#all the challenges made him stronger and a better person . he’s so amazing. I just.

[accio-victuuri]

WYB: It turns out that mountain climbing is very similar to our lives. It takes a lot of hard work to reach the peak of life. You see some scenery, and sometimes you continue to challenge yourself. If you want to climb to a higher mountain to see it, it is a challenge. Maybe you just went down, or maybe you saw the best scenery and then came down again. It may be more similar to my current acting job. If you went down smoothly, you may be older. It’s hard to say whether it will be possible by that time. I'm afraid, but I hope I can keep a good attitude and enjoy the time when I was at the top. I recalled the wonderful moments at the top, so I think I can keep those wonderful memories in my mind and enjoy the whole process. I think it's okay. Try your best to climb more mountains, right?

exploring the unknown episode 4 🌨️

[lokilaufeysonslove]

𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐱 𝐟𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

// Summary // after a past traumatic experience, you struggle to trust anyone, but Steve's patient and understanding nature helps you open up.

// Warnings // cheating (not Steve)

// Author’s Note // divider by the amazing @saradika-graphics / gif by @tastingmellow

You were always a strong and independent person. Nothing could rattle you, or so you thought. But that all changed when something happened that left you questioning everything and everyone around you.

That something being betrayal. Yes, you were betrayed by your best friend and your own boyfriend, ex-best friend and ex-boyfriend. He cheated on you with her, and just like that, you lost two closest people in your life.

Your trust in others was shattered and you found it difficult to open up to anyone. You distanced yourself from your friends and family, not wanting to burden them with your pain and fear. You thought you were better off alone.

But then you met Steve. He was patient and understanding, never pushing you to open up or share your story. He was just there, a steady presence in your life, always ready to listen if and when you were ready to talk.

At first, you were hesitant to open up to him. You were afraid of being vulnerable and getting hurt again. But then you started to let your guard down around him. You felt safe with him, and that was a feeling you hadn't experienced in a long time.

As time went on, you found yourself wanting to be around Steve more and more. Your friendship with Steve grew stronger, you found yourself wanting to spend more and more time with him. He made you laugh, he challenged you, and he always seemed to know when you needed a shoulder to cry on. It wasn't long before you realized that you had developed feelings for him.

But you were still scared. Scared of getting hurt, scared of losing the only person you had truly let in.

But Steve was patient, and he never gave up on you. He showed you time and time again that he was trustworthy and that he cared for you deeply.

And eventually, you found the courage to let go of your fears and allow yourself to fall for Steve. It wasn't an easy journey, but with Steve by your side, you were able to overcome your past trauma and learn to trust again.

One day, as you were sitting on the couch with Steve, watching a movie. Suddenly, he turned to look at you and said, "You know, you don't have to be afraid with me. I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

You smiled and snuggled closer into him, "I know," you whispered, your voice barely audible.

A comfortable silence took over the two of you, neither wanting to break it. Steve was staring at you, smiling. He found you very cute and beautiful. He loved everything about you. Your pretty hair that always seemed to glow, your beautiful eyes, your shiny smile that always seemed to light up the whole room.

You felt his burning gaze on your skin and turned around, “What?” You asked.

He looked deep into your eyes, maintaining an eye contact. “I really wanna kiss you.”

You were shocked by his words, but before you could respond, Steve's lips were on yours, his kiss gentle but full of purpose. You were taken aback at first, but then you found yourself melting into the kiss, feeling all of your walls crumbling down. Instantly, you wrapped your arms around his neck, his wrapped around your waist, going up and down your back.

You pulled away to catch a breath. You looked into Steve's eyes, he smiled and hugged you close to his chest, gently stroking your head.

In that moment, you knew that he was different from anyone else you had ever met. He was patient, kind, and truly cared about you. And for the first time in a long time, you allowed yourself to believe that maybe, just maybe, you could find love and trust again.

[kimbapkimbapp]

Bkdk make each other stronger

We all know the unhealthy part of their relationship but let's get into why I think they're healthy for each other.

Katsuki at the start of the series was someone who repressed his emotions so badly to the point he bullied Izuku to cover his jealousy and admiration for him. As I said before, Katsuki never thought Izuku was weak, he thought HE was the one who was weaker and he couldn't stand that.

To Katsuki the definition of strong came with a strong personality and quirk, but Izuku was the total opposite of that. Why then did he admire him? Because there's something so strong in a soft and kind heart. And that is the true essence of being a hero, something that Katsuki just couldn't have (but it is in him).

Izuku shows his sadness, his happiness, his anger, his fears and his passions. Katsuki deeply wants to do that, but he represses himself because he thinks that that's being 'weak'. But as Katsuki grows with Izuku, he realises that there's something so powerful about opening yourself. He isn't afraid of showing his emotions that much because if something hurts him he knows he will stand up again, and that's true strength.

Katsuki only cried with Izuku because secretly, he has always wanted to open up his heart, and Izuku doesn't judge him for that. That's why Izuku makes him better.

On the other side, Izuku was someone that didn't take action to accomplish his goals. In the first episode we see that even if Izuku wants to be a hero more than anything he doesn't do anything to pursue that dream. Yes sure, he has notebooks filled with hero analysis, but he doesn't go outside of his perfect and idolised world. And Katsuki tells him the harsh truth 'you can't be a hero without a quirk (strength)', you need to work it up.

Because let's be fr, Izuku wasn't doing any type of training. And yes, you can be a hero without a quirk, or are you telling me that mineta's quirk or the brick head guy are stronger than a quirkless person? Let's be fr.

But Izuku needed to put his feet on the ground, and that's what Katsuki made him to. Izuku tries to be better every time because Katsuki challenges him. And he gets better, waaay better.

Katsuki wakes Izuku up for the very first time with the sludge villain, showing up the true nature of their relationship from the very beginning. A Katsuki who shows up his true emotions when he looks at Izuku and a Izuku who shows his strength when looking at Katsuki.

Izuku taught Katsuki strength by acknowledging himself, and Katsuki taught Izuku strength by working hard for his goals, and I think that's amazing.

[ghostofskywalker]

Hey, so sorry to hear that your semesters been rough, I hope it gets better. I am super excited you’re doing the spring ficlets though! Could I request one with Fives and hes just head over heels for this spunky hot-headed reader. Maybe idk they’re going off on someone (who deserves it) and hes just there making heart eyes? Idk do with it what you want, thank you so much! Have an amazing week!! 💖

thank you!! i LOVED your prompt and i hope you enjoy this!!

words: 884

summary: you prove that you aren't one to be messed with, and fives falls even more in love.

clone troopers masterlist

Smitten

“You know you’re staring again, right?” Rex’s voice cut through the ARC trooper’s daydream and Fives barely even acknowledged his commanding officer. 

“What? No I’m not.” That was a bold-faced lie, and everyone around him knew it. It really didn’t help that Fives had yet to take his eyes off you as you sparred with a shiny, who had been acting like he was a lot stronger than he was. Most of the battalion knew what was going to happen when you challenged him to a sparring match, and yet the trooper did not heed their warnings that he might be a little out of his depth. A rule was set that no outside weapons could be used in the fight (since you had a habit of keeping at least three concealed on your person at all times), and the spectacle began. 

Fives would never speak ill of his brothers, but there were certainly troopers who lacked in the manners department, who acted like they were Maker’s gift to the world around anyone they thought was attractive, and you certainly fit the bill. And given the fact that you weren’t always around (because the 501st didn’t need the help of a bounty hunter for every mission they went on), not everyone knew who you were when you arrived on Coruscant for a little friendly training and bonding before you headed off with the 104th for a campaign.  

“You’re so obvious at this point I’m shocked that they haven’t noticed yet,” Rex said. Both him and Fives were watching you dodge every single punch the shiny tried to throw at you, and Fives was desperately trying to keep his jaw from dropping. “I thought bounty hunters were supposed to be hyper-aware of their surroundings at all times.” 

Fives shrugged, still not done staring. 

“Maybe they’re just as oblivious as Fives,” Jesse cut in, walking across the room to stand next the two of them. “What do they say? ‘Love is blind’ or something like that?”

“Then we may need to get them an eye exam if they really can’t see Fives’ lovesick glances,” Hardcase had now joined the conversation, and Fives was really regretting standing here right now. 

“Shut up,” he said, rolling his eyes. “I’m not that obvious about my feelings.” 

“Scratch that, we may need to get you an eye exam!” 

Fives was about to respond, but his eyes were still drawn to the scene in front of him. 

The shiny had just lunged at you, and it was exactly what you wanted. Grabbing his outstretched arm, you turned, twisting your body so that you were using your strength and momentum to push the trooper upward and then send him careening to the floor. To the cheering spectators on the sidelines, it was clear that you had just flipped him, sending him flying through the air and landing (quite unpleasantly) on the padded floor of the training room. Fives had seen you use that move before, and it was just as seamless as the last time you used it on the battlefield, one fluid motion that proved you weren’t one to be messed with. 

“Well, I think they won,” Jesse remarked, and the shiny hadn’t yet gotten up off the ground. Everyone knew that he wasn’t really injured, given the floor padding and the armor he wore, but rather that he was embarrassed to have been beaten out by you, to have talked a big game and gotten his shebs handed to him in response. 

You caught Fives’ eye from across the room and made your way over to him, smiling and greeting all the other troopers of the 501st that you knew. “Did you kill him?” Jesse asked playfully, nodding back at your sparring victim. 

“Oh please, I didn’t even flip him that hard,” you said, a soft snort escaping your mouth. “It’s his ego that’s bruised more than anything.” 

“Maybe you and Fives should go a round then,” Hardcase joked. “He could be knocked down a few pegs.” 

“Hey!”

You just laughed. “I don’t think I’d want to spar with Fives though.” 

“Why? You afraid I’d win?” 

Jesse tried very hard to hide his laughter at Fives’ teasing words, and Rex didn’t seem to be faring any better. “No, I just wouldn’t want to ruin your gorgeous face,” you said, a smirk playing on your lips. 

Whatever Fives was expecting you to say, that wasn’t it, and he didn’t know what to do in response, his mind completely lost for words at the implication that you thought he was attractive. 

“I think you broke him,” Rex commented a smile crossing his face at the sight of his ARC trooper completely awestruck.  

The others around laughed, and you smiled. “Wow, and I didn’t even need to pin him down to do it.” 

Fives was still trying to form a sentence in response when your name was called across the room, and you waved to another trooper dressed in grey, the symbol of the Wolfpack adoring his armor. “Alright boys, duty calls,” you said. “I’ll see you soon, alright?” 

Right before you left, you leaned in to place a kiss on Fives’ cheek, and his brain short circuited all over again. You were going to be the death of him, that’s for sure. 

- the end -

[jangillman]

Posted by Wisconsin Right Now on FB...

I'm not sure who is going to win this, but I’d rather be #Trump right now than #HarrisWalz because he’s peaking at the right time, and the issues people rank highest (economy, border) favor him. He’s surging and it feels like she’s cratering.

But the Democrats have made so many mistakes this election season. James Carville can rant and rave all he wants, but that’s just a fact. The key mistakes include:

-Not reaching out to #Elon Musk, and instead unfairly villainizing a guy with $240B and making it clear that this election will be existential for him personally;

-Charging Trump criminally with a series of novel legal theories that pushed the envelope of the law. If you’re going to go after the king, you better not miss or he gets stronger and, in this case, they turned him into a martyr and the well-worn Hollywood archetype of the underdog fighting the system and elites. People don’t like it when people don’t play fair and criminally charging your political opponent over 94 (or whatever) half-baked accusations (at best) was not playing fair;

-Not admitting Biden’s severe cognitive issues earlier so there could be a competitive primary on the Democratic side rather than foisting an untested and clearly unserious VP on voters. They would have been better off choosing a nominee who could run against the Biden-Harris administration’s worst policies and promise a new course (probably a governor). Harris has had the unenviably impossible task of promising a new future when she’s part of the current administration. Minimally when the Hur report came out, they should have bailed on Biden. She can’t plausibly separate herself from Biden enough no matter how hard she tries.

-Choosing Walz as VP because Josh Shapiro wasn’t acceptable to the pro Gaza wing.

-Not ensuring Trump had adequate and effective secret service protection. The near misses of the 2 assassins (especially the first one) turned him into the aforementioned archetype all the more. And it was just wrong.

-Not reaching out to black and Hispanic male voters until the last minute, at which point it seems pandering and desperate. Having no plan to reach out to men, period, until the last minute and instead emphasizing the gender gap (ie turning Kamala into Hillary 2.0, pantsuit and all, talking about “reimagining masculinity,” the girls’ sports issue etc);

-Not giving even the slightest nod to parental rights. They’re underestimating the power of that issue.

-Not reaching out to RFK Jr and bringing him back into the fold (all they had to do was care about children’s health) and instead trying to destroy him through undemocratic lawfare and insults;

-Putting Harris on the media circuit after the debate. She’s clearly not up to it. As pathetic as it is, they would have been better off keeping her in bubble wrap.

All that being said, it’s amazing they’re still in it. And really the biggest challenge for them - all of the above aside - is the core fact that people believe they were better off four years ago. That’s “event memory” so to speak. No matter what you tell people in ads about their own lives, they know what they pay for groceries.

I miss anything? #trump #breaking #ElectionDay #Wisconsin

[estranhossonhos]

🌟Just a quick note to let you know that you’re doing better than you think. Life can be tough, and it’s easy to overlook your own strength, but you’ve made it this far, and that’s no small thing. You bring something unique to the world just by being here. Even on the hard days, remember that your presence has an impact. Take a moment to appreciate how far you've come, and know that you matter, more than you realize. You’re not alone in this, and things will get better. Keep going, one step at a time🌟

I remember a few years ago, there was this trend going around, of people sending positive messages like this one to random accounts.

Having said that, I don't know if this was written especially with me in mind, or if it is still from that trend. Nonetheless, thank you so much for taking the time. 🤍 Really. I read it on the day you sent it, but I was too emotional to reply. Thank you!

--

And if you (or anyone reading this) also needs to be reminded of how special they are - then please, go ahead and read it again, but not as a message someone sent to me, but as a message I've sent to you!

Let me also be the person that says how unique and necessary you are; to wish you all the strength you need to survive yet another day, and that reminds you of all past challenges you've already won ✨ we are so much stronger than we think...

→ About this song: if you do not understand portuguese, please search for the lyrics' and look for its translation.

(and now, totally unrelated, but more about this song and the people behind it, below)

Totally not related to this ask, nor to this song's meaning, but, if you want to go on a deep dive, check out António Variações.

Humanos, was a supergroup created by 7 musical giants, and performed by 3 amazing and already famous singers, from different music genres (pop, pop-rock and fado).

They got together to give a different spin to some already known songs that Variações released during his lifetime, and to bring back to life some of his exclusive/unreleased music.

In 2004 they were everywhere, and it was such a beautiful historical moment to witness!

They not only honoured his (unfortunately) short life, but also reminded Portuguese society how talented, revolutionary and ahead of its time he looked and behaved (and I am obviously not just talking about his fashion sense).

And more importantly, they showed us how today's society would still discriminate against him, and that what he (and others) started back in the 80s, it's still (in 2024) far from the ideal they (and every LGBTQIA+ ally) would consider safe, fair and true.

It's better, of course, but we still need people like him: people who are brave, not afraid to be vulnerable, true to their values, and loyal to ones we love (and love us back).

There's a movie about him, called "Variações" that I also highly recommend! (TMI: It was the last movie I watched in theatre, before 2020's lockdown 🥲 I truly thought: "well, at least the last movie I watched outside was this masterpiece")

[icarlsworld]

Everything I wish you would have said in your speech on my wedding day

Hi everyone! I’m (brides) father, and i’m so thankful that all of you could be here this weekend to celebrate with us the love between (groom) and (bride).

First I want to talk about my daughter, the girl who made me a dad. From the day I met you at the hospital, my whole world changed. I have always felt like I have to put on a tough face and hide all of my emotions and weaknesses(I still do sometimes), but meeting my little girl changed all of that. I had never held something so small and sweet that was part of me in my life. From that day on, i’ve had the privilege of being (brides) dad. Some of you may not know, but (bride) grew up fly fishing with me and she can out fish every man on the river (except me of course). I’ve always been thankful for how much she loves adventure and the outdoors, and I cherish those memories we have together whether it be on a river, ocean or mountain. She’s always been creative and funny, and seeing her talents blossom and thrive over the years has been fascinating and fills me with joy and pride to be her dad. Watching her grow up, she was always fiercely independent, and since she has been able to speak, her favorite phrase was “(bride) do it”. That has been true of so many areas in her life and i’ve been so proud to watch her grow through the years, creating the life that she wants for herself. When she moved states away for college, we were sad but so proud of her and her fearless, adventurous nature. She immersed herself in a new culture and landscape, thrived in her studies, made some amazing friends, some of which are here today, and went on to grow her career in (profession) to where she is today as a lead (profession). She’s always been driven (and a bit stubborn), but I believe that stubbornness is a strength and part of what has brought her joy and success - she won’t take anything less than the best for an answer.

And that’s where (groom) comes in… I was always that dad who loved the song “cleaning this gun”, but let’s be real what father doesn’t love that song? (haha) And then (bride) told her mother and I that she met someone who is incredibly kind, artistic, loving, thoughtful, funny and genuine. It took me a minute to come around but i’ve seen for myself what a wonderful person (groom) is and how much he loves my daughter. I’ve gotten to know (groom) a little myself and can’t wait to continue growing our relationship over the years to come. I’m proud to welcome him into our family and couldn’t imagine a better partner for my girl.

So as you both move into this next chapter together, I want to give a little unsolicited advice. First remember that marriage is a journey. Anyone here can see the love you both have for each other today. Remember this day on the days that are harder and it’s not as easy to love each other. Life throws things at you that you could never imagine, but as long as you support and respect each other through those moments, you can get through anything together. I’m sure you already know this firsthand especially with some of the challenges that living through this last year of the pandemic and seeing how it’s affected you two directly. Remember how you got through that season together and came out stronger because of each other. Second, remember to have fun together! Just because you’re married now and will continue growing older doesn’t mean you have to stop dating each other. Each of you is so complex and there are worlds inside both of you that the other can continue to learn, know and appreciate. Go on the trips, make the memories. The money will return, but your youth and freedom will not. Last, Remember that you are on the same team. You will fight, all couples do. But learn to fight with grace, and keep your perspective on the fact that you are partners, not enemies even if it might feel like it in those moments.

Beyond that, remember the love that everyone in this place today has for the two of you. We will support you both as much as we can in your relationship, you don’t have to go it alone.

To my number one daughter and my new number one son in law, I wish you all the happiness in the world, and love you both.

cheers 🥂

[chloeafrazier]

What An Amazing Lie That Was Zuko From Avatar The Last Air Bender

Hey Everyone How are you all doing Today ? i am going to tell you what my Favorite Lines are from Avatar the Last Air Bender and it all takes Place in Book 3 Ep 10 Entitled Day Of the Black sun

and this is when they are planning to ambush the Fire Nation and start the fight while the have the fact that the fire Benders cannot

Fire bend Because the Black sun takes away there ability to fire bend so anyway it is said By Zuko when he goes to his dad's Hiding place

to talk to him and Zuko says all i wanted was for you to Love Me to accept me my father who banished me a 13 year Old boy just for talking out of turn

My father who challenged me a 13 year old boy to a duel how can you possibly Justify a duel with a child ?

and his dad says It was to teach you Respect

and Zuko says it was Cruel and it was wrong.

and to me that was when i felt that Zuko Realized that what his dad did to him was wrong and that it was something that he did not

deserve because for a Long Time I felt that Zuko Blamed his self for what his dad did to him and once he told his dad that what he did to

him was wrong i think it really showed his growth as a Person in the show for sure Because what his dad did to him was wrong and it was

not right not at all and i think that once Zuko stood up for Himself it really Made him Not Just a stronger person but a better Person for

sure and yes i know that it is a Tv show and it is not real of course but it is still to this day the Hardest scene in the whole show for me to

watch well Thanks for reading well Thanks for reading have a Great day know that you are Loved wanted and Cared for always by God Thanks for reading.

[aisyahnuraeni]

A typical year-end reflection

this very video just showed up when I was up for youtube days ago. it did bring me into tears, like?!?! I do have a little convo with my younger self whenever I am down, feeling weak, and unworthy. as far as I remembered, this is one of a psychological therapy called inner-child therapy, which the person attempts to heal on his/her own by having conversation with his/her younger self, giving the younger version of him/herself full attention especially positive affirmations. I HV BEEN INTO IT FOR LIKE 4 YEARS? AND I AM SO HAPPY THAT SOCIAL MEDIA HAS MADE IT INTO TREND.

probably you've known me for a long time and you've thought that you've deeply known who I am as well as my ups and downs and I AM SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE YOU IN MY LIFE because you made me who I am today. little do you know, I had did a lot of bad things to myself including suicidal ideation (oops, im so sorry if you're triggered). and those bad things led me to find professional helps in various types. besides the breathing techniques, this inner-child therapy really worked for me till this day.

mmmm, so.. this is me sharing my year-end thoughts as I had a convo with my younger version-- which I hope that you'll find it fruitful for you.

mini-me: "are we living the dream to be a basketball player?" me rn: "we had to quit for the better one."

mini-me: "a happy family?" me rn: "dad passed away years ago yet we are a family full of laughters and tears together. a stronger family. oh yea, even we started a family just a year ago.."

mini-me: "definitely with a handsome man, isn't he?" me rn: "haha, in our 20s, appearance doesn't matter at all. as we grow to be mentally mature, we found the one who is mentally mature as well. the one you've been looking for, I bet!"

mini-me: "how about mama and nisa and mail?" me rn: "they are still incredible, they raise us up <3"

mini-me: "do we still love food?" me rn: "HAHA NO DOUBT."

mini-me: "soo what do we do for a living?" me rn: "we do that one thing that we've always loved to do. and it made us totally shining. teaching!!"

mini-me: "NO WAY!! for real? an educator, for real?!" me rn: "yup!! FOR REAL. It started to feel like a lifestyle rathen than a job now"

mini-me: "are we happy?" me rn: "of course! we are the happiest on earth"

dear, myself. thank you for hanging there despite of the challenges, discouragements, and any kind of terrifying moments that you've been facing. thank you for showing up even though waking up from your bed was your biggest achievement. thank you for being faithful to The One and Only Who Has and Controls your life, knowing that He SWT will always got your back no matter what the situation you are in. thank you for believing in yourself when no one's doing it, even your closest ones. thank you for keeping yourself attached to your own joy and happiness in a world full of lies and tricks. thank you for staying true to yourself that it is okay to be not okay, to feel sad and to cry your heart out. thank you for pouring your heart into things that you love, to the ones you love and make you feel important. thank you for seeing the beauty in everything, shifting your negative mindset into the positive one and being content with every single thing that you have. thank you for choosing to not postpone your happiness with x-y-z achievements, because you know that happiness is within you and you are already happy on your own. thank you for giving yourself some rests, pauses, and moments of silence in order to be recharged and fulfilled. you are amazing, worthy of love, brave, beautiful, patient, free, and the most important thing that you are you and there's no one like you <3

Dec 22, 2022 ---in the middle of a heavy rain.

[rcksmith]

Rules — Kaz Brekker

Requests: “Your works is incredibly good, masterpiece. Can you please smut with Kaz Brekker and prompts 34, 37, 47? Using your rules, they are wonderful. I will really wait))”

“could u do #39 with kaz???ignore if ur not comfortable with this!!”

“Hello, just binge read your kaz brekker smuts and they are amazing! Was wondering if you could do something with smut prompts 34,84,&72?”

Smut prompts:

34. “You’d better watch your fucking mouth.”

37. “I’m so sick of your voice. Why don’t you come over here and put your mouth to better use?”

“39. “You keep acting like a little brat and I’ll take you over my knee right here, I don’t care how many people are watching.”

47. “You look so good on your knees like that.”

72. “Fuck you.” 1. “I’m up for it if you are.”

84. “Let me show you what happens to little brats who don’t follow the rules.”

Couple: Kaz Brekker/ Fem!Reader

Warnings: swearing, NSFW,explicit heavy smut, dirty talk, dom!Kaz.

Word count: 2k.

A/N: All smut requests for Kaz must follow these rules.

Thank you so much for the requests and for all affection 💖 I decided to compile these requests, since they were the same central plot. I added all the elements that were asked for individually, and made sure that all ideas were respected and written down. I hope you like it and good reading.

English is not my first language, so I so sorry if have a mistake.

Requests are closed. Love you❤️

— — — —

There were two types of people in the world. The dangerous ones, with whom shouldn't play or challenge, people who are able to see and set your soul on fire with a single look, who exude power and domination with the way they walk. And there were people who loved to play with danger, with fire. People who felt the adrenaline pump in their veins and loved the feeling of being messing with something forbidden. Overcoming limits, challenging people on power.

Kaz Brekker was the first type of person. And you were second.

He was intimidating, dark and dangerous. An aura of mystery adored him like an underworld selvedge, and his caustic and intense gaze could very well be bought from what Lucifer cast around the world after The Fall. It was amazing how he hadn't left a trail of rubble where that gaze passed. People feared him, obeyed him, responded to his orders with astonishing precision. Everyone, but not you.

The surest comparison to define you would be to buy Jesper. Both with social personality, adrenaline addiction and seduction in their eyes. But you were a little more than that. More impulsive, more reckless, and more provocative. While Jesper knew all too well when to step back and keep your mouth shut, you refused to bow to Dirty Hands. Not because it was proud, but because it was fun, thought-provoking. Addictive. Every cell in your body felt extremely alive when you are under Kaz Brekker's dominant, angry, and dangerous gaze. He giving you a clear warning that you were swimming in turbulent water, but you were just plunging deeper into his waves.

You wanted to push him to the edge, the exasperation, to see what was really underneath that cold face and serious. Kaz could very well be the boss of the famous gang you were part of, but his rank wasn't enough to stop you. Never would be.

"Frankly, I just don't care." You told Jesper and Nina in one night, downing a shot of vodka.

"What?!" She looked at you dumbfounded. "Kaz is your boss and you argued with him about his plan!"

Nina looked alarmed, but all you felt was adrenaline and pleasure.

“Because it was a nonsense plan and…”

“What nonsense plan?”

And there was Kaz. With his height and his black underworld clothes, with his Lucifer gaze and mouth made for sin. You wanted him to sin. But you wanted l him sin with you.

Jesper and Nina soon stuttered trying to make up an excuse, but you weren't given to lies.

“Yours, in this morning.” Jesper looked like he wanted to stick his head in the dirt after your comment.

Then, once again, that fervent gaze was upon you, and every pulse in your body frantically pumped blood through your veins.

“Don't think I didn't notice your inability to follow rules, Y/n.” It was a warning.

“Oh I don't have a problem following rules “You rested your chin in your palm, with your elbow on the table, and held his fervent gaze, “,but only when they make sense. So that's the only way I can be very obedient, Sir.”

You heard Nina gasp, but your eyes didn't leave Kaz's. There was much more to that look than met the world could see. There was war for control, battles and ferocity. Kaz Brekker wanted to break you in half in that eye contact, but you wouldn't budge because a look. If he wanted you on your knees, you would be very happy to do it, but it would have to be the right way.

Kaz leaned toward you, closer enough for no one else to hear what he was going to say but far enough away that his mouth wouldn't touch your ear.

"You keep acting like a little brat and I'll take you over my knee right here, I don't care how many people are watching."

After that, the sexual tension between the two of you was suffocating, so thick it could have been cut with a knife. But nobody did anything to placate it, and you two just let it get bigger. Bigger and bigger. Until it's too late.

And in one night, it was too late.

"I won't do this just because you want to!" You crossed your arms over your chest.

Kaz wanted you to kidnap one of a mobster's kids to act as security when making a deal, but you wasn't going to kidnap anyone.

“You work for me.”

“No, I work with you.” It was a lie, but you didn't budge. “Don't think I'm here for lack of choice, Brekker. You need me as a vital member of this team and don't forget we're on an equal footing.”

His blue eyes turned almost black. Kaz Brekker rose from his office desk.

“Do you really think you're going to tell me how to act? Think you're gonna boss me around? Well, I don't think so.” His speech was slow and hot and dangerous, like that of a hunter prowling his prey and contemplating how pathetic you attempts to fight were.

“I don't give a damn what you think.” Your whole body was throbbing with life in that moment, as if fireworks had exploded in your chest. “But I won't do what you're ordering.”

"Fuck you." His voice was a growl.

A spot between your legs vibrated, and you gripped the taunt tightly. "I'm up for it if you are."

That seemed to be the pinnacle. The air crackled, the world shuddered, and Kaz's eyes roared with the flames of hell. He walked towards your with three long, purposeful strides, grabbed your chin in his gloved hand and brought you close to his mouth like you were just a rag doll.

Your breath burned in lungs, your unrestrained heart grew stronger and your entire body shivered. A low moan caught in your throat, but you could feel the warm, pulsing liquid stain your panties.

"You’d better watch your fucking mouth." Kaz's voice was husky, strong and gruff, like a boss. Your boss.

Pleasure invaded your body like waves of electricity, stealing your breath and making your blood burn in veins like scalding lava. Your whole body vibrated, screamed, begged. You wanted to disobey and be dominated. You wanted to fight and be defeated. You wanted to play rebellious and be demoted to a good girl.

And your desires must have been very explicit and pleading in your eyes, because Kaz let his lips curve into a cocky, smug smile. The smile of someone who knows he has power.

"You are such a hypocrite." He brought his body close to your. "Saying you're not easily obedient, likes others to think you're provocative and rebellious, but you're just a needy kid wanting my attention."

You moaned this time. A broken and delivered sound that gave away your entire game.

"I'm not one of the men you can challenge and get along with."

"I didn't think you was." You tried to rescue the last spark of provocation, your last fire of insolence.

“And yet you test me. Because you know what I can do with you.”

His husky words hit your skin, and Kaz pulled your chin more closer, until your lips were able to swallow his words. “Because you know I can break you.”

The moan came loud this time, desperate and needy. Kaz hadn't even touched you properly and you already felt ready to combust.

“Y-yes.” But if you were desperate, Kaz was burning with dangerous fury.

“I'm so sick of your voice. Why don’t you come over here and put your mouth to better use?”

Then his hand slipped from your jaw and stuck to the silky hairs on the back of your neck, closing his fingers there and bringing you with him to the armchair Kaz had been sitting in seconds ago.

They weren't sweet, affectionate, or kind touches, but that wasn't what you were looking for. You wanted roughness, fury, raw and strength. You wanted something wild, wanted had marks on your body the other day to tell a story. You weren't a woman who settled for the basics and wanted someone able to show you what a real fuck was. You wanted to be broken. And Kaz Brekker could give you that.

He sat down in the leather armchair and pulled you to the floor, settling you on your knees on the floor between his long, masculine legs. The awareness of what was to come filled your mouth with water, with desire, with lust, and you found yourself already leaning your mouth closer and... Kaz pulled your hair back, not hard, but firmly, keeping you away from his dick. For a while.

“Are you so eager to get my dick yet?” His free hand, now ungloved, glided to your face, running his thumb across your cheek in a firm, possessive touch. “Of course you are. Greedy slut."

Then came a slap. It wasn't aggressive, but you could feel the heat on your cheek. Your panties have never been so wet as they are now.

“S-Sir f-fuck.”

It was a plea, a whimper or a moan, you didn't know anymore. All you could feel was your pussy throbbing, mouth salivating and the overwhelming desire to put his cock in your mouth. It all hit you so hard that you wanted to cry with the wait.

Kaz lowered his mouth to your, slamming their lips together in a rough, brutal, dictating kiss. He invaded with his tongue and conquered everything you had, rubbing the hot flesh of your tongue in an erotic, maddening dance.

"Let me show you what happens to little brats who don't follow the rules." It was his sentence after back away his lips from your.

Unbuttoning his black pants with one hand and pulling the waistband down along with the boxers, he released the throbbing cock that sprang out with glory and grandeur. Thick, streaked with veins and with a pink head swollen and leaking with pre-cum. Everything about Kaz Brekker was delicious. Your moan at the sight was an opportunity that wasn't passed up. Kaz pulled your head by the back of your neck toward his dick, sinking into the velvety, warm, wet cavity of your mouth.

You accepted it readily, almost in desperation, tasting its taste with his tongue and sucking on his head like your favorite lollipop. Kaz moaned loudly, letting his head fall back and loosening his grip on your hair. Your eyes lifted to him, and the sight made you clench your thighs to ease the arousal.

His broad chest covered by the black button-down shirt rose and fell faster, his smooth white neck was exposed, and his firm jaw was clenched with fury. Brekker looked like the god of the underworld. And you loved it.

Your mouth suck to his cock better, increasing the back and forth movements and leaving a trail of hot sage. One hand rested on Kaz's thigh while the other aided the movements, spreading all the saliva down the length of his cock.

“You look so good on your knees like that.” His voice was more of a growl, and his grip on your hair went back to being firm.

You brought your eyes up to his once more, batting your lashes gracefully as you let out a few broken moans, sliding your tongue across every inch of his warm skin you could reach. Kaz gritted his teeth with your puppy dog ​​eyes. Losing all control and letting out a loud growl mixed with an aggressive curse, he thrust your head at him, sinking his entire dick into your hot mouth and hitting the glans at the beginning of your throat.

You gasped and he moaned loudly, increasing the back and forth and building with the movements of his own hips, fucking your mouth like it was the most delicious thing in the world.

"Fucking hell, what a velvet mouth!" He locked his teeth into his lower lip, using his free hand to slide his thumb across your cheek and give you a reward in the form of a small caress. "That's right, good girl."

You moaned, squinting your eyes and relaxing your throat. His compliment has done wonders for your feminine ego and your vanity, you've sunk your mouth down to touch the tip of your nose to his pelvis, and the grip on your hair has become rough as Kaz moaned loudly in a session of swearing and gasping.

He held you in that position, his whole body shaking with pleasure and despair, blood pumping like boiling lava through his saturated veins. With one last moan mixed with growl, he cum in your throat. In hot, strong jets, making sure you take every last drop. He tasted like salt, man and lust. And it was a miracle you didn't cum right away. The best liquid you've ever had.

Kaz released your hair with a hot gasp, and the hand on your cheek gently pulled you back. His dick came out of your mouth with a 'pop', saliva and tears mingled in your chin, your lips swollen and as red as roses at their apex.

You've never been so fucking delicious as you are now.

Brekker pulled you into his lap, settling you on his thigh and locking their mouths in a kiss permeated with lust and desire. You whimpered, body sensitive, pussy throbbing and throbbing. Your hands went to his hair as Brekker pulled the hem of your skirt up.

"Now, you're going to keep showing me how much you regret being insolent."

You smiled with teasing and malice. The night was just beginning.

[rickgrimeswifey]

For enid can it be enid x dixon reader like season7+ where there is a party after defeating the saviors after the first or second time and enid and the reader are having a moment and someone starts being disrespectful in that way to them so Daryl steps in and defends them in front of everyone and he and the other reassure them there is nothing wrong with their relationship, something like that lol

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A/n: I want to thank all of you guys again for 500 followers. I’m going to try and update more here but I’m so busy at the moment. I’m sorry that this didn’t turn out exactly like the request to the person that requested.

Category: Fluff, very light angst

Pairing: Enid Rhee x fem!dixon!reader

Season: 8

Warnings: Homophobia, sexual harassment, violence, swearing

Word count: 2,1k

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Everyone was feeling amazing. Even Rick and Michonne were feeling better, Negan had been defeated. No one had to live in fear anymore or be treated like shit. That was what the three communities had fought for and thanks to the ocean side who swooped in and helped at the end they were able to take down the saviors. Each community wanted to celebrate this and had a party combined at the Hilltop. Since the saviors had pretty much destroyed their homes, they didn’t have elsewhere to host the social gathering.

Y/n, thanks to her dad was good at hunting, which resumed in a lot of father and daughter time. Y/n didn’t mind at all though, her dad was everything to her. This leads to her and her dad walking back to the Hilltop with lots of different animals for the people, so that they could have a more ‘fancy’ dinner. Each step getting closer to the Hilltop felt more and more exciting for Y/n, she was finally seeing Enid after all this time. When the war was ongoing they, of course, didn’t have time to spend together. Especially when her dad was being held at The Sanctuary, Y/n was devastated and went to The Sanctuary by herself to get her dad out. She didn’t succeed though, when she made eye contact with him while hiding out he immediately shot her a look that said ‘get the hell out of here’, cause the last thing Daryl wanted was for Y/n to get caught then have something happen to her. It made her heart ache seeing how beaten up her dad was, dressed in some type of prisoner clothing. But she’d never disobeyed him much to everyone’s surprise, Y/n had always been a good girl. Daryl was very happy with how she was due to the history of his family.  

“Slow down there,” Daryl panted. “Yer old man is gettin’ old, why ya runnin’?” he asked.

“M’ not.” Y/n was quick to say.

“Yeah ya were, haven’t seen ya this excited since the prison.”

Y/n instantly knew what he meant and felt a little sad at the mention of her dead uncle. She knew he’d done some messed up stuff to Glenn when he kidnapped him and Maggie and took them to Woodbury. The people in her group didn’t want him at the prison, which she understood. Although Y/n was happy to see her uncle again, she hung out with him at the prison nonstop completely unaware that it would be the last time she’d see him forever. It hurt a lot when her dad came back to the prison and told her that the governor had killed him. She saw how upset he was and comforted him all night. Sure, she was upset about it, still it was nothing compared to her dad. However, their bond had only grown stronger since Merle’s death.

“M’ just excited knowing I’ll get to see everyone happy again” Y/n explained and ducked her eyes from her fathers gaze, knowing he’ll see straight through what she just said.

“Ya sure there isn’t just a certain someone ya want to see again?” Daryl teased her.

Y/n slapped his arm gently making her father chuckle, she just rolled her eyes. Her and Enid had gotten together a few weeks after the group arrived at Alexandria. Something about Enid drew her in, maybe it was the mysterious thing she got going on or the fact that she was hard to get and a total challenge for Y/n.

Y/n had never thought about dating before but that changed as soon as she saw Enid. Carl was their biggest supporter, he was also Y/n’s best friend. His death is something she was never going to get over. She misses him every minute and second of the day, knowing she’ll never get to share one of their inside jokes with each other again or that she’ll never be simply having a conversation with him ever again. Now he is gone forever, and there is nothing she could do to change that. Though her dad helped her through it so that she didn’t lose her mind. Y/n even comforted Rick a little, reassuring him that it’ll be okay and that he’ll be somewhat okay. The pair of them hugged, he knew how much Carl meant to her. She also said to Michonne that over time it will get better, she knew this by losing her uncle back at the prison. Everyday that went by she thought about him still it got easier after a while. She still missed him but knowing she still had a family that loved her made her keep going and let go of her uncle.

Daryl and Y/n finally arrived at the Hilltop, the people greeted them with happy looks on their faces for the first time in a while. Everybody tried to see what they’d caught as they walked to Rick and Michonne, who was standing at the old museum.

“Looks like you caught a lot of stuff.” Michonne said when the pair of them reached hearing range.

“Yea, little one ‘ere has perfect aim.” Daryl informed and gave Y/n a pat on her shoulder, making her smile softly at Michonne.

Daryl took the dead deer that Y/n had been carrying on her shoulders and handed it to Rick. Daryl, himself, was carrying four rabbits and two squirrels that he’d caught.

“That will be perfect for a lot of stew,” Rick pointed to the rabbits and squirrels in Daryl's hands. “Great job Y/n, this huge deer will feed many mouths.” He gave the teenager a soft smile. “That and we got enough of vegetables and potatoes here for stew.” Michonne chimed in.

“Where’s Enid?” Y/n asked the pair, impatiently tapping her foot against the ground while looking around.

“With Maggie, where the saviors that were dumped here are being kept.” Michonne said.

“Thank you,” Y/n thanked quickly then sped off to the little prison like see through house where they were being kept.

When she got there, Maggie was the first to notice her. She smiled at Y/n when she noticed her, then poked Enid in her side, who was standing and watching over the saviors that were inside the barbed wire. Enid turned around confused and her face lit up when she was Y/n. Y/n hurriedly walked over to them.

“Hey Y/n,” Maggie said.

“Hi Maggie, how ‘s it going with them?” Y/n asked in a lower tone referring to the saviors that were currently locked up.

“We’re letting them go out everyday one by one with a guard next to them. So far, there haven't been any issues.” She informed making Y/n nod. “I’ll leave the two of you alone to catch up.” Maggie gave Enid and Y/n a teasing smile.

Y/n smiled at Enid as Maggie walked away then brought her into a hug.

“I’ve missed ya a lot,” she said. “I never want to go so long without seeing ya ever again. I love ya, Enid.” Y/n felt how her whole body became warm when she said that, she’d never loved someone like this before.

They pulled away from each other and Y/n could see that tears had forced themself into Enid’s field of vision. She quickly grabbed Enid’s hands softly.

“Are ya okay?” Y/n asked.

She couldn’t even react before Enid had put her hands on the sides of Y/n’s face and kissed her. When she realized what was happening she put her hands on Enid's waist. The kiss was full of emotions, neediness, joy but especially romance and love. Enid broke the kiss when she had to pull away for air, she placed her forehead against Y/n’s and breathed heavily.

“I love you too,” she confessed in a soft whisper.

Y/n looked deeply into Enid's eyes, she could feel the tears starting to build up in her eyes. She had really found the right one, the way Enid made her think, feel and act was just right. Nothing could ever make her stop loving Enid. Enid was the one and only for her, she was perfect. The world felt like it was revolving around them and nothing could hurt them-

“Are you two done with your little moment?”

Y/n wiped away the tear that had spilled from her eye.

“Excuse ya?” Y/n asked as she looked at the savior who had just spoken.

He had dark brown hair that went down to his shoulders, it was wavy and his beard was more than a stubble but it wasn’t long. His eyes were dark green and he was tall and muscular. The look in his eyes filled with disgust.

“You heard me, no one here wants to see that, bitch.” He stated leaving Y/n absolutely mind-blown, not knowing what to say, but it made her furious when she saw that it made Enid quite sad.

“Ya listen to me now-” Y/n started but was interrupted.

“Woah, woah! Calm down there little lady,” another savior came up behind the man. “my buddy Jack here was just being a little rude and I’m truly sorry about that.” The man said, Y/n didn’t buy it though.

From the look on the man’s face, she could tell he didn’t mean it in the way she was hoping he did. He had a creepy smirk on his face that was very disturbing. The smirk grew even wider before he started talking.

“What he was trying to say is that, no one wants to see you kissing,” he said with a stupid smile on his face making Y/n confused. “We want to see some real action, if you know what I mean.” He winked at Enid making Y/n’s blood boil even more, yet she couldn’t get a single word out of her mouth. “I’ve only ever seen it in the movies, and I personally think that Jack was being rude, cause that kiss was honestly turning me on.”

Daryl had been watching from the entrance to the museum, Rick and Michonne had left to give the animals to Carol who was going to cook along with some other people around the place. He could tell something was wrong but he didn’t know what was. The way his daughter went from happy to disturbed so fast. Her whole body language had changed so quickly, he couldn’t see in front of her. Although he saw the whole thing with Enid and first thought that something had happened between them, because they had backed away from each other. He moved to the side and then noticed the two saviors that were talking to Enid and Y/n. Immediately by instinct he almost ran over to the scene that was taking place. Daryl knew how saviors could talk and how absolutely disgusting some of them were.

“As soon as me and Jack here get out of this box, why don’t you join us for a foursome.” The man winked at Y/n unaware that Daryl was able to hear him talk. “You’d enjoy it, it’s not like you know what it’s like to get some dick in you anyway. Maybe you’d just let us watch you and your little girlfriend-”

“Hey!” Daryl yelled with pure rage in his voice.

When he got eye contact with Y/n and saw how upset she was, he didn’t even think or hesitate. He reached in-between the wire and grabbed the guy's shirt then pushed him up against the barbed wire, making skin on the man’s cheek begin to pull off. The man’s eyes were now filled with pure fear.

“If I ever hear ya disrespect ma daughter and ‘er girlfriend again, I’ll rip every piece of skin off yer stupid fuckin’ face.” Daryl breathed heavily as he threatened the man, his rage making him forget how to breathe. “Ya hear me?” he asked.

The man nodded and whimpered in pain, the wire pulling harshly on his skin, making him bleed. Daryl let him go with a push making him fall back onto the ground.

“That goes for ya too.” He warned the other guy. “And every single else of ya fuckers, I’ll kill anyone ‘ere that looks their way, weather it’s harmless or not.”

When he turned around, his immediate reaction was to hug his daughter.

“’M sorry.” Daryl apologized as he held his daughter close.

“’S okay dad,” she said. “Thanks for standing up for me and Enid.” Y/n said and went to comfort her girlfriend.

“Thanks Daryl.” Enid said and gave him a quick soft smile.

“Let’s get ya two inside okay, don’t want ya out here with these assholes.” Daryl smiled softly back and then led them inside.

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[btssaysstudy]

Cheer || jjk.

Pairing: Jungkook x reader Genre: fluff, cheerleader!yn x athlete!jk (requested by anon) Warning(s): minor swearing, alcohol, drinking games mentioned, college after game parties, reader is a cheer athlete, jungkook plays rugby, stress from expectations WC: ~9.9k (this is the longest I've ever written I hope it doesn't flop!!) Summary: You felt that your cheer team was under-appreciated by certain people — specifically the rugby team that your cheer team supports during their matches. How is it that their star player, Jeon Jungkook, manages to find his way into your life despite having a bad impression of the rugby players? Update (6/8): Made an edit

You always loved being in a team. That would explain why you were where you were. Standing on the mat in the indoor gym with your cheer team on a Friday night. Cheer was beyond exhausting, but you still loved doing it, especially with the team that you got in college. Your coach - a perfectionist - always drilled you guys over the minute details. That would also explain why you were still practicing for something so ‘trivial’ - your opinion, not your coach’s.

Your team was practicing the routine for the rugby team’s qualifying match on Monday. It was a simple routine - as always. Your team didn’t do championship level routines during such events, you were all just there as moral support and being the hype people for the team. All you had to do was cheer with your pom poms, throw in a couple of stunts and the crowd would go wild.

But every event was a chance to get better, to get closer to perfect, according to your coach. And you did not disagree. You just never looked forward to cheering for the rugby team even after all the events. Despite your team always cheering for the football club, you could say you disliked most of them. It always felt as though they didn’t appreciate the moral support and took you guys for granted.

“Might want to look happy, yn.” You heard a playful remark from behind. Jimin, your most trusted base.

“I’ll keep that in mind. Just don’t drop me.”

There was no way you could pull off your stunts if you didn’t have trust in your teammates. And you could say you trusted Jimin with your life - literally. Accidents and mistakes were bound to happen but there was no doubt that you’d be down to try for anything if Jimin was your base.

Not only was Jimin a trustworthy base, but he was also an amazing stunter. His physique was perfect to be an in between, he could pull off both roles. That almost guaranteed him a spot on the mat every time. He was extremely hardworking as well and you’ll always be proud of your best friend making mat. Of course, you wanted to make mat just as badly as the next person.

Last season, you did not make mat and it crushed you. Jimin was there to get you out of your rut and encouraged you to bounce back stronger. Thanks to him, you managed to pick yourself up and train harder for the upcoming nationals. You had never been more determined to make mat.

“Point your toes, I want my flyers looking really perfect.” Your coach yelled over the music. Your coach was a beast, but an effective one, nonetheless. Your team won nationals last season and ready to bag this season as well.

“Alright, that’s all for today. Clean the place up and you guys can go home. Thanks everybody!” Your coach clapped their hands and the team followed suit as everyone got up from the mat and started tidying the place.

“Need a lift?”

“Yes please, you’re the best!” You pulled Jimin in for a tight hug, “Okay, you do this then!” Jimin handed you the empty bottles that he picked up from the ground as he headed off the change first.

You grumbled but took his place in defeat.

—

Big smiles were plastered on your faces as you congratulated the winning team - your college. You best friend nudged you while you waved the team goodbye as they passed by. “Coming to the after party?”

“Wouldn’t miss the free drinks and snacks.”

Jimin snorted, “Obviously.”

Though you did say that it felt like the cheer team was under appreciated, you were always invited to the after parties. Most of you went, mainly for the free drinks and snacks.

You flashed two thumbs up with Jimin as Yoongi passed by. A small smile on his face as he slightly bowed his heads in your direction, acknowledging your cheers.

Through all the after parties, you have been acquainted with one of their star players - Min Yoongi. He was one of the few who hung out in the kitchen to avoid all the party games and the crowd in the general. He disliked the unnecessary glamour and attention that came along with joining the rugby club. You admired his passion for rugby and along with Jimin, the three of you became the trio who hid away from the crowd during the parties.

After the debrief with our coach, your team dispersed to your own places to freshen up for the after party. It was a Friday night, and a good night of drinking was warranted after a tiring week.

You were all lucky your coach was not strict regarding such parties, as long as everyone turned up ready for the following practice.

“Glad to see faces I actually like.” Yoongi commented, handing you two drinks he had already prepared. “You make it sound like you hate everyone on your team.”

“I would say a good majority. I’m actually jealous that your cheer team is so close knit.”

Jimin nudged you after you downed your shot, “Without trust, our stunts won’t fly.”

You nodded your head in agreement, “Probably should get my team to watch your practices to learn a thing about team spirit.” Yoongi scoffed, mostly to himself, knowing that realistically, it would never happen.

The three of you turned your attention to the living room, watching Yoongi’s teammates either play beer pong or trying to find their fling for the night.

“They’re skilled, no doubt. But most of them are here for the popularity. It’s rare to find someone who genuinely likes football too.” Yoongi ranted as you poured himself another shot.

“Is there not a single soul?” Jimin asked, feeling a tinge of pity for his friend who was not experiencing the same level of love for his team as Jimin did for the cheer team.

Yoongi’s eyes scanned across the room, slowly shaking his head before his eyes landed on someone. “Actually, there is— Jungkook!” He raised his hand, shouting over the loud music as he tried to get someone’s attention.

You turned your head to see Jungkook approaching your group. “Jungkook? Really?” You questioned Yoongi. Jungkook was one of the star players as well. It was impossible not to know Jungkook. You could walk down any corridor in campus, and you would hear someone mention his name at least once.

“Hey,” Jungkook greeted Yoongi before his eyes shifted to yours and Jimin’s. “What’s going on?”

Yoongi shrugged his shoulders, “Just wanted to introduce you to some of the members from cheer.”

“From cheer, huh?” The corner of his lips tugged upwards as his eyes went back to you.

“I figured you won’t recognise us, even though we’ve been at your parties since, well… Basically here every party.” You didn’t mean to sound so harsh, but it just came out from you. You heard Jimin chuckle from beside you as he draped his arms over you.

“Sorry bud, yn here doesn’t have a good impression of you guys.”

“It’s not like you have a better one.” You bit back at Jimin who just stuck out his tongue at you. “That is true,” He pulled away as he took a drink, “We were actually just bitching about you guys with Yoongi.”

Jungkook’s eyes widened in bewilderment, yet he felt amused enough to stay and find out more. “Is that so, Yoongi?”

His teammate nodded his head nonchalantly, “Just sharing the truth. About how most of them are here to be popular. I called you because I know you’re one of the few who actually joined for rugby.”

Jungkook huffed out an amused hum, “Interesting. What are your names again?”

“Yn and Jimin.” Jimin instantly replied, knowing you were probably going to reply with a snarky comment. “Part of the cheer team, like Yoongi said. She’s mainly a flyer and I’m a base and tumbler.”

You watched as his eyes furrowed in confusion, “S-Sorry I don’t know cheer terms.”

“Not surprised.” You let the words slip as you took a sip from your cup. Jungkook’s eyes looked at you, a hint of challenge and interest on his expression.

“If you have something against me, let’s hear it.”

“Don’t take it personally, Jungkook.” You reached out to give a light pat on his right chest. “I had a bad impression on Yoongi as well.”

With that, Yoongi sighed, nodding his head in the back. “It’s a miracle she likes me now.”

“Well, why don’t you give me a chance to change that impression then?” The left corner of his lip rose a playful look on his face as he challenged you.

It could be the alcohol or could be the loud music that made you disoriented. Nonetheless, you reached out your hand for a handshake, “You’ve got one chance.”

Jimin and Yoongi left the kitchen to enjoy their own time together. You had an inkling that something was stirring between them, but you decided to let them be as you were left alone with Jungkook in the kitchen.

“So, yn,” Jungkook shifted in the high stool, leaning on his right elbow, his attention focused on you. “Care to explain why you seem to hate my team so badly?”

“Buckle your seatbelts, Jeon.” You teased as you reached out for your drink. You watched his attention eyes fixated on yours as he waited for your answer. “I dislike your team because it feels we don’t get the appreciation I feel we rightfully deserve. We’re always there for your plays, even for your friendlies. The support just feels one sided and to me it sucks when we put in a lot for our routines as well.”

You watched him slowly nod his head in understanding, his body leaning backwards as he internalised your words. “I have to admit. I never really paused to think about your cheer team. I mean your outfits and pom poms are cute and all— “

Pointing your finger at him, you interrupted, “Exactly, we’re not just cute outfits and pom poms. We only use the cheesy pom poms for your matches to make the crowd all hyped up. Do you even know we have our own competition as well?”

Jungkook shrugged his shoulders, “Of course I do. Just never watched one.”

You let out a short, dry laugh, “It’s okay. Can’t say I’m surprised.”

Jungkook frowned, noting the dejected tone laced in your laugh and words as you tried to dismiss it. As an athlete himself, he knew how dejecting it must feel that support was one sided or lacking.

“Hey,” He placed the cup on the counter, “Why don’t you educate me? I’d like to know more.”

You smiled, “You’re pretty good at changing your first impression. You’re working really hard.”

He laughed, shaking his head, “No no, I mean it. It’s not just about changing your opinion of me. Tell me about cheer.”

You paused momentarily, recognising the sincerity in his voice as his gaze stayed on you. You knew he was serious about wanting to know more. It was as though the wall you placed between the two seemed to falter, a very minuscule crack forming on the wall.

“Jungkook!” A random college student hollered for his attention, “Come play beer pong with us!” You watched in amusement as you read their body language. They were clearly flirting with Jungkook and calling for his attention.

“Duty calls?”

Jungkook shook his head, “I’ll pass!”

“We can save this talk for another time, you can go— “

“Just to clear things up,” Jungkook turned back to you, “I’m not a fuckboy.”

You choked on air from his sudden defence statement, “I-I didn’t s-say you were— “

“Didn’t have to,” He said with a light smile on his face, “But I expected it too. Comes with the popularity I guess.” “So, you don’t…?” You trailed off and he shook his head, as if he was completely appalled by the sheer thought of being a fuckboy. “No, no. I don’t see the point in flings. Like Yoongi said, I’m here for rugby. Not to find dates.”

It felt as if another crack in the wall was formed after learning that fact. Like how Yoongi managed to break down the wall between you and him a few games ago.

Maybe not all jocks were bad.

“Anyway,” Jungkook pulled you back from your thoughts, “Educate me.”

You began sharing how was practice like, the different roles people were and how strict your coach was. You explained how you were always at the gym on the days you didn’t have training. You always got passionate when you talked about cheer and Jungkook experienced it first-hand. He watched how your face immediately lit up when he asked you to share about the sport. He was sure that even a person with zero interest with cheer would be completely drawn to hear you share about it with how enthusiastic you were.

“We currently have training three times a week since nationals are coming. We practice from late afternoon to almost midnight sometimes.” You paused, a sheepish grin creeping on your face as you realised you had been rambling on about your sport. “I-I’m sorry, I must’ve bored you to death.”

“No, no!” He immediately shook his head, hands out in front shaking as well in protest, “I wasn’t bored. I was really interested. I can tell how much you love cheer though.”

“Y-Yea I really do. Always good to find something to distract you especially during college.”

He nodded his head, “Can’t argue with that.” He raised his plastic cup in his hand, “Cheers to distractions.”

“Cheers,” You laughed, raising your cup towards his.

-

You could say you clicked well with Jungkook that night. In fact, you guys shared a lot about each other’s sport that you didn’t exchange numbers or any form of communication afterwards. It didn’t bug you so much since you figured it was a one-off conversation with him.

To be frank, you almost forgot that you talked with Jungkook that party. Jimin was the one who reminded you, asking about how he was and if you still hated jocks.

“He’s not bad, actually.”

“Of course, that’s why Yoongi actually likes him.” You raised an eyebrow suspiciously, leaning towards Jimin, “Speaking of Yoongi, how are things between you two?”

Your friend snorted, dismissing you with his hand, “What are you talking about? There’s nothing going on. We’re just friendly.”

“For now?”

Jimin shrugged, “We’ll see how it goes.” He gives you a wink before getting up, extending his hand out as an offer to pull you up. “Back on the mat.”

Training went on until 11pm, it was full of drills as soon your coach would be picking who will make mat for nationals. Everyone had to give it their all during practice as you were all constantly being scrutinised by your coach, your attitude, skills, and stamina. You had been training your stunts with Jimin after he managed to pull you back up from your sulking phase. Everything was important.

You separated from Jimin after practice as you made your way to the bus stop to head home. “Yn? Is that you?”

A very familiar honey-like voice.

Jungkook slowly made his way to the bus stop, “What are you doing here at campus so late?” You asked.

“I was studying. Just ended practice?”

“Yea.”

Jungkook glanced at his watch, “Wanna grab a midnight snack?”

You smiled, “Sure.”

“How does ice cream sound?”

“I’m down.”

There was a small ice cream store near campus and luckily, you managed to catch the last order. The both of you enjoyed your slow late night stroll back to the bus stop as you strikes up a conversation with him.

“I realised I was the only one talking about my sport that night. How about you share about rugby? I actually don’t know much about it.”

“You sure?” Jungkook asked, slightly shocked that you had brought up his sport. “Because I can get carried away when I talk about it—“

You laughed, “I’m sure Jungkook. Fire away.”

Jungkook started sharing the rules and positions of rugby - “I’m number 11, one of the wings” You looked at him, already confused with the terms. With a short chuckle, he explained, “I’m one of the backs. We do the running and scoring. Sometimes, we have to knock people down in our way.”

He continued sharing his training schedule as well - how his team similarly had gym sessions on non-training days just like cheer. The only difference was that the rugby team had a gym off campus.

“Sounds fancy.”

“It’s pretty fancy.” He nodded his head letting out an airy laugh.

“Rubgy doesn’t sound too bad now that I know how it works.”

“You could watch one of our matches or practices when you guys aren’t cheering for us.”

“Why not.”

—

“Guess who I see?” Jimin whispered, nudging you out of your focus. You looked up, placing your dumbbells down, “Where are you looking at?”

“6 o’clock.” He muttered as he sneakily stole your dumbbells to do his set while you turned around to spot Jungkook who had just entered the gym.

You were surprised to see Jungkook and his teammates at the gym. Yoongi was the first one who spotted you. He sent a small smile, raising his hand for a short wave in your direction.

“Hey thief,” You nudged Jimin back, “Yoongi is here too.”

“I know, that’s why I stole your dumbbells.” You chuckled, smacking his toned arms upon learning his tactic.

You watched Yoongi talk to Jungkook, seemingly informing him that you were there as Jungkook turned his body around, his eyes meeting yours. You smiled, sending a hello with your hand to which he returned.

Seeing that you were unoccupied, since Jimin stole your dumbbells, Jungkook made his way to you. “What happened to your almighty external gym?”

He shrugged with a bright smile, “After hearing you hype up the campus gym so much the other night, I thought, why not give it a shot?”

You shook your head with a chuckle, clearly not believing his words. “If that’s the case, enjoy the campus gym!” You reached out to pat his broad shoulders before turning back to resume your gym session.

“Are you done with your set yet?” You questioned Jimin who stood right back up with a grin, “Was he watching me?”

Taking the dumbbells from his hands, you shrugged, “Doubt it.”

“Yea right.” Jimin scoffed, stepping aside to give you more space.

Your gym session lasted an hour as usual, ensuring that you don’t over-work your body as well since your coach was going to be choosing the final 20 soon.

Whenever you weren’t studying or training, you were stressing over whether you’ll make mat. And it was evident on your face. You heard a sigh coming from Jimin, “Don’t stress over it too much. You’ve been working extra hard this season, I’m confident you’ll make it.”

You responded with a weak smile, “Thanks Jimin, I really hope so.”

“Me too, but what you need is to stop thinking about it right now. Go get a distraction for tonight. Tomorrow’s training is going to be torturous.”

“When isn’t it?” You joked, “Touché.”

You packed your gym bag with Jimin, ready to leave and wind down for the day. Jimin was right, you needed a distraction - maybe a Netflix movie, or do some yoga to de-stress, or do a sheet mask —

“Jimin, yn!” You heard Yoongi holler out your names as you walked away from the campus gym.

“Yoongi, what’s up?”

Yoongi walked up to the both of you, accompanied by Jungkook.

“We just ended our session, was thinking if you wanted to grab dinner together?”

“Sure! Yn here,” Jimin laces his arm around yours as he pulled you closer to him, “needs a distraction ASAP.”

“A distraction?” Jungkook asked, looking at you for a response.

“From worrying about making mat.”

Yoongi chuckled, “Jungkook doesn’t know cheer lingo— “

“Oh no,” He shook his head, “I know what that means.”

“You do?!” Yoongi and Jimin asked incredulously.

“I gave him a lecture about cheer during that after party.” You answered and Jimin laughed, “Right! I forgot about your granny lecture.”

You scoffed defensively, “I-I mean he could’ve stopped be any time he was bored— “

“Because I wasn’t. It’s refreshing seeing people be so passionate about something, especially during college.” You returned the smile, the more you interacted with Jungkook, the more you could see why Yoongi kept Jungkook in his small circle of friends.

If there was anything the four of you had in common, it was your passion for your sport.

“I know a great place we can eat at.” Yoongi suggested. The four of you headed over to Yoongi’s go-to restaurants after his workout sessions. As the food started to come to your table, Yoongi and Jimin were caught up with some music competition show that you did not keep up with.

“So how has cheer been?” Jungkook’s voice pulled your attention towards him. “Fun but tiring as usual. Our coach is selecting who will make it to the final 20 for the nationals.” You sighed, anxiousness clearly evident in your tone and on your face.

“Hey, from an athlete to another, I know you’ve trained very hard, and I’ll be rooting for you to make it to the final 20.”

You weren’t sure why, but it felt comforting to hear those words from Jungkook. It felt different than when Jimin would cheer you up. You quickly decided that it was because you were praised by one of the star players of the rugby team. It felt great being acknowledged by someone out of the cheer world.

So, you decided to go with that explanation.

“Thanks, Jungkook, I hope I do. But you technically don’t know whether I’ve trained hard since you’ve never seen me practice.”

“That is true.” He simply grinned at you, “But I just know.”

“You have so much faith in me, Jungkook.” You teased.

He placed his forearms on the table, leaning on them to bring himself slightly close to you, “I have lots of faith in you.”

—

You weren’t stupid and you weren’t blind either. You and Jimin have been spotting Jungkook and Yoongi loitering around the indoor gym lately.

“Did you see them?” Jimin tossed you your newly refilled bottle, “I haven’t left the gym. They’re here again? It’s like 10pm.”

Jimin shrugged his shoulders, “Yoongi was napping on the table though. Looks like Jungkook was the only one actually studying.”

Jungkook never mentioned to you that he stayed back in campus to revise. Though, you barely talked to him since you never exchanged numbers. Every time you had a conversation with him, you both would get too swept up in the conversation that it never occurred to either of you that it was the 21st century and you could talk with your phones.

Training ended an hour later, and you did not expect them to still be outside ‘studying’.

“You guys are still studying?” Jimin called out as you both approached them, Jungkook’s head shot up almost instantly, his eyes finding yours, a bright smile on his face despite his tired eyes from revision. “What a coincidence seeing you here.”

You raised your eyebrows questioningly, “Here,” You looked around with your hands gesturing to the area, “Right outside the indoor gym, with no fan or AC.”

“Yes, here.” He insisted.

Yoongi sighed, finally waking up from his nap. “What’s with the commotion— Oh, you guys are finally done with practice.” He got up and grabbed his bags, “Jimin, need a lift?”

“Yes please!” Jimin nodded his head, giving you a quick goodbye hug before heading off with Yoongi, leaving you alone with Jungkook.

“Guess I can’t judge your preference for a study location.” You made your way to him as he packed up his belongings. “I kinda feel bad for you that Yoongi ditched you.”

Jungkook shook his head with a smile, “He was meant to ditch me anyway. I was waiting to see you.”

You felt yourself momentarily pause; an inhale stuck halfway as you processed his words. He waited to see me. You thought, your brain trying to find an explanation for that.

“I realised we haven’t exchanged numbers even after all this time.” He continued when he didn’t get a response.

“O-Oh right, here,” You reached for your phone in your bag, handing it to Jungkook. “I’ll drop you message.”

Jungkook didn’t take your phone immediately, his eyes locked on your face, as if he was shocked that you didn’t mind exchanging numbers, his hand reached for your phone, gently brushing against your fingers, sending a fluttery feeling in your way.

Once he added his contact, he returned your phone, “It’s 11pm, do you have a ride home?”

“I usually just take the bus.”

“I have a car. Let me take you home.”

“Oh no,” You shook your head, “You don’t have to really, I’m used to taking the bus— “

“But I’m already here anyway, come on, do you not trust my driving skills?” He joked and you let out an airy laugh, “Alright fine. I owe you one.”

“Nah, you already gave me your number.” He winked at you, throwing his bag over his shoulder, leading the way to the carpark with you slightly stunned from his flirtatious remarks.

The care ride with Jungkook was comfortable, slightly tense on your end at the start. Jungkook gave you the cable to play whatever music you wanted which made you slightly more comfortable. “I don’t know if we have the same music taste— “

“It’s alright, just play whatever you want.”

“O-Okay…”

Surprisingly, you and Jungkook didn’t have that much of a difference in differing taste, there were some songs that he didn’t know but found himself liking it. He himself was shocked to learn that you had similar taste in music.

Jungkook didn’t know why he felt so nervous having you in his car and driving you home. It was not like you were getting married. But why did he feel so nervous? Jungkook rarely flirted or showed interest in someone. His love was rugby - his sport - his life. He poured his heart and soul into the sport. But with you, he found that he couldn’t help flirting with you. It felt natural - It felt right.

Ironically, or maybe not, as he drove you home that night, Jungkook knew deep down, he was in it for the long ride.

—

Jimin held your hands tightly as you kept your eyelids shut. You could feel that your heart was about to jump out of your chest as you sat on the mat with Jimin, waiting for your coach to call out all the 20 names. It almost felt like you could feel your heartbeat in your head, the suspense and dragging was killing you.

Your hands clammy in Jimin’s but you did not have a single care as all you wanted in that moment was to make it to nationals.

“Jimin.”

You gasped, pulling Jimin in for a tight hug as he yelled in excitement. You were proud of your best friend; you knew that he would make mat and he deserved it.

Names were called and there were only 5 names left to be called, you grip on Jimin’s hands slackened as you started to accept that you won’t make it—

“Yn.”

You ears rang and you thought you were about to go deaf. Jimin’s loud but happy scream stunned you as you were pulled in for a suffocating hug this time.

The last 4 names were called and the final 20 had been made (subject to change).

Tears welled up in your eyes as memories of your gruelling training flashed through your mind. All the tiring practices and extra trainings with Jimin, the hardships and discipline all paid off.

Training went swimmingly, your coach running through sections of the choreography until it was time to wrap up. “Didn’t have the time to properly congratulate you.” Jimin said with a bright proud grin on his face as you left the gym.

“Thanks, Jimin! Hopefully we can stay on the 20 and compete together.”

“I’m confident we will.”

His eyes shifted away from you, and you followed his gaze to see Jungkook outside, once again, studying, alone this time. “Where’s Yoongi?” You asked as you both approached him.

“He gave up studying with me. Probably went home to crash after our practice today.”

Jimin eyed Jungkook’s facial expression suspiciously, eyes darting between you and Jungkook before he spoke, “I’m going book a ride and head home first yea? Text me when you’re home.” Jimin gives your shoulder a good squeeze before saying bye to you and Jungkook.

“What’s with the big smile on your face?” Jungkook questioned as he started packing his belongings. Your smile was contagious and Jungkook couldn’t help but smile as well as soon as he saw your bright expression.

“I got into the top 20!”

You squared like a little girl, once again excited from the thought of making it this season.

Jungkook abruptly stopped gathering his stuff, stepping away from the table, “Really? Congrats, yn!” He pulled you in for a hug which made your muscles stiffen but your arms automatically wrapped around him.

“I’m so proud of you!”

“Thanks, Jungkook.” You chuckled as you pulled away from the embrace. Your mind was clouded, filled with a mixture of thoughts of making it to the Top 20 and how warm that hug felt. How it felt so ‘right’.

Over the past few weeks, it had become a routine, to have Jungkook studying outside the indoor gym and drive you home after practice. You always told him he didn’t need to send you home, but he never listened.

“Our qualifying match is next Friday, if we win, there’ll be an after party, are you free to come?”

“For the after party?”

“Yea, I mean, technically your whole cheer team usually come but since your nationals are coming, I’m assuming you would be too busy to come.”

“No no, I’ll come.”

“You will?” Jungkook’s face lit up and a bubbling feeling grew in your chest as you tried to ignore it. “Yea I will.”

—

Since Jungkook had his qualifying match around the corner, you stopped seeing him late at night outside the gym. You wouldn’t admit it out loud, but you missed seeing him after your practice.

Nonetheless, you would still spend the night texting him right before bed. It felt so easy to converse with him and you always looked forward to hear stories about his rugby practice and it felt nice to share about your cheer practice to him.

Friday quickly arrived and you decided to watch his match since the game was on your campus grounds. You took a seat somewhere in the middle of the bleachers and your eyes scanned the field to find Jungkook.

You recalled him explaining the positions of the backs and you found his number - 11. A smile crept unto your face as your eyes fixated on Jungkook. Your facial expression always scrunched up into a wince whenever you see them tackle each other during the game. You would let out a hiss as if you were the one sliding against the grass as Jungkook scored a point.

Nonetheless, it was fascinating to actually watch the game. Not surprisingly, after you understood the rules of the game, it was exciting to root for your college’s team. Maybe it was because you were rooting for a particular player, but you wouldn’t admit that to yourself just yet.

During half-time, your college’s team made their way back to the benches which was in front of where you sat. You didn’t bother shouting for his attention since you knew it was important to stay in the zone.

You sat at your spot, watching him, and you almost felt like a stalker. He was drenched in sweat, definitely going to have bruises or scratches from the game, you could see his chest move up and down as he took deep breaths to relax.

You felt your breath get caught in your throat when he had looked up and found your eyes amongst the crowd. Jungkook had been casually looking around the crowd to see if you really did come to watch his game.

He had texted you the night before about how he hoped you could come see his game now that you know how it actually worked. You told him no promises but had made sure you were free the afternoon to attend his game. Of course, you didn’t tell him that.

In an instant, his serious gaze broke into an inviting smile as he mouthed the words “hey” at your direction. You smiled back, returning the greeting while you hoped no one caught that moment between the two of you.

His coach called for their attention to remind them of their game plan but Jungkook was having a battle in his mind. The image of you smiling at the bleachers stayed as he tried to listen to his coach’s words. He knew the game plan, he was always on top the game. But seeing you watching him from the bleachers made him feel giddy but at least he also motivated him to do extra well. He wanted to look good in front of you.

And that’s exactly what he did.

He sent you text to wait for him to freshen up and you sat at your spot, enjoying the breeze as you waited for him to come back from his shower.

“You actually came.”

You looked up from your phone to see a wet-haired Jungkook approaching you with a lopsided grin. “Wanted to give support especially after all the times you sent me home after practice.”

Your phone vibrated as Jimin spammed you with messages when you stopped replying. Jimin had been asking about your whereabouts and you told him you were at the rugby game. He was upset since he would have tagged along to watch Yoongi if he knew you were going.

“Where’s Yoongi?”

Jungkook gestured with his thumb behind him, “Still showering. Is Jimin here?”

You chuckled, shaking your head, “He didn’t know I was coming to watch. I think he’ll attack me later at the party.”

“Sounds like a fun match to see.” He joked and you scoffed, “I’ll beat Jimin easily.”

“I’m sure, I’ll always be rooting for you.”

It sounded like another tease but his words caused nervous knots in your stomach. You deliberately ignored the feeling as you walked down the bleachers to his side, “Shall we get Yoongi and Jimin?”

“Yep, text me his address. We’ll pick him up once Yoongi is ready to go.”

Get ready, Jungkook’s picking you up - yn

I already look good, always ready - Jimin

Yoongi didn’t take long to come out of the showers and the three of you made your way in Jungkook’s car to pick Jimin up, all ready for the after party.

“I haven’t had dinner so I am ready for all the food.” Jimin groaned, clutching his stomach as he hopped off the car.

The four of you made your way up the driveway to see that the after party had started even earlier. “Looks like everyone couldn’t wait to party.” Yoongi commented as you entered through the main door, the loud typical party music blasting through the house.

It wasn’t a very packed party, lesser than the usual after parties but still plenty of people nonetheless.

There were already different groups engaging in different activities - gossiping, flirting, beer pong, truth or dare, Mario Kart and many more.

“Yn, you hungry? I heard Woohyun baked pasta for tonight.” Yoongi gestured to the kitchen. Before you could reply, Jungkook added on, “Someone’s barbecuing in the backyard though.”

“Barbecue?” You repeated, “Sounds delicious.” You turned your head back to Yoongi, “I’ll follow you guys after!”

Yoongi and Jimin made their way to the kitchen while you and Jungkook headed over to start your night with barbecue.

At the backyard, there was a swimming pool with a small lawn where the barbecue was. The two of you made your way to the table with the cooked food, helping yourself to dinner.

“This tastes amazing.” You moaned in delight after the first bite.

Jungkook laughed, “Come on,” He took an empty plate and grabbed a handful of barbecue sticks and kebabs, leading the way to the other side of the pool with one empty lounge chair.

You shared the plastic lounge chair, sitting beside Jungkook as you shared the plate. “So, how was my game?”

“To be honest,” You cleared your throat, “More interesting now that I know the game.”

He grinned like a happy high school boy, “That’s great to hear! Maybe you can watch more of my games or practices when you have the time.”

“We’ll see about that.” You teased, grabbing another stick to feed yourself.

“So, how’s your prep for nationals?”

“Tiring, one of our flyers got a concussion after a bad fall last night so she’s temporarily replaced. Our pyramid’s a mess.”

Jungkook lightly nudged your shoulders, “I’m sure it’ll turn out well. You guys are the defending champions.”

“I hope we can defend it this season.”

“Gotta think positively.” He winked at you and you returned a small smile. Silence fell upon you two as you noticed the lack of personal space between the both of you. It felt comfortable yet nerve-racking to be so close to him.

Was he uncomfortable with the closeness? Should you move away?

Just as you were about to scoot away, he spoke. “I’m really glad you came to my match tonight. It felt different.” He admitted rather shyly as his gaze dropped to the half empty plate.

“Different?”

Jungkook nodded his head, “Felt nice knowing there’s someone out there rooting for me.”

“There were lots of people rooting out for you.”

“Yea but, someone out there that I really want to impress.”

You didn’t have a reply, you weren’t sure how to reply. You decided to opt for a small encouraging pat on his shoulder before retracting your hand.

It didn’t seem much from an outsider’s perspective, but his words held a lot of weight. For the both of you. Almost as if you were about to cross a line - some line that you weren’t sure if you’re both ready to cross.

“Well,” He cleared his throat, standing up, “Shall we go find the two?”

“S-Sure.”

The two of you entered through the back door and was immediately blocked by his fellow team player, handing both of you a bottle of soju. “Gotta help us finish these, Jeon. Someone,” his eyes darted to another team player, “Accidentally ordered twice our usual order.”

“Damn.” Jungkook laughed in disbelief, “I’ll pull my weight then.”

“Great! You know what’s a perfect game for that? Spin the Bottle! You guys wanna play?”

Jungkook’s gaze darted to yours as you hesitated to reply.

“Come on Jeon, you always reject our games. Just this once, yea?”

He sighed, “A-Alright sure. Yn?”

You shook your head, “I’ll pass. Go have fun.” You patted his back as you excused yourself to the kitchen. There was a sour feeling knowing that Jungkook agreed to play Spin the Bottle, you avoided looking at the circle at the living area as you went to find Yoongi and Jimin guarding the snacks.

“Where’s Jungkook?”

“Spin the Bottle.” You plopped yourself down beside Jimin, chugging the soju bottle in your hand.

“Someone sounds affected.” Jimin teased, handing you a plate of pasta.

“No one’s affected.” You defended yourself as you grabbed a fork to eat the pasta, ignoring the feeling in your chest.

You had almost completely forgotten about Spin the Bottle as the three of you went on to talk about other things. You were laughing and enjoying your night with the two until you heard the familiar voice that made your muscles freeze.

“Any pasta left for me?”

You turned to look at Jungkook, “Enjoyed the game?”

“Pretty interesting,” He started and you immediately wanted to shut his voice out, “But would’ve been fun if you were in the game.” He winked at you before he took a plate for himself, acting as if he hadn’t said those words. You saw the empty soju bottle that he placed on the counter top and figured it was the alcohol talking so you decided to brush it off. It was probably the alcohol making him say such a brave statement in front of your friends.

Would something have happened if you agreed to play the game?

—

You realised that maybe he did decide to be more brave.

He started sitting in the gymnasium to watch your practices. Jimin would always inform you when he spotted Jungkook, insisting that he was here to watch you. Though you constantly denied, because you knew he knew a few of you guys from all the parties.

Somehow, you always felt his eyes were locked on you - his attention never leaving you no matter how chaotic the mat got. Every fall, every success, every break. You just knew he was looking at you.

The first practice you realised he was there, you approached him after practice ended.

“Hey Jungkook!”

“Why are you here?”

“Am I that unwanted? Looks like only Jimin is glad to see me here.”

“N-No,” You were caught off-guard, “I was just wondering—“

“I know, I’m kidding.” Jungkook chuckled, getting up from the bench, hopping down to stand right in front of you. “You came to my game, and I want to come see your practices. I haven’t actually seen how serious cheer can be.”

You hummed, “Alright then.” You tossed your damp towel over your shoulder. Jungkook reached out, “Let me take your bag. I saw how tiring practice was.”

“Jungkook it’s fine—“

“And you fell from that pyramid a couple of times. You better ice that bruise.” He pointed to the bruise on your shin. You had gotten the bruise when you knocked it against one of your teammate’s foot when you had fallen off the pyramid.

He had successfully snatched your duffel bag when you were distracted by the bruise on your shin. “Jungkook—“

“Come on, let the guy be a gentleman.” Jimin nudged your sides and you shot a light glare his way. “I already booked a ride and it’s here so I’ll head home first. Text me when you’re home, yea?” Jimin patted your shoulder before jogging off.

During the ride home, Jungkook shared how in awe he was during your practice. “I felt that same way watching your game too.” You admitted.

“I’m definitely watching nationals with Yoongi.”

“You don’t have to—“

“But I want to! I’m coming.”

Over the weeks, you learned even more about Jungkook.

Firstly, Jungkook was a really thoughtful individual.

He also loved going the extra mile. You knew his rugby training schedule since he shared it before. So you knew he was watching your late night sessions after his tiring ones on some days, yet still sat through all the way.

He didn’t attend all practices, but he didn’t have to. You always appreciated the times he came to watch and you made it a point to watch his trainings as well when you had nothing on.

Secondly, Jungkook was one of the most hardworking and disciplined individuals that you have met.

Every footwork drill, punishment or endurance runs, he took it seriously. He always gave it his 110%. Even when you knew he was near his limit, he never slacked.

Thirdly, Jungkook was cute when he was in the zone.

His eyebrows always scrunched together, sometimes he would bite his lip for extra concentration. He would whisper to himself after his attempts or runs, possibly correcting himself or encouraging himself.

You knew he was his harshest critic. You could see it in his training etiquette.

From an athlete to another, Jungkook was a very respectable athlete - in both fitness and character.

Eventually, this became routine between the both of you. You would watch each other’s practices whenever you had the time. Jimin and Yoongi had gotten used to the scene as well.

Both would tease the both of you separately, “Look who’s here.”

“Shut up.” You both would say to them, trying to fight the smile that wanted to break through.

“You know, people will start thinking that we’re dating.”

“That wouldn’t be a bad thing, now would it?” Jungkook tilted his head, a cheeky grin on his face as he tossed you a cold unopened bottle of water. His reply sent your heart fluttering. He knew his way with words.

“It’ll kill your popularity with the public. Everyone will lose hope and stop pining after you.” You said dramatically after taking a big gulp of the refreshing water.

“Still don’t see how that’s a bad thing.”

“You know, you’re a real flirt Jeon Jungkook.”

He grinned cheekily, “Only when I want to.”

He definitely knew his way with words, and possibly, his way to your heart.

—

Jungkook started asking you out for lunch and dinner over the weeks, including the weekends. It was refreshing seeing you two not dripping in sweat from training. And he cleaned up well.

Although the rugby finals and cheer nationals were just around the corner, you both tried to find spare time to hang out. It felt like a stress-reliever. You both needed it. Jungkook knew he needed and wanted it. He always wanted to see you.

You were both at an open field, lying next to each other, bodies facing up as you enjoyed the night sky. Silence engulfed the both of you as you relished the tranquility of the night.

With hectic schedules, you appreciated times like this when you didn’t have to think about something so serious like competitions and expectations.

You were grateful that you made it to the Final 20 but it was still stressful knowing that there are high expectations for your team to defend your title.

It was the same for Jungkook.

“This feels great, doesn’t it?” He was the first to break the silence.

You turned just your head to admire his side profile as his eyes remained glue to the starry night.

“It does.”

Jungkook paused before continuing the conversation, “You know, I didn’t actually play Spin the Bottle that night. I just drank every time it was me, just wanted to please Woohyun.”

Confused, you weren’t sure why Jungkook had brought that up out of the blue. “Why are you—”

“I just wanted you to know. Felt like you had to know.” He shrugged his shoulders, pressing his lips into a tight line. “Didn’t want to send mix signals.”

“Mix signals?” You turned around, lying on top of your stomach as you got up on your forearms. You had a hunch of where this conversation was heading, but you didn’t like to be one making assumptions. Jungkook turned his head to face you, “I’m into you. I always like being with you and I hope you feel the same way.”

Nothing came out of your mouth. You were stunned by his sudden confession. Your eyes remained on his face as he kept a soft smile, with not a single ounce of regret on his face.

“I… I like being with you too.” You replied shyly, shuffling back down to lie down on your back next to him, not daring to make eye contact.

Next to you, Jungkook let out a short chuckle. He decided not to push it for that night. But it was enough to know that things were going right between the two of you.

“I never shared this with anyone but, sometimes, I do feel like quitting rugby.”

You were taken aback by his sudden change in topic but didn't to roll with it

“Why?”

He took a while to respond, formulating his thoughts into sentences. “The expectations get too much sometimes, especially as one of the labelled star players.” He scoffed, as if he was laughing at the term, or himself.

“I’m sure as the Final 20 in cheer you feel that expectation as well.”

You didn’t give a verbal reply, only nodding your head as you turned your head back to face up to the sky.

Jungkook didn’t need a verbal reply, he knew you felt the same.

“It’s suffocating. But right now, I feel like I can take a deep long breath, and not worry about making a mistake or slowing down.”

Just as he said that, he took a deep inhale, letting out his breath through is mouth.

“That felt good to let out. I never wanted to share this with others because I’m afraid they’ll think that I’m taking my position and skills for granted.”

“Yea I get what you’re saying.” You assured him and he smiled, turning his head to face you. You heard the shuffling sounds and you decided to face him as well, momentarily freezing when your eyes finally met his.

“But it feels like I can talk to you about anything. It feels nice to talk to you, yn.”

You were once again lost for words, feeling your cheeks grow hot as your eyes remained locked in his gaze.

“I feel safe with you.”

—

It was the final championship match for rugby. Your cheer team was once again there, to root for your college - you and Jimin were specifically rooting for Yoongi and Jungkook.

The whole venue was excruciatingly loud and tense. Both colleges with great support backing them. The match was very close and you could tell how they seemed more tired than other games. The nerves and the physical demand was getting to them.

Your coach yelled, calling their hands to get your attention. “Come on guys, time to boost their morale”

With your pom poms in your hands, your cheer team gathered, facing your side of the bleachers, enthusiastically cheering the campus cheers and getting the crowd to join in.

It was followed by simply stunts and routines to get the atmosphere more lively and ready for the game to resume.

As the players passed by your team, you all wished them good luck.

“Good luck, Yoongi!”

“Good luck, Jungkook!” You exclaimed encouragingly, shaking both your pom poms his way as he turned around to see you. He winked at you, mouthing the words ‘thank you’ before they made their way to the field.

“You’re drooling.”

Jimin’s voice taunted you from the side, You elbowed his side, “You’re doing the same.”

“Touche.”

As the timer reaches the end, your side erupted in the loudest of cheers, you happily screaming along with the crowd. This win felt different from all the different times your cheer team supported them. Your college managed to defend their title, winning the championship for the season.

When the players returned to the benches and huddled for a group photo together, Jimin whispered, “Why don’t you go up and congratulate him?”

“Hush, Jimin, not in front of everyone.”

“Come on, don’t be shy. I know you like him.”

“We’re just close friends.”

Jimin scoffed, his index finger pointing to you and himself, “You and I are close friends. You and Jungkook however, are idiots who don’t want to admit that you guys like each other.”

“Shut it!” You sighed, lightly hitting him with your pom poms. When you turned around, Jungkook had already made his way to you. “You were cheering really hard back there.”

“Just for you.”

Just for me?” He raised his eyebrows, a smug look on his face as he stepped closer, “Yoongi’s gonna be devastated knowing that—“

“Actually my cheers were for Yoongi but I didn’t want you to feel upset or forgotten.”

Jungkook frowned and you really wished you had the guts to just kiss him right there, your eyes flickering to his pink soft lips.

“I’m kidding, don’t cry, not when you just became a champion.”

Jungkook laughed heartily before leaning towards your ear, “I’m already a champion having you on my side to cheer me on.”

—

Attention immediately shifted to your team for the upcoming nationals which was just a week after Jungkook’s finals.

You guys had constant past few runs leading up to the final day and everything felt like it would go well. The biggest obstacle was controlling your mental state during the day itself.

The night before, Jungkook had sent you a lengthy good luck message as he reminded you that he would be there.

You slept peacefully that night and woke up to read his message in the morning once again. You had your own cheerleader this time.

Everything seemed to go by quickly, the warm ups and runs backstage while waiting for your team’s turn. You had not met Jungkook or Yoongi since you were preparing backstage with your team, focused on getting into the right mental state.

Your heart almost jumped out of your chest when it was finally your team’s turn to perform.

The sun was scorching hot and there were many spectators. You stood in formation with your teammates as you waited for the song to play.

It felt way different than last season. Even though you were there last season to support the performing team, it truly felt different to be the one about to perform on the mat. With all eyes on you, carefully watching for any mistakes or mishaps. The heat already making you sweat when you stepped onto the stage.

But once the music played, that was all you could focus on.

Bright smiles plastered on all your faces as you went through the routine. A silent celebration in your head every time your team successfully pulled off a stunt.

Quick gazes made on the mat as you constantly changed formation. Encouraging looks and the sounds of the encouragement on the mat from your teammates to get you through the routine.

And just like that - it was your ending pose. Heavy pants surrounding you as your gaze locked on the audience. You all broke character afterwards, squealing and hugging each other for not screwing up the pyramid and the routine.

It felt good.

In fact, it felt amazing.

Jimin yelled your name, pulling you in for a tight hug, “We did it!”

“I know!”

Once all the teams had finished, the top 2 teams were announced and your college name was called out.

In front of the entire crowd, you hold intertwined your hands, head hung low and eyes shut right as you awaited for the results. The cheerleader holding the 2nd prize trophy walked back and forth between the two college teams as the announcer evilly drags on the result.

Your heartbeat was pounding loudly and you could feel it in your head, all your hands clasped together were clammy from nervous sweat.

Jungkook’s hopefully eyes stayed locked on your figure as he waited for announcements from the crowd.

The other college was called and your entre team’s knees went weak, buckling as some immediately fell to the ground.

Deafening screams erupted as you were pulled into a big group hug, you guys had just defended your title.

Your team was the reigning national champion once again.

Tears were falling as everyone congratuler each other. Your coach and assistant coach ran up to mat to join the group hug as your team proudly accepted the winning trophy.

You had made your way off the stag to reunite with the other cheer members as the public slowly started to approach you for a team photo.

With tears all over your faces, you posed for the group photos as thanked all your teammates with a big hug.

“Yn!”

You heard his voice amongst the chaos.

You felt yourself immediately searching for the familiar pair of eyes in the crowd. The moment your eyes landed on him, you rushed up towards him, his arms wide open ready to accept you.

Jungkook pulled you in for tight embrace, repeatedly saying “congrats, you did it, I know you guys would win”. Tears flowed down your face once again still not believing what had just happened.

It felt so surreal and yet being in Jungkook’s embrace felt even more surreal. It was as if you were in a dream.

“Congrats yn!” You heard Yoongi’s voice from behind Jungkook.

You pulled away to see not only Yoongi but the entire rugby team with him. They were cheering proudly, chanting your college’s name with pride. Your eyes immediately farted back to Jungkook who had kept his arms around you.

“Did you…?”

“Yes, I convinced everyone to come. They’d be missing on such a stellar performance.”

As if your grin couldn’t get any bigger, your broke into a euphoric laugh, “You’re amazing.”

“You’re calling me amazing? After what your team had just displayed back there? You must be blind—“

Maybe it was the adrenaline rush, the high influx of dopamine from winning the competition and from being in his embrace. It didn’t matter, when your lips met his, you knew that was all that mattered at that moment.

You felt Jungkook lean into the kiss, his arms pulling you closer to his body. Both of you could hear your cheer team behind you and Jungkook’s rugby team behind him, both cheering your names.

You guys laughed into the kiss when you heard Yoongi and Jimin loudly expressed their thoughts. “It’s about time.”

“I swear I thought they’ll never get to this stage.”

—

His bright and welcoming smile never failed to make your day, no matter how tired you were. You never thought that you’d love going for rugby practices and matches. It was the complete opposite scenario from the beginning of the year.

But now, it never got boring to watch your boyfriend get into his sport. You would always tell him that he looked attractive when he was serious. You enjoyed doing that because it always made him fluster and fumble over his words.

“I-I don’t… Nah… I don’t look cute when I’m serious.” He would adjust the neckline of his shirt, trying to maintain a nonchalant expression on his face.

“You’re finally done.” You made your way down the bleachers, “I’ve been thinking about dessert the past 30 minutes.”

Jungkook nodded his head, extending his arms out to pull you into a sweaty hug. He placed a light kiss on your forehead, pulling back slightly to get a better view of your face.

“Ice cream?”

Deja Vu.

You remembered the first night you hung out with Jungkook after meeting him at the after party. When you were at the bus stop ready to go home.

WIth a grin, you leaned in to kiss his soft lips lightly, “I’m down.”

[tarotnoob]

PAC: Chakra reading, strengths, blocks, personality, advice

10/10! It’s Naruto’s birthday. Naruto is like a son to me, but better! I mean, up to chapter 698 anyway. So, in honor of Naruto’s birthday, I’ll do a chakra-type reading with a message related to what chakras seem to be open or blocked, and if I’m feeling incredibly dorky, I’ll guess your chakra affinity potential xD

[Future me: I didn’t hold back on what I saw, so some piles might not be as light as you’d expect, so if you aren’t up to any heavy truths today, maybe wait until you feel comfortable because some days we don’t want to hear truths, we just want to have fluff and this topic may seem fluff, but I thought one was heavy]

CHOOSE A PILE!

Pile 1

Pile 2

Pile 3

Pile 1

Well, goodness. Shine is partially about healing from old trauma and about not hiding the light within and sharing it with the world. The Riddle is interesting and I want to share two lines from the guidebook I feel are relevant:  “When the riddle is present, one must stop searching for ‘the right answer.’ It cannot be found, and ultimately it is not important.” And: “Time, surrender, and humor are your only allies... For now, get comfortable with the limitations of your intellect and the reality of not knowing. It may, in fact, be the only reality there is.”

That looks like it connects strongly with the tarot. So, Ruby/Shine talks about limiting yourself - perhaps do to past traumas or dramas that made you feel small and Riddle is about not trying to intellect your way out of life. Some things happen and we may never know the reason, and those things may make us feel small or like we don’t matter or that we don’t make a difference. But, I think Riddle asks you to stop focusing on the intellectual aspect of figuring out why this or that happens or even worrying about planning out the future to a T, needing to have all of the answers (like 7 of cups indicates) and, instead, you have to imagine all of those things that hold you back (all those questions and concerns) as chains and then break them because they’re preventing you from growing to your full potential.

So, I see this as related to your tarot in the sense that... so 7 of cups is about daydreaming, illusion, wanting answers and I see 10 of cups as someone who has this idea of what would make them happy, but in reality - they could ask for and be so much more. I don’t want to say your dream is “small” it’s just that you deserve and are entitled to so much more than you’re even imagining and, imo, the cards want you to “dream bigger” and go for that really amazing dream you think is impossible. So, 10 of swords is about ending that “small” way of thinking or if you’re like I can be happy with just this pile of sticks, those entertain me. Why do you feel you only deserve a pile of sticks when you deserve, like, a whole rain forest? I mean, not to cut down, but just... metaphorically.

Chakra talk: So, I see here a lot of reds and golds... so we’ll blend that together as the lower three chakra, but I feel mostly focused on Root chakra. Root chakra is about grounding, stability, security, overcoming challenges. I would guess this aspect of yours is blocked and then is affecting your sacral and solar plexus. Like, if we don’t have a sense of security, it’s going to affect our confidence and ability to create or how we feel about our identity, looks, creative abilities, sexual energy, etc...

If I related it to a Naruto moment, it reminds me of how - well, two ways here - but be like Naruto. He was an outcast, his chakra all mangled, he’s got a demon inside him, he’s not a genius - and he still wants to be Hokage. Granted, he wanted to be Hokage to gain everyone’s approval at the start, but as he got stronger, he legit was able to overcome his own darkness, protect the people he cared about, and develop a spiritual understanding of events that occurred.

So, if you were going to take the leaf test in this Ninja world, I’d feel pretty strongly that you’d end up with the wood element, though it may take you some time to adjust to being able to use it. However, the first hokage was earth element and one of the strongest, smartest, fairest hokages to exist :)

---

Pile 2

Gosh, I wonder which affinity you’re going to end up with >.> lol

Okay, I have a pretty good sense for this energy. This - to me - feels like someone in a rush to achieve something great or grow up or in a hurry to get from x to y phase in life, almost to the point of panic/fear. It could also be someone with extremely high expectations being placed on them or by their own selves. This might even be someone who’s obsessed with having all of the answers as to what’s going to happen in the future, with the Trust card coming up to indicate that more trust (in the universe) is needed. Like, pile 1, there’s a sense of needing all of the answers and not surrendering, which is a message I loathe to hear in readings, so - you’re welcome.

Because the King of Wands reversed, this is rashness, impulsiveness, egotism, grand expectations or even delusion. Wheel of Fortune is about change, destiny, cycles. Knight of Wands is more of that impulsive, impatience, passion-creativity energy. So, it’s an urgency to figure out or journey toward a “destiny” but the Thanatos card makes me feel this urgency comes from fear. Like, realizing or THINKING our time on this planet is short (it is), so there’s an urgency to achieve something. Like being at a certain age/phase in your life and going - oh by 25, I should have a job, by 30 I should be married with 2 kids, by xyz I should be blah, and by the time your dead it’s like - wow did I even enjoy life? I just worried about what I felt like I needed to have based on society’s expectations or even if you don’t think so, it floated around in your subconscious, a pressure to achieve a certain something by a certain time.

The Thanatos card is a bit more heavy than the Death card, but because Wheel of Fortune is around it, I do think this is a message about life cycles and phases. Thanatos is directly about death and how it’s an omnipresent aspect of life, always on our mind and how the weight of the end of any cycle can really affect our psyche, so that’s how I see this pile as - the weight of the idea of an “end” or “limit” is affecting your actions or need to improve at a quick pace, compete, achieve, meet high expectations. Look at how focused all figures on the tarot are on the future, enough that it turned the King of Wands reversed. There are high expectations surrounding the future, which has you in a rush to get through everything. Why do we need to sit and enjoy the present? Good question. Why does the Hanged Man and being told to surrender all the time annoy the crap out of us/me? Well... we do miss out on a lot of things when we’re tunnel-visioned. We miss out on relationships in life, we miss out on having fun, we can miss out on opportunities because we’re too busy to notice. I suppose philosophically if we’re all here during this life on this planet to gain experiences and knowledge, then I think we miss out on those things if we’re moving too swiftly or hung up on timelines. I guess an analogy would be, say you and some friends or family go to a beach resort for a vacation, but instead of going out with them to the beach or whatever silly tourist thing they want to do, you stay in the room and fiddle on your phone or do work or play video games - you miss out on all of the experiences you could have had in that type of more easy-going environment, you’re not experiencing those things with family/friends and learning about those types of personal/loving bonds to take back into the universal goo when you DIE. I mean how relevant is it going to be to the universal dead collective energy that you played final fantasy VII for the 6th time with a bunch of online strangers calling each other the f word for 4 hours.

Not to hate on gamers, but everything in moderation. Everything. I spent a lot of time in my life on fandom stuff instead of personal relationships or living life. And I have nada to show for it except a legacy of stories that mean something to some people, but didn’t actually provide me anything except that time I met real-life Naruto and Sasuke and they voiced my drama cd project >.>

So, wait... haha just kidding, you get the idea.

Chakra reading: I feel strongly this is about the heart. There’s fire and red here which can indicate root, but I feel like there’s an unconscious “fear” and, for me, that comes around the heart, plus we have the “green” for the stone. I feel like there’s block around that heart chakra, but maybe an overactive sacral, root, maybe solar plexus a bit... I won’t say I feel you’re overconfident, but there could be some ego at work here, yeah. This is someone driven by an ego, to succeed or achieve a certain material accomplishment. Greed is also a matter of the heart chakra.

If I were to relate it to a Naruto moment... I kept switching pile 2′s image, and I really wanted to do Itachi/Sasuke but I was like, well this is Naruto’s day so I had Naruto eating ramen, but when the cards came out, I kept thinking - doesn’t this remind you of Sasuke or Itachi and Sasuke’s relationship? Well, really just Sasuke because he was so ambitious to gain power and get stronger, to get revenge and take down Itachi that he left everything he cared about behind - his friends, his village, his home, Naruto, his dignity, heh. So, he was spurred on by what he felt was limited time, by literal death and the pressure that put on his psyche, he knew about what it felt like to lose bonds, so he realized time was short and that life was about more than what other’s saw. He was willing to give all that up for this one single-minded goal and he said f*ck the consequences and who I have to hurt along the way to get there. And a lot of that was his ego driven by a fear of loss, abandonment issues, not being good enough - but mostly I feel it was a fear of death/loss. He’d lost everything, and when people like Naruto or Sakura tried to get close to him, he cut ties and ran for the hills because, in the end, he was just scared of losing people again so he decided on several occasions to retake that control by even hurting the people he claimed to care about so he could be the one to control their “death”.

Reminds me of that Donnie Darko conversation about the fear/love scale.

So, anywho - gonna give you the same affinity as the Uchiha: fire w/ a hint of lightning 

---

Pile 3

I love how the sasunaru pile got fire agate which is about stimulating sexual energy, lol. Oh, boy. It’s also interesting that the sribnite came out reversed and I almost never do the oracles reversed. My point is those two crystals fit the dynamic of Sasuke and Naruto’s relationship, but I’ll have a Naruto message at the bottom. I’m not even - Vow, too. WTF. Love when the cards react to even fictional characters.

Just sliding that gif in there before I read the meaning of vow.

I’ll share the keywords for vow. When light: bearing witness to the shift toward destiny; when dark: unconscious vows, unkept promises, messy karma. the balls also remind me of Naruto’s sage power when he has the omg it is them... they’re “truth seeking balls”

This pile has serious ties to the actual manga, it’s weird.

So, vow is a card about the power of words, it’s also about the promises we make to ourselves or others, it’s about the “truth”, it reminds me of having a nindo basically and how that nindo is tied to your... what’s the word... I don’t know but it’s our spiritual creed, oath, and we live and die by it. In this sense, I can also see this as our designated spiritual path and whether we choose to follow it or align with it.

But, let’s talk the cards. We have the fire agate, which is related to the sacral card and speaks about creative or sexual energies, I also see this as a driving life force that can motivate us to go after certain things - like wands energy. The stibnite, which is about conflict, is reversed. This is a card about something that can stimulate that same type of energy... so how I can describe it is, imagine Valley of the End, if you watch Naruto and.... they have this bond, right, that’s fueled by competitiveness and machismo, I guess you’d say, and while they had a lot of conflict in their friendship, they also inspired each other to get stronger and I think it’s also - well what they saw in each other - created their specific type of close/soulmate bond because externally they were different people, but internally they had a lot in common and sensed that in each other and then they reacted to each other with this very fiery push-pull weird relationship throughout the story. I don’t believe in twin flames but the way people describe twin flames fits Naruto and Sasuke pretty well - for reference. But, I’m sure we could also argue that it was also an abusive sort of relationship, too, but they were ninja and it’s a fictional show so, ofc, there was violence.

My point is that’s the type of energy we’re talking about here, energy to move forward that could be fueled by conflict or challenges in life. That the one crystal is reversed could indicate we’re definitely dealing more with some type of internal conflict or block around the sacral chakra, so you may be feeling creatively blocked or sexually repressed or unable to get in touch with or express your true identity, self, truth, or you’ve strayed from your truth/path/authenticity in some way through some type of compromise or conflict, etc... I know we’re talking about relationships bc I used Naruto and Sasuke, but I look at vow and I see this as a spiritual vow that we made, about who we are or who we want to show the world. This could also speak to people being two-faced, like presenting yourself as one way online or to people, when in reality it’s not who you are at all.

I want to go through the stibnite crystal meanings too so we can understand why it’s reversed, so everything I list, there’s probably some conflict there:

- supports personal empowerment and transformation (makes me think of strength and death reversed)

- grounds your energy in the earth so you feel supported

- assists you in dealing with fear, conflict, confrontation (conflict avoidance bc of fear)

- supports you to create healthy boundaries 

- supports those who suffer from chronic anxiety

- enhances and supports astral travel journey

- assists in dissolving apprehension and uncertainty

So this would be a pile that really struggles with the root, solar plexus and crown chakras while the previous card indicated something with sacral. It kind of reminds me of pile 2 with all of this creative or fire energy to proceed forward but it’s coming from a place of fear and ungroundedness.

Let’s talk about the tarot: two of swords, six of pentacles, knight of swords reversed

The knight of swords would be the source of conflict, it’s... what I described about Sasuke in pile 2, but basically Sasuke became ruthless and even cruel in his pursuit of his goals. Two of swords indicates a block or a need to make a decision, a need for the use of intuition. Six of pentacles is about balance, investment, sharing. I wonder if that card was meant to come out reversed tbh.

If this were a relationship reading, this would feel like toxic energy tbh. I don’t see this as a relationship reading but if you are in a relationship with someone who reads like a knight of swords reversed, this is a message to take head of the red flags. If they are pushy, bossy, use cruel words, unwilling to share or offer equal respect or consideration in the relationship - that’s bad.

But, with that crystal reversed, I think for most of you it’s an internal issue. I’ll give a couple of interpretations. Like with pile 2, there was a lot of energy to create or succeed and it was based around fear, as in feeling like they needed to accomplish something or show huge success by a certain time and they were fueled not by something spiritually aligned but by a pressure to show a certain amount of “productivity” or “progress” as deamed by society by a certain set age/limit/phase in life.

I feel something similar here. That fire agate represents also this desire for something, but it doesn’t seem to be directed correctly and it seems to be creating a lack of balance internally. Like anything with the body, when something is blocked, it creates other issues at other parts of the body. If blood can’t get through to your brain, you have a stroke; if you bottle up all of your emotions or built up energy, you end up like Naruto in the first part of the manga where he had a seal on his kyuubi energy and he could only poof out one or two clones until it was unblocked and then he had thousands. And he could use his chakra.

                                                       VS.

This is the only pile I clarified for because it was feeling pretty heavy. It reminds me of the audio reading I did last night. So, let me give you a few messages and you can take what resonates.

With this pile, I sense a few things:

The worst of it would be someone who’s fallen from their spiritual path and alignment by choosing to be... someone who’s selfish, cruel with their words, a liar, materialistic, completely judgmental, childish - and it’s all coming from their own misery and insecurities. And they aren’t being true to their higher selves or their path and have chosen to fall into some ugly feelings. Whatever wounds or blocks they have they are projecting onto others and need to knock it off.

I got a lot of reversals in clarification that signify that kind of thing, so I have to call those people out. They’ll know if it applies to them and things they’ve been doing lately.

To take it down a notch, this is a pile who... is quite complicated internally or emotionally. I feel like they’re going through something heavy regarding identity or thinking a lot about the person they are or who they want to be or how others perceive them vs. how they perceive themselves and it’s all kind of a tangled mess. I feel like perhaps this is for people who promised something to themselves (it can be others, too, but I see this as a personal vow) to achieve something or be a certain type of person and they’re wondering if they can be, if they failed, if they’re worthy - the usual things that good people reflect on when they’re going through a dark time or feeling insecure or uncertain.

Because two of swords here, clarified by king of pentacles and then judgment reversed...  this makes me think of someone seeking answers or reassurance for themselves through others or possibly material validation. Judgment reversed can indicate a lot of self-criticizing or being too critical of others in a very materialistic way or... I read this as someone who’s being self critical and feels stuck and is in need of answers from someone who’s reliable like a King of Pentacles, like the pentacles are here because that’s how badly you need some type of reassurance or grounding for this internal conflict. Maybe it’s like a - why did this happen? Why do I feel this way? Why is life so shitty sometimes? What do I do next? What is the “right” thing to do? Am I doing the right thing? Am I a good person, etc...

Six of p is upright but I don’t know why I feel it should’ve come out reverse or it did and I slid it upright, doesn’t matter, but 3 of cups reversed makes me feel like someone who... keeps to themselves and does not share (their truth), or may not speak up for themselves. Three of cups reversed has that loner or isolated vibe, it could also indicate someone who... doesn’t allow themselves to have as much fun and takes life pretty seriously. The water is spilling out of these three cups, so on the simplest level we have... a balance issue regarding emotions, and emotions around community, friendships, relationships, the collective.

I just feel a huge emotional block with this pile - and it can be for so many reasons but I also have the sense it’s a form of self-preservation and protection. Someone who just doesn’t want to or is tired of putting their energy out there because it’s exhausting or they’ve been hurt or there’s too much negativity. What’s coming to mind is something like an octopus retracting its limbs and decreasing its size and scooting into its tiny water cave to avoid predators (if that’s resonating, see pile 1).

Knight of Swords is clarified by sun reversed, so this can be someone who’s being critical of others or themselves and they’re doing so because they feel unhappy with life or themselves. It does make me feel a “childish” or petty energy, as well, for some folks because sun reversed can be about inner child and the knight of swords reversed can be someone who lashes out with cruel words or thoughts... and I see that relating to the judgment card... so these are people who are either very critical of themselves or others but it’s all coming from their own dark feelings or insecurities and they’re projecting them on others or themselves, etc... it could be that they made a promise to do xyz and then they failed, and now they feel guilty or lesser for not having accomplished it or lived up to whatever, but perhaps your expectations are too high and you’re not seeing the “smaller” accomplishments you’ve made, which aren’t necessarily small at all. Like, if someone is severely depressed and all they do all day is brush their teeth, to a person not in that situation they may think it’s not a big deal but to a person who can barely get out of bed or function, that’s a huge accomplishment. So, this could be a perspective issue, as well. But there’s a lot of being really down on one’s self here and then those feelings are not being redistributed in a way that is healthy or aligned with your purpose.

For some it may be a severe issue to the point of a personality or social disorder and other’s, it’s a funk. An identity crisis of some sort or crisis in general. And those things are normal. Like we have spiritual highs and spiritual lows, the only things that we can really be sure about is that life is always going to be about growing and changing and this can’t happen without low moments - and if you’re spiritually inclined, this is going to happen often: doubt, anger, impulsiveness, frustration, but it’s all about how we handle it or react.

Okay so relate it to Naruto - it reads a lot like it should be Sasuke as Sasuke is someone who had a lot of (valid) issues and then he projected them on to people he cared about. That’s here, but I also see Naruto’s issues here. His abilities were purposely limited, but not only that, he was treated like an unwanted child, outcast by his own village with no answers, and grew up with no family and no role models. And obviously that sort of situation would give anyone mental health issues. I always thought he overcompensated in a lot of ways and often hid his negative emotions and true personality. The only one he really showed everything to was Sasuke, but I think only Sasuke ever really brought down Naruto’s walls (and vice versa), but a lot of Naruto’s emotions because he didn’t share them or show them to people, went inward, even to the point that before he could learn sage mode and tap into his super spiritual powers, he had to literally face his shadow self and embrace it and then incorporate it into himself, I wonder if that gif exists.

All those doubts and insecurities - and he was a GOOD person - and he had a certain nindo/creed and that was to go through life and take risks that he needed to but it was also to... be a good and righteous person who took care of the people he cared about and protect them, and there were times he didn’t think he was up to the task or said that he’s just “a dumb kid” and there’s no way he could save the world, he wasn’t smart enough to figure out the situation (I’m crying remembering his convo with minato and especially kushina, too).

So I think what I picked up here when I was saying some of you be... needing some holy water bc you ain’t good folk, and some of you are good people but going through a tough time... like a time of temptation where you could fall off the path into something dark... but the thing is, life is also about the choices we make and choices are what define us despite our circumstances. Naruto was someone who could have ended up like Gaara in the beginning, or Sasuke, but he made a choice to be “good.” Sasuke made his own choices, too, and while Sasuke’s feelings were valid, his actions were... not. There are a lot of Sasuke apologists, and don’t get me wrong, I LOVE Sasuke, but I’m a realist - he tried to kill his friends, multiple times, for power. And not just power, but because of - well, trauma - but trauma doesn’t excuse abuse and violence. He had a lot of heavy loss in his life and to take control of that, he became the one who inflicted that abuse/anger onto others because he didn’t feel control when he was young and his family was massacred, and that’s how the abuse cycle works.

This is a very heavy pile, so... don’t take it to heart in a way that’s heavy unless you need to let out some feels and cry or project and then... carry on. Or I can validate that you’re going through a rough time or that you’re hard on yourself or you feel unworthy or uncertain - we all feel like that, especially good, worthy people. If you weren’t good, you wouldn’t question these things at all. You’d just do whatever you want and say whatever you want and lie about it or not care and yes there are people like that in this pile, and they chose to use their wounds as an excuse to hurt others, while some are fighting their demons and trying to fight their own way out or be a better person or fight their dark side, etc... so if that resonates for you, this is validating that, and I hope this helps.

Affinity, hmm...I feel like it’s a pile of wind mostly, water, and maybe some of those who’d be especially good at illusions or psychic-style ninjutus.

---

Next pick a card will be 10/13 for Jimin’s birthday!

[devildomimagines]

Request: How the Demon Brothers React to a Very Competent Caretaker MC

The prompt: MC has to take care of lots of siblings back in the human world. Not, like, 6 or 7 siblings, but TWENTY-FOUR!! MC can multitask like no one’s business and can easily take care of any problem that might arise with their siblings. MC is great at taking care of others and enjoys it. The hang-up is that when they come to Devildom, they suddenly find themselves with a lot of free time and aren’t really sure how to fill in those gaps since they were always dedicating themselves to others.

Anon! Your message was so sweet but I was having technical difficulties writing the post as an answer so I decided to just make a separate text post. Btw, your great-grandmother sounds like a total badass, what an inspiration! I hope you don’t mind my work around for the technical issues and I hope this lives up to what you were looking for!

Edit: I wrote this for the formerly Undateables as well, check it out here.

Belphegor

As the youngest he doesn’t completely understand but he does love his family (even if he doesn’t always show it).

He is kind of amazed with how competent MC is and how easily adaptable to the needs of him and his brothers.

He’s kind of selfish so oftentimes he abuses your nurturing nature.

After the events in the attic, Belphie does worry you’ll hold it against him, even subconsciously. You cut the tension one night by saying, "You can't kill me, I've survived my little sibling trying to play violin with a chainsaw!" The mental image makes him laugh.

Belphie would be the best brother to consult with if you want to learn to be a little selfish yourself. It doesn’t have to be a complete personality overhaul but there is value in knowing what you want and making those wants known to others.

While taking care of so many siblings, you never had the opportunity to take naps and he is offended! But secretly loves that he gets to show you the joys of a nap.

Beelzebub

Beel loves taking care of others, just a very loving boy. The two of you get along like peas in a pod. 

It’s very easy to fall into old habits around him because he has a personality that makes you want to care for him.

Since he’s so strong, he does fear hurting you by accident. You let him know, “I don't fear pain, I do my school homework upside-down while on a ladder changing the lamp." While it doesn’t totally extinguish his fears, the thought of that total body workout intrigues him enough to distract him.

If you want to fill some time, he would love to have you join him at the gym or come see his games.

Physical fitness and nutrition are fundamental to taking care of yourself and Beel would be the demon to go to to learn more if you’re interested. 

Also, I’m sure you would agree but cooking is a form of love so if you enjoy spending your free time baking and cooking, Beel will follow you around (for the treats lol). He’s said it before, if you know how to cook then he wants you to stay by his side.

Asmodeus

“Treat yo self” is his guiding principle. He is your demon to teach self-care.

If you’re looking for something to do, part of your time can be filled with his routines for skin care, hair care and mental health checks.

Casually you mentioned one day, “"Me, go to sleep? I'm the oldest sibling, I don't sleep, I worry with my eyes closed!"

“MC! You need to get your beauty rest!” He countered. I can imagine that he basically drags you to Belphie to figure out how to sleep better.

Although he has a lot of knowledge to offer, you are quick to pick it up and help him in braiding his hair out of his face or gently applying a face mask.

The fun part of learning from Asmo is that there’s always some new beauty product to try and he loves having a buddy to try it with. 

Satan

He’s amazed with everything you can do. He asks you to teach him how to do things he watches you do flawlessly.

He’s definitely curious to hear about what it’s like living with so many siblings, 6 seems like too many sometimes so 4 times that is completely unknown to him.

Satan was helping with some homework and suggested tackling an easier assignment first, you challenged him with, "Don't underestimate me, I managed to make a toddler spell pneumoultramicroscopicssilicovulcanoconiosis!"

He laughs as he confirms he wasn’t underestimating you, just trying to offer some guidance for efficiency.

You need something to pass time? Satan has enough books in his room to literally last your lifetime.

He can help you find any kind of book, simply let him know what you would be interested in and he probably has a suggestion.

Leviathan

He’s drawn to you and at first he doesn’t know why. Later he realizes it’s because you’re so good at listening where his brothers usually just ignore him.

Games and anime are a great time filler if you’re interested, he’s got all the best recommendations.

It might be tough to get into first if you’re not used to binge watching a series or gaming for hours on end.

When he apologizes for possibly annoying you with his rants you assure, "You can't annoy me, I've endured eight rebellious teenagers!"

I could imagine that you’d resonate with slice of life animes as an introduction to the genre and possibly adventure games with a good story would catch your attention.

Even if you’re not totally invested, he enjoys your presence since you’re not dismissing his interest.

Mammon

Listen, he’s a good older brother! Some of his personal decisions are questionable but he’s dependable when needed.

Definitely king of random interests so your well-rounded abilities are actually well suited to keeping up with whatever past time has piqued his interest this week.

Mammon would probably be confused when you see something during one of his shopping trips that you clearly want but refuse to buy. Eventually he builds it up enough (like the demon on your shoulder whispering in your ear lol) that you do end up getting it.

What you had first dismissed as Mammon being materialistic, you slowly come to realize because of him that you can surround yourself with things that bring you joy and so your days are filled with happiness.

He can get reckless so he appreciates your protection from Lucifer’s punishments and hides behind you like some of your siblings did at home.

He protects you too though! He stands up for you and points out things that are unfair to make you aware. 

Lucifer

Oldest sibling comradery from the get-go.

You’re both very responsible individuals and when you join forces, it’s like nothing is impossible.

He’s the one you go to the first couple weeks when you find yourself with free time. He’s sure to have something to be done to help fill the newfound free time.

Over time he comes to rely on you but he’s worried he’s overworking you with the tougher assignments. You made sure to remind him, "I have no difficulty with this task, I'm the oldest of twenty-four siblings!"

Lucifer recognizes your competence and he excels at boosting confidence and pride so don’t think you are not immune to that.

The more time you spend with him, the more you develop a stronger sense of self-worth and self-determination. He practically gushes pride at the sight of you defending yourself and claiming the value of your time near the end of the exchange program.

[puppypeter]

✨ All fics are complete! ✨

He Loves Me Cause I’m Cute, He Thinks I’m Pretty Funny | 2588 words 📱

He watches it back one more time after it posts, checking for typos in his subtitles and captions, and has to laugh again.

Steve fucking Rogers? His brain thought he could pull Captain America, literal superhero and America’s favorite sweetheart?

“Hello I’m a 35 year old amputee living in New York and I think that I could get Steve Rogers.”

OR

the one where bucky posts a tiktok and steve is utterly smitten.

Summer Slipped Us Underneath Her Tongue | 10712 words 🧳

Bucky is a tour guide who enjoys sharing the rich history and culture of each city they pass through with a bunch of early-20's college students who just want to know the cheapest place to get drunk.

Except for Steve, who asks Bucky for a personal tour around his hometown.

The rest is, as they say, history.

You Make My Heart Skip A Beet | 3853 words 🧑🏼‍🍳

“I made soda bread.” Steve lets out the 6’2” supersoldier equivalent of a squeak. “Oh, I love soda bread,” he says eagerly, rolling forward on the balls of his feet like he does when he gets excited. “My mom used to make it all the time when I was growing up.” The tips of Barnes’s ears turn red, and he mutters something that sounds suspiciously like, “I know.”

Ollie Meets Bagel | 5517 words 🥯

He was a skater boy, Steve said let's get bagels, boy.

Steve wants to start doing this twenty-first century thing properly. He gets help in the form of skateboarding, skateboarders, bagels, and Sam Wilson.

Taxi | 5113 words 🚕

Bucky Barnes was, he hoped, a good taxi driver.

He's so good, he actually tries to return lost property that ends up left in his car and... well. It has some unexpected consequences involving a National Icon.

Enough said.

Leg Day | 12157 words 🏋️‍♂️

“So talk to him,” Sam says.

“I can’t,” Bucky groans. “I can’t, Sam, I. He just.” He fluffs his hair up and stares at Sam, distraught. “I want him to bench press me.”

“Okay, so it’s serious,” Sam interprets. “Got it."

(Or: The one where Sam is Bucky's long-suffering roommate, Bucky is a hot mess of a millennial, and Hot Steve spends far too much time on the Lat Pull-Down machine.)

Love In Aisle Four | 2127 words 🛍️

When Bucky needs to swing by the supermarket after a long, hard day of work, the last thing he expects is to meet a cute grocery clerk named Steve…

Coming Up Easy | 45515 words ✍🏻

“Listen, I was just thinking,” Steve says, his face open, eyebrows raised in a tentatively hopeful expression. “Why don’t you come stay at my place for a while? I’ve got an office that I barely use, and a change of scenery might do you good, right? Help you beat that writer’s block?” With a crooked smile, he adds, “I promise I’m not a serial killer.”

While Bucky would normally crack a joke about how that’s exactly what a serial killer would say, right now, all he can do is blink at Steve in surprise, heart tripping over itself in his chest. Steve wants him to come and stay at his place. In Massachusetts. Just the two of them.

"Oh," Bucky croaks. "I- Wow."

“I mean, no pressure,” Steve says hastily. “Totally fine if you don’t wanna. I just thought I’d offer, in case it might help, y’know?”

“Yeah.” Bucky ignores the little voice in his head that sounds an awful lot Nat and Becca, telling him he’s setting himself up for heartbreak. “I mean, if you’re sure, that would be amazing.”

Anywhere The Wind Blows | 8845 words 👨‍🚒🎖️

After a catastrophic fire that shakes him to his core, Steve Rogers quits his job as a Brooklyn firefighter and relocates to a cabin in the remote Canadian wilderness, wanting quiet and solitude and to maybe never have to speak to another human being ever again. He gets his wish, more or less, until a recently injured Bucky Barnes is discharged from the Army and rents the cabin next door.

The Safer Course | 7918 words | Part 1 of Won’t You Be My Neighbor 🏡

When Steve moves to the suburbs in 2033, he intends to retire from superhero life.

He does not intend to fall in love with his pain-in-the-ass neighbor.

Every Year I Have You | 7064 words | Part 2 of Won’t You Be My Neighbor 🏡

Steve set the bar pretty high, as birthday presents go.

Bucky is determined to outdo him when July 4th comes around.

Beneath The Mistletoe | 21203 words 🎄

Bucky had a bet with his sister that if he didn’t have a boyfriend to bring home for Christmas by the time he was 25, he had to give her $200 and go blonde for a year. But now he's 25, it’s nearing December, and not only is Bucky as single as ever, but he’s also running low on cash. He doesn’t exactly want to bleach his hair, either.

At least Steve is willing to upgrade their relationship from best friends to fake boyfriends.

The Settler | 52203 words 🍞

“What do you want to do?”

Steve pauses and looks at them.

What he wants is to stay with them. He doesn't have any family left, they all died before he even joined the war and became... this. Captain America turned whatever he is now. But Natasha and Sam have become his family over the years. Not just because they're on the run together, fugitives and vigilantes, but way before that too.

He doesn't want to leave that.

But he knows that, realistically, he can't stay with them and they can't stay with him.

So he looks at them with a smile and lies. “I don't know.”

OR; In which Steve retires and finally finds a place to call home.

You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory | 1148 words 🐈

"Alright, Bucky," Steve slows his steps, watches his neighbour stop at the bottom of the next flight of stairs. There's a canvas bag in his hand that Steve didn't notice earlier, cream coloured with the figure of a sleeping, black cat painted on it. "Have a good day."

He thinks Bucky's cheeks pink up a bit right then and there, but Steve can't tell. He's too distracted by his pounding, foolish heart, by the way Bucky smiles bashfully, and ducks his head. The way he seems like he wants to stay.

To Believe In Tomorrow | 3959 words 👨🏻‍🌾

Bucky's mornings at the community garden get a little more interesting when the new guy shows up.

Maybe This Christmas | 24873 words | Part 1 of Maybe ❄️

Bucky’s not going home for Christmas. But it’s fine. He’s spending Christmas alone in his apartment, but it’s cool. He’s not feeling up to seeing his family after his accident anyway, plus he has to work. He’s totally fine with it. But then he runs into Steve, literally, and suddenly his Christmas isn’t looking so empty after all.

-----

Hurrying was a bad idea. Bucky’s foot hits a patch of ice and slides out from under him in what would have been a comical cartoon banana-peel-like trip, if it wasn’t happening to him, and he braces himself to hit the ground. This is going to hurt.

“Fuck,” Bucky screeches, but as he lands on his back, it’s not the cold hard concrete he expected, but a solid mass beneath him. Oh god, Bucky thinks as he realises he smacked into the person behind him and took them down with him.

Maybe This Year (Will Be Better Than Last) | 133868 words | Part 2 of Maybe ❄️

Last year, Bucky Barnes met Steve Rogers. Well actually, he slipped and fell on him. What followed was the best Christmas either of them had ever had. But what happens when Christmas is over and life returns to normal? What happens after the Christmas miracle?

-----

Bucky should have known. He did know. When things seem too good to be true, they usually are. And Steve is the best thing that has happened to him in a long time, possibly ever, so of course it couldn’t last.

Maybe This Time (I Hope I Get The Chance To Say Goodbye) | 34561 words | Part 3 of Maybe ❄️

Steve and Bucky Barnes are happily married. They've made it through some hard times and come out stronger and happier, together. Then Steve gets called on to come out of retirement for the most important mission of his life and everything changes. Everything.

-----

“Have yourself a merry little Christmas…” Steve starts singing along softly, and Bucky chuckles, before leaning his head onto Steve’s shoulder, always happy when he’s in Steve’s arms.

“From now on, our troubles will be miles away…” Bucky joins in.

Dancing round their living room, just as in love as ever, their troubles seem light-years away, if not non-existent.

Sadly, they’re closer than they think.

The Unexpected Gift | 9504 words | Part 1 of When Winter Comes 🐕

Steve Rogers is fine.

After ending a long-term relationship with Sam Wilson, Steve moves back to New York. He's tired and lonely but depressed? No. At least, that's what he thinks.

From the window of his apartment, he watches a dark-haired man and his service dog sitting in the park, wondering what his story is.

The Winter Storm | 2218 words | Part 2 of When Winter Comes 🐕

"If I could give you one thing in life, I would give you the ability you see yourself through my eyes, only then would you realize how special you are to me."

After Bucky and Steve confessed their feelings for each other, life has its own twisted way to challenge the most profound love.

One January Night | 4213 words | Part 3 of When Winter Comes 🐕

Before going back to work, Steve Rogers still has things to learn: 1- Depression is a bitch and the battle against it isn't an easy one. 2- Dating a person with disabilities comes with its share of challenges.

Bucky Barnes Has His Shit Together (And Other Lies He Tells Himself) | 14159 words 🔒

You’d think a guy who owns one of the most successful bakeries in Brooklyn, has a million-dollar smile and that antiquated good ol’ boy charm, blond hair and blue eyes and biceps for days, would know what’s what.

But don’t let that fool you: Steve Rogers is a mess.

Obvious | 917 words ☕

"Oh, I have a prompt! So, it makes me laugh how painfully obvious Steve and Bucky's feelings are to everyone when they're in that pining, slowburn, does-he-doesn't-he phase. But imagine Steve and Bucky working in a coffee shop together and constantly bickering, nudging and playfully flirting with each other. And all the employees and patrons are so invested in their relationship and just want them to kiss already but no one realizes that Steve and Bucky have been married since they got out of HS."

[ladyartemesia]

The Secret

◐ PART IV of THE ALPHA ◐

◐ Part I ◐ Part II ◐ Part III ◐ Series Masterlist ◐

Pairing: Alpha Werewolf Jimin x Omega Reader

Rating: Mature (for this installment)

Warnings: ABO sexual dynamics including discussion of scenting, marking, mating, and claiming. Violence and discussion of violence relating to ritual combat. Jin’s pheromones need their own warning. Yoonji and Yunli are not the same person.

Word Count: 3600

Author’s Note: This update literally made me sob because I edited it and formatted it and it just disappeared when I posted. I seriously felt my heart drop because it took so long to format... ANYWAYS I wonder if anyone guessed the secret.

”You can’t do this, Luna ... Come back inside.”

Your hand tightened on the doorknob.

“I was just going out for some air-”

Jin shook his head, letting his lanky frame collapse onto the overstuffed chair by the fireplace. 

“And after the air... then what?”

Your terse silence was confirmation enough. 

He sighed heavily, hating himself a little for what he had to do. 

“You cannot go to him. They’ll smell you on his skin and it could cost him... dearly.”

Your eyes fluttered shut.

“I just wanted to see him...,” you whispered. “I wanted to talk to him just once before-”

A sob bubbled up in your throat and your hand flew up to cover it. 

The dawn would come in two hours. 

And then Park Jimin would be gone. 

Jin’s arms wrapped around your shoulders and you fell against him hopelessly. 

“They’re going to make me watch, Jin-ah. I-I have to watch him-”

Bitter tears overtook you, wracking your body with the violence of your despair. 

“I know...,” he murmured softly into your hair, “I know.” 

“Do you think he’ll really show up?”

The chief elder glared fiercely at the young man who dared voice such a question. 

The entire pack had jammed themselves into the clearing where the challenge was taking place and despite the solemnity of the occasion, the atmosphere buzzed with barely contained speculation. 

“Park Jimin was chosen by the goddess herself to be her champion or to be the divine test of her champion. Have some respect,” he hissed. 

The young pup had the decency to look abashed, but the chief elder was already ignoring him in favor of the newest arrival... 

A Luna wore only three ceremonial colors at any given time. 

Green for celebration and harvest was worn in times of laughter and gaiety. 

Blue for mourning and peaceful resolve was worn in times of trial and hardship. 

Red for passion and vengeance was worn in times of war and signified the sacred bonds that wove the pack together. 

Your mother laid out a blue cloak as it was the color chosen by every Luna who had ever faced down a provocatione ritual.

But you arrived in sumptuous Red. 

It was a stunning act of defiance, a wordless declaration of your fury. You were here to obey the goddess, but in a crimson cloak you would not embrace this challenge with peaceful resolve. 

An attack upon your mate, even under these circumstances, was an attack upon you. 

You had come dressed for war. 

Jimin heard the gasps echo around his meditation cell.  

He and Namjoon arrived at the sacred circle a full hour before dawn and sequestered themselves in the small, free-standing hovels on opposing sides of the the site. 

The tiny pods were spaces for an individual to commune with the goddess and center themselves before engaging in the typically life-altering events that brought them there. 

Sometimes it was marriage or celebration, sometimes it was acceptance to one of the guilds or a promotion to a higher rank within your family’s clan...

Today it was life and death and the future of the pack that weighed upon the combatants’ shoulders. 

The sudden swell of movement and sound pulled Jimin from his meditative state. 

What happened? 

He got his answer soon after an elder came to escort him into the circle. 

It was you. 

Your hands and feet were bound to the ornately carved chair they had seated you in. This was a typical precaution because it was natural for a wolf to defend their mate if they were in danger and the restraints kept the Luna from doing so. 

The pain in your gaze was agonizing, but in red, flowing down from your shoulders with fiery obstinance, you were every inch the warrior queen. 

Yet it was not your rebellious cloak or even your incredible beauty that caused his heart to pound and stutter in glorious shock...

It was the familiar praesidium bracelet wrapped around your wrist; an intimate message of devotion that he and he alone would understand. 

Pride and possessiveness roared to life in Jimin’s chest. 

She’s mine.

“You look... surprisingly calm.”

Taehyung jerked guiltily. 

“What? Me? I don’t know anything - I mean I’m not calm - I’m frantic. I - I don’t even understand the question.”

Yoongi’s eyebrows raised right up into his hairline. 

“Taehyung-ah? Did you put those special mushrooms in your broth this morning? You’re acting a bit strange-”

“No,” Taehyung’s voice cracked. “This is me - this is totally normal me. I’m not - there were no mushrooms-” He cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “So - uh - how’s Yoonji?”

“Oh my go- really?!” 

The chief elder began to recite his speech, reminding the pack of the profound significance this moment carried...

But Yunli could barely hear his words over the ringing in her ears. Her gaze fixed on Namjoon from the moment the elder brought him forward... yet he had not glanced toward her once. 

He looked so strong and confident. 

So capable of victory. 

A faint whimper of abject sorrow worked its way passed her lips and Namjoon’s eyes flew to her instantly. 

As if he had always known exactly where she was. 

Longing split his features for a fraction of a second. 

Then his gaze shuttered again and Yunli’s wolf howled in silent, mournful agony. 

Anticipation bore down upon the assembly as the chief elder uttered the last few sentences with reluctant finality. 

The moment had come.  

Both alphas stepped into the circle. 

You began to tug frantically - futilely - against the bonds. Jin’s hand gripped yours as a tear slipped heedlessly down his cheek. 

“I’m sorry,” Namjoon whispered - to you - to Yunli - to Jimin -

To himself. 

Then his claws lengthened to a deadly point and he tore forward with a chilling snarl. 

Jimin remained unnaturally still, watching his rival barrel towards him with almost calculated intent. 

Namjoon’s arm drew back to land the first strike and- 

———◐———

Last Night...

———◐———

“Wait - WHAT?!”

“It was... me. I broke the table.”

Taehyung drew back slowly. His eyebrows furrowed in profound confusion. 

“With what? A jackhammer!?”

Jimin tilted his head in amusement. 

“Hammerfist strike... actually.” He shrugged. “I lost my temper.”

“You - You lost your-“ Tae began shaking his head rapidly. “Is it a spell of some sort?! Goddess you know better than to get tangled up with witches! You let them give you a band aid and then they show up ten years later asking for your firstborn!”

Jimin rolled his eyes. 

“Of course not! No... it’s...” he bit his lip. “You remember that time I came to your house a little too early and... Yoonji had you tied to a bed...”

Tae paled. 

“We agreed never to speak of that.”

“And I haven’t - spoken of it - especially since Yoongi still thinks his precious baby cousin is unaware of big bad boy wolves and if he found out you were corrupting her-”

“Wait. You think I was corrupting her?!“

“The point is... it’s a secret. And I know you have your reasons for keeping it that way so... I hope you’ll understand what I’m about to tell you...”

———◐———

Fourteen Years Ago...

———◐———

Jimin’s hands fidgeted nervously over the flyer that the human boy offered him. 

“But I’m only in Seoul for the summer.”

Just long enough to miss Alpha Camp entirely. 

“That’s perfect because it’s only a summer program. Seriously, you were so fast catching that jar I knocked over. Your reflexes are amazing and it looks like you’ve got the perfect build for it too.” He tapped the flyer for emphasis. “Think about it.”

No one had ever told Park Jimin that he would be good at anything like this. In fact most people told him he needed to be better...

Bigger. 

Stronger. 

His eyes traveled over the large letters printed at the top of the brochure. 

“Taekwondo...”

——◐——

“...so thank you all again for signing up and attending the orientation. I will see you tomorrow for our first class.”

A strange sense of anticipation hummed through Jimin as he gathered his coat. He was finally doing something for himself; something that had nothing to do with being an alpha-

“You’re a wolf, aren’t you...”

The young instructor who gave the initial demonstration and spoke for most of the orientation stood behind him with his arms crossed.

Jimin’s eyes widened in shock. 

“How did you know?”

The stranger tapped his nose. 

“My grandfather had a human mate and his pack exiled him for it. I’m mostly human, but this nose can pick up another wolf’s scent just as well as yours.”

Modern packs didn’t exile wolves with human mates anymore, but fifty years ago the practice was still unfortunately common. 

“I’m sorry about your grandfather.”

The young man smiled. 

“He lived a long happy life with his mate and his family. There’s nothing to be sorry for.” He stretched out his hand. “Lee Taemin.”

“Park Jimin.”

They shook firmly, and Taemin continued to examine him with unconcealed interest. 

“Tell me, Park Jimin, what’s an alpha wolf doing all the way out in Seoul? The only pack around here married their last child into one of the mountain nations years ago.”

“That was my mother, actually... I’m here visiting my grandmother.”

Taemin tilted his head curiously. 

“I’ve never known wolves to be interested in human martial arts. You lot prefer to fight shifted... In fact, I doubt a mountain wolf could even throw a punch,” he snorted, “not that they’d need to with those fangs.”

Jimin’s shoulders fell a little. 

“So... you don’t think I’ll be good at it.”

“On the contrary, I think you could be incredible.”

The young wolf’s face brightened immediately. 

“Really?! Even if I’m not as strong as other wolves?”

“Taekwondo isn’t about strength. It’s about speed. Master the speed and the strength will follow.”

———◐———

“Relax your body. Focus your energy.”

Jimin drew in a deep breath as he moved  through the pattern Taemin taught him. 

“The power and speed of your wolf is constant, but most wolves do not bother channeling it in human form. Concentrate on your wolf and bring that power into your strike.” 

His hand came down on the thin press wood and-

It hurt. A lot. 

Taemin chuckled as Jimin cussed and swore, cradling his tender fist grouchily. 

“You’ll get it. Just keep practicing.”

“Are you sure I’ll be able to break the boards one day?”

The boy’s face was so round and adorably hopeful. Taemin nodded confidently and offered him some ice. 

“A human with training can break boards, but a wolf who harnessed his natural speed and strength could break much more than that.” 

———◐———

Twelve Years Ago...

———◐———

“You’ve improved a great deal since last summer. Were you finally able to find a teacher near your pack?”

“Yes - but... she’s not as good as you.”

Finding a local Taekwondo teacher had been the easy part. 

Constantly making up excuses to explain his habitual disappearances... 

That was trickier. 

His mother thought he was hunting with Taehyung, Taehyung thought he was sniffing around some human girl and needed a buddy to cover his tracks. 

Sneaking away to practice wasn’t too difficult, but he panicked when Yoongi caught him moving through forms in the woods once and pretended to be doing an interpretive dance. 

With no music.

Yoongi had looked at him a little funny since then. 

Taemin grinned. “Of course she’s not as good as me. I’m the best. Now take position and let’s see if you can finally land this kick.”

———◐———

Ten Years Ago...

———◐———

Jimin glared at the thick oak board Taemin sent him home with this year. 

“It’s a 4x6 solid oak plank. I want you to break it before the winter solstice.”

He snorted, positioning the board between the makeshift vices he fashioned to hold it in place. 

“Sure, I’ll just get right on that.”

“...Who are you talking to?”

Jimin groaned internally.

Of course. 

“Hey guys,” he turned to greet Jungkook and Hoseok brightly (while completely ignoring the question). “Where - where are you two headed today?”

Jungkook’s eyes sparkled with excitement. 

“One of the elders is going to teach us how to build traps! He invited all the unmated alphas to go with him past the boundary lines to test whatever we make!”

A familiar embarrassment settled heavily in Jimin stomach. 

“Oh... I uh... I didn’t hear that.”

“I’m sure it was just a mistake that they didn’t call for you,” Hoseok rushed to reassure him. “You could come with us. I don’t think the elder would mind.”

The older boy’s gaze was filled with discomfort... and pity. 

Jimin cleared his throat and forced up a sunny smile. 

“No that’s fine - I have work to do anyways so...”

Jungkook nodded quickly, desperate to escape the unexpectedly awkward conversation. 

“Have fun!” he shouted, already beginning to jog away. 

Jimin watched quietly as their figures grew smaller, waiting till their clumsy steps no longer disturbed the stillness around him. 

He should be used to it by now... 

The passive rejection. 

It shouldn’t bother him anymore. There was no malicious intent... just casual dismissal again and again and again-

An angry roar tore past his lips as he brought his hand down on the board. 

It cracked in half. 

———◐———

Eight Years Ago...

———◐———

“It’s strange but - I feel like the better I become at this, the stronger my wolf is.”

“That isn’t strange at all. You and your wolf are two halves of a whole. The more you balance your energy, the more your strengths can be shared. Now - stop stalling and get to it.”

Jimin eyed Taemin’s latest idea with a reluctant groan.

“None of the other students have to break cinder block.”

“None of the other students are wolves. Besides, it’s been 6 years, you’ve broken stacks of boards. It’s time for a real challenge.”

“I’m lucky I haven’t broken a bone,” Jimin mumbled irritably. 

He did that day, but it was healed in a week and he broke his first cinderblock a month later.

———◐———

Five Years Ago...

———◐———

“Remember, timing is everything. Never let your opponent see what you’re going to do.”

“How many times do you think I’ve heard that over the last ten years?”

“Not enough, clearly. You’re still telegraphing with that right foot.”

Jimin’s left hand shot out and connected with Taemin’s jaw.

“Am I?”

Taemin blinked up at him from the floor. 

“Ok. I admit. That was pretty impressive.”

———◐———

Three Years Ago...

———◐———

“Oh! I’m so sorry, I was looking for Jin.”

Jimin scrambled to his feet, dumping the pile of pebbles he collected (for his mother’s garden) noisily to the ground.

“Luna...”

He took a discreet step backward as your gaze scanned the area in frustration. 

“You haven’t seen my cousin, have you?”

Jimin gulped. 

He had seen Kim Seokjin - leading a curvy beta girl (nose first no doubt) in the direction of the old wading pool. It took every bit of self-restraint he possessed not to laugh out loud each time Jin bashfully declared that he was a ‘good boy’ and to ‘be gentle with him,’ - after all, he’d given the same speech to two other she-wolves last week. 

Best not to scar her for life. Some things cannot be unseen.

His mind darted briefly to the scene he’d walked into at Taehyung’s house yesterday.

“I have no idea where Seokjin is, Luna.”

You sighed, gnawing absently at your lip while you considered his words, and Jimin felt a familiar hint of futile longing whisper through him. 

He’d never been so close to you, and now that he was, his wolf was making all sorts of insane suggestions to keep you near. 

Do a backflip. Climb a tree. Build her a house. 

Jimin bent quickly to gather his scattered stones, ashamed at the direction of his thoughts. 

You were so incredibly beautiful...

It was almost enough to make him forget that he would only ever be Park Jimin.  

He couldn’t blame the others for fighting and fawning over your attention like they did. You were the moon and every man around you was drawn in like the tide. 

“Today is my seventeenth birthday, you know.”

Jimin looked up to discover that you had moved much closer and were now looking down at him expectantly. 

He blinked. Twice. 

“I - yes. I did know.”

The entire pack was celebrating. He’d have to be comatose not to know.

“Should I save you a dance, Park Jimin?”

Up until that exact second, Jimin would have bet his life savings that you did not know his name. 

Yet here you were - so very close to him - gazing down into his eyes almost shyly.

He nodded because he couldn’t think of a single reason not to give you anything you wanted. And when you smiled so brilliantly -  he almost believed that you truly wanted to dance with him...

Almost. 

He never went to your party. 

He never danced with you.

Not that day. Not ever.

Because deep down he suspected that if he held you in his arms - even once - he would never truly let go. 

He was sure you wouldn’t notice his absence...  You wouldn’t remember talking to him by the time the evening rolled around. 

He never saw you search the crowds for his face right up until the midnight bell. 

He never saw you turn down dance after dance hoping that the beautiful boy from the forest would finally come and take your hand. 

He was your only wish that birthday. 

But he never knew. 

———◐———

One Year Ago...

———◐———

“I’ve never seen anything like your skill. You’ve long since surpassed me. I’m not sure what more I can teach you,” Taemin smiled, bumping Jimin on the shoulder, “Perhaps you should find a woman and spend a little less time practicing.”

An unwelcome flash of silver eyes and a laugh like sunshine danced through his mind. 

“No. I’m... not really the type wolf girls go for.” 

Taemin snorted. 

“I don’t believe that. Aren’t you an alpha?”

“Yes, but it’s... complicated.”

“Isn’t everything?”

Jimin laughed. 

“Yes, I suppose it is.”

Silence settled comfortably between them as they nursed several bottles of soju on his grandmother’s porch. Taemin had charmed the old hellion quite thoroughly and he would often drop by for a visit even when Jimin was back home with his pack.

“So what will you do now?” he asked. “You can’t compete. I can barely withstand sparring with you, and you’d kill a human - even if you landed a blow at half strength.”

Jimin ran his fingers absently through his hair while he pondered his mentor’s words. 

“I learned to fight because I was searching for something that would help me sort out who I was.” He scoffed. “I don’t know that I’m any closer to that goal.”

Taemin shook his head. 

“No. I think you’ve got it all wrong, Park Jimin. No one achieves what you have without knowing who they are. You’ve always been a fighter and some part of you realizes that.” He sighed heavily and finished off the rest of his drink. “Now I think you’re just... waiting.”

“For what?” Jimin chuckled playfully. 

Taemin pulled out another bottle and met his gaze with a knowing grin. 

“Something worth fighting for.”

———◐———

Now...

———◐———

Jimin remained unnaturally still, watching his rival barrel towards him with almost calculated intent. 

Namjoon’s arm drew back to land the first strike and- 

It was fast. 

So fast it almost seemed like magic. 

One moment the Kim alpha was the barest breath away from a swift and decisive victory-

Then he was crashing backwards onto the dirt. 

Those who watched carefully saw Park Jimin spin into a vicious kick, one that connected solidly with the middle of his opponent’s chest. 

Stunned silence pressed in from every side as Namjoon scrambled back to his feet, his expression wavering wildly between excruciating pain and monumental shock. 

Jimin smiled, letting his razor sharp canines lengthen menacingly as he flowed back into a perfect combat stance. 

“You didn’t think I’d just let you have her, did you?”

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