[xwinterdreamsx]

Day 4: An Offer From A Gentleman

Bad Idea Right?

Tags: Modern AU, Texting, Flirting, Exes with Benefits, Alfie, Hazel

Rating: G

Summary: Sophie knows it’s a bad idea, but she texts Benedict anyway. She can’t think when it comes to him.

Benedict

Hyacinth has control over the remote for movie night. Send help!

Sophie smiled down at her phone.

Sophie

Don’t pretend like you’re not a sucker for the musicals she chooses

Benedict

Guilty 🙂‍↕️ but what what would happen to my reputation if I let on how much I love Tangled?

Sophie

Nothing at all? You have a Disney playlist on your phone

Benedict

Is it my fault the songs are ridiculously catchy? And the Disney princesses own my heart?

“And how is dear Benedict?” Alfie asked pointedly, and Sophie looked up at him like a startled deer. She’d forgotten where she was, and how keenly she was likely to be observed by her friends.

Not that it mattered. She wasn’t doing anything wrong.

“He’s fine. Movie night with his siblings,” he shrugged.

“Mmmhmm.”

“What? We’re friends.”

“He’s your ex. Your ex that you are not over even a tiny little bit. You’re not friends. Back me up, Hazel.”

“Sophie knows what I think. But Sophie doesn’t listen to me.”

“Look, guys it’s—” Sophie looked down at her phone as another message came through, her heart racing at its contents.

Benedict

We should have a movie night. I miss hanging out with you 🥰

“Not a big deal,” she finished saying, even as her fingers made her a liar.

Sophie

I miss that too. Tomorrow night?

Benedict

Perfect, can’t wait to see you! I’ll even let you pick the first movie ☺️

[xwinterdreamsx]

Day 2: Time Transfixed

My Cottage

Somewhere Only We Know

Tags: Post-Canon, Lake, Fluff, Banter, Kissing, Sophie POV

Rating: T

Summary: Benedict steals Sophie away at My Cottage for some alone time

The knock on her door didn’t wake Sophie—a lifetime of early mornings making it impossible to sleep in, even in this ridiculously comfortable bed—but it did surprise her. Who could possibly need her attention this early in the morning, and so urgently, from the sound of their knocks?

The answer, naturally, was Benedict, which wasn’t at all surprising, except the part where he was up and about so early in the morning.

“Get dressed,” he instructed in that charmingly insistent way of his. “I’ll be right back.” And then he was gone.

“Good morning to you too,” Sophie muttered to herself with bemusement, closing the door and proceeding to get dressed. There was no reason not to, and whatever Benedict was up to, well, she might as well be dressed appropriately.

Sure enough, moments after she had gotten herself into a blue dress and a wrap, there was another knock on the door. Once again she did not have the chance to utter a greeting before Benedict was taking her hand and pulling her along the hallway.

“Benedict, what—”

“Shh, we don’t want anyone to hear us. Trust me?”

“Always.”

Benedict shot her a warm grin. Sophie’s stomach fluttered. That grin of his was no less effective now that they were engaged. It was even more appealing, now that she didn’t have to fight against the pull of him, not that she’d ever had much luck with that. But it felt wonderful to surrender to her feelings, to allow herself to fall, knowing he would catch her.

They quickly, but quietly, made their way along the hall, down the stairs and out of the house. It was still dark out, the sun barely starting to rise.

“Now will you tell me what we’re doing?” She asked with a laugh, stopping to look at Benedict.

“We’re running away together, of course.” The mischief in his expression told Sophie he was being playful, not attempting to race off to Gretna Green to elope. Which was good, because despite her excitement to be married, and her willingness to go anywhere with Benedict, she knew exactly where she wanted to get married. Right here, at My Cottage, where she’d first fallen deeply in love with Benedict, the place where she’d found her home, surrounded by all the people who loved and supported them.

But an adventure? Well, she was up for one of those.

“Where are we going?”

“Somewhere special,” Benedict said with a wink, and Sophie knew exactly where. “Come on, before anyone comes along and tries to protect your virtue.”

“A little late for that.”

Benedict laughed. “Unfortunately I don’t think informing anyone of that fact will have the desired result.” He pulled at her hand once more and Sophie ran with him, feeling so utterly free.

They didn’t stop running until they made it to the lakeside, the exact spot where she’d watched him swim from behind a tree. Not on purpose, mind you, no matter what Benedict said, but could anyone blame her for being transfixed? The powerful way he cut through the water was breathtaking, as was the fact that he came out of the water entirely naked.

Sophie was similarly breathless from their run, and then for an entirely different reason when Benedict pulled her into a kiss. It was reminiscent of their last kiss in this very spot, but instead of the rush of an almost first kiss, it was the desperate desire of coming back together after far too long.

A week could be considered a long time, could it not? That was how long it had been since they’d had any privacy to kiss like this. There was always someone around to prevent anything more affectionate than hand holding, and they’d been so busy they’d had no chance of sneaking away. Sophie had missed it dearly, Benedict’s body pressed to hers, his hands touching her, holding her, his soft lips kissing her so greedily. Sophie tangled her hands in his hair, pulling him down and lifting up, needing to be closer, to eliminate any space between them.

Finally needing air, they pulled apart, their foreheads coming to rest against each other. For several moments they simply breathed, everything in Sophie settling. A tightness she hadn’t realised she had been feeling unwound now that they had this moment to just exist together.

“I needed that,” Benedict whispered, lifting his head. “I haven’t been able to get a single moment alone with you since we got here. Surrounded by nosy people who need to mind their own business.”

“Your family, you mean?” Sophie asked, brows raised, laughing.

“Yes! When will they leave?”

“After the wedding, I believe.”

Benedict groaned, dropping his head on her shoulder dramatically. “That’s an eternity.”

“Four weeks.”

“As I said. Four weeks until we’re alone, until we’re married and I can kiss you anytime I want.”

“I know,” Sophie sighed, stroking her hand through his hair. He was being over dramatic and pouty, and it would make her laugh, except for the part where she felt entirely the same way.

If one week felt too long, four weeks was truly painful.

“I miss having you in my bed,” Benedict said when he lifted his head.

Sophie blushed, remembering their naked bodies intertwined, Benedict moving inside her so deeply, slow and measured and then faster and harder as their pleasure spiraled higher and higher—

“To sleep, but I miss that too,” Benedict grinned slyly. “Strange how keenly I feel your absence there when it’s occurred so infrequently.”

“I feel it, too. I miss having your arms around me like I know you’re supposed to be there.”

Benedict sighed. “Soon, Sophie. We’ll get through this hideous month and then we’ll never spend a night apart.”

“Never is quite—”

“Never.”

Sophie giggled. While she could envision the possibility of a time where they had to spend a night apart, she would never choose that either.

“But for now, we have our own little place where no one will bother us for oh, a few hours. If we’re very lucky.”

Sophie looked around at the lake, the lush verdant bank, the riot of colours in the sky, and most importantly, back at Benedict’s smiling, handsome face. “It’s perfect.”

“I thought so.” Benedict’s smile became teasing. “We can even go for a swim after it warms up a little. Or, if you prefer, I can swim and you can watch, I know how much you like that.”

“How did I know you could not resist bringing that up? It was an accident, I did not know you would be here.”

“Mmmm,” Benedict hummed. “But you can admit it now, Sophie, you stayed because you liked what you saw.”

“Why don’t you admit that you wanted me to like it?”

“Oh, I am happy to admit that. Why else do you think I asked you to fetch my shirt for me?”

Sophie shook her head, but was unable to entirely suppress the grin that was determined to break though her reproachful expression. “You were a wicked, diabolical tease.”

Benedict laughed. “And you were so adorably flustered. And lovely. It was like lightning striking twice, the way I felt about you. I couldn’t resist kissing you, even if I should have.”

“Neither could I. A bit of a problem of ours, wouldn’t you say?”

“Not anymore,” he said against her lips, before their mouths joined once more, this time in a series of long and languorous kisses.

Eventually they settled on the grass, Sophie leaning back against Benedict’s chest as they watched the sun rise over the lake. They talked about everything and nothing, and basked in the comfortable silence of two people who didn’t need to speak to feel connected.

After the sun was high in the sky, Benedict did strip off his clothes—Sophie watching unabashedly—before diving in the lake for a swim.

“Are you sure you have no desire to join me?”

“Quite sure. I’m content to watch, and to warm you up when you return.”

Benedict’s eyes flared, and he swam away at a startling speed, splashing Sophie in the process.

“Benedict!”

His laughter could be heard even as he got further away, and Sophie grinned. She was so, so happy.

[xwinterdreamsx]

Day 1: The Waltz

Masquerade

Enchanted

I think I have to kiss you. It’s rather like breathing. One doesn’t have much choice in the matter.

Tags: Canon compliant, Benedict POV, Episode 1

Rating: G

Summary: After the masquerade Benedict’s thoughts are consumed with the lady in silver

Benedict couldn’t sleep. How could he sleep? His heart was still racing from everything that had happened tonight. His whole world had spun on its axis, rearranging itself to send him in the direction of the lady in silver. He didn’t even know her name. He didn’t know the name of the lady that had him pacing his room and grinning like a lunatic.

He was mad, truly, he was.

He’d started the night reluctant to leave the ease of friendship and pleasure and no expectations, dreading the masquerade ball where there would be no anonymity, but plenty of expectations. His mother’s, the debutants, their mothers, the gossips.

He’d ended the night wishing he only knew the lady in silver’s name, wishing he knew where she lived, all so that he could show up at her door bright and early tomorrow morning with the intent to court her. Courting led to marriage, something he was so certain he did not want. Not anytime soon. Possibly not ever. But that was how much he wanted to see the lady in silver again, to talk to her, to know her.

Why oh why had she left like that when it was time to reveal herself? He could almost believe that he had been too forward, if she hadn’t kissed him before she left. He’d been pushing the boundaries of propriety all night, he knew that. Being alone on the terrace with her was scandalous enough, let alone dancing with her, kissing her hand, kissing her cheek. If anyone had caught them—but he’d wanted to be alone with her. From the moment he’d seen her across the ballroom he’d been drawn to her, and had followed his desire to steal away with her into the privacy of the night, away from everyone who would watch them with speculation and judgement.

Away from all of that they had talked to each other, sincerely, and he hadn’t been Benedict Bridgerton even after she figured him out. He’d simply been Benedict, and even though he’d never gotten her name or any other personal details about who she was, he felt as if what she’d revealed about herself was just as true, and rare.

He’d been very tempted to kiss her when he held her in his arms and led her in a dance. She’d looked up at him with sparkling eyes that whispered of a deeper connection, as if they’d met before, even though he knew they hadn’t. He’d never felt anything like that before, looking into someone’s eyes and feeling entirely right, and like there was nowhere else he’d rather be.

Everything in him wanted to close the distance between them and press his lips against hers. It wasn’t even want. It was an overwhelming need, like he could no longer breathe on his own and she was his air. But he could not cross that line and take liberties that were not his to take. He would not compromise her. So he pressed a kiss to her cheek, indulging in his need to breathe her in, to feel so close to her, to let her know how strong his desire was, so strong that he held back, because as much as he bucked against the rules of propriety, he wanted to do this right. For her.

But then she was leaving at midnight as the bells rang, and he felt such regret for all that he had not said or done if this was to be their last moment, his heart that had been so hopeful now feeling utterly crushed.

But then. Then she came back, if far too briefly, and she kissed him. It was the most electrifying kiss of his entire life. It left him stunned, so stunned it took him far too long to react to the fact that she was running away. For good this time. By the time he had the wherewithal to chase after her she was gone, and he had nothing but her glove to remember her by.

If she hadn’t kissed him, perhaps he would have been able to let her go, consider it a chance encounter and nothing more. Perhaps. But the kiss had sealed their fate. The passion in her kiss was not a sign that she did not want him after all. She might have her reasons for being so mysterious. Benedict prayed it was not that she was promised to another.

But regardless. He would find her again. He needed to dance with her again. Kiss her again. Learn everything there was to know about her. He would not rest until he did.

Especially not tonight. Siding on his dressing gown, Benedict went into his study, picked up a pencil and his sketchbook that hadn’t received much attention lately, and started to draw. He couldn’t forget what she looked like if he was to find her, after all. He needed to remember every detail.

[glassfrogforest]

[gloombby]

i mean ive been in a constant state of almost freaking out for a while now but other than that im doing okay

[mromitosen]

I am a PASSIONATE commenter on fanfiction, but sometimes it slows down my reading because I don't want to read if I don't have the mental energy to leave the long comments I want to

Still, as an author, I know even a short note can mean the world.

So, I put together a little guide with different “levels” of comments, so it’s easier to leave something without overthinking!

Hopefully this helps someone else too!

[curlicuecal]

for maximum impact with minimum effort can I strongly recommend the quick highlight?

copy pasting a particular line and your reaction to it is a phenomenal way to quickly provide specific, unique feedback!

it can even just be a keysmash or an emoji response to the quoted bit

authors have SO many micro decisions and careful word choices that go into the writing process and that they'll almost never get to see a specific reaction to

it's so fun to get even one of these things highlighted

[eddiethebrave]

Someone referencing or quoting a specific line with their reaction (even if it's just emojis or a key smash) is my absolute favorite kind of comment to receive ❤️

[getooine]

You know who he is.

Playing around with a charcoal brush on procreate, doing a practise study of one of my forever characters ♥️.

[olivtr33]

they’re on the phone guys do not interrupt them !!

[soliloquent-stark]

besides the well-known fact that tony stark's arc reactor literally powered his heart and symbolised his second chance at life, it's been not just alluded to but clearly stated by marvel from the very first iron man film that it represents his heart:

this point is made very clear again when it's used to portray his death:

of course they did this; they're such obvious metaphors that are easy to rely on for beautiful visual storytelling. they undoubtedly were aware of the potential for these scenes and carefully considered them since the beginning.

but you don't really get to use each of these moments more than once if you want them to matter, so they had to choose which one of tony's stories needed to be told through carefully picked parallels.

and who did they use them on?

yup, that's right. steve rogers. steve, who literally ends their painful fight by breaking his heart.

steve, whom tony literally hands his heart and says "here, take this" while he's devastated, disappointed, and at one of the lowest moments of his entire life.

so, platonic, romantic, alterous — the intricacies of his feelings don't even matter. they're only for tony to know.

but what we as an audience know, what we were explicitly told by marvel, is that the feelings tony had for steve were so strong that they were the equivalent of getting his heart actually shattered into pieces, and being reduced to offering your desperate, mourning heart on a platter as a way of saying "take it all, there's nothing left of me that you don't own now".

these were not accidents. we were meant to understand how profound his feelings were. so many things spiraled out of their falling out — the entire universe's faith was at stake as a result. tony was not indifferent to him. his problem was that he felt too much.

tony's achille's heel was always steve rogers, and that will forever be the backbone of the marvel universe.

[4gifs]

[socially-awkward-supervillian]

Fun fact: Cheetahs only attack prey that runs

[youwinagainmoffat-blog]

jesus that is good to know.

[chandra75-deactivated20180905]

Yup, that’s the point you just stay still and let it do whatever the fuck it wants that doesn’t involved you getting eaten. 

[magehenry-moved-blog]

REALLY FUN FACT for big cats cheetahs are fucking docile as shit

my grandfather ran a cheetah sanctuary in south africa and he’d just lie with them and sleep among them and they’d rub against him and chirp at him they’re big fucking babies

[pkmnbreederbrianna]

Another Fun Fact: Cheetahs are incredibly nervous animals. One of the (many) reason’s they’re going extinct is that cheetahs are so sensitive and nervous, some of them are literally too nervous to breed. Others will breed, but stress themselves out so much, they’ll lose their cubs. So zoos with breeding programs had to figure out how to make cheetahs comfortable enough to first of all, get laid and secondly - not spazz themselves into miscarrying. So what’d they do? They gave the cheetah’s their very own Service Dogs! The dogs make them feel safe, protected and secure!

[emo-islandniles]

AJHHHHFDDGHH SO PRECIOUS

[renirabbit]

this post just got so much better

[enjoying-nudiustertian-deactiva]

THIS IS OFFICIALLY MY FAVOURITE POST

[wylltingtrees]

[sashayed]

this is emmett and cullen they are best friends

[clover11-10]

This is the greatest thing I’ve seen all day.

Dogs are truly angels.

[oshiawaseni]

so THATS why these cheetah ft dogo pics exist

[erin-luci-and-me]

the anxiety cat

[peppermint-madness]

Also! Cheetahs are not in fact classified as big cats, they are simply very large lesser cats, due to the fact that they purr, meow, chirp, and cannot roar. Also many cheetahs have learned to recognize wildlife photographers are friends and not foes, so they will just come up to people and be friendly occasionally as pictured at the top of the chain. Some will even leave their Cubs with photographers to look after while they hunt. So. Yeah. Cheetahs are great

[elfwreck]

[bunjywunjy]

this works because cheetahs are actually fairly social animals, and they look to members of their group for context on how worried they should be about any given Situation. but since cheetahs are also nervous social animals, they can work each other into an anxiety spiral pretty easily over things like “being in an enclosed habitat” and “there’s a guy over there”.

so by introducing a dog as a member of the group, the cheetahs will now look to the dog for context clues on how worried they should be! and the dog Is Not Worried At All, Thanks, so the cheetahs think everything must be chill even if they were personally unsure about it, and they stop being so freaked out about literally everything.

[june-egbert-official]

Cheetah: oh god what’s going on how are we feeling weird spotless cheetah

Dog: :) fine, thanks

Cheetah: :) oh, okay

[greatlordfluffernutter]

[soratayuya]

Wasn’t expecting this of all posts to be the first tumblr post I’ve ever seen crest 2mil notes, but I’ll take it

[saetiate]

please eat enough and drink enough water and get enough sleep. this is so that you have enough energy. because we need you to be writing and drawing porn on the internet

[soliloquent-stark]

the bases of stevetony dating by @joetavis (x)

[xwinterdreamsx]

I wish someone would explain to me How losing you is gonna make me feel

[soliloquent-stark]

🥀 i’m sorry i’m the one you love by soliloquent

2,7k words // pairing: tony stark/steve rogers

—⎊—

The petal rests in his hand, red, detailed, and marked by the passage it has taken to get there. He looks at it, and the understanding arrives. There is no need to search for alternative explanations, no attempts to dismiss it as meaningless. He has known about this illness all his life, in the way people know about things that only happen to others; a simple truth: sometimes the body does not separate itself from what it feels.

or: Steve shattered Tony’s heart in Siberia, and now it might cost him his life.

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

written for @lightsonparkave round 64 — secrets

[xwinterdreamsx]

If you ran away, come back home Just come home

[bridgergal]

people are getting mad at the 'male lead does something incredibly stupid because he is desperate in love in a bad situation' show because the male lead does something incredibly stupidly because he is desperately in love in a bad situation

[studiobook-deactivated20260129]