other people had different ideas.

Realistically, you shouldn't have brought Jeff past the walls, since you had no idea what kind of threat he might have posed, nor did you have any idea what his motives might have been. But you trusted him, and you'd also seen him fall headfirst into the lake, too entranced by the fish to realise how far over the bridge he was tilting. You decided, while wading out of the lake with dripping armour and a slippery creature who wanted to get back into the water on your shoulder, that Jeff did not have any ulterior motives, his focus did not seem to extend far enough to have them.

But when your newly knighted classmates saw him, that was not the exact line of thought they had. They saw him as a threat instead, and a way to win Princess Natasha's heart.

Brock was the first to draw his sword, pointing it directly at your newly acquired friend, but his friends soon followed suit. Jeff wasn't looking in their direction at all, but by stepping in front of him you gained his attention, and he noticed the predicament. He let out a small yelp, and when you turned to look behind your legs, he had curled inwards, trembling.

"Leave him alone Brock," Natasha said firmly, simultaneously stepping forward and putting her hand atop yours, stopping you from unsheathing your own sword.

"Princess," he grinned, quickly running a hand through his hair to (unsuccessfully) smooth it down. "You don't know what that thing is. Y/L/N brought it in from the outside, you don't even know how it got up here"

"And do you?" she questioned back without wasting any time, "no. So leave us alone and continue on our way"

"I'm just looking out for you, Princess"

"I'll be fine. If I need anything, I already have Y/N here, so your presence and concern are unnecessary"

At the mere mention of your name, you were met with a glare from every member of the trip, as if they had forgotten you were there and were just now remembering that they hated you.

"Let's keep going Y/N" Natasha grimaced, pacing off and expecting you to follow behind, which of course you did, but only after you scooped Jeff up and let him bare his teeth at your bullies.

"I don't understand why they're allowed to be knights" Natasha huffed

"because they fight well?"

"but they're not nice people. They're the ones who bully you, are they not?"

"they are"

"Then they shouldn't have been allowed to pass"

"Princess-"

"I also didn't like them calling me princess"

"I'm sorry"

"No, I don't mind when you- I only like it when you call me Princess. The way they said it was different."

"It's your title Nat, it's what they're supposed to call you for respect"

"Then why did it not sound respectful? I could probably get them kicked off"

"Tasha, it's alright. In case one day we ever do get attacked, we need them, they're good at what they do. So you have to put the kingdom's needs above your feelings about them"

She dipped her head towards the ground, and you watched as a smile began to spread on her face, "you sound like my teachers," she giggled, "are you sure you haven't been going to my classes instead?"

"Well, you would have seen me there surely? Unless you've been going to my knight classes?!" you laughed back.

"Well maybe I have," she said smugly. Then, quickly, she grasped the sword from your side and ran off, laughing as she went. "Then I suppose I'll have to show you the skills I've picked up"

Jeff turned around from where he had been sniffing in the bushes and, upon seeing Natasha, burst into a run after her.

"You shouldn't run with that!" you yelled half-heartedly, not that she paid you much mind. Then you gave in, doing what she'd goaded you into and chasing after her to wrestle it back.

—

It was another few days before the bullies dared approach you again. This time when Natasha was elsewhere. You still had Jeff though; the creature had been following you non-stop and keeping you company as you worked. He was a nice addition to your life.

But it was while you were on guard that they attacked, leaving their own posts to come and corner you.

"Fancy seeing you here, Y/N, and with the beast too, how lovely"

"What do you want, Rumlow?"

"Ooh, you're talking mighty tough, bold words when you don't have your precious Natasha here to defend you"

"Don't worry," one of his lackeys said, "we want nothing from you. But that- that is a threat" he finished, pointing at Jeff.

"Jeff isn't a threat to anyone"

"You think his teeth will never cause harm? That this abomination is completely innocent? how about we test that theory?"

"Don't you dare touch him"

"Or what? what're you gonna do?"

Your answer did not come in the form of words. It came as a punch to Rumlow's face, making him stumble back into the others.

"Fine, if that's how you want to do it."

You knew you were in serious trouble, with the three of them teaming up against you and nobody else around to witness it. You held off as best you could, dodging their punches, but with three of them around you, there were only so many attacks you could avoid before they started to wear you down. Despite a few good punches against them, you were getting hit more and more frequently, each punch sending you closer to curling up fully on the floor. You were winded and in pain, only to get worse when you heard the 'shink' of metal being drawn, and caught a glint of a dagger.

"Oh, now that's not fair" you groaned, right before it became embedded in your shoulder.

Jeff had been holding back, growling and snapping at the bullies, but never attacking, so they paid him no mind. Your collapse onto the floor beside him changed that, and suddenly he lunged, nipping lightly enough to cause pain, but nothing to cause long-lasting injuries.

It did its job, and soon the bullies were scurrying away, claiming 'that was the plan after all'.

It might have repercussions for Jeff if they showed off their injuries, but that was the last thing on your mind at that point. Your injuries would get them into far more trouble than Jeff.

The creature himself whined, nudging at your side. You winced as he came into contact with the cut and he jumped back, stared at you for a second, and then ran from you, as quickly as his legs could carry.

"Great, " you sighed. All alone, bleeding and in pain, and even your loyal Jeff had disappeared. Your injuries were critical, just painful, so you sat back against the wall and hoped nothing more would happen until the end of your shift.

Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately?) your hope did not go fulfilled, as Jeff returned, with Natasha in his wake. She rushed to your side in an instant, checking the injuries on your body and mumbling about the many things she was going to do the next time she saw the bullies. Jeff, meanwhile, circled the pair of you, tail wagging proudly at accomplishing his mission.

"I'm fine," you reassured Natasha, but she was having none of it.

"No you're not, and no matter how good at fighting they are, there is no place for them in the Royal guard, and that is my decision."

"It's your father's actually"

"He'll agree when he sees the state of you. Now keep still, I need to patch you up."

You nodded, but Jeff settled beside you shortly after, and you couldn't help but pat his head, stretching the skin which had been torn by the blade in the process.

"I said stay still! I swear sometimes you're so stubborn"

"And yet you still love me" you teased with a grin. Though she did not match the energy. Her eyes immediately averted to the ground, and her hands faltered midway through applying the bandages.

"Natasha, are you okay? I meant love, like, platonically, that's okay right?"

She sighed again, biting her lip as if about to speak, so you waited. Until finally she spoke, at a volume just louder than a whisper. "And what if I mean it in a non-platonic way?"

"Then that would be cool"

Her stiffness dropped in an instant, returning to the 'are you serious right now?' demeanour you were so, so used to seeing. "That would be cool? really Y/N?" she sighed, "I'm baring my heart to you and-"

"Just try it" you interrupted, "say the- if you really mean it- say the thing again. Properly this time"

"Alright, fine," she muttered. Then cleared her throat, "I love you Y/N, in a non-platonic way"

"and I love you too Natasha"

"you do? you're not just saying that to make me less embarrassed?"

"Of course I love you, Nat, I have for years. I loved you as a friend but you're so effortlessly kind and beautiful, you patch me up whenever I get hurt and never retaliate purely because I ask you not to, even though I know you would love to. And when you talk, god, I could listen to you for hours. How could I not love you? non-platonically."

"You really didn't have up specify non-platonically at the end of that"

"Just thought I'd make it extra clear"

She smiled at you, the whole world seemed to pause as she did so. Like there was no one but you and her.

… And your shared Jeff, who used the opportunity to walk directly in front of you. He was bored of the conversation and decided to ruin the mood instead.

"Let's get you to the Palace, I'm sure another guard can come to take your place early. But you should rest properly and… maybe we could discuss this some more?"

"I'd like that," you smiled. She hoisted you up, supporting a lot of your weight as you hobbled your way back into the kingdom, then up the stairs of the Palace so Natasha could lay you down on her bed.

"So about this whole love thing…" you began, "are we dating now?"

"I'd like to try it, if-if you're okay with it too?"

"Yeah. I'm more than okay with it."

"Then can I kiss you then?"

"Please do"

And she did. It was inexperienced, neither of you ever having had partners before, but to do it with her made it feel like no other kiss could top it. You wanted to keep kissing her forever, but a knock at the door had you quickly pulling away and acting as if nothing had happened.

"Come in," Natasha called, trying to sound as casual as she could. The king opened the door as soon as he had his daughter's permission, peeking his head in.

"I just wanted to check on Y/N, I heard you got hurt. But uhhh, it seems like you finally got together, congratulations on that."

Your face heated up instantly; you could only assume it looked the same as Natasha's blushed cheeks, if not worse. It felt worse.

"How did you-" Natasha asked,

"Finally?" you also said.

"I know you two well, your faces gave it away. And yes, finally, your parents and I have been wondering when it would happen, Y/N, I'm sure they'll be delighted by the news."

"You talk about-"

"Your love life is not often a topic of conversation, don't worry" he reassured, "but with how many lovesick whines I've heard from Natasha about you, I thought I'd bring it up with them, just to find out that they hear the same from you."

If you thought your face was red before it was nothing compared to how it felt now. You felt like your face alone could provide lighting for the whole kingdom, but at least you weren't alone, knowing Natasha had felt the same about you all along.

"I'll leave you two and your embarrassment be. But one more note, Yerffej is no longer in need of a kingdom animal. I have designated it as the land shark now, with repercussions from the crown if anyone causes harm or distress to one."

"Oh that's excellent" Natasha grinned, "but what is a land shark?"

"It's a being I found reference to in some old nature books from the library, the ones that predate our arrival in these mountains. It is said to be a sign of good luck if you see one, and even better fortunes if you are the person whom it chooses to follow… and I believe your friend Jeff is the perfect example."

Jeff squealed, excited at the recognition of his species. He ran up to the King, then around the room, even leaping up onto the bed with you at one point.

Looking between him and your new girlfriend, it certainly seemed like good things had already begun.

—————————————————

Jeff taglist: @unexpected-character (send an ask or mention it in the comments if you want to be added)

#natasha romanoff #natasha romanoff x reader #Natasha romanoff x y/n #natasha romanoff imagine #jeff the land shark #marvel #mcu

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marzipanandminutiae · 2 years

Text

so I finally read Margaret Peterson Haddix’s “Running Out Of Time”

It was a really interesting story. I found the 1840 village very...80s/90s Popular History Perception of 1840(TM). I’ll talk about why I felt this worked, but for now, an incomplete list of inaccuracies that stood out to me:

- the idea of a 13-year-old girl’s ankles showing being scandalous. in the early 19th century, young teenage girls were starting to wear shorter dresses, and “let down their skirts” once they reached Adulthood around 16 or 17

- a girl being an old maid if not married by 16. the average age for women at first marriage in 1840 was more like 20-25. Teen marriage, while legal and more socially accepted than it is today, was often viewed as unnecessarily hasty and a mark of the couple’s immaturity. ESPECIALLY if the girl was under that 16-17 age of adulthood mentioned above.

- the terms “O.K.” and “shut up” not existing in 1840. O.K. started as popular youth slang in Boston in the 1830s, though it was more of a joke phrase until the mid-20th century, and the modern usage of “shut up” is first attested to in an 1840 edition of the New Orleans Picayune (a newspaper)

- “America in the early 1800s was even more wasteful than in the 1980s.” Honey, they reused things modern municipal recycling can’t even DREAM of.

- 13-year-old girl wearing her hair all the way up. In the 18th century? Absolutely. Hair Up vs. Hair Down didn’t start becoming a signifier of adulthood until, again, the early 19th century. But by 1840, the trend had become quite commonplace.

- “tattletale,” “going through a phase,” and “dumb” used to mean stupid. None of these usages existed in 1840, that I can find.

- assuming there was no Stranger Danger in 1840. Somewhat later, but Fanny Adams (murdered in Kent, England in 1867 at age 8 by a solicitor’s clerk who was passing through town, and I would NOT recommend reading the Wikipedia page) would like a word.

- how has she never seen men’s neckwear before? Jessie describes a man at the gas station wearing “flowered cloth” around his neck. Men definitely wore cravats and such in 1840, and there are men in Clifton pretending to be wealthier than her blacksmith father, so even if she mostly saw him in work-clothes she would have exposure to the idea of neckwear (and even her father would have had Sunday Best clothing). Why doesn’t she just assume it’s a different sort of cravat?

- or heard of fouled water? “The water’s poison” is something she puzzles over for the entire second half of the story, but growing up in an agrarian community, wouldn’t she at least be aware of the CONCEPT of water pollution? People did know about that in 1840, if not exactly how it worked.

Thing is, though, this can all be explained when you consider: very few, if any, historians were involved in Clifton’s creation. Jessie’s father might be the only thing even close to one present in the town, and he’s more an artisan/reenactor than an actual researcher- not that those are mutually exclusive, of course, but back then I feel like there was more often a divide than there is today.

So it’s a for-profit tourist attraction based on what a bunch of pharmaceutical researchers and Born In The Wrong Era types thought the 1840s was like. No WONDER it’s so off-base and Little House On The Prairie.

(I also caught plenty of Fridge Horror, as TV Tropes calls it, for adult readers. Jessie’s mother mentions conservative Christians volunteering to live there, and we later see adults like the schoolmaster who whips kids as zealously as the most draconian teacher of the actual 1840s- and no, they were not all like that -and happily spouts period-typical racism despite being from the 1980s, and the man who tells Jessie’s sister that, if not married by 16, she’ll be an old maid.)

I feel like that’s the main difference between Running Out Of Time and The Village:

the latter shows an insular group of friends, fully aware of the past’s flaws, trying to create a community with just the good parts (they have female leaders, for example)

and the former shows exactly what you’d get if you put out a general call for people to live in a fully immersive, permanent faux-1840

#running out of time #ya lit #long post #racism mention

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aurumacadicus · 2 years

Text

@winterironmonth prompt -- NSFW Tuesday: Trope/AU, Dialogue

Trope/AU: Kink Discovery

Dialogue: “I know, baby. I know.”

Me: But what if I made it as dumb as possible.

Anyway, no orgasm shown, but rest assured, there is a happy ending, winkwink. Don’t forget to blacklist ‘long post’ and ‘lemon’ if you don’t want to see NSFW!

Bucky couldn’t believe it had taken him so long to realize.

Tony had always been generous even before he’d made it into the bedroom with him, had waved off thanks with a blasé shrug and even looked mildly uncomfortable when someone insisted. So he wasn’t surprised when Tony was generous in bed, too, always watching him to catalogue whether he liked something, keeping track of the lube he preferred, kept toys in tip-top conditions, had happily told him, ‘I’ll try anything with someone once!’ Bucky had thought that their sex lives literally couldn’t be any better.

Then Steve and Clint had brought in their stupid dogs, and Bucky had made a stupid joke, and now Tony couldn’t look him in the eye, even when they had sex. Bucky had patted Lucky on the head and said, ‘Good boy.’ He’d patted Dodger on the head and said, ‘Good boy.’ And when Tony had rolled his eyes and pouted with good humor because he always liked Bucky’s attention on him, he’d patted Tony on the head and said, ‘Good boy.’

Tony had gone bright red immediately, eyes dropping to the floor as he made a startled, confused noise. It had only taken Bucky a moment to figure out what happened, and unfortunately, Steve and Clint were only a few seconds behind if their choked laughter was anything to go by. Tony had fled without a word. Steve and Clint were at least genuinely sorry about it when they realized how embarrassed Tony actually was, but he’d been avoiding them ever since, so they never actually got to apologize.

And Bucky couldn’t help but dwell on it. Every time he’d moaned, ‘yeah, that’s good,’ and Tony would perk up, or ‘right there,’ and Tony wouldn’t move away from that spot, or even just ‘love you, doll,’ and Tony would flush tomato red. All the signs had been there, but he’d been too busy enjoying himself to look into it.

So the next time he got Tony bouncing in his lap, he couldn’t help but curl his fingers over his hips possessively, clutch until Tony was letting out a breathy little moan because he liked having marks, and then he leaned up, pressed his lips to Tony’s ear, and whispered, “What a good boy for me.”

Tony jerked, shocked, then let out a shuddery breath, eyes gone suspiciously damp. His hips stuttered to a stop. “You’re making fun of me,” he whispered.

“I’m not,” Bucky promised, cupping the back of his head so he could ease him into his shoulder. “I’m not, doll. I swear I’m not. I would never. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t know for sure, not really,” Tony whispered, and his voice cracked as he added, “Not until… not until that very moment.”

“Oh, sweetheart,” Bucky sighed as he realized the extra layer of mortification Tony was dealing with when he’d run off. He’d felt like a fucking car had been dropped on his head at the time; he couldn’t imagine what that must have felt like for Tony.

“It’s not a dog thing,” Tony added, voice trembling with vulnerability.

Bucky took a deep breath, then patiently answered, “I know it’s not a dog thing. It’s being told you’re good, isn’t it? How good you are to me? For me?”

Tony sucked in a wet breath and pressed his face more firmly to Bucky’s shoulder. He shook his head, but Bucky couldn’t tell if he was telling him ‘no,’ he was wrong, or if he was just overwhelmed. He slid his hands up from Tony’s hips, instead stroking them up and down his back soothingly. They had plenty of time for him to get his bearings.

Still, he couldn’t help but press his lips to Tony’s ear again and whisper, “You’re such a good boy for me, doll.”

Tony shuddered and let out a very interesting sound, half choked-off moan and half desperation. His hips jerked seemingly of their own accord, body clenching as it rubbed Bucky’s cock over his prostate. “Buck,” he finally managed to croak.

“Can I lay you out and tell you how good you are for me, doll?” Bucky asked gently. When Tony didn’t react except to whimper a little, he began trailing kisses from his ear to his neck, wrapping his arms around him so he could gently ease him onto the bed. “Gonna be my good boy, Tony?”

Tony stared up at him, breathing long and slow against the urge to whimper. “I don’t… need it,” he finally managed to mutter, looking slightly uncomfortable.

Bucky just looked at him for a moment, remembering all of the times that Tony had uncomfortably brushed off insistent thanks or hadn’t stuck around to even allow for gratitude. He’d known Tony got uncomfortable when the attention was on things that he did for the people he cared about, went out of his way to say ‘no big deal’ or ‘I would have done it for anyone.’ He wondered why, for a moment, but decided, ultimately, that it didn’t matter.

Because Tony was sprawled out beneath him, looking simultaneously terrified and hopeful, and Bucky knew, without a doubt, that if he didn’t get this right this time, he’d never have another chance. So he leaned down, pressed a soft kiss to Tony’s earlobe, and murmured, “I didn’t ask if you needed it. I asked if you were gonna be my good boy. Are you, Tony? Gonna be my good, sweet boy?”

Tony let out a broken little hiccup but still managed to nod, squeezing his eyes shut. “Yes.”

“Good. I like to hear that,” Bucky said, smiling, and watched as Tony’s face flushed and he jerked his head away in embarrassment. He reached out and gently eased Tony’s head back to face him. “Look at me, doll. I know, baby,” he added when Tony just whimpered in response. “I know. But you can be brave and look at me. I know you can.”

Tony peeled his eyes open again, and Bucky was kind enough not to mention the glassiness of them. “Bucky…”

“Such pretty eyes. What a good boy for showing them to me when I asked,” Bucky said, and Tony’s breath hitched, eyes fluttering away in embarrassment before he locked them back onto Bucky’s face again. “Good,” Bucky repeated, and he was a little embarrassed when he realized his voice had dropped a little. The embarrassment faded quickly, though, when Tony puffed his chest out a little bit, looked just a touch smug at the praise. He smiled and let his hand drift up further to curl his fingers in Tony’s hair. “I have such a beautiful boyfriend. Hold your legs open for me, doll.”

Tony’s breath hitched again, but he obediently reached down without breaking Bucky’s gaze, curling his fingers under his knees and holding them up and out for him. “Like this?”

“Yeah, just like that. Such a smart, sweet boy I’ve got,” Bucky cooed, and watched with interest as Tony’s toes curled and relaxed a couple times in response. Interesting. Very interesting. He tightened his fingers in Tony’s hair a bit, just because he knew Tony liked it a little rough sometimes, and watched his eyes flutter closed with a soft moan before he forced them open again. “Look at that,” he murmured, mostly to himself. “Should be illegal for a guy to be so sexy.”

“Should be illegal for a guy to keep his cock in my ass and do nothing with it,” Tony retorted, voice strained.

“You sass me again, and I’ll show you doing nothing with my dick,” Bucky warned, and punctuated it with a sharp thrust of his hips. Tony let out a broken little noise that Bucky immediately loved. “That a good angle, sweetheart?”

Tony glowered up at him, cheeks flushing from pink to red. “You said you wouldn’t make fun of me.”

“Sweetheart,” Bucky cooed. “You know I was only saying that about your kink. Keep your legs open,” he added before Tony could retort, giving his hair one last gentle tug before he placed both of his hands on Tony’s hips. “You’re coming on my cock or not at all.”

The noise Tony made in response was familiar this time—worried, and anxious, and hopeful all at once, somehow. “You’d leave me hanging after all this?”

“What are you talkin’ about, doll?” Bucky drawled, smirking. “You’re my good boy, aren’t you? I know you can come on my cock.” Tony shuddered, eyes darting away and back, toes curling. Bucky leaned down to press their mouths together, nibbling at Tony’s bottom lip for a moment, before he pulled back, just enough that their lips brushed when he spoke. “I know you can do it, doll. You’ve always been good about doing what I tell you to.”

“…I understand this last part is praise,” Tony began.

“I regretted it as soon as I said it,” Bucky answered, laughing a little. “You’re a little shit that hates listening to me out of bed. Doll please my dick is in you.”

“You said it, not me,” Tony argued, trying very hard not to giggle. Eventually, though, he broke, and he threw his head back to laugh.

Bucky smiled, letting go of Tony’s hips so he could tangle their hands together. He pressed them up by Tony’s head and leaned in to kiss his laughing mouth, chuckling quietly. “Look who’s being made fun of now.”

Tony jerked with another bark of laughter, and Bucky leaned in to kiss him again, smiling. They’d have to revisit this later. Right now, he mostly just wanted to revel in kissing Tony and enjoying his laughter.

Well, and getting each other off. But somehow, that seemed like just a bonus now.

#aurumacadicus writes #winterironmonth #winteriron #long post #lemon

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the-modern-typewriter · 3 years

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Say yes

So, thought I'd try my hand at fluffy YA ace romance. You know, to challenge myself because neither YA, nor fluffy contemporary romance are my usual tropes. As in, at all.

Obviously that means I decided to start small and write a novel.

This is the first three two chapters. Reckon it works?

Edit: Changed from three, to two, because since posting I’ve already seen a million structural issues with things I want to tweak and fix in Chapter 3. Ayy first drafts. This is why I shouldn’t get ahead of myself...

Chapter 1

“What about you, Astra?” Chloe asked. “Who do you like?”

Who do you like? It was one of Astra Sutton’s least favourite questions in the world, and it always seemed to sneak its way into parties. Astra twisted her drink between her fingers and searched for a way to be absorbed in another important conversation.

It was Laura’s eighteenth birthday, and the room was clustered with people, spilling out into the hall and the kitchen. There were plenty of conversational candidates. She didn’t even have to talk to them. She could stand awkwardly and listen, or drain her drink and pretend to get another, or go to the bathroom and hope her friends had moved onto another topic by the time she returned. She had options.

“Astra?” Chloe flicked a popcorn kernel at her. It hit her gently in the middle of the forehead, with an aim that would be impressive in other circumstances, and bounced off.

Damn it.

“Hm?” Astra turned back to Chloe, Ingrid, and Laura.

The three of them were crowded in one corner of Laura’s lounge, a huddle of laughter and secrets that had seemed so much warmer only moments before.

Chloe smiled at her, mischievous and full of curiosity. “Who do you like?”

“You know me,” Astra said, and tried for deadpan. “I hate everyone. Ew, people.”

Ingrid smirked.

Laura snorted, and nearly spilled her a cider with a flamboyant wave of her hand. “Oh, please,” she said. “C’mon. We all said.”

The three of them stared at her.

Astra swallowed and took another gulp of lemonade to buy herself time. She could feel her face heating, and she could just imagine them taking it for the flustered embarrassment of a girl thinking about her crush. She knew, of course, that ‘who do you like?’ wasn’t the worst question in the world. Her friends weren’t asking to be mean. Nobody was trying to trip her up. It was simply one of the questions that apparently came with being fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, and apparently eighteen too. At seventeen, there was ‘what are you planning to do at uni?’ ‘which uni were you thinking of?’ and ‘who do you like?’

Astra wanted to study Psychology, her top choice could probably be UCL or York, and she liked…

“No one,” she said, and dropped the deadpan. “I don’t like anyone. Not like that.”

Astra had been friends with the three of them for years, in the way that people became friends when they lived in the same small place and went to the same school, day in and day out for about ten years. That made it sound like she didn’t like them – she did. Theirs was a friendship born of the battlefield of secondary school. They might go their separate ways come graduation and never talk again, but should they come to her with a body now, she probably would have buried it with minimal questions asked. With all of that said, she had never seen eye to eye with any of them when it came to dating.

Chloe and Ingrid loved talking about their crushes. When Chloe wasn’t seeing anyone, she liked the fizzing possibility that she could be. Every day was another chance for a meet cute and happily ever after. They’d first bonded over their love of romance novels and the hand touch scene in the Pride and Prejudice movie. Laura didn’t go into the whole dating thing as much, but that didn’t mean she was any less invested in knowing who liked who. Knowing was power.

“You have to like somebody,” Chloe said, more confused than accusing. “We’re not going to judge, or anything.” Her blue eyes were starting to cloud with hurt, with the sense that despite everything, Astra didn’t trust her. Astra could just imagine the internal monologue – Ingrid told us she liked Zoe, so what are you trying to hide? Is it one of us?

“Yeah.” Laura shifted her weight, leaning in. “You can tell us. It’s not like we care if you’re, like, gay or something.”

“I know,” Astra said.

Chloe, Ingrid and Laura exchanged glances. In hindsight, Astra would wonder if it was the glance that did it. It was the kind of glance that people did when someone was being weird. Not bad weird, exactly, just not normal. It made panic rise in her throat. It wasn’t the first time that the four of them had had this conversation. Usually Astra managed to dodge, or they let up with a roll of their eyes and indulgent smiles. Usually, they didn’t look at her quite like that.

Astra turned her head away, desperately scouring the room for an out and –

And Cade Wright walked in. He flashed their group a smile, all crooked at one corner, as he passed by.

Astra felt herself calm. She exhaled a breath. She looked back at her friends.

“Cade,” she said. “I like Cade.”

Cade was, probably, one of the most popular guys in their year. There were a few contenders for the spot. Cade was the tall, dark and handsome option. He was handsome, Astra knew that much. He had the cheekbones for it. More to the point, he had the eyes – pale green, and typically filled with some private amusement. He was in her some of her classes, and she’d enjoyed talking to him on the few times they ever had. He was quick. Sharp-tongued. He was, for all intents and purposes, her type. Therefore, if she said that she liked Cade Wright, they would believe her. Cade was the type of person that people had crushes on. No need for further questions, thank you.

Chloe and Laura’s expressions relaxed, that mischievous smile returning to Chloe’s face.

“He likes you too,” Ingrid said.

Astra’s stomach dropped out. All calm vanished.

“What?” Laura rounded on Ingrid. “How do you know?”

“It’s obvious.” Ingrid shrugged. “He was just smiling at you.”

Astra’s brow furrowed. “He was smiling at all of us.”

“He was smiling at you.”

“Lots of people smile,” Astra said. “It’s a friendly thing to do at parties. It doesn’t mean he likes me like that. I mean, god, what if we were all accused of fancying guys just because we smiled at them?”

“I mean,” Laura swigged her cider. “We kinda are. People definitely do that to women.”

“Okay,” Ingrid held up her hand, “I take your point. But, also. He likes you. Do you want to bet on it?”

“No,” the three of them chimed in unison.

Ingrid scrunched up her nose, disappointed.

Astra’s ears buzzed. He didn’t like her, right? He didn’t. People like Cade didn’t fall for people like her, not in real life. Ingrid was reading too much into it.

“Is it just the smiling?” Chloe asked Ingrid, “or do you have other evidence?”

The conversation, mercifully, moved onto whether it was wrong to assume someone fancied you just because they made a habit of smiling at you, and how exactly then one could tell if someone had a crush. Astra let the chatter fill her ears, tucking her knees to her chest. Her temporary calm had vanished again, leaving behind a swirling pit of uncertainty.

It was generally decided that Chloe was the prettiest of their friend group, with her hourglass figure and long red hair. Astra could see the appeal. Chloe was like summer personified in the body of a girl. Ingrid on the other hand leaned more into the androgynous style, blond and lean, with a truly awe-inspiring collection of heeled boots and long swoopy jackets she was rarely seen without. Astra really liked the boots. Laura was cute too. Wholesome looking. If Astra was gay, wouldn’t she have felt a stirring of something when she looked at one of them? She had tried imagining kissing them before once or twice, just to see if that sparked something in her brain, but despite the movie montage reel of possible scenarios it hadn’t clicked. She ended up getting more bogged down imagining the dialogue, the tension and the heartfelt confessions, without any particular face attached at all. Then she felt weirdly guilty for imagining kissing her friends. Like it was a betrayal, or something.

Astra looked across the room to Cade. He was mid-laugh, carding an artist’s fingers through his black hair. He looked so alive, so comfortable in his skin, so lovely that it almost hurt. She waited for a flutter in her chest, for fireworks, for the desperate hope that he would turn around and catch her looking. If he did, maybe she would look down, and pretend that she hadn’t been staring. They would both know, though. The air would crackle. She would busy herself with some other distraction, until it felt safe to look over again. She would find his attention already on her, waiting. He would smile. If she was bold, she would wander over with a quip. Or, maybe, before she looked over the second time, he would appear at her side. He would touch her shoulder, all casual like, and offer something perfectly snarky and charming all at once.

Astra’s chest ached.

He glanced over, catching her staring at him.

The ache vanished, replaced by mortification. She looked away so fast she got a crick in her neck, and caught Ingrid smirking at her.

“You know what,” Laura said, apparently catching Astra’s stare also. “I’m going to do you a favour.”

Astra’s eyes widened as Laura pushed to her feet.

“Wait—” Ingrid began, smirk dimming. “Laur.”

“Are you-?” Chloe began, more gleefully.

“No,” Astra said. Too late. Laura had appeared at Cade’s side while Astra was still pushing numbly to her feet.

Laura tossed her a reassuring, ‘you owe me’ sort of smile. Then she leaned down to murmur something in Cade’s ear as he looked bemused by her sudden presence.

“Oh,” Ingrid said softly. “Crap.”

Astra felt dizzy as Cade’s gaze snapped to her. She didn’t wait to see if he smiled, or laughed, or did anything to indicate what the hell Laura had said to him. She turned on her heel and strode out of the party, into the chill of Laura’s back garden. Her hands were shaking. Why were hands shaking?

Maybe Laura had been teasing. Maybe Laura hadn’t actually told Cade that Astra fancied him. Laura was drunk, she probably thought she was being funny, even when she really wasn’t. What if he thought it pathetic that she liked him? Even if she didn’t, she still didn’t want him mocking her for it.

God. She wished she could have said she was gay, for certain. Or straight. Bisexual. Anything for certain. At least then she could make a decisive stand on the matter. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to have a crush on someone, even an unrequited one would be fine. It was just…she didn’t. At least, not in so far as she could tell. That stupid fantasy of glances across a shared room could have happened to anyone, she’d probably stolen it from a book, it didn’t have to be Cade. It wasn’t about him, not really. So where did that leave her?

Her father said that she had her whole life ahead of her to find someone, to fall in love, that high school was a fish pond. She would find her people somewhere else. Her mother said that sometimes love was learning to love someone, and that the whole love at first sight thing simply wasn’t true. Honey, she said, you have to give people a chance. What happens, Astra, if you meet the love of your life and you don’t even give them a chance? I just don’t want you to regret anything when you look back!

Was giving people a chance supposed to feel so hard? Wasn’t she supposed to just meet someone, hit it off, and know? Her eyes started to grow hot and prickly. She willed herself not to start crying. This was a ridiculous thing to cry about. It could all be so much worse. Her throat grew thicker.

The backdoor swung open behind her, and it was probably Chloe or Ingrid come to check that she was alright. To tell her that Laura had been a bitch, but a well meaning bitch.

“Oh bloody hell, it’s cold.”

That was not Chloe’s voice. Or Ingrid’s. Or Laura’s. It was low and male and a little rough.

Astra whirled around, hastily wiping her eyes.

It was Cade.

Chapter 2

Cade lingered in the doorframe for only a moment – Astra caught a glimpse of Ingrid and Chloe lurking somewhere behind him in the hallway, surrounded by curious faces, before he stepped out without a backwards glance and shut the door behind him with a quiet click. He leaned against it for good measure, as if to stop anyone from following, and folded his arms.

They stared at each for an excruciating beat.

Astra looked down.

“Sorry,” she said.

“Are you alright?” he asked. His voice was clipped.

Astra exhaled a steadying breath and turned away, to face the garden. She couldn’t see much of it in the dark, but she had been at Laura’s home enough times to be able to imagine the shape and structure of the lawn and plants in front of her. It was better than trying to look at Cade when she felt like such an idiot.

“I’m fine.” She cleared her throat and tried for casual. “You came to check on me? My hero.”

He must have got up almost the second that she’d rushed out, following with only the smallest of hesitations. If that. The thought made something warm rush through her stomach.

“I can leave if you want,” he said. “Send in the cavalry.”

“Thanks.” That sounded like she wanted him to leave. “Wait.” Didn’t she? “No. I mean, I don’t mind. You can be out here. It’s a free country.” Wow.

Maybe not looking at him wasn’t such a good idea, because now she had no idea whatsoever what he was thinking. She turned again, and he was there, having apparently been moving to her side. They both froze, barely a foot between them.

Up close, his cologne filled the air around her, woody and enticing. Up close, those ridiculous green eyes of his were dark with anger or maybe concern. Maybe both. Her breath caught in her throat.

Was that having a crush on someone? Or was that just being glad that someone cared enough to follow? Or did that just mean she enjoyed the feeling of being important? She wanted to knock her head against a wall. Maybe then she’d stop.

“I know I can,” he murmured. “That wasn’t what I was asking.” He studied her face. “You look like you’re about to pass out.”

Oh god, did she?

“And you’re…” he trailed of. “Okay.” He gingerly set a hand on her arm. “Sit down, um—” He looked around the dark garden and alighted on the step. “Sit down.”

“I’m not going to pass out.”

“You’re breathing funny.”

“You sure know how to make a girl feel special, Wright.”

That seemed to startle him out of his admittedly chivalrous efforts of care. His lip twitched, that wicked smile, and the anger in his eyes softened.

She found herself smiling back, despite herself. “I suppose I can forgive you,” she said. “You’re not used to girls hyperventilating in response to having a crush on you.”

And…she shouldn’t have said that. It was a terrible line to blurt out. Probably great if she was trying to flirt with him, because it implied it did have a crush and she could see on his face that it was definitely registering on his face as ‘confession’.

Astra threw herself down on the step, and wished she could fling herself into another kinder dimension at the same time.

He hesitated, before sitting down next to her.

“Judging by your reaction, I’m guessing you…didn’t want me to know.” He cleared his throat, a grimace twisting his mouth. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“They shouldn’t have done it if you didn’t want them to.”

“That’s Laura.” Astra tried for a shrug, for a smile. “Natural born matchmaker. Can’t imagine why anyone would keep their feelings to themselves ever.”

He frowned, the anger rushing back to his face. Damn it.

“Sorry,” she said, again.

“It’s not your fault.”

“Are you alright?” She wasn’t entirely sure why he was upset, but it was clearly written across the hard set of his jaw and his shoulders. His hands balled into fists in his lap.

“Me?” He seemed surprised, then he looked down and uncurled his fingers. It did nothing to make his posture radiate annoyance any less, but she supposed she could acknowledge the effort. He released a breath and shook his head. “I don’t like it when people push themselves where they’re not wanted. Your friends are dicks.”

“I’ll get over it. It will be hard, and require lots of therapy, but I’ll struggle through.”

He snorted. Their eyes met again.

Astra tipped her head back to the sky, searching for stars. Something enormous that might clarify her fate and put all of her problems into a proper perspective. It was, regrettably, cloudy. Still, whatever other horrors the night had wrought, it proved at least she had excellent taste in picking crushes. Even if he didn’t like her, he could have been so much more of an asshole about the whole mess.

“If it stops you hyperventilating,” he said, carefully casual, “I like you too.”

It should have been sweet. It almost made her panic again. What the hell was wrong with her? Should she turn around, now, and explain the misunderstanding? She should. If she did that, she would hurt his feelings. If she did that she would be right back to where she started, with the added joy of having to explain why she would have lied about such a simple question.

His hand moved down to her knee. It was the only point of heat in the evening air.

Her eyes flicked down to it, her heart hammering.

What if she did have a crush on him, and simply didn’t realise it? That could happen, right? She must have picked his name out of the hat for a reason. On paper, he was her type. He was perfect. If she had a crush on anyone, it would Cade Wright. Maybe it was like her mother said, and she simply had to give him a chance.

“Oh,” she managed, because she was being silent for way too long. “Cool.”

On the other hand, if he genuinely liked her, it was probably leading him on not to explain everything immediately. She didn’t want to do that anymore than she wanted to hurt his feelings.

“Cade—” She faltered. She didn’t know how to explain. What if the same look crossed his face that had crossed her friends’ expressions? What if he thought she was a freak? No one normal had to make up a crush. What if she scarred him for life, like one of those horrible people who asked people out as a joke?

His brow furrowed, studying her. Probably he was already trying to figure out why she was being weird. God knew why he would have a crush on her anyway. Could people get crushes from having a few debates in class? A few solid conversations? Maybe he was faking it too and would be really relieved if she said this was a game they didn’t need to play.

He could have simply said he didn’t like her, though. Nicely. To spare her feelings.

She looked at him, brain swirling, stomach in a knot. His hand was still on her knee.

This was it. This was the moment in every YA romance movie or novel she had ever read and silently squealed over. She should have been debating if she wanted to lean in and kiss him. No, she shouldn’t have been debating if she wanted to, she should have been plucking up the courage. Happily ever after.

“Right.” He looked away, into the garden. “You didn’t tell me for a reason, probably. Back to your friends being jerks.”

“I do like you,” she said. She was certain of that much. Just…how she liked him felt like much more of a minefield. “I’m being – um. It’s complicated.”

“It’s okay.” He took his hand away.

She reached out and took it, thoughtlessly, squeezing his fingers.

Their eyes met again. He looked hurt, because of course he did. Confused. She wasn’t following the script. She hated it.

She took a breath to steel herself.

“Yes,” she said.

His head tilted. “Yes?”

“Yes, I’d like to go out with you.”

“So formal,” he said. “Especially given I haven’t actually asked you out.”

Her world froze again. Heat rushed her face.

He smirked.

She scowled at him. “Bastard.”

“You love me.”

“Pretty sure that’s supposed to be a bigger thing, in like six months, where we agonise if we’re ready to say it.”

“Oh?” He laughed. “You’ve planned it out? And when on your timeline is our first date?”

“What – no – I didn’t mean.” She closed her eyes.

He laughed again. It was a contagious sort of sound, it filled the garden and, despite everything, it was such an easy thing. Cade Wright laughed like he could make you believe that everything was going to be fine. Some of the tension fell from her shoulders.

She was still holding his hand, wasn’t she?

She opened her eyes again, and he was watching her again – amused, curious, like he couldn’t wait to see what she did next. Possibly she should have been offended by it. She was strangely flattered instead. People didn’t, as a rule, look at her like that. A thrill ran through her stomach.

“How’s next Friday, for you?” he asked.

“Next Friday?”

“For our date.”

“Smooth.”

“I try.”

She wasn’t doing anything on Friday.

“I can do Friday,” she said, and found herself smiling.

That meant she must like him and want to date him, didn’t it? Or did she just want to date someone to see what it was like? She shoved the thoughts away as best as she could, and squared her shoulders. She focused in on him, on the gleam in his eyes that had replaced the annoyance, and the fact that he was interested, and had followed her, and was everything that she always claimed she wanted.

“Friday it is, then.” His head remained tilted, like he was trying to figure something out. He wasn’t radiating annoyance anymore either.

The wind blustered through the back garden, tugging at his hair. He shivered and let go of her hand to wrap his arms around herself.

“Bloody cold,” he muttered. “You ready to go back in there?”

Astra hesitated, and for a second her brain flashed to all of the questions her friends would have. They would want to know exactly what he had said. They would want details and to know why Astra had been so reluctant to just say she liked him.

Her hands were turning blue, without his to hold.

It really was bloody cold.

“Yeah,” she said. “Thanks.”

He gave her an odd look, raising his brows.

She shook her head.

He stood up and offered her his hand.

She took it, and when they headed back into the party, they did so together.

#YA #romance #asexuality #ace romance #ace #asexual #writing #story #novel #lit #literature #my writing #creative writing #fiction #fic #Say Yes

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kalinara · 3 years

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I’ve said before that one of the things I love about Ted Lasso, the show, is that Rebecca’s domineering tendencies are never portrayed as something she needs to “fix”.

Relating to that, I also love that Ted’s general lack of aggression and rejection of a lot of traditional masculine tropes is not portrayed as something he needs to fix either.

In episode two, Ted happily says he’d rather be a panda than a lion. Even after Rebecca’s compelling arguments about the lion’s majesty and rule of the jungle. (Okay, admittedly, he does ask about being an elephant. But an elephant is not known for being an aggressive animal either. And when reminded that the choice is between panda and lion, he again, happily, says panda.)

Keeley revisits that bit in the second season finale when she tells Rebecca that she “taught this panda how to be a lion”. And it’s a deep and meaningful scene. It’s exactly right for Keeley, who has found empowerment and enrichment in her new success.

I think that instinctively, on some level, the audience wants to see men be lions. It’s why we get a lot of “Ted should punch James Tartt/Rupert/Nate” or “Ted should be angry/jealous at Rebecca for her relationship choices”

And no. He’s not. He may or may not feel some wistful discomfort when Rebecca talks about her affair with Sam (I’ll agree that his expression in that scene is ambiguous), but he’s supportive. Just like he was supportive of John (STAMOS?!) or any other relationship she has.

Don’t get me wrong, I think the show is telling us that Ted would be a lot healthier if he stopped trying to keep it all in. But plenty of people are able to express their anger, pain, sorrow in ways that aren’t innately aggressive.

Let Ted cry on someone’s shoulder, damnit.

But anyway, Ted is not a lion. And the fact that he isn’t a lion gets results in the people who are lions. Rebecca starts to lower her walls. Jamie starts to get more comfortable around the team. Roy is more engaged.

He also inspires the people who are pandas. Keeley’s a lion now, but would she have reached out to Rebecca in the first place had Ted not helped her see Rebecca someone who could help rather than someone scary? And even the players that he doesn’t help directly, he helps by fostering a stronger and healthier relationship in the team as a whole. If we’re talking stereotypes, then he’s Team Mom rather than Team Dad. And it actually works! The team is better for him.

(It probably helps that he can outsource both the football knowledge and the machismo. There’s a place for traditionally masculine displays. They just don’t have to come from Ted himself.)

Anyway, Ted doesn’t need to get tougher or to get angrier, more manly if you will. What he really needs to do is be kinder to himself.

And continue to enjoy being a panda.

#ted lasso #theodore lasso #I appreciate you guys but I firmly believe that Ted should never punch Rupert #And I'll die on that hill #(Now REBECCA can punch Rupert all she wants and I'll be very proud of her.)

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genevievemd · 2 years

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The Year Between (19/22)

April 13, 2022 - The Diamond Redux

Book: Open Heart: Third Year Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Genevieve McClure) Word Count: 1524 Rating: T Category: , Extended Series: WIP, AU Series, fluff Trope(s): and there’s an anniversary, and they go on a date

Summary: ~Series: Following their engagement, Ethan and Gen navigate the year between the ring and wedding. ~ Chapter: Gen and Ethan celebrate their one year engagement anniversary.

Warnings: none

A/N: Only 3 chapters left after this, we’re getting closer to the big day. Enjoy the fluff, peanuts.

April Part 1 ~ April Part 2 ~ TYB Masterlist

Ch. 1 ~ Ch. 2 ~ Ch. 3 ~ Ch. 4 ~ Ch. 5 ~ Ch. 6 ~ Ch. 7 ~ Ch. 8 ~ Ch 9 ~ Ch. 10 ~ Ch. 11 ~ Ch. 12 ~ Ch. 13 ~ Ch. 14 ~ Ch. 15 ~ Ch. 16 ~ Ch. 17 ~ Ch 18

Wednesday, April 13th

3:43 PM

The elevator doors open, and that giddy feeling comes back. The same butterflies she used to get when she and Ethan first started dating. Making her giggle as she walks down the administration floor.

Today is their one year engagement anniversary, and she’s buzzing with anticipation for the night ahead. Ethan planned to give her a replica of his original proposal plan, the one that went out the window when he got down on one knee in the middle of their kitchen.

And although she loves their real proposal, and how perfect it was for them, Gen is ecstatic to see whatever over the top romance her secret husband has planned.

“Good afternoon, Dr. McClure.” Olivia plasters a fake smile once Gen makes it to Ethan’s office. “You’re up here a lot today.”

“It’s Ethan and I’s anniversary, I’m feeling extra loving today.”

“Oh, that’s right. He’s leaving early because you have plans.”

“We do. Very romantic plans, because my fiancé likes to spoil me.”

She doesn’t give Olivia a chance to respond, instead opening the door to Ethan’s office with a smile on her face.

“Hey you.”

“Hi.” He looks up from the papers on his desk briefly, glasses perched low on his nose. “Are you getting any work done today?”

“Obviously. I just hate that we’re not working together today.”

“Me, too.” Ethan looks up again once she’s at his desk, tossing his glasses down as she hops onto the dark wood. “I’d love to work on an actual case and not budget proposals.”

“I’ll happily play patient for you.”

“Cute.” Ethan smiles, taking her hand. “Come here.”

He pulls her off the desk and onto his lap, holding her tightly. Without a moment's hesitation, Gen wraps her arms around his neck, resting her forehead against his.

It’s in the quiet moments like this, when they’re simply basking in their love for each other that she feels eternally grateful to have found Ethan. That she was brave enough to fall in love and find her happily ever after. Because when she’s nestled so safely in his arms, it’s hard to imagine being anywhere else.

“I love you.” She whispers in the small space between them, eyes still closed.

“I love you, too.”

7:27 PM

The plan was fairly simple: in three minutes, the limo would be there to take them to the opera; in fifteen minutes Sienna and Natalie would arrive to decorate the apartment in rose petals and fake candles, and place a bottle of Gen’s favorite champagne in the fridge; in thirty minutes he and his wife would arrive at the opera, where they’ll walk to their box and she’ll be greeted with a large bouquet of white roses. And finally, in three hours, Ethan will get down on one knee – again – and re-propose to the love of his life.

And as ridiculous as it may seem, Ethan was nervous about the entire affair. There were plenty of ways it could go wrong and he’d never forgive himself if it did. Gen deserved the world, and tonight that world included his over the top proposal.

The Ethan of two years ago would have scoffed at the idea. He and Gen were still in limbo then, balancing on the edge of forever or never. That Ethan never would have imagined proposing to her, let alone doing it again a year later on the anniversary of that proposal.

But time had proven him wrong, pushed them off the cliff into the blissful heaven of forever. Now, he can’t imagine his life without Genevieve, without her as his wife.

The elevator dings as they make it to the lobby of their building, Ethan silently taking her hand and leading her outside.

“Why are we going out front? The garage is the other way.” Gen stops for a second, looking at him curiously.

“Because we’re not taking the car, my love. Come on, we’re on a tight schedule.” He takes her hand again with a laugh, leading her out the door.

She stops again once they make it outside, her eyes lighting up like a christmas tree when she sees the large white limousine.

“A limo? You got us a limo?”

“It was part of the proposal plan. Limo, champagne, roses.” Ethan reaches for the limousine door, smiling when she hesitates.

“We haven’t even gotten to the opera yet.” Gen takes a single step toward the car, eyes flickering between it and his face.

“I know. Get in the car, baby.”

“Ah! I got a baby!” She smiles even brighter, squeaking with excitement. “Wow, this night keeps getting better and it just started.”

Ethan laughs loudly as he ushers her into the limo, no longer nervous about the rest of the plan. Because he knows no matter what, she’ll look at him just as she is now. With all the love in her heart and all the happiness she feels.

10:22 PM

She can’t help but think about what her sister had said while they were texting in the limo. How Ethan’s original plan to propose at the opera was because they were performing the same one he had taken her to during her intern year.

It feels like a lifetime ago, that first show and their second kiss shared in this very box. When Gen had just learned of Mrs Martinez’s passing and Ethan was thinking of every reason to push her away.

They’ve come so far in the three years since. He doesn’t hesitate to take her hand like he had that evening, doesn’t push her away when she leans in for a kiss. He loves her fully and openly, for the entire world to see without any regrets.

Gen lifts her head off Ethan’s shoulder as the final notes of the show begin to play, watching as his eyes stay laser focused on the stage.

She loves watching him when they attend the opera, getting to see the peace that washes over him as he gets lost in the music. It’s not unlike the calmness she sees when he comes home to her after a long day, the way the tension melts off his shoulders when he gathers her in his arms.

It causes a flurry of emotions within her, feeling grateful that he finds solace with her and heartbroken that before her, he only had the opera to offer him peace. He’s never let anyone but her get so close, and it's something Gen treasures. Something she tries to never take for granted.

Ethan finally takes his eyes off the stage as the curtain closes, meeting her loving gaze with one of his own. Sharing the smile they save for each other, the one that silently screams I love you.

“Tonight was perfect.” She whispers as the crowd begins their applause, unwilling to break the spell they’re under.

“It’s not over yet.” He takes her hand, leading her to the edge of their box. His face so calm, full of the endless amounts of love he has for her.

The love that takes her breath away, the love she’ll get to feel every day for the rest of her life.

“Why are we standing here?” Genevieve smiles up at him, ignoring the ruckus of the crowd below them.

“So I can do this.” He returns her smile before taking her other hand, bending down on one knee, just as he had in their kitchen a year ago.

“Are you serious?”

“With you? Always.” Ethan clears his throat, smiling brighter than the spotlights that hit the stage only moments ago.

“Genevieve Rose, the day you came into my life, was the day it truly began. I hadn’t realized it, but before you I wasn’t living. I was simply going through the motions. With you I am. With you I can picture the future, I can see the hope in tomorrow, the joy that can be found in every moment. With you I discovered what true, unconditional love is. I learned not only how to give it but how to receive it, and I can’t imagine going through the rest of my life without that love, without you. Which is why I proposed to you a year ago today, and tonight I’m asking you again. G, my love, will you marry me one month from tomorrow and continue to spend your life with me?”

He pulls a small box from his coat pocket, opening it to reveal, not a ring, but a pair of brilliant blue topaz earrings. The color matching his eyes perfectly.

“Ethan…” She speaks through the tears now streaming down her cheeks, taking a deep breath before joining him on the floor.

Gen cups his face in her hands, memorizing every line on his face, caressing his cheeks with her thumbs like he so often does with her. “My answer will never change. Its yes, always yes.”

“I love you, Rookie.”

“I love you.”

They seal their declaration with a kiss, so similar to the one they shared a year ago. Dripping with every ounce of their love and every hope for their future.

A/N: Who’s ready for the wedding, raise your hand. And because I’m feeling generous, I’ll give you the names of the last three chapters.

20: Past The Clouds 21: Dearly Beloved 22: A Happy Beginning

K, see you next time!

also submitting this for @choicesficwriterscreations April Celebrations, since it’s E and G’s anniversary and he also proposed again

(tagging separately)

#ethan ramsey x mc #ethan x mc #open heart #open heart fanfictioln #cfwc celebrations #oph au #the year between #Ethan x Gen

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alfredolover119 · 3 years

Note

I looooove your zukka rec lists! I recently became Avatar-obsessed, never got a chance to watch it as a kid and only just got through it all! I was wondering if you'd consider doing a specifically angst rec list? I love fluffy zukka everything, but sometimes you just gotta have your heart ripped out of your chest and put back in after being thoroughly blended.

thank you! i relate heavily to “recently became Avatar-obsessed” haha. as for the angst list, i sure can try! warning: all of these have happy endings because im a crybaby who can’t read unhappy endings. also, p much all of the fics in the completed section were featured on my other lists but this is specifically the ANGSTY ones >:^)

angsty zukka wips

first, most obviously, feels like we only go backwards by @oldpotatoe

-currently at 102k with 19/27 chapters posted; rated teen

-the amnesia fic. the amnesia fic. the amnesia fic. you know. i haven’t actually read it yet because, as previously mentioned, i’m a crybaby and am waiting for it to finish up but, from my understanding, this fic will murder you in a dark alleyway with no remorse. if u like zukka angst, you’ve probably already read this, but just in case!

An injury leaves Sokka with amnesia. His last memory is of the failed invasion, of leaving his father behind in enemy territory on the Day of Black Sun. Of hopelessness. Rage. // But then he wakes up, and the war is over. Suddenly, he must come to terms with the fact that years have passed, and that he's somehow the Southern Water Tribe Ambassador to the Fire Nation. He is also supposedly friends with banished-Prince-turned-Fire-Lord Zuko, of all people. Close friends.

Yeah, nah.

and i’ll do anything you say (if you say it with your hands) by @goldrushzukka

-currently 38k with 6/8 chapters posted; rated mature

-holy shit. holy SHIT. modern au based on the “my cat likes my fuckbuddy and i am falling in love” trope(?). maybe it’s just because of how the last chapter ended, but oh my god. this one made me cry. made me want to commit violence. when it’s not angsty as hell, it’s pretty funny, but holy shit. ao3 user nebulastucky please.

It’s supposed to be a one night stand. Pick up some guy at a bar, barely remember his name and never learn anything real about him, send him packing in the morning with a thanks for the ride and a cup of coffee to-go. That’s how it’s supposed to go. // But then it’s the best sex Sokka has ever had, and he thinks he’ll hate himself if he never gets to have it again.

Violet Blossoms and Celestial Objects by @hollypunkers

-currently 15k with 2/? posted. rated teen.

-this is the sequel to blue (an angsty, zukka rewrite of book 2-- go read it if u havent!)! !! this is a book 3 rewrite. only two chapters in and mrs hollypunkers is really abusing the miscommunication tag, as zukka writers seem to enjoy doing. im excited to see how the world and story develops with the changes to the story! you should be too!! its very good! obviously spoilers for blue lmao

Having sided with the Avatar in Ba Sing Se, Zuko not only must navigate his new relationship with Sokka but returning to the Fire Nation as a banished enemy. His own journey of self discovery and personal growth must now coexist alongside the personal struggles of every other member of the Gaang as together they blaze a treacherous path toward an unsure victory against Zuko's own father and nation.

breakable heaven by @fruitysokka

-currently 71k with 9/11 chapters posted. rated teen

-swt ambassador zuko! soon to be chief sokka! fake dating ur best friend to get out of an arranged marriage! what could go wrong!!! i also haven’t read this one ((see: i’m a crybaby who is being hurt by too many zukka wips already)), but it has been hanging out in my marked for later for months. from what i understand, this fic has: angst.

With his twenty-first birthday looming just around the corner, the Southern Water Tribe Elders have decided that Sokka, next in line to be Chief, needs to get married. Sokka does not want that, but he does need to get them off his back until he can figure his way out of it. What better way to do that than to pretend to date his best friend (and newly minted Ambassador to the Southern Water Tribe) Zuko? // Seriously, this is a foolproof plan. Maybe one of Sokka's best. Absolutely nothing can go wrong.

angsty zukka fics (completed!)

(i’ll put these in wc order)

lighthouse beam by @incorrectzukka

-7k, rated g

-a modern college au!! zuko’s inner-monologue is very angsty in this fic. typical zuko. also per usual, theyre both fucking dorks. they sort themselves out in the end, but not before The Angst. zuko is semi-deaf in this fic and also he has a bit of internalized homophobia.

Sokka’s breathtakingly beautiful and he’s smart and makes other people laugh. Zuko has a half-burnt face and a deaf ear. It’s not rocket science. // Or, Zuko falls in love with the boy in his Philosophy class.

This Isn’t My Idea of Fun by @khaleeseas

-9k, explicit

-moon spirit/nwt prince!sokka, no war to be found here! admittedly this isnt THAT angsty but like. the angst IS present. zuko is still the prince. a lovely childhood friends (though they hated each other for a minute haha) to lovers story.

If you asked Zuko, he and Azula saw far too much of Chief Hakoda of the Northern Water Tribe’s children growing up. It wasn’t until they were older, and Azula pointed out that - duh - their families were trying to set them all up, that he realized why. // He was told by his mother to be polite. These people were their friends and allies, and though their nations were as different as they came, harmony between nations was the most important thing. // It wasn’t his fault the Chief’s children were so annoying.

put your lips close to mine (as long as they don’t touch) by @celestialceci

-9k, teen

-modern au! zuko and sokka are college roommates. zuko goes to spend the summer with sokka. again,, not really that angsty but-- its there!! the detail and feeling of Home in this story make me happy. zuko is insecure as hell here too. if ur into that.

Zuko hates his home. He likes college alright, but he likes Sokka even better, his assigned roommate turned best friend. Spending the summer with Sokka will be fun, a welcome change of pace he desperately wants. It probably won't awaken anything in him... right?

the thing about dancing by anodymalion

-9k, teen

-yes. this one right here officer. it makes my heart ache. also trans sokka! which is cool. but the zuko angst in this one. hurts me. not so much relationship angst as it is zuko learning he deserves happiness angst. i’m sure u know The Type.

The first time a attendant spills Zuko’s tea and doesn’t immediately fall to her knees, begging the Fire Lord’s forgiveness, it is not anger but a resounding warmth that fills his chest.

i could (never) give you peace by @zukkababey

-10k, mature

-OUCH. OUCH OUCH OUCH. boys please learn to communicate im begging u. also zuko.. zuko, dude. as the tags of the fic say, hes “really going through it” in this one. YOUCH. post-canon.

Zuko almost said it. He almost said the words I think I’m in love with you, but he choked them back down at the last second. // Zuko would never be able to be what Sokka wanted. They might have needed each other during the summer, when two boys with too much weight on their shoulders found comfort in each other in the only way they knew how. // But now Zuko was Fire Lord, and Sokka was leaving.

this love burns so yellow (becoming orange and in its time, exploding) by @meliebee

-18k, teen, major character death

-i lied. THIS is the one, officer. found family.. good mai and zuko and toph friendships.. . ozai escapes prison and tries to overthrow zuko. OBVIOUSLY angst ensues. poor boy. he Does heal in this but it gets worse before it gets better. angst angst angst angst.

Ten months after Zuko is crowned at seventeen, he faces his first coup.

Anything for You by beersforqueers

-23k, explicit

-istg. this is probably one of my favorite zukka fics. its PAINFUL. modern au where theyre broken up but sokka hasnt told his family yet so zuko goes home with him for kataang wedding. a bit smutty, but the plot oh my god ohgm y fuvk. made me cry the first time i read it. (see: crybaby!me) insert that one picture of the horse with the caption PAIN.

In which Sokka and Zuko have broken up but Sokka hasn't told his family yet. So when Katara and Aang's wedding weekend rolls around and he doesn't want to break Gran-Gran's heart, he asks Zuko to pretend to be his boyfriend for one last weekend. // Things don't go as planned.

Moving Mountains by @thefangirlingdead

-64k, mature

-so. when i read this the first time it was in one sitting. soulmate au set within canon era / the comics, to an extent. soulmates can hear each others thoughts. i will happily say this is slowburn, jesus christ. champagne without the cham.

Soulmates are chosen by the spirits and can hear each other’s thoughts. Sokka thinks it’s cheesy and dumb. Zuko thinks it’s poetic justice that he doesn’t have one because he doesn’t deserve it. Cruel irony is finding out that the prince of the Fire Nation (and the person currently hunting you) is your soulmate.

In the Soft Light by @voidcenturyscholar and @romancedawning

-83k, teen, graphic depictions of violence

-moon spirit!sokka living in the northern water tribe. zuko is sent to the northern water tribe as a cultural liaison. iroh is the fire lord but while he is away taking care of lu ten after his injury ozai steps up. i cannot express how many emotions this fic made me feel. background yuetara. i would almost say found family?? but. anyway. plenty of angst to spare here with a healthy dose of enemies to friends to lovers.

As the newly appointed cultural liaison to Northern Water Tribe, Zuko is the first Fire Nation Citizen to step foot inside the city's walls in nearly a century. He's determined to prove himself—to the Fire Lord and to his father—even if the Water Tribe's spirit-touched prince seems to want nothing to do with him.

That Midnight Sky by @zukkababey

-103k, teen

-now now now. tms... modern college au where sokka agrees to tutor zuko in physics because zuko has to maintain straight a’s and physics is just not doing it for him. so. thats cool but THEN azula moves in, randomly, with zuko. to hide the fact that sokka is tutoring zuko, they fake date! what could go wrong!! the mutual pining in here combined with the angst... wonderful, tasty. everyone read it rn. also SLOWBURN

In Zuko’s strict family, needing a tutor is just about the worst thing you could do. Failing a class, however, is even worse. The only rational solution? Take up Aang on his offer to find him a physics tutor and have Sokka—beautiful, smart, handsome Sokka—tutor him in secret. // When Azula’s arrival threatens to reveal Zuko’s secret, it’s up to Sokka to convince her this definitely isn’t what it looks like. See, he’s actually… Zuko’s… boyfriend? // Hmm. There’s no way this could get complicated, right?

#zukka #zuko #sokka #angst #zukka angst #atla #avatar: the last airbender #fic recs #zukka fic recs

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dangermousie · 3 years

Note

top 'this is NOT how sexual intercourse works' moments in danmei

Bwahahahahahhahaha!

I am going to leave out the very common "and his dick is a foot long and he can go all night" trope (it's common in both danmei and het, and western romances as well, at this point it would be shorter to list works with explicit sex scenes that don't have that!)

I am also going to leave out the "this position can only be achieved by a trained acrobat" bits because hey, cultivators are hella flexible.

And I am also gonna pass by any bits where participant is not human - for example, at one point in The Reader and Protagonst Definitely Have to Be in True Love, Xie turns into a humanoid dragon (don't ask) and possesses two dicks. I've never met a dragon, humanoid or not, so who am I to say they don't have two dicks?

The crazy thing, there are still plenty of OMG moments. Some of my "faves:"

1. Wei Wuxian's self lubricating behind in MZDS. I am sorry, this is not how human body works! Don't be cheap and buy some lube. The people in The Wife Is First will happily sell you some from their shop at discount. It's not the only novel that does this (hi, Yu She!) but MDZS was my very first danmei and I remember going ????!!!!! After reading many danmei, I get pathetically excited when someone mentions any form of lubrication, heh.

PS The only time I didn't go !!!! at one of these things was in Yuwu, where Meatbun at least bothered to tell us Gu Mang's body has been altered and made demonic and demons do produce lubrication there. I mean, I still would be happier without but at least it doesn't break my logical brain.

Honestly, I adore MZDS but sometimes I wonder if MXTX has full understanding of how human body works. (He put a sword hilt WHERE?!)

2. Luo Binghe's "meat pillar" (no, that's the term used in the translation) with "green veins." PLS SEE A DOCTOR!!!! (Though the sex scenes in SVSSS are at least biologically possible so other than that, the novel gets a pass!)

3. Du Ze remembers kissing undead Xie to help him survive in The Reader and Protagonist Definitely Have to Be In True Love. Fine. But at that point Xie is a skeleton literally. Also fine. But he remembers entangling their tongues. WHAT TONGUE DOES A SKELETON HAVE?! I am not sure I want to know!

4. This is physically possible but it drives me nuts so I am going to mention it. In Wu Chang Jie, in possibly the most gonzo sex scene, Zixiao forces Ziheng in an underground cave. OK. And at the very end, Zixiao, a big fan of facials, unloads at Ziheng's chest, face and hair. Yes - THE LOOSE LONGASS HAIR THEY ALL GOT DOWN TO THEIR BUTTS. They are in a cave. There may be an underground water source but still cave with no towels or soap or anything. HOW THE HELL DO THEY CLEAN UP?! All we get is Ziheng waking up all cleaned up and I am trying to imagine - did Zixiao drag his unconscious self into some underground pool and scrub the stuff out of his hair? How and with what? Did he perform a magic spell?! I can't help, I am detail oriented.

5. Once again, if you have tentacles, I suppose they can work that way, how would I know, I have never hung out with an octopus, but every time the ML of The Villain Is Outrageously Beautiful...ahem...spreads his tentacles, I crack up.

#asks #danmei #cnovel #the villain is outrageously beautiful #the reader and protagonist definitely have to be in true love #wu chang jie #yuwu #svsss

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neon-junkie · 3 years

Text

Vanity is a Sin - Chpt.1

Summary: The last person you expected to fall for is that pretentious man, Javier Escuella, but maybe you're not so different from him after all?

Pairing: f!Reader x Javier Escuella

Word Count: 2709

Rating: SFW

Tags: Enemies to lovers, Slow burn, Arguments, Bickering, Denial of feelings, Reader has a lot of self-doubts.

Notes: I’ve wanted to write a Javier multi-chapter fic for aaaages, but wanted to do something different for it. So, enemies to lovers it is, my fave trope hehe, but we don’t see much of Javiers negative side, so let’s explore that :0

Next Chapter

It's another chilly day at Horseshoe Overlook. Despite your occasional shiver and constant goosebumps, you're thankful that you're still not stuck in Colter, but that still doesn't mean you can't wish to be somewhere warmer. It seems no matter how many layers you put on, you can't quite get warm, and you question how other gang members are walking around in their summer attire, especially Arthur.

You shiver again and accidentally manage to prick your finger with the needle you're using to sew somebody's patchy pants. "Fuck sake," you mutter under your breath, looking at your finger to inspect the damage. It's nothing, and you know it's nothing, but you're in a grumpy mood, so everything feels tenfold, especially the sting to your fingertip.

You sigh, looking up at the sky, questioning why whatever being that lives up there continues to rain on your parade. It's not just you that's in a bad mood, the whole camp seems off, but Dutch continues to attempt giving his many uplifting speeches whilst he poses in his tent with a cigar in hand, not lifting a finger to do even some basic camp chores.

He's doing the same now, and your eyes gaze over him as you stop staring at the sky. There he is, the man himself, the big boss, his voice cracking every so often; that always brings a smile to your face. Your eyes follow around the rest of the camp: Hosea is the only one stood listening to him. Molly's on the other side of her tent staring into her pocket mirror because for some reason, she no longer has to pull her weight. Bill is still asleep. Mary-Beth and Tilly are beside you, still sewing away. The O'Driscoll is still tied to the tree. Strauss is... doing whatever he does. And there's Javier, gussying himself up in Arthurs mirror, no surprise there.

You'll never understand how these boys get away with doing the bare minimum, whilst yourself and the other women are the only thing keeping this camp together. Everybody knows that if the women decided to up and leave in the night, the men would end up setting the camp on fire, probably attempting to cook their own dinner... no offence to Pearson. There's a fair few, such as Arthur and Hosea, who are able to survive on their own, but you've seen Arthur attempt to do tedious jobs before and just like you, he pricks his fingers every time he sews. At least Hosea has an excuse, being in his grey years, his bones not able to move as they used to, but he makes up for it in other ways.

But Javier? What does he do? Apart from prance around the camp in his designer crocodile boots, spending an hour shaving his moustache every morning... why does he even shave his moustache like that? You asked him once, and he replied "It rubs off from all the friction." Sure, Javier, because you're obviously a very wanted man.

Unfortunately, Mary-Beth and Tilly take quite a liking to him. They've confessed what you would view as sins before, saying they both have a soft spot for the man, to which you scoffed then laughed, and ended up choking from laughing too hard.

"Why are you laughing? I don't see why you two don't get along? He's real sweet and..." Mary-Beth had begun droning on, and you eventually interrupted her with a "Where do I start?"

Needless to say, neither of them agreed with any of your opinions of Javier, apart from him not pulling his weight as much as he makes out to. But oh, he plays guitar, so that means he doesn't have to do any chores because he blares out his music all hours of the night. You've told him to quit playing so you can sleep many times, seeing as your tent is right by the campfire, to which he always glares at you and plays louder. He once even had the audacity to wake Uncle up and begin shouting Ring-A-Dang-Do.

You took your revenge by waking up early and pouring water in his boots. He knew it was you the second he put them on, sighing and glaring at you, but not being confrontational for once. At least he started putting a curfew on his music after that.

You've been manifesting in your thoughts for a while now, not realizing your name is being called out. "Huh?" you almost yelp as somebody taps your shoulder.

"Are you alright?" Tilly asks. "You've been staring into the distance again, didn't even hear us callin' your name."

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine. I was just thinking," you explain as you turn your attention to them.

"About what?" Mary-Beth questions.

"Nothing that's worth my time."

"Oh, boys?" Tilly questions, making all three of you laugh.

"Unfortunately."

"Well, Mary-Beth and I are all finished here. We're gonna make ourselves look decent and head into town, you coming?"

"Yeah. Let me finish up this, and I'll meet you by the wagon," you reply.

"Alright."

The pair excuse themselves, heading over to their tents to begin looking 'presentable', even though you would happily argue with them about that. They always look incredible, flawless yet effortless, whereas you constantly feel like a drowned rat...

You watch as they wander off, saying hello to Javier, who's still stood in front of Arthurs mirror. He's not even having a shave, he's just been stood there checking himself out for the last ten minutes, or however long it's been. Your brows furrow and you force yourself to tilt your head down, focusing on your final stretch of sewing, eventually finishing up, so you can put them back on the laundry pile and begin getting ready for your day out.

Going into town with your girl friends is always relaxing, something to get you out of camp, when you're not trailing in and out on your own accord. Yes, you know damn-well how to shoot a gun, along with all your other basic survival skills like hunting and fishing. Dutch was reluctant to take you on heists at first, calling you "another Karen, a woman who wants to get her hands dirty when she's needed here."

Dutch wasn't expecting you to put your money where your mouth is, trailing back into camp a few days later with more than enough cash to keep the camp happy. Only that was somewhat of a waste of time now you look back on it, your share being lost somewhere in Blackwater, along with the rest of the camps hard work and progress. Back to square one, yet again...

The sound of a thud startles you, looking over your shoulder to see that the final crate has been loaded into the wagon. The shop helper gives you a wave, and you beckon him over to tip him; he pours out his thanks before going back inside.

"Back to camp?" you question as you turn your focus to Mary-Beth and Tilly, who nod in agreement.

With a flick of the reigns, the three of you begin leaving Valentine, only popping into town to grab a few camp supplies and treats for yourselves. You've fancied a new outfit for a while, and you're excited to try it on later, maybe make yourself look nice so you can... sit by the campfire...

What else is there to enjoy in camp?

The path you're following leads you straight back to Horseshoe Overlook, and you warn the girls of the bump before crossing over the train tracks. A familiar figure can be seen in the distance, and as they approach, you realize it's Arthur on his new mount. He pulls up beside you as you stop the wagon, tipping his hat to the three of you.

"Where are you going?" you question.

"Just headin' into town. I didn't know you girls had just been there," Arthur explains.

"We only went to pick up supplies. What are you going for?" Tilly questions.

"Javier and Charles wanted to meet me at the Saloon, said I'd drop by this afternoon. They must already be there."

"You should get going then, you know what Javier is like," you complain, the words slipping from your mouth.

Arthur laughs at your statement. "You're right," he agrees. "But you two will learn to get along one day, you've gotta if you're gonna be in the same camp together."

"Arthur, there are plenty of camp members that don't get along. You and Micah, for instance?"

"...Yeah, you're right," Arthur hums in frustration. "Forget I said that then... Well, I best be going."

"See you later," the three of you reply.

Arthur gives another little nod and taps his spurs, heading into town, whilst you whip your reigns again and begin your return to camp.

By the time you arrive, it's almost sundown, and your evening is spent unloading the wagon and scoffing down your dinner. The night is free to do as you please, so just like you told yourself earlier, you get changed into your new clothes and make yourself look presentable, taking a seat at the campfire with the others and joining in on their story telling.

The evening is going well, relaxing and peaceful for once, even with Uncles banjo playing. All until the sound of heavy hooves come thudding back into camp; you turn to see a handful of the gang members returning from their night in town, only they don't seem too happy. They're huffing and grumbling, nursing what appear to be wounds, and it's easy to piece everything together and realize that they been in a bar fight.

A few of your fellow camp members get up from their seats at the campfire to go and check on them, and as much as you do care, you don't want to overcrowd them. You get up and make your way over to Pearson's wagon, picking out another bottle to drink. You're spoilt for choice, a nice selection of whiskeys and gins at your service, something different from cheap, warm beer.

You pick up a bottle and begin reading the label, checking the alcohol percentage and debating how drunk you want to get tonight. You don't overhear the sound of footsteps approaching, your mind paying no attention to sounds like that as you hear them all the time, but the sound of somebody speaking directly behind you makes you jump.

"That for me?" they ask. You peer over your shoulder to see Javier standing there, his hand rubbing his chin where a bruise is beginning to form.

"Why would this be for you?" you scoff, turning your body to face him, the bottle in your hands.

"Your poor camp member has just been in a fight, yet you won't help nurse them?" Javier questions with a laugh.

"That's your own fault, plus I ain't your mother."

You begin to walk off, but the comment Javier makes forces you to stop in your tracks. "Mary-Beth and Tilly would."

"Go and ask them then," you roll your eyes, turning to face Javier again. Who does he think you are? He begins to softly laugh and the sound makes you gag, so artificial, just like the rest of him.

"But what if I want you to help me? Surely you don't dislike me that much."

"I do, so I'd suggest you ask them."

You try and walk away yet again, and Javier mutters something under his breath. "You'll learn to like me eventually." Another scoffing sound escapes your lips as you frown at him, leaning against Pearson's table and crossing your arms, your bottle in hand.

"You know, I've never seen you wear purple before. It suits you," you smirk.

"Oh, very funny," Javier says as he raises his eyebrows. He approaches you, his strides small and slow, stopping right before you. His hand moves away from his bruise, his skin turning a deeper purple as every second passes, but your eyes are drawn to his; They're dark and blown, his eyebrows slightly furrowed, staring into yours. He's too close for your liking, you can smell the tobacco in his system with every exhale, his breathing deep, still clearly worn out from the fight.

"What's your issue with me?" Javier asks. "I mean, I've never done anything to upset you, not that I know of, but you've always had something against me."

"I've told you before," you begin as you uncross your arms, placing your bottle down on the table and resting your hands on your hips. "You don't do shit around this camp. You'll drag a sloppy score in here and there, but your vanity distracts you from doing some proper work, chores and what-not."

"Vanity?" Javier repeats the word with a laugh. "There's no harm in looking good, at least you're putting some effort in tonight. Did you buy this today?" Javier asks as he goes to tough the fabric of your blouse, but you swat his hand away.

"You're as bad as Micah," you spit at him.

"Mhmm, we both know that's a lie. For starters, I do a lot more than him around here, and you know it-"

"Please, will the pair of you quit it already?" Dutch calls out as he approaches. He must have noticed the way you two were stood so close, squaring up to each other, both too egotistical to let the other talk them down.

Dutch puts his arm out between your bodies, lightly pushing both of you away, forcing you to take a few small steps back. "I've said before that you don't have to get along, but these pathetic arguments happen far too often. Either you both drop this, or I'll have to find a way to make you get along," Dutch threatens, and you know he'll stay true to his word.

You don't bother saying anything, glaring at Javier once more before turning heel and walking away. "You forgot your drink," Javier calls out to you.

"Seems I've lost my appetite," you call back, and you overhear Dutch sigh at your comment.

Part of you feels sick, and you're unsure if that's from the adrenaline pumping in your veins, or the nerves Javier has shaken into you. Why was he stood so close? Your noses were almost touching, and you wouldn't be surprised if he kissed you just to wind you up even more. You try to keep your mind clear as you enter your enclosed tent, taking off your makeup and getting ready for bed, but you can still feel Javier's hot breaths on your skin.

You debate having a towel bath, wanting to wipe away the sin of being so close to that irritating man, but you're already in bed with no motivation to move. As you roll over, the sound of his guitar grows outside, forcing you to place your head under the pillow in an attempt to drown the music out. He's a good musician, and you're happy to admit that, but why does everything about him have to be so... him?

The perfectly coordinated outfits, the way his steel toe boots are always shining, the effortless yet pristine ponytail he always wears, the confidence and vanity in everything he says. He's like one of those flawless characters you've found in awfully written books, no weaknesses or downfalls, no ugly days, everybody loves him, yet his artificialness makes you sick.

And he knows it makes you sick, and he loves to play on it. Tonight isn't the first time he's got up close and personal with you. You know he studies your every move, watching your body language, checking to see if blush grows on your cheeks, searching for your insecurities. The comment he made earlier is still on repeat in your mind... "at least you're putting some effort in tonight." What a smug bastard. He knows how low your self-esteem is, yet you weren't expecting him to pull a Micah and make a comment like that.

But this is what he wants. He wants it to settle in your brain, to weigh you down and make you feel even worse. You just have to not let that happen, but that's easier said than done...

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yurimother · 4 years

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LGBTQ Game Review - A Summer’s End – Hong Kong 1986

Before diving into the meat of Oracle and Bone’s A Summer’s End, I want to talk about the women behind this game Tida Kietsungden, and Charissa So. So and Kietsungden have done nothing but impress me since the announcement of A Summer’s End. They have repeatedly demonstrated their immense effort and dedication to creating a beautiful and thoughtful experience. Through conversations with the studio and reading their blog entries, I gained a remarkable understanding of how this game is both a tribute to classic cinema and a love letter to the Yuri and LGBT community. Through careful research and thoughtful expression, the two women navigate and acknowledge complicated issues, including Asian LGBTQ history and Hong Kong’s delicate political situation with grace and maturity. I am in complete awe of both women and their work. However, regardless of my profound respect for these creators, I still endeavor to offer my unfiltered thoughts on the visual novel, giving praise and criticism where appropriate.

A Summer’s End – Hong Kong 1986 is a Yuri visual novel set, as you may have figured out, in Hong Kong in the year 1986. The game follows a young office worker, Michelle (Fong Ha) Cheung, who has a chance encounter with a free-spirited woman named Sam (Ka Yan) Wong. Both women feel drawn to each other, and the game explores this mutual attraction and the budding relationship which emerges from it.

This plot follows the standard girl meets girl story that has permeated the Yuri genre for the past several decades. Like most Yuri stories, the older and more experienced woman, Sam, is rebellious and beautiful, with long dark hair and a dominating persona. Michelle, although far more naive in the ways of love, breaks the trend of this trope by being the more sullen of the two. I would have liked to see the game diverge a bit more from the standard story of the genre. Fortunately, A Summer’s End is a romance story between adults who do not work together, setting it apart from the norms. It even includes a coming out section that creates a more robust LGBT identity than any tale of temporary schoolgirl love.

The story is well put together and well presented. The story is told primarily from Michelle’s perspective. It mostly takes place over a few days, during which Michelle engages in a whirlwind romance with Sam. This story features the struggle between her feelings and passion and her devotion to tradition and her mother. The progression of her affection is unrealistically fast. The story feels a bit rushed, and many of the societal and personal quagmires the game stumbles upon are not sufficiently developed or confronted. Had the game indulged in a more prolonged and tumultuous struggle for Michelle, conclusions would have felt much sweeter, and the story would have gone from good to great.

Even with this massive missed opportunity, there are plenty of exemplary moments and aspects of the narrative. The game pulls no punches addressing Michelle’s slightly overbearing mother and the conflict between the two. It would have been incredibly simple to take the easy route on this one. Still, the developers stuck to their guns and manage to explore a challenging situation satisfyingly, all while keeping the characters realistic and sympathetic. In fact, every scene relating to LGBT rights and history is flawlessly executed.

There are also some fantastic chapters, including a thrilling but refreshing bike ride and a flashback scene that recontextualizes certain events from another perspective. The many references and allusions to classic cinema including some older lesbian films and plenty of Asian works, are particularly noteworthy. However, the best part of A Summer’s End by far is the setting.

The location and time period is intrinsic to Sam and Michelle’s tale, as it is shaped by and reflects contemporary culture and LGBTQ rights. Oracle and Bone create a vibrant and lively world, a jaw-dropping depiction of Hong Kong in the 1980s. Everything helps feed into the creation of this world, including a fantastic and retro UI, small touches such as a Cantonese subway announcement, and objects encountered like a disposable camera help convey a strong sense of the period. However, the soundtrack sells it more than any other element, save perhaps the artwork, transporting the player to the era. While a few tracks are the standard easy listening affairs one expects from visual novels, there are tons of excellent city pop and disco beats, complete with plenty of synths and confidence! Finally, a visual novel soundtrack that contributes more than just background noise!

Sadly, the game’s dialogue choice system and branching paths are far more of a hindrance than a help. I can honestly say that the game would play better and be way more enjoyable as a kinetic novel. Most choices feel inconsequential, changing nothing of the story and resulting in almost the exact same response from other characters yet, they have a hidden points system. If you do not earn enough points, parts of the optional adult content will be unplayable until one goes back to find the right choice. I spent several hours replaying, and eventually skipping through, the game to unlock all the scenes, and finally gave up with one CG left unseen. The only choice with any actual effect is painfully evident in its consequences. One option leads to the bad ending, which is well written, but no reasonable player would go down that path unless they just wanted to see the whole game. The second unveils the true good ending, which no player in their right mind would not pursue, as again, the choice is obvious and adds nothing to the game. There is no reason to put in an alternative ending or tedious dialogue choice.

The characters in A Summer’s End are well constructed. Sam is adventurous without being obnoxious and has a mature though appropriately unrefined demeanor. Michelle is extremely curt and somewhat distant, although she displays a sharp wit and more timid nature on occasion. Both women participate in engaging, deep, and thoughtful discussions, often with each other, although sometimes internally, and thus feel well developed and complex. Unfortunately, their chemistry, while not absent, is not enough to sell the whirlwind romance. There is insufficient expression of their feelings and attractions, both internally or through dialogue and actions, so their inevitable closeness feels unearned.

However, even in the short game, both characters change with each other, especially Michelle, as she becomes more affectionate, confident, and caring. She begins to embody some of Sam’s warmness while never losing herself. Some of my favorite dialogue and interaction came from her towards the end of the game, although I will not spoil it. Additionally, side characters have a strong presence thanks to their firmly established characteristics and a profound effect on the narrative. Each has their own sprite and mannerisms, helping cement them as fixtures in A Summer’s End rather than tacked on assets.

The visual novel contains optional adult content, which is installed in an extra patch and can be toggled on and off. I played through the game with and without it and can happily report that the story is just as fulfilling and complete without it. Although the unlockable nature of these scenes is aggravating, they are very well written and sensual without being exploitative. There were moments I did not care for as much, such as Sam getting carried away at one point, but it felt very realistic and incredibly sensual. The artwork in these sexual encounters is some of the best in the game, embracing darker colors and showcasing intense desire.

Speaking of the artwork, it is stupendous. The game is bright and striking, with amazing backgrounds complete with luminous neon signs, glaring televisions, and life and activity oozing from every corner. The backgrounds are so beautiful and detailed they could effectively serve in place of CG art, although there is plenty of that asides. The character models and designs are similarly excellent, with expressive poses and faces. The various outfits, of which the game has many, embody iconic 80’s fashion. Artist Tida Kietsungden draws both the characters and CGs with a distinctive hand-drawn style, which allows them to play well off each other and add to the beautiful presentation. The detail and care that went into the aesthetics are enormous and elevate the game at every moment.

A Summer’s End – Hong Kong 1986 is a vibrant and intimate experience. The fantastic setting and flawless artwork surround a compelling and thoughtful story about lesbian love and desire, societal expectations, and the bonds between family and lovers. It is rough around the edges, with a slightly rushed story that leaves little time to wallow in complexity and an awful dialogue system. However, it will win players over with its striking presentation and sophisticated subject matter. I look forward to more from this studio and highly recommend you check this game out!

Ratings: Story – 7 Characters – 6 Art – 10 Music – 8 LGBTQ – 8 Sexual Content – 3 (8 with patch) Final – 7

Purchase A Summer’s End on Steam and itch.io, available April 23

Consider supporting Yuri news, reviews, and content on the YuriMother Patreon

#Yuri #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtq+#queer #gay #reivew #a summer's end #hong kong #girls love #gl #wlw #lesbian #visual novel #games #video games #gaming #manga #anime #reviews

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jalenmara · 3 years

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So even though the summer Olympics is going on, watching the games made me go back and once again re-read “Snowstorm—on Ice.” I love this story so much 😭🥺 Any head canons on what this ‘verses Jon and Dany are up to? Or do you think you might ever return to this ‘verse in a sequel or one-shot? Love this story!!

You are the sweetest, anon!! Thank you ❤️❤️❤️ I love that story so much and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

I had hoped to one day write a sequel to it, but sadly my writing plans are changing and I doubt it will ever be done. So I’ll go ahead and tell you all about it.

It was to be called “Fields of Gold” (following another terrible trope of fic naming, the dreaded song title fic 😂, had to keep on brand somehow! And as tribute to the dreams that never were for my favorite ice skater Michelle Kwon.) It was also going to be written in a similar time jumping fashion to Snowstorm, going between the time of Jon bailing on the Olympic final in 2018 and the next Olympics in 2022 where we know they did qualify and he proposed. (Spoiler alert? I guess lol. The fic is over 2 years old now) I was still debating on how the breakdown of time would occur, but it was definitely going to be seasonal based, starting in winter, and working backwards to spring.

That was so we could work through the process of healing and deal with the grief and guilt that they both felt (Jon for feeling as if the accident was all his fault, and Dany for being “gone” for so long and working up the courage to watch what had happened as she didn’t remember the accident, only falling. Also, we would have discovered that Dany had some lingering issues from both her brain injury and the coma. It would take time and effort to not only heal fully, but to also retrain her body for competition readiness, all while exploring new love and the ups and downs that go along with that.)

I do have tendency for angst, so there would have been plenty of that to go around, fluff and feels, and (of course) smut this time. 😉

Eventually, we would see them win gold, go home, get married at Bronn’s bar, and maybe, just maybe a reveal that Dany was either pregnant, or that she and Jon were going to try to adopt. I hadn’t decided if she truly had infertility issues or not, as miscarriages of first babies are sadly, very common and not often talked about.

They would both retire from competition skating after their gold medal, but would I feel Jon would go into coaching, and Dany would open a skating scholarship program for children of abuse, which Dei would co-found and run with her (with Grey proposing shortly after he and Jorah open their own local security firm). Davos happily dives in as well and handles the endorsement deals that come in for both Jon’s skaters, and the program (and of course being named godfather to Jon and Dany’s kiddos with Dei as godmother.) Tyrion retires from coaching and buys Bronn’s bar which he runs ala Sam Malone style (recovering alcoholic who owns a bar, and continues his struggle with alcohol and women simultaneously. Don’t worry, Bronn will never become Woody). Every Olympics, he holds and Opening Ceremonies party and the entire gang descends on the bar for every single one. Dany will accept nothing less.

Eventually, they do have kids (2 girls and a boy), who take up hockey (!) and eventually become Olympians in their own right, forging a new legacy 😂

Voila!

#jonerys #daenerys targaryen #jon snow #snowstorm #spoiler alert #I guess?#all the hugs for you anon #thanks for this ask #and for letting me return to one of my faves #if only for a moment #❤️

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cripplingaddictions · 4 years

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Bakugo x Reader: Confession

Summary: After Bakugo’s mental breakdown with Midoriya outside the dorms, you take it upon yourself to get him to open up. Of course it isn’t easy, but you two had known each other for years. Bakugo realises how he really feels and claims you as his own.

Rating: SFW

Genre: Fluff, angst, lime

Word Count: 4.7k

A/n: I love comfort fluff and tending to wound tropes... and I also used the headcanon that Bakugo needs hearing aids, so that is included in this fic. I’m also sorry about the slow updates... I’ll have some headcanons out for haikyuu in the new future so stay tuned!

The crisp night air flooded through the open windows as you held a warm drink in your chilly hands. A fluffy blank landed on your shoulders as Mina deposited them off to everyone. You shifted yourself to meet Mina’s extraordinary eyes, nodding in thanks. Mina returned with a cheery smile of her own.

All the girls of 1A populated the couches, basking in the much needed warmth. A few boys sat amongst you, such as Kaminari, Kirishima, Ojiro, and Sero. Mineta desperately cried for help, wrapped in a cocoon of Sero’s tape after a perverted comment directed at Momo. Todoroki did as he always did, awkwardly standing slightly adjacent to the lively group, a keen but kind eye flickering between classmates as they contributed to the conversation.

“Everyone!” Iida marched up to your group, “Leaving the windows open in this weather is incredibly irresponsible! You will all get a cold!” His rapidly chopping hands paused momentarily to hurriedly pull all the windows shut.

“Thanks, emergency exit!” Kirishima waved at the class representative. A satisfied expression washed over Iida’s face.

You rolled your eyes, slightly smiling at them, before taking a prolonged sip of your warm beverage. Without spilling it, you pulled your legs up on the couch to cross them.

The class was happily celebrating a successful hero licensing exam. All but Bakugo and Todoroki. Hagakure and Momo had insisted they could join you too. It didn’t surprise you that Todoroki showed up but Bakugo didn’t, for one of them took it a lot worse than the other.

Bakugo was your childhood friend, knowing him since forever. There wasn’t a time you didn’t know each other, but not quite outdating him knowing Midoriya. You never really announced yourselves as “friends”, per se. It more so happened by consistently interacting, never really introducing yourselves. One of those friendships that “just happened”, neither of you remembering when you really met each other. Turns out, your mothers had been friends for years prior.

As you two grew older, and Bakugo became more and more like... himself, you did not condemn for anything he would say to Midoriya, being quirkless. Luckily, you happened to manifest a fairly powerful quirk, so he never judged you for it. He could never find himself to explode at you whenever you told him to back off. He may yell, but it never went further than petty insults. Of course, Mitsuki would have been appalled with him if he did. She definitely had a soft spot for you.

Once starting at UA, Bakugo’s ego slowly but surely began to deflate. He began to obtain standards, something that surprised you plenty. You noticed how he acted around Kirishima. That was when you realised the difference between how he treated all his peers. He seemed to rank them - most worthy of his friendship and time to least. Upon witnessing Kirishima - someone pretty high in those “ranks” - interact with him, you noticed the outside perspective. How nice he was to you and Kirishima, compared to people like Midoriya.

Eventually, you grew an odd feeling in your chest whenever he showed up to class. Top buttons undone and without a tie. Or when you caught a glimpse of his ember swirling eyes. Not to mention during training, rocking up in that hero costume of his.

You even began to play a little game. Testing him to see how long you could pester, order, or genuinely annoy him before he literally exploded at you. More and more of late, that time stretched. Unfortunately, your little experiment didn’t go unnoticed. All the girls of 1A knew, questioning you about it. You passed it off as something you thought would be funny. Only Mina saw right through you. She knew you liked him and constantly teased you about it to no end. Midoriya and Kirishima were the only others to notice you pushing his buttons more than usual lately.

Uraraka’s voice broke through your elaborate train of thought, “Y/N...”

“Yeah?” You answered.

“Do you have any idea where Deku is?” Her voice trembled slightly, her cheeks going slightly pinker as she rubbed the back of her neck. She couldn’t be more obvious about her crush on Midoriya, so you had nothing to worry about. “He hasn’t come back since Bakugo said he wanted to talk to him. I’m kind of worried about him.”

A huff left your lips, “In all honesty, I am too. There’s no telling what Bakugo wanted to talk to him about.”

“He might be seeking girl advice,” Mina chimed in, sending a sly wink in your direction.

You immediately took a long sip of your drink, hoping the cup hid your slight blush as you furrowed your eyebrows at Mina.

“I highly doubt it,” Tsuyu placed a finger to her chin in thought, “I’m not sure that Bakugo would need that kind of advice. Especially not from Midoriya.” Your gaze fell.

“He probably wants to kill him,” Jirou shrugged her shoulders, taking a sip from her own drink.

Jirou’s comment silenced the group of 1A girls. Only condescending sipping of drinks and the guys chattering filled your ears. Your attention left your drink to the sound of shuffling feet approaching. Bright yellow eyes met yours when the source of the shuffling feet sat beside you.

“Ladies,” Kaminari’s smooth voice wooed as he rested his arms on the back of the couch, “What’re you guys talking about?”

Dyed red hair, held up by a graphic bandana, flashed your peripheral vision as Kirishima took a seat next to you. He pouted slightly when you flashed him an almost sarcastic smile. The pout couldn’t mask that he could see right through you. Worry for Bakugo plagued your mind. There was no doubt Midoriya had improved his ability to use his quirk. If Bakugo had indeed wanted to fight him, he definitely underestimated him.

“I’m sure he’s just in bed, Y/N,” Kirishima placed a hand on your shoulder, “It is way past eight-thirty.”

You stifled a small giggle, nodding at Kirishima’s words and mentally thanked him for his optimistic nature. You continued to sip your drink in silence, occasionally tuning in to Mina and Kaminari’s chaotic conversation. Overall, you felt the homeliness of this family created through 1A. A homeliness soon to be destroyed.

A loud bang caused everyone to close their mouths, the worst case scenario filled your head. Luckily, when you followed it to its source, it came to a slammed door. An easy answer came to your mind; the wind. However, standing before the door stood Bakugo and Midoriya. Both definitely looking a bit rough around the edges. A gauze on each cheek, they looked defeated. They refused to reach each other’s eyes, or any other pair staring them.

You cautiously planted your cup on the coaster before you, as if you were afraid of agitating Bakugo, easily spotting the anger and emotion in his ruby eyes.

“Bakugo and Midoriya!” Iida rushed over to them in a flash, his arms chopping up and down in anger, “Where on earth have you been? Why do you look like you just got into another brawl with some villains?”

“Shut the hell up, four-eyes,” Bakugo snapped, grumbling to himself. He stuffed his hands into his pockets, before storming past the couches.

Before anyone could stop you, you leapt to your feet. Your drink left behind, you rushed after Bakugo. The blanket around your shoulders flowed behind you like a cape, you called out to the angry blond, “Bakugo!”

Bakugo ignored you, continuing up the stairs. Hurriedly, you sped up the stairs and overtook him.

Your body blocked his, “Bakugo, what the hell happened?”

His head continued to hang low, his blond hair falling to obscure his eyes from view as you desperately tried to meet them. Scratches, grazes and cuts littered his face and arms, some covered up with gauze. The two gauzes on his cheeks mirrored each other, lightly stained in blood. Dust and dirt smudged up his arms; his wounds weren’t properly cleaned. His hands stuffed in his baggy sweatpants shook slightly, from both physical and emotional pain.

“Shut up, Y/N,” Bakugo’s wavering voice protested, failing at any attempted aggression, “I don’t need to tell you shit.”

You heaved in a shaky breath, “True, but I want to know. I might be able to help you.”

“You can’t help me,” his voice raised, causing you to step back. You really wished you could see his eyes, to see what kind of pain he was in.

“You won’t know that until you tell me what’s wrong,” you sighed, trying your best to stay calm and not snap back.

“Get out of my way...”

Bakugo harshly barged his shoulder into yours, causing you to stumble to the side slightly. You stepped after him as he continued to his dorm, the most likely place you imagined he would storm off to. You caught up again, flinging an arm out in front of him. His warm, sweaty hand latched onto your forearm. Your heart skipped a beat, relishing the ironically soft touch.

However, the softness of his touch contradicted his tone, “Y/N, move... right now...”

“Bakugo!” You cried, not afraid of the slightly startled boy before you.

You didn’t budge or flinch as you laced your fingers between the ones he gripped onto your forearm with. With a soft touch, you lifted his chin upwards to get a perfect view of his face.

His cut up face held the softest expression you had ever seen. No crease sat between his eyebrows, grazes over his forehead. The gauzes taped to his cheeks hid the worst of his face injuries, letting a small amount of blood to seep through it. His eyes glistened with tears, about to be spilt. They stung red, from previous tears.

Katsuki Bakugo stood before you, with tears in his eyes.

The Katsuki Bakugo.

“You can tell me, you know,” You hushed, once his bloodshot eyes met your sympathetic ones, “I’ve always been there for you, like when you got your hearing aids.”

One hand still holding his, you let the other one slip up to expose the small black device in his left ear. It wrapped around the back, resting behind his ear. A soft sympathetic smile graced your features, as Bakugo squeezed his eyes shut. He entered a vulnerable state, allowing you to wrap an arm around his lower neck and pull him into a hug.

“Please...” You whispered, “It’s better if you let it all out.”

Bakugo awkwardly stepped out of the hug, slipping his hand out of your grip. His eyebrows creased again, squinting his eyes to hold back any tears. He shoved his hands into his pockets, and refused to meet your eyes again.

“I’m just fucking pissed!” He raised his voice again, “I’m pissed at myself. At damn Deku! How did he become someone so damn special? And I didn’t!? When I finally get fucking recognised for something... it’s because I ended All Might! Why me?”

Your breath hitched. All of Bakugo’s pain unloaded onto you. All Might’s end happened a small while ago. He held this guilt in for that long? No wonder he was angry. In a way, you felt privileged and relieved Bakugo opened up to you. You always tried to be there for him. You wished you could have been there earlier, to stop him ever feeling like this in the first place.

“Bakugo...” You hushed his uneven breathing. It almost sounded like he was about to have a panic attack, “You couldn’t have prevented it. No one knew that it was going to happen. The last person who should be blaming themselves is you.”

“I could have done something! All I did was stand and watch. I left as soon as I saw you call out to me. Damn it!”

“Look at me, Bakugo,” digging into his pockets, you removed his hands from them and held them in your own, “If you didn’t leave when I called you, not only All Might would have ended. You would have too. And I don’t know what I would ever do if you did.”

A sharp inhale came from Bakugo’s parted lips, before he trailed off, “Da-damn it...”

“I care about you, Baku,” you let your thumbs run small uncoordinated circles on the back of his warm veiny hands. You couldn’t force yourself to look into his eyes, afraid of how he would respond. “I care more than you can ever imagine.”

“I- I-, fuck...” He couldn’t form sentences, let alone words. You, of course, couldn’t blame him. Not only because of his current emotional state, but you knew it would take a little bit more to get something so sincere out of Bakugo.

“It’s okay,” you finally met his red eyes, trying to mask the glossiness of your own, “It’s okay if you don’t return my feelings... I won’t take it too harshly.”

A small cocky grin slid its way onto Bakugo’s disheartened features, “Who said I didn’t, baka.”

Little giggles left your mouth as you wrapped your arms around his neck. A newfound sense of confidence filled you. Not only did you let the burden of your confession lift off your chest, but he reciprocated the feelings. You couldn’t wait to tell Mina all about it.

“Now...” All sadness and sorrow had drained from Bakugo, a sudden huskiness melted off his words, “Let me claim you as mine.”

“Wait, wha-” Without warning, Bakugo cut you off by pushing you forward towards the elevator at the end of the corridor. A small laugh left you again upon witnessing the determination - no matter what it was for - return to Bakugo. The Katsuki Bakugo you knew and loved was back.

Without letting go of your wrist, Bakugo frantically pressed the elevator button, “Hurry up, you damn elevator!”

“Yelling at it want make it come faster, you know.”

“Shut up, Y/N.”

Once the elevator pinged, the doors slid open. Bakugo rushed you inside, turning around to watch as the doors slid shut again. No words were spoken, both of you urgently watching the elevator travel up to the level his dorm stood located in. You adjusted your hand in Bakugo’s grip, only for him to squeeze your hand tighter. The small action caused a tiny smile to tug at your lips in satisfaction. Damn, it felt good to finally have him.

The travelling between the elevator and Bakugo’s dorms happened so quickly it was all a blur. The only thing you knew was the sound of the door slamming behind you, before you were back up against the wall beside it.

Bakugo’s rough, calloused hands pinned your wrists to your side. There was no time to protest before the gap between you two closed. Your lips roughly fought against his a loosing battle. His lips felt chapped but soft at the same time. The taste of nitroglycerin lingered between your lips, the smell of caramel wafting into your nostrils. His hands let go of your wrists, finding a new home firmly on your hips only to press you further against the wall. Hands now free, they rushed into his hair. Silky blond locks weaved in and out of your fingers before you ran them down his neck to grip his shoulders.

The tickling of his tongue on your bottom lip begged your lips open, allowing it to slip inside your mouth. You desperately fought against his rough movements, only to lose. He took complete dominance as he slipped a knee between your thighs and propped you even further up the wall. In retaliation, you wrapped your legs around his waist, so he supported your full weight. Your crotch shamelessly pressed against his lower abdomen.

A gasp left your mouth as his warm hands glided up your curves and beneath your shirt. Bakugo’s skilled fingers ran patterns on the soft skin of your back, sending countless satisfied shivers up your spine. Your mouths continued to move in sink as his fingers slid along the skin just beneath your bra. The moan that escaped your mouth sent a wicked smirk onto Bakugo’s lips. Without warning, Bakugo’s lips left yours and attached to the soft skin of your jaw. You tilted your head to the side to give him more access to trail kisses down the curve of your neck. At the same time, one of his hands ran to the clasp of your bra. He fiddled with it, desperately trying to unclasp it before he gave up and detached his warm mouth from your neck.

“Damn it,” his warm moist breath tickled your neck, “How does this shitty thing work?”

You let a laugh leave your lips as you arched your back for your own hands to slip up your shirt. In an instant, you had detached it. The bra lacked straps, causing it to immediately drop to the floor.

A growl left Bakugo as he began sucking on the soft flesh of your neck. His warm, wet tongue pressed and flicked against it. The occasional sensation of his teeth grazing over your neck made a shiver slide up your spine. Bakugo’s large hands travelled back to the front, fanning over you exposed breasts. They travelled over them until he lightly fondled them in his hand, squeezing gently. Your hands on his shoulders quickly gripped onto the fabric of his black tank top. One of his thumbs flicked over your hardened nipple, causing his name to fall from your mouth in a pleasurable moan.

Bakugo greedily grunted, whispering against your neck, “Yeah, I like that, Y/N...”

His tongue continued to trail over your skin, sucking and flicking until he pulled away. Your eyes fluttered open, leaning down to press your forehead against his. Slowly, Bakugo’s hands trailed back down your sides and pulled out of your shirt. Your feet made it safely back down to the ground. When you attempted to meet Bakugo’s eyes, you found them trailing over purple bruises covering your neck, continuing up to the start of your jaw.

“Now you’re mine,” Bakugo brought you into a safe hug, letting you rest your head into the crevice of his neck. Your eyes squeezed shut again, delving yourself completely into his sent of caramel.

“As far as first kisses go,” you teased, letting a cheeky grin slide onto your face, “that wasn’t half bad.”

“Damn well, it wasn’t half bad!” His voice lifted higher, a familiar angry tone taking over. An even bigger smile came to your face once you realised he had almost completely forgotten the predicament he was in previously. “That better have been the best kiss ever!”

A little string of laughs left you, “Yeah, yeah. It was the best. You got me there.”

The silence continued for a little longer, until Bakugo retreated out of the hug. He cleared his throat before turning away from you. You took the opportunity to rush to his mirror, observing the damage he had done. A dozen or so purple hickies littered across your neck. They travelled all the way to your jaw and almost your ears. It would take a lot of foundation to cover those up, you thought.

“I’m definitely yours, it seems,” you turned to Bakugo, who only grunted, “I almost look as beat up as you.”

“I’m fine,” came his reply.

“You still need to clean those wounds and cover them up.”

“I don’t need Recovery Girl.”

“No, we shouldn’t bother Recovery Girl right now. I’d be happy to do it for you in the girls bathroom. Mr Aizawa is long gone, don’t worry about him catching us.”

“What about your annoying extras?”

“If any of the girls come in, I’m sure they’ll understand and make a pretty quick exit. I promise.”

Bakugo huffed in reply as you tilted your head in the direction of the door. You made your way to the door. As you reached out for the door handle, a bundle of black was thrown at you.

“Cover up, damn it,” Bakugo shoved his hands in his pockets and joined you by the door, “You don’t even have a bra on.”

“Oh, yeah,” you hurriedly unfolded the black clothing item, to find it was one of Bakugo’s plain black hoodies. You slipped it over your head and let it drop down a little further than your hoodies usually would. Caramel scent engulfed you, making it clear it hadn’t been washed since the last wear. Normally, that would disgust you, but it was your boyfriend’s. You plotted how long you were going to hold onto it in your head as you bundled the hood around your neck.

You gestured to yourself, only to receive a shrug from Bakugo. The shrug couldn’t hide the tiny reddish tint on his cheeks from the sight of you in his clothes. A victorious smile made it to your face, and you opened the door.

The journey to the girl’s bathrooms was uninterrupted. You led him there, linking pinkies the whole way. He hesitated to walk through the door, after all it was the female bathroom. The door shut suddenly behind you as you pointed Bakugo to sit on the bathroom counter. Swinging open the cabinet above the sink, you pulled out a small box of first aid supplies. You placed you hands on your hips after allocating the box a spot next to Bakugo.

“Take your shirt off,” you demanded, the authoritative tone desperately hiding the redness of your ears.

“Why?” Bakugo grumbled, mocking you with arms crossed.

“So I can see if you have any further injuries,” You opened the first aid box, pulling out a dry rag. Out of the corner of your eye, you spied Bakugo lifting his tank top over his head to reveal his toned chest and abs as you ran cold water over the rag. Wringing it of excess water, you turned to see him checking himself over for any injuries.

“Nothing,” Bakugo bluntly replied.

“Yes, but your ribs are bruised,” you pointed at the green patches of flesh along his sides. The mirror didn’t indicate any wounds or bruises on his back. Without warning, you dragged the moist rag over the bruises. A few droplets of water rolled down his chiseled stomach as he pulled back.

“That shit is cold!” Bakugo exclaimed, “I’m getting wet now, damn it!”

“It’s a rag with water, what did you expect?” You hummed, continuing to trace the bruised ribs softly with the rag. You leaned over the counter to grab hold of his closest hand, resting your sover it. “Stay still.”

Once you had finished, you gently gripped one of his forearms. The cloth traced his skin, washing it clean. You had to scrub it softly at some points, but avoided any of the open grazes and cuts. You travelled the cloth to run over his biceps, this time lightly dabbing at the largest graze. Your skilled hands couldn’t hide the blush on your face, especially with his fiery eyes watching your every move. They occasionally shifted to your concentrated features.

The cloth quickly passed over his shoulders and chest, before repeating the process on his other arm. This one wasn’t as scratched up as the other, making your job a lot simpler. Once you finished, you took a step back over to the sink.

“You’re probably gonna hate what I’m about to do,” you sighed, wringing out the rag after rinsing it.

“What are you gonna do?” He demanded, less agitated than he usually would be.

You didn’t answer with words but with your actions. Stopping the dripping of the rag, you dragged it around the gauze on his cheek. His hand swiped up, grabbing your wrist and pulling my hand away from his face.

“Die shitty rag! How dare you come near my face!”

A full hearted laugh left your lips, your head tilting back, “I’m trying to help you, baka. Please let me.”

Bakugo studied your face for a short while, until he ripped his eyes away, “Fine.” He left his cheek exposed, letting you place the rag back onto it. All the dust and ash had been scrubbed from his cheeks and nose. You softly dragged the rag over his forehead, softly dabbing it over a shallow graze. Once, your hand pulled away, you leaned up to place a soft kiss on his forehead.

“Are you done?” Bakugo rolled his eyes, pressing his bare back against the mirror.

You shook your head, “Nope. Not even close.” You placed the damp rag in the sink, digging around in the first aid box again. Bakugo groaned in annoyance, causing you to smile and shake your head again.

Cold plastic slipped between your finger tips - a small bottle of antiseptic. Pulling it out, you placed a few cotton balls next to it. Carefully, you dropped a small amount of antiseptic onto the cotton ball. You lifted it towards Bakugo, who grimaced at the sight.

“I can’t promise this won’t hurt,” you hissed in empathy, hesitantly detaching he hand from the counter. Pulling his arm closer, you dabbed the cotton ball onto one of the shallow grazes on his forearm.

Bakugo immediately pulled back, “Antiseptic can die!” You smiled, knowing that was his way of saying that it stung.

“It’s gonna sting a little bit,” you rolled your eyes, “I did tell you that.”

Your hand swiped out to grab his wrist in it again as he constantly ripped it away, “Katsuki Bakugo! It’ll get infected and hurt even more if you don’t let me do this!” You exclaimed in a playful seriousness.

“Say that again,” the grimace on Bakugo!s face dropped, his features now softer.

“It’ll get infected?”

“No, baka. My name.”

“Your name? Katsuki Bakugo?”

The smirk on his face now unmistakable, he placed a hand on your waist, “Yeah, call me Katsuki. I like when you say my name.”

A similar smirk crossed your face as you placed a hand over his on your waist. Without warning him, you took the cotton ball and frantically dabbed it onto the next graze. Katsuki grunted, whipping his arm out of your reach.

His eyes remained glued in the victimised graze, “What the hell? That was a dirty trick!”

“It worked, though,” you replied, drenching a new cotton ball in antiseptic, “That’s all that matters.”

“Whatever.”

Eventually, he gave up fighting against you, allowing you to finish applying antiseptic to grazes and cuts on his arms and shoulders without much fuss. You left the injuries covered by the gauze on his cheeks alone, immediately tending to the largest and most tender graze on his forehead. With your free hand, you pushed back his blond hair that shaded it. You kept that hand lovingly caressing the start of his hairline, while the other hesitantly dabbed at the graze.

Katsuki hissed through his teeth, causing you to slip your hand down the side of his face. You held his cheek in your palm and sent him an apologetic look.

“I’m sorry,” you placed the cotton ball down into the small pile of used ones under Katsuki’s observant gaze.

“I think I’m going to leave that one exposed. It needs to dry out to heal properly,” you explained thoroughly. A grunt left Katsuki as you pulled out more gauzes and a roll of bandage.

After a silent moment, you had successfully wrapped up his entire right forearm in a bandage. A large gauze covered a wide but shallow graze on his left shoulder and a couple of smaller ones littered over some small ones on his left bicep.

As you began to quietly pack up the first aid box, you felt a pair of arms slide around your waist. You stood on your tippy-toes to place it back in the cabinet, only for the limbs to wrap around you tighter. Katsuki’s breathtaking red eyes met yours in the reflection of the mirror, where you swayed in his arms in contentment.

“When I’m let off this shitty house arrest,” Katsuki grumbled into your marked neck from your previous activities, “I’m taking you out.”

“Yeah,” you laughed, leaning your head against his, “I’d love to, Katsuki.”

“It wasn’t a choice.”

A giggle left your lips, leaving both of you happy as you stood in each other’s arms.

#bakugo katsuki #bakugo x reader #bakugo imagines #bnha x reader #my hero academia #my hero academia x reader #katsuki bakugo x y/n #katsuki bakugo #bnha imagines #mha x reader #mha imagines #katsuki x reader

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xmanicpanicx · 3 years

Text

Romanticized Things That Aren't Actually Romantic

1) The "shut up" kiss

It happens in more movies, TV shows, and novels than I can even count. One half of the couple (usually a woman or girl) will be talking, and the other person (usually a guy) will suddenly lay an ol’ sloppy one on her mouth. Often times, she’s rambling about her insecurities, so some people think it’s cute when he kisses her, symbolically laying her worries to rest. Don’t worry, hon! There’s nothing to be insecure about! He likes you! There are two big problems with this. The first is that when someone is speaking, you shouldn’t cut them off; best case scenario, it’s rude. Of course, people cut each other off all the time in conversation, so that’s different. But when a character interrupts another character’s speech to kiss them, they are essentially prioritizing their sexual desires over the other person’s need to express themselves. It’s an action that has an agenda. Everyone wants to be truly listened to when they speak. So if, for example, we have a female character babbling about her insecurities, the male character should hear her out, and then respond to what she says. There is plenty of romantic potential in words — even more than in kisses, in my opinion. His response could still be a kiss after she’s finished speaking (as long as it’s not a rattlesnake-strike type of kiss that doesn’t give her a choice). However, we still have another problem: the female character’s self-confidence shouldn’t be contingent upon the male character’s opinion of her. In other words, a kiss from a guy, no matter how much she loves him, will not and should not heal her negative perception of herself. Not healthy. Real people and characters should accept themselves on their own terms rather than on the approval of others.

Sometimes, the sudden kiss will come in the middle of a female character’s angry rant. The male character thinks she’s cute or sexy when she’s angry, which can be frustrating and patronizing for anyone who voices their anger because they want to be listened to and taken seriously. But regardless of why the character is talking, the other character should stop kissin’ and start listenin’.

2) Female double standards

Women and girls often feel really uncomfortable when men objectify them and make comments on their bodies, so they call these men out — and rightfully so. They also call male authors out for only describing women in terms of their bodies and giving them very little, if any, personality. Once again, rightfully so. Unfortunately, in real life and in literature, there is a double standard here. It’s one thing to write an erotic novel in which bodies of every gender are described in explicit detail and with an express purpose. But I’ve read novels without any sexual content that go into so much detail about guys’ looks. And these male characters are often not well-developed, either (think of the stereotypical jock with a hot bod and no brain). Authors — especially female authors, who are usually the ones perpetuating this — need to do better than this. If it's not okay to do that to girls, it's not okay to do that to guys, either. Also, what is up with that scene from The Notebook? The one where Rachel McAdams repeatedly slaps Ryan Gosling because he’s breaking up with her. How on Earth is that okay? The Notebook is widely considered to be a super-romantic movie, but there is nothing romantic about that scene, and it should be a deal-breaker for their relationship. If the tables were turned and Ryan Gosling slapped Rachel McAdams for breaking up with him, the entire plot of the movie would be different. It would be a thriller, a story about a woman trying to escape a scary ex. We would never root for the two of them to get back together.

3) Overly-metaphorical sex scenes

Cheese, cheese, and more cheese. Would you like some crust and tomato sauce with all that cheese? So many novels shy away from the anatomical details and favor metaphors for how the sex makes the characters (or just the narrating character) feel. In theory, there is nothing wrong with this, but I personally tend to roll my eyes more often than not at the actual execution. The narrator will say something too dramatic, like “our bodies became one and the universe opened up before me.” Or “and then we were flying, soaring with and through one another.” Or something else that is just… not sexy. As far as being poetic, there isn’t anything special about those phrases, either. There is nothing wrong with describing sex as it really is. I realize that novels featuring sex that are aimed at young adults probably cannot describe things too explicitly, but there’s no need to replace dirty details with flowery language. Go for whatever sincerity you can in the situation. There are plenty of different emotions to mine and sensual details leading up to the actual sex that read more thrillingly than the sex scene itself.

4) Instalove

It's simply not as much fun to see characters fall for each other right away. And how could they possibly fall for each other right away, anyhow? Is it all about looks? If so, both characters are instantly less likable because they're shallow. And that's not real love, either. You need to actually know someone in order to feel a such a deep emotion for them.

It's also important to note that making the characters "love" each other at the outset of the story does not heighten the emotional stakes. It actually cheapens them. Because how can we take this so-called love seriously when we don't get to know, don't get to care about, the characters as individual people before they fall for each other?

Now, if we get to know each character and watch them get to know each other, and slowly fall for each other, that's much more rewarding. It's character growth, and it's a whole process that we, as readers, get to experience vicariously though them.

This may just be a personal preference, but I think it's best to even avoid phrases like “my heartbeat skipped” or “my skin tingled when our hands brushed” in the beginning stages of the story. Even though the declarations of love and outright displays off affection may come later on, statements like these reveal instant attraction, which still isn't as rewarding as attraction that grows over time and through events.

5) Love interests being obsessed with each other

From approximately 2005-2015, YA literature saw a horde of books featuring teenage girls and boys who are everything to each other. I almost mean that literally. The first really popular book like this was Twilight, but it had a huge influence on everything in YA that came after, especially YA fantasy. How romantic, some people think, that hero lives for the heroine! And vice versa! Perfect! Meant to be! Everyone wishes they could have that one, true, perfect love!

Listen. Go back to Britney Spears’s first album and play the song “Born to Make You Happy”: ”I don’t know how to live without your love, I was born to make you happy.” Solid 90s bubblegum pop, but with unhealthy lyrics. An unhealthy mentality. Most of us are familiar with that heady, all-consuming feeling of falling in love, how it feels like that’s the best and happiest part of life as it’s happening. There’s nothing wrong with portraying that. It’s relatable. The glorification of it beyond all else is the problem. The hero and heroine have scares throughout the story during which they almost lose each other, and that brings to light just how strongly they feel each other, to the extreme that nothing matters except each other. Then, of course, they ultimately end up together, happily ever after, never having to part again. But in real life, people break up, or sometimes even die. People have no choice but to be apart from the person they loved so much from then on. And it’s devastating, but it’s not the end, even if it sometimes feels like it. That’s why it’s so important for books to give some indicator that there are other things that matter besides (and dare I say even more than) the one person the hero/heroine is in love with. The characters have to have some sense of self-love or resilience. They have to have other people they care about, or at least values/principles and goals. They have to be an actual person, not just a vessel filled to the brim with love for just one other person. Romanticizing a co-dependent relationship can be hope-crushing message, especially for teenagers who haven’t had enough time to grow, to weather the storm of life and toughen up and become wiser and more self-aware and self-confident.

7) The super dominant male love interest

Okay, I’m not trying to kink-shame anyone because I know there are people who absolutely love this trope. I want to say it’s fine, as long as it remains in Tropeland. But even if women want to keep these love interests solely within their fantasies, I do worry about the message it sends to men, if it makes them think that they can be abusive douchebags because women are into that. I already know of far too many men who think that women are only into assholes.

Personally, I’ll never understand the appeal of a man, fictional or otherwise, who dictates what a woman should wear, her food choices, where they go and what they do for dates ALL THE TIME. And jealousy! Sure, jealousy indicates that someone cares, and it’s a normal human emotion, but I’ll never understand the appeal of a guy who gets so jealous, he won’t allow his girlfriend any freedom. I’ll never understand how cruel, disparaging words could ever be on the same sexiness level as dirty talk. And I really, really will never understand how a man physically harming a woman could be considered sexy. It’s weak and cowardly, hurting someone who doesn’t stand a chance of fighting back because they’re nowhere near as strong.

I get the appeal of a guy who sees a woman as his equal and isn’t afraid to spar with her, challenge her, and maybe even be a little bit rough with her, knowing that she can handle it. I see the appeal of a confident man who isn’t afraid to tell a woman what he wants. When his presence becomes legitimately threatening and completely selfish, that’s when I personally see a problem. But hey, to each their own.

#writing #writing advice #ya fiction #writing rants #writing rambles

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