#- or I'll play some game before i leave and do dishes after i get home!

[dandyshucks]

....i was just bemoaning the fact that i have very boring taste in fictional characters and the universe went "lol. watch this." and now I'm here in worm hell SHDHDKL

[captain-bubble-wrap]

could you plspls do an imagine about cooking breakfast for/with quinn? <3

Order up!

The blankets were warm, weighted, and the room dark. 

Quinn's breath tickled your neck as he laid right up against you, arm anchoring you to his side as if you would try to leave. You had been awake for only a little bit but it didn't matter. Mornings like this meant the world: ones where he got to stay home for just a little longer. Any morning you got to share with him were not to be taken for granted. You would let him sleep until he decided to get up. It was still early enough. 

Several minutes passed before Quinn started to stir. The feeling of his facial hair against your bare shoulder made you giggle. 

"Mmmm, good morning, sweetheart." His morning voice was dangerous. Would make you sin in an instant if asked. You would restrain yourself this time. He was just saying good morning; a genuine good morning. 

"Morning, baby." You linked your fingers with his, still being the little spoon. He was so warm; he was always your little heated blanket. Thankfully, Quinn didn't mind that you got clingy when you were cold. It always seemed like you were cold. 

"Been up long?" His voice was low and his words ended in a whisper. It made your heart race. 

Your eyes had fluttered closed again. You could have easily drifted back to sleep. "I don't think so."

"You should have woke me up," Quinn nuzzled into you, somehow pulling you closer into his body. 

"I wanted you to get some sleep. Especially after last night." The game had been a rough one; another OT loss, and he had come home under a raincloud. What he needed most was some cuddle time and a good night's rest. You preferred to have those moments with a happy Quinn, but a defeated Quinn needed just as much love if not a little more.

"I'm fine, baby, but thanks for thinking about me." 

"Of course." You both lay there quietly; your breathing still synced. The feeling of his flushed skin against yours had your whole body on fire. You were going to need a cold shower if you laid here any longer. "Want me to make you something to eat?"

"I'll help you. Not fair that you always do everything." 

"But I don't mind!" You whine, feeling like he was somehow not happy with how you had been doing things. 

"I know you don't mind, but it makes me feel bad. Let me hop in the shower and I'll be your cooking partner." He kisses your shoulders several times, so thankful his lip isn't still in stitches. 

- - - 

"So, what were you thinking?" Quinn asks, locking his arms around your waist as you both stand before the open fridge. He rested his chin on your shoulder, looking at the selection with eager anticipation. You always kept the kitchen stocked during the season, so he really had no idea what there was to work with. 

"Omelets?"

"Ohhh, let's do that. I was thinking French toast, but that sounds better."

You lay your head against his, "Are you sure? I can do either."

"We can do either." Quickly, Quinn lays a kiss to your cheek before he reaches for the carton of eggs off the shelf. 

"You're such a brat," you say through laughter, but Quinn disagrees with you.

"Are you sure you aren't talking about yourself?"

"Quinny!" You playfully pout, popping him lightly with a dish towel you grabbed from the sink. However he's quicker and grabs it from your grasp before it makes contact with his back.

"Wanna play?" He teases, eyebrows raised. "I think you'll lose!" 

In one quick movement, he puts his hands on your hips and shortens the distance between the two of you. You fall into him; palms against his chest. 

"I just wanna make breakfast," you mumble, trying to keep up the act of being pouty, but it doesn't last long. The moment he leans in to kiss you, you melt. 

"Then we'll make breakfast. What do you want me to do?"

"Can you do the eggs? I'll chop all the other stuff."

"Fair." His hands fall from your waist to give your bum the softest squeeze before he turns back towards the island. 

"Brat!" 

- - - 

"I've got mushrooms, onions, red bell peppers, cheese, and ham. Am I forgetting anything?"

Quinn's digging around in the cabinet for the right pan when he looks over at you. He's just admiring the view when you finally catch him, having not gotten an answer from him. 

"What?"

"You're beautiful," he says lovingly with a smile pulling at the corner of his lips. "But no, I don't think you've forgotten anything.

You just shake your head, fighting back the urge to roll your eyes. He knew just how to make you flustered, but secretly, you loved it, and he knew it. He'd never take it too far where it hurt your feelings, just until he'd make you lose your ability to use your words. Normally, all it took was a well place compliment. 

"Will this one work?" He asks, producing a (hopefully) large enough skillet from the cabinet. To be honest, he had no idea what he was doing, but he was trying. 

"Mhm! Should work just fine."

Once the pan was heated through, you took charge pouring Quinn's eggy mixture into the pan while he stood at the ready to put in the filler.

"What do you want?" He asked, putting a section of hair behind your ear, standing beside you, 

"This one is yours! What do (you) want?" 

"Yours first, sweetheart." He touches your face, turning it towards him for a kiss. 

You just shake your head after. "This is too much for me!"

"Baby, I can wait."

"And so can I!"

Quinn's turn to shake his head, smirking as he does. "Compromise? Can we put it all in at once and just...share it?"

"Do you know how cute you are when you don't try?" You say, almost sidestepping his offer. "Yes, we can do that."

- - -

"Is that enough cheese?" He asks, worried he's going to somehow ruin breakfast. 

"Little more!"

"Wait, you're not supposed to have cheese! Baby~" Quinn's voice drops off towards the end, remembering your lactose intolerance. 

"Oh, I'll live!" Your voice is the complete opposite of his. It's playful, almost excited. 

"If you just want an excuse to lay with me on the couch all day, you don't have to put yourself through a painful stomach ache to do so." He sounds sad, or at least worried for you. 

"Baby, it's just cheese! I'll feel bad for a little bit and then I'll be fine! Happens all the time."

He just sighs, stepping back behind you. He's always wished that you cared as much for yourself as you did for him. No matter how much you reassured him that you were always fine, he still worried. 

"I never want you to be in pain." He whispers, close to you again; soft kisses from your ear to the curve of your shoulder. 

"Quinny, baby. I promise I'll be okay!" You touch his cheek as he leans into your hand. "I promise."

He breathes deeply, burying his nose in your hair. "Okay, if you're sure."

"I am,"

- - -

"Are you sure you got enough?" Quinn asks seeing how full his plate is in comparison to yours. 

"Yeah, I think so, why?"

"Are you sure? I don't need all of this." His brows are knitted together as you come to the table. You kiss the top of his head to soothe his current wave of worry. 

"You fuss too much over me."

"I do not. I love you." He sticks his lower lip out slightly. He hadn't had a good pouting episode in a hot minute. You forgot how much you both loved it and how much it could annoy you. The annoyance was only when he was being unreasonable. 

"I love you too, babe, but you're being a booger."

This breaks him: he smirks then laughs. "Yeah, yeah, okay."

"That's what I thought!" You give him a wink before taking a seat next to him at the island. Once you're seated, he spins you away from your plate and towards him. "Quinny!'

His thumb presses against your lips, fingers resting just under your chin, stopping any further whining for the moment. You let your fingers wrap around his wrist lightly causing him to smirk. There was the slightest flicker of mischief in his eyes but it faded as quickly as it appeared. 

"This was fun."

You nod, his thumb now gliding across your bottom lip. His eyes were flipping between your eyes and your mouth like he was struggling to decide what to focus on. With much anticipation, he'd kiss you deeply, letting his hand rise up through your hair. His ability to take your breath away wasn't fair, but the way it made you feel made you yearn for such moments. 

"Can we do this tomorrow morning?" He whispers, his forehead touching yours. 

"Anytime you want to."

[abbonation]

More Than A Match... | Chapter 1

Joel Miller didn’t think love was in the cards for him—not as a single dad navigating the chaos of fatherhood and life’s endless responsibilities. But a late-night Match.com notification changes everything, leading him to you: bold, captivating, and completely unexpected. What starts as cautious conversation soon ignites into a sizzling connection that just might redefine everything Joel thought he knew about love and second chances.

An 18+ Joel Miller x Reader fanfic!

Word Count: 5.3k, tags and warnings under the cut

Warnings/tags: NO USE OF Y/N!! PreOutbreak!Joel x Reader, Single dad Joel, Descriptions of arousal, male masturbation, reader is tatted

A/N: Helllloooo! Long time no speak, y'know the usual yahda yahda, school is kicking my ass and whatnot. I'm on winter break right now so there has been plenty of time to lock in and pump out some writing that's been itching the walls of my brain. I hope you guys like this! I've had so much fun designing the headers and stuff. I'm really leaning into the 'divorced dad rock' of it all here, and reader is def alt vibes.... sorry if that's not your thing! Talk soon!

Creating a Match.com profile wasn't his idea; he was just nodding along with Tommy's apology after his efforts to set him up the last time had majorly failed. He definitely didn't expect to ever actually open the website again after that dinner with his brother, and he definitely didn't expect to get a match from you that evening. 

Sarah slept on the couch while Over The Hedge played on the television. Joel was cleaning up the kitchen in preparation for the school week; he packed Sarah's lunchbox and soccer snacks, leaving a note inside the plastic grocery sack before setting them on the lower shelf in the fridge so she could see them when she woke up for the school bus. On Mondays, Sarah rode the bus to school, but Joel picked her up; on Tuesdays, Joel drove her to school, but the bus brought her home. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, Tommy picked her up, and Friday was soccer night- Joel would come to watch the game and take her home after. He was putting away the dry dinner dishes when an enthusiastic "MWAH, you've got a match!" rang through the house. 

Sarah shot up just as Joel jumped and turned towards where the computer sat in the corner of the kitchen, the plate he held falling and shattering near his feet. 

"Dad?" Sarah rubbed the sleep out of her eyes as she approached the kitchen. "What was that?"

"Hangon Sarah, broken glass on the floor. I'm not sure what it was-"

Joel carefully stepped over the large porcelain shards and grabbed the broom and dustpan, returning to the mess to sweep it up. "Remember to put your slippers on if you walk in here, Pumpkin, don't want you gettin sliced up." He told Sarah, she nodded as he dumped the broken pieces into the trash can. "Time for bed, make sure to set your alarm, I'll be gone by the time you get up tomorrow." 

Sarah yawned and hugged Joel, too tired to argue about staying up to finish her movie, and he leaned down to pick her up, she was just about too big to do this anymore, and he wasn't looking forward to the day he couldn't easily tote her around on his back and shoulders. "Let's go baby girl, I'll give you a ride upstairs, how 'bout that?" Joel flipped the light in the kitchen, turned off the computer too, and switched off the T.V., putting the house to sleep for the night. 

He settles in bed, all but forgetting the actual cause of the plate dropping in the kitchen. He was sure it had something to do with that website Tommy had shown him earlier in the evening. What had the robotic woman said? He had a match?

. . . . .

A jumbled up, chaotic mess, this was normal for a Monday morning. His alarm went off late, even though he certainly set it for the correct time. The dryer turned off in the night, so his jeans were stilly soggy, Tommy had left an empty carton of cream in the fridge, so there was none for his coffee, and, to add insult to injury, when he caught a peek of his reflection in Sarah's bedroom mirror when he popped in to give her a kiss goodbye, his hair was ten kinds of fucked up. Not that he ever took the time to fix it, but still, another thing to toss on the pile. Luckily, it was quickly becoming springtime, and he didn't need to heat the truck up, so he flew out of the neighborhood as fast as the morning nine to fivers would allow. 

He thought nothing of the notification that played through the computer speakers the previous night, instead opting to wonder if the lumber shipment would get in on time, where the fuck Jeffery was despite it being 8:23 AM already, and trying to fry it into his mind that today was his day to pick up Sarah from school. "MUST LEAVE BY 3:00," He said to himself; he refused to leave her hanging again. It happened one time during her first year of middle school. He could tell she was embarrassed when he finally pulled in half an hour late, and no amount of apologizing could make a tween girl forget something like that. 

Lunch came and went all too quickly, and, before he knew it, he was pretending not to hear people ask 'where he was headed' as he sped-walked to his truck to leave the jobsite for the day. 

Sarah bounces from the doors with the swarms of middle schoolers leaving to enjoy one of the first warm afternoons of the year with a trifold board in tow. She piles up into the cab of his old Dodge, immediately rattling off about her new project for Social Studies. Her joy never fails to light him up, somehow, she makes American History interesting on their drive home from town, back to the peaceful suburbs where they'd get ready to do the whole thing again tomorrow. 

"So then Thomas Jefferson was like, that's really messed up we aren't gonna stand for this okay, John?" 

"And then what?" He nods along, pulling into the driveway where Sarah hops out to get the mail.

"Well then they met with all these other guys and wrote the Declaration of Independence, which is what my whole project is about." 

Joel unlocks the door, plops Sarah's purple and pink embroidered backpack down on the couch, kicks off his steel-toed boots, and goes to the fridge for a soda. 

"So I need to use the computer to design my poster, that's okay, right?" 

The memory of last night and the website all pop into his mind at the sound of his soda tab opening, and he works to act as normal as possible so as not to raise her suspicion. 

"Yeah that should be fine, I just gotta do something there first, actually."

She stops rifling through the fridge to look at him, "You have something to do on the computer?" Her eyebrow raised to him. 

"Gotta email a client about some lumber, it was supposed to get delivered today but the supplier got delayed with the hurricane down the coast." He might've spit it out a little fast, but it was the truth anyhow. All he gets is an mhmm as Sarah plops on the couch with the remote in hand. 

He settles into the dining room chair and turns on the machine. He waits for the dial-up to finish connecting and opens the Netscape Navigator. Here, he follows the sticky note Tommy wrote down to type in MATCH.COM. Before he clicks the little magnifier to search, he carefully leans around the kitchen wall to make sure Sarah is still watching her show; her new favorite, Lizzy McGuire, is just starting, so he has some time.

The screen loads slowly, the purple header leading to a big pink heart in the middle of the screen: "Over 3,100,000 singles have used our services worldwide!" "Click here!" He clicks to type his username and password: JoelMiller1973 and Sarah1234, respectively. 

When his home screen loads up, there's less than a second before your profile pops up, right under his cursor: a little grainy picture of a young woman with her hair down, smiling with teeth at the camera. There's your name is right below it, followed by 24, Austin, TX beside that. Above your photo are swirly letters reading, "You matched! Chat now?" 

He vaguely recalls seeing your name across the screen last night after dinner while Tommy was giving him a tour of the website. "So basically, you click the heart next to girls you like, and if they click the heart on you too, then you match." 

"Tommy, you realize how asinine this sounds, don't you? This feels like something for teenagers, not grown men with kids." Joel glares at Tommy, where he sits in front of the monitor. 

"Kid. Not kids, Joel. And for your information, my friend at work Bailey met her boyfriend Josh on here and they are perfectly happy together."

"Well, good for Bailey and Josh, we're talking about Joel Miller, 27-year-old single dad of an almost teenage girl, who hasn't had sex in 8 and a half months." Joel doesn't really mean for the last part to slip out, but he's kind of getting desperate at this point; there's only so much your right hand can do for a fella.

"Jesus man, TMI," Tommy says, holding his hand out to stop him. "But I am sorry, though. I know it's hard with Sarah and everything. And I'm sorry about what happened with Jill—I didn't think she was like that."

. . . . .

That past weekend, Joel let Tommy set him up with Jillian, Jill, from his apartment complex. He met her at a little bar where The Nosedives, a little local band, would be playing, and she was just like Tommy described, sweet, smelled good, and laughed at everything he said. The only thing was she flipped shit when he mentioned Sarah's soccer game when the bartender was changing channels on the television and flipped past a Duke vs. NC State game. 

"Your daughter? As in, you have a kid?" She raised her voice, gaining the attention of the patrons sitting around them. 

Joel ducked his head slightly, "You didn't know? I thought Tommy woulda told you?" 

"Would I be here if he had?" Jill stands, grabbing her clutch and getting up from the bar. "That's some pretty fucking important information, Joel. Don't call me."

And that was the last he saw of sweet, smelled good, Jill. 

. . . . .

"It's fine man. I'm not mad, really. No one like that is worth crying about, I'm just glad it happened there than here at the house. God forbid Sarah hear something like that, that's the last thing she needs." 

Tommy nods, clicking through the pages of women from the general Austin area, "Hey, she's pretty cute. Close by too, think she's available tonight?" 

"Fuck off," Joel laughs at his brother, he points at your little picture on the screen, "What about her?" 

"Sure," Tommy clicks the heart and scrolls, "The world is your oyster with this, man, you can have as many as you want as often as you like." 

Joel rolls his eyes, "You know that's not what I want for us, even if I could have that." Joel often finds himself speaking in terms of Us, Us being himself and Sarah, of course. Unfortunately, part of dating as a single parent is always including your kid, whether you want to or not.  They aren't just something to sit down and pick up when it's convenient, so until he met someone who could respect that, it would just have to be him and her, and that would just have to be fine. 

He hovers over the Chat now! button, visions of Jill plaguing his mind. He sighs and moves to press the big 'X' in the corner instead. He really shouldn't. Right now just isn't a good time for his dating life to be his priority. 

But, it is so tempting. As much as he loves Sarah and Tommy and adores being a dad, Joel spent the winter feeling that pull, an unshakeable chill in his bones every time he went crawling into bed alone. He was longing, lonely and in need of some relief.

He didn't want to put all that expectation on a random woman from his computer, but you were pretty, in all your grainy glory, cheesing at him from your little picture. What could happen? You don't respond, or you do respond and don't hit it off with him? If that was the worst-case scenario as opposed to his recent experience, this sounded like a walk in the park. 

So he moved the cursor over the Chat now! Button and clicked. 

A little creaky door sound played as 'JoelMiller1973 has joined the chat.' Followed by a little blinking text box showing up on his screen. Fuck. He had no clue what to say or how he was supposed to start a virtual conversation. He knew you were in Austin- that helped some, but shit, he hadn't ever done something like this before. Usually, women would approach Joel, at most he'd send them a shot at the bar to get their attention. 

"Hi there, how are you?" He typed out carefully, making sure not to misspell anything, but his big fingers and lack of practice with the keyboard made it difficult. Fuck it, he thought, "Good enough." He clicked enter and sent it off with a woosh. 

He didn't want to raise suspicion with Sarah for what took him so long, so he quickly logged out of the website and emailed the client he had needed to get in touch with about the lumber, setting a record time for the fastest email he had ever typed. 

. . . . .

Tuesday and Wednesday flew by as they normally did. On Thursday, Tommy was going to pick Sarah up and take her to the mall to buy a present for her friend's birthday next week. Joel hadn't planned on having his afternoon free, but the continued delay in the lumber shipment meant he could leave the job site early, and he headed home to a very rare empty house. 

Quickly, Joel's mind turned to other things. He remembered the message he had sent on the dating website Monday night and settled down at the computer desk to check if you had responded.

He logged on to MATCH.COM to a new popup; this time, there were multiple other photos of women with the caption, You have 5 New matches! 

'Wow,' he thought out loud. Maybe Tommy was right about the whole whenever and whoever he wanted thing. In the moment, though, he really wanted to see if you had even gotten his message. There was no point in contacting anyone else if no one really answered. Sure enough, as he closed the first, another popup appeared. 

'Just4girl77 has sent you a message. Would you like to view it?' A smile formed on Joel's face; this was fucking cool; what a time to be living in. He clicked 'Yes!' On the screen, and a new box now featuring both of your screen names showed up.

Your message came through in a cute purple font, 'Hi JoelMiller1973, I guess that means I don't need to ask your name and age LOL.' 

What the hell was 'LOL'? His brow furrowed and his hands hovered over the keyboard, he debated calling Tommy, even though using the minutes for something like this is what Joel wouldn't say is a "Necessaries only, emergency call."

He wiggled his fingers, typing out, 'I see your name. Are you a No Doubt fan?' He sent the message and stood from the desk to make a sandwich. He was no further than slathering mayo on the bread when a door opening creak sounded from the speakers, and he moved over, bread and knife in hand, to see what the screen said. 

'Just4girl77 is online now!'

'Just4girl 77: Yes I am! I saw them at the Pavillion in Houston last June.' 

He huffs a laugh and sets the bread on the kitchen island to respond. 

JoelMiller1973: Last time I was at the Pavillion was for the Creed tour in 99. What is your favorite song by them?

He gets back to making his sandwich. He doesn't want to become some hermit, sitting inside on the computer all day messaging a virtual woman; and that was another thing, what if you turn out to be some creep? He was always warning Sarah about staying away from strangers on AOL; how was this any different? 

A few minutes later, he sits back down at the computer to a new message.

'Just4girl77: Well, Just A Girl, obviously, but probably Bathwater or New off the Return of Saturn album. How about you with Creed?'

He scrolls down and sees a photo you sent; it looks to be from within the pit at the concert; in the background, Joel can see a faraway Gwen Steffani raising one hand up in the air. The picture captures who he recognizes as you from your knees up. The girl next to you is hugging you around your middle; you're wearing jeans and a short white tank top that shows off your belly and midriff, your foot is kicked up behind you, and you don leopard print platform sandals. Your eyes are closed, and your hand is pointing the rock and roll symbol at the camera, with your other arm flung around your friend's neck. Your hair is in spiky pigtails on top of your head, and your left arm is almost covered in tattoos.

It's funny that they say a picture is worth a thousand words because he has about fifteen million running through his mind at the moment. If his mouth was dry before, when he squints and realizes your nipples are pierced and sticking through the tanktop, he might as well be chewing sandpaper now. 

"Holy shit." He says out loud, for real, now. He keeps scrolling to see your next message. 

'Just4girl77: This is me and my friend at the concert, we wanted Gwen to be in it, but she never came over to us! Haha. We had a good time tho.' 

He swallows his bite and gulps down a big swig of his beer. You were smoking hot, not to mention super fucking cool looking. Cool? Jesus, he should just go re-enroll in high school now; this is ridiculous. Now he was nervous, definitely not wanting to fuck this up.

Joel tried to come up with the coolest Creed song he could think of. Beautiful was the first thing he thought of, but that was maybe a little too on the nose. 

‘JoelMiller1973: Honestly, I think Faceless Man is my favortw.’

Fuck. typo.

'JoelMiller1973: I meant favorite.'

He cringes. You were probably going to close the chat and never reopen it, and he couldn't blame you; you were way out of his league. 

'Just4girl77: Cool! I'll check it out next time I'm at the mall, I don't have their CD yet.'

'Just4girl77: So what do you do?'

Oh. Maybe not. 

Joel messaged with you periodically for a few hours until Sarah and Tommy arrived home, he sent off a quick goodbye message and closed the computer for the night, choosing to think about everything later.

. . . . .

Sarah had picked a raspberry body mist set from Bath & Body Works and a CD case with the Powerpuff Girls on it for her friend.

Tommy came in with a bag from Spencer's.

"Please tell me you didn't take Sarah into Spencer's, Tommy." Joel rubbed his forehead.

"No, he made me wait in front of the store even though they were having a huge sale and I could've found something for Khloe in there." 

Sarah rolls her eyes at him, and Joel breathes a sigh of relief. "Alright, thank God." 

It isn't until Saturday morning that Joel can log on and message you again. Sarah slept in after her soccer game the previous night, and Joel would probably have the computer until at least 11 o'clock. 

'JoelMiller1973: Hey there, sorry I haven't had a chance to talk. Been busy with work.'

He wrings his fingers, he wants you to be online, he was looking forward to messaging you as often as possible now, imagining what your voice would sound like if he were really talking to you. 

After five minutes he decides to start the pancake batter for breakfast, to give himself something to do, but is all too happy to nearly slide on his socks back to the desk with the notification chimes that you had messaged back. 

'Just4girl77: Hi!!1 It's okay, I've been busy too. Maybe we could exchange phone numbers and call for real, that way you can reach me whenever you want?' 

'Just4girl77: (512) 555-4468'

Joel nearly jumps up out of his seat with excitement. He snatches the home phone off the wall and, probably too eagerly, keys in your number. 

He clears his throat as it rings, and then-

. . . . . . . . . .

The phone rang almost immediately upon sending you number to Joel. You popped up from your desk and grabbed the phone off its base on your dresser, yelling out to your roommate, "I've got it, Sadie!" 

Wait two rings, and, "Hello?" You try to sound normal but slightly more sensuous than you would any other time picking up the phone. 

"Hey there, um, this is Joel." 

Yum, his voice is deep and sort of gruff, from the picture on his profile, he was probably a DILF, and his voice certainly matched. 

"Hello, Joel, so what are you wearing?" you ask jokingly. 

A cough comes through the line, "uhum, huh?" 

"Oh, too, soon?"

He stutters over his words, "Well, I uh-"

"I'm just kidding, Joel." You wait a beat, "So what're you up to, today?"

He laughs into the phone, "Right, I knew. Well—right now I'm making pancakes, and later we're going to see that new movie Shrek at the mall." 

"Who's we? And why are you going to see a cartoon?" You laugh and he thinks he nearly passes out, it sounds so incredible. 

Joel heads for the front porch, stepping quietly through the living room so as not to wake Sarah up. "Well, this is why I'm glad to finally get to call you," he says, sitting down on the step and stretching his legs out in front of him. "This isn't really something to say through text."

You brace for the worst; he's married and wants this to be a secret, a load of drama you're definitely not up for right now. 

"I have a daughter. And I didn't tell you before because I wanted you to hear it from me so we could talk about it properly, face to face, er, well, you know what I mean."

"Sure Joel, I know what you mean, what's her name?" 

"It's Sarah. She's twelve, hence the cartoons and pancakes-" 

You chuckle into his ear, "That sounds fun, twelve is hard, I bet you're a great dad, though." 

Your admission makes his heart skip. You're sweet, really sweet, and apparently, not put off by his being a dad. 

"Thank you, that's nice-"

"I'm sorry, I hope that isn't weird to say, I'm embarrassed," you interject.

"No! No, it's not weird, it's really nice to hear, actually." He's fully smiling now, imagining your face behind the phone.

There's a beat of silence before you clear your throat, "So, the mall, huh? That sounds fun!" 

"Mhm, it's Sarah's friend's birthday, so they're going to celebrate. I was gonna watch the movie with them, but say, if you're not busy, we could pick you up on the way, and I could show you that Creed album we talked about." His boldness surprises him; there's a frog in his throat, and the hand on the back of his neck is clammy as he spits the question out. 

You sound surprised at his words, too, "Oh- Joel I-" 

For some reason, this is the first time he's really registering that you're saying his name, and damn, does it sound perfect coming off your lips. 

"Honestly, I'm a little nervous to meet anyone from online in real life, but you seem to be okay and I do have something to return. Maybe I could just meet you there? Which mall will you be at?" 

"I completely understand, I was just thinking that meeting people online is so new, I wonder how many people are fake on there . . . We'll be at the Barton Creek Mall around 2:30 this afternoon, if I can get the sleeping beauty up in time to do her hair."

You think you may swoon right now, jesus, that was attractive, "That sounds perfect, Joel, I'll see you there, by the Macy's okay?"

"Okay, b-bye." He hangs up and, in a move pulled directly from the 'I have a tween daughter' playbook, holds the phone against his chest and closes his eyes, letting a whisper-soft "Yes!" slip through his lips. 

. . . . .

When you arrive at the mall and find a parking space, you stop to check your appearance in the Macy's bathroom before going to look for Joel. You wear a black and white floral printed maxi skirt with a slit up the calf, a black tie-neck top, and black strappy platform sandals. A young girl enters the bathroom on your way out, and she eyes you up and down, ogling the tattoos on your arm. It's so cute; you love seeing kids' reactions to your tattoos; they can never hide their true feelings about them the way adults try to. 

As you go to make your way back to the entrance to look for Joel, you see him and are stopped in your tracks; he's leaning against a beam by the restrooms in a dark grey tee shirt with an open short-sleeved button-up over top, jeans, and sneakers. The outfit is simple but damn effective; you'd definitely take a second look if you were seeing him for the very first time with no context. 

"Uhm- Joel?" You call out, praying you were right in your assumption. He looks up from the floor and pulls his hands out of his pockets. There's a lack of recognition on his face until he suddenly lights up. His smile is gorgeous, and he walks towards where you wave at him and pull our bag up higher on your shoulder. 

"Hey, hi-" he greets you but isn't sure whether to shake your hand or hug you, so he just half waves. "Wow you look-" 

Beaming, incredible, sexy- 

"Great, you look great, too, Joel." You smile at him. "Why're you over here?" 

"Just waiting for Sarah in the bathroom— oh there she is now,"

You turn around to see the girl who was looking at your arm earlier. "Oh, hi there, Sarah," you introduce yourself. It's nice to meet you."

She smiles timidly and stands beside her dad, "Who're you?" 

"This is my friend, we met at, um at work. My work. She was at one of the jobsites." 

Sarah looks back and forth between the two of you. "Alright, dad. You're so weird. Let's go; I don't want to be late." 

You smile and nod at her, and Joel motions for you to walk beside him to take Sarah to the theater attached to the mall. 

After dropping her off with her friends and the birthday girl's mom, you turn to Joel and say, "So I guess this is like our first date, huh?" 

He stiffens a little, "I'm sorry, I should've planned something nicer-"

You shake your head, laughing, "That's not what I meant Joel, this is perfect, c'mon, show me to the record store." 

You pick up coffee on the way through the mall and end up inside the FYE by the CD section. You sift through until you find the No Doubt album you told Joel about, along with the newest Limp Bizkit album you didn't have. The conversation between you and Joel flows naturally, talking about work, how you're finishing school soon, life, and music, and each of your interests is seemingly complimentary to the others in some way. Your hand brushes Joels as you shift down the row to the 'C's' to find the Creed album. Electric shoots through your limb, and he smiles down at you. It's nice. 

After you checkout, you walk to Victoria's Secret, where you have to make a return. 

"You don't have to come in here, but my aunt seems to think I need fancy bras in the size I wore in high school, so I'm gonna return them real quick."

"It's okay, I'm not totally perverted," thoughts of the first time he found a porn video online flash behind his eyelids. Now that he thinks about it, a woman that looks a lot like you is wearing pretty lingerie like what was sold here. He swallows; just don't think about it. It's fine.

This was the first date; you were worth more than having Joel eye fuck you while you walked around the mall, but damn if he couldn't help himself. When you pulled out the red ribbony thing and plopped it on the counter with the receipt, he wanted to fall to his knees, imagining your breasts draped in the soft material, letting his lips follow the line of your belly down to the crux of your pretty legs. 

"Whaddu think Joel?" 

You were asking him something, shit. "Wha- what is it?" He smiles, feigning innocence. 

"Do you think I should just get a refund or get them in my size, this nice lady says they have it in my size."

The employee is turned to the back counter, refolding things when Joel leans to your ear. 

"In an effort to not sound like a horny guy on a first date, I'll tell you to just get a refund, but if you really want my opinion, I think it'd look mighty pretty on you, sweetheart." 

His voice so close to your ear melts you, and you meet his dark eyes up close for the first time, understanding why they say, 'you can get lost in them.'

"I think I'll take it in my size." You turn back to the woman, and Joel has to turn away to quickly adjust his pants.

Outside Victoria's Secret, you and Joel walk back towards the theater to wait for Sarah. You reach down and grab Joel's hand. He looks down at where you're joined and then to your face. You just smile at him and rub your thumb against the top of his knuckles. 

. . . . .

"How about a real date next time? We could do dinner?" Joel says as he opens your car door for you. "I can cook or we could go out? It's up to you."

"Well, I'm glad to hear there'll be a meeting next time, Mr. Miller. Today was really fun." You stand sandwiched between Joel and the car, hands holding your bag behind your back. You meet Joel's eyes again and watch his gaze drift down your face to your lips. When he looks back into your stare, you lean in and press your lips to his, tilting to slot against his sharp nose. Joel raises a big hand to cup your skull and deepen your kiss. The pull away is quick; then the fire is lit when Joel dives back in, hungrier against your mouth. He kisses you deeper now and peeks his tongue out to taste your lips where they meet, you hum into him, and he groans back to you, moving his other hand around your waist. 

When Joel pulls away he's breathless, your cheeks are heated, and his pupils are enlarged. "Sorry, got carried away-" You cut him off with another peck.

"It's okay. You're good at being in charge," You tease.

Joel breathes in, "I'm so glad Tommy put me on that website."

Sarah walks out the doors of the theater then, distractedly laughing with her friends still. Joel backs up from his close position to you. "So, I'll call you, kay? Next weekend, probably, for dinner." 

"Okay, Joel, sounds good. Drive safe!" You slip down into the driver's seat and pop your new Creed CD into the disc player.

That night, Joel came faster and harder during his shower than he had any time in his recent memory. He kept replaying pulling your hair from in front of your ear to whisper what he said and your little breaths while kissing you. Oh, the plans he had for you. Joel imagined draping you against his pillows on your side and pushing into you from behind, learning every little spot on your body that made you sing. He spilled over his knuckles at the memory of opening his eyes from kissing you and seeing you already looking up at him, eyes wide and hair ruffled from where his hand was in it. He covered his moan with a washcloth, knees going weak with the intensity of it. He was so fucked, but he couldn't have been more excited. 

[nerdyagere]

Trick or treat!! >:D 🎃🦇

I'd love to hear any and all thoughts you have on dunmeshi !! (Laios and Kabru specifically to narrow it down 🤺)

Happy 'ween !! ✨️

Hmm what to do, what to do... I think I'll give you a little bit of both! Get tricked but with a sweet treat to make up for it <3

(This is a bit of a mess I think but man I tried! I love these guys so much especially Kabru I need to pick him apart)

---

Kabru struggles to let himself regress, even before the end of the manga in his dungeon adventuring days he simply never found time and when he did, he was too embarrassed to let that childish fog he'd experience sometimes take over, plus he had spent enough of his life being babied he couldn't stand it anymore, didn't make his yearning to go back to the days when he was a child in his hometown go away, though

When he started working for Laios as his advisor, he had far less time at the beginning but it started to free up as they got everything together, that fog would always haunt the back of his head but be would never indulge, not until he's found breaking down hidden away in a small room Laios happened to walk by

The grief of his hometown being lost and destroyed to something they were able to prevent now, and even have a great kingdom blossom from it was too much, he wanted to go home, if this land could be saved why wasn't his? It's not fair

And now suddenly interrupted with Laios finding him tucked away in a corner crying? It was so overwhelming, he shoved his head further into his knees

What he didn't expect next was the man to sit next to him, wrap an arm around his shoulder, and simply stay there quietly, no words, just his presence (not that he had any words, he was secretly panicking inside, what does he do?? He could just sit there?? Hug him?? Will that help??)

Kabru leaned into the touch, it felt so warm, a lot more comforting than what he was used to, closing himself away after leaving his adoptive mother, her touches always felt so condescending, so cold

When he had finally calmed down, he peeked his head up to look at the other, who took a minute to notice before looking down with his soft eyes and gentle smile

---

After this "embarrassing" incident, Kabru had avoided talking about what occurred for weeks, until he and Laios were left alone in silence for just a minute too long, giving chance for the blonde to suddenly blurt out about it

Kabru reluctantly explained what had happened, he felt he owed it to the other, even going to explain the "fog" he experienced and his yearning to return back to that kid he was in Utaya, to grow up as that kid in Utaya, all those experiences he missed

He didn't expect for Laios to suddenly interrupt saying he and Falin had similar sorts of experiences, that want to be a kid again in specific

From then on, Laios would gently push the other to take some time to relax, to let that fog envelope his mind and do anything he could to remind him of home, going as far as to ask Senshi to create some dishes from Kabru's home, looking into the history of the land and seeing what common games the kids would play, inviting Kabru to join along

He couldn't go home but that didn't mean everything he once had was lost, he could still use those bits and pieces of his past to heal

[canyouhearthelight]

Nihilus Rex, Ch. 28: Deal with the Devil

Writing this chapter was... interesting to say the least. Creating such a disgusting character with @baelpenrose was both more and less of a challenge than expected. But hey, Bael got to brush off his knowledge from his troll hunting days, so that came in handy.

Guy still gives me the creeps, though.

I don't need no arms around me

And I dont need no drugs to calm me.

I have seen the writing on the wall.

Don't think I need anything at all.

No! Don't think I'll need anything at all.

All in all it was all just bricks in the wall.

All in all you were all just bricks in the wall.

Pink Floyd, “Another Brick in the Wall, Part III”

Lash

A couple days later, after Nils and I had agreed to take some space and get some social ‘fresh air’, I was in my parents’ apartment, listening to Baba snore gently when my phone buzzed.  Nils’ name popped up on the screen, which wasn’t unusual since we did check in each day.  I ignored it for the moment, deciding to clean the one or two dishes from Baba’s lunch.  However, no sooner had the water started to heat up in the sink than my phone started buzzing more urgently.

I sighed, dried my hands, and answered. “This is new. You never call.” 

“Neither do funny AIs, but times are changing.” Nils’ voice contained the self-satisfied tones of a man delivering an inside joke. “I think we really might want to check our place of business to work on the breakthrough.” 

“Exciting times,” I murmured, trying not to wake Baba in my shock. Our little pestilential question mark had already made contact. “Let me leave a note for Baba.  Mori should be home in about an hour, but I don’t want him to wake up and panic if I’m not here.  Or, you know… do something stupid in a fit of toxic masculinity.”

“No worries. We have a little time before the meeting with the investors.” Nils’ voice was quiet, and he sounded for all the world like an insufferable young man going into a tech startup with his girlfriend. “Let’s sell it, babe.” 

He disconnected, and I took a deep breath.  First, finish these dishes or I’ll never hear the end of it from Mori, I decided.  Mama was still in the hospital due to a respiratory infection - nothing major, the doctors swore, but they wanted to keep a close eye on it to be safe.  Less than fifteen minutes later, I had a note left by Baba’s bed and was out the door.

Getting to the abandoned mall was a journey in and of itself, both as a consequence of public transport and because I took a few unnecessary routes out of sheer paranoia.  I finally got there, and Nils was waiting for me with a surprise.

“Bishop!” I gasped in excitement, trying not to scream.  The gruff-looking older man took the bag out of my left hand and hugged me with his free arm.  “Hey, Baklava.  Good to see that face in one piece.”

“He’s been briefed, and he’s spent the last several hours helping us set up the VPNs - far as our mark knows, we’re not in the same country. He’s here to monitor the connection and make sure the fucker doesn’t start tracing us through it as we talk.” Nils spoke, quickly. “You play yourself but more grandiose, I have to play the asshole as we sound him out, but if he’s wise to the game, we drop the act a bit and try for more subtlety, and we can play a little more open and hook him in. Stay noncommittal and keep our cards close to the chest no matter what - Bishop and I already physically debugged the place, but if there’s digital bugs we didn’t get or coming from his end, we can’t give them anything that’ll hold up as a confession. When in doubt, look at Bishop, or glance to me, I’ve been reading my mother’s legal shit nonstop for days now.” 

Anxiety immediately spiked through me. This was happening. I nodded. “Okay, got it.  Let me drop off some of this food, and we can get on it.”

Bishop made a mockery of a fake pout. “You mean this isn’t all for me?”

I glanced at the huge bag of food he had, and the one in my other hand. “Sure. I am completely certain you can eat twenty pounds of food. Especially since it’s mostly veggies and carbs.”

That made him do an about face. “My plumbing thanks you for the warning.”

The guys helped me drop off food to the storefronts where people were most likely to camp out, and we made our way to the breakroom in the old Sears.  I flopped on the same beanbag I used last time with a puff of dust and started unpacking my laptop.  “Let’s get me through all the VPNs, and I’ll be ready to go.”

Nils and Bishop helped me get set up, with Bishop exaggeratedly and pointedly looking away at Nils’ whispered apologies to me for his snipiness, and him holding out a hand for me to take.

We had just barely finished getting my audio set up when Nils looked at me. “We got this, Lash.” 

“We got this,” I agreed, adjusting my mic. “Time to turn ‘on’ our online mad hacker personas.”

He walked over to his computer and hooked in his audio. As I saw his signal, it was the familiar black chess king icon, but the “ANothing49BC” was gone. Beneath the icon was the screenname “Nihilus Rex.” 

I looked at him, quizzically, and said, “New handle?”

“Same old, really. Just a bit more gravitas. If I’m gonna be the king of this shitshow, I have to remind everyone I’m still King of Nothing.” His voice sounded manic, nervous, but with an underlying tension to it.

“Nihilus Rex.” It did have more gravitas than his original handle, and it suited him better, if I was being completely honest.

Then the call started. 

The pfp I was looking at contrasted both with my highly stylized Phoenix and Nils’ Black King - it was a skull with a dagger spiked through it, vertically. Underneath, the handle - MostDangerousPlayer. 

Didn’t that say lovely things about the person we were going to be meeting with. 

No one spoke. No one spoke, and I was half convinced there was some sick white people power play going on. 

Then Nils finally spoke, and I was absolutely certain. “Hello, you asked for a meeting to discuss certain…collaborative opportunities?” His voice was light, easy.

“I have questions about your work with the banks.” The voice on the other end was calm, flat. It almost sounded fake, and I was inclined to think it was.

“That’s interesting. We have questions about any potential partner - our work with banks is a bit sensitive. Clients worried about confidentiality for obvious reasons.” Nils was obviously playing multiple angles - if this was a fed, it would look like Nils was being careful to avoid being fished, as we’d discussed, but if this was for real this would look like an abundance of caution. I heartily approved, especially in light of my previous gaffe with the FBI agent.

“Alright. Then can we talk about roles within the…organization, I’m looking at? I feel that that should be safe enough to discuss, without violating client confidentiality. And I’d like to hear both of you speak.” The voice on the other end seemed bemused - and like it understood what was happening. What we were concerned about. 

Nils glanced to me and mouthed, “give just a little.” 

I put on my customer-service voice, pitched down slightly. “Apologies. I am dealing with some delays in the audio, but I am here.” That should be safe enough.  If anything, it would emphasize the theoretical distance between us. “What roles were you most interested in?”

“Oh, I think I would be interested in determining if your enterprise is real. If it is, I have…interests, in the field of corporate discipline. Helping targets get met, helping logistics be organized, all that.” He emphasized the word discipline ever so slightly, with stress on the wrong syllables to give no mystery as to what it meant. He’d already twigged we were playing, that the Disciples weren’t entirely real, but that he was offering to help make them a real thing.  “But I think you misunderstand my question - what roles do you two play?” 

I turned to Nils with wide eyes, just in time to catch Bishop shaking his head at his screen. Not a good sign, and Nils clearly caught it as his expression darkened.

Then he carried on, undeterred. “I’d say that the phoenix is…unorthodox, one might say, but something of a diversity coordinator and invaluable to our efforts, and that I am more or less the corporate executive. Thus far everyone pitches in on the technological side - there is also a chief of system security.” Nils’ voice at the end took on a mocking edge. 

The guy at the other end of the call chuckled. “Ah, that’s the way of it. This seems like a project built on a dream. And unless I’m missing my guess - you’ve already had some results.” 

“One could say that.” 

I chose that moment to speak up a little. “You seem to have at least some idea of our…goals.  It only seems fair to ask a bit about your background.”

“Did human intelligence for the military for a while, got out back in 2013, realized that for all the military promises to teach you marketable skills the two skills they taught me that’re more marketable than anything else in this day and age aren’t something I can put on a resume. You guys’ marketing campaign for new talent said you were looking for security, cyber and physical, and I can do both. You want smart, I already proved I can run you down and crack the codes you came up with that were cyphered across a bunch of different communities and worldviews. You guys seem smart and capable, and willing to work from a bunch of angles, and I want to get in on the ground floor of something like that, rather than getting caught with a bunch of useless eunuchs stuck in an echo chamber.” 

I gave Nils a skeptical look. To my knowledge, our ‘campaign’ hadn’t said anything about physical security - we had Nils’ fucknuckle minions for that.  But the level of crazy this guy was giving made it clear we definitely needed him on our side rather than against us.

“Our campaign didn’t say anything about physical security, but I don’t have complaints about your application.” Nils said, slowly. “That was clever. Question, though: what echo chamber did you leave to find us? And why did you leave them? Be honest.” 

“I appreciate the question, actually. So, I was stuck with a bunch of white supremacist dipshits for a while. I kinda got the “white power” thing, but they were wrong about the reasons - white people didn’t rule the world because we’re better, we ruled the world because we conquered it and that’s how power works. When they started talking about white genocide or great replacement I started losing my goddamn mind that I was putting up with them. If they really thought they were better, they should have relished the chance to prove it by competing rather than try to use the government to crack down, and if they couldn’t do that, then obviously whites aren’t the master race and it's our turn to be subjugated. Natural selection, rules of nature. Essentialists are idiots.”

My eyes got wide again. Oh, he’s crazy crazy. I looked at Bishop again, and he looked just as concerned as I was.  Nils, on the other hand, looked like this is exactly what he had expected.  Which, again, tracked.

“I won’t pretend that isn’t deeply concerning to me. I have a question: if our aim is partially to prove that the ‘rules of nature' don't apply along racial lines, but along different axes entirely, do you see yourself objecting?” 

“I’m open to not supporting or disputing your theory until I see it in action. And I’m open to helping convince the idiots who aren’t good for anything else to do what you tell them if you’re correct.” 

I muted my mic and gestured for Nils to do the same.  When he nodded to confirm, I was still barely above a whisper when I spoke. “This is really feeling too easy,” I wondered. “For someone who has spent weeks undermining us and trying to get your army out from under you, he’s caving entirely too fast.”

“He did fail to get my army out from under me,” Nils mused. “Think about his offer. He wants to be the lieutenant that helps coordinate my army for us, and at least for right now, our interests and his genuinely align. Throw the government into chaos, right? Let the world return to ‘rules of nature - predator vs. prey, social darwinist, not…actual rules of nature’ - and see who wins. But he’s spent the last several weeks getting dribbled by me in those spaces because I’m smarter than he is overall. But give him that access…what’s to stop him from taking his orders until our interests diverge and he can take the army we handed him and Order 66 us?” 

I held up one finger and unmuted my microphone. “What are you willing to offer as a gesture of good faith that we can believe you?” I muted myself again and shrugged at Nils while Bishop stifled a laugh. “Worth a shot.”

“The current screen name attached is my more used handle - trace it back and you’ll find more about me. Well within your skills from what I’ve seen. I also have cold evidence of something you’re very interested in. I’ll send you a sealed file in a drop if you provide a place for me to drop it. If you find it interesting, you know where to message me.”

Nils paused, muted his mic, and looked at the trace for the screenname. “Wow. This is…not well sealed.” Then he unmuted. “I want it perfectly clear that you cannot begin to imagine the level of hate I will rain on your motherboard for the rest of time if I open a malware packet.” 

“I would still scrub whatever you find like it has STDs,” I murmured.

Nils gave the code for a blank webdrive we had access to. Then a file was dropped in. Contained in that closed file was a zipped video of a molotov attack on a cafe with two semi familiar individuals and one stranger  cursing at each other to run. The cameraman’s arm was visible, with a very familiar swastika tattoo.

“Opinions?” Nils voice was quiet. 

“Christ…” I swore, rubbing my face. “That’s… Scary, but definitely a show of good faith.  Were there any strings?”

Bishop stood and started pacing and cursing under his breath. “There’s a fourth one.”

“That is neither here nor there,” I forced out, as much as it was killing something inside me.  “Was there anything attached to the file? Tracker, virus, anything suspicious?”

“No,” Bishop replied, slowly. “It was clean. For what it’s worth, this guy is interested in joining up.”

“I’ll be honest, he gives me two heebs and a jeeb, but it’s pretty clear Bishop’s right,” I admitted. “Nils?”

“If we can use him, and he’s not trying to fuck us over, we can make do, yeah.” his response was terse. 

Bishop took his seat again, combing his beard with his fingers. “Then it’s unanimous. Reluctant, but unanimous.  But I do plan on keeping tabs on this guy with as much time as I possibly can carve out, just so the two of you know.”

Nils nodded, so I unmuted my mic. “Package received and reviewed. Thank you for that.  Everything looks good on this end.  I think we can do business together, pending a second review.  I’m sure you understand.”

[can-of-pringles]

What are your OCs' usual daily routines? Do they have any routines they hate to do? How do they feel when they end up skipping a routine (by accident, time constraints, missing resources, etc.)?

I feel like a lot of this will be repetitive but I'll try my best

Arline Lanes:

Gets woken up early by Viktor.

Viktor comes back after five minutes to make sure she's actually getting up.

Gets dressed, brushes her teeth, and does her hair.

Eats breakfast with Viktor.

Walks to school with Viktor and gets dropped off.

Does school.

Gets picked up from school by Viktor, who is sometimes a bit late.

Does homework and then likes to help Viktor with his projects (Viktor has to approve what she can do to help, he doesn't let her do everything for safety reasons)

Has supper and winds down for the evening. I feel like Viktor would try to play at least some cards or board games with her sometimes. Or she'll make up games to play by herself. She's good at keeping herself entertained.

Gets clean and brushes her teeth.

Asks Viktor to read her a bedtime story before she goes to bed.

(This is on average, though of course not all days are the same)

I feel like she'd hate doing chores. (Viktor doesn't make her do much, just things like keeping her room tidy and making her bed in the morning)

She doesn't like missing routines but tries not to let it get to her that much because she's used to Viktor's schedules being all over the place.

Dannie Karim (and Murphy Mason):

Wakes up from an alarm and makes sure Murphy wakes up too.

They both get dressed, brush their teeth, and take care of their hair. Dannie puts some lotion on.

They both eat breakfast and then go to work.

During their lunch break, they both will go out on a little lunch date.

After work, they might go out with their friends, or if they want more quiet time, they'll spend the evening at home.

Dannie might put on a show or movie and ask Murphy if she wants the descriptive audio on or not (it depends if Murphy is actually interested or not) or sometimes Dannie will just occasionally describe what's happening to her if she asks.

They both take showers and get ready for bed.

I feel like Dannie hates doing dishes and laundry but tries not to complain too much.

It throws Dannie off their game if their routines get messed up. Dannie usually prefers a more organized routine compared to Murphy which sometimes causes a bit of conflict.

Willow Tree:

Wakes up extra early and hates it. Gets dressed and all of that. Grabs a granola bar before heading off to the stables.

Makes sure all the horses she's in charge of get their breakfast.

Does any barn cleaning that needs to be done (ex: sweeping, cleaning tack, mucking out stalls)

Decides which horses to train for the day and works on their personalized training routines for most of the day.

After that might teach a few lessons.

Runs a few errands for some people.

Gets every horse where they need to be for the night.

Might do a quick sweep of the barn again.

Gets the stables ready for nighttime.

Leaves and goes home.

Takes a long shower to wash off the horse and barn grime. Maybe eat some leftovers for supper and look at social media, maybe watch a show.

Goes to bed.

Hates a lot of the dull chores but does them anyway since it's their job.

She'd probably feel anxious if a routine got messed up. Everything is supposed to be running 100% and she doesn't need something to happen to get in the way of that.

Silas Petersson:

Wakes up early.

Gets dressed -> brushes teeth and hair -> makes sure he looks fine before eating a quick breakfast -> takes Blizzard for a morning walk -> tells Hanna he's going to work.

Goes to work and does all the major morning jobs, briefly chatting with Copia whenever he sees him, when he reaches his lunch break they go and eat lunch together and hang out for a bit.

Silas returns to his work, mostly finishing up from where he last left off.

Tells Copia goodnight before leaving.

Goes home and thanks Hanna for taking Blizzard out in the middle of the day. Feeds Blizzard and takes him out for an evening walk.

Eats supper and takes a shower. Watches something on TV while cuddling with his dog, or sometimes spending time with Hanna.

Takes Blizzard out one more time before bed before he goes to bed himself.

He tries not to hate any of his chores because it's a calming routine for him. He'd be upset if his routine got thrown off. The exception would be if more Copia time was happening.

Arith:

Wakes up.

Brushes his teeth and fixes his hair, puts on some lotion.

Makes coffee and eats breakfast.

Gets dressed.

Puts on makeup if he feels like it.

Does stuff for work if there's a deadline or he can't put it off longer.

Goes to hang out with Iriel basically all day.

Eventually goes home and takes a shower and then bubble bath after to soak.

Eats supper if he didn't eat out earlier with Iriel.

Watches TV or looks online.

Talks to Iriel for a bit before bed.

The biggest thing he hates to do is his job. There are some things he likes to do but isn't too upset if his routine doesn't work out because he's used to it.

[photiniainsummer]

Yo my dude! I noticed you haven’t been writing lately and I’m hoping everything is okay ❤️

hey!!! that is very kind of you to check up on me so i hope you don't mind if i make this a Public Reply tm

i am actually super good but insanely busy!! i graduated and started my big girl job in japan just over a year ago and am still figuring out how to balance work and fun life, and writing requires just. so much brain energy man. most of the time i come home after work and have enough to make dinner and do dishes and play some vidya games before crashing out and doing it all again the next day

i'm also pretty tapped on markiplier fic/lore since space. i haven't really felt inspired or. i guess interested? in a while. feeling a little jerked around with the lore teases and not totally sure what i wanted to do next with my big fic made my interest really fizzle out - and a lot of my writing energy that i can muster up is getting poured into doing a DnD campaign with some friends! which honestly sucks because i really enjoy alapctts and the intrigue for what i built on my own of it, and i hate to let it moulder (which it unfortunately has)

i guess it's the adhd curse, losing the flame for a fandom as much as you love it just through the attrition of time, but that's kinda where i'm at. really into baldur's gate and DnD/fantasy stuff plus also. man, ghost (the band) has had me by the absolute throat. i might actually have some little ficlets or even a long-form idea for that but it almost feels like cheating - i went from one man playing a bunch of characters to another one lmfao do i have a type - and i hate to leave stuff unfinished before moving on

anyway!! sorry for a bit of a dump, but it's been hard to pull the trigger and realize i'm not super into ego stuff like i was and am unsure if i'll be continuing. maybe in the future! or maybe i'll come back and jonah and the reader can have some resolution one day <3

[elvenking42]

you should answer ALL of those asks in the post

Oh my god ok HAHA get ready for a wall of text then

1. who is/are your comfort character(s)?

If you've been following me long enough you start to see trends. I've always liked Luigi so he's probably the most popular character on this blog. Ganondorf is quickly climbing the ranks somehow.

2. lighter or matches?

Lighter for function, matches for fun :D

3. do you leave the window open at night?

I've tried it in some summer months but all it does is leave the air cold and wet when I wake up, I'm not super into it. But the nighttime breeze is lovely

4. which cryptyd being do you believe in?

I wouldn't be surprised if I came across the Nain Rouge. Although I'd be a little nervous considering he's a harbinger of bad luck

5. what color are your eyes?

A sort of greyish-blue

6. why did you do that?

I thought it was funny :3c

7. hair-ties or scrunchies?

Hair-ties by a mile. Sorry to scrunchie fans

8. how many water bottles are in your room right now?

There's like three empty water glasses on my desk right now I really should clear them out

9. which do you prefer, hot coffee or cold coffee?

Hot coffee for sure. Cold coffee blends are fine, but half the time I drink coffee at all is for the warmth

10. would you slaughter the rich?

I could probably use a hand

11. favorite extracurricular activity?

Drawing :3c I've been having a lot of fun doing some video editing in my personal time too hehe.

12. what kind of day is it?

Honestly it's been pretty awful. I couldn't sleep last night so I ended up sleeping in super late and missed the chance to call my doctor's office and schedule an appointment like I was planning. I got a letter in the mail summoning me for jury duty and had a little anxiety attack about it. And then later I tried to take out some cash at the bank and my card got declined. At this point I'm just hunkering down at my desk trying to get myself to relax

13. when was the last time you ate?

I had some chips like an hour ago.

14. do you love the smell of earth after it rains?

Of course! But my favorite part of rain is the air pressure right before a storm

15. are you a parent? (all answers qualify)

Nah, that doesn't interest me

16. can you drive?

No, ironically this was part of the anxiety attack mentioned previously

17. are you farsighted or nearsighted?

Nearsighted

18. what hair products do you use?

I use a really standard shampoo and conditioner. But I use a special wash for my beard specifically

19. imagine we’re at a sleepover, would you paint my nails?

Yeah! I'm not great at it but I'll try my best

20. do you say soda or pop?

Pop, this is Michigan!

21. something you’ve kept since childhood?

I answered this one previously :D

22. what type of person are you?

I'm trying to get better

23. how do you feel about chilly weather?

I like it! I can tell winter is around the corner and I'm very excited to bundle up. Unfortunately it's also getting dry and my skin is terrible

24. if we were together on a rooftop, what would we be doing?

I'm not too sure how we got up there, I hope you brought a blanket, it's cold out!

25. perfume/body spray or lotion?

Lotion! But perfume every once in awhile

26. a scenario that you’ve replayed multiple times?

Some point in the future when I'm living on my own and I've got a stable job and a comfortable home and I can invite my friends over for parties where we all bring a dish and spend the evening playing party games and talking about the nice things in our lives and when everyone leaves for the night I can send them all home with some snacks and a hug. Manifesting it.

27. about how many hours of sleep did you get?

I got 7 hours last night, unfortunately that was between 10am and 5pm so it was godawful

28. do you wear a mask?

Yea! I still wear a mask out in public. I only remove it if I'm eating or in private company with people. It's a little frighting that I'm always in the minority though

29.how do you like your shower water?

Scalding

30. is there dishes in your room?

See number 8

31. what type of music keeps you grounded?

I always return back to oldies when I don't know where else to go. I like familiar lyrics and retro melodies

32. do you have a favorite towel?

Not really

33. the last adventure you’ve been on?

I went to a Dia de los Muertos event last night being hosted by a restaurant I frequent. It was actually super fun, they had love music and vendors selling things. I actually ran into an old coworker while I was there and got to catch up with him. I kept ordering spiked hot coffee because it was outdoors and the drinks were yummy but unfortunately 3 coffees worth of caffeine made it hard to fall asleep

34. is there a song you know every word to by heart?

This one

35. what’s your timezone?

EST

36. how many times have you changed your url?

Actually never

37. someone in your life, other than a relative, you’ve known for 10+ years?

Some of my buddies from highschool. I love them dearly 💕

38. a soap bar that smells good?

Go for a Lavender/mint blend

39. do you use lip balm?

Not as much as I should

40. did you have any snacks today?

Had some goldfish

41. how do you take your coffee?

With creamer

42. an app you frequently use besides this godforsaken site?

Twitter unfortunately.

43.what’s your take on spicy foods?

I like it! Im a little sensitive tho so I take it on the mild side

44. you get a free pass to kill anyone, who is it?

Elon musk is a dead man

45 . can you remember what happened yesterday?

See 33

46. favorite holiday film?

Scrooged is so rewatchable for me

47. what was the last message you sent?

"I know what you are..."

48. when did you first try an alcohol beverage?

I think my mom let me sip her wine when I was like 8. I didn't like it very much so I didn't try drinking until I was 20

49. can you skip rocks?

Sometimes!

50. can i tag you in random stuff?

Sure!

[willowpenguinwritting]

Day 1--Heartbeat-- Alec/Ellie

Mentions of sex

It was an ordinary day in the Broadchurch police station. Alec and Ellie had worked hard and did their jobs as usual. It was when they arrived home that things became a bit less ordinary. As usual on their way from the station together they collected Fred from school and were told about Fred's day by his teacher, both of them were supposed to be told but most of the time Fred would leap into Alec and cling in a hug like manner onto Alec's legs and then beg him to go and play for a bit. Ellie had to admit she still wasn't used to watching the man she once knew to be nothing but grumpy to be playing so happily with her son. Well, technically their son now.

After a bit more talking Ellie would go through her routine of searching the school's playground for Fred and Alec. More or less of the time Fred and Alec were hiding behind a tree to scare her. Usually the same tree at that but Ellie kept her act of having no idea where they were going to please her joyful son. Once Alec and Fred had been found the trio began to walk home, Fred enjoyed walking with the three of them spread out across the whole footpath and holding hands with both his mum and Alec. Often however Fred would let go of their hands and run ahead and Alec and Ellie would subconsciously walk closer to one another before they would take hold of each other's hands. By the time they had caught up to Fred and entered the house, they would start work on making dinner.

After a while of making dinner of spaghetti,, Tom would usually return from school and then they would eat dinner. Throughout dinner, they would discuss their days.

"In Biology we were learning about the heart and average heartbeats and it was interesting to see the difference between a resting heart rate and a through-exercise heart rate," Tom told them all.

Alec nodded before asking, "Did you learn anything about pacemaker heartbeats?" he always wanted to keep conversations with Tom going especially as Alec wasn't his first dad.

"No, we didn't, we got homework in English which is an essay to explain what love is," Tom said looking half agitated.

Ellie smiled, "Well we can help you with that if you like."

"Mum, I can't just write the words my mum and dad on the piece of paper I have to write at least two pages," Tom complained slightly not realising he hadn't called Alec as Alec but Dad.

His mum's face changed to an unreadable expression, "When you say mum and dad who do you mean?"

"My mum and my dad, shitface and his whisperer." Tom declared shrugging it off like it was not a big deal.

Alec laughed with joy of what Tom said but tried not to let it show to much, "We really shouldn't have told you about that."

Fred let out a giggle which in its contagious nature caused the dinner table to burst into hysterics, Ellie had to stand up and leave the room so she could stop choking on her pasta. This was how their family was the only person missing was Daisy who was going to be coming for the weekend. After the laughter died down Ellie decided it was time for pudding which was just simply some fruit but they still all ate it happily. Alec didn't have any way of knowing but his eating made Ellie oh so very happy.

After the pudding was finished Fred was sent upstairs to get ready for bed whilst Tom was to tidy away the dishes. Alec followed Fred upstairs to ensure he was actually getting ready for bed and Ellie used this as a chance to talk to Tom.

"I'll wash you dry?" Tom suggested handing his mum a teatowel Ellie nodded she could tell that Tom knew she wanted to talk.

After a while of washing and drying Ellie started the conversation "You called Alec, Dad?"

"Well he loves you and us and if he isn't, my dad then who is, who else comes to all my football games to cheer me on and still buys me ice cream when we lose, who else tries to help me learn new skateboard tricks despite not knowing a thing about them, who else loves my mum so much?"Tom asked as if he had his answer scripted in front of him. "The amount of people who have called him my dad just makes me realise that he is my dad."

Ellie smiled, "I'm glad you are happy with him as your father figure."

"Well if I wasn't something would have to be very wrong with me, I'm glad you too found each other even if it was in the worst way possible he makes you happy and you make him happy, and as you have said before him happy was hard to believe until you started being officially together," Tom said as he began plotting asking his mum something.

Ellie laughed slightly at his face, "What is that face about?"

"I have a question.... when did you first have sex?" Tom said.

His mum flushed pink "Well I think we were both in desperate need of sex but then a few things clicked in my head, like how I had dreams about him and then he surprised me by just randomly kissing me one day and then we discussed things like how we were in love with each other and then we had sex that very night."

"Wow, properly romantic. Did you never notice Dad often went on walks? after you had spent a long time together to according to him clear his head?" Tom asked about to be revealing something Alec had said to him before his mum was dating him.

Ellie looked confused, "Ummm no?"

"Well you requested he give me some manly education before you were together, and the topic of erections came up and he was trying to convince me they sometimes just happened and other times they can occur around people you are sexually attracted to, then he proceeded to tell me that there are ways to get rid of them especially when they just happen. Dad then proceeded to tell me how he sometimes had some very awkward ones after spending long days with you." Tom explained finding it slightly amusing.

Ellie's eyes widened "You are surprisingly mature for your age about all of this but I didn't know about any of this I am so pestering him about this later."

"If you want to become a detective you need to be mature about things." Tom answered before disapearing upstairs before his mum could add anything else.

Once Alec returend back downstairs the first thing he saw was Ellie's smug face "Oh I know that face what have you learnt now."

"Apparently someone has been telling one of my sons about erections," Ellie revealed.

Alec mentally face palmed, "Oh, god I thought I should educate him before one happened and he didn't know what to do."

"Well, apparently Hardy was very hard at times around me for no reason at all." Ellie giggled

Alec sighed "I now know the reason, Oh El it's too early to go to bed and do anything Tom is still awake."

"We can go to bed early and just relax for a bit and then once we are sure he is asleep we can do as we wish as long as we do it quietly," Ellie suggested raising her eyebrows in a perhaps supposed to be seductive manner.

The pair headed upstairs and got ready for bed and then put on a crime show for them to discuss in a whisper until they saw Tom's light go out. Once Tom's light was out it began. It was like any other time. They stopped as they began to tire and remember they had to actually go to work tomorrow. Ellie found herself lying naked on top of Alec, Ellie had her ear pressed to his chest and smiled "I can feel your heartbeat, it's good to know I make your heart race."

"Do you want me to turn the light out?" Alec asked.

Ellie smiled "Yes, please. Can I stay lying here?"

"Of course you can my queen." Alec smiled back.

Ellie sighed "You said you would stop comparing me to Elizabeth the Second in The Crown."

"I didn't even realise I was," Alec told her.

Ellie giggled "Goodnight my king."

"Goodnight my queen," Alec answered placing a kiss on Ellie's forehead whilst doing so.

The pair awoke the next morning in the same position to Ellie's alarm of the Looney Tunes theme tune.

[crimmson]

hi I hate hormonal fluctuates do y'all wanna know the absolutely unhinged runaway train of thought that upset me so fucking much the last couple of days very suddenly and for no discernable reason??

so a while ago I also had a mini meltdown about how frustrated I was that my whole life is pretty much stuffed into my childhood bedroom. I am a grown-ass 32 year old adult, and this like 10x10 room is effectively my bedroom, dining room, gaming room, hobby room, etc. I was getting annoyed and trying to rearrange my desk to optimize the space and couldn't and started like frustrated half-crying with a bunch of half disassembled shit on the floor around me.

my dad very graciously talked with me and was like why don't you move some of your stuff into [my mom's old home office/unused exercise room/misc storage room] and that has become my Computer/Game room. and that has certainly helped the last couple of months.

HOWEVER, a couple of days ago I was already just on edge for unidentifiable reasons and my dad has been prepping some stuff because we're getting windows replaced this week. so he was hammering and drilling and stuff, and even with the door shut and my headphones on I could still hear it, and for whatever reason that was just Enough. i already wasn't fully in a gaming mood so I just quit my game and I started just angry-straightening-up my desk and laundry and shit and getting snippy so he was very understandably like "what in the fuck"

THIS led to me getting annoyed again that I just don't have the fine, granular control over various house stuff that I'd like to have. and general lack of ~privacy in my own home~ kind of shit. like I feel weird walking from the bathroom to my room in my underwear after I take a shower but I don't wanna bring the towel with me because then I'll have to go back and hang it up. just stupid little shit like that. and the fact that he will bitch at me about his brother coming up to ramble at him for 20 minutes about shit he doesn't care about, with the irony that he's doing the same fucking thing to me just sailing right over his head. but then I feel like an asshole for not having the patience anymore to play along. I wanna do my own shit but then I feel guilty.

or the fact that I'd love to have easy access to maintenance shit like thoroughly cleaning out the washing machine or the dishwasher filter. or doing my laundry on a schedule. but I can't really do that shit because I'd have to organize around other people in the house. and some small stupid shit like my dad and uncle leaving their dishes in the sink for days at a time if not a couple of weeks, whereas I put my shit straight into the dishwasher. or leaving wrappers on the counter instead of putting them straight into the garbage.

but at the same time I have no real right to complain, because there's plenty of shit I leave around because the moment I put something down and walk away, there's a 50/50 chance I will forget it's there. so it's like. kind of an asshole move for me to get prickly about things when I do similar shit.

then THAT led to me being like... he's already compromised for me before, and compromises go both ways, and I know this. so why am I still so annoyed. so NOW I'm annoyed that I'm annoyed.

(also at some point the annoyance of 'why on earth does he even need the larger master bedroom at this point when he effectively just uses it for sleeping and he has the whole living room' floated through my mind but it's also insane to switch up bedrooms at this point)

but then THAT led to "oh my god, if I'm ultimately always going to be unhappy with compromise and demand more then the problem is me, and nobody should ever live with me because I will drive them up a fucking wall, which means nobody should ever like-like me (because mentally I'm 12 and love is a scary word)"

which THEN led to "oh my god am I doomed to always inevitably become unhappy with every situation because everything I've done that I thought would magically fix my problems has not, eventually the relief fades and there's always something that seems to creep up"

and then THAT turned into "oh jesus christ i can't even afford to live on my own if I want to because it's too expensive here but I hate the idea of moving and learning how to do a new job and I LIKE my job despite my bitching and I'm comfortable with it, I just dont know how tf anyone is supposed to actually survive in this expensive fucking area when rent is like 60% of my monthly income so im LUCKY to live rent free with my dad. so I need to just deal with it for now. because no matter what I'm trapped and I just need to make peace with that."

AND THEN I SLEPT FOR LIKE 10 HOURS TWO DAYS IN A ROW AND IM MOSTLY BETTER NOW SO WHAT THE FUCK

[noparg]

Here, I'll copypaste my original review. Just so you get an idea of how much I enjoyed this game: It got me out of a massive burnout when I was completely done with reviews (and putting up with my editor)

I'mma be honest. This review doesn't do it justice. This game gave me pure joy. It was incredibly fun to play. It made me buy the collector's edition. Me, the cheapskate who'd rather wait years to buy games he loves at 75% off.

Story

Dungeon Munchies’ story is surprisingly good. While not especially deep or a literary masterpiece, it is a pretty fun take on a post-apocalypse filled with eldritch horrors, talking plants and cooking ghosts. Mostly going for a tongue-in-cheek humorous tone, most of the jokes land pretty well thanks to the visual humor and straight deliveries that don’t disrupt the flow of the actual plot.

Said plot mainly involves the player, a recently resurrected zombie, as he helps the ghostly chef Simmer escape the dungeon they’re all living in by using stargates built before the demise of humanity. However, while attempting to locate and power on the remaining gate, a biohazard entity manages to escape containment, forcing the player to find and destroy it before it thwarts the plan.

Graphics

The game’s graphics consist of both pixelart during gameplay and static images a-la visual novel for dialogues and cutscenes. Both of the styles are consistently high quality, with the cutscene sprites being particularly praiseworthy for their ability to convey physical humor. The only letdown in the game comes with its areas, which despite featuring varied and plentiful environments, tend to be a bit repetitive or rather run too long while only using a handful of assets.

Sound

Dungeon Munchies’ sound design is the most questionable part of the game. Although it seemingly features a full soundtrack, the tendency the music has to stop playing and never come back makes it rather hard to notice. Besides this, there is no voice acting and, while sufficient, the SFX are nothing to write home about.

Gameplay

Dungeon Munchie’s is a linear hack-n’-slash game with some metroidvania mechanics, such as introducing movement options, double jumps and more. That said, those mechanics are only necessary for the areas they’re obtained in and those after, not the ones before. Instead of making players backtrack, any optional pickups can be obtained by exploring a bit. This, combined with the smooth controls and fun combat with ample room for different builds, makes the game a breeze to play.

The main gimmick of the game is that players will be able to create dishes with enemy parts. Said dishes will grant special abilities and bonuses to the player, such as mana regeneration, sword combos or simply more health. As the game progresses, more dishes and upgrades for the old ones are unlocked as new enemies are introduced. From these dishes, players will be able to select a handful to make their loadout, alongside a main and secondary weapon.

Said weapons also offer a wide variety of options, including straightforward swords, damage over time or even magical weapons that consume mana. Depending on how players form their loadout, incredibly powerful synergies can be formed. However, this does require unlocking all of the blueprints and recipes, tying neatly with the aforementioned exploration, which is always rewarded with a new tool. It should also be mentioned that in order to craft any recipe players will need “Insight”, obtained from exploring and killing enemies, although its plentiful nature makes being short on it rare.

Besides this, the game is relatively simple, players will be tasked with going through the linear areas while wiping out the enemies and surviving the platforming challenges. The game itself is not particularly hard thanks to the plentiful respawn points and the possibility of simply ignoring enemies and making a run for it. While this will leave the players missing some resources, it is offset by the also common fast travel points which make bracktracking for missed items or monster pieces rather comfortable.

 At the end of each story segment, players will also encounter bosses. These are not too common, with only a handful for the whole game. During bossfights, players will mainly have to whittle down the bosses until their health runs out (obviously), after which a bullet hell phase will start. Said phases last for as long as the timer that replaces the boss’ health lasts, although the time can be reduced by continuing to hit the enemy. However, that is easier said than done, since the bullet hell phase tends to be much harder than the rest of the fight.

Conclusion

 Dungeon Munchies is a rather enjoyable hack-n’-slash title with a fun story and entertaining gameplay. Although perhaps not as good as an indie darling or an AAA title, it is still a rather enjoyable experience. Sold for €16,79/$19,99/£15,49, the title is not particularly expensive and offers a decent enough amount of content to be worth it at around 8+ hours.

Personal Opinion

“I honestly had a lot of fun with Dungeon Munchies, the story is bonkers (in a good way) and would carry everything by itself. That said, it’s not like it needs to, since the gameplay itself is also pretty fun. Although some areas can run on for a bit too long, the build possibilities make blowing up enemies pretty fun. While I started with a sword and poison build and tried working around all the combo dishes, I ultimately ended with an absurdly broken build that let me spam the most powerful magic weapon at no cost while having regenerating health. That kind of freedom is always welcome and makes things more fun. There is not a moment where you go ‘Oh I’ll stick with this’ for too long until endgame, since the new weapons and dishes make you want to try stuff out.”

Hey.

Go play Dungeon Munchies

No, it's not related to Dungeon Meshi, but how fantastic is it that there are two pieces of media about eating monsters in a dungeon with the same initials and both are fantastic?

[lostinthewiind]

Piss Off Your Parents - Part 9

Ukai Keishin - Haikyuu

Synopsis: freshly turned 18, you want to prove to your parents that you aren’t a child for them to push around anymore. First, get a job at the local corner store. Second, use the store owner’s 26-year-old son with piercings and a cigarette addiction to piss your parents off. Third, accidentally fall in love.

Rating: PG13

Warnings: arguing, harsh language, swearing

Song → 18 by Anarbor

Previous → Part 8

Next → Part 10

The trek up the stairs from the store to the apartment felt like climbing a never-ending escalator that was going the wrong way. After the day you had had, you were both mentally and physically exhausted and ready to call it a night early.

Thankfully, as if you had finally hit a stroke of luck that day, Keishin had texted you saying that he would pick up dinner on the way home, saving you the exertion of having to leave the apartment again. So, with that information in mind, you kicked off your shoes for the day and fell unceremoniously onto the couch in the living room.

As you sat down, you heard the envelope in your back pocket crinkle and the sudden noise seemed to completely fill the otherwise silent apartment.

Ah yes, the envelope.

Pulling the decision to your future out of your back pocket, you stared at it for what felt like another hour or so. No matter how long you held the envelope in your hands, you couldn't force yourself to open it. You simply didn't want to.

At some point between when your mother had handed it to you and now, you had subconsciously decided that you wanted to choose your own path forward despite what the decision letter may or may not say.

Feeling strangely empowered and confident, you stood to your feet and ventured into the bedroom where you slipped the envelope into one of the drawers Keishin was letting you keep your clothes in and tucked it underneath one of your sweaters. Maybe one day you would open the damn thing when whatever was inside wasn't weighing so heavily on your mind and future, but today was not that day.

Just then, you heard the front door open and knew Keishin had arrived home. Closing the drawer, you plastered a smile across your face and exited the bedroom to greet your boyfriend.

"Welcome home, Dear," you giggled, trying your best to fake the part of a doting housewife. "How was the volleyball game?"

Keishin chuckled softly as you took the takeout bags from him. "It was a close game, but they pulled it together in the last set and won."

"Oh, good!" You placed the bags onto the table before retrieving some plates and chopsticks from the kitchen.

"How was your day?" he asked as he pressed a chaste kiss to your cheek.

You sighed as you thought back on your day. "It was okay," you answered, not really wanting to go into much more detail than that. You doubted Keishin wanted to hear about your minuscule problems with rude customers after the long day he had clearly had.

Keishin, however, picked up on your uncertainty right away. "Doesn't sound okay," he commented. "Want to talk about it?"

You shrugged. "Just some shitty customers. Seems I had forgotten how poorly low-level workers are treated sometimes . . . just threw me a little," you said. "I'll be fine. Just glad the day is over now."

"You and me both." He flashed a smile as he turned to head for the bedroom. "I'm just going to change quickly and then we'll eat."

"Sounds good." You started dishing out some of the food. "I was also thinking we could watch a movie tonight as well. I could use something to clear my mind."

"Sitting on the couch with a beer is an ideal evening in my book," you heard him respond faintly from the bedroom. "There's a new action movie that came out. I think it's about-"

You waited for Keishin to finish his sentence, but when he didn't, you cocked your head and looked toward the bedroom doorway. Before you had the chance to call out to him, he appeared in the doorway shirtless, eyebrows furrowed and the envelope from the university in his hand.

"W-why do you have that?" you asked, the look on his face upon discovering the letter making your heart drop. "That was in my drawer . . . why were you going through my things?"

"I was looking for my sweater, the one you always steal," he answered. "Y/N . . . what is this?"

Rounding the table and approaching Keishin, you snatched the envelope out of his hand. "That is one of the many reasons why my day today was so shitty."

As you turned to head for the kitchen to toss the envelope in the garbage and rid your life of it, Keishin followed you. "You didn't get in?" he inquired.

You shrugged. "I have no idea. I didn't open it."

As you moved to toss the letter into the trash, Keishin grabbed your wrist and stopped you. "Why are you throwing it out if you didn't open it yet?"

"Because I don't care what it says. I've decided that I'm going to stay here with you and work at the store. This is the life I want . . . the life I get to choose for myself."

"You should still open it," he reasoned. "You might change how you feel about it when you see the result."

"I don't want to change how I feel about it." You shook your head as you gently pried your wrist out of his grip. "No need to make things more difficult than they need to be. I've had enough difficulty for one lifetime, thank you very much. This decision is easy, and best of all, it makes me happy."

Gesturing to the envelope, Keishin sighed. "But this is what you wanted. When you told me about your dream to play soccer at the University of Tokyo, your face lit up. Why are giving up on your dream before you've even given yourself a chance to experience it?"

"Dreams can change, Keishin," you told him before sighing and deciding to humour him for a moment. "Okay, let's say I open this letter and somehow did get in. What then? I couldn't pay for that school in my wildest dreams; not without my parents' help. Sometimes dreams are just childish and unrealistic. So I found a new dream, one with us living here together."

"You could apply for student loans. Tons of people do." He folded his arms across his chest. "I don't think this is about the money or your parents. I think this is about us. You've gotten comfortable here."

Throwing your hands up into the air in exasperation, you huffed. "And so what if I have? Is that really so bad?"

"I just don't want you to throw away an opportunity like this over me."

"Over you?" you cocked a brow. "Because you're, what, trash? Not worth it? A lowlife? A burnout?"

Keishin bit at his bottom lip. "You know what's not what I meant."

Inhaling deeply, you glared down at the god-forsaken envelope in your hand and began to tear at the top. "Let's not fight about something that probably isn't even going to happen." You pulled the letter out and unfolded it, your eyes scanning the text quickly. "The University of Tokyo is notoriously difficult to get into and I-"

Keishin quirked a brow when you stopped mid-sentence. "What does it say?"

A broken laugh was the only thing you could manage as you lowered the letter and shook your head. "Un-fucking-believable." You handed the paper over to Keishin, the edge crumpled from where your grip had tightened when you read the decision.

Keishin looked at the page for all of two seconds before he found the bolded 'Congratulations' and a huge grin spread across his face. "You got in!" He was way more excited than you were about this. "This is good news. You can play soccer at the University of Tokyo. Come on, you can't tell me this doesn't make you at least a little happy."

"I wish it did," you answered honestly. "I wish it were that easy."

"It is! It can be." Keishin set the letter down on the counter and took your hands in his. "Student loans, part-time jobs, it's all possible. Sure, it might be a little tricky to work out, but it's totally possible."

When you didn't respond, Keishin hooked his fingers under your chin and tilted your head up to look at him. "Accept the spot at the university. Follow your dream," he told you.

". . . but I'll have to leave you." You felt the words catch in your throat and tried your hardest not to start crying. "You make me happy—you're the first thing that's made me genuinely happy in a long time—and I don't want to leave that for a chance at something that might not even work out."

"But what if it does work out? You don't know that it won't," he said softly. "Don't end up like me, looking back at your past and wondering what might have been if you had just chosen a different path. I know this might seem good enough for now, but how will you feel after ten or twenty years of working the same dead-end job for the same shit pay all while getting treated like shit by people who look down on you? Look at how one day of catering to pretentious assholes made you feel. Do you really want to live the rest of your life like that?"

"But what about you?" you asked, your voice shaky.

Keishin dropped his head, a few stray strands of hair falling into his face. Unlike that morning, when he had been asleep with loose hairs in his face, he looked annoyed and frustrated now. The bags under his eyes and tension lines on his forehead were a stark contrast to the soft, peaceful face you had woken up to that morning.

"Don't throw this away over me," he repeated. "Don't throw your future away over a 26-year-old burnout."

Lip quivering, you sucked in a deep breath. "I thought you were different . . . but you're just like everyone else."

Keishin eyed you. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You said I should make my own decisions and live my life how I wanted but it was all a facade." You slipped your hand out of his and took a step back. "In the end, you're just like everyone else . . . you think you have a right to plan my future for me without giving me a say in the matter. You want to tell me how to live my life just like my parents."

"How could you say that?" Keishin almost snapped but managed to collect his anger before he did. "All I want is what's best for you."

You scoffed as you wiped a tear from your cheek. "If I had a penny for every time I've heard that I'd have enough money to pay for the University of Tokyo and then you'd get your damn wish . . . I'd be gone."

"When did I ever say I wanted you gone? Why are you so adamant that going to Tokyo means we can't be together?"

"Why are you so against just letting me make my own decision about this?! Why do I have to go to play soccer at that fucking university and leave you? I don't want to leave you!"

"Why not? Why are you so damn hung up on someone like me?!"

"Because I love you!" The two of you froze in place the second those words left your mouth. Chest heaving from the shouting and high emotions, you snapped your mouth shut before you said anything else in the heat of the moment.

Eyes wide, Keishin stared at you like a deer in headlights. "You what?"

You debated whether or not you should repeat what you had said, but by then, the damage had been done. "I love you," you breathed. "And I know you told me not to fall in love with you . . . but I did. I fell hard and fast and now I'm stuck in you and I cannot possibly leave you so please stop asking me to."

You waited for what felt like an eternity for Keishin to say something, say anything. He opened his mouth a few times like he was about to, but nothing ever came out.

"Keishin . . ." You took a cautious step forward. "Please say something."

Keishin swallowed hard before looking you directly in the eyes. "If I said I didn't love you back, would you go?"

You felt your heart crack and the sensation of being punched in the gut spread throughout your entire body. "Is that what you're saying? You don't love me?"

"If I didn't, would you leave?"

You inhaled sharply. "If you look me in the eyes right now and tell me that you don't feel the same way that I do; that everything over the past few months has meant nothing to you, there would be no possible way I could stay in Miyagi," you answered truthfully. "If you tell me that you don't love me and that you never have, I would have no reason to stay in this prefecture."

Keishin's lips parted once more. "Y/N . . . I-" His brown eyes locked onto yours and you could feel what he was about to say even though he never did. "I . . . I can't do this right now."

With that, he brushed past you, grabbed a sweater from the bedroom and threw it on before storming out of the apartment, leaving you and the now cold takeout food alone.

Tears in your eyes and a lump in your throat, you turned to look over your shoulder at the decision letter sitting on the counter, practically taunting you.

You should have thrown the thing out the second your mom dropped it off. Or better yet, maybe you should have never made that deal with Keishin and applied for the university in the first place.

[rilakiwii]

- cute dates with nct

part2; nct dream version

(this is a second part to this post which contains nct127 members; I decided to include Mark and Haechan in this post too despite them being in the last one!)

- - - - ——— jeno

꒰ long biking trip

꒰ you two would pack lots of snacks but mainly drinks! after all, staying hydrated is super important while biking

꒰ you'd also prepare spotify playlist together just for this occasion and listen to it during the trip

꒰ the route you took was also thought of before with lots of beautiful views

꒰ although Jeno would argue you were the most beautiful one...

꒰ ANYWAY, your calm trip was interrupted by rock that 'attacked' you and made you fall off your your bike

꒰ your scrapped knee almost gave Jeno a heart attack; he immediately told you to sit somewhere safe while he quickly found a store and bought cute band aids

꒰ 'okay, so which one would you like more? the one with dinosaurs or the one with hello kitty?'

'both are okay with me if you kiss it better after'

'oh... sure hah'

꒰ despite the small accident, you finished the trip with big smiles and hot cheeks

- - - - ——— chenle

꒰ discovering street food together

꒰ having light breakfast so you'll have lots of appetite later

꒰ definitely holding hands for 'safety reasons' but let's be honest, you guys just wanted to do that

꒰ I feel like he'd be good at getting discounts/bonuses from sellers

꒰ he's just so cute; all he need is to show his puppy eyes once and everyone is swooing over him (you included!)

꒰ 'is it spicy?'

'I tried it and I don't think so honestly, it's not that spicy'

'...oh my, it's super spicy!'

'I'm sorry! here, have a drink!'

꒰ you two also take notes in your head to try and later remake the dishes

꒰ taking some takeout as well to leave for later/give to your friends

꒰ you two would also have a little map with your favorite food stalls marked

- - - - ——— mark

꒰ chill, beach day

꒰ getting big and soft blanket to sit on; it probably has a cute print too

꒰ also, our man would never judge you in a swimsuit; he would do quite the contrary, extremely hype you up whatever you choose to wear

꒰ you'd have timer set up to make sure you always have good amount of sunscreen

꒰ he'd buy you as much ice cream as you'd like (and other snacks too)

꒰ having fights in water as if your life depends on it

꒰ sand castle competition is a must!

꒰ 'come on, my castle has a moat!'

'so what? mine has bascule bridge'

'are you kidding me? the bridge isn't even moving'

'I'm still working on it...'

꒰ the prize is... a kiss- which is basically a reward for both of you!

- - - - ——— jaemin

꒰ spa day at home

꒰ suddenly, your home changes into an oasis of calmness and relaxation

꒰ you can definitely expect a nice bath with roses to chill out in (or just a sweet bouquet of roses if you don't like long baths)

꒰ you'd try homemade face masks but end up messing something up-

꒰ so in the end, you'd use sheet masks with adorable animal print on it

꒰ 'I want the cat one!'

'oh no, I wanted this one...'

'mhh okay, I'll take the bunny one then'

꒰ he'd also get you some cucumber slices for your eyes

꒰ snacking on tasty strawberries while waiting to take off face masks

꒰ he'd probably give you awesome massage later too

- - - - ——— haechan

꒰ board/card game night

꒰ the competitive genes in you both would 100% wake up that night

꒰ chaotic play fights are normal for you two while playing

꒰ 'don't even try to take that spot-'

'ha, too late, this one is mine now!'

'you little, mean fox!'

'uuu are you going to cry?'

'I'm going to kick your ass in the next round!'

꒰ no one wants to play Monopoly with you anymore; y'all are too good! (or way too competitive...)

꒰ the moment cards get pulled up, you two instantly change into professional players

꒰ lowkey gambling but instead of money, you two gamble kisses-

꒰ so despite all the fighting, it ends up sweet

꒰ and you both always know when it's 'too much', never going overboard and saying sorry as soon as someone's get really upset

- - - - ——— renjun

꒰ grocery shopping together

꒰ making a list before the little trip

꒰ he'd probably let you ride in the cart and push you around the store

꒰ playing 'rock, paper, scissors' everytime you can't decide on a flavor/a variant of something

꒰ 'oh my, I want the cereal box with Cinnamoroll on it!'

'Chococat is so much cuter though'

'whaaat? let's play and whoever wins gets to pick the box'

'I'll definitely win so yeah, sure!'

꒰ spending way too long in the fruit aisle picking perfect ones

꒰ you'd take cute photos of tv's with live feed of security cameras (the ones that sometimes are next to the entrance/exit)

꒰ you'd probably use coupons if possible; I mean, who doesn't like to save some money here and there?

꒰ he'd have a perfect and 'rehearsed' of packing (drinks first, then boxes, veggies at the top etc.)

- - - - ——— jisung

꒰ apple-picking date (or pumpkin-picking, or cherry-picking, basically whatever you like)

꒰ having at least two photo sessions (one at the start and one during golden hour)

꒰ 'sneaking' in a bottle of warm tea/coffee in case it gets colder outside; you'd probably have a small blanket there too

꒰ taking small breaks and snacking on the fruits you picked

꒰ also, if it gets cold, you two would hug while being surrounded by your blanket

꒰ Jisung would be super scared whenever you'd climb the ladder

꒰ 'are you sure you want to do this?'

'hey, I'm careful! also, if you are that worried, you can hold the ladder and make sure it's secure'

'...okay, I promise to keep you safe'

꒰ after coming back home, you two would bake a tasty cake with everything you picked up earlier

꒰ it's even tastier after all the hard work you both did!

lots of love, rosie ♡

[komori--shoma]

Shoma Umi Komori.

🦢

(I'm sorry if my english is shitty-)

❛A sad soul can kill faster than bacteria.❜

—𝐽𝑜𝒉𝑛 𝑆𝑡𝑒𝑖𝑛𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑘

⟅☙⟆ Universe ⟅☙⟆

Diabolik Lovers. I plan, however, to take her out of the universe and make her a character of her own. Or maybe I'll just drop it and do both. Who knows?

⟅☙⟆ Full Name ⟅☙⟆

Shoma Umi Komori.

"Shoma" is a Japanese name that means "Woman who seeks the truth, who is not conformist at all."  Her second name, "Umi", is also a Japanese name that means "ocean".

⟅☙⟆ Kanji ⟅☙⟆

シ ョ マ

⟅☙⟆ Nickname ⟅☙⟆

Despite being initially confused by these, as she was not used to it, she was given the nickname "Engel" (which means "Angel" in German) by a family quite close to her.  The nickname was given by the mother and head of the family, since in the eyes of that woman, Shoma is an angel.

Seiji, who was the adoptive father of the girl, called the young woman "Astertea", which is quite a "peculiar" name in the bible.

Yui, with whom she is no longer in contact with Shoma, used to call her "Sho" or "Shomi" affectionately.

⟅☙⟆ Age ⟅☙⟆

She is eighteen years old, although she looks a bit younger.

⟅☙⟆ Gender ⟅☙⟆

Feminine.

⟅☙⟆ Sexual Orientation ⟅☙⟆

She doesn't know yet. Doesn't really bothers her to know.

⟅☙⟆ Height ⟅☙⟆

160 cm.

⟅☙⟆ Weight ⟅☙⟆

She used to weigh 35 kg., But now she is a proud 64.5 kg.

⟅☙⟆ Blood type ⟅☙⟆

OR-

⟅☙⟆ Status ⟅☙⟆

Alive.

⟅☙⟆ Race ⟅☙⟆

Human

⟅☙⟆ Birthday ⟅☙⟆

June 20th.

⟅☙⟆ Sign ⟅☙⟆

Gemini.

⟅☙⟆ Favorite Color ⟅☙⟆

Light blue and night blue.

⟅☙⟆ Appearance ⟅☙⟆

There is a great before and after in her appearance, and even though she is not shown in her story (at the end of the card), there was the occasional change in her future.

The girl has oculocutaneous albinism, so her skin and hair are snow-white.  Her hair, due to a small "situation", was long, straight and lifeless.  Her hair almost touched her waist, and she basically managed to cover her view.  She is now a cute short hairstyle down to the nape of hers, wavy and neat.

Her skin is very pale and fragile, although now she is somewhat better, before she was simply rough and damaged.  She has several deep burns and scars on this one as well.

The young woman, despite not having very good eyesight, has beautiful eyes of a light blue color, somewhat grayish.

She has a mark on her right leg in the shape of a fox with several stars on it.  It's a pretty special symbol, but she keeps it covered most of the time.

She usually did not wear clothes other than bandages to cover herself, although she still finds old clothes to wear, even though she was a little too big.  Now, she got used to wearing light clothes that cover most of her body;  like jeans, leggings, or long dresses with something underneath.  She doesn't really like to wear short or see-through clothes.

⟅☙⟆ Personality ⟅☙⟆

Many think that she simply doesn't have any kind of emotion. Shoma never shows any kind of expression in public, she is shown with her face up and with a look so cold that she makes it true to her appearance. The young woman is too serious, and depending on the person, it is very difficult to get her out of her typical attitude.

Sho is an elegant little girl, and full of grace despite all her troubles. She will never be friendly enough in front of someone (again, it depends on the person), but she will also not feel uncomfortable or unwelcome unless that is the goal of the little one. Shoma knows that she is able to erase someone from the earth fas if she wishes, but she doesn't abuse that thought, you just have to be careful not to make her angry or touch her too much.  It could be a big mistake.

Still, well ...

She is always alert, so it is very easy for her to get nervous or anxious most of the time.

She can also happen that she cannot do something right (she finds it very difficult to concentrate / think on several occasions, as well as sometimes she finds it difficult to understand what happens around her, etc).  Still, it is something that doesn't happen as much as before, after leaving the aforementioned situation in which she found herself.

She is easily frustrated, and this happens when she recognizes that she has trouble thinking.  It's very easy for her to cry or tear up in frustration (she doesn't do it in public, she refuses to do it, but that only makes it worse).  Also, her coping strategy is simply not talking about her emotions and keeping a straight face all the time.

Still, and even though she very reluctantly accepted help, Sho is willing to change and improve (even if she has to go through hell first).  She has shown to be too cunning for her age and to behave as if she were an adult, and even though she is slowly trying to behave according to her age, she is very difficult for her as well.

Anyway, Shoma can also be a girl who listens to others and is willing to do it regardless of the situation, and she is always there to be a shoulder on which one can cry.  She also tends to have fun when she feels calm around her, being one of the few moments when she feels and acts like a young little girl.

⟅☙⟆ Relatives ⟅☙⟆

⟣ Seiji Komori: Adoptive father.  Currently dead.

⟣ Yui Komori: Adoptive sister.  Currently alive.

⟅☙⟆ Favorite Food ⟅☙⟆

She doesn't have a single specific favorite food, but she definitely likes sweet and simple foods, like grated applesauce and banana, or a fruit salad.

⟅☙⟆ Hoobies ⟅☙⟆

⟣ Shoma likes to make paintings with her hands.  She serves to entertain him and clear her mind.

⟣ She also likes to make crowns with different types of flowers, even some bracelets and necklaces.

⟣ She has a certain fascination for mathematics and literature, so it is normal to see her do either of the two when she is bored.  The problem is when she has a hard time doing a difficult exercise.

⟣ She Likes to play decorating and decision-making video games. She likes to decorate and combine, so it is normal for her as a hobby to do the odd combination in video games, or in a room.

⟣ It may not count as a hobby, but Shoma loves to watch an episode of a series that she likes or a movie many times to imitate the lines, as if it were some kind of dubbing attempt.

⟅☙⟆ Occupation ⟅☙⟆

None, she doesn't consider herself a student, even if she studies at home.

⟅☙⟆ Relationships ⟅☙⟆

⟣ Seiji Komori, adoptive father.

She did not have a good relationship with him no matter how hard she tried at the time.  It was too obvious the favoritism that he had with Yui, and how she always stayed in the shadow of the blonde.  Despite trying to be like Yui, he could never have any kind of acceptance with her father.

⟣ Yui Komori, adoptive sister.

He adored her with her soul. Yui was Shoma's heroine, and she always tried to follow her example despite her unruly attitude as a child.  The elder Komori was Shoma's world, and he simply wanted to be with her all the time.

Things have changed now. She can't even look at her. The disgust and hatred that he has for that now young woman is simply immense. And believe it when I say she tries; she tries too hard to forget so many things that caused this feeling, but she just can't.

⟣ Yvonne Beauchene, the right hand.

Shoma's only trusted person alongside her family.  Yvonne was Shoma's guardian from the day he arrived at the church, although she had some problems because of it, and that is the reason why she had to leave, but surely nothing bad could happen, right?

⟅☙⟆ Likes ⟅☙⟆

⟣ Despite not having tasted it in recent years, she liked (and still remembers the taste of it, so she still likes) Yvonne's orange tarts a lot.  She used to do them when Seiji was not at home for her, Yui and Shoma.

⟣ She loves music, especially the one that doesn't have any type of letter and is only a beautiful and hypnotizing melody. Her favorite, and also Yvonne's, is "The Vampire Masquerade", which is the melody which Yvonne met her husband.

⟣ Regarding the above, she usually daydreams many times with music in the background and she likes that (because the real world sucks and it is her only way out of the stress and anxiety that she feels most of the time). She sometimes even draws or paints those scenarios that are formed in her head.

⟣ As said before, she likes to play decorating and decision-making video games.  Also, despite having the face of wanting some horror games (these make her heart race and sometimes she has panic attacks), she prefers Animal Crossing by a lot.

⟣ Loves snakes (which are not poisonous), cats and dogs.  Snakes are very good company, and cats and dogs are responsible for keeping her calm.

⟅☙⟆ Dislikes ⟅☙⟆

⟣ Despite having been seen surviving based on it, she does not like meat very much.  Of course, she can bear it, she even likes some (very few) meat dishes !, but there are certain types of meat that remind him too much of ... well, her own meat.

⟣ Obviously, she can't stand going to churches or things related to religion.  She gets too anxious and nervous.

⟣ Her body and mind literally rejects any kind of physical affection if she doesn't know the person very well or doesn't trust them. It's no surprise, considering her personality.  Very few people are lucky enough to even put a hand on her shoulder and not get hurt (Shoma doesn't do it on purpose).

⟅☙⟆ Fears and Phobias ⟅☙⟆

⟣ Somniphobia: fear of sleeping.

Oneirophobia, somniphobia, clinophobia or hypnophobia is an irrational and excessive fear of the act of sleeping.  People who suffer from it enter a state of panic caused by the fear that while they are sleeping something terrible will happen to them, such as the possibility of stopping breathing or that they will never wake up, even knowing that there is no threat, but  they stay awake, presenting insomnia.  Some people who have this phobia associate going to bed with death.

In some cases, panic is unleashed by the belief that the dreams that will be had when sleeping are actually delusions and these will favor falling into a state of permanent madness.  This type of phobia generates a great deal of stress and significant physical and mental deterioration, so it is not uncommon for many people to end up suffering from hallucinations, a fact that further aggravates this type of phobia: fear of sleeping.

Shoma cannot sleep because various things used to happen during these.  She remembers well once a nun (then she disappeared without a trace) entered her room and hanged her, almost killing her if it weren't for Yui screaming for help.

⟣ Theophobia: fear of religion.

Theophobia is the fear or aversion to religion or the gods, and being more common among people who are raised in an environment of iron religiosity.  Theophobia can express itself as fear, aversion, anger, or other negative emotion towards religious practices.  In some cases, the theophobic representation can categorize the deity as an arbitrary totalitarian dictator or, conversely, as unworthy of worship.

It is common among people who suffer from theophobia to avoid religious texts, houses of worship (churches, mosques, synagogues ...) and even the parishioners of a religion.

The young woman lived in a church for years and was not treated as "a daughter of God", but as "an aberration of satan" by her father and certain nuns.  She causes him so much fear that, if there really is a god, she has abandoned her for "not being worthy".  Many things together caused this irrational fear of religion in general.

⟣ Hafephobia: fear of being touched.

Hafephobia is a specific phobic disorder (unlike agoraphobia or social phobia) that causes great suffering in the person who suffers from it.

It is an irrational fear of great intensity that manifests itself when the individual suffering from the phobia comes into physical contact with other people and is touched.  It produces a series of cognitive, physiological or behavioral responses, among which extreme anxiety and the attempt to avoid the feared stimulus to reduce the unpleasant sensation stand out.

Shoma, of course, is working on this and for now she's doing very well, but if she's some stranger, she isn't going to allow herself to be touched or touched by another individual. She is so afraid that every touch will turn into a blow or something to harm her.

⟣ Atazagoraphobia: fear of forgetting.

Atazagoraphobia is the excessive fear of forgetting, which includes both the fear of forgetting and the fear of being forgotten or replaced by others.  Despite the fact that it is a common sensation, atazagoraphobia has been little described in scientific language.  In fact, it has been more pointed out by philosophers and writers who speak of atazagoraphobia as the fear of eternal anonymity.

Shoma was literally forgotten or ignored from a young age, and she doesn't want to go through it again. She doesn't want to feel so cold again that she can't breathe properly or move. She can't, she doesn't want to...

⟅☙⟆ Headcannon Voice ⟅☙⟆

Mia Rodríguez.

⟅☙⟆ Skills ⟅☙⟆

⟣ She is impressively good with knives and razors.  She usually uses them for cooking.

⟣ Literally she can imitate many voices, even male ones.  She uses it to make jokes or for some plan (to get some dessert) that she has in mind.

⟣ She is becoming more and more independent, and that is why she is getting very good at cooking.  She even manages to focus on that rather than other things.

⟅☙⟆ Extra ⟅☙⟆

⟣ She has undiagnosed “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder”.

⟣ She tends to bite her arm or bite her nails if she is very anxious.

⟣ It is difficult for her to accept some changes in her life, but she manages to adapt step by step.

⟣ She likes to play with Yvonne's family, August, her husband, being Shoma's favorite.

⟣ She is considerably innocent of the world around her, but at the same time, she isn't.  She is aware that the world revolves around that filthy green paper, and she is very clever with it.  She knows that her "condition" and her situation may be a weak point, but it is for that reason that she is also careful who she hangs out with.

⟅☙⟆ History ⟅☙⟆

Shoma arrived at the doors of the Komori family church on May 22, 2001, with only a note that said "My name is Shoma, Mom and Dad can no longer take care of me," just three weeks after I was born. She was greeted by one of the local sisters, a favorite of the owner and leader of that church, Seiji Komori. The latter named was not on that cold night, with the snow falling slowly in that beautiful place, so the same sister took care of the girl in his absence.

A girl with blond hair and pink eyes like the petals of a cherry tree approached said sister, curious by the cries that began to be heard.  Seeing her up close, and seeing that beautiful celestial gaze, the seven-year-old girl took the girl in her arms (with the permission of her sister), and did not leave her during that night until the next day. It was no surprise to the sister that her crying stopped as soon as the young Komori began to gently cradle her in her arms.

Still, from the moment Seiji arrived, he knew that something was wrong with the girl, that she was "not human", and that he probably knew whose "gift" it was.  Shoma was unwelcome, and he couldn't show her that in public, not with Yui close to her. Also, the plan deviated. No, he isn't supposed to have two daughters, and she is supposed to be just one more orphan, but the young blonde girl already called her "Shoma Umi Komori", and that could be ... Something dangerous for him.  Obviously, the orders for Shoma to come to his office were not long in coming as soon as he was two years old.

What Shoma saw in her supposed father's room was sealed in her mind, and nothing else. Every time Shoma was called to her father's office, her heart raced because she knew something bad was going to happen.  Every time that happened it was because she Shoma found out more and more that she was going to happen to every sixteen, maybe seventeen-year-old on certain dates. It was because Shoma knew too much about her, and if he couldn't make her forget everything she had seen, then she would silence her to her grave.  Every time Shoma gained courage and told Yui, she was scolded for inventing such things, and she would see her father again for "breaking her promise" to him.

The only one who managed to believe her is the same sister who received her the day Shoma arrived there, although that same sister would get a serious face everytime Sho told her that, she never had to see her father when she told Yvonne.

But, one day, Seiji went a bit far with the punishments, and let the fury just blind him, even if he didn't even regret it afterwards.  Seeing Shoma talk to someone... Important, once this man left the church it just infuriated him. That man's smile when he stopped talking to her and saw him in the eye was not good news at all.  That night, everyone heard the screams of a three-year-old girl resound throughout the establishment, and she was found in the middle of the hall with a desperate Seiji, saying that she had been playing with a poker and that she tripped, with it smacking part of her face.

Shoma began to startle every time someone moved near her, every time someone placed her hand on some part of her body, or when they called her, or when they approached her. She didn't separate from Yui or the sister she trusted so much, and even though it started to be annoying for Yui as she grew older, there were very few times when she was really rude to Shoma due to the fatigue of having her on her back every day three seconds, but they just didn't help Shoma with her fear of being alone, either with Seiji, or with certain nuns. The sister who had her trust steadfastly refused to leave her alone if she wasn't with Yui, although it was only because she slipped out of sight once.

Things escalated to the worse on December 12, 2006, at exactly a quarter past two in the morning.  It was precisely an exhausting day for the girl, because the nun who was taking care of her and her sister had to leave due to family problems, or so they told her.

The albino-haired girl couldn't sleep due to some nightmares, even though she had become very habitual.  The young woman began to hear murmurs and footsteps outside the room that she shared with Yui, and she could make out her father's voice.  She could make out her desperate tone from her ... And, strangely, anger.

Carefully, she got out of her bed without making any noise, but following a little voice in her head, she took the camera that belonged to the blonde that was a gift from her only trusted caregiver, and opened  slowly the door.  Her father had locked himself in her office, and she could hear someone else's voice.  On tiptoe, he approached the door ajar, and looked behind it.  Tears welled up in her eyes as she saw the body of one of the older girls on the ground, tied up and with blood pouring from her head.  That memory is somewhat blurry, but it remembers very well various parts of the conversation between her father and a man with long hair.  She took photos, and to her surprise, they did not have flash, and the photos came out perfectly ... That woman had many strange objects.

Once she finished, she turned, intending to leave, but one of the nuns spotted her, yelling to warn Seiji. Shoma wasted no time running and closing in on her sister's room, which she was awakened by her scream. Shoma told her everything quickly, leaving the photos to hide them, and the little girl didn't hesitate long to jump out the window (it was not the first time that she did that out of boredom), and she ran away from there.  Still, the nun had gone ahead, and it wasn't long to be just a few steps away from her with her father's poker, part of them burning. 

She remembers her sister with hatred seeing it all in horror and just standing there with the camera in her hands, shaking, to simply turn and turn her back on him.

In the blink of an eye, she was dragged by her hair by her "father" and other nuns, and before she had a chance to run away, the girl was thrown into the basement, away from other people, away from Yui, away from  everyone.  She tried to get out, scream, but no one ever came.

Nobody, nobody at all...

And here ends her story.  The young woman, thanks to her curiosity, sealed her fate.  She was destined to die in that place, even if she didn't want that, alone and starving, not knowing if Yui or someone would remember her...

But they say that there is always someone who takes care of us somewhere, right?  Even if she has no hope... Maybe there really is someone, even without her knowing it.

[rs-elane-blogsandfictions]

BTS SCENARIOS/REACTIONS/ONE-SHOTS

Jungkook's One-Shot

Topic: His ex comes back to your lives when you two married and tries to get him back by creating problems inbetween you two...

Genre: Angst/Smut/Fluff

Warnings: Smutty, Angsty Contents ahead...

Rating: 18+ along with angst and drama

The following first few chapters would be though fluff and a little smut...

Part 1/Chapter 1

A/N's POV

You and Jungkook have been married for 5 years now! You were living an incredibly happy life with your love and tomorrow was your 6th Marriage Anniversary!! You were very excited about it and here you were in the kitchen, swinging around to the music while preparing lunch... You drifted back to some golden memories of yours and Jungkook's!

You were still not graduates when you two fell deeply in love and decided to get married, your family was against the relationship cause neither of you had jobs... And you were already broken without any hopes, but Jungkook still stayed strong and kept the idea of running away and marrying... He was ready to leave his family, and everyone just for you, just so that he could be with you, the person whom he cherished with all his heart and was so sensitive about ❤️

Thus, just after giving the final examinations, you two ran away together without a letter, message or anything behind, to start a new life! Your elder brother along with Jungkook's friends supported you a lot with this relationship! It was a small marriage with just your brother and his friends... The priest said the vows and the lovely speech he gave on your marriage... It was the first time he was the cause for your tears and that too tears of happiness! ✨

Then that kiss!! You still couldn't get over the feeling of his soft, plumb lips on yours pressed against tightly and moulded perfectly into each other... He was the only one who could make you feel that happy and protected! You just love this guy! And now after the lovely, dramatic marriage you two got a house to live in with the help of your brother and his friends! Seeing Jungkook and yours capability, both got jobs and earned a living together from a small one bathroom-kitchen-and-bedroom to a five storey luxurious apartment!

He didn't like the idea of you overworking yourself when he was there and thus he got you leave your job and enjoy your life at home and you just didn't argue cause you know it wasn't that he did it cause it hurt his pride but cause he cared for u and wanted to give you the best living he could give! And being a housewife didn't feel boring or like a jail when it was being Mrs Jeon! Everyday cooking for him and trying out different dishes just to impress him even though you know he'd like anything as long as it was made by u! Then standing at the door and waiting for the most handsome guy yet alive on earth!

And as he comes back, first see that bunny smile that lit on his face just for u and only u! Rest it never appeared for anyone apart his family and friends... Family that is long lost now... But neither of u regretted your decision to leave your family behind just to be with each other!! ❤️ After the smile your mischievous bunny lifting u up in his arms and pressing you against the wall just to talk dirty though which always ended in giggles from both your mouths and a sweet kiss before letting u down if it wasn't that he was turned on...

For child well... You can't become a mother... Both of you were really sad to know that, specially u as you felt guilty to be not able to give Jungkook a child... A little one of himself or you... It was a really depressing period of life for u but Jungkook seemed to be more stronger and mature than u on this topic and believed that he no longer needed anything if he got you and after knowing this assurance from his mouth, you felt better and better day by day until u forgot about all those regrets and moved on that depressing period!

As you were engrossed in your memories, the bell rang taking u out of your thoughts and u ran towards the door knowing who could it be at this time of the day! You opened the door just to meet the boxy smile you were expecting to meet, a handsome friend of your husband standing at the door with two cakes in his hand! One was for tonight's 12:00am night party and other one for tomorrow's evening celebration... "Hi Taehyung-ssi! Thanks a lot for bringing the cakes! If it weren't u, I wouldn't have been able to execute this surprise party out!", you said thanking the still smiling boy standing on the doorway before inviting him in...

You and his six friends, Taehyung, Jimin, Namjoon, Hoseok, Yoongi and Jin had decided to surprise your lovely husband with a barbeque party in your big yard at sharp 12:00am and ofcourse along with all the other stuff, cake was required for some delicious desert apart from all the grilled dishes you were going to have... Taehyung was incharge for the cake and it was done! Jimin and Yoongi were incharge for barbeque stand, tables and chairs and tents as you were going to sleep in your yard that night playing games and enjoying yourselves!! Rest of the boys were incharge for the food and you were to make sure that it is a secret until midnight to Jungkook! Jin was going to be the chef tonight!! It wasn't that you didn't cook great but this guy! Damn! His cooking skills were better than your mom's!!

Taehyung helped you keep the cake in the spare fridge where Jungkook never gave a glance... And now you called the others to update yourself with the status till now... Everything was done... The chairs and all were set! Food was bought which included chicken, salmon and other meats! Spices for marination and some leaves and veggies for garnishing the dishes... Afterall Jin left the plates with perfection! Though this time we didn't have any plates, instead sticks for the barbeque but Jin is Jin and you don't have any problem as long as food is made by him!

You cooked the lunch for all the six boys and yourself, Jungkook wasn't coming home until late evening so no worries till then... After eating your lunch which was Kimchi Cheese Bokumbap (Kimchi Cheese Fried rice), all the tired boys threw themselves on your big couch while you giggled seeing the tired men... It looked like a mother smiling at their son who just came from playground all tired and worn out...

It was past 8 pm at night and you knew Jungkook must be on his way to the apartment, thus all the boys hid themselves in your spare room, again a place being where Jungkook almost rarely went and which was half the time empty, except when your brother came to live with you two in the summers as he had one of his company's branch here which he looked after in the summer months of the year... The bell ranged and you excitedly ran to the door like a little girl does when he hears her father come... Though it was your husband not father but definitely, no doubt he was your daddy in bed!

As you unlocked the door, in revealed the most handsome, sexy and hot husband in his formal uniform! The uniform just made him look even more attractive and hot, the belt which gave you memories of nights when he tighted your hands with them, the watch gave a boldness to his wrist and the tie with button up shirt made him look so much masculine, not like he wasn't already, but just a smile could change that masquiline self to a soft ball of fluff! And seeing you his tired yet just fucked up kind of look changed into an excited, happy bunny who lept on you like a lion does his pray...

His bunny teeths never missing to showcase themselves, as he pressed you against the wall, which was his usual habbit, and then tugging you a little up such that you were now sitting on his thighs against the wall... He moved his face to your ears which already sent chills down your spine and make your body rub against his thigh from anticipation! Seeing the eagerness in you, he got even more turned on and whispered in a deep husky voice, "Baby is already getting so eager for daddy? What does my little kitten want her daddy to do? Should he just fuck her or should he tease her a bit more?"... Saying this his nose trailed down your jaw line and then to your neck...

You threw your head backwards and knew where it was going... It was another one of the nights where your lovely husband came home hard on and would just fuck you then and there... But even though u wanted it so bad... You had guests at your house which were to be kept a secret till midnight and also not to make them hear your moans and erotic noise from sex... Thus you had to leave your bunny boy unsatisfied this night... Though you'd make up for it tomorrow, on your wedding anniversary!

"Jungkook not today please! I'm... I'm.... I-... I'm on my periods" you lied not being able to think of a better excuse! But this guy ain't taking no shit! "Y/N... I remembered the date was 25th... And it's still 11th...!?" he asked raising his eyebrows... God! You suck at lying but definitely you had a simple answer to this one though... "I started with them early!"... Another lie but he just nodded and let you down and then again smiled widely before peppering your face with a thousand kisses! "If you need anything, pads... Tampons... Heat packs... Or pils... Just ask me and I'll get them for u! Okay baby?" he asked while caressing your cheeks with his thumb to which you nodded like an innocent child...

He then went inside to take a bath in your shared bedroom while you took a sigh of relief just to be met with coughs behind your back making you stiffen up... Ugh! You didn't want them to hear all that though... You turned around just to meet with six smirks thrown right at your embarrassed self! "Eager for Daddy!? Huh!?" Jimin said to which you scoffed... "And Periods.... Like you seriously couldn't get a better excuse" another one added just to receive another scoff from you... You send them back to their hiding place as you heard the shower stopping and door opening...

To be continued in the next chapter... It's gonna be dirty though with a game of Truth/Dare 😏 Angst is yet to come... First let's have some fluff and smut to prepare you for the heartbreak! 😁 Pics taken from Pinterest! DO NOT COPY MY WORK! OR REPOST IT ANYWHERE!

[niawritess]

The Lovestruck~Chapter 12

(6 December Monday)

12:23 pm

You and Ria settled down on your table by the window as usual in the cafeteria with Mark across you. Three of you were chit-chating about various things and Ria telling Mark about the encounter with Song Joongki yesterday who surprisingly was listening to it with interest.

"I have actually heard about him a lot, you know." He stated munching while you both looked at him amazed making him laugh.

"Actually-"

His words got cut off as you three flinched by the sudden gasps and whispers causing you frown in confusion before following the people's gaze to the entrance which was getting a little crowded now.

"What's happening?" Ria spoke her eyes glued to the crowd as she shifted her body while sitting to see the view before letting out a gasp.

"What if it's Big Boss?!" She exclaimed causing Mark to roll his eyes while you looked at her shook.

"Are we that lucky?" You laughed at your remark turning your head back to the crowd only to get shook by the appearance of none other than your seniors who were walking in.

Your head whipped towards your bestfriend who's mouth was opened as she watched the sight infront of her before looking at you and closed it.

"What happened?" Mark questioned seeing Ria's expression before looking back at the crowd. "Who are they?"

"Seniors." Ria answered smiling before both of your eyes widen as you saw them aproaching your table causing you sit straight as you both exchanged looks with each other.

"Is this seat taken?" You almost gasped hearing the familiar voice before looking up at your side to see Baekhyun looking at innocently.

You blinked before shaking your head. "No."

He smiled pulling out the chair beside you and sat down with his friends sitting down too while you sat there shook processing. You can hear gasps and whispers around you before you glanced at your bestfriend who happened to be just as shook as you.

Although, you feel uncomfortable being in the attention but you can't just tell them to go away that's not polite or your place to do. Besides, the cafeteria is full today unexpectedly so, that's why they sat here. Well, that's what you assumed not knowing what is going on the mind of the person beside you.

Ria, who was shook, slightly smirked as she hoped for this to happen but didn't expected it would happen this soon.

Flashback

Ria got a call from home and excused herself leaving you with Mark and asked you to go ahead which you did.

And as she was done, she turned around startle by the presence behind her to see Baekhyun coming towards her but with a frown on his face.

"Hey." He smiled greeting her and she greeted back still confused before following his gaze where you and Mark were talking while going inside the campus.

"Who is he?" He asked his eyes still on you as a wave of jealously rose in him watching you talking and smiling to the guy.

His expression did not go hidden by Ria who was fast to catch these things and a smirk plastered on her face as she decided to play cupid.

"Uh..he is our friend, Mark." She smiled at him.

"Are they close?" He pointed towards your direction and she hid her smug grin. "They are getting close."

He stared at your direction for a while watching you disappearing inside the campus and looked back at Ria who was giving him a look which he couldn't comprehend.

Nevertheless, he just gave a light smile before nodding and walked away leaving Ria grinning to herself smugly. "Bullseye."

Flashback ended

Ria's smug smile dropped when she noticed Chanyeol looking at her questionly making her sit straight and her cheeks reddened as he was staring her.

"Oh Hyung."

Everyone averted their eyes to the voice which belonged to Rowoon who approached the table with Lauren beside him but her gaze was on the person beside you made you confuse, but he didn't even paid attention to her as his eyes were on you which you didn't know.

"How come you are eating in the cafeteria?" Rowoon asked as he settled beside jongin with her girlfriend beside her who was smiling too sweetly towards everyone which Ria noticed it as she let out a low scoff enough for you to hear it.

"Yeah, since this our last year, we wanted to make some memories." Jongin spoke shoving his mouth with spoonful of rice before giving Baekhyun a nod earning an eye roll from him.

"This is not bad as it was last two years, don't you think Baekhyun-ah?" Chanyeol asked munching his food and Baekhyun nodded. "It's actually good."

"Of course, they changed the chef that's why." Ria joined them. "If they hadn't, this cafeteria would be empty until now."

Everyone chuckled at her remark and your lunch time passed laughing with them. You also joined the conversation as Baekhyun asked you something as he saw how shy you were to talk openly to them which you were thankful for.

He was happy seeing you getting along with his friends where you also noticed his sweet little gesture of him giving you some side dishes time to time making your heart flutter not noticing the fiery gaze from a certain person around the table.

***

7:23 pm

Checking the time, you took off your apron and was ready to go home as it was the closing time. Hearing the jingling bell sound, you instantly looked towards the door to see your bestfriend waving at you before entering.

"I'll get my bag." You told her going inside the kitchen while she talked to Rose and Baekhyun who were also preparing to close the café.

Walking out of the café, Rose bid goodnight before closing the Café and drove off while Baekhyun stayed there.

You and Ria both gave him a confuse look and he just stared at you with unreadable expression unable to tell what's going on in his mind.

And here you were, seated on the passengers seat in Baekhyun's car with Ria in the backseat while on your way to your home. Apparently Baekhyun insisted to drop you both since it's night time and he was worried about the incident happened last time and then you couldn't reject him.

Reaching there, you three got out of his car before you spotted another car and a familiar figure in front of your porch so you stopped, making Ria and Baekhyun halt on their spot.

"Aunt jane?" You called out and she turned around.

"Y/n?" She smiled, coming towards you and hugged you before pulling away and saw Ria and hugged her. "Oh Ria, you're here too."

Ria laughed awkwardly. "Yes, I'm gonna stay here tonight."

"But who's this?" She looked at Baekhyun and he innocently glanced at you both you chuckled awkwardly. "Ah, he's Baekhyun, our senior and friend."

"Hello." He bowed a little giving her a polite smile and aunt Jane smiled back.

"But Aunt Jane, what are you doing here?"

"Oppa asked me to check up on you."

"But I asked dad not to do that." You muttered under your breathe, enough for Ria and Baekhyun to hear.

"Liam is here too." You all followed her eyes to see him getting out the car and walking towards you.

"Hey." Liam smiled standing beside Aunt Jane, looking both you and Ria then his smiled dropped, when his eyes stopped at Baekhyun who was eyeing him expressionless.

"Hi." Liam held out his hand to Baekhyun and he shook it but both of them were looking at eachother with unreadable expression.

"Let's go inside then." Ria interuppted, dropping the awkward atmosphere and you looked at her with 'what to do' face.

"Yeah." Liam went inside sparing last glance at Baekhyun before Aunt Jane looked at Baekhyun. "Why don't you join us?"

"No!" You quickly intruded making them startle.

"I mean he has something important to do, right?" You made an excuse and mouth Baekhyun to say yes.

"Yes, I have something to do." He told her and you and Ria looked at eachother in relief. "But it's not that important so I can join you." He added.

Ria and you looked at him surprised and he just smiled innocently at you. Aunt Jane nodded and went inside leaving you three alone.

"Don't blame me after this, I was saving you but you dug your own grave." You went inside and he watched your figure going inside with a confused look before he glanced at Ria. "What does she mean?"

"You dug your own grave." She shook her head and followed you inside leaving Baekhyun dumbfounded there.

***

Liam was on his phone, Baekhyun and daniel were playing games on the couch opposite of him in the living room, while you and Ria were helping Aunt Jane for dinner. Ria and you kept stealing glances and making sad faces, as you both had planned to chill and order pizza but now it's not possible.

"Here." Aunt jane put the sliced apples on the table and sat beside liam and fed him a slice.

You took another plate of sliced apples, placing them infront of Baekhyun and Daniel before sitting on another couch beside them.

"So Baekhyun.." aunt jane started and Baekhyun sat up straight. "What are you studying?"

You, Ria and Daniel gave eachother the look of 'here we go'.

You got annoyed by her questions, so you decided to interrupt. "Aunt jane, why are you asking so many questions?"

"Why? I want to see what kind of friend our Y/n has." She gave you a tight smile.

"He's really good friend so, you don't have to worry." You forced a smile at her and Baekhyun looked down hiding his smile.

"Aunt jane when will you go home?" Ria asked and Aunt Jane's eyes shot up at her.

"Why? You don't want me to be here?" Her voice was stern but Ria didn't care as always.

"No-I mean we have to do our assignments and all so..if you're here, we can't let you feel lonely and cause of that we won't be able do our assignments." she took a bite of sliced apple while you bit your lip preventing yourself from smiling and proud of your bestfriend as she always knows how to deal with her.

Aunt jane rolled her eyes. "Don't worry, Liam has his work too, so we'll leave after dinner."

She looked at Baekhyun again but he looked at you and mouthed 'help me'.

"Uh, Aunt Jane, I smell something from the kitchen." You pretented to sniff and she stood up and went to kitchen.

"Can I use washroom?" Baekhyun asked and you nodded standing up before making your way to upstairs.

You stood in front of Daniel's room and gestured him to go inside but he didn't.

"Which one is your room?" He asked and you pointed towards your room beside Daniel's.

"Then I should go there." He walked towards your room but you jogged and blocked him by standing in front of him with your back against your room door, stopping him.

"Why would you go into my room?"

"I wanna use washroom."

"Then you should use Dan's, you can't use mine."

"But I wanna see your room too."

"No, you can't."

"Why can't I?"

"Because you can't."

"Is there something you're hidding here?" His eyes enlarged as he let out a fake gasp and you scoffed. "What do you mean hidding? That's because it's messy."

"It's okay, I'm used to it."

"But-."

"You don't want me to go to your room? Okay, then." He made a fake pout looking at you with gloomy face before turning around making you feel bad.

"You can." You blurted out seeing his sad face which you couldn't see and a smile crept on his face before looking at your innocent face making his heart melt.

You hesitantly stepped aside for him to enter which he did with a excitement. You tiptoed looking over his shoulder to see your room if it was messy but it wasn't and how would it be as you always clean your room.

"You call this messy?" He roamed his eyes around the room as he walked inside and went towards your study table.

"Cute." He smiled, eyeing your childhood photo frame adoringly and you felt your cheeks burning.

"By the way, sorry about my Aunt." You spoke scratching your side of your head looking at him apologetically.

"Its okay and thanks, you did saved me." He chuckled. "So that's why you said I dug my own grave."

You nodded. "She asks too many questions and I warned you though."

"But I don't regret it though, I got to see your room." He smiled looking around. "And it's not pink."

You frowned. "What do you mean?"

"You know, girls have their room decorated in pink."

"Well not all girls, I'm more into black." You said with a proud smile. "I asked them to do it in black but dad said it'll be too dark for me but which girl are you talking about? who's room is pink?"

"Somi, my cousin." He replied and you nodded slowly, thinking he has been in a girl's room before and felt something strange inside but you shrugged it off.

"Wait, weren't you going to use washroom?" You looked at him quizzically and he chuckled. "You really thought that?"

"Eh?"

"Yo! Dinner is ready." Ria announced, coming into your room and then grinned mischeviously.

"What were you both doing?" She wiggled her eyebrows.

"We weren't doing anything, let's go." You glared at while walking out wondering what Baekhyun meant.

She looked at Baekhyun who was smiling and a smirk crept on her face. He saw her and his smile dropped. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." She still had smirk on her face, baekhyun looked at her frowning and left the room.

She sighed, shaking her head. "You're too obvious." With that she followed him out.

***

After eating dinner, Aunt jane and Liam went back to their home while Baekhyun was still here as Daniel forced him to stay here.

They were on the couch in the living room, playing games as usual while you and Ria were in the kitchen, cleaning the dishes before you made coffee for them and tea for yourself.

Ria took the tray with cups and placed it on the table in front of them before sitting on the couch opposite of them and you walked out with cup of tea in your hand and sat beside her.

Ria was scrolling through her insta, showing you dresses and asking your opinion on them, you helped her choosing before you looked at the sight before you.

Baekhyun and Daniel were laughing and then Daniel whined as he lost to him but Baekhyun just chuckled ruffling his hair, while your lips stretched in a warm smile, watching them getting along.

"He's handsome, right?" A voice whispered in your ear and you nodded before turning your head to see Ria smirking.

"W-what?" You stammered, taking a sip from your tea and avoiding eye contact with her.

"Gosh y/n, what do I do with you." She giggled shaking her head while taking a cup in her hand.

"Shut up!" You glared at her but she just showed a cheeky grin which annoyed you even more.

"What are you two doing?" You both turned to Baekhyun who was giving his remote control to Daniel back.

"Y/n was-". Ria's mouth got shut as you put your palm on her mouth to stop her.

"Nothing, she's just talking nonsense." You smiled at Baekhyun and shot a glare at you best friend who was struggling to get away.

Not long before Baekhyun stood. "I should go now, it's getting late."

You nodded and got up from the couch and walked him out with Daniel and Ria behind you. As you all walked out, he stopped at the front porch and turned around.

"Well, thank you for today." He looked at you smiling, while shoving his hands in his pocket and you nodded smiling back.

"Hyung, will you come again? I had so much fun." Daniel grinned and Baekhyun nodded right away. "I would love to, only if your sister wants me to."

He grinned playfully while looking at you and your forehead creased. "So I'm the bad guy here?"

You brought your arms to your chest pretending to get offended and they just laughed. Baekhyun bid good night to you and went to his car and drove off before sparing a last glance at you while smiling.

Entering inside Ria and Daniel plopped on the couch tired and you just gave them a look, like they have ran a marathon.

"Isn't strange?" Daniel started causing you and Ria to look at him perplexed. "I mean you didn't interact with any guy before but you've got two guy friends now."

You stared at him for some time contemplating his remark and confused to what to say so, you just shrugged.

"I know right? My bestie is getting popular with boys now." Ria teased nudging you and you rolled you eyes and Daniel laughed. "I don't know about that but if you're going to date anyone of them, date Baekhyunee hyung."

You looked at him shook then frowned. "What? Wait- Where is this coming from?"

"I agree with Dan." Ria interuppted.

"Wait." You instantly sat up straight raising your hands up. "What are you both talking about? What dating? This is never gonna happen."

"What do you mean never gonna happen?" Ria mimicked your tone before looking at you seriously. "Have you ever seen how Baekhyun sunbae is looking at you when you are not looking? Because I can tell it will happen soon."

You rolled your eyes. "No, it's not and I'm not even his type so stop assuming things."

"What? What's wrong with you? You are pretty as heck." Ria came on defense mood and you chuckled. "There's nothing wrong with me but I don't think I'm his type like his type would be like..um...Lauren type girls?"

Ria scoffed. "Lauren? Don't be ridiculous."

"Who is Lauren?" Daniel interuppted but got ignored by you two making him pout.

"I'm not saying Lauren herself but like tall, or stylish which is totally opposite of me. So stop saying these things." You stated sternly not wanting to get your hopes up where in return you'll get hurt.

"But I see something more y/n, trust me. And you'll see it soon." Ria interjected again.

"Ria." You looked at her sternly.

"Fine!"

You sighed walking in the kitchen thinking she would stop now but you were unable to notice her smug smile which was making way to her lips and that got noticed by Daniel who was sensing trouble.

________________

@wooya1224 @buttercupbbh