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misslisamiray · 5 months ago

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Took a little longer than I thought to get this chapter posted, but here's Chapter 11 of Down With the Rickness!

Time to check back in with Summer and Space Beth, and for the first time since she got sent to work before the sun came up, Earth Beth! Jerry is still too busy sulking to be in this chapter. We'll see him again later, but it's going to be a while.

Please note: this chapter features some spoilery dialogue about the events of S7 ep. 7, "Wet Kuat Amortican Summer" I debated on putting that part in due to the fact I know not everyone's seen the latest season, and this fic otherwise has no S7 spoilers. But I needed something for Summer and Space Beth to talk about other than Rick's stupid errand list, and that is where their conversation led. If you want to skip that part, scroll to the picture and you're safe. Any other S7 references in the fic will be of the vague, non-spoiler, blink and you'll miss 'em variety. New chapter below the cut!

Summer and Space Beth’s next several errands were far less eventful than the first few. Having both made a considerable dent in their lists, they decided to take a break and meet for lunch. The two were sitting in a booth inside a small café on an asteroid at the edge of the solar system.

“Thanks again for helping out today, Space Mom. We’ve already got, like at least half of Grandpa’s stupid list done.” Summer said, taking a sip of her milkshake.

“No problem. Barring any further worker uprisings at greedy megastores or having to negotiate with more of Dad’s asshole “friends” until they see reason, we’re on track to be home tonight. Tomorrow morning at the latest.” Space Beth replied, sipping her wine.

“Cool. Morty texted me something about Grandpa being crazy and Dad being an idiot, but eh, what else is new? It doesn’t sound like anything’s on fire, at least not literally. They’re fine. It’s been a while since we got to hang out like this, huh?” Summer glanced at her phone briefly before putting it back in her pocket. Beth nodded in agreement.

“I got one from Jerry asking me, ‘If the Sailor Scouts were real, do you think they would be able to cure Glopydropian Mimicking Disease?’ With the follow-up question, ‘Is there a dimension where they are real?’ Oh, God. He sent that to me individually, and to our group chat with your Earth mom. I… How am I supposed to answer… What the fuck am I even supposed to do with that?!” Space Beth said, slapping her forehead as she put her own phone away. Summer giggled. A waiter placed two plates on their table.

After taking a few bites of her food, Summer asked, “So, what’s new with you?”

“Oh, you know. Took down a New Federation base last week. Freed some wrongly imprisoned inmates from a maximum-security prison on Jupiter. The usual.” Space Beth replied casually.

“Cool. I, ummm… got an A on my science test. And me and some friends almost got caught smoking weed under the bleachers, but then we didn’t. God, school is so boring compared to your life.” Summer replied. She sounded excited at first, but her enthusiasm quickly faded.

“Hey, that stuff counts, too. I realize it probably sounds sarcastic and condescending coming from me, but look at it this way. You’re 17 and have already seen and done more than everyone else in your lameass school put together likely will in their entire lives. It’s okay to be happy about the more mundane parts of your life, too.” Space Beth told her.

“Huh. I never thought about it that way. Thanks, Mom.” Summer’s smile returned, and she went back to eating.

After a moment, Space Beth said, “So you’re really gonna hold out on me and not tell me the biggest thing?”

“What do you mean?” Summer asked.

“Oh, nothing. Just that I heard you met someone.” Summer’s face turned red, and she dropped her silverware to the floor.

“I’m gonna kill him! Why did I ever think Grandpa Rick could keep a fucking secret?!” Summer exclaimed, covering her face with her hands.

Space Beth laughed and said, “Calm down. I’m normally the last person to defend anything Dad does, but he only blabbed to me because he’s happy for you and wanted to tell someone. He figured you’d want to tell Earth Me and Jerry yourself when you’re ready, and that Morty would be jealous over you getting a girlfriend before he did. So that left me.”

“Oh.” was all Summer could manage as an answer. She was still blushing a little, but no longer furious.

“Morty already knows, or at least suspects. And I was planning to tell you all soon. It’s just…”

“You weren’t worried about telling us you’re dating a girl, were you?” Space Beth asked hesitantly, half joking but half genuinely concerned that was the issue.

“As if anyone in this family only swings one way. I mean, mayyybe Morty, but eh, jury’s still out on that.” Summer scoffed, rolling her eyes. Beth visibly relaxed and nodded in agreement, while Summer continued, “It’s still a really new relationship is all. And yeah, I’ve hooked up with people off-planet before, but I’ve never actually been, like, involved with anyone who doesn’t live on Earth. Before now, I’d never even dated someone who went to a different school. We don’t see each other as much as we’d like to, and it’s hard sometimes, y’know?” As she spoke, Summer went from grinning ear to ear to looking sad.

Space Beth placed a hand over hers and said softly, “Yeah, I get it. Look, I’m not exactly the hands-on mothering type, but if you ever need someone to talk to… Someone who might understand better than your other parental units… But who can also keep their damn mouth shut better than your grandfather…”

“Thanks, Mom. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“God, I’m going soft. First helping Dad, and now this Lifetime original movie mother daughter bonding mush. What next? You and Morty are both too old to need, like cookies baked for some dumb school thing, right? That’s not a thing in high school, is it? Because if you do, that shit is strictly Jerry’s department.”

Laughing again and glad for having the moment lightened, Summer agreed, “Totes. And don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone about your soft side. I can keep a secret better than Grandpa, too.”

“Good.”

“So, he told you because he’s happy for me? You sure he wasn’t just bored and trying to gossip?”

“Mmmm-hmmm. But I do think he was proud of you and looking to brag a little, too. Apparently, you met this girl when you saved her from being trafficked by illegal Kuato dealers?” Summer just nodded.

“Damn, you really were holding out on me. So spill. I’m not gonna pester you with questions like ‘When do I get to meet her?’ – trust me, that will also be Jerry's department like, the second he finds out – but I want all the details on this, got it?”

“Sure. It all started with this party…”

Meanwhile, Morty had quickly discovered that Rick wasn’t lying or even exaggerating about not sleeping well when he was sick. One minute, he’d be sound asleep, snoring loudly. The next, he’d wake himself up coughing or sneezing. Sometimes, he’d just blow his nose and mutter a complaint or two, then change positions and go back to sleep. Other times, he’d be awake for a while, drinking and watching whatever boring thing had come on the TV next.

“Fuck, isn’t this shit over yet?” was a frequent question, asked in a whinier tone of voice each time.

“*SIGH!* Not yet, Rick. Try and go back to sleep.” Morty would tell him, usually while looking at something on his phone and looking increasingly concerned by it.

Beth was having an ordinary, and honestly slow day at the horse hospital. Having some downtime between patients, she decided to check her phone, and discovered a number of texts from her family.

Summer: Pictures of some of the nonsense she’d had to get for Rick. A lot of it was gadgets and parts that Beth couldn’t identify, and a few that she could. Crystals of many different colors, sizes and shapes. The rest looked to be a variety of alien junk food and liquor.

“Yep, nothing surprising here.” Beth murmured to herself.

Space Beth: Mostly photos similar to Summer’s. Then there was one of her making some friend of Rick’s – Beth had met him briefly before – was his name Gear Man? – pose for the camera with her. There was a frightened look on his face, and a huge grin on SB’s.

“I’m sure there’s a story behind this picture. What I’m not sure is if I want to know what it is.” Beth sighed.

Rick: Several paragraphs worth of random letters, symbols and emojis. A few blurry photos of the living room ceiling and floor.

“Are these drunk texts or ‘Dad fell asleep on his phone’ texts? I’m guessing the latter, since his drunk texts usually have at least a few actual words. Unless this is in an alien language, and these are words?” Beth puzzled, looking at the messages from a few different angles, including upside down. Determining that Rick’s texts were gibberish, she moved onto Jerry. There were so many messages from Jerry.

“I have a great idea, and you’re going to be so proud of me!”

“Let’s never fight while we’re trying to organize old VHS tapes again.”

“Beth, Morty’s being mean to me!”

“Do you know if Morgluxian measles are real? What about Venutian varicella or Floopfloopian ass fever? Your father won’t tell me which one he made up.”

“You know how I said I had a great idea earlier? Yeah, forget you ever saw that.”

And of course, there were the bizarre Sailor Moon questions. Beth couldn’t help noticing most of the messages had been sent both to her individually, and to their group chat with Space Beth. Not knowing how to respond to any of her family’s texts, Beth was about to put her phone away, when she saw the one text from Morty.

It read, “Hey Mom, since you’re sort of a doctor, I figured you were the best person to ask. Can someone actually cough up a lung? That’s just a saying, right? Rick’s got a nasty cough and I’ve seen him spit out some gnarly looking stuff a few times, but I don’t think any of it was like, an organ. I just wanted to check.” Beth’s brow furrowed.

“Aww, poor Dad. Maybe I should go home.” she worried, deciding to call Morty back instead of replying to the text.

Morty was staring at a screen that read, in increasingly ominous looking letters, “Is it a cold, The Flu, or SOMETHING WORSE?” when his phone rang. Startled by the unexpected noise, he dropped the device – directly on Rick’s head, which of course woke him up.

“Oww! What the *COUGH!* fuck, Morty?! What was that for?!” he asked groggily.

“Sorry! Sorry. That was an accident. Hang on a second.” Morty apologized, scrambling to grab his phone, which was now slipping between the couch cushions. Rick sat up, rubbing his forehead and throwing the blankets and his labcoat on the floor again.

“Hello?”

“Hi, Morty. I saw your text, and yes that’s just an expression. Human anatomy doesn’t work that way. Well, for most people, at least. I guess for your grandfather it might be possible? But unlike the average person, he’d also be able to put it right back in. So I wouldn’t worry. Much. How’s he doing, anyway?” Morty looked over at Rick, who was clinging to his trash can and tissue box again, while staring blankly in the general direction of the TV without really looking at it.

“Not great. You want to talk to him?”

“Yes, please.”

“Here. Mom wants to talk to you.”

“Huh? Oh, sure.” Rick was initially confused by what Morty was saying, but grabbed the phone once his sleep and germ-addled brain caught up to what was happening.

“Hi, Dad. How are you feeling?” Beth asked worriedly.

“Eh, I’ve been better. But I’ve also been a lot *COUGH!* *COUGH!* worse. I’m okay, Beth. It’s just uhhh, been a long time since I last had Mimicking Disease. Turns out it hits harder when you’re a little older.” Rick said, forcing a laugh and trying to make himself sound normal. Morty picked up on that immediately.

“Dad, drop the act. I talked to Space Beth, so I know that it is at least two kinds of impossible for you to have Glopydropian Mimicking Disease.” Beth told him, her voice quickly going from concerned to annoyed and impatient.

“Shit. I forgot that.” Rick admitted.

“Uh-huh. I also know that you just have a cold, which is normally not something worth worrying about. But my son texted me because he’s concerned you might actually cough up one of your lungs. And frankly, you sound like you could. So without any further bullshitting, how are you, really? Do you need me to come home?” Rick winced at how badly he was failing at convincing Beth he was alright.

He finished off the contents of his flask for the second time that day, then, putting even more effort into trying to sound normal, said, “No, Beth. I sent you off to work at the asscrack of dawn specifically because I didn’t want you around to worry over this nuisance virus and get yourself sick trying to take care of me. It’s not necessary.” He forced back a sneeze – fuck, that hurt.

“I guess, but what Morty said…”

“Beth, come on. You know the kid’s a worrywart. You’ve spent 99% of your life on Earth – you’ve had colds before. You feel like shit, but there’s nothing that wrong with you, then you’re fine. *SNIFF!* I know you know this.”

“*SIGH!* You do have a point. But please take it easy. Lots of rest and fluids. And do we even have any medicine for this sort of thing?"

“Um, no. Morty checked and we don’t.” Rick lied quickly.

“Well, I doubt you included anything that practical on the massive list you threw at Summer, so I’ll get you something on my way home. You sure you’re okay until then?”

“Yes, sweetie. I’m *COUGH!* fine. Or going to be, at least. Here. Talk, talk to Morty again.” Rick said, tossing Morty’s phone back to him. He sneezed twice in a row and started coughing immediately after.

“Morty, keep an eye on your grandfather, okay? I’m sure he’s going to be alright, but just do that until I get home.” Beth instructed, listening to the sound of Rick’s harsh coughing in the background.

“Yeah, that’s the plan, Mom.”

“I do think he probably sounds worse off than he really is, so I’m not rushing home right now. But it’s slow today, and I have been here since the asscrack of dawn. So I should be able to leave a few hours early. Okay, honey?”

“Yeah, I can handle things til then. Thanks, Mom.”

Beth was about to say something else, when an alarm went off at St. Equis.

“Now what?” she sighed.

The doors burst open, and a man in blue scrubs charged in yelling, “We’ve got 10 patients incoming! We need all hands on deck!”

“10?! What the fuck happened?” Beth asked incredulously.

Before the other doctor could answer, a man in an old-fashioned circus ringmaster costume ran in, wailing, “Who would have thought that Horses On Ice: The Musical could end in disaster like this?! That is, besides all those protesters and the actors who walked out so I had to replace them with people I found at the bus station.”

Beth glared at him, then turned back to the other doctor and asked, “Do you mind if I?...”

“Go for it. The only reason I didn’t is because I knew you’d go harder.” he replied, grabbing up supplies from behind a counter.

Beth promptly slapped the ringmaster across the face, then without missing a beat, told Morty, “Sorry, looks like I’ll be home late. Take care of Rick, and if you get a chance, try to help your dad with whatever the hell he keeps texting me about. Or maybe just hide his phone. Love you!” “Right. Love you, too. Good luck with your horse crisis.” Morty sighed, shoving his phone back in his pocket. So much for having help soon.

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prettygirl-gabi · 28 days ago

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Through the Lens series Masterlist

Most to all dividers used in this series was made by @bernardsbendystraws

Thank you again!! Rose

Rating: General Audiences (for most chapters but ratings will be updated each chapter also along with warnings being updated as well)

Warning: none^

Paring: !Super Senior Paige Bueckers x !photographer fem reader (reader is intended to black, but anyone can read it)

Fandom: Women's basketball

Tagline: Capturing every moment, even the ones that break us.

Brief Description/Intro:

When Y/N’s professor encourages her to use UConn Women’s Basketball as her muse for her final project, she never expects to find herself drawn to one player in particular—Paige Bueckers. As a junior with a passion for game photography, Y/N captures Paige’s every move, but their connection takes an unexpected turn during a game when Paige’s block shatters Y/N’s favorite camera, dueing her first night with the team. What begins as a series of chance encounters quickly grows into something deeper, despite the looming uncertainty of Paige’s final season as a super senior before heading to the WNBA. Can they navigate the lines between passion, distance, and dreams—or will their connection remain a fleeting glimpse into what could have been?

Moodboard pt.1

Questions?

Official Playlist

Moodboard pt.2

Moodboard pt.3

Moodboard pt.4

Prologue: A Shattered Beginning

Chapter 1: Through the Lens of Dreams

Chapter 2: Caught on Camera

Chapter 3: Focus on Us

Chapter 4: Holding My Breath

Chapter 5: In the Spotlight

Chapter 6: Sidelines and distractions

Chapter 7: Homecoming

Chapter 8: Unspoken but Understood

Chapter 9: Just Us

Chapter 10: Under Pressure

Chapter 11: Silence and Reconciliation

Chapter 12: The Storm We Needed

Chapter 13: Trust The Process

Chapter 14: The Raw Moments

Chapter 15: The Final Cut

Chapter 16: Marking Her Territory

Chapter 17: Court-Side Love and Matching Jerseys

Chapter 18: Family Photo Shoot

Chapter 19: Stormy Nights

Chapter 20: Breaking Points

Chapter 21: Timeout

Chapter 22: Crossing Lines

Chapter 23: In Focus

Chapter 24: On Different Courts

Chapter 25: Birthday Surprise

Chapter 26: Granny’s Slip-Up

Chapter 27: Ghosted and Launched

Chapter 28: Family Ties and Fresh Beginnings

Chapter 29:

Chapter 30:

( definitely will be more....)

■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■

-Thank You For Reading!🩵🩶

-prettygirl-gabi🎀✨️

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doitforbangchan · 11 months ago

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All Bark and No Bite 11

Masterlist /Series masterlist

Chan x reader (y/n) x ot8

ABO!Nonidol!SKZ Alternate Universe

Previous - Next

Series Warnings: Fem reader, Smut, verryyyy nsfw, chan x reader, OT8 x reader, A/B/O, m/m/f smut, possessive! SKZ, possessive! Reader, anxiety and depression, reader is a CRYBABY, fluff, angst, virgin!reader, cursing, violence, pet names, dom/sub dynamics, Sub reader x mostly dom SKZ, misogyny and sexism, Ateez are depicted as terrible people (sorry Atiny!)

Chapter warnings: Smut, unprotected sex (p in v), kissing, suggestive, crying, cursing, fingering, biting, hair pulling, dubcon?, subspace, HardDom!Chan, SoftDom!Felix, fluff, angst, anxiety, manipulation, unbalanced power dynamics, and probably more but idk let me know This one ain't as sweet as the last few

WC:6.8k

In a strange turn of events, it seems Chan woke up before you did this time. Not that you were complaining; especially when you awoke to him running his warm fingers over your mating mark absentmindedly, feeling the indented skin. Every little touch felt like electricity coursing through you, as if the zaps were bringing you back to life. Overall it was a very pleasant way to wake up.

His hand that wasn’t touching your neck had his phone and he was listening to music with one ear bud in his ear on a low volume. You let out a low ‘hm’ letting him know you were awake now.

“Good morning, my omega.” Chans voice was raspy from sleep. He must have only just woken up not long ago himself. He didn’t say anything else, just held you tighter.

Moments like this were Chan's favorite. Being able to wake up to you; his mate, his omega, the love of his life - there was nothing better. He hadn’t realized how lonely he had been before having you here. He never felt as complete as he did right in this moment.

“Can I listen with you?” You mumbled sleepily. You wanted to hear what your alpha listened to. Wordlessly he took his other earbud and slipped it into your own ear. ‘Give me love’ By Ed sheeran was playing through the bud, the sweet melodies flooding your senses.

‘Give a little time to me or burn this out

We'll play hide and seek to turn this around

All I want is the taste that your lips allow

My, my, my, my, oh give me love’

It had been so long since you had heard this song, you used to sing this all the time in your room when you were younger and waiting to fall hopelessly in love. It felt fitting that now you were here laying in bed with your soulmate, who you had fallen hopelessly in love with.

Chan began to sing along softly to the music playing, serenading you quietly.

‘Maybe I should let you go

You know I'll fight my corner

And that tonight I'll call ya

After my blood is drowning in alcohol

No I just wanna hold ya’

The alpha squeezed you a little tighter after he sang those words, pressing a kiss to the side of your head. Your heart fluttered at the action. The two of you laid there together for probably an hour, just enjoying each other's company while he sang each song that played.

Eventually though, you both had to get up as there was work to be done. For Chan anyways. You had to make breakfast and get ready to leave with Jisung and Felix. Chan had a lot to do today himself. He had been neglecting his actual job in his family business and if he was going to take another day off tomorrow to go camping then he definitely needed to make all his calls and emails today.

“Are you excited to do more shopping with the betas today?” the alpha asked as you were both getting out of bed.

“Yes. I am.” You seemed apprehensive.

“Buuuuut?” He pressed, knowing something was troubling you.

“I just.. Feel bad.. About spending more of your money. I didn’t do anything to deserve you guys spending all this money on me.” You were avoiding eye contact with him as you went to brush your teeth.

Chan stopped you before you could enter his bathroom, arm out to block you. “Baby.” you kept your head down not wanting to look at him, now that you had embarrassed yourself again. When you didn’t acknowledge him he let out a frustrated growl, “Omega, look at me now.” you had no choice but to look at him, he used a command on you.

You were lucky that was all he did, he had wanted to grip your hair and make you look at him forcefully. Chan had a problem when people didn’t listen to him, especially his omega. Some would say he thrives off of non-sexual dominance. They would be correct. The alpha was used to getting his way practically his whole life. He would forgive you now, you were still learning.

Instead of yanking your hair he settled for petting it softly. “I’m sorry my love, I didn’t intend to be mean to you.” At his gentle words and even gentler touch you forgot about the command being used on you, leaning into his hand. “You need to understand that my money is your money. In fact this whole packs money is yours to spend as you please. The other boys would agree with me. Ok?” He waited for your words of agreement and when they didn’t come he egged them on. “You wanna be good for us right? Good omegas listen to their alphas.”

You wanted to be good for him so badly, really it’s all you wanted. There was a glimpse of panic on your face at the prospect of upsetting your mate. “ I’ll be good! I promise!” You nodded rapidly.

He gave you his signature boyish grin, dimples on display, then leaned in and gave you a kiss, nipping your lip as he pulled back. “I know you will, Baby. You’re the best Omega I know.” You purred at his praise, finding it addicting. “We gotta get a move on, lots to do today if we’re going camping tomorrow.” He let you go into the bathroom to do your business and such.

You went to pick out an outfit for today, deciding to sport some jean shorts and a basic black tank top. After that you had a quick shower and did light makeup. Simple but you felt cute nonetheless.

When you both finally made your way down to the main floor you found Minho and Changbin sat at the kitchen island making a list of what you would need for camping tomorrow. More like Minho had roped Changbin into helping him because the beta was a planner and liked to have things ready.

“Finally! Hyung needs help deciding what to do for food tomorrow and Saturday morning. Any suggestions?” Changbin exclaimed as he saw Chan, giving the older alpha pleading eyes.

“Good morning to you too Changbin. Oh I slept great, thanks for asking.” Chan quipped sarcastically, and Changbin rolled his eyes with a groan of annoyance.

“Good morning, baby. How did you sleep?” The younger alpha asked you, trying to get on his Hyungs nerves. He cackled when it worked, Chan letting out a huff.

You giggled, “Morning, Binnie. I slept wonderfully. Thank you for asking.”

“Yeah yeah good morning whatever, can we get back to this now?” Minho was getting frustrated, “We literally only have right now to think about this.”

“Fine.” Changbin reached forward and grabbed you by the hips, laughing when you squealed, and setting you on his lap. “What do you think, baby? Any suggestions?”

You leaned back against Changbins chest, feeling the muscles behind you, head on his shoulder while you pondered. “Do you think we should do easy things? Like maybe bring a bunch of premade stuff like sandwiches and maybe breakfast burritos for the morning we can just wrap in foil and throw on the grill?”

“That sounds like a great idea, omega.” Chan replied, leaning on the counter opposite you.

“Yeah! To make it even easier we can place an order for them and pick them up from the diner in town before we leave tomorrow morning.” Changbin agreed, tickling your sides mercifully. He kissed the side of your head when you giggled at him, ignoring the throbbing in his pants caused by your squirming. “Smarty pants.”

Minho nodded in agreement, writing down how many of each he approximated you would all need. “Ok so twenty of each.”

“Twenty?! Why twenty of each, there are only nine of us!” You objected confused, looking at Minho as if he had grown a second head.

“Have you not seen how much these guys eat? Changbin himself could probably put away half of them if you’d let him.” He was looking back at you as if you were the crazy one.

“Hey!” Changbin protested but didn’t fight too hard, knowing Minho was right.

“Yeah Bin, you’ll probably end up eating both of yours and the rest of Felix’s like you always do.” Chan poked fun at the younger alpha.

“What are we talking about? I heard my name.” right on queue Felix walked into the room you were all in.

“We’re talking about the plans for tomorrow, trying to get things taken care of.” Minho sighed, standing from his seat. “Speaking of which, I need to make calls for these orders to be picked up in the morning and then get the other stuff together.” He seemed stressed as he walked away.

“Is he ok?” You asked, worried for the beta.

“Oh yeah he's fine, Min is a planner and likes to get things done in advance. He’s probably going to find Innie to make him help get all the camping stuff out of the garage.” Chan answered, taking an apple off the counter and taking a bite.

At the sight of his apple you remembered your task, “ Do you guys want breakfast?” You went to hop down from Changbins lap but he only held you tighter against him, refusing to let you go.

“Ji should be back any second with pasties and coffee. He wanted to surprise you baby. Annnnd now i’ve ruined it, fuck.” Felix cursed, looking remorseful at having spoiled the fun.

Chan clicked his tongue in mock disappointment, shaking his head. “Way to go, Felix.”

“Hey leave him alone, he's just a boy!” Changbin defended the beta playfully, you leaning into him and huffing in agreement.

“Did somebody say Jisung?!?” A loud voice came from the front door, almost an announcement of his presence. A moment later the boy in question came sauntering in, sunglasses still over his eyes and holding a tray of coffee and a bag of pastries.

“No.” Changbin laments, “Go away.”

“Fine I guess you don’t want the cherry tart I got especially for you, Binnie.” Jisung made a show of wafting the bag up to his nose, “Mmmmm all for me then. Here is yours, my baby. A sweet treat for an even sweeter girl.” He handed you a chocolate croissant and a coffee.

You felt your face heat up as you accepted the pastry. “Thank you Ji.” When Binnie was distracted making grabby hands at the bag that jisung had set down, you took the opportunity to slip off his lap.

“Anything for you.” He grabbed your hand and yanked you closer to him. “Anyways, let's get this show on the road!” with his coffee in one hand and you in the other he set off towards the door. Chan held out a credit card for Jisung who happily snatched it. “Make sure she gets something nice. Our girl seems to have a problem with spending my money.” He winked at you as you passed.

“Oh you know I have no problem spending daddy's money.” The beta cackled.

“Wait for me!” Felix called, scooping his own items and following you out.

“Bye baby!” Changbin yelled, crumbs flying out of his mouth.

“Have a good time, omega.”

“Bye Channie bye Binnie!” You called as you were going out the door.

To say Eun was happy to see you again was an understatement. The second you walked into her shop she had a tight grip on you, hugging the life outta you. The older woman was unable to hold back tears at the sight of the bite mark on your neck, wailing about how happy she was for you and Chan and that the alpha couldn’t be luckier to have landed such a fantastic omega. You had reassured her you were in fact the lucky one.

It took another half an hour of chatting with her before she finally brought you out some swimsuits to try on. You had picked out a few modest one pieces for yourself but her and the boys suggested (demanded) you try on their picks first, an array of bikinis. You had never worn a bikini before so trying them on and modeling them was making you nervous.

You had chosen a basic white one to start. You figured you would start plain and work up to getting more comfortable. You thought it was cute but knew it wouldn't be the one. Thus began you trying a few different ones until you found one you liked. It had been almost 20 minutes since you had gone into the dressing room and the beta boys were getting antsy waiting for you to come out.

“Everything alright in there, baby?” The deep honey tones of Felix's voice called out to you.

“Y-yeah.” you stuttered, debating whether or not to come out. “I’ve never- never worn a bikini before and I’m a little nervous.” you admitted.

“If you’re really not comfortable you can try something else, we won’t be mad or disappointed.” He reassured you.

You felt better at his words, taking a deep breath before pulling back the curtain and revealing yourself.

Both Jisung and Felix felt their eyes widen and hearts stop at the sight of you. You had decided on a little purple bikini with stars on it. It was so you. The swimsuit fits you like a glove and goes perfectly with your skin tone.

They both had been too busy admiring you to say anything and in turn their silence made you self conscious. “I knew this was a bad idea.” You mumbled, covering yourself with your arms and going to shuffle back into the fitting room.

“NO!” they yelled in unison looking at you in panic now. Felix tried to compose himself but Jisung did not, falling to the floor at your feet.

“I’m sorry baby! You look so, so good we couldn’t help but stare!” He pleaded, his heart thumping wildly.

Felix nodded in agreement, now more embarrassed than anything at his fellow betas' antics.

“ Please don’t turn away from us. We didn’t mean to make you feel any negativity. We love the suit. It fits you so well!”

“Really? You’re not just saying that to make me feel better?” You asked skeptically, still covering yourself.

“Baby, my baby, omega, believe me when I say this, if you don’t get that swimsuit I will literally drop dead.” Jisung was so serious from his place on the floor, not one hint of deception on his face. “I simply cannot go on living any longer knowing I will never again get to see your beauty in this bikini - which was made for you by the way- and soon I'll die. In fact even hearing you say it was a bad idea almost killed me on the spot.”

“Oh don’t be so damn dramatic!” Eun called out walking up to the three of you. “But you do look fantastic in that one, Y/n. It would be a real crime if you didn’t get it.” She winked.

It seemed all three betas were rooting for this one so it seemed your fate was sealed.

“I-if you’re all sure…” You trailed off, letting your arms fall to your sides now.

“Never been more sure about anything, sweetheart.” Felix gave you his charming smile.

You hummed, “Fine. I’ll get this one.” There was a round of cheers then Eun went to ring you up, adding a few more pieces she thought would suit you.

Felixs’ big errand was buying blue hair dye. Apparently he used to have blue hair but it's been a while and he’s ready to feel like himself again. He was too precious. You wondered if Chan would be ok with you dying your hair, figuring it wouldn't hurt to ask. Jisung tried to convince you to get some purple dye anyway and not tell him but you were too chicken shit to do something like that.

“Do you wanna help me dye mine, baby? I would love your company.” Felix asked you, crinkling his eyes at you.

Pulling back up to the house you found Jeongin, Minho and Seungmin outside putting some large camping items in the back of a truck. By the looks of it they had already loaded a grill and a few tents. Minho sure didn’t waste time. “There you are, now you can help too.” He eyed the younger boys.

“Actually y/n and I have a few things to do.” Felix grabbed your hand as you got out of the car, his other hand holding your bags. “Sungie would love to help you tho, i'm sure.”

“What?! Traitor!” Jisung complained but was quick to change his tune when Min gave him the evil eye. “I mean, yay packing.”

“We all have to do our part. You included.” Jeongin snickered, handing the beta a bag to put in the car. “At least you didn’t have to make a store run like Hyun and Bin hyung.”

“This was your idea! You should be doing all the work!”

Felix pulled you along into the house, quickly to go undetected “come on before they rope us into helping.” he whispered.

Both of you went up the stairs into Felix's bathroom after you dropped your bags off in your room. Passing Chan's office you could faintly hear the alpha in there on the phone, probably talking with a client. The fact that he works so hard so his pack could have the life they live was astounding. Chan really was a great alpha.

Entering the bathroom Felix reached under the sink for plastic gloves for you to use, and set up the dye. You had helped your old best friend dye her hair a few times so the process was familiar to you. Thankfully his hair was already bleach blonde so you didn’t have to worry about trying to bleach it.

You loved spending time with Felix. Really you loved any one on one time with the boys but you and Felix hadn’t spent time like this since your first day. That felt like so long ago when in reality had only been over a week. They say time flies when you're spending it with your loved ones.

You were discussing what you wanted to plant in the greenhouse when you came back from camping. Cucumbers, pumpkins and peppers were at the top of your list, while Felix requested some carrots and spinach if you could find the room. In only a few hours you had finished dying his hair and had just helped him wash out the dye. He had chosen a beautiful blue for his hair. It seemed to compliment him perfectly. Now it seemed like he was representing who he truly was, with his hair being a clear sky and he himself was the sun.

“You’re all finished! It looks so good on you Lix!” You were enthused, pleased with the finished product.

“All thanks to you baby.” He pulled a blow dryer from under the sink and plugged it in. “Now I'm gonna dry it. Do you wanna help me style it?” Felix really just wanted to be around you more, he wanted to be selfish if only for a while.

“Sure Lixie.” you beamed, reaching for the dryer. You were sitting on the bathroom counter while Felix stood directly in front of you. You turned it on a low setting and grabbed a brush in your other hand, he leaned closer to you and came to stand between your legs.

You began to dry and style his hair, neither of you saying anything now but it not being uncomfortable. In fact it was pleasant. Being close with him reminded you of the kiss he shared with you last night. Not you nor he had brought up the kiss, and he also hadn’t kissed you since. ‘Maybe he regretted kissing me’ the thought weighed heavy on your mind.

Little did you know it was the exact opposite. The only thing on Felix's mind right now was kissing you. He was just worried you hadn’t liked it since you didn’t say anything about it, but you also weren’t acting any different. He was so close to you he could almost taste you, remembering the way your lips did even for that brief moment.

You finished with his hair and set down the tools on the countertop beside you. You were still facing him, afraid to break the silence or to move from your place in front of him. All you could do was focus on each other.

Slowly and timidly, Felix leaned closer to you. You could feel his breath on your face and his scent get even stronger, and Felix gingerly let his lips find yours. Your eyes closed on instinct as you pressed yours to his in return.

‘Finally’ your inner voice said.

When Felix felt you reciprocate his kiss he let out a small whimper, you wouldn’t have even heard it if you weren’t so close to him. His hands fell to your waist and he shuffled even closer to you when you parted your legs further to allow him to make the connection between you. Your own hands were on his shoulders.

The beta didn’t go any further and settled for what you were giving him. He wanted to go at your pace, afraid he would do something to scare you off. While you did enjoy his kiss it suddenly was not enough for you so you took the initiative to gently run your tongue along his lip. When he felt your tongue he whimpered again this time a little louder. His sounds were doing something to you and without thinking you rolled your hips against his.

When your pelvis made contact with his it’s like the damn broke for him and he let the niceties fall. Felix started to ravage your mouth now with his own tongue, his hands gripping you tighter and his own hips doing a roll. Your breath caught in your throat as a quiet moan escaped your lungs.

He held you like that for a while, you both basically dry humping on the counter and tasting each other's mouths. Eventually it was becoming too much for the beta, he knew he would cum in his pants soon and he did not want to do that in front of you. He pulled back from your lips , only a few inches apart.

“Do you want to go further with me, baby?” He prayed you said yes. You had him so worked up he didn’t think jerking off would suffice anymore.

“Please, Lixie. Wanna feel you.”

Fuck

That was all he needed to lift you from the counter onto your feet, then he grabbed the bottom of your tank top and pulled it off of you. He groaned at the sight of your lace bra. You made grabby hands at his own shirt and pulled it over his head.

Felix was so defined. He was so tiny the thought had never even crossed your mind that he could also be ripped. You didn’t have much time to stare before he was turning you around to face the mirror with his hands on your hips and lips on your neck as he locked eyes with you in the mirror. “Can I take you like this, Baby? Let me see all of you?” He let a hand creep up your back to the clasp on your bra, but not yet taking it off.

You nodded, and answered “Uh huh. Yes lixie.” You were so ready for him. Honestly you had been wet since before you styled his hair. You would be surprised if Felix somehow didn't notice the sickly sweet pheromones that were draining out of you.

Felix unclasped your bra with nimble fingers and let it fall away from you. “Oh my god you're so beautiful.” He groaned out when he saw your bare chest. That same hand came to the front of your body and found your right breast, his thumb coming up to rub over your nipple. Now it was your turn to moan out, leaning closer to his chest. “Put your hands on the counter in front of you, baby.”

You did so without complaint and put your palms flat on the surface. He fondled your chest for a few minutes, taking in all the little sighs and moans you would let out as he watched your expressions in the mirror, finding it addicting. When you pushed your ass back into his crotch he let out an almost silent growl, nipping into the skin on your neck that he had been kissing. Suddenly he released you and went to the waistband of your pants, yanking them down your legs with no warning taking your underwear with them.

Felix didn’t know what was overtaking him but he didn’t mind it. He was never this assertive when having sex but something about you made him want to take control. Whether it was your omega status or just your submissive nature in general he couldn’t be sure. Probably a combination of both. You certainly were not complaining, liking this sudden dominant side of the man.

The beta pulled down his own pants and underwear next, eager to have the constricting material off. There you both were, naked and breathing heavy in anticipation. Your eyes were locked in the mirror as Felix reached under both of you and his fingers found your bundle of nerves. You gasped when he touched the sensitive area, eyes closing only for a second. He could feel just how drenched you were for him.

It was at this point that Felix realized he did not have a condom in here.’ Are you fucking kidding me?’ he momentarily chastises himself. “Ummm baby?” you hummed in response, waiting in anticipation. “I sorta don’t have a condom…”

“Oh.” you froze. “Th-then we can, umm, maybe we should stop.”

“Do you want to stop?” He desperately did not want to, he literally didn’t know if he could at this point.

“N-no but Chan and the doctor said-”

“But I can pull out.” He eagerly proposed, he had never been a rule breaker but right now he really did not give a shit. Consequences be damned. “Come on omega, it’ll feel so good.”

“I don’t know, lix…” You trailed off, unsure. "Channie wouldn't like it.." You didn’t want to disobey but one look at his pleading face behind you and you gave in. “If you promise to pull out…”

“I promise,” he said immediately. You nodded hesitantly giving him the go ahead as you readied yourself against the counter once more. "God, you are so hot."

The beta placed a kiss to your neck before taking his member in his hand and lining up with your entrance. He hadn’t prepped you like he should have but honestly when you were both that desperate that was the farthest thing from his mind. He let the tip run through your slick that had accumulated to make it an easier entry. Felix slowly pushed into you from behind, the stretch of him leaving a slight burn and you lightly hissed at the intrusion.

Felix on the other hand was in heaven. He had never felt so incredible from one push but fuck you were so tight. “Fuck omega, your pussy is so tight, nnggg oh my god I don’t know how I'll be able to move, fuck baby.” Felix couldn’t shut up as he filled you. His words were helping you though, as he stopped moving to let you adjust while he mumbled.

Between his jumbled (what you assumed were) praising words he laid sloppy kisses to your bare shoulders, his saliva leaving wetness along your skin. You were absolutely reeling; between feeling him within you and his total personality flip that left you with whiplash, your brain was turning into a muddled mess. It got even worse when he started rutting into you from behind, his hips grinding harshly against your ass.

His chest pushed you further into the counter and with the new angle his cock hit something deep inside you. Your back arched as you moaned aloud, your head falling forward in your ecstasy.

“F-fuuckk baby, you are so good f’ me. So so good, oh my god.” his deep voice was getting raspier by the second. Felix reached his hand around, his small fingers finding your clit again and rubbing sloppy circles. His other hand went to your breast and massaged your sensitive skin. “Look at me, baby, please look at me.”

You mustered all your willpower to bring your head up as much as you could, looking through your wet lashes to his gaze in the mirror. He looked absolutely wrecked, his eyes glossed over as he drooled on you. At the sight of him, fucked out because of you, you felt your orgasm approaching and approaching fast. “F-felix ‘m gonna- gonna cum.”

“Please cum for me. I need you to cum for me.” He sped up his thrusts, humping into you desperately. He was close to. The pulsing of his dick within you sent you over the edge, and you came with a loud cry of his name.

The squeezing of your heat on his member was enough for him. The beta knew he wouldn’t be able to pull out in time but he still tried, cumming half inside and the rest on your ass. The second he came his urges took over completely and without a warning, his teeth embedded themselves in your shoulder blade. When his teeth made contact in your skin you moaned as another orgasm washed over you.

You both were panting hard, you with tears cascading down your cheeks and Felix with your blood on his lips. It took you a moment to catch both of your breaths, the severity of what had happened finally registering in both of your minds.

“Felix…”

“Yeah”

“You came in me.”

“Yeah”

“Do you think Chan will be mad?”

“Yep”

“Oh. Did you mean to bite me?”

“Um, n-no.” He stammered, “ It had been on my mind since a few days ago when Chan said we could.”

‘Chan had said that?’

“But I didn't really expect to.” He grabbed a towel and began to wipe up the dripping mess he made on your skin. “I guess now is a good time to tell you that I'm kinda in love with you.” he chuckled nervously.

You spun around at his confession, not really shocked. You were able to feel his emotions when he bit down on you. It wasn’t as intense as when Chan bit into you - given he is an alpha and he bit your mating gland - but you could still sense the betas to an extent. “Felix…” you let more salty tears trail down your face. “I…I kinda love you too.”

Now he was crying, unable to contain his emotions and he fell into your embrace. Both of you were just little crybabies. Maybe that is why you got on so well together. It was easy to be vulnerable with him.

It was easy with Felix. So you both just hugged, and whispered to each other there in the bathroom. Both dreading the storm that was your alpha.

Sometime later after you had both redressed and Felix cleaned the wound on your shoulder, you both exited the bathroom. You shared a final kiss before parting ways. Felix going down the stairs and you going into Chan's office. The guilt was going to eat you alive if you didn’t tell him (assuming he couldn’t smell it on you when you came in).

You heard more faint talking so you knocked and waited. You heard him thank whoever he was talking to and hang up. “Come on in, baby.” He called out to you. You opened his door slowly and saw him sitting at his desk. His nostrils flared when you entered his office.

Chan obviously knew what you were doing with Felix, but he didn’t know the dirty secret you were keeping. Upon your entry into his office you were emitting a scent you hadn’t produced in a few days; intense guilt.

“What’s wrong, omega?” He immediately questioned you, reaching his hands out for you. When he noticed your hesitancy to grab his hand he stood from his seat and rested his hands on your shoulders, bending to be eye level with you. “Did something happen? Did Felix do something to you?”

“No!” you answered quickly. “I mean, not really.”

“Then what's wrong? You can't keep secrets from me, I can smell it on you.”

You looked down to the floor shamefully before giving him an answer. “When Felix and I were..intimate, he sorta.. He didn’t wear anything… and he umm he kinda came in me a little bit..” Your heart was pounding out of your chest when you saw the hardened look in the alphas face, his eyes darkening at your admittance.

“Is that so?” He seemed eerily calm, if you knew anything about alphas it’s that they are prone to rage so the fact that he didn’t immediately lash out was kind of scary to you. Little did you know he was furious.

“I’m really sorry, Channie. I-i know i wasn’t supposed to but-”

“Go to our room.” He interrupted you, removing his hands from you.

“W-what?”

He let out a low growl, “Go. to. Our. room. Omega, now.”

You gave him a look of alarm at his menacing tone, but still scurried out of his office and to his room. You shut the door softly and then sat on the bed, awaiting your fate. You hadn’t seen Chan angry yet, you didn’t know what to expect. He didn’t strike you as the type to scream and throw things like your father had been, but to be fair you had only known him for just over a week.

After about ten minutes Chan walked through the door into the space you occupied. He still had that intimidating demeanor but he seemed to be keeping his cool. He skipped the formalities as he spoke to you though, “ Take off your clothes and get in the shower.”

You stood from your seated position and started to strip, gently placing your clothes down in the hamper before slowly making your way to the bathroom. The whole time he just watched you as if you were a prey animal, and he was the big bad wolf.

Once you turned on the water to his shower it only took a moment for it to get hot and you entered the shower. It was a spacious area, with sliding glass and a shower head that rained down from the ceiling. Any other time you would have found solace in the luxurious bathroom, but right now all you felt was anxious.

Chan didn’t say anything as he slipped into the shower with you a few moments later. In fact he hadn’t said anything at all as he helped you wash your hair, he only shushed you when you went to speak. It wasn’t until he grabbed a loofa and began rubbing down your body from behind with it that he spoke. “ This is a nice bite mark here on your shoulder. Did Felix do that to you?” You went to nod in response but that wasn’t what the alpha was looking for, and he used one hand to reach onto the base of your head and gripped your hair tightly, causing you to let out a squeak. “I asked you a question, omega, and I expect an answer.”

“Yes, yes Alpha he did.” You gasped out, falling quickly into an uncharted subspace. Your inner omega only wanted to please your alpha now. His actions and words were shocking to you, he wasn’t being the Chan you knew him to be. You had seen small glimpses here and there but never to this extent.

“Did he bite you while he was cumming inside of you?” His grip on your hair tightened in one hand while his other brought the loofa down between your legs.

“Yes alpha.” You tilted your head back trying to get some slack but it proved pointless.

“Do you remember the conversation we had with the doctor yesterday, omega?” He knew you did, or else you wouldn’t have come to him so guiltily.

“Yes I re-remember” You stuttered, your insides fluttering with both excitement and anxiety.

“What did he say to us about when having sex?” His lips were kissing your injured skin on your shoulder where your new bite mark resided.

“To-to use protection until my results come in and I can go on-on birth control.” your panting was getting stronger as you tried to forget about the pain on your scalp.

“Mm that is right, baby.” chans tongue dug into your injured skin, causing you to let out a quiet cry. “Ya know what the rule was and still deliberately did otherwise. What am I going to do with you?” It was a rhetorical question meant to tease you. You started to cry at his words.

“ m’ so sorry Alpha. Please don’t be angry. M’ sorry.” He leaned over to lick up the salty tears that were coming down steadily now.

“Oh baby, I know you're sorry. Alpha knows.” you perked up slightly but it all came crashing down when he said his next words, “But just because you're sorry doesn’t mean there are no consequences.”

He dropped the sponge to the ground and that hand grabbed both of your wrists holding them together behind your back and pushing you against the cold tile, your chest smushing against the wall. “Ahh Chan!”

“Spread your legs. Let me in there, omega.” you did as he said, and he wasted no time in rubbing the tip of his cock along your sensitive folds. “Funny enough, I had just talked to the doctor on the phone before you came into my office, stinking like guilt and cum.” The alpha pressed you harder against the tile. “And it turns out you wouldn’t even be able to get pregnant right now, those suppressants are running crazy all over your body and hormones.”

Without warning he pushed into your heat, your sore walls engulfing him completely. He was so big. Even though you had been prepped by Felix so recently, taking the alpha was a whole other ball game. The only time he had really fucked you was on your heat, where your body was ready to accommodate his length.

“R-really?” you asked in a moan, both in pleasure and pain.

“Uh huh. How lucky is that?” He started at a brutal pace, the skin of his pelvis slapping against your ass noisily. “Still doesn’t excuse your actions. The both of you have to make it up somehow.”

“Please, m’ sorry.” you pleaded between moans and squeaks. His cock always filled you so well.

“This bite mark he left you sure is deep. You know Felix would only bite someone he loves.” Your heart fluttered at his remark, and it seemed your pussy did too. “Fuck so tight. Did you know that, omega? Your pussy tightened on me so you must know. Felix loves you, and now I'm sure you love him too huh?”

“Yes alpha!” you cried louder as his wet heaving chest was pressed against your back.

“Maybe that should be your punishment. Yeah that's it, since both of you want to disobey me then that's the consequence.’ your eyes widened, having an inkling of what he would say next.

“You aren’t allowed to touch him, at all, until I say so. No kissing, no fucking, no so much as brushing fucking fingers with him until I've deemed it acceptable. Fuck maybe I won’t even let him speak to you from now on.”

“Alpha no!” You tried to protest but he only sped up his thrusts, making you only be able to moan and cry. Fuck he was fucking you so good. Better than anything you have ever felt. He had you so deep in space you could barely focus on anything than that thin line between pain and pleasure.

“Too fucking late. You stay the fuck away from him, do you hear me, omega? Damn, I'm gonna cum. He won’t so much as breathe in your direction until I say so.” The alpha let go of your hair and you sucked in a large breath at the release. He opted for gripping your hips roughly, his fingers surely to leave bruises.

Your arms were free now so with one hand you braced yourself against the cold surface, the other was reaching behind you to grab at your mate, craving even an ounce of comfort as you were nearing your high. You made contact with the skin on his waist and dug your fingers into him.

When you grabbed him the alpha let go and released inside of you with a loud growl, the copious amount overflowing against his length. His knot inflated within you, locking you into place with him. His growl set something inside of you aflame and without warning you came too, a loud wail leaving your lips and your eyes rolling into the back of your head. You wretch your head to the side bearing your neck for your alpha, giving him your complete submission. He almost took the opportunity to reclaim you, but knew you had enough biting for one day.

Chan stilled his hips, breathing heavy in your ears as he let you come down. He watched the cum fall down from where you were joined and be washed away with the water. After a moment when his knot had deflated, he slowly pulled out of you, kissing the back of your neck and whispering praises. He knew it would be a long night of aftercare.

A/n: True colors are starting to come out a lil more, not everything is all sunshine and rainbows

Comments and reblogs are very much appreciated!

Also if any one wants to chat about the story or share predictions please send me an ask!!

Beta read by my wonderful bumble bee @ayejaii

©doitforbangchan

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ctrlhope · 16 days ago

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Lily pleaseeee share your favorite ot7 hybrid fics, i can’t find any 😭😭😭😭

OMGGGG BB YOUVE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE OKIEEE I LOVE OT7 FICS REAL BAD

I’ve been reading hybrid fics p much since I started reading bts fanfics so… I can hook u up dastardly style 🤩 links under the cut <33

so before I start listing ima be so fr and say I like most of my hybrid fics verryy formulaic. i p much only ready hybrid bts x human reader and I really enjoy the whole plot of ‘y/n inherits bts and doesn’t know what to do!’ Or ‘y/n sees 7 hybrids at the shelter who need help and doesn’t know what to do!’. It feels sooo chicken noodle soup to me and it feels good for my soul <33 so I hope these fics feel like chicken noodle soup for u too and that you love them as much as I do <33

Series

Abundance ✰ @angelicyoongie

HYBRID CLASSIC FICCCC actually one of the first hybrid fics I think I ever read?? Def the first hybrid ot7 which is kinda crazy 😭 perfect chicken soup for the soul <33 probably the basis for the way I like hybrid fics I read formatted now!! you can really see how the authors writing grew with this fic. Was the fic that made me fall in love with hybrids, actually. I love all of her work so bad man [last updated: 10/4/24]

Trouvaille ✰ @spookyserenades

on my main recs list for a REASON!!! MODERN OT7 CLASSIC FIC!!! if you like the slowest of burns… you’ll enjoy this fic heavily. once again my favourite chicken-soup style so I can’t help but recommend it <33 I have… so many words id like to say about coyote jimin and hoseok… but I will remain silent for my own dignity 😔love all of her work terribly <33 [last updated: 8/17/24]

SeVen Uncaged ✰ @/missing_min_meowmeow (ao3) and @/polaritae (ao3)

two part series (first half completed, second half not) detailing the difficulties of adopting 7 hybrids reader was completely unprepared for 🙂‍↕️ YESSS MA’AM!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!! I love how this fic goes into the details of how difficult mentally and physically this kind of change would be for the hybrids. I love the characterisation of each of the boys. I LOVE IT!!!! pls give this series a chance it is so definitely worth it even though it’s unfinished. A love it terribly, in its entirety. I LOVE FLAWED CHARACTERS!!! [last updated: 9/11/23]

Restitution ✰ @/cloudtea (ao3) @cloudteawrites (tumblr)

like I said I REALLY like fanfics where reader comes into a bunch of hybrids and has to deal with the consequences 😭 that being said, this has exactly everything I love in a hybrid fic, I absolutely love the concept, and the stories of where each of the guys came from before. THIS is exactly what I mean when I say a chicken soup fic— warm and comforting. Hopefully the author will come back to it someday <33 it’s so good even though it’s just the beginning [last updated: 4/19/21 — permanent hiatus]

Loving You Isn’t Hard to Learn ✰ @/arduouslove (ao3) @arduouslove (tumblr)

MANNN ITS SO WARM AND COMFORTING!!! like,, i know i keep saying chicken soup and IM SORRY BUT THATS WHAT THESE ARE FOR ME!!! I absolutely adore the concept of a motel for hybrids to go when they need help. And I really love the development we’ve seen so far between Hoseok and jimin. Another fic that was left at the beginning, but truly lovely. Another one I hope the author updates again someday <33 [last updated: 03/07/23]

Still Life ✰ @/king_myg (ao3)

OKAY NO YOU DONT UNDERSTAND THIS IS ACTUALLY LIKE,,, ONE OF MY FAVOURITE HYBRID FICS IVE READ!! The concept behind it is just so,, intriguing. It’s a yandere fic, so it has that edge to it but the way jungkook just *is* is so…. No you actually just have to read it to understand. I love this fic sooo bad actually. And Yoongi who pretends not to be a hybrid… and!! I really can’t express in words how exciting this was for me to read. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the guys relationships develop with the reader. [last updated: 5/22/24]

Home Calls the Heart ✰ @anonnie-in-wonderland

verryyy cute ot7 fic <33 the first chapter just feels very warm and soft. its adorable how tae wants to 'adopt' a human for his family even though he doesn't quite understand the repercussions of it [last updated: 12/17/22]

About love ✰ @mochiimac

One of my favourite tropes of reader coming into hybrids and them all hating each other right off the bat!! The writing style feels so safe too <33 [last updated: 04/24/3]

A Hundred Percent Human ✰ @/wrienne (ao3) @wrienne (tumblr)

Another CLASSIC ot7 hybrid fic!! I remember reading the first few chapters before I took a break from fanfics back in the day. Each of the characters (bts memebers) are so interesting and I love the personalities the author made around them as well as all the world building they did within the fic. The class system was so interesting to me and TAEHYUNG??? God, such a fun and dynamic story!! Highly recommend you check it out [last updated: 7/24/23]

Daddy’s Money Makes the World Go Round ✰ @/That_Author (ao3)

SOOO warm and comfortable. Guarddog Namjoon rlly just wants to keep the reader safe even though her parents are mean. Their relationship (as well as the rest of the guys that come into the home) is just SO sweet n gentle <3 [last updated: 10/28/22]

Oneshots

Secret Story of the Swan ✰ @purpleyoonn

one of the few yandere fics on the list and oh so sweet <33 the way they gently lure reader is so 🥺 and she gives in easily to their charms 🥺 v cute little oneshot <33 love her a lot

Beastly Gods ✰ @lemonjoonah

A CLASSICCCCCC one of the only (other) yandere fics on this list. mostly taehyung x reader w/ implied ot7 x reader ++ drabbles featuring ot7 x reader. I love this fic so much actually you don’t understand. It holds such a special place in my heart PLS READ IT!!

Tangled Hearts ✰ @writersrealmbts

Adorable look into readers life with 7 hybrids <33 truly love how this fic played out and the interactions the members had with eachother and the reader. ITS JUST REAL CUTE OKAY!!!! Makes me all soft nd gushy!! Very cute <33 i love it.

To Be Read / Currently Reading

Kindness ✰ @/angelaronin (ao3)

Stray Cat Strut ✰ @/typhloticharuspex (ao3)

Meritocracy ✰ @/saylilirose (ao3)

The Dog Days are Over ✰ @/mintedmango (ao3)

Redamancy ✰ @/dalgi_jungoo (ao3)

A Sweet Change ✰ @/kagsii (ao3)

Peculiar Pack ✰ @/dollremi (ao3)

If anyone has any reads I didn’t mention comment them or message me them!!

** I’ll update this as I read more / find more fics I’ve read in the past that I enjoyed!! By no means is it complete, these are just the fics I’ve read/reread recently nd enjoyed <33 Currently going through my tumblr likes to see if I’ve missed any <33 ✰ last updated: 01/19/25

Main Rec List | individual/poly hybrid rec list (coming soon)

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ambrosiagourmet · 10 months ago

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Rin Masterpost

Rin! Rinsha Fana! Beloved side character I think about far too much (or maybe not enough?)

I decided that it might be nice to put together an informational post about Rin, since she has some of my favorite background details of any character in Dungeon Meshi. This is partly as reference for myself, and partly for anyone else who might be interested in her but not know where to chase down the tidbits we we get of her, both in canon & extra materials. There’s also a little bit of theorizing and analysis sprinkled in for fun.

If anyone spots something I missed, please let me know and I will add it in!

Alright. Time for ultimate #rinposting

History and Timeline:

We don't have an official timeline for Rin (even in the expanded Adventurer's Bible, sadly), but we can put a lot of pieces together based on Kabru's timeline & their respective ages.

Rin is 2 years older than Kabru, and they met when he was 9. Assuming that he met her soon after she was taken to the elven capital, that means that the elves took her when she was 11.

Before that, she lived on the Northern Continent. Interestingly, when Mickbell asks about Shuro, Rin says she was born "here."

Since "here" doesn't mean the actual Island itself, it must mean simply "not the east." She is described in the Adventurer's Bible as having "no real knowledge of or attachment to the East," so maybe that's why she draws a "there" verses "here" line.

I'd also like to add a note here that the elves don't seem uh... they don't seem great about respecting the value of other cultures, especially those of short-life species. Milsiril seems to have discouraged Kabru from eating or remembering food from his hometown, at least, and that's even as an adoptive parent who cares (at least in some way) for her child. As I will touch on later, the "care" that Rin was under probably had even less respect for her history or ties to either Eastern or Northern culture.

That is all to say, considering that Rin spent many years with the elves, I'd take her having "[no] attachment to the East" as more of a comment on how she feels now, and less as a definite choice she made. She may genuinely have chosen that approach and opinion for herself, she may have been pushed towards it by the elves, and she may have had little choice at all in the matter - all are valid interpretations, though I personally lean towards the thought that it's unlikely the elves didn't have at least some hand in it.

Anyway, Rin does seem to know at least a bit about her heritage - she can presumably name and identify the specific island her parents are from, and she recognizes that "Shuro" isn't a name used there. She also knows that different places from the Eastern archipelago speak different languages, so she knows at least a little about the other islands as well.

Some additional extrapolations I'll make based on these facts: she never mentions, and probably isn't in contact with, any family from her island. This may be because her extended family died, because her parents didn't (or weren't able to) maintain contact, or because she lost contact when she was taken by the elves. Somewhat relatedly, she also prooobably doesn't speak the language, at least not fluently, though her being able to comment on the state of language in the archipelago makes me think that she at least learned a little as a kid.

Anyway, Rin's parents were refugees from the archipelago, though we don't know what specifically caused them to leave. There is this little tidbit of info we get (from the cover of chapter 48, of all places), though:

So yeah, that seems like it would be the backdrop of Rin's parents fleeing. As I said earlier, it's unclear if Rin might have any living family left back on her island. The listing she has for “family” in the Adventurer's Bible is just a dash, but so is Izutsumi's, for instance, and we know that she was taken from her family with no knowledge of who might still be out there. It's possible everyone else was killed, it's possible they were separated... it's possible that Rin's parents didn't even know.

As an additional note, and this is speculation on my part, but I think there is an argument to be made, with this tidbit from the cover as well as the Nakamoto clan's specialty in espionage and use of ninjas, that the politics of the archipelago are partially based on Sengoku era Japan. Not necessarily super relevant here, but I think it's interesting context for all... of the archipelago characters, honestly.

(Especially considering it seems like the Nakamoto clan is in a relatively comfortable position, and yet clearly are involved, or at least prepared to be involved in larger conflict. How stable is their position, really? How is Shuro's father viewed by the wider region and archipelago as a whole? What about his lord? NOT THE POINT THIS IS A POST ABOUT RIN. BUT IT'S VERY INTERESTING TO THINK ABOUT.)

Okay, back to Rin's parents.

Whatever caused them to leave, they made their way to the north, where they made their living with their magic for a time. There are no specifics about what kind of magic they used, but we know at least some examples of jobs that magic can get you, based on the flashback to Laios and Falin's childhood in chapter 26. Laios proposes that Fain could use her magic to be a priest, gravekeeper, or wandering exorcist. Though these are specific to Falin's affinity with spirits, they give some idea of the shape of the work that might be available. It's important, but it is also on the outskirts of society - not necessarily admired or appreciated by the average person.

And Rin’s parents were killed by vigilantes for that magic. It's not entirely news that superstitious villages in the area would sometimes kill magic users - we see a small drawing of people being burned at the stake in a panel towards the end of the manga:

Nonetheless, Rin is the only person in the main cast who has experienced this brutality firsthand. And she did experience it firsthand, having been found by the elves as the sole survivor within the burnt ruins of her home.

It is unknown exactly how she survived, or what happened to her parents before and during the fire. Rin lived, and they did not.

The elves came some time after the fire, intending to investigate reports of ancient magic. They (and we) don't know if Rin's parents actually did use ancient magic, or if the reports and murders were simply spurred by general fear and superstition. Rin was the only piece of "evidence" that remained, and so she was taken back to the west with the elves when they left.

We don't know much about her time on the Northern Central Continent (where the elves/Canaries are based), but it doesn't seem like she was adopted or taken in by anyone the way that Kabru was. According to the Adventurer's Bible, after being taken into custody, "under their care she was treated as a captive animal would be." I would guess that means very basic food and shelter, little to no education. Probably the most social contact she got was from Kabru, as well as maybe, occasionally, from elves treating her as a curiosity, such as in this bit in the Adventurer’s Bible:

Assuming she left with Kabru (which seems like it is the case, there's no info about them having separated during that time), she spent 9 years with the elves, and has been with Kabru on the Island in the 4 years since then.

She also stays in the Golden Country after the end of the story, apparently working as an apothecary.

Additional Details (& Speculation):

What does she remember of her family and home?

I'd like to take a moment here to explore a little of what Rin might remember of her parents and home.

For reference, we can look at Kabru. The canaries came to Utaya when Kabru was 6, and he arrived in the capital when he was 7. He remembers the events of the tragedy in his home, and has some memories of his mother and life in Utaya, including memories of local dishes.

Rin lost her parents and home at 11, so she presumably has much clearer memories of the events that lead to her being taken by the elves... or she might, assuming that they haven't been completely blocked by her trauma from the event.

Yeah, I am fairly damn sure that she's got some memory issues from trauma and PTSD. For one, this is the state she was found in:

As already mentioned, she was also treated like something of an animal by the elves. She probably didn't have a lot of contact with other people, which would further perpetuate that sense of isolation and dehumanization. What I'm getting at here is that Rin probably didn't have much to help pull her out of this place, or heal these wounds. She had Kabru, who was also a kid and even younger than her, and she had herself.

Obviously trauma leaves different scars on everyone, and everyone responds and copes in different ways. But I do think it is interesting that we never hear anything about Rin's parents or life before the elves, and there are no real details about it given in the Adventurer's Bible the way we have for Kabru. What's presented is more surface level facts: they were refugees, they made a living with magic, they were killed.

I'm inclined to believe that things are laid out this way because that's how Rin holds on to these things. She knows things about them, but possibly remembers them more as things she was told/knows to be true, rather than actual memories she can picture herself experiencing.

Rin's Magic

In an interesting counterpoint to her potentially spotty memory, I do actually think Rin may have learned magic from her parents (or started learning, and was self-taught from there). She never attended a magic academy, and actually has a bit of grudge against people who did - owing to the social protection afforded to "upper-class mages," which her parents did not have. She also almost certainly wouldn't have been taught by the elves, who not only treated her as an animal but also knew her parents may have been involved with ancient magic.

Falin began to show signs of magical talent at 8, and was sent to the Magic Academy at 10, and that was as someone who had absolutely no guidance about or exposure to magic in her home town. Raised by two mage parents, I think Rin absolutely could have been learning some things by the time she was 11.

In terms of continued learning, I'll add that Rin is able to identify Marcille's magic as being A) from an Academy student, and B) cast by an elf:

This makes me think that she continued to study magic on her own while held by the elves, and probably even more so after leaving with Kabru. They didn't form the party until two years after they left the elves, which would give Rin plenty of time to try and learn from other adventurers on the Island, or to study up on her own. She'd probably be able to pick up some dungeon-crawling basics (like the water walk spell), as well as become familiar with the skill level and expression of skill common in different people with different backgrounds (hence why she is able to comment on the "textbook" academy wards).

Much like Marcille, Rin also seems to rely on a 'one size fits all' Big Boom method of dealing with monsters: lightning. We see the best example of its power in the fight with Chimera Falin:

But we also see her cast it pretty recklessly in a few other places, including the end credits of the new anime ED, which I think provides a good example of the downsides to such an approach...

Yeah, it is very much a 'get out of the way or get zapped' spell.

Especially since Marcille's offensive magic is self-taught and works very similarly, this definitely reinforces the idea that Rin figured most of this stuff out herself.

Outfit and Character Design

Dear sweet Rin of the Red And Black... how I love her design.

First of all, her clothes are damaged. Despite the fact that Rin looks relatively well put together overall, her outfit is worn out. I have some theories on why this is that I'll get to in a bit, but for now I'll just touch on what this design communicates in general about it.

I think, just like with Kabru's horribly messy room, it creates a sense that there is something more complicated underneath the surface. Something that isn't being addressed or seen to, just as the dress hasn't been mended or replaced.

It also reflects her not caring a ton about her appearance. She's neat, but she's not concerned about being pretty, so she doesn't bother with fixing up her outfit after her dungeon crawls. This also fits with her perpetual scowl (which I will talk more about in a bit), and slightly disheveled hair.

Next: the gloves. At first I thought they might be a sort of uncomfortable-with-touch thing, but after skimming through the manga and some bonus content, I have another theory. Rin takes the gloves off to eat, as well as a few other instances, such as when working on a spell with Holm and Marcille in chapter 36

This one is especially interesting because she has them on in the next chapter, during the fight with Falin. Since she also isn't wearing gloves during some of the Daydream Hour art of her outside of the dungeon, that leads me to believe that they are specifically for combat.

What does she need them for, though? Most other casters we see don't wear gloves. Well... just look at the other half of the page where she attacks Falin with lightning:

She is enveloped by this spell. I said it before was pretty reckless magic, but maybe its not just a problem for her teammates, but for her as well.

So here's my theory: maybe the gloves are rubber, or some other electricity-resistant material? They might help protect her from her own magic. I don't know why a caster would need gloves for combat otherwise.

I also think this might be why her dress is tattered at the bottom, by the way. Especially since the Daydream Hour genderswap design doesn't have a similar problem with his outfit, since the tunic isn't as long.

I will admit this is a bit of stretch/guess, but I think it's a fun one, and I wanted to share. I do think I'm right about the gloves being for dungeons/fighting specifically, at least. That seems pretty consistent throughout all of her appearances.

I also mentioned her scowl, so I'll touch on that briefly as well. The (fairly confirmed) explanation for Rin's expression is that she intentionally wears a frown to prevent her other expressions from showing through. I think it's important to emphasize that it's not just smiling that she is trying to suppress here - it's any strong emotion:

Anyway, because I can, here is the art of Rin smiling.

Rin and Kabru

I have talked a bit about Rin and Kabru's history, but I think it deserves its own section.

I think it's very interesting that Rin is pretty much the ONLY character in all of Dungeon Meshi that has explicit canonical romantic interesting in someone. It's literally part of the main summary sentence in her character profile.

This could be sort of reductive as a way to describe a female character (and in some ways it still is), but I think in part the simplicity and directness of it actually is part of what makes it so interesting. Especially when on the very next page we see the comic about her backstory. "This mage is in love with Kabru" -> one page of a horribly traumatic event and a child frozen in shock with no one to comfort her. What does that do?

Well, in my opinion, it shows how much Rin focuses on Kabru as something to keep her in the present. In contrast with the immense loss she has experienced, her love for Kabru is current and alive. He has presumably been her anchor for years, and I think that her love is part of that anchor.

Adding to this, in contrast with how explicit her feelings are, she never seems to actively pursue Kabru. She complains about his potential interest in other women, but she doesn't really flirt. She doesn't let herself smile around him any more than anyone else, and she doesn't hide her bitterness or anger from him to present a more appealing persona.

As much as she craves Kabru's attention, and has stayed by his side for years, I don't know that she really wants to possess him. He seems to know about her feelings, more or less, and she seems to know that he knows. Maybe she believes he doesn't reciprocate and is respecting that, maybe she's afraid of what she could lose if she tried to change things, or maybe the change itself frightens her. In any case, though she's not exactly happy with the way things are between them, she doesn't seem to be trying to change that status quo.

A specific thing I'd also like to talk about with their relationship, beyond Rin's love for him, is her fear for him. As the Adventurer's Bible puts it, "she worries that his knack for dealing with whatever life throws at him might lead him to get too full of himself and end up in serious trouble."

Rin is an interesting mix of restrained and explosive, herself. Her magic is destructive, her temper seems to run hot (she gets annoyed easily, at least), and her feelings for Kabru are apparent. At the same time, she doesn't let her emotions show on her face, she is the one who bluntly states that the group has hit the limit of their abilities, and she doesn't act on those obvious feelings for Kabru. It's interesting, then, that what she fears for Kabru is that he won't restrain himself.

And a small personal idea about that as well: I wonder if she somewhat blames her parents for getting killed. Again, this is very speculative, but I think it's interesting that her fear for Kabru is that he will get too full of himself. Take up too much space. It's never really stated what Rin thinks of her parents, but it can be easy in grief to search for control, and control often means blame. If they hadn't been so confident, so flashy, would they still be alive...?

I don't know if she's ever thought like that, and it could well be that her fears for Kabru come from a totally different place. But it's an interesting connective thread between her past and present - the idea of "getting in trouble" for taking up too much space and being too confident in one's own abilities.

Miscellaneous Tidbits:

On that note, I'd like to wrap up the main part of this post, and move on to a few extra things that I couldn't find another place for.

Rin plays with her hair when she's stressed

Using stressed as a pretty big umbrella here, because I think it's hard to perfectly pin down all the emotions at play, but it is a habit of hers. Best displayed in chapter 32, but it shows up in other places, too.

Her design contrasts with Marcille

This is a small thing, but I just love how much they are visual opposites.

Rin wears red and black and has dark hair, Marcille wears blue and white and has light hair. Marcille cares a great deal for her hair and puts it up in elaborate hairstyles, and Rin's is mostly loose and a bit messy. Marcille was even educated at the Magic Academy, which Rin dislikes. They both have little capelets. Also they both look very cute in each other's clothes.

Rin knows Flamela (and they meet again in canon)

Nothing much is done with this in canon, but I think it’s super interesting that Flamela's squad are the ones that find Rin as a child and take her away to the west, and then they end up stuck in the dungeon together for a bit.

Two days??? I'm so very curious what things were like between these three.

Aaaand I think that's all I have to say about Rin! For the time being at least. There's a lot more analysis that could be done about her and Kabru especially, but for this post I wanted to keep things at least somewhat anchored to canon facts, with only a layer or two of speculation on top.

If it isn't already obvious, I think Rin is a super interesting character with a ton of potential depth to explore. She mostly interacts with Kabru in canon, but has ties to a bunch of other characters: she and Marcille fill similar roles in their parties but have differing personalities and histories, she and Falin (and Laios) have been tremendously shaped by xenophobia and fear of magic common in the Northern Continent, her parents fled from conflict in the same region Shuro and his retainers are from, and she has history with Flamela and some of the second canary squad.

Her temper, her fear, her love... her repression and passion - they all inform her character, even in small ways, even with as little time as she spends on the page.

#dungeon meshi #delicious in dungeon #rinsha fana #rin dungeon meshi #dungeon meshi spoilers #dunmeshi analysis #thank u to anyone who takes the time to read this ♥️♥️♥️ I love rin and lot

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raven-at-the-writing-desk · 2 months ago

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OKAY HELLO UH. SAVANACLAW DREAM UPDATE SPOILERS ?!?!!2!!2!2

THE. WAY BOTH JACK AND RUGGIE ADMIRE LEONA SO MYCH AND FEATURE HIM IN THEIR DREAMS 😭😭😭😭 Jack making Leona basically nOT HAVE DEPRESSION QUFBWKANDK 😭😭 and making him a fair player... Jack my boy... your dream is lovely but you made him do stuff hED NEVER DO 😭😭

AND RUGGIE. THE FACT HE AND LEONA NEVER MET IN THIS DREAM *BUT* THE AMAZING DRESM SCHOOL HE ATTENDS WAS SKGNKENAKjfkenalNIfjeksksn MADE/PROPOSED TO BE MADE (?) BY LEONA 😭😭😭 AND HE SAYS THAT PRINCE LEONA IS MORE POPULAR THAN FALENA AMONGST TYE YOUTH AJFNWKNudnekskalakdknsk tHEY WANT ME DEAD. D E A D.

and then ... ruggie says smth about him choosing the king he'll follow and LATER WHEN REFERRING TO LEONA HE SAYS SMTH TO JACK LIKE. "LET'S GO WAKE UP OUR KING" I'm fuckifnwjzbslakznaklNdkdkals akehueuqjakansksk THEY ADORE HIM SO MUCH. I CAN'T DO THIS.

So this means we'll get a full chapter ONLY for Leona's dream... I don't think we'll see him crying like Jack and Ruggie but GOD IF WE DO SEE THAT I'LL BE FOUND DEAD- i just knowwww that whichever way they go w it (the "he already knows it's a dream theory" or SMTH else), there WILL BE drama and I *WILL* die internally... my Leona plushies will pay the price (they will be hugged very tightly)

[Referencing the book 7 part 11 update!]

Me, coping: Oh, the book 7 Savanaclaw update is split into two parts? That means the first part must be dedicated to Jack and Ruggie and the second part must be Leona only. Surely this means I am free from being sniped in the Jack and Ruggie segment. Me, from the future:

. . .

ME EXPERIENCING THE FIVE STAGES OF GRIEF ALL AT ONCE

WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT 💀💀💀 I was kind of expecting some element of respecting their dorm leader to come up (definitely for Jack's), BUT NOT THIS EXTENT OTL

Of the two, Jack's dream was the more obvious one to feature Leona in a very positive light. His admiration for the guy was clear ever since book 2, in which Jack--someone who regularly sucks at expressing his feelings--confessed MULTIPLE TIMES that it was Leona's passionate magift play on TV that inspired Jack to follow in his footsteps. And that's why he was so disappointed to learn that the guy he admired all along was a scumbag that would play dirty to get ahead. The Leona in Jack's dream might be that version that Jack had in his head... The Leona he yearns for the attention and praise of, the Leona he thought was a virtuous leader who values hard work and good sportsmanship, the kind of person who gives speeches to inspire his team and helps people up by the hand when they fall. Another reading could be that this is the Leona Jack believes is still possible if he works toward it, because this dream seems to be set a YEAR after their loss to Diasomnia. And this is Leona at his best and most dangerous because he's throwing literally everything he has into this training, so he'll probably do the same in combat; Yuu and co. have to develop a whole strategy in advance to isolate Jack because they KNOW they're going to get blasted by dream!Leona if they give any inkling of trying to wake the dreamer up. JACK LITERALLY DREAMED ABOUT LEONA THRIVING, BEING HIS BEST SELF... Jack, the self-proclaimed LONE WOLF, who claims he doesn't like GROUP ACTIVITIES/SPORTS, longs to be part of the pack that LEONA leads... But he won't follow just anyone, Jack has standards AND LEONA APPARENTLY MEETS ALL OF THEM (or, in Jack's eyes, Leona can meet those standards).

THEN WHEN JACK WAKES UP... Hoo, boy... The way he was smiling but then broke down into shouts and sobs... That's literally got to be my favorite kind of emotional distress (part of why I loved Idia's breakdown when he was introducing his newly built little brother to the Styx researchers). You can hear how betrayed he feels in his voice, all the raw emotion that didn't come through as strongly in book 2. ASKHLBLBIASDIVDAI SORRY TO DUNK ON BOOK 2 AGAIN BUT IT'S TRUE. Jack's feelings of betrayal... They were so blunted there, it felt like he was reacting to a minor setback (he seems to easily shrug off being called a traitor by the guy he supposedly admires) rather than genuinely being hurt. I'm glad that the emotional weight that wasn't addressed then is finally getting the spotlight it deserves now.

Then Ruggie's dream???? 😭 That one caught me SO off-guard. The way it opens with Yuu and co. suspecting it's Leona's dream because they arrived in Sunrise City, one of the few industrialized places in Sunset Savanna... The lore review of how it's difficult to get the people to get behind developing the land due to how it would negatively impact the nature they want to live in harmony with (plus the brand-new reveal that these disagreements can become VIOLENT)... and Idia realizing that this, THIS is why Leona actually decided to take an internship at an energy and mining lab back home--because Leona realized he cannot change the country on his own, no matter how often he butts heads with his brother. He needs even more knowledge and a team to work with him. An NPC donut vendor lady randomly drops it on us that it's thanks the PRINCE LEONA that Ivorycliff Academy was able to be established. Not only that, but turns out Leona has graduated already and has spent his time after NRC building schools and establishing magift teams for Sunset Savanna (the latter being something Leona expressed interest in, as having a national sport and/or famous sporting teams can enhance his country's soft power). AND HE'S MORE POPULAR AMONG THE YOUTH THAN FALENA IS???????? MR. LEONA I-HATE-DEALING-WITH-KIDS KINGSCHOLAR IS POPULAR WITH... THE KIDS????? ? ?? ?? ?? ? ?? ?????? ?? ? 💀 The guy who claims to only help the underclassmen because they'd otherwise be an inconvenience to him... is admired by the same underclassmen... and now that has translated over to Ruggie's dream as the youth of Sunset Savanna loving him... OTL YOU'RE KIDDING ME RIGHT/????? ? ??? ? ??v????? ? ? ????

The most bewildering detail to me about Ruggie's dream is that he and Leona haven't met at all; Ruggie acts pretty clueless when asked about it and Leona graduated from a completely different school than him (NRC). There's no way they could have met, yet the dream still deemed that Leona was an important enough aspect of Ruggie's life that he was incorporated into it... and, unlike in real life, Leona now has the influence to make these systematic changes not just for bettering Ruggie's life, but the lives of everyone in Sunset Savanna...

UUUURURUGUUGHHGHHHHHHHGHGHHHHHHH H H HH H H HHHHHHH H H H HH H H AND THEN WWHEN RUGGIE FINALLY WAKES UP AND AND ANADNANDANDANASHADSNADSNADSNAN NDDDSDD SD SM ADSB,M ADSDBSM DDD HE CALLS HE WON'T FOLLOW A "FAKE KING", HE WANTS TO CHOSOE THE KING HE FOLLOWS 😭😭😭 RUGGIE TELLS JACK THEY SHOULD GO AND WAKE UP "OUR KING"... Ruggie, who constantly complains about how easy rich people have it and how hard Leona makes him work for his coin, is standing right here and HE'S CHOOSING LEONA.

This is all so crazy to think about because back in book 6 (citing the moment that broke me Yet Again, lmao) Leona implied that while he has hope in others (like Jamil), HE DOESN'T HAVE THE SAME HOPE FOR HIMSELF. But there's literally his whole dorm who trust him to lead them and their futures as professional athletes 😭 Jack who believes Leona is capable of being that shining, ideal senpai he dreamed of... Ruggie who believes Leona can and will change not only his life for the better, but also the lives of marginalized beastmen like hyenas, the younger generation, and heck, why not their whole country too... OTL

THIS IS LITERALLY THE WORST POSSIBLE OUTDCOME FOR ME... . . . . ....... . .. . . . .. . / / / / / . . . .. . .. ... . . . ... . . YOU JAVE JACK'S DREAM SUPPLYING THE RELIABLE BIG BRO/ONII-SAN LEONA... THEN RUGIGE'S DREAM SUPPYL inG THE SMAR TDETERMINED PRINCE LEONA ... AND THEN NEXT UPDAT.E.XBBCXL V.CV . . . . . . . . ...... .. .. . . . . OTL ASCTUAL LEOPJNA DFGFAYVAFIVAVIYAIAGIGEIYGEPEIQAGfhgpaebpyrwqeg,hpgqeugqm[gqepg./l.,pjm9hmh4 gephmhurwhbaudavmudfsgnyofegnyoifui

GOD IF EW SEE THAT BITCH CRYi NG gkj eabihlaegbiaegibyegoqetpr13569 87q3tbkhl3o tyb6fOfonfOTFsugfaiugfanyoigFGION qit' S LEOVER FOR MEAMBFFVHAJVFFVEUGFO EOFAENYFEOFHdhmFSLJGADFsmf aLALLL OF HIS PENT IUP FRUSTRATIONS JUST SPILLING OIUT;V .F,DSBFAHLFLFFNODGOVSMHFAV UEGOFEAHMAEGDGSKPFSHIM THE RAGE AT MALLEUS DFN BAFVKJAFYGLAFGIDGIDGIODGSOIDN FOR FOTRICNG THIS LIE UPON HIMFDS NFASVAEFBLADFIOBY AGIOQEGONYFWmpdphGAMGobf IT'D BE SO SEXSYFDH HOT IF HE KNEW IT WAS A DREAM ALL ALONG PELEEEEEASE 🙏 I'M ONT MY HANDS NAD NDD KNEEESLSD DFS,SFHBAFLHAFDLI EO FQEYG VADGNOVSHUPVPUFFmhagyo 4wpeq/pll.,wjph9q80th9umpdbsaihoadnFSuov fsogyFSGUOFSu SNOGYAVUO FSA

. Ah-HEM!! 😇 Sorry, I don't know what overcame me... I just blacked out and when I came to I don't remember what I was doing or saying for the past several minutes 💖 Now if you'll excuse me, I am filled with an intense desire to enact violence on the nearest lion-shaped object I can get my hands on--

#twst #disney twisted wonderland #disney twst #twisted wonderland #Leona Kingscholar #Jack Howl #Ruggie Bucchi #Savanaclaw #notes from the writing raven #NOT L*ONA ROT #book 7 chapter 11 part 1 spoilers #jp spoilers #Idia Shroud #book 7 spoilers #book 6 spoilers #book 2 spoilers

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stellas-and-tonitruses · 8 months ago

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these last 3 chapters more than ever have left me wondering about the timeline of spy x family and in particular,

donovan's age.

i'm not going to go too deep into the full timeline because i simply don't think we have enough info to make a real robust timeline, BUT i do think we can very feasibly approximate donovan's age with our current info.

I also won’t be using any precise years like 1964 or whatever bc at this moment in time I find that to be kind of useless, bc the only years we have happen very early in the story in background details and for a lot of those ones, I noticed endo had a tendency to just carelessly put whatever so long as it looked fine from afar, which includes news that were happening around the time of that chapter's release. SO unless he decides to explicitly highlight actual years, I’m not gonna be like “this happened in 1964 and that happened in 1953” and anything of the sort.

now, i shall partake in my least favorite activity.

✨math.✨

so uh buckle up my fellas and feel free to correct me anywhere where i might be wrong bc i am more than aware that math is NOT my strong suit!

SPOILERS FOR CHAPTERS 97, 98 AND 99!

gonna start with the facts!

according to the spy x family EYES ONLY fanbook, henry henderson is 66 years old at the time of the current events of spy x family! in the past three chapters we have learned that there is a 3 year age gap between him and martha, so that would make her 63 years old currently.

as of the events of chapter 99, he is 22 years old (and martha is 19), assuming there wasn't any years-long time gap that was not mentioned within the chapter! which, it doesn’t seem like there were any MASSIVE time gaps, so I’ll be using those ages for calculating.

so, what all this means is that we are (roughly) 44 years into the past at the moment! previous info about the war of loid and yor's childhoods puts it at around 20 years old, so from where we are in the backstory, we still have roughly 20 more years before Luwen is attacked — clearly, because this first war has already ended with donovan still in school.

while we don't have loid's age, we do have yor's, who is 27 years old — meaning she was born around the time of henry being 39 years old, aka clearly neither loid nor yor have been born yet as of the events of chapter 99. too into the past for now!

now, how am i gonna get donovan's age out of all this?

simple! henry's his teacher and has a talk with him after his jail time.

like I mentioned previously, I shall be sticking to 22 for henry’s age here. it may not be fully correct, it may be a year or two off because we aren’t given concrete details on exactly how long he was in jail, so just take it with a grain of salt! it's only going to remain as a rough estimate until we get a definitive answer on donovan's age.

so! henry has a talk with donovan, but the conversation itself, while very important for the plot and especially for our understanding of donovan’s character, is irrelevant for this conversation. no, what's crucial here is what henry is holding. endo even highlights it by focusing an entire larger panel on it!

it's a history textbook for year 7 students!

it being a history textbook is very poignant for the conversation they're having, but the reason this is important to me is because it's very clearly a year 7 textbook.

now, i don't know how much of eden academy's curriculum is based on the uk! but because pretty much all of the architecture of it is based on eton college and endo has literally just returned from a london trip where he showed us he visited a kindergarten, so i think that's grounds enough for me to assume eden academy's year 7 is generally populated by children between 11 and 12 years old. luckily for me, that seems to be the general age for germany's secondary school year 7 too, so even if it's not the british one, it's still close enough!

with all that being said, if donovan is, say, 12 in that moment and henry is 22, that means there is a 10 year difference between the two of them, which, drum roll please, means donovan desmond is 56 years old when our story's events take place! assuming the war of loid's and yor's childhoods took place exactly 20 years ago (when yor was 7 and henry was 46), this would make him around 36 years old when he became ostania's prime minister! it would also mean he had damian at 50 years old, and if demetrius is 12 right now, that would mean he was born when donovan was 44 years old (and his birth would’ve been in the last years of the war).

so, rough events timeline based on all that, focusing on ages!

66 years ago: Henry Henderson is born.

63 years ago: Martha Marriott is born.

~56 years ago: Donovan Desmond is born.

49 years ago: Martha (14) transfers to Eden and meets Henry (17)

47 years ago: Henry (19) graduates Eden.

44 years ago: Henry (22) joins Eden as a teacher, in the same year becomes Donovan Desmond’s (~12) history teacher. Martha (19) graduates Eden and joins the Women’s Defense Auxiliary.

~44 years ago: Martha (~19) is presumed dead. Henry (~22) faces jail time. The war ends, and he marries.

27 years ago: Yor is born. At that time, Henry is 39, Martha is 36, and Donovan is 29.

~27 years ago. [REDACTED] is also born. Same as above, just approximate this time!

~20 years ago: Second war begins. Yor and [REDACTED] are ~7, Henry is ~46, Martha is ~43, Donovan is ~36. Yuri is born.

~12 years ago: Demetrius is born. Donovan is ~44, Yor and [REDACTED] are ~15, Henry is ~54, Martha is ~51, Yuri is ~8.

~10 years ago: Second war ends. Demetrius is ~2, Donovan is ~46, Yor and [REDACTED] are ~17, Henry is ~56, Martha is ~53, Yuri is ~10.

6 years ago: Damian is born (and most other kids in his and Anya’s grade). Demetrius is ~6, Donovan is ~50, Henry is 60, Martha is 57, Yor is 21, Twilight is ~21, Yuri is 14.

5-4 years ago: Anya is born. Damian (etc.) are 1-2, Demetrius is 7-8, Donovan is ~51-52, Henry is 61-62, Martha is 58-59, Yor is 22-23, Twilight is ~22-23, Yuri is 15-16.

1 year ago: Yuri (19) becomes part of the SSS. Anya is 3-4, Damian (etc.) is 5, Demetrius is 10-11, Donovan is ~55, Henry is 65, Martha is 62, Yor is 26, Twilight is ~26.

I HOPE THAT HELPS PUT THINGS INTO PERSPECTIVE?? melinda is not included bc we have nothing to go off of for her age outside of purely subjective things like her appearance.

super glad endo included the year 7 thing JAKLSDFKLSD

anyway thank you for reading!!! :DD

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pbaz7 · 2 months ago

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It’ll Always Be Her Chapter 11

AN: This was one of my favorite chapters to write so it’s definitely on the longer side so prepare for that lol. Let me know what you think and if there’s anything specific you want to see in this story or another one.

Warning: Suggestive content/language

Word Count: 8.2k

After their stellar game, Paige and Azzi sat side by side at the press table, still riding the high of their combined 49 points. The room buzzed with energy, and reporters were eager to hear more about the game, as well as any upcoming plans. Paige and Azzi exchanged a brief glance, their chemistry impossible to miss, even before the first question was asked.

A reporter from the local sports network, tall and holding a microphone, cleared his throat. “Paige, Azzi, you two were on fire tonight. The chemistry on the court was undeniable. Can you speak to how your partnership has evolved this season? What’s been the key to making this dynamic work?”

Paige grinned and leaned slightly toward Azzi, her fingers tapping lightly on the table. “Well, Azzi and I have been working together for a while now,” Paige began, her voice light but genuine. “I think we’ve just gotten to know each other’s style. We’ve figured out when to take control and when to give each other space.”

Azzi shot Paige a playful glance. “Yeah, space,” she teased, leaning a little closer to Paige. “But also, she makes me look good. I’m basically just along for the ride, right?”

Paige rolled her eyes, chuckling. “Oh, please. You know you’re carrying us half the time.”

Azzi raised an eyebrow, nudging Paige under the table. “Alright, alright, but you have been keeping up this season,” she said, her voice smooth and teasing. “You deserve some of the credit.”

Paige grinned, clearly enjoying the banter. “And you’re doing your part to make sure I don’t slack off,” she responded, her hand brushing against Azzi’s. “But, hey, you’re the one always talking about how we’re the best duo.”

The same reporter again, “How exactly do your skill sets fit one another.”

Paige nodded towards Azzi, showing that she wanted her to answer the question.

Azzi looked at Paige, feigning frustration. “Well, clearly you’ve been talking the entire time. You answer this one,” she said, nudging Paige again, this time with a little more force.

Paige raised an eyebrow, giving Azzi a pointed look. “Oh, I see how it is. I’ve been talking all this time, huh? You can’t just leave me to handle it.”

Azzi smirked and, under the table, playfully jabbed Paige in the leg. “You’re good at answering, so go ahead.”

Paige shook her head, fighting a smile. “Fine, fine. Since you’re so tired from carrying the team,” she said, grinning before she turned back to the reporter. “Like I was saying, it’s all about balance. Azzi’s got the worlds most perfect shot, and I have the court vision and pull to get her the ball. We’re a perfect match.”

The reporter smiled, clearly enjoying their dynamic. “It’s definitely a great partnership. You both played with such intensity tonight. How do you manage to stay focused and not let distractions get in the way of such a big game?”

Azzi leaned forward, her hand subtly brushing against Paige’s again under the table. “Well, staying focused is easy when you’ve got someone like Paige on the court. We’ve been working together for a while, and we know what we need to do to keep it together when the game gets intense,” Azzi answered smoothly, giving Paige a quick wink that the cameras can’t see.

Paige smirked and leaned back slightly in her chair, shooting Azzi a knowing look. “I guess Azzi just has to keep me in line when I get too fired up. It’s her job to calm me down.”

Azzi let out a playful sigh, pretending to be exasperated. “It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it.”

The second reporter, a woman with short, dark hair and glasses, raised her hand. “Paige, Azzi, you two clearly have a great bond on the court, but with everything that comes with your visibility—media, fans—how do you manage the pressure and stay focused on what’s important?”

Paige chuckled, turning to Azzi with a teasing grin. “Oh, I think we’re doing just fine managing the ‘pressure.’ It’s all about trust, right?”

Azzi smirked, leaning toward Paige as if sharing a private joke. “Totally. I trust that you’ll answer every single question while I just… relax here,” she said with a goofy smile, while she visibly grabs Paige’s arm.

Paige rolled her eyes but played along, shifting her posture a bit. “Like I was saying earlier it’s all about trust and knowing where one another is in the court. Today there was a little miss hap where I thought Azzi was going to cut but she flared to the three point line which she teased me about.”

Azzi leaned in even closer, her voice lowering playfully. “I know. It’s a burden, but I handle it well.” Her hand subtly brushed against Paige’s leg once more, the touch lingering for a moment. “You’ll get it next time.”

Paige kept her cool, a slight flush creeping up her neck as she tried to focus on the interview. The two of them shared an unspoken understanding, and the chemistry between them was palpable, though they kept things lighthearted for the cameras.

“Anything else you’d like to share with your fans before the holidays?” the reporter asked, wrapping up the interview.

Paige exchanged a glance with Azzi, both of them aware of the upcoming trip to Virginia. “Well, I think we’ll both be heading out soon for some family time,” Paige said casually, though there was a spark in her eyes as she looked at Azzi. “But we’re not slowing down, not one bit. We’ll definitely still be putting some work in though.”

Azzi smiled, the playful tension still hanging in the air. “Definitely not. We’ve got more to prove, and we’re ready for whatever comes next. But for now, it’s time to recharge a little.”

As the reporters wrapped up, Paige and Azzi stood, their chemistry clear to everyone in the room. Azzi flashed a grin and gave Paige a playful nudge under the table, making sure no one could miss the subtle connection between them

…

After the post-game interview, Azzi and Paige headed to Azzi's room to shower. They didn’t waste any time, opting to take a quick shower together. Once they were done, they got dressed and made their way downstairs, where Katie and Tim, Azzi’s parents, were waiting by the car.

The drive to Virginia started off lively, with plenty of jokes and banter between Paige and Azzi, as she was practically a part of the family. Paige was extremely close with Azzi’s parents, and it was clear from the way they interacted. Katie and Tim couldn’t help but laugh at their lighthearted teasing.

However, as the drive wore on and the excitement from the game wore off, both Azzi and Paige started to drift off. The conversation died down, and the car became quiet, save for the soft hum of the engine and the occasional chuckle from Katie or Tim who were talking in the front.

By the time Tim pulled into the driveway, both Azzi and Paige had curled up in the backseat, exhausted from the game. They had spread across all three seats, Azzi draped comfortably over Paige’s chest like it was second nature.

Katie glanced in the rearview mirror and shook her head, a soft smile on her face as she looked at the two of them. “I wonder when those two are going to admit their feelings for one another,” she commented, not realizing how accurate her words were. Tim, glancing over at Katie, simply chuckled in response, unaware that Azzi and Paige had already confessed to each other long ago.

Azzi and Paige were still half-asleep when they stumbled out of the car, dragging themselves into the house and heading straight to Azzi’s room. They didn’t even bother changing out of their sweats; both of them collapsed into the bed, barely able to keep their eyes open before they fell asleep, the events of the day finally catching up to them.

…

The next morning Azzi woke up groggily, her eyes fluttering open to the soft morning light filtering through the window. For a moment, she lay there, disoriented, before realizing something felt off. She turned her head, scanning the empty space beside her. Paige wasn’t there. Azzi deciding to get up to find the blonde brushed her teeth before going downstairs.

As she made her way downstairs, still in her sweats and a loose shirt, Azzi couldn’t help but wonder where Paige had gone. When she rounded the corner into the living room, she found her, and the sight made her stop dead in her tracks.

Paige was sitting on the couch, focused on a game of Fortnite with Jose. Her grey sweats and hoodie did little to mask her allure, the casual attire only making her look more effortlessly sexy. She was sitting with her legs spread wide, she was slightly leaned over both of her hands wrapped around the controller playing the game. Her hair was pulled up into a messy bun, and her entire posture exuded an effortless confidence that made Azzi's heart skip a beat.

Azzi’s eyes involuntarily flickered to Paige’s legs, they looked inviting the way she had them spread open, practically begging Azzi to crawl into her lap. But they were surrounded by Azzi’s family, and that probably wasn’t the best idea yet. So instead, after hugging her family, Azzi walked over and sat beside Paige on the couch, her feet lightly brushing against Paige’s spread legs. Without a second thought, Azzi swung her legs over, draping them casually across Paige's lap. Her feet hung off the edge, just out of the open space between Paige's legs, but the intimacy of the gesture wasn’t lost on either of them.

Paige didn’t look up immediately, but Azzi could feel the subtle shift in the air. Her teasing smile lingered as she leaned back, her head resting on the arm of the couch, trying to act casual but unable to keep the warmth spreading through her chest at the closeness of their bodies. Paige, finally having a chance to address Azzi’s presence, turned her head, her smile wide and playful as she paused her game.

"Hey, you," Paige said, her voice warm, but there was a playful glint in her eyes. "You look like you slept like a rock."

Azzi raised an eyebrow, leaning closer as she responded, "That’s because I did. The bed wasn’t comfortable without you in it, though."

Paige's grin widened, and she placed a hand on Azzi’s leg, letting it rest there for a beat too long. "Well, I’m glad you’re here now," she teased, her touch sending a thrill up Azzi’s spine.

Azzi felt the heat rise in her cheeks but refused to break eye contact. "Yeah, yeah. Just don’t get too cocky," she teased back, shifting her legs slightly on Paige’s lap, enjoying the intimacy but trying to play it cool in front of her family.

Katie, overhearing them, smirked from the kitchen, shaking her head as she continued preparing breakfast. Tim glanced over with a knowing look, but neither of them said anything—this was just another morning with Azzi and Paige being, well, Azzi and Paige.

…

The day passed in a comforting haze. Paige and Azzi had spent most of their time settling into the house, helping Katie and Tim with small chores, and simply basking in the warm atmosphere of family. The couple didn’t need to hide their affection too much—they blended so seamlessly into the family dynamic that no one batted an eye at their closeness.

As evening rolled around, the smell of roasted vegetables and seasoned meats filled the air, signaling dinner was approaching. Paige was helping set the table when Azzi’s grandmother, seated in the armchair, casually brought up a topic that made Azzi nearly drop the glass she was holding.

“Oh, Azzi,” her grandmother began, folding her hands neatly in her lap. “I ran into Josh’s mother at the store yesterday. I told her you were in town, and she said Josh should stop by.”

Azzi froze, the name alone sending an uncomfortable jolt through her. “Josh?” she repeated, her voice betraying her disbelief. “Prom date Josh?”

“Yes, that Josh!” her grandmother confirmed with a delighted smile. “He’s such a sweet boy. I thought it would be nice for you two to catch up.”

Azzi blinked, her heart racing. She stole a quick glance at Paige, who was watching with a barely concealed smirk, clearly enjoying the situation. Azzi cleared her throat. “Uh, I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Grandma. It’s been… a long time. It’d probably be awkward.”

“Nonsense,” her grandmother said, waving a dismissive hand. “You two were such good friends. What’s a little catching up?”

Paige chuckled softly from the other side of the table, shaking her head. “Yeah, Azzi,” she teased, her tone laced with playful sarcasm. “What’s a little catching up?”

Azzi shot her a look but couldn’t stop her lips from twitching upward. This was going to be interesting.

…

An hour later, just as the family was putting the finishing touches on dinner, the doorbell rang. Azzi’s heart sank as her grandmother rushed to answer it, her voice warm and welcoming as she greeted Josh.

When Josh walked in, he looked almost exactly the same as Azzi remembered—tall, lean, and carrying himself with the easy confidence of someone who knew he’d been invited somewhere fondly. He opened his arms for a hug, his face lighting up when he saw Azzi. “Azzi! It’s been forever.”

Azzi stepped forward but, instead of leaning into the hug, extended her hand. “Hey, Josh. Long time no see.” She gave him a polite smile, keeping her distance. Josh’s enthusiasm dimmed slightly as he adjusted, shaking her hand instead.

Before he could say anything else, Paige rose from her seat behind Azzi. Her 6 '1 frame behind Azzi immediately drew Josh’s attention, and the very subtle height difference was enough to give Paige a slight edge. She stepped forward, lingering just behind Azzi, her movements relaxed but deliberate, and extended her hand with a confident smile.

“Wassup, I’m Paige,” she said, her tone polite but laced with something unmistakably coy. “Azzi’s best friend.”

Josh hesitated for a second, shaking her hand, his grip firm but uncertain. “Nice to meet you,” he said, his eyes flickering between Paige and Azzi.

Paige, ever the picture of calm, walked over and dropped back onto the couch next to Jon and Jose. She sprawled out, legs spread wide, her arms resting over the back as the three of them continued whatever they were doing. It was a casual posture, but there was an unmistakable aura of dominance that filled the room. Azzi couldn’t help but steal glances, her mind wandering as her eyes traced the curve of Paige’s jaw and the way her hoodie hung off her shoulders.

Josh, seemingly oblivious to the tension simmering beneath the surface, started chatting with Azzi about old high school memories. Azzi responded politely, but her answers weren’t as enthusiastic, her body language leaning away from the boy. Paige, meanwhile, stayed quiet, her smirk growing as she noticed Azzi’s constantly looking at her.

The dining room was alive with chatter as the family settled in for dinner. The table was packed, with Katie and Tim at either end, Azzi’s grandparents on one side with Jon and Jose who were across from Azzi and Paige who sat next time one another. Josh, much to Paige’s amusement, sat beside Azzi, wedged awkwardly between her and Tim in a corner portion of the table.

Paige leaned back in her chair, content as she watched the plates pass around. The smell of roasted vegetables, seasoned meats, and fresh rolls filled the room. It was cozy, warm, the kind of family gathering that Paige had come to cherish.

“So, Azzi,” her grandmother began, breaking the peaceful rhythm of clinking silverware. “Remember I told you I ran into Josh’s mother at the store the other day.” Essentially repeating her and Azzi’s conversation earlier, her way of casually bringing up the boy sitting next to Azzi.

Azzi’s hand, mid-reach for a roll, froze. “Yes?” she said, her voice a little too high, a little too careful.

“Yes,” her grandmother said, her eyes lighting up. “We had the nicest chat. Such a sweet woman. I told her you were in town, and she thought Josh should stop by.”

Azzi blinked, her throat tightening. “You did?” she asked, feigning surprise as they’ve already had this conversation, though her tone betrayed her growing discomfort.

Paige, sitting relaxed beside her, was already smirking. Azzi felt her foot nudge against Paige’s under the table—a silent plea for support. Paige, of course, ignored it.

“He’s such a sweet boy,” her grandmother continued, her smile unwavering. “I thought it’d be lovely for you two to catch up. You always got along so well.”

Josh chuckled, his cheeks reddening slightly. “It’s been a while,” he said, looking at Azzi. “But yeah, I’d love to catch up.”

Azzi forced a polite smile, her fingers tightening slightly around her fork. “Grandma, I’m not sure that’s such a good idea,” she said, her voice measured. “We haven’t seen each other in years. It might be…awkward.”

“Nonsense!” her grandmother waved her hand as if brushing away Azzi’s concerns. “You’re both grown now. What’s a little catching up?”

Paige chuckled, the sound low and teasing. “Yeah, Azzi,” she said, drawing out her words with a playful edge. “What’s a little catching up?”

Azzi shot her a glare, but Paige’s eyes sparkled with mischief, clearly enjoying her discomfort. Then, beneath the table, Paige’s hand found its way to Azzi’s knee, her fingers brushing lightly before settling in a gentle but suggestive grip. The touch was subtle, yet deliberate enough to send a jolt through Azzi. She shifted slightly, fighting to keep her expression neutral as a flush crept up her neck.

Katie, picking up on Azzi’s discomfort, stepped in. “Mom, Azzi’s got a lot on her plate,” she said, her tone calm but firm. “I’m sure she’d love to catch up another time, but maybe not this visit.”

Josh, trying to stay polite, smiled. “It’s all good. I don’t want to impose or anything.”

“Oh, it’s no imposition,” her grandmother insisted, clearly not ready to drop the subject. “It’s so rare to have everyone together these days. Besides, I think you two made a lovely couple at prom.”

Azzi nearly choked on her drink. “Grandma, that was years ago.”

“And yet, here you are,” her grandmother said, her tone as cheerful as ever. “Such a handsome boy, don’t you think, Paige?”

Paige, who had been quietly enjoying the spectacle, raised an eyebrow at the sudden shift. “Oh, absolutely,” she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Prom royalty, if I recall correctly.”

Josh laughed, clearly not catching the undertone. “Yeah, those were good times.”

Azzi’s leg pressed against Paige’s under the table, grounding her, but it also served as a warning. Paige, for her part, was having the time of her life. She leaned in slightly, her voice low enough for only Azzi to hear, her breath warm against Azzi’s ear. “Relax,” she murmured, her thumb pressing slightly into Azzi’s thigh.

Azzi bit the inside of her cheek, her lips twitching in a strained smile as her grandmother continued. The table’s attention swung back to Azzi’s grandmother, who had clearly decided she wasn’t done. “Josh, did you know Azzi’s been playing phenomenally this season?” she said, her voice brimming with pride.

“I heard,” Josh said, smiling. “Azzi’s always been a star.”

“She sure has,” Katie added, glancing at Azzi with a knowing look. “But she’s got a lot of responsibilities now. Not much time for old flames.”

Azzi groaned internally, wishing she could sink into the floor. “Mom…”

“What?” Katie said innocently. “Just stating the facts.”

Paige’s hand pressed slightly harder near Azzi’s knee, her thumb moving in a slow, deliberate stroke that made Azzi’s breath catch again. Azzi straightened in her chair, doing her best to appear unaffected, though her hand gripped her fork tightly enough that her knuckles whitened.

Dinner carried on, the clatter of utensils and hum of conversation creating a cozy backdrop. Despite the familial warmth, Azzi was struggling to keep her composure. Paige, seated close beside her, was a constant distraction. Every brush of her arm, every subtle glance, kept Azzi hyper-aware of her presence.

It didn’t help that Paige’s hand was still under the table, now resting lightly on Azzi’s thigh. At first, the touch was barely there—a gentle warmth, almost comforting. But as the conversation drifted on, Paige’s fingers began to move with maddening precision.

Azzi felt Paige’s thumb start to draw slow circles again, the pressure light but insistent. Each stroke sent a ripple of warmth up her leg, making it harder for Azzi to focus on anything else. She shifted in her seat, trying to subtly pull away, but Paige only followed, her touch trailing higher.

Azzi’s responses to Josh and her grandmother grew more clipped as she tried to concentrate on the conversation. “Yeah, that was a good game,” she said, her voice tighter than she intended when Josh brought up a high school basketball memory. Her usual calm was slipping, and she knew Paige was reveling in it.

“Do you remember that crazy after-party?” Josh continued, completely oblivious.

Azzi forced a smile. “Uh-huh. Wild times.”

Her hand tightened around her fork as Paige’s fingers pressed slightly deeper into her thigh, now tracing faint patterns along the sensitive skin. The touch wasn’t overt—nothing anyone at the table would notice—but it was enough to send her pulse racing. She could feel her heartbeat in her ears, her body betraying her as heat pooled in her stomach.

Paige leaned in slightly, her voice low, just for Azzi. “You’re awfully quiet, babe,” she murmured, the word deliberately loaded. Her breath was warm against Azzi’s ear, and Azzi had to clench her jaw to stop herself from reacting.

“—he’s such a sweet boy,” Azzi hears her grandmother continuing her plea from the beginning of dinner, her smile unwavering. “Azzi, are you sure you don’t have time to catch up? You always got along so well.”

Azzi forced a polite smile, her fingers tightening slightly around her fork. “Grandma, I really just don’t have the time. I’m only here for a little while,” she said, her voice measured.

Azzi shot her grandmother a grateful look as she seemingly was going to drop it, but it was short-lived. Paige’s hand slid just a fraction higher, her thumb now grazing the inside of Azzi’s thigh, dangerously close to crossing a line. Azzi inhaled sharply, her knee jerking slightly under the table. She hastily reached for her water, hoping the cool liquid would calm the fire raging in her.

“Careful, Paige,” Azzi muttered under her breath as she sipped her water, just loud enough for Paige to hear.

Paige smirked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Careful with what?” she whispered back, her tone feigning innocence. Her fingers paused for a moment, then gave a gentle squeeze that made Azzi’s breath hitch.

“Everything okay?” Josh asked, his brow furrowing as he noticed Azzi’s sudden silence.

Azzi plastered on a smile, though her voice came out a little strained. “Yeah, fine. Just…thinking about the game.”

Josh nodded, accepting the explanation, but Paige’s smirk only deepened. Her hand shifted slightly, her pinky brushing the edge of Azzi’s inner thigh in a way that made Azzi bite her lip. She could feel her cheeks heating, and she reached under the table to grab Paige’s wrist, squeezing it in a silent plea for mercy.

Paige relented—barely. She slid her hand back down to Azzi’s knee but left it there, her thumb still occasionally brushing against her in a way that kept Azzi’s nerves on edge.

The conversation moved on, but Azzi barely registered it. Every time she thought she had regained her composure, Paige would shift or press her thumb in just the right way to send another jolt of heat through her.

Her grandfather, who had been silent up until now, cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention. “You know,” he said, his voice gruff but steady, “I like Paige better anyway. She always knows how to make Azzi feel good.”

The table went dead silent for a beat before Paige, who had just taken a sip of her drink, sputtered, nearly choking as she coughed into her napkin. Azzi’s eyes widened, her face heating up as she turned to her grandfather.

“Grandpa!” she exclaimed, horrified. Azzi turned to Paige, whose face was now red from coughing and shock. Gently placing a hand on Paige’s back, “Are you okay?” she asked softly, her voice filled with concern. Paige nodded, still coughing into her napkin, as Azzi rubbed soothing circles between her shoulder blades.

“What?” he said, shrugging as if it was the most natural statement in the world. “She’s got a good head on her shoulders. Keeps you on your toes.”

Katie snorted, quickly covering her mouth as laughter bubbled out. “Dad, you can’t just say things like that.”

By the time her grandfather made his offhanded comment about preferring Paige, Azzi was barely holding it together.

Beside her, after composing herself Paige was still grinning, clearly enjoying how easy it was to get under Azzi’s skin. Under the table, her hand finally retreated fully, but the phantom sensation of her touch lingered, leaving Azzi feeling both relieved and achingly aware of Paige’s presence.

As the dinner carried on, Azzi did her best to ignore the lingering heat in her body, focusing instead on the conversations around her. But every now and then, Paige would catch her eye, her gaze filled with unspoken promises that made Azzi’s stomach flip all over again.

Finishing up dinner plates were cleared, leftovers stored, and conversations faded into the background as everyone began winding down for the night. Paige, ever the opportunist, excused herself once the kitchen was in order, making her way upstairs with a coy smile knowing Azzi would be up with some choice words soon.

Azzi, meanwhile, was left to escort Josh to the door. The boy lingered awkwardly in the entryway, his hands shoved deep into his pockets. “It was nice catching up,” he said, his smile warm but tinged with nervous energy.

Azzi nodded, her politeness unwavering but her patience thinning. “Yeah, it was good to see you, Josh.” She extended her hand for yet another handshake, keeping the exchange brief and formal. Josh hesitated for a moment, clearly expecting something more, but eventually took her hand.

“Well, maybe we can hang out again before you leave,” Josh offered, his tone hopeful.

Azzi gave him a tight-lipped smile, stepping back toward the door. “We’ll see,” she said noncommittally.

With that, she gently closed the door behind him, exhaling a sigh of relief. The evening had been exhausting, but not in the way her family might have assumed. As much as she tried to stay composed, the memory of Paige’s hand on her thigh lingered, igniting a restless energy that now begged for resolution.

She ascended the stairs with purpose, her footsteps quick and light. By the time she reached her bedroom, she was practically buzzing with anticipation. Pushing the door open, she found Paige exactly where she expected her—stretched out on the bed, her hands clasped behind her head, looking entirely too pleased with herself.

“Took you long enough,” Paige drawled, her voice low and teasing. Her hoodie was off now, leaving her in just a fitted tank top that clung to her toned frame. The way she sprawled across the bed, so effortlessly confident, only added fuel to the fire burning in Azzi’s chest.

Azzi closed the door behind her, leaning against it for a moment as she took Paige in. “You think you’re funny, don’t you?” she said, her tone a mix of exasperation and need.

Paige grinned, propping herself up on her elbows. “I don’t think—I know,” she quipped. Her eyes raked over Azzi, darkening as she noticed the tension in her posture. “You seemed a little…distracted at dinner. Something on your mind?”

Azzi huffed, pushing off the door and making her way to the bed. “You know exactly what’s on my mind,” she muttered, climbing onto the mattress and straddling Paige without hesitation. Her hands braced on either side of Paige’s shoulders, and for a moment, she just stared down at her, eyes blazing with unspoken frustration.

Paige’s smirk softened into something more tender, her hands coming up to rest gently on Azzi’s butt. “I might’ve pushed a few buttons,” she admitted, her voice dipping lower. “But I couldn’t help myself. You make it too easy.”

Azzi rolled her eyes, but her resolve was already crumbling. The warmth of Paige’s hands on her ass, the steady rise and fall of her chest beneath her, it all worked to soothe and ignite her in equal measure. “You’re insufferable,” she murmured, though there was no real bite to her words.

Paige chuckled, her thumbs brushing soothing circles over Azzi’s hips. “Maybe. But you love it.”

Azzi didn’t deny it. Instead, she leaned down, her forehead resting against Paige’s as her breaths came out shallow and uneven. “You’ve been driving me crazy all night,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Paige’s grin widened, her hands tightening their hold slightly. “Good,” she said, her tone rich with satisfaction. “Now let me make it up to you.”

Azzi let out a shaky laugh, her hands sliding up to cup Paige’s face. “Just… don’t leave any marks,” she murmured, her lips brushing against Paige’s.

Paige chuckled again, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Alright, I’ll behave,” she teased, but her touch softened in reassurance.

…

Azzi woke up slowly, her body tangled with Paige’s under the warm sheets. She could feel the soft rise and fall of Paige’s breath against her skin, the familiar weight of her arm draped across Azzi’s waist. It had been a restless night for both of them.

Azzi’s mind replayed the events of last night—how Paige had kept her on the edge, teasing her, pushing her limits. They hadn’t exactly slept, not in the way people typically think of it. The hours had passed in a haze of intimacy, teasing touches, and whispered words, their bodies close in ways that kept Azzi’s mind racing far past what should have been sleep. She’d barely closed her eyes.

But now, lying next to Paige in the quiet morning, Azzi could finally relax, if only a little. She stayed still for a moment, enjoying the feeling of Paige beside her, the warmth of her skin, the low murmur of her sleepy voice when she stirred.

Paige shifted, brushing her lips lightly against Azzi’s neck. “You okay?” she murmured, voice still thick with sleep, her breath warm on Azzi’s skin.

Azzi chuckled softly, feeling her heart skip a beat at the feeling of Paige’s proximity. “Yeah,” she whispered back. “Just trying to remember if last night was real or if I dreamt it.”

Paige snorted softly, her fingers tracing idle patterns on Azzi’s side. “It was real, all right,” she said with a teasing lilt. “We both know it was.”

Azzi swallowed hard, shifting slightly under Paige’s touch, remembering every moment of last night—the way Paige had made her lose control, the quiet intimacy between them that had both unsettled and exhilarated her. “Yeah,” Azzi agreed, her voice low. “It was.”

They stayed there for a while, both content in the quiet moment. Azzi’s thoughts wandered again, her gaze lingering on the way Paige’s hair splayed out across the pillow, her features soft and relaxed in sleep. Azzi wasn’t used to this before she met Paige—the closeness, the warmth, the sense of comfort mixed with desire. It felt like too much at times, like her chest was going to explode, but Azzi wouldn’t change it for the world.

Suddenly, they both heard footsteps downstairs, and Azzi stiffened, her mind snapping back to reality. Paige, seemingly unfazed, grinned and snuggled deeper into the sheets. “I guess we’d better face the world,” she murmured, her voice full of amusement.

Azzi groaned softly, stretching before reluctantly pushing herself out of bed. “Yeah, let’s get this over with,” she muttered, giving Paige a playful look over her shoulder.

The two of them made their way downstairs, still half-dazed, and entered the kitchen, where Azzi’s mom, Katie, was already busy making coffee. Azzi’s stomach churned slightly, not from nerves, but from the rush of trying to act normal after everything that had happened. She couldn’t help but feel a little off-balance.

Katie looked up from the stove when they entered, her smile warm. “Morning, you two,” she greeted them. “You both sleep okay?”

Azzi hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say, when Katie, giving her a look of concern, asked, “Were you up all night, honey? I kept hearing you moving around. Bad dream or something?”

Azzi blinked, caught off guard by her mom’s innocent assumption. She quickly glanced over at Paige, who was standing next to her, giving her a small, amused smile. Azzi let out a quiet sigh, mentally scrambling for an explanation. “Uh, no, not a bad dream,” she answered, her voice a little too casual. “I just... didn’t sleep much.”

Katie frowned slightly, setting the spoon down in the pot. “I heard you moving around quite a bit,” she said, her brow furrowing. “I thought maybe something was bothering you.”

Azzi felt her pulse quicken as she searched for a way to respond that wouldn’t raise any suspicions. “I just couldn’t get comfortable,” she lied, offering a smile. “Nothing serious, I’m fine.”

Katie still looked a bit concerned but shrugged it off. “Well, that’s a bummer,” she said sympathetically. “You need your rest, sweetie.”

Azzi tried to act like everything was fine, but she could feel her heart racing, aware of how easily she was lying. The truth was, the restlessness had nothing to do with a bad dream. It had everything to do with the way Paige had kept her awake and on edge, teasing her, making her body feel things it wasn’t quite ready for. Azzi hadn’t had a moment of peace all night, but it wasn’t in the way her mom thought.

Azzi quickly diverted the conversation. “Actually, I feel pretty refreshed today,” she said, forcing herself to smile and shake off the tension. “I’m good.”

Paige, who had been standing quietly nearby, clearly enjoying the moment, couldn’t help but grin. She leaned in closer to Azzi, her lips brushing against her ear as she whispered, “Refreshed, huh? That’s one way to put it.”

Azzi’s body instantly responded, a flush spreading across her chest as she quickly pulled away, trying to mask the effect Paige’s words had on her. The teasing was making it harder for Azzi to focus, but she kept her composure, even though she was keenly aware of the heat simmering just beneath the surface.

Katie, oblivious to the exchange, continued on, her focus still on the coffee. “Well, I’m glad to hear it, sweetie,” she said, giving Azzi a concerned but warm smile. “Just don’t stay up too late again, okay?”

Azzi nodded quickly, her voice a little strained. “Yeah, I won’t. Promise.”

As Katie turned back to the counter, Jose walked into the kitchen, glancing between Azzi and Paige with knowing looks. Azzi’s face heated further as Jose smirked.

“Looks like someone’s extra close this morning,” Jose teased, his voice light but full of mischief.

Azzi groaned inwardly, rubbing her temples. “You’re so annoying,” she muttered, trying to mask the discomfort she was feeling.

Katie, still distracted by her coffee, didn’t notice the teasing, but Jose was clearly enjoying it. Azzi could feel the weight of his amusement, but she wasn’t going to let it bother her.

Paige, on the other hand, was enjoying every second of this. She was casually leaning against the counter, a playful smirk on her lips as she watched Azzi squirm under the attention.

Katie smiled and gestured to the counter. “Well, breakfast is almost ready, if you want to help, Azzi.”

Azzi nodded quickly, happy for something to distract her from the teasing and the thoughts that were still swirling in her head about last night. She grabbed a mug from the cabinet, trying to focus on the simple task, but Paige’s presence next to her made her heart race. It was hard to ignore the way her body responded to every small touch and the way her mind kept flashing back to their shared intimacy.

Paige leaned in again, her voice a low whisper. “You sure you feel ‘refreshed’?” she teased, letting her fingers brush lightly across Azzi’s lower back.

Azzi shivered slightly, trying to keep her face neutral. “Shut up,” she muttered, unable to help the smile that tugged at the corner of her lips.

For the most part, Paige and Azzi had spent the entire day lounging around, playing games with the family. It was a rare, peaceful break from their usually hectic schedules. The only time they ventured out was for a quick workout at a private gym, where they worked on their skill sets and worked on finding each other in new ways on the court. They even discovered a flare screen that was nearly impossible to stop with countless shot options for both of them.

Now, they were back in bed, tangled together in the quiet intimacy of the evening as they waited for dinner. Azzi was idly playing with Paige’s fingers, tracing the lines of her palm as if trying to memorize every inch.

“When did you realize you liked me?” Azzi asked softly out of nowhere, her voice laced with curiosity.

Paige smiled, her eyes fixed on their entwined hands. “I think I always knew that’s why I talked so much. Especially when I stayed with your family during the pandemic.”

Azzi chuckled, her laughter light but teasing. “Oh, you mean when you harassed me for months?”

“I did not harass you!” Paige protested, her expression feigning indignation. “You loved having me around.”

“Maybe,” Azzi muttered, her tone playful yet carrying a hint of truth she wasn’t ready to admit.

“What about you?” Paige asked, tilting her head to catch Azzi’s eyes. “When did you know?”

Azzi’s face softened. “Immediately. On the plane after USA camp. You talked my ear off, and I didn’t mind one bit.”

They both laughed at the memory, the nostalgia wrapping around them like a warm blanket.

“So, we both liked each other for years,” Paige said, her voice carrying a mix of amusement and disbelief, “and we’re just now getting together?”

Azzi nodded. “I think we got together at a time when we were both ready and mature enough for it.”

Paige sighed thoughtfully. “I can only imagine trying to balance all the media attention and figuring out our relationship back then. It would’ve been a mess.”

There was a comfortable pause before Azzi broke it with a more serious question. “Why were you with Jess?”

Paige blinked, caught off guard, not expecting to hear that name again .The question was direct, but she knew Azzi deserved an honest answer. “I was hurt… but it was also an accident.”

Azzi gave her a look that silently asked her to explain.

Paige hesitated, then began, “I don’t know if you remember, but earlier that day, you gave that guy your number right in front of me and I was pretty upset.”

Azzi burst into laughter, her eyes lighting up with amusement. “I actually gave him your number. He seemed a little… off, and I didn’t want to deal with the back and forth so I just gave him yours.”

Paige’s jaw dropped. “What?! Why didn’t you tell me when I complained about the random texts the next day?”

Azzi shrugged, her smirk turning sheepish. “I was upset about your new little girlfriend, and I didn’t feel like helping you.”

Paige shook her head, then recounted, “Jess wasn’t even supposed to be my girlfriend. She was just a fan who asked for a picture and afterwards she casually asked what I was doing later, and I told her the team was going to Ted’s. Next thing I know she thinks it’s a date and she’s announcing to everyone that we’re together.”

Azzi doubled over, laughing so hard tears welled up. “You got stuck for two whole months because you invited a fan to Ted’s?”

Paige grabbed a pillow and whacked Azzi “It’s not funny!” This only made Azzi laugh harder.

“Maybe I should ban you from talking to anyone ever again,” Azzi teased, catching her breath. “Clearly, you’re too nice for your own good.”

“Hey, I’m all for it if it means I only get to talk to you,” Paige shot back, grinning.

They continued laughing, but Azzi’s expression grew serious as a lingering question surfaced. “Did anything ever happen between you two?”

Paige, sensing the shift, quickly reassured her. “No. No, of course not. I only ever had eyes for you.”

Azzi nodded slowly, her features relaxing. “So… what did you guys even do?”

“Honestly?” Paige said with a smirk. “She spent most of the time throwing herself at me, and I kept making excuses—practice, meetings, homework. We barely saw each other. I just sent a few texts here and there to keep things at bay.”

Azzi laughed, shaking her head. “And she really thought that was a relationship?”

Paige shrugged nonchalantly. “You were my first, if that’s what you’re wondering.”

Azzi blinked, her surprise evident. “Wait—what?”

“Yeah,” Paige said casually, leaning back.

“Wait I thought… everyone made it sound like you were some player before I got to Uconn.”

“That’s what everyone thought,” Paige admitted. “I mean sure I talked to people and they definitely tried to hook up but they weren’t you. Even as a freshman, I knew I didn’t want to do anything that might make you see me differently.”

Azzi stared at her, still processing. “You always seemed so confident, so… experienced.”

Paige grinned. “That’s because it was with you. Everything felt like second nature.”

Azzi smirked. “Yeah, choking me the first time we fucked was totally second nature, huh?”

Paige raised her hands in mock surrender. “Hey, not my fault I noticed how much you liked it that night at Morgan’s party.”

They laughed, their cheeks warm from shared memories.

Paige eventually asked, “Why didn’t you just ever ask?”

Azzi hesitated. “I was scared. I didn’t want to hear details if there were any. I thought it’d hurt too much.”

Paige hummed thoughtfully, then smiled as Azzi said, “You were my first, too.”

“I know,” Paige said softly.

Azzi tilted her head. “How?”

“I know you,” Paige said simply. “You’re too intentional with yourself to be with just anyone. Plus You’d have told me if it were different no matter how much I wouldn’t have wanted to hear.”

They locked eyes, their gazes filled with unspoken emotion, and shared a tender kiss.

After a moment, Paige pulled back slightly. “What’s going on? You’ve been deep in thought all day.”

Azzi hesitated, then admitted, “Last night’s been on my mind all day.”

Paige grinned. “That good, huh?”

“Paige,” Azzi groaned. “Seriously. It wasn’t our first time, but something about it felt different and more charged. I could feel how much you cared about me with every touch and I’ve just never felt anything that intense before. Not to mention we went all night, you didn’t leave me much room to calm myself down so everything in my chest just kept building.”

Paige’s teasing expression softened. “I know exactly what you mean. I felt it too. Maybe it’s because we’re in your home. We've been here so many times before but never like that. It's all kind of full circle for us and shows just how serious this is between us.”

Azzi nodded. “Paige, you know this isn’t just a fling for me right? I want us to build something real.”

“I know, baby,” Paige said, rubbing Azzi’s cheek. “I’ve known since the moment I met you that whatever we were and whatever our relationship ended up being, we were in it for the long run. I can’t imagine my life without you.”

Azzi’s eyes glistened, her emotion bubbling over at Paige’s words and before she could stop herself, she whispered, “I love you.”

Paige’s shocked face lit up before settling into a large grin. “You love me?”

Azzi smiled, more confident now. “I love you. I’ve loved you for a while.”

Paige leaned in, her voice soft as her eyes shined with affection. “I’m completely in love with you, Azzi Fudd.”

They shared a lingering kiss, the weight of their words settling between them. The moment was tender, perfect. Moments later, Katie’s voice called them down for dinner. They broke apart, laughing, and headed downstairs hand in hand.

Dinner was quieter this time, a calm follow-up to the lively gathering from earlier. Only Tim, Katie, Jon, Jose, Azzi, and Paige sat around the table, the conversation mostly focused on basketball. Laughter punctuated the meal as they exchanged light-hearted stories about past games and memorable moments.

Jose, however, had other plans. Leaning back in his chair, he glanced between Paige and Azzi with a sly grin. “You know,” he began casually talking quietly so only they could hear, “I don’t think the two of you are as sneaky as you think.”

Paige paused mid-bite, her brows furrowing. “What do you mean?” she asked, feigning innocence.

“Oh, you know exactly what I mean,” Jose replied, leaning forward with a smirk. “Last night. Thin walls. Ringing any bells?”

Azzi groaned, sinking lower into her chair. “Jose, shut up.”

“I’m just saying,” he continued, clearly enjoying himself. “You two had everyone fooled during the day, but at night? Let’s just say, you weren’t exactly subtle.”

Paige’s cheeks burned, and she glared at Jose. “We tried to be quiet.”

“Keyword: tried,” Jose said, chuckling. “Didn’t really work, though.”

Azzi shook her head, muttering, “I hate you.”

Paige buried her face in her hands, letting out a muffled groan. “Can we please talk about something else?”

Jose had an amused look, but thankfully, Katie interrupted and redirected the conversation. “Azzi,” she said, her tone curious, “What was going on with you and Josh? You were avoiding him and Grandma yesterday. You were also acting all jumpy anytime he got close to you.”

Jose jumps in adding to the fuel on purpose, “Not to mention you throwing out your hand for an awkward handshake anytime he tried to hug you.”

Azzi froze, her eyes darting to Paige for a split second. “I’m just… trying to be respectful,” she said quietly, her voice barely audible. No one but Paige knows that Azzi is referring to the rules they have in place for one another.

“Respectful?” Katie repeated, clearly confused. “Respectful to who?”

Azzi shifted uncomfortably, her gaze dropping to her plate. Then, in a voice just loud enough to be heard, she said, “Paige.”

The room fell silent for a moment, the only sound was the faint clinking of utensils. Paige’s eyes widened, and she instinctively reached under the table to take Azzi’s hand, squeezing it gently. Azzi squeezed back, drawing strength from the gesture.

Katie tilted her head, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “And why would you need to be respectful to Paige?” Her tone was light, but her eyes sparkled with curiosity.

Azzi took a deep breath, her eyes flicking briefly to Paige before she turned back to her family. “Because…” She hesitated, then finally said, “Paige and I are dating.”

For a moment, the room was completely still. Then, in unison, Tim, Katie, Jon, and Jose broke into wide smiles.

“Finally,” Katie said, her voice warm with affection.

Azzi blinked, caught completely off guard. “Wait, what?”

Jon laughed. “Took you two long enough.”

Jose grinned, pointing his fork at Paige. “You were always looking at Azzi like she hung the moon.”

“Same goes for Azzi,” Jon added. “You’ve both been obvious since day one.”

Tim, who had been quietly observing, nodded. “We’ve known for years, girls. We just wanted to let you figure it out on your own.”

Paige looked around the table, her face a mix of shock and relief. “You all knew?”

Katie chuckled. “Of course, sweetheart. The way you two interact? It was only a matter of time.”

Azzi let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding, a grin spreading across her face. Paige, still holding her hand under the table, smiled back at her, feeling a sense of warmth and belonging.

“Well,” Azzi said, her voice lighter, “I guess we didn’t need to stress about telling you.”

“Nope,” Jon said, grinning. “But we’re glad you finally did.”

Jose leaned in again, smirking as he whispered to the two of them. “Just maybe keep it down tonight, yeah?”

“Jose!” Azzi and Paige said in unison, their faces red but laughing despite themselves.

The rest of dinner passed in a comfortable, happy atmosphere, the family’s support wrapping around Paige and Azzi like a warm embrace.

#pazzi #paige x azzi #pazzi fics

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littlegreenteacup · 27 days ago

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Library - some of my favorites

I didn’t write any of these, but you should definitely read them anyway

Bill Weasley

Burrow Bound | by @charmed-quill

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8 - Chapter 9 - Chapter 10 - Chapter 11 - Chapter 12 - Epilogue -

Long Hair & Tattoos | by @wisteria-blooms

LH&T Masterlist

Honestly anything by wisteria-blooms is worth the read

Willow | by @refiwrites

Slow Dancing In a Burning Room | by @captainsophiestark

Eyes | by @captainlunaxmen

Charlie Weasley

Sunburns and Dragons | by @wisteria-blooms

SB&D Masterlist

Lost Without You | by @raven-dor

Chemicals | by @dragonologist-in-the-making

Ominis Gaunt

Betraying the Devil You Know | by @wedonthaveawhile

BTDYK Masterlist | mind the tags on this one

Benedict Bridgerton

When the World Is Free | by @fayes-fics

WTWIF Masterlist

Edmund Pevensie

Making Up For Lost Time | by @pink-princess-pussy-pop

I’ll add more as I find more favorites, but so far these have been the ones that I’ve either re-read, sent to friends or that made me fall for a character that I don’t normally like.

Happy reading,

Elinor

#library of fics #Elinor’s recommendations #x reader #fanfic #fanfiction #bill weasley x reader #charlie weasley x reader #Benedict bridgerton x reader #benedict bridgerton #bill weasley #charlie weasley #ominis gaunt x reader #ominis gaunt

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sinnabarmoth · 1 month ago

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Tribute for the Dragon (8/18)

Pairing: Dragon|Sylus x Fem|Reader

Summary: Sylus takes you to witness a dragon celebration and things take a rather fiery turn.

Content Warnings: Adult language. Thigh riding.

Length: 3k

Chapters: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18)

Read on AO3

Life in the mountain was different.

You hadn’t noticed it at first but things were different. Ever since you and Sylus actively started getting to know one another the mountain felt more homey. You weren’t just a servant wandering these halls, both mystified and turned on by the dragon you served. He had become a friend.

Things had never gotten as personal as they did the day he told you about what life was like for him growing up. It had been a lot for him to admit, even under the initial guise of a draconic folktale. He never mentioned it again and you didn’t pry. But you were glad.

Your dragon was someone you knew. Questions you had no longer had to be filled with your imaginings. When wanted to know something about him, he just told you.

You were happy and you felt trusted.

You had noticed a shift in Sylus too. It was more subtle but he was around more. He went out of his way to seek you out and talk to you throughout the day. He was gentler, not as aloof. He still teased you but it felt more like a joke between the two of you instead of him trying to antagonize you.

You also just had fun together now. When you were bored you’d go to the hoard room and make towers out of the gold coins and jewels for fun. You taught him human card games and even tried to teach him human dances too. You quickly realized that dragons were not the most graceful of creatures when not flying.

“It’s really not that hard. Try again.” you held him at arm’s length as you tried to get him to copy your moves. “Out and in and your arm goes up and I duck under. One and two and three and four.”

You tried to do the move but again Sylus twisted the wrong way when you ducked under. “Are you purposefully getting this wrong to spite me?”

“I would never.” he settled his hands on his hips. “I just don’t understand how I am supposed to angle my body so that it doesn’t end up twisted.”

“I keep telling you, just arc backwards, follow the movement the way it flows. You’re the one that’s supposed to be leading, I follow you, you don’t follow me.”

“Why are we learning this again?” he asked.

“For something to do.” you shrugged. “I grew up doing this dance every year at the village festivals. My father would always take me out onto the dance floor when I was little and then when I got older and I could have other partners, I always made sure to save a dance with him. Dancing was always my favorite part of the festivals.”

“Your festivals sound like they are more fun than dragon celebrations.”

“Really? I would have guessed that a dragon party would be far more interesting than a human festival. I mean, what do a bunch of dragons do at a dragon celebration? Food? Games? Dancing?”

“Food definitely. Games, maybe. Dancing, never.”

“So what do you do?”

“Depends on what the celebration is about.” Sylus thought for a moment. “Actually, there is one that should be starting soon.”

“Really?”

“Yes. We cannot exactly attend but we may still watch the events from a distance.”

“That doesn’t sound like so much fun.”

“It might not be. But I thought perhaps you’d like to witness a little about dragon culture.”

“I would. You’ve piqued my curiosity. When is this celebration?”

“Three days I believe, during the half moon. Shouldn’t take more than a couple hours by flight.”

“What do you mean flight?”

~~~

“This is the best thing ever!” you shrieked with glee as Sylus and you soared through the warm summer air. Sylus had you wrapped tight in his arms as he flew. The wind stung your face but you couldn’t stop beaming.

“That was right in my ear, little bird.” Sylus said. “I know you’re excited but I’d still like to be able to hear.”

“Sorry.” you knew that it was easiest for him to fly when you were still but you were just so excited all you wanted to do was bounce around. “I cannot believe that I’m really flying!”

“It’s very freeing, isn’t it?”

“It’s amazing!” you clung tighter onto his neck. “I wish I could fly myself. It must be annoying that you have to carry me.”

“I don’t mind. Just try to keep still, we have a long flight ahead of us until we get to the shore.” He reminded you. It took a couple of hours of straight flying but eventually you saw the blue of the ocean in the distance. The only time you had been to the ocean before was when you were very small and you didn’t remember much of anything. It was still impossibly big, even from a distance.

Sylus touched down on a high cliff about a mile from the beach. “Why don’t we go down?” you asked. “I’d love to get my feet in the sand.”

“Not today. This is dragon land and this is a very important tradition that is happening today and I’m afraid if they smell a human has been tromping around down there, we may get in some trouble.”

“And being on the cliff is better?”

“We’re downwind, also, what is most important is the sand. They should not care that we’re up here so long as we don’t touch the sand.”

“The sand? What’s so special about the sand?”

“You’ll see. Now, how about we have some of the food you packed.”

You slung the pack off your shoulder and opened it up. Inside was a blanket, a large skin of water, and a lot of food you had wrapped tightly in paper to avoid leaking all over the pack. You knew Sylus needed a lot of food and after such a long flight he was bound to be ravenous. You laid out the blanket over the grass and sat down to eat.

Even if you couldn’t go on the beach it was nice to be by the ocean. The salty sea air blew across your skin and the sun warmed your face. You watched as the waves rolled and crashed down below. It was so peaceful.

The peace was abruptly broken when a deafening roar echoed across the air. You had immediately scrambled next to Sylus, searching the sky for what had made such a noise. Sylus chuckled and pointed out in the distance where a swarm of dots in the distance were growing larger and larger. “Are those all dragons?”

“Yes. Now is when we have to be quiet and keep our heads low. They shouldn’t know that we are up here but I’d rather not risk it.” he wrapped an arm around your shoulders, “Stay close to me, it’ll help mask your scent.”

You huddled close and watched as dragons landed on the beach. They were beautiful and frightening. They came in many shapes and sizes and colors. Some as green as glittering emeralds, others had opalescent scales that reflected the sun like a mirror, and then there was the largest of them all, a hulking red and black dragon, with eyes of molten fire and two long silver whiskers.

Sylus pointed to the largest dragon, “That’s the elder of this tribe, Tengya. It’s said that he’s lived for over five thousand years.”

“Is that why he’s so big?” you whispered, afraid to talk any louder.

“Yes. Unlike humans who stop growing at a certain point, dragons only get larger the longer they are alive. His size is testament to how long he has been on the planet. Many battles he has faced and he remains.”

“Do dragons die naturally or are they immortal?”

“They can die of old age, most don’t make it to that point. Most dragons end up dead battling other dragons or being felled by humans. Not Tengya though, no one that has challenged him has survived.”

“I can see why. He’s terrifying.”

“Yes he is. Imagine living with him.”

“Live with him? Did you live in his tribe?”

“I did, for a bit.” he gruffed. “He’s about as approachable as he looks.”

You didn’t ask any further questions and instead watched the dragons on the beach. The sound of their roars only got louder now that they were all gathered together. As the sun began to set the elder, Tengya, stepped forward and the beach fell silent. He sat back and nodded to one of the smaller dragons to step forward. It was a sky blue dragon that stepped forward and bowed their head.

There was an expectant silence as the blue dragon dug its claws into the sand, arched its back, and then blew a hot wave of fire out of its mouth into the sand. It was then you realized what it was doing. It was the same as what your father did in his shop but on a much larger and less precise scale. The dragon had turned the sand into twisting tower of glass.

The dragons on the beach thumped their tails against the ground, almost like applause.

“What is this?” you whispered to Sylus.

“It’s a rite of adulthood.” he explained just as quietly, “Adolescent dragons have to demonstrate their power by blowing a fire into the sand to create large craters and statues. The bigger the formation, the more powerful they are seen.”

“Amazing.” you watched as the next dragon stepped forward to a new patch of glass. This one used its wings to pick up more sand as they blew their fire and made an even taller sculpture than the last. “What do they do with the glass afterwards?”

“It is considered treasure and taken back as the first piece of their proper hoard and usually given a place of honor.”

You thought back to the hoard room back at your mountain. You had explored it quite a few times now and you could not recall seeing a giant glass sculpture anywhere in there.

One by one you watched as the young dragons stepped forward and made their creations. It was amazing to witness but the sun had long since set and you were starting to get cold up on the cliff. A shiver ran through your body and Sylus pulled you onto his lap, his wings extended from his back and folded in around you to shield you from the wind. You leaned against him, sapping whatever warmth you could get from his body.

“You know,” you said, “I’m glad you were the dragon that moved into the mountain. Before meeting you I would not have thought I’d feel so safe in a dragon’s arms. ”

“Nor did I think I’d embrace a human like this.” he said, nuzzling his nose against your hair. “I’m glad it was you that hiked up the mountain. Anyone else would not have been nearly as interesting.”

Your heart was beating terribly loud again. You picked your head off his shoulder and looked him in the eye. “Sylus,” your cold hands rested on his broad warm chest. “I’m scared I’m going to do something foolish.”

“And what foolish thing is that, little bird?” he asked. He stared back at you through half lidded eyes, once again letting nothing show on his face.

“This.” you leaned closer, your eyes falling shut as you pressed your lips to his.

He had gone rigid in your arms, his lips unmoving against yours. Immediately you worried that you had done something wrong. You pulled back slightly, embarrassed beyond words. “I’m sorry. I told you it was foolish--”

Sylus grabbed the back of your neck and pushed your mouth back against his. You gasped and his tongue swept into your mouth. You wound your hands into his silvery hair, trying to pull him even more into you. He tasted like heat and spice, as if you had taken a drop of the summer sun and let it coat your tongue.

“You continue to surprise me.” he murmured against your lips.

“And you worried me. I thought I had ruined everything for a moment there.” you chuckled.

“Took me a moment to realize you had actually done that.” his hands landed on your hips, adjusting you so sat more comfortably on his lap. “You taste even sweeter than I thought you would.”

He pulled you back in, pushing your entire body flush to him so not a part of you wasn’t on him. His teeth gently worried your lower lip and you could feel the sharp point of his canines graze your skin. You felt something slide across your ankle and squeaked, worried for a moment it was a snake before realizing it was Sylus’s tail.

“Don’t mind it.” he said, “I feel it sometimes has a mind of its own. But this, is all me.”

His tail had slithered under the fabric of your skirt and wrapped around your thigh, pulling your leg over him so you were straddled on one of his legs. “What are you--ah!” you got your answer when he jostled the leg you were straddled across.

“Ride it.” his voice had dropped to that low growl you had heard him use when you were both in the hot spring.

Oh gods, were you really doing this? You lowered yourself so your cunt was pressed right to his thigh and ground your hips down. The bit of friction sent pleasurable ripples through your body and you could feel heat pooling between your legs. His hands roamed up and down your body, touching you in a way you had only allowed in your fantasies.

“You’re still so cold,” he said, the pad of his thumb teasing your nipple through the material of your dress. “Just look at how you shiver.”

“Sylus,” you ground against his leg a little harder. “Please Sylus.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep you warm.” his mouth latched to your neck, biting and bruising the sensitive skin.

You moaned aloud, pressing yourself more into his touch. You knew that you had to have soaked through the material of your undergarments. You normally went without since it meant more laundry to do but considering that you had to fly here you wanted the extra cover. Right now it was very inconvenient. You wanted to feel the leather of his pants rubbing against your clit. Wanted to stain his leg with your arousal.

“Sylus,” you panted, “I want to feel you more.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“Alright, I can do that.” he said. You thought he was going to let you shuffle about so you could get the undergarments off but instead his hand slid under your dress. “Lift your hips up.”

You weren’t sure what he was doing but you lifted yourself off his leg. You felt the pressure of his claws, cold and hard press against the soaked material and a grin spread on his face. Then the sound of cloth ripping as he cut a slit at the crotch. “There, keep going.”

You lowered yourself again, this time feeling the leather of his pants directly against your soaked and sensitive cunt. You moaned again and he plastered his mouth to yours, swallowing the sound.

“Keep going. Don’t stop until you come.” he commanded. “I want you looking in my eyes as you come undone.”

You threw your arms around his neck, your forehead pressed to his as you rode his thigh. Your cunt spasmed and clenched around nothing longing to be filled. It was all getting to be too much. You were dizzy from pleasure, so close to an orgasm but it was right out fo reach.

Sylus kept his hands on your breasts, rubbing and pinching your nipples through the cotton. His tail was still wrapped around your one thigh, squeezing it tighter and pulling your leg back down when you tried to wiggle off his leg. He switched from biting and bruising your neck to kissing you fiercely. Every little sound you made he wanted it poured down his throat instead. And at this point there were many sounds for him to feast upon.

You were panting and moaning his name against his lips. “Come for me.” he said. “I need you to come for me, my wildfire.”

“Sylus!” your voice cracked as you came.

“That’s it, that’s my girl.” he grabbed your chin and forced you to look in his eyes. Your cunt twitched again, flooding with arousal but nothing to cling onto. All of your juices spilled out onto his thigh, making the leather supple and soft underneath you.

You collapsed forward, your face buried in his neck. His hands gentled up and down your back, easing you back from the high. “Breathe, you did so good. You were so good, little bird.”

“I…I’m feeling much warmer now.” you muttered into his neck.

He chuckled. “Yes. Me too.” For a minute you sat there catching your breath before Sylus moved you off of his lap.

“What are you doing?”

“It’s probably best we head back now while you’re still warm.” he said.

“But--”

“Trust me, I want nothing more than to tear this dress to pieces and fuck you till you’re screaming. But we also don’t want to garner too much attention up here.”

“Attention?”

“Remember what I said about dragons having an excellent sense of smell?” he nodded towards the beach. “I would really rather not have everyone down on the beach realize that there is a very horny human and dragon nearby.”

“Oh right…” you had forgotten where you were for a moment.

“Come along. Quickly.” he stuffed everything back in the pack and handed it to you.

You gave one final look to the dragons down on the beach surrounded by their giant glass sculptures that glittered in the half-moon light. Sylus scooped you into his arms and you were back to the skies. You held tight to him, pressing a kiss to the side of his neck as you began the long flight back home.

#love and deepspace #lads sylus #lads mc #sylus x mc #sylus x reader #dragon sylus #lads dragon au

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