#and it's very rarely if ever my place to tell them to stop having fun

[aparticularbandit]

Hey, I understand you wanting to have a trans Kathryn character, but Eve’s entire story is about her becoming comfortable in her own womanhood. Let’s not take away from or change that.

Her character is extremely important for cis women, as we very rarely get to see middle aged women characters getting to discover who they are within their own womanhood later in life, and becoming comfortable with what it can mean to be a cis woman when free from being under the thumb of patriarchal heteronormative gender roles.

Nonnie, I disagree on her story being about becoming comfortable in her womanhood. Eve's story is about exploring and becoming comfortable with her sexuality. That she is a middle class older aged white woman does play into that and the way she explores her sexuality (it would have less impact if she were a man exploring these things later in life, and a lot of who Eve is very much is tied into her being a woman).

However.

Eve's exploration of her sexuality can lead to an exploration of gender, especially given her friendship with Margo and learning about her experiences as a trans woman. (This is even more dealt with in the book; the show drops one of the subplots dealing with Margo, and while I don't think it really suffers for it, I do regret that it wasn't there because it affected more than just Margo.)

I can maybe get elements of moving out from under patriarchal heteronormative roles in terms of changing her name back, but outside of that (and maybe trying to dom once), I don't really see it.

If I wrote Eve as trans - which isn't likely because I don't particularly read her that way (somewhere in the genderfluid or nonbinary umbrella, maybe, which, yes, I understand is technically under the trans umbrella, but given I would identify as somewhere under that umbrella but not under the trans one (neither cis nor trans but a secret third thing), I wouldn't call Eve that either) - it would be as an outgrowth of those explorations at an older age. I think it's likely, even after exploring, that she would settle as either a woman or femme-presenting, and those explorations wouldn't take away from her womanhood or from the narrative of the original story.

...actually, oh, I should get the book and go through it again because there is definitely a point where Eve was discussing gender with Barry (in her class with Margo) where he refuses to even remotely consider ever potentially wanting to be a woman (he's 100% male! which is not a direct quote, obviously I do not have the book handy, but it's a similar idea to what the book presents), as opposed to Eve, who has. implied to have thought about what it might be like to be a man.

I really should check out the book again so I can snapshot it for you. Not as a aha! I'm right! but because there's so much in the book that didn't get translated to the show.

Anyway.

I apologize if my theoretical brainstorming is offensive to you and your interpretation. I don't really see Eve as trans; I'm just enjoying looking at what it might be like for her to explore in that direction. (Eve in my head is very much blegh about the idea of herself as masculine anything, to be honest.)

But also, this is how fandom functions. People will interpret characters how they want, regardless of whether you like it or not. Sometimes in ways that you think are entirely 100% incorrect with your reading of the text (I have run into this. It sucks). But telling people how to write or not write a character - how to interpret or not interpret a character - so that it aligns with what you want....

It's very rarely, if ever, going to go anywhere.

If you don't like an interpretation, don't interact with it. Don't read it. Don't follow the writer/content creator/etc. That's the best option here.

[emberwhite]

I spent the last 11 months working with my illustrator, Marta, to make the children's book of my dreams. We were able to get every detail just the way I wanted, and I'm very happy with the final result. She is the best person I have ever worked with, and I mean, just look at those colors!

I wanted to tell that story of anyone's who ever felt that they didn't belong anywhere. Whether you are a nerd, autistic, queer, trans, a furry, or some combination of the above, it makes for a sad and difficult life. This isn't just my story. This is our story.

I also want to say the month following the book's launch has been very stressful. I have never done this kind of book before, and I didn't know how to get the word out about it. I do have a small publishing business and a full-time job, so I figured let's put my some money into advertising this time. Indie writers will tell you great success stories they've had using Facebook ads, so I started a page and boosting my posts.

Within a first few days, I got a lot of likes and shares and even a few people who requested the book and left great reviews for me. There were also people memeing on how the boy turns into a delicious venison steak at the end of the book. It was all in good fun, though. It honestly made made laugh. Things were great, so I made more posts and increased spending.

But somehow, someway these new posts ended up on the wrong side of the platform. Soon, we saw claims of how the book was perpetuating mental illness, of how this book goes against all of basic biology and logic, and how the lgbtq agenda was corrupting our kids.

This brought out even more people to support the book, so I just let them at it and enjoyed my time reading comments after work. A few days later, then conversation moved from politics to encouraging bullying, accusing others of abusing children, and a competition to who could post the most cruel image. They were just comments, however, and after all, people were still supporting the book.

But then the trolls started organizing. Over night, I got hit with 3 one-star reviews on Amazon. My heart stopped. If your book ever falls below a certain rating, it can be removed, and blocked, and you can receive a strike on your publishing account. All that hard work was about to be deleted, and it was all my fault for posting it in the wrong place.

I panicked, pulled all my posts, and went into hiding, hoping things would die down. I reported the reviews and so did many others, but here's the thing you might have noticed across platforms like Google and Amazon. There are community guidelines that I referenced in my email, but unless people are doing something highly illegal, things are rarely ever taken down on these massive platforms. So those reviews are still there to this day. Once again, it's my fault, and I should have seen it coming.

Luckily, the harassment stopped, and the book is doing better now, at least in the US. The overall rating is still rickety in Europe, Canada, and Australia, so any reviews there help me out quite a lot. I'm currently looking for a new home to post about the book and talk about everything that went into it. I also love to talk about all things books if you ever want to chat. Maybe I'll post a selfie one day, too. Otherwise, the book is still on Amazon, and the full story and illustrations are on YouTube as well if you want to read it for free.

[dearsnow]

TOO SWEET

- you discover that you mix a little too much sugar into your relationship, and jake seems to believe that he’ll turn everything sour. (jake seresin x fem!reader, angst, jake being an asshole when he thinks he’s making the right decision but what’s new, i had a real fun time writing the description ⚠️ drinking)

PART 2

word count: 785

a/n - angst city is back !! and yes there are parallels bc i’m in a parallel mood so yeah some lines are very very similar to each other. hope you guys enjoy, even though my first hangman-centric fic is a sad one lol. based on “too sweet” by hozier <3

You press your palm to Jake’s face, feeling his stubble rough against your soft skin. “You’re amazing.”

He has a pool stick in his hand, one that he sets down to pull away from your touch. Your face flushes as he takes your hand in his own and places his pool stick in your other, motioning for you to take a shot. “You’re too sweet, darlin’. Let’s prove to Chicken over here that you can be tough, too.”

“Too sweet” is something he’s called you more than once. You suppose it is true, with your gentle and kind demeanor. You just can’t help wanting everyone to be happy.

Jake Seresin is pretty much the opposite of that. He intentionally upsets people with a smile on his face, content in riling them up, and fond of perpetuating rivalries. No one ever understands why you’re attracted to him, especially not the other daggers.

You see the side of him that he rarely ever shows. The one that’s kind and caring, that understands when he goes too far and reels his aggressive personality back to shore. When he kisses you on the cheek or places his hand on the small of your back, you feel it too.

So, when he pulls you to the side of the Hard Deck, you assume he’s just going to give you another drawling compliment and skirt his hand between your shirt and the soft skin of your waist. You certainly don’t expect the words that come out of his mouth next.

“Hun, I think we need to stop seeing each other.”

Your heart stops dead in its tracks. “What?” You borderline squeak. No, this can’t be happening. Everything was so perfect just moments ago, and now the look on his face makes you want to cry. It’s laden with sympathy.

He holds your hands with gentle fingers. “You’re too sweet, baby. I don’t mean it in a bad way, but I mean, you’re way sweeter than I could ever be. You tell Rooster his shirt looks nice when it’s eye-bleeding and you mean it. I love that, I really do, but we don’t fit. We don’t make sense, and I want my relationships to make sense.”

“We do make sense.” You protest. “Opposites attract or something like that. We can make it work.”

“The thing is, we can’t. I’m gonna piss you off eventually, and you’re gonna forgive me, and it’ll just be toxic. I don’t want that for you.”

He lets go of your hands, and as the cool air hits them, they miss his warmth. His green eyes are tinged with something you could associate with sadness, just a hint of aching regret. His mouth twitches a bit, curling into his sun-kissed freckles. They wouldn’t be noticeable if you hadn’t looked at him so closely, if you hadn’t kissed along that same line a few nights ago. “And what about what I want, Jake? I want you. We can have a good relationship, I promise, we’ll find a way.”

“That’s what makes you so special. Your goddamn unwavering hope. I don’t want to crush that, sweet thing, but you have to know that it isn’t always going to work out.” His tone is softer now, but his words hit like the sharp end of a knife. You stare up at him, eyes watering.

“But-“

“It’s a no, baby. Just no.”

He turns, and for the first time, you don’t follow his movements. Your fists close around empty air.

It’s really happening. He’s explained how he doesn’t want you in a million honey-suckled ways, and more than anything, you just want to sink into his arms and cry. But you can’t, and you don’t. You move away, instead, out of the Hard Deck and out of his life, into the cold night air. When you reach your car, all you can do is sob into the shiny metal.

Jake watches you leave. He wants to run after you, to thread his fingers around yours and pull you into a kiss, but he can’t, and he doesn’t. It’s better for you, he tells himself. You sip on wine and fruity drinks while his neat whiskey is sitting on the bar, half-drunk. You deserve someone nicer, kinder, who kisses you goodbye and doesn’t scratch your face with stubble. He sees you lean against your car, forehead pressed to the car door, and he almost folds. He picks up his drink and turns to face Penny, who’s looking at him disapprovingly.

“I’m not good for her.” He tries to explain.

Penny sighs and reaches for the whiskey, topping off his glass. “You aren’t. I just wish you made it your problem instead of hers.”

Taglist: @seitmai

[r0-boat]

Hi, have you done Bimet's NSFW Alphabet? If not can you make one please 🙏

Heheh Yes I will gladly make a alphabet headcannon post about one of my favorite characters in the game

Bimet NSFW ALPHABET

Cw: NSFW

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

You would be surprised that he is very good at aftercare, He will make you feel so loved and cared for when he's done. I'm talking small kisses all over your body, rubbing sore spots on your body; anything you want, he will gladly give you. A soft side of him that he shows to only two people in his entire lifetime.

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

He will never admit it, But his favorite part about you is your smile. Not one of those fake smiles either, a genuine smile never fails to brighten his otherwise shit tastic day. As much as he doesn't agree the little things that make you smile. As much as he thinks something so ignificant like a bug or a leaf could make you so happy. He can't help but find that a little endearing please never change.

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

All demons in Tartaros are pretty possessive, it's part of their greedy nature. Even though he knows and gets off to the fact that you own everything, he can't help but have the urge to mark his territory with his seed. And you are on you he just has this hunger to claim and make sure you stay claimed that must be quelled.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

He's got pet fantasies, He wants to be your pet, your concubine anything. Desperately willing to worship you. happily wear a nice little collar around his neck. As much as he likes to argue and poke fun at you as soon as those He's alone with you He's on his knees.

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

Oh he knows what he's doing. He takes great pride in pleasuring you And he strives to be the best fuck you'll ever have anything for you. He'll make you feel like a god, a princess, the most important thing in the world.

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

Any position that's yours, But if you really have to pick He likes looking at his caught going inside you so as long as he can see His cock disappearing inside You're warm walls He's okay

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

He is more serious, if you try to be goofy he will just start fucking you harder.

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

This man probably has a 13 steps skin and hair care so of course he's groomed. He prefers to shave and prepare before having sex with you.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

One of the rare times he shows his love and affection for you. He genuinely loves spoiling and taking care of you if only you will allow him to do it. Stop Fighting him and accept his pampering broke dumb bitch!!!

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

Never masturbated in his life and never needed to. But that was before you. Now he's... Addicted...You've turned him on so much, who knew sex could be so good! He's supposed to be a demon but you corrupted him now he can't get off without you, almost as good as money... Almost.

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

Roleplay, of any kind in absolute slut for praise kink and degrading.

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

Anywhere luxurious. My guy will Will make reservations for fancy rooms all across hell just to fuck you in them.

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

Money and you. Wealthy locations, fancy hotels fancy resorts anything. Especially if you're in nice expensive clothing If he tells you he reserved a night out somewhere he's going to fuck you stupid.

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

Anywhere in bathrooms, in the street, definitely not outside, also don't wear anything stupid that's a turn off as well, )no the Bluey socks will not stay on during sex take them the fuck off...)

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

Giving and receiving! Perhaps even a little bit of a fixation He will taste you all day if you don't stop him. Your cunt/dick tastes so good! And of course he will be watching every little move you make if you bob your head up and down on his cock. Try not to make you choke on it

Fast rough and wild, fucks you like an animal. Fucks you like This is the first time he has sex because in a way this is the first time he enjoyed sex. He knows he fucks you good no matter how much he pisses you off.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

Master at quickies he could make you come so hard so fast. Though he rather have you all to himself instead of resort due quickly hiking your leg up to have you, He's greedy like that.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

Yes he experiments, This is the first time he actually enjoyed sex He is going to make the most of it He's going to get freaky Don't judge him.

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

Pent up demons are not something you want to toy with. He lasts for a fucking long time even by demon standards, And he has a quick recovery too. After 5 rounds he will want more.

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

Yes, both him and you. He got some expensive ass toys in his collection somewhere. Some he hasn't even used on you yet some you've never even seen. Started buying them after the first time you had sex.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

That fucker likes to tease like it's his full-time job He wants to hear you beg and sob and squirm. He'll make you say embarrassing things. And record you doing it just for a keepsake. He knows how to get what he wants and he knows just what strings to pull. He knows how to touch you He knows your body and he will play you like an instrument

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

The man is loud, growling grunting whimpering moaning you name it talking degrading praising and whimpering your name..

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

Threesomes with You and Mammon had happened before They actually happened more often than you think.

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

Beautiful big thick and long cut cock. Swollen balls

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

Fucking ridiculous. He just had a taste of you and he is not willing to let you go.

Wraps in armorandy to pull you closer before cuddling up to you giving your forehead a few kisses before drifting off.

[orihcas]

cw: 18+ mdni, f!reader, established relationship, drinking mentioned, time skip kenma, makeout scene inspired by this photo

It had been a while since everyone had been able to hang out together. Everyone now had different schedules which made things harder but this was a rare occasion.

It has been decided that everyone would go over to Kenma's place. To catch up over dinner and a few drinks and whatever would be playing on the TV.

You noticed Kenma fiddling around with the fabric of your jeans unaware of the action while listening to what was playing on the TV. Or whenever a strand of his hair would get loose from the hair tie he had it in you would tuck it behind his ear.

The action gets his attention. He would turn towards you before giving you a slight smile and reaching out to hold one of your hands.

As the night slowly began to get late everyone would start to head out, some of them having stuff to do the next morning.

You start to check your bag making sure you have everything to leave when you see Kenma coming back. He had been the one to take Kuroo to one of the spare rooms he had. It was normal for Kuroo to stay over; it was something he did from time to time and was the best option considering how much he had. His movement had been a bit more sluggish than usual but the same could be said for you.

“Are you leaving?” He say

“Yeah, but we're still seeing each other tomorrow right?” You ask as you stand up

“You should stay,” he tells you

“Are you sure I had to go back anyways to get something from my house for tomorrow”

“Yeah it's not like you haven't stayed over before and we can drive by to get your stuff tomorrow”

You think about it before letting out a hum “Okay let's go to bed then yeah”

“Yup let's go” He extends his arm waiting for you to grab on. You get close and wrap your arm around his as you both walk towards his bedroom.

It was not the first time you guys had slept together in the same bed or stayed over before.

You sit down on his bed as Kenma joins you sitting down right next to you. You suddenly feel his weight on your side as he puts his head on your shoulder. You shift yourself slightly to be more comfortable for the two of you.

“Did you have fun today?” You decide to ask him.

He hums very softly something you almost didn't catch “It was nice to see everyone every once in a while”

You smile at his response “Well I think Hinata seemed to miss the most”

Kenma shakes his head slightly at this, letting out a sigh.

“He's always like that,” He says as he wraps one of his arms around you. He is clinging on to you even more than usual.

As soon as Hinata had entered the place he greeted everyone crying out with tears of joy about how much he missed everyone. Kenma who had not noticed in time was brought into a hug by Hinata that quickly ended when he mentioned he would stop sponsoring him if he did not let him go, a threat that always works. You giggle knowing he cares about his friends deep down to ever do that.

He doesn't know why he starts to remember his conversation with Kuroo they had while hanging out a few days back. Kuroo had been at his place when he asked where you were. Naturally, he had answered the question nonchalantly.

“Oh, she's at her place” This had surprised him.

“Really I would have thought from how much you guys hang out that you lived together”

He thought about it then thought a bit more before putting his game down.

It had got quiet after a few seconds. You feel Kenma unravel the arm he had around you lifting his head from off your shoulder as he begins to speak.

“Yn,” He says carefully as he turns slightly to face you

“Yes” You turn to look at him, you bite your lower lip, a habit of yours.

He was turned towards you, but his eyes were not meeting yours directly. Although you both had been in a relationship for the past year and a half he was still a bit nervous.

He looks at you about to speak but notices you are biting your lip again, a habit of yours.

“You’re doing it again” He moves his hands to your lips.

Once you notice as quickly as you did it you stop doing it.

“Sorry sorry, what were you going to say?” You go back to paying attention to him.

“It's okay I well-” He stops before finding the words he wants to say.

“I want to go further with you in this relationship” He stumbles with his words but he continues

“I don't know how you feel but it's how I feel I want you and us”

He looks you in the eye, his cheeks are flushed from either the drinks he still has in his system or his words. Both but you can tell from the sincerity in his eye he's being honest.

You suddenly feel a warmness rise to your cheeks and dryness in your throat from how he is looking at you. You clear your throat.

“I also want that with you… only with you so you can have me as long as I get to have you, us.”

The pupils in his eyes grow before he smiles and nods at you. He is about to pull away from you but before he gets the chance you reach out one of your arms to his shoulder to bring him back a sudden desire to kiss him.

When you do you pull him closer to you. close enough to place a kiss on his cheek, a bit clumsy. After you continue down the side of his chin.

One of his hands had reached to hold the arm you had used to pull him closer whimpering slightly when you kissed him even more in certain areas.

You come back up gently placing one last kiss in the corner of his lips as you pull back to look at him. He looks more flushed than he did before. You two had been close enough so your noses barely touched.

“Kiss me please” You ask him so nicely for permission even though you don't have to.

You make him feel lightheaded. He would give you anything you asked him to give you.

He closed the gap between you guy’s lips and kisses you so tenderly. You let out a satisfied hum as he kisses you.

One of your hands moves to the side of his face while the hand you had on his shoulder moves up to the back of his hair, nails grazing the back of his head.

He lets out a quiet groan into your mouth at this as he maneuvers you on top of him to his lap.

You pull back for air. The only thing that can be heard in the room is the two of you heavily breathing trying to catch your breath.

“You're so sweet,” He says as he looks at your lips swollen and now wet from all the kissing.

You chuckle a bit out of breath before you meet back for another hot kiss.

He brings his arms to your sides, hands grasping the clothes you have on a barrier between the two of you. In between the kiss, he hears you mutter a “more”

One of his hands makes its way down to your ass bringing you closer to him You mewl into his mouth.

Despite it being cold outside he feels so hot from all the kissing and the number of layers he has on does not help.

“Kozume-“ You whine as he pulls away from the heated kiss.

He makes his way to your neck, his mouth hot placing kisses in the areas around your collarbone. You place your head on his shoulder to try and silence the noises you make but Kenma knows you well, kissing an area where you're most sensitive you let out an embarrassingly loud cry.

Before the both can get any further a sudden loud noise makes you both jump and pull away from each other. The sound coming from where the guest bedroom is. You pull yourself off of Kenma a bit wobble as you let out a sigh.

“You should probably go check on that” Placing a small quick kiss on his lips.

He groans in disappointment

“He's probably fine” He tries to pull you back in and you giggle at this.

“True but if he's not it will be a much bigger problem for tomorrow”

He lets out a sigh knowing you're right and gets up from where he was. You get pulled back into one last kiss.

Before he leaves the room he says one more thing.

“Wait up for me I'll be back in a minute”

You hum knowing he will return to you.

extras!

[stellarfoxian]

quality time !!

characters: tingyun, stelle, robin

a/n: feeling bored and lonely... so i will imagine what it's like to spend time with some of my favorite ladies... <3

warnings: none, just lots of fluff. might have some minor lore inaccuracies (it is 1am rn), not proofread.

tingyun:

: ̗̀➛ tingyun absolutely loves spending time with you.

: ̗̀➛ if she's honest, it's her favorite part of the day, coming home and spending time with you.

: ̗̀➛ so when you called her while she was tending to her shop to tell her you wanted to spend more time with her when she got home, she was ecstatic !

: ̗̀➛ she comes home and tells you to get ready, she's about to give you the experience of a life time.

: ̗̀➛ well, i guess that's an exaggeration. she takes you to the sleepless earl, and you both get drinks. "they're on me," she says, "get what you want!"

: ̗̀➛ with that, you both spend who knows how long people watching, talking about life, and having a good time.

: ̗̀➛ the quality time doesn't end when you both get home though. your time at the sleepless earl went well into the night, so you both get into bed together and cuddle. (after her bedtime tail care, of course!)

: ̗̀➛ her arms wrap around your body protectively, as if someone would take you away from her. she knew no one would, but she adored the feeling of protecting you, so she held you in her arms tightly.

: ̗̀➛ when you fall asleep, you sleep comfortably in her loving embrace.

: ̗̀➛ foxians <3

stelle:

: ̗̀➛ oh stelle, the big puppy you are <3

: ̗̀➛ there is rarely a day when you two aren't together. stelle is practically attached to your hip with how clingy she is. you go on all kinds of adventures with her, they're fun!

: ̗̀➛ today was honestly no different.

: ̗̀➛ stelle's gone many places, so thinking of somewhere to take you was really no big deal for her.

: ̗̀➛ in fact, she takes you to a lot of places in just one day.

: ̗̀➛ though, you may have to keep her out of trashcans.. her curiosity WILL get the better of her if you don't keep an eye on her.

: ̗̀➛ stelle shows you all kinds of beautiful places you've never been before. she has quite the eye for them, you realize. it's something you wouldn't really expect from her.

: ̗̀➛ near the end of your adventures, you find yourself resting your head on her shoulder, watching shooting stars. her arm wraps around her waist and she looks down at you. she's so happy, and you can tell. if she had a tail, it'd be wagging faster than you could ever imagine.

: ̗̀➛ you look up at her, she looks back, and for a few moments, you two are just staring into eachother's eyes. then... she leans in and kisses you, and of course you reciprocate.

: ̗̀➛ overall, it was a very fun day with your very fun girlfriend (who... likes trashcans a concerning amount.)

robin:

: ̗̀➛ with robin being an idol, it is quite hard to find time for yourselves, just you and her.

: ̗̀➛ she's busy often, and she feels really bad about not spending as much time with you as she wishes she could.

: ̗̀➛ you understand, of course, but she still feels bad. so, she gets an idea.

: ̗̀➛ one day, robin isn't busy, you aren't busy, so she takes you out to walk the streets of penacony !

: ̗̀➛ she puts on an admittedly ridiculous disguise and grabs your hand, taking you to all the wonderful places there are in the dreamscape.

: ̗̀➛ you actually get to see a lot of it before you have to return, and you're surprised with how varied it is.

: ̗̀➛ while you're out, you get to see how excited robin is to be with you. her wings are fluttering so quickly and she just seems so happy to be with you. obviously, you're happy to be with her too, but she just looks so adorable

: ̗̀➛ when you guys stop to get a bite to eat, she gets a few crumbs on her face, which you point out and wipe off for her.

: ̗̀➛ you even get to feed her some of your food ! (and vice versa) how romantic.

: ̗̀➛ as reluctant she is to return home, when you both get there, you allow her to collapse on top of you in bed, letting her use you as a pillow. she's comfortable, you don't have the heart to tell her to move!

: ̗̀➛ the night is quiet after that, you both end up getting to sleep well. though days like this don't happen often, you enjoy them when you get to have them.

[ily-sunghoon]

The Omen of Sterling | CHAPTER IV

Pairing : vampire!enha x fem!oc

Genre of this chapter : vampire, disgusting little smut scene with jungwon

POV : Author’s

Words count : 5.2k

WARNINGS : MDNI!!! food, blood drinking, pussy eating, nipple play, period cycle, curses, mentioned of kms, kinda power abuse, enha are simps, fighting, witchcraft, DO NOT PROCEED IF UNCOMFORTABLE lmk if I missed anything

Note : PHEEEEEWWWW FIRST SMUT CHAPTER! the smut scene is really short, but! enjoy! ALSO, TWO NEW CHARACTERS WOOHOOO <3 feel free to ask if you have confusion about anything! (dont ask me when will this end)

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST : @nshmrarki @capri-cuntz @millieinyourarea @strxwbloody @poeticjustice1010 @leesura @vousty (let me know if you want to be added)

CHAPTER IV: BLOODY NIGHT

Wilhelmina is in a good mood today, she’ll be back at her uncle’s mansion! Her favorite place ever, because everyone in the castle is not fun. Here in the mansion, they’ve got Ricardo and Jasper who are just as weird as her. Now, she heard that the new girl is also a fun person too! She can’t wait to meet her!

A little bit contrast for the seven vampires, Wilhelmina is like a thunderstorm. Sure, she keeps the house lively! But no one would deny the chaos that she would be making every five minutes is kind of difficult to handle.

“Tell me what happened while I’m gone. In full. Where is the new girl? I want to meet her.” Wilhelmina demands Jasper.

“Good timing, she’s in your uncle’s office.” Jasper grins.

“Oh! What chapter did I miss?” Wilhelmina smirks at the hinted statement.

“A lot! Go barge in, you’ll see for yourself.” Jasper whispered.

Wilhelmina walks upstairs to Jestel’s office with Jasper.

“I’ll wait here.” Jasper informed. Stopping right next to a vase.

Wilhelmina nods and storms uninvited. She clearly could see the way Jestel was so drooling over the new girl.

“Wilhelmina, how many times—” Jestel sighed at her behavior.

“GOOD MORNING! Hi, I’m Wilhelmina. I’m so glad we finally meet each other!” Wilhelmina smiles widely at Iolana.

“Hi! I’m Iolana. I heard about you from Jestel and Ricardo a lot!” Iolana smiles back, she gave her a smile that she didn’t give to any of those guys. A genuine, warm smile.

Jestel froze when he saw her smiling like that.

“My room is on the 4th floor! Please visit me if you have spare time. Or I can visit you! We can go shopping, gossiping, do each other’s hair—oh, wait! WOW! You have short hair, that’s rare!” Wilhelmina is shocked. She had never seen any girl with mid-length hair like Iolana before.

“Wilhelmina, manners.” Jestel reminded her.

“I apologize, Iolana. I was just curious!”

“It’s okay! My brother accidentally cut it during our duels.” Iolana answered, still with her warm smile. She feels safe around Wilhelmina, there’s no bad vibes from her.

“Are you planning to grow it?”

“Of course! Wouldn’t want to get some mouths on my new society.” Iolana giggled.

“Fuck them, you’re very cool!” Ricardo was right, Iolana gets along with Wilhelmina really well.

“Wilhelmina, watch the language.” Jestel reminds her again. “Get out, you’re disturbing our discussion.”

“Oh, my my! Iolana, you must be special. He hates discussion, let alone with a new girl that he just met.” Wilhelmina giggled. She loves teasing everyone in the house, especially her uncle. It gave her a sense of control and it’s fun.

“Don’t listen to her, Iolana.” Jestel tries to convince Iolana otherwise.

“You can ask everyone, Iolana. I might be a trouble, but I never lie.” Wilhelmina laughed this time. Surely Jestel can’t beat that statement, Iolana knows that it’s the truth.

“Are you done, Wilhelmina?” Jestel is panicking.

“He gave her his blood.” Jasper added, bursting into the room.

“Really, Jasper?” Jestel is frustrated right now.

“What does that mean?” Iolana plays dumb.

“Well, somebody is ready to settle down! Eager, aren’t we?” Wilhelmina is enjoying this. “Iolana, you’re truly special. Blood is a big deal around here.”

“Really?”

“Not necessarily!” Jestel panicked again.

“It’s the biggest love form for us Kroshoviens. Hope that helps!” Wilhelmina is giggling nonstop.

“Oh! Even if they mix the blood with somebody else’s blood too?”

“Well, they’re all confessing to you then.” Jasper shrugged his shoulder. “Who’s the other boys?”

“Saine, Jusarlie, and Sarco.”

“Sarco?!” They stopped for a second. “Sarco gave his blood to you?”

“Yes, yesterday after dinner.” Iolana explained.

“This is so fun!” Wilhelmina eyes lit up in excitement. “Hope you can handle the intensity, Iolana!”

“Wait, Wilhelmina, could you explain it again to me? I’m kind of puzzled here.” Iolana played her part.

“That would be my pleasure! Let’s go to your room, I’ll explain further.”

“Iolana, she might add a few lies.” Jestel warned her again.

“No, Wilhelmina never lie.” Jasper shoos them away.

“Bye, Uncle Jestel! Bye, Jasper!” Wilhelmina hugs Iolana’s arm and walks to the 3rd floor together while chatting.

Jestel is visibly bothered.

“Look who’s in a lovestruck now.” Jasper laughed at Jestel’s expression.

“I could handle those other two, but Sarco? Really?” Jestel faked a deep sigh.

“Don’t you think you should start to listen to Idris? None of his omen are proven wrong, especially for this girl.” Jasper gives him simple advice.

“Maybe I should, it is hard to believe this sometimes.”

—

“Wilhelmina, are you not bothered by my scent?” Iolana asked her when they reached the 3rd floor.

“Oh, it only works for the opposite gender! I feel comfortable with you even though you’re a sweet-scented human!” Wilhelmina explained.

“Do they just want my blood…? I don’t know who to trust right now.” Iolana frowned.

“Hey, it’s okay. I feel you, it must be very overwhelming. Take it easy, Iolana. I personally think that they’re in real lovestruck.” Wilhelmina waits for Iolana to open her bedroom door.

They walk in and sit on the bed.

“So… about the blood confession? I don’t know… could you explain more?” Iolana asked politely.

“Basically, if they give you, their blood. It means they’re consenting to you to call upon them whenever you want and need. Hence why we see it as the greatest form of love. It’s not common for one to give their blood so easily to someone they just knew. That’s why I called you special.” Wilhelmina explained.

“Is it that serious?”

“Yes! Only engaged and married people usually do that thing to each other. So, sum it up by yourself.” Wilhelmina laughed. “They’re so in love with you, they think you’re the one for them.”

“This is a bad thing, then?” Iolana gulps.

“Depends on how you look at it, me personally, it’s so fun! You can just summon them as you wish. How fun is that?” Wilhelmina tries to make Iolana see the bright and fun side.

“Whenever, huh?” Iolana nods and smirks.

“That’s the spirit!” Wilhelmina knew Iolana hides something mischievous behind those shy smiles. “Don’t you want to try to summon one of them?”

“Sure! Who should I call?” Iolana is confused.

“Call my uncle.”

“Okay, let’s try.” Iolana is giggling. She tries to focus herself while taking a deep breath. “Jestel, I need you.”

In a second, Jestel teleported in her room. He looks confused.  “Iolana, did she ask you to do that?”

“We just want to try!” Iolana defends Wilhelmina who’s smugly grins at Jestel now.

“Okay, next time do it only if you need me, alright?” Jestel tried to be as soft-spoken as he could. It’s a funny scene to watch for Wilhelmina.

“Okay, Jestel.” Iolana puts up her innocent gaze.

“I’ll get going.” Jestel nods and walks out from her room.

Wilhelmina laughed loudly as Jestel had already walked up the stairs. “You’re so good at acting sweet, you should teach me.”

“The key is in the eyes. Just make it bigger, full of hope, and blink a few times, you know. Like this.” Iolana gives her an example. “Always work on men.”

“Let me try, let me try.” Wilhelmina closes her eyes, preparing to try the sweet-looking eyes method. She opens her eyes, giving it an essence of hope, and blinks a few times. “Like this?”

“Yes, that’s perfect!” Iolana claps her hand, proud of Wilhelmina. Girlhood is so fun.

“I’m going to use it against Jasper.” Wilhelmina mumbled to herself.

Iolana gives her a smug grin, “You like him, don’t you?”

“No, no, no! No way, right?” Wilhelmina’s nervous chuckles are enough evidence of her real feelings toward Jasper.

“Sure! No way, right?” Iolana mocks her.

“Don’t tell anyone! You’re the first to know!” Wilhelmina whispered.

“Let’s just hope Saine isn’t in his room right now.” Iolana whispered back.

A knock on the door made them jump. “Iolana, it’s me.”

Oh, lord. It’s Saine.

“Speaking of the devil.” Iolana laughed. “Come in, Saine.”

Saine walks in with a sweet smile, but it fades away immediately when he sees Wilhelmina. “Oh, my vamp, it’s you.”

“You gave your blood to her, right?” Wilhelmina strikes back. “That’s so sweet of you, Saine.”

Saine swifts uncomfortably, “Uh, yes. Anyways, I’m going for a walk in the town. Do you want to join me, Iolana?”

“Sure! Can we invite Wilhelmina too?” Iolana is in her innocent mask again.

“Sure.” Saine nods. Praying to every deity and his ancestors that he could think of right now.

“I’ll go ask Jasper.” Wilhelmina smiles at Iolana, then smirks at Saine. ��Jaspeeer!”

“Stop screaming, I could hear you perfectly without all the screams.” Jasper shows up immediately at Iolana’s door.

“Relax, soulmate. Let’s join Iolana and Saine for a walk.” Wilhelmina chuckled.

“Sure, let’s go. I’m ready.” Jasper nods.

“Okay, our first stop is my father. He made a special necklace for Iolana. We should grab it first, I’m sure it can hide her sweet scent.” Saine smiles warmly at Iolana.

—

Holstein crouched in front of the last Sterling that he could bring here alive. Fortunately for him, it’s Tama Sterling! The eldest son of Tearle. Luckily, Tama survived his own suicide. So, here he is! Lying on the special prison’s floor, helpless, out of energy, hungry maybe? He’s also very angry. Only if he is a vampire, they’ll be dead by now.

“Is your sister alive?” Holstein asked.

Tama remained silent.

“She’s important to me.” Holstein said again. “She might be the one.”

“Over my dead body.” Tama mocks him.

“You’re so hard to talk to, just like Jestel. I’m sure Iolana is just like me. Easy to talk to, cold-headed, and not stingy.” Holstein scoffed. “Don’t worry, Tama. You’ll be a vampire soon.”

That can’t be happening, what are their plans now?

“Without your memory too, isn’t it sweet? You’re going to be our little dangerous weapon.”

“I’d rather die.”

“You don’t get to choose here.” Holstein hits Tama’s head, not enough to make him die, but enough to knock him out.

—

Iolana stands up and hugs Saine’s arm. Ready for the quick speed she’s going to face. They’re instantly gone in a second, it takes fifteen seconds to get to the Cairneye’s Mansion. Iolana never realized how far it was. Maybe yesterday she was really enjoying the view.

“Papa!” Saine shouts for his father.

“My ears,” Idris acts like his ears are hurt by Saine’s voice.

“Whatever, where is the pendant?” Saine is fed up with Idris’ playfulness.

“Oh, there’s a few things that I need to tell you. Are you sure these two can keep their mouth shut?” Idris points at Jasper and Wilhelmina.

“Guys, get ou—” Saine was interrupted by Iolana.

“They can stay. I trust them.” Iolana calmly answered.

“Are you sure?” Idris frowned.

“I have their secrets, it’s good.” Iolana tilts her head a little bit.

“Woah, what is my secret?!” Jasper is panicking.

“She’ll tell you later, now Uncle Idris tell us.” Wilhelmina glares at Jasper.

“Well, Iolana. Get ready to be hex!” Idris tells the news like it’s a birthday party, full smile, little claps. This man is crazy.

“Idris, slow down.” You can see Iolana is slightly panicking. “What did I do?”

“It’s not a you problem, it’s Slevado.” Idris laughed. “As usual.”

“Ugh, those bitches.” Iolana couldn’t hide her hatred toward that nation. “What did they have in mind this time?”

“First of all, do you know this?” Idris holds a necklace in front of her face, for her to see clearly.

“That’s… how did you… is my brother alive?” Iolana is out of words. The necklace was Tama’s. He always wears it wherever he goes. It’s his treasure.

“He might be alive, I’m not sure. Can you sense him? It took a lot of energy for someone to transfer their real time vision to me, let alone letting me grab a thing. He’s a great wizard.” Idris complimented Iolana’s brother.

Iolana doesn’t say a thing, she holds the pendant of that necklace and focuses her energy to find her brother.

“We found you in the woods. We don’t know who turned you into a vampire, but you’re safe here with us.” It looks like they’re having a feast. Tama is right there, sitting next to Holstein.

“I’m thirsty.” Tama looks miserable.

“I know, drink as much as you want.” The heir of Slevado is such a sweet talker. It scares Iolana off.

“You’re all so kind to me, what do you want from me?” Well, Tama is still Tama after all. Straight to the point and couldn’t trust people easily.

“Nothing! You can live here, this is your new home.”

Tama stares at him blankly. “Why?”

“You’re strong, you knocked out my guards. That’s why I decided to bring you here, to my castle.”

“You want me to be your guard?”

“No, we just want to give you a better life. That way you can explore more of your powers. We just want to help you.”

“Okay.” Tama is still not very friendly.

The vision ended. Iolana drops to the floor slowly after she witnessed all that. Saine holds her arms, he feels sad for her. She doesn’t deserve any of this.

“Turn me into a vampire.” Iolana said helplessly. “I’m your only chance.”

“Iolana, take a deep breath. What do you mean?” Wilhelmina crouched down.

“If they’re going to strike Krashoviel with Tama as a vampire. None of you will survive. Tama is a lot stronger than me.” Iolana explained.

“How strong was he as a human?” Saine asked, hoping that Iolana could provide a specific detail.

“As strong as Ricardo, but heartless.”

They gulp in unison. Ricardo is young, but he’s already almost as strong as Jestel. Maybe it’s all because of Sarco’s hard training, but since he’s young… he still follows his heart sometimes. He often lets emotion take over him.

“He might be stronger than Sarco now… with the fact that he’s also a new vampire as well.” Idris strokes his chin. “Where were you guys going?”

“Just a walk to see the town.” Saine answered.

“Cancel it, we need to do an urgent meeting.” Idris said calmly. “All of us.”

—

The palace is nervous, Idris said he will bring Iolana to the meeting today. How the table has turned, vampire fears a mere little human. Such a funny scene to watch.

“What do you think just happened?” Odelia asked Jestel.

“Another vision, maybe.” Jestel guessed. “He’s your son, you should know better.”

“They’re here.” Sarco said, standing up to greet Idris and the people that he brings to the meeting.

Idris opened the door and let his son, Wilhelmina, and Jasper enter the room first. Meanwhile, he enters the room alongside Iolana. Anyone who studied the art of people’s aura will definitely notice the flame and shadow competing to take over Iolana’s aura. The whole room are terrified. It’s so suffocating.

“Iolana, what happened?” Jestel asked her gently.

Idris let Iolana make the announcement. “My brother, Tama Sterling, has been kidnapped by Slevado. They turned him into a vampire just recently. You need to turn me into one too. I’m your only hope.”

“How so, my child?” Sullivan asked Iolana. Genuinely curious as to why she’s their only hope.

“They brainwashed Tama. It’s not good, Tama is far stronger than me even as a human. He will end you without any difficulties as a fresh vampire.”

“Do you know the possibility of his power right now?” Sarco asked.

“Do you know my grandfather? Thessio Sterling?”

“Oh, I’d rather not. I agree, turn her into a vampire.” Sullivan had a war flashback from that name alone.

“Is he that strong?” Wilhelmina is clueless.

“He’s dead and grandpa still has goosebumps just by hearing his name. What do you think?” Jestel asked Wilhelmina.

“Well, one of you should be Iolana’s host vamp then.” Wilhelmina nods.

“It’s not that simple. She needs to bond first.” Odelia is opposed to that idea. “Iolana, I’ll give you time to choose until Jestel’s birthday party.”

“Jestel’s birthday party? Do you want us dead, Odelia?” Sullivan sees this as an emergency.

“No, we must wait. Let her choose. Who wants to be his host vamp?” Odelia knows what’s going on.

Jestel, Jusarlie, Saine, Sarco, and Hiael raised their hands.

“Oh, my vamp.” Ricardo mumbled under his breath.

“What the fuck are you doing, Hiael?” Jestel yelled.

“What?” Hiael seems unbothered.

“Put your goddamn hand down.” Jestel couldn’t believe this.

“I was just answering Your Majesty’s question. I’m not going to be some ambitious Iolana’s chaser like you and the others.”

“Then put your hand down, don’t make this more complicated than it already is.” Saine tries to stay collected.

“I was just being honest?”

“See?” Odelia turns to her father.

“Iolana, I’ll guide you to choose a host vamp. Feel free to ask about anything. I’ll provide you with my information.” Idris said to Iolana.

“Sarco, I want you to train Iolana to be as strong as you in her human form.” Odelia ordered.

“Are you sure?” Idris is concerned. “As strong as Jestel would be enough.”

“We need someone who’s stronger than Tama, we can’t let anything out of control.” Odelia explained. “Do you copy, Sarco?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

—

Dinner time is almost ready, Iolana is in the bathroom. Preparing herself. Well, today is not nice to her apparently. She sees fresh blood on her panties. This is the least thing that she needs right now. Iolana panicked, she didn’t know what to do. She quickly changed her panties and washed the blood stained one.

“Iolana, let’s go.” Jusarlie’s voice makes her gulp.

“Jusarlie… tell Jestel and the others… my menstrual cycle is here.” Iolana holds the door with her body, just in case Jusarlie lost control.

“Shit.” Jusarlie panicked. “Wait, I’ll tell them. Don’t open the door to anyone before we gather here.”

For half a minute, she waits there patiently. Afraid of what could come for her.

“Iolana, it’s us.” Their voices somehow calmed her down. “Don’t open the door just yet. We could lose control.”

“What should I do?” Iolana is scared.

“Wilhelmina will take you to the basement’s bedroom. You should stay there for a few days.” Jestel explained. “It has triple protection door. You should be safe there.”

“T-triple?” Iolana was surprised by that.

“Yes, three iron doors. So, we can’t come in easily.” Jestel answered. “Why did it come faster than it should be?”

“Probably because I’m stressed.” Iolana took a guess. “I’m sorry to bother you, guys.”

“It’s okay, it’s not your fault.” Jestel reassured her. “Okay, we’ll be out of the house for a bit. You listen to Wilhelmina, okay?”

“Okay. Thank you.”

“Take care of her, Wilhelmina.” Saine taps his cousin’s shoulder.

They are out from the house, along with the butlers, maids, and guards. Waiting outside, while Iolana is being moved from her room to the basement.

“Iolana, let’s go.” Wilhelmina said gently.

Iolana opens the door slowly.

“Oh, wow. They would lose their mind if they were here. Come, quick.” Wilhelmina brought Iolana’s bag.

Iolana clings to Wilhelmina and they go to the basement in a second.

“Alright, I’ll explain fast. Every mealtime, they will give you food through this little food elevator. Remember to not open the iron door. It’s there for a reason. Jestel has prepared this room especially just for you, so I guess everything is here? If there’s anything you need, just talk through telepathy. You’ll figure it out. You’re a Sterling.” Wilhelmina smiles. “I’ll go. The door will be locked once I get out, only you can unlock it afterwards.”

“Thank you, Wilhelmina.” Iolana nods.

“Alright, you take care right here.” Wilhelmina waves before closing the ordinary door. Iolana could hear the iron door closing one by one while Wilhelmina walks out.

The basement’s bedroom is not bad, a good place even. Sure, it’s smaller than the original bedrooms, but it’s enough for Iolana. She began to unpack her things, praying that her menstrual cycle wouldn’t last long.

Meanwhile, the dining room is unbelievably quiet. Everyone tries their best to focus on their food and drink.

“Her scent. I’m going insane.” Jusarlie’s eyes dart to the secret door that Wilhelmina and Iolana pass through earlier.

“Yeah, tell me something I don’t know.” Saine is doing the same thing.

“Hold yourself together.” Jestel told them.

Sarco seems like he’s not listening, though. He’s done eating. Now his eyes keep staring at that secret door.

“Sarco.” Ricardo tries to call him. No response.

“Sarco?” Wilhelmina is worried now.

Sarco is gone in the blink of an eye. They were all panicking and rushed to the basement. They felt great relief when they saw Sarco is just standing in front of the first layer of iron door.

“Iolana, summon me if you need me. I know you’re in pain. I could help.” Sarco sounds so tempting for Iolana.

“Sarco?” Iolana replied hesitantly.

“Yes, just remember that you can summon me whenever you want.”

“Iolana, don’t listen to him.” Saine scoffed. “Summon me, instead. I know you better than him. We shop together, remember?”

“You’re high, let’s go.” Wilhelmina tried to drag Sarco and Saine out of there. “Do not summon any of those guys, Iolana. They’re not in their right state of mind.”

“Sarco…” Iolana whimpers loud enough for them to hear.

Oh.

That awakens something inside them. Something deeper. It crossed the line, it’s unethical. It’s something primal.

“Iolana, summon me if you need help. You know the words, Darling. You did it once yesterday, you can do it.” Jestel bangs on the iron door.

“Iolana, I could bring you your favorite novels. Just summon me, okay?” Jusarlie is also banging at the door.

“Jusarlie?” Iolana did leave the book that she’s currently reading.

“Iolana, you need me, right?” Sarco looks so desperate right now. That is surely not on anyone’s bingo list.

“Iolana, go to sleep. Don’t listen to them.” Wilhelmina keeps her sane, to be honest. Iolana is close to summoning one of them.

She knows it’s wrong, but at the same time it feels very right. She needs one of them. Menstrual hormone messes up with her.

“My vamp, I need to call Idris.” Wilhelmina faked a deep sigh. “Jasper, help me.”

“Let’s go.” Jasper nods, they immediately go to Idris as fast as they could.

Idris, who’s currently busy with customers, is puzzled by their sudden appearance.

“Wilhelmina, Jasper, what’s wrong?” Idris stopped stirring his pot.

“Iolana is in her menstrual cycle, and we couldn’t get the four of them away from the basement’s door.” Wilhelmina informed Idris.

“Bloody hell, couldn’t it pick a better time? I’ll be there in a minute, keep an eye on them.” Idris nods at them. They rushed back to the mansion while Idris excuse himself to the guests, “Could you wait for maybe ten minutes? I need to take care of something. Vampz in love, you know.”

“Sure! We could wait, Sir Idris. Take your time.”

Idris smiled at the guests and rushed himself to Jestel’s mansion. He goes straight to the basement and found an uncomfortable scene. Jestel, Jusarlie, Saine, and Sarco are practically begging. Beyond desperate to open the iron door.

“Collect yourself.” Idris goes to his son first, he slaps him a few times. Not working. Saine is still high. “This is what you get from giving your blood so generously to someone you just met.”

“Is this normal?” Jasper is curious.

“Yes, this is normal, if Iolana is a vampire. Well, unfortunately for us, she isn’t a vampire. Yet.” Idris sighed. “They’ll riot if we drag them upstairs. I’ll knock them out. Ricardo, Jasper, Hiael, help me transport them to the living room.”

Idris began to knock them up one by one with just a touch on their nape. Idris is indeed scary.

The others do what Idris said earlier, they’re now gathering in the living room. Idris sealed access to the basement for the four of them.

“When will they wake up?” Jasper asked.

“A minute from now, two minutes maximum.” Idris sighed again. “This is troublesome, we have to turn her into a vampire as soon as possible.”

Saine opens his eyes. His head is dizzy as he tries to sit. “What happened?”

“You were high, you dumb fuck.” Wilhelmina scolds him.

“Oh, I remember now.” Saine nods. “Is she okay?”

“She’s fine as long as she doesn’t interact with any of you lovestruck heads.” Wilhelmina scoffed again.

Jestel and Sarco are slowly opening their eyes too.

“Did I drink too much? What happened?” Jestel had no idea as well.

“You were high due to Iolana’s amazing scent.” Jasper laughed.

“Really?”

“Why do you think I need to call Idris here?” Wilhelmina scoffed.

“Oh, I apologize.” Jestel giggled.

“Iolana, please! You need me, Iolana. I could help you.” Ricardo mocks them.

“I didn’t say that.” Sarco shook his head.

“I am not even exaggerating anything, ask Hiael.” Ricardo is fed up.

“He’s right.” Hiael nods.

“Iolana.” Jusarlie sit straight, making the others surprised by his sudden move.

“Is he still high?” Ricardo looks confused.

“Iolana needs me.” Jusarlie said before completely disappeared in front of their eyes.

“ABSOLUTELY NOT.” Idris panicked. He rushed to the basement to check if Jusarlie teleported or walked. Wilhelmina and Jasper follow him along.

Their hearts dropped when they saw the basement was empty. Iolana summoned Jusarlie.

Iolana summoned Jusarlie.

“Iolana! Iolana! Don’t be ridiculous now!” Wilhelmina panicked, banging at the door. “Iolana! What are you doing?”

“She’s in good hands.” They could hear Jusarlie’s low chuckle from behind the doors.

Idris couldn’t say anything. He was speechless. He went back upstairs, hugging Wilhelmina and Jasper.

“Idris, what happened? Where’s Jusarlie?” Jestel is puzzled. “Why did you put a spell to lock us out?”

“Let’s just hope Iolana is alive and well after this.” Idris said calmly.

“What the fuck do you mean by that?” Sarco is annoyed.

“She summoned Jusarlie.”

The room felt thick. Completely shocked at the announcement.

“But she’s mine.” Sarco said almost to himself.

“Papa, you’re joking.” Saine tries to be as positive as he could be.

“Saine, let’s just hope she makes it out alive.” Idris pats his shoulder.

“Why? Why? WHY?!” You could hear the despair in Saine’s voice. “Why not me? Why?”

“Idris, read the future. Is he going to be her host vamp?” Jestel looks very insane right now. He grabs both of Idris arms. “Tell me, Idris. We need to know.”

“I’m not sure, but you still have your chances. If she makes it out alive.” Idris answered as much as he needed to.

“I’m going to chop his head off.” Sarco closes his eyes, holding his anger in.

“This isn’t fair. I’m going to kill myself.” Saine grabs a fist of his own hair. He’s very devastated.

“Let’s just hope she makes it first.”

—

“Baby… you need me?” Jusarlie almost lost his self-control when he was being summoned at Iolana’s room.

“Jusarlie, if you drink some of my blood. Wouldn’t my menstrual cycle end faster?” Iolana asked a very difficult question right now since Jusarlie can’t think straight.

“Oh, baby… should we try?” Jusarlie voice got deeper. Iolana could see his eyes darkened at her words earlier.

“Let me make sure of something first.” Iolana smirks back at him. How brave. Jusarlie raised an eyebrow, what could she possibly do?

“Kneel.” Iolana stares right into his eyes.

Jusarlie suddenly lost control of his own body. He kneeled in front of Iolana. He doesn’t even know what is going on right now.

Iolana giggled, “I was right. Let’s try it, Jusarlie. I hate my menstrual cycle.” She shamelessly lifts her night gown and slides her panties down with that pair of innocent eyes staring at Jusarlie.

Jusarlie? Still kneeling. He’s drooling now. This girl is so fucking dangerous.

“Come and get it, Jusarlie.”

He doesn’t have to be told twice, Jusarlie quickly positioned himself between Iolana’s thighs. He inhales deeply. “God, Iolana, you smell so good.”

Iolana squirmed under his touch, she held her whimper.

“Thank you for the meal.” Jusarlie didn’t waste any second to finally lick her bloody folds down. It was the most delicious blood he had ever tasted. He is becoming more passionate as he sucks her clit, trying his best not to bite her.

Iolana is a total mess, she couldn’t contain her moans anymore. Her hips moving up and down, all because of Jusarlie’s talented tongue. And he doesn’t plan to stop. He licks her like a kitten, her blood is intoxicating.

Jusarlie swirls his tongue inside her, making her cry out a whimper. One of his hands naturally reaches up to lifts her night gown higher. Once he found her breast, he fondles with them with both of his hands, pinching her nipples slowly and plays with them like a toy.

The pleasure from her core and her breasts is enough to make Iolana breaks, “J-Jusarlie… fuck… it feels so good.” Iolana’s breathy voice makes Jusarlie’s cock twitch.

“Don’t say it like that, you’re making me hard to control myself.” Jusarlie opens his eyes and stare at Iolana fucked up face. She is so fucking beautiful. He would not share this with others. Iolana should be his and his alone. He sucks at her pretty pussy until there’s no blood left coming from her vagina. It was the most delicious meal he ever had.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to be your host vamp?” Jusarlie climbs up while caressing her body, teasing her. Her jolts stroke his ego for sure.

“No, not yet. I haven’t decided.” Iolana is sweaty, out of breath, after Jusarlie devoured her pussy.

“I don’t want to share you.” Jusarlie holds her face gently.

“That’s your problem.” Iolana smirks again. “We’ll see if this method works tomorrow.”

“You’re cruel.”

“Never said I’m not.” Iolana makes him sit by pushing him while she raises her body to sit as well. “Now, you get out like the way you enter this room.”

And just like that, Jusarlie is gone in the blink of an eye. Iolana is very satisfied with the power she currently holds right now.

—

Jusarlie is back in the living room. His smile never leaves his face. He licks the remaining blood on the tip of his lips, unaware of the eyes that stare at him like he just did something really bad.

“What the fuck did you just do with her?” Jestel holds his collar.

“None of your business.”

“Tell me she’s alive.”

“Oh, she’s alive! Breathing normally, body temperature is normal for human, heartbeat normal, and… well pleasured.” Jusarlie giggled at himself.

“Did you fucking touch her?” Sarco’s blood boils.

“She asked me to. Not to brag about it or anything—”

A thud makes the whole room shocked. Saine just punched Jusarlie in the face.

“Don’t say any word about it.” Saine looks insane. He completely loses his mind. What the hell did he do wrong? Jusarlie is not better than him. Why did Iolana choose Jusarlie instead of him?

Jusarlie laughed like a maniac. “Just know that the sweet scent did not lie.”

Jestel, Saine, and Sarco stare down at him. Full of hatred. Full of jealousy. What makes the feeling worse is they can’t do anything about it.

In the very same room, Idris, Jasper, and Wilhelmina know that the future is going to be more complicated than they anticipated. As if the four of them being insane isn’t enough, Iolana chose the crazy path as well.

TO BE CONTINUED...

; YOUR CUTE REBLOGS AND COMMENTS MAKE ME FEEL REALLY GRATEFUL <3 ; FEEL FREE TO HIT MY ASK IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION ABOUT THE WORLD BUILDING OR CHARACTER!

© ily-sunghoon, 2024 DO NOT COPY, STEAL, PLAGIARIZE, OR REPOST ON OTHER PLATFORM DO NOT TRANSLATE WITHOUT PERMISSION

[thebomb-thebird-andtheburntbitch]

w.count: 1.9k - y/n is implied to have hair long enough to pull back, you know that one hairstick scene in apothecary diaries? yeahhh :))

"do your arms ever get sore from doing your hair like that?"

the sudden question caught baizhu off guard. you were sitting at his desk early in the morning as he was still getting himself up, around and ready. he had asked you to stop by the pharmacy before your day began since you were planning to head out towards mondstadt for a commission that could take up to a weeks' time.

you felt bad coming by so early, especially if you would be waking him up (lord knows he doesn't get enough rest as much as he insists he does). still, despite your worries, he insisted.

it was rare to see him with his long, green hair loose without any ties or his two-pronged hair stick. it was even longer without it being styled, hanging close to the back of his knees. on top of that, he still hadn't put on his glasses, so with his face bare of his 'eyes' and framed by his hair- well, it was a very rare baizhu to witness.

chengsheng was still curled up asleep on a small cushion that sat on top of a stool that stayed near baizhu's bed. as opposed to her morning person of a contractor, she was no morning snake.

as you sit and wait for him to start lecturing you on what herbs or slaves to use and when to use them before packing them away for you- he began tying his hair. watching him pull his front hair back into the bun that would always be perfect and securing it with his double-pronged hair stick, your mouth just starts before you can stop it.

chuckling, he lowers his arms and brushes a few strands of his long hair off his shoulder.

"no i can't say that they do. i've dealt with it long enough my arms are used to it."

fussing with your own hair by twirling a piece around your finger, you shudder at the thought of all the tangles or knots he must experience on a day-to-day basis before he tames it all.

"even if i did feel soreness, i can't simply leave it down now can i?"

you nod along to his point. it would be pretty bad if a pharmacist left his hair down and let it get in the way of his work. not to mention it just wasn't a good look as a doctor. no one wants to get medicine with the bonus addition of green hair.

after properly securing the hair stick in place, he pulls the long strands that are left over his shoulder and starts dividing them into sections for his braid. he did it effortlessly, hardly tangling at all due to practice; his eyes even closed for a while like he found it relaxing!

once he was finished, he could tell you weren't exactly paying attention to reality anymore and your mind was wandered off somewhere else away from him. it was easy for baizhu to read you- you were a pretty expressive person; at least around him. with his hair finished, he slides his glasses over his eyes and lets out a small deflation of relief at finally being able to see properly.

you finally came back to him when he sets a small, drawstring sack that was easily able to attach to your belt in front of your elbow that rested on his desk.

after coming back from your thoughts, you jolted at how close he had gotten. bent at the waist to get a better look at your face as his arm that dropped the sack moved to rest behind his back. baizhu was a man who values undivided attention when conversing and eye contact alone means more to him than most people. it makes him feel respected despite his frail constitution.

although, he admits a small piece of himself finds it entertaining to see people become antsy at prolonged eye contact (he could always tell when they start looking at his forehead or nose instead of his eyes). he never told you that though- it would ruin all the fun.

"oh, sorry," you meekly apologize as he moves to sit in the small stool opposite of you instead of his own proper chair on the other side of the desk. "i didn't realize I zoned out."

"i don't mind," he tells you earnestly. "it's good to see you relax before a long trip."

"mondstadt is hardly a marvelous trek."

"that doesn't take away from the fact that making the trip can be dangerous. who knows what enemies are camping out along the paths."

"i can handle it."

"yes, i know." he does this often. frets over things he knows isn't a big problem in the long run just for the harmless banter with you. besides, the looming threat of enemies is the whole reason he's sending you off with medicine in the first place! he's teasing, and he can see it on your face when you realize and stop responding in order to quell his indulgence.

instead, you turn your sights to the bag. 'let's see', you think as you pull the bag open and start sifting through the contents to see what all he packed. you can also guess how much mora you'll owe him after seeing the goods.

baizhu watched you intently as you dug around in the bubu pharmacy labeled sack. perhaps it was because of your previous converstaion, but he couldn't help but watch as your hair shifted with your movements.

craned over, your hair covered the small part of your face that faced him. the curtain of hair made him realize that you hadn't yet put it up like you usually did- especially when you were about to depart on an expedition.

"your trip to mondstadt," he says lowly as he moves to rest his elbow on the desktop with his curled fingers holding his chin. he wasn't usually one to slouch, but it was early, and he was with only you, so his lazed state was deemed acceptable. "you said you'll be traveling with a group yes?"

"hmm," you hum affirmatively. "some millelith are escorting me to the stone gate. after, i'll be meeting with some knights across the border." while you retell the how's of your trip, you never once look at him. instead, you keep your eyes on your acquired items. he sure packed it full.

"i see," he hums. he quietly lifts himself from his stool and just as quietly moves to stand at your back.

you notice his presence behind you too late because before you can ask what he's doing, his hands come into contact with your loose hair. you feel his knuckles brush against your neck and his fingertips snag and gently tug among the strands as he starts pulling it back. one hand combs through your tresses while the other gathers it all in his palm.

you sit extremely still. not just because you were frozen in shock, but a part of you didn't want to mess up whatever it was that he was doing. your throat closed up as well, so even though you wanted to ask what in the world spurred this on, you couldn't. instead, you studied the shadows casted by his paneled windows caused by the morning sun that was finally starting to rise.

you'd have to leave soon.

before long, you felt him twist your hair before putting a band around it and after he placed something else in it to pin it properly in place.

"there," he mutters as he steps away from your back. you twist to look at him, your hand coming to lightly ghost over your hair. you want to try and get a mental image of what he had done, but he quickly stops you from doing so. the tips of his fingers softly push your arm back towards your lap before leaning down to look at you again in the face. "you wouldn't want to mess it up, now would you?"

you silently shake your head. with him bent at his waist for the second time this morning, you notice that his hair was loose again.

"baizhu-"

"the sun is rising," he interrupts. standing up straight, he offers his hand properly to help you stand. "you best be off soon."

looking behind his shoulder, you see the sunshine beyond the windows. as confused as you were and despite all the questions you had, he has a point. you couldn't keep the millelith waiting. so, you accept his hand and stand. you peek to see if chengsheng had woken up, but she was still blissfully sleeping on her cushion.

"tell chengsheng that im sorry i missed saying goodbye to her. i'll make it up to her next time." she was fond of you after all.

"of course." walking you out, he opens his door and leads you to the long stone staircase. you wave to both gui and qiqi who had already made their way into the pharmacy to start their day. with a few more words, you bid farewell to the good doctor before racing down the stairs to meet with your group.

as he watches you swing a left into town at the bottom of the steps, he feels a tug on his pant leg. looking down, he see's little qiqi and kneels to get eyelevel with her.

"yes, qiqi?"

"doctor baizhu... your hair is still down." baizhu chuckles.

"ah, yes. i must've forgotten to do it this morning." his hand comes to pat her hat-clad head. "thank you for reminding me." qiqi felt gleeful at being the one to remember something for once and she nods at him when he stands and moves to return to his room.

he'd have to settle for a slightly different hair style today. as chengsheng wakes up and sees her contractor with a pair of chopsticks crossed in his bun instead of his special hair stick and a braided ribbon instead of a clear band for his braid, she grows curious.

"what happened to your normal thingss?" she inquires as he offers his arm to her and lets her slither up it to coil around his neck. he chuckles as her head moves to stay lifted around his face for easy conversing.

"i lent them to someone." he moves to leave his room for the second time that morning but stops short of the door. "oh, y/n expresses their apologies for already departing the harbor." with a small tut from chengsheng, she coils around him once more before laying her head on his shoulder.

"of coursse." if the snake could roll her eyes, she would've. "has anyone ever told you that you can be rather posssesssive, baizhu?"

"i'm afraid i don't know what you're talking about."

"i'm here! sorry for the wait!" you huff as you join up with the group of three millelith soliders. you were debreifing with the group leader while the others stood behind you away enough that you couldn't hear their gossip.

"doesn't that hair stick look familiar?" one asks.

"isn't it the one doctor baizhu wears?" the other answers.

"the bubu pharmacy owner?!"

"shh! they'll hear you idiot!" you don't. and you forget all about your hair until you set up camp for the night just outside the stone gate. taking your hair out for sleep is when you finally see what baizhu had pinned your hair up with and suddenly the night air felt a bit stuffy instead of chilly.

[lovieku]

GOOD LUCK, BABE! #3 ⋆ 정국

what happens when you leave everything behind, only to be faced with it again years later? eunbi is convinced she was given another shot at keeping all she ever wanted, but it’s difficult when that all is her childhood best friend who doesn’t want to do anything with her anymore. how to earn his trust back?

☾ pairing: non idol!jk x fem!oc

☾ genre: childhood friends to strangers, friends to lovers, angst, fluff, smut

☾ word count: 9k +

☾ warnings: explicit language. say hi to eunbi!!! and to the friend group!!! its a bit funny until it becomes angsty … ouch. jeongguk is a bitch lowkey. pun unintended (you’ll see). theyre dramatic as hell. like bro it cant be that serious 😭. im sawrry for this. and its not all!!! see you in fourth chapter 🫡

☾ author’s note: hi hi hi!!! this took a bit to fully convince me but in the end it did. i was frustrated because i felt like i couldnt really use my words properly to tell the whole thing but… here we are now!!! thank u!!! enjoy 🫶🏻

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three ⋆ this is me trying

Up to that point, Eunbi’s life has been a constant adjusting to new surroundings, leaving bits and pieces behind, getting attached to new ones, and hoping they wouldn’t be taken away from her. It would always end up as she feared it would, though. From as early as she can remember, Eunbi would live off her blue backpack, where she gathered a toothbrush, a change of clothes and her favourite plushie to help her sleep and adapt faster to the smaller bed at her dad’s house. When her parents had divorced, it had been a rough patch before the both of them could come to a legal agreement; that being, she would spend the weekend with her father, and then stay with her mother again until Friday rolled around.

She rarely looks back at those days now, but when she does — mostly at night, her mind seemingly incapable of putting a stop to her furious flow of thoughts and just sleep — she thinks if it hadn’t happened to her when she was still pliable and mouldable, when she was yet to be met with what ordinariness was supposed to look like for others, she wouldn’t have been ready to wholly face all that followed. Eunbi was young when she learned that love between two people could end so easily, and her innocent self accepted that as the norm.

As a result, what she found harder to accept, more than her own mother and father not even being able to stand next to one another without ending up quarrelling, was having to leave her small black poodle in Gwangju, with her grandma, after moving away to Busan. Curly (little Eunbi had given him that name for obvious reasons, and to this very day she finds it dumb, but it makes her giggle nonetheless) had been a great companion through the inevitable loneliness she had to face as an only child. She was convinced he could understand her better than no other, even when she would force the tiny creature to sit and listen to her ramble on.

Busan was the next big change that was pushed onto Eunbi, only a few years after her mother got engaged to a man that would soon replace her biological father: with time, sleeping over at his house for the weekend was no longer even a contemplated thought on his side, coming up with excuses after excuses as not to, and that slowly led to showing less and less interest in keeping up with her and meeting up. The little girl had always been numb in relation to such negligence, and because of this she could consider herself lucky in some distorted sense; it didn’t affect her as much as it should have.

Part of that was also due to her step-dad being a great father figure during the initial times of his and her mom’s relationship, making sure to adapt to Eunbi’s pace and boundaries, never overstepping while also being able to bring fun into her life by taking the family out to visit places and eat delicious meals. What he couldn’t do for her, however, was live with a dog. When he and her mother decided to finally move together following their wedding, they both agreed on wanting to restart from a brand new place. Busan was their perfect pick for a variety of reasons: her mom got offered a job at a recently established company that seemed promising, and her step-dad could fulfil his deep-rooted dream of expanding his by starting a new branch.

Every single thing about him seemed perfect to her mom’s eyes, even if he was apparently deathly allergic to dog’s fur. And, of course, she picked her husband over Curly. Eunbi couldn’t believe it, nor accept it. The girl cried over the small dog for the two weeks prior to moving, during the trip to Busan, and for the following days there. Her grandmother would keep her updated by sending pictures of Curly through email, and even after the scar had healed, those would never fail to make her tear up.

As shameful as it might be to admit it, after having dried herself from half the water that made up her body because of the constant crying, it didn’t take long for the scar to close. When she first stepped foot in the big city by the seaside, Curly showed up right in front of her. Just in human form. Big eyes, long black hair and puppy manners, her neighbour was definitely sent to her by something greater. Eunbi was obsessed. It didn’t show at first, her pride prevailing. But it was harder and harder to fight against it. Jeongguk was simply too easy to love.

They became inseparable. Wherever he was, better believe she was there too, attached at his hip. And if they showed up alone, people would naturally ask about the other. Because the moon is never seen without its stars, and sunflowers only ever turn to face the sun. Their bond could be perceived by anyone as unbreakable, a friendship to envy and wish for, and every brick that built it had resulted in the creation of their own safe haven that only had space to contain the two of them. Not anybody else could be let in, the bubble exclusively recognised their password. It wasn’t composed of words, or numbers. It was the look of understanding they would share; the white lies used to cover the mischief of the other; their own handshake, accompanied by an original friendship jingle that Eunbi came up with randomly; the assurance that they could reveal their biggest secrets to one another, and they’d be kept like an oath.

There’s many of those that Eunbi shamelessly revealed to Jeongguk, some with intent and others unleashed spontaneously during their many endless talks. But when she thinks of it, she never admitted the single one that really mattered, the one that her best friend in the whole world needed to know, and remember. At all times. In any circumstance. It wasn’t a secret, it was more a result of her pondering; it came to a full reasonable thought only years later, and by then it was too late to tell him.

Eunbi thinks, and she’s sure, Jeongguk was the reason why all that came before the two of them had to happen. If it didn’t, she would have spent her whole life looking for that missing puzzle piece: under the cushions of the couch, in between her bed sheets, accidentally thrown away in the bin. It was as if all the hardships she experienced were justified, because at the end of the tunnel Jeongguk was waiting for her. And everything finally made sense. The puzzle was complete. Jeongguk was the reason himself. He was sent to teach her an important lesson: everything happens for a reason. There’s a cause and an effect, and even if the cause was suffering, at least the effect was her favourite boy.

Then, a gust of wind had wiped the puzzle to the ground, every single piece losing its place. When her best friend was taken away from her, she stopped being so convinced with the thought she herself had harboured, because she suddenly couldn’t find the meaning behind such a cruel fate. If everything really happened for a reason, then what was it? Jeongguk helped her see colours, only to return to black and white. Leaving him behind had marked the death of a version of herself that she would never get back.

Seoul was big, and harder to adjust to, even more with the baggage she was now dragging behind. Unpacking it, she found out all she had brought with her was a shattered trust and a soon to be broken promise to never get attached again. It was hard to be faithful to such an imposition, when Eunbi was born to give out love. It was hidden in that luggage, in between fears and regrets, but surely present.

And it prevailed in the end. Even at a slower pace, love found its way up and helped a lost Eunbi navigate the big capital city, promising new beginnings and healing. She found that in the faces of people that she would then start to recognise as friends, inside warm cafes during the coldest days of winter, and in the certainty that no matter where she is, she is always looking up at the same moon.

What she has built in Seoul so far feels the closest to stability that she has experienced in years. Starting university and meeting Dahye was the last bit of convincing it took to make her consider once again that a reason could exist, and that in the end it would make sense. Maybe not totally. Maybe just partly is enough after all.

Until, seeing a pair of familiar starry eyes in the midst of dull ones was all she needed to firmly believe in what she had been finding hard to accept. It took one shared look for past and present to get blurred together, and the mixture of old with new feelings created a mess. It was nice, nonetheless. Better than the seemingly impossible to get rid of emptiness at the pit of her heart.

Behind her eyes, Eunbi could see the puzzle slowly reaching its final form again, this time with more missing pieces, but the image was at least recognisable. When Jeongguk showed up in front of her again like magic, she contemplated becoming religious. Getting to her knees and starting praying to whatever greater force was shining on her path to please keep doing that. None of that showed on the outside, her smile breaking and mirroring the expression on the boy’s face. Pure sorrow. She knew she was probably the last person on earth Jeongguk wanted to see, and the fact that he wasn’t even trying to mask it didn’t help.

The most rational response she could come up with at that moment was to act as if nothing ever happened. And then, the bricks that a long time ago held together their safe bubble were being used by the boy to raise a high wall between them, making sure accessing his space would be impossible for Eunbi. Who could blame him? Still, the happiness she shamelessly felt when Jeongguk showed up at her 20th birthday party was too consuming, she selfishly wished for the rest of her birthdays to always look like that as she blew the candles. Nonetheless, when he suddenly left sprinting on his bike she knew the gods would need time to grant her desire. Although, this time around she had faith.

She doesn’t know how long it would take for it to break, though. September getting closer and closer only means that Jeongguk’s birthday is just around the corner. As part of his friend group, she had been involved in the process that led to organising the surprise camping trip, even if she didn’t exactly participate. After all, she doesn’t get to say she knows the boy better than anyone, anymore. Jeongguk has evidently changed, and as a consequence she knows way less about him than the others.

For that exact reason, Eunbi had made various attempts to back down from the trip, fearing her presence could significantly ruin it for the celebrated boy. At first, she tried to be casual about it with Dahye, since she’s the only one she’s opened up to about the whole dilemma, “I think it’s better if I don’t come. After all, it’s a friend trip. I’m not really his friend.” To which her roommate only replied with bullshit, proceeding to type away on her keyboard. That did not help whatsoever.

Then, the night she was too tipsy to take a taxi back home and Jeongguk had offered her a ride on his bike, she came home with a smile on her face only to burst out crying in front of a just as drunk Dahye. In between sobs, she begged to be left out of the trip, “Ple- Please, Dahye. He hates me. I can’t stand it.” Her friend tried to shush her whines, pushing Eunbi’s head on her chest and consoling her, “He doesn’t, baby. I’m sure he doesn’t.”

As a result of that night, Dahye had then sat her friend down with the intent of fully convincing her to be present for Jeongguk’s birthday trip for a number of reasons, “It would be rude to not show up after he was there for your birthday. And also, what if you two end up talking about… things! And everything gets solved! That would be nice, wouldn’t it, Bibi?”

Eunbi had just nodded all the way through the motivating speech, not really understanding nor believing her words, but apparently they were enough to lead her to the present moment: awkwardly squished between Dahye and Jimin on the couch of her flat, while they animatedly converse with the others to approve on the trip schedule. She has never felt so out of place before, not only because she doesn’t feel like she has a say in the whole discussion, but also because as time went by the two friends by her side kept shifting to subtly get closer to one another, not realising they were compressing her body in the process. To the point she is forced to get up, the position she was in being too uncomfortable, and sit on the ground under the couch next to Namjoon.

She can feel her movements being followed by a pair of curious eyes, and when she looks up to meet them, she finds out they belong to the origin of all her worries. Before Jeongguk can divert his attention elsewhere, aware he was caught observing, she gives him a quick tight lipped smile. It goes dismissed, as if it hadn’t happened. Ouch. It’s okay, Eunbi can take it. She used the few days prior to this to mentally prepare. She knows she’s not exactly welcomed anywhere near him, that’s why she made a silent secret pact within herself: whatever happens during the trip, don’t be a bother to Jeongguk. Stay away from him as much as possible, and if not possible, then do anything to avoid putting that frown on his face, exactly the one he’s sporting right now. On a second thought, if just looking at her gets him to react like that, maybe it’s best to mentally wipe that off her list of things to keep in mind for Jeongguk’s birthday camping trip.

With there still being a day left before their minibreak takes off, the girl can already tell it’s going to be hard to follow the flow of that list, Jeongguk making it obvious her presence could have been avoided before the vacation has even started. Still, she remains composed and brushes off what had just happened, instead focusing on the main topic of conversation.

The group (Hoseok) has decided to meet to go over the schedule one last time because, “Everything needs to be perfect, guys. We can’t afford to slip!” It’s still Hoseok talking. Eunbi learned that he had always been the one in charge of organising events and little getaways when it came to the friend group, his obsession with keeping everything under control coming in handy in such scenarios.

Not only that, but the reddish haired guy is also amazingly quick on his feet, and in a relatively short amount of time he has managed to find the perfect excursions and experiences to go over during the trip, making sure every day spent together would be filled with fun activities that he knows the birthday boy is going to look forward to. In between what he has arranged there is cycling, canoeing, trekking, and more stuff that Eunbi can’t keep up with. Surviving this is going to be made ten times harder by the amount of energy that is going to be expected out of her. She sighs at the thought, looking down at her manicured nails. She just got them done, and now they would surely break.

It takes a few seconds for her to realise the sudden silence that fell above the room, and when she looks back up she’s met with eleven pairs of eyes staring at her. She straightens her posture, suddenly too aware of being perceived, and she deduces her previous exhale had been released with more energy than intended. Hoseok sweetly smiles at her, “Anything you don’t agree on, Eunbi?”

The panicked girl opens her mouth to justify herself, her eyes getting wider and shinier with embarrassment, but Dahye beats her to it, “Bibi, didn’t you say you, like, hate cycling? I’m sure we had a whole conversation about it.“

Eunbi is mortified. Her eyes jump from Dahye to Jeongguk, trying to get her best friend to shut up while also registering the boy’s scoff and muted roll of his eyes. Oh god. Her whole be-lowkey-and-make-yourself-unnoticed plan just shattered in a matter of seconds. She can feel Jeongguk’s eyes bore flaming holes into her skull, his arms crossed and his legs furtherly stretching out on the armchair. If she still had a small, tiny hope left that he didn’t fully hate her, she just witnessed that shattering in pieces too.

She quickly shifts to sit on her heels, her hands frantically shaking to try and save her face for what she could, “No, what? I love cycling. Seriously, I’d do it everyday if I could.” She chuckles shakily while subtly shoving Dahye’s knee next to her to signal going with the lie. At first, Dahye looks clearly confused: she was so sure of that information about her roommate. She furrows her brows, looking down at a panicky Eunbi widening her eyes. It takes only a few more seconds for her to suddenly get it, shaking herself from her doubts and catching the ball, “Oh, right! You do! I got it confused with, huh… something else.” The girl mutters that last part only to join her friend in a nervous laugh, and an apologetic smile. Best believe Dahye is going to hear about this later.

Hoseok looks just as puzzled as the others, but nonetheless he nods, announcing the schedule has been officially confirmed. A collective acclaim fills the room, only for the boy to stop it with a raise of his pointer finger, “Now, I will assign you guys in your respective cars.” Which is comically followed by a joint groan, and some protests. Hoseok ignores them, and goes on reading off his perfectly planned out Word document.

”Namjoon is the first driver, and he’s travelling with Iseul, Seokjin and Sora,” he looks up to briefly check with the mentioned members to see if there are any complaints, then proceeds. “We’ve got Yoongi with me, Aera and Taehyung. Then…” Hoseok squints his eyes while scrolling down the document, and those few seconds of silence are enough for Eunbi’s thoughts to anticipate what is about to follow. She lowers her head, unwilling to meet Jeongguk’s glare when Hoseok says, “Jeongguk is driving with Jimin, Dahye and Eunbi. All set?”

The positive response is quick, even too rushed and disregardful of what was said, as Namjoon and Taehyung have been impatiently begging for the never-ending organising to be over so they could order food and finally fill their starved stomachs. No one pays any mind to it, but Eunbi and Jeongguk stay quiet, while Jimin and Dahye share a knowing look. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.

The evening is spent in the cramped living room of Eunbi and Dahye’s shared flat, eating pizza and letting a random movie play, which soon only functioned as a background noise the moment Taehyung started a game of Would You Rather. Even if Yoongi initially shushed him, everyone eventually became more delighted with Seokjin’s unthinkable suggestions than with the film, “Would you rather be trapped in a small room with 10,000 tarantulas for 10 minutes, or eat 10 tarantulas in 10 minutes?”

Eunbi tries to let herself be distracted by the content smiles on her friends’ faces, even feels less distressed when she notices Jeongguk relaxing as well, but that doesn’t stop her mind from overflowing with all the things that could potentially go wrong. It inevitably shows on her face, and in her unusual quietness. She has been pondering on the last information Hoseok had shared about the confirmed schedule for hours now, worrying it was going to start the trip on the wrong foot. There were all the best intentions to not poke the sleeping bear, but she fears being in the same car as him is going to stir him awake.

After the group leaves the apartment at past 1 a.m., Hoseok checking with everyone that they’ll show up at 8 sharp tomorrow morning in front of the same building they’re now parting ways from, Eunbi releases a long sigh as she closes the door behind her shoulders. Dahye catches the look on her features immediately, taking her pretty face in between her palms, “I’m sorry for earlier. I was trying to help.” She pouts, and it makes the shorter girl chuckle.

Eunbi shakes her head, dismissing her apology with a small it’s okay, and freeing herself from her friend’s hold so as to avoid meeting her eyes, instead busying herself with tidying up the mess in the living room. Her flatmate looks at the strangely silent girl narrowly, “What are you thinking? Please, don’t let it be something stupid like I don’t wanna drive in Jeongguk’s car.”

When all Dahye is met with is silence, she knows that specific something stupid is flowing in the other girl’s head. Eunbi spends the next hour packing and letting Dahye think she’s wholly convincing her distressed roommate nothing could go wrong from just being close to each other, and if anything, it could be a starting point.

For the sake of getting at least three hours of sleep before the long drive ahead, Eunbi fake promises her friend that she won’t let such thoughts haunt her mind and stop her from enjoying the holiday (she was forced to repeat those exact words) knowing she’s going to let them do precisely that. She also ends up staying awake all night either way, trying to come up with a reasonable excuse that she can use to ask Hoseok if a small change would be possible, hoping it wouldn’t be too much of a hassle to him and his perfect plan.

When the following morning rolls around, the group gathers in the courtyard of the flat complex as instructed hours earlier by Hoseok, who looks like he’s on the verge of a serious crisis when it’s one minute past 8 a.m. and Taehyung still hasn’t shown up. Eunbi fears for her life when she taps his shoulder as delicately as she can, still unable to avoid a jumpy reaction from the boy, who then relaxes when he sees the girl’s sweet smile. That lasts for about one second, because when Eunbi softly asks him if they can talk he’s back to puffing out panicky breaths.

She hesitates a moment before uttering in one single exhale, “I’d rather not go in Jeongguk’s car.” Faced with Hoseok’s perplexed stare, she goes on explaining in a rushed, messy speech, “It’s nothing personal, really. It’s just- Iseul! Yeah, Iseul begged me to be in the car with Dahye… She doesn’t know Sora that well so she said it would be way too awkward. I can go with Namjoon!” She ends it by trying to sport a convincing grin on her lips, but with the way it looks like she’s being held at gunpoint to smile it’s doing the exact opposite, not helping in hiding her own panic at all.

Hoseok takes a few seconds to process her request and read her expression, but in the end he just shrugs and nods enthusiastically, “That’s okay!” He then claps his hands twice, recalling the others’ attention who comically snap their heads in unison, hanging on the boss’ lips, “Tiny change. Eunbi doesn’t wanna be in Jeongguk’s car, so she’s going with Namjoon.”

For the second time in under 24 hours, Eunbi is so embarrassed she prays the ground to swallow her whole. Hoseok doesn’t seem to be making a big deal out of the way he worded his announcement, busy typing away on his phone, probably updating his Word document with the recent change. The others don’t look too fazed either, accustomed with the two infamously not being too fond of each other for no apparent reason, except for Dahye and Jimin: the former is looking at the girl incredulously; the latter has shifted his attention to his best friend.

Eunbi can feel cold sweat dripping down her forehead, the weight of the world crushing on her shoulders. She’s afraid to follow Jimin’s line of vision, but as she slowly does, it leads her to meet Jeongguk’s intense gaze, a slight pissed scowl hardening his features along with his brows almost meeting at the bridge of his nose. His all black attire composed of an oversized t-shirt, cargo bermuda shorts and chunky sandals matches perfectly with the look on his face. He seems confused, and unnerved. And sad? This is not how things were supposed to unfold.

Under such pressure, the girl impulsively releases a nervous laugh, her whole face red with awkwardness, “It’s not like I didn’t- Okay! I’ll just go wait in the car.” Her head hangs as she distances herself from the group, finding an escape from Jeongguk’s disappointment in Namjoon’s car. She bangs her head on the dashboard a few times, making the most of the last minutes alone she’s getting before departure.

Starring in that shitshow was not on her list of things to keep in mind for Jeongguk’s birthday camping trip in any way. On the contrary, what she has been trying to do is going by the rules of the list itself: stay away from Jeongguk and don’t be a bother. Instead, the opposite seems to be happening every time she attempts to be nice to him so as to not be a hassle during the trip. Releasing a shaky breath, she hopes her intentions wouldn’t be misinterpreted by the boy, as she tries foolishly convincing herself the telepathy between them still exists, at least to a small extent. She was only doing this for him. To make it easier for him. Please, please send this telepathic message to Jeongguk.

Connection probably isn’t working too well, because when they all get to the destination after a fairly long ride, Jeongguk still looks pissed, shutting the car door with more energy than required and unloading the luggages, taking his and Iseul’s to the entrance of the camping site. Eunbi narrows her eyes as she observes the scene, the short haired girl thanking the previously annoyed boy and effortlessly putting a smile on his lips, and she almost doesn’t notice Namjoon urging her to move. She abruptly shakes herself out of that trance, relaxing her hands that had subconsciously closed into fists, and takes her bags out of the car. As she clumsily drags them on both of her shoulders, her Converses do little to protect her soles from the rocky ground, and she groans. It’s not like she was expecting Namjoon to carry her baggage, she can do it herself. But as she keeps watching Jeongguk easily handling all that weight, she huffs.

The campsite looks amazing. The space that the group has at their disposal is huge and wholly surrounded by nature, making it the perfect getaway from the chaos of the city. Not too far, in between trees, a glimpse of the sun reflecting its rays in a large lake can be caught. Eunbi witnesses an excellently carried out jam session, with the lively enthusiasm of her friends on microphone, birds on percussion and cicadas on bass. She smiles, and sighs contentedly. Dahye’s words from last night echo in her head, don’t let this stop you from enjoying the holiday, and today she wants to believe them. She’s glad she chose to wear jeans shorts instead of cargos, the heat slowly but surely rising, and a flowy white top that keeps her fresh, for now.

Hoseok instructs them to get to work, and they do. All their bags are gathered under a big ancient tree as each couple and trio starts (tries) setting their tents. While they’re busy figuring out how to ensure the tent won’t fly away, which Taehyung fears particularly, Jimin and Jeongguk offer themselves to go and fill everyone’s water flask at a nearby drinking fountain they had found. Eunbi kneels down to fish hers out of a blue backpack and goes to hand it out to Jeongguk, who’s collecting Dahye’s bottle. The boy smiles at her friend, but it gets wiped off when he shifts his gaze on Eunbi’s shorter figure. The moment is brief, and awkward: her big unsure eyes stare into his hardened ones, arm extended out to him, wondering if there might be something funny on her face for him to turn so serious; she hesitantly lifts her brows, waiting for something; Jeongguk looks her up and down, only to not acknowledge her water flask, and just walks past her.

Eunbi is dumbfounded, the tip of her ears reddening as she remains paralysed with her hand out, even after Jimin collects her flask, muttering something close to Don’t mind him, please accompanied by an apologetic smile. She regains consciousness of her surroundings only when, beside her, Dahye can’t help the snort coming out of her mouth, trying but failing to save it with her hand. The still shocked girl slowly turns to face her amused friend, mouth slightly agape and left eye clearly twitching, “Did he just… act as if I don’t exist.”

The situation shouldn’t be funny, but to Dahye it’s the peak of comedy as she keeps giggling the more the slow realisation of what has just happened shows on Eunbi’s features. Obviously, the latter can’t find one single reason to laugh about it, whining while the taller girl pats her shoulder, still smiling, “You really need to talk to him.”

The targeted girl ignores that, biting her nails nervously, ”Was he saying anything about… me, in the car?”

Dahye lifts her brows, shaking her head, ”Nothing. He’s probably talking shit about you with Jimin, though.” Eunbi follows her pointed finger and catches Jeongguk animatedly discussing with his flatmate, balancing the bottles in his arms, before they turn a corner. Eunbi fusses, lightly tugging on her braided pigtails, and she feels helpless as even the friend who’s supposed to be supporting her through all of this is chuckling at her. Despite being shorter, when Eunbi shoves Dahye’s shoulder she manages to make her stumble, but that doesn’t stop her laughs, though.

”You’re building the tent on your own.” Arms crossed and pout on, Eunbi isn’t joking as she goes to sit under the tree surrounded by bags and ignores her name being called out. Rather than reacting to it, she spots tiny bugs between the grass and inspects them for a while, pretending it keeps her distracted from what’s plaguing her mind. Soon after, with her knees to her chest, watching those ants working to transfer food from one side to the other inevitably gets her lost in her thoughts. What is she doing wrong? There’s clearly unresolved problems between her and the boy who brutally ignored her existence minutes ago, but she thought maybe if she started seeking for truce, then he would too. His response, instead, makes her realise no matter how much she tries, it’s apparently not enough to mend what happened all those years ago. She messed up worse than imagined.

The constant pondering makes her lose track of time, and she comes back to reality with undesired outcomes that she convinces herself to be true. When she recovers from the (as she has deduced, deserved) humiliation, Dahye has already set up half of the tent and Eunbi walks over to her bashfully, “Sorry for being childish. I’ll finish this, Hye.” The girl just smiles softly and nods, sending her a flying kiss that makes Eunbi chuckle before taking her previous spot under the tree. At least Dahye doesn’t hate her.

It takes her a while to figure out what to do but she soon grasps how hard a seemingly simple task can be, feeling bad for letting Dahye do a great part of it on her own. Still, she needs to work fast as lunch time is approaching, and everybody around her is almost finished. She has been crouching on a particular spot on the ground for a while now, trying to properly secure an angle of the tent unsuccessfully. Until she groans exasperated, puffing her hair out of her vision and lifting her body up to find a solution. She tries stomping on it a few times, but it doesn’t work, and if anything it worsens the situation. Huffing out, with her hands on her hips she looks around for help, and the first person her eyes fall on is Jeongguk.

He was already staring at her, comfortably sitting on a deckchair with his legs spread and sunglasses on. His tent looks perfectly set already, with Jimin seemingly fixing the inside of it. His hand is covering his mouth before he uses it to lift his glasses over his head, and is that a smirk? They both stare at each other in silence, Eunbi still struggling to breathe, and she hesitates slightly until her eagerness to be over with the tent becomes stronger. She speaks up to make herself heard over the small distance, “Can you- help me?”

Jeongguk narrows her eyes at her, initially not answering but not even moving from his relaxed position. The girl is ready to be met with silence again, but it’s something worse when he opens his mouth, “I think Namjoon would be happy to do that.” He’s as stern as ever as he returns the sunglasses on the bridge of his nose, furtherly spreading his whole body on the chair and facing the sun. Only then, he releases a content sigh, smiling slightly.

All of this cannot be real. What does that even mean? Eunbi can feel her eye start to twitch again and she needs to clench her jaw to stop it. It’s okay. Breathe. She unexpectedly but successfully manages to hold herself from exploding on him, both overwhelmed with tent building and frustrated with his behaviour. She can’t really decipher what led him to not only act cold, as he usually is with her, which is fine, but also mean! But no problem, she’ll try once again. It costs nothing to be nice. And she tells herself she’ll stay that way, even if she’s met with the opposite, until he breaks.

The storm of negative emotions tormenting her thoughts can be distortedly seen as a good thing on one side, if she considers that the sudden adrenaline flowing in her body gets her through most of the task without any help, even mindlessly, while she keeps reflecting on the interaction and the previous ones. Why the fuck would Namjoon be happy to help her? Well, he would, he’s naturally a helper, but why did Jeongguk say that? Is he really that pissed about her going in his car? She tries to understand, she really does. Keep being nice is what she tells herself instead.

When the tent is finally up, only with Dahye’s finishing touches, and food is finally in her stomach, refilling her energy tank, it’s like there’s a switch going off in her head, making it seem as if nothing bad has ever happened. Eunbi is back to her talkative self with a full tummy and a bashful grin while her best friend teases her for the earlier tantrum she went on about, but at least it’s all smiles again.

The first day at the campsite is spent basking in the slowness that follows after ticking off the only two activities planned for today on Hoseok’s schedule: setting their tents and preparing meals for lunch and dinner. The boss then instructs the group on just getting acquainted with their surroundings, and they don’t need to be told twice, making the most out of those short remaining moments of ease.

The rest of those hours are used to laze by the huge lake, in between swims and sunbathes. Luckily, Eunbi had packed a few bikinis and she chose to wear a black set, its laces meeting at the back with a bow. Sitting back and taking it easy, before all that she will be faced with the next few days, gives her a chance to get closer to the others. During the earlier drive, she had the opportunity to chat with Sora and discover the sweetheart she truly is, and the car was then easily filled with laughter, mostly provided by Namjoon and Seokjin’s terrible jokes. She now sits by Sora on a beach towel, all the other girls in a circle catching up and laying by the sun. In the back of their gossip session, the boys could be heard laughing and squealing, and the sound reminded Eunbi of sweet childhood. She briefly shifts her attention to them and smiles when she observes how they’re doing the most to tire their energy out, from using a rope hanging by the branch of a tree to leap into the water, to initiating a volleyball match using one of their rolled up towels.

Eunbi grows even fonder than before of the people she’s surrounded with, the earlier stress leaving her body and being replaced by serenity, a small sigh released from her lips before she returns to listen to the girls’ chat. She laughs at something Dahye says and jumps on it excitedly, making the others chuckle at the two friends eagerly recounting one of their craziest uni experiences so far.

All of it is short lived when Taehyung and Jimin suddenly drop a water balloon over their heads, a collective gasp filling the space followed by the two boys’ childish giggles and Dahye’s screams, getting up to run after them. They all spend the rest of the afternoon trying to get back at each other with more pranks, bathing in the lake’s cold water and taking silly group pictures to seal the day. As the sun begins to set, they all sit on their towels and silently observe nature, definitely too tired to speak, and preferring to savour the sweet moment.

When the sun finally leaves its place for the moon to rise and the group of friends gets back to their tents, their stomachs growling signal it’s time for dinner. They take turns to shower using the nearby public structure and then help setting a campfire to cook. It also works as a very needed source of heat, given the temperature has significantly dropped and their bodies are still humid from washing up. Eunbi wears the grey cargos she had discarded earlier this morning when deciding on what to put on, and a white tee, her damp hair falling on her shoulders and making her feel slightly chilly. She comes up beside Yoongi to help him with the meat, benefiting from the warmth of the fire.

There’s not much talk between the two, only the older boy advising her to be careful of the flames every two minutes, but it’s comfortable. Eunbi still has a hard time reading through Yoongi, and maybe it’s what she enjoys the most about him: his aura is soothing and it exudes security. He doesn’t exactly show it, but he’s deeply attentive and caring of his friends, and the girl feels safe next to him. She can sense him looking over at her while the meat is cooking, and as she turns to him she meets his eyes with a smile. He ponders, scanning her face “You got sunburnt. You need to wear sunscreen tomorrow, or it’ll get worse.”

Eunbi chuckles, dragging her pointer finger up and down her red nose, “Yeah, I know. It kinda hurts but it looks like I have natural blush now!”

Yoongi shakes his head with a small amused scoff, “That’s stupid, Eunbi. Wait for me here, I’ll go get you an after-sun cream.” And even as he walks off, he reminds her to not stay too close to the fire. She thinks that’s an exact demonstration of what the boy is truly like in her head.

The girl keeps grilling the meat, humming unknown melodies under her breath, and she almost misses a broad figure sitting on one of the chairs surrounding the fire. When she looks up, it’s Jeongguk avoiding her eyes and instead staring at the flames, their light reflecting in his big orbs and making them shinier. He wears his bermudas from earlier, but he now has a grey Stussy hoodie on top of it. His locks are still wet after freshly coming out of a shower, and they curl on his forehead, making him look like a poodle. She smiles. It’s like 15 years old Jeongguk is there with her again, his bare, exhausted face and droopy eyes taking her back to Busan. Without even realising what she’s doing, she extends a cooked piece of meat his way, “You want some?”

Startled, the boy breaks from his spacing-out and registers the request. He looks between Eunbi and the meat, gulping. He licks his lips, and she swears she can also hear his stomach rumbling. When he keeps ogling the food without replying, she wiggles the fork and his eyes follow its every movement, as if hypnotised. Then, he suddenly screws his eyelids shut and breaks from the trance, simply shaking his head no and fishing his phone out of his pocket, mindlessly scrolling on it. Just like that, she’s back to the present, and Jeongguk hates her. Eunbi narrowly glares at him while he can’t see her.

Yoongi comes back soon after with two different creams in his hands, and he gives them to Eunbi with a chuckle. She thanks him and lets him take over the cooking, while she curiously inspects the products, still standing next to the fire. When Yoongi spots his younger friend on the chair, he asks the same exact question as her, forking a piece of meat, “You want some?”

Jeongguk’s attention is back up, this time on Yoongi, and when he sees what his hyung is referring to he eagerly nods. Eunbi interrupts her examination just in time to see the boy hungrily shoving the food in his mouth, brows furrowed and praising noises accompanying his munching, making the older friend by her side chuckle. Instead, the girl is once again in disbelief, even more as he watches Jeongguk patting his knee with force, satisfied with the bite, “Hyung, this shit is so good. I want more.”

Eunbi scoffs imperceptibly, leaving the scene with an annoyed scowl wrecking her pretty features. As she enters her tent, she’s glad Dahye is still showering as she makes the most of that isolating moment. She sighs wearily and whips out her phone. Using its camera, she tries to ignore her tumbling emotions and instead puts on the creams Yoongi had given her, but not even those are enough to distract her. She’s still incredulous at what she’s being put through, her patience wearing thin, and the pact she made with herself before coming here is dangerously close to being broken.

Dinner is spent with good food and even better people, and only then Eunbi visibly untenses again. In between bites and full mouths, they go from discussing random facts to casually engaging in games of Truth or Dare or Never Have I Ever, the beer bottles slowly being emptied while their tummies get filled. When they’re done eating, the relaxed smiles on their faces implicitly communicate how the meal has been the perfect ending to the lovely day spent together. Still, they stay by the fire and keep up an effortless chat. When one of them comments on the limpidity of the sky, its stars being perfectly visible in this zone of Seoul, they all look up and stare in silence at the fullness of the lights.

Even if it’s not too late, the weariness from being out in the sun for multiple consecutive hours is weightening down on most of them, Seokjin and Sora retiring to their tents, soon after being followed by Yoongi and Hoseok.

It’s a little past midnight, and Eunbi starts to feel more and more affected by the cool breeze, its effects showing on her prickled skin. She tries to warm herself up by rubbing her exposed arms with her hands, but it’s to no avail, “God, I’m so cold.”

A collective agreement follows her claim, with Iseul speaking up and curling herself into a ball on the deckchair she’s sitting on by taking her legs up to her chest and hugging them close, “Me too, it’s freezing.”

”Oh, I have a spare hoodie.” Both girls snap their heads at the voice, which belongs to Jeongguk. However, as he quickly gets up to retrieve the sweater from his tent, it’s not clear who between the two he’s referring to, their curious expectant eyes following his every movement. Eunbi has her reasons to feel so eager, given the fact that she has been begging for one nice interaction with the boy, a spark of hope lighting up in her chest at his offer. On the other hand, she doesn’t know why the other girl seems equally excited, twirling her short hair around her fingers as she waits for Jeongguk to come out of the tent again. She huffs, a pout ending on her features.

When the sought-after boy gets back with a blueish crewneck in his arms, both girls hold their breaths, the sudden tension going unnoticed by the others (except for Dahye, she’s like a psychic when it comes to her best friend’s emotions), until Jeongguk lays the piece of clothing on Iseul’s shoulders, coming behind her and then sitting on his chair again.

Iseul bashfully thanks him, the tips of her ears seemingly reddening while a sweet, alluring smile makes its way on her lips. Eunbi scoffs at that, and if looks could kill Iseul would be dead right now. The dirty look she sends her way luckily goes unnoticed, and she keeps hugging her own body trying to provide herself with warmth. When she shifts her attention to Jeongguk, he’s already looking at her, smirking. She can’t be convinced he isn’t doing all this on purpose.

Even with her teeth almost chattering, the neglected girl forces herself to stay with the others until the end, and with Namjoon and Taehyung retiring to sleep only six of them remain. Under a white full moon, the conversation doesn’t really follow a clear direction, steering from existential questions that none really have the answers to, to Jimin’s drunken adventures. Jeongguk giddily joins the recounting and adds many details to it, specifically highlighting the embarrassing parts that his roommate is trying to omit to save face, and making all of his friends laugh with their whole chest, Eunbi included. She simply can’t ignore the fact that he’s naturally charming, and hilarious as well. In the middle of his storytelling, his whole body gets involved and it makes the events seem even more impressive. Eunbi smiles when she compares the Jeongguk in front of her to the beloved one in her past, the one that would sit her down and force her to keep up with his running imagination, constantly up with new ideas for silly scripts.

Then it’s Dahye’s turn to share one of her experiences, and Eunbi inevitably gets thrown into the tale, which had seen the two friends drunkenly sneaking themselves into a concert. It’s like they’re perfectly mirroring Jimin and Jeongguk’s dynamic, because while Dahye is trying to leave out critical parts of the story, Eunbi strongly insists on specifying them with an unseen emphasis for 1 a.m., causing everybody to laugh along. In between chuckles, her eyes fall on Jeongguk, who is mindlessly scrolling on his phone and seemingly not paying attention. Throughout the recounting, she notices Jeongguk distractly listening but never laughing, and if he does it’s only after something said by Dahye. Slowly, the enthusiasm gets wiped off her face as she curls up on the chair, sulkily letting her friend finish telling the story.

Another hour of effortless conversation goes by, and Jeongguk is back to lively chatting again, his animated gestures and witty jokes getting laughter out of his friends, but this time Eunbi doesn’t join. She silently sets on observing the boy, despite being caught a few times. She really wants to understand the reason behind his behaviour, but there’s no factual explanation she can come up with other than the obvious reasons that put them in this situation in the first place. If that’s the case, there’s nothing much she can do other than going up to him and finally talking it out like the mature adults they should be, but with their petty, silent bickering she doesn’t think that’s happening any soon.

While she’s busy squinting her eyes at the boy, in a borderline creepy manner, she doesn’t notice Iseul crouching in half in laughter at something Jeongguk said, until she’s directly referring to her, “Oh god, Eunbi! Why did you never tell me Jeongguk was this funny?” Said girl is startled by the question and by the abrupt interruption that shakes her out of her trance, confusion written on her face and it must be evident with the way Iseul goes on explaining, “Dahye told me you’ve known him for a long time.”

All at once, the atmosphere is tense and maybe Iseul and Aera can’t feel it, but Dahye definitely can as she snaps her head to her friend, who’s staring directly into Jeongguk’s eyes. The two seem to be battling an unnamed war through eye contact, and the intensity of the boy’s gaze ignites something implacable in the girl’s chest, dangerously close to rage, and it has to do with all the feelings she’s had to bottle up in less than 24 hours. She scoffs, referring to Iseul but never breaking the staring contest with the boy, “Oh, is he? Don’t think I’m well acquainted with that side of him yet.”

If the tension wasn’t palpable to everyone before the comment, it surely is now, the only ones that have something left to say being the crickets and owls in the background. Jeongguk only snickers before washing a hand over his face, an unsettling smirk on his lips. He seems to finally acknowledge the other girl’s presence, but it’s not in the way Eunbi initially imagined it would go. Instead, it’s venom spitting out of his mouth, “You would've been if you weren’t so self centred, always wrapped in your own bubble all the fucking time.”

Eunbi's confidence falls as quick as her heart, a sudden force weighing on it and almost crushing it. She’s fast at hiding it, ignoring the slight sting she can sense in the back of her eyelids, her only goal is to shoot harder. She forces the fakest smile she can muster, “Self centred? Are you sure you're talking about me?” The affronted girl scoffs, loud and sarcastic, “Fuck, and I thought you'd know better than that, Jeongguk. You should try getting your head out of your ass and look around. Maybe you'd see how shitty you've been treating all of us-” me “-for these past weeks.”

Jeongguk is visibly taken aback, and it’s his heart falling this time, his face following suit. His broken features do little to hide the doubts plaguing his spiralling mind. Had he pushed it too far? Had he been actually so bad to his own friends? Seeing his contender’s face relaxing with victory makes him snap out of the sudden trance, as he regains consciousness fast. No, he hasn’t. Fuck this. Blinded by anger, he utters the unimaginable, “Speak for yourself when you say shit like that. As far as I'm concerned, I've been treating you fairly seeing the bitch you are.”

His eyes are as pitch as black, the stars in them that Eunbi would love to get lost into are unreachable now, almost as if a dark cloud had obscured them. It must be the pollution that's taking over his heart too.

She’s frozen in place as the cruel words echo in her mind, the force that was keeping her heart underwater had managed to crush it, and it was now coming up her throat, squeezing the air out of her lungs. Her ears ring with the sudden lack of oxygen, and she can only faintly hear Dahye’s raging comments coming in her defence against Jeongguk. She can only seem to focus on the cracking of the fire, though, its thumping noise suddenly unbearable, as she feels more and more engulfed in its flames. She forces all sounds to come back to her, strongly pulling herself out of her own plagued head, the boy in front of her now unrecognisable to her empty eyes.

Looking around, she notices all of her friends — his, after all — had gone extremely quiet, the pressure weighing on them too. She can't stand it, needs to get out. She wishes she had never agreed to this. So much for keeping her peace. Yet, she'll never give him the satisfaction of knowing how much that hurt her. She'll die before crying in front of him.

“Well, if you don't mind, the bitch has had enough now, so with all due respect, she's going to sleep.” With a forced tight lipped smile, she gets up in one fast movement and walks to her tent, leaving the others disoriented, and a still furious Dahye scoffing at Jeongguk. He follows her with his eyes until she disappears in her shelter, clenching his jaw and announcing his departure soon after.

Inside the tent, Eunbi takes several deep breaths trying to calm down, and she feels frail when she can sense her eyes prickle with tears. She tells herself it’s angry ones. Apparently, being nice isn’t enough, and she watches as the seal to her pact shatters with force, signalling no come back. Following suit, the puzzle breaks once again, and she’s left scrambling for the pieces falling, looking for the one that will start it over again. And this time, it’s going to be even harder.

[inthewychelm]

@steddie-spooktober day 16 - "Would you please stop trying to scare them?"

Part 1 of my Necromancer AU, 790 words, Rated T

Steve has a new coworker, who is a bit…odd. The man just popped up suddenly out of nowhere, or at least according to Robin who was working the night Eddie applied. He started a month back, and Steve suspects he has some type of amnesia. That seems like a more logical explanation for the strange way he speaks than the theories Robin likes to bring up.

Steve likes the way Eddie talks, he thinks its cute and endearing. So if he indulges Robin when she claims that Eddie is a time traveler, it's only in jest. Especially because they rarely if ever get to work a shift alone anymore since Eddie started.

He's wiping down the sticky tabletops watching Eddie begrudgingly deal with a child at the coolers. He always looks like he's in pain while dealing with customers, but he is surprisingly charismatic despite his attempts to thwart positive reactions.

"God, I don't get you sometimes." Robin says as she blocks his view. Eddie is growling at the retreating child and their parent as they both look over her shoulder.

"I don't either," He sighs and leans forward against the table. "But he's cute."

Robin snorts at his response. Steve finds himself grinning and unable to disagree with her obvious disgust. Eddie is really odd, but he's just a normal guy. Maybe he's a little too into fantasy and D&D, if the eccentric way he speaks is anything to go by.

"If you're a freak," She mumbles. Steve flicks his rag at her arm, and she acts shocked by his retaliation. "Anyway, I'm clocking out for the night. So have fun with your boy." Robin's voice gets singsong-y as she punctuates her teasing with a wink.

Steve hits her with his rag again as she walks away.

He returns to the counter when he finishes wiping down the dirtied and unattended tables in the store. Eddie already has another customer when he joins him. He's scooping out ice cream for a young girl dressed in a sparkly fairy costume, and Eddie is squinting at her like he doesn't trust her.

"Here is your cottoned candied ice cream, tiny gremlin." He says as he passes over the cone. She giggles in delight, squealing a little bit as she takes her order in both hands. Eddie leans forward to whisper, "Do not return, your trickery is not welcome here, changeling. If you return, your demise shall not be so…sparkly."

Steve cringes, not this again. He sneaks a look at the mom to see if Eddie offended her, but instead she's grinning along with her daughter and placing a dollar in their tip jar.

"Thank you, Mister Teddy." The young fairy waves as they walk towards the exit. "Bye, Mister Teddy."

Eddie just growls in response, which is hidden under the bell above door announcing their leave.

"Would you please stop trying to scare the children?" Steve asks, hip checking his coworker who appears to be sulking.

"That was no child, Steve. It was in fact a fae come in disguise as a happy child, do not be fooled by it's cute appearance they are quite nefarious." Eddie warns. Then his shoulders slump, he leans against the counter defeated. "'Sides, the young one did not fear me, no one fears me anymore."

Steve struggles to hold in a fond smile while Eddie sulks, but he's adorable. Despite his mean attitude and messy appearance, he is very charming. Kids seem to love him, and parents who might object to his performance are endeared.

"S'cause it's October, man. Everyone thinks you're getting into the Halloween spirit." Steve reasons. Eddie cranes his neck in consideration.

"All Hallow's Eve?" Eddie questions, his head is bent at an angle that can't be comfortable and his wide eyes stare directly into what feels like Steve's soul.

"Yeah, I guess? Y'know, candy, costumes, commercial consumerism for all ages."

"You are telling me that these fearless mortals have turned a sacred holiday of which the veil thins between our world and the netherworld, a night of fear and terror lest you be taken by some demon or worse, and… turned it… into some sort of…" Eddie pauses, disgust written all over his face.

"Night full of cheap costumes and excessive partying? Yep, capitalism at it's finest." Steve adds on, his last statement being pulled more from Robin's rantings about the bastardization of Paganism or whatever she called it. In his opinion he enjoys getting a night to get dressed up and dance with someone cute, but Eddie doesn't need to know that.

"Huh," Eddie looks away while taking in this revelation. "How vile, I bet it was those foul Catholics with their disgusting morals and judgey gods."

[unknownperson246]

Hello^^ could I request a 80s slash x reader fic?

It’s 1986, the night was still young and everyone was having good time at one of Motley Crue’s coolest parties yet. Slash sitting on the sofa in the living room while people roamed and danced onto each other. When the reader who was trying to be a groupie for the first time tries to shoot her shot with slash?

With smut and a bit of fluff also?

Thank youu^^

Hiii sorry its a bit late but here it is

First Time

Words: 886

Warnings: *smut* *fluff* *mentions of alcohol* *cussing* *first time* *blood* *slight praise kink* *unprotected p in v* *inexperienced groupie*

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It is the year 1986 and Slash was invited to one of Motley Crue's parties. The party was at Vince Neil’s house. You were around 20 years old. It was the best one this year and every rockstar was coming. It was your first time being a groupie because you just started and you were hanging out with other groupies until Slash caught your eye. He was lying on the couch with his hat and sunglasses he had a lot of curly hair you have never seen him ever. He was in the living room while a lot of people were dancing and making out all over the place. People were even dancing with each other and drinking their beers having a good time.  A groupie saw you staring at Slash with starry eyes. She walks past you and you stop her. “Hey, who is that?” You ask her.

“You seriously don't know?” She looks at you in shock.

“No that's why im asking. It's my first time being a groupie” You say to a fellow groupie.

“That’s Slash from the band Guns n Roses. They're very popular.” The groupie tells you.

“Well, he is pipping hot” You smirk as you tell the groupie.

“Yeah, he is very popular with the groupies so be careful they come to him like a school of birds. They will eat you alive so you better be careful. Also, get to him before any of the other girls get to him.” The groupie warns you so you don't get physically attacked by some dick-hungry chicks.

You muster up some courage and push the other groupies out of the way so you can talk to Slash. You were trying to shoot your shot with him.

“Hi. I’m Y/N” You say confidently as you stand in front of him with just your bra and panties. 

“Hi Y/N You are one sexy woman. Sit here.” He says as he points to his lap. 

He takes his sunglasses off and he rarely does that. The other women were watching in jealousy as he called you sexy and how he was looking at you when he took his sunglasses off. The other women were shocked that he chose a newby. His hands grab your hips and he does not let go of them. His fingers dig into your hips softly.

“Im a virgin” You whisper in his ear.

“Well, this should be fun then” Slash purrs in your ear.

“You're going to let a rockstar take it?” Slash asks you.

“Yeah, and I want it to be you.” You whisper to Slash.

Slash was trying not to be judgmental towards you. He takes you to Vince’s master bedroom. He asks Vince if he is okay with fucking chicks in there first. Vince is okay with it. “Do you know how to do it?” Slash asks you gently. 

“I mean yes but it's my first time,” You tell Slash in the bedroom. 

“It might hurt at first and it will bleed but if you want me to stop I will,”  Slash tells you.

Slash gets up on you and slowly removes your underwear. He prepares his cock for you and he slides it in you nice and easy.

“Does it hurt?” Slash asks you if you're okay.

“No it just feels weird,” you tell Slash.

Slash picks up the pace and starts to go quicker but he is very gentle with you knowing that it’s sensitive because it’s your first time

Slash keeps grunting as he slides in and out of you. He notices the blood.

“Should I stop?” Slash asks you.

“No keep going” you let out a moan. 

You make small noises and you softly whimper as you feel yourself coming close to your orgasm.

“How does it feel?” Slash asks you.

“It feels good” you Moan as your nails touch Slash’s back.

“I feel like I have to pee,” you shriek.

“That’s a good thing it means you're about to orgasm,” Slash explained.

You were happy that you were about to come on Slash’s thick cock. Your legs start to shake and your head goes back.

“Is it supposed to feel this good?” you moan as his hips grind your hips. 

“Yeah,” Slash says breathlessly.

“You’re such a good girl.” Slash moans as his hands go through your hair.

 You feel your hole clenching Slash’s cock. Your sight is blurry and you come over Slash’s cock. Slash keeps going. His legs start to shake and his head goes back. He groans and you feel a liquid shoot inside of you. Slash pulls out of you and lays down next to you on Vince’s bed.

“Is it supposed to come out? I don’t want to get pregnant” you ask Slash.

“Fuck are you on birth control?” Slash asks panicked  

“Yeah, I’m just playing with you” you chuckle.

You feel something run down your legs and you thought it was your period but remember it was blood from how you did it with Slash.

“Slash, I'm still bleeding.” You look down at your legs.

“Do you use pads or tampons?” Slash asks you.

“Tampons,” you tell Slash. 

After about 2 minutes Slash comes back with a tampon and you put it in. You both go out of the room and go back to partying.

[scorpioriesling]

So American

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Pairings: Rhysand x reader

Warnings: this is so fluffy oh my

Summary: Rarely do you get to go back to the continent to visit what you once called “home”, and when you do, your newly discovered mate is happy to accompany you — and learn some of the things that make you who you are (a human), as you’ve already learned things about what it is liek to be fae.

SR’s Note: Bare with me guys… this inspo came from Olivia Rodrigo’s song and I was getting all the giggly, feet kicking vibes. I wanted this one to be about Rhys, and the “continent” in this fic is just going to have to be America because it fits the theme I’m rockin with this time pls ENJOY <3 I apologize for how short it is lol

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"And you... ride them for fun?" You glance sidelong at the male to your left as he thumbs through a flyer, brow furrowed in confusion as he studies a page going over details about your city's amusement park. You can't help but giggle at his contemplation over what humans consider "fun".

"Yes, and a lot of people like to ride rollercoasters for the thrill," you explain. He looses a breath, shaking his head slowly and widening his eyes as he flips the page. The afternoon sun gently casts the sidewalk in a golden glow as you walk the streets of your hometown, finally having time with your lovely mate to show him the place you've always called "home". As a couple moves past you on the sidewalk, you pull Rhys close by his elbow to sidestep them; him blissfully unaware, his nose still buried in the pamphlet he'd picked up from the gas station hours ago.

That in itself was quite the revelation.

"Are you hungry, my dear?" You ask. He finally looks up, and smiles softly at you as he notices your touch on his arm. His hand is placed over yours in an instant, and he nods.

"I am," he says. You approach the crosswalk, and he stops.

"We wait until the red," you say, and he rolls his eyes playfully.

"Oh come now, Y/N -- I've seen a stoplight before," he teases. You scoff, and he earns a swat on the arm.

"Hey! I don't know how much you know or don't about the Continent." You say. He quickly kisses the crown of your head, and as the light flashes red, you make your way across the street. You walk quickly to match his pace, his lethal grace propelling him forward at an almost unmatchable speed.

"So, where shall we dine, my dear?" He questions. You bite your lip in ponderment. Glancing around, you pass storefront after storefront -- none of them quite catching your fancy. That is, until you approach the unmistakeable golden arches. You grin mischieveously.

"Rhysand..." you purr. He grins down at you innocently.

"Yes, darling?"

"Have you ever been to a McDonald's?" You ask.

"Why... no, I don't believe I have-"

*✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *

"Rhys, you've got something..." You lick your finger, swiping it across his cheek as you exit the Mickey D's, giggling at your mate's unusual messiness. He grins, chuckling down at you.

"Oh my... what was it?" He asks.

"Ketchup," you grin. Between his practical orgasm over a McDonald's cheeseburger and trying to pay for your food in Prythian currency, you'd say the dinner was... quite eventful, to say the least.

"Well... I can say, I do quite like it. Ketchup, I mean." He tilts his head in thought, and you laugh. "And, McDonald's. Very good choice, Y/N."

"I'm really glad you liked it honey," you say, biting your lip to hold back your smile. "But, that's nothing compared to the fine dining we could have-" He gasps, grapping your hand in his as you continue your walk down the sidewalk.

"You mean to tell me that was not fine dining?" You laugh again, and he smiles at you, gazing into your eyes so intently that you have to pull to the side of the walkway and stop for a moment to return the sentiment.

"No, silly," you say between chuckles. His intense gaze lingers, and he pulls you close to press a kiss to your lips, smiling into you as he does. You wrap your arms around his neck, not caring about the looks you get from the numerous passerbys.

"I'll never tire of hearing that laugh," he says, pulling back slightly. You stare up at him, and his hands brush up and down your sides. Standing on your tip toes, you press a kiss to his cheek before he takes your hand in his once more, pulling you close to soon wrap it around the small of your waist.

"Just wait until I expose you to ice cream-"

"There's... ice cream to be had?"

*✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *

[libraryofgage]

PJO Steddie Four

One | Two | Three

I am once again posting hfjkds

Anyway! Here's the next PJO AU! We get to see some interactions between Steve and some goddesses, some more hints at El's parent, and some Steddie at the end

Stick around to the very end for a meme!

As always, if you see any typos, no you didn't ;)

----

Five Weeks Before Meeting Eddie

Steve and the kids are spread out across a department store in Pennsylvania when he, Lucas, and Erica run into the most aesthetically pleasing woman any of them have ever seen. Her face is almost otherworldly, and Steve can't find any blemishes or imperfections in her dark skin. Her hair is a perfect afro, bouncy and decorated with little heart-shaped clips made of real gemstones, the kind of style Erica keeps trying for but always falls short of. She's wearing a short dress; it's orange, flows nicely around her knees, and is paired with white wedges.

The sight of her strikes all of them a little dumb, too distracted by appreciating her beauty to wonder why she seemed to show up out of nowhere. To their credit, Erica and Steve manage to avert their gazes when the woman's eyes glance over them. Lucas, however, continues to stare, his head tilted and his brows furrowed in thought before he lights up with recognition.

"Mom!" he exclaims, dropping the windbreaker in his hands. He smiles brightly as he rushes over, stopping just short of running into the woman. "What are you doing here?"

The woman, who Steve now realizes is Aphrodite, smiles at Lucas with a genuine warmth that relaxes him a little. "Hello, dear," she says, her voice clear and soothing as she cups Lucas's cheek and tilts his head up. "You're looking lively."

"I've been having a lot of fun," he tells her. Lucas then looks over his shoulder and waves Erica and Steve over. "This is Steve. He's been protecting us."

Erica rushes over ahead of Steve, not bothering to hold herself back from hugging Aphrodite's waist like Lucas. She buries her face in her mother's dress as the hug is returned. "I haven't seen you in years," Aphrodite says, pulling back enough to crouch in front of Erica and study her. "You've been growing so well."

"Do you like my hair?" Erica asks, showing a rare childish side as she gestures to her afro-puffs. "Steve helped!"

And this seems to be Steve's cue to introduce himself. When Aphrodite looks up and stands, he smiles politely and nods to her. "Hi, nice to meet you," he says, wondering if he's being too informal. The other goddesses he's met didn't seem to mind, though, and Aphrodite's smile reassures him.

"And you as well, Steve. Thank you for looking after my children all this time," she says, placing one hand on Erica's head and the other on Lucas's shoulder. "I've heard about you from the other goddesses and just had to see what the fuss was about."

"There's a fuss?" Steve asks. He's not sure it's such a good thing for the gods on Olympus to be talking about him. "All good, I hope."

"Good enough," Aphrodite says, her smile dimming slightly as she takes a deep breath. She looks down at Erica and Lucas. "Why don't you two go find something nice? It'll be a gift from me."

Lucas doesn't immediately understand what she means, but Erica does. She nods once and grabs Lucas's hand. "C'mon, I wanna look at the video games," she says, dragging him along.

Once they're out of earshot, Aphrodite looks at Steve. Her smile has become polite. "I truly am grateful that you've been taking care of them," she says, and Steve starts to get a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach, "but I must ask that you take them back to their father."

"What? Why?" Steve asks, frowning slightly.

Aphrodite sighs and crosses her arms loosely. "Several reasons, really," she says. "You attract monsters, Steve. I mean, you are his child. Lucas and Erica were safe at home, surrounded by human children and their human father. Not to mention, your...sister."

Steve tenses, his nerves on edge with just one word. "What about my sister?" he asks, narrowing his eyes slightly. There isn't much he can do against a goddess, but he isn't scared to fight one for any of the kids, especially his sister.

"Well, I'm sure she's a very nice girl," Aphrodite starts, her voice soft and placating, but it doesn't change the anger her words incite. "But that doesn't change the danger my children are in because of her."

Knowing where this was going does nothing to quell the anger that simmers in Steve at her words. "My sister is not a danger to anybody," he says. Then he considers the words and adds, "Well, she's only a danger to the people who threaten her and her loved ones, which includes your children."

Aphrodite sighs once more, her bottom lip jutting out just slightly in what Steve knows should be a sympathetic pout, but it just comes across as patronizing. "She cannot control her powers. One slip-up, and my children ar--"

"She doesn't slip up," Steve says, interrupting Aphrodite, "El, of all people, is the most aware of herself." He takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself when he feels the anger crackling under his skin. Too much more and the sky will start to cloud over with thunder and lightning. "I get your concerns, but El isn't a danger."

He looks up at Aphrodite in time to see her frown, and even that expression is beautiful on her. "It doesn't matter how self-aware she is. Slipping is inevitable, and she will face my wrath if my children are hurt. That is a promise, Steve."

If Steve has learned anything from reading myths, it's that he shouldn't anger the gods, and he especially shouldn't anger the goddesses. But now El has been threatened. His sister, one of his kids, has been threatened. So, you know, he can probably be forgiven for what he says next.

"If you touch El or any of the other kids, I swear to the gods, I will make your fit over the golden apple look like a tadpole's temper tantrum," he says, his voice low as he glares at Aphrodite.

He watches as her shoulders rise, leaning back slightly, and her expression morphs into something mixed between angry and dumbfounded. "Did you just threaten me?" she asks.

Steve sees the question for what it is: a chance to take back his words and pretend they never happened. All things considered, it's generous and unexpected from a goddess. Steve doesn't actually care, though. "Yeah, I did. Those kids are under my care, even if they are little shits most of the time. I've fought for them and almost died for them multiple times. Anything that wants to hurt one of them has to go through me, whether that's monsters or gods. So, don't threaten them, because I'd hate to fight you in front of Lucas or Erica."

In the silence that follows, bland pop music plays over the department store's speakers, reminding Steve of where they are. He really just threatened Aphrodite in the middle of Macy's. Well, at least this will be a fun story to tell later.

"Well," Aphrodite finally says, sniffing once and looking down at Steve, "your arrogance is familiar." She lets that dig about Steve's godly parent rest between them for a few seconds. "Fine. I hope neither of us will ever have to act on our threats."

"Yeah. Me, too," Steve says, that anger starting to calm to a subtle buzz.

Aphrodite nods once. "The others were right about you. You are entertaining, and I can...respect your protectiveness regarding the children. I don't like you, though."

"I'll be honest, the feeling is mutual right now."

Their gazes hold for a few more seconds before Aphrodite nods once more in acknowledgment. Steve's anger fully settles then, disappearing until the next time his emotions start to stir. "I'm going to accompany Lucas and Erica for a while and get them some new clothes. I'll send them to you when we're done," she says, turning on her heel and walking in the direction that Erica pulled Lucas before Steve can respond.

He watches her leave, a frown tugging at his lips before he sighs. That meeting didn't go great, but it definitely could have been worse. Steve turns and goes to find El, needing to reassure himself that she's safe before he can completely relax.

----

Eddie gets to see Steve's favor with the goddesses in action on the second day of driving. The kids are starting to argue more than talk, and Eddie will admit that he needs to stretch his legs, so Steve agrees that it's time to stop and find a hotel.

"Can we get one with a pool?" Max asks, having to shout from the back row of seats to make sure Steve hears her.

Steve glances at her in the rearview mirror before sighing. "Yeah, I guess we can try," he says, quickly returning his gaze to the road before clearing his throat. The kids all quiet down, and the van is silent for the first time in hours. "Uh, Hestia, if you've got the time, I'd appreciate some guidance to a place we can stay for the night. The kids would like one with a pool, but just a place where we can sleep safely would be great."

Eddie has heard plenty of demigods pray before, but he thinks this is the most casually genuine one he's ever heard. When they drive past a few exit signs without any change, Eddie starts to suggest Steve try again with a more, well, reverential tone. But then the van's blinker suddenly switches on, and the kids cheer. Steve snorts at their reaction as he follows the blinker's direction and takes the next exit ramp off the highway.

"What the fuck," Eddie mutters, staring as the blinker continues to signal the turns Steve should take until they're pulling into a hotel parking lot.

The sign in front of the building announces it as "Hearth and Home" in cursive letters. The hotel itself is four stories tall and looks like a giant cottage. A few cars are in the parking lot, and Eddie can somehow tell this place is some kind of passion project for someone who doesn't have to worry about money.

After Steve pulls into a spot outside the hotel and shuts the car off, he turns in his seat and looks at the kids. "What are the rules?" he asks, his tone firm and leaving no room for jokes.

"Don't talk to strangers," El says.

"Don't talk at all while you're checking us in and out," Will adds.

"Stick together and stay in sight," Lucas says.

"Cough twice if we sense a monster nearby," Erica says.

"No fighting," Max says, already starting to shift closer to the doors.

"And if anyone asks," Dustin starts.

"We're traveling to meet family one state over," Mike finishes.

Steve nods once and opens his door. That seems to be the signal the kids were waiting for because they immediately scramble out of their seats. Eddie hops out and walks over to Steve, watching the kids climb out as he asks, "What's up with the rules?"

"Well, I'm a young guy traveling with seven kids. Most hotels are hesitant to give me rooms, and they'll straight up lie about being full if the kids are rowdy. We also need a system in place if one of them realizes a monster is around. And saying we're meeting family tells people that we're expected to appear somewhere by a certain time, which deters anybody from trying to, you know, kidnap one of the kids," Steve explains, glancing at Eddie as he shrugs.

Eddie has to stop himself from asking what led to Steve making some of these rules. Instead, he bites his tongue and follows the group inside, sticking to Steve's side as he walks up to the front desk and the kids huddle within sight a few feet away.

"Hi, do you have any vacancies for the night?" Steve asks, flashing a charming smile at the older woman working the desk.

She looks at Steve, then Eddie, and then the kids behind them. "How many rooms would you need?" she asks.

"If you happen to have any connected rooms, we'll take them. But if not, just two is fine."

The woman nods and checks her computer, hesitating for a few seconds before saying, "We don't have any connected rooms, but one of our Executive Suites is open. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large lounge area. It's made for large groups, so two of the bedrooms have bunkbeds in them. The price, however...."

Steve smiles at her reassuringly and pulls out his wallet. He plucks a black card from one of the pockets and presents it. "Don't worry about the cost," he says, "We'll take it."

At the sight of the sleek credit card, the woman lights up and smiles brightly at Steve. Eddie finds himself thinking that money really does talk. "Of course, sir," the woman says, a suddenly respectful tone coloring her words as she takes the card. "Could I see an ID as well, please?"

As Steve pulls out his license, he looks at Eddie and asks, "Could you take the kids to get the bags from the car? I should have the key cards by the time you get back." He places his license on the desk and hands his keys to Eddie.

Eddie finds himself nodding before he can really think about it, but how can he say no to Steve's brown eyes and the tiny dimples that appear when he smiles? So, he takes the keys and starts herding kids outside.

----

As it turns out, the hotel does, in fact, have a pool, and Steve can't help his grin when the kids cheer after they get to their rooms and he tells them. What follows is a flurry of kids changing into bathing suits, Steve lending Eddie a pair of swim trunks, and making sure everyone has towels and plenty of sunscreen slathered all over them.

The pool is surprisingly large, and there's plenty of space for the kids to swim around and expend some energy. Steve drops into one of the pool chairs and closes his eyes, the plastic warm on his back without burning his skin. He hears another chair get dragged closer before someone sits on it. When Steve opens an eye to look over, Eddie has settled next to him, watching the kids with a slight frown.

Steve follows his gaze, but he doesn't see anything out of the ordinary. The only thing that might catch someone's attention is El wearing her beanie in the pool, but even that could be explained as her forgetting to take it off.

"They don't have any scars," Eddie says after a moment.

Steve blinks and pushes himself up some, sitting straighter in the chair and looking at Eddie. His hair is pulled back into a messy bun, a few pieces escaping to frame his face. He's not obviously muscular like Steve, and he doesn't have an 8-pack, but Steve can still see the subtle muscles in his arms and legs. And the scars. Steve can see plenty of scars littered across Eddie's chest and stomach, his arms, and one particularly nasty one just above his knee.

In that way, Steve supposes, they are similar. "I wouldn't let them get hurt," Steve says quietly, shrugging when Eddie looks at him. He scoots forward some so Eddie can get a better look at his own scars. Despite the warm weather, he still can't help goosebumps traveling up his arms as Eddie stares at him.

"What's that one from?" Eddie asks, gesturing to a large slash that reaches from Steve's shoulder to his elbow.

Steve glances down and hums softly. "Stymphalian bird feather. They're made of steel. It attacked us after we picked up Mike and Dustin. Thankfully, there was only one bird, and I managed to dodge most of the time, but I got this one when I closed in to kill it," he explains.

Eddie stares at the scar, and Steve wonders what he's imagining. Does he want to know how vicious the fight must have been? It was one of Steve's messier fights. He didn't have any training, and he barely had experience. Really, Steve had nothing but his instincts and a desperation to keep the kids safe. "What about those?" Eddie asks, pulling Steve from his thoughts as he leans closer to point at what's clearly a bite mark on Steve's right side.

"The lion head of a Chimera," Steve says, glancing at Eddie before pointing at a scar wrapping around his throat. He shifts until he's sitting on the edge of his chair and tilts his head to give Eddie a better view. "The snake tail was choking me at the same time. I had to use lightning on that one since it had me trapped. We ran into it almost two months ago."

Eddie scoots to the edge of his chair, and their knees are almost close enough to touch. Something starts to buzz under Steve's skin. It's not anger. He knows what that feels like. It's something else this time, something that sizzles and lingers and tries to push against his skin to break free. Steve tries not to think about it.

"And this one?" Eddie asks, pointing to a scar that's splashed across Steve's left knee like a starburst.

"That one," Steve says, getting a grin despite himself, "happened because Dustin tried to help me fight a minotaur. He made this mini-bomb without me knowing and threw it into the fight. I managed to tuck and roll, but the explosion still brushed against me. This scar is from it, too." He turns his right leg out so Eddie can see a similar scar on the inside of his calf.

Steve looks up in time to see Eddie swallow, his throat rolling, and that electric feeling gets stronger. It centers on Steve's knees, the spot where they're closest to touching. But it travels like those toys with magnetic sand when Eddie leans closer and points to the scar in the middle of his chest. It grows the longer Eddie's hand hovers there, and Steve glances down just to make sure there aren't actually sparks buzzing across his skin.

"This one?" Eddie whispers, holding Steve's gaze.

Mouth suddenly dry, Steve clears his throat. "My first fight. The, uh, snake thing that took Will," he says. "Some of the scars on my back and stomach are from that one, too."

Eddie nods, and Steve can't place his expression for a few seconds. When he finally does, he realizes it's something like adoration. He's seen it before from all the kids at some point, usually after he's fought a monster to keep them safe. But Eddie is different. Eddie's adoration is just the surface emotion. Under it, Steve can glimpse something even more intense. He almost wants to drown in whatever it is, let it surround him until he can figure out how to describe it.

"You really are metal, Stevie," Eddie says, his voice soft as he smiles at Steve.

Steve has already acknowledged that Eddie is his type, and he definitely isn't imagining the tension between them right now. Without thinking, he leans forward, a similarly soft grin tugging at his lips. But whatever he wanted to say is literally shocked out of him.

The moment he's close enough for Eddie's hand to actually touch Steve's chest, that fizzing energy bursts through. It's not strong by any means, but it's demanding attention as it zaps across Steve's chest and Eddie's fingertip. Steve jerks back, rubbing at his chest and taking a deep breath to control the crackling over his ribs.

Eddie is frozen, staring at his still outstretched hand in shock. His eyes are wide, and Steve grimaces, wanting to take his hand and check for burns but scared of shocking Eddie more.

"Sorry," he mutters, looking away and coincidentally meeting El's gaze. She's sitting on the steps leading into the pool, legs pulled up to her chest with an amused smile on her face. When she realizes that Steve is slightly panicked, though, she blinks and tilts her head. Steve subtly shrugs one shoulder, and, thankfully, she gets the message.

"Steve!" she calls, waving her hand as though she doesn't already have his attention.

It's the save Steve is desperate for, and he practically jumps up from his chair. "I'm gonna go see what El needs," he says, glancing at Eddie only to find he's already looking up at Steve.

"Oh, yeah, sure," Eddie mumbles. Steve waits until Eddie nods to speed-walk (it's still a pool, after all, and he won't set a bad example by running) over to El, urging his heart and the crackling beneath his skin to calm down.

----

Tag List!

@mugloversonly, @mentallyundone, @hairdryerducks-blog, @carriethesaint, @lunabyrd, @weekend-dreamer7, @farfaras, @littlelady03, @my-tears-are-becoming-a-sea20, @mogami13, @a-little-unsteddie, @itsall-taken, @queenie-ofthe-void, @tinyplanet95, @littlebluejane, @hangoversandhandgrenades, @rabbitwhoeatsstars, @bisexualdisastersworld, @steddieinthesun,

@paintgonewrong, @sadcanadianwinter, @deehellcat, @blanketlicker, @angrydonutdestiny, @booksareportal, @fallingchemicaldiscos, @am-i-obssed-probably, @anne-bennett-cosplayer

@estrellami-1, @fandomcartographer, @steddie-as-they-go, @cris-wants-a-word, @potato-of-the-lord, @plasticcrotches, @enigmahaze

For those who stuck around, a meme:

[blueiones]

Advantage. Yandere × GN! Reader PT. 1

-> letter from valentine: i haven't posted in a year haha, anyways this will be split into 2 parts, maybe 3 if i feel like adding more. dude still don't have a name so feel free commenting one or something (ó﹏ò｡) not sure when the next part will be so no promises it'll be soon since school year is starting and i'll be busy :> until next time <3 tis very short idk how people are able to write so much (ᵕ—ᴗ—)

He steered clear away from you, who was the popular kid. You did well in class and were absolutely gorgeous (he couldn't deny that).

Everyone knew you. They'd greet you in the halls with a smile or a shy wave. You were perfect, it was as if the world revolved around you. He heard stories about you, how you always tried to help anyone in class.

“Y/n? Oh yeahhh, the one from my English Class. Yeah they're cool as hell, they helped me the one time I didn't attend class.”

“They're in my P.E. class! I don't know how they do it but they totally rock that uniform, especially the ass— uh you won't tell them I said that right?”

“Great student. Always passes work on time, they're always doing some type of extra curricular so I don't know how they manage that. A role model indeed, they'll succeed in life— no matter what path they choose.”

He was jealous, how can you do it so easily? Him? He was just there. He wasn't bullied, he had acquaintances and people he talked to regarding school work but it was just that. It stopped at that. He sometimes thinks the only reason he wasn't bullied was because his family is well-off, even if he was the third son— who was forgotten more often than not his family wouldn't want anyone to think they were a push over.

People only ever talked to him because they needed something, because they wanted to use him for the English project they forgot to do or ask him to be their partner in an assignment so he can do all the work load. His appearance didn't make it any better, he wasn't conventionally attractive, he looked like he was in constant pain with his furrowed brows and had terrible eye bags hidden away with his specs.

So when he was invited to a party hosted by his batch he immediately accepted wanting to change. He promised to himself before going inside the door, he was going to meet people, have fun and get shit faced.

Spoiler. It didn't go as he planned.

An hour into the party he was hugging the toilet seat on the second floor of the huge mansion. Okay, Maybe he got too excited and was peer pressured into a drinking contest but at least he was included, right? That was important, to be part of them, to be like them.

He embarrassingly screeched so loud when a hand gently tapped him on the shoulder. He whipped his head to see you holding bottled water with a sheepish smile.

“Hey uhm, sorry about my friend, he just got excited since you like rarely join these types of things. I uh- saw you running up the stairs so I brought you water, so you can flush all the toxins from your system.” You explained, holding the bottle towards him.

“Oh.” He dumbly said, he reached the water and slightly brushed your hand in doing so. It was only for a moment but he felt the thick callousness of your hands. “Thanks.”

“If you don't mind… I can bring you to your place? I'm not a drinker myself, so I'm sober and can totally bring you home if you don't wanna stay here anymore.” You offered.

Not a party person? He expected the opposite to be honest. He thought about it before agreeing. He definitely did not want to stay any longer, he could feel the headache bouncing inside his head.

“Sure.”

-

Your car looked a little old but smelled and looked clean, he knew a handful of college students who kept their space tidy. There wasn't any type of air freshener which he was glad about, he hated those especially the citrus scents it would've added to his growing migraine. He pushed his head back onto the plush car seat, it smelled like you. Clean.

“You have arrived at your destination.”

“Woah, this place is nice.” You said looking out the window in awe, “Wanna live somewhere this nice in the future, comfortably.” You said to him with a toothy grin.

He looked toward your smiling face with a surprised look, you enjoy things as simple as this? The place wasn't cheap but at the end of the day it wouldn't leave a dent in his bank account alone. “Yea it is nice, thanks for the ride by the way.” He replied sparingly, but nevertheless you still beamed at him.

He walked out of the car and was about to head inside the building when he heard your voice call out. He looked behind in surprise, did you need something else from him?

You jogged closer to him before handing out your phone, “If you don't mind, can I have your number?” You asked shyly at him.

Huh. That was it? Just his number? He looked skeptically before typing it in, he hopes he won't regret it in the future.

-

He dried his hair with a towel, by now he hoped that all the alcohol was flushed out. He still had a headache and felt like it wasn't gonna subside.

Ding!

He glanced at his phone from the table and saw messages pop-out.

UNKNOWN.

> hey!! this is y/n btwww, i don't know if you slept right away kind of hoping you didn't before i got to tell you to take an advil :>> it'll help you feel better in the morning

> i remember the first (and last) hangover i got, wasn't very fun especially since i had class in morning :ppa anywy i think typing too much lololol

> i think i'm*** :[

> goodnight!! ٩(^ᗜ^ )و ´-

He didn't think of that, so he found the pill in his drawer and drank to down it and plopped in his bed. He just hoped you're right.

You were, he woke up in the morning feeling better than he expected. He found his phone and went to his messages.

UNKNOWN

UNKNOW|

UNKN|

__________

Y/N.

> goodnight!! :3

seen, 11:43 PM.

(just now)

< Thank you.

to be continued...!

[humanitys-strongest-bamf]

saw you might be taking requests? can you do a drabble where y/n is a survivor of domestic abuse and levi ends up raising his voice at some point and y/n gets triggered and levi comforts them? pls skip if ur uncomfortable with this!

absolutely LOVE that my very first aot request is heavy angst

You're Safe | Levi Hurt/Comfort Oneshot

✧ word count ➼ 1.6k (i think this word count is just my standard at this point lmao) ✧ content/warnings: mentions of abuse, panic attacks, dissociation, canon!verse, reader is a survivor of domestic abuse, levi being comforting in his levi way, all the not fun stuff that comes with being a survivor, please let me know if i missed any trigger warnings! ✧ notes ➼ I know that everyone's experience with being a survivor is vastly different. If you would like it portrayed in a different way, feel free to send me another ask and I will try my best to match it :) Not sure if this needs to be said, but if you ever need support or solidarity, my ask is always open!

You could tell that something was off the minute he walked in through the door. 

While Levi was rarely in a “good” mood after expeditions, you could tell that this most recent one must have gone much worse than anticipated. It was already getting late into the night and your anxiety was already elevated, having been waiting for Levi to arrive back home all day. The debrief must have taken much, much longer than usual, which was never a good sign.

You came out of your study to meet him in the living room, your heart dropping when you saw the dark look on his face and how ruffled his uniform and hair was. 

“Levi?” you asked quietly as you approached him. 

You could tell that he was exhausted and incredibly stressed at the same time. He looked like he was about to collapse down onto the ground and that it was taking all his energy to keep going.

You reached out slowly and placed your hand on his arm, gently holding him. 

“What happened?”

“Nothing,” he grumbled, shrugging you off. “Just a long day.”

You gave him a small, half-hearted smile, knowing that it was definitely not “just a long day”. However, you knew that it took Levi much longer than a normal person to process distress and decompress and given the fact that he was in the Scouts and took regular deadly expeditions outside of the walls, distress was a constant in his life.

“You know that’s not true,” you said quietly, turning towards him as he walked past you. “Talk to me, Levi.”

He stopped walking and you heard a soft sigh come from his mouth. 

“Not now, _____.”

You frowned at him, knowing that “not now” easily translated to “not at all”. Although you knew to give him space, you also knew that if he went to bed in distress tonight, then he would wake up even worse tomorrow, which would make him detach even more, leading into an endless cycle of self-destruction and stonewalling.

“Levi, please,” you said, approaching him again. “What happened? Talk to me.”

He stopped walking and quickly glanced at you with irritation showing in his eyes.

“I said not now, _____!” he yelled out, a bit louder than he had intended to.

You felt yourself flinch and freeze as your blood ran cold. The sudden and drastic change from near silence to his voice bouncing off the walls immediately brought your mind from the present reality and into a dissociative state as you felt your eyes lose focus and your ability to perceive the room around you began to dissipate. Your breathing destabilized as you took a step back away from him.

Given your current state, you weren’t able to see Levi’s eyes widen as he realized what had just happened. You couldn’t see his face pale upon seeing your reaction. You couldn’t see him walking towards you as you quickly turned away, maintaining distance from him. You couldn’t see him open his mouth to speak or hear any words that were meant to come out after.

“I need to go to the restroom,” you muttered quickly as you rushed to the bathroom in the most composed way that you could, as tears began to cloud your vision.

Once you were in the bathroom, you shut the door behind you and leaned over the sink, unable to keep the tears back any longer. You shut your eyes as disturbing memories, ones that you thought you had stored away for good, emerged. You shook your head in an attempt to get them to go away and took a sharp inhale, your breath getting caught in your throat. You vaguely heard that your sobbing was audible due to your unsteady breathing and you quickly covered your mouth in an attempt to muffle yourself.

You felt the world begin to spin around you as you cursed at yourself in frustration. You didn’t understand why you were like this. What had happened was a long time ago. You knew that Levi wasn’t that person. You knew that he wouldn’t hurt you. You knew that, even when he was frustrated, he would never take his anger out on you. 

So why the hell do I still feel this way?!

You opened your eyes again once you heard a gentle knock on the bathroom door with it slightly opening since you hadn’t closed it all the way. You saw Levi approaching from the other side of the door and you immediately looked away, quickly wiping the tears off your face in a vain attempt to keep him from seeing your crying, although there was no hiding your swollen eyes or how red your nose had become from sniffling.

There was a solemn look on Levi’s usually expressionless face. He knew what was running through your head. He knew about the rampant thoughts that must have been plaguing your mind. His heart had dropped once he saw your reaction, but at that point, it was too late to take back what had just happened.

“Hey, _____,” he said, his voice gentle and soft.

You continued to look away, averting eye contact. 

“I’m fine, Levi,” you said with a flat tone, desperately trying to mask your vulnerable state.

You saw him place his hand down on the sink near you without actually making physical contact.

“Can I come closer?” he asked, still keeping his voice low, never taking his eyes off you.

You were quiet for a second as you continued to try to control the tears that were gathering in the corners of your eyes again. You shakily nodded at him as you slowly turned towards him again.

He slowly approached you, pausing for a second before gently placing his hands on your shoulders. He had approached you slowly, noticing that you slightly flinched again when he raised his hands. The most important thing to him right now was to ground you back to the present moment, and indicate that there was no danger.

After he felt you slightly relax upon his touch, he pulled you into a tight hug, placing his hand at the back of your head to hold you in as you buried your face into his chest.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered to you. “I shouldn’t have raised my voice.”

Upon hearing that, you weren’t able to hold your tears back anymore as you gripped at him, with your sobs becoming audible. You pressed your face against him, as if you were desperately trying to hide.

“N-No,” you said quietly, with your voice slightly muffled. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I still act like this. I don’t want you to feel like I don’t t-trust you or that I’m afraid of you or that I-”

“Stop,” he whispered, cutting you off. “It’s okay.”

He gently ran his fingers through your hair in an attempt to soothe and comfort you, placing a kiss on the top of your head.

You continued to press yourself against him. Although you were still sobbing and soaking his shirt with tears, your breathing had stabilized and you no longer felt like there was a storm tearing through your mind.

You both stood there for a minute as he continued to soothe you and ground you back into the present. 

Once he heard you take a deep breath, he spoke again.

“Come,” he said quietly, pulling away slightly, and gently directing you out of the bathroom and into the living room, leading you to the couch.

He sat down, pulling you in as you followed suit. 

You curled yourself into a ball, resting your head against his chest, taking comfort in the gentle rhythm of his heartbeat and the warm touch of you leaning against him. You still felt incredibly embarrassed from getting so heavily triggered and continued to hide your face in him.

After a few minutes of silence, you finally took another deep breath and pulled away slightly to look up at him.

“I’m sorry,” you said, wiping away any residual tears that had gathered on your cheeks. “I feel pathetic.”

He looked at you, his eyebrows slightly coming together as worry entered his eyes at your statement.

“Well, you don’t have to, but I know it’s hard,” he said quietly, gently brushing his fingers against your cheek and tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear so that he could see your face better. “It’s okay.”

He placed his other hand on your waist, giving you a gentle squeeze as a method of reassuring you of his prolonged presence.

You gripped at his shirt to ground yourself. You were here with Levi. The person you lived with currently was not your abuser. The person you found yourself being held by was someone that loved you unconditionally, in the best way that you wanted to be loved. This person cared and would never bring harm to you. You knew that. 

Slowly, a small smile appeared on your face as you parted your lips to speak again.

“Thank you,” you whispered, your voice barely audible.

He returned the smile, pulling you into a gentle kiss that lasted for more than a few seconds. 

You allowed yourself to relish in his scent, his touch, the sound of his breathing, the feeling of his hands against you, and how, despite him being relatively small as a person, you felt engulfed by him, as if his presence was able to wash away all of the chaos that resided in your mind.

He pulled and rested his forehead on yours.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he whispered, matching your volume. “You’re safe.”

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

WIBTA for reporting my coworker friend to hr for harassing our other coworker friend?

(🥩🦎 to find later)

I (23nb) work at a food service place and always close with the same two people one day of the week, we'll call these people N (20m) and Red (19nb). We all met at work and being closest in age with each other compared to most of the other people there plus having similar-ish interests, we started hanging out with each other outside of work

Red is the kind of person who overshares with people right after meeting them, and N is the kind of person who rarely takes anything seriously and thinks its funny to pretend to be a jerk and bigot (hes the only cis white neurotypical guy at work while red and i are both trans and autistic and I'm black), so Red has shared a lot of their trauma and past with the both of us and N typically uses it to jokingly bully them

Now most of the time Red and I are okay with N's jokes, and we make it clear where our boundaries are and N usually respects this with the exception of a few times we've had to make it very clear where our boundaries are after he's crossed them. But lately N keeps poking at one particular thing of Red's that is especially triggering for them, and this has happened two weeks in a row now. I don't know what this thing is specifically because both times I've been just out of earshot when the topic has been brought up, Ive just been told by Red that it has to do with the worst thing that's ever happened to them.

Both times this has happened Red has, understandably, gotten really upset and angry at N, and N only apologized for it the first time it happened. This week when it happened apparently he only started to make a joke about it but then stopped before he finished it because he thought better of it, but it was still enough for Red to figure out what N was gonna say and be upset about it.

I've tried to explain to N why even if he didn't completely say the joke he was going to make it still hurt Red, but he just sort of threw a tantrum about not understanding why he was getting in trouble for something he didn't say and concluded that it would be better to say it outright if he's going to get in trouble just for thinking it anyways.

I've also tried to convince Red to either just stop joking around with N while at work or report him to our manager or hr themself, but they're standing firm on that it shouldn't even be an issue to begin with and that it wouldn't be if N could learn to think before he speaks.

I'm also convinced that Red would feel bad if they reported N because he's been reported by other coworkers in the past year and everyone we work with including our manager often pokes fun at him to varying degrees of intensity and they might feel bad if he lost his job because they reported him. (Red has a second job somewhere else while this is N's full time job)

My concern is that N is actively making Red feel unsafe and uncomfortable, and I also feel uncomfortable both in knowing that N would carelessly cross our boundaries for the bit and also because of the tense and awkward atmosphere in the workplace that has followed immediately after both times he's done it. I don't want to have to deal with that and I'm pretty sure Red doesn't want to either.

I told N right when I learned that he'd joked about Red's trauma again that he was on strike 2, and i plan on telling N and Red both that i plan to take action if it happens next time i work with both of them.

WIBTA for following through and reporting N? Am I overstepping into a situation I'm barely involved in?

What are these acronyms?