#Isaac’s attention to detail!

[calliope-king]

Why did none of the girls give Charlie concealer?? Honestly, that’s a hate crime!! Where is the solidarity lmaoo

[beevean]

It’s one thing to read casually that Isaac spread rumors about Rosaly being a witch and caused her execution.

It’s quite another to see him yank Hector’s hair and hold his head tight, preventing him from even screaming in pain, forcing him to watch his beloved Rosaly being hanged in front of him. Oh, and then he dangles (the illusion of?) her severed head in his face.

Fucking hell, Isaac. You felt Hector’s tears on your fingers and still mocked him. Talk about being cruel. This is near Griffith’s levels of pure spite.

The only thing that would have made this worse would have been Rosaly being burned at the stake.

(The pages were translated faithfully so I’m using those - although maybe it should be “When you become fearsomely cruel, who and what is to blame?” - but one detail that cannot be conveyed in English is that, in this scene only, Isaac speaks in kanji and katakana)

(Considering that Isaac himself is drawn in an unrecognizeable way, I think that it’s meant to convey that Hector can’t even recognize his old friend anymore, not by appearance nor by voice, so much he has been twisted by the Curse.)

[kira-the-whump-enthusiast]

I am screaming and crying because this is amazing and 😭 help I’m in love I’m very normal about this.

Figuwhump: Day 31

@kira-the-whump-enthusiast 's sad and eternally bloodied immortal, Isaac

@figuwhump

[fullfriendnerdclutch]

Isaac explained his type to Maya with great details, as Maya asked him to do. Taut model-like physique, hairs on his legs curled up but his upper body smooth with not even a scar, with classic Anglo-Saxon feature that makes the guy can pass as some Victorian era young nobility. His eyes should reflect the depth of his thought and looked like an English pond in the summer, calming and clear. Soft-spoken, matched with his grace and gentle movement that won't ever indicate any sort of danger or threat to anyone that come across him. Isaac wanted his ideal man to be lefty, just because it's unique, and at last, he wanted his man to be fully devoted to him and him only. Maya listened intently while Isaac revealed all that as he's busy typing his work, not even taking a glance to Maya. But once a sultry, manly voice coming out from the bed behind him where Maya supposedly lounged around, Isaac instantly turned around and found himself surprised

"Maya???"

"Well....yes, but not really, as you can see,"

"H---how? W--why? What the fuck is happening here?"

"I enjoyed your company a bit too much. Like, I'm so tired dating these dudes trying to find my Mr. Right when I have an incredibly smart, kind and attentive best friend like you that beat most of those crusty men I dated. So I said, fuck it, I'll be your man,"

"Have you heard how insane that sounded like, and how is this situation totally not something you encountered everyday? Like.....for starter, how the fuck you--"

"It's actually simple. Turns out my family have this kind of power that skipped generations that reemerged with me right after that last eclipse. The said power bestowed us the capacity to change physical form of ourself and the people that we exchanged bodily fluids with. In other words, not only I can change myself, I can change you too since we fucked that one time when we were still sophomore,"

"That....is wild. And I don't want to be involved in any of this. Please just change back, okay?"

"Oh cmon, you literally are having a boner while talking to me now. You like this, you want me, and I definitely want you to be my man. I mean, just imagine how crazy the sex we can have now that I can mold you into any of your wildest dreams too,"

"Maya, no. You are not thinking clear. What the fuck is this desperation? I cannot be your man, and you cannot throw away your life just like that for me. I'll hate myself for that, it makes me feel selfish,"

"Desperation? This is me being kind to you. I cannot help but notice how you've been dating not a single person since we graduated uni. You are certainly lonely so this is me---"

"What is that insane gaslighting you are doing? Stop all of this madness and for fuck sake, change yourself back. It's so jarring looking at you like that. You will always be Maya for me, whatever form you take,"

"No,"

"Okay, whatever. If you want to continue being a nuisance, please sort yourself out. Just.....walk around the neighborhood and clear your mind or something,"

"No,"

"Maya--"

"No, don't call me that! I'm no Maya. Gosh, I hated to do this, but freeze,"

And just like that, Isaac froze in his place with no way of moving a single muscle whatsoever. Then, Maya grabbed Isaac's head and chanted some intelligible words before letting it go as Maya goes back to the bed while waiting for the spell to unleash its full work. Like a breaking ice, Isaac's frozen body started to be able to get back moving and pulsing. It started from the fingertips, that gets thicker and hairier as his finger and both of his hand turned calloused from heavy workout while his feet stretched his wool socks and enlarged to a decent size 13. As blood started flowing once more, the veins in his arm thickened while his legs bursted with muscle and blond hair in an otherwise lanky former runner legs. This built his physique is turning into clearly doesn't belong to a runner. As the pumped blood causing the arm to swole closer to 19 inches, it also affected the shoulder that becomes rounder and sturdier. The long sleeve he worn earlier of course already tattered to pieces while his pants already ripped due to his now incredibly muscular thighs. As the change spread across his neck and torso from the top, his lower body parts perfected itself into a sick v-taper that leads to a snaking 7 inches perfection stuffed into a tight white briefs that left nothing to the imagination. His tiny waist contrasted heavily with his massive back and shoulder, showcasing an insane dedication to his craft which is clearly bodybuilding. When the whole body parts below his neck completed its transformation, he's now a towering 6'6" muscle beast, clearly looking down on most people including the rendered-in-awe Maya. Is this Isaac's deepest desire? Turning into a massive bodybuilder? The power she used on him is to unearth his deepest desire, so having a boulder cannon for a shoulder is clearly part of his deepest desire then? How is his final look going to be? Babyfaced brutal beast? Matured daddy? All will be revealed in the next couple seconds as the transformation move upward

His jaw hardened but his face turned into more square-like, with dirty blonde facial hair framed the angular jawline. From the way his face remained clear and not much visible wrinkle formed, this is definitely a young guy, probably the same age like Isaac's current age, but he can be wrong though. As the lips turned into a smirk, Maya knows that the change is almost complete and that smirk indicated that he enjoys what he sees so far. As Isaac eventually able to move, he's practically no longer Isaac, but an entirely different person altogether. Maya ensured that this new version of Isaac, Maya named him Rod, would be falling head over heels for Maya's new look

"Theo," Rod said in his gruffy voice

Well, that's a good name....

"Why are you not spreading your ass in bed already? You know I have to get back to work later at 1, time is tight so I need to breed inside you ASAP before having my lunch and then get back to work,"

Maya is in shock......Isaac's deepest desire is to be an assertive alpha or something? And it dawned upon Maya, or Theo now, that he cannot acted like brats or said no to Theo's order. Is this part of his desire too????

"You are always one hell of an obedient boy, that's why you're my favorite cum dump. Now say aaaaaa-----

[poisonlove]

Omg! You're taking requests!!! ME haaappy! 'cause i have one eheh

Jenna xfemreader

where you find somewhere a love letter for you, actually.. The first part is really sweet, a classic love letter but the second part is.. quite interesting: the anonymous writer describes in detail what they would like to do to you and with you.

You want to find out who the writer is but a suspiciously nervous Jenna tries to stop your "investigation".

Have a good day:)

I actually like the idea a lot. Transitioning from a romantic sentence to something more sensual is something that had crossed my mind before, but I hadn't found a prompt for it until now.

I've made a few changes, but I hope you'll still like it. Enjoy reading!

I NEED YOU | J.O

As I open the locker in search of books for the next class, I notice a folded sheet atop my science book.

Arching my eyebrows in confusion, I scan the school corridor, trying to discern the mysterious sender. The only people around seem engrossed in their cliques, completely oblivious to my perplexity.

With a mental shrug, I abandon the search and focus on the letter, smiling shyly at the unexpected gesture. In an era dominated by technology, receiving a handwritten letter has become a rare and special occurrence. I delicately grasp the letter, running my fingers over the crumpled paper that evidently forced its way through the cracks of my locker. I flip the letter several times, searching for any name on the outside, but all I see is a completely blank sheet.

"Hey y/n!" The voice of the basketball team captain, Isaac Ortega, resonates in the corridor, grabbing my attention. I turn and smile at him, considering him one of my closest friends.

Isaac's brown eyes fixate on the sheet in my hands, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Do you have a secret admirer? Uyy," he whispers, attempting to grab the letter.

With a smirk, I snatch it away, tucking it into my backpack pocket. "Mind your own business, Ortega," I say absentmindedly, rolling my eyes slightly irritated.

Isaac raises his hands in surrender.

"Anyway, see you after practice?" he asks curiously. "I think so… now I have to go, I have a class," I reply quickly, grabbing the necessary book from the locker and carelessly stuffing it into my backpack.

My eyes shift along the figure of Jenna Ortega, Isaac's younger sister, passing by us. Jenna wears her classic earphones, walking elegantly in the corridor. Dressed in ripped jeans and a red and black plaid shirt, Jenna exudes a mysterious aura. As her eyes briefly meet mine, she gives me a small smile before continuing on her way.

I knew Jenna only by sight; however, our conversations were limited.

"Hey JEN!" Isaac shouts, trying to catch his sister's attention. Jenna stops and removes an earphone, turning towards her brother. Isaac grins widely.

"Remember that you have to come to practice today… you promised," Isaac pouts, feigning innocence, and Jenna rolls her eyes, responding with a raised middle finger.

I chuckle softly.

"I love you too, Jenna," Isaac exclaims with fake sorrow, smiling and giving me a quick wink before turning away, draping his arm over the shoulders of a guy walking beside him, most likely a teammate.

I sigh and start walking towards my next class.

(...)

With a heart beating fast, I step through the classroom door, and the breathlessness betrays my sprint to avoid being late. A hurried glance around reveals a reassuring scene: the teacher hasn't arrived yet.

A sigh of relief grazes my lips, easing the tension in my shoulders. The chance to avoid the stern gaze of the teacher grants me a moment of tranquility. With a stealthy step, I head towards the farthest corner of the classroom, finding refuge near the window.

I place my backpack on the desk and sit down, releasing a sigh of frustration.

With a resignation barely perceptible, I begin to diligently retrieve the materials for the new lesson when my gaze stops on it: the letter. An aura of mystery envelops it, and the curiosity creeping inside me is irresistible. The paper, still neatly folded, lies among the books and notes, ready to unveil its contents.

With hands slightly trembling with excitement, I grab the letter, fingers gliding over the smooth surface as I observe its external appearance.

"Good morning, everyone," the voice of the literature teacher dances through the classroom walls, interrupting my brief moment of intimacy with the letter. I avert my gaze from its surface and observe the authoritative figure of the teacher starting to write on the chalkboard.

"Turn to page 75 of the textbook; today, we'll delve into Shakespeare," the teacher announces with authority, outlining the day's agenda. The succession of murmurs in the class, coupled with the rustling of pages turning, creates a vibrant background of activity as everyone prepares for the lesson.

The letter, momentarily forgotten in my hand, returns to the center of my attention with an irresistible pull.

I decide to open it.

Y/n… what I wanted to write in this letter is something quite simple: I like you, and a lot.

"So, Isaac was right," I mutter to myself.

I love everything about you; you're intelligent, beautiful, and incredibly interesting, not to mention a wonderful person. Your eyes were immediately my downfall, the way they light up when you're excited or when they gaze upon me makes me feel excited and, at the same time, as if a shiver runs down my spine.

"I seem to know her…" I think with curiosity.

You make me feel things I've never felt before in my life, thoughts for a girl that had never crossed my mind until I saw you for the first time. I still remember our first encounter, even though I was watching you from afar. We were doing gymnastics, and Jessica spilled water on you, something I still owe her thanks for.

The way you lifted your shirt to reveal your toned stomach to dry your face… it caught the attention of my eyes.

Something in me ignited.

"However… what a peculiar way to confess their feelings," I suppress a smile and continue reading the remaining lines.

Returning to things I like… your lips. Goodness, they are a daily temptation I always want to indulge in. I just want to place my lips on yours and kiss you until I run out of breath.

Your hair… it looks so soft, and I desire to wrap my fingers around it, playing or simply caressing you.

Your smile… voice, laughter… they are all things I like and want to see every day, especially causing and being the recipient of it.

Your hand…

I raise an eyebrow in confusion reading the latter.

I would love to grasp it and intertwine my fingers with yours, check if your skin is delicate, feel the strength of your large hand over mine, completely overshadowing it.

That hand I want to caress my face, running the thumb over my lower lip, gently putting the tip into my mouth, wishing for you to suck on it.

"This letter is taking a strange turn," I think carefully.

I want that hand around my neck, gripping slightly to make me understand to whom I belong, that hand that will later trail along my body with cunning and strength, slender fingers skillfully working on my flesh.

"Damn…" my cheeks flush with red as saliva begins to fade.

I want that hand to spank me if I misbehave… I want that…

"Miss l/n, could you answer the question I asked you?" The teacher's voice diverted my attention from the letter, and with flushed cheeks, I looked into her eyes, receiving a reproachful gaze.

"Can you repeat the question?" I timidly ask, nervously swallowing saliva.

"Where is Romeo and Juliet set?" she asks again. "Verona," I immediately reply, causing the teacher to blink in surprise. "Correct… well, let's continue with the lesson," she begins, and I roll my eyes in annoyance, directing my gaze back to the letter.

I want you to make me feel like no one else has made me feel: possessed. I desire your hand to possess me; I want it to be rough with me because I'm not delicate like a porcelain doll… I simply want you to use me as you please.

I cross my legs, feeling warmth in the lower abdomen.

I want to feel your fingers inside me, enveloped in my warmth, giving me pleasure until exhaustion. I want to see your eyes hooded with excitement as you continue to penetrate me with your fingers again and again, without diminishing the intensity.

I want that tongue working on my bundle of nerves; I want to feel its full length along my intimacy, making me sigh and moan until I'm breathless. I want you to put it in my mouth, letting me taste myself; I want you to keep licking even if I've already come…

I love your name, and I want to moan it every night, day, second of my life… something I already do within the walls of my room.

"Oh my God…" I bite my lower lip. "This girl is making me feel… uh…" I think to myself, unable to ignore the dampness between my legs.

I want you, I want you y/n, I desire you ardently.

—Anonymous.

I fold the letter and begin to contemplate the room, analyzing what I had read. I don't know how, but I would find out who this girl was.

I needed to know.

[demigoddessqueens]

Headcanons about how would Alucard, Issac, Hector, Dracula, and Trevor react if their crush remembered something they said a long time ago please?

Aww!! I know they would be smitten

Trevor

He didn’t think most people listened to him (just wrote him off) but you remembering is a subtlety that feels weirdly intimate to him. A love language that shows “of course I remembered”

Alucard

Underneath that calm exterior is a worrywart who rambles at times so he was never expecting you to listen. Wrong! You listening to him is touching enough, and it gives his racing heart reassurance

Dracula

Given the slight overprotective nature, you heeding his words is more of repeating back the warnings he’s given. But you never throw them in his face with malice, only a calm understanding of the past he’s shared with you

Isaac

He’s a man of very few choice words, but when he catches on that you remember them, it deepens the bond already growing. You catch the slightest hint of a smile on his face

Hector

No one really paid much attention to him, and he admires you greatly for many reasons he would (love to) list out. Your remembering even the most nonchalant detail is sweet enough for him to stay close to/with you.

[blueathn]

Obligatory coffee shop au art

Close-ups and ramblings under the cut because I spent waaay too long on this

Welcome to my brain soup.

Disclaimer, I didn’t really plan this piece and just kept adding concepts as I went, so it’s kind of all over the place. It’s more a big patchwork of dumb ideas I got excited over, rather than a well thought-out drawing, but I like it as it is! It feels like my brain did when I was reading htn :]

1. The whole concept behind this is just "Vintage coffee ad but make it the griddlehark coffee shop au". I was aiming for cheerful but also not quite right, in a very stock photo kind of way if that makes sense. Gideon is smiling but she is not a willing participant in this. Also that coffee is cold.

I - very predictably - took inspiration from Leyendecker’s work, since his ads and posters are the first that come to my mind when I think "vintage ad", and also because I do feel like his painting technique is close to how I naturally paint. This is not meant to be a study of his style tho, I didn’t try to break it down on more than a very superficial level.

2. 3. Nothing special to say, just Gideon’s arms (her perfect biceps are hidden from view lest they cause a riot in the cafeteria). Also arm hair. I feel like it’s becoming a recurring feature in my art lol

4. I debated whether or not to add a foam skull on the coffee then ultimately decided against it. That’s one skull too many, and honestly Gideon neither has the skill nor the patience to attempt one. Let’s be real, if they let her have access to the pitcher she’d make tits. So here is your tits-free coffee, courtesy of the Cohort photoshop editors.

5. Isaac, sporting the Fourth’s blue not only in dress but also in his questionnable choice of eye makeup. They have matching haircut only so Jeanne can showcase how much better it looks on her.

6. This is where I finally have something clever-ish to say. Thoughts ! I have them ! Sometimes. So. Harrow. You can’t see it but she has a nose piercing as well - this is relevant to spreading my agenda that Harrow is full of bone (piercings, that is). Sue me, I forgot that they let her keep her face paint in this scene. Onto the actual thought process.

This is where Abigail interrupts the scene, before Harrow can catch a glimpse of barista!Gideon. Her interruption is shown by the unfinished look of this panel : the sketch lines peeking through (in a reddish hue, to mimic sanguine, the red chalk that artists used to draw sketches and studies - and also because the contrast of the colors makes it pop better against her skin) + the rendering is messier from the neck and down.

Abigail is blocking half of Harrow from view - I wanted to have her hide Harrow’s eyes and thus line of sight entirely, but I feared Harrow wouldn’t be as recognizable with more than half her face hidden, frowny eyebrows and all.

Abigail herself is meant to look out of place here, without taking too much attention away from Gideon. I drew her in a much simpler style, using a more monochromatic palette and cell shading, to contrast against the rest of the gang, where I used a lot more color variation and a more detailed & textured painting style.

That’s about all I have on this, if you got this far thank you! Your support is much appreciated. If you liked this drawing I’d be overjoyed if you reblogged it and left your thoughts in the tags/notes! I’m always happy when I read them, even just a "#nice" makes my day.

[literary-motif]

Sacred Scars

Isaac Rhoades x Reader

You see Isaac's scars.

“I never thought we’d get it done this fast,” Isaac said, closing the folder and with it the case you two had solved together in no time, setting a new personal record. 

“I told you I’m getting good,” you teased, smirking at him as he rolled his eyes in false annoyance. 

You had gotten good. 

Your attention to detail often made him pause in awe when you pointed out something seemingly insignificantly small that would lead to unraveling the entire cluster of names, places, and events making up the case.   

He loved working together with you. Not only did it allow him to spend even more time in your company, but you worked together so efficiently — as if you had been doing it all your lives, as if you understood each other's behavior and thinking on such a fundamental level — that it made every case fly by in the blink of an eye. For the first time in a long while, Isaac felt truly alive when he sat behind his desk. 

You nudged his shoulder, snapping him out of his thoughts. “I also had an excellent teacher,” you said, shooting him a smile that turned genuine as you stared into his eyes. 

He looked so happy. You had never seen Isaac practically radiate with silent contentment. 

The overwhelming love and gratitude you saw in his expression made you avert your gaze, feeling like you were peeking into the very depths of his soul. You never wanted to pry, and although he had revealed his heart to you piece by broken piece, you knew expressing vulnerability was still hard for him. 

You cleared your throat, risking a glance at him. Isaac had a content smile, looking at the empty cup of tea in his hands as if it had given him the gift of happiness. “Do you want to call it an early night?” you asked, reaching out to ruffle his black hair and lighten the intensity of the moment shared between you. 

He gave you a disapproving look, but could not keep the smile off his face as he leaned into the touch. “That would probably be best,” he said, taking your hand and moving it to his lips. “We have a meeting tomorrow at noon, after all.”

“Right,” you said, carefully freeing your hand to hook two fingers under his chin and tilt his head up. He craned his neck, closing the gap before you had the chance to take him off guard. “Right,” you said again as he broke the kiss, smirking mischievously at you. “I’m going to make some chamomile tea before bed. Do you want some?”

“No, thank you,” Isaac replied, standing from his office chair. He raised his arms above his head, twisting his upper body from side to side in a long overdue stretch. “I’ll get ready for bed. Join me when you’re done?”

“Do you want a massage?” you asked, observing the furrow in his brows and the tight clench of his yaw as he rolled his shoulders. They seemed particularly tense.

“No need,” Isaac said quickly, dissolving your concern with a gentle smile. “Don’t be long.”

If anyone had predicted this future for you, standing in the kitchen, making yourself a cup of soothing chamomile tea while the man you loved was getting ready for sleep upstairs in an enormous and gorgeous house — and being happy, so utterly, soul-crushingly happy that you felt like your heart would burst — you would have called them a sick liar, descending into despair at being taunted with a life you so wanted but which you could never have. 

So much had changed in the time you had known Isaac. Some days you felt hardly deserving of all he had done for you. 

You pushed open the door to the bedroom with your shoulder, cradling the cup of steaming tea in your hands. “You realize if we hadn’t met, I would be—” You cut yourself off at the image before you. 

Isaac sat on the bed, his exposed back to you as he rummaged through the drawer of his nightstand for a shirt. You could see his shoulders tense when he heard your voice, hastily pulling out his shirt and throwing it on. 

It was too late. You had already seen the myriad of scars littering the skin of his back. 

“Pickle! I—” Isaac exclaimed, turning to face you. “I— uh—” He trailed off, unsure where to begin. You had never seen his scars, and he had never told you about them. Your expression was one of mild shock, still frozen in the doorway as you tried to settle on what to say. He swallowed, averting his gaze and sitting down on the edge of the bed. 

You approached him hesitatingly, sitting down beside him. You reached over, placing the tea on the nightstand before fully turning to face Isaac, holding your hands out for him to take. He obliged without hesitation. 

“Who did this to you?” you whispered, your heart breaking at the pain he must have suffered. 

Isaac chuckled sadly, shaking his head. “That’s hard to say,” he answered, thumbs rubbing circles into the back of your hands to distract himself. “It was not one single person. It’s the— the collateral damage to this line of work, I could say. Sometimes cases don’t go as planned.”

You stayed silent. There was a heavy feeling in your chest at the reminder that Isaac, too, had a past. He had suffered like you had, facing the brunt of the heavy legacy he carried. You wished you could have been there for him sooner. The idea that he had to patch himself up in this grand, empty house after one of his cases had taken an unexpected turn left a bitter taste on your tongue.

“Can you show me?” you asked quietly. 

Isaac’s jaw clenched. “Not tonight,” he said. “I don’t like thinking about it. Another time, maybe. I don’t feel up to it tonight.”

You nodded, squeezing his hands comfortingly. The past felt like something heavy for you, too. On some nights it came easy talking about it, on others it sat in your throat, stealing your breath as you tried croaking out the words. 

“That’s alright,” you said. “Would you like a sip of tea?”

“No, thank you,” he whispered, picking up the cup and handing it to you before encircling your waist with his arms and leaning his head on your shoulder. You could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest from how he was snuggled up against your side. “I only need you right now to chase away the shadows of the past.”

The moment felt painfully personal. It was a sacred thing, to be cradled gently and never spoken of outside the secure walls of your shared bedroom and its bulletproof glass that allowed you a peek into the night. 

Sometimes even the night of shadow needed a little light.

[wildflowerblurbs]

A Light for the Knight of Shadows | Isaac Rhoades

Isaac Rhoades x GN! Mythic! Reader

CW: mentions of past trauma/mistreatment, reader feeling anxious, minor injuries

A/N: wrote this ages ago and recently found it in my drafts; please disregard any mistakes.

-

“I’ve been lying to you.”

Isaac freezes in his chair before quickly relaxing and placing the documents he’d been reading on the desk. He slowly turns towards you, motioning for you to come closer. 

“You certainly know how to get my attention,” Isaac replies nervously. You could tell he was wary despite his playful words. “What have you been lying about, exactly?”

You fidget in front of him, not quite able to look at him while you contemplate just how you’d broach the subject of who you were—or rather what you were.

Thanks to the stupid rules of your kind, you couldn’t outright tell him what you were. Something about “ignorance being bliss” or however that human saying goes. It was a safety issue. Hunters can’t hunt what they don’t know.

Truthfully, if someone had told you that you’d be in this position six months ago—telling a human of your true identity—you would’ve laughed in their face and reported them to the elders for even suggesting a thing. Well, to be fair, you would’ve done anything to get in the elder’s good graces six months ago, but that’s not the point. Details don’t really matter. What matters is the forbiddenness of what you’re doing. 

It’s a bad idea, really. Humans are fickle creatures and there’s no guarantee Isaac’s love will last. You’d waited until he finally opened up enough to begin a relationship with you, but—disregarding the fact that your kind isn’t even supposed to fall in love with humans—that doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things. He’s human. Or at least, that’s what you kept telling yourself.

The guilt of keeping this from him was easier when he held you at arm’s length, when the possibility of him throwing you out was high. But things changed. He opened up, slowly but surely, and even revealed his biggest secret. A secret that killed his family and destroyed his innocence. A secret that wasn’t a secret to you.

When he showed you the video of the werewolf, you’d tried to respond in a way that didn’t alert him to your own extended knowledge on the topic, of a life that most humans don’t know about. You’d questioned the validity of the video, both because you weren’t sure if it was created by some human to create chaos and because, if it truly was real, you wanted to gauge his opinion on the matter. You wanted to know if he believed it was real. 

Despite his suspicious nature, he did end up believing the validity of the video. Was it perhaps because he wanted to believe the thing that killed his parents wasn’t some sort of practical joke? Maybe, but that doesn’t really matter either. 

He knew creatures like you were out there, which makes it easier to approach telling him the truth of your existence but also a lot harder at the same time. The shock won’t be from your existence, but rather that you kept it from him. 

Moreover, when it comes to the logistics of your exact conversation, there are a few major issues. 

There is no name for what you are. Names and identifying information are forbidden. Any utterance of information on your kind is immediately quelled before it leaves your mouth. Your throat closes up and you’re left a sputtering mess. Writing anything down is out of the question as well, your hands only producing incoherent scratches and marks if you tried. It’s a curse, you suppose—and an inconvenient one at that—but also an effective way to hide. And an effective way to lose the man you love if you don’t hurry up and say something already. 

You must’ve been quiet for too long because Isaac had long since abandoned his chair and walked over to you when you heard his voice again.

“You… don’t need to force yourself to tell me if it’s difficult. I’m well aware that some secrets are best kept hidden. It’s my job to pry, but you’re not a case to be opened. You more than have the agency to tell me what you wish.” 

At his words, you finally look up at him. His face is a mixture of concern and the same wariness as before. 

“It doesn’t feel fair. You’ve told me things you’ve tried to keep hidden for years and yet here I am struggling to tell you something so important.”

At this, you feel Isaac’s hand gently lift your chin. 

“Have you been spying on me this entire time?”

The shock must’ve been evident on you face at his question.

“No, of course not!”

“Were you sent by an enemy organization?”

“Isaac, you know that’s not the case.”

“You’re right. I do know that’s not the case.”

“Then why are you—?”

“I’ve long since accepted you for who you are, for everything you are. You don’t need to hide from me. Whatever it is you’ve been lying about, I know it was never to hurt me.” You could feel Isaac move closer, closing the gap between you two. “And even if you did try to hurt me, my heart is yours to hurt. Call it unhealthy, but I wasn’t lying when I said that you were now my motivation to live. Do whatever you need to soothe your aching heart. I’ll be here to bear it all.” 

You weren’t sure which one of you moved first, but before you knew it his lips were on yours. It wasn’t like one of the kisses you’d share to greet each other or show affection, this kiss was full of something else. It conveyed the love he professed to you moments before, but it was also vulnerable. Isaac’s heartbeat was more honest about his feelings than he was. You could feel his heart pounding. He was anxious despite his comforting words. 

After you pull away, you decide you’d let the suspense go on for far too long. His words had finally let you find your resolve. 

“Follow me,” you ordered as you pulled Isaac outside of his office. While he normally would’ve teased you for sudden boldness, Isaac knew to keep quiet and let you lead, something you quite appreciated. 

He didn’t question you as you lead him into your shared bedroom. Originally quite bare and minimalist, you’d added your own charm to the bookshelves and wooden furniture that furnished the room. Isaac welcomed your changes, even if he still pauses upon seeing your stuffed animals or displayed collection of fairy tale figurines. It’s not a bad pause by any means, but rather one of disbelief. His room had never been this lively before you. It now had evidence of your shared existence. 

“Ok, I need you to bear with me. This isn’t something I can outright tell you,” you warn as you finally let go of his hand and shut the door. 

He simply nods and waits for whatever you’re planning to do. It’s not until you start to take off your cardigan and shirt that he shows any kind of reaction besides his existing nervousness. 

“What are you—?” Isaac starts but is immediately cut off by a large flash a light and sudden blast of wind that would’ve knocked him down if not for the door behind him. 

Suddenly, the fact that you are shirtless in front of him is the last thing on his mind. He has bigger issues to discuss, namely the wings that were now sprouting out of your back. 

He is speechless as he takes in your new form. Your wings are birdlike—white like a dove’s but don’t look nearly as soft. Rather, the feathers look sharp enough to cut him if he were to touch them, a risk he’s debating taking as he continues to look at you, enthralled by what he’s seeing. 

You stand in silence for a few moments, waiting for him to finally say something. You look for any signs of fear or anger, but only see pure amusement. 

“…An angel…,” he manages to breathe out. 

You don’t even try to speak. Confirming or denying his claim is just as forbidden as outright telling him what you are yourself. Instead, you walk over to him, taking note of how he steps back—an impulse even he can’t shake—and immediately freezing in your spot. 

You lower your wings, not wanting to intimidate him. They weren’t as big as the others of your kind—a reason why you were cast out—but they’d seem big to anyone who’d never seen them before. Hell, the wings themselves are intimidating. 

At seeing your attempt to make yourself smaller, Isaac walks towards you. 

It wasn’t just the wings that were different about you. Your skin was glowing, radiating a soft light that was unlike anything he’d ever seen before. Your eyes were sharper, not quite glowing but still brilliant enough to notice. It was like your entire being was made up of light. It was all so inhuman. 

Despite this—or maybe because of it—Isaac doesn’t hesitate in gently placing his hands on your both sides of your face, caressing the soft skin. 

“I’m not who I said I was, Isaac,” you say finally, almost too quiet to hear. 

“Strange, I don’t ever recall you ever claiming to be human,” was his response. 

You look up at him in disbelief. His tone was playful, but his eyes showed something different. You’d figured he was delirious from the shock, but he was quite serious. 

“I don’t understand. You’re…ok with this? That I kept this from you?”

Isaac pauses for a second to think before be responds. 

“After my grandfather showed me the video, I spent months trying to find as much information on the supernatural as possible. I didn’t follow any threads that would put on their radar, but not knowing anything about these creatures that I was suddenly now aware of was difficult. I needed to do something to ease the uncertainty I was facing.” 

He had moved his hands from your face, opting to hold yours instead, squeezing them in comfort. 

“The research I did was quite extensive and I managed to find quite a lot of information once I weeded out the websites and blogs that were obviously written by humans who had no idea what they were talking about. There were hundreds of entries, both by creatures writing about themselves and by those who hunt them.”

His face hardens. 

“The hunting records were endless. Reports of entire clans being massacred, the best ways to torture every kind of creature you could think of, their strengths and weaknesses, the trafficking of supernatural creatures for purposes of protection or… other unsavory reasons. All of these records claiming that the supernatural are dangerous, yet only showing the cruelty towards them at the same time. I thought that the video of the werewolf being tortured was bad, but it was nothing compared to what I found afterwards.”

His expression becomes intense as he brings you close to him, minding the wings as best as he can.

“You know my stance when it comes to human nature. We are weak compared to the supernatural, but we aren’t innocent by any means. Humans are cruel and seek out any and all kinds of power for the sake of their own advancement... You were protecting yourself. I can’t blame you for that.” 

You weren’t sure when it started, but his final words made you realize that you’d started crying. Once coming to this realization, you bury yourself further into his chest, feeling his arms hold you tighter to him as well, now letting your wings cut him as much as they want.

“You’re you. It doesn’t matter if you’re not human. Everything you’ve shown me in the time we’ve known each other has only proven that you’re better than any other human could be—even without having so-called ‘humanity.’ I love you. That hasn’t changed, nor would it have changed over something like this to begin with.” 

You pull back slightly and he wipes the tears from your eyes as you finally speak up again.

“You really mean it? This doesn’t bother you?”

At this, Isaac looks offended that you’d even ask those questions.

“My feelings for you aren’t so fickle that they’d disappear over something like this,” he asserts with a tinge of a tease in his voice, hoping to lighten the mood. “It doesn’t matter what you are, you are mine—” 

He pauses and lifts your chin once again.

“—and I am yours,” he finally finishes. 

When he leans over to kiss you, you let him take over, trusting his words fully as he shows you his determination. Your mind is a blur of all kinds of emotions as you melt into his soft yet somehow still firm hold. When you finally pull away, you’re breathless from the sheer intensity of it all. 

It’s also once you pull away that you realize you’ve been shirtless for the entirety of this conversation. Suddenly embarrassed, you shift back into your wingless form—much to Isaac’s disappointment—and rush to pick up the shirt you were wearing to put it back on. 

As you quickly—and shyly—put on your shirt, you take notice of Isaac’s own appearance, or rather the cuts covering his arms where he’d made contact with your wings. Your eyes widen as you rush over, apologetic over having hurt him unintentionally. 

Before you can say anything or apologize, Isaac cuts you off: “Don’t. I did this to myself. Besides, they’re more like scratches than anything. It’s nothing to worry about.” 

He sighs as he sees your guilty expression. An expression he reasons is due to his injuries, but is rather something much deeper.

“…The first aid-kit is in the bathroom. You can patch me up if you’d like.” 

You perk up at his offer, quickly rushing to the bathroom to grab the first-aid kit as he’d requested. It’s not hard to find by any means—meant to be easily accessible for emergencies—but you’re delayed by your own thoughts. 

You should’ve been defeated by the fact that you couldn’t heal him in the same way others of your kind easily could’ve in your position. You should’ve wished to be as strong as them, to be worthy of calling yourself [redacted], but for once in your life you weren’t. 

Here you were, living a life with a man who loves and accepts you for who you are. Even if it’s just the two of you, you finally have a home and family. You have a purpose, whether it be being Isaac’s life partner or a private investigator. You were actually glad to have been cast out, to have been abandoned and left to fend for yourself. All of the pain and suffering—

“Having trouble finding it? I’ll try looking for it downstairs. I may have left it down there.”

You smiled to yourself. Right, you had a job to do. This reflection can come later. 

“Nope, it’s right here! I’ll be there in a bit!”

The day would come when you’d finally grow strong enough to protect the two of you, to tell Isaac of your upbringing and the reason why you were cast out—or at least as much as you were allowed to—but that would come in due time. Right now, you’d help in the way you knew how, and that was more than enough. 

[jasminepicksflowers]

Cookies

Isaac was always one to pay attention to every minor detail. The kitchen cups misplaced somewhere in the library, the swing moving outside, the creeks of the staircase, the vague sound of the water running.

Every little detail comforted Isaac. Reminding him he was not alone anymore, he’s with someone now. Someone who loved him and looked after him.

“Isaac!” Your voice happily calls out to him as his office door opens. “Look what I made!” You walk up to him with a big smile plastered on your face. Placing the plate of cookies on his desk, you lean down crossing your arms on his desk, propping yourself up.

“Try them!” You requested Isaac. He looked at you with a soft smile, picking up a cookie and biting softly. Only to be met with the taste of nothing. Air. He looked down at the plate again confused, realising the plate was gone, and so were you.

Isaac sprung up from his desk, looking frantically around his office. Until his eyes glanced over at the pink orchids planted around your tombstone through the window. His body stifled, lungs tightened as choked tears escaped his eyes.

[destinationtoast]

Toastystats: Ted Lasso S3 on AO3

I took a look at a look at some of the fandom's reactions to each episode, and to the season overall, based on the number and types of fanworks that people were posting to AO3. You can read a detailed explanation on AO3, as well as corrections and clarifications. (Edit: and image captions!)

I'll share a few highlights below the cut. But first, a few gentle pleas, because I don't want any of my stats to stir new fandom drama, ship wars, etc: Please be curious, not judgmental as you look at the data. (Don't be harsh toward fellow fans if they like different things than you.) And if anything about S3 disappointed you, take heart in the MANY fanworks the fandom is creating! The fandom overall, as well as the characters and ships I investigated, are all increasing in popularity in terms of the number of fanworks devoted to them. So it's a great time to be in the Ted Lasso fandom -- so many fanworks to enjoy!

That said, here are some highlights of the data:

The fandom has been more active throughout S3 than it was even at the height of its activity in S2, and it has so far has been very active post-S3 as well.

36% of fanworks deviated from canon following the S3 finale, using a tag like "Fix-It" or "Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence." 😅

All the characters and relationships that were popular before S3 continued to be very active throughout S3. But Jamie Tartt and Trent Crimm saw the biggest increases in fandom attention (as measured by the percent of fanworks with those character tags) -- to the point where Jamie was tagged in more AO3 fanworks than Ted was some weeks! (Whereas I'm pretty sure Ted has always been the most tagged character before.) Ted and Rebecca each had sizable decreases in the percent of works they were tagged in, with Jamie and Roy surpassing Rebecca in relative popularity during S3, but they remained extremely popular characters. Among the AFC Richmond players, Colin, Dani, Isaac, and Sam also surged in popularity.

Roy/Jamie, Trent/Ted, and Keeley/Roy/Jamie were all on the rise in terms of percent of works that tag them, and they all had weeks when they were the most active ship. Ted/Rebecca decreased in relative popularity during S3, but it is still the biggest ship in fandom, and the biggest ship most weeks. Plus it seems to be surging post-finale.

Fluff continued to be the biggest tag during S3 (consistent with AO3 overall), but Angst, Hurt/Comfort, and Fix-It are among the tags with the biggest increases in use during S3.

Read more data and more detailed explanations on AO3.

[not-wholly-unheroic]

A Comparative Analysis of Hook’s Ship and Cabin in Popular Media Portrayals

Part 4: Peter Pan (2003)

P.J. Hogan’s 2003 film is full of life and color, and Isaacs’ Hook is likewise a colorful character who, though grounded in reality, most definitely has a flair for the dramatic and a taste for the finer things in life.

Like the other Hooks we have seen thus far, Isaacs’ Jolly Roger appears to be the large stereotypical pirate ship that all children think of, despite the impracticality of a slower vessel in actual piracy. (By this point, I think we should just assume that all Hooks go for form over function when it comes to their choice of ship.) It’s a gorgeous ship, and I do wish we got more close-ups of the outside of this particular Roger so we could see more of what’s going on with all the decorative work on the outside of the cabin and the figurehead, etc. One thing, though, that stands out about this ship is that the mainsail itself has a giant skull and crossed swords on it. This would be completely impractical for any actual ship, as the enemy would see them coming and know they were pirates right off the bat…lending credence to the idea that this ship (and this Hook) may be deeply shaped by the children’s imagination. Then again…what else should we expect of a pirate ship whose name itself is the Jolly Roger?

The shots we get of the inside of Isaacs Hook’s cabin reveal the living space of a man who is accustomed to a decadent lifestyle but not so over-the-top as to be entirely unrealistic. While his beautifully decorated harpsichord is the centerpiece of the room, we also notice that he has several tables, a couch, and a globe.

This is about all we can tell from the in-film shots of the cabin, but some promotional material and a pirate-themed hotel that purchased a few set pieces from the film and set up their own room to mimic Hook’s can give us a few ideas about what the rest of the cabin might look like. (Big shout-out to @annabellioncourt for providing several of these bonus material images!)

In the one promotional photo, there is what looks like a lute, perhaps, in the background. I also love the little detail of the skull and crossbones on the candle stand…and his li’l stripey socks.

Here we can see the full-sized bed with a gun and what looks like it might be an Eton crest over it. (Note that if you pay close attention in Hook’s intro scene in the film, you will actually see that the tattoo on his left arm is an Eton crest as well.)

Isaacs Hook also has a self-portrait in his cabin, it seems…which interestingly has a date on the frame of 1742. This is about the most specific we get with ANY Hook as far as time period goes. This is after the Golden Age of Piracy had really already come to an end, though it’s technically possible he might still have been “Blackbeard’s bosun” depending on his age, as Blackbeard’s career ended in 1718 in a battle off Ocracoke Island, NC. Isaacs himself was around 40 years old when the filming was done, so if we want to assume Hook was around the same age when he came to Neverland and the portrait was done shortly before then, he would have been around 16 at the time of Blackbeard’s downfall. A bit young but…it’s possible if he started his career at sea early. Cabin boys usually started out around age 12 but could be as young as 8-ish on occasion. However…this wouldn’t really track with Hook being an Eton student. Assuming he actually graduated, he would have been at the school until he turned 18. So while Isaacs Hook may have very well been a sailor or even more specially a pirate prior to Neverland…he likely wasn’t a peer of Blackbeard or the other more well-known pirates of the early 1700s.

One last thing that is interesting to me is that in addition to the more standard weapons/tools like chains, guns, and boarding axes that we see in some shots, this version of Hook keeps what looks like an entire small cabinet of various tinctures and powders. At least the one of them which he removes is poison, but one wonders….are they all different kinds of poison? Or are some, perhaps, medicinal in nature or for recreational use?

As a whole, Isaacs’ Hook is, I think, perhaps one of the most realistic portrayals of the character. While there are some highly fanciful aspects to his ship—like the giant skull on the mainsail—much of his personal space has the lavish furnishings one might expect of someone with an aristocratic background without feeling too entirely impractical. Add to that a concrete date on the portrait, and I’d say this Hook is more grounded in reality than nearly any of the others we’ve encountered so far.

[peppymintdreams]

pickle gets hit on by a client and isaac gets jealous..

Hmm this was something interesting

Lines Crossed

Isaac Rhoades x Pickle

A client who crosses personal boundaries with Isaac’s assistant and partner test the limits and finds out

The mid-morning light filtered into Isaac's home office, casting a pale glow over the stacks of documents scattered across his desk. Isaac sat rigid in his chair, face impassive, as Mr. Devereux, a slick businessman rattled on about his case. Isaac’s eyes flicked over the details, his focus sharp, betraying no hint of the inner calculations he made as Devereux spoke.

Pickle stood quietly by Isaac’s side, a constant, grounding presence, though they could feel the tension subtly rising. Isaac’s hand occasionally brushed theirs, a rare, almost imperceptible gesture of acknowledgment. His seriousness never wavered, however; his stoic nature often made moments like this feel like they were witnessing a storm brewing beneath calm waters.

“I’m telling you, Rhoades, I’ve been framed. The evidence is circumstantial,” Devereux insisted, leaning forward with too much confidence for someone in his position.

Isaac gave a slow, measured nod. “That’s what I’m here to determine, Mr. Devereux. But I need full transparency from you. No omissions. Every detail counts.”

Devereux smiled, his gaze sliding toward Pickle, lingering a little too long. “Of course. Full cooperation.” His eyes traced over Pickle with something far from professional, but Isaac said nothing, though his fingers tapped once against the desk, a tiny, controlled gesture only Pickle would catch.

Standing from his chair, Isaac grabbed a folder from his desk. “I need to retrieve additional files from the lobby. It will only take a moment.” His voice remained calm, but his gaze, as he looked at Pickle, softened slightly a fleeting moment of quiet reassurance only they would recognize.

Pickle gave him a small nod, their own silent way of saying they were fine. Isaac's hand squeezed their shoulder before he turned, stepping from the office with that same collected air that made him both intimidating and compelling.

Once the door closed, the air seemed to change. Devereux’s relaxed posture shifted into something more predatory. He leaned back in his chair, a smirk pulling at his lips as he turned his attention fully on Pickle.

“You’ve got a good thing going here,” he said, his tone casual, but there was an undertone that made Pickle stiffen. “I imagine it’s not just work that keeps you close to Isaac.”

Pickle raised their eyebrows but kept their expression professional. “We work well together,” they replied simply, turning their focus back to the tablet. They wanted to avoid where this conversation was heading.

Devereux, though, wasn’t finished. He leaned forward, his voice dropping into something more suggestive. “You’re sharp. Attentive. I could use someone like you. I’d be willing to make it worth your while, in more ways than one.”

Pickle’s grip tightened on the tablet, their posture stiffening. “I’m not interested,” they said evenly, but there was a firmness beneath the words.

Devereux chuckled, leaning back with that same smug smile. “You’re loyal. I admire that. But come on, no need to be so formal. Rhoades doesn’t have to know everything, does he?”

Before Pickle could respond, the door creaked open, and Isaac stepped back into the room. His eyes scanned the scene quickly, his calm demeanor dropping into something colder. The files in his hand were forgotten as his gaze zeroed in on Devereux.

Isaac's jaw tightened. He didn’t speak right away, but the air around him seemed to thicken with tension. When he did, his voice was measured but held a chilling edge. “Mr. Devereux, I trust the conversation remained professional in my absence.”

Devereux leaned back, unfazed. “Of course. Just a bit of friendly conversation. No harm done.”

Isaac’s eyes darkened, and his presence seemed to fill the room as he stepped around his desk, subtly placing himself between Pickle and Devereux. His tone dropped, each word deliberate. “Pickle isn’t interested in any offers from you, personal or professional.”

The tension in Isaac’s posture was palpable now, though his face remained a controlled mask. His hands, however, were balled into fists, resting calmly but ominously at his sides.

Devereux raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the reaction. “Relax, Rhoades. Just talking. No lines crossed.”

Isaac’s gaze was hard, unwavering. “If you want to keep working with me, you’ll make sure that remains the case.” His voice was quiet but loaded with unspoken warning. “This conversation ends here. Now.”

Pickle placed a calming hand on Isaac’s arm, grounding him before the situation could escalate further. “It’s fine,” they said, their voice gentle but firm as they looked directly at Devereux. “This won’t happen again.”

Devereux’s smirk faltered, his bravado slipping at the realization that Pickle wasn’t playing along. He stood, shrugging nonchalantly. “Fair enough. I’ll be in touch, Rhoades.” He sauntered out, the door clicking shut behind him.

The tension finally broke, but Isaac’s rigid posture remained, his eyes fixed on where Devereux had just stood. He turned to Pickle, his voice dropping into something softer but still carrying the weight of his protectiveness. “Are you alright?”

Pickle smiled gently, stepping closer. “I’m fine. You handled it.”

Isaac sighed, some of the tension easing from his frame as he wrapped his arms around them. His tone softened even more, a rare moment of vulnerability showing beneath his usual stoicism. “No one crosses that line with you again. Not while I’m here.”

Pickle rested their head against his chest, letting the warmth of his embrace melt the last of the tension away. “I know. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

[jokeringcutio]

Halloween requests!!! I've been vibing for pumpkin season since September 1st, so this is fantastic! I can't wait to see what Halloween horrors abound here 😍

Hook (Peter Pan 2003) x female reader

Smut: No preference, so whatever strikes your fancy

Reader is at a Halloween party and somehow ends up in Neverland? Bonus if Hook has something to say about her pirate costume (author's choice if it's in the style of big boxstore tacky, sexy, 'authentic', or what have you 🙃)

If you aren't up for the request, it's all good!

Captain James Hook (imagine Jason Isaac’s Hook) x Reader Rating: T Warnings: Halloween Party, Pirates, Kiss. AN: Hope you enjoy! I am open for Reader insert requests, come at me ya'll.

Halloween Pirate

The night was alive with the laughter and chatter of guests, their costumes creating a colorful sea through which you had to find your way. The Halloween party was in full swing, held within a grand ballroom adorned with cobwebs and flickering candles, casting eerie shadows upon those who danced beneath the crystal chandelier. Macabre decorations of skeletons and bats hung from the walls, pumpkins were found in each corner.

It was a party you couldn’t just attend without an invitation. And a costume. Those who weren’t dressed for the occasion were bluntly sent home. You couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in your own pirate costume. It was an ode to days long past, with loving attention paid to every detail, ensuring authenticity and capturing the spirit of a swashbuckling adventurer. From your tricorn hat adorned with golden trimmings to the billowing white shirt peeking out from underneath a deep red waistcoat, it was clear that no expense had been spared in the making of the ensemble. Your black pants hugged your hips, tucked into tall leather boots that comfortably encased your feet, perfect for dancing. Or dueling.

"Ahoy, matey!" a friend called out to you, raising their plastic lightsaber in salute. You grinned and returned the gesture, allowing yourself to be swept up in the lively atmosphere.

A fellow pirate approached you, clearly impressed by your attire. "You've really outdone yourself this time," they said admiringly, eyeing the gleaming cutlass hanging at your side.

"Thank you," you replied, your voice filled with warmth and genuine appreciation. "I wanted to make sure it was as authentic as possible."

As you exchanged pleasantries with other party-goers, you couldn't help but feel a certain thrill – a sense that tonight would be one to remember.

You danced a bit with your friends and laughed a lot. But after a while, you felt your mouth turn dry and looked around for the tables with food and drinks on them. Of course, the drink you had set your eyes on was gone. An empty spot glaring at you. There was more in the kitchen, one of the waitresses told you, and so you decided to venture into the kitchen for a drink.

You made your way through the crowd, which was quite the challenge, to find yourself in front of a closed door that should lead to the kitchen. Here you had seen the waiters pass through all evening with fresh snacks and drinks.

But the wooden door was closed.

Weird, you thought. The door wasn’t very big either, smaller than you had thought it had been. Hadn’t there been double doors here? You must have remembered it incorrectly.

Pushing it open with a sense of adventure, you stepped into an opulent chamber that seemed worlds away from the raucous celebrations outside.

"Wow," you breathed, your voice barely audible as you took in the lavish surroundings. The walls were draped in rich tapestries depicting exotic lands and mythical creatures, while the floor was adorned with plush velvet cushions and ornate rugs. An enormous chandelier cast a warm glow across the room, illuminating a magnificent table laden with delectable treats and goblets of sparkling wine.

"Where in the world am I?" you wondered aloud, feeling as if you had somehow been transported to a realm of enchantment and luxury.

As you wandered deeper into the room, your fingers trailing over the smooth marble of a nearby statue, you couldn't shake the feeling that there was something strangely familiar about this place, as if you had stumbled upon a forgotten corner of your own imagination.

A large map spread across one of the walls. Curious, you approached it.

Only to realize that this wasn’t a world map. Not the one you were used to, anyway.

There was no Africa, no United States, no Europe. This was no ordinary map. Perhaps something of a fandom, you mused. Perhaps this was part of a storybook or a movie? It depicted a world unlike any you had ever seen before, a place where mermaids swam in crystal clear lagoons and pirates' coves lay hidden among rocky shores.

Absentmindedly, you traced your finger along the coastline of the fantastical island full of detail, more than you would have expected from a fantasy map. The word "Neverland" was emblazoned across the parchment in bold, swirling letters, and your heart skipped a beat as childhood memories of Peter Pan and his Lost Boys came flooding back to you.

"Neverland," you giggled softly, shaking your head. Of course, you knew about that fictional world.

"Ah, so you have heard of our little slice of paradise, haven’t you?" A husky, low voice came from behind you, catching you by surprise. The huskiness sent shivers down your spine. There was something raw about that voice, something that made a warmth spark in the pit of your stomach. You turned around to find yourself face-to-face with none other than a man dressed as Captain Hook himself. He didn’t seem familiar, not anyone you’d ever met before. But he looked amazingly in character.

His piercing blue eyes seemed to bore straight into your soul, while his long black hair fell in seductive ringlets around his chiseled, stubble-lined jaw. He was dressed in the finest velvet, his tall hat adorned with soft white feathers that quivered with every movement. A silver hook gleamed menacingly from the stump of his right hand, a testament to both his ruthlessness and cunning.

"Captain Hook," you breathed, entranced by the vision before you. It was as if the infamous pirate captain had leaped straight from the pages of your favorite childhood storybook, brought to life in all his dark and twisted glory. This man’s costume was superb.

"Indeed," he replied with a wicked grin, stepping closer to you, his eyes never leaving yours. "So you have heard of me?” A pleased hum escaped his lips. “No wonder, since you are here.” He clicked his tongue, brushing the tip past his lips in a pensive gesture while he studied you for a moment.

“And who might you be, my dear? I don’t remember having seen you on my ship before."

You laughed, thinking the man made a funny in-character remark. The room did look like a luxurious cabin on a ship, you thought. And the man himself, he looked astonishingly like the real deal. Or well, like how you had imagined the captain would look like if he had been real. A perfect Halloween outfit, you thought.

“A fellow pirate?” He asked.

"Something like that," you replied coyly, your pulse quickening as his intense gaze roamed over your pirate costume. There was something undeniably alluring about this man.

"Your ensemble is quite remarkable," Hook complimented, his husky voice sending shivers down your spine. "One of the finest I've seen in some time."

"Thank you, Captain," you replied with a playful curtsy, enjoying the way his eyes remained fixed on you with a subtle undercurrent of attraction. "I do my best."

"Clearly," he murmured, stepping closer until the scent of leather and sea salt filled your nostrils. His presence was intoxicating, filling you with a heady mixture of excitement and danger, and you found yourself drawn to him like a moth to a flame. "Now tell me, lass—where exactly do you hail from?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" you teased, meeting his intense stare with a mischievous glint in your eye. The game had begun, and you were more than eager to play along.

"Indeed, I would," Hook replied, his tone growing rougher as he sensed your willingness to engage in this dance of wits. "Perhaps I could persuade you to share your secrets, hm?"

"Perhaps," you mused, your heart pounding in your chest at his nearness. "But I think I'd rather keep you guessing for now."

For a moment, the man’s features darkened. As if he was frustrated by your response. Then his lips curled into a wicked smirk. "Very well," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "But remember, a captain always needs to stay informed. About anything,” here he paused and his blue eyes slid down your frame once more, “and everything,” he then added.

"Of course," you whispered, your breath hitching as you felt the weight of his words settle in your chest. Was he implying what you thought he was? Surely not. But then again, his eyes roamed your body and had darkened.

And then, before you could think about it any further, his left hand brushed past yours, and fingers tangled with yours, pulling you along gently but firmly. You followed, trying not to stumble at the sudden movement.

The tension in the air was palpable as Captain Hook led you away from the strange map and into a dimly lit, quiet nook. The atmosphere seemed to shift. You felt your breath hitch as Hook pressed you against the wall, his body effectively trapping yours.

“And right now,” the man whispered in your ear, breath tickling your skin, “I have stumbled upon a stranger dressed in such fine clothes, it makes me suspicious. Can she be a spy?”

Your eyes grew wide, feeling how you were still trapped between his upper body and the wall. The slight pressure was enough to keep you in place and at the same time, the friction created was making your nipples peak. “No, not a spy,” you quickly said, frowning. “I was looking for the kitchen. I never intended to end up…” Here you hesitated and tried to look around the man. Was this an expensive-looking office? Where exactly had you ended up?

"Be a mysterious, lass," he murmured, his husky voice sending shivers down your spine. His gaze roamed over your outfit once more, this time lingering on the intricate details that made your pirate attire so authentic. "I must admit, I find myself quite taken with you."

You swallowed hard, unable to tear your eyes away from his piercing blue ones. As Hook's hand began to explore your body, tracing the curves and edges of your clothing, you couldn't help but feel a mixture of fear and excitement. His touch was firm yet gentle, and the contrast between his warm fingers and the cool metal of his hook sent an electric current through your veins.

"Tell me," he said, his breath hot against your ear. "If I were to take off these fine garments of yours, would I find you just as enchanting beneath them?"

His words hung heavy in the air, and you felt your cheeks flush with heat. Was this man serious? Then again, why didn’t you even try so much as to stop him? How come you enjoyed this? He was a stranger!

Hook had always been a figure of mystery and danger in your mind, but never before had you imagined yourself in such an intimate situation with him. And yet, here you were.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" you managed to tease, your voice barely above a whisper. It was a risky game you were playing, but one you couldn't resist.

"Indeed, I would," he growled, his grip tightening on your waist. The pressure of his fingers and the sharp edge of his hook served as a reminder of his dominant nature, and you couldn't help but shudder at the thought of what he might do next.

"Perhaps," you continued, your heart racing in your chest. "But you'll have to earn that privilege, Captain."

Hook's eyes darkened with desire, and you knew you'd successfully stoked the flames of his curiosity. Whether that was a wise decision or not, only time would tell. But for now, you were both caught up in the dangerous dance of attraction, unable to break away from the magnetic pull that kept drawing you closer together.

"Very well," he whispered, his lips brushing against your earlobe. "Tell me a story.”

His request surprised you, his voice low and inviting. A story? About what?

"Alright," you agreed, laughing softly. "Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there was a girl who found herself at a Halloween party, dressed as a pirate..."

You began to spin a tale that danced between fantasy and reality, weaving together your own experiences with elements from stories you'd grown up with. As you spoke, you couldn't help but notice how intensely Hook was listening to you. His gaze never wavered, and you felt as if he was seeing straight through to your soul.

Feeling bolder, you reached out and let your fingers trace the intricate embroidery of his velvet coat, finding it surprisingly soft beneath your touch. Not the fancy dress material, you noted, but the expensive real deal. Your eyes flickered up to meet his, gauging his reaction. He didn't pull away, instead, his lips curled into a slight smile, encouraging you to continue.

"Go on," he murmured, his voice barely audible above the gentle hum of the party in the distance.

Emboldened by his response, you allowed your hands to wander further, exploring the taut muscles beneath his clothing. The contours of his body sent shivers down your spine, and you found yourself both fascinated and excited by what you discovered. The dangerous undertone to your actions only served to heighten the thrill, making your pulse race wildly in your chest. Whoever this stranger was, he was well-built, making your core pulse hot and wet. You knew you should stop before things got too far, but why stop now when feeling him up was bringing you such pleasure? You deserved a little bit of fun every now and then, didn’t you? And this man was fun. At the very least, he was exactly the type of man you had dreamed of. And he wanted to be touched by you. How often have you had a chance like this?

Hook's breathing grew heavier as your fingertips grazed over his chest, the feeling of desire clearly mutual. His striking blue eyes darkened with lust, locked onto yours as if daring you to push the boundaries even further.

"Interesting," he commented, his voice husky and thick with unspoken need. "But how does your story end?"

"Perhaps it doesn't have to end just yet," you suggested, your voice trembling with anticipation. You were playing with fire, but you couldn’t resist. A tad longer, you thought, just a bit more. Enjoy it as long as it lasts…

You felt your fingers trail down the curve of his shoulder, every inch of him a testament to power and danger. The tension in the air thickened as you brushed against the fabric encasing his arm, your mind racing with the excitement of the unknown. Your heart pounded in your chest, and you couldn't help but wonder if he could feel it too.

"Careful," Hook warned, his voice low and almost playful. "There's more to me than meets the eye."

"Isn't that true for everyone?" you replied, curiosity guiding your hand further down his arm. When your fingertips grazed over something cold and metallic, you hesitated, your pulse quickening.

"Ah, you've found my little secret," he murmured, his eyes darkening as they held your gaze. "Would you like a closer look?"

You nodded, unable to tear your eyes away from the gleam of metal. As he slowly raised his arm, you realized with a start that what you had felt was not a mere ornament or accessory. It was his hook, glistening silver and wickedly sharp.

It was real.

And its presence sent shivers down your spine. Because this was more than just a fancy dress item. This was more than a costume. The hook was attached with expensive-looking leather straps. Too glorious to have been crafted for a Halloween feast. Perhaps he had played the part somewhere else, you wondered. But an eerie feeling settled in the pit of your stomach that there was only one explanation for why this hook looked so real and so sharp.

This man truly had no hand.

And this hook was truly a replacement for it, sturdy and made to last all the wear and tear of ordinary day life.

"Your... your hook..." you stammered, your wide eyes shifting between the deadly weapon and his piercing blue gaze. "It's real."

Hook grinned, a sinister edge to his smile that made your heart race even faster. "Of course, darling," he purred, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "I am Captain Hook, after all."

In that instant, the line between fantasy and reality blurred. You were struck by the powerful realization that this man, this pirate, might be more than a man in a costume. He was alive, dangerous, and undeniably captivating.

“You seem surprised,” he murmured, “You weren’t a moment ago. What changed?”

Unable to find words, you stared at him, lips parting and closing like a fish.

"Does it frighten you?" Hook asked, his voice laced with a dark and seductive undertone that made it impossible to look away while he twisted and turned the hook in front of your face. You had no other choice but to watch the cold metal up close, see the sharp tip glisten in the light of the lamps.

You hesitated, but then your eyes met his hypnotic blue ones. A strange sense of resolve washed over you.

"Maybe," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. "But I think... I think I like it."

Hook's grin widened, and for a brief moment, you could have sworn you saw a flash of genuine admiration in his eyes. "Well then," he said softly, as if sealing an unspoken pact between you. "Close your eyes," he instructed, his breath warm against your ear. Obediently, you allowed your eyelids to flutter shut, surrendering yourself to him completely.

And then, suddenly, you felt his lips on yours, soft and insistent, claiming you as his own. The kiss was like nothing you'd ever experienced before, a dizzying blend of passion and tenderness that left you breathless and aching for more. You wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him closer, losing yourself in the intoxicating taste of him.

As the two of you kissed, warmth spread through you, making your skin tingle. This man was a good kisser, you thought. Too good to be true. Your knees turned to jelly and you were grateful to be wearing such sturdy boots or you might have melted into a puddle.

When at last you broke apart, your chest heaving with the effort of catching your breath, you opened your eyes to find Hook smirking down at you, a wicked gleam in his eye.

"I think I know the ending to your tale,” he whispered, his fingers tracing a delicate pattern along your jawline. "And they lived happily ever after,” a soft whisper that sent goosebumps down your skin.

Then he started to laugh, his grip on you tightening as he pulled you in close. Then he cut off his own laughter by pressing his lips against yours once more in a demanding and sensual kiss that made you see stars.

“I suppose you are mine now,” the captain mumbled once the kiss was broken. “After all, you are on my ship. And you know what they say, finders keepers.”

You wanted to laugh, wanted to say how silly that idea was, even though you felt flattered that he wanted to keep you. But then the wooden door through which you had come opened and a new man appeared. A sailor. Mr. Smee. He looked shocked, probably just as shocked as you. Because behind the sailor you didn’t see the ballroom you had left only minutes ago. Instead, you saw and heard the sloshing sea. Rambunctious pirates walked the deck. Seagulls flew overhead. And the very real and very cool metal hook was now near your throat, lovingly bringing you in for another kiss, when you realized, this was no mere man dressed in a costume to attend a party.

This Captain Hook was real.

~*~

AN: Out of 10, how screwed are you? Or… how much will you screw? . . . if you want to show me some support, why not buy me a virtual drink and help me buy new glasses in real life :) ♡ Support me on Ko-Fi ♡ Love you all

[obsessedelusional]

the new recruit

paring ✦ Abby Anderson x fem!reader

summary ✦ You’re the new WLF recruit. Isaac makes it Abby’s responsibility to get you situated. Letting the both of you know, you’d be patrol partners and roommates. Abby’s immediate dislike for you is obvious. You don’t let that stop you from trying to get closer.

word count ✦ 3.3k

authors note ✦ Bro I have so much Abby content in the works I love this women with my whole heart (I need her) anyways… hope y’all enjoy

Feedback & Reblogs are helpful and extremely appreciated ♡

⊹ ꙳ ✦ ⁺ ‧ ⨯. ⁺ ✦ ⊹

Abby was sat alone in her room, when there was a knock at door. She lets who ever is outside know they can come in. To her surprise it was Isaac, followed by an unfamiliar face. You’re stood there behind him, listening to him talk. Abby half hears what Isaac has to say, too busy admiring you. You’re blissfully unaware nodding along to Isaac’s instructions.

“This is our newest recruit. We picked her up on the north side of town. Her name is Y/N.” Isaac explains, you smile at Abby waving slightly when he introduces you. Abby smiles back, pretending to not look too interested.

“I want you to introduce her to everyone, get her situated. She’s going to be your roommate. Oh and you two will be patrolling together.” Isaac talks, before saying his goodbyes and leaving the two of you alone. Once he’s gone Abby continues to look at the new recruit, pretending to size you up when in reality she’s just checking you out.

Abby thinks you’re gorgeous. Too gorgeous. In the way that everyone’s eyes are gonna be on you. The thought made Abby’s heart sink, quickly pushing that away. She has a feeling that the guys at the base we’re going to be swooning over you, fighting for your attention. Abby didn’t want that but she’d never do anything to stop it. She’s just Abby after all, she thinks and you’re you. You’re drop dead gorgeous.

“It’s nice to meet you.” You finally speak, making Abby realize she was staring too long.

“It’s...nice...to meet you too,” she forces out. Deciding she should be nice enough to you, considering how much time you’ll be spending together. Co-workers and roommate. Abby turns her back to you.

—

The next few days seemed to be filled with awkwardness between the two of you. Your many attempts at being friendly with Abby always shut down. Abby was determined to be nothing more than your superior, teach you everything you need to know. That’s it.

She slowly started to grow a dislike for you. Abby felt as if she was being constantly outdone by you. With the way you laughed, walked, talked. Every little detail about you was perfect. Abby couldn’t tell if she was attracted to you or if she felt inferior. Or both?

One thing that Abby could not deny - you were a nice girl. You were friendly and tried to strike up conversations with her. But Abby never was in the mood to make a new friend. Pushing you away every chance she got. Growing irritated watching you fit in so easily with everyone on base. Making friends so simply. Something Abby struggled with. You ignore Abby’s constant criticism and shutting you down, trying everything to get her to open up.

“Hey Abby.” You smile, entering your shared room. Abby pretended as if she didn’t hear anything. Didn’t matter because you were now standing next to Abby’s desk inches away from her.

“What?” she asked finally, annoyed.

“Just came to see how you’re doing?” You ask, smiling.

“Just fine.” She stared at you blankly, a slight scowl on her face as she prays for you to leave. She had no intention of allowing you into her life anymore than she already had.

“Do you wanna get lunch together?” You ask, ignoring her obvious distaste for you. You watch as Abby thinks about it for a moment.

Abby rolled her eyes and looked up at you. “You know what, why not.”

“Cool.” You smile, leaving the room hoping that Abby would follow. She does.

As the two of you walk towards the mess hall. It was clear that Abby was not exactly thrilled to be there. Abby didn’t want to make friends, she barely wanted to be in your presence as it was. However, you were going to be living together, so she figured she may as well at least get to know you. Even if it pained her.

You both entered the mess hall together. You grab a plate of food for yourself as you scanned the hall. You take notice that nearly every soldier’s head turned towards them as you both walked in.

Abby could instantly tell that they all thought of you as the new chick on base. All desperate for a piece of your attention. The same couldn’t be said for Abby. She had been here since the war with the Scars started. Being the way she was, she often was alone going unnoticed.

You decide to sit at an empty table, wanting to give Abby you’re full attention. Hoping that made she’d talk to you about anything at this point. Abby slowly walked to the empty table and sat next to you. She did her best to contain her scowl as she took a seat next to you.

“Let me just say, I’m not one for small talk,” she said bluntly crushing your dreams of connecting to her. But you’re persistent, to the point of be annoying sometimes so you press the issue.

“Why not?” You ask. Abby stayed quiet for some time. For a moment, she considered not even answering.

“I prefer to focus on what I have to do rather than waste time on pointless conversations.” She sighs, as if the question was ridiculous. She takes a bite of her food when she’s done speaking.

“So what do you enjoy doing around here?” You ask, completely disregarding her obvious unwillingness to talk.

“Oh, I enjoy plenty of things. I enjoy being out on patrol and coming back exhausted but knowing that I did a good job. I enjoy the food these cooks prepare for us.” Abby said dryly.

“Is that all you enjoy? Do you ever do anything fun?” You ask, feeling bad for Abby’s sad outlook on life. Abby stayed silent as she thought about your question.

“Fun? Fun is not something that soldiers need to think about.” Abby responds. She was not against having some fun. But the idea of having fun in the middle of a warzone was completely foreign to her. She’d spent years trying to keep her mind on the mission and not get distracted by the little things.

“That’s not true at all. The other soldiers think about having fun. They’re having a party tonight. That’ll be fun.” You respond.

“A party?” She asks her tone filled with curiosity.

“Yeah. Like people getting together to drink, dance and talk. You should come.” You explain before extending the invitation.

Abby stayed quiet for a moment, her curiosity growing by the second. Manny and the other soldiers had metioned parties before but she never cared to go. But now that she had actually been invited by you, she seemed to be reconsidering her thoughts.

“I’ll come,” she finally spoke.

“It’ll be so fun.” You smile before telling her when and where the party would be at.

—

Soon, it was time for the party, and Abby found herself standing outside of the room where it was supposed to take place. She had taken her hair out of the braid she wore every day, letting it flow free. Wearing something other than her typical WLF uniform. She spent way too long deciding what to wear. Unsure what one even wears to a party. Only to end up wear jeans and a simple tshirt, hoping it was good enough.

Abby walked inside the room, already getting looks from nearly everyone there. Because no one was used to seeing her in this type of environment. Sure she was invited to every party before this but she never showed.

One person, however, caught her eye. You were standing near the food table. You were talking to several guys, each of which seemed to be hanging on your every word. She can’t control the eye roll that follows, seeing you surrounded by those men.

You look up from the conversation and your eyes meet Abby’s, you smile noticing her. She instantly felt that she had made a mistake by coming to this party. Abby walked through the crowd awkwardly, making her way towards you.

“Abby I’m so glad you came.” You smile grabbing Abby’s hand and walking away from the group of men. Using her arrival as the perfect excuse to get away from them.

Abby followed after you, her heart pounding heavily. You seemed to be in her element at this party, and it was clear that you was enjoying herself. As she looked around, it made Abby realize that she, on the other hand, was not having a good time. Thinking that the two of you couldn’t be more different.

“Thanks for the invite,” Abby finally says, trying to stay positive for your sake.

“I really am glad you showed up.” You respond.

“Thanks,” she says flatly. Abby forced a smile to her face, but she was unable to hide her awkwardness.

“Do you want a drink?”

“Sure.” Abby nods, “Whatever you’re having.” She was not a social person, and being in such a crowded space with everyone looking at her was making her feel incredibly uncomfortable. Wondering if they were looking at her or you? Or both? Probably wondering what you could possibly be doing here with Abby.

Her thoughts are cut short, when you hand her a drink. Not really sure what to do she takes a long swig, not liking the taste whatsoever. She looks around the room, everyone around her was laughing, dancing and having a good time. Yet, Abby still felt like this was the worst day of her life.

“You look miserable.” You tease, taking a sip out of your drink.

“I’m great. I’m having a fantastic time.” Abby fibs, not even trying to hide her lies. Her tone heavy with sarcasm.

She takes an unnecessarily large swig out of her drink. She was not sure how to act in front of these people at a party and it was stressing her out. She thinks about how you two seemed to be the polar opposite. You seemed to be the popular girl around here. Everyone was obsessed with you. Yet for some odd reason you were stood here with with Abby. She wonders why.

“You wanna dance?” You ask, interrupting Abby’s thoughts.

Abby had never danced in her life. In fact, for her entire life she had thought that dancing was a complete waste of time. But, now she realized that it was something she needed to do in order to at least pretend that she was enjoying herself. Or maybe it was the liquor in her system giving her a little confidence.

“Sure,” she finally spoke after what felt like an eternity.

Abby finished her drink and handed the empty cup to you. Then, she made her way to the dance floor. She looked back at you, waiting for you to join her. You quickly finish your drink, toss the evidence and follow Abby out onto the dance floor.

Abby awkwardly started dancing. The people around her seemed to be dancing with great enthusiasm, but she wasn’t able to do so. Her face was completely blank and even with you standing next to her, she didn’t know what to do.

She was always used to having the most strict routine in her life, always something she had to do. Dancing was just a waste of time in her eyes, and she had no idea why anyone would ever want to do it. She kept dancing, however, as she wanted to impress you at least a little bit.

You can’t help but laugh at Abby’s stiff dancing, so you grab her hands and move her around a little more freely. Abby felt her heart flutter for a moment as you grab her. It was a feeling that she hadn’t experienced before, and despite wanting to keep things strictly professional, she felt herself wanting more. As you continue dancing with Abby she starts feeling a lot more comfortable.

“See you’re a natural.” You laugh, as Abby starts to let loose a little.

Abby looked at you as you talked. She was actually having fun and it was all thanks to you. Abby was now even thinking about how she may of misjudged the new girl in her life.

“Yeah,” Abby replied, her heart beating quickly. “I guess you’re right.”

The upbeat song comes to and end and is followed up by a slow song. You and Abby look at each other momentarily both of you could sense the chemistry changing between you two. As the song starts, you move closer to Abby. Wrapping your arms around her shoulder, looking at Abby intently as you two start swaying back and forth slowly.

Abby’s hands naturally travel to your waist, eagerly pulling you closer. You were a lot closer to her than you have ever been before, causing Abby’s heart to beat even faster. Abby had hardly any experience with flirting or dancing, but everything about this felt right.

As she stared into your eyes, she suddenly had the urge to lean in and give you a kiss. But she doesn’t, knowing that it would be inappropriate due to the fact that she was your superior. You rest your head on her shoulder, dancing close together.

Abby’s heart was beating so quickly that she felt like it would beat out of her chest any second. Abby felt like her relationship with you was changing in more ways than one. She no longer hated you. Instead, she thought she might even like you. She can’t help but feel like maybe those thought had been here all along and was just now coming to the surface. Just for a moment Abby’s problems in life seemed to be far away. All she cared about was you and the way that you made her feel.

“You’re actually pretty good at this.” You tease, whispering in Abby’s ear. Abby suddenly could feel herself blushing. She could feel your warm breath on her ear.

“You’re not too bad yourself,” Abby replies. Your only response is to laugh, resuming the resting position on Abby’s shoulder.

Abby was lost in thought. She didn’t want to leave this moment. She knew that she wouldn’t get an opportunity like this again, and she finally understood why Manny was constantly trying to get a girlfriend. She could see why people sought out romance.

“I’ve actually never danced before,” Abby finally speaks.

“Why’s that?” You ask.

“Because I thought it was stupid and a waste of time. There was no point in dancing when I could be spending my time doing something productive.” Abby admits. It was so strange to say those words out loud. But, it was the truth and Abby didn’t want to hide anything anymore. She was tired of hiding who she was. Especially around you.

“Do you still think that?” You ask, lifting your head to look at her.

“No.” Abby’s answers quick. “I’m so glad you invited me tonight.”

“Me too.” You smile.

Abby couldn’t help but smile back. She felt a sense of warmth that she hadn’t ever felt before. She was completely out of her element, but that didn’t seem to matter at that moment. She only cared about how you were making her feel in this moment.

The two of you were completely wrapped up in the moment that when the music stopped, the reality of the world around you came crashing down. Abby couldn’t come up with something to say or what to do. Too caught up in the moment they both shared and not wanting it to end so soon.

“Do you want to get another drink?” You suggest, breaking the silence.

“Okay,” Abby said with a nod. She could help but want to be alone with you. She lets you lead her back to the kitchen where the drinks are. She watches and you dig through the ice chest, pulling out two drinks. Abby takes a sip, it tastes better the second time around.

“So…what should we do next?” Abby asks, feeling extremely lame as it comes out. Not sure how to keep this going but not wanting it to end yet.

“I don’t know. You have something in mind?” You ask with a smile, taking a sip.

“Uhhhh…I…guess…we…” Abby suddenly felt herself turn red as she tried to think of something. She didn’t want to leave your side. She wanted to get you alone but also didn’t want to go back to the room because it would be too awkward there.

Abby can’t get an answer out, your stood there patiently waiting. When a man fills the gap between you two, obviously drunk. The sigh that leaves your mouth is loud.

“Hey, I was just wondering if you wanted to comeback to my bunk?” He smiles, slurring reeking of beer. Moving way too close. Abby watches as the man approaches you and tries to flirt with you. Curious how’d you would react.

“No thank you.” You snap, pushing him away. Causing Abby to chuckle at the sight.

“Whatever fuck you.” He laughs stumbling away. You roll your eyes as he walks off. Abby admired the way you handled that, your ability to shut him down so effortlessly.

When you finally look back at Abby shes already staring at you. She wanted to get closer, to kiss you, and to express to her how deeply she felt so suddenly. But, that wasn’t appropriate given the fact that both of them were soldiers. Abby was starting to feel frustrated with herself. For caring about whatever everyone else thinks even at expense of what she wants.

“What are you thinking about?” You tease, moving a little closer grabbing Abby’s hand. Noticing Abby deep in thought as she looks at you.

She didn’t know how to respond. Scared to say out-loud how she truly felt. Instead, she just continued to stare at you. She was completely and utterly enthralled. She continued to hold your hand, hoping that her feelings would be transmitted through touch. You gaze goes from her eyes, to where your hands meet, and land on her lips. Darting back up to her eyes when she notices you looking at her lips.

Abby’s heart almost skipped a beat as your eyes focused on her lips. She could feel a heat rising throughout her whole body. She slowly leans in towards you. Slowly Abby closes the gap between you two, pressing her lips to yours. The feeling sent shivers down her spine and her heart raced even faster than it did before. She hadn’t felt this way in her entire life. She was completely and utterly lost in the sensation of your touch.

Your hands move to her head, pulling her in closer. Abby melted at the feeling of your warm hands on her face. She was completely lost in the moment, completely unaware of everything else. Everyone watching. She was too lost in the moment to realize. You’re the one to pull away, smiling as you do.

“Is that what you were thinking about?” You ask with a smirk. Abby hesitated before she finally spoke up.

“Yeah…that was actually what I was thinking about,” she quietly responded. The music starts again, you don’t even ask this time dragging about back out to the dance floor. The two of you start dancing again, only this time more touchy than before. Kisses shared between the two of you, every so often.

Every time your lips met, Abby felt a wave of emotions course through her body and her stomach would flip. She felt completely and utterly happy, completely consumed by the feeling of your lips on hers. Thrilled to spend the rest of the night with you, do whatever you wanted. She felt a little worried but excited because she realized quickly she’s probably going to spend the rest of her life letting you do whatever you want.

[ateez-himari]

FASHION WEEK; HIGHLIGHTS

"I can be all the things you told me not to be"

MILAN; VERSACE

• The vocalist recognized the journalist that had made tasteless and uncomfortable comments suggesting she was only in ATEEZ because of her appearance in 2021, continuing to throw sly comments into articles since then. When their manager began motioning him over for the common short interviews, she reminded him that he had been blacklisted from events for years - he was also the only one who she did not bow her head to as a greeting.

• When both ambassadors stepped out of the car together, the large crowd that had been gathered for hours flickered with bright flashes almost instantly whilst he extended a hand in order to help stabilize her.

• During the showcase of 'Ephemeral' the vocalist sat down on a white cushion to play the Koto - the national instrument of Japan - in order to accompany the music composed with different Korean instruments, representing her identity perfectly.

• To close off this impressive debut the runway welcomed the artist dressed in flowing light pink fabric adorned with golden details, displaying the very last design of her collection while she thanked the audience. Himari then bowed before the house's artistic director who in response mouthed the word 'Bellissima' and cued for attendees to toss red peonies towards her ambassador, a flower representing prosperity and good fortune in Korean culture.

• San attempted to hide that he was wiping away tears at the sight of their maknae accomplishing one of her dreams right in front of their eyes yet could not conceal his emotions when engulfing her in a tight hug.

• Once the show had concluded, Himari left her bandmates' sides to search the room for someone and hurried over to embrace the house's artistic director, who returned the hug warmly before placing a specially prepared tiara on her ambassador's head. Fans have compared their interaction to an aunt with her favorite niece due to the way Donatella seemed so attentive to her at all times, meanwhile the idol would hold her hand while being introduced to guests and the two were even seen gossiping at some point before the show began.

Afterparty;

• YouTuber Isaac M.I.K taught her how to do the South African dance move 'Tshwala Bam' over which they bonded very quickly before the vocalist in turns taught him the 'Work' challenge which was later released on the ATEEZ TikTok account. He now follows her personal Instagram account.

• In footage posted by guests, she could be seen visibly tipsy while whispering something into Mingi's ear, before pulling away biting her lip with flushed cheeks making shiny doe eyes even more noticeable as she gazed up at him. Whatever was exchanged between them made the rapper tighten his hold on her waist as he left a kiss on her neck. This clip rapidly made the rounds through social media with the unreleased song 'Come Through' by The Weeknd used as the background.

• Throughout the night, Gigi Hadid was seen dancing with her and later on posted several stories containing endless pictures of the two clearly forming some kind of friendship. The poses were different from what is usually seen from female idols but this allowed netizens a look into her more relaxed personality, dimming the cuteness shown during fan interactions to make way for natural charm.

• Madonna asked San for her Instagram handle during the Dolce & Gabbana afterparty the following day, and posted about the Ephemeral Collection with the caption; "What can't this girl do ?"

PARIS; BALMAIN

• The vocalist seemed overwhelmed with the loud sounds created by the crowd as both artists signed autographs, so Hongjoong discreetly reached over before lowering the volume on her hearing aid.

• Upon meeting his ambassador's youngest member for the first time, Olivier Rousteing let out an audible squeal and noted that both seemed to fit the other perfectly in terms of visuals. Some journalists present during the interaction even managed to catch him joking about wanting to steal Versace's Princess for his own fashion house.

• Dove Cameron cheerfully greeted the idol with a warm embrace along with seemingly endless compliments about her beauty when the show was being prepared. An entire camera roll long photoshoot ensued which was then posted on both of their social media accounts with captions conveying affection for the other, and both were seen giggling whilst sitting next to one another.

• Throughout the event the maknae seemed much calmer in the presence of their group's captain and sparked conversations with numerous high profile attendees, although this happened only when he stood at her side. Much like during their debut years, there were several pictures of her holding on to Hongjoong's sleeve while walking around.

• When came time to leave, Mingi stepped out of the car waiting for the bandmates in order to help his girlfriend inside with one hand under her own while the other guided her by the waist. Their manager could be seen standing aside smiling to himself, though trying to hide it, much like their captain.

Extra;

• While the members currently present in the city were taking a stroll, they ran into the vocalist's friend of three years, SEVENTEEN leader S.Coups, who immediately chastised her for having time to travel throughout countries yet none to stop by their studio despite having a keycard to the HYBE building.

• The Paris Saint-Germain Football Club invited their player's younger sister to the game against Rennes and despite having been apart only since Chuseok, the siblings ran up to one another as if it had been years once it was over. Since most players present had never before met her, Hanzo excitedly rambled on about nearly every accomplishment while the embarrassment flushed her cheeks with every passing moment.