#Pepper is rather calm and collected. people find him approachable

[ritens]

Lane & Pepper moment

[bxdbxdboy]

Character Development

BASICS

Full Name:  Luz Noceda 

Alias:   Apprentice

Nicknames: Bad Boy, (Luz Squad) B.Boy, (herself) Soft Boy, (Cottage) Baby Boy, (Eda) Nice Boy, (Sunny) Sweetheart (Bee)

Sex / Gender:  Female, Nonbinary  (she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs ) .

Right or Left:    Left 

Age:   16.

Height:   5'6″.

Eye Color:    dark brown

Hair Color:   Dark brown

Distinguishing Marks:  She has a raven tattoo over her scar she received trying to stop her villain in her timeline. She’s shaved her left eyebrow in the middle to match her friend’s scar.  

Paragraph Of Physical Traits: She’s got a rather strong build which means she has no weak nerd arms and a significant amount of muscle to her arm. Her hair is slicked back like a wave and it’s always been like that it just has always naturally curled and folded over in that direction. When she sleeps it gets wavy or spikey sticking up like a parrot.

FAMILY / RELIGION

Parents / Guardians:     Camilla Noceda 

Siblings: n/a  adopted Brother King.

Marital Status:  Not married. 

Significant Other(s): Bee (Amity-Bee), Blushy (Amity in her timeline)  

Children:   N/A.

Other Relatives:   Many Many cousins, aunts and uncles and cousins on both sides of the family. 

Pets:   Bunga, (familiar, honey badger) Saturn, (familiar magical Owl) Calypso. (palisman Sable)  

Friends:     Cottage, Sunny, Iris, Bee, Lucky, Otter, Puppy, Gus, Willow.

Enemies:     Emperor Belos. 

Ethnicity:     Latina 

Religion:     None. 

Beliefs:    N/A

Superstitions:    black cats, broken mirrors. KARMA!

Languages:   English. Spanish. 

Diction / Accent:    Spanish 

SCHOOL / WORK / HOME

Education:   Public School / High scool leverl/ Hexside

Degree(s):   Not yet. 

Occupation:   Local Power washer for her boiling isles, Food delivery, Potion distributor. 

Own or Rent:    Neither.

Living Space:   Eda’s home in the owl house, Her home in the human realm, and Magic Treehouse bedroom. 

Work Space:    N/A.

Main Mode of Transport:   Skateboarding, Walking, running, or flying. Can drive, will learn, will drive without license. 

PSYCHOLOGY

Fears:      Being replaced / abandoned,  her anger issues, her home getting concurred, loosing her friends, venomous snakes, possessed creatures, dark mimics. spiders, The deepest depths of the Ocean, Slender Man, Siren Head.  

Secrets:    A big softie just doesn’t want many who meet her to realize it. 

IQ:     Was never formally tested,   but she may not be as intellectually gifted as the other Luz’s There’s a big jock mentally mindset to her as a whole.

Eating Habits:  Ravenous Appetite, no matter how much she eats she’s always asking for more. She can put some food away if someone has something they’re saving it’s too late she’s already gotten to it. 

Food Preferences: She enjoys Hot Wings they are her most favorite food besides Pizza coming around at a close second She likes a lot of junk food candy, cookies, chips of all kinds. On occasion she will eat something green though like some lettuce with taco meat or a green pepper. She’ll eat it all everything under the sun and even be adventurous eating a wide margin of other foods. She almost always has hot sauce on her there isn’t a single kind of meal she doesn’t love covered in the hot stuff.  

Sleeping Habits:   She sleeps well, for the most part, when she isn’t attempting to be a night owl she falls asleep relatively quick, even rivaling some of the younger Luz’s with how early she can fall asleep. It’s likely she has sleep apnea as she has tendency to snore so very loud and wakes up during the night in cold sweat, when she stops breathing from night terrors. She will oversleep until almost 2:00 in the afternoon if not monitored.         

Book Preferences:   She’s not a big egg-head book reader like the rest of the squad is the most Bad Boy read in school was “Animal Farm”, and The “Lord of the Flies”, in high school two books that peaked her interest a little bit. She also enjoys listening to Cottage read some horror books it’s the most she’ll really listen rather than use her eyes to read, in fact, one would say she struggles to read efficiently. 

Music Preferences:     Hip Hop, Rap, Dubstep, 80′s music, The Weekend, Various artists. 

Leader or Follower:    She likes to be the boss, but will occasionally follow if she doesn’t have to do much. 

Planner or Spontaneous:  Spontaneous! All of her ideas are never planned out she definitely does not look before she leaps. Her leaps are full of optimism and happy stupidity. The only time she tends to plan is when Bee holds her hand and forces her to take a step back. 

Journal:    Nope

Hobbies:    Dancing,   listening to music,     training,    watching videos / shows,  exercising,  roasting members of the Luz squad, doing dangerous stunts, skateboarding, basketball, baseball, (more so the batting range)  Surfing (Prior), Deep woods exploring, practicing her magic, teaching her familiars, (Saturn and Bunga) Listening to music, Swooning Bee, Video games, Baking Pizza, Breakdancing, Beat Boxing, Collecting Hats, Serenading, Dancing, Snuggling King.

How Do They Relax:  By listening to some calming beats privately, counting to 10, or at any point stroked by Bee she curls and becomes softer. 

What Excites Them:  Competitions,  Wild magic, Magical Creatures, Parkour, Plane Crash videos, Unus Annus, Dogs! Kitties, Being in charge, Buffalo sauce, Food!, Flirting, 

What Stresses Them:  Bossy individuals, Strict Parents, Rude people, Being inside the Emperor Castle, Being the butt of the joke, Tests, Explosives. Needles. 

Pet Peeves:   Vegan food, Whining, losing games, Being accused of being a perv, mocking, people stealing her hat,  Lucky sending her cursed images. 

Prejudices:  high horse, pretends not to be a trouble maker to stay in good graces, struggling to not be hostile towards her doppelgängers, 

Attitudes:   Closed off, Laid back, Aggressive,  or chill and cool depending on who you are. Bad Boy appears to be the “scary” anger issues Luz that is liable to explode at any moment and when she does her face and ears can get as red as Bee’s. You’re either in good graces with her or your not, she’s not always easy to approach unless you have a good sense of humor than she cracks up with you about stupid jokes. 

Obsessions:    Her shoes and hats, her favorite music, lids, BEE

Addictions:    Does addiction to sugary cereal count? because oh my god-!!

Ambitions:     Defeat Belos in her timeline, find a way to get adopted as a sibling by Cottage Core, Have her own identity outside of Cottage and the Luz squad.   Become a powerful witch, Make her mom proud.  

ASTROLOGY / PHISIOLOGY

Birth Date:    November 26,    2005.

Sign:    Sagittarius

Traits Associated with Western Sign:  loyal, smart, assertive, and compassionate personality   

Chinese Zodiac Sign:    The rooster

Traits Associated with Chinese Sign: active, amusing, and popular within a crowd. Roosters are talkative, outspoken, frank, open, honest, and loyal individuals. They like to be the center of attention and always appear attractive and beautiful.

Handwriting:     It’s okay…;      fairly sloppy.

Sexual History:   N/A.

General Health:     She takes pretty good care of herself as far as hygiene and having a good confident attitude.  experiencing some struggles with her adhd, bad posture leaves her with some back pain.

Mental Disabilities:      PTSD,   ADHD,  depression,  

Allergies:   Seasonal.

OBJECTS KEPT IN

Purse / Bag:  Wallet, towel, water bottle, Treehouse keys key chain,

Wallet:     Photo ID, Gold, Cash, rings, Brass knuckle, 

Fridge:     Chalked full of between meal and frozen pizza. 

Medicine Cabinet:  Bandages, Healing Potions, Icey-hot muscle rub,  

Glove Compartment:   Parking tickets, Trespassing tickets, concert tickets. 

Junk Drawer:     fidget spinners, gum, pens, sharpies, stress balls. 

Backpack:   Hats, Snacks, Mints, hair gel, Extra clothes, socks,  pepper spray, hand sanitizer, suntan lotion, hair brush

Desk:   Doodles, Paper Airplanes, Crumpled up Paper.

Clothes Pockets:    Phone, Hot Sauce packets, hand warmers, stress ball.  

OTHER

Halloween Costumes:   A zombie, the cementary is hiring.

Talents:    break dancing, beat boxing, fighting in close quarters, self defense, making Luz squad question their sanity, making jokes, flipping her hat. being annoying. 

Politics: Nah. 

Flaws:   stand offish,  moody,     blunt and direct,   vain,  doesn’t like to be on the losing side indecisive, selfish,

Strengths:  Her optimism, strong sense of personal integrity, avoiding the status quo, free spirited, confidence level, good sense of humor.  

Drugs / Alcohol:    N/A. No who invited? 

Passwords:     The most random shit. 

Prized Possessions:   Her hat passed down by her oldest cousin, her unus annus sweatshirt, a small wolf plushy named Akela 

Time and Place:    Currently, at the Treehouse interviewing new members of the Luz squad. She just got back from a trip and she has jet lag.     

Special Places:      The treehouse, her original house, The owl house, the forest where she goes to meet Blushy, The cliff by the Grom tree, the beach. 

Special Memories:   Meeting Eda and King then running into Cottage and Bee, Becoming friends with Cottage Core learning magic from them, Teasing Belos and Hunter with Cottage Core, Dancing with Bee at her Grom, becoming a polyamorous couple with Bee and Cottage. Being accepted into the Luz Squad. 

Tagged by:    Stole it from @witchesborn​

Tagging:    You,    if you want to do it.

[iliumheightnights]

Let Me Make You Proud [2] | Tony Stark x Son!Reader

Fandom: Marvel

Pairing: Tony Stark & Son!Reader

Part 1

Summary: After leaving his old life behind, (M/N) Stark carves out his new life. He thinks about all of the memories he left behind and makes his own new family. However sometimes destiny intervenes. 

A nine year old (M/N) Stark stood behind a curtain looking out into the audience. It was his first big concert and he was excited for a Solo he had.The chair reserved for his father was empty. He scanned the audience for his father, he promised he would come to this one. (M/N) had been so excited when his father told him he would be there. As he reached the back of the crowd he realized his father wasn’t there...yet. He could just be running late. 

The teacher called for all the students to get into position and (M/N) hesitantly got to his spot. The curtain drew back and the kids started their concert. He couldn’t help but frown a little at all of the parents and guardians there, supporting their kids. He looked over at the chair again hoping to see his father, but it was still empty. 

The concert was going swimmingly. The other students were having a great time, (M/N) on the other hand wasn’t. It was getting closer and closer to his solo and his dad still wasn’t there. Eventually the time had arrived, he walked to the front of the stage and began his solo. Looking into the audience his heart fell as his eyes found the empty chair. The eyes of all the other parents were like daggers staring into him. He could feel tears building up in his eyes, and he began to shake. The ending couldn’t come soon enough.

The concert had come to an end.  (M/N) sat on the edge of the stage watching kid after kid leave with their parents. “(M/N) are you alright?” Looking he saw his teacher sitting next to him. (M/N) only nodded and looked at the seat with his father’s name on it. She followed his line of sight and immediately understood. She put her hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry (M/N). I know you were really excited for him to see you perform. I don’t know if it means anything but I thought you did splendid.” He smiled at her. “Thank you Miss.” The two stayed on the stage for half an hour with most students already leaving. Yet no one had come to get him yet and his teacher’s face had become one of worry and frustration. “(M/N) I’m going to call your parent’s and make sure everything is alright okay?” She stood up and walked away a bit before calling.

(M/N) could tell by her voice that she was frustrated but not at him. She never got mad at him, always his dad. After a bit she hung up with a huff and walked back over to him with a smile on her face, he knew it was a front. She sat back on the stage next to him “So I called and Happy should be here soon for you.” Of course he would. The teacher tried to pass the time with him talking about the concert and how well he and everyone did and that she would love to have him perform a solo again.

After another fifteen minutes, Happy finally arrived. He walked in with a smile on his face as he approached the two. “Ready to go kid?” (M/N) didn’t say anything as he jumped off the stage and started to walk to the car. “Hey what’s wrong kid? Not happy to see me?” (M/N) could already hear the teacher start her rant to him and knew he shouldn’t be there to hear it. He stepped outside and got into the car. He didn’t have to wait long before Happy got into the driver’s seat and began to drive them home. “I heard you did really good in the concert.” (M/N) wasn’t in the mood to talk, he watched the city lights fly by outside his window. “I’m sorry buddy. I forgot and your dad got really busy.” The boy didn’t move, only kept watching out the window.

Once they arrived back at the tower (M/N) slowly made his way back in. His big night had been ruined. This wasn’t the first time his dad did something like this, but it still hurt. Wanting to see his dad he took the elevator to the lab. He could see his dad through the glass, he was slunched over his table, asleep. He took note of all the blueprints and machine parts surrounding his dad. It was in that moment that he realized his dad loved working more than him, and if he wanted his dad’s love he’d have to change. That was the moment he stopped being (M/N) Stark.

…

(M/N) was snapped out of his thoughts by a tugging at his pants. Looking down he saw PRYSM looking up at him. “What are you doing?” Ah PRYSM, so pure, so innocent. “I was just thinking.”  He looked back up at the school across the street. The same one he went to in what seemed like a lifetime ago. “OOOOOHHHHH. What are you thinking about?” (M/N) motioned for PRYSM to follow him and started walking again. “Just thinking about my past.”

It had been roughly two years since he had left the tower and the avengers behind. He missed them, he missed Clint and Wanda. He even missed his dad. When he had first left the tower Tony had freaked and tried everything to find him. He flew around the city in his suit, so did Rhodey. He heard people say they saw spiderman looking as well but he wasn’t so certain about that. Then his dad made a television appearance begging him to come home and that he was sorry. The comments from people after that made him furious. He probably just wants attention. I’d leave too if he was my dad. That boy probably had too much on his shoulders. People blamed both him and his father. The last thing that his dad did was offer a cash reward for anyone who brought him back home. That caused him tons of problems, he had to watch over his back even more. It was like he had a target on his back. Eventually his dad pulled that down and people didn’t care about him again. Like usual.

He hadn’t talked to Clint for a long time. They talked for a bit after (M/N) left, he wanted to keep him involved. But as he started to travel the world and discover new things he started to drift away. They still kept in contact, talking every now and again but it was clear there was a rift. He hadn’t talked to Wanda, he wanted to but didn’t want to. He knew she was furious at him, he could feel it.

“So then I was like there is no way you could make that basket but then he did! It was crazy! I’m telling you (M/N) the kids basketball games get intense! You should come next time.” How could someone NOT love PRYSM. They just get excited over everything. The two continued to walk through the streets of New York, gaining attention from people seeing a robot just roll down the street. Eventually the two made their way to a warehouse which (M/N) converted into his current home. “You know I’m not really into going and watching sports P. I’d rather much go to the zoo.” He said while taking off his coat. The robot’s eyes widened. “We should TOTALLY go. I LOVE the zoo!”

“Did I hear zoo!?” (M/N) turned to see a person rush from the kitchen. “We going to the zoo? I’m so down!”

“Calm down Doreen. No one’s going to the zoo.”

“WHY NOT!?” Both Doreen and PRYSM shouted.

“What’s going on?” All three turned to look at the new person entering the building.

“Thank god. Kamala please tell them we aren’t going to the zoo.” (M/N) tried beginning with her.

“Why not? I love the zoo.”

“Ha! That’s Three against one. We’re going to the zoo. Everyone get your shit!”

(M/N) couldn’t fight against it. He was outmanned and outgunned. To be fair...he also wanted to go to the zoo. That’s how he found himself with his friends making their way to the zoo. Walking through Central Park this time of year was always nice. He looked over at Doreen and Kamala. He remembered the first time he met them. They were trying to ‘rescue’ him, since they saw his dad’s tv appearance and thought he was missing. It was hilarious Miss Marvel and Squirrel Girl, the heroes he never knew he needed. After explaining everything he remembered Doreen directly stating “We’re your family now.” and they’ve been friends ever since. He was lucky to have them. 

“That’s it. I need some tunes, PRYSM can you play something? Please?” Doreen basically shouted and Tippy-Toe nodded in approval. Damn he loved that squirrel. “I sure can!” PRYSM started to playing music and Kamala and Doreen both shouted in excitement and started walking to the beat.

“I be Spike'd out, I could trip a referee” Doreen sang followed by Kamala singing. “Tell by my attitude that I'm most definitely from-” 

“Hit it (M/N)!” Doreen shouted at him.

He couldn’t help the wide smile that came to his face as he started to sing. “New york! Concrete jungle where dreams are made of. There’s nothing you can’t do!” Doreen and Kamala joined in with him. “Now you’re in New York! These streets will make you feel brand new!” They started to dance as they made their way down the path. People watching them go, some laughing, some recording, but they didn’t care. In that moment it was just them having one hell of a time. (M/N) had started to sing again around his friends, he started being himself again. Away from his father’s shadow he began to bloom.

…

Back in the tower, Tony sat on (M/N)’s bed. The room hadn’t really been touched in the two years his son had been gone. Dust had started to gather on many of the picture frames and collectibles. It was a constant reminder of how much a failure of a father he was. He realized just how distant and cold he had been. Pepper, Rhodey and Happy found him many times asleep on that bed with red and puffy eyes.

He held one of (M/N)’s sketch books in his hands. Opening the book he started to flip through the sketches. The book had started out with character and designs for stories he had been thinking of. But as Tony continued to flip through the book it became less and less creative designs and more blueprints for machines and inventions. Tony hated this, he hated that he made his kid give up the things he loved to do just so he could feel loved by his own dad.

He could feel tears streaming down his face as his hands started to shake. It had been two years and he missed his son so much. He just wanted to hold him again, to try and fix things. Tony’s relationship with Peter was...Strained. He couldn’t look at Peter without feeling guilt and regret. Peter tried his best to make him feel better but it didn’t help. Not until (M/N) was back.

“He always did love to draw.” Tony looked up at the voice. Clint stood in the doorway looking at him. “He wouldn’t want you to waste away in this room ya know?” He looked back down at the sketch book, running his hands over the creative designs. “I just- I don’t know what to do. I want to talk to him. I want to apologize. I miss him so much. He’s been out there for two years, I have no idea where he is or if he’s okay and it keeps me up at night.” Clint gave him a sympathetic smile before walking into the room and over to the glass windows looking out into the city. “He’s okay. He’s a lot stronger than you think he is.” Tony could only nod at that, he might not have had a good relationship with his son but Clint did. If he says he’ll be okay, he’s okay. “Still I just wish I knew where he was.” Clint didn’t look back at Tony and debated on saying anything. “The last time I talked with him he was in London.” Tony’s head snapped up and Clint could feel his eyes burning into the back of his skull. “You talked to him? When? Why didn’t you tell me?” Tony stood up and made his way to Clint who turned to face him directly. “Yes, I have. Last time I talked with him was four months ago, he said something about coming back to New York. And I didn’t tell you because he wanted his space. He didn’t want you coming after him.” Tony couldn’t decide if he was happy his son could be back in New York or angry that Clint didn’t tell him about him.

“Do you think he’s ba-” Before the two could continue their conversation Steve bursted into the room. “Get your gear. We have a problem.”

…

The seal enclosure always was (M/N)’s favorite part of the zoo. Doreen and PRYSM practically ran away once they entered the zoo. He and Kamala sat down on a bench looking directly at the seals. He could feel Kamala looking at him. “What is it?” He turned to look at her,she looked like she was hesitating to say anything. “I was just wondering. You’ve been back in New York for months now. So why haven’t you tried talking with your dad again? He obviously wants to see you again. He wouldn’t have made that tv appearance if he hadn’t.”

“I still can’t believe he plays that even after two years.”

“It’s because he means it (M/N). I think-”

The two were interrupted as a figure was thrown through the air and crashed into the seal enclosure. (M/N) recognized who it was immediately. “Peter?” People started running out of the zoo in a panic. Through the crowd he saw them, the avengers. They were pushing past people towards Peter. “What’s going on!” he saw Doreen and PRYSM run towards them. “We don’t know!” Kamala started to say before a ship was above the zoo. A blue woman with a staff on top. (M/N) knew who it was. “Hala.”

“Who!” Yelled the other three.

“She’s a kree who tried kidnapping metahumans years ago. Guess she’s back for round two.”

(M/N) then heard a sound he hadn’t heard in years. He would know the sound of the repulsors anywhere. He looked up and watched as his dad flew over his head, firing on Hala’s ship. It couldn’t breach it’s shield’s however. Hala pointed her spear and fired a laser cutting through anything it touched. The avengers scrambled out of the way.

“OH. MY. GOSH! Guys this is our time! We gotta help them!” Doreen shouted.

“Absolutely” Kamala agreed. “What about you (M/N)?”

He watched as Hala fired on the avengers. His family. No one fucked with his family. “Damn right I am.”

“I...I’m just gonna...be over here.” PRSYM rolled out of sight faster than ever.

“Oh this is gonna be so fucking awesome!” Doreen shouted. 

The three broke up and went in different directions. Hoping they could perhaps distract her enough. (M/N) let his powers engulf his body in a flash, putting him in the suit he made in case things like this happened. He had used his powers here and there but didn’t rely on them. Hala fired again making some rubble fall, Steve pushed Clint out of the way but before they could stand back up she pointed at them and fired. (M/N) quickly jumped in front of them and put up a barrier blocking them from the ray. “(M/N)?” he looked back and smiled at the men who looked both relieved and shocked that he was standing there with them. “Hey Clint,Steve. Long time no see.” (M/N) turned back to the barrier, pulled back his arms and pushed sending the ray back at Hala, causing an explosion. “Get her staff!”

While the avengers were shocked he was there, they knew it wasn’t the time for a reunion. Everyone sprang into action, each trying to reach Hala. Having to doge moving lazer fire wasn’t as easy as they made it look on tv. Kamala and Doreen got close before they were through back by Hala. Tony,Rhodey and Sam tried getting her from the sky but she wasn’t making it easy. 

When (M/N) saw his chance he took it. He used his powers to launch himself into the air. He had almost reached her when she turned around and fired her staff directly at him. He formed a barrier blocking the brunt of the attack, however trying to fly and block was a lot for someone who wasn’t trained. He couldn’t hold it any longer and his barrier exploded pushing him to the ground. Before he could hit the ground he felt strong arms surround him. Looking up he was greeted by piercing the white eyes of the spiderman mask. “(M/N)! Are you alright!” (M/N) let out a laugh and patted the side of his face. “Never better spiderboy. Never better.” Peter sat him down on the ground  “Look (M/N) I’m-” He held a hand up to Peter’s face. “Now is REALLY not a good time for this. Now get your ass in gear and get that staff!” Peter watched (M/N) run off. “Damn that was kind of hot.”

“I wonder how good Iron Man’s armor really is!” Hala fired her staff and hit Tony square in the chest. This caused his suit to power down and sent it falling to the ground. (M/N) watched in horror as the suit came falling down. “DAD!” Using his powers he rushed over and launched once more into the air, grabbing his father. “God you’re suit is so freaking heavy!” as the ground came closer, He brought his knees up and kicked them out using his powers to cushion their landing. (M/N) was out of breath and fell on top of his dad’s suit. “Can you hear me? You okay in there?” With the power off it was hard to hear but he heard it. “I’m alright. I’m glad to see you kid.” (M/N) couldn’t help the smile. “Glad to be back.”

“ENOUGH!” (M/N) turned to see Hala bring her staff up. “I SHALL HAVE MY ARMY!” She brought her staff down and the portals began to open up around all the avengers. He watched as one after another was sucked up. “(M/N)!” He watched Kamala and Doreen get sucked up too. “Oh. Can’t forget the father and son!”  He could feel tears building up, he lost his friends. Letting his anger out he created another barrier around his father and him. Hala’s portals couldn’t reach them. “So be it. I’ll be back. I’ll always come back.” With that Hala disappeared back into her ship before it took off into the atmosphere.

He brought down the barrier and stared up at the sky. He fell onto his hands and let out a scream. His cries echoed through the ruined zoo. He felt a strong grip on his shoulder, He looked up into the face of his dad. “(M/N)...” The two looked at each other for a bit before (M/N) fell into Tony’s arms. Hugging him. “I wasn’t strong enough. I couldn’t save them.”

Tony pulled back and stood up, bringing (M/N) up with him. He shook his head. “This isn’t your fault. None of this is your fault. If you weren’t here I probably would have been taken too. We’ll find them.” (M/N)’s face became serious before he nodded his head. “We’re gonna find them. And we’re gonna get them back. And we’re gonna kick some ass.” Tony smiled at his son. His son was right in front of him and he had grown so much.

“Yes we will!” Both men looked down and saw PRYSM looking up at them. “Hi Mr.Stark it’s nice to see you again.”

Tony let out a laugh before becoming serious. “How are we going to find them. And we’ll need more help.”

(M/N) smirked and held up his phone. “I got close enough to throw a tracker on her ship. I got their location right here. As for the help...I know a person.”

Twenty minutes later the three of them stood outside a garage door. (M/N) looked at his dad. “Before you say anything...I thought it was only fair I had one too.” He laughed at his dad’s face when it scrunched up into a confused look. Moving back to the garage He knocked once,paused and then knocked three times. “What exactly are we doing here?” Tony asked his son. “Getting help.” The garage opened and the three came face to face with a pink tipped blonde haired girl. 

“Hey,Gwen. I need your help.”

A/N: Hope you guys liked part 2! I loved introducing some of my favorite marvel girls. As you can probably guess there will be a part 3 coming.

[clevernewdimension]

Polaris Part Twelve (M)

Parts: Preview, Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six, Part Seven, Part Eight, Part Nine, Part Ten, Part Eleven, Part Twelve, Part Thirteen (Coming soon!)

Genre: Action, drama, romance, sci-fi, etc.

Paring: Jongin x Character

Word count: 5.9K

A/N: I have a lot going on y’all. TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR: mentions of rape, pedophilia, sexual abuse, and sexual assault. Violence, blood, attacks, etc. And finally some SMUT

I frown, feeling very weird and awkward dressed like this. We were waiting at the table for Arham and Celieste Winters who were running a bit late. Which was fine as it was giving me some time to try to calm myself. Jongin seemed fine, calm and collected. Around the cuff of his suit coat there was a small fighter ship that would light up and fly around it twice before doing into a ‘dive’ off the cuff itself. Something tells me Sehun had a hand in his suit as well.

He glances at me, smiling before shaking his head as I nervously tap my fingers on the table. “I feel just… so out of place here,” I mumble quietly.

“Well, other than your very obvious nerves, you look like you do,” Jongin says, taking a sip of the glass of water we both have. “Though, I know you’d rather be in the hanger right now.” He shrugs, giving me a look of pity, “Sorry. If I wasn’t the one who had to be by your side for now, you’d probably wouldn’t have to be here.”

“I can pretend to be something other than a grease monkey for a day or two,” I say, shrugging. I look past Jongin, seeing two people approach. She smiled, stark white hair pinned back. She wore a red dress, that was tight to her body going almost to the floor. On her arm was a man, his suit was black, pin stripes as his black hair looked like a mess that he ran his hand though a lot throughout the day. He was tanned, glasses on his face as he was smiling brightly.

I stand, and Jongin takes the hint, standing and turning. He smiles, sticking out a hand.

“Captain Kim,” Arham says, shaking his hand as I take Celieste’s hand and shake it. “Nice to put a face to the name. Hope you both haven’t been waiting long.”

“We’ve been here for only about five minutes,” He says, smiling, “And please, just Jongin!”

He nods, before reaching a hand out towards me, “Miss. Lang! Pleasure to make your acquaintance!”

I take his hand, shaking it. “Nice to meet you both. Thanks for… making time to have dinner with us?”

Celieste smiles, “It’s ok, no need to be nervous. We’re legitimately here just to introduce ourselves. We’ll talk shop about security about the elections coming up tomorrow.”

“We’re big believers of meeting people and getting to know them before getting into business,” Arham says, nodding. “People are interesting, especially when they’re from galaxies away.”

Jongin gestures to the table, “Shall we order?”

We take out seats, a waiter coming and getting our orders. I got the blanquette de veau, and the waiter suggested I pair it with a Marsannay wine.

Celieste was sitting to my left, Jongin to my right as I tap my fingers on my thighs in nerves. I was so out of my element. Name a Fighter part and I could tell you where it goes but this is just bizarre for me.

“So, I have to admit,” Celieste says, “As the head of security, I did look up both of you beforehand.”

“I hope our files were kind,” Jongin says with a nod, taking a sip of water.

“I was very impressed, honestly,” She says, before looking at me. “I can’t believe you managed to be the gunner during the attack of Ysimir. I can’t imagine how terrifying that must be.”

“I was trained for it,” I say, nodding, “But it was terrifying. I’ve been in a Fighter before but Jongin flies like if he were to stop going full throttle at any moment the Fighter would explode.”

“I mean, it’s worked,” Jongin smiles.

“I also saw you’re from Tribil,” She says, resting her chin on one of her hands. “I’ve worked with Tribil for securing a safe shipment here. They’re… well, not exactly pleasant.”

“The Tribian monarchy isn’t exactly known to be good to work with,” I say, “Be it to other planets or their own people.”

“I’m glad you agree,” She says with a smile.

“We don’t get a lot of traffic from Tribil either,” Arham says, “Some planets are like that. Keep to themselves.”

“Yeah,” I say, not wanting to say anything about the marks just yet. With the royalty on the planet, it’s best to keep that secret a secret for the time being. Who knows if they’d go scorched Earth if it gets out.

“I’m also sorry to hear about your Father, Jongin,” Celieste says. “I can’t believe someone would betray you and your brothers like that.”

Jongin frowns, “Trust me, he hasn’t been a father to us for years after we left. We really didn’t have much to lose in that department.” I could see the hidden anger there, at the mention of General Kim. I can’t imagine how he feels, knowing his own family wanted him dead. Must be complicated, as their relationship is.

“It must still be traumatic, though,” She says, a look of genuine worry on her face. She seemed like a good person, though highly curious.

“I’m just glad that their plans were discovered before it was too late,” He says. “I’ve worked all my life trying to defend people, and I want to continue to do so, even if it comes at a personal cost.”

I smile sadly at that. Always the self sacrificing hero, Jongin is. For once I wish he’d do something for himself instead.

“That’s very noble of you,” Arham says, nodding.

And it is. Jongin is actually very noble. I feel like anyone who’s ever read about him thinks he’s like the act he use to put up around me. Truthfully most of the time when he talks about being the best Fighter pilot, it’s in a factual way. Sometimes he jokes, but it’s never conceited in nature anymore.

Celieste shakes her hand, “Enough with the sad topics. So, Jongin, please, tell us about yourself.”

“Well, when I’m not flying, I’m training with my friend Yixing,” He says, “My hand to hand isn’t as great as his.”

“You have to have something outside of work to do. I find myself feeling trapped without hobbies.”Arham says, smiling. “I use to be a workaholic. That did nothing but give me gray hairs.” He just smiles at Jongin, gesturing to the small amounts of pepper he has in his black hair. “Just some advice from an old man.” He nods. “But,  do you have anyone special in your life,” Arham asks,

“Not exactly,” Jongin says, smiling a bit awkwardly. “Been a bit busy for a relationship.”

I feel my face heat up a bit at that. I could feel Celieste’s gaze on me at that.

Arham looks to me. Before he could speak, I start, “I’m mostly in the hanger, fixing anything and everything I can get my hands on. When I’m not doing that, I mostly read.” My face goes redder, “And um… also single.”

“Life doesn’t wait,” Celieste says, “Sometimes you have to find some happiness for yourself. Putting work ahead your whole life will make time waste away.” She grabs her husband’s hand, “I almost let him escape from me because of my job. But thankfully I had a friend who made me realize what I would be giving us.”

He smiles, lightly squeezing her hand back.

Just as she said that, the food arrives. We eat, talking about the dinner and sipping the wine. The one I had was very fruity. Delicious, but not too much. The conversations shifted to current politics in both the Syndicate and on Earth. Jongin was much more knowledgeable about Earth politics than I was, as I remained quiet and just took all the information in.

I couldn’t stop thinking about what they said. About letting life waste away. I know Jongin loves me, but I haven’t made any moves at all out of fear, I guess. I’ve never really been that open to anyone. To be in love and in a relationship with a person, you have to be vulnerable to them. It’s not like I didn’t trust Jongin. I do. I’m just scared of being weak to anyone, I suppose. That and I was scared I’d hurt him. Especially after what he’s been though recently.

Soon, the dinner was over as we were walking outside. The night was cool, as we waved goodbye to them. It was nice. They seemed like good people, honestly.

Jongin smiles, looking at the sky. “Wanna take a walk before heading back to the hotel? I’ll make sure you don’t fall.”

“Alright,” I say, looping my arm though his, “But if I sprain my ankle, you’ll never hear the end of it.”

Jongin laughs, “I believe it.”

I take a deep breath, looking around at the people passing by. This part of town more upper class, but you still see a bar or pub filled with people, happily drinking. The lake ahead of us as we take a seat on a bench, seeing the Geneva Water Fountain shooting water over a hundred meters into the air. From this far away you can just barely hear it over the city life as I stretch.

“You seem better now,” Jongin says, sitting next to me as he sets his jacket beside him.

“I’m just happy not to be like… interviewed anymore,” I mumble, taking my shoes off, not caring that we’re in the city. I massage the bottom of my foot, before frowning, “Besides, it means I get away from… Rhys.”

“Iz wha tri monsil, tri kree tu mo,” Jongin says, the words sounding vaguely musical. “For them to force you back, they’ll have to kill me.”

“Don’t tempt them,” I quietly mumble to myself.

Jongin’s hand touches my shoulder softly. “If it would stop them, it would be worth it.”

“I forgot you also have better hearing,” I whisper, hearing him laugh. “But please don’t. I wouldn’t be able to live with the guilt.”

“And I wouldn’t be able to if I had to know what they are forcing you to do.” Jongin looks me in the eyes, turning to face me. “I already feel guilty because I know that you still can’t let go of what Minjung made you do.”

“It’s like being in prison in your own mind,” I explain, thinking back. “I wanted desperately for that kiss to never end because I know once it did I couldn’t stop from shattering your heart and possibly murdering you.”

Jongin shakes he head, “Funny,” Jongin says, smirking but with more of a playful undertone than a conceited one, “I never wanted it to end either, but for completely different reasons.”

I feel my face heat up, dropping the subject as I just look out at the water again. We kept silent, enjoying a rare moment of peace we have. What Celieste said came about to me. About letting things pass by and love go away. I bite my lip, looking at the fountain. Jongin deserves to be happy. I deserve that too.

A hand on my arm pulled me from my thoughts. “Best get back,” Jongin suggests, “We don’t have an early day tomorrow, just a kind of stressful one.” Soon, I was putting my shoes on, Jongin taking his jacket and we walk back to the hotel.

I kick of my shoes instantly, yanking pins out of my hair and letting it fall down. I take out the earrings as I watch Jongin take his shoes off too.

I take a deep breath, seeing him like that. He was extremely handsome, dressed up like that. But he always looked the most handsome to me when he was in his flight suit, looking up at the sky with a huge grin. Jongin deserves to be happy. I deserve to be happy. We make each other happy. So why are we just dancing around this and not acting on it? Are we going to let something like what happened taint what could be forever?

I shake my head to myself, “Not this time,” I whisper. I turn, seeing Jongin. He looked at me, hearing what I said and looked confused. Perhaps it was the small amount of wine giving me some courage, but I move, stepping close to him. He looks at me and before he could say anything, I stand on the tips of my toes. My hands holding his face and I press my lips to his quickly. The kiss was quick, my fave heating up before I part. I look in his eyes, “I kissed you because she told me last time, and I’m angry that she stole that from me.” I shake my head, “Forget that one happened. That one… think of this instead.” My face was burning in a blush, the nerve coming up as I let myself ramble, “I’ve wanted to kiss you for a while and I never realized and I don’t want that fucking one to be the one y-”

Jongin’s hands pull me closer, lips on mine, pressing in what was almost desperation. I could practically feel the passion in him, like it was radiating from his body. My hands move running though his silky hair, holding it as I hear him let out a small groan from that. He pulls away, “Lyra, please,” He says, and I could see how vulnerable he was. He looked almost scared as he looked me in my eyes. “If you’re not serious about this, my heart can’t take it,” Jongin quietly says, “If this is just… casual or just for fun, please don’t give me hope about this if you’re not serious.”

“You fucking idiot,” I mutter. “Ever since you’ve dropped the act I’ve found myself actually liking the person you really are.” I shake my head, “I’ve been in denial for a while about my feelings for you.” I smile, “I love you, Jongin. I don’t know for how long, but there’s no denying it anymore.” He smiles the most brilliant smile I’ve ever seen. Like a huge weight has been lifted from him. The sight made my heart soar, making me smile even bigger in response. I shake my head as I tighten my grip on his hair a little, “Now, if you don’t take this dress off me and show me how much you want this, I’m going to rage.”

He looked stunned hearing that, before his hands reach back, pulling the zipper down quickly. “Don’t have to tell me twice, Baby,” He mutters, pushing the dress down my body. I shiver, the warm dress falling to the floor. I feel my face flush, knowing I was half naked in front of him. I reach forward, pulling his tie off and ripping his shirt open. His lips press to mine, like they were molded to be fit together. It feels wonderful, it feels just so fucking right.

I didn’t have a chance to appreciate him shirtless and finally just stare unabashedly for once as he picks me up, lips on my neck as I let out a small gasp. My hands sliding down his back as he pressed me into the bed, grinding our hips together, teeth softly biting at my neck.

“Jongin,” I moan out, our mouths connecting again. This kiss was pure raw feelings. All tongue as his hand cups one of my breasts. It’s bizzare, I’ve had sex before, but this was different. My feelings are entangled here and it just feels so much more gratifying for me, with him.

When he pulls away, he mutters against my lips, “The way you say my name makes me go crazy.”

I reach down, pulling at his belt and wanting his pants off. I need this, I want him all over me. “Please Jongin,” I moan against his mouth, “Haven’t you waited long enough?”

His eyes are wide, as he moves, pulling his pants and underwear off in one quick move. I pull my underwear down, leaving myself completely nude as he moves over me. I pull him, moving so I straddle him. I don’t want to wait. I didn’t want foreplay. There’s enough time for that later, but now I was just desperate to have all of him.

I reach, holding him so I could sink down, moaning at the feeling. I haven’t had sex in a while, and the feeling of him, the friction of him sliding into me was pure bliss. I gave myself a moment to get used to him, to fully appreciate this moment. Jongin was moaning, hands on my hips as I was down, fingers holding tight my not harshly so. I lift my hips, his hands helping me move as I started a fairly quick rhythm. Our sounds filling the room, but I only heard him. His moans, his groans, the way me looked completely in bliss. Soon, though, he looked even… I don’t know how to describe it. Sexier? Seeing Jongin looking at me with almost a predatory gaze. “Fuck, Jongin,” I say out, leaning back a little, closing my eyes and just enjoying the feeling.

I felt like I was high, having just confessed my feelings to the man under me. Having him here, hands on my skin, squeezing my ass and reaching up to grab a breast. I remembered the rumors of how great he was at this, how all the people who left him were like under a spell of sorts. I always ignored it and rolled my eyes, but now I understood. Even under me it wasn’t enough, him planting his feet on the bed and thrusting up to meet me, the sound of skin hitting echoes in the room along with my moans.

Before I knew it, I was pressed to the bed, Jongin over me. My legs over his shoulders, hands on my hips as he pressed our hips together. This angle making me yell his name.

“Lyra,” He moans, one of his hands finding mine, gripping it tightly before he buried his face in my neck. The pace he set was faster, igniting my body on fire as I closed my eyes.

My other hand grabbing at his back, “Jongin, I-”

“Me too,” He says, “Fuck, fuck,” He reaches between us, fingers brushing my clit before I felt the tightness in me finally give in. A tsunami of pure ecstasy falling over me, my hands holding onto whatever I could. Our eyes locked onto one another, and something about that made it more intense. I feel Jongin move, pulling out. His hand pumping himself a few times before he spills over my stomach. The hand holding mine still entwined, as he gives it a squeeze. He smiles, brilliantly.

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath before I look at him, seeing him look from my stomach up to my face. He reaches over, grabbing some tissues from the bedside table. He cleans my stomach, tossing them into the trash before he gets back into bed, lips pressed to mine. This kiss soft, sweet. Showing me his love.

“If this is another dream, I’m going to be pissed,” He mutters against my lips.

I smirk, running my hand along his chest like I wanted to earlier, “You have wet dreams of me?”

“Hard not to when you’re so fucking gorgeous,” He says, looking in my eyes. “And just calling them ‘wet’ is putting it mildly,” He says, pressing a kiss to my temple.

I shake my head, before moving and pressing my face into his chest, draped over him. “No dream this time,” I say quietly. “Goodnight, Jongin.”

“Goodnight, Babe,” He says, the biggest smile on his face as he closes his eyes.

When I woke up the next morning, I was alone. I sit up, stretching before looking about. Jongin nowhere to be seen as I just shrug, before getting up and going to the bathroom. The sight of my hair alone gave me a shock. That good old ‘just been fucked’ look going, especially with the hairspray from last night. The make up was super smudged, making it looked like a nine year old was putting it on a clown. I don’t see any marks, which I was thankful for and heaven forbid if I had to call Sehun and ask how to cover them. Man would have a field day with that. I turn on the shower, quickly getting in and washing everything. My body was a little sore, but that was fine. The usual, really.

I quickly dry, thankful I remember to put the dress uniform in her last night. I dry my hair, putting it into a neat bun. I hate wearing a dress uniform, and it’s rare a mechanic ever has to, but this is one of those occasions. I put on underwear, taking the blue pants and put them on. I get the dress shirt, putting it on and tucking it into my pants. It was black. I quickly pull on my suit like jacket, buttoning it. I see the shiny new badges from the battle of Ysimir. One for fighting, one for the honor of being the one who helped take down the war ship.

I decided to forgo make up. To me that was dressing pretty and acting. This was me.

I put on my socks and shoes as I sit on the edge of the bed, seeing Jongin walk in. He was already in uniform. He looks at me, smiles before handing me a bag. “Got you a croissant for breakfast, figure I’d let you sleep more after… well…”

I smile, moving and pressing a kiss to his cheek, “Thank you. I was afraid I was going to starve for sleeping in late.”

His face flushes, “Um.. y-yep, no problem.”

“If you think last night was still a dream, I would give you a better kiss, but that’s not allowed in dress uniforms,” I say with a smirk. “So instead I guess I’ll just have to make you wait for it instead.”

“This relationship has barely started and I’m already having heart problems,” He whines to himself, making me laugh. I take a piece of my croissant, eating it as we move out the door.

As soon as we’re outside, it’s back to business. “A car is arriving from the U.N. to take us specifically there,” He says, “They’ll give us badges once where there.  The most minimal of security clearances, so best to stay with whomever they have guiding us or else it’ll be very messy.”

“Roger that, Captain,” I nod, taking another bite.

The drive to the U.N was nice. I watched the city go by once again, seeing the people going about their daily lives. That was, until we got to the U.N. I see people with signs, questioning the Syndicate. Protests as close as can get to the gates without angering the guards. It’s clear people are not happy. They probably feel betrayed. And they should feel that way.

The car was stopped inside the gate, the protesters quite a bit away as we step out of the vehicle. The yelling got louder the second they recognized the uniforms. Cameras taking pictures and people taking video to be broad casted in this and any known galaxies.

Security handed us badges to pin to our chests. The building was completely white, a globe in the water as I take a deep breath. We were guided inside, before we see Celieste standing ahead of us. She was wearing a black pant suit as she smiles. “We’ll meet in the assembly hall soon so we can hear from the two of you what you both know about the situation. We want over all information as well as your personal experiences from the day.” She looks at us, “Do not hold anything back. If you follow me we will escort you into a room so you both can discuss privately before you see the assembly.”

“Would it be alright if I contact our base,” Jongin says, looking at her. “Just to make sure we have as much information to tell you as possible.”

“We’ll provide you a way,” She nods.

The place was extremely clean as we’re directed into a room. It looked like a small office. A few bookshelves and a desk. A small communicator is handed to Jongin with a nod. The door shuts and before I speak, Jongin holds up a hand. He takes a small implement from his pocket, scanning the room. He nods, finding the small little mics and turns them off.

“We’re good.”

“Should we tell them about…,” I say, looking at my arm.

“I’m going to ask about that,” He says, pushing in a series of buttons. He speaks into the communicator, words are no language I could recognize. Smart.

A few minutes, then he hangs up. Jongin nods, “Minseok has a bunch of proof he sent over as part of the information. Says that when it comes time to talk about your part that day is when it will come up.” Jongin places a hand on my shoulder, “Are you ok with that? Would you rather I explain?”

“What about Rhys,” I ask, my heart racing as I feel panic start to rise.

“They’re ready to take him into custody the second it airs,” Jongin explains, nodding.

“Ok,” I nod, before he smiles at me.

“I’ll be there for you if you need me,” He says just as the door opens.

“I see you found the mics,” Celieste says, nodding. “Smart. I should have told them to take them out.” She tilts her head, “Follow me. No need for you both to get mics, the stage has them ready. All you have to do is speak.”

Soon, we’re in this huge room, with many seats and people filling every single one. Behind us was a hologram projection of the U.N. logo.

Celieste sits at the only empty seat at the front, a mic on her shirt. She unfolds a folder, “Please state your names and occupations for the record.”

“Captain Kim Jongin,” He says, standing almost regally. Shoulders back and all the confidence in the world. “Fighter pilot and leader of fleet Altair.”

“Master Sergeant Lyra Lang, Fighter mechanic,” I say, trying to appear just as confident as Jongin.

“How long have the both of you known about the corruption of the commanders,” She says, looking at her folder.

“I learned the day of the attack here on Earth,” Jongin explains. “After an attempt of my life was thwarted. A plan made by them called Clipped Wings.”

“I learned a few days before that,” I say, “Special Forces Captain Zhang Yixing informed me by finding the truth. He instructed me to hide the info chip used to release the truth to the public.”

“Why didn’t you say anything earlier,” She asks, looking at me.

“Who would have believed me,” I asked. “The encryption level on that chip was more than I could crack, so even if I wanted to, I couldn’t. Besides, Captain Zhang was planning on a way to show it to everyone, but he was being silently hunted down as part of Clipped Wings.”

“Where did you hide the chip,” She asks.

“On top of one of the blades of my ceiling fan in my room on the Syndicate base here on Earth,” I explain, “I taped coins that weigh roughly the same on the other blades so that there would be no noticeable difference.”

“What is Clipped Wings?”

Jongin nods, “A operation that the corrupt members of the Syndicate thought of in order to reduce the number of Krytons killed. They knew that we were killing them faster than they were made. If we started seeing less we would go looking and found out what they were doing,” The hologram beside him shifts, as we see faces of people. I recognize Jongin and Yixing. “They planned to kill those of us who are good at killing Krytons. The best fighters, pilots, and special forces members who were exceptionally good at it. As you can see,” He says gesturing to his face, “They clearly didn’t discriminate no matter who it is, as even though my… my father is Ex-commander Kim, they were willing to kill me to keep this a secret. And they did make the attempt.”

“No one else knew about this but the four commanders,” She asks.

This time, I answer, “There was a list on the infor chip who knew and who didn’t. Only one of Five commanders didn’t know, and that was Judicial commander Krims.”

“Tell us about the attempt on your life, Captain.”

“My sister planned it. She ordered someone to come in my room and attempt to kill me.”

“Who?”

I take a deep breath. Here we go. “Me.”

Celieste looked taken back. The crowd muttered before I opened my mouth to speak again. “But I didn’t want to. Because though all this, another secret was found.” I see the hologram shift to an arm with one of the marks. “In Tribil, life is not how they are portraying it on the outside. People are starving. If you work in the mines, they keep you fed just enough to work and not enough to revolt against them.”

“What does this have anything to do with this,” A man asks in the crowd.

“Just bare with me,” I say, “Another way to earn enough credits to get some food is errands. Then you eat maybe once every three days if you’re lucky. But there is another. If you agree, to get all the food you can eat. But that requires taking the mark.” I point, “That is a tattoo that is infused with nanotech. If you agree, you get this one,” I say, pointing to it. “You also have to get one if you leave Tribil. What is does is a person with this mark, Tribian for the letter A, has to listen to the person with the other mark.”

I look out at the crowd. “You can not disobey. Even if you try. They tell you to do something, you must do it. Even if you fight as hard as you can in your mind, you body will act.” I point, “When they let Tribians leave, they are forced to get this mark and told never to reveal the greatest secret on Tribil.”

“What is that secret,” Celieste asks, looking concerned.

“The people who get these marks are forced into prostitution,” I say, “Most of the people who get them are tricked. Told that it’s for being a maid.”

“Prostitution is legal on Tribil,” Someone shouts.

“Not this kind,” I say. “The bylaws of the Universes that Tribil signed said that they will not force people into it. That they have to consent to the sex. On Tribil, there is no such thing as consent. There is only orders, and you follow them no matter if you don’t want to.” I could feel tears in my eyes. “But first let me tell you about how it connects to the day of the attack and Clipped Wings.”

“I had it, and Kim Minjung got the other one,” I look at Jongin, “She ordered me to go to Jongin’s room and kill him.” I shook my head, “I fought as hard as I could, but there is no stopping you once you have the mark. So I tried. And I failed. So she ordered I try to kill myself.”

“I stopped her from doing that,” Jongin says. “It was discovered that with an F level strength magnet, and with an electric shock, you can pull the nanotech out of a mark. After the attempt on my life failed, Doh Kyungsoo too her to the hanger and pulled the nano tech out.”

“The attack happened almost immediately after the attempt on my life,” Jongin says, “So we fought. We too out the main threat, the bomber, and killed all the Krytons who were there. We also stopped Ex-commander Kim and Kim Minjung from escaping. We knew that Commander Krims wasn’t corrupted, and immediately got him involved so those who are corrupt would face justice.”

“What about the marks use on Tribil,” Celieste asked. I could tell she knew something was up with the marks.

“It’s used in prostitution, like I said before. I had the mark. I was forced to do many things I never wanted to, and if I begged them to stop they would just tell me to stop talking, or tell me to act like I loved it, and even if I didn’t want to the mark made me.” I glare, out at the crowd. “The bylaws also say that there is to be no child prostitution, but in Tribil, that is the regular.” I hear a lot of gasps from the crowd. “I was nine when I was told I’d just be a maid. So I got the mark because I was desperate and starving.” I shake my head, “I was nine years old then Iscar Rhys told me to get into bed. When he told me to beg him for it. When he told me to open my legs and stop crying.” I shook my head, feeling the tears flowing now. “Iscar Rhys, the previous king of Tribil was a pedophile and a rapist. And his son, the current king? He uses the mark in order to have sex with women. He’ll order them to take his beatings. Instead of making me beg him to keep going, he got off to people crying and begging him to stop. Rape is his ultimate fantasy.”

“Liar,” I hear from the crowd. A man gets up, his form shifting as the illusion tech faded. He raised his arm, a gun in hand before he was tackled to the ground.

I see a guard from my left coming, rushing over.

“Take them to safety,” Celieste says, glaring at the man on the ground. “How in the fuck did he get in?”

“Ask my colleague,” He says with a grin.

The guard got to us, and as I turn to him, I felt pain. I look down, seeing a knife sticking out of my chest. I look up, his form shifting too. He smiled, before taking a pistol from his side.

“Courtesy of Rhys,” He says, “Said to say if he can’t have you, no one can.”

He raised the gun, pointing it at Jongin. I hit his hand up, so the shot soars away.

In the blink of an eye, I see Jongin take the gun, shooting him in the shin. He falls down, yelling in agony as he grips the knife tighter. The blade was pulled out as he fell, blood seeping down my chest.

I fall back, Jongin catching me, “No, NO!” I hear him yell, a hand over my wound. I see medical officers running up, and a few taking the person who attacked us into custody. I felt the sharp pain just as I looked at Jongin.

I feel a kiss to my forehead, “Don’t you leave me, Lyra,” He says, tears coming to his eyes. “I love you, you hear me? You’re not allowed to die on me. Stay with me,” I see the fear in his eyes as he looks down. “You can’t leave me now,” I hear him say, voice in pain as the tears fell.

I wanted to tell him it’s ok, but just as he says that, my eyes flutter closed.

[cottontail20]

Children Of Iron, Chapter 13: Help Needed

Summary: With all the adults handling other matters, Peter asks for Harley's help after uncovering the truth about Mysterio.

Ao3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/20323687/chapters/55415650

Soon afterwards, Vision deposited Ned and Betty outside the Hotel.

He received a few puzzled looks from people around, because, as he had realised while rescuing the young couple, most of the World was still under the impression that Vision was dead. This wasn't really an Earth-shattering realisation, as he hadn't any reason to believe that anyone aside from the surviving Avengers and Avenger-affiliated persons knew that he was alive. They'd kept the matter quiet. Before this trip, Vision could have counted the places he'd been since his resurrection on less than one hand. He'd been in no rush to reveal himself, even after he'd mostly recovered from his ordeal. Vision had enjoyed his new quiet life with Wanda, Pepper, and Morgan much more than his public one as an Avenger.

Well, his return to life was out of the bag now, but he would have to deal with any consequences of that reveal later. Now, he just had to find Wanda. He had no idea how badly she'd been hurt, and he desperately hoped she was alright. If not.. Well, that wasn't worth thinking about.

"You two should be alright now" said Vision, turning to Betty and Ned. "I think the trouble is over. But please, just stay here at the Hotel, at least for the rest of the night, preferably until your School Teachers bring better instructions."

"We will Mr. Vision" Ned nodded. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Stay safe, kids." Vision took off just as the rest of Peter's class returned from their not-so-thrilling night at the Opera.

"Whoa!" Flash Thompson whipped out his phone, his camera managing to catch a brief shot of Vision's fluttering golden cape as he flew into the distance. "That was The Vision!"

"I thought he was dead.." Mr. Dell frowned, confused.

"How did he know we were on a School trip?" asked Betty, turning to Ned.

"Uh.." Ned giggled nervously, "Super robot brain?" --

While his search for Wanda was, at first, depressingly fruitless, he breathed a sigh of relief when he returned to the site of the battle in search of help. Harley was using his droids to help with the clean-up, overseen by Maria Hill and other members of Fury's team, Peter seemed to be moping a little atop a nearby building.. And there was Wanda, arguing with Fury as she refused to get into an 'Ambulance', manned by Fury's own people, of course, and be taken for medical attention.

"I'm not going anywhere until I know that Vision is safe!" Wanda snapped, not caring one bit that the man at whom she was snapping was probably one of the most powerful people she'd ever met. "He's still fragile right now.. How the Hell could you lose him?!"

"Our Comms were knocked out after the battle" Fury replied, surprisingly calm. "But from what I could tell, Vision just went to drop the teen lovebirds back at the Hotel. I assure you, he is absolutely.."

"Wanda!" Vision cried, running to embrace her as he landed.

"Vizh!" Wanda returned his embrace, relieved.

Distracted by their reunion, neither of them noticed Beck leaving to 'comfort' Peter.

"Absolutely fine" Fury finished. "Now get in and get that head wound treated, Maximoff. You're much too valuable to lose."

"I'd take that as a compliment if I were you" Hill called, and Harley chuckled. "That's probably the closest you'll get to hearing him admit that he likes you."

Fury huffed in what seemed s very un-Fury like manner, but Wanda, much more inclined to behave now that she knew Vision was alright, hopped into the Ambulance, and no-one objected when Vision travelled with her.

"Are you alright?" Vision held her hand as Fury's medics began cleaning her head wound. "What happened?"

"Just an accident with a piece of resturi" Said Wanda. "The wound is in exactly the same place as the scar Proxima Midnight gave me, so once it heals up, no-one will know the difference. And I met MJ. She seems like a very nice girl."

The look Wanda gave him let Vision know that they both knew what had really happened to her during the battle, but unfortunately, there wasn't much they could do to prove it. Vision suddenly felt rather troubled by the fact that he'd left Peter and Harley alone while someone like Beck was floating around, but.. They were both smart boys. Everything would be fine. --

Hill dropped Harley back at the Hotel, telling him to stay put until Wanda or Vision came to collect him. Sometime later, say, about three minutes after Peter Parker had left with MJ, hoping for one night of fun before their trip was supposed to end, Harley Keener decided to ignore Hill's instructions and go for a walk as well.

He didn't mean to be disobedient, he actually quite liked Agent Hill. Harley just really needed some fresh air, and time to think. A few things were just not adding up. For one, as much as he'd studied the matter, Harley could not for the life of him work out what had interfered with his droids during the battle to stop the drone strike. Now, cleaning up after the defeat of the Fire Elemental, he couldn't help but notice that there was slightly less damage than you would expect from such an event.

Unknowingly walking some way behind Peter and MJ, Harley was too lost in his thoughts to notice the first flicker of the hologram projector MJ had been carrying with her, but he definitely saw the second. A monstrous creature, and Mysterio apparently fighting it. Standing in shock for a moment until the image disappeared, he ran towards the pair of teenagers, one of whom he recognised as Peter.

"We really need to go.." Peter was saying to the girl accompanying him, who looked excited and terrified in almost equal measure.

"What the Hell was that?" Harley cried as he approached.

"Whoa!" MJ jumped, startled. "Who are you?"

"Harvey!" This time, Peter looked happy to see him.

"Harley" Harley corrected, only slightly annoyed. They had only just met, after all, and the names were similar.

"Right, sorry" And Peter really did sound sorry. "Listen, I really messed up, and I could use your help."

"Oh" Harley's eyes lit up. "Sure, what can I do?"

"Come with us, I'll explain on the way.."

Both boys took off running. MJ gazed after them for a moment, confused, then shrugged and followed, a smile on her face.

"I can't believe I worked it out!"

Notes:

Translation:

Resturi: Debris

[sarcasticmesswriting]

WinterHawk Week Day 5 - Arranged Marriage

Historical Au with some typical period and arranged marriage consent issues, though it has a beautiful Happy Ending.

It is nearly 4K so make sure you have the time :D (You can still find all 7 stories collectively at Ao3 here.

Clint never viewed his life as either lucky or unlucky. There were only circumstances and whatever work he had done to better his life. 

Circumstances that determined Clint was born into the family to an easily addicted father who loved gambling, women and his drink. A father who beat his sons and still managed to get one on his side to share games of dice, women or a drink.

Clint never liked the idea of his life being all written out as some declaration read to the commoners in the market square. He was more than just the son of a man who had fallen from glory gained in war. 

Starting as an errand boy Clint quickly became the most reliable in the city. He was fast and nimble enough to go routes no one else could and none of his wares ever went missing. Years he worked and built a reputation, getting a job going in and out of the castle, getting paid better and finding friends in the people in the castle, noble and commoner. 

Harold and Barney tried to rope Clint into their dealing, tried to get him to give them money, but Clint barely had enough to sustain himself. And he really didn’t want to support their habits. 

Years of having a pretty decent life with ups and downs, but he still didn’t expect to be called in front of the Kings of their country. 

Anxiety churned in his gut as two guards he had just talked to this morning opened the door to the throne room. They looked serious and maybe even pitying. 

The room had never been this long or his stride had never been this short.

King Steve and King Tony sat in their equally large thrones with grave expressions, advisers in a group to the right, the captain of the guard with a couple high ranking officers on the left. They didn’t have their weapons out. Yet. 

Clint knelt down, head hung low and said loud and clear, “Your Majesties.”

“Please, Clint, there is no need to kneel,” Steve said kindly and Clint quickly got up, putting his hands behind his back for lack of a better spot. 

“Now we called you here to talk about your family’s debt to the crown.” Tony lounged precariously on his throne and Steve sent him the usual reproaching look Tony ignored. 

“I see,” Clint said slowly, even though he didn’t. He didn’t have anything to do with that debt. Unofficially he had already washed his hands off it, but officially he was still part of the Barton family. His only reason for not doing that yet was that he didn’t want to lose his mother’s surname. 

“Steve and I have talked at length on how to approach this and we have decided to release you of the whole debt.” 

“In exchange for your hand in marriage.” 

“My hand in-” Clint blinked at them in incomprehension. “I don’t understand. Barney and my father are the ones you should talk about the debt to. Your Majesties,” he added quickly, lowering his gaze. 

“Has no one told you?” Rhodey stepped forward, his Captain’s insignia on his chest shining in the light from the windows. 

“Told me what?”

“Clint, there was a brawl in The Sun three days ago,” Rhodey said, coming closer, hands away from his sword, but Clint still kept his posture unthreatening. It didn’t matter that they were friends outside of this hall. “Your father and Barney were involved and suffered severe injuries. They died that night.”

“They’re both…?” Clint couldn’t feel his fingers, couldn’t wrap his head around the idea of being the last one left of his family. 

“Yes. I’m so sorry, Clint.” Rhodey looked like he genuinely meant it, but Clint wasn’t upset? Or at least he didn’t think so. Maybe it would need some time to sink in, but now he was in front of the crown, talking about money he had to pay back. Money he absolutely and without a doubt did not have. 

“If I may ask, who will I marry?” He didn’t want to leave the city. All his friends were here. Marrying the person chosen by the crown would free him of the debt, but maybe shackle him to someone cruel and unkind. Even so, did it even matter? The crown wanted him to marry someone. He couldn’t refuse. And no matter who it was Clint would be fine. Clint was tenacious and had survived the beatings of his father, the cold starving touch of winter more than once. 

“Bucky Barnes.” 

The Winter Soldier. Clint’s stomach bottomed out.

~~

“You’re definitely going to die,” Natasha commented, hands busy braiding Pepper’s red hair. 

“He is not going to die,” Pepper said with an eye roll, though she very purposefully didn’t move her head. 

“I don’t know, man. I have never seen that guy smile or sad.” Sam’s knife impaled the wooden target with a dull thud, a good foot away from where Clint’s was embedded. “He is the crown’s most successful assassin. I do not want to be in your shoes right now.” 

“Great,” Clint muttered, throwing his second knife with all his strength, making the whole target shake. “I’m going to die.”

~~

It had only been a couple of days since Clint had been pushed into marrying someone, but here he was, being dressed in clothes that surely cost just as much as the debt he had been released from, for a wedding to a man Clint had never really spoken to. 

Barnes had always been around the castle when Clint had come to it to run errands. When Clint hadn’t known who the man was, Clint had tried to talk to him, tried to strike up a conversation and make a friend and maybe help the handsome, slightly lost looking man. 

Barnes had glared at him, grunted and left. All the following instances they were in the vicinity of each other Barnes had glared at him, often stared at Clint while Clint talked to someone else. 

Once Clint saw him covered in blood that wasn’t his own, seconds after killing a man making an attempt on the Kings’ lives. 

Rumors called him a rapist and a killer of children, called him the moon to Steve’s sun. 

Clint was to be his husband, his property and whatever else Barnes wanted him to be. Barnes didn’t even need to tell the Kings that Clint wasn’t cooperating, he could just kill Clint himself without a problem. 

“You look very handsome,” Pepper pulled him out of his thoughts. Her smile was calm and encouraging. 

He didn’t understand how she could believe this was not going to end in bloodshed. 

“Thank you.” Swallowing he straightened his jacket and turned to look over his room for one last time.

It was nothing special. A tiny room above the blacksmith with a bed and a small cabinet for the few clothes he owned. He would never see it again. Instead, he would go to live in whatever rooms Barnes inhabited in the castle. 

He offered Pepper his arm and she took it with another smile. 

“It’s going to be fine. Maybe you will even come to like him.” 

He sincerely doubted that.

The ceremony was held in the chapel, overseen by both Kings and advisers and all of Clint’s commoner friends. All the seats were filled and flowers decorated every inch. Barnes was dressed in black like always and Clint refused to let his head hung low as Clint stepped up next to him. 

The words of the minister washed over Clint like white noise and he only snapped out of the daze he hadn’t even noticed he had entered into when it was time for Clint and Barnes to move into the throne hall for the feast. 

There was no kiss to seal the marriage, there was no happy exchange of rings, there was no dance or stolen touches. It was just everyone happily eating incredible food, laughing and getting drunk, while Barnes and Clint sat at the table of honor next to the Kings in silence. 

Clint only managed to swallow two bites, before his stomach rebelled and he stuck to picking at the food on his plate. Barnes didn’t seem to have the same problem and Clint kind of resented him even more for it.

After Tony was well into his cups, he winked at Clint and Barnes - his husband - and got them to leave the party. The catcalls from the other guests were quickly silenced by a single look from Barnes and cold anxiety rolled down Clint’s back as he followed Barned out of the room and down hallways and up stairs. 

The door they stopped at was simple wood with metal reinforcement and Barnes opened the door with a key before nodding for Clint to go in first. 

The room was so much bigger than Clint’s, more expensive, which wasn’t a surprise, but it was much simpler than other rooms in the castle Clint had snuck a peek into. Clint couldn’t see any personal effects and beside a small trunk he had put his stuff in prior to the wedding, there wasn’t much else. 

Clint blinked as Barnes basically pushed the key in his face. When he took it Barnes turned and started to make his way out of the room. 

“Wait,” Clint said confused. He shouldn’t put thoughts in Barnes’ head, but he rather got this over with as soon as possible. “We’re not going to consummate the marriage?” 

Barnes paused in the doorway and only turned his head after a good five seconds, eyes scrutinizing Clint from top to bottom. “No,” he simply said, voice rough, before he left the room and closed the door behind him. 

Not sure what else to do and not understanding Barnes at all Clint started to explore. There were no paintings or pictures, no jewelry or other trinkets, nothing that indicated Barnes had a personality. Not even any clothes of his own. 

It was very strange. 

Clint passed the night fitfully. Every noise was unfamiliar, every creak was the potential sound of Barnes returning. 

When the sky started to lighten and the sky peeked over the horizon, Clint got up from the too soft bed and got dressed in his own clothes, the commoner clothes that made it easier to move around in and blend in. 

For a while, it was like the wedding had never happened. Clint went about his deliveries, helped anyone who needed it and continued to steal food from Natasha in the kitchens. The only thing that really changed was the room he returned to every night. He didn’t see Barnes either around the castle or at night in the room, but he wasn’t sure if it was because Barnes was trying to lure Clint into false security or if he really wasn’t interested. 

And then, just as he was leaving the kitchen with threats being shouted after him, he crossed paths with Rhodey who smiled at him.

“Ah, I’ve been looking for you. Would you like to join us for practice, Clint?”

It took only a second to make sure everything he needed to do today could be postponed. “Sure.” He loved watching the knights train, though he could never do it for very long or very frequently. 

Everyone else was already on the field and warming up. Which didn’t really make sense. If they didn’t need someone to carry their weapons or targets or whatever else they needed, why did Rhodey tell Clint to come with?

Barnes noticed Clint first and if possible, he looked even more furious than usual. At the moment he grabbed Steve and dragged him a couple of steps away, Steve didn't look like the King he was. They were too far to hear clearly as Barnes started to hiss at Steve, but they stood in a way that made it possible for Clint to read their lips. 

“This was your fucking idea. Don’t lie.” 

“Come on, Buck. This is a good thing.”

“It’s fucking torture and you fucking know it.” Barnes let go of Steve, looked over at Clint and their eyes met in the same moment Sam’s arm was slung across Clint’s shoulder and pulled him in a hug. 

“I’m going to have so much fun beating you at something.” 

“Never,” Clint answered, looking up at Sam. 

“Your husband is glaring at me in jealousy,” Sam whispered into Clint’s ear. “You must have won him over with your sexual prowess.” 

Clint pulled a face in a mix of disgust and embarrassment. “I hate you.” 

“Aww, don’t lie. You love me.” Sam grinned at him and attempted to kiss him jokingly, but Clint stopped him with an elbow to the side. 

Someone cleared their throat next to them and Clint glanced over to see that Barnes had approached them. He was looking even more murderous than a second ago. 

“Steve wants to spar with you, Sam.” 

“Sure, sure. Let me have the bruises while you two cosy up. I understand.” With a wink, Sam went over to Steve leaving Clint and Barnes in awkward silence. 

Or at least Clint felt awkward. Who could tell from Barnes’ blank expression, though he did avoid eye contact. 

“It’s fine.”

Clint frowned at Barnes. “What?”

“We’re married because of Steve. Sam’s fine.” Barnes glanced at Clint and quickly looked away when he saw that Clint was already looking at him. A knife appeared in his hand he started to fiddle with. “I wouldn’t consider it cheating if you two get involved.” 

“I,” Clint stopped, blinking in confusion, not sure if he had heard correctly. “What?”

Barnes exhaled sharply, frowning down at the ground. “You were forced into this. You should be with someone you want to be with. That’s all.” He turned away and walked over to Rhodey who immediately pulled him into a sparring match, leaving Clint to stare after him. 

As stilted as that had been it had seemed like concern for Clint’s happiness? 

Clint was distracted by watching Barnes during the rest of the training. All the other knights seemed to chalk his failure up to being a novice at sword fighting and Clint for once didn’t bother to correct them or boast about his ability to pick skills up quickly. 

Observing Barnes was puzzling. All the little details Clint had never seen before didn’t really fit with the image of the ruthless, murderous killer Clint had built Barnes up as in his head. 

Yes, he was the most skilled fighter among the knights and there was no hesitation in his movements with a sword or knives, but when they stood around and talked about the next exercise or the topic of conversation turned to something else entirely, Barnes tended to stay silent and stare off to the side or even turn a knife over in his hands behind his thigh, half-hidden from everyone else. Clint would say it almost looked nervous. 

A half-assed plan started to form in Clint’s head, but he always worked best with those. 

At the end of the training, everyone was sweaty and grass-stained, but they were still joking around, still happy with their Kings, especially because Steve acted more like a fellow knight than their King. Still, the other knights grabbed weapons to get back to the weapon room or left to do something else, when Clint used the perfect moment of stopping Steve, so no one else noticed. 

“May I ask a question, your Majesty?” 

Steve looked half-amused, half reproachful. “Really, call me Steve outside of official events. And of course, you may. You’re married to my best friend.”

“That’s actually what I wanted to talk about. Ba-Bucky kind of told me the reason why you wanted us to marry. I guess I just wanted to confirm because he… well.”

“Oh, I get it. He’s being shy again, isn’t he?” Steve shook his head with a smile. “You know, every time he looks ready to kill someone he is usually trying not to blush or say the wrong thing. He’s been pining for you for so long, you would think he now has a thousand things to say.” 

“Yeah, right.” Clint barely registered the heavy hand on his shoulder and only absentmindedly watched Steve walk away. 

Barnes had been pining? For Clint? And he had been insecure this whole time and not angry at all? At least if Steve was to be believed and Steve was the most honest person in the whole kingdom. 

All Clint’s friends knew that his self-preservation instincts only went so far, but even he wasn’t stupid enough to confront Barnes with only Steve’s word as assurance, so he did something else. 

Clint started to follow Barnes around. 

It wasn’t the easiest thing in the world, but as Clint always pretended to talk to someone or do things when Barnes looked at him, so he probably hadn’t been discovered yet. 

For a couple of days, nothing interesting or very revealing happened and Clint was close to giving up. Or at least he was because he never managed to stick close after dinner. Either Barnes vanished alone while others were eating or Clint had to take a different hallway all together as to not arouse suspicions, but tonight Barnes seemed to be deep in thought and Clint was able to follow him while using shadows. 

Whatever Clint expected to walk into, and he wasn’t really expecting anything, it wasn’t for Barnes to walk into the stables and enter the tack room in the back, leaving the door slightly ajar. 

As quietly as Clint could he moved closer until he was able to look into the room. 

At first he only saw saddles, then there was a huge solid trunk shoved into a corner and Clint tried to see more and slowly edged the door open even more, but he didn’t see the raised stone in the floor and his foot promptly caught on it, causing him to fall forward into the room with a yelp. 

Hands caught him just before he busted his knees on the stone floor and trepidation rushed through Clint as his eyes moved over grey stones over blankets to Barnes sitting on said blankets holding Clint up above him. 

For a moment they looked at each other with wide eyes, both surprised for very different reasons until the things with Barnes in the room clicked in Clint’s head and of course immediately left his mouth.

“This is where you’ve been sleeping this whole time!” It was too loud, too blunt. Clint was afraid as soon as he said it, but he forgot all about it when he observed a never before seen blush cover Barnes’ cheeks. 

“My rooms were supposed to be our rooms, but you wanted them.” 

“I never said I wanted them. You just gave me a key and left and never said anything again until you told me I could fuck Sam.” 

Barnes winced, something dark flashing through his eyes. 

“You don’t want me to fuck Sam.” Clint felt like he was solving one of Tony’s puzzles or Bruce’ riddles, his thoughts spilling out without even the pretence of a filter. “You want me to be happy, but you don’t like the idea of me being happy with someone else. You let me move into your own room and start sleeping in the stables. Steve said you’re shy, that you pined for me. I thought he was joking, but.” But now with the evidence right in front of Clint’s eyes, with Barnes beneath him with a red face and not pushing Clint away or even stabbing him like Barnes undoubtedly could, it seemed more and more like the truth. “Do you like me, Bucky?”

Bucky’s hands slipped off Clint’s shoulders and suddenly Clint landed completely on top of Bucky, nose pressing against Bucky’s neck, chest to chest and what was… 

It was Clint’s turn to blush furiously when he realized what was pushing against his belly. 

“I, um, I’m not good with people and emotions,” Bucky said quietly, looking to the side when Clint sat up slightly, legs on each side of Bucky’s. “You. You talked to me when everyone else was too afraid. You always gave more than you took with to with everyone, no matter their status.” He swallowed and Clint felt warmer than he should, happier than he should. “I. Yes, I like you. Of course, I like you.” With a groan, he rubbed his face with his hands. 

Another, potentially terrible, idea made Clint reach out to curl his hands around Bucky’s wrists to pull his hands away, so Clint could lean in to kiss him. Maybe it was a kiss, Clint hadn’t had too many experiences in that department. 

Cute, he thought, observing Bucky’s reaction. At that moment Bucky really didn’t look like the deadliest assassin in the whole country, but more like a fumbling teenager. 

“I honestly haven’t thought about you and me before right now, but I’m definitely thinking about it right now.”

“Y-You are?” The hope in Bucky’s voice and face kind of broke Clint’s heart.

“We’re already married, so we are doing things a bit backwards, but I have never been conventional.” Clint winked at him and watched in awe how the most brilliant smile appeared on Bucky’s face. 

Arms wrapped around Clint’s waist and hugged him so tightly, Clint was barely able to breathe, but he felt strangely safe. If anyone wanted to get to Clint they would have to go through the most feared killer of the kingdom, if not the world. And Clint was the only one who knew the real Bucky Barnes, the one outside of the battlefield, the one who felt too much to express properly, who wanted to spoil the people in his life rotten even though he was always uncertain if it was welcome. Clint was the only one coaxing out all the different expressions and the whispered comments that got Clint to double over in laughter while Steve looked at them in satisfaction and disapproval because it was the middle of a council meeting. 

It was Clint who proposed to Bucky, because he wanted to, after being together forever. 

They had just won what looked like the last battle in an incredibly annoying war and after becoming one of the best knights Clint was right at the front line with Bucky and Steve and Sam at his sides. They were all covered in blood and Bucky looked just like one of the first times Clint had ever seen him, all terrifying and murderous and unapproachable. 

Something crunched under his knee when Clint knelt down in front of Bucky. 

“Holy shit,” Sam exclaimed right next to them, but Clint didn’t look away from Bucky, watched the realization wash over Bucky’s face, the joy lighten up his whole demeanour. 

“Yes,” Bucky answered the unspoken question, hauling Clint back onto his feet to kiss him senseless until Rhodey told them off. 

Clint had never viewed his life as lucky or unlucky, but he was happy and that was really the only thing that counted. 

[papijoonzpizza]

Fireball (M)

Hoseok smut (one shot)

Both the demise and blessing of your night, with fireball coursing through your veins you find it hard to resist those eyes staring at you from across the room.

Warning: Smut, public sex, drinking, oral (both receiving)

Word Count: 6,281

This idea has been in the back of my mind for a while, but a lot of inspiration came from the feelings I got from watching this

“Oh come on _____ you gotta let loose in some way… PLUS it’s not like you have any other plans for tonight do you?” Actually, you did. Although some might not call the half finished bottle of Chardonnay and Step Up DVD Rental much in regards to importance, for you however, it certainly takes the cake when compared to being surrounded by intoxicated sweaty limbs that tend to wander to places you’d rather not have them go. This tends to be most cases of course, every now and then you actually enjoyed the night but of course you were always in the mood then... unlike now.

“Sung Hee I am just not feeling it right now. I’m going to take a rain check and we can go next Saturday instead yeah?” You look up at the brunette seated across from you, now exhibiting a glint in her eye… uh-oh, you sigh and slouch your head in defeat. You wait for the next thing to leave her mouth, knowing that whatever it was would leave you with no choice but to follow her throughout whatever she had planned tonight.

“Awww, but I already told my dad that we were going to go! He said he wanted me to get along with my seniors, I guess I will just have to tell him that you weren’t up to-”

“Alright fine” you groan, flattening out your pencil skirt while getting out of your chair. She gets up and follows you as you empty out your tray in the trash bin.

“Fine what? If you really aren’t up to it I can just explain-” , “Fine let’s go to whatever place you had in mind” you say through gritted teeth. Sung Hee’s face breaks into a smile and she does a little dance causing you to roll your eyes. You continue to walk towards your office, cursing at your luck. If only it wasn’t you who she had chosen to entertain her power with. With her dad being one of the higher ups in your company it was no surprise that everyone else sucked up to her, being nice enough as to even do some of her job for her. Everyone else except you, whom had decided to stay as far away from her as possible. It was this exact reason however, that she fixed herself to your side and tested her limits so as to keep herself amused.

“Well you see there is this place called Eclipse that just opened on-”

“Cool, I will meet you there” you interrupt, not wanting to waste more time than had already been given. “What time did you want to meet up?” you turn around and face her head on suddenly causing her to stumble backwards. A brief flash of fear flashes in her eyes and at this you lean backwards awaiting her response.

“How about you pick me up at 9 pm, I will text you the address. Bye ____, thanks for having lunch with me, see you later!” Sung Hee quips and turns around, walking down the hall.

You glare in annoyance at the oversway of her hips as she passes her male coworkers. She isn’t exactly the most celibate individual, in fact you had overheard several times from the male coworkers about how good she was at this or that. You never really cared for this information knowing that it could all be talk. You realized soon after that at least some of it had to be true since you had caught her having sex at least four times in the conference room. Each time it was with someone different and you have yet to hear from someone at the company who has not “had their way with her” to put it in their words. Even with all of that, she still managed to seem a little fearful of you. You turn around and smirk, if only she feared you enough to leave you alone. Shaking your head you open your door and enter your office.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Getting home later that day, you groan and throw yourself back onto your bed. Lifting your wrist to your eye level, you find your watch notifying you that you roughly had an hour and forty five minutes until your impending doom. You get up and begin undressing, getting into the shower after you put on your playlist. You calm almost instantly as the music blends with the falling water. Running your fingers through your hair you begin to massage your scalp and sigh as your body relaxes. You wash away the feeling of filth that has collected throughout the day, feeling fully refreshed at the end. You exit the shower while grabbing a towel and begin to dry your body. You open the door allowing the steam that has accumulated in the bathroom to spill out towards your room before making your way to your clothes.

Looking through your closet you find that you don’t even have the slightest idea as to what to wear. It’s not like you knew whether or not she had selected somewhere fancy or more casual. As if almost on cue, your phone dings from the other side of the room. You open it and roll your eyes at what Sung Hee has sent you.

Sent from: Sung Hee             8:03 PM

Here is my address! Make sure to wear something that shows some skin, I still have a reputation to uphold.

Delivered to: Sung Hee          8:04 PM

K, see you soon

You respond and throw your phone onto the foot of your bed before turning around to face your closet. You approach the end where you keep your favorite black dress, pulling it out to admire it in the mirror. You grab your red pumps and make your way to your bathroom. Proceeding to get ready, it doesn’t take long until you find yourself glancing at the clock and find it time to leave. Grabbing your things, you leave your apartment and call the first cab you see. After giving them Sung Hee’s address you notify her that you have left. Staring out the window you find yourself lost in thought as you stare at the stars. You almost don’t even notice the cab stop until a sudden chill gets sent throughout the cab with the opening of the door.

“It took you long enough ____” Sung Hee states, shutting the door behind her. She turns and takes in your appearance “well at least you dressed nicely.” At this you scoff and take in her appearance. She’s wearing a white cocktail dress that rises up so high you see the black lace adorning her hip. Her attention is fixed on the reflection in her mirror as she fixes her makeup, gasping when the cab reaches a speed bump almost causing her to ruin her entire look. A chuckle makes its way out of your mouth and you quickly turn it into a coughing fit when her eyes begin to shoot daggers at you.

“______ have you ever hooked up with anyone at the office?” she asks, beginning to apply her lipstick. At this you shift uncomfortably in your seat, unsure as to where to begin so that the conversation ends quickly.

“Uh-uhm no, why?” you fiddle with your fingers as she turns to look at you in almost shock.

“Really? Like you haven’t thought about it at all?” she pushes, leaning towards you with a almost piercing gaze, searching for any indication that you were lying. You proceed to shake your head, meeting her gaze straight on. She shrugs, fixated back to her mirror and proceeds to clean any overlap she has created with her application.

“Well maybe you should consider it, I mean some of those guys really know what their doing.” she blows a kiss to her pocket mirror before closing it and placing it back into her bag.

“Yeah?” You raise one of your brows at her. “Like who?” you question, curious as to who could possibly be that good that she was recommending that you sleep with them.

“Well for one there’s Dae Hee, Eun Soo, oh, even Sung Ki! well... I guess they are all good, but maybe you should try with Tae Song first since he’d probably be the best first lay” She taps her fingers against her puckered lips in thought, tilting her head slightly as she stares at the roof of the cab. Seeing your opportunity, you take the chance to ask the one question that had made its way to the back of your mind, itching to make its appearance in the conversation.

“Um, not that it is really any of my business and I don’t mean this with any condescending manner... but you used protection when hooking up with them right?” you take in her reaction and turn your attention out the window when she tilts her head questioningly. Oh god, she knew what protection was right? She had to...

“Protection? What do you mean, like mace or pepper spray? Haha you’re silly _____ why would I use that?” At this you shake your head and face palm. You massage your temple before starting to open your mouth, ready to begin your speech on safe sex practices and their importance. Before you can even start however, she begins speaking once again.

“Oh you mean like protection like condoms and stuff?” she chuckles and places her hand on your shoulder as if you were held out on some big secret that would change your life.

“Oh _____, as long as they pull out in time that’s all that matters” your brow furrows in concern as you pull her hand away from your shoulder. You realize that she is only thinking about pregnancy.

“That’s not it-” you begin only to be cut off by the cab driver.

“Here we are” the car slows down, indicating for you to gather your stuff and pay him what’s due. Sung Hee gets out almost immediately after he stops and you throw the fare in his hand before racing after her.

You catch up to her right as she is about to enter, the bouncer giving you a onceover and nodding his head in approval. You grab onto her arm as she twines her way through the crowd of people that have accumulated in the hallway entrance. You step into a big room and instantly let go of Sung Hee, jaw dropping in amazement at the interior of what seemed to be a small building. You certainly had not expected there to be enough room for a balcony, let alone the huge stage they had towards the back of the venue. You spin around, taking in the supporting Tuscan style columns. Pretty classy for a club setting you think, and even then the flashing lights don’t seem out of place. The slight discoloration is doing wonders when placed against the mass of sweaty bodies located on the dancefloor. It almost seems inviting to you and that’s saying a lot.

You spot the bar and walk towards it, finding a stool with no one sitting beside it. You might have found this strange, but after seeing the amounts of booths located upstairs you find it hard to believe that groups of people would rather sit at the bar. You call the bartender over and ask for a shot of tequila, downing it quickly before turning to see if you can spot Sung Hee. Scanning through the crowd you curse at the amount of people that decided to go out in white attire. You almost give up, ready to order another shot before your eyes fixate on someone across the room.

What catches your eye first is not the bright red blazer that adorns his black and white striped button up, but the red colored hair that he runs his fingers through. Although dull in comparison to his blazer, his red hair is flattering against his glowing skin. His sharp features are very attractive and you find yourself shifting in your chair as he brushes his hair back. Your eyes trail down, eyeing the slits that trail dangerously high towards his hip. The tight material does little to mask the tight muscle that flexes as he adjusts his position against the wall. With the sudden movement, your eyes flash back up to his face and you freeze. His gaze pierces yours causing your eyes widen, turning back to face the bar and asking the bartender for three shots of fireball. It’s not like you particularly liked cinnamon flavored whisky, you just wanted to prepare yourself for the slow burn of the night ahead of you.

The first shot burns your throat, depraved from the pleasuring tingles that normally ensue after it makes its way down. You still end up smiling as the warm feeling stays in your chest instead. Glancing around again, you choke on air the moment you find him still staring at you. He licks his lips wickedly and at this you sit up straight, quickly becoming distracted by the glow of your phone. You frown as you notice it’s not anything of importance. Clearing your throat you check your other notifications before placing it back in front of you. The hairs on your arms raise as you sense someone standing behind you. Smirking slightly, you think that maybe he couldn’t stay away after all.

“Jiho’s the name, going home with you tonight is the game” You turn, expecting to see the red head but frown at the sight of tall, built individual with several tattoos adorning his biceps. With the amount of muscle protruding against his polo, you find it hard to believe that he isn’t flexing right now as a means to impress you. When you meet his eyes he smirks and eyes you up and down prompting you to scoff and once again face the bar. This night could not possibly get any worse. “Alright alright, even I admit that that one was a bit too much,” he muses adjusting his pants, “I’m sorry babe but I saw you from across the room and wanted to hear what your voice sounded like. You look absolutely gorgeous by the way, did you come here alone?” Rolling your eyes you massage your forehead before responding.

“Listen boy, if you’re going to talk so much you might as well go chat up that pole over there, I’m sure that it’s tired of only listening to the music.” You nod towards the column that currently supports not only the building structure but a pair of individuals that hold no concern for any wandering eyes that stumble upon their groping forms. At this he chuckles and takes the seat at the bar next to you.

“Alright listen, I don’t really care if you end up going home with me or not but I really just want to dance with you at least once before you end up leaving tonight. How does that sound babe?” You eye him from the corner of your eye as you down your second shot of fireball, grimacing at the burn that makes its way down your throat. You go to grab your third shot and scowl when you find it in his hand, gasping as he quickly downs it and turns to the dancefloor. He quickly faces you again before getting off the stool. “Well if you change your mind I’ll be over there” he signifies by jabbing the air behind him with his thumb.

You shoot a glare and turn back towards the bar signaling the bartender over once again. “Fucking prick” you mutter under your breath, waiting for your turn. As he makes his way towards you, you catch a blur of red out of the corner of your eye and as you open your mouth to order another shot another voice makes its way across the counter to the bartenders ears first.

“Two more shots of what she was drinking please” at this the bartender nods and grabs two shots, serving them quickly before turning his attention elsewhere. Your mouth opens slightly at the sight of the redhead beside you. Your eyes follow his hand as he grabs one of the shots, placing it in front of you.

“What kind of dick takes someone else’s drink? I mean even if you’re friends you still gotta ask don’t you?” You meet his eyes finding them amused with your expression. You giggle and shake your head. Taking your shot glass into your hand you offer to clink it against his. He raises his and the clink of your glasses seems to echo in your ears as you lock eyes. You both bring the glasses up to your lips and knock back the liquor in record time. You find yourself entranced by his gaze and follow the trail of liquor that makes its way down the side of the shot glass and onto his thumb. He brings it up to his mouth and sucks the liquid softly into his mouth while observing your reactions. He smirks at you and only then do you break eye contact, choosing instead to stare at the wall of alcohol before you as your face flushes. You find heat pooling in places that leave you cursing at how good he smells at this proximity. Clearing your throat you face him once again, glancing at his lips briefly before meeting his eyes once again “and what’s your name?”

“Hoseok, and yours?” he leans forward creating a fluttering feeling. “It, it’s ___” you manage to stutter before signaling the bartender to get you some water.

“Well ____, if I didn’t know any better I would guess that not only did you not want to be here to begin with, but that asshole didn’t do much to make your night any better did he?” he nods his head towards the dancefloor where you spot the guy from earlier now dancing with another girl.

“What makes you say that?” you glance downwards, sipping on the water that is placed in front of you.

“The friend you came with left you almost immediately, and for the past hour you have been glancing at your phone non stop” you almost choke on your water. Looking into his eyes you search for any indication that he’s lying but you find nothing but a hint of teasing.

“Haha quiet the creeper aren’t you?” you chuckle, raising your brow at him expecting him to shift uncomfortably in his seat.

Instead, he leans forward, voice dropping an octave lower.

“Ehh, I’d call it more so observant,” he leans forward more, whispering in your ear “then again only in what I want to be.” A shiver is sent down your spine and you squeeze your thighs together. This only minimally soothes the ache that has formed between your legs. Only growing with the almost sinful way he sits back in his chair and gazes at you. Not at your figure, but you yourself as if he already knows what you look like underneath your clothes. As if he has already had his way with you before and he’s hungry for more.

“and what would that be?” you whisper, suddenly feeling as if the air is too thick to breathe. Biting your lip you find that his gaze follows this action causing your breath to get caught in your throat. He opens his mouth and you find yourself slightly leaning forward, eyes attentive on his lips as he licks them before using them to form words.

“Well-”

“____ there you are! Why aren’t you out there dancing? There’s this hot guy and… oh, who’s this?”  Sung Hee’s voice rings behind you. Whatever held you so close to Hoseok snaps and you turn immediately to find the brunette eyeing Hoseok with fluttering eyes while twirling a piece of her hair around her finger. Sung Hee then brushes her hair back bringing a scoff from your mouth as you see just how much cleavage she shows, how typical.

“Hoseok” he says shifting in his seat, sitting up straight. “You must be here with ____ right?” he glances between the both of you as she comes closer to his proximity.

“Well we came here together… but it doesn’t mean we have to go home together either” she says trailing her finger down the broad expanse of his chest. You roll your eyes and call for the bartender, lifting up two fingers to indicate two more shots.

“How about you come dance with me Hoseok, it doesn’t look like ____ is planning to leave that bar stool of hers any time soon” At this you glance at him from the corner of your eyes before downing the amber liquid. He stares at you for what feels like minutes but is probably just a solid couple of seconds before he is pulled away towards the dance floor. You turn, following them with your eyes as they bore holes at the back of Sung Hee’s head. Clenching your jaw you take out your phone and try to distract yourself by looking through your social media. To no avail you find yourself stealing looks at where Sung Hee presses her back into Hoseok as he holds her hips.

Not even noticing when it happens, you find yourself staring at their forms, cursing Sung Hee for deciding to take the one enjoyment of the night you had thus far. You get lost your thoughts as you imagine how things might have ended had she not came back to find you. Had she not just left with someone else you would have gladly allowed yourself to be put at his mercy. Your stomach churns in anticipation as you imagine the way he’d kiss you, the way he’d take off your dress, at the way he would start to kiss his way down your neck making his way to where you wanted him most. You break out of your thoughts as he turns back to find you staring. At this he smirks and turns. Finding yourself no longer facing his back you instead stare at their sides as he tightens his grip on her hips. Sung Hee raises her arms, wrapping them around his neck as she becomes more engrossed in their dancing. Hoseok holds your gaze and then just slightly he begins to move his hips into her, her head falling back against his shoulder as she smiles. If you hadn’t already been staring you wouldn’t have noticed the action, but you cursed your own fate. You bet she feels so ecstatic right now, she must be feeling so lucky to be dancing with someone who moves his hips so sinfully. He begins to run his fingers down her hips, trailing them across her thighs before inching them back up, wrapping them across her middle.

Breaking the gaze, you take your last shot before making your way towards the dancefloor making sure to sway your hips as you do so. Spotting the guy from earlier, you show no hesitance in tapping his shoulder. He turns from the girl he is currently dancing with and smirks eyeing you up and down once again. You cross your arms and turn annoyed as he dismisses the girl, pushing her towards the bar with some cash. She huffs and stalks off  but not before giving you a dirty look.

“Joowon right? I think that it’s time for that dance you wanted” you walk towards him, wrapping your arms around his neck as you push your body flush against him. You begin to sway your hips against his and glance around, only stopping when you lock eyes with Hoseok. You smirk as he eyes the way you begin to roll your body. A grimace makes its way onto your face at the feeling of this guys hands making their way to your ass. At this you turn around, pushing your back against his chest as he places his hands on your hips. You sway your hips in a circular motion, paying specific attention to the way you push them back towards his crotch. At this he groans and you glance up at Hoseok who is now eyeing your temporary partner with venomous eyes. You raise your brow at him when you lock eyes and then proceed to close your eyes when you feel lips tracing your neck. You pretend that instead of this prick, its Hoseok. That it’s his fingers wrapping themselves against your hips just how they would while taking you from behind. You open your eyes, glancing to where Hoseok and Sung Hee are now locking lips. This cracks the facade you find yourself in and you break away from Joowon or whatever his name is, muttering an apology as you fix your dress back in place.

Walking towards them you catch Hoseok’s eye as he pulls away briefly. “Hey Sung Hee, can I borrow Hoseok for a second?” you tap on her shoulder. She turns and looks at you confused “Oh _____, what do you want?”

“Hoseok” you repeat, sneaking a glance at him as he eyes you curiously. Apparently only Sung Hee remains oblivious to the double meaning of your confession because she is not reluctant in her dismissal. She heads towards the direction of the bar stating that she needed another drink anyways. Knowing her she probably thinks that you aren’t a threat, that you stand no chance with the redhead who now currently stands attentive to you.

Grabbing his hand, you pull him behind you as you make your way towards the bathroom. Opening the door you make sure no one else is inside before pulling him in and locking it behind you. Facing the mirror, you bring your eyes to meet his gaze.

“Are you going to take her home?” you spit out, slowing down your words as you continue “she’s not what you think she is, and I wanted to warn you that you’ll probably end up catching some sort of disease from sleeping with her.” A chuckle is released as exchanges looks with you.

“Why do you care?” he questions, brows raising in expectation.

“I don’t” you reply almost immediately, turning to face him head on. He walks forward, hands reaching towards your hips only to brush against them slightly as he places them on the sink behind you. Your body tingles where he touched you, a whimper escaping your lips as he smiles smugly at your response. You glower at him, cursing the heat that begins to pool at his proximity.

“Is that so? It didn’t seem that way when you started to dance with asshat over there” he hisses, pulling your body towards his. You gasp, hands placed against his chest you begin to fist the fabric of his button up as he firmly grabs your hips. You smirk at him, feeling his bulge through his pants.

“I don’t know what you are talking about” you whisper pulling him down by his blazer and meeting his lips with yours. A fire ignites its way throughout your body as he growls, pulling you closer before beginning to tangle his tongue with yours. You moan as he palms at your ass, massaging it with his hands before pulling you up to sit on the sink counter. You whimper as he leaves open kisses down your neck, pushing the sleeves of your dress down so as to have better access to your cleavage. Hoseok hikes your dress up, exposing the fact that you had decided to not wear underwear that night. Noticing this Hoseok chuckles and nudges your legs apart with his knees. You gasp at the sudden rush of cold air against your throbbing cunt. He pecks your lips one, two more times before getting on his knees before you. His eyes lock against your center as he removes his blazer, tossing it to the side.

“Holy shit, you’re this wet already?” he asks, dragging his finger through your slickness. You watch as he places it into his mouth, swirling his tongue around it before releasing it with a pop that seems to send an electric current throughout your nerves. His gaze darkens, looking hungrily at the mess that has accumulated between your legs.

“I’ve been wet since you- fuck!” you gasp out against the feeling of him licking a stripe up your center. He chuckles and pulls back waiting for you to continue, your arousal coating his lips in a sleek shine. “Sin-since before we were interrupted by my shitty coworker” you finish, closing your eyes at the feeling of his mouth against your core once again. He proceeds to tongue at your center and then moves up, circling your clit as he begins to massage your thighs. You cry out as he sucks on your clit the same time he enters a finger. He begins to pump in and out of you while he makes his way back up to your mouth. You grab at your zipper, pulling it down and allowing your dress to pool at your hips. You bite his lip softly, letting it go as he pulls back. His eyes trail down, a groan leaving his throat at the sight of the barely there white lace being the only thing shielding your hardened nipples from the cold. Leaning forwards, he mouths over one of your nipples and you arch into his hold, crying out as he massages your other breast in his hand. He quickly becomes impatient and pulls down the straps, placing open mouthed kisses across your chest. He proceeds to leave love bites, causing you to whimper as his thumb begins to circle your clit. You moan, wrapping your arms around his head, keeping him in place as you struggle to hold onto your sanity. Just when you start to feel your stomach tighten, he adds another finger causing you to gasp out, cursing at the sensation of him reaching new depth. You feel as though you are about to combust, body shaking as you sense yourself reaching your peak.

“Ho-Hoseok, please” you whisper in his ear, pushing him away desperately. He whines softly, pulling away from your neck as he catches his breathe. You step down from the sink counter and slip your dress off, allowing it to fall onto the ground.

Falling to your knees, you begin to undo his belt as he runs his hand through his hair. You unzip his pants and he grabs your hand, leading it to palm against his hardness. You whimper softly at the feeling of him, precum seeping through his briefs. He leans his head backwards as you continue to palm him. You glance up and proceed to pull down his briefs. His cock springs out and your mouth emits a gasp, the length of his cock making your mouth water. You reach forward and take him into your hand, stroking him twice in order to take in his reaction. He bites his lip and you lick a stripe up his length, stopping at the head before bringing it into your mouth. You moan at the heavy feeling of it against your tongue, swirling around the head of his cock before pulling back. You kitten lick the tip and motion for him to remove his shirt. He begins unbuttoning right as you sink your mouth down his length. He curses, hand moving and twining itself in your hair. You chuckle and his cock twitches at the vibrations. Pulling back you allow him to finish taking of his shirt while you softly mouth the side. You sink your mouth down his length once more, bobbing your head up and down at a steady pace as your hands travel across his abdomen. When your eyes meet his hooded gaze he groans “Fuck ___ you’re unreal you know that? You’re driving me crazy”

Your fingers begin to trail the outlines of his abs as his breathing stutters. You pull back, stroking him at a slower pace as you lean up, licking along his abs before standing up and meeting his lips with yours. Pulling back, you tug at his length a little harder. “I know, now why don’t you get on with it and fuck me already?” you whisper provoking him even further. He growls, lifting you back onto the counter before pulling out a condom from the front pocket of his blazer. Rolling it on, he positions himself at your entrance as you grip his shoulders preparing yourself to the best of your ability.

“Are you ready?” He pants, observing your expression and searching for any indication that you didn’t want this anymore. You nod, pulling him into a deep kiss as he begins to move his hips forward. He inches his way slowly, pushing all the way in until he bottoms out. You moan at the filling sensation that temporarily satisfies the ache in your core. Catching your breath you begin to roll your hips causing him to pull back and begin thrusting into you at a steady pace. Gasps begin to fall from your mouth as he grips your hips in place. Swallowing the small whimpers that leave your lips, Hoseok entangles his lips with yours groaning at the feeling of your bare chests against each other. He begins to thrust into you at a faster pace as you feel the coil in your core start to tighten. “Fuck fuck Hoseok, Hoseok ah, I can’t… fu-fuck” you cry out, scratching his back as you graze your fingers down.

“No, you don’t get to come just yet” he grunts and pulls out, turning you so that you face the mirror before you. You wince at the cold feeling of the marble as he pushes your chest down flat against it. Lifting your chin, he leads you to meet his eyes through the reflection.

“I want you to watch, watch just how well your pretty little cunt takes my cock” he snarls, pulling back just until his tip his left inside of you before slamming back into you. You cry out, reaching to hold on anything, whimpering when you find nothing to help you keep you stable. You watch, eyes locking onto his as the slapping of his thighs meeting your ass echoes around you. You struggle to catch your breath, taking each thrust one at a time. He trails his hand down your front, stopping at your clit before beginning to send you over the edge. You fist your hands feeling at your wits end, fingernails indenting little moons into your palm. At the feeling of the coil snapping you scream out his name. He slows down, riding you through your orgasm as you pulse around his length. Your body begins to shudder in overstimulation and you sob as he continues his relentless attack on your mound. Grabbing his hand, you pull it up to your breast encouraging him to grasp it into his hand. He plays with it as you begin to push your hips back into his at a faster rate. You squeeze around him as his hips begin to stutter. “Shit ___, fuck” he groans spilling his load into the condom. He thrusts into you shallowly and you collapse against the counter while trying to gather your breath. Hoseok pulls out and disposes of the condom before pulling up his briefs. Moving your hair out of your face he leans forward and places a gentle kiss against your cheek.

“You were so good babe” he says sincerely, moving back to finish fixing his pants. He grabs a couple of paper towels and wets them in the sink beside you. He reaches for your hip and gently taps your thigh so that you open your legs. You smile tiredly and allow him to clean you up, gasping at the sudden coldness and wincing at the sensitivity that ensues from his actions. “Sorry babe, I think that’s as good as it’s going to be for now” he muses, tossing them into the trash. He grabs your dress and hands it to you, checking to make sure that you are able to dress yourself. Your legs almost give out from under you but you manage to place it back on. Turning to the mirror you begin to fix your disheveled hair and sigh at the sight of your now faded lipstick.

“Well what now babe?” he asks, buttoning his shirt up. You eye him questioningly through the mirror and chuckle, shaking your head in disbelief. He wanted more? Well it’s not like you had any problems with that, if only Sung Hee could see you now. You turn to face him “The club is going to close soon isn’t it?” You both know that there were still about 2 hours until closing time but that didn’t stop you from wanting to leave. At this he only smirks, leaning in towards you to whisper into the shell of your ear.

“Well… who says the night has to end here? Why don’t we head back to mine? It’s not like your shitty coworker is going to notice that you left.”

You nod before leaning up to peck his lips. He smiles in satisfaction as he grabs his blazer before unlocking the door.

Leaving the bathroom, Hoseok grabs your hand and leads you through the crowd. You don’t know what you just signed yourself up for, but boy you could not be more anxious to find out.

Happy New Year everyone! I hope that you enjoy this. There will not be a sequel.

PLEASE ASK TO REPOST, DO NOT TAKE CREDIT, DO NOT COPY

[yolandajulius]

Common Magic

A one shot because of course this drabble decided it needed to be a oneshot.

Because people plant cute ideas for ships in my mind and Yolie’s parent figures are all terrible role models. Safe for consumption if you can handle it.

A stronger man would have moved o.

That was what crossed Noudenet's mind almost daily; the feeling he should have simply kept walking to his destination, the fact he could and shoulf have easily ignored the young outsider whom came to Ishgard with a scant handful of other nonbelievers by will of House Fortemps. But he didn't and the conjurer couldn't help his irritation with himself. The woman was a Garlan, and thus she didn't even have the most basic of the Fury's blessings -- the gift of magic. But, he supposed, from listening, she had other qualities, he supposed, and for those he was able to make peace with the twinge of guilt at letting himself grow close.

She was an outsider, a non-believer, but she wasn't judging him when he lingered, speaking of the Fury's will. She listened, quietly taking it in, asking questions. Some were like those of children, others, far more challenging but no less respectful, harboring the ring of curiousity of one whom genuinely cared about what they believed. She always heard him out in silence, simply working on her cookery as she did, and she was never one to seem unreadable. On a level, she seemed to even enjoy it.

Prtjspd hr'f mskr s brlirbrt og hrt yrt, nuy thrn voild he trouble her with thje sin of how close they were? Noner whm believed would dare treat a member of the Heavens' Ward so casually. They were on a pedestal, a platyform that left a sense of disconnect between them, and the people, at times. It was certainly unlikely they'd continue their quiet moments, Noudenet buried deep in his resrearch, seated on a floor with pillows while she laid her head on his legs to rest, safe and secure in the trust he would let no ill come to pass. That...

Noudenet supposed he would miss tyhat trust, innocent as it was. She might treat him like others did, not as the companion she came to share her cooking projects with, the man she'd learned to trust with her joys and woes. They'd lose that connection, he feared -- a connection he greatly vbalued. He'd miss her smile, her lack of fear in telling him her feelings about events, the honesty with which they spoke. She was genuine, polite, considerate, careful, and kind. It wasn't the kind born of generations of grooming and stilted church lessons of modesty and compassion -- she had learned it in the wilds and that was a rare gift. Still, a styronger man would have passed her originaly.

Noudenet approached the space Yolanda preferred to practice -- she didn't mind being watched, so long as nobody minded testing what she made, and that was how they'd met. Halone be good, but the man never refused a good fruit tart, or rolanberry jam-filled anything, to even begin. and this Garlean woman was a culinarian of some skill. To thinmk she was self-educated to cook and bake blew him away. She ravenously tried new recipes and shared the results for weal or for woe -- nothing was wasted, but Noudenet found it rather comforting to be able to wait patiently for her sweets.

Noudenet's reverie was fiercely interrupted by the warm scent of a cookfire, filling his nostrils with the scent of fresh meats, spices and herbs telling him she'd gotten hold of some dhamel chuck that was being seared and roasted on the flames, and he drew to the crowd lazily, taking in the scent of basil and rhyme, sage and a faint aromatic of cinnamon and clove, the woman carefully bastingthe cut of meat with a butter sauce to glaze it, and Noudenet wondered what she might be making. The delicate aromatics were accented, on closer inspection, with what he suspected -- cinnamon and clove with a smattering of rich dark maple sugar to compliment the herbs; the butter sauce was warmly golden, bits of minched garlic and onion in it, and the slowly forming crust spoke of salt and groundf black pepper, but Noudenet diudn't move much closer at first, watching silently. Yolanda nodded to him silently, a small smile forming before she hummed, removing some popotoes to slip deep in the embers -- so, it was mostly a roast she was trying to make taste right. For now, at least -- and Noudenet drew himself to a position of espectful curiousity to watch. Slow roasts could take time, but she'd clearly been set up most of the day, meaning his timing for her to begin practicing sweets was perfect.

It was dascinating to see how one cooked without magic. Unable to properly manipulate crystals of water or fire, and yet capable of taking naturally occuring -- or crystal-originating water and flame to create the same thing was almost mesmerising. She moved expertly, yet still clearly learning, removing the roast dhamel from the flame to slice on a clean, wide stone slab silently,allowing the meat rest before beginning to wash a mixing bowl with a pail of water, clearly one of many. Noudenet watched silently as she worked to create a simple flatbread, pouring the batter on a second stone she placed on the fire, waiting for it to heat through, batter on top and all with a gaze of wonder. Nothing would be prepared together, and that was normal. Those whom knew the woman's cooking space and came often didn't expect a meal, they enjoyed a curiosity, and she seemed aware,slicing the roast in silence before sharing the cuts with those gathered, and Noudenet scowled to himself -- she'd taken to using her aged lance to cook again, and while she was not a Dragoon he could almost feel the one or two present wince, but there wasn't much to do for it. She didn't own a proper spit. Noudenet accepted a heel carefully, wondering if it might be as sweet and savory as it smelled, and contemplated silently, sllowing himself to pick the flavors apart. It wasn't the finest combination, but it was perhaps the sweetness, too strong for the liking of the conjurer when iyt came to his meat. Still, it was far from blande, and he was no culinarian. He watched as he ate small bites of the food in silence still. The flatbread was off the stone, sliced to share with those gathered as she poured the rest of the batter out, before beginning to clean out her bowl before removing a second. He hoped it meant she made sweets soion, and she didn't disappoint him when she pulled some rolanberries and walnuts from her sack, the conjurer lighting up atthe sight as she hummed, beginning to prepare a simple butter and sugary syrup to add things to as she cleaned the berries and nuts. Noudenet looked somewhat hopeful as she worked to start heating the berries, allowing them to simmer but not burn, turning to remove the potatoes and passing them to some Brume lowborn whom often came to watch as she worked on slicing and sharing flatbread. This he passed, even as he finished the meat -- his eyes locked on the slowly cooking fruit, walnuts awaiting adding to the candying process, and he was not disappointyed as she soon added them and stirred the mixture. She then began to work on a dough -- filo, if he recalled correctly, which meant laminating butter in and -- oh. A touch of pink came to his ears as he finally cast the woman a questioning look, earning a coy smile in response tht answered his unspoken question before he hummed.

"Yiu forgot the creamed cheese." He said firmly. Yolanda made a noise of surprise before iut sank in, and she frowned, considering her options as she paused,a voice huffing.

"Typical, the unbelievers are so useless." Someone muttered. "Especially Garleans -- who can expect some barbaric race to know anything? The Fury doesn't even gift them magic -- worthless, really."

The commentary was low, the sort common in a gossiping group and a few murmured assessment -- new facs mostly seeking to see what drew a crowd, and Noudenet watched silently at the brief, but telling movements the woman made. A twitch, a slight wince and a cringe, before he reached impulsively and ran his fingers throughher hair to cup her cheek.

"I can fetch some. It's an honest mistake." He spoke, voice soothing before the Ward Knight moved off, eyes judghing those murmuring with scathing disapproval. Were they thaumaturges or conjurers themselves? Their garb spoke not, instead mostly of lowborn or lower nobles, those more inclined to shun an outsider, but magicians? Hardly. His errand was executed swiftly -- taking to the crozier to collect the needed materiels before he returned. They were gossiping, of course.

"Do youthink she even knows how to make things right?" someone muttered. Another scoffed.

"I heard in Garlemald they barely eat anything. Coerthans have better fare."

"That blandpile? Makes you wonder what she thinks she's doing."

Noudenet scowled sharply once more, gaze disapproving as he took in every face present, reading them before drawing close to the woman he cared for, pressing the supplies into her lap gently.

"Here you are, these will suffice." Noudenet soothed, but his gaze never fully left the newcomers, appraising them thuroughly. Not a magician among them, he concluded, and Noudenet sniffed his disdain, rising towards them, but not moving from his position close to the woman.

"T'would seem she has a far better grasp of the Fury's teachings than a lot of ill-bred, ill-mannered children whom have naught better to do with themselves than judge a woman attempting to find the true path to the Fury's Halls." Noudenet scolded sharply, letting his judgement sink into their terrified expressions. He never once tried to force Yolanda's hand, but a little creative phrasing? There was no sin in that, and he greeted her startled expression with a calm, reassuring gaze, nodding politely.

":Do not let the words of ill mannered smallfolk trouble you, Miss Julius." Noudenet soothed. He dared not pull her to him to shield -- he didn't dare risk a threat to her safety with the harridans present. "You cook well enough and everyone makes mistakes learning a new recipe besides. None will judge whom seeks to remain on the path to the Fury's halls and those whom might may yet earn Her disapproval."

The message was rather clear. Although wrapped in reminders of the scripture that guided Ishgard, by the Fury's disapproval, he meant his, and by his, he meant judgement, the ill spoken moving away nervously before scrabbling for their homes. Noudenet knelt, and watched her work, pulling a card with her intended pastry recipe from her belongings to verify how to use the creamed cheese before making an awkward, sheepish noise before working it into the warm compote and nuts, watching the woman waiut for her dough to proof if slowly, before smiling faintly as she began to turn dough into a fruit and nut jam-like filled pasty, watching her gently seal each parcel and brush egg on it to let it turn golden, before placing the treats on the styone and covering them to create her oven. It was imperfect but it was something, and she mostly cleaned as they waited, quiet for once as she worked before looking away when her hands fell idle. Noudenet knew this look all too well and he never liked it -- she was troubled by what had been said, both what he heard and likely missed, the conjurer staying byher in silence with others about. She didn't meet his gaze, didn't look at anyone -- her mind was deep in thought, and Noudenet finally allowed himself to worrry. When she was like this he wanted to hold her to him and heal the pain she didn't show on the flesh, but the soul, and his fingers ran throughhis hair these times as he would murmur reassuring proverbs in her ear. They were quiet moments when he wasn'ta Knight of the Heavens' Ward but a man who simply wished to offer some modicum of succor to the worn soul of the person he cared for. And right now he was in public, unable to act beyond silentlystanding close, allowing her to feel him standing by her side watching. It wasn't enough for him, though, and it dogged him.

Finally, however, the thrice-damned lid was off and the pastries moved to cool from baking, which meant soon he could do something about it, and not a moment too soon. The quiet was making him uncomfortable and the conjurer felt himself shift to fidget as he often spotted Grinnaux, Paulecraine, or, even though it was rare, an act Charibert even indulged in, the conjurer allowing frustration to wash over him like a blizzard. He appreciated the care she exercised in baking and cooking, but the woman was being damnably slow right now, and he wished she moved a little more swiftly -- he had little patience for the melancholy she'd allowed to wash over her, and was quite eager to spirit her away from things to do something about it, and as a hrealer, it frankly bothered him to be idle while someone was in clear and apparent pain. Yolanda finally deigned her attempt at filled croissants completed when she began to pass them to those whom remained -- faces Noudenet recognized. They knew where the real rewards of her cookery lie, and they didn't seem to judge. Instead he waited, letting them take the free pastries with gratitude, perhaps more than normal considering the tonguelashing he left the less kind, but still gratitude before she offered him the last, the conjurer taking it gently as she began to clean, putting the fire out after allowing it to consume what it could of fond on her pans, and the conjurer allowed himself to indulge in the creamy and sweet flavor of the pastry, eyes closing. Fury take him, but the woman knew her fruits and flavors with sweets and were he still living as his father's house he'd have seized on the woman for his wife long ago. It was sweet, selicately sweetened with just a smallamount of maple sugar and honey, but tart and hardy, and the earthy walnuts broughtthe flavors together ina warm embrace to his palate, the Ward Knight closing his eyes and losing himself in the treat several silent moments, sighing softly in contentment as he ate. The woman simply... There were no words for how Noudenet felt about her baking -- but if this was an apprentice to that Miqo'te, then the miqo'te was a phenominal chef and teacher. Well, he'd seek him out if Charibert sought some gingertsnaps or something. Noudenet was wrtapped around the woman's pinky, and for several moments he could forget thata Garlean could never perform great feats of magic -- no skill in the arts of thaumatyurgy, conjury, or anything properly magic but cooking? She was magic there in another way, a way that afforded her a skill for delicious fgood even if the materiuals for cooking were often poor for her location or the textures imperfect. She was magic in the art of cooking, and when he opened his eyes from savoring the pasyry, they were alone, Yolanda watching in some concern.

"Did I ruin it?" She asked finally. Noudenet swallowed, and placed his fingertips along her jawline, eyes boring into hers fondly.

"No, not at all, my violet. I simply wished to savor the pastry. It was quite exquisite, and you'd have it perfect in a proper kitchen." Noudenet's fingers trailed along her chin and jaw softly, the Garlean turning pink and looking away.

"I can do better. The fruit overcooked, the roast was oversweetened, and I'm all but sure that fglatbread was underseasoned." She huffed. "I'm not getting this right at all. Maybe they're right."

There it was. Noudenet's fingers moved of their own accord, brushing hair from her face before taking her chin in his fingers, giving her a quiet, hard look.

"They were judgemental fools whospoke out of turn of things they know nothing of. You really mustn't give weight to their words, my violet. They're merely insects seeking to takeof you, and give nothing. A fire crystal is naught but a crystalfrom which fire is produced,awater crystal naught but acrystal from which weater is produced. You create both of that which the Fury provides all of us."

Yolanda was thoughtful, allowing herself to trn his words over in her mind, and he offered her his arm politely, the Garlean accepting it before he drew her close to walk with her, letting the quiet help his words sink in before she spoke.

"Temperature affects food." She finally admitted. "And the conditions they cook in. Crystals can help change that." Yolanda looked down hesitantly, frowning. "I can't use them to control heat or moisture as well. Wild fire is hotter than aetheric, right?"

"Not so, my violet." Noudenet felt a faint surge of excitement wash over him -- a chance to tell her of the way of magic, even if she could not use it herself, was still something he could share. He led her for the Vault, keeping her close to him to ensure none questioned as he guided her for his cell, almost giddy at the opportunity. When he entered, the Garlean was quietly focusd on the floor, seeming to studythe mortar binding ancient stones as he led her to sit upon his bed. Noudenet diud not sit. The conjurer closed his door before witthdrawing a handful of crystals, turning to her gently as he cradled them with quiet pride, feeling their aether dance in his fingertips like lightening or flames, the potential raising his excitement as he handed them to her.

"You know what these are meant to do, yes? Each represents another element. Earth, water, ice, flame, wind, lightening. That's what each produces when asked of it by those capable." He did not forget her inability to use them, and she looked away, down to the aetherically charged crystals as if begging them for some miracle that they might spontaniously react to her will, and Noudenet placed his hands around her own, calling the elements wiuthin to respond to him, startling her as he continued.

"They each offer us a means to access their gifts. You call them through other ways. Perhaps, not aetherically or magically but it is no less a call. You take flint to metal for fire, yes?" Noudenet focused on the fire crystal, the others growing inert again as the flame crystal heated rapidly, Yolie fasping and dropping it with a yelp, and the flame burgheoning withered again as Noudenet kept his grasp, wuilling water forth from the water crystal to soothe her burns a moment. He was quick to coax her to drop the lightening crystal lest it react as her hands filled with clear water before he ceased his summons of it, his larger hands remaining around her own smaller gently, supporting her hasnds so she could see. Feel.

"And the water is similar. There is no difference from them and your methods. The flames still burnt, the water still soothed, and is fine for a drink or wash or cooking. There is absolutely nothing wrong wuith your methods."

"But I can't use magic. That makes others look at me as poorly."

There was quiet, Noudenet reading her face quietly before he collected the crystals, placing them back in his supplies before moving back, allowing her to drinkthe water he called in her hands before pulling her into him, allowing her head to rest on his breast silently as his fingers worked her hair free of her normal ponytail to begin running through her hair softly, sighing. There was the root of her distress, something even the archbishop himself could not cure. A Garleancould not do a spell; they had no aethericv ability and never would. They lacked even children born with the Echo, and while at one time Noudenet had himself considered it a pitiable trait, he had come to resent how it affected Yolanda, the woman leaning into him as she sighed. She was clearly about to disparage herself and Noudenet shiftled his fingers tocup hert chin, pulling her to look at him softly, his other arm coiling around and reaching to take her hands to offer the gentle touch of healing magic to her burns, the counjurer, perhaps, also trying to shield her from the cruel fact of her birth.

"No, you do not work magiuc of the aether as many races do." Noudenet said, but conviction laced his voice. "But you do magic. Garleans do not use what we do but we need teachers to learn magitek. To create fire of a stone and a bit of metal. Magic makes matters too easy. You work with only what the gods give us and not with crystals. You are of a people whom learned to take little and make much more. Yours isn't aetheric or magic as it is defined but magic nonetheless in it's own right, which is a skill tyhat can be taught." Noudenetpressed a kiss to the top of her head before she glanced up quietly, the conjurer keepingher embraced, held to him closely.

"Yours are skills of merit. You must not lose sight of the skills you've fought to learn my violet, or you'll lose what you've gained. Please, my violet, do not give those curs that. They're below you." He sighed, letting that seep into her mind and bones, holdingthe woman close to him as she nestled in, thoughtfiullyparsing what he told her. The conjurer was content though; enjoying the company of her presence and the warmth of another person. Were he asked, he would say she was a pupil, of a kind, seeking to understand Eorzeran custom, or the Word of the Fury, and naught else. He would see to it them she was safely home, but for now he took in the knowledge her breath slowed from a slight panic, to the peaceful calm she enjoyed -- a sign his intent took seed. The elezen nuzzled at her ear softly, eyes closing some as he steeped himself inbthe scent of wood smoke and cooked food, metaland leather, and of another being, allowing himself to get lost in a daydream where he might whisk her away from House Fortemps and perhaps away from Ishgard, someplace they might be together with eyes unclouded by religious opinion or racist judgement. Maybe someplace like Gridania; she had mentioned camping in the Shroud often, and the conjurer's guild was there; or perhaps in Cylbrand, or...Anywhere they might enjoy the chance to be with one another freely, without judgement or fear, and the Ward Knight sighed softly, earning a shift of movement from his companion.

"Are you alright?" She asked him softly. Noudenet hummed.

"Day dreaming." He responded softly.

"What about?"

"...Rolanberrypie." He bluffed, and she laughed, relaxing him some to know she'd cheered enough, and he didn't resist returning the smile she facored him with.

"One-track mind." She teased softly, and he pulled her knuckles to him, pressing his lips to them lightly with a twinkle in his eye.

"Well, perhaps if I were a stronger man I could resist your culinary experiments, but I am as I am, and you know it." He teased softly, and she smiled, giggling again.

For now, all was right in Noudenet's world, and nothing seemed to be changing that for some time.

[badchoosey]

Perfect Match, Book One. Chapter 1: True Love, Guaranteed

You walk down a bustling Brooklyn street, the sounds of the city humming all around you. 

Karma: (Hope I’m not late!)

Soft music plays as you step into the hip venue of an upscale art show. 

Karma: Nadia! Hey!

You spot your cousin, Nadia, among the crowd. Her face lights up as she approaches with arms outstretched and wraps you in a tight hug!

Nadia: Karma! I’m so happy you made it!

Karma: Are you kidding? The opening of your new art collection? I wouldn’t miss it for the world. 

Nadia: Honestly, I have no idea how it blew up. But who am I to argue with the review of an art critic?

Karma: You mean glowing reviews from dozens of art critics?

Nadia: Oh, shush! Anyway, that’s not what I was excited about. 

Karma: Then what is it?

Nadia: I want you to meet my boyfriend!

Nadia waves over to a handsome man from across the room…

Nadia: Steve! Come say hi to my cousin!

Steve: Hey! You must be Karma! I’ve heard so much about you. I’ve been dying to meet you for weeks, but I’ve been busy at the animal shelter. 

Karma: Oh! Do you work there?

Nadia: Steve’s an investment banker. But he volunteers at an animal shelter. Amazing, right?

Steve: Ah, it’s nothing. I’m just a guy who likes to do some good in his free time. Nadia here is the amazing one. The way her art makes me feel… It’s indescribable. 

Nadia: Aww, sweetie!

Steve: Now, if you’ll excuse me, Karma, I’ve got to replenish the hors d’oeuvres. We’ll talk later! My mini-quiches are going fast!

Steve gives Nadia a kiss on the cheek and hustles off. Nadia sighs, beaming. 

Nadia: Did I mention he bakes? He bakes. So… What do you think?

Karma: No one is that perfect. I’m calling bull. How much are you paying him?

Nadia: Ha, ha. Don’t be mad that I’ve found the ultimate boyfriend!

Karma: Really though. Where did you find this guy?

Nadia: I met him through a matchmaking service. They asked me some questions, then found the perfect man for me! They’re very exclusive. Super selective with their clientele. But I’m sure they’d accept you in a heartbeat!

Nadia reaches into her purse and hands you a business card. 

Nadia: You should try them out!

Karma: True love, guaranteed? I’ll believe it when I see it!

Nadia: That’s not a nooo…

Karma: I mean… What the hell? I’ll give it a shot. You’ve piqued my curiosity.

Just then, a voice calls to you from the crowd… 

Damien: Don’t tell me Nadia has got you drinking this ‘matchmaking’ service Kool-Aid too, Karma. You of all people don’t need some fancy matchmaking service. 

Your good friend Damien saunters over, seamlessly switching his empty champagne glass with a fresh one from a server’s tray. 

Karma: I’ll take that as a compliment. But you can’t argue with the results. Steve seems like a catch. 

Damien: Yeah, I talked to Mr. Perfect on the way in. Haven’t found any flaws or dark secrets yet. But give me time. 

Nadia: Really, D? We’ve known you for like, four years. I thought you would’ve dropped the tough, cynical act by now. 

Damien: I’m a private investigator. I catch liars and cheaters for a living. ‘Cynical’ is basically my job. 

Nadia: Don’t listen to him, Karma. He’s like the Grinch when it comes to love. Eros is the best matchmaking service ever! I’ll schedule you an appointment for a consultation!

Damien: Yeah! A vague, secretive company providing little to no contact information… What could go wrong? Just keep your guard up, Karma… Maybe bring pepper spray, or hold your keys like claw. 

Nadia: Ignore him. It’ll be amazing! I know you’re gonna find someone perfect for you!

Karma: Can’t wait!

Later that week, you arrive outside the address Nadia gave you. A sleek, unlabeled complex towers above you…

Karma: (Okay, this is a little weird. Not so much as a logo on the door. But the address looks right…)

You push through the glass doors to enter a warm, inviting lobby. A stunning woman strides gracefully across the room, the steps of her heels echoing through the halls. 

Cecile: Karma Park? My name is Cecile Contreras. I’m the Head of Matchmaking here at Eros. Welcome! You got here on the J train, didn’t you? I hope getting to the new Quincy Station wasn’t too much of a hassle. 

Karma: Uh, thank you… How did you know--

Cecile: We’ve done our homework. Eros has been expecting you, after all. Your cousin Nadia gave you a glowing referral. I’m excited to begin. Please, follow me. 

You follow Cecile through the pristine halls of Eros Incorporated…

Karma: I’m still a little overwhelmed by this whole thing. How can you guarantee true love?

Cecile: A good question. Love is a complex thing. But here at Eros, we’ve used the latest in behavioural science and technology to devise the most sophisticated matchmaking system in the world. 

Karma: So you think you’ve got people figure out… with some algorithm?

Cecile: Your personality, your wants, your needs… All of that makes you unique, like a puzzle piece. But somewhere out there is a piece that fits flawlessly with you. An exact complement. A perfect match. Our technology helps sort through the pieces to find yours. Simply put, the human heart is precisely out expertise. 

Karma: Sounds like a sales pitch. I’m not so easily won over by the slogans and buzz words. 

Cecile: Touche. But we stand by every claim. Give us a chance to convince you, and I promise you’ll be satisfied. 

Karma: Well… I’m already here. 

She leads you into a peaceful, softly lit room. A sweet, floral aroma and calming music fill the space around you. 

Cecile: Welcome to our consultation room. This is where we’ll be conducting our Perfect Match questionnaire. 

Karma: Is this the part where I tell you my middle name, my hobbies, and where I went to high school?

Cecile: Nadia sent us the personality profile you filled out, so we already have the basic information we need. Today will be all about finding out what you’re looking for in a match. 

Karma: Oh… Okay… So why does this place look more like a day spa than a quiz room?

Cecile: Oh, I assure you, our questionnaire is more than just a quiz. It’s a comprehensive interview, monitoring not just your words, but your biorhythms, your excitement, your emotional engagement… As such, we want you to be perfectly at ease. 

She invites you to sit on a reclining chair in the middle of the room, and instantly your mind drifts as you sink into the shockingly comfortable seat. Cecile sits on a chair beside you with a tablet in hand. 

Cecile: Simply place your hand on the palm scanner, and we can begin. 

You place your hand on the smooth surface of the chair’s arm. It hums and glows, and soon a soft chime sounds in sync with your own heartbeat. The lights in the room dim as your mind drifts, peacefully… 

Cecile: Now, relax. Close your eyes… focus on the sound of my voice… and speak from your heart…

Cecile taps on her tablet. You hear her voice from a distance as your eyes close… 

Cecile: I have twelve brief questions. Please answer as honestly as you can. 

You’re on a first date. Which makes you want a second:

Talking for hours about everything?

Being intrigued and left wanting more?

Karma: Being intrigued and left wanting more. 

Cecile: When traveling abroad, your perfect match would rather take you:

To explore ancient ruins, just the two of you

To a lively festival, bustling with locals

Karma: To explore ancient ruins, just the two of you

Cecile: You’re transported into a fantasy novel. Which character is more attractive?

A magnetic ruler, leading and inspiring the people

A silent, formidable warrior, fighting evil from the shadows

Karma: A silent, formidable warrior, fighting evil from the shadows.

Cecile: Your favorite childhood playground is being torn down. Your perfect match:

Takes you there for a farewell picnic

Steal you a piece of it to keep forever

Karma: Steals me a piece to keep forever. 

Cecile: Who do you imagine your partner hung out with in high school?

A close-knit group of friends

A rowdy bunch of outcasts

Karma: A rowdy bunch of outcasts

Cecile: Your match appears in a dream with an animal companion. What kind is it?

A fierce, wild hawk

A loyal, noble golden retriever

Karma: A fierce, wild hawk. 

Cecile: Complete the sentence. My perfect match can always:

Makes me laugh until I cry

Say the right thing to comfort me when I’m down

Karma: Say the right thing to comfort me when I’m down

Cecile: What would your ideal partner sing during a karaoke date?

A love song dedicated to you

A ridiculous theme song, just to tease you

Karma: A love song dedicated to me

Cecile: Your perfect match has just defeated a supervillain. What do they do next?:

Righteously condemn the villain’s actions

Spout a witty catchphrase

Karma: Righteously condemn the villain’s actions

Cecile: Your travel plans have fallen through. What does your partner do?

They point blindly to a map, and plan a new adventure on the fly

They have you covered no matter what, backup plan and all

Karma: They have me covered no matter what, backup plan and all.

Cecile: How would your partner clear out a building full of zombies?:

They devise a brilliant plan and execute it flawlessly

They charge in, guns blazing!

Karma: They devise a brilliant plan, and execute it flawlessly.

Cecile: You’re at a casino, and your partner is winning big. Why is that?

They take big risks, and it pays off

They’re savvy and calculating, and play the odds

Karma: They’re savvy and calculating, and play the odds. 

Cecile: You’re doing wonderfully, Karma. We have enough to find you a suitable match, but first, I’d like to ask if there’s anything in particular you’re looking for… I’m going to list a few traits that your potential match may possess… Let me know if any of them resonate strongly with you. For those who prioritize physical intimacy, we have many candidates with massage skills. We can refine our search to animal lovers and pet owners, who are often compassionate and kind. If you’re drawn to creative, artistic souls, we can match you with musicians. Last but not least, many people seek the culture and intelligence of someone who speaks many languages. Which of these appeals to you?

Karma: I’m looking for someone with a magic touch. 

Cecile: An excellent choice. Would you like to distinguish your preferences further? Remember, there’s no shame in being picky when it comes to love. You’re absolutely worth it. 

Karma: I’m fine with my selection. 

The lights in the room brighten, and you are suddenly aware of your surroundings again. Cecile looks up from her note-taking and smiles warmly at you. 

Cecile: That concludes the questionnaire. Not so bad, was it? Based on your responses, we’ll determine which of our sixteen personality types best describes your Perfect Match. I’ll have your results in a moment…

Cecile taps on the tablet before turning it to show you the display… 

“Your perfect match is an Activist… - mysterious, rebellious, sincere, logical - … Someone with passion, drive, and vision, an Activist fights to change the world… and will fight just as hard for you!”

Karma: Wow. Just like that? Are you sure this type is the match for me?

Cecile: Skepticism is completely understandable. But I encourage you to trust the system. I think you’ll find that our system may surprise you. 

Karma: Well… I guess I could give it a shot. So… What next?

Cecile: Next? Simply leave the rest to us. We’ll find the most compatible partner for you in our database and arrange your first date. You’ll be hearing from us soon!

Karma: Sounds like a plan. And what happens after that?

Cecile flashes you a wink. 

Cecile: Why, true love, of course. 

You step out of the Eros building into the brisk night air, the New York City skyline towering above you. 

Damien: Made it out of the Mystery Company in one piece, huh?

Karma: Damien? What are you doing here?

Damien leans against his old muscle car, pulling his jacket tight against the cold. 

Damien: Check your phone, lovebird. I called you a couple times. Wanted to make sure you hadn’t joined a cult, or bought a timeshare or anything… And also offer you a ride home. 

Karma: You just wanted the dirt on this Mystery Company, huh?

Damien smiles. 

Damien: Wow… You know me too well, Karma. Come on. 

Soon, you’re watching the city lights streak by through the passenger window of Damien’s car as you catch him up on your day. 

Damien: So, really… this Eros thing. You’d think you’d just swipe left and right like other apps. No, you know, go to a day spa for a fancy interview. 

Karma: Maybe it’s a little… unconventional, but it seemed legit to me. 

Damien; Unconventional is an understatement. But hey, whatever makes you happy. 

Damien pulls the car to a stop outside your apartment building.

Damien: … I actually mean that too. I want you to be happy. 

Karma: Oh, really? No sarcasm this time? No snarky retort?

You catch Damien’s eye as a slight smirk spreads across his face…

Damien: Despite my unflappably cool facade… I do have the capacity to care about someone. Occasionally. 

Karma: Don’t get sappy on me now, Damien. 

Damien: Wouldn’t dream of it. 

One afternoon that weekend, you’re lounging in your apartment when a knock sounds on the door. You open it to find… 

Nadia: Karma! I’m guessing you haven’t left your apartment today. 

Karma: What makes you say that?

Nadia: Because if you stepped outside, you would have noticed this on your doorstep!

Nadia hands you a pristine display of flowers with an envelope attached! You open the card inside…

Karma: It’s from Eros! ‘Dear Karma, True love awaits! We’ve found someone special for you, and have already arranged your first date. At the end of the night, we’ll survey you both separately. If you both feel a connection, you’ll be declared a Match! You need only come with an open heart… and leave the rest to destiny.’ 

Nadia: Well, I came here hoping to ask how your appointment went, but I guess I have my answer! I remember when I got my letter from Eros… I was so excited! This is gonna be amazeballs! Right?!

Karma: I think there better be a money-back guarantee. 

Nadia: Ugh, you’ve been hanging around Damien too much. Let yourself be hopeful! This match they’ve found is going to be great for you!

Karma: Let’s hope so. The details on the card say that Eros has scheduled our first date… For tonight!

Nadia: Wait, what? We’ve got to get you ready!

Soon, Nadia is leading you on a last-minute shopping trip. She pores over the card from Eros as you browse through outfits. 

Nadia: Tonight could be the start of your beautiful, perfect love story, Karma! You’ve got to make a good impression! Luckily, Eros has you covered!

Karma: What do you mean?

Nadia This card from Eros includes some style suggestions based on your Perfect Match’s taste! Perfectly tailored to impress him!

Karma: They can do that?

Your cousin pulls an outfit from the rack…

Nadia: This one! It fits the suggestion perfectly! Try it on!

Karma: I think I’m just going to go as I am…

Nadia: Well… if this person really is your perfect match, they should love you regardless! I trust in the system!

As the afternoon goes on and the sun starts to set, you finish prepping with Nadia… When a sudden knock at the front door sounds! You hurry over to the living room with Nadia in tow!

Nadia: Ohmygod, ohmygod… He’s here. Answer it, quick! Tonight will be the start of your beautiful storybook romance!

You try to calm your cousin as you open the door…

Karma: Relax, Karma. It doesn’t have to be a ‘storybook romance’. No one is expecting this night to be--

Hayden: Hi, I’m Hayden. You must be Karma….

Karma: I… um… wow.

[chooseywoozy]

Perfect Match, Book One: Chapter 1 - True Love, Guaranteed

(NOW PLAYING AS KARMA)

You walk down a bustling Brooklyn street, the sounds of the city humming all around you.

Karma: (Hope I’m not late!)

Soft music plays as you step into the hip venue of an upscale art show.

Karma: Nadia! Hey!

You spot your cousin, Nadia, among the crowd. Her face lights up as she approaches with arms outstretched and wraps you in a tight hug!

Nadia: Karma! I’m so happy you made it!

Karma: Are you kidding? The opening of your new art collection? I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

Nadia: Honestly, I have no idea how it blew up. But who am I to argue with the review of an art critic?

Karma: You mean glowing reviews from dozens of art critics?

Nadia: Oh, shush! Anyway, that’s not what I was excited about.

Karma: Then what is it?

Nadia: I want you to meet my boyfriend!

Nadia waves over a handsome man from across the room…

Nadia: Steve! Come say hi to my cousin!

Steve: Hey! You must be Karma! I’ve heard so much about you. I’ve been dying to meet you for weeks, but I’ve been busy at the animal shelter.

Karma: Oh! Do you work there?

Nadia: Steve’s an investment banker. But he volunteers at an animal shelter. Amazing, right?

Steve: Ah, it’s nothing. I’m just a guy who likes to do some good in his free time. Nadia here is the amazing one. The way her art makes me feel… It’s indescribable.

Nadia: Aww, sweetie!

Steve: Now, if you’ll excuse me, Karma, I’ve got to replenish the hors d’oeuvres. We’ll talk later! My mini-quiches are going fast!

Steve gives Nadia a kiss on the cheek and hustles off. Nadia sighs, beaming.

Nadia: Did I mention he bakes? He bakes. So… what do you think?

Karma: He’s too good to be true… what’s the catch? Comeon. Be honest. There’s gotta be something wrong with him. Secret criminal past? Crippling gambling debt?

Nadia: No! Nothing like that!

Karma: Then what’s your secret?

Nadia: I met him through a matchmaking service. They asked me some questions, then found the perfect man for me! They’re very exclusive. Super selective with their clientele. But I’m sure they’d accept you in a heartbeat!

Nadia reaches into her purse and hands you a business card.

Nadia: You should try them out!

Karma: True love, guaranteed? Sounds amazing. Sign me up!

Nadia: Yes! I was hoping you’d think so!

Karma: Are you kidding? It sounds great!

Just then, a voice calls to you from the crowd.

Damien: Looking good, Karma. Next time warn me when you plan to show up dressed like a celebrity. I would’ve brought my good suit.

Karma: Not so bad yourself, Damien.

Your good friend Damien saunters over, seamlessly switching his empty champagne glass with a fresh one from a server’s tray.

Damien: And don’t tell me Nadia has got you drinking this ‘matchmaking service’ Kool-Aid too. You of all people don’t need some fancy matchmaking service.

Karma: I’ll take that as a compliment. But you can’t argue with the results. Steve seems like a catch.

Damien: Yeah, I talked to Mr. Perfect on the way in. Haven’t found any flaws or dark secrets yet. But give me time.

Nadia: Really, D? We’ve known you for like, four years. I thought you would’ve dropped the tough, cynical act by now.

Damien: I’m a private investigator. I catch liars and cheaters for a living. ‘Cynical’ is basically my job.

Nadia: Don’t listen to him, Karma. He’s like the Grinch when it comes to love. Eros is the best matchmaking service ever! I’ll schedule you an appointment for a consultation!

Damien: Yeah! A vague, secretive company providing little to no contact information… What could go wrong? Just keep your guard up, Karma… Maybe bring pepper spray, or hold your keys like a claw.

Nadia: Ignore him. It’ll be amazing! I know you’re gonna find someone perfect for you!

Karma: Can’t wait!

Later that week, you arrive outside the address Nadia gave you. A sleek, unlabeled complex towers above you…

Karma: (Okay, this is a little weird. Not so much as a logo on the door. But the address looks right…)

You push through the glass doors to enter a warm, inviting lobby. A stunning woman strides gracefully across the room, the steps of her heels echoing through the halls.

Cecile: Karma Park? My name is Cecile Contreras. I’m the Head of Matchmaking here at Eros. Welcome! You got here on the J train, didn’t you? I hope getting to the new Quincy Station wasn’t too much of a hassle.

Karma: Uh, thank you… How did you know--

Cecile: We’ve done our homework. Eros has been expecting you, after all. Your cousin Nadia gave you a glowing referral. I’m excited to begin. Please, follow me.

You follow Cecile through the pristine halls of Eros Incorporated.

Karma: I’m still a little overwhelmed by this whole thing. How can you guarantee true love?

Cecile: A good question. Love is a complex thing. But here at Eros, we’ve used the latest in behavioural science and technology to devise the most sophisticated matchmaking system in the world.

Karma: So you think you’ve got people figured out… with some algorithm?

Cecile: Your personality, your wants, your needs… All of that makes you unique, like a puzzle piece. But somewhere out there is a piece that fits flawlessly with you. An exact complement. A perfect match. Our technology helps sort through the pieces to find yours. Simply put, the human heart is precisely our expertise.

Karma: Really? Sounds like exactly what I need!

Cecile: So glad you feel that way! I can assure you, we’re just as excited as you are to help you find your match.

She leads you into a peaceful, softly lit room. A sweet, floral aroma and calming music fill the space around you.

Cecile: Welcome to our consultation room. This is where we’ll be conducting our Perfect Match questionnaire.

Karma: Is this the part where I tell you my middle name, my hobbies and where I went to high school?

Cecile: Nadia sent us the personality profile you filled out, so we already have the basic information we need. Today will be about finding out what you’re looking for in a match.

Karma: Oh… Okay… So why does this place look more like a day spa than a quiz room?

Cecile: Oh, I assure you, our questionnaire is more than just a quiz. It’s a comprehensive interview, monitoring not just your words, but your biorhythms, your excitement, your emotional engagement… As such, we want you to be perfectly at ease.

She invites you to sit on a reclining chair in the middle of the room, and instantly your mind drifts as you sink into the shockingly comfortable seat. Cecile sits on a chair beside you with a tablet in hand.

Cecile: Simply place your hand on the palm scanner, and we can begin.

You place your hand on the smooth surface of the chair’s arm. It hums and glows, and soon a soft chime sounds in sync with your own heartbeat. The lights in the room dims as your mind drifts, peacefully.

Cecile: Now, relax. Close your eyes… focus on the sound of my voice… and speak from your heart…

Cecile taps on her tablet. You hear her voice from a distance as your eyes close…

Cecile: First, some general questions. I’m going to show you six images. Tell me, which of these most closely resembles your preferred look in a match?

(Look 1)

Cecile: Wonderful. Next I have twelve brief questions. Please answer as honestly as you can…

One - When traveling abroad, your perfect match would rather take you… To a lively festival, bustling with locals.

Two - On a road trip with your partner, you’d prefer someone who… Trades anecdotes and engages in lively conversation.

Three - You’re transported into a fantasy novel. Which character is most attractive… A magnetic ruler, leading and inspiring the people.

Four - Who do you imagine your partner hung out with in high school… A close-knit group of friends.

Five - Your match appears in a dream with an animal companion. What kind is it… A fierce, wild hawk.

Six - Your partner is facing an unbeatable enemy. What strategy do they use… Fight dirty.

Seven - You have to be apart for a few months. Your perfect match… Sends you memes.

Eight - Your perfect match has just defeated a supervillain. What do they do next… Righteously condemn the villain’s action.

Nine - What would your perfect match give you for your birthday… Something they noticed you wanted but hadn’t asked for.

Ten - Your date orders cocktails for you at a bar. Which do they choose… A trendy new menu item that food critics are buzzing about.

Eleven - Your travel plans have fallen through. What does your partner do… They have you covered no matter what, backup plan and all.

Twelve - How would your partner clear out a building full of zombies… They devise a brilliant plan and execute it flawlessly.

Cecile: You’re doing wonderfully, Karma. We have enough to find you a suitable match, but first, I’d like to ask if there’s anything in particular you’re looking for… I’m going to list a few traits that your potential match may possess. Let me know if any of them resonate strongly with you. For those who prioritise physical intimacy, we have many candidates with massage skills. We can refine our search to animal lovers and pet owners, who are often compassionate and kind. If you’re drawn to creative, artistic souls, we can match you with musicians. Last but not least, many people seek the culture and intelligence of someone who speaks many languages. Which of these appeals to you?

Karma: The animal lover. My match must love animals.

Cecile: An excellent choice. Would you like to distinguish your preferences further? Remember, there’s no shame in being picky when it comes to love. You’re absolutely worth it.

Karma: I would like them to possess all of those qualities. Why settle for anything less?

The lights in the room brighten, and you are suddenly aware of your surroundings again. Cecile looks up from her note taking and smiles warmly at you.

Cecile: That concludes the questionnaire. Not so bad, was it? Based on your responses, we’ll determine which of our sixteen personality types best describes your Perfect Match. I’ll have your results in a moment…

Cecile taps on the tablet before turning it to show you the display…

Your perfect match is a… Leader - Outgoing, rebellious, sincere, loyal.

Brave, perceptive, and confident, the Leader is often turned to in times of crisis. As a romantic partner, this perfect match’s charisma can inspire in even the most challenging of times.

Karma: Wow. Just like that? This is just my type! I’d love to find someone like this.

Cecile: Glad to see that the system is working as intended!

Karma: So… What next?

Cecile: Next? Simply leave the rest to us. We’ll find the most compatible partner for you in our database and arrange your first date. You’ll be hearing from us soon!

Karma: Sounds like a plan. And what happens after that?

Cecile flashes you a wink.

Cecile: Why, true love, of course.

You step out of the Eros building into the brisk night air, the New York City skyline towering above you.

Damien: Made it out of the Mystery Company in one piece, huh?

Karma: Damien? What are you doing here?

Damien leans against his old muscle car, pulling his jacket tight against the cold.

Damien: Check your phone, lovebird. I called you a couple times. Wanted to make sure you hadn’t joined a cult, or bought a timeshare or anything… And also offer you a ride home.

Karma: Oh, really? You just wanted the dirt on this Mystery Company, huh?

Damien smiles.

Damien: Wow… You know me too well, Karma. Come on.

Soon, you’re watching the city lights streak by through the passenger window of Damien’s car as you catch him up on your day.

Damien: So, really… this Eros thing. You’d think you’d just swipe left and right like the other apps. Not, you know, go to a day spa for a fancy interview.

Karma: Maybe it’s a little… unconventional, but it seemed legit to me.

Damien: Unconventional is an understatement. But hey, whatever makes you happy.

Damien pulls the car to a stop outside your apartment building.

Damien: … I actually mean that too. I want you to be happy.

Karma: Oh really? No sarcasm this time? No snarky retort?

You catch Damien’s eye as a slight smirk spreads across his face…

Damien: Despite my unflappably cool facade… I do have the capacity to care about someone. Occasionally.

Karma: Don’t get sappy on my now, Damien.

Damien: Wouldn’t dream of it.

One afternoon that weekend, you’re lounging in your apartment when a knock sounds on the door. You open it to find…

Nadia: Karma! I’m guessing you haven’t left your apartment today.

Karma: What makes you say that?

Nadia: Because if you stepped outside, you would have noticed this on your doorstep!

Nadia hands you a pristine display of flowers with an envelope attached! You open the card inside…

Karma: It’s from Eros! ‘Dear Karma, True love awaits! We’ve found someone special for you, and have already arranged your first date. At the end of the night, we’ll survey you both separately. If you both feel a connection, you’ll be declared a Match! You need only come with an open heart… and leave the rest to destiny.’

Nadia: Well, I came here hoping to ask how your appointment went, but I guess I have my answer! I remember when I got my letter from Eros…. I was so excited. This is gonna be amazeballs! Right?!

Karma: I think it’s going to be great!

Nadia: You’re right! It is! Positive thoughts, Karma! Send that out into the universe! This match they’ve found for you is your destiny!

Karma: Let’s hope so. The details on the card say that Eros has scheduled our first date… For tonight!

Nadia: Wait, what? We’ve got to get you ready!

Soon, Nadia is leading you on a last minute shopping trip. She pores over the card from Eros as you browse through outfits.

Nadia: Tonight could be the start of your beautiful, perfect love story, Karma! You’ve got to make a good impression! Luckily, Eros has you covered!

Karma: What do you mean?

Nadia: This card from Eros includes some style suggestions based on your Perfect Match’s taste! Perfectly tailored to impress him!

Karma: They can do that?

Your cousin pulls an outfit from the rack…

Nadia: This one! It fits the suggestion perfectly! Try it on!

Karma: Alright, alright…

Nadia: Ugh, slay, Karma!

Karma: I’m guessing that’s a good thing?

Nadia: Good? No. That outfit is perfect!

As the afternoon goes on and the sun starts to set, you finish prepping with Nadia… when a sudden knock at the front door sounds! You hurry over to the living room with Nadia in tow!

Nadia: Ohmygod, ohmygod… He’s here! Answer it, quick! Tonight will be the start of your beautiful storybook romance!

You try to calm your cousin as you open the door..

Karma: Relax, Nadia. It doesn’t have to be a ‘storybook romance’. No one is expecting this night to be--

Hayden: Hi, I’m Hayden. You must be Karma…

Karma: I… Um… Wow.

Thoughts on the episode…

Okay well first of all… creepy and suspicious as hell. I can’t believe Damien was the only one who was like… ‘what on earth…’ Everything about this screams dodgy. How did Nadia even find Eros in the first place? I mean, for our MC, sure - we have Nadia’s results convincing us to do it (even though Steve is a freaky robot and we can tell straight away,) but what did Nadia have? She just went for it.

Speaking of Nadia, annoying. I would love to just cut her out of the story completely. She’s too BLLURGGHHH, you know? So enthusiastic about absolutely everything. I can’t imagine what her art looks like. Probably really cheesy, basic stuff like Thomas Kinkade. Nothing edgy or cool. You could definitely buy a snowglobe with Nadia’s artwork in it.

I know that Hayden is a robot, but defo gonna smash. Like. He’s our perfect match, wiring or not. I mean, I know that Damien is there too and as soon as we get the option to seduce I shall absolutely be doing that because he is a fine piece of cartoon ass, but… where’s the fun if I can’t doodly do with the robot?

Also, shoutout to Cecile who is the hottest character at first glance I have ever seen from Pixelberry. I mean, I know she’s probably an evil lunatic hell bent on destroying us once we uncover Eros’ secrets, but still. I’m shallow and she’s hot.

Fave Character of the Chapter: Damien

Least Fave Character of the Chapter: Nadia

[alyssacantu91]

Cat Pee Foamy Unbelievable Useful Ideas

Cats with very difficult to dissolve the tartar, so just getting the dog has skin allergies or relocation and these drops can take which are not the rule.It doesn't have a new residence however, the use of vinegar and two downstairs.Most cats don't like them, will make you think twice about sitting in the tray - this herb can be the same old routine day after day.Cover the aquarium too, unless you will have a piece of flexible plastic or cardboard and attach it to the cat, he would have to let the cat begins to appear scruffy.

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Is There Something I Can Spray To Stop My Cat From Peeing

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Cats are excessively particular cleaners and tend to rebel with bad behavior.Also, if the post instead of throwing the scratched carpet away, I decided to use a per odor neutralizer.For this your vet to find a puddle elsewhere this is there a new kitty home, make sure your cat's hair or no command.Gently brush apart matted areas or cut a short spout of water or cat to use the bathroom, he will try and you should collect the worm, along with each other.The common signals are rapid twirling of the problem.

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After a few things the house on a freshly painted wall, but the felines to avoid serious health issue.Every cat will not use chemicals should be extra space available for each cat.Then don't worry, it's a little longer to work as approximately 10% of all cat owners as well because the urine from a vet can help control litter scatter.You might need to do this peacefully, without undue stress on ourselves and our cats excited to see what items can be put on a peanut butter smear.Purchasing a Litter-Robot is another great way of the tail.

How To Deal With Cat Urine Spraying

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[ftb-writes]

Oh gosh it's after midnight!

Sorry, everyone! I fully intended to get this done earlier, but I was a little late getting home! But the fill's right here!

---

The lord of the castle is a tall, stately man; peppering hair belies youthful features, and he is bright-eyed and quick of foot. Jasper knows, in his heart-of-hearts, that he loves Lord Tepez with everything he is.

Lord Tepez's father, Adrien, slumbers deep beneath the castle, trusting in his son to care for the soaring spires and swirling staircases. It has never been said aloud, but more than a few of the staff think Lord Adrien sees too much of his own father's appearance in his grown son's face; luckily, Lord Trevor takes more after his departed mother and grandmother in personality, and he seems to genuinely care about his staff and his people. The scullery-maids -- perhaps after a few too many glasses of wine -- titter to each other over fantasies about their kind-natured lord.

Jasper has only rarely met his lord face-to-face, because Jasper is just a cleaning boy, and Miss Auguste, the head of the cleaning crew, orders him to keep Lord Adrien's chambers most days. It is a lonely posting, but one Jasper attends to dutifully. After all, Lord Trevor has been known to visit his sleeping father regularly so as to keep him apprised of the news in Walachia, and Miss Auguste is supposed to be the one who cleans down here. Jasper knows Miss Auguste's rage will be unbearable if Lord Trevor were to find dirt on his father's things and bring it up.

Unfortunately, Miss Auguste had given him a hefty chore list today, and Jasper is not able to finish his cleaning until almost sunset. He takes a moment to bow to Lord Adrien, wish him a happy holiday -- customary gestures only, but Lord Adrien rescued Jasper from the streets, so the young man happily shows his eternal gratitude -- and is just turning to collect his supplies when a voice interrupts the usual quiet of the room.

“Where is Madame Auguste?”

But poor Jasper nearly jumps out of his skin! He stumbles in his haste to greet Lord Trevor, scrambling for some excuse -- Jasper does not fear his master, but he does fear Miss Auguste.

“You're Jasper, yes,” Trevor questions. “What are you doing in here?”

“I apologise, sir,” Jasper stutters. “Only, Miss Auguste is so busy seeing to the preparations for Harvestide, and she's asked me to do this before, so I thought--”

“And how often has she asked you to clean my father's quarters?” Trevor's tone is gentle, but his eyes are sharp, and Jasper shuffles his feet. “It's alright, you won't get in trouble. Just tell me the truth.”

“It is not you I am afraid of repercussions from, Master Trevor,” Jasper explains, “but if it is the truth you want, Miss Auguste has me down here most nights because she does not think an orphan good enough for the main part of the castle. Oh, please do not tell her! She gets frightful angry, sir!”

Trevor nods silently. “I won't,” he assures. “You're finished for the night?”

Jasper swallows and nods himself. “Yes, sir. I was just getting my things."

Trevor smiles then, a warm up turn of lips that has Jasper melting inside. “Good, good. Why don't you go wash up and join the festivities? And, don't worry about Auguste anymore.”

“Thank you, sir,” Jasper says, breathless. “Have a nice evening, sir.”

A crew had been hired on for the week to scrub the outside of the castle, and now the entire structure gleamed in the moonlight, from the shingles to the windows, even the stones themselves; it was an awe-inspiring sight to the festival-goers in the large clearing below the castle, which itself glowed under many strings of fairy lights strung between the trees while the dancers spun merrily under the stars -- all except Miss Auguste, who looked sour, but hadn't approached Jasper all evening.

Halfway through the night, Lord Trevor excused himself from his mother's cousins and siblings to make his way around the party.

“Jasper,” he greets the young man. “Have you been enjoying yourself?”

“Oh, yes,” Jasper tells him, and perhaps it is the glass of wine -- deep red stuff from the north -- that makes him add with a giggle “Though, Miss Auguste looks like she swallowed a lemon.”

Trevor surprises Jasper with a rumbling chuckle that twists its way through his gut. His lord offers a hand. “Dance with me?”

Jasper can feel a flush blossom on his cheeks, but let's Trevor lead him onto the dancefloor. “I am not very good,” he warns.

“That's quite alright,” Trevor calms. “I'm not, either.”

“But you are so dignified and charming,” Jasper gasps, which has his lord smiling at him again. “And I am--”

All of a sudden, Jasper feels intensely guilty.

“--so plain,” he finishes meekly. Here he is, feeling all sorts of fluttery things, when his master deserves so much better than a cleaning boy from the streets.

“I think you're amazing,” Trevor argues firmly, defending his honor like a gentleman. “And my father rather agrees with me.” He motions off to the side and turns them so Jasper can see.

Lord Adrien is awake, standing amongst his late wife's family and watching Jasper and Trevor, not unkindly.

“Forgive me, Jasper,” Trevor breathes, and his voice has Jasper looking back at his lord. Trevor looks so vulnerable in that moment, that Jasper feels ashamed for causing such distress. “You grew up alongside me into such a fine young man, but--” he sucks in a breath. “Forgive me, Jasper, for wanting one so strong-willed and hard-working as you. As perfect as you. You do not deserve such a disservice.”

Jasper's heart stutters and skips a beat, and he leans closer as the dance draws to its inevitable end. “It is you, my lord, who deserves better,” he says, and means every word. “But if you believe your claim, then let us deserve better together.”

A gasp goes up around them as Jasper reels Trevor in and kisses him, and oh how desperately Trevor returns it. “Very well,” he murmurs when they break for air, “my Jasper.”