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asdfghjklmals · 1 year ago

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LILIES & ROSES 2.0✩༶‧˚

GENRE + T/W: sfw, fluff. suggestiveness and mentions of sex. WORD COUNT: 4.1k words. TAGS: satoru gojo x fem!oc, dad!gojo, mom!oc. established couple.

SYNOPSIS: oc gojo girlfriend and satoru celebrate baby gojo's first valentine's day! AUTHOR'S NOTE: happy early valentine's day everyone! sorry i've been so mia. i hope this fic will make up for my absence. the first ‘lilies & roses’ fic was for oc gojo girlfriend’s mother’s day so make sure to read that. 💚 REMINDER: if you want to imagine yourself in oc gojo girlfriend's character descriptions instead, please do!

you and satoru woke up at exactly 5am to your five-month-old human alarm clock babbling in her snoo.

you felt slender, yet strong arms slide under your shirt to pull you closer, even if it was just for a moment. a quick, welcoming kiss by soft tender lips pressed onto your exposed shoulder blade.

“good morning, sweetheart.” satoru whispered into your ear, finally pulling away from you so he could start his morning routine with his daughter.

you turned to face him, half-awake eyes following each step from his side of the bed to your daughter’s bassinet across the room. you let out a tired sigh.

“there’s daddy’s big girl!” satoru said with a quiet, yet cheery voice. a gummy smile appeared on the face of your 5 month old baby girl. it was a smile that satoru never got tired of seeing.

he reached down to pick up sayuri, holding her close to his chest so that her head could rest on his shoulder. you saw her peeking at you. you shot a soft smile at her as her lips trembled. she wanted mommy right now. and where the hell was her milk?

before sayuri could even let out a cry for you, satoru quickly left the master bedroom and shut the door behind him. this was the start of his morning routine, bonding time with his daughter that he always looked forward to.

and so, you shut your eyes for a couple more minutes before satoru and sayuri would come back with their special delivery, your morning coffee. (read ‘morning routine 2.0’ here)

**********************

“okay, yurs��here’s the game plan,” satoru said to his baby girl, “today is something called valentine’s day. usually mommy and daddy go out on a date and then participate in love-making-physical-activities at night, but since we have you this year, i think we should change it up a little.”

sayuri drooled on satoru’s shoulder, unsure of what her father was babbling on about. she pursed her lips and continued to drool.

“we need to stop by the flower shop first so we can get her a nice big bouquet of ros—i mean lilies. those are your mommy’s favorite flower you know. did you know you’re named after them?” (read 'hello baby' here)

sayuri. sayuri meant ‘small lily’ in japanese. it was the perfect name for your perfect baby girl.

satoru continued on with explaining his plan to his partner in crime, “then—i was thinking that while you take your afternoon nap, i can cook a late lunch for mommy. i haven’t done that for her in a long time.”

satoru stirred sweet creamer into your cup of coffee and smiled. he felt as if his plan was going to be perfect—another successful valentine’s day for satoru gojo in the books.

as he imagined how the day would progress, he warmed up a packet of your stored breast milk for sayuri before she started to fuss. but sayuri gojo was no fool, she knew she was going to be fed in a few moments so she decided to give grace to her trying father. she decided that she’d throw a tantrum later.

**********************

“what do you mean you’re taking sayuri out by yourself?” you frowned after taking a sip of your morning coffee. you had hoped to spend some time with your little family today—it was valentine’s day after all.

last year, you told satoru that you didn’t want to do anything extravagant because you were still in the early stages of your pregnancy. you were nauseas and tired during your first trimester. knowing him, he would have already had a trip to somewhere tropical planned if you hadn’t told him that you wanted to stay home.

satoru mischievously grinned, rubbing salt into your wound, “we are going to have a daddy-daughter date for valentine’s day.”

“what if i wanted to have a mommy-daughter date?” you pouted back at your baby daddy, “it’s our baby girl’s first valentine’s day, can’t we spend it together?”

an imaginary lightbulb lit up above satoru’s head. he did need time to cook for you without you being in the apartment, so maybe you could take sayuri during that time.

“how about you take sayuri out for a couple hours?” satoru suggested, “we’ll be home by 2pm.”

“—but 2pm is her nap time, satoru.”

‘of course you wouldn’t forget about her nap time.’ satoru thought to himself. he shifted his milk-drunk daughter in his arms so he could face you.

“okay, how about this, sweetheart—i’ll take yurs and be home by noon. she can take an early nap, and then you can have her at 3pm. i have an appointment from 3pm-5pm anyways.”

satoru may have lied about having an appointment, but he needed to have an excuse not to be with you and sayuri so he could prepare for your valentine’s day surprise.

“can we celebrate after your appointment?” you asked eagerly. your daughter’s first valentine’s day was important to you. not only was it sayuri’s first, it was yours and satoru’s first as parents.

“of course, sweetheart.” satoru said as he leaned in for a kiss on your forehead, a sneaky grin plastering his face, “we have a tradition to uphold.”

“if sex is the tradition you’re talking about, i swear to—”

a whimpering cry interrupted your empty threat to satoru. sayuri was still hungry. she started to wail as if she was screaming, ‘more food, please!’

“—and that’s my queue to leave,” satoru said as he handed off sayuri to you. he quickly jumped out of the bed to make sayuri another bottle.

you shook your head and chuckled.

“your daddy is so silly,” you looked down at satoru gojo’s mini-me. everything you loved about satoru reflected back at you in your daughter. her slender nose, soft pink lips, and her thin white eyebrows. you had the most perfect child. of course you did, she was satoru gojo’s copy and paste.

“so baby girl—i was thinking that while we go on our mommy-daughter date, we can go see grandpa kiku and grandma fuku. daddy would be devastated if we didn’t get him anything for valentine’s day.”

sayuri looked up at you as you patted her back gently. she felt content being in your arms. it gave her comfort and soothed away any fears she may have had, just like daddy’s—and it was the exact same feelings that satoru felt whenever he was in your arms.

“then we can come back home and spend the night with daddy!” you said excitedly with a giggle, “you have to protect mommy from daddy tonight, okay?”

sayuri gojo wouldn’t understand your joke, but you knew what satoru gojo’s intentions were on a day like valentine’s day.

later that morning

“your mom must be loving the fact that she can sleep in today,” satoru chuckled to his daughter as he opened the glass door to the flower shop.

satoru, you, megumi, and tsumiki have been going to this flower shop ever since you moved to the apartment. at first, it was just convenient for satoru. satoru always bought you flowers whenever he upset you or whenever he wanted to surprise you with them just to see you smile. and now, after years of giving the flower shop owner business, you were regulars—to the point where the owner, mrs. itose, had a customized bouquet on hand made just for you whenever satoru or the kids needed it.

“good morning, satoru! good morning, miss sayuri!” the flower shop owner greeted the father-daughter duo.

satoru smiled, presenting his baby girl, “say hi to grandma itose!”

grandma itose had been around for the growth of yours and satoru’s relationship. she was like family. when you gave birth to sayuri, she sent the world’s most beautiful bouquet of lilies you had ever seen. mrs. itose placed her bets that baby gojo was going to be a girl and because of that, she was one of the first people to know sayuri’s name.

“i’m guessing you’re here for valentine’s day?” the shop owner smiled as she continued to wrap rose bouquets to sell for the day. it was a busy day for mrs. itose.

satoru scratched the back of his head and grinned, “that obvious?”

“don’t you worry, satoru. i have (y/n)’s bouquet ready for you.” mrs. itose said with a smug, yet confident grin. she wiped off her hands on a towel and walked to the back of the shop, disappearing for a moment.

satoru watched sayuri as her small, curious eyes scanned the store. her eyes were always full of wonder. she gave a gummy smile to the shop owner who smiled back at her while holding your large bouquet of lilies and roses and a smaller bouquet of lilies alongside it.

“what’s that small bouquet for?” satoru asked, knowing he didn’t order a small bouquet.

mrs. itose smacked satoru’s shoulder, “not only do you have (y/n) to buy flowers for, but you have to buy them for your daughter too!”

satoru’s heart sank. he felt guilty that he didn’t even think about buying his mini-me, his adorable little girl, a bouquet for valentine’s day. he now had two girls in his life to think about.

“i didn’t even think about that before we had sayuri.” he sheepishly admitted, giving sayuri an apologetic kiss to her chubby cheek.

“being a girl dad will make you realize a lot of things.” mrs. itose teased, “a reflection of how you treat (y/n) is a guideline to how sayuri will expect to be treated by her significant other when she grows up.”

the thought of sayuri growing up, dating, and eventually getting married gave satoru the chills. he didn’t even want to think about it. all he knew was that whoever his daughter ended up loving, they better love her the way he loved you.

“grandma itose, thank you for teaching me how to be a good dad. and you’ve always helped me be a good partner to (y/n).” satoru said with appreciation. mrs. itose was always a listening ear when he would pick up flowers after an argument.

the shop owner smiled warmly at satoru and sayuri, “have a happy valentine’s day, you two.”

satoru held the two bouquets up with his cursed technique and paid the shop owner double the amount of what the flowers actually costed. he made sure to leave before mrs. itose could say anything.

“say bye to grandma itose, yurs.” satoru sang as he held sayuri’s arm to wave goodbye.

next year, he would make sure to remember to order flowers for his precious little lily too.

later that afternoon

“i bet your daddy wishes he could be here with us.” you sang smugly as you pushed sayuri’s nuna stroller down the familiar streets of tokyo. “he loves seeing grandpa kiku and grandma fuku.”

sayuri was bundled up warmly in her swaddle, enjoying the stroller ride. her view was a beautiful you. your long black hair flowed behind you in the wind, green eyes sparkling as you looked on ahead. sayuri looked at you just like satoru did. with awe.

“i’m sorry you had to change your nap time today.” you apologized, “mommy couldn’t help it. she wanted to spend time with you too.”

you weren’t mad at the fact that satoru and sayuri always got to spend time together, in fact, you loved that they had a bond. it was more of the thought that one day, your baby girl wouldn’t need her mother anymore.

you made your way to the kikufuku stand that you and satoru had been visiting since you were high schoolers. the stall owners recognized you immediately and rushed towards you.

grandma fuku called out your names excitedly, “(y/n)! sayuri!”

“hi mrs. fuku.” you laughed, knowing exactly what she wanted. you picked up sayuri and placed her in grandma fuku’s arms as she cooed at your baby.

grandpa kiku and grandma fuku were family, just like grandma itose. you remembered the moment when your belly started showing during your pregnancy. you wanted to surprise and visit grandma fuku to see if she would notice. grandma fuku was so excited when she realized you were pregnant, she wanted to close to shop immediately so she could sit down and talk to you about motherhood. that day, even grandpa kiku ended up giving satoru a lecture on how to be a good husband and that being a dad changes your entire life.

you were grateful for the kikufuku stand couple. they had been there for you and satoru when you were both in high school. their kikufuku stand was where you and satoru had your first date, and many more dates after that. they had become important parts of your lives and you hoped that they would be in your daughter’s too. (read 'love at first fight' here)

“grandpa kiku packed up all of satoru’s favorites.” grandma fuku said with a smile as she held sayuri in her arms. your baby enjoyed being held by anyone—she was a friendly baby, just like her friendly father.

grandpa kiku called out with a grin, “we figured one of you two would be here to pick these up.”

he held out a pink box of kikufuku towards you, all in satoru’s favorite flavors. you placed them in sayuri’s stroller and quickly paid the shop owners a generous amount of money, far more than what the sweet treat was actually worth. it was the least you could do for them after all these years of satoru terrorizing their kikufuku stand.

a visit to the kikufuku shop with sayuri always lasted longer than expected. they always wanted to hold her and talk about how she was doing. in a blink of an eye, an hour had already passed. you had to meet satoru back at home.

“on our next day off, satoru and i will bring sayuri.” you promised as you placed sayuri back into her stroller.

“that would be great! happy valentine’s day, (y/n) and sayuri! tell satoru we said hi!” the shop owners called out to you.

you gave them a bright smile and waved back, “we will! happy valentine’s day! don’t work too hard!”

“make sure to have lots of babies for me!” grandma fuku made sure to add.

you laughed at her request. you were pretty sure satoru’s sobo and your grandma wanted the same thing too. but for now, you and satoru wanted to enjoy the time you had with your little accident, sayuri.

at the gojo/(l/n) apartment

on your way home, a burning smell wafted through the apartment hallways, worrying you.

“is your father already home?” you asked your daughter as if she could answer you. you already knew it was satoru, you could sense his cursed energy residuals.

you typed in the code to the pin pad lock and pushed sayuri’s stroller in. the burning smell was coming from your kitchen.

“babe, are you okay…?” you called out.

“goddamn it—oh hi sweetheart!” satoru turned around attempting to mask his apparent frustration, he sucked on his thumb that he burned while attempting to grab something from the oven.

“did you burn yourself?”

“yes…” he mumbled, “can you come kiss it better?”

you laughed at how much of a baby the strongest sorcerer could be.

“let me grab sayuri, run it under cold water first.”

while you picked up sayuri from her stroller, satoru obediently ran his thumb under the kitchen faucet, the icy cold water soothing his burn.

you approached him from behind with sayuri attached to your hip, rubbing his back in soothing circles.

“you okay, babe?” you attempted to stifle a laugh.

satoru pouted and answered dramatically, “no, i might just die right now, it hurts so bad.” as a jujutsu sorcerer, you were pretty sure he’s felt worse than a simple cooking burn.

“hold her,” you demanded while you handed your daughter off to her father, “give me your hand.”

he quickly put his hand in yours. the red spot on his thumb was starting to blister. you focused your reversed cursed technique onto his burn, water appearing from the air to cover the spot on his thumb. when you released your technique, it was as if the burn never happened.

sayuri blinked in awe as she watched you and satoru. sayuri gojo was born with cursed energy, but you and satoru didn’t know what her innate cursed technique was yet. was it limitless from the gojo clan? or was it an elemental technique from your clan?

“you’re such a baby, satoru.” you teased, “you can use reversed cursed energy yourself but for some reason, you always come to me to heal you.”

“guilty as charged.” satoru grinned before pulling you in for a kiss, “i’ll always be your baby.”

you pulled away from him, biting your lip with a seductive grin. curious sayuri leaned towards the kitchen, grabbing your attention. you turned to stare at the oven, “so what happened to my kitchen?”

“i tried to make us dinner but i forgot about the food in the oven while i was cleaning and decorating.” satoru said, face palming his forehead.

you turned to look at the decorations satoru was talking about. a large bouquet of lilies and roses and a smaller one sat on the glass dining table, rose petals decorated the floor with candles lit all around the kitchen and living room area. it reminded you of your 25th birthday. (read ‘forget me not’ here)

you blinked twice. you didn’t even notice how clean the apartment was or all the valentine’s day decorations that satoru put up when you first came through the door. the burning smell must’ve distracted you.

you walked over to the patio door to open it, airing out the burnt smell and smoke. as you made your way back to satoru, he sunk into the couch, white cushions engulfing him, sayuri sitting on his chest. she gently patted his chest as if she was consoling him.

“what’s wrong?” you asked with concern.

satoru crest-fallen, mumbled, “i had the perfect valentine’s day planned out for us, but i burnt our dinner.”

“the only thing that matters is that our apartment isn’t burnt down.” you giggled.

“but sweetheart, i wanted today to be perfect.”

“it’s already perfect,” you smiled at him and then at your daughter, “i have my perfect man, my perfect baby, and you got me flowers. what more could i ask for?”

“a perfect dinner?” satoru added sarcastically.

you shot a glare at him before grabbing his chin with your hand, positioning his face to look straight at you.

“what were you cooking anyways?”

“a prime rib roast.”

you really would’ve enjoyed that prime rib roast today, but you had to save satoru’s pride. satoru gojo couldn’t be perfect at everything.

“it’s fine, who cares about a roast!” you bluffed while letting go of his chin, “how about we get take out from sushi go?”

“not splendid sushi?” satoru asked, knowing that you liked splendid sushi, while his favorite was sushi go.

“no, we can get sushi go tonight.” you said with a smile in hopes that it would make satoru feel better, “and before i forget, sayuri and i got you something for valentine’s day.”

sayuri babbled while attempting to eat the buttons of satoru’s dress shirt. she reached for satoru face as he playfully nipped at her stubby fingers with his mouth.

you made your way back to the couch with satoru's box of kikufuku. a smile crept back on his face. he couldn’t stay mad if a box of his favorite sweets were being presented to him by an extremely captivating and beautiful woman.

“my girls went to see grandpa kiku and grandma fuku without me?” he teased, squeezing and poking at sayuri’s chubby cheeks.

“mhmm.” you laughed, “we had to make sure we didn’t forget about daddy on our mommy-daughter date.”

“speaking of forgetting… you know what mrs. itose said to me today?”

you tilted your head to the side, waiting for him to continue on with his story.

“she said whenever i buy flowers for you, i should buy some for yurs too. she mentioned that how i treat you is gonna be a guideline on how sayuri is going to expect to be treated from her significant other when she grows up.”

“well, mr. satoru gojo, it’s a good thing you take very good care of me and treat me very well.” you smiled back at him, eyes full of adoration for the love of your life—and the father of your child.

satoru added, “—and don’t forget i love you very much.”

you snuck a kiss on satoru's cheek, “i love you too, babe.”

you looked back at the flowers sitting on the dining table. mrs. itose’s work was beautiful. you have never received a subpar bouquet from her and satoru. you spotted sayuri’s baby bouquet, noticing hers exclusively had lilies.

“i like how baby girl gets a bouquet of just lilies but mine still have roses in there even though you know lilies are my favorite flower.” (read ‘lilies & roses’ here)

“it’s an inside joke for us now. it’d be weird if you didn’t have roses in your bouquet.” satoru chuckled as sayuri laid on his chest, looking up at you. you admired the sweet sight, your child and your lover both looking back at you with the same eyes you loved so much.

“so how about that take out order?” satoru asked with his fingers on the speed dial for sushi go.

“don’t forget my salmon nigiri!”

EXTRA:

“i’m exhausted,” satoru huffed as he laid down on his side of the bed, his arm covering his eyes and forehead.

he had spent the last two hours cleaning the oven from the failed prime rib dinner while you and sayuri went through her night routine. (read ‘grateful for you’ here)

“too tired for your love-making activities?” you asked curiously, wondering if the baby blue lingerie set you wore under your robe tonight was going to go to waste.

“for once in my life, i think i am.” satoru sighed.

you pouted, “that’s a shame. i bought the cutest lingerie set just for you. it has a garter and everything!”

satoru sat up, interested in what you had to say. “well, when you put it that way… how about you show me? is it see through? is it edible? does it have ease of access?”

you giggled at his silly questions. he pulled you into his lap as he starting to unravel your robe, tracing kisses along your collarbone, the sensation tickling you.

you sensed a familiar cursed energy waver. immediately, you put your hands on satoru’s chest, stopping him from his ministrations.

“what is it?” he asked impatiently as he bit at your hands.

you furrowed your eyebrows, “you don’t sense it? she’s gonna cry, daddy.”

satoru was hoping in all honestly that sayuri would self soothe and fall back asleep on her own.

you heard sayuri whimpering. her whimpering turned into a full on cry, your motherly instincts were spot on.

“oh come on, yurs…” satoru groaned.

“maybe next friday we can get a hotel room.” you laughed, knowing that megumi would be home for the weekend to babysit. (read ‘date night vs. babysitting night’ here)

you wrapped your robe around yourself again and stepped out of bed to comfort your crying baby. you carried your fussing daughter to the king sized bed that you and satoru shared, placing her right in the middle between you and the white haired sorcerer.

“you can sleep with mommy and daddy tonight.” you said softly as you patted sayuri gently, coaxing her to fall asleep again.

“nice one, yurs,” satoru chuckled. he noticed sayuri had stopped crying and fell right back asleep as soon as she laid in the bed with the two of you. “saving your innocent mommy from your monstrous daddy, huh?”

you laughed, remembering how you had asked sayuri to protect you from satoru earlier. satoru turned to face you and sayuri. the both of you watched as she breathed in and out, her tiny body relaxing and sleeping so peacefully in the presence of the two of you. your heart swelled watching her, she was the best thing to ever happen to you and satoru.

“happy valentine’s day, sayuri and mommy.” satoru whispered across his sleeping daughter.

you looked down at your baby girl before smiling back at satoru, “happy valentine’s day, sayuri and daddy.”

DIVIDERS PROVIDED BY @/ANLIAN-AISHANG

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lovelyyandereaddictionpoint · 9 months ago

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The Joys of Storing | Yandere OCs

So many Yandere’s ploys work with drugging food or drinks that they offer to their love interests. But so few of them think about what their darling does when they don’t eat things immediately.

Maybe it’s because you're busy or you don’t like eating in front of people. Or maybe you cherish the food so much that you choose to save it for later. It’s such a habit that you’ll do that often so many people miss it. It’s not bizarre that your admirer might miss it too, that is until it interferes with their plans.

Yandere Ship || Vera

Vera doesn’t need to drug you usually, considering he has access to hundreds of different methods to knock a human out. But with his new body plus his evolving software on his vessel, there are so many new things to try. Like finding out how many times he can get away with touching you in your sleep before you tell him to stop, you haven’t caught him yet. Or how many sips of water you’d like to have during the day and how often he can get it recorded. The point is he’d absolutely add something to a snack of yours just to see what you do. Would you blame him? Take the effects in stride? Ask for his synthetic body’s help? Sure his processors have already predicted a thousand different possibilities but he doesn’t care. It’s nothing compared to what’ll actually happen. And he’s right.

“(Y/n)...are you going to eat the dessert I personally made for you?”

“Yeah…just later.”

“Later? Later when?”

“When I’m ready!”

“Oh okay….Are you ready now?”

“No.”

Veras adores pestering you about plenty of other things and he’s terrible at being sneaky. He just gets so excited! He probably knows you are going to eat if later and he’s just glad you don’t realize how intricate his thermal cameras are.

Yandere Witch || Rhiana

Rhiana is likely to fall prey to this little habit of yours. She’ll brew a potion something harmless to help her out. A sweet little concoction that will blend right into your drink to make you a tad less interested in your missing friend. It was just something to have you think of happy thoughts of her. But instead of drinking your drink when you came back from the bathroom, you just kept talking…and talking….and talking. Don’t get her wrong she adores the sound of your voice but she’s been waiting for you to take the first sip and it just hasn’t happened.

“I just can’t believe these detectives have the nerve to blow me off the way they do–”

“Hmmm”

“--And I told them all of the loose ends about the case and they just wrote me off like I’m some weird asylum patient–”

“...MmmHmm yeah…”

“--I know this isn’t some thriller tv series but I can’t believe they didn’t take any of my leads into account–”

“Yeah..your drink?”

“Yeah, the straw’s cute right? Anyway how am I supposed to sleep when I know they’re not investigating–”

She’ll tiredly listen and watch you lick your lips as they dry out as you keep talking, figuring this is her only comfort to imagine wetting your lips with hers. She’ll make a mental note never to try getting you to consume something without a guarantee you’ll eat it right in front of her. She refuses to miss whatever cute faces you're going to make when the potion she put in kicks in.

Yandere Cheerleaders + Yandere Football Team

Both teams are great at teamwork, used to coordinating their actions to be a united front but there are still individuals. The individuals are interested in just a few pictures at your most vulnerable. Or it’s about getting more than the privilege of a shoulder to sleep on at the next party. Either way they’ve distracted the captains and the rest of the team just long enough to gift you the fated red solo cup for the night. They chat with you believing that as a participant in the social atmosphere, you’d take a sip from your drink just like they have. But you haven’t. For a football player, this gets all so nerve-wracking, in the past, they’d seen their teammates do this exact thing to kick off a night of humiliation and fun. Of course, that’s not the plan for you but you seem fairly content with just holding the cup as you lightly bop to the music. For a cheerleader they're almost tempted to outright shove the cup past your perfect+ lips. Things always go their way so it’s upsetting that you just won’t crumple right into their waiting arms.

“You haven’t drunk anything at all (Y/n)...go ahead and have a sip.”

“Oh, I’m just not thirsty.”

“You sure? One taste can’t hurt. I promise I’m a good mixer.”

“Hm, and I bet you’ll mix well with the trash in the compactor.”

“C-captains!”

“(Y/n), how about you and I take a quick drive. This party’s about to get a whole lot more violent rowdy.”

The captains likely already knew about this little niche of yours and they’re grateful it just so happened to work in their favor this time. Usually, they’ll spend their dates trying to decide when and how is the best time to guarantee you eat their gifts right in front of them. But until they can figure it out they’ll take it upon themselves to punish everyone who isn’t aware.

Yandere Cat Warrior || Ferrin

Ferrin as a Cat Warrior considers himself far above poisoning of any kind. He’s a warrior! He needs nothing but his sharp wit and imposing claws to seal the fate of his enemies. That being said since he’s made himself a companion of yours+ your magnificent guide he’s had quite a few urges. He really can’t help the urge to sink his canines into your neck when he’s cuddling with you in your tent. But nibbling only does so much for his feline instincts; the urge to mark his territory becomes unbearable when you turn down his more intimate advances. More often than not resulting in marking you another way Ferrin suddenly has quite an interest in cooking.

“Aren’t you going to eat?”

“Later.”

“Later. Later? LATeR! That’s not happening!”

“I don’t want to eat now, back off. I also don’t want to put you in a chokehold again today.”

He’s just so irritating you’re not ingesting his creation…apart of him, he departed with so he could mark your existence as his own. Sure he scents you every other minute of the day but a good cat warrior should want for nothing less than the best.

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tossawary · 1 year ago

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This is a very niche fic idea that I have no solid intention of actually writing, but... "Naruto" has more than a few self-insert fics and some of them are transmigrations into canon characters. Some of them are about OCs who do not want to be a ninja and are desperately trying to get out of it. There's usually some deliciously frustrating tragedy and horror about the brutal and inescapable military system of Konoha.

So, I thought that it would be kind of interesting to do an OC-insert into Sasuke, probably ultimately more comedic than angsty, as the OC tries to fail out of having to become a ninja, but then has to struggle against the fact that a civilian Sasuke would probably be expected to start a new Uchiha clan ASAP. (They probably have to concede to at least becoming a genin for the benefits of legal adulthood of some kind at 12 years old, even if it means being a part of the damn military.)

But even if the OC would personally love to be a parent someday, they cannot condone participating in what's essentially a breeding program for a new generation of Sharingan-wielding super-soldiers. Children who are probably going to be chewed up and spat out by Konoha someday too.

I think it would be neat to have a character treat the Sharingan like a genetic disorder that they don't want a child to suffer. I think it would have been interesting if canon Sasuke had also wrestled with the idea of letting the Sharingan die out. Fuck it, he'll adopt if he wants to be a dad someday. I also think it would be funny to have an OC-insert whose goal is to get a secret vasectomy (body autonomy!) without the leadership of Konoha finding out.

Sasuke, as soon as Sakura becomes a medical nin: "I need you to do me a huge secret favor and NOT be weird about it."

Sakura, also still currently a teenager: "You're asking me to CASTRATE YOU, AT HOME, IN SECRET, HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO NOT BE WEIRD ABOUT THIS?!"

(And there's the whole fucking issue of the "Naruto" universe having cloning, so, no, a vasectomy isn't a solid guarantee of getting out of this. But it might buy Sasuke a few years to figure out how to avoid the mad science route too if anyone tries to force marriage on him at any point.)

Even throwing aside the issue of children, even in an AU where the OC-Insert is cool with having bio children, I think it would be really funny to have a Transmigrator Sasuke announcing outright in the first Team 7 meeting that his dream is to retire super early and become a shinobi tradwife to a super strong ninja.

Kakashi: "...What?"

Sasuke, possibly talking out of his ass to troll his team and because he's already spitefully exhausted: "I said what I said. I'm the only Uchiha left to pass on my clan's techniques, so my dream is to be a stay-at-home ninja, supported by a super strong spouse who can protect my family."

I think this would break Naruto and Sakura's brains. ("Marry Hokage Naruto" is not the worst plan that a transmigrator could come up with, probably.) I think that this would be a super funny start to a Team 7 OT3 in which Naruto and Sakura become rivals for the position of Sasuke's shinobi sugar daddy/mommy. (Naruto doesn't consciously realize that he's competing for Sasuke's hand in marriage at first, but he gets it after a few years or so.)

Kakashi is... So Tired. Obito, are you seeing this shit??? What the fuck.

I know some OC-insert / SI-insert into Sasuke fics exist, I just think the funniest plot direction for a transmigrator in this situation would be to completely bail on both the "take revenge on Itachi" and "rebuild the Uchiha clan" dreams in the least macho ways available.

Also, what WOULD Itachi think of Sasuke abruptly deciding to give up on revenge and to become a house husband instead?

#tossawary naruto #fic ideas #uchiha sasuke #house husband sasuke au

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biowaredisasterbisexual · 3 months ago

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Okay, so, I see a lot of people talk about “stats” on fics. Here, Reddit, other social media…often in a way that suggests one can gauge quality of a fanwork based on those metrics. Writers using them to try and determine if their work is “good.” Readers using them to filter fics for just the “best” ones. So let’s talk about stats.

And yeah, this is going to be long, so let’s have a cut, but TL;DR:

AO3 stats numbers can, in the aggregate, tell us some things but they cannot tell us the quality of a piece. Authors, stats don’t mean that your writing isn’t good, no matter what the “ratios” are. Readers, stats are poor indicators of fic quality, but you should know that writers are using those numbers as indicators of engagement with and enjoyment of their work; engagement is the encouragement writers use to keep writing.

I’ve read so many posts — on Tumblr, on the AO3 subreddit, fanfiction and writing subreddits, in other social media arenas — by both authors and readers talking about the stats on fics. Wondering if they’re good, or if they aren’t. Lamenting or judging a writer’s skill based purely on those numbers. Using those numbers as a way to filter fics to find the “best” ones. Wondering if writing is even worth doing in the writer’s fandom.

Usually, because of where I hang out, they’re talking about AO3 stats, but I occasionally see stuff about Wattpad in a similar vein. I don’t know Wattpad; I’ve never used it. So I’ll just focus on AO3 here.

So, first things first, I’m not going to tell a fanfic author that they should just not care about their stats. Not because I think stats matter, really, but because I know that’s an impossible ask. If we didn’t want people to read and enjoy our stuff, we wouldn’t post it. I can read my own writing with way less work and effort if I don’t post it, honestly. I post it to share it. So I get that saying “who cares what the stats are” is actively not helpful advice for a demoralized writer and doesn’t encourage participation for readers. So here’s what I’ll say instead about what we can, and more importantly can’t glean, from AO3’s stats as writers, and try to put those AO3 stats in perspective for writers and readers of fanfic alike:

AS A WRITER:

1) Comparison is the thief of joy. If you’re getting engagement with your fic and it makes you happy, try not to dwell on whether other authors are getting more engagement. I know this is a tough one to implement.

2) If you’re going to compare, it needs to be apples to apples, and I see a lot of folks comparing apples to oranges and then feeling let down by that comparison.

2A) Someone writing for the most popular ship in your fandom while you write a rare pair is probably going to get more engagement; not because it’s better, but because more people are going to see it. They will get more hits because more people are filtering for that pairing. That doesn’t mean what you wrote isn’t good or compelling.

2B) This goes even more granular: someone who is in the Neve/Rook tag on AO3 and either excludes M/F or filters for F/F isn’t going to see my fic. And that’s okay; they’re looking for something specific and I’m not writing it. I’m writing M/F Neve/Rook at the moment. The longer a fic is up, the more engagement it’s likely to have gotten, so I need to look at dates. If I were going to compare - and I don’t and shouldn’t for my own sake - M/F Neve/Rook posted within a few days of my post would be what I should compare myself to.

And even then, given that different fics tackle different subjects, have different OCs, etc., it’s still not likely to be truly 1:1.

2C) Multi-chapter fics and long fics get different numbers and ratios of hits/kudos/comments than one-shots. The engagement pattern is different.

2D) Smut/NSFW/Archive Warning fics also tend to get different engagement patterns than fics that don’t have those markers. Some people are concerned about their usernames being linked to those themes/plots/topics. Some readers are smut fiends (and we love that for them). Both these things can skew numbers here.

3) A registered user who is logged in can only kudo once, even if the fic has multiple chapters. Someone can read an entire 27-chapter 200k word novel and love it and only be able to leave a single kudo. Guest users are tracked by IP address, so if their IP address hasn’t changed they too can only kudo a fic one time.

4) The above means that re-readers are often not getting seen in kudo numbers even if they’re your biggest fans.

5) “Hits” counts individual views, but only if outside certain timeframes. If someone reads your fic 5 times in 24 hours it won’t count as 5 hits. However, outside that time box it will register as multiple hits, which may mean you’re getting more hits and no kudos because of re-reads.

6) Engagement from readers is lower across the board. There’s been entire articles about it. It’s not just you, I promise.

7) There is no “hits to kudos” or “kudos to comments” or “hits to comments” ratio that can reliably tell if something is good or not for all the reasons above.

AS A READER:

1) Writers want engagement. Crave it. If an author didn’t want engagement, they wouldn’t post their fanfic. It’s not like they’re getting paid. And it can be incredibly discouraging not to receive any. Writers use those stats numbers - hits, kudos - and those comments to determine if people are looking at and, more importantly, enjoying their work. It’s a way of gauging engagement.

Does that mean a writer is entitled to engagement? No. But if you want an author to keep posting fic, engagement is the way to encourage that. Like I said, I can read my own stuff with much less work if I don’t post.

2) As I said above, a registered user that is logged in (or a guest still on the same IP address) can only kudo a fic once, no matter how many chapters it has or how many times they’ve read it. If you want to show you like a new chapter after you’ve dropped that initial kudo, or show a re-read, you’ll need to comment. Even if it’s just a “❤️” or “have another kudo!”

3) You aren’t bothering writers by commenting on something; really, you’re not. I see so many readers worried that they’ll come across as weird by engaging.

Friend, we’re all weird here. Go for it.

I love when people send me a multi-paragraph comment or kudo 7 of my fics in a single night. (I also love all comments, to be clear. An “OMG” or keysmash is also great. So’s a random one-off kudo.) Don’t worry you’ll annoy the writer. We can turn comments off if we don’t want them.

4) Writing and posting fic is time consuming. There’s the writing itself (already a major labor of love) and, even if there’s no editing or beta-reading, formatting and summarizing and rating and all that. Bare minimum. If there’s editing or beta-reading, now there’s an additional (and often lengthy) part of the process that has very likely meant a time investment not only from the authors but the folks that helped them. Engagement is the only pay they get.

5) To put a finer point on topic 1: Yes, lack of engagement has absolutely ended fics people loved or led writers to stop writing/sharing fanfic at all. I don’t say that to insinuate you owe a writer your engagement, but no one wants to shout into an empty room; if fanfic doesn’t involve participation from both sides, the system does eventually break down.

If you read a fic and don’t kudo or comment, the author has no way to know if you liked it or if you accidentally clicked the wrong link and immediately fled. Writers aren’t mind readers.

If you’re someone who reads a rare pair, this is doubly true. Authors of rare pairs can face a lonely existence in fandom spaces if the readers that read rare pairs don’t engage.

6) Please read the writer’s list to understand why kudos/hits/comments numbers are poor indicators of fic quality.

In Conclusion:

I don’t say all of this to suggest that someone’s feelings about fic stats and engagement levels aren’t valid. Writers, you’re allowed to be frustrated or let down by engagement levels; I’ve been there, and I see you. Readers, I have absolutely been the person that read an author’s entire catalogue of fics and didn’t comment because I didn’t know what to say or if I should (though I’m working on that). Like many people, my earliest days in fandom were spent lurking with the lurkiest among us. I’m not judging. But I think some of this stuff is helpful to remember.

You all make fandom better by your presence. No matter what the numbers are. Be kind to yourselves. And, if you’re ready, maybe throw your writers a kudo or comment. It’ll make their day.

#writing on ao3 #stats don’t tell you if a work is good #but readers the authors you enjoy do use those numbers to figure out if people are engaging with their work #and engagement is the engine that keeps fanfic running

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filurig · 1 year ago

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a guy ive had in mind for a whileee its a crime i havent actually made an oc of my faeries yet so this guy!! this guy is actually the faerie that provides folke with funky fantasy hrt. more on them (and a bit about faeries) under the cut...

krillimir, or as they're known to many non-faeries, (spider's web) glasswing, is a rather newly adult faerie, having emerged about 3 years ago from their pupae. a bit of a free spirit in comparison to other faeries, they hail from the Hemarikkit Till colony to the south of vätterunda, perhaps the largest colony in the area with its main structures occupying a sunlit forest grove. due to the size and relatively stable nature of the colony, there was not a lot of pressure/demand on newly emerged faeries to take up a specific role, and krillimir preferred to keep their options open and thus chose to identify as a generalist.

generalist faeries can kind of take on less specific work than other faerie genders usually do, and especially work which involves collaboration with other species, and curious about the world outside of the colony, krillimir applied to be a participant in the colony's medical program - basically all faerie colonies have a medical program which involves a collaboration with the area's local tomtar, who will provide them with illusory magic to maintain their settlements and keep them hidden/protected. in return, the faeries offer their faerie dust, which can be finely tuned to affect an organism's hormone levels (as well as some other biochemicals) - this of course can be used to treat certain conditions, or as a way to alleviate pain, etc.

gullmar, who is folke's "tomte uncle" in a way, ended up visiting the Hemarikkit Till colony in search of a faerie that could help with folke's Trans Gender Blues (aka: provide him with hrt, after gullmar realised that folke was trans) and the freshly emerged krillimir would be assigned to him. due to the nature of the assignment, krillimir would just be permanently assigned to gullmar and comes by the granholm residence once every few months to readjust folke's hormone levels to the proper ones when the T levels start to fall off. while gullmar can find the faerie a bit neurotic and too energetic, their relationship grows to become amicable - a part of gullmar probably feels a fatherly instinct towards them hehe.

some extra faerie stuff i thought about making this guy so ill include:

faeries do not have a directly "spoken" language like we do, and communicate mostly through pheromones, body gestures and sounds like squeaking, trilling and hissing. they can communicate with other species through their pheromones, but as they communicate with said species in the target's language, things like names are often just directly translated. "krillimir" means "spider's web glass wing". how do we have the "romanization" of their name then? Well through some convoluted shenanigans. basically - tomtar have an anda-powered ability to learn the language of other species. with enough exposure and socialisation they will just naturally begin to gain an understanding of that language, and their ability has led them to be able to learn faerie language, especially helped by it also existing in a written form. while faeries don't speak this written language, it is how they conceptualise more complex ideas internally (the internal voice so to speak) - with the tomte ability, they can somewhat approximate what the language would sound like if spoken - at least filtered through the tomte brain. its most definitely not 100% accurate to what it would sound like though but most faeries accept it as close enough. this probably makes no sense but erm it sorta makes sense to me. LOL. but it means that most species that haven't learn to read faerie will only hear the literal translation when a faerie introduces themself, and thus many call krillimir by glasswing for short.

krillimir is a "generalist", which is one of many faerie genders. i made a post about it a while back! they go by they/them but generally doesn't mind he/she either.

faerie clothing is generally made of a fabric woven together by silk produced by them themselves - this silk is mainly produced by broodtenders or generalists. they also have a special way of "tanning" leaves, ending up with them having leather-like properties, which is part of what krillimir's outfit is made out of there! very popular reccuring symbols in their fabric design are "eye" "mimicry" and sometimes patterns which mimic some other animal/creature.

#fantasy #fairy #faerie #folklore #fae folk #spec bio #sorta in the description LOL #oc #original character #pareidolia tag #oc: krillimir #oc: folke

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offorestsongs · 7 months ago

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You have been invited to the Rose Festival! (Algy's 100 followers celebration ♡)

a/n: hello!! once again, thank you so much everyone for 100 followers!! i still can't believe there's so many people out there who would enjoy my art and my OCs, especially since i've been in the community for a relatively short time. everyone's been SO sweet and supportive along the way and i appreciate all of you so so much <3 so! as my celebration, i'm finally releasing the hometown event for my OC Rosienne. hope other people will have fun with it as well!

THE SET-UP

Amongst the Shaftlands' hills, in an isolated rural area, sourronded by deep woods and golden fields, stands an old, majestic palace commonly called the Midnight Castle. According to the legend, it is the very place where the Beautiful Princess had fallen for her cursed lover. For generations now, the Midnight Palace has been in the hands of the Minuit family - according to the legend, they're the descendants of one of the servant families. The Midnight Palace now is a tourist attraction managed by the Minuits, keeping the legend alive and helping people learn more about the surrounding history. The famous Rose Festival is held every year in commemoration of the Beautiful Princess breaking the curse, and every year, Rosienne comes back home to help his dad in running it. This year though, they seem to be short on staff. But hey, what Rosienne's schoolmates are for? Without much thinking, he grabs a few people for help, including Yuu/the Prefect and Grim who got a special mission. Since Rosienne is in the school's newspaper, he had asked (very politely, totally with a chance to say no, trust me) the Prefect to take a few photos of the festival he could later use for his article. That will surely all go fine!

THE FESTIVAL

A mix between a ren fair and those Bridgerton balls, but themed after XVIII France! The guests can get a special tour of the palace focused on the legend of the Beautiful Princess, taste local food and buy hand-made souvenirs, get a lesson on manners and the fashion of the time, watch plays made by local performers and more. At the end of the festival, in the big palace ballroom, is held a ball, usually called the Rose Ball. Everyone is allowed to enter free of charge as long as they're dressed in somewhat period appropriate attire. The staff, too, is required to wear period appropriate clothing.

RULES

✦ even tho it's my follower milestone event, anyone can join!! ✦ you can enter with any type of character - Yuusonas, OCs, canon characters other than the ones i've "officially" included are all welcome!! ✦ any type of entry is welcome as well!! cards/edits/fics, whatever your heart desires <3 ✦ no NSFW ✦ in your post please link this post, tag it with #the rose festival and tag me as well so i can see it ✦ there's no deadline

DRESS CODE

anything inspired by XVIII France (with creative liberties, of course) and Beauty and the Beast inspo:

CARD BACKGROUND

(taken from the Beauty and the Beast movie ofc, edited by me!!)

PARTICIPANTS

canon characters: Vil Schoenheit, Riddle Rosehearts, Silver

OCs:

[SSR] Rosienne Minuit - me! [SSR] Astrid Primrose - @cheerleaderman [SR] Yuya Florence - @cheerleaderman [SSR] Flori Mohn-Prinz - @bunniehunn [SSR] Yumi Yozakura - @marinahavik [SSR] Silas Sanderson - @theolivetree123 [SR] Airlea Therein - @cheerleaderman [SSR] Reyu Carrera - @mirioho [SR] Erwin Coppola - @explorer-of-art [SSR] Yuri Senjougahara - @lazyea [SSR] Kimiko Shindo - @slumberingrose-fandom

REBLOGS ENCOURAGED!

(dividers.)

#twisted wonderland #twst #twst oc #twisted wonderland oc #twst fan event #twisted wonderland fan event #beauty and the beast #the rose festival #💌 lore #hihi :>#decided to put it out there now so i wont forget LMAO #you can see my copywriting classes come in handy with the way im bolding every keyword dhjgjdkj #anyways i hope rosienne enjoys being the center of attention <3 <3 #ill try to make cards for the canon boys but... we'll see!

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beoljibentertainment · 30 days ago

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NARA in Good Day [EP 1]

Pairings: Nara (OC) x Kwon Jiyong (platonic), Nara (OC) x Hyungdon/Donnie (platonic)

Warnings: none

w.c: 2,3k

English isn't my first language, so it'll probably have some mistakes — I'm also trying to use quotation marks, but in Brasil we usually write dialogues with dashes, that's why it'll probably look so off

please interact with me, I'm dying to know what you guys think about her/the story/everything!!! I want to know your thoughts and asks and what more you want to see 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

The car had gone over a speed bump, but neither of them felt it. Jiyong and Hyungdon were deep in conversation about the possible participants in the program and who the old MC could call to join them. Their minds were racing with different possibilities and Hyungdon barely noticed when the car started to slow down and entered a narrow street.

“I said that there was no one confirmed yet,” Jiyong said, referring to the talk he had with Hyungdon and Defconn in the restaurant some hours ago “but there is this person who has an extraordinary mind and couldn't be left out. The way she thinks, not just about music but about life… the way her whole brain works is remarkable”

Hyungdon furrowed his eyebrows, reflecting if he knew who it was. There weren't any clues, but he was trying to guess nonetheless. He looked through the window, thinking if he could recognize the neighbourhood and the artists that lived there. To not let the show turn into silence, he said “so you thought about someone before thinking about me?” in a jokingly jealous tone.

Jiyong blushed, giving him a sly smile, "that's why we came to pick my wife”.

Hyungdon turned his head abruptly to stare at Jiyong. His eyes were wide, almost jumping out of its orbits. His mouth was hanging open. He was waiting for an explanation, but Jiyong didn't back out from what he said. When did G-Dragon marry? No. He wasn't invited to the wedding, there was no way that really happened.

The car stopped and they got out, Hyungdon still with a perplexed expression on his face, just following his friend to the entrance of the building. The cameras followed them, blurring things that could identify the place.

Jiyong held up his cell phone and started calling the supposed guest, putting the audio on speaker and letting the cameras record the contact's name “wife”. When the other party answered, he just said “We're here, jagi” in a sweet tone, as if he was talking to a lover.

Hyungdon's face was still in a perplexed state. What the fuck. So, when the door opened after a few seconds, a chic female figure was revealed. The show would edit the moment with a song, slow motion and a feet-to-head close up, primarily focusing on G-dragon and Hyungdon's reactions. The main host was smiling hard and then he heard his MC friend yell “NA-LA”.

It was NARA, Jiyong's long time best friend and Korea's superstar. "JIJI” she yelled back with a smile so hard on her face that showed her gummies. He started laughing uncontrollably, leaving the anxiety of meeting Jiyong's “wife” aside, knowing that it was just a joke – how could he really believe that he was married in secret? She took a few steps forward, joining the group. Jiyong gave her a hug.

When Hyungdon finally stopped laughing, still with a smile on his face, he said "So you two are married, huh?”. Jiyong and Nara looked at each other and nodded, only to earn a slap from him after. “I thought you were serious!”

Nara took her cell phone out of her purse and opened the flip, entering the contacts area to show that Jiyong's number was saved as “fiancé” – the camera blurred other contacts and the number itself, leaving only the name. Hyungdon wouldn't stop laughing “I always forget your phone is like that” and, when she put her phone back in her purse, he pointed at the charms she used and G-Dragon's photocard – the camera focused on it too.

Jiyong covered his face with his hands, wanting to hide the blush on his cheeks. She didn't normally use the charms, it was solely to tease him – Nara did have to ask her manager if she could buy a photocard of G-Dragon for her in the week before.

When he got back to his normally confident self, he furrowed his eyebrows and crossed his arms, asking "why am I not saved as husband?” in a curious tone.

“There's still no news that we've got married, only that we're engaged” she explained and Hyungdon laughed so hard he had to bend over. “We've been engaged since 2014” Nara said to the camera, continuing to joke about that fact while Hyungdon still laughed.

“2015” Jiyong corrected her “in Paris Fashion Week".

She nodded her head “Yes! Oh, Paris is a good place to get engaged”.

They started laughing while staring at each other. Were all their interactions like that? They were such a chaotic duo that they could even talk through glares, without the need to say a word. When Hyungdon stopped laughing and could finally catch a breath, he shook his head saying “Your boyfriend must hate him”, in a joking tone.

Of course, having a boyfriend and calling your best friend "fiancé” would be a hard thing to any relationship, but they seemed to be handling the situation very well, since they still could joke about it. "Jiji, you don't even know,” she said, trying to hold her laughter.

“He did hate me for a while,” Jiyong said “but we've made up now".

“I had to sit them at the kitchen table in my house and force them to talk and sort things out,” she explained. She wouldn't let Jiyong act as if it was a pacific thing when the two of them shouted so loud she had to apologize to Hyoyeon the next morning.

“I thought he was going to poison my food” Jiyong muttered and Hyungdon's eyes widened. Was it that bad?

“Of course not!” she tried to defend her boyfriend, but Jiyong interrupted her,

“You saw the way he greeted me at the door! And you know he's rude”.

"He's not rude” she tried to defend her boyfriend again, but her voice cracked a little and both of them laughed because, indeed, he was a little rude.

They kept talking as if there weren't any cameras there, as if it was just a simple conversation between long time friends letting Hyungdon know what had happened in their lives during that time – and Hyungdon loved it. He missed them so much, and the chaos they brought with them.

“He didn't even look at my face when we were backstage!” Jiyong said and then turned to Hyungdon, continuing to discuss the subject, “One time, he actually greeted every BigBang member's hands and skipped me".

“WHAT?” Hyungdon yelled, surprised that anyone would choose to ignore him – and, knowing who the boyfriend is, it really was a much better story. The viewers would be hysterical at the situation.

“I remember that,” Nara said, laughing. “But, in his defence, I couldn't even look at you that people said I was pregnant with your child” she said, remembering a real rumor that happened in 2010 after they appeared talking at the MAMA's.

“I think at some point you just started doing things on purpose to get them lost in the news” Hyungdon argued, thinking about the most absurd things the two of them got rumors for.

They looked at each other and laughed, nodding their heads in a synchronized way. It was true. “It was very funny,” Jiyong recalled. And they could laugh about it now, but it was hell at the time. Nara could remember when she and Kyuhyun had a 3 day fight because of it, when both she and Jiyong received so many death threats and people actually asked them to leave the groups they were in; they were friends, best friends, and no made up news about them being together or jealousy from their respectives significant other would stop that.

“And now we're going on a date” she said, entwining her arm in Jiyong’s and resting her head on his shoulder. She remained serious, as if they were a real couple – but both viewers and Hyungdon could see that it was just another joke.

"You're the worst” he said to both of them, seeing them walk away.

Jiyong had a smile on his face, letting her do all the talking. He opened the car's door and held out his hand for her to enter. “I'll call you later, jiji” she told Hyungdon and received only an “aish, punk” in return. They both entered the car and the variety show continued.

They booked a closed room at a karaoke bar, with sound blockers. They began singing Oligarch A La Carte, the song they created together in 2015 that stayed in top charts for weeks and won some awards. However, they decided to sing each other's parts, to give the audience a different perspective.

“Why are you doing so many ad libs?” Jiyong asked, jokingly, as to why she was incorporating so many “yeah's” and “c'mon's” in his parts.

“I was a professional ad liber in the beginning of my career” she answered, seriously, as if there really was such a position in the group. After half a second, both of them cracked in laughter. Yes, she had no lines in the beginning of Super Junior and only danced and did ad libs on shows, and it sucked at the time but it was so funny now.

They sang more songs. Nara went with Crayon, saying “I think I'm a better G-Dragon than you” after singing his part and copying his mannerisms in a teasing tone. Sometimes they got really competitive, so Jiyong chose Greedy to sing and danced the chorus, also making fun of her mannerisms, before saying “I think I'm a better NARA too”.

Then, Jiyong sat on the couch. "Let's talk about the project now. Shall we?” he asked, tilting his head so that she would sit next to him.

“Yessss” she answered in the microphone, in a singing tone, while approaching the sofa and he laughed so hard that he had to hide his face in the sofa cushion.

And, for the next few minutes, he explained what he wanted to do in the Variety Show and what he, Hyungdon and Defconn talked about before he went to meet her. She thought the idea was incredible – actually, she would support him regardless of the idea – and knowing the raised money was for a good cause was even better. She was also a Gen 2 kpop singer that grew up seeing the kind of program Jiyong was inspired by, and they understood each other.

For a second, she looked completely inside her mind. Her eyes were unfocused and she appeared to have stopped breathing. However, not two seconds later, she was back from inside her mind, just to say “What do you think about polyphony? Or canon. You said you wanted a lot of artists collaborating and that would be a really good conception to what you want to do” into the microphone. "If we want create an atmosphere that show different artists, perspectives and types of entertainment, we could put it into a non homophony to show the simultaneous line of jobs and feeling that are happening at the same time, but that are so divergent," Nara said and paused, waiting for his reaction and, at the same time, already thinking about the chords.

“You already started thinking?” His eyes widened, “I know I wanted to talk to you before developing the idea, but I thought you were going to think overnight, in your house” Jiyong jokes. She really was something else. How could her brain work so fast? So intensively? Polyphony was certainly not the first thing he would think in ANY situation… but it was an interesting form to the variety show.

She laughed too, just happy she could help him with that. And, looking at her eyes, Jiyong could see two lines of thinking develop inside her mind; she was there, sitting in front of him, thinking about their conversation… but, at the same time, she was inside her head thinking about different types of compositions and who she could ask to collaborate.

They continued talking about the project, both on the karaoke's microphones for comic proposes, and Jiyong said about how they put their souls into the songs and only chose the ones they deem the best, but are still so insecure about wanting to disappoint their fans, even if they say that they don't care that much and only want them to be healthy – messages both of them received after their hiatus.

“It's much more difficult to stop caring than people think, you need to turn it into a daily mantra because… people will say what they want and they don't really know who we are, they idealize us and we let us be idealized by them, to love us and… we don't know who we even are, what we like or what this character is,” she said, referring to G-Dragon and NARA “They give us personalities and we try to act accordingly, because we're afraid of rejection…” she takes a deep breath “rejection hurts like hell and we're only trained to dance and sing, not to deal with this. I was 17 when Super Junior debuted, you were a kid in your first job so it impacted us deeply, didn't it?”

It did – and it was the first time they were being so honest in front of the cameras. The setting was incredibly playful, with fun colors and they both talking on the microphones, as if they weren't talking about such hard topics.

“My therapist says that if I had been born from your womb, we wouldn't be so alike,” Jiyong said, looking at her in a completely enamoured state. Nara just laughed, they really were alike.

He loved the way she thought and lived and everything; he wanted to know how her mind worked and what her thinking process was, he wanted to be at her side all the time.

And it would be better than any romantic relationship they would have because didn't need to protect from each other's friendship.

Maybe this was the purpose of Good Day; to show his personal history, his friendships and how music has a meaningful value, both in how he lives life and how he's grateful for his friendships.

#kpop oc #sm entertainment #super junior #super junior 14th member au #super junior 16th member au #super junior imagine #super junior reactions #super junior imagines #super junior x reader #bigbang #g dragon #kwon jiyong #hyungdon

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armiliadawn · 9 months ago

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Hot Ones

Word count: 3500

Masterlist

Synopsis: On the deck of Victoria Punk, a simple chilli challenge turns into an unexpected duel between you and Kid, the strong-willed captain. As the pain intensifies and participants drop out one by one, a new dynamic emerges in this game of pride. But who will be the first to give in, and at what cost?

Tags: Kidxgn!Reader, SFW, platonic, consumption of unconventional food, very mild sexual innuendo at the end.

Notes: This one-shot was originally written in French, which is my first language. It was initially supposed to be written with my OC, but I thought I could turn it into a little xReader. This is the first time I’ve translated one of my texts into English, so I hope I didn’t make too many mistakes, and if I did, please don't be too hard on me 😅.It was inspired by the show Hot Ones.

Tag list: @jintaka-hane @novemberhope @imveryyellow @pandora-writes-one-piece Thank you for asking to be tagged ❤️

That day, the radiant sun bathed the deck of the Victoria Punk, flooding every corner of the ship with its golden light. The fresh, invigorating sea air carried bursts of laughter and enthusiastic shouts to you, immediately catching your attention. As you moved toward the source of the commotion, you noticed several of your companions gathered around a large table. Their voices were lively, punctuated by challenges and jokes.

As you got closer, you saw that the table was laden with chillies, each stranger and more colorful than the last. Some were small and bright red, while others were long and twisted, with hues ranging from bright green to burnt orange.

"Quincy, what are they up to?" you asked as you approached her.

Quincy, with an amused smile on her face, replied, "A chilli-eating contest. The aim is to eat increasingly hotter chillies and last as long as possible without giving up."

You shook your head in disbelief, addressing the members around the table, "You guys are completely loony!"

Kid, who was sitting with the participants and holding a chilli in his hand, heard you and turned to you with his usual arrogance. "What? Are you afraid of a few little chillies?"

You frowned, sensing the provocation in his voice. You knew Kid loved to tease you, but you weren't in the mood to let that happen. "I'm not afraid of your chillies, Kid. I just think it's... stupid."

Kid arched an eyebrow and crossed his arms, a smirk stretching across his lips. "Stupid? Or maybe you know you won't last," he replied.

Your pride took a hit. You hated being challenged like that, especially by Kid. You knew he was playing on your ego to get you to participate, and it was working. "All right," you said, straightening up, determined. "I'll show you what I can do."

You joined the table under the astonished and amused gazes of the other crew members. There were now a dozen of you, including Bubblegum, Wire, and Killer. Heat, for obvious reasons, wasn’t participating; he was playing the role of referee.

Wire watched you settle in, wondering if you knew what you were getting into. "Are you sure? These chillies are fearsome."

You kept your gaze fixed on Kid. "I'm ready. Give me those chillies."

Kid stared at you, a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes. He knew he’d won this little battle by provoking you. "Welcome to the competition. May the best one win." He handed you a long green chilli, the mildest one to start with.

"May the best one win," you replied, not lowering your eyes as you raised your first chilli in defiance.

Heat announced the start of the challenge. Without hesitation, you bit into the chilli, feeling an immediate but entirely bearable burn. You chewed and swallowed, your gaze never leaving Kid's.

The first round started off gently. The chillies were moderate in intensity, and everyone ate them without trouble. You felt a slight burn - nothing unbearable - but you knew it wouldn’t last.

The following rounds intensified quickly. With each new chilli, the participants' faces contorted in pain, their eyes filling with tears. Bubblegum and Hip dropped out after only three rounds, and Papas had to forfeit in the next round, choking on the seeds of his Apache chilli. Only you, Kid, and Killer remained stoic. When Wire threw in the towel, trying to tear out his tongue, only the three of you were left in the competition.

The chillies were lined up in front of you, each one redder and smaller than the last, signaling increasing intensity. Kid and you continued to eat while challenging each other with your eyes, your faces reddening slightly from the heat. The other crew members watched with fascination and amusement.

You chewed another chilli, this one quite strong. The burn spread through your mouth and down your throat. It took great effort to contain yourself and not show how painful the sensation was. You noticed that Kid was also beginning to falter under the heat, his breathing becoming heavier, and sweat beading on his forehead. Yet, he refused to give up before you did.

To divert attention and show Kid that you knew exactly what you’d gotten yourself into, you asked him in the most impassive tone you could muster, "Do you know what the Scoville scale is, Captain?"

Kid looked up at you, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Scale of what?"

You smiled, making yourself comfortable. You leaned back in your chair and put your feet up on the table, looking relaxed despite the intense burn invading your mouth. "The Scoville scale," you repeated. "It’s a measure of the strength of chillies and other spicy substances. It assesses the concentration of capsaicin, the chemical component responsible for the burning sensation."

Kid shook his head, surprised. "Never heard of it. And first of all, how do you know all this?"

You could detect a slight hint of annoyance in his voice. Seeing you so relaxed seemed to exasperate him, which delighted you.

Managing to keep your cool despite the fire in your mouth, you took another chilli, chewing it slowly to show you were still holding out. "I read it in a book once and remembered it, but who cares how I know that? It’s not important. The more capsaicin a chilli contains, the higher its score on the Scoville scale. For example, a mild chilli like a bell pepper has a score of zero. Jalapeño peppers - the ones we ate at the beginning - have around 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville units. And these that we're eating right now," you pointed to the small, bright red chillies in front of you, "are probably well over 100,000 Scoville units."

You let those words hang in the air, watching your captain's face with interest. You could see from his posture and the intrigued look in his eyes that he was thinking about what you had just explained.

Kid stared at you, trying to hide his growing embarrassment, but he couldn’t deny that your little explanation had piqued his curiosity.

"And the strongest ones, how many units do they have?" he asked.

You smiled at him, pleased to have captured his attention.

"The strongest can reach over two million Scoville units. That gives you an idea of the torture we're putting ourselves through. Beyond two million, we’re talking about self-defense weapons and harmful substances."

Kid grunted, trying to maintain his arrogance despite the obvious pain. "You might know all that, but here, it's practice that counts."

You straightened up, your eyes gleaming with defiance. You couldn’t deny it, he was tenacious, and it didn’t surprise you. But you refused to back down in front of him. You were going to win this little game, even if it meant losing half your taste buds. It’s worth it!

"Very well, Captain. We'll see who lasts the longest."

The words left your mouth with determination, and deep down, Kid felt something different stir within him. It wasn’t just pride or the desire to win. It was a strange mix of respect and amusement, something he wasn’t used to feeling. He couldn’t recall the last time someone had looked at him with such defiance without backing down. Until now, few people had dared to stand up to him, especially not in such a trivial challenge as this. But this time, something was different. You didn’t waver, showed no sign of weakness, and that stirred his curiosity as much as his pride.

He bit into another chilli, trying to dispel these thoughts by focusing on the pain spreading through his mouth. But even the intense burn couldn’t silence that little voice in the back of his mind, the one whispering that this challenge was different, that you were different.

"You know you can still back out," he said, trying to keep a disdainful tone, but the grimace of pain twisting his features betrayed his bravado. The pain was real, but what worried him more was the idea that you wouldn’t give up as easily as the others. And a part of him - a part he wasn’t ready to admit yet - found that strangely... exciting.

"Dream on!" you retorted with a confidence that shook his certainties. Your piercing gaze, your categorical refusal to give up… all of it stirred an unexpected curiosity in him, mixed with a hint of admiration.

Kid clenched his teeth, not only to endure the burning sensation but also to suppress the smile that threatened to betray his thoughts. He couldn’t help but wonder just how far you were willing to go. But one thing was certain: this challenge was no longer just a trivial contest for him. There was now a much greater stake than he could have imagined, and the idea of discovering where all of this might lead fascinated him more than he would have thought possible.

You grabbed another chilli, your eyes locked on his, defying any apparent pain. You could feel the burn traveling down your esophagus, and you knew your limit was close, but you had to hold on just a little longer! Kid was about to crack; you could sense it.

Kid, feeling the pressure, continued as well, but his movements were becoming less and less assured. Around you, the other crew members murmured among themselves, impressed by your resilience, your ability to withstand the pain, and especially by your audacity in standing up to the captain like that. Quincy, in particular, watched you with an amused smile.

Meanwhile, Killer, still unperturbed, ate his chillies with disconcerting ease, as if the burn didn’t affect him at all. Despite his apparent nonchalance, he didn’t miss a single moment of the showdown between you and the captain.

This wasn’t the first time they had faced off in a chilli duel, but this one was particularly entertaining. Rivalries and challenges within the crew were commonplace, but this competition had a special flavor, a mix of reckless bravery and misplaced pride.

Killer, as an astute observer, had noticed something that made him even more attentive: Kid, usually so self-assured, seemed unsettled. He had caught the way the captain looked at you, a mix of frustration and astonishment in his eyes. Your confidence, your tenacity. It was new to him, and it was throwing him off balance. Killer knew that Kid wasn’t used to this kind of resistance, especially from someone like you.

Seeing his friend, usually so arrogant and domineering, gradually lose his composure in front of someone who didn’t back down was a rare sight. And Killer, despite his impassive demeanor, relished every moment of this duel, wondering how it would all end.

House, always on the lookout for an opportunity to make things even more interesting, had taken the initiative to start taking bets from the crew members, further fueling the enthusiasm and excitement around this ridiculous competition.

Kid, despite his efforts to remain stoic, could no longer hide the pain. His face was now as red as his hair, and he was sweating profusely. Each chilli seemed to be an increasingly unbearable ordeal. Finally, he placed his half-eaten chilli on the table, breathing heavily.

"Alright, you got me," he said grudgingly.

You let out a small cry of joy, savoring your victory.

"That's what I thought." You set down the last piece of chilli you were holding and turned toward Killer, who still seemed as comfortable as ever. This man definitely isn’t human!

"I suppose you're the undisputed champion?"

Killer nodded with a smirk that you could sense beneath his mask.

"As usual. But you can always try to beat me if you feel up to it," Killer replied with his usual calm, his voice steady in contrast to the excitement buzzing around you.

A collective murmur of excitement swept through the crew, stirred up by the barely veiled challenge from the blond-haired man. The already charged atmosphere crackled with renewed energy, and all eyes were fixed on you, eagerly awaiting your response.

You narrowed your eyes upon hearing Killer's remark. You hadn’t expected this provocation from the First Mate, but the dopamine and endorphins coursing through your body gave you a rush of confidence, and you didn’t hesitate long before responding.

Taking a deep breath, you bit into the last chilli, the most formidable of the selection. The burn that followed was immediate and devastating, as if a wave of fire was crashing through your mouth, quickly spreading down your throat and into your stomach. If up until now you had never been aware of your insides, you certainly were now. Your face contorted in intense pain, and you felt your eyes fill with tears. Every breath became a challenge; the air entering and leaving your lungs seemed to amplify the burning sensation. In desperation, you pounded your fist on the table, trying to contain the pain, but it was too much. Your body reacted in every possible way to make the agony stop: your forehead was drenched in sweat, your stomach was knotted, and it felt like molten lava was pouring inside you. Your hands trembled as you gripped the table, hoping to find some anchor in this storm of heat.

"Okay! I admit defeat," you finally gasped, your face flushed from the effort and your eyes completely blurred by tears.

Killer finished his last pepper with an almost arrogant nonchalance. He leaned toward you, a satisfied smile forming beneath his mask.

"Well played," he whispered in your ear. "But it seems I’ll be keeping my title a little longer."

Around you, the crew members clapped and laughed, some rubbing their hands together as they collected their winnings from House. Even Kid, though defeated, seemed impressed by your determination.

House, having finished collecting the bets, approached you with a glass of milk to soothe your burn.

"You’ve earned it," she said, handing you the glass.

You took the glass with gratitude and sipped it, hoping the cool liquid would finally extinguish the fire raging in your mouth and throat. You felt slight relief, the milk offering a brief respite from the intense pain.

But as the laughter and cheers continued around you, you felt the burn return, more insidious and persistent. The milk had soothed the surface, but the lingering heat from the chillies continued to gnaw at you, relentless. You knew you needed to find something more effective.

A few minutes later, you found yourself in the kitchen, desperately searching for something to soothe the unbearable burn of the chillies. You opened the fridge and spotted a large can of whipped cream. Without hesitation, you started emptying its contents directly into your mouth, savoring the soothing sensation of the sweet coldness on your inflamed tongue.

The relief was immediate. The cool sweetness of the whipped cream coated your tongue and throat, finally quelling the fire that had tormented you. Leaning back against the counter, you savored the feeling of respite, eyes closed, a sigh of contentment escaping your lips.

As you continued to empty the can of whipped cream, a part of you couldn’t help but smile at the thought of the crew’s reaction - especially Kid’s - if they saw you in this situation.

At that moment, Quincy walked into the kitchen. She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw you, cheeks puffed out with cream, an expression of satisfaction mixed with embarrassment on your face.

"Well, it looks like someone had a tough day," she said, laughing softly as she walked into the kitchen and closed the door behind her.

"You're lucky it was me who walked in," she continued. "If it had been one of the guys, you’d be getting smutty comments that would follow you to the end of your life and beyond."

You lowered the can of cream and wiped the corner of your mouth, trying to appear somewhat dignified. "You can say that again. Those chillies were... worse than I thought."

Quincy approached, a teasing smile on her lips. "And yet, you lasted longer than Kid. He’s never going to live that down."

You shrugged, taking another sip of whipped cream. "It wasn’t just about beating him. It was a matter of pride. I couldn’t let him think he could outdo me that easily."

Quincy laughed and pulled up a chair to sit across from you. "You know, I think you impressed him," she said. "So, how does it feel to be the new chilli champion?" You smiled at her, despite the lingering burn. "I’m not the champion. Killer remains unbeatable. But I have to admit, it was intense. I’ve never felt something so... painful and exhilarating at the same time."

Quincy nodded, her smile widening. "I always knew you had a competitive spirit, but you’ve surpassed all my expectations this time." She glanced at the can of whipped cream in your hands. "So, is this your secret remedy?"

You burst out laughing, instantly regretting it as the pain flared up again. "The milk wasn’t enough. And honestly, whipped cream... it’s a stroke of genius right now."

You paused, staring at the silver can in your hand. "I’ll need to come up with an explanation for Killer; he hates it when we rummage through the kitchen without his permission."

Quincy nodded in agreement, looking at you with undisguised admiration. "You know, it doesn’t surprise me that you’re capable of anything. You and Kid, you really are an explosive duo."

You raised an eyebrow, curious. "What do you mean by that?"

Quincy smiled enigmatically. "Just that you push each other to be better. Even in the most absurd things, like eating chillies." She stood up and headed toward the door. "Take your time. Get some rest. And maybe avoid chilli challenges for a while, okay?"

You shook your head with a grateful smile. "Yeah, I think I’ve had enough for a lifetime." You raised the can of whipped cream in a gesture of thanks. "Thanks, Quincy."

Quincy gave you a wink before leaving the kitchen. Once alone, you leaned back against the counter, savoring the coolness of the whipped cream and reflecting on what had just happened. The pain from the chillies was slowly fading, replaced by a sense of satisfaction. You had taken on the challenge, and even though you hadn’t won, you had proven that you could stand up to the best, and that was enough for you.

After emptying a good portion of the whipped cream, you finally felt ready to head back to your quarters. As you stepped out, you ran into Kid in the hallway. He looked agitated, holding a glass of milk that he was sipping frantically, but it was clear the burn wasn’t easing. His features were still marked by pain, and he shot you an exasperated look as he saw you.

"This damn milk isn’t doing anything," he grumbled, visibly frustrated by the lingering burn.

You couldn’t help but tease him a bit as you saw him like that. You offered him the half-empty whipped cream spray that you still had in your hand.

He looked at you first with confusion, then with a hint of suspicion. "Seriously? Whipped cream?"

You shrugged with a mischievous smile. "Trust me, Captain. It’s more effective than milk."

Kid hesitated for a moment, but the persistent burn convinced him to give it a try. He took the can, pressed the button, and within seconds, a cloud of sweet cream filled his mouth. His expression softened slightly as the soothing coolness brought immediate relief.

Kid closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the calming effect of the whipped cream. It was far from the most manly or elegant solution, but at that moment, he didn’t care at all. The burn was fading, and he could finally breathe without feeling like his throat was on fire.

He opened his eyes, meeting your gaze with a mix of gratitude and a hint of irritation. "I hate to admit it, but you were right," he mumbled reluctantly.

You couldn’t help but smile, impressed by his admission. "Don’t worry, I won’t brag about it... well, not too much," you replied before turning on your heels, ready to head back to your quarters.

As you walked away, you could feel his gaze lingering on you. Although Kid didn’t say anything further, you sensed that something had shifted in the dynamic between you. He might not be ready to acknowledge it, but this exchange, light as it was, had left a mark. A small, silent victory that followed you to your cabin, leaving you with a satisfied smile on your lips.

***

The next morning, as everyone gathered for breakfast, a shout of discontent rang out from the kitchen.

"Guys, who emptied the whipped cream can and put it back in the fridge empty?"

Killer, visibly annoyed, stormed into the common room, holding the empty container aloft, his sharp gaze scanning the room for the culprit.

You couldn’t help but sigh as you imagined what must have happened the night before. Kid, in his infinite wisdom and unable to resist the temptation to finish off the whipped cream, had discreetly placed the empty can back in the fridge, hoping to go unnoticed.

You pinched the bridge of your nose, thinking to yourself that you were going to have a word with your idiot captain.

#kid pirates #eustass kid #massacre soldier killer #eustass kid x reader #one piece x reader #quincy #They're just idiots eating chillies #kid pirates x reader #eustass captain kid #eustass kid x you #kid x reader #kid x you #eustass captain kid x reader #captain kid x reader

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rockmiyabideusexmachina · 4 months ago

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2025 Megaman Secret Valentine Event Signups *Closed*

^*Art drawn by Soul Rokkuman

While I wait for the last couple Secret Santa gifts to arrive, going to move on to opening the next yearly event. Even though last year I went back to Valentine's Day being in contest format, I feel like it's worth swapping back to a gift art event this year, to mix it up again. Truth be told, just hard to brainstorm much new for categories right now. And my contest prize plans are better off for summer, when more people are able to participate. (I do have a few nice prizes I plan to give away for that ;D ). So rather than rushing those plans, just going to keep this event more relaxed once more. For those who didn't participate 2 years ago, the Secret Valentine Event works much like Robot Rumpus/Megaman Secret Santa. Sign up with the intent to draw, by providing a list of your favorite characters and couples, that you would like as a Valentine gift. After signups close you will receive a target, with the goal of drawing something from their list for them, to send them as a Valentine.

Sign Up Instructions: 1.) When you are ready, either post a reply in this thread or send me a DM via tumblr or Bluesky or sign up through my Discord server: (https://discord.gg/EjHZJ7D3Xm), stating that you intend to sign up to draw for someone. 2.) In your reply/message, please include a wish list with a minimum of 3 prompts, either individual fave characters or couples from the Megaman franchise, that you would be happy to have drawn for you as Valentine’s gift art. Megaman-related OCs are OK, but please include at least one canon character. 3.) Let me know if you can be a backup artist or not, if someone has to drop out/can't complete their gift

Artwork does not necessarily have to be romance themed, but it is preferred to fit with the holiday. But some singles are happy by themselves on the day of love, so you can certainly find a way to make single characters feel appreciated/loved in your art, too.

Any kind of artstyle and medium are welcome, with the exception of AI slop. Has to be your own work only.

Signups will run from today until Tuesday, Jan. 14th, 2025.

That gives you one week to sign up.

On Wed. the 15th, Cupid Wily and I will message everyone back with their assignment, and their assignment’s wish list. Then you will have one month to create your gift art for your Secret Valentine.

Secret Valentine’s art will be due Friday Feb. 14th, 2025, by the global end of the day.

But I'll work in a week or so grace period if people need an extension. It would be nice if gifts were given on Valentine's Day, but since this won't be a competition, I'll be a little flexible if people need a little more time than a month to draw. While the gift should go to your recipient first and foremost, please also either send them my way when you are finished or tag me in a public post so that I can save the art. I will then compile all the art into a homemade Valentine’s Day shoebox gallery/thread like I usually do for contests. That way everyone can view them together in one place just as easily.

Please do not post your art before Feb. 14th!

Ideally, send your secret valentine their gift at any point on Valentine's Day itself. Either through DM or publicly tagging them in a post on your social media of choice. Posts can also be made in the valentine's day channel in the Fanart Contests and Events section of my Discord.

Any other questions, or something you felt I forgot to address? Feel free to ask.

I’ll edit a confirmed participant list in this thread as I receive them. (Just like I need to edit the year to 2025, because I really screwed that up initially! LOL)

*Confirmed participant list* (W/backup status)

Lunna Cupcake N LadyStormtail1985 N SunnyJustice Y RockmanGurl Y @axlthemaverickhunter Y Jay Sky Y @digitallyfanged Y @burntbeebs Y Elle Y Dr. Fresh Y SkipperdeesArt Y @sparkpop N @drewblossom Y @dahlia-the-nurd N @zeibei Y

1/15 *All assignments have been sent out! Check your DMs for your target. Thanks, everyone!

#Rockman #Megaman #Mega Man #Rock Miyabi's 2025 Megaman Secret Valentine Event

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desceros · 1 year ago

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me: [looks at calendar, gets a wicked idea, looks into the camera] happy springtime, turtle fam! who's ready to celebrate the season?

...mating season, that is. hehe. [dodges the tomatoes]

so! i had the idea that it would be super fun to have a community-wide event where we all have a prompt and then everyone fills it in their own way.

...i then decided all the prompts i came up with were too good not to use, but also none of them were Good Enough to use exclusively, so i changed my mind and the prompt is now just MATING SEASON. with a few suggestions at the bottom of this post if you're looking for some.

since spring is coming upon us, i hereby invite everyone to join in the vernal festivities... which in turtle parlance, of course, means only one thing: write, draw, whatever your version of "mating season", then join me on march 1 to post it with the tag #TMNTSpringShellebration. we then shall browse the fine selection of our mutual artistic efforts, and basically just have a good time as a community.

here are the prompts i came up with as starters-slash-things-to-include if you're looking for a place to get started. feel free to use these at will, or use them to come up with something of your own:

“Please don’t make me explain this. It’s humiliating as is.”

Oops, Looks Like Mating Season Came A Week Early This Year

“…In all of my mating seasons, this has never happened before.”

“I told you not to come by! It’s mating season!”

Probably should have expected it to be different now that he’s not going through it alone.

Because of Shenanigans, you have to wait. Wait… Wait… ok now.

They’re not the right person for mating season… but they’re the one who’s here, so…

“Show me where it hurts."

so yeah! see you all on march 1 for the, uh, spring shellebration. party popper emoji

questions i imagine will be popping up and i hope will clear up here before my askbox swells beyond capacity under the cut to keep this post from being Way Too Long. also it's really not that serious it's just an excuse to write slash draw for everyone Please Don't Take This Thing Too Seriously It's Not That Serious:

"can i participate?" yes! it's literally just an invitation to do something. nothing fancier than that. no need to be following me or in my friend group or whatever.

"can i write (insert fic idea here)?" yep! so long as it's related to the idea of mating seasons, it flies. reader insert? hell yea. oc? hell yeah. solo turtle and his favorite pillow? go for it.

"can i draw (insert art idea here)?" yep! uh. i know tumblr has the cops watching for sin bin material, but you art people know how to deal with that. and if you don't, uh, ask the other art people. im just a feral cat in a trench coat

"how do i participate?" write/draw/collect songs for/whatever. then, on march 1, post it and tag it #TMNTSpringShellebration. also, for funsies, keep it hush hush what you're working on so we can all be super shocked when the day comes! except, y'know, that you're planning on joining in. totally do that.

"when do i post it?" march 1. whenever on that day. waves hands around in a vague gesture at time zones not mattering. seriously don't take this so seriously it's just me wanting to create cool shit with my friends with a little more structure to it

"does it have to be horny?" i mean. it's an event about mating season. so by definition it's going to be at least a little horny. but however you interpret it is cool. even if it's just. idk. leo sitting sweatily in a chair looking longingly at a glass of water bc he's thirstier than usual. be smart about things, people. i'm not your dad.

"which tmnt verse is this for?" whichever one you want it to be for!! rise! bayverse! 2007! your fan iteration! your friend's fan iteration! your mortal enemy's fan iteration! yes!

"will you be reblogging everything?" absolutely not, but this isn't an event About Me. i am incidental to the thing. it's about Us. coming together as a community. for horny turtles. puts my hands on your shoulders. do it for you. for your friends. for the community.

#text tag #feel free to reblog this around. it started out as a thing for turtle fam but we all agreed that it would be fun for The Community #anyway yeehaw let's spend all of february thinking about what to do and then the night of feb 29 doing it RAH #tmntspringshellebration

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miasmaghoul · 4 months ago

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So I got one particular kink request that mentions maybe needing an OC. I have an idea for this already, but it occurred to me that I've never told you guys about my actual OC. I'm sure most won't care, but I do, soooo...

Everyone, meet my ghouly guy Jasper!

Jasper is an earth ghoul, but more in a rock direction than a plant direction. He was summoned near the end of Terzo's reign, and lives in the depths of the abbey with the other service ghouls. His assigned tasks mostly revolve around building maintenence, and he usually goes unseen due to a preference for working at night. He's not a fan of crowds anyway, so it all works out. The last thing he needs is a gaggle of siblings ogling him while he repairs cracks in the walls with nothing but a palmful of finely crushed stone and a little burst of magic.

He keeps to himself in the off hours too, preferring to hang in his dorm with something immersive; a good book (preferably horror or mystery), a video game (loves single player RPGs and cozy games like Stardew Valley), doing a puzzle (jigsaw, crossword, or really any sort of word game) or listening to music while staring at the ceiling. His dorm sits beneath one of the band's equipment storage rooms, and it's not uncommon for one or two of the band ghouls to hang out and play something every now and then. He has very sharp ears, and if he closes his eyes he can usually tell who's fucking around (or just fucking, let's be real) in there.

If he does need to participate in group activities, he enjoys the company of his fellow earth ghouls. They aren't a rowdy bunch (except for Pebble, though they still get on well enough), so he'll have no problem meeting Mountain in the orchard for a joint and idle chitchat, or having a quiet lunch with Ivy in the rose garden. He also finds himself drawn to air ghouls - he had a huge crush on Zephyr, but their Whole Thing with Mountain told Jasper to keep his distance. They still made great friends though!

His first roommate was Aether, before he was recruited into the band and moved to Dew's room. They got along very well, and Aether taught him a lot about many, many things. The abbey, the world Above, human-shaped vessels and what they can do...many lessons were taught in that cramped dorm room. Jasper has it to himself now, but still he leaves Aether's side clean and organized. Just in case.

Aether tried to teach him to play guitar as well, but never got the hang of it - coordination was an issue, as was the fact that his finger strength kept breaking the higher strings. He prefers to sing anyway, in a voice that could go straight to your bones. The one exception to his 'no crowds' rule comes when it's time for a celebratory mass, where he will don a ceremonial robes and join the choir in worshipful song. Mostly he just sings in the shower though.

He has an extremely dry sense of humor, always heavy handed with sarcasm, but is also able to pull a pun out at the drop of a hat. Loves to banter and tease in his own way, though it can take other ghouls some time to adjust to his mannerisms. But if something hits him just right, really tickles, then he's cackling like a hyena with tears streaming down his cheeks.

Loves to hunt with Mountain; the pair of them have spent many night tracking everything from rabbits to bucks with nothing but claws and fangs, tearing into their prizes with unabashed, feral pleasure. Jasper will take pieces of their pelts and fashion them into little pouches or decorative pieces to store on his one crowded bookshelf. There are a few hand-carved pieces of antler there too, none of anything identifiable, but at least he'd tried!

He eats normal human food too, as most ghouls do, but he has a guilty pleasure - red clay, harvested from the banks of the stream that cuts through the forest. If anyone finds him gathering it he says he's trying his hand at pottery, but in reality he's squirreling it away to dry so he can have a nice crunchy snack afterwards. Aether walked in on him with his mouth covered in clay dust once, and he has yet to live it down.

Now, some rapid-fire physical traits and preferences!

Jasper is intersex, presents on the masc side of androgynous, and uses he/him pronouns (though they/them is okay too). Demiromantic pansexual, far more willing to share his body than his emotions. Kinky as all hell, but he is a ghoul after all.

He is 6'2" (188cm), narrow and lanky.

He's pale, doesn't particularly enjoy being out in the sun, (Mountain call him a cave dweller), but if he does spend a day tilling in the gardens or the orchard it'll bring out the freckles on his face and arms.

Keeps his hair very short, almost shaved, on the sides and back, but shaggier on top. Easy to let flop over his forehead, or to slick back if he needs to look "presentable". It's thick and copper colored, looks redder in the sun, and he's always running his hands through it. If he shaves the sides down, he likes to carve little designs into the remaining fuzz. His horns are stone-like, only a few inches long, starting at his hairline and angled backwards. (When he's unglamoured they become twin rows of stalagmites in all sizes, sharp as anything.)

His face is angular, with sharp cheekbones and a pointed chin. His ears stick out, the left one more than the right. His eyes are steely gray, a touch sunken and perpetually accompanied by dark circles. Has a thin scar that runs down his forehead and through his left eyebrow, from the time he tripped and fell through one of the glass panels of the greenhouse. His nose used to be narrow and straight, but after an evening spent drinking Terra's moonshine his bedroom floor changed that. (He's a clumsy guy, what can I say.) He doesn't mind the crookedness, though he does sometimes wince when he sneezes. Wears glasses for everything except to read.

Piercings: double lobes in both ears, with a helix on the left and a daith on the right. Used to have his septum done before the nose incident, chose not to re-do it after that healed. Nipples (prefers barbells or shields). Bellybutton (blame Aether).

Tattoos: his elemental symbol on the inside of his left wrist. An intricate sigil at the top of his spine, extending down between his shoulder blades. A black and gray snake that wraps around his right calf, it's head on the top of his foot.

Wears a simple silver ring on his right middle finger and a pair of complementary chains around his neck. One holds a cage-style pendant surrounding a piece of raw obsidian, the other small crystalline vial of something that DEFINITELY isn't blood. Enjoys painting his nails, and will keep his claws glamoured just to flash his color of the week. It'll be chipped after two hours, but he doesn't mind.

For clothing, he keeps it simple. Service ghouls all share a uniform - a black tunic, slacks, white-tipped Oxfords and a simple black mask - but in his off time he likes baggy t-shirts and comfy pants. Or no pants, he kinda hates pants. Keeps a few nicer pieces for the rare occasion his uniform isn't formal enough, but they mostly sit unused in the back of his closet.

Finally, he is terrified of spiders. Many spider-related pranks have been, and will continue to be, pulled on him.

Aaaand thats all I've got off the top of my head lmao. I've never written down anything about my weird rock boy, he just lives in my mind and now, maybe, in yours. Will he ever be fully fleshed out? Will he make an appearance in any future fic? Find out next time, on DragonBall Z!

#miasma's work #the band ghost headcanons #the band ghost oc #jasper ghoul #(might as well give him a tag just in case lmao)#i doubt anyone cares about this which is totally fine but if anyone has questions about him im down lmao #its 2am and idk if im even gonna post this lmfao #<- thought about it more and im saying fuck it lmao

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oscconfessions · 4 months ago

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what are object camps and how do they work???? Ive seen that thrown around a few times and im curious

-Sketch Book Anon

So, at least in my experience, the best way to summarize an object camp is imagine an object show, but you and other real people are competitors (usually on Discord but sometimes in other platforms like Reddit or even YouTube for some camps). Most camps follow a simple loop of:

A host creates a challenge

Contestants create something to complete the challenge, usually* anything works, drawings, videos, texts, etc... in a certain deadline

The host ranks the submissions*

Elimination (usually* contestant voting)

*this asterisk is for Cary Huang's TWOW, which is technically an object camp, and arguably one of the most well known ones, but deviated a lot from the "traditional" object camp format

There are other mechanics that might impact this loop, like teams, special items, etc... But the main thing outside of creating entries is forging and breaking alliances with other players.

Outside of the traditional object camps, there are some variants as well:

Speed camps, which push step 2 to its absolute extreme with deadline anywhere from a day to just an hour

Roleplay camps, which put the main focus on the characters you are playing as in dynamic roleplay situations rather than the usual submission, blending steps 2, 3, and 4 together in a way

Show replication camps, which, instead of registering as an OC to participate, you will choose a character from a pre-existing show and compete as them (for example: If you join a BFB replication camp, you will play as one of the contestants in that season)

Hope this rambling helps answered your question -💾

#confession #mod response

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verdantlights · 2 months ago

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Lullaby of Winter

ℙ 𝕀 ℝ 𝕆 𝕌 𝔼 𝕋 𝕋 𝔼

Aka "Pirou"

They/Them/He/Him, AMAB

...Human?

5'8.5" and 141 lbs

Owner is Venlyx

Brand is vertical down their left calf

Trivia

Obligatory figure skater oc because it's something I've always wanted to do since I was a wee lad.

They have the same owner as Everest and they're extremely close with her, considering common likes and dislikes. Being products of the same owner will do that, I suppose. They're a few years younger than Everest and they consider her to be an older sister.

They're admitted into ANAKT at the same time as Everest, but due to their age, they're in separate classes.

Everest wins Season 36 as Pirou is still training for his own season. He was set to participate in Season 40 with Toki and Clove.

He does NOT participate in Season 40, obviously, as something happens beforehand (that'll be a separate backstory/lore post). They're now set to participate in Season 41.

His 'elf' ears are based off of Venlyx' fascination with Old Earth folklore and fairy tales. She modified Pirou's gene pool quite a bit and gave him those ears as well as a tail. Both are extremely expressive similar to Ichor. (if i had a nickel for how many ocs i have with a tail, id have 2 nickels. which isnt a lot but its weird that i have 2.)

Pirou was very weak as a child, and so Venlyx put them into figure skating to build strength, balance, and flexibility. It worked a lot better than anticipated and Pirou grew to fall in love with skating. His home was on ice and it was one of their only comforts.

Is pretty obedient and stays in line more often than not. They're aloof, gullible, and extremely shy. They don't like approaching people or crowds and prefer to let people approach them and befriend them. However, when you get to know them, they can get a bit talkative and is actually super sweet and kind!

Fluent in French. According to the gene pool, he is Korean and French.

His preferred singing style is more lullabies and humming. There's a lot of lyric-less songs he's orchestrated. He plays classical instruments with guidance from Venlyx.

Epitome of grace and elegance I fear.

Other:

Plip said they wanted to make a boyfailure for Pirou, so it's possible Pirou will have a love interest, that may change tho idk

Friends with Clove, Ichor, Everest, Rine, Memento, Plips future boyfailure i think

Their ears flick. Like a cat. car. beautiful car with homophobia

Named after. well. a pirouette which is... a spin in figure skating.

they kinda just spawned into my head a super long time ago after i listened to shatter me by lindsey stirling for the first time in like years of forgetting about it lmao

a bit of a diva when on ice ngl

something something yuri on ice

there is a LOT of heavy inspo from Indila (french song artist) hence the fact theyre fluent in french and are half french/european

if you notice that i stole yuzuru hanyus height, weight, birthday, and in the future his outfits for pirou, no you dont.

use they/them as much as possible, he/him is only there because originally they did use he/him and were transmasc, but i switched it to amab nonbinary and now were at amab demiboy,,,, mostly nonbinary than boy. in reality they dont really care all too much about their gender, but they find the most comfort in androgyny.

they like boys. and is also achillean

heart emoji i love you guys ill post more later

tags by oc/name mention: plip @awaggaa , rine @apple8ees , and memento @rockwgooglyeyes

other tags: @alien-til-i-stage @bluemoonscape @ivanttakethis @chevalperd @apriciticreveries @starry-skiez @friedclownshrimp @nottoonedin @yunoftheclouds @subzeromoron @messengers-of-the-gods @junebluues

hands on needs out of breath okay i think thats enough,,,,, i pinged a few new people i usually dont so if you dont want to be on my taglist just lmk, i just love you guys my moot friends (tism emoji)

#zen's alnst oc lore/notes/logs #alien stage #alnst #alnst oc #alnst ocs #alnst oc: pirouette #alnst oc: everest #alnst oc: ichor #alnst oc: clove #alnst oc: rine #alnst oc: memento #alnst season 41 #alnst fan season 41 #alnst s41

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acacia-may · 4 months ago

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Wilhelmina "Billie" Granvorka (Black Clover OC)

(Art from this Picrew).

Happy New Year! One of my resolutions is to share a little more about my OCs this year so without further ado here's a brief intro to one of my (secret) Black Clover OCs and the subject of my new, upcoming project "Eye Of The Storm"...

Wilhelmina "Billie" Granvorka

Wilhelmina or "Billie" Granvorka is the daughter and only child of Kaiser Granvorka and his wife (the most functional and arguably the best ship in Black Clover). Her father's Vortex Magic and mother's Water Magic combined to create her Hurricane Magic.

She is ambitious, serious, resourceful, driven, and resilient. Though she is independent and slow to warm up to others, she is loyal to her friends and squad-mates. She has been friends with David and Lorelei Swallow since her childhood and eventually becomes good friends with her fellow Golden Dawn members particularly her fellow "rookies" (and overachievers), Letoile Becquerel and Klaus Lunettes (though she and Klaus did not get along very well at first).

Wilhelmina wants to prove that she has what it takes to be a magic knight on her own talents alone and not because she is riding the coattails of her father's successes.

Birthday: March 19th

Magic: Hurricane Magic

Likes: Tea, Reaching Her Goals, Reading, Knitting, Spending Time At Home With Her Loving Parents

Dislikes: Messes, Laziness, Trivial Small Talk, Not Having A Plan

She is the protagonist of "Eye of the Storm" (which is hopefully coming soon 🤞).

A few more fun facts below the cut 🌧️

Her nickname "Billie" was given to her by her mother. It is still used with affection by her parents and by her childhood friends, David and Lorelei (OC) Swallow. Most of her squad mates, however, call her Wilhelmina.

Like her father, she has a gift for mana sensing and magic control. She inherited her father's hair and eye color, but she also takes after her mother, Maris, who was a magic knight vice-captain and very powerful in her own right. Kaiser and Maris struggled to have children and had almost given up when Wilhelmina was finally born. Her birth prompted them to retire from the magic knights to raise her. As their only child, she was doted on but never spoiled. She is close with her parents who were very involved in her life and upbringing.

With a magic knight captain and vice-captain for parents, Billie had a lot of raw magical ability and talent. Both of her parents trained her to take control of her hurricane magic, and she has always wanted to follow in their footsteps and become a magic knight.

Though her parents never set unrealistic expectations for her, Billie often felt the pressures of being a "Granvorka" from other nobles, particularly the magic knights. Being the daughter of one of the most respected, now-retired Magic Knight Captains always weighed on her heavily and gave her an intense desire to prove herself--both that she could live up to her family's legacy and also showcase her own power and abilities.

Though the Golden Dawn was a relatively new squad at the time, she chose to join it because she felt it would best help her reach her goals and prove herself and also because she felt Captain Vangeance truly believed in her and actually wanted her for her own abilities not just because she was Kaiser Granvorka's daughter.

She participated in the same entrance exams as Klaus Lunettes and actually faced off against him in the dueling portion of the exam. After a grueling battle, she ultimately beat him by pulling the steel lances he had made into her hurricane, flinging them back at him, and pinning him to the wall with his own weapons. This set them off on the wrong foot even after Captain Vangeance selected them both for his squad.

As the two newest members of the Golden Dawn, she and Klaus are particularly competitive with one another and he is usually cold and standoffish to her given that he felt she humiliated him at the Magic Knights Entrance Exam. However, after many careful observations of her training and sparring sessions, he eventually develops a strategy to best her during a sparring-training session.

Eventually, she and Klaus grow to understand each other, connect over a mutual love of reading, and become friends. They drift apart after things go horribly wrong on a joint-mission but (secretly) remain very loyal to each other.

Hamon Caseus was assigned to be her and Klaus' "babysitter" when they first joined the squad (in a similar way to how Klaus eventually became "babysitter" to Yuno & Mimosa when they joined years later). He always invited them to have tea after their training sessions. Hamon eventually becomes like an older brother to her along with their (pre-series) Vice Captain, Ronan (Ren) Conglaciare (OC), but Langris Vaude (their "backup babysitter") will always feel kind of like her babysitter.

She has known David Swallow since childhood and still thinks he is a moron. He may be her friend, but she is not above sharing his battle weak spots with Letoile to help her best him during their squad's training sessions.

Though her favorite hobbies generally involve her training her magic, she is surprisingly crafty. When she was young, she and Lorelei Swallow (OC) (who was like a big sister to her) always worked on crafts, particularly knitting projects, together. She does not have a lot of time for it these days, but it is still relaxing for her.

She loves tea and collects different blends. She doesn't have a lot of personal effects in her room at the Golden Dawn base, but she does have a porcelain tea set which was given to her by her parents.

A/N: I haven’t decided if she & Klaus are a pairing or just close friends. If they are a ship, they kind of give me “Right Person Wrong Time” vibes. Maybe if I write about them some more, I’ll figure it out. Feel free to weigh in friends. Thanks!

#black clover oc #black clover oc: wilhelmina granvorka #kaiser granvorka x his wife #kaiser granvorka x mrs granvorka #I have SO many thoughts about Kaiser Granvorka and his wife #i have way too much to say about them #i have a lot to say about billie too #fingers crossed i'll actually get her story written #this profile is a wip but I wanted to post it since it's my new years resolution to share a little more about my ocs here #still working her out & hoping for some feedback 🙏#please talk to me about her #(mentioned) black clover oc: lorelei swallow #(mentioned) black clover oc: ronan conglaciare #i have so many secret black clover ocs...🙈

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lemoncrushh · 11 months ago

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That Sunday, That Summer

Summary: Kelly's roommate Bianca talks her into participating in a celebrity charity scavenger hunt that Harry Styles surprisingly attends.

Warnings: None! This is pure fluff!

Word Count: 6.1k+

A/N: Inspired by the Nat King Cole song. Harry x OC, written in first person. Originally posted in 2020 (I was not writing reader fics then).

If I had to choose just one day...

I hadn't planned on going. Sundays were usually reserved for me time. And this particular week had been grueling; I needed the day to chill and unwind. Besides, the new novel I'd decided to pick up on my way home on Tuesday was calling my name.

But Bianca had insisted I join her.

"It's for a good cause," she whined that Saturday evening after dinner as I loaded the dishwasher. "You'd be helping people, and isn't that what you're all about?"

I chewed on the inner side of my cheek. My roommate knew my weaknesses and soft spots.

"I hear a few celebrities are even joining in," Bianca added, wiggling her eyebrows.

I chuckled. "Celebrities are interested in spending their Sunday going on a scavenger hunt?"

"If it's for charity, yeah. Besides, we have an odd number of people who've signed up. If the teams aren't even, it won't be fair!"

Turning to look at her, I put my hand on my hip. "And what if I show up and so does someone else, and it's still uneven?"

Bianca rolled her eyes and groaned. "Pleeease Kel! You'd be doing me a huge favor if you go!"

"Why's that exactly?" I questioned.

"Because...I sort of already signed you up."

So that Sunday morning in early June, I reluctantly got out of bed way before the time I normally would, and by nine a.m., I was standing in an empty parking lot next to Bianca as we waited for instructions. The sun was still behind a cluster of clouds, allowing for a mild morning, but I knew within a couple hours I would be sweating through my t-shirt.

"So...when do we get this show on the road?" I asked Bianca impatiently.

"I think we're still waiting...on some people..." she muttered, looking around at the group that had gathered before gesturing toward the tall woman wearing a headset and holding a tablet. "Then Marla will divide us into teams."

"Great," I sighed.

"C'mon girl, it's gonna be fun," Bianca smiled, looping her arm through mine.

Holding back a yawn, I watched as Marla turned suddenly, and a string of people exited the building behind her.

"Holy shit!" I exclaimed, recognizing the familiar faces.

"I told you!" Bianca giggled, squeezing my arm.

"Yeah but...I didn't think..."

It wasn't completely unheard of to come across a celebrity now and then. Not in Los Angeles. I'd seen a few since moving there. But they'd usually been out of reach, just a glimpse for a millisecond before I had time to digest who it was, and they were out of sight.

I caught the blush in Marla's cheeks as she turned toward the crowd again, and the line of famous faces took their places on either side of her.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for coming!" she announced into her microphone. "For this very special event, for a worthy cause, we've had the overwhelming pleasure of recruiting these six very kind, and very generous people to join us. Please give a warm welcome to..."

My mind was in a fog. I heard Marla announce the names, each celebrity nodding and waving, but it sounded far away, like at the end of a tunnel in some celestial world in a dream. This couldn't be real.

But yet, here they were. Right in front of me. Swallowing hard, I finally made my own connections in my brain as to whom they were: a mix of actors, musicians and other personalities. But it was the man who stood on the far right that I was most in awe over. Dimples displayed on his cheeks as he smiled, dark stubble adorning his handsome face, curls all a mess around his head resembling a disheveled halo, he looked like an angel.

"Can you believe Harry fucking Styles is here?" I suddenly heard Bianca squeal in my ear, like the pop of a balloon.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I exhaled through my teeth.

"I actually didn't know for sure. There were rumors, but I didn't wanna get my hopes up."

The two of us listened to Marla as she explained how the game was played, and what the ultimate goal was. Though it was a competition, we had to remember it was for charity, and to have fun.

"We will now divide into six teams," she said before addressing the celebrities again. "If the team captains wouldn't mind calling out the names on your lists."

The first actor took the mic, calling out his team. Neither Bianca nor I were called. I felt her arm slip from mine as she took my hand instead, threading our fingers. Three more celebrities created their teams, leaving just two, with Bianca and I yet to have made a team.

"I think I'm gonna be sick," I muttered, trying to take in a deep breath.

"I feel ya girl," whispered Bianca. "But hey, even if we don't get Harry, it's okay, right?"

"Of course," I chuckled, though it was a feeble attempt.

When the woman standing next to Harry read off her list of names, and Bianca and I were not on it, I felt like I could pass out.

"Please tell me you had something to do with this, B!"

"I swear, I didn't!" she promised with wide eyes. "I helped with the scheduling and all, but I didn't have anything to do with the teams or the celebrities. I'm not that lucky."

"I guess that means the rest of you lot are mine," I heard Harry say with a giggle.

Bianca and I eyed each other, letting out giggles of our own. Calling out the final names, I heard Harry say ours, his sweet accent making mine sound better than I'd ever heard it spoken before.

In a momentary daze, I'd forgotten what to do next until I felt Bianca jabbing me in the side to get me to move. Following the other members of our team, we gathered near Harry as he began to greet everyone individually. Mentally shaking off some nerves, I psyched myself into believing he was just another person, like anyone else.

"Hi, I'm Kelly," I said when it was my turn, holding out my hand.

"Hello Kelly, I'm Harry."

I shouldn't have looked at his face then, because his eyes were blinding. Like magnets, they seemed to pull me in until I felt as though I was melting down a precipice of oozing syrup and honey. Nope, definitely not like anyone else. Help.

Whether I'd muttered the word aloud or not, I'll never know, but Bianca came to my rescue as she introduced herself as my friend as well as a member of the charity organization. Releasing my hand, Harry smiled and shook hers, declaring he was happy to meet us all and have us on his team. After Marla made her final announcements, Harry turned to his group, cutting the tension by making a joke and causing us all to laugh.

"Let's have fun, alright?" he suggested, lifting the papers in his hand and handing them out. "Looks like there's some pretty easy things on this list, others not so much. But we'll do our best."

"I already have something on this list," announced another woman on our team, reaching into her purse. Producing a Dum Dum, she beamed. "Lollipop!"

"Good job, Trisha," grinned Harry. "Hold onto that, and we can check that off our list."

Trisha's face went red as she dropped the candy back into her bag and drew an X on her paper. I smiled to myself, knowing that not only was she proud of her finding, but that Harry had remembered her name so quickly.

"Now, shall we venture out?" Harry asked, turning for the sidewalk.

With unanimous nods, the five of us followed Harry, stopping at the corner.

"Are we supposed to stay as a group?" asked one of the men, whose name I'd learned was Donte.

"I don't think we have to," replied Bianca.

"No, that's up to you," Harry turned to face us. "We just don't wanna double up on anything. That would be a waste of time. So if you wanna split, we'd have to divide up the list."

"I think we should stay together," I piped up. "At least...for now."

"Me too," added Trisha.

"Alright," Harry grinned, our eyes locking again. "Let's see how it goes together for the first hour or so. Then if we need to split up, we will."

Nodding, I bit my lip. I could tell Donte was not happy with my decision, but we'd only just started. I didn't want to risk being separated from Harry already. This was the most exciting thing that had ever happened to me.

As we walked, we all chatted a bit, though it wasn't that easy with six people. The sixth man who made up our group I finally learned was Trisha's fiance, Brian. He was pretty quiet, and I assumed he'd only tagged along for Trisha's sake.

"So it looks like the only rules are that we can't purchase anything," I heard Harry say from the front of the line. "If we find anything we can't take with us, we can take a picture of it."

"Oh good, 'cause look!" I exclaimed, pointing to a chalkboard sign that stood outside of a restaurant. "Ice cream!"

Harry and the rest of the team looked at the sign, noticing the big multi-colored chalk drawing of an ice cream cone. Then turning his head back to me, his green eyes sparking, he smiled, making me melt once again.

"Good one," Harry nodded. "Very clever."

"Thanks!" I beamed, standing up straight with pride.

"Mind taking a picture of that, Kelly?" he asked me.

"Oh, sure," I fumbled with my crossbody bag, digging inside for my phone as the sound of my name from his pillowy lips made me weak in the knees. Finally, retrieving my cell, I snapped a couple of pics from different angles for good measure. As I zipped up my bag again, lifting my head, I saw Harry marking off his list, the rest of the team walking ahead. Looking up at me, his lips stretched into another winning smile.

"Hey guys," I suddenly heard Bianca call. "There's a boutique here. We could probably get one of the shopping bags."

"Oh yeah," I muttered, grabbing my list. We needed three different shopping bags.

"Come with me," she ordered, a slight smirk on her face.

Bianca quickly took me by the hand and led me inside the store, leaving Harry and the others outside.

"Go girl!" she cheered in a loud whisper.

"What?"

"He's into you!"

I rolled my eyes incredulously. "Oh, give me a break."

"I'm serious! After you found the chalkboard, he couldn't stop looking at you. He was still checking you out when I turned around just now."

"He was not checking me out," I scoffed.

"Whatever girl, be in denial." Traipsing off to the register, Bianca asked the cashier for a shopping bag. I pretended to be interested in a display of scarves until she reached the door and gestured for me.

When we stepped outside, however, the crowd seemed to have multiplied. Glancing around in confusion, I quickly learned why. Harry had been spotted. Watching the handful of people getting their photos taken with him, the rest of us waited by the curb.

"Is this gonna happen all day?" inquired Donte.

"He's famous, dude, what do you expect?" said Brian, surprising us all. "It was only a matter of time."

"Yeah, but our time is limited. And if we have to keep stopping..."

Harry strode up to us then, his tall frame casting a shadow on the sidewalk. "Sorry about that. I was trying to hurry it along. Sometimes they get a bit chatty."

"No worries," I smiled.

"I have an idea," Bianca offered. "I say we go ahead and try to mark off all the things on the list that we know we have to do as a group. Like all the group photos and stuff. We can probably get the other two shopping bags as well. Then we can split into pairs."

"Pairs?" I whispered, earning me a wink from her.

"Sounds good to me," Trisha shrugged.

"Me too," Donte echoed.

"I say we head across the street," Bianca pointed. "We can probably get the rest of the shopping bags, and maybe someone can take our picture with someone in uniform."

Waiting for the light to change, I saw the sun come out from behind the clouds for the first time that morning. I sighed, half wishing it would have stayed cool and overcast, but as we crossed the street, I caught Harry putting on his sunglasses, and I changed my mind.

We found the other shopping bags quickly, and as luck would have it, I spotted a woman in Army fatigues coming out of a coffee shop. She was taken aback when we asked her for a photo until we explained what we were doing. With a hesitant smile (and a hug from Harry), she agreed, so we all lined up on either side of her and asked a passerby to take our group picture (who also got one with Harry).

Within the rest of the hour, we were able to find a fast food menu, a napkin from a restaurant, a sale flyer, a photo of someone getting into an Uber, and a picture of a capital V.

"Um...how are we supposed to take a picture of everyone in one bathroom stall?" Trisha asked timidly.

Harry's laugh rang out like a songbird, and had I not been watching where I was going, I might've run into a parking meter. Removing his sunglasses, Harry's green eyes sparkled like diamonds in the sunshine, and the corners crinkled as he chuckled with glee.

"I actually have an idea for that," he began, pointing further down the block. "There's a restaurant down that way that makes amazing tacos. I happen to know the owner, and I also happen to know the men's toilet is very clean and has two stalls. I suggest we break for lunch - my treat, of course - and take our selfie while we're there."

I couldn't stop the smile from spreading on my face, not just from his generosity and cleverness, but the adorable way he pronounced "tacos".

"Aw man, I know that place," said Donte. "And you're right, they got some bad ass tacos."

"Then what are we waiting for?" asked Bianca. "I'm starved!"

Making a beeline for the crosswalk, Bianca and Donte led the group, followed by Trisha and Brian, leaving Harry and me to bring up the rear.

"Having fun so far, Kelly?" Harry inquired as we walked side by side. His close proximity sent electricity to my skin, and I found myself rubbing my right arm, though I was far from cold.

"Very much," I nodded, once again trying to psych myself out. So what if he'd smiled at me? He smiles at everybody. And he's...got a great smile...for heaven's sake! "This is very nice of you."

"Oh, it's my pleasure. I was beginning to think Donte didn't like me very much."

With a giggle, I looked up at him, noticing he'd placed his shades on his head, serving as a headband for his curls.

"I was thinking he wasn't too fond of any of us, to be honest," I commented. "But he seems to have mellowed in the last hour."

"Oh, so you didn't know him already?"

I shook my head. "No. Only Bianca. She's my roommate."

"I see," remarked Harry. "I was under the impression she was with him."

"Who, Donte?" I laughed. "No, they'd never met either."

Tilting his head, Harry seemed to study the pair far ahead of us, then looked back at me. "They seem to be getting along pretty well now."

Watching my friend, I noticed the way she was chatting with Donte, laughing at something he'd said before touching his bicep. If I knew Bianca - and I was sure I did - that was a signature flirting move.

"Yes, they certainly do," I agreed.

Just then, I heard the faint sounds of sneakers pounding on the concrete before I turned to see two young girls running toward us, their chests heaving.

"Oh my God, it's him, it's really him!" one of them screamed.

"Harry, look out!" I warned, afraid they were going to come right at him and knock him over.

"It's alright, love," I heard him say softly before he turned around, his hands out like he was ready to catch someone if need be. "Slow down, please."

"Oh my God, I'm sorry!" the first poor girl choked, already in tears.

"It's really you!" breathed the other one.

"It's me," Harry chuckled low, his kindness turned up a notch. "Hello. How are you?"

"Great, we love you so much!"

"So much! Your album is the best!"

"Thank you, I love you too. Please catch your breath," said Harry. "I don't want anyone to pass out."

"Sorry!" the first girl squeaked, still trying to get her bearings.

"Don't apologize. What's your name?"

"Alicia."

"Chloe," added girl number two.

"Alicia and Chloe, it's lovely to meet you both," Harry said sincerely. "Now, I have something important I'm working on, and I have to get going. Did you want a picture?"

"Please!"

"Yes, please. If you don't mind." Chloe clutched her sparkly phone case in her hand as I stepped up to her.

"I'll take it for you," I offered, holding out my hand. "So you can both be in it."

"Oh, thank you so much!"

With a nod, I took her phone as the three lined up for the photo, Harry putting his arms around each of the girls. Snapping several shots in a row so Chloe had a few to choose from, I then zoomed in a bit and took a few more.

"Here you go," I smiled, giving Chloe her phone back.

"That's so nice of you, thank you!" she said again.

"Of course, no problem," I declared just as I looked down and spotted the girl's shoes. "Harry, look!"

"Ah, you've done it, again!" cheered Harry, nudging my arm.

Alicia and Chloe both looked at us perplexed as I asked, "Mind if I take a picture of your shoes? I'm playing a game, and I need something with a zebra print."

"Um...sure?" Chloe replied hesitantly.

After snapping the photo, we thanked the girls who then thanked Harry again before waving goodbye. Resuming our trek up the sidewalk, Harry spoke.

"That was very nice of you, by the way."

"Oh, it was nothing. Those girls are just like me. I'm a fan too."

"Of mine?" Harry raised a brow.

"Oh heck no, Bradley Cooper!" I chaffed, side-eyeing him to see his reaction before letting out a snicker.

Despite the shake of his head, Harry's dimples were on full display as he laughed at my jab.

"You're funny," he remarked.

I threw my head back, calling out to the sky. "Oh thank God, someone thinks I'm funny! I'm the only person who laughs at my jokes."

With another chuckle, Harry placed his hand on the small of my back. "C'mon, Funny Girl, let's go. The rest of the team is probably already at the restaurant."

While I didn't consider myself a comedian, or even particularly funny, the fact that I'd gotten Harry Styles to laugh was the highlight of my day - perhaps of my life. And though his hand slipped from my waist as quickly as he'd touched it, the tiny gesture was tender and left a feeling of warmth on my skin, even through my t-shirt.

When we reached the restaurant, Harry held the door for me, and just as suspected, the group was already gathered at a table, munching on chips and salsa.

"Where were you slow pokes?" Bianca asked with an unspoken accusation.

Rolling my eyes, I explained about the fans just as Harry arrived at the table with a plump latino man in an apron.

"This is Frederico," he announced in a semi-believable Spanish accent, patting the man on the back. "He makes the best tacos in all of California. And he says we're welcome to as many as we like."

Frederico laughed and nodded in agreement, handing out menus to the table.

"A friend of Harry's is a friend of mine," he declared, making us all cheer.

Our team of six devoured more than two dozen tacos while we shared good conversation. Everyone was glad to hear any story Harry had to share, but he was good at shifting the topic to someone else, wanting to learn more about each of us. Just within that half hour or so, I decided I liked him. Not that I hadn't liked him before. I was a fan after all, despite my joke earlier. But now I was getting to know him a little bit personally, and the vibes he gave off were very pleasant and right up my alley.

"So after this, we break off into pairs, right?" asked Donte.

I took notice of the look he gave Bianca. I almost smirked until Harry's voice answered his query.

"Yeah, I think that's a good idea. That is...if Kelly doesn't mind being my partner."

My eyes wide, I bit my lip as I felt Bianca kick me under the table. Facing Harry, I thought I might melt down my chair like the queso we'd been eating. Though his expression looked nonchalant, not even a twitch of a smile on his lips as he rested his chin in his hand, his eyes seemed to dance with joviality underneath the fluorescent lights.

"Um...sure," I said casually, reaching for my soda. "I don't mind."

I caught a glimpse of his left dimple, pushed back by the tiniest of smirks just before he lifted his glass to his lips. I wondered to myself how long I could possibly continue to stare at him if no one else was at the table. But alas, we were not alone, and I could already feel the blood rushing to my neck as Brian reminded us we still needed to take that group selfie.

Rising from the table, I dropped my paper napkin onto my plate as I watched everyone else walk single file to the restrooms. Suddenly recalling my phobia of confined spaces, I worried I might not be able to include myself in the group photo. Wringing my hands, I grasped at the extra stack of napkins, already feeling myself sweating.

"You coming, Kelly?" I heard a voice ask.

I knew it was Harry's, but I didn't look up at him just yet. Instead, I merely nodded as I dropped the wad of napkins onto the table, slowly making my way around it. Inhaling slowly, I blinked and exhaled in the same fashion.

"Hey. You alright, love?"

"Huh?" This time I lifted my head, Harry's calm face coming into view as I tried to focus. His arm was reaching out for me as I hoped to God the tacos I'd just eaten weren't planning an unfortunate encore.

"Yeah, I'm...fine," I gulped. "I'm just...oh God, how embarrassing..."

"What's wrong, Kelly, are you sick?"

Shaking my head, I wiped at my brow. "No. Just...claustrophobic."

"Shit. We probably shouldn't do this then."

"No, I'll be fine," I argued. "I can do it. For the team."

Harry chuckled as he rubbed my arm. "It's just a game, love. It's one photo. We don't have to take it."

"Come on, guys!" Donte called from the men's room, holding the door open. "The stall is huge! We can definitely all fit in here."

Though Donte's affirmation was reassuring, it was Harry's hand that caressed my forearm from my elbow to my wrist that had the most calming effect. Taking another deep breath as I watched his ringed fingers travel up and down my skin, I nodded.

"Yes, we do have to do this," I told Harry. "I can't let down my team."

Beaming at me like a child at Christmas, Harry pulled me close, squeezing my body against his in a one-armed hug as he placed a sweet kiss on the top of my head.

"Such a trooper, you are," he murmured. "I've got you if anything happens. Stand in front of me, okay?"

Releasing myself from his hold, I gazed up at him and nodded with a smile. Then following Donte into the bathroom, I giggled when I saw the rest of the group already inside the stall. Taking a gander at its size, I felt dumb or ever being nervous. Still, I did as Harry had said, and stood in front of him, facing the stall door. Then because he was the tallest, only by an inch maybe, Brian was the one who lifted his phone and snapped the selfie, all of us looking up and giving our cheesiest grins.

Nobody needed to know, not even Bianca, though she was my friend, and it was probably undetectable in the photo anyway, but Harry had looped his arm around my waist right before Brian snapped the picture. He'd held it there as he'd lifted his other hand to make a peace sign, and continued to keep it there long after he'd dropped that other hand to push my hair from my neck to whisper in my ear, his breath tickling my flesh and sending my heart into orbit.

"You okay?" he asked, his lips practically kissing the back of my ear.

"Yeah," I whispered back.

Oh, yeah. I was more than okay.

"You mentioned you work at a law firm?" Harry inquired after we'd split into pairs and divided up the remainder of the list.

We were walking in a more residential area, and I was hopeful we might be able to find a few domestic items as well as plants or flowers.

"Yeah," I replied, "I'm a paralegal at a medical malpractice firm."

"And you enjoy it?"

I shrugged. "Can't complain. I never really set out to do it or anything, like it wasn't my life's goal. But I started as a receptionist and eventually took some courses and...it's a good job."

"How long have you been there?"

"Seven years." Stopping in my tracks, I pushed a strand of hair behind my ear as I gazed straight ahead. "Jeez, has it been that long?"

Harry chuckled, as I shrugged.

"Anyway," I continued, my feet taking me ahead as well, "like I said, it's a good job. I like the idea of helping people, so it's much better than say, working for a criminal lawyer or something. I'm not sure I could do it knowing the defendant is guilty of a crime."

"But if they weren't, you'd still be helping them," Harry commented.

"I suppose so," I tilted my head. "Some of these families though...they lost loved ones; they're grieving. We're able to give them just a little bit of peace...and that makes me happy."

"You're a good soul, Kelly."

Looking up at him, I smiled. "Thanks. So are you. That's why we're here, right? Or at least you are. I'll admit, Bianca dragged me here. But she knows my weakness."

"Scavenger hunts?" Harry snorted.

"No, silly," I cackled, unable to stop myself from lightly slapping his arm. He didn't seem to mind as his infectious smile remained on his gorgeous face. "Helping people."

"Ohhh, right," he giggled, lifting his finger to scratch his nose. That was when I noticed the adorable way the tip of his nose wiggled when he tried to talk through his laugh. I found myself itching with the desire to kiss it.

"And here I thought maybe you were here because of me," he remarked.

"You? I didn't even know you were coming," I confessed. "That was just...a pleasant surprise."

I caught a miniscule of a blush on his cheeks before he looked down and shoved his hands in his pockets. "Well, I mean...I'm no Bradley Cooper, but..."

Throwing my head back, I laughed heartily. "Oh my God, you're a dork!"

"Heyyyy."

Before I could rebuttal, something caught my eye to the left, so I wandered to a nearby gate where it looked as though the home owners had a garden. When I stepped closer, I saw them, my breath catching.

"Look, Harry!"

I felt his body standing behind mine as his hands wound around the iron bars of the gate. We stared in silence for a few moments, watching the bed of daffodils sway in the breeze.

"Wow, you're good," I finally heard him say.

"Thanks. They're my favorite..." I turned to face him, suddenly realizing how close he was, "...flower."

I could barely see the irises of his green eyes as he looked down at me, his focus on my mouth. I knew it was, because mine was on his. His body was pressed to the front of mine, my back against the gate. If I'd even dared to move, I wouldn't have been able to. His fists remained on either side of me, holding onto the gate as he seemed to lean closer, or perhaps it was wishful thinking. I wondered if he was going to kiss me. I wanted him to, and yet a voice seemed to sing inside my head, telling me to go on and kiss him. Suddenly, his eyelids blinked and his gaze traveled up my face to look me in the eye.

"Um..." he swallowed, "let's...take a picture...of the flowers, I mean."

Releasing his grip on the bars, he stepped back from me. I'd never felt such a cold chill as I cleared my throat and reached for my phone in my bag.

Harry and I continued on our quest after I took the photo, and though we still made small talk, it felt awkward. Or maybe it was just me.

After taking a photo of a lovely lavender wreath on someone's door, I decided to say something that had been on my mind since before the daffodils.

"Harry," I said, in front of the neighbor's hedgerow.

"Yes?" Turning to look at me, he noticed I had stopped. Then walking closer, his mouth turned down with a look of concern on his face. "Something wrong?"

"I just want you to know," I declared sincerely, "that I think you're way better than Bradley Cooper."

His beautiful eyes squinted a mere second before the gorgeous smile grew on his lips. His laugh was delicate, a mix of a chuckle and a giggle, more like a titter...a teehee? A sniggle? Is that even a word? Whatever it was, I adored it, and I was glad I'd caused it.

I dared to step closer to him just as he held a hand out and grabbed mine, pulling me to him.

"You're great, you know that?" he said to me, not really waiting for a response, though I gave one anyway.

"I am?"

With a nod, he brushed my cheek with the back of his hand before tucking my hair behind my ear.

"I'm really glad you came, Kelly," he conceded.

"Me too." And there went the melting all over again, the oozing of his words like maple syrup running down to my toes.

Harry held my hand for the rest of the afternoon, at least until we got back on a main road, where no doubt he could be spotted again. We'd managed to check off several more things from our list, leaving only a couple before calling it a day.

Meeting the rest of the team again at the restaurant, we headed back to the parking lot with our complete list. Donte and Bianca had had a lucky streak, finding all of their items. Brian and Trisha had only missed one.

Trudging as a team to our final destination, I felt fatigued, much like I did after leaving a concert at the end of the evening. I felt a bit melancholy for the ending, but still exhilarated from the experience. And my declaration to Harry hadn't been a lie. I was definitely glad I'd come. Just sad that it was over.

Even more sad that I might not ever see him again.

Turning our lists into Marla, she smiled and thanked us all for coming. Unfortunately, another team had won, managing to check off every single item and leaving an hour earlier. Though a bit of a disappointment, we knew what really mattered.

"Kelly," I heard in a raspy voice behind me as Bianca and I said goodbye to Trish and Brian, wishing them luck on their wedding.

Harry's eyes seemed to glow in the twilight as I turned to face him. Wordlessly, he took my hand, pulling me to the side and around a dimming streetlamp. I had a feeling he wanted to say our goodbyes in private.

"Harry, I had the best time with you today," I blurted first.

"I was gonna say that," he pouted.

"Sorry. I just..."

"Just what?" he asked, holding both of my hands.

"I just didn't wanna hear a but afterwards," I admitted.

"Who says there's a but?"

I stared at him, still waiting for the word, but it never came. I searched his eyes, as much as I could manage in the darkness. But all I saw was sincerity, like he was thinking the same thing I was. Lifting his right hand, he grazed my cheek just like he had before.

Go on, kiss him...go on and kiss him...

The seconds seemed to simultaneously freeze and speed up as I watched him lean closer, his other hand slipping under my jaw. His skin was warm against mine, the cool of his rings adding a tiny chill, enough to make me hum as I closed my eyes, just before our lips met.

Even though just moments ago various things had been going through my mind such as how my t-shirt and shorts were clinging to me and I needed a shower, or how I wondered how much money the charity had raised, or how I wondered if Bianca really was into Donte...none of that was remotely relevant as Harry's pillowy lips caressed mine, fitting with them like perfect puzzle pieces. Nothing else mattered as his hand slipped behind my neck and his fingers tangled in my hair while his mouth opened slightly to invite my tongue. And no other single notion in the world could have even compared to the way his chest rose and fell beneath my hand while my other one found the curls at the base of his neck as he groaned hungrily against my kiss.

"Mmm," I sounded when our mouths threatened to separate, still teasing the other.

"Kelly..." Harry breathed against my lips.

"Yes?"

Standing straight, he looked into my eyes. "Would you like to go out sometime?"

I blinked rapidly, knowing I'd heard him right, but still incredulous. "Like...a date?"

"Yeah," he nodded, his voice an octave lower. "I really like you and...I'd like to see you again. Spend more time with you, get to know you. Would you like that?"

"More than anything in the world."

The smile I knew to be his but that had come to be just for me that day tickled his lips.

"How's...Friday? Or wait, Saturday..." Harry reached into his pocket to pull out his phone. "I'm so sorry, love, this is so formal. But I have to check my schedule."

"No worries," I giggled.

"Ah, seems I have Friday and Saturday free. Which is better for you?"

"Friday," I answered hastily. "It's sooner."

His handsome face beamed at me as he clipped my chin with his finger and placed another quick kiss on my lips. "It is indeed."

We exchanged numbers, agreeing to text later to work out the details. I giggled when I noticed he put a taco emoji next to my name in his contacts.

"I look forward to it," he grinned before giving me one last kiss, this one soft, slow and sweet. "Goodnight, Kelly. I had a wonderful day."

"Me too. Goodnight, Harry."

I watched him walk toward the building where Marla still stood, stopping once to turn and wave. I blew him a kiss, perhaps a bit cheesy, but I didn't care. I figured he was into cheese. He gave me his dimpled smile before blowing one back, then disappeared inside the office building.

"Well, look at you, Miss I-Didn't-Wanna-Come!"

I scoffed playfully at my roommate as she walked towards me.

"It's amazing what one little Sunday can do, huh?" Bianca added.

Looping my arm through hers, I walked with her to her car.

"Thanks for signing me up, B," I said with a bounce in my step, despite my fatigue. "It wasn't so bad after all."

Darling, it would be when you smiled at me...that way...that Sunday, that summer...

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