#I was thinking of trying to go back and finish some of my semi-abandoned stories on ao3

[oddballwriter]

Y/N's Monster

Summary: Tired of rude, vulgar, and not-up-to-snuff guys, you decide to make a man of your own. Is it a crime against God? Probably. But you've already stitched him together so there's no going back now. At least he's cute.

Warnings: Straight-up medical malpractice and other such things, it's for the plot. It's a Frankenstein inspired story so there's talk of stitching limbs onto other limbs and methods that do not work in real life. You can not stitch together and bring to life your own boyfriend in real life, I'm sorry ladies :(. 

Author’s Snip: Here's that Frankenstein's Monster Marc I promised! I hope you all like it. Onwards to the Lost Boys au I semi-promised! Yippee! I'm feeding the monster fuckers.

I’ll shut up now. Enjoy! And don’t be afraid to request.

Word Count: 702

Tag list: @my-secret-shame-but-fanfiction @spicydonut25 @steven-grants-world @homuraak3mi (You too can join the tag list! Just ask)

Seeing him now, actually up and moving, you were absolutely amazed. Both because the fact that the abandoned defibrillator and old shock therapy machine you stole got from the hospital you work for that you tinkered together actually worked in bringing a stitched-together corpse to life, and also by the fact that he looks so good.

For being a reanimated corpse made out of various John Does, he looks amazing. He was a good height, his body was proportionate where you had to add better fresher parts, and actually looked pretty alright.

It's not until he starts bumbling around that you stop ogling at him. He looks confused, maybe a bit scared.

"Hey," you say gently to not spook him, "You're okay," you tell him. He looks toward you, having heard you. Okay good, he can hear and see. "It's okay," you whisper trying to comfort him. He still looks slightly scared. He backs up when you try and walk toward him, but it's apparent that his limbs aren't ready for all the moving around so he trips and falls. "Oh no," you mutter to yourself as you rush towards him to try and help him up.

"Hey. I won't hurt you." you explain. But when he looks at you again you are hit with the possibility that he might not understand. After all, in the book, Frankenstein's creation didn't when he was brought to life.

You look to your creation and take a moment to think about what to do. "Understand?" is what you manage to think up. "Do you understand me?" you rephrase your question. He stares at you for a bit. "Do you understand what I'm saying?" you ask again. When he slowly nods you have to repress a scream of happiness to not scare him. You just let a smile cross your face,

"Okay. That's good." you reply. "So how about I help you back up and you have a seat." you suggest, "It seems like your body isn't ready to move around just yet." you point out.

You gently help him up and sit down on the gurney that you also stole got along with grabbing a sheet to wrap around him so that he can have some decency. You give your creation a quick check-up. Nothing seems to be wrong with him say for having slightly bloodshot eyes and he's a bit pale. He has natural reflexes like his knee kicking when it's hit with the little hammer, his pupils contract and dilate, and he can even feel pain.

As an extra precaution, you bandage up the places where his stitches would experience the most stress so they don't pop since stitching him up isn't an option, both because you don't have anything for anesthesia and you have no idea what it will do to him.

"Can you speak?" you ask as you finish up the last stitched area. He seems to think about it and then focus. You can see him trying to form a word with his mouth and managing to say "No...", but it clearly takes a lot to get it all down. You nod, "Okay." you reply. "Alright, how about we just do yes or no questions?".

After a while of asking questions to see where he is mind-wise, you start getting to harder to answer questions.

"Do you remember anything, from before waking up here?" you ask. He shakes his head.

"Do you know who you are?"... he shakes his head again.

"Do you have a name?" ... also no.

You hum. "Well, then I guess I have to give you one." you say. You think for a long time, mentally crossing off names that were too ridiculous or didn't fit his look. Something with an M.

"Marc." you say, "With a C at the end." you clarify. "I like that name. How about you?" you ask your creation. He just nods, but you swear there's a fraction of a smile for a second.

You're not sure how this will go moving forward now that you've got a man who's made from other men who doesn't have any background or identity, but this is a good start if you'd say so yourself.

[eliotlime]

End of September Update

Just as a heads up, I'll be closing my commissions after the first week of October (06/10/2024) just so I can focus on other projects! If you'd like to order a bug from me or get any of my other regular commissions now's a good time to do so!

(Bugstyle | Regular Comms)

I made a really brief post on twitter about what I'm up to but since tumblr supports more text I'll just go into more depth on what projects I'm working on at the moment and general life updates!

I used to write blog posts on wordpress for school and it's just hilarious that I stopped doing that considering it feels like I was born to blog!

In general, I've been trying to crawl out of this very odd mood swing-y state I've been in for the past year. I've been semi-public about it but I graduated with a degree in animation same time last year and have sort of been recovering from the absolute burn out of that as well as watching the animation industry essentially collapse just as I left college.

I'm hoping to get into UI/UX design this coming October and try to piece what little control I have of my life back together. I don't really know what I'm doing to be honest and it feels like I'm just pawing in the dark with a lot of this stuff.

In lighter news I've been trying to get into something I've always wanted to for years which is comics! I'm not sure how much I can speak about it at the moment but I just got into an anthology which is very exciting.

I applied to shortbox last year but didn't get in :( but fingers crossed I'll get in next year! On a related note I've made a Cara profile which I'm using as a comics portfolio and archive.

--

Those of you who've been following me for years know that I've had a webcomic project called, Happenstance (which I've restarted endlessly for about 10 years at this point). While I don't really have a concrete update of that for you guys I will say that the story is more or less fixed and whatever version of it I have now is most likely the version I'll proceed with in the future.

I did try to get the ball rolling with this at the start of the year with a pilot comic but it made me so miserable to work on it I abandoned it and started making an unrelated zine instead haha

I do have plans on finishing this eventually and it'll be up on my itch.io and gumroad like everything else!

Speaking of the zine, I'd just like to thank everyone who purchased Cute Thing! I think for my first independent book project it did pretty well! It was incredibly embarrassing and nerve wrecking to promote it but I'm glad I did it.

I don't know why there's an 18+ warning on this considering this zine is pretty tame.

I guess it also helped that that stupid ass diary comic i made blew up at the same time so I got to shill my wares in relation to it. Even though I think it gave me some kind of psychological damage but every time i gain minor internet fame i shrink back into my shell anyway, this is just the first time i really felt so much.. vitriol from randos lol.

It's just hilarious it overlapped with whatever guilty gear obsession I had at the time as well. Thank you to everyone who stuck around and uh.. sorry! I walk wherever the wind takes me and it's frequently towards my own characters.

But! Speaking of Guilty Gear, I am working on an Abacelsus zine I briefly talked about on twitter a couple months back. The title is sort of pending at the moment and while I did say it might be free as a digital download, I'm probably going to charge a couple of dollars because of how much effort I'm putting into this.

On the plus side that means I'll probably be putting more effort into it! I'm aiming for 24 interior pages of stuff and hoping to release a digital version of it by Halloween 2024!

I'm trying to work on more prints and stickers for conventions as well and I never posted about my convention escapades here all too much but you can check out this instagram post for what I had up the last time I boothed!

That's kind of all for the stuff I'd like to get done within this year but other projects that I'd like to aim to get done by 2025 is a continuation of my Cute Thing zine that I'm aiming to collate by Valentines Day, hehe how romantic.

There's nothing terribly concrete for that at the moment but I do know I want it to have more pages than Cute Thing. It's called My Boy and yes it's named after another Car Seat Headrest song.

I've got a lot of irons in the fire and another iron is that I'm also planning a 4-panel comic series for my band characters that I've posted some pilots about before!

Pretty messy planning but most of my long form stuff looks like this.

A 4-panel comic series is just less intimidating than a fully coloured webcomic series (Happenstance) that I know will be finished decades later. I've also seen a lot of webcomic artists I've beloved just.. abandon their years long project and it's kind of scary to me that will definitely happen to me!!!

--

The long and short of it is that I've got a lot of projects and a majority of it is not making me any money. I'm extremely lucky to be surrounded by people that support my work but it gets hard to just do all of this by yourself with no guarantee that it'll go anywhere.

Patreon's a beast I've tried to tackle but it's kind of an ass of a website to use so I'll probably try to use ko-fi a bit more. I've kind of never really liked the subscription model and really do prefer to launch curated PDFs of my work every few months, but again I'm really just clawing at the dark and grasping at anything I can.

Let's wrap up this long post by mentioning that I might want to give streaming a shot! I used to stream a little when I was a teenager but I'd like to give it another go!

I don't think I'm going to have a dedicated persona or vtuber avatar but a small little png-tuber would be frankly hilarious. Maybe something casual to start of with, it gets pretty lonely spending everyday working on images alone.

--

Thank you for reading! It's an extremely long post to all but say that I'm scared but working on projects still! If you'd like to support me, here's my ko-fi page and while I'm working on getting more stuff on there here's my itchi.io & gumroad as well.

As I mentioned before I'm closing my commissions on the 6th of October to work on my Abacelsus zine so if you'd like to get a bug or any of my regular style commissions now's a good time to do so!

(Bugstyle | Regular Comms)

I'm hoping to make more update posts like these in the future and not psyche myself out every time because they're really good for me to collect my incredibly jumbled thoughts. Thanks again to everyone who's followed, supported or even just looked at my stuff it really means the world.

If you have any questions or just generally want to talk to me about my characters, my DMs and askbox is always open! Any professional enquires can be shot towards me email as well: eliotlime@gmail.com

XOXO, Stay weird!

-Eliot :)

[pesterquestrewritten]

Sorry if this is an inappropriate question to ask, but why do you want to rewrite pesterquest? Was there anything wrong with its original version, or are you just doing this for fun?

brain is a Lil Loopy rn so please excuse if this answer is semi incoherent - recovering from ankle surgery rn.

im gonna try to not harp on the original pesterquest as a project/talk about my percieved issues with it. from what I understand about the work environment where it was developed, it was hell -- poor communication, tiny budgets, little overall direction. plus every artist/writer involved was likely busy with other things at the same time (for example finishing the development of Hiveswap Act 2). they had so much going against them, and... it sorts shows in the final work, which isn't their fault. the original PQ team was passionate and cared and like. the absolutely last thing i want to do is disrespect them.

(generally also stating for the record that calling the original PQ "trash" or "replaced" is like. not good vibes. please don't do this if you're trying to enjoy PQR -- the last thing the original postcanon team needs is more harassment.)

anyway.

pqr is fanfiction, fundamentally.

i started making pqr because in september i was sick with covid, i wanted to learn renpy, and i wanted to study homestuck more. i wanted to figure out what made PQ tick, literally, figuratively, all of the above.

plus i really wanted to write a different story arc for mspar.

i also really love the side characters in Homestuck, and wish they all got more time to shine. the pqr prologue including a set of Spades Slick sprites just for a brief encounter i think helps establish what i want to do with the like. raw potential of the premise of a Homestuck visual novel.

damara is the other big thing -- i've wanted to make a story with her in it work for ages. (if anyone remembers the old MEGIDO hades mod, that was my first big public attempt. she was gonna be the protagonist, breaking out of scratch's mansion. turns out coding in renpy is WAY easier LMAO)

like. the plan wasn't even initially to have the prologue be a full damara route? i just let the writing take me where it wanted to take me. it's been deeply fun and cathartic.

the prologue's "bad end" has some incredibly intimate themes of like. inevitability, and worrying you've let everyone you love down, and i showed it to a college friend who i hadn't spoken to for ages and she set a screenshot from it as her background.

like. to me. that's pqr. that's why i make it.

pqr is the laundry room ending of rose's route, a deeply personal look into my own fears and anxieties as an author reflected back through this girl's circumstances. pqr is also the retcon ending of rose's route, a wildly stupid and indulgent romp through my own past fanfiction for a silly gag that people seemed to really love.

pqr is about dave and myself looking for a place to stay simultaneously -- pqr is about jade leaving prospit, and how i was adding to that part of the game in real-time as i dropped out of college, changing both of our destinies to something unexpected but hopefully better, at the same time.

pqr is also a silly extended sleepover scene. it's just fun to see them interact.

pqr is an excuse to turn over corners of homestuck and see if we can't peek behind them. what was it like for roxy, to think she lost joey and then find rose's meteor barely a year later? of course she'd think it's impossible for her to succeed as a mother. pqr is about finding empathy for yourself for your own mistakes, reflected back at you through homestuck characters.

because really, isn't that what we're all here for?

pqr is me coming back to my last long-abandoned attempt at an act 5 rewrite. pqr is an excuse to watch my girlfriend grow in confidence and style as she makes all the endcards and incidental art (except for joey route pt 2, but THAT was an excuse to work with a NEW friend!!!!!!!)

pqr is a friendship simulator that i am winning by having an incredibly supportive and collaborative group of friends in the dev thread who are cheering me on with every segment of text i post, friends who will hop in vc to check out the newest segment. friends like @dare0451 who literally yesterday rendered out some new audio to upgrade the June route to be even more fucking amazing and terrifying than it already was, AND DARE HASN'T EVEN PLAYED IT????? IT'S LITERALLY JUST. IT'S FRIENDSHIP MAN. PQR IS FRIENDSHIP

what the hell was this question again.

oh right.

yeah it's been fun basically. that's why i do it lol

[streamdotpng]

Also wondering if you could correct me on the timeline of the streamer enid au this is just from what I can recall/guess but please correct me! ->Nevermore from show hyde stuff -> Second year stalker & relationship beginnings, stalker murder & proposal -> Third year: Graduation & Marriage. Viper Series starts getting published during this time & the series is semi popular but not big & Wednesday isn't a well known figure yet. -> After graduation figuring themselves out enid settling down in a house and starts streaming as Endespair, is known as a super fan of the obsecure viper book series. Wednesday starts travelling & is writing viper books, both are still in love but having some independance from eachother after being so close in such intense situations & still sending letters & calling eachother. A bad movie adaptation of viper series is made, enid rants about it on stream. -> Wednesday does a remake of bad Viper movie & Enid has a major role & some of other nevermore friends are in it -> Wednesday starts acting/directing etc & becomes a horror scream queen & gets super popular and is also known as super focused and workaholic. Viper books get super popular also. while Enid starts stunt double & Extra work credited as Enid Addams known as Sin Addams on set -> Wednesday & Enid collab on new book Lycoan Curse & it is published credited to Wednesday only, it's a hit. -> Wednesday acts/ helps direct Carnage & enid joins on Carnage as stunt double for it, is an extra in wednesdays next movie Scream in smaller roles -> Lyocan Curse announced to be adapted into show, & Wednesday finally done with ldr and wants to come home to Enid -> Wednesday & Enid get cast as main roles in Lyocan Curse & Wednesday is home with enid now, they are adorable and I love them Am unsure what the timeline is for the bad viper movie & wednesdays remake of it, esp since i think it was before wednesday got popular but am unsure how much that time it gives between having a bad viper movie get made to then having a remake greenlit also if it was during the ldr🤔 Apologies if this feels super nitpicky not trying to be, just trying to wrap my head around the timeline cos I love this sm! anyway ahh sorry for such a long ask, Wenclair and these Au's have me in such a brainrot, I got obsession in my bones -🐅

wenclair start dating by mid to end of 2nd year! Its also the year when Wednesday finishes the book Hyden truth and gets it published around the time the 2nd semester stars.

The marriage happens right after the proposal (both happening in third year, near the end of the actual lunal rite) with maybe a day or two difference just for them to get better from their wounds. Its also the year that the bad adaption of Hyden truth gets made and showcased.

Wenclair and a few of the gang make their own lil remake by themself after graduation. So its not that good of a quality but the effort is shown. Its posted in Enid's old abandoned youtube channel.

The same summer the remake is made, Wednesday makes and publishes her lil short story book that is going to start the monsterfucker allegations in a year or two.

You got everything pretty spot on tiger :D! you did amazing, holy shit. I didn't expect someone to pay that close attention

The announcement of Lunal Curse being adapted isnt when the wenclair ldr ended tho. The 'exile' ended when Wednesday finally sent the final drafts of the book Lunal curse and has it published, she then goes to pack her bags and runs back to enid.

youre so true for this

Wednesday is home with enid, they are adorable and I love them

THEYRE JUST SO CUTE

But just incase, the remake wasn't done during the ldr :) so don't worry abt it

and no worries abt the long ask, i totally get people wanting to understand more on wtf is happening so i appreciate people asking me to expand more :D

thanks again for the ask tiger, have a good dayyy. I totally understand the brain rot, i have it too

[acarustudentblog]

CGI weeks 7-12: Character setting

For the second half of our first trimester, we have started working in Maya, a digital modelling software, so that we can make a setting for a character. I wanted to make an abandoned clown's room at a circus that a clown is still living in even after the circus went bust.

Before we made anything though we were supposed to practice designing a table and chairs and a set of glasses to practice using Maya's tools.

I first started by making a mouldboard with circus themes, abandoned houses and clown based objects to use as reference for when I started modelling. Since we were supposed to base the model on our previous graphic novels we had made in another module, I thought that I could make a building that continued the story without removing the original plot and didn't just look like an everyday living room. I instead made the building based on a farmers market so I needed a reference from both a clown and fair ground.

I then made a small concept art to design and imagine the different things I'd be modelling, as well as how the room would be lit up and what story I could tell using objects and imagery.

I started out by adding the furniture and scenery. I first made the stage, haybales and the table since hey were the biggest items and wherever they went would effect the rest of the items in the room the most. I first put the table in the middle of the room, but the bunting didn't fit in a way that made it visible when I looked at it from a distance so I moved it to the side slightly so you could still see it. I also made some meat and butchered animal pieces to imply that the farmers market was for the people in my graphic novel to be sold at, as well as some scythes to try and sell the farm theme a bit more.

I then added textures. I wanted to make my scene look disturbing and creepy so I used a technique I've seen in many horror games I've played.

These screenshots are from two horror games called "No one lives under the Lighthouse" and "Mouthwashing" which are part of a subcategory of horror called "Low-poly horror games" where the style of the world is made to intentionally look semi-realistic while not looking as realistic or detailed as it could be making it feel like lost media, corrupted malware or giving it an uncanny-valley feeling where everything is close to being correct but isn't.

When I textured and designed pieces of my set I intentionally made everything slightly cube shaped and made the textures realistic even if they didn't properly fit the objects I attached them to to make the same effect. After fitting all the texture maps together I started on the lighting.

I made the lights look away from the set at an angle so that the room would be dark and ominous without making it impossible to see everything. I also had a small light that came from the curtains to look like there was somewhere to go behind the stage, making the room have a story to tell.

With everything finished I think it looks great. I could imagine playing through this room in a horror game. Working with Maya was very difficult. There were a lot of things you could do but no instructions on how to use them and so making one thing took me a long time just to figure out how to get the software to do what I wanted it to. Making textures was also difficult since many polygons I had made didn't naturally fit to textures and I had to manually change everything in the UV editor. Luckily for all the trouble I had it turned out exactly as I wanted it to give and take some textures due to my lack of time left at University. The feeling the room gives is spot on and I especially love the board at the back I made with the holes for the heads.

[anthonysstupiddailyblog]

Anthony’s Stupid Daily Blog (422): Sat 13th May 2023

This morning I got sent down to the dock and spent most of the day putting labels on boxes which was a welcome break from being on stow. I was feeling quite skinny today and I was happy to be in the dock because that would mean a lot more waling than usual which would obviously contribute towards my exercise for the day. The Lose It app I'm using to track my progress is useless when it comes to recording the amount of walking you did. There's a website called Steps To Miles which lets you put in how many steps you walked during the course of the day and tells you how many miles you walked. On Lose It it asks you for how many miles you walked but then it also asks for the duration of the walk which is impossible to say for sure so I'm having to leave that for now. I honestly never thought that I would have lasted this long on a diet given the dozens that I've attempted and abandoned after a few days (or in some cases, a few minutes). I'm only eight days in so I shouldn't really be patting myself on the back just yet but the fact that I've shown any amount of willpower is quite a big deal for me. When I got home I booked mine and Dads train tickets to London for when we go to see Devo and my train for when I go to the Edinburgh festival. All I need to book now are travel and accommodation for when I got to AEW All In. This summer is most certainly not going to be cheap with KISS then Iggy Pop then Edinburgh then Devo then All In but fuck me when I get to the end of 2023 and I look at my bucket list and all the things I've crossed off in the space of 12 months it will most certainly be worth it. For the first time in a long time I actually enjoyed my run tonight. My new process of running as slow as possible for the first half of the run and then moving up to a fast paced jog for the second half means that I can breathe a lot better and I can actually work up a sweat by sprinting during the final few hundred yards from the top of the hill to my house. I must look absolutely ridiculous to passersby because for the first half I I run like I’m trying not to make any noise on the pavement, It’s almost like a reverse moonwalk as my feet barely leave the ground. But as long as I'm losing weight who cares what those fat slobs think of me. This run was made all the more enjoyable by listening to Adam Buxton interviewing Tom Hanks on his podcast. There was some worry that Buxton had stopped doing the podcast since it normally begins at the start of spring so it was good to see that old Buckles was back. He also made for a very enjoyable interview by not asking Hanks specific questions about his film roles because he's already told all of those stories a million times and he's much more interesting when he's talking about film-making in general. When I got home and showered I stuck on last night's Lakers game and was delighted to see that they absolutely annihilated the Warriors and are now in the semi finals! The next round will be their toughest test yet as they’re up against the Nuggets who finished first in the Western conference. This is when shit gets real baby!

[literary-illuminati]

Book Review 7 - Empress of Forever by Max Gladstone

Okay, once again trying to get back on the horse of keeping up with these reviews. So, I’m generally a massive fan of Gladstone’s stuff, and having finished this I have now read every book he’s published that isn’t part of some massive series (which, sorry, but no). Also, it’s quite literally about a lesbian in space and there are lots of atrocities, so it’s so incredibly on-theme for this blog I was basically obligated to read it at some point.

Honestly, I was kind of disappointed? Not that the book was bad – it really was an enjoyable read, I promise – but it really didn’t live up to the rest of Gladstone’s stuff? Now, maybe I’d have appreciated it more if I was more familiar with Journey to the West, but still. A big part of it was the characters, I think – compared to Gladstone’s other work they’re just so obviously narrative devices and not people. The plot is fine, though the big second reveal was so obvious that I didn’t realize it was suppossed to be surprising, and the overall pacing was really poorly suited to the medium. The descriptions and general High Space Opera aesthetic/vibes was sublime though, I’m such a sucker for stuff that’s basically just chrome-accented magic thrown around with wild abandon.

Now, the book is clearly a very, very, very loose (like ‘in the same way Dragonball is’) take on Journey to the West. I, knowing almost nothing about Journey except the general synopsis and third-order cultural references and influences, am almost certainly not in a position to properly appreciate this, but as a general rule I think it’s fun and cute when people do shit like this, in the same way that my favourite modern day Shakespeare adaptation is She’s The Man. But also I kind of think it’s the reason the book’s pacing is so weird?

Which is to say, the book has a very episodic structure, with the heroine and her crazy powerful space-pirate demigod magically-bound-slave/travelling companion and all the other weird and wonderful friends they pick up along the way going from place to place and meeting people and having personal growth and getting into misadventures. These are without question the best part of the book, but quite a few of them are also unfortunately compressed by the tyranny of page count, without the character beats getting the space to breathe they deserve. (The actual plot has this problem even worse – the entire final confrontation and denouncement got like 20 pages?) This is not a story that should have been told in a single book – it should have been told in a luxuriously animated incredibly over-the-top two season adventure serial made of 2-3 episode mini-arcs. Tell me I’m wrong.

The characters themselves are – look, they’re fun. They’re so much fun. The actual heroine far less than the rest of the supporting cast, but even her. But they’re just very...archtypal? They’re clearly and obviously characters, bundles of tropes and narratives roles and aesthetics, with only the barest performance of being people? Which is honestly pretty surprising, because I’m coming to this from Last Exit which, say whatever you want about them, that was full of fucking specific people with incredible attention paid to their particular psychologies and damage. Whereas everyone in this just felt kind of broadly written.

(Also, much like how Last Exit screamed that it was written during the Trump Administration with every word, this is very clearly a book conceived and written while Obama was president)

All this sounds very negative, because I’m a naturally miserable person, but I really should say that I did enjoy reading this book. Gladstone is up there with Valente and Miller as my favourite authors writing in terms of sentence-to-sentence prose, and the gloriously self-indulgent semi-mythical space opera landscapes and creatures and battles were an absolute joy to read. The Mirrorfaith and Pride and Orn and all the rest are all just very vividly realized and I want to see concept art of them for a triple A video game or something.

For all that the cast was pretty broadly written, I did enjoy spending time in all of their heads – though it might not say great things about the book overall that the single most affecting and beautiful set-piece by far was the one that Vivian wasn’t a part of.

Anyways, overall it was a fun book, would have been a better anime. Also, unrelated to everything above – Vivian and Zanji’s dynamic and relationship would have been textbook 101 inarguable queerbaiting if Vivian didn’t also get a (different) girlfriend she fucked on screen. I just find this kind of funny to think about.

[plague-of-insomnia]

It's so nice to have new Sebagni content with big feelings and disabled Sebastian

So much content of this ship is made by antis and I don't want to suport them so thank you for making this story that I identify with

Anon 🥺🥺🥺🥺 … this ask made (makes) me so happy.

I’m such a sucker for all those things in a story and there just…. Isn’t a lot of it in the fandom, especially for ships like sebagni. I also am sad that antis love that ship so much, bc as wholesome as it can be, I also like exploring some darker aspects of Agni’s character.

I think it’s easy to see him as this perfect paragon, and maybe he did become that, but he wasn’t always that way, and even so, he was still human. I think antis especially like to pretend the “bad agni” that existed before Soma never existed…. But I think the fact that Agni wasn’t always so pure and saintly is part of why he such a loveable character.

I’m glad you can identify with the story, too (though I’m sorry if it’s bc you also deal with illness/disability and all the frustrations that go with it 🫂)…. I really didn’t ever intend to publish the story. At first, I was just gonna write it for myself as I desperately needed something to cling to with the absolute bullshit I’ve had to deal with in the last couple years (this year especially), but I am glad that I did opt to share it, as it does seem to have resonated with a niche group of people. <3

I’ll spend the next day or two on editing and formatting, so hopefully I can update officially on Wednesday. Unless something happens, it should absolutely be this week.

I’ve been really enjoying finally writing sebagni, so much so that if I am able to finish this story this year (that would be amazing if I could), I may try and start another sebagni piece, maybe one of my abandoned (put on the far back burner) ideas, or maybe another one in a similar vein…. I guess time will tell.

For now, I’m really enjoying the relationships in this fic, especially Seb & Tanaka and Seb & Agni ofc. But also Tanaka/Vince. In fact, I may end up doing a oneshot spin off that covers some of their relationship, like how they met, why they couldn’t be the couple/family Tanaka wanted, and how Vince died…. But it’s possible that may end up as part of Synch proper….

I have a semi-concrete idea of what the rest of the fic will entail, and I think it’ll be around 10 chapters. But so far it’s been surprising me, so it may be longer than that… but it’s not gonna be a fraction as expansive a story as WDH, so it is theoretically possible I could finish it this year.

I’m trying to take a laid back approach to this story, just write what I need to for my sanity and enjoy it as I go.

But I’m excited bc we’ll have two new characters to meet in ch 4!

Ty again so much for this ask. I’m really glad you’re enjoying the story. (^_^)

You can read the first 3 chapters of Synchronize on AO3.

Anyone is welcome to read and comment as long as you’re respectful and kind. 🥰

[edith-moonshadow]

I Fought The Law

This is what happens when I watch too many murder videos on youtube while trying to finish some Harringrove stories 😳😳😳 It doesn't involve any murder just me thinking what would happen if Billy became a Deputy at Hawkins Police Department and slightly abused that power so that he could get Steve 🤔🤔🤔

So Steve is a little King Steve in this story and Billy has become a deputy with the Hawkins Police Department, he keeps pulling Steve over and giving him speeding tickets and Steve’s dad tells him he needs to learn some responsibility and threatens to take his car away if he gets another ticket. Steve is driving home on a deserted road after having a few drinks at Tommy’s when he sees flashing lights in his rearview mirror. Will he be able to talk his way out of this?

Warnings: Slight Dubious Consent. Semi-Public Sex, Anal Fingering, Mutual Masturbation, Anal Sex, Biting, Marking, Manipulation, Dirty Talk, Praise Kink, Billy Being Billy, Top Billy, Bottom Steve 

He probably should have phoned a taxi or asked someone for a lift as he’d had a few drinks but he decided to take a back road home and drive extra slow. It was the early hours of the morning, the cops were probably all back at the station drinking coffee and watching the clock, nothing ever happened in Hawkins. Then just as he drove past the old abandoned factories he saw the familiar red and blue flashing lights. For a moment he contemplated just driving, it was going to be Billy, he just knew it. His dad’s angry voice from earlier that day flashed through his mind and with a sigh, he pulled over.

He rested his head back against the seat and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath when he heard a tapping on his window and opened his eyes to see Billy Hargrove’s smug face. He wound down his window and Billy leaned in closer.

“Out kinda late aren’t you Princess?”

“I’m on my way home.”

“Where were you?”

“How’s that any of your business?”

Billy’s hand came up and tapped against the shiny badge on his chest.

Steve sighed.

“I was at Tommy’s apartment.”

“Drinking?”

An angry pout formed on Steve’s face as Billy’s eyes lit up.

“C’mon man, can’t you just leave me alone?”

“Sorry, Princess if you insist on breaking the law it’s my duty to hold you responsible.”

“C'mon please, I can’t get another ticket my dad will kill me.”

Billy’s smirk got wider.

“Don’t want to disappoint your daddy huh Pretty Boy.”

“Look, can't you just cut me some slack?”

Billy just gave him an intense stare.

“Please…”

“Trying to bribe a cop Princess, think that’s a good idea?”

“Don’t be such an asshole…”

“Ok, Pretty Boy get out of the car.”

Steve sighed heavily, what was the point in even arguing at this point? He undid his seatbelt, opened the door and stepped out of the car. Billy motioned at him to turn around and face the car. Steve glared at him then turned. He felt Billy’s body press up behind him then he gasped slightly when he felt Billy’s hands grip his hips as he manhandled him against the car. Then his hands ran down his sides, across his back, over his hips and ass before sliding up the inside of his thighs. He shivered when he felt Billy’s hot breath against his ear.

“Anything you want to tell me, Princess?”

“No.”

“No?”

“Are you telling me if I did a sobriety test right now you’d pass with flying colours?”

Steve licked his lips.

“Look I had a couple of drinks, ok but I’m fine to drive.”

Billy suddenly grabbed his wrists pulling them behind his back, he then held them tightly in one hand as Steve heard the metal clink of handcuffs.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m going to have to take you in.”

“Why?”

“Drink driving.”

“Billy please…”

Billy kept his hands held tightly as he crowded back in against Steve’s body, he started to feel a little lightheaded. If he got arrested for drunk driving his dad would probably leave him at the police station and he could kiss his allowance goodbye, he was going to end up stuck doing the most menial job his dad could find for him to do at one of his businesses and he was going to lose his car.

“Unless you can convince me otherwise.”

“Anything, please I can’t get arrested.”

Billy’s other hand ran along his hip giving it a firm squeeze.

“Anything?”

“What do you w-want?”

Billy’s hand slid from his hip around to the bottom of his stomach, he pressed down as he moved closer to Steve, his lips so close that they tickled Steve’s neck.

“You.”

A laugh bubbled up from Steve’s chest.

“What do you really want?”

“That is what I really want, Princess.”

Steve jumped when he felt Billy’s tongue lick slowly behind his ear.

“C’mon Pretty Boy, what have you got to lose?”

He shivered when he felt Billy’s hands start to stroke his hand down lower.

“I…”

Billy turned him around abruptly, slamming him against the car before capturing Steve's lips in a brutal kiss. He tried to resist but when Billy bit down on his lip he felt arousal settle low in his stomach and he started to kiss back. He never would have believed that he’d enjoy kissing Billy but when all that intensity was directed at him it became a little overwhelming. Soon he had wound his arms around Billy’s shoulders pulling him closer moaning when Billy slid his hands down pulling Steve’s body closer to him.

Billy pulled back, kissing his way down Steve’s throat, licking over his pulse point before biting down hard causing Steve to cry out his skin tingling when Billy ran his tongue over the same spot. Billy licked his way back up to Steve’s ear causing him to shiver.

“C’mon Baby...you won’t regret it…”

Steve felt his face flush.

“I...I’ve never uh…”

Billy groaned before pulling him into another desperate kiss.

“I’ll make it so good for you…”

“I don’t know...can I not give you something else?”

Billy pulled him close again, placing kisses over his lips and neck.

“How about a compromise?”

“What?”

“I’ll make you feel good, and you can make me feel good.”

“How?”

Billy bit his lip.

“How about your hand on my dick, you can do that can’t you Sweetheart?”

Steve averted his eyes.

“I don’t know…”

“Sure you can, you touch yourself right, it’s pretty much the same thing.”

“That’s all?”

He glanced back at Billy becoming mesmerised by his intense eyes once more as Billy slowly licked his lips.

“Well, it wouldn’t be fair if you were taking care of me and I didn’t take care of you at least a little right Princess?”

Steve bit his lip as he felt his face heat a little more at the idea of Billy with his hand on his cock slowly stroking him as his eyes burned into him. Could he do this? Did he want to do this? He looked at Billy once more and he felt that little flutter in his stomach and he nodded before he could change his mind. A shark-like grin spread across Billy’s face as he took his hand and pulled him towards his car.

“In your car?”

“Yeah, why not?”

Steve looked up and down the dark road they were on, it was very late at night so it was unlikely but then Steve had thought that he was home free for the same reason and Billy had shown up.

“What if someone drives by?”

“They’ll see you having the time of your life.”

“Billy, I'm serious.”

“Don’t worry Sweetheart, they’ll see my car and drive on by.”

“Or your car will make them more curious.”

Billy just ignored him pulling him over and opening the back of his patrol car pushing Steve inside. He then came in after him manhandling Steve under him and then he pulled him into another desperate kiss. Steve was so caught up in the kiss that he didn’t realise Billy had his wrist in a handcuff until he felt him snap it shut and quickly attach it above his head. He looked at Billy in shock.

“What the fuck are you doing?”

“Just spicing things up a little.”

Steve looked up at him, a pout forming once more and Billy groaned.

“Fuck Princess, I bet that little pout gets you anything you want…”

Billy leaned forward sucking his lower lip into his mouth and bit down hard causing Steve to whimper. He felt Billy’s fingers on the front of his jeans as he deftly undid them before pulling them down sliding down his body so that he could strip Steve from the waist down. His heart started to hammer in his chest as he watched Billy hungrily take in his body. Before Billy stepped back out of the car, he kept his eyes on Steve as he slowly stripped off his deputy uniform. Steve licked his lips as he watched Billy slowly reveal his body to his hungry eyes. He'd seen Billy naked many times when they’d had practice together but this was different.

There was something charged about his actions now, he was striping with intent, it was all for Steve’s benefit, he wanted Steve to look at him, to admire his body. Steve couldn’t help letting his eyes roam over him, he was so much broader than Steve, he was so muscular, he had never seen anyone who looked like Billy up close, like this. His eyes slid a little lower and widened when he took in Billy’s thick hard cock, outside of his own Steve had never seen another cock hard, especially one that he was going to touch, he felt a little intimidated. Billy pulled something from his pocket then slid back on top of Steve, he shuddered when he felt Billy’s hot skin rub against his.

Billy pushed his knees in between Steve’s legs spreading them wide before he slid his naked cock against Steve’s.

“Uhhhh…”

“Feel good, Baby?”

He heard a bottle snap open and looked up at Billy to see him pouring something onto his fingers.

“What’s that?”

“Something that’ll make everything feel better.”

Billy then brought his hand down and took Steve’s hardening cock in his hand, he tightened his grip and started to stroke. Steve’s body locked up as pleasure coursed through him and Billy leaned down to kiss across his face down towards his neck. He started to feel warm all over, whimpering at Billy’s ministrations.

“Fuck...Billy…”

He felt Billy’s hand on his left thigh pushing it further apart putting him fully on display when he felt Billy’s slippery fingers slide down and press up against his hole. He tensed.

“Wait...what…”

“Shhh, it’s ok Princess this is gonna feel real good trust me…”

Billy increased the speed of the hand on his cock and Steve writhed under him when he felt pressure at his hole before Billy pushed and the tip slowly slipped in. Steve groaned at the fullness he felt as Billy pushed his finger in.

“Fuck you’re so tight...tell me how it feels…”

“I dunno...”

Billy slowly moved the finger in and out while Steve adjusted to the stretch.

“That’s it Pretty Boy, just relax, it'll feel real good in a minute…”

Soon Billy pulled his finger out then slowly pushed in two, it felt so much bigger and Steve moaned as Billy pulled him into a kiss to distract him. He felt so overwhelmed, he wasn’t too sure if he liked what Billy was doing, it felt kind of good but also a little uncomfortable too so he poured all his desperation into the kiss. Then Billy brushed against something inside that made Steve whine into his mouth as pleasure shot up his spine making his body break out on gooseflesh.

“There Princess? Is that it?”

He pressed against that spot again as Steve’s thighs shook and his hole fluttered around Billy’s fingers and Steve felt light-headed. Billy pulled him into another kiss then he groaned against his mouth.

“Touch me.”

Steve brought down his free hand and with trembling fingers wrapped his hand around Billy’s hard cock. Billy licked his way down towards Steve’s throat, groaning into his skin as he left a trail of stinging bites across his skin heightening Steve’s pleasure.

“That’s right Baby, just like that...fuck that’s so good…”

Steve could feel his orgasm fast approaching as Billy continued to stroke over his cock and pressed up against that spot on the inside. He felt so hot, his body locking up as his mind became hazy with pleasure.

“Billy...Billy…”

Billy suddenly stopped and Steve whined low in his throat. Billy licked his way to his ear.

“Princess...I want you to feel so good…will you let me…”

“I don’t understand…”

“My fingers feel real good don’t they, Baby?”

Billy pushed his fingers against the spot again and Steve whimpered.

“Y-yes…”

“I’ve something that’ll feel even better…”

“Uhhh…”

“C'mon Princess...just let me push it in a little...I won’t put the whole thing in now...we can try that later...it’ll feel so good…”

Billy pulled his fingers from Steve’s body then wrapped them around Steve’s hand on his cock applying a little pressure to encourage Steve to bring Billy’s cock up towards his hole. He bit down on his lip hard and started moving Billy’s cock towards his hole while Billy pulled his hand away so that he could manhandle Steve into a better position. With a little manoeuvring, Steve finally pressed the head of Billy’s cock up against his hole. Billy produced the bottle once more pouring a little onto the head of his cock. It felt cool against his skin.

“That’s it Sweetheart...just a little push…”

Steve took a better grip of Billy’s cock and started to push, he encountered a little resistance and then with a deep breath the head popped inside, Billy groaned lowly then leaned down biting into Steve’s lip. Then Billy started to move his hand on Steve’s cock again while his hole fluttered around the head of his cock as Billy started to kiss him desperately again. Then he kissed back down to his throat, licking over the indents left by his teeth. Billy tried to push in a little further but Steve held him back so he increased the pressure and speed of his hand until Steve felt his body squeezing down on Billy’s cock before he finally came in his hand. Billy bit into his neck as his cock throbbed inside Steve as he flooded him with come.

As Steve slowly came down from his high, he felt his body start to cramp, his legs were spread too wide and one of his hands was still handcuffed above his head. Billy was still licking over his skin so he shrugged his shoulder to try and dislodge him.

“Can you unhandcuff me now?”

“I dunno Princess are you going to be a good boy now?”

Billy stroked his hand up Steve’s thigh slowly pushing two fingers back into his over sensitive hole. Steve shivered as it made little shocks shoot under his skin.

“How does it feel to be full of my come Pretty Boy?”

Steve groaned softly as he felt his cock give a feeble twitch.

“Are you going to be good now Baby or am I gonna have to keep you in line?”

Billy slowly pushed his fingers in his come slicking the way, pressing against the spot inside making Steve grit his teeth at the slightly painful pleasure. Billy placed lingering kisses on his neck.

“You’ve been such a bad boy Sweetheart...you’ve been so spoiled thinking you can just do whatever you want…”

Steve moaned softly.

“Don’t worry though Princess I know how to keep you in line…”

[1d1195]

To my followers--old and new

I’m sure those of you that have been following me for a while are shocked that I’m even active still after my sporadic posting the last three years. From the bottom of my heart I want to say sorry for all but abandoning you guys. Once you read below I will follow up with a long half-way decent attempt at an explanation as to why I was gone and why I’m back.

I’ve got a little warning to say about my next story. I will also post it on the actual story when I get around to finishing the first part (which I really do believe will be soon--that’s right, you heard me, first part) but I wanted everyone to be notified ahead of time. So here is the warning:

I’ve never written anything like this next one I’m going to post. I’m not sure what to say. I’ve had this idea in my head for literal years. It’s definitely a TW for depression, suicidal thoughts/actions, etc. I thought it up in my head when I was having an extra rough time a few years back--probably about when I stopped posting so regularly. I never seriously considered ending my life, but I had been very unhappy without any real “reason” to be unhappy and wished I wasn’t alive a lot just a few short years ago. To be totally honest, I still feel this way a lot more frequently than I care to admit. So here I am on tumblr, talking to people who I’m not totally sure are still all there because I don’t even think I would wait around for me at this point.

I can’t really explain why I thought this up, can’t say anything about it is medically or socially accurate in any way, shape or form. I can’t really say why I want to post it now. Or why I want to write it out so I can see it in words.

I think at the end of it all, I really wanted someone to come and save me back then, y’know? And probably more than anything, I wanted Harry to come save me.

I’m always here if you want to talk to me and there are so many resources out there if you are feeling less than the beautiful and wonderful person that you are. If you need anything, please let me know; do not be shy, I like to think I’m back for a good long while and at the very least I’ll try to do a semi-sign off or hiatus warning before/if I leave again.

If you guys still like my writing, I want to be here--I always wanted to all this time I was MIA and I know you all have no reason to believe me, but I promise it’s true. Life just got so busy. It looks like the last time I was semi-active on any regular basis was 2018--when I got my first teaching job. Did you all know I’m currently in my FIFTH year of teaching? I started this blog in 2015--I was fresh out of high school and in my first year of college. I was all but a baby giving out shitty advice that I had no business giving.

Covid was the worst, as I know it was for all of you and probably way worse for a lot of you than it was for me. Teaching has been hell this year. Like I would give anything for a remote/hybrid learning in comparison to this horrible year. June can’t come quick enough--and if you all know me, I hate summer. I had this dream of teaching for so long and every day I wake up and feel like I’m...just broken. There’s no where for me to go anymore. 

So I’m doing what I do best and coming back on tumblr hoping some of you will forgive me and maybe read some of my new stuff (fortunately for you all I do think I’ve become a slightly better writer than I used to be). Over the last week even (?) it’s been a tremendous escape and I’ve missed you all so much.

If you are still reading thank you oh so much. You all mean the world to me. Truly. If you need advice I promise my advice isn’t shitty anymore and I am really so happy to talk to y’all about anything. I’ve missed being here so much. I’ve missed Harry so much. (Which you’ll be reading a lot about in the coming weeks, I think).

I say this with the truest intentions in the world: I love you all a lot and I am happy to chat about anything with you all whenever you need someone to listen to. Thank you so very much for sticking with me.

And to my newer followers, welcome to the show I’m so happy to have you here!

xoxo

Sam

[vminity21]

Beyond the Facade | knj

Pairing: handyman!namjoon X preacherskid!reader, bestfriend!taehyung X pregnant!reader, f2l!au

Word Count: 10,958

Genre: mysterious/angst/fluff/smut

Warning(s): strong language use, semi-detailed childbirth, mention of infidelity, alluding of a love triangle, evidence of a sheltered background, angst involving family matters, smut, losing virginity, unprotected sex, oral (f receiving), nipple play, hand groping, lots of flashbacks but that is the point of the story i sorry; Rated: 18+

Summary: A sheltered life leads to harbored secrets that are buried in order to protect someone you are falling in love with. As the time is nearing for the life growing inside you to be welcomed into the world, the reminiscences of all the moments unfold to reveal a beautiful story that needed to be told.

Credits to: @suhdays​ for making such a phenomenal header! The talent she has never ceases to amaze me!

The graying of the clouds is all you can see beyond your window other than the panging rain droplets now trickling upon the glass. Arm resting against your forehead, your lips press into a straight line in response to the series of thoughts circling your mind. Carefully, you slide your palms upon the mattress in an attempt to sit up, wanting to see more of the view besides the crying sky. Knuckles curling to rub your tired eyes, you furrow your brows, the comforting warmth of the bed covers remain tangled between your shins. Leafless trees border the side of the building save for a small swing set; a paved section decorated with a basketball hoop where a large shed stands many feet across from it. If one is to step outside the front of the structure, there sits a church surrounded by a gravel parking lot where the neighboring land hosts a barbed wire fence with an abandoned house and field.

It's been four months since you deemed the fellowship hall your home, and appreciatively, the area has been vacant since the falling of the church which saves even more stress than what you've been in since moving here. Achingly, your legs stretch to move off the bed before your feet land onto the grainy carpet. Your right-hand slips to steady your back, maneuvering your body to scoot to the bed frame, which has become a daily routine, weak fingers gripping the wood until your digits become pale white. Letting out a steady sigh, with all your strength you lift yourself to where you can stand, "Oomf," a small whimper escapes past your lips, tensing at the cringe plaguing your shoulders.

Being seven months pregnant sometimes has its perks, but this isn't one of them. Bending your body forward slightly, you step sluggishly toward your dresser, pulling out maternity clothes lent to you before the move.

"So, when are you going to tell us?" The soft murmur belonging to your mother echoes from the driver's side. Her expression submits an evident mixture of exhaustion and exasperation; though it's been a month since the announcement of your pregnancy, your mother is currently driving you to a doctor's appointment for a checkup on the baby to make sure everything is okay, "we have a right to know."

Arms crossed over your chest in mild annoyance, you bite the corner of your mouth until the side of your head meets the window, getting lost in the line of trees zipping by.

Waddling into the bathroom, the vague memory fades, your hand reaching to turn the knob of the shower. The squeaky sound along with rushing water splatters against the shower curtain sending a soothing jolt of excitement. Chilly air springs goosebumps over your limbs once you're freed of your clothes, waiting patiently for the water to warm before inching into the tub. When steaming liquid soon dribbles among your frame, a grin of satisfaction sparks brief happiness you needed an escape to. The heat of the downpour eases your aching bones, fingers clasping behind your neck to lean your head back, "Oh!" You gasp in surprise when the instant feel of a kick happens within your tummy. Eyes flutter down in the direction of your swollen belly, palms moving to caress it, "Look at you, what are you trying to do? Escape?" Cooing with a light giggle, when the baby kicks again, you can't help the giddy smile tugging at the corner of your lips. Now, this- this is what you love about being pregnant. Finishing up, you dry your hair before swiftly dressing along with brushing your teeth.

Thoughts still pertaining to the small life growing inside you, you've decided since your first doctor's visit that you do not want to know your baby's gender until the day that you give birth. When you presented the idea to your mother, she was all on board, proclaiming how she had done that with your younger sibling. Running a brush through your hair, you skim one final look into the mirror formerly then head to exit the bathroom.

Gradually sauntering through the mini hallway, you're more zoned on the way your hand pats upon the wall in some form of maintaining stableness to the point you hardly notice almost slamming into a tall figure.

"Oh shit, I'm so sorry!" A deep voice panics, raising his arms in a way to catch you though your arms mirror the same. Heart ramming, a breath of relief winds past your parted lips- your eyes scanning the slim legs that follow to the handsome face of Kim Namjoon. His eyes enlarged apologetically.

"Oh Namjoon, you scared me," a tender chuckle sets the feel of calm for he sees the amnesty etched in your eyes.

"I'm so sorry, [Y/N], I was about to head out to mow the lawn, but just wanted to check and make sure you're okay," he timidly scopes the view of your huge abdomen, gulping once his hands rest loosely at his sides, returning his eyes to search yours before a sweet grin spreads upon your face.

"It's no biggie. Thank you for checking on me,"

His dimples show from the way his lips press in a tight smile, nodding in reply, timorously turning to waltz to the outdoors in preparation of the day ahead. You watch until he disappears from your line of vision; the creep of a blush burning from your chest to your cheeks. Raking your hands through your hair, you force yourself once again to deny the attraction seeping through your soul thankful your blush attacked after he left.

Kim Namjoon works for your father, making sure the church grounds continuously stay clean and cut creating a pretty environment to the eye. Protecting the land is another part of the job description- protecting it from any loiterers, wild animals, protesters, etcetera- maintaining flower bushes encircling the area as well as mini projects your father will want Namjoon to build. The swing set, including the shed, happen to be plans that Namjoon successfully constructed due to your father's wishes. In return, Namjoon is provided a place to live- the room that once held your father's office, is now changed into a bedroom.

It's strange for you to think about it now- how so much has changed in just seven months, when a year ago the church was thriving, unaware of the secrets that clouded within the audience. Squeezing your eyes shut, a reminiscent from the beginning of your pregnancy rears its head causing a tiny brink of nausea to form.

Taehyung's arms drape around you tightly, embracing you in all entirety that your eyes shut against the crook of his neck. Your fingers squeeze his shoulder, legs bent across his thighs while tepid tears spill onto your cheeks.

"Shhh," he tries to comfort, his breath tickling your exposed ear- your face still buried beneath his chin, "It's going to be okay," he whispers just as soft as the flicking fire burning amongst numerous candle wicks. Scents of vanilla blends with birch fitting the dimly lit bedroom that you're thankful exists other than the man refusing to let you go until you feel better.

"How?" You choke back another sob, "How am I going to tell my parents? How am I supposed to confront the church if that's what it comes down to? Shit... My dad is going to fucking kill me," Taehyung's shirt is soaked, but he could care less, tangling his long fingers into your hair to stroke the back of your head.

"Okay, now, you're being dramatic,"

"So, maybe I am? But you know very well that my parents aren't going to take this lightly,"

"Yeah, but I think it's safe to say that telling your parents you're pregnant is far better than if you were to tell them how you truly feel about religion,"

"Okay? Perhaps, you're right," a snippet of a frustrated huff leaves your trembling lips, "especially not with what's been going on with the church, I don't know how much more they can take,"

"Well, your dad should have thought of that before he had an affair with my mom," Taehyung's icy tone brings chills to your frame before he loudly swallows, lips firm from the anger boiling behind his almond eyes. Tendrils of his bright, red hair glow regardless of how dark the atmosphere is, and you hardly hold back the sheer pain stabbing your heart from the guilt you can't help but endure.

"Tae, I'm so so sorry,"

"Hey," he peers down at you, realizing he may have taken his comment too far, even though you're just as angry towards your father as your best friend is, "you didn't know," sniffling back the remaining mucus clogging your nostrils, you desire to face Taehyung no matter how foolish you think you may look, scooting your body to where your palm indents in his mattress next to his legs, his arm now rests around your waist, and for a split second, you're close enough to where the tempting appearance of his striking face beckons the strange glimmer of longing. A longing of curing whatever loneliness you're going through, but you're not the only one experiencing this moment for Taehyung's lips part just enough to plead your attention.

You can't stop yourself, and you don't, because before either of you comprehend, you close the gap letting the delicate wave of his kiss caress yours. "Tae," you breathe against his lips, reuniting with his kiss almost immediately while a dizzy spell of want travels through your chest. You know this isn't right. He knows this isn't right, but too many pent-up emotions between your hearts have gotten out of hand, and for now, all the two of you have is each other. His fingertips move to tenderly trail your jaw, gasping into his mouth when the tip of his tongue circles yours before you move to trap him in a perfect straddle. You need something, anything to feel whole again- something to forget about the people you lost and the people you will lose. And, if there's anyone in this world you do not want to lose it's him.

There's no refraining, there's no hesitation, just the growing pace of the kisses, and the way you're so enthralled with how beautiful he feels squeezing you tighter to him. "[Y/N]," he moans, hating himself for how far he wants to go with you, yet he craves your touch, nearly supplicates for it. You want to feel his skin, and the aching throb below you seems to deafen any other screams of stopping, and yet, your fingers move to the end of his shirt, peeling it just enough to expose the solid wall of his abdomen. "[Y/N]," he stops you, breaking the final kiss, his hand covering your wrist, while your eyes frantically search the side of his face, "We- we can't,"

You haven't seen him since, because of the boundaries that were crossed and would have been farther crossed if Taehyung had not had the strength to stop. The pair of you have been best friends since childhood, and neither of you wants to take anything beyond for the sake of feeling empty, but he assured you that night, even after your panic of apologies pouring from your mouth, after the humiliation that shackled your system, even after the daunting assumption that your friendship was over- he cupped your cheek, promising that he was still here and that he would never end your attachment over something, you both will never regret.

It's a secret you've suppressed for some time. Taehyung calls every so often when he can; dealing with his broken-hearted father on top of two jobs consumes every bit of his time. Yet, you can't help but miss him, the one person who loyally stayed by your side even when you came forward to your friends about your pregnancy. And, the one friend who still loves you all the same, even after discovering his mother's affair with your father.

Rage isn't enough to describe the resentment against your father, and ever since you told your parents that you were expecting, and ever since your move, you haven't spoken to him. You'll never forget how torn your mother was- depression weighing heavy on her, and that's something that's hard to forgive.

Your mother looks frail as she twiddles the crumpled tissue in her hands. Tears brim her eyes through the silence in the car, sparse sniffles breaking your heart into a million pieces. The two of you had just come back from the grocery store to restock the kitchen in your recently new home and are now parked at the church's back door to drop you off. You hesitated upon leaving because the thought of your mother having to return home to a place of remorse is the last thing you want for her. The promise of a car was granted to you, but you turned it down, refusing to accept anything from the man who caused so much pain to your family. To Taehyung's family.

Running the tissue underneath her eyes, she speaks, "[Y/N]?"

"Yeah?" Your voice is barely a whisper, but the guilt from how stressed your mother has been is something you wish you could carry instead of her. After the betrayal of your father as well as him resigning from the church to send people away from the place they once sought refuge in- on top of her oldest daughter being pregnant with her first child is already a lot to handle. The other frustration you bite your tongue from expressing is the fact of your parents refusing to let you get a job until the time after you give birth. You want to make the money to provide for yourself and your son or daughter without the dependence upon your parents- your mother especially, yet you're grateful for her adamancy on keeping you from any risks outside of the walls of your home.

It takes a moment before your mother gathers her words, "Do you- do you think you could ask Namjoon to help take you to the hospital? Whenever it's time... for you to have the baby?"

It was easier for your mother to ask that of you because he lived in the same building, and if any emergency of your water breaking happened earlier than expected, at least you would have someone available to take you to the hospital. Your gaze clears from the zone out you've had the whole time standing in the entrance of the hallway before Namjoon left. Turning on a heel, you decide to return to your bed, slipping under the covers- you're too wide awake to sleep as of now, yet the foam of the mattress eases the soreness of your back once you lean against the pillows.

-Four months earlier-

Queasiness envelops your abdomen to where you recognize the cue, rushing to the porcelain throne to heave whatever yellow liquid is left- spurting it into the toilet while you grimace through the pain. The door swings open behind you mixed with heavy footsteps quickening to you. When large hands swoop to hold your hair back, you don't have the strength to look at the intruder due to the continuous retching that deems you defenseless.

"It's okay, it's okay," the deep voice is soft, and relief brings tears to your eyes when you recognize it to be Kim Namjoon. You're embarrassed once your stomach gives you a break, your palms pressing to your forehead while you slump against the wall.

"I'm so sorry," you whisper, swiping your mouth with the back of your hand. Namjoon scatters to find a tissue, patting the corners of your lips.

"You don't have to be sorry,"

"That... wasn't what I was apologizing for,"

A knowing glance is all he must give for you to share whatever thoughts you can't bring yourself to voice. He was your friend before all of this, yet you failed to mention to him about the pregnancy, and with him being the worker of the Church- he didn't discover your budding stomach until the day you moved in. His eyes flicker away from your stare toward the slight protrusion of your baby bump due to your ruffled t-shirt. He settles on the floor across from you, silence being the only conversation held. He isn't one to hold anger, and though you kept him unaware until your third month of pregnancy, he refuses to leave your side, making a pact to himself he will do whatever it takes to provide the care that you will need. As well as the little one.

Despite the emotional roller coaster, you remain amazed with how he keeps his patience with you. A day of depression to a random bout of laughter- memories turning of the betrayals of close friends who judged you immediately the day you put your trust in them- the freedom you craved away from the sheltered life your father forced upon you- even days where you can't seem to put your tears on pause, yet Namjoon holds you through every grieve.

"What if... what if I'm not good enough?" Your voice shakes between sobs- you had been dreaming restlessly yet another night, tossing within your bed to the point Namjoon came to check on you- rushing to pull you into his arms the moment your eyes fluttered to reveal pained tears. Your words nearly shatter him- pulling away just enough to where his eyes lock with yours.

"How can you say that, [Y/N]?" The faint light of your lampshade causes his face to glisten- angelically, you decide, yet the shadowing doubt of motherhood plagues you still, because what if you genuinely can't care for the child that you're six months away from holding? Fears encompass you like an ocean, smashing along your mind in harsh waves. "Look at me," are the words that snap you from whatever sea you were suffocating in to realize you had unintentionally switched your gaze from him. It's the calming effect the warmth of Namjoon's eyes bring when he exposes whatever faith he has in the woman you are and will become. "You're going to do just fine, believe me, I know it,"

Sniffling, you run the back of your hand along your chin where an escapee of a tear dangled, "How can you be so sure?"

"Because when have you ever given up on anyone that you care about," it's not a question, he's stating what he knows to be a fact. Something he learned of you when he first was hired to tend to the property. "You're stubborn when it comes to winning someone over. I was determined not to befriend anyone here. But you changed that for me, remember?"

A knowing tug of a smile trembles into a stretch upon your lips, "I do,"

"Same with the baby. I know you will love that little one more than life itself. It doesn't have a choice, and you'll let him or her know the second they're born,"

When a hearty snicker leaves your mouth, you notice the sticky feel of your drying face- you are no longer crying.

"You don't have to do this alone, [Y/N]. You showed me that even when I didn't know what else to do. Now, get some rest, okay? You have a doctor's appointment bright and early," the bed creaks from the gradual movement of Namjoon standing,

"Wait!" You speak before you can stop yourself, Namjoon immediately pausing- the heat of his arms is felt beneath your palms from your pounce of panic, and with evident chagrin, you shyly stare at his chest, "Can you uh, ... Can you stay in here with me tonight?" You've refrained from asking sooner due to the shame of not telling him the news that's become apparent, and even now, you haven't been able to comprehend how he's not the slightest bit angry with you. When his arms encircle you closer to his frame, no words need to be said because he's already answered by just this gesture. Nuzzling into his embrace, the side of his chin pressed to your forehead, "Whoever it is, I hope they grow up to be half the person that you are," you whisper, squeezing him tighter, infinite smiles now ending the night that cures any ounce of uncertainty.

By the fifth month of pregnancy, you finally come to the realization of how selfish you have been- it's no longer about you and your needs; it is now about the needs of your son or daughter growing within you. Namjoon catered to every grocery store trip, stocking the kitchen and in return, you choose to cook for him every meal, hoping to show as much appreciation to him that you can.

"Have you thought about any names?" Taehyung's voice muses on the other line of the phone, the sound of him bringing a small smirk upon your face. You've missed him terribly so, yet the acceptance of surprise phone calls is all you can settle with for now. At his question though, you pause with the tilt of your head, taking a quick sip of the broth that you're currently heating on the stove.

"No?" It's a brief question of guilt, something you haven't been ready to ponder, "Honestly... haven't thought that far ahead yet," you add in the vegetables to boil within the broth.

The familiar, deep chuckle is all you hear to gain an idea of what your best friend is about to say next, "I should have known,"

"Alright, Birkenstocks. What do you mean by that?"

"Breezing past that mistake. You named your Parakeet, Bird,"

"Well, in my defense, I was seven years of age,"

"And in my defense, playing basketball in Birkenstocks was supposed to start a trend,"

"Since how? I-"

"Ask Hoseok,"

"You lost a bet didn't you-"

"And, I will pay for it for the rest of my life, now won't I?"

"With me around, you will,"

Hoseok is the deacon's son who's dream of fashion has been shunned by his family, yet he designs in a sketchbook Taehyung hides for whenever Hoseok and he share the same work shifts. He's not one you have had the opportunity to communicate much with, but you're thankful Taehyung has someone to maintain a friendship with while you two have been apart. A short response of silence settles while your cheek and shoulder squeeze the phone for a moment as you stir the steaming vegetables.

"You could have named the bird, Tweety at least-"

"Oh!" You playfully growl, "Back with that again, huh?"

"Do I need to send you a link of baby names-"

"I promise you, Tae, I do not plan on naming my child, Kid, okay?"

"You'd be surprised-"

Taehyung's excitement for his future Godchild brings a simmering joy to the surface of your pattering heart. Almost as equal to the eagerness, your mother has shown with this being her first grandchild. Graciously, your mother has never been as strict as your father, hence why the past five months have gone much smoother then they would have if your father had never had an affair with Mrs. Kim.

The phone call ends whenever dinner is finished, and by that time, Namjoon scuffles through the door- the outdoorsy scent drifts to your nose while you place the sweltering bowls of soup on the table. Namjoon shimmers his feet from his work boots before hanging his coat, timidly glimpsing in your direction to confirm you're okay.

Small talk ensues with the typical questions of how each of your days has gone once the pair of you take your seats. One secret, yet another you and Taehyung have harbored, is the awareness of Namjoon's atheism- something your father must never learn of his worker. Namjoon, who will not admit it, works on the church grounds in order to provide for his family who lives a few miles up the road. Ultimately, there are many secrets not worth sharing to your parents, not only for the sake of sanity but for the protection of the ones who you've kept close, especially Namjoon. With your father being the tyrant of a priest, he used to be, there is still the potential distress of him firing Namjoon over the mere difference of beliefs. Something you refuse to let happen while you're around.

Clinking spoons replace conversation, for how long, you're uncertain; the fog of your thoughts seem to consume upon one in particular- something that has remained festering long enough, yet you have never said it aloud- figuring this moment may be the time that you do. Namjoon confided in you and Taehyung once he found comfort in trusting the pair of you- even subjects that one would have never expected him to open about. Guilt presents itself to the point your eyes squeeze shut, opening them to move your spoon to play at a piece of broccoli swimming in the potage.

"They don't know," your words are careful- slow even- continuing your vision on the dinner before you. You can feel Namjoon's soft eyes on you, his expression confused. "They don't know who the father is," that's when your gaze trails to meet his eyes just for more guilt to manifest behind them. By they, you're referring to your parents, as well as every other soul excluding Taehyung, "I won't tell them." Namjoon slowly nods with the sense of understanding, knowing the cost that will be taken if your father were to know who you're trying to bury beneath this web of fear. "Besides," you sigh heavily, "I'm surprised my father was lenient enough to let me live here," you confess, "if he wasn't so guilty over the affair, I would be homeless-"

"I wouldn't let that happen," Namjoon says suddenly, destroying whatever anger you were dwelling upon. Your mouth falls open in shock at his words and the frilly flutter of your heartbeat is hard to ignore. After living here for two months, he's proven time and time again that he means what he says; what he just said. Speechless, the rest of dinner continues in fond silence, your heart refusing to steady for the man slowly captivating your heart.

The sixth month of pregnancy gifts swollen feet and aching bones on top of your belly growing heavier by the week. Namjoon has stayed loyal- tending to your pregnancy cravings in the dead of night, aiding to your discomfort whether it involves a heating pack or a cup of ice, slipping under the covers on nights you want him to hold you, driving you to every doctor's appointment without any hesitation; with all that he's been doing for you, it's like your feelings have blossomed deeper which you know shouldn't be happening with the peril of your father finding out. The unexpected visits from your father are few, yet you usher the reminder to yourself of protecting Namjoon, though he carries the weight of facing your father instead of you who avoids the confrontation.

Night comes quickly after a day spent cleaning up the nursery that seems to be coming together, other than the crib Namjoon's been building- something you accidentally discovered when strolling close to the shed one sunny day. He's so dedicated to the unborn infant, it nearly brings you to tears, glancing around the elegant hues of multiple pastel colors painted across the room with stuffed animals, blankets, and furniture he continues to gift you amongst different items your mother has added to the collection. You always enjoy the sporadic visits from your mother, because she's free to celebrate the life that she refuses to consider as a sin.

"Are you thinking boy or girl?" Your mother elbowed your side earlier today after moving around the furniture.

"Hm," you hummed happily, thankful for the relationship that's being redeemed with her, "you know? I'm not very sure,"

"I can tell from all the colors you've chosen," she teased, "it looks beautiful," she cooed, pulling you into an accomplished side hug. You didn't want to stick to just pink or blue, so you chose every other shade in between, colliding the space with colors that could go for either or. "You're going to be a wonderful mother,"

The sound of the front door opens distracting you from the former memory, staring down at the table that now rests heaping plates of chicken and rice. The fellowship hall used to be filled with numerous rows of horizontal tables mingled with circular ones where the crowd would come to camaraderie to joyful hymnals, delicious food, reflected testimonies without any warning of the secrecies soon floating to the surface. Now a solo table, the one planted before you, pairs with a few sparse chairs just enough to seat at least four people.

"Hiya," you greet, trying to ignore the subtle increase of your heartbeat. Namjoon flashes a kid-like smile once he shutters out of his jacket, "How was your day?"

"It was good, thank you," he replies, taking long strides until he makes it to you, "How was yours with your mom?" His right-hand steadies the small of your back while his left one clutches yours to help settle you into your seat. It's hard to focus on the question he just asked when the scent from outside seems to heighten the attraction you already feel towards him, "It was good," you manage to say, reaching for the silverware to begin digging into your food, "Thank you... For helping me," the distance between your stomach and the table now is something you've been trying to get used to as well as the turmoil of trying to stand and sit.

"Anytime."

A blush floods your cheeks when he holds your timorous stare, so you avert your eyes to your dinner, letting the obvious feeling of Namjoon watching deepen the red shade on your skin. A few minutes disappear into time before you feel a shove against your abdomen from the inside. Your hand instinctively flies to press upon the baby bump, Namjoon jumping at the motion, stopping mid-chew, while his eyes enlarge in surprise.

"It's okay," you chortle at his reaction, "it's just the baby kicking," his response reminds you of the moment you felt the baby kick for the very first time- similar to a weird flutter that's hard to describe, and it had taken you a second to realize what it was exactly- just your baby making its presence known to you. Namjoon swallows the bite of food in a nervous gulp, the pang of his silverware mutes from where he lays it on the napkin.

"Here," you murmur affectionately preparing to stand to your feet. Namjoon immediately jolts from his chair, rounding the table to gather your hand in his. Instead of relying on his strength to help you position yourself, you plop back onto the seat, sliding his hand to the area where the baby kicked a few minutes prior. Namjoon kneels to level with you, his plump lips ajar mirroring the widen stance of his eyes while he patiently waits, his nervous heart pounding in his temples. It's the exuberant joy in his smile that meets his eyes in a dazzling glow the pure second the baby kicks again, and the bliss of delight smothers your heart in so many ways imaginable at this moment the pair of you are capturing together. Your hand remains resting upon his while your eyes lock repudiating from breaking contact.

"I told you that you don't have to do this alone," he whispers, and it's then you come to the awareness of how near his face is from yours, his dimples visible from his smile to the point you press your lips to each one, shocked at your act of boldness, but you can't refrain. He's too handsome and too wonderful to stay away from any longer. That's all the invitation needed, for Namjoon's lips brush yours igniting the sparks of what you've been trying to suppress for way too long. Your fingers find his hair when he leans to deepen the kiss, moving his hands to rest on the chair, fingers pressing into the wood until pale white.

At this moment, you don't care what anyone thinks.

You are in love with Kim Namjoon, and there is nothing in this world that's going to scare you away from that.

-Present day-

The pitch black outside the window brings frustration when you awaken to scold yourself for how long you've slept. Gathering yourself once the fatigue rolls off, you cautiously sit up, scooting to the bedpost until you're on your feet. Taking a trip to the restroom, you notice upon exiting the clock on the wall reads seven pm, and you wonder if Namjoon has made it inside for the evening. It's eerily quiet save for the air conditioning, but you pause when you see the lights are on in the main area of the building. Shrugging, you waddle around the corner until the sudden shouts of, "SURPRISE!", nearly knocks you to the ground.

Gasping, your eyes widen while your hand flies to your chest. A prolonged second interferes before your brain deciphers the two individuals cheering before you. Numerous pink and blue balloons hover to the top of the ceiling matching the colors of a cloth decorating the one table now adorned with a cake and wrapped gifts. "What?" You can barely speak from the light headiness taking over, but the tears that well in your eyes when you see the boxy smile of your best friend sends you in an attempt to run just to crash into his arms. He meets you halfway, surrounding you within his embrace as he rocks you back and forth muffling your wails of joy into his checkered sweater. Your soaked cheeks are wiped away from the material as been done countless times before, and his tepid palms squish your cheeks when he steps back to gesture toward your belly.

"Wow look at you! Your belly is huge!"

"I'm still in denial of how fast this pregnancy is going!" You say breathlessly, you're so happy to see Taehyung, you can hardly contain your composure. Namjoon steps forward with his hand reaching to squeeze your best friend's shoulder. Taehyung's fiery strands are curled upon his forehead, lustrous beneath the lights as it always has before, "Your father let you come?" There's a seriousness behind your voice at the question because you are cognizant of the fury Tae's father has against the church from the events that occurred what, in some ways feels like a lifetime ago.

"Well, no," Taehyung winces mischievously, "I told him that Namjoon and I were going to a basketball game,"

"Of course, you did, you sly fox,"

"You know you love me," Tae pecks your forehead before leading you to the table where the sweet whiff of cake flatters your nostrils.

"You guys didn't have to do this," you're still wiping tears off your face, though it's evident that your crying is from untainted gratitude, "What did I do to deserve the two of you?"

Namjoon kneels, intertwining his long fingers with yours, using the tip of his thumb to tickle circles upon your skin, "Taehyung mentioned how when you were kids that you loved surprises, especially if it involved a small party of some sort so," he tilts his head toward Taehyung, "And I knew how much you missed him, too. I just wanted to do something to celebrate you. And, the baby,"

It doesn't take much to smother this man in kisses nowadays, and once you express your thankfulness to the men before you, Namjoon reads your mind, snatching a small kiss in return.

"You two are on kissing terms, again?" Taehyung teases while you poke your tongue at him in mild embarrassment. Namjoon does not know of the moment you and Tae shared, and that's something you're not ready to talk about, and with the cutesy scrunch of Namjoon's face, the memory escapes to the back of your mind for now.

By the end of the night, the frosting had met all three of your faces- some smushed into Taehyung's hair while some swiped across Namjoon's neck, and your eyebrows are smeared along with the possible suspicion of some getting up your nose. Cleaning the mess takes a while, but nobody in the room would trade it for anything, and it's good stalling to prevent the night from completely ending.

Walking Taehyung to his car is the only dread overwhelming your system because you're not sure of when you will get to see him next. Tears flood your eyes, breaking Taehyung's heart as an awe of shame gusts past his lips, "I'm sorry, [Y/N]. My dad's expecting me home soon,"

"I don't want you to go," you choke, on the brink of bursting at the seams- Tae fumbles to tighten his arms behind your back- him trying to be mindful of your abdomen being pressed too firmly against his frame.

"Please don't cry," he whispers near your ear, "Please, please don't cry," His lips curl from the tears burning within his own eyes wishing with all his strength he could rid of the aching hurt that has kept your friendship separated. Tae swiftly pulls away when he remembers another present, he meant to give you earlier, whirling around to unlock his car, bending into the vehicle while his hands shuffle around the floorboard in a desperate search for whatever he wants to show you. When he turns to face you, a sharp inhale of glee echoes into the night- the lopsided plush of a heart is attached to a blue body ornamented with yellow polka dots that match its mouth. "Oh my gosh!" You squeal, "Tae, it's adorable! Where did you find this?"

Wiggling his eyebrows in pride, he hands it to you, "I made it myself. And," he pauses for effect, "since you have trouble naming things, I did the honors and named it for you. I introduce, Ta Ta."

"Ta Ta?"

"Yeah, like 'Ta Ta... for now,'"

"Just when I thought I couldn't love your dork of a self even more," you exhale, slamming your eyes shut just to bury your face further into his chest, not able to breathe in his scent from the clog of mucus stuffing your nose.

"I love you, too." His voice thickens with emotion, "Now, quit saying it like you're never going to see me again, because you know I'm not going anywhere."

"You promise?" Your cold nose moves to press into the corner of his jaw where steady breaths move between your parting mouth. It's a serene moment where he turns just enough to glimpse at you, engaging in the beauty he's always found within your heart. Taehyung's agape lips now rest centimeters from yours when his large hands raise to rest his fingertips along your flushed cheeks- the curls of his frizzy hair pressing to your forehead, prickling your closing eyes. You discover your free hand enfolding around his wrist from the daunting desire looming from what's been left unspoken, and the shiver in his breathing brushes your chin once the light touch of his nose cuddles to yours. You both stand there for a seeming reel of eternity, battling the inward mayhem of choice that's displayed itself on the invisible line tempting to be traversed.

"I promise."

He hadn't kissed you, but there was no denial that he wanted to, especially with the way your face has haunted his dreams since the night your lips met in emotional patterns of sorrow. But, deep down, he knows it's too obvious of a choice if the one for him is to be you, but the love that has been kept for you will never go away. The same as a tether of your heart will forever be his no matter how deep your love goes for someone else. Kim Taehyung will always be your poise- your muse- the soulmate of a friendship that you will always need.

Toddling to the nursery upon Tae's departure still presents the boiling tears from your tired eyes dripping off your cheeks as you set Ta Ta beside the koala plushie Namjoon gifted you; the humor involving the struggle of both Taehyung and Namjoon carrying the crib Namjoon built for the baby taunts a smirk at the corner of your lips. It's dark besides the faint light of the hallway behind you, giving you just enough to admire the scenery around you- sniffling back what you can before reaching to cover your quivering chin with your hand. You've missed Taehyung. You miss him. And, how beautiful of Namjoon to surprise you with your best friend's presence? Reuniting the three musketeers from once upon a time?

Little do they know, from the unearthing of your pregnancy to now, the two men have mended your broken heart and stitched it back together again piece by piece. You're highly uncertain of where you would be without them, and just the thought alone is one you refuse to dwell on. While memories turn like a spindle of loosened thread, a revelation halts you in your tracks. The thought rings loud and clear gracing a wide smile on your face while one more set of tears dampen the corner of your eyes.

After scolding yourself for so long for not thinking hard enough on the subject,

right here, hands grasping the handlebar of your future child's cradle,

you finally have a name picked out for your little one.

-

2 months later....

"Namjoon, I'll be fine," the pointed look you flash him prompts a nervous chuckle once his hands rest to rub gently along your sides. He's concerned as he's been almost the entire pregnancy, but of course, now his worries are heightened to an extreme, "I'm not due until next week. Don't worry,"

"I know," he groans, tugging you closer just enough to plant a warm to kiss to your neck, "But, I can't help it."

"I'll be fine," you drag the word with a teasing sound of a whine. Namjoon shaking his head at you with a smile you're now feeling upon your lips. "Mm," you hum into his kiss, your hands sliding to squeeze his shoulders in reaction to how impeccable it feels. You end the moment simply to gaze at him, "You'll be back before you know it," you assure him- his trip to the grocery store being the plan for the afternoon.

"Okay," he says tenderly, eyes flickering to your lips once more before leaning to brush them to his own, "I love you,"

There's a small pause, one that entails warmth smothering your chest in giddy sensations when his eyes steal yours after pulling away, "I love you, too, Joon," watching him head out the door until the truck disappears along the road.

Of course, the day doesn't go accordingly the way you expect, because on carefully prodding to the kitchen in preparation to cook breakfast, a slight ache ensues within your abdomen. "Oh," you groan, stroking the area with your fingertips before deciding to lay down for a bit instead. When reaching your room, the sharp pain of a cramp returns causing a harsh cringe as you lean against your bedpost, hardly able to concentrate on the attempt of climbing onto the mattress. You remain hunched over for five minutes, forcing slow breaths to prevent from panicking, and when you find the coast to be clear, you straighten yourself out.

Suddenly, before you can comprehend what's happening, a gush of water splatters onto the carpet soaking your feet in the process.

"No," you whisper, eyes frantically scanning your room for your cell phone. Namjoon shouldn't be far with the grocery store only being a few miles away, but in order to get a hold of him, you must find your only way of contacting him. Hands pat your bed, thrusting off the bed covers and shaking them roughly, yet no 'thump' is heard before you cast the covers in a pile onto the ground. The next destination leads to the restroom, with no luck of your phone being in your bedroom- when another wave of pain shoots within your stomach, you gasp, trying to endure through the discomfort with all your might.

Leaving a water trail behind with every step you take, you desperately search the countertops before stepping into the area that holds the kitchen, wondering if there is any possibility it may have been left behind there. Your feet meet the cool surface of the tile floor, your gape scanning the entirety of the space before a pant of relief escapes past your dry lips the second your shaking hands gather the device. "Agh!" A contraction surges, hands squeezing your phone unintentionally, yet you grimace just enough to maintain your focus on the task at hand. Managing to get the phone ringing, it doesn't take long until you hear the man of your dreams at the other end of the line.

"Hello?"

"Joon, it's time," you choke, voice thick with pain.

"Oh, shit! Hold on tight, I'm on my way, just hold tight, I'm coming-"

You just happen to be running by the church in favor of dropping off the work truck keys to your father when he unintentionally introduces you to the new employee you assume he plans to hire, "[Y/N], this is Kim Namjoon. He's going to be taking care of the church grounds for us, isn't that wonderful?"

"Hello, it's nice to meet you," you greet, underlyingly suffering from the attraction swarming to your reddening cheeks. When your father mentioned of hiring, you never anticipated the person to be this overwhelmingly breathtaking.

"It's nice to meet you too, Ma'am," Namjoon's polite nod mirrors the dimples evident from a soft grin, his hand reaching for yours to shake before your father continues the tour of the place you've grown up memorizing. But something initiates you to stay, eyes lingering on the back of the tall figure decked in a turtleneck covered by a green jacket complementing a pair of jeans along with brown shoes. There's a spark of intuition that day, one that ignited the prominent determination that you want to get to know this person even if your father ends up finding out.

Namjoon busts through the door with pure alarm etched in his voice, "[Y/N], I'm here! Baby, I'm right here," he immediately jumps to where you are, keeled over on the floor, throwing his arm around you until he lifts you out of the fellowship hall and into the work truck. Words you attempt to form are muted by whimpers, tears brimming your eyes from the pain that doesn't end, "I'm going to grab the suitcase, I'll be right back," time must be faster than you can measure for Namjoon arrives, slinging the suitcase into the backseat before slamming into the driver's side.

It takes a while for the newly found employee to warm up to every opportunity you take in order to get to know him. One thing he's slowly but surely learning is that you're not one to give up so easily- something you've noticed him picking up on, especially on days, you annoy him when he's on call to build a project. You make it clear to talk to him nonstop until he acknowledges your existence, and the times he doesn't breathe a word results in a call to Taehyung.

"Come help me," you plea hearing Taehyung's exasperated sigh on the other line.

"You are so annoying,"

"You know you love me, fool," you gloat because with defeat, your best friend reluctantly joins you, even accompanying a basketball just in case if Namjoon happens to fancy sports. Your girlfriends, Luna and Jo, were informed of your undying crush on the mysterious worker, crossing their arms in jealousy that you half-heartedly ignored.

"He doesn't even come to the services," Jo droned, "Don't you think it'd be best to get to know someone that's more... active in the church? Like the pianist's son, Min Yoongi. You two had such a cute relationship when you were three-"

You can't get past why no one seems to understand that you must win Namjoon over, and though Luna and Jo have seen the world along with you since childhood, you roll your eyes, turning on a heel, "I'll catch you later,"

Tires screech along the road while Namjoon swerves past cars on the highway, hands ghost white from the tight grasp he has upon the steering wheel. Meanwhile, your hand grips the bar above you while your other rests upon your belly- the keenness of getting to hold your baby in your arms is all you're thinking about other than Namjoon who's keeping you sane.

"Just a few more miles and we will be there. Just breathe," his voice is unsteady from the fright of this situation, but he upholds his enlarged gaze upon the road. He fumbles for his phone- trying to contact anyone from your family in order to tell them the news.

"GAH!" Leaning forward, a wail echoes within the vehicle as another contraction attacks.

"You guys aren't going to stop until I'm your friend, am I right?" Namjoon's elbows are folded from the hold he has on the basketball meeting his chest. Tae jumps sporadically in front of him with outspread arms preparing to prevent the ball from flying into the hoop.

"Damn straight," you shrug your shoulders in observation of Namjoon's tilting head.

"I thought church girls didn't cuss,"

"And I thought you'd have more game than the basketball," You retort.Tae halts, straightening his frame, eyes flickering between you and a quiet Namjoon, "Now hurry up. If you win, I will leave you alone for good. If Tae wins then we treat you to dinner and a movie. How does that sound?"

With an incredulous shake of his head, Namjoon smirks, "Okay," the scuffle of his converse is heard on the pavement when he briefly turns to toss the ball toward the hoop. The basketball pangs the ring, twirling ferociously to the point, your heart begins to sink, but to your pleasure, the ball tips off the rim, landing in a rejoicing Taehyung's arms.

"HAH!" You sprint, colliding into Taehyung's embrace while Namjoon tries to stifle the smile overtaking his lips, "Looks like it's going to be a burger and fries' kind of night," you wink, unaware of the hope that Namjoon has of wanting to gain your friendship just as much.

The hospital entrance appears after the rush of Namjoon turning into the parking lot soon helping you out of the truck. The suitcase will have to wait being he can retrieve it later, his ultimate goal is getting you within the building to where you're safe. "It's okay, it's okay," he tries to appear relaxed, but everything becomes a blur until a nurse with fluffy, black hair approaches with a wheelchair to help settle you in. His nametag reads 'JIMIN' – him rolling you quickly down the hall when the presence of a female nurse whose nametag reads 'MONNIE' helps you change into the nightgown upon arrival of the hospital room. Voices are mingling together from the pounding in your temples, but Monnie keeps her hands gentle on your back to lead you to the bed where she hooks you up to what seems like a million machines whilst providing as much comfort to you as possible.

Namjoon's calloused hand covers yours when one other nurse, Jungkook, floods the room, bringing a chair for him to sit in. You're not sure of all the commotion that's overwhelming the room, but you steady your breathing as Namjoon directs, squeezing his hand through each contraction. You recognize the doctor, Kim Seokjin, a tall man already dawned in a scrub hat, mouth mask and gloves, scurrying to where you are, "Alright, I am going to check your dilation Ms. [Y/N], just breathe in and out." Slamming your eyes shut, you whimper from the discomfort, "Alright, she is dilated three centimeters. Once you are at ten centimeters [Y/N], you will begin pushing. No worries, I will alert you as soon as I need you to begin. Keep breathing. Everything will be okay,"

"Taehyung... My mom... Dad-" you murmur deliriously between breaths, the foggy sense of your conscious outweighing how to speak properly.

"No worries baby, they're on their way. They're on their way right now," he sweetly kisses your perspired forehead, running his free hand through your tangled hair.

The three musketeers were official after the day at the basketball hoop, eventually learning of Namjoon's atheism as well as him providing for his family.

"My dad couldn't find a job that pays enough, so I promised him that I will do whatever it takes," it had been six months since Namjoon had been hired, and currently is finishing his final paint to the shed while you and Taehyung sit Indian style in the grass. "Thanks to the job here, I can afford the rent for my parents as well as give them my car since here, I just use the work truck..." Namjoon sharing more in-depth with his life story- you finally get what you've been determined to gain since meeting him.

It's weeks later that you'll never forget, leaning against a mini, red monkey bar after sharing your feelings toward the man you've grown so fond of. There's no denying the feelings he's had for you, and once he inches closer, the crave to hold his hand has never been stronger. Boldly, your fingers trail to intertwine with his, your nerves close to getting the best of you despite the persistent smile that hasn't left him. When you find the bravery to look up at him, he swallows calmly before leaning in, you stand on your tiptoes to meet halfway until your lips touch. The slide of his arms encompassing your frame feels so inviting when he presses his body to yours. The world is put on pause to you and nothing else matters other than the way his lips move so elegantly- your arms wrapping around his shoulders while he sways you from side to side.

Time doesn't seem to speed up through all this pain, but the adrenaline swimming in your veins peaks when Dr. Seokjin prepares to check your dilation again. "Ten centimeters-" He confirms, "Alright, [Y/N], the baby's coming. When I say push, you push. Okay," he positions himself though you can't see anything past your gown and raised knees, "One, two, three! Push!"

"AGH!" You grunt, a small scream vibrating at the back of your throat once you push with every fiber of strength, you can muster.

"Breathe, breathe," Namjoon's hand hasn't once left yours- sweat pouring from your scalp while the burning agony overpowers your body.

"Is she here!?" The click of darting heels enters the room and are loud enough for it to catch your attention. "Oh, honey, I'm here!" It's your mother- scampering to your side with the undeniable blur of Taehyung's red hair following suit. You want to ask where your father is, but before a chance is given, the doctor shouts, "Push!"

"AAAAAAAGH!" You manage, body straining in all its entireness. Taehyung jolts to let you squeeze his hand along with Namjoon's. His features show nothing but fear at the sight of you being in so much strife, yet he holds it together enough to cheer you on.

"I'm- I'm so glad you both are here," you cry- another sixty seconds drifting before the shout of, "Push!" erupts.

"I'm scared," you murmur in the dimness of the room. On your knees, Namjoon's soothing hands glide along the tops of your thighs motivating you to run your hands along his forearms. You don't know where your parents are, and you're too angry to care. You're bushed of the fighting so, you sought comfort in being here, with Namjoon. Taehyung dropped you off at the fellowship hall with the promise of not breathing a word- because if your parents were to find out remotely of your whereabouts, you'd hate to discover what the consequences will be.

"Me too," his nervous eyes investigate every inch of your face. You've never been with anyone this way before- secretly hidden away from the world outside trying to suppress the revealing crave of what you're curious about. Scooting forward, you drape either leg around him, propping yourself enough to where your arms lace around his neck.

His breath hitches from the gesture- your lips erotically aligning with his in slow movements, heat rising below you when you feel the hardening of his being beneath your sense, "I want you," you whisper. He knows that you're a virgin, and with care, he lays you on the bed, hovering above your frame where your bodies align perfectly. "Are you sure this is what you want," concern consumes his countenance, but you desperately bring your hands to cup his cheeks.

"I don't think I've wanted anyone so much in my life,"

You gasp into his kiss where he slips his tongue along yours- the sensation one you've grown used to from the slovenly kisses leading up to this very night. You give Namjoon permission to sneak his large hands underneath your shirt, trailing up your ribcage before swallowing your breasts whole in his heated palms. Nipples so sensitive, your heat drenches the moment he realizes the effect it has on you just by merely brushing the rising buds, lipping at your neck while he basks in the beauty of your moans. "More," you beg, "Please, Joon, more." When clothes start to be thrown off, you're determined to pleasure him, but have not an idea on how to do so. "Show me," you breathlessly demand, Namjoon's palm leading yours to encircle his twitching being. You stroke his erection as shown, biting your lower lip from the throbbing feeling of your core- him instantly finding your entrance to fill it with his fingers as carefully as he can- both of you pleasuring each other, yet still getting lost in kissing so deeply, the two of you forget to gasp for air. The sensation of heated pressed bare skin can be the most beautiful thing, especially with the way your legs entangle with his. You're surprised the feel of his prodding fingers didn't bring as much discomfort as you would have originally anticipated, but when he brings a hand to his penis, he rubs his tip along your slit letting the sloppy sound of you leak onto it. "Holy shit," he moans from how soaked you are for him- his fingertips finding your clit while yours dig into the backs of his shoulders.

Smoldering kisses move from your lips to your breasts, down your abdomen to your inner thighs where you tense underneath his touch that slides to hold your bottom half where he can scan your heat. The tip of his tongue swipes upon your slit excruciatingly slow to the point your fingers tangle with the material of the bedsheets. The smacking sound of his lips savor your taste while his tongue circles your core- you're hyperventilating from how deliciously he flicks his tongue upon your slit, screaming his name relentlessly- the speed of his skilled mouth driving you wild from the growing climax beckoning your stiffening thighs, "Oh, Namjoon, oh- Joon- I- Oh!"

He's not ready for you to finish because there's more he wants to show you. Hovering above you once again to see you coming down from your high, your heaving chest longs for his touch, and he nearly comes undone from the smile embellishing your face. His tracing fingertips parade along the outline of your body in featherlike tickles while the sounds of panting breaths mingle with shifting sheets bring subtle music to your ears for the rest of the night. The gentle parting of his lips grasps your own in smooth movements persuading arousal streaming from your core. Your fingers now link with frilly tufts of his hair, gripping the strands in reaction to the pressing of his bare chest to yours, dreaming of nothing more than to be entwined with him for what you hope will be forever. Hips grinding into yours prompts the light moan teasing his ears for more before his mouth trails to pause above your pounding heart. His hair brushing your chin, your arms glide to wrap around him holding the hope that he will never let you go. Not even for a second.

"Alright, one more! Almost done! Push!"

Sucking in one long breath, with a compulsory scream, you push with all you have left in you. Exhaustion weakens your limbs, yet a rush of relief floods your body when the cries of an infant reverberate within the room. With heavy eyes, you turn to see your mother with tears cascading down her face and onto the back of her hand covering her agape mouth- eyes remaining locked in front of her. Taehyung's gaze doesn't drop though his fingers loosen from yours at the small bundle immediately apprehending the eyes of every individual. Right then, you move your head to your other side where Namjoon gradually rises in awe- his hand still has yours. Gathering any ounce of strength, you're ready to see the child you've been waiting to hold for nine months, so cautiously you sit up until your stare meets Dr. Seokjin's. You can see the smile in his eyes despite the mouth mask, and what he says next brings you to tears, "It's a girl,"

"Oh!" You thrill, anxious to meet her while the nurses scurry to clean her up.

"Sir, would you like to do the honors?" The doctor gestures a pair of scissors towards a stiffened Namjoon whose eyes are welled with hushed tears. He can't even speak, yet he nods from the happiness exploding beneath his chest.

"Wait," Your mom says, "Is- is?"

It's a moment that seems to fit the setting for your father walks in, as if on cue, shoulders slumped from the anticipating tension now darkening the room. Taehyung's shoulders tensed at the sight of the man he despises, but for the sake of you, Namjoon and his Godchild, he keeps his composure enough to ignore the elephant now standing in the room. The fear that used to consume you upon your dad unraveling the truth about your secret vacates you when you know that you and the two men present can conquer anything.

"Yes," the answer is to your mother, but your stern glower of warning is only connected with your dad's although your mother's stare remains on you, "Namjoon is the father."

Namjoon stands with pride while he accepts the pair of scissors from Dr. Seokjin- your father, with a shocked expression, watches as the man he hired happens to be the same man who stole his daughter's heart without his knowledge. Yet, he refrains from anger, because who is he to ruin such a precious moment about to unfold here?

Pictures are taken of Namjoon cutting the umbilical cord, his fingers gently rubbing his daughter's cheek while he wipes at the tears dripping from his eyes. Jungkook takes her into his arms to weigh her before wrapping her in a plush pink blanket, "She is seven pounds and five ounces,"

Endless joy envelops your heart from the scene playing out before you; especially, when the vision of your father's quivering chin, admiring his granddaughter leaves you speechless along with the hope of redemption entering your beating heart.

"Are you ready to hold her?" Monnie's kind eyes match her smile when she touches your arm.

"Yes," you stifle a sob, "I want to hold her,"

Monnie poses her arms to where Jungkook places your daughter, Monnie guardedly turns to rest your baby into your arms. Her small face chortles, her eyes closing while she puckers her tiny lips. "She's so perfect," you cry, love in all its beauty falling from your eyes while you watch your daughter's fingers fold individually upon her chest.

"Just like you," Namjoon whispers, locking eyes with you before inching forward to give you a loving kiss.

"I love you, Joon," you whisper, pressing your lips to the corner of his mouth.

"I love you, too."

"Uh," the deep serenade of your best friend interrupts, all attention abruptly turning to see him raise an index finger in the air, "So, as the Godfather, I must ask a very serious question," the room chuckles along with him as they patiently wait for his request, "What's her name?"

"Ah," you nod, realizing that hasn't been made known to anyone other than to yourself. Your mother steps forward to place her hand upon your shoulder while your father keeps his distance enough to not cause any trouble- though the two of you share a small smile to let him know all is well. Namjoon watches you in admiration- the woman of his dreams holding his child in her arms while facing her deepest fear yet holds her head with pride about the man she will spend the rest of her life with along with her daughter swaddled to her chest. You are everything he's ever longed for and more, and he's ready to defeat any storm in life if it's with you and his daughter.

To answer Tae's question though, you return to face him, tears gathering in exhilarating bliss.

"Taejun." Her eyes slightly open at the hearing of her name as a tiny smile adorns her lips,

"Her name is Kim Taejun."

[five-rivers]

Pep Talks 12

I think this might be the longest chapter of Pep Talks so far...

(AO3)

.

.

.

When Clockwork first took Danny on as an apprentice, he’d laid out some ground rules for when he unexpectedly found himself in an unknown timeline. As Apprentice of Time, Danny was more likely to attract anomalies like natural portals and the like, and when that was combined with his innate bad luck regarding portals, well… winding up in weird places wasn’t quite a weekly occurrence, but saying it was wouldn’t have been a huge exaggeration.

That’s all to say, Danny appreciated the rules. He didn’t want to wind up never having been born again, or, worse, making it so that one of his friends had never been born. Or causing an apocalypse. Or wrecking the future. Or—

There were just a lot of problems that he could, and had, caused.

If Clockwork were able to pick Danny up right away every time, most of the rules probably would have been unnecessary. But he wasn’t. Mostly because of physics-shaped problems involving paradoxes and how too many time portals in the same general area could screw things up, but also because of Observant- and politics-shaped problems. And, Clockwork had admitted to Danny, sometime Clockwork left him somewhere because he was supposed to be there.

The first rule was to lay low. Avoid people when possible, except to acquire basic necessities. Avoid major events, crowds, protests, and cameras. Avoid important-looking buildings.

Do not offer help unless asked first, or unless the person is a ghost. There was, evidently, a loophole that made it okay for Danny to interact with ghosts even in places where it wasn’t okay for him to do the same to humans. Clockwork had said ghosts fell under Danny’s ‘jurisdiction,’ a term that seemed just a bit too weighty with meaning for Danny. As for being allowed to help when asked… Well, Clockwork knew that Danny was incapable of not helping. Although he did ask that Danny be subtle and indirect about it.

He was also not supposed to fight anyone unless he himself was directly attacked, for similar reasons.

The fourth rule was to stay within the accepted rules of the world he found himself in, where possible. In other words, if people generally didn’t believe in ghosts or the supernatural, don’t challenge that belief by using his powers in public, but if superpowers were common, it was okay to use them.

The fifth was that, if he found himself in the past, leave civilized areas. With the threat of unpersoning himself hanging over his head, Danny took that one very seriously.

The sixth, the one that made Danny feel like a little kid despite his real age, was, if the previous rule didn’t apply, try to stay in the same general area he first found himself in.

There were others, of course, and special ones for special circumstances. For example, if he was captured by law enforcement, or injured, or actively in danger, or if he didn’t know what time period he was in. Different sets of rules prevailed if he was actually on a mission.

Clockwork had also told him that the rules no loner applied if it took him more than two weeks to find Danny. That, if he’d been waiting for that long, something had gone wrong, or Clockwork was unable to find him or pull him out.

It had been just under half that time, and Danny was starting to get worried. More worried.

He pulled his legs up, closer to himself. He didn’t need to conserve warmth, being what he was, but the action was comforting and the abandoned warehouse he was in was weird and creepy.

This whole timeline was weird and creepy. Also, semi-apocalyptic. They were going through some serious societal upheaval. Danny wasn’t entirely sure why, having only been here for six days, but he was pretty sure it had to do with the nascent ghosts partially overshadowing people and giving them power.

At least, that’s what it felt like. Danny wasn’t sure. The next nearest thing to this he’d ever encountered was a warlock, and that had been just one person. Ghosts were under his jurisdiction, but, like the warlock, the people with powers here didn’t quite feel like ghosts, and he wasn’t sure how trustworthy news sources saying that metahumans were all soulless degenerates were…

Hopefully, he wouldn’t have to find out. Hopefully, Clockwork would pick him up before another week went by.

He didn’t think the government here could actually catch him, but some of the things they apparently did to metahumans made his core ache. It was a very X-Men-like situation. Except, well, set in Japan.

Why Japan?

But! Eight more days. Tops. Clockwork would get him.

Before he’d finished the thought, something blew the door of the warehouse in and a ropelike appendage hurtled towards Danny’s corner.

He reacted. Rules were, if someone attacked him, he could respond in kind, and if superpowers were common knowledge, he could use his.

There were at least a dozen of them, all of them displaying an eclectic array of superpowers, some reminiscent of Danny’s ghostly enemies, others entirely novel to him. A fair few also had guns. One man even used multiple powers. Needless to say, the battle was incredibly one sided.

In Danny’s favor.

Hey, he’d been doing this for years, and he was very comfortable with his abilities. Most of these guys weren’t. Most. The multiple-power guy had been challenging.

Danny examined his captives. He should probably just knock them out, then go find a new hideout somewhere else, but he wanted to know why he was attacked, first.

“So,” he said, deciding that the curly-haired man with multiple powers was probably the leader, given the way the battle had been structured, “why did you and your goons attack me?”

“I heard you were like me,” growled the man, attempting to escape Danny’s telekinetic hold. “I’m looking for a power that can help my brother.”

Danny twitched slightly at the word help. “What do you mean, like you?”

“You can take powers, too,” said the man, staring up at Danny with desperate, hungry, red eyes.

Danny blinked, frowned. “You thought I could help you, or your brother, so you attacked me?” His frown became deeper. “Or did you attack me to, what, steal my powers?”

The man squirmed.

It was. That was such a ridiculous villain cliché, although the brother thing was a twist. People could get desperate about their families and do terrible things.

Including Danny. As had been proven many, many times.

His heart and stance both softened. This counted as a request for help, right? And the guy was sort of ghostly. On the other hand… Transplanting whatever it was giving these people powers willy-nilly couldn’t be healthy, especially if it was related to ghosts.

(Multiple ghosts in one body… It reminded him of his dark future self, which was never good.)

“Okay,” he said, dragging a hand down his face. “Alright. What exactly does your brother need help with?”

The man clearly hadn’t expected Danny to ask this question. “He’s sick,” he said. His eyes gleamed at the edge of tears. “His body is tearing itself apart, DNA molecule by DNA molecule. If I could just find the right ability, I could save him,” the man’s voice broke, “I knowit.”

Molecule by molecule, huh?

Actually… that was something Danny could help with. Crud. People had powers here, right? He was being asked for help, wasn’t he? He was staying within the rules. Especially seeing as these guys were like warlocks. He was only doing warlock stuff.

“If I help you with this—if,” he stressed when the man perked up. “If I help you with this, I need two things from you. Well, three, really. Actually, no, four.”

“Name them,” declared the man.

“Yeah, I was about to,” said Danny. “Anyway, first, you need to ask your brother if he wants this. If he doesn’t, you have to come back here and return it. Asap. As in, tomorrow.” He was pretty sure he could get Clockwork to give him a day, even if he came to pick Danny up right now.

“Those are your first two conditions, then?”

Danny nodded. “Yeah. Third one is, you have to stop taking powers from people who don’t give you permission. The end of that road isn’t pretty.” At least, he was pretty sure it wasn’t. All those little maybe-ghosts, slammed together… Even if it didn’t have any immediate effect on this guy’s personality, the resulting ghost could wind up possessing him. If the ghost vaguely wanted to go with him, that might change things. Maybe. At least, it’d slow things down.

If this worked the way he thought it did.

The man scowled. “And you know this, how?”

Danny rolled his eyes. “Look, you’rethe one who said I was like you, not me. Too much of these powers can mess you up.”

“If the number is the problem, it shouldn’t matter how I take them.”

“Do you ever get bad dreams?”

The man stilled completely. “What do you know about that?”

Danny shrugged. “Enough,” he said. “Do you want to be overwhelmed by your powers? Do you want to explode? It could happen.” Actually, Danny had no idea if it could happen or not. But it sounded good. “More importantly, do you want to help your brother or not?”

“Of course I do!”

“Great!” said Danny, clapping his hands together. “Let’s finish this up somewhere privately, okay?” He grabbed the man’s shoulder and phased them through the floor into the basement, which he lit with a ball of ectoplasm. “Okay,” he said. “Fourth thing.”

The man was staring at the ectoplasm with undisguised curiosity. “What is it? Money? A new identity? Passage out of the country?”

“Uh, no,” said Danny. What would he do with any of that, after all? “I need to know the full story behind you and your brother.”

“What? Why? Don’t you know enough?”

“So that I can be sure that I can help, first off. Also, the way I’d be doing it involved me giving you something rather personal, so…” He trailed off with a gesture that indicated he expected the man to talk.

He sighed. “My name is Shigaraki Hisashi. My brother’s name is Kazuki, and he’s been sick since we were children…”

Danny let him give a summary of his life up until this point. He had the vague feeling that he wasn’t being told everything of importance, but, then, not everything about a person’s life could be condensed into an hour or so of storytelling.

Apparently Hisashi had basically raised Kazuki, and once Hisashi’s meta power had come in as a young adult, they’d been completely abandoned by their parents. Hisashi had put together a group of freedom fighters (Danny skeptically recalled the guns, but also forced himself to remember the hints that there might be something like concentration camps for power users) to defend himself, his brother, and others with power. But Kazuki’s illness made him incredibly vulnerable, and as he was Hisashi’s one major weakness…

The feeling that he was living through an ‘X-Men Japan’ comic intensified. He felt so sorry for this guy. Danny knew what this kind of life was like.

“Alright,” he said, softly, finally, “I can help. And, this probably doesn’t mean anything coming from me, but that better world you were talking about? Where people with powers and people without can coexist? I think you’ll be able to make it happen. Just don’t let anyone stop you.”

“I don’t intend to.”

Danny nodded. “I can give you something to help your brother. A power,” he clarified. “But I need you to know, it could change him.”

“Change him?”

“His personality.”

“You were saying something about that before. Forgive me if I don’t agree with you. These powers are tools.”

“Okay, sure, but even just having more options can influence how a person behaves. Just warn him before you give it to him, okay?”

“Of course. I’m a man of my word, after all.”

“Right,” said Danny. “Give me your hand.”

“A handshake?” asked Hisashi.

“Not exactly.”

Danny let a minuscule, almost microscopic, piece of his core break free from the whole. It hurt like a knife to the chest, and some of his physical and mental abilities would be impaired for a while, but he had done it before, and it would heal before long. A fragment this size would give a power on par with those he’d seen so far in this world. It would also grow, of course, but it was unlikely for any human to live long enough for that to become a problem.

He let it pass into Hisashi, and the man shivered.

“That should strengthen his body without being too much of a burden on him,” said Danny.

“What kind of power is it?” asked Hisashi, reclaiming his hand and flexing his fingers.

“Uh,” said Danny, casting about for something vague that would fit. “A gradual stockpile of power. That enhances the user’s body.” That should be close enough. “Remember, ask first.”

“I will, I will,” assured Hisashi one more time. “And you can be sure I’ll be returning regardless, to thank you.”

“Uh huh.”

It took a while for Hisashi and his men to clear out. Longer still for Danny to find a new place to sleep. But he did.

He woke to a time medallion around his neck and Clockwork’s exasperated expression. “Daniel,” he said, “what did you do?”

.

Toshinori and Izuku stared at Danny with open mouths.

“You’re the original stockpile user?” yelled Izuku, pointing.

Danny smiled sheepishly. “Surprise?”

[pi-cat000]

BNHA: Kakashi dimension hops crossover (4)

Summary: Kakashi gets dumbed into the My Hero Academia universe through random plot devise.

Characters:  Kakashi Hatake

Fandoms: My Hero Academia and Naruto

WARNINGS: Mentions of violence/injury

START  / PREV / NEXT

Doctor Wada makes an unscheduled appearance the same morning. Kakashi has the doctor’s schedule memorised and knows the man usually spends his first work hour in his office before checking in with various patients. The change is not unexpected.

“Ms Iori finished her rounds, marked everything as normal and handed the ward off without incident.” Wada and one of the floor’s morning shift nurses talk, voices lowered, too quiet for a regular person to pick up.

“It was called in around 4:15 am. We confirmed it as a burst blood vessel behind his quirked-eye, but we don’t know what triggered it. Without examining the eye itself it is hard to draw any definite conclusions. Since we don’t know what his quirk does, we didn’t want to risk staff safety without a specialist on hand.”

“Nothing else? No other symptoms?” Wada asks.

“No external bleeding. No signs of irritation around the eye socket. Clear, coherent verbal responses from the patient. Vitals are stable.  The dressings on the eye were changed yesterday, and nothing was flagged then either.”

“I see. Thank you.”

Depressed at the thought of what amounted to a forced long-term infiltration mission, Kakashi’s attention drifts away from the hushed conversation. Kakashi has never been assigned to any extended infiltrations. Long, tedious things that they were. Jōnin were usually too valuable to waste on them. Even before he had made jōnin, his skillset lent itself to tracking, assassination, ambush and one on one combat not undercover assignments. It was just his luck -or maybe it was karma-that he had been shunted into one. Three years of ‘mingling’ amongst these soft-acting civilians, waiting to build enough chakra for an attempt at a technique he wasn’t even sure would work. It was enough to make even the most battle-hardened shinobi depressed. 

Maybe he should run off and hide somewhere. He would skulk around for three years avoiding the locals. Less of a hassle that way. Kakashi lets out a weary breath.

“See if you can bump up that MRI. We need to make sure this isn’t anything serious,” Wada’s voice breaks through his musing as the doctor starts in the direction of Kakashi’s bed. The nurse he is talking with nods and leaves.

“Well, you have certainly had an eventful night,” Wada greats when he draws near, leaning in to visually scan Kakashi, “Let’s see what we have going on. Can you close your left eye for me so I can unwrap it?”

 He habitually pushes down his natural discomfort at having a stranger close to his sharingan as the doctor reaches to tilt Kakashi’s head to the side for better access. If he was going to be stuck here then he should maintain his complacent, harmless persona. At least, until he leaves the hospital. Besides, if they had wanted to hurt him, they would have done it while he was unconscious.

“No swelling around your quirked-eye and the bleeding has stopped, that’s a good sign. We’ll run a few tests and get to bottom of this, not to worry.”

“Yeah. About that,” Kakashi rubs the back of his head to look sheepish and apologetic, “I might have tested out my, eh, quirk. You know…I wanted to see what it would do…”

There is a beat of silence, the older man drawing away, too surprised to respond.

“I think it lets me memorise things it sees?” Kakashi continues. Even if he wasn’t 100% sure about what he would do next, he is not about to abandon his shaky amnesia cover story.

“Of all the reckless, irresponsible decisions!” the doctor snaps out of his surprise moving straight into anger, “I expressly told you to wait and not to mess with it. You had no idea what sort of quirk it was! What if you had injured someone or yourself.” The concern seems pretty genuine and Kakashi almost feels bad for manipulating him.

“Young people these days…honestly. No patience.”

Young? It had been a while since anyone has called him that. Kakashi is practically ancient by shinobi standards. The response prompts a semi mournful, almost amused sigh from him, “I know, I know. I just wanted some sort of clue as to how I got here.”

The doctor takes a frustrated breath, calming “Yes. I know it’s frustrating, being restless and hold up in this bed for three straight weeks, but there is a procedure to these things. You got lucky that the only side effect was a burst blood vessel. Next time you want to test your quirk we’ll make sure it is in a controlled environment with an expert on hand. I don’t care if you have some sort of passive regeneration, quirks can be dangerous. The hospital has offsite testing facilities for a reason.”

“Yes. I understand. I won’t do it again,” he says dutifully and gets a huff of disbelief and a head shake.

“You better not.”

A pause.

“So.”

“So?” Kakashi raises a brow.

“So what did you discover? Explain it to me again.” Wada motions, impatient, repositioning a nearby chair so he can sit comfortably beside the bed.  

“It lets me remember things…” Kakashi had given a lot of thought to what he wanted his fake ‘quirk’ to do without giving too much away, “I’m pretty sure I remember anything it looks at perfectly.”

A somewhat true explanation, in that recoding information and prefect recall was one facet of the sharingan; a side effect of its primary function which was to copy ninjustu and taijustu. The explanation also played into the diagnosis Wada had already written into his medical files, making it more believable.

“Then, lucky for you, something good came of your reckless behaviour.”

Kakashi just smiles which elicits the beginnings of another lecture. “Not that you should ever take quirk safety lightly. Quirk licenses exist for a reason. People can’t go about throwing their quirks around willynilly. A licence, I might add, that you don’t have.”

“Sorry. Sorry.”

After witnessing several televised reports on police arresting people for quirk misuse Kakashi knows the people here, for whatever reason, are leery when it comes to using their abilities. To the point where they actively outlaw it. He is banking on Wada being sympathetic enough not to push the matter.  

Wada sighs again, “I’ll write it up as accidental use this time. Now. If your quirk lets you remember everything perfectly then what about your past memories. Any change on that front?”

“No. Still gone.”

“I see. That might mean the part of the brain linked to its memorisation function was damaged, disrupting the memories stored by the quirk,” Wada rubs his chin thoughtfully, “We’ll have to run a few more tests…a lot easier now that we know what it does I suppose.” Good. That was the conclusion he wanted Wada to come to.

“Alright, before we get to testing, were there any other side effects. Aches, pains, fatigue?”

Even as the man asks, he is pulling out a familiar penlight to shine in Kakashi’s regular eye.

“No. Nothing.”

What follows is his standard check-up routine. His vitals are recorded, his head checked over, the area around his sharingan examined thoroughly. Again. Well, as thoroughly as it could be examined without uncovering it. Next is an inspection of the chest wound he now knows is from Obito alongside a glance over his shoulder, arm and leg. Wada nods to himself as he goes, signalling that all is well.

“Your blood pressure is a little high for my liking. I’m guessing you didn’t sleep much last night what with how you were messing around with your quirk. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep tonight,” Wada instructs as he fits Kakashi with a padded eyepatch instead of the usual wrap of bandages. He pauses to wait for a nod of confirmation.

“I will,” he blatantly lies. Kakashi hasn’t had a proper night sleep since waking up the first time, dozing for shortened intervals only. With so many squishy doctors around he doesn’t want to accidently hurt one of them should he be woken from a nightmare. It did put additional strain on his body.

Doctor Wada peers at him, “We’ll give you another week of monitoring then get some authorised quirk testing done. A brain scan as well. Depending on what we find, we’ll see what we can do about getting you a diagnosis and then discharged.”

“Hmm,” he answers, noncommittally. Not like he has anywhere else to go until then. If this were Konoha, he would have taken off long before now and seen to his remaining injuries alone. This would be the first time in a long while that he is waiting for an official discharge. 

Guess he would be finding out how the hospital dealt with amnesiac patients after they healed. In Konoha, a displaced citizen would be given a menial labour job as part of the village’s many reconstruction projects and sent on their way. But this wasn’t Konoha and he should really stop with the comparisons.  

He needs to decide what he wants to do: Take off, find somewhere secluded and wait the years out. Or hang around to try and salvage the situation. This world did have a lot of interesting technology so there might be value in getting a better feel for the society here. Maybe he would find something useful to take back as an apology for abandoning everyone…

What a mess this all was.

...

...

...

The following week has Kakashi splitting his time between gathering supplies for a chakra storage seal and reading through Wada’s patient files to get a sense for his upcoming quirk tests and ‘brain-scan.’

He also takes the time to read through everything else Wada has in his office - mainly medical journals - to better understand the biological differences inherent in a place without chakra. Primarily, the people were physically weaker. However, there were a lot of mutations or ‘secondary quirk factors’ which reinforced the body to better deal with the stress of the primary quirk. All interesting and potentially relevant information to remember when he got into fights. Once he knew a person’s quirk he would be able to guess how their body was reinforced and act accordingly. A fire quirk would make someone naturally heat resistant but not impact resistant, is what Kakashi concludes as he re-reads the profile of current number two hero ‘Endeavour.’ The magazines gifted to him by Iori all contain a statistical breakdown of the top 10 heroes, their strengths, weaknesses, and their criminal apprehension and crime prevention rates. It is a list that rarely changes between issues. He commits it all to memory, idly planning out combat strategies that didn’t involve obvious ninjutsu or chakra use. It helps pass the time when he is not trying to make sense of what he sees on television or stalking various people around the hospital. 

At the end of the week, he steals Wada’s fountain pen, adding it to his growing pen hoard which he stashes in a vent on the roof. The storage seal he wants to make is complex and would need ink to complete.  A mix between a chakra-draining-seal-trap and a storage scroll, it is well on its way to completion. 

The seal would drain his chakra at a consistent and manageable rate, store it efficiently,  and give him a way to turn the chakra drain off and on at will. Also, as a precaution, he includes an emergency stop in case his chakra levels became dangerously low, so it didn’t accidentally kill him if he fell unconscious.

The seal would need to be positioned somewhere on his body in a spot where the doctors wouldn’t immediately notice. He doesn’t what to explain why he suddenly has a tattoo.  If he had had access to properly made fūinjutsu ink, the seal would be invisible. Alas, he would have to make do with chakra-infused pen ink.

Kakashi manages to keep himself busy enough that he expertly avoids making any concrete decision on what he wants to do with the next three years.

.

Note: this is slowly turning into a medical drama

NEXT

[huihuiheart]

D&D Series Pt 4 - For the Crown

Summary: Heading into the haunted forest might not have been the wisest of choices for the escaping trio. Especially, when things don’t go according to plan and hard choices have to be made, the prince’s secrets are revealed, and a mischievous ‘little’ figure appears.

Pairing: F! Reader x Dark Prince! Hyunjin

Warnings: Injury, blood, falling off horses, kidnapping (kind of), use of magical abilities, unprotected sex, dom/sub themes, brat taming, spanking, biting, teasing, marking, bondage, degradation, overstimulation, hair pulling (giving and receiving), fingering, oral, heartbreak (kinda), betrayal.

Note: Series will be on a semi-hiatus until I am caught up with the special stuff you’ll see dropping on the 28th! 

Word Count: 6,518

Previous Part ______ Next Part

You had never been one to truly fear something that was haunted, but seeing how everything else in this world had made you a little uneasy about racing into the haunted forest like this. Mostly due to the fact that you were unsure what to expect, fearing the unknown more than anything else in this strange world. You had no time to contemplate it, though, as you followed behind Chan and Felix, needing to get away before Hyunjin and his men could catch up to you. Not knowing what might happen if you were caught, again, if he was as cruel as you had heard that he was, who knew what kind of future you would have if you were not able to get away. Tree branches lashing out in an attempt to snag you as you raced in, letting the boys lead the way as you had no idea where you were going or what to do if you came face to face with a threat in the forest. The deeper in you got, though, the harder it became to keep up. The other two were easily far more experienced riders than you. They could effortlessly navigate through, while you struggled to follow, it only became worse as a heavy fog rolled in. Chan and Felix, occasionally calling out to you to ensure you were following behind them, though while they could still make out your outline, they did not grow too concerned, unlike your current doubts.

__

Hyunjin had no hesitations about following your group into the forest. His men, on the other hand, came to a swift halt at the edge of the forest, causing Hyunjin to turn to look over the anxious men who were eyeing the forest as if it would reach out and swallow them whole at any second.

“Well? What are you all waiting for?” Hyunjin raises a brow, eyes burning through each and every man that was hesitating before him as his horse trotted along the edge of the forest.

“H-Highness, all due respect, but are we actually going to go into the haunted forest? Y-You much have heard the very same stories as we have about the things that happen to anyone that enters.” One of his men stuttered out, uncertain what he feared more, the forest or the prince’s wrath.

“I have, and that’s all they are....stories...myths. I do not fear anything that this forest holds, I have been through and back more times than anyone else and have yet to face any true danger, but if I am the only one. Then I guess I will just have to retrieve the princess myself.” Hyunjin huffs before guiding his horse to turn back towards the forest and racing off in the direction that you three had gone in only moments ago. Seeing shadows in the distance, fog blurring the details of their forms, but they were moving nonetheless, and that was all he needed to know to determine that he had found those whom he was tracking.

The men you followed were sure you knew what you were doing, after years of training that the princess must have had in riding. Yet you, you were no princess... you had appeared in this world with no warning and such a lack of experience in this area that you truly struggled at this moment. Hope was not yet lost though, as long as they remained in sight, you would likely find your way out of this forest alive. Your heart starts to beat in time with the pounding of hooves, though not those of your horse, the ones slowly gaining on you from behind, a single, distinct set. Something you attempted to speed up and away from, wanting the safety of being closer to the men you were traveling with. It seemed futile, though, as the same entrancing blue speck of light from the forest dances before your horse now, starting him into bucking you off with a startled yelp before racing off in the opposite direction and directly towards the figure chasing you. Chan and Felix’s shadows disappearing within a matter of seconds into the thickening fog before you, only allowing you to hear their distant calls to you. Something you would have returned if your chest wasn’t currently radiating pain after the wind got knocked out of you during the fall. A thick liquid, feeling running down your forehead from your hairline, but you hurt too much to bring your hand up to see what it was. Barely able to lift your eyes enough to see a figure approaching as the fog clears around him, slowing down at the sight of you, before stopping. Your eyes feel heavy as you try to remain conscious, knowing it could be a danger that those approaching feet hold, it seems confirmed as the figure crouches over you and finally shows you their face...Hyunjin...

“You took a nasty fall princess, just go to sleep. I’ll get you someplace safe and fix you up.” Hyunjin, gently stroked over your hair, his words seemingly casting a spell on you, finally making you give in to the looming darkness. Hyunjin lifting you carefully onto his horse before heading towards a cabin that he already knew, was hidden among these very woods.

Chan and Felix coming to a halt and panicking as they no longer heard or saw you following. Turning back to look for any sign of you, only finding some blood and then further back your horse alone. Panic setting in as they were unsure what to do. 

“Felix head to the kingdom and give them this map, I’m going after Y/N!” Chan insisted, holding the valuable item out to him, causing Felix’s eyes to widen and him to scoff.

“You can’t be serious, they would never let me anywhere near the castle. No one there knows me! You have to take it! I swear to you on my life, I’ll find her and get her back safely.” Felix shakes his head, refusing to take it and sticking Chan in a predicament. Could he trust Felix to find and save you? At the same time, Felix had a point though there was no way they would let Felix in without someone familiar with him. Making the situation only further complicated as he tried to think of what would be best.

___

The first thing you were able to do was groan about the throbbing pain radiating in your head as you regained consciousness. Feeling something cool and damp gently prodding at where the thick liquid had previously originated and eased the pain some. Hearing Hyunjin clicks his tongue disapprovingly as your stirring starts to cause too much movement.

“Hold still, or you’ll make your injuries worse. I’m trying to help, but I can’t do that if you don’t cooperate.” Hyunjin’s words were firm and would almost come off as harsh if there wasn’t a certain fondness in them. Your eyes slowly squinting and blinking as they tried to open again despite the heaviness still present until you could see Hyunjin sat beside you. His form leaned over yours, gently dabbing the blood off your head injury and other scratches he could find.

“Where are we?” Your eyes fluttered around the room, it seeming much smaller than what could be expected at the castle, much quieter as well. Finding it odd that Hyunjin seemed so at home in such an abandoned-looking place such as this, moving between you and the medical supplies a few feet away as if it were second nature.

“We are still in the woods, in a small cabin. You are not really in any condition to travel right now, so I brought you here to care for you. Once I finish this, I’ll make us something to eat so you can rest and recover. However, you may not have that much energy for a few days.” Hyunjin explains before gently pressing over your sides and abdomen, trying to feel for any further injuries, “Does it hurt anywhere when I do this?” 

You give a soft shake of your head, blushing a little at his caring nature, "It doesn't my back is a little sore, but I think that was because of how hard I landed on it. Mostly just that and my head, though.”

Hyunjin nods, “Well your head is already bandaged up, though it might bleed through, so I’ll likely have to change it a few times. As for your back, I’d like to check that and your ribs further, but I promise to provide you with decency. I can give you a shirt, something I can lift enough to see while keeping the rest covered. If you’re feeling up to getting it on, that is. I could unlace you and help you sit up. If you don’t feel up to it, I can try to think of something else.” 

“I think I can change myself just fine if I have that bit of help.” You agree to allow him to help you roll over so his fingers can gently unlace and loosen your corset top before turning you back around to help you sit up. Once it was loose enough, he wasn’t worried about it doing further damage. Hyunjin helping you to sit with pillows propped behind you. Going over to a drawer and pulling out some pants and a loose shirt to sit beside you on the bed. Your confusion must have been evident on your face because he chuckles when he looks at you again.

“You have questions, don’t you princess?” Hyunjin inquires, humming as you nod. He heads towards the door to give you privacy as he answers you, “When we’ve finished this and eaten, I’ll answer all your questions...Call me when you’re decent again. I’ll be right outside, okay?”

You nod, letting him go while doing your best to change out of the trapping dress you’d been stuck in for so long. It is a relief to have some clothes that allowed you to move more freely. Even if not for the best reason or if it was the easiest with your current injuries. 

“You can come back in Hyunjin.” You eventually call, slowly trying to ease yourself back onto the bed again, something Hyunjin rushes over to assist you with doing.

“I can look yes?” Hyunjin asks, looking to you for confirmation once again, waiting for your nod before continuing. His fingers, slowly pushing your shirt up to expose your abdomen, only touching your skin when he has to, so he would not make you uncomfortable. Careful with his touch as well, pressing gently on the bruises that are exposed, to make sure that’s all they are before gently pulling your shirt back down, to help you roll over and do the same with your back. After he has checked you over, he helps you lay on your back again, tucking you in to stay warm.

“Everything looks alright, only surface stuff other than your head. I think you’ll be alright, though, if you simply rest. I’ll go make you something to eat, but if you need anything, just call me.” Hyunjin brushes your hair out of your face in one last fleeting touch before he’s gone. 

You know you should be trying to rest, being left alone with your thoughts though you find yourself unable to. So many questions coming to mind and making your thoughts race with possible answers. Wondering why others would paint such a horrid picture of Hyunjin when here he was acting like this. More than that, though, why did Hyunjin seem so at home here? Someplace so normal looking, unlike where royalty typically stayed, and in the middle of not just any forest, but a haunted one. Deciding to test your luck, you move to get out of bed. Unable to take it any longer, needing to start getting answers before you completely lose your mind. 

“If you’re going to try and sneak out, you should just be aware that my horse doesn’t take kindly to strangers...and I don’t think you want to take another fall like you just had,” Hyunjin speaks calmly, without turning to you though. Only adding to your confusion as you wonder how he picked up on your nearly silent movements.

“I’m not trying to leave........not yet anyways. I want answers first because I’m quite thoroughly confused right now...though I can’t make promises in regards to later.” You respond as you move closer. Hyunjin turns towards you with a slightly scolding look as he moves over to gently pull out a chair for you. 

“I promised you answers. You shouldn’t have gotten out of bed. You could make yourself worse.” Hyunjin tsks softly, his attitude whinier and brat-like though. Him showing you what you more so expected from the spoiled, dark prince.

“Well, I couldn’t rest without answers, so it seems what would be best for both of us would be if you just let me ask now.” You shrug, earning a soft sigh from Hyunjin, who mumbles some excuse about needing to cook, “I won’t interfere with that. Just let me ask, and you can take all the time you need to answer. It’ll put me at ease, though.”

Hyunjin glances over his shoulder at you for a moment, debating with himself before he turns to face you again. Snapping his fingers, the spoon he had been stirring the food with moves on its own now as he steps over. Leaning on the counter across from you and motioning for you to go ahead with your questions. 

“Why do you seem so familiar with this place? It doesn’t seem like the kind of place a prince would consider home...”You’re brows furrow as Hyunjin chuckles quietly, licking his lips.

“Well, as you might have noticed, princess. There are things I can do that humans can’t. Magic I hold, that your kind doesn’t. Just because I have it, though, doesn’t mean that I automatically know how to use it, though. I had to learn. I still have to learn and practice, I never did well in the group, however. I was too volatile.  So every year, I would be sent away to find a place alone to practice. It didn’t matter how long I was gone for as long as I didn’t come back before learning something. I stumbled across this place one year and decided after that to keep coming back here every time as I learned how to control my magic, I was able to make it a little homier.” Hyunjin explains, being what you considered oddly open about his past. Though you appreciated the fact that he was at least seeming genuine with you, despite not being sure what exactly to expect from him, “I’m guessing that’s not all you’re curious about?”

"No, I'm wondering why you're caring for me like this? The wedding isn't my choice after all, so why didn't you just drag me back? Why do you care?" Your question comes out soft-spoken yet bleeding with genuine curiosity, and Hyunjin hums.

"My intent was never to harm you. In fact, under other circumstances, I wouldn't be doing this to you either. I would have tried to get your attention in another way, princess. However, I'm sure you know we can not always do what we want in our positions. For the sake of my people, I will do what I must. I'm sorry if that, in turn, brings you more pain than it already has. I have no desire to be cruel, though." Hyunjin insists, gently reaching out to brush his thumb over your cheek before getting up to physically return to the cooking, "Here, it's done, you should eat before we talk anymore. It'll give you time to process what you've learned so you won't be overwhelmed."

You nod, appreciating the logic at least of what he says, knowing you would have more time while you recovered to question him about other things. Your body was weak from all that your body had faced throughout the day. Humming at the taste of the food, Hyunjin had made, it was already energizing you some and making you feel much better.

"We'll likely stay here at least two days to allow enough time to be sure that your head especially is okay before we start to travel." Hyunjin informs after you finished, moving to help you stand up again, leading you back towards the bedroom, "I'll let you take the bedroom while I'm down here."

"Let me guess if I need anything just call you?" You tease him lightly as you accept his help under the covers again. Having to hold back your giggles as you see his skin flush a light pink.

"Well as I said, I mean you no harm....and in other circumstances, I would have preferred to try and win over your heart instead of this," Hyunjin speaks the quietest he has all day, feeling shy at the admission. He's not impossibly shy, however, as he leans down to kiss your forehead as he tucks you in, "I hope to see you in the morning Y/N."

The way he says your name instead of calling you by a title tugs at your heart. Hearing the yearning in his voice, his feelings seeming genuine. The way Hyunjin was so caring and yet so considerate of your feelings thinking that his own was entirely one-sided, making your heart hurt for him. You're too tired tonight to try and bring him comfort, already drifting off into your world of exhaustion, not able to stay up in an attempt to sneak out even if you felt you needed to. After questioning Hyunjin some, you didn't see the need to try and escape from him. Not understanding the dangers that the others saw in him. His heart, seeming pure, even if the way he went about things wasn't always so innocent. His concern, showing through again the next morning.  When you woke to him bringing you breakfast in bed, helping you to sit up. You watched curiously as he silently left you to eat alone, you taking the privacy to clean yourself up a little as well. Hyunjin is back in the room when you step out of the bathroom again, looking up at you with wide eyes looking over you like he’s checking if you’re okay. 

“I’m fine Hyunjin, nothing to worry about.” You try to reassure him with a small smile, him returning it with a tender smile of his own. He offers you his hand, guiding you to sit on the bed as he stands to bring the medical supplies over beside you.

“I’m going to clean up your head again and just make sure it’s okay,” Hyunjin explains as he reaches out to delicately undo the bandaging he’d put on the night before, not wanting to hurt you or anything. He tries to make quick work of cleaning and rebandaging it. The bandage was already smaller than the day before. His hands shake slightly, though, feeling an odd type of nervous knowing your gaze was on his face the whole time.

“Hyunjin? Do you love me?” You finally find yourself asking the question that’s haunted you since he started to care for you. Hyunjin’s skin flushing brightly at the question blinking at you in shock at the bluntness.

“S-Something like that yes, t-though I know it’s not what you want, princess.” His words are joined with that longing stare once again. His hand, reaching out to brush your hair behind your ear. The sad smile on his face was replaced with surprise as you grab his hand softly in yours before his touch could fade entirely.

“Who says?” You inquire softly, looking into his eyes without hesitation and using your grip to gently tug him closer until you can press your lips to his. Your arms, slipping around his neck to prevent him from running away from the kiss and you.

Hyunjin is stunned for a moment, entirely frozen as he processes what is happening before he returns your kiss. Soon, taking over as he puts more force into the kiss, letting his longing take over, controlling his actions. He nibbles on your lower lip slightly when he finally pulls away, looking at you with darkened eyes as his arms slip around to cradle you and gently lay you back, mindful of your injuries.

“And you were still going to leave me anyway?” He growls lightly, not letting you answer before his mouth is on yours again. His actions fueled by just a hint of anger, “Knew you were a spoiled, fucking brat, princess.”

You feel the shift in the air, dominance shifting to Hyunjin, who looks down at you with a darkened gaze. A smirk adorning his face as you squirm slightly beneath him, flustering as heat rises to your cheeks. His actions are not what you would have expected out of him after the way he had been acting the last 24 hours, but you weren't going to complain about them either.

“In a way, you are lucky you’re hurt doll, means I’ll go easy on you tonight. Of course, you’ll still be punished, considering you made me think you didn’t care about me, and you ran away.” Hyunjin tsks as his tone and touch teases you, running the faintest trail over your sides, “What will I do with you, pretty girl?” 

“You talk like you aren’t a spoiled brat yourself.” You remark back, grinning up at him in response. Your inner brat proud of the fact that you showed no hesitance in your response, despite his heated stare, “Maybe I should be the one punishing you right now, little prince~”

You watch Hyunjin visibly bristle at your condescending tone, hand smacking your clothed thigh just enough to give a slight sting, before he’s gripping them tightly, “That’s cute, you thinking that pretty, little mouth of yours can get away with saying whatever. We both know that even if I gave you control, though, you would have no idea what to do with it, princess.” 

Hyunjin’s fingers dance over your inner thighs before gripping at the hem of the shirt you were wearing. He pushed it up slowly, much like he had when looking over your injuries, though this time, his fingers brushed delicately over your skin as he did. Pulling it off entirely and letting you do the same with his before picking up on your smug expression again and raising a brow.

“You say that like you’re in control right now.” You mock him as his gentle nature shows through again, baiting him into doing worse if he dared, “Please, little prince, we both know you are too soft to actually do anything to me.”

Hyunjin hums, licking his lips as he eyes your form, “Maybe, you are right, princess.” He leans down to kiss over the expanse of your neck, gently until reaching your collarbone, where he bites down. Sucking and kissing over to leave a blooming mark and make you moan, squirming beneath him, “ But then again...maybe you’re wrong.”

You mew, feeling heat pool in your gut, you know Hyunjin would easily pick up on that if he looks at your panties. He is in no rush currently, though, leaving a trail of marks leading towards your cleavage, letting your arousal build over time. Willing to take as much time as it takes to see you finally snap, wanting you to fold and beg for him. You expect him to take your bra off next with how he teases marks along the hem of it, but he doesn’t. Instead, he chooses to move lower, creating marks leading down to the hem of the pants you’re wearing. His fingers, working to undo the tie on them, while his mouth works to distract you. Only, letting register what he had done when he was already tugging them down your legs, spreading them and exposing your soiled panties, only making him lick his lips in anticipation. He would have to wait for that still, as your resolve stayed strong yet. Something Hyunjin was not having any part of as he kissed your thigh, trailing marks lower, until he left one last fleeting kiss to your ankle before working his way up the other leg, never speeding up his actions. He knew it was a waiting game, a matter of whose patience would give out, and he was determined to win. After all, he had been a patient man thus far, holding back the whole time his feelings grew he could wait a little longer if it meant getting what he wanted. You, on the other hand, weren’t prepared to endure this level of teasing, ignorant to the possibility of the events currently unfolding before today. 

Hyunjin practically beamed against your inner thigh, locking eyes with you when he heard your soft restless huff, “You seem eager, princess. You know you could get what you want. Well, if you start acting like a good girl.”

Your eyes narrow into a glare at his mockery, still not learning your lesson. Still finding his tactics too soft to tame your brat, she was masochist after all. “Why don’t you fucking make me then? If you even can.” 

Hyunjin seems surprisingly calm at your remark this time, climbing over your form and slipping a hand around to unclasp your bra as soon as it’s off, an invisible force pulls your hands up towards the bed frame, securing them there. “You talk a lot of crap for someone whose panties have been soaked this whole time, princess. Your mouth might say one thing, but your body says another.”

"Fuck you, Hyunjin." You hiss, glare sharpening, and yet it still doesn't faze Hyunjin in the least. If anything, it makes him chuckle, finding it cute that you think you are going to be able to intimidate him.

"Oh, you could, sweetheart, if you would only cooperate." Hyunjin flicks his tongue over your nipple, loving how you gasp and wiggle again. What doesn't make him so pleased is when you start trying to squirm away so that he would not have so much control over you, wanting to hold out longer. Hyunjin, nipping at your bud with a warning growl of your name, making you shudder at the promise the rasp of it held. Your body, submitting on its own and letting the man tease your breasts, taking his time as he alternates between them much as he had done with the rest of your body.

"All you are is a tease, Hyunjin. A tease playing like he's a firm hand-" Your quip gets cut off by his hand slapping down against your clothed pussy without any warning.

"You think I'm playing princess? No. I simply know your game. You enjoy being punished. You like the pain...which is why you won't get that. Not unless you beg for it just like anything else you want from me, even if I have to tease you all night for that to happen." Hyunjin shrugs before moving between your legs to lick over the wet patch, moaning against your panties at the taste. Just a hint of the feeling passing through and letting your mind race with all the possibilities of what could happen if you just gave in already, the fact that he wouldn't even punish you the way you wanted without a beg driving you mad.

"Fine, fine, you win Hyunjin. Just stop with all the goddamn teasing already." You whimper, hips lifting slightly, and Hyunjin dares to laugh at your desperation. Hooking his fingers on your panties to drag them down and flick his tongue over your clit before circling it relentlessly.

"I don't know, princess. It didn't seem to me like you meant that. Why don't you try again? And this time, try to be a tad more convincing little girl." Hyunjin nips at your most sensitive parts, making you mewl again at finally another twinge of painful pleasure.

"I'm begging, aren't I Hyunjin? This is what you wanted, isn't it? For me to beg for you? Well, now that I am. So can't you just fucking ruin me?" You almost wish you could smack him as he pulls away, but the next second you are sighing in relief as you're flipped onto your knees, ass on display for him. Hyunjin's hands move to knead the flesh, almost aggressively despite not even being the part intending to bring you pain.

"Oh, I'll ruin so much princess, you won't be the only thing, though. No. I intend to fuck you so well that even if you go to another man, you'll think about me and how good I was instead. I intend to fuck you so well that you crave me the same way I've craved having you like this for so long now." Hyunjin emphasizes his words with the first smack to your backside, "Though if that doesn't happen tonight, then I guess I'll just have to try again and again until it does."

Your body is practically buzzing with anticipation at this point after such a long build-up, unable to do anything but moan as Hyunjin finally gives in, delivering blow after delicious blow to your ass. Increasing the strength behind them as he sees you can take more and loving how color blooms across your skin, the flesh bruising in beautiful marks that you'll be sure to feel for days after. His touch, leaving your ass to collect the wetness that’s seeping down the plush of your thighs, before lightly patting your pussy and watching how you clench around nothing with a dark chuckle and another hard spank.

“What’s this? Are you going to cum around nothing? After acting like I couldn’t even do anything? Tsk, are you really that pathetic princess?” Hyunjin acts disappointed, but the way his cock throbs in his pants tells an entirely different story, “Go on then, tell me how unaffected you are with that bratty little mouth while your body tells me the truth. While this little pussy tells me how slutty you are, begging me to fuck you until you can’t say anything other than my name.” 

Hyunjin gives you that final push you need to go over the edge by slapping your pussy, watching how it pulses for a moment before two fingers find your clit, and ride you through your high. His skilled fingers, not letting up even after your orgasm has run its course. Your attempts to squirm away mean nothing as more invisible ties lock around your form, holding you in place to take all that Hyunjin is giving you. Hyunjin’s curls two fingers into you, searching for the spot that would have you quaking beneath him, wanting to make you fall apart over and over because of what he can do to you. His plump lips, leaning down to press against your spine, not even willing to leave that part of you unmarked, his fingers drilling into you relentless against your most sensitive spots as soon as he found them. His hand, weaving into your hair to pull your face up, out of the mattress, freeing your sounds.

“Don’t you try to hide from me, princess. You wanted to run that smart mouth of yours, so now you’re going to show just how wrong you were with every perfect fucking sound you make, whether it be from your lips or your cunt.” Hyunjin’s own impatience showed in the form of his bulge, pressed against your prettied ass, grinding in time with the thrusts of his fingers, egging you on, “Do you think you will have earned this cock once you’ve cum on my fingers, princess? Be honest?”

“I-I’ve earned it whenever you say I have, b-but I want it so bad...p-please Hyunjin.” Your words show how much you have really slipped into a submissive role for him. Hyunjin’s ego growing at your words, loving every second of them.

“You sound so pretty whining my name like that little girl.” Hyunjin slips in soft praise as a result of your obedience, “Go on then princess, earn it. Fucking cum for me again, make a mess of my fingers just like you would my dick.”

His words only further tightening the knot in your stomach until it snaps, making you tremble beneath him with each scorching wave of pleasure. It, numbing you to the point where all you knew for a few moments, was Hyunjin’s fingers thrusting into your, riding you through the intense feeling. Feeling as if the bonds have loosened, Hyunjin laying you onto your back again, brushing away tears you didn’t even know were there and giving you a moment to catch your breath. 

“You alright?” He questions, caring side returning as he places a sweet yet fleeting kiss to your lips, looking over your face carefully.

“Hyunjin I did not spend all that time begging for you not to fuck me now, if it’s too much I’ll tell you. Otherwise, you better get the fuck on with it before I actually lose it.” You insist, already gently tugging him between your spread legs. Barely giving him enough time to free his cock, before trying to get him inside of you. Only then do you feel the binds slipping around your thighs to hold you still and open for him while he fully removes his clothes and teases your entrance with his tip for a moment before pushing in. His arms on either side of you, watching as your face scrunches with pleasure and relief as he stretches you open. Hyunjin, groaning softly, when he bottoms out, feeling you tight around him. You take advantage of the fact that your hands are free, seeing Hyunjin’s dark locks fall over his face, to push them away, and let you see his face as well. Feeling you tug at his hair, pulling him closer, he kisses you while giving a quick, hard thrust to tease you while swallowing your pretty little noises. Hyunjin, biting down on your bottom lip and tugging it as he pulls away, giving slower, shallow thrusts.

“Look at you, princess. You can’t stay still. Is it just too much for you to handle? Or is it not enough?” Hyunjin muses, knowing you want him to pound into you, and that you would try to take control if you could move more freely, he lets you tug at his hair though, keeping the tidbit of control you did have, making him bare his neck to you so you can leave matching marks on him. That is all you could do anyways, too far gone to answer, not that you would know what to say anyway, seeing as how it was somehow both too much and too little. All of your senses lit with bright licks of flaming pleasure, while deep down, you wanted to fuel them even more at a quicker pace.

“Just be a good girl with your words one last time, princess, and I promise I’ll give you everything baby.” Hyunjin’s fingers skim over the trail of marks he left behind before rubbing circles onto your clit. Letting each movement bring you enough pleasure to make your head spin, but still not enough to give you the relief you thirsted for. 

Your fingers weave through his hair, tugging again, “Hyunjin, I’m giving you all of me, so take it already, please. You already have me falling apart from barely anything, so show me the worst you can do.”

Hyunjin chuckles, placing a kiss on your jaw before picking up the pace. Holding nothing back down as he gave in to the desires both of you had, letting pleasure overtake you both. “Oh, I will, princess. You’re in for a long night.”

You had expected to wake up besides Hyunjin the next morning, after falling asleep in his arms the night before. Something seemed off though when you fully registered what was going on the next morning, and finding an empty bed and the surrounding area eerily quiet, slipping a shirt on to quietly peek out of the room to see if Hyunjin was simply cooking breakfast again, which he was. That wasn’t all you noticed, though, a glass orb placed delicately on the counter by Hyunjin and swirling with colors as Hyunjin spoke to it. 

“No, I’m not letting my feelings get the better of me. No matter what my feelings are for the princess, I know what the most important thing here is.” Hyunjin huffs at the little glass piece, your heart sinking as you realize he’s talking about you.

“So she has the map then? You can bring both her and it back so we can finally get on with this?” A woman’s voice echo’s through, making your eyes widen, though there is no face to make out and let you see who it could be.

“She doesn’t, but we need her either way. Besides, the ones with the map will come back for her as soon as they realize I have her again, let them come to us instead of wasting our time searching every hiding spot for them.” Hyunjin shrugs, tasting the food, still unaware of your listening in from the bedroom doorway, only barely peeking out so that you could hide again if necessary.

“Very well, just don’t let your heart jeopardize this after all we’ve done and given up. More than a crush or not, if she gets in the way and you won’t deal with it...then I will.” The woman speaks one last time before the orb stops going. You take that as your cue to slip back into the bedroom. 

Sure, Hyunjin’s feelings for you were apparently genuine, or at the least for the princess form of you. That didn’t make this acceptable, though. He was obviously up to something now, and there was no way around it, and he was willing to use you to lure Chan and Felix right back in and give him what he wanted. That being something that you simply could not allow. You scour through the clothes in the cabin, finding something you can move freely in, before slowly creaking the window open to look outside. You step away to sneak another look at Hyunjin to ensure that he was still occupied with food. Before carefully climbing out the window and closing it behind you. Sneaking off into the woods, worried first about being quiet and not giving yourself away before just bolting. Not entirely sure how you’d find Chan and Felix, but knowing that you certainly couldn’t do it if Hyunjin caught you again. The dazzling blue light, appearing for a third time now. Twirling around you before leading the way off until reaching a small stream and disappearing, leaving you to look around curiously until it flashes before your eyes again and turning into a person, not just any person though...you’d finally found Jisung.

[hatterstan-shameblog]

Prompt My Own Damn Self # :He’s Not the Guy You Marry, But He Is The Guy You [REDACTED] in the Night Club Bathroom at Two O’Clock in the Morning, Which is Also Important

Summary: Literally what it says in the title, except we find out what [REDACTED] means, which is very fun and exciting. That’s right, everybody, we’re 👏 going 👏 there 👏

Warnings: ‼️18+‼️ Extremely Explicit Sexual Content. Do NOT be uncool and read it if you’re not of age. Otherwise, there’s alcohol involved here (wow what a surprise 🙄), like one mention of drugs, and smoking. Aside from that, it’s pretty straightforward.

Genre: Mediocre Smut

Pairing: Hatter/Fem!Reader

Notes: There are two types of people in this world: people who are very attracted to the weird sexy hat guy who started a death-game pyramid scheme, and LIARS.

Real talk, though: this is pretty explicit. More explicit than I’ve gone in a very long time, so I’m a little rusty. It veers into “hate sex” territory, which was kind of fun to write, honestly. I live for the banter. (Also, the “you” character in this is kind of great? I like her.)

HEY! Just another reminder! This is 18+ so if you’re not of legal age, do yourself a solid and ditch this little thing, okay? Okay.

💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

It starts with tequila shots.

Salt licked. From your wrist. His chest. The hollow of your throat.

Lime bitten. Held between your fingers. Between his teeth. Between your pushed-together breasts.

Music pulses. Lights flash. He’s got a hand on your ass. You’ve got your lips on his neck.

“Wanna go somewhere?”

“Yes.”

And he leads you, hand on the small of your back, away from the bar. People stare. You like it.

‘Somewhere’ is, apparently, a two-stall women’s restroom, tucked away in a narrow little hallway which runs to the left of the bar. A place for shooting up drugs. A place for scribbling on the walls with permanent marker.

A place for sex. Hot, sweaty, anonymous sex.

...Well, semi-anonymous, anyways. It’s impossible to live at the Beach and not know who the man in red is, the man who sells a shot at salvation for nothing more than a few playing cards.

You lean against the tastefully cream-colored counter which hosts, among other things: a sink stained pink with cheap soap; three forgotten tubes of lipstick; a small mirror, holding an abandoned credit card and two small lines of cocaine; a crumpled up hand towel; a half-finished bottle of Asahi beer; and what was probably once a wedding ring.

“Great ambiance,” you murmur flatly. The harsh light of fluoresent bulbs burn your eyes, diverting your gaze to the white floor, “Been ages since I got fucked in a classy place like this.”

“Ages?” Hatter flicks the lock on the door with a low thunk.

“Hours,” you answer, mournful tone betrayed by a smirk tugging at the corner of your mouth, “Had you not come along, my dry spell might’ve gone on through the morning.”

“Perish the thought.”

And he does not so much approach you as he descends upon you, mouth sucking at your collarbone and leg pushing between your thighs.

“Tell me,” he pants into you ear, breath hot and fingers deft as he unties the strings of your bikini top, “How do you want me?”

“Now,” you hiss back, “Don’t care how, just—fuck, just give it to me.”

“Then, if you would be so kind?” He holds a condom between his index and middle fingers.

In truth, you’re glad for it—you’d rather not deal with the mess after all is said and done—but there’s no way you’ll give him the satisfaction of a ‘thank you.’

“Fine,” you huff, snatching the foil square from his grasp, “Don’t suppose you have anything better to—oh!”

Hands on your hips spin you around so you’re facing the mirror. You grip the edge of the counter, knuckles straining, and watch as he reaches around to palm your breast.

“Apologies,” he makes eye contact with you in the mirror, “but I seem to have my hands full at the moment.”

And that’s when you feel fingertips slipping beneath the seam of your bikini bottoms, an insistent press against the slick of your slit.

You spit a curse and fumble with the condom, desperation setting in as his hands continued to dance across your flesh. After some moments (too many for your liking), you’re successful in your endeavor, and pass the unwrapped nuisance over your shoulder.

“Much obliged,” he thanks, removing his hands to sort himself out, “You know, I appreciate—“

“I didn’t come here to talk,” you snap. He laughs in response.

“Ooh, you’re mean!”

And he’s sliding the crotch of your swimsuit bottoms to the side, exposing only what is necessary and lining himself up—and, okay, that’s the kind of semi-impractical hotness you were looking for from this particular encounter. Your muscles clench involuntarily around nothing and you cant your hips back to get him to move it along...but nothing happens.

God, what is this guy’s problem?!

“But, I wonder,” he whispers into your ear, “are you desperate enough to say ‘please?”

Of all the guys to pull for a quick fuck, of course you get the one who’s a total tease. So smug, arrogance blooming as he presses a soft kiss to your left shoulder. There’s no way you’re giving in to this asshole, so you glare at him in the reflection of the mirror.

“Fuck you,” you spit, teeth bared and mouth formed into a malicious smile.

He shrugs his shoulders.

“Close enough.”

You both cry out when he fills you with a single, fluid thrust. And—fuck, fuck, fuck!—that is good. One of his hands curls around the jut of your hip, while the other splays across your collarbone, thumb and forefinger framing the base of your throat in a firm but gentle touch.

Otherwise, he remains still—perhaps he’s being gentlemanly and allowing you time to adjust? No, no, he’s definitely being a tease again.

Seriously, what is his goddamn deal?

Since he seems content to take his merry time, you take matters into your own hands, moving against him in a somewhat-awkward but still satisfying rhythm.

“You,” he says between heavy breaths, “seem eager.”

There’s something in his voice that seems amused, as if he finds your candor endearing. You lean forward a bit, angling your hips so his length is able to sink deeper and, oh, that’s much better.

“Want something done right,” you pant, “gotta do it yourself.”

“You don’t think I’d do it right?”

“Sweetie,” you coo with a condescending smile, “I know you wouldn’t.”

And you’re lucky that guys like him are all the same—arrogant, showy, desperate to prove their sexual prowess—because he finally (finally!) decides to get his sorry ass into gear and make something happen.

The hand that was around your neck gropes at your breasts, the cool metal of that stupid-ugly-tacky ring catching on your skin in an annoyingly tantalizing way. The other shoves its way between you and the edge of the countertop, deft fingertips circling your clitoris in a way that makes your toes curl in your sandals. You bite your lip to keep from crying out as he fucks into you, hips snapping hard but steady against the plush of your ass.

“You know, the people I fuck usually try to be nice to me,” he says, “nicer than you, anyways.”

The hand on your breast pinches your nipple, earning him a sharp gasp.

“Why be nice?” You clench around him, causing his rhythm to falter, “You’re just the means to an end.”

“And here I thought we were making love.”

Teeth scrape down the length of your neck, and fuck—you’re getting close. Your arms are shaking. Your heart is racing. You hate to admit it, but he’s good at this.

“Darling,” he growls into your ear, “I do believe you’re about to come.”

“Shut up,” you snap, trying desperately to sound cool and unaffected despite the fact that your composure is about to shatter and there is not a goddamn thing you can do about it.

“Well, go on then. After all,” he hisses, “I don’t have all night.”

What starts as anger is quickly overtaken by pleasure—white-hot and blinding, enough to make your knees shake and your eyes spring with tears. It’s exactly what you were looking for, exactly what you had been expecting from the most notorious sex fiend at this God-forsaken place.

Apparently, he must’ve come too, because he’s pulling out with a surprising tenderness—gentlemanly in one way, at least. He even makes sure to right your bikini bottoms, making sure that they’re once again covering you completely before turning his attention to himself.

“You know, I didn’t know people could glare their way through an orgasm, but you made it happen.”

“I’m a woman of many talents.”

Before you choose to look in the mirror, you fix the rest of your bathing suit with a tremble in your fingers. You can feel him watching you, and honestly, you’re not sure how you feel about that. Good, mostly, but tinged a bit orange with annoyance. You try not to think about that too much and, with a deep breath, look at your reflection.

The first thing you do to assess the damage of your little liaison is check your makeup—your eyeliner is a bit smudged, but that’s easily fixed with a few swipes of your littlest finger. Your hair, however, is another story, so you set to fixing it with a dissatisfied huff.

You hear the snick of a lighter behind you and the scent of fresh-burning nicotine hits your senses. You turn around to see him leaning against the tile wall with a cigarette between his lips and smoke curling in wisps towards the ceiling.

He raises an eyebrow when you approach him, then chuckles when you snatch the cigarette right out of his mouth and take a long, deep drag. It’s almost as good as the sex.

“You know,” he says, “I think you might be a bit in love with me after my spectacular performance.”

That makes you choke, your lungs switching from laughter to coughing and back again.

“Spectacular?” You quell your sputtering with a gulp, “You were passable. At best.”

“Careful, sweetheart. You’re getting awfully close to giving me a compliment.”

You take a step closer to him, shoulders squared, fingers ashing the cigarette onto the floor.

“Not your sweetheart,” you say, taking one last drag and blowing the smoke directly into his face. You smile when he flinches.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me,” you say, pressing the mostly-smoked cigarette between his lips, “I have somewhere to be.”

You turn on your heel and begin to walk away, making sure to sway your hips just so as you do. There’s no way his eyes aren’t glued to your ass, and the thought makes you smile triumphantly.

“Until next time, then,” he calls—and it’s cute that he sounds so sure that you’ll come crawling back to him.

You exit the bathroom with a self-satisfied smirk, enjoying the thought of him lighting another cigarette and trying not to chase after you.

Three days, tops. That’s how long it’ll take for him to beg.

You can’t wait.

💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

also just in case you were wondering, he DID leave the sunglasses on—BUT they were on his head kinda holding his hair back because I truly believe he would do that. also the kimono has pockets and he thinks it’s very cool to carry around all his stuff in there (for example he keeps a granola bar on his person at all times because sometimes you just get hungry yknow?)

[semistable17yearoldgirl]

You’re like me (bucky x amputee reader) part 1/?

summery: Bucky and Steve are sent out on an “easy mission” but when they encounter a teenage girl in a great deal of pain, their mission course changes.

warnings: some mention of torture and pain

It should have been an easy in and out mission. Tony had sent Bucky and Steve on a duo mission to take out a hydra base supposedly only holding a couple of hydra goons, and take files if any were found. It was suppose to be a semi- abandoned base. 

As they flew over France and nearing Germany, Bucky started to get worried. “I don’t like this Steve, Hydra never leaves behind tracks, this doesn’t seem right.” By this time he was pacing the length of the military style plane, as Steve piloted. “It’ll be fine Buck,” Steve said calmly. “We’ve done a ton of these before, plus we have intercom to call backup just incase.” Bucky’s shoulders seemed to relax a little, but Steve could still easily tell that he was anxious. Bucky had never gone into another Hydra base since becoming the Winter Solider, afraid about how his body might subconsciously react. He felt ready for this one however, after training his mind to focus on the now, and he felt that he was getting pretty good at it too. 

They landed the quinjet in an open forest just outside of a small German town made of roughy 3,000 people. The base was close by, about a 5 minute trek from the landing site. Using their renewed skills from military training back in the 40′s, they were easily able to get to the outskirts of the base without being heard, or seen. It was hard to keep quiet however when they saw what they were up against. 

The building looked like an old bunker, with tall stone walls, and strong metal doors. Hundreds of people in tactical gear roamed the grassy plain, guns in arms at all times. Trucks pulled into the building carrying god knows what. All that the super soldiers could mutter, was “shit”. 

“We don’t have time to call Tony,” Bucky breathed quietly. “What do you mean? We can’t take all of these people on by ourselves Buck, thats insane.” “I know punk, but if they have that many guards around that must mean that they have people inside that they don’t want getting away.” Steve pondered this for a moment, thinking back to when he saw where Bucky was kept in Russia not that long ago. “You’re right, but we can’t just march in there. I have a plan, but it’s not gonna be easy. You up for it?” “Always up for a challenge”.

They had snuck around back and managed to somehow sneak in through a broken window. With guns and shield drawn, they walked through an abandoned hallway, on high alert. That is when the screaming started.

Y/N’s POV

I was strapped to a chair in the blue room as I called it. The room where all the torture happens. The instruments and blood (both mine and others) littered the floor around me, as my head hung low and my metal arm clenched subconsciously. I freshly branded hydra logo shaped burn on my neck furiously stung as I hunched my shoulder closer to my head to keep the cool air from hitting it. “I’m done with her, put her back” came a deep low voice that I recognized all too well. I knew neither his name or what he looked like, but he was the doctor I knew had done all this to me. 

The guards dragged me by my arms as I tried to walk with them, trying to stay on my feet. They sat me on the rotting metal bench and detached my metal arm from its implant in my shoulder. They always took it off to make sure I couldn’t use it against them. I was left in bare feet with nothing but loose tattered pyjamas and one less limb to call my own in a cold and drippy cell. I scurried under the bench and curled up trying to preserve my warmth. Suddenly I heard distant yelling and the clanging of metal against metal. I didn’t think they would come back for me already, which furthered my confusion. Voices started nearing, speaking in English, a language that I knew decently, but did not prefer to my native tongue of German. 

“This is the cell block” said a man with a low voice “I recognize these kinds of doors. Open all of them, there might be people here.” I knew enough English to know they were coming to get me, but their tone about if they were good guys or bad guys was unclear. I curled further into myself as I heard my cell door open. 

“BUCK! THERES A GIRL IN HERE!” A higher voice, but still low enough for me to know it was a man said.

I kicked my foot out as a warning while yelling “Nein bitte, du hast gerade die Experimente beendet! Bitte!” (No please! You just finished the experiments! Please!) Still cowering in the corner. The other man with the lower voice looked into my cell and I could feel his heart break. “Steve,” he said slowly. “She’s just a teenager” I was sobbing at this point, pleading in German for them to leave me alone. “Ich bin schon genug verletzt!” (I’m already hurt enough!) I cried as loud as my voice would allow. The dark haired man leaned down so he was at my level. “Es ist okay, Puppe, kannst du für eine Sekunde rauskommen? Wir werden dich nicht verletzen.” (It’s okay doll, can you come out for a second? We aren’t going to hurt you.) He cooed in a soft voice. I crawled out from under the bench and sat up, tears threatening to spill. 

“Can you stand up?” Said the blonde man with the higher voice. “No arm.” I said with a heavy accent, as I rolled up my left sleeve so they could see the heavily damaged skin and the implant that my arm usually sat in. “Hurts” I said, voice wavering”. The man with the dark hair slowly took off his jacket as I backed away, afraid. “no, no darling it’s okay, look” He said, showing his metal arm to me. “gleich?” (same?) I asked tentatively. “Ja.” (yes) He said. Thats when I began to cry. He moved slowly closer to me and cradled me in his arms and rocked soothingly back and forth as the blonde haired man watched from the door, guarding us. Bucky as I now knew brushed my hair out of my face as he whispered calming things to me. 

Without my metal arm in place, the implant began to hurt. I began to furiously scratch at it as I always did when it burned which left ugly red scars just like this man had. He rolled up my sleeve the rest of the way and held my hand. “Ich weiß, dass es Puppe verbrennt, aber du wirst es nur noch schlimmer machen.” (I know it hurts doll, but you’ll only make it worse” He whispered into my ear as he continued to rock me. “Everything hurts” I said with a german accent. “My shoulder, the brand, my ribs.” I sat up, and slowly pulled off my T-shirt leaving me in just a tank top to show him what I meant. He saw the brand on the side of my neck and moved to touch it when I cowered back. “Sorry” he muttered, clearly distracted. I then lifted my shirt slowly to show him my side, where all the bruises where and a cluster of bumps clearly indicating some fractured ribs. 

“Steve” Bucky said quietly, but with urgency. “We have to leave now. Screw everything else. Call Tony.” Steve turned around and simply nodded before looking out the door around corners. “It’s now or never Buck, i’m not sure how much longer we will be in the clear.” Bucky turned to me. “Darling i’m going to pick you up and get you out of here okay?” I nodded slowly as he lifted me off the cold ground. I bit my lip and hissed and tried to breathe through the pain as we ran out of the only place I had ever called home.

authors note: Hey guys!! Thank you for reading the first part of my first story! I hope you like it, and maybe leave a review? Still getting used to Tumblr, so please send any helpful tips you think might help me get used to this stuff. Thank you again for reading!