#and my mind so maybe now it can quiet down in there (my mind) so I can catch some zzz coz I’ll need it for tmrw for sureeeee

[connorsui]

UNLIMITED ACCESS!

This was wonderfully requested by my beloved @madam8 who gave me such a beautiful idea for a sylus date and I couldn't let go of it until I completed it 😭😭🩷🩷 like it's so cute that even when I was studying I kept thinking of new ways to end the fic or new scenes to add into it. --- it was ...AAUGH- my heart ...tho I do apologize for how long this one took out ur girl was busy trying not to fail classes 💀💀 ...lol 💅🏻

p.s if you see my corpse surrounded by flowers anywhere you can blame it on this ask ✨️ I LOVE IT

It started, as most things with Sylus did, with...

extravagance.

He had a habit of planning nights that felt more like events—private rooftops overlooking the shimmering city skyline, candlelit dinners in places that required reservations months in advance, evenings where the very sky seemed to bend to his will.

Luxurious. Impeccable. Always grand.

And while you loved those moments—loved him—there was something else you had been craving lately.

Something... simpler.

So one evening, as he idly twirled a glass of dark liquor between his fingers and casually mentioned taking you to a private villa on an island, you leaned into his space, resting your chin on your palm, and asked—

"Why don’t we do something more…plain? Just for the day—I mean."

Sylus stilled slightly, red eyes flickering toward you, waiting.

"Don’t get me wrong, I love our dates," you continued, "but I think it’d be nice to just do something fun. Silly, even. Maybe a little childish?"

A playful smile curled at your lips.

"Just… something where you don’t have to rent out an entire skyline to impress me."

He raised a brow, surprised. "You wish for something plain?"

You grinned. "Exactly. So let’s just have a normal date. Like—oh! What about an amusement park? Or an arcade? Or the fair!"

Sylus exhaled through his nose, setting his glass down with a measured movement. "Your ideas are enjoyable… I wouldn't mind indulging in them."

"Yeah! It’ll be fun, I promise. We can see what rides you like, if you’ll actually tolerate roller coasters, or if you’re one of those people who insists they’re too predictable." You smirked. "Oh, and you have to try winning me something from one of those carnival games."

He regarded you with that ever-neutral gaze, quiet and considering, before finally murmuring—

"For you, I wouldn’t mind fulfilling that request."

You smiled, pressing a playful kiss to his cheek, already excited for whatever simple, carefree date he would plan.

Or so you thought.

Because somehow—somehow—things escalated.

Instead of just buying tickets like a normal person, Sylus had decided the best course of action was to…

Buy. The. Entire. Damn. Park.

Your favorite amusement park, to be exact.

And now here you stood at the entrance, staring up at the massive sign that should have been buzzing with families, groups of friends, and screaming children running past in excitement.

Instead, it was silent.

The ticket booths? Closed. The parking lot? Void of life.

The only people here were you, Sylus, and the staff, who stood patiently, waiting only for the two of you.

You turned to him slowly, your brain still buffering.

"Sylus… I—when I said I wanted a fun day with you… this isn’t exactly what I had in mind."

Sylus, as usual, looked completely unbothered. "Did I get the wrong park?"

You blinked. "…No, but—Sylus, what—" You gestured at the empty surroundings, struggling to form a coherent thought. "You didn’t have to—How did you even do this?"

He tilted his head, as if you had asked a genuinely confusing question. "I bought it."

You took a deep breath. "No, I know that, but why?"

Sylus blinked at you, expression calm yet calculating, like he was trying to gauge whether you were actually upset.

"Would you prefer a different one? I can acquire another if this one isn’t to your liking."

You choked. "Acquire—Sylus, I meant let’s just have a normal day at the park! With other people! Like… buying tickets, not—not monopolizing an entire amusement park for us!"

He hummed thoughtfully. "That would be inconvenient. I don’t like crowds."

Your brain short-circuited. "Okay, fair, but I’m not even sure how to react to this." You ran a hand down your face, staring at the vast, empty park. "Do I just… accept this? Should I ask you to sell it back? Is it even going to open to normal people when we're not here?"

Sylus exhaled softly, fingers curling beneath your chin, tilting your face up to meet his gaze. His red eyes, sharp yet steady, held an intensity that made your breath hitch.

"I wanted you to have the best experience," he murmured, his voice low, deliberate—like he was peeling back the layers of his thoughts just for you. "No interruptions. No strangers ruining our time. No one else pulling your attention away."

His thumb ghosted along your jaw, his touch as careful as it was possessive.

"I wanted today to be ours. Every moment, every ride, every second—only for us."

Your heart squeezed at the weight of his words.

Sylus was always confident, always in control—but this was different. This wasn’t about power or extravagance.

This was about ...you.

He had done this for you.

Damn him.

Damn him and his ability to turn something so ridiculous into something that made your heart melt.

You sighed, pressing your fingers against your temples before looking up at him again. "You really don’t do things halfway, huh?"

His lips twitched, almost smirking. "Would you expect anything less?"

You huffed, shaking your head. "Not at all."

His hand slipped from your chin to your wrist, fingers curling around it as he tugged you toward the entrance.

"Then let’s stop worrying about it and enjoy it as much as we can."

You let him pull you forward, your brain still catching up to the fact that this was happening. That you were about to experience an amusement park that was literally all yours for the day.

And honestly?

You weren’t going to complain.

But as you walked in, something felt... strange.

The park was…alive?

Despite the complete absence of other guests, the workers were still here—acting as if today was a completely normal day.

Vendors stood at their booths, flipping burgers, making cotton candy, lining up pretzels under warming lamps. The game stalls were manned, workers casually leaning against counters, ready to hand out prizes.

The park’s parade performers were still marching down the street. A princess in a poofy dress waved at you. Mascot characters moved in synchronized greetings, despite the fact that no one was here but you.

It was… surreal.

Sylus squeezed your hand as you slowed to take it all in. "I told them to proceed as usual. It would’ve been eerie if everything was frozen."

You turned to him. "So… it’s like the park is still running, but we’re the only ones who get to experience it?"

He nodded. "Yes. Don’t you think it’s better this way?"

You inhaled deeply, looking around again.

Sylus watched you carefully, his sharp eyes scanning your face. "Are you alright?"

You hesitated, then let out a quiet laugh.

“Of course! I mean—” You hesitated again, glancing around as your expression softened. “It’s nothing wrong, I promise! I love that you did this, I do, but…” You exhaled, running a hand through your hair before looking up at him again.

“I just—I wanted this day to be special not just for us entirely, but to have a moment together surrounded by everyone and everything.” Your voice was gentle, thoughtful. “The chatter, the energy, the crowds moving past us. The chaos of it all.”

You shrugged, a little sheepish. “I know you don’t like being around too many people, and I love that you wanted to make this day perfect for me, but part of what makes an amusement park so special is the shared experience, y’know? That feeling of being one in a sea of people, laughing together, screaming on rides, getting bumped into by kids running past, standing too close in lines because there's no choice…”

Your words trailed off as you searched his gaze, unsure how he’d react.

For a moment, Sylus didn’t say anything. His red eyes remained locked onto yours, unreadable, but there was something contemplative in the way his fingers idly traced over your knuckles, as if considering your words carefully.

Then, finally, he exhaled through his nose—slow and measured, his grip loosening ever so slightly.

“…I see...I- ” His voice was as calm as ever, but there was a shift in his tone.

He glanced around, taking in the completely empty pathways, the stalls with no customers, the parade performing for no one but you two. The sight of the workers, stationed and waiting, but missing the usual life of the park.

Sylus was pragmatic. He saw a problem, he solved it. Simple. To him, the best way to ensure you had an amazing day was to remove all obstacles—the crowds, the noise, the inconvenience of waiting in lines or dealing with other people.

But now, as he watched you, something seemed to click.

“…Would you like me to open the park?”

Your eyes widened. “Wait—you mean, like, right now?”

He nodded once. “If it would make you happy.”

Your heart stuttered. "Sylus—I didn’t say all that just to guilt you into—”

He raised a brow. “It’s not about guilt. You wanted to share this moment with people and I took that possibility from you” He pulled out his phone as if he could undo an entire park shutdown with a single call—which, knowing him, he probably could.

You stared at him, then let out a disbelieving laugh, reaching to stop his hand before he could dial. “Okay, hold on, let’s think about this rationally—”

Sylus merely looked at you, waiting for what you were bound to say next.

You exhaled, lacing your fingers with his properly. “Look, it’s okay. I love what you did, and I will enjoy this day with you.” You squeezed his hand. “I just needed a moment to process it, that’s all.”

Sylus was silent for a moment, his red eyes scanning your face as if committing every little twitch of emotion to memory. Then, his gaze flickered past you, landing on a nearby booth.

A teddy bear stand.

Without a word, he turned, gently tugging you along by the hand.

You blinked in surprise. “Wait—where are we—?”

He stopped in front of the booth, staring at the rows of stuffed bears lined up in varying sizes, from tiny keychains to ones nearly as tall as you. His jaw was set, unreadable, but his grip around your hand was firm.

“Sylus?” You tilted your head at him, watching as he eyed the game—a classic ring toss setup.

“I failed to give you what you really wanted,” he murmured, almost to himself. “You should at least receive something in return.”

Your chest tightened at the way he said it.

Soft, but laced with frustration.

Like he was genuinely bothered that his attempt to make you happy had missed the mark.

“Sylus…” You squeezed his hand, stepping closer. “You don’t have to win me anything—”

He ignored that, already rolling up his sleeves with practiced ease. His focus was entirely on the game now, eyes narrowing slightly as he studied the distance, the weight of the rings stacked beside the booth’s attendant.

Your lips parted in disbelief.

Sylus said nothing, simply holding his hand out for the rings. The worker—completely unphased, as if watching an overpowered, absurdly rich man win rigged carnival games was just another part of the job—wordlessly handed them over.

You sighed, a smile tugging at your lips despite yourself. "Sylus, you really don’t have to—”

The first ring landed perfectly on the bottle.

Your mouth snapped shut.

Another.

And another.

Without missing a single shot.

The worker gave a small, almost-impressed nod. “Pick your prize.”

Sylus turned to you, expectant.

You stared between him and the game, caught between laughter and disbelief. “This your way of an apology gift?

“And would that change anything if I said yes?”

“Sylus –”

You huffed, shaking your head before pointing to one of the bigger teddy bears—one with a white soft, plush face and an oversized red ribbon around its neck.

Sylus retrieved it without hesitation, turning to face you fully as he held it out.

“ you sure you didn't have me in mind? ” he said simply.

You giggled at him, your fingers curling around the soft fabric as you accepted the gift. “mayyybee”

It wasn’t about the bear. It wasn’t about the game.

It was him.

Sylus, who never half-assed anything. Who overthought in ways you weren’t always aware of. Who, despite his arrogance, still hated feeling like he had let you down.

Your heart squeezed painfully.

“…You’re too much at times” you murmured, hugging the teddy bear to your chest.

He exhaled, shaking his head. “Says the one getting emotional over a stuffed animal.”

You shot him a playful glare, but when he reached out, brushing his fingers against your wrist, you softened.

“....Still,Thank you, for everything-- I mean” you murmured.

Sylus didn’t say anything, but his grip lingered—just for a second—not thinking of letting you go.

But as you continued walking, you caught the way his fingers brushed against his phone once more, a brief flicker of thought crossing his expression.

You narrowed your eyes. “Sylus.”

“Hm?”

“You’re not secretly opening the park back up again ….behind my back…are you?”

His lips curled, amused. “...perhaps”

[hy6erion]

viktor and jayce fighting over you??

𝐔𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐫𝐲 - 𝐕𝐢𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐱 𝐉𝐚𝐲𝐜𝐞

⇢ 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐲/𝐧, 𝐠𝐧! 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐦𝐚𝐨

1. The Scientific Method (or How to Win You Over)

It starts subtly—at least, as subtle as Jayce can manage.

“You know,” he says, leaning against your desk, broad shoulders blocking your view of the latest schematics, “I was thinking—you and I should go out sometime. Just the two of us. For research purposes.”

You don’t even have time to process before Viktor, seated across from you, speaks without looking up from his own work.

“Research into what? The effects of secondhand embarrassment?”

Jayce shoots him a glare. “Into team bonding, Viktor.”

“Mm. And what hypothesis are you testing? That you can single-handedly drive them to madness?” Viktor hums, scratching something in his notes. “A bold assumption, but I suppose it is not entirely unfounded.”

Jayce turns back to you, ignoring him. “Dinner. Drinks. Maybe some—”

“A headache,” Viktor mutters.

Jayce groans, running a hand down his face before pointing at you. “You. Pick a side here.”

You exhale, setting down your pen. “I don’t even know what we’re arguing about.”

“We aren’t arguing,” Viktor says at the same time Jayce huffs, “We are arguing.”

You stare at them both. They stare at each other.

This has been happening for weeks.

It’s not always this obvious—sometimes it’s in the little things, the way Viktor always ensures your coffee is warm but lets Jayce suffer with whatever’s left in the pot. Or how Jayce somehow always has an extra set of tools whenever you’re missing yours, grinning like he wasn’t just waiting for the opportunity.

And the way they bicker—gods, it never ends.

“Fine,” you say, leaning back in your chair. “Jayce, we can do dinner. And Viktor, you can join.”

Jayce groans, throwing his head back. “Not the third-wheel invitation—”

“I accept,” Viktor interrupts smoothly.

Jayce turns to him, expression wounded. “Dude.”

“You do not own them, Jayce.”

“Neither do you!”

Viktor just smiles.

You take another sip of your coffee. This is going to be a long night.

2. The Art of Winning (or Just Being Petty)

“Y/n, my dearest, most trusted lab partner,” Viktor says, sidling up next to you while you’re examining some blueprints. “You are an artist of unparalleled skill. Would you mind assisting me with some designs?”

You raise an eyebrow, but before you can answer, Jayce materializes from across the room.

“Woah, woah, hold on, I was just about to ask them for help.”

Viktor tilts his head, feigning confusion. “Just about to? How convenient.”

Jayce narrows his eyes. “You knew I was gonna ask them—”

“Mm. And yet, I asked first.”

“That doesn’t—”

“Time is linear, Jayce. Surely you understand this.”

Jayce looks ready to explode.

You pinch the bridge of your nose. “You both know I have other work to do, right?”

They don’t. They definitely don’t.

But Jayce recovers first, flashing you his most charming smile. “C’mon, you know I have the bigger project right now—”

“Size does not determine quality, Jayce,” Viktor interrupts. “By that logic, your brain should be much more effective.”

Jayce’s jaw drops. “Did you just—?”

“Mm?” Viktor takes a slow sip of his tea.

You sigh, turning away before you witness a murder. “I’m flipping a coin. Heads, I help Jayce. Tails, I help Viktor.”

Jayce’s shoulders relax. “That seems fair.”

Viktor hums, noncommittal.

You flip. The coin lands. You glance at it.

Then, you slap it onto your palm before either of them can see and say, “I’m helping myself today.”

Viktor huffs a quiet laugh, and Jayce groans, dropping his head onto the nearest surface.

“Brilliant,” Viktor murmurs. “I am rubbing off on you.”

Jayce mumbles something into the desk. You pat his shoulder in consolation before walking away, leaving them to their stalemate.

3. The Heart of the Matter (Or: Maybe They’re Not as Subtle as They Think)

At some point, you begin to wonder if they even know what they’re fighting over.

Because it’s not just lab work. It’s not just projects, or coffee, or who gets to sit next to you during meetings.

It’s you.

And they’re both smart enough to know it, even if neither of them says it outright.

It’s in the way Jayce’s gaze lingers whenever you laugh, like he’s memorizing the sound. The way Viktor’s voice softens when he murmurs your name, careful, like he knows the weight it holds.

It’s in how they both wait for you at the end of the day, pretending it’s just coincidence.

It’s in the way Viktor watches Jayce’s arm brush against yours and says nothing, but his fingers tighten around his cane. In how Jayce watches Viktor pull you in to murmur something close and he says nothing, but his jaw tenses.

It’s in the way neither of them will ever say it—but neither of them will yield, either.

And you?Well.

You just let them fight.

[ghost-proofbaby]

thinking about Eddie being so eager to kiss you all the time and he just gets a little too excited sometimes a little too rough and you bump into something and he cradles you while you giggle cause he can't stop smiling into his kisses

And sure maybe it's a little awkward and teeth knock against each other and he catches your lip in his teeth a little too hard but it's okay cause you're deliriously happy

And it's not about getting to the sex (not all the time anyways) but he's just so happy to have found a safe place to land and he's enthusiastic that he found someone who wants to kiss him just as much as he wants to kiss you

And this time he's not too much and his feelings aren't too big and he doesn't need to tone it down cause you're his person and he's yours

Okay bye ily

mouse. mouse get the fuck back here. MOUSE DONT LEAVE ME LIKE THIS

he's just so happy to have a safe place to land and this time he's not too much and his feelings aren't too big were daggers straight to my heart you come back here right now before i actually bleed out from needing this man so badly.

no but thats exactly it. eddie has spent so long jumping and toeing that line of either trying to cram himself into this bite-sized shape for the ones around him, and just exploding and pretending he doesn't give a fuck that he will never fit into anyone's cup of tea so he'll just make himself even larger, that when you enter his life he just doesnt know what to do about it.

because he starts with his regular tricks of being so over the top, so unbearable, and all you're doing is laughing and entertaining his antics. even playing along at times. and so he retracts a little, turning back into a quiet boy who will shrivel up until he's invisible or easy to love (whichever comes first). but then that doesn't work - and to be truthful, he doesn't even know what his mind's end goal is here because why is he trying to push you away so desperately? - and he's just at a loss. you want him on the thundering days, where he makes his grey clouds everyone's problem and all his lightning is blinding and sporadic. you want him on the quiet days, where the downpour is no longer a roar but a soft drizzle, a bit more silent and a bit more bearable but still there. and he can't tell if it's a joke - he can't decipher if your kisses amidst his rambles are sincere, if you're actually smiling at his jokes because you like him or you're too polite to break his heart. he can't see through those gentle hands you use to caress back his wild hair to be sure that the softest of touches are really just you, or some strange gloves of care that you're only simply wearing for now.

and then one morning, he wakes up, and you're still there, awake before he is and just watching him with so much love. feather-light fingers taking their time tracing over his tattoo on his chest and arms, not noticing he's awake yet as you smile so serenely at him. you're looking at him in a way that he's never really gotten to experience so vulnerably before - like he isn't a nuisance, isn't a mistake. like the universe has so intentionally dropped him into your palms, and you're so aware of how delicate he can be below the surface. and he just breaks.

"i love you"

he'd blurt it out, the first time he's ever said those words to you. it almost feels like the first time he's said those words, period.

he's said them to wayne, in their own way, both a bit stiff in expressing affection and skirting around those words whenever they can for a simply ruffle of hair or unexpected side hugs. he'd said them to his mom, a young boy with shining eyes despite it all, looking at her like she was the world because she was his world.

and... well. that's it. he can count the number of times he's said those words on one hand, and now he's said them to you, and all he can hope is you handle them with as much care as you've handled him.

he hopes you can feel the weight of his heart pressing down on them.

and he thinks you do, when you startle a little, looking up to his lips where those rough words had just fallen from in a cracking tone, and you take your time in awarding him with a smile that could save lives. cure cancer, cure sadness, cure the end of the world even. every cliche possible.

"yeah?" you'd whisper back, and his heart skips a beat, terrified that the next words you say won't be what he needs to hear so desperately. but they are. because of course they are. you wouldn't have been watching him sleep in that way if they hadn't been on the tip of your tongue, "i love you."

not a crash landing, but a soft-padded decent. a slow fall with a cushion to prevent broken bones and more invisible scars.

he kisses you then the way he was going to kiss you every day going forward: pushing forward recklessly, teeth and noses bumping a little, smiles making it nearly impossible. he kisses you like he's coming home after a long day, because he is.

he's home. no boxes in sight to fit into, no cups that'll overflow from all the fizzling feelings pouring out of his chest. you've got him, and he's got you.

[aventurineswife]

I cannot stress how much I love your works

So I have a silly request

Aventurine, Dan heng, ratio, Jiaoqiu, moze, sunday, and Caelus (I don't see much love fr himmmm T^T poor racoon bb) when their s/o steals their jacket,

now they see their s/o with their jacket on and reader sees him without his jacket (them looking like a snack I swear with those snatched clothes) and now both get flustered or flirty

-🍮🩵

The Jacket Chronicles

Tags: Aventurine x Reader, Ratio x Reader, Dan Heng x Reader, Caelus x Reader, Jiaoqiu x Reader, Moze x Reader, Fluff, Banter, Flustered Reactions, Teasing, Subtle Possessiveness, Playful Tension, Light Romance, Jacket Stealing Trope, Embarrassment, Vulnerability.

Aventurine sat in his study, lounging comfortably in his chair, a glass of wine in hand. His mind was sharp, focused on the calculations for the latest gambit he was orchestrating. The subtle hum of the lights was the only sound filling the air, a contrast to the swirling thoughts in his head.

But suddenly, he paused.

His gaze snapped to the door, where you had just walked in, his jacket draped loosely over your shoulders. The sight was... distracting, to say the least. The soft fabric hung loosely, but it wasn’t the jacket that caught his attention—it was how you wore it, casual yet so undeniably alluring.

You looked up at him, noticing his wide-eyed expression, and smirked. “I hope you don’t mind me borrowing this. It’s quite comfortable,” you teased, adjusting the jacket as it fluttered around you. You looked nothing short of a vision, the way the jacket softened your features and added an air of effortless elegance.

Aventurine’s mind immediately went into overdrive. His usual calm demeanor faltered slightly, a grin tugging at his lips as he leaned forward, placing the wine down with a soft thud. “I must admit,” he said, his voice dipping lower, “it looks better on you than it ever did on me.”

The comment had its intended effect. You flushed, a little caught off-guard by the heat in his gaze. But instead of backing away, you shot back with a wink. “Maybe I should just keep it.”

He stood up, taking a slow step toward you, the playful smirk never leaving his face. “Careful, darling. Stealing my jacket is one thing, but you might just end up stealing my heart next.”

You laughed, and he couldn't help but pull you closer, letting the flirty banter continue, both of you lost in the tension that had quietly filled the room.

Dan Heng had just finished checking the controls on the Astral Express when he walked back to his quarters. His movements were careful, measured, a reflection of his usual quiet demeanor. But when he opened the door, his eyes instantly found you—wearing his jacket.

His jacket. The one that was a little too big for you but looked perfect with the way it draped around your figure, your hands tucked into the sleeves. He froze for a moment, his eyes locked on you, unable to mask the heat rising in his chest.

You glanced up at him and smiled, clearly noticing the way he seemed to freeze in place. “Does it look alright?” you asked, your tone light, playful.

Dan Heng’s usual calm composure slipped, just for a moment. He cleared his throat, adjusting his posture, and took a step toward you. "You—" He paused, glancing at the way the jacket swayed around you. “It... looks good on you.”

Your teasing smile grew as you shrugged nonchalantly. “Maybe I’ll keep it.” You turned to leave, but Dan Heng moved quicker, placing a hand on your shoulder to stop you.

“Not without a fight,” he murmured, leaning in just enough for his breath to brush your ear. The proximity had your heart racing, and you looked up at him, surprised by the sudden shift in his demeanor.

His eyes were intense, flustered but determined. “I think I’d like to see how well you can fight for it.”

His words sent a thrill down your spine. You smirked, leaning into his touch, enjoying the moment of playful tension. Maybe you didn’t want to keep the jacket after all.

Ratio was reviewing some notes when he noticed you walk by, his jacket hanging effortlessly around your shoulders. The dark fabric was a perfect contrast to your figure, and the subtle shift in his gaze was undeniable.

He cleared his throat, his fingers still tapping on the edge of the table as his mind scrambled for something intelligent to say. “I—uh—don’t think you understand how much that jacket means to me,” he said, his words blunt yet carrying a hint of something more.

You turned to face him, the teasing glint in your eyes making his heart skip a beat. “Is that so? I thought it looked better on me than it ever did on you.”

He set down his papers, standing a little straighter. “I’m not sure that’s a fair comparison, my dear. You may look good in it, but there is something about seeing you in my jacket that makes me feel... more than a little possessive.” His eyes flicked to the way the jacket clung to you, the small adjustments you made with it.

You smirked, inching closer, the space between you narrowing. “Are you suggesting I’m not allowed to wear it?”

Ratio didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he reached for the jacket, pulling it closer to you, brushing his fingers along your shoulder. The playful tension between you both was thick in the air, and his voice softened. “Maybe, just this once, I’ll let you keep it. But be warned, I’m not one to share my things lightly.”

The teasing tone, though, never quite left his voice.

Moze’s eyes followed you as you entered the room, his gaze briefly flicking to the jacket you had casually draped over your shoulders. He hadn’t seen it before, but the familiar shade of violet mixed with the scent of his cologne had him instinctively realizing what had happened.

You looked at him, your posture nonchalant, yet there was a certain way the jacket swirled around you that made his breath hitch. He said nothing at first, but the tightness in his chest grew.

You noticed his gaze, the way his expression hardened slightly. “What’s wrong?” you asked, your tone deceptively light. “Don’t you like it?”

Moze’s throat went dry. He swallowed, his usual detached demeanor faltering for a second. “It’s not about liking it,” he murmured, his eyes narrowing as they trailed over the jacket that now seemed to fit you so well, almost too well. “It’s just... not something I’m used to seeing.”

You stepped closer, raising an eyebrow. “And what exactly are you used to seeing?”

His voice lowered, the usual stoic coldness replaced with something a little more vulnerable. “Someone who wears my things... and makes them look better than I do.” His words were a challenge, but also an admission of the strange possessiveness he felt.

You smirked, leaning in just enough to close the distance between you. “Guess that’s your problem then, isn’t it?”

Moze’s lips quirked upward, though his eyes remained sharp, focused on you. “Maybe,” he said quietly. “But it doesn’t mean I’m letting you keep it.”

You grinned at the playful spark in his eye, realizing that perhaps, he wasn’t as emotionless as he wanted you to believe.

The battlefield’s cold winds howled, but inside the medical tent, it was a surprisingly quiet moment. Jiaoqiu sat cross-legged on a cushion, his feather fan resting against his lap. His usual composure was intact despite his pale salmon hair loose around his shoulders and his closed eyes reflecting his blindness. The faint scent of herbs lingered, remnants of his latest alchemical concoction.

"Jiaoqiu, have you seen my—" you started to ask but cut yourself off, realizing the absurdity of the question.

Instead, your attention was drawn to the elegant jacket draped across a chair—light gold with subtle, intricate embroidery that shimmered under the lantern’s glow. Before thinking it through, you slid the jacket on, savoring its warmth and how it carried the faint scent of his medicinal herbs.

“Ah,” Jiaoqiu’s voice was gentle but curious, his ears twitching slightly. “You’ve taken my jacket, haven’t you?”

“How could you possibly tell?” you teased, watching his lips curl into a small smile.

“Call it instinct—or maybe it’s the sound of fabric brushing against your arms,” he replied. He reached out a hand toward you, and you instinctively stepped closer, guiding it to rest against the jacket’s lapel. “Hm. It suits you better than it suits me.”

You chuckled, only to realize he wasn’t wearing his inner robes properly. His upper body was loosely wrapped in a light undershirt, his sharp collarbones and toned chest subtly exposed. The sight made your cheeks flush.

“Jiaoqiu, you’re—”

He tilted his head. “What? Is there something wrong with me?” His voice carried a hint of playfulness, but his hands now rested on his fan, teasingly tapping it against his palm.

“N-no! You just—you look good,” you stammered, trying to hold your composure as your face burned hotter.

His lips quirked up, though his closed eyes betrayed none of his thoughts. “You sound flustered. Could it be that my darling likes me better without my jacket?”

You huffed, trying to change the subject. “Well, you might not get this jacket back anytime soon—it’s incredibly cozy.”

Jiaoqiu leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping into a soft, teasing lilt. “Then perhaps I should take something of yours to even the score.”

The Astral Express hummed quietly as it sailed through the stars, casting a serene glow over its halls. Sunday stood near the observation deck, staring out at the endless cosmos. Leaving his tailored vest and crisp shirt on display. You’d never seen him like this before, his usually composed demeanor offset by the casual absence of his tailcoat.

“You left this lying around,” you called, stepping into view. Only it wasn’t true—you had “borrowed” it. Sunday turned, his eyes locking onto you, his wings twitching slightly in surprise.

His tailcoat hung loosely on your frame, the asymmetrical white and blue fabric looking far more casual and comfortable than it ever did on him. The scarf, still attached, fluttered slightly as you walked closer.

“I see you’ve made yourself at home in my attire,” Sunday remarked, his tone calm, though a faint hint of pink colored his cheeks.

“You weren’t wearing it, so I thought I’d put it to better use,” you teased.

Sunday raised a brow, his gaze trailing over your figure. “It suits you better than I expected… though, perhaps I’m biased.”

Your playful retort died in your throat as you took in his appearance. Without his tailcoat, his fitted vest accentuated his waist and shoulders. The way his hair fell over his eyes, paired with the faint flutter of his wings, made him look utterly ethereal—and undeniably attractive.

“You—uh—you look…” You trailed off, your cheeks burning.

Sunday smirked softly. “Lost for words? I’m flattered.”

“Don’t get cocky!” you shot back, though your voice betrayed your flustered state.

He chuckled softly, stepping closer. “You wear it well, my dear, but be careful. I might need to borrow it back… or something else of yours.”

The Astral Express lounge was comfortably warm, but the chill from your earlier excursion lingered on your skin. Spotting Caelus’s jacket on the couch, you couldn’t resist pulling it on. It was heavier than expected, the black fabric adorned with subtle gold accents. You hugged it around yourself, savoring the warmth and the faint scent of him that clung to the fabric.

“Isn’t that mine?” Caelus’s voice startled you. Turning, you found him leaning against the doorway, his arms crossed.

“Uh… maybe?” you replied sheepishly.

His eyes softened as he stepped closer, but then you noticed he wasn’t wearing much—a simple white shirt clung to his torso, highlighting the subtle definition of his chest and shoulders.

“Caelus, you’re—” You couldn’t finish the sentence, your brain short-circuiting at the sight of him.

“I’m what?” he asked, his smirk betraying his amusement. “Cold? I might be… since you stole my jacket.”

Your face flushed. “I didn’t steal it! I borrowed it!”

He grinned, stepping even closer. “Oh? And how long do you plan to keep ‘borrowing’ it?”

“As long as I want,” you retorted, crossing your arms, though the motion only made his jacket swallow you more.

His gaze lingered on you, and he rubbed the back of his neck. “You look… good. Really good.” His voice was quieter now, a faint blush dusting his cheeks.

“Thanks,” you replied, suddenly feeling bold. “But you should know, you look even better without it.”

His blush deepened, and he averted his gaze, muttering, “That’s not fair…”

[sunflower1experiment]

Children (Risk's Prequel 2.0)

pt1, pt2

Harley is so full of himself, sometimes dating him was like dipping your hand in a rose bush. Like him they were beautiful. charming, hell you even considered the relationship with him to be a thorn bush without the roses. But it was the day something happened in the labs, you went in and noticed the toys were crying? "What happened?"

You march by and comfort them, "What is wrong with them!?" The other scientist who fails to answer at first, backs away but then she feels you lean in. "What happened? Answer."

"You really don't know? Of course not, not when you're busy playing work wife for Sawyer." You glance at Leith, eyes filling with animosity.

"Mind running that by me? What is wrong with my children?"

"Ah so you claim them. Well, let me break it down, your children, they are not just toys. You of all people should have noticed the vast majority of the new high rise of emotions and tension between them and us." What is he spouting about!? You look at Stelle with a curious eyebrow quirk, she avoids your gaze and once more you return to Leith's cold side glance.

"Sawyer didn't....inform me..."

"Of course not, why would he want to break his favorite sentimental experiment's heart." It goes quiet.

The toys who coward behind you, look up as he leaves, as everyone leaves. You kneel down to study them, then your eyes begin to well up. "......Prototype was serious."

The little ones start to hug your feeble form, while you realize how terrible and naive you are the sounds of shoes fill your ears. "You, you're different..." A pink hand holds your shoulder, a long arm follows after and hugs you.

"No need to cry, Mommy's here." You look at this so-called Mommy, and realize why you recognize this voice, it couldn't be, not her.

"Marie Payne?" She backs up with a slight chuckle and the little toys cling to your hand sadly while Mommy stands on the ground, "So you know, or you did know. What makes you think you're different from them?"

"I'm not, I failed...I-"

"Then stop wallowing and do something!" Mommy's hand punches the ground, this was obviously Marie talking. You firmly nod but then hug the toys again, Banzo bunny, the mini huggys, Daisy, Cat-Bee, so many of these little ones.

When you leave the toys behind you take one more glance at them, Mommy watches with a somber stare, Harley took you for a fool didn't he? Or did he simply know how senstive you were.

You couldn't let these children starve, going back home, it meant missing dinner, breakfast, sure but they had to eat. Risking your job would be worth it regardless, Leith calling you an experiment was one thing but to be embarrassed by everyone? Over his dead body, whenever you returned to work with food, you'd just make a simple curt excuse, then place the boxes and containers down.

"What is this?" Mommy grabs the food, "This will feed you all, starvation leads to difficult actions. Now come on. We have to take care of the kids."

She was in shock, for you to get back up after a day, why weren't the adults who hurt her like you? Even if you played a role, the willingness to do better still prevails. Maybe, she looks at your lab coat while you feed the children fruits, "Maybe there are some good people."

It was a lot to handle, a bit overwhelming even but you didn't pull any punches, but when you met with Harley, you both were quiet. He was sent to sleep on the couch that night. Three days would pass, and he’d check on you, “Dear?”

“What did you do with those orphans I cared for?” Harley kicks himself, cursing Leith, Stella and Eddie. Those three were told to keep you away, how can he adore you if you know too much!? Your face of revulsion or disappointment, so he gently holds your hand, “What do you mean?”

“Harley, do not play dumb with me, you’re smart and that's what I love about you…” Of course, of course he should be honest…. “I, well Elliot said we should do this for the betterment of humanity, I’m simply following orders.” The audacity, you were there when he argued with Elliot and everyone knew he had anger issues. 

That was why you chose to avoid Harley but you both attracted each other, he was enamored by your genuine curiosity and adoration for simplistics, meanwhile he always had such charisma with that gentle tone, polite demeanor and fascination with anatomy. Were you in love with a facade perhaps? “So you knew, and didn’t tell me?”

 He didn’t deny the knowledge but to deliberately not tell you, why? So Kissy, her stress, Mommy, Huggy, and who else? Harley hated it when you cried, he knew when the tears fell that you’d rebel or probably not speak to him. Relationships were complicated, but you both communicated and that was what made Harley stay, yet this time he knew you’d speak your mind. So he did what he could to try and change the perception of the situation.”You know I love you, I would never lie.” 

His hand falls flat and he clutches it, your face wasn’t shedding tears but they looked disappointed. You then hold your stomach before hugging him sadly, “.....One more question, what did you do…with him?”

No, not him, not the boy… 

“Him?” That was the answer you needed, “How can I trust you if you won't even tell me the truth?"

Why? Why were you so sentimental!? Did you not realize the risks? No, of course not.

--

NSFW, CW and TW // Minors DNI (signs of pregnancy, intimacy for NSFW)

CW// Signs of emotional abuse, self-loathing, child experimenting, and abuse

TW// Slight suicidal thoughts. (If you ever feel this way, be sure to call a trusted friend/adult or the hotline, know that you are not alone, you are deserving of care and to be heard.)

"I'm sorry, I’ll make sure to do better..." You nod into his hand while his gentle gaze remains on you, he may be a liar but Harley knew he adored you, you’re perfect. His perfect experiment, the only one who understands him, the only responsive and reactionary force he wished to invest in after he was tired from his other sets of experiments. He slept in the bed beside you, his larger hands resting along  the arm while you remained in Harley’s arms, you were naive even when you held so much unconditional love for him. His lips travel to your neck, hands intertwined together in the moment where Harley’s lips touch, he notices how much your lips embellish his growing adoration. 

When things start to heat up, Harley is there, his arms will wrap around your waist while you admire him, those worry wrinkles, his gentle hands with calluses, and most of all his gaze. Bed creaking, your soft sounds of breathing filling the doctor’s ears whenever those hands of his would roam your frame. At some point he had a moment of lingering, a longing, and it makes him wonder what would you have done if he told the truth? Would you love him enough to fix things, perhaps give him a chance. It was wishful thinking on his end, especially when it comes to his lover. In the intensity of this heated moment between you both, he could feel your hands resting along his face or they’d move to hold him close. 

His deep chuckles and breaths, while you both share more kisses than one can count, Harley would let himself sink into your arms while he indulges in everything he loves. About you, it was strange to be in love with someone, someone of his intellect falling for you. A scientist with a bleeding heart and someone who was always willing to cater to him.

Harley would simply lose his mind at the idea of not being able to cradle your form, in life or death maybe but, he simply wouldn't allow it. Not when someone as perfect as you, could fit his standards of experimentation.

Every fiber of your being knew something was wrong, even after you began cuddling again, his grasp of you was firm with the iron grip. The way he’d kiss your forehead while you lean into his bare chest, “Hey....if Leith ever talks to you poorly, let me know…and, try not to worry about the toys. You should be focused on our work.” It goes silent, as you cuddle into him with a distant sad gaze, taking note of his slightly serious tone. 

“Okay..”

--

You lied, now you were worrying for the children more than ever, feeding them and then the visit to Kissy’s room, carefully feeding her you note the long gaze. Kissy slowly moves forward and then her slender arm moves carefully; she begins hugging you close. “It's okay Kissy, I’m fine.”

How could someone of your caliber be so naive and caring? Especially when she and these children rely on you, the only adult to make this right?

"So, you and Harley?" Stella tries to make conversation, you merely nod in agreement, even if he had to sleep on the couch for a couple of days. Somehow it always worked out, because you'd still feed him, tend to him, you could be angry right now and he's already slipping through those cracks and crevices. But when he was angry, he was never one to aim it at you but when he did, you'd offer a hug, some time alone or just to talk.

The thing is this anger wasn't ever aiming to you: his partner, but instead your coworkers who could feign innocent all they want, yet none of them were any better than you or Harley. That is why you hated your sense of morals; how could you date a potential child abuser? What if, he hurts....

"Mz.?" You startle when Stella speaks again, gently moving the Candy-cat toy so he wouldn't get hurt. "I- need to check on the children."

She frowns, "Hey, um...If...Harley is..."

"What?"

"You'll come to me if he does anything right?" Stelle asks, you pause then turn to her while she gives a somber smile to assure any form of Desolate emotions that threaten to spill out.

"Stelle, you and Leith know what he is doing. You never told me; we are no better than him and you shouldn't try to be of help when these children are being treated this way. The least I can do is comfort, nurture and love them." As your back turns to the woman who watches your retesting form she looks down, gripping the Zinnia while Harley, as if to mock her walks by with a Tuberose flower.

He places it in your vase, then looks to Stella, "You should focus on work. I'm sure you both will find a way to rekindle whatever friendship you had."

Whatever Harley told you it was obvious he didn't realize how much it would hurt you at the end, Stella saw the signs clear as day. She was your friend, easy to socialize with, but you always took the time to listen to her dreams and desire to care for the children. As you place more food down for the little ones, Mommy finally speaks again.

"I saw you with Kissy, she's being moved...further down, and... there are more...down below."

"Down, below?" Mommy couldn't help but scowl at your naivety, she felt sorry for you. ".....That boy, Quinn?"

What about Quinn? She tells you softly while you listen, her hands grip your arms to keep you from running. Being outraged, it was quiet...

Down below, Quinn, Marie, how many children...

One last thing to do.

You step into the lab, where Prototype remains. "gOoD tO sEe-E you, mY dEAr.." His metallic hands carefully hold your soft fleshy ones.

But you merely look away, he senses the hesitation to speak and realizes how much you knew. "s0 thE dOcTeR t-TRu-TRULY! Truly did fail, you know a lot but how much?"

Enough to where you were sitting before his creation, "I...I am not any better than him. I asked him to stop hurting you, he was...."

"Angry?" The experiment says in his voice to which you wince and then nod slowly, "Yes but it wasn't enough, you and I both know that." Prototype lifts your chin up.

"oF cOurSe."

"I'm sorry, I cannot apologize enough, I so badly wanted to think that, not everyone is truly a monster, and these children deserve the best....as many have said: Children deserve parents, but parents do not deserve children or deserve to even be parents. But I was truly naive, Mommy knows this." As the Prototype listens, he also twitches.

Harley was coming, so he gently shushes you and then points. You stand, grabbing the files but before you leave. You speak one more time, "Please do not hurt the children, and don't let vengeance cloud your perception."

With that you leave with the door shutting behind you, Harley walks in and notices the files. At first, he wanted to start a long lecture about his experiments being disturbed but you hand him the files. "Sorry, I wanted to help you work..."

Harley smiles at you for a quick moment but then you both go your separate ways, until you stop. "Harley."

"Yes?"

"Have you ever considered the thought of children?"

He pauses at the question, thinking of the implications of you having his child...the thought occurred to him during your intimate nights together. But he truly didn't see the resolve, especially when there are children surrounding you every day. "No, not when we have the Playtime Co. You and I are truly different."

It goes quiet and you leave, but not after chuckling to his little banter. Of course, Harley Sawyer is so full of himself. Very apathetic, very....

Foolish.

Sometimes, life felt like grappling at a thread just to see you survive, the more food you'd distribute the more guilt you felt.

The last straw was probably when you asked him to go down below. ".....Of course, is there a reason?"

"Of course, I want to see my partner's work up close." Harley couldn't help but crack a smile, he holds your hand, like always as if trying to form some sort of emotional power balance. Then his lips connect to your head, "I'd be happy to."

.....

What have you done?

[woozinhos]

hii I love ur works smmm!!! can I request mingyu dad au and their child asking for another sibling??

Notes: oh my god she’s back with another fic enjoy guys I know it’s not the best but I’m slowly easing back into it <3

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.

You and Mingyu were sitting together on the couch, enjoying a quiet evening at home when your child walked into the room, looking up at you with an innocent expression on their face.

"Mommy, Daddy?" they asked, his voice soft. Mingyu looked down at them, a smile on his face. "What is it, sweetheart?"

He looked between the two of you before speaking again. "Can I ask you guys a question?" Mingyu chuckled, ruffling the child's hair affectionately. "Of course you can, buddy. What's on your mind?" He hesitated for a moment, looking down at the floor before looking back up at you and Mingyu. "Why don't I have any brothers or sisters?" You and Mingyu exchanged a look, surprised by the question. Mingyu cleared his throat, unsure of how to answer.

"Well, sweetheart," he began, "having a baby is a big responsibility. It takes a lot of time and effort to take care of a baby, and it's not always easy." He nodded, looking up at you with wide eyes. "But I'm a good kid, right? And I would be a good brother, wouldn't I?" Mingyu smiled, touched by his words. "Of course you would, buddy. You're the best kid we could ever ask for. But having a baby is more than just being a good kid. It's about being able to share love and attention with another person." You and Mingyu looked at each other again, a silent conversation passing between you. His request was unexpected, but his words made sense.

"We'll think about it, okay?" you said to him, ruffling their hair like Mingyu had done earlier. "But it's not something we can just decide on a whim. It's a big decision that needs to be thought through carefully." He nodded again, accepting your answer. "Okay," he said, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "Goodnight, Mommy. Goodnight, Daddy."

"Goodnight, sweetheart," you and Mingyu chorused, watching as he left the room. Once he was gone, you turned to Mingyu, a thoughtful expression on your face. "Do you think we should actually consider it?" you asked him. Mingyu sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know," he admitted. "I mean, it's definitely something we need to think about. But we already have so much going on with our work and taking care of our child. Another baby would mean even more responsibility."

You nodded, understanding his concerns. "I know what you mean. But at the same time, I can't help but feel a little guilty.He seems so excited about the idea of having a sibling. Maybe we've been holding off on having more kids for too long." Mingyu looked at you, his expression serious but smirking at the same time. "You're right. We've been so focused on our careers and our own lives that we've kind of neglected the idea of having more kids. Maybe it's time we started thinking about it seriously." You raised an eyebrow at Mingyu's smirk. "What are you thinking?" you asked him, a hint of amusement in your voice.

Mingyu leaned in closer to you, his smirk widening. "I'm thinking that maybe we could have some fun trying to make that decision," he whispered, his breath hot against your ear. You felt a shiver run down your spine as his words sent a jolt of excitement through you. "Oh, really?" you replied, trying to keep your voice steady. "And how do you propose we do that?" Mingyu's smirk turned into a mischievous grin as he leaned in even closer, his lips brushing against your ear. "Well, we could start by practicing some...unprotected fun," he whispered, his hand sliding up your thigh.

You let out a soft gasp as his hand continued to move higher, your body already responding to his touch. "Mingyu, we're supposed to be thinking about having another baby, not making one right now," you protested weakly. Mingyu chuckled as he continued to kiss your neck, his lips moving slowly and sensually along your skin. "I know, I know," he murmured between kisses. "But can you blame me for wanting you so badly right now?" You shook your head, giving in to the pleasure that his kisses were causing. "No, I suppose I can't," you admitted, tilting your head to give him better access to your neck.

Mingyu lifted you up into his arms, carrying you to the bedroom with ease. He kicked the door shut behind him and gently placed you on the bed, his eyes dark with desire. As you lay on the bed, Mingyu climbed on top of you, his body pressing against yours. He began to kiss you hungrily, his tongue exploring your mouth as his hands roamed over your body. You responded to his kisses with equal fervor, your arms wrapping around his neck as you pulled him closer. The heat between you was building quickly, and you could feel yourself getting lost in the moment.

Mingyu's hands were impatient as he tore at your clothes, his own shirt quickly joining the pile on the floor. His body was taut and muscular, and you couldn't help but run your hands over his chest and abs. He paused for a moment, his eyes roaming over your exposed skin. "You're so beautiful," he whispered, his voice husky with desire. "I want you so badly." You could feel the heat rising between your legs as his words sent a thrill through you. "I want you too," you murmured, reaching up to pull him down for another kiss.

As he pulled his boxers down, you couldn't help but stare at his impressive size. You felt a wave of anticipation wash over you, your body already eager for what was to come. Mingyu saw the look in your eyes and grinned, knowing exactly what you were thinking. "Someone's eager," he teased, his hands moving down to your hips. "I love it when you look at me like that." You let out a soft moan as he positioned himself, the anticipation almost too much to bear. You could feel his hardness against your entrance, and you couldn't wait for him to enter you.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice a low growl in your ear. You nodded, unable to form words, and he slowly began to push himself inside of you. As he filled you, you gasped and clutched at his back, your nails digging into his skin. The sensation was intense, but it felt so good. You could feel yourself adjusting to his size, your body welcoming him in.

Once he was fully inside of you, he paused for a moment, letting you get used to the feeling. "You feel so good," he whispered, his breath hot against your ear. "So tight and perfect." You let out a soft moan in response, your hips bucking up against him involuntarily. "Move," you urged him, your voice barely above a whisper. He began to move, slowly at first, but quickly picking up speed. Each thrust sent waves of pleasure coursing through your body, and you found yourself arching your back, pushing against him. As he moved faster, you could feel yourself getting closer and closer to the edge. Your moans grew louder, and you clutched at him desperately, needing to hold onto something as the pleasure threatened to overwhelm you.

"Shhh, be quiet," he whispered, his voice low and urgent. "We don't want to wake up our boy." He continued to move inside of you, his pace steady but intense. He knew how close you were, and he wanted to draw it out for as long as possible. You bit your lip, trying to stifle your moans as he continued to drive you towards the edge. You could feel the heat building inside of you, and you knew that you were about to explode. Suddenly, you felt yourself tipping over the edge, your body shaking with pleasure as you climaxed. You clutched at him tightly, your fingers digging into his skin as wave after wave of ecstasy washed over you.

"I'm gonna cum," he groaned, his voice strained. "I want you to take it, all of it."

He continued to thrust, his movements becoming more erratic as he approached his own climax. "You're gonna look so beautiful pregnant," he panted. "My baby inside of you..." He suddenly let out a loud moan, his body shuddering as he released himself inside of you. You could feel the warmth spreading through you, and you knew that he was true to his word.

As he finished, he collapsed on top of you, panting heavily. He wrapped his arms around you, holding you close as you both tried to catch your breath. "That was amazing," he whispered, his voice filled with satisfaction. You nodded, still unable to speak. Your body was tingling all over, and you felt like you were floating on air. You could feel his seed still inside of you, and the thought sent a shiver down your spine.

"Our son's got great ideas," he said, his lips brushing against your hair. "We should thank him later."

[prettygirl-gabi]

Chapter 29: Ghosts of the Past

Rating: Teen Audiences

Warnings: Protective!Paige, Azzi, Ice, Mentions of Y/N’s Ex, Panic Attacks

Pairing: Paige Bueckers x !Photographer Fem Reader

Fandom: Women’s Basketball

Summary: Why now...

Welcome to the chapter 29 of Through The Lens. I hope you all enjoy and there is more to come...stay tuned my loveies!! 🏀💕📸

Shopping trips with the team were always filled with laughter, banter, and an unrelenting amount of teasing. It was one of those things that felt like a welcome distraction from everything else. Today was no different. Paige, Azzi, Ice, and I were in our usual group, having fun as we made our way through the aisles. The others had split off to check out a sneaker store just a few blocks down, leaving the four of us to do a little damage in a nearby boutique.

"Are you seriously trying to convince me that green looks good on everyone?" Azzi asked, holding up a neon green hoodie, her expression a mix of disbelief and amusement.

I snorted, glancing over at Paige, who was smirking at me. "I’m just saying," Paige teased. "Some of us can pull it off better than others."

"You mean like you?" Ice chimed in, causing Paige to give a dramatic shrug.

"Obviously," Paige responded, looking pleased with herself.

Azzi rolled her eyes. "Let’s get this over with before Paige starts modeling for us."

The lighthearted atmosphere filled the space, and for a moment, I felt the weight of the past few weeks lift. Between school, practice, and my constant juggling act, I hadn’t realized how much I needed this—just the simple joy of being with people I cared about.

But then, as I turned a corner of the store, the world seemed to freeze. My heart stuttered in my chest.

Standing just a few feet away, browsing through a rack of jackets, was someone I thought I’d never have to see again. My ex.

I froze, the blood draining from my face. The warmth that had settled in me moments ago disappeared in an instant, replaced by a cold, creeping fear that settled deep in my bones.

Paige’s voice broke through my panic. "Y/N?" she asked softly, stepping closer. I couldn’t bring myself to look at her, my eyes locked on the figure in front of me. I could feel my hands begin to shake as memories from that toxic relationship flooded my mind. The manipulation, the gaslighting, the verbal jabs—everything that once felt suffocating was suddenly there, fresh and painful.

"Why are you back here?" I muttered under my breath, my voice unsteady. I could barely even hear it over the roar of my heartbeat.

Azzi, noticing my sudden shift in energy, stepped up to my other side. "Who’s this?" she asked, her voice sharp with suspicion.

Before I could answer, the guy turned, his eyes locking with mine. "Y/N? Wow, I didn’t expect to see you here!" He said, his tone too casual, too comfortable for someone who had hurt me so badly.

Azzi's arms crossed as she shot a glare at him. "Who’s this?" she repeated, her voice laced with protectiveness.

"I’m her ex," the guy replied, his eyes flicking between Azzi and Paige. He was trying to figure out the situation. "We dated her freshman year."

I felt my knees go weak as the walls I had built so carefully around my past began to crumble. Paige immediately noticed the change in me, her hand instinctively finding mine and giving it a gentle squeeze. "You okay?" she whispered, her voice quiet but firm.

I couldn’t answer. My breath was coming in short bursts, my chest tight with anxiety. My ex’s presence alone was enough to send me spiraling.

Azzi’s voice was sharp and commanding as she addressed him. "Maybe you should leave."

"What? I’m not doing anything wrong," he protested, raising his hands in mock surrender.

"You’re making her uncomfortable," Paige said, her voice steely and authoritative.

His gaze flicked to me, and I could see the confusion on his face. "I just wanted to say hi."

"Hi, and now bye," Ice’s voice rang out from behind us, her words leaving no room for argument.

Azzi and Ice stood like a wall between me and my ex, their eyes fixed on him with a glare that would make anyone back off. In a matter of seconds, they had him out of the store, leaving me surrounded by the people who would always have my back.

I was still trembling, my breath uneven as I tried to regain control of my racing heart. Paige stepped closer, her hands cupping my face, her touch gentle yet firm. "Hey, hey," she whispered softly. "Look at me."

I couldn’t help it—tears welled in my eyes. I didn’t want to cry. Not here, not now, but everything came flooding back. "I... I didn’t want to see him again, Paige," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "Why now? Why here?"

Paige’s hands rubbed comforting circles on my arms as she leaned her forehead against mine. "You’re safe now, Y/N. He can’t hurt you anymore." Her words were calm, soothing, like a balm on the wounds I didn’t even realize were still raw.

"I’m sorry," I whispered, the tears breaking free.

"You have nothing to apologize for," Paige said gently, brushing away the tear that had slipped down my cheek. "You’ve been through a lot, and you don’t owe him or anyone anything."

The rest of the team returned, the air filled with quiet tension. Ice, Azzi, and KK had made sure my ex was gone, but the damage lingered in the pit of my stomach. KK was the first to speak up. "What happened?" Her voice was laced with concern.

"Her ex showed up," Ice muttered, her tone sharp. "Total creep."

Paige wrapped her arm around me, pulling me close. "We’re going back to my dorm," she said firmly, her protective instincts flaring. "We’ll figure this out there."

At the dorm, things felt a little calmer, though my nerves were still shot. I sat curled up on Paige’s bed, a blanket draped around my shoulders, sipping on a cup of tea she had made for me. I didn’t want to talk about it—not yet. The memories were still too fresh, too painful.

Paige sat beside me, her presence calming, her fingers gently lacing through mine. "Do you want to talk about it?" she asked softly, her voice quiet, giving me the space I needed.

I shook my head. "Not right now. But…thank you. For everything."

"You don’t have to thank me," Paige murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. "I’ll always protect you."

I leaned into her, letting her warmth and comfort settle me. "I know," I whispered. "I know."

Later that night, after I had finally managed to sleep, the nightmares came.

I woke up, my body drenched in sweat, my heart pounding as though I was back in that dark, toxic relationship. I gasped for air, feeling trapped in a nightmare I couldn’t escape. The panic rose in my chest, my breath coming in quick, shallow bursts.

I tried to calm myself down, but the images were still there, haunting me—his face, the way he used to make me feel like I wasn’t good enough, that I was nothing.

But then, suddenly, a pair of warm hands cupped my face. Paige was there, her voice soft and steady as she whispered, "Hey, look at me. You’re safe."

I turned into her, the tears falling freely now. "I can’t breathe, Paige. I can’t—"

"Shh," Paige soothed, her hands running down my back as she gently rocked me. "Just breathe with me, okay? Breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth."

I followed her lead, focusing on her voice, her presence, the way she always seemed to ground me when everything else fell apart.

"I’ve got you," she whispered. "You’re safe. You’re here with me, and no one can hurt you. Not anymore."

Slowly, I felt my breathing steady, the panic that had gripped me loosening its hold.

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice still shaky. "I’m sorry for waking you."

Paige smiled softly, her thumb brushing across my cheek. "Don’t apologize, baby. I’ll always be here for you, Y/N. Always."

I snuggled closer to her, my heart finally beginning to settle. "I’m lucky to have you," I whispered, the words barely escaping my lips as I drifted back into a peaceful sleep, surrounded by the warmth of the girl who would always protect me.

■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■

-Thank You For Reading!🩵🩶

-prettygirl-gabi🎀✨️

Tag list: @sayurireidotcom , @astroeliza , @paxaz535 , @0phantom0 , @starlighttsv , @authentic-girl03 , @elalfywhore , @elalfywhore .... (more to be added)

[capquinn]

quinn would be soo caring and patient during your pregnancy like never getting upset when mood swings occur because he knows how much of an experience pregnancy can be

i fear i'm genuinely in love with my quinn, guys. like it’s bad 😭😭 no man is ever gonna compare to this

You feel it bubbling up before it even happens — the frustration, the inexplicable annoyance, the sudden, irrational urge to cry for absolutely no reason at all. You can’t even pinpoint what’s set you off.

Maybe it’s the sound of the spoon clinking against the bowl as Quinn rinses it in the sink. Maybe it’s the way he’s standing there, completely unbothered while you’re simmering, his broad back turned as he hums under his breath, so at ease when you feel anything but. Maybe it’s just him, existing, breathing, not reading your mind.

And when he glances over, all soft eyes and casual concern, and asks, “you okay, sweetheart?” — you snap.

"Do I look okay?” you bite, crossing your arms, tension coiled tight in your shoulders.

Quinn blinks. Doesn’t flinch, doesn’t huff or roll his eyes, just pauses — tea towel in hand, brow furrowing like he’s flipping through a mental checklist of things he might’ve done wrong. He’s scanning your face, looking for an answer, and it makes you even more annoyed because there is none.

You exhale sharply, pressing your fingers into your temples.

“I don’t know why I said that,” you mumble, already feeling the heat crawl up your throat. “I just —”

The frustration builds, your breath catching, and Quinn is already moving.

"Hey," he murmurs, closing the space between you, voice gentle but steady. He doesn’t touch you yet, just keeps his voice low and sure, like he’s smoothing over the edges. "What’s going on?"

You shake your head, throat tight. “I don’t know.”

And that should be frustrating, should be confusing, but Quinn just nods.

"Alright," he says simply. "You want to sit down? Maybe drink some water?"

You glare at him. “I don’t need water, Quinn.”

“Okay,” he agrees easily, tipping his head, completely unfazed. “You want me to sit with you? Rub your feet?”

You let out a watery laugh, because of course that’s his response. Not irritated, not defensive — just quiet patience, just Quinn. He’s so steady, so calm, and it makes the knot in your chest snap. Your eyes burn, and before you can stop yourself, a tear betrays you, slipping down your cheek.

“Oh, baby,” Quinn murmurs, warm and soft, already cupping your jaw, swiping his thumb across your cheek. “Talk to me.”

You sniff, gripping the front of his hoodie. “I was mean to you just now.”

His lips twitch like he wants to laugh but knows better. “No, you weren’t.”

You were, but okay.

You let out a long sigh, pressing your forehead against his chest. “I just feel off. And I don’t know why. And it’s so stupid.”

Quinn exhales against your hair, his hands smoothing slow circles across your back.

“It’s not stupid,” he says, voice firm, certain. “You’re growing a whole human. Our human. You get to feel however you need to feel.”

And God, that just makes you cry harder. A fresh wave hits before you can even try to stop it, a tiny, broken noise slipping out as your shoulders shake. It’s ridiculous, you know it is, but the way he says it — "our human" — it’s too much. Too soft, too full of love, too Quinn.

He chuckles softly, not unkind, just fond, tipping your chin up so he can brush his sleeve across your damp cheeks. His thumb lingers, smoothing over your skin, and he smiles, dimples and all, like he’s got all the time in the world for this, for you.

“Yeah,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to your temple, letting it linger, smiling against your skin. “Saw that coming.”

“You’re laughing at me,” you grumble, lips wobbly.

“I’m not,” he says, even as his smile grows. “I just —” He shakes his head, presses a kiss to your forehead. “I just love you, that’s all.”

You sigh again, letting yourself sink into him, pressing your face into his chest. “Even when I’m mean to you?”

His arms tighten, hands spreading wide against your back.

“Even then.” A pause. “…But you’re never mean to me.”

You lift your head, narrowing your eyes.

“Quinn.”

His mouth twitches. “What?”

“You liar.”

His grin grows, shameless and affectionate, and he steals another kiss against your temple before murmuring, “c’mon, baby, let's sit down. Let me take care of you.”

[punksyeet]

- Daddy’s Home ❥

Plot: Roman reunites with his girls after a week-long work trip.

Warning: Hefty flirting, mature language, & smut (oral in the shower)!

A/N: thank you to @mrsfatu08 for this request. apologies for the delay, but i hope you enjoy regardless! 💐🫶🏼

—————————————————————————————————

“Da…da…da,” my daughter coos, before fisting a couple pieces of pasta into her mouth.

I chuckle, putting some more in her bowl. “That’s right, baby. Dada will be home soon.”

As if she can understand me, she gives me the most precious four-toothed smile.

My husband is Joe Anoa’i. Known to the public as Roman Reigns, the Head of The Table, and/or the Tribal Chief.

We’ve been together for six years — married for two — and had our baby girl, Jailynn Rose, seven months ago.

As a professional wrestler, Joe is on the road constantly.

Whether it’s doing live shows, filming pre-taped segments, or even traveling the world for PLEs, he’s home maybe 2-3 days a week if we’re lucky.

This week however, he participated in the Royal Rumble alongside being announced as two covers of the video game WWE 2K25.

So, as a result, he’s been gone for a little while.

Yes, it can be a struggle sometimes. And motherhood is difficult in itself, let alone when you’re experiencing it solo 80% of the time.

But nothing will ever replace the excitement that both myself and my daughter feel when he walks through our front door.

With a deep sigh, I unlatch the table from Jailynn’s chair and pick her up.

“Alright babygirl,” I say breathlessly, holding her in an arm and bringing the table over to the sink with the other. “Let’s get you all nice and clean.”

She coos in response, earning a giggle from me, and we begin our journey out of the kitchen and upstairs.

“Ba ti!” she calls out, jumping up and down, holding the wall of the tub for support.

I smile, letting the warm water run and create suds of gentle body wash.

“Bath time!” I say with her excitedly, clapping my hands.

She squeals and claps along with me.

Eventually, I undress her and place her in.

As she’s splashing around in the water, I hear the front door open.

“I’m hooome!” Joe calls out before closing it.

I widen my eyes and gasp at Jailynn who squeals, clapping her hands. “Dadadada!”

“Dada’s home!” I join her and say in between giggles.

Moments later, Joe pops his head into the bathroom and Jailynn goes nuts, over the moon to see her daddy.

I smile watching him pick our daughter up and attack her face with kisses.

She laughs the entire time, grabbing his face with her tiny hands.

“Give dada kiss?” he asks, puckering his lips.

She responds by leaning into him with her mouth wide open.

“Aww good job baby,” I coo, smiling.

She claps in response and we join her.

He chuckles. “Thank you, princess.”

He places her back down and she goes back to her toys, before he turns to me.

“Welcome home love,” I coo, wrapping my arms around his neck and looking up at him.

“Thank you gorgeous,” he replies, wrapping his around my waist. “I missed you so much.”

He gently holds either side of my face and leans down, bringing his lips to mine.

I kiss back and place my head on his chest once we pull away.

His scent is so comforting. A comfort that I’ve been without for what has felt like years.

He holds his chin on my head and rocks us back and forth.

—————————————————————————————————

It’s now 7:30pm - Jailynn’s bedtime.

As I lay her down in her crib, Joe places a hand on my lower back.

“I’ve got it baby,” he exclaims, rubbing small circles. “Go relax.”

I give him a soft but grateful smile. “You sure, babe? I don’t mind.”

He shakes his head and kisses my temple. “Positive. Go on, mama.”

I nod, lean down, and brush Jailynn’s curls away from her forehead, before giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Sweet dreams, my baby.”

An adorable little smile appears behind her pacifier, earning a chuckle from both me and Joe.

I stand back up and give him a kiss on the cheek before leaving the bedroom and quietly shutting the door behind me.

Once I’m in our bedroom, I decide to unwind with a nice hot shower.

I grab one of my lace sleepwear sets and head into our bathroom.

“Mind if I join you, pretty lady?” Joe asks, as I’m about to step into the tub.

I smirk and turn around to see my sexy husband, already shirtless and leaning against the doorframe.

“Not at all handsome,” I reply, taking a step closer to him and wrapping my arms around his neck. “Baby girl is asleep already?”

He nods, scanning my naked body. “Knocked right out. Must’ve known her daddy was in a hurry.”

My bottom lip slides between my teeth and I tilt my head, as he feathers soft kisses on my jaw and neck.

“Mmm,” I half-moan / half-hum in approval. “In a hurry for what exactly?”

He smirks and gently lifts my chin, his gorgeous brown eyes locked on mine. “To reclaim what’s mine.”

** smut warning! **

Before I can respond, he connects our lips, immediately sliding his tongue across mine.

The kiss gets steamy quick, as he slides his hands up and down my body.

My breath hitches as he grabs handfuls of my ass, his fingertips just barely grazing my pussy from behind.

“Already soaked for me,” he mumbles against my lips, his voice as deep and sexy as ever. “Y’missed daddy that much, hm?”

“You have no idea,” I reply, my voice just above a whisper.

He smirks and scoops me up by my thighs, never breaking the kiss.

I automatically wrap my legs around his waist, as he brings us into the shower.

The hot water cascades down my back and steam takes over, immediately calming any butterflies I had from earlier.

You’d think I’d stop having butterflies years ago, given how long I’ve been with him.

But when you’re married to Joe Anoa’i, don’t hold your breath.

“J-Joe….baby…” my voice trails off, as he feathers kisses down my body and lifts one of my legs onto his shoulder.

“Shhh,” he orders, stroking my folds ever so gently with his thumb. “Just relax and enjoy, sweetheart.”

As soon as his thick and wet tongue makes contact with my skin, I immediately feel like I’m ascending.

“Fuck,” I whisper-moan, my hand immediately traveling down to his gorgeous curls. “Joe, oh my god.”

He hums in approval, digging his fingers into my hips and flicking his tongue in and out of my clit.

“So fucking sweet baby doll,” he mutters against my pussy. “I’ve been craving your taste for so long.”

I try to form words, but the feeling of his mouth on me takes over, interrupting my thoughts and resulting in a loud and hearty moan.

“Just like that sweet thing,” he exclaims, stroking small circles onto my thighs. “Let me hear you.”

Between his dirty words and his skillful tongue, I almost immediately feel a deep pit in my stomach.

And before I can let him know, he practically reads my mind.

“Go on and cum for me mama,” he says, his voice extra raspy. “Make a mess on daddy’s face. Show me how much you missed me.”

My climax rips through my body, as I softly whimper and grind against his tongue.

** smut over! **

“Fuck,” I mutter to myself, running a hand through my hair, once I’m back to standing on two feet.

Joe chuckles and wraps me in his arms, followed by a kiss to my temple. “You good, honey? I didn’t get too ahead of myself, did I?”

I nod, panting lightly and giving his chest a kiss before laying my head on it. “It’s just been a little while, that’s all.”

Don’t get me wrong - my toys get the job done, but nothing and I mean nothing compares to the sex god that is my husband.

“Well as long as you feel good,” he replies, rubbing my back gently. “That’s all I’m worried about.”

I look up and give him a soft smile. “You’re perfect, you know that?”

He looks back down at me with a gorgeous smile in return. “The most perfect woman in the world calling me perfect? Hm, I’ll take it.”

I giggle softly and brush our noses together.

“Let’s finish up in here and get some rest, hm?” he suggests, nodding towards the door to our bedroom.

I raise an eyebrow, folding my arms across my chest. “Does ‘getting some rest’ entail getting into bed so you can get round two out of me, Mr. Anoa’i?”

He puckers his lips to the side and raises his hands, as a smirk grows on his face. “You said it, not me.”

I roll my eyes playfully, shaking my head. “You’re lucky I love you.”

He chuckles and grabs my face, pulling me in for some quick kisses.

“Now,” he begins, pulling away and grabbing my bottle of shampoo from the rack hanging on the wall. “Turn your lil fine ass around.”

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[cheynovak]

Never Alone

Beau and Y/N have been friends since he moved to town. He liked her more than he admitted. And when she didn't answer her phone after he learned she lost a loved one, he got worried.

A small one shot story for my dear friend @jackles010378 just know that I'm here for you. 🤍

The knock at the back door was firm but hesitant, just like him. I barely registered it, my mind too clouded by grief, my body too heavy to move. The warmth of the fireplace flickered across my tear-streaked face, but I still felt so cold.

I didn't hear the door open, but I felt him before I saw him. The familiar scent of leather and cedar surrounded me as soft footfalls brought him closer.

"Aw, sweetheart," Beau murmured, his deep voice tinged with concern.

I couldn't look at him. My throat burned from crying, my chest tight with the weight of loss. But I didn't resist when he crouched beside me, his strong arms wrapping around me without hesitation.

I clung to his shirt like a lifeline, gripping the fabric with shaking fingers as he held me close. His body was warm, solid—safe. He smelled like the outside air, his cologne lingering beneath the scent of fresh coffee.

"Should've called me, Y/N," he said, his voice low, regretful. "Hate seein’ you like this."

I couldn't answer, just buried my face into his chest, fresh tears soaking into the soft cotton of his t-shirt. His jacket was gone now, tossed aside so he could pull me in tighter.

His hand moved up and down my back in slow, steady strokes, grounding me. Every now and then, he pressed a kiss to my hair, murmuring something I couldn't quite make out—but it didn't matter. It was the comfort I needed, the silent promise that I wasn't alone.

Minutes passed, or maybe hours—I wasn't sure. But with each quiet moment, my breathing slowed, the shattering pain inside me dulling just enough.

Beau shifted slightly. "Sweetheart," he murmured, his voice thick with concern. I didn’t lift my head, just kept staring at his chest, my vision blurred with fresh tears.

He brushed a stray strand of hair from my face, tucking it behind my ear. His knuckles skimmed my cheek, his fingers lingering just long enough to make me shiver. Then, his thumb moved, wiping away the tear that had slipped down my skin.

I finally looked up at him. His green eyes, usually so bright with mischief or that easy charm of his, were dark, serious. Searching. He was looking at me like I was something fragile, something he wanted to fix but didn’t know how.

For a second—just a second—I swore he leaned in. His breath was warm against my face, his lips parting just slightly. My heart stuttered, caught between grief and something else entirely.

Then, just as quickly as the moment came, it was gone. Beau pulled back, clearing his throat, and reached behind him. The scent of something warm and familiar hit my nose.

"Figured you wouldn't eat," he said softly. "Brought your favorite."

I pulled back just enough to look up at him, his green eyes filled with something I couldn't quite name. Worry? Affection? Something deeper?

I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Beau."

His lips quirked in that soft half-smile he always gave me, but his eyes stayed serious. "Always, sweetheart."

And in that moment, with the fire crackling beside us and his arms still around me, I knew he meant it.

The silence between us wasn’t heavy—it was comforting. Beau sat beside me, his hand rubbing slow circles on my back as I forced myself to take small bites of the food he’d brought. I wasn’t hungry, not really, but I knew he wouldn’t leave until he saw me eat something.

He didn’t rush me, didn’t say a word. Just stayed close, letting me lean into his warmth.

I glanced at the clock. It was late. The kind of late that made the world feel quieter, softer. I hesitated before looking up at him, knowing I shouldn’t ask, but the words slipped out anyway.

"Beau, can you stay?"

He turned to me, his green eyes unreadable for a moment. Then, that slow, soft smile spread across his face, the one that always made my chest tighten.

"‘Course, darlin’," he murmured, his Texan drawl softer than usual. Then he pulled me in, wrapping me up in his warmth, pressing a lingering kiss to the top of my head.

And just like that, I melted.

I let myself sink into him, resting against his chest as his hand resumed its steady, soothing motions on my back. His heartbeat was strong, steady—a quiet reassurance that I wasn’t alone.

I closed my eyes, breathing him in. Knowing hum being here, with me was all I needed to get through this.

--

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[sheeple]

Part two to this. This series also has a title now: John has liked your photo! Hope you enjoy this as much as last time. Does it also show how little I know about kissing?

The second time you and John see each other in a cafe in the city centre. This time it's you who suggests meeting up. It made John feel giddy and like a schoolboy again when your text lit up his phone screen.

Your anxiousness made you way too early — as usual. But not too soon after, John appears in the cafe, also way too early. It makes you giggle.

"What is your go-to coffee order?", you ask while waiting in line, eyeing the menu and the delicious-looking pastries.

John hums, his hands clasped behind his back. "I hate to disappoint you, doll, but I'm a black coffee guy. Or tea."

Turning towards him with your eyes wide, not knowing if it is because of the nickname or the confession to drink coffee with nothing in it. "Not even some milk?"

He shakes his head with a smile. "None. If I'm in shipped out I'm happy to get a cuppa so I got used to the stuff raw."

Now you feel stupid for your usual very sweet coffee order. John sees the subtility in your face and he bumps his shoulder against yours. "Well, you are what you eat. So no wonder you're so sweet."

It makes your face heat up and you stumble over your words, not sure how to get out a response.

The line quickly moves along and John orders his black coffee and you your white chocolate mocha. Before he has time to grab his wallet, you've whipped out your phone and paid for it. You give him a daring smile while giving your name.

The two of you go sit in a quiet corner and wait for the coffee to arrive. You are telling some story about what has happened at work this week and halfway your name gets called out. John holds out his hand so you can stay put, and he grabs the order.

"Sorry, go on", he says with a smile when he returns with the coffees, placing yours in front of you with the ear facing your dominant hand.

"So", you say after finishing your story, "we haven't really talked about what we seek. You know... with dating and such." You nervously trace the rim of the glass, glancing up at the man.

John's leaning relaxed back into the chair, his legs spread wide and a comfortable smile on his face. "Gauging the vibe, doll?"

You can't help but feel your cheeks heat up again as you slink slightly down. "Maybe. Wouldn't want to waste your time if you want something completely different than me." You shrug, trying to play it cool.

That makes him lean forward a bit. "You sayin' that your time's less valuable than mine?"

That leaves you gaping like a fish. And it makes John crack a cheeky smile, showing he's teasing you.

"So do I have to worry about crazy exes or something?", he asks with a smile.

You shrug, putting your hair behind your ear. "Don't have to worry about something that's never been there", you say casually, taking a sip of your drink.

John's eyes bulge out of their sockets. Did he hear you correctly? Have you never dated anyone? How could such a wonder as you not have boys and men lined up and down the street, jumping for just a glance from you?

"Do I?", you ask timidly at his wide eyes and no response.

Snapping out of his thoughts, he clears his throat. Now is the time to come clean. "I mean... not like you have to worry about her, but there is my ex-wife."

"Wife?!" You clasp a hand over your mouth as you said that a bit too loud. "A-and for how long are you divorced? If I may ask, at least."

John smiles at your bashfulness. "Almost two years. We were married just short of a year. It was impulsive and I quickly discovered that being married to her wasn't as great as I thought it would be."

Unconsciously, you reach out and take hold of his hand. You can understand how hard it is to admit something like that to practically a stranger. "It must have been hard, going through that time in your life. Never mind the judgement of others."

He nods. "Something like that. It was more of the pitying glances of my family and their comments that got me at first. Their opinions about her and me and our relationship weren't always the kindest. But you get used to it and after a while, you get desensitized."

As you open your mouth to say something, a call of your name makes the two of you turn your heads. "Oh lord", you mumble as your aunt and cousin come walking towards the two of you.

"How are you, dear? " your aunt smiles widely, pulling you up for a hug. "I haven't seen you in a while! How's school? Oh, right. Your mum told me you quit and are working now. How do you like it? And who is this?" She turns her attention towards John.

The man dutiful stands up and offers his hand to your aunt. "John Price, ma'am."

From behind your aunt, you see your cousin lean over and mouth the words, "Who's that?", to you. "Date", you mouth back. She checks him once over and nods in appreciation.

"Oh mum, didn't you say you needed to go to that one store before it closes?", asks your cousin loudly, pulling the attention from your aunt.

"Right! It was lovely meeting you, John. See you next time, dear." Your aunt kisses both your cheeks as a goodbye before pulling her daughter behind her. You just know you'll get a text from her later on to demand the tea.

"I am so sorry", you laugh as you sit back down, hiding your face behind your hands.

John joins you and shakes his hands. "It's fine. Aunts are kinda my speciality."

"Really?"

"No", he smiles.

The rest of the afternoon goes by with smiles and laughs and good conversation until the staff has to, again like last time, kick you out and you're reluctant to say goodbye to John.

He walked to your car. It cracked him up to see the bright yellow car that lights up when you press the unlock button. Oh, how fitting of you to drive such an eyesore.

You hoover by the door, fiddling with your keys. "I had a really good time today, John." You shyly look up, your cheeks radiating heat.

John slowly inches closer, laying a hand on your cheek. "I did too." His eyes flicker between your own and your lips. You can't help but swipe your tongue over your bottom lip before taking it between your teeth.

"I desperately wanted to kiss you all day. Can I kiss you?"

Looking at him, you nod, searching for the right words. Stumbling out a 'yeah', John closes the distance and lightly presses his lips against yours.

Not knowing what to do, you lean into the kiss and close your eyes. John slides his other hand around your middle to pull you flush against his body. Your hands feel awkward so you replicate what you've seen over the years in movies and TV and place them first on his shoulders before sliding to the back of his neck.

A soft grumble comes from deep within his chest before you pull back, feeling like you are going to pass out if you don't. Either from the lack of air or your first-ever kiss.

Smiling wide, John rests his forehead against yours. "How am I to drive away from you now, doll."

You shrug, still slightly out of breath. "I'm wondering that myself." A giggle escapes you, licking your lips. "But I really have to go through... My parents are waiting for me. We're going to my grandma..."

"Those blasted parents of yours", teases John, letting go of you. "But if you have to go. Text me when you get home safe?"

You nod, opening your car door. "Will do. You too?"

John nods with a smile and watches how you drive away. Dear God. Is he crazy that he could envision the rest of his life together with you after the second date?

[inseobts]

Midnight Snack

luffy x gn!reader

he gets hungry at night so you both go steal some snacks

words count: 1.2k

tags: fluffy, sfw, soft, gender neutral

masterlist || ko-fi

The gentle sway of the ship rocked you awake. It's the middle of the night, and the sky above is studded with thousands of stars. The moonlight filters in through the window, casting a soft glow on the room you share with Luffy. The air is cool, but your body is warm under the blanket.

But there's something you didn't anticipate... Luffy’s stomach grumbling loudly.

You turn to your side, blinking through the darkness. Luffy is sprawled out next to you, his back against the pillow, but he's restless. You can feel him shifting beside you, his body twitching. Then, another loud growl.

“Luffy” you whisper, nudging him “You’re awake, aren’t you?”

Luffy’s eyes flutter open, squinting as he stares at you, his face lit by the soft glow of the moon. He lets out a long yawn, stretching his arms above his head before blinking at you, clearly still groggy.

“Hungry,” he mumbles, rubbing his belly dramatically, as if the sheer force of his grumbling stomach could somehow shake the walls. “Really, really hungry.”

You groan softly, your mind still trying to wake up “It’s the middle of the night, Luffy.”

“So?” He grins, as if the time of day, or night, rather, means nothing when it comes to food “I want a snack.”

You sigh, rolling your eyes “What kind of snack are we talking about? We’ve already gone through the whole kitchen twice this week. Sanji’s gonna murder us if we do it again.”

Luffy grins even wider, turning toward you with an almost childlike gleam in his eyes “That’s the fun part! We won’t wake him up. We’ll sneak a snack!”

You blink at him, unable to stop a small laugh from escaping “You really are impossible.”

“Well, you love me for it” Luffy says, his voice a little too proud as he bounces up in bed. He pats his lap with a mischievous look “Come on, let’s find the perfect snack!”

You rub your eyes, reluctantly sitting up “What kind of midnight snack is perfect, anyway?”

Luffy shrugs, still grinning “One that makes me feel full, and one that makes my stomach stop growling.”

That… was probably as good of an answer as you were going to get from him.

You smile, rolling your eyes fondly at him “Alright, alright. I’ll go with you, but this better be quick. We need to get back before the others wake up.”

Luffy stands up, his enthusiasm now fully evident, and pulls you by the hand “We’ll be fast! C’mon, I know just the place!”

The night air hits you as soon as you step outside, cold but fresh, and the ship is unusually still, the soft sound of the waves lapping against the hull making the night seem peaceful. You follow Luffy down the stairs, both of you trying to be as quiet as possible, though that’s easier said than done when Luffy’s practically bounding from step to step.

“Shh!” You whisper, grabbing his arm to slow him down “We need to be quiet. We’re sneaking, remember?”

Luffy shrugs, his grin never faltering “I’m always quiet when I want to be!”

You can’t argue with that logic, so you simply shake your head and follow him to the kitchen.

As you reach the door, Luffy quickly pushes it open, but you stop him just before entering “Wait. Remember, no ingredients! Not unless we want Sanji to skin us alive.”

Luffy pouts “Aww, but meat…”

“We’re not eating Sanji’s food!” you whisper harshly, but then your mind clicks “Maybe there’s something else we can find.”

Luffy tilts his head, looking at you like you just suggested you go on a treasure hunt “Like what?”

You scan the kitchen, trying to think quickly “Uh… fruits! There might be something hidden away.”

Luffy’s eyes light up “Fruits! Yeah! Let’s find the best fruit!”

You both start rummaging through the small storage area, chuckling to yourselves as you dig through crates of apples, bananas, and even the occasional coconut. But nothing seems to satisfy your cravings.

“Wait, what’s that?” Luffy suddenly exclaims, his eyes locking onto something in the far corner of the kitchen. He runs over to the shelf and pulls out a small jar “Aha! Pudding!”

You stare at the jar in his hands “Luffy, that’s a jar of pudding.”

“Perfect snack!” Luffy says proudly, popping the lid off and sniffing it. He then dips his finger in and takes a big lick “Mmmm! Delicious!”

You stare at him, blinking “You’re eating pudding straight from the jar with your finger?”

Luffy shrugs, totally unfazed “Why not? It’s good! Wanna try some?”

Before you can protest, he sticks his finger in the jar and brings it toward your mouth.

“Luffy!” you laugh, swatting his hand away, though you’re unable to suppress your smile.

“Oh come on, just a little bit!” He gives you his best pouty face, the one that always gets to you.

You roll your eyes but can’t help yourself as you lean forward, letting him feed you a small scoop of pudding from the jar. You can’t help but laugh at the ridiculousness of it all.

“See?” Luffy says triumphantly “I knew you’d love it!”

You wipe your mouth, laughing “I swear, you’ll eat anything, won’t you?”

“Anything that’s yummy” he replies with a cheeky grin.

You chuckle again, and then, for a moment, the two of you just look at each other, the jar of pudding forgotten between you. It’s so simple, sitting together in the kitchen, in the middle of the night, just enjoying each other’s company.

“I’m glad we’re doing this” you say softly, leaning against him.

Luffy grins wide, putting his arm around your shoulder “Of course! There’s no one else I’d rather sneak snacks with.”

You smile, feeling your heart flutter a little at the sweetness of his words.

“Well, as long as we don’t wake anyone up” you say, raising an eyebrow.

He pulls you closer, a wide, mischievous grin on his face “Well… maybe we should wake them up. I can always go for more pudding.”

You laugh, shaking your head “You really are impossible.”

But as Luffy leans in and presses a soft kiss to your cheek, you realize that, impossible or not, this was the kind of adventure you loved. Even if it involved sneaking around in the middle of the night for a perfect snack.

[cigarettesaftersae]

cream puff - 03 this spring

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Series: shidou ryusei x f!reader | contains : fluff, (slight)angst, a bit suggestive(its shidou.), highschool au, troublemaker shidou, reader loves baking, spring :P, warning is shidou

masterlist

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

Dear Diary, im severely thinking about how this spring is blossoming with surprises. My bakery life might come a little sooner than i thought, thanks i guess ryusei And the milk boxes are delicious

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

You really can’t shake the feeling off, his whole vibe, his look, and smile, blonde to pinkish hair, striking eyeliner makeup- which is confidently much better than yours for some reason. Now some may confuse this with ‘love’ but you swear to your cherry pink heart, it isn’t. It’s something else, right? Right. Because right now, you glare him down, he’s took custom of the place where you wished you carved your name into so you wouldn’t be all the way in the back of the class. Pain of hearing the teacher in the front, blurry across the room of the board. He’s just messing around, not paying attention unlike you, you would’ve written down notes that could battle Napoleon's army.

Suddenly, his chair scraped against the floor as he stood, striding over to your desk with a casual air that somehow felt calculated. Without a word, he placed another milk box in front of you, his fingers lingering just a second too long.

“For you, buzz,” he said in a tone so low and smooth it sent an involuntary shiver down your spine. The playful nickname rolled off his tongue like a private joke only he understood. But you understood it. Your eyes flicked up to meet his for the briefest moment, but his intense gaze pinned you down. You dropped your eyes immediately, lips parting to say something—anything—but no words came out.

Shidou tilted his head slightly, a curious, almost amused expression crossing his face. He looked as though he were inspecting you, searching for some hidden detail, his sharp pink eyes narrowing slightly. “Hmm… You didn’t even finish the last one I gave you.”

His voice carried a subtle edge, teasing but not quite annoyed.

You fidget under his scrutiny, the weight of his presence making your pulse race. “You can take them back if you want…” you mumbled, trying to sound indifferent but knowing you failed miserably.

“But they’re all for you”

“Why?” you blurted out, immediately wishing you hadn’t.

“Figure it out.” His smirk was maddeningly cryptic, his tone a playful challenge as he pushed himself upright and returned to his seat.

Just then, the teacher walked in, silencing the chatter in the room. Her gaze zeroed in on Shidou immediately, sharp and accusing. “You’re not late anymore, Shidou,” she remarked, her voice tinged with exasperation.

“Really?” Shidou mumbled, the sarcastic bite in his words sparking quiet laughter across the room.

The teacher huffed, clearly deciding it wasn’t worth the battle, and began her lecture instead. You let out a quiet breath of relief, thankful for the distraction. But just as you started to focus on the lesson, you caught it—a subtle movement in the corner of your vision.

Shidou’s head turned ever so slightly, his eyes flicking back to you with a look that sent your heart into what you could call terror. Or maybe it’s just your mind filled with curiosity, or both because why now, is he just happening to talk to someone like you?

Thanks to the bright skies, the bell’s lousy ring signals the start of lunch. You couldn’t handle another lecture—your brain already fried from endless notes and scribbles. Rushing over to Lui, you clutch the small bento you had prepared last night, packed with enough to share—a friendly thought meant just for her. The moment she spots it, her eyes sparkle like diamonds, reflecting every bit of excitement at the neatly arranged meal in your hands.

Settling into a secluded spot in the cafeteria, both of your stomachs rumble in anticipation, practically begging for food. Just as you’re about to dig in, you can’t help but notice a lingering gaze fixed right on you…

“I really think he might like you” Lui began “I mean he’s been trying to talk to you ever since you switched seats with him”

“Following me and giving me milk boxes is oddly unusual though, put a letter in my locker or something..” You sigh heavily, chewing away your thoughts with the food placed in front of you. Shoving you hand in your bag, you felt the string on your heart drop as you couldn’t feel a single inch of your water bottle anywhere. You took a look inside and it was gone! Disappeared, no where, at least not in your bag.

“Did you forget something?” Lui’s stuffed squirrel cheeks jiggle as she spoke

“I just…forgot my water bottle-” A sudden thud lifts up your shoulders up in surprise, a simple milk box extended out for you, your third one now. Slowly, inching up your eyes, and to your surprise the shadow looming over you is none other than Shidou Ryusei, again. “Now you have three—unless you secretly drank one or two?” he smirks

“I didn’t” you reply swiftly, “Why are you following me?”

“So bold and straightforward. I like it” He began “What, am I not allowed to?”

“That doesn’t answer my question”

“Dunno, something about you just gets my cells all excited, buzz.” There he goes with that name again; you and Lui exchange a look of mutual disbelief, a questionable form of words which you wouldn’t dear to imagine. What kind of reasoning was that? “Look Shidou I don’t really know what you’re trying to do but-”

“I want to be friends with you” Without hesitation, he tucks his feet under the table and sits in front of you.

“Uh- friends?” Lui shoots you a confused glance.

“Why didn’t you say that from the beginning”

“Well I just said it” his shoulder lumps up as a shrug, “and I’d like if you could call me Ryusei”

“Shidou…”

“Ryusei.”

“Uhm- yes Ryusei… I”

““Yep. Oh, that looks good—can I have some?” He effortlessly shifts the conversation, already eyeing your freshly packed bento of food. “What-” His fingers already made it’s move before you could even answer, not that you knew what to say in the first place; acting as if you two were already friends, “Do you notice anything different?” and he’s so random “No- I don’t think so?” Staring down at his tan features, you couldn’t partially notice anything ‘different’ “Your hair?” You take a guess “That hurts me a lot buzz, I touched up my makeup real well jus’ for you” The pouty lips, droopy eyes eat you away, what a baby

“O-oh your eyeliner yes- it seems more defined. Right Lui?” She kicks your feet, nudging you as payback for bringing her more into this situation “Uh-huh, sure, totally noticed that before he mentioned it.”

“Bingo” Shidou shoots you a wink, and to his fortune you accepted the multiple milk boxes he gifted you. What’s the worth if you never try? You take the milk placed beyond you and poke the straw into the hole, gracefully grazing your soft lips onto the tip and sip. Clearing up the desert dryness in your throat.

Outrageous really, returning after lunch—this was never the situation you thought you would ever be in. At first you thought his presence would annoy you entirely but walking back to class; side by side with him, didn’t really bother you much. Lui had left you two to be alone, excusing herself because she had some work to do with the festival. Hopefully this would be a good chance to talk about what being friends is like with Shidou.

“Shi- Ryusei, why exactly do you want to be friends with me?” Your footsteps are the only two heard while walking down the hall back the class

“You’re pretty cell exploding” (You’re pretty (and) cool)

“Oh, thanks I guess.” Now is your chance! Run away from the inevitable Shidou Ryusei before he keeps you with his claws. Or maybe that's what any other person would think of in this moment, he was quite extraordinary—yes, not weird, but extremely extraordinary in your head. Despite the somewhat weird comments thrown at you.

“Did you even have lunch? I didn’t see you eating much”

“I had a bite of your food,” You tilt your head in confusion; was that all he really ate? “Quite tasty,” he comments, ever so casual and smooth. Little did he know, it may or may have not just made your heart giggle with a wide ear to ear smile, with colorful so butterflies and daisy fresh flowers, exploding in your heart just by the sheer compliment, beside Lui, no has ever complicated your marvelous cooking. But in reality, you kept a rather straight face, and a slight red blush on the tip of your ears, something that Shidou took quick notice of and said nothing but a subtle chuckle.

“I’m…glad you liked it.” Is that really all you can say? Oh you wanted to say more, maybe even offer him an everyday lunch so he’s healthy and full. Wished for a star to grant more than a miracle can strive for.

“Mhm, hey think you can hook me up with some more of your food?” Or maybe you don’t need a wish, or a miracle, maybe you just needed Ryusei.

“You’d want that?”

“Who wouldn’t?”

As you two walk into back to class, your classmates and their spirts as hopeful as this spring festival was a wavering welcome. The class president, who took great notice of your late attendance and immediately opened his mouth to lecture you two. Your ears could bleed any moment, “Shidou, I expected you to be late but not you, Y/n” He extended out the syllabus of your name like a warning ringing in your ear. “Sorry I-”

“Blah, blah, blah. So what?” Shidou cuts in, unbothered as ever. “We’re the ones who’ll be doing most of the work anyway.”

The class president narrows his eyes. “And exactly what work would that be?”

“Uh, the baking, obviously.”

“Ahem… right.” With a sigh, he turns to you instead. “Y/N, could you put together a menu of what you’ll be baking? We have other classmates working on the design and setup.”

“Of course, I can start on it now.”

As you sit down, Shidou follows along like a dog on a leash, sitting in front of you. “wha’cha thinking of making?”

“Lui really liked my red velvet with white chocolate chips cookies, so that’s one. And…a blueberry tart, some cake of course with a hint of my own recipe and design.” You could yap forever about the recipes you made and would love to try. Make the jaws yawn till they couldn’t keep their eyes open anymore. “Do you know how to make cream puffs?” Shidou fiddles with one your pencils, “They’re pretty easy yeah…you like them?” The spinning pencil between his hands stops and he locks eye contacts with you “Would you make them for me pretty please?” He leans in closer to you, nose touching, tickling, shivering against each other. He’s begging for a little more, inching for even a kiss on your soft cheeks but he didn’t want to make you anymore the shy gal you are so he left his intimacy at that. For now.

Despite the sudden closeness, you don’t flinch. His eyes darken, black pupils expanding, dilating, his amorous gaze lingering on your lips before flicking back up. You swear you hear his breath hitch, just slightly.

“And some yukhoe too please, my favorite.” He began to fiddle with your pencil once more, backing away from you—the lead lightly tracing on the surface of his sketchbook

“I suppose if you like it that much but doesn’t it seem a bit…weird for the festival”

“Just make them for me, and me alone”

“Isn’t it…raw?”

“Raw is always better, don’t cha’ think so?”

You sigh at his utter mindset, nonetheless would it ever bother you though. You made a new friend.

.

.

.

[duachai]

HANA, DUL, SET : 106 - PARK SUNGHOON

disco pang pang.

To be honest, fuck that modesty, Really I just want you here on top of me

♱ PAIRING : PARK SUNGHOON X MALE READER ♱ CONTENT WARNING : This writing contains explicit sexual content and mature themes. ♱ AUTHOR'S NOTE : Last chapter was a text chapter, if you want to read it you have to read it on wattpad since the format doesn't translate. But you can do without it, but for some more context. LINKS : Wattpad | Book Link | Masterlist

The team was scattered across the court, warming up for another practice session. M/n stood by the bleachers, tying his shoelaces, stealing a glance at the players who still pettily excluded him.

Coach Park clapped his hands loudly, his booming voice slicing through the murmurs. "Alright, team, circle up! We've got new rotations today, so listen up!"

The team shuffled closer, forming a loose circle in the center of the court. Sunghoon stood near M/n, close enough for their shoulders to brush lightly. M/n caught the subtle shift in Sunghoon's expression, a mix of focus and quiet nervousness.

As Coach Park detailed the drills, Jake and Heesung exchanged curt nods, some sort of awkward glances and not as much touching. M/n noticed Jake keeping his distance, his usual playful demeanor replaced with a cold, distracted aura. They must of had a fight or finally got sick of each other. Sunoo, on the other hand, was uncharacteristically quiet, barely sparing M/n a glance.

"Alright," Coach Park continued, clapping his hands again. "Pair up and start the warm-up drills. Let's make it count today!"

The team dispersed into pairs, but when M/n moved to join the rotations, several players hesitated, casting wary glances. Sunoo quickly partnered with Jungwon, leaving M/n standing awkwardly on the sidelines.

Sensing the tension, Coach Park gestured toward M/n. "You can practice on the side for now. Work on your footwork and serves."

M/n bit back his frustration, nodding curtly as he picked up a volleyball and moved to an empty corner of the gym. He started working on serves, his mind distracted by the lingering hostility from the team.

Sunghoon, catching M/n's discomfort, glanced over his shoulder several times during his own drills. Between sets, he jogged over, grabbing a water bottle.

"You okay?" Sunghoon asked softly, his voice almost drowned out by the sounds of sneakers squeaking against the floor.

M/n shrugged, tossing the volleyball lightly in his hands. "Yeah. Just not exactly feeling the team spirit, you know?"

Sunghoon hesitated, glancing at the others before leaning in slightly. "Give it time. They'll come around."

M/n raised an eyebrow, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips. "What about you? Have you 'come around' yet?"

Sunghoon's ears turned pink, and he straightened up quickly. "I- uh- yeah, I guess," he mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck before darting back to his drills.

As the team transitioned into partner drills, M/n continued practicing serves in his corner, determined to make the best of the situation. Between tosses, he noticed Sunoo walking past, clutching a clipboard and jotting down notes for the team's practice plan.

"Hey, Sunoo!" M/n called out, offering a small wave.

Sunoo hesitated mid-step, his shoulders stiffening at the sound of M/n's voice. He turned slowly; his usual bright smile replaced by a tight-lipped expression. "What's up?" he asked curtly, keeping his tone neutral.

M/n tilted his head, sensing the shift in Sunoo's demeanor. "I was wondering if you'd want to help me with my serves for a bit. Like... I could use some pointers."

Sunoo glanced at the volleyball in M/n's hands, then at the court where the rest of the team was practicing. "I'm... kind of busy," he said, gesturing vaguely to his clipboard. "Coach asked me to help keep track of rotations."

M/n blinked, surprised by the brusque reply. "Oh, uh, yeah. No worries," he said, attempting to sound casual.

Sunoo nodded, clearly eager to end the conversation. "Maybe ask Sunghoon or something," he muttered under his breath, before turning on his heel and walking away without another word.

M/n watched him retreat, his neck rolling back in a shocked way. Sunoo had always been warm and bubbly towards M/n. But now, there was a distinct chill in his tone that M/n couldn't ignore.

As M/n returned to his serves, his mind replayed the exchange, trying to piece together what had gone wrong. Across the court, Sunoo ducked behind a stack of equipment, his grip on the clipboard tightening, the pencil snapping in his hands. He exhaled sharply, trying to shake the image of Sunghoon and M/n in the locker room from his mind.

Sunoo's heart ached, but he pushed the feelings aside, telling himself he needed to move on.

🏐

The sound of the whistle echoed through the gym as practice finally came to an end. Coach Park clapped his hands together, signaling dismissal, and the team began to gather their things. M/n stood by the equipment cart, silently watching as the others chatted and laughed, already making plans to hang out after practice. Plans that didn't include him.

He bit the inside of his cheek, irritation simmering just beneath the surface. No matter how hard he tried, it felt like he was still an outsider. Even Sunoo, who had once been his biggest ally, barely spared him a glance.

As the group began to drift toward the locker rooms, M/n took a deep breath and stepped forward, planting himself in their path.

"Hey, wait," he called out, his voice firm enough to grab everyone's attention.

The team slowed, turning to look at him with varying degrees of curiosity and surprise. Sunghoon, standing near the back, tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable.

"What is it?" Jay asked, folding his arms.

M/n scratched the back of his neck, suddenly feeling the weight of all their eyes on him. But he pushed through the awkwardness, determined not to back down. "I know things have been... weird and you guys don't trust me," he started, his tone edging toward frustration. "And yeah, I was a bit of a dickhole when I was in Fifty-Forty, but I'm trying to be better."

The team exchanged glances, some of them shifting uncomfortably.

"So," M/n continued, his voice growing steadier, "how about we hang out? Like, outside of volleyball. Tomorrow's Saturday, and there's this amusement park downtown. We could all go, relax, and I don't know whoop each other's ass in a confessionary and darts kinda way."

The gym fell quiet for a moment as the team absorbed his suggestion. Sunghoon's lips twitched like he was fighting a smile, while Sunoo kept his gaze fixed on the floor.

"An amusement park?" Heeseung finally said, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah," M/n said with a shrug, trying to sound nonchalant. "Rides, games, junk food. What's not to like?"

"I'm in," Jungwon piped up, breaking the tension as he hooked an arm around Niki's shoulders.

"Same," Niki added, his eyes lighting up at the mention of rides, smiling manically at Jungwon as they already started gushing about the different rides.

Jake and Jay exchanged a look before nodding reluctantly. "Alright," Jay said. "Could be fun."

M/n's gaze flicked to Sunghoon, who met his eyes for a moment before nodding. "Sure," he said simply, his voice quiet but warm.

That left Sunoo, who still hadn't said a word. M/n hesitated before turning to him directly with almost puppy-like eyes. "What about you, Sunoo?"

Sunoo finally looked up, his expression carefully neutral. "Yeah, okay," he said after a beat, his tone lacking its usual enthusiasm.

M/n decided to let it slide for now. He forced a grin, clapping his hands together. "Great. Let's meet at the park entrance at ten. Drinks and stuff are on me."

The team began to disperse toward the locker rooms, murmuring about the impromptu plan. As Sunghoon walked past, he paused briefly, his shoulder brushing against M/n's.

"I don't know what kinda game you're playing but it's working," Sunghoon said, his voice low.

M/n grinned faintly, watching him walk away. "I'm smarter than you think."

🏐

The amusement park was alive with the sounds of excited screams, carnival music, and the scent of food wafting through the air. The group had made their way to the park for a fun day of thrills and relaxation finally after practicing nonstop. M/n had been practically dragged away by Jungwon and Niki, who were on a mission to eat everything in sight. While they roamed through food stalls, Jake, Heesung, and Sunghoon sat at a bench.

"Sunghoon," Jake began, his voice a little lower than usual, a mix of caution and frustration. "I don't know about M/n. He comes from Fifty-Forty, and you know who his dad is. There's a lot we don't know about him, and that's not something I can just overlook."

Heesung glanced over at Sunghoon, his brow furrowing as he sipped his drink. "Jake, you're always so quick to judge people. Maybe M/n's different from his background, you know?"

Jake shook his head, exasperated. "I'm not saying he's the same, but his connections worry me. Fifty-Forty? His father is a powerful man and how do we know this isn't some scheme to get insight on our plays. Sunghoon you better then to trust someone like him."

Sunghoon paused, a crushed expression crossing his face. He took a moment to gather his words before responding, "M/n doesn't even like his father, Jake. I know he has a past, but he was provoked. He's kind, he's real, and he's done nothing but show me respect since. That's enough for me."

Heesung, a mischievous glint in his eyes, leaned in closer, nudging Sunghoon's side. "So, you really like him then, huh?"

Sunghoon looked at Heesung, rolling his eyes. "What are you trying to say?"

"I'm just saying," Heesung smirked, clearly enjoying the discomfort he was causing. "It sounds like you two might be... dating? Is that what's going on?"

Jake snorted in disbelief, clearly not interested in the teasing. "Come on, Heesung. Don't start this now. Sunghoon's not dating him, and we all know it."

Sunghoon, growing more irritated with the conversation, shot Jake a glare. "Stop assuming things, Jake. Just because M/n's past is complicated doesn't mean you should judge him or me for getting to know him. We're not all defined by our pasts."

"Fine, whatever," Jake muttered, clearly frustrated. "I just don't trust him, and I think you're being naive if you do."

Heesung sensed the tension and decided to give it a break. "Alright, alright. Let's just chill out and have fun today, okay?"

Before anyone could respond, Sunghoon's eyes narrowed as he noticed M/n standing a little off to the side, his phone pressed to his ear. Something about his posture seemed off. He excused himself from the conversation, telling Heesung and Jake to wait for him, and walked over to where M/n stood.

He could hear M/n's voice just above the noise of the amusement park. "Yeah, ma... I'm good. I'm with friends... Wait, what? Dad's there?" There was a brief pause, and Sunghoon could hear M/n sigh. "I haven't seen him in weeks, you know how he is... yeah, I'll try to come home soon. But Mom, he's still angry at me. He's never going to understand."

Sunghoon's heart clenched at the sadness in M/n's voice and the slight frown and glassy eyes, and he stepped forward, trying to catch his attention without startling him. When M/n noticed him, he quickly gave a small, forced smile, as though trying to brush off the conversation as he hung up and put his phone in his pocket.

"Everything okay?" Sunghoon asked softly, his eyes filled with concern.

M/n hesitated for a moment, clearly trying to hide his emotions. "Yeah, it's nothing," he said, but there was a trace of uncertainty in his voice. "Just... family stuff."

Sunghoon's gaze softened. "If it's too much, you don't have to deal with it alone," he offered gently with a brush of red flushing on his cheeks. "You can stay with me. My dad already likes you so much, he offered about 5 times now."

M/n looked at Sunghoon for a long moment, clearly torn, before shaking his head with a sad chuckle. "That's sweet and coach is great, but I can figure it out.."

"You're not a burden if you think you are," Sunghoon insisted, his voice warm. "You don't have to go back there if it's going to make you feel worse. You can stay with me, and we'll figure it out together."

M/n smiled faintly, the weight on his shoulders seeming to lift just a little. "Thanks, Sunghoon," he said quietly, his voice soft but full of gratitude. "I'll think about it."

Sunghoon offered him a reassuring smile, his eyes filled with empathy. "You're welcome. Just know that I'm... here."

"Park Sunghoon, are you really that down bad?" M/n asked teasingly, pushing Sunghoon's shoulder gently.

"M/n? M/n!" M/n as he heard his name being called and leaned forward a little to see Jungwon and Niki with sugary treats and stuffies in their hands, "We need your card."

🏐

The evening had grown cooler, the bright lights of the amusement park casting colorful reflections on the rides. M/n, Sunghoon, Jungwon, and Niki had just finished eating, their stomachs full and their spirits high as they made their way to the infamous Disco Pang Pang ride, one of the most dizzying and thrilling experiences the park had to offer. And of course Niki wanted to ride it.

As they climbed into the ride, the seats spun and boucned in a chaotic blur, sending each person into a whirlwind of motion. M/n and Sunghoon sat next to each other, with M/n holding on tight to the bar behind them, trying not to laugh at Sunghoon's long and slender flailing around on the seat as he lost complete control. Jungwon and Niki were beside them, their shrieks filling the air as they hugged each other to keep one from bouncing away.

The ride spun slightly faster, the lights flashing brightly, and the sound of laughter mixed with the whooshing noise of the spinning mechanism.

But before Sunghoon could react, he lost his grip on the bar, and the sudden motion sent him tumbling backwards and instinctively he grabbing onto M/n's arm. In the next split second, he found himself crashing to the floor of the ride with M/n on top of him, his body landing with a soft thud, straddling him awkwardly in front of all the other teammates.

M/n's breath hitched in surprise, his hands instinctively reaching out to protect Sunghoon's head, his heart racing not from the ride, but from the unexpected and very intimate position they found themselves in. The amusement park lights blurred around them, but in that moment, it felt like time had slowed.

Their eyes locked, and in a way M/n hadn't noticed before he saw complete and utter love in Sunghoon's eyes. The way they were positioned left them close, far too close for comfort, especially with everyone else on the ride.

Sunghoon's face flushed a deep red as he scrambled to regain his balance. He laughed nervously, but the dizziness from the spinning only made the situation more awkward. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to-" he started, his voice trailing off as he tried to move back to a vacant seat.

But M/n, despite the awkwardness, held him firmly, his arms wrapping around Sunghoon's waist, keeping him steady as the ride continued to spin. "It's okay, don't worry," M/n said, his voice calm despite the chaos around them. He gripped Sunghoon tightly, one hand resting on his back, the other on his shoulder. "I've got you."

Sunghoon blinked in surprise, his heart skipping a beat at the protective gesture. For a moment, it wasn't about the ride or the embarrassing tumble. It was just the feeling of M/n's arms around him, holding him steady, keeping him safe until that were able to sit back down.

As the ride continued to bounce and spin them around, Sunghoon's embarrassment slowly melted away, replaced by a quiet sense of security. He glanced at M/n, meeting his gaze for a brief second, and his chest tightened. In that moment, despite the madness of the ride, it felt like everything had fallen into place.

The ride continued for a few more moments before finally coming to a halt. As it slowed, M/n and Sunghoon exchanged a look, both trying to shake off the lingering dizziness. When the ride finally stopped, Sunghoon, still slightly flushed from the situation, looked around at the others, who were already disembarking, too caught up in the adrenaline to really have seen the two.

M/n helped Sunghoon to his feet, his hand still resting on his back for support, and they both stepped off the ride.

"That was... not what I expected," Sunghoon said with a sheepish grin, glancing sideways at M/n.

M/n smiled back, his hand still lightly on Sunghoon's back. "It was definitely memorable," he replied with a playful smirk, his voice still warm and caring.

As they walked away from the ride, the park lights gleaming brightly, M/n and Sunghoon couldn't help but feel a little closer than before, a little more aware of each other, even in the midst of all the excitement around them.

🏐

The night had fallen into a serene quiet, the amusement park now bathed in soft lights as the last of the evening's energy buzzed beneath the stars. The cool evening air wrapped around the group, and they found themselves standing on a picturesque bridge, surrounded by the gentle hum of the park and the distant sound of the upcoming fireworks. The atmosphere felt like something straight out of a dream. Calm, beautiful, and filled with the quiet anticipation of something magical about to happen.

Sunghoon and M/n had wandered off to the far side of the bridge, away from the group. M/n leaned over the railing, gazing down at the clear water beneath, where fish swam lazily, their bodies shimmering under the faint glow of the nearby lights. He seemed lost in thought, a soft smile tugging at his lips as he watched them move. It was a peaceful moment, just the two of them, with the world around them seemingly fading into the background.

Sunghoon stood beside him, watching the way M/n's eyes softened as he stared at the water, his heart swelling with something unspoken. The fireworks were about to start, but all he could think about was M/n. He had been holding onto his feelings for so long, unsure of how to express them, unsure if it was even the right time. But tonight, with the night sky stretched above them and the sound of their friends laughing in the distance, Sunghoon couldn't hold it in anymore.

He reached out and gently tugged at M/n's arm, pulling him from his thoughts. M/n turned to him, a curious look on his face, but Sunghoon could see the softness in his expression, the way his eyes had been glowing under the stars.

"I have to talk to you about," Sunghoon murmured, his voice low but clear. His heart was pounding in his chest, the words tumbling from his lips before he could stop them. "I felt like I couldn't tell you properly in the locker room because I wasn't sure if I was right to feel something like this, but I really fucking like you, Shin M/n."

M/n's breath caught, his heart skipping a beat as the words settled in. His eyes widened slightly, not out of shock, but because the confession felt like a weight being lifted from his chest. Sunghoon's gaze was steady, but there was a nervousness there too, like he was waiting for M/n to pull away or reject him. But instead, M/n smiled, his lips curving in the most genuine, heartwarming way.

"You've... had a crush on me? Whattt?" M/n said sarcatically, fanning his face in a tease.

Sunghoon let out a shaky breath, a chuckle as he felt a weight lift from his shoulders. "You're so fucking annoying. I'm being serious."

M/n's giggled but stepped closer to Sunghoon. He reached out and cupped Sunghoon's face in his hands, pulling him in gently. "I'm glad you said something," M/n said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I think... I think I've liked you for a while too."

Sunghoon's breath hitched at the words, and before he could say anything else, M/n closed the distance between them, pressing his lips to Sunghoon's in a tender, slow kiss. It was a kiss full of all the feelings they hadn't said out loud. Years of arguing, bullying each other, and even getting into physical fights after games had only subsided in just a few weeks.

The kiss was soft at first, testing, as if both of them were savoring the sweetness of it all. But then, as the fireworks above them exploded in brilliant color, the kiss deepened, becoming more passionate, as if the whole universe had aligned in that one moment.

The sky above them erupted in vibrant bursts of red, green, and gold, the sound of the fireworks booming in the air as the two of them stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, caught up in the magic of the night.

But they weren't the only ones witnessing the moment. Across the bridge, Sunoo had been quietly watching the two of them. His heart sank as he saw the kiss, the familiar ache of jealousy creeping in. His chances of finally telling M/n how he felt was crushed, but seeing them finally together was a different feeling entirely. His chest tightened, and without thinking, he turned away, walking quietly off the bridge, the weight of his emotions too much to bear in that moment.

The rest of the group continued to enjoy the fireworks, oblivious to Sunoo's quiet departure, but M/n and Sunghoon were too lost in their newfound connection to notice anything else. When the fireworks faded and the night grew still once more, they slowly pulled apart, both of them flushed and smiling shyly at each other.

"That was... perfect," Sunghoon whispered, his voice full of awe and emotion.

M/n nodded, still holding onto him. "Yeah. It really was."

The group gathered together, slowly making their way back to the car, with M/n and Sunghoon walking behind the others, not caring about the distance between them and the group. They walked in comfortable silence, hands brushing occasionally before finally, tentatively, M/n reached out and took Sunghoon's hand in his, locking their fingers together tightly.

Neither of them said a word, but the quiet gesture spoke volumes. They walked side by side, just the two of them, their hearts in sync as they headed toward the car.

But... "Hey where did Sunoo go?" 

[reality-shitting]

(Noting this for me, but maybe it'll help or work for someone else.)

I just had a bit of a crash out regarding shifting.

"Why do I need to persist if everything happens instantly?! Why do I try so goddamn hard only for nothing to happen?!! How much longer am I going to sit here, waiting, while KNOWING that I don't need to wait, but none of my actions are working?!!"

And it reminded me of an autistic meltdown. That's basically what it was. I was so frustrated and angry, my mind was screaming and flailing and throwing a fit like I did as a kid.

As a kid.

Like a toddler.

I'm having a toddler tantrum.

My subconscious was throwing this major tantrum like a spoiled brat. Like Veruca Salt or Caillou. What do these kids need? Discipline. So, immediately, I split my thoughts. My conscious, and my subconscious.

"HEY! You may not like it, but we're IN my DR. You're just lingering in the past reality because you don't want to accept it."

"There's nothing for me to accept!! Im HERE. No matter what, everyday, I wake up HERE and not THERE."

"That's because you refuse to let go of the old. I'M in the house, with Diluc, with Kaeya, having drinks and laughing. YOU'RE in the car, sulking, complaining, moaning, looking out the window and throwing a hissy fit. You COULD come inside and join us, but you don't want to."

It kept going like this for a while but eventually, the subconscious went quiet. It burned itself out from the meltdown. Like a child throwing a fit, it passed out from exhaustion. Intrusive thoughts and ADHD redirection was still there (Subconscious, the fucking iPad kid. Left the train of thought open on YouTube and now some song released in 2005 is playing in your head. Turn the volume down.) but it's quiet.

I thought, "hey, like a sleeping kid, maybe I could carry it in to the house." And then I thought: "Isn't that just.. me taking control? Instead of trusting it to do what it's meant to?" And maybe I had the right idea the first time, but if im supposed to trust my subconscious... Then I need to let it wake up. Eventually, the kid will wake up and come inside, sleepy and ready to go. Ready to accept our new home. We can still visit our old home, our friends and family, but this is our new home. And we need to accept it. It will take time, but it will be accepted.

[darkintothedawn]

RUNWAY FEVER || Stiles Stilinski 'Teen Wolf'

Pairing — Stiles Stilinski x female reader

Summary — The runway can't be that bad, right? Not when you've got Stiles hyping you up and a goddess telling you she's jealous of your relationship with Stiles. It's going to be fine. Maybe a little more than fine.

Memo — This is the first of the two stiles x fem reader fics I've got planned. Hope you enjoy this, guys! Also, I'm posting this now because day nine of The Boyfriend Code is going to be a little late ;;;;;;

Word Count — 3013

Warnings — Fluff. Suggestive comment. A single dirty joke. Completely head over heels, obsessed Stiles.

Backstage at the runway show is pure chaos. Models rush past, some still adjusting their heels, while stylists and designers scramble to make last-minute changes to outfits. Makeup artists hover around with brushes in hand, dabbing, fixing, perfecting. The air is thick with hairspray and anticipation, a mix of nerves and adrenaline buzzing through everyone.

But the only thing on your mind is him.

Stiles stands a few feet away, leaning against a clothing rack stacked with designer dresses that cost more than his Jeep. His hands are shoved into the pockets of his jeans, but there’s no disguising the way his gaze is locked onto you—hungry, intense, devouring.

His hazel eyes track your every movement as you adjust your dress, a stunning, high-slit masterpiece with a plunging neckline that leaves little to the imagination. You feel powerful in it, like you belong here, about to walk the runway in front of hundreds of people. But damn, does Stiles make you feel like you’re the only person in the room.

“Babe.” His voice is rough, low, practically strangled. You meet his gaze in the mirror, and the second your eyes connect, he runs a hand down his face like he needs a second to collect himself. “Holy shit.”

You smirk, turning toward him slightly, shifting just enough so the slit in your dress reveals even more of your thigh. His jaw visibly tightens.

“You like it?” you tease, voice light but sultry.

His lips part like he wants to say something—probably something witty, something Stiles-like—but all that comes out is a quiet, strangled noise. His eyes drop, dragging over every inch of you, and then, for the third time since you came out of the dressing room, he shifts on his feet and readjusts himself.

Not discreetly. At all.

You fold your arms, amusement flickering in your expression. “Are you—?”

His head snaps up like a deer caught in headlights. “What?”

You bite your lip, fighting the grin threatening to spread across your face. “Stiles.”

“What?” he repeats, like he has no idea what you’re insinuating, even though the heat creeping up his neck betrays him.

“You’ve adjusted yourself like five times.”

He groans dramatically, dragging a hand down his face before gesturing at you like you’re the one at fault. “Yeah, well, maybe if my ridiculously hot girlfriend wasn’t out here looking like a literal goddess, I wouldn’t have this problem!”

You raise a brow. “Oh, so it’s my fault?”

“Absolutely your fault.” His voice is firm, but his expression is wild, his hands flailing in frustration. “I mean, do you see yourself? I should be suing this designer for emotional distress. I’m barely keeping it together over here.”

A laugh bursts from you, the nervous energy from the upcoming show melting under his ridiculousness. He always does this—grounds you, makes everything feel right. “You’re so dramatic.”

“No, I’m suffering.” His voice drops into something deeper, and before you can react, he’s in front of you, hands sliding around your waist, pulling you in just enough that you feel the heat radiating from him. His breath is warm against your lips as he murmurs, “You have no idea what you do to me.”

Your heart stutters, and suddenly, the bustling backstage disappears for just a moment. The music in the distance dulls, the frantic chatter of models and designers fades, and all that’s left is him—his warmth, his presence, the way his fingers flex against the fabric of your dress like he’s barely resisting the urge to press you closer.

Your smirk softens, your hands resting against his chest as you whisper, “Oh, I have an idea.”

Before he can respond, someone brushes past with a very pointed, “Not the time, Stilinski.”

Stiles groans, tilting his head back dramatically, but he doesn’t step away, just loosens his grip enough to let out a frustrated exhale. “Okay, but after the show—”

“You’ll wait like a good boyfriend,” you interrupt, grinning as you tap a finger against his chin.

His eyes darken, his hands flexing against your waist again like he’s imagining a million different ways to make you pay for this later. “Babe, you’re killing me.”

You step back, adjusting your dress as the stagehand waves for you to get in line. But just before you turn away, you glance at him over your shoulder and wink.

“Good.”

The air backstage is thick with anticipation, a humming mixture of adrenaline, nerves, and controlled chaos. The bass of the runway music vibrates through the floor, and the chatter of stylists, designers, and models is a constant buzz around you. It’s almost time.

You take your place in the lineup, stepping behind one of the other models, and immediately feel your stomach do a weird little flip. Because the girl in front of you?

She’s stunning.

Like, next-level, out-of-this-world, sculpted-by-the-gods beautiful. She has that effortless, intimidating beauty that makes heads turn without her even trying—long, elegant limbs, perfect bone structure, and skin that looks airbrushed in real life. And while you know you belong here, standing next to her makes a tiny flicker of self-doubt creep in.

She catches you looking and offers a warm, knowing smile. “You okay?”

You snap out of it, forcing a small laugh. “Yeah, just pre-show nerves.”

She hums, nodding in understanding as she shifts slightly, checking her posture in the nearby mirror. “Yeah, I get that. This part is always the worst.” She glances past you for a split second, then her lips curve into something playful. “But, honestly? I’d kill to have a boyfriend looking at me the way yours is looking at you right now.”

Your brows lift slightly, and instinctively, you glance over your shoulder.

And sure enough—there he is.

Stiles is still exactly where you left him, leaning against a rack of expensive designer pieces like he’s trying to play it cool, but failing miserably. His arms are crossed over his chest now, but his bottom lip is caught between his teeth, and his eyes haven’t left you once. He looks like a man barely holding it together, like he’s physically restraining himself from marching over and claiming you in front of everyone.

Your heart does a weird little flutter at the intensity of it.

The model in front of you smirks, crossing her arms. “Yeah, see? That’s the look of a man who’s two seconds away from storming back here and hauling you over his shoulder.” She tilts her head slightly, observing. “And I don’t mean in a controlling way. I mean in a he’s literally in physical agony having to watch you and not touch you kind of way.”

The ego boost hits.

This woman—this goddess—who could have anyone in the world, is jealous of you? Of the way Stiles looks at you like you hung the moon? The way he’s so visibly obsessed with you that it’s noticeable to other people?

Yeah. Yeah, that feels really good.

You bite your lip, trying so hard not to grin like an idiot. “Yeah, he’s, uh… persistent.”

She lets out a short laugh, shaking her head. “Understatement of the year. I bet he’s counting down the seconds until you’re off that stage.”

You steal another glance at Stiles, and just like that, he shifts—his fingers drumming against his biceps, his foot tapping slightly like he’s forcing himself to stay put. And when you move slightly, your dress shifting just enough to reveal more skin, you swear you see him mouth holy shit under his breath.

Your stomach flutters, and suddenly, the nerves about walking the runway don’t feel as overwhelming anymore.

But before you can respond, someone shushes the two of you, snapping your attention forward.

The first model moves around the corner, stepping onto the runway with effortless grace. The energy shifts instantly, the chatter quieting as everyone watches.

The show has officially begun.

The moment the first model steps onto the runway, time seems to shift.

You stand tall, trying to steady your breathing as the lineup slowly moves forward. The music thrums through your chest, deep and rhythmic, matching the precise pace of the models walking ahead of you. One goes, then another.

You’re fifth in line.

You watch the model in front of you disappear around the corner, stepping into the blinding runway lights. The crowd’s reaction is muffled from here, the sound barely cutting through the heavy bass of the music and the distant clicking of cameras.

Fourth in line.

Your fingers twitch slightly at your sides, the nervous energy starting to build again. You take a breath, lifting your chin like the stylists taught you, rolling your shoulders back.

Third in line.

You shake out your hands once, exhaling slowly. The girl in front of you is poised, relaxed, like she’s done this a hundred times before. Maybe she has. But to you, it all feels surreal.

Second in line.

Your heart beats a little faster. One more. Just one more.

Then suddenly—it’s you.

You step around the corner, and the world erupts.

The lights are blinding. The flashes go off in rapid succession, the music pulses through your body, and the moment your foot touches the glossy runway, everything else melts away.

The cameras. The people. The nerves.

All that exists is the rhythm—the smooth, practiced movements of your walk, the way your dress flows effortlessly with each step, the subtle shift of your body as you pause at the end of the runway. Pose. Hold. Turn.

It’s all muscle memory.

A blur of white lights, shifting shadows, blurred faces in the audience. Somewhere, you know Stiles is watching, but you don’t dare break focus to find him. Instead, you keep your expression sharp, confident, the way you’ve practiced a thousand times.

Before you even process it, it’s over.

You step back into the wings, the sounds dulling instantly as the thick curtains swallow you whole. The shift from the runway to backstage is like stepping out of a dream and straight into reality again.

And just like that, you’re standing next to her again.

The stunning model from earlier, the one who made you doubt yourself for even a second, is standing there like nothing just happened, like the two of you weren’t just parading in front of an entire crowd.

You exhale, shaking out your hands.

She glances at you, tilting her head slightly. “See? Told you it’d be fine.”

You huff a soft laugh, the adrenaline still thrumming under your skin. “Yeah. It all just… blurred together.”

She nods, like she knows exactly what you mean. “It always does. The nerves before, the rush during… and now we just stand here and pretend like we didn’t just walk in front of hundreds of people.”

You snort, and just like that, the tension melts. The two of you fall into easy conversation, the chaos of the show still raging around you, but it doesn’t matter anymore.

It’s done. You did it.

And somewhere in the crowd, Stiles is definitely still struggling to pick his jaw up off the floor.

You shake your hands out again, the last bits of adrenaline still tingling under your skin. The whole thing happened so fast it barely feels real, but here you are—backstage, done, standing next to the stunning model from before like you didn’t just walk in front of hundreds of people.

She eyes you with a knowing smirk, arms crossed. “You crushed it.”

You huff a small laugh, still catching your breath. “I barely remember any of it.”

She grins. “That’s how you know you did it right. It’s all muscle memory—one second you’re waiting in line, the next you’re back here like nothing happened.”

You nod, still processing. “Yeah, that was… insane.”

She studies you for a beat, then smirks. “So, tell me. Are we taking bets on how long your boyfriend lasts before he’s on you like a man possessed?”

Your cheeks heat instantly. “Oh my God.”

“I’m serious.” She gestures toward the direction where he’s waiting. “He’s either about to drag you out of here or spend the next ten minutes hyping you up so hard you’ll be floating for days.”

You bite back a grin, because honestly? She’s not wrong.

Before you can respond, one of the assistants appears, clapping her hands. “Alright, let’s go, let’s go—get changed, and if you have any finale outfits, be ready in ten.”

You give the model a quick smile before getting ushered toward the changing area. As you step inside, you glance down at your dress, running your fingers over the fabric.

God, it’s perfect.

For a brief moment, you seriously consider begging them to let you keep it. Maybe even buy it if you have to. Then you check the designer tag and nearly laugh at yourself—yeah, not happening. This dress probably costs more than your rent.

With a reluctant sigh, you slip out of it and change back into your own clothes, handing the dress off to one of the assistants.

Then, with a deep breath, you make your way through the bustling backstage, weaving past crew members and models, until you finally reach the section where Stiles is waiting.

And the second he sees you?

Yeah, you’re in for it.

The moment Stiles spots you, his entire face lights up.

Like, full-on cartoon heart eyes, jaw practically on the floor, body vibrating with excitement kind of reaction. His arms drop from where they were crossed over his chest, his mouth opens, closes, then opens again, like his brain is short-circuiting trying to find the words.

Then, just as you reach him—

“Oh my God, babe.”

It starts immediately.

He grabs your hands, eyes wild, voice bursting with so much enthusiasm that a few people actually glance over in amusement. “Are you kidding me? Are you literally kidding me right now?”

You blink, caught off guard. “Uh—”

“You were insane!” he barrels on, shaking your hands for emphasis. “Like, top-tier, next-level, shut-the-whole-runway-down level insane. I blacked out! I think I actually blacked out!”

You let out a breathy laugh, warmth blooming in your chest. “Stiles—”

“No, don’t Stiles me, because I need you to understand that I was not okay watching that,” he continues, throwing a hand over his heart dramatically. “I almost had to be escorted out, okay? Security probably had an eye on me because I was looking at you like a deranged fanboy—which, by the way, I am—but holy shit, baby.”

You bite your lip, fighting a massive grin.

“I mean, the walk? The look? The way that dress moved with your body? I almost died on the spot. I think I did die at one point, actually.” He presses a hand to his forehead, shaking his head like he’s still trying to recover. “I saw the light, babe.”

You lose it, laughter spilling from you as you squeeze his hands. “Stiles, you’re being ridiculous.”

“No, I’m being realistic,” he counters, pulling you closer. “Do you even realize how insane you looked? How freaking sexy you were up there?”

Your cheeks heat instantly, and Stiles sees it, grinning so big you think his face might split in half.

“And don’t even get me started on how unfair it was that I had to sit there, in public, watching you be all hot and powerful and confident—knowing I couldn’t touch you? Couldn’t grab you and kiss you senseless? Torture. Actual, physical torture.”

You giggle, shaking your head. “You’re so dramatic.”

He gasps, offended. “Excuse me, I am being so serious right now.”

You roll your eyes, but your heart is so full you feel like you might float away.

Stiles softens slightly, squeezing your waist. “I mean it, babe. You were incredible. And I know I joke around a lot, but seeing you up there? Owning it? Being everything I already know you are? I was just… so damn proud.”

Your breath catches, and for a second, it’s hard to find words.

So instead, you just cup his face and pull him in for a long, lingering kiss—one that’s filled with everything you’re feeling but can’t quite say.

When you finally pull back, Stiles blinks at you, dazed, then exhales a dreamy sigh. “Yeah. Okay. That helped.”

You snicker, resting your forehead against his. “Good.”

He grins, eyes shining. “So, uh… how do we steal that dress?”

You laugh, rolling your eyes as you smack his arm. “We are not stealing the dress, criminal.”

Stiles gasps, hand flying to his chest. “Criminal? Wow. Hurtful.”

Ignoring his dramatics, you grab his hand and start pulling him toward the exit, your body still buzzing from the post-show adrenaline and his nonstop praise. “Come on, let’s go. Where’s my favorite girl?”

Stiles groans, dragging his feet slightly. “Ugh, here we go.”

You glance back, raising a brow. “What?”

“You mean Roscoe, don’t you?” He gives you a deadpan look, but his lips are twitching. “You just rocked a runway, looked like an actual goddess, and the first thing you ask about is my Jeep?”

You smirk, squeezing his hand. “Well, you did say I looked insanely sexy. I figure I should reward myself with some quality time with my second favorite ride.”

Stiles chokes, tripping over his own feet. “Oh my God.”

You just giggle, tugging him along as he stares at you, wide-eyed, like he can’t believe what just came out of your mouth.

Finally, he shakes his head, muttering under his breath. “Unbelievable. I have to compete with my own car for my girlfriend’s attention.”

You glance at him with a playful grin, voice dropping just enough to be suggestive. “Maybe you should remind me why you should be first on my list, then.”

Stiles stares at you for a solid three seconds before groaning dramatically, dragging a hand down his face. “Babe, you are killing me.”

You just laugh, swinging your joined hands as you step outside, feeling on top of the world.