#all people and situations mentioned in this are fictional ty

[mosquito-cove]

To the family of Campbell J. Amos.

[a-b-riddle]

Different Tastes: John & his Sweetheart

The '141' stops as soon as they are back home. After that, they are just close friends. Simon, John, Kyle and Johnny had managed to settle down and find themselves sweet little things. All who adore their brave men and all who share different tastes

In this 'series', it's essentially bits of each of the 141 one and their kinks they have with their partners. With that being said, I don't really care if you think that Soap is submissive or Ghost is into CNC/Primal play. That's great. But in this fantasy, this is what it is. It's what I wanted to write. If you want Kyle Garrick to be a pleasure Dom and John to be a Daddy Dom. Cool. Go find other fictions that write that, or be the one to write them. I'm not going to argue about what kinks they would really have.

CW: NSFW. aniligus on male and female anatomy. D/s dynamics. Name calling. Degradation. Oral. Humiliation. Aftercare. Mentions of pornography. Not establishing safe-words. Poor understanding of establishing BDSM boundaries too late. (Not in a non-con way. But two people who don't really have prior experience to BDSM).

MINORS DNI

John and his girl are perfect for each other. For his career, it's very difficult to turn the Captain mode 'off'. He's used to giving orders and taking control over situations. It had been a problem in all of his previous relationships.

So when he found you, his perfect girl, he would have moved the moon if it meant making you happy. Add into the fact that you did like to switch your brain on autopilot and let John control mostly everything, it worked out well for both of you.

Where do you want to eat tonight?

What do you think I should wear?

I'm getting kind of sick of my hair? What do you think? Longer, shorter? Darker? Lighter?

You always relied on his opinion and followed it.

John couldn't get enough. You never got sick of hearing his thoughts and opinions. You didn't get pissed when he gave you what sounded very much like an order. To you it was John being John. He didn’t simply stop being a Captain when he wasn’t in the field and you were content with that. Liked it even.

But soon enough his bossing around had taken you both down a slippery slope. You had always wanted to explore BDSM and each order in your everyday life made you fantasize about John as a Dominant. Your sex life with John was already fantastic and he always took the lead anyway. So it felt only natural to add-in some kinkier aspects. John wasn't opposed to tying you up. Dishing out occasional discipline when you did something wrong until you ultimately admitted you hated it.

You felt when he 'punished' you, you disappointed him. John's palms started to itch when you confessed that you would much rather him spank you simply because he wanted to. So he did. Whenever he pleased. Often bending you over the counter and giving you a few swats. Your pussy already dripping for him by the time he was finished.

Deeper and deeper you dove down to more than just tying you up and spanking your ass until your juices practically leaked down to your thighs. Service submission had been what you liked the most. If John told you to be on your knees when he got home with a whiskey neat in one hand and a plate of food in the other, you did it.

When you told him this, he started casually mentioning what kind of wedding ring styles you liked.

Eventually you admitted you like being degraded.

"I know you love me," you said one night. Lazily sitting on the couch with John after a dinner date with Kyle and his girlfriend. "And respect me." Butterflies fluttered uncomfortably in your stomach. You didn’t want John to think you liked being abused per se, but this is something you’ve wanted to try with him for so long. "but I don't always need to feel like I’m respected during sex."

John didn't pull his arm off of you as he turned to face you better. His head tilting to the side when he asked you to elaborate. You felt your cheeks heat up as you told him how you wanted him to treat you like a toy. That during a scene, you wanted to feel like he had total control over your body. You could outline actions and phrases you were okay with if it made him feel better about doing it. Even developing safe words.

There hadn't been a need for safe words up until this point. If you asked John to stop, he stopped. If you complained about something hurting, he still stopped and either readjusted, or ended the scene. But this time you confessed that you didn't want ‘no’ to be an option. No felt like you weren't being his good girl. You knew it didn’t make you bad for stopping but it just helped in some weird way you couldn’t quite explain.

He agreed. First came the colors. Then the limits. And most importantly, the fantasies.

After that John finally admitted that he wanted to try anal play on you since you didn't list it as a limit. He’s always fantasized about it, but he had always felt uncomfortable asking you. At first you thought he simply meant a finger up your ass. Some poking and prodding that led up to anal.

However, with the new found confidence to truly divulge his desires to you. John laid it all out.

Price knows what he likes and he absolutely loves worshipping any part of you he can get his hands or mouth on.

The first time he ate your ass it quite literally stole your breath. He had you bent over his desk; his scattered reports long forgotten. You had just gotten home from work. He heard the opening and shutting of the door before grabbing his phone. He had texted you to come into his office in 30 minutes.

Your outfit is on the bed. I’m in my office. Bring me a drink. Daddy feels like drinking some whiskey and eating a peach.

That was your signal. You were a nervous fucking wreck as you got ready.

Before you knew it, he had you bent over with two fingers in your cunt, rubbing that sweet spot while his tongue explored a place no one else ever had.

Months laters, neither of you were no longer shy about John taking you however he wanted. Whether that was hogtied with your ass in the air or you humping his boot when he ordered you to show him how much of a desperate little slut you were.

He loved seeing you so desperate for him. He was obsessed in the way you tensed when he had you bent over. Licking a long stripe from your clit all the way to your puckered hole before settling there.

What was once an occasional thing became a weekly occurrence.

As expected, the two of you eventually tried anal after realizing how good his tongue felt in your ass. The first time he fucked your ass he spent what felt like forever working his thick fingers inside of you before finally working your way up to take his cock. He refused to have such an intimate first thing be in any sort of scenario where he wasn't soft and loving. If you wanted it to be degrading, it would just have to wait.

John was a stern man, but he took care of you. This wasn't something that would be initially pleasant for you and he was damned and determined to make this a good experience by the end of it.

Because of the lack of pressure he put on you to just take it, you had loved it. Even craved it now. You loved when he called you a pathetic little whore after you followed his order of bending over and spreading your ass cheeks for him. You loved when he told you how pretty you looked before landing a glob of spit on your puckered asshole. You loved how he made you beg him to fuck your ass when it was that time of the month; that you were so desperate for his cock you will take it in any hole.

But funny enough, as much quality time John seemed to have with your asshole, you can't really remember if you've ever seen his. Sure, you’ve seen his bare ass sauntering around the house and in the shower, but he’s never been in a compromising position while naked.

Even funnier, you're not sure if you've ever really seen a guy's asshole. So down the rabbit hole of pornhub you went until you found what eating ass was also known as.

Rimming.

And more importantly, how men were rimmed. Your curiosity had eventually grown to wondering what it was like. What would it be like?

So you just asked him.

At first he laughed, assuming you were joking. But then you shamelessly admitted to finding it hot. You confessed how the porn you’ve been watching had pretty much centered around male worship. Although the underarm area and feet were usually something you skipped over, seeing women on their knees giving rimjobs was something that made your core ache when you thought about doing it with John.

To say he was flustered was an understatement. He tried to dissuade you. Insisting that it was, well, gross were his exact words. When a flash of hurt crossed your face he realized his mistake.

It wasn’t that he thought the act itself was gross per se. He felt as though he was gross. "Too gross to let a pretty little thing like you do that." Yet it didn’t deter you from showing him how much you wanted him.

With a little bit of assurance that it’s something you wanted to do, not just reciprocate what he had been doing, he relented. Although, having you on your knees, hump his boot practically begging to with tears in your eyes did make him believe you actually wanted this. John loved when you begged him, but always felt the need to tell you yes when he wasn't serving as your dominant.

Yes. John loved taking charge, but he hated telling you no when you hardly ever asked for anything.

So. It was a safety measure John and you had put into place. When you wanted something that he may say no to because he felt as if it would degrade you as a partner, you didn’t ask as his partner; you asked as his submissive. This put in the acknowledgment that he wasn't making the decision as a partner. John was going to do what he thought best, whether or not you agreed to it. You always set the precent, gave him the permission to be the one to make the decisions. It showed him that you trusted him and whatever he decided.

John always felt more freely when you had gotten in your sub space. He felt more confident in telling you no or giving you orders. He had spent so long being the one to call the shots in his career, he was always afraid of his domineering nature taking control in the relationship.

Your confidence in him meant everything.

He had just gotten home from an extended stay on base. Usually you were able to get a facetime or a call here and there, but besides the occasional texts you were met with radio silence for almost five days.

It wasn't until he came home Saturday just before lunch. You had snacked all day, suddenly feeling guilty you hadn't even gotten groceries for the week. You offered to order something when he told you he hadn't eaten lunch, but he declined.

"C'mere, sweetheart." He ordered pointing right at his boots. A soft smile played on his lips as you sank down to your knees and crawled over to him. John took a deep breath. Reminding himself he can't fuck you right now. Not when he finally built up the courage to do what he was about to do.

“I need to freshen up." He said, squatting down until he was almost eye level with you. "Open." He ordered. Without hesitation, you opened your mouth, tongue out prepared to let him do whatever he wanted. He gently grabbed your tongue, holding it between his thumb and finger before giving it a light squeeze. Drool already slipping out of your mouth. "When I get out of the shower, I expect you to be in our room, on all fours with this pretty little tongue to worship me. Understand, sweetheart?"

Your eyes widened as you felt your core involuntarily clenching around nothing. Fuck. This was so hot. Fuck. This was happening. It was happening.

John stood at his full height before heading to the master bedroom. You waited until you heard the clicking of the door before practically sprinting behind him.

You sat on your knees, anxiously listening to the sound of the running water from the bathroom. You wondered how he would discuss it. Both of you played out possible scenarios and weeded out ones you were absolutely not okay with doing.

One scenario you agreed on was you laying on your back with your head hanging off the bed. John would face fuck you for a bit before he got into a sixty-nine position. He would have the view of you playing with your greedy little pussy. You would lap at him like a pathetic whore while he stroked his cock before he finally came all over your tits.

One thing John didn't feel comfortable doing was simply bending over on his hands and knees. Hiking up a leg, sure. But something about the position made him feel vulnerable and he just didn't want to try it.

Waiting patiently by the foot of the bed. On your hands and knees like a good girl, you head the water shut off.

Fresh out of the shower, John walked over to you before sitting down on the bed. You waited for his order. Never jumping the gun and simply taking him the moment he waved his cock in front of your face.

He spread his thighs apart, letting his limp cock hang near the edge of the bed. "Put my cock in your mouth, but don't suck. Just want you to warm him up a bit." You immediately take him in your mouth without hesitation. Loving the way you feel his cock slowly harden.

You maintain eye contact, trying hard not to move your tongue. Fighting every urge to start sucking and being a good little whore. When he finally give you permission, he still sets the pace. His hand firm on the back of your neck.

"Go at your own pace, sweetheart." He said, kissing your forehead. "Just remember," He reminded, his voice still gentle. "Mo fingers and stop if you need to, yeah?" You nod, remembering that he's doing this for you.

He scooted down further on the bed before laying on his back. Legs spread.

You weren't really sure where to start. So you just started slow. Built up to the same way John did to you when he was the one licking your ass. You started with soft kisses. Letting your teeth graze over the skin of his thighs, getting closer and closer to where you wanted to be.

You felt him stiffen as you got closer. You gave a soft kiss before waiting for him to tell you to stop.

He doesn't.

You continue.

You start soft. Closing your eyes and licking and mouthing at his asshole like you were making out with it.

"Fuck." You hear him curse, but he doesn't tell you to stop.

"Can I please rub my pussy, Sir?" You asked, your hands aching to touch your wet cunt.

"Yes." He granted, his hand starting to slowly stroke his cock. "But you still need permission to cum." He reminded before closing his eyes and letting you continue.

With low curses and gasps falling from his mouth you became more and more enthralled. Your face pressing harder and harder against him. Trying to get your tongue as deep inside him as you possibly could.

The humiliation of it all making you feel already so close to falling over the edge. Your fingers rubbed methodical circles around your clit as you began mindlessly nodding your head along, tongue sticking out; lapping at his asshole like the stupid little bitch you were.

“You like that, huh? Licking me like the dirty little slut that you are." He said, knowing that was something you wanted to be told.

“Yes, Sir." You admitted, only breaking away briefly to answer him before resuming servicing him.

“Damn fucking right.” He growled out. "That's my good little whore. Worshipping my fucking asshole." His words made you clench around nothing. Making you wish you had asked to use a dildo or the fucking machine instead.

Next time. You thought.

"Can-fuck-" He pants tugging harder at his cock, his orgasm building. "Can I push your head, sweetheart?" It wasn't something the two of you had went over, but he wanted to be sure. During blowjobs were fine, but you had never done this before.

"Yes! Please!" You pant out before feeling his hand grab a hold of the back of your head and pulling you deeper into him.

You manage to spit, making it sloppier, wetter. Easier for you face to glide and knowing it probably felt better for him too. It's not too long before Price finds himself grinding pathetically against your face. "Fuck, sweetheart." He pants. "Fuck that feels so good."

You could barely breathe. Your mouth too busy lapping away at his asshole to bother breathing. Your nose pressed too hard against his taint to get any air. You decided if this is how you die... well, you wouldn't hate it. Hard

"Can I cum? Can I cum?" You repeated. Your voice muffled, but John knew what you wanted.

"Cum, but don't you fucking stop." He ordered. His grip tightening, legs beginning to tense. "I'm so close. Don't stop, sweetheart."

You kept going. Your jaw beginning to become sore as you kept going. Not even stopping when you felt John's body shake. Not stopping when your own orgasm took hold of you. Tears falling from the intensity of it all.

Not stopping when you heard him release a string of curses and praises. Not stopping when you felt his cum landing on the top of your head. Only slowing when he began to relax. Only stopping until he finally pulled you away.

You sat on your heels. Hands placed on your thighs. Waiting for him to look up at you. You were in position just waiting for fall apart. Trying so hard to be his good girl.

Finally he collected himself enough to manage to sit up. He looked down at you, marveling at the sight.

Mascara smeared. Face covered in spit. His cum now dripping from your head down to your face. Fuck, you looked beautiful.

Fuck.

Your hair.

Was that something you agreed on doing?

Fuck.

You had both agreed on him coming in you, on your face, tits, pussy or ass. Hell, you even agreed to lick it off of him or if any of it fell onto the hardwood. But you never went over if coming in your hair.

"Sorry, sweetheart." He apologized, swiping at a string of cum on your eye brown, threatening to make its' way into your pretty eyes. "Should have asked if your hair was okay." You smiled hazily at his concern, but honestly thought it was a little funny. This man pushed your face into his asshole while he called you filthy things and he was worried that you were concerned over a little cum in your hair.

"Let's get you cleaned up, yeah?" All you could do was nod as John hauled you to your feet and practically carrying you to the shower.

Tenderly, he got the oil based cleanser and began to clean your face as gentle as he could. It wasn’t methodical and not necessarily the best way, but he was too worried about rubbing your face too harshly knowing how raw it probably felt.

You didn’t care. You always marveled in the tenderness of his touch after an intense scene. Basked in his words of praise and adoration after he debased and dehumanized you. It was therapeutic. To be taken so low only to have the same man build you back up.

He spoke lowly in your ear. “Did so well for me, sweet girl.” After he ran the soft spray of water over your face, he pulled you tightly to his chest. You felt his lips press on your wet hair. “Made me feel so fucking good.”

You felt your knees weaken, but John continued to pamper you. Being sure to take extra care in washing your face again until at the remanets of your messed up make up was gone.

"You liked it?" You asked, closing in your eyes. Relishing in his touch.

"Yes, baby." He answered. "I loved it." Your chest swelled with pride. He liked it. He liked your fantasy too.

"Would you wanna do it again?" You asked, praying the answer was yes.

"I'd love that." You hummed in contentment as he turned you around, now starting on your hair.

Although John had never came in your hair before, he had learned your washing routine to the point of perfection and honestly his touch felt so much better than your own. It was a way of aftercare now, but initially he learned when you had hit a sub drop.

Neither of you knew that it even existed before it was too late. And two days after an intense scene you still hadn't washed your hair.

When he finally finished, he grabbed one of the microfiber towels you used to dry your hair. He methodically and gently squeezed out the access water before wrapping you in a huge towel. He stayed behind in the shower for only a minute to wash away your spit before joining you.

He took your hand, leading you to the sinks before turning you around to face him. You hated this part. It was when you were the most exhausted and you wanted to just crawl into bed. "Gotta dry it, Sweetheart." He said, sitting you down on the bathroom counter. "Just relax. Let me handle it."

So you did. You let John handle it. Let him have the power. It always worked out better for you anyway.

Eventually, John was satisfied and picked you back up. You were half asleep, barely holding on when he tucked you in. He pulled your back close to his chest.

It was nearing the end of your aftercare. John was scrolling on doordash, trying to find something that would be good to eat as he always did, asking for input. Sometimes you offered it. Mostly you said anything he wanted was fine. He always made sure it would be delivered after an hour. Giving you enough time to bask in the post-coital cuddles.

He continued talking. How much he enjoyed it. What he wouldn't mind trying next. Your eye were growing heavier and heavier the more he spoke. A brief moment of silence passed before he spoke again.

“You know,” he started. “Johnny was mentioning something about pet play with his girl.” It wasn't surprising. The four men of the 141 weren't shy in telling the others what them and the missus had been up to in the bedroom. Even going as far as to let the girls play together, but making it a point to never share.

None of them had any interest in letting another man touch what belonged to them, but they didn't mind letting the girls indulge in a little girl time.

“Heaven knows that MacTavish needs to be collared.” You said, feeling the edges of sleep beginning to take over your vision. You tried to stifle a yawn as you spoke, to no avail while John barked out a laugh.

“Who says Johnny's the dog?” He asked.

[zzztlk]

Love your art style and I adore how you do backgrounds!

Got a world building question: Rabel is a demon obviously but how fantastical is the world at large? Are magic/demons something the general public know are real or is that sort of thing generally considered fictional?

Also, you mentioned Raegan has naturally purple hair, and that her family has naturally blue hair. Is that just a stylistic choice or is there a greater in universe reason for it?

Ty!! I had a previous version of the story where all sorts of crazy stuff was going on with other demons and magic and pocket realms but in this one the only fantastical thing is Rabel. This iteration's supposed to be pretty grounded in reality, but then there's Regan's hair... half treating it like a stylistic thing, half like a Scott pilgrim "university of Carolina in the sky" situation. It has no reason to be a thing, but still is somehow. The pipeline went like this :

1. She just has dyed hair.

2. Too lazy to draw the gradient I'll just make it solid purple

3. "wouldn't it be funny if it turned out it isn't dyed it's just that her family inexplicably had technicolor hair"

4. the world is now just like ours but the human genome allows for hair colors across the full roygbiv spectrum. There's blonde, ginger, brunette, cobalt (Regan's mom side), cerise (Regan's dad's side), olive (nat has this gene; their hair is black but the reflection is olive under neutral light) and then there's Regan who's puce. Unlike people with other shades of purple hair, puces tend to get made fun of since their hair is "flea colored".

[jo-harrington]

Corroded Coffin Fest - Day 13 - Sex, Drugs, & Rock n Roll

Summary: Up and coming Rockstar Eddie meets his dream girl on Corroded Coffin's first tour. And she's nothing like what he thought she'd be like...

Word Count: 991

Pairing: Rockstar!Eddie x Pornstar!Reader

Rating: T - I KNOW LISTEN BEAR WITH ME...we're playing with the oxymoron ok? ITS NOT ABOUT THEIR RELATIONSHIP

Warnings/Themes: minor discussion of the rockstar/pornstar life (of which I have no experience), mention of smut but nothing graphic, strangers to...somethings, AU within an AU, satire, metafiction, angst, fluff, friendship

Note: Keeping in theme with Saturdays tying into my existing series, this entry takes place in the dream-AU that I just established in the last chapter of my series Stranger Than (Fan)Fiction, which is a story about Eddie realizing that he's been written into a crossover fanfiction with his favorite fictional character (you) from a cult classic television show called Port Geneva (which exists in-universe but obviously was made up by me). Does it sound like a headache? Because it probably is. STFF is EddiexFem!Reader. But its fun and if you're willing to give it a shot...idk I'm biased but 10/10 recommend.

Check Out the Main Post for @corrodedcoffinfest here! Even if you didn’t start on Day 1, you can still join!

Tagging: @the-unforgivenn at her request.

You can find my masterlist here.

Please do not interact if you are not 18+.

Enjoy!

If someone would've told Eddie that he would meet his favorite porn star--let alone sleep with them--he would've said they were delusional.

But there you had been.

In the pit at one of the shows on their first tour. A face and body he'd seen dozens, if not hundreds, of times on tapes from the adult section at Family Video.

Someone he'd convinced himself he loved, in some weird and desperate way; the world was unforgiving and you were reliably in the VCR anytime he needed you, so could you blame him?

He'd intended to find you after the show, but you had the guts to come and find them first. To tell them you'd been a fan of theirs after seeing them at the state fair last year.

Then one thing led to another...

It was wild, what coincidences and experiences his rising fame brought to him, especially in a dinky town like Port Geneva.

"It's not that dinky," you laughed. You were curled on your side, hand tucked under your head, staring at him like he’d just hung the stars. Maybe he had; he’d made you scream, after all.

A feat he was pretty proud of, actually.

“I’d never even heard of this place before coming here,” he scoffed in return. "Couldn't even tell you what state we're in."

You hummed, “it's funny how you'd never heard of this town but you recognized me.”

You'd brought it up more than once downstairs at the hotel bar. Disbelief that he knew your face when the whiskey had loosened his tongue enough to admit it. Almost to the point of self-deprecation.

“It’s just a job,” you explained. “It pays the bills. Makes relationships hard. But I have a little trinket shop in town. M'sure it’d be closed by now if I didn’t get those checks.”

And whatever stories he'd made up about you in his head before to convince himself it was ok to sort of be hopelessly in love with someone on the other side of his television screen were soon replaced with facts about the real you.

The reality of this situation made him, in contrast, feel almost too embarrassed by himself and his so-called fame. You, happy to stay here unknown, and him, riding his rising star all the way to the top if he could.

There was a long way to go.

”Well I’m surprised you’d heard of us,” Eddie scoffed. “We’ve only had one or two singles on the radio. We don’t even sell out our shows.”

“You will.”

“You have a lot of faith in us.”

“You don’t?”

“I feel like we’d do better if I still sold weed at the merch table before our gigs.” He smiled as you laughed, genuine joy radiating in his heart to see it.

“That’d get people in the door,” you agreed. You poked his cheek. "I forgot to get a t-shirt, by the way. Was too busy chasing after you like some hopeless fangirl to stop."

This was how it’d been all night. Nothing like he expected.

None of it was, actually.

It had been a whirlwind and he knew he wasn't the only one who felt like that. One day they were managing their own shit, going from state fair to state fair on their real first "tour." Then they had music on the radio and a manager and were on their way to making their first album...eventually.

Albums don't make money, Phil had said, shocking them all when Eddie had asked about it. Touring does.

They'd been offered uppers when they were tired, downers when they got too riled up. There was more money thrown around than any of them had seen their whole lives. And then there was a stern discussion where they had to decide what their future looked like and if they were in it for the long run.

They were just a bunch of guys in their 20s...and they had to decide their whole future right now.

But tonight's show was the first where he actually felt in command of the stage and not just like he was playing pretend.

He and his friends finally got their dream.

People knew them, knew their music, some people even sang along.

You hadn't even been the only one to approach them after the show.

Did they even deserve it?

"I'm just a guy from Hawkins," he whispered to you. "Waiting to wake up from this dream or for them to send me back."

Or something else. There was a lingering feeling that there was just something else waiting for the penny to drop.

Eddie continued spilling his soul to you, in hushed whispers across the pillows, about his hopes and fears, and before he could get to a point where he was certain he was about to cry...you crossed the distance and pressed a kiss to his lips.

It could have been a shut up, you talk too much kind of kiss, but there was something so soothing about it, about the way you caressed his cheek and dropped tiny pecks against his mouth when all was said and done. Two kindred spirits, finding their way to each other in a mess of uncertainty.

"The future is scary," you told him. "But you have to be ok with the choices that you make."

"Do you have any regrets?" he asked.

"Maybe. But then I wouldn't have gotten to meet you." You looked bashful for a second and then rubbed a hand over your face. "Yeah. The rockstar and the pornstar...definitely power couple material."

"We could be. They could write stories about us one day."

"Eddie, it's a one-night stand."

"Doesn't have to be."

"And who is this they you speak of."

"Our adoring fans."

"Uh huh." You snorted. "You have to buy me dinner first before we have some epic love story worthy of stories written about us."

Eddie just smiled.

"How about breakfast?"

[likeadevils]

Hi bestie, do you have any ideas what fortnight is about, like the context of that song? Ever since April I cannot seem to be able to figure it out no matter how hard I try. It seems to be about Matty, but is she talkinga bout their kate 2014 situation or 2022( or whenever they began to reconnect/2023 and the aftermath of his leaving? But then what are the husbands lines about, I kinda see it as Joe lines, but then how does it all fit?

you’ve pretty much got it! this is what taylor has to say about it— this part especially has to do with your question: “Fortnight, I've always imagined that it took place in this American town where the American Dream you thought would happen to you didn't, right? You ended up not with the person that you loved, and now you have to just live with that every day, wondering what would've been, maybe seeing them out, and that's a pretty tragic concept, really. So I was just writing from that perspective.”

so on one hand, it’s fictionalized. in terms of literal life events, it seems to be a dramatization of where she was in 2022/early 2023– she felt trapped in a loveless relationship with joe, and was hung up on matty, who drifted in and out of her life. but then there’s little flashes of later events— “no one here is to blame, but what about your quiet treason?” and “i took the miracle move on drug, the effects were temporary” both seem to reference the 2023 situation. and i think that’s intentional— it’s about both situations at once, how she felt stuck in a listless, loveless situation no matter what she did.

i also like reading it as a reflection of her relationship with joe. in this reading, fortnight becomes less a literal 14 days, and more metaphorical— a fort night. later in the album she describes that relationship as “a moment of warm sun” and associates him with cages, locks, and jails. she’s also described reputation (the album) as a bunker, and mentions “building forts under covers”. while they were locked away, they were forever, but that would evaporate into “quiet resentment” and “silent dinners”— the kind of relationship where conversations sound like asking about the weather and commenting on her sweater, all while presenting as a happy, good neighbors. it’s a bit more convoluted, but i think it also serves as a good introduction to how a 6 year long relationship and a fling you had a decade ago can feel like the same thing.

all that to say, the song’s main purpose is an introduction to upcoming album. a good opening track catches you up on what has happened, and gets you ready for what’s to come. it was written fairly late in the process, and she is intentionally tying in concepts that come up again later the album; she name drops florida, and specifically mentions previewing themes of “fatalism, longing, pining away, lost dreams” in the link above. another major theme in the album is layering different people experiences over each other to emphasize the cycles she was stuck in, and fortnight definitely introduces that concept

[ctrlsht]

Seat of Power | jungkook political au 04

pairing: ceo!jungkook x reader genre: political & yandere au

summary: in the world full of power and greed, there are people who seek freedom and peace. While the two rival families are fighting for different purposes, it's their son and daughter fighting for what they desire. You already buried the memories that happened that night while he already tattooed it on his mind. You've forgotten them while he's doing everything in his power to make it happen again. 

chapter summary: after you successfully escape in Jungkook’s territory, you are now in the care of the Choi family that helps you with your situation. Everything is now in favor of what you want until it’s not. You thought that you finally saw the light at the end of the road but it was a thunder that would consume you alive. 

chapter warnings: Jungkook breaking down, yandere tendencies, unstable mental health, Jungkook’s men breaking in the house, Y/N is physically and mentally unstable, brief smut (if there is more and not included, please do mention it. ty!) word count: 8.5k

disclaimer: This is pure fiction and I do not condone the acts of Jeon Jungkook in the story. All events and occurrences in this book are all fictional and all are part of my imagination. And also, this fiction will be political.

Jungkook receives a call while he’s in the meeting. It was your nurse who’s calling. 

It’s been only 2 days since he left to go back to Seoul for a deal and he’s going to be away for a week. It’s hard for him since he doesn’t want to leave you that long but his company would go down when he abandons his duties. His father is already doubting him for all the things that he’s been doing that’s why he needs to go back on track. 

He thought the only reason why your nurse called is to deliver a daily update from you about your condition. But he was wrong.

Your nurse didn’t even let him greet her and she immediately spoke. “Mr. Jeon, I’m sorry! Y/N is missing. We’re just preparing her meds when we left her in the living room and when we went back, she wasn’t there anymore and we still couldn't find her!”

The nurse speaks nonstop. She spoke so fast that Jungkook couldn’t understand most of what she said. 

But out of all she said, what marked him was you are missing. 

Jungkook felt like his world collapsed at his feet.

The people in the meeting got surprised when he suddenly stood up from his seat while he’s on a call. Hoseok—his friend threw him a concerned look but he didn’t give him attention. He immediately stormed out of the conference room without saying a word. 

“What the fuck happened?!” His voice thundered as he walked rapidly towards the rooftop where his private jet is located. He called his men to command a search on you. He also instructed someone to communicate with the government of Hanrim to help in the search for you. He still doesn’t know the whole story of how you went missing because he’s occupied commanding everyone to look for you. 

He was tense during the whole trip going back to Jeju. He’s been thinking a lot and he can’t stop his anxiety. He already thought about the things that can happen to you while you’re away and he’s been thinking the worst. There are a lot of things that’s been going inside his head but what’s on the top of his mind is “Why did you leave?”

Did he do something that you don’t like? Did he say something? Did you remember a certain memory that caused you to leave?

He still doesn’t understand why you left and he doesn’t want to acknowledge that the reason why you left is that you may have already remembered everything and you chose to leave. It’s the most possible reason for you to leave yet he chose to ignore it. 

Maybe she just wants to wander around the house? That she wants to see more than what’s inside the house. She can’t just leave me because I know that she loves me too. She can’t do that. 

His men and nurses ran into him immediately as they saw him walking in the house. They reported about what’s happening and stated how you left the house. They also showed CCTV footage of you leaving the house. It was obvious that you planned your escape but he can’t accept that on himself. He ordered everyone to leave the office because he wanted to be alone and give himself time to think. He’s been playing back the footage of you hundreds of times that he already memorized every move you make and yet, he still can't believe that you really did that. 

After he rewound it for the last time, that’s when it hitted him. 

You left him. You plan to leave him. 

He’s starting to shake and tears are now forming on his eyes. He bit the nails of his thumb to prevent himself from crying but it was too late. A broken tear was leaving his eyes. 

It didn’t last long for his tears to fall continuously until he started to scream and shatter the things in front of him. 

One of his men entered his office to check up on him but the man ended up bitten by Jungkook. He was practically screaming at his men, blaming him for your loss. He was continuously throwing punches until other men were begging him to stop before he killed the poor man. Whoever tries to stop him gets involved as well. He was already out of control when he decided to get the gun inside the drawer of his table and pointed it to the people in front of him and everyone went freeze.

“It was all your fucking fault you careless son of a bitch!” 

His eyes were bloodshot while he was pointing the gun and everyone paused to raise their hand in signal of defeat. The room was silent for a few seconds and Jungkook’s breath was in fast-phase.

He pointed the gun on the roof to shoot all of a sudden and everyone was leaning back while covering their ears as they screamed.

“Leave or you won’t be able to leave this room alive!”

And with that, he’s alone once again. 

He put his gun on the table and he tried to calm down but he couldn't. Another set of tears were flowing on his cheeks once more. He allows himself to fall down on the ground as he rubs his face with his palms and he looks at your frame hanging on the wall.

Why did you leave me alone? I gave you everything for you to stay. Am I not enough? Baby please come back. You know that I can’t live without you…

He doesn’t know how long he’s in his position crying for you to come back as if you could hear him from where you are. He’s blaming himself why you chose to leave. You planned to leave and he can’t accept the fact that he wasn’t enough for you. What makes it even worse is the fact that you might be in danger out there. It’s raining hard and you don’t have anything to cover yourself. You’re soaking wet when he last saw you in the footage and you’re probably shivering out there. You have no idea on the things that can happen to you and you were so naive in this world that there might be people who will hurt and take advantage of you. That thought alone scared him the most. He can’t just stay here and cry his ass because he knows for a fact that you won’t just appear in front of him. He must set aside his emotions and focus on finding you. 

Baby, no matter what happens, I will find you.

—

You were shivering because of fear and coldness and you were starting to lose your breath but you weren’t stopping from running. The road is getting blurred and foggy but you still continue to run in it. You're frightened because of the emptiness of the wide road but you didn’t stop because him catching you is the scariest of them all. 

You don’t know how long you’ve been running and where you are now but what matters is you’re already away. You’re not familiar on the road and there is no vehicle that’s stopping by. It doesn't last long until you realize that you’re in the middle of nowhere. In both corners of the road is a woods and it’s dangerous to enter that path. You just keep on running until you see a house in the corner of the road. You suddenly feel like there’s a light at the end of the darkness and you finally received the hope that you’ve been waiting for. 

You immediately knock on the door when you reach the front of the house asking if there is someone inside. As the second goes by that the door isn’t opening, you were panicking that Jungkook might catch you. You speak louder hoping that someone can hear you inside and after another few seconds, the door finally opens and a man in his late 30s is standing in front of you.

“Please, help me!” You begged and your cries became louder. 

“Oh my, what happened to you?!” When the man processed your state, he looked at you with his wide eyes before he looked back to call someone.

“Yeobo! There’s a woman in here!” The man called inside and he looked at you with a concern in his eyes before he let you in. 

“Thank you so much, ahjussi!” Your cry in relief. 

“What is it?” A woman in her 30s as well appeared in front of you. Probably the wife of the man. When the woman saw you, her eyes immediately opened wide. 

“Who are you?!” 

They let you change your clothes and they gave you a cup of coffee to drink. They help you make yourself comfortable in their house before you explain your situation. It was hard for you to finish your narrative because you weren’t sure of what you’re going to say. But you ended up narrating the reasons why you left that place. 

You’re already covered in a scarf yet you’re still trembling from what just happened to you. It hasn’t sunk in you that you’re finally out at his control and you manage to escape. You still can’t believe that you did that. 

You’ve been talking to the married couple who helped you and they were also helping you to figure things out. They were Choi Seung-won—the husband and Choi Ji-woo—the wife. They have a daughter named Yumi who’s at the age of 12. You were so thankful to them for helping you despite you being a stranger. They also thought that it would be easy for them to find you since their home is accessible since it’s along the road, hence, they offered to bring you to their parents so that you’ll be safe until you figure things out. They even offered to give you a ride which you were so thankful for. They’ve done enough for you yet they continue to help. 

“Jeon Jungkook? The son of Jeon Tae-soo?!” The mother of Ji-woo reacted as they had finished narrating your story. The couple nodded. 

“Are you sure?” She added, obviously doubting you. 

“Eomma!” Ji-woo reacted.

“Do you even remember your parent’s name?” The mother asked you.

You didn’t respond immediately because you’re trying to remember their name. You’re squeezing your brain in the hopes of remembering their names but you don’t.

You manage to remember their names however, because of the drugs and medicines that Jungkook made you drink, your brain resets.

The sad part is, you will never know that everything that happens to you is Jungkook’s fault.

“Of course she wouldn’t remember. She loses her memories, remember?” Seung-won answered for you.

You thought that everything would be in favor of you but it wouldn’t be just like that. Ji-woo’s mother couldn’t believe you because they find it impossible to happen. You couldn’t give much information regarding yourself and Jungkook because you do not have enough knowledge. All the things that you manage to remember before you left disappear in an instant. It was when you realized that you don’t have enough information about Jungkook who claims to be the love of your life. 

The only thing that you know about him is he has a company that you don’t even know about and his age. Your knowledge was limited because Jungkook himself doesn’t talk much about his personal self. The thing that he mostly talks about is the memories you’ve created with him in the past. He also only talks about you and who you are but never about him. 

Nonetheless, the Choi family let you stay with them even though it’s hard for them because if it’s true that you’re really connected with the Jeon’s, then they’ll be screwed because they are aware how powerful their family is. They’ve seen and witnessed how you were scared for your life and it’s enough for them to convince themselves to help you. 

In a snap of a finger, your life changes after you run away from Jungkook. You don’t have a single plan and you didn’t even think about it carefully yet you still continue. You acted based on your emotion and it was late that you realized where your actions brought you. Your life with Jungkook was a dream that most people want. Having things you want and being served. Most people would want that but behind closed doors, you were living in a prison and treated as a prisoner. 

You may be living in a huge and fancy house while being served delicious food and sleeping in a huge bed—but it wasn’t all about that. You aren’t treated like a normal human. It’s more like you’re been treated like a pet. 

Everytime you feel like you regret your actions, you always go back to the reason why you left. 

Your life with the Choi’s isn’t the best but it’s better living with Jungkook. You learned how to cook, how to clean and how to communicate with other people. It was an experience that you couldn’t have when you’re in that rest house. You feel that you really belong here. 

But honestly, you sometimes feel like a burden to the Choi family because you live with them rent free and they feed you for free. You always thank them for the things that they’ve done to you. Now, you’ve been thinking about how to go back to Seoul and see if you still have a life there. But they already warned you that it’ll be hard for you because Seoul is far away from Jeju. As much as they want to help you, they don’t have the money and resources to do that.

You thought that once you leave that place, you would start to remember but you were wrong. The most difficult thing is, most of the things that happen to you after you left that place suddenly fades away. You once again forgot all the things that you remember and even the things that you found out about your family and this is all because of all the medicines and drugs you’ve taken. 

 You’re once again clueless on who you are hence, it’s hard for them to find your real family. They want to ask for the help of the police but you’ve thought that it’s not safe because you’re aware of how powerful Jeon Jungkook is. Once the police know about you, it won’t take long until they bring you back to him. 

“Hey.”

The sun was already setting and you were sitting at the front of the house you’re staying in. This place is very different from the place you have with Jungkook. It’s a forest like and the houses are away from each other. There is no signal but it has electricity. You were starting to love this place because you feel more at peace. 

You looked at Ji-woo who sat beside you as she gave you a smile.

“What’s running through your mind?” She asked you.

“Nothing in particular.” You answered, still watching as the sun set.

“Are you starting to gain your memory?” 

“Not yet, unnie.” You smiled at her but it didn’t reach your eyes. 

A silence filled both of you and after a few moments, you spoke again.

“Thank you so much for letting me stay here. I swear, I’m going to repay you once I’ve figured this out.”

“You’ve thank us enough, Y/N. You don’t have to repeat it a hundred times.” She chuckles. 

They already treat you like a family and you’ve already felt comfortable around them and you’ve realized how you feel like yourself when you’re with them. You feel like you’re at home already and they are your family. 

“But seriously, how are you, Y/N?” After both of you joked around with each other, she looked at you with full concern in her eyes.

“I  wanted to say that nothing’s been bothering me but I would lie.” You smiled bitterly and you can’t hide what you really feel right now. “It feels like the decisions I made are wrong and I don’t know already.” You added.

“Oh dear. Why would you think that?”

“I also don’t know. I’m not sure how far I will go. I’m starting to feel like I’m just fooling myself and I don’t know when to stop this madness.” You sigh before you look down on your feet. The sun finally set and it’s already getting dark and cold. 

“I’m sorry that you feel that way and we can’t help much other than making you stay here.” She lightly caresses your right arm. “My family alone isn’t enough to help you. Do you want to ask for help? Maybe they won’t bring you back to him.”

“You’ve already done enough, unnie. I’m the problem and I don’t know how to deal with myself.” 

You don’t have a plan in the first place. Yes, you didn’t plan your escape and you acted based on your emotion and your instinct but you can’t just do that again. There are already people involved. You’re trying to formulate a concrete plan this time but the truth is, you’ve already created a plan but you know to yourself that it won’t work. 

You’re already doubting yourself if the decisions and actions you’ve made are right and as the time goes by, you’re starting to believe that you’ve made the wrong decision. 

Everytime you’re thinking about the Choi family, you’ve been thinking about how grateful you are that they’ve helped an unknown woman. You’ve also learned to love them and you’ve realized how your life is better when you’re with them. However, not because they were nice to you doesn’t mean that you’ll forever depend on them. They have their own lives and you weren’t part of it. You were just asking for a temporary home but you can’t stay with them as long as you want. They’re not like Jeon Jungkook who’s rich enough to support and take care of you. 

You’ve also thought about leaving already but you’ve realized that you have nowhere to go. You can’t do what you did last time—finding a family to help you. You cannot become a burden once again. 

You might be free right now but you can’t be free forever unless you have the solution to your problem—your memories. Without that, you’re nothing. You’re still hoping that you can have your memories back but you are starting to lose your hope. And the sad part is, as the day passes, it seems like you always lose a memory. It seems like you’re a hopeless case. You were thinking of who can help you and the only person you can think of is him. Sometimes, going back to him crossed your mind. When you first think of that, you immediately deny it to yourself because you’ve gone a lot just for you to go back. But as the time went by, you felt like going back will be your end decision because the only one who's capable of helping you is him.

Weeks have passed and everything was normal. For you to at least show your debts of gratitude, you always help in the house. At first, it was hard for you to adapt to their way of living but you’ve learned with their help. It wasn’t hard and the truth is, you felt like you’ve also done this even before. It’s easy for you to experience daily hardship like you’ve been through it. 

One day, when you’re helping Ji-woo’s mother in the kitchen, Seung-won was rushing to enter the house. He’s catching his breath and he’s sweating a lot. 

“Y/N, I’ve heard the news! Everyone in the city already knows that Mr. Jeon is looking for you! Most of the people were participating in the search party and it won’t take long before they find you here!” He was speaking so fast but you understand what he said. 

You silently gasp and an anxiety of fear fills you. Your feet were glued to the ground and you can’t seem to move. You haven’t said a word while the two are discussing it already. After a few moments. Ji-woo arrived at the house as she joined the discussion. 

“We have to find a place where they won’t find her!” Ji-woo said and Seung-won shook his head.

“We don’t have a place! We can bring her to my parents but it’s in Jongdal-ri but it’s literally on the other side! The trip will cost a lot.”

They were already arguing about what to do with you while you were still in silence. Your vision is slowly becoming blurry and their voices start to echo in your head. You suddenly feel that the world is spinning and you’re about to fall. 

And in a blink of an eye, you heard a loud sound on your head. 

The relatives were shocked when they heard a loud scream. You immediately caught their attention and they ran into you. 

“Y/N, what’s happening to you?!” 

You’re gripping your head and you’re groaning in pain. You’re already at the ground and when the pain intensifies, you’re now knocking your head. They were already panicking because they had no idea what to do to you. Your situation is becoming worse as you scream is getting louder. 

You were lying on the soft fabric of his bed while he’s at the top of you. He was caressing your delicate skin as he was slowly thrusting himself on you and you were crying from pleasure. You looked at his eyes that made you drunk and he inserted his thumb on your mouth to suck it.

“That’s it baby, take me so well.” He moaned before he went down to suck your sensitive nipple and you cried his name. You pulled him by the neck before you aggressively kissed him in the mouth. He continued thrusting and when you’re about to come, you screamed his name.

“Jungkook, please don’t stop!”

After a memory hitted you, silence filled you. Your whole body stops and you are only looking in one direction while your mouth is slightly opened. 

You were in a state of shock and the people around you were already asking your feelings while you couldn’t answer them. 

You have remembered a memory of you with him. It wasn’t just a memory because he was fucking you. You couldn’t believe that out of all the memories that both of you have, it’s the memory you remember. You have no idea when and where it takes place but you were sure that it does happen in his penthouse. 

“Y/N, please talk to us!”

You were back to reality when Ji-woo was shaking your arms. You looked at her and she he was almost crying. Everyone was looking at you like you’re almost going to die. 

“I remembered a memory.” You started.

“What? Do you remember everything?” Seung-won asked you and you shook your head.

“No. It’s just a memory with Jungkook.”

“What is it all about?” You didn’t immediately respond when Ji-woo asked you, you only stared at her in response. 

What happened to you terrifies them therefore, they become alert to what can happen to you next. They don’t know how they can handle you when it happens again and the only thing that they could do is look after you. 

You weren’t talking the whole day and you're always looking away. They don’t have an idea what’s running in your mind but they know that you’re in deep thoughts. Before the day ends, you finally spoke.

“Can I come when you go downtown?” 

“What? You won’t be safe Y/N. People might recognize you!” Seung-won responded. 

“I’ll hide and if they still manage to find me, I’ll surrender.”

You don’t know what got into you when you said that. They would probably catch you without a hassle but you still want to risk it. Because of what you recently remember, you suddenly want to get a glimpse of him. It’s been two weeks since you’ve last seen him and you wanted to see how he’s been. After all, he took care of you at least. 

You’ve doubted yourself even more. You felt like all the things you chose to believe are all wrong. You might be preceded by fear and doubt that he’s lying to you hence, you choose to believe what you want.

What if all your medicines you’ve drunk were really the medicine that will help you recover? What if you were drugged for your own sake? What if he’s just thinking about your safety? What if every information that he’s been grinding to you were the truth? What if he really loves you? What if you really love him? You’ve thought all of that because of a memory that you suddenly remember.

Now, you’re having a hard time finding the truth and you just wanted to confront him to answer all of the questions that won’t let you sleep but you were scared that he will lie and manipulate you. 

But there is something that you’re sure of, your heartbeat increases when you remember the memory you had with him on his bed.

—

You were overwhelmed with how crowded the city downtown is. For many weeks, the only people you see are the Choi family and way back when you’re with Jungkook, the only people you see are the nurses, maids, doctors, guards and Jungkook himself. You aren’t used to seeing a lot of people and you find it fascinating how you see what the real world is. 

You were used to being taken care of by the people you’re with but now, people don’t care about you anymore. They mind their own business as if you weren’t existing and it smells like freedom. 

“I’m going to buy some fruits over there and you should probably stay here. Don’t remove your scarf, alright?” Ji-woo pointed at the stall who’s selling fruits before she tapped your shoulder and you nod. 

You stay in your position and you keep on watching what’s around you. You’re in an open street market as Ji-woo granted your request of wanting to go outside.. You tightly close your scarf that’s also covering your head. Besides that you’re afraid to be known, you were also getting cold. It’s autumn and it’s starting to get colder. People are already starting to wear thick clothes to prevent getting cold. 

While you were looking around, you caught a person that’s very familiar to you and when you realized who he is, your heart suddenly jumped and you immediately turned around. 

It was one of your bodyguards and he’s also the last person you saw before you ran away. Anxiety of fear is falling on you and you don’t know what to do. You immediately use your scarf to cover half of your face and you start to panic. You were about to run towards Ji-woo when you saw another person that you were hoping to see. 

Jungkook is standing meters away from you. He wasn’t wearing his usual attire that’s white button down long sleeve polo and a black slacks instead, he’s wearing a beige sweater with a white collar inside of it and fitted dirty white pants. His hair is longer the last time you saw it and you admitted that it looks good on him. He stands tall and everyone can easily notice his great but intimidating aura and he looks stunning. 

You were hoping to see a glimpse of him but you didn’t expect it to be here where he doesn't belong. With his magnificent appearance, no one would ever spot someone like him in a public market. But now he’s here, everyone that’s passing by him eventually looks back.

He’s looking around, his eyes are like a deep ocean. It can be scary with its everlasting waves but you would love to look at how beautiful it can be.

You were so close to him.

The bodyguard that you saw a while ago is now talking with Jungkook. They were discussing something and you cannot even tear your eyes away. You should be running by now but you can’t help but to stay and look at him. You can’t help but to embrace the thrill you’re feeling right now that you’re close yet so far away. 

Waves of memories with him flashes through your mind. From the day you opened your eyes in a hospital bed and the first thing you saw is his crystal eyes to the last thing you remembered that you’re with him. It was when he’s tucking you to bed the day before you left. A sharp pang of guilt suddenly filled you. You don’t remember even a one time thing where he treated you badly. But rather, he treats you like a princess. He doesn’t even let a fly land on your skin but yet, you choose to leave him. 

He treats you right and you left him. 

And just before he laid an eye on you, someone pulled you aggressively and now, you’re running. 

“Oh my god, Y/N! He almost saw you!” Ji-woo was looking around as she was checking if there is a suspicious person near the both of you. She’s already panicking while you’re in there standing like an idiot. 

“I was talking with the seller and she suddenly talked about Jungkook who’s always visiting the area in the hopes to see you! And she mentions that because he’s literally in the area! Oh dear. What if they saw you? They saw us? We should probably leave now!” Before you know it, she’s pulling your hands and both of you are running once again. 

—

“Y/N, can you get the plate for me? The food is ready to be served.” Ji-woo’s mother looked at you and you immediately responded by getting the precise plate for the dish.

“You call Ji-woo outside. Seung-won won’t join us for lunch.” She added after you bring her the plate she asks you. 

It’s been two days since you saw Jungkook in the public market yet you felt like it happened just a second ago. Everything happens in a swift way. Ji-woo is pulling you and before you know it, you’re back at the top of the mountain where you’re alone with the Choi family once again. 

Your life cycle was still the same as usual. You wake up, help Ji-woo's mother in cleaning and cooking, eat, rest, sleep and repeat. Everything is still the same but your standpoint is slowly changing as the day goes by which you find complicated. You’re not just having a hard time dealing with yourself but you are also troubling the people around you. 

When you are opening your eyes in the morning, you were hoping that you would remember something from your past. Who you are, who your family is, what your life looks like or how you are in a relationship with Jungkook. You were hoping that you will remember at least one of them but they never come.

On a second thought, you did remember a memory of you in the past. You were having a sexual intercorse with Jungkook in his bed. It was a vague memory but you were certain that it did happen. You don’t understand why out of all the memories you had, it was the memory that you remember and you don’t even know if it's relevant to your life. 

That is the one memory you have and nothing more. You don’t have a choice but to make it your basis from your past and all your standpoint is slowly trembling because of that one memory you have. 

Your life would be better if you were really a part of the Choi family. Your life is simple and the place where you live is spectacular because of huge and refreshing trees, peaceful place and you always love watching the sunset. 

You’re content with the life that the Choi family allows you to have but you should look outside the box. You were still a stranger to them and there will be a time that you have to leave because you’re not really a part of them. They were just nice and generous to let you stay with them until you figured things out. 

You were trying to hide behind the Choi’s.

But everyone and everything that’s hiding will always be found. 

—

The weather is good, the air is always fresh, you can already reach the clouds from the sky, and you were having a wonderful day with the Choi’s. 

You were cooking a native dish outside the house to eat later this afternoon. 

You are happy. Until you’re not.

They were outside the house and you went inside to get the ingredients that are needed for the dish that you’re cooking. You are humming while you’re arranging the ingredients that you’ll bring outside and once you’re done, you grab them with the help of your two hands.

You haven’t even taken a step when Ji-woo suddenly appears in front of you. Her both eyes were wide and she looked agitated and she’s panicking. You were about to call her by her name when she suddenly pulled your arm inside your room where you’re sleeping.

“Whatever happens, don’t make a noise.” She warned you in a monotone voice as she closed and locked the door. She grabs the tupperware that you’re holding and places it on a table before she sticks her right ear on the door. 

You don’t know what’s happening but you know that it’s bad and it makes you nervous with how Ji-woo is acting. 

“What’s happening?” You whispered. She looked at you before she pulled you far away from the door. 

“They’re here. The people of Jungkook are here to find you, Y/N.”

It was like you’ve been doused with cold water and you can’t move. Your head felt like spinning and you were about to pass out. 

“How come—

“Shhh!”

She turned away before she returned in front by sticking her ear on the door. The room is filled with silence and you don’t hear a thing until you hear voices from outside of the house. 

“Who owns this dress?” A man speaks.

The house is small for you to hear what they are talking about.

“My wife’s.” You heard Seung-won respond. 

There was silence for a moment until you heard a man speak again.

“I don’t think that this dress will fit on your wife. I saw her a while ago.” 

The dress that they’re talking about belongs to you. It was the dress that you wore when you left his place and you were still wearing it up until now. You gasp when you realize that the dress is hanging outside because you had laundry yesterday.

“Can we check your house real quick?”

“No! That’s against the law! You don’t even have a search warrant.”

Everything happens so fast. You heard that Seung-won and Ji-woo’s mother are already shouting outside and Ji-woo is already panicking with you. She’s pulling her hair while she’s walking back and forth. 

“We should leave!” She said before she opens the door to peek outside and when she confirms that the inside of the house is clear, she opens it widely before she pulls your hand. 

At the back of the house, there’s a door going outside and both of you immediately exit the house. Both of you were rushing going the opposite way where the front door is. Ji-woo is looking around while you’re looking where the people of Jungkook are located and there, you see again the man you saw in the public market. He was fiercely standing in front of another man who’s attacking Seung-won. Your surroundings went in slow motion when you saw the scene for a few moments. Everything is a mess and you cannot believe that it all happens at once. 

It will take a few minutes before you can reach the streets from where you’ve been but with how fast you and Ji-woo, it only took you a second to reach the main street going to the town. After you’ve landed to the ground, both of you stop to catch your breath. Ji-woo rests her hands on her knees and you lean on the pole beside you. 

The streets were empty. There’s no car passing by and there’s no people that can be seen. You look up at the sky and the sun that’s shining a while ago is now covered with thick clouds. It looks like it’s about to rain.

You can’t believe that everything turns upside down on just a one snap of a finger. 

“Our house is far from here and we don’t have a vehicle as of the moment.” Ji-woo said while also looking around. “We can’t be walking on the street right now.”

Ji-woo is speaking and it’s almost like she’s already talking to herself. You cannot even utter a word and were just watching her go crazy.

It’s ironic that you should be the one having her reactions instead of her but here you are, standing like a 3 year old kid that’s waiting for her mother to decide for the both of you.

“I know a friend! We can go there first since it’s nearer than our house.” 

She walked on the opposite side where both of you are facing and this time, she didn’t pull you. 

You notice how she’s been always pulling you to get out of the situation you don’t want you to be in. She pulls you away when Jungkook almost sees you at the public market, she pulls you going inside the room to hide and she pulls you when you escape the house of her mother to avoid getting caught by Jungkook’s men. 

She’s always the one who helped you get away while you were always acting stupid with everything. 

When Ji-woo noticed that you weren't following her, she looked back and walked back to you. 

“We should hurry! They might catch us!” She extends her hand for her to pull you once again but you resist.

“Unnie.”

She looked at you confused. You slowly let go of your wrist from her grip.

“I think we should stop this.” You spoke and she immediately frowned from what you just said.

“What are you saying?” She asked in a low voice.

“I can’t keep hiding like this. I can’t keep hiding with you.” Tears were now forming on your eyes and you inhaled deeply to prevent it from falling. 

“What do you mean? It’s okay. We can reach at the house of my friend in no time—

“No. I should… stop.” Your voice is getting lower as tears escape your eyes. She immediately went to caress and wipe your tears before she hugs you and with her warmth, you cry louder in her embrace. 

“We can deal with this. You have us, Y/N.” She spoke as she rubbed your back and you shook your head.

“That’s not what I mean. I should stop this because nothing will happen and things will only get worse.” You said as you sobbed.

That’s the reality that you keep denying to yourself. No matter where and how you hide, he will manage to find you. You will only make a fool of yourself when you continue to hide because you will only trouble the people around you and nothing will happen. 

You pulled away and you looked at her. 

“You’ve done enough, Unnie. You, Seung-won oppa and your mom have done enough for me and I will forever be thankful.” You sob and she was about to speak but you hush her.

“I feel bad that I seek help from your family even though I don't know who you are yet, you still accept me and treat me as a family and I will be forever grateful because I don’t know what will be the worst thing that will happen to me if you didn’t let me in when I was in front of your house, begging for you to help me.”

A strong wind blows on your face, an indication that there’s a chance to rain. You look down on your feet and Ji-woo grabs both of your wrists.

“I understand that you feel bad but we’re open to always help you because we know the situation that you have and we won’t let bad things happen to you. We will help you to gain your memory until you are finally able to go back home. If you feel like you’re a burden, then I will tell you that you’re not. We’re glad that we had a chance to meet a wonderful woman like you.” She’s also crying already and she hugs you for a second time. 

“That’s not only my concern, unnie. Do you remember when I was having intense pain and I told you that I remembered a memory with him?” She nodded before you continued. “It was a memory of me having sex with him.” Her eyes widened and her  mouth agape when she heard what you’ve just said.

"I don't understand why out of all the memories I had, it's the memory that I remember. Everyday when I wake up, I'm praying that I will remember something in my past that can be linked to who I am, who my family is or even who's Jeon Jungkook in my life. But I remembered nothing." You sighed heavily letting your head drop before you wipe your eyes. 

"I can't help but make it my basis from my past because that's the only memory I have. What if I'm really in a relationship with him and he's only helping me to recover? That everything that he's been doing to me is for my own sake?" You covered your face as you let go of your heavy cries. 

You never expect that you will be able to tell her your thoughts about this. You’re just taking everything to yourself considering that you don’t know how to talk about your own feelings and thoughts because ever since you’re with him, you never used to talk about it and you would prefer to keep it to yourself.

You keep it to yourself until it overflows and now, you explode.

A loud thunder roared furiously in the sky. The surroundings are getting dark and it’s about to rain. Ji-woo hasn't said a word afraid that she’ll say something wrong.

“What if what I want to believe is actually wrong and I’m just making a fool out of myself.” You wipe your tears once again before you look at her. You’re already exhausted and you just want to end this.

“I can’t run anymore because I might be running on the wrong path.” You looked at the sky and it thundered once again before you heard a drop of rain from afar. 

“Do you want to think about it carefully or do you… want to go back?” Ji-woo asked after her long silence. You looked at her and you smiled painfully.

“I’ve already thought about it hundreds of times and it exhausted me enough. I’m going back.” A rain started to pour on your face and you closed your eyes as you cried along with the rain.

From that, both of you and Ji-woo are in silence embracing the coldness of the rain. As the rain is getting heavy and louder, you slowly try to calm yourself down and let go of the heavy feeling you have. It feels like a lump on yourself has been removed when you finally decided on what to do because you’ve been killing yourself by making yourself exhausted. 

“If that’s what you really want,” You glance at Ji-woo as she speaks. “Then I’m going to go with you.”

You’re walking along with her in silence to reach the nearest bus station while the rain is still pouring. It’s like you’ve reset that you cannot even process the things that happened but you felt better. Like it’s your first time to feel relief. 

You still can’t believe that you will go back after all the things that happened to you. You’ve done a lot yet you still choose to go back. It may be ridiculous but you’ve decided that it’s the best thing to do in the situation you have. 

The bus dropped you off in a place where it’s only 500 meters away from the rest house and as your distance is getting close, that’s the only time that you feel anxious but you slide it away because you’re already here and there’s no turning back.

“I guess, I’ll just stay here until you finally enter. But I’m still going to watch you.” Ji-woo smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. Both of you said their final goodbyes before you continued to walk.

The rain continues to pour and you’re getting numbed at the coldness of it. 

It was raining when you did your escape and it’s still raining when you decided to go back. 

You looked at the sky before you finally showed yourself in front of the gate. It didn’t last long until the guards noticed you. They’re surprised as expected and they immediately open the gates for you. 

One of the guards pulled his walkie and he radioed someone. “Mr. Jeon! Y/N is in here!” 

After a few moments, the double doors were opened and from there, you saw him wearing his office attire and at his back is where his men were. 

His eyes shine from afar like he has seen a diamond in a treasure box. 

Despite the heavy rain, he’s running fast towards you. Like it was his only chance that he can see you even though you won’t be going anywhere. 

And with a blink of an eye, he’s all over you. You never realize that you’re getting cold until his embrace brings warmth in you. He hugs you so tight and even with the heavy rains, you can clearly hear his broken sobs from your neck.

“I thought I won’t be able to see you again! I thought you won’t be going back! I thought you’d be gone forever! I missed you and I almost died when you’re not here! Please don’t do that again, baby. I’m begging you. You can’t leave me alone!” He spoke so fast like it’s the only chance that he can say everything to you. His hugs are getting tighter and you can barely breathe.

You gently rub his back in an attempt to calm him down. You felt his hot breaths on your neck when rests his left cheek on your left shoulder as he still sobs. 

“We should head inside. The rain is pouring.” You spoke and he slowly pulled away to look at you.

You’ve known him for his serious and intimidating personality and right now, he’s the complete opposite. He looked like a kid who cried so much with his red and puffy eyes, red nose and red plumpy lips.

You didn’t realize what you made him turn into. 

“Why did you run away? Why did you leave me, baby?” He broke down once again and you have no choice but to caress his face and wipe his tears away in the hopes that he’ll calm down.

“We’ll talk later but now, we have to go inside.” You tried to talk to him in a softer  voice and he nodded before he wrapped his hands on your waist and walked inside the house. 

As you step inside, you look around and everything is still the same but there are only a few maids that’s going around and nurses aren’t visible. Once the maid saw you, they immediately assisted you by wrapping you with a towel and drying your hair. They assisted you on your way to your room and helped to get yourself cleaned and dry. 

It’s the only time you notice something after you’re finally alone in your room. The smell of the room isn’t what it used to be. It smells like a fresh lime with the soft, sweet scent of vanilla. It smells exactly like Jungkook. 

You’ve also noticed that the bedsheets were still the same before you left and you’ve seen some of your clothes on the top of the bed—below the pillow in specific. Before you even analyze everything, the door slowly opens and you see him standing in front before he decides to enter the room. He’s wearing his sleepwear. Oversized shirt and pajamas. You admitted that this is your favorite outfit of his as he looks adorable and less intimidating. 

He doesn't break his eye contact as he walks towards you and when he’s in front of you, he slowly raises his palms to stroke both of your cheeks before he gently pulls your nape and pressed his forehead on yours. 

“You left this house and you willingly returned. Why is that, baby?” He asked in his delicate voice. It took you a few moments before you answered. 

“Cause I missed you.” His hands traveled at your back before he snaked his arms on your waist.

“Do you have an idea on how I’ve been when you’re away?” He asked and he rested his right cheek on your right shoulder. 

“You’re finding me.”

“That’s given already, baby. But did you know what I've been through?” you didn’t know how and what to answer so you only stayed silent. He looks at you once again as he caresses your face. “I lost my mind because I don’t know what to do. In the first few days, I thought it’s already the worst but when you’re already gone for a week, I died. I may be breathing but I died inside, baby.” He slowly strokes his fingers on your hair. “You killed me when you chose to leave, Y/N.”

You’ve thought of his state where you could never imagine. A pang of guilt filled you as you can’t admit to yourself that you regret leaving him.

“I slept in your room hoping that I can still feel your presence when you’re away and it helps me to keep me sane. I lie on your bed and imagine that you’re lying beside me even though you’re not.”

You stay in your position with him for a few moments as you embrace the silence between the two of you. “How about you? How have you been?” He asks after a long silence and he gently tucked on your ear the remaining hair strands that’s covering your face. “I want to know everything, baby. From your reason why you left to the reason why you willingly returned.”

Now that you’re back in his arms, you’ve realized two things: you did really miss him and you regret leaving him. If the past you from months ago will see you right now, she won’t believe the choices you’ve made. 

You’ve done a lot to prove yourself that he’s the bad guy but now, you have returned in his embrace. 

You slowly accept the fact that the only memory you have from the past and even in the present is him and nothing else. 

End.

—

Note: it finally ended, yay! Thank you for reading and supporting the seat of power series and I appreciate it so much! I do enjoy writing the series and I’m happy that I got to finish writing it because there are times that I lose my interest in continuing to write a series but this time, I really enjoyed it! Again, thank you for the support on this series! ♡

[greensaplinggrace]

🔥Shadow and Bone

okay. shadow and bone’s portrayal of the darkling as ‘the charming, manipulative older abuser’ isn’t subversive. it’s not even subversive for it’s genre. anyone who claims it is is acting like a pretentious douchebag and gives off the impression that shadow and bone is the only thing they’ve read in their life.

a series that paints it’s main activist for the oppressed minority as the villain, has the heroes oppose him and then kill him, and then has them uphold the status quo without ever addressing the problems that radicalized him in the first place - actually making the situation worse for the oppressed minority after his death - is a series that is loyal to the genre’s regular inability to properly address real world problems or challenge societally accepted, regularly taught, and preconceived beliefs, biases, and prejudices in any way. it abides by all societal rules and standards.

furthermore, it embraces the majority of popular american media’s desire to in some way propagandize the government and/or the catholic church. this is displayed in the presence of nikolai, who functions as the white savior - a less outcast, less traumatized version of ‘the abuser’, who rolls in privilege and embodies everything the white leftist thinks is acceptable. he is one of the Good Ones, after all. 

this is also evident in the way the writing treats it’s main female characters: by shaming them for their desires, infantilizing them and whitewashing their worse actions, and often making them two dimensional victims of the ‘dark, dangerous, outcast seductor’ with no real personality anymore. when the female characters are ‘empowered’ in this series, it is usually only when they are enforcing the status quo - any other moment of power is likened to greed, selfishness, and monstrousness (which is all, of course, only ever tied to the oppressed minority and to men).

the only time the women in the series can be truly ‘good’ is when they are stripped of all personality, progression, or power - or when they are directly opposing or disagreeing with the villain. this gets to such a point in the books where the main female character’s arc of self actualization is regressed in an effort to turn her away from such ‘evil thoughts and desires’, simply because the villain encouraged her to engage with them. 

in a startling show of entirely embracing this genre’s many sexist flaws, the main character is stripped of her agency and beaten back from her growth into true womanhood and self acceptance simply because of the sins and influence of one man. he must have corrupted her, says the narrative. he is the one that put her darkness there. and so she is therefore never allowed to truly explore those darker parts of herself to reach the full breadth of her own actualization and self acceptance.

she can now never truly come to love herself because she has been ‘tainted’. and now the only true way she can be saved and happy is if she is ‘cleansed’ of what makes her other from society. the fundamental tying of everything that makes alina different and unique to something 'sinful' will forever condemn her to a life of assimilation and loss.

not to mention that - as has been stated before - the series does nothing to actually challenge any actual preconceived notions of abusers, and instead only cements the common belief that abusers are easy to identify and noticeable in their status as outcast from society and from the ‘church’. the regular dehumanization of the darkling by the fictional church as well as the socially accepted characters presents him as a monster, which only solidifies the common belief that abusers are not people, that they don't function as people, and that they are universally unliked.

the use of dark and light themes could have been groundbreaking if implemented correctly, but instead the heavy handed attempts at moralizing through these symbols only further makes the series standard to the genre by enforcing your typical puritanical roles upon characters that deserved more nuance. 

it was a basic ya novel in every way, it did nothing to actually subvert the genre, for subversion is only effective when you don’t hate the genre you’re subverting, and the author’s aversion to ya, fantasy, and the women who read it and ‘fall for it’ is clear in both real life and in what she’s written. the series’ ‘condemnation’ of the ‘dark, charming, and brooding older lover’ actually ended up making the series less subversive simply because it was not only handled so poorly that it practically condemned and shamed abuse victims instead, but also because it enforced the same standards society and most popular ya enforces today in young women or people of any minority when it comes to their determined roles.

you know what piece of media is subversive for it’s genre? black sails. you know what piece of media isn’t? shadow and bone.

send me a 🔥 for an unpopular opinion (x)

[itsavgbltpta]

Should You Watch Undead Murder Farce?

(Japanese title: Undead Girl Murder Farce)

A Brief Summary

In an alternate universe where demons and monsters still exist, one half-oni is living out his days in a fight club, just waiting to die.  That is, until a genius detective manages to catch his eye.  With promises of extending his life in an exchange to end her immortal one, the two pair up - along with the detective’s maid who happens to be handy with a rifle.  The trio solves some mysteries in Japan before going global, searching for the man who wronged them both and meeting some familiar literary figures along the way.

With so many scheming people together - friend and foe - it’s a battle of who can out-think and out-detective each other in order to win the day.

So, should you watch the anime?

Yes!

To be fair, I have a predilection for media (shows, books, whatever) where geniuses keep trying to out-do each other.  I love a person with a plan that’s thinking 30 steps ahead in 5D chess.  And this show is abundant with that character type.  I also like it when a show can keep me on my toes.  Undead Murder Farce kept up a lot of mystery throughout, which also makes it kind of hard to talk about in fear of spoiling things.

The season is made up of several arcs, each 2-3 episode arc involving a specific mystery to be solved.  There is also a general mystery tying things together and giving reasons for our characters to come together.  Our detective trio often clashes with an organization made up of supernatural beings, sometime works alongside vigilantes, and tend to end up meeting a whole lot of interesting folk.

I was a bit skeptical when the show made a change from the Japanese setting to Merry Olde England, and also wary for our detective hero party to suddenly be in the realm of probably the most well known detective in all fiction, but this show managed to pull it off.  Sherlock didn’t steal the show.  Lupin may have. ;)

One of my least favorite characters in Undead Murder Farce is the maid body-guard.  She didn’t seem to have much point in the plot-line besides being sullen and getting into certain… situations… but you know what, I bet there are people who really like her and those situations, so I’m not upset, lol.

The animation is really nice and action sequences flow well.  I am a fan of the character design so that gets a win from me, but I know that’s always a subjective thing.  But if you like any of the faces you see in the image for this article, then you’ll be good to go.

I have to mention the absolute banger of an OP this anime has as well.  It gave me big K-Pop vibes (in a good way).  I did a little digging and the group that performs the OP is part of the K-Pop world, so I guess that vibe makes sense.  It’s a song I can easily recall even half a year later (which is kind of a rarity with the amount of anime I watch), and it sparked joy every week.

For me, characters are a big part of what makes me enjoy a story, so what kind of characters does Undead Murder Farce have jam-packed within each mystery-solving episode?

A slightly perverted and laid-back Rakugo-styled half-oni experiment that can put up a mean fight with a smile always on his face (Tsugaru).

An immortal genius looking for someone to end said immortality - oh and also looking for her body as she’s currently just a very intelligent head in a cage (Aya Rindou).

A military-esque maid who can keep up with the monsters around her, though she also somehow ends up in rather sapphic situations (Shizuku).

A gentleman thief that’s always a few steps ahead of his detective opponents and tends to add a dramatic flourish to all he does (Arsene Lupin).

The big detective himself, full of snark and confident that he is the alpha detective in Europe, despite the supernatural competition (Sherlock Holmes).

The epitome of a polished lady who isn’t afraid to show off her assets and also sink her teeth - quite literally - into anyone who gets in her way (Carmilla).

Plus a whole heaping of other figures from literature and supernatural origins, including the mother-fucking Phantom of the Opera.  Just because.  

I skipped on a few key spoiler characters as this anime is all about mystery, and who am I to give it away?

Where does it rate on my personal scale?

S: I will buy it at full price (unless it’s released by Aniplex USA, because fuck their pricing).

->A: I will buy it on sale sometime down the line.

B: I had fun watching it, but don’t need to own it.

C: It’s not my cup of tea, but wasn’t awful.

D: Dropped it.

X: Finished it out of spite, but did not enjoy it.

Undead Murder Farce was a lot of fun to watch, so it gets an A ranking from me.  It was probably my favorite anime of the summer 2023 season, and the show I most looked forward to watching every week.  While some mysteries were solved in the 12 episodes that aired, we’re still missing a resolution for the over-arching plot lines.  I very much hope we get a season 2!

[redqueenphoenix]

State Championship (TWD Fan Fic Part 2)

State Championship Part 2

(A TWD Fan Fiction)

I do not own any of the rights to The Walking Dead, nor do I own any of the characters mentioned from here on in, other than Victoria Hawkins. Some situations have been changed and some people may have been switched in this alternate universe. 

All characters in this fan fiction are over the age of 21 years old.

Coach Negan Smith X Female OC

Word Count: 1697

~*~

Victoria’s mind still reeled as they pulled into the parking lot of the college that state championships were being held. Negan still stayed at the front of the bus as they came to a stop. 

“Alright, ladies it’s game time. Let’s give ‘em hell.” Negan said as he smacked the back of the seat he was standing at. “We have one shot at this. Be on your game!” He made his way over to his gym bag looking at Victoria with a devil’s smirk. 

Reaching across the seats, she grabbed her gym bag and waited to get off the bus with the rest of her team. As she made eye contact with Coach Negan her lips began to tingle from the encounter a little bit ago. She followed as the doors to the bus opened in the parking lot of the state college. 

“Holy shit.” Barbie gasped as she took in the massive amount of cars that were in the parking lot to watch them play. “This is insane.”

“Yeah it is. This is like triple what comes to our home games.” Samantha laughed as her eyes got wide.

“It's the state championships. We’re here because we are in the finals. We have one team to stomp before we take that title home, ladies.” Negan laughed, “don’t get distracted.”

“Yeah, Victoria. Don’t get distracted.” Barbie laughed as she nudged her friend's arm. 

“Let’s go ladies.” Coach Negan motioned for them to follow him into the double doors of the building to the gymnasium that they were going to compete in. 

Victoria pointed to the locker room with their home banner on it. “In here ladies. We got ten minutes to game time.” She sighed in relief as she was able to put a bit of distance between Negan and her. That kiss fried her circuits and it was all she could think about for the rest of the trip. She had to get out of that mindframe and get in the game. This game couldn’t get away from her over a stupid kiss.

The team made their way in dropping their bags and started getting ready for the game. Barbie, Samantha and Aubrie naturally made their way over to Victoria. 

“So…” Barbie grinned as she slipped her gym clothes out of her bag, “what’s the special game plan that Coach had to talk to you about?”

Instantly Victoria’s cheeks turned red as she turned away from the girls. “Normal game plan.”

“Yeah, fuckin’ right.” Samantha squealed as she caught the blush. “You didn’t even talk about a game plan. You and the coach were neckin’!”

Victoria threw her shirt at Samantha, “so what. I’m an adult!” She grabbed her gym shirt, slipping it on and tying it off in the back with a ponytail holder. 

“Don’t get defensive, Tori, save that for the game.” Aubrie laughed as she finished changing and was slipping on her gym shoes. “It’s fine,” She shot a look at Barbie and Samantha, “as long as you're both happy and single, you're golden! Do what you do.”

“Wait, is Coach single?” Barbie asked as she tied her hair back.

Victoria’s eyes went wide, she’s never seen a ring nor has there been anyone come in to see him while he was working. But she knew nothing of his personal life. “Oh, my god…” She gasped as she touched her lips.

Samantha burst out laughing, “you seriously think I would let you ruin your life like that. He’s single. I did my research.”

Victoria sighed in relief as she finished getting ready, slipping into her gym shorts, gym shoes and tying her hair back. She felt a sudden surge of energy as she heard music start up in the gym. “Ladies, we got this!” Her voice carried over the chaos of the locker room. 

The ladies cheered and jumped around as they hyped themselves up. Heading for the door as they heard their team was announced. 

Victoria was the first out the door with her famous smile and bubbly personality as she led her team to their side of the court. 

Coach Negan was sitting on the bottom of the bleachers with a clipboard when they ran out. Standing he cheered with the rest of the crowd, heading over to the girls. “You guys got this. Their best player isn’t here today. Some sort of injury.” He stepped back to the sidelines to watch as the ladies took their side of the court. 

The music pulsed as the other team took their places as well, heading to the net to shake Victoria’s hand along with her team before the game began.

The game was down to the wire as Victoria and her team huffed and played their hardest, giving them the point lead. Out of the corner of her eye she kept seeing Coach Negan pacing the sideline like a caged animal. She held her position in the front while the opposing team got ready to serve. 

“Trash.” The blonde in front of her snarled over the net. “You play like trash.”

Victoria’s jaw fell open as the comment slid into her ears. The woman in front of her was one of those chai tea starbucks types. She assumed that she was on the team because her daddy paid for her. This boiled Victoria’s blood as she worked her ass off to get where she was. 

The ball sailed over the net towards the middle of the court, Barbie ran for it, bumping it back up into the air towards Aubrie. 

Victoria smirked at the girl as Aubrie set her up perfectly. Using the anger she felt to her advantage as she ran for the ball, spiking it hard over the net. The satisfying noise of the blonde’s scream made her smile.

“Oh my god! Stephanie!” One of the other ladies yelled as the blonde landed on her ass holding her now bleeding nose. 

“Game!” The referee yelled as the ball rolled on the other side of the court. 

“That’s my fuckin’ girl!” Coach Negan yelled from the sidelines as they took the game. Jogging to the team that surrounded Victoria and pushed his way to her.

“We won?” Victoria’s face was one of complete disbelief, she thought surely what she just did was a foul. The girls rushed her and cheered around her. “How the hell did we win?”

“That blonde girl tried to back up to hit it and it bounced back from her hands. We fuckin’ won!” Samantha yelled as she jumped around. 

Flashes went off in the crowd as the referee motioned for Coach Negan and Victoria to walk over to accept the trophy. As they held it up everyone cheered and yelled for them. 

A local news reporter came over who was covering the match with a smile, “how does it feel to have the state championship title?” He shoved a microphone into Victoria’s face.

Victoria beamed as she looked over to Negan and her team, “we wouldn’t be here without our wonderful Coach! This feeling is amazing!”

He turned the microphone to Coach Negan as he motioned her off to her team with the trophy so they could have their pictures taken. 

After about a dozen or so pictures the girls finally made their way to the locker room. The energy of the team was through the roof as they chattered and changed into their street clothes.

“You knocked her on her ass.” Barbie said as she shipped her shirt on. “What the hell did she say to you? I can tell you aimed that shit at her face.”

“She said I played like trash.” Victoria laughed as she slipped her jeans back on. She pulled her hair down and shook it out.

“Get out, that preppy whore?” Samantha chuckled, “If anyone played like trash it was her with her daddy’s money. She had no talent.” She slipped her street shoes on. 

Aubrie peeked around the corner of the lockers, “I know this is totally off topic, but do we know where we are staying tonight?”

“Some hotel. Bet you it’s gonna be shady as hell too.” Barbie laughed as she stuffed her clothes back in her bag.

Victoria rolled her eyes as she finished dressing and slipped her headphone back around her neck. “Well either way, I’m grateful we don’t have to sit on that bus for two more hours.”

“True that!” Samantha chimed in as she grabbed her bag, “we should do something tonight to celebrate.”

Aubrie checked her hair in the mirror, “like what?”

“See what the night life is like here!” Samantha said as she smirked, “we’re all old enough to see if the clubs here are any better than back home.

“I don’t know about that.” Victoria gave a very questioning look to her friends. 

“Fuckin’ live a little girl, or are you worried you’d upset Coach Daddy.” Barbie grinned as she grabbed her bag, “I’m in!”

“I’ll think about it.” Victoria laughed as she made her way out of the locker room with the team in line.

“That’s what I’m fuckin’ talkin’ about. You ladies killed it!” Coach Negan beamed as he walked out and headed to the bus as a group. 

“Told you we would.” Victoria smirked, “did you doubt me?”

“Not for a moment, doll.” He motioned for her to get on the bus. 

Victoria chuckled to herself as she tossed her bag into the seat it was before and slid back into the seat where Coach Negan was sitting with her. She noticed that his lips tugged into a devilish grin watching where she sat. 

As the ladies all settled in, Negan leaned into the bus driver and told him where to go. Leaning against the first seat up in the front, glancing back at Victoria with a smile.

~*~

Part 3

[prismaticutie]

Lumi lore ending explained

Hi everyone! I want to make a post addressing my experience w mental illness in the past year(s)

It's going to be a very long post but before I get into it, I want you to know that I'm more or less happy with where I'm at currently! I just want to talk about my mental illness and what it's been like for the past year or so

If you're not interested in that just skip this post okay ty <3

TW: suicide, mentions of self-destructive behavior

- - -

This is gonna be a long ride so strap in pals. I should also clarify I don't know the technical terms that would apply to my situation. I don't want a diagnosis on this, I just want to talk about it.

Let's talk about Cyrus. If you know me, you probably know that I've been obsessed with the guy for a little over a year now.

It goes past the point of obsession. He lives with me. And he has, for the past year, mentally.

I like to think of him as my "mental aid" or sometimes even my "caretaker". I don't consider him a "fictional other", although I suppose the nature of our relationship might look that way to someone else.

Already this is a lot to take in, but allow me to explain.

I have had a history, since about 2019 or so, of having fictional characters reside with me inside my head. It started out as just talking to characters, like any imaginary scenario. But then it grew to be more.

I would talk with them about everything going on in my life, live out entire storylines with them, and it got to the point where they would advise me in what to do with my life.

There were two other characters before Cyrus. Characters rarely exist simultaneously. Before Cyrus, characters would only be present for a few months, then disappear for a few months, then come back or be replaced with another character. That new person would stay for a few months, and the cycle would continue.

These characters were there to help me. To guide me, to serve as my subconscious and voice of reason.

And to provide emotional support when I needed it and felt I couldn't confide in anyone who was real. This often led to a sense of closeness and to me developing emotional attachment to the characters, to the point of even seeing them as "fictional others".

I knew the characters were not real. I know they are not real, were never real, and will never be real. However, I still choose to rely on them and develop relationships with them.

It is not normal. It is not conventional. I am fully well aware that they are not real. But at the end of the day, it's my mental illness, and this is the coping mechanism that helps me the most.

Cyrus has been around for over a year now. He has not taken a break for a few months, he has not waivered, he has not left for any reason. This makes him extremely different from the previous characters that have been in my mind.

Cyrus is with me pretty much every second of the day. He is my guide and advisor in life. He serves as my voice of reason and as a reflection of my own self.

We've only ever been apart for maybe a few hours at a time. I spend most of the day talking to him about anything really, we do everything together, and he helps me, all the time.

Separating him from me would, in all honesty, probably kill me.

I have not been well. My circumstances are awful, to put it lightly. I'm severely mentally ill and unable to get any sort of therapy or medication due to the aforementioned circumstances.

Without Cyrus to help me, I would probably give into the suicidal urges that I struggle with every day.

He advises me and takes care of me. He helps me see reason when I'm lost in paranoia and irrationality. He calms me down when my anxiety is high. He does pretty much everything.

My brain functions in a highly specific way, and he has all the knowledge to be able to deal with it.

I cannot stress enough how dysfunctional I would be without him. He likes to put it a certain way.

"Most people can function on their own with little to no help. [Lumi] is someone who requires a lot of help. He does not have any way of getting the help that he needs naturally. That is why he relies on me. It is abnormal and unconventional, as he likes to put it. Yes, it is indeed very unconventional. However, nothing about him is conventional." -Cy

"What he's dealing with is difficult to explain. But we have tried just about everything. He firmly believes that this is what's best for him, and so do I. It may be unconventional, but it is not inherently horrible. It may be hard for others to understand, but this is his life. It is different, but it is his "normal"." -Cy

"And I should clarify, if any of this posed actual harm to him, I would cease it all in an instant." -Cy

In the past year of having Cyrus by my side, life has been a lot easier for me to manage. It took a while for us to get used to working together, but we figured it out eventually. It took a lot of trial and error!

But a few months ago, everything just got...easier. Not in terms of life! God no, my life is. Not getting easier, haha. But! I'm getting better at managing it.

I've improved on meeting my basic needs, which is something I used to struggle with. I have a lot more energy than I did last semester, and I've been way more productive, which I'm happy about.

Life hasn't gotten easier, but it's more doable. I'm managing my emotions better, particularly my stress, which is great, cause that was a huge problem for me previously! I'm also better at managing my depression.

Basically my bad days are a lot less bad than they used to be, and my good days are way better than before! And I assure you, I could not have done it without Cyrus' help.

It's a little unnerving, talking about it publicly. But that's how mental illness is. The experience is always gonna be odd, but I really wanted to explain what's going on w Cy! He's become such an important part of my life and I could not do any of this without him.

Like, I seriously could not live without him.

Oh, and as reassurance, I wanna clarify. My attachment is to him as a person (concept?) inside my head, not the character so much. So like, it wouldn't be the end of the world if he had a scout in pokemas that I didn't get or something like that.

I don't even own merch of him, actually! The closest thing I have is a team galactic phone ring, which. Broke. Lol

I am planning on buying his TCG Collector's deck (which releases later this month !) but even then I'm not about to go merch crazy over him

Basically my attachment to him shouldn't prove to be a detriment to my real life in any way shape or form.

Trust me, I have a lot of experience with this. I havs had it get unhealthy with certain characters. It has been severely mitigated with Cyrus. This is as healthy as it gets for me, I assure you.

If you knew what the past ones were like, you would definitely agree. But I don't feel comfortable sharing that bc it was uber fucked up lol!

I wouldn't be posting about this if it weren't successful for me personally. I'm confident in it because it's been a year and I've been observing it closely.

Do I think Cyrus is a great idea? Yea! If things are difficult for you to do for some mental reason or another, having a favorite character there to help you can make a world of difference! But would I recommend doing this sort of thing? It depends. You really have to exercise a good level of control over it. If you're going to have the character helping you, there has to be boundaries for them that they can't overstep in attempting to help you, otherwise it goes downhill REALLY fast.

I don't think it's the sort of thing that most people could replicate because it all relies on the specific rule system that my brain functions by. And my brain is rigid with its rules. Rules are rules, so if they're set, they're not likely to be broken in my case. This isn't the case for most people. It's not really a self-control thing for me either, it's more like I couldn't break the rules even if I really wanted to. They would have to be changed or I would have to be granted permission. It's a long story.

It is important to note that Cyrus really is a mental aid to me. A caregiver in a sense. He will make me take care of myself even if I don't want to. He does battle my self-destructive urges and negative thoughts constantly. His ultimate goal is to make me do what's best for me even if I really don't want to.

And honestly, I need it a lot of the time. Sometimes I really don't want to do things that are good for me. I'm a bit childish in that way. So having Cyrus like, drag me to the bathroom to brush my teeth for example, is really necessary sometimes.

He helps in bigger ways than that too ofc but that would take a LOT of explaining and this is already fairly incoherent. If you have any questions you can absolutely ask and I can try to explain it to the best of my ability!

Ummm what else did I have to say about this. Oh. The awkward part abt him being an "f/o" of sorts.

He's not real so my relationship with him isn't real. I know that. Still, I got feelings for him. That's all there is to it, really. You might see me treat him as a real significant other.

You don't have to remind me that he's not real. I know he isn't. But my feelings are real and I would appreciate it if they were respected.

I can't really think of anything else to add? If you're curious, no, I don't get hallucinations of him or anything like that. He doesn't impede on the real world, he only exists in my imagination. He's like an imaginary friend! If an imaginary friend was like, super intelligent I guess?

Idk. But he helps me, and I'm grateful for him. And I wanted to talk about mental illness a little. It is never easy and I'm convinced it will never be easy. But he makes it more manageable. He takes care of me and looks out for me. Even if it's just me looking out for myself, I could not do it "on my own" like most people can.

Also I don't think he's an alter or anything like that. There's a certain degree of separation between us. I am not Cyrus and he is not me. He just happens to reside with me in. My body. None of this makes sense does it. Point is he can't like front or anything but you can like speak to him I guess? It's more like me relaying messages for him tho

This is a really complex thing that my mind has developed over the years so there's a LOT I'm leaving out again if you're curious plz just ask I love talking abt it

[nsfwhiphop]

Incoming Text for John David Washington: (@johndavidwashington):

Dear John David,

I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share an important update regarding our plans and clarify some decisions moving forward.

You might recall our previous discussions, where I mentioned that you would be the first husband of Christina Santini. However, I've since reevaluated this plan, and I've decided that I will be her first husband. This change is driven by the fact that Christina is unmarried, and given her role and responsibilities, it made sense for me to take this step as part of our royal family strategy.

But don’t lose hope, my friend—I’ve crafted a new plan for you, one that ensures your role and legacy within the royal family. You will marry Laura Ruth Harrier (born March 28, 1990), and I envision you two having many children together. After this, I will agree to marry Laura as well, which means all your children with her will have royal titles. Furthermore, those children will become half-siblings to the children I will also have with Laura in the future.

This solution connects your lineage with mine, tying your bloodline directly to the royal family. We’ll all be part of the same family, uniting both of our legacies. You can discuss this matter with Laura and, if she agrees, I am on board with this arrangement.

I know you have a good friendship with Laura—I remember watching your Spike Lee movie a few years back, and it was clear that you two share a strong connection. This plan made sense to me because we’ll be able to collaborate as a team, shaping a unified future. Let’s make sure we’re all on the same page.

As for Christina, I plan to marry her next year in 2025. She will be my first wife and will shoulder significant responsibilities as part of her royal duties. This shift in plans isn’t something I take lightly, but it was necessary given the situation. I hope you understand.

I’ve had to make some tough choices. All my other future wives are currently married, and Christina is the only one unmarried, which made her the most suitable candidate for this role right now.

I encourage you to help Christina and Laura get to know each other—there’s no harm in them building a strong friendship. After all, they’re about the same age, and such a relationship would benefit us all.

Feel free to follow my blog for updates. I write a lot, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Think of it as a card game—there’s a lot of "Poker night vibes" going on. If you read carefully, you’ll notice that many of my blog posts are like a clever card trick. What I write and what’s actually happening behind the scenes can be very different. I often create an illusion for my enemies, showing them one reality while keeping the real situation hidden. You could call it "Pulp Fiction"—a title I’m sure Quentin Tarantino would appreciate.

You might even consider forming a "book club" with friends to go through my older blog posts together. Taylor Swift does something similar—she can’t keep track of everything herself, so her friends help her review it all. They call her whenever they catch a juicy detail she might have missed. My blog is essentially a TV series in written form, and I’d argue there’s nothing quite like it on TV right now.

What makes it unique is the diversity of cultures represented: black culture, Hispanic culture, French culture, Indian culture—all united in one place. This is something completely new, a multi-ethnic royal family leading a multi-ethnic narrative that spans across various cultural backgrounds.

There’s no show like this anywhere on television. What we’re doing with the blog is giving these voices a platform—a channel that unites them all.

I hope this helps you understand the bigger picture. Also, just to be clear, I have no issues with the Kapoor family in India; they are wonderful people. I encourage you to maintain a positive relationship with them as you navigate your own path in India.

Stay well, my friend. Let’s keep building this future together—and remember, stay out of trouble.

Warm regards, Angelo (Crown Prince)

Instagram Handles:

John David Washington: @johndavidwashington

Laura Harrier: @lauraharrier

Christina Santini: @santinihoudini

P.S.:

Synopsis of the Letter:

In this letter, Angelo (Crown Prince) updates John David Washington on a change of plans regarding his marriage to Christina Santini. Initially, John David was set to marry Christina, but Angelo has decided to take that role himself due to Christina's single status and upcoming responsibilities as his first wife.

However, Angelo proposes a new plan for John David, suggesting that he marry Laura Harrier, with whom John shares a close friendship. Angelo plans to marry Laura after John, ensuring that their children will have royal titles and be half-siblings to Angelo’s future children with Laura, uniting their bloodlines within the royal family.

Angelo explains the importance of Christina’s role in his life and encourages John to help foster a friendship between Laura and Christina. He also mentions his blog, likening it to a unique multi-ethnic TV series, and suggests John and his friends form a "book club" to explore it. The letter concludes with a reminder for John to maintain good relations with the Kapoor family in India and to stay out of trouble.

Key Instagram handles of John David, Laura Harrier, and Christina Santini are provided at the end.

[cocobeanncteez]

ATEEZ San- Back to you (oneshot)

Genre: angst, fluff, suggestive, university au.

Pairing: badboy!San x reader (fem)

Word Count: 7.3K

Warnings: profanities, alcohol consumption, smoking, mentions of bullying and cheating, drink spiking, and attempted sexual assault.

Except Ateez, all other names are fictional.

"I don't understand how these stupid people party here when we've got exams in two weeks," your bestfriend, Doyeon, muttered under her breath while scribbling down some notes. You both were at a café in your university, studying for the upcoming exams.

You chuckled, glancing up at her from your notebook. "Your boyfriend is one of those stupid people who are partying right now."

She rolled her eyes. "Believe me, I want to smack Yunho with this," she held up her notebook, making you snort. "I'm surprised you don't get frustrated when San is literally doing the same thing."

"Well, it's his life," you said. "I'm not his parent who can nag at him to study."

San and you have been dating for a little over eight months now; other than Doyeon and San's friends, no one else knew about your relationship. Doyeon and Yunho were also dating for a while now. You both didn't really know why the boys didn't want other people to know about your relationship, but you both just went with the flow despite witnessing girls throwing themselves at them everyday. Doyeon was really calm about the whole situation, but you actually weren't even though you never let it show; you were quite worried about San leaving you for other women who were like him. You never understood why he's dating someone like you: the type who rarely parties, rarely drinks, never smokes, decently studies and gets good grades, never gets involved in fights; the opposite of him, basically.

Doyeon was about to say something, but your conversation was interrupted by someone who suddenly sat beside you in your booth, placing a textbook on the table. "Don't mind me, ladies," one of your university's badboys, Kangmin, said. "There was no place to sit, so here I am."

Ji Kangmin was handsome, and a typical badboy from what you've heard. You didn't really know much about him personally, but you knew his friend group and your boyfriend's group were rivals and often got into fights.

"I'm surprised you're here," Doyeon stated, raising an eyebrow. "Shouldn't you be at some party?"

"I don't party when exams are near," he said with a small smile. "I know I don't have a good reputation, but unlike other people here who have the same reputation as me, I actually want to score well and decently graduate." You were stunned, not expecting to hear that from someone like him. Well, maybe all badboys aren't the same.

-

"Babe!" San whined sleepily when you pulled his blanket off his body. "God, my head fucking hurts."

"Serves you right for drinking all night," you said, running a hand through his messy black hair.

"But the party was epic," he mumbled, eyes closing at the way you played with his hair.

After a few minutes, San took some painkillers and got up to take a shower. When he finished, he immediately pulled you into a hug. "I missed you," he said, burying his face in the crook of your neck.

You chuckled. "You saw me yesterday morning."

"But that was in class," he murmured, placing soft kisses on your neck, making your heart race. "I didn't get to talk to you."

"Then maybe you should start talking to me in class," you said and immediately regretted it when you felt San tense up.

San moved a step back to look at you. "Babe, you know I can't do that," he stated. "I don't want people to know about us or start—"

"Yeah, I know," you cut him off with a small smile, hiding your disappointment. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that."

"It's fine," he said, kissing your forehead. "Let's go have breakfast, yeah?"

"Um, actually, I have to go back to my dorm," you said, making San frown and ask why. "I've got a study session with Doyeon," you lied; you just didn't feel like being here at the moment.

San sighed, cupping your cheeks. "Babe, you study so much. These exams don't matter much."

Your eyebrows furrowed. "San, these are end of the first semester exams. They're extremely important."

San didn't say anything; he only leaned down to capture your lips with his own. "Stay for a little while, please," he murmured against your lips. Before you could protest, he kissed you again, this time more passionately. He gently pushed you onto his bed, hovering above you before reconnecting your lips. Your hands wrapped around his neck, playing with the hair at his nape. One of San's hands slipped under your blouse, moving to cup your breast, giving it a squeeze. You gasped due to his actions and he took the opportunity to slide his tongue into your mouth, deepening the kiss. Your phone began ringing but both of you ignored it. You were getting wetter by the second and you could feel San's growing bulge pressing against you. When your phone rang for the fourth time, San pulled away with an annoyed sigh. You chuckled, getting up from his bed to get your phone from your bag.

"Hello?" you answered.

"Where are you?! Class is gonna start in ten minutes!" Doyeon exclaimed.

"What? What class? All our classes were canceled for today."

"Mr. Byun said he's gonna take class today. Didn't you check your email?"

"Fuck. I'll be there in five." You hung up and quickly checked your reflection in San's mirror, reapplying your lip balm and tying your hair into a ponytail. San's eyes were on you the entire time.

"Are you ditching your lovely boyfriend for a class?" San asked with a pout. "Especially when you made him get all hard?"

"Yes," you replied with a small giggle. "I'll make it up to you when I'm done, I promise." you placed a quick kiss on his lips before rushing to your dorm to collect your stuff.

-

"Can I sit here?" you heard someone ask, making you look up from your notebook. Ji Kangmin was giving you a small smirk. "Seats are full."

"Go ahead," you said, returning your attention back onto your books. Fortunately, Kangmin studied quietly, not disturbing you even once.

"Why is this so hard?" you muttered under your breath, eyebrows furrowing in irritation due to the differentiation problem you've been breaking your head for.

"Need help?" Kangmin asked.

"Are you good at calculus?"

He snorted, showing you the cover of his textbook. "I'm a math major, darling." Your eyes widened, not expecting that at all. "I thought you knew but you clearly don't," he said with a chuckle. "But I know you're a computer science major." He reached for your notebook, scanning through what you've written. "Ah, so this is where you went wrong," he murmured before explaining everything to you.

After a good three hours of studying, you got up and stretched your arms. Kangmin helped you with a few sums and told you many tricks and tips to save time and make the problems easier to solve. He walked with you to your dorm building since his was right opposite yours. You caught a few people staring at the two of you, but you brushed it off; Kangmin was popular, so obviously they would stare. You had to admit, it felt quite weird to see people staring at you. You were sure they all would react the same way if you were with San.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Kangmin grinned, running his hand through his brown hair. You nodded with a smile before entering your dorm building.

-

You spent the entire week studying with Kangmin and sometimes Doyeon joined the two of you. You were really anxious about the exams, but Kangmin managed to make you calm down a little; you were really grateful for his company.

"So Jihoon asked me out and I said yes!" Hyewon said, making you and Doyeon squeal.

"Girl! I told you this day would come!" Doyeon exclaimed, making Hyewon blush. You and Doyeon teased her for blushing, laughing at how her cheeks got even pinker.

San secretly glanced at you from across the classroom, smiling at the sight of you laughing; he thought you were absolutely beautiful.

"What's he doing here?" Jongho muttered, making San and Mingi follow his line of sight.

"Probably here to find someone to fuck," Mingi said in an unbothered tone.

San focused his attention back on you until that very person tapped your shoulder. "Why the fuck is he talking to my girl?!"

You turned to look at the person who tapped your shoulder. "Oh, hey, Kangmin! What are you doing here?" you asked.

He pulled a notebook from his bag, handing it over to you. "I accidentally took your notebook yesterday, so I came to return it," he said. "Sorry about that."

"Oh no, it's okay, don't worry about it," you smiled. He was about to say something, but your professor arrived, so he had to leave and go to his own class.

After the lecture ended, you had lunch with Doyeon, Hyewon, and Jihoon at your dorm's dining hall. You couldn't help but gush about how great Hyewon and Jihoon's chemistry was; they were the cutest couple you have ever seen.

Your phone rang and you picked it up as it was San. "Hello?"

"Where are you?" San asked, sounding a little annoyed.

"At my dorm's dining hall," you replied. "Why?"

"Come to your room right now," he said and hung up before you could say anything. You quickly had the last few bites of your food before excusing yourself, telling your friends you had some work to do.

You made your way over to your room, spotting San right outside your door, wearing a blue hoodie with the hood up and a black mask. You unlocked your door with your key-card, feeling a little anxious due the serious look in your boyfriend's eyes. He closed the door before moving to sit on your bed.

"Sannie, what's wrong?" you asked, moving to stand in front of him. He stared up at you, staying silent for a while before he took off his mask, tossing it on your desk.

"Why did Ji Kangmin talk to you today?"

"He accidentally took my notebook yesterday so he came to return it," you answered honestly.

San raised an eyebrow. "Yesterday? Why were you with him yesterday?" he asked in a stern tone.

"We were studying. He was helping me with calculus."

San scoffed, getting off your bed. "I'm sure that's not what his true intentions are. Stay away from him." San's words annoyed you.

"And how do you know what his true intentions are?" you asked. "We were literally just studying, that's all."

"I don't fucking like him, Y/N. He isn't a good person and I don't want him anywhere near you. So please just stay away from him."

You sighed, glancing at the tiny cat tattoo on San's finger. "Fine..."

San gently cupped your cheek, making you look at him. He didn't like how disappointed you looked and he couldn't help but think about Kangmin stealing you away from him. "Baby... please trust me, he's just trying to get into your pants." You wanted to tell him that all those girls who flirt with him wanted the same, but you knew he already knew that and he liked the attention he got.

"Okay..." You moved away from him, picking up your textbook from your desk and placing it on your bed. "Do you wanna study with me?" you asked San.

"Nah, I'm not in the mood to study."

"You never are," you snorted, earning a wink from him.

"You study, I'll just take a nap here beside you," he said, placing a kiss on your forehead, lying down on your bed.

"Don't try anything, San," you warned him, lying down beside him. He chuckled, placing an arm around your waist, pulling you closer to his body.

San fell asleep while you studied. When you took a small break, you couldn't help but admire your sleeping boyfriend; he looked so angelic... ethereal, even. You placed a light kiss on his cheek before slowly getting off the bed to go to the bathroom.

When you came back, San was awake. "How long did I sleep?" he asked in a raspy voice.

"Almost two hours," you said, returning to your bed.

"Oh... oh crap! I should get ready. I've got a party to go to tonight," he said, stretching his arms. "Do you wanna come?"

You raised an eyebrow. "You already know my answer to that."

He chuckled, kissing your head. "Have fun studying, babe."

---

"Finally!" Doyeon yelled in happiness. "We're finally done after two weeks of torture!"

"Thank god we have an entire week off," you said, gently massaging your aching wrist.

"These exams were way harder than I expected," Hyewon said and you agreed. "You both are coming for Kang Hyunsuk's party tonight, right?"

"Of course! It's in a huge mansion, you know? Besides, I need to get drunk and laid in luxury," Doyeon said, making you and Hyewon laugh.

You quickly got ready at Doyeon's dorm in the evening before taking a cab to Kang Hyunsuk's mansion that was fortunately not too far away.

The mansion was decorated with LED lights inside and out. The large hall was converted into a dance floor and he even hired a DJ. You were sure more than half of the students at your college was here, and there were certainly a lot of people from the neighboring colleges as well.

Doyeon grabbed your hand, pulling you to the large kitchen where the drinks and snacks were. You both took two shots of vodka each before you greeted some of your classmates. Doyeon was already really tipsy due to her poor alcohol tolerance. On the other hand, you took another shot and you were still quite sober.

"Wow, Y/N, you look so hot!" Hyewon said, approaching you with Jihoon.

You were wearing a lacy dusty-rose bralette with black ripped jeans and combat boots. The bralette showed off more cleavage than you'd usually show, but you were feeling a little extra today.

You noticed Yunho approaching the kitchen with Seonghwa and Hongjoong, his eyes scanning Doyeon from head to toe. You nudged Doyeon with your elbow, gesturing to Yunho with your eyes. She glanced around, eyes landing on Yunho who gave her a smirk. She smiled at him before moving towards him. She whispered something in his ears, making him drag her away immediately. You weren't expecting your bestfriend to ditch you this early, but oh well.

"Hey Y/N," Seonghwa greeted you. "Have you seen San or Jongho?"

"Nope, I came to the kitchen as soon as I got here," you replied, pouring yourself another shot.

"Ah, all right." Seonghwa and Hongjoong took a drink before they disappeared into the crowd.

One of your friends dragged you outside to the area beside the swimming pool; she wanted to introduce you to some people from another university. You spotted San, Jongho, Wooyoung, Mingi, and Yeosang on the other of the pool, surrounded by girls as usual. There were a few guys there and they were all playing a game of spin the bottle. There was a girl sitting on your boyfriend's lap, and that annoyed you a lot. You couldn't do anything about it since San didn't want anyone to know about your relationship. When you got to see the girl's face, your eyes widened; it was your ex-bestfriend, Park Hyejoo. You scoffed in disbelief; San knew who she was and what she did to you in high school, yet he let her sit on his lap. You tried not to pay attention to them by focusing on the conversation your friend was having with the people she had introduced you to. It somewhat worked... until you heard cheers and whistles which caught everyone's attention.

Hyejoo's face was buried in San's neck, no doubt giving him a hickey. He wasn't even pushing her away. You felt your eyes tear up, but you blinked it away. You couldn't look away until she pulled away. And then she kissed him, causing you to gasp.

"Why are you so surprised?" your drunk friend asked you. "She fucks around as much as Choi San does. I even heard they're fuck buddies."

San pulled away from Hyejoo, but he only smirked at her, making no effort to push her off his lap. Yeosang—who was sitting beside San—noticed you watching, and he immediately elbowed San. "You fucked up big time, bro," Yeosang murmured in his ear.

"What do you mean?" San asked.

"Y/N's over there. She saw everything."

San glanced around until his eyes found your disappointed and sad ones. He wasn't even expecting you to attend the party. He scanned you from head to toe, eyes darkening due to the way you looked in that outfit.

"You dumb fuck," Yeosang muttered, low enough for only San to hear. "Are you seriously eye-fucking her right now? Put your damn reputation aside and go talk to her before you fuck shit up more, idiot!"

San excused himself, pushing your ex-bestfriend off his lap, making his way over to you. But of course, he couldn't be seen with you, so he just gestured with his head for you to follow him. Even though you were so upset, you followed him a few seconds later. He stopped at the garden where there was no one; you could still hear the blasting music from here.

San was dressed in all black and he looked absolutely irresistible. You would've asked him to fuck you right here against the wall, but you were damn pissed at the moment.

"Damn, babe," he said, lips pulling into a smirk. "My girl's looking so hot." He reached out to pull you into his arms, but you took a step back. San frowned. "Babe..."

"You knew what Hyejoo did to me," you said with a bitter chuckle. "And you let her sit on your lap." You pointed at the hickey on his neck. "You let her do that to you despite the fact that you have a girlfriend, who is in fact, standing right in front of you!" You would never lash out like this if it wasn't for the alcohol in your system. Hyejoo bullied you a lot in high school to the point where you had to change schools. San knew every little detail of what Hyejoo did, and you remembered how angry he was when you told him about it.

"Babe, calm down, please," San said softly.

"Calm down? You want me to calm down?! That fucking bitch was sitting on your fucking lap the entire time and she gave you a damn hickey! You didn't even stop her!"

"It was just a dare and—"

You scoffed. "And what about the kiss?"

"She kissed me. I didn't kiss back, I swear!"

"And you made no effort to push her off your damn lap even after that, right?"

San sighed; he really didn't want to fight with you right now. "I think you're overreacting, Y/N. Like I said, it was only a dare."

"Yeah, how about I go sit on another man's lap and suck his neck, hmm? I fucking bet you would love that," you chuckled bitterly. San clenched his jaw at your words; if that were to ever happen, he wouldn't hesitate to punch that guy.

"That's not going to happen," he placed his hands on your bare waist, pulling you against his body. "Let's not fight, okay?" he murmured, kissing your head.

You moved away from him, eyeing the hickey on his neck with disgust. "Fuck off, San," you mumbled. "I need a damn drink." Before San could could say anything, you made your way to the table of drinks beside the pool. You quickly downed three shots, eyes closing at the way the liquid burned your throat.

"Woah, woah, slow down there. You'll choke," you heard someone say from behind you.

"Who gives a fuck?" you muttered.

"Well, I certainly do, darling," Kangmin said, moving to stand in front of you. "You look really nice, even though you look like you could murder someone right now."

You glanced at San who returned back to where he was sitting before. Hyejoo started clinging to him, and he made no effort to do anything about it again. You rolled your eyes, not even surprised that your words went into San's ears and left just as fast. "Believe me, I want to," you said, feeling the alcohol starting to hit you harder.

"I don't know who pissed you off, but loosen up, yeah?" Kangmin said, pouring himself a drink. You noticed the tattoos all over his arms, one of them catching your eye. You grabbed his arm, trying to get a better look. "It's a... squirting dick?" you tried to control yourself from laughing.

"My friend's a tattoo artist and he tattooed it on me without telling me," he said with a chuckle.

"I want one too," you whined. "I want one now."

"What? A squirting dick?"

You lightly punched his bicep, swaying a little due to the effect of the alcohol in your system. "No, a good tattoo!"

"You're drunk right now, darling," he chuckled. "It's never a good idea to get a tattoo when you're drunk, trust me."

You pouted. "But I want a tattoo."

He placed his cup on the table and moved his hands to cup your cheeks. "I promise I'll take you to get a tattoo this week, okay? Now, let's go dance, hmm?" You nodded, letting him drag you inside to the dance floor.

San saw everything and his hands clenched into fists. He was so tempted to punch Kangmin and yell at him to stay away from you, but he couldn't risk his reputation like that; he didn't want anyone to know about your relationship no matter what. San went to where you were standing before, taking a tequila shot while he wondered what to do.

"Ji Kangmin and Y/N? Damn!" San overheard someone say.

"I didn't expect him to make a move on her," the other person said. "She's a goody two shoes and he's far from that."

"Kangmin likes women like that actually," the first person said. "And Y/N is very pretty. I'm not very surprised that he went for her."

"Hmm. They do look great together. He seems to like her a lot, no? I saw him walk her to her dorm last week." San's jaw clenched and he quickly made his way inside, searching for you. The dance floor was so crowded, he couldn't even get a glimpse of you anywhere. He tried calling you, but you didn't pick up. He tried calling Doyeon, but she didn't pick up as well.

"Fucking hell," he muttered under his breath, moving through tons of drunk, sweaty people, trying to find you.

After nearly fifteen minutes, he found you sitting alone on of the sofas, head resting on the armrest. "Y/N!"

"Kangmin...?" you lifted your head. "Oh, it's you."

"We're leaving," San said, grabbing your hand.

"No, f-fuck you," you hiccupped. "Go fuck off to Hyejoo." San ignored your words, taking his phone out to book a cab to his apartment. He helped you stand up and pulled you along with him. You wanted to protest, but your body was aching and you really just wanted to sleep.

You fell asleep on San's shoulder in the cab. He carried you bridal style and unlocked his door with the passcode, moving to his bedroom. He gently placed you on the bed and removed your boots. You opened your eyes due to the movement, feeling quite sick. "San..." you murmured. "I think I'm gonna throw up." San quickly lifted you up and took you to the bathroom, holding your hair back while you threw up in his toilet. He gently rubbed your back until you were done.

You brushed your teeth with the toothbrush you kept at San's place, and you took a quick hot shower, sobering a little. San gave you one of his t-shirts to wear and he dried your hair for you.

As soon as your head landed on the pillow, you fell asleep.

-

When you woke up, your head was pounding terribly. You slowly opened your eyes, immediately recognizing that you were in San's apartment; you couldn't remember much of what happened last night. You moved to his bathroom to take a painkiller and finish your morning routine. After you took a shower, you wore one of his black hoodies with one of your shorts that you usually kept at his place.

You felt a pair of muscly arms wrap around you. "You look so good in my clothes," San murmured, placing a kiss on your head. You turned around in his arms, titling your head back to look at him. You were about to wrap your arms around his neck, but your eyes landed on the hickey on his neck, reminding you of the events that happened last night, making you immediately pull yourself away from his embrace.

San frowned. "Babe—"

"San," you start. "Is your reputation that important that you can't even push another girl away when she's throwing herself at you? Especially when you know just how terrible that girl is?" you asked.

San took your hands in his. "Y/N, I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have let—"

"But you still did," you argued. "Why don't you want to tell people about us, San? Is it because I'm not like you or your friends? Do you think I'm not attractive enough to be next to you?" He didn't say anything. "I feel like you're just using me," you continued, remembering the amount of times you've heard people say San only screws around. "Do you even love me?" The last question made San freeze. You had fallen in love with San months ago, but he didn't know and probably wouldn't have even noticed.

You waited for him to say something, but he only kept quiet, eyes fixated to the floor. "San, I think we should just," you gulped, eyes tearing up again. "We should b-break up. I really can't tolerate this anymore..." Your words felt like knifes were constantly slicing his heart. "Don't you have anything to say?" you asked, hoping he would fight for you or convince you that continuing this relationship is worth it. You wished he would change.

"How can I when you've already made up your mind?" San murmured, avoiding your eyes. "If you think breaking up is what's best then okay..." he wanted to say much more. He wanted to beg you to not leave him. He wanted to tell you just how much he loved you. But he couldn't. Even if he tried, he just couldn't.

"I'll collect my stuff from here tomorrow," you mumbled, putting your boots on. San could only nod as he watched you.

Before you could leave, San stopped you. "I... I just wanted to ask you... if you ever," he took a deep breath. "If you ever loved me."

You smiled sadly. "It doesn't matter," you whispered, but it was loud enough for him to hear you. "Take care, San," you mumbled before walking out the door, shattering his heart.

-

"You fucked up even more," Yeosang said, watching San smoke a cigarette.

"That's very helpful. Makes me feel great," San stated sarcastically, blowing the smoke to the air.

"No offense, Sannie, but I agree with Yeosang," Hongjoong said. "You should've told her how you felt instead of keeping quiet."

"I know," San sighed. "But she already made up her mind."

"Dude, you're really dense," Wooyoung stated. "She asked you if you had something to say. That translates to 'fight for me.' I don't think you've noticed, but Y/N is definitely in love with you."

San's head shot up. "She wouldn't have broken up with me if she really loved me, Woo."

Seonghwa groaned in frustration. "If I was in Y/N's place, I would dump your stupid ass too."

"Agreed," Yeosang said. "I told you before, San, your reputation is going to fuck up everything. You need to let go of your past as well before it's too late."

"Ji Kangmin's got his eyes on her," Mingi stated. "I heard his friends talking about it."

"Yeah, I heard that too. Y/N is close to him," Jongho added.

San rolled his eyes, taking a drag from the cigarette. "He has nothing else to do other than stealing the girls I like."

"Exactly, and you're letting him do it again," Yunho said, taking the cigarette away from San and crushing it with his shoes. "You have to make a decision Sannie. Either you sort things out with Y/N, or you lose the woman you love to that very bastard again."

---

"So you had the hots for Y/N, huh?" Kangmin asked San while he waited in line to order his drink.

"That's none of your business," San said in a cold tone to his ex-bestfriend.

"I saw you talking to her privately that day," he said, referring to the party you attended almost two weeks ago. San ignored his words. "I don't know what was going on between the two of you," Kangmin continued. "But whatever it was, I'm glad it didn't last long. I want to make her mine."

San scoffed. "You just want to get into her pants."

Kangmin snorted. "Obviously. But after spending two weeks with her, without you around, I'm quite interested. Y/N is gorgeous and has a great personality. She's a rare gem, you know? I bet she'd be just as wonderful in bed and tastes as sweet as she loo—"

San took a step towards Kangmin, grabbing the collar of his shirt. "If you don't shut the fuck up, I'll break your damn face!" San warned.

"Ohhh, I'm so scared," he teased, pushing San away. "Fuck off, Choi San. Someone like Y/N doesn't deserve a bastard like you. You weren't and will never be good enough for her." San chose to ignore him, not wanting to cause a big scene at the café. Kangmin's words stabbed him in the heart. San always thought he wasn't good enough for you, but he never expected to hear anyone say it out loud.

Kangmin's phone started ringing and he couldn't help the smirk that formed on his face. "Hey, gorgeous," he answered, loud and clear. "I'm at the café near your building, getting you your favorite drink and some cupcakes. I'll pick you up from class."

"That won't be necessary," you replied, pushing the door of the café to enter. You instantly spotted Kangmin and made your way towards him, unaware of San who was standing right behind him. "Hi!" you said to Kangmin who hung up once he saw you.

"Hey, beautiful! How was class?" he asked, secretly glancing at San; you still hadn't noticed San as your back was facing him.

"Ugh, tiring. I hate extra classes. I couldn't understand any—" your phone started ringing, interrupting your sentence. You answered the call as it was from your bestfriend.

"Where are you?" Doyeon asked.

"At the café near our dorm," you replied.

"Come over fast, we have to get ready for Hyewon's party. She wants us to come early cause she needs help."

"I'll be there in a bit."

-

"I didn't expect any of them to be here," you said to Doyeon while drinking some whiskey and coke from a red cup, watching your ex-boyfriend converse with his infamous group of friends; they usually went clubbing on Saturday nights. "Aren't you gonna go over to Yunho?"

"I don't wanna ditch you," she answered. You gently pushed her in Yunho's direction.

"Go, I'll be fine."

Before she could reply, Kangmin wrapped his arms around you, startling you a little. Doyeon gave you a wink before making her way towards her boyfriend, leaving you with Kangmin.

"Can we talk?" he whispered in your ear, making sure to move closer to your body once he noticed San watching. You nodded, letting him pull you upstairs. You had gotten quite close to Kangmin these last two weeks; you were really glad to have a friend like him. He distracted you from the pain you felt from not being with San anymore.

Kangmin gently pushed against the wall, trapping you between his arms. You gasped. "What are you doing?"

"I like you, Y/N," he confessed with a smile. "I wanna date you." Before you could say anything, he kissed you. You were a little too shocked, so you let him kiss you for a few seconds. When you regained your senses, you pushed him away. He stared at you, confused by your actions.

"Kangmin, I'm sorry, but I don't feel the same way..."

Kangmin rolled his eyes. "It's cause of Choi San, isn't it?"

"No," you lied. Of course it's cause of San. You were still in love with him. You didn't want to date anyone until you got over him. "I only see us as friends, Kangmin," you stated honestly. "You're a really good friend and I don't want to lose you."

Kangmin sighed. "Okay, let's just forget about this. Let's have a drink, hmm?" You nodded, following him downstairs to the kitchen.

You were talking to one of your friends while Kangmin got a drink for you.

"Thanks," you said, taking the cup from him. You took a sip of your drink. It tasted a little salty, but you didn't mind. You felt yourself relaxing a little while you nodded your head to the music. By the time you finished your drink, you felt pretty lightheaded. You clinged to Kangmin's arm. "Hey, could you take me to the couch?" you requested, words slurred. "I don't feel very good..."

"Of course," Kangmin lifted you into his arms, bridal style. He carried you upstairs into one of the rooms, shutting the door behind him with his foot. He placed you on the bed. "You don't know how long I've waited for this," he said, licking his lips while he took your crop-top off. You didn't know what was happening and your vision was really blurry. Kangmin pushed you onto your back before hovering above you. The sudden movement made your head spin even more, causing you to pass out. "Oh, too bad she couldn't stay conscious for this..." he murmured to himself. He ran his hands up from your jean-clad legs to the soft skin of your abdomen before reaching behind your body to unclasp your bra. Before he could pull the piece of clothing away from your body, the door swung open.

"You fucking bastard!" San yelled, pushing Kangmin off of you. Jongho and Hongjoong were right behind San.

"What the fuck, dude?!" Kangmin yelled. "Get out! Can't you see we're busy?!" His words pissed Jongho off. He immediately grabbed Kangmin by the collar and punched him twice in the nose. Kangmin fell to the floor, holding his broken, bloody nose in pain. Jongho wanted to punch him one more time, but Hongjoong held him back. "Don't. You'll end up killing him."

San started crying when he saw your passed out form; he couldn't even think about what would've happened if his friends didn't overhear Kangmin's friends talking about him spiking your drink. San clasped your bra back and put your crop-top on you before he lifted you into his arms. "I'm taking her to my apartment," he said to his friends.

"I'll drive you," Hongjoong offered.

-

When you woke up, you immediately recognized your surroundings. You had absolutely no idea of how you ended up in your ex-boyfriend's bedroom.

Your head was pounding and you wondered what time it was as it was really sunny outside. Before you could get off San's bed, he entered the room.

"You're awake," he said softly, relief clear in his eyes. "Take a shower and come eat. You must be really hungry."

"What happened? What's the time right now?" you questioned, your heart racing at the mere sight of him in a lilac hoodie and black sweatpants.

"I'll tell you after you eat," he said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "It's three in the afternoon. Doyeon got some clothes for you. There's a spare toothbrush in the bathroom."

"Thanks," you mumbled, getting up to go to the bathroom.

After you took a shower, you made your way to San's kitchen. You took a seat at the dining table, looking at all the different dishes on the table.

"You made all this?"

San shook his head. "I wasn't able to cook today. Wooyoung and Seonghwa made it. They left a few minutes ago." You noticed how tensed and sad he was; you wanted to ask him what was bothering him, but you knew he wouldn't answer your question until you ate.

You both ate in a comfortable silence. You tried to recall the events from last night, but you weren't able to. You frowned, wondering if you really drank that much.

"Are you all right, San?" you asked, settling on his couch after you both finished eating.

He took a deep breath and you noticed the slight dark circles beneath his eyes. "Can I hug y-you?" he asked, voice cracking while his eyes teared up.

You immediately scooted closer to him on the couch, wrapping your arms around him. He buried his face in the crook of your neck while he held you tightly. His body shook convulsively while he cried, his tears wetting your neck. You ran a hand through his soft hair, knowing it would help calm him down a little.

San pulled away from you, wiping his tears with the sleeve of his lilac hoodie. "I'm sorry..."

You grabbed his hand, intertwining it with yours. "What happened, Sannie?"

Hearing you call him by his nickname brought another set of fresh tears to his eyes. Your other hand reached up to wipe his tears away.

"I love you, Y/N," he confessed, more tears rolling down his cheeks. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you that before. I'm so sorry for being a jerk to you and prioritizing my reputation. I fucked up and I regret it so much." You took a deep breath, trying to control your rapid heartbeat while you listened to every word he said. "I felt like dying after what happened last night. I'm so sorry, this is all my fault," he sobbed.

Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "What happened last night?"

"O-Oh you don't remember...?" You shook your head. San cleared his throat, trying his best to not to break down again. "Wooyoung and Hongjoong overhead Ji Kangmin's friends say that he spiked your drink after you rejected him." you froze in shock. "They immediately told us about it, and me, Hongjoong, and Jongho rushed over to you. You weren't conscious when we found you. Your top was off and he was about to take your bra off as well, but I pushed him away. Then Jongho punched him. I brought you here after that."

You stared at San in disbelief. "Kangmin s-spiked my drink...?"

San nodded. "He had it all planned. I'm sorry, Y/N... none of this would've happened if he didn't see us together." You were too shocked to say anything; you couldn't believe Kangmin would go this low just cause you rejected him. "Ji Kangmin was my bestfriend in high school. After I got a girlfriend, he acted like a bitch to me cause he wanted her. I really loved her, and she cheated on me with him. He spread a lot of false shit about me after I ended our friendship. When I tried to move on with another girl, he took her away from me too. I didn't want other people to know about us only because he would find out. I didn't want him anywhere near you because I knew he would try to take you away from me. I didn't push Hyejoo away that day because he was watching me and would get suspicious of my actions if I pushed her away. I tried my best to do everything that would keep him away from you, but I still failed..."

You burst into tears, wrapping your arms around San; you had no idea he went through all this. "I'm sorry, San. I should've listened to you when you told me he wasn't a good person," you managed to say through sobs.

"No, Y/N, I'm the one who should say sorry for not telling you all of this before." He held you, gently rocking you back and forth while he cried with you. "Thank you for rejecting him..."

You pulled away, cupping his cheek. "How could I ever date someone else when I'm love with you, San?"

His heart raced in his chest due to your words. "That's why you rejected him?"

You nodded. "And I'm glad I did."

San smiled, leaning his forehead against yours. "Can I..." he hesitated "Can I kiss you?"

"Yes, please."

San immediately captured your lips with his own, kissing you oh so gently. You wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him closer. He smiled, causing you to smile as well while you kissed him; you both missed this so much. The kiss was slow and soft, the two of you just wanting to savor this moment. Your hands played with his hair while his hands lazily ran down the expanse of your back. San pulled away, holding you tight against his chest.

"I know I hurt you a lot and I don't even deserve to speak to you right now... but I want to start over, Y/N," San said honestly. "I want to treat you the way you deserve... show you off to the world... I want to make things right between us. These two weeks were pure torture without you, and I realized that I can't... I can't live without you, Y/N. I really need you, baby."

You rested your head on his chest and you could hear his fast heartbeat. "I need some time, Sannie." you noticed him tense up a little and you knew exactly what he was thinking. "And no, this isn't me indirectly rejecting you or anything. I want to be with you, San. I always have and that isn't gonna change. I just need a little time, considering everything that happened." San nodded in understanding. "I promise that I will come back to you."

"I love you and I'll wait for you," San said, placing a kiss on your head.

"Thank you... I love you too, Sannie." He giggled, loving the way you say those three heart-fluttering words. He cupped your cheek to pull you into another sweet kiss, making your heart race again.

The two of you knew that no matter what, you both would always find your way back to each other.

[opalesense]

nsfw headcanons

kaeya & gn!reader

806 words • ~6 min. read

summary: some headcanons of what kaeya might be like in bed!

warnings: public/semi-public sex, degradation, cockwarming, polyamory mention

notes: i’m literally on my knees for a fictional character are you kidding me why is kaeya so hot. why.

horny all the time. it's like his horny switch never turns off, he’s always ready whether he outwardly shows it or not. if you have the same libido as him, you're bound to have sex every single night – he’s definitely got the stamina and drive for it. any time away from him makes you both crave for each other's touch even more.

definitely a switch and will do whatever it takes to pleasure you and fulfill your own desires. but he also has times where he’ll be selfish and greedy, wanting all the pleasure to himself and wanting to use you as his fucktoy.

kaeya can truly be a wild card!  he always has some plan hiding up his sleeve, whether it's a couple of new and clever dirty words whispered in your ear or an impulsive quickie in an alleyway.

speaking of impulsive: VERY impulsive and very creative.  loves public sex and the thrill of getting caught by someone who knows him, being an infamous captain of the knights of favonius after all. the way his heart pounds at the feeling of pairs of eyes locked on the way he touches you is unlike any other thrill.

he loves seeing the flustered expression you make as you struggle to come up with words to say to people talking to you, knowing that you’re secretly cockwarming him below the belt. he thinks it’s fun to watch you try and hold back your pants and moans as he pretends to shift in his seat to give you a quick thrust, or bounce his leg up and down to stir up your insides. he can’t get enough of the way your thighs squeeze together when he teases you like that.

speaking of thighs, he loves yours! he will go crazy over fucking your thighs, groping them, kissing and licking them... he also loves when you sit on his thigh. bonus points for thigh riding!

public humiliation and making sure people know you are his is also very important to him, whether that's in the form of hickies on your neck, keeping your undergarments in his pocket while you're in public, or straight up wearing chokers, handcuffs, and chains as if they were fashion accessories.

so he’s VERY kinky if you couldn't tell already....  loves trying new things and experimenting as much as he can.  specifically very interested in playing around with his sadistic nature.

when he's on top he will do everything in his power to make sure you know he is in control over you for the moment.  really loves degradation and the thought of bringing you to the brink of empty headedness and servitude by his words alone.  also really loves seeing you helpless and desperate for him alone.

when he's on bottom, he is definitely a brat about it.  he'll tease you and push your buttons to see how long it will take for you to break.  he is not the biggest masochist but loves the thought of retaliating any pain you inflict on him by tenfold another day.

has occasional fantasies about orgies or group sex in general.  if you're into the same thing, he'd tease you about it and urge you two to try it someday.  but if you're against it, he would quickly wipe away those thoughts and never bring it up again.

even though he gets excited at the thought of something like a threesome, he will absolutely not let anyone else pleasure you more than he can.  he manifests his possessiveness by making it clear that he is in control of the situation.  he will make sure he gets the best parts of you and is the first to make any advancements – the others can either get his sloppy seconds or get crushed by his heel and blade.  no exceptions.

kaeya is the type to excitedly start a small collection of toys, ropes, and collars as soon as he learns you're into the same kinks he is.  he loves seeing you eager to try out new things as well. he is very adventurous and fun in general!

but if you're not kinky at all, he'll still happily indulge in you and respect your limits!  again, all he wants to do is fulfill your desires no matter what, even if that means the closest he'll get to tying you up and overstimulating you is only through his dreams at night.

his first priority after a particularly dirty session is to clean you up and take good care of you. one night with him results in a week of kaeya doing all the chores, taking some of your commissions, and buying you any gifts he can afford. so if your streak with him is consistent... let's just say you barely lift a finger with how much he ends up doing for you.

[fific7]

Evil Twins - Part 2

Billy Russo & Aleksander Morozova x Reader

Summary: When two worlds which have already collided then collide with yours - that’s an explosive situation.

A/N: This does not follow canon, it’s mainly a mix of fluff and angst with quite a lot of lemon zest 🍋 My Fantasy Punisher/Shadow and Bone crossover AU.

Warnings: 18+ NSFW due to sexual content including oral and unprotected* sex between consenting adults. Some drinking & swearing.

*Irl, please don’t go wild in the country without protection.

(My photo edit)

The mutual staring contest went on between the three of you for some moments longer.

Then the one in the suit (character name - Billy Russo) cleared his throat and said, “Uh… hi.” He held his hands up, palms out, as if trying to calm you down although you hadn’t even uttered a sound.

“Don’t start screaming or nothin’, we’re not gonna hurt you.” “Speak for yourself,” muttered the other one, eyes still drinking in every inch of you. Billy shot him a dirty look, before turning back to you, “Now, sweetheart, I guess you’re wonderin’ why we’re here.”

Nodding, you felt as if you’d temporarily lost the ability to speak.

And you still weren’t quite sure if you were stoned or not.

“You are not the only one, moi krasivyy,” said the guy in black (character name - The Darkling or General Kirigan) managing to look you in the eyes for once, “we are wondering that too!”

“Ha! That’s rich, comin’ from you. This is all your mother’s fault!” snapped Billy. “OUR mother!” yelled the General. The two of them squared up to each other, glaring into each other’s identical eyes.

Oh this is ridiculous, you thought. You jumped up - praying your dizziness had gone - and clapped your hands loudly once. Their heads turned towards you immediately.

“Okay, that’s enough. Sit down please.”

To your surprise, they did as you asked. Side by side on your other sofa, looking up at you - they really were identical, hairstyles differing a little but apart from that - two peas in a pod.

“Here’s what I do know, although it isn’t much. I was watching two TV series tonight, and you are in one of them and you’re in the other,” you pointed at each of them in turn, “..you are Billy Russo and you are The Darkling. Well, that was in the book, you’re called General Kirigan in the TV series. And now you’re both here. In my flat.” You’d noticed Billy eye-rolling as you were speaking, and now he snorted, turning to the General, “The Darkling? What kind of fucking stupid-ass name is that?!”

The General jumped up off the sofa and so did Billy, and they were back to staring each other out, nose to nose.

You sighed, and folded your arms across your chest. That’s when you remembered you really were too scantily clad to be standing in front of two strangers like this, so without a word you stalked off into your bedroom to get your dressing gown. Putting one arm into a sleeve and pulling it round your shoulders to pull the other sleeve on, you turned to leave and found the two of them standing in the doorway, watching while you were putting on your robe.

“Out!” you shooed them in front of you, and they reluctantly walked back down the short hallway and into your living room. You waved them back onto the sofa, tying your robe, and they both sat down again.

“Now, where were we? Oh yes. How on earth did two TV characters end up in my flat? And why do you look like each other - I thought the two characters were played by the same actor. But there are two of you!”

They exchanged a glance, and Billy replied, “We’ve only just discovered that we’re twins. And I’ll tell you what we know but it won’t make sense. It doesn’t even make sense to us.”

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

About an hour later, the two of them were just staring at you again and you were staring back. You’d introduced yourself by now, filled them in on exactly where they’d arrived at, and made tea. They’d sat there on your sofa sipping from their cups, telling you their frankly unbelievable stories.

You’d listened patiently as they explained why they’d ended up in your living room, and when Billy had mentioned the part about his apartment being sealed so they couldn’t get out, you’d raced over to your front door. Heart sinking, you pulled uselessly at the door handle. It wouldn’t budge.

Sitting back down and giving a huge sigh, you sank back into the cushions and managed to calmly say, “You realise I still can’t get my head round this? You. Two. Are. Fictional. Characters! Do you understand? You’re not supposed to be real! But now it seems you are, and you’re sitting on my sofa!”

That’s when the staring had recommenced. Then Billy had simply said, “Sorry ‘bout that.”

You burst out laughing, and Billy grinned at you. The General looked annoyed and you heard him mutter, “He’s not that amusing.” Turning towards him, you said, “Now now, General, is that some sibling rivalry right there?” His dark eyes met yours, “Call me Aleksander. And no - we’ve not been ‘siblings’ long enough to feel any rivalry.” “Are you sure about that, Aleksander?” you asked.

Billy smirked at him, and Aleksander literally snarled, “He’s nothing compared to me!”

You sighed. You could guess what was going to happen next. Yes, there they go…..

They’d both leapt up and were doing their facing off thing, snarking and bitching at each other.

You did your hand-clapping thing and like good puppies they stopped and sat down, both still huffing though. “Billy,” you said, and he looked over at you, “Did you ask Baghra which Small Science you specialised in? Aleksander is a Shadow Summoner.” “The Shadow Summoner,” you heard Aleksander mutter, but you ignored him and carried on. “What is yours? You must be Grisha too, right?”

“Not necessarily!” Aleksander butted in, sulky look on his face, “he could be Otkazat'sya,” he looked over at you, “…that’s people without Grisha capabilities.” Billy glowered at him. “Was your father Grisha too?” you asked Aleksander. His face became stern and closed off, “Yes. A Heartrender. I don’t know anything else about him.”

Oh, you thought, think I touched a nerve there. “You said Baghra is a Shadow Summoner too, right? So is it not more likely that Billy would also have Grisha powers?” He sighed, admitting, “Yes, he probably does.” “I didn’t get a chance to ask,” said Billy, with a triumphant smirk aimed at Aleksander appearing on his face. You got the distinct feeling that he’d really wanted to stick his tongue out at his twin, but somehow he’d managed not to. Aleksander was glaring back at him, looking like he wanted to strangle Billy.

How long were these two going to be here? you silently thought. It was like you’d suddenly adopted two sulky teenage boys. Or two large toddlers. Either description would fit.

It was exhausting.

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

Earlier on, when their hostess had left them alone while she made tea, Aleksander had leant into Billy’s face and stated, “She is going to be mine. Just to make things crystal clear.” Billy had shaken his head, laughing, “Oh you think? Nah. She’s definitely going to go for me, given the choice.” “Ha! She needs a real man, not some…” he looked Billy over, “…pathetic idiot who dresses in suits. And as I haven’t had sex in decades, it’s only fair that I get the woman.”

Billy had been laughing out loud at this and was just about to reply when she’d returned with three cups of tea and some biscuits on a plate. She’d given them a strange look as she’d placed these on the coffee table, but Billy had quietened down almost immediately and both of them now had innocent smiles on their faces.

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

You were yawning by now, informing them that you were going to bed and that they’d need to sleep on the two small sofas.

They’d exchanged glances, and Aleksander had smirked, “That’s a very big bed you’ve got in your room.” You nodded, stating firmly, “Yes, a king-size bed. It’s got a lot of space… and it’s all for me. I’ll get some blankets and pillows for you two.”

Noting their disappointed looks, you walked through to your bedroom and pulled some blankets out of the ottoman chest at the foot of your bed. You were in a bit of a temper. If they thought for one second that just because you were all stuck in here for however long you were going to open your legs for them, they would soon find out in a very painful manner that sex wasn’t on the menu. You weren’t dumb, you’d seen how the two of them - Aleksander in particular - had been looking at you like you were a snack.

Just as you were rummaging right down to the bottom of the ottoman for the spare pillows, you were suddenly aware of a figure next to you. You grabbed the pillows and stood up, scowling at Aleksander who was once again devouring you with his eyes. “I don’t need any help, thank you,” you snapped at him. However he moved even closer to you, “I was thinking more along the lines of you helping me, moi krasivyy.” “Moi what? What’s that mean?” you asked, sidetracked by curiosity getting the better of you. He grinned at you, “Moi krasivyy. It means ‘my beautiful one’. Because you are. Very beautiful.”

You suddenly heard Billy’s voice, “He’s just trying to talk himself into your bed.”

Aleksander whipped round, scowling at Billy. “Shut up!” he yelled at him.

“Ooh, touchy!”

“I meant every word I said. She is very beautiful!”

“Yes, of course she is, just like you said! But she doesn’t need you to tell her that.”

“Why shouldn’t I tell her she’s beautiful?”

“Because you’ve got a hidden agenda!”

“And you don’t?!”

“We both want to fuck her and you know it! You’re just being more obvious about it!”

They both froze as soon as those words came out of Billy’s mouth and their heads swung towards you, two sets of worried eyes meeting yours. You had your arms crossed again, and boy were you pissed.

“Firstly, I’m right here, you know. Standing right here listening to you argue about who’s going to fuck me.” They both looked somewhat ashamed. “Well, let me tell you…. that will be neither of you! The arrogance of the two of you! Not only do you land in my flat totally uninvited but you act as if I’ve been provided as your personal fucktoy. Not gonna happen! Have we got that clear?”

They both nodded, and you heard mumbled ‘Sorry’s’ as you stomped out past them to the living room. Both followed behind you, now silent. Dumping the blankets and pillows onto one of the sofas, you huffed a ‘Goodnight’ to them and returned to your room, firmly closing the door. Pity it didn’t lock, you thought.

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

Billy was squirming about under his blanket, his long legs hanging off the edge of the too-short sofa. Across from him on the other sofa, Aleksander was doing exactly the same.

“This is your fault,” grumbled Aleksander, “…if you hadn’t inserted yourself into the conversation, I could’ve been sharing that lovely bed with that lovely woman.” “Dream on, jerk,” laughed Billy, “you don’t stand a chance.” “Of course I stand a chance! More than you do…. jerk!” replied Aleksander, adding, “Whatever that means.” “A jerk perfectly describes you…. a very annoyin’ stupid prick!” “It describes you perfectly too!” Voices rising, both getting ready to jump up yet again and really get into it. Which was rapidly becoming a thing with the twins.

“It perfectly describes both of you!” came a shout from behind the closed bedroom door. “Now just shut up and go to sleep!”

They exchanged guilty looks and settled uncomfortably back down on their respective sofas.

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

Emerging into the living room the next morning, you saw two dark heads peeking out from underneath their blankets and heard two sets of soft snores. Their feet were dangling off the ends of the sofas, and you momentarily felt sorry for them. Your furniture was not intended for six-foot males to sleep on.

Heading to your kitchen, you filled and switched on the kettle, then took a loaf of bread out of a cupboard and popped four slices into the toaster. Hmm… you didn’t have a huge amount of food in your fridge and cupboards. Before all… this had happened, you’d intended picking some more up today. How were you going to get more supplies? And what about your store! Everyone would wonder why it was closed. The store was only usually shut on Sundays, and today was Saturday.

This was a complete disaster. Sighing, you took out another two slices of bread to await toasting and as you closed up the wrapping, suddenly noticed that the loaf didn’t feel as if had got any smaller. You opened it up again and double-checked. You had previously only used a couple of slices, and no way was this loaf now 6 slices lighter, it was exactly the same as it had been. “Oh fuck off,” you muttered. What was this? Narnia? Alice in Fucking Wonderland? Oh well - maybe this meant you and your two ‘guests’ wouldn’t starve.

You jumped, startled, as you heard Billy’s voice behind you, “Somethin’ wrong, sweetheart?” He was leaning against the doorframe, wearing only a pair of tight black boxer briefs. Your jaw dropped as you took in this vision of masculine beauty. His smirk at you was totally self-satisfied, and you closed your mouth immediately. “Can’t you put some clothes on!” you snapped, and his grin got wider. “Only got my suit and it ain’t that comfortable for loungin’ around in.”

The toaster popped up at that point and you jumped again. “Am I makin’ you nervous, sweetheart?” he grinned. You turned away and took out the butter from the fridge. Placing the remaining two slices in the toaster, you began to spread the butter on the other 4 slices. “No, you are not,” you denied, looking defiantly at him, knowing it wasn’t true. The two of them were really hot guys, no denying that, but you absolutely couldn’t let them know that’s what you were thinking.

Aleksander now appeared behind him, likewise clad in just his underwear - black boxer shorts - and leant on the other side of the door, arms crossed on his chest. “You’re very kind, making tea for us,” he commented.

Oh good lord! your man-starved mind screeched, this is just too much first thing in the morning! Two male thirst traps, looking like they were currently shooting a Calvin Klein ad.

You hastily turned away and said, “Can one of you make yourself useful, please? Put three teabags into the teapot and fill it up with the hot water.” You hid a grin as they both tried to come into the kitchen at the same time and got jammed in the door. “Okay - Billy, you do it,” you said, “you’ve probably got more experience...” He chuckled, “Yes I have, angel. More than him, that’s for sure!” just as you added, “…of making tea.” Now it was Aleksander’s turn to laugh, “Yes… in tea-making only. Other people usually make my tea.”

“Now don’t you two start arguing again!”

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

You brought the teapot, cups and plate of toast into the living room and put it down on the coffee table, noting that they’d folded up their blankets and piled them on top of their pillows on one of the sofas. Must be the military training, you thought. They were sitting on one of the sofas again, both still in their underwear. That was disturbing.

Now you were the one having to stop your eyes roaming over their bodies. Both of which happened to be lean, athletic and very nicely toned, commented your mind. Okay! Enough of that. Did you have any men’s clothes still lying around anywhere, you wondered? Quite possibly, and you decided you’d have a good look once you’d had your tea and toast.

Later on, you came out of your bedroom having found two pairs of grey tracksuit bottoms and a couple of black t-shirts, left behind by your previous boyfriend. You’d laundered them, intending to give them back to him but he’d moved out of the area so that never happened, and they’d lived in one of your drawers ever since. And just as well they had, you thought - I’ve got to get them into some clothes or else I won’t be responsible for my actions.

Handing them over, you remarked, “Hopefully these fit you.” Billy looked at them, nose wrinkling, “Whose are these?” “An ex of mine. Don’t worry! They’ve been washed.” They both stood up and pulled on the jogging bottoms, maybe a tiny bit short for them but not by too much. You smiled to yourself as you noticed one’s movements often mirrored the other’s. They really were twins in every way, although you were sure they’d argue with you on that point.

Both shook out the t-shirts and looked at the band logos on each. “Led Zeppelin?” queried Aleksander. “An old school rock band,” you replied. He looked none the wiser, shrugging but pulling the t-shirt on over his head nevertheless. “Queen!!?” howled Billy, “I’m not wearin’ that!” “Why not, Billy? I love Queen!” you said, offended. He glanced over at you, “Oh, do you? Well… alright then,” and on it went without further argument. The two of them stood there, looking each other over and arguing about which of them looked better in their new outfits.

This really is like getting the children ready for school, you smirked to yourself. Secretly you found it rather amusing that these two alpha males kept challenging each other. But it was just as well you were around to act as referee before they came to actual blows.

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

After having put the TV on for the ‘kids’, you began to gather the tea cups, tea pot and plates back onto the tray, fervently hoping that your dishwasher was still working. You noticed that in the few short moments they’d been sitting on the sofas, Aleksander’s eyes were beginning to close. You called his name softly and when he opened his eyes again, told him he could go and take a nap in your bed if he liked. His eyes sparkling, he was off the sofa and sprinting through to your bedroom before you’d properly finished your sentence. The bedroom door slammed.

Billy huffed, “You know he was just doing that ‘dozing off because I’m so tired’ thing just so he could sleep in your bed?” You picked up the tray, “Really? Now, don’t be jealous Billy, you can join him if you like.” Predictably, as you turned to head to the kitchen, you heard, “I’m not sharing a bed with him!”

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

Billy followed on your heels into the kitchen, and you jumped as you put down the tray and realised he was so close behind you.

“Sorry,” he shrugged, “I just wanted to say - while my delightful twin is out of the way for once - that I’m really truly sorry about what I said last night. About… you know, you and me and him, and.. uhh.. well, you know.” “Yes, Billy, I do know. Apology accepted.” You took the lid off the teapot and turned back to the sink.

He continued, “I really do wanna fuck you but I shoulda told you that in private.”

The teapot lid clattered into the sink, “Billy! Do you have to be so… so direct!” you yelled, while he just stood there, looking down at you with those liquid dark chocolate eyes, trademark smirk on his face.

“We keep movin’ universes, sweetheart! -so carpe diem, as they say.”

He moved his body forwards, pushing you against the sink and a big hand was pulling your head towards his. You were still both maintaining eye contact up to this point; long fingers slid along your jawline and you felt his lips on yours in what quickly became a heated kiss. You saw his eyes close, and allowed yours to slowly close too.

This is such a bad idea!!!

….screeched that nagging little voice at the back of your mind.

But oh my lord, did it feel so very, very good…..

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

@aleksanderwh0r3 @cleverzonkwombatsludge @s1xthirty @tartiflvtte @slythvoid @edithsvoice @paracosmenthusiast

»»————————————-———-　⚜　———————————-————-««

[literaticat]

Hi. An agent I queried emailed me back to say "How are you looking for an agent? How did you come upon my name? Thanks for the clarification." I found them on Publisher's Marketplace. But looking further I see I should have checked QueryTracker as it says they are closed (though there is some dispute about that in the comments). Their own agency website does not specify they are closed. Are they trying to catch me out on something? Should I just ignore it? Or should I respond? TY.

"p.s. They said nothing about my book or query itself, hence why it seems kind of weird to me. If they were also commenting on my query/asking for more info in general as well as that, it would make more sense to me." "Hi. I asked the question earlier. Meant to say, this agent's own website AND Publisher's Marketplace do not show them as closed, only QT does (with some dispute in comments). Also, while they mostly do non-fiction, they still have recent Fiction sales (good ones) on PM and represent some huge authors (I'm not personally a fan of but they are well known). So seems odd they're asking a writer how they found them? They're not obscure. I just feel weirded out by it for some reason! TY."

You sent multiple follow-ups to this ask, each making the situation more confusing, and you broke my brain. It's early! I'm just trying to eat toast, not solve a riddle!

I feel "where did you come across my name" sounds like a reasonable question? Like it doesn't sound like a TRICK question or anything. Lots of people do mention things like that in their query when they are personalizing it.

I have no idea why they would say "how are you looking for an agent" (like, "how am I looking? LIKE THIS, obvs" lol.) Could they have said WHY are you looking? I don't know. I mean that doesn't make it much better of a question but at least it makes a bit more sense? Oy.

Anyway, if I had to hazard a guess, it sounds like PERHAPS you didn't read their submission guidelines thoroughly and didn't follow how they want to be queried, or they are only open to referrals, or something of that nature. You inadvertently confused them. (I base this just on the fact that you confused ME in asking about it, so you have a track record.)

Of course it could also be that they are just weirdos, or bad at email, or you misinterpreted whatever they said, or they have in fact been replaced by aliens and are only pretending to be agents, or who knows.

I would just assume that there is no bad intent here, they are not purposely trying to trick you or "catch you out" on anything. What would be the point of that?

__

PSA for those who haven't read the pinned post with the rules of engagement on this Tumblr thoroughly:

Please confine yourself to ONE. ASK. BOX. When you have a question spread over multiple boxes, I can't answer all of them without cutting and pasting on a computer, I can't do it easily on my phone, but more importantly, ALL OF THIS IS ANONYMOUS. I CAN'T TELL WHAT GOES WITH WHAT. THERE ARE DOZENS OF QUESTIONS MIXED TOGETHER. PLEASE.

[sineala]

Some Tony/Ty meta

Here is some Tony/Ty meta! Because I've been reading DreamVision a lot! This is an expanded version of something I posted on Discord a few weeks ago.

Remember how at the beginning of the month I mentioned I was writing a Steve/Tony DreamVision AU in which Tony and Tiberius Stone are actually dating in the course of the story? Well, I still am. I am also very bad at estimating word count because I thought I'd be done in 20k and I'm at 60k and counting, but that is neither here nor there.

Anyway, so I've been rereading DreamVision a lot and discovering multiple plot holes, namely:

Radioactive Man explodes himself in the middle of a battle with Tony and it is apparently suicide; then he shows up alive at the end of the last issue in the arc and it is never explained how he survived exploding himself. He's just... alive.

After Trevor Donahue tells Tony about Ty's propensity for homicide, Tony immediately confronts Ty, and Ty behaves as if he already knew what Tony was there to talk about and what Donahue had said.

There doesn't seem to have been any reason for Ty to have confessed to murder in front of Tony, although to be fair, subsequent appearances of Ty make it clear that he just seems to be the kind of guy who likes to confess to murder; in an appearance shortly after this (in an issue of Wolverine) he confesses to one of the murders he committed in this very arc that had previously not been explicitly pinned on him. I guess he feels like he needs other people to appreciate his Flawless Murder Skills.

The entire plot with Tony being smeared in the media begins when Ty's news channel airs footage of Tony meeting with Trevor Donahue and claims that Whiplash's death back in the Sentient Armor arc was the fault of Tony and/or Iron Man. But the news story doesn't make it clear what Donahue has to do with Whiplash -- they just say that because he met with Donahue, he's a suspect in Whiplash's death. Now, we the readers know that Tony actually probably should be a suspect (Whiplash was murdered by the Sentient Armor) and that Whiplash was very much connected to Donahue (before he dies, he claims Donahue is the one who sent him after Iron Man)... but there's no way the news should know any of that. As far as I can tell.

But, anyway, the actual point of this post is that I wanted to mention a thing I worked out about the timing of Tony and Ty's relationship.

Most 616 fiction that postulates a past Tony/Tiberius relationship sets it either when Tony and Ty were classmates or at some point slightly after that, while Tony was at MIT. And since this is non-canonical, we can all say what we want, but I have what I think is a pretty good argument for why, if a Tony/Ty relationship was a thing at all, it happened when they were both 21. Which is very specific, yes, but I have Reasons.

We can infer based on the flashbacks we see of Tony and Ty in IM v3 #38 that they are probably the same age, because they seem to have been in the same classes as children; I suppose there could be mixed-age classes at the fancy boarding school that we know Tony went to as mentioned in IM #287 (which is therefore probably the school they attended together), but the easiest assumption is that they were same-age classmates.

The very end of the flashback is what's relevant here. Tony talks about their rivalry, narrating the flashback, and he ends it by talking about when he and Ty became close. So they were rivals, maybe they were friends, and at a certain point they "became close" which is a good candidate for a euphemism for "were fucking," in my opinion. He doesn't say that they were close before that, though it doesn't preclude them having been good friends.

(This also doesn't preclude them having been physically involved at an earlier time, of course, just that they weren't "close" prior to then. So if you're postulating a relationship that's romantic -- at least on Tony's part -- I feel like this statement makes that unlikely, but it doesn't rule out a FWB situation.)

Tony says, specifically, that they became close after Ty's parents died. And he says that he knew what Ty was going through because his own parents had recently died. (We later find out that this is what ends up motivating what was actually Ty's murder of his own parents.)

And the thing is, we can date that, at least by internal chronology. Because we know that Tony was 21 when his parents died. So Ty was also probably 21. So this is, actually, well after they were in school together -- it doesn't seem like Ty also went to college with Tony, because Tony would have probably mentioned if he had. So at this point they haven't even been classmates for years. But this is when they "became close." The panel where Tony discusses this shows them drinking together.

So they have to be at least 21 when they are "close" but probably not that much older, because there's probably not a whole lot of time between Tony's parents' death and when Tony became Iron Man and then an Avenger, and his involvement with Ty seems to have preceded both of those things.

Curiously, even though Ty is canonically in Europe between that time and his reappearance in Tony's life in the first DreamVision arc, we know they must have met each other at least once after that. There's a throwaway line from Pepper in IM v3 #39 about Ty hitting on her at one of Tony's Christmas parties, and seeing as how Tony didn't even know Pepper until after he became Iron Man, Ty has to have come back into Tony's life, however briefly, at some point.

(Jan and Hank also clearly know Ty; they're at Ty's DreamVision party. Judging by the way Steve talks about the smear campaign against Tony, I don't think he's ever met Ty; he doesn't canonically meet him in this arc. Or ever, as far as I know, unless there's something I'm not thinking of.)

In conclusion, what we can tell from canon is that Tony and Ty had a close relationship in the period after Ty murdered his own parents to one-up Tony. Ty was probably playing on that for a lot of sympathy. Alcohol was definitely involved, which around Tony is probably a Bad Idea and Ty, who is very clever, might already have known that.

So I mean, I'm not saying that Ty canonically got Tony drunk and fucked him because he was taking advantage of Tony's good nature and, uh, his probably-lowered inhibitions, while Tony thought he was loving and comforting his grieving friend who actually murdered his own parents, and thereby Ty was arranging this entire situation so that he could pwn Tony and also receive free orgasms. I'm just saying that's what I'm writing in this fic, and you're welcome to join me in fictional dub-con gaslighting hell. The end.