#So we will graciously let you have MOST of YOUR CHOOSING

[prismaticsaltedink]

Listen. Chopsticks in a paper wrap are a fun toy. Not only do you have a thing that goes clack-a-clack-a-clack but you also have a thing that goes crinkle swoosh. AND THEN it's part fidget toy thing because THE CHOPSTICKS !!! ARE REMOVABLE! Also they're lightweight and easy to pick up, which is nice- more empowering than awkward large or long thing. For a fun time between human and cat, have the human hold this toy by the top part of the sticks and GENTLY try to touch the feet or tail of the cat before cat slaps the sticks. Good cat will not try to swat your hands or fingers and will understand this is a splendid game, seeing who is the fastest. It is recommended if you win a few times in a row to intentionally lose so the other has a chance to win and feel good about themselves. This can include going slower, or pretending to get distracted by nothing. In the end it's about play and spending time with your interspecies family, and toys that make sounds are much better than toys that are visual only.

[calypsocolada]

how the jjk boys ask you to be their girlfriend...ft. choso, gojo, nanami

authors note: saw the leaks. no spoilers in this fic btw. iykyk. gege is a criminal.

cw: fem reader, angst, lovey dovey, not proofread

wc: 2.7k

click here for my masterlist

One morning you wake up and stumble upon Choso in the kitchen, he was struggling with something, pots and pans scattered. 

“Choso?” You ask, he spins around, looking slightly alarmed. 

“You’re awake,” He stuns, his lips parted. You raise your brows, nodding your head.

“It’s almost 11, you let me sleep in.” You say. Choso turns as though he’s hiding something. 

“I-- wanted to surprise you.” He says, seeing his face in full now you can see some white powder on his cheek and streaks of the powder in his hair. 

“Surprise me?” You ask, walking closer. Choso looks a bit defeated as he moves to show you a scene of pure horror. He tried to cook you breakfast. Everything was burnt, even a cup of coffee, somehow. Your lips part in unspoken words as you try and comprehend this moment. 

“Wow. Uh… Choso, this uh… this looks delicious.” Your words were the most unconvincing thing you’d probably spoken in your entire life. 

“You’re nice. This is a disaster. I’ve never cooked before.” He explains. Yeah, you figured that. 

“You were surprising me with breakfast?” You ask as Choso looks down at you, his once pale cheeks had the slightest hint of blush across them. He nods his head and you smile up at him graciously. “That’s very kind of you.” He looks away, slightly dejected.

“I can clean this up and try again.” He says. You reach up and wipe the powder from his cheek and it halts his actions.

“Or we can cook breakfast together?” You ask. He’s at a loss for words, your hand is still on his cheek afterall. You raise a brow and he blinks a few times as if coming out of a haze.

“Together?” He asks as you nod your head, letting your hand drop. 

“Yeah, we’ll clean this up and I’ll teach you how to properly cook, hmm?” You ask, reaching for a rag. 

“Then I’ll surprise you myself tomorrow.” He says, gaining a small laugh out of you. 

“Not much of a surprise if you tell me, Choso.” You say, easing the tension in Choso’s body as he smiles warmly down at you. 

The cooking was the easy part. Choso was a quick learner and though sometimes he had a hard time paying attention with you so close to him he still managed to flip a pancake or two. As you set the table, Choso grabbed you both some juice. You sat down, Choso choosing to sit in the chair next to you rather than the one across from you. You gave him a smile as you two ate in comfortable silence. That was until…

“Do you have a boyfriend?” The question was so out of left field you almost spit out your drink. You wiped your lip and turned to Choso.

“What?” You asked, even though you heard him you weren’t sure if you heard him correctly.

“Do you have a boyfriend?”

“A boyfriend?” You echo, Choso nods his head. “Like… a romantic thing?” Choso slightly smirks, nodding his head again. You felt silly for that question but you were slightly off balance at the moment “Uhm… I... Why do you ask?” You feel your heartbeat in your chest with the way Choso looks at you.

“So you’re single?” He asks, sort of doubling down on his question. You stare at him for a moment.

“Yeah,” You say finally. “There isn’t much time to date around at school, so…” 

“Oh,” Choso says. You watch him curiously as he sort of calmly returns to eating his food for a moment. He leans slightly closer to you, his voice taking a slightly more serious tone. “Could you make time?”

“Make time… for a boyfriend?” You ask. Choso’s eyes flicker between your eyes and your lips as he nods his head. 

“Yes.”

“I guess… it would depend.” You say, your heart in your throat. Has he always been this close? His eyes land back on yours and stay there. 

“On what?”

“On who it is.” You answer and watch the corners of his mouth turn up just slightly in a small smile. He continues to hold eye contact, even as he takes a drink.

“How about me?” There’s silence for a moment. You're dumbfounded. Choso’s enthralled in you. Once things settle a bit in your mind an amused scoff passes your lips. 

“Is this… Choso, are you asking me out?”

“And if I am?” He counters. Where did all this… confidence come from? You didn’t even think Choso knew what romance and relationships beyond family were. Nevertheless you blush at his remark. “I’m hoping you say yes.”

“I… wish I could.” You say, looking away. Choso notices your chance in demeanor. His smile fades just a bit as he asks.

“Why not?”

“I… lost a lot of people during the incident in Shibuya. I’m just afraid that if… you become any more important to me than fate will take you like all the others.” You say, looking back at your plate of food. Your words were bullshit, he was already very important to you, there was nothing you could do to change that but hopeless you tried. Tried to cling to the last bit of sanity you had left. The last bit of yourself that wasn’t consumed with grief. Choso’s expression softens at your words. He could understand exactly what you meant.

“I’m afraid of losing you too.” He says. There is silence before you look up, meeting his eyes. He takes in a breath and scoots just a bit closer to you. Just enough to speak in a quiet voice. “But I would much rather have a chance to be happy and live in that gnawing fear rather than spending my life alone thinking of what could’ve been.” Your heart swells at his words. A warm smile spreads slowly on your lips.

“That’s… that sounds nice, Choso.”

“Thank you. I guess I’m a bit of a hopeless romantic.”

“Not all hopeless.” You say and watch the blush just grow. He looks down at the smile on your soft lips and raises his brows slightly.

“Can I…”

“Can you?”

“Kiss you?” His voice is barely louder than a whisper, despite the butterflies raving in his stomach he keeps his eyes on you. You suck in a breath but after a moment you nod your head. Choso’s smile widens, his heart skipping a beat as he gently reaches out to brush a loose lock of your hair away from your face. When he’s sure he has your complete attention he leans in to you and presses his lips very gently against yours. After a serene moment he pulls back, pressing a kiss to your forehead before pressing his forehead to yours. “So… Can I be yours?”

~

“Did you have so much fun?” Was the first sentence out of Gojo’s mouth the moment you walked in the door. You ignored him, the man was clearly jealous you had gone on a date. You stripped off your jacket, hanging it on the coat rack near the door. Your hair was slightly wet from the rain so you wrung it out on the front door mat. You heard Gojo getting up from the couch and you sighed.

“Don’t you have your own place? Or at least someone better to annoy?” You sibilated as you kicked off your shoes.

“What kind of man lets his date walk in the rain?” He huffs.

“I don’t mind the rain. Nor do I mind walking.” You retort, looking up at Gojo. He looked… stressed to say the least. His hair is a mess, it looked as though he ran his fingers through it at least a hundred times. 

“You might not mind but you could get a cold.” He says. You laugh, rolling your eyes. 

“Alright, dad. I’m heading to bed.” You say, walking towards your room. Gojo catches your wrist as you walk by.

“Did you have fun?” He asks, the words sounding pained. 

“So so much fun.” You returned sarcastically. It was a fine date, but that was all. It wasn’t remarkable and you probably wouldn’t go out again with him. Gojo swallows, biting on his lower lip gently.

“Where’d you guys eat?”

“A burger place.”

“You hate burgers.” Gojo points out. 

“He doesn’t know that.” You sigh. “And besides they had other foods.”

“He should know it.”

“Satoru,” You demurred. Gojo’s eyes cut to yours and a moment of tension sparked. “I just met him.”

“Didn’t he take what you like into account.”

“Are you jealous or something?” You ask amused.

“Yes.” Gojo answers simply. You blink a few times. “Yes. I’m very fucking jealous.”

“Oh.” Is all you can say. It was surprising. 

“Oh?” Gojo mocks, running his hand through his hair. “I thought I was making it very clear about my jealousy.”

“I don’t read people well. And maybe instead of pouting like a kid you could’ve just asked me out yourself instead of pestering me after each date.” You hiss, pulling your wrist out of his grip. Gojo raises his eyebrows as if he hadn’t thought of that. “You’re hopeless, Sat-” Gojo leans into you, pressing his lips to yours, cutting off your sentence. You jolt at the contact. The kiss setting fires in places that had been long waterlogged. You shiver as Gojo’s hand slides against your face, his other around your hip, drawing you closer to him. 

“Will you let me take you out?”He whispers against your lips. "Please?"

~

“And the flights are all booked?” Nanami asks as you nod your head with a smile. Nanami smiles warmly back at you. 

“Good girl, are you ready to go?”

“Uh huh.” You say as you reach for your bags but Nanami beats you to it, lifting them with ease. You thank him as you two climb into the cab. You pull up the flight information as Nanami buckles your seat belt. 

“You look very pretty.” He whispers to you, sending chills down your spine. Your eyes cut up to his in surprise. You weren’t dressed up, just in an old sweatshirt he loaned you at the Christmas office party three years ago and your dad’s old sweatpants.

“T-thank you.” You return, your voice small. Nanami gives you another small smile. You look away, slightly flustered and back at your phone. For the most part you and Nanami’s relationship had been pretty professional. You were glad that he let your little mishap from two weeks ago pass after you profusely apologized. You had drank just a bit too much at one of his conferences and on the way back up to your guy’s rooms that were directly across from each other you kissed him. You were drunk and Nanami was a gentleman, he let you down very easily and helped you into bed before leaving for his own room. But… ever since that night Nanami had acted slightly differently towards you. Less professional, more open. He laughed more, smiled more. You two went out for dinner at least three times in the last week. And for this conference he’d sprung for everything nice, the biggest hotel room, first class and even planned to stay a few days after the conference so he could show you around his home town. Nanami had been treating you like something special for a while but now it was turned up a dial. He was constantly carrying things for you, buying things you merely looked at. It made you think how lucky the girl that ended up with him would be. 

As you two landed and headed towards the hotel Nanami held the door open for you, even as he carried your luggage.

“Are you sure I can’t help carry something, sir?” You ask as Nanami just gives you a gentle nod of the head and drapes his jacket over your shoulder as you two walk out into the cold. It was winter and when Nanami grew up it was freezing. You blush as you slide into another cab, Nanami beside you. 

“Warm enough?” He asks, noticing you slightly shivering.

“It’s cold here.” You remark as Nanami nods his head, moving closer to you, wrapping an arm around your shoulder. You freeze, heart lurching into your throat at the movement. 

“Better?” He asks as you nod your head quickly. Nanami was like a personal heater and the moment you warmed up you dozed off. You woke up to Nanami’s calm voice as the cab pulled up to the hotel. “Let’s get you inside.” He says. 

The hotel room was like an apartment. Two rooms, a pool on the balcony, though it was entirely too cold for that. There was a giant shared bathroom the size of your apartment back home. You marveled as you walked inside. It was nice and warm, the inside sort of like a log cabin, with warm wooden decor and buffalo check red and black curtains. It looked like something right out of a Christmas movie. Nanami ordered room service as you cleaned up. He set the table and by the time you got out of shower and changed the food was here. You sat across from him at the little table by the window as he poured you a glass of wine. You smiled at him, hunger twisting your stomach.

“You’re too kind. This all is very fancy.”

“You deserve it.” He says warmly. You can’t help but blush. You can’t help but wish you weren’t just his assistant.

“You make my job easy.” You say as Nanami chuckles.

“So do you.” He returns. You blush even harder as you eat, he got you your favorite food and favorite type of wine. If you weren’t his assistant you would assume he was being romantic. After a few glasses of wine you decide enough is enough.

“Sir… uhm.” You struggle with your words. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course, darling.” He returns. His voice is like warm honey. It makes you crumble, makes your thought train derail.

“Uh… well um… I was wondering… do you or… I guess are you… seeing someone?” You bumble out. Nanami raises his brows and you suddenly feel embarrassed.

“I am. Seeing you, aren’t I?” He says. For a moment you're frozen and then you laugh.

“I meant… romantically.” You clarify.

“I know what you meant.” Nanami says. For a moment you stare at him. Trying to reel in this moment, trying to understand. 

“I don’t… understand.” You say and watch Nanami laugh warmly.

“I was hoping you’d catch on yourself.” Nanami carefully reaches across the table. “You never had to apologize for kissing me, dear. I… have wanted to kiss you for a long while.”

“You what?” You echo as he brings your hand to his lips and kisses your knuckles. You blush like crazy.

“I have wanted to kiss you for years. You just beat me to it.” 

“I… Uh. W-wow. I can’t believe I’ve been so stupid.” You laugh. “You’ve been taking me out on dates?”

“Uh huh.”

“And buying me things as presents.”

“Yes, dear.” 

“I’m so stupid.” You laugh as Nanami shakes his head, standing up and walking around the table. He bends to his knees beside you, looking up at you. Your hand is still in his as he kisses you knuckles again. 

“You’re not stupid. I should’ve just told you.” He says. You smile at him, biting your lips slightly. 

“So… you like me back?” Stupid question but Nanami doesn’t say anything. He just slowly kisses his way up your arm, sending chills down your body. His lips meet your shoulder, then your neck and you gasp.

“I do, darling. Very much so.” He whispers against your jaw as he places soft kisses there. 

“You want to date me?” You blurt out, your voice a husky whisper. 

“So badly.” He answers. “It’s killing me.” His hand snakes up and he gently turns your face so your lips are millimeters apart. “May I kiss y-” You push forwards meeting his lips with fever.

[harmonicakai]

As Long As You Care

Part 1 of the "Somebody Else" series

Pairing: Soobin x Reader, Yeonjun x Reader

Summary: From the moment he first met you, Soobin has had the biggest crush on you. The only thing standing in his way is his college roommate, Yeonjun, who you’ve been in love with ever since you were little.

Tropes: love triangle, unrequited love, fake dating, frat boy!yeonjun, nerd!soobin, roommates, college AU, childhood best friends

Word Count: 2.4k

Warnings: drinking, sexual tension (mdni!), curse words, yj is an asshole

A/N: TBH I feel like this is one of my weakest works so far, but I really like the concept and already have the whole thing planned out, so I will try and see completing it through <3

“If you could see that I'm the one who understands you Been here all along, So why can't you see? You belong with me" —You Belong With Me, Taylor Swift

“If you have a crush on Y/N, then go for it,” Yeonjun laughs, surprised that Soobin would even bother to get his permission, as if he wants your hand in marriage or something.

“Really? You don’t mind?” Soobin blinks back, unsure of whether or not his roommate is being serious. You’ve been friends with Yeonjun since you were little kids, so Soobin figured that running the idea of asking you out by him was surely the right thing to do.

“If you’re worried about whether me and her are more than friends, don’t be. If we were going to start dating, we would’ve when we were in high school. God knows it would’ve made our moms happy.”

“Would you help me then? You know her better than I do,” Soobin continues, eager for tips on how to properly woo you. “Do you know her favorite kind of flowers?”

“Can’t say I do,” Yeonjun shrugs. “Listen, Soob, Y/N is a hopeless romantic. And she’s never even had a boyfriend before. I’m sure whatever you come up with will exceed any and all of her expectations.”

Yeonjun’s excuses for why the moment doesn’t need to be special are precisely why Soobin wants to take so much care in planning things. It would be your first date, first boyfriend, first everything.

Well, except for your first kiss, which Yeonjun had graciously stolen back in middle school, years before he had even introduced you to Soobin. Both of you have asserted that it was only once, and simply for you to get it over with before a school dance in the hopes that your real crush would make a move.

Soobin would be lying to say he doesn’t get jealous of the two of you. Plus, Yeonjun is totally wrong. From what others have said, you’re extremely picky when it comes to guys.

“So, when are you going to ask her?” Yeonjun says, snapping Soobin out of his trance. “She’ll be here any minute if you wanna do it then.”

“She’s coming over now?” Soobin asks, his palms feeling infinitely more sweaty. He hasn’t had any time to do his hair or choose a good outfit, let alone run to the store and pick up any of the little presents he had planned on getting for you.

“We’re going to get breakfast. Some new café she’s been dying to try,” Yeonjun replies, his mouth full of a croissant. Soobin rolls his eyes. If the two of you are about to go out to eat, why the hell is he stuffing his face right now?

Soobin checks his watch. If he leaves now, he’ll surely make it back before the two of you return. “Can you make sure that you guys come here when you’re done?”

“I can make no promises,” Yeonjun sighs, staring at his reflection in the hallway mirror. He throws on a pair of sunglasses, his phone ringing to signal that he’s gotten a text, most likely from you. “Y/N is going to meet me outside. It’s now or never, dude.”

Soobin glances out the window and spots you standing in the courtyard, wearing a floral sundress that hugs you in all the right places. The sunlight shines down on your hair, leaving a glow that makes you look absolutely angelic. He swallows hard.

You’ve made yourself comfortable on a bench just outside, your feet propped up on the arm rest. 

“It looks like she’s been waiting a while,” Soobin observes.

“Yeah, I know,” Yeonjun says nonchalantly. 

“Shouldn’t you hurry up, then?”

“Why are you asking so many questions?” Yeonjun scoffs. “Since you’re so concerned, I’ve got a date after this, okay? Well, if you can even call it that. Point is, I need to look good, and that takes time.”

“I guess I’ll just ask her another day, then,” Soobin sighs in defeat, backing away from the window. He knows better than to push Yeonjun. “Listen, will you do me a favor?”

“Depends on what it is.” Yeonjun is still admiring himself, now unbuttoning even more of his shirt. He might as well go topless at this point, Soobin thinks to himself.

“Could you maybe mention me and see how Y/N reacts?” Soobin asks, adjusting his glasses.

“I will for 30,000 won,” Yeonjun deadpans, not even bothering to look Soobin’s way.

“Are you joking?” 

“No. I don’t care if you guys date, but I certainly won’t be making it easy for you. She’s my friend. If you become her boyfriend and start taking her out, that’s less time she’ll be spending with me.” Sometimes, most of the time, Soobin really hates his roommate.

“You suck,” Soobin says, reaching into his wallet and handing over a few bills. “Here.”

“Pleasure doing business,” Yeonjun grins, pocketing the cash. A knock at the door startles both of them. “Why don’t you get that?”

Soobin heads for the door, knowing you’re on the other side of it. He mentally prepares himself, smoothing his hair into place and checking his breath.

When the door swings open, you’re surprised to see Yeonjun’s roommate staring at you.

“Uh, hi,” you greet him. Soobin holds his breath. You’re even more beautiful up close. “Is Yeonjun ready to go? I’ve been waiting downstairs, for like, ten minutes.”

“I don’t think so,” Soobin says, stepping aside to let you into the dorm’s common room. “You’re welcome to wait, though.”

“Thanks,” you reply, stepping in and spotting your best friend fussing with his hair. “Hi Junie!”

“Hi, Y/N,” Yeonjun smiles. He pulls you into a tight hug. “Sorry to keep you waiting. I didn’t see your texts. I just need a few more minutes, okay?”

Soobin knows his roommate is lying, but he’s not going to be the one to tell you that.

“Oh, yeah, of course,” you say, making yourself comfortable on the couch. You turn your attention to Soobin, who you don’t really know much about. “How’s your morning going, Soobin?”

“It’s good. Great, actually! A little busy, but I like having things to do, you know?”

“Yeah, I get that. What are you up to?”

“Mostly running errands. Then later I have to take some photos of today’s soccer game for the school newspaper, go to jazz band practice, and study for my econ midterm,” he rambles.

“Wow. That’s… a lot.” Your eyes widen, wondering how he manages to juggle that kind of schedule. Sure, you care about extracurriculars too, but never enough to risk burning yourself out.

“Soobin is a real nerd, Y/N. If you ever need a tutor for anything, he’s your guy,” Yeonjun calls from the bathroom.

“Ooh, okay. How are you at multivariable calculus?” you inquire. It’s the class you’ve been struggling with the most this semester.

“Math is unfortunately the one thing I’m bad at,” Soobin admits. He opens his mouth to keep talking, but Yeonjun’s finally returned, at last ready to go. 

Soobin watches as Yeonjun’s hand finds yours, pulling you up off the couch before finding its way around your waist. “Let’s head out, babe.”

“Yay! Okay, well, bye, Soobin!” You wave, being pulled along. “I’ll see you around, I guess.”

Yeonjun drags you out the front door before Soobin can even say goodbye, the sweet scent of your perfume lingering in the air behind you.

Soobin waits a few minutes to make sure the two of you won’t be stopping back in before he faceplants onto the couch, letting out a long sigh. At this point, he isn’t sure if he’ll ever have the chance to tell you how he really feels with your “best” friend standing in the way.

—————-

Soobin’s heart nearly beats out of his chest the second he lays his eyes on you. You’re wearing the same sundress from earlier today, but this time without the slouchy cardigan draped over your shoulders, and your hair is thrown into a perfectly messy updo. To top it all off, you’ve got glitter dusted along your neck and collarbone, making you shimmer under the glow of the frat’s neon lights.

He wants nothing more than to lean down and kiss it all off of you. The only issue is that you’re surrounded by a ton of other partygoers who probably all want to do the same.

You’re the only reason he even bothered to come to this party and he might not even get the chance to talk to you. He may not have been of any help this morning, but at least Yeonjun was decent enough to text Soobin and let him know the two of you would be here tonight.

“Soob! I didn’t think you’d actually come!” Yeonjun’s voice startles him as he claps his roommate on the shoulders from behind, his hands still wet from swimming in the pool. Soobin jerks back, nearly spilling the contents of his red solo cup.

“She looks hot, doesn’t she?” Yeonjun continues, glancing past him to see you twirling your hair as you gently let another guy know he has no chance with you. Soobin hates it when he talks about you this way, even if it’s true. “Did you tell her you’re in love with her yet?”

“We haven’t even talked,” Soobin says, his voice barely reaching above the music’s blast. He stares down at his white sneakers, sticky from the spilled drinks and god knows what else is lining the frat’s linoleum floors. “Did you do what I asked you to, by the way?”

“Shit, sorry, man. I totally forgot. But you know what? Maybe we can change your luck,” Yeonjun smiles, feeling a bit sorry for his lovesick roommate. “Me and a few other people are gonna start a game of spin the bottle in the next room if you want to try and kiss her.”

It’s the opportunity of a lifetime. Except when you spin the bottle and it glides past him, landing instead on Yeonjun, Soobin’s heart plummets into his stomach.

You lean past him with a shy smile on your face, wrapping your arms around your best friend’s neck as he pulls you into the steamiest kiss Soobin has ever seen. It’s enough to make him wonder if maybe the two of you have done this more than just once.

Despite being over in seconds, it feels like hours to Soobin. To make matters worse, when you pull away, your lips wet with Yeonjun’s saliva, you wave at him with the most gorgeous smile in the world.

“Sorry, man,” Yeonjun whispers to Soobin, running a hand through his hair, messed up from where your fingers were just laced through it. “Maybe next round.”

If Soobin could fight, he would’ve certainly thrown a punch straight into his roommate’s jaw. But even though he towers over him by a few good inches, he knows that he’d be out like a light and wake up with a black eye that’ll truly never let him forget about this moment.

When it’s finally his turn, it lands on a girl just a few spots over from you and he does his best not to look disappointed. She’s pretty, for sure, but she’s not you. Soobin plants a quick kiss on her lips and the crowd groans.

“More!” an unfamiliar voice chants. The rest of the players join in, although all Soobin can pinpoint is the sound of you nearby, egging him on to make out with another girl.

He relents, enough alcohol in his system to finally let loose, pulling the girl into a fast, sloppy kiss. The crowd shifts to whooping and hollering, and he sees you giggling with one of your girl friends out of the corner of his eye.

It isn’t until the two of you watch as Yeonjun gropes that same friend seconds after the bottle lands on her that Soobin notices a shift in your mood. Your once everlasting smile has been replaced with a blank stare that unmistakably signals heartbreak.

Soobin would know. He was making the same face just a few minutes ago.

Eventually, the game fizzles out and everybody disperses back into the frat’s crowd, still going strong despite being hours in.

After wandering around the party for a while, Soobin spots you at the keg, frustratedly pouring yourself another beer. From the way you’re stumbling, he knows it’s probably not a good idea for you to actually drink it.

“Hey, wait,” he intervenes, grabbing the plastic cup out of your hand. “Y/N. Maybe you should slow down.”

“Fuck off,” you scoff before turning to see who’s interrupted your binge. Your cheeks heat up at the sight of Soobin, Yeonjun’s roommate. He usually never comes to these things and has only ever been really, really nice to you. “Soobin. I am so, so sorry. I’m just going through it right now.”

“I can see that. Do you want to get some fresh air?”

“Yes, please.” He loops his arm around yours and guides you outside, making sure that you don’t trip on any uneven steps or loose cans. 

If it were Yeonjun, he’d carry you bridal style, letting you nuzzle your head into his shoulder until you reached your dorm room.

“You can have some of mine,” Soobin says, handing over his drink as you steady yourself against the porch’s railing. “It’s just Sprite.”

You nod and gulp the entire cup of soda down, the bubbles tickling your dry throat.

“You’re jealous, aren’t you?” Soobin continues, catching you off guard. You turn to stare at him, eyes wide before you fix your expression to something more nonchalant.

“No, I’m not.” He looks back at you with a frown, letting you know that he’s seen just enough tonight to not believe any of what you’re saying. Soobin doesn’t seem like the kind of person you’d want to lie to, anyway.

“Fine, maybe just a little bit,” you admit, crossing your arms in defeat. “I mean, in general, how are girls like me supposed to compete with girls like her?”

“Lots of guys would kill to be with a girl like you. She’s just more… straightforward.” You can tell he can’t actually come up with a better explanation for why his roommate isn’t into you.

“I kissed him the way I’ve been wanting to for years now. I don’t know how much more straightforward I can get. You know, last week, I asked if there was anything going on between the two of them and he told me she wasn’t his type?”

“Who isn’t Yeonjun’s type?” Soobin laughs awkwardly, regret immediately settling on his face as he realizes he probably shouldn’t have said that. He’s right and you know it, though.

“Please tell me they aren’t making out right now,” you change the subject, hoping and praying that the answer is no.

Soobin glances over his shoulder back into the party to see Yeonjun and your friend entangled, his hands gripping her hips as she grinds into him. “He’s… certainly doing something to her.”

“Wow. Okay, that’s all I needed to hear.” You walk past Soobin to stare at Yeonjun and your friend all over each other. It’s a horrifying scene, but for some reason, you can’t tear your eyes away. “You know, I’d hate to see how he is with a girl he’s actually into. Men really suck sometimes.”

“Y/N, look at me,” Soobin says, his voice the steadiest its been all night.

“Huh?” you ask in confusion. Soobin turns you back around, his hand reaching up to brush a strand of hair from your face. It trembles against your cheek as he leans in close to you.

“We can get back at him,” he whispers, both of your heart rates rising by the second. His breath is hot against your ear. “If you want to.”

You can’t believe the words that have just come out of his mouth. Choi Soobin, Yeonjun’s sweet roommate who has only ever spoken to you in the most polite and platonic way, is offering to help you make your best friend jealous.

Your silence makes him backtrack, the panic in his voice evident. He really has no clue what’s gotten into him. “I’m sorry, Y/N. I was just joking! I didn’t actually mean—”

“Let’s do it,” you say, cutting him off. Before he can protest, you’re pulling him back into the frat house and onto the middle of the dance floor, right next to Yeonjun.

Soobin can barely believe this is happening right now, and if his arms weren’t wrapped around your waist, he’d pinch himself.

Usually, you keep to yourself at parties, kindly entertaining men’s advances, but never giving them the satisfaction of dancing with you. Tonight, you’re breaking all of your own self-imposed rules with the guy you least expected to.

“Kiss me,” you say into his ear, loud enough to fight the music’s volume, but quiet enough for Yeonjun not to hear. Soobin looks at you with sheer panic on his face and you know immediately that he’s incapable of making the first move.

At least that’s what you think before he crashes his lips onto yours. Despite watching him awkwardly make out with someone else earlier, he’s surprisingly good at kissing. There’s a hunger to the way he grabs your waist and pulls you closer that makes you smile into him.

As you feel his soft hair beneath your fingertips, you almost forget why you’re kissing him in the first place. When you finally separate, you turn to see Yeonjun staring at the two of you, a sly grin on his face that makes you question if you’ve made the right decision.

—————-

“That was so humiliating,” you groan, trudging down the sidewalk. Soobin trails you like a puppy dog. “He was happy for us. So much for making him jealous. You know, maybe we should just call this whole thing off now.”

“No!” Soobin panics. “I, uh, I have an idea.”

“Which is?” you say, stopping to look at him. You can tell by the way he stares blankly at you that he doesn’t actually have an answer.

“Well… if we keep this up, then Yeonjun will see how great of a girlfriend you are and he’ll want you for himself! Really, we’ve just gotta give it more time.”

Your head aches, but Soobin does make a little bit of sense. “Fine, okay. How long are you willing to put up with me for?”

Soobin knows he can’t say forever. “Why don’t we try until the end of the semester? If he doesn’t confess his love to you by then, then we’ll stage a break up.”

“Sounds like a deal,” you say, reaching out your hand to shake. Soobin hesitates. “I don’t have cooties, you know. Besides, your tongue was kind of just down my throat back there.”

“Right, sorry,” Soobin says, taking your hand into his. It’s much bigger than you expected, nearly covering yours in its entirety. “Deal.”

“Come on,” you say, continuing your trek back to your dorm. “Let’s go.”

“My room is the other way,” he attempts to remind you. You don’t even bother to look back at him, wanting to get out of the cold and into your bed.

“We’re going to mine. Yeonjun is never going to believe we’re together if he catches you in your own bed tonight.” 

—————-

Taglist: @orangesodafoam @deezbutz28 @ur-mother-realnotclickbait @iyeeeverydee @internet-folks @darlingz99 @foxyjun @stardustmooncakes @giaalorine @beomgyubabybear @niningtori @goquokka @csbenthusiast @moarmyjkhk @lizdevorak @sooberryworld @lonelybutterflytae @midnight-mochii @theresawtf @nowadays56 @jjklvr9 @baekberrie @philijack @soobnuuy

P.S.: Please shoot me an ask or a reply if you’d like to be added to (or removed from) the taglist! Also, I struggle to keep up with different lists for individual members, but if you really don't want to be tagged on all of my works, just let me know and I will do my best to keep things separate <3

[astarioffsimpmain]

Halloween with Halsin

Halsin x F!Reader

Warnings: Pregnancy (not accidental)

Synopsis: You and Halsin oversee the now adopted children from Baldur's Gate as they carve gourd lanterns in preparation for Liar's Night

Author's Note: Happy Half-o-ween part 2! 🎃

Little faces lit up with joy and recognition as you and Halsin wheeled the cart of gourds up to the clearing. "We're celebrating Liar's Night!" A young tiefling boy cried out, jumping up and down in his place. 

"We are!" You replied, and laughed as a myriad of cheers and whoops broke out in response. "Daddy Halsin and I thought you all might want to carve your own gourd lanterns this year, but remember to save those gooey insides and put them in your bucket. We're baking pumpkin bread with it in a few days." Your smile only grew, watching the children gather around to pick out their pumpkins, sharing and swapping much more graciously than many adults you knew.  You sighed and allowed your eyes to fall closed in contentment when you felt your lover's arms encircle you in his warmth. 

"You do so well with them, my heart." He murmured, his lips tickling the crown of your head.

"They make that easy." You replied, then twisted in his arms to allow your own lips access to his cheek, his neck, and his shoulder. You dropped chaste but tender kisses on his sweat-dampened skin before tucking your nose into the crook of his neck. "You make it even easier." He chuckled in your ear and tightened his grip around your waist, pulling you as close as possible. 

"As do you, sweet one. As do you." 

"Daddy Halsin, this one has an ouchie." A young human girl toddled over with a small pumpkin that sported a heavy bruising on one side. The Druid released you with a smile and a wink and bent down to the little girl, taking the gourd and inspecting the aforementioned injury. 

"It seems that it does, little one. Everything in nature will be marked up over time, but that does not mean it is worthless. Let's carve the face right here across this bruise and make it unique and beautiful. Yes?" The little girl nodded, a small smile on her lips, and reached up to drag her little fingers over the scars on Halsin's face before running back to join the other children. 

"She would make a remarkable druid." You noted with a twinkle in your eye as Halsin returned to you. 

"She would. And should she choose to walk that path, I would be honored to guide her." He replied, his eyes soft and warm, trained on the children of every race that you and he had chosen to raise. You gazed around the former Shadow-cursed land with an insurmountable pride in your chest. When you and your lover had departed Baldur's Gate, you had taken with you not only the many orphaned children left from the dearth and tyranny, but the homeless adults as well. You had traveled back to the place Thaniel and Oliver called home, and made a place there for them all. 

And because of Halsin, along with the great help of Jaheira and her Harpers, they had flourished into a thriving and beautiful community. Adults had adopted and taken in children, and no one lived without food or a place to sleep when the rain inevitably fell. This extended to you and Halsin, who lived in a small cottage overlooking the field of vegetables and fruits Halsin grew and, with your help, harvested and used in dishes for anyone who wanted them. Your house was a popular destination for all, adults and children alike, and you had grown used to hosting people from the village many a night each week. 

You had been brimming with excitement for this moment for months. You were the one who had convinced Halsin to celebrate Liar's Night. It was one of the fondest memories you carried from living in Baldur's Gate, and these children having been from there, you knew would recognize it. It was when you reasoned that the children most likely had never been able to participate due to their inability to purchase the supplies for a protective gourd lantern - let alone have a home to protect - that Halsin had relented. "I truly find myself unable to say no to you, my heart." He had raked a hand down his face, but you knew he would enjoy the experience once the time came. 

You were pleased to see how right you were as the large Druid began a self-imposed patrol through the sea of children and their carving work, pausing to help any child that requested it. You chuckled and did the same for the other half, working together until each child held an empty pumpkin with a face carved into the side. "Remember to have your parents or older siblings light the candles!" You called as little legs carried each one of them back to the warmth of their homes. Once you and Halsin had gathered all the buckets containing pumpkin seeds and fillings and pooled them into a sealed container to save for later, the Druid took your small hand in his much larger one and led you back home. 

"You beautiful, wonderful woman." He was muttering lowly in your ear the moment the cottage door closed behind you. His hands found purchase on your hips and he nuzzled into you, breathing in your scent as he explored your form with his palms. 

"I told you that you would enjoy it." You giggled as he glided the tips of his fingers up your spine, causing you to arch up into him. 

"That you did, my heart, and you were right, as you so often are. I love you so deeply that Silvanus himself must feel it beat through my aching heart. He must know by now that half of my prayers are to him and half of them are to you. I have never felt an ardor so great in my 365 years of life." 

"Halsin, I hope you know by now that I feel much the same way, and while I cannot possibly contend with your declarations of poetry, I can give you this." You said softly, taking his hand into your own once again and pressing it to your abdomen. 

His eyes lit up in hopeful recognition, disbelief coloring his handsome features. "My heart, do you mean-?" He paused, as if he was too afraid to voice it aloud. 

"You're to be a father, Halsin." You smiled, your eyes misting over with tears full of adoration for the man that had become your life partner. And you laughed; a beautiful, breathless thing, as you watched tears cloud his eyes to mirror your own. 

"By Silvanus's blessing, I could have asked for no better news!" He boomed, lifting you into his arms to swing you around. Your joined laughter and elation filled the little cottage as the two of you rediscovered one another again and again, falling in love as though it were the first time. 

A blessed Leaffall, indeed. 

fin

Tagging Darlings: @knightofmight01

[kissingkiszka]

Choosing The Road - GVF x Reader

Words:1.8k+

Summary: Reader goes on a roadtrip with her lifelong best friends, and they are all after her heart.

CW: MDNI, 18+, fluff, drinking, cursing, can be viewed as both platonic &/or romantic, flirting i guess?, traveling idrk! Love triangle but all 4 of the boys are after reader (love pentagon?) not proofread

This is a bit of a short one I wasn’t actually going to post but here we are! I wrote this one on the way to my Starcatcher show :)

I may do a part 2 to this where reader ends up with one of them so lmk if you’d like to see that and who she’d end up with!

—————————————————————

It was your second day on the road, and it was anything but boring, especially being with the guys. They had been your best friends for years now and a roadtrip with them was something you had always wanted to do, and now was the chance.

Everyone had pitched in a little bit to cover the cost of a rental RV, and everyone took turns driving, except you. You were more than happy to, however the boys wanted you to sit back and enjoy the ride. Sam even decided to bring Rosie with him, which led to even more fun.

Even though you had just gotten on the road yesterday, there were already countless trips to truck stops that had been made. It was always the same routine, too. Sam would get out to stretch his legs, play with Rosie, and photograph the surrounding area. Josh would hop out, take a short walk in the surrounding patches of grass and pick up any flowers, rocks, or sticks he had found nearby. He was really good at journaling and the pieces of nature he had found made for excellent journaling supplies. Danny always made a trip to the bathroom and made sure everyone had their snacks and enough water to last them to the next truck stop. Jake had recently taken up the hobby of writing poetry, so he would sit outside and take in as much scenery as possible to later write about. And for you, well you would join each of them in their respective activities depending on your mood.

“Let the good times roll!” Sam announced, putting the camper in reverse. He had just taken over for Jake as driver.

“Who wants to listen to some blues?” Jake asked, taking out his phone.

“You. Only you do, Jake.” Josh spat.

Jake plopped himself down in between you and Danny. Without a word, Danny handed him a water bottle and a small bag of crackers.

“Thanks bud.” Jake said, opening the bag.

Danny was definitely the mom friend, which made you laugh. The Kiszka boys always had a somewhat childish side. Although they were some of the most responsible and respectful men you knew, they always brought out your inner child, which was one of the reasons you were such great friends with them.

“This road trip is so fun. I can’t wait to make some more lifelong memories with my lifelong friends.” Danny smiled, picking his head up from the book he had been reading.

“I can’t wait to see where the road will take us. Bajabule!” Josh cheered, taking a beer can out of the mini fridge in the corner. “So many good vibes around us.”

This trip was so spontaneous, you didn’t even have a planned destination. You guys just wanted to drive around the country until you felt like going back to Nashville.

“Jake, could you hand me my water, please?” You ask sweetly.

“Of course, love.” He smiles before turning around to get your pink metal water bottle. Before he could grab it, Danny scoops it up and delivers it to you.

“Here you are, m'lady.” Danny says as you graciously accept the water.

“I was going to get it for her-” Jake begins.

“You snooze, you lose, buddy.” Danny lovingly pats him on the shoulder.

The various sights you had seen eventually turned into mountain tops that looked identical to one another.

After a few hours of driving straight, Sam finally pulled into a parking lot. You lifted your head out of a book you were reading to take in the new location.

“A truck stop? Another one?” Josh stands up with his hands on his hips.

“I have to pee!” Sam argued. “Plus, I don’t want Rosie pooping on the floor, or we might have to pay extra for that.”

“Good call.” Jake nodded, standing up.

“I need to stretch my legs anyways.” Danny added, walking towards the door.

Sam got Rosie on her leash and then made his way out of the RV, and everyone followed after him.

“You want any snacks?” Josh leaned in, asking you.

“Me? Uh, maybe a coffee would do me some good.” You smile.

“You got it.” He reciprocated the warm smile and went inside to get snacks.

You followed him at a distance, going to quickly use the restroom.

After you used the restroom, you wandered around the truckstop for a bit. You walked over to a huge map on the wall, examining it carefully.

You quickly grabbed a pamphlet that read ‘Arkansas’ across the top in big blue lettering. You were planning on making a scrapbook of the road trip and figured you would be collecting any sorts of materials for it.

Even though you had been on the road for the past day, and you had no idea where you were, it was good to find out that you had at least made it out of Tennessee.

“Arkansas? Huh.” Danny came up behind you and rested a firm hand on your shoulder.

You jump back, startled. You let out a small chuckle. “Yeah, I was worried we’d still be in Tennessee.”

“Don’t worry about that, Y/N.” Danny laughed. “I think we’re coming pretty close to Oklahoma by now. Maybe if Josh could drive better, we’d be there by now.”

You nodded with a giggle.

“Well, I’m gonna go get a quick snack. You want anything?”

“No thanks, Josh is already getting me something.” You smiled. “I’m gonna get some fresh air for a bit.”

You left the truck stop, heading over to the RV. Sam was now outside with Rose. You headed over to them, bending down and greeting Rose with a few pets.

“She loves you.” Sam smiled as he watched you play with his beloved pet. “But who doesn’t? You're easy to love.”

“I could say the same for you, Sam.” You look up at him and go to stand.

“Yeah, right.” He chuckles, giving Rose a treat.

“You are.”

“Really?” He asks, his eyes going wide.

“Duh. You’re my best friend. Everybody loves you.”

“Awh.” He sighs and smiles to himself. You even catch a glimpse of him blushing, but he turns away before you can point it out.

You turn around, making your way back to the camper and notice Jake stepping inside.

When you get inside, you notice Jake sitting down on one side of the couch. He pats the spot next to him, signaling for you to join him on the couch.

“Hey.” He smiles.

“Hey.” You reply, sitting down.

He has his leather bound journal placed open in his lap. You take notice of the many words accompanying the pages.

He notices you looking at the pages as he looks down. “I've been busy.”

“Looks like it.” You nod. “What are you writing?”

“I’ve been working on some stuff. Some concepts for a new album. Some poetry. Y’know.” He admits.

“I see you’ve gotten a lot done?”

He laughs and glances down at the journal once more. “You can say that.”

You lean in a bit closer, getting more interested in hearing his ideas. “Does sight seeing give you inspiration? Is that why you’re always writing stuff down?”

“Well, I actually get a lot of my inspiration from you. Believe it or not.” He gives you a sweet smile.

“Jake,” you grin. “That’s so nice. Can I-”

“I don’t want you to see it yet. Only when it’s perfect.” He softly closes his journal and moves it to the side. “I only want you to see my top notch work.”

“Jake, I think all your work is top notch.”

“Thank you, Darl-”

As he finishes his sentence, Josh comes sauntering back into the vehicle.

“Your coffee, madam.” He dramatically puts his hand out, you take the coffee from him. “And I also threw in a bag of chips for you.”

“Thank you, Joshy.” You accept the snacks with a cheeky smile.

“No need to thank me,” He sits himself down on the couch across from you and Jake. “Especially over a small bag of chips and a coffee. I’d do anything for you.”

You giggle before Danny and Sam come piling back onto the RV, with Rose following closely behind on her leash.

“Alright, so who’s driving now?” Sam claps his hands together.

“I’ll drive.” Danny stands up. “Haven’t driven for a bit now.”

“I know there's a rest stop in about…50 miles.” Jake told him.

“Maybe we stop there for the night? Get some rest?” You inquired.

“Yes ma’am.” Danny nodded, sitting down behind the wheel.

“Getting rest at the rest stop!” Josh chimed in.

…

That night, the RV was parked at a rest stop next to a huge pond. It was off the highway and very peaceful. The RV bunks were anything but comfortable. You had been tossing and turning, not able to get any sleep. You thought for a minute before deciding on reading your book. That always helped you fall asleep easier. As you walk into the sitting area to retrieve your book, you see Josh’s silhouette on one of the couches.

“Josh?” You ask in a whisper, blinking back your lack of sleep.

“Oh!” he jumped back, startled. “What’re you doing up?”

“Can’t sleep. How ‘bout you?”

“That makes two of us.”

“Have you seen my book?” You ask, squinting in the darkness trying to find it.

He shakes his head. “Can’t say I have.”

“Dammit.” You sigh under your breath.

“Why so sad? Come join me outside.”

“For what?”

“I don’t know.” He shrugs. “Just feel like it. A night underneath the stars…?” He says unsurely.

You oblige and follow him outside.

He finds a nearby picnic table and lays down on top of it, looking up at the night sky.

“Lay with me.”

“Lay with you?”

“Yeah, c’mon.” He pats the spot next to you.

You lay next to him and stare at the sky as well. It’s silent for a few moments, as both of you are just admiring the sky and wondering what to talk about.

“So many stars out tonight. They’re all so bright too.”

“You’re the brightest star, though.”

“Says you.” You chuckle, your cheeks turning a slight shade of pink. “You’re literally the brightest star out there.”

“So I’m the sun?” He asks.

“The sun is still a star.” You nod matter of factly.

“You know what? if you asked me to, I would go up there, and catch all the stars…I’d bring them back down for you.” He admits, laying his hands against his chest.

“That’d be one big feat.”

He chuckles. “For you, it’d be nothing.”

“Thanks Josh…”

“You know, I’d do anything for you. I’m sure all of us would. We love you so much.” He sits there for a minute before sitting up with wide eyes. “Oh my god. That’d make for a good album name.” He smiles to himself before looking over at you, who’s long asleep by now.

[romanoffsbish]

A Prompt List

Feel free to pick and choose from the list for your own stories, as well as send in requests (view my masterlist for who I write for) with whatever prompts if you please, 🥰

Angst/Fluff/Smut prompts listed. (18+)

Bonus points if you take the assigned genre and flip it 🤔😏

———

Angst

“Are you serious?” / “I never wanted this!”

“This was never real, was it?” / “I was just a warm body for those cold winter nights…”

“You are vile…” / “I can’t believe I ever believed someone like you could love me.”

“Nothing good ever lasts.” / “Goodbye.”

“I love you.” / “It’s not enough this time.”

“Please, don’t leave me, we can fix this.” /“You left me first, I’m just finishing the job.”

“I love you Y/N.” / “Why do people only say that to me when they’ve wronged me? Am I not deserving of the guiltless love? Like the ones I see in fairytales, where they get swept away smiling, and not where I curl up to weep in my bed for another damn night.”

“I’m sorry.” / “For what exactly? Breaking my trust, and in turn my fragile heart? Or do you only mean that you got caught?”

“I can’t even look at you anymore.” / “Please…” / “This is the end for us.”

“I can’t live without you, I won’t survive.” / “Then I guess I’ll be back for your funeral.”

Fluff

“There’s nobody else I’d ever love like this.”

“Everything I do is for you—my beloved.”

*while stargazing* “If I could, I’d rearrange the stars for you, have them map out your face, because a beauty like yours should transcend the bounds of Earth my darling.”

“I can’t believe that the world had infinite chances to find me a soulmate, and I lucked out and hit the absolute jackpot with you.”

“Did you know that a kiss is worth a thousand words?” / “You should kiss me.”

“You’re the most gorgeous person here.” / “I’d never lie to you darling, god, I wish you could see you the way I do” / “Perfect.”

“Call them —, the worst they could do is say no to you, and trust me, they won’t…” / “They said yes!!!”

“I’ve loved you since the first time I ever laid my eyes on you.” / “Well damn, why’s it taken you so long to make a move then?”

“I can’t believe my cat/dog loves you more than it’s ever loved me.” / “Actually, on second thought it makes sense, you’re far too lovable to even question it; *pets name* you have good taste.”

“I will never tire of watching you sleeping next to me, you’re just so peaceful, and I get to celebrate that you’re all mine.”

Smut

“Careful what you wish for baby, because I’m nothing if not generous…”

“Where should I sit?” / “The couch works just fine, but if you prefer comfort, my face works far better my darling.”

“I’m not letting you go until you’ve either drenched the sheets, or passed out.”

“Fuck me like you mean it —, let everybody know I’m yours before I no longer am.”

“Aww, did my precious little dove think I’d just let that little stunt go?” / “I was hoping so.” / “You’re sadly mistaken toots, now prepare yourself for a long night full of passion, and if you’re lucky—pain.”

“Mommy isn’t very pleased with the outfit you chose to wear tonight, you made those fools think they stood a chance.” / “Maybe they did.” / *incredulous laughter* “Is that right baby? I go on one week long business trip and you just forget who you belong to? Don’t worry sweetheart, I’ll remind you.”

“Stay still, or I’ll have you warming daddy’s cock all night long.” / “That’s a good girl.”

“I-I can’t take anymore, please.” / “You can take it, and you’ll do it graciously, one more complaint and I’ll edge you all month.”

“Kiss me, please.” / “Is that all you want baby, is for me to kiss you?” / “N-no, I also want you to fuck me senseless, but a kiss sounded far more romantic.”

“If you don’t fuck me, I’ll be doing it myself!” / “I’m coming!” / “No, I am!”

[peanutbutterandfailure]

ZhongliXGN!Reader!-"Midnight"

You quietly open the doors to the Wansheng Funeral Parlor, slipping inside without a sound. It's after hours, actually it's an ungoldy hour of the night, but this is where you were to meet your old friend. Your footsteps are noiseless on the wooden floor as you walk along the hall, looking for the door that would lead you to him.

'Consultant' read the nameplate on the second to last door in the hall. You come to a stop and raise your fist, but before you can knock a deep but gentle voice calls out "Come in." You may be an Adeptus, but you'd never be able to sneak up on him. Stepping inside and closing the door behind you, you look into the face of the Archon you hadn't seen in over a century.

"Y/n," Morax, or as he signed his letter to you, Zhongli says with a smile. "It's been a long time. Please, have a seat." He gestures to the empty chair across from his desk.

You graciously bow to the Archon before sinking into the chair. "So…." you start, wanting to get your most pressing question out of the way. "I'm really confused as to what I should call you." You tilt your head to the side as you study him.

He chuckles before answering. "Rex Lapis is what the people of Liyue call me now, however if we are together in public, I ask that you refer to me as Zhongli. But whatever name you prefer to use is fine by me."

You mull his words over for a minute before answering. "I prefer Morax, I always have. But to avoid any potential slip-ups, I'll use your modern name. Zhongli does have a nice ring to it."

He lets out another small laugh. "So be it." He stands and opens a cupboard on the wall behind him. "Care for a drink?" He asks as he pulls a bottle out of the shadows. You smile as the faint light hits the amber liquid encased in the glass.

"I'll always say yes to a glass of Osmanthus wine." You tell him. Smiling, he sits two glasses on his desk and slowly fills each one. He hands you a glass, yet you wait till he lifts his to his lips before taking a sip of yours. "Mmmm," you hum softly. "Tastes the same as I remember…" The last time you enjoyed this liquor you were also enjoying the company of the Archon. Back then, you had more companions to drink with, but most of those companions have since passed.

Zhongli smiles softly down at his glass. "But where are those who share the memories…" He whispers softly. You know the words aren't meant for you, they're more a moment of self reflection, so you stay quiet. Finally, his golden eyes raise to yours. "It has been quite a long time, hasn't it?" He asks you softly.

"It has." You respond as you take another sip of the wine. "We've each gone through a lot since the last time we saw each other." You think back on your own recent dark history and shudder. You can only imagine the things that Zhongli has gone through since you last saw him.

The two of you sit in silence as the clock hanging on the wall chimes midnight.

Finally, you speak up. "There must be a reason you've summoned me, Zhongli. Other than to drink with you, I mean." You swirl the contents of your glass, letting the scents of the wine dance around the room as you stare at the being across from you. Adepti in human forms don't age unless they choose to, you know that from experience, but you can't help marveling at how little the brown haired man has changed. His formal posture, his kind mannerisms, the smooth way he speaks. All of it has been unchanged by the years.

He is still the same man you remember.

"You are correct, dear y/n," he says, smiling across at you. "I was actually wondering if you would consider making a contract with me?" He asks.

"Ahh… I haven't heard those words in quite a long time." You muse. The last time you signed a contract with Morax was over one hundred and fifty years ago. While it was advantageous for the both of you, you knew entering into a binding arrangement with the Archon of Contracts was no minor undertaking.

"Do not fret, my dear," he reassures you as he refills your wine glass. "It should not be quite as daunting as last time." He pulls a stack of papers out of a drawer in his desk and slides them across to you. He sits in silence as you quickly read over his neat handwriting. The contract laid out a form of companionship that you would have never thought, in all your years as an Adeptus, the Geo Archon would request of you.

For several minutes you read and reread the paperwork, your face flushing slightly at several of the conditions. Sitting the papers back on his desk, you drain your second glass of wine. Wordlessly, Zhongli refills it for you. You lean back in your chair, sipping the wine as you contemplate everything you just read.

After a few minutes, you finally speak. “You’re looking for a partner?”

He has his elbows resting on the desk, fingertips pressed together in front of his lips. “Well,” he says softly, “I was hoping I had found one, hence the contract. Were my presumptions incorrect about your feelings towards me all those years ago?” You blushed once again and shook your head. Of course he noticed your attraction to him back when you were a young Adeptus. “Ah, then perhaps those feelings have changed since we were last together? If that is the case, then I sincerely apologize.”

“It’s not that, Zhongli. It’s just…” You trail off, trying to find the right words to convey what you’re feeling. “Never in my entire time of existence would I have thought that you would want that kind of relationship with me. I guess I just assumed that you viewed me the way you view Alatus, as if I was your child.”

He smiles softly and stands from his seat. Walking around the large wooden desk, he kneels down in front of you and holds a gloved hand out. You instantly place your hand in his, feeling the warmth of his palm through the leather. His long fingers gently close around your hand and he squeezes gently. “Y/n,” he whispers. “You are so special to me and I care for you deeply. The love that I hold for you is not the same type of love that I hold for Alatus. I’m… slightly embarrassed to admit this, but when I first began thinking of this contract, you were the first person I thought of proposing it to.” His free hand raises to his mouth, as if he wants to catch the words he just spoke. Instead he covers his eyes, embarrassed.

You look in awe at the Archon in front of you. One of the oldest beings in existence, he holds the power to destroy monsters and topple nations. Yet here he is, covering his eyes and blushing, as if he were a young mortal confessing to his first crush. The fondness for him that swells in your chest is almost painful. You honestly never thought you could love him any more than you already did, yet here he was, proving you wrong.

“Zhongli,” you whisper, squeezing his hand. Once he finally moves his hand and meets your gaze, you smile at him. “I’ll do it.”

His eyebrows raise in shock. Apparently this was not the answer he expected. “So, you agree to the contract?”

“Yes, Morax, Archon of Geo. I, y/n, the Adeptus known as Ravine Dreamer, agree to the contract you have presented to me.” The second the words left you mouth, you could feel the power of the contract fill your body.

Standing, Zhongli pulls you out of your chair and against his body. He raises your hand that’s still in his and kisses it, saying “You belong to me now, and I to you.” The fingers of his free hand trail down your cheek as he stares into your eyes. He slowly leans down to kiss you, giving you plenty of time to lean back. But you’ve been waiting for this moment for so long.

His lips were firm yet gentle against yours. His arms slide around your body, one hand stopping on the small of your back while the other slides up until it’s tangled in your hair, gently gripping the back of your head. He pulls your body closer to his, his arms as binding as the contract between you. Your arms are pressed against his chest, pinned between your bodies. You grip the lapel of his suit and tug as you deepen the kiss. He lets out a sound that’s somewhere between a laugh and a moan. “Eager, are we?” He whispers against your lips before pulling back and looking down at you. “I am surprised you’re not more reserved about this.”

You smile up into his face. “I’ve wanted to kiss you for a long time, Zhongli.” You tell him as you greedily pull him back down for another kiss. You slide your tongue into his mouth, which he eagerly accepts. You’re able to slide your arms up around his neck, attempting to pull him even closer than he already is. Your arousal for the Archon is growing with each minute you make out, and you can tell it’s the same for him.

He walks you back until you feel his desk pressing against the back of your legs. Pulling back, he nuzzles into the crook of your neck, letting his lips travel languidly up until they’re pressed against your ear. “It seems that kissing me isn’t the only thing that you’ve been wanting.” He growls in a husky voice as his teeth nip at your earlobe. You can’t help the shudder that wracks through your body as his teeth continue to nip at your skin.

“Ah, Zhongli,” you moan softly, and you hear him growl again as he bites down harder on your neck. Grabbing you by the shoulders, he quickly spins you around and pushes you so you’re bent over his desk.

Leaning down over you, he nibbles on your ear once again before whispering “I want to hear you moaning all of my names tonight, y/n.” His hands slide up under your shirt, the leather of his gloves sticking to your bare skin. He bites your shoulder before pulling back as he begins to rid you of your clothes. Once you're bare before him, he begins shedding his own clothes.

You can see the shock and excitement on his face when you look back over your shoulder and give him your only command of the night. "Keep the gloves on."

He was going to have fun with you.

[giggly-squiggily]

CHIGIRI TICKLE FIGHT PLS

AHHHH HECK YEAH!!! :D I love Chigiri so much kajrekajrjkeajkrje You know- I've been having such brain rot over Platonic!Isagiri lately! I don't often write just the two of them, but something said "Do it, Squiggily so I did! I hope you like it :D

Cloud 9 (Taglist Peeps):

@myreygn, @cupcake-spice13 @chibisstuff @imjusthere07 @riisada

It started as a  comment.

“Isagi’s the most ticklish person here!”

Freezing mid stretch, Isagi felt his face flush bright red when all eyes fell on him. “H-Huh? Bachira!”

“It’s true! I’ve tickled just about everyone in Team Z, and you’re the most sensitive.” The dribbler grinned, pushing up his imaginary glasses as he pointed at him. “You get giggly even before I touch you!”

“That’s because he likes it when you tickle him.” Kunigami mentioned, earning a small chorus of giggles and coos that made Isagi’s face burn. “But yeah, sorry man. You’re definitely the worst one here.”

“Oh come on, you’re saying I’m the most ticklish when he’s right there?” Isagi gestured dramatically at Chigiri. The redhead was on his way out- likely to escape the oncoming antics- when he froze mid step. “Chigiri is way more ticklish than me!”

“Hmm… he’s got a point.” Gagamaru nodded. “Princess is pretty ticklish.”

“Yeah! When you tickle him, he  sounds like a mouse!” Naruhaya agreed, giggling in his hands. “He’s so squeaky, it’s adorable!”

“Isagi’s cute too when he laughs!” Bachira reminded with a grin. “His dimples come out when he laughs!”

“Oo, dimples. Hard to beat that.” Kuon let out a low whistle, Raichi nodding sagely nearby.

“Princess hiccups if you tickle him long enough.” Kunigami’s added detail further spurred the debate across the team, the question of “who’s more ticklish” quickly delving into “Who reacts cuter?”, leaving Isagi feeling slightly dizzy from all the chatter. In the corner of his eye, he watched Chigiri slip away.

After a brief moment, he decided to follow.

~~~

“Hey…sorry about that.” Isagi greeted him in the recording room, Chigiri’s usual spot to go whenever he felt overwhelmed or moody. “I didn’t mean to drag you into it.”

“No, you did. But it’s fine.” Chigiri shrugged, patting a seat beside him. Isagi took it graciously. “They were likely to bring me up at some point.”

With a hum, they fell quiet, both still reeling from the other’s comments. Isagi was sure his face would never cool down, but from the looks of things, Chigiri’s own cheeks were still bright red. At least he wasn’t alone.

“So um…who do you think it is? The more ticklish out of the two of us?” He didn’t know why he asked. Maybe his curiosity won out.

“Ugh, you too?” Chigiri groaned, but there was no discomfort in his tone. If anything, he sounded weary yet amused. “I mean, if I had to choose, I’d say you. Everyone tickles you way more.”

Did he…sound kinda disappointed just now? Wait- what did he just say?

“Hold on, hold on- what do you mean it’s me?” He puffed, feeling a bit indignant. “You’re definitely more ticklish! At least I try to fight back, you give up almost instantly!”

“No point in fighting, it wastes energy.” Chigiri grinned from behind his folded hands, giggling some. “Besides, you’re way louder. You sound like a screaming chicken.”

“A screaming-” Isagi clutched his pearls, gaping at the other with a mock gasp. “Chigiri Hyoma!”

“Close your mouth before a bug flies in.” Isagi snapped his jaw shut, narrowing his eyes. His attempt of a glare only made the redhead laugh more, and if he wanted to laugh so much…

“You know- why do we even bother asking? I’ll prove it now!” Isagi reached out, grabbing Chigiri’s sides and squeezing before the other could react. “Let me show you why you’re the more ticklish of the two of us!”

“Ah! Aheahahhhaa, Iihihihiihsagi!” Chigiri’s quiet giggles quickly melted into squeaks, his hands slapping over his mouth in an attempt to muffle the sound. “Noohoohoho, dohoohohn’t!”

“Just admit you’re more ticklish, and I’ll stop.” Grinning, the brunette scooted closer on his knees, spreading his fingers so they covered more surface area. “Unless you don’t want me to stop, that is.”

Chigiri’s ears matched his hair. Ah, so he was right afterall. “Dohohoohon’t sahahhhay thahahhahhat! Aheahhahhahhaa, Ihihihihihishahahahahgi! Geahhahahaha-ahehahahhah whahahhahait dohohoohohohohn’t!” The redhead jerked away with a short squeal when Isagi poked at his hip, his hands shooting down to bat him away.

He really did sound like a mouse when he squeaked. Huh. It was kinda cute.

“Hehe, Prince mouse.” Isagi teased, grinning at the sound. He poked a few more times as he eyed Chigiri’s knees, knowing just how ticklish he was there. “Maybe I should-”

Before he could even finish his teasy comment, the tables were turned! Isagi yelped out a startled laugh when fingers grabbed at his sides, quick and nimble against his ribs. “Whoa! Whoohhoa thehehere, hahahang ohooho-ahahhahahahhahahan!” Isagi all but giggled when the tickles increased, making him scoot back. “Chiihihihigihihihiri!”

“Eheheh! Gohooht you now!” The redhead snickered, clearly delighted. His famous speed kicked in as he quickly pushed Isagi on his back, scratching along his sides with those damn manicured nails the team loved to tease him about. “Not so cocky when you’re the one being tickled, are you?”

“Pfft- gehahahahahahhahaha! Sohoohohon of ahahhhahahhaha- AH! Nohohohohooohohohho!” Isagi shoved his fist in his mouth when Chigiri pinched along his lowest set of ribs, barely muffling a shriek. “Dohohohoohhon’t, thehehehhell hehehehhar uhuuhuhuhus!”

“Better not squawk then.”

Isagi would have flipped him off had he not been fighting for his life, one hand trying and failing to fight back while the other pressed firmly against his giggly lips, trying to muffle the sound. He did NOT sound like a squawking chicken, thank you very much-

“EHEHEHHE NOHOHOHO!”

….Okay, maybe Chigiri had a point.

“Wow! You’re so ticklish here!” The redhead laughed along with him, thumbs pressing into the deadly spot while the rest of his fingers scritched and scratched along his waist. At some point his sweatshirt rolled up, Chigiri’s hands attacking the bare skin without any hesitation. “I bet Bachira loves hearing you laugh; you should have seen his face when he talked about your dimples. Hm.” Leaning in some, he squinted in the darkness to look at Isagi’s face. “Ah, and there they are.”

“AHHEHAHAH DOOHOOHN’T LOHOHOHOOOHOK!” Isagi cried, covering his face with his hands as he desperately tried to scoot away. If his face got any hotter, he was gonna explode! “CHIHIHIHIGIRIIHIIHIHI!”

“Give up? Are you ready to admit you’re more ticklish?” Ah, the consequences of his actions.

“NEHEHEHHEVER!” With a sudden boost of strength, he wrapped his legs around Chigiri’s hips, twisting and sending him tumbling off him. “Whoohoha, you goohoohod?”

The redhead looked a bit dazed but nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine-WHOA!” His words were cut off when Isagi lunged, attacking him once more before resuming his own tickling. “Ihihihihiihsagihihiihihihi!”

“AH! Ahehehahahah you freahahaking chehehhahhater!”

~~~

“Eheh…hehe…so whhooho won?” Isagi groaned, his body ragdoll like as he laid beside Chigiri.

“Pfft…tie?” He offered, hair falling in his face and nearly blinding him. With a lazy shove, he moved it out of the way, only for it to fall back in his face. “I forgot what we were even fighting about.”

“Heh.” Isagi grinned, reaching out and flicking the long strands away for him. “It doesn’t matter anyway. I had fun.” He paused, considering. “We should do this more often.”

“Have one on one tickle fights in the recording room while the rest of the team’s away? Careful, I might think you’re coming on to me.” Chigiri raised a brow. Isagi flipped him off, earning a snort and a grin.

“No, dumbass! I mean- we should hang out more. You and I.” He nodded, feeling more confident after finally voicing it. “Whenever we do, it’s usually with everyone else. Me and Bachira, you and Kunigami- don’t get me wrong; I like the guys.”

“Bachira especially.”

“Bachira especially.” Isagi ignored how warm his cheeks got at that. “The point is- we like similar enough things, and talking to you is nice. The last time we had a real one on one is when you told me about your knee. And now this…I don’t know- I think I just want more nice moments like this.” He gestured between them with his hand. “That’s probably weird, huh?”

Chigiri was quiet, letting the words fall between them and settle. For a moment, Isagi wondered if he had fallen asleep at one point, but then..

“I’d like that.” Chigiri nodded, a small shy smile pulling on his lips. “If you’d have me.”

“Okay, now you’re the one sounding like a shoujo protagonist.” Isagi grinned, earning muffled giggles from the redhead. 

They’d have to head back to the room soon. He knew Bachira was likely waiting for him, already tucked into his futon if not lying partially on Isagi’s. Kunigami would greet them as usual before stealing back Chigiri, the two in their own little world once more. Raichi and Gagamaru would argue about snoring again while Kuon tries to pacify them, and Naruhaya would start a pillow fight as soon as the lights went out.

He looked forward to returning, but for now he just wanted to be here- sharing the quiet space Chigiri resonated in as they traded quick remarks and silly thoughts beneath the lights of the various recordings around them.

Thanks for reading!

[constellationguy]

That Radio Show

Summary: In the absence of the radio demon listeners of hell find a new broadcast to enjoy.

Chapters one and two

Chapter three: Let’s Chat

Once again a slow sultry sound of piano filled the streets of Pentagram City.

“Good afternoon, my dear listeners. It is 2:30pm and it is time to talk about today’s sponsor. I know we don’t normally have sponsors on a Wednesday but a darling girl reached out to me and I just couldn’t turn her down.” You said, starting the sponsor section of your broadcast. Not many brands reached out to you and you choose even less to actually advertise. Many just want a popular and influential demon to advertise their nonsense, but when a young girl asked you to advertise her new business you couldn’t turn down her charismatic charm.

“Last week I got a letter from a sweet girl who said she was a regular listener and asked me graciously to put a segment about her upcoming business. You know me, I couldn’t turn down a put charming listener of mine.” This letter praised your radio show, how it always had such a calming atmosphere and most callers were also kind people. She praised your kind and calming influence, and flattery gets you everywhere in show biz so, why not share her dream.

“Today’s sponsor is the Happy Hotel. It is a hotel marketed to sinners looking to better themselves in hopes of redemption. Now, I’m not sure if she wanted me to put in my two cents or not, but I will anyway.” You said almost nervous of how your audience would react.

“Now, I know the word redemption is an odd word especially in hell, and this idea is quite honestly outlandish, but, I believe that nothing is black and white. No one is only good or only bad, there is always redeeming qualities in a person, it’s just the people that surround us with that brings out good or bad things in us. Perhaps if good people gather in hopes of becoming better and put in the effort, maybe something can come of this. But I don’t know, I have only been here down here for about six years, there is still so much to see and experience down here.” You paused trying to gather your words.

“Anywho, the Happy Hotel is owned by Princess Morningstar and she is offering free rooms and support to the people willing to give this place a try, so if this strikes a chord with you I encourage you to reach out. Well, that’s the only sponsor we have today, let’s move on to song requests.” You tried to move the topic quickly to calm your nerves.

“Uhm, I got a dm froooom, who was it now. Ah! I got a dm from a darling named Velvet, and she requested “Lotta True Crime” by Penelope Scott so here’s “Lotta True Crime” coming up next.” You were quick to mute yourself ready to be done with that segment the moment it started. It’s not usually normal for you to get sentimental about something on air but of course sappy shit just had to slip, sure the Princess’s idea kinda struck a chord with you but the incoming opinion of our audience terrified you. After most sponsors your hellstagram filled with the extremely strong opinions of your listeners. You were terrified to see the comments flooding your page later that evening. However you spent the rest of your breaks monitoring your comment section and the rest of the day went relatively smooth, your listeners seemed to gloss over that segment and continued to argue in the comments of your latest pull on hellstagram about what genere of music you should cover this week. This did lessen the knot in your stomach a bit, but you know that the day isn’t over and things can still conspire. And conspire they did, but not in your life.

——————————————————————

On the other side of the pentagram a curious demon you’ve never met was listening to your broadcast. The segment on the Happy Hotel seemed to spark something in him, so after work he bolted out of the studio and picked up a cab to take him to the hotel. He could only knock once before the door flew open.

“HOLY SHIT-“ said the demon.

“Oh hello!! Are you are for the hotel?” A charismatic blond girl said jumping up and down.

“Uh, calm your tits toots.” The demon said while holding up a set of his arms to shush the girl in front of him.

“Ya, I hear you are supplying rooms for free and I need a place away from my boss,” he said in a hushed voice rapping his upper set of arms around his rib cage.

“Oh!!!!! Of course! Come in come in! Can’t believe we have our first guest. OOOO VAGGIE, WE HAVE A GUEST.” She squealed to the gray demon that sat on the hotel’s couch.

“Oh?- Oh shit- “ said Vaggie who started to get up off the couch and walk towards the blond.

“Charlie, that’s Angel Dust, the porn star”, Vaggie said trying to make a point that obviously flew over the blonds head.

“So?” Charlie asked, clearly not getting Vaggie’s point.

“Soooooo, Angel how did you hear about the hotel,” she said turning to the spider demon.

“Well, I was in Velvet’s office and she is obsessed with it that one radio show, it’s always running, no clue what it’s called. But, I managed to catch your add and figured I should stop by to see if I can get a room.” Angel said cautiously.

“Of course! We are open for all kinds of guests!” Charlie said excitedly.

“Wait wait wait, are you sure this is what you want, to have a porn star indorse the hotel?” Vaggie said while grabbing Charlie’s shoulders to turn and face her.

“Well of course Vaggie, he is in need and what kind of people would we be if we turned him down? This place is about good and redemption and this is the first step on the path of good! Isn’t that exciting?!” Charlie said enthusiastically.

“Well- fine,” Vaggie said harshly while letting out a sigh.

“If he is gonna stay we are gonna lay out some ground rules. One, you can’t bring your work to the hotel. Two, you need to be civil, three you can’t be spreading this stuff out, we don’t want this place getting damaged by people trying to find you or your reputation.” Vaggie said turning his attention to Angel while starting him down.

“Ouch toots, you really expect so little of me, of course I can do that much! I accept your terms sugar,” Angel said leaning down to shake the angry woman’s hand.

“Well it’s settled!” Charlie said jumping into the conversation.

“I’ll lead you to your room and over the next few days you can move in. Oh this is so exciting!” Charlie said jumping up and down again. Even though the night was still young everyone retired to their rooms with new hope for the hotel sparking in the air. Little did they know the excitement is far from over.

[madhogthymaster]

Master Recs: The "N64" Trilogy (2023)

Pseudoregalia

Let us muse over a very small, three-dimensional Metroidvania game stylistically fashioned after the Nintendo 64 era of graphical fidelity. It stars a deliciously polygonal rabbit-y, goat-y, cat-like girl.

Now, I am playing this on the fabled Steam Deck. It runs and controls smoothly on the platform but you might require to fiddle with the video settings as the default configuration is slightly blurry due to a very specific and fascinating reason. It turns out Pseudoregalia vaunts a certain level of depth in its technical customization, one that's surprisingly fun to manipulate. There's an option to toggle on or off a retro graphical scale and character movement rate, which graciously emulate the old school console experience. You can also manually reduce or augment the maximum framerate for the whole game. You could theoretically play something that looks like a 30 fps 3D Platformer from 1997 or the most HD upscaled version thereof at 144 fps, or everything in between! The default, blurry configuration comes as a result of the aforementioned retro scaling clashing with the 4K resolution in full screen mode. This is the first and last time in recorded human history that I will ever be this enamoured with "specs talk."

The point is, we have a darling gem with a cultivated aesthetic, a good level of polish: it will look "right" regardless of your favoured settings. I'm impressed by the extra layer of work placed in the subtle use of limited framerates for the character's movement.

Pseudoregalia captures the idea, the abstract concept and low-poly charm of a N64 title with a gameplay that recalls your memory of it, rather than the unwieldy reality. I say this as someone who doesn't have nostalgia for early 3D graphics: the game makes them look spiffy.

I shall be honest, this is normally not the sort of title I would enjoy playing, as precise platforming and traversal puzzles are my nemesis. I mentioned afore the level of polish, which is generally consistent, but some of the movement upgrades you get (such as the jump/wall kick) can be rather finicky to master. In that sense, be wary that the game does not openly provide you with tutorials for the moves that require more finesse, choosing instead to hide an additional set of instructions in the inventory descriptions. It's "old school", you see. Older versions were bereft of maps thus making exploration a burden for those like me who are directionally challenged - both in games and in real life. Regardless, I kept getting drawn by its world, its somber atmosphere, its tight gameplay and especially its protagonist, Sybil.

An appealing design for your avatars goes a long way in ensuring an emotional connection to them and Sybil just so happens to have one of the most striking and instantly recognizable appearances I can fathom. It's a pleasure to look at her go! Furthermore, I would posit that she has a lot in common with my precious videogame fluffy boy, Klonoa - and I do I mean, a lot. I will not elaborate. If you get it, you get it. In conclusion, Pseudoregalia is an impressively put together jam. It's easy to pick up yet punishing to handle, it's fun and fascinating in spite of its more irritating aspects. The best overall critique I can give it is that it made me want to keep trying, and trying, and trying, until I eventually became good enough to complete it several times and even beat the insanely hard Time Attacks. In short: game is good. Play it.

---

Corn Kidz 64

If I had a nickel for every time a throwback 3D Platform game starring a cute goat-like creature managed to grab my attention, I would have a whopping three nickels! Anyway, here is Corn Kidz 64, an artistically verosimile homage to the Rareware games you probably remember.

Deliciously stylized polygons welcome both you and I into a quirky mindscape. You play as a rude little prick named Seve who's having a vivid nachos related dream but has to contend with various bollocks - as it's often the case.

If you are even marginally familiar with all the Kanjo-Bazooies and Konkey Dongs out there then you will recognize its sphere of influences right away. It's a proper tribute to that era of gaming up to the inclusion of the "correct" low video resolution settings and insane completion requirements. There is much puzzling and platforming to be had, tactical traversal and secrets-within-secrets to bamboozle and titillate your gamer's lizard brain. Genre freaks will feel very welcome here.

I will say that I find the character design especially pleasing. Aesthetically, I would place it somewhere in between Rayman. Belgian comic book artist André Franquin and web strips from twenty years ago or more. It's expressive, to say the least.

As a sign of good will from the game's part, this is the track that greets you as you plunge into the realm of your dreams of childhood:

Corn Kidz 64 is a short, fun experience, bedazzled by tight controls, surreal atmosphere and "Early Internet" humour. It does not overstate its welcome and only occasionally gets immensely frustrating. Its dedication to the N64 ethos is both a boon and a detriment, in that sense. Let me put it this way: I shall not be doing a 110% completion run any time soon.

---

Cavern of Dreams

As a direct result of me wanting more, here is Cavern of Dreams. Yet another N64 aesthetically driven title that came out last year but was promptly overshadowed by Funny Goat Game and Sexy Goat Game - as far as my own pop cultural myopia is concerned, that is.

It is a small yet multilayered Collect-A-Thon with an emphasis on exploration rather than combat or complex platforming. There is no health bar and there are no traditional enemies. There is a handful of puzzles here and there, some of which might be legitimate head scratchers. The dragon baby is cute. I do have a couple of gripes with this one.

Playing this game is, in a word, annoying. It is bothersome how weighted and limited the movement is, it is fastidious how the character collision is in relation to the environment, it is aggravating how it all affects the gameplay in small yet noticeable ways. Here's an example: you can use the traditional ground pound to gain extra height. However, in order to do so, you have to keep pressing the attack button while in midair. The problem with that is the game still registers it as an attack when you do so. As such, if you happen to be hugging a wall, atop a small ledge, this action will inevitably cause your character to hit said wall and propel you backwards, resulting in you falling to your doom. This happened constantly. Generally speaking, the control scheme doesn't feel ideally tailored to an experience that requires precise platforming. A repeated offender would be grabbing onto climbable ropes. Which is to say, sometimes it just doesn't happen. You'll float towards a rope and, if the collision isn't pixel-perfect, you will miss it entirely. Also, Baby is unable to jump above once he climbs all the way to the top, half the time. The later levels are worse in that regard as they need some amount of skill.

Speaking of which, something that will always make me consider quitting a game in a fit of rage is being sucked down a drain that expels me into a different area, forcing me to walk all the way back to where I was before. Once again, annoying is the word.

All that said, the saving grace of Cavern of Dreams lies in the exquisitely crafted, imaginative stages that compose the dreamlike tapestry of the game's aesthetics: living airborne vessels, desolate ice kingdoms, nightmarish art galleries that twist and distort your senses.

The use of colour hues, sounds and deliberately non-contiguous spaces create this palpable atmosphere of both wonder and anxiety. A welcoming world may turn weird and alienating. A dream may turn into a nightmare. There is a depth beneath the surface presentation that is absolutely worth experiencing. I really wanted to like this game but, alas, I'm left with mostly mixed feelings. Regardless, it's an adorable title with some tinges of darkness and it might just be for you!

---

As a conclusive note, I find myself enthralled by the subtle similarities these games share as well as their abundant differences. All of them are stylistically reminiscent of a specific bygone era whilst being perfectly distinct in presentation, and they all are about Dreams...

They are about exploring dreamscapes, lands where subconscious thoughts and memories materialize in daunting vistas of a forlorn past, comically bizarre hyper-realities from an active imagination or an infant's idea of the world around itself. Pondering about the familiarity of it all fills me both with comfort and melancholy: the parallelism of Dream, Childhood and Gaming. The distant memories of youth in correlation to the experience of videogame escapism are akin to a dream from which we are expected to wake... Well, now I just want to gush about Klonoa again!

In fact, I would go as far as to say that Corn Kidz 64's "plot resolution" feels like a direct parody of Door to Phantomile's ending, and it gets funnier the more I think about it.

---

A/N:

Thank you for reading.

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[pacifymebby]

Since it’s the holidays, what would the peaky boys do if their SO knitted them a truly horrendous sweater and they have to pretend to like it so they don’t hurt her feelings

aw this is cute, I would highly encourage people to send more festive themed requests for both Peaky Blinders and Scream hehe <3

Tommy

🌿You're nervous about giving him this present because you spent so much time on it, and because you struggled to know what to get him? What do you get the wealthiest, most notorious gangster in the midlands? He can already buy himself whatever he likes...

🌿Thats why you chose something homemade... You worked for several months on this, knitting it whenever you had the opportunity to, it was something to fill the time and distract you from your nerves whenever he was away on Peaky Business

🌿And Tommy knows you're nervous, he can see it in your eyes. He also already knows what you've made for him (come on you didn't think you could keep a secret from this man?)

🌿So he's prepared. The ugliness doesn't surprise him because he's already spoilt the surprise, he found it two nights ago, before you had the opportunity to wrap it.

🌿He unwraps it carefully, he already knows exactly what he's going to say so as not to hurt your feelings. He's planned his "surprised" face in advance.

🌿"so this is what you've been doing whilst I've been away?" he chuckles giving you a warm smile. He holds it up, displays it to the rest of the family with a sheepish/knowing smile. He takes the L graciously and lets his brothers smirk

🌿but if anyone says anything rude or makes an actual joke... well, lets just say they've seen the warning in Tommy's eyes. They aren't going to say anything. In fact they're probably all going to swallow their laughs and cough and say something about how lovely it is.

🌿Tommy would kiss you on the cheek and thank you again, he'd probably say something about how thoughtful you are. He's actually very touched that you would go to all that effort to make something for him. It kind of makes him nostalgic for when he was a child and his mother used to knit them jumpers.

🌿 he's not exactly sure why you've done it though, it's not like you live on artillery square these days.. you could have bought anything with all the money the two of you have.

🌿still, he will wear it, inside the house, only in front of the family. And, he's already warned his brothers that if they tell anyone about the sweater, they're for it.

Alfie

🐻 Alfie finds it amusing, he unwraps the jumper and holds it up in front of his face and chuckles.

🐻 "You were feeling artistic this year my little ziskeit... well now ain't that just adorable... yeah thats what this is, fuckin adorable poppet..."

🐻 He's go on a long little speech about how beautiful it, admiring the craftsmanship, he'd ask you about the details of it, "what made you pick this colour... and why did you choose that pattern?"

🐻 He would wear it for the day, as long as it was just you and him.

🐻 Because he doesn't celebrate Christmas, he'd be at your house with your family, so of course he's going to wear it and compliment it, he doesn't want to look like a bad partner.

🐻 And if any of your family members, say you had an annoying little brother, said it was ugly or that it was a stupid gift, Alfie would stand up for you.

🐻 "Nah mate, what we have here right, what this gorgeous specimen of wool-work right here is, is a gift from the heart... and you know the thing about gifts yeah, gifts should always come from the heart."

🐻 He might also mutter something about them being a little shit. You may or may not get to hear that part.

🐻 He'd keep it safe for the next year and surprise you on Christmas morning by wearing it, "Alfie! I honestly thought you hated that thing!" "What this? Nah poppet, how could I hate something you put so much time and thought into...."

Arthur

🍂"what the fuck..." he'd breath without thinking when he first sees it. He'd be completely taken by surprise.

🍂but then he'd remember that you were right there with him and that even if this was the ugliest thing he'd ever seen, you'd made it for him

🍂so he'd cough and say something like, "I... I mean... you make this for me yourself love?" and then when you nod timidly, nervously, he'd force a big grin and act amazed.

🍂"I didn't realise how talented you were sweetheart, how'd you keep this secret eh?" he wants to know so that next time you try to surprise him with something so ugly, he can be prepared.

🍂 He would definitely wear it. He'd be embarrassed and it would be impossible for him to hide that embarrassment, his blush would be burning, but he'd wear it and he'd try to wear it proudly.

🍂 Like Tommy, it would remind him of when he was a child and his mother used to make their clothes for them. He knows it takes a lot of love and care to knit a whole jumper for someone and he'd grateful that you love him enough to invest so much time into his gift.

🍂 he probably then feels a little guilty for thinking its so ugly.

🍂 he might physically threaten Finn or John if they make a joke about how daft it looks.

John

🌼 will straight up tell you its the ugliest thing he's ever seen... he can't lie to you about it, he knows that if he doesn't say it someone else will, and also.... it may be ugly but he absolutely adores it.

🌼 in short he thinks its hilarious and pulls it on right away.

🌼 however, only he is allowed to laugh at it. If any of his brothers say anything to him about how stupid he looks wearing that "thing" he'll threaten to hit them

🌼 but there's no fighting on Christmas so a threat is all it takes. Nobody wants throttling at midnight when its technically not Christmas anymore.

🌼 he'd apologise to you for saying its ugly but he won't take it back, he'll kiss you and chuckle and say "honestly flower its so bad, I love it, I love you... thank you."

🌼 he will definitely tease you about it. "What am I getting next year? matching trousers I hope..."

🌼 he will be genuinely impressed that you managed to knit him a whole sweater thought, there will be a level of admiration and curiosity there. Next time you have your needles out he'll be watching you, trying to pretend he isn't watching you... but definitely watching you, kind of fascinated.

🌼 he'll joke that you should knit one for yourself too, then you can be matching.

Bonnie

🍀 He is so touched that you've gone to all the effort to make him something. You always give each other handmade gifts but he knows how long this will have taken you

🍀 he's pretty used to ugly sweaters... he's been getting them since he was wee, but he's really touched that you've made him one.

🍀 It definitely reminds him of his mother and the ugly handmedown sweaters he wore as a small boy, all of which had been made for his sisters by his mother, none of which suited him

🍀 He doesn't even really see it as ugly. It is ugly, everyone else can see that its fucking awful, a horrendous piece of clothing.. but Bonnie sees a sweater you knitted for him, that his little dove made just for him... so he thinks its great regardless.

🍀 of course he wears it. He wears it proudly too, tells people without any shame that you made it for him. He's genuinely incredibly pleased with it.

🍀 he will wear it every day of winter if he can get away with it.

🍀and if any of the other lads say anything to him he'll just gloat at them, "oh aye and what did your girlfriend get you eh? oh wait..."

🍀 the next year he'd try really really hard to learn how to knit so that he can make you something. You get an ugly scarf... thats a bit too long... that you have to finish off for him because he didn't really know how to do it.

Isaiah

🐀 again... he won't really be able to lie to you. Not very well at least.

🐀 he'll tell you it's lovely, but you'll be able to see straight through his awkward smile. Apart from anything else this is one of the first times you've seen him speechless. His eyes have gone wide and he's looking at the sweater like he thinks its about to bite him

🐀 "you don't have to pretend to like it Isaiah... It's pretty bad right..." you'd say with an awkward smile of your own. He'd be able to see the sadness in your eyes though, the way you're wincing and biting your lip. That would make him feel guilty so he'd shake his head and insist.

🐀 "no love, no it's perfect... you really made this all by yourself? Just for me? It must have taken you so long!" he'd try extra hard to convince you of how good it is. "Wish I could do stuff like this... you're one talented lass."

🐀 he'd wear it for five minutes. Long enough to see himself in the mirror, remember how stupid he looks in it, and then think of a genius idea.

🐀 "you know doll, you know what would look really nice? If you wore this? Come on, you know I think it's hot when you wear my clothes..."

🐀 and it does look much cuter on you... he thinks you're pretty enough to get away with wearing it. Nothing is too ugly for you, you look beautiful in everything.

🐀 makes it much easier to lie about how nice the sweater is when it's on someone as pretty as you.

Michael

☘️ He would look at it... his eyes would go wide... he'd shake his head...

☘️ he would sigh, really really trying not to say anything bad.

☘️ "well?" you'd ask nervously.

☘️ Polly would be watching with an amused smirk, but when he son still doesn't say anything she'd roll her eyes and she'd say something instead, "well isn't that just lovely Michael a homemade sweater! This looks just like the ones My sister used to knit for the boys when they were little..."

☘️ then Michael would finally find some words and cough, he'd be super awkward about it but he'd say something about how nice it was that you'd been so thoughtful

☘️ he doesn't get it though, he doesn't understand about homemade gifts being meaningful. He's a materialistic kind of lad and does wish you'd just bought him something nice from the stores.

☘️ however, he knows that if he doesn't out that sweater on and pretend its the best gift he's ever been given, Polly will twist his ear off and potentially kill him for being such an ungrateful shit.

☘️ so he'd force a smile and kiss your cheek and tell you "its marvellous love, its great, really great..." and when you ask him to try it on he will. But he won't wear it in front of Tommy and his other cousins. Actually he won't be seen wearing it by any one other than you and his mum.

☘️ he might lose it before the New Year.

[quietlyimplode]

Black Widow Fest - Day Five

Wild Geese (cruelty is easy)

Warnings: death of widows, implied (not graphic) torture, Natasha in the Red Room.

Word Count: 2154

Pairing: Black Widows, Widows, Natasha-centric (Clint/Nat implied)

Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine. Meanwhile the world goes on. - Mary Oliver. Wild Geese.

Head warnings. This is not a happy fic, words in their essence are something that can be so benign but can have ripple effects. Words said in grief, anger, pain, can have lasting impacts in ways we don’t know. Be careful with your words, you’ll never know how they may ricochet. Take care friends. <3

Cruelty is easy. You’re not special for choosing it.

1/

Chains around her wrists, toes barely touching the floor, the woman spits at the Widow.

“Why do you hold your secrets, when you could so easily just tell me? Where is your husband?”

Blood on her chin, still the woman snarls.

Like a rabid dog, she drools and snaps when the Widow comes close.

“You’re going to die here anyway, why not make your last hours easier?”

The woman, dehydrated, delirious, laughs.

“Cruelty is easy. You’re not special for choosing it.”

It give the widow pause.

The woman laughs again.

“You’re not special at all. Just a cog in the machine. Doing someone else’s bidding. How does it feel to be the puppet?”

She sighs, spits, and leans heavily on the chains.

“So kill me, because I don’t know what you want to hear. My husband is nowhere. He’s everywhere. He’s in Malta, Dubrovnik. He’s in the Maldives, in Sri Lanka or…”

The gun shot to her head silences her and the body falls heavily against the chains, it’s weight now dead as there’s steady blood flow from the the wound.

.

2/

Natasha watches the older widow as she instructs the anatomy class.

Blood flow, large veins, nerves. It’s fascinating the way that the human body works. Out of all the things that Natasha learns, she finds this the most interesting.

The Red Room teaches them these things for the use of information extraction, for field medicine and to show them that they are not immortal.

Even though they think that they are.

They’re drilled daily, and it becomes Natasha’s favourite.

The older widow seems to see it, her love of learning and how she absorbs the information.

After class, she asks the Widow to teach her about cranial nerves, how they can bring pain. How it can impact on thinking.

The widow pauses and takes Natasha’s hand.

Touch is always a strange sensation.

She craves it and strays away from it.

This time, the touch is insistent.

The words are said urgently, whispered as though a secret in shame.

“Cruelty is easy, Natasha. You are not special for choosing it. Kindness, grace and patience, sometimes those are things that matter more in the moment.”

Abruptly, she lets her hand go, and stands.

“We will learn more on the cranial nerves over the next week.”

She hands Natasha a book.

“Read this. And write me a essay on how you would provide the field medicine in case study, 600 words by tomorrow.”

The book is heavy, but it’s the words that were spoken in secret that run in repetition in Natasha’s head.

‘Cruelty is easy.”

She wonders if it’s a challenge, if she’s suppose to learn to extract information in other ways. Through words rather than pain.

She walks out of the room, wondering just how that would work.

.

3/

Georgia stares at Natasha.

“So what, like the whores of Odessa, you want to go in me what? Ask them for the information?”

Natasha feels the fear flow through her.

She stands straighter, hardens her face and nods.

“They’re going to invite us in graciously. They’re going to tell us everything we want to know and we’ll be done in less than 2 hours.”

She pauses.

“Unless you want to follow the mission parameter, take the man and his daughter and torture them both to see who breaks first.”

She knows Georgia is not smart enough to understand what she is going for. That she can show them that she can do things in a creative way.

She doesn’t like torture. It’s messy and gives her a feeling in her gut that doesn’t go away for days. The images replay in her mind.

But she can’t tell anyone that.

Georgia shrugs.

“Okay. But if we die for this Natalia, I’m going to kill your in the afterlife.”

Natasha bristles at the nickname and passes an easy smile.

“I’ll get the blame, just follow my lead, okay?”

Natasha stands, folds money in her hand and smiles.

The door knock is met with a crack of an opening and a girl, no older than twelve peeks around the corner.

“Hello?”

“Hi hun, I’m Irina and this is Svetlana, we are here to see your mum, is she home?”

The girls eyes widen, and sadness fills them.

“Um. No, she’s not.”

Natasha knows well that the woman is dead.

“Oh, okay, can you leave a message for us?”

The door opens wider.

The girl more trusting now.

“My dadda’s home,” she starts, “I can get him, if you want?”

Natasha smiles, “oh sure, that would be great.”

The girl leaves them standing at the door and Georgia moves nervously from foot to foot.

“Are you sure about this, Natalia?”

Natasha reaches behind her and squeezes her hand in reassurance.

“Hello?”

The bearded man appears, his face drawn and tired.

“Hello!” Natasha says brightly.

“Alina gave us this address when we last met up, she said to come visit if ever we were in Vladivostok.”

The man frowns.

“We went to school together.”

Natasha is betting hard that the man will remember his wife’s ramblings of her childhood friends, but not their faces.

“Oh,” he nods.

“Irina and Svetlana,” the girl says, helpfully, as though she knows.

“Oh,” the man says again.

“She’s dead.”

The words are heavy and the girl retreats behind her father as if the words won’t find her there.

Natasha schools her face into one of grief, like the woman wasn’t killed at the hands of the KGB in partnership of the Red Room.

“Oh,” she echos, “how? When?”

The man opens the door wider, and invites them in.

The follow the couple into the kitchen, where the girl starts to make some tea, taking the role that her mother must have left.

The man sits, offering chairs to the Widows as they’re offered tea.

“It is perhaps a long story,” he opens, looking to his daughter.

Natasha is quick.

“And I want no pain in reopening a wound.”

She pauses.

“She was my friend. She was kind and honest and dear to us.”

She sighs dramatically, and rests her head in her hands, Georgia taking the cue to offer comfort.

“Is there anything we can do?”

The girl sets down the tea, and they wrap their hands around it.

She looks small amongst the big table, and squeaks a response.

“What was my mother like when she was young?”

Natasha lies with the truth.

The words woven and soon the man is drunk.

The little girl tired and secrets spilled without his knowledge.

They help the girl put her father to bed, and she gratefully thanks them, offering them her meagre stash of lollies.

Natasha declines, but Georgia takes four, then closes the girl’s hand around the rest.

“Thank you,” the little girl says, spontaneously hugging them both.

They hug her back, and leave the way they came, no one worse for the meeting.

“That was more exhausting, Nat.”

Georgia tells her, getting into their car.

“But no bad dreams,” Natasha sighs, leaning back.

Georgia snorts.

“No, no bad dreams.”

The getaway is smooth and smell of sweets emanate.

“Do you think they’ll punish us for going off mission?”

Natasha shakes her head.

“Given the information we just gathered, and the relationships we made, no, I don’t think they will.”

“You tell them then.”

“Mm,” Natasha nods, non committal to the instruction.

“Why?”

Georgia hands over two hard lollies and Natasha takes them both, wrapping them and revelling in the sweetness.

“Cruelty is easy, we aren’t special for choosing it.”

Georgia doesn’t say anything but seems to ruminate on her words.

“Where’d you learn that?”

“Madam Simzar,” Natasha chooses to disclose.

Georgia smiles.

“I miss her.”

Natasha ducks her head, unable to keep the pain off her face.

“Me too.”

.

4/

Natasha exits Fury’s office.

Making a bee line for the door, she brushes quickly past Clint and disappears.

Clearly not good news then.

He follows her to find her gone, disappeared in a matter of seconds.

He wonders where she could have gone, and walks quickly to the library hoping to catch a glimpse of her hair.

She’s not there, and she doesn’t appear to be anywhere. He swears under his breath before returning back to Fury’s office, hoping for some insight into what made her run.

He thought they might have been passed this, but, he supposes, Natasha’s go to self preservation will always be to hide her feelings, conceal her grief, hurt and sadness.

He feels that’s what this is, judging the way she wouldn’t even make eye contact as she brushed past.

“What happened?”

He’s not usually so abrupt with his boss, but he needs to know whether in this moment, Natasha needs help.

No time for pleasantries.

“A widow Natasha defected, overdosed.”

Fury’s words are flat.

The pictures he passes over shows the graphic image of a woman overdosed.

Clint feels sick.

The could be Natasha.

He knows at once where she’s gone, and leaves the room without another word.

.

The park is quiet.

Big dark clouds ruminate overhead, and he wraps his jacket around himself tighter against the cold.

The playground is dead, just as he assumed it would be, the children home and getting ready for night time routines.

He’s glad.

They used to come here and swing on the swings when Natasha needed to get away from herself. The rocking motion seemingly soothing.

Clint finds her exactly where he expects to.

The swing next to her inviting for him as he sits down and says nothing.

They stay in stasis, swinging slowly.

“Her name was Georgia.”

Natasha rests her head on the swing lengths, and swallows.

She wants to tell him about her, but the grief is too much. A tear slips out, and she hastily wipes it away.

“Cruelty to yourself is easy, Clint,” she says tiredly.

Clint looks at her, really looks and notices the slip of blood in her hand, clutching the small pairing knife.

“I’m not special for choosing it,” the words said in a whisper.

She hands him the knife, unwrapping her hand from around it.

“It’s harder to be kind.”

He pauses, the knife gone as soon as he touches it.

“I’ve heard you say it before.”

He didn’t feel how dangerous losing a widow might be for her. Certainly didn’t expect the knife.

He wants to know how safe she is, how she won’t be the dead girl, overdosed.

“Is it a reminder?”

She looks at him, shrugs, nods.

“Cruelty is easy,” she whispers.

Natasha pauses at the statement, aware she’s just repeating herself, the words though; they seem important.

The mission they went on, replaying in her mind, with Georgia smiling in the car.

“Georgia was a friend,” she looks to Clint. “One of a select few, and her passing feels personal.”

“She was a widow?”

Clint knows but asks anyway.

“Yes.”

Natasha starts swinging, slow movements, dragging her feet on the ground.

“Was she…”

Clint doesn’t really know what he’s asking.

“Free?”

She finishes the thought anyway.

“Yes. No. Are any of us ever free of that place?”

Clint doesn’t know how to answer.

“Drugs.”

Natasha pauses.

“She wasn’t kind to herself.”

“She felt the need to be cruel.”

Clint starts swinging too, feeling the heaviness of the night pressing down. He wonders just how much and how close Natasha was to this girl when they were young.

“To herself?” he wonders.

“Yes.”

She’s hastily wipes at her face again.

“But you aren’t.”

He says it as a statement and hopes that it’s true.

“Sometimes I am.”

Natasha pauses. Thinks.

“I beat myself up with my thoughts. But I’m better at recognising it. Stopping it when it comes.”

The introspection is not lost on Clint. It’s taken years for them both to realize when their thinking patterns have not been… optimal.

“She was not.”

He cringes at the past tense, the death fresh.

“No.”

She drags her feet.

“She was not.”

Clint’s not really sure what to say. He wants to hug her but knows it’s not appropriate.

“I’m sorry she let you down,” he opts for, pushing back and forward on his toes.

Natasha shrugs, slowing her movements.

“She didn’t let me down, her actions have nothing to do with me.”

There’s a pause, as Clint is at a loss for words, not used to Natasha’s nonchalance at the death of her friend, or wonders if she’s just masking her grief.

“It’s a reminder,” she continues.

“I choose to be kind.”

She says it with a strength, even as her voice wobbles.

“Cruelty is easy, to others, to yourself.”

Clint nods, pushes off a little more heavily.

“Yeah. It is,” he agrees.

He slows with his feet and then repeats the process.

“You are kind, Natasha,” he tells her.

But it’s met with silence as night covers them in darkness.

.

[minkkumaz]

RACER 03

the longer you contemplated what you would do, and who you would be with, it became clear to you who to choose. woonhak was right there the entire time, you were just too blind to see it.

RACE TO YOUR HEART series

PAIRING myung jaehyun x fem!reader WC 1.0k TAGS racecar driver au. mentions of toxic relationship. confessions. minor cussing. kinda humor. kissing. pokemon ref. TAGLIST @skullverse @yumicherryii OMI NOTE omg this is the end of this series. thank u again to vixy poo for giving me this idea and letting me blossom fr :fire emoji:

the second your finger hovered over jaehyun’s contact name, you knew it was him. it had always be him. every single touch against your skin, each comfortable silence you had with him, and better yet, every moment you shared with him when he took you to the aquarium.

it had been there since the beginning, yet you failed to realize it. maybe it was your stupid mind playing tricks on you, convincing you that there was something much more to him that wasn’t worth knowing. but you were better than this, you knew what you want, and it was him.

you didn’t hesitate a second longer, clicking on the call button. everything you wanted to tell jaehyun flooded through your mind as you listened to it ring multiple times. there was hope he’d pick up quickly, but there was also a fear that your call would go unanswered. he proved you wrong this time around, as you heard a faint hello from the other line.

“jaehyun i–” you pause your words, taking a deep breath to collect yourself.

“hi again, y/n! did you leave something in my car, is everything alright?” he was happy to hear from you, but he was still worried after you didn’t sound so jolly greeting him.

“can you come to the race track? at the spot where we met for the first time? please?” it was almost like you were begging him, though you knew that you didn’t have to plead at his feet for him to drop everything for you.

“no, yeah! i’ll go over right now, just stay put.” 

leaning back against the wall, you let yourself drag down it once again. it all became very similar, merging with the memory you had when you first met jaehyun and woonhak. now you were stuck between them, finally making the decision that you felt was right.

jaehyun was the first person to notice you going off, despite being so busy with everything else around him. he graciously invited you back to the track so you wouldn’t be bored, and most likely wallowing in your own self pity. in a way, he understood that all you needed was a proper distraction, one where you couldn’t look away.

and he had it down perfectly, as he shone so bright that it was impossible to look away, yet hurt your eyes if you stared too intently. maybe this was how he always was, and that was only the cherry on top, making everything much more real.

in the silence of the night, you could hear a car pulling up into the parking lot. a car door slammed, followed by the sound of jogging against pavement. you were counting down the seconds, counting down every moment before you’d finally tell jaehyun the sweet words. that trigger to let him know that you wanted to grow with him, and be his.

when his eyes landed on you, his gaze immediately softened. you weren’t crying, just sitting contently in the spot he found you weeks ago. you looked up at him through your eyelashes, the smallest smile playing against your lips.

“y/n? why are you on the floor again? and here..?” he felt confused, sitting down next to you to get his answers.

“i was thinking about it a lot. about us, jae.. i wasn’t sure if i was ever going to be able to love again.” you mumbled, fiddling with your fingers.

“what are you talking about..?” he knew exactly what you were talking about.

“i looked bored that day and– you came to me. for whatever reason you had, or whatever tensions underlie, you still came to me.” you spoke, “and when we went out, i can’t even explain to you how much fun i had.”

“of course i came to you, y/n.” he responded, moving a small piece of hair away from your face.

“i don’t know if i’ll ever be able to understand why. maybe you just thought i was cute, but it meant a lot to me. nobody has made that effort to care for me like that.”

“i’m not going to lie and say i didn’t come to you for no reason, because i did think you were cute. but i got something so much better than just a cute girl.” 

“so if i was super ugly you’d leave me to shit?” you let out a breathy laugh, as he sighs.

“i have no room to comment on that.” he puts his hands up to defend himself.

“god, i feel at a loss for words. but i hope you understand where i’m trying to get my point to..?” you tilt your head at him, the air feeling much lighter after the laugh you shared.

“i like you, you like me, and we should totally kiss?” he raises an eyebrow as you roll your eyes.

“you’re so stupidly clingy, jae.” you put your hands up to his cheeks, pulling him close to your lips to close the gap between the two of you.

it took him by surprise, still not quite believing any of this was real. but he kissed back, and it was. his lips were warm, sending shocks throughout your entire body. the longer you stayed attached to him, the more you didn’t want to let go.

you bit down gently on his bottom lip before pulling away, making jaehyun pout. he was cute like this, and the only thing it did was reassure your decision to be with him. reaching your arms around his waist, you hug him close to you.

“you know, if you weren’t so smooth with asking me out that day, i probably would’ve still been beating myself up about that guy. i can’t believe i let him run my life for so long..” you mumble.

“hey, you’re here now, aren’t you? better yet, in my arms!” he squeezes you, almost taking the air out of your body.

“jae, jae, let go!” you gasp, only making him squeeze tighter before letting go.

“you still haven’t made anything official.” he furrows his eyebrows.

“i don’t think we’ll be official for some time, jae. there’s no way i’m going to hurt you if i’m still going crazy or something. let’s take some time to grow together before we label anything?” you ask, only getting a nod in reply, “don’t worry. i choose you.”

“can i use vine whip to get you back in my arms?”

© 2023 minkkumaz, all rights reserved support your writers by reblogging + giving feedback! it is greatly encouraged and appreciated. thank you! → why feedback + reblogging is so important. ~ (´｡• ᵕ •｡`) ♡ if you'd like, donate to minkkumaz ! RACE TO YOUR HEART series

[romanoffsbish]

Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day

Florence Pugh x Fem!Reader

Warning: Jealousy (on both ends), Insecurities, Alcohol

Smut: Top!R x PowerBottom!Flo; Oral(Flo—Face-Riding), Strap (F), Subtle Overstimulation, Kinks: Choking

Requested by: @Jujuu23

Request: Alright! I was actually wondering, could it be a Florence x female reader where reader is her girlfriend and accompanies her to the Valentino's Rome couture show and gets kinda jealous and insecure at the after party with another famous that gets too touchy (you can choose whoever you like) ‘cause she had never loved someone like Florence before? Just some angst but then super fluff and romantic and could there be a smut too? with Top!reader and power!bottom Florence with some praise kink, but only if you’re comfortable, if not it’s totally fine with just the fluff. ☺️

Florence was smiling from ear to ear as she watched you slipping into the sheer top that paralleled her current pants perfectly, and was sort of an homage to her previous years outfit.

"Oh my word, I'm not sure how long this'll remain on you.," she purred as her hand fell to your hip so that she could turn you to face her., "You look positively beautiful my darling girl."

Florence loved flustering you like this the very most, it was the way that her teasing words or her soft caresses could make you freeze up while nervously biting into your lower lip, and ducking your head down to avoid her gaze, it filled her chest with pride. As if you forget how much she wants you, no matter how much she reaffirms she's in love with every bit of you.

——

"Are you ready to go?, she smiled knowingly as you found your voice, and deflected her tease., "The event starts soon, and we don't want to be late, or miss your chance at the red carpet."

"Our.," she corrects with a peck to your lips, because even though she wants to deepen it, the risk of getting carried away was too high, as well as her fresh gloss would require a fixing.

The drive to the venue was short, and sweet. Florence's driver had the partition up, and the two of you sat in the back in a fit of giggles as you recounted the times he'd rushed to lift it whenever you two were in a heated moment as you entered the car without regards to him. Frank is seemingly learning it's safest to just always be prepared for your scandalous ways.

It was as the car encroached the venue that you were both no longer giggling, instead you were fiddling with the rings adorning your fingers, and your lover frowned at you clear anxieties.

"Hey there," she smiled as her hand now laid over yours, and you met her with a nervous one of your own., "It'll be okay darling, we're here together, and therefore we're invincible."

A reminiscent smile took over your face as you let her words soak in. There really was nothing you couldn't do with her by your side, so after a brief kiss the two of you exited the car with hands interlocked and a shout of thanks sent back Frank's way as you entered the event

After walking the red carpet with Florence for a wide array of photos and short interviews you stood back and allowed her a chance for solos. Much to her dismay truly, because you knew that having you at her side helped to lessen her anxiety, but you both also knew that the world was expecting glam shots of the blonde starlet.

The fashion event was rather nice, the outfits showcased were surely eye catching, but you were primarily focused on your lovers outfit, and now that you were drug along to the after party you had the time to ogle her properly.

The bejeweled, sheer pants gave you the perfect view of her ass as she mingled with others while you graciously sat at the open bar. But with that privilege for you came a clear disadvantage, all others present had the same luxury, and that's normally never been much of an issue for you, but right now it surely was.

Florence was laughing animatedly at a joke a fellow actor made, her joy usually made your heart beam, but the hand of her Marvel alum Zendaya placed dangerously low on her back left you pulsing with waves of pure jealousy.

The jealousy stemmed from your insecurities, because truth be told they looked good together. Like they actually fit together in a way that the two of you never would, and it terrified you to think she would realize that. That she could live a far more fulfilling life with someone as show stopping as Zendaya, but for some odd reason she's chosen to settle for you.

It was a scary thought—losing her, it was so far from a reality you'd welcome, you loved her so much, more than you'd ever deemed possible.

As if Florence could feel your heart breaking she turned to you with a deep smile, that just as quickly morphed into a frown of concern as she rather swiftly excused herself to get to you.

"Wow darling, you're properly pissed.," Flo laughed as she took your inebriated form in up close, and you only frowned, far too drunk to understand that was her actual insinuation, and not that you were furious; rightfully so. 

"You would be too if you had to watch others eyeing me like I was still on the market, and putting their hands all over my body."

Now she was frowning, her hand flew up, and she silently looked to the bartender, he nodded and as he got you waters she stepped up closer to you, settling her soft hands on your cheeks.

"Darling, I very well have, those men have yet to remove their eyes from your chest, it's kind of the one of the reasons I rushed over here.," she admitted, you pouted at her sincerely, in your focus on her and Zendaya you'd failed to even consider the expectant stares of others on your breasts., "Also, my love, you do remember Zendaya has a fiancée right? She's just always been a very touchy person, it was harmless."

"It's not just her Flo.," you sighed dejectedly, and the blonde's heart constricted when you met her gaze, and tears laid in your eyes., "Everyone here is a much better match for you, like look at that gorgeous brunette who's eyes have yet to leave you all night.," you basically shouted, far too drunk to reel your volume in.

Just as fast though, your volume quieted to a whisper as your head dropped., "You deserve better Flo, I'll never be as pretty as your circle of Hollywood friends, why are you settling?"

Florence's jaw clenched., "Stop it, right now!," her hand grabbed yours, and with a quick step she pulled you somewhere far more secluded, and without the watching eyes of tabloids.

"I'm not settling.," she shortly relayed while angrily pacing the small space., "I love you!"

"If I dated the brunette, or Zendaya, or anyone else Hollywood ships me with then I'm settling. God, you really don't see it do you Y/N?," her voice broke as she looked into your eyes at the end., "You're the most beautiful person here tonight Y/N, their status changes nothing, nobody else does to me what you do baby."

"I'm sorry Flo, I didn't mean to cause a scene."

"No, I'm sorry I didn't keep you with me, our invincibility only works with you on my arm.," she winked, then pulled you in for a sweet hug.

Florence heard you gasp softly as her grey top brushed against your pert nipples, a wave of arousal ran through her at the needy sound, and as your hands naturally gripped her by the hips possessively she was beyond ready for it., "Take me home Y/N; fuck me like I'm yours."

Frank's eyes widened when he saw the two of you running towards the car, he unlocked the doors, and knowingly turned the music up.

Florence straddled your lap, her lips ghosting yours as you refused to kiss her until you got the belt around the both of you, and buckled her body to yours for the short ride back home. Watching you struggling with the process was amusing but it reminded her you were drunk.

Then when you kissed her she could taste the heady remnants of vodka cranberry on your lips, and when your tongue hotly slipped into her mouth it was an non-dismissible fact.

"Drink the water my love.," she instructed as the both of you panted wildly., "There will be no going further if you don't sober up some."

Florence's eyes widened when you snatched the bottle from her and gulped it right down. Then you repeated the process with a second one, then haphazardly crushed the bottles, and yanked her face forward for a sloppy kiss.

As soon as Frank courteously opened your door you exited with Florence's legs wrapped tightly around your waist, and as you navigated the hallways of your home her lips worked to cover the exposed side of your neck in pink lipstick.

Florence grinned when her back had hit the mattress, she could feel the strap that had been hidden in your pants this whole time; she was growing more desperate as your hands slid her top off with ease, and your mouth enveloped her nipple, her hand flew to your hair, and she moaned languidly as you stimulated her chest.

"I'm going to ride your face.," she commanded, voice raspier than normal as she was overcome with need., "I'll soak your pretty little face love, marking my territory so you can remember I'm all yours, and also that you're all mine.," there was a growl to follow her words as she shoved your back against the mattress, and moved quickly to straddle her cunt over your mouth.

The way everyone had stared at you with want as you only stared at her affected her just as much as it did you when you saw Zendaya's hand on her back. Knowing that others even flirted with the idea of you as an option, when you very well were hers, well it made her angry.

Florence lowered herself onto your extended tongue, her hips moving furiously against you as she grew far more affected by your talents. Arousal was ever flowing as she rutted, your face was akin to a slip n slide as she selfishly used it for her pleasure. Not that you would complain, tasting Florence was your favorite, and no matter the position you happily gave her the pleasure you knew she craved, and were always dutifully rewarded by her orgasm.

"Oh fuck.," she screamed as your tongue expertly swirled around within her., "Yes, just like that, fuck, please don't stop Y/N.," you mumbled against her, she obviously couldn't hear your 'I wouldn't dream of it,' but she felt the vibrations running throughout her body., "Need to cum, please let me cum baby!," she rasped, and with two taps to her thigh you gave her express permission to drench you.

With an unexpected quickness she slid down your body, her slick coating your clothes that have yet to be removed. Her lips latched onto yours, moans spilling into your mouth as her hips ground down against the bulge in your pants, all while her hands tugged at your top.

In a seconds time you'd flipped her over, and much to her whimper's complaints you stood up, and chuckled at your desperate lover., "Hush my love, be patient for me please.," she looked to you with hazy eyes that only grew murkier with lust as you stripped your clothes from your body, and the strap dropped out.

There was a look of mischief on your face, the tease on the tip of your tongue as you hovered above your girlfriend once again, but it died there as she gripped the silicone's shaft, and pulled it to her entrance with ease., "Fuck me, and don't stop until I'm trembling, got it?"

“There you go my darling.,” she purred as you entered her slowly., “Fuck, you’re so big baby.,” she winced as you eventually bottomed out.

Florence’s whines melded into breathy, erotic moans as your soft lips laid over her pulse, you began to nip and suck at the smooth pale skin to properly mark her up in deep hues of purple, blue and red to reclaim her as yours outwardly. As a plus it also served as a way to distract her from the momentary pain, giving her a chance to adjust before you quickly picked up the pace.

It wasn’t long before her walls were clenching around the silicone, you always did know just how to get her over the edge with minimal time needed. When you heard her breathes become more choppy you pulled your head back from her marred up collarbones to catch her release. Flo gasped as you did, the sight of your face smirking down at her as your thumb swiveled over her clit made her entire body warm up just before her back arched, and legs trembled.

Florence’s hands flew up to tangle into your hair as she sloppily kissed you while riding out her high. The waves of pleasure always seemed to intensify when she had your tongue in her mouth, she suckled on the muscle as you never wavered in thrusting into her cunt, her muffled moans now sensationalized on your tongue.

“Fuck, you’re so hot Florence, gonna make me cum with just those pretty noises alone.,” you groaned as she finally let you go to breathe., “I’m going to fuck you so good you’ll never let anyone touch you ever again; you’re mine.”

A shiver ran down her spine when she saw the look of determination in your eyes, excitement flooded her entire being as you kissed her so hard she couldn’t even begin to think straight. A loud moan was ripped from her throat next as you pulled out of her just to roughly grip her by her hips, flip her over, and slam back inside of her with a reinvigorated passion to own her.

Mind, Body, and Soul

With your hand on her hips for leverage you began to fuck the strap into her sopping cunt. Not an ounce of mercy was given nor felt as your thighs repeatedly made contact with her ass, a loud slapping sound reverberating off the walls along with her sloshing pussy, broken moans, and your deeply affected pants, it was all the noise expected as you lost your minds.

All you could think about was letting go, and helping the gorgeous blonde to do the same.

With your hand suddenly wrapped around her throat from behind, and her back flush to your front as you pulled her upright and fucked the strap up into her she reached the precipice, and with the decrease in oxygen from the pressure you applied to her throat she flew right into her orgasm, the feel of her slick dripping down your thighs aroused you tremendously, and as she pushed her ass down you screamed in ecstasy as waves of pleasure ran through you.

Florence groaned as your connected bodies hit the mattress, the strap moving inside her as you collapsed right on top of her. The two of you laying like that while you both worked to regain a semblance of composure, and once the blonde was less foggy she began to squirm from underneath you, a telltale sign that she wanted more, and you were ready to please.

“I need more, please, don’t stop darling.”

“I’m not stopping just yet baby girl.,” you gently thrusted, she groaned at the sensitivity she felt, but her hips still pressed back to help you reach even further depths., “Wait, I-I.”

“I-I need to see you.,” she panted., “I want to feel you baby, flip me back over.,” she weakly commanded in a muffled manner with her face still pressed up against the sheets, you smiled at the idea that she’d be this desperate for you, it wasn’t often she showed this needy side.

As soon as you eased the strap out of her you gently returned her to her back, and slipped right back in where you belonged., “Kiss me.,” her breathless plea paired with a pouting set of swollen lips had you giving her just what she wanted, and she thanked you with a slow roll of her hips to meet yours, and you whimpered at the stimulation caused to your swollen clit.

Her hands groped your breasts, thumbs rolling over your nipples as your tongue slid over hers, lazily exploring her mouth while your hips kept up a steady pace mean to destroy her; you managed to push your strap so deep into her that she jolted with a scream of pleasure soon to follow, and your face flew into her neck as the hilt of the harness rubbed you just right to send you climaxing in tandem with your lover.

Florence could see you growing tired after your second and her fourth climax of the night, but she couldn't give this full sensation up, not yet., "My love, please, don't leave me all empty.," her shaky legs wrapped around you, linking together desperately to keep you locked inside., “I know you’re tired, but please, don’t pull out.”

"Hmm, does my precious girl want to warm my cock tonight?," she nodded aggressively, you smiled softly at her, and gave a teasing thrust as you connected your lips to hers., "Whatever you need, I'll give it to you baby, we can sleep like this, then come morning we'll clean up."

"Thank you my love, now get some rest.", she gently forced your face into her neck, then pulled the blanket up over your lower bodies., "Goodnight Flo.," you kissed her neck softly for a final time that night., "Goodnight Y/N/N."

As Florence happily lulled you to sleep with feather light scratches to your exposed back she scrolled through her phone and began to find photos to put her Instagram post together.

The first photo in her lineup she posted was one she found and instantly fell in love with. You were stood slightly in front of her with a nervous smile, her arms were wrapped around your abdomen, and her face was tilted beside your shoulder as she looked up at you lovingly. The second photo was another with you, it was taken directly after that one, your eyes were shut tightly as you relished in the feel of your lovers lips on your raised cheeks, it was sweet.

Though there were many more photos included of her with famed acquaintances, friends, and family the caption was mostly meant for you.

"The Valentino family was full of so much love and art and passion this weekend. Reminding me of how much love I have surrounding me, and just how important it is that I cherish it.

My MAMA got to come!! 2nd fashion show ever and she stole the evening. Always does!

Y/N—Baby, you were the best look of the night; I'll never tire of showing you off, everyone gets to see your beauty, but I, well I get to keep it."

———

3,112 Words

❤️Kaitlyn🥰

———

[stormblessed95]

So I’ve gone back and forth about sending this ask(?) to you, but I have just been sitting thinking about this for a over a month with no one to vent to.

Basically, since indigo came out, I have been slightly nervous about PJM1s release (also super excited and will stream until my ears bleed). Cause of my nerves—Closer. As you are likely well aware, the song closer explicitly talks about having an intimate relationship with a woman. This led everyone on twitter, myself included, to assume RM is, at the very least, sexually attracted to women (to be fair, the feminine pronouns were in Paul Blanco’s verse). My thing, and i don’t think it hit me until indigo came out, is that we could see something similar with PJM1. I mean all it could take is one pronoun (context dependent) to more or less disprove jikook, which kinda makes me sad.

Now, I am well aware BTS has used feminine pronouns in past music. And I want to make it clear that I support both JM and JK as individuals first, and that’s not going to change. And regardless of their relationship, I adore their bond. But, I’ve spent a good amount of time thinking that there was something more than friendship between them, so idk, I guess I have yet to become completely comfortable with the idea that they may not be or never had been together. I keep telling myself it doesn’t actually matter, but apparently my heart and brain are not aligned lol.

Now, Jimin may choose not to sing about romantic/sexual relationships on PJM1, but he has mentioned along the lines that he wants to show a more mature and more real side to him and his craft, so I feel it’s likely his album will include a few songs of that nature.

Those are essentially all my thoughts on this. I guess my ask would be do you have any thoughts on this? No pressure to answer!

Regardless, stream Vibe! Stream Indigo! Stream Dreamers! Stream Jack in the box!

I mean, Vibe opened with the use of gendered pronouns and labeling of who Taeyang was speaking to with the use of "girl" in his verse where Jimin kept away from any pronouns and just said "you" "love" "baby" and kept all parts of the song he was on gender neutral, and he had writing credits meaning he probably wrote most of his own verses/the bridge. So if he was going to, he had the chance. Every single solo song he has ever done too is gender neutral. Vibe, With You, Filter, Serendipity, Promise, Lie....

So I'm not worried. Lol and I also don't think a "girl" lyric would disprove or prove a possible gay relationship he could be in. People sing about past, present and future relationships/flings/feelings/ideas when they write love songs. Plus, if you'd ask me to guess Jimins sexuality, I'd guess bisexual, or at least a label that includes him liking women too as he has self proclaimed admitting to crushing on a school mate, who was a girl, pre-debut. Not that it couldn't have changed when he grew out of any heteronormativity that he had, but that would still be my guess.

And I understand it being easier said than done to get your heart and brain to always align. That takes time. It's okay to give yourself that time graciously and be kind to yourself too. I know this probably isn't helpful for you since my answer is basically "I'm not worried about it either way" lol but it is what it is. And I hope it helps anyway.

And yes, let's all work together to stream hard for our beloved members!💜

[iguessitsjustme]

In honor of my latest bad date, I thought it would be fun to let y'all choose the worst date I've ever been on

Also here's additional context for all of them:

He also couldn't carry a conversation and I had to do all of the social interaction work. However, after the date I went to H-Mart and had a lovely interaction with a gorgeous girl and was able to buy Korean corn dogs. This date happened today.

He at least could hold a conversation. Not a good conversation but the bar is low.

This happened when I was young and I have since become much, much better at establishing boundaries. He also saw a look inside my roommates room, saw a bunch of American flags, and asked "is your roommate a staunch republican." She is very much not a republican. She's left-leaning, she just loves her country and wants it to be better.

I actually kind of liveblogged this happening in real time. The link should take you to the first post about it. I hope.

One of my first online datse. Again, I have since learned how to establish boundaries and I would 100% leave a date like that now.

About 2ish weeks after I turned him down, he texted me to complain about him constantly getting rejected

He is single-handedly the reason I hate the "be persistent and get the love interest" trope. You've been rejected. Move on. He also tried to kiss me a few times even after getting rejected. He messaged me out of nowhere years and years later to inform me that he was doing his dream job and also he had a girlfriend now. Good for you dude, I didn't ask.

This was a second or third date but I like paying for myself and I am broke-ish sooooo not great. Also this is on me but I didn't realize until the end of the date but my jeans were unbuttoned the whole time.

OKAY. This wasn't my date but I was on it for...reasons I guess. So in high school, this dude liked my friend and asked her out and she didn't like him but she was also desperate for a boyfriend. She did not want to be alone with him on the date though (not for safety reasons but just to have someone else there to help their social interactions I guess?). This is a guy that had previously asked me out about a year prior but I turned down and he graciously accepted and moved on. We went to see what my friend thought was going to be a romcom but ended up being a tragedy and my friend was pissed, though I really liked it. Anyway they dated for a little bit after that.

This is actually not my story but @heretherebedork who let me use his for a nice, even 10 options. This dude is a piece of work and that happened after they'd technically broken up. But apparently he said that Francis needed to be more feminine if he wanted to keep dating him. Seriously what the fuck is that?