#Honey YOU'RE problematic

[evanstan]

Liking or not liking an artist, a movie, a tv show, etc. is not a flex. You're not superior for liking or not liking something. Life is hard enough, let people enjoy what they do in peace.

And so what if they find some joy somewhere and you find yours somewhere else? Let people live their own life without dictating your tastes into it.

[hauntingofhouses]

top/bottom discourse in the satosugu fandom is wild like why are yall so mad about someone else's preferred ship dynamic ???? 😭😭 just block the ppl you find annoying and move on GEEZ

[lovingpiastri]

PASSENGER PRINCESS (op81 x female!reader)

ꪆৎ the internet bursts into flames when problematic pop princess flaunts formula one heart-throb in everyone's faces in her chart topping brand new music video!

part one part two

warnings: use of y/n and strong language

INTERVIEW WITH VERIFIED˚.⋆🎤!!

instagram ꪆৎ!!🎀

oscarpiastri

liked by landonorris, yourusername and 506,472 others

oscarpiastri i wouldn't care what those 'sad shitty gossip accounts' have to say about you anyway 🩷

tagged yourusername

view all comments

user49 bro doesn't know what a soft launch is and it showsss liked by author

user81 soft launch? i hardly know her! liked by author

user28 "private relationships are definitely healthier" BOY FUCK YOU AND YOUR PRIVATE RELATIONSHIP 🤣🫵

yourusername honey, did we say soft launch or hard launch?

↳ landonorris ooo someone's in trouble

↳ oscarpiastri the only thing that's in trouble is your life when i get my hands on you

↳ landonorris point and laugh at the whipped mf 🫵🤣

↳ yourusername lando, and where is your relationship?

↳ landonorris 😐

user74 oscar liking all the comments saying he doesn't know what a soft launch is IS TAKING ME OUT 💀💀💀

user38 guys I THINK they like to kiss

user10 freak level: infinite

yourusername that's like the nicest thing anyones said to me on the internet 😇

↳ oscarpiastri well you have alot to get used to, love ❤️

mclaren they grow up so fast..

↳ oscarpiastri im literally 23 years of age?

↳ yourusername yet you're still pocket sized..

twitter ๋࣭⭑💟!!

had to rewrite this because my internet is #bollocks!! but anyway here you go x

©lovingpiastri

[ratsarecute4]

Some Hatchetfield Headcanons

Richie had a Warrior Cats phase in elementary school

Ruth owns a pet chameleon named Yoda

Max thinks that Pizza Pete's is owned by Pete, and that is where he gets the money for his rich kid bowtie

Mayor Lauter pays Steph's allowance in cryptocurrency

There was a month where the Clivesdale Chemists and the Hatchetfield Nighthawks had an even higher amount of hatred for eachother than usual. The Chemists accused the Nighthawks of stealing their mascot (they didn’t, the kid just moved to Hatchetfield)

Because of the mascot stealing allegations, the Chemists decided to steal the Nighthawks mascot for ransom, but they let Richie go after an hour because he wouldn't stop explaining the plot of One Piece

The problematic puppy Steph got in a Twitter fight about was the cop dog from Paw Patrol

Ziggy owns a couple of pet snakes

The Smoke Club has a rule that you must wear at least one weed-patterned item of clothing to meetings or else you're out of the club

Ted is one of those guys whose bedroom has just a mattress on the floor and a TV sitting on a bunch of cardboard boxes

Also Ted gives big lives in his parents' basement vibes

Steph had a creepypasta phase

No one at CCRP ever knows what to get Paul for work holiday parties so now he owns a bunch of gifted mugs and he's starting to run out of cabinet space because he doesn't want to get rid of anything that was gifted to him

The Hatchetfield High theatre department has never payed for the rights to a play. The students don't know about this. Ms Mulberry is fully aware of how illegal that is but continues to do it anyway. Hatchetfield is a small town, they won't get caught. Also the theatre department has like no funding

Grace was a horse girl in elementary school and she used to eat grass

Charlotte sells DoTERRA essential oils on the side. Everyone at the office has tried to tell her its basically a pyramid scheme but she doesn't believe them

Miss Holloway was a famous rockstar in the 80s, but after she made a deal with the Lords in Black, her past existence was wiped from everyone's memories and no one ever listened to her songs again

Grace has OCD, specifically religious scrupulosity

Richie owns so many body pillows that he no longer has room for himself on his bed

Ruth and Sherman Young have beef with eachother from Ruth's middleschool My Little Pony phase

Kyle is autistic and I will die on this hill

Max's mom dissapeared after being crowned Honey Queen. She wanted the prize money to support her family because Max's father was layed off from his job

I just know Brenda and Stacy are super into astrology

Local teens describe Paul's aesthetic as "cardboardcore"

Ted has one of these tattoos. He doesn't remember getting it and it took him forever to notice because it is on his back. It is a miracle that it never got infected

[pluckyredhead]

Character Profile: Gregorio de la Vega and Hugh Dawkins (Extraño and Tasmanian Devil)

I was thinking that it's been too long since I've done a character profile, and then I realized that I don't think I've ever posted about DC's CANONICALLY MARRIED, HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT DILFS, a.k.a. Wizard Daddy and his furry husband. I'm so sorry. I've failed you all.

ANYWAY MEET GREGORIO AND HUGH:

Gregorio (on the right) is the first out superhero in comics, ever, from before the Comics Code even allowed gay characters. Hugh is DC's third gay superhero (Pied Piper came out a year before him) and the first canonically queer member of the Justice League. See? Historically significant!

CONTENT WARNING: Homophobia, racial stereotypes, attempted suicide, HIV/AIDS, and some particularly gory fridging (Hugh got better).

Gregorio de la Vega first appeared in Millennium #2. Now, they never actually use the word "gay" in the eight issue Millennium miniseries, but, well...

No, seriously, despite the fact that they never use words like "gay" or "homosexual" in the pages of the comic itself, the art and dialogue make Gregorio's sexuality very clear - and in case that wasn't enough, the editors do use the word "gay" in the letter columns.

Millennium was an event in which the Guardians and the Zamarons identified a group of diverse humans to be "the vanguard of human evolution" and gave them all superpowers. Gregorio is hanging out in a cantina in Peru when they show up to give him the news:

He's calling himself a fruit do you get it??? Honestly I love him so much. He's so extra.

I want to emphasize again how groundbreaking Gregorio is. Like, yes, obviously he is a raging stereotype and arguably a problematic one. But this was 1988. The Comics Code Authority would not be updated to permit queer characters until the following year (probably because of Gregorio, in large part). The fact that he existed at all, and not cloaked in layers upon layers of subtext, was a huge step forward. No, he's not perfect, but when you're the only canonically queer superhero in mainstream comics, that's an impossible ask.

Anyway. Gregorio's not super into the idea of being a main character at first, but after a self-loathing suicide attempt (Wally saves him), he decides fuck it, why not be a superhero, and joins the team that will become the New Guardians. He's granted his superpowers, which are generic magic ones, and takes the codename Extraño.

Unfortunately, in the spinoff series that followed Millennium, New Guardians, things get...uh...kind of rough. By which I mean that a) the original writer left, b) the new writer dialed Gregorio's gay stereotyping waaay back in favor of, um, Latino stereotyping instead (he stops calling everyone "honey" and starts calling them "amigo"), and c) the team is attacked by the Hemo-Goblin, an HIV-positive white supremacist vampire. Yes, really. It's fucking awful.

The Hemo-Goblin scratches Gregorio and bites Jet, a Black woman on the team. They both subsequently test positive for HIV. There are many letters from fans pointing out that it's nearly impossible to contract HIV that way, but the editors insisted that actually it was totally plausible, and then implied that probably Gregorio already had HIV because he was gay (even though he had tested negative earlier in the book). Then Jet dies. Again: it's fucking awful.

New Guardians was canceled soon after that and Gregorio pretty much disappeared. By the 2000s, he was viewed as basically an embarrassment, if anyone even remembered him at all: so stereotypical, so flamboyant, so offensive, so cringe. In the Love Is Love anthology, everyone's least favorite human Dan DiDio wrote a story where he claimed that Extraño died of AIDS back in the 80s, which...literally wasn't true??? The publisher of the goddamn company and even he assumed that the Cringey Stereotype must have died the Stereotypical Death.

And then in 2016, Gregorio got a makeover, courtesy of Steve Orlando and Fernando Blanco:

HELLO.

Yeah, so Gregorio is a silver fox now who hangs out with Apollo and Midnighter, does wizard shit, and lives in Lima with his husband and their adopted daughter. SO LET'S TALK ABOUT THAT HUSBAND:

Could you tell he's Australian???

Hugh Dawkins, a.k.a. Tasmanian Devil (no relation to the Looney Tunes character except that they are both owned by WB and, obviously, Tasmanian) actually first appeared in the Super Friends tie-in comics to the cartoon of the same name, in 1977, as part of a plotline where the Justice League teamed up with a bunch of international superheroes.

As you can see above, Hugh, like the other international superheroes, is a massive stereotype. He's also a were-Tasmanian devil who can grow really big, like many Australians. (Even though he's been around for 50 years, there are very few panels of Hugh in human form, but if you need to know for reasons of all the fanfic I hope you are about to write: he's blond.)

In the late 80s, Hugh and the other international superheroes from this story were incorporated into the main DCU as a team called the Global Guardians. They became occasional supporting characters to the various Justice League International books, and some of them joined various Justice League branches. Others had random cameos here and there, and in a 1992 issue of Justice League Quarterly, Hugh's random cameo involved casually mentioning that he is gay:

Again, this is a big deal. It's only 1992, meaning the only canonically queer superheroes in mainstream comics are Extraño (1988), Pied Piper (1991), and Northstar (1992). And this is a Justice League book. AND IT'S 1992. When Hugh talks about things being hateful for gays, he's likely referring to the virulent homophobia in Tasmania at the time (homosexuality wouldn't be decriminalized there for another five years).

Which means it was also a big deal that Hugh went on to join the European branch of the Justice League shortly after this, making him the first canonically queer member of any branch of the League. Of course, his sexuality was never mentioned during the year and a half he was on the team...or in any comic...until 2006. And then it was a vaguely homophobic joke involving Hal Jordan. But still!

(There is a panel that I SWEAR exists from the JLI era of Hugh describing a total bullshit version of his origin which granted him "the power of 106 Tasmanian devils!" which I cannot for the life of me find but was the first thing that made me fall in love with this character. If you stumble across it, please let me know what issue number it is?)

Hugh then had the misfortune of next appearing...sort of...in the infamously awful Cry for Justice in 2009. I say sort of because it's revealed that the villain, Prometheus, has skinned him and turned him into a rug. So we only see his skin. The late 2000s were really, really rough, guys.

However, a year later he appeared in the Starman/Congorilla special and he was totally fine? Don't ask me how. Gorillas were involved. The issue ended with the possibility of him and Starman (the Mikaal Tomas version) hooking up, but then the New 52 happened, so that never came to anything.

...BUT WHO CARES, BECAUSE NOW HE'S MARRIED TO GREGORIO AND THEY HAVE A DAUGHTER AND THEY ARE IN LOVE.

The nickname! The clutching! I'm dying.

Did I mention the canon threesome with John Constantine?

HUGH LOVES HIS RIDICULOUS HUSBAND SO MUCH. Tragically the JLQ only showed up in these two stories but all the baby queer superheroes in the DCU call Gregorio "Tio" and it makes me want to weep. HE WAS ALL ALONE IN 1988 AND NOW HE HAS A FAMILY. I AM VERKLEMPT. 😭😭😭

Unfortunately Gregorio and Hugh are pretty much relegated to occasionally appearing in Pride specials these days, but maybe if we all wish really hard, DC will let Steve Orlando or Andrew Wheeler write a miniseries about how they met and fell in love. I think Nick Robles should draw it.

ANYWAY I LOVE THESE HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT HUSBANDS, THE END.

[artificial-transmutations]

Calling the plumber

One bad thing about Scott's and Cody’s relationship was that they both were almost stereotypically gay in a lot of senses. Both were thin and lithe, had a somewhat androgynous appearance. They were stylish and well-groomed and even their professions were a little bit gay: Scott was the bartender at a gay club and Cody was a hair stylist.

All of that wasn't much of a problem of course. What *was* problematic however, at least at the moment, was, that neither of them had any proficiency in handicraft. So, it didn't come as a surprise that the two of them stood rather clueless in front of the clearly leaking sink in their kitchen.

Scott was the first one to speak. "It looks bad."

Cody sighed and nodded in agreement. "Yep. Looks like we need to call a plumber."

"Oof. It's Sunday, that's gonna cost us! Are you sure there's no other way?" Scott was the one managing their finances and he wasn't too happy about having to pay out for repairs.

Cody shrugged. "Well, we can't very well fix it ourselves, right? Or do you know anything about fixing water pipes?"

Scott frowned and scratched his head. "Not exactly. But..."

Cody looked at Scott expectantly. "You're gonna try it?"

Scott shrugged his shoulders. "I can at least try. It's not going to get leakier, right?"

"Well..." Cody was about to point out that, indeed, Scott could very much make it worse than the current leak, but he refrained from doing so. Instead, he pointed out: "You know, this is one of the times where a stereotypical straight guy would be useful. You know the type, Mr. fix-it-all-by-yourself."

"Sadly, we don't have that, honey. Now, let's get my dad's tools."

Shortly after, Scott was with his head under the sink.

"Now, let's see. Perhaps, I can just use one of those clampy thingies... to make it tighter?"

"I think they are called wrenches?" Cody tried to be helpful.

"Isn't that a slur for women?" Scott asked, while trying his best with the tool.

"No, that's a wench!" Cody laughed. "Are you alright down there?"

"Yeah, I just need to..." Suddenly, the resistance vanished, and the dripping of water became a small jet.

"Oh, for fucks sake!" Scott cried out, completely atypical for him.

"Everything alright?" Cody asked and cleared his throat. His voice sounded coarser than before.

"Yeah, sorry about the mess, Sir." Scott mumbled. Sir? Where did that come from? He did have other things to think about, though. He felt uncomfortable and shifted his position under the sink. His body was expanding in every direction: His frame became wider, and his arms and legs exploded with muscles.

There was an audible ripping sound from his shirt as it got stretched to the breaking point by his growing pecs.

Hair grew in quickly, both on his chest and his chin, giving him a rugged and somewhat older look.

"Shit", he cursed under his breath and quickly selected a more suitable tool from his toolbox. With a flex of his incredible biceps, he made short process of the jet of water he caused, allowing him to get to the root cause of the problem. The pipes were old and grimy, and the leak would surely not be the last. "That's a fine mess you got down here, Sir. You should replace the pipes as soon as possible."

Cody was distracted by his own observations. At first, he quite enjoyed the show as his boyfriends lower body that was sticking out under the sink elongated and became beefier by the second - including, especially, the large package in the dirty pants-turned-workpants of Scott and the hairy abdomen.

But soon, his focus shifted to his own body. His jeans and shirt quickly dissolved, leaving him standing in just his underwear. Instead of his usual meek body, however, an equally fit body that was sculpted in the gym formed: big arms, a massive chest and trunks of legs grew on him, giving him a magnificent appearance.

However, as his body grew, his intellect diminished: His square face looked at the plumber under his sink with less and less intelligence in his eyes. His sight didn't stick to the other man's groin anymore, of course: He wasn't gay and just didn't see that kind of thing on a man. Instead, he scratched his ass through his dirty white underwear and answered in a dull voice:

"Uh, don't worry about the mess, dude. I'm not a neat-freak. Can you replace the pipes for me, bro?"

Cody earned enough money as a fitness trainer, but the truth was, even though he certainly was a real man, he wasn't very good with stuff around the house, mainly because he was too dumb for it. So, he just called a specialist for everything he needed done to his bachelor pad.

Scott crawled out from under the sink. "Sure thing, Sir." he said. "But not on a Sunday, I'm afraid. I won't get the parts I need. Besides, my wife and kids are waiting for me at home with dinner. I suggest you call my office tomorrow."

"Awesome, bro", Cody beamed a happy, yet dim smile at Scott. "Thanks for coming over on such short notice."

He handed the plumber his money and brought him to the door, watching the mid-thirties man drive away in his dirty van. Now that this was taken care of, what now? Ah, probably what he had planned before the sink accident interrupted him. He plopped down on the couch, fished out his half-hard cock and unpaused the porn video that had been on the big screen the whole time.

I know gay-to-straight is a sensitive topic and I do get that we all encounter enough homophobia in our everyday's lifes that we don't need to encourage it in fantasy. So, while I will occasionally continue to write gay-to-straight TFs, I will try to not hit the "lib to con", "MAGA" or homophobia track but express it as another sexuality and the tropes that come with it.

ANYWAY. If you like what I do and want to read more stories and experience new stories as soon as they are written AND reap awesome exclusive rewards, consider subscribing to my riot page!

[darknoverse]

drawing them again wooo

been thinking about him alot .

also funny thing is how i told someone irl i like asg.ore (i didn't even say romantically) and they instantly went "lmao red flag" and just stared so hard like bestie . bestie that's not-

idk i think it's funny cuz people say something like that about one of my most less problematic f/os not knowing that i would damn well kiss characters like AKU or something lmaooooooooooooo

but yea anyways Jackie and Asg.ore should kiss actually, i feel like she could help him stop being well... 1) such a people pleaser to a horrible point and 2) blaming himself for shitty things from the past and actually try to fix em and move on cuz buddy. bro. honey you're literally stuck in a circle please heaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal i love you mr dreamy sidjhfbfjkjdfjkefj

Taglist :( feel free to tell me if you wanna get added to it!)

@candyheartedchy @berryshipbasket @radaverse

@tireddovahkiin @bloodhoundini

@lficanthaveloveiwantpower

@rexscanonwife @ree3942

@sunflawyer @artcomestolife

[aurorangen]

Renee and Vincent had just visited the hospital when they saw a toddler crying alone on a bench. Vincent couldn't bear to see this happening and rushed over to help. "I hate D-Daddy!" he cried through muffled sobs. "Hey, that's my son!" someone yelled. He picked up the kid and went to the guy.

It was clear to Marco that Casper was refusing to let go of the stranger's arms and he dramatically sighed, "If you don't give him back, I'm calling my lawyer!" Oh he had the audacity to blame him even though it was his own fault his son would much rather stay in this stranger's arms. And this stranger was also a lawyer.

Vincent had no idea who this problematic guy was but he was hella annoying! He had a hunch of what was happening and had dealt with cases like this before. Seeing the pleading eyes of the kid in his arms reminded him of the neglect from his own father.

"For fuck sake Marco," Petrah cursed under her breath, "Honey! Let's not make a scene, there are people here," she shot secret daggers at him, worried about her reputation. If paparazzi saw any of this-

Then Renee came over, "Calm down sir." When he wouldn't, she gave up and showed her police ID. Marco recognised her but couldn't quite place when they'd met. But she was a detective and he didn't want to get into trouble. You're in deep shit now Marco...

"I apologise for my husband's childish outburst but I can explain." With her best acting skills, Petrah explained the situation her own way. "Let me buy you some drinks perhaps?" she didn't want to get into trouble either and surprisingly settled all the misunderstandings.

[hatelangdon]

Promise Ring.

Pt 2 of this fic/ 1.4k words.

(Franken!Kyle x Witch!Reader)

Slight angst, Hurt/comfort, & fluff

(🚨Warnings: Talks of Fever, Being sick, Crying, Screaming, Possible panic attack🚨)

Summary: After removing Kyle from his problematic situation with Madison, You notice that the poor zombie has also developed some kind of sickness, possibly from the neglect he experienced in the midst of his heartbreak. He has become your "responsibility" so you take care of him and show him a kindness and gentleness that he hasn't experienced before.

(A/N: ...This is very long, I am so sorry but I absolutely love sick!hurt/comfort and I got a lil carried away because Kyle is my sweet angel and I would feel so bad if he didn't feel good, because he definitely doesn't understand why :(....also y'all are going to jump me but there's going to be a part 3 🤓☝🏾 that will be actually taking care of Kyle because I know that is what ya'll want. )

Also, this is not proofread i'm sorry, but once again...Kim, there's people that are dying.

✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

You had put Kyle to bed in your room, he didn't protest much.

Your bedding was very soft, and the sheets smelled of you and lavender pillow spray.

You already had him lying down, piling your purple weighted blanket over his body, which surprised him but he remained calm.

"Are you alright? Do you need anything?" You moved some of his hair from his face, he suddenly grabbed your hand which slightly scared you, but he was gentle.

He pressed your hand up against his face, right on the scar under his right eye from the accident, he looked up into your eyes lovingly.

"y/n t-t-thank you"

"You're welcome Kyle, I know it can be hard sometimes. You've gone through a lot, honey." You gave him a encouraging boop on the nose.

He blinked twice at you, probably trying to decipher what you were feeling, but he knew that you called him honey and honey was good so he smiled, pressing your palm to his dimpled cheek, you could tell that he was getting sleepy from the way he completely squished his face into your hand and how slowly he was blinking.

"Go to sleep Kyle, I'm right here for you."

He nodded, his eyes closing almost obediently.

Once you were sure that he was asleep from his soft breathing, you moved yourself into your papasan chair in the corner, you wanted Kyle to be as comfortable as possible and have a bed to himself.

There was already a blanket in the chair, so you wrapped it around yourself, it was pretty comfy, you'd fallen asleep in in a dozen times before.

You turned off the lamp that illuminated the room in warm white lighting, and slowly found yourself drifting into unconsciousness.

3:42 a.m.

You were woken from your sleep by a shift of weight on top of your body.

You almost freaked out, thinking sleep paralysis had gotten ahold of you, but you were surprised by soft tufts of blonde hair tickling your face, and warm skin against your chest.

Kyle had balled himself in your lap, his arms completely wrapped around your torso, and his head lying on your chest it didn't look like a comfortable position, considering he was much taller than you and practically slipping off the chair.

"Kyle?" You rubbed him on his back gently, trying to wake him up.

He must've been already awake, because you were immediately met with a long groan.

"What are you doing? Why aren't you in the bed?"

"Comfort." he whispered

You cooed, feeling your heart flutter

"Well wouldn't you be more comfortable in the bed?"

He shook his head

"Want...y-you." He said it like it was the plainest thing in the world

You felt your face heat up.

"Well cmon, you can still be with me but let's get in bed. You're falling off the chair Ky."

He grunted, his grip around you tightened

"I'll lay with you, we're just gonna get back in bed okay?"

Kyle sighed and groaned, like the moody baby he was...but he obliged, standing up. His eyes were squinted from the tiny bits of morning light coming through the curtains

You guided him to the bed laying down first, patting a spot for him to lay in your arms.

He immediately crawled into your embrace, letting out a sigh of relief as you wrapped your body around his. You pressed your head into the back of his neck, feeling the warmth radiating.

"Try to get some sleep, Kyle. Alright?"

By the time you had got your words out you could already hear soft snores coming from his lips

5:56 a.m.

The second time you woke up, was from Kyle tossing and turning in his sleep.

At first you thought he was having another nightmare but his face was red and you could feel the heat radiating off of his skin so it seemed like there was something more.

"Kyle, wake up. It's okay you're just having a bad dream."

You tapped him on his chest, trying to wake him up.

He Immediately sat up, hyperventilating and sobbing, his head felt like it was pulsating and he could feel his racing heartbeat in his ears, he wasn't recognizing his surroundings at first, he was scared.

You reached out to comfort him, placing a hand gently on his shoulder.

"Kyle, what's wron-"

He, threw your hand off of him, and jumped out of the bed.

"NO!"

He was having one of his "fits" Kyle often didn't know how to process his emotions when he was upset, he had lost his sense of emotional regulation and his ability to communicate when Zoe and Madison brought him back.

"NO! NO! NO!"

He grabbed the lamp on your nightstand and threw it to the ground, the glass going everywhere

"KYLE NO, STOP," you grabbed his arm to stop him breaking anything else "you're okay! You're okay! You're not in any danger!" you turned him to look at you, you could tell his eyes were pleading for some sense of understanding, while his brain worked at a million miles a minute trying to connect his pain and confusion to a reason besides anger and a imminent threat.

After a couple of seconds he recognized you as a safe face. He looked around at what he did, all of the glass on the floor and your worried face.

Tears started falling from his eyes, and he reached out to you, he needed touch.

"Kyle, oh come here." You hugged him right away, crossing the sea of glass in your crocs.

"I understand you're upset angel. Come sit down, be careful." You guided him back over to the bed, making sure he didn't cut his feet.

He was completely red in the face, and the tears just wouldn't stop. He was crying so hard, that it looked painful.

"Kyle, I think you're sick baby. You don't feel good do you? It's okay to not feel good, we can fix it."

His big, teary, brown eyes peered into yours as he blinked slowly, not understanding.

"Can I touch you Kyle? Is that alright?"

He hesitated for a second before nodding. You felt his forehead, and he practically melted into your touch which was a relief to his warm skin, he definitely had a fever.

"Does it hurt in here?" You tapped his forehead and he nodded

"Okay, can you show me if it hurts anywhere else?"

He motioned to his stomach patting it, as well as his back, he was finally feeling understood by someone.

You nodded, patting his head to signify that you understood him.

"You're sick Kyle, but that's alright. I'll take care of you. That just means that your body needs some time to calm down and fight something that's not supposed to be in there."

He didn't fully understand what you were talking about, but he trusted that you knew what would make him better.

He always thought you were so smart, even when Zoe was around he noticed how kind you were and how you always seemed to have answers.

"Alright, first things first! I gotta clean up this glass, stay here and lay down." You rubbed his cheek.

Just the notion of you leaving him, made him cry harder as he grabbed onto your arm.

"Kyle, I'm not gonna leave you, I'm not" you shushed him "I'm coming right back, I promise"

He wasn't letting up Zoe had said those same words to him, and she walked straight out of his life after promising that she would be in it forever.

"listen, I take promises very seriously," you gently kissed his forehead and removed one of your rings from your finger. It was silver, and heart shaped with a rose quartz stone "This is the ring my best friend gave me before I had to leave my town," you pressed it into his hand "as long as I'm gone, you get to keep it, that's how you know I'm coming back. It's very important to me, and so are you."

Kyle just stared at the ring, it was very pretty.

"You are important to me"

he understood that enough to let you go.

(Pt 3)

[devilfic]

❝small favor❞

VI. growing pains.

parts: previously plot: you and peter are getting used to each other, but there are growing pains. pairing: mcu!peter parker x gn!reader. cw: mentions of several injuries, mildly suggestive content, hurt/comfort, peter being a problematic vigilante boyfriend (not telling you he got his ass kicked). words: 5k.

a/n: something a little shorter and sweeter (after the pain, of course).

You lift your head, heart hammering away, and meet the eyes of Peter Parker.

He fits him perfectly. The curls, his lips. But now there are eyes that fill in the gap, honey-color eyes that speak to that soothing feeling he gives you. He's leaning his forehead against yours now, looking up into your own eyes. You've thought about this exact moment happening before, but you had never gotten around to what you would say when it finally did.

Peter's thumb brushes up against your hip—having sneaked underneath the hem of his sweater during your reverie—and it jolts you back, "Well, come on," he nervously laughs, "don't leave me hangin'."

You take a handful of his hair in your grip, passing the silky strands between your fingertips and recalling the first night you'd ever felt them, "Why now?"

Peter's nose scrunches up, "I told you. I was never fooling you."

You shut your eyes, stretching your neck forward to brush your nose against his, "No, but... why right now? Why like this?

"It might be obvious but I really, really like you. I... I just kept thinking that I really wanted to tell you, because you're this smart, ambitious, funny—amazing at baking, by the way—person that I didn't want to miss out on, but you don't really know Peter Parker. You know Spidey. You know Spider-Man. And that's a lot to live up to which is weird to say because it's... also me? And eventually, the more comfortable I got with you, the more the lines started to blur together. But I just worried that if I dragged it out any longer, I might set you up for disappointment and I just... wanted you to see me. Really see me. At least once, before I told you. Does that make sense?"

And you do see him. You're seeing everything you imagined and more mystery yet. The pictures in this room could only tell a fraction of the story of Peter Parker, your time with Spider-Man telling another. You let the little voice in your head that drives your curiosity get excited at unraveling it. Just this once. "I told you at the gala, didn't I? That if anyone in that room was you, Peter Parker would be it."

You hear a low grumble in Peter's throat, "Mm, yeah. Yeah, you did say that. You also said that... I'd be shaking and crying if you yelled at me-"

"That's irrelevant."

"You say that whenever I'm right."

"I say that whenever it's irrelevant."

"Yeah, but you do have a thing for me, right?" Peter smiles, taking your cheek in his hand. The bliss on his face knocks you right out of whack. The dresser digs into your back as you try not to get lightheaded just looking at him.

It's so unfamiliar to put a face—a whole face—to Spidey, and now you can see it all. Every wrinkle, every flutter of his eyelashes, every brow-furrow. Everything, everything.

Your lips part to tease him, but Peter's door suddenly shakes under three firm knocks.

"Hey. Is Harry. You okay?" Harry Osborn is slurring over his words, and you can tell he's got his mouth pressed up against the door because it sounds a little muffled when he speaks, "I'm really sorry."

Peter's shoulders had tensed at the knocks, pulling you closer to his body for the fraction of a second when neither of you knew it was Harry. But once he recognizes the voice, his mouth drops to your shoulder to muffle his laughing. You press your face into his hair to stifle your own, barely able to choke out a sincere, "It's no biggie, Harry. Really!"

"Ya sure? I feel really awful about it. May's... May said I stained the tablecloth too."

"I'm so sure, Harry."

"I can buy you a new shirt. As many-" He pauses to hiccup, "-as many as you want."

"You really don't have to!"

A few seconds later, Harry mumbles, "Are you mad at me?"

You whisper to Peter who is biting his bottom lip to keep from giving himself away, "Is he always like this when he's drunk?"

"After the tequila mellows out," Peter snickers, "he won't let it go until he makes it up to you, you know."

Through the door, you can hear Harry say something like "you really are mad at me" to himself. "Seriously, it's not a big deal, Harry. Look, I've already got a new sweater on and everything!"

You kind of hear Harry's question, but you notice Peter's reaction first. He stiffens, tilts his head toward the door, inhales deep.

The door barely cracks open a hair before Peter's webbed it shut.

The look Peter gives you tells you everything you need to know: Harry doesn't know.

Your mouth falls open as you slip from between Peter and the dresser and rush over to the door. You slip two fingers between the web and the door frame, testing the strength, and the lack of give is impressive. "Uh, sorry Har! I'm not decent right now."

"But you... you said... a new sweater-"

"Yeah, but..." You glance over at Peter for help which ends up being the absolute wrong thing to do. You'd taken your eyes off him during the mere second it took to reach the door, and now he's half naked standing in a pool of red and blue and frantically pulling a shirt over his naked stomach. You stare at the ridges of his abdomen as they flex, and even a little longer after Peter pulls a "You Compute Me <3" t-shirt down over it. He gestures vaguely at you, even as his cheeks go pink watching your eyes dart to his boxers and back up to his face, "...it got on my pants too?"

You hear Harry whine a little, thumping his forehead against the door, "I'm really sorry."

"If you think about it, it's kind of like payback. I spill my drink on you, you spill your drink on me. We're even now." You peek at Peter who's now bent over digging through his drawer for a pair of shorts and force yourself to keep your thoughts elsewhere.

"I'll buy you new pants, too. I'll buy you so many pants."

"The stain isn't even that bad! I'm just spot-cleaning it, really. You can go back to the party."

"Oh... well, I was gonna, but I can't find Pete."

You open your mouth to dig up some reassuring lie when Peter presses himself into your back, snatches the webbing off the door frame, and opens it to reveal a flustered looking Harry on the other side.

Whatever embarrassment he felt over the whole drink ordeal washes away instantaneously. He frowns, blinks, stands upright at once. He stares between you and Peter.

Peter is the first one to say something, "Hey... man. Hey. I'm here. You found me."

Harry raises a finger to point accusingly at you two, but nothing comes out of his mouth for a bit. Like he'd forgotten to say what he was thinking out loud, "Have you been here the whole time?"

You look at Peter. His right hand rests on the small of your back like an awkward prom date, and when he meets your gaze, a nervous laugh tumbles out of his mouth, "Yes... yeah."

Harry's eyes narrow, "Why'd you change clothes?"

"Hot flash."

Both you and Harry give Peter a bewildered look this time. How he'd kept his secret identity a secret this long was truly a plot armor miracle.

"I can take a hint, you know," Harry's demeanor deflates, even though he sounds less sad and more disappointed, "I just wish you guys would've told me you were dating earlier. I know I've been gone but I still wanna be in your life, Pete."

Your heart softens at that. You feel kind of terrible about how clumsily you've all stumbled into this moment. You feel Peter stiffen and swoop in to save him, "No! You've got it all wrong, we're not dating. We just... kissed. For the first time, actually. That's why I didn't let you in at first. It was... you know."

You watch Harry process it for a moment. Then, as if all transgressions had been forgiven, he smiles. With a deep bellow the whole house can hear, Harry turns to yell down the hallway, "That's 20, Leeds! I called it!" He gives you both a fleeting goodbye, throws in a "congrats", and runs downstairs.

You let the door quietly glide shut. Peter runs a hand through his hair, letting out a rough exhale. "So, Harry, one of your best friends since college, doesn't know you're Spider-Man? But I do?"

"It's complicated." Peter groans, "I didn't tell anyone at first. Not MJ, not Ned, not even May. Then it all just kinda happened. With Harry, though... it's not that I don't trust him, I just don't know how to bring it up."

You watch him take a seat on the edge of his bed, dropping his chin in his hand to look at you. You press your back to the door, "Bet him 20 bucks you couldn't crawl on the ceiling?"

Peter snickers, "Nah. I'd bet him 80."

"Speaking of: you wouldn't happen to know anything about that 20 Harry was talking about, would you?"

Peter's cheeks go pink and he drops his head in his hands.

Boldly, you press off the door and saunter over to him, dropping to your knees at his feet and resting your folded arm on one of his legs. He peeks through his fingers to look at you and then quickly closes them again. You tug his chin toward you and his hands have no choice but to fall away, revealing his wobbly, embarrassed smile and the blush that had spread up to his hairline, "Parker." Is all you say.

He tries to hold out and bless him, he's really cute when he tries, but he turns to mush after holding your stare for too long, "The guys thought it'd be funny to make a bet on when I'd... give in."

"Give in? To what?"

Peter wails and throws himself back on the bed dramatically, flopping like a fish. You crawl up onto the bed beside him with a shit-eating grin. He tries to throw his arm over his eyes but you pin his wrist beside his head while he debates between looking at you head-on and staring up at the top bunk, "Hey, don't hide from me," you whine, "tell me."

Peter grumbles something sarcastic under his breath but it hitches when you throw a leg over him, straddling his lower half and blocking his view of the box-spring. You think his pupils blow a bit wider, "To you," Peter's voice is tender now, careful and vulnerable, "I... kind of told everyone I wanted to make a good impression on you. Or a better impression than the last two. And Harry's been teasing me about it all day so I thought I'd just spite him for it and... and then I... put on the suit. And something stupid happens to me when I'm around you, but if I hadn't, I don't know if I would have had the courage to kiss you."

You slip a hand up Peter's chest, "If it makes you feel better," you lean down to peck his lips, "it was a damn good kiss."

"Yeah?" Peter's voice pitches up a little, cracking on the word.

"I've gotta tell the Web-Blog about it now. Full disclosure."

Before you can even giggle about it, Peter has you flipped on your back, pressing his mouth to yours in a dizzying kiss that shuts you right up.

You have not heard from Peter in 12 hours.

For normal couples, 12 hours without speaking wasn't the end of the world. Jobs, family, friends, alone time; it was reasonable—healthy even—for normal couples. 12 hours was nothing.

But you and Peter were not normal, and 12 hours for you was four days in normal couple time.

It had started the night before. Peter had promised he'd swing by for your usual debrief, a little later than usual due to where he'd be patrolling, and you had reassured him it was fine. You'd made tea and prepped the couch for the possible (inevitable) sleep-over, and waited. And waited. At some point, you'd passed out exhausted on the couch thinking that he might swoop in around three a.m. with snacks and an apology, only to wake up hours later to sunrise and nothing. No one. Cold tea and a couch only you slept on.

You'd shot off a text (well-concealed concern, of course) hoping he'd gotten some well-earned sleep after patrol, dancing around the missed date. It was fine, you were sure. It was only eight in the morning and he didn't have a tight schedule like you.

But by the afternoon, there is no response to your text.

You just about gnaw your fingernails off before Jameson recommends you take a walk to gather your bearings, or "you're shaking like my wife's teacup poodle off half a shot of espresso, go somewhere I can't see you."

Halfway down the block and no less nervous than when you left, you call the only person you know who might be of help, "Hey, Ned. Are you busy by any chance?"

"Nah, you caught me on my lunch break. What's up?"

You press your back to a storefront window, letting the city pass you by, "It's Pete. He was supposed to come by last night for our weekly debrief but he didn't show. No text, no call, nothing. And he always does his best to let me know if he can't make it."

"Hm, that's weird. Did you try calling him?"

"I... texted him? Assumed he was just too tired last night and slept off patrol at his place. But it's been a few hours and he still hasn't responded. I didn't wanna seem like a clingy partner if he was just busy but I'm getting worried. You haven't heard from him, have you?"

You can hear Ned's computer chair squeak on the other end as if he'd shot up in his chair. "That's... not like Peter."

Your stomach turns to lead, "Ned, you don't think-"

"Hold on." You hear rapid typing on Ned's end, "I traced his phone back to his apartment." You would ask how he managed to do that so quickly, especially at work, but you supposed you'd rather not know, "He's there for sure. Or his phone is, at least. Log shows he definitely took it with him on patrol."

You frown, "Really?"

"It showed him returning home at one this morning. It's still on. Last location ping was half an hour ago. Doesn't seem like he's used it, though. No calls sent out, no texts either."

"You're scary good at this, Ned."

You can hear the pride in Ned's tone as he types some more, "Look, I'm gonna give him a call and see if he picks up. If he doesn't, I'll head over to his place and see what's going on for myself. I'll let you know if I get anything out of him, alright?"

"Alright. Good. Be careful."

"Hey."

"Hm?" You bite hard into your bottom lip.

"Don't pull an Aunt May on me."

"What's an Aunt May?"

"The whole pretending you're not freaking out when you really are freaking out thing. Classic May."

"Can you blame me, Ned? I'm... I'm new to this. I don't know the protocol for dating a-" You bring a hand up to your mouth to muffle the rest of your sentence, "-vigilante. I don't know what's too much or- or..."

"If it helps, I hear there's no protocol at all. Pretty disorganized system, if you ask me. Many a couple left asunder." You choke on a little laugh, "It's gonna be okay, okay? Peter likes you a lot. It's probably nothing. Don't stress yourself out. I'll talk to you later."

The phone clicks. You feel like you should be surrounded by silence after that but the city bustles about you as if you're not even there. It's overstimulating, but you don't think you'll find much refuge back at the Bugle either.

And you would go, you would if you could. You'd be meeting Ned halfway if you knew where Peter lived but it was embarrassing. You hadn't worked up the courage to ask and Peter had never invited you over, and so now you're stuck on a street corner twiddling your thumbs wondering if your boyfriend might be hurt or worse while you mull over being too forward.

You wait five minutes, but no updates from Ned. 10, and nothing still. A half hour passes and you think you might actually vibrate through the floor with worry when you get a single text from Ned. It's an address.

Jameson hadn't been too happy when you took the rest of the afternoon off, but you'd promised to edit a particularly scathing piece about Spider-Man in exchange and, well, he couldn't say no to that.

As you knocked on the door of apartment 215, you could hear quarreling voices behind it come to a halt. Then, unmistakably, your boyfriend asks, "Who is that?" Your saliva gets stuck in your throat. You have to force down a swallow, the pressure building in your nose and behind your eyes as footsteps draw near to the front door. You hated that this would be the first time you stepped foot into Peter's place: unplanned, uninvited.

Ned is the one to open the door. His disappointment is palpable but very clearly not aimed at you. He blocks the doorway, dropping his voice to a whisper, "I know it's a lot to ask, but please don't panic. Not yet."

What no one had seemed to tell Ned in his 20+ years of living is that prefacing something with "don't panic" often had the opposite effect. Your heart rate spikes. It stutters when Peter calls out your name weakly.

All the swirling fear you'd been bracing for hits you at once. Peter is curled up on his two-seater—a cramped, dingy thing—looking like death itself. He hadn't even taken off the suit fully, the upper half bunched up at his waist like he'd only had the energy to get it down that far. His chest and torso are littered with fresh scars, some more ghastly than others, few hastily covered in a concoction of ointments and bandages that sit in a pile by the couch.

You rush past Ned and collapse on your knees beside it, "Peter?"

He winces. His face is bruised, mottled around the eyes and mouth and nose. His hand shakes as you reach for it.

You turn to Ned, "What happened?"

"Fisk happened," his best friend grumbles, "a lot of Fisk happened, apparently."

You remembered what he'd said about patrol last night. He was over in Hell's Kitchen, checking on some suspicious activity by the rail yard. Your heart jumps in your throat. "Fisk was there?"

Peter lets out a shuttering breath, "Overseeing transport."

You glare at him with more heat than he probably deserves right now, but you're beginning to tremble with rage and you've nowhere to put it, "Did you know Fisk was there?" Peter does not answer. He doesn't even bother to look at you anymore. "Peter."

"I had a chance," he coughs, spit dribbling from the corner of his lip that you quickly blot away with your sleeve, "to catch him in the act."

"He could've killed you!"

Peter can't argue that. You want him to; you want him to tell you that it wasn't so much of a close call. It'd put your mind at ease, keeping every other possible scenario at bay. He can't even do that.

You hover a hand over his cheek but can't bring yourself to touch him, afraid to irritate the bruises there. "I'm taking you to a hospital."

"You can't." Peter and Ned's voices ring out in unison.

"Then we'll take you to... to somewhere. The Avengers facility, some top-secret resort on an island I don't know the name of. Something. Peter, you could've died."

"And I'll heal," you watch Peter press himself up on his elbows, but he wobbles under his own weight and drops back down into the cushions, "it's just gonna take a while."

"Tell him he's being ridiculous, Ned."

Ned frowns from the hallway, arms crossed over his chest, "He is. But he's not going to leave the city. I've... tried."

You bite your lip, "Then what if we get someone down here instead? They come to Peter."

You see the cogs turning in Peter's brain, trying to strum up some kind of excuse, but you're already stealing his phone from the coffee table and scrolling for her contact before Peter can stop you. If you weren't so worried about his health, you'd have hesitated before dialing her number. You jump up from the floor and to your horror, Peter tries to follow you.

He stumbles—of course he does, he's barely able to stand upright—and at the very moment he reaches for your arm, the phone picks up, "Peter? It's been a while. How are you?"

"This isn't Peter, this is... this is a friend of Peter's," Peter's fingers still on your elbow, his chest pressed to your side, and you can feel him struggling to keep his weight off you to stand. Both you and Ned force him down onto his bed. "Listen, I'm sorry to bother you, but he got hurt really bad last night and we could use any help we can get. Is it possible you could send someone over? Anyone who can help?"

"Um," Pepper Potts sounds stunned, "is Peter there? Can I talk to him first?"

You reluctantly hold out the phone to your boyfriend, daring him to ignore the determined look in your eyes. And, to his credit, he does try.

"He's recovering quickly, though it won't be as quick of a turnaround as he's used to. Make sure he takes these every six hours and keep an eye on his liquids," Dr. Said places a bottle in your hand, her tone just barely betraying the exhaustion she feels after working on Peter for hours, "I would recommend no heroing until he's fully recovered, but this isn't my first rodeo."

You wonder how many heroes Dr. Said has fixed up in her time. Pepper had said she'd send over an "expert", though she'd never had the pleasure of working on Peter.

You walk her to the door and lock it behind her when she leaves, and it's only then that you realize the sun has begun to set, the buildings across the street reflecting fleeting sunrays through Peter's living room window. You're careful maneuvering throughout the place: shutting blinds, flipping on lamps, picking up his suit and discarding it in the laundry bin. It's only one room—Peter's apartment—so he watches you the whole time.

You're thinking about what to say now that it's just the two of you (Ned had gone back to work after his lunch break ended), but Peter beats you to it, "I won that," you look at Peter sitting up in bed, then follow his finger to a shelf above his desk scattered with trophies, "at my middle school mathletes competition. The one next to it was for 2nd place at our science fair; I would've won first but the soda dispenser on my ice cream float machine malfunctioned and sprayed root beer in the principal's eye."

You snort, "Pity. You kept the trophy but not the machine?"

"I kept it! It's probably in May's attic buried under my basketball participation trophies." Peter smiles for the first time since you'd gotten here. He pats the bed beside him.

As you crawl into Peter's bed, he tells you about everything else; his rug is from a garage sale (and no, those weren't bloodstains, just a freak accident with tomato paste), he'd had his bed since college but splurged on a new mattress with graduation money, he paid a little less on rent now in exchange for letting the landlord's daughter take his bike to work sometimes (swinging was faster anyway).

The little details end up not being very little. There's so much of him here, packed into this tiny one-bedroom. The half-baked Spidey gadgets scattered across his desk and the science beakers in the kitchen sink... it's so much more than what you imagined.

You curl into Peter, laying flat on your side as he tucks his arm underneath your head. He must've run out of things to point at because it's silent between you both for a good while. The sun has fully set by the time he speaks again, "I wanted this to go differently."

"This?" You mumble.

"This. You coming over for the first time. I would've liked to have... don't know, vacuumed. Changed my sheets. Washed the blood out of my suit," you both laugh at that, "I would've made you dinner. I've got tons of recipes saved on my phone."

"Oh yeah? What would you have made me?"

"Ugh, there was this uh... this pasta chip thing? You boil pasta noodles, season 'em, throw 'em in the air fryer and they come out all crunchy. I would've borrowed May's fryer and went to town."

"That sounds really good actually."

"Yeah, I gotta-" Peter reaches for his phone on the windowsill but stretches himself too hard. You sit up a little to press your hand to his shoulder, worrying over his irritated stitches, and he sinks back into the headboard in defeat, "I gotta show you. Sometime."

Peter is avoiding your eyes but you can see the swirling pools of shame and embarrassment in his. While Dr. Said had worked on his injuries, he had said next to nothing. Just stared at the ceiling, or at her, or at you. It was unnerving. He never passed up an opportunity to joke—especially at his own expense—and yet... "Why didn't you tell anyone?"

Peter winces at your question. Still refusing to look at you, the arm around you tightens and loosens. You brush your fingers against his bandaged cheek and for a second, he instinctively bumps into it. "I didn't want to worry you."

"And Ned? MJ? May? You couldn't tell them either?"

"I... I just needed to sleep it off."

"Pete," You nearly growl his name, enough for him to actually look you in the eyes this time, "don't bullshit me. Not after today."

Peter swallows. He believes your threat unsaid, and buckles, "I'm sorry."

The tightness in your frown softens, "Why?"

Peter laughs but you can tell there's very little humor in it. A defense mechanism, maybe, or his feelings are just that absurd, "I never set out to tell anyone that I was Spider-Man. I mean, I thought about it all the time but it all just kind of... happened. Before May, before Ned, before... Tony, it was just me. If I beat up a bad guy, it was between me and whoever managed to catch it online. If I saved a little old lady, it was between me and her. If I got hurt, it was just me. I learned to handle that."

You think back to what Peter said, about how he'd been Spider-Man since he'd started high school. Imagining a younger Peter—the Peter in those family pictures at May's—beaten to a pulp most nights makes you sick to your stomach. "But you've had Ned, and MJ and May for years. Don't you-" You don't get the chance to finish your question. The look Peter gives you is your answer.

"I love them but they're not... they didn't sign up for this. I did. When I fuck up, it's me. It's just me. It has to be."

"And the other heroes? I'm sure the others would help."

"The others have bigger fish to fry than me," Peter chuckles, "and I swore I would take care of New York. It's my home. So that's what I'm going to do, even if I have to do it alone."

"But you're not alone." You take his free hand in yours, fingers intertwining despite the splint on one finger. "Pete, I'm not asking you to let me out in the field with you in a dollar store knock-off of your suit, I'm asking that you just tell me—tell us when you need help. If things get dicey, say something. I'd rather know than find you in a ditch somewhere because you were too-" and you want to say proud, but you fear it'll burn the wrong way, "-too worried about us worrying. We're here for you. I'm here for you. I care so much about you that I think my heart might explode."

"Whoa, hey," Peter's eyes prickle with tears as he laughs, releasing your hand to cup your cheek, "telling me that kinda proves my point, you know that right?"

You can't help but smile, "I can't help it. You do crazy things to my feelings, Parker."

Peter draws you in for a kiss, then two. Your shoulders sag with the weight of the day and you try your best not to lean into his bruised shoulder. "I'm sorry. I should've sucked it up and said something. Ignoring you was a jackass move."

"Yeah. It was."

"I'm really sorry."

"I forgive you."

Peter's eyelashes flutter open but he keeps your noses pressed against each other, "You wanna sleep over?"

You raise an eyebrow, even as your heart accelerates, "Easy there, tiger. Make me dinner first."

Peter wiggles his injured hand against your cheek, "Uh, chef's on sabbatical. Will takeout suffice?"

You press a kiss to his nose. "Sounds good to me, handsome."

[takamiwife]

song quotes that remind me of you and keigo’s relationship

DISCLAIMER: i am not supporting/endorsing any artists on this list who may be problematic, nor am i trying to erase the original meaning of any songs

💌 if you’d like another one of these pls lmk!! <3 💌

—————————————

“good little girl

always picking a fight with me

you know that i’m bad, but you’re spending the night with me

what do you want from my world?

you’re a good little girl.”

- good little girl ; adventure time soundtrack

“i was all on my own

almost glad to be alone

until love came in on time, on time”

- loving is easy ; rex orange county

“spending the years together

growing older every day

(every day)

i feel at home when im around you

and i’ll gladly say again

i hope the encore lasts forever

now there’s time for us to spend”

—

“this right here still feels like the honeymoon

when you say my name,

nothings changed

i’m still a boy inside my thoughts

am i meant to understand my faults?”

- pluto projector ; rex orange county

“honey i belong with you and only you, baby

only you, my girl, only you, babe (you)

only you darling, only you babe (you)”

- dark red ; steve lacy

“oh, oh, oh, i, i was a city boy

right into danger’s where i’d

always run, a boy who had his fun

but i wouldn’t have done all the things that i have done

if i knew one day you’d come.”

- if i knew ; bruno mars

“when my time comes around

lay me gently in the cold dark earth

no grave can hold my body down

i’ll crawl home to her”

—-

“my babe would never fret none

about what my hands and my body done

if the lord don’t forgive me

i’d still have my baby and my babe would have me”

- work song ; hozier

“hey, hey, hey, lover

you don’t have to be a star

hey, hey, hey, lover

i love you just the way you are

for love is just the same

without fortune or fame

just give me true love and understanding

true love and understanding.”

- hey lover ; the daughters of eve

“my baby here on earth

showed me what my heart was worth

so, when it comes to be my turn

could you shine it down here for her

‘cause my love is mine, all mine

i love mine, mine, mine

nothing in the world belongs to me

but my love, mine, all mine

nothing in the world is mine for free

but my love, mine, all mine, all mine”

- my love mine all mine ; mitski

“all those days chasing down a daydream

all those years living in a blur

all that time, never truly seeing

things the way they were

now she's here, shining in the starlight

now she's here, suddenly I know

if she's here, it's crystal clear

i'm where I'm meant to go

and at last I see the light

and it's like the fog has lifted

and at last I see the light

and it's like the sky is new”

- i see the light ; tangled soundtrack

“and oh, we started

two hearts in one home

it's hard when we argue

we're both stubborn, I know

but oh

sweet creature, sweet creature

wherever I go, you bring me home

sweet creature, sweet creature

when I run out of road, you bring me home”

- sweet creature ; harry styles

“you’re making me crazy

really driving me mad

that’s alright with me

it’s really no fuss

as long as you’re next to me

just the two of us”

- my kind of woman ; mac demarco

“you're afraid to meet someone

'Cause you've been burned, you've been burned, you've been burned

love is good until it's gone

that's what you learned, what you've learned, what you've learned

you don't have to hide your love away and

i know that i'm gonna make mistakes, but

leaning on somebody isn't easy

i'll do what i can to make you see that

this is not a temporary love

this is not a temporary love

now your heart is in my hands, i won't give it up

this is not a temporary love”

- temporary love ; ben platt

“i will not ask you where you came from

i will not ask you, neither should you

honey just put your sweet lips on my lips

we should just kiss like real people do”

- like real people do ; hozier

“oh, won't you kiss me on the mouth and love me like a sailor?

and when you get a taste, can you tell me what's my flavor?

i don't believe in god, but i believe that you're my savior

my mom says that she's worried, but I'm covered in this favor

and when we're getting dirty, I forget all that is wrong

i sleep so I can see you 'cause I hate to wait so long”

- sailor song ; gigi perez

“she is the sweetest thing that i know

should see the way she holds me when the lights go low

shakes my soul like a pothole every time

took my heart upon a one way trip

guess she went wandering off with it

none like most women I know

this one will bring it back whole”

-

“that every night i'll kiss you, you'll say in my ear

oh we're in love, aren't we?

hands in your hair

fingers and thumbs, baby

i feel safe when you're holding me near

love the way that you conquer your fear

you know hearts don't break around here”

- hearts don’t break around here ; ed sheeran

[haveyouseenthisskeleton]

No gonna lie. Your writing is good asf but you're French too?!I'm so happy to see that I'm not the only French speaking writer who writes in English and the fact that it's undertale too? Amazing !

Can I request the main 10 boys and how they would react to a crybaby s/o ? Like not in a bad way? The reader is just really sensitive. If they cry of laughter, they're actually sobbing, angry? Sobbing, happy? Sobbing. Scared?Sobbing.

And well, all of this crying is very exhausting for s/o

If possible, female gendered, but I don't really care, so it's up to you

Thanks if you do, and whether you do or don't, I hope you have a great day/night and that you're safe!

Yeah, we're not a lot of French people in the fandom, but we're very persistent!

Undertale Sans - He never had someone literally sobbing at his puns before so he was a bit surprised at first. Now he's just used to it. He's carrying tissues with him all the time in case there's an emergency. He still can't get over the fact one single pun can kill you though. It's both sad and hilarious, he could never stop bothering you.

Undertale Papyrus - He learned to discern the happy sobs from the sad sobs now. He showed you his notebooks with an exact study of how he differentiates them and he's very proud of it. You think it's so awkward but Papyrus just pats you on the shoulder and tells you that's alright because you can't hide anything from him anyway. He smiles, then leaves. Uh. Well, that was scary.

Underswap Sans - He's probably not the best match. Blue is not that good with people crying. He tends to hide his feelings a lot, and that's because he has a cold head he's a wonderful police officer. He's very awkward when you randomly start to cry and it's stressing him out because he's never sure if he said something wrong or not.

Underswap Papyrus - Welp. The thing with Honey is that he is super super empathetic. This means that whenever you cry, he cries as well lol. It leads to super awkward moments when you try to stop crying but Honey cries so you cry again, and then Honey cries again and it's a never-ending circle. You can't help it.

Underfell Sans - The poor guy already struggles to understand human emotions in the first place, but now he is just so confused. Crying is for sad, but now crying is for literally all the other feelings? How the hell is he supposed to make a difference? Can't you just stick a post-it on your head stating your current mood and if he messed up or not? He can't tell, it's driving him crazy!

Underfell Papyrus - The military school taught him that crying means you're really hurt and on the verge of dying. Now everytime you cries, he comes running in a hurry, completely panicking, and gets so confused when you're actually crying but laughing at the same time??? Are you mocking him? Are you broken? Why can't you use the crying thing like in his books? Humans are so complicated for no reason, it's so frustrating! When you said the book might be lying to him, he's flabbergasted.

Horrortale Sans - He doesn't care what you're crying for. He quickly understood that you crying means he gets free cuddles. You kinda accidentally trained him to come running to you for """comfort""" whenever you're crying. He loves it when you're crying. Please cry more and pet him.

Horrortale Papyrus - He's exactly like you. It's like looking into a mirror. He thinks it's so awkward when you both start crying at the same time. He tries to stop, but he really can't help it. That's problematic when there are people around who are trying to help you two but you're actually dying of laughter. People are so confused.

Swapfell Sans - He's Mr. Poker Face, and he became an expert in reading you so he can translate your feelings to the people around you when you can't talk anymore. He makes it so awkward though, saying to random people you're crying because you saw a cute kitten and can't get over it and that he is in fact not mistreating you. At least he tries to help.

Swapfell Papyrus - Sorry he can't read your feelings right and thinks everything is a joke, even when you're mad at him. He's so confused when you starts to scream at him because actually it's not funny. Usually, he makes himself very little for a few hours after that. Sorry, no one taught him to read the signs, he kinda does his best.

Fellswap Gold Sans - He rolls his eyes at you every time you start to cry lol. Yeah, he still thinks crying is for weak people and he can't really understand why you're so emotive. It's even worse when you're crying affects Coffee and then he has two people he needs to awkwardly comfort by patting their head. Please, stop.

Fellswap Gold Papyrus - Another one too empathetic that will start to sniff whenever you start to cry and then burst into tears in your arms for no reason. At least he gives good hugs with all the crying, so it's a bonus point.

[alicelufell]

.・✫・゜・。..・✫・゜・。..・✫・゜・。.

Inspired by @kafkasgirlhood (sorry if I couldn't have tagged you), I also want to give ideas for songs for devotional playlists! This one in question is for Hestia, the Goddess of the Hearth. (They're all from my playlist to Her)

๑ ִ 🏠 ⑅ Orphic Hymn to Hestia — Queenie

๑ ִ 🏠 ⑅ Hestia — The Citrus Tree

๑ ִ 🏠 ⑅ Milk & Honey — Billie Marten

๑ ִ 🏠 ⑅ Diz A Ela — Lisa Ono

๑ ִ 🏠 ⑅ Rises the Moon — Liana Flores

๑ ִ 🏠 ⑅ my future — Billie Eilish

๑ ִ 🏠 ⑅ Everything i wanted — Billie Eilish

๑ ִ 🏠 ⑅ Cardigan — Taylor Swift

๑ ִ 🏠 ⑅ You're on your own, kid — Taylor Swift

๑ ִ 🏠 ⑅ I bet on losing dogs — Mitski

๑ ִ 🏠 ⑅ Home — Toby Fox/Undertale

๑ ִ 🏠 ⑅ Here Comes a Thought — Steven Universe

๑ ִ 🏠 ⑅ Beautiful Boy — John Lennon

๑ ִ 🏠 ⑅ Pancakes for Dinner — Lizzy McAlpine

๑ ִ 🏠 ⑅ Dos Oruguitas — Encanto (Any Encanto song, I associate with Hestia almost all of them)

๑ ִ 🏠 ⑅ Hatachi no koi — Lamp

๑ ִ 🏠 ⑅ Yume Utsutsu — Lamp

๑ ִ 🏠 ⑅ Still With You — JungKook

🕯️𓈒ㅤ◌ I hope this post was useful for any Hestia devotee out there who is lacking ideas! ❤️

🕯️𓈒ㅤ◌ I also have ideas for other Gods, so if anyone wants a specific one, feel free to ask!

🕯️𓈒ㅤ◌ Another thing, if any of the singers or songs have anything problematic that I don't know/didn't notice, please let me know! And I'm sorry about that.

Have a great day! ❤️

[yowyowyaoi]

Hidan's Daily Texts from the Akatsuki, Part Two

From Konan

Why would it gross you out? You basically deal with blood for a living!

Flattery might get you a hug but it won't get you out of your share of the food bill.

In all seriousness that's ridiculous.

Just pretend he’s Kakuzu. Problem solved.

You guys need to keep it down. I need my beauty sleep!

Sasori has a variety of things he could give you to ease the pain. But be warned he’ll likely give you a three hour lecture on “proper dental hygiene”.

I'm sure he just meant it as a joke. No need to eviscerate him.

I need that like I need a hole in my head.

Love is not about looks, it's about feelings and personality. He's the kindest, most gentle man I've ever known in my life.

If you're that curious, just transform into one and feel them yourself!

He doesn't take betrayal very well. I'd strongly reconsider if I were you.

Being immortal is a hell of a thing to have in common, isn't it?

I wish you and Dei would leave him be. Just because he *chooses* not to fight back doesn't mean he can't, or won't at some point. And I think that will be a scary day for the two of you.

Ladies don't curse but if you heard even half of what I was thinking it'd blow your mind, Hidan.

From Itachi

Looks mean very little to me.

If you're that interested in seeing them, then just ask him to pull down his pants for you the next time you see him. See what he says.

A compliment coming from you sounds very, very odd.

I would not just leave something like that to chance and never, ever to the two of you.

We're close. That's all you need to know.

I'll admit, the honey and ants in my bed was a clever, if sadistic, touch.

You've got ten minutes to return it to my door or I promise your eternity will be one long inescapable nightmare.

No.

The last time I went with you guys you ate $1000 worth of food and then tried to stick me with the bill!

If you'd just admit it I'd be willing to go easy on you.

Of course he's an attractive man but I couldn't deal with that personality on a daily basis.

In that way I'm better than you, aren't I? You clearly fear death. I don't.

If my opinion counts for anything: hold on to Kakuzu. I don't believe there's a single other soul in this universe that would care for you the way he does.

I suppose not all the time. He does brush my hair out for me a lot. Very gentle.

From Tobi

If it isn't something that could work, why would it be the plot to SO MANY homoerotic stories??

You left it sitting there for three days! If I didn't eat it, it would have spoiled!

Just woke up not in the mood for your shit rn

If he thinks you're like a brother than one day me and you can be in-laws!

You didn't even spell "delusional" right.

Are you the one who left the jar of crickets on my bed?

Actually your hair would probably look good longer.

You're not going to lecture ME on something like that!

I think of him like a little cousin. So STOP messing with him!

If you think Kakuzu looks "sexy" without his mask you couldn't handle ME, man.

Come with us, the water should be fine by now.

The Hidden Leaf? Nope. Never heard of it.

Sharingan?? LOL

Be warned, Hidan. I'm not as stupid as you think I am.

Do YOU want to see my FIST? Okay then.

So is "Jashin" just looking the other way while you love Kakuzu, then?

From Nagato

I think of you all as my children. Some more problematic than others.

Yes it works! And even if it didn't, she wouldn't leave me!

I almost teamed you up with Deidara but I don't think I could have afforded that sort of damage.

Ultimately that would be Kakuzu's decision.

Tell your God to meet up with me and we'll see who's more "real", brat.

What. Did. You. DO?!

If I hear that you "accidentally" walked in while she was changing again, you'll wish to the heavens that you WERE able to die.

Yes but a mostly vegetarian diet is easier for my body to handle.

I did not form these teams with the intention of being a matchmaker.

I wish you would put as much effort and planning into your missions as you do to harassing your fellow Akatsuki teammates.

From Deidara

Yes I blew him up but I didn't rob him. Standards, man.

Me and Kisame going fishing, you in?

Come see me we gotta get our stories straight before Leader questions us.

He stepped on a beehive. Spent all day pulling stingers from his arms and legs. STILL wouldn't take off his mask.

I knoooooow. God you sound like Sasori.

I did but I don't think they can prove that it was me ...

You can't just sculp some little mouse and then call yourself an artist! It doesn't work like that!

I think the chicken was bad I can't stop puking and my ass is literally on fire!

If you won't listen to me talk about my REAL art, what makes you think I'm gonna listen to you talk about your FAKE God??

Me and you and Itachi. Yes he'll go if we drag him out.

Yeah but she's sooooooo pretty how can I help it?!

Why are you bragging? That just means you'll be old and ugly before me!

Honestly I just bring him a body and some tools and he stays distracted for like a week. Lets me do whatever without even questioning it lmao

He likes to carry me. Don't ask questions, I just enjoy not having to walk for a few hours.

I really, REALLY don't need to know what "gets you off". Pervert.

From Kisame

I have no idea how to answer something like that.

I don't know what's going on with you and Kakuzu but please stop "accidentally" sending me pics like that or I'm blocking you.

I'd die for him but all I really want is for him to live for me.

I think we're the only two who like it ultra-rare and dripping blood. Well, maybe Zetsu.

Yeah I have my suspicions as well but it's like that thing is glued to his face or something. Deidara is the only one who could get close enough to him to try it but he seems scared for some reason.

You can join us but no screaming in the water this time or you'll scare them all off.

I've got at least 11 years up on you so yes, you ARE a brat to me.

I don't think there are any decent shortcuts, we just have to walk straight through. Ask Kakuzu to lend you his tall boots.

There's doing our job and then there's crossing the line. Guess which one you did.

Yes it's warm but that doesn't mean we wish to see you sitting out there in the nude.

Itachi's not feeling well so I need a replacement weight for my other arm. Deidara is already helping, now I need you too.

In the old days they used leeches as a cure for everything. A few aren't gonna kill ya, kid. Don't be a baby.

He's literally perfect. And he's MINE. So onsen or not the next time I catch you looking like that I'll snatch your eyes out and eat them like grapes :)

From Sasori

Come see me before the infection spreads.

Mint, rosemary, and a tiny bit of thyme.

Unless you’re looking to get bent over, brat, how it works is none of your goddamned business.

You would likely be a terrible one.

No, he’s it for me. I’ll either marry him or kill him, haven’t decided yet.

I can imitate eating to fool enemies but the food will just stay in my throat until I manually remove it.

You kill humans nearly every day, you can handle a spider.

It would break my metaphorical heart.

I’m not “betting” you anything. I KNOW it won’t kill you. But the poison is both expensive and time-consuming to make and I’m not wasting it on you.

18 and 34.

Leave the ones that I’ve marked alone. They’re perfect specimens and I won’t have you ruin them with that heathen ritual of yours.

Yes but I’m slowly coming to accept that sexuality is a spectrum and nothing is black or white.

You and Tobi will be coming with. Pack extra food and warm clothes. No whining that you’re hungry or cold later on.

It won’t be as amusing when I nail your skull to the wall.

From Zetsu

He tasted so good. My many thanks.

I haven’t any idea why the others seem so perturbed by it, considering their *own* “atrocities".

Too loud. Sensitive ears.

Aren't you having relations with him? Surely you could convince him.

Unfortunately we need them alive and well, so please, none of your antics.

Couldn't hurt. But I doubt it would help, either.

Out of everyone here, you and your blood-scented skin smell the best.

I'm beginning to think your obsession with penises is more than a passing curiosity and an indication for serious concern.

Deidara is correct, everything is ephemeral. This world is temporary.

I wouldn't know the first thing about manipulating anyone. I'm just a plant.

From Kakuzu

Try me and see. I DARE you, brat.

Either help me or stay home and shut up about it.

You stimulate me, but not in all good ways.

If I wasn't "obsessed with money" this entire organization would be nothing, we'd be homeless and everyone would be starving.

Just wait until I get you alone.

Next time I suggest you think before you act.

Deidara will face Sasori but YOU will have to deal with ME. Consider that.

It's your turn to pay for dinner. I could go for either seafood or steak.

Call it gay if you wish but you won't change my mind.

I'm not sure if your body could handle multiple hearts, immortal or not.

Endurance training. My room. Ten minutes. Hydrate yourself beforehand.

You're going to eat something green if I have to pry open your mouth and shove it down your throat.

Because I CARE, asshole.

Why should I have to fight them off because you can't keep your hands to yourself??

I happen to like Itachi so watch your manners, if any exist.

Can't "believe" in someone I've never met. Which is why I don't understand why YOU do.

If I ever went, I'm taking you out with me. "'Til death" is inaccurate.

Sure, sure. While you're at it pray for money to drop out of the sky and into my lap.

Handcuffs aren't doing it for me anymore. Bring some rope and maybe some honey this time.

Get back here and clean this shit up before I come kill you.

Love you. <3. Delete this text immediately.

[xenonluxius]

You’re Mine; Don’t Forget That - Chapter 1

Footsteps akin to the cracking of ice resounded through a crystalline hall, grand chandeliers refracting dancing speckles of light across the pale blue carpeted floor. Murmurs, drabbles of nameless humans buzzed around the single woman striding down the path with the confidence and grace of a predator. Isolated words, breathless sighs followed every bounce of her wavy amethyst hair, the tips dipped in a soft lavender hue. Sly ruby eyes glanced at her captivated audience, her eyelashes casting a web of shadows upon her almond shaded skin.

Darkwick Academy’s uniform sat like a mischievous black cat upon her lithe body, the velvety jacket unbuttoned to reveal a crisp white dress shirt underneath. The stormy gray skirt swirled around her mid thighs, matte black tights clinging to toned calves as blood red school-issued dress shoes sauntered merrily along their way. Polished black titanium glinted on their soles and armored the tips, black rubber padding the heel and front tip so as to not make much noise on hard surfaces. Small lily of the valley earrings dangled from her ears, ringing out a soft tune with every step she took, and the gold braids decorating every female uniform seemed almost teasing as they rested upon her bosom, challenging onlookers to allow their gaze to drift downward.

“The Madam Liaison is here…” Hushed whispers gaped incredulously as regular Frostheim students gazed upon the ravishing woman with a mixture of fear and reverence, their eyes skittish as they tracked her movements with anticipation. Full lips tilted upwards as the object of their attention fixed her glimmering eyes upon the hesitant onlookers, siren eyes winking as she waved a nonchalant hand. Men and women alike flushed a crimson red, some of the more faint hearted averting their eyes with a hand to their heart.

Quickly losing interest in the nameless rabble, the woman ran a deft hand through her waist-length hair, clearing strands from her field of vision as she locked on to a monocled man in the distance. “Tohma! Sorry for the wait,” she called out, her honeyed voice toughened with a bit of huskiness. It cut through all remaining whispers like a knife through butter, demanding obedience and begetting silence.

“It is no problem to me, Suzuran. Our captain, on the other hand, may not tolerate your tardiness with such magnanimity,” Tohma Ishibashi uttered as he adjusted his monocle, organizing a stack of papers nestled in his left arm. Despite his blunt words, there was a hint of humor in his eyes as he dipped into a shallow bow, gesturing for Suzuran to place her hand into his palm. Politely kissing the back of her hand, Tohma straightened up and let go. “I wish you all the best in dealing with our problematic captain.”

“What're you talking about? You're going in with me, Tohma. I'm not the one carrying the investigation report,” Suzuran said with a dramatic hand to her heart, spinning on her heel as she began to lead the way to Frostheim’s captain's quarters.

“Of course. You cannot be trusted to give a satisfactory report,” Tohma scolded. “Left to your own devices, you would simply hand him the papers and leave, and you know that the captain would proceed to burn those papers because he couldn't be bothered to read them.”

“I would be hurt at the fact that you have so little faith in me… if I weren't fully aware that it's the truth,” Suzuran chuckled, a seductive sound that had had every poor passerby student in the vicinity flushed and flustered.

“I am thankful of your self awareness,” Tohma commented dryly as they stopped in front of an elaborately decorated wooden door. With zero hesitation, Tohma pushed open the heavy slabs of wood, then stepped aside to allow Suzuran in first.

“Thank you,” she nodded in appreciation, then focused her attention on the man sprawled on the couch on the other side of the room. “Jin! Guess who came to make sure you don't truly morph into a vampire?” Suzuran trilled as she strolled further in, completely ignoring the stirring albino as she flung open the curtains. “It's noon, captain. Wake up and smell the damn roses, you incorrigible man,” she huffed as she tied the curtains up, keeping them ajar.

“Shut the hell up… The sun’s too damn bright,” Jin Kamurai groaned as he covered his eyes with his forearm, his free hand searching blindly for his pack of cigarettes. “Close the fucking curtains and leave, woman.”

“As much as I would love to preserve my mental wellbeing by staying far away from this musty dump of a room, we both know that you simply cannot live without me. And I, the generous person that I am, am willing to set aside therapy in order to make sure you don't send yours to the hospital,” Suzuran drawled as she snatched the wayward cigarettes from the coffee table next to Jin's couch. Lazy ruby eyes regarded the unopened paper box with undisguised disdain, a sigh dragging itself out of her cherry lips as she tore the seal open. Popping one out, she tossed the rest of the pack towards Tohma as she dug into her skirt pocket to grab a lighter.

“I'll send you to the damn hospital if you don't shut that insolent mouth of yours up,” Jin growled, lowering his arm to glare balefully at Suzuran, a leg dangling off the edge of the couch as the other lay across the couch. His white dress shirt, full of unrealized potential to be crisply pressed and unwrinkled, lay like a crumpled tissue across his toned body - two buttons rendered unused, the collar of the shirt ajar to reveal unmarred jade skin and a polished silver necklace. Snowy hair tipped in winter blue hung over his spiteful eyes, only to be combed back with a veiny hand.

“You wound me,” Suzuran quipped, lighting the cigarette and approaching Jin from behind, a hand resting on the couch's wooden frame as she leaned over Jin's head to bring the lit tobacco to his lips. A cheeky grin settled on her lips as soft tendrils of her lavender hair wafted around Jin's face, encapsulating him in a cage of those silken strands. “I'll need compensation for dealing with your bullshit all the time,” she chuckled as he grumpily snatched the cigarette from her fingers, smacking her hand away and breathing in a long drag from the cancer stick.

“Stop stalling and get to the point. Tohma, quit your lurking and come here,” Jin ordered as he lifted his gaze to the ceiling and cushioned his head with a hand, the cigarette limply hanging from his lips as a trail of smoke rose mesmerizingly from its embers.

“I was simply awaiting permission to step foot within your pristine sanctuary,” Tohma uttered smoothly as he stepped forward, stopping a few feet away from the couch as Suzuran stepped away from the moody captain, opting to lurk near the doors in hopes that she could slip away in time for the cafeteria lunch sale.

“Bullshit,” Jin muttered as he closed his eyes, a prominent wrinkle appearing on his brow.

Says you, Suzuran snorted to herself as she turned towards the doorway, then paused as she noticed a timid face peeking hesitantly through the parted doors. Round hazel eyes widened as she noticed the beauty's gaze, a blush of embarrassment dusting the brunette's cheeks. “Who might you be?” Suzuran asked gently, a soft smile brightening her face as she held one of the doors open for the shorter girl.

“Pardon me… I've come to introduce myself to Frostheim's captain at the Chancellor’s request,” the girl said, her fingers fiddling nervously with a button on her blazer as she looked into Suzuran's ruby eyes with no small amount of awe.

“Introduce… Oh, you must be the honor student that the Chancellor was talking about at the entrance ceremony! I caught a glimpse of your cute face from a distance, but I must say that you're absolutely adorable up close,” Suzuran gushed as she reached down to clasp the honor student's left hand between her own, lifting it up with a wide grin.

“C-cute!? Such flattering words are wasted on me,” the brunette denied vehemently, her blush growing even as her nervousness shrank due to the other woman's overflowing goodwill.

“Your modesty makes you even cuter-” Suzuran insisted before a resounding crash interrupted her and caused the brunette to violently jump, a disgruntled sigh escaping Suzuran's mouth at Jin’s following words.

“Who the fuck are you?” he demanded, a glare akin to a freshly sharpened dagger piercing through the distance between the two men and women.

“Show some decency,” Suzuran scowled as she raised an arm to shield the honor student from his ire. “That's no way to talk to someone, and you know it.”

“Like I give a damn. Tohma, use a match on the intruder,” Jin ordered as he took another drag from his cigarette.

This little fucker- Suzuran cursed inwardly even as a strained smile forced its way to her face, stopping Tohma on his tracks with a wave of her hand. “If you ever left your glorified man cave, you would know that the matches don't work on her. A curse, apparently,” she elaborated, knowing that the captain wouldn't know about the curse.

“A curse, huh?” Jin muttered as he stood up, grabbing his jacket from the back of the couch and throwing it over his shoulders as he strode towards the two women.

Just wear the damn thing like a normal person… Suzuran deadpanned before her thoughts were disrupted by Jin's foot slamming into the door behind them. The honor student quaked in fear as Suzuran simply gazed into her captain's eyes with disdain.

“I've had enough of your mouth, Suzuran. My room has anomalous soundproofing,” Jin growled lowly, leaning forward so that the cigarette hanging from his lips drew dangerously close to Suzuran's own lips. “No matter what I do to you two… no matter how much you scream and cry, nobody's gonna hear you.”

“I could say the same thing to you,” Suzuran shot back challengingly, her mouth twisted into a mocking smile and her chin tilted up as she stared down her captain with smoldering fury in the ruby depths of her eyes.

A wolf with fangs of fire and a tiger with claws of ice clashed within the spacious room, the tension between them weighing down like a boulder upon the two other people unfortunate enough to be in the same space. After a heartbeat more, Jin lowered his leg and spun around, his footsteps echoing into the space growing between him and his liaison.

“I never want to see your faces in here again. Same goes for you, Tohma,” he ordered, dropping onto his couch and resuming his recline, the arm thrown across his eyes a clear indication of his desire to have them gone.

“Suzuran, if you would,” Tohma whispered into her ear, somehow materializing beside her with a hand on the handle of the door.

“I know. See you later, Tohma. Miss Honor Student, let's go,” Suzuran bade, a gentle hand on the brunette's back as they retreated from the source of the migraine quickly making its presence known within the crown of Suzuran's head.

Fuck you too, Kamurai.

[bangtansmauyeondan]

THIS TIME AROUND | Part 1 (KTH)

Pairing: Taehyung x Fem Reader

Genre: arranged marriage, brother’s bestfriend, denial, slow burn, fluff, implied smut, angst, crack.

Rating: 18+

Word Count: 7.7K

Warnings: explicit language, mentions of divorce and infidelity, mentions of anxiety and fear, mentions of pregnancy, alcohol consumption, problematic ex

Summary: Marrying his bestfriend’s older sister and his childhood crush did not even cross Taehyung’s mind. But as if fate was on his side, their grandparents have made a pact to unite both families. They decided to strengthen and merge their farming and distributions businesses by marrying off their eldest grandchildren. He felt like floating on air as he stood facing you in front of the altar. That day, he promised to give you the world and his heart. Undoubtedly, Taehyung is in love with you.

Marrying your brother’s bestfriend less than a year after your long-term boyfriend left you is like kicking the ball hard and hitting the post before it rebounded towards the goal. He loves you. He gives you everything. He’s gorgeous, he’s kind, he’s great in bed, but you couldn’t bring yourself to love him beyond the sheets. Until one day, he turns the tables on you, and you find yourself fighting tooth and nail to keep him close. Losing him too is simply not an option.

Part 2 Release Date: TBD

•••

TAGLIST: @dvalitaes @kimtaesss @taebangtanbabe @invincibletaetae @ohsweetmimosa @prajusstuff @hakko_bby @imnotokayfuckup @generouschildcolor @glossyyyymin @ancagab16 @lilies-dont-lie @taemocha @sweet-weapon-077 @glossyyyymin

PERMANENT TAGLIST: @snoozeagustd @persphonesorchid @thatbangtanjagiya @taestefully-in-luv @pamzn @wrmnssoul @ygbubs @halesandy @jayhope88 @bnagtanx1306 @pinkseokchim @busanbby-jjk @babycandy111 @auraandpetrichor

•••

Taehyung collapsed on top of you with a grunt, teeth nipping at the dainty flesh of your clavicle, as he sank his face further into the crook of your neck. You were both out of breath from riding out your early morning orgasm, and you more so, for having his full weight against your ribcage.

"Move, it's too hot and you’re heavy..." You whined as you writhed underneath him, pushing him and thumbing away the strands of your hair that stuck on your sweaty skin.

Taehyung's mind was fuzzy and his body heavy as he struggled to lift himself up on his elbows when he felt you push him away. He rolled over on his back as he watched you get out of bed, in all your naked glory, making a beeline to the ensuite bathroom. "Nice butt," he threw a compliment your way, making you roll your eyes. 

"Stop staring!"

"The right cheek is still red, honey. I’m sorry!" 

You threw him the finger before shutting the door of the bathroom, making him break into an obnoxious laugh. It's not long after when he sauntered into the bathroom himself to take a shower, after making a mental calculation of the time it would take for you to finish with yours. Ever as accurate with his timing, you were already dressed in your robe, hair tied up in a towel, while brushing your teeth in front of the double sink when he entered. 

“Should I pick you up from work this evening?” Taehyung asked you as he disappeared into the glass partition.

Ah, the classic "married couple conversation" - that charming early morning exchange where one half of the couple is quietly going through their pre-work routine, while the other tries, with all their might, to spark some form of coherent conversation. It's a delicate dance of trying not to overstep while also attempting to piece together the idea of it being a normal thing to do between married people. After all, it has already been almost a year since you two exchanged your vows. At times, it can feel like you're speaking two entirely different languages - one person tuned into the present moment while the other is on another planet.

Taehyung’s question was met with silence and he immediately started convincing himself that you just didn’t hear him properly. 

“Seokjin hyung and Mari are expecting us at the grand opening of their aqua park this weekend,” he started another conversation. “You’re not working this weekend, are you?” 

You spat out the toothpaste foam before answering, “It’s this weekend already?” Your eyebrows furrowed, trying to remember the date. “I’m trying to close a client on Monday so I’d probably be working on the presentation that weekend.” You arranged your toothbrush and dental floss on the acrylic holder before meeting Taehyung’s eyes in the mirror. “You should go ahead, don’t wait for me.” 

“Yah, of course they’re expecting us to attend together,” Taehyung countered with a small pout. “We’re a married couple.” 

“Married couple?” You turned around and walked towards the shower, reaching for Taehyung’s face before rising on your toes and planting a quick kiss on his lips, but it felt all too sweet for Taehyung. “We’re business partners, honey.” 

Taehyung’s eyes automatically shut as he savored your kiss, and you’ve already stepped out of the bathroom when his eyes slowly fluttered open. He released his breath that he always knew he held around you in moments like that, as another fine line was added to the already-existing crack in his heart. 

—

You leaned back on your chair, taking a quick pause from revising the contract renewal proposal for your target Japanese client to collect your thoughts, and do a quick read through. It’s important for you to close this client, because although they put your grandfather in high regard when they initially signed a contract with Sunrise Foods Corp, you couldn’t say they view you and your competence the same way as a young woman. They have also expressed their dislike of the Kim Industries Inc merger, questioning the stability of the business in the near future. 

You’re not a stranger to judgment when people say that you’re both too young to tie the knot for convenience instead of love. What they failed to understand is that you did get married for love, albeit not for each other, but for the love of your families. You both came from what they call “old money,” tracing back to generations of farming and distributions, from livestock, to fisheries, to fresh produce - your families have it all. 

Kim Industries Inc. is a huge empire. Kim Hakyung, Taehyung’s grandfather, is the youngest of three brothers. The eldest has passed down his fisheries and aquaculture business to his first grandson Seokjin, and the middle has passed down his livestock and poultry business to his only grandson, a licensed veterinarian, Namjoon. Traditionally, the brothers would pass down their businesses to their grandchildren instead of their children, but Hakyung hit a snag on his bloodline when his eldest grandson had yet to be married as his retirement date from his crops and forestry business approached.  He knew he had to make sure Taehyung would be producing an heir to their fortune. Luckily, he knew just who to run to. 

Your grandfather’s relationship with Kim Hakyung grew from just being friends who met during their military enlistment to being business partners. Sunrise Foods Corp is the top frozen and processed food company in the country, marketing Korea’s food history and efficiently translating it to conveniently packed food items for today’s modern lifestyle. Every meat, poultry, fish, and produce that the company processed were directly supplied by Kim Industries Inc, bringing the freshest ingredients to the consumer’s table. 

Your grandfather has built his estate next to the Kim estate, and you have lived there with your brother Jimin your whole life even after your parents got divorced and moved on with their lives. Taehyung and Jimin, of the same age, basically grew up chasing each other down the lake that sat between the two estates. Being just a year older, you were around the two boys a lot – or the other way around. You went to school together, you played together, and when you were old enough to do stuff on your own, you even went to parties together. 

You’ve always known that Taehyung had a crush on you. After all, when he was thirteen, he slipped a letter in your locker on Valentine’s day that read “I really like your pretty smile,” which he never admitted to, but you accidentally saw him sneaking the letter in. What you didn’t know is that he didn’t outgrow that crush and that it would only transform into something so intense and all-encompassing– the way you laughed, the way your eyes sparkled in the sunlight when you came by the lake, and the sound of your voice became etched into his heart. One summer, during your birthday dinner, you entered the restaurant with another man in tow. You looked at that man like he hung all the stars in the sky, and Taehyung almost heard his heart shatter. That’s when he realized that this love for you wasn't just a mere infatuation but rather an indescribable force that pulled at him relentlessly. 

As selfish as it sounded, the moment he heard about your break up with your then boyfriend a few years later, Taehyung sprung into action and asked his grandfather and his parents to arrange his marriage with you, mentioning the future of their family business for good measure.

The two elderly men often talked about merging and growing their business officially, throwing playful glances at you and Taehyung everytime you would gather for a joint family dinner. Taehyung’s parents seemed to agree as his dad would often quip that he knew Taehyung would be a good husband and father. You paid it no mind, but Taehyung basked in the attention. That’s why it didn’t come as a surprise when your grandfather dropped the bomb one morning, over breakfast, that the Kims would love to have you as part of their family officially by marriage. 

“Seriously?” The outburst came from Jimin, not you. At that time, he wasn’t fond of the idea because one, he knew that his bestfriend is popular with the ladies; and two, you have just broken things off with your long-term boyfriend Yoongi. But reality check— it’s not like two very traditional and old-fashioned elderly men would listen to a twenty-eight-year-old man, right? 

So, on the first day of autumn that same year, you and Taehyung exchanged vows in the presence of your families and close friends, on the same lake that sat between the two estates. 

You pulled yourself out of your thoughts and refocused on the document right in front of you. You were just about to rephrase another sentence when Taehyung’s messages started coming in, and the sound of your phone kept vying for attention like a persistent child. You tried to concentrate on the task at hand, fingers tapping away at the keyboard, while your mind distractedly wandered towards the notifications piling up on your screen. The longer you ignored them, however, the more insistent they seemed to become until you gave in and opened his messages. You felt the irritation bubbling up inside of you as yet another message from your husband regarding your upcoming anniversary interrupts your workday.

Instead of replying, you heaved a heavy sigh before tapping on the small camera icon, calling him over Facetime instead. His beautiful boxy smile greeted you when he accepted the call, revealing his perfectly straight teeth that glistened in a perfect array of pearly whites. There was a slight twinkle in his eyes, letting you know of his giddiness while planning for your upcoming anniversary. 

You pulled your lips into a thin smile so as not to dampen his mood. 

"So...?" He leaned back on his own office chair, and you just knew that he also put his feet up on his desk in the process. "What do you think of my suggestions?" 

"Can we put off celebrating our anniversary when I am not drowning in work?"

"But it's our first anniversary..." 

“Exactly, Tae…” You made an effort to hold back an exasperated sigh before you continued because you knew he’s excited and you didn’t want to hurt his feelings. “We’ll have many more anniversaries to come. It’s okay not to plan for a trip on the first one.” 

“Just consider it, okay?” Taehyung insisted. “We have until next week. We can book a last-minute trip if you’re caught up in – YO, BROTHER!” Taehyung’s attention was immediately taken away from you when Jimin’s head popped up next to yours to wave at him, easily distracting him with what he’s saying.

“Yah, we’re busy here. Can’t you see?” Jimin fake-scolded his bestfriend and brother-in-law. “We’re trying to export our products, stop distracting my sister with your nonsense.” 

“It’s not nonsense, it’s our anniversary trip!” He defended.

“You’re going on a trip?” Jimin directed his question at you, eyes already dripping with judgment. After all, he’s twice as busy as you when it comes to your new project, because he’s the Director of Finance. “When?” 

You waved a hand at him dismissively, wordlessly saying that you’re not, before focusing your attention back on Taehyung. “Okay, I have to go. We have a meeting in 5 minutes.”

“Yeah okay… I’ll pick you up later, okay?” 

“Mmmkay…” You mumbled before ending the call. 

“Wow… one year, huh…” Your bestfriend and assistant, Minji said in a playful tone. “You guys are so sweet to each other, one would think you love each other.” 

“Taehyung loves her,” Jimin snickered. 

“Are you saying I don’t?” You feigned surprise at what your brother just insinuated. “Of course, I love him. I’m a loving person, in general, you know?” 

“Yeah, I mean… I guess…” Jimin trailed off. “I mean, okay, you love him because maybe he seems familiar? But he loves LOVES you, you know?” He slumped down on the couch and dramatically acted out a heart beating out of his chest with his fist. “Taehyung doesn’t just love you, it’s more than that– he LURRVES you.” 

“Jimin, can we focus here?” You used your “big sister” tone on him which made him– smartly dressed in a three-piece suit– sit upright on the couch, making Minji laugh out loud. 

“Wait! I have one more question…” Minji squealed excitedly and rolled her chair over in front of your desk. 

You squinted at her, wheels started turning inside your head. Knowing Minji, you know where this is going.

“So…” She started in a singsong voice. “One year of arranged marriage… Do you guys have sex?” 

And there it is. You knew it. 

You decided to indulge her curious mind. “Oh, we have LOTS–” 

“FALA FA NA LALALALALA I DON’T WANT TO HEAR THIS!” Jimin covered his ears and shut his eyes while you and Minji broke into hysterics. 

Of course. Jimin didn’t have to know that his sister and his childhood bestfriend just couldn’t keep their hands off of each other almost every night. 

It was awkward during the first few weeks of your marriage. Despite your expectations being set, it was difficult to shake off the fact that it was an arranged marriage, even though clearly, Taehyung seemed to be so in love with you. You moved into your house with a helper and a driver, and to avoid any suspicions about you as a couple, sleeping in different rooms was out of the question. You suddenly found yourself sharing a bed, a bathroom, and a life with someone else who had their own set of habits, routines, and preferences. Despite knowing Taehyung your whole life, it was still challenging to navigate through disagreements, differences in communication styles, and conflicting expectations. It took some time to settle into your new routine, but eventually you found your rhythm as a married couple and things started feeling more natural... intimacy included. That's how you found out that your husband is one hell of a sex god. 

—

“I understand that you’re too busy with the Japanese client, so I held off on the trip,” he managed to make out the words while brushing his teeth next to you on the bathroom sink. “But I’m preparing our anniversary dinner on Friday, so make sure you come home early, okay?” He spat out the toothpaste foam and rinsed his mouth. “Okay?” 

“Okay,” you turned on your airwrap and began styling your hair in little wisps. 

“Make sure you don’t forget, honey. I’m serious.”

“Gee, you do sound serious,” you chuckled. “I won’t forget.” 

“Say ‘I promise I won’t forget,” three times,” Taehyung challenged you. 

“I promise I won’t forget. I promise I won’t forget. I promise I won’t forget.”

You did forget.

You recalled your conversation with Taehyung as you stared at the aluminum containers and the unopened room temperature bottle of wine on the kitchen island.

Today’s your anniversary and the thought completely abandoned you as you got ready for work that morning and flew out the door an hour earlier than usual. It was your big day after all.    

The Japan project was a success. You were able to close three major supermarkets in Japan that would carry Sunrise Foods Corp products. You and your team have worked tirelessly, pouring every ounce of your energy and expertise into this endeavor, and your efforts ultimately paid off. So when it came time to celebrate your victory, you did so with gusto. You booked a huge VIP karaoke lounge with bottomless drinks and hors d'oeuvres, and you laughed, danced, and raised your glasses high in recognition of what you had accomplished as individuals and as a team.

It was already 2 in the morning when you stumbled inside your house, still a bit merry, until your eyes landed on what could have been a romantic anniversary dinner set up. Except they were now neatly put away, which you assume was done by your helper, Mrs. Wu before she left for the evening.

The guilt that washed over you was enough to sober you up and you groaned in frustration before making your way upstairs to your shared bedroom. There was a faint light coming from under the door which indicated that Taehyung is still awake. You pushed the door open and saw your husband on the bed, propped up on a pile of pillows, reading something on a tablet. His hair all mussed up and his black-rimmed glasses falling slightly on the bridge of his nose. He didn’t even give you a glance when you entered, which slightly felt like a stab at your heart, given that whichever the circumstances, his feelings are important to you and you don’t really like disappointing him. 

You quietly trudged to the ensuite bathroom to wash off the grime and stench accumulated from being outside in sweat and smoke. You didn’t take a lot of time in the shower because you wanted to apologize to Taehyung. So after dressing up in a comfortable nightgown, you approached the bed slowly, taking measured steps, until you slid yourself under the covers and scooted closer to him. Your eyes met his, glazed with a silent plea as you searched for an opening to breach the walls that he put up. With a gentle touch on his arm, you felt him relax beneath your fingers just enough to allow a small crack in his armor. It's all you needed, and before he could protest, you lifted his arm and you snuggled into his embrace, inhaling the citrusy scent of his aftershave. 

"I'm sorry," you started, actually meaning it. “I am truly sorry for not being more attentive and thoughtful.” You paused, trying to remember the rest of your apology. "I am not one to make excuses or try to justify my mistakes, I know forgetting our anniversary was a major misstep on my part." Your words may have sounded pretty rehearsed, because that’s exactly what you did while in the shower, for wanting to say just the right words so as not to further disappoint him. You held your breath as you waited for his reply. 

“Did you like the flowers I got you?” 

You hummed in agreement remembering the big bouquet of carnations in various shades of reds and pinks sitting on your dresser when you entered the closet. The symbolism wasn’t lost on you - love and admiration. 

It seemed like that’s all that he needed to hear. You’ve always known that Taehyung has a pure heart, but you’re still taken aback sometimes at how easy it is to satisfy him and make him happy. He set aside his tablet and turned off the lamp before turning to you, ruffling your hair, and planting a kiss on your forehead. “Happy anniversary,” he whispered before shifting on his pillows, removing you from his embrace, and turning his back on you. A mere hum from you could make him smile, but not wanting you in his arms as he falls asleep tells you more than you need to know. Feeling small and still laden with guilt, you settled on your own side of the bed and stared at your husband’s back until you fell asleep. 

The next morning, Taehyung dragged himself to the kitchen, hair sticking out everywhere and eyes partly shut as he picked all the crusty signs of sleep off of them. “Mrs. Wu, do we have greek yogurt?” He asked without even looking.

“I sent Mrs. Wu home.”

Taehyung’s eyes shot up when he heard your soft voice and he’s even more surprised when he saw you setting down some utensils on the kitchen island. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m making us breakfast,” you beamed sweetly at him before you turned around to check on your simmering jjajangmyeon sauce. “I know this isn’t a typical breakfast, but it’s already almost 10 AM and this would pass up as brunch.” 

Taehyung still stood rooted in his position, because this is the first time he’s seen you make breakfast, aside from the occasional frozen waffle and coffee, in your one year of marriage. “Yeah, but I mean… what are you doing here?” He repeated his question that made your shoulders slump. 

“Do you want me to leave?” There was hurt in your voice. 

“No, no, no,” Taehyung quickly rounded the kitchen island to get to you and gently rubbed your arm. “It’s Saturday, so shouldn’t you be at the factory?” He asked softly. 

“Grandfather will do the inspection today…” You hung your head low, embarrassed to meet your husband’s eyes. “He knows it’s our anniversary weekend.”

“Oh…”

“Hey, I’m sorry, I–” Your words were caught between your lips when Taehyung cradled your face between his palms and pressed a chaste kiss on your lips. The smile on his lips when he pulled away almost made you swoon. “What was that for?” You asked breathlessly. 

“I love you.” He confessed, eyes boring into yours. 

“Tae…” The swooning spiraled quickly into an odd discomfort you wish you could push away.

“You don’t have to say it back, YN.” He pulled his lips into a smile that made his cheeks puff like fluffy bread. “... and don’t apologize. I understand that the Japan deal is huge, and you’ve worked so hard on it. I’m so proud of you.”

“Ugh, stop. You’re making me feel so much worse,” you whined. “Let me do this at least to make it up to you, okay?” 

“Is this our anniversary breakfast then?” 

“One day late, but I still poured my heart and soul into this jjajangmyeon, so I hope you enjoy it.” 

Taehyung playfully clutched his heart and dramatically stumbled against the counter. “Careful, I’m starting to believe you have fallen in love with me already.” 

You couldn’t help but giggle at Taehyung’s playful antics. 

“Fall in love, my foot.” 

—

As the days turned into weeks, you found yourself lost in a whirlwind of tasks. There was no respite from the constant stream of deadlines, meetings, and responsibilities that filled every moment, leaving no space for contemplation or relaxation.

Between work, your family, and trying to squeeze in some exercise, it's been a bit of a blur. You're not gonna lie, you know it's better than being bored out of your mind. But sometimes you wish you could slow things down just a little bit so you can catch your breath. Even though it's been hectic, you always make sure to ground yourself and indulge in your social life from time to time.

Despite it being a Saturday night- the supposed peak of excitement and revelry at the club - there were only a few people scattered about, some were hitting the dance floor, some were engrossed in a chatter, and some were just like you and Minji - perched on the barstools and sipping your complimentary dry martini. It has become your little tradition to meet up at your other bestfriend, Hoseok's club at least once a month ever since he quit corporate and opened his business. The first round is always on the house. 

Hoseok, or Hobi as you affectionately call him, pouted in front of you as he leaned over the counter, his orange-tinted sunglasses falling slightly on the bridge of his nose. "Where are the people? Business is too slow for a Saturday for my liking!"

"You shouldn't have given us the martini for free, you know."  Minji scolded him through her thick fake eyelashes. 

“Ayyye, that’s alright, it’s all gonna break even anyway when you start ordering more drinks,” Hobi scoffed at her which made Minji gasp. 

“Are you saying I’m an alcoholic?”

Minji’s reaction caught him momentarily off guard before he burst into his infectious laughter, hands-clapping and all. “You know what they say, a fish is caught by its own mouth!” 

“You’re harassing your customers, Hobi,” you playfully called out. 

"Yeah, maybe that's the reason why your club is empty on a weekend!" Minji added. 

"Yah… okay, okay, gang up on me now." Hoseok turned around to pull himself a pint of dark beer before resuming his spot in front of you. "What about you?" He pointed to you while bringing his glass up to his lips. "Still keeping it together?"

"What do you mean?"

Minji answered on your behalf, "I work for her so I guess it's safe to say things are going well on the business side of things."

"And the personal side of things?"

"First of all, the business side of things isn't all nice and dandy. We have been very busy. Personally, I'm fine," you assured your friends. "Except a few weeks ago when I totally forgot our anniversary and had to spend all day the next day making it up to Taehyung, we're generally good."

"He's not bored with you yet?" Hoseok teased. 

"Hey! What's there to be bored about?" You turned your chin up. "I'm the most fun wife he could ever wish for!" 

"He's still in love with you?" Hoseok continued to coax. 

"He's obsessed with her," Minji rolled her eyes. "He looks at her like a lovestruck teenager, but this girl right here," Minji poked your cheek, "... is so dense." 

"I'm not dense!" You defended. "Like, I know he loves me, I'm just not making a big deal out of it."

"What do you mean? You're literally married!" Hoseok looked at you incredulously. 

"I don't know, why the sudden interest in my marriage?"

"Because you guys seem closer now, so Hobi and I are just curious if you have finally fallen in love with him too," Minji replied.

"Right," Hoseok agreed. "We know you love him because you were friends first before you got married– childhood friends! But…" he trailed off, examining your face, making sure he's not overstepping your boundaries too.

"But what?" 

"Platonic love between friends and romantic love between married couples are different," he continued. 

"We just want to check in on you and see where you are already," Minji patted one of your thighs. "That's what we do here in our once a month emotional support circle time, right?" She laughed at her own joke. 

"Taehyung and I are doing well. We have our set routines. We already know each other well enough to know what makes each other tick." You nodded for good measure. "We're okay, so let's just drop the thing where you two try to break down what kind of love my husband and I share, because honestly, you guys are so cheesy." 

"Jesus Christ! I've been called an alcoholic and cheesy in the past hour!" Minji rolled her eyes exaggeratedly, which made you and Hoseok break out in laughter. 

"Okay, hear me out…" Hoseok suddenly became fidgety in his seat. "There's a reason why I asked about you and Taehyung."

"And…?" 

"I wanted to make sure things are okay and secure between you before I give you this." Hoseok produced a small envelope from underneath the counter and slid it across over to you. 

You recognized the logo, the pattern, and the black, gray, and beige color palette right away to know what it is. But things happened as fast as lightning as Minji snatched it from the counter and ripped it open, gasping when she confirmed the contents of the envelope. 

"Why do you have a Gloss VIP ticket and a backstage pass?" Minji looked at Hoseok as if he suddenly grew two new heads. "Why are you giving this to her?" 

"Yoongi asked me to give it to her." Hoseok looked back at you, trying to gauge your reaction. "It hasn't even hit the news that he's included his hometown for the tour, so he said to keep it hush-hush."

"That's not the point. He's her ex—" 

"Yah, why do you think I asked her about Taehyung first? Besides—"

"Okay, guys, stop arguing." You took the envelope from Minji's hands. "It's fine. It wasn't even a bad break up between me and Yoongi," you smiled. You could feel the warmth starting to creep up from your neck to your cheeks, and you weren't sure if it's the alcohol talking, but you felt good at the moment. "I… Well, I'd love to go." 

"Really?" Minji looked at you as if you've lost your marbles. 

"Yeah, really." 

–

People would often say that habits are hard to break – old habits are like a drug, consuming people with their powerful grip. It's like trying to resist something that's just too tempting. You keep getting drawn back in, even though you know you shouldn't. It's like a big, strong hand that won't let go of you. It's like a cozy blanket that you don't want to give up. It's hard to say goodbye to something that's been a part of you for so long.

Min Yoongi is like an old habit. 

To you, he has always been a source of strength and comfort. He stood by you and held your hand when you were going through a rough time during your parents’ divorce. He stayed up late with you as you cried during a particularly hard time in college. He surprised you with an enormous bouquet of flowers, skipping one of his important basketball games, when your parents broke their promise to be there at your graduation. He would drive long hours, to different cities, just to be with you for your client presentations when your grandfather unloaded all his responsibilities on you, as soon as you got your degree. His words became your daily affirmation that you’re doing well, and it’s safe to say that he helped shape up the person that you are today.

He had been a part of you for seven whole years before things started to fall apart. The last straw was when he made it clear that you both wanted different things in life, and he couldn’t turn his back on his dreams to follow you down your own path. That's what caused your relationship to crumble. It's like the armor protecting your relationship got a big crack in it and couldn't hold up anymore. But he’s back now, clearly wanting to put all the broken pieces back together. 

You felt a thrill with the way he’s looking at you. His eyes, albeit familiar, somehow felt off – staring into someone’s eyes that aren’t Taehyung’s felt odd and conflicting, but you ignored that niggling feeling and that’s how you found yourself pinned up against the wall of his private green room backstage after his two-hour long concert. Your tongues mingled and fought dominance against each other as his hands started roaming underneath your shirt. You gasped as you let your jaw drop when his lips started moving, trailing wet kisses down your jaw and your neck. 

“Fuck,” Yoongi groaned when he felt your clothed nipple harden underneath his palm. “I missed this. I missed you.” 

“Yoongi…” you whispered, before Yoongi captured your mouth again. You turned your head sideways, but he persistently continued trying to kiss you. “We shouldn’t…”

“I know…” He was panting, clearly worked up, as he went on to nibble on your earlobe and licked a long stripe on the skin underneath. 

You tensed up and tried to pull his hands away from underneath your top, “I’m married, Yoongi. We can’t do th– hngh,” you almost keeled when Yoongi pressed his knee up between your legs, the friction against your jeans making you momentarily lose focus as his hand pulled down one of your cups and flicked your now bare nipple with his thumb in quick motions. 

"You don't even love him." He whispered as he trailed kisses from your neck down to your chest.

"But I do…," you whispered, writhing against his hold. You couldn't shake Taehyung’s face out of your mind as Yoongi continued with his ministrations. You suddenly felt a chill go down your back and it made your neck feel all tingly. It felt like little needles were poking you all over your body. This is what made you snap out of your trance and push Yoongi away as hard as you could. “For fuck’s sake, Yoongi!” 

Yoongi stepped back, both hands up in surrender, “I’m–” He turned around and ran his fingers through his hair before looking up at the ceiling, cursing under his breath. By the time he turned around to face you, you already fixed your clothes and your hair. “I was out of line, YN. I’m so sorry,” he reached out for your hands but you were quick to pull back. 

“It’s over between us, Yoongi.” You shook your head. “Please," you pleaded, trying to suppress your anger. "I am in love with Taehyung,” your chest rising and falling from the realization that just hit you. “So please, don't reach out to me anymore. This is the last time we're seeing each other.” 

That’s the last thing Yoongi heard from you before you slammed the door shut, leaving him crouched down on his couch, drowning in a pool of regret. 

You were trying to stay above water in your own pool of regret, but with each passing day, it feels like you've created a distance with Taehyung who knows nothing. You would get up earlier in the morning to make his breakfast and leave for work before he even wakes up. You would come home late, barely even having the time to unwind before showering and hopping into bed. Taehyung would still be his sweet and loving self, making sure you’re comfortable all the time. He would still look at you like you have all the answers in the universe when he thinks you’re not looking. He would still pepper your face with kisses when he thinks you’re already deep in your slumber. He would still show up at your office unannounced bringing you and your whole team random treats. The more he did all those things, the deeper you went down the grave you dug out yourself. 

You established that Taehyung has started to notice that you’re becoming more and more distant when he gently grabbed your wrist one weekend morning as you tried to escape from the kitchen, barely even touching your breakfast. 

“Did I do something wrong?” He looked at you with soft puppy eyes, tongue darting out to swipe across his lips before subtly biting down on his lower lip, a clear sign that this confrontation is making him a bit nervous.  

“What?” You were momentarily taken aback by his question before you felt a tightening knot of guilt in your gut. You were so out of touch lately that Taehyung started believing he’s the one who has done something wrong, and it couldn’t be further from the truth. “No, I–” you caught yourself, feeling conflicted on whether or not it was the right time to tell him about what happened between you and Yoongi about a week ago. 

“Did I forget an important event?” He continued asking. “Your birthday is still a month from now, right?” 

“Hey, baby, no…” You sat back down next to him and intertwined your fingers with his. You were surprised by how easily that term of endearment rolled off your tongue. If Taehyung noticed it, he didn’t let it show. “You didn't do anything wrong,” you rested your cheek against his shoulder, closed your eyes, and breathed in deeply, enjoying his warmth. 

“Is there something bothering you then?” He rested his head against yours and soothingly rubbed small circles on your skin with his thumb. “You seem a bit quiet lately.” 

“It’s just been quite hectic at the company lately, and I don’t know… I feel a bit out of it,” you replied, wincing a little. It’s not exactly a blatant lie. You recently lost a major client in the Philippines to a competitor brand and it created a big dip on your numbers. But you still felt bad for leaving out a major detail on why you’ve been avoiding Taehyung lately. 

“Do you wanna come with me to the park? Jungkook and I arranged a puppy playdate, so might as well squeeze in a quick jog while we’re at it.” 

“A puppy playdate?” You perked up and laughed, picturing your small six-year-old teacup pomeranian playing with Jungkook’s much younger gigantic two-year-old doberman. “You gotta watch out for Tannie, Bam might step all over him.” 

Taehyung burst out laughing, covering his mouth with his fist, “Bammie is scared of Tan.” 

You looked at him right at that moment, a smile still on your lips, and you suddenly felt overwhelmed with how much affection you actually have for him. He looked back at you and crossed the distance between you to nuzzle his nose against yours. “There it is,” Taehyung smiled back at you. “There’s the smile I’ve been missing these past few days. 

“You’re such a sweet-talker,” you reached out to remove the hair that’s fallen in front of his eyes. "Go and have fun with JK and Bam, I need to stay behind and call Minji.” 

“Okay,” Taehyung tried to hide his disappointment because he’s already used to you working on a weekend, and spending a great amount of time over the phone with your assistant. “Just don’t push yourself too much, it’s the weekend after all. My wife deserves to rest.” 

You hummed in agreement, and just like before, a mere acknowledgment from you is enough to satisfy and make your husband happy. 

However, when he walked through the door that afternoon after getting back from the park, it felt like an icy chill had settled over the entire bedroom. He looked mad and irritated. It was clear that something had gone horribly wrong, and whatever it was had taken its toll on his spirit. You wondered if he got into a fight with Jungkook, but judging on the way he avoided your eyes before making his way directly to your ensuite bathroom, a feeling of dread settled in your stomach.

A few minutes later, Taehyung stepped out of the bathroom and got dressed. He still hasn't said a word to you since he came back. You pretended you were busy on your computer but you were observing him through the corner of your eyes. You mustered up the courage and cleared your throat, "Had a good run?" 

His fingers paused for a second while buttoning up his shirt, seemingly surprised by your question, but his face didn't show any sign of it. No answer. Your mind started whirring and you started losing focus on the deck you're working on, making the graphs and numbers slightly blur through your vision. Taehyung’s aura was suffused with negativity so palpable that it felt like a physical presence. 

“Tae?” You turned around from your desk to fully face him, silently wishing he didn’t ignore you, he just didn’t hear you the first time. But it was too late, he’s got one foot out the door already, and it wasn’t long until you saw his car through the window, roll out of the garage as he drove away. 

–

Taehyung had no destination in mind, but he kept driving. 

As he gripped the steering wheel, his mind was consumed with thoughts of uncertainty and anger. The sprawling asphalt stretched endlessly before him like a dark and ominous path leading nowhere. His heart pounded relentlessly in his chest as he battled against the overwhelming feeling of betrayal and jealousy.

The conversation with Jungkook kept on playing at the back of his mind. 

“Sorry, I was in a hurry last week! I thought we would run into each other backstage, but I was meeting my cousin, and I was already running late so I left as soon as the show was over.” 

“Backstage?” Taehyung’s eyebrows furrowed as he tried to keep up with his friend and their dogs along the concrete joggers path at the park

“Yeah,” Jungkook blew air through his mouth to regulate his breathing. “At Gloss’ homecoming concert. Saw your wife, but I don’t think she saw me.” 

Taehyung slowed down to catch his breath, but more so, to piece together the words that stood out from his friend’s statement. Gloss. Homecoming concert. Wife. He’s known his wife his whole life and he knew that Gloss is a big part of hers. Gloss is Yoongi’s stage name. 

“I was gonna say hi to you, guys, after the show, but I saw that security had already escorted her backstage as soon as Gloss exited the stage,” Jungkook continued.

Escorted you where? As soon as when?

“Yeah, I–” Taehyung conjured a lie to protect you from the possibility of misjudgment if Jungkook found out he wasn’t with you that time. “I had to leave early. I had an early morning appointment the next day.” 

“Oh.” 

Taehyung likes giving you freedom and space. He believes that to refrain from probing into someone's whereabouts is to acknowledge their autonomy as an individual. But it also suggests a deeper level of intimacy - one where communication doesn't necessarily require words and where actions speak louder than questions ever could. This is the kind of relationship that's built on a foundation of mutual love, trust and respect. That’s the kind of relationship he wants both of you to have. 

As he drove endlessly, with you in his mind, he started questioning everything - did you even care? Were you ever truly committed to this relationship? The uncertainty gnawed at his soul and felt like a stab at his heart. He pulled over on the side of the road before the overwhelming feeling of anger and betrayal bubbling up inside him threatened to overflow. Is he overreacting? Should he just ask you about the concert? Maybe Jungkook saw someone else, maybe it wasn’t you. But no matter how hard he tried to shake the possibility out of his mind, he knew deep inside that it was really you. Even though he didn't want to admit it, he felt like there was a force that kept bringing you and Yoongi together whenever you were near each other. It was like a magnet that just couldn't resist. He thought he would get past it after you married him, and Yoongi set on pursuing his career in the US. But now that Yoongi is back, all of Taehyung’s insecurities came rushing back as well, consuming him whole like a drop of black ink in a puddle of clear water. 

Also similar to a drop of ink in clear water, your mind was clouded with worry when Taehyung failed to pick up and answer all the calls that you made, and the text messages you sent throughout the day. It is unlike him to ignore your calls and texts. Your worry multiplied tenfold when he came home late that night, clearly drunk, knowing he had driven himself. 

"Tae?" You stood up from the couch to meet him by the door. You couldn’t sleep because you haven't heard from him all day, so you decided to wait for him downstairs. 

When you heard his car pull up, you finally breathed out a sigh of relief, until he came through the door in his inebriated state. 

"Where have you been? Why didn't you answer my calls?" You have so many questions but you decided to bite your tongue because you didn't want him to feel like he's getting nagged. If anything, you wanted him to feel supported, especially if he's going through a difficult time. 

He looked at you and for a moment you thought you saw sadness flash in his eyes. He crossed the distance between you and snaked his arm around your waist, pulling you flush against him. "Did I make you worry?" He asked, face getting closer to yours, and his other free hand resting on your jaw. 

You hummed and Taehyung scoffed, before the hand that's on your jaw traveled up on the back of your head, pulling a fist of your hair, exposing your neck. Your breath hitched and your heart started hammering loudly in your chest when he dipped his head and started sucking bruises on the column of your neck.

You closed your eyes in pleasure as his lips traveled down your chest, and you arched your back involuntarily when he pressed your hips harder against him, letting you feel his hardening member against your lower belly. You wrapped your legs around his waist when he lifted you up and took you to the couch. He didn't even bother to undress you properly, he just aggressively pulled the straps of your nightgown down to your waist, releasing your full breasts with a bounce. Arousal pooled between your legs when Taehyung captured one of your nipples in his mouth, your hands flying to his head holding him against you as you arched your back, wanting to feel him closer. 

You heard the jangling sound of his belt moments later and before you realized what’s happening, he’s already pulling your panties aside and burying himself inside you. It was rough, sloppy, and careless. You could feel him getting lost in the feeling, but you could also feel all the pent up emotions and frustration he’s taking out on the act. You let him. You let him use you, setting aside your own pleasure. You knew he was getting closer as his whimpers and grunts were getting louder. It’s not long after when you felt his release, filling you up, along with a jagged breath ghosting over your skin. 

“You okay, babe?” You asked softly, hands coming up to brush back the hair that’s fallen in front of his eyes. He visibly flinched when your fingers made contact with his skin, and wasted no time as he got up and tucked himself in, before grabbing the throw blanket from one end of the couch and hazily throwing it over your figure. He has never treated you that way before. 

You thought you heard him sniff as he walked away from you, but you couldn’t make out the sound, as it was drowned out by the sound of your own heart breaking.

To be continued.

•••

A/N - I hope you enjoyed that. Can't wait to take you along their journey on the next chapter. Please be patient and wait a little bit… I'm still not happy with what I have so far! Please leave me some love and messages, they really motivate me to write. <3 APOBANGPO, everyone! <3