#also my first kiss and my first date until i was 23!?!?!?! so trust in God

[countess-of-edessa]

there’s a specific catholic woman instagram influencer who keeps getting shown to me who i just want to take by the shoulders and shake. soulmates aren’t real and it’s stupid for catholics to think that, sorry

[sennamybeloved]

⛧ SELFSHIPTOBER 2024 ⛧

HELLO ALL! welcome to another year of selfshiptober. i've noticed this is pretty much the 'official' selfship tober event now, which honestly warms my heart! i love seeing what this wonderful community does with my prompts :)

this year, i'm doing things a little differently. EACH DAY HAS TWO PROMPTS ASSIGNED TO IT. the first set is SHIPPY, while the second set is SPOOKY. you may either COMBINE THE TWO PROMPTS TOGETHER or CHOOSE ONE OF THE PROMPTS. the spooky prompts are a bit on the grittier side and probably won't appeal to most, so if you'd like to only use the first set of prompts and completely ignore the second, be my guest! on the other hand, if you prefer the gritter prompts, you can only use the second set of prompts, you can do that too! if you want an extra challenge, you can create a piece that incorporates both of the day's prompts. you can also change your approach depending on how you feel that day!

there are no hard rules for this. YOU CAN START WORKING ON THIS CHALLENGE EARLY, but i encourage you to wait until october to post anything. YOU CAN ALSO CONTINUING WORKING ON IT AFTER OCTOBER ENDS! you can drag this shit out into december for all i care. just DON'T OVERWORK YOURSELF PLEASE.

without further ado, LET US PROCEED TO THE PROMPTS!

#1. confession  |  night.

#2. blanket  |  flame.

#3. embrace  |  blood.

#4. apple picking  |  fog.

#5. all dressed up  |  blade.

#6. carnival  |  haunted.

#7. rain  |  infection.

#8. swim  |  terror.

#9. music  |  masquerade.

#10. warmth  |  claws.

#11. comfort  |  recovery.

#12. married  |  ritual.

#13. party  |  magic.

#14. date night  |  vampire.

#15. games  |  hunt.

#16. candy  |  illusion.

#17. heart  |  feast.

#18. pining  |  violent.

#19. shared hobby  |  potion.

#20. trust  |  experiment.

#21. snuggle  |  nightmare.

#22. kiss  |  scars.

#23. movie night  |  slasher.

#24. baking  |  empty.

#25. rest  |  bandages.

#26. beautiful  |  grotesque.

#27. decorations  |  cemetery.

#28. brush  |  forest.

#29. pumpkin  |  lantern.

#30. flowers  |  snow.

#31. halloween  |  death.

TAG YOUR CREATIONS AS #SELFSHIPTOBER 2024 AND TAG ME IF YOU'D LIKE ME TO SEE! i cannot guarantee interaction as i struggle socially, but i promise i'll look at everything! HAPPY CREATING ♡

[sorrowfulmuse]

honey, could you write headcanons of tomas (smoke) in love with mileena and kitana's little sister? If you can and want to, of course.

♡:: tomas vrbada (smoke) x fem!reader hcs!

> i will be yelling my man my man my man!!! until the day i die!! 😩 i am so obsessed with this man you don’t understand!! i am so glad they brought him back for this timeline i missed him so 😞

> update (10/07/23) i am sorry for taking forever with requests! just been busy with life!! i will update all the requests today and tonight pls look forward to it!

thank you for requesting love!! i hope you enjoy! pls don’t forget to like & reblog! ☺️

are your requests open?: of course! read this before requesting!

♡:: mentions/warnings: none!

tomas is the DEFINITION of love! oh man oh man oh man, when i say he’s in love, HE'S IN LOVE!

he would adore you until the end of time if you would let him, he would worship you as if you’re the only girl in the world

this trope is like how he fell first and you fell harder! or for tomas, its both.. he craved to be in your presence and savor it every time he got to be with you

you were the sun, your eyes held the universe within them.. he looked at you as if you hung the stars and the moon.

it is no lie that tomas is a kind soul, he is genuine and very caring with everything he does with you. he cherishes the time he gets to spend with you and gets sad when he has to return to his clan while you are off to your royal duties.

or also.. his favorite times with you would be walking along the rivers of edenia, talking about your day and what’s been new since your sister became empress..

though talks wouldn’t last long since he would stare at you for so long that he would forget what you’re taking about which would end with scolding from you and makeup cheek kisses from him

he would openly show his fondness for you! seriously no amount of teasing from the guys would stop him from doing so.

though mileena and kitana aren't exactly fond with your relationship with tomas, you're an outworlder while he was an earthrealmer so the relationship was doomed from the beginning they said.

you both never saw it that way despite your sisters doubts, "it's just a small obstacle, nothing more." he would whisper to you.

tomas is VERY protective of you, he lost his family and a brother.. there is no way he ever wants to lose you and dreads the day if it were to come.

visiting earth realm? expect him to be your side 24/7!! he is YOUR bodyguard wether your sisters like it or not, he doesn't trust anyone else to protect you expect him and his brothers clan

he LOVES cuddles and no, you never will leave his arms per his request (not that you wanted to anyways)

he loves to traces his fingers along your arms and sides to help you relax after a long day

or he would help bathe you, gently scrubbing your head and massaging your shoulders as you rant about anything on your mind.

imo marriage doesn't really cross his mind until kuai lang's was announced and THEN he would have a field day imaging you walking down the isle and living the married life with you

he wouldn't bring it up at first until you do tbh, he's scared of your sisters disapproval if he were to purpose the idea to you or them

although he would go look for rings, you did deserve the best of course so finding the right one was pressuring enough

tomas would def daydream about your future together

little mini yous and hims running around your home, teaching your children how to read, write and especially how to fight in order to protect themselves

he would do very romantic things for you, leaving earth realm flowers for you on your bed.. love letters and drawings of you from the last time he saw you

he does idolize johnny cage so he would try to get some advice on how to wow you on your next date together (johnny would give him ideas from old rom-con movies which he appreciated v much)

tomas would vow to himself to make sure you that you know in every possible way that he loves you and only you, nothing can cut the string of fate between you both

darling, tomas wants nothing but you, give him some love and reassurance in return and he's yours until the end.

[nerdmorkai]

Make me Admit Stuff (I'll do it myself edition)

MAKE ME ADMIT STUFF

1. Would you have sex with the last person you text messaged? Yes

2. You talked to an ex today, correct? No

3. Have you taken someones virginity? No

4. Is trust a big issue for you? Yes, my anxiety is bad enough with someone I trust.

5. Did you hang out with the person you like recently? Yes

6. What are you excited for? Finding Peace and getting laid (it's been a while)

7. What happened tonight? Chilled with a friend.

8. Do you think it’s disgusting when girls get really wasted? Yes, but it's anyone. My disgust is not gender specific.

9. Is confidence cute? Sure

10. What is the last beverage you had? Water

11. How many people of the opposite sex do you fully trust? Five

12. Do you own a pair of skinny jeans? Yes, I'm old

13. What are you gonna do Saturday night? Smoke and chill in Philly

14. What are you going to spend money on next? Presents

15. Are you going out with the last person you kissed? Hopefully in spirit

16. Do you think you’ll change in the next 3 months? I'd imagine so, trauma usually does that.

17. Who do you feel most comfortable talking to about anything? I have two close male friends I would tell anything and two female friends I would tell anything.

18. The last time you felt broken? Currently

19. Have you had sex today? Haha, no.

20. Are you starting to realize anything?I really have to start working towards re-building the life I want.

21. Are you in a good mood? Meh, 50/50

22. Would you ever want to swim with sharks? Not really.

23. Are your eyes the same color as your dad’s? Yes

24. What do you want right this second? Physical touch

25. What would you say if the person you love/like kissed another girl/boy? Be bummed, but people will do what they want.

26. Is your current hair color your natural hair color? Yes

27. Would you be able to date someone who doesn’t make you laugh? Nope, gotta laugh.

28. What was the last thing that made you laugh? Watched Mark Maron's last night. Dark, funny, and I laughed a lot.

29. Do you really, truly miss someone right now? For the rest of my life.

30. Does everyone deserve a second chance? Always.

31. Honestly, do you hate the last boy you were talking to? I don't really talk to boys. I guess no, my son is 14; he's still a boy.

32. Does the person you have feelings for right now, know you do? I'm sure they have suspicions

33. Are you one of those people who never drinks soda? Yup, maybe once or twice a year.

34. Listening to? we're eating each other - Juliet Ivy

35. Do you ever write in pencil anymore? Yes, I take a lot of notes to help me remember things.

36. Do you know where the last person you kissed is? In an urn waiting to be spread on a mountainside.

37. Do you believe in love at first sight? Yes, it's happened to me.

38. Who did you last call? I don't make many phone calls. Estate Lawyer.

39. Who was the last person you danced with? My wife

40. Why did you kiss the last person you kissed? Love, so much fucking love.

41. When was the last time you ate a cupcake? I'm not a cake guy. A few years. Pie though...

42. Did you hug/kiss one of your parents today? No

43. Ever embarrass yourself in front of a crush? Oh yea, I'm an idiot.

44. Do you tan in the nude? Haha, I don't tan. I am the whitest of white folk.

45. If you could, would you take back your last kiss? Never

46. Did you talk to someone until you fell asleep last night? Many times.

47. Who was the last person to call you? Debt collector, only adulting shit starts with a phone call nowadays.

48. Do you sing in the shower? No

49. Do you dance in the car? Head bobs

50. Ever used a bow and arrow? Yes, I was a boy scout. It's been twenty years probably.

51. Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer? Wedding day

52. Do you think musicals are cheesy? They can be, but that's also part of the fun.

53. Is Christmas stressful? Depends on the finances.

54. Ever eat a pierogi? Yes, I live in prime Pennsylvannia Dutch territory.

55. Favorite type of fruit pie? Mixed berry

56. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid? Comic book artist

57. Do you believe in ghosts? No in ways that are on Ghost Hunters.

58. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling? All the time. Especially from dreams.

59. Take a vitamin daily? Yes

60. Wear slippers? No, I am usually barefoot

61. Wear a bath robe? Sometimes but rarely. Usually just walk naked to the dresser.

62. What do you wear to bed? boxer briefs

63. First concert? Hooty and the Blowfish

64. Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart? None of them.

65. Nike or Adidas? Neither

66. Cheetos Or Fritos? Cheetos

67. Peanuts or Sunflower seeds? Peanuts

68. Favorite Taylor Swift song? I don't have one.

69. Ever take dance lessons? Nope, but I've thought about it.

70. Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing? Nope.

71. Can you curl your tongue? And hotdog.

72. Ever won a spelling bee? No

73. Have you ever cried because you were so happy? Yes

74. What is your favorite book? American Gods by Neil Gaimen

75. Do you study better with or without music? With, but no lyrics. I listen to a lot of lofi while working.

76. Regularly burn incense? Yup

77. Ever been in love? I'd say three times.

78. Who would you like to see in concert? Lonely Island Crew

79. What was the last concert you saw? James Arthur

80. Hot tea or cold tea? If I had to only drink one, hot.

81. Tea or coffee? Coffee

82. Favorite type of cookie? Peanut butter

83. Can you swim well? I wouldn't say well. Mediocre.

84. Can you hold your breath without holding your nose? Yes

85. Are you patient? Extremely

86. DJ or band, at a wedding? DJ

87. Ever won a contest? No

88. Ever have plastic surgery? No

89. Which are better black or green olives? Indifferent

90. Opinions on sex before marriage? Required, sexual compatibility is very important for a healthy relationship (to me).

91. Best room for a fireplace? Living room/Den

92. Do you want to get married? No, I don't think I will

[dazed--sunflower]

1-92 😤

i am so excited thank u :'-)

1. Would you have sex with the last person you text messaged? I last texted my eighth grade boyfriend happy birthday and I wouldn't even kiss him when we were dating, so nope!!!!

2. You talked to an ex today, correct? refer to question number one

3. Have you taken someones virginity? when mine was taken, someone else's also was...so...yes....

4. Is trust a big issue for you? yeah!!!!!

5. Did you hang out with the person you like recently? in a way :'-)

6. What are you excited for? NYC!!

7. What happened tonight? I worked, got Cane's, watched a movie with my cat daughter, and now here I am

8. Do you think it’s disgusting when girls get really wasted? I don't like drinking, but people can do whatever they please~~~

9. Is confidence cute? yes!

10. What is the last beverage you had? water

11. How many people of the opposite sex do you fully trust? my dad counts, yeah?

12. Do you own a pair of skinny jeans? not anymore x0

13. What are you gonna do Saturday night? my friends are having a cookout next Saturday :-)

14. What are you going to spend money on next? I guarantee you it will be Dunkin's donut holes after work tomorrow

15. Are you going out with the last person you kissed? no

16. Do you think you’ll change in the next 3 months? it would be weird if I didn't change a little!!

17. Who do you feel most comfortable talking to about anything? my cat knows all of my secrets

18. The last time you felt broken? January 4th of this year

19. Have you had sex today? no

20. Are you starting to realize anything? every time I experience a feeling of hopelessness, something seems to snap me back out of it

21. Are you in a good mood? today was really difficult for me, but I'm okay now!

22. Would you ever want to swim with sharks? nope!!!

23. Are your eyes the same color as your dad’s? they are not--he has blue eyes

24. What do you want right this second? dunkin donut holes

25. What would you say if the person you love/like kissed another girl/boy? yowch!!!! like a cartoon character

26. Is your current hair color your natural hair color? yes!

27. Would you be able to date someone who doesn’t make you laugh? no!

28. What was the last thing that made you laugh? a picture someone took of me while i was being dramatic at work today

29. Do you really, truly miss someone right now? yes!

30. Does everyone deserve a second chance? most times not! refer to number 18

31. Honestly, do you hate the last boy you were talking to? not one bit

32. Does the person you have feelings for right now, know you do? yaaaaa

33. Are you one of those people who never drinks soda? no!

34. Listening to? Aphex Twin!

35. Do you ever write in pencil anymore? yes

36. Do you know where the last person you kissed is? yes

37. Do you believe in love at first sight? i believe in the possibility of it

38. Who did you last call? My coworker because he left work without half of his personal items yesterday

39. Who was the last person you danced with? I dance around my house and job like every day so I don't know lmao

40. Why did you kiss the last person you kissed? i wanted to!

41. When was the last time you ate a cupcake? definitely last month, i remember i was excited about it

42. Did you hug/kiss one of your parents today? no

43. Ever embarrass yourself in front of a crush? I am incapable of embarrassment (i'm not) ((the answer is yes))

44. Do you tan in the nude? no

45. If you could, would you take back your last kiss? no

46. Did you talk to someone until you fell asleep last night? nope!

47. Who was the last person to call you? my friend, Rosie :-)

[katbrando]

alright, i said i was gonna answer these on my own, i'll tackle them on by section hehehe... questions are from this post

1-10 - BASICS

💜 Who do you self-ship with? What’s your ship name together? diego brando... ship name is dinokat 🥰

💜 How long have you self-shipped with them? may 20th '23 marks one year!

💜 When did you get together in your shipping canon? after a couple months of clear mutual pining, diego makes the move and kisses me 🥺 and i'm in denial but he's persistent and continually makes romantic gestures until i finally give in and intimately open myself up to him

💜 How did you meet? at the zoo where he works... he's doing a presentation with a gator and i kind of immediately fall for him, but again, i am in ✨Denial✨ for quite some time

💜 When did you first know you loved each other? the very second he made it clear that he would stand by my side despite my mental struggles and imperfections i knew i could trust him, that i'm safe with him.. Love for me is found in a person who feels like home :'))) for him it was probably when i showed him genuine care, patience, and loyalty, because he's quite used to people liking him for very superficial reasons

💜 Who made the first move? diego did, because i'm convinced i'm delusional, but he has no problem being assertive

💜 What was your first date like? very cliche, he takes me to nice dinner and practically forces me to order something expensive so i can have the "full experience". it's actually a little awkward because he's asking a bunch of questions related to relationship experience and im like 🧍‍♀️ because before this we've just been good friends who mutually avoided that topic

💜 When did you first say “I love you” to each other? for both of us it was when we witnessed the other fully breaking down and being vulnerable 😭 he finds my strong emotions beautiful, despite them being overwhelming.. he appreciates it because emotions are so Hard for him, so when he sees my walls completely fall apart he can't help but pull me close and say those three little words, almost like a promise :')) and for me it's also when he opens up and lets all those suppressed feelings spew out.. i insist that i love him so so so much, truly genuinely fully, and that his vulnerability just makes those feelings even stronger

💜 What are the most important relationship events for you? Drop a timeline! oh boy.. first meeting is important of course, then our first kiss, first date, first sexual experience(s)... he eventually pulls another cliche and gifts me a promise ring 😭 for my birthday he surprises me with a trip to amangiri, which also feels pretty special

💜 How extensive is your shipping canon? if we're talking modern au it's decently extensive i guess ?? it pretty closely lines up to real life for me, i just toss him in there :')) but also i have a loose timeline and most of the time don't consider something "canon" until i've actually written it. but if we're talking canon au it's Very extensive hdfkjsgsd there's lots of lore

[roboturner87]

1. Would you have sex with the last person you text messaged?

No

2. You talked to an ex today, correct?

Unfortunately, I have to co-parent with her, so yes

3. Have you taken someones virginity

Quite a few

4. Is trust a big issue for you?

It is now, yes

5. Did you hang out with the person you like recently?

I don't have anyone I like at the current moment

6. What are you excited for?

The possibility of a new position at work

7. What happened tonight?

It's afternoon, so nothing yet

8. Do you think it’s disgusting when girls get really wasted?

No

9. Is confidence cute?

Most definitely

10. What is the last beverage you had?

Water

11. How many people of the opposite sex do you fully trust?

0

12. Do you own a pair of skinny jeans?

Lmao, no

13. What are you gonna do Saturday night?

Probably play Skyrim

14. What are you going to spend money on next?

Food

15. Are you going out with the last person you kissed?

No, she's coming over to get the last of her stuff

16. Do you think you’ll change in the next 3 months?

The change has begun, and yes.

17. Who do you feel most comfortable talking to about anything?

He's dead, but a friend of mine that has been there when I had nobody else

18. The last time you felt broken?

Currently

19. Have you had sex today?

Haven't had sex since....mid July

20. Are you starting to realize anything?

I'm hard to love

21. Are you in a good mood?

I haven't been in a good mood in quite some time now. I really want that to change

22. Would you ever want to swim with sharks?

Probably

23. Are your eyes the same color as your dad’s?

No, they're the same as my mom's

24. What do you want right this second?

To be held

25. What would you say if the person you love/like kissed another girl/boy?

Too late

26. Is your current hair color your natural hair color?

Red brown

27. Would you be able to date someone who doesn’t make you laugh?

I was married to someone like that. It wasn't all bad until the end

28. What was the last thing that made you laugh?

Chainsaw man

29. Do you really, truly miss someone right now?

With all of my heart, but I know she doesn't miss me

30. Does everyone deserve a second chance?

Yes and no, depends on the situation

31. Honestly, do you hate the last boy you were talking to?

Errm......

32. Does the person you have feelings for right now, know you do?

I think so, but I also think I scared her away

33. Are you one of those people who never drinks soda?

Pop, but I only really drink Ginger Ale

34. Listening to?

The filter of the fish tank and the ringing in my ears

35. Do you ever write in pencil anymore?

No

36. Do you know where the last person you kissed is?

Yes, unfortunately

37. Do you believe in love at first sight?

Maybe?

38. Who did you last call?

My mom

39. Who was the last person you danced with?

I don't even remember

40. Why did you kiss the last person you kissed?

She was my wife, and I loved her with all of my heart

41. When was the last time you ate a cupcake?

An actual cupcake? Years ago.

42. Did you hug/kiss one of your parents today?

Yesterday

43. Ever embarrass yourself in front of a crush?

Not in a while

44. Do you tan in the nude?

I don't tan...

45. If you could, would you take back your last kiss?

No

46. Did you talk to someone until you fell asleep last night?

No

47. Who was the last person to call you?

Spam call

48. Do you sing in the shower?

No

49. Do you dance in the car?

Headbang

50. Ever used a bow and arrow?

Yes, i love Bows

51. Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?

May

52. Do you think musicals are cheesy?

Not all of them

53. Is Christmas stressful?

It will be this year

54. Ever eat a pierogi?

Mmmmm Pierogis

55. Favorite type of fruit pie?

Apple

56. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?

Oddly enough, a truck driver, then basketball player

57. Do you believe in ghosts?

Spirits

58. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?

All the time, it's been a while though

59. Take a vitamin daily?

No

60. Wear slippers?

Do flip flops count?

61. Wear a bath robe?

No

62. What do you wear to bed?

Shorts

63. First concert?

Linkin Park, Static-X, and Stone Temple Piolets

64. Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?

Target Kmart doesn't exist here

65. Nike or Adidas?

Adidas

66. Cheetos Or Fritos?

Fritos

67. Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?

Sunflower seeds

68. Favorite Taylor Swift song?

None

69. Ever take dance lessons?

No

70. Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?

Professional bum is her current occupation

71. Can you curl your tongue?

Yes

72. Ever won a spelling bee?

No

73. Have you ever cried because you were so happy?

No

74. What is your favorite book?

N/A

75. Do you study better with or without music?

Music is my life

76. Regularly burn incense?

Not recently

77. Ever been in love?

Yes

78. Who would you like to see in concert?

Anyone

79. What was the last concert you saw?

Veil of Maya and Vildjarta

80. Hot tea or cold tea?

Hot

81. Tea or coffee?

Tea

82. Favorite type of cookie?

Macadamia

83. Can you swim well?

Decently

84. Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?

Yes

85. Are you patient?

I've learned be

86. DJ or band, at a wedding?

Doesn't matter

87. Ever won a contest?

Yes

88. Ever have plastic surgery?

No

89. Which are better black or green olives?

Black

90. Opinions on sex before marriage?

Always

91. Best room for a fireplace?

Anyplace

92. Do you want to get married

Been there, done that. I probably won't again, but time will tell

[cuddlethebear]

Haven’t filled out those in a very long time haha

1. Would you have sex with the last person you text messaged? Nah

2. You talked to an ex today, correct? Nah, haven’t done so in years

3. Have you taken someones virginity? Nah

4. Is trust a big issue for you? Yes

5. Did you hang out with the person you like recently? Haven’t for weeks

6. What are you excited for? Going to Korea

7. What happened tonight? Nothing yet as it’s noon

8. Do you think it’s disgusting when girls get really wasted? I think it’s disgusting for anybody

9. Is confidence cute? No, it’s a must

10. What is the last beverage you had? Coffee

11. How many people of the opposite sex do you fully trust? Like 2?

12. Do you own a pair of skinny jeans? Sure

13. What are you gonna do Saturday night? Stay in or Party, haven’t decided yet

14. What are you going to spend money on next? Probably food

15. Are you going out with the last person you kissed? Nope

16. Do you think you’ll change in the next 3 months? Yes, once I get on that plane I won’t return as the same

17. Who do you feel most comfortable talking to about anything? O

18. The last time you felt broken? When my anxiety took over

19. Have you had sex today? Nope

20. Are you starting to realize anything? How amazing I am

21. Are you in a good mood? Often

22. Would you ever want to swim with sharks? Never, terribly afraid of them

23. Are your eyes the same color as your dad’s? Nope, his are 💩 I got my mama‘s

24. What do you want right this second? Peace of mind

25. What would you say if the person you love/like kissed another girl/boy? Oh my, now we have a problem

26. Is your current hair color your natural hair color? Kinda

27. Would you be able to date someone who doesn’t make you laugh? Nope, also if he doesn’t laugh about my jokes bye bye

28. What was the last thing that made you laugh? The webtoon I was reading

29. Do you really, truly miss someone right now? Sometimes I miss v

30. Does everyone deserve a second chance? I guess

31. Honestly, do you hate the last boy you were talking to? No, hate is useless

32. Does the person you have feelings for right now, know you do? I really don’t know

33. Are you one of those people who never drinks soda? Nope

34. Listening to? v - love me again

35. Do you ever write in pencil anymore? Rarely

36. Do you know where the last person you kissed is? Probably in Berlin

37. Do you believe in love at first sight? Infatuation yes, love no

38. Who did you last call? My brother

39. Who was the last person you danced with? My kpop girls

40. Why did you kiss the last person you kissed? Cause he was cute and we felt like it

41. When was the last time you ate a cupcake? In Berlin

42. Did you hug/kiss one of your parents today? Nope, they’re too far away

43. Ever embarrass yourself in front of a crush? Sure

44. Do you tan in the nude? Nope

45. If you could, would you take back your last kiss? Nope

46. Did you talk to someone until you fell asleep last night? Nope

47. Who was the last person to call you? My mom

48. Do you sing in the shower? Rarely

49. Do you dance in the car? Full on karaoke performance if I am in one

50. Ever used a bow and arrow? Yes and I sucked at it

51. Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer? Can’t really remember

52. Do you think musicals are cheesy? Some are

53. Is Christmas stressful? Pre-Christmas is

54. Ever eat a pierogi? Please, I’m Russian

55. Favorite type of fruit pie? Apple

56. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid? Doctor, lawyer, actress

57. Do you believe in ghosts? Not really

58. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling? Yeah sometimes

59. Take a vitamin daily? Sure

60. Wear slippers? Sometimes

61. Wear a bath robe? Often

62. What do you wear to bed? Shirt, sometimes nothing

63. First concert? Revolverheld

64. Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart? Walmart

65. Nike or Adidas? Adidas

66. Cheetos Or Fritos? Eh

67. Peanuts or Sunflower seeds? Peanuts

68. Favorite Taylor Swift song? 🙄

69. Ever take dance lessons? Yeah, standard as a kid and hip hop later on

70. Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing? Nah

71. Can you curl your tongue? Nah

72. Ever won a spelling bee? Nah

73. Have you ever cried because you were so happy? Because I was grateful yes

74. What is your favorite book? Just one?!

75. Do you study better with or without music? With, I function better with at everything I do

76. Regularly burn incense? No

77. Ever been in love? Many times

78. Who would you like to see in concert? I’d like to see stray kids

79. What was the last concert you saw? The Weeknd

80. Hot tea or cold tea? Hot

81. Tea or coffee? Coffee

82. Favorite type of cookie? White chip macadamia

83. Can you swim well? Yes

84. Can you hold your breath without holding your nose? Yes

85. Are you patient? Eh

86. DJ or band, at a wedding? Band

87. Ever won a contest? Guess not

88. Ever have plastic surgery? Nope

89. Which are better black or green olives? Green, def

90. Opinions on sex before marriage? Yes please

91. Best room for a fireplace? Living room

92. Do you want to get married yes, jinyoungie where u at

[thetreesareburning]

1. Would you have sex with the last person you text messaged? Yes. Yes I would.

2. You talked to an ex today, correct? Yes

3. Have you taken someones virginity? I have

4. Is trust a big issue for you? A lack of trust is a big issue for me

5. Did you hang out with the person you like recently? I don’t have a someone I like right now. Tbh.

6. What are you excited for? Summer.

7. What happened tonight? Watched some Netflix and contemplated too many things.

8. Do you think it’s disgusting when girls get really wasted? I think it’s unfortunate but y know, it happens.

9. Is confidence cute? If it’s genuine.

10. What is the last beverage you had? Coke Zero

11. How many people of the opposite sex do you fully trust? A decent few.

12. Do you own a pair of skinny jeans? Too manyyy.

13. What are you gonna do Saturday night? Work on my movies.

14. What are you going to spend money on next? Nothing. I’m done spending money…. But maybe blue butterfly tea. :)

15. Are you going out with the last person you kissed? Nope.

16. Do you think you’ll change in the next 3 months? Yes. Drastically.

17. Who do you feel most comfortable talking to about anything? Sean Dupuis.

18. The last time you felt broken? Today.

19. Have you had sex today? Whoa buddy next question.

20. Are you starting to realize anything?yeah. I need to live my life better.

21. Are you in a good mood? Yes I am for once.

22. Would you ever want to swim with sharks? I had the chance and backed out last minute.

23. Are your eyes the same color as your dad’s? Nope. Mine are brown and his are green

24. What do you want right this second? Matt Stone ;)

25. What would you say if the person you love/like kissed another girl/boy? Say you’ll remember meeeee.

26. Is your current hair color your natural hair color? It is not.

27. Would you be able to date someone who doesn’t make you laugh? There are a lot of other good qualities in a person I could fall for so yeah I guess so not everyone is funny.

28. What was the last thing that made you laugh? My demons.

29. Do you really, truly miss someone right now? Yes. My sister.

30. Does everyone deserve a second chance? If they deserve it.

31. Honestly, do you hate the last boy you were talking to? Not at all. In fact, quite the opposite.

32. Does the person you have feelings for right now, know you do? Yes. I think so.

33. Are you one of those people who never drinks soda? No I love fuzzy stuff.

34. Listening to? A movie playing

35. Do you ever write in pencil anymore? Yes sometimes actually haha.

36. Do you know where the last person you kissed is? Having a grand old time I bet.

37. Do you believe in love at first sight? Sometimes. I believe in lust at first sight tho.

38. Who did you last call? I don’t call. I’m cool 😎

39. Who was the last person you danced with? Eugh. I couldn’t tell you

40. Why did you kiss the last person you kissed? Cause I wanted to??

41. When was the last time you ate a cupcake? A long time ago

42. Did you hug/kiss one of your parents today? No? They’re not Ill?

43. Ever embarrass yourself in front of a crush? All of them. Hahahaha.

44. Do you tan in the nude? No

45. If you could, would you take back your last kiss? Yes.

46. Did you talk to someone until you fell asleep last night? No I’m not 17

47. Who was the last person to call you? Some dude video called me and I declined

48. Do you sing in the shower? Sometimes

49. Do you dance in the car? Ofcourse

50. Ever used a bow and arrow? Yes I’m high school

51. Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer? Graduation

52. Do you think musicals are cheesy? They can be but they’re also much more

53. Is Christmas stressful? Usually yes cause I never know what to buy for people..

54. Ever eat a pierogi? Yes they’re so good

55. Favorite type of fruit pie? BLUEBERRY

56. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid? I never rly had a dream as a kid but when I reached 15 I wanted to make movies

57. Do you believe in ghosts? I do. Be nice to them!

58. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling? Yeah many times

59. Take a vitamin daily? Nooooo

60. Wear slippers? Yes

61. Wear a bath robe? Never I hate the way they feel

62. What do you wear to bed? A t shirt and shorts

63. First concert? Enter shikari

64. Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart? Neither

65. Nike or Adidas? Adidas

66. Cheetos Or Fritos? Cheetos

67. Peanuts or Sunflower seeds? Peanut butter

68. Favorite Taylor Swift song? You belong with me

69. Ever take dance lessons? Nooo

70. Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing? As long as it’s 6+ figures idmmmm :)

71. Can you curl your tongue? No

72. Ever won a spelling bee? Fuck no

73. Have you ever cried because you were so happy? Yes I’m a loser

74. What is your favorite book? Blue bloods series. Dead good man.

75. Do you study better with or without music? Depends how hard I have to study

76. Regularly burn incense? Noooooo, I have a diffuser

77. Ever been in love? I think so

78. Who would you like to see in concert? Pity sex

79. What was the last concert you saw? A rave

80. Hot tea or cold tea? Hot

81. Tea or coffee? Yea

82. Favorite type of cookie? White chocolate

83. Can you swim well? I like to think so

84. Can you hold your breath without holding your nose? Yess??

85. Are you patient? Sometimes

86. DJ or band, at a wedding? Dj

87. Ever won a contest? Yup a few

88. Ever have plastic surgery? Technically.

89. Which are better black or green olives? Black

90. Opinions on sex before marriage? As long as it’s consensual

91. Best room for a fireplace? Living room

92. Do you want to get married? I thought I did idk anymore.

[unnie-lili]

PROMPTS

Hey guys! Here I made a list of prompts you can send me as a request. I mostly do Seventeen, Ateez and Stray Kids, but I can do more groups, you just have to ask!

Requests are made via asks, simply put the name of the member/s and the category and number of the prompt/s you want me to write about. Feel free to suggest your own, too!

You can also send me specificities if you'd like. I can do drabbles, lists, reactions, small fics, most to least, and text messages one shots.

PROMPTS

Fluff

1. “Can I hold your hand?”

2. “Your hair is so soft.”

3. “You smell really good.”

4. “Here, take this. It looks better on you anyways.”

5. “Please give me some attention.”

6. “You can sit on my lap until I'm done working.”

7. “I think I'm in love with you.”

8. “Can you snooze one last time? It's too early to get out of bed anyways.”

9. “I'm surprised you remember that about me.”

10. “This made me think of you.”

11. “I can't stop thinking about you.”

12. “Welcome home, love.”

13. “Come here and kiss me, you fool.”

14. “Are you blushing?”

15. “That's very sweet of you.”

16. “You're so beautiful.”

17. “I can't believe you're mine.”

18. “Would you, perhaps, fancy a date with me?”

19. “You look tense, can I give you a backrub?”

20. “I made your tea/coffee, just how you like it!”

21. “Stop stealing the blanket, I'm cold too!”

22. “You're the best thing to ever happen to me.”

23. “You're so cute when you lose.”

24. “Wanna order takeout instead?”

25. “Can I borrow your sweater?”

26. “Want me to kiss it better?”

27. “I'm tired. Want to cuddle?”

28. “I miss you so much.”

29. “My heart is beating so fast right now.”

30. “I'm only doing this because you're cute, okay?”

Angst/hurt

1. “I'm afraid I won't ever be enough for you.”

2. “Please, promise me you'll never leave me...”

3. “It wasn't supposed to go this far.”

4. “There never was an us. What made you think that?”

5. “I lied about everything.”

6. “I'm sorry I couldn't be them.”

7. “You think this will make me stay?”

8. “Please, give me a second chance.”

9. “I wish we never met in the first place.”

10. “I hate you so much right now.”

11. “Do you think I care?”

12. “How stupid can you be?”

13. “Leave. Right now.”

14. “Do you ever listen to what I say?”

15. “You're nothing to me.”

16. “Stop lying to me.”

17. “Why didn't you tell me?”

18. “Answer you phone! I'm worried sick about you.”

19. “Are you happy, now?”

20. “I'm fine. Stop asking.”

21. “I am hurting too. Did that ever occur to you?”

22. “I wish you were still here with me.”

23. “You just used me.”

24. “Does it look like I've moved on?”

25. “I shouldn't have let you go.”

26. “I'm breaking up with you.”

27. “Do you even love me?”

28. “I can't deal with your problems anymore.”

29. “But you promised...”

30. “Right person, wrong time.”

Comfort

1. “Please stay. I need you with me right now.”

2. “It's going to be okay.”

3. “I'm right here with you.”

4. “Come here, let me fix this.”

5. “You're safe with me.”

6. “I care about you.”

7. “I could use a hug right now.”

8. “Look at me. Breathe.”

9. “It's okay if you want to cry.”

10. “Having nightmares again?”

11. “Is everything alright?”

12. “You're so important to me.”

13. “I know you're going through a lot right now, just know I'll always be there for you.”

14. “You can talk to me.”

15. “I'm not leaving until you're feeling better.”

16. “I'll protect you.”

17. “You don't have to be alone.”

18. “It's okay, take your time.”

19. “You need some rest, I'll take care of everything else.”

20. “Let me help you.”

21. “You can trust me.”

22. “Here, I brought you your favourite food.”

23. “I got you, don't worry.”

24. “It's okay to have bad days.”

25. “Let's go out and watch the stars.”

26. “What can I do to make you feel better?”

27. “Wanna cuddle while we both cry watching Marley and Me?”

28. “No matter what, I'll always support you.”

29. “Please, take care of yourself.”

30. “I'm coming home, just wait for me.”

Smut (18+ only, minors do not interact.)

1. “Make me.”

2. “We have to stay quiet.”

3. “We're in public, you know?”

4. “You drive me crazy.”

5. “You look so good with my marks all over your body.”

6. “Ruin me.”

7. “Moan for me.”

8. “You're going to regret that, love.”

9. “You want it? Beg for it.”

10. “Don't be shy. You're beautiful.”

11. “You taste so good.”

12. “The things I want to do to you right now...”

13. “You feel amazing around me.”

14. “Tell me what you want.”

15. “Don't make me punish you, angel.”

16. “Don't cum until I tell you so.”

17. “That's not my name, sweetheart.”

18. “Like what you see?”

19. “You can't tease me all day and expect everything to be fine when we get home, love.”

20. “Look at you, all spread up for me.”

21. “You'll come with my mouth only.”

22. “Can I touch you there?”

23. “You're being such a good girl/boy to me right now...”

24. “Keep doing that, baby.”

25. “I love when you say my name like that.”

26. “I can't resist you.”

27. “How about you shut your bratty mouth up with my cock instead?”

28. “I'll make you mine.”

29. “Fuck, do that again.”

30. “On your knees. Now.”

Dialogue prompts

1. “We have a problem.”

2. “And you wonder why you're still single.”

3. “What kind of plan is this?”

4. “Turns out, I like you a lot more than originally planned.”

5. “I'm 74% sure this is gonna to go well.”

6. “Please don't fuck this up.”

7. “Since when were we ever friends?”

8. “It's 3AM, go back to sleep.”

9. “This isn't what it looks like!”

10. “Was I really that drunk last night?”

11. “I just love cats so much.”

12. “Why do you have a folder on your phone titled Reaction memes and why does it have over a thousand images in it?”

13. “So I accidentally read all of your diaries. Sorry.”

14. “I am not a furry.”

15. “Fun fact : I haven't listened to a single thing you just told me.”

16. “Act first. Think never.”

17. “I've been missing for a week and only now you all realize I was gone?”

18. “Don't you just love third-wheeling? I love feeling purposefully left out.”

19. “That sounds illegal. I'm in.”

20. “Wait, and you came to me for advice? Oh Lord.”

21. “I don't like the face you're making right now. It has trouble written all over it.”

AUs

1. Coffee shop AU

2. Soulmate AU

3. Non-idol AU

4. Strangers to lovers AU

5. Friends to lover AU

6. Enemies to lover AU

7. College AU

8. Fake dating AU

9. Apocalypse AU

Please note that all requests will be written with gender-neutral pronouns unless specified by the person who asked.

Send away your requests and have a nice day! 🌸

[boldlyvoid]

Intro and masterlist

✨about me ✨

this is a mature blog, I trust all minors to be responsible and avoid everything marked NSFW!

NSFW sideblog: @pervstash-spencer

Hi! my name is emily, I'm 23 she/they

Capricorn, bisexual, non-binary, autistic, and I have fibromyalgia ✌🏻 overall just a fun time y'know.

ao3

i love: supernatural, star trek, marvel movies, criminal minds, this is us and grey's anatomy !!

Accepting requests for Spencer Reid x Reader fics currently

all my tags are listed below if you want to see other posts about said fics, also here is my Spotify for the fics <3

Dad!spencer Masterlist

First times Masterlist**

all links to my fics below the cut!

Updated: July 28th, 2021

** for smut

~~ for angst

Spencer Reid x Reader fics

Hypothetically**~ Ao3 | Tumblr -- 27 chapters, complete. 89k

reader and Spencer were friends in kindergarten, she watched him grow up and explore the world while she was still trying to catch up to him. now that they work together, they fall in love incredibly fast.

friends to lovers, case of the week style story

touch me**~ Ao3 | Tumblr 5.8k

Spencer is incredibly touch-starved and hard on himself since coming home from prison. Luckily, the medical examiner in this small town is really good at reading people, and exactly what he needs.

amethyst you so much P1 Ao3 | Tumblr 6.4k

Spencer has had a crush on Y/N since she started working at the bau. She only ever works the night shift after a case, handling all the aftermath gracefully. one night, Spencer stays back and they strike up a conversation about rocks, causing their feelings to dig a little deeper.

of quartz i will P2** Ao3 | Tumblr 6K

after 2 years of dating, Spencer decides it's finally time to get Y/N something to match her Amethyst bracelet.

Amoreena**~ Ao3 | Tumblr Completed 83k

Heaven is a real place and it's located exactly 14.6 miles away from the FBI, Quantico Headquarters. Off behind a small park, under a fantastical willow tree surrounded by wildflowers, in every colour young minds can imagine.

Don't forget, heaven also comes with angels.

Seven* Tumblr WIP

Summary: Spencer’s been married to Y/N for 7 years now, they have 7 children together and each one is going through something different. Spencer’s always wanted to be the best dad, now he gets to figure out how to be.

the guy at the rock show Ao3 | Tumblr 5.6K

Y/N lost their parents when they were 17, finding a new home and solace in Penelope Garcia and taking the Garcia name. They're the top forensic specialist in D.C, in a band and they drive a motorcycle... not to mention they are madly in love with the cute doctor who works with their sister.

journey to Camelot** Ao3 | Tumblr 3.8K

When Penelope introduces Spencer to online games, he expects to be spending his nights alone. Yet, somehow every time he comes back from a bad case, he logs on to chat with the ever so lovely user FairlyGwen and getting a lot more than just a helpful tip from her.

Exploration** Ao3 | Tumblr 4.7K

request: season1/2 spencer walking in on reader while she's watching porn in their shared hotel room

Expedition** Tumblr 1.2K

Summary: there's a first time for everything... including joining the mile high club with your boyfriend on the work jet.

10 Days Ao3 | Tumblr 1.4K

it's spencer's first father's day and he's extremely emotional about the little love of his life that he's only just met. he spends the day with his baby, Edwin, and his wife, crying and happy about how wonderful new little lives are.

ain't it fun?** Ao3 | Tumblr Masterlist 11K

reader just needs an NA meeting before they have a meltdown, they end up with the best friend they could ever make.

I'm not kidding!** Tumblr 6K

Spencer keeps getting little notes from a secret admirer, they're nice and sweet at first as they tease him with their crush until she's sending him notes about all the dirty things she wants to do to him

Perfect Timing** Tumblr 1K

spencer and reader have been spending the last month together in the same hotel room during a pretty brutal case. tension has been rising and she's completely in love with him.

what happens when they both think the other won't be back for a while and they want to shower?

Redamancy** Tumblr 5.4K

the co-op librarian at the FBI Academy has been secretly crushing on the smartest agent in the Bureau, TA, Doctor Spencer Reid, and he's been crushing on her too.

Being Neighbourly** Tumblr 1.9K

Request: reader is Spencers neighbour and she can hear him masturbating every night that he's home how do you have her deal with that?

Professional Hair Dresser (Ph.D)** Tumblr 6.4K

summary: after Spencer's knee injury, he starts visiting a salon every week to get his hair washed

36 Questions to Fall in Love Tumblr 8K

Summary: When Derek bets Spencer that he cant make someone fall in love with him in a week, he doesn’t expect Spencer to marry the girl the next day

New Romantics** Tumblr 23k

Summary: She needs help studying for her Case Exercises at the Academy, He needs a date for the annual Banquet... they just so happen to be neighbours who aren't afraid to lend a helping hand, or in this case, a helping kiss.

Million Dollar Man** | Tumblr WIP 5k so far

summary: Spencer's therapist recommended he branch out and meet new people who don't want to talk about his work... she didn't expect him to sign up for a Sugar Daddy website.

Sugar, Honey, Ice Tea** | Y/N version | 1-4, 5-9, Epilogue 25.6k

Summary: Fix-it-fic: Dr. Y/L/N and Savannah Hayes have been best friends since their medical internship at Bethesda General. When she receives a frantic call that Derek's best friend is being transferred to the prison she works at, an unlikely friendship bubbles.

Eventually falling head over heels for the innocent man.

Warnings: Implied/Referenced Rape/Non-con, Prison, Prison Violence, Assault, Blood, Depression, Murder, Self-Hatred, Hurt Spencer Reid, Canon-Typical Violence, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Drug Addiction, References to Drugs, Drug Use, Idiots in Love, Mutual Pining, Romantic Tension, Forbidden Love, Angst, Angst with a Happy Ending, Strangers to Lovers, Requited Love, Falling In Love, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Slow Burn, Eventual Smut, past abusive relationship, Implied/Referenced Sexual Assault

Spencer x Ethan

Ruin it.** Tumblr 5.4K

Summary: Spencer never had sleepovers as a kid, so now that he's an adult he's always sleeping over at Ethan's house, ad he'll take any excuse to crawl into bed beside him.

Warnings: mutual pining, love concessions, blowjobs, handjobs, anal sex (both top and bottom spencer in this), childhood friends to lovers

400 Celebration fics

Reid Me Tumblr 2.5K

Spencer has noticed a beautiful woman at a spirituality booth at the farmers market every Saturday for almost a whole year now. he finally asks her to give him a reading.

mystery of love Tumblr 700

Spencer surprises his wife with a trip to Italy.

Spy Kids Tumblr 900

Spencer and Y/N's kids think that they are secretly spies and request a mission story before bed.

a father's greatest weakness Tumblr 1K

Princess Y/N is betrothed to the Viking king in an effort by her father to keep the peace between their countries, he doesn't expect her to join in the fight to free Scottland.

Luke x Reader

Best Dad Ever 2.8K

Request: angst with a happy ending, reader and luke have been divorced for a few years but have a child, she tries and tries to fall out of love with him but he's around so often that she can't

Spencer x OC

Sugar Honey Ice Tea** Ao3 | WIP 9/10 chapters complete 25.6K

Fix-it-fic: Dr. Beth Pattinson and Savannah Hayes have been best friends since their medical internship at Bethesda General. When she receives a frantic call that Derek's best friend is being transferred to the prison she works at, an unlikely friendship bubbles.

Eventually falling head over heels for the innocent man.

Intro to Criminal Minds: Why They Did It Ao3 | Tumblr WIP 6K+

Spencer is teaching a 7-week seminar on the most interesting criminal cases, explaining their actions to understand why they took place. Only, not everyone in the audience is a student.

Criminal Minds x Mindhunter AU

Spencer x OC Peggy Carr

Franklin x Reader

Voulez-Vouz** | 3.2k

Summary: in a small town, everyone knows each other… or at least they think they do.

Warnings: porn with plot, smut, Dom reader, Sub!Perv!franklin, making out, teasing, face sitting, oral (female and male), hand jobs, overstimulation, prostate message, multiple orgasms, penetrative sex, unprotected sex, let me know if I forgot anything.

Chip x Reader

forever is the sweetest con** | 6.2K

Summary: Reader’s dad is a carpenter; sometimes he takes on apprentices and sometimes, if they’re lucky, they get his daughter’s number at the end of their training. Chip Taylor, however, hits the jackpot when her father invites him over for one of her homecooked meals.

Warnings: reader’s mom passed away, mentions of parental death, strangers to lovers, random acts of kindness, mutual pining, falling in love, steamy make-outs, oral sex (male and female receiving), fingering, penetrative sex, unprotected sex, creampie, dirty talk, sub!chip, food mentions, praise, love confessions.

Raymond x Reader

Alone Together ** | 2.4K

Summary: Raymond moves into a haunted house and ends up sleeping with the ghost who lives there... only he doesn't know that when you fuck a ghost you also become one.

Warnings: details of suicide and murder, blowjobs, pegging, bottom!raymond, top!reader, becoming a ghost, major character death.

Star Trek Masterlist

Star Wars fix it fic

Supernatural masterlist

thanks for all the love, as always,

-Emily <3

[kpopfanfictrash]

Raise the Barre (Epilogue)

Author: kpopfanfictrash

Creative Contributor: @baebae-goodnight​ for the last Raise the Barre moodboard TT she nailed it

Pairing: Jimin / Reader

Rating: 18+ (Smut)

Genre: Enemies to Lovers / Dance Academy!AU

Warnings: sexual content. Dry humping, fingering, hand job, oral (female), breast play, multiple orgasms, Jimin gets turned on by making someone else come, dirty talk. Jimin’s pants are tight.

Word Count: 13,409

Summary: You and Park Jimin have been rivals for as long as you’ve known one another; ever since he tripped you in the front row of your first dance convention. When you graduate from high school and enter Russet Ballet Academy, you tell yourself you’re leaving all past quarrels behind. The main problem with this though, is that your past seems determined not to leave you alone.

Worse still, the obstacles you face while out in the real world might prove more challenging than anything your enemy has to offer.  

“And… more pointe shoes,” you said, opening the box in your lap. “Wow. Thanks, mom and dad.”

Your dad laughed, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “You’re welcome, kiddo,” he said, nodding from the couch. “I know Russet gives you some already, but you can never have too many.”

“Out of curiosity.” You glanced at the tree. “Are there any boxes from you which aren’t related to dance?”

“Not related to dance…” Your mom pretended to think. “I don’t understand.”

“Mom!”

She laughed. “I’m kidding! Yes, there are other presents. You just happened to pick all the pointe shoe boxes first.”

Shaking your head, you placed the box aside. You smiled though, warmth in your chest at being home for the holidays. Classes at Russet had ended a week prior and it had been nice for a few days to simply relax. Already though, you found yourself itching to return to the city. It was strange to wake every morning and not head to ballet. It was even stranger to take classes at your old studio, trying to stay in shape before second semester began.

Playing with the string of your sweatpants, you couldn’t help glancing at your phone on the couch. It had been several days since you’d last seen Jimin in person. Oddly enough, the separation had been harder than you’d thought it would be.

Immediately after ending things with Finn, you and Jimin had tried to keep your distance. The pain of your separation had been too fresh to even consider dating someone else but, as time had gone on, you and Jimin had started becoming friends again.

It was hard not to be, with Jimin continuing as your dance partner and classmate. At the end of the semester, you’d had the opportunity to switch partners, but you and Jimin had chosen the status quo. It just made sense this way; you couldn’t think of anyone else you’d trust as much as him.

At first, things between you were strictly professional. You saw him only within the confines of the dance studio but eventually, his presence bled into your normal life. At first, the outings were small. Jimin went to a pregame you also attended. He saw you once at the coffee shop and, instead of running away, he stopped to chat. One time, he walked you back to your dorm.

When the month became December, you found your outlook improving. Most of November had been spent wallowing in your dorm, but the holiday season brought with it endless activities. The very first weekend of the month, a bunch of your Russet friends decided to go ice skating and you’d ended up tagging along.

The biggest problem had been you’d never ice skated before. Noelle had been patient, skating backwards in front of you and dragging you around the rink. Jimin had done the same thing for Hoseok, who was in a similar predicament to yours, and at some point, they swapped partners and left you skating with Jimin.

When he’d taken over for Noelle, your stomach had swooped. Hands touching, he’d led you gently around the edge and the world had seemed to still. It had been the first time you’d felt anything stir outside of your break-up. Whatever hurt and distance had sprung between you, it seemed something had survived between you and Jimin.

Nose red, Jimin had smiled as he skated backwards. “It’s easy,” he’d told you. “You just swivel, Y/N. In and out, in and out. Got it?”

“Um, no!” you’d yelped, nearly crashing to the ice when Jimin let go of your hands.

He’d laughed, catching you easily and skating like that for a while. Eventually, Jimin had helped you off the rink and gotten hot chocolate, which you insisted on buying. Payback, you said, for the impromptu skating lessons.

That day had been a turning point for you both. Throughout the month prior, you’d texted sporadically but after, you seemed to talk every day.

Jimin even offered to drive you home from Russet, given the fact that your hometowns were so close together. After much hemming and hawing, you’d eventually taken him up on the offer. The savings it gave your bleeding bank account were well-worth the potential discomfort.

This had led to both the best and worst twenty-four hours of your life.

Best, because Jimin was an excellent road trip companion. He let you choose the music, laughed at all your dumb jokes, and agreed to play the road trip games you suggested. You’d already made a firm rule not to compare Jimin to any past boyfriends but couldn’t help but note this as an improvement over anyone prior.

The sole reason the twenty-four hours were also painful was because you stopped at a hotel halfway through. It was either this or drive until 3:00 AM, so you chose the smarter option and rested for the night. You and Jimin bought separate bedrooms, but they’d ended up next to one another, so you’d been forced to spend a sleepless night imagining Jimin separated from you only by a thin sheet of plywood.

You had told yourself this was silly. At Russet, Jimin hadn’t been much further away, but something about the closeness in the hotel made you nervous. It was infinitely easier to forget about boundaries when you were separated by only a car console for hours at a time. Infinitely easier to forget the rules when you were outside of Russet, cocooned by his car and the snow.

You couldn’t help but think about the one kiss you’d shared.

That had only been a taste, barely a teaser, but the memory kept you awake for more nights than it probably should have. You couldn’t help but wonder what it’d be like to kiss Jimin again, under different circumstances.

Groaning, you’d covered your face with a pillow that night and tried your best to sleep. It hadn’t really worked, and you’d shown up at the car the next morning with dark shadows beneath your eyes.

Forcing yourself back to the present, you glanced away from your phone and focused on the tree – only to see its screen light up in your peripheral. Grabbing your phone, you realized Jimin had texted. Stifling a smile, you scrolled through the conversation until you found his last message.

Jimin: MERRY CHRISTMAS! [10:23 AM]

Jimin: 

Y/N: oh my god everything’s so... coordinated lol how long did that tree take to set up?  [10:24 AM]

Y/N: and merry Christmas 😊  [10:24 AM]

Jimin: not long at all. I just googled ‘christmas trees’ and that was the first one I found  [10:24 AM]

Y/N: ha ha hilarious  [10:25 AM]

Y/N: so, what are the Park family plans for the day?  [10:25 AM]

Jimin: the usual. Opening presents, going to my grandparents later for dinner. What about you?  [10:25 AM]

Y/N: same, minus the grandparents. We usually have a pretty low-key day  [10:26 AM]

Jimin: sounds nice  [10:26 AM]

Jimin: what’s your favorite present so far  [10:27 AM]

Y/N: 

Jimin: LOL  [10:30 AM]

Jimin: how many of them did you get? I’ve gotten two new dance bags and seven pairs of black leggings. It’s like our parents have forgotten we do anything else  [10:31 AM]

Y/N: no new dance belts? 😈  [10:32 AM]

Jimin: Y/N, I’m shocked  [10:35 AM]

Jimin: mind out of the gutter. Stop thinking about my junk  [10:35 AM]

Y/N: as your dance partner, I have a vested interest in your junk. What if it breaks free in the middle of practice?  [10:38 AM]

Jimin: the more delicate ladies would faint, I imagine  [10:41 AM]

Jimin: and probably Paulo  [10:41 AM]

Y/N: lmao  [10:43 AM]

Y/N: but seriously, I hope you get presents other than dance gear  [10:43 AM]

Jimin: back at you haha  [10:47 AM]

Y/N: I can’t help but notice you didn’t get me, your dance partner, a Christmas gift though  [10:50 AM]

Jimin: was the drive home not enough?  [10:50 AM]

Y/N: oh, shoot. You’re right! You did get me a Christmas gift  [10:51 AM]

Y/N: I’m the one who’s been remiss  [10:51 AM]

Jimin: don’t forget about my housewarming gift, too  [10:52 AM]

You smiled, sitting back on the sofa. Jimin was lucky enough to be moving off campus second semester. He, Hoseok and Alex Wong were moving into an apartment not far from Paulo’s. You and Noelle had decided to stay in Grace Hall, but you’d talked about moving someplace else next year.

Jimin was heading back early to move into his new place, so you’d need a different ride on your return trip to Russet. Still, you were looking forward to Jimin’s apartment hosting parties in the new year.

Y/N: don’t get greedy on me now, Park  [10:54 AM]

“Who’re you texting?”

Jerking your head up from the screen, you nearly dropped your phone. From the couch opposite, your mom gave you a knowing look.

“No one,” you said hastily, setting your phone aside.

“Oh, really?” She glanced with your dad. “No one wouldn’t happen to have dark hair, his own car and excellent table manners, would he?”

Immediately, you felt your face heat.

When Jimin drove you home before Christmas, your parents had insisted on feeding him before he continued to Harleigh Heights. This had led to the weirdest double date of your life – which was, in fact, not a date – including you, Jimin and your parents for dinner. Luckily, your parents had been great and Jimin hadn’t cared, but you’d been endlessly mortified for your first date with Jimin to have included your parents.

Not that you’d called it a date. When Jimin had left that night, you’d brushed it aside and he’d simply gone along with it. After Jimin had left, you’d gone to your room and wondered what the hell you were doing. It was clear you still liked Jimin and wanted to be more than just friends. Still, something continued to hold you back.

You weren’t sure when it was considered appropriate to move on. The line seemed fuzzy, so you hadn’t dared cross it and Jimin hadn’t asked. You got the feeling you needed to be the one to make the first move – which made sense. You’d been the one who asked for more time. You’d told Jimin you’d say when you were ready.

Any next steps would have to come from you.

It had been weird to go home and not see Finn. His house was only fifteen minutes away from yours – you’d driven past it on your way to the grocery store last week. Still, seeing his home hadn’t caused the pain you’d expected. It was strange not to see him, but more like you’d forgotten something you needed to do, as opposed to missing his actual presence.

If you were being honest, Finn had crossed your mind less and less lately. Possibly because you’d been falling out of love with him long before you’d broken up in November.

Still, it would be unfair to jump into something before you were ready. You’d already hurt Jimin once this past fall and were determined not to do so again. No matter how good things had been lately between you, you didn’t want to make the mistake of dating Jimin too soon.

Despite this, things had become flirtier between you as of late. Exhibit A: casual text conversations about Park Jimin’s junk.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” you said lightly.

Your dad laughed as he stood from the couch. “Alright, then,” he said, grabbing another gift. “How about you open this one next?”

Accepting the thin package he handed over, you frowned. The box wasn’t large and, shaking it slowly, you heard no sliding inside.

“I swear,” you said as you began to undo the bow. “If you wrapped your passport photo again, dad...”

Laughing, he settled back on the couch by your mom. “It’s not that, I promise.”

Grumbling, you opened the box and immediately froze. Staring at the paper inside, you slowly looked up. “Is this… is this what I think it is?”

“It’s a plane flight,” your mom said with a smile. “I know we’re supposed to drive you back on the third, but we thought you might want to celebrate New Year’s with your friends.”

“But…” Speechless, you returned to the box. “We always hang out together on New Year’s Eve.”

“I know,” said your dad. “But maybe it’s time to start some new traditions, kiddo.”

With that, he stood and took his mug to the kitchen. Sensing he wasn’t needed for this conversation any longer, he began washing dishes and to prepare breakfast. Once he was gone, your mom moved to your couch and settled beside you.

“I… this is too much,” you said, immediately backpedaling.

“It’s not.”

“Well…” Hesitant, you considered the possibilities. “I guess Ari will be in the city for New Year’s Eve. Maybe Noelle, too. She mentioned she might go back early.”

Gently, your mom smiled. “That’s great if you want to hang out with them, but… didn’t Jimin mention going back before New Year’s?”

Startled, you glanced up. You were surprised she’d remembered. Jimin had mentioned it briefly at dinner last week – he’d said he was moving off campus, which was why he’d needed to return home to pack.

“I – he might have,” you said cautiously.

“I see.” She paused. “I just… I don’t want you feeling like you need to hold yourself back, honey.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Your mom glanced meaningfully at your phone. “I’m glad you’re taking time to yourself,” she said slowly. “It’s important to know who you are and what you want. But also – don’t feel like you need to follow someone else’s timeline when it comes to moving on.”

“I know, but…” You trailed off. “We only broke up in November.”

She shrugged. “Only you know when you’re ready, honey. I just don’t want you to keep punishing yourself for something that’s over. You’re allowed to be happy, even if you’ve messed up in the past.”

Swallowing, you glanced again at the gift. The plane ticket was for the day before New Year’s Eve. Plucking it from the box, you sat back on the couch.

“But…” you said lowly. “Mom, it’s only been two months.”

“And are you still in love with Finn?”

“No.”

“And did you learn anything from what happened this fall?”

“I… Yes. A lot.”

“Good.” Reaching out, she squeezed your hand. “Learn the lessons you need to learn, and then move on. Self-flagellation isn’t productive, Y/N.”

You nodded, still uncertain about what she was saying. Her words made sense, but everything she was saying uncovered a dormant fear. You were scared. Scared of hurting someone else, scared of being hurt by someone else in return. Your last relationship had ended so badly, it was hard to convince yourself it might be worth it to try again.

Finally, you turned to face her on the couch. “Does it ever get any easier?” you asked. “This fear of being hurt… does it ever go away?”

Something sad passed over her face. “Yes and no,” she said, pulling back her hand. “You’ll never be as innocent as you were in your first love. There’s something special about loving someone and never having been hurt before. Once you’ve gone through that kind of pain, you aren’t the same after. But… it does get easier. And better. You’ll know more about how to support this time, instead of tearing down. How to make a love stronger, instead of hanging on.”

Something about this speech gave you comfort, and you slowly nodded. Again, what she said made sense but if there was one thing you’d learned from the fall, it was no matter how great the advice was, it was impossible to take if you weren’t ready to hear it.

You continued wondering if the risk would be worth it. No matter how much you felt for Jimin, you couldn’t help but remember how you’d felt breaking up with Finn. You hadn’t been in love with him at that point and it had still been so painful. It was terrifying to imagine loving someone again and having things end the same way.

Your mom was right, though. You couldn’t keep punishing yourself for something you couldn’t change. There were several ways you could move on from here. The main question to ask yourself was whether you wanted Jimin in the picture.

“Alright,” you said softly. “Thanks, mom.”

“Anytime.” Smiling, she stood and dusted off her pants. “I’m going to see if your dad needs help making breakfast. Don’t be too long, now!”

You nodded, watching her go, and then glanced at the ticket. Your mom’s words continued to run through your mind and after a moment, you picked up your phone.

Jimin had texted back.

Jimin: I would never!  [10:57 AM]

Y/N: hey, so  [11:01 AM]

Y/N: I did get one non-dance gift this year. A plane flight the day before New Year’s Eve  [11:02 AM]

Jimin: oh, wow! That was really nice of your parents  [11:03 AM]

Taking a deep breath, you closed your eyes. When you opened them, you found yourself newly determined.

Y/N: when do you get back again?  [11:03 AM]

His ellipses started, then stopped, then started again.

Jimin: December 28th  [11:04 AM] 

Y/N: what are your New Year’s Eve plans?  [11:04 AM]

For a moment, he didn’t respond, and you felt your heart catch. Maybe you’d misread things. Maybe Jimin had moved on and didn’t care about you anymore. Maybe he didn’t want you to tell him you were ready.

Jimin: I’m free 😊  [11:05 AM]

Jimin: want to be my New Year’s Eve date?  [11:05 AM]

Smiling ear to ear, you responded.

Y/N: yes. Please  [11:06 AM]

On the actual day of New Year’s Eve, you found yourself stressed beyond belief. Standing in front of the mirror of your dorm room, you adjusted your dress and worried over the hemline. Jimin had arranged to meet you around 7:00 PM and it was dangerously close to 6:55.

“Is the dress too short?” you asked, turning a little to face Noelle. “It is New Year’s Eve in the city. Should I wear pants, or something? Will I be cold?”

Noelle considered, then shrugged. “Just drink more. Problem solved!”

Snorting, you turned back to the mirror. Nervously, you smoothed down the front of your dress. You’d bought it at an after-Christmas sale and had fallen instantly in love. It had seemed perfect at the time, but now you were having second thoughts about the thin straps and tight bodice.

“Alright, so Y/N.” Noelle changed the subject. “Here’s the plan. Are you listening?”

Hiding a smile, you adjusted an earring. “Listening.”

“Good. Okay, so Ari and I will be at a party uptown. If the date goes badly, just say the word and we’ll call you a cab. You can be ringing in the new year with us within the hour.”

“Perfect,” you said. “It’s good to have a back-up.”

“It is.” Noelle paused. “Not that I think you’ll need this, of course.”

“Well, you never know.”

“Please.” She snorted. “What’s Jimin going to do? Be too charming? Too respectful of boundaries? Wear pants that show off his ass a little too much?”

“Noelle!”

She laughed, coming to a stop alongside you. Noelle wore a sparkly dress which made her skin glow, although this may have been the glitter dusted over her shoulders. Looking at herself in the mirror, she fluffed her hair.

“Seriously,” she said, meeting your gaze. “You’re going to be fine.”

“I know, I know.” Shaking out your arms, you forced yourself to exhale. “I’m just nervous, that’s all. It’s been a long time since I went on a first date.”

Noelle considered. “That’s true. Allow me to give you some dating tips, then.”

Laughing, you turned around and sat on the futon. “By all means.”

“Alright – number one.” Noelle removed lipstick from her purse. “Don’t order anything with garlic. I know, that sucks because garlic is everything, but no one wants to make out while they have garlic breath. Rule number two!”

“Whoa, whoa,” you said. “Who said anything about making out?”

Noelle gave you a pointed look. “Just in case it should happen…”

Shaking your head, you sunk back on the futon, but you knew she was right. Tonight was New Year’s Eve, after all. Ideally, you’d like to do more than kiss Jimin, but this seemed like too much of a jinx to say out loud.

Mentally, you agreed to the ‘no garlic’ rule.

“What else?” you prompted.

“Let’s see.” Noelle began to reapply her lipstick. “Relax.”

“What?”

Glancing at you in the mirror, she raised both brows. “I can see your shoulders tensing from here, babe. Just relax, okay? Tonight will be fine. You’re just hanging out with Jimin. You’ve done that before.”

“I know,” you groaned, lowering your face to your hands. “For some reason though, I’m very aware of the ‘date’ aspect of tonight. I don’t know why.”

When you looked up, Noelle gave you a sympathetic look, but before she could say more there came a knock at the door. Half-standing, you moved to open it, but Noelle shooed you back.

“Rule number three,” she said as she crossed the room. “Never answer the door for your own date.”

“What?” you laughed, although you sat back down on the futon.

Grabbing the handle, Noelle pulled open the door. Blocking you from view, she leaned her shoulder against the frame.

“Password?”

“What?” came Jimin’s voice, sounding confused.

“That’s correct!” Noelle stepped aside.

As you stood, you saw Jimin for the first time. He wore a pea coat over his outfit, his dark hair pushed back from his face in a devastating manner. When he saw you, Jimin froze, and you saw his eyes widen.

Silently, you congratulated yourself on having picked the right outfit. His gaze slowly trailed your body, lingering in places which made your cheeks heat. When he returned to your face, he slowly exhaled.

“Hey,” he said. “You… you look beautiful.”

Smiling back, you found yourself at a loss for words. “So do you.”

Jimin grinned and you stood there, smiling at each other like idiots until Noelle cleared her throat.

“Well,” she said, side-stepping Jimin to grab her coat. “I’m going to head over to Ari’s. You kids be safe, okay?”

“We will,” you laughed.

Noelle left in a flurry of kisses and glitter, waving goodbye as she stepped out the door. Jimin turned to face you once she was gone, offering a smile.

“Are you ready to go?” he asked. “I brought you these.”

From behind his back, he pulled out pink peonies, which made you gasp. They were your favorites, a little limp from the cold, but still beautiful. Taking them gently from him, you turned them over in your hands.

“They’re wonderful,” you said happily. “Thank you.”

Jimin smiled. “I’m glad you like them.”

Glancing around, you found a clean glass near the sink and filled this with water. Arranging the peonies on your desk, you took a step back and cocked your head. You’d always thought the idea of flowers on dates was kind of cheesy, but now that you’d experienced it in person, it seemed unimaginably sweet.

“There,” you said, turning back. “All set.”

Jimin smiled at this, then glanced at your bare arms. “You’re going to be cold without a coat,” he said. “That’d be a bad way to start off the new year.”

“Oh – duh,” you said, hurrying towards your wardrobe.

Pulling a coat out, you slipped this over your dress and buttoned the front. As you left the room, you turned off the lights and shut the door behind you. Jimin walked with you down the hall, continually glancing your way from the corner of his eyes.

You felt oddly shy, despite this being Jimin beside you. Jimin, who you’d known since you were teenagers. Jimin, who’d been both the utter bane of your existence, along with the single person you trusted most in the world. He’d tossed you up in the air and caught you no question and somehow, this felt like the most daring thing you’d ever done.

It was strange to walk beside him, out on a date whose future held a large question mark. Excitement and uncertainty warred in your stomach, which only seemed to exacerbate the situation. You felt as though you stood on the edge of a precipice, staring into a ravine with no discernable bottom.

As you left the building, snowflakes swirled in the sky up above and you looked up in surprise.

“Oh,” you exhaled, breath frosting before you. “I didn’t realize it was snowing!”

“Yeah.” Jimin grinned, tilting back his head. “Snow is my favorite weather, actually.”

“The wet and the cold does it that much for you, huh, Park?”

“That, and the romance of it all.”

Your smile softened a little as you fell into step alongside him. The snow continued to drift as you walked, melting as soon as it touched the pavement.

“So, where are we going?” you wondered, glancing at him. “You said you’d tell me once you picked me up and I’ve got news for you, Jimin. I’m here. I’ve been picked up.”

“Right, sure.” He shoved both hands in his pockets. “I made a reservation at this restaurant around the corner. The food’s really good so I hope you’ll like it.”

“I’m sure I will.”

“Huh.” Jimin paused. “That was easy.”

You shrugged. “I’m just excited for tonight. That’s all.”

His gaze softened a little when he glanced at you. “Me, too.”

Smiling, you continued to walk alongside him. New Year’s Eve in the city was a grand affair. The sidewalks were still lit with holiday lights, people hurrying past in brightly colored coats. Privately, you were glad Jimin had made a reservation at a restaurant instead of trying to brave a club or a bar. You’d heard horror stories from people who paid extravagantly to get into a club, only to spend the entire night waiting in line at the bar.

Turning the corner, you saw the restaurant Jimin had chosen and brightened. It was one you’d walked past several times and always wanted to try but had never found time.

Jimin held open the door as you entered. The inside still had their holiday decorations up, garland strung across every surface with tiny, white fairy lights hung up above. Everyone who was dining wore formal attire, laughing and chatting in the glow of the fireplace. The food smelled amazing and immediately, your mouth watered.

Joining the line at the hostess stand, you waited for the couple before you to leave and then Jimin stepped up.

“Park,” he told her. “Party of two.”

The hostess smiled, nodding as she flipped through her notebook. “One moment, please.” The longer she looked though, the more her face fell. After a moment, she glanced up. “Park, you said?”

“Yes.” Jimin nodded. “P-a-r-k.”

The woman nodded, flipping through her notebook again as though the name might magically appear.

“I’m so sorry,” she said, glancing up again. “There seems to be some kind of mistake. I don’t have you listed as a reservation.”

Jimin’s expression faltered. “Can you look again?” he asked, leaning forward.

The hostess nodded, running her finger down the numbered rows. “I can’t find you anywhere. Do you remember who you spoke with on the phone?”

“Rebecca.”

“Oh.” Her face immediately fell. “Rebecca left the restaurant last week. It seems a few reservations slipped through in the transition. Is there… well, before I do that – let me see what I can do,” she blurted out, turning around to rush into the restaurant.

Jimin watched her disappear and you saw his expression tighten.

Silence fell between you as you adjusted your coat. Jimin looked stressed and you weren’t sure what you should do about it. Frantically, you tried to remember times he’d been stressed during class, but before you could do or say anything, the hostess returned.

“I’m so sorry,” she said, looking harried. “The restaurant is completely booked up. I was trying to see if we could squeeze you in, but there’s just no room. I’m so sorry. Normally, only one person does the reservations, but we’ve been so busy lately...”

“It’s fine,” you said, jumping in. The poor woman looked like she was about to burst into tears. “Please, don’t worry about it. We’ll figure something out.”

Jimin glanced at you, surprised, and then nodded. “Yeah,” he agreed, returning to the hostess. “Thank you so much for your help – I appreciate you trying. We actually have a back-up reservation somewhere else, so don’t worry. We’ll come back another time!”

“Oh, really?” Her entire face brightened. “That’s so good to hear. New Year’s Eve, and all. Thank you for being understanding!”

“Yes, busy night,” Jimin said with a smile. “Take care of yourself!”

The woman nodded, seeming grateful when you stepped out of line. Jimin followed your footsteps, heading towards the door and then came to a stop. Slowly, he exhaled.

“So,” you said, turning to face him. “Where are these back-up reservations?”

Jimin winced and met your gaze. “I have none,” he admitted. “She just looked so sad. I wanted to put her out of her misery.”

“Wait.” Piecing this together, you paused. “Are you serious?”

“Yeah,” he said miserably. “I only made reservations here and that was super lucky, considering most places in the city have been booked for weeks. I don’t have any back-up plans.”

For a moment, you could only stare. “So, you said all that just so that poor hostess wouldn’t worry about a mistake her restaurant made?”

“I – well, yeah.”

You stared another moment, then started to laugh. It started out small but grew until eventually, you were wiping tears of mirth from your eyes.

Jimin watched you laugh, seeming thoroughly confused. “What’s so funny?”

“It’s just…” Shaking your head, you paused to catch your breath. “You’re unreal. Most people would be super stressed about New Year’s Eve plans falling through, but here you are lying to make a hostess’ night better.”

He blinked, still uncertain. “I’m… sorry about that.”

“Don’t apologize!” you insisted as you straightened. “It’s… wonderful,” you said to him shyly. “I like that about you.”

Slowly, his expression changed. “I really don’t have other plans, though,” he admitted. “I wasn’t lying about that. And I am stressed about my reservation falling through. I wanted this night to be perfect.”

The sweetness of this made your heart start to melt and newly determined, you nodded.

“We can fix this,” you said. “We’ll just go somewhere else.”

“Like where?”

“Like...” You paused. “We could hang out at my dorm. Or at your apartment! One of our kitchens has to be free, right? We could make dinner and hang out, watch the ball drop.”

“We could go to my place,” said Jimin slowly. “Hoseok and Alex are at a New Year’s Eve party uptown. We’d have the kitchen to ourselves.”

“Perfect,” you said. “Let’s go there.”

“I should warn you, though – I can only really cook one thing.”

“Spaghetti-o’s?”

“Okay, two things.”

You laughed. “So, what’s the first thing?”

“A pasta dish they taught us in Senior Foods class. But it’s nothing fancy.”

“Perfect.” You shrugged. “That will go nicely with my contribution of store-bought bread and olive oil.”

Jimin started to grin. “Alright, then, it’s settled. Let’s go to my place.”

You smiled when he opened the door, following him onto the sidewalk. Jimin’s new apartment was a few blocks away, but time passed quickly with him beside you. Oddly enough, the mishap at the restaurant seemed to have cleared some of the lingering awkwardness.

Noelle had been right, you realized – you had nothing to worry about while you were with Jimin.

He talked while you walked, detailing the ongoing fight at his apartment about some posters Hoseok wanted to hang. This segued into the general ridiculousness of New Year’s Eve – a topic you wholeheartedly agreed with.

“It’s stressful,” Jimin complained as you walked. “Everyone’s always asking about your resolution, you need to find someone to kiss at midnight, and there’s that super awkward moment with the countdown and your date…”

You laughed, grabbing a basket as you entered the grocery store. Jimin had suggested you stop by, since he didn’t have much food at his place.

“Doesn’t the countdown make it easier?” you joked. “It really dumbs the whole process down. Fool-proof.”

“Well, sure,” Jimin said. “But then you end up staring awkwardly at someone for ten seconds while you slowly lean forward and wonder when you should blink.”

Laughing, you reached on tiptoe for a loaf of bread. “Alright, you got me there,” you admitted. “I’ve never had a proper New Year’s Eve, anyways. I’ve always been dating someone and then, it’s just kind of assumed you’ll kiss. None of the magic you see in the movies.”

Jimin nodded. “Most of that’s just movie magic, though. You aren’t missing much – trust me.”

“I don’t know,” you said as you turned the next corner. “The anticipation sounds kind of nice. Wondering if someone will kiss you back, if they’re thinking about you the same way you are…”

Jimin made a humming noise, low in his throat.

Coming to a stop, he reached overhead to grab some pasta. Putting this in your basket, Jimin casually brushed your arm as you met his faze. Fighting back a shiver, you tried to remember what you’d been saying.

Giving a smile, Jimin continued forward and kept shopping. You stared after him a moment before your gaze dropped to his ass. Inhaling quickly, you remembered Noelle’s comment about Jimin’s tight pants. She hadn’t been wrong about that. Hurrying along, you quickly caught up.

Grabbing another jar, Jimin placed this in the basket. When he caught your eye again, he grinned, his hair falling forward. The sight made your heart flip-flop in your chest.

As you entered the check-out line, Jimin came to a stop alongside you. His gaze traveled the store, eyes widening when he glanced over your shoulder.

“What’s that?” Jimin gasped.

Startled, you turned. “What’s – hey!” you blurted when he took your basket.

Grinning widely, Jimin placed the food before the cashier. “Too slow.”

“Jimin, come on,” you said, slightly flustered. “I can pay. I –”

“You can pay next time, if you want.”

This shut you up and you stared at him a moment before you stepped forward.

“There’s… going to be a next time?” you said.

Jimin glanced in your direction. “If you want there to be.”

“I do,” you said softly, and he smiled.

Taking another step forward, he pulled out his wallet to pay and you let him – this time, anyways. Outside, it seemed to have grown colder since your arrival and you shivered as you exited the shop. Noticing this, Jimin immediately undid his scarf from around his neck.

“Here,” he said, handing it over. “I don’t need this.”

“But then you’ll be cold,” you pointed out, accepting it anyways.

“I’ll jog in place to keep warm.”

“… With me walking beside you?”

“Yep.”

You laughed, even more so when Jimin began to demonstrate. He jogged for a few steps, then slowed to a walk.

“Changed my mind,” he said with a wince. “I’d rather be cold.”

You laughed, cheeks starting to hurt from both this and the wind. Jimin’s apartment wasn’t far, although it did turn out to be a third-floor walk-up. This left you slightly winded when you arrived at his place, to which Jimin shrugged and said the rent had been cheap.

Opening his front door, he led the way into – boxes. Tons of them, although most of the furniture had been set up around them. Jimin fumbled for a light, flicking this on and setting down the groceries.

“Most of the boxes are Alex’s,” he sighed, looking around. “Hoseok and I have a secret deal we’re going to unpack him ourselves if he doesn’t do it by Monday.”

“That doesn’t sound like much of a detriment to Alex.”

“I never said what we planned on doing with his things once we unpacked.”

You laughed, undoing your coat to set aside. Glancing around, you saw Jimin was right. Most of the boxes were scrawled in the same handwriting. Beyond them, you saw the living room had been mostly set up with a couch and TV.

To your right lay the kitchen, in which Jimin was already unloading the groceries. Beyond him was a hallway, through which you assumed were their bedrooms and bathrooms. Wandering back to Jimin, you realized he was staring.

“What?” you said, coming to a stop. “Did I spill something on my dress in the store?”

“No,” Jimin murmured, shaking his head. “I just… I know I said this before, but you really do look incredible.”

“Oh.”

Looking at him, you felt your face growing hot. Jimin smiled and ducked his head, resumed pulling things out of the bag. Stepping from your shoes to place in the hall, you returned to the kitchen and pulled out a stool.

Sitting down, you propped your chin in your hand. “Aren’t you going to take off your coat?”

Glancing down, Jimin blinked. “Oh,” he laughed, undoing the buttons. “I forgot I was wearing it.”

You smiled, but this quickly disappeared when you saw what he was wearing. Jimin had worn a dark blazer and trousers, paired with a paisley shirt and black boots. He looked ridiculously good and again, Noelle’s comment about his ass came to mind.

She’d been correct – his pants were well-shaped and well-formed.

After removing both coat and shoes, Jimin returned to the kitchen and pushed a hand through his hair. You watched him get to work, leaning forward a bit when he began to dice vegetables. Immediately, your brows raised. It seemed Jimin had undersold his skills in the kitchen.

When you said as much, he laughed.

“Maybe a little,” Jimin said. As he pushed veggies from the cutting board, the pan began to sizzle. “It’s all part of my master plan. Set expectations low, then over-deliver.”

“It’s working,” you said with a laugh. “You seem pretty damn impressive to me.”

Jimin’s cheeks reddened. “You’re just saying that.”

“Why would I lie?”

“I seem to remember some shocking texts about my junk and dancer’s belts. You could just be after my body, Y/N.”

“I – that’s not!”

He looked up and grinned. “Kidding.”

Flustered, you blurted, “That wasn’t nice!”

Jimin laughed. “I’m sorry.”

You huffed, waiting a minute before you continued. “You do look really good right now, though,” you said softly.

He looked up, eyes wide. As much as Jimin said he enjoyed being liked, it seemed to throw him for a loop whenever you said you liked him. It made you pause, mulling over this for a minute.

“You seem surprised,” you said quietly. “Whenever I say things like that, you always look surprised.”

“Well…” Jimin hesitated. “I just think… there’s been a lot of times where I never thought this would happen. It feels kind of unreal have you here. In my kitchen. On a date.”

“Times after November?”

Jimin paused.

Your brow furrowed. “Before then?”

Opening the pasta, Jimin added this to the pot. He stared into the steam, slowly exhaling before he looked up.

“Let’s just say I’ve wanted this for a while,” he admitted.

“What? But you hated me before Russet.”

“I…” Jimin trailed off. “Kind of. It’s complicated.”

When he failed to elaborate and returned to his cooking, your eyebrows shot up.

“Uh, no,” you laughed. “You can’t just say that and not explain what you mean. What are you talking about?”

Jimin winced as he set down his spoon. “Okay,” he said, gripping the counter. “I guess what I’m saying is I never really hated you. Not truly.”

“You didn’t.”

“No.” He spoke flatly.

“But…” Confused, you searched his face. “You’ve hated me ever since we met, Jimin. That first weekend at NUVO dance competition. We were both called out to demonstrate and you tripped me!”

“Well, maybe that’s not exactly what happened.”

“What are you talking about?”

Jimin released a low breath. “Okay, so here’s the thing. That weekend happened a little differently from my perspective.”

“How so?”

“We were both called out to demonstrate,” he said, repeating your words. “But I hadn’t seen you before then. When we both reached center and I turned and saw you – I froze. I couldn’t remember how to act. Every thought I’d ever had just… flew out of my head.”

You stared at him, speechless.

“I didn’t know what to do,” Jimin continued softly. “I’d never felt like that before. When you started to dance, it only got worse. I’d never seen someone dance like you did. That’s why I entered the combination late. That’s why I was in the wrong spot at the wrong time and that’s why I accidentally tripped you. I was… well, I was distracted.”

“By me,” you whispered. “You were distracted by… me?”

“Yeah.”

“So,” you said, breath catching. “This entire time, you haven’t really hated me?”

“Ah, I don’t know about that.” Jimin rubbed the back of his neck. “You could be really infuriating,” he said with a laugh. “There were times when you genuinely pissed me off. I meant it when I said I wanted to win against you. But also… I don’t know. I never really forgot the first time I saw you.”

“Oh,” you whispered, unsure what you were feeling.

It made your head spin to hear this different version of events. Jimin hadn’t hated you – at least, not in the same way you had. He hadn’t been the one to make the first move after all. You had when you’d decided not to listen to his apology.

“Oh my god,” you groaned, burying your face in your hands.

“Hey – what’s wrong?”

Dropping his spoon to the counter, Jimin came around and stood beside you. Keeping your head down, you refused to look up until Jimin touched your arm.

“I just,” you exhaled, turning to face him. “It was my fault. This entire time, I thought you hated me and that’s why I hated you. But instead, I just decided to hate you – and for what?”

Jimin’s upper lip twitched. “I wasn’t entirely blameless, you know. I was such a little shit at that age. I wouldn’t have believed me, either.”

“You tried to apologize, though!”

“Hey.” Gently, he gripped your elbows. “If it makes you feel any better, I did trip people just to get to the front. I was an ass. It’s why that Jungkook guy hates me. I started dancing later in life, so I was really hung up on proving myself.”

“Yeah, but it wasn’t true,” you told him. “You didn’t trip me on purpose, and if I’d only been less stubborn –”

“Whoa, hey.” Jimin smiled. “You weren’t the only stubborn one. Maybe it started off as a misunderstanding, but I didn’t really fight it. You were my competition as much as I was yours.”

“I guess,” you said quietly. “I just… I feel like I wasted so much time hating you. Maybe we could’ve even been friends.”

His gaze sparked. “Just friends?” he asked with a quirk of his brow.

“Jimin,” you groaned, but started to smile.

“Listen.” Expression softening, Jimin moved closer. “Even if I had decided to explain all this in high school, would you have believed me?”

“Probably not.”

“Exactly. I was a dick back then.” He nodded. “Remember that one time I lied and told you the awards ceremony had been pushed back an hour?”

Sitting up straighter, you glared. “Oh, I remember. I showed up after they’d already taken the photo for Top Junior solos.”

Jimin grinned. “Or the time I put an out of order sign on the women's restroom after your solo at BRAVO, so you had to run all the way across the auditorium?”

“That was you!” you blurted out, wide-eyed. “No one would believe me when I said it was! Every girl was so pissed off at you that weekend.”

“Which is exactly why I could never admit it was me!”

In disbelief, you shook your head. “You did all of that just to get back at me?”

Jimin’s smile disappeared. “Hey, you weren’t innocent either,” he argued. “Remember the time you spilled an entire water bottle next to my bag so that when I sat down, my ass got all wet?”

Devious, you smiled. “Honestly, there was kind of an ulterior motive there. As much as I hated you, your ass looks great in damp sweats.”

Jimin’s jaw dropped a little.

Managing to shut this, he took a casual step forward. “Is that what you thought?” he murmured, barely able to conceal the thickness in his voice.

“I… may have noticed a few things about you.”

When he placed a hand next to you on the counter, your breath hitched in response. Jimin repeated this with his other hand, bringing his body a step closer to yours.

Hesitant, his gaze roamed your face. “What else did you notice?”

“I…” you exhaled and glanced at his lips.

The air between you could have been cut with a knife, heated for a different reason than the stove beside you. Which – eyes widening, you glanced over.

“Shit!” you blurted. “Jimin, the pasta!”

Startled, he looked in the same direction as you and realized the water was boiling. Rushing away, Jimin entered the kitchen and turned down the burner. Now that you were separated by a solid counter, you felt somewhat dazed when you glanced up and saw him.

Meeting your gaze, Jimin came to a stop. “Anyways,” he said softly. “Now, you know. I didn’t trip you on purpose. I never really hated you. And I’m incredibly glad you’re here tonight.”

Watching him speak, something warm bloomed in your chest.

“Me, too,” you whispered.

Smiling, Jimin returned to the pasta and you settled back on the stool. Delicious scents soon filled the kitchen and you realized how truly hungry you were. You hadn’t eaten much at lunch in preparation and by now, you were famished.

It wasn’t long before Jimin placed pasta onto plates, adding the bread you’d cut up on the side. He brought these to his table, disappearing briefly to return with two candles.

“Oo,” you said as you took a seat. “Fancy.”

Jimin lit the one closest to you with a flourish. “We aim to please, here at Park Jimin’s Fine Eating and Dining.”

“Is that the name of your restaurant?”

“It is.”

“And you’re set on that decision?”

“I decided on a whim, but I have no regrets,” Jimin said, taking a seat across from you. “Now, eat before you piss off the chef and he takes back your food.”

Laughing, you dug into the pasta before you. It was delicious and, after the very first bite, you sighed in appreciation. Apparently, Jimin had truly set the bar low. Conversation began to flow, any lingering tension disappeared after talk of your past.

It was the oddest thing. You’d heard stories from friends about other first dates. They worried about how to behave, what to wear, or what to say to their date – but none of these worries seemed to exist for you in the moment. You’d been so concerned before the night began, but now that you were here, all these worries seemed to fly out the window.

You’d thought you’d spend the entire night comparing. Comparing Jimin to your last relationship, comparing Jimin as a date to Jimin as a friend, but instead, it felt like natural progression. It wasn’t a matter of comparing Jimin to anyone else, but rather simply enjoying where the night led.

After dinner, you insisted on helping clean because Jimin had cooked and bought the food. Donning rubber gloves over your dress, you stood at the sink and began to wash dishes. Jimin laughed as he joined, pulling on gloves to dry the dishes beside you. Once this was done, he suggested watching a movie before the ball dropped.

Collapsing onto the sofa, you adjusted your dress and scanned the room. The posters Jimin had bemoaned were now hung over the TV – you wondered if Hoseok had managed to somehow sneak them past his roommates. Small touches here and there made you think of Jimin.

A game he’d mentioned was out on the coffee table and a blanket which smelled like him was draped over a chair. Pulling this towards you, you wrapped it around yourself as Jimin left the kitchen.

Holding two glasses of wine, he paused when he saw you.

“What?” you said, glancing down.

“Nothing.” Jimin cleared his throat. “Are you cold?”

“A little,” you admitted, tugged his blanket closer.

“Shoot.” Jimin frowned. “The heat’s been weird since we moved in. I’m not sure how to fix – oh!” Setting the glasses down, he rushed towards the hall. “Do you want a sweatshirt?” he called.

“Yes, please!”

Jimin reappeared moments later, a navy sweatshirt in hand. Handing this over, he settled beside you on the sofa. He’d ditched his blazer and now, Jimin was dressed in only the paisley shirt and slacks.

Pulling his sweatshirt overhead, you somehow managed to get stuck right away. It was hard not to, with your hair and the dress, trying not to flash him while you kept your legs crossed.

After a moment of watching your undignified struggling, Jimin cleared his throat.

“Need help?”

“Yes, please,” you said weakly.

Jimin laughed, helping you free and once the hoodie was settled, you sighed and leaned back. Glancing sideways at Jimin, you found him already looking at you.

“What do you want to watch?” you asked.

Jimin blinked, then glanced at the TV. “Hm,” he mused, grabbing the remote. “We could watch the ball drop and enjoy the fact that we’re sitting inside, not standing in the freezing cold without any bathrooms.”

“I know!” you said with a shudder. “Out of all the stupid traditions, that’s one I’ll never understand.”

“How do so many people have it on their bucket list?”

“Right? That, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Zero out of ten. It’s cold, there’s wind and again, there’s the question of bathrooms.”

Jimin laughed as he scrolled through the channels. “Alright, so no to the ball drop. Want to watch a movie?”

“Sure.”

“What movie?”

“Why’re you making me pick?” you whined, sinking deeper into his cushions. “That’s such a large amount of pressure.”

“Exactly, which is why I don’t want to do it.”

You laughed and after some back and forth, decided to watch About Time. This was a movie about obstacles and falling in love, which seemed more than fitting because of the new year. At first, you and Jimin were watching diligently but eventually, he asked a question and conversation slowly drifted from the movie.

At some point, Jimin lowered the volume to focus solely on you. You curled deeper into the couch beside him, your thighs somehow touching and shoulders inches apart. Jimin’s head leaned against the cushion and he continued to smile in a way which made your heart flip.

“Here’s a question,” you murmured, no longer pretending to watch the movie.

His eyes gleamed in the darkness. “What?”

“Why’d you tell Sabrina you only wanted to be friends?”

Briefly, his eyes widened. “How did… you know about that?”

“She told me.”

“Hm.” Jimin gave you a dubious look but moved past it. Sabrina had begun hanging out with your friends as of late. “But alright, I’ll answer. If I do though, you need to answer one of my questions. Deal?”

“Deal.”

“So, I was single when I came to Russet.” Jimin paused. “It was the first time in a long time, and I may have hooked up with a couple of people.”

“Hm,” you said tightly.

His eyes danced with amusement. “Jealous?”

“Answer the question.”

He laughed. “Anyways, I only hooked up with Sabrina the one time. Afterwards…” Jimin sighed. “I felt kind of weird about her asking me to switch partners. Then I overheard what she said about Ari at weigh-ins and just didn’t feel like anything more... Plus, there was the other reason.”

“And what was the other reason?”

“I was starting to like you,” he said, a bit softer. “The day you said you wanted to be friends was a giant weight from my chest. And the more relaxed you were around me, the more… I don’t know. The more I liked you, I guess. My mom has always called me her hopeless romantic,” Jimin said with a smile. “I don’t know about that, but I can be single-minded when I like someone. That was part of the reason I told Sabrina we shouldn’t hook up anymore.”

“Oh,” you whispered.

His smile turned lopsided. “Does that answer your question?”

“Yeah. I guess it does.”

“My turn, then.” Smile disappearing, his gaze darkened. “Why did you really call me that night at the club?”

“Oh. That. Well, I –”

“And don’t say it was because I had a car,” Jimin interrupted. “There were a lot of people you could’ve called to help. You didn’t, though. You called me. Why?”

You hesitated before you realized there was only one answer. “I wanted to see you,” you said honestly. “I was scared, I was alone and… you were the person I wanted to see.”

Jimin’s gaze had become nearly black, the air between you thick with something unsaid. You were suddenly conscious of all each part of your body pressed to his. When Jimin shifted on the couch, you moved somehow closer.

He hesitated, then glanced at your mouth. “I don’t…” Jimin licked his lips, sounding hoarse. “I don’t want to do anything you’re not ready for.”

“You won’t,” you told him.

Something uncertain passed over his face. “Maybe we should take things slow.”

“Or,” you said slowly. “I could tell you things I like about you, instead.”

“And what would be the point of that?”

Your gaze shifted to his. “You’ve told me a lot tonight about how much you like me,” you said softly. “About how long you’ve liked me. I think it’s time I returned the favor.”

Something in his gaze cracked and he nodded. The TV in the background was quiet, only the noise from the street and the whoosh of the heater breaking the silence.

“First,” you said, glancing down at his lap. “You have really nice hands.”

Jimin’s lips twitched. “My hands? I’ve always thought they were small.”

“Wrong. They’re the perfect size. Never have they dropped me.”

“Mm, that’s a good point.”

“And your smile,” you said.

“What about it?”

“I like your smile,” you told him. “It makes me smile.”

His eyes crinkled in demonstration. “Oh, yeah?”

“And your ears.”

Jimin laughed. “My ears?”

Reaching out, you delicately traced over an edge. “I’ve spent a long time looking at your profile, Park. I know what I’m talking about here.”

As your fingers moved lower, feather-light down his jaw, Jimin’s smile disappeared.

“I like your jaw, too,” you told him.

In the darkness, his gaze glinted, and you felt his jaw tense.

“And your lips,” you added, gaze lowering. “I like those a lot.”

“Y/N…” Jimin’s eyes fluttered shut.

“Yeah?”

He slowly exhaled. “I just don’t want you to regret this.”

“Jimin.”

He opened his eyes.

Your expression was serious. “I told you I wouldn’t jump into something before I was ready,” you said, lifting your other hand. “But I’m not in love with Finn anymore. It doesn’t hurt when I think about what happened last semester. I like you, Jimin. I want you. I don’t want to keep pushing you away. I get if you’re unsure about this, though. If you’re unsure about me.”

Jimin’s gaze roamed your face. “Unsure?”

“I know I hurt you before. I shouldn’t have kissed you and ran away. But I promise this isn’t like that. I’m not running away. I’m the furthest thing from running and I –”

Cutting you off, Jimin pressed his lips to yours.

You shuddered a little, leaning into his kiss before he pulled back. Jimin exhaled, barely a breath before he kissed you again.

Noses brushing, lips lingering, the kiss slowly deepened. Your hands curled into his hair, pulling him forward to bask in his warmth. It was dizzying, how different this felt than last time. Last time you’d been heartbroken, desperately yearning each time your lips had touched.

Now, Jimin felt like air, like sunshine as you drowned in his presence. Hand grasping your waist, Jimin moved you closer so your chest nestled to his. Lifting his fingers, his touch skimmed your jaw, your hairline before he circled the nape of your neck.

Drawing away, he bit down on your lip. With a low sort of moan, Jimin sought your lips again. When his mouth opened yours, his tongue swept forward and you nearly combusted.

This was only to tease, though. Only to taste before he pulled away, pressing a chaste kiss to your lips. Thumb skimming your jawline, Jimin tilted your head back to brush a kiss to your throat. Moving higher, he worshiped a slow path up the column of your neck. At your ear, he nipped gently before he returned.

Now, his kisses began to deepen. Mouths opening, your tongues brushed only briefly before he chose to withdraw. You were glad you were kissing on the couch, because suddenly your own legs felt weak underneath you.

Hand re-gripping his waist, Jimin pulled you against him. Eager, your hands found his neck and the blanket dropped to the floor. It wasn’t enough, though – you needed more, wanted to feel him fully beneath you. Rising on your knees, you swung a leg over his lap and settled on top.

Jimin hissed, his head hitting the back of his couch. Your dress had ridden up in the process, exposing your thighs – his thumbs skimmed the surface before he looked up.

“Shit,” Jimin croaked.

Smiling, you bent to kiss him again. Jimin arched upwards, each part of your body electric where you touched. He shifted his hips, granting friction and heat which made you short-circuit. Pressing yourself closer, your thighs sild backwards until they nestled around his waist.

Jimin’s hand found your spine, pulling you closer as his hips pushed upwards. You groaned when you felt him shift underneath you. The kisses grew steadily hotter, this ache in your core increasing with every touch.

“Can I…” Pulling away, Jimin glanced lower. “Can I take off the sweatshirt?”

“Yeah,” you said, a bit dazed.

Jimin didn’t waste time, helping you pull this swiftly overhead. It was tossed on the ground and when your dress was revealed, he inhaled.

Slipping his hands up your bodice, Jimin met your gaze. “I’ve wanted to do this for so long,” he confessed, his voice hoarse.

“Do what?”

Your breath hitched when his hands skimmed your breasts, lingering in all your softest places.

“Touch you,” Jimin said. “It was torture to see you, to look at you and not be able to do this. Not how I wanted, anyways. I’d tell myself not to think about it, but…”

“Jimin.”

He paused and looked up. “Yes?”

“Touch me. Please.”

Without hesitation, Jimin slid his hands lower. Cupping your ass, he pulled you against him and allowed his other hand to drift up your spine. You shivered, closing your eyes as your head tilted back.

His hands slid up your front, over your breasts and under the straps of your dress. Jimin’s thumbs drifted lower, brushing your nipples through the fabric of your bodice. Opening your eyes, you looked down at him and saw his gaze darken.

Reaching higher, Jimin cupped the back of your neck and returned your lips to his.

He kissed you slowly, purposefully as you melted forward. Shifting against him, the kiss began to intensify. Mouths opening, your tongue swept forward in bold strokes against his. Suppressing a whimper, you ground your hips on his lap.

“Is,” you murmured, breaking free. “Is your bedroom unpacked?”

Jimin went still. “I – mostly, yeah.”

“Can I see it?”

“Fuck, yes,” he groaned, releasing your thighs as he stood from the couch.

You laughed, sliding down his front as your feet hit the ground. Tugging your dress down, you followed Jimin when he grabbed your hand. He pulled you down the hall, coming to a stop at the last room on the row. Pushing open the door, he flicked on the light and came to a stop.

Stepping forward, you glanced around Jimin’s room. You recognized some of the items from the two times you’d visited Jimin in the dorms. Photos of his family were carefully hung on the wall and he had the same pillows laid over his queen-sized bed.

Turning around, you took a step backwards and sat on his bed. “It’s nice,” you said, patting the comforter. “I like it here.”

Jimin watched you, his gaze half-lidded from the hall. “I like you here.”

Cheeks heating, you watched him enter and gently shut the door. Leaning back on your elbows, you arched a brow.

“Where’d we leave off?”

Jimin exhaled as he crossed the room. “I think you were on my lap,” he said hoarsely, kneeling beside you.

You nodded, moving to straddle him as he leaned to the wall. Catching your waist with both hands, Jimin pulled you against him, kissing you roughly even before you sat down. Suddenly ravenous, his hands slid to your ass as he rolled you against him. Inhaling sharply, you sucked his lower lip between teeth as he groaned.

Reaching up, Jimin tugged on your hair as you inhaled, throat exposed for him to kiss slowly down your front. When he returned to your lips, you ground your hips impatiently over the bulge in his pants.

Shifting his weight, Jimin’s spine hit the wall. He stared at you, slightly dazed with his kiss-reddened lips. Without looking away, Jimin lifted his fingers and began undoing his shirt. You stilled, watching each inch of skin be revealed. When he reached the last button, you gave in and helped push this aside. Smiling, Jimin sat up as his shirt fell to the floor.

You weren’t sure where to look first. Hands faltering, you slid them up his abs, over his shoulders and down his biceps. He was so perfect, it almost hurt to look at. Jimin’s breath quickened as you touched him and slowly, he lowered you down to the bed.

“Enough,” he said roughly, returning your lips to his.

As you kissed it turned lazy, nothing but grinding and touching. Jimin’s hair was messy beneath the pull of your fingers. He didn’t seem to mind, his own hands digging into the curve of your thigh. Playing with the hem of your dress, he deftly slid upwards.

“Jimin,” you said, breaking free. “Unzip me.”

His gaze darkened. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

Jimin nodded, following suit when you sat up beside him. Turning around, you exposed your back and Jimin began to lower the zipper. He moved slowly, taking his time as his fingers brushed skin. Holding the dress up with your hands, you waited until it was fully unzipped before releasing it to the floor.

Turning around, you found Jimin’s jaw slack.

“You…” He roughly inhaled while he scanned your body. “Lace, Y/N? Really?”

“Do you like it?” you asked.

You may have gone overboard preparing for tonight. Although you hadn’t been sure what would happen, you also hadn’t wanted to be caught off your guard. Tonight, your constant need to plan had come in handy. Beneath your dress you’d worn a crimson lace bra and panties – a matching set which Jimin seemed to like, based on his expression.

“You’re going to kill me,” he muttered, lowering his lips to your neck.

Kissing slowly down your chest, he came to a stop where the two halves joined together. Skimming the length of your torso, his hands trembled a little when he brushed the lace.

Jimin looked up. “I’m sorry I keep touching you,” he murmured. “I just – you’re driving me crazy. You’ve been driving me crazy.”

“You said that before,” you whispered.

“I meant it.”

Kissing again up your body, he lingered in places your skin was exposed. Inhaling, your eyes fluttered shut as you grasped his shoulders.

Jimin’s hand slid between your thighs. “Part them,” he murmured, and you obeyed.

Heart racing, you opened your eyes and watched Jimin drag a finger slowly up the center of your panties. Even you could feel how damp the fabric was, how wet and ready you were for him.

Lifting his finger to his lips, Jimin sucked. “You’re soaking,” he breathed, sounding eager. “So good to me.”

Lowering his head, his tongue flicked your breast. Teasing the nipple through fabric, he urged and he sucked until it was fully erect. Moving onto the next one, Jimin grazed with his teeth until it pressed wantonly into the lace cup of your bra. Moaning his name, you arched against him.

Finding your wrists, Jimin pinned you backwards as he continued. Thighs caging your waist, he kept you hostage with his exquisite torture. The lace of your bra was now drenched, Jimin sucking debauchedly through fabric.

“Jimin,” you groaned, twisting on the sheets. “Please.”

His hips rolled lazily against your center. “Not yet,” he insisted before pulling back. “Not until you make a mess of my sheets. Want to ruin these panties.”

Sliding a hand between your thighs, he lightly circled your entrance. Feeling how wet you were, Jimin softly groaned. Sitting back on his heels, he finally relented and pulled your panties down. Tossing these to the floor, he returned to your thighs and spread your legs.

Lightly, Jimin dragged the pads of his thumbs up and down your panty line. “God, you’re so perfect,” he murmured. “Got my sheets fucking soaked.”

Separating two of his fingers, he slowly dragged his digits up and down your folds. You inhaled, feeling needy while you watched him touch you. Each brush of his fingers had you dripping – teasing over your entrance, he refused to give you exactly what you wanted. Feather-light, Jimin circled your swollen clit with his finger.

Hands gripping the sheets, you could only stare while Jimin brought you closer and closer to the edge. He was barely touching you, but it was the most turned on you’d ever been in your life. Jimin’s thumb swiped over your clit, rubbing you gently as you keened in frustration, arching against him.

He continued like this until you were gasping, begging for more and then – only then – did he slide a finger inside you. Legs trembling, you arched on his mattress and stared at him, glassy-eyed. When Jimin began to move in and out, you lost all control.

Lowering his head, he closed his lips over your clit.

“Oh my god,” you whimpered as you broke apart.

Barely did he suck before you were coming undone, pulsing around his fingers. Shuddering with pleasure, you collapsed on the bed as you rode out your high. Gently, Jimin pulled out his finger and returned to your lips.

Reaching behind you, he undid the clasp of your bra and tossed this on the floor. Once you were fully naked, he pulled you against him. You felt limp, thoroughly sated, but familiar excitement began to stir at his front pressed to yours. Tilting your head, he gently kissed you while your fingers wound in his hair.

Jimin moved slow, letting you take the lead. Your core continued to throb with oversensitivity, although this seemed to lessen the longer you kissed him. Before long, your nipples were hardening as you rubbed against him. Fingers digging into your thigh, Jimin pulled this over his hip to watch you lazily grind.

Realizing he still wore pants, you lowered a hand, determined to fix this. Jimin helped, dragging the zipper down to throw both these and his boxers down on the floor.

He bent to kiss you again, but you placed a hand on his chest. “Wait,” you murmured. “I want to see you.”

Jimin exhaled, leaning back so you could take in his body. If you’d thought his chest was unreal, it was nothing compared to his trim hips, sculpted thighs and cock nestled between.

“Oh,” you said, dragging a hand down his front.

Jimin shuddered a little. He was already hard, his cock thick and pretty with a reddened tip. It made your mouth water to look at, wanting to lick up the shaft. Reaching between you, you closed your fist around him and slowly jerked him off.

You watched in fascination as Jimin responded. His jaw tightened, abs tense while you teased over his frenulum. His cock responded instinctively, hardening further the longer you touched him.

After a few minutes of this, Jimin shook his head. “No more,” he said huskily, taking your hand in his. “I’ll come if you keep doing that.”

“Oh?” you murmured, gaze darting lower.

He chuckled, a rough sound in his throat. “I like watching you come,” Jimin confessed, his cock hard between you. “It turns me on. I’m… still trying to recover from your last orgasm.”

“Oh,” you said, in a completely different way.

Jimin exhaled, hair falling forward. “I hope that doesn’t weird you out.”

“Does it… weird me out that you like giving orgasms?”

“Well, when you put it like that.”

“How else would I put it?”

His grin became devious. “You could ask for another.”

Breathless, you nodded and Jimin’s gaze darkened.

He descended your body, not wasting any time as he positioned himself between your legs. Licking slow up your center, you gasped and instinctively drew your legs higher. Jimin didn’t bother easing you into it. No, now he ate you out like he wanted to.

Kissing your folds, he returned to your clit and sucked this into his mouth. Rolling the sensitive bud with his tongue, he teased and released before you knew what was happening. He continued to do this, spreading you underneath him and bringing you close to coming, only to pull back and leave you maddeningly empty.

Spreading your folds, he began licking sweetly over your clit. This was followed by loose, lazy sucking and more tender flicks. You stared dazedly at him between your legs, the sight more erotic than anything you could’ve imagined.

Grinding his cock into the sheets, Jimin thrust his hips while he pleasured you. You could tell he enjoyed this; each grunt from his lips was more affirmation. Moving lower, he circled your cunt with his tongue just to lap up your juices. You gasped at the sensation, having never felt it before. Flicking your clit with his thumb, Jimin fucked your cunt with his tongue before he slowly withdrew.

Spreading you wide, he returned to your clit and you clasped a hand over your lips before a moan could escape. Each curl of his tongue left you gasping, writhing beneath the pleasurable onslaught of his mouth. Pulling away, Jimin pressed a gentle kiss to your thigh before he rose up your body.

At your mouth, he kissed your fingers. “You don’t have to be quiet,” he told you. “I want to hear the noises you make, Y/N. It makes me feel good.”

Removing your hand, you slowly nodded.

Jimin just grinned, dropping between your legs to begin eating you out again. This time, you didn’t hold back. Jimin seemed to appreciate this as you slipped further from control. He was so good with his mouth, making you see stars as your legs started to shudder. When he slid his finger inside you and fingered you again, your hands fisted in the sheets.

“Ji-jimin,” you gasped, writhing beneath him. “Jimin, I – oh.”

He began to move faster, adding a second finger as your insides clenched around him. Everything tightened, hovering at a breaking point while Jimin continued, relentless. His mouth on your clit, his fingers inside you – everything broke apart when you came, gasping his name.

Jimin didn’t move, kissing your sex as you slowly came down. He lapped at your sex, licking up your arousal before withdrawing his fingers. Once your breathing had steadied, Jimin returned to the sheets beside you.

“Good?” he breathed, draping an arm over your waist.

“Oh my god, yes,” you exhaled, burying your face in his chest.

He laughed, pulling you closer. Jimin started to pull away, which made you look up and frown.

“What are you doing?” you said.

He paused. “I’m looking for a tissue.”

“Why?”

“I… I’m kind of at a loss here.”

“No, I mean why now,” you said, baffled. “I can come again, Jimin. I want to come with you inside me.”

Jimin stared at you a moment.

“Unless…” Uncertain, you hesitated. “You don’t want to…?”

“Fuck,” Jimin muttered, sounding hoarse. “No – I want to. I really want to. Are you sure, though?” he said, reaching to open the side drawer of his bed.

You grinned when he pulled out a condom, ripping this open.

“I’m sure,” you murmured, moving closer.

Jimin rolled the condom onto himself, pausing before he went any further. Shifting his weight so he hovered over you, Jimin searched your gaze. Reaching lower, you casually stroked his cock and guided him to your center.

He didn’t enter yet, content to take his time. Instead, Jimin bent and kissed you, dragging a hand down your side. His fingers paused at your breast, tweaking your nipple until it stood fully erect. Moving to your waist, he curved under your ass and lifted your hips to his.

Arching upwards, you felt his cock brush your center. The touch made you pant, wanting him inside you and wanting it now. Rolling over his length, you marveled at the feel of him between your legs. Having him so close and not having him inside you was maddening.

“Jimin,” you whimpered.

“Yeah?” he murmured, continuing to thrust between your thighs.

“Please,” you begged him.

“Alright, baby,” he said and rolled you onto your back.

It was the first time he’d used the endearment, sending a wave of warmth through you as your legs parted. Reaching lower, Jimin positioned himself at your entrance. It took him a moment to work his way in; you were so wet, he needed a second try. With only his tip inside, you immediately clenched and buried your head in his shoulder.

Lightly, Jimin brushed a kiss to your hair. “Relax, baby,” he murmured, making you glance up. “I’ll make you feel good. I promise.”

Slowly, you nodded. “Okay.”

Laying slowly back down, you tried to relax while he worked his way deeper. With slow, shallow thrusts, Jimin finally bottomed out and you stared at him in amazement. His cock was thicker than you were used to and stuffed to the brim like this, you felt so full. Glancing down, you saw his hips nestled snugly to yours.

When you looked up, Jimin met your gaze. “I’m sorry,” he exhaled, hanging his head. “I just – I need a minute.”

“What’s wrong?” you blurted, immediately worried.

A smile passed over his lips. “Nothing’s wrong.” He looked up. “You’re just… fuck. I feel like a damn virgin. You’re so tight and wet, I’m losing my mind.”

Hearing him say this sent a shiver through you. Shifting your hips, you reveled in the sensation of him moving inside you.

Jimin groaned. “No,” he protested. “You can’t do that right now.”

“Do what?”

“Try and make me move,” he murmured. “I know you can’t see yourself, so you can’t see how hot you look. Tits out, pussy spread and dripping all over my cock.���

“Oh,” you breathed.

“Sounding like that.”

“Jimin. If you don’t –”

He suddenly thrust deeper, grinding his pelvis against your core and making you groan. Speechless, you stared as he slowly pulled out. Jimin teased you with his tip, moving a few inches back in before he thrust again.

“Oh,” you groaned, jolted upwards on the bed.

His gaze dropped to your chest. “Fuck,” Jimin said quietly, dropping down to an elbow.

He moved again in earnest, thrusting slowly in and pulling back out. It made your breath catch, needing more but loving the torture. It was torture to feel every inch of him and have Jimin continue to hold back. You knew he could go faster, deeper, but wanted to stay in control.

Dropping his head, Jimin slowly kissed your neck. His cock continued to move, fucking you slowly as your legs opened wider.

“Jimin,” you whimpered.

Your hips chased after his, hoping to coerce him deeper.

He smirked. “Yes, baby?”

“Please,” you said, arching against him. “I want more.”

“You want it harder?”

As he said this, Jimin increased his strength. Keeping the tempo the same, each thrust of his cock had your lips parting with pleasure.

“Yes,” you whimpered, barely hanging on.

“And faster? You want that, too?”

You nodded, slack-jawed as Jimin sped up the pace. His cock began to pound into you, hand fisting in sheets as he gave it to you hard. Arching underneath him, your hands dragged down his back as Jimin fully let go. With each thrust of his hips, his pelvis brushed your clit and yet, it still wasn’t enough.

“More?” he teased, continuing to fuck you.

“More,” you whimpered, sliding your hands up your breasts. Tweaking the nipples, you watched his gaze harden. “I want more, Jimin.”

He immediately moved, as though he’d been waiting for this. Grasping your ankles in one hand, he lifted them high overhead and pulled his cock out. You gasped when he did so, your hands falling to the side while you were put on display. The position pushed your pussy lips together, giving an incredible view of your dripping cunt.

Jimin plunged his cock back inside, nearly making you scream. It felt so deep this way – so deep and hard and deliciously wanton. Jimin fucked you from above, hips slamming into you and making your breasts bounce.

Jimin groaned, his hips never faltering. “Touch them,” he said, lowering your ankles to one shoulder. “Touch your tits for me, baby.”

You obeyed, hands sliding over your breasts to tease your nipples. This sent a shock of pleasure straight to your core and Jimin hammered your g-spot, making you see stars. Jaw slack, you could only lie there and take it while he made you come.

It was too much, the wave of pleasure threatening to overwhelm, but then Jimin leaned forward and you finally snapped. You felt him release into the condom as you fell apart, rope after rope of hot cum inside you.

Eventually, Jimin softened and fell onto his elbow. As he opened his eyes, he sought your gaze and you smiled. His cheeks were flushed, his hair dark and sweaty and you couldn’t help the deep surge of affection within you.

“I don’t know about you,” he murmured. “But that was pretty fucking incredible.”

“Same here,” you whispered. “I’d like to do it again sometime.”

“Three orgasms weren’t enough?”

“Were they enough for you?”

“No.” Jimin laughed. “I could watch you come all night. But we should probably get you cleaned up and all that.”

“Probably,” you agreed, although you made no effort to move.

Eventually Jimin sighed and gently pulled out. Tossing his condom in the trash, he showed you to the bathroom and let you do what you needed to do. When you returned, Jimin was on top of his bed. He’d put back on his boxers and held out his sweatshirt.

“I thought you might want this,” he said, uncertain.

Smiling, you took it and lowered it over your head. Climbing beside him on the bed, you rested your head on his shoulder and cuddled beside him. Listening to his breathing, you concentrated until yours started to match.

Outside, cheers erupted from the street. Scrambling upwards, you fought to look out Jimin’s side window. As you hurried to see what the commotion was about, Jimin groaned when you flashed him your bare ass, but followed suit.

Glancing outside, you realized it must have turned midnight. Fireworks went off over the skyline, people cheered below, and someone had lit a sparkler on the street. Voices drifted higher, wishing each other a happy new year as slowly, you turned around to face Jimin.

He smiled at you, his happiness clear when he pulled you to him. A dizzying rush of what-if’s and excitement went through you and somehow, you knew this would be only the beginning.

“Happy new year,” he murmured.

“Happy new year,” you whispered, tilting your face up to his.

Author’s Note: Thank you so much for reading this series 😊 It’s been a whirlwind, so thank you for sticking with our main characters throughout the journey! I hope you enjoyed and are having a wonderful holiday season :) happy (almost) new year!

RAISE THE BARRE MASTERLIST 

© kpopfanfictrash, 2020. Do not copy or repost without permission.

[ohpuckthat]

Arranged... (Mat Barzal)

A/N I'm not going to come back and say I'm fully back or commit to anything but I really wanted to write something and with hockey season right around the corner, I couldn't think of a better time. I'm also super procrastinating on homework but that's beside the point. I am going to try and write more because I love it so much but I also can't promise there's going to be any consistency with my writing. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this Mat imagine. It's a little sad but unlike some of my other stories, has a kinda happy ending. 😊

It started when I was 3. I don't remember anything but the album full of photos of all the guests holding me proves that I was there. Then, when I was 13, my mom and grandmother spent almost 5 hours trying on dresses before my grandmother chose the 'right' dress, and spend almost half of that getting ready.

As soon as I turned 18, I packed up and moved to New York, hoping to start fresh. That's when I met Mat. He had just finished his first full season with the New York Islanders and I had just gotten my first job. A few months after we started talking, we went out on our first date. Two and a half years later and we finally moved in together.

When I turned 23, and the invitation turned up, I felt physically sick. Before I could hide it, Mat found it and was extremely excited.

"Oh, come on! I haven't got the chance to meet your family yet. We should go." He smiled, holding my hands.

"Mat, I assure you that meeting my family at my grandparent's vow renewal is not the way to go."

"I'm not going to wait another ten years for your family to get together so I can meet them all." He said, waving the invitation in my face.

"I just think it would be best if you met my family piece by piece instead of all together. It'd be so much easier."

"You have to go anyway. We can kill two birds with one stone."

"Fine. But if anything comes up, we're skipping this."

"Deal." He laughed, pulling me into him, laying back onto the couch.

Only a few weeks later, we were running around the apartment trying to pack. Well, I was running around as Mat went through his extensive collection of suits trying to figure out what to wear.

"What colour dress are you wearing?" He called out.

"I don't know yet."

"What?"

"Mat, I show up and my grandmother throws a dress at me. I put it on, sit and let her stylist do my hair and makeup. I then spend the next few hours wishing I was anywhere but there."

"So what colour dress did you wear last time?"

"It was pink and super poofy. I was also 13 at the time so I'm hoping it won't be anything like it was then."

"So what colour suit should I wear?"

"Mat, just pack one," I whined, leaning against the closet door.

"I just don't want to clash with you."

"Okay, then pack multiple. Worst case, I'm sure we can find a suit that won't clash."

"I just want to make a good first impression."

"You will. I promise." I smiled, quickly kissing his cheek before running back to finish packing.

With our bags packed and set at the door, we spent the night watching a movie and going through who to avoid at the family gathering.

"And the least amount of time you can spend around my grandparents, the better."

"But they're the ones throwing the thing."

"Just trust me. My grandparents have this weird superpower that if you stay in a conversation with them for too long, there's a high chance you may start crying."

"I doubt I will cry."

"You'd be surprised," I whispered, laying back further into his chest. "You know you don't have to go if you don't want to. I'm perfectly fine going alone."

"I told you, I want to meet your family."

"Okay."

"It'll be fun. I promise." He said, kissing my cheek.

The next day, we hopped on a plane and made our way to my hometown. The vow renewal wasn't until the next day so we spent the rest of the day driving around the town and then crashing early.

I had woken up the next morning before Mat, sliding out of his grasp. I grabbed my phone and checked my messages, seeing a few from my mom and one from my grandma, all about what time I was expected to show up. Looking back to the bed, I saw Mat start to reach out towards where I was just laying.

"Where'd you go?" He mumbled into the pillow.

"I'm here. I have to go in about a half an hour."

"What? The party doesn't start until 7."

"I know. But I have to go and make sure that the dress she picked out fits me and if it doesn't, that gives the stylist an ample amount of time to fix it. Then I have to get my hair and makeup done at a certain undisclosed time and get the okay from grandma that I don't look too whoreish when I'm standing in the event hall. Then there will be a list of about 20 other things I'm going to have to do." I explained, all whilst getting dressed.

"I didn't realize how involved you were in today."

"I'm technically not supposed to be but grandma likes to stay out of sight once she's fully ready just in case grandpa is roaming around. But she's too controlling to just let the event planner take the reigns so I will be sent out to make sure everything runs smoothly."

"Oh, okay." He said, sitting up in bed. "I thought we'd be able to spend the morning in bed."

"I mean you can. I have to run but how about you come around 6:30 so we can get the introductions with my parents done, and maybe my grandparents."

"Sounds good."

"I'll send you a picture of my dress so you know which suit to wear." I smiled, walking out the door.

"Thank you!"

As soon as I walked into the building, I was whisked away into one of the many back rooms. My grandmother having a conversation with the stylist and my mother on her phone, trying not to wrinkle her dress.

"Sweetie, you're here!" Mom called, running over as fast as she could before kissing both of my cheeks.

"Careful! You're in your dress." Grandma called, scolding my mother.

"Sorry, mom." She said dejected, walking away from me.

"Hi, grandma."

"Your dress is hanging up in the bathroom. Get dressed so we can get a move on."

"Sure thing." I smiled, making my way to the bathroom to see an amazing burgundy floor-length dress, some jewelry, a purse and a necktie around the hanger. I put everything on and walked out of the bathroom, tie in hand. "I'm assuming this is for Mat?"

"Well I don't know his name but if he's going to be around you all night, the least you can do is match."

"I'll let him know."

"Perfect. Now sit. The faster you get ready, the faster I can get ready."

I quickly sat at the vanity and closed my eyes as people ran around me and my grandmother called out orders. It didn't take long before I was under review.

"You look amazing darling. Now here's the list I gave Marissa. She's useless but she knows how to whip up a team."

Once they left me to my own devices, I took out my phone and texted Mat.

Wear the black suit. I have a tie for you. I'll see you at 6:30 😘

I put my phone back into my purse and started the running around. The room was fully together at 5 and given grandma approval not long after. I thanked the whole crew and made my way back to my grandma's room. Mom and I sat there as my grandmother barked at her hairstylist and makeup artist.

When 6:30 rolled around, I let my mom know Mat was on his way and I was going to go wait for him. Walking out the door, Mat was walking up.

"You look breathtaking." He smiled, running up and placing a kiss on my lips.

"And you look as amazing as always. C'mon in. We'll get the tie on you and then we can head into the lion's den."

"Deal." He smiled, placing his hand on my lower back leading me into the hall. "I thought this was supposed to be a small event." As he looked around, I could tell he was starting to feel overwhelmed.

"Grandma thinks anything under 250 guests is small. I promise it's not that big." I smiled, fixing the tie around his neck. Once it was tied, I placed my hands on his chest, feeling his on my hips.

"So who are we starting with?"

"Well, we can either go with my dad and grandpa or my mom and grandma."

"I don't know. What do you think?"

"I think we should go the ladies first. That way, we have an excuse when it's time."

"Let's do that." He smiled, following me down the hall. With a quick hi to my mom and grandma and another to my grandfather and dad, I left Mat in the boy's room before heading back to my mom and grandma.

"So, Mat's nice." My grandma said, sitting at the vanity.

"He really is. He was very excited to come and meet everyone today."

"That's nice." She smiled, turning back to the mirror. That sure is one way to end a conversation. "You should go and take your seat. We're going to be starting soon."

"Of course." I smiled, walking out of the room. I met back up with Mat and led him towards the event hall. We quickly took our seats and waited for it to start.

"Well, I think I made a good impression on your dad and grandpa."

"That makes me so happy."

"And your grandma?"

"She's a tough nut to crack. She did say you were nice."

"Nice?"

"I promise, that's high praise."

"Really?" Before I could answer, we heard the organ start. I sent him a smile and nod before turning my attention to the front.

The vow renewal went off without a hitch as expected. As the crowd dissipated into the dining hall, Mat and I were swept away with it. We found our place cards at the front table with both my parents and a few other members of my family. Luckily, the introductions went swimmingly and the small talk before/during dinner was nice and easy. The plates were taken away and it was time to dance. My grandparents took to the floor first but started around the room once everyone was invited to join them.

"That was sweet." Mat said, throwing his around the back of my chair.

"Yeah." I smiled, moving my chair in closer and leaning into him. "Do you want to dance?"

"Maybe later. I'm so full right now. Dinner was amazing."

"Okay." We sat watching the crowd on the dance floor, my parents joining them soon after.

"Oh, incoming." Mat whispered, helping me sit up properly. Just as I fixed myself, my grandparents arrived at our table. Looking around, I saw that we were the only ones left.

"Thank you for sitting up Sweet."

"Sorry, grandma."

"It's alright hun. So Mat, I see she hasn't dragged you to the dance floor." My grandpa said, pulling Mat into the conversation.

"Not yet. We're still digesting. Dinner was fantastic. I don't remember the last time I had such an amazing meal."

"And what did you think about the ceremony?" My grandma asked, slight frustration in her voice.

"Oh, it was beautiful. We'll have to ask for some tips for us." He smiled rubbing my back, a smile taking over my face.

"I didn't realize you two were that serious."

"Well, we have been together for over two years grandma."

"And you two have thought about marriage?"

"We've talked about it." I sighed, looking between the two adults in front of me.

"Well, we have to continue our rounds. We'll see you later hun." My grandpa said, leading my grandma away.

"That was interesting."

"That's one way to put it."

"Do you want to dance?" Mat whispered, getting up and holding out his hand.

"I'd love to," I said, taking his hand. With a slow love song playing, I wrapped one arm around Mat's neck, the other resting on his chest. Both his hands rested on my waist as we swayed to the beat. I felt safe in his arms and that was all I could ask for.

"You okay babe?" He whispered, moving one hand from my waist to my cheek.

"Yeah. I'm just so happy you're here."

"I'm happy to be here with you." He smiled, placing a kiss on my cheek. Once the slow song ended, I noticed my parents heading back to our table.

"Let's take a break," I said, grabbing his hand, bringing him back to the table. We sat for a while, my mom and dad getting to know Mat. This was definitely not as bad as I thought it would have been. I don't know why I was so nervous about Mat meeting them.

Drink after drink, I knew I would have to get to the washroom soon. I stayed with Mat for as long as I could before I needed to go. I looked up to Mat, asking him if he would be okay alone for the few minutes I would be gone. With a smile, he promised he'd be fine. I quickly excused myself before making my way down the hall. Wanting to reduce the amount of time Mat was alone with my parents as much as possible, once I finished my business, I tried to rush back. However, I was stopped as soon as I walked back into the room.

"You're Y/N right?" A random man asked, stopping me.

"Uh yeah?" I responded, confusion laced in my voice.

"Sorry, I'm Landon. Your grandmother thought I should come and introduce myself."

"She did?"

"She did." He smiled, taking a step closer, making me step back. I could almost see the arrogance drip from his mouth. "It almost sounded like she wanted to set us up."

"Well, it sounds like she forgot to mention that I am in a committed relationship."

"She certainly did."

"Of course." I scoffed, looking straight back at my table, hoping to make eye contact with Mat. Unfortunately, he was too engrossed in whatever conversation was being had there.

"Well, how serious is this committed relationship? Is he here?" Landon asked, moving his hands to my waist. I quickly shot up, grabbing his hands to try and move them off. Keyword, try. He had a firm grasp on my body, not showing any signs he would let go anytime soon.

"He is."

"I don't see him. Plus, your grandmother wouldn't be as mad if you were with me."

"Well, it's a good thing it doesn't matter what my grandmother thinks now isn't it? She's not dating him, I am." I smiled, finally pulling out of his grip.

"Fiesty, I like it." He whispered, leaning down towards my ear.

"Me too." I heard from behind me, feeling Mat's arm wrap around my waist. "And you are?"

"I'm assuming you're the committed relationship. Hi, I'm Landon."

"Nice to meet you. Now, if you'll excuse us." Mat smiled, pulling me away, leading us to an empty room off the main hall. "What the hell was that?"

"I have no clue. Thanks for the save there. I have no idea what-"

"No Y/N, there was obviously something there."

"What are you talking about?" I asked, taking a step back.

"His hands were all over you. If I didn't know any better, I would have assumed you two were dating."

"Mat, nothing is going on. That was the first time I have ever seen him. I only know his name and that he's a pretentious asshole."

"I can't do this right now. I'll see you back at the hotel." He whispered, basically running out of the room.

I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. Sure we had fights but none of them were as bad as this one. Mat had never walked out on me. We had always been able to talk it out. This time, he was pissed. Once I felt strong enough, I opened the door and walked out. I checked to see that Mat had really gone before making my way to my parent's table once more.

"Hey, sweetheart. Did Mat find you?" My dad asked, squeezing my shoulder.

"He did. He's uh, he's heading back to the hotel."

"Oh, hun. Is he okay?"

"Yeah. I think he's just overwhelmed." I sighed, playing with the ring Mat had bought me on our one-year anniversary.

"I totally get it. When I first met your grandparents, I was- well, let's just say, your grandmother wasn't my biggest fan. I'm still not completely sure she still likes me." He laughed, looking back at my mom.

"She's a tough nut to crack. I'm still not completely sure she likes me."

"But it was all worth it. Mat is a good guy. He's strong-willed. He has to be if he's with you."

"Dad!" I gasped, smacking his shoulder slightly.

"With talk like that, I think it might be time for us to go. He's had a few too many."

"Oh. That's okay. I um, I think I might head out too." I said, turning to grab my purse.

"You know you can come to stay at home if you want to give Mat some space." My mom said, grabbing my arm.

"Of course. I should be fine but I'll keep that in mind." I smiled, hugging them both.

By the large bag in my mom's hand, I could tell she had already gone to get her clothes. I walked with them to the hall before going our separate ways. Once I got to the dressing room, I checked it was empty before heading in, knowing I wouldn't be able to face my grandmother right now without breaking down. Just as I was about to walk out, the door slowly creaked open, my grandfather walked in.

"Hi, sweetpea. Are you heading out?"

"Yeah. Mom and dad left so I'm gonna go. I was going to try and find you before I left, I promise."

"I know you were. You always come to say bye. I guess Mat gets that from you."

"What?" I whispered, confusion clouding my mind.

"He came to say goodbye. Good kid that one. You did good kid."

"Thanks, grandpa. That means more than you think."

"I know. Your grandmother can be a bit much but I think Mat has the same strong will your dad has."

"That's what dad said."

"Great minds think alike. Anyway, I'll let you go. Apologize to Mat for us?"

"For what? You didn't do anything."

"No, but your grandmother did. Mat was extremely polite but the way he walked out, I knew something happened and I know your grandmother had something to do with it. Don't worry about her, she wouldn't have picked that up but I did. He's a great guy and he has my blessing, not that that should matter. Your father didn't get your grandmother's blessing until their tenth wedding anniversary."

"Really?"

"Yeah, and look how they turned up. I think you two are on the same path."

"Thanks, grandpa."

"No problem. Now, don't wait another ten years to come to visit."

"I promise. I love you."

"Love you too sweetpea. Good luck." He said, kissing my cheek before sending me on my way.

Once I got in my car, I made my way back to the hotel. The whole ride there, I got myself ready to talk to Mat but also got myself ready not to talk. I didn't know whether he would be ready and I wanted to give him as much space as possible.

Once I parked, I collected myself before heading up to our room. I took a deep breath and walked in. Mat was laying in bed, watching the guide channel on his phone. He looked up but looked back down to his phone once he saw it was me, sending out the message loud and clear.

"I'm just going to grab my pyjamas and head to my parents. Um, just text me in the morning when you're ready." I smiled slightly, speaking softly. I dug through my suitcase and grabbed my stuff. I turned to the door and grabbed the handle but stopped once I heard his voice.

"Babe wait." He called, hopping up from the bed. "Don't go."

"I don't want to pressure you."

"You're not. We should talk about it." He said, pulling me into his arms. "I'm sorry."

"No, I am. My grandmother should not have done that but it doesn't matter because I love you and nothing that my family throws our way will change that. God, Mat, I love you so much that I don't know what to do with myself."

"I love you too ma belle, and I shouldn't have just walked out. I should have stayed and we should have talked there. That's what we do. We talk and I wasn't there. I should have been there."

"Hey," I said, lifting his chin up to meet his eyes. "You were there. You came tonight knowing you were heading straight into the lion's den and you ran in head held high and walked out, slightly scathed but you still held your head high. I talked to my grandpa just before I left and he told me you still went to say goodbye."

"Yeah, well, someone I love told me it isn't right to leave a party without saying goodbye to the host. Even if you have to hunt for them." He laughed, pulling me into another hug. We stood in silence for a moment, just soaking in each other presence.

"So we're good?"

"We're more than good. I know you and I trust you. I just forgot, like a dummy." He chuckled, picking up the pyjamas I dropped. "Now get changed. We have some crappy hotel tv to watch."

"Sir yes sir." I smiled, playfully saluting him. Mat helped me out of my dress, hopping into the bed as I pulled on my pyjamas. I skipped over to the bed, hopping in next to him.

"You were right about that family friend. She totally tried to grab my butt."

"I told you. You have a very grabbable butt and she saw it from a mile away."

"I should have listened." He said, a comfortable silence falling over us as he shuffled through the channels. Once he settled on one, he set the remote down and shuffled slightly, getting comfortable.

"My grandpa gave you his blessing."

"He did?"

"Yeah, and my parents adored you. I'm surprised they didn't bow down and start kissing your feet." I joked, feeling his chest move up and down as he laughed.

"And your grandma?" He asked once he had calmed.

"Mat..." I started, not knowing what to say.

"I know she doesn't like me but I want to know if that's a forever hate or a temporary dislike."

"I don't think it's a forever dislike, but it might also be a bit longer than a temporary dislike."

"Like how much longer?"

"Like One Direction hiatus long." I grinned, looking up at him.

"Well, then we've had plenty of training."

"That we have," I whispered, looking back at the tv.

"I love you."

"I love you."

[shutupanddance]

Master Post

If you’re looking for my Master List, check out this link:

https://shutupanddance.tumblr.com/masterlist

Okay cool cats and kittens, I’m creating this master post to help you navigate my page and stay updated :) It will be pinned to my blog, and it will have my fandom list, my prompt list, my to-do list, any current events, and a few frequently asked questions. So, looking for information about requesting? Suggestions for requests? Or wondering what I’m currently working on? Don’t know if I’ve received your request? This is the place to look! Just keep on reading <3

Current Events 

None!

Fandoms

Here are the fandoms I write for!!

+ Marvel (MCU)

+ DC (DCU)

+ Sherlock

+ Star Wars (trilogies, Clone Wars, Rebels, Mandalorian)

+ Star Trek (reboots, original series)*

+ Pacific Rim

+ Knives Out

+ Night at the Museum

+ LOTR / The Hobbit

+ Jurassic Park/World

+ The West Wing*

+ NCIS*

*fandoms that you will see the most of on my blog.

Prompt List

(Does not include prompts from any current events) Here are some prompts that you can use for your request, or for your own writing! As a reminder, not all of these prompts are properly credited. Please let me know if you have the original creator’s @!

#1: “I’d agree with you, but then we’d both be wrong.”

#2: “Should I ask why you have a knife in your purse?”

”It’s a dagger, actually, and no you shouldn’t.”

#3: “Close your eyes and listen. And trust me.”

#4: Rosemary, broken glass, and an old gun.

#5: “Do you remember when I loved you?”

”No.”

”Good, because I never did.”

#6: “He saw the notice in the paper.”

”Why would you let him see the paper?”

”What was I supposed to do, eat it?”

#7: “I didn’t catch your name!”

”I didn’t throw it.”

#8: “I’m not better than you, but at least I’m not you. And right now, that’s worth a whole lot.”

#9: Romantic dinner, but something is wrong.

#10: Forehead kisses during an apocalypse

#11: “This isn’t BBC Sherlock! You can’t just run around administering justice as you see fit!

#12: Trying to get a smoke detector to shut up

#13: Falling out of a closet during Hide N Seek

#14: Revealing a dark secret, but it turns out that they already know

#15: Once upon a midnight dreary

#16: The odds were never in our favor

#17: If I should die, think only this of me

#18: Attack hugs

#19: Afraid of ladybugs

#20: The dumb*ss God couldn’t stop

#21: “There’s a rumor going around that you’re the one to ask if someone needs to acquire rare and dangerous objects.”

”There’s a rumor going around that you’re an undercover cop.”

#22: A parking lot, a coroner, and snails

#23: “You’re the only person I know who calls me that.”

#24: This is not a drill.

#25: It’s the price we pay to feel

#26: A character is cleaning/sweeping the floor when someone walks by with dirty shoes (via @writingprompts365 )

#27: “I’m back from my mission!”

““You failed it.”

““How’d you know?”

They point at the TV.

#28: A character is pushed into some bushes/plants/flowers (via @writingprompts365 )

#29: A character picks up a very shiny rock (same @)

#30: A character combs another character’s hair (same)

#31: A character is forced to have a conversation with someone they don’t like (same)

#32: Laughing hysterically at their own joke

#33: Stuck under the same umbrella

#34: ““Well, this is a nice change of scenery!”

““It’s a jail cell.”

““I was being sarcastic.”

#35: ““Let me just be perfectly clear that this was not my fault.”

#36: ““Can I buy you coffee? For old times sake?”

#37: Fake dating

#38: Huddling for warmth

#39: Being high on painkillers and confessing undying love to everyone

#40: “That’s starting to get annoying.”

#41: “I fell asleep on the bus and woke up here.”

#42: “It’s freaking cold.”

#43: “You’re not exactly known for your great ideas.”

#44: ““Can you keep a secret?”

#45: Character A lives above character B, and always drives B insane with how much stomping they do. One day, A’s foot goes right through the floor, into B’s apartment.

#45: Character A and Character B, sworn enemies, are chosen to prepare the company Christmas Party.

#46: you’re a security guard at an art gallery and you held the door for me so I left you a note in the door where we met I hope you read it

#47: Person A and Person B both trying to break into the same place on the same night by accident, only to be chased by the police upon meeting and having to hide in a closet/cupboard/safe together until they leave.

#48: the first and the last word they said to each other

#49: your kid hates my kid

#50: ‘picking them up’ hugs

#51: an incredibly loud and painful high-five

#52: "Let me fix that for you."

#53: “Can’t we listen to something else? We’ve been listening to this CD for three hours now.”

“You know, I would but the CD slot is broken so it’s either this or talk to each other.”

“I wouldn’t mind talking.”

“[turns up the music louder]”

#54: "My kiss quota for the day hasn't been filled. I need a thousand more."

#55: Person A making fun of Person B's bed head

#56: Squeeze three times for “I love you”

#57: writing a love letter but keeping it to themselves

#58: Messing around in IKEA

#59: “Hey - what’re you hiding behind your back?”

#60: going to a bookshop and selecting books for each other

#61: smiling at each other from across the room

#62: arms wrapping around your waist from behind while you’re on a phone call

#63: “ rich coming from the guy who tried to kill me three days ago. “

#64: message in a bottle

#65: becoming the parents of the friend group as soon as they start dating

#66: “I love you.”

“Ouch.”

#67: “We...we did it. We did it! Oh my God, I could kiss you.”

“Well, don’t be shy.”

My To-Do List

Here is everything that I’m currently working on! If you’ve sent a request in, and I see it, it should pop up here!

REQUEST SLOTS: FULL

+ Sherlock / Reader (not requested) undetermined topic

+ Rusty Ryan / Reader (not requested) #4

+ Sam Seaborn / Reader (requested) slow dancing

*anything with an asterisks has already been started.

Tag List

@girloncorneliastreet​ for The West Wing

@wolviesbabes​ for Gibbs / Reader

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I submit a request? When you look at my blog, there is a link titled “Asks/Requests”. Click that, and submit something!

How specific does my request have to be? More detail is always better if you’re looking for something specific, but if you’re not picky, it’s no big deal! Even if you just say “could I have some more Spock content please?” I’ll answer it!

Do you write smut? Nope! Not for me.

Are your requests open? Not at the moment! They will be soon, though.

What do I do if your requests are closed? Send it later, when they’re open again!

Do you have a master list? I do! I also have a tag called #masterlist, which all of my work is under. You can access the master list itself by navigating to the page on my blog, or just clicking the link at the top of this post!

What’s your name? You can call me C :)

Why didn’t you reblog my post about social justice? In order to avoid burnout for myself and my followers, I am doing my best to keep this blog free of anything other than fan content. This does not mean that I disagree or agree with you, it just means that I’m not commenting. I do not need to participate in internet social justice activity when I am already an activist on other platforms, including real life.

What can I send asks or messages about? Anything!! Life updates, random questions, whatever! I love to hear from you <3

That’s all, folks!

[iraacundus]

Resonance Series

c o m i n g s o o n ! 

eleven fics based off songs from the album, each featuring a member from that song, i have tried to pick members i don’t usually write for, or that i generally see written for less (though ones that i still feel fit with my concepts) to showcase nct as a 23 member band

(underlined fics are links as they have been completed)

make a wish - xiaojun: investment banking was a high stakes game, even for the interns. you and him were in constant competition, living the high life, stressed out of your minds, unwilling to let the other know that. “i could do this all day”

misfit - sungchan: you met sungchan at a college party and all you could discern was that he was indiscernible. sungchan couldn’t be held down, he didn’t play by the rules, people didn’t like him mostly because they didn’t get him. you didn’t really get him either, but you wanted to “break the system trust your instinct”

volcano - lucas: nightclubs were hot and sweaty, but that was lucas’ best look. he wasn’t the best dj around but he was still the life of the party. every girl was mesmerised by him, charmed by him, used by him. lucas just wanted a good time, he didn’t care about anyone else’s feelings, least of all yours. “as hot as possible, bounce,  got me feeling so incredible,”

lightbulb - doyoung: you had loved doyoung since you were sixteen but at twenty six it wasn’t so easy, life was hard, finding reasons to stay together was harder. somedays you loved him more than anything, some days you had to stop yourself from punching him, your love was a lightbulb and you reckoned it was flickering out, “i don’t think i can handle you like this anymore”

dancing in the rain - jungwoo: in the spring of 1956 you were eighteen and your mother let you attend your first local dance. you had dreamed of finding the perfect man, kissing him in the rain, you just never thought you would have found a man who put the teddy in teddy boy “we circle around the streets babe,”

interlude - a fun little secret because who doesn’t love surprises such as sm actually giving us ot21 well ot23 now !!!

deja vu - jisung: jisung didn’t have a lot of friends growing up as an idol, only other idol friends. you had trained with him many years ago before quitting sm and giving up on your dream, yet when jyp saw you dancing in the street and offered you a position in a new girl group, you saw jisung again in person for the first time in years, standing there on the inkigayo stage, a stage you were also on “in this repeated dream, you and i are again on this stage”

nectar - yangyang: you had never seen a person die until you saw yangyang kill that girl, he swore he didn’t mean to, that he wasn’t dangerous really, that even though he was cold as ice and his heart didn’t beat, he would never hurt you. instead he claimed he was fascinated with you, that he wanted to protect you, but as far as you could see, he was the only one you needed protecting from, “escaping this hazy night and i’m thirsting alone”

music, dance - johnny: you had never been so attracted to a bouncer throwing you out of the club before, you had one mojito to many but if johnny was punishment for you sins, you were determined to go to hell. “3am coming or going, what’s your plans?”

faded in my last song - yuta: you were a certified heartbreaker, you dated guys for fun and left them in the dust. usually this never bothered you, dumping them was part of the fun. you didn’t want to think yuta was any different, but somehow he was. he didn’t care when you used him, threw him away, he loved you all the same, even though you hurt him. you wanted to say you merely pitied him, lying was your strong suit, “you can deceive me with lies”

from home - kun: when you met kun at thirteen you were best friends, when he went to korea you missed him, when you followed him there a few years later he fell in love, he insisted he would marry you tomorrow if he could. but he couldn’t, he was an idol and his career meant everything, your life together could never be normal. you both reconciled in the fact that every time you kissed it was like coming home “when we look at each other under this spotlight, i smile without knowing and forget everything”

[cat-arsenal]

(Main Blog Version)

I posted 2,489 times in 2021

103 posts created (4%)

2386 posts reblogged (96%)

For every post I created, I reblogged 23.2 posts.

I added 2,046 tags in 2021

#art - 477 posts

#redacted asmr - 258 posts

#important - 227 posts

#cool stuff - 196 posts

#video - 189 posts

#legendary - 174 posts

#thank you - 153 posts

#cute things - 126 posts

#animals - 124 posts

#signal boost - 122 posts

Longest Tag: 134 characters

#i'll definitely be drawing about this tomorrow but right now i have to sleep so i'll leave you with what's rattling around in my brain

My Top Posts in 2021

#5

See the full post

39 notes • Posted 2021-08-14 23:31:20 GMT

#4

How did I forget what a clingy, pouty, sweet, goofy, snarky thing David is?  How did I forget that he asked Angel how they feel about dogs on their first not-date?  How did I forget what a tender heart he has?  How did I forget his dopey sense of humor?  I need to lie down.

44 notes • Posted 2021-11-27 21:52:32 GMT

#3

D.A.M.N. Season 1 Lightning Round Character Facts

See the full post

48 notes • Posted 2021-07-03 16:54:10 GMT

#2

Vin and the Freelancer make plans A.K.A. I’m bad at titles and full of feels

It's been a week, or two, or more since they arrived, and they've managed to meet only a few times between classes and lectures and training and indoctrination.  Vindemiator has been recovering and listening, feeding enough to no longer be starving, and the Freelancer has been doing what they've always done: keeping their head down, learning whatever they can, making a mental list of potential allies vs enemies, and a mental map of escape routes and chances to take them.  Said chances are rarer than the times they can steal away to see Vindemiator.

They find each other in the wee hours at the end of a rarely-used hallway and sink wordlessly down the wall, shoulders touching.  They let out a deep sigh, and Vindemiator rests his head atop theirs.  Sometimes they talk, sharing information and questions of concern.  Sometimes they just sit in silence, two souls allowing their walls to drop only for a moment, only for each other.

Vindemiator is just beginning to doze off when the Freelancer turns, pressing their head more firmly into his chest.

"We could run," they say, quiet but clear.  He opens his eyes slowly.

"What?"

"You and me."  They sit up, eyes locked with his.  "We could do it.  I've been thinking about it, and I know how we can get out and stay out.  Be free."

He shakes his head, frowning.

"There's no 'freedom' for people like us, Cutie, you know that."

"What I know," they reply evenly, "is that we're stronger together.  What I know is that being on the run is better than being trapped here with that creepy director and his attack dogs and all these brain-washed zombies."

"I was on the run for a year," he reminds them softly.

"I was on the run for ten," they counter, without venom.  "And I was fine up until that night.  And I'll be better with you.  And you'll be safe with me," they murmur, reaching for him but not touching, "and maybe happy?  I don't know."

He takes their hand and holds it to his chest.

"I am happy with you."

They smile a little, surprised but pleased, and he thinks, not for the first time, about kissing them.  Then they turn serious, tone pleading.

"Will you be free with me?"

He struggles, as he has since arriving.  True, the Academy is far from the haven it advertised itself as, but it's also true that they are safe, mostly, and fed, and have access to education, even if that education consists primarily of propaganda.  But they aren't free to leave, or see each other, or really be themselves under the strict scrutiny of the Imperium, staff, students, and other Academy residents.

He sighs.  God damn it.

He pulls them close by their clasped hands and rests their foreheads together.  He trusts them.

“Just tell me what to do.”

57 notes • Posted 2021-10-18 23:51:46 GMT

#1

See the full post

74 notes • Posted 2021-07-07 05:34:54 GMT

Get your Tumblr 2021 Year in Review →