#ALSO VAGUELY HINTING AND D/X

[anisespice]

tokyo revengers boys when their horny but their s/o is too busy to deal with their shit? (u can add bonten-)

aye aye, anon! 🫡 needy men are my favorite flavor 🤤 thank you so much for your patience, and requesting ♡♡♡

pairing: tr x gn!reader

warnings: mature language, MDI. cursing, vague descriptions of sex, teasing, mild nipple-play, empty threats, crack!fic coded behavior, a tiny pinch of barely-there angst in mikey’s with a hint of misogyny, and i think that’s it :D feel free to lemme know if i missed anything!

notes: something about this request screamed sano to me, and maybe even throw sanzu in the mix for a little treat ( ˘ ³˘). also may have strayed a little from the original plot of the request, but the premise is fairly the same >:)) hope you enjoy !!

tagged: @fantasycantasy , @illegalspacecow

“Get outta there.”

Though your tone sounded stern, your demeanor remained placid as you continued typing on your laptop, making no move to actually stop the hands from creeping inside your sweater. You were well aware of their destination, and it was anything but harmless. SHINICHIRO was latched onto you the moment he arrived at your place, excited to spend his day off alone with you, and away from the prying eyes of his siblings for once. Rarely did the two of you get alone time due to your conflicting schedules, savoring the moments you did get without outward distractions in the way.

Things were going great for the most part…until your boss decided to dump busywork into your email, last minute.

“…tell ‘em to go fuck himself, so you can focus on fucking me,” Shinichiro grumbled into your shoulder, calloused hands feeling up your chest with slow, deliberate touches. You chortled, masking the small moan that nearly slipped out when he gently grazed your nipples.

“Good idea, Shin. But wait, oh shoot, fucking you won’t exactly pay my bills, now will it? So, knock it off.”

“Who says it won’t? I’ll pay your bills for the next month, hell, the next six months, if it means you’ll let me just stick it in, baby, please..”

You hissed through your teeth at the small pinch he gave your sensitive nubs, dick damn-near throbbing against your lower back as he rutted against you. Should’ve known sitting on his lap while you worked would backfire, poor thing’s so wound up, you felt a little bad. It’d been nearly three weeks since you and Shinichiro had even a second to breathe the same air, let alone touch each other.

You weren’t immune, craving a taste of him just as much, there’s nothing you wanted more than to succumb to his persuasion. But, having been on bad terms with your tyrant boss one too many times, you couldn’t afford to procrastinate.

“Shini,” you spoke, breathless as he suckled on your neck, growing more bold with his touch, “a-as much as I’d love for you to do that for me… you don’t exactly have the funds to make such an offer.”

He huffed, nipping playfully at your pulse. “I’ll get another job. Good? Good, problem solved, can you take your clothes off now?”

“Tempting…but no. Appreciate the sentiment, though.”

Shinichiro whined in the crook of your neck. His hands slowed to a stop inside your sweater, slipping down to rest on your tummy instead. It sent a tiny shiver up your spine, but was ignored all the same as you attempted to resume typing, seeming to have put a damper on his resolve. Or, so you thought.

Not even a minute passed when you felt his fingers searching for something else to play with. Something that has been calling his name since he waltzed through your front door. “Shin…”

Your warning fell upon deaf ears. Shinichiro merely shrugged, feigning innocence while his hands breached the waistband of your sleep-shorts, stopping right at your pelvic bone. Leaning back in the chair, the ravenette spread his legs further apart, forcing yours to do the same, giving him even more access to your already accessible center. Despite his lanky stature, homie had grip—Try and close your legs all you want, you’ll pull a muscle before pulling out of it. Your heart was borderline going Macarena, focus jumbled up to the point there were more typos than words in the report you tried completing.

You huffed, though your tone sounded less stern compared to the first time. “Shinichiro. If you don’t let me finish my work…I’ll ban your dick from ever entering me or this house for a whole month.”

On any other given day, that empty threat would’ve done the trick, hands flying off you so fast you’d think he got electrocuted. But, this wasn’t any other given day. This was already a two-week long hiatus of his most favorite place to be, in between your legs, and the only thing keeping him from it was your lack of underwear beneath thin-cotten shorts. Threaten him if you must, but it won’t work.

You weren’t fooling anyone.

Playing hard to get could take you so far, but he knew you were mere moments from crumbling to your desires you tried so hard to suppress, no shot you’d last another day, let alone a month. He was determined, and you were being stubborn—An immovable object verses an unstoppable force. Eventually, someone had to give. And it wasn’t about to be you.

It went on like that for another few minutes, him feeling you up and you batting him away. It only worsened the second he went further in your shorts, teasing your sex until you soaked through the fabric. You could feel his smug grin against your shoulder, no doubt thinking he was winning this battle. However, Shinichiro wasn’t aware of your trump card, your Charizard, if you will.

It’s a dirty trick. But desperate times call for desperate measures.

By slamming your fists atop of the table, startling him right out of your shorts, you turned to look him dead in the face, and said, “Don’t make me call Mikey.”

The mechanic widely blinked. But, his shock was short lived as he fixed you a sarcastic look, bringing his slick-coated fingers up to the light and right into his mouth to be even more obnoxious. After pulling them out with a wet pop!, Shinichiro called your bluff.

“You wouldn’t.”

“And would. Emma’s probably dying to catch up with me anyway, since I haven’t been around as much lately. And we both know Mikey would come just to spite you.”

As you continued to hold his stare, not backing down or giving any indication that you were joking, the sardonicism began to melt off his demeanor, and soon realization took its place. Shortly after that, betrayal. How could you be so cruel? He was already competing with an inanimate object, he’ll be damned if his siblings get added to the list. Taking a moment to weight his options, or lack there of, his face soon resembled a kicked puppy with his bottom lip stuck out and everything; you could’ve sworn his eyes started to water. “t’s not fair…been waiting all damn day…”

“I know, baby. But I need you to hang on for just a little longer f’me, okay? And once I’m done, then I’m all yours.” You cooed, placing a small peck on his nose as an olive branch. It seemed to do the trick, his frown softening as he pointed at his lips, puckering them. You snorted, but happily obliged, even placing a few more across his face until you got a smile. Shinichiro soaked up whatever he could as he leaned into you for more.

When it seemed he was satisfied, you turned back to continue working…only for the ravenette to try his luck one more time. “Can I get one here, too?”

You peered at him from over your shoulder—Give you one guess where he was pointing, wearing that all too pleased grin from before. You deadpanned.

“…I’m calling Mikey.”

“NoOO—”

—

“That’s considered sexual harassment, Mr. Sano.”

If he could time travel, MIKEY would beat the breaks off his past-self for ever encouraging you to fill the role of secretary at his work. At first, it seemed like a fantastic idea—Standing at his side, his pretty little assistant, wearing a tight uniform that left nothing to the imagination. He’d bend you over his desk and fuck you anytime he pleased, you’d call him Sir, and walk around the office filled to the brim with his cum until time to go home, then he’d fill you up all over again—The perfect work-life balance.

However, the gangster didn’t account for one teensy thing—You, actually taking the job seriously, and setting professional boundaries the moment you were hired on the staff. No matter if you’d be practically all over him in the car moments prior to clocking in, the second your kitten heels touched the marbled floors of the lobby…he wasn’t your lover anymore. He was your boss.

And he hated it.

“Sexual harass—You’re my s/o, [______].”

“Not within these walls, I’m not.” You continued reading one of the files left on your desk to review for tomorrow’s meeting, only for it soon to vanish right before your eyes. After a long blink, you held out an expectant hand to the stubborn blonde. “May I have that back, please?”

“No.”

“Mr. Sano-”

“If you address me formally one more time, I’ll take you right here in the middle of this hallway. Try me.” He hissed, holding the file out of reach.

You pursed your lips, fighting a grin. Seeing him get so worked up over not being able to get his dick wet was entertaining to say the least, but you were well aware he wasn’t kidding. Clearing your throat, you attempted to tread lightly as your expression morphed back to neutral.

“Alright. Mikey,” his eye twitched, but you continued, “would you be so kind as to let me finish reading the material for your meeting tomorrow? I would hate for anything to be amiss because I didn’t do a thorough review.”

“Tch. Where’s Kakucho? I distinctly remember assigning this task for him. Not you.”

You raised a brow. “You sent him on an impromptu errand to fill up the time he was spending ‘idling at my desk’. You remember that?”

Mikey averted his gaze. “…Don’t recall.”

“‘course you don’t,” you exhaled. “Mikey, with all due respect-”

“Not that name either.” He commanded, slapping the file back on the desk before placing his hands upon it to lean forward, towering over you. You couldn’t fight the grin this time, tilting your head up at him, amusement in your gaze.

“That’s your name, is it not?”

Mikey glared. “You know that isn’t the one I’d prefer you to use.”

With a shrug, you easily replied, “It’s what most of your employees call you. And last time I checked, that included me-” Mikey was quick to grab your chin, forcing you to look deep into his dark, deranged eyes. Man’s was definitely toeing line of his limit, and you were pushing it.

“And last time I checked, you aren’t like most employees. You’re my partner who’s working on my last nerve, and should really consider dropping this whole ‘professionalism’ act before I remind them why they were hired in the first place. And no, it wasn’t for your work ethic and attention to detail, or whatever bullshit Koko told you in the interview.”

Ouch.

Not to say you didn’t figure there were ulterior motives behind getting approved for the job, especially under the circumstances that you were heavily under-qualified to work in their type of environment. But, you tried your damnedest to keep up, do your part, and not be a burden on the team. For him to call it nonsense and boldly confirm such suspicions outloud? You think he realized his mistake the second your face reverted back to its neutral state. Wiggling out of his grip, you leaned back in the chair with your arms tightly crossed to your chest.

“That so? Well then, Michael, how ‘bout I remind you why a man shouldn’t mix his business with his pleasure. Things could turn ugly for him, maybe even end up losing both a loyal employee and a lover all in one day. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Out of all the names, that one made him cringe the most. A clear indicator of his grandiose fuck-up, one that if he didn’t fix immediately, he’d soon suffer the consequences. And your wrath.

“Wait, I didn’t mean it like that. It came out wrong-”

“Oh, I’m sure it didn’t. You’re a man who speaks his mind, after all.”

Mikey, though subtly, panicked. This wasn’t at all how he expected the conversation to go. But, it’s not his fault! It was his dick doing all the driving. With you working for Bonten, his long hours became yours, and by the time you both got home, sex became scarce due to your exhaustion. He was immune to the taxation of the job, while it was kicking your ass. And to top it off, he couldn’t even cop a feel of his own s/o, in his own damn building, because of ‘power imbalances’ between a boss and secretary that was ‘socially unacceptable’, according to you…as you work for the biggest crime syndicate in all of Japan.

Flawed reasoning aside, it drove him insane.

But, no thanks to his lust-clouded brashness, if Mikey thought getting some action at work was difficult, his chances at home just got a whole lot worse. He’d be lucky if you even slept in the same bed tonight.

“[_____],” he sighed, reaching over to grab your hand, though you moved it away at the last second. “You do a fantastic job here, angel. Exceeded all my expectations, actually-”

“Well, based on the merits of why you hired me in the first place, that doesn’t sound like much.” At that point, you went back to reviewing the file he threw back on the desk, seeming disinterested. But, Mikey knew better.

He’d hurt your feelings. To be reduced to nothing but eye candy for him, when you were busting your ass off like everyone else, it stung. It was playful at first, but now the blonde had crossed a line. With determination, Mikey removed the file from your sight once more, rounding the desk before crouching down so he could level with you this time.

You allowed him to take your hands in his, still indifferent. Mikey spoke with a tenderness only reserved for you, one that never failed to melt any cold front you built to wane his efforts.

“I was being childish. I shouldn’t have diminished your role like that, and I apologize for making you feel like your work isn’t appreciated. I’m glad to have you as my loyal employee. Even if a visit in my office from my lover from time to time wouldn’t be too bad, either…”

His words trailed off, along with his gaze as he reminisced. You chortled, shaking your head. Mikey looked back at you, ghost of a grin on his face. “I’ll back off. Promise.”

You raised a brow, skeptical. “You mean it?”

“Mmhm. Under one condition.”

You groaned, “Mikey-”

“Manjiro.”

“Oh, is that the condition?” He lightly pinched you for the snark, resting his head on your lap. But, before you could reprimand him for his inappropriate position, your words catch in your throat.

His stare was intense as they gazed up at you with hidden hunger, the tenderness still swimming in the inky pools, but not as present compared to moments ago. Mikey licked his lips, nuzzling against your plush thigh.

“Work less hours. Don’t want you to run yourself ragged trynna keep up with the rest of us. We’ve been doing this line of work a lot longer than you have, baby. No need to overcompensate. I’m already proud of you.”

Steadily did those words make your heart melt, until your were practically mush once they’ve set in. To hear his pride in you almost made you kick your feet, for that was all you really wanted at the end of the day—Acknowledgment. Validation. Praise. And working less hours would definitely benefit in more ways than one, more so on your mental health. You won’t lie and say this new job hasn’t been a challenge, all the talk about blood, death and drugs, one could only handle so much.

“Thank you..Manjiro.” He lit up at the sound of his name spilling sweetly from your lips. “I greatly appreciate you saying that. But, what’s the catch?”

He hummed, hands releasing yours to caress your calves all the way back up to your hips. Mikey didn’t pull nor tug, more so just holding you in place as he continued to watch you like a hawk. Eventually he shook his head, tresses fluttering with him as they curtained the sides of his face.

“No catch. Work your hours, I’ll leave you be…But once those hours are up, you better be sitting pretty on my desk with your reports in one hand and your underwear in the other, waiting for me to choose between my business and my pleasure. Deal?”

—

“Pout all you want, I’m not sitting on your face.”

When you informed your darling SANZU that your Saturdays were strictly for housework, he honestly thought you were joking—What idiot in their twenties would spend the weekend doing that?

Evidently his idiot, that’s who.

Imagine his surprise when he showed up, unannounced, ready to have you on every piece of furniture, only to be threatened with a feather duster the second he went to grab your ass. “Paws off. I already changed the sheets on my bed, cleaned the bathroom, the kitchen, and mopped the floors, so unless you’re here to help dust or wipe windows, keep it in your pants, Haruchiyo.”

Needless to say, he wasn’t the happiest houseguest.

After the long work week he’s had, Sanzu was looking forward to locking the two of you in the back all weekend, going at it like rabbits with no other purpose but keep the neighbors up—Pretty much until the room stank. But, thanks to this cleaning ritual of yours, that wasn’t about to happen anytime soon. Especially not with the various scented candles you were burning to hide the potent smell of bleach and pine-sol. God, he was getting such a headache from overstimulation…and not the good kind.

“This is such bullshit,” he groaned into the couch, where you banished him after he tried to bend you over the washing machine while you were loading another basket of dirty clothes. “Why’d you even invite me over if we weren’t gonna do anything…”

You paused from folding, side-eyeing him. “I didn’t invite you.”

“You said you were staying in all day. That’s practically code for: I’m bored, come dick me down.”

Your laugh had snuck up on you, racking through your entire body to the point you had curled forward. The leap he took to draw such a conclusion nearly gave you whiplash as you attempted to regain composure. “Maybe for freaky-fucks like you, but the rest of us usually mean it as something mundane. Like, oh I dunno, doing chores.”

“On a Saturday?? What ‘re ya, 80??”

You shrugged, placing another item onto its respective pile. “You don’t have to stay, y’know. If you have something better to do, then by all means, don’t let me keep you.”

Sanzu abruptly sat up from his position, the clothes you had laid on his back flopping onto the floor, instantly losing their folded shape. You shot him an annoyed glance, but figured some of the blame was yours for using his skittish-ass for a table. The pinkette wore a pitiful look, wide cerulean eyes piercing right through you as he gave a defiant punch to the couch cushion, “Was ‘posed to be doing you! And you are keeping me from doing that!”

With a huff, you set aside the pile you were currently working through to gather up the clothes that he so rudely let fall to the floor. “Unfortunate. Now lay back down, and be a good table. Since you wanted to be chair so fucking badly.”

“Piss off.”

He absolutely laid back down.

© 2023-2024 anisespice ッ all rights reserved. likes, comments & reblogs much appreciated!

[sixosix]

THAWED | LYNEY X FEM!READER SERIES

THAWED (MASTERLIST) — the lyney childhood-enemies-to-frenemies-to-lovers-kinda series that no one asked for, ft. fluff, a whole lot of bickering, flirting, and everything in between

STATUS. complete.

OTHER INFO.

DISCLAIMER. will contain spoilers. this series will be as dark as genshin lore can be, and this won’t strictly follow genshin’s actual lore—i’ll be making up a lot of stuff for the sake of the fic so there will be inaccuracies, NOT CANON COMPLIANT!! the timeline of events will be vastly different. each chapter will have their own warnings as well, so keep an eye out for that!

NOTES. hello, everyone !!!!!!! welcome to my lyney series inspired by taylor’s reputation album. how it works is each chapter will be titled after each song off of the album as u can see below,,, hope u enjoy reading as excited i am for rep tv!! :D

tysm to naosaki and kruinka for helping me brainstorm w this fic (and also helping me when i was visibly all over the place because of this series)

CHAPTERS.

i — are you ready for it?

The House of the Hearth was perfect. This was where you thrived—where no one else could take this feeling away. But then Lynette became a part of the ‘family’, and with it, she dragged along Lyney.

ii — i don’t wanna hurt you (i just wanna be)

You look more like a soldier than an orphan, Lyney thinks. It’s beautiful in all the wrong ways.

iii — you gotta leave before you get left

Desperately, Lyney melts them away, but your footsteps have already gone out of earshot. It’s an answer in itself: Don’t bother. Take the hint, Lyney; you already messed it up.

iv — for you i would fall from grace

“What now? What do you want me to do? Strut back into their lives and demand all their Fatui secrets as if I never left?”

Aether nestles into his seat. “Prove to me that I can trust them just as much as you do. Who knows, you might get something out of this, too.”

v — you must like me for me

Lyney laughs. It sounds like music that has haunted you for years—and with a new one playing, it’ll torment you for years more. He loosens his grip but keeps you caged in, still. You’re twirled around to face him, and something about his expression has you swallowing thickly.

“You’re even more stunning than I remember, ma chérie.”

vi — look what you made me do

You frown at him, your face upside down in his view. “That was unfair.”

“I have to be if I want to beat you.”

vii — all eyes on you, my magician

He doesn’t take his eyes off you, even once when his fingers reached out to fish out a champagne flute. Lyney still has that stupid smile on his face, the rim of his glass against his lips. You’re hit with the startling realization that you want to kiss him.

Fuck, what?

viii — you’ve ruined my life, by not being mine

“You’re so warm,” you murmur to his skin.

Goosebumps blossom all over his body. Your face brushes against the side of his neck. “Do you hate it?”

“I like it. My hands are cold. Every part of you is warm.”

ix — us traitors never win

Lyney knew that this would happen. He knew well enough to predict what ‘Father’ would make them do, but still—

“We understand,” Lynette says, her eyes darting down to Lyney’s clenched fists.

The Knave stares at Lyney, and the strength of her stare has Lyney lowering his eyes to the floor. “Do you?” she asks. They wisely stay silent: Lynette’s hesitance and Lyney’s frustration. “Then I trust this won’t happen any longer.”

x — king of my heart, body and soul

You bit back the bite of ice and wondered how ironic it was that every time your Vision acted out, it was, more often than not, tied to Lyney.

“What, so you expect me to believe you’d just go against your ‘Father’ like that?”

xi — baby can we dance, through an avalanche?

Lyney supposes he can’t hate Aether that much for that. And selfishly, Lyney supposes he can’t truly hate Aether because he brought you back to him. In a vague sense of camaraderie, Lyney understands.

xii — there is an indentation in the shape of you

And so you two stand face to face with your old home, the House of the Hearth. It still had the same grand doors you remember, the same living room, and the same fireplace, but the emptiness was unfamiliar. It was unsettling, like a bad dream.

This used to be your home.

xiii — he built a fire just to keep me warm

“I think it’s special. We’re twins, Lyney and I, but I think if I were in his body for even a day, I wouldn’t be able to recreate what you two have. He treasures you deeply, more than you know.”

xiv — hold on to the memories, and i will hold onto you

fin.

END NOTE.

thawed related tags you might want to check out:

#thawed fanart <3

#thawed memes i want to hang in a museum

of course, if you want to check out akagi's series of mind boggling fanart:

#akagi0021 carrying the entirety of thawed

FANART COMPILATION

our favorite akagi0021 has been blessing me with THAWED fanart (!!!) and i decided that i need to compile all of them for me and to make YOU see the art as well... BECAUSE THEY'RE ALL SO GOOD (with permission of course)

CH 1 | reader's new outfit reveal

CH 2 | lyney doesn’t know how he looks at reader

lyney and MC height difference before/after IM ON MY KNEES theyre so cute

CH 4 | aether and paimon confronting reader

bonus fanart of lyney and reader after training :(( so cute

CH 5 | lyney seeing reader!!!!!! aahhh his eyes

lyney as a kid and then lyney now (grown up) THIS ONE IS INSANE. little lyney is so adorable but then look at the lyney now

CH 6 | LOOK AT THIS ONE!! scene of lyney saying “she’s hiding something” except akagi made him unnecessarily sexy wtf

CH 7 | drunk reader driving lyney crazy... (i went crazy)

CH 8 | "lyney's not my boyfriend" ; the ending scene with childe, aether, and reader!! they all look so good T__T

CH 10 | lyney's "i would. i would for you" OUGH YESS

++ ADDITIONAL!!!

and look at this so so so adorable collection of doodles of chapter six by sunny @emanami !!! her artstyle is to live for its SO cute (look at the siblings!!!)

more of sunny's cute drawings: thawed!mc biting lyney's cheek like what i want to do

look at @lacrimae-lotos's version of mc!!!! SO CUTE look at her piercings and her eyes aahhhh

akagi's art dump from different chapters | theyre all so cutue im sobbing i love akagis mc and lyney so much T__T (LYNEY BRAIDING MC'S HAIR)

lyney doing the stretch tactic ohh he is so slick modern au with akagi's thawed!mc and lyney at the beach i fainted

++ LOOK AT AKAGI'S VERSION OF MC! shes so lovely

design headcanons (theyre all so precious)

akagi's reader as a genshin char !!

reader's outfit for chapter seven SO PRETTY

thawed!mc's eyepatch lore... aether is so silly

akagi's au where mc never left the house and they're enemies to lovers yes yes yes yesyse

© SIXOSIX 2024. all rights reserved. do not repost or reproduce any part of this work.

[l-in-the-light]

Thanks for your answer 😊🙏 Another question that came to my mind when I read your post about Law liking boys: what do you think about the LawxRobin scenes where he tells her about his "D" (and that he trusts her) and the one after wano victory where they go to underground together?

You're welcome! Also a warning, this is another post replying to multiple asks at once :D

Law x Robin, huh. Sure, let's elaborate on it, but just so you know, my view on them differs greatly from how fandom tends to see their Wano interactions. I spent a lot of time analyzing it in my head (way more than any sane person would) so my initial reaction of "awww so cute he trusts Robin" kinda faded to almost nothing now haha. Just like I stated in that post, I think it was mostly about business. He wanted to know what the D. stands for so he approached the person who was the most likely to know some more information. Sadly, he didn't really gain any new knowledge. As much as I love that scene because it feels like Law is trusting Robin there, I think we shouldn't overestimate it in general. He basically offered a trade (I tell you my hidden name, you tell me something back in exchange - favour for a favour! It's his usual MO with strangers) and I doubt he would do that without any good reason for it. That scene has a different vibe from the one in which he shares about Corazon to Luffy, he's actually opening up and he doesn't expect anything back for it (you can argue he does that so Luffy understands fighting Doflamingo is personal for Law and to leave it up to him, but it's still just for that - so that Luffy understands. It's not a trade). With Robin he seems rather guarded when comparing the two scenes together.

I have my suspicions about their talk there. Law is using veeeery vague words when he claims he shares the info "because he trusts Robin". What he actually says is just this: "omae dakara hanashita" which means literally "I told you because it's you" and you can interpret it any way you like, Robin took it a sign of trust and thanked him, but it's so vague it can also mean something like "I tell this ONLY to you" and that smells of a hidden reason to me. But of course it fits Law's withdrawn personality to not say the words like "trust" straightforwardly, right? But in his scene with Luffy he is kinda openly emotional in contrast - he literally tells him Corazon was the person he loved who gave him his life and that he is deeply indebted to him. Law didn't use many words, but all those words carried emotional weight, unlike the vague phrase he used with Robin. But anyway it wouldn't make sense to say my conspiracy theory here without explaining loose links from Water 7. Also I'm like 50-50 on that and I really think fandom wouldn't want to get spoiled this way in case I'm right.

Their randezvous in the secret chamber doesn't strike me as romantic honestly (I know people love it just because Robin and Law are alone together and oh just few inches from each other, and interpret what Robin says as teasing, but I need more than that for romantic vibes, sorry :D). It basically starts with Robin accusing Law of being a hyena (at least that's how he subjectively felt about that! and she didn't deny) and he gets back at her for it when he shambled only himself to that window (he even keeps his sour face on when she's complaining it's unfair, he doesn't even want to tell her it's a payback haha). Yes, he's that petty. Don't you like it in him? I certainly do, he's so hilarious.

Anyway, the whole scene is just them sharing business together, and it's slightly hinted that Law was kinda eavesdropping on them before he actually joined in, that's why Robin's reaction might have been that strong and a bit hostile. Robin prides herself in being sensitive to people around and their intentions, picking up on the slightest hints other people don't (like she said in Water 7, it's her survival's instinct), but she couldn't sense Law so ofc that would rub her the wrong way. Anime especially did a great job at showing it, with Law appearing out of nowhere exactly when Robin is gonna go down the hidden stairs. A timing a bit too perfect, eh? I wouldn't call Law a hyena (he had perfectly rational reason to be there!), but he sure was so damn sneaky and smooth about it.

Anyway, I guess my point is: those two are very guarded people, both dislike to show a moment of weakness because they know it can result in deadly situation. And they're also both very business-oriented. If there was any scene between Robin and Law that showed them as closer to each other, it would be all the way back in Dressrosa.

Just look at the mutual respect they show each other here! Law isn't acting freaked out by Robin's powers (because why would he, right? His powers are also quite peculiar. But I bet that earned him extra sympathy points here. How many times Robin heard it as a child that she's a monster just because she has devil fruit's powers) but also immediately worries about Robin and Usopp's safety instead of his own. Then he sits down to talk with Robin, just so they're more or less on eye-level, that's really considerate of him, especially in such a tense/crisis situation. And at the end of their talk Robin tosses him a "good luck" (in Japanese apparently it's a different phrase, one you say before a battle), and Law says "same to you" which is the closest he ever gets to say something even slightly akin to a greeting in the whole series. Soon afterwards Robin notices the ground shaking and worries for Law, because she knows it's a sign that he's in a tough fight. This is a huge step for Robin to worry about someone she actually suspected of betraying Luffy in Punk Hazard. She was always guarded whenever Law so much as appeared on screen.

This is also a great scene between them. Robin can't understand Law's dedication to Luffy, she clearly thought Law is indeed seeing their cooperation as only business-style alliance, they share a common goal, Law shouldn't feel like he owes anything to Luffy, and so she tries to appeal to Law's sense of reason here. She does it because she's concerned about him, she reacts really strongly to see him defeated (he definitely has her respect for his strength and skills to manage crisis!), and even more concerned when she notices his severed arm. She tries to make him think straight so he takes care of himself firstmost, but it's not for herself that she's saying it: it's for Luffy. I think Robin realized in Punk Hazard already that Luffy is really attached to Law, so of couse she wouldn't want to see Luffy sad if Law loses his life here, especially not after Luffy entrusted Law to her. She must be really taken aback with Law's final answer. I wonder what she might be thinking about Luffy's importance to Law now, because I would say she kinda caught a wind or at least a hint that Law cares more deeply than it seems at first glance.

Honestly every single one of their interactions in Dressrosa is much more meaningful than anything they shared in Wano, where both of them are just honestly clamming up again. I mean, there is no battle going on anymore (they had conversations in Wano before the plan was set into motion and after the battle has ended), and fighting together tends to bring people momentarily closer. But we shouldn't forget that in daily circumenstances Robin will still keep her guard up and so will Law, because trust in an ally in a battle is different than being emotionally open to a friend. They're both smart and they're not gonna pretend that just because Luffy calls Law his friend, that for Robin alliance means friendship as well. This also stays in line with what I believe is quite realistic when two very traumatized people having issues to open up actually meet and interact. Law might know about Ohara from the newspapers desciribing Enies Lobby incident, but I doubt Robin knows about Flevance or would know to connect Law to it in any way (fics often make her almost clairvoyant how she figures him out, but nah, that's just wishful thinking). That shared traumatic experience could bring them closer, but I think for now it's mostly one-sided, because Robin has no way to know.

Damn, I had a lot to say about all of that, haha. I hope you had fun reading about their interactions from a different angle!

Personally, I think Law x Luffy dynamics work better overall.

Law x Robin:

two very traumatized people

both don't open up and keep their guards around strangers

none can cheer the other because they both have pretty gloom personalities

they like cute things

share same or similar sense of humour (though Robin's more morbid)

both very serious

both good listeners and observant

both independant

both like to tease/stress Usopp (they could form a "tormenting Usopp fanclub", they tease him out of affection ofc)

both like their peace and quiet but also to watch other people cause chaos from afar (unless someone provokes Law)

both cling to cheerful people, both remember their mentor's smile

Etc. I think they would be great best buddies in the longer run and understand each other on a special level.

Law x Luffy:

both like to cheer up people (Luffy's the ultimate person to cheer anyone up. And it brings this side of Law to the light of the day too)

both are reckless little shits liking to cause chaos and beat people up for hurting people dear to them, both don't know when to give up

friendship is a serious matter and so is trust for both of them

one constantly smiles outwardly, the other inwardly

they both know the pain of losing their most important person

one is a younger sibling, the other the older sibling personality type

they understand each other without words

take each other seriously (and almost no one takes Luffy seriously)

both are stubborn mules with competetive side

overdedicated to protect others and not care enough about their own wellbeing in the process

remind each other of people they once loved the most and which they lost

In the longer run those two will cover up for the other's weakness and could literally turn the world upside down together while laughing/smirking.

Summing it up, Robin and Law are similar souls, going side by side. Luffy and Law instead have each other's backs, complementing each other. I feel like it's really a matter of preference and I sway towards Luffy x Law, their interactions are just so fun. But I do enjoy Law x Robin, just more as a friendship. Tbh both work as friendships the best and I tend to prefer them this way. I just think the friendship Law and Luffy have going on is something extraordinary on a whole different level. They're behaving with each other in ways they don't really share with others.

I think it would. But it doesn't have to be his biological family for him to be happy, you know. Whether his partner is a woman or a man, whether his own kid or more like picked up and adopted, it would make him happy just the same. He has already his adopted family in his Hearts Pirates and Wolf. He definitely is already part of Strawhats adopted family as well. And who knows to how many other "found families" he can belong from now on! He deserves a family, he actually deserves more than one that he can call his own.

There is lately one scenario I'm especially fond of actually. If Law becomes a Strawhat officially and Bonney will be also adopted in the crew as a sort of "next generation", he would totally act like a father/older sibling towards her. Sure, he would still act annoyed, worry all the time, but deep down he would love every second of it. He could finally be a brother to a kid that reminds him of Lammy. Life denied him that before so it would mean so much for his healing progress if he could reclaim it. I think as a father he would still act a lot like an older sibling actually. The same way Cora-san is also hard to classify, was he an older sibling, a father figure, a younger sibling, a bit of each combined? Anyway, I'm sure Law would try to live up to his caretaker and return the favour to someone else.

No matter how it would happen, yes, having his family, found or biological, would make him happy. I truly believe it's that one thing in his life he truly wants. Of course, once he has one, he would be worrying and afraid of losing them. Perhaps in that case Strawhats would be his best choice; they're very strong people capable of taking care of themselves, so he could perhaps learn to believe in them, that they wouldn't kill themselves off the moment he takes his eyes off of them. He would still worry a lot and protect them, but at least maybe he wouldn't self-explode in the process. He probably still will.

Indeed it has been asked before :) but no worries, I will link you to the answer so you can read all upon that: https://www.tumblr.com/l-in-the-light/760279386040795136 Enjoy! Sadly I don't have any new thoughts regarding that, otherwise I would add some now :3 Maybe just one: it doesn't matter if it's friendship, romantic relationship, the progress would be similar in this case, or at least I believe that.

[navybrat817]

Partners in Crime

Pairing: Mob!Nick Fowler x Female Reader Summary: A night out with one of your father's most trusted associates puts you on a new and dangerous path. Word Count: Over 1.9k Warnings: Implied e/xplicit s/exual content, d/runk s/ex (con-sensual), d/rinking, talk of v/iolence, p/ossessive behavior, possible soft!dark vibes if you squint, engagement, not-so-great dad, Nick Fowler (he's a warning, okay?). Graphic talent and thanks: Banner - @sgt-seabass, Divider - @firefly-graphics , Nick edit - Nix, Moodboard - yours truly A/N: Welcome to my Wicked Arrangements AU! For @the-slumberparty 's April Writing Challenge (prompt in bold italics) and we'll see a few other characters down the road. ❤️ Beta read by the wonderful @whisperlullaby and pre-read by @slyyywriting ​, but any and all mistakes are my own. Please follow @navybrat817-sideblog for new fics and notifications. Comments, reblogs, feedback are loved and appreciated!

The first thought that entered your mind when you woke up was that you were never drinking whiskey again. You couldn't even remember how much you had, but you weren’t going to bounce back immediately from this hangover. You tried to avoid getting drunk whenever you could. At least it wasn't at your dad's party.

Not that you stuck around for most of it anyway.

Nick Fowler, one of the most powerful men in the city and your dad's most trusted associate, was waiting by your car when you left.

"Why don't we have a real party?

A man as ruthless and dangerous as he is beautiful, there was a reason why so many wanted him on their side. He wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty or the kind of man to cross. Though he didn't say much to you with your dad around, it didn't stop him from eye fucking you every chance he had.

It was only natural that you wanted him.

"Sure. I could use a distraction."

"Oh, sweetheart, I'll give you much more than that."

With a groan, you cracked one eye open and then the other. The pounding headache made it difficult to see as you tried to blink away the spots in your vision. If you had to choose an equivalent to what your throat felt like, sandpaper would be the closest. At least you didn't get sick. The bed you laid in was also comfortable and the sheets kept your naked body warm enough.

You forgot about the pain in your head as the ache between your legs grabbed your attention.

Oh, yeah. That happened.

Closing your eyes, a blurred vision of tangled limbs surfaced, the blue eyes of Nick piercing through the fog.

“Knew you’d take my cock like a good girl.”

And you did over and over.

Doing your best not to move too fast, you carefully turned your head and opened your eyes again. You expected to see him sleeping beside you, but he wasn’t there. Gently touching the spot, you noticed it still had a bit of warmth. Maybe he went to the bathroom or decided to get breakfast.

It took a moment to register that something sparkled on your left hand as sunlight peeked in through the curtain. “What the hell?” you mumbled as you stared at the diamond ring on the fourth digit.

A ring that looked suspiciously like an engagement ring.

No, no, no, we did not.

“Morning, sweetheart,” a familiar voice gently pierced the air as you kept staring at your finger. "Surprised to see you awake. How are you feeling?"

You tore your gaze away to look at Nick, who had an all too smug look on his eyes.

"I don't know yet," you said honestly, clearing the scratch from your throat.

Nick hummed as he walked across the room in just his underwear. A hint of a smirk formed on his handsome face as you admired him. The black suits he normally wore hid how broad his shoulders and chest were. They also hid most of his tattoos, which you vaguely recall tracing a few with your fingers and tongue. Your gaze trailed down his chiseled abs to the front of his boxers, the throbbing ache between your thighs intensifying.

No. Focus.

"You did say too much whiskey would give you a headache," he said, handing you some aspirin and water.

You quickly took the pills with a generous gulp, the cold liquid soothing the slight burn in your throat. "Did we…?" you trailed off.

"Did we what?" he asked, running a hand through his short hair. You were pretty sure you tried to pull it while you rode him. "We did a lot of things last night, so you'll need to be more specific."

Your cheeks flamed as you held up your hand, proud when it didn't shake. "This."

He slowly ducked down and you couldn't stop the hitch in your breath as his lips touched your forehead. "Get married? No," he said, pressing a soft kiss against your skin.

You could breathe a bit easier. While your dad wouldn't lay a hand on you if you married without his permission, he could and would wreck the life you tried to have beyond the bubble he put you in. Piece by piece.

"But you also said I couldn't have you unless I put a ring on your finger, so I did."

"I was kidding!" you said. No way he actually believed that.

"I took it seriously," he murmured, moving his mouth to your ear. "And it's a perfect fit. Just like my cock inside you."

"Oh, my god," you whispered.

"You said that, too," he whispered, dragging his lips down the column of your neck. The scruff on his chin left a delicious burn in its path. "I reminded you to say my name instead."

The gravel of his voice sent a shiver down your spine before you moved to the other side of the bed and out of his reach. "I need a minute," you said, feeling his eyes on you as you stood up.

"I'll be waiting."

You didn't bother to cover yourself up as you went to the bathroom, your head not spinning as much as you expected it to. Nick saw everything last night and into the early morning, so you had no shame if you watched your hips sway. Splashing some water on your face, you had no idea where to go from here. While Nick was fun and a wonderful distraction, you couldn't help but wonder if last night was a calculated move.

It wasn't a secret that your dad wanted a son to take over his empire one day. He got you instead. He should have been a good father who loved and cared for you, but he treated you as an investment. You had a good education after you chose a college from the options he provided you. The same with your job as he limited the places you could apply to.

While he didn't keep you in a cage, he certainly kept you on a leash.

Maybe if mom was still around, things would be different.

You would only take over his businesses with a man of his choice by your side. He usually only had you around his inner circle of men long enough for them to flirt and leer at you. You were certain he was prepping you for the highest bidder.

Are you that bidder, Nick?

"Why were you waiting for me last night?" you asked once you went back into the bedroom where Nick was now on the bed. "Did my dad ask you to?"

"I was waiting for you because I wanted you. I thought that was obvious," he answered, unashamedly looking you over as you joined him. He reached for you, his fingers surprisingly gentle as he touched your cheek. "And I got tired of waiting."

Nick Fowler got whatever he wanted.

"But did he ask you to?" you repeated, showing him your hand again. "And how the hell did you just happen to have a ring on you my size?"

"Your dad had nothing to do with it. I've had that ring on me and my eye on you for some time," he said, kissing your hand and drawing a gasp from you as he put you on your back. "In case you forgot, I slipped it on after you drank the rest of my Jack Daniels and gave me a lap dance in my private booth. You didn't complain."

You recalled grinding to the beat as Nick sat back and watched. He looked like a modern king on a throne as the lights pulsed around him. No one would have bat an eye if he fucked you in his VIP section.

Which he did.

"We're not actually engaged, Nick. I said I was kidding about putting a ring on my finger."

His eyes darkened as he stretched over you, his muscles rippling before his weight settled. "You said you'd be mine."

Your heart raced, but it wasn't out of fear. "You don't even know me. Not really," you said, thankful that tears didn't fill your eyes.

How could he when no one was able to get close to you?

His knuckles caressed your cheek and you tried not to lean into his touch. "Told you I've had my eye on you for some time, dulceata. I know you better than you think."

You wanted to believe he did, but could you trust a man who worked with your dad? Did he want you simply to gain access to more resources? Gain more power?

"You're manipulative."

"I prefer calculating and there isn't anything wrong with that," he said before his lips touched yours.

His kiss brought back a reminder of the pleasure he gave you, your body humming with the promise of more. The man had layers to him, but something inside you said he wouldn't hurt you. He may be more inclined to hurt anyone who hurt you.

Maybe.

"I guess you have to be in your line of work," you said, a bitter laugh escaping. It was better than crying. "But if you're serious about whatever this is, do you really think my dad will let us be together? Well, he might if he thinks he can get something from you. He does value you. Pretty sure he even likes you more than he likes me."

It didn't hurt to say that as much as you thought it would.

"I don't give a fuck what your dad thinks," he said, his handsome face gazing down at yours. "I know he thinks he can control your life, but he's in for a rude awakening. And I can promise you I would never be that kind of father to our daughter."

"Please, don't talk about us having kids," you begged. You still had too much of a headache for that, but your womb clenched of its own accord.

"Why not?" he smirked. "You're going to be my wife."

I'm not even going to argue for the time being.

"Well, I need to rest, future husband," you said before he suddenly slid down your body and parted your legs. "What the hell are you doing?"

"Just looking at the pretty pussy I ruined," he said, tracing a finger along your slit. Your body quickly responded to his touch and you weren't ashamed of the small moan you let out. "Which belongs to me now. If it wasn’t meant to be, you wouldn’t fit me so perfectly.”

"Is that right?" you asked, clenching around nothing.

Should I beg him to fuck me or play a little hard to get?

"You know it does. And if you want to go back to sleep, go right ahead. I'll fuck you until you're stuffed with me and wake you with my tongue," he said, making your back bow as his warm breath skimmed your folds. "You'll be begging me to fuck you all over again."

Your body went pliant against the sheets. "Nick?" you breathed out. "How do I know I can trust you?" You questioned before you would allow him to distract you.

"I guess I'll have to prove my loyalty to you," he replied, his eyes dark and calculating as he looked up at you. "I'll start by killing your father".

Surely Nick doesn't mean that. Right? Hehe. Love and thanks for reading! ❤️

Masterlist ⚓ Nick Fowler Masterlist ⚓ Ko-Fi

[d3adbr3inc3lls]

Hey! Im really new to requesting so please tell me if I got something wrong! I was wondering if you could write something about Spinel from Pokemon: Horizons with an S/O that likes to play violin for people they like? I hope you have a nice day!!

:D

Spinel x Violinist!Reader

A/N: Dw, you got nothing wrong!! Also I do apologise that this is a bit short, nothing personal, I just didn't know what to write,,

Spinel seems like the type of person who'd probably sit in silence when he's working.

The only sounds that would be heard would be his Umbreon's cries and the occasional mouse clicking.

He probably finds out that you're a violin player when you were practising,

10/10 loves to hear you play,

It's literally music to his ears.

If you preform anywhere, you can bet your life that he will be there.

If there are any creeps at your shows, Spinel will deal with them, [in a tame manner, he doesn't to be the centre of attention during your shows]

It doesn't matter if Gibeon wants him on the opposite side of the world, Spinel will still show up.

"That old man can wait for a day. I have better things to attend to,"

He'd probably make a comment that hints at the two of you dating,

If it's after your performance, he'd wrap an arm around you and pull you in a close hug or keep a hand in your waist,

Or anything else that indicates that you're not single.

If said person is still being creepy, he'd take out his Umbreon and vaguely threaten them.

Anyways,

That always helps scare unwanted people,

He doesn't mention it but if you have any covers of you playing the violin, he'd defiantly listen to them in the background whilst he works.

If you ask, he'd tell you that he does.

10/10, he's completely supportive of you playing on the violin.

If you ever want anything for your violin, Spinel would definitely buy it for you,

[Even if it's completely useless like a sticker or something.]

[atlasofthestaars]

[MK X READER] New Era - Chapter .009

first part | previous part | next part

NOTE: I actually looked at my notes and went huh, I can compress the rest of the ideas into one chapter, so next chapter we’ll kinda be getting back on track with the plot!

This chapter we will be having a poll for Ashrah, and this is the last love interest poll! I’ll still do polls from time to time to have some sort of reader interactivity, but it won’t be as frequent (though next chapter DOES have a bit of a special poll though haha)

As usual, taking votes on Ashrah for a week, aka until the tumblr poll ends.

Also I never mentioned this but?? Sadly, Rain didn’t get in the love interest line up, but don’t fret! He will still be relevant to the plot in other ways :D Mileena, on the other hand, did get in! 

FROM THE EYES OF ONE WHO COOKS FOR OTHERS

It turns out, you enjoyed cooking far more than you realized.

“Here, I’m positive this is your favorite.”

Handing Kenshi the meal, you grinned at him, a small hint of smugness in your grin. You admired your own handiwork. You had taken the liberty to pack it in a bento box this time, to match the Japanese cuisine you had made for him.

“You’re very bold claiming that.” Kenshi commented, raising an eyebrow as he looked at you. Yet on his face was a small, amused smile. His gaze dropped to inspect the box, and a small hum left his lips as he nodded approvingly at the way it was packaged. “You even used a bento box, nice attention to detail.”

“I try.” You said playfully, laying a hand on your chest. “I’ll have you know I went out of my way to obtain one just for you.” 

“I’m honored.” Kenshi replied in a light, playful way that reflected yours. 

You watched with bated breath as he opened the bento box. With satisfaction, you watched as the expectant look on his face gave way to one of shock. You crossed your arms smugly, basking in the pride you felt at his reaction. 

“This…is actually my favorite.” Kenshi said in awe, eyes searching the bento box as he scanned all the items in front of him. His eyes glanced from you, back down to the food, back to you with surprise evident on his face. His eyebrows furrowed as he processed the situation in front of him. “How did you guess this so accurately?”

“Just because I’m not a god like Lord Liu Kang doesn’t mean I don’t have tricks of my own.” You said vaguely. It was best not to mention how you had a hazy memory of cooking this food for him in your past life. You watched as the swordsman’s eyebrows rose, but ultimately he did not question you. Still, you watched as he pursed his lips. 

“It was a lucky guess, wasn’t it?” He asked, and you let out a small chuckle.

“Nope, I just have really good intuition.” You replied, grinning at the man still. His eyes narrowed, seeming unsatisfied with your vague and ultimately illogical answer. He glanced down again, scanning the food, scrutinizing it again.

“That’s basically the same thing as luck, if you think about it.” He pointed out with a small huff. He challenged you with a long stare.

“No.” You quickly replied, a small pout on your lips now. “Luck is guessing something out of nothing.” You pointed out before gesturing to him. “I used intuition. That means I used what I knew about you to guess what your favorite food was.” You shrugged. “That’s the difference, see?”

“And you think I look like someone who enjoys this type of food?” Kenshi inquired, trying to see if he could get more information out of you. You could tell from the tone of his voice he was being playful still. You gestured to the bento box with a sly look on your face. You glanced down at it, before looking back up at him.

“Well, I made it for you, hm?” You replied, with a tone that screamed ‘isn’t it obvious?’ “And from what you told me, I got it absolutely correct.” You continued, crossing your arms as you saw him sigh.

“I guess you did.” He conceded as he nodded. Kenshi then smiled at you, something that you weren’t all too familiar with, but found charming nevertheless. “Thank you.” He said, before pausing. “This will be nice to eat. I haven’t had any Japanese food since I left the Yakuza.” 

“No problem.” You told him. Too absorbed in your glee, you put a hand on his shoulder and pat it. “If you ever want me to make you more, just let me know.” You told him, sending him a wink. “You’re the one who helped me improve my cooking so far.” You glanced at the sky. “Well, it’s time for me to go, let me know what you think of it next time.” 

You left, and Kenshi was left staring after you, watching you for a few moments. The peace and quiet lasted for a few mere moments before Johnny Cage came strolling in, looking between Kenshi and you who was walking off in the distance.

“You having a moment or something, tattoo?” Johnny asked as he glanced between you two again. He peered over Kenshi’s shoulder as he inspected the food. “Hah, teach gave you some food? Let me try.” He said, before reaching out to grab a piece of it. He let out a small ‘ow’ as his hand was quickly smacked away. 

“This isn’t yours, Cage.” Kenshi huffed, glaring at the actor. Johnny put his hands up in surrender, letting out a snicker at the protective look on the swordsman’s face. He then, before anyone else could try and get their hands on his food, grabbed a piece of the food and popped it into his mouth.

It tasted like home.

“Kung Lao is here.” 

Opening the door to the kitchen, Liu Kang peered in. The smell of wonderful, delicious food wafted his way. Even the god himself felt hungry from the scent of your cooking alone, and he even was able to resist Madam Bo’s food. There was clanging of pots and pans, and the hissing of food as it hit the hot pans. 

“Okay, give me a moment!” You called out, glancing over your shoulder. You turned off the heat, quickly dumping the finished food into a bowl on the side.You could continue your cooking endeavor later. You wiped off the sweat that had formed on your brow. You had been standing over the stove for a while now, slaving away at making a wonderful dinner to which you’d be serving later for the Lin Kuei trio.

“Alright, I’ll have him wait.” The fire god called out before he closed the door, letting you finish doing what you had been doing.

With a sigh you stepped back and leaned on the wall. The air even a few steps away from the stove felt refreshing. You stood, letting the air cool you off a bit more before you stepped out of the kitchen. You quickly made your way to your room, grabbing the package Liu Kang had given you a day ago before rushing off to the room where people usually waited when they sought out an audience with Liu Kang.

“Hi, sorry for the wait!” You greeted, still feeling a little sweaty as you briskly walked over to Kung Lao. You watched as he looked at you in surprise. You supposed it was because he had never seen you to the point of exertion like this. After all, you rarely broke a sweat during their training. He had a similar reaction when you had shown up to train them in bandages after your sparring with Bi-Han a while ago, so your assumption probably wasn’t too far off.

“It’s all fine.” Kung Lao said, waving off your apology. He rubbed his hands together in excitement as he got up. You noted his casual clothes, and it warmed your heart as it reminded you of the movie nights you all had every month or so. He approached you, and his glee was infectious as a smile nearly as bright as his appeared on your face.

“Okay, this should be the last prototype, but it’s pretty much the final product.” You told him, carefully opening the box. The result of the hat within the box was you and Kung Lao discussing how to better innovate and design a hat that suited him. Not only in terms of a weapon, but also as a fashion item since he consistently mentioned wanting to wear it everywhere.

“What’s the point of making it a hat if I can’t wear it everywhere?” The former farmhand had insisted to you many months ago, when he had pointed at the hat which had been much too heavy to wear comfortably. You had sighed but agreed. He did have a point. 

It also comforted you to know that some things never seemed to change, such as Kung Lao’s devotion to his hat.

Lifting the hat out of the box, Kung Lao held it with some reverence. His eyes sparkled with delight as he held it up. He first inspected it from all angles, marveling over the precise craftsmanship that went into creating the perfect weapon that happened to be a hat. 

You sent him a look as his finger traced the razor sharp edge. It was the same look you sent him to warn him to be careful everytime he did it. He rolled his eyes, but in a playful manner. You scoffed lightheartedly in return.

“You’re going to cut your finger on it one day, Kung Lao.” You warned lightly, raising an eyebrow at him.

“But I haven’t yet.” Kung Lao bragged cockily. He withdrew his finger from the bladed edge, cut free. He wiggled his fingers smugly to show that fact off. “See? I am already a professional around this thing.” He said with utmost confidence. You sighed and shook your head.

“If I ever hear word that you end up cutting your finger on the edge, I’ll never let you hear the end of it.” You promised as you smiled at him teasingly. You watched as his eyebrows raised before a sly grin appeared on his face. He leaned forward with a small chuckle.

“Hah! That won’t happen.” He scoffed, and you could tell that his ego was growing again. You rolled your eyes as you pushed him back lightly. Kung Lao let out a loud chuckle, amused by the banter that happened between you. This back and forth, it felt natural. For a moment, you looked at him and remembered simpler times with him and Liu Kang.

Your heart squeezed, a feeling you won’t ever be able to truly suppress no matter how many times it occurred.

“Oh really, want to put your money where your mouth is?” You propose, trying to ignore the way your heart yearned for a life you no longer had. You watched as Kung Lao’s grin grew wider. If there was one thing you had learned from training him, it was that the man from Fengjian loved to bet. It was something you caught your students doing often due to his influence.

“You’re finally making a bet with me?” Kung Lao asked, a tone of excitement in his voice. While it wasn’t often, you had a bet tossed your way here and there. You had turned them down previously, but now it was different now that you were the one proposing the bet. 

“That’s what I asked you, no?” You sassed him, raising your eyebrows. 

“Then I gladly accept a bet with you.” Kung Lao graciously accepted, tilting his head. “Just a shame that our first bet together will have a guaranteed loss on your end.” He added on. The pure confidence in your tone had you letting out a chuckle of disbelief.

“Calm down, we haven’t even set up the terms of our bet.” You reminded him, all too amused by his pride. Still, your words did not make the confident and smug look on his face waver at all. He truly believed in himself, a trait you somewhat admired.

“I’ll win either way.” Kung Lao quipped, which made you roll your eyes again. It was an action you found yourself doing often around the man, no matter how much he amused you. “How about this, you stop sending me that look you do everytime I do this…” The former farmhand traced his finger along the blade’s edge once more. Instinctively, you found yourself doing the look he was referring to. “For a week. And if I prove I don’t need that reminder to not cut my finger, then I win.”

“Do I get penalized if I accidentally send you the look?” 

“I’ll be generous and say no.” Kung Lao said, his smug look turning a tad bit more cheeky as he looked at you. “All I need to do is prove that I won’t cut my fingers on this hat.” He claimed, and you nodded, not finding anything wrong with the terms he had. “Loser has to do whatever the winner wants.” He declares.

You let out a hum, now thinking of the terms of winning the bet. You closed your eyes, recalling how prideful Kung Lao was. He would probably be his own downfall, honestly.

A small voice whispered in your head telling you he already did, reminding you of the visions of his untimely death in another life haunting you.

“Alright, I accept.” You hastily replied, trying to ignore the voice that sent chills down your back. You stuck your hand out to seal the deal. Almost instantly, he grabbed yours and shook it in a firm handshake. You smiled.

His hand was softer than you were expecting.

“I hope you’re prepared to lose.” He taunted, putting the hat back in the box with his free hand that held the hat. He seemed satisfied enough with the final product. You sighed and squeezed his hand as if challenging him.

“Don’t be so quick to think yourself victorious, Kung Lao.” You warned lightly before letting go of his hand. How his hand felt lingered in your mind a few more minutes before you saw his face turn a little sheepish as he looked down at your torso. You raised an eyebrow and looked down, completely forgetting the apron you had donned.

“Had I been interrupting something?” He inquired, an innocent tone to his voice. You let out a small laugh as you waved off his question. How unusual for him to have that tone of voice. You shook his head, and he nodded, now a curious look on his face.

“Don’t worry about it, you had just interrupted me making dinner. I’m inviting the three Lin Kuei men who had tested you. Don’t worry about being an interruption though, I was the one who asked you to drop by.” You told him, reassuring him that he had not been a bother at all.

“You…cook?” Kung Lao said, processing your words. You nodded slowly, rubbing the back of your neck.

“Yeah, Madam Bo taught me.” You watched as Kung Lao’s jaw dropped in surprise. You shrugged causally, looking at him. “Who do you think was giving Kenshi all that food?” You asked. You watched as he processed all of this, and gasped.

“You cook like Madam Bo, and didn’t give me any?” He inquired, the tone of his voice indicating you’ve committed a crime akin to a sin. You laughed at the absurdity of his reaction, he was more of a food lover than you had presumed. 

“I needed criticism to improve, Kung Lao.” You watched him pout at your excuse, probably thinking it wasn’t good enough. “I promise I’ll give you some food soon enough, okay?” You told him, placing a hand on your hip. You watched as he perked up.

“You’ll be doing that regardless, since I’m planning on making you make me a feast once I win our bet.” Kung Lao declared, and you sighed. You pat down your apron, trying to clean it before you went back into the kitchen.

“I’ll be sure to keep that in mind when you lose, Kung Lao.” You remarked, grinning at him mischievously. You grabbed his shoulder, pushing him towards the entrance of the Fire Temple. “Now go back and rest, I have to go prepare dinner.” You told him, knowing he would delay longer to see if you could also make him a meal.

“Don’t forget your promise!” He called over his shoulder as he began to walk off, a boisterous laugh leaving his lips as he began to walk off. You nodded, reassuring him that you would as long as he stayed on your good side. You sighed as you looked up into the sky, trying to gauge how much time you had left before you had to serve the Lin Kuei brothers.

You had time.

Turning on your heel, you briskly walked back to the kitchen to work away once again.

“You were very prepared for tonight.”

“I know.” You replied, trying not to feel too smug as you led the trio of men into the dining room you had set up. It was much more fancy today than usual, seeing as you didn’t bother to try and decorate much when Liu Kang ate with you. 

All types of food were spread across the table, from entrees to side dishes. You also had desserts planned, but you had them stashed away to allow the main courses to shine. Impressively, all of it looked fresh, hot, and ready to eat. You watched the trio’s reactions, and how they varied. 

Kuai Liang seemed appreciative of the whole ordeal. A small, rare smile was spread across his lips. His eyes slowly scanned the foods you had on display, analyzing them carefully as if each were a precious art piece. Then, his eyes made their way towards yours and he nodded.

Tomas was very eager, his eyes wide and searching. They darted to and fro, as if he could not settle on what he wanted to eat first. His grin was bigger, and he leaned forward just slightly. You watched as he inhaled deeply, and let out a sigh of longing.

Bi-Han’s reaction was the most subtle. He, as usual, had his resting face on. Yet, at the same time, you could see how his eyes widened slightly, almost as if there were a gleam in his eyes. He also scanned the dishes, but once they landed on a dish you knew was his was favorite, he honed in on it. He glanced away and towards you, a small huff leaving his lips. And dare you say it, you could say the corners of his lips were upturned.

He was smiling. Maybe not the most obvious one, but it was one nevertheless.

Okay, maybe you could afford to let your ego grow a little bit. It’s not everyday you get some of the best Lin Kuei fawning over your cooking.

You made your way to your spot on the table. It was the same spot you always sat at whenever you ate with Liu Kang. You just had a sentimental attachment to it, though you would never admit it outloud. You watched as Bi-Han claimed the seat beside you, and Tomas was across from you. That left Kuai Liang sitting the farthest from you.

“Eat up!” You told them, before grabbing the foods you wanted and sliding them onto your plate. The air was filled with the clinks of dishes being moved around. Here and there there would be a request to pass a dish over.

“This is amazing!” Tomas piped up after a few minutes. On his face was one of the most delighted expressions you’ve ever seen on him. You grinned at him, a surge of pride running through you. You watched with joy as he almost greedily put more of your cooking on his plate. “I wish we had this type of cooking back at the temple.”

“I must agree.” Kuai Liang spoke, nodding. Though he was not as fast as Tomas in eating his meal, you were surprised to see that he had eaten it more quickly than you had expected. “This is delicious, I did not know you were this talented at cooking.” He commended.

Instinctively, you glanced over to Bi-Han. To your surprise, he was silently adding more onto his plate, having almost finished the initial amount he had put on. He looked up from his plate, glancing over to you. His eyes narrowed at your expectant gaze before he tore his eyes away.

“It’s good.” He began, and your jaw dropped a bit at the clear praise. “The Lin Kuei’s cooking standards should be brought up to match these.” Bi-Han continued, which greatly increased your ego. You looked away to preserve your pride by not grinning like a madman.

“Oh it’s nothing.” You said, trying to downplay how happy you felt at their compliments. “I owe it all to Madam Bo, honestly.” You told them, only to feel Bi-Han’s stare.

“Teachings can only get you so far.” Bi-Han pointed out, making your eyebrow raise. He looked away from you to take another bite of your cooking, leaving you to ponder over his words as he ate. “With skill like this, you are far more competent than what you make yourself out to be.”

“Bi-Han’s right.” Tomas spoke up, giving you an encouraging look. “You’re really good!” Kuai Liang nodded in agreement as he silently continued to eat their meal. With their compliments combined, you felt your face grow warm. You looked downwards, a bit shyly and continued to eat.

“You, Lord Liu Kang, and your students are going to Outworld for the tournament soon, correct?” Scorpion inquired, looking up at you. You nodded, taking another bite of your food. “Do you have any idea of who, out of all of your students, will be chosen to compete?”

“Hmm…” You hummed, pondering over the question as you chewed your food slowly. “I think any of them are capable of becoming champion.” You responded, shrugging. “They all show promise.” You let out another hum. “But if I had to choose, I think it would be between Kung Lao and Raiden.” 

“The two from the exam?” Bi-Han inquired, his eyebrows raising slightly. At your nod, he huffed. “I recall Kung Lao being presumptuous. I hope your teachings have burst his ego.” He mentioned, and you vaguely remember Bi-Han scoffing at him long ago.

“He’s gotten better.” You say, smiling as you reflect at the progress you have done with your students over the months you’ve been put in charge of them. “Kung Lao is still prideful though, but not too much.” You paused, letting out a small chuckle. “Most times, at least.” 

“Are you excited to go to Outworld?” Smoke asked. You nodded in response. The three were not aware of your potential connection with Outworld. Still, you had previously mentioned to them how you were eager for the chance to travel to another realm. They just simply didn’t know why or how eager you were. 

“I am. Lord Liu Kang tells me it’s a wonderful, breathtaking place.” You mentioned a small smile on your lips as you heard the small voice in your head that you might finally be able to unlock more memories. “If I find any interesting trinkets, I’ll be sure to bring them back for you guys.”

“You do not need to, but it would be appreciated.” Kuai Liang said, looking at you with eyes that glimmered with appreciation at the mere promise. “I would not want you to worry over gifts for us instead of enjoying the atmosphere.”

“Oh it’d be no issue, trust me.” You reassured him, your smile growing wider.

The rest of the night was filled with lighthearted banter, for the most part, and delicious food. It was nice, having the brothers all together. Still, a bubble of worry formed within you as you all ate. They were all playing nice now, but Kuai Liang’s words of concern echoed in your head.

Was Bi-Han really set on a self destructive path that would tear the brothers apart? 

The with closeness of the brothers right now, you didn’t want to believe it. Bi-Han may not show his love for his brothers clearly, but he still cared. Or at least, you thought so. Kuai Liang was not one to worry over such things so easily.

A fire of determination burned in your heart as you bid the trio goodnight. You watched as Bi-Han led them away, and a sigh left your lips. You stood on the bridge, soaking in the moonlight for a few moments more.

You would mend whatever rift was going to tear them apart, no matter what.

“What is all of this?”

Looking up from the little set up, you smiled at the perplexed expression on Raiden’s face. You had invited him out for one last training session before the champion exam. It was nearly a week before you all were going to go to Outworld. For all the months you’ve trained him, Raiden had been very diligent and grown much.

So instead of a training session, you decided you would reward him instead. Maybe it was a little bit biased, but the expression on his face alone right now made it all worth it.

“It’s a reward.” You said simply, standing up. You gestured to the picnic you’ve set up in the courtyard. It was nearly perfect. The stars, the moon, they were all so much prettier tonight. It was the perfect night sky for a late night picnic. “I thought instead of training you to the bone, we could celebrate tonight instead for your growth.”

“You didn’t have to do this.” Raiden said, his voice full of awe as he walked over. You sent him a look that told him not to be so humble, not now. He let out a small chuckle as he walked over. You sat down and so did he. He looked over to the spread you had lying out. “This all looks wonderful.” He marvels.

“I hope so. I made it all myself.” You bragged, watching with a bit of satisfaction as his expression turned amazed. 

“You did?” He asked, and you nodded. He looked back over to the food with more scrutiny. “I’m honored you made this all, thank you.” He said, his voice full of reverence. He reached out, his hand hovering over some food. The former farmer glanced back at you. “May I?”

“Go right ahead, I made this mostly for you.” You said, grinning as you gestured for him to dig in. You leaned over, grabbing some food for yourself. “I still will eat some too, so don’t you worry.” You let out a small hum of satisfaction as you ate it, enjoying the flavor you had created.

You and Raiden ate, savoring the flavors of the food you made. Silence passed between the both of you for a few moments, finding comfort in simply sitting near each other.

“This is really good.” Raiden complimented after swallowing his bite. His eyebrows furrowed as he seemed to think. Then, a look of recognition appeared on his face. “This cooking actually reminds me of Madam Bo’s actually.” 

“Well, I suppose the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.” You commented, grinning slyly at Raiden’s shocked expression when the realization dawned on him.

“Madam Bo taught you how to cook?” He inquired, glancing between you and the food you had created. You nodded, setting down your food for a moment to stretch. You sighed in satisfaction as you felt your joints pop. You really needed to stretch more.

“Is it really that surprising?” You inquired, a teasing tone to your voice as you looked over to Raiden. A look of shock appeared on his features, as realization settled on his features. An almost bashful look appeared on his features as he shook his head.

“No, I didn’t mean it like that!” Raiden quickly said, which made you laugh. You rolled your eyes playfully as you lightly nudged his shoulder.

“I’m kidding Raiden.” You told him, a small mischievous look on your lips still. “But yes, Madam Bo did teach me.” You said, a small nostalgic tone to your voice as you looked over the slowly dwindling amount of food that you were sharing. “She was very insistent that I learn from her.”

“I see.” Raiden ate a bit more food, seeming to savor it even more now. An appreciative smile appeared on his face as he indulged in the food you gave him. “I think I like this even more than Madam Bo’s cooking.” He mentioned. looking up at you with that smile of his. Letting out a surprised laugh, you playfully nudged him again.

“Hah! Don’t let Madam Bo hear that!” You teased, grinning at him. You weren’t certain if he was being polite or not. But, you were compelled to believe him with the sincere way he said those words. Raiden’s smile grew bigger.

“She’d probably stuff me full of food until I pop if I said that around her.” Raiden admitted, laughing alongside you.

Soon enough, the food was all finished, it disappearing quickly as you two conversed. It tasted even better with such lovely company. You packed things up in the small basket you brought, with Raiden helping. Even when the surprise was for him, he still found a way to try and work.

“Did you still want me to train tonight?” The man inquired, raising an eyebrow as he helped finish packing up the stuff, except for the blanket the two of you were sitting on. You sighed and shook your head, sending him an exasperated look. Even after al that, he was thinking about training?

And you thought you were the workaholic.

“We’re not training tonight, you have an important exam tomorrow.” You reminded him, sending him an amused look. You pat the space beside you, having him scoot a bit closer to you. You laid down, letting out another sigh as you stared at the stars above you.

“Let’s just observe and enjoy the beauty of the sky tonight.” You proposed, taking in the beauty of the sky. It was magnificent. The sky seemed to be particularly clear tonight, the stars above twinkling brightly. The moon was nice and full. and seemed to be even bigger, allowing for a breathtaking view.

You heard the sound of Raiden also laying down next to you, also taking a moment to lie down. Minutes passed, a comfortable silence once again settling in. It was just you and him, staring up at the stars and taking in the view.

It was times like this you remember just how lucky you are to be able to witness such a thing.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” You asked, searching the stars. You spotted the constellations in the sky you remembered reading about in a few of the books lying around the Fire Temple. Raiden was sent out of his daze when you spoke. 

Raiden blinked, looking over to you. His stare lingered on you instead, admiring you instead of the galaxy above. You were too wrapped up in looking at the stars to notice the way he looked at you and how his cheeks warmed up.

There was a moment as he stared at you, realizing how fortunate he was to be by your side.

“Yes…yes they are beautiful.”

part ten

[bat-snake]

My take on a distant future AU (that depends on Aaravos sacrificing so much energy into finally ensuring Leola's return that he has to abandon his mortal form for a bit - much to her heartbreak) and so

I have no idea how to connect all of these things and have a few vague ideas about who the New Gang is (one of them is a Moonshadow/Sunfire elf with a human grandma, who works for the Katolis Historical Society as a tour guide and she is e x h u s t e d)

There are so many more humans that figured out how to connect to a primal source, but it's like a small rural town's worth because it's still very hard to connect and requires a lot of introspection.

I'm trying to decide if Leola has just one child (named after Callum) or if she has two (named after Callum and Claudia). She's also looking after one of the New Gang, who is also in a coma. But because she connected to the Star primal and she couldn't handle the depths of Infinity, and not because of The Thing that knocked out all the elf kids under 10.

Zym is going strong as the Dragon King and is pretty well adored. Especially since Thunderfall is a thriving integrated city at this point.

And of course, aside from a Molly Gru-esque "How dare you come to me now, when I am this??? (burnt out and exhausted and lonely)" response to his return, Leola makes a pretty clear threat regarding Aaravos and his grandchild(ren).

Basically a "If I even hear a hint that you are pulling destructive stings for my child(ren) that you did for me, I will personally put you in a pearl myself and I will bind myself to it because I know how. Anyway! Humans figured out how to capture an obscura reflection! They put mirrors in a tiny box! I have mourned so many human friends that I am about to snap! The light in side me is dying! I really need you to just be my dad right now or I am going to lose it!"

There's a Rayllum grandchild running around as the new guardian of the Moon Nexus. Her name is Odette. (Which I. Realize now is ironic name choice with the whole "moon touching the lake" thing and was not deliberate on my part but I'm sticking to it. Give her eleven swans I guess)

[theroundbartable]

Okay, if you were asked who are in Merlin BBC & Voltron that you can see based on canon that are gay/bi/pan/demi, which characters are they? Why?

What a fun ask I'm totally not doing to procastinate on cooking... XD

BBC Merlin

Arthur Pendragon is, in my head, demiromantic and bisexual... It sort of depends on the circumstances/episode. Arthur needs a very long time to really feel connections with people and only starts to consider love after he really gets to know them, hence his constant search for true love in the show. With Merlin I'm not entirely sure if he was attracted to him instantly, strangely enough feeling a connection from the moment they met, or if it takes him till the end of the series when Merlin confesses his magic and finally shows his true self to realise the depth of his feelings.

Merlin is, well... Bi Bi Bi. A disaster bi in fact. With a preference for sweaty men in metal boxes, he's not very peculiar. However, Merlin is a one person hyperfixation kind of guy. Most people are convinced that Merlin's gay.

Gwen: I feel like most people in BBC Merlin are bi and Gwen is no exception. Like Merlin, she prefers the hero type in metal uniforms. But she also had a thing for Morgana in the beginning.

Morgana: lesbian. I have never seen a woman so disinterested in men, I'm not surprised that they casted Katie McGrath in supergirl as supergirls love interest. I might settle for homoromantic and asexual. But definitly in love with Gwen in the very beginning.

Sir Leon, my beloved, the immortal, the one and only, the eternal suffering aro/ace. I don't have to explain this one. The only counter moment is the Lamia episode where Leon suddenly develops interest in women out of nowhere. My personal take is that anyone could be fallen under a Lamia's spell, this one just had a taste for men (and male presenting).

Sir Elian: once upon a time I clocked them as nonbinary and sadly that's as far as I thought into this character. Pretty sure he's aromantic. He/they pronouns. I dunno, I don't think Elian would conform to anything if given a choice. Aromantic too, I think. Like Leon, there is no interest there, but he does play around with Percival and Gwaine quite often, so I'd take that as allosexual.

I am excluding Gwaine because I think canon Gwaine is written as a straight oblivious fuckboy. Albeit a kind one XD fanon Gwaine is often poly/ pan... Or into apples. Lmao XD and I'm not sure about Percival because the man has a dead wife and kids.

Voltron

Keith: with his lack of interest in women, he can only be gay. That man looks at no one quite the same as he looks at Lance. what the hell was the whole bonding thing if not a hint for post canon klance? Sorry, not sorry XD rivals to best friends to lovers.

Lance: *bi bo bi* bisexual lighting Lance. Doesn't matter if you prefer klance or shallura, this man is a walking bi flag. I don't know what you mean by proof, just look at this wiggly boy with the fingerguns. He can't even sit straight! Can't do math either. He's perfect!

Shiro: probably the only character in my entire history of shipping that I would unqueer without feeling bad about it. I know he's gay, I just don't really see it in the writing. Of course there aren't always clear signs that someone is gay which is why this is good rep actually (+he's married), but you asked me for proof in the show and all I see is that this man is a dad. That's his gender and his orientation and that's all I really need to know.

Pidge: aro/ace because I love my aroaces and this child loves robots and robots only. Also nonbinary/genderqueer. Pronouns: fuck/off XD

I think Lotor should have been bi. Pre-canon Lotor had us Langsters ship Lotor x Lance and it was so much fun :D

Bob: gender: evil, orientation: villain. I hate this guy

Coran: the georgous man is either gay or pan. More likely pan because I vaguely remember he had a son?

I hope I answered your question reasonably enough XD thank you for the ask, anon :3

[la-pheacienne]

Oh so D x D were right in depicting Jaime x Cersei sex scene in the book as a clear cut rape scene. No, you say? What I remember of that scene in the book is that it was dub-con AT BEST, and this AFTER taking into account the author's own very obvious misogynistic bias (Watsonian vs Doylist perspective) and JC's specific dynamic of being the same person in two bodies and their lack of autonomy in the face of one another and their fucked up sick relationship in general. After taking into account all of these quite important factors, this book scene is still technically a dub-con sex scene, under a lenient reading which I'm willing to give to Jaime because again, I'm taking into account all these factors. If someone chooses to see this scene in the book as a clear cut rape scene, it is understandable to me.

D x D took a dub-con sex scene with a shit ton of underlying complexities underneath and turned it to a clear cut rape scene. Okay! Not The Best in my personal opinion! But still, Not So Atrocious! After all, how are you gonna depict on TV with absolute accuracy with the limited time you have something that is pretty complicated in the book and already kind of still comes across as dub-con or at even dangerously close to rape? Oh but I vaguely remember seeing posts in the lannister crowd about the show!scene being a depiction of "gratuitous violence" and "oversimplifying the dynamic". Am I wrong? I also agreed with the lannister crowd on this. I don't think GRRM intended to write Jaime as a rapist and Jaime comes across as a rapist in the GoT scene. I consider this to be a distortion of canon, despite the fact that in the book we had a real dub-con scene.

But suddently introducing out of the blue actual, very real physical domestic violence in a relationship that had NONE in the book is canonically plausible or even an improvement of canon, for the same crowd? And why is that? Because the couple has a huge age difference whereas JC were twins? So an abusive relationship or even rape is less plausible if the perpetrator is the same age as the victim? Who told you this? Daemyra is abusive because the uncle gave gifts to his underage niece? Because the couple is incestuous? In GRRM's work? You are seriously, unironically arguing that the above factors (age difference + incest) are meant to hint at a non consensual, abusive relationship in GRRM's universe? Are you for real?

Where is the acknowledgement of the author's problematic standards and worldview here? Where is the distinction between the Watsonian and the Doylist perspective here? Where is your indignation at the show runners turning up the gendered violence in ways that are not book canon? At least the JC scene was based on a real, already highly problematic sex scene. Now that the show runners came up with a brand new form of violence that did not exist in the book, what do you say? That it's fine because it's not as gratuitous as Sansa's rape arc? What about Alicent's rape arc? That's not gratuitous? Do you seriously believe that a rape arc is a necessary tool for adding complexity to a female antagonist? Really? What about Laena being burned alive? What about Aemma? I haven't seen a lot of talk about those. Are these not "gratuitous violence" in your book? Or you just don't really care right?

To sum it up. It is Problematic™ gratuitous violence hashtag male gaze only when 1) my perfect angelic fave (Sansa) is the victim or 2) when my fave is the perpetrator.

It is not gratuitous violence when 1) the narrative turns my fave from an antagonist to an underdog via rape or 2) when it makes characters I hate look worse than their book counterpart.

Hate to break this to you, this is not exactly a solid construction. The general criteria you use to identify gratuitous, non canonical violence need to be applied to all cases alike, not according to your own bias. The bias in this fandom is so shocking that it borders on gaslighting and I am looking specifically at book fans who have dragged GoT to hell and back for years and are now applauding this shitfest that is House of the Dragon for the same reasons they used to trash GoT.

I genuinely want nothing to do with that show anymore.

[blondeboyfriend]

𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝟐 (𝟏𝟖+)

𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐃𝐍𝐈

« Devotional 1 [ PAIRING ] DIO x f!reader x Hol Horse [ AUTHOR'S NOTE ] Dio using his fangs to pull corks out of wine bottles comes from this. Also I kinda amped up the silliness which I apologize for. I couldn't help it. Drunk!DIO is just too much fun to indulge in. [ SYNOPSIS ] The return of Hol Horse. [ WORD COUNT ] 4.3k [ CONTENT ] Canon AU, POV switching, alcohol, dubcon (power imbalance, everyone's drunk), threesome (mmf), nipple play, oral sex (m + f receiving), anal sex (m receiving), voyeurism, sadomasochism, handjob, gun play, objectification, degradation (Dio gets degraded), some D/s elements, biting, marking, pet names (pet, darlin', sweetheart), orgasm control, impact play, not beta read.

You hadn’t thought much about Hol Horse since your previous tryst. While it was exciting and memorable, you occupied yourself with other things. You didn’t want to get attached to the hitman. Loving Dio was bad enough. Why let another reprehensible man into your life? You didn’t need to shoulder that weight.

You found that tending to the mansion’s lush gardens was a worthy task, one that filled you with pride. Your favorite time to garden was in the evening, when the sun wasn’t as cruel. You enjoyed the pinkish-orange hue that overtook the sky as the gloaming inched closer. Everything looked that much more beautiful when bathed in a blushing glow. You felt safe, at ease, like nothing could go wrong if your hands were plunged in rich, fertile soil.

That’s why it was such a shock to hear Pet Shop’s foreboding shriek as you deadheaded some carmine-colored poppies. You dropped your shears and looked around, seeing no one.

“Call off that damn bird!” You heard a familiar voice yell.

You finally spotted the panicked hawk, swooping around menacingly. You hoped he had refrained from bombarding Hol Horse with icicles.

“The fuck is he doing here?” You asked.

You stumbled to your feet and tried to make yourself visible, attempting to wave Pet Shop down like he was a vicious airplane.

“It’s fine!” You shouted, suddenly feeling foolish. “Can he even understand me?” You wondered out loud. “I mean, he seems pretty smart…”

You shook your head and decided not to think too hard about it. The sudden absence of Pet Shop’s shrill cries of alarm was enough to quell your nerves.

“One second,” you said as you struggled to open the gate, a task you had never attempted yourself.

“Take your time, darlin’.”

After about a minute of struggling you finally managed to get the gate open.

“Sorry,” you panted, wiping the sweat from your brow. “Usually someone else does that.”

“There’s no need to apologize,” Hol Horse said kindly.

His gaze was full of dreamy longing. You wondered if he looked at his numerous girlfriends this way.

“So… Can I… help you? Do you need something?”

He adjusted his hat and shook the starry-eyed look off his face.

“Lord Dio asked me to come. He said it’s important.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Important?”

You knew Hol Horse wasn’t here on “business” so to speak. Whether he knew that or not was another thing, but you were quick to catch onto Dio’s will. The vampire tried to be as opaque as possible with his true desires, only revealing information when he felt it was beneficial. But the more time you spent around him, the easier he was to read.

“His words, not mine.”

“Alright,” you sighed. “I’m sure he’s lurking around somewhere.”

You led Hol Horse into the mansion and set out to find Dio. You vaguely recalled him mentioning that he’d be in his study if you needed him. Most of the search was spent in silence, excluding your annoyed sighs when you’d fail to find your lover. There was no hint of him in the study and no one else in the mansion seemed to have kept tabs on him.

“This happens,” you muttered, wandering through the art gallery. “I’m sorry this has become such an ordeal.”

“It’s no trouble at all. To be honest I’d be perfectly happy if we never find him.”

You turned around and looked at Hol Horse with disgust.

“I didn’t mean it like that! I—C’mon, sweetheart, you think I wanna be here?” He pulled out his pack of cigarettes and lit one. “I’m pretty sure I won’t be leaving this place alive.”

“Don’t be fucking dramatic.”

You strode into the chapel and scanned the room, seeing nothing.

“I’m not being dramatic. You gotta know what he’s capable of.”

“I know,” you moaned. “I’m aware and I don’t care.”

Hol Horse was aghast. “Well I do! My head’s on the chopping block, not yours.” He took a hit off his cigarette and flicked the ash to the floor.

“He’s not going to kill you for fuck’s sake. I’m pretty sure he wants you to top him.”

“What the hell does that mean? Top him? He wan—” Hol Horse paused, seemingly realizing what you meant. “Oh, you’re kiddin’ me.”

You walked by the lectern and noticed an empty bottle of wine leaning against the foot of it. Dio must have been in here at some point.

“That can’t be it.”

You ignored the hitman’s panicked realization, instead focusing on the faint groaning and labored breathing emanating from the altar. You spotted another bottle of wine, this one half-full.

“I’d rather have him kill me, if that’s the case.”

“I think I heard something.”

You crept closer to the altar, looking around the large, ornate table it sat on. You glanced underneath and saw nothing but darkness.

“Never mind,” you sighed, walking away. “He might be—WHAT THE FUCK?!”

You stared down and saw a pale hand wrapped around your ankle, cold fingers digging into your flesh. Instinctively you stomped on it. Hol Horse ran to your side, drawing Emperor and aiming at the hand now feebly clutching your leg. You heard what you could only describe as a pathetic hiss.

“Dio?”

“How could you do this to me? After I, Dio, have done so much for you.”

“Are you crying?” You asked, squatting down to get a better look at the tragic heap at your feet.

“No!” He barked.

Hol Horse withdrew his stand and took a few steps back. He took a final drag off his cigarette and let the butt fall to the floor. He crushed the smoldering cherry with his heel.

“Did I hurt you?” You cooed, rubbing his cold hand.

“Maybe.”

Dio was a mess. His blonde hair hung in his face, cascading down his shoulders. The whites of his eyes were red rimmed and kohl smudged. All he had on were a pair of chartreuse silk shorts that barely covered his ass and a turquoise knit sock on his left foot for some inexplicable reason.

You stroked his chilled face, trying not to reveal the pity you felt for him.

“I’m sorry.”

He grumbled something indecipherable.

“… Uh. Hol Horse is here.”

Dio’s eyes briefly widened before he recomposed himself. He stood up with no problems. But swayed a little once on his feet, like a skyscraper drifting on a windy day.

“Hol Horse,” he bellowed.

Hol Horse straightened his posture, a minor attempt at looking more robust. “Yes, Lord Dio. You said you needed to see me.”

Dio shifted his gaze to you.

“Did I say that?” The vampire hissed under his breath.

Dio’s eyebrows were furrowed, ripe with frustration. You could have sworn he was pouting, a common occurrence when he’d get drunk alone.

“I asked you a question, pet.”

“I never heard you say that.”

The three of you stood in silence, the only sound emanating from a ticking clock. Hol Horse’s anxiety sucked the air out of the room regardless of his brave facade. Dio held his palm to his forehead. He looked like a postmodern version of a Rodin statue.

“I remember now,” he said quietly. “Hol Horse, I need you—”

“You what?” Hol Horse blurted out.

Dio dropped his hand and glared at the hitman.

“Don’t speak out of turn,” Dio slurred. “I need you to…. Ugh.” The vampire groaned in frustration. “I need you to…”

You rubbed Dio’s back while he tried to find his words.

“Why don’t we have him come back another time?” You said softly.

“Tch. No,” the vampire growled. His gaze darted around the floor, sighing in relief when he saw the half-full bottle of wine. “He came all this way.”

“I’m actually not staying too far from here—”

“Quiet!” Dio snatched the bottle of wine off the floor. “We’re going to make it worth his while.”

“C—could y’all not talk about me like I’m not in the room?” Hol Horse laughed.

“My apologies,” Dio said, eyeing the label of the wine bottle. “You should stay though. Have some wine.” He handed the bottle to the hitman. “It’s a dry port, imported from Póvoa de Varzim.”

Hol Horse held the bottle like it was a grenade missing a pin.

“I’m not much of a drinker.”

Dio clenched his fists like an immature child not getting his way.

“Did I ask if you were much of a drinker, Hol Horse? Pet,” he said, snapping his fingers at you. “Did I, Dio, say that?”

“Don’t treat me like a dog, you drunk ass.”

“I can’t win with either of you, can I?!” He cried out before snatching the bottle back from Hol Horse.

He used his fang to pull the cork out of the bottle. He yanked it off his tooth and threw it across the room. He took an oblivion seeking gulp. A trickle of the crimson liquid dribbled down from his mouth, collecting near his collarbones.

“Hol Horse!” He announced, wiping his wine-stained lips. “I’m done playing games. Come here closer.”

Hol Horse went to grab the bottle from Dio, but was denied.

“No. Get on your knees and open your mouth.”

Hol Horse frowned, but obeyed. The hitman opened his mouth and looked up at the vampire. Dio gave him a sick smirk before pouring a steady stream of wine into Hol Horse’s mouth. Part of you expected him to choke on it, but he swallowed it like a professional.

“Good boy,” Dio purred, patting Hol Horse on the head. “Hmph. Take your stupid hat off.” The vampire unceremoniously knocked Hol Horse’s cowboy hat off.

“Can we at least drink out of glasses?” You asked.

“Do you think they drank out of glasses during the Bacchanalia?”

“The what?” Hol Horse asked.

He got on Hol Horse’s level so he could stare into the hitman’s eyes.

“The Bacchanalia, Hol Horse! The Roman festival dedicated to Bacchus.”

“I’m not much into history, Lord Dio.”

Dio looked thoroughly distressed. He gazed up at you expectantly.

“You know what I’m talking about, right?”

“Yeah, I know. Lots of hedonism… And other shit.”

Dio got to his feet and grabbed ahold of your shoulders, his face mere inches from yours. You could smell the sweet aroma of port on his breath.

“It wasn’t just hedonism, my pet. You’re selling it short. It was sheer ecstasy. A celebration of the flesh and its wonders.”

You frowned. “Didn’t maenads eat people in a drunken frenzy and uproot trees with their bare hands?”

“Maenads are Greek, you swine. I’m talking about Roman mythology. You’re thinking of bacchae.” Dio groaned. “Euripides did write about them ripping men limb from limb, but I don’t recall them eating anyone. Though that would be very intriguing.”

“Ar—are you going to eat me?” Hol Horse asked.

“Just your ass,” the vampire said matter-of-factly. Suddenly his face lit up. “Wait, yes! I did ask you here.” Dio smirked again, corners of his lips curling up. He stepped towards the hitman, his footsteps nearly silent against the cold, marble floor. “On your feet,” he said softly.

Hol Horse stood up with trepidation. Dio tucked a lock of the hitman’s sandy blonde hair behind his ear.

“I wanted to apologize for how I left things between us last time.”

“Really?”

“No. But I didn’t get to have as much fun with you as I wanted. Isn’t that right, pet?”

You nodded. Dio expressed his disappointment to you a multitude of times. Usually after he fucked you into a coma-like state and felt comfortable enough to be vulnerable around you.

“I—I,” Hol Horse stammered.

Dio wrapped his arms around the hitman and clung to him like a sloth.

“Come on. You can’t deny my charm.”

“He definitely can, Dio. Don’t be weird.”

You stepped closer to the two men. Dio buried his face into Hol Horse’s neck. Hol Horse swallowed hard and reluctantly patted the vampire’s muscled back.

“At least help me finish this bottle of wine. It’d be a shame to waste it.”

“That would be your own fault for throwing the cork across the room,” you snarked.

“I’m five seconds from killing you.”

You sighed. “Is that my cue to leave?”

“No!” Hol Horse blurted out. “I mean, no. You should, uh, stay! Please stay.”

“He’s right. It’s no fun without you,” Dio relented.

You decided to stay, not only for Hol Horse’s best interests but also because you wouldn’t mind fucking around with him again. The three of you moved to Dio’s bedroom and finished off the bottle of port. You were all sprawled out on the vampire’s bed in your underwear, clothes in little piles on the floor. You and Hol Horse were already riddled with bite marks because Dio simply couldn’t keep his hands off the two of you, interrupting conversation by biting your shoulder or your neck. Never hard, just enough to remind you he was there. The poor thing had little interest or ability to maintain a conversation.

“That’s actually pretty admirable of you,” you said, stroking Dio’s head as it rested in your lap. “I feel like most men would take advantage of a woman in that situation.”

“I respect women, that’s why.”

“I respect women too,” Dio murmured.

“You kill 99% of the women that come across you, honey.”

“What about you? You’re alive. And I’ve fucked at least four women without killing them for the record.”

“That’s not impressive, and you know that,” you chastised.

Dio pouted. He knew you were right, but he’d never admit it.

You reached for the bottle resting on the nightstand only to realize it was empty. You frowned, but knew opening another bottle would be asking for trouble. Dio noticed your expression and sat up.

“Should I get another?”

“No,” you said.

“Yes,” Hol Horse answered at the same time.

Dio got up from the bed and skulked around until he found a bottle of vintage merlot amongst his various treasures. He again pulled the cork out of the bottle with his teeth and hurled it across the room. You stifled a laugh. He took a sip from the bottle before handing it off to Hol Horse who mirrored Dio. The hitman held out the bottle to you, but you shook your head.

“You’re no fun,” Dio slurred.

The vampire groaned and draped himself over you. His body was so cold up against yours, but you welcomed it. The port wine left you warm and tingly. Dio nuzzled his head into your neck before pressing his lips to it. He began to suck on it and his teeth lightly grazed the skin. He pinched your nipple between his fingernails and you winced, but welcomed the stinging pain.

“Don’t be a stranger, cowboy.” You cringed internally at your drunken term of endearment. You made a mental note not to say anything else along those lines.

Hol Horse obliged and crawled over to you on his hands and knees. He flicked his tongue against your nipple and sucked on your breast. You placed your hand on the base of his skull and held it close to your chest. He swirled his tongue around your nipple. Dio rubbed your clit through your underwear, an act that made you slightly uneasy because of his pointed, claw-like nails. Your body tensed up with every swipe of his finger.

Dio smiled against your neck. “Nervous?” He asked.

“Maybe. It feels good though,” you replied.

He applied more pressure to your clit and a whine freed itself from the depths of your throat. You twirled a lock of Hol Horse’s hair as he continued to suck on your breast. You thought about pulling on it, but refrained. You wanted to be kinder to the hitman; you felt obligated to spoil him.

You clenched your jaw and felt as if you were ascending, surrounded by blonde angels.

“Could one of you please, uh.” Hol Horse said, his breath hot against your nipple. “Could one of you touch my cock or somethin’?” He sounded almost pained as he asked the question, like he was embarrassed to desire you and Dio’s touch.

You decided to take the lead, gently pushing Dio away from you. Hol Horse got off his hands and rested on his knees. You pulled down his boxers, revealing his semi-hard cock. It was just as big as you remembered it, long and on the thinner side with not a vein in sight. You stroked it, biting down on your bottom lip as you watched the tension melt away from his body.

“Squeeze it tighter,” Dio heckled.

You didn’t bother responding to him, instead directing all your attention on Hol Horse. You cunt throbbed as you gazed at his face as it contorted with pleasure. Dio reached for the bottle of merlot and took a sizable gulp. He came closer to Hol Horse and grabbed the back of his head.

“Tip your head back and prepare to swallow.”

The hitman heeded Dio’s instructions and graciously accepted the wine pouring into his mouth. Dio’s coordination was nothing to write home about; the wine ended up on Hol Horse’s chest and ultimately the vampire’s bedding (something he would deeply regret in the morning).

You rubbed the tip of Hol Horse’s cock, running the pad of your finger along the slit. Droplets of precum seeped out of his cocktip.

Dio took another sip from the bottle of wine and placed it on the floor. He cupped the hitman’s face in his hands and kissed him deeply. Hol Horse looked momentarily surprised before succumbing to Dio’s alluring nature. He bucked his hips against your hands, thrusting his cock deeper into your grasp.

“Aw, do you need to fuck something?” You teased, squeezing the length of it.

He broke the kiss and mumbled a quick, “Yes.”

Dio jumped at the opportunity to bottom for the hitman. It was almost as if he immediately appeared in front of Hol Horse, naked on his hands and knees.

“Did you use your fucking stand?” You asked.

He smiled, and said nothing.

Hol Horse stroked his cock slapped it against Dio’s taint. You took a seat in front of Dio and gaped at the sensuous sight. The hitman rubbed Dio’s sumptuous ass and gave it a hard smack. He teased Dio’s hole with the tip of his cock, slowly pushing it inside.

“Anytime now,” Dio ordered.

Hol Horse furrowed his brow and slammed his cock into Dio’s ass.

“Fuck!”

“Lord Dio, I—I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to hur—”

Dio groaned. “Shut up. Pet, grab the lube.”

You shook your head at their stupidity and grabbed the lube Dio kept in his nightstand. You handed it to Hol Horse who coated his cock in with the silicon-based lubricant. You sat back and watched as the hitman eased his cock back into Dio.

“Is that better?” Hol Horse asked nervously.

“If you’re going to talk, Hol Horse, at least degrade me. Your pitiful attempts at comforting me are boring.”

Hol Horse breathed in deep and exhaled slowly. You watched eagerly, desperate to know what curses would fall from the hitman’s lips.

“You’re the one that hasn’t shut up once tonight,” Hol Horse growled before shoving Dio’s head into the mattress. “You oughta keep quiet and let me use you like the worthless slut you are.”

“Yeah! That’s what I’m talking about,” Dio called out, his voice muffled by the sheets. “Tell me this is the only thing I’m good for.”

“I don’t know why you keep flapping your jaws, I thought I told you to keep quiet.”

“Say it or I’ll kill you,” Dio growled.

“The only reason something as wretched and disgusting as you exists is so people have something to abuse.”

“Nngh, no abuse,” Dio said, lifting his head slightly.

The hitman apologized, not knowing of Dio’s dreadful childhood. You ruffed the vampire’s hair lovingly, a small consolation.

Hol Horse continued to drive his cock into Dio’s ass, groaning as he bottomed out. You relished in the symphony of gasps and moans coming from the two men. The hitman’s balls clapped up against Dio, each occurrence eliciting a breathy whine from the vampire. Hol Horse reached around Dio and grabbed his neck, forcing him to crane his head back.

“Fucking you is like fucking a whore.”

“I’m not averse to you paying me for this, if that’s your thing.”

Hol Horse let go and pushed Dio’s head back into the mattress. You felt like you were going to implode with pleasure. Seeing the two of them fucking each other was driving you wild.

“Point your gun at him,” you said while you took off your underwear.

Hol Horse summoned his stand and pointed it at the back of Dio’s head. Dio dug his fingers into the mattress in ecstasy as the barrel pressed against his skull. You spread your folds and dipped your fingers inside your cunt.

“Is your finger on the trigger?” You purred, rubbing your clit.

Hol Horse grinned. “You know it is.”

You squealed with delight and continued to play with your cunt, coating your fingers with your arousal. You made eye contact with the hitman while you sucked your fingers clean. You knew he wanted you.

Dio looked up, face still half-buried in his bed.

“Let me eat your cunt,” he moaned, words nearly intelligible.

You grabbed the hair on top of his head and lifted his body up, making him get back on all fours. You placed your hand under his chin and lifted it so his vermillion eyes would meet your gaze. He stuck out his tongue and you brought his head to your cunt. He teased your clit with the tip of his tongue. You tossed your head back and hummed happily as he serviced you. Hol Horse’s thrusts shoved Dio’s head against your body. With each thrust the vampire grunted as he sucked on your arousal soaked folds.

“That feels so good,” you groaned.

Dio’s oral abilities never ceased to amaze you. It was like his mouth was made to be buried in someone’s cunt. His soft lips and long tongue were blessings.

“Fuck,” you whined. “This absolutely is the only thing you’re good for.”

Dio let out a delighted moan. He arched his back and took a more active role as Hol Horse’s fucked him.

“Oh shit,” the hitman groaned. He now lacked the concentration to maintain his stand.

You felt your body growing warmer by the second, heat radiating from your core. You braced yourself against Dio while your strength withered away.

“I—I’m close,” you moaned.

Dio showed your cunt no mercy as he sucked on your clit. Your breathing lost all rhythm, instead becoming labored, quiet gasps with some moans sprinkled in between. You fell back, your body hitting the mattress with a thud. You caught your breath and smiled, utterly satisfied.

“Suck my cock n—no—now,” Dio stuttered.

Hol Horse helped him onto his knees and the vampire reached out to you. You couldn’t even dream of denying him. You crawled a short distance to him and wrapped your lips around his aching cock. You savored the sweet precum that trickled from the tip, focusing on the slit of his cock. His moans grew louder and louder, definitely audible to anyone that happened to pass by his chambers. He was becoming undone. Hol Horse continued to pound his cock into the vampire’s tight hole, his eyes locked shut.

You looked up and watched as Dio demanded Hol Horse to open them and kiss him as he came. The hitman obeyed and shared a sloppy, drunken kiss with the vampire.

It didn’t take long for a deluge of cum to erupt from Dio’s throbbing cock. You swallowed every drop, gulping it down ecstatically. You loved when Dio filled your mouth with his cum.

“I, fuck, think I’m getting there too,’ Hol Horse said. His voice was pained.

Dio pulled Hol Horse’s cock out of him, his expression hinting at a devious plan.

“Lay on your back.”

Hol Horse did as he was told and stroked his cock, longing for it to be deep in Dio’s ass again. Dio got on top of him and guided it back inside. The vampire bounced up and down on the hitman’s cock with a disturbing half-smile on his face.

“D—Dio, I—”

“Is that how a weakling like you is supposed to address me?”

“Lord Dio, I don’t think I can hold it in.”

“Oh, my dear Hol Horse, but you must.”

“Please. I—”

“If you want it that bad, you must beg for it.”

You watched, completely entertained by Dio’s cruelty.

“Please let me come, Lord Dio. I’ll do anything.”

Hol Horse continued to thrust against Dio, the two men finding a rough rhythm.

“And what would that be?” Dio asked, his tone tranquil and deliberate.

“I’ll be your slave. You can use me whenever you want. I don’t care. Just let me come.”

“My slave, hm? Can I hold you to that?”

“Ye—yes. Yes. Yes,” Hol Horse babbled.

“You want to fill me with your cum that bad”

The hitman nodded. “Want you so bad.”

“Should I let him come, pet?”

“Oh yeah,” you said, anticipating the rapturous sounds of Hol Horse’s orgasm.

Dio leaned over and put his hands on Hol Horse’s shoulders.

“Come, slave. Come for your master.”

Hol Horse barely let Dio finish his sentence before he filled the vampire with his milky white cum. You watched as it leaked from Dio’s hole. You were amazed by the amount that the hitman pumped inside the vampire.

Dio sighed happily and rolled off of Hol Horse, cum still leaking out of his ass. Hol Horse looked mildly terrified because of the promise he made to his new master.

“Bath?” You asked, getting up off the bed.

“Yes,” Dio said, holding out his hand.

You helped him to his feet, letting him rest his head on top of yours.

“I guess I’ll head out then,” Hol Horse said softly.

“Don’t be an idiot. You’re coming with us,” Dio yawned.

You smiled and beckoned for Hol Horse to follow. The hitman appeared reluctant, but ultimately decided to join you. He believed that a relaxing bath was the perfect moment to renegotiate the verbal contract he had just entered with the vampire.

[nerevarswritingstuff]

Finished re-reading Tiaf after the edit, took me a while to even start cause I got overwhelmed of the thought that I gotta read it all over again from Chapter 1 to 34, I'm also wondering how will you execute MK's backstory after the reveal on S5 of the series, would you alternate into a whole different story or will you merge it too?

I'm happy to see more Fengshe and Mama Lihua scenes! Spitfire and Macaque's training scenes is awesome too (especially the growing feelings he has for Nibby hehe), Auntie also already captured my heart! I was also not expecting for Erlang Shen appearance so early on the chapters, despite my growing skepticism for him I'm glad he's a strong ally for Firecracker. (though I don't know if that was already in before the edits I can't really remember well-)

Anyways, Love ya Author! 🙂🫶

I'm not gonna lie to you... I never watched Season 5.... mainly because I've been so busy with IRL stuff X"D but I've seen enough clips to get the general idea of what you mean revolving around MK's backstory.

In short; no, I won't be merging anything from S5 into the fic.

In long; I already had a vague idea of how I wanted MK's backstory to be even before S4 came out, but once S4 came out, I had decided "fuck it, let's go with that idea that I had." And put it into motion.

THE ONLY SPOILER-FREE THING I WILL CONFIRM FOR YOU GUYS IS THIS: MK is a stone monkey, but Wukong made MK, not Nuwa. Any other details revolving around that, however, will have to wait. ;) (I say "spoiler-free" mainly because I've given y'all enough hints that point to Wukong making MK)

Erlang's early appearance was something I had been wishy-washy over, but ultimately decided it'd be so fun to bring him in early and show him off to everyone. He'll be appearing more frequently in the coming chapters and when I tell you I can't wait for it, oh my GOD CAN I NOT WAIT FOR SPECIFIC SCENES. //violently vibrating in excitement

Auntie is great. She won't be shown too much in the fic, but her appearances are always gold. So mysterious... so dangerously powerful.... but she literally just here to vibe and watch the drama.

I'm so happy you love the edits! Fengshe and Lihua are so wonderful, and the fuckin sass between Mac and Nibby water my crops they're so god damn funny together X"D

THANK YOU AGAIN AND MANY LOVES TO YOOOOOOU!!! ♥♥♥♥♥

[soraviie]

spending holidays together.txt

━ type: bts x gn! reader  ━ masterlist

━ about: fluff, some angst if you squint  ━  pictures taken from Pinterest

━ a/n: I tried to make this as vague as possible but obviously coming from a country and a family that celebrate Christmas, I was a little bit biased, either way however you celebrate this time or if you're just chilling, I hope you can enjoy this little reaction regardless. Also, there might be a little continuity from previous reactions for some boys

━ previously posted on soraviii

NAMJOON: “Monie! Come here, boy! Monie!” 

Seeing only the rushing colours of the uncaring crowd, you waddled to the side and began to weep uncontrollably. Monie will get lost and die, and Namjoon will hate you forever. This was your first holiday together and you couldn’t even do this one simple thing.

And perhaps, yes, it was the three cups of Svarak talking which you’d drunk while wandering the Christmas market in Prague and perhaps yes, it was the horrid jetlag clouding your emotional state to the point where light inebriation was the least of your worries. Oh, why did you pressure Namjoon into bringing Monie abroad? Who brings a dog to a romantic getaway abroad anyway?

“He’ll get lonely,” you whined, placing your palms against Namjoon’s chest as you adjusted yourself in his lap. 

“He doesn’t understand that emotion,” Namjoon had snided, hands reaching up to grab your hips. “Or any emotion for that matter.”

“Dogs can feel emotions!” you pouted in the poor thing’s defence whilst Namjoon brushed his thumb over your lower lip. 

“I know, baby,” he affirmed. “I’m just saying he specifically doesn’t have them.”

“You’re so mean.”

Well, this idiot of course. Maybe you should have been meaner too, maybe then Monie wouldn’t think it as funny to rip away from his leash and go running off in between vendors selling gingerbread cookies and hot wine. And now be lost forever. 

“Baby?” 

Seeing Namjoon, trying to hold onto the thousands of gift bags to send home, running towards you, only made you weep all the harder, snot falling onto your jacket. 

Tossing the paper bag into the slushed snow, Namjoon took a hold of your face and fretted, like he always did, a million miles per second. 

“Are you hurt? Are you in pain? Did someone hurt you? Are your bones broken?!”

“You’re going to hate me!” you cried, earning nothing but a confused frown and prolonged worrying. 

“Why would I hate my baby?” he cooed but you fervently shook your head, evading his kiss. 

“I lost Monie! I-I lost him and they’re gonna sell him, Namjoon! Oh god, they’re gonna sell him to some mean kids as a holiday present who are going to pull on his tail and ears! Oh, God, what have I d-done?!”

“You mean this Monie?” Namjoon asked with a smile as he stepped aside and lo' and behold without the slightest hint of shame in the eye stood a white dog, his leash stretching to tie around Namjoon’s wrist. 

“Oh my God, you bastard!”

The little dog was rather displeased by the callous and unrefined way of your hugging but you paid it no attention. 

“I found him some five minutes ago,” Namjoon explained, more than a little bewildered at your outburst. “Trying to steal some poor guy’s chicken kebab.”

“And all the trip you fondled him more than me. I was but a decoration.”

“Okay, I get it.

“I mean, I bring my wonderful partner halfway across the world to the top 1 spot to celebrate winter holidays in Europe and what do I get? Nothing. They spend the entire time not admiring the splendour of a city with more than a thousand years under the belt, no, they spend that time buying dog treats.”

“Would you shut up?” you pressed a palm against Namjoon’s mouth, feeling the vibrations of his laughter against your skin. “It was our first holiday together, sorry for being emotional about failing you.”

“You could never fail me baby,” he muttered softly, taking your hand away. “Happy holidays. May we spent fifty more together.”

With a kiss against your temples, Namjoon tucked your legs closer into his lap. His apartment might not be a city with a thousand years under its belt and perhaps it did not smell of hot wine, but it was warm and comfortable, standing strong against the harsh weather of this year's winter and you were perfectly content on spending the holidays quietly in your lonesome. Either way just like he did in Prague, Monie slept the night away, only waking when needing to beg for some food.

YOONGI: “So which one is yours?”

And because it made sense, your mother removed her glasses, squinting at the TV. 

“The second one on the left.”

“What, broad shoulders with a nice smile?”

“No, mom, that’s Jin! I’m with Yoongi.”

“Is it the little one?”

After a partially amused albeit exhausted sigh, you affirmed. 

“Yes, it’s the little one.”

“He looks…nice.”

“He is nice,” you smiled softly to yourself. The broadcast ended and Yoongi’s face was replaced by a soft strumming of generic winter music. Looking out the window with a tangerine twirling between your fingers, you hoped he was at least warm somewhere in Seoul, warm and resting. As it was yesterday and as it will be tomorrow, there was a sunken pang that came when thinking of Yoongi. In times like these you wished nothing more for him to be normal, or at least a little less remarkable, for it to be ordinary enough to sit here with you, awkwardly nodding to whatever your mother said, holding your hand in his and gorging on these tangerines that you subconsciously bought for him. 

But well…life was what it was and you had to accept him. All of him. 

A ring at the door. 

“Oh!” your mother jumped, startled by the jarring sound perturbing the otherwise mellow evening. “It’s probably those damn singers!” she cursed, rolling up the newspaper as if a bunch of mitten-cladded carolers could be thwacked on the nose like a misbehaving dog. 

“I’ll get it,” you sprang to your feet, rushing to the door. “Hey, listen,” you yelled at the ringing stranger, battling with the rusty lock. “This is not a festive house so don’t expect any - oh.”

“Oh,” Yoongi echoed softly. His might be freezing red, along with his nose and his hat was perhaps so big it seemed to envelop his head as a whole, and he just might be covered in snow from head to toe as though he’d tripped and dove face down into a big pile, but to you, he was nothing but a vision. 

“Happy holidays,” he whispered and stretched out a small parcel towards you which you clutched, head pounding away thoroughly dazed. 

“You don’t even celebrate,” you muttered but Yoongi only shrugged. 

“I’m here to celebrate you, nothing mo - wow!”

Wrapping your arms tightly around his neck you began to truly ponder if wishes could indeed come true in this harsh and unfair world as someone liked to say. 

“You’re choking me here, lil’ heater,” Yoongi gasped for air but you didn’t listen, smelling in his faint cologne and breathing a heavy exhale of relief. 

“Deal with it.”

He hummed lowly, with one palm reaching to pat your back. It might have been freezing but you didn’t even notice. Unbeknownst to you neither did he. 

JIN: “It’s fine, Jin.”

Nervously, he exhaled, still twiddling with the reindeer print of his singing tie in the front seat of the car.

“I need to be perfect,” he muttered, peering through the dark at your childhood home standing in the distance like a menacing shadow of an oppressive rock face. One he had chosen to smash his head against this night. 

“You don’t need to be,” softly, you denied, kissing his cheek. Even with the ring on both of your fingers, he blushed. “But you still are. Don’t worry. As heinous as you are, you're an angel compared to my relatives.”

Because of the panic-filled tremor running up his spine it took a whole two minutes for Jin to truly register your words, during which you’d already climbed out the car, taken the largest bulk of presents in your arm and knocked on the door, fully awaiting to be greeted warmly back home for the holidays. 

“Heinous?” Jin muttered absent-mindedly before shaking himself out whatever terrible spell besieged him. It wasn’t your mother he was so afraid of - 

“Oh, Seokjinnie! How’s my favourite son-in-law doing?!”

No, it definitely wasn’t your mother, though he would appreciate she’d pinch his cheeks just a tad less. 

“So, you’re the fiance that they divorced once already.”

It was your judgmental aunts that had him sweating in consecutive nightmares for many months now. 

“Auntie A, please, let’s be civil,” you pushed yourself in front of the slowly brewing conflict. “Not on the holidays.”

“So, Seokjin, we wanted for you to be more included so we…tried to make some of your home foods.”

Jin didn’t know much of this nice woman who spoke kindly to him. She might be your second cousin twice removed on your father’s side, or your aunt thrice removed on your mother’s side… Either way, the spread on the table indeed looked far more eccentric than he was used to. And ever since you’d entered his life, it had been nothing but eccentric.

With bated breaths, the nice lady and your mom waited for his approval and cringing inside, he gave a hollow, polite smile. 

“I like it,” he vomited a bit in his mouth. 

As soft music travelled from downstairs, muffled multicolour of lights glimmered from the small window of your bedroom behind which stretched vast slopes of snow covered by dark. 

“What are they talking about?” Jin whispered, stroking your hair as you laid on top of him. Usually, he’d never liked it but you’d been more of his firsts than he’d ever thought. He could hear just the end of the conversation but the drunken drawl made the words nearly incoherent. 

“About how much they love you,” you muttered in reply, tracing absent-minded patterns on his chest. 

“Liar, liar, ugly pants on fire.”

“Hey, these pants are not ugly,” you whined and Jin hummed. “And I wouldn’t lie. Not on this season of goodwill.”

“Good will, my ass, are you not grinding against my crotch?”

HOSEOK: “Would you sit still?” 

“Sorry, my nose was just itching.”

“Well, do you want it green?” 

“No, ma’am.”

You smirked slightly before focusing back on the work at hand. Or should you say on the hand. 

Hoseok really shouldn’t be looking this good in nail polish. Especially how immediately much you wanted these fingers up in your…Well, either way the polish would be destroyed then. 

With the lights twinkling in the background and the fireplace burning, the night was swimming away into the late night with gracious, almost lulling ease. And while you drew the golden stars one by one, there might still be that treacherous minuscule pang of discontent in the lower pits of your heart, but you pushed it away. Ironically, the first night you painted matching nails it was a time much like this - winter holidays, here in snow-dusted Seoul. 

“Just say you’re disappointed,” he had sighed. 

“And what would that change?” you mumbled grimly, focusing on dragging the brush with near perfection, coating the nail slowly in all black. 

Hoseok didn’t say anything, only drew yet another heavy sigh, before laying his head in your lap. 

“I’m sorry,” he murmured. You knew this would happen - no couple shirts, no photos, nothing shared in public, nothing to ever prove that this, whatever that even entailed, was real. You knew all that but if only knowing would hurt the hollow ache taking root. You felt the weight of his stare but rather than confronting it you decided to be a coward and focus solely on painting your nails. Because that’s what mattered when the love of your life had to tuck you away in his home like a dirty sock otherwise you’ll be harassed until mental breakdown. You knew he carried that ceaseless guilt all around, so much so, that even his ever-present smile was cracking at the seams like vinyl in a cold room. 

“Maybe you can paint my nails?”

That at last had you glancing sparsely towards his side.

“You mean…like matching designs?”

“Yeah,” he shrugged, the tone sounding completely casual. Almost too casual. “I don’t mind painting my nails and…

“And I’ve never stopped wanting to have a little bit of you with me everywhere.”

“As cute as it is, I think Baloo just farted.”

Hoseok threw a heavy glare towards your old, over-fattened Grinch of a Birman only to have it returned back tenfold. 

“He hates me.”

“Just a bit. All done.”

Blowing on his nails, Hoseok glimpsed outside and you watched as his stare turned wistful, seeing the many rows of families, friends and couples all enjoying outside, trading easy laughter and intoxicated cheer. 

“You don’t regret it, do you?” he muttered, almost incoherently. “Being with me?”

You brushed a hand over his knuckles with a sad smile. 

“Our family might be small and our home might be a little quiet but it’s a good one. I don’t need anything else.”

For a second, Hoseok almost appeared stunned before his eyes softened in the glimmering lights and he brushed his forehead against yours. 

“Happy holidays, baby.”

JIMIN: As the years began to pile up, more and more you began to understand the unceasing back pain all adults seemed to complain about and even more so the sentiment behind Grinch standing on a hilltop and yelling down upon the entire city “I HATE YOU!” The hatred for you came shockingly easy, hey, maybe you were just a bad person but what was not easy was to remember that you’d lost your best friend and the man of your dreams all in one well-coordinated swoop.

Forever didn’t seem so stable when it could be killed by a few petty, anger-driven words. The only forever would be the ceaseless taunting.

If only you would have spoken more; if only he would have listened more. If only you had been brave enough to finally tell your best friend you loved him. If only you were just bold enough to believe that his jealousy was out of fear and not some chauvinistic sign of unspoken ownership. If only you’d have the guts to crawl back and apologise. If only…

If only you’d crashed into him harder and cracked your own skull in the process. Then you wouldn’t have to be standing here, in the middle of a snowing open-air ice rink, with children skating amok, evading the pleads of their exhausted parents; you wouldn’t have to be standing here looking at the stupid face of stupidly endearing Park Jimin, of his stupid red eyes that hinted at not so long before finished crying session, of his stupid mismatched hair, growing dark in the roots and still blond at the tips and most of all you wouldn’t have to be feeling the unmistakable sensation of sheer joy as you were faced with someone whom in anger you swore to hate forever. 

Guess that forever didn’t last either. 

His hands, red and roughened from the cold, shuttered to a halt, previously occupied with dusting off your coat as he’d bumped into you on the ice, hurtling you painfully through the air.

He wet his dry lips and gently ghosted those dry-ass hands of his over your elbows, wanting to trap you? Hug you?

Either way, you were pissed and the crowd as it turned could be extremely lonely. Snowflakes fell in large clumps from the blackened sky, behind which sprawled the infinite Cosmos. Infinite Cosmos! With planets and galaxies and universes beyond your comprehension so why? Why, oh why, did this man hold so much power over you?! 

“Don’t come near me,” you growled. “I don’t want to forgive you!”

Jimin being an obnoxious, catty bastard of an angel leaned into your face, so close you could feel the warmth of his breath on your nose, his own expression marred with sheer spite. 

“So I’m forgiven now?”

There were many things to hate about Jimin. How he made your heart quicken and how well he was aware of that fact. The cocky smile he wore as your face hued in unflattering shades of red. You hated how sad he looked when he was down and how it made you want to ruin the entire world for ever daring to upset him. You were supposed to be unflappable, unapproachable and yet slyly like a creeping cat he had pushed past all those finely built walls to make a home in your heart. 

“I’m angry at you!” you curled up your fists only to receive a harsh scowl in return. 

“I’m angry at you as well!” Then he smirked because, despite all your talk when his arm wrapped around your waist, you made no effort to remove it. 

“Stop doing that!”

“Oh, I’m sorry that my face makes expressions,” he rolled his eyes, pushing you closer.

Ask anyone and they’ll tell you that winter lights were pretty but they were cold, much like the sun at certain longitudes of the Earth, but currently, you couldn’t possibly get any warmer. Your back was positively sweltering acutely aware of his stable touch and the fine line you so inappropriately were skating on. Friends. Not lovers. Friends. Just friends. Not even friends now, ex-friends! Strangers! But the way he was holding you was of no strangers. Of no friends. 

Standing here in this stupid, overpriced ice rink with its stupid golden lights, you felt yourself falter, succumbing to weakness. It was all his fault! So why could you not stop the smile blossoming upon your lips?!

“Park Jimin,” you shoved an accusing finger into his chest that definitely hadn’t been getting more toned as of late. “Will you hold yourself responsible when I experience emotional malfunction?”

“Do you mean feelings?” he clarified, eyebrows wrinkling in confusion. “Because if you do, I've been experiencing emotional malfunction for a long time already. I’m the victim here!”

“And what do you want me to do about it?” 

“I don’t know,” he shrugged, but you knew that glint in the eye that had nothing to do with the glimmer of the decorations.  “Kiss it better why don’t you.’Tis the season of kisses.”

“It’s not.”

“It is now,” he growled and pushed his lips upon yours.

TAEHYUNG: Honestly, of all the crazy moments within the last year, it was this one that made you fully grasp just how wild one’s life could get. Here you were on this shaking metal box, after much snivelling and snarling to get a little piece of paper, cramped in between two sweaty dudes and travelling hundreds of miles per hour just to see someone’s son. Embarrassing. And yet you were trembling inside.

Catching a taxi, you tried not to get overwhelmed by the bustling of this foreign city and instead focused on perfecting the tied ribbon, praising the heavens that it didn’t get too smushed in your carry-on luggage. Your family were more than a little concerned and more than greatly disheartened by you skipping away across the world on winter holidays of all time but anyone with eyes could see - your heart was already long gone to that stranger in your phone.

Naturally, you didn’t enjoy seeing Taehyung so glum but the miserable reply of “Doubt so” to your misleading little “Happy Holidays, dear!” did grant you a bit of selfish cheer. He was missing you.

As the decorated trees and many overrun shops breezed past the car windows, you smiled to yourself, nuzzling into the red scarf he’d gifted you. Though when the time came to rap at his door, after getting through the apartment security, you found a sudden knot forming in your throat. What if he didn’t want you to see you? The plans after all had been seemingly set in stone - you return back home and spend the time there. What if he’d been preparing to go out with friends? What if he wasn’t even home? You’d look even more foolish after going through all this trouble. 

Shaking off the nerves, you gathered yourself and knocked before the sliver of cowardice could nestle once again. You could hear Tannie bark on the other side which was a rather good indication he was home and just a second after were elatedly greeted by the sound of slippers shuffling across the floor. You threw a wink at the camera showing his doorstep, barely having the time to jump out of the way when light speed they were thrust into your face. 

“You might get stuck that way,” you teased as Taehyung stood in the doorway, floundering for air like fish out of the water. 

“I thought you were going home for holidays.”

“Well, I couldn’t leave you all alone,” you shrugged. “Don’t say that you’re not - oof!” 

With the gentleness of a raging rhinoceros, Taehyung yanked you into his arms, swaying around as though he was hearing his favourite song. 

“You didn’t even look at your present,” laying on the bed next to him, you pointed at the still-wrapped gift perched on the nearby bedside table. With an elbow braced against his head, he didn’t even glimpse at the gift or attempted to deny the accusations. 

“I will tomorrow,” he promised quietly and you hummed, twirling the button of his loose cardigan that truthfully sat too low on his chest for your mental well being. 

“I’m sorry this probably wasn’t the best winter holiday -”

“It is,” he interrupted without blinking, tone gaining such a lilt of fierceness, you raised your head in astoundment. 

“Did your wish come true or something?”

“Yes, it did,” he answered simply. 

JUNGKOOK: Perching the laundry basket on your hip, you tilted your head to the side, curiously inspecting the green thing attached to the ceiling. You knew Jungkook had his fair share of quirks but putting herbs in the doorway… Shaking your head, you gave a resigned sigh and decided to leave your boyfriend be. But the green thing seemed to haunt you like the world’s shittiest ghost. It wasn’t enough for it to be shoved in a random corner of Jungkook’s own home but soon it invaded yours as well. Waking up, with one cheek pressed against his chest, you shook Jungkook awake, pointing concernedly at the vegetable hovering on the lamp above your head. 

“What is that for?” you inquired, confused but he merely smirked, wagging his eyebrows in nothing but the most annoying fashion.

“Why don’t you tell me?” 

“How would I know?” you grumbled, kicking a leg out of the covers, missing the affronted look Jungkook threw your way, when you missed his puckered up lips. 

As the month dragged on, you grew increasingly perplexed at how Jungkook’s green celery seemed to simply appear wherever your eyes strayed to. You were growing half convinced he had these things half a dozen shoved down his pants. 

“Yes, mom, I got the correct size,” you defended, trying to spot Jungkook’s car in the underground car park of the hellsite that was a shopping centre during the holiday rush. A black car…in a shopping parking lot...like looking for a needle in a stack of needles. Finally, seeing the correct licence plate, you drew a heavy sigh of relief.

“I’ve got to go, talk to you later!”

Upon getting in, you threw the many bags in the backseat, ready to yap Jungkook’s ears off with some overdue complaining only to fall promptly silent when seeing that piece of kale hanging from the car mirror. 

“Ehm…I don’t think it’s an air freshener, Koo,” you gently informed him and he scoffed, lips jutting out in a deeply offended pout. 

“What did I do?” you whined, receiving a dirty glare as an answer. 

“Do you hate me or something?” he glowered after turning his head to the other side and laying his chin on the steering wheel. 

“Why would you say that?”

“You’ve not given me any kisses,” he pointed glumly at his spinach.

“Why would…why would a bundle of herbs equal kisses?” you frowned, failing to see his logic. It wasn’t like it was rare but you’ve never been this confused, especially given how resentful he appeared. 

“Herbs-?” then all of a sudden he broke out in roaring laughter, startling you immediately. Clutching at his stomach, Jungkook threw his head against the seat. “Oh my god, I’m in love with a dummy.”

“Don’t call me a dummy!” you insisted. “Explain why artichoke equals kisses?”

Whatever you said set him off even further and loudly clapping, it would seem Jungkook would commit suicide by choking himself with laughter. 

“ᵃʳᵗᶦᶜ��ᵒᵏᵉ,” he gasped, tears streaming down his cheeks and blissfully ignoring your budding irritation. 

“Fucking Elmo laughing ass,” you groused, turning up your nose and hissing when Jungkook pressed a wet kiss against your cheek.  

© soraviii/soraviie 2022-2023

[historicfailure]

Love Notes - How bad at flirting can you be?

2nd chapter: He just gets worse

You just wanted to keep your head down. You really did. Unfortunately, Kakashi's mere presence makes your blood boil; though, his actions are even more infuriating.

Hey there ^^

Second chapter, and I'm really happy how the first chapter worked out. Let's see if you guys like the second chapter as much as the first one :D

~ X ~

The notes continued, after you pinned a bright green stick-note to the upper rim of the monitor, making sure that everyone passing by could see it. You even drew a little smiley in the middle of it. When you left, you gave your note an encouraging nod. The next day, the note was gone, replaced by another, innocent note with a few more encouraging words which made you smile into your hands, before you looked around to see if you would catch someone in the act of watching you.

No one was even looking into your vague direction, too busy doing their assigned tasks.

Over the weeks following, you had lots of time to assemble a little pile of beautifully written, carefully folded and nicely worded small letters. You kept all of them in the small box in your desk, secured and only opened when you added the latest one. These messages of positivity, shy compliments and sometimes even little doodles oozed some kind of old charm to you. The writer obviously didn’t want to tell you his identity, and as far as you were concerned, you had no idea if he even hinted at it either. Too new, too inexperienced on inside jokes between the older colleagues. Sometimes, the notes were just a sentence long, a simple compliment to your work or wishing you a good day. Sometimes, they would be longer, describing little habits of yours and becoming nearly poetical in their compliments which would’ve been creepy if you hadn’t given the writer permission to send you further notes and if the compliments weren’t always borderline cute and innocent, never distasteful or bordering on crude.

On really special days, you would open a note and find a little drawing doodled on the paper. Mostly different dogs in funny little vests, sometimes flowers, and sometimes even rough sketches of people around the office in different poses. These were your favorite. The doodles, despite looking rough and like they were done in great haste, had a distinctive style and beauty to them.

While your bond with the secret note-writer grew and blossomed, the relationship with the goddamn arrogant bastard (a personal favorite of yours when you complained about his newest idiocy to Anko, Kurenai and Shizune) worsened and the already hard feelings between the two of you only seemed to harden with every argument. Your compilations of information on other marketing bureaus, reports, files, past campaigns you worked on, every little bit and piece of work you ever had done, Hatake seemed to know about and use it to get on your nerves, criticizing and making sly remarks at every opportunity he got. Sometimes, you even had the feeling he went out of his way to be a massive, annoying inconvenience especially for you when it came to your workload, but you couldn’t believe Kakashi would really sabotage any work-related tasks. Not even he would stoop that low, and you also had the feeling that the bastard respected Minato too, more than to actually mess with any of your files. He just criticized them, plucked them apart bit by bit, until you second-guessed yourself more than actually doing what you were paid for.

You hated Kakashi even more for that.

Not only that, though. No, that would’ve been too easy for the massive pain in your ass (a close second insult).

~ X ~

Every good office had this one room. This one room, praised and frequently visited by every person on the same floor and, sometimes, even several floors. Often small enough to not fit more than four or five people inside, but big enough to have a little kitchen counter, a microwave and the holiest grail: the coffee machine.

At Konohagakure Marketing, the coffee machine was an old and clunky thing. On a regular basis, the monstrosity would spit hot water while brewing a new can of coffee, the sounds the thing omitted in general could be described as ‘devilish’ and ‘unearthly’, and whoever had the misfortune to have to clean the coffee machine when it wouldn’t budge nor move (mostly happening in the afternoon, when it already had a few hours of work on its back), would have to deal with some kind of unidentifiable grease and coffee grounds stuck to their hands. Of course, that meant no one exactly wanted to deal with that particular task. Eventually, though, when the coffee wouldn’t flow anymore, it had to be done.

When you stumbled a few days after the headbutting with Kakashi into the small coffee corner, you prayed to the heavens that there was still enough coffee left. Cleaning the monster would take some time; time you definitely didn’t have today.

Luckily, there was still enough coffee left for approximately two more cups. Unfortunately, when you stepped into the room, someone else was already in there, a coffee can in one hand and one cup in the other.

“Hey.” Your smile couldn’t have fooled the blindest of blind people, and surely not Kakashi. He didn’t seem to mind, throwing an unworried, undisturbed smile back at you.

“Hello there. Also on the hunt for coffee?”

“Yeah.” The kitchen cabinets were almost overloaded with porcelain in different states. Most cups were just boring; white and with the stylized leaf of the office printed on one side. There were a few personal cups, though, and hell was raised if anyone else, but the owners of these cups were spotted using them. Quickly, you angled yours out of the cabinet, a huge and bright-red cup with white polka dots printed all over the surface.

Someone had moved your cup, though. Usually, you kept your cup on the lowest shelf of the cupboard, comfortably in your reach. Today, someone seemed to deeply hate you, placing the cup on the highest shelf and even pushing it a bit back. From your position, you could barely make out the edges.

You could feel Kakashi’s amusement in your back as you stared full of deserved hatred upwards, at the porcelain so far out of your reach that it also could be on another planet. Alright, that was a bit far-fetched, but still.

“Need a hand?” he asked.

Help? From him? Before you could control yourself, you snorted. “Thanks, but no, thanks.”

Kakashi shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

You could hear his smug grin even over the pouring of coffee into porcelain. Like every so often, whenever he even looked into your direction, your eyes would automatically roll into the back of your head. Damn, you really couldn’t believe you used to look up to him. Sure, his work was without a doubt marvelous and praise-worthy, but all in all, humanly speaking, Hatake was just one of millions of douchebags. Nothing worthy to be sad and hung up over.

Fine. Fine. You would get your mug. No problem.

Thankfully, you wore a pair of jeans today. This would’ve been even more embarrassing with a skirt or dress. Like you had done so every single day of your life, you swung your knee onto the kitchen counter. One testing jump, then the other knee followed. Instantly, your head was at the same level as the highest shelf. From there on, it was child’s play to get your mug and safely slip down to stand again full of triumphant satisfaction in front of the pain in your neck.

“Impressive.” Hatake’s voice was just as impassive as always. “Now, a sideways flick-flack with a screw-landing backwards.”

“I’m still working for a marketing company, not for a circus.”

“Strange. You look like a clown to me.”

How dare he-! Biting heat swirled through your stomach, rose into your chest and up into your head. You could feel your heartbeat in your ears, drowning everything else out. How dare he insulted you like this! That was it, he couldn’t insult you like that and not expect you to run to Minato like…

Like a schoolgirl running to the teacher and snitching on her classmates.

As the new one, that wouldn’t shine a good light on you. Not a team player, you heard a mock-version of Minato’s voice say, deep in the back of your mind, not able to take a little jest.

Minato would never say that. He would take an official complaint seriously, even when it would come from you. However, the doubt was planted in your brain. Like that, you just gripped the handle of your cup tighter, tensing your jaw until you could nearly feel your teeth crack.

Hatake raised a single eyebrow, lazy in his execution and mocking in his expression. “Nothing to say? How disappointing.”

Before you could retort something, anything would be great, he stepped into your personal space. No preamble or warning. Just an invasion, straight up, unbothered by the close contact. Damn, his chest was nearly molded to yours! How could he do that without an inkling of shame or embarrassment?

Instinctively, you drew your shoulders upwards, cupping the mug close to your chest. Hell, his legs were softly pressing against your upper thighs, the rims of his hoodie were falling around your body! Was he doing that to ruffle your feathers? To unnerve you?

Well, if that is his intention, then it’s fucking working!

With wide eyes, you only stare at Hatake, how he reached upwards, behind your head. Caught between the kitchen counter and the man, you couldn’t escape, only look up at the neckline of his dark V-shirt, the long, pale neck, the sharp jaw, the little dark spot just below his mouth… All of that was so close, pleasantly accompanied by the warm, slightly sharp, slightly sweet scent of some kind of deodorant and natural smell.

Suddenly, he looked down, little creases around his eyes, amusement curling his lips into the sliver of a smile. “Is that here a problem?”

You could only shake your head in a terribly weak manner (only later, you would realize that and scold yourself).

His little cocky smile widened, the corners of his mouth curling even further. And wasn’t that a dimple in his cheek? “Good.”

And then he was gone, while you could only stand there and cling to your mug like your life depended on it. Your brain seemed to be paralyzed, short-circuited, simply frozen without a chance to recover soon.

Hatake now held two mugs instead of one in his hands, placed one of them beside you on the corner, and raised the can to the empty mug. “Nice. How kind, that you let me empty the can and want to clean the coffee machine. Such a collegial coworker.”

The curtain lifted. Quickly, you rewind the conversation you just had, trying to find out when the hell did you give permission to Hatake to take all the coffee?

Wait… Is that here a problem? Did he really…?

You jerked up. “Wait! I never agreed to this!”

“Too late.” Surprisingly fast, Hatake had emptied out the can to the very last drop. With both of his hands occupied as he grabbed the other mug, he waved with one of his little fingers at you, all closed eyed, fake smiles and sheer arrogance. You really wanted to break the stupid finger in the exact moment when the fucker left the kitchen, the smugness radiating from him in fucking waves.

Slowly, you released your death grip around your mug. Finger for finger, until you placed the porcelain with an audible sigh on the counter. Then, your eyes wandered to the coffee machine, the empty can, and the unmistakable sign right above the machine: Please refill the coffee for everyone when the can is empty!

Kakashi planned this. You were halfway sure. And when the darn thing didn’t want to work, and you had to suffer through the excruciating cleaning process (the grease was everywhere, beneath your fingernails up to your wrists, some spots even made their way to the sleeves of your jacket) you wanted to scream and shout, trash this stupid machine and trash Hatake with it in the next best trash bin.

~ X ~

I know it sounds sappy, but when I see your smile at any time of the day, I instantly feel better. I could have the shittiest day ever, and you and your smile would always be able to brighten it up. I never had a reason to be excited to come to work, but since you work here, I’m actually looking forward to coming in. Even the boss is surprised to see me so much, when I usually work from home.

Be prepared to be swamped with Thank-You cards from him.

PS: Your cursing at the coffee machine could be heard on the entire floor. It was terribly cute.

~ X ~

This morning was such bullshit. First, the train line you used to commute was late to begin with, then the train you waited twenty extra minutes for broke down three stations before you would’ve jumped off and on top of that, it started to rain five minutes into your walk. Soaked, with blisters at your small toes from running in shoes you weren’t used to run in, and with a coffee spot on your jeans you hadn’t noticed when pulling this pair over your legs this morning, your day couldn’t get any worse.

You instantly revised that opinion when you entered the foyer of Konohagakure Marketing. Yes, this morning still had the potential to become even worse, just by the sight of Kakashi lingering around the front table and flirting with the secretary there. One arm casually draped over the glassy surface of the modern, cutting-edge counter, his entire body leaning against it and his bored, black eyes instantly flying over to you when you entered; a personified, wet, dripping mess. In total comparison to his outer depiction of calmness, coolness and charismatic self.

Gods, you hated this man with every fucking fiber of your frustrated, late and exhausted being.

“Oh, (Y/N).” If possible, Kakashi leaned even more onto the counter, while the blonde secretary couldn’t rip her eyes away from the view right in front of her. “What’s up?”

“Nothing which would be your business.” With a growl, you brushed past him. Though, steps in your back told you that today, Hatake only wanted to add to your terrible mood.

“You’re so mean to me,” he whined, yes, whined at you, all the while dramatically gesturing around like he acted out one of the great Shakespearean tragedies, “when I just politely inquired to know how your day has treated you so far.”

“My day,” you started, growling lowly in the back of your throat and still trying to hang onto your control to not snap at your senior like he deserved, “has been a little bit stressful. Thank you for asking.”

“Maa, no problem.” He had the audacity to shrug, hands in the pockets of his tight-fitted jeans and the edges of his black knitted cardigan revealing the soft-looking fabric of the grey t-shirt underneath. You hated this outfit. Yes, you hated how much you liked to see it on him. Kakashi looked comfy, drowning in the soft wool, ready to fall asleep or walk over the runaway of Paris. One of these things, at least. One look at the secretary, and you knew she was of the same opinion. Her eyes were still glued to Kakashi’s back, sparkles glittering in her iris and something akin to childish wonder radiating from her.

You turned around again and snorted under your breath. Yeah. Pathetic.

Hey. Only a few days ago, you would’ve made the same heart-eyes if THE Kakashi Hatake would’ve talked to you.

At the end of the room was an elevator and to the right the door leading into the staircase. Most days, you would take the stairs, as the bureau was only two levels above, but some days, you were as lazy as you could be and called the elevator. Today was definitely such a day. You deserved this elevator ride. Before you could reach out to the button to call it, Kakashi had pulled a hand from his pockets and pushed it, all the while smiling.

Suspicious. Your eyes squinted, but you let it go. “Thank you.”

The smiling wrinkles around his eyes deepened. “No problem.”

Silently, you waited for the elevator. Only a low hum of Kakashi vibrated in the air. If you weren’t mistaken, it was In the End by Linkin Park.

You hadn’t taken Hatake as someone who would listen to Linkin Park. Another suspicious glance into his direction, then you concentrated onto the closed door of the elevator once more. Just a few more seconds, then you could hopefully dry a little bit in the security of the office. Just a tiny bit further, you could already hear the whirring of the elevator coming closer, the tiniest bit of luxury on this terrible, exhausting day.

A soft ‘ding’ alerted you, and really, the doors slid open. But before you could only take a single step inside the elevator, the shuffling in your back told you something was coming and that you wouldn’t like it.

“Kakashiiiiiii, let me come with you!” Apparently, over the last few minutes, you became invisible. Otherwise, you couldn’t explain how the secretary just pushed quite rudely past you, knocking against your elbow. Your bag, already slightly askew on your wet shoulder, completely lost its footing. In slow motion, you could feel how the bag dropped to the ground, but were still unable to stop it. Only when the noise of splattered food, water and the miserable rest of your good mood of this day reached your ears, you looked down. There, your personal life spread out on the floor, while the chatty secretary just wrinkled her nose at the chaos she created, before grabbing Kakashi’s arm, who stood wide-eyed at the crime scene.

“Let’s go,” the dumb blonde whined and tugged at his sleeve, “you still have to tell me about what happened with the butter and the…” She giggled in an apparently cute way, but the only thing which happened was that you had the feeling a little tinnitus pierced through your brain.

Surprisingly, though, Kakashi didn’t immediately take off. Instead, as you crouched down to hastily collect your stuff while worrying what you would eat for lunch today, he also sank to his knees.

“Don’t bother,” you growled as his hands reached for your soaked purse, “better stay with your new friend to make sure she doesn’t get lost upstairs.”

The subtle hint wasn’t lost on Kakashi. If you weren’t mistaken, small wrinkles of amusement formed around his eyes, before he nodded and moved upwards again. “If you insist.”

“Yes, I fuck-! I insist.” You were already raking through the mess, trying to make out what was still usable and what wasn’t, but only the quick shuffle of feet and the continued whining of the dumb secretary suddenly stopping, cut off by the soft closing of the elevator doors, told you that even the little bit of luxury you hoped today for was lost.

And even though this time, he wasn’t completely at fault, you couldn’t help it. You loathed Kakashi even more for being the flirtatious, obnoxious piece of shit he was outside and inside.

~ X ~

I’m sorry you had such a shitty morning. I’m sorry, but I think nobody didn’t hear how you complained to Anko about all the misfortune happening to you. Rightfully so. Maybe tomorrow though, the world is a little bit brighter. And even though I hope my notes are a small window to some sunshine of tomorrow, I wouldn’t dare to assume that.

I just hope the coffee I made for you warms you a bit up after all you’ve been through today. No worries, it’s just like you take it. I asked around. I swear, I’m not stalking you! >-<

~ X ~

However, it didn’t stop at taking the last bits of coffee or stealing the elevator when you already started into a shit day. No, Kakashi’s pettiness knew no limits and unluckily, you hadn’t experienced the true extent of said pettiness yet.

Every day, work would start with a meeting to discuss ongoing projects, clients and other things which came along with marketing. Sometimes, there was nothing to discuss and Namikaze would use these meetings to congratulate everyone for their hard work and would send his subordinates on their merry way, with a just as merry smile on his face.

Today was not such a day.

These kinds of meetings were usually held inside one of the bigger conference rooms, where most of the marketeers, designers and whoever worked even remotely at Konoha Marketing would find a place to sit. Namikaze would usually stand, while you preferred to find a seat at the other side of the room to melt into the rows and rows of faces looking up at him. Usually, Kakashi wouldn’t even be present, and if he was present, he wouldn’t even try to hide the earbuds playing eerily loud music.

As stated, today was not a usual day. Already when you came into the room, chatting with Anko and Kurenai over your shoulders, you spotted Kakashi. The asshole was silently whispering with Namikaze, earbuds nowhere in sight and a stack of papers in front of him. Immediately, a nauseous queasiness spread through your stomach. Something wasn’t right here, and the feeling only intensified when Kakashi suddenly looked up and met your eyes. A teasing little grin tugged at the corners of his mouth, and when he nodded, merely a little lift of his chin, your heart plummeted right through the floor.

Panicked, you reached for Anko’s arm while she went ahead to grab your usual seats. “Get me out of here!”

She turned her head. “What the fuck?”

“Kakashi schemes something, I can feel it!”

“Since when are you an antenna for his brain?”

With the desperation of a dying woman, you tugged at Anko’s sleeve. “I just know,” you hissed, “I just fucking know he’s up to something, okay? Please, get me out of here before Namikaze starts the meeting, I don’t want to-!”

However, you realized it was too late when Namikaze stood up from his chair and coughed, catching easily the entire attention of the room. He just had that little special spark which was able to entice an entire room of energetic, creative adults.

Paying someone’s salary did that.

Jokes aside, Minato Namikaze was just that charismatic. He had the expertise, the skills and was still humble, despite having founded one of the leading marketing companies in the entire country. Not the fake-humble some people loved to put on to show off at charity events and publicity stunts. Namikaze still felt real. Just one of the reasons why you didn’t hesitate when you noticed there was an open position on his team.

“Attention, please.” Even his smile was like the sun itself as he looked around the room, seemingly looking at everyone around like he was their friend, and he was in the middle of hosting a potluck dinner. “Alright, we have lots of work to do in the next few months. We finally got the confirmation that Akatsuki will work with us again for their next spring campaign, there are three rebranding tasks fresh in our care and the city council also wanted to talk with us about possibly creating an internet presence worth following, but I digress. Lots of work, that’s what I’m saying here. Kakashi, Akatsuki wanted you again on board for their campaign. I expect only the very best.”

Unusually serious, the younger man nodded. “Yes. I’m on it.”

“The team around you and Akatsuki will consist of Kurenai, Asuma, Gai, Genma, Anko and (Y/N). Any questions?”

Working on the same team with Hatake. For a brief moment, you closed your eyes and tried not to cry out in sheer and utter frustration at the thought of having to work with the adult-sized toddler that supposed genius actually was. It would be hell, you were already sure. More of his constant criticism of your work, more “funny” pranks he considered nothing but a joke but would be a massive pain in the ass to deal with, not to talk about the antics he would throw while he was supposed to seriously work with you.

Then, you opened your eyes from the short reprieve and coincidentally found yourself looking at Hatake, who just happened to scoff weakly and roll his eyes. His eyes met yours and once more, his eyes rolled upwards.

Your stomach sank, and you could feel heat rising up to your face. And to top it off, you realized Minato also heard the quiet scoff and had stopped to look at Kakashi with a slightly concerned, slightly disbelieving stare.

“Care to tell us your concerns?” your boss asked.

This does not end well. I can feel it.

Kakashi leaned back into his chair, all calm confidence and superiority complex at once, arms crossed and chin raised. “Just some worries when it comes to the accuracy of the necessary information. I have to say, the reports which I’ve received lately were peppered with inaccurate details and unnecessary parts I personally don’t agree with.”

An attack directly aimed at you. If possible, you grew even redder and slouched into your chair. There was just no other way to see it; you were the latest addition to Konohagakure Marketing, the newest member, the weak link so to speak. Not to talk about that some of Kakashi’s complaints had been heard by other people already who weren’t exactly stupid and probably were figuring out in this very second who exactly Kakashi was talking about.

It wasn’t exactly hard, anyway.

Minato merely raised a single eyebrow. “Really? Personally, I think the quality of the reports have improved over the last months. Also, I think you also mentioned a few days ago how one of these “unnecessary” new parts actually helped you to add a nice little detail to an ongoing campaign the client liked and pointed out. So, I can’t quite understand your criticism now.”

You couldn’t believe your ears. Very carefully, you peaked up from your lap and looked around. More than one person looked at Kakashi and almost all of them had not-so-sneaky grins on their faces at seeing the aloof man getting smacked in the face with his own hypocrisy. Well, you didn’t expect Minato to speak up on your behalf, but now that he did, you couldn’t be more grateful. When his crystal-clear, blue eyes quickly flickered over, you nodded sharply. Minato nodded back, merely a weak twitch of his chin, before winking at you.

Yes, you weren’t above admitting that your boss was a good-looking and also happily married man. Nevertheless, that wink added a few years to your lifetime, which Hatake had stolen before with his stupid antics.

Fuck him. Fuck Hatake. He really tries to make me look stupid in front of the entire team!

Nothing came back from the lanky man, who lowered his hand not quite in shame, but to stare at his notebook with an unreadable expression you didn’t know if you should be worried about or not.

“Any more questions?” Minato looked around, his cornflower-blue eyes daring anyone to speak up. No one did. “Alright. Now, with that out of the way, I would like to turn towards the rebranding tasks-!”

You stared blindly at the top of the table, unable to see anything. Even Anko’s slight tugs on your sleeve didn’t disturb your intense concentration, nor did the glances all your colleagues gifted you from time to time, still curious about the bureau drama Kakashi started. The realization only sunk now in, what exactly he had done.

He doubted your work in front of everyone. And even when Minato defended you, even if Kakashi disproved his own doubts, the other colleagues would probably always keep his complaints in mind while working with you. A stigma you would carry with you for as long as you would work with all of these people.

Only barely, you managed to keep your tears inside. It took your sharp fingernails digging into the soft tissue of your palm, but you managed, and that was everything which counted. One thought crystallized itself clearly out of the emotional mess inside your head.

Fuck Kakashi Hatake. Fuck Kakashi Hatake. Fucking fuck Kakashi fucking shit-stained Hatake.

You had no idea if he was still hung up on your little act of defiance of not bringing him coffee when it wasn’t part of your job description. It definitely seemed like it. However, it was a matter of fact that he took it too far. He attacked you in front of the entire room of colleagues and your boss, doubted your work morale and results and thus, tried to push you off of his group which would work as a highly influential marketing campaign for Akatsuki. Experience, connections and the chance to see your ideas on the biggest billboards around the city. There wasn’t a better stepping stone for a marketeer career, and Kakashi fucking knew that. He knew, and took it upon himself to put you in a bad spot from the get go.

He had been nothing but an inconvenience up until now. Nothing but an annoying asshole, bearable despite all the tricks and traps he was planning to make your life at Konohagakure Marketing miserable. But now, he went for your job, and that was unforgivable.

Mentally, you made a note to write a statement for Namikaze, maybe even report Hatake for harassment, bullying, whatever. Just a paper trail would be good at this point, to prove you tried to use official means to fend off his stupid pranks.

Only Anko noticed your inner turmoil. Not a lot of people knew she was quick in picking up the smallest of cues, shrugged her even off as a mere brash woman who laughed too loudly and made crude jokes, but underneath all of that was a perceptive and almost annoyingly sharp, loyal friend. She noticed your sudden silence and how you withdrew from the meeting inside your own head.

A finger softly poked into your folded hands. “Hey,” her whisper was for once silent enough to only be heard by you two, “everything good?”

You nodded weakly. Of course, Anko didn’t buy that.

“You sure?”

Again, you nodded. Merely a faint lowering of your chin, but you nodded. Anko threw a last worried glance into your direction, poked your hands again with a tenderness which almost made you cry out loud, before turning back her attention to the meeting and Minato.

At this point, you were through a whirlwind of emotions and probably would’ve gone through many, many more. However, you made the mistake of looking up, right up into Kakashi’s face. His silver eyebrows were drawn together, dark eyes set on you and met yours when you glanced at him, arms crossed in front of his chest and like always effortlessly looking like he just fell out of bed, in the unbearably attractive kind of way.

When your eyes met, your dread and sorrow suddenly turned into fiery-hot rage and anger. How dare he. How dare he look all concerned and worried now, when the damage was already done. He couldn’t take his words back, nor could make the people around him forget he had spoken them. How dare he look like he regretted now what he had done.

You sent Kakashi your best “I would kill you if it was legal”-glare. Immediately, he whipped his head away, ears red and long, elegant fingers spinning an expensive looking pencil round and round.

A paper trail. Preferably yesterday. Your fingers shook ever so slightly as you wrote a short note for yourself in barely readable chicken-scratch onto the very edge of your notepad. Right after this meeting was over, you had to speak with Minato in private. You just had to. Who knew what Kakashi was also capable of when he was also willing to endanger your career over some kind of petty revenge he was hellbent on pushing to the maximum level. This was ridiculous, to be completely honest. There was no reason for him to be such a little bitch, for the lack of a better word, about something so small as disturbing him at the wrong time once and not immediately falling to his feet.

No one else had this kind of problem with him. Was it because you were new, maybe? To show you your place once and for all?

At the silly thought, you snorted to yourself. Again, Hatake’s eyes instantly flashed over, flickering up and down and getting stuck at your hand still holding your pen.

Fuck him, you thought. Ever so gently, you uncurled and curled your fingers until only your middle finger was holding the pen, the other fingers balled into a tight, white-knuckled fist. You knew he understood, just by the way the wrinkles in the corners of his eyes deepened by a margin, before Hatake turned his full attention once more to Minato.

Fucking bastard. Arrogant prick. Stupid asshole.

For the rest of the meeting, you tried to concentrate on your boss explaining and relaying more crucial information about incoming jobs, but your mind kept on drifting elsewhere. More specifically, to the confusing, infuriating, annoying man who continued to rob your last nerve.

Not like there was much to understand.

It was no coincidence you were idling a bit around after the meeting, shuffling your notebook over the table and playing with your pen to the point Anko threw worried glances at you as she stood up.

“Everything alright, girl? You’re starting to worry me there. Is it a psychotic breakdown?”

“Not yet, Anko. Not quite there yet.” Banter with your colleague came easily to you, but your eyes always followed Minato’s movements. He was still talking to the bastard, all smiles and sunshine and bright happiness. Seriously, it was almost unbearable to watch them both.

How unfair was that? Both men were ridiculously attractive. In fact, all people in this marketing firm were ridiculously attractive, even Gai a level above! In his own special way, but he also got a little fan club as much as you were aware (and Anko was part of it, you were pretty sure).

Made you wonder a bit why you were hired, as it seemed that there was a hiring requirement you didn’t fulfill.

Finally, Hatake just nodded while turning away from his boss. Strangely enough, he gave you a last lingering look before leaving the conference room as well. Time for you to attack, or more like, speak with Minato yourself. Who knew what kind of unreasonable concerns he would bring up now?

“Hey there,” your boss smiled warmly over the table while you gathered the last bits of your belongings, “Is everything alright?”

“Why shouldn’t it be?”

Minato clicked his tongue. “Ah, just a little bird told me about a certain tension in my office. And that you and my s-! Kakashi are involved.”

“You heard us.” Just a flat statement, because there couldn’t be another way. Fuck, his office was right there, right beside Hatake’s, and the “tension” between you and him were really not a secret anymore.

Never was, to be exact.

You tried to look ashamed, even when a small part of you just wanted to defend yourself. It wasn’t your fault Hatake was an asshole. It wasn’t your fault he always tried to rile you up. It wasn’t your fucking fault, Hatake thought endangering your job was funny or something.

In comparison, Minato was more open than you. Blood creeped up into his face as he smiled once more, clearly ashamed for spitting the truth just out instead of clothing the harsh words into nicer clothes. “I admit, Kakashi is sometimes… difficult. Only the gods know what goes on inside of him, and I won’t even pretend that I will ever understand some of his antics. But I also won’t tolerate him bullying new employees. That is not alright, nor would I ever accept that kind of thing in my company.”

Reassuring, kind words. Definitely what you needed from your boss, but that alone didn’t seem like it would be enough.

“Are you sure that will work on Hatake?” The question was faster out than you intended. When Minato’s piercing blue eyes met yours, you held his gaze, but quickly moved on before his gaze would burn you on the spot. “I mean, I don’t know. He seems like he won’t take any criticism seriously.”

At that, Minato’s gaze darkened. Darkened to the point, he didn’t seem like the same relaxed, happy person you knew for a few months now. Goosebumps peppered their way down your arms, and you barely kept yourself from rubbing them through the sleeves.

“Believe me, (Y/N). I will make sure he will stop his behavior from now on. Rest assured.”

You decided further discussion wasn’t worth the potential trouble. So, you merely nodded and fled the room, not sure if the talk went well or disastrously wrong.

~ X ~

You couldn’t believe it. Again, your eyes raked over the slightly disorganized rows inside the fridge. Like every morning, you had placed the Tupperware with your soup right in the top row, beside Shizune’s salad, Anko’s massive bowl of pasta and Kurenai’s elegant box with her healthy bento, lovingly prepared by Asuma (even though he always denied any involvement).

It should be there. You were absolutely sure you placed it inside the fridge, like every fucking day.

Again, you closed the fridge, only to open the door immediately after. Like your soup would magically appear out of thin air, even though you already tried that particular move two times already.

Well, three times were the charm. But yet again, you had to stare at the suspicious gap between Tupperware boxes and did not know where your soup went.

“Fuck,” you grunted under your breath as you closed the fridge for the final time. Someone just straight up took your lunch. Your labeled lunch. Just… fantastic. Very unlikely to see it again.

However, just when you went back to your desk to get your purse to go out and buy an overpriced lunch at one of the small hip cafés downstairs, you spotted something disturbing. Something which made your blood boil, to the point of stopping right in your tracks, staring wildly for a second, only to charge forward like a bull who just spotted a red flag.

“I’ve had enough! I fucking have it!”

Shaking in anger, heart pounding in your chest, you stormed over to Kakashi’s desk. This absolute fucker had his shitty headphones on, innocently staring at his asshole-PC while spooning some goddamn soup into his mouth.

Your soup. Out of your Tupperware. Which you placed in the office fridge, in your labeled area of the fridge.

Enough was enough. There was a fine line which Kakashi just crossed, which his previous offenses didn’t. The coffee, the elevator, even the fucking meeting where he had to begrudgingly accept your presence on his team by his boss’ order were still inside a very specific area you could forgive to an extent. Were you holding a grudge against him? Hell, fuck yes. Would you like to screw him over like he deserved? Of course not. You talked with Minato, he nodded and said he would speak to Hatake, but that was it. Nothing came out of it but tense, clipped conversation between you and him in every damned team meeting he held over the new Akatsuki-campaign.

But stealing your food? The one thing you brought from your own home, placed in your area in the fridge, and he had the fucking audacity to steal it with his grabby little lithe hands.

(The attractive asshole.)

Right in front of his desk, you came to a stop. He didn’t look up, even though you just knew he noticed you. Instead, he continued to intently stare at his screen, swirling his spoon through the soup you cooked and prepared and sweated over to get it just right.

You crossed your arms over your chest. No reaction, despite him sneaking a glance into your direction.

One twitch of your eyebrows upwards. “Is the soup tasty?”

That caught his attention. The asshole shrugged, while you had to keep yourself from reaching over the desk and strangle him until that stupid disinterested, bored expression was wiped from his face forever. “It’s alright. Nothing special. Too little salt.”

Too little salt!? How dare he??

Only by a margin, you managed to keep the outrageous scream of pure, unaltered rage inside your chest. Your jaw felt like snapping into two though from biting your own tongue so hard. “Yeah?” you hissed out. “Very unlucky for you. Where did you get it from?”

With the spoon, he gestured over into the direction of the office kitchen. “Just grabbed it out of the office fridge.”

“Mhmm, interesting. You know,” you leaned forward, “as huge as this coincidence might be to you, this morning, I filled a really similar looking Tupperware with a really similar soup. And – again! – coincidentally, my Tupperware went missing when I just went to check my labeled place in the fridge…”

To your eternal satisfaction, Kakashi stopped around the middle of your little speech. His eyes were stuck on the screen, staring blindly into the brightly lit monitor, the spoon with another mouthful of soup lowered itself slowly, oh so slowly back into the bowl, before his head turned just as slowly around to look at you with the biggest puppy eyes you had ever seen on any man.

Unluckily for him, he had ruined any goodwill for any kind of puppy eyes in you weeks ago.

Uncrossing your arms, you clicked your tongue. “Seriously, fuck you Hatake. Fuck you sideways. The only thing I did to you was annoy you one goddamn time, and you instantly set out to make my entire life here at work hell. This is the last straw. I’m going to Namikaze to file a complaint against you and I don’t give a flying fuck if you’re his little pet or whatever, or if I get thrown out for insulting his top marketeer. You hear me?” You couldn’t hold it in any longer. A single tear which had burned in your eye for some minutes now finally fell. Quickly, you wiped it away, before hissing again at Hatake, who stared wide-eyed and with something akin to panic on his face at you. “I will fucking take the loss if that just means I get away from you. I’ve had enough. You’re the worst person I’ve met so far and if I could rewind time and stop myself from ever going up to you, I would fucking do it, just to spare me the utter disappointment of having the displeasure of knowing how much of an asshole you are.”

The last string simply snapped for you. A last scoff at him, then you turned away, towards the office of your boss. Not even five steps later you heard the clutter of his chair being pushed away, so quickly it fell over, hurried steps running after you, only for his hand to reach for your arm.

“Don’t fucking touch me!” With a sharp hiss, you flinched away from Hatake. How dare he! How dare he even try to hold you back now, only to maybe not be scolded by Namikaze! How dare he had the guts to look at you with big, pleading eyes, how dare him for being the attractive bastard he was and for knowing exactly how attractive it was! And the audacity he had to try and use it for his advantage!

Right in front of Namikaze’s office, you stopped, Hatake right on your trail, swiveled around and hissed again into his face, the fury burning right in your throat and down into your chest. “I said,” with gusto, you jammed your index finger into his chest, and the short lightning of pain was even worth the shock flashing over his features, “I don’t care about your puppy eyes or your excellent marketing campaigns or the many people you take home. I don’t care about you, Hatake, and your pitiful attempts at stopping me!”

“Please, can you let me explain-?”

“This is far beyond explaining! I don’t owe you anything! Nothing at all! I just want to get away from you, so leave me the hell alone!”

The entire office was staring. Kind of hard not to notice the loud fight, with the room being open and all desks loosely gathered in front of Minato’s office. The poor Iruka tried so hard not to look, even though you stood merely one meter or so away from his front desk.

You couldn’t bring yourself to care. The stolen soup – your missed lunch! – was the last drop in this ever-filling bucket.

There he stood, the smug bastard of a man-child. Wearing a pair of loose, washed-out jeans with holes at the knees, a wide cardigan in the same shade as his gray hair and a dark shirt with some silly, almost destroyed print. Though, the longer you stared at him, you couldn’t help but to notice that Hatake didn’t look smug at all. No, under no circumstance you would describe the drawn-together eyebrows, the hard tug around his mouth and the nervous twitch of his hands as smug.

Feeling sorry for him wasn’t an option. Gosh, you were such a pushover, already feeling sorry for him when he was the one to make your work life miserable! No, not today! You would make Minato listen to your complaint (if he didn’t notice the ruckus right outside his office already) and this time, you would demand some action. Talking obviously did jack-shit to change Hatake’s attitude.

Though, before you could knock at Minato’s office, the door was pushed open. To your unending shame, not your boss peered outside, but his wife. Kushina was just as beautiful as a rose, with her fiery-red hair and her even features, yet her temper was quick to anger and slow to cool down. And right now, she looked at Hatake and you with the same intent as a wolf on the hunt.

At least, that was how you imagined a wolf on the hunt. Not that you ever had seen one, but you felt like a small rabbit as you shrunk under her intense glare.

“Both of you,” she jerked the door wide open, revealing nothing but an empty desk and chair inside, “get in here. Before I forget myself.”

Like scolded children, you followed her into the office. Heads lowered, steps hesitant, sneaking angry glances at each other when Kushina wasn’t looking. This was truly ridiculous! This wasn’t your fault, Hatake could just stop being such an asshole and leave you alone and foremost, not eat your food! It was unfair you were cited into the office like a child who misbehaved!

But I did misbehave. I lost my shit, screamed around, threw a tantrum.

What a shitshow. I should be ashamed of myself.

Shit. Does she want to fire me?

She does. Oh god, Kushina will fire me. She’s Minato’s right hand basically, she can just suggest she doesn’t think I will be a good fit for the company. Oh, fuck. Shit, shit, shit!

Tears burned in your eyes at the mere thought. Your heart pounded in your chest, your knees were trembling. For a moment, you thought you couldn’t take another step forward, too terrified to face your fate. But your head and body were disconnected. Your legs carried you further, right before the desk of Minato where Kushina sat down, with the same grace a true empress would use to claim her rightful throne.

You didn’t dare to look at her. You also didn’t dare to move your eyes away from the ground. Better be safe than sorry. 

“Kushina,” Hatake had the nerve to speak up, even though the silence was icy to the point of freezing, “this is ridiculous. It was a simple misunderstanding, nothing to get angry-!”

“I decide,” Kushina  snarled, her mouth curled into a growl, “what I get angry over and what not. And this shouting match you had in the open office is in my opinion definitely something to get angry over.”

“It was nothing, really!”

“Didn’t sound like nothing to me.”

“Kushina, it wasn’t-!”

“Hey, pipsqueak.” 

Pipsqueak. The insult came so unexpected, so completely out of the blue, you couldn’t help but to snort loudly into the icy silence. Quickly, you got yourself back under control, but the eyes of the other people in the room were already on you.

“Something the matter?” Kushina’s voice made the short-lived amusement die right then and there. “Your shouting made me notice your fight in the first place. You disturbed the peace in this office with the fight you both are responsible for, because you’re both adults long enough to know how to act at your workplace.”

She was right, of course. You should know how to act in a professional setting, but you forgot your manners and professionalism just for a second there. 

“I apologize,” you mumbled, “it certainly wasn’t my intention to cause a ruckus.”

“What was your intention then?”

“I was… angry. Probably to make this anger known to the person who caused it.”

“That would be the pipsqueak here.” Not a question, just a raw statement without any judgment. 

Carefully, you peaked up into Kushina’s face. Her anger had calmed down, the hard lines smoothened out again. Her hands were folded on top of the table, the epitome of calculating calmness. In her business suit, her hair tied back into a high ponytail and with her regal aura, it was hard to not say the truth, not that you ever intended to lie in the first place.

“Yes,” you answered, “it was Hatake. For a few weeks, he's been deliberately tormenting me.”

“Tormenting?” Her surprised tone showed exactly how much she didn’t expect that. Kushina glanced at Hatake, who was suddenly just as interested as you on the ground. “That is new to me.”

“I don’t know exactly what I did to deserve this treatment by him, but since a few weeks ago, he… I don’t know, he creates situations in which I pull the short straw, no matter what.”

“Explain.”

“For example, he stole the last bits of coffee out of the can and made me clean it, so I could cook the next pot. One of his groupies possibly accidentally pushed my bag out of my hands, which forced me to take the stairs over the elevator, plus collect all my stuff again. But this is insignificant,” you breathed in, the old fury still burning in your chest, “when he belittles my work in front of everyone. In one of the morning meetings, where Hatake and I got assigned to the new campaign for Akatsuki, when he questioned my abilities to deliver.”

Kushina leaned back into her chair, eyes squinted. “I remember. You came to Minato and told him the pipsqueak is bothering you. He spoke to him, but apparently it didn’t work out.” A glare was thrown at Hatake. “But why the commotion now?”

“He stole my labeled lunch out of the fridge.”

“Kakashi…” Kushina sighed. 

“I didn’t see the label, okay?” Grumpily, Hatake crossed his arms over his chest. “It wasn’t in my line of vision.”

“The label is on my tupperware. Directly on top. On the lid. You’re looking at it when you open the tupperware. It’s printed there in big bold letters.”

“The fridge was really messy!”

“The fridge is always organized, in the same way it has been organized since I started here, and I highly doubt a new organization was put in place recently.”

Hatake rolled his eyes. “Whatever.”

Oh, he lost now. His dismissive, defiant “whatever” was basically admission to his wrongdoing. Inwardly, you were already celebrating your win over the bastard with a cold beer, cake and confetti, but on the outside, you only let the barest hint of a smile shine through your neutral mask. You still could ruin everything by showing how much it pleased you that Hatake had to take a clear stance now.

Thankfully, Kushina didn’t notice your little smile. Her entire concentration was on Hatake, who continued to pout like an angry child caught with its hand in the cookie jar, arms crossed over his chest and head turned away to look at the wall. So defiant, yet it had no use.

“You’re not serious, Kakashi. You can’t be serious right now.”

“Doesn’t matter.”

“Minato talked to you about this…”

“Can’t remember.”

“Sunday, over dinner. You said you would keep the peace.”

“Could be.”

“You said you would.” Kushina clicked her tongue. “Don’t tell me you drowned him again out and just nodded along.”

At that, Hatake merely shrugged. No further answer, no explanation, only more questions. Questions about their relationship. They met last Sunday for dinner? They were indeed that close? It sounded also a bit like it was a regular thing, measured at the casual mentioning of the Sunday-dinner. Also, the tone Kushina used.

Not the tone of a disappointed boss. Not the tone of an angry chef. More the tone of an exasperated older sibling or even more like…

A disappointed parent. 

Were they related, though? Nobody ever mentioned anything in that direction, that the Namikaze’s were somehow related to Hatake. Adoption, maybe? It was just incredibly bewildering to suddenly think that Minato and Kushina were trying to reign in when it came to his behavior. Really, really strange.

With hawk eyes, you continued to follow their conversation as they apparently completely forgot about your existence. Kushina was railing into the still defiant Hatake, who continued to stare at the wall and pretend he wasn’t even present.

“We also talked about this before! When you bullied Obito in School so hard, you made him cry. And now you’re what?”

“... kind of friends.”

“You invited him for our dinner a week after that talk! You were the Best Man at his wedding! I thought we were over this childish phase of yours, Kakashi.”

“I am.”

“It doesn’t look like it. Goddammit, we need to have another intervention with you, don’t we?”

At that, Hatake shrugged. “Do what you have to do.”

“And I plan to do exactly that,” Kushina grumbled, before her dark eyes set their sight again on you. “And you… No more screaming, please. I understand a lot has piled up there, but try to stay calm next time. Coming to Minato was good, even though it didn’t work out like you and we intended. My husband and I will have another, more intense, ” at that, she threw a glare at Hatake which made even him twitch ever so slightly, “talk than before. Apologize, Kakashi.”

“Hn.”

“ Now.”

Hatake sighed yet again. A deep, exasperated sigh like he didn’t get why he had to apologize. “Fine. I’m sorry, (Y/N). I’m sorry that it got this far. My childish behavior certainly was a bother to deal with, and I apologize for the troubles I caused you.”

It definitely sounded like he had to learn and repeat this little text at some point in his life, and now went back to this little security to get through the humiliation of apologizing to you. Still an asshole, even in defeat. Gods, what a dick. 

“Thank you,” a forced smile made its way onto your face, “I appreciate that.”

“Fine.”

“Good.”

“And additionally,” Kushina jerked her hand in a harsh motion from him to you, “you will buy her lunch as you ate hers. Only fair, right?”

“... Right.”

“And she will come next Sunday to our dinner.”

What? That was… 

“This is too much,” you interjected, “I can’t possibly accept that.”

“Oh, you will.” Kushina wouldn’t take a no on this one, you could already feel that. She was dead-set on getting her will, and she would get it. You already felt yourself giving in to the sheer pressure of your boss’ wife inviting you for dinner. How could you possibly say no? 

How bad could it be? One evening with Minato, Kushina and apparently also Kakashi. Just one evening. One damned evening. With your boss, his wife and your personal work-nemesis. No problem. Absolutely no fucking problem. 

You were so fucked.

“Sure.” Slowly, you nodded. “That will be… nice. It will be nice.”

It wouldn’t. It absolutely wouldn’t. Oh god, this would be a trainwreck. 

But if you thought that you would be the least excited person in the room about this prospect, then you were wrong. When you sneaked a glance at Hatake, he was actually scowling, downright scowling, before he noticed your eyes on him. Quickly, the scowl changed into a neutral mask of indifference. 

Oh, yes. This would be a disaster. 

[mishyoona]

Since the devs and creative minds behind the FFX -Will- have claimed they wrote the audio drama ambiguous on purpose in order for us to fill in the gaps using our imagination, I'd like to ask what your desire or vision of FFX-3 is! :D

Whether it be in fanfiction or fan art, speculations or whimsical thoughts, I'd love to hear about it!

Hi, Danko Kaji! Brace yourself lol:

I genuinely believe that the future of Spira, unless it's in a distant one, should be left alone. I think X-2 wrapped up the start of the Eternal Calm nicely, and there is no need to push it further. Continuing from where X-2 left off is an example of beating a dead horse.

Also, from what I've seen, going back to Braska's journey is a popular X-3 concept among fans, but that would be the worst, imo. I don't see how it would introduce fresh elements to the story. Essentially, it would be a rehash of X, but with no surprises. I think we should all appreciate how we learned about that time through Auron's recollections (from his personal stories and the memories we witnessed in the ruins), and I fear that a full game focusing on it would diminish that impact. It's an unpopular opinion, but I truly hope that never comes to fruition.

I have two ideas, and one of them is fairly stupid, but I'm sharing. In fact, let's start with that one:

01. Auron in Dream Zanarkand. Tidus once said that fiends were a rarity in DZ, and that it was a big deal when one showed up. It'd be incredible if we got to discover that Auron was the one responsible for keeping them at bay, and was also the one slaying them once they reached the city (a boss, even, which would indeed be a "big deal"). Not necessarily as a hero either, but specifically driven by his promise to ensure Tidus' safety. It's evident that he kept up with his combat skills during his 10 years there, since he wasn't at all rusty when the time for battle came. In fact, he was prepared. The Japanese dialogue hinted that Auron periodically checked in on Tidus. It's interesting to imagine him being away dealing with fiends during those intervals. Perhaps he even had some form of affiliation with a small group of people who learned to fight and are committed to protecting DZ and uncovering some truths. This group could have uncovered something odd that helped them understand there could be more to DZ than meets the eye. They'd be low profile to avoid being dismissed as wacko. Then comes Auron, a sensible man with a strong head on his shoulders, and his arrival in their lives would provide a sense of companionship. Yet he never says he believes them or knows something. Maybe he sees himself in these people who are driven by what they believe, and he knows their worlds would be shattered by the truth.

Since Sin was known to destroy anything/anyone who got too close to DZ, it's plausible that remnants from another world (Spira) would wash up on its shores. Maybr strange technology and trinkets, or unfamiliar clothing. Ideally something more creative than that, lol. Their group backstory would be that their discoveries presented a pattern that each of then began to notice at some point, thus rendering them "touched" by Spira. It would provide an opportunity to see how someone from a fayth's dream or summoning can transform into something more once they've been touched by Spira or Sin. Remember what Bahamut's fayth said:

"Both you and your father have been touched by Sin. Sin, the one whom all Spira—the spiral—revolves. You two are more than just dreams now. Just a little more."

Vague enough to have fun with, if you ask me. Exploring Auron's time in DZ (especially the period between his shattered beliefs and the end of his mortal life) could be awesome. It would allow for insight as to why he aged. Did he manifest it on his own, and if so, was it gradual or immediate? There's a scene in FFX where Tidus (talking to Yuna) revisits a memory that took place while he was still a kid, shortly before his mother's death. Auron was shown to have already aged by then. So, maybe the stress, heartache, fear, and grief (the immense emotional burden) manifested through his appearance, making him look as old and worn as he felt on the inside.

I can't see any of this being translated into a full-fledged game, though. Maybe a smaller game where the "big bad" is actually Auron's inner turmoil and dealing with his new reality—similar to Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 6, lol. But those are my unrefined thoughts on that jumble of dumb.

[real-life-senshi]

Can we please first appreciate how SUBTLE the buildup to the Darkmury plot actually is? Ami knitting with pink yarn and responding vaguely and elusively when Makoto ask who she's knitting for this time! Who knew this was actually going to be so significant to the plot?!

The screenwriting is also so artfully done here - obviously, Usagi, Rei and Makoto all keep secrets and go out of their own way to do things on their own creating a vacuum of zero communication, causing an opening where Ami's exposed without backup, yet the first person to start explicitly holding out on the team here with a secret of her own is Ami here! Yes, her secret is the gifts she's making for her comrades, but it's a secret none-the-less. Had she hinted or told everyone she was making a gift for them, could that become a reminder that is needed for everyone to remember to come together and not push each other aside? We can only speculate, but it's a possibility!

It wasn't just everyone else, Ami had a secret of her own too in the buildup to the Darkury arc!!! And it's actually so subtle and easy to miss!!!!

ANNNNNDDDD the subtle buildup to Makoto x Motoki! lol If Makoto didn't plan to make her muffler for anyone, let the muffler choose that someone for her, I guess. ;D

But seriously though, I know the assignment given to them was they should make a muffler/scarf or mittens/glove for someone, but it's not as if the teacher would know who they gifted it to? Makoto could easily just kept it for herself?

Also, I gotta wonder if Usagi, Ami, Rei and Makoto went on a random shopping spree at some point at a dollar store and bought those coloured glass bottles? lol

[lokisasylum]

Be mindful of changes during ‘FACE’ release...

I’ve been seeing a lot of people overly excited of the possibilities once we get the TRACK LIST tomorrow, but we also need to be conscious that EVERYTHING that was discussed during FESTA2022 was “subject to change”.

Which also begs the question or theory that FESTA2022 was pre-recorded:

#01. Notice how they weren’t reading comments, but instead were reading pre-established questions.

#02. RM mentioned that the order of Solo-ALBUM releases & debuts would be: Jhope►Himself►JK►Suga►Jimin.

Despite the fact that we knew since MAY that Jhope would be the first to drop his album & debut in Lollapalooza. On that same kmedia article it was announced that HYBE would debut JK for the US right after Jhope’s.

#03. There were vague mentions of “possible” collabs in each other’s albums. Starting with Jimin having shown his songs between Jhope, Suga and even Jin. But neither of the 3 actually heard the same songs. And it was SUGA who brought up the topic that “Jimin’s been working on this one song...” and then proceeds to “reveal” (but was NOT confirmed) that Jimin asked him if he wanted to be featured in said song (note that not even Jhope knew about this song since Jimin showed him a different one). So in the end and after much teasing Suga said he would work with him or any of them for free. 

But what REALLY happened was:

[rest of 2022, July-onward]

A) Jhope debuted with JITB during July ► went to Lollapalooza.

B) JK did that collab with CP.

C) Tae did that one photoshoot with Vogue Korea & went to Paris Fashion Week for the Celine show along with L*sa & P*rk Bogum (but in the end it was Bogum who got the BA contract for Celine during November).

D) We started getting photos & info of Jimin working or having worked with multiple producers for his album and also hints of him doing photoshoots on his own. 

E) The Busan Concert happened, one final concert as a group of 7.

F) Jin was debuted with “The Astronaut” ► sang with Coldplay in Argentina. (Despite the fact that Jin hadn’t been planning to debut yet until AFTER his MS, but the producers apparently pressured him to finish at-least ONE song before this happened).

G) JK performed in the WC with “Dreamers” (a song that was originally a group collab/project due to their contract with HYUNDAI, but JK was sent alone instead of the whole group and BTS is credited in the song along with his name).

H) The choir that was featured & sang in the background of “Friends/Chingu” drops a surprise announcement through twitter and Instagram congratulating Jimin who was allegedly dropping a Single AHEAD of his upcoming album. But not even 12hrs later both of these announcement mysteriously disappeared.

I) RM debuts with “INDIGO” (Note: before his official debut, a Kmedia article, the same one that announced Jhope & JK’s solo debuts, said that INDIGO would feature collaborations between RM x Pharrel, as well as RM x JK, but neither of these happened).

J) Jimin is rumored to feature in a collab with Big Bang member, Taeyang, for his album in Jan.

K) Jin leaves for MS.

(I’m gonna skip the end of year awards ‘cause we’re drawing a timeline of debuts to compare with FESTA. There was also a Weverse post or conv between Taehyung & an army where Tae expressed that he scrapped his entire album/mixtape and will start working from scratch again despite him having almost finished it and Suga even told him during FESTA “Don’t be afraid just drop it and see what happens”)

[Start of 2023-onwards]

A) The collab between Jimin x Taeyang is revealed to be true & drops mid-January.

B) W.Korea Magazine drops a session of photos with Jimin.

C) Later on Jimin is also revealed as DIOR’s Global Brand Ambassador & that his first mission as GBA was to do this photoshoot with W.Korea (which was done sometime during August or so, but his contract with Dior happened as soon as BTS made their hiatus official) ► attends Paris Fashion Week where he is officially introduced as the Face of Dior.

**Note: Jhope also attends PFW as a guest to multiple brand shows.

D) A week or so later Suga is also announced/revealed as Brand Ambassador to Valentino under a special campaign (his contract with the brand had also been signed since BTS’ hiatus announcement) ► Attends Paris Fashion Week.

E) Jimin comes live twice in a span of two weeks where he gives us little snippets of what he’s been doing and working on, becoming GBA for Dior, how his album is doing. During the second time he comes online he tells us that his album would probably drop sometime in February and to look forward to it.

F) Tae starrs in a reality tv show that was secretly filmed in Mexico last year while on a “vacation trip” with wooga squad.

G) Mid-February Suga is announced to be going on a solo tour starting April.

H) Jimin’s album gets moved to March 24th.

Where am I going with all this?

That no matter WHAT happens when the track list drops tomorrow lets not feel sad or disappointment if certain things DON’T happen.

If we get collabs great, if not then also great. Its not the end of the world.

After-all, we know that PDogg was involved in the production of Jimin’s album and it is PDogg himself who has been against certain collabs between members in the past.

So lets just focus on supporting JIMIN to the fullest during his first and much anticipated solo album. Know where to buy so that it counts for charts, stream on all platforms that you can.

ENJOY THE RIDE.