#(yes he is aware of what his pictures r being used for)

[maxcuntstappen]

F1 via The Interwebs™️ (x) (trash animal edition)

[lukolabrainrot]

So there is as a lot of rumors etc going on yesterday people attacking others. Some type of information should never be shared. Pap pictures sometime cross lines. So if it's a photograph or where someone lives then no it should never be shared with the masses. Do I think L and N are spending time together? yes. Y'all do realize a lot has happened in the last year. What both of them have gone through is unimaginable! They played these characters and their personal feelings bled into the characters. They were confused and made decisions based on those feelings. And I'm sure based on the professionals help. They need time to work through all their crap. Also just be aware i truly think we won't know when things are happening and honestly if it's better for them to be private until they are stronger then why would we as fans need to know. Clearly a lot going down BTS enough was dropped that we should all know that. Just let's give them time they need to clear the air.

💯

It's been VERY toxic in the fandom this week, and a LOT has gone down this week that I have not enjoyed/been happy with related to how the fandom has been interacting/consuming information.

WE NEED TO GIVE L/N PRIVACY. EVERYONE INVOLVED. NONE OF US KNOW THEM. INCLUDING ME. A lot of this is just my theories based on what I observe.

It's alright to speculate and theorize on publicly available information on what might be going on in smaller spaces like this. It is NOT alright though to invade people's privacy and jeopardize their safety. We need to just let them cook y'all, and see what happens. We'll get answers EVENTUALLY.

I also agree that L has probably been spending more time with N since the Italy bday trip. He's very likely going through a messy untanglement/breakup, POSSIBLY a fallout with R (one of his oldest friends), POSSIBLY trying to figure stuff out with N, going through a LOT psychologically, and L/N are CONSTANTLY being analyzed/watched now. That has to be a LOT. We need to just give them space to figure their lives out.

Would I love to have concrete evidence that L/N are together now and cozied up at her house. Of course! It would make my heart so happy to know these two were able to get on the same page. HOWEVER, I DO NOT WANT this announcement to come from anyone but L/N themselves, and ON THEIR OWN TIME! Remember what happened with Tomdaya... And Tom said how unhappy they were that people couldn't just respect their privacy and they were FORCED to publicly acknowledge their relationship. I'm worried that we are headed in that direction potentially with L/N, and it makes me very disheartened.

[jakeyt]

Covet: Chapter 7 (Part 2 of 2)

Pairing: Jake Kiszka x f!Reader

Covet Summary:

Life was good. No, life was great. 

Was. 

Until.

Jake Kiszka crashed into the picture.

You welcomed him into your life—your home. 

Yes, he was your best friend’s twin. But, he was also the one who would end up disrupting your whole world with his attitude, his troubles, and the annoyingly natural way he lured you in. 

Jake Kiszka came with so much you really didn’t want.

At least that’s what you tried to convince yourself.

Warnings: MINORS DNI (18+); smutty smutty smut; oral sex m!receiving; unprotected p in v sex; mentions of toxic past relationships (cheating, lying, etc.) (lmk if i missed anything that is triggering to you!)

Chapter Word Count: 15k+

Covet Masterlist

a/n: alas, the second part of chapter 7!

as per usual, life has been busy and stressful. but, recently, i've had a couple of terribly sad things take place on top of it all. so, all of that piled up has stalled me. threw me way off balance for a bit.

my anxiety has also been ✨trippin'✨ recently, so i'm just drowning atp.

as always, ty to my sis @joshym for being a fucking amazing sister, talking through ideas w me, and proofreading for me <3 ilysfm

and ty to my wonderful friend @alwaysonthemend for being amazing and supportive + ever-encouraging. u r wonderful & ilysfm &lt;3

i hope u guys (gn) enjoy the rest of chapter 7!

-🌼🌼🌼-

Waking up the next morning was not as wonderful as it’d been the morning prior. 

You loved your sister with nearly everything in you, but being tied up in her legs was absolutely nothing compared to being curled up in Jake’s. 

Your body ached to feel his body against yours in the morning again. . .formed to yours, your legs tangled up in each other, your cheek resting on his warm, firm chest. 

Shit. You needed to feel him.

You were just about to get up to see if he was still in his room when Elsie made a telltale noise that she was awake. And when she cracked an eye open to look at you, she looked completely groggy and out of it. 

But definitely awake. Before you knew it, she was up and aware and checking her phone through blurry eyes. 

She yawned once more as she scrolled, but you knew this was only a sign that she was truly awake. A final yawn before starting her day. It was a weird thing you’d noticed with her years ago.

So, you knew that she would waste no time in wanting to start her day as soon as—

“Get dressed and let’s go get coffee,” she said, already walking to your bedroom to get her clothes on to start the day.

And within twenty minutes, you were both flitting about the apartment (bickering already), with the Jetta keys in Elsie’s hand, ready to go. 

As you loaded up in your car to start the day, you couldn’t help but notice the impending throbbing Jake had left between your legs from the night before. 

A sick reminder of the person you hadn’t had the chance to see again this morning. 

-🌼🌼🌼-

You spent the day with Elsie, doing a variety of activities that you two used to do all the time. 

You got the coffee she’d wanted as soon as she’d awoken, then got your nails done, went shopping for unnecessary things, got sushi. . .

It was a fun day. 

But it dragged. On and on. 

Seeing Jake at the gig tonight was undoubtedly the thing you were looking forward to most all day long.

The dull pain between your legs from where Jake had been the night before had you getting even more excited. 

But it also served as a reminder to make your rules. 

He’d followed the other rules you’d made well enough (enough being the key term) before. It seemed a legitimate idea to pitch some again for whatever the fuck you two had now gotten yourselves into twice (and more than that if you counted the other things the two of you had done).

You just hoped he’d respond well to these. They were to benefit both of you. Keep the sex just sex.

Protection.

You were sure they’d be easy for you to follow, so you were crossing your fingers they would be for him, too. You weren’t going to ask a lot of him.

By the time Elsie was done buying whatever she definitely didn’t need from H&M, you already had a solid ten rules made up.

Ten seemed good. Even number. Good start.

And you’d made one rule for yourself personally: No funny business until the rules had been discussed. 

You needed the rules in place to feel like you had some semblance of control over it all.

He’d just have to be okay with that.

-🌼🌼🌼-

The show hadn’t even ended, their little encore about to start, when you got a text from Jake, making your tummy flip at his name popping up on your screen. 

Jake, 10:30 p.m.: Josh says to meet us at that bowling alley we played a couple weeks back

Jake, 10:30 p.m.: oh fuck I forgot

Jake, 10:30 p.m.: that was when you weren’t coming to our shows for god knows what reason. It’s called brooklyn bowl

Jake, 10:31 p.m.: we will be there as soon as this set is done. Head that way and we will meet you

The string of texts kind of shocked you, if you were being completely honest. The fact that Jake had apparently been willing to text you about the plans made your stomach dip. 

And even though his little remark about you not going to their shows made your skin heat with irritation, you still felt butterflies as you quickly texted back. 

You, 10:33 p.m.: Okay. We will see you guys there. 

You nudged Elsie, showing her the texts. 

Her lips had a smart little smirk as soon as she saw who it was texting you, her eyes flashing to you to see your expression. 

You only rolled your eyes and said, “It’s not that he’s texting me, stupid. We need to leave.”

So she finished reading the texts, and nodded her head when she’d finished. 

“That’ll be fun,” she grinned bigger, winking. She nodded once again, signaling for you to move out so she could follow you out from the booth you’d been sitting in to watch the guys perform. “Let’s go.”

-🌼🌼🌼-

You waited a good while for a lane to open up, the alley being oddly busy on a Monday night. 

As you’d waited in line, Elsie had made a comment about Jake acting a little funny about you not being at their shows for a bit. 

You’d pushed her off, claiming he was just being an asshole. 

And your heart hadn’t beaten any faster when he’d sent a simple response as you waited in the line to get a lane. 

Jake, 11:05 p.m.: :) 

Jake, 11:07 p.m.: we will be there soon

You didn’t respond, not wanting to seem eager for a response or some shit. He’d know that you got his message by your ‘read’ receipt.

Eventually, you and your sister had a lane assigned to your party, and you located it. The two of you took the time to set up your names in the machine before the guys would arrive and presumably took over. You had a funny feeling they’d be pre-excited to start the game and compete. 

And you knew well enough to stay out of their way when they got excited over bowling. 

You assumed Jake would be the same. But you didn’t know as this would be your first time going out with him to bowl.

Well, going out with the guys and Jake. Not just him. 

It wasn’t like you guys were dating or some weird shit. 

Fuck no.

You weren’t. At all.

And just as that thought’d come to your mind, you figured tonight would be a really good time to talk over the rules you’d spent the day crafting.

Before he started assuming shit.

He probably didn’t. You knew better than to get too big of a head over Jake considering the thing you guys had done any more than just fucking.

You ignored the tiny sinking in your tummy over that thought. It didn’t matter. It was just fucking. 

So. Yeah. Rules would be good to have. Good reminders. You’d find a quiet time tonight to tell him about them.

They would let you have the control you needed, and keep you both in line with the situationship staying strictly sex.

-🌼🌼🌼-

You were correct in assuming the boys would come in and take over the machine; fingers flew over the touchscreen panel and ridiculous pictures were taken to accompany their player names.

Elsie only sat back and watched Josh in nothing short of amazement, laughing at every single thing he’d say or do. And he’d look back at her and send secret smiles, shooting winks and long glances when he wasn’t looking at the machine.

They were fucking adorable. 

But they could have the relationship. 

You weren’t interested in something like that. 

Though, you couldn’t help the way you watched Jake’s ass as he bent over the chair to put his name in, along with his own picture. His eyes crossed and tongue sticking out. 

You really couldn’t help the smirk and tiny giggle that bubbled out of you when he’d set it up. 

Also, his ass was looking fucking round and delicious in his jeans. 

Fuck. 

When he’d taken the initiative to get the guys’ shoes for them at the counter, you took the opportunity to do the same for your sister and you. 

This could be your chance to talk to him about rules.

Following behind him a few healthy steps, you saw him bent at the waist, arms crossed on the shoe counter as he talked to the girl working it. What was he doing? He was only up there to get fucking shoes.

Despite being annoyed, you did openly take the opportunity to admire his ass while you could. It was too tempting not to. Firm as hell, and poking out yet again from this position he was leaning into. 

You didn’t waste time, though, as you met him at the counter. There was shit to do and he was already taking too long.

You sidled up next to him, without another thought, as the girl across the counter continued to flirt openly with him.  

You rolled your eyes at her, glancing at him as he did the same back. He had a shit eating grin on his face the whole time, as if he knew she was lapping up every bit of it all. 

Stupid. You guys needed to get your shoes and get back to start the game. None of you had time for the little game he and this girl were playing. 

And she needed to focus on her job. 

“I need some shoes, too, if you don’t mind,” you butted in, pressing your arm into Jake’s. She looked annoyed, but you didn’t care. You were too. Looking down at your roommate, you narrowed your eyes at him. He was already looking at you, a raised brow and a smirk on his lips. Your panties got the slightest bit wet. Dumb. “Did you at least give her your fucking sizes?”

He rolled his eyes, but quickly changed his face to a knowing sort of thing that made you want to punch him and kiss him all at once. He uncrossed his arms from the counter, standing up to look down at you. 

“Yes,” he said, voice dripping with irritation, and a mix of something else you couldn’t put your finger to. “Would you like to give her yours, ma’am?” 

“Shut the fuck up, Jake,” you gritted in response. You looked back at her, as she continued to size Jake up. “Excuse me, I still need shoes. A woman’s size 6 and a size 8.”

And just as she begrudgingly left to get them all, you made eye contact with him again. He was already looking at you.

The apples of his cheeks were round with a big smile, pearly white teeth gleaming in the neon lighting of the place as he chuckled lowly. 

“What, Cheshire fucking Cat?” 

“You’re silly,” he said cutely. “And you’ve got a filthy fuckin’ mouth on you tonight, sweetheart.”

Sweetheart.

Your heart leapt at him calling you that. You really liked how it sounded when he called you pet names— like sweetheart and baby. . . It sounded so, so nice falling from his pretty lips. 

Blinking back at him, you refocused. “I’m silly? What the fuck does that mean?”

“You just are. It doesn’t have to mean anything. It’s cute. You’re cute,” he leaned his butt against the front of the counter, and he reached out to toy with the halter top you’d worn tonight. “And you look fucking sexy tonight. Why didn’t you stand closer to the stage for me to see you while I played?”

You flushed, and felt the slightest bit sad when he let his hand fall from your shirt to tuck back into his front pocket. 

“Wanted to show Elsie another vantage point of the show,” you replied, not wanting to tell him that you weren’t sure you could’ve handled being that close to him, watching him ruthlessly fuck his guitar. It would’ve made you fall victim to him before you were able to discuss your rules with him. “But that doesn’t matter. We need to talk about something.”

He let out a breath and then responded, “Well I know what this is going to be about,” he started, his eyes locking with yours. You lifted a brow, encouraging him to continue. “You don’t think us having sex is the best idea, hm? Can’t let yourself have too much of a good thing.”

Scoffing, you crossed your arms. 

You uncrossed them. 

Then, with a huff, you crossed them again. 

You were starting to realize when you did this, it made you feel guarded, emotions not on full display. Jake brought out so many different emotions in you— made you feel exposed. Crossing your arms to hide what pieces of yourself you could cover was all you could do. You just weren’t sure if it was healthy to constantly be on guard like you so often were. 

But it was just what you did. Especially with him.

“You think it’s that good?” You sassed, trying to disguise how wonderful you knew it to be, your pussy still in the slightest bit of pain from just how good he’d given it to you not even twenty-four hours ago. 

His eyes bore into yours, challenging you. “Oh, you’re saying it wasn’t?” He turned towards you. “Is that why I had to cover your mouth to keep you from getting all loud? You didn’t seem to think it was so bad when—.”

“Here are your shoes!” The girl was back, sliding all six pairs Jake’s way. You scooted yours and Elsie’s over to you, eying the girl and judging how she was holding eyes with Jake.

“These were mine,” you reminded as you held onto the backs of the shoes, clicking them against the counter.

As you went to hold them in your arms, you waited for her to look up at you. And when she threw you a disgusted glance, you didn’t let her look away, pinning her there. And as if on cue, customers were showing up behind you and Jake. 

“Better get to work,” you remarked at her, throwing a thumb back to point at the next people in line. You then tapped the other boys’ shoes to remind Jake to get them. He grabbed them just in time for you to take him by his sleeve. He chuckled under his breath as he let you drag the two of you over a few feet. 

Why was he laughing? 

You released him as soon as you were far enough away from the girl that she’d leave you alone. 

“You like her?” You questioned hotly (for literally no reason at all, really just genuine curiosity). “She definitely likes you.” 

“I don’t know,” he smirked, raising an eyebrow at you. “Why does it matter?”

“It doesn’t.”

“You’re the one who asked.”

“I just think it’s a good idea for you to be careful where you’re sticking your dick,” you chided, assuming to yourself that was the reason you asked in the first place. There was no other reason to care. “I’ll make you fucking wrap that shit.”

“I always do,” he challenged, stepping towards you a bit. It made your heart thump in your chest. 

“No you don’t,” you challenged back, crinkling a brow with a shake of your head. “You’ve never—.”

“Not with you I don't. Other girls, always. It’s fucking nasty not to,” he reasoned. His voice went impossibly lower, deeper with his next words. “I’ve never given a flying fuck about truly feeling the shape of a girl’s pussy until yours. I wasn’t going to miss out on that.”

Your cheeks heated, becoming red at his words. You could not be that special.

“That’s a fucking lie,” you hushed back, leveling with him. You pushed your chest out to fake a sort of sanity you were beginning to lack. “What about your ex-girlfrie—?”

“Nope,” he popped the ‘p’, his hand coming up to gently hold your bicep. His calloused thumb smoothed over your skin, drawing mindless shapes. You shivered. “Always used protection with her, too.”

You blinked. You were at a loss for words. 

His eyes scanned your body. The outfit of black skinny jeans that showcased your ass and your striped halter top that gave you incredible cleavage. He watched the curves of your breasts as your chest heaved at him watching you.

Your eyes floated to his lips, full and pink and kissable. Fuck. You just wanted to kiss him so bad.

It seemed he wanted it, too.

His were getting nearer and nearer to yours.

And you were leaning into it. . . So close to what you were learning was a constant craving.

“Y/n!” Elsie’s voice from across the way brought you out of your momentary daze. 

You shoved Jake back. 

Dammit, you hated being cut off from him like that. 

But you were currently way too close for outside onlookers. 

Your eyes were as wide as a deer in headlights as you scanned the alley for her. You’d lost your party entirely, your mind being wrapped up in only Jake for the past fifteen minutes. 

She whistled to gain your attention. And when you finally saw her, she was still on the bench from earlier, Josh right next to her. Their thighs were touching and his arm was over the back of her chair, facing away from you. 

Thank fuck. He hadn’t seen. 

But you had the sneakiest suspicion Elsie had seen too much. The quirk of her lips said so.

You could deal with her later.

“Shoooooes!” She sang, Josh harmonizing with her momentarily as if to mock. She giggled at him, shoving his shoulder. Now looking at him as she spoke, “I’m ready to kick Josh’s ass and I need my shoes to do it!” 

You looked back over at Jake for a split second, seeing the same disappointment in his eyes that you were feeling in the pit of your stomach. 

But you just couldn’t chance all of them seeing you two like that. 

You were still looking at him when you called back with a, “Coming!”

And as you walked back to your friends, Jake followed closely behind. You could feel him staring at your ass as you swayed it in front of him. With the smallest secret grin on your lips, you pressed the back of your hand to your cheeks to tame your blush.

The throbbing between your legs was begging for him. 

You had to get these stupid (albeit necessary) rules out of the way quick so you could sneak off and let him fuck you. 

-🌼🌼🌼-

“Ah! Another fucking strike!” Sammy punched the air in triumph, elbowing Danny in the side. “Try to beat my fuckin’ score, Daniel! Betcha can’t.” 

The four of you that sat back at the booth to watch applauded Sam’s score, but urged Danny on to “kick his ass, Danny!”

“Don’t let him have the upper hand,” you shouted at Daniel, who sent a wink back at you. 

And as Danny took his first shot, you heard Jake pipe up from across the table. “Who wants something to drink? Or maybe some fuckin’ chicken tenders or something. ‘M starving.”

Everyone yelled back “me!” except for you, who watched him lazily from your side of the booth. You’d been admiring him any chance you’d gotten from your spot all evening. He was sitting next to Josh and you were next to Elsie. Perfect view of him across the booth.

“Jacob, I volunteer you to get the booze and food,” Josh decided, clapping a hand against Jake’s shoulder. “I’ll play in your spot while you’re gone. We’re basically the same person, so it counts.”

Elsie joined in with her own two cents. “And I think you should help him carry it all back, sis, so I don’t let Josh get the upper hand with too much playing.” She added, “Let me play for you, too, and I’ll stay on the same page as him. Keep things fair.”

They laughed with each other like two little obnoxious love birds. And you couldn’t even care about it as you met eyes with your roommate, a glint in his eye at the prospect of you two escaping. 

He got out, and you watched his body unfold, and then as he stretched from sitting. You averted your gaze when you heard the telling sign of a strike, and the sounds of Danny rubbing it in Sammy’s face.

“Sure,” you replied, trying to act irritated that she was making you leave. When you were actually anything but. She looked at Jake, then back at you, throwing you a wiggle of her brows as you got out. Bitch knew what she was doing. 

Jake waited for you, and you quickly joined him in walking to the bar. 

“You know how amazing your ass looks in those jeans,” he said to you in a low tone as you walked that way. “Do you always wear the sexiest shit on purpose?” 

Heart racing, you looked up at him with a tiny grin. “Maybe.”

When you approached the bar, he put in a few orders of chicken and fries and several beers. 

“Yeah, man, but it might take a bit,” the guy responded, looking over at you, giving you a decent once over. He was blatantly checking you out. You pretended you didn’t notice as you let your eyes travel back to Jake, whose eyebrows were turned in at the guy looking at you. “Probably like five to ten minutes. That okay?”

“If you can keep your eyes off of her while you do it, sure,” he said back, taking a step over, closer to you. The guy looked shocked to be called out, stuttering a bit. He nodded his head a few times at Jake in response. 

“Yeah man, sorry,” he said, voice wavering. “Just don’t always see girls so pretty,” he sent a small, worried smile your way. “Sorry, miss.”

You tossed a hand his way, showing it was no biggie.

You could tell he was harmless. But you didn’t care about him. 

Jake’s palms splayed out on the counter, and him standing tall to say what he did was all you cared about in that moment. His shoulders, broad, and dark brown eyes daring the guy to look at you again.

Sexy as hell.

Why did you like him standing up for you so damn much? 

The guy scurried away, yelling out orders in the kitchen and then tending to the next customers. 

You turned to Jake just as he did the same. All you wanted was to reach out and feel him, but you didn’t. Couldn’t. 

“You didn’t have to do that,” you remarked, correcting him for no reason whatsoever. You liked it. Why were you saying anything? “I don’t need you doing that.”

Y/n, shut up, you heard the sweet voice in your head chide you. Just let him be there for you. 

“Didn’t say you did,” he snipped back, his eyebrows turning in at you now. “Just didn’t like him looking at you like that.”

Your heart beat rampantly as you held his line of sight. 

“Fine,” was all you could say in response. “But I still need to talk to you about what I had to earlier.”

“Did I not hit the nail on the head with what I said?” He questioned. “Too much of a—?”

“No, you didn’t,” you cut him off. He reared back a bit with a little ‘hm’. “Just let me speak. You can offer your opinion in a minute.”

You pulled your phone from your back pocket, opening up the notes with the rules, anxious to get your piece said.

“Rules,” you held up the device, flashing it at him before turning it back to yourself to read. 

But before you could start, he interrupted. “Rules? We already went over our rules for the apar—.”

“Not the apartment,” you corrected. 

He looked curious, his eyebrow raising in question. “Then what?”

“Sex.”

“Ha!” He let out the one cackle with a shake of his head. “Rules for sex?”

When he said it out loud, it sounded ridiculous. You couldn’t blame him for laughing when you heard the prospect from your own mouth. 

But you had valid reasons for it.

“Yes. As weird as it sounds, they will help us,” you said, tucking a lock of hair behind your ear. “Are you ready?”

“Do I get a say?” 

“You will once you’ve heard them all.”

He groaned, and you saw him throw a hand over his eyes. “Fuck, y/n.” 

Was he that disappointed? 

Did it matter if he was? This was important to you.

You watched his pecs and chest rise and fall through his partially opened shirt, tempting you. The quicker you got these read, the quicker you could take him to a hidden area and—.

“Well?” His voice made your eyes snap to his face. He’d smoothed his hand down his face, holding his chin as he looked as ready as he could to tolerate whatever the hell was coming from you. “I’m waiting.”

You sighed. “If you’re going to be a giant baby about them, then—.”

“I won’t,” he sighed as well, looking more and more open to hearing you out by the second. 

Okay, maybe he really would be okay with this, you thought hopefully. 

“Number one:—.”

“Just like old times,” he interrupted. You cut your eyes to him, narrowing them in his direction. “Feels like yesterday when we were standing in the living roo—.”

“Jake, shut the fuck up and let me finish,” you grumbled. “Or I’ll cut you off from me.”

Empty threat. You were not ready to do that anytime soon. 

He waved a hand in your direction, gesturing for you to continue. 

You growled under your breath, but stood straighter, not wanting him to see you flustered. “Number one: we will not make this a relationship. It is—and will stay— just sex.”

“Are you choosing that for both of us?”

“Yes.”

“Not totally fair,” he inserted. “I’m not sure how I feel about you being the one to make that decision.”

“And I’m not sure how I feel about you giving me such a hard time about it,” you bit back. Your defenses were flaring. Who gave him the right? “It’s my decision whether I want a relationship or not. I don’t want one. If you want one, find someone else. Because it’s not going to be with me.”

There were too many reasons it shouldn’t be a relationship. But you weren’t about to get into that. 

His posture had drooped the slightest bit, and his eyebrows, furrowed with a sort of hurt. But before you could consider it any further, he was crossing his arms and his features were hardening.

“Fine,” he stated. Your heart fell in your chest at the word. He continued, “I won’t make a big deal of it. I’ll take what I can get.”

Your mind was in a frenzy. Jake was the worst (or, perhaps, best) at causing you to ride emotional rollercoasters. You couldn’t keep up with him. 

And why was he fine with compromising so quickly? Whatever the reason, you weren’t going to question it.

“Okay,” was all you said. You waited a few beats, your eyes piercing the other’s. Not wanting to waste anymore time, you continued, “I think it will be good for it to be only about sex. Just trust me,” you softly encouraged, reaching out to pat his chest in reassurance. But you went to remove it quickly, remembering you shouldn’t show that sort of behavior in public. 

Instead, he held it there for a few more seconds, letting you feel his heart beating, steadily under your open palm. 

The moment was over before it started, though, and you thought it best anyway. There was a time and a place for that.

So, within record time, you told him the rest of the rules you’d made up (and he had a response for each one): 

2) Nobody will find out. (“We’ve gone over that.”)

3) No questions or comments about dates the other one may have. It’s not our business. (“Oookay?”)

4) No excessive touching outside the bedroom. (“Alright.”)

5) Try to avoid sleeping together after. Especially avoid: cuddling. Too couple-y. (“Like you said: it’s just fucking. Why would I dare try cuddling you?”)

6) No pet names outside of the bedroom. (“Can do.”)

You stopped before the last few, looking up from your phone to make sure he was actually still engaged and taking you seriously.

To your pleasant surprise, he really seemed to be. He had a pensive look on his face, hand holding his chin in thought. 

Soon, he looked back at you and replied. “Really doesn’t seem too hard,” he paused, raising his brow. “‘S that it?”

Shaking your head, you held up three fingers. You told him, “There’s three more.”

He breathed deeply in response, blowing the breath out slowly. He raised both brows, shook his head in mild agreeance (or maybe disbelief?), but once again motioned a hand at you to continue. 

“Number seven: only sex on the days we’re both off work,” you recited from your screen. This one sounded kind of insane to your own ears when you said it out loud. 

Jake confirmed this with a scoff. Your head perked up sheepishly at the sound, knowing that one was a little strange. Why had you decided that?

“Veto,” he said in annoyance. “Why is that even a rule? What purpose?” He continued, “I’ll be honest, if I look hard enough, I can find the tiniest purpose in every other rule. . . except that one.”

You nodded your head, acknowledging he was right. 

“Do I still have a say? Because I really am not sure I can follow that one.”

“Yes,” you conceded sheepishly. Then, something overtook you and you honestly confided in him. “I think that one was just me grasping for control. I struggle with it on occasion.”

He chuckled quietly to himself, almost fondly. You blushed, waiting for him to respond. 

“Just a little bit. But I’ll roll with it,” he replied, his soft gaze finding yours. You felt your tummy do flips. This. . . felt good. Being a little more open with him, and him accepting it. It felt nice—relieving, almost. “Go on. Last two.”

You cleared your throat, pulling your stare from him to look at your screen. “New number seven: No emotional dependency,” you iterated. With his crinkled brow, you clarified. “We aren’t responsible for dealing with each others’ emotions. That’s for relationships.” 

That one made you sad for some reason. It was almost as though you longed for that with him. . . But it didn’t matter. That one was particularly important to help with boundaries. 

“Alright,” he agreed, the sureness in his tone faltering a bit. Why? Did it matter to him too somehow? Ignore. Whatever. Move on.

“Number eight: no jealous behavior,” you added, scrolling onto the next one when you heard him pipe up. 

“Does that include the girl at the counter tonight?” 

You felt caught. But why? It hadn’t been jealousy. You’d just been annoyed. “That was just me being plain irritated with her lack of professionalism,” you clarified plainly. Your tone said to drop it. 

“Okay,” he smirked, sniffling with a laugh. “Got it. You’re just an extreme professional. Alright.”

You rolled your eyes. “I am. And it was just annoying for her to be like that.”

“Why?” He poked. 

You scoffed with a small huff. Motioning to the counter for emphasis, “She wasn’t doing her job.”

He continued laughing under his breath. 

“Do you want me to continue or not?”

“Yes,” he relented with a tip of his head. “Last one?” 

“Last one,” you confirmed. “Number nine: if one of us wants to end whatever the fuck this is, the other one has to be okay with it. No questions,” You expanded, “There is nothing tying us to each other, so there is no need to fight it if one of us decides to move on.”

He seemed to sit on that one for a bit, his stare boring into the floor. His thumb and index, stroking his chin, as if in deep thought.

“Order up!” The guy from before was back, sliding two trays your way. One piled with several opened beer bottles and the other, filled with steaming food in red baskets. 

Jake suddenly came to, shaking his head and finally looking up. He took the one with the alcohol. 

“This one is heavier,” he glanced over at you. He used his elbow to point at the other. “You grab that one.”

He went to move, but you put a hand on his arm to stop him from going anywhere. 

Looking down in your direction, his eyes were dark with a secret emotion. 

You really wished you could read him better. Every time you thought you could, he would throw you another curve ball of confusion.

“You had a response for everything else,” you pinned him there. “What’s your opinion on the last one?” You used your eyes to show him you were desperate for him to say something. “I want to know what you think.”

He stared at you for several moments, his eyes studying yours. You could have been completely naked and felt less vulnerable than you did at this moment.

Finally, his lips made a tight smile and he responded. “Like I said before: I’ll take what I can get,” he looked down at the beer, finally lifting it off the counter. You followed his lead with your tray, glad to get a response. But you stopped as he did, turned from the counter. He held you in place with his amber-brown eyes. “I just hope whatever the fuck this is doesn’t end anytime soon.”

All you could do was nod, feeling completely conflicted in every way at that moment. 

You had to repeat to yourself that the rules were for a reason. You had to have them to stay in line. Keep things strictly what they were. A relationship was a bad idea. What you had was all you needed. 

Right?

You felt completely torn. Because, all you wanted to say in response was, 

“I never want it to end.”

But you didn’t. You weren’t about to completely contradict yourself with that. You only nodded once more, and started walking, leading the two of you back to the group. 

-🌼🌼🌼-

You never ended up finding any more time to be alone at the bowling alley. 

It was terrible, having to watch him from a distance all night. . . Wanting him more than anything. You felt fully ready to dive head first into this with him. You’d had an actual discussion about it. It felt more real now. 

Whatever the fuck you were to each other. . . It had been firmly placed today with your talk. With the rules.  

Now all you had to do was tie a nice bow on it. 

Consummate the fuckin’ rules.

So, when Elsie told you she had to go see your grandparents before she met you back at the apartment, you let her go. 

Josh had offered to drive her, leaving your car available for you and Jake.

And as you walked to the car, you had a gut feeling you wouldn’t be making it back to the apartment anytime soon.

-🌼🌼🌼-

And about fifteen minutes later confirmed that. Pulled over in an area covered by trees, just off the highway, nearing the apartment. 

But neither of you could have waited if you tried. 

He had you on his lap, your halter top undone, tits out and bouncing as he pounded up into you.

Your pants were down just far enough for you to ride his cock, where he sat in the passenger seat. 

The car had been left on, as you didn’t want it to get so steamy that you’d possibly draw attention. 

And the cool air was causing your skin to prickle, your nipples hard from the chilliness of the A/C. 

You almost brought your shirt back up to cover them when Jake stopped you momentarily, bucking his hips up into you for emphasis. You yelped at the feeling of him pressing at your spot. . . just right. 

“Fuck, Jake,” you moaned, you tried lifting your top back up when he reached a hand up to cover yours, pulling the material back down. 

“No,” he panted, his eyes connecting with yours. 

You wrinkled your brows. “Yes. I’m cold,” you corrected, the last word containing a weird lilt as the head of his dick met your cervix again. “Shit!”

“I’ll keep you warm, then.”

And within seconds, he had his mouth on one hardened peak and the other breast was being massaged by his strong, calloused hand. 

You threw your head back in pleasure, sighing loudly with a whimper that quickly changed into a deep moan. Nipple stimulation—and just boob-play in general. . . It was your kryptonite. Fuck. 

He released his mouth from your breast, giving the taut skin one more swirl from his tongue. But he paused above the other breast, a smirk on his features as he met your hooded gaze. “You like it when I play with your tits?”

You were too dazed by your lust to be annoyed with his slightly cocky attitude. “Yes. It’s my fucking krypto,” you sighed, pulling your hips up, and then sinking back down onto him slowly. He groaned as you did it a few more times. Now it was your turn to smirk. “Do you like it when I do this?” You rolled your hips down, molding your wetness to his thick shaft once more with the word. 

He inhaled deeply, biting his lip. He grasped your hips to make you do it again. “Fuck yeah I do.”

Except with his action, he brought you down harder and your toes curled at the delicious friction against your hidden spot. He held your hip as you kept your body moving on him, but he switched one hand to massage your throbbing clit. 

You sucked in a breath. “Oh,” you whined. “Yeah, that’s it. Fuck,” you sighed, pushing into his finger, desperate to feel every harsh line of the callous in the thumb that toyed with you. You wrapped an arm around his neck for leverage, tangling a hand in his hair, and leaned further into the motion. 

Then, his right hand, that’d been holding your hip, left you to pull the seat lever, reclining the seat all the way back. You gasped as the chair’s movement made your thighs fall open more, gaining him even further access. The head of his dick took its rightful place at the furthest edge of your pussy. 

The sudden change had your eyes rolling back into your head. 

“I needed to feel you like I wanted,” he grunted, both hands finding your hips again. He squeezed the flesh at your hips before gently running his hands, as if admiring your curves, up to your waist. Then, further they went, up to your rib cage. You looked down at his face as you rolled your hips down onto him, causing both of you to shiver with a moan. “Fuck, y/n.”

He wasn’t looking at your face, he was watching in the darkness of the car, as your bodies moved together. You were in perfect rhythm, his hips meeting your tempo with every thrust you’d offer. 

But you wanted him to look at you. You were desperate for his gaze. 

“Jake,” you panted, driving your center against him. “Look at me.”

Jake did as he was told, instantly finding your eyes. He reached a hand up to hold your face, his gaze gentle. You loved his fucking eyes. Even in the natural blue of night that fell over you, you were still able to fall so easily into them. They were so deep, so true. . . never hiding any emotion from you. You wanted to use them as a window to explore him. 

Before you could explore your thoughts any further, his pointer and middle fingers were entering his mouth. You watched, entranced, as he sucked on them long enough to get them wet and ready. And when the fingers found your sensitive clit, you couldn’t contain the whine that escaped your lips. 

“Shit—fuck,” you gasped, mouth falling open as he played you like an instrument. He nudged at the hardened bud like he was making a beautiful melody, and you watched as his eyebrows drew in with the same concentration he gave a guitar solo. Your hips jerked against him of their own volition, needy for more. But you were nearing your end. You could feel it curling in your belly as he paid attention to the side of your pulsing clit. Then it was approaching faster—your movements were erratic, your body craving every piece of his it could get. “Jake—.”

“I know, baby,” he soothed, his own pelvis bucking furiously. “I’m close—you just feel so damn good. Shit.”

And before you knew it, the vibrations were reverberating through you after one particular shift from him. Your body shivered, every nerve in your body, absolutely electric. You felt your walls fluttering furiously around him, but as soon as you registered it happening, he was pulling out of you and finishing against your exposed stomach. 

“Dammit,” he hissed. Your eyes darted down to his dick as he removed it from you hastily, making sure to point it away from your center and directly at your tummy. 

You watched the release drip down your stomach, and into your belly button. But before you could watch much more of it, he was stretching his shirt to help clean your skin. 

Seconds later, both of you were still breathing heavily, bodies coming down from the high. He was looking at the mess of your stomach and you were watching him. His hair was sticking to his forehead, and you couldn’t help it when you went to push some of it away and behind his ear. 

His dark brown eyes found yours, a small, sweet grin fitting to his full lips. And, in that moment, you realized you felt genuinely happy for the first time in a very long time. 

After a few more of the shuddering breaths, 

your heart leaping in your chest at the twinkle in his eyes, you jumped at the telling sound of your sister’s ringtone. 

You quickly pulled your pants back up, and re-situated yourself until you were fully put back together. Jake did the same below you, both moving your bodies to accommodate for the other. 

Once your pants were done, you reached a hand to fully grasp the ties for the halter top to tie it back together. But just before you could re-tie it around your neck, he moved your hair to the side of your throat so you’d have easier access. 

Hurriedly, you finished the job, and as you did so, Jake grabbed your phone for you from the dashboard. Your heart started beating frantically in your chest at the thought of him answering Elsie’s call and her possibly being with Josh and exposing the two of you. 

Or the good chance that Elsie would slip up and say something sly to Jake. 

“Don’t fucking answer it!” You snapped at him. 

His lips turned down, his eyes losing the sparkle, and filling with fire instead. “I wasn’t going to,” he bit back. “Just being fucking kind.” 

You rolled your eyes at him, and grabbed it from him. 

Crawling over the console back into the driver’s seat, you answered your sister. You tried your best to mask being out of breath from the hustle as you buckled your belt. 

“‘Sup, Els?” You swallowed down a fast breath. 

“Fuck, y/n. I got back to the apartment and neither of you were here,” she replied, her voice wracked with nerves. “I tried texting you and you didn’t answer. I was worried about you.” 

You blanched at that, your skin flushing. “I didn’t get a text,” you said back, your voice lilting at the end, in question. You would’ve heard it. . .had you been that lost in the moment? That you hadn’t even heard your phone chime?

When you pulled the phone away from your ear, you noticed a total of eleven texts waiting on your Home Screen from her. 

“Oh, fuck.”

“Yep,” she sassed at you. “Where are you?!”

Frantically, you tried to find a good excuse. But you couldn’t think of anything. You really didn’t care for Elsie to know, but talking about it in front of Jake would show him you’re telling her, which would completely conflict with the rules you put in place. 

Crap.

You stared out the windshield, your eyes shutting as though in resolution to having to expose yourself, right there in front of Jake. 

Why couldn’t you think of something?! 

A hand came to lightly touch your thigh, and you looked over to see Jake, a reassuring look in his stare. 

“Tell her I forgot something important for my guitar at the venue,” he whispered, so quiet, his tone understanding. 

Your face must’ve said ‘how did you know?!’ 

Because then he hushed, “Your volume is all the way fucking up. I’m sure if I were across the street I’d be able to hear it.”

You blushed, looking away from him, out into the night sky again. He removed his hand from your thigh, and you instantly missed it. 

“Jake had to go to the venue for a guitar part he forgot,” you lied, turning your volume down a few notches. “And I got lost finding my way there. It was a fucking mess.”

“Of course you lost yourself,” she responded, impatient. “Just get home. I’ve always been kind of scared to be here by myself.”

“Oh my god. You’re fine,” you responded, putting the car in gear. “We’re on our way.”

-🌼🌼🌼-

Jake’s POV

Life was at its fucking pinnacle— the best it had been for the first time in years. 

Everything that was happening felt aligned in the stars. 

The band was doing fuckin’ fantastic. Every single gig we performed at drew more and more eyes—both fans and otherwise. 

And apparently, even more than that. . . We recently found out that a few producers had been lurking (presumably looking for the right time to bite). The manager we’d picked up had also recently been contacted by a guy connected to this big festival that was happening in August. He’d made it extremely clear that he needed us to agree before he’d even finished pitching the idea. 

“You guys don’t want to miss this opportunity,” he’d excitedly shared, his voice loud and grainy through the speaker as the four of us had listened. “It is a once in a fuckin’ lifetime, boys.”

So, there was all of that. The fact that my dreams seemed to finally be coming true was an exhilarating and unbelievable experience.

It was crazy how all it had taken was one move. The move. The move I had needed to make for the past several years, but had been too afraid of. I’d felt trapped in Illinois. Stuck under someone else’s thumb, stuck with someone I’d stopped loving a long time before I left. 

Meanwhile, the woman had been cheating on me for God knows how long. If I let myself think back on all of it, I’d realize that she was never trustworthy. I’d just fallen in love too young— oblivious to the ways someone could be so horrible.

After her, I swore I would never feel about another woman so deeply. I didn’t want to. She’d ruined it for me. And I was validated even more when Josh told me I needed to take a break from women. 

But I didn’t want a break. I just wanted to be done. No more relationships. Mindless fucking with random women was exactly what I thought I wanted. 

My ex had completely destroyed any desire I could possibly have for a relationship. Fuck relationships. Fuck love. Fuck it all.

Then I met y/n. 

She’d turned it all around with one look into her breathtaking eyes. 

It caught me completely off guard. I’d tried my damndest to reject it.

And even after all of the shit I put her through (due to me acting like a giant ass, stubborn baby), she still wanted me.

But not like I wanted her.

I wanted it all. I didn’t want just mindless sex with her. Even though Josh had adamantly instructed me to “take a fucking break”, I had resolved that I couldn’t convince myself I wanted that when it came to her. Because I wanted her. Bad. In every way. 

There was just something about her that was so fucking addictive. She was easily the most beautiful woman I’d ever laid eyes on, she loved music like I did, she was easy to talk to about anything (matching me perfectly in every conversation—or argument—we had), and she wore her heart on her sleeve (even though I knew she didn’t think so). She was endearing. 

Then there was the giant shroud of mystery around her. So many pieces to her puzzle I could tell she was hiding that I wanted to put together. 

But she didn’t want me to. She didn’t want me in every way. 

No. She just wanted sex. Sex with rules, at that. 

And at first, I didn't want to agree to any of the rules. I didn’t want rules—I knew what I wanted. I’d planned on it starting as sex and turning into more. You know, a natural flow of things. 

But her rules had made it apparent she didn’t want that. At all. So, I’d decided that the best way to have her was to have her however I could. 

So, if she just wanted sex, that’s what I’d give her.

Even though I wanted to give her all of me.

I never thought I’d want that with a woman again, but she’d proven me so, very wrong. . . no matter how hard I’d wanted to deny it. And I didn’t want it with just any woman. I wanted it with her. 

Though in spite of the relationship with her not being everything I wanted it to be, it gave me a special piece of her that I held so close. 

Sex with her was the most electrifying thing I’d ever experienced. More than the sex had ever been with any other woman. 

And even crazier: it was more compelling than playing the guitar. 

Fucking nuts—I’d never met a woman that had trumped the act of playing guitar. . .

But y/n had done just that. 

So, even though it wasn’t what I wanted in my heart, I knew I wanted her. Everything she was and is. Everything that came with her. 

But, if this was all I could get, it would have to do. It was better than not having her at all.

Having her in my arms, my dick filling her perfect pussy. . .it was the best part of my life at the moment. More so than the band. The festival. The fans. 

I still loved guitar more than a person should. . 

But. . .I loved being with her more than that. 

There was nothing in the world like watching her unfold at the work of my hands, or my mouth, or my cock. The way her body would tense, her head thrown back, a scrunched brow. . . And the whines she’d emit. . . 

I wished my guitar could make such a beautiful sound. 

And the way she’d squeeze around me, engulfed in her perfect, wet heat. So tight, warm, and smooth like velvet. . . Fuck. 

In my heart, though, I secretly hoped it would all change. That she’d decide to make it more. 

I wouldn’t ever push it. She mattered too much to me for me to do that to her. I didn’t want to make her feel like she needed to be more with me if she didn’t want it. . .I just wanted her to want me like I did, her.

But, for the time being, until some sort of magic happened and she changed her mind, I would take what I could get. 

Because, moments like the one I was in right now— her quivering and panting on top of me. Her sweaty tits, pressed against my thighs as her round, soft ass was flush against my equally sweaty abdomen. 

I could feel every bit of her dripping pussy, fluttering around me. It was still slick from my mouth and how well I’d made her cum just minutes prior. 

It felt so damn good and I was fucking loving every second of it. She fit my dick like a glove. 

“Damn, baby,” I sighed, grunting with a thrust against her. When she squeaked with a moan, I knew that I’d hit a special spot. “You like that?”

I did it again, just to hear the noise she made for a second time. She constricted around me and my cock pulsed, suddenly feeling very close. Shit. 

“Fuuuck,” she whined, her back arching. I held the curve of her ass in one hand, massaging the supple flesh with a thumb as I held her hip.

With another push of my hips, I met her sensitive spot one last time, eliciting a surprised whine from her. 

I flipped us around, removing her from me, and turned her. When she sank back down, she was facing towards me, once again riding my throbbing cock. 

But this view was better. Seeing her blissed out expressions as we fucked was amazing.

And when her tits bounced in my face, so round, full and sometimes already marked from my mouth, I had to try my hardest to not jizz right on the spot. 

In moments just like these, I couldn’t stop myself from leaning forward to lick a hardened nipple into my mouth. I licked around her areola, appreciating every ripple and curve of the sensitive flesh. I pointed my tongue, and nudged at the bud, just like I knew she liked. I did so to each breast, knowing it would be sure to send her spiraling and wanting that from her.

And before long, I felt her walls start contracting around me. I leaned back, knowing she was close and needing to see her finish. 

She looked down at me as she continued bouncing on top of me, her mouth opened just the slightest bit as she moaned at the angle. She relaxed her hips and flattened the inside of her thighs against the tops of mine. 

“Fuck,” I sighed, enjoying the way I could feel every damn inch of her. 

Though, I couldn’t help taking the reins for a moment to see her unfold in this position. Seeing her like this, letting the sun reflect off of her skin, beads of sweat glistening on her smooth skin. I had to let my lips find her shoulder as she rocked closer to me, and I kissed some of the sweet exertion off of her shaking body. 

And when I leaned up, my body filled hers to the point of her throwing her head back with a loud moan. She came back to, immediately finding my eyes to look at me. A secret smile was on her face. I reciprocated it, letting the quiet moment drown everything else out. 

But I snapped my eyes away from hers when she glanced between our bodies, mouth hanging open as she did so. I looked down, enjoying the entire view of her soft body. The movement of her hips, swaying steadily as she straddled me. . .completely mesmerizing. 

When I looked back up, she was waiting for me. I found her gaze, and tried my best to memorize every fleck of color in her eyes, glowing in the fading sunlight from the day. The sunset complimented her, making her look like the most magnificent piece of artwork. 

Fuck any other so-called famous painting. . .

Y/n put them all to utter shame. 

Her eyebrows dipped in, and she kept eye contact with me. I circled my hips, feeling the way her soaking walls enveloped me. Then, I pounded up into her, savoring what I could do from my position below her. She tightened deliciously around me, constricting me in the most immaculate way.

She whined and whimpered, the sound like music to my ears. And I couldn’t help but echo the sound as I felt her release drip down onto me. Her soft body was tense as she finished. She was so tight and warm around me. . .shit.

Enveloped in ecstasy, she threw her head back as she rode out her orgasm on top of me. Even though I couldn’t see her face, I appreciated what I could see. I watched her hips, still rocking against me. The view of her fresh, sweet cum on my dick made me bite my lip.

I knew I was on the verge of release, and no matter how badly I wanted to paint her walls, I pulled out. (I wasn’t ever going to do that to her. She didn’t want it, and I wasn’t about to do it if it wasn’t what she wanted.)

When I pulled myself out of her, I took a brief moment to grab her by the hips and lay her on her back. 

Her breasts were round and soft, nipples erect and begging to be covered with my climax from their home on her wet chest. 

And as I jerked myself onto them, feeling immediate relief as I came, I briefly glanced up at her face to see her watching the entrancing sight with me. 

“Like what you see?” I said, panting with one final pull of my hand against my cock, letting every last bit of me drain onto her. 

And as I let go of myself, sighing with exhaustion, I grabbed my shirt from next to her head to wipe her chest clean. She gave me a fucked-out grin. Humming an affirmation to my question, she softly nodded her head with a yawn. Her eyes fluttered closed as she curled up on my bed, her hair fanned out on the pillow. I pulled the sheets and comforter up to rest over her arms, and the smile she sent me as I did so made my heart leap in my chest. 

Dammit, she was a fuckin’ dream.

I got up to take a quick shower before the show we had tonight, leaving her to rest in my sheets. She was far too precious to disturb. 

I loved the fact that she felt comfortable enough to do that; stay in my bed. 

I knew she’d end up coming to the show tonight, and I was hoping her resting now would help her to feel fully awake to be a part of it with me.

She’d been consistent for the past couple of weeks with coming to every single show. I couldn’t help but notice that this whole fuck buddy thing had her wanting to be a part of my life more than before.

Our secret, somehow drawing us closer.

The nagging voice in my head kept reminding me that Josh was there, too, so it was possible it wasn’t all for me. . .but I also knew better and usually told the voice to shut the fuck up.

I wanted to enjoy myself—let myself be happy with her being there and not let pessimistic thoughts get in the way. 

It was fucking fantastic when I’d perform, and I’d simultaneously know that she was out there, enjoying every second of it with me. I would never say it to her for fear of freaking her out, but . . .

She was my favorite fan to entertain. The best smile in the crowd for me to look out and see. 

Anytime she was there, I knew for a goddamned fact I performed better. She was my lucky charm. 

End of Jake’s POV

-🌼🌼🌼-

The rest of July and beginning of August were chock-full of the following: finishing your summer course, working almost double time to make up for Josh’s weird hours. . .and most importantly: fucking Jake Kiszka.

All of the time, as a matter of fact. It had become an almost-daily thing. And you weren’t about to let it change. 

Because fuck was it the best sex you’d ever had. Jesus Christ. 

You were fine with it being strictly sex. It was good for both of you. He was able to stay focused on his career, and you weren't at risk of getting hurt by him, or distracted from school. It kept lines very clear and thick. Never giving any kind of idea that it could become more. You’d have sex, then go about life like normal. In front of your friends, neither of you ever let anything look even slightly amiss— except for one thing you were sure they’d noticed. 

Your relationship had changed from before. . . Friendship, making its grand entrance. 

Having sex with Jake had, obviously, given you both several more opportunities to learn each other and bond. . . It had been impossible to not become friends. Being friendly to each other, including in front of everyone else was now the norm, and you really fucking liked it. 

Being friends with Jake was honestly great. He wasn’t constantly on the defense anymore. Instead, hopping to your defense a few times. 

Whether it be snapping at Sam for making a sideways comment he hadn’t thought of before he’d said it. Or the rando guy at the bowling alley who’d sized you up. 

You’d never vocalize the way it would make your tummy flip or the way you’d think about it later when you’d fuck him nice and slow. . . The idea of him defending you, making your heart and body do funny things. 

It was just nice to have a good friend. 

And it was even more nice knowing you’d, more likely than not, end up in his bed at the end of each day.

But, of course, not letting yourself fall asleep in there as that would definitely blur the nice, comforting, dark lines that’d been drawn.

What you weren’t about to admit was how hard it was for you to leave him at night.

And how cold you’d feel, alone in your bed. 

-🌼🌼🌼-

Quiet mornings with him might were the best and the worst. 

The ones where you’d sneak into his room, always finding him still-asleep. You’d wake him up by crawling under the covers and slipping the band of his briefs down. 

It had become so routine that it was like his cock would wait for you�� already hard and the tip emitting the tiniest bit of precum. 

Sometimes you’d ride it to wake him up. But, you honestly preferred the other times. . . Where you would let your mouth envelop the crown of his dick, and then the entire shaft in slow, languid strokes of your tongue. 

And every time, to your pleasure, it didn’t take long for him to awaken. His tired eyes would open, finding you as he’d wipe the sleepiness from them. 

A soft smile, gracing his handsome features. 

Then, adding to your bliss, he would take control and fuck you until your toes would curl. The morning birds would chirp outside his window as you’d unravel at his hands, mouth, or thick cock. . . a most ideal start to your day. 

Then, when he’d finish, you never found yourself looking at his face. You weren’t sure why, but it intimidated the hell out of you to witness what he looked like when he would unfold. You were sure his features looked the most beautiful they possibly could. . . Even just envisioning the dip of his brow, his mouth falling open as he emptied onto your chest, stomach, or back. . . It felt too intimate.

So, instead, you’d listen to the little noises he’d make, and watch his pretty dick pulse as it would spurt onto your breasts or tummy. The warmth of his release, a surprisingly wonderful feeling on your bare skin.

But the worst part would be after. . .when he’d clean you off with such care. How, after you’d return from the bathroom to refresh, he would be waiting for you, the covers open and an arm, extended and waiting for you to curl into. You would naturally mold to his side, his arm strong as it would help you roll into him. Usually, you’d fall asleep, with your head on his chest and hear his steady heartbeat lull you to sleep. 

But, other times, like this morning, you’d sit your chin on top of your hand, resting on his chest. And you’d just. . . talk. 

His calloused fingertips would draw mindless shapes on your back and you’d get lost in his chocolate irises. 

“What’s your middle name?” He asked, his voice so relaxing in the gray quietness of his bedroom. 

You told him, and he got a little glint in his eye. His lips had perked, “That suits you,” he sighed, letting a few fingers curl in your hair. He studied the way his fingers looked in your hair as you watched his pupils dilate in watching the action. 

“What’s yours?” You’d wondered aloud. 

His eyes found yours again, his brow raising. “Thomas,” he lazily responded. 

“Suits you,” you repeated his line. Your eyes squinted with a giggle as he tickled your side just a bit. 

“Copycat,” he smiled. 

“It does fit you,” you confirmed, more seriously. “Jacob Thomas,” you said, trying the name on your lips.

You couldn’t help but catch how his eyes lit up at the sound. He bent his arm to perch his head up with his free arm, setting his head on the curve of his forearm. 

“I like the way it sounds coming from your mouth,” he murmured. 

“Say mine,” you requested. 

And, he did as you said. 

The grin that found its way to your mouth was unstoppable. You loved the way your name sounded with his velvety tone. 

You’d never heard it sound so pretty. 

For the next ten minutes, it went on like that. 

Just little bits and pieces of yourselves, getting shared with the other. Things that didn’t expose your hidden truths, but little surface-level things that helped in knowing the other better. 

And when you finally decided to get up and start your day, you stood next to each other as you brushed your teeth. It was sweet. And you felt close to him. You really, really liked it.

But what made it so bad was that you weren’t sure it was okay to feel so close to him. It wasn’t wise to let yourselves get so wrapped up in the other. . . But it felt too nice for the time being to put a stop to it.

You’d always convince yourself that friends did shit like that all the time. How else were you supposed to get to know someone? 

So, you let it happen under the guise that it was just friends getting acquainted with each other. 

It was just so intimate. . . And what it did to your heart was cruel. 

Those quiet moments tempted you, made you want more with him. More you already knew you couldn’t ever have. 

-🌼🌼🌼-

Friends was still going on in the background when your eyes opened. All of the lights were still on, and your laptop was balanced on your blanket-covered thigh. 

And there was a giant crook in your neck from letting your head roll onto the back of the couch. 

You must’ve dozed off in the middle of writing a paper. 

Shouldn’t have had those couple glasses of wine. . ., you tiredly thought, going to snuggle back into the couch, in a more comfortable position.

But what caught you off guard was the hand rubbing your arm. The quiet voice, bringing you out of your daze. 

“Y/n,” Jake urged, his hand still smoothing up and down your arm. “Come on, babe. Wake up. Let’s get you to bed.”

You huffed, sleep pulling you back. “Don’t want sex right now. Tired.”

He chuckled, his hand still massaging your arm. Then, he was pushing you up to a full sitting position, your head felt dizzy. “I know,” he reassured, his voice calming you down. “I mean, you need to go to bed. Go to sleep.”

You blinked your eyes, squinting in the brightness of the room. “I need to finish my paper.”

“You’re too tired to do that,” he said. “You were out of it when I got back. Finish your paper tomorrow.”

You drooped your head in defeat. “Fine,” you conceded. It took a couple tries of standing up for you to realize you couldn’t do it on your own, and before you could try again, Jake was helping you. “Thanks, Jakey,” you mumbled. 

A few more guided steps to your bedroom found you sliding under your already-turned down sheets and down comforter. Jake helped your head find the pillow as you laid down to sleep.

 Just as you were about to let sleep totally take you, you jostled with a thought. “Stevie hasn’t eaten yet,” you sleepily fumbled with your covers to get up. 

Jake’s hand stopped your actions, “I already fed her,” he assured. “You go to sleep.”

“The TV and lights—.”

“I’ll turn them off,” he pulled the covers up to your chin. “Goodnight.”

Finally, you relented, and just seconds later, as you were about to fade into dreamland again, you stirred. 

Too cold. Too lonely.

“Jake?” You called. Not hearing a response, you called again. “Jake?!”

He came back, rushing in with a worried look on his face. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

You nestled back under your covers, relaxing knowing that he was near. Your eyes fell shut again. “Lonely,” you mumbled into the pillow. 

“What?” He crouched next to your bed, brushing his fingers through your hair. “You’re hungry?”

Irritated, you flicked your eyes open to give him a look. “Lonely.”

“Oh,” he leaned back a bit, his hand falling from your hair. At the motion stopping, you whined, shutting your eyes. He got the hint and started again. “What do you want me to do about that?”

“Lay with me.”

“That’s against the rule—.”

“Not if you just lay with me for a little bit,” you muttered, opening your lids to give him your best puppy dog eyes. “Just until I fall asleep.”

“And what if I accidentally fall asleep?”

“Worry about it in the morning,” you scooted over a little, opening the bed up for him. “Please?”

He sighed before saying, “I need to finish cleaning up real quick. I’ll be back.”

And when he came back, he’d changed into pajama pants, sans a shirt. You nuzzled into his solid chest, and let his breaths be your white noise to get you to sleep. 

It was the first night in weeks that you’d slept completely sound, not feeling any worries as you enjoyed a dreamless sleep.

-🌼🌼🌼-

He’d humored you a few times and went to the Black and Gold to look at vinyl with you on  days you both had time off.

You’d spend a bit of time browsing, and then take breaks to bicker with each other. Music was still where you occasionally butted heads, but it had turned into the kind of head butting that you enjoyed. 

It was a constant battle of challenging each other, and it gave you ample opportunity to defend the music you loved so much.

And more often than not these days . . . The little pokes and prods ended with you two conceding and giving the other person a chance. 

Usually, you’d leave the store with a new record in tow that the other had recommended. And then, you’d go home and enjoy the music together, giving it a chance. 

Then, normally, you’d end up bent over the couch as he railed you from behind, the records being the most incredible background noise to the moans and groans elicited between the two of you.

After that, the two of you spent and panting with his sweaty chest sticking to your equally sweaty back, you’d decide to order pizza and watch a few episodes of New Girl to finish the night.

-🌼🌼🌼-

“So, explain Baby Dragon.”

You giggled, just closing the K-Cup pod into the Keurig. “What?”

“Your nickname,” he affirmed, coming to stand with his butt pressed against the sink, arms crossed. His face was open, imploring out of mere curiosity. 

“They decided to call me that when we started binging Game of Thrones together.” 

He nodded. “I knew that part.” He continued, “But why?”

Humming, you took your coffee mug off the Keurig. You tapped your chin, holding the mug in the other hand. “Have you seen Game of Thrones?” 

“Yes,” he confirmed. “That shit’s right up my alley.”

“So, you know how the baby dragons are small, yet fierce?” You asked, taking a cautious sip of the hot drink. “The guys claimed I was super adorable and cute like them, too. Fuckin’ weirdos.”

It all clicked in his head, a smirk on his features as he nodded. “Duh, Jake,” he said to himself, shaking his head. “That makes so much sense. I don’t know why it didn’t click before.”

“To be fair, it could’ve meant a variety of things.”

He reached an arm above your head, getting his own K-cup and mug down from the cabinet and began his own brew as he eyed you up and down. 

“You are fierce,” he agreed. But then he took a hand to your hip, squeezing. “But not quite as small as the baby dragons,” he snaked his hand around to hold a handful of your ass. You felt yourself immediately twitch with need. He leaned down and kissed your lips, his breath fresh from his Crest toothpaste. Your tummy filled with warm fuzzies. “You’re curvier. In all the best fucking ways,” he pulled away and you instantly missed him. He grabbed his coffee off the machine and added sugar. 

You’d already started cracking some eggs for breakfast, as he went about getting the toast ready for you. 

He placed a strong hand on your stomach, and you leaned into his touch as you scrambled your eggs. You tipped your head back as he swooped your hair to the side to give you a quick kiss on the lips. 

Then, he was passing you as he made his way out and to the shower. But on his way out of the kitchen, he stopped to add, “And you’re way fuckin’ cuter.”

-🌼🌼🌼-

It was a steaming hot day in the middle of August when Sam proposed that everyone join him at this AirBnb he had booked. 

(It had been a classic, weird Sam thing to book the AirBnb. Literally just getting it to spend the weekend hooking up with a girl he’d recently met.)

About halfway through the day, the sun beating down on all of you, Josh proposed using the little bar off the side of the place. Sam, Daniel, and Sam’s ‘friend’ had heartily agreed. You had as well, and went to get out with everyone else. 

But then you heard Jake’s voice, and paused. 

“Y/n and I are enjoying the water too much. ‘S hot as fuck,” he had said it loud enough for everyone to give simultaneous ‘okay!’s’ in response. They were all hurriedly making their way to the mini bar, leaving you in the pool.

You’d stopped yourself, still partially out of the pool, halfway up the ladder. Looking back at him, questioning, you found he was blatantly staring at your mostly exposed ass, that was peeking just above the water. 

You squinted your eyes at him, as he lounged with his arms on the concrete edge of the pool. He was still sitting where he’d been last time you’d seen him. Sitting on a little ledge beneath the water. His sunglasses pushed down his nose a bit to expose his line of sight, burning into your ass. 

And when everyone was out of earshot, you spoke. “Like what you see, Kiszka?” 

His eyes snapped to yours when you’d spoken, a smirk gracing his dark features. “Fuck yeah I do,” he nodded his head at you once, signaling you to move. “Come over here.”

And without having to be told twice, you sunk back into the cool water, swimming over to meet him. Never breaking eye contact, you waded slowly and grabbed a noodle to rest your arms and breasts on as you floated over. 

He continued on as you got close. “Did you have to wear the tiniest swimsuit you own?”

You looked bashful, but your smile was flirty. “Oh, you think it’s too small? Should I get rid of it?”

When you were close enough, he reached out a hand to pull you into him by your pool noodle. 

He spoke softly in your ear. “Don’t you fuckin’ dare.”

Your skin blazed, you whispered in his exposed ear, his hair tucked behind it. “Why?”

He grabbed the noodle out from under your chest and threw it over the edge of the pool, landing with a flop on the pavement. And when he could, he grabbed you smoothly by your waist, into his crotch. 

And you were suddenly able to feel why. He was hard against you, making your legs weak and your pussy flutter. He was smug, his sunglasses still pushed down as you matched his stare and met his boldness by wrapping your legs around him. 

You used your new position to rock your hips into his, the pool waving out around you just a bit as you did so. 

“You better be careful,” he said softly, his grip going to your round ass, your bottoms leaving absolutely nothing to the imagination. 

You tensed, gasping when you felt his fingers toy with the string of your bikini bottoms. 

“The more noise you make, the sooner they’ll come back,” he swiftly untied one of the strings, exposing you to the water. The coldness made you hiss through your teeth. “Mm,” he hummed. “Cold, baby? Let me warm you up.” 

A finger slipped inside of you and you had to bite your lip to hide the moan dying to leave your lips. You felt his finger slip in and out, in and out, getting closer to hitting your secret spot every time it would reenter. You wrapped an arm around his neck. “Your finger?” You asked haughtily, breathing heavy. “Was expecting mor—.”

You couldn’t hide the gasp as the one finger changed to two, plunging into you, his thumb drawing circles against your hard clit. “Better, princess?”

Changing from one arm around his neck to two, you thrusted into his fingers, rolling your hips to match his thumb on your clit. The water waved around you. Gripping his hair, you looked into his sunglasses, now pushed back up, his eyes blazing through the tinted lenses. Your body was shaking, but you weren’t going to cum like this. 

You knew what you wanted right now and it wasn’t his fingers. 

“Too scared to use your dick?” You challenged him.

He momentarily removed his fingers, roughly bringing you back to feel his thick, clothed shaft. Your bare folds pulsed at the feeling of him so close to you. You felt him twitch underneath you. 

“What’s stopping you, Jakey?” You reached one hand, one arm keeping your balance to thrust into him, to play with the hem of his black trunks. “Afraid they’ll see?”

He replaced his fingers in you again, flexing them once again, this time meeting your g-spot. You exhaled above him, your body tensing. “Are you?” He questioned, seeming to genuinely wonder. “You don’t want them to know. I'm just trying to respect your rules, sweetheart,” he used the nickname, but his tone was anything but sweet, dripping with sarcasm. 

You didn’t take the time to respond, stopping your movements briefly, and looking behind your shoulder to check if the coast was clear. You couldn’t even hear them anymore. They were gone for the time being. If you moved swiftly enough. . . 

He looked disappointed for a second, but you couldn’t see what else his face did as you acted on your quick, risky idea, holding your nose to plunge underwater and pull his bottoms down, his hips moving up immediately to help you. You took no time to sink your wet mouth over his smooth cock. It wasn’t as heavy as you were used to on your tongue, the water helping with some sort of anti-gravity shit. 

There was a hand in your hair, pushing you down onto him. You knew he’d like it. Keeping your nose pinched, you reached the other hand, slowly through the water, to wrap at his base, squeezing him. Your tongue licked long stripes on the underside of his dick, savoring it and meeting his head every time you squeezed him with your hand. 

But you didn’t keep that way for long, needing to breathe. You pulled his bottoms almost all the way back up, but left his dick out. When you re-emerged, smoothing your hair back, you took a good look at his face, seeing his mouth hanging open. 

Ha, gotcha, you thought, deviously. Just you wait, baby.

When you came back to him you took zero time as you reached below the water to find his length. You positioned yourself over it, quickly sinking onto him, ready to get this over with before people came back. But as your walls fluttered around him, you wished you were alone. 

He felt so damn good. Fuck. 

You wiggled your hips, the smallest whine escaping your lips at how well he filled you up. This caused his head to roll to the side the slightest bit, squeezing his eyes shut. 

“Feel good?” You teased, rocking your hips on top of his thick cock. “We’ve gotta make this quick, so help a girl out.”

You shouldn’t have said anything, because as soon as the words left your mouth, he was grasping your hips, leveling himself to slam up into you. 

The loud moan that left your mouth was unavoidable, and you clasped a hand over your mouth to keep your noises hushed. 

He raised his hips as forcefully as he could with the weight of the water, lifting you up and down a few times, and you matched him with measured rolls of your hips. 

Without any warning, he pulled a triangle of your swim top to the side to see a tit as they bounced with each thrust. He leaned forward a bit, licking a circle around your nipple and then grasped your boob in his strong hand as he pumped with merciless rhythm into you. 

“Fuck,” you moaned through your hand. Your breast was still tingling from where he licked it. But now you had the friction from his palm against your nipple, combined with his movements. . . And it was too much. You removed your hand, leaning to whisper in his ear. “More, Jake.”

And, without relenting even a bit, he started giving you exactly what you asked for. It was slightly painful, but it was what you needed at that moment. 

You started groaning into his ear, feeling his thickness slide smoothly within you. Sensing your need, he slipped a thumb between you to rub even circles against your bundle of nerves. The steady circles, along with the erratic thrusts of his dick into you, sent you spiraling, quick. 

Knowing you well, he pushed your mouth into his sweat-drenched neck. Your tongue found the saltiness of his skin, kissing his neck to mask the noises that left you, your legs quivering as you finished. 

Just as soon, he was pulling himself out of you, and lifting his bottoms back up to cum behind the black material. 

You dunked beneath the water to cool off, and to your happy surprise, he joined you, his sunglasses off. Looking into his eyes for as long as you could, you sent him a little grin, going to lift back up. But before you could, he grabbed you swiftly behind your neck and met your lips underwater. 

As soon as you parted, you were rising back up, pushing your hair back as he placed his sunglasses over his eyes again.

And, as if on cue, you heard feet scuttling back to the pool just as you were adjusting your top and re-tying your bottoms above water. 

“Drinks!” Josh sang to you both. He handed both you and Jake your respective beverages. You sipped yours, and Jake took a healthy swig of beer as soon as they were placed in your hands. 

“This is fucking delicious,” you commented. “What is it?”

“Pineapple Upside Down,” Sam’s girl-thing responded, sipping her own. 

You hummed, nodding. 

Taking another drink, you went to sit it down on the pool when Danny piped up. “Whatever the hell you guys were playing while we were gone. . . We’re in.” 

You went silent, not even daring to look over at Jake. Though, you could hear as he started choking on his drink. 

“So much splashing!” Sam added. “It sounded fun!”

“Sunken Treasure, I’m sure,” Josh chimed in, grabbing the sinking stick from the ledge next to his long-haired twin. “You guys know Jake loves that game.”

The other two gave sounds of agreement. Your belly flipped.

Letting yourself look over at Jake, he was looking at Josh, nodding, trying his best to look convincing. “Hell yeah,” he piped up. “It’ll be more fun with more people though.”

“Well then. . .let’s play!” Josh yelled, excited. His new curls, sopping wet and sticking to his forehead as he threw the stick into the water.

Before you started playing, you sent a secret glance to your roommate, who was already smirking over at you. 

Your cheeks heated, getting a thrill at how oblivious all of your friends were to what you had truly been “playing.”

-🌼🌼🌼-

You were with Theo at a coffee shop, studying for the final in your summer course, when the first email came in. 

The first email that signaled the end of summer. The usual “Welcome Back!” email which included too many campus announcements and upcoming events. . . 

Your heart sunk when you saw it come in. 

Deep in your gut, you knew that this was what you’d been dreading since starting things with Jake. 

Real life getting in the way of summer and the fun you’d been having with Jake. 

You didn’t know why, but this email seemed to scream at you that you needed to get your shit together. 

And, as hard as it was, you were going to try your damndest to ignore the voice in your head for the time being. It was the same aggravating, pessimistic voice that bothered you consistently by speaking so-called reason into your life. 

(The same, familiar one that’d looked out for you as you’d grieved your mother leaving you as a little girl.)

This time, it felt as though the voice was also telling you that when school started, it would be time to cut things off with Jake. 

It’s not a smart decision to start your senior year distracted, y/n, it chided.

But you didn’t want to listen to that fucking voice. 

Not yet. 

Summer wasn’t over. And you weren’t about to let the damned nagging voice end your fun (and newfound, genuine happiness) too soon.  

-🌼🌼🌼-

You came home from studying, close to tears. It was ridiculous. There was no reason to be so sad about all of this ending. It was literally just sex. You could get it elsewhere.

But I don’t want it elsewhere, you thought. I only want it with Jake. Fuck. Why?

If you thought about it long enough, you’d let yourself see why. But you weren’t about to do that. Hell no. 

To your surprise, while you were feeding Stevie, you felt a tear hit your hand. 

You groaned, wiping furiously under your eyes, pressing your palms to your heated cheeks. “Stupid,” you told yourself, hearing your voice was thick with tears. 

Just as you felt another tear leave your eye, the front door opened. 

You tried to turn before Jake could see you, but Stevie came up to your leg, purring to comfort you before you could. Shit. 

“Y/n?” He said, placing a comforting hand on your back. Hesitantly, you looked up at him through your tears. Why were you crying so fucking much? “You okay, baby?”

The pet name was the final straw, and instead of it making you angry with him that he’d said it, it sent you curling into his arms. 

Letting your tears soak his shirt, you cried out of ridiculous sadness that you’d have to say goodbye to this thing you had with him soon. Too soon.

You couldn’t keep it. You would never let whatever this was distract either of your paths. And you knew eventually it would. Better to end it before that ever happened.

But not yet.

And, as always, you were set on it not being something to lose your best friend over. If Josh were to find out of it happening, you knew his trust would be completely betrayed.

This wasn’t something that was meant to last. You’d known that from the beginning. So why was it feeling so hard to face right now?

Because you’re finally feeling true happiness and trust with someone new—someone special— for the first time in years, the sweet, comforting voice in your head spoke. Because he is something special and you know it.

You continued to feel Jake, running his fingers through your hair, rubbing your back in comforting strokes. “Shhh,” he soothed. You raised your head from his chest and he used his thumbs to wipe away the excess tears. When eventually you’d caught your breath, he asked. “What happened?”

Looking up at him, you found his brow furrowed in concern. You couldn’t fully tell him what you were actually upset about. Absolutely not. 

Moving away from him the slightest bit to gain your bearings, you sniffed a few times. “Just intimidated by what’s to come, I guess,” you said, not lying. Just not giving the whole truth. “Not ready for life to change with senior year and stuff.”

He lifted his lips in a reassuring grin, his eyes full of empathy for your current state. “I get that,” he said, his raspy voice ever-soothing. He tucked a lock of hair behind your ear, smoothing your cheek in the process. “But surely it won’t be too bad, right?”

You had to bite your lip to keep another sob from breaking loose. Sniffing the tears back, you nodded, slapping a fake smile on your face. “Yeah. Not too bad.”

-🌼🌼🌼-

a/n: as the saying goes, good things don't always last forever. . . next chapter will bring some changes for our precious y/n and jake . . . what do you think those changes will be?

please, as always, don't hesitate to reach out! i love, love, love hearing from you all! your feedback means the world to me &lt;3

if you’d like to be added to the taglist, please let me know!

& as usual, it wouldn’t let me tag some of y’all. :( so please check to see that you’re down there because if you’ve asked to be on the taglist, i tried to tag you. buuuut tumblr wouldn’t let me do it for everyone 🙃 ugh. and if i somehow forgot to tag someone, please also let me know that! (i'm a NOOB and i have terrible memory)

Taglist: @joshym, @gretavanfleetposts, @alyson814, @fretaganvleet, @lallisonl, @writingcold, @gvfpal, @twinszka, @jessicafg03, @reesetrippingthelight, @sacredjake, @laurenlovesgretavanfleet, @gretavangroove, @222headedcalf, @dreamssingold, @carbondancingthroughtime, @raviolilegs, @way-to-go-lad, @jakekiszkasmommy, @katgvf, @objectsinspvce, @jaketlover, @vanfleeter, @thetroublegetssloud71, @seditabets, @jakekiszkapunchmeintheface, @jaketlove, @ohgodthefeeling-gvf, @starcatcher-jake, @anythingforjtk, @lucimoo, @indigostreakmorgan, @gretavanbear, @katelynn-gvf, @alwaysonthemend, @aintthatapity, @bowievanfleet, @fwzco, @takenbythemadness, @cherry-icecreamsmile, @laneygvf, @hi-hi-hello11, @sinarainbows, @jakesbarbarian, @mybussyinchrist, @becinabubblegvf, @heckingfrick, @danigvf, @pinkandsleepy1934, @derrangeddumpsterfire, @klarxtr

[justmeinadaze]

Head Filled With Demons Part 4 (Steddie X You)

A/N: I am very aware that that picture of Jamie Campbell Bower is from Mortal Instruments or whatever but that picture is how I imagine Henry in my head in human form lol

Warnings: Demon Steddie X Human Fem Reader, ANGST, there are two murders in here, Chrissys is touched on again and Reader claims her second victim. She does see the demons in their full demon form and Steve does have to protect her (what he does to the person is vaguely touched on and blood is mentioned), in a vision she does see how the mayor is corrupt and he mentioned being blackmailed, Henry is Henry, purposely saying things verbally to hurt all three of them. Feelings of grief are brought up with the loss of her father and the boys tell her more about one of their other summoners that didn't end well.

SMUT, more details on the boys and how their relationship started, Reader takes over more here with them than vice versa. FLUFF, they love her <3 and she loves them.

Word Count: 7087

The three of you hit the ground with exceptional force as you wince in pain. 

“Fuck. Y/N? Honey are you ok?”, Steve asks as he crawls over to you and helps you to your feet. 

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“She’s fine, Steven. Get off her back.”, Henry mocks as he jumps down from a nearby tree. You quickly help Eddie to his feet who in turn promptly moves you behind him. “A little bird told me once you two always enjoyed these woods. Funny how you can recreate a memory but it’s never quite exact is it?”

“Geez, are you just going muse all day or get to the fucking point?”

“Oh, Edward. Someone’s lost a lot of his patience over the years.”, Henry tsks. “To be fair, you’re lucky I even brought you two because my offer is for the lady.”

“Whatever your up to trust me, she’s not interested.”

“Trust you.”, he cackles. “That’s hilarious. After everything I’ve witnessed, I’m surprised she hasn’t killed people faster just to get rid of you two.”

“What are you talking about?”, you ask confidently as you try to hide how afraid you really are. Something about this particular demon didn’t feel right and you just wanted to get away from him as soon as possible.

He gestures with his head down a path, motioning for you to follow. 

“Y/N, no.”

“Don’t worry, Steven. You guys can come to but don’t interrupt.” Shoving his hands in his pockets, he begins his slow stroll as you follow. “As I’m sure you picked up from them, I am a prince. Besides the fact that I was going to marry Chrissy, they aren’t very fond of me because my people and their people used to fight constantly.”

“That war?”

“Yes, very good. I see they are opening up to you somewhat.”, Henry grins. “Mine and my princess’s father, the kings, believed they were superior beings. Fucking ridiculous. Even more ridiculous was the thought that me marrying Chris would somehow resolve that.”

Eddie growls behind you before you hear Steve whisper something to him. 

“Stop that.” The demon beside you pauses as he turns to look at you as you continue. “Stop trying to hurt him. The princess has nothing to do with why you’re here.”

A wicked grin stretches along as his face as he turns to the boys. 

“I see why you like her. Fine, fair enough. After she died, everything in our realm fell apart and became an all-out battle of who is better. Pathetic. I immediately left to expand my horizons and met someone with…let’s just say similar interests.” Henry winks as he continues walking. “Like these two, I get to kill people.”

He chuckles again. “Never mind. I guess not exactly like them. I don’t live in relative exile and I can come and go as I please. I also get to kill the person with my own hands.” You cringe as his eyes roll back in pleasure at the thought. 

“So what do you need me for?”

“Ah, very perceptive, little one.”

“Don’t. Call. Me. That.”

When the demon turns to face you again, he doesn’t even try to hide the red anger in his eyes. 

“You control that tone with me. I am royalty and I am above you.”

“Maybe in your realm but not here.”, you scowl into his glowing eyes. 

Both your protectors rush forward, but Henry raises his hand, lifting them off the ground slightly and restraining them out of the way. 

“I saw you in your pathetic store the day you found their stone. You slinked back home to your poor sick father, painting on this happy face for everyone you passed especially him so he wouldn’t know how broken you were. You like to pretend that being a good person in the long run will make you happy but I assure you, Y/N, it won’t. I’ve seen you with them, Edward and Steven. I’ve seen you change after your first killing and after fucking them. I heard you in that school say you wanted to help them.”

He takes a step closer to you till his face is just above yours. “Being a good person, does nothing but get you hurt and used. Chrissy was a good little girl and look what happened. Her father basically sold her to mine to end a petty squabble they started and then she died! I’m asking you to do this killing for me because I think it will really help you see the world for what it is while helping you get your next victim in the process.”

“No thanks. I’ll pass.”

That evil grin blinds you again as he waves his hand and tosses your demons to the ground. 

“You know, I thought you might say that but Y/N, unlike them, I’ve never lied to you.”

“Neither have they.”

Henry’s lips pout out sarcastically as he nods. “Hm. Hey, does this house look familiar to you?”

When you gazed where he was pointing, you noticed the home from your second night with Eddie and Steve. Here it wasn’t run down but looked more put together. 

“Ah, yeah, they’ve shown you an illusion of it before.” He opened the door and you followed him. Everything was completely different within it from the last time. The furniture was neatly where it belonged and the frames on the walls actually had photos within them. Your fingers grazed pictures of the boys in their human form but you imagined wherever these pictures really resided it had their regular demon appearance within. 

“Y/N, WAIT!”

Henry’s eyes never left you as he flicked his hand in the air and the front door slammed shut. There were images of them with that boy Dustin they had shown you making funny faces into the frame. Next to that was a picture of Eddie with an older man pulling him in for a hug, the demon himself with a wide smile you had never seen on him before. Beside that a photo of Steve and a young lady he had never mentioned making serious looking faces as they point their swords towards the lens.

“I don’t understand.”

“This is the house they stay in. Well, not THE house but… I don’t know why they didn’t show it to you this way. Then again, the way I hear it, they both have a tendency to fuck it up from time to time.”

“How would you know that?”

“Would you like to see?”

“But they said—”

“Now that was true. They can’t show you what it’s like where they’ve been but I’m much stronger than they could ever be.”

You glance towards the door where both demons were trying to get in. 

“Okay.”

Henry beamed as he snapped his fingers and you felt your body being thrust backwards into their memory. Looking around you realized the home was in complete disarray again. Everything was flipped over or shattered and you swore you could feel the heavy energy in the air. Steve’s loud voice caught your attention down the hall and you quickly got up to go find him. He was pacing in his bedroom, fuming while Eddie leaned against the wall with his arms folded as he watched. 

“Don’t do that! Don’t fucking stand there and look at me like I’m fucking crazy!”

“I don’t know how else you want me to look, Steven, and to be fair you are acting crazy.”

“Well, what does it fucking matter, right?” He reaches behind him and throws a glass object against the floor. Snapping his fingers, it reappears and he throws it again. “I could burn this place to the ground and it will still come back like new.” The demon repeats his actions instead choosing to throw the object towards his friend. 

Eddie growled low in his throat as he glared across the way. 

“Don’t do that again.”

“Or what?” Steve threw grabbed the item again and hurled it towards him. 

In the blink of an eye, he was on him, tossing him to the ground as Eddie held him down. “You’re not the only one struggling, Steven! You think this is easy for me?! I fucking hate it here but it’s all we have! At least… at least we got to stop running. At least here we’re both safe. You’re safe.” The demon released his wrists but Steve didn’t move them as Eddie tenderly touched his face.

“Please…I need you to stay with me, ok? I can’t lose you. I already lost everything else.” 

Steve’s hand wrapped around his neck as he tugged his lips to his. Eddie abruptly pulled back but only for a moment as his eyes looked over his friend’s face before he leaned down to kiss him with much more passion. 

A loud bang brings you back to reality as the door falls in and both red eyed demons come barreling through. 

“I can see their memories just as clearly as I can see yours. I can see everything they do and everything they don’t.”

“I-I don’t care about this. They didn’t have to be honest about this house. It’s theirs…its…”

Henry sighs aggressively as he pinches the bridge of his nose. “You two really found a winner here. I wonder what her father would say if he ever met you two.”

“He did.”

“What?”, the evil demon gasped. “Oh wow. Well, I’m glad he got to but I’m sorry for the circumstance. It’s never fun to have someone you love meet new people the day before they die.”

“It’s not like they would have known.”

“Of course, they would have. It’s happened to people who have summoned them multiple times.” Your eyes widened as you and Henry turn to look at the boys who are now calmer but still reflecting an emotion of fear.  “You mean you didn’t tell her?”

Eddie moves first, placing himself in front of you and reaching for your hands. “Y/N, listen to me—”

“Is that true? Did you know?”

“It-it’s more complicated than that.”

“Answer me.”

“Yes.”, Steve responded for him as your gaze shifted to the floor. “That part is true. Y/N, we knew how much you loved him. We didn’t want to hurt you. I meant what I said. If there’s something we could have done to save him, I promise you we would have.”

When your eyes met theirs again, they knew that if yours could glow they would be. The anger that radiated from you was intense as you pulled your hands from the demon’s grasp before turning to Henry. 

“Who are you supposed to kill?”

He flicks his fingers and an image appears between them. “A mayoral candidate named Larry Kline. I’m assuming you’ve heard of him?”

“Yeah, I know who he is. Do you have a timetable like they do?”

“No but you do so I wouldn’t dilly dally.”

You aggressively grab the photo from his hand. “Send me back.”

“As you wish. I’ll check in on you again in a few days. Who knows, maybe we can become a pretty badass team.”

As you scowl at him, he snaps his fingers and you’re suddenly back in your store. 

###########

As you walk the streets of Hawkins, Eddie and Steve continue to try and speak but you ignore them as if they aren’t even there. 

“Y/N, please, just hear us out.”

“Henry isn’t someone you can trust. You have no idea what he was like back home.”

“This isn’t smart, honey. Killing someone with so many eyes on them could get you arrested or worse.”

When you finally make it to town hall, you slow down to take in your surroundings. The front door looked like it would be easy to access since people including tour groups were coming and going. There was a level of security but not much. Larry Kline was one of those cocky types who would absolutely believe no one had the audacity to even try and kill him. 

“Y/N, please…”, Eddie begged. He reached out to touch your arm with his fingers and you promptly elbowed him in the chest. 

“Don’t touch me.”, you hissed. 

“You have every reason to be upset—”

“Upset! I—“, you cut yourself off as you moved away from the people near you to a secluded area behind the buildings. “I’m furious. I trusted you. What more are you hiding from me?”

“What would it have done, Y/N? You couldn’t save him.”

“I could have tried, Steve. I could have gotten to him to a hospital or—”

“That wouldn’t have worked. If they can see us, they are too far gone… that just means its their time. So what would you rather we have done? Tell you so you can spend your last 24hrs with him panicking or making him dinner, talking with your new friends, and reminiscing about the past?” Eddie sighed trying to control his temper. “We used to tell them…the people that summoned us. It NEVER ended well.”

“Miss?” You abruptly turned around coming face to face with a handsome gentleman in a black suit. “I’m sorry but you can’t be back here.”

“Oh, um, I apologize. I just needed a moment.”

“Is…is everything alright?”

“Yeah, I’m ok. I just lost my father recently and—”

“I’m so sorry. I know how that goes. Part of the reason I got this job protecting Mr. Kline. It got me out of my house and it always has me on my toes.” The man pushes up on his tiptoes as he chuckles making you smile. “Yeah, bad joke. I get tongue tied around beautiful woman. I’m Noah.”

“Y/N.” When you reach out to shake his hand, you hear loud, angry growling behind you. 

“Would it be too forward if I ask you out for a drink tomorrow night?”

“No, not at all.”

“Cool. Uh, yeah. This is my number. Call me later and we’ll set up a time.”, he grins as he hands you his business card. “I should, um, get back to work. Oh! Yeah, um, you have to…”

“I’ll leave. I swear.”

His smile grows as he stumbles over his feet before catching his balance and jogging away from you. 

“What a fucking idiot.”, Eddie fumes.

“’Noah Strong.’”, you read from the card he gave you. “Definitely fits the name.”

“Are you fucking him or killing him?”

“Depends, Steven. Is there something I should know?”

“You know what, honey. We’ll let you figure that out this time. Isn’t that how you humans do it? Just fuck someone and move on? No specifics, no details…just in an out.”

“Hm, you two not giving me all the information. Sounds about right.”

****

Their eyes continue to stare through you as you sit on the couch trying to watch tv.

“Can you two stop looking at me?”

“Can you listen to us?”, Eddie begs. 

“There’s nothing you need to say. I’m going to kill the mayor, maybe Noah and get you both out of my life.”

They were positive if you were actually looking their way, you’d be able to see how much your words cut through them like a knife. They had both been to war, stabbed, hit, and almost killed numerous times but nothing had ever hurt them as bad as the thought of you not wanting them around. 

Without notifying you, Steve snapped his fingers and your living room disappeared as an old 1800s style home appeared in front of your eyes. 

“Marcus, please. Let me take you to the doctor.” A young lady begged a boy who was playing with a toddler in the corner. 

“Elizabeth, why? I’m fine. There’s nothing wrong with me!”, the man laughs as he gestures towards the demons behind her. “Guys, tell my sister to relax.”’

The girl turns to them with tears in her eyes. “Make him go.”

“We can’t do that and even if we could… we told you…it won’t help.”, Eddie sighs.

The images blurred until you found yourself in the middle of a town that was now on fire. 

Elizabeth cackled as buildings around her collapsed. “Lizzy, what did you do?”, Steve asked under his breath, eyes wide as he looked around.

“Does it matter, Stevie, baby? I got three and then some. It doesn’t fucking matter. Without Marcus here what’s the point?”

They watched as someone came up behind her and knocked her out as they began to disappear back to the exile they called home.

You aggressively shot up as the images disappeared from your mind, glaring at them as you rose and headed for your bedroom. 

“That was just the first time that happened. We learned pretty fucking quickly that human minds are fucking fragile especially when it comes to death. After we told her why Marcus could see us, she begged him to go to a doctor, thinking he was sick or something along those lines. The next day, he had a sudden aneurysm. The day after she snapped and set her village on fire.”

“It got worse as time went on and we didn’t want to be responsible for any unneeded deaths. We aren’t Henry.”, Eddie scowled.

“I think you just hate him because he was going to marry your princess.”

“I’m glad you think so little of me.”, he sneered. 

“I could say the exact fucking same! Did you really think I’d be like those other people? That I’d go fucking crazy and hurt more people than I had to?”

“You almost did.” Your own voice suddenly echoes through your brain. 

“My world is gone. Why should I help all these fucking assholes especially the assholes in this stupid, greedy fucking town! Fuck them! Let them suffer.”

“Yeah, Steve. That’s grief. Everyone fucking feels it. I’m…I’m still feeling it but now twice as much because… fuck it, it doesn’t matter.”

“Yes, it does. Say it.”, Eddie urges. 

“Leave me alone. I’m going to bed.” 

Unlike previous nights, tonight they didn’t lay beside you. You heard the whoosh of them disappear and for the first time in almost two weeks, you were all alone. The silence killed you as you cried yourself to sleep.

#############

“Thank you for meeting me. You look extremely beautiful.”

“Aw, thank you.”, you grin as you spin 360 so you can display your dress. 

“What’s with the suit jacket and jeans? Couldn’t bother putting on the entire outfit properly?”, Steve snickered as both demons trailed behind you guys as you enter the bar. 

“Let me grab us something here. I’ll be right back.”

“Please don’t tell me you’re actually into this guy.”, Eddie whines. 

“What do you care? You’ll be gone soon anyway.”, you murmur under your breath as you pretend to look out the window. 

“Oh, little girl is so sassy tonight, Steven.”

Noah comes back with some beverages and you both continue to talk about trivial things that usually come along with a first date. To add a thorn in your side, your demons placed themselves on either side of him, glaring and grimacing as he spoke. 

“So do you enjoy protecting the mayor? I imagine it’s a little scary.”

“I mean it’s alright. He can be a bit of an asshole but hey he pays me.” When he laughs at his own joke something in Steve’s eyes glimmers angrily through them. It wasn’t jealousy. They had been displaying that emotion through most of the evening. Something about what Noah said bothered him. 

“Does it pay well? I mean, not as much as the secret service I’m sure but…”

“Um, yeah, its pretty lucrative. It helps me get my nice apartment and meet pretty girls who hide behind buildings talking to themselves.”

“Oh, you heard that?”, you smile to yourself. “My, uh, my father just passed away so sometimes…I talk out loud to him. He always wanted to see the inside of town hall.”

“I’m sorry about your father.”

You shrug as you twirl the straw in your drink between your fingers. “Sometimes…I wish I had known he was going to go…there are some things I would have said…” As you looked up to meet his eyes, you ended up staring into two others who looked back at you with sympathy and shame. “Doesn’t matter.”, you softly smile in his direction. 

“I can give you tour of town hall if you’d like. Like the in-depth cut tour. We just have to go back to my apartment to get my access badge.”

“Y/N, do not go anywhere with this man.”, Eddie commanded in one of his more serious tones. 

“Ok.”

“Yeah? Cool!”

“Honey, seriously. Tell him no.”, Steve pleads.

Noah takes your hand and leads you to his car. 

****

“Do something Steven!”, Eddie hisses as Noah guides you up his stairs. 

“I can’t. She’s not technically in danger.”

“Are you fucking kidding me!?”

“So this is my place.”, Noah grins as he widens his arms. 

“It’s nice.” You try to sound enthused but your demons heated whispers were distracting you. 

“Say you have to go to the bathroom. “, Steve commands, huffing when you hesitate. “Now, Y/N!”

“Hey, um, Noah may I use your bathroom?”

“Yeah, of course, it’s down the hall.”

As soon as you close the door, they appear behind you and Eddie snaps his fingers. Visions of Noah with the Mayor at Hawkins dump fill your mind.

“I hate how easy this has become.”

“Should it, sir?”, Noah asks. 

“Look, I told the girl blackmailing me is a bad idea. She insisted so…”, he shrugs as he sighs. “They always insist. They think I’m going to leave my wife and fall for them.”

“Don’t all women, sir?”, he chuckles.

“I like you, kid. Quick, pull that lever and I’ll buy you a round.”, he pats his back as he heads towards his car. 

Noah yanks the lever on a machine that begins crunching, disposing, and erasing Mayor Kline’s infidelity.

“Jesus Christ!”

“Shhhh… you need to leave now.”

“But I can kill him and get his pass for the mayor’s office—”

Steve’s hands grip your cheeks as he pushes you back against the wall. “Y/N, no. He is too strong for you. His job is literally to take bullets for someone. I’m not asking anymore. LEAVE!”

“What are you going to do about it? Why do you care so much? As soon as I do this and what Henry wants, I’ll save the world. Just like everyone else you’ve done this with.”

“This isn’t the same as the others.”

“Why?!”

“BECAUSE WE LOVE YOU!” His thumbs caress your skin as his eyes look longingly into yours. “Because we love you. We…we weren’t lying about that.” You shifted your gaze towards Eddie who nodded in agreement. 

“Y/N? Everything alright in there?”, Noah asked as he knocked on the door. 

Heavily sighing, you opened the door and pushed past him towards the living room. “Actually, I’m not feeling so well. I’m going to head home.”

Without any kind of warning, he roughly grabbed your upper arm. “You were fine a moment ago.”

“Yeah, well, must be the alcohol. I don’t really drink like that anymore. I’ll call you, ok?”

You tried to pull out of his grasp but he just gripped you tighter as a slow smooth chuckle left his lips. “All you women are the same. Just a fucking tease. What about me, huh? After everything I’ve done for you tonight?!”

“Let me go, Noah.”

“No. I think you’re just fine and you want it just as bad as I do.”

Pulling your arm back as far as you could you smacked him and he shouted in surprise as he dropped you to the ground. As quick as you could, you tried to get to your feet but he was faster, holding you down as you tried to fight him. 

A strong tug on his collar startled him as he was thrown to the wall behind him. 

“Who the fuck are you?”

“Hey there. I’m Steven but my friends call me Steve. I’m in charge of keeping that beautiful young lady safe.”

“I-I-I wasn’t going to do anything. I swear.”

The demon clicks his tongue as he shakes his head. “See, that’s not true, is it? Because if it were, you wouldn’t be able to see me.”

Slowly you stood up, backing into Eddie who turned you to face him. “I want you to keep your eyes on me, ok?” As soon as you nodded, the energy in the room changed as you heard loud growls and Noah’s screams. Your head started to turn but his big palms held you in place. “No, princess. Don’t look. Just keep looking at me.”

After what feels like eternity, everything quiets down and the demon releases his hold allowing you to see the destruction behind you. The furniture was all over the place and ripped to shreds. Blood smeared the floor as Noah laid near Steve’s feet with wide eyes. The demon’s back was to you but you could see his shoulders rise and fall as he panted. 

His bat that you had seen numerous times in visions and on the stone itself appeared in his hand as he extended it towards you. 

“Finish him, Y/N. Get your kill.”

His head was turned away from you but is voice was incredibly deep. 

“Steve…” His only response was to push the handle towards you again and this time you took it from him. Standing over Noah, you raised the bat in the air and closed your eyes as you swung down. 

###########

As you walked home, you allowed the night air to calm your racing mind as you palmed Noah’s ID badge in your hand. It took a lot longer due to you taking the backstreets so you weren’t seen but when the front door shut, you finally felt like you were able to take a breath. 

Silently, you removed your clothes and tossed them in the waste bin before Eddie snapped his fingers, setting the fabric ablaze. 

“I’ve never let anyone touch my weapon before let alone use it.” Steve turned on the shower and guided you under the hot water. “I’d be lying if I didn’t say it turned me on.”, he chuckles but stops when he notices you turn towards the wall. 

Closing the curtain on them, you cleaned your body as they listened to you cry.

“Sweetheart, you did really well tonight. One more and it will all be over.”

Once you were clean, you stepped out and allowed them to attach a towel around your body. Both their heads shot up, as Steve snapped his fingers and you were suddenly wearing your pjs. 

A sinister laugh in your living room caught you attention and you pushed past your protectors to see Henry sitting on your couch.

“That was amazing.”, he claps as his tone drips with condescension. “And very clever, Y/N. Now you can utilize that idiot’s badge to do the task I gave you.”

 “No.”

Henry’s laugh tapers off as his eye’s scowl up at you. “I’m sorry?”

“No. I’m declining your offer.” You throw the badge on his lap as he snickers again before standing. 

“I’m not someone you say no to. Chrissy learned that the hard way.” 

When he snapped his fingers, the three of you were thrust backwards, crashing into another memory. 

“Chris?”, Eddie starts to step forward but Steve hastily grabs his arm as you guys watch Chrissy start to gather some of her things. 

“Going somewhere?”

“Shit. Geez, Henry, you scared me.”, she nervously giggled.

“I scared you? I feel like I should be the one who’s scared. Where are you going, my love?”

She cringes at his term of endearment. “I’m, uh, getting things ready for after the wedding.”

The demon laughs in his throat as he reaches out to gently touch her cheek. “It’s so cute…how you think I don’t know…”

“Know?”

“Mhmm. About you and Edward. You two could have been happy here. I don’t care. It’s not like I wouldn’t be fucking other demons either.” Chrissy growls at him utilizing the opportunity to pull the knife Eddie gave her just in case. 

“Just let me go, Henry. Please.”

“Now what I do care about is you thinking you could disappear just like that. What would people say about their new king if they found out his queen ran off with a fucking peasant.”

“Y-you and I both know you don’t even want to be king.”

“Eh, you’re not wrong.” Henry charges forward, turning Chrissy’s wrist and stabs her with the knife in her hand. “Win-win for me, I guess. Plus, I get the added benefit of watching them torture the man you love for all eternity.”

Her eyes widen as she falls to the floor. 

As the vision of Henry circles around the room hiding her bags, Eddie kneels by her side, reaching out to comfort her in any way but his fingers fall through the image.

“Chris! Come on! We need to go now, babe.”

Henry disappears as past Eddie enters the room.

As the images vanish, both your demons growl angrily.

“All of this is your fault?”, Steve snarls, his voice that deep demon tone.

“To be fair, I didn’t actually want to kill her. That was just an added bonus.”, he chuckles. With red, glowing eyes, Eddie ran forward but Henry lifted them both in the air with a quick hand motion. “If you have to be angry with someone, it should be her father who thought our marriage would in any way end the hatred our people have for each other. I told my father no multiple times but then I got curious. I followed her around, watching her hide her relationship with you. She really was happy with you, Edward.”

“Why did you agree to it then?” His head swiftly turned to you at your question. “Once you found out they were together why didn’t you leave her alone?”

“It’s in his nature. Demons like him cause pain everywhere they go for no reason.”, Steve shouted as he and Eddie continued to try to wiggle out of his hold. 

“Because creatures like you and her need to understand that we are above you! I thought maybe I could show her that, teach her, so we could dominate the realm together. But I knew that night she was weak… I want to save you from that, Y/N. You’re different. DON’T let them make you weak.”

When he turned to face you again, his face was met with the nails of Steve’s bat and both your demons suddenly dropped to the floor. 

“You don’t have to worry about that. I’m a lot stronger than you three think.”

Henry growled, raising his hand to toss you against the wall. Half of his mask was gone but you tried to keep your composure as he came up to you till his nose was against yours. 

“Rethink my offer, Y/N. There are worse things than death and I can do them all.”

He snapped his fingers and just like that he was gone again.

Dropping the weapon, you ran to their side. Eddie was still on his knees, his face in the carpet as he covered his head with his hands. 

“Ed. Talk to me, man.”, Steve pleaded as he reached out to touch his back. 

“NO! No one touch me!”, he roared as you both fell back. 

“Edward…” You reached out to try and run your fingers through his hair but his hand shot out gripping your wrist. You wince at the feel of his demon skin against yours. “I’m…I’m not afraid of you, Edward. I’m so sorry.”

Steve snapped his fingers and all of the sudden you guys were back in the home near the forest. It was dark and falling apart again, seemingly abandoned once more. 

“Why can’t you make it look like he did?”

“Because…Henry showed you how it actually looks but this is how we see it. Some bullshit tiny house that’s bland as hell and constantly falling apart because we are constantly tearing it up. Like he said…it looks different in a memory.”

Like a lion on the hunt, Eddie bolted towards the bedroom on all fours and crashed into something hard.

“Stay here.”, Steve instructed as he headed that way. “Edward, calm down. Y/N is here—”

You gasped as a dark blur tackled the demon and he disappeared from the hallway into the adjacent room. Running to make sure he was ok, your eyes widened as you saw a winged creature with horns holding Steve against the wall with his claws around his neck.

The bat didn’t come with you so you reached for an object on the dresser and threw it his way. Eddie’s brown curls bounced as he turned to look at you. You still saw parts of the metalhead within him but he had completely changed. Unable to control his appearance, he was now showing you who he really was. As he charged towards you, another winged creature slid in front of you. 

“Steven?”

They wrestled each other crashing into everything in the house. You panicked unsure of what to do until your back bumped into Eddie’s guitar hanging on the wall. Yanking it down, you slung it over your shoulder and began to play the only song you had managed to learn from a friend back in school. 

“And I'm gonna keep on lovin' you 'Cause it's the only thing I wanna do I don't wanna sleep I just wanna keep on lovin' you.”

They both fell apart onto their backs as the calm flowed through them. 

“You did good out there.”, Steve grinned as he handed Eddie a beer. 

“Thank you. I almost died but that’s half the fun, right?”

“Huh, no.”, he laughed. “We’re not all tough, meathead types. We don’t live for an ‘honorable death’. Some of us just do what we have to do.”

“Yeah, I can understand that.”

“You know, you didn’t have to take your father’s place…”

“I know…”, the demon looks down at his drink. “But if it wasn’t me then it would have to be my uncle and he’s the only family I have left.”

Steve nodded before patting his new friend’s shoulder. “Well, I got your back.”

“And I meant every word I said When I said that I love you I meant that I love you forever.”

Steve is curled up on Eddie’s bare chest as his fingers play with his hair. 

“Ugh.”

“Yeah…someone found our stone. It’s about time.”, Eddie sighs as they both crawl out of bed and shuffle towards the front door. “Oh wow. This one is gorgeous.”

Steve glances out the window and sees you in an elevator staring into their gem. “She is. Is it just me or does she seem sad?”

“Most of them do. Now all we have to do is wait.” The demon reaches for him, pulling him into a hug. “Everything is going to be ok, sweetheart, alright? We do this and then it’s just you and me again.”

Steve nods as he brings his lips to his.

When you stop playing, you hope it was enough to bring them back to you. 

“Steve. Eddie. Are you two ok?”

They had calmed down enough that their appearances were back as their brown eyes starred at the ceiling. Abruptly, Steve rolled on top of him and passionately kissed him as his palms cupped his face.  

“I’m sorry. I’m…I’m sorry…I didn’t hurt you…did I?”, Eddie asked between kisses, breathing a heavy sigh of relief as the demon shook his head. 

You tapped their shoulder and after turning to look at you, you gestured around the room. It had changed before your eyes but they were too busy with each other to notice. There was sunshine streaming in from the window and everything was now clean in its proper place.

“How…we didn’t…”

“You said it’s memory, right? What were you thinking about right now?”

They glanced at each other before turning back to you. “How we want to make love to you but not in the destruction.”

“You deserve better than that.”, Eddie agreed as he softly smiled. “Y/N, we are so sorry about your dad. We wanted to say something but—”

Your lips cut him off as you crashed them to his own. Steve lifted you like you weighed nothing and placed you down the bed as both demons ran their mouths along your neck. You moaned as they worked together to remove your clothing and slide their fingers between your legs; Eddie thrusting two fingers inside you as the other demon rubbed circles into your clit. 

Their mouths were like heaven as they slid down your body to suck on each breast and flick their tongues along your nipples. While Eddie’s lips trailed back upward, Steve’s went lower, kissing your skin along the way before wrapping his lips around your clit. 

“Fuck.”, you whimpered as your fingers tangled in his hair. 

“We know you’re strong, Y/N.” You glanced at the demon above you in confusion. “You said you stronger then the three of us thought you were. We know you are. It’s one of the many reasons we love you.”

Pumping his fingers faster inside of you, your eyes rolled shut as you came, Steve drinking in every bit of you he could and kissing his way back up your side. 

Pushing Eddie onto his back you straddle his waist as you kiss his lips and his palms reach up to roam your body, startling him when your hands grab his wrists and pin them back. 

“Let me take care of you.” 

His eyes scanned your face finally nodding as his palms slide further up to grip the headboard. Both of you moan as you guide his cock into your entrance, taking him slow at first as you feel every inch gradually push through. 

Eddie’s jaw went slack as you began to ride him, your forehead leaning gently on his. 

“Fuck, princess. Jus-just like that. God, you feel so fucking good.”

Coyly, you smile as your hand wraps around his throat. “No, Edward. Don’t say his name…say mine.”

His eyes opened to meet yours as you ground your hips harder against him. The sound that left his lips wasn’t a growl of anger but almost a purr of pleasure. 

“Your pussy feels amazing, Y/N. The way your warm, dripping cunt tightens around me and takes my cock is like a fucking drug, baby.” As he speaks you bounce on him faster as your nails run down his chest. “That’s it, Y/N. Fucking take what’s yours. We…we belong to you.”

Your body shakes as you cum making him grunt at the feeling underneath you. As you collapse on top of him, his arms wrap around you as you whisper in his ear. “I love you, Edward.”

Eddie takes over, thrusting his hips hard into yours as he chases his own climax. 

“I love you to, Y/N. Fuck.”

With a couple more rough pumps, he pants as his release warms your insides. You two tenderly kiss for moment before detaching so you can crawl onto Steve’s lap whose cock had gotten unbearably hard after watching you both. 

“You’re so beautiful, Y/N.” As your legs wrap around his waist, he lifts you in his arms and places you flat against the mattress. His hands tightly grip your sides as he slides his cock into your core. “Fuck me. He’s right, honey. We’re yours. I love you, baby.”

“Mmm…I-I love you to, Steven.” Rolling your hips to meet his, you moaned loudly as your palms gripped his wrists. “Y-your safe with me.” 

His motions slowed and you took the opportunity to guide him into a sitting position as you circled your arms around his neck, taking over as you grind on his length. Steve’s hair falls back away from his face as you crane his neck so you can see him. 

“Look at me, Steven.” His honey-colored eyes meet yours and you promptly shake your head. “I said look at me, STEVEN.” A heavy mewl left his beautiful lips before he blinked and you were now staring at his red orbs. “I can protect you to. I-I can take care of you—mmm—of both of you.”

Your forehead falls on his as you cling to him, moving your hips hard till he feels you shuddering against him as you cum. Steve soon follows, guiding your motions till you feel him fill you up.

As your head hits the pillow, the room darkens and you find yourself back in your bedroom with them on either side of you, hands running along your skin.

“Is there anything else you’ve hidden from me?”

“No.”, Eddie answers with no hesitation. 

“Now that you know the truth, is there anything you can do to clear your name and go home.”

“No one would believe us. Come back home after so long and blame a prince… Plus, there’s no point.”, Steve sighs as he gestures towards the stone. “Can’t go home anyway.”

“Where did you say you found it again?”

Both their heads turn to stare at you. “No.”

“I just want to help.”

“No.”, Eddie repeats. “You can’t help us.”

“Maybe, I can talk to the person that put you in there. Find out if there’s a way to set you free.”

“We’ve tried that already, Y/N. Trust me.”, Steve lightly huffed. “She can’t be reasoned with or trusted.”

“I still want to try.” The metal headed demon growled and you sat up as you glared at him. “I’m not letting go that easy. You two may have given up but I haven’t!” You crawl over them and reach for a long shirt but as you head for the living room, they both appear in front of you. 

“We haven’t given up, honey. We’ve just played this game before. We know how it ends.”

“Well, Steve, maybe the game changed! Have you ever dealt with Henry before here in this realm? Has anyone ever wielded your weapons? H-have you ever fallen in love with any of the other people who summoned you?!” The tears began to flow before you could stop them. “I know I can do this. I know I can help you.”

Eddie stepped forward, reaching out with his thumb to dry your eyes. 

“Please…”, you beg. “I can’t lose you two.”

#############

@tlclick73 @iaminlovewithdilfs @tiannamortis @steeldaisies

@goodhappyfriday @paleidiot @fireeyes-on-teller-dixon-grimes

@strangerthings64 @howlingcon @hellfire—cult

[the-nosy-neighbor]

Wally is my Homeboy

THE CALL

Warning, discussions of Christianity

I am going to be pulling from personal experience on this one.  My experience growing up was with a Baptist church, so be aware that this is the flavor of religion I will be discussing.  I’m not religious, but I don’t care to insert myself in another person’s religious life or beliefs.  But:  thinking about how we got the cross cufflink, I started thinking about the religious language that is used in the Baptist tradition. 

I can’t believe it has taken me this long to get here, but there is a lot of language that is used in Welcome Home that is also used in Christianity.

 

I am going to start abbreviating Baptist Christianity to “BC.”  So, in BC, God gives you a calling.  A calling is some message, verbal or non-verbal, sometimes even just a feeling, that lets you know what God would like you to do.  In particular, people are called to be a preacher or a preacher’s wife, or deacons, etc.  I can’t imagine the numbers of people who have attempted to receive this messages from God.  I never felt any kind of calling, though I did know people who have had that experience.

BC inserts this phone language into their own discussions of religious experience, like: 

Jesus is calling, will you answer?

Answer the call

Jesus calling, how well are you listening?

There are also biblical references of God calling people to him. 

These are examples of the language use.  When we think about this in the context of WH, we are literally being called.  We have had multiple phone calls from Wally, and maybe even one from home (if the one audio clip counts as a call.)  Wally can call and talk to us, and share his thoughts, but we are unable to talk to him.  We have seen others who are getting the call, but can’t pick up.  Q does answer the call, though we get the feeling that they considered it either foolish or a big mistake.  Wally signs off, “always know that I love you, very much.”  That language is very reminiscent of descriptions of God’s love (new testament God, anyway. 

Closely related to this idea is that Christians generally believe that Jesus lives in their hearts.  There appears to be textual references to this.  Interpretations are different on this.  Some take it more literally, like you have a personal, physical connection to God through the spirit, heart, chest.  Some think of it more like a metaphor, God is your heart, a kind of mental connection as we consider the heart the seat of love.  There are a wide variety of references to Jesus/God in the heart:

Accept Jesus into your heart (this is the saying for being “saved” in the protestant tradition)

God’s home in your heart (straight up comparison there)

Home is where the heart is (is actually related to the bible)

"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love". 

“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him.” “if a man loves me…we will come unto him and make our abode with him.”

Wally is also strongly associated with a heart.  He has hearts on his shoes, and Home has a heart underneath.  (Barnaby also has heart paw pads, but not sure this is relevant at this point.) 

In the Homewarming record, Howdy says “ It’s about warmin’ the home through their heart!”

You find Wally’s recording about not being able to see you despite us drawing his eyes by clicking the 3 heart drawings. (And there are several doodled hearts around.)  A drawn heart takes us to the sound clip of “you-1.”   “Can you see me? That’s okay if you can’t. Don’t worry, I know you’re there. You know I’m here too. I will talk to you.”

We have a picture of Wally painting Barnaby’s heart pad. 

On r/welcomehomeneighbor, u/irrelevant_advices suggests that maybe the heart marks those who are possessed/influenced by Home.  This is the best theory for that drawing that I think I have seen.  He is painting it blue, which would make it harder to see. 

On r/welcomhomearg, u/Lunami714 posts Wally’s hidden phone clip, and we know that this clip has a heartbeat throughout, louder and fainter. 

Wally says “on this funny phone of mine”

Do you know who I am?  (This is a strong theme in Christianity)

Wally tells us he knows us and sees us. 

The phrase “let me in”

Do you know who I am has several links to religion. 

“God forgive them, for they know not what they do”

Peter denying Jesus three times

“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me,”

"Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”

Jesus’s story has a lot of knowing him and not knowing him.  Also, people who preach at strangers phrase it that way, “do you know Jesus?”  I have been on the receiving end of that one. 

The “let me in” phrase is also echoed quite a bit in BC. 

Let Jesus into your heart is something I heard a lot.  The way to achieve this, is to remember your ABC’s (Ask for forgiveness, Believe in God, Confess your sins)

X (Jesus) is your best friend:

He said, “You are my friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:14). Maybe leading to the whole “Jesus is my Homeboy” thing.  Lots of listings about Jesus being a friend/best friend, including children’s songs. 

Neighbor:  Used in the bible as a term for other people

Love they neighbor as you love thyself

Don’t covet neighbor’s stuff

Show hospitality

Share God’s truth with neighbors

I will leave it there, as this is getting long, and bring some more Christian symbolism later. 

[bangtanhoneys]

Well, the secret's out - Grace

When ARMY got the notification that Grace was going live, the app saw the biggest jump in traffic it had seen in awhile. The news was spread on Twitter, message apps, Tumblr and even TikTok. The reason for the massive buzz was this was the first time Grace would be live after the news of her and Seokjin’s relationship had become public knowledge via BigHit’s confirmation. So many many many fans were wondering if she was going to admit to anything. 

“Hello everyone,” Grace grinned as she adjusted the camera. “I’m in the studio right now as you can see. And yes, I promise I’ve been working on my solo stuff. There’s plenty of news coming soon but I just wanted to come and say hello since it’s been a while.”

The trusty mug of tea was ever present and a couple of snacks. Unbeknownst to ARMY, she had been secretly preparing for her tour as well as a special BTS tribute show that no one knew about apart from the artists that had been selected. Even the artists attending didn’t know she was coming. So many exciting things were coming for everyone to enjoy.

“Noona, how are you doing? You look a bit tired,” Grace read one of the comments. “Thanks very much. I promise I am sleeping but I’m just very busy lately. So many exciting things coming for you guys but you have to wait a bit. My time is coming.”

That sent off a spiral of suggestions with the boy's solo careers thrown in the comments as ARMY begged their Noona for a hint. “Ah sorry everyone, you won’t get any spoilers from me. That’s Namjoons job. But I promise I won’t keep you waiting too long.”

She rested her feet against the desk and pulled the screen a bit closer so she could read the comments. With a bowl of fruit in her lap with a hand holding onto the handle of the mug, she looked the perfect picture of unbothered. Completely unaware of what ARMY was asking for or very aware of what they were asking for, but letting them go for it either way. 

“News? What news?” she asked, popping a strawberry into her mouth. “Is there news?”

Noona! Stop teasing! We all know now!

Seokjin! Come and collect your girl. She’s teasing us. 

Ah she’s learning too much from Yoongi. 

A small grin tugged at the corner of her lips but it soon disappeared, replaced by a ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about’ look. But it soon went away the moment a name appeared in the comments, causing ARMY and social media to explode.

‘Jagiya, give them what they want. They want all the gossip.’

Jin. 

God damn it.

“Shouldn’t you be training?” she asked, ignoring the comment for a moment to play around in her bowl of fruit as if she was trying to find something. 

‘I have a spare half an hour to come and torment you.’

“Thanks very much,” she sighed and grabbed a handful of grapes. “Okay fine. Gossip. Yes, the truth is out. Seokjin and I have been in a relationship since 2018. We didn’t know quite how to tell you all, the boys found out a lot earlier obviously, but someone leaked the information that I had gone to Seokjin’s ceremony which is for families only. So we had to come out and give the game up.”

She’s said it in such a matter-of-fact way. Like we should have known from the beginning. 

Noona! You can’t just drop that on us like that. 

How did the boys know quicker than us? How did they find out?

‘That’s for another night when we’re all drunk and you can handle the R-rated version.’

“Seokjin! You can’t say things like that! You’ll give the wrong idea!”

‘Wrong idea? I think you’ll find I’m quite correct.’

“ARMY, don’t listen to him. Training has gone to his brain,” Grace sighed as she finished off her bowl of fruit and placed it on the desk along with her mug. He was being such a menace and he could do it within the safe confines of his base without any repercussion from her or the management team. 

Jinnie we need more!

What happened? What’s going on?

OH MY GOD! R-RATED VERSION!

‘Hyung, you can’t just come in and say things like that. Noona has a reputation to protect. She’s Korea’s noona.’ Jimin.

“Listen, both of you go away. It was me and ARMY’s time. I’m here to listen to their issues and worries, not gossip about my life,” Grace groaned into her hands which then sent another spiral of comments. 

But noona, this is important for our health! We need to know more!

When was the first date?

First kiss?

‘First date was at the dorm and first kiss was at the dorm.’

AHHHHH!!!

“Well I don’t need to reveal anything, Seokjin is going to do that for us,” Grace laughed as she threw herself back into her chair as she threw up her arms. “Half an hour better come quickly.”

There was nothing more from Seokjin after that or Jimin, having decided it was better to retreat, so Grace was left alone with ARMY…finally.

“Finally. Anyway, I just wanted to say we were hesitant to reveal anything because we know what the media and everything else is like when it comes to KPop couples so it was trying to find the right time. Of course, anytime we have planned something then something else has happened like COVID, Butter then the military. But of course, we never planned to leave you guys out of it. If anything we wanted you to be included as soon as possible but we all have our insecurities and worries,” Grace explained with a small smile. “But nothing has changed. We’re still Seokjin and Grace, still members of BTS. Still here. Nothing will change.”

What are you planning, noona?

“Many, many things. But now isn’t my time. The boys have so much planned and I can’t wait to see it all. So I want you all to support them first and give everything they do a lot of love like you always do. My time is coming, you just have to be a little patient. But I will see you all, in person, very soon.”

[runningfrom2am]

1. in her defense, she had warned arachne and academic pressure makes all the best people a little more unhinged.

2. “lady problems” aka the immense urge to use violence.

3. the fact that her threats are very real when directed at anyone but coryo. she had a weakness from the start.

4. sejanus, r, and coryo are the trio that is not exactly loved but hard to cross because who could dare to do such a thing? i love them.

5. i just know that livia was the one to suggest and insist someone should make sure r does end up in the office.

6. “You’re both lying to each others faces and neither of you knew.” OH!! HOW I LOVE THIS!!

7. did r just sibling-zoned him? that’s not how we run from our problems.

8. i will be thinking about the similarities between r and tigris for the next two business days.

9. coryo is the one to talk about, “gross and dusty and dark” honestly. he would know a whole lot deal about it.

10. “Cozy.” his Peeta Mellark moment!

11. i love how they how have their own ideas about what is wrong about the other but they will die before they make it known.

12. “Besides, an old couple wouldn’t be married if they didn’t at least get along most of the time.” with a marriage of 56 years they actually became this.

hi bestieeee (responses under the cut)

1. no literally (like i said,, that may or may not be based on something i actually did when i was that age lmao- i was like “move or i will hit you” and she was like “as if” and then i did and she had the audacity to be shocked like girl i literally warned you?? anyway lol-)

2. HAHAH like sir just say you don’t understand it’s okay (but also,, yes the urge to get violent is sometimes present)

3. yeah 🥹 she has always loved him and no one can change my mind

4. LOL like they’re not hurting anyone (except for r sometimes as a treat) but yk what i mean lol

5. no for real this is exactly how i picture that going down:

Livia: uhh you’re going to let them go on their own? do you seriously trust that?

Teacher: *sigh* Plinth- go get Coriolanus and send him back, you escort her down”

(and then sejanus doesn’t send coryo back but he does just go with them bc he just wants to be included)

6. and it would be a HOT minute before they ever acknowledge their respective situations in any meaningful way

7. unfortunately she did LOL, like the spirit was there. as we know, flirting is not really her thing ESPECIALLY before she was even conscious of her feelings

8. realllll. also (kinda continuing my last point) i’ve heard that some of the most stable het relationships are between a first born daughter and a last born son. this may not be proven but i’ve read up on it a bit and from personal experience i would agree!

9. like sir why are you complaining it probably reminds you of your house like 💀

10. AHH THANK YOU FOR NOTICING THIS LOL

11. YES and i think this is the beginning of the era where r starts to notice these things about coryo that indicate what’s up with his home life. clearly when this takes place he’s at least semi-aware of her situation already, but like i said she’s just starting to pick up on his. it never ever gets easier for them to talk about though- i wouldn’t be surprised if they ever really do (besides the very little that they discuss or allude to it in the main timeline)

12. sejanus once again being a fortune teller lol and as he should

[echantedtoon]

Demon Bride Ch33 Bride Of The Kizuki

(This will HEAVILY reference s3 ep1 of Demon Slayer.

WARNINGS!!!:Gore, fighting , decapitation, limbs being cut off, some innuendos, blood, threats, cussing, and Enmu,Karaku, and Douma ARE their own warnings.

IMPORTANT INFO!!: I should've mentioned it earlier but Yahaba, Susamaru, Daki, Nakime, and OBVIOUSLY Rui and Zohakuten will NOT be a part of the love interest roster!! However Daki will be a wing woman to Gyutaro. And the place Y/n and Rui will be staying is in this beautiful mansion here in the picture shown above.)

"WHAT?!"

Your head turned to Kaigaku who now decided to raise his head and looked a mixture of shocked and raged at the sentence that left the red eyed Demons mouth. You just sat there..your brain spaced out and there was a ringing in your ears as you blanked. Around her different demons had similar reactions to the news. Akaza only looked more shocked than he ever did I'm his life. Enmu lit up with a smile. Five brothers looked wide eyed and jaw dropped. The platinum-blonde demon blinked and hummed in slight curiosity. And other demons had similar reactions ranging between shock or just blank staring. Except for the tall demon with the ponytail. He stayed absolutely still, still facing away from you.

"I know. I know." This Muzan man raised a hand with a sigh. "All of you were expecting me to banish her or perhaps make you sever any ties you may have with her but I have decided to take my wife's advice and let you all be happy. But I don't want to see anymore mistakes."

"Oh, darling." A soft hand reached to caress Muzan's cheek. "I'm so happy you're taking this so well. Now doesn't this save so much time and energy?"

He smiled almost smugly at his mischief leaning into her touch. "Yes. And everyone will be happy to know that I blessed their happy engagement."

"Well I hope they just know that they have my blessing too."

He smiled wider. "I'm sure they'll be so happy to hear that. Why don't I take you both out for dinner now that I have more spare time?"

"Oh, that's a wonderful idea."

"YYYYAAAYY!!! I wanna go to that restaurant with the giant mochi cakes!," The little girl cheered throwing up her arms.

"Hmhm. Whatever my princess wants. You all are dismissed for now. But come back here in three months time on June first. That's when Ill be holding the initiation ceremony for our new Kizuki members. However the child and your...fiance shall stay within the infinity castle to better care for the boy. Kokushibo." Said tall ponytail wearing man tilted his head at Muzan. "See to it that the necessary arrangements for their stay are made, and over see the repairs to the Tsuzumi Mansion. And most of all make sure that the five responsible for it's destruction help rebuild it. I want the job completed before next month is over."

"Understood."

"Then the rest of you are dismissed and are to go back to work immediately. Nakime, you know where I want to go."

S T R U M!!

In an instant the entire small family unit disappeared and left everyone standing there in absolute shock... before Yahaba huffed and crossed his arms.

"Well I for one have no interest in the poverty poor! You all may have the honors of having her!"

"Yyyeeahh." Susamaru agreed next to him with a bored look. "Romancing doesn't sound very fun, besides she doesn't even look strong."

''On top of that we have no time with our very important job. Nakime, if you could do us the honors of sending us to the same location as our Lord?"

STRUM!!

In a blink of an eye two more demons disappeared by the strum of the black haired demon's biwa. "I also respectfully decline the offer. I see no need to pursue."

"I understand...I will make Lord...Muzan aware of your..choices.."

"Mother?" A small hand gently poked your cheek as Rui managed to wriggle from your grasp and stand. "You look as if you're going to die. Are you alright?"

Your thousand mile stare finally slowly refocused. "Oh. Yes. I'm alright......WHAT THE F U C K JUST HAPPENED?!'' Everyone except for the ponytailed demon turned to look at you as you jumped to your feet furiously. "ONE OF YOU BETTER TELL ME I DIDN'T HEAR THAT RIGHT!! KYOGAI!!" Said demon jumped being addressed. "Tell me I was hallucinating and I heard him say it wrong!!"

"....You...and we..did not hear it wrong," he settled on saying which made your jaw drop as he slowly stood back up. "Our Master has officially arranged an engagement between you and me..'' He then looked confused and slowly looked to about everyone else. "And Kaigaku I guess?..And.. everyone else here."

You could only stare at him jaw dropped. ..No. no. NONONONONONONONO!! N. O!!! THIS COULD NOT BE HAPPENING!! YOU DIDN'T WANT TO GET MARRIED!! YOU RAN AWAY FOR THE SOLE REASON YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO BE FORCED INTO A MARRIAGE!!!....OK. GRANTED. An engagement is a lot different from a marriage and it's not like you would have to do anything anyone says. BUT YOU WERE ENGAGED TO MULTIPLE OF THESE DEMONS?! WAS THAT EVEN ALLOWED?!

"ALL OF YOU BACK OFF!! SHE WAS MY FIANCE FIRST YOU CREEP!!" Kaigaku hissed again and once again blocked Enmu whom had the most love strikken faces you'd ever seen on a man. 

"Oh Y/N-CHAAAAAANNN!!"~," Enmu called out to you waving an arm, pushing against the growling Kaigaku. "My love, my begonia, my FI-AN-CCCEEEEE!!~ I can't wait for you to get me in your arms once again!!~"

"Cut it out!!"

"ENOUGH." Both struggling demons stopped and looked up at the ponytail wearing demon whom still hadn't moved from his spot but tilted his head at them. "Both of you...are causing a disgraceful...scene. I recommend you stop."

To your surprise they did stop albeit Kaigaku reluctantly removed his hands from Enmu's front with a scowl.  You only shook your head and reached a hand up to rub your temples. Great. Just great! Now you went from misunderstandings to being engaged to multiple demons. How could this get any worse-...A blast of cold air hit you as a shadow blocked out the light above you. You froze as something very large towered over you and made the hair on the back of your neck stand on end. Ever so slowly you looked up meeting a red shirt, and continued up, up, up until you met rainbow glassy eyes. And you felt your body going rigid as a pair of sharp nail lightly touched your cheek near the ear.

"Well I must say...When I was called here I was expecting a slew of things-," he spoke in a low, cool voice that sent a shiver of creeps down your spine."-but I wasn't expecting that I would meet my future spouse.~" He felt that shiver of disgust your body gave and smiled wider, sliding those nails along your jawline until his cold knuckles pushed your head up further to face him. "Aw. Look at that. We haven't even spent our wedding night together and already you're shivering.~ I seem to have that effect on so many people.~''

THUD. THUD. THUD. THUD. THUD. THUD.

Many eyes turned and watched wide eyed as a powerful driving force began stepping over towards Douma's exposed back. Veins popped up along strong arms as fists clenched up and an fluffy pink eyelid twitched as narrowed eyes focused all his rage on one individual.

"...Are you serious?," You asked deadpanned frowning. Your blunt words caught the blonde demon off guard whom blinked and it made the demon with the long ponytail tilt his Head your direction. "This is the first time we met and you insinuate your perverted fantasies of me in front of my child?!" A small smack sound sounded as your hand made contact with his knocking it away. "How dare you?! You perverted piece of glass!!" A finger harshly poked him in the chest making him blink down at where you poked him. "Someone ought to teach you a lesson!!"

His smile temporary disappeared as he blinked curiously at your hand, and tilting his head like a puppy. As if he was unsure what to think of the action... before smiling way too wide and friendly for a normal person. "Oh I get it. You want to be courted first. After all, women love to be showered in affection and swooned." His eyes became half lidded. "I can't wait to-''

CRACK!!

Blood spattered. Talking stopped. And half of the blonde demon's head was completely gone. Behind him Akaza held his other fists was again covered in blood that dripped down his arm. You just froze again at the sight...but not being sick to the stomach at this anymore.

"She just told you she wasn't interested," Akaza spoke slowly to the frozen body standing. "Now back off before I tear-"

SHING!!

More blood gushed from Akaza's now decapitated hand as it fell to the floor with a thud leaving the pink haired demon looking slightly shocked at what happened... before he turned his head to the new figure next to him. The demon with the long ponytail. He held out a long blade that dripped red and still had his back turned towards you. Wait.. Where'd be come from?!

"Akaza," this new demon spoke lowly, "You always go too far..."

"It's alright, Lord Kokushibo," Douma's mouth spoke before with a crackling sound, his head regenerated completely and a smile was sent their way. "I don't mind in the slightest."

"It's not for your...own benefit..that I speak." With a clink noise his sword was resheathed. "He disrupts the hierarchy...which in turn gives...way to insubordination amongst...the ranks. It's unacceptable."

"...Oh. I see!," Douma spoke.

"Akaza...If you're unsatisfied with the ranks...then why not back up your...words and challenge him to a battle."

"Aw. C'mon. Cut him some slack. It wasn't that serious," Douma spoke waving a hand, "You know as well as I do that if he challenged us, he'd only embarrass himself. Look he's only angsty that's all.  Probably because I became a Kizuki after him, and still got promoted before him.  I'd be upset too if I were in his shoes. Don't be so hard on him.  I mean besides I didn't dodge his attack on purpose. It's harmless horseplay. It's our way of nurturing our friendship. Those on top shouldn't be giving out subordinates a hard time. Don't you think-"

"Akaza," the samurai demon spoke completely ignoring what Douma said, "From here on out...you are to show some respect...Do you understand?"

"Oh I understand." Akaza stiffly looked over his shoulder at the demon heaving. "I understand that I'm going to kill you if it's the last thing I do."

"Is that so?...Then I wish you the best....Now we will get this situation settled."

"What matter is that?!," Akaza growled.

"The legal start of courtship." About everyone froze at his suggestion but he continued on. "Those who don't wish to court the human....should say so now and eliminate themselves. If you do...then present her with a courting gift. Those who do shall be...seen."

You saw the monochrome demon huff in annoyance before leaving and some woman's voice came from above.

"Like I'd do that."

Then there was silence as everyone looked at one another seeming unsure... before Kaigaku spoke up.

"I already staked my claim," he spoke firmly and pointed right at you,  "That magatama around her neck is mine. She's wearing it right now showing her choice."

There was another pause as again everyone looked at one another before something came down over your head. You flinched and looked up but stopped when Akaza stared back at you. You stared as something smooth was slid along your neck and left there. Your hand immediately reached up to touch it and met smooth beads, immediately you looked down and saw one of the beaded ankles Akaza always wore gone. 

"Here! Take this as a symbol of my love, Begonia!" Enmu suddenly appeared before you and held out a-

"A bottle?," Kaigaku scoffed crossing his arms, "Seriously the best you can come up with?"

"Ah. You undermine me, Deal Kaigaku. This happens to be the best fever medicine for children~," Enmu bragged with a smile on his face making Kaigaku paused as he held it up to you. "It's guaranteed to cure the boys fevers instantly.~ Just be sure be doesn't take it on an empty stomach."

You stared in awe at the bottle of medicine.. before deciding to take it. For Rui not yourself.

"I'm not about to be out done so easily! I called dibs first anyways!!"

"No you didn't, Urogi. I called dibs wwwaaayyyy before you did if she was cute and she is.~"

"H-Hey. I-I-I want to be the o-one to have her h-hand.''

You blinked and looked up as not one not two not three but FOUR of the Hantengu Brothers came rushing over towards you and you jumped as you were bombarded with trinkets from the three shoved into your arms. A long pretty feather plucked from Urogi's wing. A leaf fan summoned from no where and shoved into your hand by Karaku who was specific to say-

"Even if you flap this fan nothing will happen. It's simply a dud and just for show, just in case so ya won't get blown away.~"

Gee. How considerant. The blue eyed demon, who introduced himself as Aizetsu, timidly offered just a simple chain of dark blue rope he cut off from the thick blue rope on his shoulders. His hands were trembling as they held it out to you. But you were really surprised when the red eyed demon stood there glowering at you... before just tossing a gold ring from his jingling staff at you and turned his head quickly with a growl.

"I'm only interested in making sure a strong mate is secured into my family, and you somehow saved two of my bumbling brothers! So I should at least give something in return!! ITS NOT BECAUSE I LIKE YOU AT ALL LET'S GET THAT CLEAR!" He wouldn't tell anyone he was enticed by your pretty purple eyes or how nice you smelled or when you didn't take his shit when you gave him a deadpanned look.

"...I'll accept your apology but if you ever try taking Rui again-," you growled making him lean back. "-Is will kill you! And be nicer to your brothers!! Dammit you remind me of a headache I used to have."

"WHAT?! IM GOING OUT OF MY WAY TO BE DECENT AND YO-"

"Shush." Your soft hand pressed to his mouth. "You stress too much." You removed your hand as he just stared at you.

He sputtered. "I-...WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!"

You rolled your eyes. "Should I kiss you and make it feel better?"

"YES!!" Sekido yelled at your face angrily heart beating. You blinked as he snarled at you angrily...before Karaku snickered beside him making him pause. "...Wait a minute. I MEANT NO!! STOP MESSSING WITH MY HEAD!!"

"Aw. Do I need to kiss that better too?," You asked him raising a brow.

"I-.... RRRRRRAAAAAUUUUGGH!!! THIS IS HOPELESS!!!"  He then turned and stomped off past his brothers two of which burst out laughing at his reaction.

You only sighed struggling to hold all the items given to you, only added to when Kyogai timidly offered you a drum and you noticed the one from his right shoulder missing. He looked so red when you brushed against his hand taking it from him. Although you tried to back  away from Douma who just forced a...piece of ice shaped like a lotus?? Into your arms and looked pleased with himself.

"I don't think we've been introduced.~ I'm Douma and my aren't you radiant.~ I'm so glad the Master gifted me such a delicate smelling lotus flower.~," he purred making you deadpan. "Anyways. I don't think I got your name Miss??"

"Y/n." you stated flatly, "And thank you for the compliments-"

"Ah thank nothing of it." He flashed a fanged grin at you, "I know how it can be sometime meeting an Upper Moon and all that but it really is no big deal-"

"Oh you're right about that." He paused stopping, blinking wide eyed at your deadpanned face mouth agape in a smile as he processed what you had bluntly but politely stated. "You do seem REALLY nice and I really appreciate all the nice things you said to me but I'll have to stop you right there with the flirting. No offense to you of course, and I don't mean anything by it." You turned from him. "You just aren't my type. I'm sure you'll find a nice person soon tho with your looks and charms. So you might as well take back the ice."

Every. Paused. At what you just said...

Did...Douma just get..rejected? By a woman?...DOUMA?! WITH HIS GOOD LOOKS AND CHARMS AND HOW MANY WOMEN AND EVEN MEN SWOON FOR HIM?!?! Douma stood there blankly pupils small, mouth wide open still in a dumb smile, and mind reeling from being rejected so fast. This...had never happened before. No one spoke a word. There were no sounds-..Wait. There was one sound. The sound of someone chuckling amused.

"I see she....at least had..common sense. Now...if there's no one...else who will be joining then-"

FWUMP!!

You jumped as something red and black fell on your face and you blinked one uncovered eye at everyone else as some kind of cloth feeling thing fell directly on top of your head. Akaza was the one who took it off of you seeing as your arms were full and you finally got a good look at the thing, a smallish circular piece of cloth that reminded you of a headband that was mostly red but had a black vein-ish pattern to it. You all stared at it before Akaza looked up and so did you, all the way to the two people still on the ceiling. Hey. That was the skinny guy who told you to bow earlier. The man looked mortified while the woman next to him crossed her arms giving a 'are you happy now' look. You narrowed your eyes and noticed the man wore the same red garments on his arms. 

"Very well....If anyone else does not have anything...to say them we are...finished here."

''Wait a moment," you spoke up arms still full and staring at the back of this man. "I didn't agree to any of this! I hardly even know more than three of you here. Surely this type of thing isn't legal." In desperation you turned to Kyogai. "Right?"

Kyogai hissed through his teeth and looked unsure. "I am...unsure at this moment. The Master has the power to engage whom he wishes-" You frowned harder at him. "B-But I can look over the laws concerning this sort of thing and get back to you on the matter!"

"Which will be...after repairs are made.." The samurai demon spoke. "For now...if all your concerns are addressed....I will show you where... you shall be staying.."

You slowly looked back to the demon, frowned, and spoke. "Yes. I do have one concern. I didn't hear you apologize."

Silence.

No one reacted at first but slowly shocked faces looked to you like you were crazy. Well everyone except for Douma who looked mildly curious at your blunt statement. The samurais stiff form did not change.

"....Of course," he finally settled on in that monotonous voice that made you feel a powerful pulse behind it. This man was obviously very powerful in some way you didn't understand. "You probably were startled...by our sudden presence....If it brings comfort....you need not fear them...nor myself-"

"I'm not scared of any demon here! Which includes you!," You spoke feeling anger bubble up from your chest, "And you apologize shouldn't be directed at me, it should be towards Akaza!"

Akaza looked like he was about to die as he paled and again everyone looked between you and the samurai.

".....I disagree....He knows better too...strike a higher ranking moon...if he wishes to insinuate a fight...then he should do so by Blood Battle..."

"I don't think you understand what I'm saying."

"Y/n," Akaza gave a small warning look which you blatantly ignored.

"I don't want you to apologize for stopping them from fighting, I want you to apologize for insulting Akaza for defending me from the blonde pervert over there." You rose your head with a look that'd put a haughty rich noble to shame. "I thought he was doing me a grand favor. Next time I would prefer him NOT to be so bloody about it-" you have Akaza a look. "-especially in front of my child, but I appreciate his efforts nonetheless."

Everyone looked at you.... before simultaneously turning their heads to the tall samurai who still didn't move. As if thinking. 

"....I will...take that into consideration... however Akaza..." Said pink haired demon glared back at him. "..next time you wish...to challenge a rival...suitor...do so by proper battle...and not mindless violence...that angers Lord Muzan...Do you understand me?"

"....SURE," Akaza hissed out clenching a fist making it pop in anger. "As long as he doesn't provoke me." Douma cooed in response making him hiss back.

"ENOUGH. You two...return to your duties...as well as the rest of you..." A single hand pointed out at the five Hantengu Brothers. "You five however...remain here along with Kyogai...we have to fix..the Tsuzumi Mansion.."

"That's it? You won't apologize?"

"They were already warned."

"That's bullshit. Kaigaku defended me from Enmu's advances and you're not going to give him a lecture for Enmu being a rank higher than him?"

Kaigaku now looked pale but the samurai spoke again. "They were also warned...if it...happens again then there....will be greater consequences.."

"....I owe both Kaigaku and Akaza an apology then. THAT'S the dumbest thing I've ever heard."

"Hmm.... Normally others wouldn't talk...like that to me. ..Where does your... respect go in my presence?"

"I don't know what you mean. Respect is earnt not given. I can respect you for your difficult position but I won't just blindly give all my respect to a man who acts perverted to me upon first talking to me." You GLARED at the blonde demon. "Or those who tried to kidnap my child." You then glared at the Hantengu Brothers. "Or someone who disregards my concerns even if he does it in a respectful manner." You then glanced back to the samurai. "Going forward I hope you can show me you can get me to respect you not by intimidation, but by mutual respect."

".......... Interesting....I have never...been threatened by that ... before..."

"It's not a threat but an offer. I would like to get to know you in a respectful manner. Let's start by our names. My name is Y/n. What is yours?"

"..... Kokushibo."

"Kokushibo?...That name suits you. It sounds as powerful as you look."

He still didn't turn to you before he spoke again. "If there is nothing else...I will show you to your room."

"Sensai," Kaigaku spoke up with a serious frown, "I want to discuss something with you involving Enmu."

"..Very well...both of you...wait here with the others...The rest of you go...the human and child follows me."

You stood there for a moment before looking around you at everyone around her... before sighing deeply and starting to walk off after the tall samurai. Rui blinked before looking at Akaza.

"Good bye, Father. Come visit soon. Mother still needs to be proposed to," he spoke making the pink haired demon freeze as the pale demon scampered off after you.

Everyone slowly turned to the frozen demon.... before a hand with blue nails cooed and pinched his cheek. "Akaza.~ I didn't know you were planning on homewrecking us all.~"

"IM GOING TO MURDER YOU SLOWLY AND PAINFULLY!! GET OFF!!"

You turned your head only once seeing Akaza about to strike the blonde demon again and you turned back around continuing to follow Kokushibo across a bridge away from the platform you were all on Rui right behind you. The lay out of this place was so baffling. There was more stairs here which was connected to more halls there which was right by a giant moving building there-You blinked as a massive square pillar of rooms, doors,and windows lowly moved passed you. From inside the rooms you could see a MULTITUDE OF DEMONS. But they looked.... different....more...

Fancy.

The men looked to be adorned in beautifully hand tailored clothes, but the woman looked even MORE fancy all dolled up in the level of oirans with layers of beautifully patterned silks and jewelry and expertly applied make up dripping from their faces. But that wasn't what creeped you out.

They were all staring right at you.

All of them gave you strange, curious, or outright sneers. You gave a frown back as the building passed and you looked at Kokushibo. 

"Those people were staring at me."

"When a member...of the Twelve Kizuki...is engaged to it is announced...to the other nobility here....No doubt someone..has already spread the rumors." He sighed. "This will...no doubt...cause problems I will have...to fix later. Your new placement...above them...will no doubt...anger a few..."

You stared at him wide eyed. "New placement? What on earth do you mean by that?!"

"You are now above them all...being the bride of the Kizuki...I can imagine how they will...take it. It would be best...to just keep to yourself..until I get this ....sorted. However do not be... alarmed... nothing shall happen to you...it would be stupid to...try anything to...a bride of more than one... Kizuki."

"Oh well thank goodness for that." You frowned. "I was hoping I'd get chased by women in so many layers of silk they'd trip and make me die laughing .And men so full of hot air that they'd use that hot air of there's to cook me alive. I always wanted to be bored to death by rich people talking about how much better they are because they use gold coins to wipe the gold nuggets they s-...?!"

You suddenly stopped just in time to not run into Kokushibo who stopped. "Do you... always show such disrespect?"

"I show what respect is shown me. If someone thinks they're better simply based on money then they have more problems then just getting my 'disrespect'." You frowned.

"... Interesting....What would you say would...make someone better?"

"I don't think anyone is better than anyone else unless they chose to be a bad person." You rose a brow. Why was he asking you this? "I don't think I'm better than you or Rui or anyone else because I'm human. Just like I don't believe Akaza believes he's better than humans because he happens to be a powerful demon. It's not that simple either however."

"..... Explain...."

"I just said it's not easy to explain. You may have a higher position than someone like the other Kizuki or any other person but I would still treat you as an equal and with respect as long as I see you treating others with the same respect and equality. If you believe something like strength or wealth makes you better then that's your own flaw." What would be a good way to explain this in a way A demon could understand A human? "...A painter may not have the strength of a blacksmith but that doesn't mean they both can't create beautiful masterpieces. A florist may not know how to till the land like a farmer but that doesn't mean they can't grow beautiful plants. A teacher may not be able to win against the strength of a sumo wrestler but that doesn't mean their different skills makes one more important than the other.," You explained making Rui look up in awe at you and the man tilt his head in your direction. Not turning fully around, but enough to know he acknowledged you're talking. "You can lose skills, you can gain skills. There's always going to be people that do things better than you, and there's always going to be people that do things way worse than you. But that shouldn't define the worth of a person. Whether it be a man, woman, child, or even a demon."

The head turned more and you could make out a mouth turned sideways but the long bangs blocked out the sight of the rest of his face. "Then...how do you...define...who is a good person?"

"That isn't as simple either."

"What do you mean?"

"Some people are just good. Some people are just bad....But a lot of times it's subjective to different people. Good people can do bad things especially if they think what they're doing justifies the greater good. Bad people can do good things if they want to, whether that's because they still have some kindness or because it's to get what they want I can't say. ...But most people I believe aren't inheritantly bad or good. Most fall in a place between." You winced pulling the things in your arms closer to yourself when you thought about the bad things you did. "I know I've done bad things. I've lied just to get away from a bad situation and I probably left a lot of people in trouble and angry at me. I got a friend of mine in trouble for convincing her to sneak out with me recently...I'm not really proud of it, but I won't deny what I did was wrong. That'll only make it worse."

"Then....What traits do you...use to judge others...if you yourself..have done wrong?," The mouth spoke to you.

You blinked surprised at all the sudden questions from Kokushibo but it was a nice change of pace from what he said earlier. "Well...Firstly Id admit what I did was wrong and not deny it. Secondly, I would judge someone else by what makes up that person." You gestured at him. "Their actions, their words, their morals, their personalities, and how they apply all of those things when interacting with me or anyone else. I'd also think about their point of view if I thought it would help me know how or why they would treat someone in a way."

There was silence afterwards for a long, long moment. You could feel him looking directly at you from behind the bangs calculating, as he was trying to figure out how he felt about what you just said to him. 

"Hydrangea."

You blinked. What did he say?"What?"

"Your scent has changed to...that of a hydrangea flower... suddenly....Hmm....Rather strange...for a human."

"I know," you said with a nod acknowledging what he said. "You wouldn't be the first one to say that..." Your head tilted and you could feel he was watching your every move carefully.

However he turned his head back around and continued walking. "Come...I have much work to do."

You all began to walk again and you fell quiet as he lead you past other confusing layouts. Every so often you'd see more demons in rooms, most of those demons were dressed fancily and carried an aura off 'I definitely think I'm better than you'. But most of the demons you saw here and there were servants of all kinds. There was a man serving food to what looked like a wealthy blue skinned demon couple. A maid sweeping the floor of a hallway you both walked through but bowed as soon as she saw Kokushibo. Another maid was polishing a nother hallway UPSIDE DOWN directly above you as you all walked by and you gazed up in awe at her. Not even the  literally bucket of water was spilling as she continued working. You all didn't stop until you all rounded a corner...and you stopped at what you saw. 

Darkness.

Everything was much darker than before but a blue hue of light gently lit up the giant thing before you. It was a mansion-...No. Not a mansion. IT WAS A BLOODY PALACE!! A giant palace like building stood before you smack dab in the middle of a glowing blue lake filled to o the brim with lilypads and lotus blooms floating in the water. Docks darted all around the water leading too and from the building in the center. The building itself must've been at least four stories tall with pure white walls and darkened tiled roofs, it was even bigger than the tall buildings in the Red Light District. Rui also looked around in awe before pointing. 

"What's that building for?"

"It is the home...for the families...of the Kizuki...so far you...are the only one...who is living here. The other Kizuki... currently have no other...family that would..live here."

"Mother," Rui said tugging on your kimono. "We'll have this entire place to ourselves."

"Not entirely...This is also...the home of the Kizuki whenever...they stay within the Infinity Castle. Come...I'll escort you...To the doors."

You still followed him across the docks towards the palace gazing down into the glowing blue water. Inside swam-

"Look, Mother. There's koi fish in the water," Rui said pointing out the many beautiful fish swimming in the water.

They shimmered in the light and seemed like beautiful ghosts in the heavens.  They also reminded you of Eri's fiance. You just continued to follow Kokushibo across this maze of docks until you reached the giant double doors and stopped. Looking up the shadow of the building loomed over you seeming threatening. Not as quant or as comforting as Kyogai's mansion. You just stood there until the door creaked open making you flinch and an older man in fancy looking black silk robes and a...too big smile on his face and at least one giant eye green blinking right at you. 

"Lord Kokushibo, we've been expecting you!," He spoke in a fancy nasally way as he bowed making you cringe at the sound of his skeezy, spoiled voice. "And this must be the Lady we've all heard about.~ Such lovely eyes.~ " You couldn't help but grimace at the words he spoke making your dislike clear, but if he did see it he ignored it. "Will you be coming in to inspect the magnificent Kizuki Dwell? Or maybe you'd like some tea before you leave?~"

"No....I must be on my way...You will be able to care for them?"

"Oh absolutely! Lest my head he lobed off my Lord Akaza." 

"Then I'll leave you with him." He again turned his head towards you. "This is...there I leave you....If there is anything else....you request please let me..know." he then turned to the left leaving you to stare at his back again. 

"Wait!" You shouted and would've held a hand up if you weren't carrying so many things, and he instantly paused. "I don't want or need anything materialistic from you, but I would like to request you to do one thing and it'll only be this once."

"Name it."

"I want to see your face. Especially your eyes."

The skeezy demon only blinked in confusion and intrigue as he looked between the two of you. Kokushibo remained cold, calm, still. Not responding or saying anything at all. You thought maybe perhaps you offended him for a moment before a small footsteps sounded out and the large body slowly turned. Slowly, slowly, slowly. You saw the side of his face. Silently, silently, silently. His whole front chest stood before you. You looked up at his face. 

Six eyes stared back at you.

Red sclera. Yellow irises. And the symbols of Upper Moon One printed right across the middle of pair as all six stared directly at you veins similar to Akaza's sprouted all over the sclera. On the upper left of his face and lower right of his chin had strange flame looking markings you hadn't seen any other demon have and his face was framed by long reddish-black bangs. Power. Lots of it. All of that radiated from him...but there was something almost...human about it underneath it all.  He remained silent in your silence..

".... You're different from all the others." He visibly stiffened at your words. "Your structure is beautiful that way."

He stopped fully just ... looking at you yellow irises expanding wider.

You smiled. "Just by looking at you, you're very powerful. I guess that's why you're the top Kizuki." You then bowed. "Thank you for honoring my request. I think our first impressions have gone well."

He continued to silently stared at her bow as if shocked... before relaxing and feeling one pulse from his chest to make a choice. ".....Three weeks."

You blinked looking back up. "Pardon?"

"Three weeks...Give me that time...and I will make proper arrangements...for me to start courting you properly." You stood there stunned as did Rui when a hand grabbed your own and lifted it up slowly shifting the objects in your arms until he held it up high near his face before bowing and pressing his forehead to your knuckles eyes closed as you stared at him wide eyed. "I will speak with..Lord Muzan about permanenting our... arrangements....In mean time..wait here." He slowly lowered your hand back and slowly releasing it. You stood frozen still as he wondered something first. ...And a hand gently grabbed your chin tilting it up to make your eyes meet his. "I have nothing to give...as a proper gift...but this should... suffice...for now..."

You still remained frozen as he leaned forward.

As he closed the distance.

As he almost touched your face.

As Rui peered around. And his eyes went wide. And he pointed. "Look, Mother! Father's here!"

"UPPER MOON ONE. I CHALLENGE YOU FOR THE RIGHT TO HER AFFECTIONS!!"

[bubblepopsims]

After a couple of days not answering the chat Evan picked up the phone. "Amore, would you mind taking pictures of me for our group chat? " Evan was aware that Courtney wasn't feeling her best and didn't want to appear in any picture. "I feel like it's my time to shine".

"Hey babes! You all look so stunning! You should see yourself through my eyes to understand how truly beautiful you are. Not as much as my love, sorry, but you are all close enough." Evan planted a light kiss on Courts cheek and resumed typing. "@Maddi I bet you would love to put a finger in between those beautiful, round, firm, hairy butt cheeks. I would, Courts would. You should do more than that 🤭 Courts is happy with the results of the work out too, let it be known that I have to carry her to the gym almost every time. I am starting to think that she just likes being carried around by me. Last time Hermes tried to pick her up and she wasn't very happy about it. Here come the first pic"

"@Maddi don't worry about the undies, I got you! Courts will be sending something for you too, I know you will enjoy it probably not as much as Rafa though. He better be nice to you or me and Courts will teach you a few useful tricks. @Asuka I am glad to be a prop for my grumpy better half. I love her and she can do whatever she wants with me. That is why today I am sacrificing myself and sending you this photo shoot. Courts did suggest the poses though. She is enjoying this. And yes, that bending over got some nice side effects 🍑 Courts is asking me to ask you @Asuka @Emillie about those shoes, she likes them a lot. She was going to make a joke about watching us go at it only if you let us watch you but she is afraid that you would say yes and hold her accountable 🤣"

"Don't ask about the onion pillow please. @Emillie slapping for Asuka and biting for you. Actually Courts is very good at biting while I excel in the slapping asses department 😎"

"@Juju @Izzy I hope you had some fun times, I bet Izzy want crazy seeing you like that on the bed. What a sight!"

Evan laughed, he wasn't done with Rafa just yet. " My very straight friend Rafa, you need to let loose a bit more, it would do you and Maddi good. I swear you would enjoy it 😜"

"And here is Courts favorite pic. We love you babes!"

M: "Oooo Sugar butt look! Evan decided to go all out!!" Maddi shifted upright in the backseat of the car, letting Rafael get a better look at her phone while she scrolled through the pictures of a radiating sex appeal Evan.

R: "You know part of me wanted to say this was just him being an attention whore.. but the fact Courtney is behind that camera.. he is pretty much eye fucking her."

Maddi laughed and nudged him "Oh so what I like to do mmmm?"

R: "Precisely. just with you, it has an effect on me. with Evan i just want to send him to... what did you call it? Horny jail?"

Maddie MadPie: "GUYS... RAFA JUST SAID HORNY JAIL XD! he saw the pictures and said Evan is eye fucking Courtney through the camera and -

Rafa took her phone and immediately read the messages that Evan had put in the chat "Give me this." Maddi yelped when the phone was taken from her and frowned only seeing how fast his fingers were going.

Maddie Madpie: "This is Rafael. First of all, you horny bastard, don't put that in Madalyn's head about putting anything in my ass. Second, what sacrifice are you making...? you love showing off is nothing new. Don't fool these people. especially my woman."

he sent the message and got out of the car helping Maddi out.

Maddie Madpie: "Welp... that went differently... but @ Evan. I want to put both of your asses on pillows for Courtney and I. alsoooo sorrryyyy i made you take the blame for my hidden fantasies. BUT please do send those undies hehe. also, give Courts... i am going to call her Smokey Quarts, that I hope she feels better T-T i already miss her face... Can I send a care package?? I want to convince Rafa to take a trip to see you guys !! Speaking of the man.."

Maddie Madpie: "We are the best-looking couple here besides the bride and groom of course... maybe ;) but we can clean up nicely."

Emillie is online.

Emillie: "Brooooooooooo I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS! FIRST WHAT THE FUCK IS UP WITH THE ONION OVER YOUR JUNK??? SECOND is that a fucking tentacle dildo on your nightstand??? THIRD what kinky freaky shit are you guys into? I can't even look at the sexy slab of man because I am distracted by that damn toy on the nightstand XD Great fucking ass though @ Evan I want to play music on it. including we would hold both of you accountable. be careful what you ask for. Asuka and I are all about having some harmless fun now."

Maddie Madpie reacted with a laughing emoji to Emilie's post.

Maddie Madpie: "Rafa was saying that they had that "lamp" for as long as he knew them... there as to be a story behind it. also @ Emille Evan said not to ask about the onion. XD"

Emillie: @ Maddie Madpie: "You think I listen?????? do you even know me??"

Asuka Lovely is online.

Asuka lovely: "WOOOOAHHHHHHHH! well, I am staring at @ Evan... Em covered my other questions because..... damn I mean now I get it, Courtney... I really really get it... Jesus.... fuck me eyes... and everything also that ass.... Courtney, I am disrespectfully staring at your man's goods. sorry not sorry about it. @ Maddie Madpie, you guys look fucking amazing by the way let me get that out of the way before I got back to Evan. you guys look stunning. wow.. how did Rafa keep his hands off you?"

Asuka lovely: "Also Em is now making a song about the Tentacle dildo... we took a mini trip upstate to the snowy mountains. staying in this cute asian inspired hotel which is really cute. :3 Sorry I look like shit, I haven't changed for the evening yet. @ Courtney i will send you the link to the shoes so we can be the holy trio :)"

Maddie Madpie: "HEYYY I WANT THEM TOO ONLY IF THEY COME IN PINK Though! Somehow this photo is giving me music video vibes... @ Asuka"

A good hour passed.

Maddie Madpie: "Guys..... Rafa is so hot... I'm sorry.. I know blah blah gushy girlfriend mode... but just look at him... and look how he LOOKED AT ME! mmmmpft one of these days I am accidentally going to have this man's children... not even kidding. @ Evan i told him what you said about loosing up... and he literally gave me the most sexiest straightest face ever... and said He is loose just not for you."

Asuka Lovely: "LMFAO MADDI! YOU CAN'T ACCIDENTALLY HAVE THIS MAN'S CHILDREN. XD BUT I will admit... if I was in your shoes or even Courtney's shoes... I'd definitely consider taking the RISK every time... especially now finding out @ Evan and @ Courtney. are professional biters and ass slappers.. it's a done deal for Emillie and I."

Asuka lovely: "Emillie has that look in her eyes. mmmpft i might get pregnant tonight XD But anyway, we are going out ! hope court court feels better, take good care of her @ Evan also helping her sweat out the sickly is always appreciated! we love you guys! "

Maddie Madpie: "We also love you guys, gotta go seduce Rafa to the dance floor again ;3 wish me luck!!!!"

[electricprincess96]

I've decided to rank some Jason Todd designs. He's had a few, so I ain't looking for all of them. Just the ones I remember off the top of my head.

This is my list, don't come at me if you disagree even though you're wrong cause I'm obviously right about this. Anyone wanting to start a fight with me about this can save yourself the time as I will be ignoring you.

Number 1

There is no competition this is just peak Jason design, no others come close. There's a reason why Under the Red Hood movie used a variation of this design and not the UtRH comic design (which admittedly was not a bad design keep reading to see where that lands in this list), it's the design Wayne Family Adventures uses, it's the most cosplayed Jason design. It is just peak.

Number 2.

People will say I'm cheating here. I'm not. Under the Red Hood comic confirms Jason did infact wear this outfit, in fact this IS Jason in this panel. It's half way through the fight when he swaps with Clayface.

What I like about this design is its throwbacks to Robin with the belt and the R symbol on his chest. I get that the trench coat was very much Hush's thing but Jason rocked it here. The white streak in his hair has become to popular that some fans don't realise it wasn't canon for a long time (I'm aware plenty of newer stories have him have the white streak, I think it's entirely up to the artist now which is kinda dumb shit like that should be mandated by the editors but whatever).

Overall I just like this design, I wouldn't necessarily want him to ever adopt it again but it was certainly very nice for what it was. And it's different without stripping Jason of all his identity since it references his Robin past.

Number 3.

Oh I debated between this one and number 4 partly because they are very similar. I think this one is edged out 1. By that belt with the R which again is hinting at his past as Robin, something Jason was immensely proud of even if people want to pretend he wasn't. I'm aware they'll say it's R for Red Hood but that's why it works, it's his current alias' initials but R is Robin's symbol. And 2. This design is also just helped by the fact the art style is just very pretty and this particular Jason is just so god damn pretty, like he's gorgeous and I wish the story accompanying it was better.

Number 4.

(Yes I'm using this picture, sue me)

Under the Red Hood. An actually pretty good comic story completely let down by a lot of the shit that came after it. BUT it gave Jason the glow up he deserved at the time. Sure its now far from peak as I've already shown what peak is but its solid. I wouldn't complain if suddenly Jason got another redesign and looked like this again. This is below 3 Jokers cause of the fact it looks very similar to 3 Jokers but 3 Jokers had the inclusion of the R Belt which I liked and 3 Jokers had a better art style in my opinion.

Number 5

The Arkham series had a particular style. I'm putting these together cause while they aren't the same design they are the same character, in the same game and I rank them somewhat evenly. Now Mask off Jason in Arkham is up there with 3 Jokers in terms of how much I like it. I always loved a sense of irony that despite being adopted and being the "fuck up of the family" Jason resembled Bruce so much and he really does resemble Bruce in Arkham. BUT these actual designs are both fine, nothing about them are amazing, I don't love them but they're OK and thats all they need to be.

Now I ain't even gonna number these cause well I'm sure there's maybe a couple dozen one shot or elseworld Jason designs out there that come before these two. Every version of Jason's Robin suit comes before these two. Gotham Knights with the mask off comes before these two (although I hate how the mask in Gotham Knights is cloth and not a helmet but I'm basically screaming into the void right now to try and get Jason's helmet back and designed properly).

Slightly Less Worse

I've said what I have to say about this design, I hate it, I despise it, I get an angry twitch whenever i see it or whenever I see fans lusting over Jason's exposed arms or talking about how deep it is that he wears a muzzle now as if calling a character you're meant to like a wild animal is somehow a good thing. Like yes Bruce called him an animal, Jason then going and choosing to wear a muzzle is so wildly out of character I despise it. Jason is so fucking PROUD, like does he have some self doubts and self hatred? Yeah. But when it comes to Bruce and the rest of the Bats this boy is PRIDEFUL. He wouldn't go and deliberately "muzzle" himself just to make Bruce happy. Its dumb conceptually, it strips Jason of the uniqueness and individuality and it clearly exists to try and emulate the Winter Soldier since Civil War was coming out around that time. Some art styles make this design look OK but it still isn't a Jason design for me.

The Objective Worst One

Kill it with fire! Just make it go away and never return. As I've said for all my utter dislike and distaste for the muzzle I will take another 100 issues of the muzzle and the crowbar if I could wipe this monstrosity from ever having existed. This design and the storylines that accompanied it almost did irreversible damage to Jason Todd as a character. That's why UtRH is not seen as being as good as it actually is because all the ground work set was instantly trampled by other writers and Grant Morrison was one of the main perpetrators. I will spare showing you what he looks like under the helmet cause that might very well be worse than the helmet. Jason went from being a at most 20 year old to looking like he was older than Bruce at times. Other times he looked like knock off Roy Harper. As I say anyone who wants to argue with me that Jason's canonically a ginger always uses this as proof and no I'm sorry Grant Morrison was someone who didn't believe in retcons and that everything was always canon which I mean I'd love for him to explain to me how Jason can both be a circus kid and a street kid stealing tyres but whatever. Jason Todd is a brunette, he was found on the streets by Bruce with black hair and no way of getting consistent hair dye, his father had black hair, his mother had blonde hair. Jason Todd is a brunette and this design and all the stories attached to it need to be wiped from collective consciousness.

[mlobsters]

supernatural s10e12 about a boy (w. adam glass)

oh i just noticed the episode title. is this where we get de-aged dean? lol not surprisingly i've seen that in fic a decent amount :P i didn't realize he looked so young in this episode

SAM Caught a case. Apparently something is taking people. And leaving their clothes. DEAN Hmm. About time this gig got an “R” rating.

meta snark?

SAM Look, I know you’re worried about the mark. DEAN Yes, Sam. I am. Between what I did to Charlie— SAM Charlie forgave you. How about you forgive yourself? DEAN Because I’m not exactly batting 1,000 here, you know? SAM Yeah, I do know that, but staying locked up in here, sitting on the ground reading the same lore books over and over and over again, it’s not helping you. You need to get back in the game for your own good. You can beat this, Dean. DEAN Do you really believe that? SAM Yeah, you’re damn right I believe that.

the words are there but i am not feeling it

DEAN You know, you also believed in the Easter bunny till you were 12. SAM No I didn’t. [SAM pauses] Look, I was 11. DEAN And a half. SAM And a half. Right.

little cute sibling bickering to help the medicine go down

it's hard for me take their conversations seriously when we swing into some goofy fucking music and plot shenanigans. i don't think it's just the edible talking that i've just been too aware they're Acting because the tone of their personal drama and the World Outside they have to deal with are clashing so hard.

and now we get this kid again for dean who is tiny but at least he's playing a more believable age (i looked it up after his appearance in s9e7, this episode he's supposed to be 14, 16 in s9e7)

snippet from my recap this show likes to swing from one extreme to another with the people playing the kids. first 18 year old dean here (who looks like he's in his 20s) with ~supposed~ 14 year old sam and now this kiddo playing dean is 18 but looks quite young and is.. 5'6.5". was looking at his imdb pictures at from about a boy (so he's next to sam) lol

dear lord i paused the episode because i wanted to look the young tina actress up because she reminds me of lara jean's friend in 'to all the boys i've loved before' (one of my favorite romcoms, fake dating hello and it's so sweet, good rewatch) and got completely sidetracked and decided to ramble about all that shit above

reminds me of her for good reason lol. but also she was fray on the magicians?? sad to say i completely forgot about that part. i've rewatched s1-2 a bunch more than s3. she was also in s11 of the xfiles of the re... revival? which i watched and have zero memory of other than that awful wig application they did on my beloved gillian

to all the boys i've loved before (2018) madeleine arthur as christine / the magicians s3e12 the fillorian candidate - madeleine arthur as fray

god, nic. stfu.

yes please show us sam getting unhinged over dean being missing

i feel for this little man having to act like jensen!dean. i can hear it! but it's still weird. habits i can sort of roll with due to affection for our regular dean are harder to swallow (the noisily eating kidnapper provided cake thing) with someone i don't have that builtin

TINA You know, before…I thought you were just another drunk. DEAN I prefer functional alcoholic.

ha ha. it's not funny because it's true

padalecki is doing a good job selling him being freaked out. damnit they used a sound that's totally a sound also used in x-files score arrrrgh

spn s10e12 / the x-files: fight the future (1998)

(because i know that movie so well i knew this sound was at least in scenes at the jiffy pop poppers and the big ship at the end)

flustered and flabbergasted sam is chef's kiss

the look down to his crotch made me laugh, gotta admit

SAM What? Don’t—Wait, wait, wait. Wait a second. Talk to me. DEAN Really, Sam? Now? I got no grass on the infield, and a girls’s gonna die. Sorry if I’m not in a chatty mood. Look, you wanted me back in the game. I’m back in the damn game.

truly living for the variety of faces padalecki is giving us

it's like watching a fic come to life. de-aged teenager dick problems and all

DEAN My voice is weird, and I’ve got like nine zits, and I have zero control over this. [DEAN gesturing to his crotch area.] I mean, it’s up. It’s down. It’s up for no reason. SAM That’s enough. Yeah, thanks. Uh [Clears throat] that's just called puberty.

crotch mentions: 2

SAM Wait a second. Are you saying you want to stay like this? DEAN No! No, but…if it’s between being a psycho rage monster/borderline demon or a teenager, well… SAM Really? DEAN Look, I’m not a fan, either, but…Sam, this is problem solved. And I’m still me. I can still hunt. I’m just, you know…dewier. SAM Okay, look, y-you have a point, kind of, but, dude— DEAN I know.

so i'm curious what, if anything, they had in mind there. but me, being the sap i am, was like. then sammy might die first 😭 (obviously not but still, that's where my brain was goin). could be taken in a variety of directions.

SAM Dean, I’m way too big to fit in that. DEAN First time you ever had to say that, huh?

crotch mentions: 3

SAM Big talk coming from the dude wearing underoos.

burn. and crotch mentions: 4

(god as ever, the musical score is just random mediocre hodgepodge. it makes me sad)

insert tiktok "i just a baby"

s10e12 / downton abbey s3e5 - lesley nicol as mrs patmore

omg mrs patmore can't get out of the kitchen 😭 woof. this keeps getting campier by the second.

did dean just burn the hex bag they need to turn the girl back? okay well i can see the appeal of starting over as it were, but looking that young and having no identity is a lot.

workin the beautiful lighting

DEAN Look, I know what you’re going to say, okay? But you were in deep. SAM I know. I know. You saved me, and you saved Tina, and…pulled a Dean Winchester. Thank you. DEAN Anytime. SAM Look, man… do I wish the mark was gone? Yes, of course. Absolutely, I do, but… I wanted you back. And now here you are, and you didn’t Hulk out, so… [SAM shrugs] I’ll take the win. As for the rest of it—the mark, everything else…we’ll figure it out. We always do. DEAN Damn right. Let’s get out here.

very sweet. dean being awkward about being thanked as expected

seriously truly unreasonably pleased at dean embracing the taylor swift song. i'm not a Fan or anything but i do like some of her music a lot. and shake it off is a fuckin banger and has one of the cutest videos ever. you can like all kinds of music! i don't care what motivated that decision behind the scenes, i'm tucking it in my pocket with a big fat smile

(after i watch her music video again for the hundredth time ;)

[cloudysarts]

ok im not interested in debating with anyone (which is why im not reblogging any of the people who are arguing with me bc its obvious none of us are gonna change our minds about something so pointless) BUT i thought of some more points as to why i believe this so im adding on bc why not <33333

believing it shouldve been dipper is a perfectly fine opinion to have and there were a few points ive seen other people make in opposition to me that i actually think are pretty valid so im gonna touch on those real quick

one person pointed out that mabel isnt as keen on the supernatural as dipper is and i can agree with that! i never said that wasnt the case, dipper obviously is more interested in it than she is. the way it is in canon works because im sure mabel would much rather just enjoy the party than go out and fight ghosts the whole time. but i never argued that wouldnt be the case!!! and im not trying to discredit dipper here when i say this, but its not like mabel COULDNT do his job. she definitely could! and in a potential rewrite, i think she was doing it LESS for the ghosts/the northwests, and because she wanted a chance to further the relationship with pacifica that started in golf war. mabel is perfectly capable of fighting these ghosts. its not like dipper was doing it from memory; yes hes probably read the exceprts from the journal before, but thats just it! he has the journal! anyone who had it and who is aware of the blacklight secrets could do exactly what he did, maybe even more efficiently (not that i think that mabel wouldve done better, because like i said, i think the plot points wouldve gone about the same) (EDIT: quick note bc i touch on it later: when i say the plot points all wouldve gone the same i mean like. almost verbatim. we could still have that moment of mabel being upset to find out that pacifica was in on it the whole time, but rather than being MAD like dipper is, shed be UPSET, because she believes that it goes against the hope she had that pacifica can be a good person. thatd lead into the picture scene etc etc IT ALL STILL WORKS even if you take mabels perrsonalty into account)

another point was that this episode was also about the northwests darker pasts but,,,,,was it really??!?!?! we already knew the northwests were liars and frauds. we have seen much more reliable evidence to this literally in season one. DIPPER already knows this; he wasnt at all surprised by the room of paintings, or at least he didnt seem to be. it was PACIFICA who hadnt wanted to believe it, and that doesnt change no matter which of the pines twins are there. but honestly, i think this point only makes me MORE convinced that it shouldve been mabel, because SHES been looking for an opportunity to believe pacifica is a good person. DIPPER has been looking for an oportunity to believe pacifica is a bad person. this is up for debate of course, but i honestly struggle to see dipper being swayed by pacifica being upset by her past? im not saying hes totally unempathetic, but like. he already knew all of this. he knew the northwests were horrible. if anything, i can see him being annoyed that pacifica didnt realize it sooner. but MABEL would be! she knew all of that about the northwests too, of course, but shed take pacifica being upset as proof of her good heart, and be more inclined to help her/root for her!

ANOTHER comment i saw that kind of annoyed me said that its better with dipper because hes able to offer advice and sympathy to pacifica, which mabel isnt "emotionally mature enough to do" and. i would argue its the exact opposite way around. YES mabel is more immature than him, but shes more sociable. shes good with people and good with understanding their emotions! her empathy is something that is one of the biggest dividing differences between her and dipper! she is FAR more willing to see the good in people than he is most days, which leads me to my next point

the best argument i saw was that nmm and the love god are really close to each other. in nmm, its dipper working with mabels enemy, and in love god, its mabel working with dippers. and thats a good point! i have no idea if that was intentional, but its actually really solid in why this is the way it is. but also,,,,,,i think my biggest problem here is that dipper doesnt seem very suited for aiding in redemption arcs. like ive said a few times, its not that dipper is unempathetic by any means, but we see time and time again that when he gets an opinion in his head about someone, its HARD to shake. if he doesnt like you, you need hard facts and evidence to convince him to change his mind, and you need to SHOW him youve changed. pacifica does do this at the very end of nmm but considering that he is still distrustful/dislikes her later in canon, clearly he has not full been convinced. i think both of these episodes could be mabel-centric, and that would be fine! ESPECIALLY since they lead into nwhs.

talking briefly about nwhs, i think that episodes existance only furthers my point even more. it almost,,,,doesnt make sense to see dipper get a redemption story, and then see an entire episode where he vehemently refuses to see the good in his literal uncle. hes perfectly fine helping his sisters former bully despite his suspicions that she sucks being confirmed, but refuses to even CONSIDER that his grunkle is being honest ??? AND BEFORE ANYONE SAYS IT yes i agree that stan is a million times more untrustworthy than pacifica JHKSFHJKLSHJKL he is a terrible influence and dipper has all the reason to be suspicious! im not trying to say that dipper SHOULDNT have acted the way he did in thsi episode because that is a perfectly valid and reasonable way to react!!!!!!! he even apologized later. all im saying is that it makes more sense to ME PERSONALLY that mabel get TWO episodes of redemption, leading up to her desire to forgive/trust stan when it really mattered

i also think its fine to believe that dipper ignored old man mcgucket because he wanted a moment of peace but. peace or not, i STILL cant see him brushing him off the way he did JHKSFHJKL. dipper has been excited about "lore" after plenty of life threatening situations.

one last argument i saw was that it has to be dipper, because while mabel laid out the foundations for her redemption, she shoudlnt finish it, because pacifica needs brutal honesty. and sure?? i suppose?? but also iwould argue thats not. really what she needs. she needs someone to tell her that she can change. she clearly believes that shes 'a link in the worlds worst chain'. which is a belief that dipper instilled in her.

FINALLY im not saying that dipper and pacifica is a bad dynamic. it is a perfectly fine dynamic. i do think dipper provides a good balance to her arrogance and kinda puts her in her place some time but my point was never that dipcifica is BAD, my point was that it literally came out of nowhere and then went nowhere. ALL of the people arguing with me are dipcifica shippers pointing out that dipcifica is better than mabifica, and that is a FINE belief to hold, but that was never my point!!! I DONT EVEN REALLY LIKE CANON MABIFICA. its a fine ship and i DO like it more than dipcifica but my general take is that it doesnt HAVE to be a romance and i would argue that making it a romance (IN THE TERMS OF NMM not future stuff) even takes away from what this episode of really about

ok ok thats all sjhkdfhjks this will probably be my last comment on the topic :PPP im not trying to change anyones minds and im definitely not saying nmm is BAD i literally even said its a good episode as is!!!!! this whole argument is obviously very opinionated on both sides i just have A Lot to Say

All right I take the bait. Why do you believe Manel should have accompanied Pacifica at the party

AHHH THANK YOU IM SO EXCITED TO EXPLAIN MYSELF (in reference to this post)

ok. northwest mansion mystery is a great episode obviously. but HERES why i think the episode would've been even better if mabel was in dippers spot!!!!!! its kinda a lot so i put it under a read more

so this episode is sort of the middle-ish of season 2 i think, right before the ford reveal!! its not a super long show anyway so theres not a ton of pacifica appearances, anyway. BUT in EVERY SINGLE OTHER PACIFICA EPISODE, her energy has been bouncing off of mabel!!! from their meeting in double dipper, to irrational treasure, to golf war; they have been established as the main dynamic here. golf war is especially important here, because this is the very first step in pacfica's redemption arc! mabel saves her in this episode, the pines give her a ride home, and it seems like pacifica is going to start being a little more understanding of mabel because she had misjudged her, hence why she was treating her so poorly. it looks like theyre gonna establish a friendship between them!

and then. they dont. they basically never interact again. because the next time we see pacifica, she goes straight to dipper in northwest manor mystery. the cold open implies that the northwests wanted dipper specifically because of his knowlege of how to deal with the supernatural but IN MY OPINION that DOESNT EVEN MAKE SENSE because we NEVER see dipper fighting these monsters on his own? hes ALWAYS with mabel. at the very least, i think it shouldve been BOTH of them??? we see a brief shot of a newspaper clipping where dipper is fighting a vampire bat or something and i just. when did this happen. where is mabel

that would be a fine argument for it being both of them instead of just mabel so heres one of my bigger points thats gonna come back a lot in this breakdown: dipper. does not like pacifica. he STRAIGHT UP HATES HER. every single interaction theyve had has been negative!!! its even massively negative at the beginning of this ep!!!! though mabel often dislikes pacifica, she TRIES REALLY HARD TO LIKE HER. mabel has a lot of love in her heart, and if she could, shed want to be her friend!!! its always been pacifica whos been rejecting those advances!!! golf war was the start of pacifica understanding that about mabel, and it nmm wouldve been the PERFECT time to wrap up that arc, rather than leaving it!!!

and i would argue that could STILL LEAD INTO A DIPCIFICA ARC, if thats what the showrunners/fans wanted? most of why dipper hates pacifica to begin with is because shes so terrible to mabel. he only agrees to go to the party in canon because MABEL wants to!!! imo, i think the lead in to them being a couple would be a million times better if that massive problem in their relationship was solved first

i dont PERSONALLY like dipcifica but im trying to stay unbiased about this if you cant tell

i would also argue that like. dipper just seems really out of character. the reason i picked some of the scenes i did for my redraws, was because they were scenes that i think his behavior would fit mabel a lot better. examples:

why do the northwests have a suit in dippers size anyway. he literally doesnt even like wearing it sjkfhkj in a potential re-write of this ep, i considered that mabel would come in wearing her super extravagent home made dress, and it would 'violate dress code', so she would be forced to wear one of pacificas we could still have that cute dress-up expo scene that we do AND have some fun commentary/symbolism about pacifica being nervous about having her in the dress because its NICE and TOO GOOD FOR HER and she looked FINE BEFORE ANYWAY

mabels empathy is a recurring theme in the show. shed WANT to give pacifica the benefit of the doubt, and would be VERY betrayed when finding out her and her family already knew about the ghosts and knew what he wanted. i understand that dipper was so upset because it seemed like pacifica was changing for the better just to find out that she wasnt, but i think this fits so much better with mabel, because shes always WANTED to believe that shes secretly a good person. she would be glad to see her turn a corner, and would be upset when finding out she was 'wrong', and that she really was mean deep down. whcih would obviously lead to her comforting her later/finding out the truth about her etc etc. on the other hand, dipper literally never believed she had good in her. from the first interaction we see of them, he thinks shes as terrible as her family. he ISNT as interested in giving her the benefit of the doubt and if it wasnt a life or death situation i dont think he wouldve forgiven her. IDK i just think its more in character for her

the dancing scene!!! honestly this works fine as is (i can see both dipper and mabel being excited to make a mess on a fancy carptet) but idk i just think it carries so much more weight if its these two girls. silly moments for mabel!!!! pacifica getting to really be a kid and not just a sparkly prop!!!!!!! pacifica finally indulging in her sillyness that she mocked in irrational treasure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ok moving on. one of the bigger things that bother me about it being dipper here instead of mabel is one teeny tiny (honestly really irrational) scene at the party. in it, dipper is confronted by fiddleford, who tells him he has big news about the author/the laptop and the towns in danger and its vitally important and dipper just. shrugs him off???!!?!?!?! i cannot even IMAGINE. in alex hirschs words "the first season is about dipper being in love with wendy, and the second is about him being in love with the author" meaning that. those are the TWO things that dipper is completely and totally obsessed with. hes clearly not over wendy (as we see in later episodes) and this is not long after sock opera/society of the blind eye so youd THINK hed be more depserate for answers than ever!??!?! this child was willing to sell out his great uncle and raise the dead and stay up for several nights in a row for answers, and the second he is offered some (from a man who WORKED WITH THE AUTHOR btw) hes like like 'whatevr'?!?!?! it is so out of character and it drives me fucking nuts every time. i know hes starting to like pacifica now but as we see in the comics (if you chose to think those are canon) HE DOESNT EVEN SEEM TO LIKE HER THAT MUCH!??!?! hes STILL convinced shes vain, and mean, and selfish!!!! he DOES start to have a little arc with her but jksdfjksf IDK i just cant in a million years see him passing up the chance for answers to the biggest mystery in gravity falls to hang out with a girl he tolerates

but yknow who i CAN see doing that? MABEL!!!!!!!! mabel would be concerned when mcgucket comes up to her, and starts talking like this!!!! i can totally see her suggesting that he relax for a little while and enjoy the party like dipper did, and then forgetting to come back to talk/not running into him later!!!! ESPECIALLY since i can see mabel WANTING to spend time with pacifica where dipper just. really doesnt seem to want to MOST of the time

ok ill admit that this last one is sort of a personal opinion. but i just. i really dont like the B plot of this episode with mabel and the girls. IDK its just so annoying and pointless to me to have a plot where its just a bunch of girls turning against each other over a guy. im not gonna say its mysoginistic bc i know little girls can be boy crazy but i just. dont see why there was a need to make them fight/turn against grenda briefly??? even when they rekindled and it was all ok in the end its just. in comparison to the A plot its so. Nothing.

in my head i have a rewrite of this episode and how it goes is that pacifica approaches dipper and asks for help and he turns it down (like he does in canon). mabel suggests that they do it anyway, but he refuses, as he wants nothing to do with her. when dippers gone, mabel agrees to help (and pacifica begrudgingly accepts bc it seems like the only option) and so she steals the journal when dippers not looking. she goes to the party, and events go pretty much the same?? only major difference i can think of is that the B plot is replaced by one where dipper realizes mabel and the journal are missing, so he sneaks into the manor/sneaks around the house trying to find he rand get it back (and its so massive he has no luck). the reason i think THAT works is because we can even still have the scene where dipper turns to wood like shifty prophesied!!!! and i would even argue it makes more sense this way because wasnt shiftys warning that "if you keep digging so deep into the secrets of gravity falls, this will be the last form youll ever take" ?

OK IM SORRY THIS WAS SO LONG im probably forgetting points too so i might edit it later but THANKS FOR ASKING

tldr: pacifica and mabels friendship plotline was left on a total cliffhanger after golf war and if mabel replaced dipper in nmm it would've been a good resolution to it

[automatismoateo]

islam treats women so horribly. via /r/atheism

islam treats women so horribly. i was told to also post this on the atheism sub to spread awareness. i lost this book a while ago but im pretty sure it was called miscellaneous questions & answers for the muslim women complied by ibrahim M kunna darussalam. i cant post pictures of it so i’ll just write some of what was in the book. Q. 431: What is the best age for women to get married? A.After menstruation starts, the earlier the better. Q. 263: Can a Muslim woman decide birth stop after a certain number of children? A. No. Q. 376: At what age should children be beaten if they do not perform prayer? A. At ten. Q. 274: What happens if a woman refuses to render herself to her husband for sexual pleasure? A.The angels remain cursing her all that night. Q. 124: can women go to cemeteries to pray for the dead? A. That is undesirable for women. Q. 131: can women join in funerals? A. No. Q: 183: Can a man lead women in preforming prayers? A: Yes, if he feels secure from temptation. Q: 237: What was the first cause of the corruption of the children in Isreal? A. women. Q. 249: Which is better — a woman’s prayer at home or in a mosque? A. At home. Q. 251: Is miscarriage blood like that of postnatal? A. Yes. it forbids prayers Q. 260: Can a woman use medicines to encourage of delay menses? A.Yes, if there is no harm and the husband agrees. Q. 261: Can Muslim women use contraceptives to control birth for an economical purpose? A.No. Q. 264: Did Prophet Muhammad 4, us in to encourage his Ummah (nation) to have as many children as they can? A. Yes. Q. 270: What is the desirable colour for women dresses? A. Any colour other than white. O. 271: What is the desirable colour for men to wear? A. White. Q. 353: Can a woman, whose husband is a drunkard, ask for divorce? A.No, but she can best preach him for repentance and stick to patience. Q. 354: Can a woman have a non-Muslim woman as a friend? A.Yes, if she is apt to be a Muslim, otherwise this is against the Qur'ân. this book is disgusting and sadly this is the way majority of muslim women are being treated. Submitted September 10, 2023 at 07:28AM by Famous-Passenger7712 (From Reddit https://ift.tt/xsaS43R)

[theconsofrom-coms]

R*pe Culture in Romantic Comedies

The topic of SA is one that is very triggering so if you have issues with it, please don't continue reading as I will be detailing moments in which SA was mentioned, and sometimes made fun of in multiple romantic comedies.

I don't think we need to explain why it is that this topic in particular is something deplorable. SA is something that is sadly taken lightly, and sometimes even overlooked in rom-coms as a passing reference or just an insinuation, but there have been moments where it played a role in the main couple's relationship. As I will continue to explain as we go forward in these analysis.

We will be looking into "Sixteen Candles", "Revenge of the Nerds" and "Wedding Crashers" when discussing the presence of SA in romantic comedies, and how it has changed over the years.

Sixteen Candles, what she doesn't know won't hurt her, right?

Unlike past analysis I will explicitly focus on the details of the film pertaining to r*pe culture that are presented in the film. So, the main character of the film is Sam, a girl whose 16th birthday seems to have been forgotten by everyone, and while she is being pursued by a freshman named Ted, she is really interested in a popular guy named Jake. Now, Jake is also somewhat interested in Sam as he has seen her staring at him in the past, and he has begun to become tired of his girlfriend Caroline's partying. Now, here comes the not so fun part, after a party being held at Jake's house is done, he and his friends convince Ted to drive her home on Jake's dad's expensive car, her already being passed out from being completely drunk. Jake and his friends also imply that Caroline being passed out, she wouldn't know the difference if Ted attempted to sleep with her while she's passed out. This is absolutely inconceivable as to why they would think this is an ok thing to do.

This film is set in the 1980s, and as many of us are aware of, the respect given to young girls and women by men is very much skewed when it comparison to our norms of respect in the 21st century. Such an act as date-r*ape, as it is referred to nowadays, was most likely seen as completely fine, even though such an act is completely disrespectful to the woman that this is committed to, and a complete violation of her rights as a human being. And while the act was not actually committed in the movie, Ted still attempted to pose a picture with Caroline, making it seem as though they had actually slept together in the car, but the picture didn't come out right. I guess that's karma for you.

Revenge of the Nerds, tricking a girl into sleeping with me!

Another film set in the 80s, this one involves a bit more "action" if you know what I mean. So in the film, beside the fact that the main characters of the movie sell naked pictures of girls, without their consent, as charity; Our main character, Lewis, has fallen for one of the girl's pictured, Betty. She's already dating a guy named Stan, so Lewis steals a costume being worn by Stan and tricks Betty into believing he is her boyfriend, and they end up sleeping together. By the end of the act, he reveals himself to her, at which point she calls him "wonderful" as apparently the hookup wasn't unpleasant, but it is more complicated than that. Lewis tricked Betty into sleeping with him under false pretenses, while yes, the act was consensual, Betty believed that the guy she was sleeping with was her boyfriend, not some random guy she doesn't know so well.

This scene has gotten backlash in some recent times due to the fact that this scene could be considered rape, as Betty was manipulated into sleeping with a guy who ended up lying to her about his identity. If this were a real case, it could easily be considered r*ape, as not all stipulations were abided by when it came to consent on behalf of Betty. And while many people claim that they didn't consider it to be a rape scene at the time of the film's release, both filmmakers and actors do believe it to be an unfortunate scene, and if the movie was made in current times, that definitely wouldn't have gotten past critics.

Wedding Crashers, if it involves homosexual SA, it's funny, right?

Here we go, the final film of this individual post. Wedding Crashers, a movie about two guys that take advantage of the way women feel when in weddings, and find a way to get in their pants. Besides the questionable morality of these actions, there is one scene in particular that comes to mind when it comes to the disrespectful one is to feel when watching this movie. After John and Jeremy crash another wedding where the latter slept with a woman named Gloria, who soon becomes obsessed with him, they both get invited to a retreat with Gloria's family, to which John accepts on behalf of them both in order to get closer to Gloria's sister Claire. During the night, Jeremy is sexually harassed by Gloria's brother Todd, entering his bedroom and being "suggestive" towards him. And we're supposed to think that that is funny?

There is nothing I find more disrespectful than when something that would be wrong if specific genders took certain roles, is funny or ok because the roles are reversed, such as SA, sexual harassment, parent-student relationships, etc. So we're supposed to think that this instance of sexual harassment is funny because the perpetrator is a gay man, really? And this movie came out in the early 2000s, one would think that our mindset would be a bit more progressive by that point.

And so, that is all I have to say in respect to R*pe Culture in romantic comedies.

I'll be back soon with our next topic, what will it be?

I wonder...

[anxiously-going]

1. Tbh, keeping the sinister stuff away from each other is a lot easier than anything else, it's really the point of the disorder. I know only the vaguest facts about our main trauma. There are parts who know the details of that same trauma. I'm not allowed to know those details right now and may never be. That is part of the nature of the disorder. I don't really have much experience in me (Pidge) trying to keep information from others. But I know they keep information from me with great amounts of success.

2. This one it depends. Sometimes we can talk freely, sometimes it takes concentration to discern what's being said. Think of it as similar to the way folks talk about auditory processing issues.

3. Honestly it's hard to tell exactly, but yes, I believe so. Sometimes we communicate via words, other times it is through feelings or concepts or even images. Communication can be very similar to the way telepathy is presented in fiction.

4. If they're co con yes, in they're not, not in the moment, but they would have access to that information when they come up to the front.

5. Both. Sometimes when I'm alone I'll talk out loud or mouth the words and it would appear like a one sided conversation.

6. It seems so. When I'm fronting I'm not very aware of what's going on in the back. Sometimes I catch ideas of what's going on, but if I'm fronting. I'm in charge of appearing normal and running everyday life and existence, so it's better for me to not have to be aware wholly of what's going on in the back and also trying to focus on the external world.

7. Yes and no? I need help with this one usually. Sometimes I get spikes of anxiety from things happening inside and I'll ask one of our caretakers to check in on things for me and step in. But it can be hard for me to block it out because I'm very close to one of out trauma holders and I don't want to block things out when he's the one dealing with something because I want to be the one to help. This is generally considered a bad idea by said caretakers though.

8. Yes. Tbh, I don't know how exactly or how to explain it, it kinda just happens. And it depends on what it is. We went to the eye doctor today and if like C came to the front they would have the knowledge that that happened today almost immediately upon fronting. They could access that memory file, as it were. Memory sharing has also taken the form of "air dropping" images. For example I was trying to remember a song I'd heard years ago and R was able to show me the memory he had of the radio screen. It was kinda telepathic(?) but it was like being shown a picture.

9. I cannot visit another system's inner world because inner worlds are part of our brains and telepathy between people is not a thing. However, there are different sections of our own inner world that can have restricted access. For example the trauma holder mentioned above has a his own part of our collective inner world. I can only access it with him and with his permission. There are other parts that I know exist, but I have no access to.

10. This one varies. Our alters have spent basically our whole life masking as an afab person and our presentation is very covert. So externally other than maybe a temperament difference, you wouldn't be able to tell. Internally is very different. We have several parts that internally present as amab and internally that's just how they are. We do have a child part, but I don't really have access to her or her space, but the vague memories I have of her (monitored) time in the front was playing games on the phone.

Of course this is just my experience and other systems will have different experiences. Questions are welcome, though we do retain the right to decline to answer, and can be helpful even to us. We're early in our diagnosis and treatment, but this has always been our life. We just have a little more awareness of things now.

DID Systems, I have more questions:

Is it possible to keep secrets from your alters (Nothing shady or sinister, just maybe like a birthday or Christmas present/surprise)?

When you hear your alters talking in your head, is it random or do you need to concentrate to hear them?

Can alters hear each other's thoughts (like if you think about something, would they hear it)

If you kiss or hug someone, would your alters be able to tell?

When you talk to your alters, do you talk out loud, or do you think it?

Can you block off the person who's fronting from hearing you in your head?

Can the person who's fronting block the rest of the system out?

Is it possible to share each other's memories? How?

Can you visit each other's inner worlds?

How do child, animal, and opposite gender alters work? Do they dress/talk like a child/opposite gender and act like the animal?

Thanks a bunch!

[wpdarlingpan]

Hey dear, how r you! Can I make another request, what about platonic yandere Bruce Wayne x damian's twin x platonic yandere damian. Like when bruce first meet them and Damian is like I thought you would be taller while sis is just like "Dami be nice to our father" and gives a cute smile. Bonus if Talia is a platonic yandere too! You don't have to do this if you don't want to, it's just a thought! Bye

Hope this is good and you like it! ♡

Sorry it took so long.

~*~

Damian and Y/N were only young when they were told to pack there things by there mother. Of course they did so no questioned asked but they couldn’t help but be curious since they had never left the mountain before.

“Where do you think we are going?”Y/N asked as they sat in the yacht. They had been attacked, and in a result of that attack their grandfather was killed.

“I know as much as you.” Damian said back. He was always kind to his twin sister. He couldn’t not be, she was his other half

Y/N looked excitedly over the side of the boat and jumped up jumped a little to get a better view of the water.

“Be careful Y/N.” Damian scolded but as Y/N looked like a kicked puppy he softened a little bit and lightly wrapped a arm around her shoulder as to secure her.

“Thank you Dami.” She always appreciated him, he was the only one that would show her affection and love, their grandfather wouldn’t as he focused on Damian, the successor. Heir to the league. Talia cared but not openly. She made sure to at Y/N was always well taken care of and patched her up after training.

After a hour or two of being in the boat they arrived at a dock. Where a man dressed as a bat came onto the boat. Their mother told them to wait behind the curtain, and so they did.

They stood back there in a stiff pose as they needed to be alert. Talia enforced that and they could not disobey her.

Y/N and Damian eavesdropped as they stood behind the curtain. It was all rather boring and they were disgusted to hear their mother flirt with the man.

“They are led by a man who Father believed could be his successor; Until my father became aware of you, Now this man wants to kill us.”

“Us?” The bat questioned as he stood there with a blank face.

“Not you.” Talia said as she grabbed onto the curtain.

“Me...and your son and daughter.”

“Son? Daughter?” The curtain was pulled back and out stepped Y/N and Damian. They stood with their legs slightly apart and arms cross behind their back. Damian had a blank expression but Y/N’s eyes were wide. She was in awe at the man who was her father. He towered over her quite a bit, though given she was 11 and smaller than the average kid, he seemed as though he was a giant.

Their father looked at them with slight surprise hut the look turned skeptic.

“And you expect me to believe this?”

“I assure you, they’re yours.”

Damian and Y/N walk closer to their dad, Damian looked smug in a way while Y/N continued to stare in aw. Damian slightly stood in front of her in a protective manner.

“Don't look so stunned, Father…” Damian began looking his father up and down. “I thought you'd be taller.”

“Dami! That’s rude.” Y/N said pouting making Damian slightly nod a apology at her. Batman still stared stunned. Y/N smiled up at her father, almost making his stoic mask break but he just counted to stare down at the little girl who was his own.

Talia tells them to go with Bruce off the boat before leaving the docks.

They follow their father off the boat stand next to him on either sides.

“You didn't know about us?” Damian questioned. How couldn’t his father knew he had children?

“No.” Batman replied bluntly as they continued to watch the yacht leave.

“So Mother has made us your responsibility?” Y/N questioned innocently as she watched her mother go farther and father away.

Batam looking down at his daughter, seeing a almost innocent look in her eyes. A look that he hadn’t seen in so long. He knew where she came from and he didn’t understand how she could still have that light, especially when compared to Damian. He had to protect her. He had to protect the light, and his child. “Something like that.”

“This isn't necessary. We will do fine by ourselves.” Damian said grabbing his sisters hand and staring up at Batman defiantly. Damian wanted to protect his sister and he only trusted himself to do so. Batman scowled slightly, they were his kids and he would be damned if he let them go off on their own

“So do I, But things have changed. She thinks you'll be better off with me, for now.”

“As do I.” Y/N said quietly to where they couldn’t even hear her. She wanted to know their father.

“What do you think?” Damian challenged with a smirk, if he was leaving with their father he wasn’t going to take it easy on him.

“Better than with the League of Assassins.” Batman retorted looking down at the two kids. He didn’t think the league would take it this far, teaching two kids to be child assassins while not teaching them much else, like having a conscience, well to Damian at least. But he couldn’t say much compared to himself.

“They taught us how to fight.”

“And to be our best selves.” Y/N added onto her brothers statement.

“And I take it not much else.” Batman spoke before pushing a button on his utility belt, opening the top to the batmobile and he began walking towards it with Damian and Y/N in tow.

“I'll drive.” Damian spoke out and Batman immediately shut it down it a hard “No.”

“ I know how.” Damian attempted to persuade but again he just got a “ No.”

“You will have to share a seat.” He spoke to the kids as their was only one extra seat in the batmobile. They shrugged, they didn’t mind being close with one another. It kept them safe.

Damian hopped into the car, followed by Y/N who say closer to their father. Batman got in next before hitting the call button on alfreds picture.

“Alfred?” Batman spoke while a older mans voice sounded on the other end.

“Yes, sir.”

“We’re going to have company.”

“A sleepover? Oh. goody.”

And that was the day they met their dad.