#Their squabbling is always fun hehe

[sysig]

DAX: 1 | ZEX: 0 (Thanks Captain) (Patreon)

[redvexillum]

I...LOL. I just can't! HAHAHAH! This is too good! Thank you for this. I had way too much fun writing this one! Hehe!

TAGS/WARNINGS: f!reader, simp!vox, p in v, vox develops minor shame kink, established relationship, assistant!reader, sassy!reader, writer tries her hand at humour, whipped!vox, an♡l (m!recieving), masturb♡tion, dild♡, cute couple squabble, soft!vox, miscommunication, love making

Like clockwork, Vox’s hand slid over your side, coming to rest on your hip with that same possessive, but gentle, touch you had grown used to. Your eyes fluttered open, blinking away the last remnants of sleep as you glanced at the clock.  

7:00 a.m. Sharp. Again. 

For the past six months, without fail, Vox woke you at this exact time, his silent request for intimacy clear in the way his body gravitated toward yours. Most mornings, you welcomed it – more than that, you often looked forward to these moments. Vox had been a far more generous lover than anyone you’d been with before, his touch careful, his attention focused entirely on you. But recently... something had changed. 

You weren’t sure how to tell him, but his once electrifying passion had dulled. His caresses, his kisses, his rhythm – it was all different, somehow...lacking. Could someone regress from being a good lover to...quite frankly, a shitty one? The thought ate away at you as you rolled over to face him, his half-lidded, cheeky smile meeting you. His eyes, though still twinkling with the mischief you adored, looked drained, screaming of fatigue. 

“Babe,” you mumbled, fingers absentmindedly playing with the collar of his light blue pyjamas. “You didn’t sleep again, did you?” 

He leaned forward, pressing a small kiss to your forehead, and a familiar sensation of static charge danced across your skin, that familiar reminder of his TV-shaped head. “I got some sleep,” he said nonchalantly, as his hand sneaked under your shirt. His claws lightly grazed your navel, slowly tracing upwards to the underside of your breast, making your breath hitch.  

Your hands, by now out of instinct, looped around his neck. He kissed you then – slow, tender, like always. At first, it felt the way it used to – his lips ghosting over your skin, his kisses trailing down your chest, the promise of more lingering in the air. But just as before – before the connection could deepen, before the heat between you could truly ignite, something shifted.  

It was like he pressed fast-forward. 

He quickly helped you out of your clothes, his own tossed to the floor without ceremony. His once slow and deliberate touches were gone, replaced with hurried, almost mechanical motions.  

You weren’t a stranger to quickies. There was a time and place for fast, intense encounters. But this – this was different. This wasn’t the playful, passionate Vox you once knew. It had been months since there had been any foreplay, months since he took the time to savour you, to draw out those moments of intimacy. Now, it felt like he was simply going through the motions, his pace frantic, as though he were racing against an invisible clock.  

For the past six months, he would reach his peak far too soon, leaving you unsatisfied and forgotten in the wake of his release. There was no more cuddling, no shared laughter, no warmth. Vox would slip out of bed almost immediately, pressing a quick, fleeting kiss to your lips before he headed to the shower, already focused on his day ahead.  

You would lay there, staring at the ceiling, wondering when things had changed. You knew Voxtek was one of the biggest corporations in Hell, and you had tried to be understanding. He was busy, maybe overwhelmed. You had told yourself this was temporary. But as the days passed, you noticed the pattern.  

He barely spent time with you anymore – at least not outside these rushed, mechanical mornings. He slipped into bed after you were already asleep, and his presence only seemed to be a formality before the 7 a.m. wake-up call. And when the intimacy came, it felt like an obligation rather than a desire. It left you cold, empty, and still yearning.  

Six months of this, and you had to wonder, was it only temporary, or was something deeper slipping away.  

You were patient, but you weren’t a fucking saint. 

“Vox,” you muttered, watching him reach over to the bedside table, fingers closing around the bottle of lube. Your frustration simmered just beneath the surface, brows furrowing as you fought the urge to scream. How could he not get it? You weren’t wet because of his lack of foreplay, and slathering lube over the problem wouldn’t magically fix it.  

The sharp click of the bottle opening sliced through the air, followed by the squelch of liquid as he poured it into his palm.  

“Hmm?” Vox hummed absentmindedly as he lazily stroked his half-flaccid cock. Once. Twice. Three times. With frustrating ease, he was hard and ready, oblivious to the storm brewing inside you. He shifted, positioning himself between your legs, his hips aligning with yours as he pressed the head of his cock against your entrance. One hand gripped the headboard above you as he pushed in, his breath catching in a moan. “Oh, doll...” 

You inhaled sharply, feeling the painful stretch as he entered you too quickly, your body unprepared for the intrusion. Your legs instinctively wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer, wanting a moment to adjust, to ease the discomfort before he inevitably started pounding away like he always did, mindless and fast. But instead of giving you that moment, he pushed your legs aside and lifted your hips, sitting back on his knees.  

He began to roll his lips, his rhythm quick, mechanical, barely giving you time to catch your breath. The pleasure was there, buried beneath the hurried motions, but it felt forced, muted. Your body responded on instinct, your back arching slightly, a low moan escaping your lips. But then, as your eyes drifted up to his face, something felt off.  

Your gaze locked on the corner of his screen, and your blood ran cold.  

That fucking bastard was working. You could see the words being typed into an email, and his eyes weren’t even on you.  

“Are you fucking kidding me?” you screeched, the words exploding from your chest before you could stop them. Vox startled, his cock slipping out of you as he froze, caught in the act. You sat up, anger surging through your veins, your voice trembling with disbelief.  

You knew he was busy. You both were. Between his nonstop business deals and your own endless reports and meetings, things were hectic. But bringing work into the bedroom, into the one space that was supposed to belong to both of you, the one place where you two were supposed to matter more than anything else – that was a line you wouldn’t cross.  

Vox fumbled to minimize the email, his eyes wide, looking at you as if you were the one who had lost your mind. His ass was still planted on the bed, cock still hard, still leaking, and he had the audacity to look bewildered.  

“How long have you been working while you’re fucking me, Vox?” you snarled, your face flushed with anger as your chest heaved. You could practically feel the heat radiating from your skin as you glared at him, daring him to answer.  

Vox opened his mouth, his lips forming a weak excuse, but no words came out. Instead, his shoulder sagged, and a sheepish look crept across his face as he finally realized the gravity of what he’d done.  

Your lips twitched, caught somewhere between wanting to laugh and wanting to scream. But instead, something darker took hold of you, a delicious, petty spirit descending upon you. Your eyes slid toward his nightstand, where his sleek, black VPhone sat innocently among the clutter.  

“Baby, I can explain,” Vox stammered, his cock still standing at attention, as if completely ignorant of the chaos brewing between you. He raised a hand in a gesture of surrender, his eyes pleading.  

“Sure, babe, explain,” you said, your voice sickly sweet as you grabbed his phone, your fingers curling around the smooth device.  

“What are you doing with my phone?” he asked, panic flashing in his eyes, darting back and forth between his phone and your face.  

Two could play this game. And if he was going to divide his attention, so could you.  

You were his personal assistant outside the bedroom, and you took pride in being damn good at it. You handled his calendar, his meetings, even drafted his emails when he was too busy. It was a partnership in every sense, except lately, that balance was off.  

Unlocking his phone with a swipe – 6969, of course – you suppressed an eye roll. When your gaze flicked up, Vox was watching you nervously, his usual confidence faltering. You smirked, pressing your hand gently but firmly on his shoulder, urging him to lie down. He complied, confusion clouding his face.  

“Relax, sweetie,” you purred. “You’ve been so busy lately; you had to work while fucking me. So, I thought I’d help you out.” Your voice was sugar-sweet, but there was a dangerous edge to your tone, and you found a flicker of satisfaction when you saw him gulp.  

“You’re not mad?” he asked, his voice wavering, the unease clear.  

You gave him a slow, knowing smile. “I wouldn’t say I’m mad,” you said softly, but the truth was burning beneath your skin.  

Furious was closer.  

Without another word, you straddled his hips, lining him up with your entrance, and sank down on his cock in one smooth, deliberate motion. The heat between you both was instant, your walls fluttering around him, drawing a groan from his lips as his eyes squeezed shut in pleasure. His hands naturally reached for your hips, gripping them as if he could anchor himself in the pleasant sensation.  

Slowly, you began to roll your hips, dragging yourself up inch by agonizing inch before sinking back down, taking your time. “Let’s see here,” you said in a toneless voice, pretending to be lost in his phone. Your eyes scanned his calendar as you moved, your voice calm despite the slow, steady heat building inside you. “Oh, look at this - ‘Sexy time with my honey from 7:00 a.m. to 7:15 a.m.’” You shot him a look, raising a brow as you quoted his own schedule.  

His eyes snapped open, and he looked at you, wide-eyed and panicked. “I-I can explain-” 

“Don’t bother,” you interrupted, your voice icy as you slammed your hips down hard, your clit brushing against him with a sharp wave of pleasure. His cock twitched inside you, and you let out a small, satisfied moan, half-lidded eyes daring him to make a move. “You’ve got this set to repeat indefinitely,” you said darkly, leaning forward so that your breasts pressed flushed against his chest, your fingers trailing over the bezel of his head, teasing.  

“Voxxy,” you cooed, your voice rich with sultry menace, “unless you never want to fuck me again, I suggest you get rid of that.” You pressed your lips closer to his face, your breath hot against him. “Now.” 

“D-done,” he gasped out, his voice thick with desperation as he tried to keep his composure beneath you. “Done, done, done,” he repeated like a mantra, gripping your hips harder as his control slipped. His hips bucked against you, his need overtaking any remaining restraint. “Fuck, doll, I’ll delete it, it’s gone.” 

But you weren’t done yet. “Are you going to come right now, Vox?” you whispered, feeling him pulse inside you, his thrusts becoming frantic. You could feel how close he was, but you were nowhere near your release, and you weren’t going to let him finish before you.  

He groaned, his voice strained. “S-so close,” he moaned, his grip tightening as his pace grew erratic, hips slamming against you with reckless abandon. “So, fucking close, baby.” 

You narrowed your eyes, a wicked smile playing on your lips. Oh no, he wasn’t getting off that east. If he wanted to come, he’d have to earn it. And if that meant sitting on his face until you screamed his name, then so be it.  

“You’re not done until I say you’re done,” you whispered darkly before pulling him out of you, leaving him throbbing, desperate, and at your mercy.  

Leaning forward, you pressed his cock against your stomach, feeling his twitched against you. You tilted your head to the side, your lips so close to him that they brushed against the cold, metallic surface of his face. With a soft breath, you whispered, “Booooo.” 

“B-boo?” he echoed, bewilderment lacing his tone.  

You grinned mischievously, propping yourself up on one elbow and resting your cheek in your palm. “That’s right, I’m boo-ing you,” you teased, voice light but carrying a sting. “Where I’m from when the performance is bad? We boo.” 

His eyes widened, your words sinking in like a slow burn. “P-performance?” he stammered, his tone cracking, as if unsure whether you were serious.  

“That’s right, Vox,” you replied, your voice dripping with mock enthusiasm as you tilted your head sweetly. “Booo! The sex is terrible!” you shot him a raised brow before he could even respond, already sitting back up, the weight of your body sinking onto his cock again with an unhurried grace, your back straight like you were perched on a throne.  

You tapped his phone, scrolling through his inbox, and let out a long, exaggerated groan. “Seriously, Vox? You signed a contract with Double Red Productions? What the hell is wrong with you?” You lifted your hips, then slammed back down, drawing a strangled moan from him that he barely managed to suppress. “Don’t you know they’re understaffedand can’t even come close to Fox’s Dungeon Studio when it comes to producing content?” 

Vox’s cock twitched inside you, and you could feel the tension rippling through him, his fingers trembling as he held your hips, trying not to move, knowing full well the depths of your annoyance. “Honey, I-” 

But you weren’t done. Another tap, and you clicked the next email. Your eyes scanned it before you let out a mocking laugh. “Oh, please tell me you didn’t actually send this to N. Quip, Co?” You rolled your eyes. “You spelled ‘receive’ wrong in every single line, Vox. Every. Single. Time.” You tutted, scrolling through the rest of the error-riddled email. “I bet you turned off spell check again, didn’t you? Well, there goes our contract with that company.” You sighed as you looked at him with a raised brow. “Voxtek is going to crumble at the hands of its incompetent CEO,” you sang, voice saccharine with false sympathy.  

And that’s when you felt it – a shiver running through his body, his cock pulsing hard inside you. Oh. Well, now this was interesting. He seemed to enjoy being put in his place.  

Leaning forward, you pressed down on him harder, falling back onto his chest, your nose barely grazing against his face. “Look at you, Vox. Working so hard, and yet you can’t seem to do a single thing right.” His breath hitched, his chest rising and falling quickly beneath you. “Can’t satisfy the shareholders...” you whispered, slowly sitting up and dragging your hips up, teasing him with the slow friction. “And you certainly can’t satisfy your lover.” 

You slammed back down, his length filling you to the hilt, and he groaned, lips parting as his eyes fluttered shut.  

“Fuck,” he breathed out, a sound almost too raw to be dignified.  

“You’re honestly quite terrible at your job,” you murmured, voice deceptively gentle and sweet as you rocked your hips again, deliberately slow, savouring each tremble, each reaction. “Where would you be without me?” you hummed, a sing-song taunt that you knew would get under his skin.  

His claws brushed up your sides in a soft, almost apologetic caress, his eyes barely opening as he gasped out, “Honey, I’m sor-” 

You slid off Vox’s cock once more with a sudden, fluid motion, tossing his phone carelessly aside as it landed with a soft thud on the bed. With purposeful slowness, you crawled up his body, your dripping core hovering just inches above his face. His eyes fixated immediately on your glistening folds, hungry, desperate. “Vox, I’m going to cum today, and you’re going to watch,” you commanded, your voice quiet yet laced with undeniable authority.  

Vox let out a deep, guttural growl, his hands quickly finding your hips as he pulled you down toward his face. The familiar static charge of his touch set a pleasurable shiver through your spine. “Gladly, princess,” he murmured, before his long, thick tongue darted out, pressing hot and firm against your slick folds.  

You gasped, a breathy sound of surprise and delight escaping your lips – it had been so long since he’d given you this kind of attention. His clawed fingers dug into the soft flesh of your backside, holding you in place as his tongue worked magic between your legs. He dragged the flat of it across your swollen clit, sending sparks of pleasure through you with every slow, tantalizing stroke.  

“Mhm...” You moaned, your head falling back, chest heaving with each sensual swipe of his tongue. Nothing, not even your toys, could match the way his mouth made you feel. The raw need in his motions, the way his tongue teased and taunted your sensitive nerves – it was almost too much.  

“Fuck,” Vox growled into you, the vibration of his voice making you shudder. “I forgot how fucking delicious you taste,” he moaned, and the wet lewd, sounds of his tongue slurping against your folds filled the air. His tongue slipped deeper, thrusting into your core, the muscle thick and warm as it explored your inner walls.  

Through the haze of pleasure, you heard the unmistakable sound of skin slapping against skin. You glanced back and saw him stroking himself as he devoured you, his hand working feverishly along his cock while his tongue worked to please you.  

“Look at what you’re missing – ah – out on, Vox,” you whimpered, your voice breathless as your hips rocked against his face, pressing your clit harder against the wet, slick heat of his tongue. His moans were muffled between your legs, but you could feel the vibration reverberate through as he sucked and licked with desperate intensity, trying to lap up every drop of your arousal.  

He was so good at this, so masterful with his tongue, that you almost regretted what came next. Almost. But you had other plans for him tonight. After all, you’d always been the one to teach him the best way to handle things, whether in business or the bedroom.  

Reluctantly, you pulled away, standing above him, his head lifting off the bed slightly as his tongue flicked out, chasing your taste. His screen was smeared with your arousal, his mouth parted, eyes half-lidded and glistening with lust.  

“Now, Vox,” you purred, crawling over to the bedside table, fully aware that his eyes were glued to your dripping pussy as you moved. “I think you need a lesson in what it looks like when I actually cum.” Reaching into the drawer, you pulled out a cyan blue Voxtek-made dildo, your companion for the past several months.  

“F-fuck,” Vox groaned, his hand gripping his cock as he sat up slightly, unable to tear his eyes away from you. “You want me to fill both holes for you, baby doll? I can do that,” he offered eagerly, his grin wide, red drool dribbling from the corner of his mouth as he watched.  

You smirked, shaking your head. “Mhm, no,” you teased, leaning back on the bed, spreading your legs wide as you positioned the dildo between your thighs. Slowly, you slid it inside, making sure to exaggerate every moan, every gasp as the thick toy filled you. “Ah, fuck...” you whined, arching your back as you pressed it deeper, all the way to the hilt. The sensation was so much smoother now, thanks to the way Vox had worked you up with his mouth.  

Vox watched with rapt attention, his hand tightening around the base of his cock, his breathing heavy and laboured as you put on a show for him. His eyes were wild with lust, every movement you made sending him closer to the edge, but you weren’t done with him yet. This was only the beginning.  

“You’re not allowed to cum, Vox,” you commanded, your voice breathless but firm as you slowly pumped the dildo in and out of your slick heat. The wet, rhythmic schlick sound filled the room, growing louder, more obscene with every thrust. “Do you hear me?” you panted, your wrist working faster, each motion pushing the toy deeper, hitting that sweet spot inside you. Faster and faster, your breath came out in soft, needy moans.  

Vox, gripping the base of his cock hard, knuckles turning a shade lighter, kept his eyes flicking between your face and the way you pleasured yourself. His chest rose and fell rapidly, breaths quickening with every passing second. You could see the ravenous hunger in his eyes, the desire etched across his face, wishing – aching – that it was his cock buried deep inside you instead of that toy. Yet, despite the tension radiating from his trembling body, he held back, obeying your command.  

Biting your lower lip, you revelled in the control, in the sight of him struggling to remain still as he watched you chase your pleasure. His restraint only heightened your arousal, each shaky breath he took adding to the fire building low in your belly. Your abdomen tightened, your inner walls clenched around the dildo, and your chest thrust forward as you plunged the toy deep inside yourself, a loud moan escaping your lips as you finally came. Wave after wave of intense pleasure washed over you, leaving your body trembling and rocking with aftershocks.  

As your breathing slowed, you opened your eyes to find Vox still watching you, his hand moving slowly along his shaft, clearly desperate for release. His gaze, however, flickered up to yours with uncertainty, silently asking whether you’d grant him permission – or leave him on the edge of oblivion, unfulfilled.  

With a mischievous glint in your eyes, you pulled the slick dildo from yourself, its gleaming surface reflecting the light. You prowled up closer to him, your hand lazily tracing a path from his knee to his inner thigh. Leaning in, you whispered, “Lay down.” 

Vox swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he slowly reclined, his eyes darting between the toy in your hand and the look on your face. There was an unspoken conversation, a deep understanding shared between you. His knees parted, his hips arching slightly upward, cock twitching in anticipation of what was to come.  

“Now that I’ve shown you how I look when I cum,” you teased, tracing the blunt tip of the dildo around the tight ring of his ass, “shall I teach you how to fuck your lover properly?” 

He inhaled sharply, his breath catching in his throat as his eyes squeezed shit for a moment before reopening, locking onto yours. His gaze was steady, free of hesitation, filled with trust and desire. A small, wicked smile tugged at the corner of your lips as you kissed the inside of his knee, his muscles twitching beneath your touch.  

“Yeah, show me how to fuck, doll,” Vox finally rasped out, his voice rough, laced with need. A shit-eating grin spread across his face. “But I get to show you what I’ve learned afterwards, right?” he added with a low purr, his claws lightly grazing your leg.  

With a sly grin, you pushed the dildo inside him, inch by inch, his breath sharp and quick. “Ah, fuck,” he moaned, his head falling back against the pillow, his hands gripping the sheets. “Yeah, fuck, been a while,” he murmured as you sank the toy to the hilt. Bowing your head, you pressed a kiss to the middle of his shaft, feeling the way his cock throbbed under your lips.  

“How does it feel using my toy, secondhand?” you taunted, tracing your tongue along the thick vein of his length, flicking the tip when you reached the head of his cock, now slick with pre-cum.  

Vox groaned deeply, his abs clenching as he arched slightly off the bed. “Sexy,” he gasped, his voice strained, his body taut with tension. “It’s so fucking sexy,” he sighed as you withdrew the toy, only to push it back inside him with a steady, deliberate rhythm. His cock twitched violently, and he moaned, his voice thick with pleasure, as you continued to tease him, watching every inch of him unravel beneath you.  

You hummed softly before wrapping your lips around the tip of his cock, tasting the salty, musky flavour of him. Your tongue teased him while you plunged the toy deeper into his ass, creating a rhythm between your mouth and hand. Slowly, you drew your lips back, savouring the taste as you pulled the toy out in perfect synchronization. His moans grew louder, and you felt his legs widen further, surrendering his body completely to your control, offering you access to every part of him however you pleased.  

“Fuck, baby, I-I'm not gonna last – ugh – long if y-you keep at this,” Vox groaned, his voice trembling as you pressed the dildo deep inside him once more, your mouth closing over his tip, sucking with a wet pop as you pulled back.  

Grinning up at him, you wrapped your hand around his cock and began to move faster while you licked the tip of his cock. Your other hand continued its relentless pace, thrusting the toy in and out of his ass, each movement coaxing louder moans from his lips.  

“Oh fuck, fuck,” Vox cried out, his voice strained. You could hear the soft whir of a fan inside him, a faint spark arcing from his face to his antennae, betraying how close he was. His hips twitched upward, desperate to thrust deeper into your mouth, but he held himself back, trying to obey your silent command to stay still.  

You didn’t let up, increasing your speed, your mouth and hand working together to bring him closer and closer to the edge. His muscles rippled under your touch, his abs tensing as you slammed the dildo in a with a wet, obscene squelch. Saliva dripped down his shaft, coating his balls as his body began to tremble uncontrollably.  

Vox’s back arched off the bed, his teeth gritting together as he finally let go. A loud groan tore from his throat as his cock twitched violently in your mouth. You felt the sharp taste of his release hitting the back of your throat in thick pulses, each spurt filling your mouth as you continued to suck gently at his tip. His hips fell back to the bed, his body spent but his cock still throbbing in your warm, wet mouth.  

You released him and looked up to see his screen had gone dark, a small loading symbol spinning lazily in the centre. With a snort of amusement, you removed the dildo and noticed the words printed beneath the loading sign: 

Honey, just rocked my world, please wait.  

You raised a brow, tilting your head in disbelief before bursting out in laughter. The sound filled the room, and you let yourself enjoy the moment, your hand drifting up his smooth chest and stomach, feeling the rise and fall of his warm body beneath your fingertips. With a satisfied smile, you laid beside him, pressing your cheek against his arm while draping one leg over his waist. His body was warm and familiar, a sensation you had missed for far too long.  

“I cancelled all your meetings for this afternoon, Vox,” you mumbled softly, nuzzling against him. “Consider it a personal day...to spend with your lover after working so hard for the last six months.” 

Vox, still rebooting, couldn’t respond right away, but you felt his fingers twitch. Slowly, his hand closed around yours, a gentle squeeze that said everything without words.  

With a contented smile, you closed your eyes, the warmth of his touch wrapping around you like a soft, toasty blanket as you waited for him to wake.  

Six long months without him, and now, finally, you had him back in your arms.  

Follow #vexitober 2024 to read my questionable kink/fluff stories!

[xxsquiddkiddxx]

~John Bender x Reader (in the form of "headcanons")~

Relationship type: Mostly Platonic (breifly romantic), Strangers to Friends to Lovers

Content Warnings: Fem Y/N, Swearing, John being a lil bit of a douche.

(I took some inspiration from the outtakes of the movie... and if you've never watched them? You should. They're HILARIOUS.)

Y'all definitely met in detention. You were brought in for some stupid reason, like accidentally back-sassing a substitute teacher or something like that.

He first got your attention in detention (hehe I rhymed) by blabbering nonsense in a ridiculous tone, to the point of screaming "AHH" over and over. You end up slowly turning to tell him to shut up. His response?

"Take a photo, it'll last longer, sweets."

If you think he made fun of you.... You're 100% right. He RELENTLESSLY made fun of you. Like... that shit brought you to tears at one point.

He felt like an asshole afterwards though. After you're done crying and you ignore him for an hour or so, he did apologize... in the most John Bender like fashion: punching your shoulder lightly and mumbling a "sorry".

Near the end of detention, you two look at each other and pretty much tell one another that y'all would never be friends out of that library. It was pretty much a mutual agreement that you two would NEVER interact again, even if you had mutual friends.

Months later, you're invited to a party by Claire. She's been a friend of yours for a few years now, and she, and I quote, told you: "You need to get your ass out of the house and actually talk to people."

You didn't WANT to... but you did.

She gave you the location and the time, pretty much making it so you hs no choice but TO go to this stupid party. But eh, you'd probably chill for a few, then bounce.

You didn't get 20 steps in when- what do you know? Guess who was leaning against the wall, cigarette resting in his mouth as he fished around in his pocket for a lighter?

John-Fucking-Bender.

You try your best to stay out of his gaze. Staying at least 20 feet away from where he was. Pretty much hoping and praying to whatever God was out there that Bender didn't see you.

Yeah he saw you.

He surprisingly talked to you, mostly small talk. But then y'all talk more and more and more and suddenly you both are so deep in conversation that you hardly notice the lack of people around you two.

So maybe you two were able to be friends :)

When the next school day hit, a lot of people were shocked to see you two in the hallways together, laughing about a joke that he'd made.

A lot of people thought y'all were dating.

When I say "thought", I mean "they pretty much assumed and spread it around the whole school."

You had to fight dating allegations for MONTHS on end. It was always "No, we're not dating." "No, I don't have feelings for Bender."

Chat, you're a LIAR.

You were starting to have feelings, but you weren't gonna talk about it of course. Talking about FEELINGS? Fuckin weird, man.

The same was on his end. He wasn't gonna say NUTHIN. He literally was head over heels for you, but the day he admits that is the day he regurgitates a shoe and bakes it in the oven.

He confessed first... in an argument.

He started to distance himself a little bit from you. I mean, come on, John Bender? In a RELATIONSHIP? Get fuckin' real.

This goes on for about a month until you finally confront him about it. Like the premise of the whole argument was a span of:

"Why are you avoiding me?"

"Cuz."

"Cuz why? Do you hate me or something?"

"Cuz."

Then y'all squabble more and more until he finally cracks and says he's avoiding you cuz he wants this stupid feeling to go away.

You have a heart-to-heart chat with one another and end up getting into a relationship.

You two agree to start slow, not really telling anyone and just staying friends to the public eye. Nothing too fast.

Yeah, that lasted like 2 hours.

It wasn't nessicarily John's fault. The dude trying to flirt with you just happened to have his face in the way of where John's fist wanted to be.

Take a wild guess who ended up in detention that Saturday?

Yep, he did.

A/N: I haven't actually written fanfiction in YEARS. The sad lack of John fanfiction made me finally come back XDDDDD It's dogwater and I wrote it in an Applebee's. Have this ig

~Squeed

[aeoki]

SS Finals - Prologue

Location: Yumenosaki Rooftop (Press Conference Venue) Characters: Touri, Yuzuru, Eichi, Wataru, Hiyori, Jun, Nagisa & Ibara Season: Winter Writer: Akira

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ< Latter half of December, right after “Star Fest”.

Yumenosaki – during the “preparation period” between the “SS” Qualifying Rounds and the Finals. >

Ibara: “Salute~!”

“Welcome to the special programme for the ‘SS’ Finals – the biggest festival in the idol industry!”

Yuzuru: “Your MCs will be myself – Yuzuru Fushimi of ‘fine’, the General Leader of the ‘Red Team’ and…!”

Ibara: “Ibara Saegusa of ‘Eden’, the General Leader of the ‘White Team’! Salute~!”

Yuzuru: “Hehe ♪ We hope the viewers and the press will have an enjoyable time today! Salute~!”

Ibara: *Whispers* …Hey, why’d you copy me just now?

Yuzuru: *Whispers* Just for a little fun ♪ It’s been a while since I had last hosted an event like this…

*Whispers* And I thought I’d imitate “2wink’s” behaviour as they’ve hosted a number of similar events in the past and have been commended for their skills.

*Whispers* I suppose you would call this strategy mirroring. You can gain a sense of affinity with others by behaving in the same way as them.

Ibara: *Whispers* Well, it seems that strategy of yours has failed~ Seeing as I’ve now felt the urge to kill as opposed to a sense of affinity~♪

Yuzuru: *Whispers* Hehe. You’re only feeling that way simply because you’re far too narrow-minded, no?

Ibara: ……… *Tries to step on Yuzuru’s foot out of shot*

Yuzuru: ……… *Dodges*

Eichi: Hehe. It’s such a delight to see sparks flying about, but I’d like it if you can stop with the silly squabble and get the programme moving.

Nagisa: …Yeah. It’s not filmed live and the footage can be edited later, so it’s nothing we need to stop the cameras for.

…But I’m very busy since I have a lot of things I need to do right now. I want to hurry and wrap things up here, so I can go home. Could we pick up the pace?

Eichi: Oh? That’s rare. You always appear to have a lot of spare time. Is it going to rain tomorrow?

It would be nice if it’s clear during the first sunrise of the year, though.

Nagisa: …Yeah. I hope so too.

Hiyori: Indeed! Having fine weather every day is best!

Jun: But this feels pretty nostalgic~ We were filming a special programme here around this time last year too, weren’t we?

“Trickstar” was the one who we were filming with, though.

Wataru: Hehehe. It seems filming these sorts of programmes have become a regular thing every year now. Yumenosaki Academy is the sponsor for “SS”, after all.

Jun: Yeah, but the sponsor is “ES” starting this year.

Is that why we’re filming a promotional programme here? Because the event was sponsored by Yumenosaki in the past?

Wataru: Indeed. It’s a tradition that doesn’t specifically need to change and so, here we are – filming that very programme at Yumenosaki again this year.

Jun: I see. I learnt something new.

Wataru: …You surprisingly don’t hesitate to talk to me.

Jun: ? Uh, was I not supposed to…?

Wataru: No, no. Come to think of it, you’re the only one in “Eden” who doesn’t have any ties to our “fine” members”, correct?

Jun: Oh~ I had heard Ohii-san and Nagi-senpai were originally members of “fine” in the past… So I guess they’re connected to you guys in that way, huh.

I have no idea why Ibara is always trying to bite that Fushimi person’s head off, though.

Wataru: They’re like childhood friends, apparently. How envious. Mr Butler doesn’t speak of his own past, so I don’t know the details, however.

Himegimi, do you know anything about that?

Touri: …………

Wataru: …Himegimi?

Touri: Whaa? Huh? What? Sorry, my mind was elsewhere!

Wataru: There’s no need to apologise. Are you alright? You seem to be quite absent-minded recently – It’s too early to be in the holiday mood.

Touri: Yeah… I–I’m okay. I just haven’t been sleeping much recently.

There’s a “preparation period” between the “SS” Qualifying Rounds and the Finals, so we’re supposed to be getting a proper rest during that time…

But they’re still making us work despite that. Maybe I’m just exhausted.

Wataru: I see. It seems you were quite busy working during the Christmas season.

Jun: Work during Christmas? Were you being Santa or something?

Touri: “Being Santa”…? What do you mean? You’re not making any sense.

Jun: Oh~ I usually talk in a pretty casual way, so sometimes the expressions I use can be kinda weird. I get that a lot~♪

Touri: There are a bunch of people at ES who speak weird, though. I guess no one’s in any position to say that, huh.

Jun: Yeah, you’re right about that ♪

Hiyori: Jun-kun! How could you leave me to get all chummy with “fine”!?

Jun: Uh, I don’t understand why you’re angry.

Hiyori: Everything falls to my doorstep first. The kind-hearted Hiyori will then share those things with you afterwards… That’s how the planet and economy runs.

Jun: I’m starting to get even more confused now… Do you get what he’s talking about?

Wataru: Hehehe. It just means he’s sad and jealous that the person he loves so much is getting along well with someone else, no?

Ibara: Alright, alright, silence now! Although it is our fault for creating this slackened atmosphere, your chatter gets in the way of our hosting, so please refrain from conversation!

Yuzuru: Hehe. It’s both a relief and a surprise to see everyone so comfortable with each other actually.

We’re about to risk “everything” to destroy one another, after all ♪

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤNext Chapter →

[jkgnggj]

more yumetori uhmmmm i think chiyo really likes milk tea with pearls and reita doesnt and they always get into childish squabbles about their often opposing tastes in food

Yepp Chiyo likes sweet stuff and Tori is more salty savory (he likes meat go figure) but chiyo makes Tori taste her boba and even tho its kinda tasty (he likes indirect kisses hehe even tho he can just get direct kisses if he just asks </3) he doesn't like boba bc the last time chiyo bought him some (he bought it but chiyos the one who ordered one for him pfft) Miko caught him in the act of sipping the drink and made fun of him for sucking balls so ifs safe to say he no longer drinks that shit <///3

[tmntxthings]

Oh! I always wanted to do one of these matchups! Don't worry if you can't get to it! Takw care of yourself please ♡♡

Anyways, I'm a fairly standard teen from Brazil, I'm slightly chubby, wear glasses and have the 'tism. I LOVE history, arts and English! I adore dancing and I tend to infodump alot. My love languages are gift giving, quality time and some physical touch (None if the person dosen't like!) I love cooking and will bring people random trinkegs that remind me of them, I also like to fix things, it's calming!

Thanks for taking the time to read, I adore your blog and remember to take carw of yourself, stay safe! ♡♡♡♡

Oml you are so cute 😭 I know I said I’m a opposites-attract kind of gal BUT

I match you with Donatello Hamato

And here are my reasons

Technically he’s into Maths, Engineering, & the Sciences so perhaps this is a lil’ opposites moment! He can totally info dump on you about all of that ↑ PLUS, his latest and greatest inventions, and when he finally has to take a breather or yk has ended the info dump, it’s now your turn!!! You tell him what you learned recently in regards to history/art/ & english, he pays careful attention too bc he’s the type of turtle to want to gain knowledge no matter the subject! He loves your enthusiasm and gets so excited when you listen to his info-dumps too <3

Speaking of learning, since your from Brazil he’s definitely going to want to learn (Portuguese? I believe is the main language?) if you speak a diff language he’s def learning that, and all about the culture, he would want to visit if you two met online and not in the streets of NYC! I’m talking the turtle is building planes, or doing the whole cloaking-brooch thing to get to you~~!

And once the two of you are together, you can dance the night away >\\\\\\< so flipping cute!!! He’s a dancing machine as well, and can totally keep up! Maybe the two of you squabble over who takes the lead but I bet it’s fun either way hehe

Coincidentally your love languages seem to match up with Donnie’s as well (though besides gift giving he is a big words of affirmation guy) the two of you surprise each other with trinkets & gifts especially if it’s long distance! You can expect him sending over gifts quite often if that’s the case bc he’s always thinking of youuuu

And it just keeps getting better, he TOO finds fixing things calming, so the two of you can do that together too hehe, I can just imagine him getting super frustrated over a project or maybe he’s used up all his brain power so something that should be a simple fix is taking him a much longer time to get through, and like the savior you are, in comes you and your magic hands, easily fixing whatever he’s stuck & BOOM, he’s smitten

anddddd that’s all I got c: I hope you enjoyed <33

[fff777]

New Chenji's this and that!!!!!!!! Travel ver >3

We're still technically in season 2 of Chenji's this and that?

So after over a year they're finally wrapping up season 2 lol. I guess they didn't just make this video season 3 episode 1 because they need at least one trip for every season.

I love that some of the members have emoji faces that really look like them. There's Chenle's laughing face here, Jeno's smiling face with crescent eyes, and Jisung's various baby chick expressions.

Chenle: Let's try making short form content Jisung: No Chenle: Alright then...

They're taking the train there! There's something so fun about train travel.

Chenle is so chatty even after just waking up

Jisung feels nervous in crowds ;_; Chenle talks about how he tries to overcome the anxiety that comes with crowds. Part of it is that as celebrities, crowds probably make them nervous because often all of that attention is on them. But also Jisung is also just a more timid person too.

Chenle, every time Jisung feels nervous in public: Power through! We've been doing this for 8 years.

Chenle pointing out Busan Chinatown :3

Chenji squabbling over what to eat because Jisung wants Busan Chinese hotpot and Chenle wants to try local specialties

Chenle talking about soup on rice forever and Jisung just listening

And then Chenle rambling on and on about street markets lmfao. I keep being reminded of the Dream in Paris vlogs where Chenle kept talking on and on and filling every silence with more talking and Mark was just listening

Chenle looking at toys for his nephew

I have also heard about the tanghulu craze in South Korea right now.

Finally the soup in rice that Chenle kept bringing up

"Had a huge party last night and are curing a hangover the next morning" roleplay

Jisung kept eating the hot peppers

Chenle legitimately hopped into a sunglasses store to get sunglasses. And Jisung did the dad thing where he was like "I'll wait for you outside."

Jisung lived in Busan for a few years :o

They photoshopped sunglasses onto the dolphin emoji lmao

Jisung: Among the cities I've been to, Paris is the most beautiful Chenle: So what about all the other cities? Chenle giving Jisung shit and not letting him live, what else is new

Kangaroo car karaoke~

So they filmed this after NCT Nation, before going to Paris

They made it to the beach~

Stylist and photographer Jisung, model Chenle

Dogie

They just stood and admired the waves for a while :3

More photographer Jisung and model Chenle

Jisung and Chenle had their photo taken as the train came, and then Jisung rushed to snap another photo of Chenle as the train was coming :3

I'd seen a gif of Jisung on a tram and at the time I'd thought that maybe he'd taken the same tram that Jinyoung had on his episode of Off the Grid. I think it's the same.

So Jisung...how does it make you feel that you're taking it with Chenle?

XD when you wanted to go on a romantic date but you're just with your bro?

Chenle always singing. Jisung knows what's up.

Jisung just went "look!" and had Chenle model for him again XD

On the other hand, when Chenle takes photos, it's a two-person job lol. Chenle was looking at the phone over his sunglasses, probably because the sunglasses would distort the colour on the phone. But he also looks like when people look up at you over their reading glasses lmfao.

Chenle: I wish I was here with someone else Jisung: You were, you took this trip with Czennie Good save

Jisung kept telling Chenle to look in different directions while they got their photos taken :P It seems like Jisung takes photos seriously!!!! hehe

Casually going on a yacht ride

Jisung extremely rattled by the netting on the yacht lol

Jisung: Make sure your phone is safe! Naggy Jisung returns

New information unlocked for Chenle

Chenle @ Jisung: Then you should wear the life jacket?!?!?!?!

More photography time

LMAO squatting while taking his photo

Just holding on for his life

Before, Chenle was saying that if someone fell in the water, Jisung would save them (which was how Chenle found out Jisung couldn't swim). Now Jisung was saying if the netting snapped, he'd fall through, and Chenle was like "don't worry, I'll save you >3"

Fireworks???

Jisung wanted to do their closing lying down but Chenle was like "it makes my forehead look big."

Chenle: Why haven't we filmed Chenji's this and that for a year? Jisung: Uh- Chenle: Actually, we fought for a year and only made up now

Also Chenle: Even if we fight, we still have to work Very professional. But also, something something Chenji divorce.

Oh wow I hadn't even realized Chenji's this and that had started 5-6 years ago. They were REALLY young when they first started though, with the slime episode lol.

This happened earlier too, but Chenle let Jisung start the show's slogan :P

Ahhh it was fun seeing them back after a long while. Chenle said that season 3 is coming soon though! :3

[cherrybombfangirlwrites]

some asks for you <3

𝘄𝗼𝗼 𝘄𝗼𝗼 〜 what’s their relationship like with their parent(s)/guardian(s)?

𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮 〜 does your oc have any disorders or disabilities?

𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝗮 〜 who are some of your oc’s best friends?

𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿 〜 describe your oc’s personality

𝗷𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝗱 〜 has your oc ever made any choices they regret?

From the cocktail ask game~ I used a random wheel picker because I can't make decisions lol. Kylee from The City is Ours and Raven from Fractured Stars Falling <3

Kylee

𝘄𝗼𝗼 𝘄𝗼𝗼 〜 what’s their relationship like with their parent(s)/guardian(s)?

Kylee loves her parents. It’s not always great because they don't really understand her disability and have a hard time figuring out how to best support her- but they’re trying their best. She doesn’t want them knowing about her secret superhero identity though.

𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮 〜 does your oc have any disorders or disabilities?

Yes! Kylee is autistic. She’s non-speaking, but does use verbal sounds to express feelings (like a happy squeal). She mainly uses sign language or a text to speech app on her phone as communication.

𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝗮 〜 who are some of your oc’s best friends?

She’s friends with most of her teammates, being frenemies with Chase (they fight and squabble the most but the second someone else hurts one of them it’s on sight), Nickelle being her big sister figure, and mischief making buddies with V. They also have a bunch of friends in the art club at school, but isn’t very close with any of them.

𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿 〜 describe your oc’s personality

Mischievous little shit who acts like a sweet ball of sunshine honestly. She’s bubbly and sweet but she will also play pranks for the fun of it.

𝗷𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝗱 〜 has your oc ever made any choices they regret?

She blames herself for everything thanks to the rejection sensitivity. The thing she blames herself the most for is Nichelle’s little secret 🤫, thinking it was her fault.

Raven

𝘄𝗼𝗼 𝘄𝗼𝗼 〜 what’s their relationship like with their parent(s)/guardian(s)?

Raven is a total momma’s boy. He adores his mother. He loves his father too but his momma is his favorite. She always makes him his favorite tamales when he comes home (it’s a family recipe, and they’re the best tamales in town).

𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮 〜 does your oc have any disorders or disabilities?

Yes! Raven is autistic (i project a lot, hehe). He isn’t non speaking like Kylee, but he does have a lot of sensory issues and has a hard time describing his feelings in words.

𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗲𝗮 〜 who are some of your oc’s best friends?

There’s his four older brothers who are also knights in the king’s army- Harry, Arthur, Leonardo, and Marcos- but he also becomes good friends with Lan and Snow when he meets them.

𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿 〜 describe your oc’s personality

He’s a husky. Thinks he’s a badass but he’s actually a total sweetheart who wears his heart on his sleeve (and he’s a little bit of a drama queen). He’s very protective of his loved ones and would burn down the world for them without hesitation.

𝗷𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝗱 〜 has your oc ever made any choices they regret?

Hoo boy does he. The big one after Sapphire falls under the sleeping curse is that he left her alone. Of course it was to protect her because the castle was being attacked, but he still regrets not staying with her instead of going back down to fight. Maybe then he could’ve fought off the Witch Queen and kept Sapphire from getting hurt. 🙃🙃🙃

Thank you @writersandpoetsunited !

[invinciblerodent]

Im The anon that just sent you the ask about DAO thank you so much you made me fall for the entire franchise by reading that! I honestly already have DOA i just need to open it (also still debating if do need visual mods like everyone keeps telling me i need them but i dont exactly like installing mods for every game i have ngl but anyway) im Atleast glad to know the toxic part of the fandom is like all the others in other games tho im also of the school of blocking liberally with both sims and bg3 my block list is an entire street long and with bg3 i live in bliss because after blocking all that i see are gifs fanfiction art and some very good analysis and i treat every game the same way and DAO will be the same! I want to pre block stuff and people but i also have no idea what is going on (going in blind hehe) so i suppose i have to be exposed to some stuff for a while before i curate the space which is fine! Thank you again! Also love the meme saved instantly thank youuu❤️

Honestly, the only mod for Origins that I've ever used for it in any true capacity was one that removed the "boob armor"- that's kind of the only thing that was really important to me about the visuals! (And, of course, adding an extra companion slot for the dog. Gotta have Duster on my team.) But other than that, looking at screenshots now, I still think it overall looks very much decent on its own, for its time! Like, again, a 15 year old game is not going to look like BG3 or anything, but it's not horrible, or unplayable vanilla, or anything of the sort.

(back in my day, we simped for characters who never took off their underwear for sex, and whose whole faces were made up of 3 whole polygons, and we LIKED it that way!!! Back in my day, we accidentally romanced half our squad by trying to be vaguely nice, and we.....!!!! Well, we certainly had opinions. I liked it, because a weird part of me likes to picture the non-romanced party in that situation just yearning something hardcore, but that's just me)

And I'm very glad you feel better! ❤️ It's really not as serious as anyone from the "hard core" of back in the day, or the people who'd complain/warn about it unprompted might make it sound- I'm sure every fandom ever to exist has always had their own flavors of petty squabbles, and, hey, if we look at it rationally? The people who were capable of playing an 18+ game in 2009, they're generally in their 30's now. I doubt many of us have the same kinda time and energy for squabbling as we did when we were in our early 20's, and I hope that'll translate to the life cycle of Veilguard being eventually more mellow, one the initial hype has had a chance to simmer for a bit.

Have fun, friend! ❤️❤️❤️

[prismatranslates-cue]

Girls meet meat! à la carte Part 1

Maika: Mmm, the weather’s so nice today! Perfect for a barbecue.

Maika: If only everyone wasn’t so late! I’m the only one here… What gives?

Maika: We’re supposed to meet at 10AM, right? It’s already 9:30!

Maika: …Okay, maybe it’s still a little early.

Maika: No wait, no, I was right! It’s obvious they should be here at least 30 minutes early!

Maika: I mean, come on, we’re going on a barbecue! What could be more exciting than that?

Maika: Gasp! Maybe they don’t agree…? Did none of them actually want to do it?

Maika: Was I the only one looking forward to our barbecue this whole time…?

Maika: There’s no way…that can’t be it, right…?

Haruna: What’s wrong, Maika-chan…?

Maika: Haruna!! Thank goodness! Am I glad to see you!

Haruna: Uhh, you seemed like something was really upsetting you just now?

Maika: Oh, you know. I was waiting here by myself, so my thoughts were kinda getting away from me…

Haruna: Have you been waiting long? What time did you get here?

Maika: Hmm, I’ve been here since maybe 9AM?

Haruna: You got here an hour early?!

Maika: I mean, going barbecuing was my idea, after all. It’d be pretty lame if I wasn’t the first one here.

Haruna: I guess I could’ve showed up a little earlier myself, then. …To be honest, I kind of took it slow coming here.

Maika: Oh? How come?

Haruna: Well, I didn’t want to get here so early that I looked hopelessly excited for it. That’d be a little embarrassing, you know?

Haruna: But I mean, I am. I really couldn’t wait for today.

Maika: Haruna…! I knew you were a real one…!

Haruna: Wh-what? What are you talking about?

Maika: Well, to be honest, I was getting a little worried… I thought maybe you guys didn’t actually want to go on this trip with me.

Haruna: You thought we didn’t want to do this barbecue? Of course we do! We’ve all been looking forward to it!

Maika: Then how come it’s just you and me here? Where are the other two?

Haruna: Well…I mean,  there’s still 15 minutes before our scheduled meeting time, right?

Haruna: Maybe they’re killing some time before coming here like I did.

Maika: …Well, I guess that’d be okay… you don’t think they overslept, do you?

Haruna: I-I don’t think they would…

Maika: Thinking about it now, maybe we should’ve just gathered up at the dorm and left together instead of meeting here?

Haruna: But I do kind of like meeting up at the station. It makes it feel like a real special outing, you know?

Maika: That’s how my family always does it, yeah. My parents, my siblings, we’d all meet up at the place itself.

Haruna: Does your family do barbecues like this often?

Maika: Every year! Most people would probably like to save for big fancy trips, but we were always content with going on barbecues.

Maika: So every single member of my family is a real pro at this point.

Haruna: It must be really fun, especially with all your siblings.

Maika: You bet! Cooking our own food in the beautiful outdoors, and then chowing down on it afterwards? That’s what it’s all about!

Maika: That’s when I’m really thankful I have a big family. It makes up for all the constant squabbles…probably.

Haruna: Hehe, that sounds so fun. I’m an only child, so I’ve never experienced anything like that.

Maika: You’ve got us now, though! Me and Shiho and Honoka, we’re all under the same roof now.

Haruna: That’s true! There’s never a dull moment with you guys. Each and every day is always so fun.

Maika: And a barbecue like today will be full of even more excitement, so I hope you’re ready!

Haruna: I sure am!

Maika: …But geez, where are the other two? The meeting time is only a few minutes away.

Haruna: Should we try messaging them?

Maika: No, it’s fine. If they’re not here in the next few minutes, they’re getting left behind.

Haruna: Huh? But…then it would only be the two of us?

Maika: Fine by me! The two of us will help ourselves to their share of the food too.

Haruna: By the way, I’ve been wondering…what’s in the cooler?

Maika: Hehhehheh. All will be revealed in time.

Haruna: Ohh? But I wanna know now! Please?

Maika: Let’s just say it’s something key to today’s barbecue.

Haruna: Oh, I know! I bet it’s ramen ingredients!

Maika: Uh, I know that I’m not shy about my love for ramen but…come on, even I wouldn’t bring it to a barbecue.

Haruna: Mmm, I wonder what it could be then…hm?

Maika: What’s up? Did you figure it out?

Haruna: No, but look! Honoka-chan is sprinting over!

Honoka: …Whew! Made it…!

Maika: You’re late, Honoka!

Honoka: Huh? It’s not 10 o’clock yet.

Maika: It might as well be! It’s 9:57. You ought to be at least 5 minutes early for a barbecue trip. That’s just common sense!

Honoka: I don’t wanna hear it from someone who’s always barely getting to lessons on time!

Maika: Lessons are one thing, but barbecues are different!

Honoka: How on earth is a barbecue the only thing you’ll be punctual for…?

Haruna: It sounds like barbecues are really special for Maika-chan.

Maika: Honoka…are you saying you don’t like them?

Honoka: I would never! Of course I do! I was so excited for today, I was out the door so early!

Maika: Then how come you only just got here?

Honoka: Well…it’s a bit of a long story…

Haruna: What do you mean…?

To be continued...in Part 2

[babytaes]

steal a kiss

summary: what is it like to be a staff member under Pledis, well y/n knows well, the in’s and out of living as a stylist for Seventeen. 

pairing: mingyu x female reader

genre: light smut (like its barely there), fluff

warnings: thigh-riding.......umm

a/n: I wanted to give a short one-shot to my carats and any other peeps out there in appreciation of reaching 300 followers. Thank you to everyone who has followed me on this writing adventure; I truly appreciate it and hope you will stick with me to the end. Enjoy and always much love from babytaes! :)

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Being a member of the team seventeen staff has its privileges, which come in handy on a regular basis. Breakfast, lunches, and dinners are all provided for free. All provided on the company card.

Days where you had to wake up at the butt crack of dawn to prepare clothing for the boys, yeah it was a delight.

Despite the fact that every job has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, you were fortunate enough to get hired by S.Coups (Pledis) Entertainment.

You had your share of late nights and early mornings, but the final result of each member always made you proud of the work you and your coworkers put in.

Today was a photo shoot day, which happened to fall during promotion season, which was already stressful enough. You were thrilled to celebrate Jihoon's success when he released another banger.

You picked up some drinks on your way to work for the members who were first in line for their individual shot. Seungkwan, Mingyu, Jeonghan, and Jihoon were on the agenda.

Despite the fact that it was supposed to be an early-bird day, you arrived early, ready to take on the world.

“Hey Y/N, early morning isn’t it.” As she walked past you, she waved and embraced you in a hug.

“It is, and I'm starting to believe they purposefully put us on these shifts. It's always photo sessions for us,” you said as you strolled over to the clothing rack, your eyes glittering at the several items of clothing.

“For real, it's fine once it gets rolling, but we still need a break.”

“Break what is that foreign word?” you ask as you turn around.

“You're a mess; hurry up and start organizing so we can look like we're doing our job.”

You grinned as you shook your head and turned around. Jihyo was a member of the staff who you met when you first started working for Pledis.

It's a long story, but you were friends with a few members during their debut and essentially grew up with them, so when you went to work for them, you took her under your wing. She’s basically your apprentice.

Anyway, back to Pledis and your great life. The joys of being overworked.

---

 As time passed, more individuals and crew began to arrive at the location, prepping for the shot. You had a few more minutes before things started, so you walked to the back to find something to eat.

Courtesy of the company’s card . ;) 

As you moved back to the snack table, you heard voices and looked up from your phone to see the infamous boys walking in. When you see him, you instantly smile and slowly come to a halt, allowing them to pass.

As they hurried quickly inside the dressing room, the boys said their flurry of hellos to you. One stood there for a long time, looking around before slipping his arm around your waist.

“Good morning, love,” I wasn't expecting to meet you this early in the morning, but I'm glad I arrived first.” As he lingered above your lips, teasing you, his face drew in closer to yours.

As you carefully peel him off of you, your cheeks begin to burn up.

“There’s people around gyu”

“That didn’t stop me”

“In all seriousness, I'm glad to see you,” you said with a chuckle. These schedules are becoming increasingly hectic, and I hardly have time to see you.”

Mingyu took another look around before he went down to peck your lips, astonished and taken aback, you giggled as you walked away.

“Let’s get to work young man”

“Yes, ma'am,” He walked away toward the shoot, raising a salute and sharply shaking his head.

Only Jihoon and Seungkwan were clothed in their first outfit when you entered the dressing room.

“Are my eyes failing me or do I see Jeonghan not dressed?” you exclaim at the astonished males in front of you, furrowing your brows.

He looked up from his phone, leaped to his feet, and dashed over to the racks, grabbed his name badge while apologizing.

You didn't have any kind of motherly power over them, no way. However, if any of them were to be late for any reason, you wouldn't mind giving them a gentle push to get them going.

Hehe. 

You pushed Mingyu to his sector and instructed him to be ready in ten minutes, “apparently the first unit is Jihoon and Seungkwan.”

They all shook their heads when they realized what you were saying. Taking one last look at him you sighed and returned to the garment rack, where you gathered extra outfits for them.

It didn’t take long for the boys to be done with their photo shoot, they did have great genes which impacted the photo shoot time.

You and your team do a fantastic job styling them, if I do say so myself. Now came the worst part: packing everything back into suitcases and bags and returning them to their original locations.

As you prepare the van, you speak incoherently as you place all of the respected garments and accessories in their proper spots.

You waved farewell the first time as they drove away. Being that type of person you wanted to be sure everything was in order, so you went back in and did a quick check.

Mr. Kim, the troublesome one, greeted you as you made your way to the dressing room. You cough as you stand outside the door frame, arms folded.

“Ahh- what the hell.” He looked around and became instantly calm.

“Now, why are you still dressed like that?” As he carefully made his approach to you, he kissed your arms as you said, "I already packed away the stuff."

“You worry too much love.” He kisses your desired lips as he draws you closer to him, silencing your cries. As you moan into him, you melt under his touch.

“Gyu... mmmh, we have to go,”  As he moves you closer to the couch, Mingyu's gaze remains fixed on you.

You give into his lustful need with another sigh, despite the fact that you were thinking the same thing.

“Y/N? He retorted

“Yes Mingyu?”

As he pressed kisses on your neck, he drew you down onto his lap. Moving to the side, you gave him more access while you moaned under his touch.

“I love you,” he says with a smile as you travel slowly across his thigh, a performance you never got tired of. As you shuddered, he observed you throwing your head back.

He whispers, "Such a good girl y/n," and caresses your jawline with butterfly kisses. "Are you near, baby?" he inquires, his gaze fixed on yours.

As you pick up the speed, the friction on his thigh becomes more intense. As your breath returns to normal, you slump forward on his chest.

“See, that wasn't so bad,” he says as you leap up from his thigh and hit his chest.

“Babeeee, these are not your clothes. As you cross your arms, he begins to giggle, “Now I have to dry clean them.”

“Let’s go, I still have a lot of work to do.”

As you walk out the door, he takes your hand in his and entwines it with kisses.

“You still love me,” he says, shoving his nose in your face as you enter one of the staff cars. As you locked the door behind him, you could almost hear him pouting.

“Mmmh, you're being mean.” You grinned as you rolled your eyes at him and said to the driver, "Let's go."

“I could never be mean to you gyu, buttt we did get a stain on your pants which will be a hell of a pain to get off.” He draws you closer to him, laughing, and lets you rest your head on his shoulder as he kisses you.

“Hey, you got it; the amount of stains we both accumulated on clothes is overwhelming, but you've done it before, so you can do it again.”

“You should be cleaning it with the amount of cum you spill,” you say.

“I mean, I did suggest cleaning it up, but you didn't want that.”

“I'm not going to clean it with my tongue, and you do realize these pants aren't yours.”

You and him squabble all the way back to the corporate building, which is the beauty of being a stylist. Even though it was all in good fun, you missed this. The random conversations you and him would have.

It filled your heart with excitement, but it was cut short when you thanked the driver and exited the vehicle.

“You sure you can’t stay with me?” As he gazed at you, his eyes became sorrowful. You kissed his lips as you shouted out to the driver, falling in love with this enormous puppy once more.

“Get him home safely Mr. Lee” he turned around and shook his head at you.

“Bye, love; I'll see you after work.” As he spoke in your ear, he took your hand and pulled you in for a kiss.

“Let’s continue what we started.” Before closing the door, he winked at you.

As I previously stated, being on the seventeen staff has its advantages, and this was one of them.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

➳ Navigate to the Maze

[your-stoat-stands-unopposed]

if youre able to could you perhaps write a mycologist x gender-neutral reader? i just think theyre neat! also you can decide if you want it to be spicy or fluffy cause i can't hehe

Oooooh, this is gonna be my first time writing the Mycologists, so this'll be fun!

A Disagreement.

Pairing: Mycologists x gender-neutral!Reader

Warnings: None, it's just fluffiness.

Summary: You aren't sure what the Mycologists are arguing about.

"No, this can't be right... Can it?"

"No, of course it isn't right! We must keep researching!"

You aren't sure what the Mycologists are arguing about. They've been arguing about it a few times when you've come to visit; and it's strange, because in general, you know them to be pretty much in agreement with themselves. However, the last few times you've made your presence known, they've promptly put on their smiles and acted as though nothing's wrong and hidden away whatever notes they're squabbling over, so as things stand... you're still utterly clueless.

You don't like that they're hiding something from you, honestly. You'd thought the two of you - three of you? - had become quite good friends in your time here... You'd enjoyed taking the time to visit them every day, listening to them while they explained their work and the ins and outs of making two creatures become one; and you'd thought the Mycologists felt the same way, given that they always seemed so happy to see you.

"But if it's not that, then that leaves..."

"Don't say it."

You keep yourself hidden just outside the entrance to their mushroom, listening in on their conversation. You know it's a rude thing to do, but... honestly, you're worried about them. You don't know everything about what they do - there are some parts of their goals they say they simply can't speak about - so what if they're doing something dangerous? What if their work has gotten them in trouble...?

"But we've exhausted every possible physical reason we could be feeling this way... we've run every test and examination on ourselves that we could..."

"Ugh... Fine. Fine. Perhaps you're right. Perhaps there is no more research we can do."

Oh, they seem to be coming to some kind of an understanding! You feel a happiness in your heart. Whatever it is, they've definitely been struggling about it, so you're glad they seem to be coming to a conclusion!

"But it's strange that we only started feeling these symptoms..."

"...yes, when the challenger started coming by more often. It is strange."

Hearing that, your eyes widen. It had something to do with you? The Mycologists were struggling because of you?! Oh no... oh, you felt bad...

"...so if this facial flushing, and this increased heart rate, and these warm feelings in our heart aren't symptoms of an illness..."

"...then we must accept the facts. It was the least likely outcome, but now... yes, it's looking more and more as though..."

...Oh, why did they have to trail off then?! You're holding your breath, waiting not at all patiently, biting at your lower lip...

...glancing down and realising your foot is directly in front of the entrance to their mushroom... realising they'll be able to see you... realising they know you're here...

Oh no.

"Challenger...?"

Oh no.

"Don't just stand out there, come in!"

Ah...

Carefully, you stand, and you step inside. Your head is bowed, and you're pretty sure all the blood you have has rushed to your cheeks in pure embarrassment. "I'm really sorry-- I was only listening because I was worried about you--"

"It's fine," their larger head offers a smile your way.

"Yes. We actually had something that we needed to discuss with you anyway," their smaller head chimes in.

"Sure," you nod, maybe a bit too quickly in your nervousness. "What's going on? I heard it involved me, so... if there's anything I can do to help, you only have to let me know..."

There's a pause, while the Mycologists exchange a glance; or, well, try to.

The smaller head nods, and then the larger head nods.

And then both pairs of eyes turn to face you; and for the first time since you've met them, they speak in unison:

"We think we may be in love with you."

[glxssylaufey]

Mischief Maker - Chapter 2

a/n: i’m sorry this is a bit longer than usual ahh! i also apologize if the writing is a little bad or if there’s any mistakes, i tried my best :) also i apologize if you’re not on the taglist, it didn’t let me tag some of you. anyways, enjoy!

summary: loki x reader ; The time has come to attend Stark’s party. How will the reader handle Loki’s mischief?

word count: 5,156

warnings: mentions of alcohol and drinking, mentions of bullying, language, slightly spicy hehe

taglist: @alex-sulli @delightfulheartdream @mademoiselledubois @destructivebliss @kingtwhiddleston @madcrazy50 @rachel-voychuk

It was no secret that Tony Stark loved to make a grand entrance to everything he does. This morning was no exception. The time was around 8:15 when Tony practically kicked your door down to rip your blinds open. Sometimes you almost felt as if he was just another father figure in your life.

“Rise and shine!” he announced, forcing sunlight into your room. “We have a big day today, Y/N, c’mon!” he spoke as he continued to shake you awake. You lazily blinked open your eyes, groaning when Tony ripped your blankets from you. You already knew what he was here for.

“Alright, whatcha got for me?” Tony asked as he looked for the paintings he had requested the night before. You sighed.

“A headache, that’s what I have for you.” you replied, shoving your face back into your pillow.

“No, you’re not allowed to have a headache.” he simply stated. “Let me guess, you don’t have any paintings picked out?” You sat up on your bed, rolling your eyes when you saw Tony standing in the middle of your room with his arms crossed like a child.

“I can pick some out in literally five minutes, Tony, just let me wake up.” you said waving your hand at him, hoping he’d be satisfied with your answer.

“Yeah? Well make it quick, I don’t have all day.” he argued, walking towards your door. “By the way, breakfast is ready.” Tony said in a sing-song voice before leaving your room. You simply hummed in response, rubbing the sleep from your eyes. Today was going to be difficult, you already knew. Even though you were agreeing to spend your time with bidding paintings at the party, you still had your heart set on sneaking Loki in somehow. You were just stumped on how you would get that to happen.

~

After a morning of much needed breakfast, you got ready to face the day. Tony had asked both you and Natasha to go to the store to pick up a long list of supplies for the party. So there you stood, scanning the store’s large selection of alcohol bottles, not knowing which one Tony would want.

“What does he have on the list?” you ask, turning to Nat. She quickly scanned through the dramatically large catalog and shrugged.

“Just whatever looks good, I guess.” she replied before looking back to the shelves. Without another word, Natasha settled for three huge bottles of vodka. You don’t argue, seeing as you were just as clueless as to what Tony would want. “So tell me, what’s been going on with you?” she asks suddenly. You both proceeded to explore the store for whatever else the list requested.

“Oh, you know.” you paused. “The usual.” What ‘the usual’ was, you had no idea. Your life hasn’t exactly been normal since Thor had brought Loki into the Avengers Tower.

“Like what, painting pretty pictures and babysitting gods?” Nat laughed, plopping a case of Coca-Cola into the shopping cart. You were about to protest against her teasing when you realized that truly was what you have been doing for the past two days.

“Yeah, pretty much.” you admitted with a sigh. Natasha chuckled, before a moment of silence.

“How’s Loki?” she asked suddenly. The question made you tense up. It wasn’t that you hated talking about Loki, just something about him made your mind go blank.

“He’s fine.” you replied plainly. You then noticed Nat raise an eyebrow at you as if she knew that you were hiding something. Which she did, of course. You opted to continue, not seeing a point in lying to your friend or yourself. “He’s not as awful as everyone claims him to be. I think he’s just misunderstood.” you persuaded. Natasha nodded, listening intently.

“What makes you think that?” she questioned. That’s when you realized Natasha only knew the Loki that had invaded New York city, much like everyone else. She only saw the villain of the story and not the god that you saw up on the hill. That’s when you began to pour your heart out.

“Yesterday when I took him outside, I saw a side of him that I don’t think anyone else has seen before. He told me stories about Asgard and it sounded like so much more than just some ancient legend. It seemed so normal. He seemed so normal.” you explained, almost passionately. “I don’t know, Nat. I think he’s actually really sweet.” you admitted. Natasha’s eyes went wide.

“Oh my god, Y/N, you like him!” she gasped. Your heart practically stopped at her accusation. There’s no way that you had feelings for the God of Mischief.

“Oh my- absolutely not!” you stammered. “I’m just simply being kind!” you insisted. You could feel your face burning, undoubtedly displaying your embarrassment.

“Y/N, you cannot like Loki, that’s insane!” Nat declared. You could practically feel the stares from the other people in the store, considering how loud the two of you were being.

“I just said I don’t!” you corrected her.

“But you most certainly are lying!” Natasha accused, halting the shopping cart.

“I’m not.”

“Say that to me with a straight face then.”

“Nat, PUSH. THE. CART.”

“HA! I knew it!”

You both continued to bicker and squabble for the rest of the shopping trip. It wasn’t until you and Natasha reached the checkout line that the childlike arguing returned back to its normal conversational tone.

“Oh god, what will Tony think?” Natasha said with a gasp. You groaned, covering your face with your hands. The longer you listened to her babble on about Loki, the more you realized she could be right. You admit, Loki was a fairly attractive person. Plus his gentlemanly charm didn’t help your case much. Oh, who were you kidding? Loki was downright gorgeous and you knew it. No matter how much you tried to convince yourself otherwise, you knew that you were slowly catching feelings for the god.

“Tony can’t know, he’d have a fit.” you spoke almost in a whisper, as if Tony was listening to your conversation.

“Oh, so you admit it? You do have a crush on Loki?” Natasha asked eagerly.

“N-no! Well, yes, but you can’t say a word about it!” you pleaded almost in disbelief at what you had just admitted. You had a crush on the almighty Loki and there was no denying it. Natasha simply giggled like a school girl.

“Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.” she assured you. Except the way she continued to smile about it the whole car ride home showed that she was going to have a difficult time keeping your secret.

“Wipe that smirk off your face, Romanoff, nobody can know!” you suddenly said as she drove the two of you back to the Avengers Tower.

“I’m sorry, I just have to say it.” she started. You shook your head, knowing this conversation wouldn’t end anytime soon. “You should try to make a move tonight.” she suggested, giving you a smug smirk.

“Oh c’mon, you know he’s not allowed at the party.” you claimed. “But I have been thinking about ways to sneak him in tonight.” Natasha mocked a gasp.

“Y/N, how scandalous of you.” she poked fun at you, causing you to giggle. “I must say though, I think you can absolutely do better.” she suddenly stated, making your jaw drop slightly.

“What do you mean?” you asked, slightly put out.

“Loki is a mass murderer!” Natasha indicated. “Not to mention he’s tortured our friends and acts like a complete asshole.” she continued. You wave your hand at her in an attempt to silence her.

“Like I said, he’s changed.” you defended. Natasha didn’t respond, leaving you two in silence. After some time, you thought of your task to sell your paintings at the party. You decided that it could be best if you were to just leave Loki in his room. Plus, it’s not like everything Natasha had said wasn’t true. Perhaps it's for the best that you don’t get too close with the terrorist of New York.

~

Third Person POV:

Loki watched his brother pace the floor as he sat on the bed, pondering ways to sneak himself into the party. The longer they allowed time to pass by, the more hopeless Loki began to feel.

“We’re short on time brother, this won’t work.” Loki sighed. “I say we just go with my idea.” he suggested. Thor gave him a stern look and crossed his arms.

“Loki, we are not going to tie up one of the party members to disguise yourself as them.” Thor lectured his brother. Loki scoffed at Thor’s statement. After a bit more pacing, Thor snapped his fingers as a scheme formed in his mind.

“But perhaps disguises are not such a terrible idea after all!” Thor quipped with a large grin. Loki raised his eyebrow at Thor, signaling him to continue with his thought. “Think back to when we were children. That trick you always played on me when you would transform yourself into a snake just to stab me.” Thor explained with slight annoyance in his voice, remembering those times of his childhood.

“If you’re suggesting I slither into the event as a snake, I don’t think the midgardians would be too pleased with serpents being let loose in the building.” Loki glared at Thor, thinking it was a poor idea.

“Yes, but that’s only if you are caught.” Thor urged with a devious smile. He knew his younger brother was always up for a challenge and this task seemed perfect for him. Loki gave the thought a second chance before chuckling to himself.

“Excuse me, brother.” Loki sighed, standing up from the bed. “I have a party to attend.”

~

Stark’s party was full to the brim with people. You had already known ahead of time that the event would be completely packed, yet the amount of people still managed to astonish you. So there you were, greeting people as they walked in. You gave warm smiles and shook hands with the ones who offered it. After some friendly greetings, you were approached by Tony who had ushered you away from the entrance. You expected nothing less from him.

“Alright Y/N, this is your deadline. Where’s the paintings?” he asked, feigning impatience.

“Relax, Tony, I’ve got everything set up by the bar.” you advised him, gesturing towards your stand which displayed the art.

“Oh good, because I’ve already promised like four people that I had museum quality shit here.” he shared quickly, walking towards your platform. You roll your eyes and dramatically sigh at Tony.

“Of course you have.” you said, following him. “Well I suppose I should get to work then.” you said, observing the line of people in front of the small stage.

“Good thinking. Thanks again, Picasso.” Tony thanked you, giving you a quick pat on the shoulder before sauntering over to a large group of people. You took a step onto the platform and strolled over to the small microphone displayed on a stand for you. Everyone took note of your presence and gave their full attention to you. You looked out to the crowd before sighing. As much as you weren’t in the mood to converse with a large amount of people, you always had an open heart for Tony.

“Hello, everyone!” you greeted into the microphone. “My name is Y/N and I am the creator of these paintings presented before you today. Let’s just start with a little bit of browsing, shall we?” you suggested, hoping the crowd would see eye to eye with your proposal. Much to your relief, they did, nodding their heads with agreement. “Great! Bidding will start in ten minutes.” you announced before turning the microphone off. You sighed in relief, happy you had extra time for yourself. In all honesty, you just needed time to get a drink. You were convinced you could never survive a Stark party without some sort of alcohol to give you an extra confidence boost. As you made your way to the bar, you were halted by no other than your friend Thor. He was dressed quite dapper, yet casual enough to give him easy mobility.

“Ah, Y/N! So lovely to see you.” he greeted, with a beer bottle in his hand.

“Thor, it’s great to see you too.” you nodded at him with a cordial smile. “You look striking tonight.” you complimented.

“Oh, you’re too kind. You look very well put together yourself.” Thor chuckled, giving you a friendly wink. You were wearing a nicely fitted red dress that fell right above your knees with lace to give it alluring details. You also wore black heels to give you an extra two or so inches.

“Thank you very much.” you blushed, giving him a curt nod. You began to walk away to retrieve a drink from the bar, but it seemed Thor had different plans. He quickly stepped in front of you, halting you in your tracks.

“One more thing!” Thor announced. “I believe my drink requires a refill.” he explained waving his empty bottle almost nervously. You chuckle lightly, wondering why he was telling you this.

“Are you asking me to get you another beer, Odinson?” you snicker. Thor’s eyes widen as he begins to stammer for the right words.

“No, no! My apologies, I’m perfectly capable of getting my own drink. I’d just like for you to join me.” he specified, gesturing towards the bar, awkwardly smiling.

“Oh!” you exclaimed in delight. You felt having your friend to accompany you would help ease your mind. “I’d like that, thank you.” you said as you started to walk. Thor followed closely next to you with a beaming smile.

Everything was going perfectly.

Once you reached the bar you took a seat on one of the tall bar stools. You were scanning the menu when Thor set his empty bottle on the counter before taking a step away from the bar.

“Please excuse me, Lady Y/N. I believe Stark has called for me.” Thor stated quickly. Confused, you turned to look at the large mass of people Tony was talking to. You could’ve sworn Tony hadn’t even paid attention to anything but his guests. Before you could question anything, Thor had already quickly turned to walk the opposite direction. You sighed, turning back towards the bar when you realized there wasn’t even a bartender to tend to you.

“Well this was useless.” you muttered to yourself. As you were about to stand from your seat, Thor’s beer bottle began to shake. You froze, thinking your eyes were just playing tricks on you. Suddenly, a small snake began to crawl out of the bottle and onto the counter. You gasped, jumping from your seat in shock. Surely you were imagining things. The green scaly creature paused to curiously look up at you then turned to slowly slither down the opposite side of the bar. You approached the bar once more, peeking over the top of the counter to search for the snake. Then with a green glow, the snake quickly transformed into the one and only Loki Laufeyson. He simply sighed, brushing off his gorgeously tailored black suit and looked up at you.

“Good evening.” he greeted casually. Your mouth hung open, completely caught off guard at what you had just witnessed.

“Loki, you- how- you aren't supposed to be here!” you stumbled your words in confusion.

“Yes, but was it not you who said I shouldn’t be cooped up in my chambers all day?” Loki snorted playfully. You had no possible way to protest. Instead you resorted to looking around to make sure nobody was looking in your direction. This earned a barely audible groan from Loki. “I presume you wish for me to change back and slither my way back to my room then?” he questioned.

“No!” you declared maybe a little too quickly. “It’s okay, you can stay.” you said trying to remain calm. Loki smiled at how flustered you were, finding it almost amusing.

“Verywell.” he settled calmly. “Now, my lady, may I offer you a drink?” he suggested with a tone that gave you uncontrollable butterflies. You blushed at his offer with a nervous smile.

“I think a red wine will suffice, thank you.” you replied as naturally as you possibly could. Though of course it was a difficult task trying to keep calm. Loki just nodded and turned to prepare your glass. You couldn’t help but look over your shoulder to be sure nobody was watching you. You knew that Stark practically had eyes everywhere, not to mention anybody could easily take a glance at Loki and recognize him from New York. Because of this, you spoke the first thing that came to your mind.

“Loki, we have to get out of here.” you uttered straightforward. He paused pouring your glass of wine to give you a puzzled look. “Tony is bound to realize that you’re here. Plus the bartender could come back at any moment.” you told him, quickly standing to your feet. Loki just nodded before setting the wine bottle down with a slightly disappointed sigh.

“Lead the way then.” Loki said almost in a testing tone. Without another word, the same green glow from earlier masked over his body and changed him back into his serpent form. Loki snaked back into the beer bottle that he had once emerged from, hinting for you to carry him as Thor did. You grabbed the bottle from the counter and turned to walk from the bar. Where you were headed was beyond you. At this point, you were simply just trying to get away from the crowd of people. As you walked, you looked down at the empty beer bottle to be sure Loki sat comfortably in his glass container. He simply looked up at you and poked his tongue out at you in response. As a result of not watching where you were walking, you ended up walking right into a woman’s body, nearly knocking her over. You gasp, taking a step back from the mystery person.

“I am so sorry!” you exclaimed before quickly looking down into the beer bottle to affirm Loki was okay. Though what you were not expecting was a familiar voice to respond to your apologies.

“Well would you look at who it is.” the woman spoke with a chuckle. “You were always quite a clumsy girl.” she remarked. When you looked up to identify the woman, you couldn’t help the gasp that escaped your mouth.

“Alice Weaver!” you exclaimed. You didn’t know who to expect the woman to be, but it certainly wasn’t her. Alice was a girl you had met back in highschool. She had insisted on devoting her teenage years to making yours miserable. It had started when her boyfriend at the time had broken up with her and he attempted to use you as a rebound. Her jealousy for you has been undying ever since.

“It’s so nice to see you again, Y/N!” she grinned, her shrill voice dripping with sarcasm. “How have you been?” she asked.

“I’ve been fine, thanks.” you said, shifting from side to side. You made an attempt to walk past her, but of course she quickly stepped in front of you before you could make any distance.

“Oh good!” she quipped as she looked you up and down. She then caught sight of the beer bottle in your hand. “I never took you for a beer drinker, though.” you panicked a little, hoping she wouldn’t see the small snake hiding inside of it.

“It’s for a friend.” you quickly whipped up an answer. Alice scoffed.

“That’s what they all say, isn’t it?” she questioned, keeping her seemingly sweet smile on display. You gritted your teeth. In all honesty, you were still in shock that she was even here in the first place. “Anyways, I’m sure you’ll be thrilled to hear that I’m actually staying at the compound until tomorrow. I’m here to assist Stark on research.” she went on. You listened in disbelief.

“Research?” you asked plainly, your throat running dry.

“Yes of course, I’m studying engineering and physics.” Alice gushed.

“Wonderful.” you spat as friendly as you could possibly muster. You went to take a step and she walked in front of you yet again.

“Oh, Y/N, shouldn’t you be over there bidding those… pictures?” she said, pointing over towards your stand. “Here, I’ll hold this for you!” she said quickly snatching the beer bottle. You gasped trying your best to grab it back.

“Wait, no! Alice, I need that!” you yelped, struggling to grab the bottle back. You were suddenly pulled back from her, leaving you empty handed.

“Y/N, what the hell are you doing?!” Tony whisper-screamed to you, retracting you from Alice. “I have a group of very unhappy people waiting for you. Now stop bugging my student and do your job.” he exclaimed before softly shoving you towards the small stage. Now you were panicking. Tony Stark and your high school nemesis were in possession of Loki and you couldn’t do a single thing about it. So there you were, nervously walking up onto the stage and turning the microphone on.

“I am so sorry for the delay everyone, I ran into some issues.” you spoke to the crowd nervously. “I suppose I’ve kept you all waiting long enough, let’s get started.” you clapped your hands together, trying to seem as normal as possible. As you continued to speak out towards the crowd, you watched from afar as Tony and Alice continued to talk. You could tell by the way the two kept glancing over at you, they were certainly speaking of your behavior. You shakily sighed, going to grab a painting to exhibit it on the easel. Once you were back in front of the microphone you opened your mouth to speak but was abruptly interrupted when you felt something crawl down the back of your neck, causing you to squeak. This earned a suspicious reaction from the people in the crowd. You quickly recomposed yourself when you heard little snake hisses behind your ear. Loki. You were immensely relieved that he managed to sneak out of the bottle. He must have quickly slithered up your arm and up your back when Alice had grabbed the bottle from you. Although you were beyond grateful for his escape, feeling his cold scales on your bare skin made you shutter. You quickly cleared your throat.

“Excuse me, I just am not myself tonight.” you managed to squeak out. “A-anyways, do we have any takers for this piece?” you stuttered out. As you continued to make biddings for your painting, you could feel Loki leisurely slither down your neck and into the back of your dress. You slightly jumped at feeling Loki enter the back of your dress, making your heart race. “Sold!” you nearly barked out, hoping it would get Loki to cease his crawling. It didn’t. He continued down your dress until he rested over the back of your bra. You began to walk as casual as possible to your next art piece. As you bent down to pick it up you felt Loki crawl to the side of your dress towards the cup of your bra. After picking it up, you subtly brushed your bicep over your side, hoping to halt Loki’s movement. With your luck, this seemed to only spur him on. Loki then made haste to sneak into the cup of your bra, causing you to gasp.

“Can we hurry it up, please?” a very impatient man nagged from the audience. You groaned in response, not entirely sure if it was from the man’s remark or Loki.

“M-my apologies, sir.” you apologized, clearly annoyed yourself. “I guess I just have a chill I can’t seem to shake.” you admitted to the audience, but mostly directed towards the small snake currently resting in your bra. You felt him nestled comfortably against your skin, finally stopping to rest. “Next up is one of my personal favorites. Do we have any takers?” you spoke out to the crowd. You continued the bidding, trying the best you could to ignore the fact that Loki Laufeyson, the God of Mischief was presently relaxed in the cup of your bra as a snake. As you continued speaking, you felt him hiss from time to time causing his small forked tongue to brush the skin of your sternum. You swore it made your breath hitch everytime. This continued until every single piece was presented to its new owner. By the end of the night, you ended up with a large amount of cash though you didn’t seem to care much about that. While you granted the very last person your last painting, Stark approached with a drink in his hand. You whined to yourself upon seeing him. You were far too flustered to even deal with his snarky remarks.

“Congrats, Y/N! You got the job done.” Tony joked. You leered at him, walking off the stage.

“Tony, not now.” you said, trying to walk away.

“Oh don’t be such a sour puss, you got loads of cash.” he continued to provoke. “Hold on, I got one more thing for you.” You felt your body stiffen. You sigh, turning on your heels to face Tony.

“What?” you asked plainly. Tony flashed you a smile as he handed you the drink he had come to you with. Whiskey on ice.

“For you, it’s on the house. Just a ‘thank you’ for tonight.” he said, sounding truly genuine. You couldn’t possibly stay mad at him, even if it was Tony Stark. You took the glass from him and returned the smile.

“You’re welcome.” you smiled. Just as you were about to take a sip of your much deserved reward, you felt Loki abruptly start to move again. He began to creep his way out the side of the cup of your bra, passing into the opposite one. This resulted in a yelp that had been caught in your throat all night, startling Tony.

“Y/N, are you-”

“Loki!”

“What?”

“I have to check on Loki!” you quickly shouted setting the drink down. “H-he’s been in his room all night!” you swiftly made an excuse. Thankfully, your excuse was adequate enough for you to get out of there. You swiftly speed walked to the nearest bathroom avoiding any more interruptions. The quicker you moved, the more agitated you could feel Loki getting. As you made your way to the bathroom you could feel him continue to slither around your bra. Once you finally reached the bathroom you slammed the door shut and pulled the hem of your dress away from your chest.

“OUT!” you screamed. Loki listened, crawling out of your bra and down your leg. Once he reached the floor, his magic glow covered him once more, turning him back into his godly self.

“Well…” he panted, clearly shaken up from how speedy you walked. “Could you have moved any faster?” he nearly growled. You could feel your anger rise and your patience snap.

“How is any of this my fault?!” you shouted at him. “What in the hell were you doing, going into my bra like that?” you asked. Loki rolled his eyes and scoffed.

“Oh my apologies, in case you didn’t notice, I had nowhere else to go!” he snapped back. You loudly groaned as you covered your face with your hands.

“Tonight was a disaster, all thanks to you!” you argued, pointing a finger at him.

“Me?!” he barked, causing his voice to echo throughout the bathroom. You jumped at his sudden loudness. “I put all my efforts in sneaking into this awful party just so I could simply serve you a drink to thank you for your generosity from yesterday.” he spoke loudly, slowly approaching you. His words shocked you. You hadn’t realized that Loki only wanted to attend the event just so he could show you some kindness. Your face fell, almost feeling sorry.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize.” you said in a softer tone. Loki remained irritated, taking another big step towards you so there was almost no more space between the two of you. Your breath became ragged.

“Perhaps next time, at least make an attempt to stay calm and keep yourself from squirming.” he requested bitterly.

“You want to speak about squirming?!” your voice raised again. “How about next time, you don’t go into my bra!”

“Oh, don’t be so dramatic.” Loki rolled his eyes. “Your breath betrays you, Midgardian. If I didn’t know any better, the hitch in your throat would tell me that you rather enjoyed it.” he mocked. You could feel your face burn a bright red, embarrassment flooding your emotions.

“Y-you disgust me!” you spat out. Loki snickered almost as if he was purposely trying to provoke you.

“There it is again.” he pointed out. “You get flustered so easily, it’s almost pitiful.” You remained silent, stunned by his remark. He continued to stare at you, his face dangerously close to yours.

“I hate you.” you whispered. What happened next was completely out of your control. Instead of getting anger out of Loki, your statement sparked something uncontrollable. He swiftly grabbed your hips and crashed his lips upon yours, sealing you both in a passionate kiss. Before your mind had time to register what was happening, he pulled away, removing his hands from you completely. He examined your face, searching for any sort of restraint. Realizing what he had just done, he became worrisome.

“My most sincere apologies, I-” you quickly cut him off, pulling him back into yet another searing kiss. Your heart was pounding out of your chest as the kiss grew hungrier. His hands traveled up to your face to pull you in closer, making your breath quicken. Your mind was racing with all sorts of emotions, but you knew one thing was for sure: you didn’t want this moment to ever end. But it did. You both quickly pulled away from each other when the door to the bathroom swung open. Your head snapped to look at whoever entered the bathroom and your heart sank when you realized who it was. Alice Weaver stood at the door, looking both you and Loki up and down. She laughed in disbelief at what she saw in front of her.

“Am I interrupting something?”

[jawsandbones]

thank you so much for all the references for the oneshot! these npcs are Delightful oh my! and if you dont mind even more questions: what would you say was the most challenging part, what proved to be harder than you expected during running the game, and what did you have to look out for the most? oh, and of course: did any player die before expected and had to take over an npc? hehe this is all so fun and intriguing:-)

No problem, I'm glad you like them! I hope they can be useful for you. 😊

Ohhh man, the most challenging part was definitely keeping track of everything. There are a lot of moving pieces in this puzzle, and some of them you are not in control of. It meant not moving some pieces either because I couldn't or because there was just so much else going on.

When the killer/prey NPCs got into their own little squabbles, I rolled for them using a % of their overall health and stats etc so I could do 'mini battles' in the background. (They found a body in the garden after one of these.) I definitely didn't get a chance to do some of the little squabbles I wanted to just because my brain was busy preparing the next thing for something unexpected that just happened.

It was a little difficult having everything be so 'separate' at times - especially in terms of "if one player is over here talking to X NPC and one player is over here talking to Y NPC -" but just tried to keep everything rolling so that people weren't out of the action for too long. Having NPCs that are funny/do wild things was also helpful for this (including linking everyone back up).

We did have one die a bit before the rest, and they took over an NPC! It was very fun handing out their behind-the-scenes character descriptions and character sheets and watching them adapt to a suddenly new person. One pulled the long con and did a cheeky 'Feign Death' to technically put themselves out of the game (and the other players investigated the body!) and then came back when there were less enemies to take on. Very cheeky and clever.

There's a lot of space to go absolutely wild in this one shot, and it's always so good when a question starts with "So... if I push him over the railing..."

[kattythingz]

Motherghost #14

aaaah I’m torn about this one, ngl. I liked some parts and found others rough, but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless. Credit to @squishywritings.

Redirecting Regret

Summary: Dani and Dan share a moment as they consider how Danny’s affected them. Regrets rise, comfort ensues.

Words: 1,753

“Hit me if you can, shortstack!”

“Stop calling me that!” boom!

“Temper, temper.” 

“I’LL SHOW YOU TEMPER, YOU JACKASS!” 

A loud yelp sounds.

“When did you learn to do that?!”

“Hehe, not so cocky now, are you?”

Danny sighs as the two siblings squabble. He’s watched enough of their spars to know how violent their “friendly practices” got, but he never actively tries to stop them because he knows they don’t actually mean to maim each other.

Not too much, anyway.

“Hey, not the face!” 

“Always the face.”

“Oh, you are so getting it now.”

A blaze of heat blasts inches away from Danny’s face, causing him to yelp back in surprise. “Hey, watch it!”

“Damn, I missed.”

“Ha! And you say my aim sucks!”

Yeah, right, Danny muses. Dan is actually pretty good with his aim, so Danny’s pretty sure Dan missed on purpose.

Dan can fool anyone in the Ghost Zone, but not him. And certainly not Dani, if the softening of her grin is anything to go by.  Of course, she returns the favor by not zapping Dan with all her electric capabilities. 

Danny’s seen many victims unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of Dani’s fully charged electricity (hint: Vlad), and Dan didn’t look like any of them. In fact, right now, Dan just looked like a frazzled brother bent on getting revenge for the large chunk of ectoplasm missing from his hair.

(Courtesy of Ditto, of course.)

A loud yawn escapes him, interrupting his thoughts. Dani pauses from her busy task of trying to punch Dan’s face to say, “Maybe you should go to bed before you fall on your face, Mom.”

“Not that he can, in the Ghost Zone and all,” Dan adds.

“I don’t know, will you start maiming each other as soon as I leave?” Danny raises a brow.

“Oh, we would never,” Dan says with mock seriousness. Well, he’d sound plain serious to anyone else, but to Danny, the mockery is clear.

“Uh-huh,” Dani nods rapidly.

Danny sighs. “Just… don’t go too crazy, alright?”

“But that’s no fun!” Dan groans.

“Yeah, there’s no satisfaction in a simple punch!” Dani says with a concerning honesty.

Knowing any further arguing would be pointless, Danny just sighs again. Ancients, this whole parenting thing is nothing but a pain sometimes. De-transforming on the platform connecting the general Ghost Zone to their Haunt, Danny says, “I better see you two in one piece tomorrow.”

As soon as the door closes, Dani turns to Dan, saying, “You think he knows we argue like this just to mess with him sometimes?”

“Nope,” Dan huffs out what Dani knows is a laugh.

Now that they’d stopped sparring, their workout really starts setting in, and Dani can feel the satisfied tiredness all over her body. She floats down onto the platform, de-transforming as she stretches out her arms. 

Dan looks at her strangely, but Dani can tell that it’s a good strange. Like the kind he feels when he wants to express affection but doesn’t know how to without being “sappy”. Then, he says, “Your electroplasm is getting better.”

“You think so?” She smiles tentatively.

“At least you didn’t almost electrocute Ma after releasing too much energy like last time,” he adds, because of course there’s also a dig in his compliments.

“Yeah, yeah,” she rolls her eyes. She flops back onto her back, staring into the green and purple nothingness above them. There was something oddly fascinating about the Ghost Zone’s “sky”, something that put Dani at ease. Sometimes she thinks it’s weird, but she’s seen Danny stare at it as well.

The air shifts next to her, and she turns her head to see Dan floating down to lie next to her. Dani is happy to lie there contently in silence until Dan starts speaking again.

“You were holding back, weren’t you?” He says more than asks.

“You were too,” she retorts, but doesn’t deny.

“You know that’s not what I meant,” he pinches her arm next to him.

“Yeah, I know,” she agrees quietly. “I just… after last time…”

“Twerp,” Dan says in that smooth voice she’s come to associate with his comfort, “You know he probably didn’t even notice himself, right?”

“I know, Dan,” she groans. “But you saw it too, right? I definitely didn’t imagine the way he flinched and backed away from me!”

“I did,” he says slowly, “But I, unlike you, didn’t overthink it into some sad guild trip.”

“Guess that’s one thing you didn’t get from Mom,” she tries to joke, but it falls flat.

“Twerp.” The way he says it like a reprimand, however, is definitely from Mom, she thinks.

“Yeah, okay, I overthought it,” she begrudgingly admits. 

“Damn right,” Dan rolls his eyes. 

After a moment of silence, he speaks up again. “I can’t say I never have as well, though.”

Dani turns her head to look at him, a look of surprise on her face. “When?”

“When Ma found me in the future, I…” he swallows, and Dani can see how hard this is for him. He’s wearing the same exact expression Danny wears whenever he can’t find his words. “I was scared, at first.”

The first thing she feels is surprise, and then it’s followed by guilt. Dani always tries to remind herself that Dan, while a bit of an ass, is still her brother, so when she’s surprised by something so humane in him, she feels terrible. Almost as though she’s calling him a monster in her head.

Dan keeps going, though she’s sure he can feel the same weight she feels on her own core. “I’d never felt anything like Ma’s aura. He was definitely scared, I could feel it somehow, but he still found it in himself to… to reach out to me. Stupid sentimental Ma, trying to connect with a monster just based on a hunch, right?” Dan laughs humorlessly.

“Dan,” she frowns. She reaches out to place a hand on his shyly, waiting for him to move away. When he doesn’t, she holds it gently. “You know we never once thought of you as a monster, right?”

“Not now,” he corrects. “But back then… back then everyone was scared of me. I was the monster that ruined their lives, their home, their families… hell, I’m still a monster now. Have you seen me next to you and Ma?”

That’s what Dani worries about. She’s well aware of just how human she and Danny look, but she never once considered Dan a monster. When she sees Dan next to them, all she thinks and feels is that familiar sense of belonging.

But Dan doesn’t know that. She should fix that.

“What do you mean?” she says with a forced casualness. “You look exactly like me and Mom.”

“Twerp, I swear-”

“I mean, after all, you are a Phantom, aren’t you?” she smiles at him as she tilts her head toward him. “You look like you belong, which is how we should all look.”

For once, Dan can’t hide the astonishment on his face, and he seems to realize as his cheeks turn a little green. “That is so sappy, and so not the point.”

“It so is,” she replies. “Dan, you know that if Mom and I thought you were a monster, we’d kick your ass all the way back to your original timeline. But we don’t because you’re family,” and then, as an afterthought, “Idiot.”

And just like that, she can feel the cold thaw as it makes way for warmth, and Dani doesn't have to look at him again to know he’s blushing even more. 

A cough, and then, “Was that last bit really necessary?”

“Yup.”

Dani glances at their joint hands, taking in just how right it is. Dan’s hand looks huge under hers, but that only makes it even more right somehow. She can’t imagine her brother any other way.

“Mom took us in for a reason,” Dani says into the silent void, knowing that Dan is listening intently, soaking in every word. “He saw two lost ghosts and decided in his own stupid way that we were worth saving. And we are. He just… helped us see that.”

Danny never once resented her for being his clone, or for betraying him for Vlad, or for always leaving only to come back crawling to him over and over again. There was a time when she wanted him to hate her just so she could feel something familiar, but now that she knows what a family feels like, she never wants to go back again.

“Yeah, sounds like Ma,” Dan grins a little.

Dani glances at Dan again. It’s true that most ghosts assumed he wasn’t with them despite the big bold symbol on his chest, but Dani felt a connection with him the moment Danny brought him home with him. Maybe it was because they were both freaks, or maybe it was because they were bonded by the potential Danny saw in them, but that doesn’t really matter. 

What matters is that Dan is here, and so is Dani. They’re both here and not somewhere else, feeling lost and alone.

All thanks to a certain bull-headed motherghost of theirs.

“So that’s what you were doing,” an amused voice cuts through the silence, startling them both.

Kind blue eyes stare down at them with a warm fondness that leaves Dani feeling all warm inside again, and judging by Dan’s subtle shift, he does too. Danny continues, “You know, if you’re so into staring at the endless void, we could always just go stargazing.”

Dani sits up. “Really?”

“Sure,” Danny grins. “I always love a good excuse to go stargazing. Not that I need one.”

Dan huffs. “Typical.”

Well, he didn’t say no...

“Well, then let’s go!” Dani hops up. 

“Right now? At two in the morning?” Dan raises a brow.

“Of course!” She and Danny chime simultaneously. 

Dan stares at them with something akin to, dare she say, fondness in his own eyes. His skepticism softens as he shrugs, “Whatever. Nothing better to do anyway.”

Danny covers his laugh with a cough as he glances pointedly at Dan’s hair. “Of course not.”

Dani is pretty sure she fell asleep under the stars that night, but if there is anything she truly treasures about that night, it’s the feeling of sleepy contentedness as she cuddles into Dan’s chest as he carries both her and Danny home.

(Not that he admits to that.)

The end (?)

[willowistic22]

The pleasure’s all mine... Prince Romeo

A grand party is held in the palace tonight, but one of the royal family member isn’t in the mood to indulge in it like how they’d usually be. Luckily, a stranger comes to save them. It just so happens that this stranger is so dangerously handsome. 

Word count : 4688

Part : -

Warnings : light mentions of alcohol, cursing, and that should be it. it’s nothing too serious. 

A/N: HIIII this is my gift for @s9da (well technically for paranormalsoup... i think you can piece in together why i asked you abt paranormalsoup in the wormsie discord server hehe) for the @newsiesgiftexchange i had fun making this bcs i absolutely love newsies royal au, so i hope you don’t mind i wrote a somewhat self indulgent fic for your gift hehe. it was still spromeo like you asked, but uhh idk i hope you like it bcs half of me think it’s not as great as i thought it was in my head. But anyways enjoy!!! :D

“Romeo! Get your ass out of there!” 

“How long does it take for you to get dressed?!” 

The two muffled voices turned into banging on the door. Romeo rolled his eyes, deciding to ignore his brothers and continuing to adjust his tuxedo in front of his full length standing mirror. 

His bedroom door swung open with no warning. In turns, two boys formally dressed came storming in. 

“Race! Crutchie! You could have at least waited for me to let you two in!” Romeo protested, adjusting sleeves under his dark blue blazer. 

“My God, Ro! You’re not even ready yet!” Crutchie commented, walking over as fast as he could with his crutch to get to where Romeo is standing. He takes the silver tie from the dresser and slings it around Romoe’s shirt collar, “The party is supposed to start right now and you know dad would want all of his sons to be present!”  

“He was probably too busy talking to the cat, weren’t you?” Race flops on the big bed, causing the dozens of velvet pillows to jump. It also seems to have awakened a huge white fluffy cat in the midst of the pillows. 

“Racetrack! Snowy was getting his beauty sleep!” Romeo protested, seeing the scene unfold from the mirror. 

Crutchie flipped both of his brothers off, telling Race to be careful so he doesn’t mess his own outfit up and making Romeo stand still while he helps him get ready. In under five minutes and Romeo is properly dressed just like his brothers. 

Crutchie places Romeo’s crown on top of his black locks, the magnificent silver object goes perfectly with the intricate silver curlicue designs on the shoulder and back of his dark blue blazer. With the tiny silver crown lapel pin and its tiny chain draping on the fabric to wrap up the dashing outfit. 

The three head out of the room. They strut through the grand hallway like it’s a fashion week runway, feeling confident with every step following the red velvet carpet till they reach the grand ballroom decked to the nines just like them. 

A huge chandelier hanging above the open space. A few tables and chairs neatly organized for the awaiting guests but still leaving enough space for a dance floor. The huge glass doors wide open to make use of the huge balcony for the party, also letting the evening breeze through the door. 

“About damn time you three show up!” Jack, the oldest brother exclaimed. 

“Jack! Do mind your language!” Their father protested. 

His three younger brothers walk up onto the podium, greeting their father who’s sitting on the only throne present. 

“It was all Romeo’s fault. He didn’t know how to tie his own tie!” Race joked. 

The brothers have their little silent squabble as they stand behind the throne. Crutchie decides to not get himself involved in it and tries to break it up, “Oh, grow up you guys!” 

Those words did nothing to help. In turn, Crutchie turns to their father in hopes to ignore those three. 

“Jackie-love! Listen to your brother, please!” A different voice chimed in. 

The three turn their focus away towards it and see Jack’s husband already fully dressed up. In a classy dark purple suit with a grey tie in the same shade as Jack’s own suit. 

“We’re celebrating our sixth anniversary and Sarah is finally home from her travels. The least you could do is to keep yourself presentable!” 

Jack pushes aside the squabble, switching on his loving smile for Davey. Romeo and Race pulled away from the squabble right after Jack. Their father silently sighed in relief to see his sons finally deciding to act like fully grown adults. 

He tells the royal guards to let the guests in. In under five minutes, the ballroom was instantly filled with guests in formal attire. Some fill their assigned seats for the dinner that was promised in the invitation while others mingle with each other. The band, playing lovely tunes loud and clear but it wasn’t time for the guests to get up and dance. 

The princes have also indulged themselves in the party. Jack and Davey can be seen mingling with the guests they’ve invited, listening to their congratulations on their sixth anniversary. Crutchie has gone to god knows where, which is surprising because he’s wearing a flashy yellow and black suit in the midst of all the mostly dull colored outfits in the ballroom. Race had gone off to fulfilling his promise to their father of introducing his new lover, the future king of Brooklyn. 

Romeo is left to slump on the round table with leftovers sitting idly on his plate. An odd thing for him to do, and he’s quite aware of it too. Romeo adores mingling, making new friends, or even catching up with some old friends that he has indeed spotted somewhere amongst the crowd this evening. Though, his energy to do so doesn’t seem to be there in this particular moment. 

The young prince watches from afar as his big brother finally introduces Spot Conlon to their father. Spot’s dark red suit is really contrasting to Race’s own outfit, a bright blue suit with golden curlicue designs on the shoulders and back which is a bit like Romeo’s. It matches perfectly with his blond messy curls and electric blue eyes. 

Romeo smiles, seeing his brother’s face lighting up as their father seemingly approves of the dashing Brooklyn boy that he has so helplessly fallen in love with for the past two years. Romeo doesn’t linger on it though. He returns his focus towards his empty table and plate, a sad smile painting his face as he observes his own reflection on the ceramic. 

“Well, aren’t you the life of the party!” A voice interrupted his thoughts, causing him to lift his head up, “But if I do say so myself, and I mean no offense to his royal highness, you’re quite the tragic sight sitting here all alone” 

His eyes landed on a gentleman standing proud and tall in a maroon suit, a black tie neatly tucked under his blazer. His complexion reminded Romeo of the topaz rocks in some of the castle’s intricate decorations, rich with brown but always glowing bright with the rest of the gems. In this case, his glow comes from the simple smile and the lovely brown eyes behind the silver framed spectacles. 

The initial comment brought a smile to Romeo’s face and a little laugh along with it. He fixes his sitting posture, eyeing the stranger with a head tilt while his head tries to figure out who this guest could be. 

“And you’re what? Here to be my savior from my little slump?” Romeo replied to match with the stranger’s cleverness. 

Seeing the success his opening line has brought, the gentleman pulls out an empty chair next to Romeo and sits himself down, “Well, you’re the prince here. Whatever it is you command me to be, I’m pretty sure I need to follow” 

Romeo lets out a small fit of laughter through his smile, looking away from the man’s eyes. It also makes the stranger laugh along with him. 

Romeo returns his sight back to the man in front of him. He walked right into a gaze-off he cannot look away from. In no means for intimidation, but a brief yet firm infatuation through the art of eye contact with the man he just met. Only now did Romeo realize how dangerously handsome this stranger is. 

“Romeo!” The call of his name pulled him away from the gaze and back to the world around him. 

He spots Crutchie zipping through the crowd. A smile painted on his face, just as bright as the yellow and black suit he’s currently rocking in. Romeo stands up to give his brother a hug. 

“I see you’ve met one of my friends from the lab!” Crutchie gestured back to the stranger Romeo was just previously speaking to, already slightly bowing his head to pay his respects to the two members of the royal family. 

“Oh, you work in the lab!” Romeo concluded, turning back to face the stranger who’s already on his feet. 

“Yeah. We call him Specs!” Crutchie giggled, making the other man laugh along while Romeo looks back to where he’s currently standing, “And Specs, this is my brother, Romeo!” 

Specs pulls up a simple smile for Romeo and a firm head nod. 

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt you two!” Crutchie apologized, a few moments after remembering they were previously having a conversation. He adjusts his crutch to get ready to leave, “I’ll leave you two to it, okay?” 

Romeo watches as his brother walks away to mingle into another group. It leaves him with the previous gentleman he was talking to. The only differences now, he’s not much of a stranger anymore. 

“So... That’s what they actually call you? ‘Specs’?” 

“Well, it’s because, if you can’t already tell…” 

Specs gestures towards his spectacles that rests on the bridge of his nose. Romeo chuckles, playfully rolling his eyes. But the smile tells Specs he’s still in the clear from offending a royal family member. 

“What’s your actual name? Unless you don’t have one” 

He laughs, parting his lips to let it out before saying, “It’s Julian. But now people mostly refer to me as Specs” 

Romeo nods, staring directly into his sparkly brown eyes. Whatever is gleaming under it is very inviting, and Romeo isn’t opposed to this mysterious invitation. He’s rather pleased by its presence. Before he knows it he’s already engaged with it, letting his own obsidian gemstone eyes linger in the gaze. 

“A pleasure to meet you... Specs” 

“The pleasure’s all mine... Prince Romeo” 

- 

Soon enough the sun has fully set. The night sky takes over the heavens above, thread by sparkling pearls to break up the deep blue. But the party didn’t stop. The royal family’s favorite performer, Ms. Medda Larkin, has finally arrived in the most fashionably late way. Her grand entrance was welcomed with warm arms by King Denton himself. 

With the presence of the superstar, the band picked up its lack of entertainment as Ms. Medda picked up the microphone after a quick dinner. The jazzy upbeat tune sends all the guests roaring for the dance floor. 

Romeo though? He has his own entertainment, in the huge balcony by the bar with his own partner. 

“No dance?” 

Romeo pries his eyes away from the dance floor he’s observing from outside. He glues them onto Specs, leaning his shoulder on the shiny bar top while twirling his glass of scotch. 

Romeo shakes his head, making a semi weird face, “Not really up for it” 

“Huh, you’re nothing like what Prince Charlie says” Specs commented, taking a gulp from his glass to finish his drink off, “He says that you’re very energetic and flirty” 

The comment makes him scoff through his smile, “I can’t say that he’s wrong. But… I’m just not feeling it tonight” 

The little silence between them is giving Romeo the impression that he should explain even further. But he takes this chance to finish his own drink and change the subject, “So, you work in Crutchie’s lab?”  

The subject of Specs’ profession quickly did the trick. It also reveals some basic facts about him. As it turns out, Davey was the one that pushed him to work in the royal lab. He’s been friends with Davey since college and has been partners in crime ever since. Davey was first to get the job as a chemical engineer at Crutchie’s lab after a year of switching jobs to match his preferences, while Specs was still continuing his studies for a masters degree. Since he’s been an A+ student at a young age, the first application he sent got him the call for the job interview and got in quickly. 

Romeo was very impressed by the story. Half way through it he starts to question as to why he’s been given the honor to talk to Specs. There is no way Specs is anywhere close to Romeo's league. 

Regardless, Specs doesn’t seem to question all of that. While there’s a noisy ballroom in the background, they’re having a party of their own. Smiling, laughing, and basically having a great time in their private little universe. Romeo is very much infatuated by the gentleman and wouldn’t want anything in the world to ruin the moment. 

“Y’know, you should probably just drop all the formalities at this point” Romeo lightly mentioned, between sipping his third drink he had only touched after half an hour upon asking the bartender for one, “It’s just me” 

“Just you?” Specs questioned, lips wrapping up into a warm smile that makes Romeo’s heart melt. 

He froze in place, admiring the wonder to behold. It makes Romeo smile wider as he slowly nods at the question. 

Before he could say anything else, the loud sound coming from inside took over their center of attention. A loud cheering of guests over something neither Specs or Romeo knows about, as the view was blocked by dozens of backs. 

Romeo turns his head away from it, focusing back to where he is currently at. He glances over at Specs and says, “Let’s get out of here” 

Specs looks back at Romeo, a little confused with his offer, “And go where, exactly?” 

Romeo sips the remaining liquid in his glass, setting it back with a loud clang against the bar top. He spontaneously grabs Specs’ hand and drags him away, leading him to the stairs on the side of the huge balcony. With every step down, the twinkling Manhattan view slowly fades away from their eyes. 

It was soon replaced by the view of the royal garden in the dark. A cobblestone path stretching to as far as the eyes can see in the dark, pass the green trees with overgrowing plants hanging over it, and various shapes of bushes strategically placed all around the settlement. The smell of the grass is so fresh and different, unlike anything Specs has ever encountered before. 

However, Romeo drags him to the other direction. They walked under a dimly lit tunnel, under where the balcony and the ballroom is. They can barely see each other in this kind of lighting, though Romeo’s crown was able to let the tiniest ray of light reflect on its figure. At the end of the tunnel, they can see an opening which would lead them to the center of the palace where another garden is located. 

“Where are we going, if I may ask?” Specs returned to his previous unanswered question. 

“Just… around, I guess” 

The two smile at each other, Specs nodding along to whatever bullshit he was just fed but still getting entertained by it anyways. 

“So… are you gonna tell me why you decide to detach yourself from the party?” 

So he noticed. Well, it isn’t like Romeo has been sneaky about it but he was hoping it wouldn’t be brought up. 

“That party isn’t for me so…” Romeo started, fiddling the hem of his blazer, “... It didn’t felt right if I were to mingle in there” 

“Because that party wasn’t for you?” 

Romeo stops in his tracks, realizing how wrong that sounds, “Okay, wait, I take that back umm…” 

“No, it’s okay if you’re a little… self centered” Specs half teased. 

Romeo scoffs at that, playfully shoving his arms with his shoulders that sends the taller boy laughing. He recollects his composure and re-explains himself, “I mean… Jack, Race, and Crutchie are up there because they have…’something’” 

The two continue to walk through the tunnel, Specs fixated to Romeo as he explains himself. 

“You see Jack, already living up to his reputation from being a good leader. Charismatic, fearless, all of that. He’s just waiting for our father to step down from the throne so he can unleash his full potential” Romeo started out, which made no sense to Specs question but he kept listening anyways, “And then you got Race. However big of a dumbass and a troublemaker he is, he’s smart! He doesn’t work full time at the lab but you’ve seen him there a few times, right?” 

Specs nods, recalling the memory of him seeing prince Anthony while he was working. 

“A great problem solver. Despite being the one that causes the most problems in the castle” Romeo added, making Specs chuckle a bit. He lets himself smile at that but it didn’t linger long. 

“And you know Crutchie. He’s smart and wants nothing more than to help others. Hearing the voices of the little people” Romeo continued. 

He stops walking, causing Specs to do the same. They’ve almost made it through the tunnel, just a few more steps away. The moonlight can reach just far enough to illuminate their faces and highlight their main features. 

Romeo looks up to the other boy, “I’m almost 23 and I haven’t really done shit” 

Specs fully turns his body towards Romeo, his words from before finally clicking in his head. 

“I thought you were a performer” Specs said, “Isn’t that something to be proud of?” 

“It is something I’m proud of. But people talk, Specs” 

His older brothers are famous for what they’ve achieved that are viewed as ‘useful’ with their title as royalty. Romeo, on the other hand, is a famous Broadway performer. Whether it’s playing the lead role, a side character, or just a part of the ensemble, no one will deny his talent. But people still talk badly about his title mixed with his love for theatre. 

Specs stays silent while waiting for Romeo to continue. He let’s Romeo walk out the tunnel first, letting the glow of the night illuminate his whole body along with the garden he’s in. Though, his heart doesn’t seem to be enjoying it the way that he should. 

Romeo turns around to face Specs, already slowly stepping out of the shadows of the tunnel. He takes his crown off his head, letting it dangle freely in his right hand, “Living here has its perks. But the downside is people expect you to be a leader of some sort” 

The taller boy stands next to Romeo, observing one side of the castle. The bright lights from the chandeliers clear as day through the huge windows. 

“So you’re really going to let the stupid comments old people say about you affect the rest of your life?” Specs questioned, letting a small smile creep up his face, “I mean, you’re the one that gets all the girls drooling” 

“I guess, but I prefer guys anyways” Romeo half chuckled, his smile yet to return. 

“Then it looks like the odds are with me” Specs said in a cheeky manner, taking a few steps ahead of Romeo. 

It caught him off guard. He dumbfoundedly stared at the boy for a good few seconds while his back was facing him. Heart beating very fast. Heat rising up his cheeks. The corner of his lips picks up on the tiniest bit of joy and excitement his heart is indulging in. 

Specs turns around and Romeo shakes away any obvious adoration towards the boy, pretending to admire his crown in his grasp. 

“I mean, I think you’re a very talented actor” 

“So you’re a fan?” Romeo asked cleverly, looking up to meet his eyes again while placing his crown back on his head, “Is that why you came up to me in the first place?” 

“Among other things… yes” 

Well, that’s something to know. 

Romeo and Specs roam around the garden in the dark, though they stay quiet in fear that other people might hear their presence. The laughing felt more personal and heartfelt when it’s secretive like this. Somehow Romeo is falling out of his usual confident nature, getting shier with every giggle that escapes their lips or clever remark Specs added on to the conversation. 

Romeo brought up the idea for the two to head to his bedroom after spotting a glimpse of his balcony on the second floor. Well, from the ground it’s three floors up. Regardless, they were still able to utilize their environment to work in their favor on climbing to the balcony. 

Romeo avoided entering his bedroom because it was embarrassingly messy. So they stayed where they are, carefully sitting on the balcony railing and continuing their conversation. They picked it up so easily that they’re soon laughing together like before. This time, they get a view of the garden below, a glimpse of Manhattan, and closer to the night sky. The warmth of his bedroom through the open balcony doorway defeats the freezing temperatures from outside. 

Specs was interrupted mid sentence after an odd feeling came by his leg. Fluffy and warm, like it’s a living being. 

“Who’s this?” Specs looks down to see a white fluffy cat looking back up to him. He gently picks up the white furball and cradles it close to his chest with a loving smile. 

“About time he decides to wake up from his nap” Romeo commented, scooching closer towards Specs so that they’re shoulder to shoulder so he can pet his little feline companion, “His name is Snowy” 

Snowy purrs at the love he’s receiving, giving the two boys long and slow blinks with every pet they provide. 

“Do you have any pets, Specs?” Romeo asked. 

“My apartment doesn’t allow pets. It actually sucks because it can get a little lonely” Specs replied. He lets Snowy go after the cat starts stirring in his grasps. Specs cleans any excessive fur that got stuck on his blazer before turning back towards Romeo, “I’m glad I get to have my own space after needing to live in a foster home for the majority of the time. But I got used to having lots of people around so…” 

“Not courting anybody?” Romeo asked again, “You look like the kind of guy who’d win a lot” 

Romeo you fucking idiot. His mind was yelling at him for saying that. No one with common sense would blatantly say that to someone they just met that day. 

Specs chuckles through his smile, staring at Romeo with a little twinkle hidden in his brown eyes. It could just be the stars from the sky reflecting in his eyes, but it’s not possible because there was a meaning behind his glimmer. 

“Not really my style” Specs replied, a flirtatious smirk making its way up to his face, “Though, I met a guy recently and… I’m trying my best to impress him” 

Oh. My. God. 

Romeo didn’t realize how close their faces were getting. Hot breaths circulate the small gap between their faces. Romeo diverts his eyes away from Specs’, but it absentmindedly went to stare at his lips. He imitated the way Specs has his lips slightly parted. 

“A-and how’s that going for you?” Romeo dared to ask, stopping the gravitational pull towards each other. Any closer and Specs might know how fast his heartbeat is going. 

“Not sure” He replied breathlessly, “You’ll have to tell me” 

If stomach butterflies could explode then that is definitely how Romeo is feeling right now. But they stayed still. Neither quite seem to have the courage to take the next step. 

Specs took the initiative, slowly guiding his hand up to cup Romeo’s cheeks. He then whispers, “Can I-” 

“Romeo!” A muffled voice interrupted their little moment. They quickly pull apart and stare at Romeo’s bedroom door inside the dimly lit bedroom. Violent knocking followed after the voice and it continued, “Romeo, are you in there?” 

It didn’t take long for Specs to catch on to what’s happening. He scrambles himself away behind the brick wall of the balcony, just next to the doorway. Romeo fixes his suit and answers the door. 

Just as he expected it, it was Race. No one in the family knocks as violently as he does. 

“My God, Race! Can I ever get some time alone in my room?” Romeo answered the door. 

“Why are you even in here? You’re supposed to be at the party!” Race said, “Dad was looking for you, y’know” 

“I just needed a little air but I’ll be right there, I promise” 

He flips Race away and turns around, seeing the previous boy he was with coming out of his previous hiding spot. He smiles sheepishly at Specs, which was met with his own chuckling. 

“Guess, we better head back” Romeo said, looking up to meet Specs’ eyes, “But you’re gonna have to use the balcony” 

“I figured” 

Specs sits back on the balcony before swinging both legs over the railing to climb down. Romeo leans his body against the railing, held up by his arms. It’s only polite to wait for Specs to climb down before he leaves to get to the ballroom himself. 

“By the way… thanks for keeping me company” Romeo felt like he owed him a thank you. After all, Specs could’ve had some fun or gained more than just a casual get-to-know-me conversation if he were to fully participate in the party. 

Specs looks up from minding his steps down, back up to Romeo’s eyes with a loving gaze towards him, “Of course. When else will I get the chance to be this close to you?” 

Rome looks down to his hands to hide away his blush and bashful little smile. He notices Specs hands are still on the railing, placed quite close to his own. 

“But how did I do? Were you impressed?” 

Romeo looks up, finding the other boy’s face is already two inches away from his own. The exact same position they were in before getting interrupted by his brother, just this time Specs is hanging on the balcony.

“Is that something you want to know?” Romeo questioned back with a little giggle following it. He thought it would be fun to tease him around before they finally part ways. 

“It’s not usual for me to straight up ask but… “ Specs caught on with the teasing, “... technically you were the one that ask” 

Romeo giggles along with him. He nods to his question and answers properly, “Yes. I was very much impressed by you, Specs” 

The next seconds were filled with silence. The high from their little banter turned into adrenaline to do something with how they’re positioned now. They both realize it, as both smiles slowly fade to parted lips with hot and heavy breaths hitting each other’s faces. Romeo glues his eyes on Specs’ lips, he could only imagine the other boy did the same. 

“Do I get the permission to kiss you?” Specs asked, barely above a whisper while his hands traced up Romeo’s arm until it reached his cheek once again. 

Romeo stuttered through his next few words before replying with a little giggle, “Permission granted” 

Specs wasted no time, softly crashing his lips on the other boy’s. Fireworks set off in their heads as the feelings developed for each other from this short period of time are released in one gentle kiss. Romeo moves one hand to hold his neck, as a means to deepen the kiss and to secure Specs from falling. 

They part with heavy breaths escaping their lips. The heavy breathings turned into giggles and giggles turned into goodbyes. 

Romeo watches as a giddy looking Specs makes it to the ground and walks towards the previous tunnel. Before finally escaping his vision, Specs glances back up to Romeo. Despite the distant Romeo can see a stupid grin on his face, which only made him laugh. 

As Specs finally escapes his view, Romeo lets out a long and adoring sigh and melts into the moment. Lowering his body and placing his head on top of his hands that are gripping on the balcony. 

He hears his beloved fur ball meow near him, but he’s far gone for that boy to even care what the cat wants. 

“I know, Snowy,” Romeo said, as if understanding the language his cat speaks, “He’s such a dream…”