#but i can’t do them in my sketchbook because i don’t feel like waiting for my painting to fully dry cause

[bluebellthesponge]

random scribble i did of me for some reason last night??? idk why it was like midnight last night and tired and wanted to go home already

[lamentationsofalonelypotato]

Chapter 8: Jealousy Doesn't Look Good On Anybody Except...

Pairing: Soldier Boy x f!reader, Reader POV

Summary: When the reader left Payback 40 years ago after a falling out with her childhood best friend she never looked back, but when two men show up to her apartment and start asking her questions about the past, the reader begins to think those things can’t stay hidden and starts to question what’s real and what’s fantasy.  This is a re-telling of The Boys Season 3, where the reader is a supe who's known Soldier Boy since 1927. The chapters will fluctuate between past and present. This is chapter eight of my "You Call It Madness But I Call It Love" series. (I'm so bad at summaries please forgive me!)

Word Count: 4.1K

Warnings: References to sex, Cursing (a few times), Drinking, Soldier Boy might be, is, really, absolutely, a little OOC,

Note: This is told from Reader's perspective. Any references to the reader is made using you or your. There is minimal use of y/n. I tried my best to proofread, but nobody's perfect. Reader is described as "curvy" occasionally. If you don’t like, don’t read, but if you do like, you’re my favorite!

The song they dance to is "You Call It Madness But I Call It Love" by Russ Columbo and this should take you to the song. It's the song I named the series for, because I believe it encompasses how both the reader feels, but also how Soldier Boy will feel in a few chapters. I also believe that the song House of Memories by Panic at the Disco, fits the more modern parts of the series.

Internal Monologue is in first person and is in italics

Series Masterlist

Main Masterlist

Philadelphia 1938

The lights twinkled along the ceiling of the dance hall as the gentle swell of jazz floated through the air. Couples swayed on the dance floor clinging to one another as the soft tones of the music soothed the dull throb of the whispers of rising tension overseas. It was a Saturday night, and you and a few of your friends from the Dawson School for Girls had slipped away to spend the evening twirling in the arms of whomever caught your fancy.

Well, at least that's what your friends wanted to do. There was only one particular man who'd caught your fancy, but he was nowhere to be seen.

The Dawson School for Girls was the answer to your mother's prayers, a boarding school in Boston, far away from Ben's "corruptive influence" as she put it. Ben was currently at boarding school number ten in Upstate New York. The last time you’d seen him was when you were on break and Ben had just left boarding school number nine for fighting with other students, but he wouldn't say what for. You’d sent him a few letters to tell him how bored you were including a few sketches and watercolor paintings, with minimal response, but it was like him not to write back.

You hadn't mentioned that Howard Stine had been coming on the weekends to take you out. Your mother was pleased with him, he checked all the boxes: wealthy, not Ben, educated, not Ben, from a nice family, not Ben, and of course most importantly, not Ben.

She was practically making wedding invitations and choosing the names of your children after only three months. However, it was nice to see her happy for a change, kept her from sniping at your figure now that someone was interested. Well, not sniping that much.

Howard was… nice, but he was one of the most boring people you'd ever met and he never understood why you always carried a sketchbook with you. When he'd taken you to Franklin Park one weekend, you stopped along the pond to sketch some of the ducks that were waddling on the bank, but Howard told you he didn’t have time to wait for you to draw them. Instead of telling him that he could just leave, you shut the sketchpad and continued to walk with him and quickly learned that it was better to leave your sketchpad at the dorm whenever he was in town. You also found yourself talking less and less, allowing him to fill the silence with his talk of the stock market crash and how the United States economy recovered due to the efforts of President FDR.

You hated that. You didn't recognize yourself when you were with him. You didn't feel like you.

And every time he was here all you could do was compare him to Ben. Ben would never tell you to stop drawing, yes he would tease you about it, but he always sat next to you while you were sketching, watching you work. You never understood that. Ben was so impatient with everyone else, but he was willing to sit with you for any inordinate amount of time if you were drawing while making you laugh the whole time.

I miss him so much.

"Can I get you a drink?" Howard puts his hand on the small of your back, leaning in to whisper in your ear. You try not to flinch at his touch. He had already been in town, walking you home from a dinner that was dominated by awkward silence and the clicking of utensils on plates when you'd run into your friends just as he was walking you back to the dorm. They had rounded the corner giggling and begging you to come with them. Despite your insistences for him to stay in and relax for the night at his hotel, he refused.

It meant that now you were stuck with him while all your friends got to twirl around with men that made them warm and giddy. Howard made you feel like you'd swallowed a lemon.

"I'm fine, but thank you." You force a smile.

Howard shrugs, before he walks away towards the crowded bar on the other side of the room and blessedly far away from you.

Your thoughts drifted to Ben. You missed your friend more than words could comprehend. Not just because you were far from your family in another city, but because it felt like you were missing apart of yourself when he wasn't there. You briefly wonder if he felt the same way when he wasn't with you.

Probably not.

You turn away from Howard's retreating figure, to watch the couples on the dance floor. You sway to the music, holding your arms around yourself and feeling your dark green dress swish around your ankles, one that you'd picked out yourself, not a monstrosity of pink tulle, but something that you believed accentuated the natural curves of your body that your mother used other dresses to hide. Your mouth turns down into a frown remembering how Howard had reacted to seeing you in it, when he tried to give you his jacket to cover up, but you refused.

You had wanted him to be stunned by how you looked in it, or at least, wanted someone to be. The same someone that was miles away and probably tickling the skirt of someone who caught his fancy.

"One of the most attractive men I've ever seen in my life is at the bar." Your friend Pearl stated looking behind you with wide eyes.

I've got you beat. You think to yourself to a sigh, wishing, again, that you were here with Ben instead of Howard.

"Very funny." You roll your eyes, thinking that she’s making fun of where Howard is sitting probably flagging down the bartender with both hands to catch his attention.

"I'm not talking about Howard. This guy is seriously a looker. And he's staring at you." Pearl says again.

"Sure." You continue to watch an elderly couple sway back and forth to the smooth jazz that ebbs from the band on stage.

Must be nice to be with someone for that long.

You watch how effortlessly the couple moves as one, how the man stares down at the woman with more love than you can comprehend. It makes your heart sink in your chest.

The way things were panning out, you were going to end up with Howard and you couldn't imagine looking at anyone like that other than Ben.

"You're about to see, because he's coming this way." Pearl takes a step back from you as if anticipating the stranger interrupting your conversation.

"He's not-" You begin to say, but you feel someone place their hand on the small of your back, turning you towards them.

"Fancy meeting you here." Ben smiles down at you, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

"Ben!" Your heart soars when you recognize your friend and you can't help but hug him so tight he laughs, the movement of his chuckle makes you feel alive for the first time in weeks. The sharp smell of whiskey and the familiar spicy scent of his cologne greets you.

"Guess you missed me." The rumble of his voice vibrates where your cheek rests against his chest.

"I did." You pull away from him reluctantly. "What are you doing here?" You can't help but smile at him, probably wider than what was attractive.

"Thought I'd stop by and visit on my way back to Philadelphia. Saw you walk into this place. " Ben shrugs. "What are you doing out so late?"

"Looking for trouble." You smirk.

"You found him sweetheart." Ben leans down towards you making your throat get unusually tight.

"Hi." Pearl says interrupting the conversation.

 Ben turns his smug smile on her. "Hi."

"I'm Pearl." She looks from you to Ben as if trying to decide that it's okay for her to introduce yourself.

"Benjamin." You watch him slip into the cool and smooth Ben, the one that charmed whomever caught his eye.

You can't help but feel a prick of jealousy against your skin. It was familiar, but every time it happened, it didn't make any of this easier. You knew that you shouldn't be jealous, you didn't have a claim on him, you were friends, just friends, only friends, best friends…

And now you were with Howard.

You let out a soft sigh watching the way that Pearl looks up at Ben and the way he leans towards her with the confident smirk you love so much on his face.

"Would you like to dance Benjamin?" She asks.

"I would." Ben's smirk turns into a smile.

Pearl steps forward to reach for his hand, expecting him to take it, but he doesnt.

"Come on sweetheart." Ben reaches out and takes your hand, twirling you ahead of him onto the dance floor.

"Ben-" You giggle, head spinning with the movement, but when he twirls you back into his chest, you feel your breath catch. This wasn't the first time you'd been pressed up against him and it wasn't the first time you recognized how perfectly you fit together. Your soft curves molding against the hardness of his muscles as you sway back and forth to the music. When you were pressed up against him, you didn't feel like you were too big, you felt perfect, because of the way you fit against him.

"You know I am here with someone-" You say, before you get too wrapped up in how good it feels to be with him.

"Yes. Howard Stine. Though I do believe you said he stepped on your toes." Ben smiles at you, eyes twinkling in the light.

"That was four years ago, and he's… sweet?"

"Hmph." Ben rolls his eyes. "You can't even say it with a straight face sweetheart."

"I have never said anything bad about your companions."

"Missy-"

"Besides her." You frown.

He laughs at your reaction, the hand clutched in your right seems to warm with his smile. "You've never said anything about them period."

Because I hate thinking about how many of them there have been. Because I hate that you don't see me as someone who could be with you.

"I try not to dwell on your numerous escapades."

"You sound a little jealous doll." He smirks at you.

"What was that you were saying about Howard again?" You tease, holding on to his shoulders as you sway back and forth to the music.

"Can't be jealous of someone I've seen get chased by a duck." Ben's eyes trace your body for a moment. Your cheeks blush under his gaze. "You look nice. Not one of your mom's I'm guessing?"

"What makes you say that?"

"You don't look like a cupcake." He spins you away one more time before bringing you back into his chest.

"No. I think she'd probably have an aneurysm if she saw me wearing this. Howard also thought it was a bit much-"

Ben's hand tightens on your waist. "What?"

You shrug, leveling your eyes on his chest to distract yourself from his hand placement. "He tried to get me to wear his coat."

"He what?"

You shake your head to dissipate the self-doubt and body-shaming conversation that was about to unfold in your head.

"It's nothing." You raise your gaze back to his, but you're surprised to see the anger that burns behind his green eyes.

"It's not nothing. He had no right to-"

"Ben." You soothe, rubbing your thumb over his shoulder to comfort him.

The song shifts to something softer, forlorn, a song that reminded you of the heartache you felt with Ben, but also a melody that eases your soul somehow.

"I don't understand why you're with him." Ben sighs, but you can still feel the tension in his shoulders beneath your hand.

"My mother is happy-"

"But you're not." The look in his eyes is unfamiliar, almost earnest, as if he's trying to get you to understand something that he can't say.

"Ben." You breathe.

"Fine. I don't want you to think about him when we're dancing to our song anyway." The look in his eyes shifts back to the playful green they'd been before.

"Our song?" The words make your heart skip a beat and you can't help but smile at him.

You couldn't remember the last time you'd smiled this much. Probably the last time I saw him.

"Yes." Ben dips you back, before bringing you up against him, the playful look in his eyes becoming softer as you come back.

You know that your own gaze is filled with love and you remember watching the elderly couple. The way they looked at one another warming your heart as you gaze up at Ben. The three little words tiptoe against your tongue, the three little words that you'd been trying to say forever, but you can't. You don't want to lose him, don't want to live in a world without him, because you know that it won't be worth living.

So instead you lean forward and lay your head against his chest, in the space between his neck and shoulder as the song continues. You think that you feel Ben's arms tighten around you, pulling you further into his embrace, but you chock that up to wishful thinking.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" You hear someone yell, and all of a sudden someone's hand is on your wrist jerking you away from Ben.

What?

Howard is standing there his chest pushed against Ben’s, trying to look intimidating, but Howard's inability to reach Ben's shoulders made it difficult for him.

You rub your fingers over your wrist, where Howard’s bright red handprint stands out against your skin.

Ben’s eyes shift to notice your ministrations, darkening with the force of his anger at the thought that Howard hurt you.

“I think I was dancing with my girl.” Ben’s eyes narrow, skating back to Howard.

Your heart skips a beat when he says that, but you shake away the thought, knowing that Ben is only saying that to make Howard angry.

“Your girl?!” Howard sputters, his face growing red. “She’s not your girl!”

“Howie, buddy-“ Ben’s confident smirk slips over his features but you still see the anger beneath the surface. “Calm down, you’ll give yourself a heart attack.”

“Just because you think you have some claim on her because you’ve been stringing her along with the harem that usually follows you, does not make her your girl!” Howard fumes. “She’s with me.” Howard grabs your wrist again and drags you towards him.

“Hey wait a minute-“ You begin to say.

Ben grabs the front of Howard's tailored suit, rumpling the pristine fabric. “Don’t you dare touch her like that.”

“I will touch her however I damn well please! She's mine-"

The grip on your wrist is so tight that you know it’ll leave bruises. “Howard wait-“ You try again to diffuse the tension, bringing your free hand to rest on his forearm to make him let go.

“Shut up.” He snaps, eyes flashing back to you.

Ben’s temper flares and the sharp crack of his fist against Howard’s face echoes through the room. Howard stumbles away, letting go of your wrist as he reels backward to the welcoming hardwood floor that catches him when he falls.

“Don’t you ever speak to her that way you arrogant son of a bitch!” Ben shouts taking a step forward. His shoulders are tense, fists clenched at his sides and his jaw is tight, as his anger burns through the air.

By now the band has stopped playing music and all the couples around you are watching with wide eyes.

I have to do something before he kills him.

You put yourself between them, your hands firmly planted on Ben’s muscular chest so your back is to where Howard stands fuming. “Ben. Don’t.”

But he’s not looking at you, his gaze is locked with Howard’s, eyes blazing, muscles tensing beneath the palms of your hands. You try to ignore how good his chest feels beneath your touch.

Damn it.

“Ben.” You say his name again.

His eyes snap back to yours. The soft green has hardened to an emerald with the force of his rage, so different than how he looked when the two of you were dancing. But he doesn’t say anything.

��Please.” You whisper. "Stop."

Ben looks from you to Howard, before he finally exhales. “Fine.” He mutters, and he turns and vanishes into the crowd of people without another word.

A minute passes and the music begins all over again, the band on the stage starting with a lively tune that makes the couples around you to move back on to the dance floor, but the tension of what just happened remains in the air.

Because what did just happen? Did Ben do that because he was protective of me? Or did he do that because he was jealous?

Your eyes trace where he vanished, longing for him to come back, but when he doesn't appear, you're left to deal with the aftermath. 

After numerous apologies to Howard, he finally relented and took you back to your dorm, leaving your group of friends at the dance hall. You knew there would definitely be a conversation about what just happened between you all when they got back, but even you were confused. Ben was always protective of you, but what happened seemed over the top. You think about how Ben called you “my girl," the way he said it sending a thrill down your spine. He’d never done that before and you wondered if it was because he wanted to get a rise out of Howard or because he believed it.

Not like he’s tried to do anything about it. You think to yourself stroking one finger against your bruised wrist. The discoloration was more prominent now, black and blue marks beginning to sprout like flowers in spring. Howard’s eye didn’t look much better when he dropped you off. You were surprised that he’d been forgiving enough to continue to see you, not that you wanted to see him, but you didn't think you could handle a letter from your mother.

Then again maybe she would pull you out of this ridiculous school.

A small tap at your window causes you to raise your head to look out the glass. Ben is sitting there, but he doesn’t smile like he usually does. Your dorm room was on the first floor, which meant that Ben didn't need to shimmy up a tree to get into it like he did when you were home. Then again this was the first time he'd showed up here and you wondered how he knew where your room was. You also weren't thrilled at his appearance because you didn't know when Pearl would come back and you weren't sure what your roommate would do if she came back and found Ben in your room. She was a stickler for the rules and despite your friendship, rooming with her was one of your least favorite things about the Dawson School For Girls.

“If they find you here I’m going to be in so much trouble.” You say helping him through the small window, putting your hand on the back of his head so that he doesn't bang it against the glass. "You might like getting kicked out of boarding schools, but I don't."

“They won’t find out.” Ben rolls his eyes. He glances at Pearl’s empty bed on the other side of the room. “Roommate not back yet?”

“No she was still dancing when I left.”

Ben frowns. “Where’s the asshole?”

“Ben-“

“What?”

“He left. And I don't exactly invite him up to where I sleep."

“Good.” Ben flexes his fist.

“How did you know which room was mine?” You ask. Ben had never come to see you before at boarding school and the fact that he was here probably meant that boarding school number ten was out.

“I might have guessed wrong.” He smirks.

“Uh-huh.” You sigh, but all you can think about is how he acted earlier. Your feet shift back and forth “Why did you hit him?”

Ben’s eyes darken. “He shouldn’t have touched you like that or said that to you.”

You stand there for a minute observing his reaction.

“He kinda deserved it." You say slowly.

You knew it was true. When Ben showed up Howard shouldn’t have lost it like he did, he definitely shouldn’t have grabbed you like that or called you his-

You stutter on that thought. But maybe he is right. I am Howard’s. We’ve been going steady… The thought of being his makes something curl up in your chest and die. There was only one man that you wanted to belong to.

"Yeah.” Ben sighs.

"Why did you call me your 'girl'?" You ask.

"Um." Ben shrugs. "Felt right in the moment."

"What?"

"I mean you are. You're my friend-"

"But that doesn't mean friend Ben." You say it gently trying to catch his eye, but Ben won't meet your gaze.

"Fine. I just wanted to mess with him a little bit." Ben frowns. "But I didn't like that he called you his, or the fact that he hurt you."

“But Ben I am his.” You whisper even though you don’t want to. “We’re going steady-“

“That doesn’t make you his!” Ben snaps, eyes flashing. “Just because he feels the need to say it doesn’t mean it’s true.”

“But Ben-“

“And I never want to hear you say it.” He continues loudly.

What is wrong with him? I've never seen him this angry about anything.

“Why?”

“Because that means he has some claim on you. You’re not his, you’re my friend.”

"You're being ridiculous. You're saying that he can't have some claim on me but you're possessively calling me your friend!" You shout back frustrated.

Why is he acting like this? Does he really hate Howard that much?

"I am not! I'm just saying that you're my friend and you're not his!"

“I can’t be both?” Your words hang in the air between the two of you and you mentally beg Ben to answer. He was acting like he wanted you to be his, like he believed that he had some claim on you and you couldn't remember another time that he'd acted this way. Sure he teased Howard, but this was more than that.

It was almost possessive and it kinda scared you how much you liked it.

Ben doesn’t answer your question. His shoulders are tense, hands clenched into fists at his sides, while something lurks behind his eyes that you can’t identify.

“Ben?” You say it like a question, ignoring the urge to press your hands against his chest like you did earlier at the dance to calm him down.

His gaze drops to your arm, where Howard grabbed you, tracing the bruises and clenching his jaw together. Ben’s right hand comes to delicately pick up your bruised wrist, running his thumb over the discolored flesh with a frown. “Does it hurt?” He rumbles changing the subject.

“No. Does that hurt?” You breathe noticing his bruised knuckles and gently probe your fingers along them.

You hated the though that he was hurt and for you, no less.

Why did he have to intervene? Why did he hit Howard?

“It was worth it.”

You both stand there for a minute, with Ben holding on to your wrist, touch surprisingly gentle.

“I just don’t like that he hurt you okay?” He mutters raising his eyes to yours. You weren't prepared for the soft look in his eyes. You expected him to still be angry over Howard, but he almost looked, worried.

“I'm okay Ben." You whisper back.

You want him to answer your question. You think again about telling him those three little words you wanted to say when you were swaying on the dance floor together but you can’t.

He nods once before he looks around the room, eyes falling on your sketchpad where it lays closed on your bed. "Got any new ones?"

You knew it was Ben's way of asking if he could stay, trying to tell you that he didn’t want to go back to Philadelphia that night, and you didn't want him to either.

"A few. If you're not too tired-"

"I’m never too tired for you."

You feel your heart beat rapidly in your chest. “Okay.”

The whole time you sit together on your bed, Ben doesn't drop your wrist, in fact he continues to brush his thumb against it while you look through your sketchbook. And in a few hours when Pearl finds you and Ben curled up in bed together, you’re not embarrassed, because deep down you’re starting to believe that Ben cared for you more than he was willing to admit.

Thank you so much for reading! If you'd like to be added to the taglist for this series, please let me know :)

Taglist: @roseblue373 @anundyingfidelity @cheynovak @cassiecasluciluce @muhahaha303

@deans-spinster-witch @kayleighmeister @demodemo909 @fruitfacess @bobbobbobinogs

@bughill126

[kivino]

Platonic!Task Force 141 x Eastern European!Reader

Word Counter – ~1.9k

Summary – a compilation of headcanons about how reader’s Eastern European background would affect interactions with Task Force 141 during an undercover mission together.

Tags/Warnings – Gn!reader, Eastern European!reader (obviously), Platonic!TF141, fluff, mostly.

A/n – RUSSIANS DNI (this is a personal boundary, so I ask you to respect it, if you don’t like it just scroll past this post). Very self-indulgent. Just showing more love to my fellow Eastern European readers. Since it is mostly based on my own experience growing up as a Ukrainian, I’m sorry if certain things don’t resonate with you! This whole thing was made for fun and fun only.

So, let’s assume our beloved Task Force needs to go undercover to get some information on Makarov and his merry band of goons. Obviously, they can’t do it without at least one team member, who is familiar with the way of living in Eastern Europe. So, naturally, Laswell introduces you to them – born and raised there, ready to help them and stop your sworn enemy from escalating an already pretty shitty situation.

“So, allow me to introduce your new team member for the duration of this mission” Laswell nods to the door when you walk in, saying your name and callsign, already catching some looks full of curiosity from Task Force 141.

First thing they noticed about you? Resting bitch face for days. Who needs a mask when you have a death stare that will give the heebie-jeebies to most if not all of your teammates? However, they feel even more taken aback when you suddenly greet them with a warm, welcoming smile and a firm handshake, not a trace of that sour expression on your face.

One would think that you’d spend hours preparing four of them for the mission by teaching them language, helping to memorize names and faces of contacts, Makarov’s trusted allies, and potential targets. Naturally, you did your job, but those precious hours were also spent with you standing next to a whiteboard, ranting about the politics and societal issues of your country, explaining certain national jokes, and teaching them swear words or poetry you studied at school. But hey, they’re not complaining (maybe a little).  

They were skeptical about this whole deal at first. However, there was a shared understanding between the four of them that they needed to do whatever it took to stop the spreading of Makarov’s influence and diminish his resources in other countries. With time, however, they’ve found things that made their life in a completely new environment a bit more enjoyable and interesting.

Soap would pick up on your native language the fastest out of the Task Force. Under all these jokes and goofiness Johnny’s a smart guy, inquisitive as hell too, which makes a pretty good mix. He’d try to write down how you pronounce things in his sketchbook, dedicating pages upon pages to making a small vocabulary of what you say, searching up the translations of words any chance he gets. Convinces himself that it just helps him to get more into his new way of life, and not at all because he likes seeing you all excited when he slips a word in your language somewhere in the conversation.

“So how do you say it?” he points to the sentence, messily scribbled on the page with the ballpoint pen he slipped from Gaz. There is a slight frown between your brows – the word looks unfamiliar, more like gibberish than something in your language. You can practically feel the gears in your head screech and come to a halt as you drill Soap’s handwriting with your eyes.

“Oh, wait. You made a mistake here. No wonder I have no idea what this is.” You quickly take the pen and scratch the right version of the word on the paper, while Johnny chuckles at your brutal honesty. He doesn’t say anything though. Some time passes and you’re already correcting other words he wrote down, explaining the right way to say them. And you can feel a pleasant warmth spread in your chest when you can see Soap’s utmost attention directed at you.

Johnny can’t help but feel that moments like these were somewhat of a way to bond for you two. He’d jokingly offer to give you some Scottish classes each time you playfully flick him on the forehead for a word he pronounced wrong. He never expected you to take him up on the offer until the five of you got stuck in a countryside safehouse and essentially had nothing to do while waiting.

On the topic of Eastern European countryside, Price is not an old man by any measure, man’s not even forty yet, but it would grow so massively on him that it’s concerning. When you finally got a good, reliable contact that gave you some useful information you had to lay low for some time in a safe house not far from one of many Makarov’s places where the next weapon deal would be held. And while you waited several days for his people to show up there, obviously almost all of you were bored out of your minds. Not Price though. The man went exploring. Of course, taking you with him (he only wanted company on his small journey through the cozy countryside, don’t blame him).

Soon enough, during your walk you two come across the abundance of berry bushes and fruit trees everywhere, and while you pick something to munch on from them constantly, Price only scolds you. You smirk in response, giving him a handful of ripe mulberries, your lips and fingers now a dark red color from the juice.  

“It’s going to rot if nobody eats it. People who plant these trees would rather someone enjoy them instead of fruits just falling on the ground, getting squished, and going to waste.” And Price takes note of that with a small smile. Soon enough the two of you find a spring the whole village uses, a willow standing tall beside it, providing shade for you two to rest, chat a bit, and cool yourself off with fresh water. The fact that there are not many people around also doesn’t miss him. It’s quiet and peaceful, Price finally feels like he has room to breathe with his whole chest.

“You know, I could get used to a life like this.” Price finally mutters, enjoying your simple, comforting presence, walking along the river shore, and hearing the distant sounds of a train passing through the village. You look at him with understanding in your eyes, as you see the tension in his shoulders finally slipping away. Your captain relaxes, which is a pleasant change of pace from the frown on his face that you got used to.  

All five of you had to live in the same apartment in an old panel building closer to the edge of town. Not the best place to live, but a good opportunity to blend in with the locals and find leads on Makarov’s criminal “friends”. More than once you’ve found yourself sitting together with Ghost on the balcony that creaked with each blow of the wind, in complete silence while he was smoking some cheap cigarettes that smelled more like burnt paper instead of tobacco.

“Can I join you?” Your voice is a quiet rasp, as you lean against the doorway, pushing the mosquito netting to the side. You couldn’t sleep. Not when the whole world will go down the drain if you fail your mission. Not when it’s been a month already and it felt like you were still right where you started.

“Knock yourself out” the man shrugs, patting the stool near him. You shuffle your bare feet on the newspapers that were laid out on the balcony floor, plopping down on the seat, your eyes immediately getting glued to the view, enjoying the breeze that seeped through the open window. You two sit in silence for so long, but it doesn’t feel awkward, quite on the contrary – weirdly calming and serene.

After that night these nightly smoke breaks became a sort of tradition for you two, a way to wind down after a long day. Ghost would nod towards the balcony, a silent invitation reserved only for you. Regardless of whether you’re a smoker or not, occasionally he would offer you a cigarette from his pack or a hit from the lit one. A gesture of camaraderie.

“Thought you’d be more talkative.” Ghost’s voice sounds gruff after the whole day working your asses off just to discover the lead that you had was absolute bullshit.

“And I thought you weren’t a type for small talk.” You grumble in return, just as annoyed about coming back to this dingy apartment with nothing.

“That I am” He lets out a low chuckle, flicking his cigarette into an ashtray in his hand, avoiding eye contact with you.  

Kyle found himself liking your cooking above everything else. The way he would eat anything thrown together in a hurry by you was quite flattering. So soon enough you offered to teach him how to make some of your favorite national dishes, and he couldn’t say no to your offer. So, you decided to start easy – picking out the fresh ingredients. And where do you go to do that? Not a grocery store, no way in hell. The market filled with tons of people is the place you need. A lot cheaper than your usual supermarket too.

The number of times you got discounts for fruits and vegetables on the market from older women just for Gaz’s pretty eyes was insane. He would just blink at you with confusion written all over his face anytime you glanced at him with that smile and refused to explain why you spent a lot less money than expected on the fresh vegetables. At some point, Gaz even questioned his ability to count before you told him just not to worry about it since you got a “very special bargain”. And, obviously, Kyle was the one carrying the plastic bags filled to the brim with fresh produce.  

“You know, your version of the dish is not half-bad,” You say, licking the spoon and giving Gaz a wide smile, which he immediately returns to you tenfold. Spending time like this with him was a pleasure. Each minute spent together made you loathe even thinking about the time when you’d have to part ways and you won’t be able to teach him your cultural cuisine like this anymore.

“Well, I have a great teacher to thank for that.” Gaz gives you a charming smile, so glad to finally have a distraction from the constant looming presence of Makarov in his thoughts. Right this moment he caught himself thinking that he was happy they had you here with them. It would be a lot harder if not for you supporting and guiding them through everything. He felt…thankful.

You’d bring the whole Task Force to different cafes that serve your country's most famous dishes, but Kyle would be the one to enjoy these outings the most, barely raising his eyes from the plate to participate in the conversation.

“Wow, are you in a hurry or something? The food won’t run away from you.” You chuckle, while Kyle ignores the odd saying coming from you and continues to eat with the huge appetite he had ever since this undercover mission started.

However, nothing lasts forever, so after finishing their business with you, getting all the information they needed, and “cleaning up the mess” Task Force 141 bids you farewell, returning to their usual duties. Saying goodbye is never easy, even if you knew each other just for several months you still got attached to them, just like they grew very fond of you (as much as some of them hated to admit that). But hey, they promised to visit you after they finish up with Makarov. They promised. And the four of them keep the promises they make.

taglist - @mockerycrow @stridersdiner

check out my masterlist for more fics or send me a request!

[johnwickb1tsch]

bittersweet ~ a yandere!John Wick x fem!reader sunshine/grump coffee shop AU... Part 16 all chapters

~AUTHOR'S WARNINGS: N$FW, SEXUAL CONTENT, COPIOUS SWEARING, TOXIC POSESSIVENESS , IF SOMEONE TREATS YOU LIKE THIS IN REAL LIFE RUN RUN RUN BC IT WILL NOT TURN OUT WELL U CANT FIX THEM~

-Aware that John Wick knows this city much better than you, you stick to the crowds. You manage to find your way to the Peggy Guggenheim collection, and you hang out there for hours, looking through the art works, but really only half seeing what is in front of you.

You are devastated.

You’ve had controlling boyfriends before, and it was not fun. They seem exciting at first, until the person you were before is eaten alive by their tantrums and their ridiculous expectations as they try to fit you into a box of their own making.

You can’t believe John turned out that way.

Or maybe you can. Maybe you have a fucking type, and you should have seen this coming.

You stay almost until closing, then grab a bite to eat before daring to wander the streets. You find a little walled in park, a courtyard filled with lush greenery and a tinkling fountain. By some miracle, there is only one other couple on a bench at the far end. You practically have the place to yourself, and you sit down on a wrought iron bench with a sigh and eat your sandwich.

You pull out your sketchbook afterwards to pass the time. Your doodling hand wanders, and perhaps its no surprise when you draw John Wick from memory, his proud lips and haunted eyes. There are tears running down your cheeks as you do so. When it gets too much, even though you’re in public, you hang your head and weep into your hands.

Darkness falls, and you know you should be getting back. The bench has long ceased to be comfortable, and yet it’s like you have grown into it, unable to move.

Even with your head down, when someone sits silently down beside you, you just know it’s John.

You do not look at him, and thankfully he does not try to touch you.

“It’s getting late, y/n. You shouldn’t be out here alone.”

“That’s none of your business.”

“Yes it is,” he insists, sounding almost tired about it. You hate it that your demeanor softens towards him, just a little.

“You broke my heart, Mr. Wick.”

“I was afraid I might.” He is sitting with his elbows on his knees, his hands clasped in front of him. “Would you let me make it up to you?” 

“I'm not sure that's a good idea.” 

“No?”

“No. I think you have a mean streak.” 

He had tried to warn you, you realize, in his way.

God, are you really such a fool?

“Doesn't everyone?” 

You make a sound between your teeth, and he nods like you have said something profound. 

“I'm not a nice man, y/n. But I would be good to you.”

“Like last night? I didn't like that.”

The corner of his mouth curves in a wicked smirk, and your heart skips a beat in your chest, damn him. Was the contrition all an act?

“Yes you did.”

“Not the last part.”

“Hmm. I tried to warn you.”

In the vaguest terms possible, maybe.

“My fanny.”

He raises an eyebrow to that, and you’re not sure why that little gesture wounds you like a knife to the heart all over again. Perhaps because he is beautiful, and even though you know he’s dangerous for you, you still want him so very much.  

You start to cry again, and try to get up from the bench. You need to get away from him, because you can’t think straight when he’s near.

“Y/n, wait.” He catches your wrist, and when you don’t really fight him, he pulls you down into his lap, and goddammit if this isn’t what you’d wanted all along. You feel small in his arms, cradled against his long torso and sheltered in the bend of his neck, even if in your hindbrain you know you are not actually safe at all. He strokes your hair until you quiet, and he kisses your temple like you are something precious.

How can this man be so sweet, just to turn on you?

“Why did you leave me, like that?”

You just do not understand. You could have had a lovely, fulfilling, mind-blowing if not vanilla night together. He’d laid all the groundwork like a master orchestrator, and you would have let him fuck you senseless. Fuck, you wouldn’t have even minded the tying up part, if he just hadn’t humiliated you.

“Because…” His lips ghost along the line of your jaw, and you fight not to squirm as his large hand slides up your thigh, his fingertips feather light on your skin. “Only good girls get to cum,” he says low in your ear, and you hate how it makes you ache between your legs, to hear him talk to you that way.

Outwardly, you do your best to keep your cool.

“And touching your hair made me a bad girl?”

“No.”

“Disobeying you did.”

“Yes.”

“That’s kinda fucked up.”

“Maybe.” He actually seems a little amused by you, which is not the reaction you were expecting. “I like to be in control. But you make me feel...unbalanced.”

“Me?” You sound incredulous. The thought that you could affect this powerful man in such a way seems absurd.

“Yes, you, kitten.”

The urge to demand he not call you that desiccates on your tongue. 

“So...what? You feel the need to take revenge for that?” 

“Maybe. I thought you knew the game we were playing, when you batted those big eyes up at me. Mr Wick, Sir, aren’t I a good girl?” His fingers dig into your thigh with the memory, and you can feel his growing erection beneath you. “But you’re just an innocent, aren’t you?”

“I wouldn’t say that.”

“You’re used to boys just eating out of the palm of your hand. But I am a man, with a man’s appetites, and a man’s desires.”

He was a little more than that, you reckoned.

“You want to control me.”

“That’s part of it.”

“Why?”

He smirks. “Maybe I had a rough childhood.”

You can’t tell if he’s joking or not.

“I want to take care of you.” He kisses your cheek again, and it is gentle and sweet and everything you had wanted from Mr. Wick, before this all went sideways. “I want you to be mine.”

You are not proud of the way those words unleash a fluttering swarm of butterflies in your belly, your breath quickening in your chest. You are proud when you manage to answer, “I don’t need taking care of.”

He just snorts lightly at that, as if it’s not even worth arguing over. “Come back to the hotel room with me. I promise I’ll finish what I started. With interest.” His hand slowly slides up your thigh, just beneath the skirt of your sundress, and you think you might die. You should not want this man, after what he did to you.

The ache between your legs suggests otherwise.

You give yourself some points, when you shake your head.

“No. I’m going back to my hostel.”

The shift in his demeanor gives you whiplash, a thunderhead of a frown pulling his handsome features. “Need to get back to your little friend Javi?” The jealousy in his tone hot as a brand. “Did he try to kiss you again?”

Your heart drops to your feet.

“How did you know he tried to kiss me?” you ask, your voice so small.

That was in Rome, after all.

What should have been obvious before comes crashing in, and you realize what a little fool you’ve been. That feeling that someone’s been watching you, and John’s so convenient and coincidental appearance outside the alley…

“Holy shit. You’ve been following me.”

“I’ve been protecting you.”

“Excuse me?”

“You have no idea what the world is really like, sweetheart. It’s a dangerous place.”

You frown at this.

“So…you think I’m stupid?”

“No, of course not.”

“You think I can’t take care of myself then.”

“I think I found you wandering around here like a lost little lamb. There are monsters here who would have gobbled a sweet little treat like you up in one bite.”

The fact that he sees you that way is more alarming than the thought of some unnamed threat in the shadows.

For some reason it makes you think of the men in the van back home—and how that van was found empty and on fire.

“How do you know about the monsters, John?”

“I just know.”

“You said you weren’t a cop. Were you FBI?”

He glares at you, which you take as a no.

“Interpol?”

You are met with silence, and you nod, mostly to yourself.

“You know about the monsters because you are one.” You think about those fierce looking Italian men with their scars and their bespoke suits. His previous words echo in your memory. Sono retirato.

“Were you in the mob?”

“Not…specifically.”

Then you remember he’d said he was from Belarus.

“Bratva, then.”

You should be terrified as you work all this out, trapped in the circle of this man’s arms, but you feel strangely numb about it all.

“My clever girl.” He sounds almost sad about it.

“Not clever enough,” you sigh.

You are not sure who is more surprised, you or him, when you burst to your feet. You actually manage to slip out of his grasp, though you only make it three steps before he captures your wrist again with a grip like an iron manacle. He gives you a dark look, annoyed that you would even try to play this game with him.

You remember what you learned in martial arts class a lifetime ago, pointing your thumb down towards the weak point of his grip and trying to jerk free. It’s worked before, with grabby men.

Not with John Wick, though.

“Stop.” Again, there’s that steely tone. The alpha voice one uses to reprimand a naughty dog. It only makes you angrier, and you struggle.

He pulls you hard against him, and you bite his hand. He doesn’t let you go, just adjusts his grip. “I didn’t want to do it this way,” he snarls low in your ear. “But you are so fucking stubborn.”

“Thank you.” You try to headbutt him behind you, but he ducks into the bend of your shoulder. You feel his chest trembling against your back, and only belatedly do you realize he is laughing at you.

“Enjoying this?”

“A little.”

“There’s no fucking way you can get me out of here without someone seeing. Let me go.”

He just sighs into your hair, like you’ve said something extremely naïve.

The arrival of newcomers into the park catches both of your attention. You lift your head, ready to ask for help, when you recognize the besuited tough guys from before.

Well, fuck.

“You've got some balls, showing your face around here, John Wick. Gianna d’Antonio’s son sends his greetings.”

“This isn’t a good time,” he snarls in return.

“Sorry, are you too busy fighting with your little girlfriend?”

He actually releases you then, pushing you to stand behind him. They are blocking the exit, so for now, you comply.

“You know how this will go,” John says, assuming a ready stance, his feet spread. He almost sounds regretful about it. “Do yourselves a favor, and leave.”

“Can’t do it, John,” says the one in the lead.

“For fuck’s sake,” curses John under his breath. The lead Italian makes a move, and John bursts into action. He is like a tornado of carnage upon them, throwing punches and breaking arms, cutting tendons and stabbing throats.

You are absolutely frozen as you watch all this unfold before you.

That is, until one of the thugs throws a knife at John, and you watch it bury in his chest. This is the thing that breaks your spell, and you run towards the fray with a scream, though who the fuck knows what you intend to do.

However, like he wasn’t just stabbed in the heart, John takes another attacker’s gun, pistol whipping him with it before shooting the knife thrower, then the last one standing. It cannot have been more than minute, before all of them are dead at his feet. He leans on his bent knees for a moment, catching his breath.

“John?” You hardly recognize your own voice as you rush to him, certain he’s taken a lethal blow and somehow fought through it with the surge of adrenaline. However, when you peel back his suit jacket you find no blood. He lets you look him over with frantic hands, maybe enjoying the fact that you don’t wish him dead, before pulling the still protruding knife from the breast of his jacket.

When he produces the little leather journal you’d gifted him from his inside pocket, now gravely marred with a puncture through the cover, you understand.

“Holy fuck.”

“You saved my life,” he says with an odd little smile down at you, as though all this is normal and what you just saw is totally ok.

Utterly horrified, you run.

“Y/n, wait!”

You throw yourself into the dark winding streets, taking any turn you can, trying to stay out of sight. Your feet fly beneath you; even in your shitty strappy sandals, it’s the fastest you’ve ever run.

It’s not fast enough.

When strong arms close around you, lifting you from the ground, you try to scream. A big hand clamps over your mouth, and you find yourself pressed hard into a stone wall. “Please, calm down,” he pants in your ear, out of breath from killing four people then running you down.

Your answer of, “Are you fucking kidding me?” is nothing but muffled syllables.  

“Goddammit,” he sighs behind you, rifling in his pocket for something as he pins you with his body. “This is not how I wanted this to go.”

Your pitiful plea of “Let me go,” is cut off by an evil-smelling cloth shoved into your nose.

[gingerjunhan]

boyfriend headcannons - han hyeongjun

☆彡 EEEEEEKK it’s Jun Han time! :D 🩷

word count: 690 | pronouns used: none | genre: fluff, established relationship | cws: YouTube like is safe!!, all caps, (Hyeongjun’s) insecurities mentioned, eating mentioned, I love him, not proofread, lmk if I missed something

← previous member | next member →

obviously, I have a lot to say

here we go

first things first, Hyeongjun shows you how he loves you instead of telling you

there was some radio interview they did one time where the other members said he doesn’t say “I love you much”

so he makes sure to physically show his appreciation for you

what’s that? you were stressed from your workload? Hyeongjun made you dinner and cleaned up your place while you were out

you’re feeling nervous about a big job interview? he got you flowers to wish you good luck

stuff like that

I also feel like someone somewhere said that Hyeongjun is really good with dates?

idk maybe I’m gaslighting myself into thinking that

but he never never forgets anything!

birthdays, anniversaries, important events- he’s there

I also think a lot about the one Knock Down Debate that they did where Hyeongjun yelled at the others because they never pick up their phones when he calls them

so hey, at least he’s good at communication in that aspect

I don’t think Hyeongjun is one for pet names

I literally cannot picture him calling someone a pet name, but I could easily be wrong

if he did I feel like they would be simple

“honey”

“love”

“sweetie”

short and sweet stuff

he gets flustered easily if you call him something though!

I feel like it would be really easy to fluster him

STOOOPP imagine Hyeongjun meeting your pets

forget about your family- let this man meet your cat

okay but fr this man is sweating buckets meeting your family

he’s afraid that they would think he’s too quiet or too boring :(

but once they get to know him and once he warms up to them that’s obviously not true!

I mean, come on, look at the way that man can shred on the guitar. there is not a boring bone in his body

he’s a kiss on the cheek typa guy

no big fancy gestures

just something cute, simple, and sweet

he actually doesn’t strike me as a big gesture guy at all?

no wait let me explain

let me cook

not big on PDA, not the best with words, and he wouldn’t feel like his acts of kindness are very big

like, he let you hold on to kkito while he was away for a few days so you wouldn’t miss him- why are you crying?

ugh I wanna squeeze him :(

he will come to you with any sort of problem no matter how big or how small

he trusts you completely

he would literally be your friend first and your boyfriend second

Hyeongjun strikes me as the type to not need affection much, but when he does he’s a little nervous to ask

“Jun, what’s wrong?”

“I need a hug.” :(

you almost don’t hear him but y’all are so close that you can figure it out

you can basically read his mind

I feel like a relationship with Hyeongjun would go slow, and that’s okay!

why mess with perfection 😉

no need to rush first kisses or first I love yous

you’re just having fun together!

HE MAKES A PLAYLIST OF SONGS THAT REMIND HIM OF YOU 😭😭😭😭

“This song played in the restaurant during our first date.”

“This song was stuck in my head right before you kissed me for the first time.”

“This song was-“ STOP IT I can’t do this anymore

ALWAYS makes sure you’re taking care of yourself

making sure you eat meals and get enough rest

he’s so open minded!

I feel like he has strong opinions, but he’s chill with most things?

those two things literally cancel out but whatever

he buys clothes that he also thinks you would like in case you want to steal them 😼

pays very close attention to detail!

no new haircut or nail color goes unnoticed!

he draws little pictures of you in his sketchbook all the time :(

loving Hyeongjun is gentle, calm, and fun- like sitting in the grass on a sunny day

no pressure, no rush, just you two having fun being together 🩷

god I love him so much

taglist: @dazzlingligth , @mini-mews , @mxlly143 , @somethingaboutcheese , comment to be added!⁎⁺˳✧༚

[inkandtension]

Loverboy!Hyunjin

Basically, Loverboy!Hyunjin, according to me!

Hyunnie <3, sent you a message!

"I Love You"

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who is a hopeless romantic at heart

He goes all out for you with handwritten love letters, doodles of you in his sketchbook, and surprise dates at places you’ve casually mentioned wanting to visit.

He’s the type to leave notes like, “You’re the best part of my day,” hidden in your bag.

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who shows his love through art

He sketches your face endlessly, saying, “I just can’t get you out of my head, so I might as well put you on paper.”

He often paints landscapes and adds tiny details inspired by moments you’ve shared, like a sunset he watched with you.

He lets you draw on him.

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who constantly showers you with compliments

He loves hyping you up, saying things like, “You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen—inside and out.”

Even on your bad days, he finds a way to remind you how incredible you are, whispering, “I wish you could see yourself the way I see you.”

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who plans romantic surprises

From elaborate candlelit dinners to recreating your favorite movie moments, he’s always finding new ways to make you feel special.

He once filled your room with fairy lights and rose petals just to say, “I love you more than words can express.”

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who loves acts of service

He’s always attentive, taking care of the little things you forget, like packing you snacks or refilling your water bottle without asking.

When you’re stressed, he’ll take over chores and encourage you to relax, saying, “You deserve a break, my love.”

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who is the clingiest in the sweetest way

He’s always holding your hand, resting his head on your shoulder, or wrapping you in a hug because, “It feels wrong when I’m not touching you.”

If you’re sitting together, his legs are always tangled with yours because he can’t help but want to be close.

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who is adorably dramatic over small things

If you don’t answer his texts quickly, he’ll send a follow-up like, “Are you ignoring me? My heart is breaking!”

He pouts exaggeratedly when you tease him, only to burst out laughing when you kiss him to “make up for it.”

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who is loyal and protective

He makes it clear that no one messes with you, always ready to stand up for you if needed.

His protective side shines most when he pulls you closer and says, “You don’t have to face anything alone. I’m here.”

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who playfully teases you to see you smile

He loves pretending to be offended over silly things, like you stealing a fry, just to hear you laugh when he fake-sulks.

His teasing always ends with a sweet comment, like, “I’m only joking because you’re so cute when you’re flustered.”

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who keeps every little thing you give him

He treasures every gift, note, or trinket from you, keeping them safe in a box he opens when he misses you.

Sometimes, he’ll surprise you by wearing a bracelet you made him years ago, saying, “It’s my lucky charm.”

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who adores spoiling you

He takes every opportunity to surprise you with your favorite things, from snacks to spontaneous weekend trips.

Seeing your smile makes him happier than anything, and he’ll always say, “You deserve the world, and I’ll give it to you.”

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who loves dreamy late-night conversations

He talks about the future like it’s a story he’s excited to write with you, imagining your dream home and adventures.

While cuddling, he’ll whisper, “I can’t wait to see what our forever looks like.”

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who is your biggest fan in everything you do

He brags about you constantly to his friends, casually mentioning your achievements like they’re his own.

He also hypes you up online with vague captions like, “Feeling extra lucky today.”

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who is your gentle source of comfort

On your tough days, he’ll hold you close, stroking your hair and whispering soft reassurances like, “It’s okay to feel this way. I’ve got you.”

He’s always patient and understanding, giving you the space you need to heal while staying by your side.

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who is completely head over heels for you

His love for you is visible in everything he does, from the way he looks at you like you’re the only person in the world to how he prioritizes your happiness.

He doesn’t shy away from saying it outright: “I love you more than anything, and I always will.”

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who caresses your skin like it’s made of silk

When he notices a patch of unshaved skin, instead of teasing you, he gently brushes his cheek against it, murmuring, “It’s soft, like you.”

He’ll look up at you with a playful smile, adding, “Don’t be embarrassed. You’re perfect like this.”

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who plays with your hair like it’s his personal comfort toy

He loves running his fingers through it, sometimes braiding small sections just to see how it looks.

When he notices a few stray flyaways, he kisses the top of your head, saying, “Even your messy moments are beautiful.”

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who adores every cell you’re insecure about

If you complain about a scar or a birthmark, he traces it with his fingers and whispers, “It’s part of you. How could I not love it?”

He’ll often kiss those spots, reminding you they’re what make you unique.

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who steals kisses from your hands

Whether you’re holding hands or gesturing while talking, he’ll suddenly lean in to plant a kiss on your knuckles, grinning mischievously.

If your hands are cold, he cups them in his own and softly blows warm air on them, muttering, “Gotta take care of these precious hands.”

calls them "Hands that make his future."

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who massages your feet

He notices when you’re tired and immediately offers to rub your feet, not caring if they’re unpolished or sore.

“You’ve been working hard. Let me take care of you,” he’ll say, eyes full of affection.

will absolutely cut your toenails and nails.

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who kisses every “imperfection”

He adores kissing freckles, stretch marks, or blemishes, calling them “love spots” that tell a story about you.

“These make you, you, and I wouldn’t change a thing,” he reassures, his lips lingering on each spot.

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who loves your lazy days

If you’re in your comfiest clothes with messy hair and haven’t bothered with skincare, he still looks at you like you’re a masterpiece.

He’ll plop down next to you, cheek pressed against yours, saying, “You’re cutest when you’re just being you.”

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who is obsessed with the little details

He loves noticing random things like the way your eyelashes curl or the tiny scrunch of your nose when you taste something bitter.

“Did you know this is my favorite spot?” he’ll say, pointing to something random, before pecking your nose softly.

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who makes you feel at ease about natural things

If you mention feeling self-conscious about your skin, body hair, or anything else, he immediately brushes it off with a soft smile.

“Who cares? You’re real, and that’s why I’m in love with you,” he says, pulling you into a warm hug.

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who loves seeing you relaxed

He finds you most beautiful when you’re just lounging at home, no makeup, hair tied up, and wearing his oversized hoodie.

“How are you more stunning than anyone else, even like this?” he asks, completely mesmerized.

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who loves nuzzling into your neck

He’s always finding an excuse to tuck his face against your neck, breathing in your scent and murmuring, “This is my favorite place in the world.”

If you laugh and try to push him away, he holds on tighter, grinning, “Nope, you’re stuck with me.”

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who treasures your “flaws” because they make you, you

If you ever point out something you don’t like about yourself, he immediately counters with all the reasons he loves it.

“Don’t you know? That’s one of the things I fell in love with first,” he’ll say, kissing the spot you were insecure about.

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who loves teasing

He playfully pinches your cheeks when you’re pouting, calling you “my grumpy little angel.”

If you glare at him, he immediately melts into apologies, showering you with kisses, saying, “Okay, okay, I’m sorry! But you’re so cute!”

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who is addicted to cuddling

He insists on being the big spoon, even though he sometimes switches to be the little spoon, whining, “I want you to hold me for a change!”

His favorite thing is tracing patterns on your back while you both talk about random things late at night.

Loverboy!Hyunjin, who does anything for you

When you’re stressing over guests and ask him to peel oranges, he smiles and says, “Darling, if I could, I’d peel the earth off its atmosphere. These are nothing.”

He’ll then peel them perfectly, arranging the slices neatly on a plate, adding, “Anything for you.”

[lunaroserites]

Art and Ice - Nicknames

Pairing: Eventual Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader

Characters: Natasha, Wanda, Pietro, Loki, Bucky, Sam Wilson, Clint Barton, a lot of the avengers cast is mentioned.

Summery: Bucky and MC meet officially for the first time!

This might a 2 or 3 parter (it's gonna be more because cannot help myself). College AU, our boy Bucky is on the hockey team, and reader is an art major (because I love that trope and couldn't help myself)

Warnings: Not beta'd! All mistakes are my own. Friends fluff, swearing I think, mentions of college students being college students. Bit of friendly harmless flirting between friends. Derogatory use of the word puck bunny. Bucky is a playboy. Mention of drugs (No use, just a couple comments). Fighting, and mentions of attempted drugging at a party.

Word Court: 2957

Likes, reblogs, comments are appreciated!

Please do not repost, translate or otherwise copy my work elsewhere, without my express permission, thank you! Lunaroserites on tumblr and ao3

Chapter 1 Chapter 2

“I can’t do this,” You groaned looking down at the few sketches you’ve managed to produce since you refused to step foot back into the hockey arena again. You could feel the pit you were falling into already growing, and it was all because of a certain fluffy haired, sea-blue eyed hockey player.  

“You can do this and you will do this darling,” Loki drawled out as he spoke with a hint of annoyance. He was laying down with his leg dangled off the side of the fountain in the student commons, an open area full of windows and natural light. His other leg was propped up and bent at the knee which you were using as a back rest. You side eyed him begrudgingly. 

“This is awful,” you leaned your head back against his knee. 

“Well don’t look now, but awful just entered the commons,” you followed Loki’s gaze and noticed Barnes and a couple of the other players entering the area. A couple girls were making their way over to them as they placed their bags down and sat at a bar table. Barnes' eyes swept the commons and caught your gaze, he stopped and squinted and you looked down instantly. 

He nudged Wilson with his elbow, who made an annoyed noise, “what Bucky?” Bucky tipped his chin in your direction, Wilson’s eyes followed and he stared for a couple seconds. “Wait, is that the girl from the rink?” Bucky nodded, thinking the same thing. He couldn’t get your eyes out of his head, they were so expressive from the few glimpses he had of them. “She’s hanging out with Odinson’s brother,” the younger Odinson was usually present at the parties his brother threw but rarely participated in anything. Usually hiding away in a corner or in his room reading.

“I think so,” Bucky stood and threw his bag over his shoulder. 

“Where are you going?” Wilson hissed. 

“To say hello,” Bucky gave him his dazzling smile. 

Loki noticed Barnes coming toward you two before you did, your head was down as you focused on the drawing you were working on, “trouble is heading our direction,” Loki said lowly, you looked up without lifting your head and saw Barnes striding in your direction. You swallowed thickly and kept your head down, he might just be walking in this direction for another reason. He couldn’t pick you out in a crowd, impossible, he only saw you twice. 

“Excuse me,” your dreams were dashed as you saw the toes of his shoes and his frame created a shadow over your sketchbook. “I couldn’t help but notice you were at the rink a week ago,” he said, “and I know every pretty girl that hangs out there, can’t say I know you,” he said with an air of arrogance. You scoffed at him, side eyeing Loki who had his book covering his mouth, but you could feel the slight tremble from his contained amusement. 

“I think you’re mistaken,” you said in a hushed tone. 

“I don’t think so, you have the same hair and,” his hand snatched the sketch book from you. “Sketch book,” you jumped startled at the sudden invasion of privacy. 

“Hey give that back,” you snapped harshly. Reaching to take the book back, he kept it from your reach easily. You stood now and pushed his outstretched hand out of the way to grab the book from his other hand. Your chest pressed up against his as you reached desperately for the sketchbook. “I said give it back.”

“Ah baby, don’t be like that,” your nose scrunched up and you narrowed your eyes at him, he had a playful expression on his face and his eyes were gleaming with mischief as he gazed down at you. 

“I’m not your baby,” you said sternly. “And give me my sketchbook back please, now.” You seethed. His eyes flicked to you for a moment before flicking to the open drawing. 

“You know that certainly looks like me, I know I have admirers. But no one has ever drawn me,” he mused as he continued to keep the book from your grasp. You looked at Loki who was already sitting up and standing. 

“Give it back to her Barnes,” Loki's tone was tense, and stern. “She asked you nicely.” 

Barnes' eyes snapped from the book to Loki in an instant and he turned to fully face Loki. They stood at the same height, but Barnes was stockier. “What are you gonna do about it Odinson,” Barnes taunted. 

“Don’t be a child. You wouldn’t want to cause a scene,” Loki said in a tone with underlying intent. “You don’t need the coach to hear about another incident,” Loki said knowingly. You watched the tense exchange between the two men with wide eyes, the tension palpable. A few more tense seconds and Barnes relented, lifting his hands up in mock surrender. 

“Whatever prick,” Barnes spat at Loki. “You ever want to have some real fun, you know where to find me sugar” he winked  and handed the sketch book to Loki and looked at you once more, his eyes roving over your body. Your eyes widened at his choice of words, taken slightly back by how hostile he became when Loki intervened. 

Loki handed you back your sketchbook before putting a hand on your back and leading you the opposite direction of Barnes, you looked over your shoulder quickly before picking up the pace to match Loki. 

Once sufficiently far away from the commons you stopped and looked up at Loki. 

“What was that?” You asked. You know Loki knew Bucky, hell you’d seen him at Thor’s parties before. Usually you would be in Loki's room with him when you attended them, disliking them as much as he did. 

“Barnes being Barnes,” Loki said with a slightly annoyed tone. “He’s got a rap sheet. One more complaint or misbehavior and he’s benched for the rest of the season,” Loki stated. “That doesn’t look great for an NHL prospect.” You nodded as you listened to him speak. 

“Thank you,” you said softly as you hugged your sketch pad to your chest. 

“It’s no problem darling,” he said back sweetly. “Now, you need to get back to the rink and get your project together.” You huffed and groaned. 

“You had to ruin it,” you whined and threw your head back. “I’ll go with Nat to the next practice,” you relented and stared up at Loki. 

Loki smiled and patted the top of your head “perfect darling.” You glared at him for a moment before shaking your head.

~The next day~

You sighed as Nat dragged you to the rink, making sure you had the appropriate clothing on this time so you couldn’t duck out randomly. 

“This is the worst,” you groaned as you sunk into the hard plastic seats and covered your face with your hands. 

“Stop whining, it’s fine,” Nat sat next to you and smiled at Clint who skated up to the glass. He waved at her and you before skating backwards, showing off. Nat was like a giggly school girl as she watched him. You rolled your eyes and smirked at her. 

You propped your sketch pad on the arm of the seat and hunched over to draw. Your eyes trained on the skates as the players drifted by. The movement of the blades over the ice was incredible. You had stayed up and researched how the skating part actually worked, “Nat? Did you know the reason they glide like that?” You said absently as you focused on the sketch you're doing. She hummed in acknowledgment, “the blade of skate melts a very thin layer of the surface ice and they glide on the water from the melt,” you muttered. 

“Interesting, no I didn’t,” Nat said back as she watched her man snipe a puck into the net. You were watching as well, sketching the stick as he flicked it effortlessly and the puck soaring through the air. Silence fell over you two once again as you focused on the paper before you. 

That silence was quickly ruined by someone slamming into the boards in front of you and you yelped in surprise. You squinted at the body in front of you and then glared at him. Barnes. He was saying something but you couldn’t quite hear him, pointing to your ear and then shrugging to indicate you couldn’t hear him. He made some obscene gestures before skating away. You rolled your eyes and went back to drawing once again. 

Then someone else banged on the glass making it shake. You looked up and glared, but this time it wasn’t Barnes, his teammate, “Wilson,” Nat said as you stared at him. 

Wilson was pointing toward the center of the rink where Barnes was skating effortlessly, moving beautifully on the ice. He moved the puck back and forth quickly causing the defenceman to stumble and he scored on the net. He lifted his hand up in the air and spun on one foot. He pointed his gloved hands at you, you rolled your eyes in response. 

As much as you hated to admit it, Barnes' movement was too captivating to not want to draw. “He might be a prick, but damn he can skate,” Nat voiced your thoughts. 

“He’s handsome too,” you regretted the words the second they spilled out. Nat turned her head and raised her brow at you, a sly smile on her lips. “No, I don’t mean I think he’s handsome. He’s just you know, got that natural handsomeness to him,” you stammered. “Oh god, I’m making it worse,” you buried your face in your hands. Nat laughed a deep bellied laugh while patting your shoulder. 

“No, you’re right. He’s handsome. And he knows it. That makes it worse,” Nat said, her tone a little sour. You nodded in agreement, he then flew past you two, you both rolled your eyes. 

Practice ended and you followed Nat to the wait for Clint. She asked you to join them for pizza after practice. Standing in a hallway that leads to the locker room you were showing her what you drew that night. 

“Ah, my number one admirer,” his voice rang out, you wanted the floor to swallow you whole. “Did you get my good side,” he asked. You rolled your eyes at him for what felt like the millionth time tonight. 

“You only have good sides,” a whiny voice said and you cringed. Nat mirroring your expression but being much more subtle you’re sure. 

“Hey babe,” Clint said as he wrapped his arm around Nat and kissed her temple. “Barnes,” he tipped his head toward his teammate. 

“Barton,” Barnes said back, “you gonna introduce me to your friend?” 

“Uh, she’s Nat's friend,” Clint said. 

You shook your head and dismissed Clint with a smile. 

“My name is…” 

“I like Bunny,” Barnes cut you off suddenly. “I don’t do names for pretty ladies,” he stated. The girl hanging off his arm made a disgruntled noise and looked taken back by his open flirtation while she was right there. You felt a little bad for her.

“Nuh uh, I’m not one of those puck bunnies,” your eyes flicked to the girl hanging off his arm apologetically. 

“Never said you were Sketch,” you scrunch your nose at the nickname. 

“Original,” you sassed. 

“I’ll figure one out,” he affirmed, you crossed your arms over your chest and shook your head. 

“God you’re insufferable,” you muttered, glowering at him.

“Is he always like that?” You asked as you sat down across from Nat and Clint in the booth at the pizza place. It was a local spot, well loved by the students that populated the town.

“Barnes?” Clint as he took a bite of his pizza, you nodded. 

“Yeah, he’s all talk. He’s practically harmless,” you raised an eyebrow at Clint. “Off the ice, he’s hell on it.” You nodded. “So what’s the project you’re working on?” He asked. 

“Movement, human movement. My art prof has a vendetta against me so I’m trying to go outside the box. Pietro offered to let me do the project on him at the track. But Prof. Grace would just say I made the safe choice,” I groaned. “And football season is over so I couldn’t do it on Thor.” Clint was familiar with Peitro and Wanda since they hung around Nat, same as Thor since the sports teams tended to run in the same circles outside games. 

“Right, your roommates,” he nodded. You lived with Wanda and Pietro since the start of university, being you were good friends with them. You had met Nat your first year and subsequently met Clint when they started dated that same year. “You’re friends with Thor's brother aren’t you?” You nodded and smiled. 

“Yeah, best friends since middle school,” you nodded. “So by extension I’ve known Thor and Hela since then as well,” you added afterwards. 

“Why did you pick hockey?” You shrugged. 

“Nat suggested I come and watch a practice. You guys move so fluidly on the ice it was easy to draw,” you answered simply, eating another piece of pizza. “And frustratingly Barnes is incredibly talented and moves beautifully, I might have to ask him if I can make him my focus,” you groaned and rubbed your temples. “But he’s insufferable.” 

Clint let out a loud laugh at that and nodded, “he can be. He’s honestly not that bad once you can get past the jock personality.” You rolled your eyes. 

“That’s like saying cocaine isn’t bad once you get past the cocaine,” you laughed. “I’m pretty sure the jock personality is just him.” 

“Eh, he’s cocky, but he’s earned it. He’s pretty damn good,” Clint said. 

The rest of the evening passed quickly as conversation drifted from the brunette that had been clouding your thoughts. 

“Thanks for the lift,” you waved as Clint and Nat drove away. You quickly climbed the steps to your flat and entered. 

“Wanda, Pietro?” You called as you dropped your keys in the bowl at the entrance. 

“Living room princessa,” Pietro called sweetly. 

“What’s you guys watching?” You asked as you walked into the living, stripping your jacket off. 

“Silent hill,” Wanda answered. 

“The one with Kit Harington?” She nodded, you smiled and joined them on the couch. 

“How was practice?” Wanda asked softly. 

“It was good, I’m going to ask Barnes if I make him the focus. And I think a bullet in the thigh would be easier to deal with than him,” you sighed leaning your head back against the couch. “I was considering asking Loki to come with me when I asked him. But I don’t think that’s a good idea anymore,” you muttered. 

“Why's that?” Pietro asked. 

“They seem to have some kinda beef,” you shrugged. “He wouldn’t get into it,” you said. “Bucky’s a player, Loki isn’t a fan of that. And he’s been around him at parties. He’s apparently one incident away from being benched for the season.” Pietro seemed to nod knowingly. 

“I’m not surprised, he’s a bit hot headed. Gotten into a few fights with people. Usually with good intentions though. Seen him knock a dude out flat on his ass for trying to drug a girl at a party. He also tends to back-talk instructors,” Pietro said. “He doesn’t seem like a bad dude. A little cocky and a bit of a flirt. Seems harmless enough.” You nodded at Pietro’s explanation and watched the rest of the movie with them in silence.

You texted Loki to ask why he didn’t like Bucky. Curiosity getting the better of you. His answer came back in a couple short paragraphs. 

He seems like trouble. 

Like he can’t be stable for one week. 

He looks down on the arts pretty openly as well. Well at least English. 

And he was rude to Helena as well a couple times. 

You nodded as you read the series of texts. Loki was pretty traditional and he was never a fan of bouncing from one girl to another. Bucky was very open about doing that. 

He also gets pretty obnoxious at parties. 

He’s had a few scandals as well. Skipping out on one girl to be with another. Bit of a womanizer. 

Why? 

You quickly typed back you were curious because he was mostly likely going to be the focus for your project. 

I figured he would. Guys a prick but he’s good at what he does. 

Everyone said that. From what you’ve seen he was pretty good at hockey, not that you could judge that very well. But there was more to life than a sport. You typed a quick thanks back and wished Loki a goodnight. 

Wanda and Pietro both went to bed and you stayed curled up on the couch. You decided to do some research yourself. Typing Bucky’s name into the search engine, his stats came up, and few hockey related awards he’s won. Some articles about how good of a prospect he was. His draft position whatever that meant. Him and Steve were drafted together from what you could tell. 

Then you saw a Reddit thread from your school's Reddit talking about him, the fights he’s been in, his lack of care for academics and some people fighting about him being their boyfriend and how he was a cheating piece of shit. He apparently got into an altercation with someone on the Polo team and he and the captain of your school's rival hockey team got into a pretty bad fight after a game last year. 

Your eyes widened as you read about the fight Pietro mentioned, he was lucky the guy's family didn’t press charges from how badly Bucky beat him. Part of you knew that behavior wasn’t acceptable, but a smaller needy part of you found it insanely hot how far he went to protect the girl the dude tried to drug. You shook your head and closed the search and went to bed. You would ask him tomorrow after practice, which Nat was dragging you too again.

Taglist: @vicmc624

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Chapter 3

[redinkofshame]

JSYK just because I don't write it/post it, doesn't mean my thoughts aren't still filled with Solavellan smut on the daily. So when I saw this perfectly innocent comic my thoughts... Wouldn't leave me alone. So here, smut be upon ye.

Keria Lavellan x Solas (in the head of) x purple!mRook

🍋 explicit

Two-and-a-Half-Some

“Nice tits, by the way.”

Rook had led Keria to one of the bedrooms in the Lighthouse to show her a sketchbook full of images of herself. Unlike the rooms they’d passed on their way up, full of sentimental knickknacks and evidence of camaraderie and constant use, this room was all but barren. Clean. Sparse.

Solas’ room.

It made her heart ache, to see how alone he’d been all this time.

She raised her eyebrow at the younger man, who flushed. His expression wasn’t flirtatious so much as ‘I can’t believe I said that out loud’.

“…Sorry.”

The poor kid. He’d clearly only been trying to make a joke to ease the tension of the moment when she’d flipped from a series of tasteful nudes to… Some positions that left little to the imagination.

At least he hadn’t commented on the appearance of her anus.

She shut the book. “Don’t be. They were pretty nice back then. His sketches are a bit outdated now, though. I’m not as young as I once was.”

Rook’s eyes went unfocused for a moment, and then he said, “He, uh, he says your hard-won wisdom only makes you all the more beautiful today.”

Her breath caught in her throat. She swallowed, heart thudding. “He always was a sweet talker. It’s true then. You can hear him?”

He nodded and pointed to his temple. “Yep. Whether I want to or not.”

“And he can hear what you hear, obviously. Does he see through your eyes?”

He nodded.

“Interesting…” She took a step closer to him and raised her hand suggestively to the toggles of her shirt, designed to be easy to use one-handed. “Would you like to see an updated version? For the sake of improving the accuracy of the sketches, of course.”

His eyes went wide. “You… Want to show me your tits?”

She smirked. “I want to show Solas my tits,” she clarified. “You getting to see them is just an enjoyable side-benefit.

As long as you’re comfortable with it, of course.”

“Who in their right mind would say no to seeing the Inquisitor’s tits?” he asked, and she almost laughed at his incredulous tone. Then he added, “He’s, uh, unusually quiet. He’s not going to, like, turn me into a statue for this or anything, right?”

“He was never the jealous type,” she assured him as she began unfastening her shirt. “What about you? Any partners that would have a problem with this?”

“No. Well, partner yes, but no, we’re, uh, open to…” He trailed off, watching her hand distractedly.

She finished with the last toggle, but pointedly didn’t remove her shirt yet, waiting for him to answer.

“We’re not the jealous types, either,” he said quickly once he caught on. Then he jerked his thumb towards the door to the rest of the lighthouse. “I could go get them?”

She did laugh at that, shrugging off her shirt at last. “I think two and a half is enough for now.”

He didn’t answer, focused on her exposed skin. She arched her back prettily and ran a hand over herself, teasing her own taut nipple.

“Wow. Definitely still great.”

Keria had never though of herself as beautiful — at least, not until she’d seen the way Solas looked at her when they made love — but she’d never been particularly self-conscious either. She was surprised that some small part of her preened at the younger man’s approval.

She closed the distance between them and gently took his hand and placed it on her breast. The warmth of it and the way it moved timidly over her had her flushing with sudden need. “And can he feel what you do?”

“Who? Oh, uh, no.” Growing bolder, he had both hands on her now, kneading her breasts, thumbing her nipples delightfully.

“That’s a shame.” She ran her hand over the bulge of his britches as she said it and his breath staggered. Then she pulled back. “Unsurprising, though.”

She started on the fasteners of her own pants and Rook watched, waiting for an indication of what came next, like an eager little puppy.

Once Keria was fully nude she did a slow spin, giving both men a fully view of her decade-older body.

“I can’t understand what he’s saying,” Rook told her. “It’s elvhen. I think it’s poetry.”

“Elvhen always sounds like poetry,” she said said, affection tugging her lips and memories of him reciting beautiful words she didn’t understand while he held her against him.

She went to work on the laces of Rook’s pants, and got on her knees once his erection was freed.

Solas was always dedicated to her pleasure when they made love, rarely allowing her to do the same for him. He couldn’t stop her now, though. So she took her time and made as big a spectacle as she could, maintaining eye contact with this stranger whose head held the love of her life. She stayed focused on those eyes as she ran her tongue along Rook’s shaft, then twirled it around the head, as she took him deep, as she left long trails of saliva whenever she pulled back. Neither man said anything she could hear, though Rook’s groans were satisfying.

When she felt she’d teased enough, (and that Rook might not last much longer,) she pulled back and stood, swaying her hips artfully as she moved to the bed. She climbed on and mirrored one of the positions in the sketchbook, half-propped against the headboard with her knees spread wide.

He continued to stare after her as she stroke her slick core, displaying herself. She wasn't sure if his glazed look was from trying to hear Solas speak, or simple lust.

“Rook,” she said finally. “Take off your clothes and come here."

He jumped to it, almost tangling himself in an attempt to remove both his pants and shirt at the same time, half-tripping as he removed his socks while getting on the sheets. She used a hand on his jaw to guide him over her, in case he got confused about that, too.

He knelt between her legs and took his time admiring her, and she wondered if it was Solas that told him to run his hands up and down the insides of her thighs, to try gripping her hips and waists in different spots, to cup her breasts again. She whimpered with heat by the time Rook ran the head of his cock up and down her folds several times, wetting it before finally plunging into her.

She kept her eyes open and on him when normally she’d have closed them to enjoy the full feeling, the friction, the energetic thrusting his hips against hers. But though it felt odd to look so deep into a stranger’s eyes as he fucked her, she wanted Solas to see her.

Fortunately, the man spent most of his time watching his cock moving in and out of her and her fingers circling her clit, or her bouncing tits.

Then there was a flash, a flicker of blue spirit light, and suddenly his thrusts became pounding, movements becoming equal measures controlled and intense.

She gasped. “Solas?”

“Mah vhenan,” he breathed in the wrong voice, and then he was kissing, biting, sucking on her neck as he moved in her.

Her hand moved to his head but it was wrong, the hair was wrong, so she gripped his back instead and closed her eyes so she couldn’t see Rook anymore, just Solas, her Solas. She came almost immediately, the tension in her releasing with waves of pleasure rushing over her.

He rode her through her climax and then slowed, still, and kissed her. He hadn’t finished, still hard in her as he kissed her harder still. His tongue teased hers, plunging deep, like he couldn’t taste enough of her. She wrapped her arm around him as tight as she could, kissing him with a decade of frustration and longing.

When they pulled back for air she kept her eyes firmly closed, and perhaps he understood because he pulled out and she was suddenly moved, turned over so she was positioned on her knees. She arched her back exaggeratedly, still putting on a show for him. He ran his hands along her thighs, grabbed handfuls of her ass, ran fingers through her folds as he lined up his borrowed cock. He gripped her hips with both hands as he plunged into her, and she moaned his name, and, “I love you, I love you, ar lath ma.”

Whatever he said in breathless elvhen was lost on her as he pounded into her again and again, taking her like an animal. When she came a second time she finally felt his movements become less controlled, insistent and clumsy as he chased his own climax as last.

His movements slowed, stilled. She stopped propping herself up on her shaking arm and allowed herself to collapse on the mattress, and he came down with her.

“Are you still in there?” she panted.

“Yes, vhenan.” For some reason part of her was still surprised the voice was wrong. He rolled them onto their sides and she gripped his arms hard around her, unwilling to let go.

“How long do you have?”

“Not long.” He pressed feather-soft kisses against her shoulder. Then he sighed. “But I can’t leave before I tell you how sorry I am. For everything.”

“Yeah, yeah,” she said, unwilling to waste this precious moments on his constant guilt. “Var lath vir suledin. I’m going to find a way to save you.” To free him from his prison in the Fade. To be together in this new world he’d made.

He kissed her shoulder again, and she thought it sounded like he was smiling when he replied, “I know.”

I know. Not ‘I know you will try’’. Just ‘I know’. He believed her.

“Solas…” she started, but she trailed off.

It didn’t feel like him anymore. Somehow, she knew he had gone.

“Rook?” she tried instead.

“Uh, yeah” he said as he awkwardly pulling his limp dick out of her. “I’m back.”

Keria bit back her disappointment to put on a satisfied smile as she turned to face him. He looked like he didn’t know what to do with himself. “Hey. You doing okay? That was… Unexpected. I didn’t know uncontrolled horniness could lead to a spontaneous possession.”

He laughed, and settled back comfortably. “Yeah, neither did either of us.”

She ran her hand along his chest. “Are you feeling okay about it? I just want to check because we didn’t discuss the option before hand.”

He nodded. “Definitely. I think… I think I could have stop it? The possession. It felt weird, kind of like a build up of pressure, but I think I could have stopped it.”

“Why didn’t you?” As a mage she'd been taught to protect herself against possession her whole life. She couldn’t imagine just letting it happen.

Rook shrugged. “I wanted to see what would happen.”

Her mouth was open, but she couldn’t think of a response to that. At last, she shook and said, “Varric said you’d be trouble.”

He grinned. Then, looking a little apologetic, he said, “I was ‘there’ the whole time, you know. Like, I could still, uh, feel everything.”

She made sure to smile comfortingly so he’d know she wasn’t upset by this. “Side benefits indeed.” She kissed him — Rook, not Solas. He deserved to feel wanted, too. “Thanks for the tour of the lighthouse. Glad to be part of the team.”

[hannahssimblr]

She seems brighter when she comes back, though we all ignore the blotchiness of her face, like she’s just been crying. Her lashes are a little wet too, making them long and spiky like she’s a girl from a cartoon. She and Liam are smiling into each other's faces now, mumbling vague reassurances, giggling together as though what just occurred was so silly, and hasn’t caused any genuine hurt to either of them. 

When he kisses her on the cheek she flinches slightly as though there is something objectionable or embarrassing about the way that he touches her, and in that moment his insecurity makes sense. 

I think everyone feels bad for her then and wants for her to feel included because they start asking her questions about school which she answers enthusiastically, making sure to look very interested and engaged in what everyone is saying. It occurs to me that she’s a nice person, that she’s making an effort with others and being polite, and perhaps my initial judgement of her formality was unfair. I think I should try harder to be a nice person too, but then I wonder if it’s even in my nature to be that way. I’ve sort of already embraced being a bastard and allowed it to define me. 

“Tell everyone what you want to do in college,” Shane encourages, and Evie fiddles with the ends of her plaits. “Oh, well, art, I think.”

“You make art?” I say.

Immediately her face reddens. It must be a side effect of her kind of complexion. 

“Yeah, I suppose I’m okay at it.”

“Everyone says she’s great at it.” Liam says proudly, as though we are discussing his accomplishments and not Evie’s. “I haven’t seen her drawings yet, but the girls were raving about her. She draws in her sketchbook every day.”

“That’s cool.” I speak pointedly to her and not him, “What do you draw?” 

“Just whatever I see. Landscapes, people, sometimes still life, like stuff that’s lying around in the mobile home. I really like doing it, because when I’m drawing I don’t have to think about anything else.”

I smile. Somehow it’s comforting to hear her talking about art in a way that’s wholly familiar to me, as a meditation, a form of escapism.

“Jude is an artist too.” Jen says. “Ye have something in common.”

“Yeah, I’m studying art in college next year. I already have my place in the Berlin Academy of Fine Arts to do a degree.”

“Oh, so you’re studying abroad?”

“Yeah, it’s going to be good. Four years in Germany, I can’t wait. I’m actually leaving at the end of the summer,” which is… about seven weeks. My palms prickle and become damp with sweat but I keep smiling. It’s fine. Everything will just fall into place as long as I don't get stressed. 

Claire interrupts our conversation with her return, and kneels whispering urgent sounding things to Evie. I don’t hear anything but the delightful phrase “throwing up everywhere” and wonder with utter dread what exactly constitutes everywhere. On the couch? The rug? Up the walls? Well, at least it’ll be motivation to clean the house for once. Still, I’m struck by how much I fucking hate Kelly Healy in that moment, and consider suggesting that Jen clean up her vomit as penance for inviting her in the first place. 

“I can get my dad to come and collect us,” Liam is saying as he and Evie are getting up to help.

“Is everything okay?” says Jen, and Evie smiles tightly, “Yeah, just Kelly’s sick, so we’re going to have to take her home and look after her and stuff.”

“You don’t have to go, Evie, you can stay here with us if you want.”

She shakes her head, “No, I do. I want to go with them,” she turns to leave, but Jen quickly catches her wrist, “Hey, you should come to Dublin with us this weekend.”

“Huh?”

“Jude and I are going to an exhibition, and you might really like it.”

Usually I’d be pissed off that she’s changing our plans without consulting me first, but it seems like a good idea to me, actually. Maybe it’d be nice to go to an exhibition with someone who enjoys art, and not just Jen who walks around pointing at things and saying I could do that if I was bothered.

“No pressure at all,” I assure her, “but yeah, if you want to, you’re welcome. We’ll mostly be hanging out in the city for the day anyway so whatever you feel like doing.”

Jen pats her hand and gives her a meaningful look, “I’m just saying, it might be nice to get away for an afternoon.”

Evie grins. It’s the happiest I’ve seen her look all night, “I’d love to.”

Beginning // Prev // Next

Corresponding LG Chapter

[headkiss]

headcanons for peter’s girlfriend being a photographer like him? her asking if she can take peter’s portrait frequently and him getting flustered <3 :,)

hiii i wrote this as a blurb rather than headcanons i hope that’s okay! ty for the request <3 | 0.6k words and a whole bunch of fluff

Peter’s sitting near the window sketching something you can’t see. His head bent in a way sure to leave a soreness in his neck, his lips pouted in focus.

The TV plays in front of you, but you don’t pay it any attention. Not when Peter looks so pretty.

You turn on the couch to face him, side pressed against the back, knees pulled up so you can rest your chin on them. He can feel your eyes on him, you know he can because he can feel everything. He looks up from his sketchbook and his eyes find yours.

“What?” He asks, flustered from your obvious attention.

“Nothing,” you shake your head.

I just love you, you think. I just love you and you’re the prettiest boy in the whole world. His hair flops over his forehead, messier than usual since neither of you had bothered to get ready. He’s still in his pajama pants from last night, you’re still in your sleep shirt and softest pair of his boxers.

He huffs a laugh and looks back at his drawing. He knows whatever you’re thinking, it’ll probably make him want to kiss you. Then, he’ll never finish his sketch.

He’s trying his best not to, but Peter rushes the finishing touches of his drawing just a bit. It’s hard to focus when he can practically feel your love for him seeping from you.

When he moves to stand, you stop him.

“No, wait!”

There’s a sunbeam hitting his bare chest perfectly through the window. Sunshine on sunshine.

You spring up from your seat, probably telling him to ‘wait’ about ten times as you rush to grab your camera from his bedroom. Peter listens. You do this often, take pictures of him.

He can’t be annoyed with you (ever) about this, because he does it, too. There’s a drawer in his bedside table filled with pictures you’ve taken of each other.

You come back into the living room, sliding on the hardwood floors with your socks. Your camera clutched in your hands, the expression you always give him when you want to capture him on your face.

“Baby,” he all but whines.

“Just one, promise,” he gives you a deadpan stare. “Okay, maybe five.”

“You know I can’t say no to you. This is taking advantage.”

“Peter, please? I’ll do your laundry.”

“You already do my laundry, even when I tell you not to.”

“A menace. Can you just pretend to be drawing again?”

He does, letting his sketchbook fall open to the page he’d been on beforehand. He fixes up some of the details he’d overlooked in his haste to finish and sit with you instead.

“So pretty,” you murmur, quiet enough he wouldn’t have heard it if his senses weren’t always so heightened.

He hopes the camera doesn’t catch how fiercely he blushes.

He humors you for about two minutes before he can’t stand the amount of little compliments you give him. Before he can’t stand not being able to grab your face and kiss you.

Peter shuts his book again, crawling over to where you kneel on the floor. He gets so close you’re forced to lean back, letting yourself be laid down slowly on the cool floors.

“Peter. I wasn’t done.”

“Mm. Sorry, baby, I just really wanted to kiss you.”

“Oh, okay. I can accept that, I guess.”

“‘I guess.’ You’re a meanie.”

He’s smiling when he says it, nudging his nose against yours and gently taking your camera from your hands and placing it aside.

“You gonna kiss me anyway?”

Rather than answer you, he pushes his lips against yours, sweet and slow. The kind of kiss only a lazy Sunday can bring.

[eddiemunsonw]

Hellfire Club

Eddie Munson x Fem!Reader

Summary: Your plan to pick up your cousin Dustin at his Hellfire Club meeting ends a little… differently.

OR

Eddie and you do the do

CW/Disclaimer: Smut. But kinda sweet and sorta funny smut.

Author's note: Enjoyyyyyyy. :)

Words: 3935

On your way into Hawkins High, you were met with the majority of students leaving it instead. Some guys gave you lingering looks as they checked out the “new girl” but to your relief no one approached you. It would be kind of awkward to tell them you had a few years on them and therefore no interest in the slightest. Dustin had told you how to get to the drama room where he was attending his “Hellfire Club” meeting and thanks to his clear instructions it wasn’t too hard to get there. Since you weren’t entirely sure how long they would take, you had brought along your sketchbook and assumed it would be no trouble to hang out there for the time being.

The room was dark as you entered, an atmosphere created by a faded orange, yellow hue that seemed to have been used to create a sunset type of feel. A couple of fake torches were lit and in the middle of the room stood a large, dark wooden table surrounded by wooden chairs that were currently occupied. At the head of the table was a throne and with one glance at the guy who had claimed that seat, you knew he was probably the Dungeon Master.

You didn’t know a ton about Dungeons & Dragons, but Dustin had taken it upon himself to tell you lots about it during the times you visited him and your aunt Claudia. Hence, it also wasn’t a secret to you that the guy with the unruly brown hair went by the name of Eddie Munson. His eyes were on you the moment you walked in, giving you a peculiar look that seemed to calculate what to do with you. One part seemed to want you gone, the other… wasn’t too sure. Without further ado you decided that the best way to not interrupt them was to simply sit down at the other side of the table opposite Eddie.

The frown on Eddie’s face deepened when you did and he cocked his head in confusion, eyes following your gaze towards Dustin. You had assumed that he would’ve told the guy that you would be “joining” the session. When Dustin was about to speak, Eddie was just a little quicker and you found him looking in your direction again.

“To what do we owe the honor of your presence, miss…?”

Dustin grabbed his second chance before you could answer.

“That’s Y/N, my cousin. She was uhm… picking me up.” A frown appeared on his face and it seemed as if there was more to that statement. However, Eddie wasted no time.

“Okay… can’t she wait somewhere else?” Eddie asked, his brow raised as he eyed Dustin with mild curiosity and a sliver of annoyance. Dustin was starting to get impatient as this time you spoke up before he could, again.

“Don’t worry, she can speak just fine.” You gave him a tight lipped smile as his face turned towards you, hair softly swaying with the motion. Eddie responded with a quick smile of his own that didn’t meet his eyes and he looked frankly quite uninterested in what you had to say.

“Actually…” Dustin started apologetically, glancing over at you, “I no longer need the ride.” At your subtle eyebrow raise he hastily continued. “I couldn’t reach you, I tried! I’m gonna go somewhere with Lucas later so… I don’t need the ride anymore.” he finished in one breath.

“Oh, alright. No problem.” You shrugged and grabbed your sketchbook, causing confusion to etch into the faces of all other party members as they looked at you expectantly.

“Y/N…?” Dustin tried hesitantly. A smile teased the corners of your lips as you heard the softest, impatient huff coming from the head of the table.

“Oh? Hope you don’t mind if I linger for a bit? Robin took my car because I assumed I’d be here for a while, which is why I’m earlier than we agreed upon actually. I don’t really feel like hanging around elsewhere in the school, and the weather isn’t exactly peachy today. Quite like the change of scenery here, actually.”

“Would be great if you could take your desire for nice scenery elsewhere, actually,” Eddie mumbled. “We’re having something serious going on here.”

Barely able to stop yourself from rolling your eyes, you sighed softly before addressing him.

“Relax, Munson. I won’t interrupt. Promise.”

From the looks of it Eddie wanted to retort, but when Dustin gave him a look he just rolled his eyes and for some reason, he relented. As if you weren’t there at all, he continued what he was saying before your arrival had interrupted him in the first place.

It was actually quite entertaining to listen to them playing the game. Mostly because of Eddie, really, with all the effort he put into various characters and the range of voices he had for them. You found yourself resting your pencil on the paper more often than not to glance up at him, only to find how often his eyes would look in your direction. You couldn’t help but smile and sometimes softly giggle along with the rest of the party whenever he did something funny. Whether it was intended or not. 

At some point however, you were thoroughly engrossed in your drawing when all of a sudden a ringed hand came into view, holding what you recalled as a d20.

“Blow on it, for good luck.”

You glanced upwards at Eddie who gave you an expression that you found hard to read at first. Suddenly, as his brows knit together the slightest fraction, you recognized it. A challenge. For whatever reason he needed proof that you weren’t ridiculing him behind your smiles and giggles. Not sure how you knew, but you just knew that that was what it was about, for some reason.

Your free hand cupped around his and you blew gently on the dice, looking upwards through your lashes to meet his eyes again.

“Like that?” you asked innocently, knowing exactly what you were doing. His eyes darkened a fraction when you licked your lips out of habit. You couldn’t help but smile when his eyes shifted away from you as he nodded, hand lingering in yours for just a touch longer.

“Yeah, just like that.”

And with that, the tone had changed. Your eyes met his over the table when he rolled eighteen, which was enough for what he had wanted to do apparently because he smiled. It wasn’t just a smile. Although hard to put into words, you knew you had played the cards he had given you just right.

Where the party hadn’t commented on his little good luck charm action, they did speak up when Eddie started describing a damsel in distress exactly like you. Your hair, eyes, even the color of your shirt was woven into the description. It wasn’t just those details that did it for them, though. It was how he continued to describe how effortlessly beautiful she was. A real head turner. All while stealing obvious glances at you as he went on to add details such as a necklace and rings. He had changed your watch into a bracelet.

As Eddie continued to add the mischievous sparkle in your or “their” eyes, Dustin interrupted him with a near whine that made it very clear he was feeling quite uncomfortable.

“Look, I don’t know what’s going on here, but can we stop adding my cousin into the game? It gives me the heebie-jeebies.” Dustin begged.

Eddie cocked his head to the side and narrowed his eyes as he read Dustin’s expression carefully. He made a show of taking a sip of his mountain dew that he had poured into a chalice first and smirked.

“There are many people who go by that description, Henderson. Can’t help but gather my inspiration from the direct environment sometimes though. Would you rather have the damsel look like you?”

Dustin pouted as the rest of the party laughed and he scribbled something onto his paper. You were sure he wrote down to remind himself to never ask you for a favor again.

“Well?” Eddie pressed, a big grin on his face.

“... no.”

“Glad we agree.”

At the end of the session, Dustin was surprised you hadn’t left yet. You simply shrugged and said Robin must be taking longer. The kids left to make some copies of a poster they needed next Monday for their science project and then they would be off, heading into the weekend. You, however, hadn’t moved a muscle. Not even when Eddie had packed up about all of his stuff. He seemed a little more nervous, a little agitated now that it was just you two. His confidence had taken a subtle dip and you didn’t mind. You thought he looked cute with those slightly pink cheeks. He glanced over at you and you held his gaze, crossing your arms and noticed he mirrored you.

“What’s your deal?”

“My deal?”

Eddie nodded and rested his elbows on the table, cupping his hands to hold his face up. He looked a little worn out, which wouldn’t surprise you considering all the talking he had done. You sat forward as well, doing the same as you quirked a brow.

“I don’t know. I just— why’re you still here?” It genuinely seemed to confuse him. In all honesty, you weren’t sure why you were still there. 

“Have I overstayed my welcome? If I ever was? Welcome, that is.” you asked as you tilted your head a little. Eddie sighed and leaned back in his throne and you put your sketchbook away. As you leaned back in your chair, you noticed he was still staring at you.

“That’s not—” He pursed his lips together, trying to let his mind form words to deal with his mess of a brain which was currently working overtime. You watched as he straightened his back just as you did and picked up a dice in front of him. Eyes wandering all the way back to your end of the table, you noticed a dice nearby that probably belonged to either Eddie or another member of the party. As you picked it up, Eddie spoke.

“Are you copying me?”

You looked up and raised a brow at him, only to find he was already raising one at you. He clenched his fist around the dice just as you did. All not on purpose, really. It just happened.

“I don’t know what you mean,” you replied, though a little voice in your head said that maybe you should start copying him on purpose. Just to see. So when he raked a hand through his hair, you did too. He rolled his eyes, so did you. A subtle laugh escaped his lips in disbelief, and you shook your head simultaneously after.

“So you are.”

“So you are.”

“Ah, speech too?”

“Ah, speech too?”

Neither of you made a move to leave the drama room, although that had been Eddie’s intention. He had no desire to linger in this room with you, someone who did things to his brain and the rest of his body. As much as his rational side wanted to get out of here, though, the desire to stay was much stronger. He licked his lips, pleased to see you doing the same although it sent shivers down his spine immediately. He tapped his nose with his finger and so did you. Both of you smiled.

“Interesting,” you both mused. Eddie started to like the game. Grabbed onto the back of his throne so his shirt tightened against his chest and rode up a little. His satisfied smirk made you roll your eyes when you copied him. Apart from blinking, your eyes never left each other. His hands traveled over the table graciously before grabbing a fistful of his hair and yanking it gently. The grimace on your face made him giggle.

“What are we doing?” Eddie asked softly as he grasped at his shoulder with his hand, gently trailing it down towards his chest. His cheeks were flushed, anticipation in his eyes as he followed your hand. He licked his lips subconsciously and felt the need to shift in his seat.

“I don’t know,” you responded honestly. You just knew that you didn’t want this to end. Your hand grazed your bra through the fabric as he dared to move lower, making you almost cup your breast. It wasn’t until he made a squeezing motion that you protested.

“Not exactly fair, is it?” you mumbled, though you did in fact squeeze your boob as many times as he squeezed the empty air in front of his chest.

“That I don’t have boobs to squeeze? Very unfair,” Eddie agreed. He grinned boyishly as your eyes traveled to the back of their sockets again. “Any more eye rolling and they’ll stick there permanently.”

“I’d stop if you’d stop squeezing air, maybe.” Squeezing your breast in front of a guy you had met on the same day in a setting like this wasn’t exactly on your bucket list. Had you known it would get you this hot, you might have jotted it down on paper.

“Alright,” Eddie said lightly, adding a second hand now to rub up and down his chest. When he made a show of rubbing his thumbs over his nipples, which you were surprised to see poking through his club t-shirt, the softest noise escaped his lips. You smirked as he looked a little panicked, clearly not intending to let it out. Just as he wanted to move away from his chest to save himself the embarrassment, you let out a gentle hum of your own.

“Fuck,” Eddie whispered, his eyes darkening. You briefly wondered how high the chances of anyone coming in unexpectedly were. Hopefully Eddie knew. He rubbed his chest more vigorously, his thumbs grazing his nipples, wishing for the movements to release more sounds out of you. He no longer cared as much for the noises he made himself, as his focus was on you. The soft hums, soft moans. It was at that moment that he dared to move his hand down to palm himself through his pants. Eyes blown out with lust watched your hand travel down as well.

“You touching yourself?” he asked softly, his other hand squeezing his peck through his shirt.

“Depends… are you? I’m copying you after all, like you said. All I can see is that you moved your hand down in your lap.”

A low chuckle rumbled up in his chest and he nodded.

“I am. Though… can’t exactly copy me there, now can you?”

“Not exactly, no. But we worked it out for our chests too, didn’t we?”

Eddie nodded, a groan escaping his lips as he let his thumb find the head of his cock but realizing once again that these aesthetically tight jeans were very inconvenient at times like these.

“Mhm. So. Are you?”

Your hand cupped your mound through your jeans, which didn’t really do much for you, but you nodded nonetheless. For a moment, all you did was stare at each other as you silently dealt with the lack of feeling through both of your jeans.

“Fuck it,” Eddie mumbled, reaching down with his other hand as well to unbuckle his belt and shove his hand down his pants. It took some willpower to not immediately dive into his boxers as well.

“Get inside your jeans,” he ordered, his voice low.

“How do we ask nicely?” you teased. Eddie moaned softly as he ran his thumb over the wet spot of his boxers where the head strained against it and smirked.

“Jus’ wanna make sure you feel good baby.”

“Hm. Fair enough,” you shrugged, as if you weren’t dying to shove your hand down your pants at this point. Once your fingers grazed across the front of your panties, a whimper escaped you. Shit. You were wetter than you expected and couldn’t help but blush at the realization.

“You make such pretty sounds,” Eddie commented softly before adding a moan of his own to the mix. “Kinda wanna… find out what sounds you’d make for me.”

“Hmm… what would you like to do to me?” you asked, your voice spreading like silk over the table before it reached his ears. Eddie bit down on his lip and sighed slowly.

“So many things, sweetheart. But… I’d taste you first. Go down on you and make you roll your eyes back for good reason.”

“Sounds confident.”

“‘Cause it’s a promise.”

Your eyes met again and you mirrored his expression without trying. His mouth stood agape, brows knit together as he felt himself, hand wrapped lightly around his length determined to drag it out as long as he could. You were playing with your clit, alternating it with sliding down your lips to spread your wetness all around. Moans came easier now, mingled with each other. Everything outside of you and the table separating you both seemed to disappear as you continued to stimulate yourselves.

Without removing his hand, Eddie got up out of his chair and rounded the table. You met him halfway. His free hand grabbed the back of your neck to pull you in for a bruising kiss, layered with lust and need. Your tongues danced together in a battle for dominance while he replaced the hand in your pants with his own. His fingers found your sensitive spots effortlessly, thumb working your clit as he pumped his fingers inside. He nudged down your jeans until they were halfway down your thighs and you did the same to him along with his boxers and wrapped your hand around his cock. He buckled inside your hand and a sweet whine escaped him as he desperately started to move.

You tried to drown your moans into your kisses but he moved away to nip at your neck instead.

“Wanna hear you baby,” he murmured against your neck, licking along the side while leaving soft nibbles in between. You threw your head back and moaned, louder than anticipated and when you whispered something along the lines of “oh shit”, he chuckled.

“You’re so cute. So cute and pretty. When you blew on those dice— fuck.”

“Yeah what was that about, huh?” you asked, a smile playing on your lips until they formed an “O” when Eddie started rubbing your clit faster.

“Just needed some luck.”

“Still feeling lucky?” you asked, leaning back to meet his eyes. You jerked him off faster and judging how much effort went into responding to you, you knew he was close.

“Y-Yeah, I think so, why?” he asked as he tried to still his hips.

“Fuck me.”

Eddie grinned darkly and smashed his lips onto yours.

“Fuck yes.”

In one swift move he pushed any lingering clutter off the table and lifted you up on it, pushing you down with his body so you would lay down. He removed your jeans and panties and spread your legs as he kneeled down before you.

“Need a taste.”

With the flat of his tongue he licked a long stripe upwards, moaning against your cunt as he lapped up the juices that his fingers had spread around. He wrapped his lips around your clit and sucked gently before circling around it with his tongue. Your hand tugged on his hair not so gently and the vibration of his moans sent your juices flowing. Before he could get lost in eating you out, you pulled him back up by his hair.

“C’mon Eddie, please.”

“Pretty girl needs me so bad, huh?” he cooed teasingly. You slapped his arm affectionately and he grinned.

“As if your cock isn’t quivering at the mere thought of getting some. You can make me roll my eyes back for good reason some other time.”

“That a promise?” Eddie asked, a little too honest and a little less confident with the way he cupped your cheek and gazed down at you with his pretty brown eyes.

“Mhm, if you’re good.”

Eddie smiled and fished out his wallet and swiftly wrapped a condom around himself. He leaned down, kissing you a little sweeter than he had before and you felt the head nudging your opening. As his tongue licked into your mouth, he bottomed out inside you and you gasped pleasantly. Where it had started with a burning fire surging inside you both, currently it felt like the urgency had gone. There was no rush, yet enough desire and as soon as Eddie picked up the pace, your moans filled the echoing room again.

“That’s it baby, that’s it. Fuck you feel so good. Jesus H. you’re— oh shit.”

You grasped at his back, nails digging into his skin as your hands were buried under his t-shirt. Eddie’s hands were on your hips, pushing you back onto his cock with each thrust as his lips sloppily kissed yours to drown out the loudest moans.

“‘M close, you close?” he grunted, watching in satisfaction as you nodded, words no longer coming to you in favor of your sweet moans. He nodded in understanding, kissing your cheek quickly before pounding into you harder. You were both so lost in each other that you didn’t notice the door opening.

“Hey Y/N, your car is in the parking lot so— Jesus CHRIST! NO. NO! What?! I knew it, I knew it. Gross. You’re gross! I can’t believe— with my cousin, Eddie? With Eddie of all people, Y/N?! This is too much too—”

Eddie scrambled you up against him, trying to shield your exposed parts as well as he could when he looked over your shoulder at Dustin in horror. It all happened so quickly that by the time you looked over your shoulder, you could already see the door closing again as Dustin fled.

“Oh shit. I should— I have to— He’s gonna be so upset—” you stammered, wanting to move but staying still as you still very much had Eddie’s cock buried deep inside you. Eddie shook his head, nipping at your neck with needy kisses.

“He’ll still be consolable later, I won’t be though if we stop right now. Please.”

“Eddie.”

“Baby, sweetheart. Please,” he pleaded. “I really wanna,” he moved out halfway and thrusted back in slowly, “...make you feel so good.”

You bit down a smile and kissed him eagerly as he picked up his pace again, gently letting you back down so he could use both his hands to grab your hips. It didn’t take long before you both reached your highs, his hips stuttering as your walls clenched around him, desperate moans meeting desperate kisses. You rode out your orgasms until he pulled you back up in a hug, smoothing his hands over your back as the table wasn’t exactly the most comfortable thing to lay down upon, he remembered from a solo session.

“So… will you be joining again next week baby?” he murmured against your cheek, leaving a kiss with his words.

“I don’t think I’ll be allowed in here after traumatizing Dustin like that,” you smirked.

“Lucky for us I’m the Dungeon Master,” he quipped with a grin that matched yours. His hand lovingly cupped your cheek to steal a kiss from your lips. You hummed in thought.

“How about… you take me to dinner after the meeting and we find a place more uhm, comfortable and a little more private?”

Eddie smiled and gave you a nod.

“Sounds like a plan.”

Leave a heart or even better, reblog if you liked this! It helps me a lot getting more exposure and therefore more people to read it. :)

This fic can also be found on my ao3!

[eeunoia]

ENHYPEN Mini Series

E N H Y P E N as Greek Myths

PYGMALION & GALATHEA

pairings: nishimura riki x reader

synopsis: like any other artists, nishimura riki, loves his sketches. but he grew fond of this one sketch of girl he sees in his dream. what will happen if suddenly, she appreared right in front of him? this time in real time, not in dreams land.

word count: 10k

important note: i originally planned to write enhypen as greek gods but then i didn’t find some love stories that i like so i end up using some love stories that aren’t greek gods. also these are like modern versions of greek mythology love stories.

warnings: grammar errors, not proof read, a dead relative. let me know if i missed some!

note📎: you have come to the end of this series. i can’t believe i finished this one already. i hope you guys liked it! it really means a lot to me whenever you let me know what you think about them, re-blogs and comments are well appreciated. btw, i love you guys and thank you for supporting me up until now. have a nice day/night! 🤍

permanent tag-list:

@rubyanne @map-of-border @hwangjangmi @crjwon @love13tter @edensgardenn @simpforniki @classicroyalty @angel-hybrid @bridgebridgebirdiebridge @hime98 @moonsclover @ddeonubaby @yeoungie @acciomylove @mymeloem19 @jvngw0n @dreamyenskz @minamoons @clar-iii @herasalvatore @nyfwyeonjun @rcveribin @yizhoutv @one16core @soobin-chois @kyutiepeachy @chareadingpurposes @hwalllllllelujah @solelyenha @90sni-ki @nourhan-8 @nikipedia07 @yangbreads @drunkjazed @kimmchijjajang @hoonbrry @axartia @all4haru @hiqhkey @sta-rie @purplepuppychild @iceeee @wtfhyuck @tobiosbbyghorl @nikililmj @ayayiiie @moonlightisland @aeyeree

© 2023 eeunoia — all rights reserved.

“But seriously, do you think I’m the wrong one? I really think she’s the one at fault!” Ni-ki smirks while listening to his friend ranting. He heard he had a fight with his girlfriend and now he’s here ranting about it.

He offered to accompany him to go buy some art stuff. If only he knew his friend will just be like this, he would’ve gone alone. He can’t focus on picking the right materials with him talking and talking.

“I think you are the wrong one.” he spat just to piss his friend off. The look of betrayal flashes through his face that made Ni-ki laugh before continuing on checking the rack of color pastels in front of him.

“What? Dude! She literally just got mad at me because—”

“Because you didn’t told her you will go out with us yesterday.” Ni-ki finished off his sentence for him. He picks up one pack of pastel of a well known brand and looks throughly over it.

Jungwon sighs, “So? Does she have to know everything that I’m doing?”

Ni-ki shrugs his shoulders off. “I don’t know. Do I look like I’m in a relationship to know?” the sarcasm over his tone made Jungwon shut up for a while. He looked at him with pitiful eyes. It made Ni-ki roll his eyes and look at him, abandoning his pastels for a while.

“Look, hyung. Let me put it this way,” he starts. ”If she goes with her friends and she didn’t inform you at all. You just found out when you saw her story and you’ve been waiting for her text for hours, what would you feel?”

Jungwon furrowed his brows, “I will be worried and pissed.”

Ni-ki nodded his head, “That answers your question on who's at fault.” and he now moves on to go look for a new sketchbook, holding the chosen pastel in one of his hands.

His friend sighs and leaned over a rack before unconsciously picking one, eyes scanning it randomly.

“Fine. I’ll say sorry to her later.”

Ni-ki rolled his eyes and just grabbed his usual sketchbook before walking towards the cashier. He can feel his friend following behind him, he’s not ranting anymore. Probably realized he’s the wrong one.

“Ah right!” Jungwon jogs so he can catch up with Ni-ki. “Do you want to come with me tomorrow? My girlfriend says she will take her best friend with her tomorrow to keep her off from her books.”

Ni-ki falls in line before he glance at his friend with a tired look over his face.

Jungwon’s girl goes to the other school and so they often go on dates during weekends. He doesn’t even know how the two ended up meeting each other.

“I’m not interested.” he coldly rejected it.

Jungwon rolled his eyes, “Come on! One date?”

Ni-ki sighs and shakes his head for his friend. “Dude, why do you guys keep on forcing me to date? I’m all good.”

His friend draws in a strained sigh, “So you will stop spending too much with your sketchbook. Seriously, dude? Are you going after Da vinci’s steps?” he joked and even told him that he will just step out of the store to call his girlfriend. He will wait for him outside.

Ni-ki nodded his head and just waits patiently for his turn. His mind are now slowly floating, getting filled by thoughts of what his friend said. He do spends so much time with his sketchbook. He loves arts and drawing stuff. Ever since he was a child, he’s always been interested about it. But that’s not the only reason.

There’s this girl. She kept on appearing inside his dreams. He don’t remember when it started, but all he knows is that she appeared often that he find her already familiar even if he haven’t met her yet.

He also have a lot of sketch of her face. As times pass by, he almost perfected it. The sketches was always beautiful. Well, she is very beautiful.

He smiled at the counter and muttered a low ‘thanks’ after he grabs his stuff then the change. He slowly walks out of the store and saw his friend smiling slightly while talking to his girlfriend. Ni-ki scoffed, couldn’t believe what he’s currently seeing. He approaches him silently and he signalled wait before finally ending the call.

“Done?” he asks him. Ni-ki gave a short nod before they both walked together to head home.

“Are you still having dreams about that girl?” the question made Ni-ki glanced over his friend.

“Its not like I have it everyday, Won hyung.” he smirks.

Jungwon stole a glance before shrugging his shoulders off and putting his hands inside his pocket. “I mean we still think that one of the reasons why you don’t want to date is because of her.”

Ni-ki gulped and tried to keep his smirk. “What?” he let out a scoff. Making it seem like what his friend just said is very funny.

“No. I haven’t even seen her, we don’t even know if she’s true or my mind just created her..” he says, letting out his thoughts.

“Exactly.” Jungwon stated and taps his shoulder, “Then come come with me with the double date.” he even gave his friend this smile that he thinks can convince him. He looked pretty confident.

Ni-ki lets out a sigh. He knew how his friend can be persistent at times and even if he spare him today, he will try again some other day. He don’t want him annoying him about this matter again. One date won’t hurt him, right? Besides, he didn’t really told him that he should be in a relationship with that person. They will just go on a date and hang out.

“One date?” he tries to make sure his friend ain’t bating him into something funny.

Jungwon scoffed, “Yes, one date. Unless of course if you end up liking her and stuff.”

Ni-ki rolls his eyes and stood up once he saw their bus approaching. “That’s impossible.” he replied. Jungwon didn’t said anything else then just get on the bus with Ni-ki.

Once settled in, they both started talking about other stuff like video games and basketball. The date long forgotten.

Saturday came and Ni-ki was suddenly called in an emergency basketball practice. He cursed while trying to grab his gym bag and also his jersey. While going down the stairs, he almost missed one and fell. His mom furrowed her brows as she try to check on him. She got bothered by the noise he makes with all this rush.

“Ni-ki? I thought you will go out with Jungwon?” she asks, confused as to why he’s wearing a jersey.

“Oh shit.” he got stoned over his position right after remembering about the date he agreed to go to yesterday. It totally slipped off his mind because of the sudden call for practice.

“Language Nishimura Riki.” his Mom said strictly. He gave her a smile before kissing her forehead then jogged out of the house waving her good-bye.

“Sorry, bye Mom!” he says and continues.

While in a hurry, he fished his phone from his duffle bag and dialled his friend’s number. Jungwon picks up after two rings.

“Hey, where are you? I’m on my way to the meeting place right now.”

Ni-ki gulped, feeling slightly guilty for cancelling at the last minute. It’s not like he planned to ditch this date. It just happened that they were called in an unexpected practice because their coach will be gone the next day so he couldn’t train them. He moved the practice today.

“About that...” he started and stood over the waiting shed to wait for the bus.

“I can’t make it today, hyung. I’m sorry. We were called in for basketball practice.”

“What? I thought that's tomorrow?” his tone sound confused.

“Yes. But coached ask for us today since he’ll be going somewhere tomorrow.”

“Ah, is he going to the seminar too? I heard our school sends some of the teachers for it.” he mentions. He’s part of the student body, so it isn’t surprise anymore that he knows about this things.

“Probably.” Ni-ki sighs and silently cheered as he saw the bus driving close. He gets on right after it stopped in front of him. He clicked his card and sat down at one of the vacant seats.

“I’m really sorry, hyung. I didn’t mean to cancel on this.” he felt really bad. Not because he wanted to go, but he hates it whenever he couldn’t keep his word.

“That’s fine. I understand. I will just tell my girlfriend and her friend about it.” he seemed okay with it. Jungwon knows Ni-ki and he will never make an excuse just to get away on something.

Ni-ki glanced outside the window with blank thoughts. For some reasons, he felt something on his chest because he won’t go on that date. Its a little weird because he’s not really into it. He shrugged it off and focused back on talking to his hyung.

“Tell them I’m sorry too.”

Jungwon assured him that he will let them know which somehow made him felt relieved. He doesn’t want to look like a jerk who just ditch dates. That’s an asshole move. He ended the call with his friend and just spaced out the whole ride towards the school.

On the other hand, you let out a small groan when your friend dragged you towards somewhere. You can’t help but to imagine how good it would’ve been if you just stayed in your house today. Your books are probably waiting for you right now, but instead you are here with your friend. Going to a double date with his boyfriend’s friend.

She always brags about how good-looking his boyfriend is and that his circle of friends are all eye candy. She said none of them are ugly that she finds hard to believe. Well, due to being a book worm and a sucker for love stories, you kind of sets the standard high. Boys in your school find it hard to impress you, and that’s why you can’t seem to see yourself to date.

“I should be just in my room, reading my book.” you mumbled while she continues dragging you.

“No! I won’t let you be miserable today.” she says sounding so determined to make a change in your life.

You rolled your eyes and just let her do what she wants. When you arrived near the place she told you, you looked bored. As you roam your eyes around, you can see a lot of couple around. It seems like its a hot place to date nowadays. Your friend roams her eyes around, probably looking for her boyfriend.

You’ve seen his picture already. But this will be the first time for you to meet him in person and hangs out with him. Usually he just picks your friend at school and stuff. You can say he is pretty attractive. Even some students from your school knows him. Seems like he really is famous. Your friend is very beautiful as well so you can’t really blame him for falling for her.

“Baby!” she screams and even waved her hand crazily. You scoffed and slightly find it funny how she’s like this towards him.

She started dragging her towards somewhere once again. When you looked at the guy she hugged, he is tall, neat, have this pretty eyes and all. Just like how she usually describes him. But he ain’t your ideal type. His visual is too soft for you. You’re more on a mysterious vibes.

“Where’s your friend Ni-ki?” she asks and even tried to look for someone.

Ni-ki? Is that suppose to be the guy she was talking about? No offense but his name sounds like a girl’s name. You sighs and tried to stop yourself from overthinking before you spoil the mood.

Jungwon smiled apologetically and just by that you already figured out what he was about to say next.

“He had an emergency so he couldn’t make it today.” he sounded so sorry.

“What? But y/n is here...” she sounded a bit disappointed. She’s really excited to have you meet his friend, but now its not going to happen because he didn’t come.

A part of you are happy, because now you can escape from here. But a part of you is also pissed because you just wasted your time coming here. Three or four chapters are already finished if you didn’t come.

“It’s fine, (friend’s name).” you gently grab her arm and smiled at the two of them. She pouted at you, feeling bad that she dragged you all the way here for nothing.

When you looked at Jungwon, he's staring at you. He seemed drowned with his own thoughts, but when you met his eyes he then composed himself. You can see how his cheeks tinted red after getting caught staring.

“I’m sorry, y/n. My friend also said sorry. He didn’t really expect that he couldn’t make it today.”

You quickly smiled and assured him that it was alright. He’s not at fault and there’s no reason for you to be upset over him.

“It’s totally fine. You guys enjoy your date. I’ll go stop by at a bookstore.” you waved at him and gave your friend a hug.

“I’m sorry, y/n. If you want you can come with us.” she says pouting.

“No, spend quality time with each other. I’ll be good, don’t worry.” and you tapped her shoulder.

You glanced at Jungwon and you saw him staring at you again. “Keep her safe.” he nodded and reached for your friend’s hand. Honestly, you aren’t worried at all because you are sure that he will take care of her.

She waves cutely before you finally walked away. You suddenly felt annoyed once again, but comforts yourself that you can go stop by at one of the bookstores you wanted to check out.

Suddenly, the thought of that boys name popped out of your mind.

‘Ni-ki...’

You scoffed and tried to shove the thought of it away.

“Waah, you’re painting again?” Ni-ki glanced over his friend when he suddenly appeared at the rooftop where he usually spends his free time. Jungwon have this amused look over his face before plopping himself down beside him.

Ni-ki nodded his head and resumes to what he was doing. He did mention his fondness over sketching and drawing people’s portrait. He just finds it interesting how he can put it into arts. He draws landscapes too, but he’s more on sketching people. For him, he enjoys it because he can notice how different one individual can be.

Out of all the portraits he had drawn, the portrait of the girl in his dreams is his favorite. Funny, because he never seen her before yet her portrait is what he likes the most.

He’s actually pretty sad about it because its been weeks ever since he saw her in his dreams. It doesn’t occur to often, but also not this long. A part of him is worried that she won’t show up anymore and that he’ll slowly forget about what she looks like.

“I can’t wait for later.” Jungwon says with a big smile over his lips, eyes glued at his phone screen.

Ni-ki scoffed and teared his gaze away from his friend. He perfectly knew what’s behind those big smiles of him.

“I’m actually surprised you’re not the one who transferred to her school. You’re the simp in the relationship.” he commented that made him snap his head at his direction. A frown was present over his face that made Ni-ki chuckle.

“No I’m not.” he denied.

“Yeah, and pigs fly.” he says before resuming on scribbling through his sketchbook.

He had practice before class so he went to school very early. He’s actually just got off from practice and he went straight here after taking a bath. His hair is even slightly damp.

“Oh, by the way.” Jungwon catches his attention once again. “Did I mention that her friend transferred with her?”

Ni-ki furrowed his brows. “What friend?” he asks, acting curious before he slowly went back on sketching.

Jungwon sighs, “The one you ditched last month, dude!” he exclaimed, finding it unbelievable how he already forgot abour ‘that friend’.

Ni-ki’s hand halts from moving and he was stoned at his position. For some reasons, he got a weird feeling about it. He felt his chest tightens and stomach churns. He couldn’t explain what it is, but he just shrugged it off thinking that maybe its just because he was too tired of practice.

After a couple of minutes, the bell rang and so both of them went down to their class. The hallway was packed with students trying to hurry themselves towards their respective rooms. Jungwon and Ni-ki arrived at class just in time. They sat down at their chairs and soon enough, their homeroom teacher arrived.

Ni-ki glanced over his friend while he pulls out his notebook and scoffed when he saw how excited he looked.

“Dude, your lips will rip any minute now. Cut it out.” he teased because he was smiling crazy.

Jungwon ignored him and he just shakes his head side by side. His eyes darted towards the front as their teacher started to orient them about the newcomers. He wasn’t surprised about ir anymore because his friend spoiled the news to him already. His gaze dropped down to the notebook and he flip the pages over the back of it. He grabbed his pencil and started sketching.

He can hear all the commotion inside the classroom, but he ignored them when he’s slowly getting drowned with his own world. The face of that girl popped up inside his mind. It was so random but he was used to it. Maybe, Ni-ki is missing her in his dreams already.

“Okay, please come in. Don’t be shy.” you heard the teacher says while you and your friend pushes each other who will go first.

She was left with no choice but to go first because you are too shy. When you both entered you can hear some of the students reaction. This is totally nerve wracking for you. You usually feel anxious around a new environment. When you roam your eyes around, you can see all of them looking at the two of you. It made you feel nervous.

One student tho, caught your attention. Unlike all of them, his focus is at whatever he was doing. For that moment, the teacher talking beside you suddenly became muffled. The boy just have this aura that pulled you to stare at him. You can’t help but to feel your stomach turning. These scenes are pretty familiar for you. As someone who loves reading books, you had imagined experiencing moments like this. To actually have it now is amusing for you.

“Ms. y/n?” you snapped back to reality and your stare got teared from the said boy. You looked over the homeroom teacher and they are staring at her.

You blushed, feeling embarrassed for spacing out. “U-Uhm,” you cleared your throat because you felt it slightly drying. “I’m Y/n L/n.”

They welcomed you warmly and after the teacher gave you few reminders, she started assigning you to your respective seats.

“And y/n, please sit down beside Mr. Nishimura.” she says and you roamed your eyes around to see who she’s referring to.

“Nishimura, raise your hand.” she instructed and your chest almost fell when you saw the boy from a while ago raising his hand. He was still busy with what he was scribbling so he didn’t turn his head to look at you.

The teacher just sighs out and asked you to take your seat. You thanked her and you slowly made your way. The boy still kept his attention to his notebook. When you pass by Jungwon, he gave you a wave and so you waved at him as well.

After settling down beside him, he still didn’t spared you any glance. You pursed your lips into a pout and suddenly, you felt like being friendly. He seemed very quiet and you planned to have a good school year.

“Hello, I’m y/n! I hope you take good care of me.” you said excitedly the moment you sat down beside this quiet kid. You noticed him not paying attention when you introduced yourself and so you did him a favor and repeat it for him.

Ni-ki lifts his gaze and was ready to accept your hand but he was stunned when he saw the exact girl he drew a portrait of. The one in his dreams.

“Hyung! I can’t believe you!” Ni-ki grabbed his hair out of frustration while leaning over the railings.

His friends are all watching him. Some are staring at him in a weird way and some are just smirking. He couldn’t pay attention to them teasing him because he have a much better thing to discuss.

Jungwon silently munches over his food and looked at Ni-ki. “I didn’t know it was her, okay? Maybe that’s why I found her familiar when I first saw her.” he says trying to defend himself.

“Wait, wait. So you’ve known the girl Ni-ki’s delulu about and you didn’t remember her?” Jay tries to summarize everything.

Jungwon frowned, “It’s not like I know her, hyung! I've met her once. The day when I set Ni-ki up a date with her.”

Ni-ki groaned and feel more frustrated. He couldn’t believe that he just missed that opportunity. The fact that he met the girl he was sketching for months and that you suddenly appeared out of nowhere is still unbelievable for him. Its like he’s laying in clouds right now.

Heeseung snorted, “The one you ditched because you have practice?” he asks Ni-ki and the boy just nodded his head. He and Jake laughed even more, giving each other's shoulders tugs.

“Ugh! What am I going to do? She seems upset when she heard my name. She didn’t talk to me after that too!” Ni-ki stated that earned more chuckles from his hyungs. They were clearly enjoying teasing the youngest. They’ve never seen him this stressed over something like this.

“Well, you’re already a bad shot that’s for sure.” Sunghoon says with a smirk.

Ni-ki stayed silent as his mind slowly and stared blankly. He looked pretty funny for his friends. Sunoo sighed and rolled his eyes while the others kept on teasing Ni-ki.

“What are your plans now, Ni-ki?” he asks. Out of all of them, he’s the one who seems pretty determined to help him first rather than laughing at his misery. They said real friends do that often. Sunoo’s real with Ni-ki, he just left that job to their other friends. He felt bad for him, he really is bothered about it.

“What do you mean?” the younger one looked clueless.

Sunoo rolled his eyes again.

“We all know how much you’re into her. Now, we may not understand how did it happened that the girl you are sketching which you never seen before, just happen to really exist, but what do you plan to do?” he stated.

Ni-ki is just listening carefully to him.

“She’s a new meat and you know what happens whenever there’s a new face at the campus.” Sunoo smirked. The boys got his point right away.

“Oh yeah, I’m sure she’ll be the talk of town for a while.”Jay.

Ni-ki furrowed his brows lightly and realized that they were right. That’s what usually happened. Now, he got more things to worry about.

“What about Jungwon hyung's girl? She’s new too.” he stated.

That made Jungwon furrow his brows. “They all know she’s very much taken so nobody would dare to even try.”

“Honestly, all I can think of doing is to make up to her since I ditched her and made myself look like a total jerk.” his tone sounded so stressed.

“That’s a good idea.” Jake stated, he finally managed to say something after laughing at his younger friend.

“Although I couldn’t seem to think what’s your fault since Jungwon already said that you are called in an emergency practice.” Sunghoon.

Ni-ki shrugs his shoulders off and throw his head back, staring at the clouds above them. They looked so peaceful and somehow ease his frustration. He couldn’t think of anything but you. He’s still amused at what just happened. He can’t believe that you actually exist. There’s no definite explanation to any of this. At the back of his mind, he do wish you are true. But now that he had come face to face to you, he can’t help but to have mixed emotions.

“I should’ve went there and told her myself that I was called in.”

“You were running late already that time, man.” Heeseung.

“Then be it.” the firmness of his tone just made them realized that he is sincerely sorry of what happened.

“What? Nishimura Riki? Will have himself late for basketball practice just so he can tell a girl that he’s called in?” Sunghoon's smirk are wide and wildly teasing. He let out a big sigh.

“Waah, is that really you? Basketball dude. We’re talking about basketball here.” he added.

Ni-ki rolled his eyes and his ears are starting to get red. His friends are well aware of how fond he is over to the girl in his sketches, now it just shows how much he really is into her. And he even just saw her today. Even him think its a little crazy.

On the other hand, you are thinking of Ni-ki as much as he’s thinking of you. His face truly is ethereal. The visual can pass as someone stripped out from one of the books you have read. His proportions are perfect as well, tall and long legged. His aura is slightly mysterious as well, although you still find it odd how he reacted when he looked at you a while ago.

Maybe because he knew he stood you up before. You scoffed lightly. You aren’t really mad about him and you know he isn’t at fault. But you can’t help but to feel a bit of disappointed, because that’s the first time you actually tried to go on a date with someone. You thought that fate already made a move on not making you two meet that time. Maybe that’s already a sign.

“He’s good looking, isn’t he? I told you!” she’s been talking about this one for 15 minutes already.

You can’t help but to roll your eyes. Ni-ki is indeed very good looking, but of course you won’t say that. She will surely tease you so much and you don’t need it for today.

“Do you like him?” she sounded like she’s expecting so much from your answer. Her eyes sparkles in excitement.

You stared at her in disbelief, “Do you actually think that I will like someone just because they’re good looking? Books don’t raised me to be like that.”

Instead of showing a disappointed expression, her smiled grew bigger and started pointing at you like she caught you or something.

“So you do think he is good looking!”

You got stunned by what she said. It was too late to realize what you have said and you can’t take it back or else you will look defensive.

“Whatever.” You just looked down your lunch and started to silently eat it. She started to tease you, but you chose to ignore her.

When you both returned to class, you felt so nervous of seeing him again. You actually don’t understand why, but you just did. Some of your classmates greeted you and you smiled at them, a little shy. Your eyes darted at your seat and the chair beside it is vacant.

You walked over and you even saw Jungwon rushing his way to his girlfriend. You sat down and your eyes took a short glance at Ni-ki’s seat. For an unknown reason, you felt a little sad. You shrugged it off and just grabbed your textbook for the next class.

“Hi y/n!” your eyes darted over to the guy who approached your table. He’s one of your classmates and also part of Ni-ki’s circle. Jungwon introduced the two of you a while ago to his friends, so you know.

You flash him a small smile and your eyes follows his hand as he put a banana milk on your desk. You stared at it a bit, confused then you eyed him.

“I’m Sunoo and that’s from Ni-ki! He asked me to give it to you since they’re called in practice.” he said and your eyes darted back at the banana milk.

The class then started to go seat at their chairs when the teacher for that subject arrived.

“Nice meeting you, bye!” he bid and quickly went to go sit down.

You didn’t even manage to say something to him. While the teacher starts his discussion, your eyes are still glued back to the drink on your desk. You slowly grabbed it and checked the note sticked to it.

‘Hope you enjoy this! :) — Ni-ki’

Your attention was called by your teacher. She asked you and your friend to introduce yourselves because you are new. Then she welcomed you both with a warm smile. After that, she asked you to take a seat so she can start the lesson already.

“Kindly turn your book to page 378.”

As you grab your textbook and start to turn its page, your eyes darted at the drink once again. You scoffed and a ghost smile appeared over your lips before you tried to concentrate to the lesson.

Dismissal came faster than you expected and Ni-ki didn’t showed up in class anymore that whole afternoon. You heard that they’re preparing for the big game and that Ni-ki is actually one of the star players. He really is important in the team. Somehow, you now really understand why he needs to ditch that day.

“Hello,” your heart almost fell when you saw Ni-ki standing right beside you. He’s wearing a plain black shirt and sweats while his duffel bag hangs over his shoulders. His hair looked a little damp, you assume he just finished practice.

You tried to keep your cool and glanced back at your locker. “Hi.” you shortly replied. It made him smile a little.

“Did you receive the banana milk?” he asks and leaned over the lockers. He glanced over the students passing by that greets him.

“Yes. What’s it for?”

He smiles, “I just want to give you one.”

You stared at him for a while before you resumed on arranging your things.

“If this is still about that day, you know you don’t have to give me one.”

He sighs then put his hands inside his pockets. He looked so attractive. Its so crazy to even think of it that way, but its just how it is. You don’t even understand how someone can look this good in just wearing plain black shirt and sweats.

“I know, I just want to.”

You kept his stares at you for a while before you nod your head and glance away. After closing your locker you start walking towards your friend. She’s smiling when she glanced at you and her eyes shifted at the person behind you. That’s when you realized Ni-ki followed you. Your heart races, but you still tried to keep your cool.

“I’ll g-go first. See you guys tomorrow.” you said and gave her a hug. She nods and waved at you telling you to stay safe.

While you’re walking out of the school, you looked over your shoulder because you can still feel someone following you. He smiled innocently and pulled his hand out of his pocket to wave.

“Hi.”

“Are you following me?” you tilt your head over to the side.

“Yes.”

“Why? Do you need anything?”

He pursed his lips, trying to suppress a smile. “Nah, I just want to walk you home. Can I do that?”

You blushed and quickly glanced away like as if you can get answer from somewhere. He kept his stares at you and Ni-ki can’t help but to admire how adorable you look.

“Uhm, I take a bus ride home.”

He nods, “Then I’ll wait for your bus with you. Is that all right?”

Your stomach turns while staring at his innocent looking eyes. The way that he kept asking for permission does something in your heart. How can he looked so intimidating, but be super soft? It’s crazy. You gulped and left with no choice but to let him do it.

He grins and slowly reach for your things so he can help you. That action definitely caught you off-guard, while he looks cool with it. It was almost like he’s very used to doing such things. Is he just really a gentlemen or a playboy? You can’t decide.

You walk beside him, slightly trying your best to keep up. When he noticed, he chuckled softly and stopped so he can wait for you. With a pout, you shoot him glares. “You walk so fast.” you mumble.

He let out another chuckle, “I’m sorry. Let’s go?”

You nodded your head and you both walked towards where your bus usually stops. Ni-ki was the one initiating the conversation which you find very nice because you are shy and you have no idea how to start it. Surprisingly, he isn’t that boring and also not that overwhelming for you. He’s actually very fun to talk to. You cannot believe you actually said it. That he’s fun to talk to.

When you saw the bus driving close, you glanced at him and awkwardly smiled.

“U-Uh, thank you for waiting with me.”

He nodded and gently passes you your bag. “You’re welcome. Get home safe.” and he waved his hand.

You nodded and quickly went to ride the bus. After settling down, you looked over Ni-ki who's still standing where you left him. He glanced at you then smiled when you two met eyes. You signalled him to go and he mouthed something like ‘After your bus left’ and even pointed at the bus.

When the bus started to go, he waved one last time. As it drove away, your mind was left with him. You don’t understand. This was the first time you met Ni-ki and his first impression was even not good for you, then why does it seem like its something else? You can’t point what really is it. All you know is that he made you feel things nobody else does before.

A week has already passed and Ni-ki continued on joining you while you wait for your bus at dismissal. Sometimes he eat lunch with you and your friend, together with their group of friends. They’re all cool and funny. Its obvious how they get along pretty well.

“Here,” your eyes darted over to Ni-ki when he pulls out something from his pocket.

“What..?” he handed you this bookmark that left you a little speechless. It was a sketch of you. The one when you both are studying at the library.

You glanced at him with amused eyes, “Did you draw this?”

He smiled and nodded, “Yes. I told you I do sketches.”

You are still amazed at how good he is so you couldn’t really say anything right away. Your eyes dropped at the pretty bookmare once again and you stared at it. He’s very good, very talented.

“I didn’t know you are this good.”

He chuckles, “Thank you.”

You glanced back at him and smiled, “Thank you for this. I will use this.”

He smirked happily, feeling his heart jumped after knowing you enjoyed and appreciated his small gift for you.

“You better.” he joked that made you chuckle.

As you spend more time with him, the more you get to know Ni-ki. He’s not just amazing, he’s very ideal for you. He’s funny, playful, caring and so much more. You can’t believe you’re actually getting interested over somebody. Fictional characters usually makes you blush, but he’s a real person. He’s real and making your stomach go crazy because of his actions.

“Hi beautiful.” your head snaps over to your side when someone sat down.

A smile quickly made its way over your lips when you saw who it is. It’s Ni-ki and he’s wearing a plain white t-shiry, paired by a black slacks. His hair still a bit damp while he put his duffel bag down at floor. He pulled out a banana milk from it and put it on your table.

“Good morning, how’s practice?” you gently asked and even before you can stop yourself, your hand reached over his hair and softly brush it away from his eyes.

Ni-ki gulped and felt his heart thumping by the affection. You pursed your lips and instantly got shy when your eyes met. You glanced away and pulled your hand away from his hair. He smirks and bite his lower lip.

“It was good. Coach is being a little rough with us tho, because the competition is next month.” he says and you nodded.

“Good luck with your games.” you tried hard to maintain an eye contact even if you can feel your whole face heating up.

“You’ll watch, right?”

Your eyes roamed over his handsome face. They looked so soft, almost hypnotizing you into agreeing to watch his games. You caught your lower lip between your teeth and again, you stretch your hand to brush his hair off.

“Yeah, I’ll watch.” and his stares soften more, if that’s possible. He looked so good. Ni-ki looked so handsome right in front of you. You can’t explain the feeling that you are having right now. It’s uncomfy, how your stomach churns but if he was the reason of it, you’ll want to experience it over and over again.

“Good.” he says and kept the eye contact before gently grabbing your hand to slightly intertwin your hands.

He pulled it closer to his face and placed a small kiss over your hand, “You look so beautiful.” he mumbled.

You gasped lightly and glanced away. He chuckled lightly then he helped you opening the banana milk. Soon enough, your classmates arrived and your day continued. The days passes by too quickly and you just grew closer with Ni-ki.

Another week passed by after that. You mostly spent it with your friend and Ni-ki. He’s usually around you, accompanying you. Some even said that you two are starting to get inseparable. Of course your friend couldn’t stop teasing you about it. She wants you and Ni-ki to be together so bad. Before you get annoyed by her constantly talking about it, but now the idea doesn’t seem to be bad for you. Its just, Ni-ki isn’t saying anything about it. You don’t know if he likes you the way you like him.

“Ni-ki! Valo later?” a smile appeared across your face when you heard a voice from somewhere says that. Soon, you can feel a figure approaching close to you and a hand gently reaching for your bag.

“I don’t know. I’m busy later.” Ni-ki responded. You heard his friend complained about something that he don't join them anymore and somehow you felt guilty, because you clearly know what keeps him ‘busy’.

A hand rests over the small of your back, asking for attention. You turn your head and smiled at him.

“Hi. How’s practice?”

“Good. Was the food good?” he asks curious, his hand now caressing your back gently.

“Yes. Thank your Mom for me.” he gave you lunch a while ago and he said that his Mom cooked it for you.

He nods and smiled then waits patiently until you can go. After a couple of minutes, both of you are off to go at your bus stop. It’s Saturday tomorrow, so you don’t really know what to do. Maybe you’ll just read some books or go out to look for more books.

“What are you up to tomorrow?”

Your head snaps at his direction while the two of you walks side by side. “Nothing. Maybe read some books.” and you even shrug your shoulders off.

“Do you want to go with me?” he glanced away while his ears turns red. He’s incredibly cute so you can’t help but to smile.

“Go with you? Where?”

“Double date.” his eyes dropped over his hands before he slowly raised to look at you.

“Are you asking me out?” your lips almost trembled because of the idea. It excites you.

“Yes.”

You pursed your lips and jokingly squinted your eyes at him, “Do you promise not to ditch me again?”

He chuckles, “I promise.” and even raised his left hand. Your smile fell and you shoot him glares.

“Its suppose to be your right hand!” and you swat his arm. He laughs and fixed it, “Oh my bad, I’m left handed.” he joked.

“So is that a yes?” and he stretch his hand to brush some of your hair off of your face. The slight touch of his skin to yours makes you blush right away.

“Yes.” and you even nodded.

This time, you're the one who reach for his face to pinch his nose lightly.

“All right.” he smiled and held your hand to intertwin your hands.

“Let’s call later?” he asks that made you pout. Your eyes looked over your holding hands. Ni-ki noticed that its a bit cold so he took your hands and put it inside his pocket.

“You should join your friends on playing valo. We’ve been facetiming each other every night.”

He shakes his head, “Nah, I’m not in the mood to play anyway.”

“They’ll start to be suspicious.”

He shrugged his shoulders off, “They know I’m talking to you.”

Your eyes grew a bit big and you blushed just by thinking his friends are aware of it. Ni-ki smirked.

“You’re so beautiful.” he mumbled and just in time, your bus arrived.

Your mind is still occupied even after you ride your bus and it left. His actions and his words all leads to one conclusion, but you still keep yourself from assuming things.

The next day, you woke up early to prepare. You don’t understand, but you are so excited to see Ni-ki. Not that you don’t see him at school, its just different to hang out on weekends.

When you arrived the place where you are suppose to meet the first time, your brows slightly furrowed. All you can see is Jungwon and your friend. No Ni-ki can be seen.

“Where’s Ni-ki? Is he late?” you asked right away.

“Huh? No! He’s...” your friend roamed her eyes around. “right there!” she added.

You looked over your shoulder and saw him walking closer while holding a cup of coffee. He's smiling so big and so you did too, but your eyes trailed down to what he's wearing. It's his jersey.

“You have practice?” you asked, confused.

He nods his head, “I’ll take you with me.”

Your eyes grew big, “To your practice?”

He nodded again, finding you adorable.

“B-But are you even allowed to take me?” you are worried, but you want so bad to go. You’ve never been in their practice.

“Yes. Then after that, we’ll go check some bookstores.” he says excitedly.

“Bookstores?”

He pulled out a piece of paper that shows a list of bookstores around. You pursed your lips into a pout, completely moved over what he did. You hugged him and he was caught off-guard.

“Thank you!”

He broke into a soft smile and dropped a kiss at your forehead, “Anything for you.”

You both bid good-bye to your friend and Jungwon before you walk hand in hand towards the bus stop. Ni-ki assists you to ride and ask you to take a sit while he beep his card to pay for the two of you.

While on the way to school, you enjoy the coffee he ordered for you. He enjoys watching you at the same time. You offered him a sip, but he declined. Soon enough, you both arrived the school. You can barely see people inside, just some maintenance people and some school personels.

You two went straight to the gym. You can already hear the sound of shoes and basketball echoing inside. He gently guided you inside and you started feeling shy when you felt them eyeing you. Once they seen who it was, they started teasing Ni-ki. He can’t help but smile while he guides you at the benches. He sets his bag down beside you and ask if you’re all right. You nodded, despite the blushing cheeks.

“You can watch or read your books.” you nodded and he started jogging towards the court after he took off his plain t-shirt.

You don’t know much about basketball, but surprisingly you enjoyed watching him play. He’s very attentive and you can really tell how he pour everything to things he like doing. He’s full of passion over it.

A loud honk errupted all over the gym, signalling that the practice is now over. Their coach blew the whistle then asked them over. They all approached him and you think he started telling them about the things he noticed. After a couple of reminders, they let them go.

“I’ll just take a quick shower.” he said and you nodded your head before he goes and left you.

While waiting for him, you noticed that a group of players stormed inside. Base on their uniform, they seem like the volleyball team. You didn’t mind them and just busy yourself with your phone.

A pair of shoes caught your attention when it enters your line of sight.

“Hi!” a guy wearing a jersey with a number ‘04’ smiled in front of you. He have this clean haircut and a pretty set of teeth.

“U-Uhm, hello.” you awkwardly greeted.

“Why are you here? Practice? Or waiting for someone who had practice?”

“Waiting for someone.” you answered right away.

He nodded his head while pursing his lips, “Who?”

“Me.” both of you turn your head over to the side.

Ni-ki’s walking closer while having both of his hands inside his pocket, duffle bag hangs over his shoulder and his hair a bit damp. His eyes looked so serious while staring straight to the guy who approached you.

“Nishimura, huh?” he sounds a bit amused.

Your view of him got covered when Ni-ki stood in front of you. He tilt his head, “What do you want?” he asked him straightly.

“What is this? Are you finally over with your dream girl?” his tone taunting him. Your brows furrowed at what he said, confused and curious at the same time as to what he was talking about.

“Shut up.” Ni-ki took advance, but you are quick to grab him by his arm. He glanced at you and his eyes soften.

“Let’s just go.” you plead lightly.

He clenched his jaw hard before he glanced back at the guy. His friends approached closer as well so you somehow you felt at ease.

Thankfully, none of them engaged into a much more trouble and decided to just go leave each other. Ni-ki bid good bye to his hyungs before gently grabbing your hand to take you away. Your mind is still occupied about what that guy said a while ago. The one with Ni-ki’s dream girl. What was that? A part of you felt curious and a part of you doesn’t want to ask about it. You’re afraid to know what his answer would be.

When you arrived at the bus stop, he draws in a strained sigh. He looked a little frustrated.

“I’m sorry that you have to see that.” he apologized, probably referring to him almost getting caught in fight.

You pursed your lips, trying to get rid of that thought and focus on what he is saying right now. “It's f-fine.” was all you can respond.

You wanted to say more, so he wouldn’t caught on you overthinking and stuff, but none came out from your mouth. Your mind couldn’t process anything. Are you that comfortable with Ni-ki that you’ll just let him see through you?

He pursed his lips and sighed once again. You watch him do that and look a bit nervous. He’s obviously holding back on telling you something. It made you nervous as well, what it may be.

“About what he said a while ago,” he started that caught your whole attention. Your thoughts instantly pushed at the back of your mind and the noises around suddenly muffled.

He gulped and his hand plays through your hand that he was holding. Ni-ki’s very nervous to how you will react about this. He knew better than to keep this and make you overthink.

“Promise me first that you won’t find it weird.” he stared straight to your eyes, hopeful.

You nodded your head unconsciously.

“This may sound crazy, but I’ve seen you in my dreams before.” he says and kept his stares at you.

You blinked, confused. Totally confused. You almost think that you’ve heard it wrong or he’s trying to pull a prank on you. But his serious face and the fear in his eyes says otherwise. He’s completely serious, leaving you in wonder of what he was talking about.

“O-Okay..?” you tried to say something that better than it, but you failed.

Ni-ki sighed and lets go of your hand, embarrassed. “You think I’m weird.” he mumbled.

A smile crossed your lips and you quickly took a hold of his hand, now holding it. “No, I don't!” he looked at you and you try hard to suppress a smile.

“You’re laughing.”

That caused a chuckle to escape from your lips, “It’s because you’re cute!” you try to pull him again because he’s trying to turn his back so you wouldn’t see his blushing face.

“Cute? Stop kidding me, y/n.” he says and glanced away, cheeks tinted red and so does his ears.

Soon, your bus arrived so you hold your conversation first. Both of you went inside and sat down at a vacant chairs. He was still avoiding your eyes and you’re trying to catch them.

“So, you dreamt of me?” you tried opening the topic again. He groaned, embarrassed still.

“If you’ll just going to make fun—”

“No! I’m really curious about it. I promise, I’m not making fun of you.” and you tried to look as serious as you can. He sighed and nodded his head.

“How do I look like in your dreams? Do I look just like this?” you asked, curious.

He stared at you, his embarrassment now long forgotten. His eyes stared over your eyes, down to your nose, your cupid's bow and your lips. He carefully scanned each and every one of your features, admiring them.

“You looked more beautiful in person. My drawings can’t do justice in that face of yours.” he said in a very sincere and serious tone.

This time, you’re the one to get shy because of his compliment. He always tell you that you’re pretty, but this time its a little more intimate. You can’t help but to blush a bit more than normal.

Ni-ki took your silence as an opportunity and gently held your hand. Your eyes dropped over them for a while before you glanced back to his eyes.

“I don’t want you to think that I liked you only because you look like the girl in my dreams. I admit, that was one of the reason why I got interested, but you as a person is what made me like you.”

“You l-like me?” you are totally caught off guard.

He smirked then chuckled, “Isn’t it obvious?” he then leaned over to give your cheeks a light kiss. “I like you very much.”

“When are you going to show me your drawings?” you asked him one afternoon. You’re at the rooftop, hanging out since its your vacant hour. He decided to take you here with him. He says its his most favorite spot in school and he’s sharing it with you because you’re his most favorite person.

“Probably soon, baby.” he glanced at you and smiled when he saw your pout before leaning in to give you a kiss at your cheeks.

“But I want to see it.”

“Soon.” he gave your cheeks a light tap before he continues to draw again. This time, you sighed and just let it slide. You don’t want to force him even if you’re already dying out of curiosity.

Its already been two weeks ever since you knew about these drawings and Ni-ki’s confession. You haven’t told him yet that you like him as well, you’re waiting for a perfect time.

You focused on reading once again. You read one sentence. Read it again. Again. And again. You put your book down when you realized you couldn’t understand anything. Ni-ki on the other hand looked too hooked over his drawings. A smile forms your lips just by watching him too focused. He looked so ethereal. How can he call you pretty all the time when he’s the one looking like this?

While you’re spacing out, you had come up with a bright idea to confess toda with Ni-ki. Of course, you don’t want it to be just plain. So you came up with a plan to take Ni-ki to your special place.

“Do you want to go with me later?”

He lift his gaze from his sketchbook towards you, “Where are you taking me?” he even gave you this funny face, like as if he’s scared and that you’re planning something horrible to him.

You rolles your eyes and leaned in to place a peck over his cheeks, “Don’t be dramatic. I’ll tell you where later.” you stood up and flattened your skirt, Ni-ki helped on fixing it because it strides up while you’re sitting.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

“Going to buy something and look for (friend’s name). You want something?”

He shakes his head, “Do you want me to come with you?”

You told him you’re good and he just nodded his head. Ni-ki have no clue that you are planning to confess to him. You are too excited when you told your friend about your plan and she was as excited as you. She thinks the two of you are perfect for each other.

“Bye, y/n!” she waves and smiles meaningfully at you.

Ni-ki nods at her way and to his hyung while putting his arms around your shoulder, pulling you closer to him. You are waiting for the bus because you told him you will take him somewhere. He even teases you that you are planning something to him which you just respond with an eye roll.

“So where are we going?” he asks for nth time when you rode the bus.

“Can you just stop asking and wait?” you spat at him that made him chuckle.

“All right. I can’t help but to feel excited, this is the first time you asked me out on a date.”

You gave him a teasing smile, “Who said this is a date?”

His smile fell, “Okay, I’m going down at the next stop.”

You chuckled and grabbed his arm tighter, “I’m kidding! You’re such a baby.”

He smirked and leaned his cheek at you, asking for a kiss. You rolled your eyes and gave in, giving him a peck before you two slowly talk about something.

Arriving at your stop, Ni-ki furrowed his brows when you took him at a memorial park. He didn’t ask anything and just followed behind silently. He held your hand tighter when he noticed how your eyes flashes sadness and longing.

You glanced at his direction after you felt him tugging your hand. The worry over his eyes touches your heart. “Let’s go.” and you started pulling him towards the grave of one of the most important person in your life. Your Dad.

“Hi Dad!” you smiled and waved before you crouched down to take out some leaves all over his gravestone. Ni-ki didn’t waste any time and quickly helped you. A warm smile spread across your face.

“Hello, Sir. I’m Nishimura Riki.” he introduced himself and even bowed.

Your eyes got teary just by seeing him paying respect. You draws in a big sigh then glanced at your Dad’s grave.

“Remember when I cried here, Dad? Because I feel like nobody will take care of me and love me. Well, I am back.” you smiled as your eyes heats up and form tears. “But this time I’m with Ni-ki.” you looked over him and he’s staring at you with that worried and affectionate eyes of his.

You laid your hand and he hold your hand tightly before placing a sweet kiss. “He takes care of me, Dad.”

Ni-ki leaned in and kissed your cheeks this time before turning to your Dad’s grave. “You don’t have to worry about her too much, Sir. I will make sure she’s okay. I will take care and love her with all of me.”

Your eyes grew a bit big and you stared at him in awe. He smiled and raised his hand to wipe your tears away.

“I love you.” he said sincerely that made you teary even more.

“I love you too, Ni-ki.” this time, it was his turn to be surprised.

He cupped your face, “Say it again.”

You chuckled, “I love you.”

“I love you more.” and he lean to give you a peck over your lips. He pulled away after a couple of kisses then he rests his forehead at yours.

“Do you think your Dad will be mad that I kissed you?” that made you chuckle so you pull away a bit to look at his eyes.

“I guess so.” you joked and this time, you leaned in to give him a kiss. Ni-ki closed his eyes and even followed your lips for more.

“That’s her. She kissed me.” and he even pointed at you like a kid.

You rolled your eyes and you rest your head over his shoulder. The two of you stayed like that for a while. After that, you pulled Ni-ki to the place near the memorial park, its like a cliff where you can see the whole city lights below.

You walked over the railings and you let the breeze blew over your hair while you stare blankly at the pretty view. On the other hand, Ni-ki was stunned. He was stoned at his position while he stare at you. This scene is very familiar to him.

You glanced over him as the air blow over your hair and Ni-ki’s heart thumped faster. It was the scene in his dreams. Now, he was certain that it was really you and he was destined to meet you.

He smiled, a tear left his eye before he caged you in a tight embrace. He enjoys his passion and the art he was doing, but you made him fell deeper to it. You are his favorite art piece and now, his favorite person.

main master-list

greek myth master-list

[naminethewriter]

Monstrously Simple Days at College

Chapter Six: Entirely Scientific Interest

Masterpost | First | Previous | Ao3

Story Summary: Humans and Monsters live together in harmony and that means they all get to go to college together. Roman, Remus, Janus, Virgil, Logan and Patton are big group of friends that may be a bit chaotic with all the different monster cultures they hail from. College itself is hard too, but with them all supporting each other, it can’t be that bad, can it?

Content Warnings: Remus starts a discussion about genitalia, comparing the differences between their monster species, it slips in some innuendos but there is no sexual content

~~*~~

Cultural Exchange is a course every single student at the college is required to take. Be they human or monster, there are no exceptions. The goal of the course is as it says in the name: to learn about the cultures of different people. The humans may only be one species, but they are so widespread that their cultures differ greatly even over relatively small distances, while there are many different species of monsters that do have some cultural differences even within their specific species but not as much variety as humans as a whole. So, there is a lot for both sides to learn.

With as many students as there are, there are several classes going on at once and thankfully for them, Roman, Remus, Logan, Janus, Virgil and Patton were all assigned to the same one. There is one big group project that everyone has to complete and that is to research one culture not represented in the group decided by drawing lots.

They got assigned sirens this time and everyone was happy with that selection. Merfolk in general tend to keep to themselves, but sirens even more so. Unlike what the legends usually say, they use their singing as a defense mechanism. With the continued intermingling of species however, an effort has been made to learn more about merfolk and in turn sirens, so there is some research for the group to fall back on.

Especially Logan and Janus are eager to learn, with the former being simply fascinated by any new knowledge and the latter because his entire nature directs him to gather as much information as possible.

Right now, Roman, Virgil, Janus, Logan and Remus are waiting for Patton in the room they have booked to plan their project. Patton has texted them his apologies for running late but offered to bring them coffee, so they had texted him their orders.

Roman and Virgil are passing the time on their phones, while Janus stares boredly off into space. Logan however is trying to get their partner to stop drawing crude pictures on the whiteboard.

“Remus, this is an inappropriate place for you to draw penises,” he sighs.

“Why’s that?” Remus asks, a smirk on its lips saying they know full well why.

“This is a classroom, meus, not your sketchbook.”

“Why does that matter?! Penises have their place in a classroom.”

Logan raises one of their eyebrows. “How so?”

“Simple anatomy, of course! And they’re different for all of us!” She begins a new drawing next to the penis he already drew. “Look, human cocks have different heads than us dragons! We’re more spear-like and they’re harder, too. Plus there’s some scales along ours.”

“Fascinating,” Logan murmurs as they closely study Remus’ drawings, apparently now fully convinced of their scientific merit.

“Aaaand, ours don’t just hang lose like we’re just begging for them to get damaged. We have sheaths.”

“I was aware of that. In fact, most monster species have them. It’s an interesting similarity between such a variety of biologies.”

“Witches are the same as humans, right?”

“Remus, do you have to ask your partner about their genitals when I’m in the same room?” Roman complains, gagging over her phone.

“It’s simple anatomy, my dear,” Janus chimes in, grinning like Cheshire cat. “Their interest is purely scientific. Weren’t you listening?” Roman gives him a blank look but doesn’t feel like commenting further, so instead she taps on Virgil’s shoulder to show them a meme she just found. Virgil looks over and pulls out on of their earbuds to talk to her about it, the two of them dissolving into their own little world.

Logan ignores their interruption and keeps their attention on Remus. “Indeed. Physically we are the same as humans, but we differ in our spiritual makeup. Though I could alter my form however I please with the right spells.”

“Oh, kinda like Janny then, right? Since you can just shapeshift at will?” Remus turns directly to Janus for that second part who’s studying his nails with disinterest now that the subject of his teasing is preoccupied.

“In a way. My form right now is not my default, and I can have pretty much any parts I want.”

“Truly fascinating,” Logan says as they lean closer, watchful eyes studying Janus’ form. “I was aware of this being a chosen form but not to what extent.”

“Well, it’s not like I can do whatever I want,” Janus clarifies, fully turning towards them. “I can’t change my hair color or grow my limbs longer. But since we sphynxes don’t really have a sex as most others, I’m not as restricted there.”

“But most sphynxes are perceived to be women, right?” Logan wonders, tilting his head as he tries to recall whatever information he has read about them so far.

“Most of my kind would choose ‘woman’ as the label for them before ‘man’, yes. But few actually care. I am pretty much an outlier there.”

“You’re so lucky you don’t have to worry about STDs and pregnancy shit,” Remus sighs. “Interspecies protection is such a hassle to keep track of.”

“What do you mean, he doesn’t have to worry about such things?” Logan asks, their brow furrowed.

“Well, you know how we don’t really know how sphynxes reproduce, right? They keep it this big secret for only them to know.” Remus waits for Logan to nod before continuing its explanation. “Since they do it in that mysterious way we don’t know about, they are completely incompatible with our reproduction systems, so they can’t get pregnant, can’t get anyone else pregnant and don’t even contract the diseases that correlate to genitals.”

“My form is simply an imitation on the most basic level,” Janus adds, grinning at Logan’s stumped expression. “On a genetic level, I am completely different from you. We don’t have the same cells at all. So I can’t get sick with most of the common diseases or really transfer them either.”

“I will need to have an in-depth discussion with you on this subject sometime,” Logan insists, their eyes practically glowing with curiosity.

“Earn it,” Janus says simply. They are all used to the sphynx’s challenges, so Logan’s face simply morphs from curious to determined and he nods.

“I will.”

Remus meanwhile grew bored of their conversation and hones in on his brother’s other partner.

“Hey, Virgy! What about yours?”

“What about my what?” Virgil asks, not having paid much attention since they were focused on Roman.

“Your penis!” Remus calls delighted, hoping to get a fun reaction. Behind Virgil, Roman pulls a face but doesn’t try to interject again.

Virgil pauses for a moment, staring at Remus who simply stares back.

“Why do you think I have one?”

They actually manage to dumbfound Remus with that one as it takes it a second to respond.

“You don’t?”

“Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. How would you know, you’ve never seen me naked.”

“You offering?” Remus grins, having recovered quickly but Virgil simply shows them the finger. “Boo, you’re no fun.”

“Stop trying to get at my partners’ private parts, Remus!” Roman groans. “Can we change the topic, please?”

“Just don’t engage, darling, you’re only going to rile her up more,” Janus purrs, hopping off of the table he’s been lounging on. He walks over to his partners and leans closer to Roman, grinning. “Instead, let’s talk about when you’re going to taste my dust again.”

Roman slips her phone back into her pocket to fully focus on her boyfriend immediately.

“Oh, please, you won last time only because I wasn’t feeling well then.”

“Keep telling yourself that, dear. Maybe you’ll believe it eventually,” Janus teases, his wings shuddering behind him in anticipation of another flying race already. Roman’s wings similarly shift behind her, though she is careful with the left practically leaning on Virgil, who looks at them, annoyed.

“Not this again,” they groan. “Just leave me out of it, please.”

“But we need a referee, sweetheart!” Janus pouts dramatically and not at all sincerely. “You can’t just leave us hanging!”

“Oh please,” Virgil scoffs, pushing Janus away from them when he tries to lean closer to them with his puppy eyes. Janus is rooming with Patton, he’s learned a lot about looking like a kicked puppy, but Virgil wouldn’t be swayed. “You don’t listen to me anyway and 9 out of 10 times you need photographic evidence to see who won. I am utterly unnecessary.”

“How dare!” Roman gasps, taking Virgil’s phone out of their hand to grab it instead and hold it close. “How could my wonderful knight ever think they’re unnecessary! You are most integral, no matter what! Even if your presence is simple moral support, you’re doing your part!”

Virgil’s face turns slightly purple and they pull their hand back, mumbling something incoherent under their breath. They look over to Remus and Logan, hoping they weren’t paying attention and thankfully they weren’t as they were now discussing what looked like a drawing of an anatomically correct heart.

“You could also just join the race. Maybe your speed has increased since the last time,” Janus teases and Virgil’s head snaps back to him, the purple tint on their cheeks becoming stronger.

“Oh, shut up,” they grumble.

“Stop teasing them, Janus,” Roman chides lightly, but her grin shows that she’s enjoying teasing their partner just as much. “Their bat form is just not made for racing.”

“It would definitely win an adorableness contest though.”

“Oh, for sure.”

“Shut up, both of you!” Virgil whines, hiding in the collar of their cloak.

“Uhhhh, what are we teasing the emo about?” Remus asks as it bounds over, grinning delightedly.

“Remus,” Logan sighs but doesn’t otherwise interfere.

“You don’t get to tease, that’s partner privilege,” Roman says, sticking her tongue out at her brother who returns the gesture.

“We were talking about racing actually, Remus. Want to join sometime?” Janus offers and Remus’ eyes brighten immediately.

“Fuck yeah!”

“Nooo, you’re just going to cheat!”

“Am not!”

“So are!”

“I guess we do need you to referee after all, darling,” Janus purrs at Virgil with a sly smile as the twins continue to bicker and Logan tries fruitlessly to get them to stop.

Thankfully for them, that’s when the door opens and Patton finally tumbles in.

“Sorry, kiddos!” he huffs, placing the palette of coffee orders on a table. “The coffee shop was super full and the barista looked on the verge of tears so I offered to help her out for a few minutes until the line was under control. But I got a nice discount on the drinks and a bagel as a thank you!”

“Thank you for buying us coffee, Patton,” Logan says as he grabs the cup marked for him, as well as Remus’. The others also say their thanks as the drinks get distributed and they all enjoy a few sips.

“Oh yeah, Pat! I have a question!” Remus announces suddenly.

“Sure, kiddo, shoot!”

“Is your dick furry?”

“Oh, for the love of gold, Remus! Shut up!”

[thedoover-if]

THE EX ROUTE IS GOING TO KILL ME, WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO US😭😭

IM SORRY😭 to be fair id never forgive cheating but in games i usually always let it slide so i really wanted to have a ro where it feels very vulnerable to not only move on but also allow oneself to fall in love AGAIN... i think itll be a very interesting dynamic to explore (and i love drama LOL love when authors rip my heart to shreds and then stomp on the pieces too)

fyi youll be able to be hesitant, fearful or whatever OR you can cheat with them, not caring for their current partner and be like rory from gilmore girls where she's like "dean was mine first" (iykyk!!!!)

added a little snippet of a potential scene ive got planned with MC on 'the ex' ro route. call it a little taster LOL (under the cut)

(fyi its from the pov of an MC who still involuntarily feels something for the ex)

“don’t do that,” you spit, gaze slowly travelling down your ex-spouse’s frame. they’re seated on the opposite side of the living room, on the same exact sofa they used to occupy – be it during game nights, movie nights, or simply weekends spent quietly enjoying each other’s company. it felt like the perfect fit. they were the unique key to your lock. the gentle notes on your sometimes out of pitch days… until the music abruptly came to a halt, never to be played again. and ever since that day, three years ago, your life has been muted – dulled even. “do what?” they tilt their face up, and for a moment you’re transferred back in time. but you snap yourself out of it just as quickly; you refuse to go down that path again. although you’re stood a few metres away, you’re able to make out a shapely outline – it's you – on the otherwise empty page of the sketchbook propped on their lap. “you’re drawing me – I don’t want you to draw me.” “why can’t I? you look beautiful.” the stupidly crooked smile creeping upon their features is like a stab to the heart, and those last three words shove the knife straight through your body. just like that, your lungs implode – you’re in too deep. a tsunami of emotions rips open every old wound you nurtured close so carefully over the past months. the hours spent in therapy, flushed down the drain by a sweet compliment. soured by the wrong person. “because that’s what you did when you were with them. when I see you doing this, it makes me think about every night you lied.” your throat grows tight, your vision blurs, and yet you continue, “every night you spent with [redacted] while I was right here… waiting.” for seemingly the first time, you notice sun rays peeking through your beige curtains. it’s almost like the sun has sensed the devastation ongoing in the pit of your stomach, and so with each passing second of your skin soaking up the warm orange beams, the grey clouds inside your head clear more and more. it takes one large breath to relax the tightness of your vocal cords, before you’re able to force a sound out. “you really hurt me [redacted]…” as soon as a look of regret takes over [redacted]’s otherwise painfully gorgeous face, a small flame of hope lights up in your body – one you didn’t grant permission. it’s soothing… and familiar, yet you starve that spark and let it die. “you drawing me like that – it hurts because you know I’ll like it… and that’s not fair, [redacted]” you whisper, before standing tall, a surge of determination coursing through your veins, “I’m not going to let you do this to me again.”

[kiwi2229]

Beauty in sadness

(James Potter / Regulus Black | 777 words)

For @jegulus-microfic prompt: inspire

Regulus is sitting at the library in a big chair in a corner. It’s a perfect spot because right next to him is a big stained glass window that throws colourful reflections across the notebook in his lap. He spends hours here studying or just reading. But today he is not doing any of it. He is waiting for James to finish studying for his N.E.W.T.s with his friends. Regulus could be also revising for his exams, but true to be told he is perfectly ready. He always is. So instead of wasting time on reading articles he already read through he is watching the group by the table.

A year before he wouldn’t spare them a glance. Well except James, he always had a soft spot for him. And his brother, but that’s a totally different story. But the rest of them? Nah, he never cared. But now he spends a lot of time with them and they are not as bad as he thought they would be.

James is gesturing towards the book and passionately argues about something with Marlene. Regulus looks down again, where his hand is moving across the page. He is now sketching the stack of James’ books. The notebook is full of little sketches like this. Mostly of James but also of Regulus’ friends, he loves to draw Pandoras’ hair or different parts of the castle. Between the sketches are scattered different quotes or poems he wrote.

He sits there for another hour before the group finally calls it night and agrees to meet for further studying tomorrow. It’s getting pretty late, and James will probably be tired but maybe they can still go for a little walk before the curfew. He starts to pack all of his stuff so they can leave as soon as possible, but when James approaches him he just squeezes next to him and settles in the chair.

“Hi.” He breaths out wrapping himself around Regulus.

“Hello. So, are you smart already?” Regulus chuckles at the incoherent grumble as a response from James. Regulus closes his eyes and leans more into him letting the warmth of this boy wrap itself around him.

“Can I?” James whispers after a while into the silence. Regulus cracks one eye open to see what James is asking. The boy is holding his sketchbook. James knows he draws sometimes though he never showed him his work. But it’s nothing special so why not. He nods carefully watching James go through the notebook.

“These are amazing love. I never knew you draw this much.” James says without looking up.

Regulus hesitates for a moment before he says his admission. “You inspire me.” James gives him a smug grin. There is no point in denying there are significantly more drawings of James than other things.

James keeps flicking through the notebook before he speaks again, but this time it’s more careful. “What are these poems?”

“Some of them are quotes from books, most of them I wrote,” Regulus explains.

James is looking at him now. “Did I also inspire the ones you write?”

“Some of them, yes. Also, my friends or this place.” Regulus gestures around.

“But they are sad.” Regulus shrugs. He wouldn’t call them sad. More melancholic? He never saw it as a problem. It’s just part of who he is. “I guess so.”

“Do I make you sad?” James asks and tightens his arms around Regulus.

“Of course not. Why would you ask that?”

“Well, the poems are sad, and you said I inspire you so…”

“Oh, Jamie…” Regulus breathes out. Pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. James truly looks worried. “it’s not a bad thing.”

“I don’t understand.”

“It goes together. Happiness and sadness. Love and fear. They can’t exist without each other. I write because I care. And because I care it’s melancholic or sad.” James still does not look convinced, and Regulus is not sure if he can express it in a way that makes sense. “You can love something so much that it hurts. It can be so beautiful that it’s almost too much to look at it. But you never look away. You bare the pain as it’s evidence of the feeling. There is nothing more devastating than apathy. You never feel sad about insignificant things. No, it’s only the important stuff that awakens these emotions inside us. There is beauty in sadness, because of how deep it runs.”

He gives James a soft kiss on his lips. It’s just a brush of a touch. James doesn’t even have a chance to react. “You are important to me. That’s why the poems are sad.”

[pandorafallz]

Vampire AU | New histories and in sights

News of the spirit tree did spread between the camps in the few days that passed and Jake was well aware of those for it and those less willing to try it out and it became a discussion over the radio of who was going and when (based on Mo’at’s availability) and the aftermath of the connection which would upset the camp’s balance until people had adapted to the new connection.

Morgan, Bree, Kim, Jerome, Kendra, Ashley, Harper, Zane, Zeke, and Xavier were straight off the bat interested in connecting to Eywa (those with avatars would go there in human forms for their native bodies to adapt)

Eliza, Maria, Danielle, Kung, and Matthew all were disinterested in connection. The rest, Wei, Sean, Marcus, Will, Ming, and Austin were willing to connect but would wait until another time to do so, very casual about it. Nadine was the only one who wanted to go but was unwilling to enter the cave system to get there. Moran wanted to as well but had concerns with compatibility with his cranial implants that lived under his skin.

A mixed bag of cats but Jake was glad to see so many humans were willing to try it out and see. One day, those disinterested would connect. The hot springs were still a hit, despite the initial mood-killer but Jake had taken the time to visit again the next day (and to properly wash the human clothes from his camp) in a far better mood which really helped restore the caves for him.

Jake’s attention turned up to Ruby as her tail once again thumped irritably against his back occupied in gently spinning together at Hometree. The slight recoil was the only indication he was being softly struck since he was human today. “You okay, Ruby?” he decided to ask after the third time.

“Hm? Oh yes.” Ruby nodded. “It’s…nothing.” Her tone wavered a little.

Jake eyed her expression for a moment, noting the pull between her eyebrows and her… lack of concentration on her actual work as she spun her fibres. Working on auto.

“If you want to talk, I’m about or Mo’at. I heard she took Bree and Zeke down to the caves to connect to Eywa this morning and let them rest up quietly in her den.” Jake offered.

Ruby paused, expression turning frustrated. “I wish she allowed me to go down today.”

“You know why.” Jake said softly, “I’m… I know I don’t get why and I won’t ask but… I think Mo’at probably needs to understand why you need to feel Eywa’s love so intently.”

Uncertainty lingered in Ruby’s yellow eyes. “It’s… complicated.”

“I figured as much but… Mo’at is doing her best to try and help humans. She’d been helping Nadine with her PTSD from the wars and had been learning how humans interact by learning from us. She is the spiritual leader and a healer for a reason. She could help you if you let her. I can try if you want.”

Ruby chewed her lip for a moment before she set the spindle down and stared at him for a moment in quiet contemplation as she clearly weighed the options. “Zane’s at camp so… I can’t bring him along for emotional support. I can… I’m willing to trust you to not spill what I say to Mo’at, right?”

“You have my confidence,” Jake promised because… he hoped this was a good step for Ruby to evolve. To reach out to someone else and while he wasn’t the brightest person, he’d be someone that they could rely on.

Ruby nodded and gestured softly as a means of asking to pick him up. Jake nodded, raising his arms and settling his arm onto her shoulder and she grabbed his chair with her other hand.

Up the spiral, the den was quiet, the familiar bowls with fire in to light up the space, Mo’at was tending to Kim’s pregnant belly, carefully feeling the bump with expertise and Eliza was off to the side with a tablet and ultra-sound, examining what looked like a scan of the babies.

Bree was there, sitting up against the wall but drawing in her sketchbook a little listless but focused nonetheless. Zeke on the other hand was conked out asleep and it looked like someone had drawn a moustache and monocle on his mask. Probably Bree.

“<Your children feel healthy. Their tsalnu sacs seemed to have separated fully from each other which will is good. You’ll be able to birth them separately and safely. That is why your belly has grown a little.>” Mo’at spoke, sparing a second to the scan Eliza had to be certain.

Kim let out a sigh of relief. “<That’s a relief.>”

“<You’ll have a little over two months before you deliver.>” Mo’at carried on, “<It will be wise for you to move into Hometree for the duration of the tsalnu maturation before they’re fully birthed to the world. Since there are two, they’ll have to be delivered earlier than that of a single birth.>”

“<I’ll talk to my mate about it but we make no promises.>” Kim said, unsurprisingly before she sat up though she smiled softly as she saw them though it turned a little concerned. “You two okay?”

“I got a…private talk with Mo’at I think I… need to address,” Ruby said, nervously, her grip tightening a little around him like he was a teddy bear. “Preferably now, or I might chicken out.”

Bree paused a little, looking their way from her book “Let me get my ear pods.” She reached slowly for her bag and tugged it close, rummaging around before she pulled the little case out and set them into her ears before pulling out her tablet to start the music. Loud enough for them to just about hear it.

Kim sighed deeply, annoyed. “We’re kinda in the middle of a check-up, guys…”

“Sorry for the interruption, Kim, but… please give us at least twenty minutes, Kim.” Jake gave his campmate a solid look, feeling Ruby’s arm tighten more and she felt her reluctance return. “It’s important.”

Kim’s jaw tightened a little, lingering on him for a moment then up to Ruby. “Fine.”

“You can stay and listen if you want,” Ruby stated her tone a pitch higher. “It’s not a pleasant story.”

Kim shook her head, her hand coming to her belly with an annoyed sound. “One of my kids is pressing on my bladder. I think that’s telling me something.” She waved away Mo’at’s offer to help her onto her feet, pulling her loincloth straight, both front and back, and waddled out quickly.

Eliza, not saying anything set her tools away and also took her leave but no doubt would return when they were gone. She patted Ruby’s blue leg in passing.

Mo’at sighed softly but collected her tools together. “<I wish she’d allow herself to accept more help.>”

Jake snorted a little. “<She’s a stubborn person. It’s easier pulling teeth.>” He was gently set down a few feet from the Tsahìk onto Kim’s former mat, taking a moment to organise his limp legs before Ruby sat down a little beside him, dwarfing him easily as her long blue settled around him. Her fingers tapped along his shoulder absently for a moment.

“<So…>” Ruby hesitated. “<I… my childhood isn’t a good one. I’ve… never spoken to anyone about it properly except to Zane and it’s… why I can’t go back to Earth and why I want to keep connecting to Eywa. Jake said… you might be more understanding.>”

Mo’at finished setting her tools away, turning her attention fully to the gatherer. “<I know you mentioned to myself and Neytiri it wasn’t pleasant but I didn’t feel it was the time to ask for more. You do not have to mention more than you’re willing to share.>”

Ruby nodded, her ears shifting a little as she contemplated. “I… I know it’s something I need help with and I… don’t like asking for it. I’ve spent a while not emotionally relying on people around me. It’s easier for me.”

Mo’at nodded softly. “<You closed your heart.>”

Ruby nodded. “<I had to.>” She admitted. “<I… hours after I was born, my birth mother tried to dispose of me by abandoning me into a trash canister outside at night.>” Ruby’s ears pinned, pained as the words left her lips. “My own mother didn’t want me… and I don’t understand why she didn’t give me up at a hospital or… a fire station. She had nine months to do that or abort the pregnancy. Instead just… left me some random bin in nothing but a kitchen towel.”

Mo’at’s expression turned sorrowful. “<That is awful, I cannot imagine how painful it is for you to have gone through that. Children are a gift and should be treasured.>” She paused for a moment. “<May I ask, what is a> fire station?”

“Fire stations are facilities designated for fire control for the surrounding public.” Jake spoke softly to Mo’at softly “But they also provide public aid or a safe zone for adults or teen parents to leave their babies or children if they cannot look after them or have a reason to not keep them. Hospitals are medical areas. Any children abandoned after birth can be given up there safely and the child rehoused to a family willing to take them in.”

Mo’at nodded in soft understanding. “<I see.>”

“I would have been better if I had been given up somewhere safe.” Ruby shook her head. “I only survived the trash heap because I was found by a school kid when he was bin surfing for tech junk. He heard me crying and took me home with him in his backpack. His mom got the cops when she found out and I was put into a care system. No one wanted to adopt me.” Her hand moved, pulling her tail around to fiddle with the puff of hair at the end.

Jake reached forward, patting her knee but his heart also ached a little. He couldn’t fathom all of that and while she no doubt knew this all from second-hand, it didn’t erase anything or the turmoil that came with it. It still happened to her. The knowledge that hung over her head.

“I grew up in the system. Foster family to foster family. A few okay ones, a few shit ones who could barely afford to eat…” Her eyes looked far away, “I got to another foster family when I was ten. I thought they were going to be my family for good. Two parents, an older brother and sister, and their second cousin who became orphaned so he had to live with them. My… foster parents at that time were distant. Not there for anyone emotionally but I got on well with my new cousin, Marty, he was… a good guy.”

Jake distantly remembered his fate with a wince. A good guy was lured away and killed; only to be found six months later as bones.

Ruby’s face lost a lot of colour, her eyes brimming with unshed shed as she carried on without stopping. “When…I was fourteen, my foster brother… assaulted me in my room. Said it was okay because we weren’t blood-related and… he wanted to practise.”

Jake closed his eyes, his jaw clenching. Mo’at inhaled deeply but understood the implication, no doubt through Neytiri. It wouldn’t have been an easy conversation but necessary.

“I...I got the police involved, and got him jailed for it but… everyone at school found out what happened…the story got twisted by his friends. I got bullied and blamed for the assault and said that I ruined a good boy’s life and he had a good future ahead before I split. No one even considered what he had done to me or what scars he left on me. That he had ruined my life.” Ruby’s breath shook. “I got out after a year of saving up money. Some friend has a friend who I paid off to get me out. I… changed my name, new date of birth, and new identity codes for myself to have a life. Once I had all that I just… disappeared from that life. Shut away the feelings to concentrate on where I needed to be.”

“You became Ruby Carr, a brilliant scientist.” Jake offered quietly. “You made it all the way to Pandora.”

Ruby nodded airily. “I worked hard in the new school I enrolled in. Worked a side job to afford it and a place to sleep. The only meals I could eat were at school because those were free. I scraped by and got good grades. Got the RDA’s attention to get a scholarship to the sciences. When I was old enough, I signed up for their labs for a few years before I applied to come here and join the Avatar program when I was twenty-three. For a while, it was okay. I had no problems until I learned my former foster brother had joined a gang in prison. I always kept taps open on him as a precaution and… my fear wasn’t misplaced. His new friends had connections everywhere and he was able to find out my new identity and where I was. If I went back home, I’d lose the RDA protection and… I can’t return back. I know he’d come for me if given that chance. I couldn’t give him that chance.”

Mo’at leant down, her hand soft and slow as she touched the Dreamwalker’s face. “<He will not find you here, Rubycarr. You are safe with the people. You are safe with your friends.>”

Ruby stared at her for a long moment then broke her gaze. “I know that here.” She reached up and tapped her temple. “But not here.” She tapped over her heart. “<Eywa… she makes me feel safe and protected. Like a home I never had.>”

“<The great mother provides you with an ocean of unconditional love.” Mo’at dropped her hand to rest on her shoulder.. “<An ocean can be welcoming and beautiful under its surface but… sooner or later you have to resurface or you’ll down within and lose yourself.>”

“<But it’s the only way I can feel happy.>”

“<No, child.>” Mo’at shook her head. “<Happiness is around you and in arms reach. You’ve guarded your heart for so long that you do not see the walls you’ve put up. You look out, not inwards. Happiness is there. You have your friends now to help you. Zanemadaki, who you’re courting would no doubt help you.>”

Jake squeezed her knee softly, looking up to her softly. “<We’re all here to help. Messy feelings and all. Now is a time for healing and community.”

Ruby’s low ears perked up a little, her eyes still large and tearful. “Zay makes me happy. I know I love him.”

“Does he know?”

Ruby nodded softly. “<I told him after we started to date more seriously… I didn’t want to start with lies and… I didn’t want us to rush or anything. It took over a year of us dating before I invited him into a more… physical relationship. He waited until I was ready. Such a gentlemen>.” She smiled fondly. “<I know I can’t rely on a single person for it. Not fair on him but it’s just easier.>”

Mo’at remained quiet for a moment then sat back. “<You carry a massive burden from your past and it will take time for you to let those walls down and find the connections to others to bring you joy more naturally.>”

Ruby’s tail swished from her fingers, frowning softly. “<I don’t know how to really let people in>”

“<You can relearn. I still have much to do but I will spend some time at your camp tomorrow and start the process if you allow me.>” Mo’at offered.

The Dreamwalker’s head tilted before she hummed if a little reluctantly in consideration. It was probably a little overwhelming for her but he hoped she’d stick with it. She had a lot to give if she allowed it. It’d be great to see her open up as well but in all honesty, he was well aware how sparse he had been with his human defectors with his training.

Jake patted her leg, her head turning down at him. “It’s okay. Zane can be there as well if you need.” He assured. “She wouldn’t offer if she wasn’t able to do it. You’re not going to burden her.”

Ruby chewed her lip and then sighed deeply. “I… suppose. I… it’s... sounds like such a task.”

“You’re worth the trouble.” Jake said, “It won’t be easy for you but if you want to feel that connection and happiness, you need to put that work in as well.”

Ruby’s jaw tightened but she understood her part in it. “I know.” She released her breath, her hand coming to rub her face.

The mood was still a little… fragile with that all out in the open and he could tell Ruby wasn’t sure what to do now, so he decided to step in and crack that ice.

“If… you don’t mind me asking, what was your name before?”

Ruby let out a heavy sigh, her hand dropping down into her lap. “Nancy Bane.”

“Nancy?” he couldn’t help himself on the echo but… it was such an outdated name. It was rare on his side of the pond. The English, maybe, but they were a weird folk to keep those old names about still, like Margret or… Patricia.

Ruby snorted, with a little more life to it. “I was never fond of the names. I always liked the gemstone ruby so it wasn’t hard to change it. I let the guy who changed my identity choose my last name. I didn’t care either way. A new name was a new name.”

“I’m included to agree. Ruby’s a far better name.” Jake agreed. “So, is there anything else you wish to discuss?”

Ruby paused, “Er… I may need some herbs to help with my human body. I’m… getting a little constipated and indigestion a lot more. Eliza’s meds are okay but harder to come by. I’d rather start moving onto more easy-to-come-by remedies and save her meds for more dire needs.”

Mo’at nodded, “I’ll find you something before you leave tonight.”

Ruby collected Jake back up as she took her leave, carrying him back down though she looked… more content, he noted, her posture far loosened up.

“What?” Ruby asked, setting his chair down.

“Have… Have I been too absent from people? Like, the humans?” Jake asked, sliding into his chair. “I know I speak to people when they come here and when we’re on the radios but… I feel like I’ve missed out on getting to know people more personally, you know?”

Ruby hummed shortly. “You’re a busy man when you’re in your avatar; Neytiri works you hard when training and you’re in your own bubble when you’re human here. I’ve always considered that to be your mental vacation from training.”

“You’re too kind,” Jake said, a little dissatisfied, shifting a leg to rest more naturally. “I need to do a lot more than be in my own bubble. Once training’s done, I’ll try and be about for you all. We should all go down to Homebase one night. I have a projector. Have a movie night?”

Ruby’s eyes lit up a little. “You have movies?”

“Shit tons. Haven’t watched too many since we’re out of here but I think it would be fun to have a weekly thing for us lot. Nadine can’t go in the caves but I’m sure we can get a few to watch with her as well at another camp.”

“Zeke’s a good option.”

“Ooh, Zeke watching a movie, oh that’ll be fantastic!” Jake realised; at least half the entertainment would be generated by the man’s verbal reaction alone. He had heard Bree had set the creepy puppet doll up in the shack module’s airlock in the mountains as a prank when they were still cutting the shacks up and everyone there knew when Zeke found it. He was kinda sad to have missed that.

Ruby laughed. “Yeah, he’s fun to watch a film with. I only had a few and we’ve watched them over a few times.”

“Next time, I’ll bring a tablet or maybe Morgan or someone can visit and drop off a tablet and you can download from there,” Jake promised, wheeling now back towards the spinners where he could see a few of the miners were set up with bead making he couldn’t help but notice now Marcus was about but looking a little distressed.

Ruby broke away to find Harper so Jake pushed on to Marcus’s side, sparing a look at his cause of concern.

Bead organisation.  There was a small pile of beads that were in one basket and often made by many hands and it was preferred to be separated by colour for artists to draw from when they continued their pieces more easily unless they made their own beads with specific purpose.

It was an easy task that children could do, toddlers even.

“You okay?” Jake asked.

Marcus let out a frustrated sigh. “I need to learn Na’vi. The lead guy put me on this and… I can’t do it.”

Jake looked at the beads and then at him before he realised why. “You’re colour blind, aren’t you?”

Marcus nodded slowly. “Tritan colour blindness. I don’t know how to tell them without them thinking I’m stupid or something. ”

“Ohh…” Jake spared a look around, “You got a tablet?”

“In my bag.”

“Can you get it? I assume you have a camera on it?”

Marcus nodded, relieved as he stood up and hurried to his bag set off by the side to be out of the way and return a moment later with it. Looking at it, he noticed it looked regular, but turning it on, he realised the screen was monochromatic. Black and white. Simple.

“Mind if I turn the colours on? I’ll turn it back once I’m done.” It felt polite to ask at the very least given it wasn’t his tablet.

“Okay?”

Jake nodded, relieved. “<Ten’nel, can you come here please?>” He called.

The Na’vi in question looked up from examining his apprentice’s work of small beads along a string before he got to his feet and came over.

“<Is he not done?>” Ten’nel asked eyes on the pot still. “<I thought he would have finished by now.>”

Jake clicked his tongue. “<Marcus here doesn’t know enough Na’vi to tell you that he had a visual disability. He cannot do this task.>

Ten’nel’s head turned to him sharply but he looked more serious now than before. “<A disability? Poor eyesight?>”

“<He cannot perceive certain colours. Humans call this colour blindness.>” Jake answered, he leaned over and took a photo of the beads Marcus had been set to do then moved to the editor to add a filter over it. “<Humans have a few variants of colour blindness depending on which colour rods in their eyes are affected. Some humans cannot see Red, yellow, Green or blue. In some cases, everything is grey, not colour at all. Marcus here, while he can see everything in clarity, he cannot see yellow or blue.>”

He held out the tablet for the bead maker to see, watching as the man’s eyes slid to the screen in fascination at the filter and then to the actual colours the real thing had beside it; comparing both.

“<The yellow is a pinkie-grey?>” Ten’nel’s voice was filled with genuine intrigue. “<Fascinating…>”

“<Is there a task Marcus can do here that doesn’t rely on colour?>

Ten’nel hummed in soft consideration, still looking between. “<He could remain to simply make the beads or assist with crafting of pieces>”

“You good to stick with just making beads?” Jake offered to Marcus, “Not a lot of colour work?”

“Hm, I might not stick with beads. It’ll pass the time for now but I’m still looking about for something that calls, you know.” Marcus stated, scratching his chin under his mask. “Maybe I’ll try the leather working route or spinners. Weaving is kinda of interesting but… too many colour-dependencies. I’d rather not need to check with people constantly on my own work.”

Jake hummed softly. “I suppose there’s still plenty of time to find out your thing.”

“<Is everything alright?>” Ten’nel asked.

“<Yes, just offering the suggestions for him.>” Jake answered before he looked up at Ten’nel for a moment before he looked down at the tablet. An idea sprung to mind. “<Can… Can I take a photo of you? I wish to see what he sees when he looks at Na’vi. He cannot see blue or yellow.>” And Na’vi were blue and yellow.

Ten’nel allowed him with a curious nod and Jake blinked at the result.

“Na’vi are green to you?” Well, not a deep overly green; they looked closer to turquoise than anything but still… and their eyes, like yellow beads, were grey but with a hint of pink to them. Any red naturally stood out, unchanged and very vibrant.

“Yeah?” Marcus snorted a little. “Like, I mostly know the difference between blue and greens based on shade intensity but it depends on the saturation levels the colour has.”

“How did you make it this far to Pandora with this colour blindness? I know they don’t discriminate based on disability but… you’re a geologist.” There had to be a story there.

“I signed up as a miner; to work in the mine but some of it was bull-shitting, white lies and help. Alejandra helped a little in adding symbols to colour systems when we were working.”

“Wait, you’re colour-blind?”

Jake’s head turned suddenly to see Kung standing a few metres away, a basket of fibres in her arms looking a little baffled and annoyed.

Marcus’s eyes widened a little before he sheepishly nodded.

Kung set the basket down, her hands coming to her hips. “Why didn’t you say anything? I would have been less of an asshole.”

“Because you would have moved me off elsewhere. I know I’m supposed to note that down for my superiors but you ran the mines by the book.” The blond said, gesturing up wildly before clambering to his feet. “I wanted to keep my job, Zee.”

Kung’s brow pulled in before she clicked her tongue, picked up her basket again and walked away without another word.

Marcus huffed, his hand coming to his face but was stopped by the mask. “Aye yai yai…”

Jake looked between the man and the leaving major. “You two got history?”

Marcus nodded. “We took to her bed a few times.” He answered, “I’ll… get back to work.” He decided, moving towards the maker’s side of the area.

-

Tsu’tey led the hunting party back with a glint of satisfaction at each of his student’s work. The human of the group, MingWu was a surprise; having to succeed with a clean kill. Ashleysloan wasn’t a surprise at all she had shot her yerik straight through the frontal eye and killed it instantly. Ka’ani and Saeyla had taken down the same prey but both shots were true.

Iknimaya would be granted to all accept MingWu, as a human could not bond with an Ikran. A known statement but he would need to confide with Mo’at and Eytukan to find an alternative rite of passage for the human that did not involve tsaheylu that would allow the woman to hunt freely as the people. Not all hunters had Ikran but often hunters had Pa’li to ride on to travel. She couldn’t even do that.

It was a little of a headache to think about but he had an idea.

At Hometree, his trainees separated after his word to other tasks as the afternoon was drawing in, Ka’ani leading the kills towards the butchers with Ashleysloan who requested some of the meat for her camp.

Tsu’tey eyes sought over the people, noting the humans, the small form of Jakesully by the weavers stood out by the yellow of his wheeled chair with some dissatisfaction. He moved his gaze on before he moved toward Eytukan who had returned as well with a high head but also was ascending up to the higher level.

Tsu’tey followed. “<I see you, Olo'eyktan>” He greeted politely to draw the clan leader’s attention.

“<I see you, Tsu’tey. How were your hunters??” Eytukan asked as he set his bow down on his personal rack.

“<True shots. MingWu included.>”

Eytukan hummed in surprise. “<The human, interesting.>”

“<MingWu has surprising dedication but due to her species, she cannot pass Iknimaya as an Ikran Makto without a tswin.>”

Eytukan led on towards the Tsahìk’s den, the sounds of her moving about unmistakable and her soft voice.

“<Have you considered options?>” Eytukan asked, pausing outside the den “<There are a few that aren’t easy or feasible for a human. They are tiny and weaver than a Na’vi.>”

“<The Great Hunt, three weeks away.>” Tsu’tey suggested. “<She will have to ride as a passenger onto a Pa’li but if she strikes true among the talioang migration, then that should be a tremendous task achieved much like Pa’li Makto.>”

Eytukan let out a considering hum. “<That’s a good suggestion for the human hunters. What of the Dreamwalkers?>”

“<Ashleysloan had defied all expectations and can put Manu to shame in skill. She would go far in the clan if she was not held back by being a Dreamwalker.>” A sad fact really. It didn’t go unmissed that she had the attention of a few men and women who valued skill and, even by Tsu’tey’s standards, her Dreamwalker did have an attractive face. However, the extra finger was still a firm reminder of what the woman was under the false skin.

“<You sound disappointed>” Eytukan chuckled.

Tsu’tey tittered a little, pursing his lips discontented. “<She doesn’t have my interest beyond that of a mentor to a student.>” He was to be mated with Neytiri and so, he had no reason to look elsewhere. A Dreamwalker was not a suitable mate to even consider, so he didn’t. But he could appreciate the work this Dreamwalker put in with the clan. Tolerantly, even. “<Why was Jakesully not in his Dreamwalker today? I expected him to join the group in the hunt>”

“<Neytiri will see his first successful hunt tomorrow.>,” Eytukan said, “<I believe today is his duty to care for his native body.>”

“<I look forward to her verdict.>” He paused, noting the slight tenseness in the Olo'eyktan’s posture. “<Was your hunt successful?>”

Eytukan hummed, turning discontent. “<I did not hunt for meat. I found bones of a Palulukan within a cave. Years old by the state of the bones but… signs of the Cold Ones. I heard rumour of these bones so I sought them out for truth>”

Tsu’tey felt his insides turn tense, cooling with a flicker of fear. These blood demons had killed a Palulukan? It took many warriors and many arrows to down a beast of death and often there were casualties. They were creatures of both fear and respect for a reason. “<Was… what signs did you see?>”

“<It’s neck was broken. Not cleanly. The… ribs show claw marks that have five fingers to them. It has one cleanly broken leg and smaller fractures along the rest of the legs. The cave itself bears claw marks of both kinds so it likely died within and with great ferocity.>” Eytukan let out a firm breath. “<This knowledge carries a heavy burden.>”

“<If a single one can kill a Palulukan…>” He didn’t finish. What hope did the people have against these creatures? Eytukan had been wise to not let these creatures be his focus but the more he heard, the more he knew how harder it would be to protect the people.

Eytukan’s hand reached out, grasping his arm intently. “<As fearful as we are, Cold Ones have sight of Eywa. As long as there is no provocation, we should not gain their attention.>”

“<Wise worlds, beloved.>” The Tsahìk’s words echoed out, reminding them both where they were.

Eytukan ducked into the den first, empty of people and humans and Mo’at was finishing up her organisation. The two leaders closed the distance, grasping each other and Eytukan touched her cheek with fondness and her head tilted into his touch.

“<How was your day?>” Eytukan asked. “<I heard you went down to the caves again, to the spiritual tree.>”

The spiritual tree, Tsu’tey had heard about that with the rest of the clan. One tree for the sky people and… it was still a little hard to believe that Eywa would create such a blessing with a species like the Skye people in mind but he was not the one to question the Great Mother. He hadn’t seen such a tree and didn’t have the intention to either.

“<Yes, two connected and have experienced their communion Eywa. I will be busy tending to their communions. Once Neytiri is free from training Jakesully, I will need her attendants to watch and take over the communion until all are connected. I still have our people to tend to. I fear I will be too pulled away from my duty here now that the tree is discovered and so readily available..>” Mo’at spoke, worried. “<the humans that are with us are… uncannily driven to connect. Some more than others.>”

“<Is that a trouble?>”

“<The more I hear of their life in their home world, the sadder I am for them and for all that they have gone through>” Mo’at sighed deeply. “<The social complexities are beyond simple navigation. Their destruction, their closed hearts and their need for walls to hide themselves. Some have not even experienced love from their own family. Like it is a foreign concept but is desperate to feel it like children begging for food>” Mo’at looked genuinely upset. “<If anything I have learned, there is no life on Earth; only survival.>”

“<That is a very… bold statement.>” Eytukan said.

“<It rings true in my heart, my love. You should spend more time with the humans and see for yourself.>” Mo’at said. “<They need help but I cannot do it alone. The clan can guide these people to a better sense of self. To live beyond survival. To see the world in new life. I believe that is how we can achieve peace with the sky people.>”

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