#He'd shoot the man in a heart beat and he wouldn't miss

[cyanidedrinkers]

If i may add-on to this: Phillip 'Marine' 'I do shit my way to protect my team' Graves would HATE Trump. No Doubts, Piece of shit 'School shooter victims need to suck it up and get over it' Trump. Trump who, While in office, Did nothing but hurt our military. He'd hear about the shooting and be the first person to say 'I wouldn't have missed' Phillip would see people on twitter saying "That shits so tough, The hero America needs" Then take a good long look at his shadows. At the men and women who's bodies are littered with scars, At the discharge papers of Shadows who couldn't continue serving because of being physically disabled after a mission gone wrong, At the countless times he's checked up on discharged vets only to realize they offed themselves because everywhere they went people would mock them and yell at them, At the 'I regret to inform you' papers he has to send home to families that never get easier for him to write because you know damn well he hand writes every one of those and they're not copy and paste. They're meaningful and show just how much he carried for every shadow. You can't tell me he wouldn't look at all that and like Trump. No. Phillip Graves is Trumps #1 hater and he'd be the first person to point at how bullshit it is that Trump has no problem telling victims of School shootings to 'Suck it up' but the moment he gets shot at it's all crocodile tears and cameras flashing. The same day trump got shot a bar in Alabama got shot up. 4 dead 10 injured, I had to hear about that from my friend who lives near there because the only thing my local news was reporting on was Trump. You can't tell me Phillip Graves wouldn't be the first person to yell 'Fuck the government' at the top of his lungs because he's a quirked up white boy that loves his job and loves the people he works with. He'd give his life to protect his Shadows and he sure as hell wont let some 'Mayo is to spicy' looking MF make their lives worse. And before anyone says 'Graves is a Marine he wouldn't hate the government' My grandfather was a Marine, His father was a marine, and two of my cousins where and still are all Marines. I ask any of them how they feel on the US government they'd go on a rant talking about how shit the US government is that the candidates are horrible people. The governments biggest haters are the military personnel. Why? Because legally their government property and they know what it's like to get fucked over by them ever day, 24/7, for the rest of their lives.

Phillip "America" Graves is sobbing right now.

-Graves is the kind of mother fucker to buy those stupid mugs that say covefee

-Graves is the kind of mother fucker to have a truck that flys two flags. The American flag and a MAGA flag

-Graves is the kind of mother fucker who follows three people on Twitter (I will never call it X). Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and his mom.

-Graves is the kind of mother fucker to own an account on "The Right Stuff" dating app.

If Trump ended up with a cheek scar like Graves, he would fucking LOVE THAT SHIT

NO! NO! NO! NO! DO NOT BRING THAT STINKY RACIST BASTARD INTO MY BELOVED GRAVES’ PERSONALITY!

And no, he’s flying two flags, the American one, and the dont tread on me flag, or the confederacy(not cause he’s racist he just loves the south)

he would definitely hate Biden, but for the sake of my own sanity, I’m going to say he’d also hate Trump, but just because of some of the Project 2025 stuff(some of that stuff is shitty, did we just go back 100 years?) and the riots, since he’d think everyone was acting like cattle, and we all know Graves isn’t a fan of following the group. He also wouldn’t like the felony charges.

honestly though, I don’t think he’d be big into politics, and frankly, I think if you asked him he’d say he just wants “anybody else” like the rest of us, or he’d probably just say “me” because, well, because he’s Graves.

[konigsblog]

i think about this a little too often...

synopsis; kidnapped by a ‘photographer’ who spares you no mercy.

photographer, kidnapper-könig thots™

tw/cw; rape, non-con/dub-con, dark fiction, sexual assault and assault, kidnapping, the dove is dead. dead dove: do not eat. 🔞

photo credits; x_bruisedpeach_x on x/🐦

if someone had warned you that the sweet boy who had approached you down the street claiming to be a model photographer was in fact a violent man, who'd kidnap and beat you until you were unrecognisable and nothing but a bloodied mess on his dirty basement floor, you wouldn't believe them.

könig came across as calm and relaxed, he seemed sweet when you spoke to him, with a surprisingly quiet voice for someone of his size.

at first, he came across as threatening and intimidating as he towered over you and gazed at you creepily before finally speaking up, but after inviting you down the road for a coffee together to talk about his photography career, you had agreed eagerly to come around to his house to take some photos together and act as a model for him. you should've been alarmed from the start when a random, old pervert had asked to take pictures of you, but the thought and dream of becoming a model left you blind to any and all danger, falling for his depraved, immoral plan to kidnap a pretty little thing like you for himself.

when you stepped into his house, the atmosphere shifted suddenly and completely. könig no longer radiated a sweet, calm energy that you once knew of. instead, könig was no longer smiling sweetly, but instead a sickening grin curled the sides of his mouth with terrifyingly wide eyes staring into your soul, enough to scare you into silence. you choked on your words as könig began to inch closer before dragging you downstairs into his basement by your hair. his grip was tight, firm. he held your hair in his fist and would drag you, throwing you downstairs despite your wails and mortified screams. it's a shame that he lives in a secluded area, far from any other neighborhood or town, where nobody would hear your wails for help.

you were a vulnerable and naïve mess. he almost felt guilty and remorseful for this treatment when he threw his fist at you repetitively, seeing how you'd eventually come to take his beatings out of horror and terror, blood running down your chin from your split lip. you were too gorgeous for any other man and he worried someone would take you away for themselves. he didn't want people to recognise you from the missing person posters put up around the city, with your face plastered on all the pictures, so instead, he left your face swollen with marks, making sure that you were always bruised with a slap, punch, or spanking.

although one thing was true. not his attitude and the persona he put on, the façade of a kind-hearted boy. the truth was that he wanted to take photos of you, but not for modeling, for his own sick enjoyment, gratification, and pleasure.

the basement wasn't like any other modeling shoot you'd seen in movies or television shows. instead, there was a metal table that könig had strapped you down to, and one large camera recording the entire thing. you were stripped naked, your dignity stripped alongside your clothes. you couldn't fight it, not when you were weakened and understood what would happen if you cried too loudly and irritated him or distracted him for his work, or used your sharp nails and canines against him as weapons.

bare on his table, könig began to record despite the obvious discomfort and mortification in your wide, glossy eyes. the flashing red light left you ashamed, feeling too raw and exposed with your legs forced open and your puffy cunt for him to admire and grope. he'd pinch and clamp your sensitive clit, until you sobbed out painfully, only to be forced to take his girthy and lengthy size for hours on end until he had his fill for the day. although könig warned you not too weep too loudly, he desired the sound of your sobbing, to harden his already stiff cock.

nothing would stop könig from raping every hole you have, to use these videos and pictures for his own personal usage.

[transvampireboyfriend]

@steddie-week day 3: discover + first kiss

"There you are!" Eddie says, like he's been looking for him everywhere, his face even lighting up as he enters the kitchen.

"Here I am." Steve shoots back.

Steve's sure that he's wearing a similar expression. He missed him.

After Eddie and Robin graduated, Eddie took a job at a local auto shop while Robin and Steve took jobs at the library and filled out college applications.

During that time the three of them had gotten really close, talking each other through tough times and celebrating what they achieved together.

Steve moved with Robin to start school at the beginning of this year and Eddie stayed with his uncle, still figuring out what he wanted to do with his future.

So, this is the first time they've been apart for months since they met, and Steve did not anticipate how much he would need to see him, to hear him.

The phone doesn't do his voice justice.

Steve puts the dough down to wipe the flour off his hands, but his eyes never leave Eddie as he drops his tote bag on a stool across from Steve.

"Can't believe they left you here with all the work, man" Eddie laments, shaking his head and walking around the kitchen island to where Steve is.

Steve's heart beats oddly fast in his chest as he huffs a small laugh and tries to figure out if a hug is okay in the split second before Eddie pulls him into his arms.

Steve wraps his arms around him and rests his chin on Eddie's shoulder, relieved.

"I don't mind" Steve murmurs, about making the pizza while the kids catch up with Robin and Nancy in the living room.

Eddie chuckles, softly claps his back and pulls away to grab Steve's shoulders instead

"Of course you don't" he says, with mirth in his eyes "How are you, Stevie?" he asks, his head tilting to the side and his dimples showing.

"Hi" Steve says to those dimples he hadn't seen in so long "I mean- good. I'm good" Steve smiles, genuinely delighted. "How are you? How was the drive?" Steve asks

"Ugh, it was hell!" Eddie slumps a little when he says it, his exhaustion evident "but I'm good!" he assures, "you know what I need?"

Steve shakes his head no "What?"

"To help you make like seven pizzas right now," Eddie answers, squeezing Steve's shoulders before letting go. "Where do you need me?"

That's a question.

It's not like Steve hadn't notice his crush on Eddie before he moved away, but he was kind of ignoring it, or at least trying to for the sake of their friendship.

Clicking with someone the way he did with Eddie was rare for him, he didn't wanna risk losing that, especially after so many failed dates; Steve was just kinda over the whole thing.

And Eddie never showed anything more than friendly affection so, really, it was the right thing to do to just, pretend like Eddie's eyes weren't the only thing he could think of when the sun first filtered through his windows.

And he'd thought it would go away in time, and then with so many miles between them.

But here he is again, asking how he can help Steve cook pizza for their friends and Steve kinda wants to cry a bit, because no, of course it wouldn't go away.

If anything it seems distance has made it worse, Steve feels intoxicated by the smell of cigarettes and pine trees.

"Um, there's two in the oven" Steve points out, "and everything's already chopped up, I guess you can help me put the toppings on these next two?" Steve suggests, going back to knead two more bases out of the dough he left on the island countertop.

"Yessir!" Eddie salutes, walking back to rummage in his tote. "I brought brownies for dessert," Eddie offers, bringing out the container "totally safe." he assures.

"I have ice cream too, which I assume im putting there?" Eddie asks, pointing to the refrigerator behind Steve, Steve nods.

Eddie brings out the tub of ice cream and spots something else in his bag "oh and I had olives!" he places an olives jar on the table before walking towards the fridge.

"I thought you didn't like olives" Steve comments

Eddie sticks his head in their freezer and answers "oh, I don't mind them"

Steve fully turns to him with a confused frown "no, i remember you specifically requesting no olives in our pizza for the past, like, year"

Eddie's making space in their freezer, moving things around. He casually says "that's because you don't like them, Stevie" and continues his task like what he just said has no significance at all.

Steve blinks, feels stuck to where he's standing.

Steve had mentioned he doesn't like olives maybe a week after the whole upside down business, when the kids had been at Dustin's and Claudia had offered him salad during dinner, which he politely refused, because it had olives.

Eddie was there, they had all been working on characters for their next campaign and stayed for dinner. Steve had only dropped by to deliver a book Dustin left in his car, and Claudia invited him to stay.

Come to think of it, Eddie had enjoyed that salad just fine.

Steve never mentioned olives again.

And it wouldn't be until a month later that Eddie would first order pizza for them making that specific request.

For Steve.

And it's so silly, it's such a small thing, but all of a sudden a myriad of small things are thrust in Steve's face.

Eddie watching Grease with him, Eddie always knowing how he takes his coffee, Eddie singing along to ABBA in Steve's car, Eddie complimenting the jacket everyone said made him look dorky, Eddie keeping a Tears For Fears tape in his car, Eddie using one of his sick days to help him pack the stuff in his room, Eddie memorizing his schedule and calling him multiple times a week for the past few months exactly when he knew Steve would be home and bored without Robin.

It's like someone lifts a veil off his eyes.

Steve's watched Friday the 13th five times and would watch it again if it was with Eddie, he knows Eddie takes his coffee with a frankly concerning amount of sugar, there's a Black Sabbath record in his room right now!

He's never put in this type of effort with friends before! They either have similar tastes already or Steve doesn't feel the need to match them anyways.

It's different with Eddie, it's like he wants to be connected to him somehow, make sure they're close.

He didn't know Robin liked tea until they moved in together! He knows Eddie categorically refuses to try tea in any form. And actually, his uncle got him thinking about it and he's considering to change that, Eddie told him about it last Thursday while Robin was at band practice.

He's never tried somebody else's music without them asking for it, he's never volunteered to watch a horror movie, he's never worn clothes he thought wouldn't fit his style, he's only ever done that with

"Eddie" he says out loud, it comes out a little breathless but Eddie doesn't seem to notice.

"Hmm?" he acknowledges, finally placing the ice cream in the freezer and Steve catches a glimpse of it as Eddie shuts the freezer door.

He turns to Steve and raises his eyebrows.

"Was that cookies and cream?" Steve asks

"Mhm. Yep" Eddie confirms

"Why'd you buy that one?" Steve wants to know.

Eddie shrugs " 'Cause it's your favorite" he answers, easy.

So easy. Like he didn't even consider any other flavor.

"Why did you buy my favorite ice cream, Eddie?" Steve insists,

Eddie splutters "I- I um, I mean do you not-?" he trails off and looks at Steve's posture, the way he hasn't moved a hair in the last couple of moments must click then. His eyes trail up to meet Steve's again and realization dawns on his face.

"Holy shit, Steve. You didn't know?"

"What?! What do you mean I didn't know? Who knew?!"

"I-! um, everyone? I'm not exactly subt-"

"oh my god!"

Steve can feel the blood warming his face and ears and it seems to spring Eddie back into action.

"I mean! Clearly not everyone knew! You didn't know!" he says walking over to him and running his hands up and down Steve's arms "pfft, practically no one knew!"

"Eddie" Steve wants to laugh but he's afraid he might burst into tears.

"I thought you knew" Eddie says in the smallest voice he's used so far, his hands stilling.

"I'm sorry" Steve says,

"No!" Eddie protests, his hands coming up to grab Steve's face "No, sweetheart, you have nothing to be sorry about"

Steve scoffs,

"Of course you didn't know!" Eddie continues "I never told you!" his hands caress Steve's cheeks and Steve thinks his knees might give out.

"So, I'm telling you now" Eddie says, determined. He takes a deep breath.

He looks into Steve's eyes and says "Steve, I am crazy about you. Not a day has gone by since the eighth fucking grade where I haven't thought about you. And since last year, it has been nothing but good things. I promise"

Steve snorts a laugh at that, his hands coming up to hold on to Eddie's wrists as they both shake with soft laughter.

"You have the most beautiful smile i have ever seen in my life" Eddie goes on. "You are the bravest, kindest, most badass person I know, your hair is a fucking miracle and your eyes. god, your eyes. i have tried to find something that even remotely gets close to the color of your eyes and I can't, and I've resigned myself to never finding it because even an exact match would not make me feel the way your eyes do. Because they're very pretty, but it's not about the color. It's just the fact that you're looking at me"

"God, Eddie" Steve sniffles, not sure what to even do with all the happiness inside of him.

Eddie scoffs a soft laugh "Seeing you happy makes me very happy." he explains "So i try to do little things that'll help that happen. That's why I bought your favorite ice cream, Stevie"

Steve smiles at him and rubs circles against his wrists.

Eddie, seemingly unable to stop talking says "it's selfish really, if you think abo-"

"I'm gonna kiss you now" Steve tells him

"Oh, oka-mmph"

Eddie's lips are soft and gentle and Steve has to coax him into being less tentative but once he does, Eddie kisses him insistently, never letting Steve get too far away, like he can't get enough of Steve. It makes Steve's heart flutter in his chest.

When they finally come up for breath Steve tells him "I can't believe you like olives" trailing his hands down his sides.

Eddie laughs, Steve loves that sound.

"I can stop" Eddie reminds him, placing a peck against Steve's smile.

"And I don't like them" he continues "i just don't mind 'em"

Steve hums a disapproving tone but still leans in for another small kiss.

"I only brought them in case anyone wanted them! they were left over I swear" Eddie excuses against his lips. Steve giggles, his hands now on Eddie's waist, toying with his chains.

"You look good today" Steve tells him

"Oh?"

"Smell good too." Steve says, nosing his cheek. Eddie shivers.

"Always do" Steve clarifies, his mouth coming back to kiss Eddie softly as his hands trail up to play with strands of his hair.

"Your hair's so soft" Steve continues "and pretty. You're pretty"

It makes Eddie blush and Steve grins, delighted by what he achieved.

"And you're brave too Eds, and badass, and cool and fun" Steve smiles when Eddie scoffs but once he sobers up he continues "And I think your eyes are prettier than rays of sunshine." Steve tells him "And I think I'd do anything for you" he adds.

Before he can register the way Eddie's looking at him, Steve's being kissed again with an assuredness that makes him sigh.

The only thing that parts them is the oven timer dinging and even then, Steve has to threaten Eddie with no pizza if he doesn't let Steve go.

Steve doesn't think he's ever been happier.

[keeponquinning]

Imagine being Joseph's girlfriend and feeling awkward and insecure about all the attention he's getting. now imagine the sweet nothings he'd whisper in her ear, the endearing 'I love you's while buried between her legs and little marks left on her skin so she always knows...

Guys, never stop sending me stuff like this.

Good lord. Here we go. 18+ adult rpf stuff ahead, scram kiddos

It'd be difficult not to feel insecure, the attention he gets is so constant, and part of you can't blame them. You've always known how amazing and talented he was. And he cares so much of his fans, part of it being of pure amazement and never expecting this attention. You're proud of him, so proud of him... and yet...

He just seems to shine so much brighter than he used to, brighter than you. He's being cast in these major productions, getting more in the spotlight and rising higher and higher and part of you can't help but think you're holding him back. That one day he'll leave you behind, in the dust of what you two used to be. There's models, actresses that would fit better with Joseph and you can't help but feel you don't measure up. Soon, he'll see you as an anchor that's keeping him in one place and not sail towards the sun.

But Joseph doesn't see that. When he looks at you, he sees the one person keeping him afloat in the storm of this madness he found himself in. Oh, it's fun, it's exciting, and he's getting opportunities he was sure he'd never had a chance to get before Eddie Munson, but it's so mad sometimes. He'd lose himself if it weren't for you. The calm in the storm. He cherishes every moment with you, something as simple as holding his hand is like a lifeline to him. Your smile brightens his day, your laugh makes his heart feel full. You're everything to him. He wouldn't know what to do with himself without you.

The night before he has to leave you for a shoot, he tells you as such, his cock filling you deep. Every thrust of his hips is hard, quick, his hand curled around your throat as his body presses against you, in his bed. One of your legs curled high on his waist, making you look at him in his eyes. He felt a man possessed, wanting every second of this burned into his memory. The sound of your panting moans and desperate cries, making his cock twitch, pulse as the walls of your cunt clench around him so tight it drives him absolutely mad with desire.

Towering over you, his whole body covers you, his hands moving the grasp your hair and pull your head back. His lips dancing along the curve of your neck, his own little grunts and groans beating down on you with heated breath. His body moves on his own, chasing the pleasure you give him, his hips pounding into you harder and harder — yet with every quickened breath, every desperate "Oh, god, oh yes, god, right there, please, please..." he forces himself not to follow through, to ease off, though it makes his body shudder, driving him absolutely fucking mad. His teeth biting into your neck, hard and unforgiving. He knows his cock is leaking, so desperate to cum, but the sounds of your desperate cries is too cute for him.

"...do you know how much I love you?" he asked, stilling inside you, cock pulsing, desperate. But he keeps still, tongue licking where he just bit you, imagining the bruise it'll bring. "Do you?"

You're dazed, but even in such a state, the doubts, the insecurity comes out. "...you say that..."

"Because I mean it. I love you. I love you so... So fucking much..." Starting to move his hips again, slow and deep as he lets out a groan. "I'm going to be — so mad — without you. Absolutely useless, just fucking... I'm gonna miss you..." his voice deep, whispering into your ear with each thrust quickening each time. "Going to miss — going to miss every part of you. Like a fucking — a fucking phantom limb I'll feel — but know isn't there... Fuck," he let out, feeling your pussy clench his cock at that. "Oh, you wanna get praised, do you? Mmm. Easily done, love, my fucking love of my life..."

And he tells you, over and over into your ear. Words of praise mingled with breathy moans and pants from his lips. Accompanied with love bites along your neck, jaw, shoulder as his hips thrust in and out of you with wild abandon. He isn't holding back anymore. His words becoming feverish, mixes of I love you, my fuckin' darling and cunt was made for me, y o u were made for me. Heated utterances of how beautiful you are. Your laugh, your smile, the sound of your voice a bright light in any dull instance his new found fame gave him. Because you weren't part of the fame monster, you were real, technicolor in a grey scale industry and he needed you like he needed air. To feel like himself, the old Joseph Quinn and he needed that, he needed you, so desperately did you have any idea of how much he needs you?

You both cum the hardest and most intense you've both ever felt. You drench his cock in your release and Joseph? He cums inside you, deep and plentiful, thick ropes of his cum painting your walls, coating, drenching them with his cum. He moves, still, body jerking into your body, milking the orgasm out of you both. You could feel him, how much he filled you with his cum, filling you to the brim and more than you two had before. His body feels limp as the last spills inside you.

You both feel light, heavenly, and you feel the rumble of his chuckle as he kisses the flesh of your neck, up to your cheek. "I won't be here," he says, a cheeky grin on his face as he traced his lips along your jaw, toward your lips, "But fuck, you'll be dripping of me for weeks... I hope that'll do until I come back to you." He furrowed his brow, "I hope you know... There's only you. There will always be you."

The sincerity of his words, the way his brown eyes are soft, how sweet his lips feels against yours, the feel of his cock pulsing so deep inside you... Yes... You know. Wrapping your arms around him and you taste his love off his tongue and to your own, the insecurities, the jealousy, the fears melt away and you smile so helplessly, in love with this man.

And he was so helplessly in love with you.

And nothing else mattered.

[tremendouscreationperson]

Pre-war Cooper Howard x Reader

I made a post not too long ago asking someone to write this and was like fine I'll do it then 🤣 hope it isn't god awful

You guys are conducting an affair and one day on set Cooper notices some bruises on you.

Warnings - your husband isn't a nice man, nothing crazy but there's the aforementioned bruises

Cooper tried to keep his mind wandering back to you. He really did. But after yesterday's haphazard filming with new scripts he was worried. Were you ill? Were you being written out of the show? No. You were a fan favourite of course not.

He'd spent the whole of yesterday ‘fighting’ the cobra tail bandits. The episode was meant to feature you and the script was charming. Your character - ‘Elizabeth’ - and his - ‘Clint’ - would've finally admitted their feelings for eachother. The no-nonsense doctor forcing herself onto his horse and insisting she could help.

It wouldn't have won any awards but he thought it was a good plotline.

Instead he was told that you were ‘beat up’ by the bandits and he would be wreaking havoc. Which again wasn't awful but he found that he liked your company.

You'd been hired completely because you were a woman. It shut down the angry mail and your natural charisma and ad-lib one liners caused hoards of fan letters. You were immediately accepted as the ‘woman doctor who takes no bullshit and proves herself’. Elizabeth was a triumph.

“What’re we shooting now?” Cooper asked the director.

Oswald answered, wafting the cloud of smoke that forever surrounded him. “We’re gonna run through you finding (Y/N). You speak to Donnie and then he points her out and you run over there.” Oswald pointed with his cigar hand over to Donnie who was being placed on the ‘saloon’ steps. Donnie's face had been made up with bruises and dried blood. Oswald then gestured across the sandy set to where your mark was. Cooper could see the back of you, talking with your make-up crew and he let out a sigh of relief.

“So no cameras on this one then?”

“No, run through the full scen-” Os cut himself off with a chesty cough. “You know what to do.”

Cooper hoisted himself upon Sugarfoot as he watched everyone slowly get into position and as your face came into view he gasped. He had known you'd be in the same makeup that Donnie had but he hadn't realised the anger it would cause him. He hated to see your delicate features marred and sore. Hated the messy hair and torn shirt.

Cooper took a steadying breath and mentally told himself to use these emotions. He was a professional and yeah, sure, he and you may have been conducting an affair. However neither of your marriages were happy. He had to get his affairs in order before divorcing Barb and you had never loved your husband. Your father had married you off to further your career and it did work but at what cost?

“Alright are we all ready?” Gwen's voice cut through the chatter. “Three… Two.. One.”

‘Clint’ jumped off of Sugarfoot and ran to ‘George’.

“Hell, man, what happened to ya?” Cooper's hands shook Donnies shoulder. “George?!”

The man underneath let out a rattly cough. “Sheriff?”

“George.” Cooper pulled the man so he was upright. “It's gonna be okay.”

“Wai-” He coughed again. “They've doomed us. They go- they got Miss Liza.”

Cooper let his eyes widen and his face drop. “Wha’d’ya mean?”

“Ove- over there.” Donnie lifted his arm vaguely in your direction before it fell back on his thigh.

Cooper let his eyes follow Donnie's hand and he let a shuddering breath out at the crumpled body. “Liza!” Cooper abandoned Donnie to sprint over to you. It wasn't a long set so he was there quickly (the team would make it look longer) skidding to a halt at your side. Sand flew as he landed by your left.

Cooper’s hands hovered over your body, ‘Clint' didn't know where to touch. He settled one hand on your chest to try to feel for her heartbeat and the other on your shoulder. Cooper couldn't feel your heart so he lent his head over your, his ear by your mouth and smiled. His head was already by yours and it took almost nothing to rest his forehead upon your own.

“Liza?” The hand on your chest found your cheek. You let out a low moan, indicating that you were alive.

Cooper was swift with his movements, scooping you up as he rose to full height. “Don't you worry Liza, you're gon’ be fine.”

And that was the scene.

Gwen let out a round of applause and Oswald nodded. “Yes, just like that, Coop.”

“Let's reset and film George and Clint.” Gwen called out.

You were still in his arms as he looked down at you with a grin. “You know, that makeup sure is good.”

“Oh, thank you.” Your cheeks heated. “I'll let Sarah know.”

“Yeah it's much better than Donnie's.” He craned his neck to get a closer look.

A laugh escaped you as you shoved him. “You can put me down now.”

Cooper raised a brow. “Now, when have you ever had a problem with me carrying you?”

You just laughed at him again. Despite his question he did place you delicately on the sand.

“Where were you yesterday?” He straightened your ripped shirt.

You looked up at him through heavy lashes. “Did you miss me?”

“Course I did, sweetheart.” Your lips pulled into a coy smirk and he was called to shoot with ‘George���.

The scene with Donnie didn't last long but there was the shot on George, the shot on Clint, the wide shot and all the reshoots. So it did take longer than expected. Cooper felt antsy, he wanted to shoot with you. God, this was bad. He knew he liked you but he should be professional enough to get through this.

“Right, that's about all of Cooper running I can handle.” Oswald stopped Gwen trying to get another take of ‘Clint’ sprinting to ‘Liza’. Cooper was thankful as he tried to calm his breathing.

Skidding to your side and repeating his actions from before he and you took direction tirelessly. Most of yours was to ‘look deader.’

“Now, Coop you'd be angrier. The Cobra Tails have beat and possibly defiled your woman.” Os had tried to coach Cooper into playing it more angry but Cooper disagreed.

“I get what you're saying but the anger comes later. Clint is relieved that Elizabeth is alive. Clint doesn't care for anything else at the moment.” Cooper argued. “He just wants her safe, he couldn't live with himself if she wasn't.”

The statement was pleasant enough in itself but paired with his gentle hand stroking your swollen cheek… you'd fallen head over heels for this man and your husband wouldn't stay in the dark too much longer. In fact you're fairly certain that Tuesday night was because of your handsome co-star. You didn't care. Cooper was worth a shove here and a slap there. Did that make you mad? Probably.

Cooper had you in his arms and was filmed running towards ‘Liza’s surgery. Her sister was hiding upstairs and came down at the sheriff’s yells.

‘Prim’ promised to keep ‘Liza’ stable.

“Swear it.” ‘Clint’s voice boomed.

‘Prim’ was washing away the blood with a damp cloth. “I swear!”

“Primrose,” He grabbed her arm. “I ain't joking.”

Her eyes bore into his, both equally angry. “Me neither.”

And that was it with this part. You were expected to change for the reunion as Cooper and Darlene did a few more takes. They had another scene when he returns and asks about ‘Liza’. It's a cute scene showing a familial bond between the two characters. ‘Prim’ confides that she was so scared her sister would've died and ‘Clint’ agrees. There's more dialogue and knowing Cooper adlibs but the overall scene really highlights their individual relationships to ‘Liza’ and how, despite them always being at odds, similar the two are.

Cooper was taking a sip of water when you were brought back in. You were wearing a loose white gown, with your hair unpinned. The bruising on your face was less than before.

They laid you on the bed and fanned your hair out. This was a big thing apparently, so Gwen stated. “Her hair is always up in the braid. It's a sign of her professionalism. The only time it's sorta down it's when Clint dances with her at Rhonda’s wedding. But it was still half braided, it shows that she is mentally - and obviously physically - letting her hair down around him.”

Usually Cooper would let the woman talk his ear off yet something nagged at him. “So isn't it wrong that the first time Clint sees her with her hair down is because she almost died?”

“No, it shows that this is the final straw. She won't pull back next episode. She's decided that life is too short and she likes you. Well him.”

Cooper just hummed and readied himself again.

Gwen counted them all in and Cooper sheepishly opened the door to ‘Liza's bedroom. You were breathtaking. It was actually becoming somewhat of a hazard to him, your beauty causing his brain to flatline, forgetting lines and marks and everything that wasn't you.

“Elizabeth?” He whispered gently, completely missing where he was meant to hover and delicately sitting at your side. “Liza?”

Your brows furrowed and you slowly blinked your eyes open. He'd had the privilege of seeing that. You and him lying in an expensive bed, half dozing knowing you both need to leave but loathe to. It didn't matter for Cooper really, he was a man, he was allowed to stay out late but he knew you'd be ridiculed by the press so he forced himself to sit up and forced you to copy his movements.

“Clint?”

Cooper was back in the shot, his eyes roaming your bruised face. Maybe this affair affected you in more ways than he thought. Your bruises weren't fake, he could tell. There was only so much the makeup department could do. No, these were real. Wh-Was this why you were off yesterday? Did the crew know? Everyone was particularly secretive with why you weren't in.

“Clint?” You spoke again. “You okay?”

Cooper Howard was never really one to stick to the script. He pulled you in for a bone crushing hug. “Liza.” You patted his back to the best of your ability and Cooper pulled away just enough to look you in the eye. “I thought I lost you.”

“‘n here I thought you'd be jumping for joy.” You spoke the dialogue that was meant to have been said as he hovered by the door.

“Never. I-” He cut himself off going completely off script, unsure if it was Clint or Cooper speaking. “You're not allowed to get hurt. Not on my account. I can't have you- you can’t-”

“Shhh.” You smoothed his hair. “I'm fine.”

He shook his head and pulled you in for a kiss. The characters were meant to share a kiss but it was a peck on your forehead not the steamy, tongue tangling snog he planted on you. You both broke apart for air and there was something behind Cooper's eyes.

“‘cause I love you.”

You were in shock when Oswald let out a whoop, “Cut! Now that is television!” Neither you nor Cooper had spoken that forbidden word and yeah technically it was part of the script, you were both playing characters, but it felt real. It felt true. You knew it to be true.

Gwen rounded everyone up to reset and your makeup team was there to touch your face as the hair stylist replaced your locks. Cooper was given the same treatment after they practically dragged his ass back out the door.

The scene ran again and again and again but the last four words didn't feel any different. Your heart fluttered every time the words were uttered, each time more convincing than the last.

It was late when Oswald declared ‘hometime’ and you were allowed to leave.

Cooper snagged your wrist and loudly asked to run lines, the age old excuse to be alone in his trailer. You agreed and after a quick change found yourself on the steps of the trailer. You'd been in here more than you'd been in your own. It was almost a waste of money to have one but you had to keep up appearances.

Cooper opened the door before you could knock and let you in, he'd barely shut the door before the words tumbled out of his mouth. “Divorce him.”

“Wh-” Where did this come from? Both of you knew the deal of your affair was that his wifes company funded his movies and your husband funded yours. The fact that the two of you were on this show was a mere coincidence, one that the director did not mind in the slightest. His little project had the largest budget to play with in television history and you're sure most went in his pocket.

“I know this isn't makeup.” Cooper's hand barely touched your cheek. “You're hurt and I know it was him.”

“I can't leave him.” Your hand wrapped around his wrist.

“You could.” His eyes grew hopeful. “You know I want to leave Barb, if we were both divorced-”

“That's a nice idea.” Cutting him off, you stepped back, arms hugging your middle. “But we can't Coop. You know we can't. Deals were made.”

“I'll buy a farm, we could leave this industry.” Cooper could see the conflict waging beneath you, your flickering eyes glossy. He knew you wanted nothing more than to be with him but understood it was hard for a woman to restart her life. “I love you.”

“And I love you.” You nodded in agreement, a fat tear cascading down your cheek. “But this isn't- we aren't-”

Cooper didn't let you finish, he pulled you in for a hug, fingers creating patterns on your back in an attempt to soothe your worried mind. “Just let me say it. I. Love. You.”

[aclowntiny]

Hiii, can you do svt meeting your parents for the first time?

Hiiiiiiiii!!!! My first request, I'm so excited 😁 I so can friend!!!

(To keep it inclusive, I am putting a bit for *if* there is any language barrier with your parents, but if there wouldn't be, then feel free to ignore that hehe 😌 enjoy queens, kings, all my little monarch butterflies 🥰🦋)

Seventeen Meeting Your Parents For the First Time (Gender Neutral Reader)

Warnings: some slight language is all!

S.Coups

♡ He's simultaneously nervous & excited, AKA get ready to see Seungcheol practically bursting at the seams before you walk into your house. You, for your part, remind him that he's a great guy anyone's parents would love & to think of all the fun you two already had in your hometown that day.

♡ He immediately introduces himself so politely, saying it's an honor to meet your parents and you smile, any vestigial worries you had fading away.

♡ If your he and parents don't speak the same language fluently, he may rely on you a little bit to help bridge the gaps, but he really wants to do his best, so he tries to say anything he can himself and make eye contact with your parents. Will absolutely try his darndest to compliment their house, what they feed him, everything!

♡ Seungcheol is so caring and used to managing lots of people, so he immediately jumps in with offers to help or even serve your parents. They thank him, but insist he sit down because he's a guest. Neither you nor your boyfriend miss the glance they shoot you, one that says seems like a keeper to me.

♡ My gosh, we all know he's a family man too, so when they ask him about what he wants in life, if he wants to get married or *hint hint* would you guys give them grandchildren, and he says yes, he'd love that, hopefully three sons and a daughter if he can get (y/n) on board, well shoot, they'll practically help him pick out rings then and there!

♡ He sighs in relief as you guys leave, a big smile on his face. "That went well!" You exclaim, taking his hands in excitement. "I told you!" "You're right, I knew to trust you~" "I think my parents will want to see a lot more of you," you joke. "I don't have a problem with that," Seungcheol responds. What a man!

Jeonghan

♡ Oh you already know this man is going to WIN YOUR PARENTS OVER. He's pretty ready TBH. Honestly, while his heart is beating faster, it makes him so happy to be meeting your parents, that almost overrides the nerves (almost). You're so sure they'll love him, it fills his heart, too.

♡ He comes with a gift for your parents, this generous guy! He brings flowers for your mom and a drink you tell him your dad will like, which they happily accept.

♡ If there's a language barrier, he does his best to convey how thankful he is to them to be visiting the home of your family and how well they raised you. If you have to say it for him, he greatly appreciates how flustered you look repeating his words, barely resisting the urge to pinch your cheeks in front of your mom and dad.

♡ He helps you set the table, meeting your eyes as you lay everything out with a deep gaze because this all feels so domestic and as a loving homebody, it's perfect. Where you guys are almost fades away in his mind until he hears your mother thank him, shooting back up and away from you to look at her once more.

♡ Goodness me this man is an intent listener. He truly enjoys hearing the stories your parents tell and has very clear answers to their questions. He knows what he likes to do and is mature enough to answer with confidence that he wants a committed relationship, a future with their child if you want that, too- which you of course agree you do. He also delights your parents by answering the grandkid question, getting a bit flustered but happily telling them if you were down, he loves the idea of becoming a father of two personally.

♡ They can see as you sit together how much love Jeonghan looks at you with. It just totally fills up his eyes and the way he turns to you. So much so that when you go over to where the dishes are being washed, your father having been chatting with the two of you, she tells you she's never seen someone so loving with you. When you tell your boyfriend how he touched your mom's heart, he almost tears up, but instead settles for just about yanking you into the house and cuddling the heck out of you. He also thanks you for the experience, it was very sweet even if there were awkward moments at first.

Joshua

♡ "Meeting the parents is always the hardest part!" Joshua exclaims, though his tone sounds half-joking, not despairing. You chuckle at him, leaning a bit closer. "Be for real, Joshua, have you ever had problems with people's parents?" "No," he admits, "they usually seem to like me." "Then don't be worried," you tease him.

♡ Joshua knows a little bit of a handful of languages, so while the chances of a big barrier are sort of small, if it's there he'll probably ask you how to say all the most basic and polite things so he can properly let your parents know he's grateful to them for opening their home to him.

♡ And that's exactly what he does, says thank you before introducing himself, and right away you see your dad is pleased you're in the hands of a polite young man. He says their house is pretty, too, which your mom never forgets ever.

♡ When it's time to eat, Joshua pulls out your chair for you, leading you to flash a victorious grin to your mother, who looks down and chuckles, giving an amused little head shake. You're so proud of this one.

♡ Eloquent and calm of a speaker as he is, Joshua doesn't seem nervous as he gives explanations to what his parents want to know and describes how he enjoys playing the guitar, some of his favorite experiences he's had with you, like the time he took you skating, and even his favorite parts of living in LA and how it compares to Seoul. The whole time, though, one of his hands has reached for yours under the table and is gently holding it like you're his little anchor.

♡ "Why couldn't you have done this the first time?" Your parents joke to you, a message you surreptitiously relay to Joshua. "Your streak remains intact," you tell him. "So I'm a keeper?" He asks, eyes shining at you like you were a trophy he'd won. "I knew that without them," you shoot back, leaning in to give him a peck on the lips, "but now my parents know it too."

Jun

♡ Jun's nervous, but also finds meeting the parents super endearing, so he has some extra energy buzzing as you get ready. He can't wait to see if you look like your parents up close and personal and if their mannerisms are like yours. People have senses of how they are similar to their parents, yet they can never see it all. The way you guys move, the faces you make, all of those are things Jun can't wait to see.

♡ If he has any trouble communicating with your parents, he'll probably get inquisitive, like asking them what they call things or checking with you to make sure what he says is right. May accidentally slip up and call something by its Chinese name in a moment of confusion, but everyone has a good laugh, even Junhui itself.

♡ He tells your parents he can see where you got your good looks from :)))

♡ They ask him questions about his hobbies and work and stuff, so he ends up showing your parents some really impressive dance moves, getting shy when he sees the surprise on their faces, but it gives him some energy. Soon, he's doing impressions of other Seventeen members, giving a colorful picture of his bandmates that makes them laugh.

♡ Something they enjoy about Jun even more is the stories he tells about his little brother. They can tell he's caring and could be a family man: someone they could see themselves trusting with their child. He loves his mother, too, which is clear in the adoring way he talks about her. Definitely a few son-in-law points for Jun lol

♡ You can't help but tease him after you get back in the car. "Oh, you've done it now." Jun's face falls. "Did I make a mistake? Was someone upset?" "No, you love your mom so much my mom's really going to want you as her son now!" "O-oh." Jun blushes, but he can't stop smiling and showing you affection all night, whether it's holding your hand in the car or giving you a hug as you walk.

Hoshi

♡ Mr. Kwon Soonyoung wants THE FULL CRASH COURSE. He'll want to know things your parents like, any pet peeves they have so he can avoid doing them, this man will be studying like it's final exam week! You laugh after a while at all the effort he's putting in considering how to bring up your dad's favorite sport or the movies you guys love to watch. "Don't worry, you're a total people person, Soonyoung. And don't try to pull the introvert card on me, that's different!"

♡ A language barrier would put a slight damper on everything just because all his little tips and pointers he gave himself would be that much harder to bring up, but his desire to connect with people and energy shine through and through no matter what! He probably finds an excuse to give your parents a dance show hehe

♡ He takes such good care of you, all but hovering over you which your parents think is cute. The whole meal you guys share, he's making sure you're getting enough and asking what your favorite is both to make sure you get it and to try a bit himself :)

♡ When talking, Soonyoung stutters a fair bit, but manages to slip in a few of the mentions he wanted, making a reference that lights your parents' faces up with joy and yours with pride. Points scored, tiger!

♡ After dinner you guys start playing a game at your boyfriend's suggestion; he wants to get some of his energy out, his leg having been bouncing all dinner. Plus, if your parents ask him a ton of questions he might pass out. Games are more fun! He suggests your favorite game because he knows how much you like it, giving you a knowing look that your parents catch and smile at.

♡ The game seemed to be a good call of an icebreaker, you and Soonyoung strolling out of your parents' in high spirits. You're holding onto the tall frame of your boyfriend, who's waving brightly and enthusiastically with that adorable grin you loved so much. "Looks like you had a good time." "Yeah, but did they?" "My mom texted me and called you cute, so I think you won some points." Soonyoung leaps in the air, then grabs you and kisses you joyously, giving a whoop. "Your studies paid off," you giggle.

Wonwoo

♡ Wonwoo is naturally a more reserved person, so he worries that it's hard to grab the spotlight in social situations, but you reassure him. "Are you kidding? Think of all the boisterous people parents meet when their kids are young. I'm sure my parents will be refreshed by you- you're smart, reasonable, kind..." "Yeah, that's true, I am huh?" You just laugh, head falling onto his shoulder.

♡ Just as you said, you have an intelligent boyfriend, so even if he isn't able to fluently speak to your parents, he did some research and can pick up things to say to them pretty quickly, especially if you do any on-the-go translations.

♡ Your parents ask him some questions, naturally, like what Wonwoo enjoys doing. Their eyebrows raise at first when he says he likes to play games, but when he starts talking about reading, they look pleased.

♡ Like duh they are, this guy actually takes care of himself and manage living on his own like an adult and has an international driver's license and can handle interacting with them almost like a peer??? King.

♡ He makes an offhand comment during dinner to reassure you about something and that's when he really sees your parents light up because this man knows and understands you deeply- it's a subtle thing about you that others haven't picked up on or worked with and there he was getting it like it was nothing.

♡ "I think they're happy with you," you commented when the evening was over. "You think so?" "Yeah, they cut the questions and got into deeper stuff pretty fast. I could tell they respected you. My guess is they call me tonight or tomorrow and tell me they're glad I chose you." "Well, I have to say I agree with them there, too," Wonwoo tells you with a smile and a quick hug.

Woozi

♡ "What if they don't like me?" Jihoon asks, shooting you a nervous glance. You just laugh. "Jihoon, everyone likes you. Have you seen any of your members lately?" "Yeah, I guess they do, but I'm not dating any of their kids. They don't even have-" Resting a hand on your shoulder, you give him one more firm reassurance. "Trust me, don't try or anything. Just be yourself and get to know them."

♡ If Jihoon and your parents speak different languages, he may rely on you a little bit, but the last way he wants to come across is too dependent on you, so he may push himself further out of his comfort zone than he usually would.

♡ He's extremely polite, almost to the point of being formal, so you take the reins of the conversation at first to loosen him up, telling him things about your parents that he can bond with them over or even straight-up hyping him up to them.

♡ Of course, you inevitably bring up music, enjoying the smile that breaks across Jihoon's face, shyly at first at the praise and spotlight, but soon he relaxes, passion flooding into him as he forgets himself just a little. Your parents have their own styles of music and favorite artists, so of course they want to know if your boyfriend ever listens to them. They're impressed to learn how many songs he really writes, that his group has a producer within it, not just singing whatever they're given. Your heart swells with pride as Jihoon gets more in his element.

♡ Your dad and him get chatting, just sort of going down a rabbit hole, but it makes you laugh because they sort of have similar temperaments??? They just sort of shoot the breeze after a while, you guys chilling after you ate with anything you wanted to drink, sitting on the couches.

♡ Jihoon still wasn't sure as you guys left what your parents were thinking. "You did fine," you told him, "they were relaxed, which is a good thing. They felt at ease." "You could tell?" "Oh, yeah, they weren't being fake at all. They stopped feeling weird when you did!" "Well, that was thanks to you." "And you! Believe in yourself, darn it!" Jihoon just laughed, shaking his head. "That's why I love you."

DK

♡ "I want them to love me! (y/n), how do I get them to love me?" Shaking your head, you smile. "Just be yourself, Seokmin, that's all you had to do to get me to love you."

♡ All Seokmin's nerves manifest in the form of giddiness and awkward humor, so you try to still him as he cracks semi-self-deprecating jokes in the car by holding his hand and telling him to trust you, that you wouldn't have taken him home if you thought it would go badly: heck, most people wouldn't even stay with their partner if they thought it would go so bad at home!

♡ With the possibility of your parents speaking a different language, he'll definitely be extra nervous, but try to say as much as possible. He tries to work in as many jokes as he can and be extra expressive in other ways to get his point across, which is pretty much how he is naturally anyway. No matter if your parents and him speak the same language or not, they'll be laughing a lot together!

♡ One thing you can tell your parents appreciate about Seokmin besides his natural joy and humor is that he's attentive to you; he serves you once your meal is ready, gets you your drink, and makes sure you're situated before lifting a finger for himself. Your parents are visibly pleased by the way he values you.

♡ A member of the 'hey, let's play a game :)' squad because what better way to lighten the mood and take pressure off of everyone talking and performing, right? Will absolutely let your parents pick what game, though, even if he's never played it. "What's parcheesi? ...I mean, yes, that sounds great!"

♡ He pretends to faint when you leave, and as you laugh and play along, "picking him back up", you ask him how he honestly felt. "I had a good time. Do you think they did, too?" "Well, they laughed a lot. I think your story about Hosh at the pizza place really got them hooked. I told you, remember? I was confident your lovable ways wouldn't fail." At that, your boyfriend blushes. "If it wasn't for you, I totally would have spilled your drink everywhere and probably wouldn't have shaken your dad's hand." "Yeah, but they didn't see either of those things, so you're good."

Mingyu

♡ Get ready for charming guy! Mingyu isn't worried about meeting your parents. Well, there's a small, little teensy tiny part of him that worries he'll do something embarrassing, but he's confident in himself.

♡ If you didn't know your boyfriend so well, you'd be surprised at how boldly he just goes up to your parents and greets them, like wow, so... professional???

♡ Mingyu views a potential language barrier as a personal challenge, something he wants to put work in to overcome. That's probably one of the first things he'll say, in fact: that he wants to work on being able to speak well to your parents for everyone's sake.

♡ From that fear of embarrassment, the closest thing he does to anything like that is just a funny misspeak, and though he blushes everyone laughs so it's really not even all that!

♡ The thing he impresses your parents with besides being outgoing and respectful in his greetings is that Mingyu can cook! As you guys eat dinner, it's something he can bond with your parents over and gain an extra few points of mother's approval with because who doesn't want their kid to score a man who knows his way around a kitchen? Plus your mom mouths to you when he's not looking that he's handsome, lol.

♡ Mingyu gets a huge grin on his face the moment you leave. All you can do is smile and roll your eyes. "They liked me, didn't they?" "Well, if you could tell, of course I could! We both knew they would. You're the most outgoing and mature person I've ever brought home!" "And I cook, too~ What a keeper I am~" You smack his shoulder, but also kiss his cheek because what can you say, he's right? You wouldn't have brought Mingyu home otherwise.

The8

♡ Minghao doesn't usually care what people think, like he is who he is and he's secure in that, but hey, no one wants their partner's parents to hate them you know? 🤷🏻‍♀️ he doesn't make some grand plan or worry about establishing a pretense, but just hopes they can see how much he loves their child, too.

♡ If there's a language barrier between them, Minghao puts his all into listening and being intentional with how he interacts with your parents, but he also appreciates that you don't leave him alone with them forever if that's the case, keeping the line of communication open.

♡ He gets kind of shy and smiley because you start hyping him up, reminding your parents what an amazing artist and all around talented man he is, asking if he would show them pictures of things he's made.

♡ Hope your parents have pets, because this man will absolutely melt everyone's hearts with how sweetly he interacts with them, holding them so gently if they let him and giggling at anything adorable they do!

♡ Your boyfriend also has the sweetest view of the future, like the way he talks about his own parents and how their love story really inspires how he wants to live, and of course your own parents love that. He is able to come across as the kind, mature person he is, and no parents can be mad about that!

♡ He also manages to make them laugh with a few choice impressions of the other Seventeen members, and when you leave you congratulate him on how well he did, that you could see how your parents relaxed and enjoyed spending time with him. "I think they're really sure now I'm in good hands. But warning: they'll probably try inviting you around whenever they can!" "That's alright with me. I want to get close to the people who raised you into who you are." How did you get so lucky???

Seungkwan

♡ Seungkwan looks like he wants to throw up on the way to your parents' home. Volunteering to drive was clearly a good call. "Sweetheart, you're amazing with people, what are you so worried about?" You chuckle, grabbing one of the hands he has folded in his lap. "Well, I've heard stories about your mom, and-" "My mom didn't like my last boyfriend because he was a dick, ok? He barely would talk to her. You're going to be leagues better." "That's true, I still can't believe how he treated you," Seungkwan comments, gripping your hand now that he's successfully distracted, "If I ever saw him, I'd-" "Yeah, yeah, save that, my mom'll love that, she still hates him."

♡ If there's any language barriers with your parents, Seungkwan is an amazing boyfriend to have. Even though he's nervous, he immediately smiles and does his best to communicate with them. He'll try using any amount of your parents' language he knows and isn't afraid to repeat things they say to him to learn. He even makes jokes about his own mistakes or just starts talking in gibberish when he's confused, so that breaks tension and lightens the mood too!

♡ His usually affectionate ways stiffen and fade, though, at least at first, because he doesn't know how his parents will react if he touches you, even though he prefers innocent affection like holding your hands in his, putting his arm around you, or giving you a hug from behind. He just doesn't want them to beat his ass lol

♡ Just as you called, Seungkwan is such a naturally outgoing and funny person, he has your parents laughing with the way he tells stories and listens to them intently too, smiling and interjecting little things like "oh really?" and "wow!" so they know he's really giving listening his all.

♡ The moment you guys finish dinner, he starts cleaning up without any discussion, and though they make him sit back down, you and Seungkwan can both tell how much your parents appreciate it. He tries to still make things easier like collecting and stacking dishes he can reach from the table, which makes your mom especially smile.

♡ The one time you bring up your ex in talking about somewhere you went with him, Seungkwan manages to throw in a small shade, his expression contorting hilariously as he does it, which your mom does in fact love. They have a mini shade session and that's how you know Seungkwan is in. You make sure to tell him that when you guys leave. "See? I told you, you're amazing, my parents are open-minded anyway, there was no way it would go badly! They'll probably want to talk to you now whenever we call." "That's alright with me, your parents are fun to be around. I see where you get it from," he comments, wrapping his arm around your shoulders now that your parents can't see.

Vernon

♡ He's wide-eyed the whole drive, lowkey looking like he's on another astral plane. "You ok?" "Yeah, I just...can't believe this is happening. It's kinda crazy, I've heard stories about your parents, but now I'm going to really see them." "They'll like you," you tell him, a joking smile crossing your face as you elbow him, "they'll be happy I'm finally with someone chill."

♡ If your parents have pets, Vernon totally becomes immediate besties with them, which endears your parents to your boyfriend that much more. He's quiet and gentle with them, and showing a respect for life is a good sign in their eyes.

♡ He'll know already if there's any potential of a language barrier. It intimidates him, especially since he's already a pretty quiet person, so he may do a lot of talking through you, but everything he says is sincere. Probably tries to make a joke to make up for it.

♡ Vernon is one of the more inquisitive ones, asking your parents questions, too. Not interrogating them like they'll want to do to him lol, but he wants to know what they enjoy, how long they've lived where they lived, just little things like that to help him understand them. I mean hey, they're strangers too, you know?

♡ You're different around your parents. More relaxed. You lived with these people for how many years, after all? Vernon smiles, feeling like he's truly seeing you in your element now that you're home. You crack some super goofy running joke you have with your family that has him in stitches, and it finally helps him shake off some stiffness and formality. They may be your parents, but they're also people, you know?

♡ He gathers info about your parent's humor and interest, probably finding a meme or something he read that breaks the ice a little more so he can relate to them. They love it if he already knows anything about their interests. When you and Vernon finally take off, he tells your parents how nice it was to meet them and thanks them for having him. You tell him as you guys pull away that he did good. "You were so easy, they'll love you for that. No shmoozing or anything. I can tell they had fun." "Well," Vernon smiles, "I did too."

Dino

♡ This man right here??? Is absolutely DETERMINED to make your parents love him, whatever that takes. You'll probably have to remind him that trying too hard and showing off will have the opposite effect. "Trust me, my first boyfriend was like that. It didn't work," you told him with a laugh.

♡ Chan wants to overcome any potential language barriers, so he'll probably keep things concise but as charming as possible, like interjecting small jokes and compliments when he can just to make your parents smile and show he's making an effort.

♡ When they start asking him about goals and passions, that's when he really lights up. In his mind, that's his time to shine. He tells them that he's still learning, but working to improve himself and grow every day, explaining that performing is his life, but he never wants that to come at the expense of neglecting their kid either! He wants to take care of you! If you have to translate this, my gosh he'll have you getting shy and blushing, trying to keep down his own satisfied smile at this because he doesn't want to seem cocky.

♡ He'll probably be another one to suggest playing a game with your parents to help break the ice, making everyone comfortable and releasing some of the interrogation pressure.

♡ This particular game you happen to beat his ass badly at, which honestly just gives your parents that much more to be proud of you for and laugh at so Chan can't even be mad, he just joins in! Your joy is infectious, negating his competitive side...for now. The next game, it's so on. He probably teams up with your mom to take down you and your dad, which they have a lot of fun with.

♡ "That was fun, right?" "Yes," Chan sighs, arms falling around you, "but I'm kind of glad it was over." "Uh oh." "What?" "I hope you won't be disappointed if they want to do this again. They're going to want to be close to you, you know." Chan puts his hand under his chin, pretending to think. "Well, if it lets your mom and I get revenge for that cheap move you pulled, then I'll do it!" "There's the Lee Chan I know," you grin.

[dreadsuitsamus]

Ichigo Kurosaki x Reader Blurb 1

author's note: not entirely in line with the canon as far as timelines go, ichigo is around 22, reader is a soul reaper, angst, not entirely orihime friendly

"So what will it be, Ichigo?" Like ice frosting over grass, your voice is calm. Too calm, too quiet, too unlike what he's used to.

And he doesn't need this right now.

"What do you mean?" Ichigo feigns ignorance as bad as ever now, not even meeting your gaze, missing the way your infuriated eyes stare him down but he surely feels the hatred you're spewing.

"It's very simple." Jaw tightened so much it might just crack, your words only barely slip past your lips. "Orihime? Or me?"

His heart is doused in flames by the question. It's not a fair one, to start off, and his mind says one thing while his selfish heart yearns for your own selfishness. But his integrity as a man with morals, integrity as a friend is stronger, beating against his skull like a caged animal and roaring at the troublesome road ahead. Orihime is in immediate danger.

You, not so immediate.

"Why would I choose?" Anger begins flaring in Ichigo himself; are you really so crass? Is life not sacred to you?

He knows it is.

Your fist curls at your side, fingers itching to reach for your zanpakutō and force some sense into him, should it come to blows. Time is of the essence, Soul Society has required everyone to come back and prepare for battle! The Arrancar threat, Aizen is looming and the girl that's never defended herself once isn't at the top of your list of priorities. And on a bad day, you'd feel she's not on that list at all.

"Your life may turn out quite differently depending on this choice."

"Will it?" Ichigo's brown eyes cut sharply to finally look at you, staring you down with the heat of a thousand suns behind it.

"It will certainly depend on if I remain in it." Your heart leaps at the look in his eye. Would he really choose her? "Do you trust me?"

"I want to." Ichigo shoots back.

"We will save her when we can. You can lead the charge, if you want. But she's not-"

"If you say she's not important, then you can just go." The blood in his veins burn at how nonchalant you are, at how uncaring Soul Society is for Orihime. She's been on this journey too, right by everyone's side!

"Your choice."

"I won't let you make me choose, like this is about what I want for dinner! Orihime is our friend! She needs us! What don't you understand about that?! You'd let her suffer? Over what? For what?!"

Ichigo steps toward you, leering over you and taking your shoulder in a strong grip. "You are the one I love. But Orihime is my friend, and she needs me. And if you won't choose me, then tell me how to get to Hueco Mundo before you go."

The answer dances on your tongue, an internal ticking racing in your mind. Go against your direct orders and personal beliefs, or follow Ichigo's heart and save a girl in need of it? Keep your status in Seireitei but lose Ichigo? You don't even know if the girl is alive!

Ichigo's chocolate eyes silently plead with you, his grip like an iron vise. This wouldn't be the first time you've stuck your neck out for him, no. He's fully aware what it could cost you— but it isn't like he wouldn't come for you too. If there's anyone in this world or any other he'd protect, it's you.

"Come on." He whispers, ignoring the way his vision starts to blur. You won't look at him, and his heart sinks. "Do what's right!"

Do what's right in whose point of view, Ichigo?!

The light of a Senkaimon gate lights up behind you and panic floods Ichigo down to his very bones as the door slides open. Just as you were starting to waver! Byakuya, stern and cold as ever, though he speaks quietly, his voice cuts through the room like a bullet.

"Leave him."

The hand on your shoulder means nothing, as Ichigo feels like he's free falling now. You turn away from him, breaking free of the grip easily and walking towards your captain's order without even a second glance behind you. So easily, you'll follow this command?! He means nothing to you?

He's not so sure anymore.

The room goes dark as the door closes and vanishes, leaving Ichigo to fall to his knees. How could you do this to him?

As you walk alongside your captain, your face is stony and unbreaking even against the torment of your breaking heart.

How could he do this to me?

[mooncrestedwaters]

Immortalized Muses

Authors Word: Woo, ok, this took me easily two months to write.

This came to life after having a dream about Rafayel and I attending an art exhibition and him begging me to be in a picture with him after I refused. (Basically this is a glorified retelling of the dream tbh haha)

This is my first time displaying my writings on this account so I hope you all enjoy

- Mikaela 🤍🪽

Warnings/Themes: Mutual Pining, swearing/profanity, non-established relationship (they're friends/employer & employee), Rafayel throwing hints like confetti, mild smut(??), mentions of sexual tones of voice, mentions of alcohol/being tipsy and/or drunk, banter banter, Rafayel is a princess (big surprise)

Please let me know if I missed any themes

Tags: Rafayel x MC (MC is they/them so it can apply to any gender)

"Why do you keep disappearing?"

With a jump, y/n turned towards the intrusion of their solace.

"Rafayel..." With sheepish welcome, they bowed their head looking at their reflection in their drink, knowing that they'd wandered off again and left Rafayel alone at the after party for the exhibition, "Sorry, I just needed some air..."

He made a grunt of recognition and came to stand beside them, leaning his elbows on the intricate steel woven fence around the balcony, overlooking a calm rippling lake, decorated with trees and local habitations to be spotlighted by the gentle moon hung in the night sky, speckled with stars like diamonds on velvet to bounce off his sun kissed skin and lavender locks, "I thought you'd gone home."

Looking down into their drink they swished it around the glass, ice knocking against the crystal and straw poised between their index and middle finger, eager for another sip, "No, I wouldn't do that."

"Overwhelmed?"

They nodded in reply, "I just needed to take a break."

Rafayel's eyebrows creased, a pout working its way onto his charming features, "The reporters were taking pictures downstairs, I couldn't see you anywhere and had to make this perilous journey to find you."

They deadpanned, pursing their lips as Rafayel started his theatrics.

"For all I know you could've been swooped up by some criminal who'd gate crashed the party!"

"Aren't I supposed to be your bodyguard?" - they sipped their drink with a snide snort - "What do you pay me for if not to look after your safety and my own?"

He genuinely pouted now, shooting y/n a half hearted glare, "Oh, you know what I mean."

They smiled, genuinely knowing exactly what he meant.

"That lonely, hmm?"

Rafayel looked away, leaning back from the railing to stand tall, ears burning red, arms crossed as he kicked his heel out and spun away from y/n to saunter off with a huff, "Just come back downstairs already."

°°°°

Smoothing the silk of their outfit, y/n took a deep breath, their shoes clacking against the grandiose marble floors.

They felt a little out of place in such an outfit but Rafayel always insisted. Y/n had no choice when the ornate crisp white outfit made of silk and chiffon was laid on their bed, pearl accessories and details lined with tints of pastel blues.

Then Rafayel would insist on doing make-up for y/n, his skills on a paintbrush transferring to an array of beauty brushes.

Y/n always came out looking like the multiple zeros on a check he'd get for one of his paintings and they always felt their heart beat a little fast when they noted how much time and care Rafayel put into dressing them up to be the prized Belle of the Ball.

"Ah, there you are!" Rafayel greeted them, wrapping an arm around their shoulder and whispering a quick 'Help me!' in their ear.

Y/n chuckled but it soon died in their throat as they heard the business man drone on about monetary prospects of Rafayel's studio.

His arm was retrieved to his side and he showed utmost interest in the poor fool as he droned on, gums flapping like a pig at a troph, greed seeping into their every word and not a care for the art that Rafayel poured his blood, sweat and pearlescent tears into that was displayed around the exhibition like an ornate frame to the arrogant masses.

Y/n even swore they saw Rafayel's eyes twitch once or twice and couldn't tell if it was from the other mans ignorance, Rafayel's affinity with boredom or if their little rest bite from the party before was still grating on him.

They deemed it well to stay put and endure the rest of the night and took a sip of their drink, eyeing the bar like an old lover already.

"Hey, get me a red wine?" Rafayel whispered in their ear, goosebumps flooding their skin, "I fucking need it."

They looked at him from the corner of their eyes and nodded, seeing the ever present smirk and surety displayed in his eyes, behind it was waves of exhaustion and desperation.

He wanted nothing more than for this night to end, just as much as y/n did. They pitied the poor artist.

With a curt nod, they excused themselves to the drink bar, "Old fashioned and a wine."

"Top or bottom shelf?"

They looked over their shoulder as another business man slung his arm over Rafayel's shoulders, laughing boisterously as Rafayel visibly stiffened, his white knuckled fists slipping into his pockets to disguise his annoyance and crafting a smile on his face.

"The one that'll have the highest alcohol percentage." - They snuck a glance at him again, his jaw now visibly tensed, his smile becoming a grimace - "Stat."

°°°°

As the money hungry ladder climbers of the night slowly dispersed to their ubers and chauffeurs alike home, Thomas, Rafayel and themself got to winding down the night. Close friends, family and beneficiaries hung back for group pictures and y/n stuck to the side, nibbling on some fancy hors d'oeuvres.

Rafayel's aunt pulled him in for a selfie, pinching his cheeks as he weakly protested with a groan and y/n couldn't help but giggle when Thomas threw himself into the mix enveloping them both from behind in a hug to join the picture.

There wasn't a sober soul in the venue, that was for damn sure.

Y/n couldn't help the smile creeping onto their face at the pleasant scene of Rafayel - despite his eagerness to leave - visibly loosening up and finally enjoying himself with his people, not the riff raff with obese wallets and closed minds.

Looking up from the empty glass, y/n saw Rafayel's gaze over his shoulder at them.

They raised a brow, wondering why Rafayel was staring at them.

Maybe he was tired and wanted to be escorted home?

They'd get their answer, as Rafayel slipped from Thomas' and his Aunts embrace to stride over and stand against the wall beside Y/n.

"Having fun?" They asked.

"I guess," Rafayel sighed, "Just really fucked."

Y/n could tell, since Rafayel's pleasantries and ability to save face had flown out the window with his language and demeanor.

They dusted their curled finger against his cheek, his dark under eyes starting to show through the concealer he'd applied before the event.

He sighed, his bunched shoulders dropping slightly as he closed his eyes, basking in the gentle and tender touch they gave him, his fists loosened, going slack in his pockets as he revealed in the touch.

"We'll get you back to your home soon," Y/n spoke, retrieving their hand away, pressing their watch as a holographic monitor buzzed to life, "It's nearly one in the morning, Gods...."

They called for a ride to take him back to his place and the other guests were doing the same to head to their own respective abodes.

"Rafayel!" His Aunt called and waved him over and he stiffened, "Come over here, we're taking one last picture."

They leant against the wall as Rafayel began to stride over to meet the group of people. He stopped, turning to them and placed out his hand in offering to join.

"Pass." Y/n held their open palm up in front of him, "I'm not someone who should be in such a picture, I'm just your bodyguard."

He turned fully to speak to them, eyebrows creased and lips pursed, "Nonsense, come."

They shook their head, an apologetic smile on their face, "No, no...you go, I'll keep an eye out for-"

"Quit being stubborn," Rafayel quipped, his tone more rough than usual with his fatigue and waning patience, "I want you in the picture, so you'll be in the picture."

Deciding to skip their words of protest they turned on their heel to go stand outside and wait for the ride. Their plan fell short as Rafayel grabbed their arm, his hold strong enough that they couldn't break free but gentle enough as to not hurt them, "Stay..."

Y/n tilted their head, irritation spiking as they looked over their shoulder with pursed lips and a raised brow. They decided to play on his ego, hoping their bargaining chip would shake the painter off, "Beg then."

A look of shock splashed across his features like paint across a canvas. His lips parted, looking for a comeback but instead he let go of their arm.

Y/n thought they were free, going to turn on their heel until his arm snaked around their shoulders, fingers dusting their slightly exposed collarbone with strands of hair interwoven through his fingertips. He lent down, his face to the side of theirs as his other hand tucked their hair behind their ear, his lips dusting against the shell of their ear as he whispered in a low hum, "Please..."

They felt a jolt through their body, their breath hitched to flee their mouth in a squeak.

Rafayel continued his assault of words against their ear, sending electric currents through their veins to rise as a bright crimson blush on their cheeks. His tone was reminiscent of a whine closing in on whimpering.

"Please, Y/n....Please stay, please don't walk away, stay for me? Please darling, I really want you, I really really need you, please I need you beside me-"

With what energy they could muster between their hitched breathing and trembling limbs they pushed the artist off them and stormed towards the group of people readying themselves for the picture.

"Fine! Gods, Rafayel..." Y/n groaned and stood fixing their hair to the side of the group.

They could feel Rafayel's smug, triumphant smirk burning into the back of their skull and they tried not to bristle with frustration that Rafayel got his way.

As Thomas set the timer everyone huddled in and around the artist. Rafayel pulled Y/n flush by his side, his arm around their waist, fingers gripping into the plush flesh of their clothed hip. He leant down as the timer counted down to whisper once more in their ear.

"Art is meant to be witnessed...Do you really think I wouldn't pose with my favorite art piece?"

Y/n blush and Rafayels smug smile of victory were immortalized within that photograph forever.

Y/n blamed it on the alcohol.

Rafayel always held a knowing smirk as to the real reason.

[justwritedreams]

Only one King | Baekhyun

Gangster!Baekhyun x Pregnant!Reader, mafia au! Word count: 1339 Genre: slight angst, action. Author: maari  Warnings: mentions of death and violence. Note: Well this is short but I enjoyed writing it so much 🥺 Request: I WANT SO BAD GANGSTER DAD BAEKHYUN AND HIS PRECIOUS PREGNANT S/O ⫷ Exo Masterlist

"Babe?" Y/N spoke quietly as she eyed the dark room alertly.

She had heard a noise in the presidential suite where she was staying with her fiance, it wasn't customary for her to tag along on business trips but it wasn't like she could argue with him about that right now. Ever since she found out she was pregnant, Baekhyun didn't leave her side and didn't let her stay away from him for longer than necessary, it was a matter of protection. Like he said.

Even though she preferred to be at home, Y/N didn't complain because better than being at home was being with Baekhyun. His travels were often long enough that she missed him and felt lonely as well. At least now that feeling is gone.

She never felt alone when was with him.

He'd said he'd work something out with the security team who'd called him in the middle of the night so she figured he'd be back shortly.

But when she saw that the suite was the same as she had seen it before getting dressed for bed, she was surprised.

She heard the noise, she wasn't delirious.

"Sweetheart?" she asked a little louder, stopping in the middle of the dark suite. "If it's you, please don't scare me!"

Baekhyun had this habit of sneaking back in the middle of the night and appearing behind her without making a sound, she was startled, he laughed and hugged her as she turned to smack him in the chest.

But now pregnant, they would have to stop that joke for a very good reason: Y/N already felt like going to the bathroom more than usual, so she would end up peeing her pants.

She shrugged, realizing that it had nothing there and was about to head over to the bed to wait for him when she felt a hand grab her face, covering her mouth. She complained of fright and held her breath when she felt something cold on her back.

"Be still, doll." she didn't know that voice but she realized the danger, mainly because the thin fabric of the nightgown allowed her to feel the barrel of the gun that was leaning against her. "Or I shoot without a second thought."

Y/N nodded nonstop, her eyes already filled with tears as her body shook. She was scared, she couldn't deny it.

"Go slowly to the couch and don't look back." She swallowed hard and knew she had to obey, but her legs felt like cement. They were so stiff. "Hurry up!"

The man released her face, and she raised her hands in surrender.

"Alright." She spoke low and tried to regain strength in her legs, walked slowly to the sofa that was in the middle of the suite and stopped on the side. She wouldn't do anything she wasn't told to, she knew how things worked. "Now sit down."

She obeyed without hesitation, her heart beating so fast she felt it against her ear but her body stiffened even as she caught her breath as the man positioned himself behind her and put the gun to her head.

Y/N couldn't control the tears that were now flowing down her face like a river.

She didn't have time to think about anything else when she heard the bedroom door slam shut.

"Stay still!" The man whispered close to her ear, sending a shiver through her body. It wasn't just any shiver, it was panic.

"Honey, I-" Baekhyun turned on the light in the suite and his eyes landed on the scene in front of him.

"Close the door." The man ordered and Baekhyun changed his expression in the same second.

The smile he carried faded, giving way to a dark, angry look. He obeyed angrily, closing the door slowly as he watched his fiancee crying silently and asking for help with red eyes.

"You made the biggest mistake of your life." Baekhyun's voice was cold, harsh and his jaw was set.

Y/N could see the fire of pure hatred in his face.

"I don't think so, Byun. I have you where I want and the way I want." The man chuckled sarcastically and Baekhyun raised his eyebrow defiantly. "Now kneel!"

"Excuse me?"

"Kneel!" the man screamed and cocked the gun, pressing it even tighter against Y/N's head who let out a sob as she squeezed her eyes shut. "Or I blow your little girlfriend's brains out," he threatened. "If she has any."

Baekhyun swallowed hard and held his breath, he felt all his blood bubbling in his veins, he didn't obey what they forced him to do. He was the one in charge.

But that man had a gun to his girl's head.

Against his will and gritting his teeth, he knelt on one leg as he glared at the man. If looks from him could kill, that bastard would already be lying on the floor.

How dare he threaten his fiancée and their baby in front of him with a gun. How dare he call her stupid.

Y/N opened her eyes, begging for her fiance's help, whatever he could do. All that was on her mind was their baby and how she was going to keep safe.

"Now I'm the one who will call the shots here." The man boasted and Baekhyun got irritated, when the man looked away at Y/N, he took the opportunity to bring his hand to his waist. "First, you'll pay me back for everything you did to my brother. And then, you'll beg me to kill you real quick, but I'll do exactly what you did to him, it will be slow and painful." The man then raised the gun, grinning upward as if he found his moment of glory amusing. Baekhyun took the opportunity to take the gun from his waist in silence.

"You just forgot one detail." He grinned deviously and the man turned his attention to him, brow furrowed. "There is only one king." he replied, cocking the gun. "And it's me!"

Baekhyun raised the gun and without thinking a second longer, he squeezed the trigger, the noise of the shot was followed by the impact on the man's head and the scream of Y/N, she closed her eyes and put her hands to her head in a way protective and heard the body fall behind her.

Y/N let out the breath she was holding and started crying like a baby, Baekhyun stood up while looking at the already dear body in disgust, walked over to Y/N and put the gun back in his waistband.

"Love." He spoke in a low voice, bringing his hands to Y/N's arms and helping her to her feet.

Staggering, she did so and opened her eyes, seeing her fiancé looking at her with concern. Y/N threw herself into his arms, crying even harder, and he held her tight resting his face on the top of her head as he stroked her back, trying to make her calm down.

Baekhyun could only feel more anger at the already dead man, he had put a bullet in his forehead but it wasn't enough.

Whoever had given him information, who had let him upstairs, who had helped scare his girl, deserved it too.

He wouldn't allow anyone to threaten or harm his family.

"It's okay, it's okay, angel. I'm here." he spoke and Y/N grabbed his clothes, as if she wanted to prove that this was indeed true.

"I was so scared." She admitted between sobs and moved the log away so she could face her fiancé. "I thought… that he would…"

Baekhyun forced his lips and brought her head closer, where he placed a kiss on her forehead.

"Don't say anything else, you're safe, it's over." he pressed her tighter against his body. "You two are safe and I will never let anyone hurt you." He promised.

And Baekhyun always kept his promises, no matter what the means.

[elmundodeflor]

The stadium roared and raved and soared to the chant of choral screams: a sound like raging thunder, so deafening Levi felt as though an earthquake was about to break the ground in two.

He ran towards the crowded barricades; muscles burning, heart beating to the agitated compass of his feet. He was exhausted, but it was moments like these that filled his soul of outbursting energy: the smiles on his teammate's faces, stranger's voices painting his name next to words of love.

To say that the road leading him to the fields evergreen had been a troubling one, was a heavy understatement. He'd been a rebelious spirit, long before, as Kenny would have put it; a freckled kid that knew no better than sneaking out to play ball on floors of dirt and mud.

Now, camera flashes sparkled like the fleeting light of shooting stars soaring through the night. And he pointed up to the skies, looking for a sign of maternal pride; an image that would be soon enough printed eternal in every newspapers' cover page.

"Levi!", he heard Hanji call from behind. They were running up towards him at full-speed; Mike and Erwin following closely.

He remembered long summer evenings at their house, drinking apple juice out of cardboard boxes; all sweaty hair, stained clothes. How they would four skip school to watch landscapes the color of the sunset when spring turned around the corner and all hurting seemed distant.

It was a weird sensation, he thought, one that tasted of bittersweet contradiction, even: to see the world change around them, yet their hearts remaining the same. To know they were still silly little children playing in the backyard with tooth-missing-smiles and vintage unlaced shoes.

Hanji threw themselves onto him, and he almost fell backwards atop the wet grass. They were a swriling mess of white and blue stripes: a tornado of pitchy laughter and untamed ponytail locks.

And he wouldn't ever have them any other way.

"Have you seen the goal-keeper's face when you kicked the fuck out of that last penalti!?", they insisted; their voice oh so cheerful, ringing a noisy melody onto his ear. "He was shitting his fucking pants!"

Levi chuckled; a smile wide enough to be captured by the public's never-ending hunger. He was a man too shy to reveal his soul bare for a whole stadium to watch, but God forgave him if he kept the raging joy guarded to himself only.

He turned around to his friends, and let them all crash on top of him, in the vacant spaces between his arms open. They had been there in hospital hallways when his momma flew onto the clouds, and on late Christmas parties when all they had was eachother. They had rang his door with ragged leather balls to play the streets, and helped him climb up the rooftops high to follow the howling moon.

To say that the road leading him to a golden thropy and international dreams had been a smooth one, was nothing but a blunt lie. And yet, he was now sure, clear as his footspets sinking on the green land:

It had been easier because he had had Hanji, Erwin and Mike at the other side of every kick.

So when the weight of their bodies tackled him to the floor and they all melted onto a breathtaking hug, he was certain:

Maybe, this was what victory was really all about.

•

•

made after @giuliadrawsstuff 's beautiful fanart that she's gifted me🥺❤️ thank you again giu for always being there for me, for your constant support and for being such a great friend. i love you alwaysss! ❤️❤️❤️

[rioreeve]

Zach & Skyler Self-Para

//Rosie's Diner. Nov 18, early afternoon.

The talk he had with Ria was something he kept thinking about since she left; he wanted to go to Courtney himself, but what if she wouldn't want to talk to him at all without Ria's intro? It would be for the better if he waited for his turn, let the girls talk first. He tried reading a book he'd started before the outbreak but, for some reason, he couldn't focus and the whole situation reminded him of some high school drama he'd never been a part of. At first, cleaning sounded like a good idea but this also turned out too difficult a task to stick to, and Zach found himself playing with one of his butterfly knives, absentmindedly watching the blade as it moved. Has Ria talked to Courtney yet or not?

A sound loud enough to reach his floor broke him out of that state and made Zach flinch. What the hell was that? He slid the knife into his back pocket and left Doom in the condo as he walked outside to investigate. Everything seemed perfectly normal, even though he was sure it sounded like a gunshot to him, and now he started feeling stupid for thinking that someone would have a reason to shoot a gun in-... No, it made perfect sense, actually.

Muffled sounds that followed the supposed gunshot only made his heart skip a beat. Zach shut the door behind him and knocked on his neighbor's door.

"Court? Are you okay? Are you there?" Silence. He sighed. "If you can hear me, stay in there, okay?" No answer. Hopefully, she would stay there if she was home at all.

Zach made his way to the stairs and started running downstairs, wondering what could have happened and what he would see down there. The sounds grew louder and louder with each floor and it was pretty clear that something horrible was happening somewhere in the diner area when he reached the third floor. It's also there where he bumped into a man he didn't recognize. With all the yelling and panic so audible in everyone's voices, Zach's heart was racing, and his jog down the stairs didn't help much.

"What the fuck is going on down there? Who are you?"

The other man unlocked the door to what must have been his apartment and ran inside without a single word, but something was telling Zach he wasn't just ignoring the question. As he stood there, waiting for his reaction, two residents passed him, rushing upstairs in panic, and a man who introduced himself as "Skyler, a new resident", emerged from the apartment, holding a gun.

"Some girl turned into one of those dead fuckers, she bit someone and I ran 'ere to get a gun. They're in the diner. Come with me, you got any weapon?" Skyler stopped, arching a brow, and when Zach pulled out his knife – only now realizing he had taken it with him – he nodded. "Good. Now come on!"

The two made the rest of the way to the diner together, fingers wrapped tightly around their weapons of choice. The diner looked like a horror movie set; there was blood, some people were trying to run to safety while others did their best to protect themselves and their fellow residents from the zombies. Plural. Great. What a horrible sight it was. Zach and Skyler could feel the adrenaline take over as they watched the chaos unfold before their eyes.

Zach turned to Skyler with a pat on his shoulder, pointing at one of the dead but exceptionally animated residents. "Alright, let's help them."

"Yeah, I think I can shoot this one," he replied, trying to get closer to his target as he reloaded the gun. Avoiding other people wasn't so easy now, but he risked it anyway and managed to shoot the zombie in the neck. "Fuck! Missed his head!" The creature that once was a young man was now charging in Skyler's direction, its milky eyes focused on him as it pushed past other residents. "God fuckin' dammit, too many people!" He stood there, stubbornly waiting for an opportunity to shoot the zombie even if it would be too late for a safe dodge.

A new guy or not, Zach wasn't going to just stand there and let someone die such a stupid death. He shifted his focus from another zombified resident to the one that was so determined to get Skyler, and he launched himself onto one of the tables, the knife he was holding piercing the creature's neck, the metal penetrating the flesh. Unfortunately, it didn't go deep enough to permanently kill the zombie. It fell to the ground in sporadic convulsions, but its heightened survival instincts helped it figure out what the problem was, reach the knife, and remove it from its neck. It struggled to get up and managed to limp away until it was able to run again, but Zach had seen none of it. His eyes were on something else.

Courtney. She was lying there on the ground, motionless, covered in blood. This sight made him swallow hard as he slid off the table, running towards her as if the whole diner went quiet in a split second. His blood was boiling but his whole body felt cold at the same time. Only when Zach kneeled beside Courtney's body did he realize that a good part of her skull was now missing from the shot. The very gunshot he had heard back in his condo, the same that made him run downstairs. Unable to make a sound or even breathe, Zach cradled her in his arms, deaf to any sounds around him. The longer he held her, the more the reality sunk in, until he started weeping into her neck, his body jerking in a desperate fight for air from time to time. The adrenaline and unbearable pain of his loss were now the only fuel he was running on. He straightened up a bit to put her head on his lap and, with shaking hands, took his hoodie off so he could hide her fatal injuries from everyone's eyes. It was then that he noticed someone's shadow hovering over them.

"The fuck was that, you let that fucker get awa-" Skyler stopped mid-sentence, realizing what must have happened there. It hit him hard and he was surprised at how horribly sorry he felt for the stranger kneeling on the ground, holding his dead friend in his arms.

His voice wasn't even breaking when Zach uttered the angriest "Who did this to her" in his whole life, and yet, it still sounded void of any emotions. He didn't look up or move until Skyler, quite reluctantly, started talking.

"Look, she'd turned and there was nothin' anyone could do, he had to and you fuckin' know it!"

"Who did this to her?!"

At this point, the whole diner had heard the question anyway, so Skyler pressed his lips together into a thin line and shrugged his shoulders. He knew he wouldn't be able to stop him; he had seen that rage before. "It's a terrible idea, man... Roman shot her but there was nothin' we could do to save her, or anyone else. Do whatcha want, but there was no other way. Our death rate's way too high for my likin' already."

[kennierps]

Another, more recent writing sample.

--------------------

It's an unconventional approach, he knows despite the dense label often applied to him socially. There's no objective here, at least not one that makes itself immediately known; he's going through the motions the same as Kageyama. But he'd be lying if he said it felt like discussing the weather. It can't, not when he feels graphically aware of Kageyama in a way that has nothing to do with the pretty, rose-flushed tip of his dick.

They share such uniquely specific parallels, Kageyama's hands are just as rough as his own when they cinch tight around his wrist. They're both open, vulnerable; Kageyama could swing now with a closed fist and there wouldn't be a damn thing he could do about it. His vulnerabilities were clearly more obvious; his pants scrunched with his underwear around the middle of his thighs, but it's not just that either.

Kageyama at least has a relationship to mourn.

In all of his enjoyment, he'd never taken the time to stop and clarify the experience. He remembers all of the late-night calls, the way Oikawa would giggle after curling into his side because they'd gotten away with sneaking around again, how warm his nose felt brushing against his whenever they'd kissed on chilly nights. He isn't sentimental, he doesn't think he is anyways but he feels like he could be. He could be the kind of man who drenches his partners in gifts and lavish trips. He can dream of a day when it's Tooru on the sidelines, beaming at the nod he offers him as he steps out with the rest of his team. His sign to him. Their sign to one another. ​ He's no tinman, he has a heart - something he's, unfortunately, all too aware of. As if on cue, lightning shoots through his chest, a sharp pang twisting at his insides with every hard thump of his pulse until he can't take it anymore. Until he has to breathe out hard, shaky, and way too audibly between them like he's holding back a sob but there's nothing there. And when that steady beating skyrockets, spilling molten adrenaline through his veins, he has no way to properly explain that either.

"I do not know how to turn it off." That ache, not the hard jut of Kageyama's cock, which he's decidedly interested in. His lips thin when he rolls his thumb down deep between the crook of those long thighs. He doesn't push against that grip on his wrist, his eyes darting to Kageyama's to gauge his reaction to the friction. Ushijima leans in, his exhale a reminder of how easy it'd be for him to shift between his thighs. How easy could it be for him to bob his head enough to feel him warm, skin shifting beneath the rub of his nose? He doesn't, but he could.

Another deep breath and he's closing his eyes, resting his chin on Kageyama's thigh while he collects his words. "You are right. It is hard to want without remembering. It has certainly left a few specific interactions feeling less attractive than they once were." He pauses, peeking up at him through only one of his eyes. "You've clearly found a way around it."

Or he's trying to.

Was this typical behavior for Kageyama? Was he always so easily distracted? Ushijima wonders how many close encounters they've missed since rooming together that aren't directly related to his own hookups.

[limitlesses]

𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐃 𝐀 𝐃𝐄𝐄𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐘 𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘 akin to the ocean's hue out beyond any landform or shallow waters. Suguru could pinpoint the shifting in focus, no doubt, by the manner in which they ceased their ethereal glow in favor of that darker color coming to the forefront. Satoru breathed again, holding it in his throat for a moment when a watery inhale hitched its way within his airway. He hadn't ever cried in front of Suguru before, hadn't ever cried in front of anyone, really. So the clarity he gained within the next few seconds involved a dawning realization that he had, in fact, done so.

Something in the way Suguru cleared away the residual tears slick against his cheeks made him feel a measure of comfort in knowing he wouldn't be taunted about this later down the line. There was a sacred flavor to this exchange, enough so that he tipped his head more into one of the cupping palms of Suguru's hand once his thumbs were finished wiping beneath his eyes.

He was beautiful, was he? He heard that, the way people would ogle him for his strange hair and bright eyes. He'd lean into the compliments, comically so, if only because he didn't know what else to do when faced with that. It was already dehumanizing enough to be seen not as a person but as a living weapon -- he could handle being talked about like some idol, spoken of without being truly spoken to. But something about the way his heart skipped a beat made him recognize that this was different praise. Particularly because Suguru didn't stop there.

The other man moved into a languid straddle, pushing Satoru into a lean that he sluggishly, uncertain and a bit doe-eyed, relented into a full recline to rest his back against their mattress. His hands reached to grasp onto one of Suguru's upper thighs, resting another hand upon the man's hip purely to maintain mutual contact. He'd have to get peeled off of Suguru forcibly at this rate.

Honestly, Suguru was overdoing it, saying all these nice things about him -- and these weren't standard compliments, no fill-in-the-blank sorts that came straight out of a Hallmark card. Suguru... really did see him, didn't he? Now his face felt hot, pinned under the fully-observant gaze of Suguru above, a blooming desire to become meek in the face of actual positive acknowledgement.

Fuck, Suguru not only had his heart doing cartwheels -- now he was blushing like some schoolgirl, too. The power Suguru wielded right now was incomprehensible. Satoru felt so speechless he didn't realize his lips were parted in some feeble attempt to say something back until Suguru was kissing against the corner of his mouth. He couldn't help but shudder when that attention drifted lower, grazing hot breath and warm lips against his neck, a tingling rush down his spine when Suguru passed over the sensitive skin of a raw scar -- almost ticklish, especially when he veered to his ear. Satoru twitched his fingers into a more firm grip on Suguru's hip whilst turning his head a little, as though shy, breathing out a brief chuckle with a subtle scrunch of the bridge of his nose. There was too much going on, signals firing this way and that -- that Satoru nearly didn't catch Suguru's final sentence.

But there was no way in hell he'd miss those words, those very specific words spoken warmly against his temple, a shivering of both body and soul whilst that confession resonated, ringing, filling up the whole of him with a surge.

❝ I wouldn't have anybody else, you know -- it's not a matter of who deserves who, so fuck off with that undeserving shit, ❞ He practically blurted out a quick response, the initial issue he held within him that Suguru still somehow wanted to belittle himself in the midst of his confession. Fuck no, not on his watch. Hey, Suguru had mentioned enjoying his bluntness, him speaking his mind, his heart on display -- hell, wasn't it important to shoot his shot now more than ever?

Fuck, his heart was racing into his throat. Satoru swallowed hard, keeping his eyes locked onto Suguru's own, keeping that grounding tether tight between them both. He spoke quieter than a whisper in a confession booth, but it was loud enough in his heart that he figured Suguru could feel the words radiating off of him by now. He hoped, at least.

❝ I love you, too. Of course I do -- I -- you're everything to me. Everything, I mean it. ❞ He paused, working the words out in his mind, his mouth readying, hesitant, then emboldened by the vulnerability they were both sharing at this point.

❝ You said all that nice pretty stuff about me, but more could be said about you, the way I know you're tired and I know you're hurting but you still try so hard to do the right thing ---- even when I challenge you on why, even when I give you so much shit on top of it all. I don't think -- ❞ He worked his jaw, earnestly deciding on what to blurt out next because his mind was racing through a thousand feelings a second, so much he wanted to tell him now that the walls between them were thinner than freshly frozen lake's glassy surfaces, the way they could see the water current beneath their feet, the way they could feel the emotions flowing ---- they couldn't stop now. He couldn't stop here. His eyes were vibrant and from no power other than the potent emotions he felt, the flooding of overwhelm at the sheer love and fullness he was experiencing. Raw from the last twenty-four hours... this was a high stronger than his resurrection. For the first time since right before Toji struck a sword through his back, Satoru actually felt alive now.

❝ I really don't know who I'd be without you, so much of you is... ingrained into who I am now, and I don't know how I'll ever repay you for that. If ---- if I can make you laugh, smile -- if I can make the world... a little more bearable for you... that's the least I can do in comparison. You make me better, I want to make you better too -- I want to help you, I want to ---- ... I'd do anything for you, Suguru. ❞

��𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐑𝐔 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐃 𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐔’𝐒 𝐆𝐀𝐙𝐄, watching as such brilliant shades of blue ebbed and flowed within, a dance of their own making as the overwhelming power of his Six Eyes narrowed down its focus.  There was an iridescence to Satoru’s eyes in this moment that took his breath away —- Suguru managed to forget his own instruction to breathe as his heart skipped a beat.

❝ You’re beautiful, Satoru. ❞ He couldn’t stop the words from coming out, nor did he want to, really —- his feelings were overwhelming, a love left unspoken for so long now bursting at the seams.  He had almost lost him ... for a moment or two, Suguru had. Never again would he hide from the intensity of his own truths —- never giving whatever this was between them a name, though they both knew what it was, deep down. Suguru blinked back his own tears this time, in favor of swiping his thumbs across Satoru’s cheeks, and catching any tears that lingered.  ❝ The way you say exactly what it is you feel, whether for good or for bad… —-the way you always stay true to yourself, and show up for others even when it’s hard, or frustrating, or exhausting. ❞ 

Suguru smiled at him, then, continuing to watch as that power within his eyes dimmed; that beautiful iridescence fading into the background, now —- a far cry from its intensity only moments before. Suguru could feel his heart hammering against his chest as he got up off his knees, and moved to straddle the other at the edge of the bed. His legs hooked around Satoru’s hips slowly, intentionally —- Suguru’s gaze never once leaving Satoru’s, even as he pressed his weight into him, persuading Satoru follow his lead, and lay back against the mattress. 

❝ —--The way you wear your heart on your sleeve and yet somehow no one else sees it for what it is. ❞  Suguru continued with his loving praise of the other; the sun to his moon, the boy that had snuck into his life, his heart, and illuminated everything from the inside out.  ❝ The way you make me laugh, even when I’m having a day from hell.  You give, and give, and give —-... I don’t even know if you’re aware of how much you give. ❞ 

Finally, Suguru’s brown eyes would find another destination in the darkness —- only once he was sure Satoru had found enough stability to let go, even if only for a moment.  Suguru pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth, before working his way down Satoru's tense jawline —- peppering slow, tender kisses down the slope of his neck, before eventually moving back up —- only stopping once his breath was dancing upon the shell of the other boy's ear.  

❝ This world will never deserve you, Satoru, ❞  he whispered, before locking eyes with him again. ❝ I don’t deserve you—--.... but I love you, all the same. ❞

[redorich]

rating hermits based on whether i'd fight them

1. bdubs. i want to put this man in a blender i want to glue him to the wall like a dartboard i want to splash him with a few drops of water so that he microwaves well i want to crinkle him up like paper and chew on him. he would bite me and i would catch every disease ever

2. cleo. p,,pretty zombie lady,,,,,,, red hair and Evil............... 😳

3. jevin. is he made of goop or bones. i think it's goop and when i punch him my hand will sink into his body this man is made of non-newtonian fluid and i am armed with seventeen bendy straws of unreasonable silliness

4. grian. he's like the meme of the smug cat surrounded by knives, punching him would be so satisfying but he would hold up a bucket and as i go to punch him my hand would get stuck in the bucket and he would mock me for looking stupid because my hand is stuck in a bucket

5. mumbo. i'd fight him because i know i'd win. he smells like prey

6. tango. he would make very fun noises as i hit him with a brick, he is a very squeaky flavor of man.

7. keralis. he's, like, deceptively good at pvp??? specifically running away???? i'd be running around trying to catch him for like two hours while he occasionally divebombs me and makes vaguely lewd references to my mother. 10/10

8. wels. he'd fight with honor and i would love to beat him with the old pocket sand trick and/or pantsing him

9. iskall. he's a really talented pvp'er and easygoing, i feel like i would have a lot of fun fighting him and learn a lot of stuff. i definitely wouldn't win most of our fights but i'd enjoy them just the same. he seems like a pretty good sport :)

10. false. she's talented and i would like to have a friendly sparring match with her :)

11. pearl. listen she;s a prety lady am i supposed to say "NO miss moon i don't wanna spar you" like??? of course i'll fight her 😳

12. stress. i feel like she deserves to go a little bit feral <3

13. beef. shaped like a friend. would have fun sparring

14. hypno. i don't know him very well but i am always down to attack <3

15. xb. same as hypno but his name has an x in it which makes him at least 12% cooler

16. zedaph. he's just a little science guy your honor. i feel like i would seek him out with the intention of beating him up for his lunch money and three hours later i would find myself balancing apples on top of my head while he shoots them off with a cannon wondering how did i get here

17. cub. i'd do it if provoked but otherwise no. there would be consequences for my actions and i'm not accustomed to facing those

18. impulse. his voice sounds like a smile, you're telling me i'm meant to viciously bite and kill and murder him?? :((

19. joe. let's just say that while joe himself is very beat-uppable, he's way smarter than i'll ever be and he'll probably figure out a dozen ways to be maliciously compliant and ruin my day. also, joe is fuck around and cleo is find out and i want to be prepared when she stands behind me with a wide grin and a baseball bat full of nails

20. ren. this man is just living his life, roleplaying his little heart out. i'll give the no-beating-up-privileges pass to ONE (1) theater nerd. wilbur soot eat your heart out

21. gem. MY LITTLE SCRUNKLY POO 🥺 MEOW MEOW HONKA WIMBUS ❤️💓💖💗 ia m gay

22. scar. physically, i could kill him, but emotionally? never. plus he'd probably make me severely regret it, being one of the reigning kings of Shenanigans

23. doc. he has an intimidating voice but i am 100% sure i could beat him up if i really wanted to . sure he can fight but will he? probably not. why would i want to beat him up, though? he's the goat. he is a wet sock and i am going to put him in the dryer set to low heat, delicates only

24. etho. he'd probably kick my ass if i stepped to him, and whether i beat him or not i'd probably be pranked for the rest of my days

25. tfc. if you'd fight tfc i'll fight you. tfc has actually done nothing wrong in his life, ever,

26. xisuma. i'd kick him in the shin once and he'd ask me if i'm doing alright, if i need to talk or need some help with something, and three hours later i'm sobbing into his arms about my childhood while he tells me it's okay to have unresolved feelings about my relationship with my parents

[corpsebasil]

Easily Replaced | part 3

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 4

Kaz Rietveld didn't need a reason.

You knew this, of course, as you always had, but it was most clear the day you, Jordie, and Kaz stepped foot into Ketterdam. The two brothers were, as long as you’d known them, ambitious. Ketterdam would fuel that ambition.

"For you, Sankta." Jordie Rietveld laughed, and covered your eyes with his hands.

He was thirteen—much too old for you, as you were only eight, and though you were teased back in southern Kerch for hanging around with him so much Jordie was something like a brother to you. Your own parents were gone—your mother a woman who died too young and your father a mystery.

"I thought you were getting me food." Kaz scoffed, plucking the wrapped omelette out of your hands before you even had a moment to see it.

"Kaz!" You shrieked as you tore out of Jordie's grasp, lunging for the food, but Kaz simply laughed in return, looping his arm around your shoulders and tugging you along, sharing the omelette between them.

The omelette stands in Ketterdam were Kaz and your favorites.

"(Y/N), wait." Jordie called and you paused, turning to glance over at him. His expression was wide and happy—the happiest he'd been in a long time, since he and Kaz's father had died. "Welcome home." He said, and you smiled.

"WAIT!" You yelped, lurching into sitting position so fast your head spun.

He was there, you thought, still blinking away the image of Jordie from behind your eyes.

Your heart raced and your eyes stung as you stood, scanning the streets several stories below you. You’d fallen asleep on the window pane after sneaking into your room at the Slat—if Kaz wanted you gone that night, you’d be gone by morning just to spite him. If only so you had more time to snoop around.

You weren’t expecting the dreams again.

You wiped your hands over your face and sighed, blinking away the remnants of sleep and forcing Jordie to the back of your mind. Jordie Rietveld would always stay in the very back of your mind, in the dregs; you’d think about him only during your last breath, and wouldn't let yourself do it one moment before then.

You crept out of your room and glanced around its interior once more, hefting your satchel over your shoulder. You’d miss this place—you’d miss Ketterdam, but if leaving helped keep certain memories at bay and kept a certain someone from bashing your head in it was worth the risk.

Your feet were silent when you finally dropped to the streets outside and ran, taking back-ally's and fire-escapes and rooftops as you traveled across Ketterdam on a route few knew. Your mask was pulled up and your hood rippled behind you, your shape merely a black speck against the moonless sky.

When you reached the Crow Club you ducked the guards and snuck through a window at the top. If there was anything to be known about the heist for one million kruge the Dregs had been murmuring about, Kaz would know about it. And if you were anything you were vengeful, and you’d get that prize to earn your freedom or you’d die trying.

"The Orchid isn't Dime Lions turf." Kaz's rock salt voice reached you and you paused, one foot sinking into the plush carpet of your old friend's office.

"Well, it's a new acquisition." Another voice purred, and your blood ran cold.

You knew that voice.

That voice had haunted you for years.

"You heard it here first." The voice continued, and you dropped into a crouch, tugging your hood over your head as you crept towards the office.

Your heart dropped into your stomach.

Kaz was being held on his knees by a nondescript man with a sneer on his face while Pekka, Pekka Rollins, clutched Kaz's cane like he owned it. Your stomach rolled as you took in Pekka's face and you barely stopped yourself from gagging.

It was him.

It was the man who killed Jordie.

"Now, I know you saw Dreesen," Pekka continued, oblivious to the assassin hardly ten feet away who was contemplating his inevitable death. "You got the jump on whatever job he has. I don't know the details...obviously, just that you have a little travel hazard ahead of you. So. Here's the deal: you can do nothing—walk away from it. I'll tell Dreesen I'm taking over for you." He paused, a cruel smile on his face. "Then we're even."

"Not even close—" Kaz began, and you tensed. You knew the man holding him, touching him, was causing him agony.

You had to stop it. You had decided long ago that Pekka Rollins' death would be slow. You could make it last for hours—could make blades sing until he was nothing left but a scrap on a table, but something fast might have to do.

"The other option is..." Pekka began, leaning forward to press the beak of Kaz's cane against his jugular, and you lunged. "I'll cave your head in with your own—"

"Let go of him." You snarled and, quick as an asp, had one of your many blades nestled dangerously against Pekka's throat.

Kaz let out a sharp breath and tensed as the man holding him pulled out a gun, pressing it to his temple to balance the odds.

"Sankta Riipka," Pekka mused, seemingly unaffected by the knife against his neck. "it's nice to finally make your aqu—"

"Shut up, pig." You spat and dug the blade in deeper, your eyes snapping up to the man next to Kaz. You felt steel against your head and froze—

—you’d forgotten about the other member of Pekka's trio.

"By the time you kill me," Pekka began, oozing calm that made to your blood boil, "my friend here will shoot your friend. And then you." He made to twist in his chair and you tightened your grip, stilling him. You knew you were drawing blood. "You ought to make the wise decision here, Riipka."

"Let him go." You repeated, heart pounding violently, refusing to look at Kaz even as you felt the gun against the back of your head push harder. "Let him go or I swear on all Saints I'll slit your throat right here."

The room was quiet for several beats before the man holding Kaz shoved him, knocking your friend—was he your friend?—to the floor. You made no move to remove the knife—your chest was tight and your breathing uneven. Jordie's face was flashing behind your eyes and this moment, this moment, killing Pekka, was what you had been waiting for.

You could do it.

Why couldn't you do it?

You could—

"Stop." Kaz breathed and you froze, meeting his stare. His face was serious but his eyes—they were filled with pain. "Just stop."

"You should listen to Mr. Brekker." Pekka crooned and your gritted your teeth, biting back a snarl as you removed the knife and swung, knocking the gun out of the man behind you’s hands.

     He threw his arms up and froze but Pekka simply laughed, eyeing you like you were a monkey at a circus. You felt small and, for the first time in a long time, like you were eight years old again, sweating with a burning illness and being sheltered by a widow who had no kids of her own.

     You felt like you were eight years old, managing to survive the plague and stumbling down to the docks, half-drunk with a barely broken fever and finding Kaz laying drenched in sea-water on a dock, screaming at you in agony.

It was Pekka's fault.

It was all his—

"No one has to die today, Riipka," Pekka smirked at whatever he saw in your eyes and brushed past, chuckling to his accomplices as they left the office and slammed the door behind them.

The room was silent for several moments before you turned, watching Kaz as he stared at the floor, making no move to stand.

"Let me help you—" you began, reaching out to offer a gloved hand but he jolted, deer-in-headlight-eyes flashing to yours.

"Don't touch me." He snapped, face flushing, and the knot in your throat threatened to burst.

     He pushed himself awkwardly to his feet and scrambled for his cane, one hand absently on his leg as he winced. It was terrible to watch—he was strong all the time, and so serious but this...

...this was him broken. And you weren’t sure if you could handle seeing it.

"I should've killed him," you started over, hands trembling as you resisted the urge to reach out to him. You didn't know if you wanted to help or if you just wanted, needed, his touch. "I should've—"

"You should've been gone by now." He swallowed roughly as his cane hit the floor with a thud, eyes snapping back to yours. "I had it handled. We all could've died tonight because of—"

"Don't you dare blame me for—"

"Well if you had just left when I asked—"

"I'm not leaving you!" You shrieked, yanking off your mask and hood so that you could breathe better. "You can boss me around and yell at me and treat me like Jordie was my fault all you want but—"

"I don't think that," he interrupted, his face stricken as he stared at you. "Saints, (Y/N)." You were silent for a moment, both breathing heavily, before he shook his head and turned away. "If you're not going to leave me alone, at least leave the Club. I can't—" he paused, sighing exasperatedly. "I can't deal with this tonight."

     Without waiting for a reply he strode out the door and shut it, locking it behind him so you’d have to leave out the window. You waited for several moments until you were sure he was gone, strode over to the spare couch around the corner and screamed into the pillow until your throat hurt.

@iamnoobmaster69 @emil7y @balmasedas @euphoniumpets @subjecta13-thefangirl @itisroe @thefandomplace @ambrosia-v-black @i-padfoot-things @kaitlyn2907

hiii sorry I know this one was kinda angsty but it’s gonna spice up soon HA

[vartouhix]

Jangmi blinked a few times rapidly as he began his explanation, eyebrows shooting up. Saihara had instigated it? She hadn't realized that, as the man in question had given her a very different retelling of the events that led to what she overheard. He had said that Satoru made a perverse comment about her in front of him, and Saihara had tried to tell him that a real friend wouldn't talk about her like that, using himself as an example. He'd claimed that's when Satoru had gotten more vulgar, and said what he said. Saihara didn't seem like the type to do what Satoru claimed. At least, he had never acted that way in front of Jangmi... But how else would Satoru know that she hadn't given her friends more information about him? He had to be telling the truth. Besides, despite what she knew of Saihara, somehow... even without that logical explanation... she just believed Satoru. A part of her still trusted him more than she did most people. Maybe more than anyone else.

At the mention of love, her brows furrowed slightly, confused. What did that have to do with it? She had gotten lost again, and had taken a breath to try to say as much, when he lifted his hand. Jangmi stayed still, watching his hand for a moment before her eyes slid to meet his. And when he finally made contact? God, she hadn't realized how much she missed his touch. She leaned into the warmth of his palm like a clingy puppy. Jangmi hummed softly, the sound weak and sad, but one of comfort nonetheless.

She was already shocked to hear Saihara had alluded to a deeper relationship between the two of them; she had never seen him like that, and she'd thought their friendship was just that--friends, only. If that was shocking, she was absolutely floored when Satoru confessed to her, her teary eyes widening and a quiet gasp slipping past her lips. Suddenly shy, she couldn't meet his eyes, looking down at his chest again. Her heart had started pounding. Part of her was so, so relieved to hear he had feelings for her because... She swallowed hard as the thought came to mind, as it had so many times as of late, that she had feelings for him, too.

"You... you love me?" she asked, as if she couldn't believe it. It was hard to accept. He had said himself, when they talked about their love lives, that he didn't think love was in the cards for him, given his role as The Strongest. Now she understood where he was going with part of his speech earlier. All this time, he had worried about hurting her and getting hurt in return. Her eyes filled with fresh tears, catching on his fingers and falling down her cheeks, and they lifted to meet his again. She had referred to him as Gojo in the few times she had to interact with him these last few weeks. But now, his given name fell past her lips, "Satoru..." It came out as a hushed whisper. This moment was so delicate, she felt. She didn't want to mess it up, either.

"I only didn't tell them more about you because... I didn't want them to question my feelings, to encourage them. I was trying so hard, Satoru. So hard not to... to fall for you." She bit her bottom lip briefly, uncertain. A few beats went by where she debated whether admitting her feelings was the right move. Eventually, her tendency to be honest won out, and she continued, "...But I did. I... I'm in love with you." She begun to wring her hands nervously, shifting her weight in tiny movements as well. It felt good to finally have that weight off her chest, but she wasn't completely free of burdens. Not yet.

"It hurt so much... to hear you talk about me like that." She recalled how it had been like a punch to the gut, how she had gone outside into the alleyway next to the club to cry. Jangmi reached up, hands coming to rest on either side of his neck. Her thumbs brushed back and forth over his pulse points, unable to help herself. She had missed him. "How can I know that you're not going to get like that every time you're jealous, or angry? If we have arguments... are you going to say hurtful things that you don't really mean then, too? You can't... you can't degrade me like that, ever again. Not if you love me. Not if you want my love in return." Her cheeks flushed slightly. "If... if that's something you want, I mean."

obviously,  satoru's  cruel  words  from  that  day  did  more  than  just  hurt  jangmi's  feelings.  she  wouldn't  have  reacted  so  negatively  if  it  was  just  about  him  being  a  dick,  right?  it  was  all  deeper  than  that,  clearly,  for  the  both  of  them.  he'd  thought  he'd  explained  himself  pretty  well,  but  evidently  not  as  jangmi  still  didn't  quite  get  it.  satoru  didn't  want  to  put  all  the  cards  on  the  table  yet,  because  he  wasn't  certain  and  he  was  afraid,  but  perhaps…  there  really  was  no  other  choice.  no  more  running.  it  was  time  to  be  honest  with  himself  —  with  her,  for  the  both  of  them.  he  lets  her  speak,  concerned  by  her  misunderstanding  and  negative  assumptions,  but  doesn't  want  to  interrupt  her  and  possibly  make  anything  worse.  he  wanted  to  hear  her  out.  he  needed  to  get  to  the  bottom  of  this

❝  yes,  jealous.  look,  that  day,  saihara  started  going  on  about  how  you  didn't  give  a  damn  about  me.  he  said  something  about  how  you  never  told  any  of  your  friends  anything  about  me,  but  you  told  them  all  about  everyone  else,  and  how  that  must've  meant  i  wasn't  anything  to  you.  he  got  under  my  skin,  and  i  got  mad, ❞  satoru  explained  further,  and  that's  part  of  it,  but  it's  not  all  of  it.  no,  satoru  also  got  angry  with  himself  and  confused  with  his  own  feelings.  part  of  his  words  were  an  attempt  at  rejecting  the  anger  he  felt. 

❝  i  was  trying  to  prove  that  i  didn't  care  to  him,  and  to  myself  too.  i  told  you  before,  kinda,  about  how  it's  hard  for  me  to  deal  with  love  —  how  i'm  scared  of  putting  the  weight  of  all  my  shit  of  someone  else,  of  letting  someone  in  and  getting  hurt,  of  fucking  up  and  hurting  someone  —  all  that,  ❞  satoru  sighed  then.  it's  so  hard  for  him  to  be  upfront  like  this,  but  jangmi's  shown  all  her  vulnerable  sides  to  him  too,  hadn't  she?  she  cried  then,  with  her  heart  on  her  sleeve.  it  was  the  least  he  could  do.  to  be  as  upfront  and  vulnerable  as  her. 

satoru  hesitantly  reached  up  between  the  two  of  them,  his  palm  just  barely  hovering  over  her  cheek.  when  she  didn't  make  a  move  to  immediately  slap  his  hand  away,  he  let  his  hand  rest  against  it.  softly,  his  thumb  brushed  away  her  tears.  he  felt  so  guilty  for  making  her  cry  like  that.  he  didn't  want  to.  this  was  why  he'd  always  been  so  hesitant,  but  he  was  done  trying  to  deny  it  all.

❝  saihara  implied  you  had  something  going  on  with  him,  that  i  wasn't  anything  to  you,  and  i  got  angry  and  jealous  because  i'm  in  love  with  you  and  was  in  total  denial  of  it,  ❞  he  said  finally,  and  it  felt  so  odd  coming  from  him.  it  almost  felt  to  him  like  someone  else  has  said  it.  that's  how  foreign  it  seemed  to  admit  his  honest  feelings.  he  knew  that  wouldn't  be  some  magical  fix  of  what  he'd  fucked  up,  though,  hence  why  he  said  that  it  was  fine  if  they  were  even  just  friends. 

❝  do  you  get  it  now,  jangmi?  i'm  sorry.  i  know  i'm  an  asshole.  i  know  you  shouldn't  forgive  me,  but  i  want  you  to  understand.  ❞