#HIS SMILE IS GONE WAAAAA

[zincbot]

the portraits changing in act 3.

[banj0possum]

Please more poly vampires please😭🙏! I can hardly ever find x male/masc reader stuff especially about monsters😭. What happens when they take us back to their home. What's gonna happen to us? What will the townsfolk react?

Poly!Vampires x Reader Pt. 2

CW: kidnapping, silas is a freak for a brief moment

waaaaa !! so sorry this took so long !! thank you all for being so patient with me ! >w< <3

update: i mixed up garrick and silas' names im sorry im sorry its fixed now guys im so-

🌙 Its been a week since the townspeople found your house empty, your bedroom looking like something out of a mystery novel.

🌙 The bed was stained with blood and claw marks were dug deep into your bedframe with the moonlight illuminating your room through your broken window.

🌙 It looked as if you've been taken by a creature of the night, but weirdly enough, your luggage was nowhere to be found. Your closet and drawers had clothes missing and the painting you had just finished was gone.

🌙 Who could have done this?

🌙 "Garrick, it's your turn to drive!"

🌙 "Already?! Just one more minute Viktor~?"

🌙 You're being held hostage, no, hostage wasn't the right word..kidnapped? Enslaved maybe? who knows..All you know was that these..creatures..will never let you out of their sight.

🌙 You remember that night when you bore witness to their inhuman ways, they were at the foot of your bed when you took out the crucifix under your pillow and held it to Viktor, his eyes turning all red and he hissed at the holy figure.

🌙 "Ohoho! Our little mortal's smart!" Garrick grins, showing off his sharp fangs.

🌙 Silas tries to grab you but you dodge, but his long claws managed to cut your cheek, you couldn't say the same for your bedframe..

🌙 Viktor gets a hold of you and chuckles darkly at your cut, the red liquid bleeding out of it made his mouth water.

🌙 "My my~ What a fierce little minx you are my darling~" he coos with a raspy cold breath as he licks your wound. The feeling made your stomach churn and your spine shiver.

🌙 Garrick was busy making a mess of your room and stuffing your clothes in bags. Also stuffing a pair of your underwear in his shirt for himself.. "Come on you idiots! It's almost dawn!" He whisper-yells as he fiddles with the window's lock.

🌙 Silas rolls his eyes and kicks the window, breaking it and jumping through, with Garrick holding his hand.

🌙 You were confused beyond compare. Were they really gonna kidnap you?! What's gonna happen to you?! Should you scream for help?!

🌙 "I'm sorry for this Darling.." Viktor says softly before knocking you out.

🌙 Now back to the present, the 3 rode around in a caravan, a charming little wagon that doubled as a moving home of sorts. One went in front and drove while the other two looked after you or did other things.

🌙 Every escape attempt you had would end up in failure, their superhuman senses were no match for you.

🌙 "Garrick you said that 10 minutes ago!" Viktor growls at the younger vampire.

🌙 Garrick groans "Fiiiiiine!" He says before giving you one last hug and kiss and going out with a coat to shield him from the sun.

🌙 You had about 10 seconds to yourself before Viktor sits down next to you and pulls you onto his lap.

🌙 "Oh how I missed your warmth little mortal~" He purrs, kissing your neck which made you tense up in fear of his fangs. He feels your heart beat faster and smirks. "Am I making you nervous~?" He teases.

🌙 Silas comes over and smacks the dark-haired man on the head "Enough Viktor! Don't you think our precious little darling is frightened already?" he scolds before smiling down at you warmly. Viktor just rolls his eyes and buries his face into your neck.

🌙 He hands you a cup of tea and sits down across from you and Viktor "Drink up dear, mortals like you need to stay warm in the winter~"

🌙 Silas was the most respectful one out of the 3, he was always taking care of you and making sure the others didn't make you feel uncomfortable, but of course he was just as obsessive of you as they were.

🌙 Viktor is such a cuddle bug, always hugging you close every chance he gets. He'd even have the luxury to sleep with you, an activity he hasn't done in a while. He might not need to sleep, but just lying in bed with your adorable sleeping form was like being in heaven for him.

🌙 Garrick love love loves chatting with you. Rambling to you about people he's killed or jewelry he's looted off of his food weren't the best topics to talk about, but he's got no one else to talk to! And you are his darling after all!

🌙 And you could do nothing about any of it. You were treated like a glorified pet and there was no way to leave or escape of have any time for yourself..

🌙 It continued on like this until the caravan came to a stop by a small town. The weather was much colder now than it was in your hometown with rain softly pouring down from the sky.

🌙 Your heart drops, knowing what they're going to do here.

🌙 They all come off the caravan, Silas going to give the horses some food. You refused to leave the caravan in your anxiety-stricken state.

🌙 Garrick notices your nervousness and smiles, sitting next to you and putting his forehead to yours "Darling, you miss home don't you~?" he coos softly.

🌙 You nod slightly as you refuse to look at him or even move.

🌙 The vampire sighs and rests his head on your shoulder and holds your hand. "I know honey...but we won't hurt you! And besides, you don't know these people anyway! You scared we'll kill them and stuff? It's fine! We do it all the time!" He laughs. He wasn't making anything better..

🌙 "You're shit at comforting people Silas." Viktor looks at the red head with a deadpanned expression. "Oh up yours Vik!" Garrick rolls his eyes at him.

🌙 At least that made you lighten up a bit..

🌙 Garrick pulls you up from your seat and you get out of the caravan, rain hitting your face before the vampire opens up an umbrella and holds you close to him so you don't get wet.

🌙 "Its fine dear, this is the last stop before we head back to our new home~" Silas walks over and places a kiss on your cheek.

🌙 Wait..home?..

🌙 "Now gentleman! Who's hungry~?"

sorry this is a bit short ! but feel free to request or ask anything about these blorbos! i love em a lot !

[clubdionysus]

[BAD DECISION #51] Space

warnings: okay this one is like.. a lot. Return of the ajummas, very very very cute date night waaaaa, kook is just the cutest at the start of this one :(, a little under the stars smut (starluvrs doing what they do best!!) oral (m), rimming (m), doggy, lovely stuff! An attempt at communication….a fail at communication…. Oh no! Arguments :( friends to the rescue!!! Namseok say hi! Enter stage left: the red witch, dionysus!, the most iconic ‘chess’ of the entire story, waaaa

notes: i just love how the bd headers are like lil time capsules of what was happening at the time I was writing hehe. this one is just over 25k, sorryyy!! only 2 chapters tonight but 35k worth!! and a massive plot moment hehe

wc: 25K

bd total wc: 540k (ongoing)

AO3 | MASTERLIST | MINORS DNI

The air in May is lighter. Free of the frigid spring temperatures, summer is on the precipice, with a warmth you've not felt for quite some time.

Though you attribute it to the ever-changing seasons, you know that this warmth would be wrapped around you regardless of the time of year – for you're wearing Jeongguk's shirt. The scent of his aftershave lingers, and each subtle wave of the aroma feels like a small kiss to your cheek; a reminder of what you are. Who he is to you.

"So he's your boyfriend?" Minsu, one of the elderly ladies adorned in floral print gilets, sitting on their usual bench outside the CU, asks.

"Well," you inhale a little air between your teeth. "Not exactly."

There are a few groans of disbelief, heads shaking.

"Kids these days."

"Why would he not be your boyfriend?"

"Because!" you laugh, thinking that the word alone is enough of answer, but knowing they'll never accept it. "It's not that simple. There are rules and expectations and-"

"Excuses! Excuses!" Minsu makes sure to interject.

And perhaps they're right. Perhaps these are thinly veiled excuses for Jeongguk, because you don't want him to lose favour. Don't want anyone to think negatively of him.

They've been listening to you babble on about Jeongguk for the past half an hour, having caught you on a convenience store run. You'd only gone to pick up a snack. Are dressed down in one of his shirts and a pair of leggings. Didn't intend on seeing anyone – but the second they clocked you, you knew you'd be busy for the better part of an hour. The silver chain around your neck is hidden between the cotton of the shirt, your bird resting prettily just above your heart. Right where it belongs. 

Occasionally, you reach up to twiddle with it a little absentmindedly.

Though she doesn't mention it, Minsu notices how you touch it whenever your replies get a little scattered. Anxious. You're self-soothing, or so it would appear – and using your most prominent reminder of him to do so.

"Not excuses," you insist, a sweet smile on your face. You're not taking their criticisms too seriously, and you know they mean well so why worry about it? If anything, perhaps it's good to hear outside opinions away from your friends. "I just... well, I want him to ask. I don't wanna be the one to do it."

The thing is, their criticisms come from experience. They've given you advice in regards to Jeongguk before, which had proven to be worthwhile. Identified times in which he was being a big old baby, and told you to hold off being reactive – and they were right to do so. You trust their judgement far better than you trust your own.

And so, the next critique makes you feel all out of sync and uneasy.

"Okay," Jinnae, the most vocal of the group accepts, but then poses a question that will haunt you all week. Will keep you up at night. Have you wondering the exact same thing. "So why hasn't he asked?"

Days without you are hard, or so Jeongguk finds in the week that follows Yoongi's wedding celebrations.

Busy covering shifts that you'd swapped with colleagues in order to keep the wedding weekend empty in your schedule, you've barely had a second to yourself, let alone to spend on Jeongguk.

And either way, it's not like he's been around.

Ring bearer isn't the only recently acquired title of his. He's a house sitter, now, too. Or a cat sitter, whichever you choose to believe needs more looking after while Yoongi and Seoyeon are on their Honeymoon. Japan, then Jeju. Nothing too extravagant or far from home, but far enough that they can forget their lives back home for a little while.

Everyone they meet while on their vacation will only ever know them as a married couple. That's their life now. Forever identifiable as the husband or wife of someone else – and that's precisely how they'd like their lives to be.

Jeongguk envies them, in a way. Desperately wishes his journey to finding a love like that could have been simple. Is embarrassed, in a way, over how long he spent chasing a love that never was. Likes to pretend he lives without regret, but he's got a few – none more so than Hayun. Or at least, how he behaved when she came back into the picture.

Because the regret really isn't about her; it's about you, and how he treated you. Knows he could have done better. Wishes he had.

While the past can't be changed, he likes to think the future isn't pre-destined. Doesn't know much about the stars, but if they have fated him to live this way, he hopes it's not without purpose.

In the city, the sky never gets dark. Not really. Lights of the night markets and neons of the party district keep the place you call home illuminated until the sun rises. Peace and quiet is reserved for the sticks; the area outside of the ancient city walls that once would have belonged to farmers, or those ostracised from high society.

These days, there's a price that comes with country living. You need money if you want the freedom of a slow life while still having access to the city. Thankfully, Yoongi's made a reputable name for himself, and Seoyeon's been equally steady in her career. Good financial decisions have been their strong point for years, and is why they can afford the life they live.

As Jeongguk lays on his back in the Min's living room, a purry Oduun perched prettily on his sternum, he wonders if he'll ever be able to afford such freedom.

Lips pursed, eyes hard, he loses track of how long he wastes pondering it all. His job, his degree, if it was a waste or not, how the fuck he's gonna find another location for the restaurant - if the restaurant is even viable for him, now.

He's not much one for fate. Thinks that if you want something, you have to work hard for it - but damn it , he did work hard, and he still lost.

He thinks of you. How close he came to losing you. Knows that if were to ever lose you, properly, then that would be it. He'd simply lose passion for everything and anything. Thinks without you, his heart would burn out, and then what use is he to anyone?

What use is the nights sky without stars to guide wayward travellers? The moon without a sun?

With a sigh that's so hearty Oduun jumps off him, Jeongguk reaches for his phone. Finds the standard chain of notifications, and a couple of messages from you. Just forwarded videos in your shared DMs, nothing big. The fact that you've been sending him anything at all must mean that work is slow - and is only confirmed when he gets another message pinging through.

You: closing up early x

Just gone nine, it really is early, but if the books are empty and you don't anticipate any walk-ins on weekdays, you have the green light to shut up shop.

He doesn't really give it much thought as he presses the little telephone icon in the corner of your chat. Puts you on speaker, and places his phone down on his chest where Oduun once was.

"Yep?" You answer after only a couple dial tones.

"Two options," Jeongguk states, a smile on his lips thanks to the fact you answered. "Option one: You get the last bus up to Yoongi's neighbourhood, and while you're on the bus, I'll cook dinner. Or, option two: I drive down now and pick you up, and we get takeout on the way back up."

"Are you allowed guests?" You hum through the phone, as if his offers aren't making you feel all giddy inside. If this were to be a video call, you would have angled the camera away from your face, just so he wouldn't be able to see how broad your smile is.

"Better to ask for forgiveness than permission," he grins - but he does have permission. Yoongi had already cleared it - and you know this, because Seoyeon had been sure to send you a message explaining the alarm system, and a couple emergency numbers for while they were away. Your presence wasn't just allowed, it was expected.

"Sounds like trouble waiting to happen."

"You know I like trouble," he purrs. You can picture the serene smile on his pretty lips as he says it, the subtle smirk you're just dying to kiss once more.

"Alright," you say softly. There's a smaller clatter in the background, sounds of you cleaning up the café for the day accenting your words. "I'll go home and grab some things, then get the bus."

"Sure?"

"Sure," you say. "Makes no sense having you drive all the way down."

"I don't mind," he insists, but you shake your head as if he can see.

"It's fine - plus you never cook, and yet you're always bragging about how good you are. Time to put you to the test."

"Alright," he grins down the phone. "You're on."

"It's a date. See you later, Gguk."

"Yeah," he says softly, serenity in his weightless words. "It's a date. See you later, B."

As the line goes dead, and Jeongguk is left to his own thoughts, the smile etched into his lips doesn't face. In fact, there's a buzz akin to a real-life bee in his chest. A bee because of his B. Checks out.

"Ugh," he groans out. Looks across to the midnight black kitty curled up on the sofa. "What are we gonna do, boy?"

Though he knows it was just a turn of phrase, Jeongguk thinks that perhaps tonight really should be a date.

It's been a while since your last one, through no fault of anyone, and he's been holding out until the fifth date to properly make things official. Knows that you both catastrophically failed at the no hooking up thing, and reckons that you should at least have something to celebrate the milestone. Thinks that perhaps it would be apt. A 'normal' thing to happen after a fifth date.

Nothing about you and Jeongguk has ever been remotely normal, and so he wants to give you something that is.

It'll take you just over an hour to reach Yoongi's place if you get the subway then switch over to the bus, but Jeongguk reckons you'll probably get the direct route given the fact you hadn't mentioned the subway at all. Though it's easier, because there are no changes, it does take an extra twenty minutes. Add a little extra clean down time, and the fact you need to run home first, he thinks he's got a safe two hours until you arrive.

Already dark, it'll only be darker by the time you arrive – and it's when he's thinking about the fact he should walk to meet you from the bus stop, that an idea hatches.

"Oh, you genius, Oduun," he exclaims, as if the cat telepathically gave him some sort of direction. Getting to his feet, Jeongguk reaches for his car keys. "You'll be okay here, won't you, boy? Uncle Ggukie's only gonna be twenty minutes. I'll pick you up a treat!"

Ten minutes north of Yoongi's place is a small town. It's still technically within the city boundary, but you'd never think of it as being so. There's not much there – a few schools and a couple hagwons, small-scale offices and some places to get cheap meat but overpriced beer. There is, thankfully, a Daiso on the crossroads in the heart of the town, which should have everything he needs.

He's out of the door and on the road within no time, heart beating a little too fast than is probably healthy for a man as fit as him in his mid-twenties. It's not that he's nervous as such – just excited. Hasn't seen you in a few days. Is learning what the phrase' absence makes the heart grows fonder' truly means.

Parking up a few roads over to avoid paying for a space, Jeongguk checks he's got his wallet, then heads to the store. Head down, quick on his feet, he's got no time to waste. Goes straight up to homewares for a couple of the standard white fuzzy blankets and some handwarmers from the last of the stock from winter. He doubts they'll be used, but gets them just in case. Realistically, Yoongi has everything Jeongguk could possibly need for the little plan he's concocting, but he wants it to be special. Wants to put in a considered effort, because it's important.

By the time he's paying, he's filled up two of the large paper Daiso carrier bags with things. Candles, trinket dishes, a 'My First' telescope from the kids section, and some binoculars from the garden section.

His little shopping trip isn't over yet, though. The mart opposite Daiso is his next stop – meat, and snacks. Not quite a meal, no, but he'll make it work. He grabs whiskey for himself, and some sparkling water to make highballs, then picks up your favourite sparkling wine, 'cause he knows whiskey isn't your favourite. Also nabs a treat for Oduun, as promised.

Hands full, the attendant offers to help carry things to his car, but Jeongguk insists it's fine – though he does drop off the bags in his boot before he heads off to his third and final destination.

To the left of the mart is a small alley that houses a greengrocers and florist. Closing early, the florist leaves some pre-made bouquets with the greengrocers, just so that they don't go to waste. Jeongguk only knows this because Yoongi swears it's a lifesaver whenever Seoyeon is feeling a little down – and so even though he assumes you're perfectly happy, Jeongguk doesn't want to leave anything up to chance.

There's a buzz of old lightbulbs as he enters the greengrocers, a thick metal chain-link curtain keeping unwanted bugs out of the small shop. The lights are cold and a little fluorescent, but he supposes it's needed for a place this.

"Can I help you with anything, love?" A friendly voice of an elderly woman chimes when she notices Jeongguk's perplexed eyes struggle to locate the flowers.

"Uh, the florist – do you have any bouquets left?" He replies immediately, 'cause he's got no time to be dilly-dallying.

Nodding towards the front corner of the shop, she smiles. "Only a few, today."

Jeongguk follows her eyes and is relieved to see four bouquets of mixed flowers sitting in a bucket. "Oh perfect!"

Or at least, they are until he goes to grab them – at which point he frowns again. Sprinkled across all four bouquets are his arch nemesis: white roses.

"Shit," he mutters under his breath – but he's got no other choice. Takes all four bouquets to the counter.

The shallow pool of water the flowers had been standing in has left the stems wet, so the cashier offers to wrap them, but Jeongguk thinks there's no point.

"Actually," he says. "Could I borrow your scissors?"

It's not something customers often ask, but she hands them over regardless. Watches on silently as Jeongguk snips the string tied around the stems, and how he carefully but casuals the roses from the bunches. There's a couple in each bouquet. By the time he's done, he's got enough roses for a small bouquet – which he absolutely does not want.

"Here," Jeongguk smiles, handing them to the woman. Feels the need to explain himself, but is embarrassed by the truth, so says, "My, uh-" He doesn't know what to call you. "She hates roses."

"Well, tell your girlfriend I say thank you," the cashier beams. Never gets flowers from her husband, so she'll gladly accept them from a far-too-young-for-her hunk of a man like Jeongguk. "She's a lucky lady!"

The way he smiles at this before he scurries out is sweet. Bashful, even. "Will do. Thanks."

Flowers tossed down on the front seat, Jeongguk wastes no time getting back to Yoongi's place. Has already lost the best part of an hour and missed a text from you saying that you're on your way. Curses when he's finally in the kitchen with all of his shopping, and notices the notification. He's got plenty of time, but he wants to freshen up, too. Practically runs upstairs to the shower on all fours. Is in and out within five minutes.

Frantic as he riffles through his overnight bag in search of something to wear, Jeongguk doesn't really have anything with him that feels date-worthy – but he does have his outfit from the wedding. You'd gone home with Danbi and Tae so that Jeongguk could head straight on over to check on Oduun.

Much to Jeongguk's horror, you spent the entire drive home getting grilled by an incredibly smug Jimin who was also riding in the back with you. Had relayed to Jeongguk the horror story of Jimin's relentless questioning. It did, admittedly, make Jeongguk laugh when you told him that you'd insisted on nothing happening.

"Said we were just besties," you'd giggled on Facetime a few nights ago. "I think he bought it. Definitely is none the wiser."

Realistically, both of you have confirmed to Jimin on separate occasions, multiple times, that you fuck around together – and even if you hadn't, he's not stupid. He heard you that one night in Pohang. Has walked in on one too many curious sets of circumstances to not know.

But it's fun to pretend like no one knows, so you still do. You don't actually believe it. Plus, it also winds Jimin up so much that a vein starts to appear on his forehead out of frustration, and, like, Jimin's right in thinking you're a brat. It's not just reserved for the bedroom.

And given that he'll never get the luxury of you in the bedroom ever again, you may as well give him a taste of what he could have had if only he'd have learned what a g-spot is.

Jeongguk quite enjoys how much you like messing with Jimin, 'cause he likes doing it, too. Likes that you can do it together.

While the suit needs dry cleaner, he's already put the dress shirt through the washing machine, so grabs it off the hanging rail in the spare room. Hair wet, he's all haphazard. Leaves the shirt undone as he pulls on a pair of socks and then sifts through his clothes for a half-decent pair of trousers. Could always borrow Yoongi's, but Jeongguk's an ass man through and through. Has seen Yoongi's. Knows they wouldn't fit him quite right.

Still, he's not gonna wear his suit trousers, but jeans feel too casual, and all of his other trousers do, too.

"Fuck," he curses, the butterflies in his stomach teasing him with pin-needles on the edges of their wings. He's anxious, and they're not helping. Stripping himself of the shirt, he pulls a white vest down onto his body. A wife pleaser, Jimin always calls them, 'cause he's never met a girl who didn't go a little feral over them, and Jeongguk much prefers this name for the sleeveless tank top than what they're typically called. Deciding on dark, loose jeans, secured at the waist with a thick leather belt, Jeongguk'll pick an overshirt later.

For now, he runs down to finish setting up. Gets the alcohol in the fridge, meat marinated. Cleans himself up, checks his hair in the mirror and is pleased to see it's airdried well. A little dishevelled, he puts some product in it to keep it in place. Will get ruined by your hands later no doubt, but for now? Looks pretty damn good, if he does say so himself.

"Oh, god," he exhales a little breathlessly, mind working so fast he's forgetting what he's doing. Standing in the kitchen, he looks around for something to jog his memory. Catches Oduun judgementally looking at him, instead.

"Well you're not being much help are you?" He sighs, but goes to pick him up regardless. Oduun doesn't like hugs. Doesn't particularly like anything other than salmon treats and stalking birds in the yard – but Jeongguk is incapable of going more than a day without giving him a salmon treat as a bribe for hugs, so Oduun lets it slide, even when Jeongguk bounces him like a baby. He's melodic as he sings, "What to do, what to do, what to do?"

But then he clocks the Daiso bags by the back door and knows exactly why he was so frantic. Pops Oduun down on the counter. Thanks him for his help, then darts outside to set everything up.

By the time Jeongguk is back inside, and his phone is lit up from notifications on the kitchen table, he realises the time. Has a missed call from you, and a message saying you've reached the bus stop ten minutes ago – and then right on cue, there's a knock at the door. 

"Fuck," he curses. Still hasn't got an overshirt on. Can't really do anything about it now. Takes a second to breathe and make it look like his heart isn't beating so fast it'll break through his chest, and then heads through the house to the front door.

He really needn't try to control the way his heart is beating, for yours is doing the exact same thing. Bag slung over your shoulder, a bottle of the whiskey you know Jeongguk likes in your hands, you're a little unsure of yourself. Feel nervous for some reason. The dainty silver rings on your fingers tap against the bottle as you reposition yourself. Want to look perfect for him. Want to adjust your hair, but then you can see his figure through frosted glass and then-

"Hi," Jeongguk smiles, and it's like he's restored a sense of calmness in you.

Your heart is still going at a mile a minute, because he's gorgeous , and you just can't help it.

"I come bearing gifts," you beam like a cosmic entity as you hold up the whiskey. Dressed for the occasion, you've made an effort. While, yes, you are in one of his shirts, it's layered over a white polo neck and tucked into the short black skirt you're wearing. The outfit isn't too dissimilar from what you wore on your first date, but there's a sheer black layer over your legs and a pair of chunky boots on your feet. A thick black belt, much like the one Jeongguk is wearing, ties it together, and the pretty silver bird around your neck is evidence of how delicate you can be.

There's a chunky silver glitter beneath your lashline, and shimmer all over your skin, just like there always is.

Maybe he just hasn't seen you in a while, but he thinks he's never been more attracted to you.

Which is funny, 'cause the way his body looks in that white tank top, all gorgeous and defined, has you choking on your own spit. His strong arms are out for your viewing pleasure, tattoos trailing down one of his arms like he's deserving of a spot in the next gallery show you're setting up for Taehyung. God. Feels like you'll die just looking at him.

"So you did," he says as he holds his palm out for you to take and ushers you inside. Lets you pop your bag down as he rests the bottle on the small table by the door, but doesn't wait for you to talk your shoes off. Is slow in his movements as he traps your back to the wall, his hips pressing to your tummy as his hands sneak beneath your jaw. He nudges his nose up against yours. Smirks when your hands squeeze his waist. Whispers, "Swear I was gonna be romantic but what the fuck, B? How are you so... fuck ."

"So... what?" You tease, as if you don't know how he works.

"You got on a bus like this?" He grits through his teeth as one of his hands drops to the hem of your skirt, hooking beneath your thigh to encourage it to wrap around him. It's around now that Jeongguk realises you're not wearing tights – cause tights don't have lace around the top of them, and tights also definitely don't have clasps hooking them to a garter belt.

"Mhmm," you smirk, smug in how it's taken Jeongguk approximately three seconds to get a semi. "Issue?"

He shakes his head. Lets his lips brush against yours. "Bet everyone on that bus wanted you."

There's a predictability that comes with Jeongguk and how much he thinks his desire must be the human baseline. Finds himself irresistibly attracted to you, and is convinced that everyone else must be, too. Doesn't care for the fact that tastes vary. Anyone who doesn't want you must be clinically insane, in his eyes.

But he also likes that. He likes getting what other people can't. Is a high achiever. Enjoys the exclusivity of it all – even if you technically aren't.

"Good job I don't have a boyfriend then, isn't it?" You tease.

Jeongguk can't argue against this, 'cause it's true – but you both know you're not really single.

And so he sinks his lips into yours to remind you of that. Lets the weight of his body trap you in place, and the softness of his hands remind you how safe he always is. There's a welcome nature to his dominance now, a clear indication of how much he's missed you in the time you've spent apart. Light with his lips, Jeongguk knows he can't get too carried away.

Resting his forehead against yours, he laughs ever so sweetly. "Just friends, yeah?"

The way you tease each other about your 'friendship' will never grow old, you think. Will still be insisting that you're just mates on your joint gravestone . Here lies Jeon Jeongguk: brother, son, bestie.

Easing his grip on your leg, Jeongguk pulls back from the embrace and perches his ass on the arm of the sofa. Takes a second to just drink you in.

"Best friends," you grin, then walk towards him, 'cause you've got no intention of spending any time away from him. The positioning comes naturally, how your hands cup his jaw and his stroke up the back of your thighs. He loves the feeling of the stockings. Never wants to stop.

"The bestest," he husks as you look down at him, glitter sparkling in the low lighting of the sitting room. "God, you look hideous today."

"Thanks, mate," you smile – and oh God, he's so close to saying things he can't take back. "You look pretty goddamn grotesque, too."

Pulling away from him, you take your shoes off and instantly lose the two spare inches that the chunky soles had afforded you. It makes him laugh, but he doesn't tease you about it. Instead, he just holds your shoulders and encourages you through to the kitchen. Should have really told you to keep your shoes on, give the fact he's guiding you to the back door.

You interrupt his direction of your body to give Oduun a little head scratch, then let his control over you resume.

"Oh," you say. "My shoes – I should-"

You're cut off by Jeongguk hoisting you over his shoulder – and the way you scream absolutely does not phase Oduun in the slightest. If cats could raise a brow, you think he'd be doing exactly that.

"Gguk!" You shriek, but his arm is firmly hooked around your legs to stop you from catapulting to the ground – but he does also take the opportunity to push your skirt up a little. Can see just how sexy your underwear is from the corner of his eye. Delivers a short, sharp spank to your ass and is so incredibly pleased to hear the way you whine.

"You'll get one for each time you complain," he tells you.

Laughs, when you reply, "In that case, I hate this. This is the worst."

He does as he said he would – delivers a spank to your ass – but also keeps his hand there afterwards to soothe any pain.

For all you could debate him when it comes to his stance as an ass guy, he still does bloody love yours.

Eyes closed, you revel in not just his strength and his security, but also his playfulness. There's truly no one like Jeongguk. You're not sure how you managed to get so lucky with him – but you know that you wouldn't change a single thing about your past if it meant that it led you here.

If anything, you're disappointed when he finally sets you down. Eyes on him, you sort of don't notice what's around you. Are too busy watching the way light glints in his small silver hoop as he bites down on his bottom lip. Eyes wide, there's a nervousness to him, overly keen to read your reaction.

Dragging your gaze away from him, you finally take in the garden around you – and find yourself a little lost for words.

Standing on a bed of blankets and scattered cushions, he's crafted an ethereal dream. LED candles flicker in the grass, and wax ones remain unlit, waiting for your arrival (safety first). The entire area has been dressed like a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, little whimsical trinkets adorning the space around the blankets. A small table is set to the side, with snacks you love, and your favourite wine in a bucket of ice. In amongst the pillows are binoculars, and he's made sure Yoongi's garden fairy lights are all on.

"What is all this?" You say softly, turning to face him again. He still looks nervous – so you hold out your hand for him. Wait for him to kick off his shoes as he takes it, then joins you on the blankets.

"I haven't cooked yet," is all he says, as if he's looking for things to downplay the magic he's created for you.

"Doesn't matter," you promise, pulling him in for a pretty little kiss. It's fleeting, like the wings of a butterfly against his skin, but it's enough to let him know just how incredibly charmed you are by his efforts. "Gguk, this is... this is so cute."

He nods towards the pillows. Encourages you to sit. Says, "Skies are clear tonight. Figured we'd see if we could find your long-lost family."

It's only now that you realise his intentions. He wants to stargaze with you. Has been calling you a fuckin' star for months. Oh, it's all so sickly sweet, you could just die – but then you'd miss stargazing with him, and there's nothing more you want to do.

Reaching across for the remote that controls Yoongi's fairy lights, Jeongguk fades them out. Knows that light pollution is the worst for trying to see stars, and wants this to be successful.

You shuffle down the blankets, and wait for him to lie down with you. Though you're side by side, Jeongguk needs you closer – and so he weaves his fingers between yours. Says nothing for a moment or so, just letting his eyes adjust to the light levels, and is so incredibly pleased to see that it is clear out tonight.

"You any good with constellations?" He asks, knowing that his knowledge is stuck at the bigger dipper, Orion's belt, and you.

"A few," you admit. Point upwards to the sky, as if Jeongguk will be able to work out where you're pointing. "You've got the seven stars of the north – the big dipper – and then there's Orion a little further over." Your arm moves, to point at a brighter star to the left of it. "Okay, you see that one – that really bright one?" Jeongguk nods. Points upwards too, to the beacon of light in amongst the black abyss. "Jupiter."

"Really?"

"No idea," you admit, and it earns you a laugh from him - but you're not telling the exact truth. You know exactly what it is. Just feel a little shy saying it, because it means admitting that Thing is, you know Jeongguk. Know that he'll love what you're about to tell him. "Okay, so that's a lie. Do you see there's like... almost a box? Of smaller stars? And the bright one that totally isn't Jupiter is the one in the lower corner?"

"Mhmm," he says. Can see exactly what you're pointing out, but knows you're probably gonna tell him a bunch of bollocks again.

"Okay, so they're harder to make out, but there are a few more stars beyond them – they kinda like, spike out." You can see exactly what you mean, but know that without context it's probably difficult. Still, Jeongguk stares ahead, trying to figure the skies out. " That is a constellation."

"Not sure I believe you," he laughs quietly – but then you squeeze his hand and suddenly it's like you're incapable of lies. He'll believe everything that rolls off your tongue. Everything.

And so it's a good job you're telling the truth when you say, "It's Virgo. Your constellation."

"Really?" He asks again.

"Really. Second largest in the sky." You smile, now. "The box, is like the head and the rest of the stars are the body."

"A person?"

"Mhhm," you nod. "Virgo. The Virgin. Your constellation is the shape of a person."

"I'm not a virgin," he scoffs, knowing it doesn't mean that at all, but still choosing to be childish.

"Could have fooled me."

"Rude," he retorts, then adds, "And that's also a lie."

"Sure it is, babe. Sure it is," you laugh at how lame he chooses to be sometimes, and how much you adore it. He squeezes your hand, now. You know that calling him 'babe' must be the reasons why. Glancing over to him, you're pleased to see a tight-lipped smile plastered on his face. He doesn't look at you – but his smile does grow. Teeth show. And then he tells you to shut up.

"I'm not saying anything!" You protest, then gaze back up to the stars. "You can't see it, but Virgo is along the ecliptic plane."

"The what?"

"The ecliptic plane," you say, as if that will explain anything. "The path of the earth around the sun."

"Oh, really?"

"Mhmm," you nod. "And it also falls on the celestial equator."

He doesn't need you to dumb that one down. "Ah, so I'm pretty important, then?"

"Kinda," you smile. "There's only one other Zodiac constellation that also directly falls in line with the both of them."

"Which is?" He asks, wanting to sus out his competitor for the title of most important constellation in the sky.

"Pisces," you hum serenely. "Mine."

He turns to face you now, a bemused look of curiosity on his delicate features. When you turn your head to meet his gaze, you've a coy look about you.

"So let me get this straight," he grins. "Are you saying we're written in the stars?"

"I'm not saying anything," you desperately try not to giggle. Fail. "The stars are."

The way Jeongguk kisses you in the wake of this discovery is nothing short of cosmic. It's like he's an astronomer touching stardust for the very first time; delicate and yet terribly possessive. Doesn't want anyone else to have you. Cannot bear to let you go. Will revere and worship you until he's senile. Hair grey, skin wrinkled, his eyes will still be full of stars, as long as he has you.

"Never believed in astrology," he admits into your lips as he pulls your body across his. Gets you straddling him. Doesn't stop kissing you with every pause between words. "You make me reconsider it."

"You're welcome," you say, softly pressing a kiss on his cheek. Trail down his jaw. His throat. Revel in the sound of his breathless pants.

"I mean it," he insists. "There's nothing on this earth that–" his breath hitches as your teeth graze that sweet spot on his neck. "Oh, fuck – nothing on this earth can describe you."

Your lips curve against his skin as you press a kiss where your teeth just said hello, then sit up straight. Jeongguk pouts, and rests his palms on the top of your thighs. Thanks to the way you're sitting on him, your skirt has ridden up, but there are no complaints from Jeongguk. Instead, he lets his fingers toy with the clasps of the garter belt. It's the black one he packed for Busan. One that he's yet to experience.

"I can think of a few things to describe me," you flirt. "Amazing tits-"

"Check."

"Your bestie."

He laughs. You adore him. "Check."

"About to give you the best head of your life."

"Che- wait."

"What?"

Jeongguk looks very confused, but also very keen – and that is just how you like your men.

"I don't think I heard you right?"

"Oh, no," you smile. "You heard me absolutely correct. I can repeat it if you like?"

"Rather see it in practice, if I'm being honest, B," Jeongguk shamelessly declares. Licks across his bottom lip, then perches himself up on his elbows.

You lean forward. Steal a kiss. Whisper, "Yoongi's not got cameras out here, right?"

"Better fuckin' not," Jeongguk husks, then chases your lips for one final kiss before you pull away. Looks at you with unbridled desire as he says, "I'm willing to risk it, if you are."

Reaching across to stroke his cheek with your thumb, you're pleased when he leans into your touch. There's a docile nature to Jeongguk that comes out whenever you're a little dominant with him, and you find you enjoy just as much as you enjoy him taking the lead.

It's give and take with the pair of you; equal in all capacities, apart from times like these when you decide not to be.

"Fairy lights," you say. "On or off?"

He doesn't need asking twice. Wants to watch you, and the little LED candles really aren't enough for what he wants. "On."

You comply with his request, and are glad for it as you work your way down to between his thighs. He's already hard beneath his jeans, and there's a teeny tiny wet patch courtesy of you, thanks to a few kisses that really shouldn't have worked you up that much – but you suppose it's just a consequence of the person kissing you being Jeongguk.

Eyes trained on him as you palm him through the material of his trousers, you find the desperation on his features adorable. You can tell he just wants you to do something. Anything.

And so you decide to make him work a little harder. Nod towards his lower body. Say, "Take them off."

He nods. Frantically unbuckles his belt. Lets his eyes dart between you and his hands. Doesn't wanna miss the way you're taking out your claw clip, and replacing it with the hair tie around your wrist. Slips his jeans past his ass. Lets you see just how big he is, in a pair of white Calvins.

"Fuck," you exhale, 'cause how can you not? Like the rest of his body, his cock was made to be adored. It's only fitting that you've never loved one more.

He smirks at the way you can't take your eyes off his crotch. Have barely even noticed him awkwardly getting his jeans fully off. Too transfixed.

"You gonna suck it, or just stare at it?" He teases in good humour.

Casting him a jovial glare, you say, "Careful, or I'll do neither."

He absolutely knows that you one hundred percent would do that just to prove a petty point, so he shuts up. Looks ever so serene as he sighs into the feeling of your lips pressing kisses against the cotton covering his thick shaft.

Being with Jeongguk like this is a pleasure for all of your senses. The freshness of his laundry meeting the musky natural scent of his body is enough to drive you wild. When it's teamed with the pretty sounds of his dulcet whines? Well, it's a recipe for disaster. Or for sin. However you wanna perceive it.

Tugging on the waistband of his underwear, you let it ping against his skin. The instruction is clear enough, and he wastes no time lifting his hips to free himself from his underwear. They're tossed to the side with his trousers, that goddamn white vest the only thing left on his body. You want that off too – and when you tell him that, he complies without objection. Is happily entirely naked for you, just the silver chain around his neck and hoops on his lip left to remove - and you'll never ask for them off.

"Such a good boy for me, aren't you?" You praise, hands stroking up his thighs, deliberately not getting too close to his throbbing cock. It's so pretty like this- Hard. Needy. -the vein running up the underside of his shaft all engorged and desperate for your touch.

He mumbles some sort of agreement, lips pressed together, a muffled groan stuck in his throat as you let a tiny bit of spit drip from your pursed lips to his shaft. When it makes contact with his skin, his dick fucking twitches, and – oh – how you adore the male anatomy.

Pressing a wet kiss to his thigh, you work up until you're level with his cock, and switch sides. Trail down, this time. Giggle, when he groans.

"What is it?" you feign innocence. "Watcha want, Koo?"

It's a miracle he doesn't cum on the spot.

"Suck me off," he desperately husks, reaching down for you. Soft in his touch, he strokes your hair. Doesn't try and take the lead. Just wants to have you in all capacities.

"Say please," you tell him.

And so he does. "Suck me off, please."

He's so pretty when he begs, which is why you'll make him beg even more.

"Hmm," you hum, resuming your wanton kisses just out of reach. "Maybe later."

He's about to complain – but then he feels the warmth of your wet tongue stroking up his balls. "Fuck."

Lips soft against his skin, your hand gently begins to spread your spit up his shaft. It's not the focus right now, as you carefully take one of his balls in your mouth, gently rolling your tongue against it. Letting it go with a small pop, you giggle at the way he whines for you.

"Like that?" you check.

"Fuck," he husks. "Yeah, I fuckin' like that."

And it's proven with the way his body writhes for you under lunar light as you repeat your previous steps on the other side.

This time, you spit. Get him nice and wet. Lick between each side and neglect to pay any real attention his cock. He almost thinks you're about to finally focus on it when you ask, "What's the word, Gguk?"

"Word?" He asks, a little confused, panting slightly from the incomparable pleasure he's experiencing as both of your hands gently massage his cock.

"Chess," you tell him, as if he's ever really been the one who would need to use it.

"Chess?" He cocks a brow.

"Mhhm," you smile, understanding why he enjoys the dynamic you're normally in so much.

He asks no further questions. Trusts you. Knows you're gonna do all you can to make him feel good – and it excites him. Finds it hard to imagine a scenario in which he'll ever say chess.

Instead, he simply says, "Do whatever the fuck you want to me."

He's so pathetic, sometimes. So pliable, and pretty, and petite in his words despite the strength of his body.

And so as you let his cock sink into your mouth, one of your hands still at the base of his cock, you know you're gonna make him feel things you never have done before. You wanna rewrite his memories. Take claim of his body like he's done to yours. Want the scent of your perfume and touch of your hands synonymous with Jeongguk's understanding of what it is to come undone for another person.

There's no restraint to the way you take him; wet, warm, wanton. His hands grip in your hair, pushing you down as his hips start to thrash upwards. He hits the back of your throat again, and again, and again – until it all gets too much and he has to yank you away from him before he finishes far too soon.

Panting as you recover from letting him fuck your face, you're smirking. Are pleased that he seems to think he has control over the situation. Breathlessly, you say, "That was cute."

"Cute?" He laughs – and then watches with bated breath as you pull his belt from the loops of his trousers.

"Yeah," you grin, chin wet, lips glossy. "Cute. Put your hands together."

He complies immediately. Watches on with fascination as you wrap the belt around his wrists and securely fasten it in a way that no one has ever done to him before.

"What's the word?" You ask again.

He doesn't need clarification this time. "Chess."

"Good boy."

Jeongguk swears he might just cum. You're too much for him. Too good. Get him whiney and whimpery from the smallest of touches.

As you shuffle back a little in your position, you sink down into a feline pose, and get back to the task at hand. Let your tongue run all over his balls – then sink to his perineum.

Jeongguk changes his mind, and decides that he might die, instead. "Fuck."

"Yeah?" You tease.

"Yeah," he husks. Groans as you sink ever further. Use your hands to push the undersides of his thighs back. Get a little better access. "Oh, fuck yeah."

Though the fairy lights are on, the angle prevents much light access from reaching where you are – but that just makes it even better. You're relying on guesswork and intuition. Are sloppy. Messy. Just how Jeongguk fucking likes it – and when you spit? God, he's in love . He pulls his hands apart but can't break the restraint. Or at least, he can't break it easily. If he really wanted to, he could – he just likes this far too much.

"So good," he whines. "Making me feel so good, B."

He's a panting mess of expletives and tensing muscles as you get him wetter, hotter, moanier – but it's when your tongue strokes against his tight hole that Jeongguk really loses it.

"Oh my God," he whimpers. "Oh fuck. That's it, baby. That's it."

Harsh in the way you spit, but gentle in the way your tongue laps at him, Jeongguk's never had anyone go to town for him the way that you are, nose nestled beneath his balls, tongue unrelenting against him. It could last for hours, or for just a minute or so. He couldn't tell you. Has lost his damn mind.

Breathless as you pull away, you're quick to reach for the belt. As hot as it is in theory, all you want – all you ever want – is for him to touch you. Want his hands all over you.

"Can I fuck you?" you beg, as if that's needed.

"Nah," Jeongguk says, taking you a little by surprise, but then pulls you up. Gets his lips on yours with little to no care for where they've just been. Is feral in his need for you. Grunts, " I'm gonna fuck you. Hmm. You want that, baby? You want me to fuck you?"

And who are you to refuse?

Nodding into his frantic kisses, you can't verbalise a response. All you know is that you don't want him to work you up. Don't want to play games. You just want him inside you. Are about to tell him so, when you're caught off guard by a loud, impatient meow.

"Shit," Jeongguk laughs, turning to face a rather fed-up Oduun. Sitting up on the table by the patio, his dark tail wags. Jeongguk's forgotten dinner time – and just because you were busy eating Jeongguk's ass doesn't mean Oduun is gonna wilfully miss his eating time. Might just be a cat, but deems himself far more important than either of you. Turning back to you, he winces. "Can we hold that thought?"

Laughing, you roll off of him. "Let's hold that thought."

"You're perfect," he praises, leaning across to press a kiss to your cheek, then wraps himself up in one of the blanket and darts inside to deal with Oddun as quickly as possible.

Still laughing, you take in the night sky above. Find your life these days kind of insane. Wonder how the fuck you'd explain eating Jeongguk's ass in Yoongi's back garden to a version of yourself from this time last year. Biting down on your lip, eyes just as starry as the sky above you, there's no place you'd rather be. Inside, maybe. Actually, definitely inside.

Grabbing Jeongguk's clothes, you head towards the house just as he's returning to you.

"Oh?" He asks of your movement.

"Getting cold," you say. Continue walking past, and stand on your tippy toes to whisper. "You'll get me naked far quicker inside."

He doesn't need telling twice. Locks the backdoor, and kicks a foot through the catflap to make sure Oduun can vacate the premises and not disturb you both for a second time.

Already in the spare room by the time Jeongguk arrives, you've stripped to your underwear.

It's a small room – just enough space for a bed and some handcrafted furniture. In the far corner is a standing mirror. The frame is made of the same oak that surrounds a second mirror. Far larger, as a trick to make the room appear bigger, it's on the back wall – right above the headboard.

By the foot at the bed, you're gently pulling your dishevelled ponytail out as he enters the room, the blanket still bundled around his waist.

"Hi," you whisper.

"Hey," he replies just as quietly. Lets the blanket that had been keeping his dignity preserved drop, revealing his still-hard cock for you – and you follow suit, getting to your knees. The request is clear. One that Jeongguk is happy to fulfil. Walking towards you, he loves the way you look at his body. Devour him with your eyes before your lips even get a chance.

When they do eventually wrap around his cock, Jeongguk can't help but tip his head back. Sigh a hearty moan in the atmosphere above him. Lets his hand find a home in your hair.

Promises, "Best mouth. Best fuckin' mouth."

And so you let him fuck until there are tears forming in your eyes, and you forget how to breathe.

Pulling on your hair, Jeongguk forces you away from his throbbing cock with a heavy groan. It's too much . Too good.

Panting, face completely fucked out, you barely catch your breath before running your tongue down his shaft again. Eyes on his, you let water gather in your mouth, then spit on the head of his cock and spread it with your hand.

All you want is for him to feel unreal.

As you get to your feet, Jeongguk knows the feeling is mutual.

His eyes rake up and down your body. The set you're wearing is all black – lace, sin – and as you turn around and sink into a downward position on the bed for him, he realises just how much he hates that he didn't come and pick you up earlier. Hates that other fuckers get to see how hot you are. Knows no one will have noticed you were in stockings instead of tights, but doesn't care.

Eyes trained on your ass, Jeongguk grapples with your rounded cheeks. Spanks you sharply. Notices something he didn't realise earlier. Grits, "You wore this? On the fuckin' bus?"

Smirking into the sheets, you know exactly what he's talking about. Find that he confirms it when his index finger runs down the soaked material covering your pussy. Or at least, half covers it.

If the suspenders weren't bad enough, the underwear you're wearing are keyhole detailed. Has a split right where your entrance is, as if Jeongguk needs it. Gets your panties off in 5 seconds flat, normally. Or just pushes them to the side. Whatever. Not the point. The point is that he doesn't need any assistance.

"Problem?" You smirk.

In all reality, you're not a fucking idiot. Have years of experience as a daughter sneaking in outfits far too mature for her age. Had been wearing a baggy pair of sweats on your journey to see him. Quickly got out of them at the end of Yoongi's drive. They're stuffed in the top of your bag downstairs.

"No problem," Jeongguk grits, as if there definitely is a problem. Spanks you again.

"Seems like there is a problem," you tease as his hand strokes at the area that just met his palm.

Realistically, there is no problem. Jeongguk finds it really fuckin' hot. Wishes he'd have been sat next to you, a hand on your thigh for the entire ride. Obviously, unaware of the sweats, in his head he'd have had easy access to you – and fuck, that itch for exhibitionism he seems to have these days really needs scratching.

"Ain't got no fuckin' problem," he grunts as his fingers trace the soaked opening of your underwear.

Gasping as his index finger takes full advantage of your underwear and sinks into your pussy, you're in heaven. He doesn't waste time. Inserts his middle finger too, waits a moment, and stretches you out with a third finger.

"Fuck," you grit into the sheets.

"Problem?" he echoes your teasing from earlier.

It'd make you laugh if you weren't whining like a little bitch. "No problem."

And so he picks up a little pace. Gets you mewling - but isn't gonna waste your orgasm on his fingers.

He pulls out. Knows what you want. Is gonna give it to you. Reminds you of chess, and insists that you can always say it, but you know you won't.

Jeongguk gets onto the behind you. Is on his knees. Is aware you're probably the wettest he's ever seen you, and yet he spits regardless. Just can't help himself. Spreads it with the tip of his bare cock and husks to himself, "Fuckin' made for me."

Lining himself up, he makes use of the split in your panties. Decides that just because he could get rid of them, doesn't mean he should. The head of his cock presses a kiss to your entrance as he gently teases you - and then, Jeongguk comes home.

The burn of his cock sinking into you is unlike anything else you could ever describe. Without him warming you up properly, it's so much more intense – and he knows this. Takes his slow. Warm himself inside you for a moment.

As soon as it subsides, he's pulling out just to push back in again. Grips onto your hips as he builds a pace. The sound of your skin slapping against his fills the room.

Though it's one of his favourite positions – ass guy – he rarely takes you from behind. Loves kissing you too much. Funnily enough, he also finds one of his hands stroking up your sternum until he finds your chest and cradles one of your tits in his hand. Seems like he really is greedy. Can never decide what he likes more.

"Faster," you tell him oF his pace – and he picks it up effortlessly.

"Yeah?" he grunts. "This good?"

And just because you can't help yourself, you say, "Harder."

You expect a little speed increase. Maybe a spank.

Instead, Jeongguk uses the hand on your chest to push your body up. Can feel your ass against the tops of his thighs. Doesn't need to see it – but he needs you to see what it looks like when he fucks you.

Focusing on the mirror ahead, the hand on your chest changes position. Rests around the base of your neck, now. Joins your bird. Squeezes to match the tightness of his other hand on your waist.

Face fucked out, eyes glossy and full of stars, he thinks you look absolutely beautiful. Lips pouty, there's a desperation to you. Vulnerability. An awareness that in moments like these, you do not belong to yourself.

His cock continues pounding into you, tits bouncing in the reflection. Hips pumping at a speed that you know your fingers could never rival, Jeongguk is fucking you so well you can't even talk.

Whine? Sure. But form cognitive thoughts? Absolutely not.

The entire thing is a mess; your pussy, your moans, your inability to do anything but beg him for more.

And who is he to deprive you of your pleasure?

He gets your head pressed back into the duvet. Doesn't hold it there, grabbing your hips for him thrash himself into you at a record speed, instead.

"Talking me so fuckin' well," he praises through gritted teeth, a sweat building on his skin. "Love this cunt. Mine, isn't it? Mine."

You nod. Whine in the pillows. "Yours."

"S'fuckin' right," Jeongguk curses. "All mine."

One of his hands drops from your waist and dips to your pussy. Takes ownership of it, rubbing circles against your most sensitive spots. The feeling of Jeongguk as the pads of his fingers massage you just right, tip of his cock stroke against your g-spot, is unlike anything you could ever describe. The sensation is too much to bear. Too good.

"Close," you cry out, 'cause it's all you can manage. "Gguk-"

"That's it, B. Cum for me," he begs. "Please, baby."

A few more strokes is all you last until your world begins to bloom around you; white light and the scent of Jeongguk's aftershave the only thing that fills your brain. The pleasure travels through you like electricity. From the tips of your toes to the top of your spine, it's like your body isn't yours. It really is his. All his.

It's only proven by the way your pussy tightens around him, desperately trying to milk him of his sperm as you orgasm – and he's a weak, weak man when it comes to you. Will submit to anything your body requests of him.

"B, I'm gonna-" He whimpers. Pulls out. "Where?"

Still shaky from your own orgasm, you waste no time turning, getting in position to take him in your mouth. Bob up and down his shaft, taking in the taste of yourself until the white-hot fluid begins to spurt from his cock and sink down into your throat.

His release is undignified. He curses. Praises. Holds your head. Grits, "That's it. That's it. All of it, baby. Fuck."

And when he finally pulls away, you realise you haven't been breathing the entire time. Pant. Drag him back down into the bed with you. Let his hands run all over your body, tongue licking into your mouth.

He loves this part of sex with you. Not that it's over, but that neither of you want it to end. Has never experienced such vulgar exhibitions of desire with another human being, and knows he never will. Knows that this is it for him. Anything else would just be pale in comparison.

Eventually, between giggles and pretty words of affection, you accept that the session has to finish somewhere.

"Fuckin' starving," Jeongguk laughs against your shoulder. "Worked up an appetite."

"Me too," you agree. "I showed up expecting a meal ready, but nooo-"

"B, you showed up in a fucking garter belt," he reminds you. "Ain't no way you weren't expecting to end up like this."

"True."

The night descends into a natural state of being. Jeongguk grills the meat he bought earlier, while you clear up the garden, and rearrange the flowers he'd just kinda stuck in vases. They're pretty; purple and white. No roses, you notice. It makes you smile. You know him well enough to know it was deliberate.

There's a casual chaos that comes with the combination of you, Jeongguk and access to alcohol. One drink turns into two, then two into four, and four into a bottle finished. You've been drinking whiskey with him, not because you like it, but because you wanna feel what he feels.

Jeongguk's already opening the next one by the time old-school Bieber starts playing from his playlist, because of course it does.

And because Jeongguk is Jeongguk, he repurposes the bottle as mic. Serenades you. That should be me, holding your hand. So dramatic. So ridiculous. So silly, and lovely, and everything you ever could have wanted and more from the person you call 'yours'.

That's the thing though. He is the one who holds your hand. He is the one making you laugh. It is him.

It's hard to comprehend that anyone has ever made you laugh before, because the way you giggle through his serenade, glass to your lips, eyes shying away from just how charming he is, it's like you've never felt joy before.

At least, not a joy like this. A joy like him.

Languid as he slumps into the sofa beside you once his one-man performance concludes, Jeongguk has no care for personal space. Lets his limbs rest over your body, head on your hip. Just wants to be close to you. Feel your skin. Smell your perfume. Squeezes, as he says, "Missed you."

It's such a small declaration - teeny tiny, right down to the way his pouty lips deliver it - but it feels far bigger than you're able to understand.

All you can really comprehend is that you need to let him know that he isn't alone; that you've been missing him, too. Fingers in his hair, you gently scratch his scalp.

"Yeah. Me too," you hum ever so serenely. "Missed you a lot."

It's not even been a full week, but you and Jeongguk never really go too long without seeing each other, and especially not recently. There's been an ache in your chest ever since he dropped you home on the day after the wedding.

You had both spent that morning avoiding and deflecting your friends' questions and knowing glances - but Jeongguk also never stopped touching you. Not once. A hand on the small of your back, a palm on your thigh, pinkies linked, toes tapping together, he made sure to have himself connected to you at all times.

Hayun's cold stare was ignored for the most part. Jeongguk had pretended like he didn't notice at all. You had exchanged dubious glances with Danbi whenever she laughed a little too loudly, but no issues had been made out of it.

"A lot, hmm?" Jeongguk purrs into your touch. Fucking loves it when you give him little head scratches. "How much?"

He's sweet as he asks, all smiley and serene.

"Too much," you admit.

Jeongguk hums. Is incredibly pleased with your answer. Finds that he loves being missed almost as much as he secretly enjoys missing you. Is so pleased that the way he feels is reciprocated. Isn't too sure he can ever remember feeling like this.

"You're such a softie," he teases, as if he's not snuggled up to you like a kitten, blissful in his proximity to you.

"Says you."

"Mhmm," he nods. Part of him wants to joke about how he's actually, like, always hard – but this moment isn't about that. "Could just stay like this forever."

For a short time, the idea of a life like this had terrified you. Never did you think you'd ever be happy with somebody else forming part of your identity and yet whenever you think of Jeongguk, these thoughts seem to just... vanish.

It's a whimsical, abstract way to think of Jeongguk. He's not even your boyfriend. On all technicalities, you're even sure what he's classified as. A friend, yes. A lover, yes. Yours? Well, you like to think so.

But if he's yours, then it means you're his. It's only fair.

And the thought of it makes you smile .

It's the kind of smile that persists. Is present when you're brushing your teeth together. Is present when you return to the room you lost yourself in earlier that evening. Is present when Jeongguk curls his body around yours, trapping you as the little spoon.

Is present when you wake. When he cooks breakfast. When you eat breakfast. When he eats something else entirely. When you're in the kitchen, biding time until you have to leave for work.

He's still too hungover to drive, so you're getting the bus, and honestly it's probably better that way. Will force you to behave like a human, and not like death warmed up after drinking into early hours with your boy... friend? Friend who is a boy? Jeongguk , you mentally correct yourself . After drinking into the early hours with Jeongguk.

The smile does, however, falter when you're putting milk away and notice a photobooth strip on the fridge. It's cute. A few years old. A bunch of the usual suspects after a few too many drinks - but it also includes Hayun. Suddenly it's like being dragged back to reality, as if you've been living in a dreamland for the past twelve hours.

"You know, I've been thinking, Gguk," you hum a little innocuously, as you walk back to where you had been standing against the kitchen counter.

"That's dangerous," he teases with a pretty smile. If anything, he loves it when you think. Loves that brain of yours. "Go on. Hit me. Watcha been thinking, baby?"

God , you'll never get over that.

"Firstly?" You grin, the coy look on your face enough to let him know what you're about to say is a joke. "We've gotta revert to the old rules. I can't deal with pet names."

"No?" He grins right back. Prowls across the room, setting his mug down on the counter beside you. Keeps you trapped in place with the pressure of his hips against your tummy. Holds your jaw in his strong hands, and whispers, "What about kissing?"

With a small, timid shake of your head, you beam. "No kissing, either."

As he nudges his nose down against yours, Jeongguk lets his lips delicately brush yours. "No?"

And it's funny, because you say 'no' – but then your lips press up against his, just like he knew they would.

"Your nose'll grow, Pinocchio," he tells you as he finally pulls away. Retreats, a little just to give you space to talk. Perches his ass on the kitchen table. "Does Pinocchio count as a pet name?"

Narrowing your eyes, fearful of cementing a new nickname, you simply roll your eyes and move the conversation along to your originally intended topic.

"Y'know, I actually do kinda wanna talk about rules," you say, passing his mug back over to him, just so you don't have to look him in the eye as you talk. It's an awkward topic of conversation, and not one that you've actually ever had with a partner before. Seokjin was a lawless bastard at the best of times, and you were never really that invested with anyone else. You've a vested interest in making this work with Jeongguk, though.

"Oh?" Jeongguk chirps, a little confused, but fully attentive. His big dark eyes are on you, exclusively.

"Yeah," you say a little awkwardly. Catch his gaze. Feel a little nervous. "I, uh... I guess, it's less rules, more... boundaries."

Jeongguk says nothing. Continues looking at you, gaze hard, a little difficult to read. You aren't sure if you should continue, or not, and for some reason you get a little self-conscious. Look down. Start preening the hem of the shirt you're wearing. Dressed casually for work, you're in a pair of wide-leg trousers and a black baby-tee with a slightly unhinged Ratatouille graphic printed on it. 

Tight to your figure, and showing just a tiny sliver of skin between the hem and the waistband of your trousers, Jeongguk had been incredibly perplexed by it. Found the shirt hilarious, but the silhouette of the fit unbearably sexy. It's a miracle he was able to pull away from you just moments earlier.

Though your feet are currently bare, a pair of socks and your Converse are waiting by the front door. The glitter on your cheeks is residual. It needs a top-up. A fresh layer of war paint.

"Like, I just mean- " you cut yourself off. Groan. Tip your head back and look to the ceiling as if that will help – and then decide you just have to bite the bloody bullet. Focusing on him again, you continue, "Look, we both know what we want – but if there's any chance in hell this is gonna work between us, I need you to know my boundaries with Hayun."

Jeongguk shuffles in his seat ever so slightly, but his expression remains largely unchanged. If anything, the lines between his brows just get a little deeper. The hardness of his gaze implores you to keep talking, but his silence makes you nervous.

Ever since Seokjin, and meeting Jeongguk, you've been trying to make sense of why you let yourself be treated so terribly for so long.

While the blame, you think, lies largely with Seokjin, you admittedly had agency over yourself in the early days. The boundary walls of acceptable behaviour had been waltzed over by Seokjin, and instead of rebuilding them and standing strong, you'd allowed him to knock them down entirely.

By the time the desperation and the self-loathing had kicked in, it was too late to rebuild. The bricks had become but rubble. Dust. Ash.

You're ashamed, when you think about it, now. It's embarrassing how little respect you had for yourself – but you also know it wasn't entirely your fault. Love, or our misconstrued perceptions of it, can do strange things to our understanding of the world and our place in it.

"Okay," Jeongguk says, a little unsure of what you're asking of him. "I've already told her to stop crossing them."

You nod, understanding that he's had conversations with her, but they're irrelevant.

Boundaries are personal. Like your own special little fence.

You like to think of yours being wooden. Painted white, with a little gate, that you'll use to let Jeongguk in. Vines twirling around the beams. Quaint, but fragile.

Beyond that first fence, the radius a little wider, would be another. And then another, and another. It's up to you to decide who gets access to which parts of you – and you don't think Hayun deserves any access whatsoever. If she encroaches on a boundary, you'll rebuild it with brick.

Likewise, it's up to Jeongguk what boundaries he sets with her. You're not gonna dictate that. If he makes the choice to have her in his life, then fine. So be it – but you don't want to share a boundary space with her. Need a little distance. A couple walls.

If he lets her into the final, central circle? You won't force her out, but you also won't choose to stay there, either.

"And I appreciate that Gguk, I do," you say softly, knowing that he really has tried. "But this time last week, she was telling our friends that you were gonna fuckin' marry her."

The memory has stuck to you like the scent of a skunk: unbearable and unpleasant and impossible to remove.

"B, I had no control over that," Jeongguk's frown grows deeper. Feels like you're blaming him, as if he is solely responsible for her – which he thinks couldn't be further from the truth. Wants nothing to do with her, and has made it abundantly clear already.

"I know." And you really do know. It's not his fault, and you know this. You know it's an issue within her – but you also know it's an issue facilitated by the lack of boundaries he's had with her in the past, and how much he's let her get away with before. If he wants change, he has to implement it. "But I don't want that kind of energy thrown in my face every time I hang out with our mutual friends."

"I can't just tell her to stop being friends with people, B," he quickly replies – and you understand this too, but it's not the point you're trying to get across.

You've never tried to explain your thought process when it comes to boundaries, and it's coming out all clunky and confusing. You can't articulate it in a way that conveys what you want it to.

If you were to sit and think for a while, it would be simple: your boundaries don't dictate what other people should do, but instead they dictate your acceptance of their behaviour.

You are the only person you have any control over, and you'd like it to stay that way. Remember Jiyeong, and her inability to communicate her boundaries with Jeongguk, and how toxic their relationship ended up becoming. You never want to be like that.

"That's not what I'm saying, Gguk," you sigh, pushing your grown-out fringe off your face and shaking your hair out a little. You're anxious, and it's showing in how you're uncertain of your appearance. Insecure. "She's treated me with nothing but contempt since I met her, and if I'm being honest, you blurred the lines of what was and wasn't okay. You gave her the green light to treat me like shit, because – and don't take offence to this – she saw you treating me like shit, all the while saying you care about me."

You both know exactly what incident you're talking about, even if you don't want to say it out loud: the kiss.

Jeongguk wanted to talk about it at the time when it first happened, but you were so closed off that he barely got the chance. Thinks that you have to talk things out instead of bottling them up. Reckons if you'd have let him address it fully months ago, then this would be a non-issue, now.

"It was one kiss," Jeongguk defends himself, knowing that he shouldn't have let it happen, but also a little hurt that you're using it against him.

If he could take it back, he would – but he can't. It's just something you both have to accept happened if you want this to work out.

"Don't downplay it," you counter, far sterner in your tone than you mean to be. Catch yourself before you curse him out for it. Realise that maybe you're harbouring a little more resentment than you thought you did. "Anyway, that's not the point here – although, maybe it is a little bit. I don't know. I'd be fucking gutted if it happened again."

Jeongguk is quiet as his tense jaw grates together. He looks down. Scoffs a little. Shakes his head, tongue flicking against the inside of his cheek.

"Really?" He looks up towards you, icy in his gaze. "You think I'd fuckin' cheat?"

"No," you quickly reply, not wanting to fight but desperately trying to make him understand how your brain works. "But like, I didn't think you'd kiss her when you did the first time. And I sure as hell didn't think you'd show up at my place to fuck me without telling me. So, no, I don't think you'd cheat Gguk, but..."

Jeongguk turns away, his broad back littered with scratches from your nails during his second breakfast. He's a sight to behold - yet as he begins to pace a little, you wish you could look anywhere else other than at him.

"So let me get this straight," he eventually says. Sniffs back emotion he doesn't wanna let show. Turns to face you. Is visibly disgruntled, but not crying. "If we were together, you wouldn't trust me not to cheat on you? After everything? That's what you think of me?"

"That's not it," you insist, knowing you're making a right pig's ear of this all. You never think he'd intentionally do anything to hurt you. Trust him with your life. "I just need to establish clear boundaries because I can't go through the shit I went through again-"

"Will you stop equating me to him ?!" Jeongguk snaps, cutting you off. He doesn't mean to speak quite so loudly, but fuck . Seokjin has been the bane of his life for months. "I'm not him . I haven't done the shit he's done. I would never do that-"

"Yeah, but I didn't think you'd kiss Hayun-"

"And I fucking showed up at your door-"

"And withheld the truth, Gguk, before fucking me," you shout back, not letting him interrupt this time. Yep. Definitely harbouring resentment . He's not incapable of doing you wrong. Jeongguk isn't perfect, and you don't expect him to be – but you also don't expect him to be so bloody defensive when the whole point of the conversation is to strengthen your partnership. "But this isn't about that. It's about her , and the fact she has zero respect for me, alright? I need to hold firm boundaries with her, and I need a partner who does the same, otherwise my life is gonna be fucking miserable. If I'm constantly made to feel like I'm playing second fiddle to her, then what's the fucking point in any of this?"

It's a little harsher than you mean for it to be, but at least you're finally starting to make some sense.

"What's the point?" Jeongguk quickly repeats your words with a laugh, but it's filled with no joy. "B, if you think so poorly of me that I can't be trusted around her, then what the fuck are we even trying for? Just say you don't trust me and be done with it."

"That's not what I'm saying," you snap right back, confused at why he's being so guarded about something you thought you were on the same page about. Don't you both want to make this work? Does he not feel this way about Seokjin, too? And you find yourself annoyed; blood hot, fuse short. "But you know what, fine . If the idea of not being able to be best buddies with Hayun is getting you this riled up, then maybe we should just sack this in altogether."

" Best buddies? Really?" Jeongguk sneers, disgusted by the insulation he views Hayun as anything like that – which only confuses you even further. Why bother getting so irate if he really doesn't shit? Why argue? "That's not what I'm saying. You're twisting my words."

"And you're twisting mine!" You scoff in disbelief. This was never about your ability to trust him, and if he's taking it as that, then perhaps it should give you reason not to trust him. If the roles were reversed, you'd have been doing everything in your power to reassure him.

Jeongguk thinks he's spent months doing that regardless, and that you're just dismissing it all. Thinks all his hard work had been for nothing.

"You know what, Gguk? Whatever. I've gotta go to work, so you can sit with yourself and think about what an asshole you're being, and then get back to me when you realise I've got a fucking point."

"B-"

"No," you dismiss as you walk to the entryway. You know he was supposed to be taking you to work, but frankly you don't want to be in a car with him. Would much rather take the bus. "This is important to me. Get your head outta your arse and just think about it. If you give a shit-"

"You know I give a shit."

"- then the least you'd do is respect the point I'm trying to get across. I'm not saying you can't be friends, but I am saying I'm not gonna stick around to see it."

And it's the truth. You'll never give him an ultimatum, but you will stop him from being able to choose you full stop. He's the one who helped you realise your self-worth and nurture it back to health. If you weren't arguing, he'd be proud of how assertive you're being.

Jeongguk thinks this is fuckin' stupid. He doesn't need an ultimatum. It's you who he'll choose, and the fact that you can't see that makes him want to scream into the abyss.

"You can't just leave in the middle of this," he says as he follows after you. "Like what the fuck, B?"

You're already in your socks, though, stuffing your feet into your Converse, fingers fast as they wrap the laces around your ankles.

"I've gotta go to work."

"I'll drive."

"No," you say firmly, looking up towards him. "You're hungover, and I need to cool off, or else I'll say shit that'll ruin this."

He shakes his head. Scoffs.

"You don't think calling me an inevitable cheater, saying you don't trust me and that you think I've got the backbone of a jellyfish classifies as shit that'll ruin things?" He spits.

Well, when he puts it like that...

"That's not what I said-"

"Yeah, it fuckin' was."

"Fine," you snap, tying a double knot on the bow around your ankle and slinging your bag over your shoulder. "But you're letting this conversation fall apart for the sake of her, which is exactly why boundaries are needed. If you can't see that, then we really do have no hope, Jeongguk."

"I'm not-"

Voice loud and incredibly final, you look him dead in the eyes as you say, "You are. I need some space."

You don't kiss him goodbye. Don't even say it. Just unlatch the door and head down Yoongi's driveway with a face of thunder, and thoughts in your head to match.

Part of you thinks he'll chase after you. Part of you wants him to, just so you can tell him to go fuck himself. Part of you just wants him to say sorry, and that you're right, and that he wants this to work.

Mostly, you just want space. Spend the entire bus journey into town wondering how the fuck it got to the point that it did. By the time you reach your stop, your cheeks are pink from the frequency of you clearing silent tears from them. It's all so fucked .

You're stubborn at the best of times, and Jeongguk lets his agitation get the better of him. Your stubbornness is partially why you're so dismissive of your feelings – because as soon as you stand your ground, you know you won't stop. Will scratch the issue until it bleeds.

Jeongguk knows this, too, and is usually so good with it, able to remedy your woes and also get you thinking clearly – but on the rare occasions when you hit him where it hurts, he gets defensive. Defends and defends and defends. Doesn't even know what he's fighting for a lot of the time.

This time is different. As he starts up the shower in Yoongi's place, he's numb to the scalding heat of the water. Wants the feeling of the fight off his skin – but the way he's interpreted your remarks has stained him in the colour of words that he detests. Cheat. Untrustworthy. They sink into his skin like tattoo ink, but the needle goes too deep. Will leaves scars.

And in the midst of his confused hurt, Jeongguk convinces himself that not even a kiss from you would heal them. 

The damage is done.

"You're off tomorrow, right?" Hoseok asks, as if he hasn't double-checked the rota three times already this morning. Has been pacing in the supply room, sending voice notes to Namjoon for the past fifteen minutes when he should have been on his break.

"Look, just ask her, " Namjoon's deep drawl had echoed into Hoseok's headphones. "He's miserable, she's miserable, and I don't know about you, but if I have to see him pout like a little baby one more time, I'm gonna lose my mind."

It's a Thursday. Nearly a full week on since you left Jeongguk at Yoongi's place. Had shown up for that first shift full of smiles, and perfectly fine, but every time Hoseok caught you in a moment of quiet contemplation, he could tell something wasn't right. Eventually got the truth out of you yesterday, after his playlist reached the songs he'd saved from the weekend in Pohang. Had never seen you pout quite so pathetically – and especially not to a fucking Justin Bieber song.

"He just got so defensive," you'd sighed during the close-down of the shift, relaying your truth of the events to Hoseok. "And, like, I'm not doing it again. I'm not gonna be made to feel second best."

Which Hoseok finds funny, 'cause when he messaged Namjoon about the predicament, he learned that Jeongguk had been moping around just as pathetically. Asked to go for dinner with the boys not once but twice. Didn't wanna be alone, but also didn't tell them why - as if any of them needed clarification, when he was practically in mourning. It was as if he'd lost the most important person in his life.

It's for this reason that Hoseok knows Jeongguk would never consider you second best. Doesn't think there's anyone in second place, full stop. It's you. That's it.

"Tomorrow?" You hum. "Don't know."

It's a lie. You just don't really wanna be dragged into plans. Know that where Hoseok goes recently, Namjoon will surely follow, and you'd quite like to avoid any and all Dionysus boys.

"You are," Hoseok replies, 'cause he's not gonna try and beat blood from a stone. "Me and Danbi wanna go out."

"So go out."

"No," he laughs. "We want to go out with you. Haven't been out-out in ages."

"'Cause we're getting old," you remind him. "We aren't young, spritely spring chickens anymore. Closer to thirty than we are twenty."

"Which is exactly why we should go out," he insists. "One night. I'll buy your drinks."

He expects resistance. Expects push back. Doesn't expect you to say, "Pay for my entry, too, and you've got a deal."

You both know he won't be paying entry. Both know where you're gonna go. It's where you always go. Haven't been paying entry for well over a year, now. Have rarely paid for drinks, either. Not when Jeongguk is behind the bar, at least. The magic of Dionysus and the men who serve it.

It's funny, when you think about those first few nights, now. Unbelievable how much has changed.

As much as you may deny it, you want to see Jeongguk. Want to look in those starry eyes of his and stop your heart from feeling the way it does. Will take his annoyance and his upset, and accept that maybe he doesn't want to talk to you, because, despite it all, you know that being with him is the only thing that's gonna make you feel okay. 

Whether he's behind the bar or on the dancefloor, he's your safety zone – and given how much you've cried in private and failed to produce believable smiles in public during the last week, you know you need him.

"Deal."

On your way home, you consider sending through a message to your derelict direct messages with Jeongguk. Haven't really spoken since you left the Min's place. Didn't really have anything to say. A few videos have been shared, but you haven't watched any of them out of protest, and not wanting to smile when it comes to him. 

You've typed and deleted countless messages – Wtf is happening with us? I miss you :( Why r u ignoring me? Can't believe I ate ur ass and this is how u repay me. Ungrateful !!! – thinking that he should really be the one to reach out first.

And so you don't text.

Thing is, you know that if you end up at Dionysus (which you will) he deserves a little warning first. Eventually cave on your way back from running errands the next morning.

You : Heads up - going out tonight. Might go to the bar. Tell me if you'd rather I didn't.

Punching in the digits of your apartment door code, you almost jump out of your skin when your phone begins to vibrate. Slightly longer than usual, you know it's a call coming through. "Shit."

The caller ID confirms who it is – and despite your annoyance at the sight his stupid, beautiful face on the ID photo, you answer regardless.

"Hello?" You question, phone to your ear, as if your heart isn't beating out of your chest.

There's static coming through the speaker, the sound of Jeongguk's foot on the accelerator echoing into the room around you. Must be driving. You've half a mind to tell him to hang up – but you know he uses hands-free, and honestly you don't want him to go.

"Hey."

The greeting is sharp, like a knife to your chest – but the sound of his voice is so soothing, that you aren't able to comprehend the way that you feel.

"Wassup?" You ask, heading straight to your room, giving Danbi a panicked look of desperation as you walk past.

"Finallyyyyy," Danbi whisper-cheers, knowing you must be talking to Jeongguk. Wants to bang your heads together. Thinks you're both stupid.

"You're going out?"

"Mhmm," hum into the receiver of your phone. "Probably gonna end up in Dionysus. Just wanted to give you a heads up." An awkward silence lingers between you. "Or the chance to tell me not to come."

"Why would I do that?"

"Cause we aren't talking," you state all rather plainly.

"No," he corrects. "You asked for space."

In fact, he'd say you set a boundary. Thinks that he's respecting it. Just like you asked him to.

"Well," you say awkwardly. "Just let me know if you'd rather I went elsewhere."

"If you wanna go to Dionysus, go to Dionysus," Jeongguk says, as if he doesn't give a fuck what you do – then adds, "I'll tell Yeonjun to make sure you're on my tab."

"Yeonjun?" You question. "Won't-"

"I'm not in tomorrow," he cuts you off. In the static, you hear his engine cut off. "Look, I'm just home from Yoongi's. Got shit to do. Laundry and stuff."

"They're back?" You pout, sitting on your bed. There's a deflated nature to your posture. Don't understand why he's being so short with you.

"They're back." He confirms. Sighs, then decides the conversation is done. "Talk later."

"Yeah," you say quietly. "Talk later."

And you know it's stupid, and that you shouldn't read into things, but Jeongguk's shortness with you is devastating. The lack of 'B' tacked on to the ends of his sentences. The surface-level statements given without explanation.

When the line goes dead, you toss your phone down. Do nothing much for a good few minutes, until Danbi appears at the door and says, "I hear we're going out?"

When you glance towards her, and nod, you find that the movement of your head makes the tears on your lashline spill over.

"Oh, my love," she sighs, hurrying over to join you on your bed and engulf you in the biggest hug she can. "He's just a boy. Just a stupid, silly boy."

"So stupid," you agree, and let yourself cry a little bit more. "The stupidest."

"Big stupid head," she childishly agrees. "With stupid shirts that are far too big for him."

You laugh, but shake your head. "I love his stupid big shirts."

"I know," she nods, stroking your hair. Knows that half the clothes on your desk chair are his aforementioned shirts. "But it was the only thing I could think of."

For all his idiocy, Danbi knows that Jeongguk adores you. Will wait to see if he redeems himself before launching into a Seokjin adjacent tirade. That being said, she does also add, "Y'know what'd make life better?"

"What?" You sniff.

"Dump him."

Now this really does make you laugh – because how can you dump a man who hasn't even asked you to be his girlfriend?

"C'mon," Danbi says. "If you're gonna cry, at least do it after you've done your makeup. Hot mess style. You can poke me in the eyes so that we both cry. Power in hot mess girl numbers."

Dubious as you may be, you know Danbi is right. A night off with your friends, not thinking about Jeongguk (especially now that you know he won't be at Dionysus) feels like exactly what you need.

"Alright," you nod, as Danbi wipes away the straw tears on your cheeks. Smile, because that's what you should be doing. "Drink?"

"Always."

Dionysus never changes much.

From the sticky black floor and the strobe lights that repeat the same patterns week in, week out, the thing that changes most frequently is the crowd. Fridays are always a little lairy. Mainly a young crowd, it's the sort of people who spend all week looking forward to the weekend. Are too desperate to wait for Saturday to roll in.

Or, alternatively, they're people like you, who just wanna drown the week out. Wanna hold their best friends' hands in the crowd, and drink shitty drinks, and dance to even shittier songs.

There's a heat that comes with Friday nights in Dionysus. Desperation. Debauchery. Lost in the crowd, it's freeing to know a sea of strangers have no idea who you are. They'll never look at you and think of you as a disco ball.

Sure, they'll notice your sparkle, but they'll never look at you the way Jeon Jeongguk does.

Not like he's doing right now.

Tucked in the corner booth with his friends, he's ignoring their conversation, fully engrossed in the way your body moves. How your skin glows. The way you and Danbi become so intimate in your embrace that he finds himself getting agitated. Has half a mind to go and fucking interrupt. Make his presence known. Assert some fucking boundaries of his own.

You make him restless.

You, and your four-inch heels that he knows you're gonna be carrying by the end of the night. You, and the all-black outfit that has no impact on how you shine. You, and the glitter all over your skin, sparkling in the flashing lights of the club.

He sees you. Can't hear your laugh, but can imagine it as you hold onto Hoseok's arm, leaning across to say something in his ear.

Jeongguk's never cared for closeness in clubs. He's a bartender. Knows that it's needed to hear one another above the crowd. Also knows Hoseok, and how even if he was the last man on earth, you'd both let civilisation die out. Knows Danbi, and adores your friendship with her. He's not jealous because he thinks anything will happen – he's jealous because he misses you.

All he wants to do is join you. Not take you away.

Wants to share a drink with you. To hold your hand. To get covered in glitter, and have everyone in this god damn shit hole of a club knowing he belongs to you.

"Oi," Jimin grabs Jeongguk's attention. Holds up his cup. Knocks his towards the direction of the bar. "Another?"

Jeongguk's uncertain whether Jimin is deliberately trying to distract him or not, but he nods. Follows Jimin without a word. Is glad to be away from his circle. Is frustratingly anxious to be looking away from you. Can feel the heat of your starlight fading with every step closer to the bar.

Namjoon was the one to suggest the night out a couple of days ago. Jeongguk had refused – and yet by some miracle, earlier this afternoon, he changed his tone. Seemed to think going out was a great idea.

With Yoongi and Seoyeon home, he doesn't have to check on Oduun, and so he plans on drinking himself silly. It's been too long since he last got legless.

All the usual suspects are here – Jimin, Tae, Joon – and a few acquaintances that he's not too close with. He's vaguely aware of Hayun and Nabi being out tonight too, but hasn't seen either of them yet. Is hoping they'll have enough sense to go elsewhere. Has taken Hayun's name off the guestlist just in case. It won't stop her from entering, but it does mean she'll have to pay the entrance fee for the first time in her life. Hopes she'll take it as a hint.

Glancing back over to you, he sees you in conversation with some guy he doesn't know. Decides he doesn't wanna watch whatever happens next.

"Y'know what," Jeongguk says, patting Jimin's arm. "I need some air. Catch you in a bit."

He leaves before Jimin gets a chance to reply. Just heads to the smoking area. Needs a second to himself. To think. To breathe. To let his mind stop screaming for a split second. To stop himself from staring at you.

He's got Tae's cigarettes in his pocket from a smoke earlier in the evening, and fully intends on playing finders keepers with them. Hopes they'll give him a distraction, the heavy smoke lining his airways. Will coat the rotten feelings of his insides.

But even distractions from you end up as reminders. He thinks of the first night; the cigarettes tucked into your clutch, and how he rarely ever sees you smoke. Thinks you've got the kind of personality to foster addictions, and yet it's not one that's ever stuck. He also thinks you're incredibly disciplined, though. Stubborn. Is probably why you never let the habit consume you.

Not like he let the habit of you consume him. He's utterly ruined. Will never be the same.

"Got a light?" A sweet voice interrupts his thoughts of you, and he's left feeling bitter.

If there's one thing about Hayun, it's that she knows how to turn heads. Any other guy in the smoking area would choke on their toke trying to accommodate her needs as quickly as possible. Her maraschino cherry red lips are just as pouty as they usually are, her eyes wide to feign an innocence that doesn't align with the rest of her exterior.

Jeongguk says nothing. Inhales. Doesn't look at her. Passes across the box of cigarettes, where a lighter is tucked in the corner. Exhales as Hayun flicks up the box lid, and nimbly lights up the cigarette between her lips. Was given the cigarette by some other guy in the smoking area. Is good at that; getting what she wants.

Or at least, she was.

Jeongguk could fill the silence between them, but he doesn't care to. There's a twinge in his chest. Regret for facilitating Hayun's needs. Your words about boundaries ring in his ears. Was a small, simple gesture with no thought behind it – and he realises that's exactly the issue.

All he can think about is you.

He knows that him being with her right now is exactly the kind of thing that's only gonna prove your point; prove you right.

Strangely, part of him wants it to. Wants you to come for a smoke, or for air, or to look for him - and he wants you to find him.

Wants it, not to hurt you, nor to prove you right.

But to simply spark an argument; to make you give him an ultimatum, and for him to be able to simply choose you . Finally, and irrevocably.

For him to show you that you are his priority. You're the one that he wants. That Hayun's existence has no bearing on how he feels about you. That he just treats her like an acquaintance, and that he's not the monster you made him feel like he was.

It's a flawed logic, mind you. You'll never give him an ultimatum.

If you were to enter the smoking area, you'd understand that his choice is to spend time with her when he could be with you instead. Would view it as confirmation that you were right – and like you said, your boundaries are about you and your behaviour. He can do what he likes. Just means you won't let him come crawling back to you.

You're both drunk, and sensible rationalities evade you. It would be a disaster if you were to find him, now.

"Really got a bee in your bonnet, don't you, buddy?" Hayun tries to joke. It's a different kind of bee, granted, but she regrets saying it almost immediately.

He just hums in response. Knows he's being a little rude. Hope she'll take the hint, and bugger off.

Nearly six months since her return, Hayun still hasn't grasped the fact that the Jeongguk she used to know doesn't exist anymore. The boy who fawned after her for endless summers withered away, and in place grew someone new. They share a vessel, but their brain chemistry couldn't be more different.

He's not sure if it's the drink, or the smoke, or her, or you, but he feels nauseous. Stubs out his cigarette.

Hayun doesn't particularly want him to leave. Wants to see if she scratches away the surface, she'll find her old friend again.

"God, you're tense," she laughs. A few years ago, he'd have melted into the sound like butter on hot pancakes - but now it just makes him feel empty. "You not getting laid, or something?"

In another circumstance, with any person, Jeongguk might laugh. Might agree.

But he knows this is exactly what you meant when you said that you don't trust her to know where the boundaries are. Knows that he's tried to implement them before - and that she's waltzing her back over them once again. That they need to be rebuilt with brick.

Jeongguk is curt as he says, "Thought I told you not to ask shit about my sex life."

"Oh come on," she laughs. "It's just a joke."

"Well, am I fuckin' laughing, Hayun?" Jeongguk snaps. The volume of the music from the club obscures his question, but she hears him loud and clear. She says nothing. Looks at him with disgruntled surprise, but remains quiet. "Is it funny ?"

She considers keeping her mouth shut - but she's not gonna let him speak to her like that.

"Honestly?" she scoffs, bitter and scornful in her unspoken feelings towards the situation at hand. "Yeah. Yeah, Gguk, it is. It's fucking hilarious that you're pretending like you're some perfect couple when apparently she can't even keep you satisfied in the easiest fucking way. It's hilarious ."

Though she doesn't say it, her words are layered; a subtle suggestion that she knows how to satisfy him.

"And you could?" He laughs, now. Doesn't mean to be cruel, but he's reached his limit. Is still so fucking hurt that you practically said you expected him to cheat on you – with someone like Hayun, of all people. Makes him feel so disgusting. So ugly. And so kindness evades him.

"You're forgetting that I did ," she retorts. "For years , I did. You've known her all of five minutes and you're already unsatisfied, so don't give me this bullshit-"

"Hayun, you've got no fucking idea," Jeongguk spits. He could get vulgar, if he wanted to. Could tell her, in quite some detail, how the warmth of your lips is all that he needs to keep him alive through winter; how you giggle after every single climax, and how he knows it's gonna be the thing he hears on his fucking death bed. He could tell her how sometimes, his hands go numb from how intensely he comes undone for you; how his brain fails to control itself. Instead, he says, "She is the best thing that's ever happened to me. Do you not get that? She is it . I was never that for you, so I don't know why you're trying to make out like I'm sacrificing something that we never were. It's so fucking boring. Are you not tired?"

"Well, then why the fuck are you hell-bent on proving to me how much she means to you?" She scoffs. Is feline in the way her posture stiffens. "Why do you care more about keeping up appearances for me , instead of actually making things right with her? Why the fuck are you not with her? Why are you not official?"

"Because-"

"Because you're a scared little boy," she seethes, secretly revelling in the heat beneath his temper. Knew he still had a little passion left in him, and is glad to welcome it home. Knows that a fight always preluded their best bedroom sessions together. "Because if you make things official with her, then that writes off any chance you have with me. You're still holding out for me, and we both know it."

Of all the deranged things she's ever said, this is first time Jeongguk is speechless. Shakes his head in disbelief. Wonders how much coke she must have done up in Seoul to fuck with her head this badly.

"You're actually fucking deluded, aren't you?" He contorts his face, utterly stunned by how her brain works - but then realises this is exactly what you mean. The boundaries have nothing to do with Jeongguk or his feelings for you, but her inability to understand them. "You know what," he laughs. "Fuck this. This is the last time I'll have this conversation with you. Accept it or don't, but this is where it ends, Hayun. Keep the cigarettes. Don't ask me for shit ever again."

"Gguk," she calls after him as he heads towards the bar once more. He continues walking. Shakes her head. Thinks he's the deluded one. Mutters under her breath, "Fucking nutcase."

She's about to stub her cigarette out – had only been smoking as an excuse to get close to Jeongguk – when someone else fills his space.

Far smaller in stature, Danbi is just as imposing as the man she's replacing.

Though she's quiet, Danbi is incredibly direct as she scathes, "Is it really worth it?"

"Is what worth what ?"

"Constantly embarrassing yourself. Is it worth it? Do you reckon it'll win you Jeongguk back?" Danbi mocks. "'Cause from where I'm standing, it's not just him you're alienating."

Hayun says nothing. Takes a toke on her cigarette. Shrugs.

She knows she shouldn't speak on behalf of other people, but Danbi's been holding back for months. Has a little too much liquor in her bloodstream to bother being kind. Only came outside to look for you, when she stumbled across enough entertainment to rival a TLC show. That's gotta be it. Hayun must be the subject of a hidden camera show. It's the only way to explain how out of touch she is.

"Jimin is sick to his back teeth of you," she says, knowing that this won't be news Hayun. "And Tae was so fucking pleased when you showed up at New Years – but every single time since then, he's hoped you'd be a no-show."

Now this does irritate Hayun. She laughs. "I've known Tae-"

"You think I give a shit how long you've known him?" Danbi interrupts her. "Just as long Nabi, right? And have I ever taken issue with her?" The question is rhetoric. Danbi answers it herself. "No. I haven't. I respect her, as his friend, and she respects me as his girlfriend."

"So what?" Hayun scoffs. "What's your point Danbi? The situations are entirely different."

"My point is, if Nabi even thought about treating me like shit, it doesn't matter how long Tae's known her – he'd kick her to the curb. History doesn't mean shit when it comes to the person you wanna spend the rest of your life with." There's a strength to Danbi's words. A promise. You? You're Jeongguk's future. "Nabi wants to be in his life, so she's cool with me, and I'm cool with her in return - so what the fuck are you playing at? You're not even cool with Jeongguk. He's told you to sling your hook and yet-"

"You never knew us before," Hayun fights back. The cigarette in her hand is nearly entirely burnt out. "So history does count for something, because-"

"Before doesn't matter!" Danbi stresses. "Don't you get that? Do you not see what you're doing to the present day? How it's gonna affect the future? From what I know, Hayun, you tore him apart – and it's that girl in there, the one you show the utmost contempt, that put him back together. And when she did?" Danbi laughs, as if it's the most joyous thing in the world. "Oh, she reconfigured him. You reap what you sow, and you planted no goddamn seeds in the mess that you made – so take your empty satchel, and go find some other fucking farm. There's nothing here for you."

With that, Danbi leaves. Has nothing more to say to her. Has a disgusting taste in her mouth, partially from the secondhand smoke but mainly from her sheer distaste for Hayun.

Alone, Hayun purses her lips. Tosses the cigarette to the ground, and stubs it out with her foot. A boy from across the smoking area begins to advance towards her, but she scowls. "Piss off."

Her pride is hurt, and she's gonna need some time to lick her wounds. Holding up his hands, the boy retreats. Goes back to his friends, who laugh and joke at his expense. Beside them, a group of girls are consoling one of their friends. It's unclear what the problem is, but Hayun's pretty whatever the girl is crying about can't be any worse than what's making her feel all horrible on the inside – and yet there's no one there to comfort her. No one to tell her that Jeongguk's being stupid, or that Danbi is a bitch.

Because Danbi is right; there really is nothing left for her here.

And she's got no one but herself to blame.

Back inside, Danbi comes to join you as you're having your very own devastating conversation by the bar. "You're kidding me?!"

"Afraid not," Yeonjun grimaces. " Someone -"You know full well he means Jeongguk. "-didn't order last week's stock when he was supposed to, so we're running low on a few things. No starfuckers tonight."

Oh, it's terrible news. The worst thing you've heard tonight. Not the worst thing you've seen , 'cause you saw Hayun follow Jeongguk out to the smoking area, and that's definitely the winner there. Is also why you'd decided that purple starfuckers were very much needed.

"Watcha want instead?" Yeonjun asks, then leans a little further over the bar to lower his voice. "Look, between us –"he glances across to Jeongguk, who's recently returned to the booth his friends are in. "- if you're on his tab, which you are, you should go for something worthy of a bar tab. Hoseok's been drinking fuckin' Bacardi all night. Not worth it. Go big. Go for the Grey Goose."

And this is exactly why Jeongguk needs Yeonjun on his team when he sets up the restaurant. Is a people person. Can read rooms. Knows that you and Jeongguk must be in mard with one another. Also knows you need to talk, and that the best way to ensure that, is a little liquid confidence.

"Vodka lime soda," you grin.

"Grey goose?"

You don't vocalise it, but you do nod.

"Attagirl," Yeonjun grins. It also means it'll be put through on his sales record, and give him higher stats. Really is win-win situation (apart from Jeongguk's wallet when he eventually settles his tab, even with his discount). "Double?"

"Double."

"What about you Danbi?" Yeonjun calls back.

Wrapping her arms around your neck, so awfully pleased to have someone like you as her best friend, she grins. "Whatever's the most expensive liquor you have. Make it a double."

"Jeongguk's tab?"

"Well, he's gotta be good for something," she teases, and when you laugh, she gives you a big squeeze. Sways your bodies. Whispers, "Just ripped Hayun a new one."

"Lucky her," you laugh.

Despite the heat of the club, the knowledge of her presence makes you so terribly cold. Puts you on edge. Makes you wanna hide – and there's no better place for that than a club crowd.

"C'mon," you grin as if you don't have a care in the world once Yeonjun serves up your drinks. "Let's go."

Lost in what it feels like to be alive, you disregard the way you can feel Jeongguk's gaze burning into you.

He looks heavenly in flannel shirts; the closest thing you'll ever get to an angel in real life. Eyes dark, sin is embedded in the ridges of his frown, but you suppose it's apt. Even Lucifer was an angel, once. The Lord's favourite, if your memories of high school religion classes serve you right. Fitting .

You suppose it's not really a surprise. You don't think you've ever been confronted with a version of Jeon Jeongguk that you wouldn't worship; wouldn't sacrifice your sanity for.

Eyes on his, you let the crowd do its thing. He takes a sip on his drink. The guy behind you is getting a little too close for Jeongguk's liking. He mouths the word 'careful ' at you.

But you don't think Jeongguk was being particularly careful when he let Hayun follow him to the smoking area - so you shrug your shoulders. Turn away. Have no intention of doing anything with this man. Will dip in a minute. Just wanna piss Jeongguk off.

And it seems to work, given the familiar grip around your wrist not even thirty seconds later. The scent of his aftershave intrudes on your senses, and the flannel of his shirt greets you as he storms ahead, leading you through the crowd and out to the lobby area. 

You're quick on your feet as you teeter behind him, Jeongguk's pace far too impatient for your heels. Though his grip on your wrist is firm, you know if you were to pull back, he'd let you - but why would you? Why would you free yourself of his shackles, when all you want is to be his? Unashamedly, and irrevocably, his.

Anyone who cared to glance your way might show concern, Jeongguk's face of thunder and your open willingness to let him drag you around not exactly the most healthy display of affection. In fact, if you were to see a girl in the same position, you know you'd interrupt. Pretend to be her friend. Get her away from the guy.

And so you smile. Giggle, a little tipsy, and certain that it will look far less sinister. It seems to work, because you're unbothered as Jeongguk punches in a door code and hauls you into a room by the entrance. Lined with coats and bags, you've only ever seen this room through a small hatch at the far end, where a guy you don't recognise has turned to face his off-duty manager with taut perplexion.

"Out," Jeongguk growls at the guy standing by the cloakroom window.

"But-"

"Out."

Like a dog with his tail between his legs, the guy does as he's told.

The overhead lights are warm, and the room is far cosier than you'd expect thanks to all of the soft fabrics hanging on the rails around the wall. Pinned to each jacket is a little raffle ticket. You've one in the back of your phone, that matches the ticket pinned to your coat. A little archaic, the system works. No point in fixing what isn't broken.

Jeongguk really could not care less about the system, or people needing to get their coats as he drags you around the corner of the L-shaped room. He could close the hatch up at the front of the room, but it's against club protocol. Can't keep people's possessions hostage. Will just listen out in case the bell by the hatch goes.

This corner keeps you obscured from the hatch. No one can see beyond the turn, and even if they could, you're right in the corner. Are concealed by the overflowing coats that hang around you.

The smile you had plastered on your face is dead and gone. You're staring Jeongguk out, the whites of your eyes present against your lashline, a scowl resting on your sparkling features.

"The fuck was that about?" You spit, arms crossing over your chest.

There's a searing anger burning through your body; at Jeongguk for how he's behaving, and at yourself for how you're behaving. You know it's destructive. You know no good can come from a fight. That's it's stupid to be pissing him off just because he pissed you off.

You should rise above it - but you're drunk and sad, and all you really want is for things to be okay. That's what you're really fighting with, the idea of things being broken.

In any other circumstance, Jeongguk would have been distracted by the movement of your arms, and subsequent prominence of your tits, but he's just as angry as you are. Can't even bring himself to entertain the idea of your usual escapades, of what he knows you'd be getting up to in an empty cloakroom in any other circumstance, 'cause he's too agitated.

"The fuck was-" he laughs, imitating your words. Stutters a little. Can't believe the fucking audacity of you, sometimes. "The fuck was that ? I don't know. You tell me, B. Huh? Where the fuck were your boundaries?"

A great question, you think. 

Decide to counter with a few questions of your own.

"Tell you what ?" You sneer as if you don't know exactly what's pissed him off. It's not like you're stupid - but it's also not like you didn't see Hayun follow him to the smoking area. You watch him just as much as he watches you - the obsession is shared. Equal. And so you smile again, in a way that unnerves Jeongguk. Unsettles him, not because it's unpleasant, but because he's devastated by how prettily scorn resides in your features. "Why don't you tell me, baby? How was your smoke?"

The way you call him baby is cruel . Spiteful.

There's nothing he wants more than to be yours; to be the recipient of all your affection. He's revelled in the name before. Loves it when it occasionally slips from your tongue in moments of ecstasy.

He doesn't understand why it hurts now. He just knows that it does.

And so his shoulders broaden. Posture straightens. Defences strengthen.

"Here we fuckin' go again-"

"Yeah, we do," you interrupt, hot in your immediate anger. You're capable of spitting fire, and given how frosty you've been towards one another lately, you want the heat. You want your anger to burn. To leave a mark. A permanent reminder: treat me better. "I told you my boundaries. I made it perfectly clear that I expected better from you, and the first thing you go and fucking do? Entertain her. Why the fuck would go and do that?!"

Realistically, you know Jeongguk treats you incredibly well. In fact, no one has ever treated you in the way that he has. If anything, you feel unworthy of him - and perhaps that's just it. 

Perhaps you're looking for a way to push him away.

How can he hurt you if you hurt yourself first?

"I didn't go and do shit, B" he yells right back. Thinks you're being unfair. Knows that he did all he could. If the tables were turned, and it was Seokjin who'd followed you to the smoking area, you'd have responded in the same way. He also knows there's no chance in hell of Seokjin interrupting a night like this. Wonders if perhaps maybe you do have a point. She is always around. Can never catch a fucking break. " She followed me - but you let some fucking guy be all over you-"

"Convenient," you laugh, all rather condescending and sarcastic in your tone. Fighting for the sake of fighting, neither of you care for scoring points. You just want to hit where it hurts. His remarks about the random stranger on the dancefloor are ignored. "Why the fuck is she even here?!"

"I don't know! I didn't invite her, and I can't exactly ban her from existing," Jeongguk scoffs, well aware that you're just being petty for the sake of it. The vein in his throat protrudes, blood hot beneath his skin. His lips are pouty from frustration. If you stop fighting, you know you'll want to kiss him. "I took her off the guest list, and I told her to get fucked. What more can I fucking do?!"

He's done everything right. You know this.

But somewhere between the miscommunication and the one-too-many tequilas, you've convinced yourself that his defensiveness is an admission of guilt, and that he's doubling down in a bid to convince you of half-truths. 

This nature of yours is destructive. Always has been - but you and Jeongguk have worked so hard to snap each other out of your bad behaviours. He thought you were past this.

So did you.

"You can make a fucking choice, Jeongguk," you shout back, eyes glassy, jaw tense. "You have them, you know? Choices . You can choose to leave. You can remove yourself from the situation. You have free fucking will. You know that, right?"

You're not privy to the conversation between Jeongguk and Hayun. Are unaware of the fact he did exactly that. He has learned his lessons.

"You have no fucking idea-"

"No idea of what? How hard it is to let her go?" You sneer, putting words in his mouth. "Yeah, I fucking do, 'cause you're apparently unable to do so."

He's silent for what feels like an eternity. 

Feels like he's fighting a losing battle. Rubs his fingers along his jaw, pressing into his skin as if he's trying to ease the joints of their tension. Looks away. Shakes his head. Snaps his gaze back to you, and says, "If you think this poorly of me, then what the fuck are we even trying for, B?"

The air between you is so cold you're surprised snow doesn't begin to dust the top of his shoulders. Funny, how you always thought you'd withstand winters with Jeongguk, and now doesn't even seem like you'll make it to the end of summer.

As you shrug your shoulders, you cast your gaze to the floor. Are quiet, and dismissive as you say, "I don't think poorly of you, Jeongguk. I just think sometimes you make poor choices."

Now this does piss him off.

Glancing back up to see his reaction to such softly spoken words, you're surprised to find that the scorn in his eyes almost hides the stars as he looks at you – but not entirely.

He'll never lose them. Not ever. You're part of his anatomy. His soul. Will forever have stars in his eyes as long as he has you.

"I fucking choose you ," he hisses. Gets closer. Encroaches on your personal space. Looks down at you. Is just as frustrated as you are. Doesn't understand why you don't just fucking let him love you.

He knows you well enough by now to know what you're doing, how you're trying to push him away. You feel undeserving of his heart, so you try to throw it back at him - but he refuses to ever catch it.

He'll damned if you manage to destroy things. Vetoes the idea of this fight ruining what you have, but is too proud to back down. Knows he hasn't done anything wrong. Not now, at least.

Just doesn't realise it's the wrongs of his past that make it so difficult for you to trust his truth, now. Had fucked you once with the promise of not ever wanting anyone else, only for you to later find out that the lips that had whispered such words of affection had also been stained in red earlier that evening.

"Every fucking time, B," he continues, unaware of the painful memories that are choking you up. Will call you B until the day he dies, whether you're loving or fighting. It matters not. What matters is that you're still his to call. "When Hayun says dumb shit, I choose you . When Jiyeong was being a dick, I only stuck it out because I was choosing you , and choosing your happiness, because I thought it was what you wanted. When you started seeing whatever the fuck that douchebag was called, I chose to let you explore that, because it's something you had to figure out for yourself. B, I fucking choose you . Again and again-"

"But you didn't!" You shout, now, with no care for how close he is. Swallow back a sob. Don't wanna look weak, but you fucking feel it. You are about to spill the real crux of the issue that you've been holding in for months now. Something you dismissed, and ignored, when really you should have just spoken about it straight away. He gave you the chance - you just weren't ready. Didn't understand how you felt about it - but now you do, and you realise it's tainting everything in a dark shade of maroon. "Showing up at my apartment after kissing Hayun isn't choosing me. It's crawling back to me."

To say it out loud hurts.

To admit that it bothered you as much as it did is embarrassing.

To expose that you're no longer fearful of intimacy, but of him being intimate with someone else, is mortifying.

But it's a truth that he needs to know; that even though it was months ago, and you thought you were over it, it's been affecting how you feel towards not only him, but towards Hayun and the entire situation at hand.

There's silence; the sound of the club speakers echoing into the room the only disguise for your breaking hearts.

"B, it wasn't like that," He begins to defend himself, but his intent won't change his impact. Not now. "I was confused ."

"You betrayed my trust," you pathetically whine, finally admitting how the entire situation made you feel. "Gguk, you really fucking hurt me."

Perhaps the admission has come too late. Perhaps you should have come to terms with it earlier. In all honesty, it's only been a recent realisation. One that you've been trying to ignore.

Implementing boundaries would have remedied some of your woes, but when Jeongguk got defensive, everything fell apart.

There's a shift, not only in Jeongguk's footing, but also in his understanding of the situation; an awareness that this really has nothing to do with how rotten Hayun has been to you, but instead how accepting Jeongguk has been of her.

This is on him.

"Every single time I see her scurry after you, or find you hidden in conversation, that's what I think of," you say quietly, a little ashamed of how your brain works. Have worked so hard to heal it, but old habits die hard, you suppose. "I look at you, together, and I think of how I knew something had happened and I just let you... I let you lie to me, then fuck me as if you'd never do me wrong. And it makes me feel pathetic. I'm reminded of it every single time I see you together. I can't live a life like that, Gguk. Maybe it's my fault, but-"

Jeongguk shakes his head.

It isn't gonna let you take the fall for this one.

He cups your cheeks with his palms, and - oh, God - it's like coming home. Melt into his touch. You've missed him so much. Him; his warmth, and his kindness. He's like a sip of fresh spring water after an arduous hike. You've never been much one for climbing, but you'd move mountains just to have him.

You're pitiful as quiet sobs escape from your tipsy lips. It's embarrassing and stupid, but it just hurts so fucking much. The stroke of his thumbs as he brushes away your tears is disjointed; razor blades in one moment, feathers in the next.

"I fucked up, B," he says tenderly, forehead pressed to yours. Your cheeks are red, and your eyes even redder. Jeongguk knows how much you hate the colour. Feels awful that his actions have stained you in it. "If I could go back and change it all, I would - but I can't. You just have to believe me when I say I'm sorry . Trust me. You're the only person I want. Okay? The only one ."

And yet his words don't seem to soothe. If anything, you start crying even harder.

Jeongguk's getting scared. His heart rate doesn't seem to settle. Has never seen you this upset. He isn't quite sure what he's supposed to do. Knows alcohol is playing a part, but also knows it must come from sober feelings.

When you and Jeongguk started this whole thing, it was easy. Just you, and him. You could weather the storm of Seojoon and Jiyeong easily. Secretly knew that they were never the right fit, no matter how hard you tried.

Seokjin was touch and go for a while. That first night you showed up at Jeongguk's place in a sorry state about it all, he didn't imagine a scenario in which you'd ever choose yourself over Seokjin - let alone choose him . 

Jeongguk refuses to let Seokjin ever know the concept of peace, or a version of you that isn't spoken for, so long as he's in the picture.

Hayun was different. She came in like a tidal wave, and when she crashed, she obliterated everything . It took a while for you to realise how bad the damage was, but now the shores have settled, it's clear to you that you're still a little wrecked by it.

So of course you're crying, as you realise sucking Hayun's venom from Jeongguk meant poisoning yourself.

"I just... Gguk, I can't," you simply shrug, defeated by it all.

"Can't what?"

Though his voice is quiet, controlled, Jeongguk is anything but. He isn't sure if his heart is beating at rapid speed, or if it's stopped altogether. Either way, he thinks he might die.

You're struggling to form words. Sob a little more. A little harder.

He's panicking. You're not looking at him - think it'll just make it worse - but when he speaks, it sounds like he's about to sob, too. "Can't what , B?"

You're pathetic as you choke out, "Do this."

Jeongguk's blood runs cold.

Of all the outcomes of fighting with you, he never thought that it would be this. Knows you're stubborn. Knows you're set in your ways once your mind is made up. Know that if you're saying something out loud, that you mean it - or at least part of your brain does. 

He knows the exact part of your brain well. It's that fearful, cautious little trinket inside your head, right between your memories and your dreams, telling you to do this.

But Jeongguk has spent so long making that part of your brain pretty.

Like an old Altoids tin, he's been busy fixing you up. Has adorned you in bows and gemstones, paper cuttings from receipts received in time spent together, portraits from a photobooth that captured an intimacy so rare you didn't even realise what it was at first. Not like you do now.

He's filled it to the brim with everything that makes you tick: a tiny My Melody figurine, a miniature copy of your favourite Van Gogh, a couple 500 won coins for arcade machines and a vial of glitter for emergencies. Inscribed his initial in the side of the metal, 'cause he wants you to remember that he did this.

To recognise that even the scariest parts of your brain will always be safe with him.

It's not like it's been without reciprocation. Jeongguk's got more glitter in his brain than thoughts these days. Ideas are strung up on origami birds, and memories are washi-taped in place. There's a disco ball right in the middle of his mind, and it never stops spinning. He should be dizzy, really - but it's finally like his brain is moving at the right speed for him. Used to feel seasick on solid ground before he met you. Enjoys the sensation of stillness, now.

Without you, he'll be all out of sync. Won't be able to see any stars. Night skies will be empty. Void.

He is terrified by the concept of an abyss where there once was abundance.

But that's the thing.

It's merely a concept.

It'll never be true.

Just like there'll always be stars in the sky, there'll always be a place for you with him. Always.

And so despite your tears, and regardless of Jeongguk's panic, he surprises you both when he laughs. Shakes his head, forehead pressed to yours. Tells you, with an absurd smile on his face, "No."

No.

I refuse.

Confusion warps your tear-sodden face. Brows furrow. Head shakes. Pouty lips so close to his, you could kiss him if you really wanted. You do want to - but not like this. Not when you don't really understand what's happening.

"What?" You manage to sob. Sniff back a few more tears. Are so overwhelmed with confusion that your brain can only regulate one intense emotion at a time. What once was anger had devolved into sadness, and now you're just left inexplicably bamboozled. Don't understand.

He doesn't need you to understand. Just needs you to hear him out for a change.

"No," he repeats, with a soft laugh. Lets his nose nudge against yours. Doesn't give a shit if his face gets with your tears. Has shared so much worse with you. Wants to experience it all with you. The good and the bad. "Chess."

Funny, how usually that word would scare you.

Feels like it's healing you, now.

So puzzled by him and your own feelings, and whatever the fuck is going on, you laugh, too. "You can't 'chess' a break up."

"I can," he assures you. "I've got like, two birds left on my ceiling, and neither one of them have 'break up' written on the wings, so. No can do, I'm afraid. No breaking up for us."

Jeongguk knows you. Knows how your brain works. Knows that all you want, truly, is to be chosen. Knows that you're pushing him away, when in reality you're begging him to stay – and so that's what he'll do.

He'll stay for the anger. Stay for the sadness. Stay for the bad, 'cause he knows that it's worth the good. Worth the happiness. Worth the passion, and the protection, and the pretty way you make him feel. God, it's so worth it.

Fists bunching in the front of the tank top beneath his open flannel, it's the first indication that you want him to stay close. The breaths hitching in your throat become a little calmer. Lips tremble, but not in the way they once were.

"Gguk-"

"Don't." He's gentle as he interrupts. It is so tender. Warm. Safe. "B, I'm not losing this. I'm not losing you. I'll give up anything , but I won't give up you. Don't make me. Please ."

It's what he should have said when you fought at Yoongi's place; what he should have said a million times over. He tried to prove it in his actions, but failed to communicate it with you how you needed him to. He is trying his hardest now.

Hopes it isn't too late.

There is a soft smile on your lips, head shaking at the stupidity of a fight like this. Find a little humour, as you eventually tease, "Suppose we can't break up if we're not technically together."

"Oh my God," he groans, tipping his head back. Laughs. "I have a plan! Everyone keeps giving me shit for not making things official but – fuck," he pulls back to press a kiss to your forehead, then wraps his arms around you. Hugs you so tightly it's as if he's forgotten you need to breathe if you stand any chance in hell of being together. Is so soft as he smiles, "B, I've got a fucking disco ball in my Instagram bio. What more do you need?! That's like, the most official thing ever ."

"Wait," you laugh now, too. Pull back to look at him. Notice there's glitter all over the front of his shirt, but what could you expect from such a mess on your face? He was well aware it would happen. Wanted it to happen. Loves the lingering remnants of you. "Your bio?"

Again, actions over words. Tried so hard to silently let you know he cared, but failed to realise he needed to actually let you know.

There's no shyness as he nods. In fact, he seems rather pleased with himself, pulling his phone from his pocket, handing it over to you. Lets you unlock it. Lets you find Instagram in his apps. Lets you click through to his profile. Gives you full access to his phone, because he's got nothing to hide.

Sure enough, above his Chess Champion title, is a string of three emojis: a disco ball, a bird, and a star. You .

"When?" you narrow your eyes as you question him, unable to fight your smile.

He narrows his eyes right back. Wants to kiss you so fuckin' badly. "Can't believe you never noticed. After Pohang. After I told you I had feelings for you."

There's a level of guilt that comes with thoughts of Pohang; a reminder of the conclusions jumped to, and the safety mat laid out by Jeongguk beneath you.

Have you not learned your lesson? Did you not trip yourself up enough times? Did Jeongguk not bandage up your knees each and every time you scraped them against the assumptions that lined the floor of your self-sabotaging mind?

Actions, or words, it matters not. Looking at Jeongguk, so soft in his gaze and strong in his stature, you know he'll never lie to you again. Maybe about the small things - the inconsequential white lies that harm not even flies - but never about the big things. Understands that what's sometimes small to him may be large to you, so will try his goddamn hardest.

He really has learned his lesson. Is deserving of gold stars.

There's only one star he wants, though, and so you'll give him it; give him yourself.

"I just got so in my head," you begin to explain.

"I know."

It's not the first time. Truthfully, he doubts it will be the last. He just doesn't care.

He rests his forehead against yours. Nudges his nose into its favourite spot, and whispers, "You'd be insane to give this up, and you damn well know it."

"Insane," you agree. Are slow as you tilt your head upwards, lips ghosting his. Neither of you press down. Instead, you simply exist for a moment. Share oxygen. Stay alive, together, until you whisper. "I don't wanna end things. I don't-" You choke out a laugh, still delicate from your previous tears. "Gguk, I want this to work."

"We will work," Jeongguk whispers. "We do work."

It's proven how your body moves as he presses his lips down into yours, kisses soft, his hold on your body hard. Like the lip rings in the corner of his mouth, he's firm in his physical declaration of feelings. Intentional. Intimate.

The room you're in melts away. No longer are you in the confines of the Dionysus cloakroom, but a place all to yourselves; serene forests and flowing streams, moonlight shining down. The sound of the club echoes into oblivion. All that's left is you and him. Eternity wouldn't be long enough for a love like yours.

But your time on this earth is limited - and Jeongguk doesn't wanna waste it.

"B, it's so fuckin' stupid that we aren't together," he husks as you pull away from the intensity of his kiss. "So stupid, and pointless. My mind's made up."

Certain. Sure. Solid. His need to be yours is unwavering. Will never change.

"Oh, yeah?" You settle into a pretty smile, and it's almost like you were never bloody crying.

"Yeah," he smiles right back, drawing you closer to him. "I wanna be your boyfriend, and I want everyone in that goddamn club to know that you're my girlfriend."

"That's a bit excessive," you tease of his possessiveness, as if it isn't making the butterflies in your stomach soar.

"Is not," he assures you, matching your tone. Is so pleased to be playful with you again. God, he's missed you. "I'll get up in the DJ booth. Tell everyone." He brings his hand to his mouth to imitate a mic, but also doesn't stop holding your hand in the process. Puts on his best DJ voice. "I'm dating a disco ball, letsssss gooooo!"

Delicate in how you giggle at his dumb humour, you shake your head. "You'll end up one of those documentaries, you know. The ones where people fall in love with cars and stuff."

"Oh, you're far more fuckable than a car. Exhaust pipes hurt."

"How do you even-"

"So, do you wanna be my girlfriend?"

You're beginning to realise now why Jeongguk needed a plan so badly. The boy is a disaster. All you can do is laugh – but you also nod. He's right. Postponing the inevitable had opened you up to a vulnerability you were unaware you even had.

"It's a stupid question."

"I know it is," he insists, and pulls you in for a dainty kiss. Would kiss you forever, if he could - but your answer is more important right now. "Thought it went without saying. But, just to clarify – that's a yes, right?"

You'd rather die than reject Jeongguk. It's why he never has to fear rejection with you - 'cause you simply never will.

"Yes, it's a yes," you grin, biting down on your bottom lip. Feel shy, somehow, as if you haven't had him in the most explicit of positions; as if this is uncharted territory.

There's a sparkle in his eye. He reciprocates the way you bite on your lip. Mirrors you, because that's what you do when you're confronted with the person you adore the most in the whole entire world.

The bell by the front desk chimes. You both ignore it. Neither of you can look away.

"Nice," he nods, incredibly boyish and pleased with himself. He has a girlfriend . Feels like he's fuckin' floating. "Think I'm cured."

You push him away a little, just to drag him back down into a kiss that finishes far too quickly for his liking. Wants to suffocate in everything you are. Wants to go home, hand in hand with you. Wants to fuck you like he means it. Wants to hold you while you sleep. Wants to wake up beside you.

Wants, wants, wants.

You, you, you.

"Oh yeah?" You enthuse, totally enthralled by the energy he's radiating. Like a neon light, the beam he emits is celestial. You think he's the real star, here.

You both ignore the bell again.

"Yeah. Fear of rejection? Pffft," he dismisses. "Not my problem. Couldn't be me."

"I'm gonna have to start rejecting you to humble you, aren't I?" You laugh - but then the bell rings again, and you both know you can't ignore it for any longer. "C'mon. Let's get that poor person's coat."

"Hope whoever it is stubs their toe when they get home," he whines, stealing one final kiss before you drag him back around to the hatch. Mumbles, "Cockblocking prick."

Pulling on his hands, you drag him round the corner with you, both smiling like absolute idiots, highly aware that it probably looks like something incredibly inappropriate happened. You don't care.

"Oh," you falter when you catch sight of the hatch, and the crimson calamity waiting there for you.

It's not like it's unthinkable to happen, Hayun coming to collect her jacket, but it's also not something you had anticipated. You had expected Hayun to at least let your smile fade before showing up just to ruin the fun.

There's an awkwardness in the way she stares at you, and you at her. Almost like Jeongguk isn't even there - but he is.  His grip on your hand tightens. You both stop in your tracks. The tension is so thick, you could cut it with a knife.

He speaks first. Wants to prove himself. Is stern. Says, "Sorry. Don't know where the attendant is."

Rolling your eyes, you smile. Are aware of his intentions. Feel far more secure than you did half an hour ago. He's got no need to prove himself. Patting his chest, you let go of his hand, then head towards the hatch, where an incredibly perplexed Hayun still stands.

Taking a deep breath, you know you don't have to do this – but you nearly let her win earlier. Being cruel to her now would just scream insecurity, and you know that kindness will be the thing that really haunts her.

"What's your number?" You ask. Hold hand out for the little raffle ticket. "I'll get it for you."

She says nothing. Hands the ticket over. 666. Figures .

Jeongguk keeps his eyes trained on you as you head off to the back of the room to collect her jacket from the section it's in. Doesn't even so much as look in Hayun's direction when she mutters some bullshit about how 'classy' the pair of you are to be caught in a cloakroom together.

He knows that the simple act of you retrieving her jacket will leave it covered in glitter, and that's punishment enough for Hayun. Has no interest in engaging in conversation with her, especially not one that is targeted at making you feel shitty.

"Here," you smile as you hand it over. Are met with no thanks, just a look of disdain and the understanding that she never wants to see you again – and God, how you hope this will be the case.

She casts one final glance across to Jeongguk. There's nothing in it. No sorrow, no remorse. She's just checking to see if his eyes are on her. They aren't.

"You good?" Jeongguk asks you almost immediately, not caring if Hayun is still around or not, holding out his hand for you to take.

"Good," you nod. As your fingers link with his, you exhale a shallow breath. Squeeze his hand.

When he opens the door, the kid he'd barked at earlier awkwardly jumps up from his squatted position. Jeongguk grimaces. Apologises.

"Was, uh-" he stumbles on his excuse. "Some business stuff."

And so as you let him lead you back into the main room, you tease him. "Is that what we are, huh? Just business?"

He laughs, squeezing your hand. Leans back to make sure you can hear him as he says, "You're not business, B. You're my girlfriend - or have you forgotten that already?"

"Think you'll just have to repeat it, like, all the time," you tell him. "Make sure I never forget."

And when you finally return to your friends, greeted by an explosion of cheers when they see you together , smiling, holding hands? Oh, how could you ever believe that you and Jeongguk aren't meant to be?

"What?" You feign ignorance. Joke, "We're just frie-"

"Shut up," Jeongguk laughs – and then to really kill the notion of you being anything other than hopelessly in love, he kisses you.

Unapologetic, undignified, and undeniable.

"Finally," Jimin beams – and then gets right in between you both, arms looped over both yours and Jeongguk's shoulders. Drags you both to the bar. "Drinks on me, you silly fuckers."

He gets a bottle of champagne.

Tells Yeonjun to put it on Jeongguk's tab.

Isn't the first time Jimin's promised a happy ending, only for Jeongguk to be the one footing the bill. You're used to it.

What you're not used to is the way Jeongguk's arm slinks around your waist, and how he presses half a dozen kisses into your hair for the whole world to see. "I mean it, B. Really better remember this when you wake up."

You can't imagine a scenario in which you won't - but he's spent the night remedying your woes. It's only fair you return the favour.

"Yeonjun," you call across the bar - but he doesn't hear, so you decide to give him a taste of his own medicine. "Oi!"

He snaps to face you immediately. Narrows his eyes. Knows he deserves it for all the times he's yelled 'Oi, Disco Ball' at you. Pointing a finger towards you, he fights a smile.

"You're lucky the boss likes you," he tells you, nodding to the man beside you. "I'd ban you from the bar otherwise."

"You'd do no such thing," you assure him. "I bring in too much business."

He raises a brow. "I don't think you've ever paid for a drink."

"That is beyond the point! Anyways, you got a pen behind the bar? Need to borrow it. Will give it right back."

He plucks a random Sharpie from the hidden counter beneath the bar and passes it over.

Pulling the cap off with your teeth, you push Jeongguk's flannel sleeve to his elbow, and set to work on filling up space on his empty arm. 

He watches on without objection. Is smitten. Can't see what you're drawing. Is just looking at the back of your head. Doesn't matter. Looks at you - even the back of your head - with complete adoration.

You're just making a quick little modification to his otherwise pristine skin. A reminder for the morning. 

Recapping the pen, you reach over the bar to pop it down, not bothering to call Yeonjun back over. 

With the prettiest smile on his face, Jeongguk nods as he looks at your work. It's two words. A dozen stars. Poorly drawn birds and an even worse disco ball. In your handwriting is a label Jeongguk never wants to wash away: Byeol's Boyfriend.

"Yeah," he hums ever so sweetly. "That's me."

[pahtoosh]

Imagine daddy Bucky got home from an exhausting mission in the middle of the night and finding Steve (who took care of you) all cuddled up with you in their bed.

Because he didn’t want to wake any of you he decided to sleep on the couch and fell asleep before he could even get out of his work clothes.

When you wake up in the morning and realize your other daddy is back but looking so exhausted in his sleep you carefully put your favorite blanky over him and lay your best stuffy next to him to protect your daddy in his sleep.

Whit a gentle kiss on his cheek you wish him alllll the good dreams 🥺

missing Baba

masterlist

18+

wc: 1170 words

warnings: fluff. baby is whiny because they miss baba so much. written on my phone

a/n: WAAAAA MY FIRST REQUEST😭🫶💥🥰💫❤️🥹 i really hope you like this🫂

pairing: stucky x gn!little!reader (Dada = Steve, Baba = Bucky, Daddies = both Steve and Bucky)

⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆ ⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆ ⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⋆｡ ﾟ☾ ﾟ｡⋆

“Honey, I need both of my hands to cut the strawberries,” Steve sighed.

You whined and pouted some more before realizing that you weren’t going to get your way this time: your dada is one of the most stubborn men on the planet. You let out a huff and dropped Steve’s hand before walking behind him and smooshing your face to his back and clinging onto his shirt.

Steve continued his fruit preparation with his sniffling baby hanging onto him like a barnacle. Normally he’d scold you for being whiny, but you’d been having a difficult week. Bucky had to leave for a last minute mission. It was so last minute that you didn’t know about it until he was gone. You fell onto the floor in a heap of tears when you woke up and found out. Steve said Bucky gave you a kiss goodbye while you were sleeping, but that only made you cry harder. Why didn’t they wake you up? Now, your Baba was gone for an indefinite period of time and you couldn’t even call him.

Steve finished chopping and placing the last of his fruits into containers for the fridge. He might have a clingy baby on his hands, but he’s still doing his meal prep. He shuffled over to wash the dishes with you hanging onto him. When that was done, he let you hold his hand again and help him put the fruit into the fridge.

“How about we call it an early night? You wanna sleep in Dada and Baba’s bed again?”

You nodded and followed Steve to the bathroom to change into pajamas and brush your teeth.

Your dada helped you get comfortable under the covers before sliding into the other side himself. “Do you want a bedtime story, sweetness?”

You shook your head and buried yourself into his shirt like before.

“Honey, I know you miss Baba but he’ll be back. He always comes back. Pouting and whining won’t make him come home sooner. And if you think about something other than how much you miss your Baba, the time will fly by and before you know it he’ll be home again.”

This was more or less the same spiel he’d given you a few times this week. It didn’t resonate with you then, but you were willing to give it a chance now. You were tired of being sad. You released your iron grip and looked at Steve.

“Can we read if you gibe a mouse a cookie? Please?”

Steve smiled and kissed your forehead. “Of course.”

Two books later, you and Dada conked out. You both slept so deeply that you missed the text notifications from Bucky on Steve’s phone. He had finished the mission and was on the way home.

𓏲 ࣪₊♡

Bucky sprinted off the quinjet. He put off doing his debrief for another day because he missed you and Steve so much. This mission was the longest one he’d been on since your little family got together, and not getting to say a proper goodbye to you made his heart ache so much more.

He finally made it to the apartment and placed his duffel bag on the floor. It was only 10pm but your home was silent. While it was past your bedtime, he could usually hear Steve either doing chores, flipping through a book, or drawing in his sketchbook. Quietly, Bucky made his way through the apartment to find his husband and baby.

After seeing your empty room, he went next door to his and Steve’s room. His heart caught in his chest at the sight he was greeted with. Steve was laying on his back, one arm flung out and the other curled around your back. You were sleeping with half your body on Steve’s and one of your hands gripped onto his shirt, no doubt leaving a pattern of wrinkles. A couple of books were placed haphazardly on the bed as if you fell asleep halfway through reading and kicked the books away in your sleep.

Bucky chuckled at the sight and snuck a photo. He didn’t want to wake either of you, so he tiptoed out of the room and shut the door. The exhaustion from this mission was catching up to him, so he flopped onto the couch and fell asleep, tac gear and all.

When morning came, you were the first to wake up. You rubbed your eyes, frustrated at the sun for shining in the most inconvenient spot. Eventually, you got up and padded to the kitchen for a snack before breakfast. Still rubbing your eyes, you almost missed the figure on your couch. You gasped and then covered your mouth, waking Baba was like poking a sleeping bear sometimes.

The couch didn’t look very comfortable to sleep on, especially the way Bucky was doing it with all those straps and belts digging into him. You went to your bedroom and grabbed your softest blankie and Ellie the elephant. You tiptoed back to Bucky and placed Ellie in his arms and the blankie over both of them, holding your breath the whole time. You tried using all the sneaky strategies auntie Nat taught you. She didn’t tell you to leave a kiss on your target’s cheek, but it felt right.

With phase one of welcoming Baba home completed, you moved into phase two: making him a welcome home drawing.

𓏲 ࣪₊♡

Steve woke up with a big yawn and a stretch. He was surprised that you weren’t in bed, but not worried. He was happy to see some of your independence coming back. He quickly got ready for the day and picked up his phone to check his emails. He practically sprinted through the hallway when he saw his texts.

“Bucky? Buck, are you home?”

Bucky groaned before half-heartedly sticking a hand in the air. “On the couch.” He wasn’t quite ready to get up so he snuggled into his oddly shaped pillow.

Steve laughed when he finally saw his partner. “So I assume the position for your cuddle buddy is already taken?”

“Huh?” Bucky blearily looked up at Steve and then down at the plastic eyes gazing into his soul.

Steve leaned down to kiss Bucky, interrupting the staring contest. “Glad to have you back, Sergeant.”

Bucky gave a crooked smile. “Glad to be back. Although it looks like one of you is more considerate of my need for sleep.”

Steve opened his mouth to tease back but was cut off by a shout and the sound of running on the hardwood floor.

“Baba! You awake!” You ran to give Bucky a hug.

“Hi, little baby. Thanks for sharing Ellie and your blankie.”

“Made you a card too, Baba!” You ran back to your bedroom and your daddies heard the sound of something falling and a small oof.

Their eyes widened in panic.

“I’m okay!” you shouted.

“I’m gonna supervise,” Steve said, already making his way down the hall.

Bucky relaxed back into the couch. It was good to be home.

[makemake22]

Heart To Heart

like, literally, duh

I saw many headcanon about this. And even some people who write this. So here we go.

body gore, Law heart was outside his body because of his devil fruit

Anyway, thanks for @nina-ya and all hc who makes some Law take out YN heart. But, we also need Law take his own heart out so we can tease it, yes?

It was late at night, you ask a question that has been on your mind to your boyfriend, aka Law. You always saw him take enemies heart off, how he clench their heart, bring out pain. You can't help but wondering...

"I am curious," You said, Law who was on his chair, reading his medical journal, tilt his head to the side.

"What does it feel like holding organ on your hand," You looked at your own palm, remembering and trying to imitate the feel of cube. A cube of heart on her hand.

Law on the other hand, didn't looks enthusiastic on the idea. His steel eyes still staring into the journal.

"Not so interesting," he said. You whine and rolled on his bed. Looking at your boyfriend upside down.

"Come on, Law, tell me," You pouted. "Does it feel weird? Does it something makes you jump or something? Or feel disgust by it?"

"YN..." He sighed and closed the journal. When you ask, if he didn't give an answer, or a satisfying answer, you're gonna keep asking even in the middle of chores. Law slam his hand into his face, you lucky he was your boyfriend. Because if you were Penguin or Shachi, Law would teleported them outside his room.

Law stand up, you looked at him with spark in your eyes. Will he finally answer?

"why not try it yourself?" He smirk. Before you could question it, he summon Room and on both of your palm, there was a cube.

"WAAAAA!" You throw it upward from surprise, Law face gone pale. But luckily after several attempt to throw it around, you manage to capture it.

"Urgh!" Law clench his chest, one of his knees drop to the ground. His eyes half lidded, almost glaring at you.

You gulped and looked at him with worry. You accidentally hold it a bit too hard. "S-sorry! I am holding it too hard," You immediately caressing the heart cube, giving shiver to the tattooed man.

You are confused when his heart suddenly beats quite fast. You looked at him. His hat overshadowed his eyes so you couldn't see him.

"Y-yeah, it's fine," Law said. He still clenches his chest just in case. Trying to not let his voice crack. He acts normal like usual. He stands up and pulls his chair. Law sit down and lean against the chair. The tanned man trying to calm down.

"Are you sure? Your heart---"

"I am fine, YN. Just, stop asking."

His word makes you quiet. Law slowly build his composure and his heart beat normally. You look at it and sigh, seem he really fine.

While you are at it, you trying to feel the heart. It's quite weird, holding your boyfriend heart like this. Slowly, your lips gone into a smile.

Trying to not think about him. You know how trust is sacred to him. It takes months for Law to reveal his past to you. That's also after Doflamingo was defeated.

He tells you about his sister, his parent and Corazon. You glad he opened up to you back then.

But this is another level.

You can't hurt him with that information. Sure, you can spill the information to Marine or someone else. But they're gone. Dead.

But this thing?

If this falls into the wrong hand, the life of Trafalgar law, Surgeon of Death aka Captain of The Heart is easy to end. If this fall into Doflamingo hand, he easily enslaved him.

Just like how Law sold 100 pirate hearts to Marine, he's gonna be a puppet to Marine if this fall to them. Something that Law despises, being a puppet.

Thump... Thump...

His heart beat again, you chuckled. This not gone unnoticed by him.

"What's so funny?" he glared but not to scare you.

"Nothing, it's just... just for sake answering my question, you took your own heart. Not mine,"

Law stunned. You also stunned at him. Does this mean that he does this out of instinct? He doesn't think two steps ahead?

Your boyfriend makes lots of surprises. In a good way.

"I glad you trust me, Law," you smirk. Your thumb now caressing his heart. It earn shiver from him. "I know i said that more than once, but i really glad you did."

Law didn't say anything. You know his ears red, judging by how he tilt his hat downward. Maybe his cheeks also gone red, you don't know.

His heart was in the cube. The cube are soft and jelly. And no, it doesn't make you hungry. You won't bite it anyway, it grosses you out. You might get dream about this if you did have a little bite---

"Don't. Even. Think. About. It."

You looked at him, glaring dangerously. Damn, he seem know what you were thinking to give that eyes.

"I don't think anything," you said as you chuckle. "Anyway, since you give me your trust, i suppose it's good to reward you,"

Before Law could say anything, you lean into the cube. Give a peck right on the middle of the heart.

Thump! Thump!

Damnit, why now... Law cursed under his breath as his heart beating faster at your gesture. His cheeks are heated and he can feel his ears also gone red.

He immediately look away and pulled his hat even lower. You notice the gesture and chuckle.

"Now, should i shower your heart with my kisses?"

[jealousraisin]

Ch.4 - Texting & Little Treats

Previous Chapter - Next Chapter - Masterlist

These past weeks Luke and you have been texting non-stop. You sending him pictures of your lunches and craft projects. Him sending you updates on the most mundane things like how he went to the grocery store today and got a candy bar. During your breaks, your co-workers can find you head down, smiling at your phone at some stupid text. Vanessa is always trying to read your texts between him and you.

‘I am FIENDING for a little treat right now, work has been so stressful lately 🙄’ You relay. It was true. You had to help manage an important project with another department and some of the people on your assigned team just were NOT pulling their weight.

‘What kind of treat?’

You sigh, leaning back into your chair. You’re staying late tonight to catch up on some reports that slipped through the cracks while you were gone from the office doing field research. Your mind thinking about the only thing that could satisfy these stress cravings; an iced coffee and a donut, it would keep you awake enough to smash out this report, get home and crash for the weekend.

‘I would kill for an iced coffee and a donut rn 😫. Sucks everywhere is closed right now waaaaa’

‘I’m just complaining, ignore me’ you quickly follow up

‘I’ll get you some if you want’

‘Dude, everything is closed rn. As if’

‘I have my ways….drop your location and give me 20 minutes’

You doubt he’s serious. But there’s no harm in humouring him you think.

‘*Address* 👈 Where I am currently suffering’

Read.

You turn back to your work, having been distracted for long enough. These spreadsheets aren’t going to graph themselves and this report won’t write itself either. Tapping away at your keyboard you almost forget about the exchange you had earlier until your phone buzzes again.

Luke is calling…

You pick up.

“Hello?”

“Come downstairs I don’t have a keycard to get in”

“Huh?”

“Come down, let me in. I’m in the lobby”

You get up from your chair and head to the elevator. The floor numbers steadily going down until they hit the ground floor. As the elevator door opens, you catch a glimpse of Luke, phone still up to his ear. He turns around, face lighting up as he makes eye contact with you.

“There you are” muffles out from your phone’s speaker.

In his hand is an iced coffee and a paper bag, which from your assumption is a donut. He makes his way over; you tap your I.D lanyard on the terminal allowing him to pass through the automatic gates. Luke raises the items to you, nudging you to take them. Your face is one of disbelief.

“No way! Thankyou?!” looking down at the items, you feel your energy coming back to you already. “Did you want to come up? I could use the company”

“Sure, I’ve been curious about where you work. You have been mentioning it a lot”

Luke follows you to the elevator. Pressing your floor’s button; the doors close and now it’s just you and your late-night saviour. A bit of awkwardness blooms in your chest, you haven’t physically seen the guy since the morning after the party and have only been communicating with him through texting. That call two minutes ago being the first time you have called each other.

“so…” you awkwardly start “you gonna tell me where you got this so late?”

“Nope.”

You stare down at the iced coffee once again, still not believing this is the turn of events for the night.

“A magician never reveals his secrets” He jokes.

The elevator door opens, revealing the dark office floor where you have been holed up in the entire evening. The lamp on your desk the only real source of light aside from the lights in the hallway which are always on. You make your way over to your desk, Luke trailing close behind. Setting down your precious little treats, you wake your computer up from sleep. You get to work, starting to take a sip of the iced coffee

“Nothing for you?” You ask, noticing aside from your late-night snack, he didn’t bring anything else along.

Luke shakes his head. “Just wanted to help you out”

“Oh come on now, I can’t be the only one enjoying a little something right now” You offer up your drink “have some of mine, we can split it”

He wordlessly accepts, a little hesitant at first. He got this just for you. Taking a sip, he leans back in your coworkers’ swivel chair. You both quietly split the treats as you go back to working on your reports and spreadsheets, now with renewed energy you hammer away at the remaining tasks.

Finishing up a lot faster with a full stomach and company, you smile as you send off that last report and log off for the day. Stretching in your chair you revel at being able to finally start off your weekend. Save for a couple of questions here and there Luke kept relatively quiet throughout.

“I’m done! Hello weekend!” You quietly cheer “and I couldn’t have done it this quickly without your help”

“Glad to be of service” he jokingly salutes.

“Hey um…if you’re not doing anything after this…” you hesitate a little “did you want to come over to my place?”

“Bringing me back to yours already? At least take me to dinner first” He teases

“Does half of an iced coffee and a donut count as dinner?” You joke back as you walk to the elevator for the final time this week.

“You got me there, alright let’s go” He follows you

Once again on the ground floor you head outside, about to walk to the bus stop when Luke gets your attention; of course, how could you forget? He drove here.

“Unless you’re planning on meeting me at your own place, I would suggest I drive us both there”

You flush red a little, autopilot is one heck of a thing. Getting in the familiar car you find that you don’t have to put your address in again; he has it saved. Pulling out from the curb, Luke makes quick work of the commute back home. In the blink of a tired eye, you’re already parked and heading towards the doors of your apartment complex.

“Welcome to my humble abode” You jest in a regal tone as you open your door. You mentally high-five yourself for tidying up this morning so that he doesn’t have to see your laundry and miscellaneous scattered objects everywhere.

“Nice place” He looks around, taking off his shoes near the door “Roommates?”

 “Nope, just me” You think back to when you had roommates back in college “I’d rather not chance a repeat of my previous roommate experiences”

Luke nods as he takes in your apartment properly. It wasn’t a big place by any means, but it was more than enough for you and everything you wanted to do in your space. A 2-bedroom place, with a decent view out onto the city below.

“Would you like a drink?”

“Sure, I’ll take whatever you’re having”

‘Just like last time’ you think.

Bringing him the same drink you’re having to kick off the weekend, you both settle in on your couch. Taking your first sip you can’t help but sigh, it’s been a week. You can’t wait to sleep in and then go out and have some ‘me time’. You turn on the TV, opening a streaming app.

“We didn’t get to finish the last hangover movie; I feel like we have to commit to the bit after seeing the first two”

Luke turns to you; a smile is on his lips as he takes a sip of his drink. “Aww you remembered”

“I may have been vaguely drunk and exhausted at that point in the night but I do remember seeing those movies with you. Though I will admit, number three is fuzzy around the edges”

“Let’s watch it then” he nods.

The movie begins.

Throughout the movie you both end up finding various snacks and go through a few more drinks. By the end of it you’re feeling the effects of the drinks you’ve had. You get up to clear the plates, you stumble a little; tripping over your own feet. Your hands try to steady you by grabbing onto any surface it can find. Half-landing onto Luke, half-landing on the couch; You embarrassedly scramble to get off him.

“Woah there” he gently laughs as he helps you back up “I think we hit our limit of drinks for the night, here let me help you with the plates” You gratefully accept the offer. The two of you do the dishes in quiet synchronicity, him washing up and you drying and putting away. As you are finishing up finding all the proper places for your dishes, Luke takes a seat on the stools of your kitchen bench. He watches you as you go back and forth in your kitchen space. He makes conversation.

“So, no roommates…but surely your partner comes over and stays the night, right?”

You laugh a little, with your back to him as you put away some plates “No partner to come over and stay the night. Although my friend Vanessa, the one who left me to fend for myself at the party, does come and stay here with me often enough”

You miss the small smile that graces Luke’s face. As you turn back around, he quickly returns to a neutral expression. You finished tidying up and the two of you are feeling tired.

“I’d really rather you not drive after having drinks, I have a bed in the other room you can use” You offer.

He takes you up on your offer, but wants to take a shower before bed. You show him where your bathroom is and let him get to it.

As Luke is stepping out of the bathroom you realise you should give him something slightly more comfortable to wear to sleep, you remember that his red hoodie is still in your possession. You’re slightly embarrassed that you have been using it for so long without mentioning to him that you still have it. You go into your room to go and get it, the garment laying on your bed as you left it this morning.

“Here, I forgot to give this back to you that morning you dropped me back home.” You look off to the side as you offer it up to him.

“Oh! Thanks, I was starting to miss my beloved comfort hoodie” He sleepily smiles “It’s fine that it’s been with you though”

You nod in flustered agreement. Leading the way to the spare bedroom, you show him where he can charge his phone and let him know to feel free to have whatever is in the fridge and do as he does at his place.

“Mi casa es tu casa” You exclaim as you bid him goodnight.

“goodnight” He replies as he watches you go into your room right in front of his. Once you close the door he does as well. His eyes look down onto the hoodie he was holding in his hand, as he puts it on an unfamiliar smell hits him, your soap and shampoo. You’ve been wearing this more than just that morning he dropped you off home.

[lanadelreyscokewhor3]

Can I request something cheesy for Bucky x reader? Reader is staying in his room for the night because he's having nightmares. "I'm falling in love with you Bucky." "Don't play with me doll" "Who said I was playing?" And they kiss half asleep. Maybe in the morning Steve is smiling like a jackass because he knew they'd get together.

this is so cute i cry. waaaaa

CAN I KISS YOU?- J.B BARNES

Pairing: Best Friend! Bucky x Fem! Reader (College AU)

Word Count: 2.4k

Warnings: none really other then some petnames, and mentions of smoking weed. lots of fluff but hints of sexual tension mkay mkayy

Ring! Ring!

Your phone sounded from under the blankets, the shrill noise waking you from your grogginess. You moaned, hand smacking the covers as you were blinded, face smushed in the pillow from when you were crying.

Your cheeks were sticky, eyes swollen as you had cried yourself into a state of sleepiness, just on the brink of unconsciousness before your phone had gone off.

You finally had found it, eyes adjusting to the dim light of the room your roommate had left on before she left, when she had snuck into your room to steal the lipgloss you had begged her not to.

“Hello?” you croaked out, voice laced with sleep as your rubbed your tired eyes.

“Kitty cat? Are you okay? I’ve tried calling you for a while now.” Your best friend Bucky asked, concern evident as you sat up fully. “Yeah, yeah I’m so sorry I was asleep. Is everything okay?”

“Just missed you. Can't sleep.” he sighed, and you could tell he was having his nightmares again. They happened nearly every night, and you did everything in your power to help him.

Weekly sleepovers were the routine for the pair of you, and honestly- nothing sounded better than being in his arms right now.

“You want me to come over Bucko?” you cooed gently, shuffling out of bed, watching as his oversized sweater slouched down past your knees.

“You know I do. But isn't Julia with you?” he asked, knowing that when your roommate was over she tended to want to do things with you, like take you out. You much rather stay in the comfort of your dorm, or his and Steves than go out and drink until your legs no longer functioned.

“No um- she left. Went to a party…again.” you huffed, opening your nightside table drawer to garb two bags of chamomile tea for when you went over. “You didn't want to go?”

“I never want to go. My idea of a good time is being with you or smoking weed in my room. Or those two things, together.’ He laughed at your truthful answer, knowing deep down you were right.

You hated big groups and gatherings, trying to avoid them the best you could. Sometimes, you'd go- just to make Julia happy. Tonight though, you couldn't. You didn’t have the energy, and you were tired of feeling used.

“I’ll be over in five.” you smiled, feeling slightly better already that you'd be seeing him soon. The man who always made you feel better when you were down, who looked after you as you did with him.

The man you were in love with.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Knock knockity knock knock!” you sang out softly, twisting the knob open to Bucky and Steve's door, poking your head in. You shuffled inside, tote bag filled with goodies brushing against the doorframe as you surveyed the little common room.

Steve waved at you from the little kitchenette, slipping his headphones off. “There she is!” he smiled, watching as you tossed your bag up on the counter beside him.

“Back again for more.” you teased, grabbing the tea packets, Steve switching the flicker on the kettle as he had done so many times before. “Did you bring more goodies this time?” he asked, leaning against the counter, arms crossed over his chest as he watched you with amusement as you struggled to grab the cups at the top shelf.

“I brought my weighted neck thingy I thought would help him this time. The tea- of course, and some late-night snacks.”

“Anything I can snag?” he asked, riffling through your bag before he stopped on a bag of cheese crackers. He tilted his head in an asking manner, and you nodded, watching him pocket the bag.

“God bless your soul Y/N.” he sighed, kissing the top of your head before he made his way over to his bedroom. “Goodnight stinker.” you whispered, making him laugh as he shut the door behind him.

You listened to the kettle whistle, the steam emerging from the top as you poured the hot water into the mugs. You hummed a little tune to yourself as you hiked your bag up your shoulder, balancing the drinks in hand as you walked slowly on the old hardwood, so it wouldn't creak in the night.

“Bucko?” you called out, seeing the door hand twist, his large figure appearing from the doorway. “Hi pretty kitty.” he smiled, dimples appearing as he opened the door, shooing you in quietly.

“I come bearing gifts.” you smiled, holding up the mugs before setting them down on his dresser. You took in his room, one you had been in many times before but couldn't get enough of.

You had helped him decorate it when the two of you moved into residence, transforming the dark and shabby shell of a room into something of a comfort. Posters dotted the walls, framed photos, candles and stacks of books, and his sketches surrounded the area, making you smile.

“You know you don't have to bring stuff every time you come over. Your company is plenty.” he shook his head with a smile, watching as you unloaded the snacks and comforts from your bag.

“You're telling me you don’t want… Mini Eggs?” you asked teasingly, shaking the bag in front of his face before he snatched it from you.

“Well duh. But doesn't the chocolate kinda cancel out the tea?” he asked, popping the bag open as he tossed a little blue egg in his mouth. “I don’t really care 'cause they taste good.” you shrugged in response, taking a sip of the piping hot tea, humming in delight as it warmed your insides.

“Very true.” he agreed, the old bed creaking as he plopped back onto it, resting his head on one of the many pillows, looking up at the fairy lights.

“Oh! I almost forgot-” You rummaged through your bag, pulling out the weighted shoulder pads. “I know you like your weighted blanket and you said your shoulders had been acting up so I brought this.” you smiled, skipping over to him as you sat beside him in bed, sliding it on him.

“Oh thank you kit. You're such an angel to me.” he blushed, kissing your hand gently. “Of course silly. Anything for you.” you said, snuggling into bed, not noticing the blush that deepened across his cheeks at your words.

“Hey kitty?”

“Yea?” You looked up at him, head resting on his shoulder as he held you closer. “Were you crying earlier? Your eyes are swollen.”

You looked down, not wanting to meet his gaze anymore. He had you figured out. He always did.

Damn him and his superhuman ability to read you like an open book.

“Maybe.”

“Hey, hey we don't have to talk about it. It doesn't matter why it matters that you did. And I’m really sorry for that kit.” he tilted your head up with his thumb, brushing your cheek.

“I’m here, okay? Always.” You sniffled, feeling the tears starting to brew again. ‘Thank you Bucky. Really.”

“Besides, you're too pretty to cry anyways.” he teased, making you laugh as he wrapped a soft, fuzzy blanket around your frame. “And you're too pretty to have sleeping problems.” you snorted, patting his bicep gently.

“Pfft. Yeah, I guess so eh?” he sighed, an arm wrapped around you as his hand stroked your back in a repeating, soothing motion. “It's okay. We can just eat snacks and cuddle away our problems.”

“Cause our problems fuckin suck.” he agreed, watching as you clung to his sleep shirt- an old band tee he had thrifted with you months ago.

“They really do. But we have each other.” you acknowledged, watching the clock's hands tick by on the wall. There was a kiss placed to your head and you smiled as he breathed in your lavender shampoo. “That we do doll. That we do.” he murmured, sleep laced in his voice as you closed your eyes.

You were groggy, muscles relaxing under his touch as you breathed in his comforting smell. You listened to his breaths, feeling the rise and fall of his chest as he fell deeper into relaxation.

It was then you decided to take the leap you had been wanting to take for years now. When the two of you were safe, and no one could harm you. Not even your own ego if it was wounded- you were too sleepy to care.

“ Hey Buck? I think I’m falling in love with you. Fallen- I mean.” You felt the bed shift as he peered down at you, shock written clear as day across his face.

Shock and well… Was that a hint of giddiness in his eyes?

"Don't play with me doll" he laughed half heartedly, as if this was a joke to you. “Who said I was playing? I’m serious.” you said sleepy, nails digging into his shirt as you clung to him tighter.

You were scared to let go, to leave his eyes. You were swallowed in their depth as he took you in, a blush back on his cheeks.

“ Serious?”

“Serious.”

He hummed to himself, as if he were thinking it though. “Okay.” was all he replied, a sly smirk on his face as he nuzzled back into his pillow with a yawn.

“Okay? That's all I get is an okay?”

“Yup.” he popped the p, his favorite thing in the whole wide world was to get under your skin and tease you. You grumbled incoherently, tugging the blanket over your shoulders.

It was several moments before you heard his voice again, and you perked up immediately. “Kit?”

“Yeah?” You waited, watching as he chewed on his lip.

“Can I kiss you? Ya know… like what all best friends do?”

You were stunned.

Yes. Yes yes, this is all I have ever wanted for years please Bucky, please kiss me with those beautiful, soft pink lips of yours, so your stumble scratches my skin slightly please.

Instead, you were quiet, jaw dropped to the floor. You couldn't speak, so you did the only logical thing you could think of. A hand snaked out to capture his jaw, thumb brushing his chin as you leaned in, lips attaching to his.

He tasted of mint and a sweetness that drove you wild, made your head spin as you heard his breath hitch. It was sweet and tender, yet lazy as whispers of sleep was exchanged between the two of you.

His teeth nibbled on your lower lip, tugging on it as you broke apart, as if Bucky wasn't ready to let you go quite yet. His eyes met your own with a look of hunger as he sucked, leaving your lip slightly swollen.

“So that happened.” you breathed, unable to leave his trance, watching that boyish grin you loved so much appear on his face. “That happened. Are you happy that it happened?” he asked as you snuggled back into his chest.

“Yes. Yes I am.”

And that was that.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The smell of bacon and fresh eggs on the stove woke you from sleep, the comforting scent reminding you of Saturday mornings at your mother's house.

You sighed happily, knowing today was going to be a good day. You had no classes today, and you knew Bucky was free until his 8pm class.

The bed when empty when you stretched, yet the warmth of Bucky's body heat still remained on the sheets. Water spraying from the showerhead trickled from the bathroom, a yawn escaping you as you glanced at the clock on his bedside table.

8:48.

You were proud of yourself for not sleeping in until the late afternoon, knowing you'd be able to snag Steve's breakfast when it was still fresh.

You slid out from under the blankets, snagging a pair of fluffy socks from Bucky's drawer. Hobbling over, you balanced as you slid theme on, Steve's eyes watching you as you shuffled out the door.

“What?” you asked, watching as he just smiled, moving the egg around with his spatula as he whistled a tune.

“Oh nothin.”

“Nothin?” you questioned, confused about why he was acting as if he were a first grader with a secret he refused to tell you at recess.

“You just look… glowy. That's all.”

“Ah yes that smooth, silky pregnancy glow.” you teased, sliding up on the barstool as Steve tossed you a fresh blueberry from the basket beside him.

You caught it in your mouth, humming in delight as the sweet juices exploded in your mouth, sparking up your taste buds. It was then your stomach rumbled, anxious to have some food put in it.

“You know what I mean. So.. who made the first move?” he smiled, giddy as he turned to face you, letting the bacon simmer. “Who said there was a first move?”

“Uh, the look in your eyes. And the fact you literally cannot stop smiling, and it's a semi- decent time for you to be up. smiling.”

You rolled your eyes, knowing damn well he was right. It was true- you couldn't stop smiling. A feeling of happiness seemed to bloom in your chest at the actions that were portrayed last night, an afterthought that refused to leave.

“If you give me another berry- I’ll tell you. M’starving.”

“Kitty made the first move. Begged me to kiss her.” Bucky's voice called from the bathroom, the door now wide open as he stepped out, towel wrapped around his waist.

You forced your jaw to stay clamped shut, though all it wanted to do was fall to the ground as he made his way to you, water droplets still clung to his shoulders. It was nothing you hadn't seen before, Bucky's 6’4, toned body something you had pictured many times.

But now, it was different. How- you didn't know, but it was somehow.

“I did not! You asked me!” you exclaimed, shock written on your face as Bucky opened the fridge, stray water continuing to drip on the hardwood.

“She was all over me dude. I have never seen a girl so head over heels.” he smirked, making Steve laugh. Steve knew damn well Bucky was talking about himself, as Steve had told you many times Bucky had a thing for you.

You were just too scared to act on anything… until last night.

“He asked me. Swear on my life.”

“Yeah, yea yea you kissed. I told you so.” Steve grinned, Bucky’s eyes meeting yours, noticing as you (tried to) indirectly check him out for the millionth time. “You told no one so.”

“Did so.”

“Did not.” you and Bucky bickered back together, Steve's eyes rolling in response.

“If you keep fighting me I’m eating all this food myself.” Steve replied, making you laugh.

“Touche man. Tou fuckin che.”

[doieslove]

[9:42pm]

Request your own timestamp from the list of prompts + a member!

//

37. “Lie to me then.”

~

You gulped. You couldn’t do this. You really couldn’t do this. Not for another thirty minutes, at least. You had no idea how Donghyuck convinced you to surprise your boyfriend like this. The tank top you were wearing had started to stick to your back as you crouched in the cramped cardboard box.

Through the barrier, you heard muffled voices and music pass you as people walked by. Before the party had started, Donghyuck helped you into a huge present disguised as a gaming chair box with a bow. The box was up to your shoulder so you had no other choice than to crouch on your knees while the party went on around you. For hours. Luckily you had gone to the bathroom before getting in, but it was scorching. Every breath you took only added to the stuffiness in the trap you were held in. You reached into your back pocket to grab your phone. You really couldn’t take it anymore.

you: can jaemin open his present now?

you: i’m dying in here

donghyuck: in a minute. he’s downing a bunch of shots right now

you: wtf why??

donghyuck: uh it’s his graduation party? duh

You rolled your eyes. If it wasn’t for the surprise you would’ve strangled Donghyuck with your own hands by now.

you: i know that idiot

you: but jaemin hates alcohol

donghyuck: oh yeah

donghyuck: says he misses you

donghyuck: “she’s been at work all day waaaa she hasn’t call me yet waaaaa”

You couldn’t help but soften despite Donghyuck’s taunts. You had taken two planes to make it to Jaemin’s house in time for his party. After the last of your finals finished, you made the excuse of working a double shift so you couldn’t text or call him all day. You couldn’t shake how disappointed he sounded when you called him earlier that day.

—

“I’m really sorry Jaemin,” you said, packing your suitcase quietly so he couldn’t hear. “They had no one to cover for tonight so I’m their last hope.”

“I know,” he whined. You could imagine the pout on his lips. “It’s just not fair. I wanted to facetime you the whole party. So it was like you’re here with me.”

You had bit your lip, trying so hard not to blurt the surprise right then and there.

“You’re so cute,” you said. “Just use your imagination. Imagine me there with you.”

“Lie to me then.”

“What?” you asked, confused. “Lie?”

You froze. Did he guess the surprise that easily?

“Lie and say that you’re coming to my party. That way I can imagine you there,” he said quietly. You smiled softly. Little did he know.

“I’ll see you at your party, Jaemin. I’ll have to take two flights if I left right now, but I’ll be there,” you truthfully said, unbeknownst to your boyfriend.

He chuckled sadly on the other line. “I really wish you were, baby. I miss you so much.”

If you weren’t in the middle of packing to see him right now, you would’ve started crying. Long distance was a bitch and you were so incredibly lucky you had someone like Jaemin. Who endlessly loved you no matter how far apart you were.

“I miss you too. So much” you said, desperately fighting the urge to just tell him you were actually coming to him. You hated seeing him so sad. But you knew Donghyuck would kill you. Weeks of planning destroyed all because Jaemin was sad. The same boy who made you watch Inside Out with him three times and cried every single time.

“I’ll let you get ready for work now,” Jaemin said after a beat of silence. “Don’t be late.”

“Okay,” you said, zipping up your suitcase. This was real. You were seeing you boyfriend again after months apart. It felt like a dream. “I love you Jaemin.”

“Love you too.”

—

donghyuck: okay we’re coming now

You almost cried in relief. You were finally getting out of this prison, but more importantly you were finally going to see Jaemin. You couldn’t wait to see his shellshocked expression when you jump out of the box.

You made out Jaemin’s voice coming closer.

“You didn’t even wrap it, Hyuck. I know it’s a gaming chair, why do I have to open it now?”

“So we can test it out! You’re gaming set up is finally complete thanks to me. I spent a fortune on this!”

You cracked a smile. What Donghyuck said was actually true. You both had spent a fortune on this. Airline tickets didn’t come cheap during the summer. You were beyong thankful Donghyuck had offered to pay for half of everything.

When Jaemin didn’t respond, you hear the two scuffle over something.

“Give me my phone back!” Jaemin shouted.

“She’s at work, Jaemin! She’ll call you later,” Donghyuck argued. “Just open the box.”

You held in your laughter as best you could.

“Stupid gaming chair, didn’t even need one, stupid Hyuck.” Jaemin grumbled followed by the telltale sound of cardboard opening.

With a flash of blinging light and a breath of fresh air you got up from your crouch and stood straight up, surprising Jaemin, who take a step back with a yelp.

There were cheers from everyone and in a split second his arms were around you.

“You’re here! You’re actually here!”

You let out the loudest laugh. After weeks of secrets you finally could tell him, could hold him.

He was jumping now, his arms still wrapped firmly around you like he was afraid you weren’t real. He lifted you off the ground and out of the box to hold you even closer.

“Everyone, she’s here!” Jaemin shouted in pure joy, so different than the tone he had on the phone with you earlier. People cheered again and there were claps everywhere.

Jaemin pulled apart only far enough to hold your face with both hands to look at you in the eyes. You didn’t know what to expect but you definitely didn’t expect tears streaming down his face. It didn’t matter because in the next moment you were crying too.

He leaned in and kissed you with so much passion and love, your heart melted into a puddle in the middle of your chest. He buried his head in the crook of your neck and cried. As you carded fingers through his hair, you spotted Donghyuck who was jumping with delight.

“We did it! We got him!” he smiled, with a shine in his eye. “I can’t wait to get him again next time.”

You laughed and high-fived him. You hoped next time wouldn’t be for a long, long while.

[vulgarvixxen]

Bless your followers with more long Patton. 🙏 mayhaps a bit of him going deep. 😳

I gotcha fam 🖤

Full of Feelings

Warnings: 18+ only, sexual encounters, clothed sex, hand-jobs, spit-roasting, cum eating, blow-jobs, Remus eats something unusual

A new normal had settled upon the Mindscape, it was not unusual to see Patton walking around in sheer or transparent clothing throughout the day. There were more family nights now too, everyone taking turns to have Pat sit in their lap. Being able to take in that beautiful cock and Patton being happy to accept touches had boosted everyone’s moods and relations were mending, the world was healing.

Movie night had them all on the couch watching a cheesy RomCom, Patton had pulled Janus close with a “it’s a little chilly” as an excuse to cuddle. They were at the second sexually tension scene and by now Jan sat fulling on Pat’s lap. That’s when a thick pressure grinded up against Janus’s ass, coupled with a needy whine from behind him. Subtlety Janus pushed back to increase the friction, loving the way he could feel Pat from his ass to his base. They humped for the rest of the movie, picking up speed close to the end and finishing when the light came on. Janus came so hard that if he hadn’t been wearing briefs it would have been audible, the cum from Patton soaks through to his skin making the clothing even more soiled. The others stare with hungry eyes but say nothing. “Thanks Jay-bird, I’m a lot warmer now.”

During an idea session Remus and Roman argued over the placement of some jokes, it was loud and Virgil was getting a headache from the noise. He was about to just leave when Patton took his and guided it to his barely concealed erection, Virgil tilted his head until Patton started to rub a palm against Virgil’s crotch. Oh! The pair tuned out the twins and focused on slowly jerking each other off. Eventually the twins shut up and watched the lovely show in front of them. Once Virgil came he put more effort into bringing Patton to completion…the meeting table had to be cleaned but Virgil didn’t have a headache anymore.

Logan wanted to be filled, he had gone to Remus for help but the usual tentacles in his anus were not cutting it. He was about to ask Remus to stop when Patton walked past the, unintentionally left opened, door. The father side popped his head in and the pair stopped, “Lo-Lo are you alright? You feel kinda sad.” Patton asks, Remus looks at the logical side with panic but is waved off. “Just need a little …more.” “Maybe I can help!” And that is how Logan ends up spit-roasted on three tentacles in his anis and Patton’s cock in his mouth, full and content. (He continued to be full and content from all the cum and mucus-slime he had taken too.)

Roman was making Patton a new robe but he wanted this one to hug the heart’s body unlike the ones before that were flowy so he needed Pat’s measurements. He had the arms, chest, and hips now he needed length and inseam. Length was just an inch longer than Roman himself and inseam waaaaas “Ro that tickles, if you wanted to touch you just had to ask!” The heart laughs as he runs a hand through Roman’s hair, and Roman can’t help it when he sighs and leans into the touch. The project is set aside as Roman and Patton exchange heated touches, sweet kisses, and grinding hips until they both spill all over Roman’s outfit. He doesn’t mind continuing his work in the nude, not if it’s for Patton.

Thomas was out on a date and Patton was feeling all those extra feelings and hormones at full blast. He was about to try taking a cool shower to ease the heat boiling in his guts but just as he was about to get up Remus entered the room. The darker creativity stopped abruptly and sniffed the air like a hunting dog, turning to look at Patton with a queasy smile, “does daddy dearest need a hot hole to fill? Cause I got several!” Remus says with a cackle. Patton is so happy that Remus is showing his caring side for a change, “sure kiddo! Take me however you feel most comfortable with!” With a snap Re is on his knees and pouring ranch!? Flavored lube onto Pat’s cock and sucking it down his throat like a slurpy. It doesn’t take awfully long with the strong suction and tight, warm squeeze for Remus to be swallowing Patton’s large load of cum. He licks his lips, kisses Pat, and skips away happily. The fatherly side giggles as he watches the other leave, he likes this new normal.

[bambuwu-writes]

Oh dear, I just saw you are opened for requests and honestly, I would love if you could do, when you have time, a Tsuzuru x reader just general domestic fluff?💕 Tsuzuru wasn't exactly cooperative in the last event so my dose of him is low. Thank you so much in advance love and hope you have a wonderful day! 💕

This was fun to write and I think they turned out cute! I wasn't really sure where to go with a fic or a drabble, so I stuck with hcs! Hope you like them!!! Have a lovely day/evening!!

~~~~~

-I think y’all would probably have a list of chores on a whiteboard somewhere and you can just add and erase as things get done. Since he probably had a chore allotment system with his brothers, he’ll find it easier to get things done if he has them all laid out like that

-Speaking of chores!! *cleaning wizard* He can probably cook lots of simple dishes easily bc he made them for his lil bros, so you guys make stuff like oyakodon together! Tsuzu also seems to be the type to fervently insist on cleaning as you cook, but its still fun!

-When cooking, if he cuts a vegetable perfectly he’ll smile to himself as a kinda internal ‘yess!’

-When writing he might read lines out loud to you asking if that ‘sounds like something a real person would say??’ bc when he gets into writing his rational brain is gone babeyy

-If he’s been sitting at his desk for too long and overworking himself, brush his hairrrr im begging youuuu, he might just fall asleep right there

-U are resident sweater thief, this is non debatable

-He is resident blanket thief!!! (leftover instincts from sharing a bed with his brothers)

-Back hugs in the morning while u pour out coffee/tea waaaaa

[lemonlushff-iy]

One Last Ride - Part 1 

"Godfuckingdamnit! Don't you do this to me you fucking piece of shit rental...We're so close! FUCK!"

This was not her day. Her flight had been delayed three hours, and when she finally landed in Montana, the rental car company only had the shitty, might-die-on-you-if-you-gave-it-the-wrong-look-esq cars left.

And.

Naturally.

The sedan she picked out was a lemon.

"Why here…" she whined, looking out at the land the fucking "rust bucket" (yeah whatever - it didn't have rust on it but it was still a piece of shit) had broken down in front of.

Takahashi Ranch.

This place brought back some bittersweet memories. It didn't look like it had changed much. Then again, she couldn't see the house from here anyways. She'd have to go at least another two miles first.

Still.

She knew this place like it was the back of her hand.

There had been a time even when she had almost thought—No!

Now wasn't the time to get sentimental and mopey.

Now was the time to try and figure out what the hell she was going to do. Takahashi Ranch was about ten miles away from her family's, but they were their closest neighbor.

She could walk it...but that was stupid.

Then again, so was looking for the main house here to ask for help. She had been hoping to avoid them, same as she always did when she came back home.

Well, maybe not them so much as him.

She sighed and got out of the car, kicking the wheel in the process out of sheer frustration at the smoke rising up from under the hood of her stupid lemon car. Nervously, she lifted the hood up and swore.

Oh yeah. The engine had overheated.

Fuck!

She did not have the time to be dealing with this...and with shitty cell phone reception, it's not like she could easily call her mom and tell her what had happened. Kagome bit her lip and looked up at the sky, trying to weigh her options.

1 - She could walk the ten miles to her house. It would take her about three hours and a hefty amount of change...but it would also spare her from her other option. Which waaaaas…

2 - She walk the two miles to the main house on Takahashi Ranch.

She honestly didn't know which one was worse. And if she hadn't been spending so much time debating them, she might have actually noticed that she wasn't exactly alone anymore.

"It is you…"

Kagome placed a hand over her heart, trying to calm its racing as she jumped and yelped in surprise before she turned to address her surprise...intruder? Guest? Acquaintance? Would have been lover? Almost husband?

It's hard to come up with a word to describe your childhood sweetheart and the love of your life...yet here she was, trying to do just that.

God he hadn't changed.

Inuyasha was still as handsome as ever.

Maybe that wasn't fair. He used to have a boyish charm to him. Now...now he was anything but "boyish". His jaw had sharpened over the years, much like the rest of his body - hardening with the hard work that came with being a cattle rancher. He hadn't shaved in a bit, and the lower half of his face was peppered with a fine stubble. It used to grow in patchy...that's just another thing that had changed with time...just like his eyes.

They used to be such a beautiful, warm golden color. Like honey. He could melt her with a look...had almost seduced her more than once with just his eyes and the purr of his voice. She could almost feel the slide of his fingers dipping below her pants to tease her...

Now, his eyes were cold. Hard. Just like his tone.

She took it that he was just as thrilled to see her as she was him.

The white horse he sat atop let out a snort, and his gaze softened a little, comforting the mare and rubbing her neck.

"There, there, Bessie," he soothed.

"Bessie? What happened to Suzzie?"

He shot her a dark look as if to say she should know better than to ask.

"It's been seven years, Kagome…"

Yes. It had been.

She should have known better. She loved that mare...He used to take her riding across the ranch on her. He would hold her so tight...keep her pressed firmly to his chest while Suzzie kept on, wind blowing through their hair. They'd stop once they got to the cliff and hop off, rolling around in the grass as he pinned her down and kissed her deeply.

Passionately.

But...that was before.

"I heard you mighta been comin’ back...didn't think ya actually would."

"Not welcome?" she asked raising her brow, crossing her arms over her breasts. He looked away from her, pained.

"Are you looking to be welcome, still?"

"This is still my home, Yash…"

"Don't call me that," he whispered, turning to look at her again. "We...we don't use those names anymore, got it?"

"Yeah. Sure…" she agreed.

Fuck why did this hurt so much? It was all in the past. It should be all in the past.

"How did you know I was here?" she asked, and he shot her a withering look, tapping his nose with a claw tipped finger.

"Pops and Sessh and me were out fixing the fence. I caught your scent in the wind. I thought I might have been crazy, but they said they smelled it too. Didn't think you'd stop here intentionally…"

He was certainly right about that.

"So you came to play the big ol' knight in shining armor?"

He arched a brow, smiling wryly as he gestured towards his dusty, muddy clothing.

"Only thing shining about me right now is my belt buckle, and even that's pushing it."

She couldn't help but laugh, and his face relaxed a little before his eyes saddened and hardened again.

"So...what's the problem?" he asked, nodding his head towards her broken down shit bucket.

"Engine overheated," she shrugged. "All the good rentals were gone already," she continued before he could ask and his tongue kissed his teeth in understanding.

"Mind if I look?"

"Knock yourself out," she encouraged, and he gracefully swung a leg around Bessie, stepping off of her like it was second nature to him. He hopped over the fence and came towards the car, and she suddenly found herself swallowing hard.

Why did it have to be so difficult? Why couldn't...why could it have never happened? Then maybe…

She shook her head and sighed, watching him silently appraise the ruins before them. He wore a white tank top, exposing his arms and his long silver hair had been pulled up and away from his neck into a bun to help keep him cool from the early summer heat and hard work repairing the fence.

She couldn't help but admire him as he looked over her car, before tipping his worn ten-gallon hat and wiped his brow with the back of his hand. Why did he still have to be so attractive? Why couldn't he have gone bald or gotten fat or developed some sort of skin condition?

She internally sighed and shook her head.

As a half demon, she didn't think any of those things were possible. At least not with Takahashi blood running through his veins.

"It's over heated alright. Only thing you can do is wait for it to cool and pour some water on it and pray it starts up again."

"Fuck," she moaned, rubbing her eyes with the heels of her palms, and when she looked back up, she saw him smirking at her. "What?"

"Nothin'," he shrugged, leaning his hip against the side of the car. "What do ya wanna do about it, Kagome?" he asked, raising a brow.

"What do you mean "what do I want to do about it?"? I have to do just what you said."

"Yeah," he agreed. "But I mean am I taking you to your Mom's, or are you gonna come back with me?"

Oh God…

Neither was a good option. But she loved his mother almost as much as she loved her own…

"Guess I'm going back with you."

Inspired by @clearwillow‘s “New Moon Ride”. I tried to hold out until March 14th...that went really well for me. 

Let me know if we want tags! I’m hoping to hold off on the rest until then. 

[kittystargen3]

Or:  https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13534569/1/Return-of-the-Survivors

I had a dream about this and had to start it.  Please read it and go to one of the linked sites and follow or subscribe to read more.  

Chapter 1 – Bedtime Stories

“Waaaaa-waaaaa” Baby Leia begins to cry.

Anakin rushes into the room, still rushing to throw on a robe. He knows he doesn’t have much time before…

“Wah-Wah” Baby Luke adds his cries to the chorus.

“Ooh” Anakin takes time to wipe the disappointment from his sleep addled brain. “Little one, lets see, you just ate. Do you need a change.” Anakin bent over to sniff the danger zone, and his face relaxed. “Nope. Oh I know what it is. He reached down to pick up baby Leia, knowing if he can get her to settle, Luke will soon follow suit. “We all know Babies need quiet to sleep. I only wished someone would tell that to the Force. I can feel it too, little one. It’s crying now, so many deaths in so short a time.” Anakin walks over to a rocking chair with Leia in his arms. As he talks to them the babies both begin to soothe. “I know it all may seem scary at this point, but if it wasn’t for that Force, you wouldn’t be here today.”

“It all began three years ago. I was with your mother, assigned to protect her, but I kept having these dreams. Dreams of your grandmother dying. I had to go. I had to find out. Don’t worry, I didn’t leave your mother behind. She came with me.” Anakin smiles at the baby. “When I made it to the Tusken Raider camp, and I saw the state she was in I wanted to kill every last one of them, I did. But then she opened her eyes, and I knew there would be no time for that. I picked her up and we managed to get back to the settlement in just enough time. She was badly injured, and bedridden for several weeks, but she recovered in the healer’s hands.” Anakin stopped to put the now sleeping baby Leia back into her crib. “Of course, I couldn’t stay there that long. I had to go fight in the First Battle of Geonosis, but we kept in touch.”

Anakin turned to discover baby Luke, still awake and fussing. He picked him up and went back to the rocker. “Obi-Wan and I had to rescue the then Chancellor Palpatine when he was captured over Coruscant. We managed to capture the Count Dooku at the same time. When we were up there Palpatine urged me to kill Dooku. I suppose that should have been my first clue of what was to happen, but I didn’t see it then. Not yet.”

“He didn’t last long in our custody, though. Dooku was assassinated soon after we handed him over. We never found out who, but now I believe Palpatine had him taken out to avoid him talking.”

“Though at the time I was a bit distracted. Your mother told me she was expecting you two. Well, we only knew about one of you at the time, but it was big enough news to shatter my senses for a while. Shortly after she told me, I started having dreams. They were like the ones I had about your grandmother, only they left me feeling helpless. It’s not like I could go rushing off to save her life, like I did before. I commed my mother to talk about the dreams that next morning. She promised she’d look into some things for expectant mothers and told me to have faith. The force wouldn’t show me that if there was nothing I could really do.”

“At the time Palpatine asked me to serve on the Jedi Counsel, as his representative. The Jedi wanted me to keep eyes on Palpatine because they were not trusting him completely. Boy, if I’d known what I know now, things would be different for you.” Anakin takes several breaths to calm his voice. “Palpatine told me that the Jedi were plotting against the Republic, and he tried to get me to distrust them. Then he told me about a Sith who discovered a way to cheat death. That should’ve been my clue, but at the time he was my friend. I didn’t want to suspect him of any wrongs.”

“It was only after this that he revealed himself to me. I ran off to inform the Jedi. It was the late Master, Mace Windu, who went after him. I wanted to join him, but he told me to stay in the temple instead. Said he felt in the Force that there was somewhere else I had to be. As I waited, I received a comm from your grandmother again. We talked again about the dreams. I told her the latest had Obi-Wan there during your mother’s labor pains.”

“Mother laughed at this. Said that was likely the issue. What does a Jedi know about delivering a baby. I brought up the stuff Palpatine had told me, about the Sith who cheated death, but she urged me not to do that. She reminded me that if that’s what it took, Padme would rather die. But she had another plan. She told me that she had reached out to the Tusken people again. To a group that doesn’t believe in using the radical methods the others do. One of them, she said, was a Tusken midwife who had experience in a lot of difficult births. She said they knew more about delivering a baby and supporting a mother than anyone in the Republic. It was then that I left the temple to get your mother to a ship and off to Tatooine as quickly as I could.”

“Before we were off we noticed smoke coming from the Temple, and I could feel the turmoil that you guys felt before. Your mother told me to go. Help who I could. She knew the way to Tatooine.”

“The temple had been raided by our own loyal army. Many there were killed. I barely got in unnoticed, and out with what few survivors I could find. Most of them children. That next morning, I found Masters Obi-Wan and Yoda trying to break into the temple again. I had to tell them there were none left alive. Palpatine was the Darth Sidious we had feared, and he likely killed Master Windu the night before. It seems he had all clone troopers ordered to kill any Jedi on sight, and he set a trap for them summoning them to return to the temple. Together we deactivated that message.”

“Then I got a comm coming through from my mother. Though Padme had made it to Tatooine, she was filled with worry. We hadn’t spoken since the previous night, when she sent me off into danger, and she was beginning to go into early labor from all the anxiety. Though I knew that Yoda was planning to confront Sidious, I couldn’t stay any longer. I left them and headed off to Tatooine.”

“When I got here, you little one, were near arrival. I rushed in and kissed your mother, then held her hand as she got another burst of energy. Out you came. Then two minutes later your sister came next.” Luke began to squirm and fuss. “Oh, don’t worry. You’ll learn to appreciate having a sister, one day.” Little Luke kept fussing, then Anakin wrinkled his nose.

“You didn’t. Did you?” He sniffed the diaper and made a worse face. He then got up and went to a changing table to do the deed. “Looks like someone needs a diaper change. So that’s how the force saved your lives, little ones. If I hadn’t saved your grandmother, she’d never have been able to save you two.” Anakin pauses with the bottle of white powder in his hands. A thoughtful expression on his face. “You know, I won’t be able to be around all the time. No, but when I am gone,” Anakin put three of his fingers up to point to his chest, “there will be a piece each of you in here.” Anakin glanced up to see Padme standing in the doorway to the nursery. “Always.”

[fandom-necromancer]

863. continuation

This was prompted by the lovely @aurea-b! This might be not as good as the usual. I was absolutely not up to writing today. I hope you enjoy it nonetheless!

Fandom: Detroit become human | Ship: Reed900

‘It’s okay now, just follow me. I’m leading you to the car and then we drive to the precinct to get you repaired, okay? You’ll be fine in no time!’ Gavin had led Nines through the deserted building as soon as Captain Allen had deemed it safe. Police was already swarming the place to secure evidence and take the few gang-members that had surrendered themselves outside to drive them off. Maybe Gavin had been expected to report what had happened. Maybe he was expected to stay and help. But nothing of all this mattered as he opened the door of his car for Nines and helped him get in.

The android was impossibly careful in his movements. He was insecure, depending on Gavin and his hands touching every object to map out his surroundings. Again, he was reminded just how easily even someone as confident and competent as Nines could be reduced to this. ‘All will be fine’, he repeated like a mantra, strictly keeping himself from thinking this might be more to calm himself down and less meant for the android. He hurried to enter the car himself and took his time to squeeze Nines’ hand encouragingly before driving off.

‘Hey, Nines? It’s good to see you again. I… I missed you a lot. What happened in there?’ The android opened his mouth to a bunch of static, until Gavin could make out words again. ‘I hacked a-a-a cooomputer. Thought I-I-I was aaaalooone. I waaaaas wroong.’ ‘Shit, Nines. I’m sorry’, Gavin said, looking at him for a second before concentrating on the road again. ‘I aaaam too.’ ‘I promise you, everything will be alright soon. Just hang in there.’ ‘Where aaaaare we now?’ ‘Just turned into the Grand River Avenue, it’s not far now. Just a few more minutes.’

They arrived at the precinct’s parking lot and Gavin helped Nines out of the car and into the bullpen. Of course, people were staring. It just took an angry gaze from the detective to make them mind their own business though as they moved towards the emergency technicians all police stations were now required to have present at all times. Nines trusted them more than the usual Cyberlife repair centre and Gavin had to agree. They had proved their worth countless times before and having them work in close proximity to them made them more a part of the force than a technician, even though they were Cyberlife personnel too.

‘Holy shit, they really did a number on you, Detective.’ ‘Niiiice to heeeeear you too, Daaaavid’, Nines spoke and even through the static one could hear the sarcasm. ‘Wooould be niiicer to see youuuu, so I-I-I kneeew where to punch.’ ‘Yeah, don’t worry, have I ever disappointed you? I’ll get you back to function in no time.’ Gavin stood by Nines’ side at the rig to help connect him to it and kept his mouth shut. People would only tease him more if they saw how worried he truly was. ‘Also I don’t want your partner here to take revenge should I fail.’ ‘Yeah, you better won’t, Gavin grunted, stepping back to watch the man walk up to Nines with a diagnostics-tablet. He hooked it up to the rig and typed away. ‘Okay, the good news: Most parts have just been disconnected, no major damage there. Bad news: I have to exchange a few wires, that will take a while. And I don’t have anything here to repair the damaged hull around the regulator. I can only get them around next week.’ ‘Just do what you can’, Gavin sighed and sat down, watching the technician nod and begin to get to work on Nines, who had entered stasis for the whole procedure. It was a bit unsettling to see him pull the optical units out to access the damage and repair it, before sliding it back in and get to the next part. It really took him some time; enough to let Gavin realise how tired he was. Too much had happened for a day and maybe it was okay to just close his eyes for a bit. Not fall asleep, but just… rest a little.

‘Detective.’ ‘Hmmm five more minutes, babe…’ ‘You are lucky that’s just me hearing it. Your colleagues would have used that as blackmail.’ ‘What the?’ Gavin was immediately awake, taking in the room and regretting moving this sudden. Falling asleep on a plastic chair wasn’t really the definition of comfortable or healthy, but apparently Gavin hadn’t cared. ‘Where the phck is Nines?’ ‘I’m here, Gav.’ The man flinched and turned around to see Nines back with his skin intact and very much looking at him with a fond smile. Thank god he was okay again. ‘I told David to let you sleep while I went to report to Fowler. I think we should go home now, shouldn’t we? I believe your bed is more comfortable than that chair.’ ‘Hmm? Oh, yes.  Coming.’

Nines was driving this time as Gavin slowly woke up completely. The android had been correct: All Gavin could really think of was his bed. And them both in it. God, it had been so long since they had last slept in the same damn bed. ‘Nines?’ ‘Yes Gavin?’ ‘No more undercover-missions, okay?’ Gavin couldn’t believe how tired he sounded – even to himself. ‘I really missed you. I was too worried. I couldn’t work, I couldn’t live without staring at these damn quarter-hour-texts. And I got like… no sleep.’ Nines chuckled at that, turning the music down a little to make speaking easier. ‘What happened to my Gavin “I don’t need a partner” Reed?’ ‘Well, I got partnered up with a phcking awesome machine, okay? I didn’t need a partner as there were only these pesky humans available.’ ‘Hmm-hmm. That’s why you threw a tantrum as Fowler introduced me?’ ‘Ah, forget it you idiot! Don’t you dare say I got soft. I’m absolutely manly!’ That just made Nines laugh. ‘Whatever you say, Gavin.’ It was silent for a moment, before Nines’ smile left his lips. ‘It was hard for me, too. I knew you were worrying about me. And I missed you knowing you were sitting at home all alone. I’ll talk to Fowler tomorrow and ask him about it. I don’t think I will never be gone again, but I will try to keep it to a minimum, okay?’ ‘That would be perfect. Or maybe I could accompany you next time. At least then I won’t be completely useless without you.’ ‘Aww, so it just needs me beat up for you to become the sappy one of us, huh?’, Nines teased. ‘If you continue like this, I will be the one beating you!’, Gavin was quick to answer. ‘Oh, come on. You couldn’t hurt me if you tried.’ ‘True…’

[etherian-affairs]

Mermista's Wild Ride.

This is a crackship roller coaster. It includes Merdak, Entrapdak, Mertrapta, and Perfume Weaver mentions.

Every section was written based on reaction to the previous section in the discord server I wrote this in. In real time!

Anyway buckle up.

==========

The Hordak esq creature was baring down on Mermista fast. Entirely too fast. She had also made the mistake of not noticing it over the other soldiers she was fighting. A rather large mistake. For a brief moment Mermista really thought she was going to finally bite it. Fear fills her in her final moments, real deep fear.

As the thing reared up its weapon, sneering at her, the Princess of Salineas finds an arm warp around her waste. With a yelp she's tugged to the side, and a large energy cannon attached to an armor encased arm is extended out. It hums with power for a moment, power that is suddenly unleashed.

The brutes arm is gone in a flash. Then there's another flash and the top half of its body is gone, simply erased from existence. The remains fall over lifeless.

Lord Hordak releases Mermista, she stumbles, wide eyed and staring up at the alien conquerer in shock and something else.

He looks serious, focusing on the battlefield as he releases the built up heat from his arm cannon. The flames of destruction that he himself has born during this engagement flicker in the backdrop to highlight him. Like a stoic god of war in an oil painting. "Are you alright?" He asks as he glances down at Mermista.

"Uh... Yeah... I'm good." Mermista feels a burning sensation crawl up her cheeks.

"Good. Pay more attention to your sorroundings moving forward." Hordak adds as he readies his weapon and fires on another target, returning to the fray proper as if this entire moment did not happen.

...

"Princess Mermista. You seem distracted." The voice jolts Mermista out of her daydreaming. Hordak is standing before her, quirking a brow at her surprise. When had he approached her? She had been watching him how could he have approached her without her noticing?!

Watching him for entirely Alliance related reasons of course.

"Oh. Yeah sorry. I've just been... Thinking about stuff." The princess tries to brush it off casually. He does not need to know anything about these nonsense feelings swirling inside of her mind.

Hordak nods, seeming to ponder that response before looking out from their campsite to the fields below. Visibly charred and broken from the battle earlier, even in the moonlight. "Indeed. There is much to think about. It seems we have Prime's forces on the run... For now. The use of heavy weaponry has closed the bottleneck of his armies entry."

"Yeah..."

"Still. If you cannot remain focused you should get rest while things are calm." Hordak notes, nodding to Mermista. "I can keep watch of this post while you do so, so do not worry."

Again heat flushes Mermistas cheeks. Why? He's just being a fellow soldier. Collected and calculating and thoughtful...

"Thanks. I think I will." Mermista tries to say casually. Taking a deep breath and heading to her sleeping roll. Best to sleep this off.

...

Burning cheeks? Easy to handle. A flutter in the chest when he brings her coffee in the mornings of their shared deployment? That can be pushed down. That slight pleasant burning in her core as he destroys the armies of their enemy? That's a fluke.

This though. This... Ache in her chest... This Mermista can barely stand. It's eating at her.

They've met back up with another group of Alliance soldiers. Specifically a group with Entrapta in it. It was immediate, the Princess of Dryl shouting "Hordak!" And literally leaping into his arms with a happy laugh.

And Hordak catching her.

The way they smile at each other. The way they nuzzle and give each other gentle loving kisses. The sheer... Apparentness of their love. The bottomless affection they seem to share. Even the way they immediately and seamlessly get to work together. As if they barely need to say anything to know each other's thoughts.

It hurts. Mermista hurts.

It doesn't help that Sea Hawk is here too. He's nice and she is fond of him but he does not currently mix well with these very problematic feelings.

"Oh Mermiiiistaaaa! The greatest soldier there ever waaaaas!" Sea Hawk sings at her side.

She groans and glowers. Pulling her eyes away from the happy lab couple working on bots nearby. "Please stop..."

She isn't sure who she's talking to at this point.

...

"Oh I can share." Entrapta says with a mischievous grin.

Mermista stammers. Actually stammers. How had it come to this? Sure she had been a tad surly and more flippant than usual but how had Entrapta of all people figured out what was going on? And why was Entrapta okay with it?! "yeah well... What about Hordak?"

Entrapta giggles. "Oh he's fine with it too. Watch!" She glances back. "Hordak!"

The Lord looks up from his maintenance of Emily. "Hmm?"

"Would you want to sleep with Mermista sometimes?" Entrapta asks. "It would help her morale!"

Mermista is beat red. Entrapta is shouting right now. Alliance soldiers are staring. This is awful. All Mermista can do is wait for Hordak to tell Entrapta no. That Entrapta is being ridiculous as she tends to do.

However Hordak just nods. "Very well. It will likely increase her battlefield efficiency if she has been desiring that."

Mermista gapes.

Some of the people listening in gape too.

...

"No!" Adora shouts. "No! No no no! No!"

Mermista is clutching her forehead. Beat red. Entrapta can be so loud and soldiers gossip and now everyone knows.

Everyone. Knows. The other Princesses, the entire army, probably Horde Prime himself.

"It's already... Weird! That Entrapta and Hordak are a thing!" Adora adds on to her exclaiming.

"Pretty sure that's rude!" Entrapta shoots back looking grumpy.

"It is." Hordak assures his wife. He's unbelievably calm.

Suddenly Sea Hawk let's out another loud sob. He has been doing that. "Mermista! I thought we HAD SOMETHING!!!" His eyes are red, filled with tears.

Mermista wants to die. Just bury her at sea right now.

Catra raises her hand from the crate she's sitting on. "To be fair to Mermista. Hordak IS hot."

"Catra No!" Adora screams in horror.

"I will not be sleeping with Catra, even if it won the war." Hordak notes mostly to Entrapta.

"Ouch." Catra fires back sarcastically.

This is all the worst.

...

"So let me get this straight" Queen Glimmer of Bright Moon looks over the assembled Etherian Alliance Ruling Council. "You have all called a council meeting to discuss... A moratorium on sleeping with Hordak?..."

"Yes!" Adora stands and shouts. "It's a distraction from the war effort!"

"This is ridiculous!" Entrapta shouts back. "It's a morale boosting activity!"

"He's evil Entrapta! It's already weird you do it!"

Mermista is currently trying to slide under the table to hide. Anything to get away from this.

Perfuma raises her hand. "Excuse me... I have a question."

Glimmer sighs. "Yes Perfuma?"

"Is the issue that Hordak is evil?..."

"Yes!" Adora shouts.

"That's irrelevant!" Entrapta shouts back. "He's just ethically divergent!"

Perfuma cuts through. "Um... Okay... So... If the issue is he's evil... Can we still sleep with other evil people? Like Shadow Weaver?"

"WHAT?!" Catra and Adora both scream in unbridled horror.

Even Hordak looks over at Perfuma with wide eyes at that one. Mermista feels slightly better for a moment as the focus leaves her.

...

"Okay!" Adora shouts. She never stops shoutong. She's gesturing to the large board covered in pictures and documents with string and other nonsense. They've been here for hours. "I think we have this worked out!"

Entrapta, standing next to Adora nods. "Yes! This seems fair!"

Everyone else is sitting back watching this unfold. Entrapta and Adora basically completely took over for this whole meeting. Mermista continues to look and feel like dying, Hordak looks quietly amused, Catra is glowering, Perfuma strangely hopeful.

Queen Glimmer just looks so tired.

Really everyone else is some mix of those and the air in the room is heavy and awkward.

"So!" Adora continues. "There will be no more casual sleeping with Hordak with the singular exception of Entrapta who due to sleeping with him previously and remaining effective is allowed to continue. However others may petition the alliance council for permission to sleep with Hordak if they can show good cause that it would somehow aid the war effort!"

Entrapta nods. "Hordak and I retain full rights to veto any yes given by the council in this regard though!" She adds.

"This is so stupid." Catra mutters quietly.

"Furthermore!" Adora says loudly. "We should all be aware of the Shadow Weaver clause that states that Princess Perfuma, and only her, may sleep with Shadow Weaver under stipulation that she never ever talk about it again!"

"Yay" Perfuma claps.

...

As everyone leaves Hordak approaches Mermista. The Princess of Salineas looks up at him, feeling so... Everything. This crush spiralled out of control in ways she could scarcely comprehend and she just wanted to hide in Salineas forever.

"Hordak..." She mutters.

"Princess Mermista." He replies, glancing around as people file out quickly. Trying to escape this horrible meeting.

Suddenly when they're mostly alone the Lord leans forward, close to Mermista. She almost shivers. "Petty Alliance rulings aside. Feel free to visit Dryl as you desire." He grins. Red teeth glinting in the light. "We are good at being discrete." He adds before standing back up and marching away to rejoin Entrapta.

Mermista is beet red.

...

Mermista stares up at the ceiling of the royal chambers of Dryl. A room of metal and purple and fluffy furniture. She's in the bed, a massive thing. How did she even get here? It's all a blur. Not actually of course, she knows exactly how she got here, she followed through on the invitation. The emotional journey is what's a blur.

All because Hordak saved her life. Honestly that's kind of cliche and pathetic.

Before Mermista can let out a groan of defeat she feels a body press against get and glances over. Entrapta. Naked and curled against the Princess of Salineas. Snoring and cuddling. Mermista stares at her for a moment in... Bewilderment? This whole situation is so bizarre.

Then the person on her opposite side speaks. "Cute isn't she?" Hordak asks with a pleased tone. "Do not worry about waking her, Entrapta sleeps like the dead." He adds.

"Yeah..." Mermista nods absently before staring back up at the ceiling. "The alliance is going to kill me..."

"They don't need to know." Hordak adds. "Do you want breakfast? I can make something for you two."

Mermista looks over at him. "Uh... Okay." Might as well get free food if this is happening after all.

[badwolf-in-the-impala]

~Come Away to The Water~

|| Chapter One - Dead of Winter ||  

Inspiration: Come Away to the Water by Maroon 5 ft. Rozzi Crane

Storyboard Credit: Myself. Pictures not mine, but editing and collage is.

Pairings: Harald Finehair x OFC ((face claim - Sophie Turner))

Rating: Mature/18+

General warnings: Death, Violence, Gore, Graphic content, Abuse, Kidnapping, Sexual content.

Chapter warnings: Depictions of death, gory-ish details? Angst.

A/N: EDIT: SO, it’s been forever since I touched this story...Or well, posted anything for that fact lol but I finally found some inspo on where I wanna go with this story, so I’ve edited/added to the first chapter! I hope you guys enjoy! SHOUTOUT to @jacksonroseroth​ for your help, darlin’! New fic idea say waaaaa?! Anywho, thank you for taking a moment of your time to stop and read; it means a lot ^-^ Obviously this is a work of fiction, so I apologize if things aren’t 100% HISTORICALLY accurate. I’ve spent a lot of time researching the past few days trying to certain aspects as close as possible. So bare with me! 

Feedback is always welcomed and much appreciated! I hope you guys enjoy! Also I want to add that the beginning italic is a flashback scene...Dialogue, bold and italic is to distinguish the language barrier between Rowan and Harald.

Word Count:  5099

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“Come away little lamb come away to the water Give yourself so we might live anew Come away little lamb come away to the slaughter”

~ “Do try nah to stray so far from the path this time, Rowan…” Her mother sighed deeply as she fastened the heavy black fur cloak around her daughters shoulders; settling a small sack of provisions in her hands. “It worries me’h.”

“Dinna worry yer’self, Ma.” Rowan smiled warmly, pressing a kiss to her mother’s cheek gently as she drew up the hood to cover her flame kissed hair. “I’ll be fine.”

The older woman cracked a small grin as she cupped her daughters cheek, patting it affectionately. “Y’er to much like y’er Da.” She shook her head lightly as she watched her daughter slip the bow over her head, settling it with the string across her chest before snatching up the quiver of arrows. “Jus’ be back ‘fore dark...There’s a storm comin’!”

“Aye, Ma.” Rowan chuckled softly with a roll over her Emerald eyes before placing a kiss atop each of her three younger siblings heads. “Behave yourselves, ya wee savages.” She teased lightly, earning a pair of giggles out of the two youngest. A set of identical twins of just barely five years.

“Are ye goin’ to bring us back a Stag, Rowey?!” Alana questioned excitedly.

“Aye, are ye, are ye?” Ainslie echoed as she bounced in her seat, equally as excited as her sister.

“I’ll most certainly try.” Rowan winked as she reached for the front door, pausing when she felt a slight tug on her cloak. Turning to find her youngest brother peering up at her sheepishly.

“C-Can I? P-Please?” He stuttered nervously, looking down at his feet as Rowan shook her head no.

“Nay. Not today, Findley.” She gave her youngest brothers shoulder a reassuring squeeze and ruffled his dark auburn hair, before leaning back to snatch a couple of bannocks off the table. “Perhaps after the storm passes...I’ll teach ye how to catch rabbits.”

“P-Promise?”

“Aye.” She grinned softly, earning a shy smile out of the young boy in return. “I promise.”

With a final goodbye to her mother and siblings, Rowan pushed open the creaky wooden door of the small stone and wood built bothy, that their large family of Six shared; stepping out into the frigid early morning air. Her leather and fur clad foot catching the back of her own twins leg, as she passed by. Tossing him the second bannock she held, causing him to pause mid-swing on the chunk of wood he had been about to split as he caught it. Beaming a smile as he thanked her around a mouthful of food.

“Spend some time with Finn today, eh?” Rowan called over her shoulder as she started towards the path that lead out of the Village and down towards the river. Turning back to shoot her brother a glare at the annoyed groan he gave her in return.

“Don’ make me tell Ma what ye’ve been gettin’ up to with Flora now, Kai! She threatened.

“Ye wouldn’t?!”

Rowan simply shrugged, throwing her brother a mischievous grin before trotting off down the path towards the water. Ignoring her brothers voice as he called after her. Begrudgingly agreeing that he would spend some time with Finn later.

~

The day continued on as normal as any other. Rowan took her time trekking through the woods, setting and checking snares along her usual path. A smile creeping onto her lips as she spied a set of tracks -- those of a stag -- just off the main trailhead.

It had been well over a month since she had brought home a Stag, or any other large game for that matter, and the thought of having fresh meat on the table again, made her mouth water. But more importantly the thought of seeing the smiles it would bring to her family’s faces made the aspect of the hunt seem all the more worthwhile as she reset her final snare. Taking a final glance around to get her bearings, before venturing off the beaten path and deeper into the forest.

Rowan tracked the animal well into the late afternoon before it was finally snowing too hard for her to safely venture any farther. The Stag having remained, teasingly, just out of her reach the entire time. Taunting her almost, as they trailed deeper and deeper into the woods until it was too late to turn back. Forcing her to seek shelter for the night in an abandoned den she stumbled across on the hunt.

The wind blew too fiercely for her to start a fire, which forced her to settle for pulling the thick fur cloak she wore around herself tightly, in an attempt to stay warm. Burrowing down into the fallen leaves and debris that surrounded her as an uneasy feeling settled in the pit of her stomach...But she wasn’t quite able to place a finger on it.

This hadn’t been the first time she was caught out in a storm over night like this and never before had it been -- nor would it likely ever be -- an issue. Her father having taken extra care to teach her, as well as her twin brother, everything they needed to know about surviving in the wild, from a young age; Until his untimely death just a few short years ago. She knew how to take care of herself regardless of the situation...She would be fine.

But that still did little to quell the worry that settled in the back of her mind as Rowan sighed, clutching her cloak tighter around herself as she closed her eyes. Attempting to push the worry from her thoughts the best she could as she tried to make herself comfortable. She knew for certain that her mother and the wee ones would be worried sick that she had not returned yet, but that come first light, Kai would be out to meet her halfway on the trail just like he always did.

But for the time being, she was at the mercy of the Gods.

~

The weather had cleared come dawn, allowing Rowan to venture out from the safety of the den she called home for the night. Brushing away the moss and dries leaves from her clothes as she emerged with a stretch, pausing to grab a bannock and a piece of dried fish from the small sack of provisions she carried. Thankful that her mother had insisted upon her taking it with her as she nibbled away at it; beginning the trekk back towards her Village.  

The ground was covered in a fresh layer of ankle deep snow, making the journey twice as long and twice as treacherous as it concealed many things beneath its shimmering surface -- like ice and root snarls -- that could pose a threat to a serious injury, if one was not sure of their footing. It made her that much more thankful she had spent so much of her youth exploring these woods with Kai and their father...It was her home away from home, and she knew it like the back of her hand. Which in turn helped her to make decent time on her return to the main path. It also made her more aware of things that most anyone else would often overlook naturally. Like how nature had suddenly fallen into an eerie silence as she stepped back onto the main path, noting how the snow was still fresh; untouched.  

The uneasy feeling from the night before suddenly returned to settle in the pit of her stomach, tying it up in knots as she looked up at the sky. It was well past mid-morning and there were no signs that Kai had yet been there, which struck her as unusual. He was always waiting, no matter the hour.  

A jolt of anxiety shot through her like lightning as she took off down the path, willing her feet to carry her faster as she broke through the treeline and out into the open. The silence around her deafening, aside from the sound of the River as she raced along its edge, wading the crossing swiftly, trying her best to ignore the icy sting of the water as it soaked her boots, only adding to her struggle as she stumbled up the snow slick hill that lead to her home...That surge of anxiety quickly morphing into fear as she watched thick plumes of black smoke billowing into the grey Winter sky.

Rowan’s heart nearly stopped as she crested over the top of the hill, a scream ripping from her lungs at the sight of the damage that lay before her. What was left of her people stood gathered round in a wash of tears, disbelief and despair. Their homes and outbuildings still blazed, while others only smoldered now; Reduced to rubble, or turned to ash. Their Livestock hung from trees and fences, slaughtered. All their stores of produce and provisions set aside for winter, gone.

Bodies lie butchered, scattered along the ground, tainting the once pure white snow a sickening shade of dark crimson. Her boots imprinting a trail of red in the snow behind her, as she ran towards her family’s home that still smoldered. Rowan ignoring the sting of burning flesh as she dug frantically at what remained of the building. Tears streaming down her face as she cried out for Mother and siblings.

“They’re gone, Rowan.” A neighbor approached quickly, grabbing her by the shoulders gently as he urged her away from the still crumbling building to safety. Rowan pulling away, stumbling a few feet where she fell to her knees at the sight of Kai’s body; lifeless on the ground. His dark hair and fair skin matted with drying blood...An axe protruding from the center of his chest.

“I-I’m s-s-or-ry…” A broken sob left her lips as she covered his blue eyes -- still widened with fear -- with her hand and slipped them closed.

“Ma--…The twins?”

The woman who approached her before, now shook her head. The look on her face a solemn one as she knelt beside the broken young woman before her, taking her forearms gently and pulling her up to her feet as she embraced her.

“The Danes took ‘em...Ye and Findley are all that’s left.”

“Findley?” The name fell as a hoarse whisper from her lips, as green eyes tried desperately to blink back tears as she pulled away to look up.

“Aye, he lives...But jus’ barely.” The woman grinned softly as she replied, though the gesture was less than hopeful. The woman raising a finger to silence Rowan as she knew what was about to come next.

“Ye can not see him jus’ yet, Lass.” She stated gently, with a soft pat against Rowan’s arms. “Let us go an’ take care of those burns first...”  

Turning as the woman lead her away to one of the healers, Rowan gave a final glance at the carnage that lay all around her. Wondering what they had done to deserve such a senseless act of violence...Innocent families, women, children?

They had heard Tales of the vicious Northmen -- Danes as many called them -- that ruled over the Seas. Pillaging and plundering places of riches and nobility…But Rowan’s people were no more than simple farmers; hunters and fishermen. What would the Norsemen want with them?

Never once had her own people consider, that one day, they might set foot in the Highlands...Something that left them unprepared, and defenseless to the ruthless attack.

Leaving the place she called her homeland...Broken and in ruin.

~

Rowan’s chest heaved erratically as she sat bolt upright in her bed, clutching the furs to her chest as she swiped a hand across her forehead, finding it slick with sweat as she pushed back the fiery red locks that were matted to her skin. A sigh escaping her lips quietly. It had been quite some time since she’d had a nightmare about that fateful day...The day her family was so cruelly taken from her. It had been nearly five years now, but the wounds were still fresh in her mind like it had happened only yesterday.

Frowning to herself, Rowan pushed the furs from her body and swung her legs over the edge of the bed, shivering as her bare feet touched the cold dirt covered floor as she wrapped herself in one of the furs tightly as she walked to the window; pushing the shutter open. The sun had barely even begun to rise over the mountains, showering the glen in a twilight glow as it cast  shadows through the trees. Everything around them lay quiet and completely still, as if basking in the arrival of a new day.

Pulling her gaze away from the rapid approach of dawn just outside their small home, Rowan turned and walked towards the fire on the opposite side of the room. Adjusting the fur into one hand as she added more kindling and wood to the glowing embers that resided in the hearth; kneeling and blowing gently until the fire blazed back to life.

Once she was satisfied with the heat emitted from the fire, Rowan stood and returned to the foot of her bed, opening the small wooden trunk that lie there as she began piecing together an outfit for the day. Dressing in her warmest pair of trousers and a light blue tunic made from a heavier wool material for added warmth. Securing it with a thin leather belt before tugging on her boots.

She discarded her night shirt into the wash pile before returning the fur to its place on her bed as she made it for the day. A small smile tugging at her lips as a pitiful low pitched whine caught her attention, turning to find the large gray wolf she called her companion, now sitting beside the fire. Having climbed down from her little brother’s bed;  head tipped curiously as it watched her.

“Don’t be impatient, ya greedy breast. I dinna forget abou’ ye.” She quipped as she rummaged around for some bits of dried meat and bannocks to take out with her. Tossing the wolf a small chunk of meat she kept aside specifically for him, before throwing together a small pot of wheat porridge for Findley and setting it up over the fire to cook.

“Go on now.” She waved her hand to where her young brother still slept soundly. “Go an’ wake the boy.” The wolf gave a snort as it rose to all fours, giving a long stretch before the beast trotted across the room and leapt gracefully onto the bed. The large animal laying directly on top of Findlay as he commenced to licking the boys face repeatedly with it’s large tongue.

“Ugh, get off me ya brute!” Findley yelped out as he squirmed beneath the large animal, trying to push him off to no avail. Rowan chuckled softly, watching her brother struggle for a moment longer before she gave a sharp whistle to call him off. The wolf jumping down from the bed and coming over to sit beside her, accepting a small piece of bannock she offered before popping the last bite into her mouth with a grin. Her little brother glowered at her from the edge of his bed where he now sat upright.

“Good mornin’ to ye too, Fin.” She snickered with an amused grin.

“Mornin’...” Findley grumbled back crankily as he climbed out of bed and moved to warm himself beside the fire. Lifting the lid on the small pot briefly to inspect what was inside of it.

“Should be done soon.” Rowan stated as she moved to grab her heavy black fur cloak and pull it on, before gathering her game bag, bow and quiver. “I need to check the traps, so it’s up to ye to get the animals fed an’ taken care of. Can ye handle that?”

Findley gave a curt nod as he grabbed a bannock off the table and began devouring it. “Aye, I can handle it.” He spoke around a mouth full of food, Rowan rolling her eyes in response as she shook her head.

“Don’t talk with ye’r mouthful, ya heathen.” She chided with a playful grin before continuing. “If ye need help with anythin’, go an’ fetch young Turick to help ye. Got it?”

“Aye…” Findley sighed in annoyance with an eye roll, which in turn earned him a glare from his older sister. “I’m a cripple, Row, tha’ does not mean I’m useless.” He muttered self consciously as his right hand ventured absentmindedly to the stump of his left shoulder. A deep frown creasing his features.

“I never called ye useless, Fin.” Rowan stepped forward, reaching out to grasp his chin lightly and turn his attention back towards her. “I jus’ don’t want ye hurtin’ yer’self more than necessary...Besides, if ye hurt y’er good arm, who’s going to milk the cows?”

Findley swatted her hand away with a playful glare as he cracked half a smile. “I got it handled.” He reassured in a sarcastic tone, shooting her a real glare as she reached out and ruffled his red hair affectionately.

“I’ll be back this afternoon. Do try an’ stay out of trouble, eh?” Rowan called over her shoulder as she pushed the front door open and stepped out into the brisk morning air; wolf in tow as he trotted along beside her happily, as they mosied down the path.

~

The day came to pass quite quickly for Rowan and her furry companion, Faolan. The pair making quick work of checking and resetting snares, before venturing a little deeper into the woods in search of some smaller game, before returning to the village to go about finishing up evening chores; the workload increasing as signs of Spring steadily approached. Soon they would be tilling fields to plant their crops, tending to the animals that would soon produce offspring, making repairs to homes, building new boats for trading travels...The list was truly endless, and Rowan looked forward to the distractions that the work promised.

Winters had become exceptionally difficult since suffering the loss of nearly her entire family. Everyday a struggle against the guilt that she kept bottled up inside. Rowan somehow feeling responsible for what had happened to her family; to Fin. Constantly replaying that day over and over in her head. Always wondering if things could have turned out differently, had she stayed home that day with her family. Maybe she could have protected them...Or maybe she would’ve shared in their fate. But then what would have become of poor Findley?

Rowan sighed as they paused to rest beside a small stream. Faolan letting out a soft whine as he rested his head against her thigh; sensing her distress. A small smile tugging at her lips as she gave him an affectionate scratch behind the ears, his warm, intelligent brown eyes drifting shut for a moment as gave a contented sigh. Rowan silently thankful that the gods had granted such a wonderful guardian to watch over her and Findley. The wolf coming into their lives not long after the deaths of their kin. Just a pup himself when Rowan had stumbled upon him in the forest...Still clinging to his own mother and siblings who had long since perished from starvation and cold.

The village had been less than thrilled to say the least, when Rowan brought the small bundle of fur home. Several of the elder woman trying to advise her that the beast could would never be tamed nor broken; But they couldn’t have been more wrong. For Faolan had been the key that aided them in their journey to healing...And they his. The wolf having more than earned his keep around the village since becoming part of their broken pack. 

“Suppose we should be gettin’ back, eh?” Rowan sighed softly as she gave the wolf a final pat on the head before standing. Gathering her game bag and slinging it over her shoulder as she turned her back to the steam. “Come, mo charaid…’Fore Fin starts worryin’.” Faolan let out a sharp series of yips in answer as he bounded from his spot, darting between the trees playfully for a moment before laying down a ways up the trail as he waited. Rowan letting out a small laugh at the wolfs antics as she quickened her pace, taking the hint as they hurried off. Head for their usual detour as they made the trek for home. ~

Dusk was approaching by the time the group finally reached the shores of a seeming desolate beach. The ships, as well as their men, battered from an unexpected storm that had caught them off guard a day prior. “We’ll camp here for now...Start salvaging what we can to make repairs come dawn, before continuing on to York.” Harald instructed once the boats had been pulled safely to shore; A fire started for the men to get warm as they assembled camp. Harald quick to assemble a plan for his men, in order to get moving again as soon as possible. Not pleased with the unexpected detour they had been forced to make on their journey to York.

“You three.” Harald turned to address a group of younger Viking men, who stood opposite him beside the fire. “Gather what wood you can; And you two,” He gestured towards a pair of more experienced men, usually assigned to watch. “Survey the area...I do not want any more unexpected surprises.” The men nodded, accepting their assigned duties before dismissing themselves. Harald letting out a sigh as he turned for one of the tents that had already been assembled...Taking a seat and grabbing a cup of mead, trying to quell his frustrations as he watched his men continue to set up camp. While Harald drank his frustrations away, the two experienced men set off up the beach, climbing the dunes on the beach and venturing into the forest beyond.

“Fine time to set up camp…” The first man grumbled as they trudged the Scottish land. The second man grunted in response as they settled on a spot and began building a small fire. The warmth from the flames doing little to warm the chill that had settled in their bones. “The cold here is different...I don’t like it.”

“They say we’re the heathens.” The first man chuckled. “Pass us the ale…” The second man obliged his friends request. Reaching over to grab the ale horn from beside his axe, taking a swig himself before passing it over and returning his hands to warm by the fire. As the men chatted away, Rowan made her way to the beach, stopping and dropping to the ground when she spotted the men encamped on the beach. Swearing in Gaelic, she gripped the scruff at Faolan’s neck to make sure he didn’t growl and give their position away. She took her bag off and strapped it around the beast’s.

“Go home, Faolan. I’ll be right behind ye.” Rowan whispered. The wolf let out a small whine before he turned away, making his way back to the village while Rowan stayed, counting the men so she could give an accurate report to the village elders. When her eyes met Harald’s, Rowan ducked and crawled along the brush until she was far enough into the foliage before she stood and hurried along behind Faolan.

“What was that?” The first man asked, looking up at the sound of twigs snapping. He reached down, fingers wrapping around the axe at his side as he scanned the surrounding area, looking for movement. Both men saw the flash of gray fur pass quickly by, followed by a flame of red hair; Visible even in the darkness. The second man motioned for the first to split off towards the left, while he tracked the intruders on the right. Trailing silently after them into the darkness of the woods, but eventually losing sight as the darkness became too much; Slowing their progress significantly.

“Go.” The second man ordered quietly, gesturing back towards the beach. “Tell King Harald what we’ve found, and assemble more men for a search. I will try and the trail.” The first man nodded and turned back towards camp. Leaving his companion to assemble a torch and continue the search.  

Meanwhile, Rowan continued to move swiftly through the darkness. Picking her way carefully over fallen debris and tangled tree roots as she strayed away from the main trail; attempting to lose the enemies who likely now pursued her, as she fled towards her village. Hoping she would have enough time to warn her people of a potential attack before it was too late. Anger and fear building inside of her chest as she pushed herself harder, bound and determined to not let her people suffer through another attack like they had all those years ago.

The sound of twigs snapping several feet away from behind her, made Rowan turn, a knot forming in her stomach as she spotted the faint glow of a torch coming over the small rise she had just climbed. Ducking behind a tree, she shielded herself from sight momentarily as she closed her eyes...Rowan’s heart sinking as she came to the realization that she would be unable to return to her village safely, without risking the exposure of their location to a potential attack. She knew what she had to do, but that didn’t make the choice any easier as she let out a soft, shaky sigh. Opening her green eyes as slipped the bow over her head carefully, and nocked an arrow. Sending up a silent prayer for the gods to protect her family — her people — before drawing back the sting of her bow, and stepping into the open. A steady breath leaving her lips as she released the arrow towards its target, the startled yelp that followed signaling that she had struck her target.

Rowan using the distraction as her opportunity to change directions, doubling back, as she began leading her enemy away from her village, and deeper into the woods. Another arrow nocked and ready to fire as she neared the next ridge; ducking behind another tree as she waited for the torch to appear again...Her heart rate quickening when she turned to find that the light had been extinguished. A wave of panic washed over her as she struggled to pick up on the faint footsteps that rustled from somewhere in the darkness. Unable to determine what direction they were coming from, Rowan was left to make a split decision, as she darted from behind the tree, hoping she could make a break for the treeline. 

The flash of red hair was all they needed, as Harald gave the signal for their own archer to take a shot; the man loosing the arrow as the rest of the men relit their torches. Harald watching as the form stumbled in the darkness, but only for a moment before darting off once more.  A smirk creeping onto his lips as they took up their pursuit once more, driving their prey back towards the edge of the forest, where more of his men lie in wait to capture whoever it was that they had been chasing all over the woods...But the small victory soon faded from his thoughts as bone chilling howl pierced the silence, followed by a series of snarls and growls that brought the group to a stand still.

Rowan stumbled as she ran through the treeline and out into the open, coming to stop as she was greeted by a rather unwelcoming sight, as a group of men closed in on her. Rowan quick to draw back the string of her bow in defense, ignoring the searing pain in her shoulder the action caused, from having been struck by an arrow herself. The edges of her lips quirking into a faint smirk as she heard the howl that broke the silence and caused several of the men to glance towards the treeline; Searching. Rowan seizing the opportunity to loose her arrow into the man nearest to her, watching as he crumpled to the ground as the arrow struck him between the eyes, her next arrow nocked before the man had even full collided with the earth. Another man lunged towards her, catching the second arrow as a series of shouts broke out amongst the group of men in front of her...Their words foreign to her as they spoke.

“Come on. Come get me, ye heathens…” She said with a smirk, fingering the feather fletching of her arrow. Rowan readied her bow again, waiting for the next victim to step forward and make their move. She knew that she stood very little chance against these men, but that didn’t mean that she would go down without a fight. Another series of shouts erupted from the woods, causing Rowan to turn and glance over her shoulder as the shouts quickly dissolved into one horrified scream that was followed by vicious snarling and the sounds of teeth ripping into flesh. Another man used her distraction to strike her with the hilt of his sword; sending Rowan to the ground as her vision blurred around the edges. A foot kicking her bow out of her reach as it approached from behind. Rowan struggling to focus on the man’s face as she glanced up, recognizing him as the man from the beach.

“Bind her and take her back to the beach.” Harald ordered as surveyed the two dead men that lie on the ground in front of him, before turning his attention to look down at the fiery haired woman who struggled against the two vikings who hauled her to her feet before their King. Allowing him a brief moment to examine her more closely as he grasped her jaw tightly, forcing her to look at him; Rowan’s eyes struggling to maintain focus as the edges over her vision started to turn black...The last thing she saw being a flash of gray fur, followed by nothing.

------------------------------

So that’s the first chapter! I hope ya’ll liked it...I also wanna add ((don’t quote me on it as I used google traslate)) that Mo charaid means ‘My friend’ Gaelic. And Faolan means Little Wolf.

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[thejadedjewel]

Game Grumps Live - Asbury Park, NJ - 8/24/19

Game Grumps Live:

Left to Jersey 9:30-ish

Got to Jersey by 2PM.

Had lunch at Wendys – terrible bathroom, great food.  Checked in at Inn afterwards, but did a check of the Stone Pony Summer Stage to see how it looked.  Chilled at the room until a little before 5PM.

Was dropped off and got in line.  At the time, it had almost completely circled around the whole area (building and outdoor stage).  Doors opened a little before 6 because the line soon went all the way around TWICE. Talked with the guys and ladies in line and made friends with them.  There were folks as Danny Sexbang, Arina, and Daniella.  Got in around 615-ish.  Got water and waited over an hour in line for the merch table.

A ‘burgie’ chant started up at one point.  Lots of awesome music played – Rush, Queen, etc.

There was a chopper circling around and many of us joked that Dan and Arin would make an entrance from it.  Cheers always happened when someone came on-stage, one point tossing water into the audience.

Got shirt and poster and left my drawings at the table.  Then hit the bathroom.  By this time it was 740-ish and the screen suddenly pulled up the Wii-U main menu.  A voice came on and started to hype the crowd that the show will be starting a few minutes later.  By this time, the sun was setting and nearly gone.

Show started around 8 with Vernon coming on-stage to hype the crowd.  He notes that this was the biggest Game Grumps Live ever – 4 thousand fans.  To prep everyone, a fan – Chris – is brought up from the audience to play Super Mario Bros world 1-1 blindfolded.  Chaos ensues, but Chris ended up beating it after two game overs and on the last life of attempt 3.

Afterwards, Vernon joked that he was out there stalling for time due to Arin pooping and joked about making an attempt of standup comedy.  Before he leaves, he gives some homework to everyone: make a new friend at the show – it’s easy.  He also tells everyone to be kind and tells everyone to get loud and do the theme song. V: Hey, I’m grump. Us: I’M NOT SO GRUMP!  AND WE’RE THE GAME GRUMPS!

Coming out to music (Pour Some Sugar On Me) Arin and Dan ate up the applause. Dan was extra-hyped due to the show not only being the first outdoor show, but also in his birth state of New Jersey.  “Welcome Home” chants ensue.  There’s also a joke from Dan about how Arin would make cracks at live shows about the place they’re doing it, but Arin refused to do one due to fears of being beat up by Jersey folks.

Game time – Mario Party 10!  Dan was Yoshi and Arin was Peach.  The crowd was split into two sides – side one was Player 3, Waluigi and side two, my side, was Player 4, Toad.  We were given chants to shout out (“Wa-Lu-Igi!”/”Go Toad!  Go Toad!”)

Danny: (after giving each team their chants) I’m drunk with power!

To compensate for Player 3 and 4’s rolls, Arin would do that.  When Dan told the crowd to boo Arin when he rolled wrong, the crowd started to boo anyway.

Arin: Don’t boo yet!

Dan: Your Jersey hate is like vitamins(?) to me!

For Mini-games, someone to represent for each player team would come up onstage to play alongside Dan and Arin.  Mini-game 1 had Jonathon for team Waluigi and Devon for Team Toad.  When asked for something to get their respected teams hyped up, they said “Waaaaa” and “We’re the video game boys” (Us: We’re the ones who win!)  The game was a memory-esq game, which was gonna be bad for Dan (because of the weed he smoked in the 90’s killing his memory) and Arin (because he’s “an idiot”, in his words).  The game was intense with Jonathon winning.  This was when Dan noticed that, for some odd reason, Waluigi had ‘boob physics’.

Mini-game two came soon with Marcus (wearing a Dream Daddy T-shirt) and Kirsten (wearing the sexy Sonic costume) for Team Waluigi and Team toad respectively. The question asked, by Arin, was which sandwich is the favorite – Dan jokingly said that was the stupidest question ever asked… then asked “same question” for the other player (something similar happened later) and it was Tuna Melt VS BLT.  We were also asked to do a giant Golf Clap during the mini-game shenanigans.

The post-Golf clap comment from Dan: You have given Daddy the ASRM tingles.

Daddy Chants ensued.  Dan would do another “Daddy” comment shortly afterwards – “So many stars for Daddy”.

When it was time for the third Mini-game of the night, Dan and Arin noticed some cool stuff in the crowd – A “Bienvenue Power Bottoms” sign and a “Burgie” paper craft being held up.  Player 3 and Player 4 were Divan and Chris, who was dressed like Danny Sexbang, and their question was to say something to badmouth the opposing team.  Divan’s was “Boo, Toad, you suck!” while Chris was “This is why you weren’t in Smash!”  Burn comments ensue.  Mini-game turned out to be a three on one battle… everyone vs Arin.

Dan: It’s New Jersey VS Arin!

Arin eventually won that game and during and after the game, there was a “Fuck You, Arin” chant from everyone.  Dan “OK! OK!  Hang on!  Hang on! Hang on!  Don’t get me wrong… I love it…,” but he asked if they should do “Heck you, Arin” but decided nope and let the crowd continue.  He then joked about how the folks on the boardwalk were probably wondering what the hell’s going on at the show.

Mini-game four was with Erid and a tall guy named Roger.  Dan also noted that his dad, Avi, was in the audience.  I began to chant “Avi” and pretty soon a large chant for “AVI” started.  Team Toad/Roger won the mini game.

Mini-game five was Bowser related with a lot of stars up for grabs.  Both players were ladies – a female Danny who, like Dan, was Jewish, from Jersey, favorite color was light blue, and loved dinosaurs, and Renee, who had an LED helmet and had apparently been there since 6AM.  There were 6AM chants for her.  Dan noted that he smelt weed in the audience, which I thought was a stupid thing to go.  Dan then picked the wrong mini-game chosen for that round.  His reasoning for the screw up? “I HAVE GIANT THUMBS!”  Team Toad won that round again.

Final mini-game was up and it was Sophie and Bethany as players 3 and 4.  They were asked to say something to hype their teams.  Sophie said “Mycaruba” (a old-school Game Grumps joke) while Bethany’s was “We got this, dude!”  Team 3 won and the finally tally was Waluigi/Team 3 victory.

For the last bit of the show was a Q and A with the audience.  Ground rules were laid out: No selfies, no hugs, not songs, and you can’t touch Dan’s hair… so Dan touched his hair for us.

Q: Favorite Cartoon Network cartoon? A: from Dan, it was Aqua team Hunger Force and, since it was aired on CN, Starlight Brigade music video while for Arin, it was “Mighty Magisword”, which he worked on.

Q: Favorite game they got into via Grumps? A: Dan went with House Party while Arin couldn’t think of one.  They hyped the new version that was going to include them as characters coming soon.

Q: for Arin, favorite voice to do around the office? A: the Grubba voice and the “Ball-sniffing adventure” one.

Q: A request for some more Snipperclips, which they would love to do.

Q: For Arin, it was about the frequency of his pooping and asking the “Yum to Dump” ratio.

A: Arin talked about a incident from eating at Whataburger.  He pulled off at an exit and ate a burger from Whataburger. Got back on the interstate… and pulled over at the next exit to do a 2 at that exit’s Whataburger.

I think I’m gonna avoid Whataburger…. Q: Can Claud come back? (I have no idea who Claud was, but they want him to come back.  I think they meant “Claudio Sanchez”, who had appeared on Guest Grumps.)

Q: For Arin, favorite 3D Zelda game? A: first game he said was “A Link Between Worlds”.  When asked for a second, he picked “Wind Waker”.  Good choice.

Q: A request for more Dog Island and Princef Taaanx.

The next question was right by me and I managed to get two pictures of Vernon, who was out in the crowd getting the questions from the crowd.  I thanked Vernon for the second one, which he smiled for. Before the question was asked, there were some “Furry” jokes and Dan went into a long rant about being a Furry in reference to the running gag about him being one.  The question was about Starbomb and hopes for new stuff in relation to it.  Dan and Arin threw around some possibilities like a boxed set for the CD’s/vinyls.

Q: What’s gonna be the new format for live shows.  They have no idea.

Q: An offer to do later framing for CDs/Vinyls/etc.

Q: for Danny, since he and the asker are from Jersey, is it Pork Rolls or Taylor Ham? Dan picked Taylor ham, prompting booos.

Q: the original asker game his question op to his friend, who asked since they looked alike and had similar likes, does Dan know who the doctor was that cloned the two of them?

Dan thinks it was Def Leppard’s lead singer Joe Elliot (?)

The last question: "the band bowling for soup...are they bowling to receive soup or are they bowling on behalf of soup?"  Dan thinks they’re bowling on behalf of soup while Arin thinks it’s the former.

To end the show off, Dan notes this show meant a lot for him since it’s in Jersey and the best night.  “Danny”/”Jersey” chants.  Dan and Arin thanked everyone and left with a message: They don’t care what your race/religion/gender/political stance/etc. is, they love us.

Show ended a little around 950 and I got my ride back to the Inn to chill.

Pictures to come later