#and conclude that it’s a sign of true love

[24kmagiic]

Issued from the High Throne of the Ancients, Sealed by the Crown of Mystic Falls:

In light of the recent scandal involving Her Grace Bonnie Sheila Bennett, Duchess of the Ancient Flame and Heiress of the Bennett Dynasty, and His Grace Niklaus Mikaelson, Duke of New Orleans, and Hybrid Lord of the Ton, this decree is hereby issued to preserve the sanctity of the Social Season and the ancestral order of the realm.

Let it be recorded in the Great Book of Manna and Courtly Law and etched into the Cosmic Registers:

Any couple entering into engagement without formal matchmaking endorsement is subject to a trio of ancestral rites:

The Veilwalk — a rite of emotional truth

The Court of Truth — a magical inquisition judged by the Ancestral Council

The Unbinding Waltz — a final public display of magical and emotional harmony

Said trials shall be observed by the Crown and her appointed Magical Council. Completing all three rites shall result in formal betrothal, sanctified by crown and coven. Failure to comply or succeed shall result in:

Revocation of ancestral holdings

Public dissolution of all noble titles

Magical exile from the Court of Ancients

Eternal shame sealed by song and scroll

The trials must conclude with the Full Moon of Beltane. Any interference will be met with swift and supernatural consequences.

May the bond be true, the trials merciful, and love rise from the ashes of scandal.

Signed and Sealed,

Her Majesty, Queen Esther Mikaelson High Sovereign of Mystic Falls Keeper of the Hollow Crown

A Most Inconvenient Vow

May 4 - Arranged Marriage (ish) Queen Esther’s Manor A Week Later - Still Spring 1812 AD

“When proximity breeds a scandal, the crown demands commitment. A curious solution for an even curiouser couple…”

“As if being tethered to a Rake isn’t enough, I have to prove that I like him, too.” The disdain in Bonnie’s voice made Klaus chuckle.

“All you need to do is channel that vitriol into passion, and you’ll be fine.”

Bonnie rolled her eyes, choosing to ignore his comment. “She’s your mother, Klaus. She knows you better than anyone else. She’ll know you’re lying even if we manage to pass these ridiculous trials, which, might I add, have never been enacted, so I don’t see why we’re being singled out.”

“You said it already.” Bonnie turned to face him with a perked brow. “She’s my mother,” he smirked. “And she’s been singling me out since the world learned of her transgressions.”

Bonnie frowned. It was true. After her great ancestor Ayana cast the spell to create the Original family, the duality of Klaus’s nature was revealed. He was born of a Lycanthrope and therefore could not be the child of King Mikaelson, The Forgotten.

“Well, that isn’t fair,” Bonnie said softly. “For you or me.”

Klaus changed the subject so swiftly that Bonnie had difficulty keeping up. “The trials can be manipulated if you speak the truth,” he began. “For instance, if they ask about your undying affections for me, you can say something along the lines of how you can’t stand to breathe the same air as me, yet you always manage to get lost in my eyes,” he said, batting his eyelashes. He pinched her cheek, quickly pulling away when she lit his glove on fire.

Bonnie giggled as he struggled to dispose of the charred garment. She watched as his fingers healed with supernatural precision. He removed the other glove and threw it at her, which she also burned in mid-air.

“I’ve never gotten lost in your eyes,” she lied.

“Lying isn’t very becoming of you, Lady Bennett.”

“And yet you’ve put me in a position where I have to lie at least thrice!” She huffed and squared her shoulders. “Let’s get on with it. The sooner we complete them, the sooner we can live in banishment.”

“Together? I have stowaway houses scattered throughout the kingdom. You’d want for nothing, all I ask is that you—”

“If you finish that statement, I will burn your arse alive,” she snapped.

Klaus held up a hand and chuckled. “As you command it, My Fair Lady. Come. Night is approaching, and the trials wait for no one.” He offered his arm to her, a simple act that made her heart falter slightly. He was gracious enough not to tease her if he heard it, and for that, she was thankful.

“They emerged hand-in-hand… but the Veil saw what even they would not admit.”

The silver glow of moonlight bathed the Ancestral Grove in its glory. She and Niklaus had walked there together, but now, they faced the veil alone. She glanced to her left and watched him from across the Garden as he entered the veil without hesitation and exhaled deeply before taking the plunge.

The mist was thick and teeming with ancestral energy. Her eyes frosted, a ghostly white hue as the physical world melted away, replaced by the mystical energy of the ancestral plane. The blinding white glow faded into something softer as ghostly figures began to take shape before her.

It was her. A version of herself, not much older than she was currently. She watched as visions of life flashed before her eyes. It showed her surviving the trials, navigating a very public ‘break up’ with the Hybrid Rake, and then living a life of duty. Peaceful, reserved. Fullfilled…

But not happy, she noticed.

The feeling of ‘what if’ lingered in the center of her chest, but the visions began to shift before she could contemplate it.

Before her now was a joyful Bonnie, filled with light, love, and laughter. There was a spark in her eyes that was missing from before. And more importantly, she felt fulfilled. True fulfillment that didn’t come from her duties as a witch or the burdens that came with being the ‘last of her name’. She felt certainty.

And then she saw him. The Hybrid, The Rake, the Bane of her existence. Laughing alongside her. She should have been shocked. Should have turned her nose up in disgust. Instead, she felt… familiarity. The same vitriol present whenever he was near was no longer masked with feigned disgust. It was unfiltered, unapologetic.

It felt freeing.

Bonnie’s eyes stung with unshed tears as the visions began to fade. She blinked several times before her eyes landed on a young boy, no more than twelve. Alone beneath a full silver moon, wrecked with emotion and soaked in blood. The sight made her falter. She approached him slowly and knelt before him.

When she spoke, her voice didn’t come from her throat but her mind, and somehow he heard her. 

“What is the matter?” she asked. The boy lifted his head, his face tear-stained, his expression distraught.

“It’s my fault. I caused this.” She knew that voice. It wasn’t that of a boy. It was that of an eight-hundred-year-old hybrid. Her breath caught as she stared into the young boy’s eyes—the same eyes she’d been accused of getting lost in. She saw the regret, the vulnerability, the disgust he held toward himself. Her heart ached.

She gasped as everything faded to black, stumbling back when she was ejected from the mist. She fell against Niklaus with a soft thud, who stood behind her with an amused expression. He helped her regain her footing before glancing over her shoulder.

“What did you see that made you overstay your welcome?”

She had a hard time adjusting to reality. Rather than answer him, she gripped his shirt, clinging to a version of him that did not exist in this realm. A version she didn’t wish to let go of just yet.

Niklaus’s smile faltered briefly, noting her haunted expression. His ears twitched at the sound of her racing heart and noted how she clenched his shirt. He quieted. Rather than tease her, he simply let her be, allowing her time to adjust—allowing her to use him as her anchor.

“What happened?” She finally whispered, staring not at him but through him.

He nearly answered before he knew what he was saying, even though he wasn’t sure exactly what she meant. Yet somehow, he knew she was speaking beyond their current predicament.

What happened to you, she wanted to say, but caught herself just in time.

“I think Grandma Bonnie has been out too late. Let’s get you back to your chambers before you crack like a nut,” he teased, though he wasn’t sure if it was for her sake or his.

Bonnie remained silent, allowing him to guide her back to her quarters in silence. She needed to pull herself together.

But when they arrived and he turned to leave, she couldn’t help but ask: “What did you see?”

It was brave of her to ask, knowing she wasn’t ready to share what she’d seen. But she needed to know. He seemed so… unbothered, and it was unnerving her.

The vulnerability in her eyes caught him off guard, and every witty remark he had rehearsed was swallowed in an instant. “Just a girl, sorry—a woman—trying to survive the best way she knows how.”

For whatever reason, his answer didn’t feel good enough.

The two of them stood in silence before Bonnie scoffed softly. “So, a mess,” she teased at her own expense. The urge to correct her surged within him, but the moment slipped before he could seize it. “Goodnight, Niklaus,” she said softly before disappearing behind the oak door.

He stood there silently for a moment before vanishing into thin air. Bonnie lingered by the window, watching the spot he’d once occupied before blowing out her candle. Two more days and she’d be free from this, she hoped.

Or did she…

“Pretend all you like, Your Graces—this author knows true spark when she sees it.”

The Court of Truths would be the most intimidating of the trials, or so the Duchess thought. Their truths laid bare wouldn’t have been such a distressing thought if they hadn’t entered this predicament by lying through their teeth.

Bonnie sat nervously outside the Ancestral Court, waiting to be summoned. She was a wreck and what’s worse? Niklaus wasn’t saying a word.

No witty remarks, no dazzling charm, nothing. Only the pensive expression he’d worn since earlier that morning when he picked her up. “They’ll ask a series of questions,” he finally spoke, his tone more serious than she was used to. Still, she clung to every word, desperate to escape her ruthless ruminations.  “Answer them as honestly as you can, but keep it short. Less is more.” 

“You wouldn’t happen to know the questions, do you?” Her tone was so hopeful he nearly laughed.

“We are the first couple ever to have to go through this, so no, Bonnie, I don’t know what the questions are,” he snapped, though there was no real ire in his tone. Bonnie recognized what he was doing instantly. It was a lifeline—a means to help her release the nervous energy currently holding her hostage.

She immediately jumped on it.

“Well, forgive my asking. You’re what? Nine hundred years old, and your mother’s the queen. Silly of me to think you’d actually know something.”

“Eight hundred and thirty-one, and I know nothing, just like you.”

“You don’t look a day past a thousand.”

“And I’ll never reach it if you keep talking me to death.”

The door swiftly opened, signaling it was time to enter. She wasn’t sure when he’d grabbed her hand, but she didn’t fight it. The pair walked in sync, presenting a good front to the spectral eyes following their movements. The Ancestral Court was more of an amphitheater. A dark corridor led them to the open area. There were no walls, no ceiling, no confinement. Just vast openness meant to intimidate. They moved to the center of the theater, where the bright violet and gold floor immediately glowed—the Bennett and Mikaelson crest colors. 

Each of Bonnie’s steps created a violet trail to the center, and she stared in awe at the golden steps following Klaus. She looked into the hillside where the spectral figures of their ancestors sat, waiting and observing. Though she couldn’t make out their specific faces, she felt a familial bond emanating from each one.

As she stared in awe, Klaus remained fixed beside her with an almost bored expression. She brushed the back of his hand with her thumb to gain his attention, nearly flinching when his gaze burned through her. Her mouth went dry, and the words died on her lips. What she planned to say was long forgotten, and to her relief, a loud, genderless voice spoke. The voice came from everywhere around them, making it hard to pinpoint the source.

“Do you come with love in your heart, and truth on your tongue?” The voice asked.

Bonnie exhaled slowly, answering first. “I do,” she said, hoping her voice didn’t betray her. Thankfully, the question was vague enough for her to mean it.

Niklaus nodded, “I do.” 

Bright flames traveled around the circle they stood in, trapping them both. Bonnie could only assume that the fire would subside once the trials were completed and tried not to think of what would happen if they failed.

“Then let the Truth be summoned. Let what you hide be laid bare. Let what you deny be spoken aloud. Let what you fear be faced.”

A surge of magic filled the air, thick and humming. The ground between them illuminated with ancestral runes, and a tether of light flared from Klaus’s chest to Bonnie’s—and another from Bonnie’s to Klaus’s.

Bonnie winced as her heart rate accelerated. She could feel him and was sure he could feel her too. She didn’t like the sensation of being read. She felt exposed in ways she’d never experienced.

Klaus, to his credit, did not smirk.

The voice returned. “Duchess Bonnie Bennett… what do you desire most?”

Bonnie froze at the loaded question. How on Earth was she supposed to answer that? When she parted her lips to speak, a golden mist flowed from her chest and swirled above them.

The image it created knocked the wind out of her.

It was him. Not the Hybrid Rake she loathed but a gentler version of him. A softer side she’d seen in the Veilwalk. A version she’d made up. He laughed beside her in the vision, kissed the inside of her wrist, and held her in a garden at midnight.

Bonnie’s heart stopped.

Gasps rang out from the invisible audience seated beyond the spectral veil. From beside her, Klaus’s breath caught. Bonnie’s face flushed two shades darker.

“Wait—” Bonnie began, horrified. Her chest twisted with emotion. “That isn’t—I didn’t—”

But the vision didn’t lie. It never did. The truth had been summoned, not spoken, and couldn’t be manipulated like they’d planned.

At the revelation, her heart rate accelerated tenfold, and she closed her eyes, hoping the ground would swallow her whole.

The voice pressed on. “Duke Niklaus Mikaelson… what do you fear most?”

Klaus’s jaw locked. His chest rose sharply as the light pulled from him, unwillingly.

A violet mist flowed from his chest, hovering in the space above them. A spectral version of herself appeared, following Niklaus through the woods. When he turned to face her, his face was distorted. Not the man he presented at court, but the beast who feasted at night. The one she’d heard stories about. The one mothers warned their little girls about at bedtime.

Bonnie watched as the spectral version of herself ran away from the monster, horrified by what she’d seen. In the vision, Niklaus reached for her as she left in an almost heartbreaking way, yet even as she ran, there was no hatred in her eyes, just sadness and disappointment.

Bonnie couldn’t look away—not from the monster, but from the man who feared she’d see it… and leave.

She felt Klaus flinch before the vision disappeared.

“Do either of you deny these truths?” the voice asked.

Klaus swallowed, hesitating momentarily before stepping forward to place much-needed distance between them.

Bonnie ignored how his warmth left her exposed to the coolness of the air surrounding them and tried not to follow him. She wasn’t sure when his closeness shifted from irritation to comfort, but she opted not to question it.

“No,” he finally said.

Bonnie’s voice cracked as she spoke. “No.”

“Then you may proceed to the next trial. But know this—it is not love you must perform, but the truth you must survive.”

The trial ended with the ancient runes of their family crests intertwining on the floor below them. Golds and Violets mixed until they formed a new sigil—a Bennett-Mikaelson crest.

Bonnie felt her insides twist with unspeakable emotions. It wasn’t just a crest. It was a destiny neither of them had asked for, and one they could no longer unsee.

The light faded, and the flames stilled, yet Klaus and Bonnie remained motionless. They were too exposed to move or even look at one another. 

Bonnie was the first to break the silence.

“…You’re afraid I’ll leave?” It wasn’t exactly what she intended to say, but she was too curious to take it back.

Klaus didn’t answer immediately, and at one point, she was afraid he wouldn’t answer at all. “I’m afraid you’ll see me clearly… and decide I’m not worth staying for.”

Bonnie stared at him wordlessly. The court had stripped her raw, revealing one undeniable truth: this was no longer a facade.

He wasn’t playing anymore.

And neither was she.

Her chest heaved, the weight of the realization gnawing at her. “You think I haven’t already seen you?” she whispered.

“Not all of me.”

Klaus met her eyes, his intense gaze making her squirm as it always had. Yet, for the first time, she didn’t look away.

And neither did he.

His hand twitched as he instinctively moved to grab her hand, yet he faltered. Instead, he stepped ahead, creating more distance between them. Bonnie felt the familiar pang of rejection. The same one she’d felt that night. The night that sealed their fates.

She watched him walk away, but didn’t follow. Not because she didn’t want to, but because she was afraid of what might come if she did.

“A most inconvenient vow, indeed. And yet… how quickly inconvenience becomes desire.”

Find the 2nd installment here...

Find the 4th & final installment here...

[spop-romanticizes-abuse]

spop stans: nitpick the tiniest detail in an episode and act like it’s evidence for catra and adora being soulmates

also spop stans: proceeds to ignore the huge red flags throughout the show and obvious implications of catra and adora being sisters

[yzzart]

WHEN I WAS LED TO YOU... ── KENJI SATO

── summary: Kenji could get used to his routine, but, only with you by his side.

── word count: 982!

── warnings: F!reader, nothing intense, mention of Emi and Mina, Kenji being a little needy.

“Come on…” — A voice, entering the melody with softness and familiarity, passed through the player’s ears. — “…i know you’re awake.” — The statement was accompanied by a laugh.

Kenji could easily — in fact, completely — conclude that that voice belonged to an angel; even though he doesn't admit to being so religious, openly. — By having his eyes closed, in satisfied tiredness and drowsiness, he was more likely to believe in his conclusion.

Even in unpleasant, unstable situations and, insanely, worries about his life — like worrying about his stats in games, trying not to destroy the city while fighting some monster, and teaching Emi something practical and not blunt — and not wanting to hear or see nothing in front of him, Kenji had his refuge; a place to feel safe and at peace, at home.

“Ken…” — You voice pleaded, with more sweetness and, trying, to mix a little seriousness. In addition to moving between the thin, silky sheets of your body, wanting to get even closer to the boy.

In fact, he could melt into the bed, right there, just to hear your voice crying out to him like that.

Releasing a brief sigh, and pulling a breathing line, inhaling your scent, which was stuck to the pillow, Kenji tried to communicate with a mumble; which even he himself had no chance of understanding. — Perhaps, his consciousness still remained trapped in his sleep.

Because you found his action funny, your laugh, a little more hoarse, enveloped Ken's ears again; automatically forming a placid smile on his lips. — Moving his head, the young boy, with his eyes sensitive to the light, comes across your image resting on the pillow and covered, just enough, with the white sheet.

Sato was mentally grateful for the privilege of waking up every day with this vision.

"Good morning, my love." — You said, without holding back your wide smile; something that captivated and welcomed Ken's chest. — Your orbs moved, without haste or greed, across the boy's face, memorizing, for countless times, every little dot that existed in the region.

"Morning..." — He replied, followed by a yawn and another grumble; a sudden and unexpected movement was caused in the bed, obviously, it was the player's body snuggling against your. — Like he wants to fit in with you. — "What time is it please…?"

“Hm…” — Your eyes crossed the clock next to the bed. — “Soon, it will be 9:30.” — With his head buried in your neck, Sato let out a whimper, causing a tickle.

“It’s not possible…” — He complained, almost whimpering; as a sign of caress, your hand entered your lover's soft black hair, causing affection and tenderness.

The oldest settled down, and, briefly, relieving a growl, memorizing a purr; feeling on your skin, a satisfied smile adored by the attention. — A true paradise for young Sato and he had no problem admitting it.

“I think someone forgot about the interview they promised for today, right?” — He definitely forgets; by the way his head moved from where it was, and how wide his eyes were, Ken had nowhere to run. — “Yeah, you forgot.” — You raised one of your eyebrows.

“Wasn’t it due tomorrow?” — He questioned, still not believing and with some messy black locks standing out on her forehead. — “I’m sure i had it scheduled for tomorrow.” — He rushed into words. — “Actually, i’m not so sure.”

End of the season, therefore, decisive games for the team and more efforts towards a high level of dedication; it also meant several interviews and moments of questioning about the games, his teammates and his personal life. — Sato understood that it was important, of course, it was part of being a baseball star, however, when trying to balance his life as an Ultraman, a player and, recently, the father of a giant baby lizard, it wasn't such a simple thing.

He wasn't alone, not to mention Mina, and, thankfully, he had you by his side. — Trying, as much as possible, and persisting in helping him; even when, thinking about your care and certain risks, he warned you that he didn't need it. — Evidently, the guidelines were not followed, for a pleasant reason. — And now, seeing you taking care of Emi, as if she were your child, lit up Sato's eyes.

“It really is today, Ken.” — You confirmed it and, unsurprisingly, another wave of mumbles and incomprehensible words and rolled eyes. — “At least, it will be the last one before they enter the rest period.” — Your hand moved along Sato's long, strong, bare arm, reinforcing his attention.

“At least there is a bright side.” — He murmured, shaking his head, prolonging his thoughts, at the same time, reusing the contact of your hand against his skin. — “I need to take a break.” — He said, turning towards you. — “Urgently.” — Like a somewhat defenseless creature, he returned to his comfort, now, with his head under your chin.

"I know, honey." — Your fingers stroked Kenji's hair, for the second time, while his arms wrapped around your waist, squeezing you, with the need to keep you close to him. — “And you will soon.” — Subtly, and delicately, your voice soothed him. — “Don’t worry about Emi, i’ll take care of her for today.” — Kenji thanked, once again and mentally. — “And maybe we’ll make a list of what we can do during these days off and she’ll go along with us.”

Your boyfriend's familiar, radiant laugh spread throughout the room, resounding in your chest. — For a short time, Kenji had understood his relationship with Emi and achieved a paternal image; visibly, it wasn't just him. — The small, and immense, baby witnessed you as a second mother.

“Yes, yes, of course.” — He pulled away, coming face to face with you, looking into your eyes, in pure ecstasy and passion. — “You’re the best, dear.” — Bringing his lips to your forehead, Kenji gave you a long, careful kiss.

[maplleaf]

Fool

Veritas Ratio x gn!reader

[ im back 🔥 this has been in my drafts for a year, and i work on it on and off. Finally finished it hwhwhw. Anw, i made a twt account so if u wanna be mutuals just follow me and I'll follow back. Its @/viktkt

lecturer x lecturer]

"When you hate something, it's a sign that one day; you'll love it. Just let it bloom first"

There has always been an understanding between scholars. Dr. Veritas Ratio is a man who works with logic and rationality.

Rationality is, by all means, literally in his name.

He never denied it. After following this path in life, it does require him to work with his head more. Even if he never denied it, it doesn't mean Veritas agree with it either.

Case in point, you.

"...with this concludes the philosophy of today's lecture regarding IX." The chalk hits the board one last time, specs of white dust falling to the floor.

"Any questions?"

The whole class looked at the large chalkboard in front of them, all filled with words that they struggled to understand. Veritas' grip on the chalk hardened, rolling his eyes behind the plastered mask.

He despised doing introductory lessons. Too many fresh-faced idiots came for his reputation and test their knowledge with the lecture, not for the lesson on its own. There were only a few that really understood, yet they were too scared to ask.

As he was about to close the session, a hand raised up towering above the others.

He pointed at the source, "you."

You stood up, already catching the glance of the other students.

"The Aeon if Nihity doesn't see a worth in doing anything, as they don't interact with Aeons," you began. "Is this exclusive to Aeons, or are... lesser beings included?"

Snickers of students hearing the question filled the room. The answer itself is already in the question. 'IX doesn't care enough to see aeons, why would it see mortals?'

"The Aeon of Nihility's existence will always be a mystery, but to answer your question based on the current information," he placed the chalk on the table.

"IX wouldn't go out of its way to search for anything. It views the universe as a worthless space."

Then you did what everyone here wouldn't. Before he could finish the answer, you spoke. No fear nor overconfidence in the tone. "Then, if a person one day, with no affiliations to other Aeons, interact with IX, can there be a different result?"

Veritas tilts his head. It's not every day a student made him curious.

"Aeons have always acted by their own will and desires, due to IX's lack of either," he leaned on the lecture table. "I'm afraid it's hard to give a direct answer."

"...five points, stay behind the lecture after this."

...As all the students left, you were left in your seat alone. Murmurs from the other students fell deaf to either of your ears.

Before you could utter a word, Veritas shuts you down.

"Genius Society Member, [name]. Specialize in divination and Quantum energy."

Veritas cocked his head. If the unnerving plaster mask weren't on his head, then he would've been staring you down.

You... smiled, "i didn't even say hello, doctor."

"There's no need to, but why are you here?" Veritas remarked. You stared into the empty eyeless head. You wonder how he sees with that thing.

"Is there a true reason for anything, Doctor?" You shrugged, meeting his glare. "...but if it will satisfy you, I was here when I heard Doctor Veritas Ratio is teaching a class."

Veritas raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "You never went to this school, nor do I know anything that might interest you here. I don't see a reason why you would be here."

Veritas stared at you, trying to catch any micro-expressions or signs. Only to find... nothing. As if, there was no motivation to begin with.

A chuckle escaped your mouth, "I'm not going to question how you know that, but..."

Veritas sees you shoving your hand in your pocket, pulling out an employee ID, with the word 'lecturer' on it. "We'll be working together now, Doctor."

It took a few seconds, Veritas had questions in his mind. Genius Society Members, they can be just as foolish or an enigma. Some are Geniuses who he respected, most are beings who has a God complex with a morality only an insane person can understand.

With being a Genius, also come with the reputation. That's how he knew you. As a researcher, of course.

An unknown long-living Genius, records of your research and creations aren't hard to find, making your fame inevitable among scholars. A Genius with smarts, morals, and the... unpredictability.

"Whilst it is an honor to be working with you," his emphasis on the word 'honor' brings out chills. "Aren't you missing?"

He could see your smile faltering, reverting back to the more neutral state.

'Genius Society Member No. 94, [name]. Specialize in Divinations and Quantum research. Works; The Matrix of Prescience, the Theory of the Quantum Sea, etc. Last seen; 30 years ago. Best assumption, Polka Kakamond.'

He knew you, and he knew why you shouldn't be here.

"Well," you couldn't help but let out a small chuckle, and shrugging. "Now I'm back from that hiatus, and working here. Nothing wrong with that."

Veritas couldn't help but have that gut feeling that something is wrong, his deductions are rarely wrong. But he couldn't think of anything.

Your existence, prescence, and the lack of personal goals now; it's all an enigma.

Veritas could only sigh, Genius Society members are always like this anyway. "... Please don't impersonate yourself as my student, unless you actually enroll or want to do the assignments I'll give you."

Seeing his 'interrogation' end, you gave him a smile. "Noted, Doctor."

...and that's how it began.

If someone asked him, who is the most foolish person in the campus. First, he would list the names of some of the students of the intelligentsia guild. Second, he would say you.

He came to the conclusion after a couple of months of having you as a co-worker.

The first sign, he remembered it was raining that day. He had finished class but stuck standing by the doorway. The path between some buildings wasn't connected by a corridor, and his umbrella was in his office.

"What are you doing?"

A voice called beside him. Veritas' eyes drifted to them, hidden behind the mask. "Standing here for absolutely no reason-- what else do you think I'm doing?"

He saw you shrugged, before taking off your coat. "Wanna use my umbrella?"

Veritas gave a confused expression, which unfortunately didn't show due to his cover. His eyes looked at you from head to toe. Not even spotting an umbrella anywhere. "Is your mind growing dull?" he asked rhetorically.

He then saw you making a gesture with your hand, "get down," you told him.

He was going to say no, but seeing as you're new and seem to be at least different from the other lecturers. Veritas wanted to see what you would do.

As he bent down, he felt something covering his head and shoulder, and your body pushing itself closer to him. Right then and there his wrist was grabbed, and Veritas felt his mood sullened in an instant.

Unfortunately, before his body could react, you pulled him with unexpected strength and went out the door.

He could feel water hitting his body that wasn't covered by the coat. Wetting his clothes in the process, but seeing as they were in the middle of a pouring rain in campus, Veritas couldn't just stop either.

It didn't take long for them to reach the office building, and yet his back was drenched. Veritas instantly glared at you, "you utter fool!"

A laugh escaped you, taking back the coat that was now drenched also before bundling it up and twisting it to release all the water. "What? It's a shortcut."

Before he could start going off the deep end, he saw you start to run off. Seemingly knowing that he was going to scold you, "well, gotta go. Bye!"

To save the details. He had spare clothes in his office, but ever since then he made a mental note to stay away from the deranged co-worker each time it rains. Or even any time at all.

The second sign, is how each time there was an overlap when you didn't have a class and he did. You always managed to sneak yourself in and attend his classroom. He couldn't even count the amount of times he kicked you out mid lecture with his fingers anymore.

It became well known that a certain divination lecturer from another department always had the time to attend one of another lecturer's classes when they were free.

What didn't help you to stay hidden is that 80% of Veritas' class had already dropped out. Making you stand out more.

His hand worked on the board with his chalk, as if on a trance. To the people who only like to watch, it almost seemed poetic; entrancing the viewers. For his students, it was like hell. Right as he hit the end with a dot, Veritas asked; "is there any question?"

As usual, when he turned his head, he saw your arms raised high whilst the others cowered low.

"Anyone else besides the braindead one?" He sighed, only to see you tense your muscles even more to raise it higher.

Finally, he points his chalk at you, instantly propping the other to stand up. "In the calculations for the problem 2BAC, if it were used in a situation for a planet victimized by, just a random example, Dr. Primitive's experiments. What would happen then?"

As Veritas listened to your words, he even had to look back on the board. Shocking the other students, which probably became campus gossip for a day. But he answered, "The result would be that some lucky planets may be able to evolve back to normalcy, but in a real situation; the probability needs to be extremely high," he answered professionally, "does that satisfy you?"

Veritas dislikes your attitude. He didn't like how you always crossed the boundary that he had to feel sane.

But at the same time, even if his words are bitter sometimes and even insulting; he respects you. An intelligent person who still held their own mystery. Perhaps the way you boldly and proudly annoy him may affect his respect. For the better or not, that's for time to tell.

"No," you answered, "...if you wanna satisfy me, we should get dinner after this."

Nevermind, he hates this co-worker of his.

There were more moments, but he spared himself the time to think back on it. It's the first time he's ever been on the fence between distaste and like. Maybe the closest person would be the gambler from the IPC.

Veritas's eyes then drift towards you, each pen stroke coming from you made him lose another minute in his life.

"Is it necessary to come by my office to grade your own class's works?" he sighed, no longer hiding his face behind the alabaster sculpture in front of you.

A low chuckle escaped your lips, "No, but it's easier for my legs."

The statement made Veritas let out another exasperated sigh. "For the last time, you wouldn't be having this much exercise if you just stay in your class instead of visiting mine," he pointed out, but as usual, you didn't bat an eye to his protests.

He glared at you for a few seconds before sighing. Hearing his exhasperation made you smile.

Veritas didn't even know why he's doing this, why he's putting up with you. Someone... who wasn't even a part of his life until a few months ago. He shook his head, finding it a waste of brain cells to think about it.

After a few minutes of silence, a slam of the book made him look at your direction with annoyance. 'So loud...'

"Let's go eat," you announced with a smile, standing up from the couch as it creaked from the loss of pressure.

Veritas brows furrowed for a moment, then he answered. "No."

Even if he said that, you managed to drag him to a noodle shop near the university. Veritas squints at the sight as you take your order with a smile, his eyes drifting to the molten red broth. It was even slightly bubbling from how hot it is.

The genius took a deep breath before shaking his head in pure exhasperation.

"So, how's your universe project?" you asked, taking a spoon with a handful of noodles on it.

"Still a work in progress, Screwllum and I are still sorting the algorithm," he answered, "but that doesn't concern you."

A laugh escaped your lips as you took a big bite of the food. Veritas squints for a moment, seeing as steam was coming out of your mouth, but you held no care. "C'mon, when are you going to warm up to me, Doc?"

Veritas rolled his eyes with the usual amount of sassiness that you grew accustomed to.

"Actually, if you don't mind," you started, turning your chair to the doctor. "I want to offer a collaboration with your project."

The offer wasn't out of nowhere, seeing as you've asked him to work with you multiple times. But he raised an eyebrow in inquiry, letting you continue.

"I've been getting interested in Emanators again. And, with my experience, i could add a new variable regarding Emanators in your project, if you don't mind. I would like a collaboration between us," you suggested.

Veritas noticed you cocking your head, your lips curved into a smile as you look at him. That genuine smile then falters, turning into a coy one as you shrugged. "Of course, if you don't want to. I can ask your buddy."

He scoffed before pointing out, "have you even met Screwllum?"

"Hey, don't doubt my connections!" you point at him, with noodles still in your mouth.

Veritas didn't bother wasting air to bicker again. But in his mind, he started to consider.

The genius sighed at his own answer.

"So this is the behind the scenes!"

Veritas's eyes drifted to your figure. Walking on nothing in the middle of space, as different stations are around the area. Floating holograms of texts accompanying you both.

He saw you glide your hand through all the blessings, recognizing a few of the frames. Then to the Aeons data, before squinting in confusion. "You don't have Finality?"

Veritas walked over to you, closing the window. "Focus on your work, we're here to do research not play around," he reminded. Veritas saw you rolled your eyes, and he had the patiebce of a saint not to throw a chalk at you.

You looked over the code of the Simulated Universe before a smirk crept its way to your lips, "let me guess, you want me to help finish up the interactions between paths?"

The other nodded, "With you 'experience', it should be easy," he glanced at your figure, seeing you already dissecting the code that Herta first proudly made. He placed down the guide that Herta made, still unopened and collecting dust. ".... if you have any questions, say it."

Within the next few weeks, you started working on the Simulated Universe project alongside Veritas. This meant he had to see you more and more, something that was already too much even on campus.

He had told the geniuses that he's having additional help, especially regarding Herta's request on themselves meeting an Aeon, and they didn't pry much.

"Is it okay if I launch the code now?" he heard you ask.

Veritas didn't look up from his work. He didn't say anything, but something about the body language made you think it was like a nod, and a pat on the head if you're that delusional.

The said code is for a new curio relating to Nous. You didn't think much of it before releasing it off for it to be tested by the Trailblazer. It wasn’t supposed to be significant, just some side work.

Right as you swiped the curio code to be released, suddenly the whole space started to shake. Confusion overwhelmed you two, and Veritas looked pissed than before.

"What did you just do--?!"

A glowing red blasted out of nowhere. Veritas felt an overwhelming sting in his head before looking up at THEM.

"YOU"

A floating mechanical head appeared in front of you both. Gazing down as if they were insignificant ants. Veritas felt his ear stinging as THEIR voice entered his ears. He knew this was a sinulation, but this is a glitch none of the geniuses have seen.

Before he could analyze the error further, you had shut down the code in an instant.

His golden irises moved onto your figure, a rare look of concern on his face. For a moment, he caught a glimpse of fear in your eyes before dissapearing. Veritas adjusted his glasses and walked to your side.

His presence made you escape from your thoughts. "Sorry, i didn't mean to stop it. That was valuable research."

"Fool, go home," he says simply. "You're not in the right mind," his tone is commanding, but you swore you could hear him purposely softening it.

There was a moment when you wanted to argue back, but after consideration, it seems futile. Veritas saw you nod, then leave the space.

There was always a disconnect between you and the other geniuses. Veritas never mentioned your name explicitly either, just saying how a friend would help with their Divergent Universe project.

....Both you and the scholar stared at the code in front of you, only waiting for it to be relaunched. Veritas glanced at your side profile and at your coat, seeing uncertainty in your eyes.

At least, until a breakthrough in Nous happened.

Herta was interested and wanted to come over in an instant, but Screwllum insisted on heading there first. Ruan Mei was interested, but she had her own business.

"Do you doubt our creation?" He asked out of nowhere.

"No," you answered with confidence, "Just thinking, how accurate would THEY be. Aside from your friend's testing as Akivili, I've never seen tests about the Aeons meeting people."

Even with the confident posture, he could feel something was off. But Veritas couldn't pry further as the sound of the entrance opening caught his attention.

He looked back at the code one last time before turning to greet the new person. "Don't cloud your judgment with foolish worries," he sighed before snatching the coat on your back. "And don't wear that. It clearly says my name embedded on it."

He didn't hear your retort that it's cold, only at the figure of a mechanical man who just entered.

"Dr. Veritas Ratio, it's a pleasure to see each other once more," Screwllum greeted before spotting you.

He took a few moments calibrating as if surprised. "When Dr. Ratio had said he invited a friend, you were not within my expectations, old friend," his tone seemed welcoming. If he had lips, then Screwllum would be smiling. "It's a great relief to know you're safe."

You raised an empty cup off coffee to greet him, "Screwllum! Let's see the old head together."

Veritas raised an eyebrow at the word Screwllum had used. Safe. But let it go as they have a more important topic to discuss. He walked over to your side at the launch button, his eyes glancing at yours. As your gaze connected, he saw your smirk and immediately got the temptation to throw chalk again.

"Let's just start this," he sighed before crossing his arms. Hearing the cue, you pressed the launch button.

The room began to shake again, but this time, everyone had anticipated it. It didn't come as a surprise when the red glow appeared once more.

The large head loomed over you both. Even if it's a simulation, an overwhelming feeling of being small enveloped all three of you. This time, it was like savoring the moment than panicking.

Veritas looked up at the God, as if making sure that this was fake. He analyzed the being's physical presence, realizing that Nous' eye seems to be staring at you only.

"LEAVE. YOU'RE NOT WELCOME."

A look of confusion came over Veritas and Screwllum. Even if yesterday had been instantly shut down, using simulated universe's laws; the beings here would see them as normal pathstriders.

Before any of you could react, a stinging pain hits all of your heads, even causing a mechanical error sound from Screwllum

...right before all three of you were kicked out of the simulated universe.

The galaxy like space that all of you were accustomed to returned. There was a silence before Screwllum broke it.

"I have two temporary conclusions, it seems either one of us is not welcomed by the simulated Aeon, or the Simulated Universe glitched due to having three users instead of the previous record of two," Screwllum's gaze dropped onto you, followed by Veritas not long after.

Feeling the eyes, you let out a cough. "Maybe when I went missing, THEY thought I had done something wrong. I'm not quite sure either," your answer left holes, but Screwllum didn't ask anymore.

Veritas on the other hand, was left unsatisfied.

"What happened between you and THEM?"

The boldness of the question even made you flinch. Veritas notied it, but saw you still focused on your work even with the looming question.

Screwllum left not long after the glitch since he had something else to do. Leaving both of you alone together as usual. Even so, the air felt thicker than usual, and the silence wasn't helping it.

"I don't know either. But like i said, when I went missing, something probably happened that made THEM mad," you answered, but Veritas could spot the unusual raise in your tone. After a few seconds of your silence, Veritas sighed before he turned back to his own work.

....but there was this unusual tug in as he knew you lied. Veritas tapped his foot on the floor repeatedly as the seconds passed, waiting for you to speak up again but finding a longer silence.

In the end, he stood up from the chair, walking towards you.

"Foolish accident comes from the lack of ability to ask for help, and fools ignore their past mistakes," he stated. Veritas turned your chair around, looking right at you. "What happened in that 40 years?"

He saw your eyes stare back at his sharp ones, yours a bit more widened than usual. The way it shifted from his face to away, then back to him. His body leaned over yours. It's supposed to be suffocating, accusing. Yet, it didn't feel that way.

He saw the way your throat shifted as you gulp, only to choke out an answer.

"I just... had problems with the wrong person," you answered before staring back at his eyes with the usual confidence, before patting his shoulder. "Don't worry so much, doc."

Veritas' eye twitched for a moment at your answer. Both of you stayed in that position for a little longer before Veritas eventually scoffs, straightening his posture again.

"I need a cleanse of mind. Don't sleep in here, and don't be late for the intelligentsia guild meeting tomorrow morning," he reminded, turning back to take care of his belongings. Veritas still felt unsatisfied with your answers, but it didn't feel right if he forced out the answer like an interrogation.

As Veritas' figure left the space, you find yourself looking where he usually works on his projects. A smile crept its way to your lips as you grabbed his coat.

Tomorrow morning, Veritas didn't find enjoyment from the usual meeting. But he did find a surprise in his office.

It wasn't uncommon that students or other staff would give him gifts, especially on that February date. But he never cared nor reciprocated any of it. After remembering that, Veritas then stared at his desk to see an arrangements of ducks from the size of an eraser to as big as his palm.

Along with that is a note written with a glitter pen. 'I'm keeping your coat'

"Fool," Veritas mumbled, a chuckle escaping his lips as he closed the note again. Before leaving all the ducks on his desk as he got ready for class.

[babyarmywrites]

lonely with our love - bang chan

Synopsys: As a rising music producer you land the opportunity of a lifetime, co-producing Stray Kids’ albums alongside Bang Chan. But as your relationship deepens beyond the studio, the harsh realities of fame, distance, and ambition threaten to pull you apart—until a viral song exposes the truth neither of you can ignore.

Genre: angst, with a fluffy end >.<

Song mentioned: Charlotte Cardin - Lonely with Our Love

Word count: 3.1k

Feedback, as always, is appreciated! 🤗

You knew what you signed up for.

You knew from the beginning when you signed your contract with JYP Entertainment and agreed to co-produce the three upcoming albums of Stray Kids. It was a big leap in your career, going from your home studio to a big corporation with the best equipment on the market, a team of ten people behind you, assisting with any of your needs, and 3RACHA, the creative masterminds behind most of SKZ's biggest hits spewing ideas, humming new beats left and right. Truly a dream come true for an underground producer like you. However, nothing could prepare you for what was to come.

Bang Chan walked into your life like any other person you've encountered, there were no fireworks, no sparkly eyes, no instant connection similar to the ways such scenarios are depicted in romance movies. He barged into the meeting room with tired eyes, comfy clothes, and a laptop in hand, knots of cables everywhere, pen drives and hard drives sticking out from every possible outlet, proof of the importance of the device now placed gently on the table surrounded by executives, managers and the newbie, aka you. An uncontrollable chuckle left your lips. You knew the setup all too well, a very similar junction of cables and outsourced storage sitting in front of you.

Brown eyes fell on you upon hearing the sound of your amused giggles, and then they traveled to the table and back to you, his plump lips curling into a kind smile, one that felt genuine and warm, even inviting per se.

"Hi, I'm Chris. It's very nice to meet you, I'm a huge fan," he says, offering his hand for you to shake. Your eyes widen, but you act on instinct, standing up and shaking his hand, returning the polite meeting. It was surprising to hear someone like him being familiar with your work. You've gotten lucky in the past couple of months and you were credited for producing some big hits for both Korean and international artists, but you still had a long way to go, you didn't even consider yourself known around your area, nonetheless by big corporations like JYPE or idols like Bang Chan. "I am looking forward to working with you. I listened to all of the samples you sent us, they are amazing." he gushes and you can't help but feel flustered. He is a smooth talker for sure, but he seems genuine and honest, not the type of person to compliment others just to come off as nice or friendly. You like that about him, even on your first meeting.

The meeting goes smoothly, it's mostly you and Chan talking, spewing ideas left and right about the sound and feel of the new album, the managers and staff present only intervene to settle some deadlines and key points that should be met by the upcoming project. As soon as the formal meeting is concluded, Chan takes you to their studio to show you around, after all, it's going to become your workplace for a while. You meet Changbin and Han there, the former being more polite and a little less talkative, the latter spewing jokes and bouncing around in excitement like a Duracell bunny. They let you take a seat and play around with the equipment in the studio, trying to get familiar with it in a short time, which doesn't prove to be too difficult with the help of the three boys.

The following weeks you are basically living in the studio space, working on perfecting samples, adding and removing elements, Stray Kids walking in and out to record adlibs and verses, Han and Changbin bombarding your phone with audio snippets and singing guides, you sending them nearly finished instrumentals, they come in for a few hours to add or change up things, but they never stay too long. The only one that's constantly there is Chris. As time passes, you get to know him more and more, he's slowly opening up to you, telling you stories from his trainee days, about his time with the kids, his family, and his beloved pet Berry. You quickly find out that the best conversations happen after a long day being cooped up in a small recording studio with dim lighting and over half-empty takeout containers. It's not hard to fall for Bang Chan. He's caring, attentive, funny, and genuine. His creative process is fascinating, his devotion to his work and the group he crafted and curated at merely 20 years old is respectable, something you've never seen in the people you've had the fortune to work with before. However, he's also unapproachable, somewhat closed off, and unaccepting of any kind of help. He often brings himself down, scrapping or deleting entire songs he worked on for days without a second thought, ones you were sure would become hits. After months of working together and spending most of your days with each other, he finally cracks, he opens up. He tells you about his trainee days, how he witnessed people coming into his life just to walk out the same way, him always being the one that's left behind. How that period in his youth scarred him for life. But he continues on with a smile, reminiscing how he met his bandmates, his current best friends, his brothers, and how he hoped they could stay. He explains how he had JYPE name their fanbase STAY hoping that the support they provide would remain with them forever so that he'll never feel alone again.

And to his surprise, your reaction is a huge smile. No pity, no empty promises that you'll stay and you'll be available for him anytime like others do when he talks about his deepest fears. "It wouldn't be worth it if it wasn't this hard, Chris, after all, there wouldn't be starlight if it didn't get dark, would it?" you say with a reassuring pat on his shoulder and for a lyricist like Chan, your words hit hard. He finds himself reciting them whenever he's feeling down or he gets overwhelmed. That makes him realize how deeply in love he is with you.

Your love blossoms along with the sakura. It's one beautiful spring day when Chan feels particularly drenched, exhausted, and sleep-deprived, but he finds the strength within himself to walk to the studio after a full day of dance rehearsal, his body aching and his mind fuzzy, but he is determined to see you. You're hunched up on the sofa, the only source of light coming from the screen of your computer, the sight causing a faint smile to appear on his lips. Your eyes light up upon seeing him enter, but they falter as soon as they land on his exhausted face.

"Why are you here Chan?! It's late and you're exhausted, just go home and rest, you definitely need it." you say, concern overtaking your previously calm and collected aura and you don't hesitate to throw your laptop on the couch, standing up to try and turn him around, sending him home by force. He just chuckles, there's an evident power difference between you two and he doesn't even move an inch despite your best effort. You don't quite catch it in the dim lighting of the studio, but his eyes sparkle with a kind of adoration that only shows for the most important people in his life, ones he keeps close to his heart. How could you not be one of them? He's never met someone so selfless as you, who prioritizes others' comfort and well-being over theirs without a second thought. Everything about you screams comfort and familiarity to Chris, there are no expectations, high standards, or crazy idol bullshit. Around you, he's the kid with big dreams who loves music, hanging around with his friends, goofing around the studio, and that lifts an enormous weight off his shoulders. The way you look out for him and ensure he stays hydrated, well-fed, and well-rested reminds him of the warmest of love. People tend to forget about his needs, he's the one to usually tend to others, and he always seems cool and collected, hence why his well-being is often overlooked. But never by you.

Up until this moment, he held back. He didn't make a move, he tried to dismiss the feelings that crept up on him as autumn turned to winter and winter to spring. However, as nature blossomed and boomed in fresh color, he got the inspiration he desperately needed to allow himself to fall for once, to pass control over him into someone else's hands. He stands in front of you, the barely-there distance suddenly more annoying than ever, both your hands on his shoulders as you try to turn him around and kick him out of the studio that has his name on it, and he acts out of instinct. He places both his hands on your hips, pulling you close to his body with ease and a surprised yelp leaves your lips as you basically collapse with his muscular chest. You look up into his eyes and you observe the mischief, the smile lines that multiply in the corners of his almond-shaped orbs. As the shock from his sudden action disappears from your face your expression molds into one of calmness and adoration, he leans in closer, without breaking eye contact until the last second before your lips meet.

Everything seems to fall into place at that moment. It feels liberating like a lingering tension has disappeared and the world around you settled into calmness, stopping time, leaving the two alone in your own little capsule. Nothing could beat the feeling of a kiss like that, one you're yearning for over months, without even realizing it.

From that point on, everything goes easily. Chan asks you out on multiple dates, which are magical, every single one of them, and he asks you officially to be his girlfriend one night when you're sitting outside on his balcony with a bottle of wine talking about everything and nothing. You gladly say yes, because in your mind nothing can beat the feeling of being with someone as amazing as Chris. He makes every effort to spend every spare moment he has with you, which is not hard while you work in the same building. The first few months of your relationship go without any issues, because they're constantly in Seoul, working on their next comeback. He has a little bit more free time, with fewer schedules and more opportunities to spend hours on end in the studio or at home hanging out with you. You can't sugarcoat this honeymoon.

You learn fairly quickly that his perfectionist tendencies are present not only in his professional life but his personal one as well. Christopher Bahng is not just the perfect leader, the perfect idol, but the perfect boyfriend as well. He goes out of his way to protect you, both physically and mentally, he remembers all the small things you ever mentioned to him, he knows how you take your coffee or what makes you uncomfortable, he ensures to have an extra jacket or hoodie for you because you tend to be cold, he treats you like his number one priority. It's hard not to forget what really comes to him first though: his job.

As soon as the weather turns grey and cold again, and comeback season rolls around while the leaves turn brown and nature goes to sleep, the gap between the two of you grows wide, which was bound to happen over time. You start living your life in parallel: you're at the JYP building during the day, while they run around from one interview to another, and by the time you go home to sleep Chan shows up at the studio to work on tracks for future projects. You start having different natures, different nights, you'll have yours and he'll have his.

On top of that, they start their new world tour, so he's even less available than before, and all your plans start going to hell, for the first time since the beginning of your relationship, Chris is not there to tell you that it's all good. Until it's not. And you're lonely with your love.

You both know that it's neither of your faults. Things like this were bound to happen, both you and Chan are very sought-after people in your industry, of course, his job is more demanding, but that doesn't help your relationship at all. You feel somewhat like you've been played like this is not what you signed up for when you've got into a relationship with the love of your life. At one point you get so used to being without Chris that you start thinking your relationship was all a made-up fantasy created by your exhausted brain. But you know it was true, it was the realest relationship you've ever been in. But what remains of it now? Postponed date nights, regretful glances, and 5-minute phone calls filled with rushed apologies and empty promises.

Are you even happy anymore?

Of course, Chan feels it too, and he's scared. He doesn't want to lose you. There are so many unspoken words between the two of you, but his career is blooming and it's high time for him to take care of the kids as their careers have skyrocketed with their last few comebacks. And he loves to believe that the insane success they're having has everything to do with your involvement. Not just your work on the album, but your sheer presence. The support you offer him and all his bandmates. The warmth that you bring, the smiles that you cause. He's reminded of you in everything they do: you're there in every song they play, in every lyric he sings. He's also lonely with your love.

However, there's one thing that keeps him going, your words of reassurance from before: it wouldn't be worth it if it wasn't this hard, there wouldn't be starlight if it didn't get dark.

Rushed hugs, short pecks on your lips, those damned 5-minute conversations that feel so suffocating also sparkle with hope over his pitch-black sky. It gives him reassurance that one day, when his schedule frees up just a little bit, everything will go back to normal, how it used to be. It keeps him going. You're also extremely reassuring. You keep telling him, that this is temporary, that it will pass and that you're alright, and your relationship can survive.

That hope shatters when he sits with his bandmates in a car on the way to the airport. The radio is playing a song that he's never heard before, but he recognizes the voice instantly. He heard it many times when you recorded guides for the boys, when you sang in the shower at his apartment or directly to him when he couldn't sleep, your voice alone lulling him into dreamland.

He listens to the lyrics carefully and the first few lines of the melancholic song make his stomach tighten and he pales and all the hope he was holding onto desperately shatters with his heart:

The gap between us growing wide Was bound to happen over time We live our lives in parallel So I really hope this finds you well

"Wow, this song is amazing, who's singing it? The voice sounds so familiar." Han exclaims and he asks the driver to turn up the volume so that he can hear it better.

"Oh, yeah, it went viral on TikTok. Some new artist, she goes by a pseudonym and this is her only song." Felix explains and goes into detail about all the theories online about the true identity of the artist. Chan knows it's you though, and as the song rolls into the chorus, he feels like throwing up.

That it's all good until it's not And I'm lonely with our love It's not mine, it's not your fault That I'm lonely with our love It wouldn't be worth it if it wasn't this hard There wouldn't be starlight if it didn't get dark But it's all good until we're lonely with our love

As soon as they touched down in Seoul Chris rushed through the crowded airport, his heart pounding with urgency as he fought against the wave of doubt that had been building ever since he heard the song in the cab hours ago. He knew what he had to do—he couldn't let you slip away, he couldn't let the doubts and the loneliness eat away at you like it had been for weeks now. The distance between you two had grown not just in miles, but in words left unsaid, in moments ignored. The obligations of your lives, but mainly his had woven a web that seemed impossible to escape, but he was determined to repair what was broken.

By the time he reached your door, he was breathless, not just from the rush but from the weight of everything he was carrying ever since this distance crept up between you. You open the door with weary, swollen eyes, reddened by sleepless nights and harsh computer screens. You're shocked to see him there, at your door, exhausted, panicked, yet hopeful. Full of love and adoration. You were waiting for him to say something. Anything to reassure you. And in that moment, Chan knew—he had to reassure the both of you.

Taking your hand, he spoke softly, but with all the sincerity in his voice. "We’ve lost sight of each other, I know," he said, his words trembling, "but we’re not broken. This, what we have—it’s worth fighting for. I’m here, and I promise we can make it through this. Together. I promise you, it's gonna be worth it because it's this hard. After all, you're the starlight when my life gets dark. I love you. I want to do this with you, and I can't promise you that we will not be lonely with our love ever again, but it will always get better, I can guarantee that. We don't always have to live our lives in parallel. Not all our plans will go to hell. And I'm always gonna be here to tell you, that it's all good, even if it's not perfect all the time."

For a long moment, you looked at him, a mix of doubt and hope flickering in your eyes. The eyes that he found himself falling for many times before. But then, slowly, you let out a breath you didn’t know you'd been holding, and the walls that had built up between the two of you began to crumble. The road ahead was uncertain, but in that moment, you both understood: love, when nurtured and protected, could withstand even the hardest of times. You didn’t need all the answers, only each other.

[midnightwriter21]

demon slayer hcs: the hashira men w/ a demon!SO that’s immune to sunlight pt2

characters: fem!reader x sanemi

warnings: blood, injuries, language, angst

pt. 1 w rengoku and giyuu HERE

SANEMI

this poor man can just never be happy huh

now i find it very hard to believe that sanemi would be with a regular civilian

he’s gotta know that his SO is able to take care of themself

SO

ur a slayer and you guys are paired up on a mission together

there were reports of several low ranking demons being sighted in a town

so Sanemi decides to split up and to meet back up when the sun begins to rise

when you don’t show up at the meeting place he knows something is very very wrong

tears through the town looking for you

and he finds you alright

laying in a pool of your own blood

haori torn to shreds

sword broken

he doesn’t even walk toward you

he’s frozen

his blood has literally gone cold

stands there staring at your broken body until the kakushi arrive

when they do they quickly realize that you are alive and sanemi snatches your limp body from them and SPRINTS to the butterfly mansion

he hands you off to Shinobu who gets to work immediately

he waits there for her to give him an update

and boy does she

you? a demon?

his sweet loving girlfriend is a demon?

it can’t be true. you were laying in the sun.

he tells shinobu this and she says that she’ll have to do some more testing when you wake up

it’s 3 days later when you finally do wake up

and when you do you’re greeted with 2 low ranking slayers pointing their swords at your neck

of course they had to keep you guarded in case you woke up and needed a snack

the human kind

screaming for shinobu she rushes into the room

she sends the slayers out and quickly explains what has happened to you

you ask for sanemi

and your heart breaks when she tells you that he hasn’t visited

not once since she told him what you had become

a few more days pass with shinobu running a bunch of tests

she concludes that you’re somehow immune to the sun and that you don’t have an appetite for humans

and still no sign of sanemi

he hasn’t responded to any of your letters either

when shinobu releases you from her care you head to sanemi’s estate

when you knock on his door he opens, looks at you

and then slams it right back in your face

so you leave

as the weeks pass you throw urself into training with Nezuko who you’ve become friends with

but other than to train you don’t leave your estate

you have locked yourself away from the world

believing that sanemi hates you because of what you are

a monster

it’s not until Genya visits you and sees how pitiful you look that something is done

Genya storms to his brothers home

the ground practically shaking under his steps

Genya literally slaps some sense into Sanemi

like actually slaps the shit outta him

Genya is the only person that could get away with something like that other than you lol

not 10 minutes after genya left your home you get a very hesitant knock on your door

you don’t answer

so Sanemi takes it upon himself to walk in

and he finds you sitting on the floor staring at the wall with a blank look on your face

he sets a gentle hand on your shoulder and you don’t react

you don’t move a muscle

you don’t even blink

it’s as if you’re in a trance

he takes in the dark circles under your eyes

and the frown that looks like it’s permanently stretched across your face

and the guilt hits him full force

kneeling next to you and pulling you into his lap

he buries his face into your hair

and he cries

“i’m so fucking sorry”

“if i didn’t decide to split up this wouldn’t have happened”

“it’s my fucking fault”

and then he feels you pull away from him

his eyes are still closed with tears slipping down his face

and then a small cold hand is wiping the tears from his face

“you left me” you say

and his eyes shoot open

to see you with tears in your eyes

he looks away

“i can’t look at you knowing that this is my fault” he says in between cries

“why are you here now?” you ask

he pulls you back into his chest and say

“Genya told me how you’ve been acting and I can’t stand knowing that you’re unhappy”

you push yourself closer to him and say

“if you want me to be happy, then stay”

he takes a deep breath

“i’ll stay”

[helen-with-an-a]

Hello, I hope you’re fine! 🤗

I kind of have an request/idea. It’s not very detailed but I’ve read a lot of fics where it’s like: r is (best) friends with player and secretly in love with them, and the whole team is like „it’s so obvious she likes you back“. I always wonder how it would be if the players feelings aren’t obvious? Like from an outsider point of view it actually seems like the player doesn’t reciprocate r’s feelings and only wants to be friends? Even though that’s not true. More or less angst with a happy ending. Hope that makes sense 😅

Totally okay of your not into this „idea“ ofc!! Thanks :)

Something's Different

So I definitely changed this but I really like how it turned out and I hope you do too. I think this still kinda fits what you were after tho.

Georgia Stanway x Reader

Description: Something is definitely different with Georgia and Keira is trying to figure out what

Keira stared at her best friend, her brows furrowing. Something was different about Georgia today. She looked the same – her familiar smooth ponytail and bright smile, her laughter still rang with the same infectious energy. Yet there was something off, a subtle shift that Keira couldn't quite place.

“Kei?” Leah called, her concern growing for her ginger friend as she studied Georgia. “Keira?” she tried again.

“Something’s different,” Keira stated matter-of-factly.

“Huh?” Leah asked, confused. The blonde looked from Keira to Georgia and back, trying to see something that only Keira could spot.

“Something’s different with Gee,” Keira reiterated.

“Is there?” Leah turned her head, scrutinising Georgia.

Georgia stood in front of her cubby; one foot propped against the wooden bench as she reached to tie her shoelaces. You were next to her, of course, one leg drawn up to your chest, your hands busy fiddling with your boots while the two of you were deep in conversation, eyes locked on each other. The world around you faded into a blur as if nothing else mattered but Georgia.

“She looks the same to me,” Leah concluded, her tone dismissive.

“Something’s different,” Keira mumbled again, her eyes narrowing as she studied Georgia more intently. There was a lightness to her movements, a glow to her skin, as if she had discovered something that had shifted her perspective on the world.

You laughed loudly at something Georgia had said, the sound infectious and bright. Georgia joined in a moment later, her laughter harmonising perfectly with yours, both of you moving in sync as you gathered your belongings for training.

“Maybe it’s just me,” Keira murmured, unable to shake the feeling that something was different with her best friend.

-----

The canteen buzzed with the chatter. The Lionesses were always a noisy bunch, but Keira's focus was solely on you. You sat with the City players, Georgia sat right next to you like always.

“Keep frowning, and your face will stay like that,” Lucy teased, walking up to Keira, her playful tone cutting through Keira’s concentration.

“Something’s different,” Keira explained, her voice barely above a whisper as she kept her eyes trained on you, her eyebrows scrunching concern.

“About who?” Lucy asked, her expression shifting as her eyes darted around the room, searching for any sign of what might be out of the ordinary.

“Gee,” Keira replied.

“Not this again,” Leah chimed in, spinning around to face them with an exaggerated sigh, her own gaze following Keira’s to the table.

“What?” Lucy asked, clearly confused by the sudden shift from Leah

“She was banging on about this the other day,” Leah elaborated, rolling her eyes in frustration. “She’s convinced something’s different with Gee.”

“Nothing seems wrong,” Lucy commented, her head tilting to the side.

“That’s ‘cause you’re bloody blind,” Keira shot back, pursing her lips in irritation. “Something is definitely different with Gee.” The words hung in the air like a challenge, daring Lucy to say differently.

Leah and Lucy exchanged glances, unsure of how to respond. “What do you mean?” Leah pressed, trying to understand.

“It’s like… I don’t know, she’s just different. I can’t put my finger on it, but it feels like she’s–” Keira hesitated, searching for the right words. “Like she’s just come into her own or something.”

“You mean more confident?” Lucy suggested.

“Maybe, but it’s more than that. It’s like she’s … glowing. I don't know.” Keira’s gaze softened as she watched Georgia animatedly gesturing, the sunlight catching the strands of her hair, making them glimmer.

“Okay, I’ll bite,” Lucy said. “What if she really has changed? People do grow, you know.”

“Yeah, but this feels different, like she’s been given permission to be whoever she wants to be,” Keira murmured, unable to shake the feeling that something monumental was unfolding right before her eyes.

You were leaning imperceptibly closer to Georgia, your body angled just enough to catch every word she was saying over the shouts of laughter. The bustling noise faded into a background hum as you focused entirely on her, tilting your head slightly to catch her voice. Your smile grew broad in response to something Georgia had whispered in your ear. Georgia’s own smile mirrored yours, lighting up her face in a way, her eyes shimmering.

In that moment, the two of you existed in a world of your own making, where shared jokes and whispers held a special kind of magic. Georgia opened her mouth as if to say something more, her eyes sparkling with excitement and mischief, but the moment was abruptly interrupted when someone called your name from across the room. Georgia looked up instinctively at your name. You waited a moment longer, letting your eyes scan over Georgia's face before turning to see who had called you. When you were suitably distracted, Georgia looked back to you, her eyes tracing lines over your face, as if checking everything was still ok.

Keira narrowed her eyes, determined to store this information away for later.

As you turned back to Georgia, your expression still bright from the conversation, Keira felt a twinge of something – protectiveness, maybe? She couldn’t quite pinpoint it, but it was clear that whatever was happening between you and Georgia was significant.

-----

Keira jumped as the door to her and Georgia’s shared bedroom slammed shut, the sudden noise reverberating through the small space like a thunderclap. Georgia stormed past her, anger radiating off her in waves, before launching herself onto her bed with a heavy thud. The mattress groaned under the sudden impact.

“Gee?” Keira ventured cautiously, not wanting to provoke her friend further.

“What?” Georgia huffed, her voice tight as she turned her back to Keira.

“You good?” Keira asked, her tone gentle.

“Yup,” Georgia replied. She popped the ‘p’ with emphasis, a gesture that conveyed more than her words ever could. It told Keira everything she needed to know about Georgia’s current mood – one that was anything but fine.

“Wanna talk about it?” Keira offered, her heart aching for her friend.

“Nope,” Georgia shot back, popping the 'p' again, her voice flat as she whipped out her phone, fingers flying over the screen.

Keira let out a small sigh. “I’ll be here if you want to,” she said softly, a sympathetic smile tugging at her lips.

For a moment, Keira sat in silence, watching Georgia scroll through her phone, a storm brewing just beneath the surface. As the seconds ticked by, the air in the room felt thick with unspoken tension, a stark contrast to the usually light-hearted atmosphere they shared. Keira’s mind raced, filled with questions. Was it something that happened at in training? A falling out with someone? Or perhaps something deeper, something that had been simmering for a while?

“Well, if you what to, I'm here,” Keira mumbled, turning to gather her bits for a shower.

-----

“Obi said he was nice,” you commented to Millie, looking up at her with an unsure smile, hoping she’d have some magic solution to your problem. Obi’s glowing recommendation had made the whole thing sound almost too good to pass up, but deep down, you felt uneasy.

“Yeh, but do you actually want to go on a date with him?” Millie countered, crossing her arms and giving you a knowing look. You winced at her tone.

You sighed, running a hand through your hair, your thoughts running a mile a minute. The truth was, you didn’t want to go. The idea of it made your heart sink. There was only one person you wanted to spend time with, to share a laugh or a quiet moment, to go on dates and kiss until your heart was content ... and that person certainly wasn’t interested in you.

Millie watched you, her eyes softening. “Look, the way I see it,” she began gently, “if you do go on a date with this dude, and you’re not really into it, that’s kind of leading him on, isn’t it? And that’s not fair to either of you.”

You sighed again, the weight of your dilemma pressing down on your shoulders. “Yeah, I know. I don’t want to hurt him or make things awkward. But…” You paused, struggling to put your feelings into words. “Going on a date with someone else is the only way I can think of getting over her.”

Millie’s face softened with a look of understanding, and she nodded. “Ahhh, mystery girl,” she said, her voice laced with amusement. She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, a grin spreading across her face.

“Oh, shut up,” you groaned, feeling a blush creep up your cheeks as you whined.

“I’m just saying!” Millie teased, nudging you with her elbow. “Whoever she is, she's got you down baaaad.” She chuckled, giving you a sympathetic look. “But honestly, have you ever thought about, oh, i don't know … telling her how you feel?”

You shook your head quickly, laughing a little too loudly. “No way. She’s way out of my league. Besides, I don’t want to mess things up and make it all awkward.” Your eyes drifted subconsciously over to the familiar sight of Georgia walking through the hallway, her brown-blonde ponytail swaying gently with each step. She walked in stride beside Leah and Lucy, her shoulders slumped slightly.

You felt a pang in your chest. Georgia had been pulling away from you since last night. You weren't sure why or what the cause was, but her answers were short, she refused to sit next to you at breakfast and lunch, and during training, she had all but run away from you when you turned to her for a partner.

Millie tilted her head, her expression softening. “You never know,” she said gently., pulling your attention back to her. “Sometimes, the things we think are impossible aren’t so impossible after all. Maybe she’d surprise you.”

You rolled your eyes, pretending not to consider her words, even though they tugged at something deep inside you. Part of you wished Millie was right, that a confession wouldn’t ruin everything. But the way Georgia was acting right now made you think differently. Maybe keeping it a secret was for the best.

Keira watched you from over her coffee. She was just close enough to hear the conversation if she concentrated hard enough. She had watched the way you bit your lip as you studied Georgia, a nervous expression on your face.

A date back in Germany? A mystery girl that had your heart?

Keira took a slow sip of her coffee, her eyes narrowing slightly as she pieced things together. She had been observing you for a while now – your stolen glances toward Georgia, the way your shoulders tensed every time her name came up in conversation, and, of course, your slight blush whenever Georgia happened to walk by. This “mystery girl” wasn’t much of a mystery to Keira anymore.

Her mind flashed back to all the subtle hints: the way you perked up whenever Georgia entered a room, or how you seemed to find an excuse to be near her, no matter the situation. She knew you and Georgia were close. You lived together in Munich, Georgia had not-so-subtly followed you out to the Bundesliga, you were like Lessi and Tooney - always together, it was weird whenever you weren't together.

“Got something on your mind, Kei?” Mary asked, having noticed the far-off look in Keira’s eyes.

Keira snapped back to the present, offering Mary a nonchalant smile. “Just thinking … how some people are a bit oblivious.”

-----

“Gee, please,” you begged, feeling your heart twist painfully as Georgia stormed into the empty changing room, her face flushed with a mix of frustration and hurt. She wouldn’t even look at you as she strode over to her locker.

“If you want to go on a date so badly, just do it!” she shouted, yanking her locker open with such force it banged against the wall.

You stood frozen for a moment, her words echoing in your head, sharp and bitter. “But why are you angry?” you asked, your voice trembling as you tried to keep yourself from crying. Georgia’s silence was deafening, broken only by the sounds of her furious movements as she tossed items aside. She didn’t respond, just huffed in irritation.

“Please, Gee,” you tried again, voice barely above a whisper. But Georgia’s only response was to grab something from her locker with far too much force, her expression hardening as if she were putting up every wall she could muster.

“No! Just go on that bloody date, will you?” she snapped, refusing to meet your gaze.

You felt a tear roll down your cheek, the hurt of her dismissal cutting deep. “But you’re mad at me. Gee, please. I don’t understand.”

Georgia’s jaw clenched, her shoulders tense as if she were holding back a torrent of words she couldn’t control. “No, I’m not,” she replied tersely, but the lie was as see-through as a window.

“For fuck’s sake, Gee,” you said, the crack in your voice betraying the heartbreak you felt. “You’re my best friend. We live together, for Christ’s sake. I know when you’re mad at me.”

At that, Georgia whirled around, her gaze blazing as she finally locked eyes with you, her expression a mix of anger and raw vulnerability that you hadn’t seen before.

“You want to know why I’m mad? Huh?” she demanded, her voice strained, holding back something too big to contain. You nodded, feeling your own breath catch as you steadied yourself, bracing for whatever was coming.

“I’m mad because it should be me." Her voice broke as the words tumbled out in a rush, a wave of a confession she couldn’t take back. “I should be the one to take you on dates. I should be the one who gets to kiss you and hold your hand. I should be the one who brings you flowers just because and makes you your favourite meal after training.” Her voice wavered, but her eyes held steady, piercing into yours with a fierce intensity. ��Me! Not him. Me!”

She took a shaky breath, her expression softening just enough for you to see the pain beneath her anger. “And I can’t do any of that because… because you’re not mine. You never have been.” Her voice dropped to a whisper.

You stood there, her words crashing over you, and for a moment, you couldn’t move, couldn’t speak, couldn’t even breathe. You wanted to reach out, to touch her, to somehow convey that she’d been wrong all along – that she didn’t need permission, that she already had a hold on you far deeper than she realised.

Your voice finally returned, soft and trembling. “Gee… I ... I didn't know.”

“Well, now you do,” she murmured, barely able to meet your gaze as she shrugged. You stepped closer, closing the space between you, feeling your heart race as you reached for her hand, testing the waters.

“I've always been yours,” you whispered, lifting her chin so that she’d look at you. “I don’t want him, Gee. I've never wanted anyone else. I only want you.”

Georgia’s breath caught, her eyes widening as the reality of your words sank in. Slowly, her expression softened, the anger melting away, replaced by something gentler, something fragile and fresh.

"Y-you do?"

"Of course, I do. Ever since we rocked up to City on that first day and we were both batshit terrified. I ... I love y-"

Lips met yours in a frantic moment. As sweet as sugar, Georgia let her fingers glide into your hair as you gripped her shirt tightly.

"Can I take you for lunch when we get back to Munich?" Georgia whispered when you parted, her eyes still shut, a ghost of a smile on her lips.

"As long as I can take you for dinner," you smiled back, leaning up to kiss her again.

-----

The door to their shared bedroom slammed shut again, but this time the atmosphere was completely different. There was no angry huffing, no frustrated muttering under her breath. Instead, Georgia practically glided across the room, throwing herself onto her bed with an energy Keira could only describe as … gleeful.

Keira tilted her head, watching Georgia with mounting curiosity as her friend landed on the bed and rolled onto her back, phone in hand, her thumbs moving at lightning speed across the screen. A small, knowing smirk played on Keira’s lips as she took in the scene, noting the way Georgia’s eyes sparkled with a new kind of light, her cheeks flushed with something decidedly un-angry.

“Gee?” Keira asked, bewilderment and amusement lacing her tone.

“What?” Georgia replied absently, barely looking up from her phone.

“You good?” Keira pressed, raising an eyebrow, trying to hide the grin threatening to break through.

Georgia finally looked up, just enough to reveal the unmistakable giddiness etched into her features. “Yep,” she said with a huge smile, her gaze flicking back to her phone as she tapped out another message. A soft giggle escaped her, and she bit her lip to stifle it, but it was too late – Keira had noticed everything.

“Want to talk about it?” Keira asked, her voice deliberately casual as she perched on the edge of her bed across from Georgia, arms crossed in curiosity.

“Nope,” Georgia replied, her face lighting up again as she read the latest message, a quiet laugh bubbling from her lips. She seemed almost oblivious to Keira’s questioning gaze, too lost in whatever – or whoever – was on the other side of her screen.

Keira watched her with a mixture of fondness and amusement, unable to hold back a smile as Georgia’s laughter filled the room, soft but genuine. She knew better than to push; whatever Georgia was holding close, she’d share in her own time.

“I’ll be here if you want to,” Keira said softly, a knowing smile creeping across her face as she settled back against her pillows. Georgia didn’t respond, too lost in her world of giddy texting, but the slight blush on her cheeks told Keira all she needed to know.

Something was definitely different with Georgia.

[astroismypassion]

Astrology observations 🪐🪐🪐

Credit goes to @astroismypassion

🪐When you have Pluto in the 7th house in your Solar Return chart that year you might feel tempted to sabotage your personal, one on one relationships, romantic partnerships, friendships and committed partnerships in order to form new ones. You will want to destroy them just so you can build new ones.

🪐If you have Pluto in the 3rd house in Synastry chart you two will be very competitive with each other, especially in running, cycling etc.

🪐People with Pisces Moon/Pisces IC or Pisces over the 4th house tend to find their one true love after they retire. Usually these people spend a lifetime finding a partner that doesn't make them feel lonely.

🪐With Pluto in the 7th house in the Solar Return chart you might enter a legal contract that year that could bring you debt the years following, so stay mindful with what you are signing when you have Solar Return Pluto in the 7th house.

🪐Mercury in the 5th house natives are extra competitive when playing board games. They desire to win at all costs.

🪐I noticed that whenever you connect with the Sun sign person of your Moon sign, for example you have Aries Moon in the 4th house and you connect with Aries Sun or Cancer Sun, you feel like you have hard time connecting with them through your own CURRENT interests. Because the Moon is so connected with the past, your childhood, upbringing and your growing up. With them you are always pulled in the past and nostalgia. You spend a lot of time talking about hobbies, interests that you've done in the PAST, but not so much actively, in the present moment. It's like they remind you only of the activities, interests, hobbies and passions that you had in childhood or while growing up, but it's much harder to sync in with them through your active, current interests that you have in your adult life.

🪐Mars in the 9th house always need to listen to music while they are doing an activity or while they are active, walking around the city, on their way to somewhere, while in transportation or during sports.

🪐Moving on to celebrity world, I find interesting how rappers Cardi B and Offset, who are married released song Jealousy since both have Scorpio Venus in their Natal charts. They are quite literally making money (Venus) off jealousy (Scorpio theme).

🪐The 2nd house shows on who you are spending your money on. So when someone puts their personal planets into your 2nd house, you spend a lot of money of them. And vice versa, when someone has your sign over their 2nd house, they might spend a lot of money on you. But with so not that often discussed, is that it goes the same for your Part of Fortune sign. If you have Sagittarius Part of Fortune, a Sagittarius Sun might give you money or spend a lot on you, buy you gifts. Since Part of Fortune represents also material wealth.

🪐People with Libra Midheaven are so fascinating to me. The native with Libra MC is always known for their partnership/marriage, they are known as "this person's partner/wife/husband". BUT the Libra MC native is always EVEN MORE well known or has more attention, recognized by the public than their partner/spouse. For example celebrities Kim Kardashian, who for the longest was associated with Kanye West and as "Kanye's wife", her popularity outgrew her husband. The same in case of Cardi B (Libra MC) and his husband Offset. Similary, Kylie Jenner (Libra MC) who dated Travis Scott, now supposedly Timothee Chalamet, she will always be known for dating these people, but will be bigger than them. To conclude Libra MC native will be always KNOWN by association, because of their PARTNER or who they team up with, but Libra MC native will despite that always be BIGGER, have even more attention, success than their partner in some sense.

🪐Capricorn Lilith is often faced with rumours and gossip about them in the workplace and usually they are started by a boss and distributed by co-workers.

🪐I noticed two signs repeated in charts that often point to extreme sensitivity. It's Pisces and Aries. Often times I noticed in individual charts of people who are in a partnership, most often one partner had Pisces Moon or Rising, Mars in their Natal chart and the other person had Aries Moon, Aries Mars or Sun in their Natal chart. So a Pisces Moon in a man's chart points to a partner that is very sensitive. And if the woman has Aries Mars, again it points to a partner with extreme sensitivities.

🪐Mars in the 9th house native is VERY DECISIVE. They often had a highly opinionated father with very strong beliefs, opinions. So early on they were taught by the father that is not okay for them to be indecisive or not have an opinion on something. But what is interesting that the Mars in the 9th house individual is very indecisive throughout childhood, but grows up very decisive and opinionated later in adulthood.

🪐Sometimes with Lilith in the 9th house, you might not feel fully accepted by in-laws, so your partner's parents. Could encounter challenges here with them. Another thing I noticed here could also be either your partner's parents never take side with you. They always defend your partner, their child and not side with you, even when you're right. Or they paint YOU the bad guy and not their child, so your partner. Be mindful if you share any partnership troubles with your partner's parents since they might not grasp your perspective well.

🪐If you have Composite Capricorn Ascendant, connection that the two of you share, will receive A LOT of attention from the public. People will be highly curious about it and very focused on your connection. You will draw quite a lot of attention and people around you will be invested in your partnership.

🪐Scorpio Moon and Cancer over the 8th house might consider intimacy that you share your phone/social media password with them.

🪐 Pisces over the 4th house often points to the fact that someone else is paying your rent.

🪐 If you have Saturn in the 4th house, Capricorn over the 4th house your parents might pay your rent or buy you an apartment, a home.

Credit goes to @astroismypassion

[mae-gi-writes]

let it be me | kuroo tetsurou (2)

In which you, as a new divorcée, can't help but crush on your 4-year-old's new PE Coach.

genre: singleparent!reader x coach! Kuroo, fluff, acquaintances-to-lovers

taglist: @patpatspatz @matchagirliris @multi-fandom-fanfic @alittlebirdahgaselx @kuroos--little--kitten @menacejelly12 @aeshiue @dreamlessnight @altheades @loonalockley @not-your-average-fangirl @bertqut1 @sunlixfl-blog @nabboo007

a/n: enjoy! <3 thanks for all the love given to the first part of this story! here's the second part. Third part is coming soon ~

---- previous | part two | next part >>>

"He can't be serious."

You sigh and watch the wine in your glass slosh around, creating beautiful patterns along the rim of your glass, "unfortunately, I think he is."

Your cousin has on an expression you can't quite place, in-between disgust and pure confusion. He's at the microwave, busy heating up some popcorn. Having adamantly asked you to sit on his couch while taking care of the snacks, you thus decided to watch Sakura play with her legos along the carpet, keeping a watchful eye in case one might end up in her mouth.

"He's only marrying her for the money," is what he concludes after a small pause.

You snort into your glass, take a sip of it and allow the bitterness to coat your tongue, "I wish that were true."

"How would you know that?"

" 'Tsumu, is it written stupid on my forehead?" your own wrinkles in distaste, "I see the way he looks at her. He's--" you choke on your words then, the knot in your throat growing tenfold, "--he's in love with her."

"Who is in love, mum?"

"No one at all," you're quick to answer upon noticing Sakura has been listening in. She normally doesn't, a kid that enjoys staring off into space and conjuring make-believe stories, where there's magic and only happy endings. You try and force a smile onto your face, "how's the house construction for Princess Peach going?"

Your daughter lets out a laugh as she presents to you a square that looks nothing like a house. Still, you coo at it, "so pretty! I bet princess peach would love it."

Your conversation with Atsumu has to wait until Sakura is tucked away in her uncle's bedroom and has listened to three stories about princesses, before you manage to join him back onto the couch where he's busy watching a rerun of volleyball matches.

You don't get to see him much now, courtesy of the fact that he's a national athlete and has been booked at the big games representing Japan. You couldn't be prouder, and yet his permanent absence does still leave a big hole in your heart whenever he flies over a thousand miles. Atsumu had been your rock since you guys were kids, defending you on the school playground and dragging you around to parties and birthdays without your consent. He'd taken care of you as a big brother would and he still is. You don't know how to repay this kind of kindness.

You're just thankful that he has one week off so that you can rant and ramble about the unfairness of the world. At least with Atsumu here, it appeases the pain, if just a little.

"Have you signed the papers yet?" he asks, handing you the bowl of popcorn.

You grab a handful, popping onto of them into your mouth as you answer, "not yet."

"You should ask him for alimony, at least."

"I'm not sure I'd win that, 'Tsumu."

"Still," his nose wrinkles in distaste, "this feels unfair. And why are you the one taking care of Sakura on your own? And I don't mean the parenting part. What about the finances? Why can't he contribute?"

"Because he's a dick and he thinks he can get away with it," you're glad that the tv is providing a welcome distraction, for you can't bear to look into Atsumu's eyes, "I'm just going to sign it and be done with it. I don't want Sakura to suffer any longer. It's not fair on her, she barely sees him."

"Well maybe it's time you find someone else too, y/n."

Your thoughts suddenly flash to Kuroo's beautiful smile and you have to physically force yourself to keep from grinning. You can feel the heat from the back of your neck and come up with the excuse that it's still too early and that Sakura wouldn't like her world shattering just for your happiness.

But it seems that Atsumu knows you better than that, for he asks, "are you blushing?"

"Wha--" Panic skitters through you, "no. No, why would I blush?"

His eyebrows raise, "you’ve met someone then?"

"N--No. Not at all. It's--" you realize you're blundering when his smile widens slightly, "it's not like that."

"So who's the lucky guy?"

"Atsumu."

"Y/N," his eyes glisten with playfulness and he nudges your shoulder, "c'mon. Tell me!"

You let out another breath and mumble, "He’'s not someone I met. He's...Just someone I know."

"And how do you know him?"

"He's Sakura's PE coach."

Atsumu lets out a whistle, "well that--" he shakes his head, "--that's not what I imagined at all."

"Shut up."

"So you like him?"

"It's not--It's really not like that. I--" you try and rack your brain for anything to say because this is really embarrassing. Who has a crush at the age of twenty-nine? Practically all of your friends are already married and have kids, talk about husband problems and how they wish for their youth back. And you? Here you are, thinking you might have a crush. You're no better than a middle school girl.

Which is why you say, "I don't even know him."

"You just think he's cute?"

"Precisely. But there are a lot of cute guys. It doesn't mean anything."

“Right,” Atsumu lets out a breath before he leans back into the couch, “but you know what I think?”

You hum in response.

“I think you should get laid—“

You almost spit out your wine in shock, gape at him in horror, “Atsumu!”

Again, your brain goes into overdrive at the thought of Kuroo and his sweaty chest, the breadth of his shoulders, the way he just towers over your small frame…

NO! You slam onto your mental brakes and shake your head, “you’re disgusting.” You spit out.

“I’m telling the truth princess. I really believe in the power of s—“

“Don’t—“ you cut him off with a raised palm, “don’t even say it.”

“So tell me,” Atsumu proceeds to wriggle his brows suggestively which makes it even harder to stop the blush igniting along your face, “this guy, how handsome is he? Must be pretty good-looking for you to be blushing like that.”

“Shut up ‘Tsumu, it’s not like that at all. Just stop. He's like--half of my age."

“Alright alright,” he laughs his deep-bellied laughter and wraps an arm around you in a gentle, comforting hug, “but if ever you do get lais with him, you gotta tell me.”

“Mum, what does ‘getting laid’ mean?”

“Oh!” Your head snaps to the doorway only to see your daughter all sleepy-eyed and clutching a spare pillow.

“Sakura!” You scramble to over, casting your cousin a scowl as you do, “c’mon, sweetie. Let’s get you back to bed.”

You hear Atsumu’s laughter follow you all the way to the bedroom.

————

It’s weird when Sakura isn’t around.

It’s almost like you’ve lost your purpose. But then again, you should be taking advantage of this right? That’s what everyone keeps telling you.

But alas, something in you cannot just let yourself rest for fear that your thoughts may go into a black hole of what ifs and images of Sakura with your ex-husband’s wife —well, almost ex-husband— and thus decide to take on a last-minute order.

It’s a simple enough request— a birthday cake. While you usually plan events from A to Z, this order merely requested a cake of any kind. So that’s how you spend your Saturday morning — creating a dough and sugar decorations that would fit into the theme of “Halloween”, as per what your client has asked.

You drive up to the pin location around four in the afternoon, strolling through the streets until the google maps signals you that you’ve arrived to your destination. Turning off the ignition at the said house — a beautiful Victorian home adorned with columns twice your height and size — you open your door only to come face to face with a familiar pair of golden eyes.

“Coach?”

“Kosuke-san?”

You both stare. And stare.

It’s shock that comes first. Before realization slaps you in the face, “oh!” You quickly bow in hopes that you haven’t been staring too long, “good afternoon, Coach. What—What brings you here?”

"Kosuke-san," he bows and looks just as surprised as you are, before he notices the way you're struggling to juggle to cake in your arms, "here, let me help you."

Without hesitation, he opens the door a bit wider and closes the gap between you, lifting the box from your arms, "jeez how heavy is this thing?"

You let out a small laugh, "it's all the icing sugar."

"Come in," he gestures with his chin for you to follow and as you step into the threshold he continues, "so when you said you were an event planner--I didn't expect you to be a cake designer too."

"It's an extra service I provide," you shrug, "I'm a patissier by career. Event planning is just something that keeps the cash flowing."

Kuroo pauses in mid-step then, "you're a patissier?"

"Yeah. Well, I was," you chuckle, "but anyway, it's been a while since I've baked now. So I hope it's just as good as you expect it to be."

Kuroo opens his mouth only to be cut off by a horde of boys stumbling into what appears to be the kitchen area. Now that you have a better look, it's all white marble and golden taps and golden handles on every piece of furniture to match. In any case, this house screams of money and for a minute, you feel a bit small and insignificant in your stained-flour blouse, the splotches of paint across your faded out jeans, courtesy of Sakura's art skills.

"You must be y/n!" one of the boys detaches himself. His orange hair glistens in the sun streaming through the window and he's a bit shorter than Kuroo. He beams at you and you can't help but be reminded of a puppy, "thanks for taking my order on such a short notice!"

"No worries at all. You must be...Hinata?"

"Yes!" he shakes your hand, "so I see you've met Kuroo! He's one of my best mates! We used to play against each other back in high school."

"Really now?" you quirk a brow in Kuroo's direction, watching the muscles of his arms ripple as he places the cake in an orderly manner inside the fridge. His voice is muffled when he replies, "yeah, he's the midget that made us jump for our lives. I hated him."

"You're just sour because you lost that one time," Hinata pouts, "but anyway, this is the rest of the ex-team!"

And so that's how you get a round of names that you will probably forget in five minutes and Kuroo, having seen the confusion in your eyes, can't help but laugh to himself because the sight is somewhat adorable. And he knows he shouldn't find it, he knows you're off limits because first, you're a mom from the school and two, you're married and have a kid. It's definitely not at all appropriate for his eyes to be roaming over your curves or to linger over the light glittering in your eyes.

Get a hold of yourself, he mentally whacks the back of his head.

“Where’s the little munchkin?” Kuroo asks you once you’re all settled after having been wheedled by Hinata to stay (“please please please you did such a great job on the cake” is what he’d begged). You’re now perched onto a plush lounge chair, a mixture of juice and vodka in your hand and watching the nth match of pingpong between someone whose name you forget and the other whose name sounds like Daichi. Though yoj might be wrong.

You’re glad for Kuroo’s presence, for even if he is a stranger, he still feels familiar to you right now in this setting.

“Sakura’s with her father today,” you explain with a slight smile in hopes it doesn’t give any of that bitterness away.

Kuroo opens his mouth like he wants so say something — anything— but you beat him to it, “we’re not together. Not anymore.”

His eyes widen with realization and you see it, the way he’s putting all the puzzle pieces together, “I’m sorry to hear,” is what he finally musters.

“Nothing be to be sorry about.”

“So… the name Kosuke…”

“Is my maiden name,” you reply, “I’ve never changed names. Looking back, I think I’ve done the right thing.”

Kuroo isn’t sure whether he should be mad for you or hurt in your place. After all, who in their right mind would leave their wife and their toddler daughter?

He deals with little kids every day, so he knows exactly what they’re like on a daily basis, and it’s not easy.

“I’m sorry,” it seems that’s the only thing he knows how to say.

“Really,” you laugh at him, “how can you be sorry when it’s not even your fault?”

Kuroo shrugs and grins bashfully because yes, it’s true and he still doesn’t know what to say. So he decides to ask, “And Sakura… how is she?”

“She doesn’t realize it. She’s too young,” your smile fades slightly, “in a way, I hope that’s a good sign.”

His heart clenches at the thought of you raising this kid alone. He can’t even imagine it. It makes sympathy swim inside his chest like an ache he can’t quite ignore. The look on your face suggests that you’ve been let down and he has the sudden impulse to tell you that everything will be alright, will be okay.

But he can’t do that. You’ll think of him as a creep. So he bites his tongue and look away instead, at the war of pingpong ongoing between his two friends. In a way, he’s glad for the distraction as he sips on his beer.

“And you?” Your voice piping up surprises him. His eyes flit back to your face. You continue, “married? Engaged?”

Kuroo’s throat bobs as he chuckles, “no. None of that.”

“How come?” You take a sip of your cocktail, “you don’t seem like the type to wound up alone with a hundred cats.”

“No no,” he can’t help but laugh because one, you’re hella attractive to him; tiny and frail and looking like he can fit you in a box no problem and two; you’re actually entertaining to be around. Something that he’s found lacking in his previous dates, “I just didn’t find anyone special yet.”

“Well there's no rush,” you lift your cocktail as you speak, “and anyway, you’re still young. You should enjoy it while you can.”

“Young?” Kuroo’s face breaks into a grin as his golden orbs glimmer down at you, amused, “how old do you think I am?”

"Uhm--I don't know. Early twenties?"

"I'm twenty-five," he gives you a look, "how old are you?"

"Twenty-eight. Going on twenty-nine."

"You look like you've just gotten out of college though," Kuroo's smirk is visible even behind his beer as he chugs down most of his drink, "if I didn't know better, I'd say you and Sakura were sisters."

"Not even," you retort, "And excuse me, but you look younger than twenty-five."

"I make up for it in height," he peers down at you, "but I suppose you wouldn't understand that considering--"

Your arm whacks at his shoulder before you know it. A playful gesture surely, but one that you don't really use on your daughter's teachers. Let alone ones that have bulging muscles and a figure to die for. You stare at your hand for a long minute, your brain going blank, before your eyes whip up to his and horror seeps into your gaze.

"Oh my god!" you screech and recoil like he's the one that had slapped you, "I'm so sorry, I--It's just--automatic you know, my cousin--he's got the same humor and--well I--I'm really sorry--"

The guffaw that leaves Kuroo's mouth is so loud that it causes heads to turn, even the ones invested in the ping pong game. He bends over while holding his stomach and the initial panic that you have wears off upon seeing him look so joyously happy. You can't help but chuckle along.

"What?" you say when he's regained most of his breath, "what's so funny?"

"You are," he grins, before it turns mischievous, "senpai."

"Hey--now that's going a bit too far!"

You're not quite sure what time you get home that night. But you do know that you've gone to sleep with a smile on your face.

————

"Kuroo sensei! He stole my ball!"

A typical Monday morning where Kuroo is busy surveilling the fifth graders as they decided to play basketball during their free time. He's not one to deny such requests, actually enjoys watching them play and seeing them grow day by day, developing their techniques. But to say that he's a bit in the clouds would be an understatement.

"Kuroo sensei!"

He finally snaps back to reality. Blinks down at the tiny boy with the biggest scowl he's ever seen yet, "yes I'm sorry. What's wrong?"

"He stole my ball!" the young boy points at one of the chubby classmates who seems quite content in playing by himself, "and now he's saying that it was his!"

Kuroo can't help but raise a brow. He's taught that class before, knows exactly that the chubby little kid doesn't have that many friends, including the boy standing before him.

"I don't think he stole your ball."

It's a bold statement, but from the way the tiny student squirms and averts his gaze, Kuroo believes he is right, "but--but he did! He really did steal my ball!"

"I have an idea," Kuroo bends down to his height, not able to restrain the grin along his face at the pout forming on the student's lips, "why don't you go and play with him? He seems a bit lonely."

"Yeah that's because he never talks to anyone in class."

"Then why don't you be the first? hm?" he nudges the boy's shoulder, "show your class a good example. Come on."

With a bit more reassurance, the said student goes over and Kuroo watches fondly as the two exchange awkward greetings before the chubby student nods his head, glancing at his PE coach like he'd just dropped a bomb.

Five minutes later, they're playing together like best friends.

And Kuroo goes back to daydreaming.

He's not usually like this. So out of it, so inside his own head that he can't see the outside world. But ever since that party he's been wondering when's the next time he'd get to see you, to talk to you. Not just as Sakura's mum but as someone, maybe a friend. He's addicted to the way your eyes curve up before your lips are even drawn into a smile, like you're sharing a special secret with him before the world gets a flash of blinding white teeth. He enjoys watching you move about because you're just so tiny, holding cups with two hands and always having to tiptoe about to find stuff. But most of all, that conversation with you had him dreaming of more. He wants to know you, that initial curiosity turning to what he'd define as stupid infatuation.

Yes, Kuroo Tetsurou has a crush, and he's not quite sure how to feel about it.

"--Earth to Kuroo?"

He blinks. In front of him stands his colleague and friend Bokuto. Having faced each other off countlessly during their high school days, it was a miracle and lovely surprise to see him at the new year induction. Since then, they’d been a constant pair inside the school walls and creating assignments, organizing and coordinating events had never been so fun.

“Sorry,” he mumbles and rubs a hand over his face.

“You look like death, mate,” Bokuto leans on the fencing that separates the courts from the building, “why the long face?”

“Haven’t slept well,” Kuroo says, but he knows he’s not convincing when Bokuto’s eyebrows raise in question.

“You? Firm believer of 10hrs of sleep every day?” His friend shakes his head, “no way. Tell me what happened. What’s got you looking so dazed?”

“It’s noth—“ he halts. Maybe he can find some advice? Bokuto’s known for being a badass romantic after all. Maybe he can have something wise to say.

Like tell Kuroo you’re way out of his league and— what the hell is he even thinking, dating someone’s mom? Someone older than him, at that?

The words burst out of his mouth without warning:

“I think I like someone.”

Bokuto merely blinks. His face lights up, “well that explains it. Who?”

Kuroo’s arm swings to the back to scratch his neck, “it’s… one of the student’s mom’s.”

The last few words are said in a mumble, causing Bokuto to lean into his friend with a wide-eyed gaze, surprise flitting across his face when he realizes what Kuroo has just said.

“No,” the grey-haired man’s mouth turns into an “o” as he stares his friend down, “no way. Who?”

“I don’t think you know her. Sakura Kosuke?” Kuroo prompts.

“Sakura Kosuke…” Bokuto shakes his head in thought, “haven’t heard of that one. But—-Kuroo! I thought older women weren’t your style!”

“She’s not that old,” Kuroo’s face flames, “only by three years.”

"Who would've thought," Bokuto breathes out with a chuckle when a thought suddenly occurs to him, "wait-- it's not the chick who came by with the cake last weekend?"

Kuroo nods and awkwardly clears his throat, "yeah, the very same."

"Ha! If only I knew! I would've done my best to set you up!"

"It's not funny!"

But now that Bokuto has some leverage of information, he's definitely not going to let it go and Kuroo kind of regrets spilling the beans to him, of all people. That, and the probably fact that he’ll be spreading this news like wildfire across their friend group.

Thankfully, Kuroo’s schedule makes it that it’s hard to think about anything but work since midterm season is approaching for his other primary school colleagues. There’s after-school shows and events for every single activity and since he’s being asked to help for every single thing (because he’s the preschool teacher and, yeah! How come you don’t have any events planned for your preschoolers?!). Which means that he doesn’t have actual time to think about you, not even when he’s finally home and mustering up enough strength to brush his teeth, take a shower and dump himself in bed.

He does, however, collide head-first into you one week day as you’re hurrying out of the principal’s office, looking flustered and red-faced.

“Kosuke-san,” he takes a longing glance your rosy cheeks and felt his hand tingle with want. Just to see if it’s as soft as he imagines it to be? “You okay?”

“Kuroo sensei,” you run a hand through your locks and causing your hair to get even more disheveled, “hi, sorry— how are you? It’s been a while.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?” You’re looking a bit more greenish now that he sees you in the light.

“Yes I—“ your hands flutter up before you in an attempt to find an explanation, “—just came back from a meeting with Sakura’s teacher.”

“Oh?” Kuroo frowns, “what—nothing bad, I hope?”

“It’s just—well,” you try to chuckle but it comes out like a whimper, “apparently she got into a fight with one of the other girls in her class. Got a few injuries herself so…”

Your eyes are wet and it seems you’re half a second away from a breakdown. So it’s only natural for Kuroo to take a few steps closer to you before he whispers a soft, “hey hey, you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m sorry,” you take a shaky breath, “it’s just been a long, hard morning.”

“Yeah,” Kuroo bites onto his lower lip, not sure what to do to make things better as he watches your chest move up and down in staggered breaths.

That’s when an idea hits him. He makes a grab for the back of your elbow and the smallness, the thinness of your limb takes him be surprise as he steers you out of the corridor.

And when your wide eyes flutter up to his, he quickly says something along the lines of, “I know a place. It’ll make you feel better.”

That’s how he finds himself dragging you to the nearby coffee place he always frequents— called Espresso Block— a small vintage bakery run by none other than his good friend Osamu Miya, as part of his expansion branch from his onigiri restaurants.

"Y/N!" Osamu greets as soon as he spots your face trailing behind Kuroo's tall figure. He pushes the raven-haired man aside with impatience before sauntering over and wrapping you up in a bear hug.

"Osamu," you breathe in the scent of baked croissants lingering on his uniform, "you're choking me."

"Oh--sorry," he drops you and grins sheepishly, that is before he registers that you're together with one of his friends, causing his eyes to narrow, "how do you two know each other?"

"Kosuke-san is Sakura's mother and she was having a bad day," Kuroo explains before he turns to you, "how do you know him?"

Did you imagine the five-second frostiness that came from his tone? Maybe not, as you reply, "he's my cousin. We grew up together. I taught him how to play volleyball back in primary school."

Kuroo's relief is instant. Thank god, it's not a close friend, nor is it a romantic partner candidate. His mood brightens instantly and without further ado he proceeds to lead you towards a table in the back.

He doesn’t fail to ignore the way Osamu’s eyes are following him all the way back to his table as he carries the two drinks — strawberry latte for him and a black coffee for you — and Kuroo can just hope that his dear friend can keep his distance until you've gone.

Becayse he's quite certain he will be subject to interrogation. Especially if you're that close to Osamu.

Placing the tray on the table, he takes out the mug and pushes it into your hands before finding his seat opposite you. You grab the cup between your two palms and take a deep breath as Kuroo sips on his latte.

The sweetness of the strawberry never disappoints. It’s refreshing and brings a smile to his lips. Osamu sure knows his desserts.

“I'm really sorry about what happened earlier," you seem to have composed yourself from earlier. You take a small sip of your coffee and Kuroo watches in amusement as you shudder.

"Do you want some milk with that?" he can't help but ask.

You nod and look shameful, and Kuroo's heart squeezes with sympathy. Your eyes are tinged with aprons of blue and there are tired lines lining your eyes and the corners of your mouth. It's only when he comes back -- from having gotten some steamed milk from Osamu and a suggestive wink to match -- you dip your head into a nod and mumble out a soft 'thanks', eyes glued to the way the dark brown turned into a creamy latte.

"You could've asked me for a latte," Kuroo smiled to show that he didn't mind at all. But you winced.

"I'm sorry--"

"Don't say sorry," he softened, "just--next time, you can tell me what you want, Kosuke-san. I'm not here to bite you...unless you want me to."

Your eyes flit up to his in surprise and Kuroo pinks at his words. They'd just slipped out on their own. It's not like he'd wanted to sound flirty when you're looking all shaky and worse for wear. He quickly clear his throat and tries to change the subject, "how are Sakura's injuries?"

"She's fine, got herself a bruised lip."

His eyebrows raise in surprise, "woah, that's still something."

"Yeah," you mutter and take another sip. And then another, "I hope this doesn't become a habit."

"I've taught Sakura since the start of this semester," Kuroo leans forward, elbows propped onto the table, "and I can tell you--she's anything but violent."

"I really hope you're right about this. I can't have her running around beating up everyone."

Kuroo stifled a small laugh, "to be honest, I think it's good she knows how to defend herself."

You shoot him a look and he can't help but laugh. And it's so contagious, the way it booms out of him like a melody, that you cannot restrain yourself from joining in.

"You're right," you say in-between chuckles.

"Maybe she got her mom's feisty spirit," Kuroo adds.

"No way. I was as silent as a mouse," you retort, "if she got anything like that, it's probably from her father's--"

You halt in mid-conversation, wanting to bite down your tongue for even mentioning him and quickly flash Kuroo a bashful smile in hopes he'll just brush it off, "sorry, let's not talk about him--"

"Kosuke-san, you really have to stop saying sorry all the time," Kuroo says with a grin, "it's not healthy."

"I know, I'm--" you catch yourself and he bursts out laughing once more at your face, "don't say it! No matter what!" he chides.

"Stop--" but you're grinning from ear to ear, cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling, "--Kuroo sensei, I hope you're not as playful with your students or they'd never learn anything from you."

"Course not," he winks, "I keep that solely for the pretty ladies."

His suggestive tone makes you blush despite it all and you look down at your coffee with the blush blazing so hard across your cheeks you swear everyone can see its colour from afar.

"I don't know how it is at home though," Kuroo's voice brings you out of your small bubble of warmth, "it must be tough handling Sakura all alone. Do you ever take a break?"

"Well, she goes to see her dad ever two weeks. But other than that, she's always with me unless my parents decide to come over. Which isn't as often as I would like."

"Why's that?"

"They live in the countryside and have a farm. It's hard for them to take days off, and I don't blame them not wanting to be around," your voice lowers to a mutter at the last few words, "especially after what happened with the marriage and all..."

"Marriages fail every time," Kuroo says gently then, "that too, isn't your fault."

"I wish my parents believed that," you let out a small laugh, "but they're right. We were too young to get married."

"But you have Sakura right? Isn't she worth it?"

His eyes, golden flecked and filled with so much hope and softness, meet yours from across the table. You suddenly feel a bit hot in your seat, wanting to squirm as you quickly look away from Kuroo's gaze because dear god, it's almost like he's ripping away, ripping apart every single layer of self-protection and preservation and reading you out like an open book.

"You're right," you clear your throat upon realizing he'd still been waiting for your response, "she is worth every single second. I wouldn't change anything about what happened. I just--I wish my parents could see it that way too."

"I think you spend a little too much time stressing about things you can't control," Kuroo takes another sip of his latte, "how about you learn to let go a bit? Maybe take the day off? Go hiking?"

"With Sakura?" you shake your head, "impossible, I--"

"Surely you have someone that can take care of her while you're gone," he tilts his head, jaw resting into one of his hands and making him appear all the more handsome.

Your thoughts flash to Atsumu. He's right, you could technically take a day off by dropping Sakura with the blonde. But she's not his responsibility and Atsumu has other priorities in his life rather than hang out with his niece. But Kuroo's persistence is strong and he makes you -- practically orders you -- to text him when he connects the dots that you two are also family.

"That guy can learn a thing or two about being responsible anyway," grins Kuroo, "so I'm sure he won't mind."

————

How did you end up here?

That's the question you keep asking yourself -- even when you're busy picking out your clothes only to realize that you barely have anything that's worth 'party material', even when you're attempting to do your makeup even though it's been almost three (or four?) years since you've tried to look your best because Sakura's wellbeing always came first.

Even when you're strapping up your black ankle boots, the question is getting drilled into your brain like a broken mixtape as you wonder whether this is a good idea after all.

"Go," Atsumu is firm when you call him for the nth time. It's five minutes until Kuroo's supposed to pick you up and feeling the pressure on your shoulders, you quickly decide to call your cousin in an emergency, "you have to do it, y/n. Stop making this all about Sakura. You need to be happy too."

"I am happy," was what you'd mumbled out in the phone receiver. You don't realize how tightly you're gripping the phone, so tight that your knuckles have turned white.

"I know you are, but you'll be happier if you live for yourself. At least for one night," Atsumu responds, "and Sakura's safe with me. And if ever there's an issue I'll call Osamu first to--"

"What?! No! No you call me first, okay?"

"Y/n please just relax. It's supposed to be a fun night."

You slump against the wall in defeat, "I don't even know why I'm doing this," you mumble mostly to yourself, though you're certain he can hear it too, "there's no point trying to prove that I'm content with my life. There are things that are going to leave me unsatisfied. I'm--I was fine with that, really."

"Are you though?" your cousin's voice is accusatory this time, "you're ready to live just for Sakura? Making her happy will make you happy too? Is this how it's supposed to work?"

"Technically yes, I'm her mother--"

"--And you've been left behind!"

The words are like a slap. You bite down onto your lower lip.

It draws blood.

You hiss, sucking on the skin as the metallic taste hits your tongue.

In truth, Atsumu has a point. You can't just live to make Sakura happy because that will ultimately destroy you. Not because she's not the only thing you need in your life. But because despite having your little girl being the center of your world, despite being able to sustain her with your career, you still feel like it's just yesterday when Aoi had upped and left you. His excuses, as pathetic as they had been, were arrows shooting straight into your heart. He left you crying into your pillow that night, hovering over your figure until you'd told him to 'get lost or I'll call the cops on you' before curling up on the small couch that you'd gotten rid of once he'd moved out for good.

So much pain. So much pain and haunted nights and obstacles that had come your way. That, along with caring for Sakura, had been a big hurdle. You remembered the long mornings, how hard it had been to drag yourself out of bed for the first few days. Atsumu had volunteered to stay with you then, giving you all the support you needed until you'd had enough strength to get back on your feet.

So he knew exactly what you'd gone through. Had seen it all first-hand. He wasn't kidding when he said you really needed to get laid. Somehow, he seems to have a valid point.

But it's been so long since you've left the dating scene that the thought of it makes you want to vomit.

"I'm sorry y/n, that wasn't cool." Atsumu's voice flows through the receiver like a lullaby and you take a deep, staggering breath, "I just--I know how hard it's been pulling your weight and caring for Sakura. It practically consumed your entire life. It's about time you get that motherfucker back for screwing things up--"

"Language," you tsk at him.

"You know what I mean," he replies impatiently, "So go out there, have fun. Get smashed. And at least do something to make you happy for a change. Alright?"

"Yeah okay," you mumble.

"And plus, you're with a bunch of guys that I know. They're cool. They'll keep an eye on you."

"Thanks mom."

"Anytime hun."

You can't help but giggle before you hear a car pulling up outside, "alright. I think my ride's here."

"Yeah, try to get laid okay--"

"Atsumu!" your cheeks flame, "I hope you're not saying all this in front of Sakura!"

A burst of laughter echoes from the receiver, "don't worry, miss Sakura is asleep. Have fun y/n! Take pictures!"

The drive there is less awkward than you'd imagined it to be, despite the fact that Kuroo's get-up does make your mouth salivate. And not just you. You realize a bunch of girls have him on their radar, from the stolen glances driven his way as you follow his broad back out of the parking and into the small terrace-looking entrance flanked by colored glowing palm trees.

"I haven't been in a club for like four years," you confess to him as you trudge into the queue. The air smells like cigarette and smoke. And something else. Something dangerous. It makes you giddy, you realize.

"Four years?" his eyes grow round as he looks down at you, "you have drunk before right? To the brink of passing out?"

"Like...maybe four years ago?"

His mouth opens, then closes. He shakes his head, a smile curving at the edges of his lips, "remind me not to drown you with tequila."

"I'll try my best."

You meet the rest of the gang upon stumbling into the club. It's dark and pulsating with music, with two dance floors separated by the DJ stationed on a platform right in the middle. Lights are bouncing off the space like crazy and all around you are moving bodies that writh and mold together until you're not sure where one ends and the other begins.

“Y/N! You’re here!” A drunk Hinata hooks an arm around your shoulder before steering you towards the bar, “you’re just in time! We were going for a round of lambos.”

“Lambos?” You balk and meet Kuroo’s eye, “you mean— Lamborgini’s?”

“Hell yeah!” Another one of the guys chimes in. It’s almost comical, the way they’re all stumbling against each other as you move like a congregation until you’re straight up in front of the barman.

“Ten Lambo’s please!” Hinata slams his card ontot he counter.

It brings back a wave of nostalgia, seeing the line of glasses and the way the bartender drops the alcohol in like he can do it with his eyes closed. You’re jostled and pressed against warm chests and shoulders, surrounded from all sides and yet, you feel safe with them all. That is, until you feel a soft brush against your elbow.

You turn to see Kuroo’s warm golden orbs.

“All okay?” He mouths to you.

You nod and give him a smile in return, and the grin that he cracks makes a troop of butterflies swoop into your stomach.

You look away just as Hinata thrusts a glass into your hands, “come y/n! This one’s on me!”

One shot becomes two. And two become three. Soon enough you find yourself on the dance floor and moving to the beat with one of the girls from the group— Yachi?— while the guys are trying to pay each other back their shots. The music vibrates through the floor up your body and flood your veins so that you get lost in it, ecstasy and the thrill of just being alive finally gushing through your brain, fogged up and amplified by the alcohol in your bloodstream.

It’s amazing. You feel free. Like nothing can stop you.

It’s honestly the best you’ve felt in a while.

After a while, you and Yachi decide to take a well-deserved break, stumbling over to the clustered seating space filled with red cushions as the boys scatter to find more alcohol. At this point you’re surprised that they’re still moving around and conscious, considering the amount they’ve drunk.

One of the boys— the one with the kind smile called Daichi— offers to get you guys some water as you take a seat, allowing your tired legs to take a break.

“I’m going to fine Hinata!” Yachi says into your ear and you nod before ushering her out of your way. There’s something between those two, a kind of tension that will develop into something more if they just allow it.

But you’re not one to meddle, not when your own love life’s a mess.

That’s when you notice.

It’s the lingering stare out of the corner of your peripheral that makes you turn your head.

Then you see him.

A tall, lanky man. He’s seated right opposite you, a drink in his hand and taking a swig. But there’s no mistake, for when his eyes meet yours across the room you can only jolt in shock.

You look away with embarrassment and disgust. Heat spreads to the back of your neck and goosebumps run up your arms. Suddenly, it’s a little too cold in this hot, sweaty club.

Why is he looking at you like that?

There’s no mistaking the intention. You risk one more glance and confirm that indeed, there’s a darkness in his eyes; the kind of a predator.

The kind that wants to strip you bare.

It’s unsetttling, unnerving.

Disgusting.

You don’t even hesitate. It’s like instinct for you jump off your seat with the only purpose to find Kuroo. But to your terror, the man starts to follow you. And soon enough it becomes a game of catch: of cat and mouse. You almost trip over your high heels as you push through the moving bodies as quickly as you can.

But the figure is there, hovering over you like a dark shadow that causes your heart to clench.

You bite back a whimper, pushing through a throng of girls as you frantically search for a sign of Kuroo’s familiar mop of hair. Or Hinata’s. Or just about anyone for that matter—

Bumping into a chest, you’re more than surprised as you let out a small yelp only to hear a familiar alto.

“Kosuke-san, everything alright?”

“K—Kuroo sensei,” your mumble is drowned in the beats of the music, eyes darting between his face and the dodgy man.

He’s now standing by the bar a few feet away from you. The same kind of withering stare that makes you wince.

Hurriedly, you turn to Kuroo and grip his shirt, wanting nothing more than to hide behind him, “I—uhm— there’s someone—“ the words jumble up as they pour out of your mouth and you find you can do nothing but grip his shirt for dear life, like Kuroo’s the only thing that can help you out of here.

Thankfully, he seems to understand your dilemma, for he puts a hand on your shoulder before steering you a little closer to him and away from the main path, a frown evident on his face, “what’s wrong Kosuke-san?”

But it’s only when he follows your fear-stricken eyes that Kuroo realizes there’s something — someone tormenting you. He recognizes the dark hunger, the prowling intent.

Instantly, his hand grips your waist. Tugs you closer.

You stumble into him, “Kuroo sensei—“

But Kuroo’s not having it. He stares the man down with a glower, longer body practically wrapped around yours in a protective embrace as he dares the man to do something, anything.

Try me, his eyes are saying, you’re not going to lay a single hand on her.

The stranger finally breaks eye contact after a few beats of silence and Kuroo keeps watch, golden eyes blazing until the man is nothing more but a memory of smoke as he disappears into the crowd.

Only then does he allow his hold to relax. Tilting down towards you. He murmurs out softly:

“He’s gone, Kosuke-san.”

You’re practically glued to him at this point, face buried in his chest and hands gripping so tightly onto his shirt that you might’ve grown claws. Kuroo nudges you gently once more, and that’s when you look up from the depths of his shirt.

The sight makes him almost coo because goddamnit even in the dim disco lights you look adorable. He has the sudden urge to pinch your cheeks and he’s glad his hands are somewhat occupied along your waist.

“You okay?” Is what he whispers.

You nod, looking a bit shaky and green int the face, “yeah—I’m—I’m fine. Thank you. He was—it scared me.”

“I know,” Kuroo draws away ever so slightly so he can have a better look at your face, “I’ll bring you home, alright?”

“No no it’s okay,” you shake your head and attempt a smile, but even Kuroo can see past those shaky lips, “you stay and have fun. I’ll call an Uber and—“

“Nonsense,” he grabs your elbow once more, “I’ll accompany you. C’mon.”

———

It’s definitely unnerving. It leaves you shaking with fear and you’re thankful for Kuroo’s strong grip on your arm as he maneuvers you out of the club.

The rush of cold wind hits your cheeks, leaving the soft beats of the club behind. Slowly, the world comes back into focus as the air rushes through your lungs and the sound bustling traffic in the distance is brought back into focus.

Only then do you realize how close you’re standing to the coach.

With a start, you stumble away with a muttered “sorry”, not daring to meet his eyes while quickly brushing off your clothes because dear god you weren’t sure what to do with your hands.

The uber arrives without much delay — thankfully — and the ride home is silent, almost as if there’s an awkward tension that has settled between the two of you. Away from the alcohol and now sobering up, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that you’d practically glued yourself to this man earlier. The act is so embarrassing you decidedly keep your gaze on the flurry of bustling streets and dim lamps flying by.

You don’t realize you’ve dozed off until a warm hand is shaking your shoulder, followed by a soft; “we’re here.”

You gasp, noticing that you’ve been pressed against Kuroo’s shoulder all this time.

“Oh,” you scramble away as quick as lightning, “I’m so sorry—“

His lips quirk upwards, “no harm done, senpai.”

You hate it when he calls you that. It makes you sound… old.

Nevertheless, you decide to be quiet as he accompanies you up to your flat, hands in his pockets while following you up the rusty stairs. You hope he’s not judging; it’s not like you have unlimited amounts of funding, what with Sakura’s education and activities.

“Well,” you finally reach the door to your flat and turn on your heel so that you face him, “thanks… for everything.”

"No problem," he's smiling down at you. Still so patient, still so happy to help. Your heart swells in your chest and you ask, "how are you getting back?"

"Oh, probably Uber..." he trails off, already turning away to fish his phone out of his pocket, "it's not far."

"Where do you live?"

You almost bawk when he tells you his address, because it's practically at the other end of town. He'll be there in forty-five minutes, at least.

The words are automatic, shooting out of you, "I'm so--"

But Kuroo's hand whips out, clamping over your lips. Your eyes widen as you look up at him, only to see the young man grinning like there's no tomorrow.

"You really need to stop doing that," he finally says before drawing back. Already, you're hit with the cold air following Kuroo's touch upon your skin, "I wanted to accompany you. There's nothing to apologize for."

"I know, but--"

He throws you another pointed look that has you clamping down on your mouth. You're about to say sorry once more because you're being a pathetic blubbery mess, but the look in his eyes makes you say a soft, "thank you" instead.

"You're welcome," and with one final grin and a wave to match, the school Coach disappears down the corridor, leaving you gazing at his broad back until his silhouette turns the corner and away from your sight.

[kp-alice]

Prove Her Wrong

Summary: Yunho knew that what that stranger had said to him back then wasn't true. He quite literally had physical evidence to prove it. And yet, he couldn't help but think about her comment a little too often.

AKA a well-endowed-and-very-desperate!sub!Yunho x bored!dom!f!reader

Word count: 3 820

Warnings: small-dick humiliation, roleplaying (reader pretends to be bored and unsatisfied), degradation (but no name-calling), mid-scene checking in, just another case of me writing about pathetic Yunho because I can't help myself and definitely have issues

A/N: This fic is the third part of my sub!Yunho Kinktober 2024! The event's masterlist can be found here.

"...and then she told me 'I have no right to act like an overcompensating asshole just because my dick is small'."

"Ouch," you hissed empathetically. "Yeah, I can definitely see how that would hurt for a while, even if she was totally wrong."

"That's uh, that's the thing," Yunho retorted nervously, shifting in his spot, "I kinda, well, liked it? I guess? Like- not because of her saying it, but because of what she said, you know?"

The silence between the two of you stretched to an uncomfortable degree, making Yunho chuckle nervously. "It's not too weird, is it?"

"Hmm, no, it's definitely weird," you concluded at last, eyebrows furrowed.

"...But I'd love to learn more about it."

"Wait," you said, sitting up straight on the couch, "so I'm supposed to have sex with you, but like, act like your dick is small and it's not doing anything for me?"

Yunho's blush deepened at your words, curling into himself even further. "I mean, when you put it like that, it does sound really weird, I'm sorry."

"No, honey," you said, leaning over to place a comforting hand on his thigh, "I wasn't saying it to make fun of you, I just want to make sure I understand it all correctly so that I don't mess up when we eventually try it."

"We seriously don't have to, though," Yunho opposed, starting to backtrack now that the nerves had caught up to him again. "It really is quite odd, and the last thing I want to do is push your boundaries just to please me and my weird kinks."

You sighed. This wasn't the first time Yunho had gotten like this when it came to talking about his needs and wants. No matter how many times you'd try to reassure him that it's fine to ask for things, it always took just a short moment of uncertainty for him to begin retracting back into his shell. "Yu, I've already told you that I'm completely fine with trying it. Sure, it's not something I'd personally bring up, but I'm not opposed to it either. Who knows, maybe I'll also end up liking it? Either way, I'm really not pushing myself to do anything, nor am I planning to do so. Just trust me, okay?"

"Okay," Yunho finally conceded, giving you a small smile. His hand found yours on his thigh, grasping it gently. "Thank you."

"Anytime, love," you smiled back, rubbing your thumb against the back of his hand. "Now, how about you elaborate on your little fantasy a bit more, hm? I need to know all of what I'm going to do to you."

A shiver ran down Yunho's spine at the words, visible excitement lighting up his eyes.

"Oh, we're going to be here a while."

After an open conversation or two with your boyfriend, you were finally ready to indulge him.

Yunho didn't want to set a specific date, though, feeling as though it would make the scene too staged and unnatural. So, instead, the two of you decided to just wait and use a non-verbal signal. If Yunho were to initiate sex while wearing a specific small blue bracelet, it was your sign to start the play if you felt up for it.

There were a couple false alarms of sorts, where Yunho would wear the bracelet the whole day, but would never actually gather the courage to initiate. You knew this was something that might happen, and yet you couldn't help the small twinge of disappointment whenever you went to bed with nothing from his side. You also suspect he might have worn it at least once just to tease you, but you didn't dare ask.

Then, it was your turn to decline a couple times. It wasn't payback for Yunho's nervousness in any way, obviously. It just so happened that the first two times when he'd tried to finally initiate, you were either not in the mood in general, or were up for something more soft and loving. And just as you had with him before, Yunho also completely understood your preferences, boundaries, and pace.

But then, one fateful night, things were finally put into motion.

You were lounging on the couch, watching TV while mindlessly scrolling on your phone. Yunho wasn't home yet, having to stay at work longer than expected today. You wouldn't have to wait much more, however, as you heard the front door opening just a few moments later.

Already from the sound of his heavy footsteps trudging down the hallway, you could tell he was tired. Then, a small thud resonated through the living room, making you sit up and look behind you.

There, Yunho slouched against the doorway, pouty and puppy-eyed. His hair was disheveled, likely from running his hands through it countless times from all the extra stress today.

"Hey there, love," you said warmly, turning his pout into a small smile.

"Hey," he replied sluggishly before pushing himself upright again to take off his jacket.

Which, to your surprise, revealed the blue bracelet.

If Yunho noticed the interested twinkle in your eyes, he didn't show it. Instead, he turned around, walking back to the front door to hang his jacket up next to yours. Afterwards, he wordlessly disappeared into the bathroom, likely to freshen up a bit after the awfully long day.

"Are you hungry?" You asked, watching him walk back into the room a few minutes later. "There's some leftovers from dinner if you want."

Yunho just hummed in disagreement, the pout from before returning to his lips. "'m not hungry."

"What can I do for you, then? What do you need?" You questioned further, scooting back to give him some room to sit down.

To your surprise (not really), he ignored the space you'd made for him, choosing to dive right into your arms instead. You huffed as he lay down on top of you, burying his face in your chest and wrapping his arms around you.

"You," he finally muttered, squeezing you just a bit tighter in his hold.

"Me? What do you mean?" You asked back, pretending like you couldn't already feel the slightest pressure against your thigh. Did he really rile himself up just thinking about his fantasy on the way home?

"Babe, please," he pleaded, an embarrassed whine to his voice, "you know what I mean."

Usually, you'd be satisfied with just a bit of teasing. A moment of playfulness before you'd get to the main event. But today? Today you wanted- no, needed, to truly savor the moment, both for your and Yunho's sake.

"I really don't, honey," you feigned ignorance, running your fingers through his hair with a mischievous smile on your face. "I'm afraid you're gonna have to tell me yourself."

And judging by the deep red visible on his cheeks even with his face hidden, you knew it was working for him as well.

"I just- I really need you right now," Yunho said, voice already wavering from the delicious anxiousness of being so small before you. "Y-you know, like, to be... inside you."

You chuckled at that, jostling your boyfriend's head a bit with the movement. "Ah, of course. It hasn't even been two days since you've last gotten off and you already wanna go again, huh?"

Yunho just meekly nodded, trying to bury his head further into you.

"I mean, I don't blame you, honey, but what's in it for me?"

Your question wasn't too direct just yet, still giving him some leeway to stop in case he felt uncomfortable or not ready.

But, much to your amusement, Yunho made no such attempt.

"Oh! W-well, I'll make you feel good too, obviously!" He promised, lifting his head up to look at you with hopeful eyes. "I always do."

You let out a loud laugh at that, making his face twist in confusion. "What?! You can't be serious right now."

"Wait, what do you mean?" Yunho asked in a shaky, uncertain voice, but the twitch against your thigh betrayed his real feelings.

"You seriously think fucking that small dick of yours is doing anything for me?" You ridiculed him, eyes wide in disbelief. "Why do you think I always ask you to eat me out after you're done? Even that tongue of yours feels bigger in me."

Truth be told, it wasn't you who usually asked for oral. Whether during, before, or after having "proper" sex, it was mainly Yunho who'd turn to you with hopeful eyes and an eager smile. But there's nothing wrong with a bit of fact-twisting for the sake of roleplay, right?

Your slight uncertainty was immediately solved with a choked moan from Yunho, along with a stuttered thrust against your leg. You could feel all of him through his pants now, dragging up and down your thigh with just enough pressure.

"P-please, babe," Yunho began again, gaze blurring into something more distant yet content. "I'll do anything to please you afterwards, but I'm so hard I don't think I can wait any longer."

"Wait," you said in fake awe, "you're hard right now? I can't even feel you against me! Are you sure you can actually stay inside with that?"

"Fuck," Yunho whimpered at your words, brows tightly knit together, "you're way too good at this."

You chuckled at his admission, breaking your mocking persona for a moment. "I'm glad you think so, hun." Lifting a hand to caress his cheek, you made him look into your eyes. "You're still okay with all of this, right?"

Yunho immediately nodded at your question, eager to reassure you. "Yes, please. This is better than anything I've ever imagined."

Feeling an almost embarrassing level of pride at the praise, you resumed your role with newfound excitement.

"You know what?" You spoke up again, challenging him with your unwavering stare. "I'll let you have your fun."

Yunho didn't need anything beyond that, diving into the crook of your neck the second you finished your sentence. You couldn't help the gasp leaving your lips at the sensation, Yunho's precision at finding your sweet spot catching you way too off-guard.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," Yunho muttered lovingly, letting his hands roam free alongside your curves while he rutted against your thigh again.

His movements were halted, however, when a sharp sting shot up his scalp from where your fingers tugged at his hair, pulling him away from your neck.

"But," you continued, suppressing a mean smile, "you have to make me cum first, since you're so confident in your abilities."

You could see all the eagerness fall from Yunho's face and morph into a look of nervousness and uncertainty. Normally, Yunho would have no problem making you cum whichever way you wanted, but now, he knew it wouldn't be so easy. Your eyes screamed determination, excited to see him slip up and embarrass himself even further.

"I- I, uh- yeah! Sure, of course," Yunho finally replied, though the confident facade he tried to put on broke rather quickly.

You sighed, feigning complete disinterest as if you already knew what the outcome would be anyway. "Fine, go ahead then. Let's see how much magic you can conjure up with that tiny dick."

The two seconds of silence that followed after your sentence were broken by a chuckle from Yunho, making you join in as well.

"I'm sorry," he said, "I know that was supposed to be hot - and it was, but it was also pretty funny."

"Shut up," you retorted, annoyed, though you couldn't hide your own amusement. Fighting back the shy blush on your cheeks, you continued, "and get back to work. You have a lot to prove right now."

"Yes, ma'am," Yunho muttered, re-focusing on the task at hand. He crawled backwards on the couch, giving him just enough space to take off your sweatpants and underwear, ignoring the damp spot in the middle. Seems like he wasn't the only one enjoying this.

He then removed his own pants and boxers, making you scoff. "Are you seriously so horny you can't even take off my shirt as well? You're so pathetic."

Yunho whined at the delicious sting of your words, crawling back up to settle between your legs. Just as he'd told you, he was already rock hard, pent-up from daydreaming about this exact scenario the whole day. Today was going to be the day, he just knew it. And now that it was actually happening, not to mention how you seemed to like it as well? He was almost shaking with excitement.

"Don't even bother with prep," you said unenthusiastically, reaching over to the coffee table to grab your phone again. "There's no need to prepare for something that small."

Yunho's movements stuttered for a second at your words, unsure of how to proceed. You usually liked it when he'd take his time and warm you up to his size, but now you were telling him to just skip it and go right to the main event. Well, guess he's going to have to trust your judgment.

"It's not even that small," Yunho tried to argue, fumbling with his erection to line himself up properly, "just wait, I'll show you how good I can make you feel."

You looked up from the phone in your hand (you couldn't really focus on anything on there, but pretended to be distracted anyways in the name of your role-playing session), trying to seem as unbothered as possible. "Yeah, yeah, all that big talk just to-"

Your words got caught in your throat as he finally began pushing in. You knew it was going to be a bit of a stretch, but those expectations were exceeded anyways. Taking a deep breath, you tried to relax as much as possible. As the resistance from your muscles began to fade, so did Yunho begin to breach even deeper.

"You good?" Yunho tentatively asked, visibly affected himself.

Unable to form words at the moment, you just nodded as confidently as you could.

After a few more tense seconds, Yunho was finally fully sheathed inside of you. He stayed like that for a while, looking into your eyes for a sign to start moving.

"So? How does it feel?" He asked, a playful smile on his lips at the way you were biting your bottom lip with furrowed brows.

As always, Yunho just couldn't help but be a brat and keep challenging your authority at the most random of times.

But, of course, you were having none of that.

Fighting back a wicked smile, you feigned confusion instead.

"What do you mean?" You asked, trying to sound as genuine as possible. "I'm still waiting for you to put it in."

It was almost impossible not to burst out laughing at the flustered look on Yunho's face. His eyes widened, flitting between your seemingly innocent face and down where you were already connected. "But- but I-"

"But what?" You challenged again, that annoyed edge to your tone from before returning. "Too scared to go through with it now? Just admit I'm right and save yourself the humiliation, seriously."

Yunho shook his head, the blush on his face spreading down to his neck and chest. "No, that's not- I mean, I- I'm already-"

"Already what? Not hard anymore? Got so anxious that that poor excuse of a dick fell asleep again? Not that it makes much of a difference, really."

Yunho's bottom lip trembled as he squeezed his eyes, stomach churning as the humiliation seeped even further in. It felt so awful to the point it felt exhilarating. He wanted to believe you couldn't feel him incessantly throbbing within you, but he was smarter than that.

"That's not what I meant!" He cried out, voice wobbling from the tightness in his chest. "I'm just- It's already in, okay?!"

A deafening silence filled the room, making Yunho want to curl up on himself. All of your attention was on him right now, boring into him with an intense, unreadable gaze.

And then you began laughing.

"Oh my god," you wheezed incredulously, gasping for air. Your body shook with your breaths, unintentionally squeezing around Yunho as well.

It was confusing, feeling the mix of incredible arousal along with insane shame. Yunho could feel his stomach tighten to the point of almost hurting, and yet it felt so good.

"Are you crying?" You gasped, marveling at the tears in his eyes threatening to spill over at any second. "You were so overconfident about that tiny dick of yours and look where it got you now. Crying because you can't even please a woman right. You're incredible."

That was the final straw.

Sobs echoed around the room as Yunho finally broke, letting the tears flow freely as he gave in to the humiliation. His arms gave out under him as he fell into your embrace again, wetting the pillow under you as he hid his face into it. He trembled in your hold in almost complete silence, safe for the occasional sniffles and an almost inaudible "fuck" whimpered into the cushion.

"You okay?" You whispered, tangling a hand into his hair to pet it softly.

Yunho quickly nodded in your hold before shuffling his head down into the crook of your neck again. "I'm gonna cum, oh my god."

You smiled fondly at his words, using his obstructed vision to relax your stern expression for just a second. "Aw, is that it? You've barely even put it in - or at least you say you did - and you're already gonna cum? What happened to our deal, huh? Are you that desperate you can't even wait for me to get off first?"

Just as expected, your words seemed to rile him up even further. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," he said in a strained voice. His hips began rutting against yours with zero rhythm, focused on chasing the pleasure your body and words had brought him. "I'm so pathetic I can't help it, please!"

You rolled your eyes, but the clenching of your own muscles around him betrayed your true thoughts on the situation. "Ugh, fine. Not like I expected anything better anyways. Just clean up after yourself when you're done, and maybe I'll let you make me cum after."

Yunho grinned down at you, wet cheeks shining in the light. "Thank you, oh god, thank you!"

You gasped as his pace quickened, rocking you up and down on the couch under him. Yunho's face showed nothing but absolute bliss, eyebrows furrowing and mouth hanging open as he got lost in the feeling of you.

"Fuck- I love you, I love you so much," Yunho suddenly groaned out, head hanging low as he tried to keep up with himself, "you're the best thing that's ever happened to me, I swear."

You chuckled at the confession, trying to keep your breathing somewhat steady yourself. "Just because I told you your dick is small? That's not difficult criteria to meet, don't you- ah! Don't you think?"

Yunho just moaned in response, head too stuffy to form proper responses anymore. However, the increasing pleasure coursing through him felt so overwhelming to the point he had to at least say something, and so he resorted to that which he knew best.

"Love you, love you so much, 'so good to me, treat me so well all the time," he rambled on and on, hiding his face in the crook of your neck before lifting his head up to breathe properly, only to then drop back down again. "You feel so- fuck! So good, I love you! Please, can I come? Please, I need to-"

"Come, honey," you spoke in a hushed yet clear voice, slipping your hands underneath his shirt to press him closer to your chest. "Did so well today, took everything I gave you and then some."

Yunho let out another sob at your words, overwhelmed with both the warmth of your body and your words. Clutching your hips and waist tight enough to bruise, he pushed into you two, three times before finally stilling inside of you. His back tensed as the endorphins hit him all at once, even clouding his vision for a moment.

You held your lover close as he slowly came down from his high, holding onto you for dear life. Your hands rubbed soothing circles into his back.

Just when you were starting to think he'd fallen asleep, Yunho spoke up again.

"Well, that was insane."

You chuckled, making him raise his head up to look at you. "In a good way or in a bad way?"

Quirking an eyebrow, he nodded down to your half-naked bodies, still connected together in the middle. "What do you think?"

"Yeah, yeah, I get it," you conceded. "I was just scared of accidentally hurting your feelings in the process, so I needed to ask for my own peace of mind."

"You could never hurt me with anything you'd said today," Yunho reassured you, bringing one of his hands up to cup your cheek. "Besides," he grinned, "like you said, I have quite a lot of evidence to prove none of what you told me is true."

That earned him an outraged slap on his arm, making him giggle mischievously. Nevertheless, it left the both of you smiling stupidly anyways.

"...Anyways, I have a favor to repay, don't I?" He asked in a husky voice, supporting himself against the couch cushions as he rose back up.

"Ah, you don't really have to," you replied shyly, suddenly reminded of the compromising position you were stuck in in front of him. "I mostly just said that as part of the scene, we can just go clean up in the shower like we usually do."

It was already too late, though, as Yunho began to slowly pull out of you, dropping down on his stomach right after to make sure you didn't make a mess on the couch.

"No, no, you were right," he disagreed, flashing you a devious smile as he disappeared between your legs.

"You already did your part, now let me do mine."

taglist: @justconniez @domribo @another-random-fanfic-blog

Thank you for reading! And remember, feedback is always very appreciated! <3

[kikyoupdates]

Made to Destroy ⭑˚💎⭑ 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑒𝑥𝑡𝑟𝑎

bnha x op!reader

op!reader, my hero academia x fem!reader, reverse harem, over powered reader, f!reader

You are the product of a series of twisted experiments, an anomaly that shouldn’t have ever existed in the first place. Thankfully, you are taken into the arms of a hero and given a new purpose in life. But as you soon discover, it isn’t easy to deny your true nature, especially when you were made to destroy.

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Aizawa feels bad about bringing you to the hospital again. It goes without saying that it’s not a fun place for a kid, but if the doctors are concerned, then really, what choice does he have?

“Am I sick?” you ask him. “I don’t feel sick, so why am I back here?”

He offers you a sympathetic smile. “It’s just in case. Sometimes, we need to do a lot of tests to make sure that your body’s healthy. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

As always, you go along without much protest. Aizawa appreciates that you trust him so much, but it actually makes him feel even worse about jerking you along like this. You’re a good kid, and truly, you deserve better than the unfortunate circumstances you’ve found yourself in.

Dr. Iwase examines you, does a few more tests (Aizawa holds your hand again when they take another blood sample), but all in all, it’s clear that nobody has any idea what’s going on.

“She seems perfectly healthy and functional,” Dr. Iwase frowns. “Which is why... it just doesn’t make any sense. The numbers we keep getting don’t add up. Perhaps it has something to do with her Quirk? You mentioned before that she has regenerative abilities. Perhaps that might be affecting her blood cells and overall constitution. But even so, it’s still rather strange...”

If a doctor can’t figure out what’s happening, then Aizawa sure as hell won’t be able to either.

He spares a glance at you. You’re sitting on the exam table and happily swinging your legs out, seemingly without a care in the world. No part of you strikes him as being sick or unhealthy. Scientific data aside, as long as you don’t feel any discomfort, that’s what matters most, right?

“Can I take her home now?” Aizawa asks. “I’d hate to keep her here too long. Especially if you say she looks fine.”

“Yes, I suppose. Sorry for the inconvenience. A child’s wellbeing is at stake, so naturally, I couldn’t afford to be negligent.”

Aizawa nods. “Of course. I’m just glad she’s okay. As you’re probably aware, I don’t have much medical knowledge, but at the very least, I can keep an eye on her health and look out for any concerning signs.”

“That would be much appreciated,” Dr. Iwase smiles. “Thank you, Aizawa. So long as you monitor [Name]’s condition, I feel confident that she’ll be just fine.”

Well, that concludes yet another hospital trip. Aizawa doesn’t much care for the harsh smell of antiseptic and the constant beeping of medical machinery, but he supposes he’ll have to get used to it. If it means keeping you safe, he’ll take you to dozens, no—hundreds of hospitals to make sure you’re in good health.

“So, I’m not sick,” you hum, looking rather pleased with yourself as you hold onto Aizawa’s hand. “I told you, Aizawa. I told you I was feeling just fine.”

“I know,” he chuckles. “Like I said, this is just to be safe. Adults are very meticulous about these kinds of things. We like to test things a bunch of times just to be sure that we’ve gotten it right.”

You smile. “That’s okay. I don’t mind coming back here again if it helps everyone believe I’m not sick. And since I was a good girl and listened... that means I get a burger, right?”

Man. You really, really love burgers.

Not that Aizawa minds. Quite frankly, that smile of yours is so cute that he’s ready to risk everything for it.

“One burger coming right up,” he muses, affectionately ruffling your hair.

Your smile gets even bigger. “Since I was extra good today, can I maybe have two burgers instead?”

“...let’s not push it.”

He’s convinced that if you ever do get sick, it’ll be from a burger-induced food coma.

You’re a kid. Being a kid comes with its fair share of troubles, it seems. Troubles that are only amplified by the fact that you have virtually no lived experience.

While it’s true that kids are generally ignorant about most things, yours is a different case altogether. Certain things you instinctively pick up on, thanks to the knowledge Dr. Garaki imbued your brain with, but others, you can only learn by experiencing them firsthand, and what may seem incredibly obvious to most people often needs to be explained to you in great detail.

Aizawa still hasn’t been able to figure out what the deal with you is. The police have yet to find any leads, and there are absolutely no records of you anywhere they’ve looked. Almost as if you never existed in the first place.

Whatever the case, it’s clear that his guardianship can hardly be called ‘temporary’ anymore.

For the foreseeable future, you’re here to stay, and that means that he needs to make sure all your needs are properly seen to.

This, of course, includes education.

“School?” you blink, visibly confused. “What’s that?”

As always, your response catches him off guard. Based on a rough estimate, you look to be about five or six years old. You claim you don’t know your birthdate, which is plenty horrifying in its own right, but he chalks that up to the obvious gaps in your memory. Still. To have forgotten about something as fundamental as school? It’s messed up, and it makes him tremble just imagining the horrible man who must have tormented you all this time.

You’ve been through a lot, which is all the more reason why you need to start living normally, the way other kids do.

“School is where people go to learn all kinds of things,” Aizawa explains. “I’m sure you’ll really enjoy it. And there will be plenty of kids your age there, so you can make some friends too.”

Friends...

You like the idea of having friends. Hopefully, you can meet more nice people like Izuku. That would be great. Just the thought makes you ridiculously excited.

“I want to go,” you insist. “I want to make tons of friends!”

Present Mic laughs. “You’ll have to learn too, kiddo. That’s kind of the main focus of school. Well, you seem like a smart kid, and you’re good at following instructions, so you've got all the qualities of a model student.”

Your face flushes with pride. School hasn’t even begun yet, and you’re already being praised. It seems like a rather promising start.

And so, while you eagerly await your first day of school, Aizawa and Present Mic attend to all the bureaucratic details. They’re able to find a good public elementary school in the area, and thankfully, after explaining your unique circumstances, your enrolment is approved.

That’s how you find yourself equipped with a cute cat-themed backpack, lips parted in awe as you stand in front of the school gates.

Aizwa pats your head. “How are you feeling? It’s okay to be nervous, but just remember to take a deep breath, and everything will be fine—”

“I’m so excited I can barely stand still!” you exclaim. “I want to go in, I want to go in, I want to go in!”

Well, then. He had a whole speech prepared in case you were getting cold feet, but this certainly saves him the trouble.

“I’m glad you’re looking forward to it so much.” Aizawa crouches next to you and smiles. “Mic is busy with hero work, so he couldn’t be here to drop you off, but he wanted you to know that he’s rooting for you.”

“I know,” you beam. “Even when you guys are busy, I know you’re still thinking of me. Just like how I always think of you.”

Goodness. Aizawa is convinced you must be a tiny little angel that fell out of the sky. Perhaps that’s why most things are so foreign to you.

He chuckles weakly at the thought. No, of course not. Your past is far too grim for that to be the case. Still, it’s nice to dream.

“Have fun,” Aizawa encourages, patting your head one last time. “Make sure to listen to your teacher and you’ll be just fine. And play nice with the other kids. I’m sure they’d love to be friends with you.”

You hesitate before trickling past the gates, where the crowd of other kids is passing through. Aizawa wonders if you’re finally starting to feel nervous, but before he can pose the question, you jump into his arms and give him a big hug.

“Bye-bye, Aizawa,” you say. “I’ll miss you while I’m at school. And you’ll miss me too, right?”

He blinks in surprise, but it doesn’t take long for him to wrap his arms around you.

“I will. I’ll miss you a lot,” he mumbles. He’s not just saying it for show, either. As he holds your tiny body against his, he realizes that he’ll miss you like crazy these next few hours.

It’s strange how he hasn’t even known you for very long, but already, you’ve become so deeply ingrained in his life.

He finally waves goodbye to you, and you scurry off excitedly, following behind the rest of the students. Aizawa could have easily walked with you all the way to your classroom, but you insisted that you wanted to figure it out yourself. You’re a big girl, and you want to prove to him that you’re plenty capable on your own.

Thankfully, the school isn’t terribly big, and you’re able to find your way just by copying where most of the other kids are headed. Your eyes scan the signs above the doors, searching for the classroom that you were assigned to.

Ah. It’s that one!

You grin proudly. Look at that. You figured it out just fine, even without Aizawa’s help. Of course, it’s not like you have any qualms about relying on him, but it’s nice to do something on your own every once in a while.

You step inside the classroom and take a few moments to assess your surroundings. So, this is school, huh? There are desks and chairs all over the place, there’s a blackboard at the front, and the walls are covered with all sorts of educational posters; mainly catchy slogans or words of affirmation. There’s a map of the world too, and a big clock.

But best of all, the classroom is bustling with excitement. There are kids everywhere you look. So many of them! So many potential friends! You’re itching to go up to them and introduce yourself right off the bat, but before you can, someone beats you to it.

“[N-Name]?”

Huh? That sounds like...

You whip your head around, and sure enough, there he is. The nice curly-haired boy you met not long ago, and who you quickly hit it off with.

A grin spreads across your lips.

“Izuku!”

You bound over to him and take his hands in yours, despite the fact that it makes him yelp out of embarrassment. You’re too excited to take note of how violently red his face is. You just can’t believe how lucky you are, to have met him again on such short notice. And best of all, you’re classmates now, which means you’ll get to see each other all the time.

“Yay, Izuku’s here!” you beam. “I’m so happy to see you again! I didn’t realize you went to this school too. It’s my first day, and I was already excited, but now that I get to see you, I’m even more excited!”

The poor boy’s head is spinning. He’s so flustered that he can hardly keep up with what’s happening, and the fact that you’re still holding his hand in yours doesn’t help in the slightest.

You frown a bit, having finally picked up on his embarrassment. “Hm? Izuku, are you okay? Your face looks kind of—”

“No way is this happening right now.”

Ah. There’s yet another familiar voice.

Except this isn’t one you’re all too thrilled about.

Katsuki grits his teeth. “I can’t believe it. You seriously have the nerve to show your face here, after all the crap you said to me? You really must be an idiot. You made a big mistake coming to this school.”

He balls his hands into fists, an act which is clearly meant to intimidate you, but all the while, you just stare at him without uttering a word.

Then, you blink.

“Sorry, what was your name again?”

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[that-foul-legacy-lover]

I HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION

So we know that Melusines have a token that they are given/have when they are born (Mamare mentions this in game)

What token would the Creator have?

*SMACKS TABLE* YOU'RE RIGHT WHAT A BRILLIANT QUESTION

all of your siblings were born with something, something physical in their hands. for most, it was some trinket or bobble made of mechanical parts, etched with peculiar runes- your sister, Mamere, had a token that could repair her clockwork pup companion, and the same goes for the other Melusine. although, nobody's tried to use theirs to fix the clockwork soldiers. better leave delicate work to the professionals. when you first awoke, you wondered if your rebirth was just a dream, or if you really deserved it at all. the inhabitants of Teyvat all thought you were a liar, and imposter. clearly, you must have done something to attract their ire. something terrible and awful that you can't remember anymore

but the others meet your words with a chorus of protest, shaking their hands and insistently pointing at the token in your hand. it's a sign, they tell you, that you're a Melusine, good and true

and there is a trinket in your hands, an elegant thing made of swirling metal and filigree. it forms three points- the triquetra you've seen so often around this new world- one for each Moon Sister of the ancient past. in the center is a twinkling star shape with four points that glows faintly in the dark, shimmering with subtle iridescent colors. your siblings crowd around you, oohing and aahing at your unique token. it can't be used to fix any meka, but it lights the way in the darkest of nights, throwing shining bits around like a refracted prism. yes, you must be a Melusine, it's concluded with a firm nod. who else would be given such a lovely light, glowing much like the creatures of the Primordial Sea?

sometimes, you like to hold the token up to Foul Legacy's wings, and for a moment you think that perhaps you see the same stars, twinkling in their violet and blue depths

[arieslost]

certified haters | ln4

summary: you and your boyfriend hate valentine’s day.

word count: 634

masterlist — join my tag list here!

© arieslost 2024. DO NOT REPOST WITHOUT PERMISSION.

if there was one thing you hated more than the stupid groundhog that could hardly ever predict the season changes properly, it was the so-called “holiday” that followed a couple weeks later: valentine’s day.

when you started dating lando, you made it perfectly clear that you refused to celebrate such a dumb, performative day. you’d expected more pushback considering how clingy and doting he was before the two of you even made anything official, but to your surprise he’d launched into a whole rant about how much he hated it too.

“i don’t need a specific day on the calendar to show you how much i love you,” he’d concluded, sitting back down on the couch and pulling you into his arms. “if you don’t know that every day of your life, then i’m doing something wrong.”

that was why, while other couples were being sappy and having breakfast in bed or something, you were more than happy to be freezing your ass off at silverstone as your boyfriend prepared to get behind the wheel of his 2024 car for the first time.

you honestly couldn’t imagine doing anything else— lando had seemed a bit hesitant when he asked you to come, like he thought you’d say no, and watching his eyes light up when you enthusiastically agreed was better than any valentine’s day gift.

you rubbed your hands up and down your arms to try and bring some heat back to your skin. lando, always so attentive, noticed immediately.

“are you cold?” he asked, and didn’t even wait for your response before he was putting his helmet down and shrugging out of his mclaren jacket. “put this on. c’mon.”

“no, lan, it’s fine—” your argument was pointless as he gently put your one arm, and then the other, into the sleeves of his jacket before zipping it up.

“can’t have my valentine freezing on me,” he could hardly get through his sentence without giggling, and it morphed into true laughter when you smacked him with an oversized sleeve. “i’m sorry, i’m sorry!”

“get out of my sight, norris.” you rolled your eyes, reaching for his helmet and shoving it into his chest.

“ready?” one of the engineers asked as he handed you a headset, and lando gave a thumbs up in return, flipping his helmet over as he walked toward the car.

“oh, wait!” you called out before he could put it on. “i almost forgot.”

he already knew what you were going to do before you did it. it was tradition; you always did this before he got in the car, no matter what. he closed his eyes and puckered his lips cutely in anticipation as you ran into his arms and kissed him.

“good luck, have fun, don’t die,” you said, smiling as he mouthed the words along with you.

it was what you had said before the first race he brought you to. you’d tried to come up with something profound, but you were so nervous that those six words came out instead. now you say them every time.

“i love you,” he pressed another kiss to your lips, and then your forehead. “i love you, i love you, i love you.”

he donned his helmet and climbed into the car as you put the headset on, stepping back so the engineers could do the final preparations on the car.

right before he drove out onto the track, he stuck his arm out of the car, formed a sign with his hand, and waved.

i love you! you knew he couldn’t turn around to look, but you signed it back.

you and lando hated valentine’s day, but the two of you were just as sappy with each other every other day of the year— why should today be any different?

note: this was fueled by my own hatred of this silly little day and i wrote this on mobile (thus the lowercase) in maybe two hours. the title ended up being more ironic than i thought it would be; i wish lando was my valentine and this got fluffier than i’d planned. hope u enjoyed!

requests are OPEN, and my inbox is always open for comments, criticism, and conversation! feel free to pop in!

reblogs are greatly appreciated <33

dividers by @/saradika !

tags (i’m sorry if i couldn’t tag you!): @venusacrossthestars @f1ln4dr3cl16mv33 @architect-2015 @maddie-bell @athena-artemis-dorian-gray @noreri @bwormie @alltoomaples @maximoffsimp @peargaslyyy @alicedebate @esserenorris

[factcheckingmclennon]

harry nilsson quotes double feature: fact or fiction?

"Someone told me a few minutes ago they saw John walking on the street [once] wearing a sign saying – a button, rather, saying 'I Love Paul'. And this girl who told me that said she asked him, 'Why are you wearing the button that says ‘I Love Paul’?' He said, 'Because I love Paul.'" -Harry Nilsson

"I'm just like everybody else, Harry, I fell for Paul's looks." Harry Nilsson (on John)

these quotes get passed around unsourced, or wrongly sourced, constantly. so...

are these harry nilsson quotes about john lennon real?

shockingly, after getting an anon correction on the first one and then discovering myself on the second one through the world's most random search engine imaginable bc SOMETHING felt unfinished...... the final verdict for both?

...ish? the second one is sort of neutral bc it's taken a bit out of context but i'll get to that

let's get into it, because this one took me on a journey!

(and btw the sources on these were SUCH a pain in the ass to find due to lack of sourcing & wrong sourcing so i am on my hands and knees for these to get passed around w the proper sources now that they're in one place bc they're so good)

first of all, these quotes keep getting mixed up and messed around with different wording. which was my first road block on finding a proper source. second of all, they have been wrongly attributed to a) one single interview together and/or b) a rolling stone interview with nilsson. this made things aggravating. but in the end, an anon sent me the audio for the first quote and for the second one i FINALLY found someone a looong while back actually naming the book it's in & successfully found it!

made a post earlier concluding both were fake, but we just had to go a little deeper folks.

anyway, onto the good shit

who was harry nilsson? he was a friend of john's, specifically during his 1974 lost weekend era. they lived together for a while (along with others, including ringo!) and were pretty close.

"because i love paul"

this one gets misquoted the Most honestly like you'll find a bunch of different variations of it, but you can find it in a 1984 interview with geoffrey giuliano as such:

GIULIANO: Did he miss the Beatles? Was he mournful about what happened, over the, you know—? HARRY: Someone told me a few minutes ago they saw John walking on the street [once] wearing a sign saying – a button, rather, saying ‘I Love Paul’. And this girl who told me that said she asked him, “Why are you wearing the button that says ‘I Love Paul’?” He said, “Because I love Paul.” [laughs]  

(source) (and again, it's a tumblr blog, but given that it's audio, i'm marking it trustworthy. i just uploaded it to archive.org in case it ever gets deleted)

"i fell for paul's looks"

this one. this one was a goddamn journey and a half. this sent me on several rabbit holes and dead ends. the author of the last source said "nope it's definitely not from the tapes i found this audio from or i would've posted it too" and couldn't find the source either. no one had a source. until finally i found someone on a forum saying it was in the ballad of john and yoko published by rolling stone in 1984, in an essay titled "harry remembers" and thank christ it was on archive.org

so here's the full quote, found on page 236

"He spoke the way James Joyce wrote. And to me he was the Beatles. He was always the spark. In a late wee-hours-of-the-morning talk, he once told me: 'I'm just like everybody else, Harry. I fell for Paul's looks. George knew more chords, so he was in. And Ringo, he's just Ringo.'"

(source)

so this one gets a... true/neutral rating from me. why neutral? well, the "i fell for paul's looks" part is certainly there. but in the full context, he's talking about why he wanted each member in the beatles. basically, paul was the pretty face. however, he did say that verbatim and it is incredibly fucking gay imo. like specifically the "i fell for" wording is craaaaazy to me. but i do think the full context should be included if we're talking about it, as well as the actual source.

so no, they were not indeed both from the same interview. one isn't even FROM an interview. but they are both true! which is great bc i love both of these quotes and truly thought they were fake! pleasantly surprised on this one

now, take these with a grain of salt. the first quote is a third-hand source. it's nilsson recounting what some random fan told him john had done YEARS prior. the second one is a second-hand source and nilsson and john were like pretty infamous for getting drunk/high together. but the quotes themselves? certainly exist from harry nilsson, and that's the question. believe them if you want to, or leave them! i'm certainly taking them lmao

[owlstro]

platonic Goob & Scraps x parent reader?

Bonus points if a small section is written when they were kids with a whole bunch of wholesomeness, if possible.

Ps: Love your writing!❤

GOOB & SCRAPS and PARENT READER , platonic

note: thank u for requesting and THANK U!! im glad ppl enjoy my writing hehs, this one's a little short too (i think) so apologies ^_^" hope u like this either way thoo!

art: @ kennicrispy on Pinterest!

First off, both of them are very clingy or at least when you're off to somewhere remotely dangerous, they'll most likely be there with you or begging you to stay

Goob would totally be the clingier one though, you know he's gonna run to you and tell about whatever happened in the run he was just in. Not before giving a big hug or if you're not a big fan of physical touch, give you a big greeting like shouting a "HI!!" or "HEY!!"

Scraps, although being the older sibling, would also do the same as Goob but VERY toned down. She doesn't want you to get overwhelmed.

She takes you to go draw with her all the time, Scraps wants to practice her skills so someday she can gift you a painting!

Goob does the same, taking you somewhere open but secluded to get used to his 'arms', he's mostly just hugging you though.

They both are independent Toons on their own but that doesn't mean they don't wanna be coddled by you every once and awhile. You did raise them after all!

Both probably like to cuddle a lot, especially before you or the crafts get chosen for a run, makes them forget the danger and risk of it.

Goob would totally pull you to machines, and even try to encourage you like Shelly does albeit, it doesn't really work but you appreciate the effort.

Scraps, while her ability isn't a huge support like Goobs. But she does help when she can, taking Twisteds off of you (even if you have lower stealth), giving you machines no matter how long she has been working on it for, .. the list goes on.

If you made some comment like "When you were ... I remember you did ..." Scraps would just groan in embarrassment and Goob would just awkwardly laugh.

Scraps would playfully insult you, nothing too serious. Like calling you old or something like that.

Goob gets insecure of his teeth sometimes, not always but it's always lingering in his mind especially when he was younger and/or if he had just been talking to Shrimpo. You make sure anything Shrimpo said isn't true and distract him.

You sneakily navigated the map, making sure no Toon sees or hears you. Glancing around the room, you concluded you were alone.

You sigh in relief, all of this running seriously tired you out. Oh, right.. What were you doing?

"AHA!" You heard a voice call out. "Found you!!" Footsteps were rapidly approaching, you better act quick or you're gonna get tagged!

You dodge Scraps' failed attempt to grapple onto you, running out of the room. Not caring to check if Goob was there camping the exit.

Seriously, one adult and two kids.. it wouldn't be hard to evade them you thought. But Goob is scarily fast not like Scraps but her tail came in handy.

Why'd you think this was a good idea? You've barely been running for a minute, you gotta impress your kids.

Lose or Win, at least survive a minute or two more!

You kept on dodging Goob and Scraps' 'attacks' and continued on running like your life depended on it. You raised them well, ..too well.

"I'm gonna get ya hehe!" You heard Goob shout.

Oh god, your legs are giving out. You turn right and hide behind a few boxes to regain your stamina. You notice on the corner of your eye Goob was swiftly approaching.

You reveal yourself to the fluffy craft, catching him off guard, you take that as your sign to continue running before-

"TAG!" Scraps suddenly appeared infront of the entrance and tagged you with her tail. "You're it!"

The room fell silent but quickly bursting into laughter. "I got you!" Scraps said, posing victoriously as Goob cheered his sister on.

You sighed and slowly sat down, panting. "Bravo Scraps.. You did well, you too Goob."

final note: theyr so silly.... i HEART goob and scraps!!!!!

[monkey-network]

Good Stuff: Bluey's The Sign

Bluey is still great and I don't need to go into why again. What's most important is that even in such short time of knowing this cartoon, you can see the growth of it all. Joe and the crew share how the world of the Heeler family gets to learn, adapt, and grow without rapidly warping the status quo. You go through and see how everyone is able to work through rough and weird times with sincere maturity. Season 3's Finale is where this all comes to a head and it's as beautiful as I expected, MORESO.

Brandi got to be happy would've been enough for me

The Sign deals with the idea of hard ideas. Those hard ideas that aren't inherently about change, but issues that when faced with initially, it feels like a bad ending. A bad ending which can't be easily fixed and you don't know where to go from there, and it hurts. It hurts when hard ideas swoop in, ruins your mood, festers your mind, and leaves you aimless. Bluey shows that it happens, this is the rare time where a ton of crap hits the fan in one day and it's not something Chili or Bandit or any adult can fix right away. I've never experienced this, but I felt the pain Bluey, Bingo, Frisky, and Chili went through where they're bargaining, burying, and avoiding confronting a potential reality they didn't want. This is where the real hero of the special comes in...

Haven't said before, but Calypso is a masterful teacher

The parable of the farmer works as an incredible seedling thought for Bluey when she reveals her moving. It's not a story I ever heard, but known the message all too well. The message of not just accepting bad things that happen to you, but know that it'll never be the end of the world because of them. Don't think of it as deep, but a natural motif to grow with. This is where a debacle regarding the episode churns with me. It can seem like a cop-out that every character gets what they wanted by the end, as I said before the cartoon can be more idealistic than what our real life allows. Then again, the true beauty of Bluey I believe has always been if it's possible, the family will find a way and do it responsibly.

If happiness can be achieved, they'll know how to get it

Beyond all this, the special is great. They waste no minute here in art and storytelling, and as said before, it's like Smash Bros Ultimate where everything is here. There are great callbacks to episodes you probably wouldn't have thought about, on top of getting to see the whole Heeler family on Chili and Bandit's sides like that blew my mind. Plus I love seeing weddings, dude, like I wish I was there with them. The feels are tsunami-ous like it's unfair to say this is the all-time best episode of the show, but darn if it wouldn't be earned.

When else will I see the epicness of riding shotgun?

But to conclude, it's been said that after this the Ludo crew will take a indefinite hiatus from Bluey the series, especially when they have a new project underway. And honestly? I'm more than satisfied. The show could've ended here and I would've been somewhat at peace with them giving us this beautiful episode. I of course didn't get into this series since its beginning, but I came around the right time to enjoy it myself, to see others recognize its greatness, and to finally make it here. It's great to know this was only another chapter in the book, and I'll see to be around when it gets to come back. As for The Sign? What else is there to say?

It was Beautiful. Cheers to the crew for everything.