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#they can learn how to knit together :( (failed)
stormsofasorceress · 3 months
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baldurs gate out of context (x)
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hawkinsbnbg · 23 days
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For all the things those nimble hands could do, Eddie didn't know how to peel an orange without making a mess.
Steve always found it amusing how his husband could craft intricate pieces of artwork, but when it came to simple things, he suddenly became clumsy with flailing limbs and confused puppy eyes.
Despite his many attempts and determination, Eddie always failed in the end with ruined oranges clutched in his hands while juices spilling everywhere.
And Steve would eat them anyway. Because they didn't waste food, and because they loved each other at their best and their worst.
They were sitting on the couch with his feet in Eddie's lap as those deft hands rubbing and kneading the soreness away from his muscles.
"Wish I could learn how to do that," Eddie said while watching Steve peel the orange.
And you don't need to because I'm glad I can always do this for you, Steve wanted to say.
Instead, he tore the fruit in half and then shuffled into Eddie's lap.
As he fed his husband and himself section after section, he thought the aligned stars might as well have their names written on them.
Their fates were twining red strings, woven and knitted into a lovely knot.
"Teach me how to do it, sweetheart?" Eddie held him securely and pecked the corner of his lips.
"Peeling oranges?" Steve arched his eyebrow.
"Yeah, so I can pick out the white parts for you," Eddie gazed at him, warm like the Sunday morning when they slept in and cuddled while it was raining outside.
Steve met those chocolate eyes that filled his veins with honey and turned his inside into molasses.
Their love was a gentle thing, but no less powerful.
Just like an orange. It was built to share with many pulps and juicy flesh. And yet, its skin was unyielding, stubborn to a fault.
Even Steve had had to look up for a few tricks to take it apart.
And perhaps, that also applied to their love. To reach the rewarding part, one had to work for it.
Nothing had ever been easy for them.
But here, sitting in Eddie's lap and tasting the same orange with him, Steve felt like all those years, all their pains and losses had finally paid off.
"I can pick out the white parts myself," Steve pointed out gently.
"And what kind of husband am I to not help you with it?" Eddie countered with an easy smile. "We're one half of each other's, darlin'. I'm not gonna let you do anything alone."
"Even peeling oranges?" Steve leaned closer to whisper into those plump lips.
"Especially peeling oranges," Eddie gave him a citrus kiss, sour and sweet, fond and tender.
And Steve was putty in those loving hands.
Maybe, he thought dimly as Eddie took off his shirt, they could make marmalade together next time.
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gtgbabie0 · 6 months
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-Liu Kang x Reader
{A soft moment between you and Liu Kang}
Super fluffy and very domestic!! Hope you enjoy my lovelies! 💕
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Evenings in the Shaolin monastery never fail to take your breath away, how the pink and orange hues from the setting sun seem to bleed together, casting its warm light across the horizon. You admire the beauty of the scenery from the quaint little space you found. Hidden away from the other monks, a small open room lit by candles, where you could enjoy some tea in peace.
You allow your mind to drift as you take a deep breath, taking in the sounds of nature and distant water, only to be pleasantly interrupted by Liu Kang as he enters your quaint space with consideration, careful, so as to not rip you away from your meditative state.
“Nice of you to join me” you smile, shuffling to make space on the wooden floor for him to sit beside you, and he does so without hesitation, sitting on the blanket you laid upon the floor, “How did you find me?” You wonder as he looks at you with soft eyes.
“I couldn’t find you anywhere, I figured you’d be here” he explains, his hands finding yours, stopping you from pouring him some tea. “How is your head?” He tilts his chin slightly as he caresses your cheek, thumb soothing the space under your eye.
You had told him you weren’t feeling all too well this morning, way before he left to help Raiden and Kung Lao with whatever needed their attention around the Shaolin Temple. He had offered to look after you, the ever-caring man that he was, but yet his duties called him and he was whisked away from you.
Liu Kang can’t help but smile as you lean into his warm hand, the fabric of his bandages are rough against your skin but that doesn’t stop you. “A lot better than this morning” you hum, fingers wrapping around his wrist, gently bringing his hands down to your lap.
“Nothing some ginger tea couldn’t help” You begin unwrapping the bandages from his hands ever so carefully. He relishes in the way it feels, almost as if the tension from him unravels along with the tough cloth. You take a moment to run your fingertips across his slightly calloused palms, making a mental note to buy more hand cream.
The absence of the sun brings a cold chill, one that causes a shiver to run down your spine. Liu Kang notices, and with a soft frown, he reaches from behind you, picking up the knitted shawl and draping it over your shoulders before pressing a kiss to your cheek.
“Mhm, I am glad to hear” he whispers, shuffling to sit behind you. He wraps his arms around your waist, resting his chin on your shoulder as you continue to drink the warm liquid. “Tomorrow I am all yours my heart, the two of us can do whatever you please,” he says and you don't have to look at him to know there's a smirk on his lips.
His chest blooms with warmth at the way you giggle, a sound Liu Kang couldn’t possibly ever get bored of, “Whatever I please? Hmm, you might come to regret saying that” There’s a certain playfulness in your words that only drives Liu Kang to hold you tighter, peppering your shoulder with soft kisses.
“Learn from it… perhaps, but regret I could never, every moment with you is deeply cherished” his words carry a certain weight to them, something that doesn’t go amiss as his lips continue to playfully trail up towards your jaw.
“Like you learned from the baking incident?” you remind him of the series of unfortunate events all over again. How the sweet treat ended up being terribly charred and completely inedible. You can feel Liu Kang's chest rise and fall from behind you as he laughs, calloused hands slipping into your own.
“Yes, I learned not to let you distract me” he teases, thumb soothing along your knuckles. Another gust of wind pushes through the trees, and you’re thankful that the god of fire is sitting behind you, holding you close to him. But despite his warm presence, he still notices the goosebumps that invade your body and the slight shiver that crawls through your spine.
“Let’s go home before you catch a cold” he whispers, lips grazing against your ear before standing up. The loss of his warmth hits you suddenly, and you are made very aware of the autumn winds. Liu Kang helps you to your feet, and with linked arms, the pair of you make your way home.
The rest of the night he spends practically glued to your hip, touching you in any way he possibly can and true to his words, the next day is spent doing whatever you please.
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pedgito · 2 years
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i need a shower smut with eddie munson
not even a want anymore its a NEED
author’s note: …yeah, this is just…probably one of the dirties things i’ve written in a while. i laugh every time i write smut because it feels so ridiculous, but i really liked how it came together, so enjoy!
cw: 18+ (no minors allowed, seriously), dom/sub undertones (if you squint), fem!reader, brattiness (from reader but it’s very toned down, i promise), unprotected sex, oral (f&m receiving), p in v sex, ect.
word count: 2k
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Eddie never asked because it felt silly, but when you would sneak in behind the shower curtain after a long, grueling day—he could breathe a little easier. You could wrap your arms around his middle, squeezing him tight, and he would relax against you, rubbing the tips of his fingers against your own where they were connected around his stomach. It wasn’t always about sex, or the need to let out all the pent up frustrations from the day—sometimes all Eddie needed was a place to feel safe, free of any worry, surrounding himself in the love you showered him with. It wasn’t something you expected from him initially, though he was always willing to show his love for you—in an endless amount of displays of affection, Eddie had no shame.
But, he never expected any in return; part of him not sure if he even deserved it. Fortunately, Eddie learned quickly that wasn’t the case. It was the little things—holding hands in the grocery store, wrapping your arms around his waist as you waited in line for a movie, running your fingers through his hair as he sat between your legs every evening, coming up with another ridiculous campaign to play out with his friends. Eddie loved to be showered in love, he was the biggest sap you’d ever met—the mind-blowing sex was just a bonus.
“Been waiting for this all day, baby.” He sighs, his hair wetting from the stream of the shower, water cascading off his head and around you like a curtain. “Thinking ‘bout that dirty mouth of yours.”
“Yeah?” Your voice sultry and sweet, hands coming up to push Eddie’s hair out of his face. He smiled under your gaze, his own hands rising to assist you. “Tell me all about it.”
He huffs out a small laugh, watching the way your eyes traveled his naked body, just as eager as he was. “Thought about that pretty little mouth on my dick.” His thumbs drags against your lips, catching onto the bottom one with the edge of his ring. You couldn’t help but think about how ridiculous it was that he never took them off, even for a shower.
“Pretty and dirty?” You tease, hands sliding down his slick chest, tracing over the tattoo on his chest.
“Fucking filthy, actually.” His hand grips your chin gently, lips jutting forward at the motion, mouth parted slightly. “Gonna let me fuck that mouth?”
You nod impishly, hand already ascending toward Eddie’s dick. It wasn’t a surprise that he was already half hard, riled up from both the touching and just seeing you. He sighs out at the first touch, like he’s been waiting years for this—it would never fail to make your insides flutter, the way he cherished these moments so much.
༊*·˚
Eddie reaches over you for the shampoo bottle as you settle on your knees against the porcelain, spread out to keep you from slipping. You gave him a look, eyebrows knitting together.
“What? I can multitask.” He squirts a generous amount of product in his hand and lathers it into his hair—he wasn’t lying, but you weren’t going to make it easy.
You tugged at him gently, tongue swirling around the tip of his cock, self-satisfied at the way he curses above you. It doesn’t take much to get Eddie worked up, but your mouth around his dick—that’s what did him in. Your head dips down, tongue dragging from the base of his shaft and upward, before your mouth is closing around, cheeks hollowed out as you swallow him down in one quick motion. Eddie would never get tired of that, knowing his body—your body, so well, that you knew exactly how much you could take.
And you would take everything if you could.
“Fuuuuck.” It’s long and drawn out, his hand bracing against the wall, the other twisting in your at the root, pulling your head back and off of him. “It’s gonna be like that?” You couldn’t take him seriously, not with the ridiculous amount of soap covering his face.
“Uh huh,” You nod, pulling away from the resistance of his grip, “Now, stop interrupting me.” And the groan that follows as your mouth closes around him, hands reaching what your mouth couldn't—well, it was heavenly.
You pull back, thumb tracing his slit at the tip of his cock, a mixture of spit and water creating a slippery mess, the glide of your hand like velvet as you jerked him off. “Such a little brat.” Eddie groans, hand still gripping your hair. “Trying to make me come before I even get the chance to fuck you? That’s cruel.”
“So don’t,” It’s a challenge, and Eddie is willing to tackle it, “and maybe then, I’ll let you fuck me.”
Eddie scoffs, half amused at your attitude, but frustrated at how badly he wanted it. He’d come all over your face if he could, but the idea of burying himself inside you was much more enticing. You waste no time in returning your attention to his dick, letting his hand guide you deep, nose brushing the trimmed bush of curls at his base, his tip nudging the back of your throat. You gagged, feeling his hand loosen slightly. A quick shake of your head gives him all the assurance he needs, pulling your head back roughly before forcing you to swallow him back down, welcoming the way he used you for his own pleasure, pliant to him and only him.
Part of you remembers how shy Eddie used to be—forcing himself to keep quiet, both with his sounds and words, too afraid he’d say something would offend you or you would poke fun at how loud he tended to be. But that Eddie was long gone, moaning out unabashedly above you. “Gotta stop—fuck, want to—wanna go down on you, baby.”
Except you really don’t want to, leaning back in to kiss the tip of his dick, hands wrapping around his thighs. Eddie’s having none of it, though—pulling your face back in the same manner as earlier, chin bound in his grip, but tighter this time.
“Did you hear me?” Eddie’s voice is firm, rough—and he’s staring right into your eyes, that darkened gaze sending a flurry of tingles down your spine. “You’re really asking for it tonight, aren’t you?”
You shrug sheepishly, priding yourself off of the fact that he was so riled up—Eddie enjoyed the back and forth game as much as you did, the brattier you acted, the more Eddie felt free of inhibition, falling into the role that you both needed.
“Up.” He nods, releasing his grip on your face and helping you up, but it doesn’t take long before he’s got you crowded up against the tile wall, cold biting into your back. His hand trails up the back of your calf, your thigh, before he’s lifting your leg over his shoulder and spreading you wide open for him.
Eddie bites at the inside of your thigh, sucking hard at the skin there, the smallest of bruises beginning to form. “Now who’s wasting time?” You perk up, hand buried deep in his wet curls.
“Shut up.” His tone is playful, but the way he’s gripping your thighs tells a different story, his nose bumping against your clit as he drags a finger through your folds, gathering up a sheen of wetness on his finger, before prodding at your entrance, slowly pushing his fingertip past that threshold. He’s had enough time to learn your body and know what makes you tick, which is why he likes to drag things out so much—it’s torture to you, but for Eddie, it’s too good an opportunity to pass up.
He pulls the finger away and toward your clit, making slow, precise circles against the sensitive bud—really, really dragging it out, what an asshole. He leans forward, swiping his tongue through your folds, dipping inside of you teasingly. It wasn’t the same as his fingers or him, but it still had your back arching away from the tile in delectation, the hot heat of his mouth like fire against your sensitive cunt.
You squeal softly, desperately canting your hips upward in an attempt to grind against his mouth, feel his tongue delve deeper, but he pulls back. “Stay still.” His voice is soft, but demanding, not leaving room for any argument.
“Baby, please—“ You sound pathetic, so worked up by a few minutes of his mouth that you couldn’t take it any longer, “want you inside me.”
Eddie pulls back, staring up from where he was knelt below you, leg still slung around his shoulder. “What was that?” You knew damn well he heard you, his expression coy and sweet. “I didn’t hear you.”
“Eddie, come on,” You pant, yanking gently at his hair. He smirks, a small noise of amusement slipping its way past his lips. “Stop being like that.”
“You’re making a lot of demands, sweetheart.” He notes, finally giving your leg a break, setting down gently against the edge of the tub as he stood, crowding you in even further. “You think you deserve it?”
You nod slowly, neck craned slightly to look up at him. His hand comes up, wiping across your face in a quick, but light slap. It didn’t startle you—it was nothing new; you and Eddie had very clear, set boundaries with one another, he knew you could take it.
“Answer me.” He’s rubbing at the tender spot with the pad of his thumb, his expression a stark difference from the tone in his voice. He always looked at you so soft, like you’d break—not that easy, you always told him. “Don’t act so shy now.”
“Yes—yes, I do.” You say softly, hand reaching for his waist to pull him closer, provide any kind of contact or relief, desperate to feel his skin against your own. “Please, baby.”
“So pretty when you beg.” His voice is quiet, admiring the way your lip juts out slightly. He leans forward, kissing you slowly, tongue slipping inside and tangling with your own. “Turn.”
You had no qualms, immediately twisting your body around, allowing Eddie to maneuver you how he pleased. “Bend—more, there you go.” He instructs, hand running along the slope of your back, giving him the perfect view of your ass. He squeezes gently, hand reaching down to guide his dick against your cunt, slipping through your folds.
You push back, barely, but it’s just enough to have him slipping inside, both of you sighing in relief. “So good—feels so fuckin’ good.” You moan, making a feeble attempt to move your hips, but Eddie has a tight grip, keeping them still.
“Shit—you gotta stop squeezing me, don’t want to come that quick, sweetheart.” His hips are slow, but steady—a gentle rhythm as he thrust into you, careful not to tip over the edge too quickly—not that he was very far off.
“Sorry—can’t help myself.” You giggle softly, meeting his hips eagerly, hands pressed against the wall to keep you upright. You whine out at a particular jolt of his hips, his fingers tightening around your hips. “Harder.”
His hand comes around to wrap around your front, squeezing at one of your breasts—it pulls you backwards, back flat against his chest. “Gonna come,” He breathes out, hips snapping relentlessly now, “want me to pull out?”
Always a gentleman—you try not to laugh at the absurdity of it all, that somehow within these private moments of existential pleasure, he still managed to keep you based in reality.
“Wouldn’t dream of it.”
And he does, hips stuttering to a slow stop as he reaches his tipping point, spilling inside of you—his hand is desperately reaching around you, rubbing at the sensitive nub between your legs, gasping as you came, quick and hard—you barely had time to realize it, the euphoric feeling overwhelming your body, skin warm and flushed against his own. He grunts softly, jaw clenching as he lets the few seconds of aftershocks run through his system, before finally pulling out.
༊*·˚
“We gotta start making that a weekly thing.” Eddie comments after a few minutes of silence, allowing you two to finally continue your shower, though you mostly lean against Eddie for the rest of the duration. He didn’t mind.
“We’ll see.” You tease, reaching up on your tiptoes to peck him on the lips. “As long as you behave.”
“Me—Me, behave?” Eddie rolls his eyes dramatically, failing to hide the smile that creeps onto his face. “You’re unbelievable.”
It definitely becomes a weekly thing.
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actual-changeling · 7 months
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Crowley watches him silently, motionless, and with his shades securely in place. If he has been counting correctly, and he rather assumes he has, then Aziraphale has been talking uninterruptedly for twenty-five minutes and two seconds now.
Three seconds.
"…so, I'm sorry, Crowley. I'm so, so sorry."
He is wringing his hands, unable to stand still, and shifting his weight slightly from foot to foot, searching for Crowley's gaze and failing. The sudden silence feels almost odd, the expectation rolling off Aziraphale in waves even more so, only infinitely heavier, and for a moment, he entertains the thought playing the part Aziraphale has thrust upon him.
But only for a moment.
"Right," Crowley responds, tightening his grip on the door and pressing his other palm against the frame, effectively barring Aziraphale from entering like he has been for the last twenty-six minutes.
"Anything else?"
Confusion wrinkles his forehead, and his fingers no longer turn his ring round and round over a stretch of reddened skin. Maybe it is the utter monotony of Crowley's voice or the lack of reaction in general, but Aziraphale seems, finally, at a loss for words. His mouth opens and closes a few times, his eyebrows knitting together, and Crowley allows him another thirty seconds of patient waiting, after which he calls it a day.
"Great."
He steps back and closes his front door, normally and without slamming it, locks it, and then miracles up a deadbolt for good measure, before picking up his cup of coffee from the chest of drawers (still hot if it knows what's good for it) and strolling back to the living room.
Eighteen months. A year and a half. Another apocalypse is dawning on the world, but if there is anything the last six millennia have taught him, it's that humanity will fix it anyway; they have a knack for that, always outsmarting heaven and hell alike. Well, and him, since he is neither here nor there—so, a special mention to the former angel slash demon Crowley, thank you very much.
A familiar pain tugs at his stomach nevertheless, a faded lightning bolt of distress shivers down his spine, and Crowley sinks into the cushions with a sigh, kicking his feet up onto the coffee table and pressing play on Queer Eye again. The ache will never fully disappear, but it has lessened, and he has learned how to live with it, how to breathe around the crudely stitched-up black hole in his chest.
Aziraphale left, and Crowley stayed. It's really simple, in hindsight, and after weeks of moping and crying, being completely wasted for days at a time, and overall being so miserable, every single one of his plants stopped being scared and became concerned instead, Crowley had picked himself off the floor and kept moving.
Not moving on is worse, Nina had told him during one of their board game nights (none of them can resist Muriel's angelic puppy eyes in that regard, and it is, admittedly, kind of fun), and she had been right.
He still loves him, fuck, of course he does; he doubts he will ever stop. Yet if Aziraphale thinks showing up uninvited and monologuing without pause for twenty-five minutes is going to fix anything, he is sorely mistaken.
'Listen, do you hear that?'
'I don't hear anything.'
Ironic, somehow, that Aziraphale is still not listening to him. Crowley will wait because it's Aziraphale, because he loves him, because despite everything, he is fucking lonely and misses him enough to be tempted to take him back without any apologies whatsoever.
Just tempted, though. His barricades and well-practiced self-control are going strong.
He has to be sure this time. He has to be sure that Aziraphale won't break him again, because the most recent incident almost killed him, and Crowley loves earth, loves him—but he has to love himself more than he loves his angel, or it will destroy them both.
Jonathan van Ness gives some poor sod a new haircut, Crowley drinks his piping hot coffee, and Aziraphale goes home.
It's a nice Tuesday, all things considered.
-
i'm sorry but also not :)
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overtail · 2 months
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'You're not helping." - Sokka x GN!Reader
🪃🌑
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Summary - (Y/N) has always struggled with their bending prowess, never having anyone to teach them. After being given some advice by Aang, they still can't seem to focus on controlling the earth nearby. Even though he doesn't know what it's like, Sokka still tries to help.
Contains - Fluff, Flirting, Joking, Sarcasm, and silly fun.
Reader Info - Earthbender, new member of the Gaang, quiet, sarcastic, and VERY ambitious.
TW - None!!
No use of (Y/N)
'Breath.'
𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩.
'You have to focus on what's in front of you. What it is you want to comtrol.'
𝘍𝘰𝘤𝘶𝘴. 𝘐𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶.
They dragged their back foot through the dirt. The crunching sound of rocks against their shoe helped them connect with the world beneath them. They could feel it, the buzzing in their chest, mind, 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭. They closed their eyes, shakily letting out a breath.
Breath. Focus.
Shifting forward, they stepped with their movement. The dirt below them began to rise, shaking vigorously as it slowly moved upwards. Their eyelashes fluttered as their eyelids twitched. The rocks stopped in place for a moment as their calmness weakened but resumed to it's upwards movement as they took another breath. They let out a low growl before abruptly opening their eyes and throwing their hands forward. They yelled as they did so, trying to hit the target - which happened to be a large rock -- in front of them. Instead of it breaking into a million pieces with the power and force of a true bender, little pebbles bounced off of it, and dirt coated the side.
"God!" They yelled, turning away from the embarrassing sight. "Stupid, stupid, stupid!" The peace was gone, and the only thing they felt was rage. True, pure, rage. "Why do I even try anymore?!" They stomped over to a log that sat only a few feet away. Their brows were knitted together, and they were practically fuming with anger. They would fit perfectly in the fire nation.
Sitting down with a 'thump!', they groaned, muttering a few curses under their breath. The one thing in their life that they've been waiting to master is being practically thrown out of the window because they don't know how to properly seize the opportunity.
They thought to themself, why even try? They won't ever be as skilled at Aang; hell, even Katara! Sokka could even find a way to be a better bender than them. They moaned, letting their head go limp and fall in between the space between their legs. They had only started their travels with the group a month ago, but they still wanted to fit in. Aang was the only chance they had of learning to be a powerful bender, and they were failing.
There was the sound of footsteps and gravel crunching behind them, but they didn't even bother to look up. It would be Aang, who was secretly watching from the bushes, coming to give them advice, again. The space on the log beside them pressed flat against the ground, lifting them up slightly.
"How's it going?" It wasn't Aang, obviously. The voice was more mature, more quiet, more calming. "I hope it's better than what I can see."
"Hello to you too, Sokka." They could recognize that sarcastic tone from a mile away, not like they minded it. Their was something comforting about how ruthless he was when it came to making jokes and poking fun. "Clearly, it's horrible. Can't even make a dust bunny!" They said with a groan. Sokka laughed, shoving their shoulder lightly.
"As expected, you really do suck." Sokka retorted back, smiling down at them. He couldn't see their face, but a grim look was spread across it. They felt like they would burst with tears any second, begin crying at how much wasted potential they had. They let out a small sniffle, a single tear running down their flushed cheeks. Sokka's eyes widened at this, quickly leaning his head towards them to check up on them. "Woah woah, I was just kidding! You're not that bad!"
Sokka wasn't the best at comforting, a trait inherited by his dad. Sokka never really accepted, but mainly deflected his and other people's feelings.
More hot tears began to fall from. their eyes and onto the dirt below them. They were full-on crying now, letting out small whimpers. They felt like such an emotional wreck.
"Hey - urm," Sokka looked around, maybe to find Aang or Katara to help, but they were nowhere nearby. It was just him and a crying person. "It'll be fine, Katara used to suck, and look where she is now!"
The person blow him looked up, eyes red with tears. "Y-you think I suck?" Their voice was shaky, and their nose sounded like it was filled with snot from crying.
"No, no! You're good for a-- uhm-- a starter?" Sokka didn't really know what to say or how to say it.
"I've been practicing for years!" The other was crying even harder now, and Sokka felt bad. He actually felt bad.
Sokka wrapped an arm around them, bringing them close to his chest. "Well -- I'm gonna shut up."
They leaned into his chest, shakily grabbing onto his coat with their hands. His face flushed red at the physical touch, looking up at the trees and trying not to focus on the feeling. "Yeah, you're r-really bad at this." They let out an airy laugh, which made Sokka even more flustered. Sokka just smiled, fully pulling them into a hug.
...
EXTRA!
"Are you sick, Sokka? You're awfully hot." Katara placed a hand on his forhead, looking at him curiously as he stood outside the earthbenders tent. He grabbed her wrist lightly, taking it off his face.
He stopped back, taking a quick glance at Aang, who was smirking viciously. "I'm fine." He was still red from the previous events.
"You suuuuuuure?" Aang wiggled his brows, and Sokka kicked him in the shin.
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the-s1lly-corner · 6 months
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Maybe a TADC X reader who loves either drawing or crocheting?
If you can’t it’s totally okay and I hope you have a good day/night <3
TADC cast x reader who drawing/crocheting!
Flip flopping between art and crochet for each character!
Writing these while I have some brief downtime! Sobs my feet hurt sm
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CAINE:
Loves hovering over your shoulder in the air while you're working on art! Not in the annoying way that people do when they hover and watch your every move, literally watching you draw and having the nerve to ask if they can take your sketch and finish it (totally not ranting about personal experience)
Well
It can be a little irritating, but caine just loves how fluid you look when you get in your zone
Keeps every drawing youve given him within arms length. Probably keeps it in his hat. Comically has loads of storage in his hat
POMNI:
Crochet! You try to get pomni into it but she fails so so bad and has a tangled mess of material. Oooo please domt take her hands in yours and guide them on what to do that totally wont make the poor jesters soul part with her body I prooooomise
Gets so excited when she manages to make a simple thing, like a bee plush? Idk I love crochet bees, sm
RAGATHA:
I already headcannon ragatha to knit, sew, and crochet! So perhaps you two sit down and do dates where you guys make something for one another? Or perhaps, for a twist to keep everyones pieces unique, imagine you're new to crocheting and ragatha is helping you make stuff! I think thats a cute idea, me thinks
JAX:
Very bad at both but similar to caine likes watching you do either of the two. Now is he interested to learn either? No I dont think so, but he wouldnt make fun of you for your hobbies and he would join you if you offered or asked him to join you
Very bad at both.. probably gets a little salty that this is something hes not skilled in for once/hj
KINGER:
Make him crochet bugs please please please hes gonna keep them all on his bed/inside his pillow fort!! He always holds one in his hands while hes walking around
Very nice very silly I love him sm
Gives them all names and never forgets the names
ZOOBLE:
You guys sometimes draw together, but zooble is more so a.. musical artist, imo. Idk they give me musician vibes that I cant quite explain... loves keeping any art of you make of them in their room, probably tapes them all over the walls in a unneat fashion
GANGLE:
You and her draw a lot together! In fact that's what brought you two together! It's nice to have someone around who cares about you and shares your passion, I think... very nice.. honestly it's very refreshing for gangle to finally have someone! You guys gifts each other paintings and lil crafts and I think that's cute. Art dates
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AITA for being upset at how my former friends treated me?
tw: suicide and animal death
So for some context this was a very close knit friendgroup, for several years, of about 10 people, including me and my then partner. Also, everyone here is an adult.
Basically, one day I was in a really really bad place mentally. A beloved family pet was going to be put down soon, this dog had been a part of my life for almost half my life, and I was inconsolable and struggling to cope with this. During a discussion about some random interest I got too mean/harsh about it and it turned into an argument.
I know this was not justified and my grief wasn't an excuse, and I knew it then too and apologized to the people involved, and was met with overwhelming support, I was told "it's ok, we understand you're going through a rough thing right now, we're here to support you and you'll always have a place in this group"
Then my partner messaged me. They had not been part of the discussion at all, but they told me they felt hurt and wanted us to take a break. However, I misinterpreted that as a break up (combination of language barrier and me already being in shambles. This miscommunication is not something my ex can be blamed for)
This was an extremely serious relationship, we had been together for 2 years at that point and had a lot of future plans and such, so that on top of already grieving made me have a mental breakdown.
So, I vented on my personal tumblr. My vents did not mention/vague/allude to the situation at all, they amounted to "I feel terrible I can't do this anymore" and could very well have been only about my dog, or just about my depression in general. I also should point out that my ex doesn't use tumblr at all, so I didn't think he'd ever see those vents, and I certainly didn't want him to. And I also would not have reacted like that if I had known it was a temporary break. I know I still shouldn't have vented on a public blog, and it was hurtful no matter what. I wasn't thinking clearly at the time.
The next day, after our dog was put down, I sought support from my friends, but was suddenly met with "we're not impressed with how you've acted, get therapy, bye" and was kicked from the group. Several of them blocked me everywhere instantly.
Unbeknownst to me, someone had sent my vents to my ex and they had shown them to the others, and they'd drawn the conclusion that I was upset about a temporary break and was venting to try to guilt my ex into getting back with me. And not a single one of them brought this up to me. Again, we'd all been friends for several years at that point and this was literally the day after telling me I'd always be a part of the group and they were here for me. I couldn't even defend myself because no one would tell me anything, I asked many times but was told "you know what you did" even though I clearly didn't. I thought they'd all changed their minds about the previous day out of nowhere, or that this was because of (what I thought was) the breakup. I only learned what they actually thought much later. Oh, and my ex told me I needed therapy and he never wanted anything to do with me again (which is when I learned I'd been wrong about the breakup).
Again, I know me venting was harmful no matter what, so in that regard I am the asshole, but I still feel like there's a difference between what I did and deliberate manipulation, and surely people I'd been friends with for years could have spoken to me before assuming things?
So at that point I'd lost a beloved pet, my partner, and most of my close friends, within a day. So at that point I tried but failed to commit suicide, and was hospitalized.
While in the hospital, I didn't get a single word from any of my friends, except for one person. Supposedly, everyone had been "worried out of their minds" when they saw my suicide note. But not worried enough for a single word.
Even the one person who talked to me got extremely defensive and angry if I so much as implied I felt hurt by the group's actions. They even tried to hold it over my head how "despite everything you did X and Y were super worried about you" as if being worried about someone comitting suicide is some kind of heroic saint.
I asked to be allowed to talk things out with them, but was told "the others aren't comfortable associating with you", so I had to write a fucking google doc letter. I explained the situation from my perspective, apologized for my actions etc, but also made it clear that I felt hurt and didn't think their reaction was justified and that they should have at least talked to me first, and that I was very open to talking things out in person if any of them wanted to get back to me.
None of them did. Apparently they were writing a formal collective response letter to me. At which point I had enough of the silent treatment and said that if any of them had anything to say to me they could do so in person. Which made the group extremely angry because I was "silencing" them.
About three people got back to me, and all of their responses amounted to "we don't owe you an apology, our actions were justified because we thought you'd done something bad and we were just trying to protect [my ex] and the fact that you're upset about it proves you are bad" one of them compared me to their abuser.
They also said they'd been "having issues with my behavior for a long time now", I wish I could elaborate here in case it'd impact judgement, but I can't because none of them specified, and NOTHING of the sort had been brought up to me previously.
So. Again, I know I am the asshole to some extent, because regardless of my mindset me venting on my tumblr was still harmful, but I also feel like I was treated unfairly and cruelly by my former friends. AITA here?
What are these acronyms?
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ashen-char · 30 days
Text
together pt.2/?
ship: river (all souls) x gender neutral reader
warnings: none
summary: you and river discuss what it'd take for her to move in with you.
word count: 1400+
pt. 1 is here!
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After pitching in financially for the past month, River's place does feel a lot more homey. There's things you can't change - like the sterile-looking white paint that covers every corner, or the shitty cabinets that you had tried but failed to fix.
You wasted a day trying, painstakingly replacing the hinges, but the very next day had opened the cabinets too wide that you couldn't close them again. River had laughed so pretty at your plight that the anger escaped your body, so the shitty cabinets remained.
Luckily, her apartment already had curtain rods installed so you didn't have to ask her landlord's permission to do so. Two weeks ago, you had this Top Secret (TM) plan with Jade that she would distract her mom all day at the park.
River had a tough week at work and you wanted to do something nice for her, so you thought of surprising her with curtains that could help keep the heat in. That night, River told you that Jade ratted you out pretty quickly, never one to lie to her mama.
"But you're sweet, so I let you do it," River said, pressing a kiss to your cheek. "Thank you, baby."
There's a bigger dining table now, with a chair for you so that you could stay and have meals with your girls more often. But the best change over the past month, your favourite home improvement has to be-
You stretch out your arms, glad for another good night's sleep without a wayward spring attacking your back. River groans as she's jostled, cuddling back into you. "Don't move," she hisses, "good pillows don't move."
"Alright, alright," you chuckle. Wrapping your arms back around your girlfriend, you're content to lay back and enjoy the early morning.
Now, you're fully aware that a pull-out sofa bed is in no way as good as a regular bed. The mattress is thin, and the springs make a lot of noise when you two are trying to have fun without waking Jade up from the other room. But after spending so long sleeping on a sofa River had carried in from the side of the road, you've learned to take your wins when you can.
As much as you've been enjoying improving River's place so she and Jade can have a better home... you miss your bed. River has been to your place a few times, usually to mess around after a date, but could never sleep over. Jade couldn't be left alone at home and River didn't like leaving her with a friend overnight. So besides a quick tumble or a nap, your queen-sized back at home wasn't seeing much use.
"Have you ever thought about moving in with me?" you can't help but ask.
You've wondered it once or twice. You get why it's not that simple, of course. You know this place holds a lot of memories for River, both good and bad. She's friends with her neighbours, and the Oasis is a pretty tight-knit community. Jade's school and River's work is walking distance, which is amazing since the young mom doesn't have a car. Not to mention that she couldn't afford to break her lease. You know all that. You just wonder if she's taking this 'together' thing like you are, wonder why she's never asked.
River pauses before replying. "I have thought about it," she admits. "But I dunno."
River tells you that she does like your place, though she never has the luxury to stay over. She liked watching movies on your bigger TV. She liked sitting at your kitchen island as you cooked for her. She liked the slight mess that you never worried about cleaning because you would go to her place right after.
You remember how River would slip from bed, only a thin sheet covering her, picking up the trinkets you had strewn about, teasing you that they're "so you". At that, River frowns. "You don't really have anything here, huh?" she asks.
You shrug. What else did you need but her? Just a change of clothes, a toothbrush. A few times you had left your keys and phone, but that was by accident.
"I guess not. I don't really need my things when I'm here," you say.
Being with River or taking care of Jade together didn't leave much time for wishing you had your console. And besides, you both knew there wasn't room for your things in this tiny apartment.
A bit of silence falls over you two. River holds you tighter.
"When I said I wanted this place to feel more like home, I meant your home too," she tells you, a whisper against your collarbone. "I'm sorry that there's not much space for you."
River sounds guilty. You hate that. She's already been trying so hard to include you, with adding chairs to her table, with letting you help with Jade. You know it hasn't been easy. She's been independent for so long, and proud of it for a reason. Even letting you pitch in financially was a big show of trust.
"It's fine. Promise," you tell her.
You lean down to press a kiss to River's forehead. It's one of those cutesy bits of affection that she swears she hates, that she's too tough for, but you know she loves. So you do it often, kissing around her face now. She laughs and tries to push you away, "it's not! You're being too nice to me again!"
A final kiss, to her chin now. River looks up at you with a vulnerability you know that no one else gets to see. To Jade, she had to be the protective yet fun-loving mama bear, someone to always look up to, someone Jade could depend on. To her friends, River was outgoing, always cracking quick-witted (and often dirty) jokes. Only you got to see her big brown eyes like this.
Afraid.
"I like when you're around," she tells you softly. "Things are easier. Jade's happier." River tilts her head, leaning on your chest as she melts against your frame. "I'm happier."
Affection blooms in your chest. "I know." And you think you know what she's trying to say. River wants you around even more. Wants to take that next step.
She's silent for a bit, and you two just lay there. Her hair falls into her face, and you push the strands back behind her ear. "You'd have to turn your spare room into Jade's room."
It's like she's trying to talk you out of it. Too bad. You'd do anything for that kid. "I know." 
"She's got a shit ton of toys. And she makes a lot of mess. You'll have to move your desk. And your bookcase."
"Done and done."
River was afraid of depending on you. Even if she knew you wouldn't, the threat of you suddenly being gone and going right back to nothing was terrifying. But more than that, she was afraid of this being it. And if this was the logical next step for the both of you - the way you'll finally finally be making your home together then that's just what she'll do.
"And I ain't a freeloader," River says. "I'll pay rent. Not the full rent but like, half or a third or something like that, got it?"
You can't help the smile playing at your lips. Even when she's talking about moving in with you, River's adamant about not taking any handouts outs. "I wouldn't expect anything else," you say.
River exhales. You relax as best as you can, supporting the young mom as she turns in your arms. "When the lease is up, we can talk about it some more."
She's adorable. She hates being called that, thinks that people are looking down at her when they say it, so you stop yourself from saying it out loud. The thought of waking up next to River in a bed you share sounds like a dream. Jade would get her own room for the first time. You wouldn't have to leave first thing in the morning to get dressed - you could just lay there, enjoying the feel of River beside you.
This apartment has been amazing. The curtains, the chairs, the new sofa-bed, it's made everything feel more homey. But it's now when you realise that home is being with her. Home isn't a place, but more about how badly you want to be together. To make it together.
Mindlessly, River traces shapes against your chest and you let yourself fall asleep again in her cozy embrace.
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eiightysixbaby · 11 months
Text
silver springs: part one
You Make Loving Fun
i never did believe in miracles, but i’ve a feeling it’s time to try
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word count: 7.7k
pairing: rockstar!eddie x rockstar!fem!reader
summary: you and your boyfriend eddie’s band gets the offer of a lifetime, sending you on a spiral into international fame. this is everything the five of you have ever wanted - producing an album, going on tour. what could go wrong?
cw: 18+ ONLY. this chapter does contain SMUT - although brief, there are depictions of unprotected sex. i try to keep use of y/n to a minimum - reader’s nickname is dove/dovey and this will be used frequently throughout the fic. drug and alcohol mentions, reader and the band drink & get high, and i think that’s it, really. the rest of this chapter is pretty tame!
authors note: ah here it is! the first chapter of my 1970s band au! please remember that future chapters of this fic will contain some heavier subject matter (cheating, drug/alcohol abuse, detailed depictions of sex). if this bothers you, DO NOT READ. i’m very happy to finally put chapter one out into the world and i hope you all enjoy! listen to the series playlist here!
May 17th, 1972. Hawkins, Indiana
You and your bandmates sit sprawled across the furniture in Steve’s living room, bouncing around song ideas. Warm spring air wafts in through an open window, birdsong lilting softly in the trees outside. A clock ticks methodically from the wall by the front door. Robin dangles upside down off of a chair, taking a puff of a cigarette, her hair dangling to the floor.
“What?” She catches you staring at her, “I can focus better like this, I’m serious.”
You huff a laugh, writing and rewriting a lyric in your song book, then scratching it out altogether. She softly sings to herself, trying to will the lyrics to come to her.
“Sweet, wonderful youuu….. you are, no- you make… you make me…”
The four of you - you, Steve, Robin, and your drummer Gareth - had been sitting for what felt like hours. Trying, and ultimately failing to get some new songs brewing. Your fellow frontman and boyfriend, Eddie, was off doing god-knows-what. He wouldn’t tell you guys, just said he was gonna be showing up to Steve’s late. Steve mindlessly plucks at his bass, frowning as he starts to get the hang of a riff but then loses it.
The five of you started your band, The Rumors, about a year ago, had humble beginnings in Gareth’s garage - much to his neighbors’ dismay. You would spend hours upon hours toiling away in that garage, writing, rewriting, perfecting your songs. And really, there was a lot of talent there, even from the very beginning. You knew how to lift each other up, encourage one another to be better musicians, and it was a great dynamic to be coming up in. You’d been extremely fortunate in your close-knit hometown, being offered slots to perform at local bars, and word would get out and occasionally you’d travel to bars and clubs on the outskirts of Hawkins. Small crowds, and hardly any of them were paid gigs, but it sure as hell got word around.
As for you and Eddie, the two of you were high school sweethearts, formed a bond over your love of music and the rest was history. Two fools in love, you started writing songs together for fun, Eddie would play his acoustic as you would sing. His uncle Wayne picked up on the talent you two had, always saying things like ‘You kids should start a band or somethin’. Bet you’d make it real far.’ At first the two of you just brushed it off, figured he was just being nice. But after you’d both graduated, and neither of you had a clue what you wanted to do with your lives now, the thought of starting a band lingered, bounced around in your brain until you couldn’t think of anything else. It consumed Eddie’s thoughts as much as it consumed yours. He knew Gareth from middle school, knew he played drums and ended up pitching the idea to him - and he was on board immediately. You knew Steve, who was learning bass at the time, and your mutual friend Nancy was dating Robin, who was wicked good on the keys and had a stellar voice.
Everything fell into place just like that. Your group started practicing together, and became pretty much inseparable. You all really fell into a groove, taking on different roles in the band as you learned each other’s personalities. Robin was quick-witted and smart, always there to listen to your problems or offer advice, and man - she’s a chatterbox. She’s great at songwriting and always brings strong ideas to the table. She’s loyal to her loved ones, and she’s a huge softie when it comes to you guys, and especially Nancy. Steve is basically the mom of the band, yelling at Eddie when he shows up to practice late, giving Robin rides everywhere, keeping you all in line and making sure no one ends up dead on a night at the bars. He tends to come across as very serious - business oriented. All about the music and perfecting his craft. But when you get to know him, he’s a sweetheart. He just wants to make sure everything goes according to plan, is all. Gareth is the comedic relief, a phenomenal drummer, and he knows how to party. He’s kind, always welcoming, and all in all just happy to be here. He’s always willing to let Eddie bounce ideas off him, and you can count on him to give you his genuine opinions. Eddie is the showstopper, truly. He can be a little disorganized and scattered at times but he’s passionate about what he does. A social butterfly, a sweet-talker, excellent at getting his way. He’s also just downright pretty (but you were definitely biased). He’s determined and never lets a setback stop him. The perfect frontman, confident and loud. And as for you, you’re typically the peacekeeper, the sweet one. You have a soft heart, you love fiercely, trust willingly, and are willing to give your all for this band. You’re the other side of Eddie’s coin, and you’re happy to follow him on your shared dream.
You guys were in the process of trying to write an album, trying to get some bigger shows, get an ‘in’ with someone who had connections in the music scene. As frustrating as it could be at times, none of you were willing to give up. Eddie would always talk about how you guys were going to be the biggest rock band in the world someday, like it was a sure thing, and god how you all hoped he was right.
“Seriously, what should come after this line- ‘Sweet wonderful you, you make me…’ you make me what!?” Robin sighs dramatically, sitting upright and putting her cigarette out in the ashtray.
“How about, ‘You make me happy with the things you do’?” you offer, lighting up when Robin’s eyes go wide.
“Yes! That’s it, oh my god. Thank you thank you,” she scribbles it in her notebook, humming the tune to herself.
“That’s going somewhere, Rob. Seriously, don’t give up on that one,” Steve encourages, moving to stand behind her chair and give her shoulders a squeeze.
Just as Robin’s about to throw more lyrics out, the front door swings open, and Eddie comes barreling in. He’s biting on his bottom lip, like he’s trying to hold his smile back from breaking free.
“Eddie… what’s that face? What’re you up to?” Gareth asks, narrowing his eyes at the other man.
“Oh, nothing…. just, y’know, got us a gig at The Corner in Indianapolis, where Scott Pierce may or may not be watching us play,” Eddie’s lips twist into a smirk as he talks.
The Corner was an insanely popular club in the city, plenty of bands playing there, getting their start. Scott Pierce was a huge name in the music industry, well-known manager for many different bands and artists and had as many connections as a small band from Hawkins could possibly ask for. How Eddie had pulled this off, you had no idea.
“What!? Eddie, are you fucking serious, man!?” Steve shouts, shaking Robin as he does, her head bobbling around slightly.
You and Gareth jump out of your seats, badgering Eddie for more context.
“I was just on the phone with someone at Scott’s office - I sent them that demo tape we made of Don’t Stop, they dug it - pulled some strings, got us a gig. He’s gonna attend and if he likes us, which he will of course, we could have a bigger offer in store. We could finally make an album!” Eddie’s beaming, his hands shaking with excitement.
The four of you rush to him, everyone hugging and cheering. Eddie picks you up and spins you around, pressing a sweet kiss to your lips.
“This is it, baby. This could really be it for us,” he whispers to you, your foreheads pressed together.
You’re grateful Eddie’s holding onto you because your whole body feels like jello, your knees almost weak with excitement.
“Celebratory beer, anyone?” Steve asks, pulling a six-pack from the fridge.
You each take a bottle and cheers to ‘making an album’. Robin scurries off to ring Nancy, practically tripping over her feet on the way to the phone. You and the guys hover around the kitchen counter in content silence, just smiling at each other like idiots. This could really be the start of everything.
Robin enters the room once more after hanging up the phone, sitting on a stool at the kitchen counter and laughing to herself, spinning on the rotating seat.
“I just told Nance the news, oh my god, I hope I didn’t jinx our luck or something. This is like, totally a miracle and I usually don’t believe in miracles but maybe I should start,” Robin rambles nervously, all flailing hands as she talks. “Oh my god, wait! I’m gonna turn that into a line for my song…..” she trails off as she walks to the living room to grab her lyric book.
The rest of the group exchanges knowing glances at each other, because yeah, this certainly was a miracle - and you were going to take a chance on it.
May 24th, 1972. Indianapolis, Indiana.
It’s an unusually hot day for May in Indiana when the band pulls up to The Corner that Friday night, your skin prickling with sweat beneath your crochet top. You open the passenger door to Eddie’s vehicle, a burnt orange VW bus that he saved up for for years, the perfect size for carting around the whole band and your equipment. You step out onto the street, the hustle and bustle of the city whirring around you. Car horns honking, kids whizzing by on bicycles, music playing from somewhere you couldn’t detect. You were taking in the sights, looking up at the sign above the entrance to the club, where your band name sat in big black letters across the white board. Eddie sidled up beside you, snaking an arm around your waist and kissing the top of your head.
“I can’t fucking believe it, Eds. That’s our band listed up there. I just… wow,” you shake your head, laughing giddily as you do.
“Believe it, baby. We’re movin’ up in the world,” he grins at you.
He presses a kiss to your lips before walking around to the back of the van, helping the others unload your gear. The group heads inside and you’re all instantly greeted by the owner of the establishment, a big burly man with a handlebar mustache.
“Ah! You must be The Rumors, am I right?” he asks, grinning widely at the bunch of you.
“Yep, that’s us, pleasure to meet you,” Steve stretches out a hand for him to shake, and the rest of you follow suit.
He introduces himself as Mitch before he shows you to the stage and tells you where the bathrooms are in case you need to spruce yourselves up before your set time later. He wishes you all luck and with that, he heads back to his post at the bar.
Time passes quickly as you work to set up the small stage, plugging in amps, tuning guitars, making sure you don’t trip over any cords in the process. Robin brought Nancy along with her so she could take photos of the gig tonight. Nancy had basically become the band’s personal photographer, taking photos at practices and every gig you’ve played so far, collecting tangible memories of your time together. It was sweet, really, and she loved having an excuse to follow Robin around. You and Eddie sing bits and pieces of a couple different songs to make sure the mics are sounding right, before the full band joins for a quick run-through of the five songs you’ll be playing this evening. It sounds great, you have to admit, but only time will tell if it’s good enough to get you an album deal.
Later that evening, you find yourself peeking out from behind the heavy velvet curtain, scanning the scattered tables on the floor. When your eyes land on none other than Scott Pierce, you feel yourself swallow a lump in your throat. He sits at a table alone, talking to a thin blonde woman and sipping on a beer. Robin comes up behind you and puts a hand on your shoulder.
“Is he out there?” She asks in a whisper, even though no one would be able to hear the two of you anyways.
“Yeah… yeah he is. Are you ready for this?” you glance over your shoulder at her, eyeing her nervously.
“Honestly, I’m more nervous than I’ve ever been. But I’m also excited. Optimistic. This is our moment,” she smiles warmly at you and you can’t help but ease up. “All we gotta do is play our little hearts out like it doesn’t matter who’s watching.”
“You’re right. This is our moment. Let’s fucking do this,” you grin back, squeezing her in a tight hug.
The rest of the band is bustling in the small backstage area, Steve fixing his hair in a handheld mirror he brought, Gareth asking Eddie for his opinion on which shirt he should wear tonight (and Eddie getting incredibly frustrated because ‘it’s the same fucking shirt man, that one’s just a slightly lighter denim’). And he’s right, Gareth is holding up two almost identical denim button ups, one being a slightly lighter wash than the other - barely noticeable at a glance.
“Fifteen minutes till we’re on, guys, let’s get the show on the road,” you say as you head to the bathroom to fix your makeup.
You look at yourself in the mirror, pleased with your appearance. You wear an off-white long sleeve top that stops just above your belly button, exposing some skin but not too much, and the sleeves billow out at your wrists. An olive green suede skirt embroidered with flowers rests on your hips, and on your feet you wear short white boots with a chunky heel. Gold hoop earrings rest in your ears and a few different necklaces dangle low on your chest. You smudge some black eyeliner around your eyes and apply a generous layer of mascara to your lashes. Satisfied with the look, you ruffle your hair and put the makeup back in your bag. You take a deep breath in, grounding yourself, hyping yourself up for what you’re about to do.
You step out of the bathroom and run into Eddie, looking gorgeous in his dark denim bell bottoms and a red button up shirt, the top three buttons undone, exposing his pale chest and the gold chain he wears around his neck.
“Hey, gorgeous,” he smiles at you, grabbing your waist and pulling you in to kiss you all over.
“Hi handsome, you ready to play?” you smile back, cupping his face in your hands.
“Ready as I’ll ever be, sweets. Let’s rock n roll,” and with that, he’s pulling you backstage, eager and buzzing to start the show.
You hear Mitch speaking into the microphone on the stage, greeting everyone that’s gathered and thanking them for bringing business in. He keeps his speech short before announcing that there’d be a live band playing this evening for everyone.
“Ladies and gents, let’s give a warm welcome to The Rumors!” he steps off the stage, clapping with the rest of the club’s patrons.
And with that, you’re walking out onto the tiny stage, staring out at the startlingly large crowd packed in such a small space. Your eyes fall on Scott in the crowd once again, and this time his eyes meet yours. You feel like your heart is going to beat out of your chest. Everyone positions themselves accordingly on stage, and you all exchange glances, giving one another encouraging nods and smiles. Nancy sits close to the stage with her camera and gives you all a thumbs up. The lights over the floor dim, focusing all of the attention on the five twenty-something year olds that stand eager behind their instruments and microphones.
There’s a moment of silence, and then Robin’s starting the show off on the keys. The first song of the night is Don’t Stop. You all deemed that to be the appropriate first track seeing as that was the song Eddie sent over to Scott’s office. Eddie sings the first lines into the microphone, taking charge like a natural. He’s always been like this, always had a knack for commanding attention onto him, enthralling an entire room with his energy. It’s no different when he’s on stage - in fact it’s even more powerful. Robin and Eddie sing together on this song, you don’t have any vocals on this one, so you flounce around on stage with your tambourine, grooving to the beat and letting the music flow through you.
You don’t realize it, but you captivate the audience just as much as Eddie does, if not more. Strikingly beautiful up on the stage as you dance around, the lights making your jewelry sparkle. Eddie watches the way you move, loves seeing you in your element like this. He hopes he’ll get to see you up on stage every night, selling out stadiums together.
By the end of the first song you feel your nerves washing away, your body freeing up gradually and letting you just flow. Next song up is an upbeat, folky little number that Eddie wrote, titled Second Hand News. Once again, you aren’t supposed to sing on this one, but you end up walking over to Eddie’s mic and singing harmony on the chorus with him. If anyone thought you two were captivating on your own, your energy together is electric, so much power behind both of your voices combined. Scott notes this as he watches you from the audience, can’t tear his eyes away from you and Eddie. You have something special, and he can tell.
Finally, as the third song starts, it’s your time to sing. You’ve been working on a song, Rhiannon, and you don’t feel like it’s quite complete but the rough version works for now. It’s slower than the first two numbers, your voice crooning into the microphone as you sing of the fictional woman you’ve dreamed up in your head. You’re expressive while you sing, arms extending and moving freely, the fabric of your shirt sleeves draping down and flowing with every movement. The band does minimal backing vocals in the chorus, but otherwise this song is your moment. Eddie watches you absolutely awestruck, and he swears the crowd has collectively leaned forward, craning to hear every word that leaves your lips.
The final two songs are covers, and when your set is over the audience claps and cheers, a much more rowdy applause than you expected. Eddie thanks everyone for listening tonight and the five of you take a big bow, arm in arm, before exiting the stage. Backstage, everyone is chatting excitedly, congratulating each other on a job well done. Eddie’s standing behind you, long arms wrapped around you as you blush at Robin’s praise over your Rhiannon performance. The chatter stops when Mitch comes to the back, bringing Scott Pierce with him.
“Well, you guys had one hell of a show tonight,” Scott says, way friendlier than you expected him to be.
“Mr. Pierce, thank you so much for coming tonight. I’m Eddie, this is Y/N, Steve, Robin, and Gareth,” Eddie introduces each of you, and Scott greets you all warmly.
“It’s my pleasure, really. I’m very pleasantly surprised by the talent you guys have, that was some serious stuff up there,” he praises you, and you catch Steve’s eye as he grins at you from over Scott’s shoulder, mouthing ‘He likes us!’.
“That means so much to us, really,” you reply. “We love making music, it’s a dream to be here tonight.”
“I can tell you all have a lot of passion for this band. Eddie, you were the one who spoke with Linda at my office, right? What do you say we chit chat for a little, privately?” Eddie nods, motioning for Scott to lead the way to a table.
He turns around and gives you all a quick thumbs up, and the rest of you all jump around like hyper children. The time that Eddie’s gone feels like an eternity, and you’re waiting with baited breath to hear what Scott pitched to your boyfriend. What if it’s not the offer you want? You’d be lying if you said you hadn’t gotten your hopes up, dreaming of releasing an album and going on tour, playing sold out shows with your best friends every single night since Eddie told you all that he got you a gig. Not hearing what you want from Scott would feel like a punch to the gut.
“Relax darlin’, you look all tense over here,” Gareth places a hand on your shoulder, giving you a lopsided smile. “We’re gonna be fine, he really liked us.”
You don’t get a chance to respond before the curtain is ripped open and Eddie is running over to you, picking you up and spinning you around.
“Guess who’s making a fucking record!?” he hollers, setting you down and holding your hands in his.
“No way, Eddie! No way, are you serious?” you’re yelling back at him, Gareth, Steve, Robin, and now Nancy all gathering around you.
“We’re making an album! He fucking loved us, we got an offer to start recording at Sound City in California, a meeting with a big label. If all goes well, we’ll be touring, topping the fucking charts,” Eddie is beaming, talking a mile a minute.
The room fills with a chorus of excited cheering and shouting, the whole bunch of you having a group hug. You feel your eyes well up with happy tears as you look around at your friends, all smiles. Robin pulls Nancy into a kiss, Eddie ruffles Gareth’s hair, and you’re hugging Steve tight, probably staining his shirt with your watery eyes.
After you’ve all thanked Scott profusely and made loose plans to be in California within the next few weeks, the band packs up their gear and you all hit the road back to Hawkins. The energy in the van is different on the ride home, all of you singing loudly along to whatever comes on the radio, each of you dreaming up the wildest ideas of superstardom.
Later that night, back at home, you’re in bed with Eddie. Riding him slowly, holding a joint to your lips as you take a hit before passing it back to him. A window is open, night air warm with the promise of the approaching summer as it wafts in through the screen. Eddie hums blissfully beneath you, dark curls sprawled across the pillow under his head. You love intimate moments like this with Eddie, but as much as you want to focus on him right now, your mind wanders. He catches this, unsurprisingly. He can always sense a shift in your mood.
“What’s on that mind of yours, dove?” he asks, putting the joint in the ashtray on the nightstand.
“I dunno…. it’s silly,” you sigh, not meeting his gaze as those big brown eyes stare up at you.
“Baby, nothing is silly if it’s bothering you. Talk to me,” he coos, pushing a strand of your hair behind your ear.
You stop the slow rocking of your hips and tilt your cheek into his touch. “I’m just…. scared, Ed. I’m so happy we got this offer, it’s everything you and I have wanted since high school. But - I don’t know,” you stop yourself, chewing on your lip. Eddie rubs his thumb along your cheek, silently encouraging you to keep talking. “What if this changes everything, babe? What if fame is too much for us, what if it destroys us… comes between us….” you trail off, eyes searching his for an answer.
“My little dove, nothing is going to come between us,” Eddie says, voice soft but serious. “I love you more than words - you’re my world, baby, and I’m so excited to do all of these big things with you by my side,” his hands run up and down the sides of your body, relaxing you. “This is a big change for us, moving out to the West Coast, starting a new life. But I’ll be with you every step of the way. I love you so much.”
You giggle, leaning down to kiss him as he beckons you with a curling finger. His words always have a way of soothing you, his voice sweet like honey as it coaxes you out of your anxious headspace.
“I love you, too. I really can’t wait to have this life with you, Eddie.”
The next couple hours are spent with you two tangled up between the sheets, Eddie making passionate love to you, as you come undone again and again for him. You reassure yourself that while taking the next step into fame might be intimidating, you’ve got Eddie, and your best friends, and you’re gonna be fine.
June 18th, 1972. Los Angeles, California.
The band has arrived on the West Coast. The last couple weeks since your show at The Corner were full of packing your essential belongings, spending time with friends and family as much as possible before you left, writing snippets of songs together here and there so you have something to work off of when it’s time to start recording. The day your road trip to California started, you were misty-eyed saying goodbye to your loved ones. Eddie’s Uncle Wayne even shed a few tears himself, which never happens, and he laughed as Eddie teased him about it - “You getting soft on me, old man?”.
As the five of you drove out of Hawkins, you looked out the back window of the vehicle, saying a silent ‘thank you’ to the town that gave you your start - the town that brought your band together. A bittersweet feeling coursed through you as you cruised past the sign that read ‘Leaving Hawkins. Come Back Soon!’.
The trip to LA didn’t feel as long as it really was, Eddie and Steve taking turns driving the van as you, Robin, and Gareth played cards in the back to pass time, or sang obnoxiously to the radio. Some nights the rumble of the van’s tires on pavement lulled you to sleep as the drive continued on through the darkness. Sometimes you’d take the passenger seat and stay up late with Eddie as he drove under the glow of streetlights. Other nights were filled with the squeaky mattresses and peeling wallpaper of rundown motels that would house you when the task of driving overnight seemed impossible, the electric glow of vacancy signs flashing softly in through the window as you slept in Eddie’s arms, dreaming of world tours and screaming fans.
You documented bits of every single day in your journal, finding comfort in writing things down, your thoughts and feelings throughout the process of a drastic lifestyle change. Robin made sure to pick up various postcards from rest stops along the way to send to Nancy, who wouldn’t be joining you guys in Cali for another 2 weeks. Many quarters were used on payphone calls, each of you calling one person or another back home to let them know how things were going, what state you were in now, and so on. You made sure to take photos whenever you could on your disposable camera - catching Robin and Steve at a rest stop in Nevada, frozen in ridiculous poses as they stretched their sore limbs. There’s one of Gareth asleep in the back of the van, with a mustache drawn on his face in marker - courtesy of Eddie, of course. One taken by Steve of Eddie giving you a piggyback ride through a gas station parking lot, you laughing wildly. All in all, you had a blast on your road trip, as tiring as it was at times. You knew it was leading you to bigger and better things, and that made it more than worth it.
When you arrive to Los Angeles at long last, the evening glow washing over the landscape, Steve pulls the van into the gravelly driveway of the house you guys were renting for the time being, nestled in Laurel Canyon. There was plenty of unpacking to be done, and a meeting with Scott and some producers and label executives at Sound City tomorrow. But before any of it, you needed to sleep in a real bed. You claim a room to serve as yours and Eddie’s, and immediately flop yourself down on the soft mattress. Before long you feel Eddie climb in beside you as you drift to sleep, his long arm wrapping around your waist, and his soft breathing lulling you into peaceful slumber.
The following morning, the house is off the walls with energy. Everyone is excited and also nervous to get the show on the road, eager to start recording some songs. You all scramble to get ready, making yourselves presentable and each downing enough coffee to kill a horse. You have to practically drag Eddie out of the bathroom when it’s time to leave, insisting that yes his hair looked good and yes you liked his outfit and you had to go like right now or you were going to be late and make a horrible impression. Tires peel out of the driveway after loading everyone into the vehicle, and you watch out the windows as you drive down roads unfamiliar to you. You gaze up at the palm trees and white puffy clouds, smiling and waving at people on street corners who caught your eye. The whole city seemed to welcome you, opening up before you and inviting you in.
When you pull into the studio parking lot, you notice Scott waiting by the door, smiling warmly at you all. He shakes everyone’s hands in greeting as he welcomes you to LA, asking about your drive out and making pleasant conversation. He leads you in through the large doors and into the lobby, where a handful of presumably important people are waiting for you, dressed in suits and polished dress shoes. You suddenly feel out of place, standing there in your crochet halter top and a pair of denim shorts, flimsy ankle boots on your feet. No one seems to pay any mind, though, and you’re greeted brightly by all of the new faces. Scott introduces all of them, and wastes no time delving into the business aspect of it all. A couple hours go by answering questions about what your band is looking for, what direction you’d like to head in, going over potential contract info, so on and so forth.
By early afternoon you’re officially signed to a label, set to release an album and go on tour for it. It all felt so surreal, your head spinning as you’d signed your name to the contract, sloping cursive letters beneath finely printed details. The label representatives had asked if you had any songs that were ready to record as single material, wanting to get your band name out there as soon as possible. You’d all agreed that Don’t Stop made the most sense to release as the first single, given that it was really the song that got you here in the first place. It was upbeat and catchy, got stuck in your head, and it wasn’t too long but wasn’t too short. You’d agreed to record it that very day and, if you got a good take, you’d send it off to the label. In the meantime, Scott informed you he’d gotten you some gigs on the Sunset Strip and other nearby sites, playing the Whiskey a Go-Go, the Troubadour, the hot spots. He thought it would be a great way to spread the word about you guys before your first single hit the radio, to really get the anticipation brewing.
Things were a whirlwind after that.
Nancy joined you guys in California, dead set on working as the band’s official photographer, unwilling to let some pompous Hollywood asshole take her place. You began playing the gigs Scott had lined up for you as promised, gathering genuinely large crowds - at least large in your eyes - and by the end of July, Don’t Stop was released as The Rumors’ first single. Everywhere you went, you’d find yourself catching your song on the radio. Your boyfriend’s voice, playing over the speakers of local diners, grocery stores, blasting from the speakers of convertibles that drove down the city streets. It performed well, for a debut single from a previously never-heard-of band. People enjoyed it, they wanted more. The summer was filled with song writing, meetings with more and more important people who’d be working on your team, interviews with magazines and newspapers. And, notably, from the very beginning people took an interest in you and Eddie’s relationship. They thought it was sweet that you two were living out your shared dream, saw potential for the romance to bring good lyrical content.
The album was set to be completed and released by the end of the year, which meant many long nights writing and recording and re-recording. You had a decent track list planned out, an album of ten songs, perfect for a debut record. Don’t Stop would, of course, be on there. Robin’s You Make Loving Fun and your Rhiannon, which you’d been working hard to get polished to your liking. Second Hand News, and a new song Steve wrote for Robin to sing, called Say You Love Me. You and Eddie wrote a sweet duet titled Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around, an angsty love song that you knew would get crowds riled up as you sang it to each other. Monday Morning, I’m so Afraid, and Landslide would join the rest, the latter being written by you after having a sentimental late night talk with Robin, thinking about change and how scary growing up can be, much inspired by your recent lifestyle change, of course. Everywhere was the last song added to the track list, ultimately pushing some others off the table for the time being. You and Robin wrote Everywhere together, very much with your respective partners in mind, the lyric ‘I wanna be with you everywhere’ serving as an ode to your devotion to travel anywhere work takes you with Eddie, and Nancy’s willingness to follow Robin.
Eddie’s favorite nights were the ones where you and him stayed up practicing your songs, trying to record the perfect take even if it meant being in the studio till four in the morning. You’d share cheap wine and get high, roaming hands and stolen kisses on exposed skin eventually leading the two of you to get in the bus and go home, stumbling into bed and immersing yourselves in one another. One particular night found you bent over the arm of the couch in the studio, Eddie’s fingers sinking into the skin of your hips as he drove into you from behind. He was so eager to have you he couldn’t even wait until he got you home. He had you right where he wanted you, listening to your pretty noises as he watched his cock sink into you.
“Mmph, Eddie, what if someone comes in here?” you ask, voice staggered as your body lurched with every thrust he gave you.
“It’s late at night, baby, no one’s gonna walk in. Everyone else is probably out at the bars,” he reassures you, leaning down to press kisses up your spine. “Love having you like this, little dove, pussy’s so greedy for me.”
You babble incoherently for him as he works you to climax, pulling out of you after he’d filled you with his spend. You redressed your bottom half, adjusting your skirt as you sat down on the worn fabric of the couch, Eddie’s cum dripping down onto it.
“Christ, babe, I’m gonna get hard every time we walk in here now,” Eddie murmured, stealing a kiss from you as you tried to get back to work.
You ended up writing a song that night, inspiration striking you randomly. You titled it Leather and Lace, a love song very much inspired by the man that had you head over heels for him. You sang it to Eddie softly in the dim light of your bedroom after arriving back home that night, and he ended up adding another verse, making it into a duet. And for now, it stayed just between the two of you, a private declaration of the love between both of you.
When you guys weren’t in the studio or busy with other band tasks, you were indulging in the California night scene, going to bars and dancing at clubs. You’d often drink till the room was spinning and your skin was tingling, laughing with Eddie at every little thing, just to barely remember the evening’s events the following morning.
Come September, your label was pushing to release a second single, leaving it up to the five of you to decide which song you wanted to push through. You knew that everyone else wanted Rhiannon as the next single, but you were admittedly nervous to put the song out into the world as a stand-alone. That song is one you regarded as being your baby, and so you sit chewing on your fingernails as the rest of your band tries to persuade you that this is the song.
“Come on, Dove. It’s a great song, and you know it,” Gareth says, sitting across from you with his elbows on his knees, leaning forward to try and level with you.
“The world needs to hear that beautiful voice of yours before this album comes out,” Robin chimes in. “What’re you afraid of, love?”
“I just- I love this song,” you say. “And I know that the whole ‘being famous’ thing is going to invite criticism, and negative opinions, and all of it. But I just don’t know if I’m ready to deal with hearing slander for this song if people don’t end up liking it,” you lean into Eddie who’s sat beside you, his big hand rubbing your arm reassuringly.
“They’re gonna love it, baby, because you’re phenomenal in everything you do,” he encourages. “You know I’ve been saying since the day you wrote it that I just have a feeling this song will be pivotal for us,” and the rest of the group nods in agreement.
You ponder this, chewing your lip and picking at the frayed edges of your denim shorts.
“Fine. Rhiannon it is.”
It turns out that Eddie was right, and Rhiannon performed insanely well, coming out at #10 on the charts. People at your gigs on The Strip had heard this song performed, and had clearly been eagerly awaiting its hopeful release. Naturally, Eddie wouldn’t let you live it down. You’re sitting in the kitchen a few days after the song’s release, eating breakfast when Eddie comes barreling in. He immediately turns on the radio with clumsy fingers as he pops a piece of bread into the toaster. Sure enough, Rhiannon was playing on the station, and Eddie starts singing along.
“Gee, I wonder who sings this song?” he asks around a mouthful of banana.
You look over at him and roll your eyes, chuckling at how he’s dancing across the floor.
“Man, I sure would love to be the guy who gets to sleep next to her every night, she’s got the voice of an angel,” he swoons dramatically, making you laugh even further when he accidentally drops his banana.
“Whoops,” he shrugs, taking his toast out of the toaster and applying an obscene amount of chunky peanut butter on it, before sitting across from you at the table.
He grabs your hand as the song finishes, squeezing it as if to say ‘I’m so proud of you’. You couldn’t help but smile. He’s always been your number one supporter, it’s no surprise he’s acting this way now.
The song was big then and it only got bigger, people couldn’t get enough. In the coming weeks it was played even more frequently and in even more places than Don’t Stop had been. People started recognizing the band out in public, specifically you and Eddie, and you got to sign your first autographs to some giddy girls who stopped you outside of a record shop.
To say the months after that were a blur is an understatement, the five of you being whipped into newfound fame faster than you could comprehend. Your album, simply titled with your band name, was released in November. It was performing extremely well, Rhiannon really being the catalyst that made people excited to hear more from you. Talks of tour were near constant, deciding on dates, cities, the setlist. It was set to begin in March, rehearsals set to start in January. Ultimately, you all decided it made the most sense to play the entire album on tour, given that it was only ten songs. You’d throw in a few covers for good measure, ones that really showcased the flare you guys could bring to music.
The world was loving The Rumors, and you guys were absolutely enjoying the fame. It seemed as though everywhere you went now, somebody wanted your autograph, or simply came up to say they love the record. The five of you adjusted to your new lives slowly yet rather confidently, letting your hard work be praised by the masses. It felt good to finally be more than a band playing bars with a crowd of ten drunk patrons, and you’d tell that to any interviewer who would listen. As exciting as it all was, you were looking forward to having a little bit of a break before the chaos of tour and rehearsals would begin. Scott had told you guys to take a couple of weeks off for the holidays, insisting that you all absolutely deserved to relax. The band would pick back up in the new year, but for now, you could spend some time laying low.
December 20th, 1972. Hawkins, Indiana.
You and Eddie had flown back home to Hawkins to celebrate Christmas. You were eager to snuggle into the coziness of home, enjoy the snow and the colorful lights and the nostalgia of the season. Steve and Gareth had stayed in California, Steve not really having a reason to come home what with his parents always being gone, and Gareth having invited his family out to the West Coast for a warm and sunny holiday. Robin and Nancy were coming back to Hawkins as well, but a couple days after your and Eddie’s arrival. You step out of the rental car Eddie had snagged for your time at home, the cold chill of the air whipping your face. You wrap your coat tighter around your frame, realizing just how accustomed you’d grown to the warm and sunny California weather. Eddie walks around to the back of the car, his thick jacket lined with Sherpa keeping him insulated as he grabs your suitcases from the trunk. His nose is red from the chill of the air as he quickly walks the suitcases up to the front door of your family home, where your parents and Wayne should be waiting on your arrival. The front door opens before you can even grab the doorknob, your dad welcoming you into the warmth of your home.
“There’s our favorite rockstars!” he jokes, making you roll your eyes as you hug him in greeting.
Your mom rushes to the door, pulling you into a hug and then Eddie after the suitcases are handed off to your dad. Wayne gives you one of his signature tight hugs and a kiss on the side of your head, just like he always used to, before pulling Eddie into a bear hug that seems to last minutes. You head up to your old room once the greetings are over, and you find yourself overwhelmed with nostalgia. You hadn’t even been in California a year, and yet coming home felt like something you’d hadn’t done in decades. You squeeze the teddy bear that sits on your bed, your childhood friend that you’d ultimately decided to leave here during the move. You inhale the scent of home within the bear, your body feeling warm and you can’t help but smile.
“You okay, Dove?” Eddie asks, stepping into your room and wrapping his arms around you from behind.
“Yeah. Just happy to be home,” you smile, tilting your head back to look up at him.
He gives you an understanding smile back. It’s good to be home.
Not much has changed in the sleepy town of Hawkins, other than the fact that posters of your band are plastered just about everywhere. Your town has always had your back, so it’s no surprise they’re proudly showing off and saying ‘Hey, look! We’re that town where The Rumors are from!’. You even run into some girls from high school, begging for autographs from you and Eddie. Eddie doesn’t even give them the time of day before he’s pulling you away just as you’d uncapped your marker, mumbling something about ‘they hated me in high school, what do they deserve an autograph for?’.
The holidays come and go quite quickly, Christmas being spent wrapped in Eddie’s arms in cozy matching sweaters, singing carols for family while Eddie played his acoustic. The new year rolled in with Eddie pressing a sloppy kiss to your lips, the taste of sweet wine on his tongue, and whispered promises of making this year a fantastic one. Being back at home made you feel comfortably small again, a stark contrast to the ever growing spotlight that’s been placed on you in California. Of course, you’re over the moon to be getting such success, but being surrounded with family in your childhood home brings you a different kind of peace. You’re inevitably teary when it comes time for you and Eddie to fly back to LA, hugging your parents and Wayne goodbye, sniffling into a tissue. You hold Eddie’s hand almost the entire flight back, letting him reassure you in the way his thumb rubs over your hand. Getting back to Cali meant you’d be hitting the ground running, a short couple of months until tour was set to start. If only you’d known that this would be the calm before the storm.
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taglist: @hargrovesswifee @lofaewrites @tiannamortis @munson-blurbs @manda-panda-monium
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csuitebitches · 6 months
Note
I really enjoy your blog and was wondering if you have advice on one of my biggest mental blocks. I'm 23 but struggle to feel like an adult and being independent deeply scares me even through I want to be "chasing my dreams". I've lived with my close knit family my whole life and still spend a lot of time with my parents. I'm almost going to move away(in the next year) and so I've began the process of getting a car/saving money, etc. But then I find myself subtly sabotaging these efforts because the idea of being alone/moving away also terrifies me. I really want to experience moving to a city and working and traveling and doing things I want and at this point I'm finding it draining being my parents "stay-at-home-daughter". But I also get anxiously sick when I try a push myself for more independence. I've put so much on hold going through school and then living in my home town w. parents and it's kind of scary to imagine dating (never prioritized men + parents didn't let me date in highschool= never had a bf or anything) or living alone even though I'd love to have the experience. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Basically I still feel like a 15 year old when it comes to my personal life and that feels a bit shameful.
I want to tell you that we all feel what you feel. You’ll only ever feel like an adult when you’ve exposed yourself to the outside world, regardless of whether you can handle it or not.
independence scares you because it’s unfamiliar territory. Often when we look at people who are independent and on their own two feet, they seem to have a sense of self identity, purpose and responsibilities to handle.
I’m always in favour of people moving out of their parents homes for a couple of years at least (the culture where I come from also emphasises on the whole family living together and there’s no move out at the age of 18 concept) because I see the pros and cons of both situations of living in/ out of your parents home.
No book, YouTube video, friends’ experiences will teach you about being an adult. You have to step out and experience it yourself.
Start doing exposure therapy. Basically, slowly, bit by bit, immerse yourself into the traditional adult experiences.
I’ll give you examples. Understand fully how your insurance works. Keep all your medical records in both a physical and a digital file.
Understand how your car functions as a product - which means guarantees, warranties, insurance, emergency numbers, mechanics nearby, etc.
Start tracking all your spending expenses, even if you’re using your parents money at the moment. The earlier you start this habit, the better. Create a monthly budget for yourself and stick to it.
Start doing your own laundry in the house and learn that not all clothes go in the washing machine, some go for dry cleaning etc.
Make it a goal to learn to cook at least 5 dishes properly before you leave. If your parents are good cooks, ask them to teach you or go to every introvert’s favourite site, YouTube.
Pretend that your room is a mini apartment and try to keep it clean at all times.
Start socialising more. Not just with known friends. Sign up for a random hobby class like a book club or a running club where you can meet more people. Yes it’ll be difficult, yes you’ll have moments of awkwardness but don’t give up after just one meeting - go and meet new people to get used to the idea of interacting with strangers.
You can’t rush into feeling like an adult. It takes time. Exposure therapy is the best way to get into it. The more responsibility you can healthily shoulder, even if you fail at times, you’ll still start feeling more confident.
We weren’t born with the knowledge of car tire changing mechanics, insurance, cooking or tidying up. We had to learn them as we grew up. It’s perfectly alright to not know how to do something. The beauty of living in today’s world is that the answer to nearly every question is one google search away.
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sseomtada · 1 month
Text
being [ruben dias]
shenanigans ensue at erling's party & later, you're interrupted by a surprise visitor.
warnings: none | wc: 4966 | 6/8
“Should I go with sapphire or teal?”
You held both options up to your chest, head tilting in the mirror with scrutiny before spinning around to do the same for your best friend. She surveyed the outfit choices. One was a jewel blue two piece with a blazer and wide legged pants. The other’s color reminded you of a hue you’d find in a rainforest, with a cropped high-neck top and maxi skirt.
“Second fit.” Aki came to her conclusion.
That’s what you were leaning more towards too. You loved the competitor, but it felt a little too CEO for a party. She wrapped up steaming out her corseted pink mini dress and summoned you to her vanity where she curled your hair.
“Should I expect to see any of your suitors tonight?” Your eyes met hers in the mirror.
Her expression soured. “Absolutely not. Why would I bring a packed lunch to a buffet?”
That nearly made your ear get burnt off as you cackled. The once perpetually booed up girl you knew had now morphed into a menacing serial dater. You were honestly impressed with her evolution. She gave the same energy she received and was refusing to claim anyone seriously until they met all of her needs.
“I can’t wait to watch your masterclass in live time.” You slipped into your outfit.
“Watch closely.” Her lips smacked post lip gloss application. “Even an old dog can learn new tricks.”
The revelation that you were back together with Ruben was still settling in with her. While she wasn’t upset about it, she was crossed that she had been robbed of playing wingwoman for you at events. You reminded her that Cindy was single and it actually worked to perk her up a little. Playing Cupid was one of her favorite pastimes.
While approaching the party, you realized that you had ventured into familiar territory. It only fully sank in once the car rolled up to the front of the building and you spotted the interior. How you failed to notice that Erling lived in the same spot as Ruben was beyond you. Well, almost.
You had been quite distracted by the later recently. The location also made you laugh, recalling that Erling had hosted the initial meeting at his place of work. He was a man that clearly liked to keep everything in close knit.
When you got out of the lift, both your mouth and Aki’s dropped a bit. This was actually what getting paid the big bucks got someone. His apartment was a sprawling penthouse, recently renovated to have the latest styles and fixtures.
“You’re here!” Cindy bounced over to give you kisses.
“We hope you weren’t too bored waiting for us.” Aki scanned a tray of treats that floated by.
“I think I managed quite fine…” Her voice trailed off along with her gaze.
You followed it to a tall brunette swaying along with the chill house music playing through the sound system. His face was familiar from some pictures you’d seen in Ruben’s apartment - one of his teammates.
Speaking of which, you felt him. The flesh on your arms raised, silent alarm ringing to alert your system to someone’s eyes being stuck on you. When you picked up on his trail, you found him cracking open a bottle of water. His cheeks rose with a smile before he took a sip.
Another alarm signaled, your target closer this time. It was Aki who peered between you two like a strict father who was chaperoning a dance. She told Cindy to give you two a second as she took you by the hand and dragged you over. Your eyes widened, body tensing to slow her momentum.
“Relax, I just wanna say something real quick.” She tugged a bit more to loosen you.
That did nothing to ease your nerves about the impending interaction. If anything, it only made your stomach twist tighter. Ruben was experiencing the same thing judging by the look on his face as she saw her coming in hot with you on her heels.
“Ruben.” Her voice was flat in greeting.
“Aki.” He swallowed thickly.
“I don’t have to remind you that I make promises, not threats, right?” Aki smiled humorlessly.
Ruben staggered out a nod. He knew exactly where she was coming from.
“Good.” She gave your fingers a squeeze and released them. “I’ll leave you two to do whatever it is that people who dated for five years - separated for seven on account of one person’s decision - and reunited while ruining my favorite chair in the office do.”
Both of you were left with open mouths and flaming faces as you watched her go back over to Cindy, who you realized would have lots of questions about the exchange. You knew that Aki was going to figure out the real reason her comfort sofa had been replaced. What a time and what a way for her to reveal it.
“That was a ramble. She can’t ramble when she’s truly upset.” Ruben whispered.
Your head inclined positively. “I think that actually went well.”
His shoulders sagged with relief. You instinctually placed your hands over them to give him a small massage. If it wasn’t obvious that something was going on between you two in any onlooker’s eyes, they would’ve caught on by now.
The way he looked at you would cement any suspicions as well. Ruben couldn’t stop himself from visibly appreciating the effort you put into tonight’s look. The feeling was very mutual. You loved him in all black, especially when his shirt strained against his chest.
He leaned forward, getting as far as touching noses with you until you reared back slightly.
“Have you told everyone here about us?” You breathed.
“I haven’t shut up about you in the past two days.” Ruben chuckled.
A hand curled around the back of his neck to bring him in for the kiss he’d so badly wanted. You did too, even more so after what he said. It wasn’t nearly enough to satisfy the craving you had for him, present company and all, but it was enough to satiate you for now.
The music lowered, but you hadn’t even noticed until you heard clinking on a glass. Your view switched from eyes you often got lost in to the reason you were all gathered here tonight. Erling waved, thanking everyone for coming out to celebrate the launch of his brand.
He went on to announce the biggest news of the night. It was the project Aki had been working so diligently to secure for him - a deal to collaborate on an activewear line with H&M. You had a timer set to drop the news on his website after the party so that it wasn’t spoiled.
“A team of hardworking women really went above and beyond for me, so thank you Erika,” He tipped his glass to his assistant and then towards your group. “Y/N, Aki and Cindy.”
You met all the kind smiles directed towards you with one of your own. If you weren’t already lit up like a Christmas tree, his move surely made that the case. Ruben’s hand curled around your waist to pull you in for a kiss atop your head.
“Let’s have fun tonight, but not too much. Pep can always tell when we’ve overdone it.” Erling wrapped up his speech.
The members in attendance groaned, man beside you included.
“Oh! One more thing.” He interrupted again. “Cheers to Ruben and Y/N! I don’t know how you got so lucky, but please don’t fuck it up. I love being her client.”
Aki whooped and the music resumed. You were definitely on fire, head to toe.
Ruben’s head fell and shook. Your arms wrapped around him as you made a small cooing sound. Poor thing, he had to take a lot of warnings on the chin on your behalf tonight. A part of you was smiling though. It was good to know that someone inside his camp was keeping him on his toes.
Celebrations got into full swing once the drinks really started flowing. Before the crowd got too involved with libations, Ruben introduced you to the people he spent the most time with. The tall brunette from earlier was John, you learned. You also did some low-key recon on his relationship status.
He’s here alone?
Poor guy has been coming to these types of events alone for a while now…
Everyone was letting a bit looser than you expected given Erling’s warning earlier. If the image of them somewhat behaving looked like Aki beating three of them in a row downing bulldogs, you didn’t want to know what full out was. Still, curiosity got the best of you.
“How do you guys act when not on your best behavior?” You quirked a brow at Ruben’s fellow countryman hitting a dance move you hand’t seen in ages.
He clutched his lower stomach subconsciously, gaze distant. “Let’s just say I don’t recall much about our treble celebrations.”
That was surprising. Even when you were younger with livers that could tolerate the cheapest of liquor in spades, he wasn’t much of a drinker. You’d only ever seen him drunk a handful of times, which was a blessing to be honest. He was the type to fall asleep anywhere.
“Sounds like it was a blast.” You hummed.
The feeling you had in his flat while taking in his accolades had made a reappearance. You didn’t know if it would ever get any easier - having to live all those moments of success he had secondhand. There would always be that voice in the back of your mind whispering that you should’ve been present for them.
“Hey,” Ruben must’ve sensed your longing, and tilted your chin up. “Remember what I said?”
You nodded and smiled, nuzzling into his palm. “I do.”
“Good, I just want you to focus on this. We’re here tonight because of you.” He beamed.
It hit you then that things must’ve been the same for him. The last time he’d been in your life, you weren’t anywhere close to being an owner of a multinational company. He’d missed your university graduations, the ladder climbing, your ribbon cutting ceremonies and all of the big projects that bore Bana’s credit.
“All those times you doubted yourself, those moments where you wanted to quit so badly…they never stood a chance against your belief in yourself.” His thumb ran gently across your cheek. “I’m so proud of you, Y/N, and I can’t wait to see how much more you achieve.”
You squeezed him tight. If there was anyone who had faith in you just as much if not more than yourself most days, besides Aki, it was him. Sometimes, you used to think that you were only doing it for him, pushing past the disappointment and doubt just so that he didn’t see you as a failure.
Hearing him say those words only validated the realization that your past thoughts had never been the case. You proved to yourself that with or without him, you were going to get to the point you were at currently.
“Come,” You took his hand in yours. “We can’t let them have all the fun.”
Ruben laughed as you downed the rest of your wine and pulled him in to dance with you. He spun you around, pressing his chest to your back. You peered at him devilishly over your shoulder while moving your hips in time with his.
That only lasted for so long before you felt him getting a little too excited. Your body pivoted to face his again, fingers joining behind his neck. He pressed his forehead to yours as you swayed and forgot the present environment in a more appropriate manner.
You didn’t know how many songs had passed until you came back to earth. There was noticeably more space in the apartment, a few bodies had cleared out while you were under his spell. A sight that caught your eye proudly was Cindy who was making hushed conversation with John on the sofa.
“This outfit of yours is doing something to me.” Ruben spoke into your ear.
A shiver ran down your whole body. He knew what he was doing, activating your senses like this and walking you right into his trap. You rolled your eyes mostly at yourself. That was exactly where you wanted to end up anyways.
“‘You trying to seduce me, Dias?” Your lip pinned between your teeth.
“Always.” He kissed your neck.
Just as your gaze was about to get lost behind your eyelids, you spotted Aki blowing kisses at a bottle of champagne. All of the lust fueled urges you were feeling took the back burner to newfound nurturing.
“You’re gonna have to put a pin in that.” You patted his chest.
Ruben gave you his best puppy eyes. “Hm?”
Your head nudged towards your friend who was now making a move on the poor alcohol, a finger trailing lazily down its side. He made a small ah sound, understanding what you meant immediately.
“Why don’t we take the party back to mine?” You looped an arm around hers.
Aki squinted at you. “Don’t you have knock to boots with that giant meany?”
It took everything in you not to laugh in her face. This was definitely the perfect moment for you to get her out of here. The next stage in her drunkenness would be a wildcard. You’d either be subjected to a long winded proclamation on how she felt about everything, or impromptu karaoke of Santana’s greatest hits. Neither of which suited the occasion.
“I have a bestie I’d much rather cuddle with tonight.” A little flattery always did the trick.
Her expression softened and she pulled you into a hug. The words muffled into your chest signaled that she’d slipped into the love bombing phase of intoxication, which you greatly preferred to her jazz rendition of Maria, Maria.
You began walking towards the door while dragging her slowly along. A hand raised to wave goodbye to Cindy and then Erling, the other stroking Aki’s back. Ruben was about to approach, but your eyes widened and your head shook quickly. The lion was almost out of the den.
As if she was an actual predator, Aki stiffened. Her glassy eyes found him instantly and you could see him holding his breath, waiting. She took your hand and dragged you the rest of the way to the door, her tongue sticking out tauntingly towards him.
Before the lift close, you saw Ruben laughing. He blew you a kiss, which luckily had gone unnoticed by your bodyguard. It found itself tucked into your pocket, remembering how you used to do the same back then.
You couldn’t wait to feel the weight increase as you collected those yet to come.
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The following day at the office found your team one player down.
Given the night that transpired, you weren’t too surprised by that. You had to actually make good on your promise to bring the festivities home by dancing with Aki. Ultimately, that worked in your favor. It got her parched enough to drink water while also purging out some of the alcohol in her system.
What was surprising was the fact that she wasn’t the missing person. While her ability to bounce back was the quickest between you two, you weren’t placing bets on her peeling out of bed shortly after you did. And it was a good thing you didn’t take the risk.
She listened to the silence of the space, noticeably devoid of any fingers moving across a keyboard or faint music floating down the hallway like usual. Her hands then dramatically snatched the sunglasses from her face as she posed the same question rattling around your mind.
“Where’s Cindy?”
The inquiry hung for a second before a proverbial lightbulb went off in your head. You didn’t want to get too ahead of yourself, but you had a pretty good idea concerning the reason behind her discernible absence. At least, you hoped that was why.
“I think she’s cashing in one of those bonus days.” You smiled.
Aki shrugged, slipping her glasses back on. “Fair, poor thing works too hard.”
You focused on lessening the load for her upon her return. The more technical aspects of client management wasn’t particularly your favorite thing to do, but you’d suck it up for the sake of her finally getting the rest she deserved.
About half of the day passed when your best friend dragged herself into your office. She ran out of what little steam she had, which you completely understood. You commended her for even being able to lift a toothbrush into her mouth this morning.
That left you the sole survivor of Erling’s launch party. It took you back to the days when you first started Bana. Like that dollar and a dream saying, all you had was yourself, a laptop and an unhealthy amount of delusion.
You welcomed that energy and channeled it into the work laid out before you. One thing you never wanted to lose was that initial hunger. It was the motivation that would keep you going even when things were slowing down like they sort of currently were.
Any leads that Cindy had marked out, you followed up on with fervor. While you were at that, you worked on updating the company’s website and portfolio to reflect the latest projects you’d worked on.
When are you gonna give me a tour of your place?
You huffed out a laugh, typing.
Meet me there soon. Mine looks best at sunset.
Now that the cat was out of the bag, you didn’t have to worry about keeping him away from your home radius with a ten foot pole. It also helped that Aki was definitely going to be out of commission until the next day at the earliest. So there was no chance of a still awkward potential run in.
You wrapped up the last few emails on the list you had to send out and made your way back. Hopefully he wasn’t too eager to come over since quite the mess had been left from the previous night.
As soon as you got home, you cracked your windows to air out the loft and got to cleaning. Given that you didn’t know how much time you were working with, you put on an hour timer for extra encouragement. Dishes, sweeping, dusting and surface cleaning in that order all while you carried out laundry.
When the timer ended, you’d just returned from throwing the trash down chute at the end of the hall. With Ruben still not being there, you put your freshly cleaned shower to the test and then got into some loungewear straight from the dryer.
I’m downstairs.
You felt giddy as replied to him which floor you were on before you sent the elevator down.
“Hello MTV…” Your arm stretched above your head.
Ruben jogged over and tackled you inside playfully. You couldn’t help the giggles that fell from your mouth until they were cut off by his. He peppered your face with kisses and moved down to your neck.
“I missed you.” His nose nuzzled against your skin.
Even though it had been less than a day since you last saw him, you related to his remark. The hours you spent apart felt like days and sometimes even months, as exaggerative as that sounded. When you weren’t with him, in the back of your mind if not the forefront, you were always thinking about the last and next time you’d see him.
You stroked his hair gently, “I missed you too.”
Though you might not have millions of followers on your social media, you gave him the brand marketer’s version of a house tour. You’d argue that it was better. He got all the details from the imported quartz countertops, your treasured surgical steel knife collection, custom made sofa and  floor to ceiling tiled bathroom all the way down to the thread-count of your duvet.
“And now, as promised.” You dragged him back to the entirely windowed wall of your living room.
He’d arrived just in time to catch the sunset. It was luckily a good weather day in this perpetually drab city, grey skies making way for the blue he donned week after week. Hues of yellow, orange and a dash of pink illuminated the space, bathing you both in the sun’s warm kaleidoscope.
“I think your view is better than mine.” Ruben marveled.
That might’ve been true. The only thing you would change about your flat was to have a balcony like his. There was a unit with one a few floors up, but it was already occupied. You definitely weren’t staking out the developer’s leasing page on a regular basis to see if it became available.
Once the sun had disappeared, you settled onto the couch and lied on his lap. Unlike him, you reminded, you were not some Michelin star chef and also still had yet to do a grocery run. That left your trusted friend, the delivery app, to do all of the work for tonight’s meal.
Ruben wasn’t objected to the idea. In fact, he welcomed it a bit too eagerly. You almost took offense until he swiftly interjected that he’d been craving something different lately. It still had to be somewhat healthy though, special footballer diet and all.
You put in an order from one of your favorite spots. It was a small family owned Greek place that always used the freshest ingredients, something you were sure both your bodies would thank you for after a long day.
While you ate your mouth watering wrap, you curled up beside him and put on a random trending movie on Netflix. It quickly became background noise though. He was more interested in hearing about your recent events and how life had been since you moved to Manchester.
“There’s something else we have to talk about.” Ruben took a sip of water.
Your back immediately straightened. Those words were never the precursor for something pleasant. When matched with that tone and a more serious expression, you certainly weren’t excited to hear what was next.
“Should I be worried?” Your brows met as you tried to fight off the millions of scenarios that flooded your head.
“It’s nothing particularly bad, it’s just,” He scratched his beard. “Now that I play for City and we get so much media attention, being with me will come with a lot more than it used to.”
You breathed a sigh of relief. It was good to know that he wasn’t going to spring a surprise on you like the fact that he had a situationship he’d never really cut off, or that he was harboring a secret love child.
Funnily enough, the WAG thing never really crossed your mind. He’d only ever been the oddly cute buck toothed boy you fell for on the playground, even when you were watching him play before his senior debut. It was weird trying to reconcile that version of him with how others saw him.
“Oh no, do you have stalkers now?” You half-joked.
“Be serious!” Ruben warned through a grin. “I don’t, but some people do go a bit overboard with player’s partners. Taking pictures of them out in public, digging into their pasts, leaving malicious comments. I’ve been told that there’s some news about us so…”
The importance of what he was saying wasn’t lost on you. You’d heard about how intense things could get when publicly dating a footballer. With his looks and status, you honestly anticipated him having some fans that were obsessive in an unhealthy way. The fact that you hadn’t even really been out together publicly but already were exposed kind of proved that.
You appreciated him looking out for you. He knew none of that could ever change things, but still felt it was necessary to check in with you to confirm that you knew what all getting back together brought. It only made you want him more.
“All I do is work and I barely use socials anyways.” You wrapped your arms around his neck. “I guess the only thing I have to do is make sure I don’t leave home looking like a bum.”
He shook his head. “Impossible, you look good in anything.”
Your eyes did a full circle. There he was with his sweet words, trying to seduce you again. You had a thought to give him a taste of his own medicine and so you followed through with it. In one quick move, you straddled him and brought your lips to hover just over his.
“What about nothing?”
Ruben instantly sealed the gap between you and him. Even better, he muttered into your mouth. You swallowed his words, feeling them travel all the way down to stoke the flames already licking within the molten pit in your stomach.
Your tongue moved against and over his own while your hips dug deep into his. He trembled beneath you, hands falling to massage your ass. Most of it was left half exposed by your ridden up shorts, making your flesh rise to meet his fingertips and palms
Everything about him was so divine. The way he smelt, felt and tasted. You wanted to engrave each inch of him in your memory so that you’d never forget any of his being ever again. Your lips met his forehead, his cheeks, chin and neck.
They grew hungrier the more they feasted. You tugged on his shirt that was unhesitatingly removed with his help. Across the expanse of his shoulders, your lips traversed next, and then down to his firm chest. You became something of a woman possessed as your teeth pinched his nipple.
“Y/N!” Ruben gasped in shock.
You pulled away quickly, worried. “Did that hurt?”
“No, it just…” His eyes narrowed as a sly expression took over his face.
Instead of telling you what it did to him, he decided to show you. His hand trailed up your waist until his thumbs ran along the underside of your breasts. You shivered, teeth baring with a smile.  His fingers moved lower and began moving quickly, digging into your sides.
“Traitor!” You yelled and leapt from his lap.
“You started it.” He reached out a hand. “Come back, I won’t tickle you again.”
Your confidence in that statement was nearly zero. The escape you made from his clutches was made far too quickly for his revenge to be satiated. And his gaze still lingered with challenge. You took a tiny testing step towards him.
When he surged up to grab you midway, you shrieked again and easily dodged. Ruben gave you a look that screamed you were just delating the inevitable. You gave him one right back that said catch me if you can.
He might’ve been fast, but you had home court advantage. You easily weaved around your furniture to the kitchen. In the corner of the furthest end of the island, you gauged his stalking as he did the same.
“Ready to forfeit?” Ruben tested.
“I thought you liked to earn your wins.” You taunted before taking off again.
Your muscles fired up as you darted towards the bedroom. If you could make it under your covers, you’d at least have a few moments of extra protection from his treacherous digits. The neatly tucked duvet came into view and celebrations were imminent.
At the buzzer, he threw you onto the bed and launched an attack on your stomach. You tried to curl up, writhing and twisting your body in an attempt to fight off his fingers. It was to no avail, his hands had infiltrated beneath your shirt to tickle your bare skin.
Right as you were about to cry uncle, you heard your doorbell chime. That halted both of your actions. You sat up onto your elbows as he removed himself from your body. His brows raised as if to ask if you were expecting anyone.
You weren’t. If it was Aki, she wouldn’t have rung your bell since she knew the code. Though she could’ve been adhering to respecting your privacy had she heard you and Ruben scuffling from outside.
The bell rang again and you peeled yourself from the bed, straightening your shirt and shorts along the way to see who it was. You hoped it was her and not some disgruntled neighbor. Surely, you weren’t being that loud.
When you opened up, you took it back. You would much rather be staring down the barrel of aggravated eyes than the ones you met. It wasn’t as if you weren’t happy to see her, far from that, you were just stunned.
And truly in a pickle given the other visitor currently residing in your bedroom.
“Mom…” You regulated your breathing with a smile. “What are you doing here?!”
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Just gonna throw this at you! Hope you laugh! Kinda inspired by Retro Reader.
Valentino: Your Little Feral 'Wife' just killed one of my performers!
Vox: I'm sure Retro had a very good reason for that.
Velvette: It was that one who kept bragging they planned to sleep with you to get to the top. I'm shocked it took them a week to notice the fool.
Vox: They spent the past week thinking I didn't notice them killing my former assistants.
Valentino: You mean the ones you fired for trying to bankrupt you? Why didn't you kill them yourself?
Vox: Retro would pout and its much more enjoyable to see them prove their loyalty. I should buy Retro some flowers, maybe that outfit they were looking at.
Velvette: Hon I think the thing they would want most is you taking a day off.
Enjoy the weird thoughts from my brain after reading your amazing stuff! If you wanna do something with this be my guest!
I’m sorry, I just imagine Retro popping up out of nowhere and being like “I would like that!”
And Valentino is just. Terrified screaming.
Anyway.
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Vox is thinks that actually a good point, so he leaves work early and shows up at the house without warning. Retro has a mild heart attack because they weren’t expecting him and the house might not be clean enough. But Vox brought flowers and the outfit they liked, so it works out nicely. Vox pretends not to notice the drops of blood on the kitchen counter.
Retro is also in a much better mood than usual with all the killing. They really like being uninterrupted in their work, able to take care of it as they see fit. I imagine it’s part of the reason Vox fired his assistants instead of killing them, too. It lets Retro blow off some steam.
I also think that Retro would become progressively protective of Valentino and Velvette as well. Not to the same extent as Vox, of course, but they wouldn’t hesitate to kill anyone who’s giving them a hard time.
As we all know, Valentino is the problem in most relationships, so Retro wouldn’t need to protect him much. If anything, I think they’d serve as a good way for Val to vent some frustration. They get together on the back porch, Retro knitting a sweater or blanket or something while Valentino decorates a new gun he got. Retro has tea or something and Val is trying not to smoke (and failing) because he knows Retro doesn’t particularly like it.
He also knows Retro won’t deal with any of his violent bullshit like the other Vs do. We see Vox let him break things, but Retro? They won’t allow it. They think letting of steam is healthy, though, so they’ll arrange for target practice while Val is there. They also start doing research on guns (they weren’t interested before since they are very loud weapons) first Val so they can recommend some new ones, how to decorate them, etc. Valentino is an artist and I feel like Retro would love indulging that side of him. If they become genuine friends (or partners, if they end up in a poly relationship with Vox) I imagine this would be a big part of it.
He’d complain about some performers he’s had trouble with, which ones are good, which ones aren’t. Retro would learn a bit about Angel Dust (but not much, considering Val knows better than to disclose how he treats his employees to someone like Retro). Retro would keep this information in mind for future killings, giving the better performers more leniency and keeping a watchful eye on all of them in general. Vox would invite them to a club or studio before this, and they’d usually reject the request since it’s not their thing (also not very housewife-type thing to do, and because a club meant flirting and we all know how they deal with that). After getting close with Val, though? They’d be more up for it.
Retro would end up refining their killing, having actual rules for what’s acceptable and what’s not when it comes to people talking to or making a move on Vox. They decide that if it’s someone’s job, like the performers, they get a pass. Random club goer? Thin ice, but they’ll have some patience. Both Vox and Retro make it a point to remind people that Vox isn’t interested in anyone else, so if someone knows that and keeps making a move? Well, Retro can’t kill the, right then and there, but they’ll go on the list of people to kill. I also imagine the list has different sections that people get sorted into depending on their threat level, both in terms of power and how likely they are to cause problems in their relationship with Vox.
Anyway, I’ve been neglecting the Velvette and Retro interactions so here we go!
I think it’d be a bit of a rough start between them, probably due to the fact that Vel already knows about Retros murders, but they’d get along pretty well. When Valentino described them to Vel, she got the impression they’d be more crazed and all over the place, an absolute mess. So imagine her surprise when she met Retro, someone who’s so polite and calm and well mannered. She’d understand immediately. Instant besties, especially with Retros fashion sense.
Now, Retro and Val have an odd sort of relationship but Vel and Retro have something more genuine and wholesome, I think. Vel would go to Retro for some advice, ask about ideas, and the like. She appreciates their unique tastes and preferences, as well as the out of the box ideas they can come up with. If Velvette is ever afraid something she’s making may not be functional as an outfit? She gives it to Retro, asks their opinion.
I also imagine Retro would have a good understanding of what fabrics feel nice together and which ones don’t, something Velvette may struggle with. She doesn’t have a problem with fabric textures, so she doesn’t realize how it may impact the buyers opinion on the outfit. Retro offers that new perspective, too, since I imagine they’re quite picky on that sort of thing. They care a lot about fabric texture, flow, and feel (something I can personally relate to) not only because it impacts its mobility and functionality, how hard it is to clean after killing, but also general comfort. Retro would be more than happy to help with whatever Velvette needs, but modeling is strictly off the table. They’ll do private photo shoots for fun, sure, but Retro is determined to keep up the housewife routine.
Valentinos visits probably tend to be more infrequent and out of the blue, but Velvette has a tight schedule and specific dates with Retro, something they greatly appreciate. The gossip they discuss? Top tier. Val and Retro usually discuss dancing skills, choreography, people’s tastes in partners and their horrible life decisions, which is fun but not exciting. Velvette always has some dramatic tea to spill and I imagine she’s great at explaining it in an immersive way that captures Retros attention. Retro would probably be able to offer up good theories and thoughts on how the situation would go, too. I think they’d really enjoy Velvette’s company and listening to her talk.
I also think Velvette would be mostly supportive (at the very least, completely okay) with Retros habits. She thinks their dedication is adorable. I think they talking about Vox’s work habits, too. Probably complain that he needs to take a break. Velvette offers valuable insight into what the workplace is like, so Retro has a better idea of the dynamics Vox holds with people, his habits, what he likes and what he doesn’t. They use this information to make him extra comfortable and relaxed after an especially long or tiring day of work. I don’t think Vox would really notice at first.
Retro berates Vox about his bad habits, how he needs to take care of himself, and I think he’ll start to listen. He’ll take a few more days off than usual, come home with flowers, and maybe go out for a nice dinner.
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cethlyarlo · 6 months
Text
Imagine this with me for a sec, I'm here to break your heart with this silly little headcanon:
Baylan and Shin made their outfits.
When Shin was young and living with her family, she learned to sew because it was something commonly taught to all people within her community (like driving or riding a bike in ours). This means she grew up with the craft and is familiar with how to both sew by hand and with a machine. She knows how to darn, mend, and honestly I wouldn't be surprised if she knew a thing or two about embroidery, crochet, or knitting.
(oh my golly, imagine Sabine finding out Shin can crochet)
Anyways, fast forward to the first few years she and Baylan spent together on the run. Shin is officially an apprentice and they work together to survive, take contracts, teach, and learn. They do everything together, and because of their profession, they feel like they need ✨outfits✨ to appear more reputable to potential clients.
Now, if you look at the stitching on Shin's tunic compared to Baylan's, it's a lot neater. The color of fabric is uniform and overall, it's looks like it's held up fairly well to the abuse it's been through. Baylan's is... a little less neat, but still durable and it serves it's function.
Here's where I'm going with this:
Shin, in this scenario, is a relatively experienced seamster, or at least more experienced than most. This means that she probably had to teach Baylan a thing or two when it came to creating their outfits respectively, hence why the craftsmanship in Shin's appears a tad better than in Baylan's.
Now just imagine Baylan's pride towards trying to learn this new skill from his apprentice and inevitably succeeding after many failed attempts. He knows his handiworks isn't the best in the world, but he did it and it was his own apprentice that taught him how. It made his apprentice smile and that's really all that mattered in the end. It was probably a defining series of moments/activity in their relationship and it probably brought them closer as a Master and his Apprentice, or more like, a Father and his Daughter.
That's all 🙃
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goldenempyrean · 9 months
Note
I don’t know if you write about about Agatha Harkness but I would love to see Aggs with sick reader. Agatha tries to take care of her but panics because reader is the most valuable thing she has 😊
Witchy Remedies
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〚 Notes - Never written for her before so hopefully this is good enough :) Let me know what you think :D 〛
〚 Pairing - Agatha Harkness x Reader 〛
〚 Summary - You get sick, Agatha tries to make it better. 〛
〚 Wordcount - 1040 〛
〘 Check Out My Masterlist! 〙
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“You okay over there?” A soft voice pulled you out of your daydream, “You’ve hardly said two words since we got home.”  
Your girlfriend was standing in the doorway with a concerned look on her face. Her dark hair was neatly arranged, and her piercing blue eyes held a mixture of worry and affection behind them as a thin furrow creased her brow.  
You offered her a small smile as you nodded, "I'm alright, today was just really tiring," You said, in reference to the day you'd both spent hiking together. While that was partly true, the majority of your silence could easily be pinned down to the scratchiness which had formed at the back of your throat a few hours ago - but you didn't want to worry her with that. 
“Hmm, if you say so,” She replied, clearly not entirely convinced by your response, “You know, I can always whip up a little something to soothe those tired muscles of yours if you fancy.” 
That did sound tempting, you had no idea how she did it, but Agatha always managed to make some sort of concoction which would almost always help. The first few times she’d offered you were worried her remedies would have you turning blue or growing a second head, but you’d come to learn that being in a relation with a skilled witch had their advantages. 
“That’d be really nice Aggs,” You nodded to which your girlfriend smiled widely in excitement before turning on her heels as she hurried off to make something. 
In the meantime, you sank further into the sofa. Only getting up to grab one of the knitted blankets you kept in a basket before returning back to your original position. As you settled back down, your small orange kitty purred and came to curl up on your lap. The pair of you taken her in a year ago and she never failed to cheer you up. 
As you closed your eyes, the exhaustion from the day's activities combined with the soothing warmth of the blanket and the gentle purring of your cat began to lull you into a drowsy state. The hazy evening light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm, golden glow across the room as you drifted off to sleep. 
Not too long later, Agatha returned to the room, proudly holding a steaming cup in her hands, “Here you go dear, I made-” She paused her eyes lingering on your peaceful form, smiling innocently as she watched you slept. 
But the concern she had felt earlier only grew stronger as she saw the flush which had settled on your cheeks, a contrast to your pale skin. She placed the mug on a nearby table and approached you, looking over your features with worry. 
"You're not well," Agatha murmured to herself, her fingers gently brushing against your forehead. The heat radiating from her you sent a shiver of worry down Agatha's spine. A small purple glow came through her fingertips before she continued, "You've got a fever. Why didn’t you say something darling?” She sighed to herself before, pressing a kiss to your forehead as you continued to sleep. 
After debating what to do, Agatha carefully picked up your sleeping form, cradling you in her arms as if you were the most fragile treasure. With a soft, worried expression, she carried you to the bedroom, laying you gently on the bed and tucking you in and smiling as the orange kitty followed suit and came to lay alongside you.  
“They’ll be okay Penny, don’t worry.” She whispered to the cat, but it was more so to herself than anything before she returned to the living room, her mind racing with thoughts and plans. She needed to bring your fever down and make you comfortable, that was first on the agenda. 
Agatha began rummaging through her collection of herbs and potions, her hands moving with practiced precision. She mixed together a concoction designed to bring down your fever, her brow furrowing as she concentrated, trying to remind calm despite the panic settled beneath her skin – you were far too important to her. 
Returning to the bedroom, Agatha sat beside you, carefully lifting your head and helping you sip the potion. "Come on, my love, you need to drink this for me please," She urged gently, her voice a soothing murmur. You stirred slightly, groggily complying, the taste slightly bitter but not unbearable. 
Agatha stayed by your side, dabbing your forehead with a damp cloth and murmuring sweet nothings as you dozed off and on. As the evening turn to night the room was enveloped in a tranquil hush, broken only by the occasional muffled sounds of Agatha's soft humming and the rhythmic purring of the orange kitty nestled beside you. 
The hours passed by in a blur, the fever slowly relenting under the influence of Agatha's potion and care. Your sleep was restless, punctuated by moments of discomfort and delirium, but Agatha remained a steadfast presence by your side. She continued to adjust your blankets, occasionally waking you up to take sips of the cool water she’d retrieved before stroking your head as she lulled you back down to sleep. 
Before long the first light of dawn painted the sky with shades of pink and gold, and when you woke up, your fever had finally broken. Your eyelids fluttered open, and you found yourself staring into Agatha's loving gaze. She smiled warmly; relief evident in her eyes. 
"Hey there, sleepyhead," she whispered, her fingers brushing a strand of hair away from your forehead. "How are you feeling?" 
Your voice was a mere whisper, hoarse from the earlier scratchiness, but you managed a small smile. "Better… thanks to you." 
Agatha's smile widened, and she leaned down to press a soft kiss to your lips. "I'm just glad you're on the mend now love. You had me worried there for a while." 
You shifted slightly, wincing as your muscles protested the movement. Agatha was quick to help you find a more comfortable position, her touch gentle and soothing. "You still need to rest," she advised, her tone firm yet caring, "But I’m going to right here by your side.” 
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eusion · 6 months
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i love ur work omg >< can i req maknae line as long distance bfs too? ^^
⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪&team maknae line as ur long distance bf ⌒☆
pairing ⌒☆ &team maknae line x reader
word count ⌒☆ idk...
note ⌒☆ thank u for requesting! this was hard to think about since i just think about hyung line exclusively LMAO enjoy!
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yuma ⌒☆
sends u lots of memes and silly videos on tiktok. u both have the same humor so hes always excited to share new ones with u
always invites u to play games with him whether itd b just u two or with his friends, he never fails to invite u
same with movie nights
always wears the beanie u sent him & complains that its starting to smell less and less like u
sends u so many selfies in .5 after u introduced it to him this one day. now that he knows u find them hilarious he will send them as often as he can
i dont see him fting much tbh but will always text and check in frequently with a "u doing okay?" message
likes to plan out dates with u, even if its just for fun & not to actually plan. he just likes to be with u even if its just in his mind
as a date u two make little crafts together over ft
"do i grow out my hair or cut it" and does the opposite of what u tell him
jo ⌒☆
takes pictures of the little things because he knows how much u love to see picture updates
learned how to make those big knit blankets so he can make his own to give to u
sends u handwritten letters very often along with printed polaroids of the pictures u two have together
u have several of his art pieces framed on ur wall
when u both debrief about ur days he always asks a lot of questions so he can hear u go into extreme detail
props up his phone on his nightstand when going to sleep so u can see him snooze. he wakes up earlier than u do so he wont end the call until u wake up
asks u what ur plans are for the day n sometimes he will try n match what ur doing
when u two plan a day to meet up, he crosses out the days in his calendar above his desk every morning until the day of
ur name in his phone is just ur name but it has this emote next to it ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ
harua ⌒☆
lots of ft calls with him sitting in his car while snacking
loves to see what u bought from the store n always begs for a haul with u going over every item in detail
matching phone cases that u both bought together, he has not changed it out or taken it off since
hes very playful so theres a lot of banter between u two but itll always end in laughs. hes more than comfortable enough to play around with u & this means a lot
flirting but in a cringe way. the amount of winks & kisses through the camera never fails to make u both shiver
"why arent u here..." in a sassy tone but hes :(((
study calls are a very common thing between the two of u & hes always willing to help u out even if he doesnt know it 100%
always has the sweetest compliments ready for u & will always be the first 10 comments on ur instagram post
while hes out shopping he sends u pics of things n asks "do u like this?" n will buy it 99% of the time if u do
taki ⌒☆
u both binge watch a lot of shows & will get really upset when he finds that u watched an ep without him on ur shared netflix account
his friends always send u off guard pictures of him n when u show him hes extremely confused
always yells a good morning message into ur voice memos. sometimes he'll sing it
fts u with all of the lights off n when u ask him to turn on the lights so u can see him he uses a handheld flashlight n points it under his face
has blocked u more times than u both can count because he thinks its really funny
"when we meet up next time lets do this tiktok challenge"
his every day bag is equipped with all of the pins, chains n small plushies u gifted him
when ur too tired to talk he reassures u that its okay n that he can talk for u so u just sit n listen with ur eyes closed
sends u random videos throughout the day of him dancing
maki ⌒☆
always brings u along to watch his night routine, will prop u up on the sink so u can watch him brush his teeth n wash his face
matching profile pictures on almost everything. whenevr he posts and his icon pops up he smiles so wide because he knows ur the other half of it
records & sends u mini vlogs if he goes out and does something fun n will always end the video with him saying "miss u!"
whenever u two are on ft and his family is in the same room, he always turns his phone around to face them n says "say hi!"
everyone in makis circle knows u very well because he cannot stop talking about u
plays roblox with u when u both have free time... ur avatars are extremely goofy
has fallen asleep on cam many times & u have multiple screenshots n video recordings of him snoozing
99% of his bereals are of him n u while ur on cam
study nights always turn into 5hrs of u two watching random videos on youtube
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