[writermuses]

Loving that he'd been the reason for that wash of color on Audrey's cheeks had fleetingly surprised him from the delicate and tentative kiss that she'd gifted him. He'd never been much for romance, but there was definitely something magical about being cozy in bed with a good book and a beautiful woman... or so he was telling himself. Nevertheless, in the pit of his stomach, Tomlin knew: This was different, this was her. In the blink of an eye she was pulling away and he laughed at her apology, following her and pinning her on the bed with his hips as his torso hovered over hers. "What are you apologizing for... unless you're going to stop me from kissing you back." Leaning in, Tomlin brushed the tip of his nose to hers, all too aware that this closeness had racing heart pumping blood south. "You going to stop me, Audrey?" He leaned in a little closer, his lips brushing hers when he spoke again, "You going to tell me to go back to reading the book?"

[wxlkes]

Her heart raced, and she could feel the warmth spreading through her body. She knew she wanted this, but her mind was still racing with thoughts of how this could change things between them. As Tomlin asked her if she was going to stop him, Audrey hesitated for a moment, considering her words carefully. She didn't want to appear too eager, but she also didn't want to miss this opportunity to share this intimate moment with him. "I-I.. don't think I can stop you..." She finally spoke, eyes digging onto his deeply. So what if they ruined whatever they had between them?

[wxlkes]

* i apologize for the sudden absence, i had a lot to deal with irl this past month + mental issues struggles so i couldn’t get on. i’ll try to cover up the replies starting from today.

[writermuses]

"I can see the gears turning in that pretty little head of yours, Audrey." Tomlin rubbed the space between her brows where a line had formed in her silence. When she did speak, almost took her words to heart until her eyes darted away. Propping himself up, he set the book to the side and tilted her face to his. "You do realize you are the worst little liar I've ever met, don't you? Now, try again."

[wxlkes]

Caught off guard by his directness, Audrey felt her cheeks flush even more. Before she could second-guess herself, she quickly leaned in and pressed her lips against his for a few seconds. As their lips met, a rush of emotions flooded through her. The warmth and softness of his lips sent a tingling sensation down to her toes. It was a moment of pure connection, a brief escape from all her worries. Her own heart raced, and for those few seconds, everything else melted away. Then, just as quickly, Audrey pulled away, trying to catch her breath as her forehead pressed against his. "That was unexpected, I know- and I'm sorry about that." No she wasn't sorry.

[writermuses]

@wxlkes

[goodvibesandsunglasses]

He nodded as she spoke. It made a lot of sense because he’d been through most of what she’d described. He still felt insecure sometimes, just like right now. He was putting himself out there, telling her how he felt but Bao had guarantee that Blair wouldn’t bolt at the first occasion. It made him nervous; it scared him because the last thing he wanted was to be heartbroken again. There was no guarantee that he wouldn’t hurt her either because he’d been so close to running away earlier. So yes. He could understand how she felt. He could understand that fear that wasn’t so easy to tame even when trying your best.

“First of all”, he said, reaching over to cup her cheek “you deserve all the love in the world”. And undoubtedly, he wanted to be the one to give it to her. He then moved his hand to her shoulder and let it slide down her arm. Who would have thought he’d feel so close and so in sync with Blair one day? Even more than with Logan because they were having the kind of deep conversation the other woman had never been too fond of. “Forewarned is forearmed, right? I can’t promise everything will be perfect but I know we’ll both do our best. Tell me what you want and I’ll give it to you”.

[wxlkes]

Looking into his eyes, she placed her hand over his, feeling the warmth and reassurance in his touch. "Bao." She began softly, wiping away the tears that already reached down her cheeks. "I want to be with you. I want to give us a chance, even if it’s scary. I know it won’t be easy, and I know we might hurt each other sometimes, but I want to try." She paused, gathering her thoughts. "I’m scared of getting hurt, and I’m scared of not being enough. But you make me feel like I can be brave, like I can face those fears. I want to take this step with you."

Blair leaned in, placing a gentle kiss to his lips, pressing her forehead against his. She hesitated for a moment, then added, "I want to be better than Logan. I want to be the person you can rely on, the one who supports you and loves you in ways she never did. I want to show you that love can be different, that it can be better."

[aquamanandfriends]

“I’ll always be by your side, always remember that.”

“Thank you. That means everything. I love you. I know that we Wilkes barely ever say that, aside from Sandy, but I do love you sis.”

[ x ] @wxlkes

[ I’m gonna get mushy and that’s rare so have it: Happy birthday Hollz!! I love you so much. I can’t believe I’ve been your friend for over 5 years. It all started with sweet Sandy alone in the park and his soon to be daughter dropping ice-cream on him. I never could have imagined these amazing families coming from that moment. The Wilkes and the Scarlett’s. You are the reason I kept Sandy’s blog going, you are the reason I’ve kept writing for so long, the reason I’ve made all these wonderful OC’s. I’m so blessed to have you in my life. I know things can be tough and sometimes we are quiet because we are so busy but gods I’m glad you’re always there for me and I’m glad you trust me the same. You are really my online sister and there’s nothing anyone can do to change that. I hope you have the best of birthdays, don’t let adulthood bring you down. Stay strong and passionate, fight for what you want and the rest will fall into place. your, Ellie / E ]

[wxlkes]

*/ i'm getting all emotional because i came across this old post, more especially because we technically know each other more than five years! wow time really does fly fast. 🥺

[writermuses]

"That I still read too fast?" Tomlin teased at her comment that he hadn't changed. "What did you think I was going to do, leave you on the doorstep? I told you a long time ago, Audrey; I'm always going to be in your corner." He wished it was more than a 'this', that she'd said she needed him, not just a distraction or comfort. Still, the smile stayed plastered on his face because Tomlin would take whatever he could get. Watching her eyes fall to his lips made him shut the book, one finger bookmarking the pages. "What's that look for? You have something you want to tell me?"

[wxlkes]

Part of her wanted to confess her feelings, to tell him how much she had missed him and how much she needed him in her life. But another part of her was scared, scared of rejection and scared of what this could mean for their friendship. Audrey decided to play it safe. She gave Tomlin a small, shy smile and changed the subject. "I was just thinking about how much I've missed this... our friendship." She said, trying to sound casual as she darted her eyes away from him. She was so lying.

[wxlkes]

two highly skilled assassins who have been married for years but cannot stand each other & despise each other with passion? they’d constantly try to outdo one another in every aspect of their work. dm me if you’re interested. 🙂‍↕️

[writermuses]

@wxlkes

[writermuses]

@wxlkes

[fxcdboys-deactivated20241014]

Part of Avi was screaming how much of a bad idea this way. That he shouldn't be doing this. That there was still time for him to pull back and simply leave. But another part of him wanted her more than anything. And right now the part of him that was craving her was winning. He decided to forgo all logic and conclusions and just dive deeper into her. Avi felt her trying to undo his shirt and the man helped her in doing so. Once his shirt was off he closed his eyes at the feeling of her smooth warm hands against his bare chest. He relished in that feeling and moaned into her mouth. Avi then started undoing her dress desperately to get to have her in the same half naked situation as he was in. But most importantly to get to feel and touch her stunning body.

[wxlkes]

Once her dress was off, Isabella lay back on the cushions of the couch, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't believe she was doing this, but the thought of pulling away was like a distant memory, fading into the background like a dream she'd once had. Instead, she pulled him down on top of her, her lips attacking his neck with a hunger she'd never felt before. She felt a little lightheaded from the alcohol, but it only served to heighten her senses and make her feel more daring. She wanted to feel everything.

[fxcdboys-deactivated20241014]

Avi sat there silently for a moment as he let his eyes travel down her body. For a moment he simply sat there in silence admiring her beauty. It was unfair how beautiful she was. Frankly without her clothes on she looked even more pleasing to the eye. And he certainly wouldn't mind getting to touch and taste every part of her. In truth this was something he had been wanting for a long time. As she pulled him down on her and started kissing along his neck he couldn't help but moan loudly. He then reached out and gently cupped her breasts and played with them. Gently squeezing and fondling them enjoying how perfectly they fit in his hands. He then brought her lips towards his and kissed her again deeply and passionately.

[wxlkes]

In her mind, she knew that she should feel some guilt or remorse about the situation, but the alcohol had numbed those feelings, leaving her free to simply enjoy the moment. Her hands reached out, gently cupping his face as she deepened the kiss, her tongue sliding inside his mouth. The taste of him was intoxicating. As she felt his hands gently caressing her body, she knew that this was something she had been wanting for a long time as well.

[writermuses]

Periodically, between sentences, Tomlin peeked over the edge of the book, smiling back at Audrey. He was glad he could get a grin out of her. Balancing the book with one hand, Tomlin rubbed her back with the other, aimlessly drawing shapes in on her back. "His gaze lifted and found her on the other side of the room, over the sea of desks and paper and conversations. For a breath Iris couldn't move. And whatever mask he had been wearing for everyone else—the smile and merry eyes and the flushed cheeks—faded..." Smiling, Tomlin looked over the edge of the book and met her gaze again. "You keep looking at me like that and I'm going to think you're not very interested in the story and have something else on your mind. Care to share or shall I keep reading?"

[wxlkes]

Audrey's cheeks reddened as she realized he had caught her staring. She fumbled with her words, feeling the heat rise to her face. "I—um, it's just that… I find you to be a really good reader?" She wondered if her answer made any sense. Taking a deep breath, Audrey decided to share more. "I remember how you used to read to me before, back when I couldn't sleep. You haven't changed at all." He was always there for her whenever she needed him unlike her other so called friends. "Thank you, Tomlin, for letting me in tonight. I really needed this." She spoke softly as her eyes darted from his eyes to his lips then back up again. "I appreciate everything you've done for me."

[writermuses]

@wxlkes

[goodvibesandsunglasses]

He saw her. Her and anything she was willing to share with him. It wasn’t easy to open up after being hurt, that much he knew, but Bao had the chance to remain his optimistic self when he came out at the other side of the tunnel. It had been tempting to just decide that love wasn’t for him anymore, that it was too dangerous and let anyone get close and sure, he’d had his fair share of rebounds after the break up before going back to a version of his old self again. That was why he considered her very courageous for what she was doing right now. She could’ve fed him some excuse or rejected him without explanation but she was opening up, which he greatly appreciated. “And thank you for being honest with me. It’s not the easiest thing to do”.

She wasn’t saying no, wasn’t pushing him away but instead, her not so subtle gesture encouraged him to continue. And so, Bao peppered a trail of tender kisses until he reached her lips, and there, he planted a sweet but passionate kiss that left no doubt as to how he felt about her. Fear was a valid feeling and man, he definitely understood because he was scared as well. For all he knew, fear could have her just bolt one day and he’d find himself heartbroken all over again, but something about her was keeping him from shutting down entirely. “Why is that?”, he asked, though he might already know the answer. Either way, he wanted to hear it from her. “Talk to me”.

[wxlkes]

Blair took a deep breath, her eyes meeting his. She felt her heart pounding in her chest, a mixture of anxiety and something else— something she hadn’t felt in a long time. "Bao, I’m scared." The brunette admitted, her voice trembling. "I’m scared of being committed, of getting hurt again. I’ve been let down before, and it’s hard to trust that it won’t happen again."

She paused, trying to gather her thoughts. The words felt heavy, but she knew she needed to say them. "I don’t always feel worthy of being loved. I’ve made mistakes, I’ve been hurt, and sometimes I think it’s easier to stay guarded than to risk feeling that pain again." As she spoke, Blair felt a tear slide down her cheek. She reached up, brushing it away quickly. She didn't want him to see her as a weak person. "But with you..." Blair continued, her voice softening, "it feels different. You make me want to take that risk, to try and open up again. And that scares me, too, because I don’t want to let you down. I don’t want to let myself down."

[atgvnpoint]

Elias  was  reflected  enough  to  know  when  it  was  about  time  to  quit  playing.  He  wouldn't  get  out  of  this  bullshit,  so  now  that  they  have  some  alone  time,  he  thought  it  was  for  the  best  to  talk  about  arrangements.  One  of  his  eyebrows  raised  up  as  he  listened  to  her  words.  It  didn't  make  sense  to  him  and  it  felt  like  she  was  not  happy  with  his  suggestion.  He  took  a  sip  from  his  drink,  then  he  turned  his  gaze  back  to  her.  ❝So?  What  are  you  suggesting?❞  

[wxlkes]

Taking a deep breath, she decided to lay it all out. "Look, Elias." Nina began, her voice was steady and sincere. "I'm not saying your idea doesn't have merit. It's practical, and I get where you're coming from. But I've spent my whole life living up to other people's expectations and playing roles they chose for me. I don't want this marriage to be just another one of those roles." She set her glass down and looked him straight in the eyes. "What I'm suggesting is that we be real with each other. If we're going to be stuck in this together, let's make it as honest as possible. No fake smiles for the cameras, no pretending we're something we're not. We can still have our own lives, but let's agree to support each other through this mess." She tilted her head slightly, a small, almost sad smile playing on her lips. "And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, we'll find a way to make this work without waiting for a convenient divorce in a few years."

[fxcdboys-deactivated20241014]

Part of Avi was screaming how much of a bad idea this way. That he shouldn't be doing this. That there was still time for him to pull back and simply leave. But another part of him wanted her more than anything. And right now the part of him that was craving her was winning. He decided to forgo all logic and conclusions and just dive deeper into her. Avi felt her trying to undo his shirt and the man helped her in doing so. Once his shirt was off he closed his eyes at the feeling of her smooth warm hands against his bare chest. He relished in that feeling and moaned into her mouth. Avi then started undoing her dress desperately to get to have her in the same half naked situation as he was in. But most importantly to get to feel and touch her stunning body.

[wxlkes]

Once her dress was off, Isabella lay back on the cushions of the couch, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn't believe she was doing this, but the thought of pulling away was like a distant memory, fading into the background like a dream she'd once had. Instead, she pulled him down on top of her, her lips attacking his neck with a hunger she'd never felt before. She felt a little lightheaded from the alcohol, but it only served to heighten her senses and make her feel more daring. She wanted to feel everything.

[writermuses]

"Okay, but if you need an explanation of what's going on, you just let me know." He fully expected there to be questions. Whether or not that was a question about characters or why a grown man was reading Divine Rivals, time would only tell. Picking up with the last chapter's few lines to test the waters, he smiled at Audrey before burying his nose in the book, "One person. One piece of armor. I'll strive for this. Thank you." His pale blue eyes peeked over the edge at her, an eyebrow raised. "Chapter ten, Station Nine: The office was overflowing with felicitations the following day..." His accented voice seemed all the more thick as he focused and sentence by sentence, Tomlin settled into the book and the warmth of Audrey pressed to his chest. His thumb brushing a sliver of soft skin poking out between the hem of the shirt. Giving pause he asked, "Comfortable, Sweetheart?"

[wxlkes]

As Tomlin began to read, Audrey tried her best to focus on the words. But she found herself getting easily distracted by his voice, its deep and slightly accented tones making her skin tingle, his voice seemed to wrap around her like a cozy blanket on a cold night. She couldn't help but steal glances at him, his intense concentration and the way his pale blue eyes flickered between the book and her. When he asked her if she was comfortable, Audrey flashed a shy grin and nodded. "I'm good.. continue.." Or not. She couldn't help but smile as she looked up at him, her eyes filled with adoration.