#ANOTHER BONUS: this is why no one rescued Dream— NO ONE WANTED THIS ONE ENDLESS BOUND TO THEM IN SUCH A MANNER

[magnusbae]

So you know the Chinese saying that once you’ve saved a person’s life, you’re responsible for it forever? Dreamling Rescue fic where after hob saves Dream, Dream keeps showing up expecting Hob to take care of him and be responsible for him in a variety of situations and times. Bonus points: Dream explains exactly nothing to Hob. Those are the old laws, Hob should have been aware of what he was doing when he decided to arrive and save him and that’s that.

[just-some-random-blogger]

So you know the Chinese saying that once you've saved a person's life, you're responsible for them forever? where after the reader saves Dream, Dream keeps appearing expecting the reader to take care of him and be responsible for him in a variety of situations and moments. Bonus Points: Dream doesn't exactly explain anything to the reader. Those are the old laws, the reader should be aware of what he was doing when he decided to reach out and save him and that was it.

ANOTHER BONUS: this is why no one rescued Dream— NO ONE WANTED THIS AN INFINITE LIMIT FOR THEM IN SUCH A WAY

Why Are You Here?

Dream of the Endless x Reader

Summary: You accidentally saved the King of Dreams from his century old prison, now he's your everyday nightmare (affectionate).

Word Count: >900

Warnings: Gender neutral!reader, clingy!Dream, jealous!dream, fluff, typos, etc.

A/N: I think I am now finally able to write requests again 🥲🫶 slay for me Tagging: @pinksirensong @aralezinspace @deniixlovezelda @shadow-pancake9 @sloanexx

I wiped my face as I looked at the clock at the bottom right of my computer screen. I huffed and leaned back on my office chair, twirling myself around as I waited for my file to upload.

One.

Two.

Three twirls in.

Suddenly, I stop in a panic when a dark figure manifests in front of me.

I cling onto the side of my desk and jump out of my chair, "Dream, what are you-"

"I was unable to procure the results we had last time we baked, and I came to tell-"

I grab his arms and frantically look around my office, "what did I tell you about manifesting yourself in inappropriate settings?"

Dream looks down at me with his eyes as I look past him on both sides of his arms. His brows faintly furrow, "this is not an inappropriate setting. You are fully dressed and I am-"

"That is not what-" I quip, pinching my fingers together. I sigh as I look at the befumbled entity, his galactic blue eyes glassed with an innocent incapacity to understand he was not meant to be suddenly in my place of work. I grab his biceps and push him back.

I begin to lead him to the bathroom with our linked arms, "I can't answer your baking questions right now," I look around the room, "also, didn't we establish you should only come to me if you were in actual trouble."

He mumbles, placing a hand on my arm that was linked with his, "my cake did not rise."

I turn to him, "Dream-"

"You told me baking could alleviate my sorrow. It has done nothing but frustrate further. I would think you should bare some responsibility for the fact."

I grunt as I stop in my tracks. I pull away to cross my arms, "did you follow the recipe you have?"

Dream looks back at me, "to the best of my capacity."

"Then I don't know what to tell you," I mutter, shrugging, "I can't really see what you did-"

"Precisely why," he takes my hand, "you should come to the Dreaming with me."

I look around the room and give him an incredulous expression. I whisper-yell, "I'm working right now."

Dream steps forward. His face solemn, "I will make sure no one will notice."

Shutter.

Dream and I snap to the side. Behold, there stood my nosy co-worker, Liam, one hand holding a smoothie, and another holding up a phone, camera pointed at us.

Fuck.

"Liam," I pull away from Dream.

"I didn't take a photo of you," he immediately says, "I took a selfie." He begins to pose and take a photo of himself.

"Liar," Dream retorts with an echo, not having to open his mouth.

I look around the room when the lights flicker because of this.

Liam reacts to it, extremely on edge as he too looks around the room.

I release a breath, thinking of an excuse as to explain why this unknown man dressed for a funeral and I were talking. I look at Dream. Maybe I could say he was going to a funreal?

"So," Liam starts, shaking his head, "who's this?"

"This is..." I start, turning to Liam, "Murphy."

"Murphy?" Liam squints at the Lord Morpheus, "you don't look like a Murphy."

Dream does not respond.

Liam sips on his smoothie before pulling it abruptly away, shaking his phone, "oh I know who this is!" He points repeatedly at me, "this is they guy that has been sending you flowers!"

"No."

"What?"

Dream and I said this at the same time.

Dream turns to me, as I grab his arm and push past Liam, "good talk, Liam. Murphy has to go now."

I sigh as I lead him to the exit, "I was going to make you disappear through the bathroom, but then Liam caught us together."

He makes a sound, "do you not want me to be seen by this person who sends you flowers?"

"What?" I turn to Dream, "that was a mistake in delivery. It was for Abigail. She recently got married-- but I mean you already know that."

"I do," he mutters.

I shake my head, "Liam made a big deal out of it, like he does everything."

"Would you like to do something about Liam?"

I exit our office and drag Dream towards the elevator, "I would like for you never to suddenly pop up here again."

I watch him pout and furrow his brows, "but you are my person," he replies. He stops us both in our tracks, "the old laws bind us together."

I sigh and nod as I walk off and repeatedly press on the elevator button, "I know! I know. The old laws that even you have to answer to."

Dream's face hardens, his posture falls, "is my presence such a nuisance to you?"

"Morpheus," I sigh, "It's not your presence," I reply, "it's the fact you're at my job," I mumble, "my job that I worked so hard to get and would make me spiral if I lost."

I turn from the elevator doors to Dream as he straightens up, "it was not my intention to cause you distress."

I nod, "I know," I place a hand on his arm, "and you're both kind of really cute for this, and super annoying."

The elevator doors open. I motion for Dream to enter. When he does, I smile at him and wave goodbye. He looks and raises his hand, "I will redo my cake in a manner in which will impress you."

I chuckle, "I look forward to trying it."

He presses his lips into a smile, "farewell."

[rosepetalwings]

“In dreams”….

ik this is v late but!!! here have a sad lesser dad lad

It was in dreams Rouxls found his freedom, as a child. In the fairy tales of Rouxls's youth that told him grand stories of chivalrous knights and horse drawn carriages and kindly smiles and warm hugs for well-deserving princes such as he. Wishes on stars, grand stories, and yes, dreams were all the man had in his youth to escape from certain hurtful realities he didn't want to face just yet. From harsh and strict rules he had to follow, as set by his parents.

Rouxls was but a boy then, the stars in his eyes not yet stomped out by his parents with their seemingly endless and ever so weighty expectations they'd forced upon him. He didn't have to cry about being yelled at for getting a B- on the math test that day if he could be a swashbuckling pirate, free to roam the 7 seas, far, far away from any of this overbearing stress... Nor did he have to worry about saving the family from poverty all by himself, as a haughty royal needn't worry about poverty! He could buy as many nice clothes and toys as he wanted and as a bonus didn't have to feel greedy for outgrowing clothing so often! And one day, his dream had come true!

Granted, Rouxls had flunked out of law school and was mostly drinking boxed wine in his apartment while job hunting and applying at every job he could until he'd finally landed a position in what he'd thought impossible. He had an interview to be an assistant at the Card Castle. Maybe he exaggerated his accomplishments here and there (okay, perhaps a lot) but he succeeded in impressing the interviewer, and most bafflingly of all, got the position! And he'd climbed through the ranks of the court, doing whatever it took for him to succeed in winning the kings' favor. The Spade King seemed to take particular interest in Rouxls then, so Rouxls doubled down on his schmoozing with the Spade King. And his efforts at playing social games, so experienced at it from playing them with his parents, had worked! Perhaps a little too well, with how he found his affections for the King blooming thereafter...

He was a Duke, now. His dream came true... So why did it feel so... meaningless... He was powerful, rich, and successful now! With a fancy title he could throw around and everything! It was everything he wanted! It was his parents pushed him to be.

Victory had tasted cheap and tinny, like those boxed wines from all that time ago.

Rouxls hated his job, he thought as he scribbled another signature on another soulless form. He hated it! The so-called "Duke of Puzzles" couldn't manage engineering a single actual puzzle and moreover, he found very little enjoyment in any part of the process.

And the king... The goddamned bastard was always piling more and more onto him after he'd found more power through that Knight...

Rouxls's grip upon his white feather quill tightened.

He approved legislation and looked over new bills the king drew up, looked over puzzle architectural design and engineering, cared for the king's son to the point of the child naming Rouxls his Lesser Dad, and cooked for and cleaned after the boy! Such was too much for one man to shoulder alone!

Perhaps he knew now why the Queen left. Was she left to shoulder it all by herself, too...?

Rouxls swallowed hard, unable to rid himself of the suffocating feeling in his throat and set his quill back down.

Perhaps, in retrospect, Rouxls was naive. Chasing dreams of someday being rescued by a handsome noble's affections hadn't gotten him anything but being belittled and overworked by the man he'd once thought he loved and loved him in return...

Rouxls's dreams didn't give him freedom. His dreams were just wild fantasies he'd used to swallow down the bitter nature of reality. He felt like an idiot for not realizing sooner.

[the-nysh]

Bkdk fic recs? Not any particular genre/setting; just stories that you fell in love with.

Ohoo!! *___* Yes, do I have a handful of them! Time to go through mypersonal notes and share what I’ve saved!

First up are some of my fav prolificauthors (and their well-known, must-read fics), whose attention to detail, emotionaldepth, and characterizations I trust and therefore I would read anything they write of the pair:

 @atomicblonde/lalazee (Blood Moon), for writingsome of the most riveting emotional roller coasters, whose power with words anddialogue can both raze mountains and completely swoon you asunder with theirintensity. All her fics are worth reading (and there are plenty!) But I thinkthe one that particularly touched me most was Ugly Beautiful. :’)

@driftingglass (Before Midnight), forwriting some of the most immersive stories coiled with gripping and buildingtension, both plot wise and relationship wise. Also has one of the mostdescriptive and intense voices. And for writing a Deku with thedetermined/defiant agency he deserves.    

@soulestring/soulstring(Falling, I feel you), for some ofthe most emotionally raw & vulnerable scenes of feelings realization I’veseen. Through all the extensive denial, fear, reluctance, and passion towardslove. Chronic emotional constipation at its crippling worst and most beautifullyrewarding. Oho, I’ve reread these many times for just how strongly they stuckwith me. (Also features Kiri as a valuable mvp, oh thank goodness

@osakakitty (Make Every Moment Last,Like the Moon), mmm,for a finesse with sweeping/honest tenderness with enough resonance to make oneweep. I know many readers who have fallen victim to it. Not from sadness, butfrom just how thoroughly touching and profound her stories are. :’) What ablessing, indeed.  

@kanaevr/Kanae_vR(The Space Between), forwriting with an awareness and careful handling of both the characters and plotthat I could best describe as sincere.The detailed realism and slice of life aspects are both relatable and fun, which contribute towards a whole,well-rounded package that is thoroughly engaging to read.  

Next, aside from the many works available from the authors above, are some fav individual fics that I’mparticularly fond of:

In the Eye of the Storm by @cheshirebutton,THE iconic naga au. If there’s one fic in the fandom I’d consider my fav, I think it’d be this one. Which I’ve read 5+ times, and would definitely reread again. 8D Ilove it that much. Everything is handled with so much impressive quality and care;almost anything introduced has a purpose that will become relevant again later(which is why rereading is so fun). From the impeccable world building to thecharacterizations, the absolute stakes and peril involved that drives them towardsbelievable, life-altering decisions (the weightthey must consider between duty and personal feelings)…from the wedges thatkept them stubbornly apart, towards a curious magnetism and blooming/meaningfulsolidarity that brings them closer together even stronger. :’)) This is classicenemies to reluctant allies to lovers done beautifully, and has me convinced oftheir mutual feelings 1000%. Omg, they feel somuch. ;A; Whenever there’s a ch update I have to immediately dropeverything because it’s just thatgood, ahhh.

Hunting the Past by Justaperson1718, theassassin and blackmailed!bodyguard au! 8D Which happens to be my fav actionfic. It’s so smart and fast-paced, from all the convoluted planning and tensesteps involved to set things right, damn! We have these expertly specializedpros, extremely capable in their respective fields…but who are also fumblingdorks unaccustomed to sorting out their feelings and properly communicating(esp after all the conditioning/exp they’ve been through). It’s so fun to watch them executemissions and then transition to the domestic (yet still very muchliving on edge) down time with them learning to bond while taking care ofKouta. Unexpected surrogate action parents due to dire circumstances, aha!  

The Mummy by Spectra, my favadventure fic. A retelling of the classic movie, but done so well and with style. Probably some of the most genuine fun I’vehad reading fics in this fandom, ahaha what a riot. XD From the crazyshenanigans they get caught up in to the wholesome heh copious amount ofbonding from their time together. Truly, all scenes are extremely well paced andallotted for the type of ‘meat’ readers are in for. Kacchan is so comically (andseriously) overprotective of Deku, omg I love it. (Considering the endlesstypes of human & undead enemies after them, ahh!) Bonus, Kiri is such a goodaccompanying bro, what a delight.

Some Read It For The Articlesby low_commotion,for some of the nerdiest awkward dork bonding, from their shared seriousinterest in hero mags, to their more hands-on practical applications in the gymtogether (ayyy!! ;D)…all while everyone else in the class assumes it’s over‘something else’ and blows it out of proportion (oho~ but things ARE slowlyhappening!) It’s such a hilarious and witty slow burn scenario where they helpeach other improve, but I think what really shines are the faithfulcharacterizations. Deku has such a distinct rambling headspace, and while thepov is limited, the respectable merits inherent to Kacchan’s character stillshine…like ahh, that’s it; that’s why he’s a fav. A very fun and unique ficindeed!  

Just Like The Comics by brichibi,oh man!! The angst and feels truly got me in this ‘what-if’ scenario where Dekunever earned ofa, never went to U.A., and slowly became so jaded/bitter athaving to settle for something other than his dream, his growing envywitnessing Kacchan achieve his burned too much to bear. It’s such a fascinating and segmented Deku characterstudy where he has to discover what he really wants in life, with plenty ofmeta jabs at canon that had me going whoa!!! :O Plus Kacchan is as patient andaccommodating to Deku’s pace as he can be. :’) (Which…became another point ofcontention for Deku, to not hold him back from becoming the best…yet I love the counter, ‘I don’thave everything; I don’t have you.’ fuufjgkgh!!! ;A;)

And now even MORE fics that I like/enjoy, which have caught my attention, orthat I’m currently eagerly waiting for more updates:

warm hands and shipwreck on the red sea byflowercafeAHHHHH!!! Warm hands features my most fav headcanon: heated quirk musclemassages. (Omg it’s so tender/intimate; I’m so weak ;A;) While shipwreck featuresshark mer!Kacchan! 8D I love the realistic attention to detail/descriptions andpenchant for marine biology, ohh it has such an immersive Life of Pi feel. (Pluswelcome room for spice, oho.) Actually, all this author’s works are great withtheir extremely strong starts, definitely keeping watch!

under a hollow sun by umbrage, probablymy personal choice for the classic fantasy au most faithfully adapted (YESSfinally one that matches what I’d been searching for 8’D with a fun supportiveKiri too! *grovels at author’s feet*) Many classmates are incorporated in a fun way too! (Authoralso wrote another fic featuring funny accidental quirk misfire during certain…activitiesand dang, I wish more authors would make use of that too, ahaha! XD)  

springtime of youth by claimedbydaryl,I’m extremely fond of the last chapter, for how realistic and awkwardly naturalthe approach is, definitely left a lasting impression.  

Incandescent Snow by Chicory, acarefully crafted au and scenario that is gorgeous and tentative, with well-madeoc’s who contribute their unique pov’s of the boys’ growing relationship.  

Collision by stardustacademia(cosmiclarents), one of the most thorough and in-depth looks into Kacchan’spsyche and angst I’ve seen, but it’s unfortunately been deleted. :’(( Noting itanyway for remembrance’s sake.

Ambivalent by bakuboi ohdang this was such a unique approach to Kacchan’s pov and source of his anger I’veseen, and impressive writing insight for being anime-only too.

A Haze of Crystal by semiautomatichearts,ooh I really enjoyed the emotional depth in this one; the author has anotherhanahaki story I’m keeping an eye on as well.

how he should’ve known (andhow it turned out) by vannral, theirapproach to the classic fake dating trope caught my attention, but all theirworks are fun and worth checking out too! :D Def keeping an eye on their stuff.

The Devil Blues by iknewamantheir police detective au is so fun and well done; oho those sparks fly! They’vewritten more stuff with unique/interesting approaches I’ve enjoyed too.

Map of Scars by Celestialgunfireopera,ohh :’)) a very touching and vulnerable moment, through particular intimacy andacknowledgment of past actions previously left unsaid. That type of meaningful tendernessand skinship really hits the spot.  

By Design by EtherealBeing(also author of Bluebird), this one is such a unique idea/premise I have not seenbefore! :O Extremely fascinated to see where it’s going.

Izuku’s Home for Wayward Petsby glamour_weeb,wolfdog-hybrid rescue and rehab au, omg it’s so charming and wholesome. :’3  

Shadows and Gold by Sonday, thedesert prince/servant au, whoa!!  

Fireflies for the Moon byBestTankTopist (Keyade), the historical samurai au! Definitely got my eyes onit for more.  

Lunch on Tuesdays by @rironomind,and of course, I have to rec my buddy for her casual, slice of life take ofthese disaster dumbasses that is both fun and surprisingly bold (for tackling that topic in a way no one else has)with authentic Japanese flair (only rom could think of the meaningful gesture ofDeku sitting in seiza, like wow why have I not seen anyone else incorporatesuch behavior before, dang). Thanks so much, rom.

And there we go! Hopefully that’s a big enough handful of fics toappreciate, as I’ve read plenty more where these came from. :’D There are somany talented writers and amazing fics in the fandom worth all the support!  

[v-thinks-on]

The Adventure Continues

Part 7 of A Crazy Little Thing Called Love

First | Previous | Bonus

“May I say that I have not thoroughly enjoyed serving with humans. I find their illogic and foolish emotions a constant irritant.”

Spock stepped into the captain’s quarters.

He found Captain Kirk sitting at his desk, wrapping up a log entry: “With the energy-being gone, hostilities have ended and the ship is back under our control. We are now bringing the Klingons back to Starbase 5, and from there they can return to their Empire. In the meantime they remain on the Enterprise as our guests.” He turned off the recorder, waved Spock inside with a grin, and stood to meet him.

“Jim,” Spock said, his voice low, “I must apologize for lashing out earlier. I should have been able to resist the creature’s influence, but it was able to find and exploit my weakness.”

Jim put a hand on Spock’s shoulder and looked Spock firmly in the eye. “It exploited all of us.”

“All but one,” Spock replied, his eyes wide in admiration. “You were apparently immune.”

Jim shook his head. “I was able to resist it thanks to you, I think, but for a moment there I wanted to kill you so badly it terrified me.” There was silence as his words sunk in.

Very slowly, Spock rose one hand and placed it on Jim’s shoulder. “And for that, I am sorry. None of what I said under its influence is true. I am fascinated, not irritated by your illogic and emotions, foolish though they may sometimes be.” He hesitated. “And I have enjoyed serving on the Enterprise.”

“Good,” Jim said with a wide smile. “I’m glad we don’t irritate you too badly.”

“Hardly,” Spock replied. “I find I much prefer serving among humans to living among Vulcans.”

“We must accept the fact that Captain Kirk is no longer alive... I shall not attempt to voice the quality of respect and admiration which Captain Kirk commanded. Each of you must evaluate the loss in the privacy of your own thoughts.”

“Spock to transporter, has the captain successfully been beamed aboard? Spock to transporter, I repeat-”

Dr. McCoy hit the button to turn on the intercom with the side of his fist. “We’ve got him, and just in time too! It looks like he’s gonna be alright.”

“Good,” Spock replied. “Keep me updated on his condition-”

“Spock!” Captain Kirk exclaimed into the intercom, leaning heavily on Dr. McCoy, while Nurse Chapel hovered at his other shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’m okay.”

Spock quirked an eyebrow even though none of them could see. “I was doing nothing of the sort,” he said, though a suggestion of a smile threatened to ruin the effect.

Kirk grinned back at him. “Bones is just going to run some tests to make sure I haven’t sustained any damage.”

“And maybe you’ll appreciate the drink I mixed up more than your first officer did,” Dr. McCoy cut in.

Spock ignored Dr. McCoy. “Understood. Spock out.”

Captain Kirk waved Mr. Spock into his quarters after their shift. He half-sat, half-leaned against his desk, his arms crossed over his chest. He and Spock watched each other, each evaluating the other’s condition and waiting for him to make the first move.

Finally, Jim spoke gently, “What happened while I was gone?”

“You heard my official account in the log,” Spock said.

“I understand Bones pretending nothing happened, but why you?” Jim asked, perplexed. He searched Spock’s eyes for an answer.

“I believe humans would consider it an expression of goodwill,” Spock explained.

Jim nodded in understanding, but did not relent. “So what happened?”

Spock hesitated. “I am honored by your professed faith in me, however I am afraid it is not deserved.”

“Spock,” Jim exclaimed in protest, a hand on Spock's shoulder.

Spock did not meet his captain's eyes. When he spoke, his voice was so low it was barely audible, “I was emotionally compromised.” He looked up and continued a little louder, “I stayed in the fragmented space even though I knew it was killing the crew because I hoped I would I be able to find you alive. When the Tholian ship attacked, I fired without thinking of the consequences. Dr. McCoy was correct to question my judgement.” His eyebrows rose to emphasize his words.

Jim frowned. “Bones is a good friend, but I know he goes too far with you sometimes. As I said in the orders you didn’t watch” - he gave Spock a wry smile - “He can give good advice, but at the end of the day you’re in command. Staying in the fragmented space was a risky decision, but I probably would have done the same thing if our roles were reversed, and it turned out alright. I hear Chekov had a bad time of it, but at the end of the day everyone was okay, and I, for one, am glad you rescued me.”

Then he hesitated. “I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere so lonely before. If I was drifting out in space at least there would have been the stars, but there was nothing, just darkness. I think I would have gone mad if I didn’t suffocate first.”

“Jim,” Spock said softly, his eyes wide. He reached out a hand to comfort the captain, but didn’t know what to do with it.

Jim met Spock’s gaze and carefully took Spock’s outstretched hand in his own. “I know, I’m not alone any more, thanks to you.”

Spock felt the rush of Jim’s emotions; his relief and affection and vibrant joy that were all reflected in his bright hazel eyes. “Jim,” was all he could think to say - there was so much Spock still didn’t have the words for.

Spock felt a spark of mischief before Jim grinned and spoke, “Why don’t you stay the night? I wouldn’t mind the company.”

Spock quirked an eyebrow at him. “If you are suggesting-” he began.

Jim interrupted with a shake of his head. “Just that you keep me company - for emotional security.”

Spock searched Jim’s expression as though appraising it. He did not reach deeper into Jim’s mind, even though he wondered what the captain was thinking. “Very well,” he said at last with a nod.

Spock left to gather his belongings, and soon returned to find the captain already in bed, shirtless, of course, reading the latest in the endless stream of reports that required his attention and approval. He glanced up as soon as the door slid open and smiled up at Spock, whose eyebrows rose at the sight of the captain still working.

“Just keeping occupied while I waited.” Jim put the reports aside. “I know, I need rest, doctor’s orders.”

“Dr. McCoy is quite right on that account,” Spock replied, not without some skepticism.

“I’m not the only one who’s had a stressful day,” Jim pointed out.

Spock nodded in acknowledgement and went to the bathroom to change. The ship was not so warm that even a young Vulcan could comfortably sleep in minimal clothing as humans did. It was probably for the best; brief contact was one thing, but spending the entire night with their minds touching would be another entirely - and humans dreamed.

Spock emerged from the bathroom and Jim watched him intently with an open smile as he made his way over to the bed. Jim shifted over a couple of inches to make room for Spock. He waited patiently as Spock hesitated before finally joining him under the covers. Spock lay flat on his back and Jim molded himself around him.

“Thank you,” Jim whispered as the lights faded to one percent. Spock could feel the human’s warm breath against his cheek.

“I might have seriously injured you, Captain, even killed you. They have evoked such great hatred in me, I cannot allow it to go further. I must master it. I must control…” Spock gripped a ceramic goblet so tightly it crumbled into rubble.

Captain Kirk arrived on the bridge with Alexander - the man they had rescued from the Platonians - concluding their tour of the ship.

“Alexander,” the captain said, once his guest had a chance to look around, marveling at their very alien technology, “I have some business to attend to” - he glanced up at Mr. Spock, dutifully bent over his viewscreen at his station - “But you’ll be left in Scotty’s very capable hands.”

Mr. Scott stepped over to them. “Aye, sir.”

“Alexander is to be treated as an honored guest. Without him, we might very well still be at the mercy of the Platonians.” The captain turned to Spock. “Mr. Spock, a word?”

Spock stood up straight and gave the captain a sharp nod. Kirk waved him off the bridge and onto the turbo lift.

“Detect anything interesting?” Kirk asked as they tread the familiar path back to the captain’s quarters.

“No,” Spock replied, “Just routine observations.”

Kirk grinned at him.

They said little more until they were behind closed doors. They stopped in the middle of Jim’s room, standing hardly a foot apart. Before either could speak, Jim extended a hand to Spock, his first two fingers out. Spock mirrored the gestured and brushed Jim’s fingers with his own, letting the captain’s emotions wash over him.

“You are unharmed?” Spock asked, his voice low.

Jim nodded. “What about you? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so angry.”

Spock inclined his head in acknowledgement. His eyes lingered on the floor and he seemed to war within himself. At last, he looked up and met Jim’s eyes. With some difficulty, he said, “I could have killed you.”

“They could have killed either of us,” Jim insisted. He put a hand on Spock’s shoulder.

Spock hesitated. “I know I was not acting under my own power, but I still feel the associated guilt - and anger.”

Jim nodded in understanding, unable to keep himself from smiling a little. “I’m sorry. I know it’s not very logical, but it is human.”

Spock inclined his head again. “It appears I am becoming increasingly human, for better or for ill.”

Jim’s smile spread across his face and shone in his eyes. “You’ve always been human, and it doesn’t make you any less vulcan.”

Spock’s eyebrows rose in disbelief. “The population of Vulcan would be inclined to disagree.”

“They don’t know what they’re missing.” Jim put both his hands on Spock’s upper arms. “Not that I’m too disappointed - their loss is my gain, after all. If you hadn’t left Vulcan, I wouldn’t have the best man in the fleet.” Jim thought he saw Spock’s cheeks turn a little greener than usual.

“At times I find that you are prone to exaggeration, Captain,” Spock attempted to protest, but the feeling resonating in his voice gave him away.

“Am I?” Jim challenged. He scrunched his forehead and shifted his eyebrows in a poor imitation his first officer.

Spock quirked an eyebrow at him in response.

“Why don’t you see for yourself.” One of Jim’s hands wandered down Spock’s arm, to stop at his wrist, just before his sleeve gave way to skin.

Jim gave Spock a questioning glance, and Spock’s eyes widened a little, inviting him to go ahead. So, Jim took Spock’s hand in his and raised it toward his face, his intention clear. Spock closed the distance, resting his warm fingers on Jim’s psy points. Their minds came together without any need for the traditional litany and they were each bathed in the other’s presence.

“A very old and lonely man. And a young and lonely man. We put on a pretty poor show, didn't we?”

Spock pressed his fingers to the captain’s temple and splayed them out along the side of his face. “Forget,” he murmured.

Their minds crashed together without another thought and Spock was overcome by a wave of guilt and grief: I’m sorry, I should have known better. I killed her. It’s my fault. I ignored your warning. I was so angry, so jealous, so desperate. I was everything he said I was; selfish, brutal, savage, cruel. I was no better than he was. All I wanted was for her to be free. I didn’t know. I pushed too hard. It’s my fault. I tried to make her love me and it killed her. I killed her. She’s dead. I killed her. She’s dead because I loved her.

The thoughts of love and death cycled on and on in an endless vortex, dragging Spock deeper and deeper with them.

His mind cried out and answered with anguish of his own. He could not bear to see his captain, to see Jim in such agony, and his own helplessness threatened to consume him, as though Jim was dying on a distant planet and he was stuck on the Enterprise, light years away. He knew the misery of love though Dr. McCoy had so easily dismissed the possibility.

“Jim,” he heard himself croak.

Like a strike of lightning, the sound seemed to illuminate Jim’s mind for an instant. Spock grabbed onto the sudden clarity with all his might. He knew what he needed to do. He quieted his emotions as he had done all his life and answered the onslaught of Jim’s anguish with logic.

What’s done is done. It cannot be helped. It is not logical to linger-

Jim’s mind revolted against Spock’s cold logic with powerful emotion that threatened to throw Spock out of the meld by sheer force of will. Jim’s very identity seemed to war against Spock’s mind and he recoiled at the rejection, but he did not give up.

He merely needed to try something different. If not logic, then emotion, as ill versed as he was in its ways.

Confident reassurance came easiest, to quiet Jim’s raging mind. The ship was at peace. Their crew was safe. They were free to explore the galaxy.

The torrent of emotion subsided, but the undercurrent of guilt and self-loathing remained, threatening to pull Spock into the heart of the storm all the same.

So, he answered with admiration, with every impossible victory and human virtue the captain had. Rayna’s death was not your fault. You could not have known. It was easy for someone like Jim, to whom human emotion came so naturally, to forget that it would be difficult for an android unaccustomed to such emotion to handle the powerful force of love.

Love. Spock slowly lowered his mental shields to allow just a portion of all the overwhelming emotion he felt for the captain. Everything illogical and irrational he did and felt, but could not bring himself to regret.

You are not alone.

Spock slowly pulled out of the meld and drew his hand away from Jim’s face.

Jim’s bright hazel eyes met his, and Jim threw his arms around Spock’s torso. Jim buried his face in Spock shoulder and squeezed Spock against him.

Spock remained still as though frozen, uncertain how to respond, but unwilling to pull away. He felt Jim’s heart beating fast in his chest and could hear his unsteady breath.

“Thank you, Spock,” Jim said at last. He leaned away just enough to look Spock firmly in the eye. “You’re right, I’m not alone, and nor are you.”

[endlesstaylormckenzie-blog]

Let Me Hold You

Hey amazing people! So this is my first ever fic for my first ever blog, and my first ever attempt at creative writing (I’m more into journalism). So please cut me some slack? Ok, here goes...

Book: Endless Summer

Pairing: Jake x F!MC

Warnings: Few swearing... and a teeny tiny bit of innuendo, I guess? Idk.

Word Count: 2,019

Disclaimer: Characters are owned by PB, not mine. Story was based on my own interpretation of Billie Eilish’s Hostage. You might want to listen to that song. It’s got all the feels.

Summary: Set after Rourke’s ending, Taylor flies to Costa Rica to find her husband as doubts cloud her mind.

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

It has been three years since that fateful event. Three years since Taylor made the tragic decision to push through with Rourke’s plans. It was the only way, she thought. The only way that she could let her friends live their lives without sacrificing her own. She couldn’t fathom the idea of having them trapped in that goddamn island with nothing much to do, but neither can she imagine leaving them… leaving Jake. She has been selfless enough during their whole stay in the island. She thought it was time for her to think of her own happiness. She thought it was the best decision.

IT WAS THE DECISION THAT SHE REGRETS THE MOST.

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

Taylor finds herself in a peaceful beach somewhere in Costa Rica. Waves lapping against the white sand shore, sun beginning to set with hues of orange, she remembered her time in La Huerta… her time with Jake. She spent the last three years finishing her university degree. Taylor promised Jake before that once she finishes college, she’d be staying with him in Costa Rica and build a life together. She thought of keeping that promise, even though she knows Jake won’t remember her.

She stared at the ocean for a moment. Its deep blue reminiscent of his eyes, its peaceful waves reminding her of waking up next to the man she’s ever loved. Tears starting to blur her eyes, she fought the feeling of helplessness forming inside of her. “I need rest.”

Taylor starts making a beeline towards the inn she rented for the night when she heard a fight break out in a nearby dive bar. Curious, she entered the bar and saw a tall, muscular man punching the hell out of another guy. The other guy was somewhat smaller than the other, wearing that oh so familiar black shirt under a green bomber jacket, dog tags visible beneath his shirt. Taylor couldn’t be mistaken. It was the same shirt she wears while he’s bathing, only for him to remove it from her. The same jacket that he offers her when she’s cold. Those dog tags that he lets her wear when he knows they could be in danger. His hair was up in a man bun, and he couldn’t be more handsome albeit bruising and almost bleeding. She couldn’t be mistaken. It was the guy she’s been looking for. “Jake…”

Immediately, Taylor ran to Jake’s side and tried to break up the fight. “Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait what’s going on?”

“What’s going on is that that guy just tried to hit it with my girl!” the man replied and slightly stepped aside to show a girl with long blonde hair and round blue eyes. At first glance, anyone would think that girl was Taylor.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Look, my boyfriend’s clearly drunk already and he probably might have just mistaken your girlfriend for me.” Taylor glanced over at Jake and saw his confused but grateful look. “So why don’t we call it a night, and let’s just get out of each other’s way. Sound good?”

“Whatever. Just go get your asses out of here!” the man replied and quickly, she grabbed Jake’s wrist and led them out of the bar. She could feel Jake’s eyes lingering on her, mouth slightly agape, obvious that he was still confused with what’s happening.

Once out of earshot, Jake yanked his hands free from Taylor. “Listen Princess, I wasn’t even drunk and I definitely didn’t need saving from that scumbag!”

Taylor felt a pang on her chest when she realized he used the same nickname he gave her on the island… the same nickname she came to love. “My name’s not Princess.”

“What can I say? I give nicknames to people who annoy me.”

“So I annoy you now when I just saved your ass back there?”

“You just kicked me out of my favorite bar!”

Stunned, Taylor just stood shocked in front of him. Never on the island did Jake raise his voice at her. It wasn’t quite the reunion she had expected.

“You’re welcome, Top Gun”, Taylor sarcastically muttered enough for Jake to hear as she glared in his direction and started to walk away.

“Hey, you can’t be giving nicknames. That’s my thing!” Jake protested but received no response from the blonde girl. She just continued walking away. Honestly, Taylor was hurt with the way their ‘first’ encounter went by. As easy as it was finding Jake again, she didn’t realize it would be too difficult to gain Jake’s affection again. She didn’t realize he could be this… shallow.

“Jake.” He said guiltily when he realized the girl wasn’t planning on turning back.

Taylor abruptly stopped in her tracks. Just hearing his name made her mind go haywire. All she wanted was to throw herself onto him and melt under his touch. She wanted so badly for him to remember her. She just wanted to be alone with him and never let him go. Instead, she tried to keep her cool and look nonchalant.

“What?”

“Jake.” He starts walking towards her. “The name’s Jake. Thought you should know. What’s yours?”

“Taylor.”

Jake nodded and a small smile formed in his lips. They walked together in silence under the moonlit sky for a few minutes, Jake’s hands in his pockets, Taylor’s across her chest, hugging herself.

“So… what really happened back there?” Taylor asked breaking the silence, remembering how that girl looked very much like herself, and how Jake supposedly was hitting on her.

“Heh, crazy story.” Jake replied as he rubbed the back of his neck.

“Well I love crazy. Try me.”

For a few seconds, Jake just stared at Taylor, contemplating if he should tell her or not. Sighing, he returned his hand in his pocket and looked down on the ground. “You know how sometimes you feel like there’s something… or someone missing in your life?”

Mouth slightly agape, she felt some… hope as he said those words. Though she’s internally screaming, she didn’t say anything but instead waited for him to continue.

“Well the thing is… I’ve been having these dreams about this island and some… crazy things happening there. But what actually stuck in my mind was this girl. She was very similar to that blondie you saw in the bar. It’s just… I really thought I finally found her, ya know?” A look of melancholy passes over Jake’s features before he shook his thoughts off and heaved a sigh.

“Wow… I didn’t know you were a hopeless romantic, Top Gun.” Taylor teased. “Is that why you’re keeping me company?”

Jake tensed at her sudden remark. Although he knew she was just teasing, there’s something… true about her words. There’s no denying that he’s been attracted to her since she barged into the bar and went to his rescue. The fact that she fits his dream girl description was just an added bonus. She’s got this indescribable effect on Jake. It’s like a magnetic pull. No wonder he opened up to her that easily.

At this point, Taylor was expecting a witty response from Jake but instead, he paused and just stared at her straight in the eye, down to her lips. He took a step and stood just inches in front of her… so close that she could feel his breath and his heart pounding in his chest. Taylor’s breathing became erratic, heart pounding, chest heaving. Jake cupped her chin as she closed her eyes and parted her lips slightly, expecting for a kiss until…

“So Princess, where are we going really? No offense but we’ve been walking for minutes now and I don’t exactly know where we’re goin’.” Jake said in his hoarse, low voice, almost teasing to Taylor’s ears.

Taylor opened her eyes and Jake flashed his signature smirk. Her cheeks flushed at the embarrassment and she pulled away, much to her own disappointment as Jake chuckled at her reaction. Suddenly aware of their surroundings, Taylor realized she didn’t recognize the place. “Oh my gosh… umm… well I’m… I’m just new here and I haven’t really memorized the place… I… may or may not be lost right now…”

Jake threw his head back laughing at what she said and Taylor buried her face in her hands from embarrassment.

“Well what do you say you and I continue this conversation over at my place? It’s just around the next corner and I could really use some company.” Jake asked, actually hopeful that she’d say yes. “Sure, why the hell not?” Taylor responded, her mind practically leaping with so much joy.

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

Three bags of chips and a bottle of Jack Daniels later, Taylor realized they’ve both fallen asleep on the couch. She got up and took the empty bags of chips, the sound of plastic waking up Jake. He sat up and helped her clean up, and then they transferred to the bedroom. Jake let her borrow his shirt and shorts for the night but seeing her in his clothes stirred a different feeling within him. To him, she looked even sexier in his loose shirt and he felt himself harden at his sight. His gave moved from her lips, down to her neck, shoulder, her breasts, her stomach, down to that spot in between her thighs. He didn’t even realize that his breathing became audibly erratic that Taylor could hear it.

It could have been easier for Taylor to throw herself at Jake and get undone. Heck she could have kissed him hard when she saw him. But there were doubts in her mind. ‘Would he remember me after this or will I just be one of his one night stands? Is he doing this just because I look like the girl in his dreams? Wait, I’m the girl in his dreams! I…’

“Princess, you ok?” Jake said, walking over and giving her shoulder a comforting rub. Taylor flinches at first but immediately relaxes. “Y-yeah, I’m… I’m fine.”

“Hey, I can just sleep on the couch if you’re uncomfortable.”

“No. Stay with me.” Taylor said, looking into Jake’s eyes with all seriousness. Jake could swear his heart could pop out with her words, and the fact that they were too close – lips just inches apart that they could feel each other’s breath.

Jake too was confused. Normally he would just make out with any other girl without hesitation and get away with it – like he attempted to do back in the bar where he met Taylor. But this time, oh he was fucking clueless with what’s going on in his mind right now. ‘Come on Jake, just kiss her already! What’s wrong with you? She’s just like any other girl you’ve fucked before, right? Wrong! No, she’s… she’s special. Oh fuck, now I’m going crazy.’

Seconds felt like minutes as they both just stood there, fighting the voices in their heads urging them to just do it – the tension becoming heavier by the second.

“Taylor, can I… can I kiss you?” Jake asked, almost a whisper, he wasn’t even sure Taylor could hear it. Without a word, Taylor brought their lips together and they end up biting, grinding, bodies crashing as if there was no tomorrow…

One thing led to another and soon they find themselves panting, sweat-slicked yet content as they both came down from their ecstasy. For a moment, everything seemed falling into place. For a moment, everything felt right.

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

Taylor awoke from the heaviness across her torso. She looks down and sees Jake’s muscular arm snaked around her waist, his face nuzzled in the crook of her neck, sleeping peacefully under the dim moonlight coming from his windows. She looked at the time in her phone – 2:14 am. Remembering the events of last night, her mind raced and her breathing became frantic. ‘Shit!’

Quickly but carefully, she moved Jake’s arm, got up and searched for her clothes. Once dressed, she picked up a pen and a paper, and quickly scribbled on a note. Tears threatening to well up in her eyes, she gave Jake a quick kiss in the forehead then left.

[ideunjo-blog]

𝐋𝐀 𝐋𝐀 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄.

──  january 2019. ──  on-set of romantic and idol. ──  word count, 1,152. ──  points earned, +5 exp, +5 sp.

"what's my ideal type of man...”

eunjo repeated in a murmured breath, pupils dilating ever-so gently as she dreamed up specific traits and attributes that she deemed ‘ideal’ in a romantic partner. these questions were already beginning to feel so shallow and silly, but she knew that they needed to be answered as finding love was the sole purpose of this newly green-lit televised event. being that aurora as a group was known for mediocre variety appearances, their main vocal had a lot riding on her shoulders; midas media placing her in this position in hopes of changing the minds of the general public. truth be told, she was glad that she was apart of a female collective that was regarded for their voices, and their dancing, as opposed to their visuals or personalities, but she understood that having the full package in any predicament was optimal... she was just questioning why she, out of all the beauties in her group, was the one who was carefully selected to embark on this wild journey to change the minds of the general public. despite being given an image that marketed her as the damsel-in-distress that all heroes longed to rescue from peril, or as the pixie dream girl that’s easy to fall for, she wasn’t at all confident in her approach to dating — the opposite sex often intimidating her more than intriguing her. 

she’s always considered herself a romantic at heart, but she’s seldom had the opportunities to explore that side of herself. after all, she started the her trainee experience at the fresh of thirteen — at the very beginning of where most girls would begin to navigate their way through rosy pools of hormones, or where they’d start to receive love letters from boys who longed to get to know them. with that in mind, she genuinely had no clear idea as to what’s worked for her, and what hasn’t. sure, a minimum amount of ex-boyfriends have accumulated within the last few years, but not enough to make a difference on her thoughts toward the matter. so, while the query seems simple enough, for eunjo, it’s a bit more complicated, but alas, with all of those thoughts in mind, she inhaled and exhaled a deep breath; shrugging her alabaster shoulders delicately as a mellifluous chuckle lilted from betwixt her peachy, glossed lips.

“i suppose, above all else, i’d love a man who listens to me well, and who is more caring in his nature.” she began, long lashes fluttering closed for a second as she painted vivid imagery in her mind; the thought of sharing evenings with someone that showed her attention making her smile. “what matters the most to me is a man that is earnest, and kind; someone that i’ll happily introduce to my father and brothers who i know they will like. i’d like to think that i’m not really particular when it comes to someone’s exterior appeal, but of course, someone who dresses well and takes care of himself is an added bonus!” the chanteuse divulged, a roseate blush painting over the apples of her cheeks; revealing itself even through the layers of bb cream and powder that enhanced her features. “really, though, i’d like anyone that is in touch with his inner child and his feminine side. i wouldn’t want someone that was afraid to show emotions, or who was afraid to have fun. i hope this doesn’t seem as if i’m asking for a lot, but... overall, to me, a golden heart and a diamond personality matters a lot more than dashing looks.”

hopefully her answer wasn’t deemed too politically correct or vanilla, but it was the truth; she’d be happy to date anyone that treated her well, no matter who they were. however, when the questions shifted onto what types of dates she’d prefer to go on, this is where she thought she’d have more fun — the options being nearly endless. “oh, these are easy! as cliché as these may sound, i’ve always adored the idea of going on hikes with a lover; preferably with a lovely picnic in tow! i think getting together to make the food that goes in the basket, and supporting one another over the rough terrain of the mountains until a scenic destination is found, and shared with one another, is very romantic. it’ll also test the relationship a lot, too.” eunjo began, becoming lost in her fantasies. “i mean, if one of you is afraid of heights, or uncomfortable at all, you would ideally have the other to guide you through it. in that sense, it’ll help you build trust with one another, and i think that that’s really special, and pivotal, in how a loving relationship thrives.” deciding to delve into more possibilities, the budding singer-songwriter combed her manicured fingernails though her long, waved tresses; feeling more at ease now. “it’s also been a dream of mine to climb atop a large building in the city and watch the sunrise with someone i care about a lot; maybe even share a kiss as soon as day breaks.” a playful wink was sent to the lens of the camera before she was overcome with embarrassment; collapsing her head into the palms of her heads as stifled laughter poured from her.

was this going to be a great circumstance for her to show off her variegated charms? truth is, she had no idea... but she did her best not to make an absolute fool of herself during this first filming session. her first few takes seemed to have a nice flow to them — at least in her own opinion — so she hoped that the audience received her well. that was the whole point if this, after all. then, in what seemed to be a lot sooner than she realized, she was led to the final portion of what she was asked to do: to select a date location to enjoy with an unknown partner. of all the options listed, one seemed to fit her interests a whole lot, so with confidence, she smiled wide and nodded her head. “of all these great choices, i’m going to have to choose the vr room and arcade. i’m a huge lover of video games, and i think it’d be fun to play them with someone else! i just hope i won’t end up being too competitive...” eunjo lamented, eager to see who she will eventually be paired with, and hoping that this venture wouldn’t besmirch her squeaky clean image. the last thing she’d want is to be the cause of drama but she’s doing her best to remain optimistic — knowing that this should be more fun than stressful. so, she’s looking forward to dipping her toes into variety more, and who knows? maybe she’ll emerge as aurora’s new variety queen when all is said and done!

one can only hope, anyway.