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journeytothewestresearch · 1 year ago

Note

I've heard the idea that Monkey is 7 times immortal thrown around a couple times, but my count has only ever gone up to 4 (the peaches, the pills, the wine, and his daoist studies). How immortal IS Monkey?

(Note 09-07-2024: I am going to edit this for more clarity. It will differ from previously shared versions.)

I count eight categories of immortality.

In place of using “layer” or “level,” I’m choosing to designate his various immortalities as “categories.” This is because a new layer of divine longevity or durability would surely be added for each immortal peach, elixir pill, or cup/jug of heavenly wine consumed. Hence, eating multiple peaches would be one category, eating multiple elixir pills would be one category, and so on and so forth.

There are two sets. The first are achieved before or during the journey:

1) Daoist Longevity Arts - Ch. 2

I discuss the exact methods here.

A photomanipulation by me.

2) Erasing Allotted Lifespan - Ch. 3

[After Monkey is summoned to hell in his sleep and thereafter threatens to beat the Judges of Hell for their mistake] The Ten Kings immediately had the judge in charge of the records bring out his [Sun's] books for examination. The judge, who did not dare tarry, hastened into a side room and brought out five or six books of documents and the ledgers on the tens species of living beings ... He [Monkey] had, therefore, a separate ledger, which Wukong examined himself. Under the heading "Soul 1350" he found the name Sun Wukong recorded, with the description: "Heaven-born Stone Monkey. Age: three hundred and forty-two years. A good end." Wukong said, "I really don't remember my age. All I want is to erase my name. Bring me a brush." The judge hurriedly fetched the brush and soaked it in heavy ink. Wukong took the ledger on monkeys and crossed out all the names he could find in it. Throwing down the ledger, he said, "That ends the account! That ends the account! Now I'm truly not your subject" (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, pp. 140-141).

A print from the Japanese children book Son Goku (1939).

3) Immortal Peaches - Ch. 5

[After being appointed the guardian of the Queen Mother of the West's immortal peach groves] The Great Sage ... asked the local spirit, "How many trees are there?" "There are three thousand six hundred," said the local spirit. "In the front are one thousand two hundred trees with little flowers and small fruits. These ripen once every three thousand years, and after one taste of them a man will become an immortal enlightened in the Way, with healthy limbs and a lightweight body. In the middle are one thousand two hundred trees of layered flowers and sweet fruits. They ripen once every six thousand years. If a man eats them, he will ascend to Heaven with the mist and never grow old. At the back are one thousand two hundred trees with fruits of purple veins and pale yellow pits. These ripen once every nine thousand years and, if eaten, will make a man's age equal to that of Heaven and Earth, the sun and the moon..." One day he [Monkey] saw that more than half of the peaches on the branches of the older trees had ripened, and he wanted very much to eat one and sample its novel taste. Closely followed, however, by the local spirit of the garden, the stewards, and the divine attendants of the Equal to Heaven Residence, he found it inconvenient to do so. He therefore devised a plan on the spur of the moment and said to them, "Why don't you all wait for me outside and let me rest a while in this arbor?" The various immortals withdrew accordingly. That Monkey King then took off his cap and robe and climbed up into a big tree. He selected the large peaches that were thoroughly ripened and, plucking many of them, ate to his heart's content right on the branches. Only after he had his fill did he jump down from the tree. Pinning back his cap and donning his robe, he called for his train of followers to return to the residence. After two or three days, he used the same device to steal peaches to gratify himself once again One day the Lady Queen Mother decided to open wide her treasure chamber and to give a banquet for the Grand Festival of Immortal Peaches, which was to be held in the Palace of the Jasper Pool. She ordered the various Immortal Maidens ... to go with their flower baskets to the Garden of Immortal Peaches and pick the fruits for the festival ... [After meeting with the Great Sage's ministers] The local spirit went into the garden with them; they found their way to the arbor but saw no one. Only the cap and the robe were left in the arbor, but there was no person to be seen. The Great Sage, you see, had played for a while and eaten a number of peaches. He had then changed himself into a figure only two inches high and, perching on the branch of a large tree, had fallen asleep under the cover of thick leaves (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, pp. 161-162).

A new years print found online.

4) Immortal Wine - Ch. 5

Our Great Sage could not make an end of staring at the scene [the heavenly feast set for the Immortal Peach Banquet] when he suddenly felt the overpowering aroma of wine ... standing beside the jars and leaning on the barrels, he abandoned himself to drinking. After feasting for a long, he became thoroughly drunk... [...] [After returning to Flower Fruit Mountain and meeting with his children, he says] "When I was enjoying myself this morning at the Jasper Pool, I saw many jars and jugs in the corridor full of the juices of jade [yuye qiongjiang, 玉液瓊漿; lit: "Jade liquid and jade syrup"], which you have never savored. Let me go back [to heaven] and steal a few bottles to bring down here. Just drink half a cup, and each of you will live longer without growing old" ... He took two large bottles, one under each arm, and carried two more in his hands. Reversing the direction of his cloud, he returned to the monkeys in the cave. They held their own Festival of Immortal Wine [Xianjiu hui, 仙酒會], with each one drinking a few cups" (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, pp. 165 and 167).

A screenshot from the 1986 Journey to the West TV show.

5) Immortal Elixir - Ch. 5

[After Sun Wukong drunkenly stumbles into Laozi's laboratory in the Tushita Heaven] He found no one but saw fire burning in an oven beside the hearth, and around the oven were five gourds in which finished elixir was stored. "This thing is the greatest treasure of immortals," said the Great Sage happily. "Since old Monkey has understood the Way and comprehended the mystery of the Internal's identity with the External, I have also wanted to produce some golden elixir on my own to benefit people. While I have been too busy at other times even to think about going home to enjoy myself, good fortune has met me at the door today and presented me with this! As long as Laozi is not around, I'll take a few tablets and try the taste of something new." He poured out the contents of all the gourds and ate them like fried beans (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, p. 166).

A detail from the 1835 Japanese translation of Journey to the West.

6) Ginseng Tree Fruit - Ch. 24

In the mountain there was a Daoist Abbey called the Five Villages Abbey [Wu zhuang guan, 五莊觀]; it was the abode of an immortal whose Daoist style [name] was Master Shenyuan [Shenyuan zi, 鎮元子] and whose nickname was Lord, Equal to Earth [Shi tong jun, 世同君]. There was, moreover, a strange treasure grown in this temple, a spiritual root that was formed just after chaos had been parted and the nebula had been established prior to the division of Heave and Earth. Throughout the four great continents of the world, it could be found in only the Five Villages Abbey in the West Aparagodaniya Continent. This treasure was called grass of the reverted cinnabar [cao huan dan, 草還丹], or the ginseng fruit [renshen guo, 人參果]. It took three thousand years for the plant to bloom, another three thousand years to bear fruit, and still another three thousand years before they ripened. All in all, it would be nearly ten thousand years before they could be eaten, and even after such a long time, there would be only thirty such fruits. The shape of the fruit was exactly that of a newborn infant not yet three days old, complete with the four limbs and the five senses. If a man had the good fortune of even smelling the fruit, he would live for three hundred and sixty years; if he ate one he would reach his forty-seven thousandth year. [After Wukong learns the complicated method of harvesting the fruit] Parting the leaves and branches, he knocked three of the fruits into the sack ... The three of them [Monkey and his brothers] took the fruits and began to enjoy them (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 1, pp. 453 and 462-463).

Monkey holding ginseng tree fruit. Image found online.

This previous article talks about the history of this magical fruit.

Sun Wukong is not truly immortal during the journey, just long-lived and hard to kill. Immortality in Ming to Qing-era popular literature means that you can live for a long time but still die if injured badly enough. Think of it like an infinitely long candle being blown out instead of having a chance to burn for centuries or eons. For example, Investiture of the Gods (Fengshen yanyi, 封神演義, c. 1620), a sort of prequel to Journey to the West, is full of immortals killed in battle with heavenly weapons. Some even have their immortality sapped away before dying in one of many celestial traps. The biggest of these traps is the "Ten Thousand Immortal Array" (Wanxian zhen, 萬仙陣), so named because it can apparently kill myriad transcendents.

The second set of immortalities are achieved at the journey’s end once they reach the Buddha’s blessed land. These shouldn’t be lumped together with those acquired before and during the pilgrimage.

7) Divine food and tea - ch. 98

Then Buddha turned to call out: "Ananda and Kasyapa, take the four of them to the space beneath the precious tower. Give them a vegetarian meal first. After the maigre, open our treasure loft for them and select a few scrolls from each of the thirty-five divisions of our three canons, so that they may take them back to the Land of the East as a perpetual token of grace." The two Honored Ones obeyed and took the four pilgrims to the space beneath the tower, where countless rare dainties and exotic treasures were laid out in a seemingly endless spread. Those deities in charge of offerings and sacrifices began to serve a magnificent feast of divine food, tea, and fruit-viands [仙餚、仙茶、仙果] of a hundred flavors completely different from those of the mortal world. After master and disciples had bowed to give thanks to Buddha, they abandoned themselves to enjoyment (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 4, p. 349). [...] This time it was Eight Rules who was in luck and Sha Monk who had the advantage, for what the Buddhist Patriarch had provided for their complete enjoyment was nothing less than such viands as could grant them longevity and health and enable them to transform their mortal substance into immortal flesh and bones [... 壽長生，脫胎換骨之饌，儘著他受用。] (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 4, p. 350).

While the quote refers directly to Zhu and Sha, Monkey certainly benefits from the meal as well, gaining another category of immortality.

Monkey eating yummy food.

8) Buddhahood - ch. 100

Sun Wukong, when you caused great disturbance at the Celestial Palace, I had to exercise enormous dharma power to have you pressed beneath the Mountain of Five Phases. Fortunately your Heaven-sent calamity came to an end, and you embraced the Buddhist religion. I am pleased even more by the fact that you were devoted to the scourging of evil and the exaltation of good. Throughout your journey you made great merit by smelting the demons and defeating the fiends. For being faithful in the end as you were in the beginning, I hereby give you the grand promotion and appoint you the Buddha Victorious in Strife [Dou zhansheng fo, 鬥戰勝佛] (Wu & Yu, 2012, p. 381).

I'm adding this as another immortality category since as a Buddha, he is now completely free of the wheel of reincarnation.

It’s important to note that the novel ends before Monkey is able to perform any feats as a Buddha. Therefore, making claims about his subsequent abilities is outside of canon.

A lovely drawing of Sun Wukong as a Buddha by the talented @ninjahaku21art.

Source:

Wu, C., & Yu, A. C. (2012). The Journey to the West (Vols. 1-4) (Rev. ed.). Chicago, Illinois: University of Chicago Press.

#sun wukong #monkey king #journey to the west #Chinese immortal #immortality #Chinese literature #Daoism #Taoism #Buddhism #fengshen yanyi #elixir #lego monkie kid #LMK

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frozenprocedural · 1 year ago

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TDOE Day something part 2

Set to the painting "Spirit" by George Roux.

Alarik, Jenny and Dag belong to @patricia-von-arundel

D-A-G

Rating: T

He tried not to think of how wrong it looked. How wrong she looked.

A veritable maze of tubes and wires ran from her arms and chest, making it look as if she were being consumed by some mechanical beast. And her skin! Grayish and papery, as if she might crumble to dust any second.

Alarik had to swallow when he took her hand- it was too warm- but he held tight. Elsa's brow furrowed and her face scrunched before her eyes fluttered open. They were hazy, and it took a few moments for them to focus on him.

“...’Larik?” Her voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper. “Where…”

Her eyes drifted down, then shot open. “The baby! Where-” she cried out, clutching her abdomen.

“Elsa, no, he's in the NICU. Lay still, please, you just got out of surgery.” Alarik grabbed her shoulders, avoiding the wires and tubes, ignoring the alarms that trilled at Elsa's sudden movement.

“I…” she scanned the room with wide eyes, her breathing rapid and harsh. Eventually she sank back into the pillows, moments before two nurses came rushing in. Alarik pressed against the wall, but held onto Elsa's hand as they checked her over and silenced the alarms. Once they were finished and left the room with a reminder for Elsa to take it easy, he sat back down.

“What… happened? I remember the… the pain…”

Elsa's voice cut off with a choked sound, and Alarik grit his teeth at the memory. Her screams for him, rushing to their bedroom to see her kneeling in a puddle of blood…

He gripped her hand a bit tighter, and made himself speak, keeping the story as short as possible. The ambulance, Kristoff racing behind it. The hospital, and the agonizingly long wait for news. A C-section to deliver the baby- who was whisked off to the NICU immediately. And then there had been bleeding, so heavy it required a hysterectomy.

Elsa listened with quiet tears streaming down her face. Alarik grabbed some tissues and dabbed them away.

“I failed. I failed our baby. Alarik, I'm so sorry…”

“What? Elsa, no! None of this was your fault! You did nothing wrong! Please,” he took her hand back and pressed his lips to her wedding band. “Please don't let yourself go there. You did everything you could. And our son is in good hands.”

For a moment, she simply stared at him, then used a shaking hand to wipe at her eyes. “Our… son?”

For the first time since seeing Elsa bleed, Alarik smiled. He clasped his hands around hers, squeezing tightly.

“Yes. We have a baby boy.”

………..

When Alarik stepped inside their house, it was quiet. Anna, Kristoff and Neta had taken Jenny to the zoo, and the silence was deafening after the constant noises of the hospital.

Alarik checked the clock- they'd be back within a half hour. He knew he should try to get some rest with how much he'd been running back and forth. But his mind wouldn't let him relax.

He paced around, restless and antsy, until his knee caught the corner of the piano bench. He cursed, then looked at the keys. His fingers drifted over them, brushing away the thin layer of dust that had accumulated in his absence. Then he sat down.

He splayed his fingers across the keys, not playing just yet, just letting them rest there. For several minutes he sat like that, staring at the white and black contrast, but only seeing the hospital. Seeing his son in a plastic box, connected to an array of tubes and wires. His wife's pale face, tracked with dried tears.

And a name, the idea coming from Jenny counting the days.

Three notes.

D-A-G.

He played them again. Dag. Norwegian for “day.”

How many days now? Four? Five? They tended to blend together in a blur of exhaustion, sadness, and hope.

D-A-G.

Hope. The word resonated with him. Hope for both mother and son to be alright despite all odds.

Alarik began to add to the notes, starting off soft and slow, letting the sound build. He let his hope play through his fingers, let the song swell into something big and strong, and yet still soft and sweet, the way he wished his son would be.

Let him be alright. Let him grow into who he's meant to be.

The song softened, slowed, until he was back to the original three notes.

D-A-G.

He hadn't written it down, but Alarik knew he wouldn't need to. It was engraved into his mind- Dag's song. He would write it down at some point, but only for his family. One day, he hoped he might teach it to Dag. Just as he was trying to teach…

“Papa!”

A blur of red hair flew towards him, launching into his side. He grunted, and pulled Jenny into his arms, comforted by her warmth, her energy. It was such a difference from her quiet brother, and he freed a hand to wipe away a stray tear.

“Papa, are you alright?”

Jenny's face reminded him so much of Elsa, save for his hair and eyes. He made himself smile, fighting back a sniffle.

“I'm alright, Eldig. A bit tired, but alright.”

A hand rested on his shoulder, and he looked up to see Anna smiling at him. She tilted her head towards the kitchen.

“We'll be right around the corner making dinner.”

Alarik nodded, mouthing a silent ‘thank you’. He didn't know what he would have done without Anna and Kristoff's help. He was a very lucky man.

“Papa? What were you playing? I heard it in the garage.”

Alarik smiled and shifted Jenny so she could reach the keys. He guided her fingers so she could reach the notes.

D-A-G.

“I was playing your brother's song. Just like you have your song.”

Jenny giggled and plunked out the first few notes- E-D-G. Alarik continued, playing a lively, staccato tune that hopped up and down, reminiscent of something fiery- her nickname.

When he finished, Jenny looked up to him. “Papa, can you play Dag's song again? I liked it.”

Alarik chuckled, and kissed the top of her head. “Of course, little one. Will you help me with the beginning?”

Jenny nodded so enthusiastically Alarik had to jerk his chin away for fear of getting struck. He brought Jenny's hands back to the piano and tapped out the first three notes.

D-A-G.

And in that moment, Alarik knew he would one day teach his son his own song.

#elsarik #alarik #tdoe 2023 #twelve days of elsarik 2023

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titanicfreija · 10 months ago

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First Bath

So I had fun with the bath scribble, and I found another excuse to play with it.

this would be before Sunny had her name, shortly after their first Dawning and a few months into a Freija's rising.

"Ghost?"

"Freija?" The Ghost braced herself. The New Light got used to Tower Life fairly well, with some instructions from new friends and helpful residents, but she had so many questions!

"What do you normally do to get cleaned off? I held the cloth after the cookies, and I used the little gun brush for the sticky spots, but I assume you took some kind of bath?"

Ghost couldn't help some suspicion. "Why?" She rarely got questions directly about herself. Sometimes the Guardian would ask about Ghosts in general but she seemed unwilling to ask much of hers in particular.

"I'm trying to be nice, but I'm gonna go ahead -- your ball core body thing has a big smudge on it, presumably ashes of something I burned. It's on the bottom to the five o'clock.

The Ghost blinked at her Guardian, embarrassed, and she dematted to her backpack. "I would find ways, usually by dipping into water and rubbing off in brush or grass."

"You want me to help?" Freija asked. "Doesn't have to be much, can just hold the stuff for you to rub in."

The Ghost didn't answer.

"Ghost?"

The Guardian pulled the backpack to check for the little Light, to see her twisting against the bottom trying to rub off the smudge. She rotated to look up at Freija and blink the blue eye. "....Would you do that?"

"Yeah....?" The Guardian's brow creased. "Do other Guardians not help their Ghosts? Seems kinda mean."

Ghost didn't emerge, still hiding the mark on her core, but she did come up to the lip of the pack. "I always thought it would be mean to wake you up and then ask you to do stuff for me," she explained. "I would have to ask other Ghosts, but I guess it depends."

The brow relaxed and the Guardian closed the pack. "Makes sense. That's fine, but if you want me to help you with anything, I'm fine with that. I like helping."

"Do we need to get you a bowl or a vat or something?"

So far it was just a scrub brush from supply, a wash cloth, and a few pieces of gun cleaning kit, and Freija felt they were lacking but had no idea what.

"Maybe?" The Ghost bobbed around her Guardian, studying the items. "I don't know, I've never done it before, either."

"You wanna just go to the sink?"

Ghost considered it visibly, tick-tocking her shell, before she bobbed an affirmative.

Freija started the sink and held her hand at the stream demonstrably. "How hot or cold do you want it? I know you feel temperatures."

"Maybe a little cooler than your usual?" The Ghost asked, easing a flap in to splash the metal core. It warmed up, and Freija eased the temperature over until Ghost said, "that's good!"

"Sit where you're gonna sit, say when to turn it off." The Ghost drifted into the water and let her shell fall away, then rested on the bottom. The Guardian left her hand on the faucet until the Ghost said, "this is good," when the water reached the top of her eye.

"So you can go underwater?" Freija asked. "For some reason I thought you couldn't get wet."

"I am both waterproof and perfectly safe for waterlogging for short periods, much like humans," Ghost said brightly. The voice in her comm sounded normal, but the vibration made the sink ring amusingly.

"Humans can't get water logged the same way you can without some catastrophic shit," the Guardian mumbled, but she dismissed her argument in favor of picking up a flap.

In wiping it off, Freija found a firm layer of blasted on black dust. It took effort, even in her strong hand, to fully scrub clean.

She didn't realize she had stepped away from the sink to work until the Ghost called, "Guardian?"

"Ghost?" Freija held up the tiny petal flap. "It was dirtier than it looked. Kinda like when you pressure wash something. It's all the same level of dirt so it looks normal but there's a whole layer," she babbled, but the blackened cloth and two flaps, one clean and one dirty, spoke for themselves. "Want me to see if you buff out, too?" She smiled, but the Ghost understood.

Normally, the Guardian held Ghost by the shells, but this time she grasped the core itself, careful to leave herself space away from the eye, which she tried to leave exposed for vision.

The wash cloth scrub started gentle and worsened, but peaked at a high pressure rub. "I'm seeing that you do indeed have a coat of stuff, but I'm also seeing that I need another cleaning tool," the Guardian said. "Scrub brush okay?"

"Try it," Ghost agreed.

Freija dipped the brush and scrubbed gently, apparently succeeding because she didn't get nearly as rough as before.

"You're gonna be so confused when you see the mirror," Freija teased. "A full inch smaller in diameter. Do Shaders color on top of the crap or what?"

"Shaders bend light, so it's less that I now have a new color myself as things just look different. Just means the base doesn't matter."

Freija grunted noncommittally and continued her scrub of the little metal body, carefully avoiding palming her eye as she worked her way around.

"This is actually kinda nice," the Ghost admitted. "I mean the scrubbing part. The bath part is really nice. This was a good idea, thank you."

"You're welcome," cheered Freija. "You want to soak some more while I get the shell? And what do you think I can use for soap? Can we clearcoat stuff?"

"I don't know," admitted Ghost. "Maybe just dish soap for now, and we can see if something else sounds good later."

Freija gave the same grunt as before and gently placed the Ghost back in the water to let her soak, remembering the soap after a second. "Might need to wash the other shells," she said. "I can get it. Dunno why I thought this wouldn't be a thing. Figured some magic kept you clean. Light or something."

The Ghost giggled.

Freija finished the flaps after a few millennia. She then leaned over the sink and gently placed the brush to the rear of the Ghost and scrubbed when she didn't run away. "Rex has the turn-y slot on his back, yours is more like a slide button."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. His eye is round where yours is a rectangle, too." Her voice dropped when she said, "I can see where the relic touched."

The Ghost nudged the brush and rolled to look up at Freija through the water. "You did really good that day," she promised. The Guardian gulped and nodded, returning to her work. "I can't feel a difference. Is there a dent or anything?"

"Just a dark spot. I thought it was dirty until I remembered."

"It's okay."

"Do you need me to clean your eye? How would you like me to do that? Just glass cleaner and a chamois like my helmets and visuals cams? Wanted to avoid micro scratches."

"That should work?"

"If it leaves any streaks, we'll try stuff until something works or we have to ask."

Ghost rolled in the water so Freija could target missed spots, and finally emerged to spin dry. Freija held a hand up to block the flying water with a laugh, then went to retrieve the glass cleaner.

"I'm gonna do my best not to hurt you," the Guardian vowed. As if afraid she'd break, Freija gently grasped in her off hand and leaned close to watch what she was doing. The motions started at the top and looped along from top to bottom, left to right, and then swept along. Ghost didn't realize it was dirty, either. The sharp red of Freija's hair almost glared in her vision.

She did the spirals again, clearing everything but the very outermost edge. "I'm gonna have to get dedicated tools to get your little cracks and crevices clear. Special scrubbies. Think you need polish or anything?"

"Polish?" the Ghost echoed.

"Bath time not come up amongst the others?" she asked, gesturing vaguely at the ceiling. "Maybe ask? I'm sure someone does something like it. We can look into metal cleaners and the like. You don't feel like anything I've touched before."

"Maybe," the Ghost agreed. "Thank you, Freija," she said.

Freija placed a helmet on the table and grinned at her Ghost. "I'll get you a little mirror to hang and look in, soon."

@annieruok94

#destiny 2 #d2 #ocs #writing #freija #scribble #sunny #Bath time

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waterlilyunit6 · 10 months ago

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More Georgiana Dresses from The Duchess

To continue with researching and creating styles, colour pallets, shapes, and silhouettes for my garment(s), I decided to continue looking at all the dresses Georgiana (Keira Knightly wears in the film; The Duchess.

At the start of my project development, I created (at least) two samples from each of Georgiana's dresses I chose. But this time, I wanted to just look at the colour palettes, silhouettes, and how I would illustrate them, instead of focusing all my time on creating more samples for the time being, as I want to start my illustrations. Sample making will continue after I have chosen what Garment/Outfit I will make, as I can then make samples more relevant to the design.

I chose five of Georgiana's dresses from the film that I thought looked like they had different silhouettes. I took no more than five colours from each to create a colour pallette for each dress, and illustrated my version of each dress so I could get an understanding of silhouettes and how I would illustrate each style. I also compared my dress delve to my 'women fashion from the 1770s' research, picking out what is most frequent; such as the low neckline, lace and ruffle trimmed hems, v-shaped front (with the point reaching below the waist-line). I also noted what was different, such as some dresses are worn with panniers, and some aren't, some gowns have most pleats at the back, some are spread out around the skirt, and some don't have any pleats and are a 'round' silhouette. Some gowns also have access fabric draped down from the shoulders at the back, or have pannels draped down the back and sides of the skirt.

Colour pallets were created using Pro-Markers on some small squares of card, illustration were drawn onto drawing paper using pencil. The research has been presented on a double page with pages from Amanda Foreman's book 'Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire', that I have photocopied. I thought that photocopying pages from the book that was adapted into the film, would created an extra link between the book and the film.

To add onto my page, I added times of when each dress is first seen in the film, and I also went back to my first dress development team pages and added the times onto them too.

Since Georgiana wears feather in her hair/on a hat in many scenes, I wanted to try and create one using fabric. A piece of white cotton was cut out, about 10cm by 30cm. The vertical/warp threads were then pulled out one by one, starting from the edges and moving towards the centre. The strands became harder to pull out the closer I got to the centre, so I had to keep my hand flat on the opposite end of the cotton strip to keep it in place. About five strands were left in the strip down the centre to act as the stem, before I brushed out the threads with a comb. A thin layer of superglue was added down the middle to strengthen and keep the threads in place. The feather was then brushed again and shaped with scissors, curving the end to a point.

I'm really pleased with how the feather turned out, and was better than I expected it to be.

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narudoodles · 1 year ago

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Thank you for the clarification! I appreciate it!

However, I cannot see how the things you talked about here (brush pressure sensitivity being poor and doing traditional art) is super relevant to how you achieved that rendering from the base colors!

Since you could not record a time lapse unfortunately, if possible, could you please show me the different layers that this art has? For example, like in the video here or here! In my experience (I've been making digital art on Procreate since 2018) an amazing art like yours would require a minimum of 8-10 layers with different elements such as lineart, base colors, shadows, detailing, highlights, finer rendering, light adjustments, etc.

I noticed one of your files had only 3 layers. I think the final csp file should have all the layers visible!

I also noticed that your lineart is significantly different from the finished art, so I assume there must be a separate layer where you modified the lineart further? (screenshot comparisons are from your vid)

The brushes you used for adding such finer details and the flat color variations is very good!! May I know the names? I'm also curious since you added so many fine rendering despite the pressure sensitivity of your pen not working very well!

However, I'll have to commend your drawing style change over such a short period of time (presumably a week, since you mentioned you drew this over five days), kudos to you :')

PS - a small objection : "but if my existence here is going to upset some ppl then I can delete this blog and go back to my corner again"

Never once did I claim your existence was upsetting me, nor did I ask you to delete your blog. I'm simply asking for clarifications because I had a few questions

@narudoodles Not that I owe you any explanation

I don't need to prove anything to you anyway and if that's something that would make you feel better as an artist I can stop drawing and posting on Tumblr all together, this wasn't even a commission like you said on your previous post, @depressedhatakekakashi didn't ask me to draw anything, I did it on my own because I wanted to, because I'm here to have fun with my friends but if my existence here is going to upset some ppl then I can delete this blog and go back to my corner again, loving Kakashi on my own. I didn't spend 5 days working on this art just to get someone accusing me of something like this based on some speculations, it literally takes me more time to draw anything at all than anyone else because I have to work with such a shitty tablet that refuses to do the simplest things ever but I still do it anyway because I love drawing. I wasted my weekend crying and stressing over something like this and honestly, if that's what I'm going to get from this fandom then maybe it's time to leave it.

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thoughtfulsweetsharmony · 3 years ago

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Into You- F. Hargreeves

Requested- No

*NOTE: FIVE HAS BEEN AGED UP FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS IMAGINE. HE AGED BACK TO 22!*

Summary- You've always been deemed the number one assassin in the Commission. Well, until Five showed up. Quickly finding common ground, you seem to be the only one Five is actually comfortable around, and you him. But the teasing and flirting just isn't cutting it anymore.....

Warnings- swearing (it is Five after all, sexual references, alcohol consumption.

Song- Into you by Ariana Grande.

I'm so into you, I can barely breathe.

The loud music of the bar surrounded you, the beat pulsing it's way up your spine. Your drink sat in front of you, untouched, the cold glass of a sweet unknown cocktail sweating. The alcohol from your previous drinks flowed through your veins, making the world hazy and the filter you usually use when talking non-existent. Five sat across from you, he's long legs stretched out before him, the alcohol completely relaxing the usually tense man. You stared, breath catching in your throat as his dark brown, almost black hair fell across his shut eyes, the kids concealing the beautiful green you always got lost in.

And all I want to do, is to fall in deep....

You wished desperately that he would open those eyes. You could picture his usual stare in your mind, the walls in the green depths that prevented anyone from reading him too well. Yet somehow, everytime you made eye contact with the gorgeous man before you, you always lost your train of thought. Those green eyes flickered open as you stared at him, a lazy smiling flickering across his face a he locked eyes with yours.

But close ain't close enough, til we cross that line....

You scooted your chair closer to him, your legs brushing against his underneath the table in one slow, delicate move. The man straightened in his seat, his eyes widened in surprise, a small, almost unnoticeable blush starting to creep up the sculpted cheekbones that shaped his face. The song overhead changed, and your drunken mind lit up with a bright idea.

So name a game to play, and I'll roll the dice....

You grabbed Five by the hand, stumbling slightly as you stood. Admittedly, you were acting drunker than you actually were, an escape plan in case of rejection. Five stared up at you as you walked to his side of the table, a mischievous smile lighting up your eyes.

"What are you doing?"

He questioned, the slight shake in his voice betraying the calm and collected facade he usually wore. You laughed, the bright and happy sound audible even above the loud music.

"We are going to dance!"

You refused to take no for an answer, knowing full well how much Five loved to dance (even if he would refuse to admit it and then kill you for saying it.) The man sighed in defeat, unable to bite back the genuine smile that graced his lips as he was pulled onto the dance floor. Your eyes met his as you both began to dance, the music loosening up your wired bodies further.

Oh, baby, look what you started,

The temperature's rising in here,

Is this gonna happen?

Been waiting and waiting for you,

To make a move, before I make a move.....

The temperature on the dance rose as you danced, the many layers of your work clothes intensifying the heat. You began to strip the top layers of your clothes; your blazer, followed by your tie and shirt, unaware of the piercing green eyes watching you strip to just your camisole and skirt. Five's hand reached to his throat and loosened his own tie, the garment suddenly feeling restrictive. His eyes travelled back to your face, a harsh pink rapidly washing up his neck, over his cheeks to his ears as he met your knowing eyes. You gulped as you moved slightly closer to him, elation filling your veins and clearing your head at the fact that he had, in fact, been checking you out.

You slowly reached out to grab his hand, surprised as he grasped your hand in his, his fingers lacing with yours. Shocks ran up arm from the contact, your lungs suddenly losing the ability to breath as he pulled you in towards him, holding you gently to the front of his body. You gazed up at him, unable to stop yourself from looking at his lips as your heart pounded in your chest.

His own eyes flickered to your lips, staying locked on them as you danced. Irritation burned through you as his gaze never faltered, yet he failed to make a move. So, you took the situation into your own hands, capturing his lips in a soft, gentle kiss in one swift movement.

Five didn't hesitate to return the kiss, both his hands falling to your hips as his lips pushed against yours in a bruising kiss.

So baby, come light me up,

And maybe I'll let you on it,

A little bit dangerous,

But baby, that's how I want it,

A little less conversation,

And a little more touch my body,

'Cause I'm so into you,

Into you,

Into you.

And the rest was history.....

#five hargreeves #tua five #tua netflix #tua fandom #five imagine #five #the comission #five x you #five x reader #tua imagine #songfic #songs #song based imagine

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moodymisty · 3 years ago

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Death's Door

[ 𝕸𝖔𝖔𝖉𝖞𝕸𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖞'𝖘 𝕸𝖆𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖑𝖎𝖘𝖙| 𝕬𝖔3]

Authors note: I decided after much deliberation to start posting all my fics on Tumblr again, and bring this old blog of mine out of cryostasis. As much as I love Ao3's post editor and whatnot, the lack of interaction with people kinda sucks.

Summary: After the Well of Souls, you'd become far closer friends with Karn, as much as Death absolutely hated it.

Relationships: Death/Fem!Reader

Warnings: Just Death being a crusty old git

Word Count: 8210

AO3 Mirror

The stone against your bottom was cold through your clothing, a winter’s chill hard on the weathered rock. But it was at just the right height to talk to Karn, who was leaning towards you with the utmost of interest. You’d normally feel under pressure with a gaze like that, but it was just the way he was, and you’d eventually gotten used to it. You hadn’t gotten used to this cold however, even through layers of gifted clothing still making you shiver. Winter in the Maker’s realm was intense and without their help you surely would’ve frozen right over.

Just another thing to thank them for, as if you didn’t owe them enough already. But they never cashed in, always just seeming grateful to help. The clothing they had given you fit perfectly and kept you far warmer than anything else had, along with making you feel like someone right out of a fantasy book. You’d be tempted to take a mountain trek and further enjoy the vibe, but there was no way you’d make it past the tree line with so many Makers wanting to keep an eye on you. You had far less mass than them, and they worried the cold could ravage your body quite quickly if you weren’t behind a wind break or close to a fire.

So when Karn saw a shiver run through your whole body he asked if you were cold, instantly on edge. One of his hands even raised slightly, stretched as if he was going to just grab you and take you right inside the Forge if you even so much as hinted at yes.

“I’m fineee, you all just worry to much. I'm not going to freeze over in five minutes.” You rubbed your mitten covered hands together and continued talking about what you had been seconds before. You tried your best to ignore Karn’s still noticeable look of concern, still scanning for any signs of you being uncomfortable. The Makers could be far to fussy for your liking.

“But please, you really think that I’d just say goodbye to you guys and never come see you again? I mean, I don’t even know if Death would let me come with him...” Karn brushed the back of his head and laughed as if agreeing with you, but it was blatantly obvious that was indeed what he had been thinking.

“And besides, of course I’d come back! I’d damn well overstay my welcome until you have to put a little poster at the front door that says ‘don’t let this human in’. You guys have been amazing friends, no way I'm just ditching you.” It relived Karn to hear the words from your own lips, dousing the fire in his heart that was quite worried you were going to just disappear. Many of the Makers had thought that, as they had all grown quite fond of you as made your rounds talking to everyone, making friends. They just weren’t as obvious about it as Karn, who was as open of a book as they came.

“You’d have to make a damn right fuss to have Thane do that! I mean I almost got Alya and Valus killed and he nae banned me yet…” Karn threw off the accidental morbidity of the sentence off with a laugh and a smile, content enough to if you were still laughing with him. You rubbed your hands back and forth again, breathing against the fabric trying to instill some more warmth in them.

“Maybe I’ll ditch the ol’ spoilsport and stay here; Take his bird for good measure. I mean, who knows what’ll happen?” Those final words down near sent Karn almost tumbling, overjoyed at the thought that you might consider staying permanently. Even if he hadn’t seem to realize it was largely a joke. He knew it was selfish, to care more that you would be closer to him and the other Makers, but he couldn’t help it.

You’d become particularly close friends with him, who despite the different in sheer number of years, was as youthful as you in personality. In a few weeks after your depressive slump you went from being acquaintances to nigh inseparable, the Maker following you like a ship’s anchor.

When Death had killed himself to save Humanity, to him it felt like seconds of dark. To you however, it had been weeks of unknown and confusion. You’d slumped around the Tri-Stone a wreck, devastated that the one stoic part of your life for what seemed like forever, had completely vanished. Even if that stoic part was a sarcastic, emotionally stunted, putrid corpse smelling Nephilim, he was your rock and his disappearance had hit you harder than any freight train ever could.

In that time you had been inconsolable, but Karn was constantly by your side, doing his damnedest. When you had eventually begun to heal he was the first one to do anything with you, and you wouldn’t be far off to call him your cheerleader. It bred an intense friendship, so much so that if a Maker needed Karn, they could just search for you, and vice versa.

But when Death had returned, it suddenly made friction where things had just been finally smoothing out.

As for The Reaper himself, he had returned only to see you more cheerful around someone your mental age and far less worn down by cynicism, closer to Karn than before he had left. It was one of the first times that Death actually felt something akin to disgruntlement or even jealousy in an uncountable number of years. He hated Karn, that he was a spontaneous mass of energy and would only serve to put you in more trouble.

And now you were even closer than before he had ‘died’, showing him smiles and whispering remarks that previously had only been reserved for him. It had only a temporary thing anyways, a maligned Death thought to himself the last time he had let this get the better of him. You’d previously been nervous of them and huddled behind his pale form, but now with so much time together, you and the Makers had all grown closer.

Great, he thought. He could finally once and for all ditch the human off on people who were at least slightly able to care for you in a way that wouldn’t get you killed. He now no longer had business left in the Maker’s realm, he could just cross this accursed place of the list and forget it existed.

But for some reason, he just couldn’t.

Something always just kept bringing him back, filled with excuses and waiting for moments where you weren’t looking up at some Maker with a cheery face, only to talk himself out of just going to you. If you spotted him however you’d race over, eager to see him again. He could never just walk over, almost as if their was some sort of force stopping him. It further confirmed your suspicions that Death felt, different, than before. He had never been the most inviting person to be around sure, that would be a massive understatement, but he’d always had just enough openings for you to try and wiggle your little way in. But now, he seemed so much more shut off than you had even remembered.

“Uhhh, ye’ freeze over?” You jolted out of your thoughtful streak with no small amount of movement, but Karn didn’t seem to notice. He was glancing over your body, and you beamed back.

“Nah not yet. Just feels like my face is getting smacked by all this wind.” You made a clicking sound with your cheek and looked around. “So, how long does this whole cold season thing last? I don’t mind a good winter but, this is a little to much for me.” Karn let out a boisterous laugh and threw another giant log onto the fire of the kiln, sending embers kicking up and out of the port. The best source of heat was inside, but you enjoyed the fresh air, so the Makers kept this kiln hot just in case.

“Oh, it’s gonna be awhile yet. Just wait until ye’ see the snow get so bad ye’ can’t see yer darn feet!” That, wasn’t to exciting to think about. But at least you had Alya and Valus’ hot forge to retreat to when needed, and a variable treasure trove of warm clothing. Even with all that however you couldn’t help but want a cup of hot chocolate or tea, just to bring the whole thing together. It was highly doubtful the Maker’s realm had any chocolate, but tea however… Maybe you could find something that might taste good if you talked to Muria.

“Geez, just try not to let me get blown away?” Karn enthusiastically reassured he would while you continued to speak.

“Say, you haven’t seen Muria around here have you? I wanna ask her something real quick. I have an idea that i think would be pretty neat.” That final sentence was one that Karn always loved to hear, as it would surely bring some sort of entertainment to the otherwise relatively boring, according to him, Tri-Stone. Grand ideas of adventure and splendor were quickly dashed however, when you simply mumbled about wanting to make something warm to drink, rather than search for relics.

Karn didn’t get many opportunities to go exploring with you, as Death had a watchful eye on your safety most of the time. He had all but banned your leaving of the forge without him. The Maker found it suffocating; And truthfully, wanted an opportunity to truly have you alone and show off. The Tri-Stone was fine sure, but he could always feel��someone's eyes on his back, whether it be Death, Valus and Alya, or Thane.

Sure he’d made mistakes, a few big ones, but he wasn’t a child with a sword that needed watching. But then again, all the Makers treated you as if you were made of glass, and even Karn couldn’t help but agree.

But even a beautiful glass figurine like you couldn’t just stay in a display for the rest of your days, you needed freedom, breathing room.

“Karn?” The Maker stood upright, quickly turning his head and scanning for Muria. You stared at him concerned, but didn’t actually comment.

“I’m lookin’ for ‘er I’m lookin’!” He didn’t notice the Shaman, but someone else did catch his eye.

Death was coming into the Tri-Stone, wind attempting to displace him only to face an unmovable body. Before he could make any comment about not seeing Muria you turned your head to look as well, wind blowing your hair in every direction. You caught Death’s glance first, watching you huddled near the fire of the outdoor forge. Then he glanced upwards and noticed; You were with Karn.

Of course, you were with that damn Maker. Why did he ever expect otherwise. Part of him was almost tempted to just turn around and leave from whence he came, until you seemed to spot him. Karn knew what you’d do and gave you a smile and throw of a giant hand.

“Go say ‘ello to the Horsemen for me, will yah?” Now Karn had an acceptable out, you jogging over to Death as fast as you could while he could go back inside. Karn only watched for a moment, already not liking the feeling down his spine. Death’s glare was as cold as the grave, and Karn wasn’t fond of it in the slightest.

Back to the wind you hopped down the tall steps, holding onto your clothing. While the main paths were clear of snow everything else wasn’t and you seemed intent on taking the technically quickest path. Trudging through snow however quickly slowed you down, along with the sizable weight of your boots.

Death had never seen someone run at him with a smile, nor had he ever seen a human so swaddled to the ears in warm furs. You had so many on you’d almost lost your silhouette, a belt the only thing still defining your waist.

While it highlighted just how fragile you were, he also found it almost endearing. Especially when you almost tripped and fell from the thick snow, regretting not taking the cleared path. He would’ve met you half way, but the whole scenario was so oddly amusing he couldn’t find himself the will power to make the scene shorter. He stood firm, arms crossed, watching you hobble over.

You did eventually make it to him, standing in front and looking up with a small hop, as if you’d just accomplished some great ordeal.

“Phew, the snow is intense here.” Death looked down, orange eyes trained right on you. It was an intense stare, but you’d gotten used to it over your time with him. What he was thinking about you had nary a guess, brushing some of the stray snow flakes off your thighs.

“Indeed. Though it seems the Makers have quite well prepared you for it.” He noticed quite quickly you had even more furs on than the last time he’d seen you, including something to cover your ears and another scarf. And even with that, you were still noticeably shivering. Your nose was a bright red, sniffling.

“Yeah, they did a great job! Alya even made me a hat since my ears kept freezing.”

They clearly didn’t do well enough, if you’re still shivering.

Death’s eyes noticeably glanced around your form, watching your arms tucked close to your body. When he didn’t speak aloud, to busy in his own head, you brushed some snow from the top of your head and looked around.

“I was actually just about to ask Muria something. I was trying to see if I could make something from Ho-,” You stopped yourself. “Earth, but…” Another brush of chill pierced right through your clothing, sending a shiver right up your spine.

“It’s just so damn cold during the day, I can barely stand it! I need something warm to drink before my insides freeze over.” Death was either completely unaffected by the weather, or simply didn’t care if it did. Now that you thought about it, never once had you heard him complain about weather, nor ever seen him sweat or shiver. You'd never realized it before, but now you found yourself almost curious.

“It will only get colder as night falls.” Clearly speaking the obvious, you rolled your eyes jokingly at him. It was noticeable that Death’s mind seemed elsewhere, something you were familiar with during your times together. You’d just gotten used to it, the Horsemen’s head always having a million tabs open.

“Yeah well, I’ll eagerly await the nighttime then.” As if the air wasn’t cold enough, you didn’t like the idea of your body cracking under more intense shivering. “Not like I can stop it.” Death looked down towards you, eyes squinted.

“How marvelous, you’ve finally grasped the concept of time.” Death had that familiar wry, teasing tone to his voice, dragging off the final word to a rumble.

“And all thanks to your help, Death.” Your smile was wide, taking delight in the way he sighed and feigned disappointment in you. But there was still something distinctly off about him, more so than usual. He almost seemed to be looking over you, only glancing down when you walked forward. He never backed up, but you could see his shoulders tense.

Your scarf was the same color as Karn’s clothing; Death wondered if it was a gift.

“It’s cold. You’d do best to get back inside by the fire, before the chill finally gets to you.” Death didn’t have to much to say after that, and mostly resigned himself to leaving you, grabbing whatever thing he had made the excuse to need at the Tri-Stone, and then once again took his leave. It was abrupt, and left you standing with your arms tight trying to protect from the wind.

You watched him go without fanfare, and it foully reminded you of a few months earlier. In order to not dwell on sour memories, you decided to take shelter inside the Forge, eating some food and trying to have a chat with Alya. It had surprised her you were without Karn, until he made himself known only a few minutes later.

It seemed he either had applicable timing, or he had waited until you were out of eye-shot of the Horsemen before swooping in.

Karn would never consider himself a coward, and he’d have half a mind to pick a fight with the Horsemen, had you not be guaranteed to take a large issue with it. Your approval of him was worth it’s weight in gold, so he’d avoid trying to upset the Reaper anymore than usual; As tempting as the idea was.

“What did ol’ Death want?” Karn approached you from behind, looking down as you finished off whatever you had been munching on.

“Oh, I don’t quite know. He didn’t tell me.” You were smiling, but your voice had that same almost deflated sound it almost always had when Death left. Karn despised it, that the Reaper always left you in a worse mood after he left. Your friends should cheer you up, not sink you downward. But you always kept going back to Death, even if the Makers thought it not in your best interest.

Karn just so desperately wanted you to stop knocking on that door, knowing Death wasn’t going to answer.

“Ahh well, Death’s always a busy lot. Surely he has important… Reaper business to go about to.” The awkward sentence made you chuckle, watching Karn move to sit down beside you.

“Yeah, probably.” A corner of your mouth dropped slightly, looking around the Forge in thought.

Damn that Reaper, he didn’t deserve you fawning all over him when he kept leaving you like this. Why out of everyone, did you choose him?

“I’m probably gonna go to bed early tonight, if I keep it up out here I really do think I’m going to end up an icicle. Maybe my blankets will keep me warmer.” It was the perfect excuse to just spend some time alone, in sun slowly beginning its decent and bringing colder hours. Karn wouldn’t disagree with you getting some rest and warming up; But he didn’t like leaving you sad like this. Just as you began to slide of the step you’d made your temporary seat, Karn quickly jumped up. It startled you and forced you to jump backward, him quickly holding out his hands and apologizing before speaking his thought.

“How ‘bout tomorrow, we ask Muria and make that thing you wanted te’ make?” Face lighting up, it made Karn’s own smile grow wider.

“Sure! Sounds good to me! You can help me taste test and everything, if you want.” ‘If he wanted’; Karn almost scoffed. Of course he’d want to. He was already thinking about what wonderful things you were going to come up with as you walked off, waving goodbye as you went to huddle into bed. He couldn’t help the small bout of pride at having cheered you up, after Death had pulled you downward.

Karn spent the rest of the evening trotting around like the happiest Maker alive, excited for whatever you had planned for them tomorrow.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You never would’ve guessed how different sleeping would be, with the dusk to dawn schedule and no technology to keep you awake. You could wake up almost instantly, sleep fulfilling and regulated.

But you’d gladly take the shit sleep back, if it meant be able to play little phone games and text friends. And with humanity still In a rabble trying to gather themselves back together, it would be another hot minute until that life was a reality again.

Slipping from the bed and shivering as your socked feet touched the stone floor, it was a dash to get shoes on and bundle back up. Even with no wind, it was still terribly cold, and part of you had hoped you’d just sleep endlessly until the weather was a little more, human friendly. With that an impossibility however, you fully clothed yourself and looked around, glancing at the knife on your little makeshift side table.

Death had given it to you, and though you needed it far less now, you’d never have the heart to part with it. It reminded you of him to much; a curved, ghostly blade with a dark handle, weathered from many years of use. You loved the damn thing, in all of its morbidity.

Death surely would’ve cursed your sentiment, against the idea of attachments and mementos. Even if you knew that there was an old weaved friendship bracelet you’d snuck around the handle of one of his scythes you know he's noticed, and he’d never once taken off.

Eyes leaving the blade you raced off out of your tiny room, in search of Karn and the end goal: Your tea. Muria would surely know what plants were at least edible, and you could both experiment from there.

Unless, the Makers already had invented their own tea? And this whole adventure of yours turned out to be a giant circle.

Either way you were still excited, almost ramming into one of Karn’s legs once you’d managed to locate him. Karn laughed and turned to look down at you, before reaching down.

“Slow down there! Someone might step on ye’ if ye’ ain’t careful!” Hopping into his hand then quickly to his shoulder you both took off, all the while you shrugged off his joking worry.

“Nah, don’t worry; I’m pretty good at dodging Maker boots by now.” Giving Karn a chuckle, the two of you managed to catch Muria by her garden, which was no where near as beautiful as it was during the warm months. But she still had plenty of persistent plants, that were still growing leaves somehow despite the weather. Maker realm plants were persistent, if anything.

“Hey Muria! I, we have a question, if you have a minute?” Muria turned from whatever had been previously occupying her, sitting it down before you had the chance to see what it was.

“Ahh, hello you two.” She glanced up towards you, a tiny smile on her face. “And what are the two of you up to this time, might I ask?” Karn turned a little sheepish, gesturing towards you.

“I’m trying to make a drink I remember from Earth; Do you happen to have any plants that, one might consider edible? Not that much could grow in this weather…” Muria chuckled and gestured a hand to a few of her garden boxes.

“You would be surprised how resilient some beings can be, even in the harshest weather. Yes, I might have a few that would fit your description.” That sent you clapping, happily thanking Muria. Karn contracted your joy as well, smiling wide and taking the few branches that she had deemed acceptable. They all looked ok enough, it was just a matter of if they tasted ok.

The spare forge outside would be the perfect place to conduct your experiment, gathering things you needed to boil water, and even a small cup. You didn’t have quite enough for Karn, but you vowed that once you had something that tasted good, you’d make one just for him. Not that he minded either way, as just enjoying the time with you was more than enough; Watching you fuss over boiling water, trying to make, well, whatever you had called this. He had honestly forgotten.

The first plant had tasted awful, the second, slightly better but unbearably sour. The third was even worse than the first, and you’d had a coughing fit from the vile taste. The fourth one however, had potential. You kept making more, testing and futzing around, Karn watching your hands work.

He wondered if this was normal, for humans to spend so much effort making things as simple as a drink. He thought it a little silly at first, but to see how much attention you gave to each taste test, he found himself actually quite eager to test human food.

“Do you think Muria would be mad if I asked her for more?” Your voice snapped Karn out of his thoughts instantly, looking down.

“Only one way to find out, right?” Karn was just about to storm on over, until he noticed Death, standing in the garden he was about to go to.

When had he gotten here? You two had been so distracted neither of you had noticed his arrival. Karn couldn’t keep the idea down, as guilty as it was, that maybe he could keep you busy enough to let Death leave.

“Yeah, we can go and-” Your voice trailed off, and Karn deflated. “Death?” Dammit, you’d noticed, watching the Reaper descend the steps downward and onto the main path out. Eyes locked on the reaper you watched him, standing firm in the wind. Death normally didn’t return so quickly, and a not small part of you was curious as to why. Karn watched you turn to look up at him, a smile on your face.

“I’ll be back in a second, ok? I’ll meet you back inside the Forge.” Leaning inward and breathing in some of the hot steam you sighed, warmed enough to venture away from the fire. Karn would wait inside the Forge for you, but he watched you raced towards Death, swinging your arms while running. He watched, even as Death glanced upwards at him.

Damn that Reaper.

Karn went inside, leaving you out alone in the cold for the time being. You caught up to him just as he was halfway down the main path, managing to get him to stop.

“Hey, you’re back awfully soon. You miss us?”

Us. Since when did you and the Makers become a group?

“Indeed, quite horribly.” Death was cut and dry, even more so than the last time. And you were no closer to figuring out why he was suddenly so despondent. This past week with him had just been awful, and you were trying desperately to patch up the cracks, if you couldn’t find the source.

Trying to figure something out about Death, you might as well have decided to bore a hole through a mountain. But you were still curious what brought him back so soon, even though he more than likely had things to do elsewhere. He was still a busy man, even after everything that had happened.

“So, what did you come back for? S’not like you travel with much anyways.” Death had glanced upward over your head, not noticing the way Karn’s gaze lingered on you before disappearing from view. It seemed the Maker had replaced him as your personal shadow, ever since he’d left you. Ever since he died. Now he kept talking himself out of coming here, throwing around excuses to not see you.

It was the closest Death had ever felt to cowardice, and he hated it. Despised that he could never just tell you how he felt, because it was absurd, pointless and fruitless. But he could never just leave, he had to keep coming back, just one more time.

Damn it all to Hell, he should’ve never let you get this close to him. He couldn’t get you out of his head anymore, the way you looked at him. Death snipped out a curt reply to your innocent question, hoping it would send you off. If he kept doing this, maybe you’d finally get sick of him, leave him for good.

But the feeling it kept making in his gut; He knew it was wrong. That he didn’t want you to.

“Is it common for humans to pry for every meaningless little detail?” You wiggled your nose, rolling your eyes at him.

“Am I not allowed to just ask? Can't fault me for being just a little bit curious.” You noticed him take in a deep breath, his eyes closing for a moment. Fingers rubbing together in your mittens you watched him seem far off, before suddenly starting to walk towards the entrance of the Tri-Stone again. You weren’t content to let him just leave like that again; You had a hard enough time already. It took a quick few paces for you to catch up with him, talking loudly over the wind whipping in your ears.

“Death?” When he didn’t answer, your face dropped significantly. What even was so different now? You didn’t remember doing anything to set him off, or was it something else bothering him?

Death sighed, barely even crooking his head to face you.

“And what, pray tell, is your problem this time?” you turned to face him, crossing your arms and staring up. You could see in his eyes he was quite irritated, squinted downward as if his brow was stuck furrowed.

“Can you at least quit ignoring me for five minutes?” When Death didn’t answer, you kicked the snow and attempted to round him and look him in the eyes. He turned away, looking straight forward and over your head.

“There is no need to throw a tantrum.”

When Death acts like this, it is absolutely infuriating. The complete shutdown, locked somewhere within himself. You didn’t know if it was something you said, he saw, he thought, or he remembered, as it was always a mystery. And it usually remained a mystery, until he finally opened back up just enough to his normal self again. Not that his normal self was that talkative either. You’d dealt with it enough already, and it was impossible to deal with, irritating to the point of near insanity.

Your hands outstretched and fingers curled, clearing your throat and looking up at him.

“Well you’re the one acting like a child and ignoring me!” Death finally looked directly down at you with clearly glaring eyes. He may give you far more leniency than others, but he had his limits.

“Behave, girl.” In any other situation, that sentence might’ve very well made you shiver. But Death kept walking forward despite the demand, you trailing just behind as you softly grumbled a ‘make me’. And before you could even realize it, he had his hand cupping your jaw pushing your cheeks upward.

“It would be wise, not to taunt me.” You’d try your best to remain stern but those eyes were like ice, staring down at you from behind the bone mask. You tried your best to keep a stern face but Death could see it cracking, watching your eyes flicker around his face. Your fingers flexed in your mittens, wanting to hold onto something but unable to.

“If you just told me what I did wrong so I can fix it, I wouldn’t have to!”

For a second, Death faltered. You thought this was your fault? While you weren’t incorrect this involved you, it was by nothing of your conscious making.

Death was simply, desiring something where he had no right to.

You were a bright young Human with the world before them, he had no right to tell you who you should show favoritism to. Or that you should only spend your time with a someone like him. He hated that no matter how hard he beat down his emotions, they just seemed to come right back up again like determined weeds, weaving themselves through the cracks. He let go of your face and turned around again.

“You are not at fault.” Death turned his face from you again, closing one eye. “Now end this pointless talk.” Death was stoic, cutting off any hope of communication in moments. Hands bunching up into fists tight enough to leave little dents on your palm, you pursed your lips and breathed harshly. Unable to hold it in any longer you were so frustrated, sick of this. You couldn’t solve anything with Death and your frustrations just kept bottling up, unable to escape and just pressing tighter and tighter against the lid.

“Ughh! Goddammit!”

Your sudden aggressiveness did get Death to turn his attention to you, seeing your face bright red and fuming. One arm raised up and for a split second you look more than ready to give Death a good wallop right on the bicep, but you threw your arms right back at your sides and stormed off instead. He watched your feet attempt to bore holes into the ground as they stomped, hands tugging and ripping at your clothing in anger.

Why you didn’t hit him remained a mystery to Death, watching as you disappeared. He would’ve let you, in a rare moment, not as if it would’ve hurt him in the slightest. Physically, at least. But the fact that you cared enough about him to hold it back, Death thought maybe you might’ve-

No. He wasn’t going to find things where there wasn’t any. Any human would know better than to try and pick a fight with the Grim Reaper. That would be his excuse, ignoring the uncountable other times you’d mocked his speech, bit back at his sarcasm, or even gave him a playful smack on the chest without even the slightest hint of fear.

Standing in the middle of the Tri-Stone like a statue Death suddenly felt out of place, the wind blowing his hair in all directions. He’d get nagged by every Maker here if he let you run off and hurt yourself, might as well go drag you back.

Or he could just go get Karn to do it, as you quite seemed to prefer him now.

Growling into the wind only heard by himself he turned around on a heel, almost throwing his body around, shoulders tight. It would eat at the back of his mind for hours if he didn’t just grab you and throw you back to the Makers, if only to just keep them off his back. But he wouldn’t trust Karn with your safety in the slightest, not after all he’s seen the Maker muck up. What you saw in him confounded Death, but he refused to admit it jealousy.

Stomping down the path he passed no Maker, thankful that each step was free of harassment until he saw Thane in the same spot as always. Guarding the front of the Tri-Stone, and using the training dummies to keep himself busy. He’d have to pass the Maker in order to leave, outside to the meadow where you were probably hiding.

In reality he had only stopped for a few moments, but it was enough to steel his will and sigh, beginning to walk again and turn as soon as possible to make his way up the stone steps. But right as his left foot hit the first step...

“Ahh, so what’d ye do this time Horsemen?” Stopping his mindless thrashing the minute the Horsemen was in earshot he spoke, amused from seeing him bristle. Thane put one hand on his hip and stared downwards, an unmistakable knowing smirk on his face. Death continued to look forward almost frozen, until he bit the inside of his cheek underneath the mask and creaked his head to look towards the Maker.

“And what do you assume I am at fault for? I am fairly busy, it’s sometimes hard to keep track.” Thane either didn’t notice or straight up ignored Death’s sarcastic bite, pointing behind him. Death’s voice was coated in venom, but Thane wasn’t the type to care.

“You sent the girl right up in a tizzy there not a moment ago, stormed right on by without so much a hello. Looked mighty red in the face, if ye ask me.” Death sighed and rolled his eyes, mask moving with his face.

“Many things make the girl upset. I’ve quite lost count of them.” Thane didn’t have much of any patience, especially for Death.

“Not much makes the wee’ thing fumin’ to tears, that’s for sure.” Thane threw a hard stare. “Cept’ fer you.” Another huff of breath, signature for the Reaper, and he crossed his arms. Since when was every Maker here suddenly the expert on Humanity; On you? He was the one who’d brought you here, he was the one who you’d spent the most time with, and-

Wait.

You had cried because of him?

Death closed his eyes for a moment. You’d shouldn’t have wasted the effort.

“I find it hard to believe a human would cry over something quite pointless.” Thane was a Maker of few words, and it was tempting to use his preferred method of problem solving on Death as well. But he held back, if not for the grinding of his teeth. Thane found your infatuation with the Reaper a bad decision, as to him, all that Death seemed to do was leave you in tears and alone. Not that Karn was a better option in his eyes, but at least the Maker had yet to make you cry. That he knew of.

“Horsemen, that damned girl gets so worked up over you nae anyone can calm ‘er down. When you went and offed yourself, her heart damn near broke in two. Not a Maker here was able to make ‘er not shuffle around like you’d taken her soul with you. Who are you to tell her who she’s suppost’a worry about?” Thane crossed his arms tight, before making a hard jerk of his head in the direction you’d fled to. That was the most he'd spoken in quite a long time.

“If I was ye, I’d go apologizin’. Ye ain’t gonna find a better lass than her.” Death let out a one note chuckle, left fingers tight against the hilt of one of his scythes. If it was a neck, it would’ve well been wrung by this point.

“Well yes, humans have been in a rare commodity until quite recently.” Thane shook his head and let out a laugh. It bristled Death quite the wrong way, and if it weren’t for the fact he was in the Tri-Stone, he might’ve done something more aggressive in response.

“Ye might think you’re all smart trying to say all that, but we ain’t stupid. It’s obvious ye care about the girl far more than just makin’ sure she ain’t hurtin’ herself.” Taking his one foot off the step he turned to look fully at the Maker, not content with letting people assume anything about him.

Even if they, weren’t incorrect.

“I do not take kindly to you just making wayward assumptions.” Thane’s head tilt gestured to the partly opened door and by extent, the area beyond it.

“It’s an open field with not a creature in sight, ye have no reason to go after her other than that ye want to, Horsemen.” Death could feel his body tense, neck and shoulders tight enough that he felt the like the muscles could almost rip.

Death hated this. Hated feeling like this. That his emotions were visible to others, and not deep within that rusted, multi-chained lockbox he calls a heart.

“Watch your tongue, Maker.” Thane just smiled, showing sharp tusks behind his lips. It was a taunting one, Death knew well.

“Right right, my apologies. The ‘ol noggin just got knocked in to many times, that’s all.” Death could hear the sarcasm coating Thane’s sentence, downright almost begging the Reaper to try and refute his claim. Which would inevitably start a fight. Death stayed silent, and began his walk again up the steps again. Thane kept quiet, but could hear the heavy sound of the Reaper’s boots before they faded out of earshot, leaving the Tri-Stone.

But now outside you weren’t instantly visible, the meadow looking almost barren.

“Dust.” The crow appeared from almost nowhere, landing on Death’s shoulder with a thud and responding caw. It was shrill in his ear, Death nodding outwards towards the meadow.

“Find the girl, will you?” The lazy bird quite well did as he was told, for once, instantly taking flight and having Death follow not long behind. The beat of Dust’s feathers kicked up powdered snow right into the wind, blowing it westward.

Dust ended up taking him eastward, just to the edge of the where the meadow ended and Baneswood began. That seemed to be as far as you felt safe going, teetering just on the edge of the wilds. There was many things in the that forest that could make easy work of you, so it was smart to stay towards the clearing. He could see your back hunched over, poking a stick into the snow as you sat on a fallen tree. It was just something to occupy your hand while you thought, the wind blowing little snowflakes onto your shoulders.

However when there was a shrill caw and your hair whipped around from the flapping of wings, you gasped as Dust moved to sit on your lap.

“Dust! How’s my favorite crow?” He warbled in response, fluffing up and sitting content on the expanse of your thighs. Death would’ve normally scolded him for being so lazy, but it never seemed to sink in. Quickly you dropped the stick you’d been preoccupied with, abandoning it for the eager bird.

“I was unaware you knew other crows than Dust.” Turning to look over your left shoulder and see Death standing behind you, you struggled to smile with pursed lips.

“Gotta puff up his ego just a little to keep him happy, right?” The mitten of your right hand sunk beneath black feathers, scratching against bumpy flesh and earning a delighted shiver from the bird. Death was surprised you were attempting to be amicable, after how angry you appeared. Strife and Fury couldn’t manage that much, and they were legions older than you. Death made no attempt to come closer, until you looked away from him.

“Sorry for, yelling like that.” Death almost laughed. You were apologizing? He had just gotten ‘scolded’ on the way out to see you that he should.

But then again, you seemed to just give them out like candy, as he’d gotten more sincere ‘I'm sorry’s’ just from you than he had in an uncountable number of years.

Not quite content to have a conversation with the back of your head Death finally moved, sitting down beside you with no small amount of awkwardness. Dust opened a single eye to glare at his master, before closing it again when he realized he was safe for the time being. His head further dug into your stomach, body wiggling to slip further into the comfortable dip between your pressed together thighs. The giant crow took up most of your lap, but you didn’t mind in the slightest.

“You are on thin ice, bird.” Damn the Crowfather for giving him the laziest bird of the bunch, content to sit on the lap of the first willing participant. Death knew you were aware the giant bird happily ate carrion, but you still cooed at the damn thing like it was a child.

Death could have a knife to his throat and would still never say he was jealous; However, he wouldn’t be displeased if you kicked the bird right off your lap and into the snowbank.

Hand continuing to love on the giant bird Death’s face looked mostly forward, eyes watching you. You were busying yourself by playing with Dust but he could see your eyes glance over to him for a second, expectant. You were hoping he would continue the conversation in some way. But Death just continued to watch you pet his crow, silent.

You didn’t even want an apology, why was it suddenly like his mouth was chained shut?

Just say something to her.

He opened his mouth for a second. But, he just couldn’t get out the words. Death sighed and looked down at his feet, seeing how they sunk into the thick snow.

“Come back to the Tri-Stone, will you? You are going to freeze over.” You were shivering clear as day, the shelter of the treeline not doing much to prevent the icy wind. When he stood back up, you made no move that would hint you were going to follow. Scarf whipping in the wind he looked down on you, feeling his eyes on you again.

“Are you deaf, girl?”

“No, I can hear you just fine.” Death stared down at you, feeling it on your shoulders. He seemed hard intent on bringing you back to the Tri-Stone, now that you’d been fetched.

“Then let us go. Before you get ill.” Blowing hot air through your nose forming a steam cloud, you looked up at Death. Your nose wrinkled looking up and him, the wind whipping your hair around and framing your face.

“Oh, so you can care about my well being, but god forbid I do about you?” Your anger seemed to almost melt away, looking down at Dust. “I do care about you, you know. Even though you don't seem to want it.” Why were you, out of all the beings he’d met, so damn determined about him? Even War never cared so blatantly about him, so unafraid to show it, like you were. He sat back down awkwardly beside you.

“I do not require a human to worry over me.” Judging by your tensed hands and frustrated growl, that was quite clearly not the response you’d wanted. You turned your upper body towards him and threw your hands outward, yelling up at him.

“Goddammit Death! Can’t you please just let someone love you, for once!?” He stared at you, and even with you learning to tell from just his eyes his expression, this one was particularly hard to read.

It was almost like he was looking through you, lost in thought.

Putting a hand on his shoulder Death turned to look at you with a small amount of surprise, only able to see his eyes for a split second before you closed your own, and pressed your lips against the exposed area of his cheek.

It was the only option left you could think of, if he kept throwing your words to the wayside thinking they were meaningless.

Leaning back, your lips almost tingled from the feeling. You’d felt his skin against your hands before, but this was a profoundly different experience. He always had cooled skin other than after intense fighting, but the winter had made it almost feel like ice.

"Please just, stop ignoring me."

Were all humans so profoundly absent of self preservation? Death sighed.

“You certainly aren’t the wisest of your species.” You just smiled, wringing your wrist in your hand.

“Well, that wasn’t a no…” Death sighed. It looked like he was going to pinch the bridge of his nose, but simply rubbed against his mask with his palm instead.

“Indeed it was not. How awfully astute.” Now that you were far brighter, smiling and ruffling at Dust’s feathers, he rose up again.

“Now, up. Go back to the Tri-Stone before you freeze over.” You pursed your lips into a pout and got up off the log, holding Dust in your arms not unlike a baby. That bird was like putty in your hands, and Death wouldn’t forget to scold him for this.

“What, do you suddenly need someone to attend your return?” His eyes glanced towards the general area behind the two of you, towards the Tri-Stone. “You seemed to get out here just fine.” Death snapped his fingers and Dust started to rustle, forcing you to let go as he took off to the air. You blew a raspberry watching the crow fly off, before stepping closer to Death.

“Can I not enjoy a nice walk back with you?” You moved to wrap your arms around his, but loose enough that he could wretch it from you if he wished. He didn’t, but sure did he complain about it.

“I change my mind. It was a no.” Suddenly letting go of his arm, you started trotting forward through the snow, away from him on the path back.

“Fine then! Race you back!” Death’s significant height advantage meant that his fast walking steps were competitive in speed to your jog, able to keep up a slight ways behind you. Having snow up past your ankles on the ground didn’t help with your speed either, as it was hard to lug around boots covered in thick, sticky snow.

Until you tripped on a hidden rock, falling face first into the snow. Death let out sigh that shook his ribs, catching up with you as you started getting up. Grasping the back of your coat and lifting you to your feet, You felt a large hand on your head. He shook the snow from your hair, not missing the way one finger pulled a few strands from against your forehead. He assumed your were apologizing or laughing at yourself, but he couldn’t quite make it out, distracted by your eyes. They looked so, unbelievably happy. Dust suddenly landed on your shoulder and almost sent you toppling back downward, only saved by your hand grasping at his arm.

He could afford to be selfish just this one time.

#Darksiders #Death/reader #reader insert #reader #mywriting #Darksiders 2 #Reader x Death #death darksiders #death reader #death reader darksiders #darksiders reader #darksiders x reader #death/reader #darksiders/reader #death x reader

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probablyintensemuses · 3 years ago

Text

"𝐁𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐞𝐬" 𝐁.𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐎𝐍𝐄: 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆

001

Series warnings: for mature audiences (18+). Includes mentions of death/murders in graphic detail, leg closing NSFW sex (eventually), slow-burn. Also overall angst and fluff!

Series summary: Peyton thought she had everything she wanted. She had a family, were they complicated—no doubt. Not to mention a cafe struggling on its own two feet. But for Peyton, that was more than enough. Insert Bucky Barnes, the mysterious man from her cafe. The more she begins to pull back the layers of the elusive Bucky Barnes, the more the facade of a full heart begins to fade and craves to be filled by his presents. All the while Bucky's own guilt consumes him—seemingly only being cured by his bed of lies.

Peyton noticed him; hell, how could she not. The cafe wasn't big at all. In fact, it was the exact opposite. With its six tables, including the bench outside, there was no hiding in the Beanie Bussiness Cafe. And the man who sat in the corner every day was no exception.

Often Bucky would watch Peyton or her mother, Adrianna, with his intense blue eyes, sending shutters down their spine. It had been the beginning of week three since he had started visiting them, and today Peyton had enough. She would talk to him, confront him if she had to.

Peyton burst through the kitchen doors, wiping her wet hands off on her worn-down lemon print apron. "Charlie, I'm gonna do it," Peyton blurted.

"Do what, exactly?" Charlie muttered, her striking green eyes never leaving the fresh cinnamon roll she was icing.

"Confront him.' Peyton said, taking a sip of her hours-old coffee. "Confront blue eyes, I mean."

Charli snickered, brushing a loose piece of her blonde hair behind her ear. "Is that what we're calling him now?" She asked, pushing her iced cinnamon rolls into the warmer.

Peyton rested her arms on the flour-dusted counter. "I've always called him that—besides, have you got any better names?"

"Hm. Touché," said Charlie, glancing over her shoulder.

"Great, now give me a cinnamon roll." Peyton grinned, her palm covered by a plate that she held out in front of Charlie.

"I think you can ask a bit nicer," Charlie smirked, dancing around Peyton with the cinnamon roll clasped between a pair of tongs.

Peyton took in a deep breath, inhaling the scent of the baked goods that surrounded her. "Charlie, may I please have the cinnamon roll that you are holding hostage from my clutches so that I can give it to the strange man who sits in my cafe every day." She asked in a robotic tone.

Charlie dropped the cinnamon roll onto Peytons plate, tilting her head to the side. "Fine—but we're working on your manners, young lady!" She shouted, pointing at Peyton with the pair of tongs she held.

"Pff. I have manners! So many that I think it could be my superhero name." Peyton boasted, as she faced Charlie while walking backwards.

"We aren't the avengers, Pea," Charlie said.

Peyton paused, her lips pulling tightly together. "I know—because if we were, we would have never blipped for five years, and my business wouldn't have gone to shit." Peyton said. She used her green manicured nails to push open the kitchens swinging doors, walking the peace offering over to table number ten.

Finishing her strut to the table, Peyton smiled down awkwardly at Bucky, who sat sipping his freshly roasted black coffee. No sugar, no cream—just coffee. She cleared her throat in an attempt to get his attention. She wanted him to look at her the way he did so many times when he believed she hadn't noticed.

Eventually, he did. Slowly, Bucky lifted his eyes to see Peyton holding a fresh cinnamon roll in front of him. Bucky shot her a stiff grin, one that looked almost painful to produce. He hadn't ordered the cinnamon roll, he never ordered anything but black coffee from the cafe, and he assumed Peyton knew that.

She was aware Bucky's only order was coffee. And in Peyton's opinion, Bucky had the easiest, and if she was honest, most basic order out of all of her regulars. So, of course, she knew he didn't order the cinnamon roll.

Bucky coughed, placing his mug down with his flesh hand. "I didn't order that." He stated.

"I know.' Peyton placed the plate down, scooting it in front of Bucky with the tips of her slim fingers. "I wanted to give it to you." She smiled.

Bucky's eyes nervously looked at the roll, then back at Peyton, who had found herself seated comfortably in the chair across from him. He stiffened as she watched him with her intense brown eyes. Her stare wasn't the worst he had ever seen. But it was so obvious it was physically painful to Bucky.

"What are you doing?" Bucky said dryly.

Peyton leaned back into the chair, squinting her eyes at Bucky who sat before her. "What are you doing?" She asked back.

Bucky's eyebrows drew together as he took another slow sip of his coffee. He didn't know what she was implying, and he was nervous about finding out.

"I mean here.' Peyton's brown eyes grew wide as she slapped a hand over her mouth. "I'm sorry—not that you aren't welcome! What I mean is, I've never had a customer come in so often and never speak to anyone."

Bucky tried to respond, but the words were logged in his throat. All he could do was give Peyton his intense stare as it usually got people to leave him alone—but Peyton kept going.

"You see Mr. Jeffery?' Peyton shifted her gaze toward the older gentleman who sat reading an old book. "He comes in every day around the same time as you, maybe five minutes earlier. But he always speaks to us."

Peyton placed her hands onto the table, lifting out of her seat and leaning close to Bucky, causing him to shift back into his chair, uncomfortable with how close her nose was to his own.

"So I need to ask you two questions.' She glared. "Do you work for the Feds?"

"What? No." Bucky croaked, his eyes growing wide.

"Okay then.' Peyton sunk back into her seat. "So, are you stalking me?"

Bucky nearly choked on his coffee. He was coughing loudly while Peyton stared at him in distress. Bucky knew he looked peculiar sitting in the coffee shop each morning, not saying a word. And his approach to making amends was obscure, but Bucky was scared to reveal the truth—he'd be cruel to come in and ruin their happy lives.

Initially, Bucky had planned on slipping them a note and never returning. But when he saw how full of life they were, he couldn't. It felt wrong. So, he would settle for the stalker narrative—it felt better than the truth.

"No,' Bucky coughed once more. "I'm not—I should leave." He rapidly stood out of his chair as Peyton did the same, almost blocking him from leaving.

"No, I should leave you alone." Peyton ran her fingers through her hair, the tips getting stuck between her thick curls. "Please, sit.' She reassured, pointing to his seat. "The cinnamon roll is on the house. Tell me if you like it—it's our first batch of vegan rolls we're selling." She smiled, walking away backward, bumping into a table with her hip.

Bucky nodded, slowly sitting back down. His attention now focused on the warm roll sat in front of him, hesitantly he picked it up, turning it from side to side. It smelt marvelous, and before the cinnamon roll was placed in front of him, his stomach hadn't growled. But now, he was ravenous.

Bucky took one more sniff before taking a bite. His steel-blue eyes grew wide as the silky dough melted in his mouth like a marshmallow. He let out a low moan of satisfaction, it had been years since he had something so sweet, and he intended on savoring every bite.

From behind the display case, Peyton watched as Bucky devoured the cinnamon roll. She had a huge grin plastered on her face, mentally checking off talking to the man in the corner from her to-do list—not that she honestly had one.

She watched as Bucky stacked his plate and coffee mug neatly, pushing it to the edge of the table. Bucky would leave his coffee cup on the table on a typical day, with a generous tip tucked underneath it. It was thoughtful, and Peyton felt he was kind—or at least kind enough for her to bombard his space the way she just had. Peyton walked through the kitchen and into dry storage, where her mother stood. Pen and paper in hand, collecting inventory for the cafe.

"Momma, I did it." Peyton squealed, gripping her mother's shoulders, shaking them a bit.

Adrianna took Peyton's hands in hers, removing them from her shoulders. "Did what baby," She asked while counting the number of flour they had in stock.

"There's fifteen, by the way.' Peyton pointed to the flour."But I talked to blue-eyes."

"Thank you, darling." Adrianna jotted the number down and moved on, her eyes narrowing as she paused her stride. "Who?" She asked.

Peyton groaned, dramatically tossing herself onto the baking utensils behind her. "The man that always sits in the corner, remember him?" Peyton flayed her arms. "Oh, of course you do because he only sits there every day!" She exclaimed.

Adrianna glared at Peyton over her shoulder, not impressed with her daughter's tone. "Don't get smart. I might be pushing fifty, but I'll still give you a beat down." Adrianna threatened.

"Momma, you know I don't mean it like that. It's just, how am I the only one who notice him."

"Because you're a weirdo." Adrianna laughed. "But you're my weirdo, so it's okay." Giggling, she kissed her daughter's hairline, moving around her to finish inventory.

"Whatever," Peyton chuckled lightly. "I should be getting Mr. Jeffery his third round of matcha anyways." Peyton stalled, looking around her."Where is my coffee?"

"I threw it out!" Charlie shouted as she washed a pile of dishes.

"You did not!' Peyton marched over to Charlie. "Why I outta feed you to Alpine!" Peyton shouted, shaking a finger in Charlie's face.

Charlie smirked, biting Peyton's finger playfully. "That cat loves me." She said, releasing Peyton's finger from her mouth.

Peyton moved a curl out of her face raising her eyebrow cheekily at Charlie. "Seeing as he's my cat, I'm pretty sure he loves me."

"I think he loves him," Adrianna said, her head peeking out from the kitchen's swinging door.

"What?" Peyton frowned, walking over to her mother, standing on her tiptoes. "What the hell." She whispered.

There, she saw Alpine, her cat who was rubbing against Bucky, resting comfortably on his lap. But Bucky wasn't repulsed by Alpines friendly nature. Instead, he stroked Alpines white fur, only making the cat nuzzle into him more. From the kitchen, Peyton could see him whispering to Alpine— and of course, she couldn't hear what was said, but she was still curious.

"Oh man, what should I do?" Peyton paced, pinching the bridge of her nose.

Charlie, being the tallest, had no use for her tiptoes. She simply looked above Adrianna's head, getting a view of the action as Peyton paced back and forth behind them.

"Maybe go get your cat, just a thought." Said Charlie.

"Right," Peyton said, fluffing her hair a bit in the reflection of the window.

"What the hell are you doing?" Charlie laughed.

"Nothing," Peyton snapped back all too quickly.

Peyton walked out of the kitchen doors, slowly making her way to Bucky's table. Where Alpine rested on his shoulders, she thought of the ways she'd ask for her cat back. Maybe she could try "Hey, mister, can I have my cat back," or "May you please return my cat." It all sounded stupid, and before she knew it, Peyton found herself standing above Bucky once more.

"Hi," Peyton grinned, eyeballing Alpine.

"Hi," Bucky said, allowing Alpine to climb on his covered metal arm.

She watched as Alpine rolled over, swatting at his gloved hands. "He likes you." She chuckled.

Bucky began to pet Alpine once more. "Hm."

Peyton was taken back by his lack of words, not knowing what to say to him or if she'd get more than a three-word response in return.

"Do you have any pets?" Peyton blurted.

"No."

Peyton sighed, slipping into the same chair as she had done before. "Well, do you have a name?" Her voice had a nervous tremor as she played with her fingers.

"Bucky," He said, gently handing her Alpine while walking past.

Following him, she stuck out her hand for him to shake. "Well, I'm Peyton." but by then, Bucky was already halfway out the door.

Bucky nodded, shooting her a faint smile before shutting the door behind himself. Bucky knew her name—Bucky knew all their names. He had to because painfully, he remembered all of them. All of the victims who suffered at the hands of the Winter Soldier. Especially the innocent ones.

Walking down the crowded street, Bucky's phone began to buzz in his pocket. Taking it out, he flipped open the screen. He groaned aloud when he saw it was Sam trying to get in contact with him. Composing himself, he answered.

"Yeah," He said bleakly.

Back at the cafe, Peyton had Alpine cradled in her arms as she rocked him back and forth. She walked around to where Bucky once sat, she cleared his mug and plate from the table, placing them into the tub she had placed beside her. She picked up the daily tip Bucky left, putting it in her pocket. In the corner of her eye, Peyton watched as a tiny napkin fell to the floor. Placing Alpine down and letting him roam, she bent over and picked up the small napkin. Unfolding it, she read the one word written on it.

"Thanks."

How fitting, Peyton thought.

Smiling to herself and releasing a small laugh, she shoved the note into her pocket, feeling as if she had accomplished something for the day. All Peyton wanted to do was make those around her feel good—and most times, she achieved that with her baking. So knowing Bucky enjoyed her first batch of vegan cinnamon rolls warmed her heart. After today she could officially put speaking to Bucky behind her.

previous part

main series masterlist

#bwww #bucky barnes #angst #blackoc #bucky barns imagine #bucky imagine #bwwm love #fanfic #james buchanan barnes #buckysam #bwwm wmbw #bucky x oc #slow burn #bucky x black!reader

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max-cortez · 1 year ago

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One whole year had been spent in a city he'd considered nothing more than a rest area in his life's venture of going absolutely everywhere and somehow, nowhere all the same. His part time gig at the tree farm had held him over until he'd braved the storm of his own worries and tossed in an application at the tattoo shop that so many people had talked up. Like a domino effect, everything had fallen into place after. One happening after another, but nothing had solidified his place in the city like the hazel eyed beauty at his side.

The loss they shared had brought them together, but the months of healing after the fact had opened up parts of himself he'd considered forever closed off. It was as if the professor was the golden key and in one slow twist, she'd unlocked something within him, granting him a chance at the happiness he'd ran from for too many years to count.

"I was thinking five thousand," he quipped, playful doubt layered beneath. As a man who'd had his first real tree decorating experience, courtesy of the woman providing heat and happiness to every inch of him, the idea of decorating the massive tree was unimaginable. "I just feel sorry for the people who had to decorate it. Hell, I feel even worse for the people who have to take it down. It took us what, a few hours to get our tree the way we wanted? And I thought ours was big."

The squeeze at his mid section caused a wider smile to pull on his mouth. "It looks like they've made things bigger and better this year, so who knows? Last year, there was this soup I couldn't get enough of. They put it in a bread bowl if you want." His stomach turned over at the memory, one that he now wanted to recreate with her. "I could go for some hot chocolate. Maybe spiked for a little extra warmth."

Her offer was met with a soft squeeze around her shoulders. "Tonight's on me. If you see anything you want, just say the word." His gaze trailed over her features, pausing at the curve of her mouth. Heat crept up his neck as he recalled every fiery kiss they'd ever shared, how one night of passionate atop her couch had left them falling into one another all over again months later.

Heartbeat doubled in pace as he watched the podcaster tip upwards, his own frame naturally curving downwards to capture her mouth in a kiss. "Mmm," he pleaded in protest, eyes lingering closed for a few moments longer before he straightened with a boyish grin beaming down at her. "Leathered baddies? Is that what we are now?"

Max rolled his tongue over his bottom lip, his dark hues trained on the person he wanted to know better than himself. He studied her features, an attempt to gauge her response before it ever fell from her mouth, but the breeze knocked brunette stands into his view. A careful hand reached downwards, knuckles softly brushing against hers in the same attempt at sweeping them from her face.

"Take my jacket," he offered, albeit the threat of the chill to his own frame. As long as he was glued to her side, he'd battle every cold front in a winter's time to ensure she was taken care of. "Or I could think of a few ways to warm you up." His voice dipped low and he shot a wink down at her. Her car, a bathroom in any open indoor shop... there were options. "I'm doin' alright too. I'm just happy to be here with you." In fact, he couldn't imagine being there with anyone other than her. "Happy with the idea of helping you stay warm too," he added, another look of amusement flooding his features.

@cheyohara

For as long as Chey could remember the tree lighting ceremony had been a thing year after year, and yet— never before had she looked forward to it as much as she had tonight. Tucked under the arm of the man that made her heart beat faster and slower at the same time, on the verge of forging new memories with someone that had entered her life in what had felt like a fever dream, there was nothing else she wanted for the night.

Well, someone special was missed, but that little angel was carried in their hearts.

"What do you think? Maybe something like five-hundred?" A smile turned up toward the tall artist. Somehow, if possible, the brunette wished for this moment to last forever. "We'll see it in our next bill, I'm sure. Our tax dollars are paying for this, aren't they?" The arm draped around Max hugged him a little tighter.

While the question the professor was somewhat dreading came, along with the mention of a drink, a brief rush of nerves hit her. Anxiety tightened her chest only a little but enough to tighten her smile briefly. "What kind of snacks do you think they have?" The podcaster leaned into his affection as her fingers curled a little more into his shirt. For a while now her stomach had been uneasy, off and on, but she didn't want to end up getting sick at the ceremony. "I could use something warm to drink, maybe. Like hot cocoa. What about you? Want me to go get some?"

At the compliment Chey turned and shifted up onto her toes so she could press her lips to his. "And you look handsome. Two leathered baddies at the Christmas tree lighting," Chey grinned, thinking of the terms she'd heard some of her students use as they each stood in a leather jacket to stave off the chilled mountain air.

How are you feeling? That should be a simple question to answer but Cheyenne was all over the place. Two missed periods now. Seven months seemed too good to be true in recovering from a loss and that had given the professor too much anxiety. "I'm, umm," some brunette strands were pulled from her face after getting caught up in the breeze, "alright. Just a little cold. How are you?" / @max-cortez

#character: chey o'hara.#cheyohara #event: holiday week.#i made this longer #i'm so sorry

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renova-writes · 4 years ago

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Coney Island Hotdogs

Requested by: @maximeevansblog

Summary: “The reader is the daughter of bucky barnes, and the have a daddy - daugther Day, but the reader wants to sleep but her dad has other plans , and end of the Day the asks what do you wanna eat Mac donalds and the watch a movie, but the reader falls a sleep trough the movie, and he carries her to bed, but she wakes up and her dad she go back to sleep button, i am carring you to bed, and allot of fluff and cuteness and if its ready you tag me right thanks”

Words: 2,004

Warnings: Just basically a bunch of Fluff. Some mentions of bullying and death, but very light and fun

Other Works: masterlist

"Five more minutes," you whined. The clock on your bedstand read 5:39 am.

"Hey, button," you heard a voice whisper. The dark locks dangling over you told you that it was your father. "Get dressed. I have a surprise for you."

"It's too early."

"I know, but I'll make you a (your favorite caffeinated drink)" Your dad obviously wanted you to get up but was not going to force you. That was one of your favorite things about him. He never forced you to do anything you didn't want to.

"Really" Your sleepy eyes lit up at the mention of caffeine.

"Yes button, really. I promise. Just get yourself ready to go, and it will be waiting for you" he smiled and walked out of your room, "Also, bring a jacket. Just in case."

With that, your dad left. As you paused for a moment in your bedsheets, soaking up the last moments of fluffy warmth before you needed to get up, excitement crawled up your spine. It wasn't often that you and your dad did things, just the two of you. He was always busy with the Avengers, or you two were over with Sam and his family. When you did make time for special days, he usually asked you what you wanted to do beforehand.

His walking into your room at five in the morning, asking you to get up so that you two could have a bonding day, was unusual. He must have something special planned.

You forced yourself to get out of bed. That was going to be the hardest part. Half asleep, you dragged yourself over to the bathroom. You did your business and paused after washing your hands to brush your teeth and your hair. A smile crept across your face in the mirror as you tried to guess what you were going to do.

The zoo? The park? Maybe the museums?

You lived in the Avenger's tower in the heart of New York City, so there were many options. You gave up trying to guess and decided to go with whatever. It was going to be fun no matter what.

It was the beginning of spring, so it was warm during the day but cold in the mornings. You picked out a light floral dress, leggings, and a cardigan so that you could have layers. Some essential jewelry and your boots would also be a part of your outfit.

After putting on your clothes and some basic makeup, you made your way to the main room of your apartment. Just like he had promised, your dad had gotten your beverage from the Starbucks next to the lobby. He had probably gotten it before waking you up as it was sitting in the microwave/fridge.

"Hey button. Nice to see that you finally have awoken from your cavern of blankets," he joked, "You ready. I've got an amazing day planned out. Just the two of us."

"Yep. Where are we going."

"Button, that's a surprise!"

"Tell me!!" you giggled.

"Well, it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you," he smiled. A goofy grin was on his face, with admiration pouring out of his eyes.

"Just a hint…" you begged. "I'll probably forget by the time we get there."

"No. I want it to be a complete surprise," your dad insisted, "that's why, after you drink your drink, I want you to put on a blindfold."

Oh dear, he was very insistent about this whole surprise thing.

"But first, BREAKFAST!!!" he exclaimed as he presented you with your favorite breakfast, waffles, and strawberries. The plate seemed to sparkle with deliciousness as your stomach cried out in hunger.

"Yummy!!!"

"See, I remembered your favorite" he seemed very proud of himself. You had mentioned that you liked waffles when Wanda had made them for a birthday breakfast.

"Dig in! I put some strawberry syrup into the waffles themselves so that we would have extra strawberry flavor."

He handed you a fork and a knife, and you cut into them. The heat fell off of the bite on your forked, and you braced yourself in anticipation. Your father could cook; he and Steve used to make dinners for the team. But that was with Steve, now that he was gone, your dad rarely cooked. It had been hard for him. He was slowly getting over it; you definitely helped. Having somebody to take of, his therapist agreed, was very good for him. But his food was very hit or miss. This morning, however, the waffles were amazing.

The strawberries tasted fresh and had the perfect amount of sweetness. The waffles were eggy, precisely the way you liked them.

"Dad! These are delicious!" you exclaimed.

"I know, right, they're so good," he nodded in agreement, "but can I admit something? I stole the recipe off Auntie Wanda."

It didn't matter where he got the recipe from. They were delicious. It took the two of you a total of 10 minutes to eat the entire plateful.

He pulled a blindfold out of his pocket and put it around your eyes. You had faith that he wouldn't let you bump into anything. You weren't going to have to worry about the crowded city streets. When the strangers passing by got a glimpse of his metal arm, they always made a beeline away from him.

You knew it hurt him. You could see it in his eyes. He was your dad, after all. When you were younger, you couldn't understand why they were afraid, but now that you were older, you knew. It never, even for a second, hurt your relationship with your dad. You loved him. You knew that the real James Barnes was a cinnamon roll. This was a man who wouldn't kill spiders when he found them in the kitchen. This was a man who hung out with the Parker boy and played video games.

Even though the blindfold around your eyes took away your sight, you knew that your dad was checking to see if his gun was where he needed it. After all, he was the Winter Soldier. But that was an everyday thing. When he stopped rustling with his pockets, you felt a hand on your shoulder guiding you out of the room.

------

As soon as you heard the crowd's excitement, you knew where you were. The smell of cotton candy and hot dogs confirmed it.

Your dad had taken you to Coney Island.

You hadn't been there since you were a little kid and couldn't control your excitement. The hand that had been guiding you on your shoulder disappeared and removed the blindfold.

After taking a moment to adjust to the light, your eyes took in the flashing lights and kids running around. The roller coasters and carnival games all around you captivated your attention and caused a smile to form on your face.

"How's this for a surprise Button?"

"Dad, this is amazing! Thank you!!!"

"What ride do you want to go on first?"

The morning flew by in a blur. You and your dad had decided to go on every single ride you could. He had enjoyed the bumper cars and had won you a stuffed panda bear on one of the shooting games. You got the famous coney island hot dogs for lunch and ate on a bench on the beach. The entire morning, there was one thing that you really wanted to do… Ride the Cyclone.

"Hey, dad….."

"Yes Button"

"Can we ride the Cyclone"

"Um. of course. We have to. What's the point of coming here if we don't."

You threw away your trash and got in line. A man with purple hair and tattoos strapped the two of you in and took your picture.

"Alrighty ladies and gents," the loudspeaker in the car said. "Are you ready for the Cyclone"

Everyone on the train whooped and hollered in excitement, and the car lurched forward. Slowly you crept up the first hill and felt the adrenaline follow. At the top, you saw the people on the benches below. You couldn't help but compare them to little dolls from your height.

With that, the car reached the top of the hill and falls.

"Whoa, Button, I think I'm going to be sick," Buck said once you were off. He was looking somewhat green and queasy.

It was your turn to guide him... to a trash can. It turned out he wasn't going to throw up, which you were grateful for, but the Cyclone's toll had been taken. He rested his body on a bench and called it quits.

"What time is it," he asked. You checked your watch. It was two in the afternoon. "How about we do something a little, slower."

"Sure," you agreed. You were in Brooklyn, his home borough, and he decided to take you on a tour of where he grew up.

"And this is the alleyway where your Uncle Steve decided to get in all those fights," he said you passed by. "One time, after I saved his tiny ass, he told me that he thought he had pulled a muscle, and I was all like, 'Steve, you can't pull what you don't have."

You giggled at the thought of skinny Steve. Continuing on your tour, you saw his old apartment and walked through the one he shared with Steve. It had been turned into a museum, and you laughed together for an hour as he pointed out every single detail that had been changed.

"There was no way that we could have two beds! There was no heater, so we shared one! Why would they change that! It wasn't like we had anything going on between us!" he argued. You laughed as the tour guide still could not recognize one of the old occupants of the apartment.

Once your dad seemed satisfied with his tour, the two of you walked down to the nearest subway stop. In the underground station, you passed those golden arches.

"Dad, can we get McDonald's," you asked.

"Are you sure, Button, we can get much better food back a the tower"

"Yeah, we haven't had it in forever, and I need to feed my inner Chicken nugget," you joked.

He must have been in an excellent mood because he gave in to the lure of the golden arches. He also seemed like he really wanted a burger because he got his usual order, Two big macs, a large fry, and an M&M McFlurry. The super-soldier serum had granted him the ability and need to eat loads of food. You also figured that he wanted a break from Pepper's food because she had decided that the entire team needed to become more healthy conscience. It wasn't that anyone hated her food; it was just somewhat bland. And besides, who wants couscous when you can have Micky D's.

After Bucky had wolfed down his food, and you had savored each bite of Chicken Nugget, you got on the train back home. You could feel yourself grow tired as your body finally rested from an exciting and full day. Your head drooped down and rested on your father's shoulder.

"Hey, button, let's watch a movie in the tower."

He picked out a classic, The Wizard of Oz, and made popcorn. You barely made it to the tornado before your eyes finally gave up. You were so tired that you didn't feel your dad pick you up and start carrying you to your bed.

Your eyes fluttered open as you heard 'If only I had a heart' playing from the TV.

"Hey, Button," your dad's voice whispered, "You fell asleep. I didn't want you to wake up on the sofa, so I'm taking you to your bed."

He laid you down and pulled up the blankets. With a kiss on your forehead, turned to leave.

"Dad, I love you," you called out.

"I love you too, Button" On that note, he turned out your light and closed your door

#bucky x y/n #bucky x daughter!reader #bucky fluff #domestic bucky #fic request #steve x you #sam x you #marvel #avengers #avengers x young reader

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blue-sparks-and-broken-hearts · 3 years ago

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A little short story I wrote! It's called Portrait

The dark early morning sky glittered with a spray of bright stars, streetlights glowing warmly over the neighborhood. Kyla kneeled on her bed, looking out her window and counting how many constellations she could recognize. 3 am, and she still hadn't gotten a moment of sleep, too invested in her most recent project. The painting perched on her easel had finally dried, the shine of wet paint dulling down to a soft matte, but she wanted just a few more moments of stargazing before she returned to it.

A few moments later, she stretched her arms above her head and stretched out her back, wincing slightly as her spine popped. She needed to lay down for a while, her back ached, but she was determined to finish her artwork.

Sliding off her bed, she paused to stretch out her legs, then went back to her painting. This layer of paint would, if all went according to plan, be the last one.

She ran her fingertips over the edge of the canvas, scrutinizing the details, then picked up a teeny tiny detail brush. After mixing another custom color, and a few more minutes of tweaking highlights and shadows, the portrait was finally complete.

She slumped into her desk chair, exhausted beyond belief. She meant to only rest a moment before laying down to sleep, but the next thing she knew she was falling onto the floor from her chair, her concerned mother having woken her up by calling to her outside her closed bedroom door.

"Kyla! It's almost noon, I thought you were leaving at 11:45?" She called, then paused when she heard the thump of her daughter crashing to the floor, opening the door.

Kyla laid there for a moment, half-asleep and stunned, then looked up at her concerned mother and laughed.

"don't worry, I'm fine!"

Her mother sighed in relief.

"Stop sleeping in your chair Ky, you're really gonna mess up your back." She said, grabbing her hand and helping her up.

A moment later Kyla was alone with the portrait again. She checked it over one last time, searching intently for any mistakes, but for once in her life, she thought her art looked really good. She carefully brushed a protective sealant over the painting, using a large brush to minimize brush marks, and sat down to let it dry, sending a text to let Hunter know that she would be a bit later than she thought.

Hunter worked today, luckily, so Kyla was fairly sure she would still arrive before her love returned home.

Before long, the gloss of wet paint faded, and she carefully tested the sealant in the corner with her fingertip to assure that it was truly dry.

After she was certain it was safe, she placed the portrait into a homemade black gift bag littered with tiny silver hearts that she'd spent three hours drawing on.

She tucked a small card in alongside the portrait, making sure it was pressing against the back of the canvas just in case, then set the bag down and went to change into the outfit she'd chosen for today.

The warm red tones of her dress went well with her reddish-brown hair, which she put back in a braid that wound over one of her shoulders, stopping just under her collarbone.

She applied just a bit of eyeliner, smoothed down the few hairs that had already escaped the braid, grabbed her beat-up bus pass from her dresser, and off she went.

The walk to the bus stop didn't take long, and luckily she made it just in time to board the massive red vehicle, taking a seat near the second set of doors so she could easily make her way off the bus.

She settled the bag in her lap and turned on her headphones, putting on the playlist hunter had made her for last year's anniversary.

She sat there for almost an hour as the bus bumped over the road, getting more excited by the minute. Finally, it screeched to a halt at the closest stop to Hunter's house. Waving goodbye to the driver, she stepped out the doors and immediately started walking. Lucky for Kyla, the walk was only about five minutes, and soon she was knocking at the door.

It took only a few moments for Hunter to throw open the door, eyes sparkling with joy.

"Kyla! I've missed you."

The portrait in its bag was carefully set on the porch, and she launched herself into Hunter's arms, hugging tight.

"I've missed you too.. happy five years, love of my life." She murmured, already starting to tear up.

Hunter held her for a moment longer before pulling her inside, carrying the bag to the table for her.

"I don't want to wait, open your present!" She said, a sweet and slightly nervous smile curving her lips.

Hunter sat at the table and looked up at her for a moment, then slowly pulled the portrait out of the bag. There was a soft, amazed gasp, and then the picture was laying on the table and Hunter was holding her tight again.

"My love... It's beautiful. I can't believe you did this."

Kyla let out a relieved laugh and hugged hunter back, a few happy tears tracking down her cheeks.

Hunter let go of her and went to grab the painting again, handing it to Kyla.

"Pick somewhere to hang it? I trust your judgment."

She nodded and turned away, settling for a spot by the front door so it wouldn't be immediately visible when walking inside.

Satisfied with the placement, she turned around. Her hands flew to cover her mouth, and once again her eyes welled with tears.

There was Hunter, her girlfriend, down on one knee. She held out a small black ring box, slowly opening it once Kyla's eyes were on her. The ring inside was silver, Kyla's favorite color, and set in it was a shiny blue stone, the color of Hunter's eyes.

"Happy five years Kyla. Will you marry me?"

#short story #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtq+#wlw #women loving women #story #writing #love story #lgbt short story #lgbtq short story #lgbtq+ short story #wlw short story #gay #gay writing #gay short story #queer #queer short story

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ethanharli · 4 years ago

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Pairing(s): Shoto Todoroki x Top Male Reader.

Warning(s): Fantasy AU (I think I'm addicted to it now-), Angst, Fluff, Cursing, Fighting (heavily detailed), aged up characters.

DNI; if you use she/her pronouns.

_______

When the forest came into view all I could see was blue flames, while smoke clouded up the night sky, shielding the moonlight and creating a erie darkness. A messenger bird was sent to me not long ago by my lover Shoto, he said he needed help but I wasn't expecting everything to be this bad. "Shoto!" I shouted, guiding my horse to the edge of the forest before hopping off, looming around the burning trees for a certain two-toned male. "Stay here girl" I gently patted my horses muzzle before walking past the flames, not caring for how quickly they scorched my skin, I could endure any pain if it meant I'd be able to find him. "Shoto!!" My voice boomed throughout the forest, echoing off trees and the ash covered ground as I leaped over fallen trees and avoided burning bushes.

"[Y/n]..?" My head snapped towards the sound of Shoto's voice, quickly speeding past the trees until I finally found his hunched form leaning against a charred tree. "Shoto- are you okay?" I spoke quickly, kneeling down in front of him to scan him over, his body is littered in cuts and burns with small patches of frostbite on his right side. "I'm fine, but you're burning" His eyebrows pinched together as he starred at me, looking at the burns on my skin that I didn't much care for at the moment. "Stop being stubborn for once in your life damn it, you're hurt! I brought some friends to help get everyone out of here but I need to get you to a medic" I carefully put my fire resistant coat over his shoulders and turned my back towards him, helping him hop on until I had my hands secured under his ass to keep him up.

"Let's get goin' sweetheart" I muttered out, feeling the heat of his left side slowly burn through the layers of my shirt as I tried to walk out the forest. Watching out for trees and burning ash, I was determined to get Shoto out as soon as I could, already feeling anger boil up inside me from the fact I knew someone did this, someone burned the forest and hurt my lover. I couldn't stop the growl from ripping past my throat, but the feeling of Shoto cuddling into my back eased away some of my anger. It was when I saw my horse accompanied by many others, that I let out a sigh of relief, quickening my pace so that I could meet up with the others, but I was just a bit to slow.

A tree suddenly feel in front off me, causing me to jump back to avoid injury, but my blood slowly started to boil when I saw a male with stapled scarred skin was the cause of it, "Leaving so soon?" The males lips curved into a devious smirk that pissed me off to no end. "Depends, you willing to move that tree you so generously knocked down?" I smirked back, loving the way I irked him, but I knew better then to get into a pointless fight, what matters is getting Shoto to safety. I quickly looked around the area and took a step or so back from the male, making sure there was a good amount of distance between him and us, but that didn't seem to go unnoticed.

"Y'know you're not leaving here right? Trying to run away is pointless" Ah, well that's what he thinks. Tapping into my quirk I felt the fire around me suddenly burn hotter as I leaped backwards into the air, getting a good five or ten feet away from the male before taking off into a sprint, my lungs began to burn with the smoke that filled them, my skin feeling like it was practically melting off as I dropped to my knees, carefully setting Shoto on the ground in front of me. With a pained grin I gently traced the back of my fingers along his cheek, feeling my heart swell from the way he leaned into my touch, "I love you Shoto, I always will" And with a pained chuckle I kissed his forehead softly before making a drawed out whistle, calling out to any big animal near by.

"Found you" My eyes widened at the familiar tone, turning around slightly to see the scarred male with his hand pointing in my direction, and in one swift movement I lifted my coat over Shoto's head to cover his face as I shielded his front with my body. But all I could feel was an agonizing pain when the fire made contact with my back, black spots slowly seemed to fill my vision but I fought back against it, trying my best to lift myself off the ground when the male had finally stopped his attack. I could feel the muscle and tendons on my back slowly repair themselves as I turned towards our attacker, spotting a wolf not to far away. "You put up a mean fight.." I chuckled lowly, slowly feeling anger flood through my veins like molten lava.

"Now it's my turn" And I let it burn.

In a quick blur I stood in front of the male, reeling my fist back before punching him in the gut, sending the male flying back into the charred trees. "Get him to safety, I got a pest to deal with" I growled towards the wolf, not even waiting for a reply as I darted towards the villain yet again, not letting him get up as I landed a kick against his ribs, hearing a satisfying crack as I sent him flying yet again. The adrenaline and scorching hot anger pumping through my veins helped me ignore the black spots clouding my vision when I walked towards the broken male, watching as he tried to stand but miserably failed. I couldn't help but laugh and kick the man onto his back, pressing my foot against the center of his chest so he couldn't get up.

"Y'know I kill guys like you for a livin' and you're not that good at your job pal" I grinned devilishly, not caring that I could be breaking his rib cage at the moment, I still fumed from the fact he hurt my lover. But it was when he raised his hand towards my face that I knew I'd eat my words, he sent a burst of blue flames towards my face before falling into a purple-ish black hole, but all I could do was scream from the pain that engulfed me. All that adrenaline seemed to fade and reminded me of the pain that I was being put through, but I just couldn't move. Falling on my back I looked up at the smoke filled sky, taking in one more deep breath before I finally closed my eyes.

I just hope he'll be okay.

-----

"Mngh.." I groaned softly, slowly trying to sit up, but the weight on my chest stopped me from doing so. So with what strength I had I opened my eyes and prompted myself up on my elbow, blinking slowly I looked at my chest, seeing thick wraps of bandages around it, but what caught my attention what the mop of red and white hair brushing against my skin as he cuddled closer into my side. I couldn't stop the smile from growing on my face, feeling a slight heat spread through my cheeks as I moved onto my side and pulled him closer to me, wrapping my arm around his waist while my hand gently ran through his hair. "Idiot, you should be in your room" I breathed out, taking in the features of his face before gently brushing my fingers over his cheekbone, feeling my face heat up more when he leaned into my touch, slowly blinking his eyes open.

"Mornin' sweetheart" Regretting the chuckle I let out due to the pain that pierced through my back and face. His eyes widened slightly as he leaned up and hovered over me, taking my face in his hands, it pained me to see the tears that slowly gathered in those beautiful heterochromic eyes. "Hey it's okay.. I'm here Shoto, and I'm not going anywhere" I muttered softly, taking his wrist in my hand as I leaned into his touch, the tears just seemed to fall after that. "You're so fucking stupid" He whimpered out, and I couldn't help but chuckle at his words, knowing he was right but before I could say anything he quickly pressed his lips to mine, desperately pulling my closer to him.

Placing my palm against the small of his back I did my best to lean up and return the kiss, not caring for the pain that spread throughout my body from the small action. He was the one to pull away from the kiss, gently tracing his thumb along my cheekbone before looking me in the eye, letting his fingers carefully run over the bandage that covered the left side of my face.

"You're an idiot."

"I know."

"But I love you too.."

#bnha shoto todoroki #bnha todoroki #mha todoroki #x male reader #todoroki x male reader #todoroki x seme male reader #x seme male reader #todoroki x dom male reader #x dom male reader #mha #bnha

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minhoslut · 5 years ago

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♡ summary: Y/N is a fairy in a world of magic hating humans, who moves into a house with seven young men after being kicked out of her old dorm. She learns about all their secrets while hiding hers for as long as she can. Lots of parties, games, sex and maybe even love.

♡ pairing: ot7 x fem!reader, fem!reader x various idols

♡ chapter: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | ? |

♡ series warnings: alcohol consumption, blood mention, drug use, mxm, fxf, threesome, foursome, orgy, swearing, anxiety, depression, past trauma, past abuse

♡ series genre: fluff, smut, slight angst

♡ series rating: R

♡ word count: 3417

♡ posted on: AO3

♡ chapter five: we like to party

♡ A/N: the smut arrives uwu

After breakfast, you decided to go for a run in the forest to help get rid of some of the excited energy you were bursting with. Wearing a dusty rose sports bra with matching capris leggings , you began stretching in the backyard. It was nice to be so close to nature, it made your magic tingle and the instinct to release your wings was strong. You sighed at the thought, it was so fucked that magical creatures couldn’t just be part of society, usually they just lived a little differently, no harm done. Yeah sometimes they did bad things, but so did humans! They are so jealous and scared of things that are different though. You clicked your tongue and took a few deep breaths before heading into the woods.

The birds were calling to each other in the trees, and everything smelled fresh. When you reached the lake with the waterfall you stopped to take a dip, stripping naked and slipping into the cool water. Diving down to the bottom, you laid across the sand and relaxed in the silence. You had always loved being deep underwater, just sitting or lying down and being surrounded by silence. You didn't like being alone though, so when you were younger you would create a water being to talk to and play with. Silently, you wished that you could share things like this with someone, but humans can't hold their breath as long as fairies can so you'd just be outing yourself.

An idea struck you as you looked up at the surface and realized how deep the lake was, a smile crossing your lips. Standing up, you released your wings into the water and sighed in relief. Flying was a no, but at least they could be unfurled. The silver, blue and gold flecks in your wings sparkled in the water, refracting light all around you. They wouldn't get wrecked in the water, despite what some human tales of fairies said, you weren't a butterfly after all.

You fluttered your wings a little bit, creating a small current in the water. It was so freeing to be able to have your wings out, you closed your eyes and flapped your wings hard, making the water rush around you. Jumping up, you burst from the lake and brought your wings back in before falling back into the water. You swam some laps and explored the depths of the lake for a while until you began to get bored. Pulling yourself up on the shore and shaking yourself dry, you redressed and ran back to the house.

"Hey Y/N!" Taehyung greeted you from the deck where he was stringing some lights up. "Need any help Tae? Can I call you that?" You asked as you joined him, "For sure as long as I can call you N/N!" He said a grin on his face. You laughed and agreed, holding the nails for him while he hammered the lights to the side of the house. "Do you take these down every week or are they new?" You questioned as you handed him another nail. "We had some up but they kinda got broken... So we just got around to replacing them haha." His answer was vague but you didn't push, not like it mattered much anyway.

"Tae come in for lunch- Y/N you're back! You come too~" Jimin said sweetly, poking his head out the back door. Returning the nails to their bin you wiped your hands on your pants and headed inside, taking a seat at the table next to Jungkook. Jin and Namjoon placed plates of steaming dumplings on the table and everyone sat to enjoy their late lunch together.

"After lunch, Kook and Yoongi, can you guys start setting up the music stuff, and Jin, Hobi and I will do drink/food prep, Y/N, you and Tae continue doing outside! Sound good?" Namjoon said as he began clearing dishes from the table now that everyone was done eating. Various words of agreement were exchanged as you all headed to your assigned areas of setup. You collected the nails once again and followed Tae along the side of the house. When the two of you had finished with the lights you moved onto setting up some chairs and a pong table.

You ran inside to grab some cases of beer to keep by the pong table, bumping into Hoseok as you go. "Sorry~" You called sending him a smile as you went, getting a cute dimple smile in return. Cute dimple. "Tae~ Is this the right stuff?" You asked walking up to him as he set up the triangles of cups. "Yeah, just set it underneath for now." He responded, taking a case from you and shoving it under the table. "What next?" You questioned stretching your arms while Taehyung grabbed his phone out of his pocket to check the time.

"Well it's near dinner so let's see if everyone else is finished with their jobs." He suggested, linking his arm with yours and pulling you inside. "Anybody need help finishing up?" You shouted as you grabbed two glasses and filled them with water from the fridge before handing one to Taehyung. A bunch of no's echoed through the house in response to you, so you began pulling burger buns out and cutting them. "Ooh are you gunna make us burgers?" Taehyung asked coming to sit at the bar, leaning his elbows on the table and propping his head in his hands.

"Yes cute boy, I am! I'm excited for the party so I don't want many dishes~" You told him while you prepped the patties and toppings, cutting various vegetables up and placing them on a plate. He laughed at your nickname for him and rose from his seat to help you by setting the table and lighting the barbeque. Once it was hot enough you put the burgers on and turned on some music while they were cooking. "Are you surprised? It’s like bubblegum pop, because I broke all the rules, because I’m going to show you the real me, really really me, I’m a cherry on top yeah~" You sang along to ITZY as you flipped the burgers.

The smell of the barbeque lured the six men to the table when they had finished their tasks. "Damn what smells so fuckin' good?" Jungkook said as he entered, "Y/N made burgers~" Taehyung answered from his seat at the table where he was getting his bun ready. "Y/N remind me to wife you up." Jungkook said as he sat down, you laughed at his comment and shook your head, bringing the now cooked patties into the kitchen. "Let's eat!" You said, a smile set upon your lips.

When everyone had finished eating, Taehyung cleared away the dishes and everyone split off to their own rooms to get ready. You pulled out various options for tonights outfit, and stripped out of your current clothing, sliding into a silky pink robe with fur trim on its sleeves . Dress, skirt, or pants… You scanned through what you had pulled out and sorted them into groups. A knock at the door pulled you away from the piles of fabric, “Come in~” Namjoon opened the door and stepped in. “Hey Y/N, uh, just wanted to give you the lowdown of the party rules of sorts, but if you’re not ready I can wait-”

You interrupted him with a wave of your hand. “I wouldn’t have let you in if I wanted to wait.” You said smiling at him. “Ok, sure, well, the only real rule is don’t take anyone to someone else's bedroom.” Nodding, you turned back to your clothes, “Joon, can I call you that? Should I wear a skirt, dress or pants?” He came and stood beside you, “Uh, dress? And of course you can, we are friends after all.” Hearing him say that made the smile on your lips blossom into a full grin. "Thanks Joon~ I'll see you in a bit."

Now that you had narrowed it down to dresses thanks to Namjoon, you were able to pick your party look. A longsleeved off the shoulder white top with black trim layered underneath a black dress with two zippers down the whole thing and chain straps attached by a hoop . Popping in some silver hoop earrings and brushing our hair, you moved to the mirror. Lip Gloss, brow gel and a simple cat eye wing and you were set. You surveyed yourself in the full body mirror, checking your outfit and unzipping the bottom half of the dress. "Okay sexy, let's get some!"

You bumped into Hoseok first, when you had come down to the second floor. He was wearing a classic white t-shirt tucked into light blue straight leg jeans with a frayed hem, cinched with a black belt and a back crossbody bag with white polka dots across his chest. A simple silver chain hung around his neck and tied everything together. "Hey Hobi! You look really good! Ready to get some chicks?" You ruffled his peachy blonde locks, making Hoseok laugh and shake his head. "May I escort you to the dance hall, princess?" Stifling a laugh, you took his offered arm, "I'll allow it, sir knight."

Jin and Jimin were putting away anything breakable in the living room when you entered with Hoseok. Jin was wearing an oversized white t-shirt tucked into belted black jeans and Jimin was in a wide neck black tee tucked into black skinny jeans with rips at the knee, a black belt and a silver chain with a long silver tooth on it . "Looking good~ You guys know how to lure in people, huh?" You whistled taking them in. Jimin ran a hand through his black hair and Jin blew a kiss your way. "Says you!" Jungkook said as he and Namjoon entered the room.

Jungkook was fixing the pale pink button-up he had over top of a white tee with a black design on it. His jeans were light blue skinnies with rips at the knees, a black belt holding the in place. Namjoon wearing navy blue slacks with a shimmery peach short-sleeved button-up tucked into them, the top button undone. "Knock out after knock out huh, do they put something in your water here?" You joked, "You've obviously been drinking it too Y/N~" Yoongi teased coming to stand by you, dressed in ripped blue jeans, an oversized tan shirt, and a purple and black flannel overtop.

"Well then, let’s get started!" Jin said clapping his hands and heading to the kitchen, "Shots! To kick off the night and welcome Y/N to our home officially!" Hoseok cheered following after Seokjin. The rest of you also joined them and Jin poured out eight tequila shots, everyone prepped their lemon slices and salted their thumbs. "To Y/N!" Namjoon cheered, the same praise echoed by the six others before you all took your shots.

Soon after your celebratory shot, people began to show up to the house, welcomed by the boys who quickly introduced you to them. The music was turned up and the rooms were quickly filled with people, drinking and laughing. There were so many stunning people in the room, you surveyed them as you sipped your drink, pleasantly buzzed by this point. You noticed Jin speaking with a girl on the deck and began making your way over to them.

The girl has wavy long bleach blonde hair and eyes that were somehow round and sharp all at once. She was wearing a black crop tank top, a pair of black cargo pants and a chunky choker with a big silver hoop on it. There were several chains hanging across her pants, as well as some joining the choker on her neck, and a black belt with silver cut-outs was cinching her waist in. It was a simple but sexy ensemble and you were captivated.

"Hi~" You said coming into their conversation, "Hey Y/N! This is Chungha, Chungha, Y/N." Jin introduced the two of you and excused himself to the washroom. "You look amazing tonight, Chungha! I love the vibe." You said in a flirting tone, touching her wrist softly. "Mm, I could say the same to you Y/N. You're their new roomie, right?" Nodding, you twirled your white hair cutely, "Do you come to these often?" You questioned, "Pretty much every weekend haha. I like coming to dance with people." Dance huh? "I love dancing as well! I'm glad people seem to actually dance at their parties~" You chuckled.

"Well then how about we get on the dance floor?" Chungha grabbed your hand and pulled you into the house, holding your body against hers as you danced together. She kept her hands on your waist, swaying with you and grinding your bodies together. Your hands were around her neck and the distance between you was getting smaller by the second. Someone came up behind you and pressed themselves against your back. Turning, Seokjins deep brown eyes locked with yours and you pulled his arm over your shoulder.

The three of you danced together as you moved lithely between them, passion thick in the air between you. Chungha pulled you into her and kissed you hard, her lips soft and warm, tasted like cherries. A second pair of lips connected with your exposed neck causing a soft moan made its way out of your mouth and into the kiss with Chungha. It was obviously Jin who was kissing your neck, you could feel him holding you closer, his cock pressed against your ass.

Chungha pulled out of your dance floor makeout sesh and took your hand in her right and Seokjins hand in her left. She led you both up the stairs to what you assumed to be Jins room, kissing you again when you had all entered the room. "Are you both ok with this?" She asked between kisses. You looked at Seokjin and nodded, "Yes." You both answered truthfully, excitement and arousal tinging your voices.

"Strip for us baby girl~" Chungha said sitting on the bed and pulling Seokjin down beside her, a delicate hand on the bulge in his pants, giving slight pressure to encourage his arousal further. You unzipped your dress slowly, pulling the zipper all the off and shimmying out, tossing it into a corner. Now you were left standing in your top and a black mesh thong with rhinestone straps, you kept your eyes on them both as you crossed your arms and peeled the top off of your body, letting your breasts bounce out.

Your nipples hardened at the coolness of the air, and you plopped yourself into Chunghas lap, "Please warm me up~" You breathed, lips almost touching the shell of her ear. "Patience, baby." She flipped you over and left you lying on the bed, "Touch yourself while you watch us." It was more of a demand than anything, but you complied easily, one hand running across the mesh of your panties and one on your sensitive nipple.

Your eyes followed as Chungha stripped Jin naked and began to stroke his now rock hard cock, making lewd sounds tumble from his lips. "Mm, I know you like being watched big boy, should we give her more of a show?" Chungha released Jin and began to take her own clothes off. You arched your back and fondled your boobs as you stared at Chunghas body, clad in a matching lingerie set. It was leopard print bra and thong with two sets of straps to hold it together and the bra which consisted of two strips of the leopard print fabric, barely holding her in. A big silver hoop sat just above her pelvis connected to the straps, and another on her bra between her breasts .

Seokjin let out an audible "fuck" as Chungha knelt in front of him and took the tip of his cock into her mouth. Your eyes never wandered as she slowly engulfed his full length, making him throw his head back and moan deeply. You whined from your spot on the bed, wanting to join in on the fun. Chungha pulled out slowly, letting the head out of her mouth with a wet 'pop.' "Oh? Impatient little slut aren't you~" She purred, still pumping Jins length. releasing it, she stood up and led Jin to the bed, "Lay down Jinnie."

Jin laid on the bed flat and Chungha came up onto the bed to join you both. "Suck his dick, nice and slow for me," She directed you, pushing your head over to his cock, "and Jin, you better make me cum with that smooth-talking mouth of yours." Stripping out of her lingerie, she positioned herself above his mouth. You took his cock in your mouth, tongue flat, and moaned around it as you deepthroated him.

The taste of precum coated your mouth, making you drool even more. Wet, sloppy sounds filled the room and Chunghas breathy moans were like an angels chorus, turning you on even more. Your cunt was begging for attention and your fingers rubbing yourself through your panties just wasn't enough. You bobbed on Jins cock and hollowed your cheeks as you pulled off. Licking around the head, you swirled your tongue and cupped his balls as you did so. Chunghas moans got louder, you lifted your eyes and watched as she rode Jins face through her orgasm.

"Y/N you lie down now and get those panties off." Chungha ordered, moving off of Seokjins mouth. You laid down supine near the edge of the bed, with your knees bent and pulled your thong off. Anticipation was radiating throughout the room, Jin hopped off the bed and stood at your feet. Chungha climbed on top of you, laying down on you and hooking her legs on either side. Your breasts were pushed up against hers, making you moan and she started kissing you again.

You felt the head of Jins dick slide across your dripping folds before pushing it between your and Chunghas soaked cunts. The three of you moaned together as Jin picked up his pace fucking between you both and hitting your clits just right. You kissed along Chunghas neck, her skin soft and warm. She, in turn, sucked hickies along your neck and chest, licking at your nipples as her mouth roamed. "Fuck her." Chungha gave the command and Jin followed, his thick girth was thrust into your tight pussy.

Seokjins name tumbled from your lips in a mantra as he fucked your roughly, all while Chungha continued to suck and nip at your skin. Suddenly, Chungah pulled off of you and moved up to hover above your kiss swollen lips. "Can you do two things at once like a good girl?" She cooed, seduction dripping from her tone. You mewled out a yes and licked across her pretty pussy. You inserted two fingers inter her core and pumped while you sucked on her clit, curling your fingers to hit the right spot. Hearing her moan your name encouraged you further as you tried to stay focused with Jin snapping his hips into you roughly.

"I-I'm close." You heard Seokjin say breathlessly, "It's safe cum inside~" You whined, not wanting him to stop, the knot in your stomach getting close to coming undone. He started rubbing your clit and you arched your back, fucking Chungha harder with your fingers. "Let's cum together, now." Chungha purred and just like that you could feel her thighs shaking around you. Jins hot seed filled you up perfectly, and you were brought to your peak as he continued fucking you through his own orgasm.

Jin pulled out slowly, causing you to moan wantonly as his cum leaked out and mixed with your own. Your lips were glistening covered in Chunghas cum, it tasted amazing. "Mm, thanks you two~ Let's get you cleaned up." Chungha said getting off of you and hopping down off the bed. She pulled her clothes back on and left the room, returning with a warm cloth which she used to wipe you down. You saw Seokjin grabbing new boxers and a big t-shirt, which he handed to you once you were wiped clean. You thanked him as he grabbed his own set and slid under the covers, beckoning you to join him, which you did. Chungha blew you both a kiss as she left, and then everything went fuzzy.

#bangtanhq #bts #bts x reader #bts polyamory #kim seokjin #kim namjoon #min yoongi #jung hoseok #park jimin #kim taehyung #jeon jungkook #everything is not what it seems

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angellesword · 6 years ago

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Summary: Yoongi doesn’t know how to finish writing his song.

Pairing: Idol!Yoongi x Idol!Hoseok

Genre: Fluff, minor angst

Word Count: 2.8k (One-shot)

Warnings: discussion of insecurities

Yoongi glared at the intersecting lines in his strikingly white paper. The heavy red inked pen he used to draw those lines was enough to make his head hurt.

Sigh.

He just crossed out an entire stanza of the lyrics he wrote for three hours.

Three. Fucking. Hours.

The lyrics just didn’t fit on the beat of the song he produced. What the hell was wrong with him? He was usually satisfied with his works. In most cases, he could actually finish producing and writing a song in a short period of time.

So why couldn’t he do it now?

Was it the wine? Yoongi absentmindedly ran his finger through his lower lip while thinking.

Was he too dependent on that bittersweet liquor so now that he stopped drinking it, he felt as though he couldn’t function well?

Was that it?

Or was it his pride?

Namjoon offered to help, but Yoongi just brushed him off. He knew Joon had a lot on his plate right now. With his upcoming mixtape, dance practices, meaningful speeches for their love yourself and speak yourself campaign, Yoongi didn’t want to become one their leader's responsibilities.

But the main reason was probably his pride. Namjoon could balance both his personal and work life. So why couldn’t Yoongi?

"Hyung?"

Yoongi felt a hand resting on his shoulder. For some reason, his body began to relax. He was wearing an extra layer of clothes, but he could still feel the comfort and warmth in this person's hand.

He looked back only to see the uneasiness in Hoseok's eyes, his hand was still on Yoongi's shoulder.

"Hobi...you're here...." Yoongi said. His voice was betraying him, though. It's like his system was still processing the fact that Hoseok was really here.

Inside his studio.

And it was just the two of them.

"Yeah. I knocked exactly twenty times." Hoseok replied meticulously, worry was still visible in his eyes.

Yoongi had this rule for the rest of the Bangtan members. They should knock twenty times before entering his studio. But the members, especially the maknae line, didn’t seem to understand the concept of knocking. The boys just barged into his studio whenever they wanted.

"You didn't answer, so I just pressed the magic numbers and went in." Hoseok shrugged his shoulders.

Since the Bangtan boys kept on invading Yoongi's studio, he decided to exercise the use of password lock, but Yoongi was bad when it came to remembering some stuff. There was this one night when he slept outside of his studio because he forgot his passcode.

So when he finally remembered, he immediately told Hoseok about it. He was the only person Yoongi could trust who wouldn’t invade his privacy.

"I brought some food, hyung..." Hoseok smiled brightly as he raised his other hand to show the paper bag containing take-out food.

"Hmm...thanks." Yoongi smiled a little. It's past midnight and he still hadn’t eaten dinner. He barely left his studio.

"Jimin asked me to have dinner with him, but I figured you're the one who needs someone to eat with so..." Hoseok finally removed his hand on Yoongi's shoulder, he then walked straight to the table.

"It's Chinese food. I hope you like it,” Hoseok turned to face Yoongi who was still seated on his swivel chair.

"I eat anything..." Yoongi kept on playing with his lower lip while looking at Hoseok intently. He was watching his every move carefully.

"Good! I brought a lot!" Hoseok smiled. It's the kind of smile that showed his little dimples. The one Yoongi liked the most.

"So...you're going to...eat with me...?" Yoongi asked even though he already knew the answer. Hoseok literally told him a few breaths ago.

"Yes. I just went out with Jimin so I can buy our food. And..." Hoseok stopped speaking momentarily to open the sachet of sauce using his mouth. "I didn't want Jimin to eat alone, so I waited for him to finish."

"I see..." Yoongi nodded.

Hoseok was really that type of person. He always made sure everyone was happy—that everyone was safe. He was always so full of love, especially when it came to his family, friends, and ARMYs, their fans.

Sometimes Hoseok's personality was too much for Yoongi. The former knew how to break almost everyone's wall. He knew exactly what to do or say to a person. He could make anyone feel so special—like you're the only person who matterred. He made everyone feel as though even their pettiest reason should never be ignored.

It scared Yoongi.

Because what if....

What if...he got the wrong idea? What if he thought that he was special, but then Hoseok did this 'special' thing to everyone?

Yoongi was not the smartest person, though he knew that vulnerability and oblivion were the greatest downfall of a human being.

Oblivion. Growing up, Yoongi didn't experience the warmth and kindness of this world. In fact, fate was a little cruel to him. He learned things the hard way. He grew up thinking that everything was not for free.

You wanted food? Okay. Suffer by walking from school to your home in exchange of using your transportation fee to buy a cheap cup of instant noodles instead.

You wanted money? Then let me buy your hard produced music beat for a few bucks.

You wanted to be famous? Spend your life as a teenager full of worries and questions. Will I even debut? How many more songs should I write and produce just to be rejected again?

Isn't leaving Daegu and going to a strange and cruel town enough? What more do I need to do?

You see, these things were some of the reasons why Yoongi could not accept the love and care Hoseok gave for free. Yoongi’s oblivion about unconditional love turned him vulnerable.

He didn't know that someone was capable of doing such things because he grew up in the absence of it. The little affection shown by Hobi made Yoongi feel a lot of things...to the point that he couldn’t control and distinguish it.

Was it love? Or was he just thankful to Hoseok?

"Let's eat, hyung~" Hoseok called, but Yoongi didn't move.

Hoseok pouted and went straight to Yoongi's back. He pushed his hyung's swivel chair until it reached the corner of the table.

Yoongi groaned when his upper abdomen hit the table's corner.

"That's what you get for being lazy." Hoseok stuck his tongue out at him.

Yoongi just shook his head—trying to ignore the fact that his heartbeat just doubled because of Hoseok's silly expression.

Both of them ate in peace. Yoongi wasn’t talking much because he was still worried about his unfinished lyrics. Hoseok, on the other hand, was busy with his food. Yoongi didn't mind. Hoseok's presence was enough to ease the tension he was feeling.

"By the way, Hyung. How's the song you've been writing?"

Yoongi froze the second he heard the question. He remembered promising Hoseok that he would let the younger boy hear it today. It's actually a song that would be rapped by the two of them this upcoming Festa.

Bighit decided to divide the Bangtan Boys into subunits for this year's anniversary. Seokjin, the best vocalist, and Namjoon, the band’s leader, would release a music video. It would be under the production of Golden Closet Film.

Jimin, Taehyung, and Jeongguk were phenomenal dancers so they chose to choreograph dance steps.

Hoseok knew that their members were doing their best. This made him a little anxious and pressured. He wanted to show his best abilities to the ARMYs so kept on pestering Yoongi about their performance. But now that he could see how stressful it was for Yoongi to finish the song, he suddenly just wanted to do something else.

"I'll let you listen to it by tomorrow..." Yoongi stood up and started cleaning the table. Both of them were done eating.

Hoseok noticed the change in Yoongi's mood. Did he say something wrong? Was he too demanding?

Uneasiness washed all over Hoseok again. He studied Yoongi's face. His hyung's lips were protruded into a small but sulky pout. His eyebrows were furrowed too.

Hoseok cleared his throat. He didn't want to upset Yoongi.

"Listen, Hyung..." He started. "Uh, you don't really have to do this...I mean, it's going to be an unofficial song, so....you should not...uhm...." Hoseok tried to find the right thing to say but he couldn’t. So instead, he just helped clean the table.

Yoongi stopped him, though.

"I'll clean up here, Hope. Just do something else..."

Hoseok pouted and sighed in defeat. Yoongi must have been really upset.

Hoseok was dying of curiousity now so he went to his hyung's working table to know what had gotten him so unmotivated.

He raised his brow when he saw five crumpled papers on the table. There were also at least ten scattered white papers here. What really caught his attention was the paper with a big X mark on it.

Hoseok read the words on that paper. A small smile formed in his lips when he realized that Min Yoongi was genius.

This sounds so cliché

but believe me when I say

your smile completes my day

we're contrast, just like what they say

i'm monochrome and you're a rainbow

my dark picture has been colored by you, oh you.

Baby you're my muse. (and my only hope)

"Hyung, why did you remove this? It's brilliant!" Hoseok went near Yoongi just to shoved the paper on his face.

Yoongi immediately snatched the paper away from Hoseok. Damn. He should've thrown this stupid paper in the trash bin!

"I-It's stupid, Hope...." Yoongi avoided Hoseok's shinning eyes.

Did he notice that the song was for him?

"It's not! ARMYs will like it! I like it! No—I love it!" Hoseok grabbed Yoongi frail shoulders, causing him to groan. Yoongi's body felt weak. He had been sitting on his swivel chairs for hours.

"Hyung, you might think I'm only saying this out of guilt for not helping you..." Hoseok bit the inside of his cheek. Sure, he was really guilty but... "You know I don't lie. When I say it's beautiful, it is really beautiful..."

Beautiful. He said that word as if he wasn’t just pertaining to the lyrics but also to the person in front of him.

"So what if it's cheesy? I've always admired your talent for conveying feelings into meaningful words, Yoongi-hyung."

Yoongi blushed. Here we go again. Why did Hoseok always know the right thing to say? Or did he? Maybe those weren’t really the right words. It's just what Yoongi wanted to hear.

Maybe it's never about the right words but the right person.

And maybe it's the way Hoseok spoke or the way he looked at someone as if that person was the sole reason why the sun rises, and why the moon illuminates the heavy, dark night.

"Why are you doing this to me, Jung Hoseok?" Yoongi glared at Hobi. His eyes were slightly red because of unshed tears and frustration.

"W-What do you mean, Hyung?" Hoseok stammered.

Yoongi blinked and then he took a step backward when he noticed how Hoseok's eyes quivered in trepidation.

"I'll finish the song before the anniversary, Hope. Just trust me..."

Hoseok sighed in relief when Yoongi smiled. Nothing else mattered when he saw that gummy smile.

Hoseok’s phone suddenly vibrated.

"Oh! Hyung! Look! Our company just posted the concept photos for the Festa!" Hoseok enthusiastically visited their page to see the photos in his phone.

Hoseok couldn't be happier to see that his favorite photo of him was the album's cover. It took him and the rest of the members two days to finish the photo shoot.

It turned out really well.

But his happiness was short-lived because after several minutes, his photo's likes didn't increase at all.

25,010 likes. 3,056 comments. 743 shares.

He checked the photos of other members.

107,346 likes. 8,222 comments. 4023 shares.

Hoseok couldn't keep track on the numbers on his co-members' photos because it was increasing rapidly.

He was delighted since his members were well-loved and respected by the fans. However, he couldn’t deny the fact that he felt insecure.

It had always been like this. People liked the other members more than Hoseok. He was also often the target of mean and baseless comments on social media platforms. As much as he tried to ignore it, he couldn’t. Some words were too painful. He couldn’t stop thinking that perhaps, they were right.

"Hope..."

"Yeah?" Hoseok flinched when Yoongi touched his shaky hand.

"Are you okay?" Yoongi questioned with furrowed brow. Hoseok's face was really, really pale.

"Huh? Uh...yes. I'm just...." He trailed off. Hoseok didn’t want to lie but he also did not want Yoongi to think he was being petty.

But Yoongi wasn’t having any of his bullshit.

"I know that face so don't you dare lie to me." Yoongi’s voice was low and full of authority. "What's wrong?"

Hoseok swallowed. Hard. He didn't dare to speak.

"Hope, I am asking you..." Yoongi warned. He took a step forward while Hoseok took a step backward.

This annoyed Yoongi. He took another step forward but Hoseok repeated his annoying move. Though, this time, he hadn't done it successfully since his ankle hit the front leg of the swivel chair.

And because Yoongi wouldn’t stop invading Hoseok's personal space, Hobi just decided to take a seat on that swivel chair.

Hoping Yoongi would stop, Hoseok released another sigh of relief.

Yoongi had finally stopped walking towards his direction.

But it's not because he was done with Hoseok. It's just that Yoongi was now standing at most three feet away from Hoseok's swivel chair.

"I asked you what's wrong, Hope. You. Did. Not. Answer. Me." Yoongi said firmly. He even snatched the phone away from Hoseok's grip.

Yoongi's forehead creased because of confusion. What's with these pictures and why was it making Hoseok sad?

Yoongi scrolled down to see all the pictures, trying to understand what's wrong with it. Not a minute passed but Yoongi already knew what this was all about.

"We talked about this, didn't we?" The look on Yoongi's face screamed “I am disappointed.”

That's the problem with Yoongi. When he offered a solution to a problem, he instantly believed that it was the best and it should be followed.

Like when he told Hoseok to ignore the people who didn’t appreciate him, he thought Hoseok's insecurity would just magically go away. Because in Yoongi's case, it had always been like that. Whatever Hoseok did or said,Yoongi believed and followed it.

"You really think the damn numbers matter? Hope, you're..." Yoongi could not finish his sentence. What was the perfect word to describe Hoseok? Did that word even exist?

"This is the reason why I don't want to say anything to you, hyung. You won't understand." It took Hoseok everything not to let his voice crack.

Perhaps Hoseok's greatest downfall was fear. Fear of not being enough. Fear of not being able to show the role he himself wanted to portray. Fear. Fear of not attaining the security he wanted to reach.

It's not about the money. It's not about him getting tired from going extra mile for other people.

It was fear. Fear of not being loved. Fear of leaving this world and not being able to justify the importance of his existence.

Because, why did it have to be him? There were so many people who deserved to live. To be in his position. But why him? What's so special about him?

"It's not that I won't understand, Hope. I can't understand..."

But Hoseok didn't say anything again. He was just trying so hard to purse his lips together and God, Yoongi's patience was being tested.

"You're so fucking insecure. Do you know that?”Yoongi leaned forward so his face leveled Hoseok's.

Yoongi titled Hoseok's chin as he examined his face.

"We should do something about that..." Yoongi whispered. His eyes were still busy scrutinizing Hoseok's face.

"Y-Yoongi..." Hoseok's voice was soft.

Yoongi smirked. His stomach twisted when Hoseok dropped honorifics.

"Yes, Hope?" Yoongi bit his lower lip, trying to catch Hoseok's eyes.

"You go around making other people feel loved when you can't even..."

Hoseok's breathing hitched when he noticed that Yoongi's face was just a few inches away from his probably flushed face.

"Love yourself..." Hoseok closed his eyes when Yoongi left a light as a feather kiss on his lips.

It's just a peck but his body reacted differently.

He knew wanted more.

But Yoongi did not have a plan to repeat that move again.

Yoongi walked towards his working table and immediately stopped the camera from recording.

Hoseok's eyes widen.

Fuck.

They are being recorded.

"I'm not gonna finish this song, Hope. I know what to show to our ARMYs. I’ll let them know who loves you.” Yoongi slightly raised the camera.

He just smirked when Hoseok still remained quiet.

So much for writing a song.

#bts suga #bts jhope #yoonseok #yoonseok fic #sope #bts sope #bangtan #fluff #bts angst #bangtan angst #yoongi x hoseok

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