#but man I wish it could just be in the bio section with the other bio

[willothewispwisteriadawn]

Quick vent that is not meant to attack anyone but definitely just vent: The Until Dawn fandom have slowly radicalized me against Emily when I feel like I wouldn’t have otherwise been. I wish there weren’t so many TikToks flooded with wrong info about her. I wish Emily posts weren’t so often really negative about other characters. I wish I were allowed to include the official PlayStation bios on the fan wiki. Like I wasn’t and one reason given was “Emily’s is too negative” which is like… ehhhhhh. I feel like I’m just enjoying this game then routinely get hit with something that feels like “you need to be careful about how you speak of Queen Emily Davis.” This even happens when I try to defend her. It just makes her a drag I wish she didn’t have to be.

[daceydeath]

Club 143

Pairing: 0T8 x Reader, Felix x Reader Word Count: 27.1K Genre: Work Romance, slow burn, Warnings: 18+, Minors DNI, swearing, male escorts, hosting, alcohol, Explicit Activities

This is my offering of thanks for the 2K of you that have followed me and also kept me going over the past 12 months you guys are amazing and I love the absolute shit out of you all xx

It had been a hard 18 months in every single way, your boyfriend has cheated on you, your job was a never ending cycle of not quite making it and all your friends were either getting married or having babies. Something had to go your way, so this new editorial opportunity had to be the start of it all turning around for you.

You swiped left again, the dating app that your best friend had downloaded for you was full to the brim with fuck boys, dip shits and douche bags none of which interested you long enough to even read the stupid little bio they had written. You had been alone long enough to know you didn't want to waste the little time and effort you could give to someone to be wasted on someone who wouldn't even be able to give you what you wanted let alone what you needed. You had complained to your best friends often enough that one had bought you a vibrator and the other had installed this stupid app telling you to just get back out there and meet people but you were struggling. You didn't want a cheap fuck in an alley behind a club or a guy who couldn't fight his way out of a wet paper bag let alone find your clitoris taking you home. You wanted to feel good, it wasn't neurosurgery it shouldn't be that hard to find. You had tried dating a few times since your break up with your ex but to begin with it was hard to trust a man again and then you realized you perhaps didn't want to fall straight back into a relationship until it was too late and you had given all the better options the flick.

Sighing you got back to work figuring that it would keep you busy you had been in the news media for a while now and although you weren't a fully qualified journalist, you had never bothered with university, you had made your way up the food chain and were currently working in the health, wellness and well being section of your company. You were sent to cover makeup launches, yoga classes, newest beauty surgical day spas and other garbage but this week you had been given a different assignment. As one of the only women in the team who didn't get embarrassed at the sight of anything too 'exciting' you were being sent to the latest host club for professional women. A week's worth of sitting around trying to not get too drunk while you watched professional, lonely and probably far too wealthy women get flirted with by attractive young men. It had made you a little nervous but you had looked into everything you had been given and you were hoping that it would go smoothly. 

Club 143 was in midtown just across the district border from the wealthiest areas of the city. The home of idols, celebrities and the business elite, it was incredibly well located to cater to their every need and whim. The man who you had spoken to over the phone had seemed quite casual, he had introduced himself as Bang Chan and said he was the owner and operator, he also seemed quite happy to have you come for the week to see how the premises operated and ran. You were going for the following day Wednesday to meet him and see what the club had to offer then you would meet with the various hosts and finally if you wished to he would grant you the full host experience free of charge in exchange for the editorial you would write. Your phone ringing broke you out of organizing what you would need to know for preparation.

"Good evening" you answered, slightly distracted as you saved your research on Mr Bang.

"Have I called at a bad time?" Chan's voice sounded slightly concerned.

"No not at all Mr Bang, I was just preparing for tomorrow" you chirped wanting to sound professional and interested despite being nervous.

"Good, good. I was thinking if it isn't too early we could start at about 11? It will just be me and the bar and waiting staff to begin with so don't feel you need to be dressed up. The boys wouldn't arrive until after 7 anyway so if you need to run home or to the office you have plenty of time" He explained to you gently.

"Oh excellent, that will hopefully give me time to interview you about the first half or so of the editorial on the beginnings and such" you nodded your head even though he couldn't see you.

"I'll see you tomorrow then" He said warmly, his voice having an effect of soothing you each time you heard it.

"See you tomorrow Mr Bang" you hung up feeling a little less worried but still unsure of how this assignment would go.

Arriving at 10:55 you stood looking at the fairly standard looking five story glass building, the only thing making it look slightly different from its surroundings was a total lack of signage except for a small black and sign with elegant gold script reading Club 143 next to the large front doors.

"Good morning Miss" a calm professional voice spoke, making you almost jump "You are here to meet with Mr Bang correct?". 

"Um yes, yes I am, I'm from the editorial team at JYP News" you smiled introducing yourself and following her inside.

"I'm just one of the wait staff Miss, Mr Bang asked us to keep an eye out for you and bring you to his office once you arrived" she explained leading you through the opulent looking bar with its high ceiling and huge chandelier to a door reading staff which she opened for you and gestured for you to enter and take a seat "He won't be long Miss" 

Nodding as she left you alone to wait you looked at the waiting area you had been led to, soft wingback armchairs in warm chocolate tones filled the space, gold accented furniture and a wooden floor seemed excessive for a staff area but you assumed you needed to present the lavish luxury everywhere just in case.

"Miss Kim?" His deep velvety voice asked, making your eyes snap to him "I'm Bang Chan, but please call me Chan" . His warm smile and adorable dimples were a stark contrast from his built physique and generally sexy appearance.

"Hello, if I am going to call you by your first name then please call me by mine" you swallowed hard shaking his hand as you greeted him.

"Good, I prefer to keep things as casual as possible, it can get too pretentious otherwise" He explained cheekily taking you into his office which was far more minimalist than the ostentatious club. "This is my office, we have seen the boys waiting room and you walked through the bar, would you like the tour first or to chat?"

"How about the tour first then we can start the start of the interview process" you smiled politely placing your bag on the floor beside his desk.

"Alright then" he clapped as you followed him back out to the bar to begin "This is the main bar this is where anyone can come to have a drink or enjoy themselves without interruptions, this bar isn't limited to women but we do anticipate that most of the clientele will be female due to the other services we provide"

"So this is not host related at all then just a regular bar?" you asked looking at the beautiful furnishings and row upon row of alcohol bottles that lined the mirrored walls behind the bar.

"Yes the first 2 levels are just a speakeasy come cocktail bar level 3 is where that changes although any available host will be down here in hopes of attracting clients" he waggled his eyebrows at you while he guided you to the large staircase which you climbed after he had offered his arm to you looking over the large cut out that had been made to house the gigantic chandelier.

"It does look beautiful" you murmur your fingers sliding against the fabric of the leather couches as you continue to the far end of the room towards the elevator that stood with its glimmering golden doors set against a black marble wall "Although very opulent".

"Opulence is not your taste then?" Chan queried interested in your opinion as the elevator doors opened and you stepped in together.

"Not to this level, I like a little bit of glitz every now and again but I'm more of a homebody" you felt your face heat up as you spoke not wanting to insult his business before you had even had a proper conversation with him.

"That's fair, I'm not into this lifestyle either, it is excessive" he chuckled. "But the women who are will pay for this experience without a second thought".

"Clever Chan, you know your target audience well" you tried not to smirk as you watched him stuff his hands into the pockets of his black chinos as you traveled up to the next floor through the mirrors all around you.

"This is level 3 and the first level of the host experience, women of all ages can come here and be doted on by male hosts who will drink with them, eat with them and basically fawn over them providing all the attention they desire" Chan continued to explain as your eyes roamed the deep red painted booths that could be hidden behind matching deep red velvet curtains. Before returning to the elevator to go up again into another room full of more private booths that were set further apart to elude more privacy.

"Level 4 is the next level of our host services, so the private bookings or most popular hosts will normally be here. They see people one on one for extended periods of time" Chan continued as you took in another over the top room only this time in deep emerald greens with gold accents.

"Ok so most popular? Does that mean the most requested? So the hosts on the lower level are more of a on demand and availability sort of set up?" You asked making a note in your phone to include the differences when you started writing.

"Yes, the ones that are requested the most or have customers wanting to request them on a regular basis. Yes they will be on this floor" he smiled as you took a few notes and asked things you weren't sure of.

"Is this the last level?" You asked, thinking back to when you had looked into the building as part of your research "I thought this was a five story building" you tilted your head to him.

"You are right there is one more level which I'll give you a tour of only one part since it needs to remain an enigma to out clients" he smirked like a cat who had gotten the cream as you stepped into the lift once again the last floor could only be accessed by key card as Chan swiped his allowing for the floor to be selected.

"Oh, is it really a secret then?" you sassed playfully as the lift climbed to the final floor, the lift opened revealing a single hallway that led to a set of 10 doors the entire hallway painted deep navy blue with only the golden door handles and numbers glinting like stars against the dark walls.

"This is level 5, the premium service, and the most expensive and exclusive part of Club 143" Chan grinned, leading you out of the elevator with his hand resting against your lower back "Pick a door any door and that will be the final part of the tour". You walked down the hallway and stopped before door three looking back at Chan with your eyebrow cocked"

"Door 3 please Chan" you smiled.

"Are you sure you won't get to see inside the others, this is the only one you will see?" He teased walking to the door and swiping his card and opening the handle slowly as you nodded up at him.

"Woah" you muttered as you stepped into what could be a million dollar penthouse, with a lounge area, large bedroom and as you wandered a giant bathroom with a several person bathtub and shower that could fit at least four people.

"Level 5 is the full host experience, you are wined and dined in the comfort of a luxury home and there are no rules except for the ones made between the host and the client" he explained further as you turned back to him, your eyes wide at his obvious implications.

"I'm sorry level 5 is a brothel?" you almost squeaked as Chan doubled over in laughter.

"We provide a full service, but it doesn't have to include sex" Chan continued to chuckle "Some of our hosts are escorts some are not, some of the women who come to this floor will only be here to avoid being recognized on the lower floors some will be willing to part with a lot of money for a night with one of my boys".

"Sorry, that came out quite rudely didn't it?" you apologized flustered "I just wasn't expecting hosts and escorts".

"It's fine" he shrugged, still trying to stop his laughter "Come back downstairs and we can chat about it all in my office and grab some lunch, I've told the kitchens that anything on the menu you order is on the house".

"You don't have to put up with me poking around all week and feed me" you retorted knowing how much this was potentially going to put him out of pocket.

"If you are here and you are working then I should feed you, it's the only way for you to have a fully immersive experience after all" he shrugged as you got out of the lift on the ground floor and followed him back to his office.

You had spoken with Chan about everything you could think of, why he started the club, where the idea had come from and how he selected the hosts you had moved into the waiting room that he had called the boys waiting room setting up your laptop and starting with the opening parts of your editorial as well as typing up your notes of all the things you would need for later a tasting plate of pasta that the chef had prepared for you sat mostly eaten beside the coffee you had asked one of the bar staff for. You felt strange being given anything you asked for so you had tried your hardest to only order a relatively inexpensive dish off the overly expensive menu so as not to appear greedy or that you were taking advantage of Chan's generous hospitality.

"Good afternoon beautiful" a soft pleasant voice interrupted your typing as you looked up slightly confused as two handsome men had walked into the waiting room.

"He means you sweetheart" the other smiled, his pretty smile and easy manner distracting from his hulkingly muscular frame.

"Hello" you answered quietly as Chan emerged from his office. 

"Minho, Changbin you're early and you have met our resident reporter I see" he rolled his eyes at them both.

"Resident reporter?" The taller one quirked his head furrowing his brows.

"Remember the editorial that is being written about our first week to help boost the popularity of the place Minho?" Chan sighed slightly exasperated.

"Oh yeah shit that's right" he smirked "Sorry" he turned to you again looking smug rather than sorry as you blinked again and went back to your article taking a sip of coffee.

"Get in the office will you we have stuff to talk about" Chan groaned as the other two plodded into the office after him and you took that as your cue to finish up and go home to change for the evening so that you at least looked the part of someone who should be in attendance at a fancy arsed party. You had borrowed a few dresses from a colleague that you had spoken to about the assignment, she had suggested you stick to darker and more modest dresses that would help you blend into the background so that you didn't draw unwanted attention. Needless to say the black square necked mid length dress made you feel like no one would notice you compared to the socialites that were expected to be in attendance.

When you returned to Club 143 the doorman ushered you straight in and you were met by a well dressed man who welcomed you and took you back to the waiting room you had been in for half of your day.

"Mr Bang, your guest has returned" he knocked and ushered you in leaving you quite surprised at the room now full of preposterously handsome men.

"Um hello, guests aren't meant to be back here sweetheart" One of them smiled his eyes friendly as he moved to take you into the still empty bar.

"There you are! you disappeared I wondered which one of the boys had stolen you away" Chan teased.

"Well I didn't think I would fit in that well in a work suit so sorry about that" you sassed straight back feeling distinctly more comfortable after floating around him for so long during the course of the day.

"Miss reporter you came back" one of the guys from earlier grinned.

"Reporter?" A very young looking man asked, his fine facial features making him look distinctly fox like.

"This is the reporter who will be doing the editorial on the club to, hopefully, increase our business. She's here for the whole week so be nice to her. She isn't a client so don't treat her like one" Chan announced.

"This is Minho and Changbin who you saw earlier today" he gestured to the two guys furthest away, "this is Han, Hyunjin, Seungmin and Felix". You followed Chan hand as he introduced each one, smiling until you met his eyes. He was so beautiful he almost took your breath away but you tore your eyes back to look at Chan as he introduced you to them.

"I figured tonight you can wander at will observing whatever interests you and then tomorrow you can talk to the guys about whatever you need for the article" he continued.

"Sure that sounds good, give me a chance to see the rest of the staff in action as well" you smiled politely hoping to seem professional.

"We do have more hosts obviously, but they are either getting changed or not here yet" he added, looking at you as you quirked your eyebrow at him.

"How many are there in total?" you tilted your head pulling your phone from your tiny purse to take more notes.

"There are thirty hosts in total and these seven are the ones I expect to be the... most popular ones" Chan smirked.

"Oh the host for upstairs, the hosts that are actually escorts but you're calling them hosts, those hosts? Right" you rolled your eyes sounding sarcastic as you entered a few short notes looking back up at him to see a shit eating grin on his face.

"You catch on quick" he winked.

"You are an impossible flirt Mr Bang" you pursed your lips to cover your chuckle.

"Hey what did I say about the Mr Bang thing?" he almost yelped.

"Not to use it" you met his eyes cheekily "So naturally that will be what I call you". 

Your eyes flicked back across the others, taking in the amused expressions before you put on your best professional face and turned back to the door, opening it and walking though to cut off whatever comeback he was preparing for you.

"If you need me Mr Bang I'll be at the bar, need to review your bar staff too you know" you called as you walked towards the large bar where three barmen were waiting.

Once the music started and the doors opened to the many beautiful and well dressed women who wanted to see what a building full of ridiculously handsome men could offer them. You watched as each of the impeccably dressed hosts were either assigned or accosted by the women filling the bar you watched on seeing socialites you recognized, CEO’'s and directors of well known businesses and politicians wives all ogling the men you had met earlier and the many that you hadn't as they flitted through the crowd with ease. Chan was busy entertaining a group of women who all had glasses of champagne in their hands, Minho seemed to be captivating his audience of four young women who had bee lined for him and an a tall man you hadn't met was keeping another group of women enthralled by some story he was weaving for them.

"All alone tonight Miss R?" A sexily deep voice asked from you left making you jump slightly as you turned to face him as he slipped the stem of a glass of champagne between your fingers.

"Oh no I'm just observing tonight" you answered slightly flustered by how smooth his actions had been until you actually looked at him, tall, blond and handsome in an expensive tailored looking suit.

"I'm Felix" he smiled dazzlingly, taking in what must have been a slightly shocked expression on your face "We met before but there were a lot of names for you to remember".

"Yes, yes we did" you smiled back feeling helpless to do anything else as his golden flecked brown eyes skimmed over your face "How is the night going so far for you?".

"I would say excellent but then I saw you alone and I thought you might want a little company for just a little while" His voice was like honey and you instantly realized that this must be why Chan knew he would be so popular with his clientele.

"That would be lovely Felix, but aren't you meant to be working?" you sipped the champagne to cover the flush that was creeping up your neck as he moved a few strands of your hair behind your eyes.

"I am working" he teased "I am working on giving you a good view of how this works although this is more enjoyable to me than politicians wives or silly socialites".

"I can't tell if you are actually telling me the truth or that you are a professional when it comes to flirting" you admitted almost too quietly to hear over the music and noise.

"Truth not flirting" he smiled crookedly "Flirting is hardly going to work on you since you know what happens here".

"Well thank you for the honesty" you conceded while taking another sip of the wine.

"It's not entirely selfless but it thought I could show you around a bit let you see how upstairs is looking" he suggested offering you his arm like a gentleman "after all showing you around does give me at least something enjoyable to do that also gets me away from some of the women old enough to be my mother" he joked.

"I would really like that, it seems less like spying if I am next to you" you grinned taking the offered arm before Felix escorted you to the elevator, you noticed the looks some of the women threw at you and started to fell a little self conscious of the sheer lack of wealth and importance you looked as you passed them.

"Ignore them" Felix whispered, placing his other hand on top of the one you were holding his arm with. "They are just jealous of how beautiful you look tonight compared to them".

"I agree that they are jealous but it's not for how I look it's because I'm with you Felix" you whispered back making him smile genuinely at you. "So level 3 then?"

"We can start there and see where it takes us" Felix smirked naughtily as though he was intentionally breaking a rule, gently guiding you into the elevator along with another host you hadn't seen before who had a giggly young woman clutching his arm Felix tiled his body to hide you from the other woman his warm chest brushing against your arm.

Stepping from the lift the hosted area looked almost as full as the bar downstairs, each of the booths were either occupied or had velvet ropes preventing the area being used until a host was available to fill it. Felix took your hand from his arm and instead guided you with his arm delicately draped around your waist, your skin heating up where he made contact with your dress. He helped you onto one of the bar stools slipping onto his own beside you and catching the attention of one of the bartenders.

"What is your drink of choice?" he asked casually, still looking toward the bartender.

"Oh I'm working, I shouldn't be drinking" you replied softly.

"Well how about a non alcoholic drink?" he shot you a seductive smirk as you blinked at him.

"Um" you thought for a moment.

"Can I get two specialty martinis please" Felix ordered before turning back to you and winking "if you say specialty at any of these bars they will serve you a non alcoholic drink that looks like one so no one is the wiser".

"Any other tips you can share with me?" you smiled gracefully as the bartender placed the two drinks in front of you making Felix lean into your ear as though he was spilling secrets.

"Don't take Chan as just the owner, he is one of us too" he whispered "and to be honest half the escort boys you met would have knocked me out if they knew I was going to monopolize your attention for so long". His breath grazed your neck as he spoke, making you shiver hoping that he wouldn't notice the effect he was having on you and the struggle to remain as professional as possible that you were currently battling inside your head.

"How often this week do you think you will be on this floor then Felix?" you whispered back hoping to keep the purely professional status between you since your mind was screaming at you that he was too good to be true.

"This is probably going to be the only time to be honest with you" he moved to tuck your hair behind your ear once again, before taking your elbow to guide you back across to the elevator "I have a feeling I will be booked fairly solidly from here on out, shall we see the next floor?"

Stepping into the elevator again Felix draped his arm once again around your waist pulling you closer to his side, completely distracting you from the doors closing or opening again, before leading you from the elevator to a private booth at the far end of the room and sliding you in and following in after you.

"So tell me, why did you take this assignment?" he tilted his head looking only into your eyes as he spoke, capturing you entirely from what you had been planning on observing around the room.

"Truthfully, I was hoping I could make a good impression on my bosses and get more interesting work" you admitted "I'm a little tired of the ten ways to look younger, or how to land a wealthy boyfriend articles I usually get".

"Hmm, I can understand that" he sipped his drink casually. "You don't seem the type to work in the whole lifestyle media world to be honest with you, you seem more serious".

"I wouldn't have taken you for an escort either, a rich boy maybe or even a host but still here we are" you fired back teasingly.

"Well right now I'm not any of those things" he smirked, eyes twinkling in the low mood lighting of the room.

"Oh I'm pretty sure you're still a rich boy, judging by how tailored that designer suit is" you giggled playfully, enjoying how he was making you feel much more comfortable than you had anticipated.

"Fair I am still that, but I'm not treating you like I would if you were one of my guests, I thought you might get a bit sick of me if it was all just smoke and mirrors" The honesty of his words made you feel somewhat pleased that you were seeing a more realistic version of Felix even if it wasn't the same as if you had met him anywhere else on any other day.

"Right this is where you're hiding huh?" Chan's voice floated over you both bursting the bubble that you were currently in.

"I'm just showing Miss R what a host experience would entail Chan" Felix grinned cheekily.

"Well you have a booking so off you trot I'll find someone else to entertain our fly on the wall guest" Chan chuckled as Felix got out of the booth missing the look he shot you before he left to find his guest, he looked almost a little disappointed to be leaving you which made butterflies burst out in your stomach.

"Would you like me to find someone to look after you?" Chan's voice had you turning back to him blinking.

"Oh no, it's opening night, you need them for your guests, I'll just wander and keep to myself if that is easier" you said hurriedly not wanting to cause him any issues.

"That's fine too. I have a keycard for you so you can go to any of the floors you want, except the top, don't want you walking into something you shouldn't" he winked sneakily pressing the card into your hand before heading back to your assumed work.

You slipped from the booth taking the final sip of your drink and heading towards the elevator deciding that you should probably make your way back down to the bar to observe the party and not just spend the rest of the evening hoping to catch a glimpse of Felix again. Stepping into the party atmosphere of the upper bar you walked towards the bar slipping around groups of women and wait staff who looked like they had been training for how busy it was going to be for weeks in advance. Different handsome men caught your attention as you looked about, all were almost unbelievably attractive but no two looked that much alike they all had their own uniqueness which you suppose was how they made their money catering to the exact fantasy of the guest they were entertaining. As you made your way closer to the bar you were intercepted by a man you hadn't met before.

"Good evening, beautiful, what brings you here alone?" His smooth voice washed over you "May I keep you company?".

"Hello and of course you can but you will be wasting your time on me" you apologized quickly.

"I would very much doubt that" you smiled softly, his pretty eyes and angelic face making you feel a little flustered "I'm Yunho" he introduced himself taking your hand to press a chaste kiss to your knuckles.

"Pleasure to meet you Yunho" you stammered as he guided you to a seat at the bar "I'm the reporter that is writing the editorial on the place".

"Oh you're Miss R!" his eyes lit up as he waved down one of the staff at the bar "Some of the others were talking about you, said you were very pretty and had been swept off her feet by Felix. I'll admit I'm pleased that only one of those is true".

"I can tell you're a host but what kind of host are you?" you licked your lips trying to keep your composure at his flirting.

"Ah Chan already mentioned there are differences, no wonder he's hopeless with telling too much to pretty girls" he laughed "But I am just a host, I'm not in the same league as Felix, Chan or Hyunjin".

"Now you know I'm not a paying guest, do you still want to sit here with me?" you questioned not just because you wanted to ask him everything you could think of about his job but also because you didn't want to make him feel obligated if there was money to be made elsewhere.

"I would rather talk with you about whatever you wish to know than pretend to be interested in empty headed socialites" he whispered coyly his lips coming closer to your ear "Although maybe we should move to our own little corner rather than the bar?"

"What did you have in mind, Yunho? you're the one with experience here" you whispered back conspiratorially a small smile tugged on the corners of his lips.

"Follow me Miss R, I'll show you all the ins and outs" you waggled his eyebrows playfully at you before picking up two tall glasses that looked like gin and tonics. Yunho nestled you right into the front corner of the upper level which gave you access to watch the whole floor and a good section of the lower floor placing your glass in front of you he sat closely beside you.

"What drew you to this job?" you quipped as soon as he was seated.

"Well I fell into it actually, I met a few of the other guys Yeosang, Wooyong and Mingi they said I should give it a go. I already knew I had pretty good looks so why not use them to make some money right?" He explained animatedly "So after I worked at a few different host places where I was just part time I met Chan, he had given the others a job and he gave me one too".

"That is such a random set of circumstances" you laughed.

"Well the other three work here with me, we’re here 5 nights a week and make more then we would working a normal job with way less hours" he shrugged easily his smile infectious as he looked at you softly "I meet interesting people, I get paid to flirt and be charming it is the easiest job in the world the only downside is that I haven't told my family and getting a girlfriend is hard" you nodded empathizing with him, you hadn't thought about it but you would probably have to leave all last names out of the article to make sure that a level on anonymity was maintained. You couldn't out people for their jobs to their family after all that was unethical.

"So the hours are good and the job isn't too hard? Sounds like a dream really" you said wistfully thinking of how much over time you were going to need to work to type up the part of the article to do with the opening.

"It's not all roses, some of the people we have to entertain treat us like shit, we are paid to give them attention, flatter them, make them feel special but they treat us like we are nothing more than an object half the time. Or worse we get some who not only eat up every word we say but believe it so they become obsessed and come in all the time." he continued shrugging as though it was normal to have admirers fighting for your attention.

"What happens in the case of them becoming obsessed?" you asked genuinely concerned.

"Well as long as they can afford to pay for our time then we keep seeing them, you do feel bad for them they think we are in love with them and we are actually saying the same to the next woman we see. Once they can't afford our time they can come in the building anymore" his answers were still far too casual for what he was talking about in your opinion.

"They are just barred?" you almost splutter.

"Well not barred permanently they can come back when they can afford to but that is why Chan decided to make a much more elite version of the standard club. The more money you have the more you can spend but the more likely you will draw a scandal if you become too invested in any one host" he clarified not looking at you directly but leaning in to you as he spoke so he could keep his voice quiet. He seemed to be watching the room far closer than you which made you sit back from him and continue to scan the crowd and how smoothly things were coming together.

You couldn't help notice the moment Chan walked back into your eye line speaking to another quite tall and attractive man who he sent toward a man who had been standing at the bottom of the stairs monitoring the room the whole time you had been in a place you could see him. You hadn't been introduced but you assumed he was the majordomo in Chan's stead while they were all working, he seemed to direct just about every host that was on the lower floors and he sent this tall handsome one up the stairs towards you.

"Good evening Miss R" he smiled almost sinfully "I'm San and I deeply apologize but I need to steal Yunho here away".

"Oh of course, I don't want to interrupt your work" your eyes widened slightly thinking you had gotten Yunho in trouble "I didn't mean to take so much of his time".

"Don't worry Miss R" Yunho grinned roguishly "I think someone else wants to monopolize your time" he stood following San across the floor to a group of women who were probably in the later part of their thirties to make a good impression and hopefully some business.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself," Chan noted, offering you his hand so you could stand.

"This is a lovely bar regardless of the other things you have going on here" you conceded watching him look proud from a moment.

"Would you like to have a little more in depth look around?" He offered chuckling at how you seemed to be taking in as many details as possible.  

"How much more in depth?" you tilted your head at him for a moment making him chuckle before he led you to the elevator. 

"Were going up to the level 4 I have a space that I haven't been able to fill that I think you might be perfect for" Chan almost purred as he spoke to you making your body react in a way you hadn't expected, you shivered and your breathing increased at the prospect of what he meant.

"I'm confused Chan" you said slowly as he gently guided you towards a booth that was unoccupied.

"Well the fourth floor has a booth that hasn't been filled and a host that hasn't been assigned so I was hoping you would do me a favor and fill that gap for the time being" he revealed helping you on to the plush velvet couch that made up the majority of the space. Most of the curtains around you were drawn partially or completely, you could see the occasional glimpse of the host that was working but not the guest. The booth to your right hand side Changbin lounging legs half spread as he lent toward whoever he was entertaining to your left you saw a flash of blonde hair and a tailored suit and knew instantly it was Felix.

"I can do that for you, it would be my pleasure" you bit your bottom lip a little to cover the nerves you were feeling but you did feel like you owed Chan to help him if he needed a favor in return for the unlimited access he was giving you.

"Excellent, I will let him know you are here" He grinned walking behind you to the bar. You didn't want to get caught looking around too much but you couldn't help your curiosity, looking at the other booths you could see occasional comings and goings of the wait staff bringing drinks or bottles of wine but nothing too interesting until you sat further into the cushions and looked to your left noticing Felix's looking at you with a almost annoyed expression but his eyes darted away quickly.

"Hello, we met earlier" a slightly husky voice took your attention away from Felix and to yet another handsome man, this one tall and lean with beautiful features and the prettiest lips you thought you had ever seen on anyone ever. "I'm Hyunjin".

"Hello Hyunjin, I do remember" you swallowed feeling shy to be under such an intense gaze, he moved to draw the curtains across both the left and right of you to keep you from any other person's gaze but not before snorting softly as he pulled the left side across. Sitting beside you he pushed a small button on the coffee table in front of you and made himself comfortable.

"I realize this might be slightly strange for you but I will try to make this as genuine as I can without too much theatrics" He chuckled honestly making you feel a little more at ease.

"How is it that a host such as yourself is not fully booked?" you asked tentatively not wanting to start off on the wrong foot.

"Well my guest was unable to choose between myself and another host so she flipped a coin and I was suddenly no longer booked" he smirked as you furrowed your brow at him. "We will see guests in pairs or sometimes even groups but if they want a more one-on-one experience we usually prefer to work solo, unless of course the price is right".

"One on one? you don't, mean down here do you?" you asked, picking up and sipping the glass of wine that had appeared on the table for you brought by a very discrete member of the staff.

"Perceptive of you" he chuckled and smiled fondly at you "Yes one on one upstairs".

"Well you guys have to pay your rent too" you shrugged looking up at him "So what is a night with a host actually like? Is it all flirting and playing a role for you?"

"Its both those things but much more, I won't bother with the smoke and mirrors Felix said you can see through that, but we make conversation, give you our full attention, give you the opportunity to unwind with a man you might not normally get to spend time with" Hyunjin clarified "We are paid to feign interest but I won't need to do that either because you Miss R are quite interesting already".

"Why have all of you started calling me that?" you almost giggle watching his eyes crinkle with amusement.

"Well you are a reporter, and we are not going to call you by your name in case someone recognizes you, you get the anonymity that the rest of us hosts do while you're here. But if you come back after we will all definitely use your name" Hyunjin teasingly laughed making you smile as his eyes turned into perfect little moons making him look younger.

"How did you fall into this life Hyunjin? Was it just that you are incredibly attractive?" you continued to smile as he looked almost surprised at the confidence with which you spoke as you swirled your drink.

"Incredibly attractive huh?" Hyunjin smirked, recovering quickly. "Probably the same way as the others you have spoken to did, I was in art school and pretty broke. I was thinking I could do life modeling for extra money but that isn't the best paid job. I overheard a classmate say she had gone to a host club with her friend and they weren't even as pretty as me and I thought I can do that so I did" he shrugged casually readjusting his position on the couch so he was closer to you.

"That is actually not too different from what Yunho told me" you agreed, finishing the glass of wine.

"Yunho? First you run off with Felix then Yunho, you are popular" Hyunjin joked moving to pour more wine into your glass.

"That's not what happened!" You almost squeaked "Felix showed me around and Yunho just sat with me for a little while at the bar in between his bookings". Hyunjin threw his head back laughing at your defense while you still looked scandalized.

"I was just teasing you Miss Reporter" he admitted smiling wide, his overly sexy demeanor dropping to show you a glimpse of the more everyday version of him as you continued to sip to hide your nerves and keep yourself grounded.

"I think I might have gotten Felix in trouble though" you admitted sheepishly "Chan didn't look too pleased I was taking up his time".

"Oh he wasn't displeased or even annoyed" Hyunjin interrupted you swiftly "Chan was thrilled Felix took an interest in you actually, it gave him the potential of a very favorable editorial and also Felix doesn't really have an interest in anyone who isn't part of our little circle".

"What do you mean by that, the not showing interest part?" you quizzed quickly feeling more forthright as the alcohol buzzed through your system.

"Felix is incredibly professional, he doesn't see women outside of the job, we were worried he was gay for a while and that we had been using him to attract the wrong clients. But he just doesn't take any interest because he doesn't want to get hurt, he knows nearly all women would not want to be with a man who make his money fucking other women" Hyunjin stated bluntly.

"Oh that's awful. Do you all feel like that?" You probed gently feeling sad for Felix and mad at yourself for not noticing that he was perhaps not happy.

"We all love our job, we are well paid, we get to spend time with beautiful women and we can work when we want. But it can be lonely in our world" his smile was wistful as he looked at you moving to tuck you hair behind your ear slowly pulling his hand away from you.

"Still, that sounds like it makes things harder for you" you sighed, meeting his eyes.

"Kind of you to say but we will only have this job for so long, then we will have the rest of our lives to find someone" Hyunjin leaned a little closer again but you didn't mind closer was good for sharing information that otherwise wouldn't be divulged.

"Still you're all so young to just give up on the idea that someone out there won't care for you regardless" you chastised playfully "You only have your youth once Hyunjin".

"Well consider me a changed man then" he giggled, taking your hand in his tracing his fingers in small circles across your wrist. "What about you then? Surely your boyfriend would have hated the idea of you spending a week here, job or not".

"I am very single so that was not an issue" you grinned starting to feel a little more than buzzed from the wine.

"I find it hard to believe someone as gorgeous as you is single" he smirked, his fingers still tracing patterns on your bare wrist and forearm.

"Funny Hyunjin" you rolled your eyes. "I have actually been single for a while, I don't seem to attract the right men".

"Again that seems unlikely but if you say so" he teased, topping your glass up again.

"I understand how you are so popular as a host now though" you smirked while you enjoyed his flirting and gentle touches you knew they weren't real.

"I'll let you in on a little secret then shall I?" Hyunjin whispered in a low voice sliding across the velvet surface until he was touching your thigh with his and his words could be breathed directly into your ear.

"Sure Hyunjin, tell me and see if I believe you" you whispered back sounding more confident than you were.

"Everything I have said has been true and I would very much like to take you upstairs" he whispered again pressing his lips to your earlobe.

"I'm sorry?" you spluttered, completely flustered by his words and the feeling of his lips on your skin.

"I. would. like. to. take. you. upstairs" he repeated slowly enunciating each word.

"I, um, why would you want that?" you stuttered feeling heat burning under your skin

"I think I could show you exactly how you should be treated, I think you would enjoy it and I very much would" he continued slipping his arm around your shoulders to hold you closer against him, the hand on your wrist now cupping your face.

"I don't think you mean that Hyunjin" you whispered breathily, your wide eyes trained on him.

"I think you will find that I do" he smiled sultrily before closing the space between you and softly pressing his lips to yours. It had been so long since you had been kissed you almost melted into him as his plump lips slid against yours but instead you pulled away slightly and Hyunjin dropped his hand from your face as he moved to press his forehead against yours.

"Hyunjin" you breathed your breath no doubt caressing his lips given how close he still was "You can't, we can't, I can't".  

"Because of your editorial or because you don't want to?" he smiled softly, not moving away from you.

"The editorial is most of it" you admitted trying to get your heart rate to calm "but I also don't want to be tipsy if I was to go upstairs with you or anyone else".

"You are very honest Miss R, which is almost fatally attractive" he whispered fondly, moving himself slightly further back from you to give you a little more room.

"I try to be" you blinked, still feeling a little dazed.

"How about we call this a night, I will make sure you get a driver to take you home and make sure you are safe" Hyunjin smiled ruefully.

"I am sorry Hyunjin, I don't mean it harshly I just don't want to be clouded by alcohol" you bit your lip feeling like you had hurt him.

"I'm not hurt by your decision Miss R, I respect that you wish to be sober that is not a flaw" He explained intertwining his fingers with yours "now let me make sure you get home safely"

"Thank you Hyunjin" you agreed following letting his lead you to the elevators but not before looking to see if you could catch another glimpse of Felix, the booth he had been in was empty now curtains pulled back and the table sparkling clean again making you feel something you couldn't identify as you looked around noticing the others were all still occupied and that the elevator was not coming down not up towards your floor.

"If you're looking for him he is on level 5 by now" Hyunjin whispered in your ear making your stomach drop slightly.

"Oh no I am just wondering what happens when the table becomes empty does Chan replace it with just regular hosts?" you tried to cover your obvious want to see Felix again.

"I don't actually know, you see all of the guests in here, beside you, will end up on level 5 with their host so what happens after we go upstairs isn't something I've ever bothered looking at" Hyunjin shrugged mischievously as he stepped into the elevator with you making your way down to the ground floor but instead of leaving through the main entrance he sneakily took you through the the staff door. 

"Hyunjin, where on earth are you taking me?" you chuckled, confusion lacing your voice as you noticed some of the other hosts you hadn't seen before looking at you surprised.

"I told you Miss R, I'm making sure you get home safely, we have drivers, I will send you home with one to make sure that happens" he shook his head at you sitting you in one of the chairs as he ventured through a door that led further into the building.

Hyunjin had put you in a black luxury sedan that drove you home and made sure you had entered your building before leaving to return to Club 143. Your head was full of too many thoughts and the fog of alcohol to actually bother writing anything down for the editorial you simply got into the shower, washed your face and climbed into bed hoping the morning light would bring clarity not just embarrassment for your behavior. Felix had flirted with you and had shown some sort of interest in you, but he looked annoyed at you later on, Hyunjin had kissed you and asked you to go to bed with him and Yunho had divulged some more sinister aspects of the job. The following part of the week was going to be intense, you could feel it but that was fine you would be able to handle it.

You were happily surprised that you had no headache or hangover when you woke up although you didn't think you had drunk enough to get hung over. It was much more of a little too tipsy, not full on drunk. You knew as you got dressed you would have to transfer your notes from the cloud to your laptop so that you could start the editorial about how beautiful a location it was and how fantastic the food, drinks and staff were, you could also start adding the sections that you needed to write about Chan as the owner/operator but you would need to speak to him about what he would and would not like to have added about his on host activities. It had been almost two in the morning by the time you got home so you knew that there was no way you could turn up before lunch, the staff would need time to recover all though surely there were dozens and dozens of them in order to be open everyday.

Concentrating you spent the first few hours of your morning writing and editing your drafts before ordering flowers for your colleague who had lent you the dress for the previous night. You would probably need to shop or at least rent something for the other nights rather than just wear her clothes the whole assignment. Besides, something inside you was telling you that looking a little bit more interesting than you did last night wouldn't be a bad thing, at least for the first weekend they were open. You were expecting to see more interesting things over the Friday to Sunday nights, more normal to the host world and less of a large opening gala type thing. Chan had previously stated that you were welcome to bring clothes with you to change into and anything else you might need for you to change into, to save you time and no doubt also to give him more time to sleep off the night before so shopping before you left for Club 143 should be easy for you.

Stepping into the large department store was something fairly foreign for you, you stuck to smaller and cheaper stores generally since you couldn't afford this level of expense everyday. The sales assistants were all impeccably dressed in black chic uniforms flitting between customers and looking far more put together than you ever did, for the most part they ignored you which gave you time to think about the level of investment these few dresses would be.

"Good morning Miss R" a deep honeyed voice spoke softly to you as you ran your fingers across the fabric of a beautiful dress that was way too expensive for you even to pretend to look at, making you look up slightly startled.

"Good Morning Felix" you smiled shyly looking up at him "I didn't think you would be out and about so early considering how busy you were when I last saw you".

"I needed to pick up my suits for the weekend" he explained his smile warming you "Although from what I was told you spent your time all over the party last night, even Hyunjin was lucky enough to spend time with you".

"True, not my doing though I was asked for a favor from Chris which was to fill the booth Hyunjin was working" you shrugged "He seems nice if not a little forward".

"Forward? Sounds about right" Felix laughed, the deep smooth sound attracting the attention of the attendants in the area "Did you have fun? Is that why you are shopping for new clothes?"

"I am but I have strayed off course I could never wear designers like these" you admitted as his brow crinkled slightly.

"That doesn't mean you shouldn't try them on, these clothes are only beautiful on someone not hanging on a rack" he smiled again dazzling you into nodding slightly.

"Excuse me miss? my girlfriend is looking for a few new outfits, could you assist?" Felix turned to the assistant waiting a few racks away smiling at her politely.

"Oh course sir" she nodded, batting her eyelashes at him as she made her way between the clothes  to you "What size would fit you, Miss?" she smiled.

"Oh I'm not sure" you bit your lip looking at the dress in front of you.

"I would suggest a medium sweetheart" Felix almost purred as the assistant nodded in agreement and found several items in your size ushering you and Felix towards the dressing room area.

"Felix" you quietly hissed, "I shouldn't be wasting her time like this and who said anything about girlfriends" knowing he heard you as he silently shook with laughter.

"It's not wasting her time if she had nothing to do anyway" he whispered back taking a seat on the large lounge suite that sat next to the full length mirrors as you were ushered behind gold colored curtains to change into the dress you had originally been looking at a black lace square necked dress that was lined with a skin toned underlay. You knew you were not going to buy any of these but Felix waiting for you to show him how you looked in it spurred you on. Getting yourself into the dress was easier said than done. The zip was small and awkward and you needed to wiggle yourself around but when you got there clearing your throat you popped your head around the curtain to see Felix smirking waiting for you.

"Well come out sweetheart let me see how it looks" he teased, somehow seeming to know he was flustering you again, taking a deep breath as you stepped out from behind the curtain.

"How does it look?" you asked softly your hands, smoothing the fabric nervously.

"Well you do look beautiful in it, but I think you would look gorgeous in something a little shorter or maybe tighter?" Felix mused tapping his chin as the assistant returned to agree with him as he sent her to find exactly that.

"Felix, didn't you have suits to collect?" you mumble as you were now left alone again.

"Yeah but this is much more fun" his eyes lit up as you looked at yourself wistfully "besides you will spend the whole night watching women who aren't as pretty as you get attention for men who would be rather talking to you as you take notes for an editorial that might change your career, live a little".

"You are a terrible influence on me" you laughed disappearing behind the curtain to get the zipper back down as the girl returned with a rack of things for you to try.

"I have several different styles and a mix of black and color so you can find exactly what you think would be right" she chirped, sliding behind the curtain to show you the rack which was filled with ridiculously expensive and gorgeous dresses. Leaving you to change she left the room allowing you to slip into a black mini dress with hot pink lining, the pink was going to be visible every time you took a step but you liked it, you were just nervous that Felix might not, which logically made no sense to you as you were not buying any of these dresses and you weren't trying to impress Felix, but you still took a deep breath before stepping out.

"Now that one looks amazing" Felix whistled playfully looking you up and down.

"You don't need to pretend she isn't here anymore" you sassed rolling your eyes.

"I'm not lying, you look incredible Miss R" he sighed, his eyes finding yours and looking almost innocent "try the others" he encouraged. After trying on every single dress your favorite was the black and pink satin mini, a black long sleeved mini that was studded with crystals and a one shoulder red and black mini. Felix had said that he liked all of them but those three got the best reactions from him.

"What were your favorites?" He asked sweetly as you reemerged in your own clothes.

"The black and pink and the black with crystals" you smiled as he gestured towards the door.

"They were my favorites too" he whispered temptingly in your ear.

"Shame that is the only time I'll get to wear something like that" you sighed as the assistant returned to the shop floor with the rack.

"Did you want to get a coffee with me Miss R? I have another 45 minutes before my suits will be ready.

"I would like that" you stuttered, heat rushing up your throat and into your cheeks.

Sitting with Felix in the open was very different than sitting with Felix in a Club 143, firstly the looks and stares he attracted were constant and second he was much less of a smooth operator when he wasn't on the clock. Ordering you both coffee, at his insistence, and coming back with cake was somehow unsurprising even though you barely knew him, you still thanked him and took the chocolate cake with a happy smile making him almost grin at your reaction.

"You look like you like sweet things" he spoke softly as he sat opposite you at the little table in the back of the cafe.

"I do like sweet things, guess you busted me" you chuckled taking your first bite and just about moaning at how good it tasted.

"I'll let you in on a secret" he winked exaggeratedly "me too".

"So is this your life when you aren't hosting?" you asked genuinely as your coffee was being brought over to you.

"Sort of, I do all the normal things during the hours most people work and often a bunch of us hang out or work out together" he shrugged while sipping his coffee.

"So just the reverse of everyone else" you nodded "That must make meeting people hard".

"It would be if I actually wanted to, but I don't think a lot of women are that understanding of my job" he replied easily like it wasn't a big deal.

"Yeah I get that I guess a lot of women wouldn't see that it's all just smoke and mirrors, it's an experience that you tailor to your customers needs it isn't real". You conceded sipping your drink and not noticing the look Felix was giving you as you continued eating.

"You said you were single too though, didn't you?" Felix recovered quickly "Is that because of your job or because you aren't looking?".

"Bit of both really, my job means I have to be flexible to go to any event I get sent to regardless of what else I had planned" you smiled "guys often don't like it if they aren't your main priority".

"That's shitty of them then" Felix scoffed, making you laugh, it was so easy talking to him he was much more relaxed even though he still looked like he should be on a runway with his perfectly tousled hair and designer look.

"I think your suits would be ready by now, it's been an hour Felix" you said finishing your coffee "I shouldn't take up anymore of your free time since you don't have that much of it".

"Nah, you can take up as much as you like but you still have dress shopping to finish, so will I see you tonight then?" He agreed, offering you his hand to help you to stand.

"Of course I will be in tonight and each night this week" you smiled as he walked you back towards the place you needed to be "See you tonight Felix" you waved before walking towards the escalator to find clothes you could actually afford to buy.

The rest of the day had been dull you had bought a tighter than normal floor length emerald green dress and a black mini dress in a satin fabric that reminded you of the mini that Felix had said he liked so buy the time you were packed up and ready to head to Club 143 to start your evening you weren't feeling nervous about having to meet so many different hosts to get a feel for how they liked working for Chan or how they became hosts in the first place because it felt like, in Felix, you had at least a friend on your side hoping for you to succeed. You had not bothered to dress in your work suit since you would be changing into more appropriate club attire before the night actually started so when you arrived in jeans and a sweater you were not expecting the almost same response as you had gotten the night before when you were far more dressed up.

"Looking good Miss R" Yunho called as you walked through the staff door with a large bag in tow.

"Hello Yunho, did you have an eventful night?" you called back knocking on Chan's door before wandering in when you got no answer and depositing your things in the corner he had said you could use.

"Yeah the only fun part was talking to you" he told you with a slightly flirtatious tinge in his voice.

"I'm sure" you chuckled as Chan appeared through the staff door from the bar.

"Ah good you're back, I was hoping last night didn't frighten you off" he teased dimples flashing as his own joke.

"Hyunjin tried his hardest but he couldn't chase me off. Sorry" you shrugged.

"Ooh immune to Hyunjin, you will be hard to win over" he scratched his chin in jest "but you met some of my hosts last night and tonight you will probably get to meet a few more but I have found a handful you haven't met yet if you wanted to talk to them about this place".

"That would be brilliant Chan, thank you" You smiled genuinely.

"I figured you can speak to our regular hosts as they float around before they start and if you wanted to join me for dinner I thought you might want to speak to Seungmin and Changbin" Chan continued please with your reactions.

"That sounds perfect. Who are the hosts for me to catch before they start?" you asked, remembering that Chan said he had thirty odd hosts who worked for him.

"I have asked San and Hongjoong to hang out with you on and off while everyone gets ready" he explained "I assume since there are bags in my office you will be getting ready here?"

"Yeah I figured I can get ready after the night has started so I don't take up too much space" you smiled.

"So like yesterday, make yourself at home and use whatever you need. I'm thinking of a slightly early dinner so I will come grab you if you like for that" Chan continued watching you closely.

"Oh that would be great if it isn't too much trouble for you I might get lost in what I'm writing otherwise" you agreed easily.

"Well I will leave you to your work then I'll send whichever of the boys is free and ready first your way" he grinned as you went to sit at one of the tables that littered the room getting out your laptop to start your work and figuring a coffee wouldn't go astray either at that point in the afternoon. You had been sipping your iced latte and going through photographers that you could get in to get the best shots of the club for your article. You hadn't even noticed the two suited up men making their way towards you.

"Miss R" the first one interrupted, breaking your concentration "Is now a good time for us to talk or would you like us to come back later?".

"Oh no, now is good" you blinked up at them as they took seats opposite you.

"I'm Hongjoong, and this is San" he continued smiling at you casually.

"Nice to meet you both" you greeted, remembering that San was the one that had collected Yunho the night before "Thank you for speaking with me" trying to not look like you had been totally floored by their good looks.

"Did you want to talk to us about why we started hosting?" San asked leisurely, leaning back on his chair.

"Yes but also about working for Chan and how you entertain your guests. It's a good way to sell your particular skills since you all seem to do things slightly differently" you explained.

"We can do that for you Miss R" Hongjoong grinned as you opened your notes and started listening to them. Both were very sweet so it was easy for you to get lost in the conversation until Chan reappeared at the table suited up and looking stupidly handsome.

"We are having dinner in a few. Did you still want to join us?" He grinned looking at how your eyes widened and you realized the time.

"Oh yes, yes I will change after if that is alright" you nodded, collecting your belongings together and thanking both the hosts for taking the time to talk to you. You followed Chan towards the elevator which took you both up to the fourth floor which was confusing to you.

"We are going to use this area tonight to give you a bit more time to chat since this area isn't open until after the bar" Chan explained, picking up on your train of thought instantly.

"How is it that you guys do that? Pick up what someone is thinking or feeling?" you narrowed your eyes at him in faux suspicion.

"We make our living on exploiting what women want, we wouldn't be very good at our jobs if we couldn't read you well" Seungmin sniggered as Chan pulled out a seat for you to sit in.

"That's very honest of you" you chuckled looking at him across the table.

"I'm Seungmin in case you haven't heard enough names over the past 24 hours" he smirked.

"Thank you for the reminder Seungmin, it isn't easy to talk to a dozen ridiculously handsome men without the added burden of remembering their names" you smiled dryly making Changbin laugh.

"He's just poking fun because he thinks he can" Chan sighed, giving Seungmin a look that you didn't quite understand.

"You can poke as much fun as you like Seungmin, I am after all just an interloper into your world" you continued smiling but pulled your face into the professional expression you used for work.

"I like you, you're way more fun than we expected" Changbin grinned casually as food started to arrive at the table.

"I took the liberty of ordering things you hadn't tried yet" Chan explained as you curled your brow at the plates in front of you, knowing that somehow he was responsible for it.

"So how does this all come together? Did you know each other before this? How do you make the jump from maybe I'll host to I'll escort on the side to, I'll open/work at an elite level like this?" You mused looking between them for clues to how this all worked because you had an inkling that at least the 8 core of elite hosts were closer and more equal than it first appeared.

"Well I told you how we came to open already but I'm assuming you want how we specifically found ourselves here?" Chan smirked already seeing that you had put more pieces together than he had supplied information for. You nodded as you put the first mouthful of souffle into your mouth before you paused savoring how good it was. 

"Well I met Chan years ago" Changbin started putting his fork down as he watched you eat a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips "We have been friends for years it was him that got me into hosting to begin with we were far younger then but it wasn't all that different except that working for other people meant a smaller cut of what you got paid but it was easy money while we were in uni".

"I met them later when I got a job as bar staff, not as a host at the same club. Jeongin was the same, we both became hosts at a different club later but we kept in touch" Seungmin added before taking another mouthful of pasta.

"So when and why did it jump from hosting to escorting?" you questioned letting Chan carve the large steak that was on the table and serve you a few slices.

"Why is easy, that was because the money was fantastic and being young and horny with easy access to women every night why not" Changbin laughed "The when was, I think just before my 21st birthday I had been hosting since I was 19 so I already learned all the skills I needed to flatter my way into that situation so why not get paid for it".

"Practical" you quipped sipping the wine that had been delivered to you "I mean why not get paid for what you like doing". All three of them laughed then as you didn't pass any judgment on them for their choices.

"This would be why everyone you have talked to so far is so enamored with you" Seungmin smirked, making your eyes widen in confusion.

"Excuse me?" you spluttered completely caught off guard.

"I agree doesn't judge openly and is oblivious to how she is seen by others" Changbin added as though it was an afterthought.

"I would respectfully call bullshit on that observation" you grumbled as your phone began ringing and your boss' name and number flashed across the screen "excuse me, my boss" you smiled. They nodded watching your change in demeanor as you answered the call mouthing thank yous to Chan.

"Good Evening Sir" you chirped, faking your enthusiasm to speak to him as you made your way across the room to the lift so you could slink out the back and get yourself ready.

"Your request for a photographer who can take artful photos is for what reason?" He gruffly demanded without greeting you.

"Well the bar is particularly attractive and last night alone I saw politicians wives, and half a dozen socialites if we can capture how beautiful and opulent it is we might be able to swing some fashion comments from them to boost out fashion pages and the male hosts here are very attractive the readers would very much like to have decent photos of them" you explained quickly trying to spin as much of a positive for him as you could even though you were wanting to move past him and to the editorials boss.

"If you can't take the photo's yourself then you can't expect us not to take the photographer fee from your paycheck" He continued telling you off subtly.

"Of course sir, I will do that instead sir" you swallowed as he hung up on you hoping that he would not be calling back with another complaint once you submitted the first draft of the editorial in a few days time. 

Stepping into Chan's office you locked the door and quickly slipped into the dress you had brought with you, after last night you had decided that you should also put a little more effort into your makeup so you blended in a little more so you weren't surprised by the knock at the door indicating you had taken longer than you should have.

"Sorry Chan" you apologized, unlocking the door and pulling it open coming face to face with Felix and Hyunjin.

"We meet again Miss R" Hyunjin purred playfully, taking your hand and kissing the back of it.

"Hello Hyunjin" you rolled your eyes at his dramatic flare.

"You look beautiful in emerald, it brings out your eyes" Felix smiled as you met his eyes instantly becoming transfixed with how beautiful he looked with his hair slightly tousled in a deep navy suit.

"Flirt" you mumbled shyly as Chan cleared his throat behind them both. 

"Sorry Chan, I didn't mean to take your office for so long" you apologized again as he chuckled.

"It's not a problem Miss R, shall we?" He offered you his arm in a friendly manner which you took before he led you out on the floor, missing the expression on both Felix or Hyunjin's faces but not the loud whoop of laughter that erupted as the door started to close.

Most of the second night was not as intense as the opening night less pomp and ceremony and far more rich women on a mission, you were content to sit on the second level watching the hosts come and go entertaining and the farewelling their guests, occasionally getting winks or nods of recognition before they dived back in for the next guests. You hadn't seen Felix, Hyunjin or Chan again during the course of the night but you had caught glimpses of Seungmin and Minho as their guests arrived and they escorted them upstairs but the more fly on the wall view of them working was making it much easier for you to think up how the start of your editorial would go and how you would sell the speakeasy bar of the enterprise at least. As the night wore on you found yourself more and more comfortable with the idea of being at Club 143 which was, you assumed at least, Chan's entire plan for you. He had welcomed you, fed you, given you access to his employees but you were struggling to actually figure out how you could justify the next few nights of sitting around observing when you really had probably gotten everything you needed. You made a note in your phone to speak with Chan about whether he had already had any professional photos taken of the place or his hosts that you would be able to use for the article.

After several hours had ticked by you made your way back towards Chan's office so you could change again and head home, entering the staff area you noticed there were a few of the boys sitting either having a break or getting ready to head back into the club.

"Miss R, you alright?" San called to you looking slightly concerned.

"I'm fine San, I just should be calling it a night" you smiled warmly back at him, his concern for you making you feel genuinely thankful. Entering Chan's office you collected your bag so you could change out of your dress and into your jeans again.

"Did you want me to grab you a car to take you back home? I'm sure Chan would want to make sure you were safe" he continued appearing at the open office door.

"That's too kind of you San" you chuckled as he made his way towards you to help you with the bag, taking it effortlessly from you and offering you his arm.

"I know I'm not Felix or Hyunjin but I still would like you to get home safely" He joked guiding you to the back entrance to the building to where the cars were and once again you found yourself being helped into a black luxury car "See you tomorrow Miss R" he grinned shutting the door for you to let the driver get you home.

After getting a decent night's sleep you decided it would be better to get as much of the draft done as possible so you could run through any final questions you had with Chan later that night. You were sure you had enough now to be able to write the article without needing to spend a full week taking up Chan or any of the others further time and preventing them making the full amount they should for an opening week, and if Chan had photo's of at least the hosts that you could use the article would be pretty much done and could go off to the editor to go over. Without meaning to, you managed to work all the way to lunch time before getting your things back together to head back to Club 143 for perhaps the last time depending on whether you needed to add any extra information to your editor, or Chan for that matter, request.

Arriving at 12:30 you made your way through the empty bar after being greeted by the doorman and waving to the bar staff who were preparing for the night's service. Making your way into the staff area you were surprised to find Chan meeting with some of his top hosts making you pause as you closed the door behind you.

"Miss R, you return to us again" Hyunjin smiled, waggling his eyebrows at you.

"I promise I will be out of your hair soon Hyunjin" you smirked watching him deflate slightly and the others to laugh.

"Hopefully not to soon" Chan grinned standing to take your bag and place it in his office "Come join us it will give you some more insight" he gestured for you to take a chair somewhere in the room so you did without argument, partly because you were being paid to learn about his business and partly because the closest empty chair happened to be besides Felix totally missing the look Chan gave the others as you sat yourself down and got your phone ready to take notes.

"We have been discussing how the first two nights went" Seungmin added, making you look up at him in case he was going to continue.

"It has been pretty profitable" Felix added easily.

"Have the ladies down stairs been interested in meeting the more exclusive hosts?" Chan asked, turning to you.

"Of course they have, have you not watched them just about drool every time they see any of you?" you chuckled knowing that they knew damn well how they were being received.

"Told you" Changbin smirked looking at Chan "Miss R is a professional, she sees things the same way we do".

"It's a different point of view to ask a woman though" Chan half smiled before looking back at you. "How have you found it though you have spent time in the bar, the third and fourth floors is this place a worthy use for your time if you weren't writing an editorial about us?". 

You paused thinking exactly how you should answer such a loaded question.

"I think you have achieved what you set out to do, the bar is beautiful you feel welcomed and safe there, your hosts are handsome and all slightly different so you can cater to a thousand different women's fantasies without much trouble and from what you have shown me so far the actual host experience is very enjoyable so I think any woman would enjoy it here" you explained watching him as you did you could tell he was very pleased with your answer but you could feel that he wanted just a little bit more from you.

"As much as all of that is exactly what I wanted to hear you missed on little detail" he smiled roguishly, his host persona peeking through "Would you want to spend time here if it wasn't for your job?"  

"Yes, I would come to the bar at least" you replied, careful to keep some of your professional face on so that you didn't need to admit to the fact that you could never afford their services.

"But you wouldn't use the host service?" Seungmin pushed which made you quirk your eyebrow at him.

"I'm not sure the smoke and mirrors are going to be all that believable now that I have seen what's behind it" you shrugged "Plus I'm not sure if you have noticed but you boys are expensive". They laughed loudly at that leaving you hoping that they thought you were joking about their costs.

"Well I guess we will have to set you up some proper host experiences for you over the next few days" Hyunjin smirked at you but his eyes filled with mischief.

"Are you going to tease me about level 5 the whole time I'm here?" you pouted dramatically, rolling your eyes.

"Honestly it might be good if we have you try hosts from each of the tiers so you can write which sort of experience you can get at each level to make it obvious we are only super exclusive at the top end of the scale." Chan agreed, looking at you to gauge your reaction "If that is alright with you I can give you a rough price estimate of each encounter and you can see if it meets the experience you have" he scratched the back of his neck as he continued to watch you.

"That's actually very sensible if you want me to include all the services you have here but if you only want me writing about the first tier or two of the hosts to leave the others more exclusive you wouldn't need to bother setting up more than one or maybe two hosts willing to waste their time with me" you nodded "as long as they will still be paid properly I will feel endlessly guilty stealing their earning time on me".

"Oh they will all be paid, it's for the editorial and therefore good for the overall job we will all be doing so don't worry about them but I think Hyunjin might be right you should sample all the levels so you can experience what each type of guest can expect". Chan mused before getting out his phone to check the booking calendar. "I'll put you with San tonight or perhaps Yunho depending on their bookings, you can be on level 3 then with one of us on level 4 the same and if we get you to agree maybe you could see another room on level 5". You knew your face flushed at his final statement but you couldn't help it. You couldn't escape the connotations that level 5 was going to lead to a full host experience including sex if you agreed and although it was incredibly tempting you didn't know if morally you should. "So you would get the same treatment as our most elite clientele who cannot be seen on the lower floors" Chan finished.

"That is a huge out of pocket cost to you Chan I couldn't possibly accept that" you almost stuttered covering it by clearing your throat.

"I insist, really I should have thought of that sooner" Chan sighed looking back at you with a soft expression "I have San for you tonight so you will get the first tier host experience tonight he has a free opening that you can fill as a favor".

"The last favor I did for you I ended up tipsy" you bit your lips embarrassed.

"That's exactly how the experiences should be though" Hyunjin grinned again, looking like he had won some sort of grand prize.

The rest of the afternoon was spent going over photos with Chan that he had already had taken that you could use for the editorial. Most were only of the establishment that sold how opulent it was so that made your life a little easier to be able to write about each different area and show what was to be expected. The photos of the hosts however were going to be a little more difficult, Chan had given you a hard drive that contained photos of each of the hosts in his employment and not you needed to pick which ones you wanted. You knew you would obviously need to use one of Chan but then should you just use pictures of the hosts you were going to see as part of this experiment or should you pick the most enticing pictures you could find. Unwittingly you stumbled onto some which were virtually softcore porn, some of the escorting hosts had done a series of photos to show off their bodies to entice customers, Hyunjin with his suit jacket off and his shirt open, Chan in just his suit pants his tie undone and hanging loosely around his neck, Changbin flexing his large muscular arms and Felix laying in silk sheets looking sinful. You could feel your face heating up but you couldn't stop staring at him, Felix even in this far more sensual pose was still so painfully beautiful that you didn't want to stop looking even though you knew you shouldn't be seeing him like that.

Shaking your head to clear the lust that was begging to cloud your eyes you walked to Chan's office to see if it was empty so you could get ready, it was now almost opening hours and you couldn't be late to your appointment with San. That would be most rude. You slipped into a royal blue satin dress that was simple yet flattering to emphasized your hips and chest while remaining not too low cut or short so appropriate you figured to be just another guest in a bar and not someone begging for attention, you fixed your makeup adding to what you were already wearing and returned to the waiting room to pack up your laptop and notes. Stepping back into the room you heard a soft whistle.

"Each dress makes you look more enchanting than the last" Felix smiled, taking your hand and twirling you.

"Thank you Felix, I thought I should look a bit more expensive since I'm spending a week here, don't want to make the place look shabby" you grinned feeling thrilled with his compliment.

"You always look beautiful" Felix reassured "and San is a lucky boy tonight getting to spend his time with you, we are all very jealous he whispered leaning in as though he was telling you secret information.

"I doubt I'm that interesting to him Felix" you chuckled, feeling warmth spreading through you at his words and the feeling of his breath on your skin.

"I was wondering if you wanted to get another coffee tomorrow? Before you have to come in to work some more" He asked softly without the host bravado that he showed out on the floors above.

"I would like that very much" you nodded, catching your bottom lip in your teeth as nerves suddenly set into your stomach.

"Can I have your number to text you so we can organize it?" he continued smoothly, seeming more confident at your reaction, handing you his phone you added your details and gave it back to him quickly. "Can I escort you out to find San?" he offered easily, his arm already in position for you to take.

"Thank you Felix" you grinned, taking his arm and allowing him to lead you out into the bar. 

San stood casually by the bar and appeared to be scanning the room for you as his eyes stopped on you the moment you appeared with Felix, smiling at him nervously you made your way over to him only for Felix to lean in and whisper something in his ear before turning his attention back to you.

"Enjoy your evening Miss R" he grinned cheekily allowing San to take his place at your side moving back into the crowd you assumed to tend to his own booked guest.

"You look gorgeous Miss R" San drawled softly his arm slipping behind you to guide you towards the stairs "We will be heading up to level 3 tonight so that I can thoroughly indulge your every whim"

"Thank you San" you almost blushed at the seductive tone his voice had taken on "you look very attractive yourself". With his arm wrapped protectively around your waist he led you to and from the elevator into the booth that had been arranged for you, it seemed to be further back towards the bar which seemed to give off the illusion of even more privacy as he pulled the curtains around you after helping you into the booth. The deep red velvet absorbing the outside noise enough for you to almost feel like you were alone with San.

Reaching just behind you, San pushed a discreet button which summoned a waiter with a bottle of chilled wine and San discreetly thanked him before pouring you a glass.

"So Miss R, tell me about you, tell me about what you have always wanted" San smiled one eyebrow raised

"You know about my job already San" you blinked wondering where he was going with this.

"Not your job, about what you want in life, kitten your future" he chuckled softly, his eyes trained on you with a softness that made you feel safe.

"I want to be a serious journalist, it’s still pretty male dominated in the world of journalism and women don’t seem to get a look in when it comes to crime reporting or heavier news. We are always left with lifestyle and beauty and I want more than that” you answered sincerely letting your guard down a little knowing that San wouldn’t admonish you for having aspirations.

“Aren’t you a serious journalist now? Looking into the seedy underbelly of hosting?” he smiled slyly leaning back into the plush velvet seat back and extending his arm behind you.

“That’s not what this is San, and you know it” you almost sighed knowing that he was only playing his role.

“I know but you are still taking your job seriously and working diligently on this editorial, I know your work will be noticed, how could it not be?” he encouraged, letting his arm drop from the top of the seat to sitting comfortably around your waist. You shivered unintentionally at his touch even through the layers of fabric that separated your skin, it was becoming very clear why Chan’s hosts were as in demand as they were.

“What do you want to do in your life, San?” you tilted your head to look at him through your fluffy eyelashes. 

“Being a host can have a short shelf life depending on how good you are” he explained gesturing around you both “you have more options if you move into a more companion business but it's not guaranteed” he shrugged casually as he finished topping up your glass.

“Companionship?” you knew it was probably a dumb question but you had to ask.

“Escorting” he chuckled watching your face change to one of understanding “guys like Chan or Minho will stay handsome well into their 30s and 40s so they can continue the work for as long as they like. But hosts have to be young to flatter the woman seeing them that's part of the fantasy”.

“So is escorting the plan then?” You questioned breezily hoping it wouldn't come across as an interview.

“Maybe, or I could open my own place” he smirked cheekily “would you visit me if I did?”

“San!” you fake gasped clutching invisible pearls at your throat “how scandalous”. You dissolved into giggles that were helped along by the bubbles you were drinking.

“Well I'll take that as a yes” he laughed heartily, shifting himself closer to your side and another waiter appeared through the curtain to deliver another bottle of wine. “What else do you have planned for your life? It can’t be all work and no play?” 

“I want to travel. I want to see as much of the world as I can. So Paris, Milan, Prague, Rio, Nepal I want to see everything. But mostly I want to find someone who won't push me into a life I don't want" you replied slowly each thought coming out of your mouth without being filtered by your better judgment as the rapport you felt with San felt real even if that was just the alcohol and his excellent acting.

"I would love to travel too" San nodded, "I would love to see the world with you" , his sly smile feeling very flirty as you sipped from your glass.

"With me?" you blinked the wine making its way through your system and removing a little more of your inhibitions.

"Of course a beautiful woman like you should be fed dessert in fancy restaurants, doted on completely while shopping and being bought every single thing that brings you joy, and worshiped nightly in every place you wanted to stay. How could any man not want to be the one giving you that life" San purred, sliding himself closer to you so he was now touching you with the whole side of his body, the warmth from his chest seeping through his suit and into you "I couldn't think of a more enjoyable way to spend my time than making love to you in moonlight in Paris or Prague".

You swallowed hard, your surprise was probably obvious to San but after a moment you remembered this was an act, San was being paid to charm you and say all the right things. Once again he topped up your glass, when he lent closer to speak to you his breath fanned across your skin giving you goosebumps at the thought.

"You are very good at this San" you smiled, turning slightly more towards him.

"But not that good as you can still see what I'm doing" he chuckled, breaking the sexy character slightly and showing the more playful side that you had already met.

"I wouldn't say that I was very swept up" you admitted softly making him grin further "But I should be letting you get back to actual paying guests".

"Stay just a little longer no unnecessary flirting I promise" San faux pouted before breaking into a grin.

"Oh no don't pout like that I can't say no to that face" you giggled the wine now making you feel a little less professional and a little more cheeky.

"Ah I found a weakness" he almost crowed proudly "I will have to make sure the following guys know".

"You wouldn't betray me like that would you San" you pouted in return trying not to laugh as his eyes widened at your reaction.

"You are not meant to get upset" he whined as you melted into giggles.

"Happily tipsy looks very, very good on you" San quipped once again leaning back into the plush fabric of the booth.

"You're being paid to say that" you challenged, raising your eyebrow at him before leaning towards him "It's nice to be flattered though".

"I'm not being paid to tell you the truth I'm paid to make a fantasy and this isn't fantasy" San replied honestly as a new waiter reappeared with a tray containing several dishes that you weren't expecting San instantly picked up on your confusion his pretty laugh filling the booth "Chan wanted you to have a full experience and with our level of host that includes dinner so he ordered for you, I hope that is alright".

"Of course he did" you rolled your eyes making San's laughter continue "that man knows no limits when it comes to flaunting the sense of opulence does he?".

"He does but he wants to make sure you can write a proper review and that is worth every cent to him" San's eyes were still crinkled into attractive little moons.

"I do appreciate where he is coming from but surely he knows I am writing a favorable editorial by now" you continued watching San carefully watching for any sort of tell to show he was being disingenuous.

"I'll be honest I figured you would stop staying after the opening hours if you hated it. Just do your interviews then leave" he shrugged carefully, portioning a fork full of lobster that he then brought to your mouth to try, his other hand hovering under your chin to catch anything that might fall. Strangely enough you found yourself opening your mouth for him to place the lobster against your tongue before grinning at you.

"I forget you are all strangely perceptive about women" you lopsidedly grinned savoring the delicious buttery taste “Is feeding me also part of the experience?”

"It's all part of the deal kitten" San laughed lightly winking at you for dramatic effect. You ate the rest of the meal chatting with San about anything and everything before letting him lead you back downstairs where he told you Chan had arranged a car to get you home, because Chan really did think of everything.

Waking slowly, after having more drinks in the past week than you were used to, you were very happy to write the rest of your editorial, you had everything you were going to need you would just add a few bits and pieces about the experiences that Chan had decided to give you but the rest, including the photographs, was now ready to be fully drafted and read over by one of your editors. You attached the draft to an email saying that there was still one more page that needed to be done but that they could go over the first few and the photos that Chan had graciously provided to make sure that it was what they were looking for before you started getting ready for your day and your potential coffee catch up with Felix. 

Getting together your outfit for the day and choosing your outfit for that night was a very strange experience. You had been dressing yourself with a little more care to spend your days looking as nice as you possibly could but picking your outfit for the evenings had so far been a little daunting, it was a need to look the part of the patron so that everything looked normal to anyone who viewed you in Club 143 but also wanting to look attractive and even a little sexy just because you wanted to see how whoever you were paired with would react. Each outfit had been a little more daring; the emerald dress you had been far more form fitting around your chest, the blue had flattered your figure making you feel more womanly and tonight’s outfit was a form fitting silky burgundy dress with fine straps and a low cut back and a slit up the thigh. 

Arriving at Club 143 after lunch you had still not heard from Felix but it didn’t really surprise you he had been booked out every single night you had been there to observe and he must have been needing to catch up on sleep. You continued through the bar waving to the staff you had already seen several times and making your way to Chan’s office to drop off your things before making yourself comfortable in the normal corner of the waiting room. It was still quiet none of the hosts had arrived yet and you passed the time talking to the bar staff and writing up thoughts that you could flesh out later about the next level of host experience, even though you were yet to find out who you were going to be paired with. Chan arrived two hours later and waved as he passed you talking on the phone to someone before entering his office and closing the door.

“All by yourself again?” a very familiar voice asked from the doorway behind you.

“I guess I am Felix, how was your night?” You smiled to yourself before turning your head towards him.

“It was work-like” he shrugged, plopping himself down in the chair opposite you.

“Is that a good thing or a bad thing?” you mused furrowing your eyebrows as you took in his appearance, he was still beautiful as ever but his eyes looked a little more downcast than you had seen them before.

“Both I guess” he sighed “It was profitable but it was just going through the motions, some nights are just more routine than others although I rarely have interesting ones” he admitted, his eyes flicking downwards before making contact with yours again.

“I never really thought about how all this must just be a day at the office for you guys, not everyday being enjoyable, some just tedious” you frowned slightly, the few glimpses you had been given of the darker side of the job were very unappealing to you.

“It’s not that any of us hate it” Felix countered “It’s just that it can get monotonous the same vapid women, the same fake interactions, the same facade over and over again but there are always going to have perks most of the time it's very easy to still see the attractive woman underneath who just wants to feel worshiped but sometimes you do come across women who you cannot find a single good quality about”.

“Hmm” you hummed not really knowing what to say. It made you feel a bit awful that there were nights that he had to pretend to feel attracted to someone and then have sex with them even though he had no interest in them.

“Let's talk about something else” he smiled trying to pick the mood back up ��maybe we should have that coffee now” 

“Sure” you nodded hoping you would be able to perhaps make him feel a little better. Felix got up and went towards the kitchens to ask them for coffee you assumed and you were back to being alone saving your notes for later you decided to perhaps email Chan a draft copy of what you had written but he was still in his office so you didn’t want to disturb his work. Felix returned and offered his hand to you.

“Come on, follow me” with a mischievous glimmer in his eye you took his hand and allowed him to lead you to the elevator where he quickly swiped his key card before hitting the button to the fifth floor.

“Felix, where are you taking me?” you whispered a small smile tugging at the corners of your lips.

“Do you trust me?” he grinned impishly, not giving you any further explanation.

“Yes” you answered instantly, surprising even yourself by your own admission.

“Then you will see when we get there” he teased stepping closer to you. The door dinged and opened showing you the navy blue hallway that Can had shown you once before. Taking your hand in his again he beckoned you to follow him until he stopped at door 3, the room you had already seen briefly. “I’m not breaking any rules in showing you the room you have already seen” he soothed after noticing the slight trepidation in your eyes.

“You can read everything about me can’t you?” you contemplated following him into the room where there were already two hot coffees and two pieces of cake waiting for you in the lounge area of the large room.

“Not everything which is why you are so interesting” Felix clarified “Your honesty is what masks things from us, we all find it fascinating that you can see through the act without much trouble but also never judge us or behave as though you are better than us”.

“That’s because I am not better than you” you uttered feeling a little confused “I’m just a person like you Felix, like all the guys that work here”. You sat at one end of the lounge opposite him taking your cup and sipping from it.

“That right there is why every host here wants to have their five minutes to talk to you” he grinned toothily “A few sentences and you make us all feel better about a world of different things”.

“You are being too kind” you argued softly.

“You are selling yourself short” he shot back the dazzling smile still on his face “We had several media sources wanting to cover this opening mostly because it aligns them with the powerful women who come here whether they are CEO’s in their own right or the wives and girlfriends of powerful men. All of them spoke with Chan but you were the only one who didn’t speak down to him as though he was just another whore. You treated Chan with respect and with honest interest which is why your publication got the job”. Felix’s explanation hit you like a truck. You had been the one to volunteer for the position to pitch the editorial and also write it when your boss had mentioned it and your coworkers had seemed to have no interest but you hadn’t realized that there were other media companies vying for the same editorial.

“Who else did he speak to?” you asked concerned that maybe the job would have been done better by one of your competitors and Chan had only settled for you.

“SM Media Inc, KQ Publishing, YG Multimedia Co. None of them would have done as good a job as you” he shrugged again eating a mouthful of cake.

“Well I’m pleased he wanted me for the job. I'll send him the article before it’s published so he can go over it” you nodded slowly considering how you would get away with changing the editorial you had already sent in for viewing if he hated it. Felix laughed heartily, he seemed to be taking great pleasure in watching the cogs move around in your head.

“So tell me what else you do in your life Felix? I want to know something you have not told me yet” you smirked, making him stop laughing and turn serious again.

Returning back downstairs you found that half a dozen other hosts had arrived including Hyunjin who blew you a kiss as you walked past him, and also that Chan had emerged from his office. He stood from behind his desk and wandered into the waiting room as he noticed you pass by his office doorway

“So I realized that it might be a better idea to let you choose who you would like for your last host experience” Chan smiled kindly watching you take a seat and log yourself back into your laptop to continue working.

“Oh really? I assumed it would be whoever didn't have a booking” you blinked looking at him with curiosity as he continued over to where you were sitting.

“Well if I asked for volunteers I think Hyunjin would have fallen over himself to put his name down, and I'll admit I wouldn't mind it being me either but it should be your choice so you are totally comfortable” he continued a slight glint in his eye making you unsure if he was teasing you or not while Hyunjin nodded vigorously just behind him

“Well who have you decided I'll be seeing tonight?” you raised your eyebrow at him.

“Tonight you're with yours truly” he grinned smugly, making Hyunjin and Seungmin roll their eyes in unison.

“Let me think about it then” you smiled, laughter coloring your voice as you began typing up a few more notes.

“Booking is at 9 Miss R” he chuckled, heading back towards his office door.

“I won’t be late” you called after him.

You started changing at 8 o’clock sharpe so that you would have enough time to get your hair and makeup sorted as well as changing. Chan was nowhere to be seen so you assumed he was out on one of the floors or entertaining another guest which allowed you to take your time. When you finally emerged it was almost time for you to meet him so you opened his office door and stepped into the waiting room.

“Woah!” Jeongin whistled, looking you up and down slowly.

“Thank you Jeongin” you flushed slightly, your hands moving to smooth invisible wrinkles in the fabric.

“Would you like an escort to find Chan?” he offered a wide smile, his eyes turning into pleasant little moons as he offered his arm to you.

“Actually, yes please” you breathed knowing that he would probably see your nerves if you tried to hide them.

“You don’t need to be nervous Miss R. Chan doesn’t bite unless you ask him to and even then you would need to ask nicely” Jeongin joked trying to alleviate your fears.

I’ll try to remember that for the editorial then” you laughed lightly feeling slightly better.

Stepping onto the level 4 with Jeongin was a little odd. You could still see Changbin and Han entertaining two girls who looked like sisters in one booth and Minho leading his client towards another booth. The curtains of two others were pulled closed already meaning they were full but all the others were only half closed or still empty. 

“Here you go Miss R, step this way” Jeongin pulls aside one of the half pulled curtains to reveal Chan in all his glory leaning against the side of the booth watching the empty portions of the room.

“Not even a second late” Chan chuckled, offering you his hand to take as Jeongin winked at you before leaving. Helping you to get comfortably seating he moved to pull the curtain closed giving you a single glimpse of Felix who was looking straight at you, eyes wide, and distinctly not at the woman beside him who looked every bit the beautiful and rich CEO, his slight frown before the curtain separated you leaving you with an odd feeling in the pit of your stomach.

“So gorgeous, are you ready for me?” Chan’s velvety voice surrounded you like honey as you turned your face towards him. You had obviously spent time with Chan, you had even seen the professional photos that they had all had taken but it hit you like a lightning strike just how easy it would be to be wooed by him in this setting.

“You look devine tonight” he purred, sliding a little closer to you, watching you closely he slowly took your hand to kiss the inside of your wrist “you also don’t need to be nervous”.

“I was told you wouldn’t bite unless I asked you nicely” you tilted your head to gauge his reaction.

“For you I would do anything if you asked me nicely or not” you raised one eyebrow almost challengingly making you swallow hard and your eyes widened slightly.

“Good to know” you breathed a flush creeping across your cheeks.

“I was told by a reputable source that you like sweet things” he continued with a teasing smile gracing his handsome face as a waiter appeared with a tray of cocktails “so I took some liberties and ordered you some dessert”.

Placing down two cocktails you could see quite obviously that Chan had asked the others what you had drank, eaten and spoken about because the chocolate martini that was for you was very close to a favorite drink of yours.

“Thank you Chan” you whispered, picking up your glass to sip at it, your mouth suddenly very dry.

“I also heard you do not want to be placed in a cage” his dark cinnamon eyes made you feel like he could see into your soul.

“San has loose lips it seems” you added the corners of your mouth twitching as his grin increased.

“No, I am just incredibly persuasive when it comes to you” he advised sipping his own drink which to you looked very much the opposite of your drink. Chan seemed very good at keeping you somewhere between flustered and hypnotized but after a few more moments your brain caught up.

“I can see the difference now, from level three to level 4” you admitted coyly relaxing your posture slightly “San was particularly good but you are exceptional at this”. Chan faulted slightly before breaking into a breathtaking grin.

“I have to say you are quite remarkable at seeing through the act, it’s a bit of a rare gift” he hummed approvingly “Had to admit it’s a little bit of a turn on actually”. You coughed as you almost inhaled your drink at his words making him chuckle at you.

“Did you actually say that or did I imagine that?” you sniffed trying to regain your composure.

“No I said it, Hyunjin told me it was a completely different feeling watching you see straight through our usual way of working and I get now why he wanted to take you upstairs” Chan divulged “San let me know that you were the most fun he has had so far and you seem to have bewitched our little Felix”. Your jaw dropped slightly allowing Chan to slide closer to you lifting one finger to shut it again for you his fingers then moving to grasp your chin gently tilting your face towards his. It felt magnetic like you were being drawn closer to him every second but the illusion was shattered when you heard a loud shrill laugh from somewhere outside the curtained bubble you were in.

“I think perhaps I need another drink” you murmured as Chan dropped his hand away from you. He tilted his head slightly and a waiter appeared as if summoned, although you were sure CHan was just more subtle about the button to call the staff than San.

“Can we have another round and bring dessert this time please” Chan instructed smoothly not moving away from you instead slipping out of his jacket, leaving him in only a black shirt with no tie.

“The drink isn’t dessert then?” you mused, thinking he had been mentioning the sweet drink earlier.

“No I have something far more substantial for you, after all I need to leave a sweet taste in your mouth from the experience” he flirted effortlessly knowing that the choice of words would push you just a little.

“Still hoping I’ll come back after this editorial is done then?” you teased back knowingly

“Oh I have no doubt you will come back, I’m hoping to sway you to come back to level 3 or 4” he cheekily retorted, his dimples shining.

“Well Mr Bang that all depends on what you have got for me?” you giggled as the waiter reappeared and stopped Chan’s comeback in its tracks. Placing down another martini for you excused himself to collect the rest of Chan’s request. Moments later he reappeared with a tray full of what looked like chocolate truffles and strawberries dusted with gold flakes.

“As with San last night I like to go all out” Chan grinned like a cat that got the cream “We get these in from France they are made with the finest Swiss chocolate and the best French champagne”. He lifted one off the tray and brought it to your lips which you opened keeping your eyes locked on his. He was right they were the most delicious chocolate you had ever eaten and you were quite alright with the idea of sitting drinking your martini with him feeding you, but you assumed that was due to the rather strong cocktail you had already drunk and the one you were about to start. You continued chatting to Chan a little more casually after he started hand feeding you strawberries and chocolate until you had accidentally had a third martini and your head was actually fuzzy.

“Would you like another drink or would you like something else?” Chan murmured sensually his lips only inches from your ear.

“I think I’m good” you smiled lazily, enjoying the warmth of his breath on your neck.

“I’m sure you are very good gorgeous, but that wasn’t what I meant” he quipped leaning in closer so his lips brushed your earlobe making you involuntarily shudder “I love that you are so eager to please, such a perfect little tease”.

Your brain wasn’t fast enough to react with wit instead opting to just hum and let him get even closer to you, being ever the gentleman Chan gave you time to respond between each gentle touch of his fingers running down you bare back, each brush of his lips against your skin until you were almost embarrassingly pliant.

“Tell me to stop and I will, gorgeous” he whispered huskily in your ear before actually pressing his lips to your neck making you gasp softly turning your head toward him. Following the line of your jaw Chan kissed his way to you lips each one slightly more passionate than the last until his lips pressed against yours. His soft plump lips felt stupidly good against your own especially when he dragged your bottom lip between them using his teeth and making you sigh with pleasure, his tongue traced the seam of your lips teasing you and hoping you would allow entrance which you did too caught up in the moment and the alcohol to be thinking quick enough to stop yourself. 

“Mmm… wait Chan stop” you slurred slightly as he broke away from your lips to kiss his way to your earlobe, your brain finally registering what you were doing. To his immense credit Chan did stop instantly removing not only his lips and hands from you but also sliding away from you so you were no longer touching.

“I apologize” he replied instantly “I didn't mean to overstep”.

“You didn’t, not really, I’m just a little too drunk for this to be a good idea” you admitted trying to shift the alcohol from your brain so you could think better.

“I will get you a car home” Chan smiled genuinely, his eyes shining with something that looked a little like admiration and a little like affection.

“Thank you” you swallowed as Chan moved to help you stand from the booth, steadying you by wrapping his arm around your waist as he walked you to the elevator. Moving past the tables you saw the booth that Felix was in earlier still occupied which gave you a strange sense of relief that he was still on this floor and not the one above but that was shattered we the curtain opened and you saw him, his arms wrapped around his patron feeding her strawberries the same way Chan had fed them to you. You looked away quickly hoping that both Chan and Felix would not notice but you had a feeling that Chan already had as he pulled you slightly tighter against his side as the elevator doors opened stepping inside you turned towards the closing doors to see Felix’s face fall as his eyes landed on you for the brief moment before the door separated you both.

Chan led you to his office to collect your things, easily carrying both your bags on one of his arms making sure you were stable enough to not hurt yourself. He mentioned to the driver that he was to escort you into the building and help you with your bags before taking your hand in his and kissing your knuckles.

“We will see you tomorrow Ms R” he beamed, helping you with your seatbelt even though it was unnecessary.

“But we haven’t talked about tomorrow’s host experience” you protested, suddenly aware that you hadn’t even discussed the topic properly yet. You felt yourself flush, hoping that Chan wouldn't notice it over the pink already dusting your cheeks from the alcohol you had been drinking.

“Good thing I had already put him aside for you then” his eyes twinkled as he spoke and his dimples were on full display.

“What?” You stammered “I haven’t told you yet”.

“I know, Felix asked to host you if you requested him and I figured you would. You seem to have already formed an attachment to each other” He continued before chuckling.

“Goodnight Chan'' you mumbled a tad embarrassed that you were so transparent to him.

“Goodnight Miss R” Chan replied teasingly, shutting the door and allowing the driver to take you home.

The following morning was not as pleasant as the previous few mornings, you woke up nursing a headache and a mortifying recollection of embarrassing events where you had almost let yourself take things too far with Chan then practically told him of your little crush on Felix, which you realized the night before was exactly that, a crush, there was no way that you would ever entertain the idea that a grown woman like yourself would end up with a silly little crush on a man you were writing about. It was the least professional thing you had ever done and now you needed to turn up at the same place that he worked and face not only him but his boss who knew about it. You needed to distract yourself. You needed coffee and something sweet for breakfast then perhaps you would feel better.

You washed up and got dressed into a simple shirt and jeans before venturing out for the sustenance you needed to help with your predicament. You knew deep down you hadn’t actually done anything wrong, the host experience is to sell a fantasy of feeling loved or desired or more often than not both and that every single one of Chan’s hosts lived up to that. Each fantasy they created absolutely made you feel that the average woman they saw would have been totally swept off her feet by them. You, once tipsy, were almost swept up in it too so you knew they were good, you knew they were worth the money but still a little part of you was sad it was all just a fantasy and potentially the hosts themselves were not as happy as they seemed.

Your constant thoughts had made you almost miss the door to the cafe you were heading to. It was almost a twenty minute walk from your apartment but the coffee was so good you would happily make the trip. Moving your way through the few filled tables you found yourself an empty seat and sat down looking through your phone as you waited to order. The quiet chatter and the smell of freshly ground coffee gave you some much needed comfort after your order was taken sitting staring into space. You barely registered your phone's message alert, checking it you noticed it was from an unknown number, you frowned but opened it anyway.

 Hey. It’s Felix, are you alright after last night? I saw you leave the floor with Chan so I wanted to check in.

 You read it twice to make sure you had read it correctly then smiled of course the first text he sent you and it’s asking about your welfare, he was too sweet for his own good and that was the problem. He was otherworldly beautiful and far too sweet which of course is what made him so successful as a host, but it also made him too attractive to you. Sighing you thought about how you would reply you didn’t want to sound like it was a flippant thing given he was concerned but you didn’t want him to think the worse either.

Hi Felix, I’m ok just nursing a little bit of a headache but I’ll be fine by the time I head in this afternoon. I hope you had a successful night.

You put your phone down to concentrate on the pancakes that had been delivered to you. The sugar and dough no doubt likely to help with how you felt you would just need to remember to pace yourself a little bit better tonight.

That’s great, I’m glad you’re feeling alright. I know Chan has a tendency to be a little intense sometimes, especially on the 5th floor. I saw on my schedule you're with me tonight so I’ll do my best to keep you entertained :) 

You stopped completely, almost dropping your fork, as you looked over the message coughing when some of the pancake you were eating went down the wrong way. Felix had assumed you had gone upstairs and had sex with Chan. Your stomach dropped, you didn’t want any of them thinking that you had, but especially Felix, because you hadn’t. Sipping some water you blinked the stray moisture from your eyes that the coughing fit had caused and pressed the call button.

“Sorry to call Felix but this is easier to explain than text” you blurted as soon as he answered his phone.

“That’s fine Miss R, you sound stressed, are you sure you feel well?” he asked, his voice sounding concerned against the noise in the background of his surroundings. 

“I really am fine, just a headache, but I had to correct you. I didn't go to level 5 last night. I got a little too tipsy and Chan took me downstairs to put me in a car to get me home. I swear nothing happened with Chan” You explained your tone at a higher pitch than normal making you sip your water again to soothe your throat.

“It’s fine if you did, I wouldn’t judge you for that the way you don’t judge me” Felix reassured you, sounding almost relieved if you were honest with yourself. You let out a large breath making him chuckle slightly.

“I didn’t want you to think the wrong thing that’s all but about tonight Chan told me that I would be able to be in with you since you had an opening which I was surprised about actually” you admitted shyly a flush decorating your neck as you spoke.

“Oh you requested me then” he teased sweetly “Well I’m happy to be your first pick and I’m glad I had an opening”.

“I will see you tonight then Felix” you added not knowing what else to say.

“You will Miss R” he replied, hanging up instantly and leaving you staring at your phone. God, you felt even more embarrassed calling him to assure him you hadn’t had sex with anyone, in public, when he didn’t even seem to mind. You finished your breakfast quickly before returning home so you could overthink every word you had said over the past week while you picked out the final outfit from your closet for your final night at Club 143.

You settled on the outfit that most made you think of Felix a black off the shoulder mini dress with a flippy hem, like the one you had tried on in the department store the morning you had run into him, and simple black pumps. You decided you would just add some winged eyeliner to your everyday look and maybe some bolder lipstick to take it from regular working to host experience working and hoped it would be enough to make a slight impression on Felix so that he would at least potentially remember you after the night was over and you had left his life. Furrowing your brow you looked at yourself in the mirror your bag packed behind you on the bed to change and your simple jeans and a square necked top you were utterly plain compared to every single host you had met, and although they had all been sweet and accommodating during the past week with them you couldn’t help feel a little sad it was over. You did suppose that Chan had a point you could always just attend Club 143 as a patron you didn’t need to buy their time you could always just say hello in passing and pretend that it was enough, pretend it didn’t feel strange that they pretended so well to almost become friends to actually not be at all.

Collecting your bags you made your way back to work taking the slow and scenic way wandering the neighboring streets to see what else was around. Finally making your way into the main entrance you were greeted like you had been before by Chan’s bar and floor staff before entering into the staff area to set up your laptop with the final bits of writing you would need to add. It was later than you normally showed up and Chan was in his office with several of his elite hosts so you just bypassed his office for now. Your editor had sent back a few tweaks for you to make to the editorial but was overall quite supportive and approving of what you had come up with so it was just finishing up the experience with San and writing out Chan’s before finishing it all tomorrow and submitting it. For the final draft stages. You started typing, noting to yourself to add a head shot of both San and Yunho to hopefully further their customer base as a thank you for their time, only to hear a huge roar of laughter from Chan’s office making you jump. 

“Miss R” Seungmin sang as he wandered out of the office towards you. “Could you join us for a moment?”.

“Of course Seungmin” you eyed him warily, making him waggle his eyebrows at you “what are you getting me into?”.

“Nothing bad. We just want to go over last night with you” he grinned his eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Well shit” you sighed, standing slowly and following him into Chan’s office. 

“We were just talking about your date with Chan” Seungmin started as you stepped through the door.

“Yeah and how you disappeared with our dear boss” Hyunjin grinned, making you look at the ceiling for help.

“Chan claims he cannot kiss and tell, but we are pretty sure we know where you ended up” Changbin teased, looking from you to Chan.

“Really? And where was that?” you mocked his tone slightly making Chan grin and Minho laugh loudly.

“Upstairs of course” Hyunjin whispered, shouting dramatically as though he was helping you jog your memory, making Changbin snicker.

“Really? Because I’m pretty sure upstairs looks nothing like the inside of a car. Or my apartment block for that matter” you replied dryly, making Chan and Seungmin laugh while Hyunjin’s jaw dropped and Changbin looked confused.

“Felix said he saw you getting in the lift with Chan and that Chan gave a thumbs up” Changbin argued as though you didn’t know where you had been.

“Felix did see me get in the elevator, but you do know that elevators go both up and down” you tried to hold in a laugh at the indignant look on Changbin’s face.

“So you didn’t go upstairs with Chan?” Hyunjin repeated.

“I did not” you laughed “How much money did you have riding on that?”.

“More than they should have” Chan smirked as Hyunjin opened and closed his mouth a few times.

‘Can I finish my editorial now? Or did we need to discuss the sex I didn’t have with Chan further?” you raised your eyebrows waiting for one of them to answer.

“You go back to work Miss R” Chan smiled “I think Hyunjin will be bringing you a coffee in a little while”.

“Aw thank you Hyunjin” you grinned, walking back to your chair and going back to what you needed to get done. Still having the occasional giggle about the conversation you just had.

By the time the other hosts started appearing and it was time for you to start getting ready you were beginning to get nervous. An elite host experience Chan had called it and it was exclusive to only those willing to pay a small fortune to spend time in private with a host of their choice. Felix would probably meet you out in the bar like you had done with San since you were heading straight up to level five and bypassing the other host floors. There would be dinner and you would have Felix all to yourself for the whole night which was a huge amount of time compared to the other experiences Chan had his hosts offer. Closing down your laptop you packed away all of your work items and moved towards Chan’s office to change.

“Am I able to use your office again to get changed or are you still busy?” you enquired sticking your head into his office where he was sitting at his desk already decked out in his deep gray suit. Chan got up and walked over to you taking your work bag from your hands and placing it beside his desk

"Sure and what color are you wearing tonight? just out of interest" Chan smirked stepping out into the staff area.

"Black" Felix answered for you before you could say a word, his voice surrounding you like smoke.

"How did you know I bought a black dress?" you turn towards his voice, your eyes widening the moment you saw him in his satin black suit jacket looking like a model straight off the catwalk.

"Oh I didn't know that I just knew what I bought" he smiled dazzlingly, holding out a large white gift bag tied with a deep red ribbon.

"I don't understand" you mumble, your brow creasing in confusion looking at the bag before he took hold of your hand and placed the handles of the bag in your palm, closing your fingers around it.

"You didn't think you could try on that dress and look that good and I wouldn't insist you wear it?" He smirked, leaning forward and lowering his voice.

"You didn't!" you squealed loudly as he laughed and wandered out into the bar you guessed so he was out of the room before you could argue back.

"What dress are we talking about?" Chan asked, perplexed, his eyes scanning the bag for a label.

"Oh is that the McQueen one? Felix said she looked a million dollars is that one" Hyunjin grinned following Felix's trail through the room and stopping beside you.

“No!...he’s not allowed to do that…fuck where did he go?” you scoffed while still holding the bag.

“He is and he did” Hyunjin winked at you “Now go put the dress on so I can see if he was right”. You gave a resigned sigh you knew this would be a battle you would never win. Too many rich boys with too much money was always going to end in stupid decisions like buying dresses for women they barely knew because they could.

Turning silently you went into Chan’s office and shut the door but not before hearing Hyunjin announce loudly that you were about to knock their socks off so they should all wait around for a bit. You unwrapped the dress carefully, trying to not mess up the ribbon or the tissue paper it was wrapped so beautifully in, your fingers caressing the silk that you had already tried on and secretly loved but had thought you would never in a million years own. Your eyes stung slightly as a stray tear fought to make its way free of your eye, Felix’s gesture proving that his kindness and sweetness knew no bounds and that you and your little crush were doomed to an inevitable heartbreak at the end of the night. Slipping out of your clothes and into the dress you remembered you were going to struggle with the zip again.

“Hyunjin?” you called through the door

“Yes princess” he called back obviously just outside the door.

“Who is waiting out there with you?” you asked as sweetly as you could.

“Oh! There is Chan, Minho, Hongjoon, San, Yunho, Seungmin and of course me” he listed off.

“Excellent” you popped your head out of the door “San can you help me with the zipper please?” you smiled as he grinned and stood up immediately.

“Wait, I can help” Hyunjin protested.

“I know, but I asked San” you quipped as San moved past Hyunjins disappointed face and into the room with you.

“You look exquisite” San whispered appreciatively as you turned around, his fingers easily sliding the zipper up your back.

“Thank you San” you smiled genuinely as you turned back to face him.

“Felix is a lucky, lucky man” he smiled lopsidedly before slipping back out of the room which caused Hyunjin to protest all over again.

You fixed your makeup and took a steadying breath, your nerves were now sky high but you knew there was no turning back now so you stepped out of Chan's office and into a room filled with silence, except for San’s whistle. 

“You look incredible” Chan grinned, taking your hand and kissing your knuckles.

“Thank you Chan” you smiled while worrying your lower lip slightly between your teeth.

“You look far better than just a million dollars” Hyunjin whispered reverently, his eyes wide.

“You are going to make me blush if you keep complimenting me” you shuffled on your feet slightly. 

“Can I escort you out to meet Felix?” Yunho interrupted getting in before any of the others could say anything else.

“That would be amazing, Yunho” you grinned at him as he raced across the room to take your hand and place it in the crook of his arm. You didn’t feel any different stepping out of the staff area into the bar, it was the same as every other evening the difference was going to be when you came face to face with Felix.

“You don’t need to be nervous” Yunho muttered trying to hide he was speaking to you from prying eyes “Felix won’t do anything you don’t want him to, and there is no expectation on you” his hand squeezed yours where it sat in the crease of his elbow “I didn’t even know you could get nervous”.

“Funny Yunho, I’m not immune to everything” you whispered in reply knowing he was right everything that would happen tonight would be the same as all the previous nights you had spent in the club. The ball was entirely in your court. 

Yunho walked you to the entrance where Felix stood waiting for you, several women trying to get his attention but being politely declined until his eyes landed on you.

“Excuse me ladies, my queen awaits” he smiled graciously, walking towards you and Yunho. Yunho for all his imposing presence disappeared effortlessly into the crowd as Felix stepped into your space to take your hand moving it to his lips to kiss the inside of your wrist softly.

“Felix” you smiled coyly, making his perfect face light up as he moved to wrap his arm around your waist to lead you to the elevator.

“You look bewitching” he breathed in your ear making you shiver against him which seemed to only encourage him into pulling you tighter against him. Virtually every woman in the bar watched you with envy at being beside him.

“You look incredibly handsome yourself” you replied feeling more comfortable now that you were with Felix again. He grinned as he stepped into the elevator swiping his card to get you to the exclusive fifth floor starting what you knew would be a once in a lifetime night.

“Chan made sure you had seen one room when he gave you the tour so now I can show you a second” Felix broke the silence between you.

“Did you pick which room you would show me?” you tilted your head to look at his profile.

“Yes, because it's a particular favorite of nearly all of us hosts” he admitted, easily meeting your eyes.

“A favorite as in it makes you guys a lot of money or favorite as you guys actually like being in that room?” you teased gently 

“We like being in this room, it's the easiest to make comfortable for clients who perhaps aren’t interested in certain things” he carefully explained letting you know before you even reached the room that there would be no pressure on you.

“Good to know” you beamed as the elevator door opened to the navy blue hallway. Taking your hand he led you down the hallway passing door number three and leading you to door number 8. Unlocking the door he allowed you to step inside the room first letting you take in your surroundings before wrapping his arms smoothly around you from behind.

The room was the opposite of what you expected it wasn’t some overly ostentatious room styled after a luxury hotel room instead the blue and gold continued only instead of navy blue it was more of a deep teal blue with antique gold light fixtures and dark coloured furniture but the main focal point was the dozen upon dozens of candles flickering on almost every surface in front part of the room stood a black glass table with place settings for two large floor candelabras covering the area in a romantic golden glow. Further into the room dark lounge suites and the further again a bed made up in matching teal sheets all surrounded but flickering light.

“Do you think you prefer this room?” his deep honey voice in your ear.

“Yes this room is beautiful” you replied in awe, feeling his arms squeeze you slightly before unwrapping them from you and leading you towards the table pulling out your chair for you.

“I thought rather than the normal ridiculous menu I would try something new with you” he started taking his own chair as you heard the keycard beep for the door to open revealing a waiter wheeling a food serving cart with large silver cloches covering several dishes. The waiter placed the dishes on the table and then left himself out of the room as quietly and discreetly as possible.

“New in what way?” you tilted your head looking from Felix to the covered dishes.

“I already know that your immune to the normal charm act so I figured instead of playing the part I usually would, I’ll just be me” he shrugged “ I can still give you the full experience without pretending to be something that you will see through anyway so why not have a normal dinner together like we would if this was any other normal date?”. Lifting the cloches and placing them back on the serving cart you were met with two types of pasta, Caprese salad and arancini with aioli. You realized immediately what he meant instead of ridiculous amounts of over the top food he was trying to keep you as comfortable as possible.

“This looks fantastic Felix” you grinned toothily making his shoulders relax a little more. Felix served you a little bit of everything insisting you could eat whatever you liked but you were more interested in just spending the time you had available with him.

“This is the last night you’re going to be here isn't it?” Felix enquired quietly between mouthfuls.

“For this editorial yes” you nodded, taking a sip of the white wine that Felix had chosen to go with your meal. “But I thought I might come back for a drink or two sometimes, the bar is great and it feels really safe as a woman to be in here”.

“But that is only the bar” Felix pressed you slightly “You won’t return to the hosts will you?”.

“I might, I couldn’t obviously be paying for Chan or you to entertain me, you are too pricey for a lowly journalist. But I could see San or Yunho occasionally” you admitted pulling your bottom lip between your teeth as his eyes narrowed for a fraction of a second.

“Are you interested in seeing San or Yunho again?” I know you spent time with Yunho for the editorial and you had the mid level host experience with San” he continued but you could tell he was selecting his words carefully. 

“That was just an example, someone like me could only afford the basic or mid level host experience at a place like this. It doesn't have to be either San or Yunho specifically although they are both a lot of fun” you confessed hoping that he liked that answer better.

“Oh so you would be happy to see anyone then?” he teased.

“Well I’d see you but your price tag is more than I could afford unless you take payment in other ways” you teased back making his eyes widen before he laughed, the rich deep sound sinking into your skin like the sun's warmth. 

“I’m sure we could figure something other than money out if you were interested in only seeing me” he smirked, his eyes darkening as little as he wet his lower lip.

“I thought you said you wouldn’t be playing the part tonight” you raised your eyebrow “yet here you are flirting like Hyunjin would”.

“This isn’t the facade, this is me” he confided, his voice deeper than it had been before as he stood from the table and slowly walked around to your chair pulling it away from the table so you were now facing him. “I’ve never been more serious”.

“Felix” you whispered softly, confused where this was going.

“How about I show you what I mean” he murmured leaning down he cupped your face gently angling your chin higher so you were looking into his whiskey colored eyes, his thumb gently traced along your bottom lip as he leaned in tentatively pressing his lips to yours in a featherlight kiss giving you time to pull away. When you didn’t move he smiled graciously, pressing his lips against yours again this time with a little more force allowing you to kiss him back with your hand moving to wrap around his wrist. Taking your other hand in his he helped you stand his plump lips never leaving yours, pulling you flush against him.

“Do you understand what I mean now or should I explain further?” he whispered against your lips letting you decide how much you wanted from him.

“A little more should make it crystal clear” you sighed softly you words cut off as his soft lips claiming yours tenderly once more, Felix teasing your bottom lip with his teeth until you were gasping breathlessly into the kiss, his tongue dancing with yours sensually he moved one hand around your waist to hold you to him. 

“You have no idea how badly I’ve wanted this” he smirked, pulling away from you just enough to slide his hands around you deftly gliding the zip of your dress down and watching it fall from your chest. Licking his lips as your upper body became completely exposed to him “I had never been so jealous of Hyunjin before after he said he had kissed you”. His fingers caressing your cheek while he leaned in to kiss your neck his lips softly tracing your pulse point before continuing down to your chest.

“I wanted to end Chan when he bragged about touching you, kissing you” he continued his hands cupping and lightly squeezing your breasts as he kissed his way back to your face. You couldn’t move, enjoying the feeling of his hands and lips on, your arm wrapped around his neck to keep yourself upright, carding your fingers through the hair on the back of his head..

“Neither meant anything if that helps” you whimper feeling his lips turn up against your lips as you pressed them back against his taking the initiative for the first time since Felix had touched you. 

“It does” he smirked, stepping back from you and leading you towards the bedroom area of the suite, the warmth of his hand anchoring you to him. Sitting on the bed he guided you into his lap, your skirt bunching up around your waist as you straddled his strong thighs. You kissed him again allowing him to slip his tongue between your eager lips to slide against your own in a slow dance for dominance beginning between you which he easily won as you pushed his jacket off of his shoulders to get closer to his skin. Felix let his hands roam your sides and arse encouraged you to grind yourself against him while you buried your hands in his amazingly soft hair tugging slightly as your need for him started to build, making him hum against your lips. Without much effort Felix switched your places you back now pressed against the soft mattress as he discarded his jacket and returned to kissing his way across your body, his lips left a scorching path down your chest until he reached your breasts taking one into his mouth while his hand played with the other.

“Fuck your tits are incedible” he breathed against your nipple circling the now swollen bud with his tongue as you arched against him slightly letting out a string of whiny noises “and you are so sensitive, your going to drive me mad baby”.

Your heart skipped a beat at the term of endearment that fell from his beautifully plump lips as he made his way across to your other breast giving it the same torturously pleasurable treatment. Nipping and sucking at your flesh like he was a man possessed. Moving lower he kissed his way to your belly button before hooking his fingers into the material of your dress that remained bunched around you carefully lowering it down your thighs dropping it beside the bed leaving you is just black lace underwear that he admired slowly dragging his finger along the pattern that covered your core.

“Lix” you whimpered softly your skin one fire beneath his warm touch.

“Fuck call me that again” me purred sexily closing his eyes while his fingers continues to trace across your flesh.

“Lix please” you whined watching his adam's apple bob as he swallowed hard, his head tipping back slightly seemingly turned on further by your words. Smiling wickedly he licked his lips and lowered himself between your thighs kissing the inside of one before placing a chaste kiss on your covered core making you shiver in anticipation. His smirk was covered by your mound as he began to trace the lace patterns on the small piece of fabric separating the two of you making you whimper again you were sure he could probably already feel how wet the fabric had become. His teasing continued as he unbuttoned his dress shirt stopping only for him to toss the garment behind him and pull your underwear aside his tongue gliding through your drenched folds earning you the pleasure of a deep groan falling from him before he swiped his tongue through them again collecting your essence and began eating you out as though it was going to keep him from from dying of thirst. Your whines and soft moans spurred him on as went between kitten lick to your clit and long dragging figure eights that drove you insane reaching down you grab a handful of his hair to ground yourself and making him groan loudly against you the vibrations sending you into an unexpected orgasm with a loud sob of his name.

“You taste delicious baby” he teased, moving away from your sensitive core, his angelic face covered in your arousal making him look like he had fallen from grace and straight into your bed. “Can’t wait to feel you fall apart around me baby”.

Standing from the bed he began to undo his belt, removing it slowly his pants and boxers following abandoned where they fell he leaned in to pull your now very wet underwear down your legs before climbing back over you to kiss you, his rock hard cock pressing against your thigh. He ran his hands up and down your sides making sure you were relaxed again he kissed you softly giving you time to come back down from your high to not push you too fast you could taste yourself on his lips and tongue making the knot in your abdomen begin to tighten again.

“Lix” you whispered cupping his face softly as he pulled himself away from you slightly to look into your eyes “I want to feel you, please” you soft pleading making his eyes widen and genuine look of adoration cross his features.

“God you are everything I could have ever dreamt of” he breathed almost inaudibly allowing his length to slip between your thighs coating himself in your juices “I need you to tell me you want this”.

“Please Felix, I need you” you pleaded again the desperation in your voice showing through making him nod pecking your lips gently as he continued to coat himself in your juices, the head of his cock brushing your clit and making you gasp loudly. Slowly rutting against you he finally lined himself up at your entrance and began leisurely pushing himself inside your still fluttering hole.

“Fuck you feel amazing baby” he groaned bottoming out inside your plush walls before gradually pulling himself out and sinking back into you again. You had never felt so full his dick stretching you to the point you felt like you were being split in half, the pleasure tinged with pain bringing tears to your waterline. 

“Lix…ngh…ah” you moaned uncontrollably each snap of his hips making you feel utter blissful pleasure. Taking his time Felix unhurried pace was leaving you feeling almost drunk as he leant his forehead against yours sweetly humming every time you loudly moaned his name. You met each of his thrusts, your hips rolling against his.

“You’re breathtaking like this” he whispered, increasing the strength of his movements “like you were made just for me” he groaned as you clenched at his words.

“Just for you Lix, only for you” you babbled as white hot sparks spread through your veins making tears fall from your eyes running down your temples into your hair. You were sure Felix could feel your body tightening below you as he moved one hand to wrap your leg around his waist giving him the ability to go even deeper than before, his cock head almost kissing your cervix making you cry out.

“That’s it baby” he purred, burying his face into your neck to kiss and suck on your skin pushing you to the edge again.

“Felix!” you screamed convulsing around his length as your entire body shook and your vision went white, his name tumbling from your lips again and again like a prayer. Felix continued his pace helping to prolong your ecstasy only stopping when you felt him fill you with his thick warm seed. 

Felix peppered your face with sweet kisses as he carefully pulled his softening dick from you, pulling you into his arms as he lay beside you stroking your skin softly until you returned from the fog of pleasure that was currently filling your head. After a few moments he began to massage your thigh easing the muscles that had so tightly squeezed him.

“Is that what it is always like?” you rasped looking up at him with still watering eyes.

“It’s never like, not for clients” he admitted pulling up the blankets to cover your sweat sheen covered bodies. “But for you it would always be like that”.

Felix held you tightly letting your body recover, allowing you to doze off in his arms for a few minutes. When you woke he was wearing a silk robe tied tightly at the waist and was hanging up both your dress and his suit in an empty wardrobe.

“Lix?” you questioned softly sitting up and letting the blankets fall away from your still naked form.

“I didn’t want to wake you baby, you needed to rest” he chuckled quietly, bringing you a glass of water and another glass of wine, climbing into the bed beside you.

“What happens now?” you asked, sipping from the glass of water before allowing Felix to wrap you back up in his arms.

“That is up to you” he conceded, his voice tinged with nervousness.

“Did you want this to be more than tonight?” you continued hoping that you had understood him correctly “Do you want me?”.

“So much, I never expected to meet anyone like you” he confessed “I’ve not been interested in anyone for such a long time that I just thought it wasn’t going to happen ever. But then you appeared and I couldn’t help it, I want to try to make it work with you if you will let me”.

“How would it work though? You here every night and me at work every day we would be like ships passing in the night” you sighed trying to think of what sort of schedule would actually work for the both of you.

“So your first concern isn’t that I make my living like this, it's my hours that are the issue?” he chuckled looking at you with disbelief.

“Well, I mean…. Look Lix I know what you do, and I know you have been doing it for years so it isn’t fair for me to just demand you change your life for me when we don’t even know each other that well” you exhaled looking up at his face.

“The others were right, your honesty is insanely attractive” Felix hummed, placing a soft kiss against your forehead. “But I am willing to go back to just hosting and not escorting if it means I get a shot with you”.

“Have I not been obvious enough?” you giggled your fingers drawing patterns on his beautiful honey skin “I thought you could read women like a book?”.

“Women yes, you no” he groaned, his muscles twitching under your gentle ministrations.

“I like you a lot Felix” you whispered your hand sliding lower brushing his warm skin and eventually wrapping around his half hard cock. “I want to be with you”.

Felix tilted your head with his fingertips connecting his lips to yours in a long kiss that he only broke when the gradual pumping of your hand made him hiss in pleasure.

“I will never stop worshiping you baby, especially now you are mine” His breath fanned across your face and he rolled you back under him grinning devilishly once more.

a/n: Thank you for reading you beautiful people, all your likes reblogs and comments are adored and I hope you enjoyed this one even though it is a bit of an epic. Thank you again to everyone that has followed me and left messages of love and encouragement for me you are amazing xx

Taglist (open): @christopher-bangnaldoskzz @armystay89 @damnyouficc @roamingpolar @tara-skyhold @bakedlilgoonie @krishastumblernow @mrsseals16 @fawnpeaks @leeknowinggg @uno7 @tanzen-ist-gold

[askastillyquestion]

Any and all headcanons of Adrien😫

I'm all ears 👁👂🏾

The way I like writing Adrien is blending his Chat Noir self with the canon parts of himself that he tries to show.

As for Maribat Adrien, give his man some love even if it is in the form of angst. He should be more of a 'main character' in fics.

Okay, mini rant aside. Here are some attempts at headcanons.

The Bio-Parent for Adrien should be Oliver Queen, Barry Allen, or a random af rogue that Emilie marries (or a mix of these)

The reason I see Oliver Queen is because he could keep that 'high class' type of thing with Oliver while dropping the crappy parent. This would also open up fun stuff like Adrien and Roy brotherhood or even romance so Roy truly becomes part of the family.

Barry Allen is because Adrien Allen. Okay for real though. Speedster Adrien just sits right in mind alongside Bat/Super Mari and Lantern Alya. He feels like a speedster. Also, think of the possible angst of Barry losing Iris and Adrien getting a positive experience of no longer having his mother.

As for the rogue thing, I just love the idea of Emilie sticking it to Gabriel and escaping. Adrien getting his quirkiness from Riddler or having a weird trait from Penguin would be so interesting to see.

Adrien makes more sense to be Adopted by Bruce than Marinette does

Okay, okay, put the pitchforks and torches down.

If you are taking the direction of Adrien's parents staying the same and Gabriel being revealed, no one can tell me that Adrien doesn't deserve to be adopted more than Marinette.

I understand that guardianship is super hard on Marinette but letting her parents stay alive instead of murdering them or turning them bad feels like it would give such a great connection moment. Let her grieve all of the time she has lost to fighting Hawkmoth by confiding into her parents. They're so accepting that I just wish they got more love (yes the Lila convincing them easily isn't good but the show makes her op at times with that).

Adrien might not fit the appearance quota of Black-hair, Blue-eyes but he fits that tragic tale. Why take Marinette and put her through everything to seem 'worthy of adoption' by Bruce when Adrien is living that life already? Usually, it is because writers feel more comfortable with Mari and the show does Adrien dirty.

The last bit on this one is I can see Adrien and Bruce having this awkwardness that they have to work through in order to connect. Adrien is thrilled to have someone who cares for him again, but needs to learn to work through the thoughts of 'am I just going to lose a parent again?' It just screams potential!

Adrien enjoys playing piano when he's not forced to

This one is relatively 'simple' compared to the others, but I feel like Adrien would use music as a way to express his feelings.

In the show, we see him play with Kitty Section and it feels like he enjoys it. That is something that Gabriel isn't forcing him to learn and he's enjoying it. Could that be from a general enjoyment of not having to do something purely because Gabriel says so? Yes.

Adrien continuing to play would be nice to see. Let him take one thing out of the experiences that Gabriel forces him into. The modeling being a thing he continues has always felt weird to me unless it is to help Marinette and she appreciates it. Otherwise, it just feels off to me.

That took so long to answer because I got stolen away halfway through but hopefully those scratch some itches! Adrien deserves more love in the fandom so I will always try to come up with ways to appreciate it.

Thanks for the ask!

[thedrarrylibrarian]

Several people have been kind enough to let me publish their thoughts on fandom, community, and queerness to celebrate Pride in the Library. Today's piece comes from @tackytigerfic.

Thank you so much to my lovely friend thedrarrylibrarian for opening up this discussion. The thing I would like to talk about today is the way fandom led me to examine my identity and helped me navigate the shift between shame and peace. My journey to acknowledging and exploring my queerness has not always been a joyful one.

I came to the realisation quite late in life. I was in my late 30s before I realised that what I felt about my body was not just a thing that all other people go through. I had lived for my entire lifetime, for as long as I can remember, not just wishing but knowing that my body was meant to be different to how it is. It sounds silly, but it had never occurred to me to question those feelings, or to see myself as queer or trans or non-binary (I'm still not entirely sure how I would term it—I use genderqueer for myself, though nothing feels quite right and I suspect never will). I did spend a year as a child trying to "pass" as a boy (cropping my hair, wearing clothes from the boy's section in the shops, and so on), and as a teen and young adult I was part of a group of queer friends, many of whom were gender non-conforming, so I learned early on that I don't believe that there is any right or wrong way to look like, act like, or be a woman or man. But for some reason, it never occurred to me that the "should have been" feeling was something that I could interrogate, and maybe even do something about. I have moved around a lot throughout my life, and in a way my gender identity feels like that; part of my heart is always somewhere else, and I don't think I'll ever feel entirely at home anywhere.

Before joining fandom, I had never had a candid discussion with anyone about gender identity. I had trans friends who all transitioned medically, but my experience didn't feel like theirs. My body was just something I had to get on with. It was bearable. It didn't feel right, but I was used to feeling not quite right in lots of ways (I was a very emotional child who has grown into a melodramatic adult, what can I say!). It was only through meeting and speaking to all my candid, open, generous trans and non-binary fandom friends that I realised that perhaps my gender identity was something to be addressed. Initially it caused me a lot of grief. I had heard of queer joy and gender euphoria, but my realisation and acknowledgement brought a lot of pain. I felt stupid and ashamed—not of my queerness, not at all! But of the fact that I hadn't realised. I felt like I had cheated myself of my youth. Intellectually I knew that there is no age limit to coming out, but for me it felt like an impossible step to take. I raged at myself. I cried bitter tears at shows like Heartstopper, imagining what my life might have been like had I had that sort of representation as a young person. The first time I changed my pronouns in my tumblr bio, I had to log off and cry. It all felt huge, unmanageable.

Fandom friends got me through. They listened to my sadness, never undermined me, gently guided me through, shared their own experiences so readily and with so much candour and generosity that it gave me hope. Being so immersed in an online space where people's identities are respected and embraced has given me the courage to really look at myself, to know and understand how I feel about my body (and my brain, and my spirit, and whatever else makes a person themself!).

Before I joined fandom, no one had ever asked me my pronouns. Now I have that conversation with people in my offline life too. It's still nerve-wracking for me, but it's getting easier. I have forgiven myself for not understanding myself for so long. I have compassion for my younger self now, instead of anger. And I am very much at peace with my body and identity for the first time in my life, which feels so magical and affirming and, yes, joyous. I got there in the end! That's something to celebrate. And that is thanks to every single one of the people who were there at my side on the journey, the journey that this fandom set me on. And I am very, very glad for that

Thank you, Tacky, for joining me in the Library. I appreciate the reminder that there is no timeline on figuring yourself out, no one way that you have to feel about it. Thank you for joining me for Pride in the Library.

If you want more @tackytigerfic be sure to check out their work on AO3! I reread one of my favorites from them, Silverpoint. I think it's a such an excellent characterization of Harry and Draco, both so in love they can't stand it, and both unable to communicate about it.

🏳️‍🌈 Lots of Love and Happy Pride! 🏳️‍🌈

[specialagentlokitty]

Lestrade x Teen!reader - worried for you

- Lestrade x Teen! Reader - reader is Lestrade's bio kid and get accidentally arrested for being at a crime scene - @mxacegrey 💜

You had left early in the morning, telling your dad you were just going to hang out with some friends and he told you he’d be back home a little.

You had been out for hours, you saw a film, got some food and now you guys were simply just wondering about the city looking for something else to do.

“Hey guys I’ve got to go, see you later.”

You waved bye to your friend, and turned to your other friend with a grin.

“Hey wanna go bowling?” You asked.

“Yeah but I’m gonna kick your ass.”

“You wish Kai, come on.”

You were walking to the bus stop when he stopped you, grinning from ear to ear, holding his skateboard up and he nodded to the left.

“Bus is gonna take ages, I know a shortcut.”

“Ugh do we have to?” You complained.

“Come on! It’ll be fun, you can use the board I’ll run.”

“Deal!”

Snatching his skateboard, you kicking jumped on and got s head start which made him laugh as he chased after you, jogging along next to you.

Kai shouted directions to you, telling you which was to go and you guys made a turn for an ally that would cut a few streets out of your journey, but as you entered you heard sirens not far behind.

“Huh, sounds interesting.”

“I’ll ask dad later, come on let’s keep going.”

Kai nodded his head and you picked up the board, not liking the path, finding it too hard to get a good grip with the skateboard with it.

“They’re getting kinda close…” you mumbled.

The lights were flashing at a cross section in the ally, but before you both could approach you were stopped by officers surrounding you both screaming different orders at you.

“Get on the ground!”

Before you could reach the skateboard was ripped form your grasped, Kai was pulled away from you and someone kicked your feet from under you, slamming you into the ground knocking the air from your lungs.

“Get the hell off me what the hell?!” You screamed.

“Shut up, your under arrest!”

You hands were roughly pulled behind your back and you were cuffed and hauled up and all but thrown into the back of a police car.

Your ribs hurt, and you had a split lips and a bloodied nose from being slammed into the floor and pushed down because they claimed you were resisting arrest.

“We didn’t do any thing! We were walking through what the hell is wrong with your stupid bitch!” You snapped.

“Oh shut up already.” The man in the car snapped.

You scoffed, shaking your head.

Even getting you into the station they were pushing you around, shoving you into an interrogation room and you sneered.

“Can’t interrogate me without my parents bitch.”

“We’ll get your parents.”

The man took your phone and went to your emergency contacts, calling the only one that was on there.

All you did was sit there with a scowl on your face as you tried to fight the cuffs even if you knew it was pointless.

“Yes hello, this is Anderson with new Scotland Yard, we have your teenager in custody and need you to come in immediately.”

You didn’t hear the reply but by the way his face dropped you assumed he knew your dad was.

“Yes sir, yes sir.”

He quickly hung up and put your phone on the table and turned to the woman.

“Donovan uncuff her now.”

“What? Why?”

“Just do it!”

He seemed panicked and she rolled her eyes, walking over she uncuffed you and walked back around to stand near the door, arms crossed.

You pocketed your phone, and pressed the back of your hand to your lip which had thankfully stopped bleeding, but your nose was still bleeding slightly.

Wiping the blood on your sleeve, you growled a little and stood up, walking to the other side of the room as you eyed the pair who were whispering to each other.

The door was thrown open, and you watched your dad walk in.

“Lestrade we-“ “shut it. Both of you!”

Lestrade quickly walked over to you, taking your face in his hands he looked worried.

“Are you okay?” He whispered.

“Yeah.. yeah I’m fine dad.”

He looked at your hand holding your nose and he pulled away, looking at the droplets of blood on your palm, the blood smeared a little from where you had wiped it.

“What happened kiddo?”

You told him what went down as they arrested you.

Lestrade felt his blood boil as he looked at you.

He quickly pulled his tie off and pressed it to your nose, placing your hands there to hold it he spun around.

“What the hell were you thinking?!” He hissed at the two.

“We didn’t.. we didn’t know that was your kid…” Donovan mumbled.

“That’s beside the point! You think it’s acceptable to rag teenagers around like that? Throw them around and arrest people without cause?!”

“N.. no…” Anderson replied.

“You’re done, that’s it. You’re going home, and you’re letting (Y/N)s friend go, you’re going to apologise to his parents and pray to god they don’t take legal action. Then tomorrow you’re going to attend a meeting and you’ll be dealt with the higher ups.” He snarled.

They quickly nodded and scurried away and your dad turned to face you again.

He moved the tie to look at your nose before putting it back.

He wrapped his arm around your shoulder and led you out of the room, taking you towards the toilets he pointed to the mens and then the woman’s.

“Women’s, definitely women’s.”

“Right okay.”

He knocked on the door and pushed it open, checking to make sure it was empty he opened it and gently pushed you in, standing with the door propped open a little bit his back to the room.

“I’ll wash your tie later dad, sorry.”

“Hey, it’s not your fault okay? Not worry about the tie. How bad is it?”

“Uhm.. I don’t know, I’m just turning to wipe the blood away right now.”

“Do you need help?”

“Nah I’ve got it dad don’t worry.”

You were in there for a few moments and then you opened the door.

Lestrade stepped to the side and let you out and he looked at you dab your nose a few times.

“Let me have a look.”

He took your face in his hands again and gently touched around your nose making you wince, but you didn’t react too much.

Nodding to himself he pat your cheek and let your face go.

“Come on, I’ve got some pain meds.”

Lestrade put his arm around your shoulder and led you through the station to his office, rummaging through his draws he pulled out some paracetamol and set it on the desk and handed you his water bottle.

You quickly took the pain relief, and down some water, wincing a little bit as you felt the cut on your lip sting.

“Did you hurt anything else?”

“Uhm, my ribs I think, it I think it was more the shock they don’t hurt now.”

“I’m going to kill them.” He growled a little.

You shook your head, walking over your held your arms out and Lestrade stood up, letting you hug him as he held you softly scared he’d hurt you.

“Just let whoever it is that handles that stuff deal with it dad, please?”

He looked down at you and sighed.

He was furious with his two goon detectives and was ready to rip them a new one, but he didn’t want to leave your side.

He was worried about you, and scared after what happened.

“Okay, alright, if that’s what you want. Do you want to go to the hospital and get checked just in case?”

You shook your head, pulling away from the hug as you looked around his office.

“Can I just stay here until you finish your shift?”

“If that’s what you want to do sure.”

You smiled and dragged a chair over to his desks, putting it next to his you sat down and he handed you his phone so you could watch whatever you wanted to watch while he did his paperwork.

He was going to make Donovan and Anderson’s life hell when he got the chance, but for now he was just glad to have you by his side and know that you were safe and weren’t hurt too badly

[lionesscersei]

Hi. Some about me since tumblr doesn't fit much in its bio section.

First off: DNI: Anti shippers & trump voters

Don't DM me if you're gonna consistently take more than 24 hours to reply. It's rude and I hate people who are always "too busy." Nobody is ever too busy. People make time for what's important to them.

I'm 42, cis female, she/her. Living in The USA. Yes I hate it here.

Asexual, seeking a monogamous QPR with a male

Childfree

Possibly autistic

Probably borderline but I'm anti therapy so is no way to find out for sure

I'm a fictionkin to Cersei Lannister

On disability

Wanting to make a career off youtube but probably will fail cause everyone seems to hate me. Anyway my videos are all private atm. Maybe one day I'll post the content I wanna post. At least my idea is unique.

I'm very vengeful and I'm not sure if that could relate to being Cersei in a past life but I've always felt the need to get back at those who wronged me. Even when I was a small child I would do things to get revenge. And I've never really felt bad about it or ever regretted it. If anything there were times when I didn't get revenge that I regret not getting it.

I'm a pro shipper

I'm a misanthropist and cannot understand how especially after the last election everyone isn't one as well.

I'm anti trump and anti trump supporters

Yes, that means I support reporting undocumented Trump voters to ICE. I'm not ashamed to say I may do so, they deserve it. :)

I'm both pro abortion and pro death penalty. I support LGBT rights, but I do not support Poly rights to marry! I wish that people did not act as though its an orientation, its not. Marriage should be between two people who love each other, not 3 or 4 or however many people. If you want to be poly cause you like sex fine, but the ones who think they all love each other, no. Just no. If you are "in love" with both, than you love neither enough. Besides that 99% of the time poly is either some overly religious nutter taking multiple wives, or some poor woman, or man who felt bullied in to it by their partner. It destroys lives and I rather not associate with someone who is poly, because I think being so also can reflect on how you view your friendships. Someone who cannot be faithful to one person is far more likely to also view friendship in a more casual manner. I'll explain more below.

I'm looking for close friends, that I can forge deep connections with, not acquaintances. I understand everything starts out as acquaintances at first, but if the goal is not to potentially forge a close bond I am not interested. I don't want people in my life either in real life or online who will be people I don't consider close friends after knowing them for months. I just don't do casual friendship. I don't. Which is also why I would prefer not to be friends with extroverts or people who claim to have more than 3 or 4 close friends. If I make room for you in my life I want to be very important to you. I do not want you to have very little time for me in your life - if we go several days without talking, I am not interested.

I'm pro AI and I might at some point post AI art.

I love my cats

I do not like dogs or creatures in the canine family, I never have

My hobbies are in no particular order, reading including fanfiction, board games (mostly against the computer ;( I need a scrabble partner! Anything paranormal related, cooking, and genealogy (occasionally)

Another fun fact about me. I've been obsessed with twins ever since I can remember despite not having one. And obsessed with lions since a teenager, long before ever knowing of game of thrones. When I watched game of thrones I couldn't help but feel like Cersei was me. We look nothing alike, but our personalities are very similar and also I got crazy emotional when watching her kids die and when watching Jaime get with B really upset me. To the point I'm sure this must have been a past life because I have watched a lot of shows and movies and never come close to having this sort of reaction before. It was as though my own child died or as though my own S/O broke up with me when Jaime left. I don't think I can say I have memories, but there is one thing I think is a memory and seeing it happen on the show years later really freaked me out.

[bugtransport]

i wrote my own reasons why i think these were picked if you need to be able to compare them:

momoi tarou: i have never made a joke ever, in my life. what else is there to say, really.

hongo: you don't get to 1000 instances of a character's name in you dms without projecting a little bit. my brain is huge and sexy and it makes me nervous for no reason sometimes. eldest daughter (male). i could use a funky little artsy catboy in my life

cecil but in reverse (he kins me):

spock star trek: there was a period of 6-8 months back when i was 19 where i didn't experience a single emotion and i joke frequently about wishing i could go back. i think could appreciate having no emotions correctly this time

mac iasip: gay gym bro i think this one's self explanatory. i have a bird tattoo on my shoulder. i cosplayed nightman once

ren tatap: not to be confused with ren persona 5 who i do not kin. joking about this fic is why i started kamen rider in the first place. i asked the boys what their pick for quote to put in this section was and their unanimous answer was

to which my response was

wallace wells: he's my discord icon and every time someone has learned this fact their response has been: "oh yeah, that makes sense."

maito gai: besides the jock thing? terribly faceblind. i have a rival i fight with constantly (it's not a gay thing tho. we are gay just not for each other this is pure hate). i do have ride or dies i would open the 8th gate for

shuji hanamoto: he's in my bio. i run an aesthetic tag for the man. uhh he means the world to me i cannot describe what honey and clover is to me but i can describe him as a person as: gay boy down horrendous

[roxanaagriche111]

Prologue (was reposted due to problems)

Before you read, make sure to read the Oc bio aka information. This is not a reader’s fanfic as I don’t write any. As all of my fanfics are Oc based. Yet their pictures I do not own except for their bios/information. If any of you have a problem with this story, then please kindly leave thru this door 🚪. If you wish to continue reading and see what happens then you are welcome to stay. Just note that any offensive comments or behavior in the comment section will not be tolerated, and you’ll be blocked as your comment will be deleted. Thank you and enjoy!

Quick note: this is somewhat a long ass chapter!!

SEMI EDITED!!

WARNINGS: mentions of killings, war, bloodshed, deaths of innocents/young ages, etc. are within this chapter!

READ WITH CAUTION!

If the links don’t work then you can search my profile for the “#oc fanfiction” or “#yandere fanfics” “#masterlist” “#story summary” “#bio information” to take you to my works!

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Chapters: previous page / next page

Master list: master list

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Within a world where many life was born from. From grass and tress that bared fruit to the humans and animals live. Some people would show respect to the gods and goddesses above. There were many different types of gods and goddesses within different sections. These sections were very well-known throughout the human life’s.

The common gods and goddesses. They are often seen as villagers much like the humans. Only except that they work as either a servant, cook, or any staff for the much higher ones. Even though they are lower, they are still thought of as important regardless of their status.

Above the commons, there are the nobles and royalty that shares the same group. They are well-known throughout the land. Being born in a great family with great power such as riches, strength, and much more to the eyes. Though some are seen as merchants as many of these families became this way due to traveling while selling goods.

The much higher ones are the heavenly and celestial sections. These two are mostly seen battling each other due to the equal power that they have. Both have amazing strengths and power. Many of their gods and goddesses, who became part of these two sections through amazing achievements. Their greatness reaches from academic skills or things that not many will realize. Many would believe that they would get along, but they don’t. They tend to fight one another to show which one is better that causes a war if you will.

Finally there is the least favored section from those four sections, except for the commons. They are none other than the demonic sections. Some may suspect these sections are full of male and female demons, but they aren’t. They are also gods and goddesses yet they know powerful dark magic and spells. Due to being part of this section, they are not seen in a good light by most. They had many unwanted wars with the noble, royal, heavenly, or even celestial sections. It’s not once upon a thousands of years it would happen. But a non stopping constant battles with the four over very stupid reasons. This had caused this section to have a deep grudge towards all of them. The only ally they have are the common ones. For they approach them with more friendly intentions than most.

And finally, there are the highest of them all. The highest gods and goddesses that holds power over all of them. They watch over each sections ever so closely. To make sure none disturb peace and tranquillity that they desperately wished to preserve. However, there are not many of these said gods or goddesses, but two. Many may suspect that they are lovers. However, they are not! They may not look like it, but they are brother and sister to be exact!

The brother is the older sibling who shows grace and much wisdom in his youth. His name is Zhīshì. A young charming man who could get any woman with a flick of his wrist. Yet he was not into women, but into men. Shocking yes, but he couldn’t be judged for it even if people do so. He is seen in good light and very diligent within his work. Being serious about judging those that did wrong and punishing them accordingly. He tends to be tolerable to those that had no idea what they were doing was wrong. But that causes a lot to try and manipulate the truth from him. Sadly, he always knows of their intentions and tells the truth to them like bullets. He tends to judge after having to fix the destroyed lands from wars that were made. How? Very easy answer. Having a title that allows him to create and recreate many things was a blissful gift. Just simply by flicking his wrist, a once-destroyed land is fully restored. Such great power made him acknowledged as the god-king by those below him. Of course, you may not know it, but he didn’t want the title as the highest god-king. He wanted to pass it on to his younger sibling at the time. But since his little sister was not yet born or old enough. It was already decided for him as he had no choice but to accept it.

Besides him is his little sister, Xing Er, a young spirited free goddess that the law couldn’t stop from being herself. A beautiful young girl who appears as hyper, childish, and a fun person that appears to love pranking people a lot. Yet, this behavior is not what you may think. Her sweet personality will immediately switch upon doing her job as a goddess or angering her. Her behavior switches from a childish sweet little girl to a more sinister being. The titles she wields are dire to many that wish not to be in her range or happen to go against her. For she is the bloody war goddess within all the land. She is the conqueror of many things. Such as war, bloodshed, death, torture, chaos, and destruction. She is like the deadly sin of wrath for she shows no mercy to her foes. Where ever she goes to battle—none can win against her. Able to conquer all and torture those within. She is by far the most terrifying goddess in all the land.

These two siblings are powerful if you happen to see them in action. But behind doors of their appearance outside. They are fucking lazy!! No! I’m not lying! The older brother, Zhīshì, is a total sloth! He prefers to sleep all day and all night by eating or playing games! So lazy in not cleaning up and picking up after himself—that his sister tends to do it for him. The servants would do it, but they don’t have many servants since the two don’t trust many. But it was alright as his sister doesn’t mind cleaning up after himself. But the only problem was that she tends to prank him when he is napping A LOT.

While the sister is as well lazy. At least she’s a bit more productive than her sloth of a brother. The only difference is that she rather be learning different cultures. She’s more interested in different cultures through their food, music, dance, and much more. She rather do that instead of doing her godly duty.

Now, you may wonder, how are these two the most powerful people within the highest range? Their titles prove it upon witnessing them in action. But why act like this behind closed doors? Quite simple actually. They are tired of having to deal with the others in the noble, royal, heavenly, and celestial sections! The very four are the source of their headaches and they wish to just eliminate them all! Save for the demonic and common folks! But lord of mercy!

The brother can barely manage himself because of them! He barely is able to get any sleep without them causing trouble left and right. He can’t take one look away before chaos brews!

While the sister does love her job—she wishes she wouldn’t have to constantly clean up after the mess they made! Although she doesn’t do it as often and shouldn’t be complaining. But she’s the ONLY one that ALWAYS has to clean up after the four no matter what. She doesn’t mean to be upsetting in anyway as she truly does love her job. But having to count how many wars and clean ups she had to do is another story.

Currently, the two siblings finally had some time off. But both were mentally and emotionally exhausted. Yet there was extreme murderous intentions surrounding them that would make anyone run for it. Nobody wants to go near them. But why? Very simple. Let’s just say, the very source of their headaches had provoked them to the point of having to do a clean up.

About an unknown amount of time back. The two siblings decided to do a major clean up in the system. Where the four sections seemed unnecessary in their eyes. Each section, save for the demonic and normal sections of the groups. The noble, royalty, heavenly, and celestial thought it was a great idea to anger the ancient beings that belonged to the highest god and goddesses siblings. The two siblings has powerful companions or pets you could say that belongs to them rightfully. Their companions were four dragons from their great ancestor’s time when they were created.

Their names were Tianlong the Celestial dragon. Fuzanglong, known as the Dragon of the Hidden Treasure. Dilong the Earth Dragon. And finally, the Spiritual Dragon named Shenlong.

These four dragons were important and well known to every god and goddess. Everyone knew that they rightfully belonged to the two siblings. Yet the four sections thought it was such a good idea to try and possess them and have ownership over them. Rookie mistake. The four powerful beings do not take kindly to those that try to possess them with evil intentions. Especially those who were not their rightful owners. In the end, it became a bloody mess for all four sections. After angering the four dragons—a war presumed to where the four tried to kill the dragons in hopes to survive. They put up a good fight but failed miserably. Being no match for the ancient beings and was either slain or destroyed by their claws. Their hopes for survival was crushed.

Yet, when all hope was lost, it was then the two siblings came down to help, but they were not happy. No. They were furious! They did not come to save them at all. Oh no. The two had enough of the continuous history of the four sections' horrible deeds. Not only did they continually break the order of peace and tranquillity. But they had caused so many wars that they had to clean up after themselves many countless times. Counting the part of how they tried to do selfish deeds for their fitting. Even trying to trick them or others for their own benefits. Even having many wars with the demonic sections which are considered good. And now this!?

If the two siblings were being honest. They didn’t know about the four sections' plans to begin with as it was a secretive operation with the four. Not once did they know of their plans of them trying to attain one of their dragons. No, screw that! All four of them! It was only thanks to the demonic sections that told them of the four’s plans after spying on them. After the demonic section had told the sibling pair—boy were they furious!!

This action had truly done it for the two. Where they decided to finally put their foot down as enough was enough. They decided to annihilate everyone within the four sections. Leaving none of them to survive. Completely erasing each section as an act of taboo and pure act of evil. Their worshippers down in the human world will face their sin for all eternity, until they decide to lift it. It was no surprise how all the sections begged for mercy, but the siblings would have none of it.

With the older brother’s command. His sister began slaying each one of the sections. Families, friends, relatives, and much more. Leaving none to survive even if they happen to escape or even hide from such punishment. They didn’t even spare young gods as old as a newborn child, or those that have yet to be born. Call them heartless if you will. But they would not take any chances of such survivors to revive any of those clans after much taboo.

Once breaking their trust numerous of times. They have been given many chances to turn back to forgive and forget such acts. But too many continuous acts to no turning back is where they had reach a breaking point. They will not take any chances, at least not anymore in their eyes.

It had taken a long time for the younger sister to completely demolish every member of the four sections, and its survivors that had gone into hiding. She made sure to destroy the section's home. Destroying every four’s home, even the thrones of the heavenly and celestial sections. Especially taking away their heirlooms by destroying them. And finally retrieving all the artifacts that their great ancestors had given them in the past. She made sure that no remains could ever be retrieved by anyone.

Upon hearing the news within the lower section and the demonic section. All the gods and goddesses were horrified by such acts. Though the demonic and the common themselves could only shake their heads as they had foreseen such action. Within every section, the only ones that had never once broken any rules of the higher gods were the demonic and the common sections.

Sure, the demonic section did have some wars with the four once before. But if they were being honest. The four were the ones who either angered them or started it all. They were eternally thankful whenever the higher gods judge them fairly and punished the wrong ones accordingly. They were glad the four had been officially eliminated. But there was some worries after an announcement was made. As the older brother had announced all four sections will forever be demolished, and will not return until they reconsidered and lift it. Knowing the higher ones, it will be quite some time until the four sections could return to their full glory. It was even ordered that if there happen to be any survivors that did manage to escape during the purge. That they must be dealt with immediately. Children, girl, boy or not—no mercy shall be spared as their ancestors has done the worst taboo in history. It was then shown that the sections had truly angered the two by doing such deed. The last two remaining sections had no choice but to obey the order given to them.

It took some time, but after everything had settled down. Everything had returned to normal, but not everything. The siblings were no doubt angry and very unhappy still after such events. The two were unable to do the things they originally love. No one could blame them. Their gratitude was always taken for granted and people believe they could be fooled. It angered them truly as the sister slammed her hands angrily on the table, startling her brother.

“I had enough!!” Xing Er shouted as she stood up from where she sat. She was so mad that she was huffing and puffing while stomping with an angry pout.

Zhīshì sighed. “I know what you mean. You and I are quite angry right now little sis, but try to calm down,” he said as he drank his tea, yet his teacup was shaking in his hand due to his anger dwelling within him.

Xing Er snapped her head to him. “I can’t! I am so angry! Those damn four sections always made problems for us. We always let them go cause our ancestors respected them. But they truly did it for us by trying to attain the ancient dragons that belonged to us rightfully!” She shouted as she glared at her brother.

“I know sis, but they are finally gone as we decided that the demonic and the common section are enough now. Which shall be until we decide to redo the four sections on our own accord,” Zhīshì stated as he quickly set his teacup down before breaking it.

Xing Er grumbled as she started pacing back and forth. “But still! I can’t stand being in this foul place as it reminds me of those foolish sections! I just want to go somewhere else and never return here!” She whined.

Zhīshì hummed in reply as he cupped his chin thoughtfully. “That’s not a bad idea actually,” he said.

“Pardon?” Xing Er asked as she looked at her brother in confusion and bewilderment at what he said. Never did she thought he would agree with her.

Zhīshì looked up at her with a grin. “I’m saying that I agree with you. I feel like I too need a change of scenery. Perhaps we could go to a different world or dimension that doesn’t have a lot of problems. One where we don’t always have to clean up after people,” he said.

Xing Er’s eyes immediately shined with excitement as she looked at her brother. “Really!? We can!?” She asked as she jumped up and down in excitement, clutching her hands together like a child.

Zhīshì chuckled at his sister’s behavior, glad to see her happy again while nodding. “Of course, let’s go to the portal room and go somewhere we’ve never been to before,” he said.

“Could we go somewhere where we can never return?? I kind of want to make a long disappearing act,” Xing Er said mischievously while grinning ear to ear.

“Haha. Perhaps. But before we do, let’s take the things that are extremely valuable and important to us. It would be bad if we do leave for a long time. What if something happens while we are away? The valuable items we keep safe here could go into the wrong hands if not watched by us,” Zhīshì said.

“Good idea,” Xing Er said as she and her brother collected everything valuable. From weapons to artifacts. Even taking the ancient dragons and other beings with them by sucking them up in a bracelet on their wrists.

After the siblings made sure to take the things valuable and what they needed most. They headed to the portal room as Zhīshì opened a portal. A beautiful gold portal opened and the two siblings jumped in it without hesitation.

Although, without the two know. A certain seal within an area that was forbidden for anyone to enter. Cracked as black icky fog with red lightning seeped out. It slowly began spreading bit by bit as monstrous creatures were revealed within it. It intends to cover everything before following after them.

After all, since their presence was now gone—they can now roam freely.

~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~ ~~~~~~

Fun fact about this fanfic!

* The author was originally going to make this into a reader fanfic as this also had a different type of plot before changing it.

* The brother and sister originally had anime pictures before the author decided to do real life Chinese actors and actresses.

* Silver was going to be one of the brother’s love interests, but didn’t think it would be a good idea since Lilia is the sister’s love interest.

* Since the siblings’ origin is Chinese. The author tried to make the characters have more Chinese names with meanings. As well as having a more Chinese history to it.

* The sections such as common, demonic, noble, royal, heavenly, and celestial were ideas from Asian dramas that the author has lately been watching.

* The author was not feeling well upon writing and editing for some time now. As you will notice some unedited parts or mistakes.

That’s all for now!

MASTERLIST

STORY SUMMARY

CHARACTER INFORMATION

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER 1 (coming soon)

[cerseireincarnated]

Hi. Some about me since tumblr doesn't fit much in its bio section.

First off: DNI: Anti shippers & trump voters

Don't DM me if you're gonna consistently take more than 24 hours to reply. It's rude and I hate people who are always "too busy." Nobody is ever too busy. People make time for what's important to them.

I'm 42, cis female, she/her. Living in The USA. Yes I hate it here.

Asexual, seeking a monogamous QPR with a male

Childfree

Possibly autistic

Probably borderline but I'm anti therapy so is no way to find out for sure

I'm a fictionkin to Cersei Lannister

On disability

Wanting to make a career off youtube but probably will fail cause everyone seems to hate me. Anyway my videos are all private atm. Maybe one day I'll post the content I wanna post. At least my idea is unique.

I'm very vengeful and I'm not sure if that could relate to being Cersei in a past life but I've always felt the need to get back at those who wronged me. Even when I was a small child I would do things to get revenge. And I've never really felt bad about it or ever regretted it. If anything there were times when I didn't get revenge that I regret not getting it.

I'm a pro shipper

I'm a misanthropist and cannot understand how especially after the last election everyone isn't one as well.

I'm anti trump and anti trump supporters

Yes, that means I support reporting undocumented Trump voters to ICE. I'm not ashamed to say I may do so, they deserve it. :)

I'm both pro abortion and pro death penalty. I support LGBT rights, but I do not support Poly rights to marry! I wish that people did not act as though its an orientation, its not. Marriage should be between two people who love each other, not 3 or 4 or however many people. If you want to be poly cause you like sex fine, but the ones who think they all love each other, no. Just no. If you are "in love" with both, than you love neither enough. Besides that 99% of the time poly is either some overly religious nutter taking multiple wives, or some poor woman, or man who felt bullied in to it by their partner. It destroys lives and I rather not associate with someone who is poly, because I think being so also can reflect on how you view your friendships. Someone who cannot be faithful to one person is far more likely to also view friendship in a more casual manner. I'll explain more below.

I'm looking for close friends, that I can forge deep connections with, not acquaintances. I understand everything starts out as acquaintances at first, but if the goal is not to potentially forge a close bond I am not interested. I don't want people in my life either in real life or online who will be people I don't consider close friends after knowing them for months. I just don't do casual friendship. I don't. Which is also why I would prefer not to be friends with extroverts or people who claim to have more than 3 or 4 close friends. If I make room for you in my life I want to be very important to you. I do not want you to have very little time for me in your life - if we go several days without talking, I am not interested.

I'm pro AI and I might at some point post AI art.

I love my cats

I do not like dogs or creatures in the canine family, I never have

My hobbies are in no particular order, reading including fanfiction, board games (mostly against the computer ;( I need a scrabble partner! Anything paranormal related, cooking, and genealogy (occasionally)

Another fun fact about me. I've been obsessed with twins ever since I can remember despite not having one. And obsessed with lions since a teenager, long before ever knowing of game of thrones. When I watched game of thrones I couldn't help but feel like Cersei was me. We look nothing alike, but our personalities are very similar and also I got crazy emotional when watching her kids die and when watching Jaime get with B really upset me. To the point I'm sure this must have been a past life because I have watched a lot of shows and movies and never come close to having this sort of reaction before. It was as though my own child died or as though my own S/O broke up with me when Jaime left. I don't think I can say I have memories, but there is one thing I think is a memory and seeing it happen on the show years later really freaked me out.

[teamoimisstheoldyou]

sometimes I feel at this weird middle ground of not knowing who I am. I've always struggled behind closed doors with the way I look, with the way men treat me, and with the way I treat myself. I am kind, but far from gentle. I dont know if im beautiful. honestly, most of the time ive lived in my moms shadow, so ive never allowed myself to feel beautiful. now im turning 30 next year, and I want to make serious changes in my life. I dont want to be taking medications im currently on. I don't want to weigh as much as I do. I just dont even know the first step anymore. before everything used to be so black and white, but now everything feels gray and depressing. I wish I had the answer of how I could make myself feel better. but I know the it's not going to come from the attention of a man, the attention of someone else.

for the longest time, most people automatically assume either im male, or im gay. i dont let it bother me, but the truth is, the comments are routed in pain for me. not because there's anything wrong with either of those things, they just trigger me because my mom would use these tactics to manipulate me to dress more girly. and because of this, as an adult ive rebelled and dressed from the mens section for quite some time. I think uncovering the real meaning as to why I dress the way I do is to admit I have some resentment for the tactics my mom would use on me as a kid. My bio dad would also do the same, so I have grown up feeling not enough. it is so hard. it is extremely difficult ot feel like you're not enough , no matter what I do.

the career I chose has also not bared fruit in the way I thought it would. I thought I would be working on big budget films by now. I truly thought I would have my life together in Los Angeles, working alongside people I truly love as work collaborators. for now I feel stuck. stuck in a place where I need to show others how to be better versions of themselves, without believing I can be something better too because I feel unchallenged by the work I do. honestly, gil said this the other day and it stuck with me. we're the McDonalds of the music video industry, bc we don't create anything of substance. I think that the reason I cant create anything of substance is because im stuck in a place that I feel limited and that others are only in it for the money.

but truly,

I wish I had a better relationship with myself. I wish I could love myself the way others love themselves. I wish I wasn't crying rn. I feel so out of control of my emotions.

[all-the-things-2020]

All Our Future Prospects - Chapter Thirteen

Summary: Two years later, Claire gets a visitor from the past.

Rating: PG-13

The flight from Galadon to Paddington was uneventful. Claire spent most of her time in her bunk, after a few abortive attempts to read in the lounge. Between the preponderance of crappy romance novels in the meager library and the unwanted attentions of a fellow passenger who seemed to think he was the most attractive man in the galaxy (he wasn’t, and the rest of the women on the flight seemed to agree), she had preferred to spend her time alone, letting her emotions get the better of her. It was almost decadent the way she wallowed in her grief and yearning.

At Paddington, she’d been quickly briefed and sent straight onto a FlanCorp shuttle to her next assignment, preparing lab specimens on an industrial moon colony near the swirling red and purple gas giant Theseus. Sealed in a dome with artificially enhanced gravity, the lab made her feel like a specimen herself, pinned under glass.

She had her hair trimmed to a sensible length but it didn’t feel right. Even as she settled into the familiar routine of lab work, she felt decidedly unsettled.

She received two messages from Cee, not very long because of the exorbitant messaging rates for intergalactic communication. She replied back just as concisely: “I’m doing well. I miss you, too. Tell Ezra I love him.” And then three months into the rotation, an industrial espionage incident rocked FlanCorp, causing the company’s stock to tumble and instigating a lockdown on all communication outside the corporation.

Her next rotation was number crunching in a cubicle on Waterloo Station, followed by a specimen gathering expedition on Vesta Prime, where FlanCorps had the exploration rights to a scrubby, parched section of the largest continent. It was while in that bare bones camp that the communications lockdown was lifted, and she was able to send a quick message to Cee. But it came back with the terse notation “Recipient Unknown.” She’d sent a follow up message to the school, spending far more than she could afford to fully explain her concern. In reply she got only two brief sentences: “No current student by this name. Unable to release information on past student rosters.”

Now, she was on Thalassia, crunching the numbers on someone else’s research yet again. The bio-dome was spacious and full of plants, having been built originally as residential space for retirees from one of the bigger corps. After the Big Crunch a few decades back, it had been sold off and was now leased in chunks to smaller corps for research and development and other office space.

She had a cubicle with a small window looking out onto a courtyard full of planters. Her desk was less cramped than many others she’d been assigned to, and there was a shelf where she kept a potted blue-fern and her now slightly battered owl figurine. She rose each morning in her apartment, walked to work, stared at her terminal for hours, scribbled notes, and walked home in the evenings. It was a tidy little life, and there had been a time when it would have been all she could wish for.

She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. After that first cut, she’d let her hair grow out. It was now long enough to pull back in a short braid or ponytail, but there were always strands that had a mind of their own. She’d tried pins and barrettes, but they always slid loose and so she’d given up, only tidying the wayward bits when they fell into her face and interfered with her work.

“Are you sure you won’t join us?”

It was her cubicle neighbor, Nathan.

“Yes, I’m sure,” she replied. Several of the members of their team were going out for dinner in celebration of a birthday. “I want to get this section finished before I stop for the night.”

Nathan shook his head. “The work will still be there tomorrow, Claire,” he said. “Look, we all admire your work ethic and dedication to the corp, blah, blah, blah, but you’ve got to live a little now and then.”

“I did,” she said, staring at her screen, trying not to look at the owl on her shelf, or let her hand move to the pendant hanging from her neck. “I got it out of my system. Now go and have fun with the others. Tell Gilbert happy birthday.”

He shrugged and walked away, leaving her alone with the numbers on her terminal, which blurred for a moment as she forced back the tears that had welled up in her eyes.

Once, during that second rotation, she’d tried to cut loose a little. She’d joined a handful of fellow workers for a drink after hours, had even allowed one of them to flirt with her a bit, but it had felt wrong. Thoughts of Ezra had loomed in her mind, and the crushing weight of guilt at even thinking about another man had sent her to her quarters under pretext of a headache. She’d ended up with a real one, after crying herself to sleep.

Ever since, she’d done her best to forget him, to focus on her work and only her work. She had no idea where he was. Cee was no longer at school on Galadon; they could be anywhere or nowhere, together or apart.

She worked for another half hour or so, scribbling computations on her scratch pad and tapping her results onto the keypad of her terminal. With everyone else gone, the workroom was quiet, and she was able to concentrate on the numbers. When she heard the outer door open, she sighed.

“I told you I didn’t want to go,” she called out. It was probably Lynette, who was always coming up with cockeyed team building exercises, even though the members of their team were all working independently on different sets of data.

“I haven’t asked anything yet.” It was not Lynette, or anyone else on her team. It was a voice she hadn’t heard for nearly two years. She dropped her pencil and swiveled her chair around. It was him.

Ezra stood just inside the doorway, leaning casually against the wall, his arms — arms plural! — crossed on his chest, a smile playing tugging at the corners of his mouth. “You are incredibly hard to track down, little owl,” he said. “Of course, I put much of the blame on the bureaucracy of the corporation …”

She jumped out of her chair and ran across the room, launching herself into his arms like Cee had done on that day long ago on Galadon. “Ezra! But how — your arm — where’s Cee?” She was babbling but she didn’t care.

Ezra wrapped her in a tight hug and chuckled into her ear. “I will explain it all to you, my dearest one,” he said, “but for now suffice it to say that Cee is safely at home on Galadon and I am here with you.” He kissed her and she forgot everything at the taste of his lips.

“I can’t believe you’re here,” she murmured when they came up for air.

“I am,” he said softly, kissing her nose. “And I’ve had a long journey and you’ve had a long day of work. I propose we find ourselves some sustenance and I can answer all your questions over dinner.”

She laughed. “Always food with you,” she said, trailing her fingers over his scruff. How she’d missed the soft hairs that framed his chin, the little bare patch on the left side that was the perfect spot for a kiss. She gently placed one there, hearing the familiar hum of pleasure from Ezra that always sent a jolt of desire through her body.

“Without food, we cannot survive,” he said. “And if we don’t eat soon, I fear we will find our way to a private place to satisfy another sort of hunger, and then we will waste away, leaving Cee bereft and alone.”

She ran her hand over his stomach, which while firm and muscular, had a layer of middle aged flab, just like her own. “It would take a long time for us to starve to death,” she said.

“And yet, we would,” he said, his voice hot and buzzing in her ear. “I would forsake food and drink and sunlight and air for the chance to be one with you again.”

She couldn’t breathe for a moment, every nerve ending her body short circuited by his words. “I think we can spare enough time to eat and talk before we get to that,” she finally managed to say.

“Good,” Ezra said with a laugh. “Because honestly, little owl, I am starving!” Right on cue, his stomach growled, which made her laugh as well.

“Let’s feed the beast,” she said, patting his belly again. “I know a little pho place not far from here that has generous portions. And private booths.”

******************************************************

The scent of broth filled Ezra’s nostrils as the server placed steaming bowls in front of them. He hadn’t eaten for almost ten hours, and the soup was a lovely sight to behold. And yet still not as lovely as the woman sitting across from him. His eyes drank her in, his beloved little owl. He could hardly believe she was really there; so many times over the past two years, he’d imagined her, wondered where she was and what she was doing and now she was here in front of him, her eyes shining as she ignored her meal to concentrate on him. He was an incredibly lucky man, in more ways than one.

“Eat,” he said, picking up his spoon. “Let’s get some sustenance into our bellies before we get down to the hard work of catching up on lost time.”

“You can start with that,” she said, nodding at his right hand, which held the spoon deftly now, a far cry from his first pitiful attempts at using the prosthetic.

“I will,” he promised. “But for now … eat.”

The pho was delicious, and once he started in on it, he couldn’t stop. Claire smiled at him. “You really are hungry,” she said softly.

“One tends to forget about quotidian things like food when one is focused on a noble goal,” he replied, slurping a noodle into his mouth.

She gave him a sly look. “I wouldn’t call getting me into bed a noble goal,” she said.

He shook his head. Same old Claire, full of wit and just a hint of naughtiness. “Although that is one of my more immediate goals,” he admitted, “it is not the ultimate one. As you will soon learn. But now, let me finish my meal in peace.”

He savored the last bits of the soup, taking his time just to aggravate her. He knew she was impatient to learn what he had been up to, but he liked making her wait just a bit longer. She’d done the same to him on occasion, usually in bed, and turn about was always fair play.

He drank the last of the broth and put down his bowl. Claire raised her eyebrows expectantly and he relented.

“Let me begin with this,” he said, holding up his new right hand, flexing the fingers. He was quite used to it now, but there were still moments when he looked at it in astonishment.

He told her how he’d broken down and told Cee about the offer from MedCorps, how Cee had hounded him to at least contact them and find out more details. How he had relented and found the contract acceptable, had left Cee behind at school while he flew off to a MedCorps station on one of the more prestigious worlds and submitted to experimentation in exchange for the promise of a new, fully functional limb.

He glossed over the pain of the nerve grafts that left him drugged to the gills and still writhing in his narrow bed, his left arm strapped down to keep him from tearing at the fierce burning where his stump met the prosthetic. He omitted the anti-rejection meds that made him so sick to his stomach that he could hardly eat for three weeks. But he did tell her about the long days of therapy where he learned to use the new arm, how it slowly went from a dead weight to a true part of him. And the reams of data MedCorps extracted from him, the knowledge that would be used to not only help others but to make the corporation more profitable.

“I was only able to understand about three-quarters of the science they threw at me,” he admitted. “But the technology is impressive. A true fusion of the human nervous system and cybernetic artistry. It’s all gears and pulleys and wires in there, but my brain thinks it’s muscle and sinew.”

“It’s amazing,” Claire said, reaching out for his hand. He slid his fingers between hers. It was an odd sensation; he could feel her hand, but it was as if he had a permanent surgical glove over his skin, a ghostly barrier between them. It was real and not real at the same time. He’d gotten used to it when working with objects, but it was disorienting now that he was skin to skin (so to speak) with another human. A little shudder ran through his arm.

“What’s wrong?” Claire asked, loosening her hold. “Did I hurt you? Is it still sensitive?”

“No, no,” he said, shaking his head, as much to clear his brain as to emphasize his words. “It’s hard to explain. I can feel you but I can’t feel you.” He squeezed her hand. “I have complete control of the hand and arm, but the sensors in the skin aren’t as sensitive as nerve endings. It’s like wearing a glove all the time.”

She nodded, a slight furrow between her brows as she tried to understand. After a moment, she brought her other hand up and took his left. This felt right, familiar, their fingers intertwining as they had so many times before. He could feel her warmth, the lines on her palm, the subtle movement of tendons and bones beneath her skin. This was home.

“Did you go back to Galadon?,” she asked. “I lost contact with Cee when the corp went on communication lockdown, and when I was finally able to get a message out, the school said she wasn’t there any more.”

He nodded, still marveling at her touch. “I did, and Cee is still there, but no longer at school.” He wasn’t quite sure how to explain the next part coherently.

“Did — did you run out of money?” Claire asked carefully. “Because you left for a year?”

“Well, yes,” Ezra admitted, “but that’s not why she left school. I could have paid her tuition month by month, but circumstances favored a different path for us.” He bit his lower lip. It was harder than he’d expected.

Claire let go of his hands and sat back. “Take your time,” she said.

“On the way back to Galadon, after my contract with MedCorps was fulfilled,” he began, “I struck up a conversation with a gentleman with whom I had a few acquaintances in common.” As he started talking, it got easier, and he was soon in storytelling mode, unspooling the events for her.

He told her about the man’s inside information about a tempting new prospecting opportunity, and how when he’d mentioned it to Cee she’d immediately seen the unique possibility that presented itself to them.

“It was her idea to leave school and enter an apprenticeship with Ms Goode the bookbinder,” he said. “She’d done a few extra curricular projects with her while I was gone and the two of them agreed she has a future in the craft. And it was also Cee’s idea for me to come here, after the mission was completed.”

Claire raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything. He reached into the inside pocket of his jacket and pulled out a small vial, half filled with tiny metal pellets. It still boggled his mind that such a dull looking material was worth so much more than silver or gold or any other shiny substance in the known universe.

“This is noridium,” he said. “An extremely rare element, a metal more highly prized than gold or platinum or any of the lanthanides. Absolutely vital for the new generation of cybernetics that are in the works. It was discovered less than a century ago and only a few deposits of any note have been found. The most recent one is on the fourth moon of Cerberus Seven.”

“That’s really new territory,” she said, picking up the vial. “Only two surveys have been in that system so far.”

He nodded. “And no one owns the rights to the so-called Blue Moon yet,” he said. “Or at least, they didn’t until a few weeks ago. It now belongs to MegaCorps, like so much of that sector.”

“How much is this worth?,” she asked, turning the vial around and around.

He quoted the exorbitant amount currently on record with the exchanges. “That’s for pure noridium,” he said. “This is slightly impure, maybe six or seven percent short, so a bit less.”

“And how did you get hold of it?”

He smiled. “That is a tale in and of itself, but we will save that for a later time. For now, I shall give you the basic details: Noridium is found in certain types of rock, and is usually extracted by crushing tons of ore, processing it with chemicals and other methods of varying toxicity, and then throwing out everything except the noridium residue. It is expensive and time consuming and very dangerous to anyone not safely encased in the control rooms of the gargantuan machinery that only a large corp can afford. However … on the Blue Moon, we had a small assist from Nature herself.

“There are a few places where the noridium bearing rocks have weathered into gravel and sand and — most importantly for our purposes — soil. And in these places, there lives a curious creature, a type of worm something like the great sand worms in the old Dune novels, although these are much more diminutive.” He suppressed a grin at Claire’s rapt expression. He was in full lecture mode and she was in full scientist mode, soaking in knowledge about the universe. “Like most worms and such, these creatures burrow through the ground, ingesting soil, digesting the organic bits and excreting the rest out the back end. With one important exception.” He lifted the vial. “Noridium is heavy. It settles in a pouch in the digestive tract of these worms and is stored there until the pouch is full. At that point, the worms expel it. As pellets. Which means the erstwhile prospector needs not industrial machinery but the simpler technology of shovel and sifter. Lots of digging, lots of lifting, but also — a lot of reward if you can find the right spot.”

“How long were you there?” Claire asked.

“About six standard months.”

“And this is all you got? For six months’ work?”

Now he laughed out loud. “No, no, this is merely a sample. The rest of my haul — all ten kilos of it — is locked in the safe in my hotel room.”

“Not on Galadon? Why did you bring it with you?”

“Because I’m here to bring you home, little owl,” he said.

[mickey-henry]

𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐈 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝

pairing: bucky barnes (bookstore au) x reader

summary: eager to escape the heat, you find yourself in the presence of a mesmerizing bookstore and an irresistibly beautiful man.

word count: 2.3K

author’s note: hello! welcome to my third fic😊 I’m eager to share this with you all! I now have a taglist (the link is also in my bio) if you’re interested🥰 thank you to @certainaesthetic​ for helping me workshop this idea, @fuckandfluff​ for the grammar help, and @midnightf​ for hyping me up as I wrote it! likes, reblogs, messages, replies, and comments are cherished! the header images are from pinterest and the divider is from here. I hope you like it! 💖

You’re desperate to escape the smoldering heat. It’s too hot to rest in the car; it’s been baking all day beneath the sweltering summer sun, parked just outside your place of work. If you attempt to sit in it now, you’d only be greeted with a wave of torrid air, stung with the touch of your seatbelt, and burnt from the searing leather of your steering wheel.

You’re off from work earlier than usual—the blinding sun is usually long beneath the horizon before you head home for the day. The pathetically small sun visor does nothing to shade your eyes from the blazing sunlight. Rather than driving half-blind, you decide to wait out the setting sun.

As you ponder how to spend the rest of your afternoon, you realize that now is an opportune time to visit the new bookstore, The Book Haven, that opened last month. After changing out of your uniform and throwing your work stuff in the trunk, you walk across the plaza to the shop entrance.

The bookstore greets you with the chime of a bell and a rush of cool air as you step in, a blissful contrast to the scorching outdoors. The welcoming scent of coffee grounds and the tangy aroma of old books accompany the refreshing breeze. You take a deep breath, appreciating the convivial atmosphere. The bookstore is a sublime sight; words almost can’t describe its charm.

Shelves like skyscrapers—stuffed to the brim with books, magazines, and comics—graze the ceiling. An intimate reading nook lies next to the door; an inviting window seat dwells beside a floor-to-ceiling window. Clear mosaic window clings cover the glass, casting beautiful rainbows throughout the store. Stringed vintage light bulbs illuminate the shelves; candle-lit sconces adorn the top corners of each one. Oriental rugs lay between the shelves, covering a dark mocha floor. Tucked in the back of the store is a small coffee cranny, hidden at first glance. Frank Sinatra’s charming, rich vocals travel through the air, tickling your ears. The owner clearly put the utmost time, energy, and love into the creation of their shop. It is unequivocally perfect and already one of your favorite places.

You wander to the classics section, enthralled by the exquisite covers. Sensing someone nearby, your eyes glance at movement caught in the corner of your eye. Your stomach somersaults at the stunning stranger. The instant you lay your eyes on him, you forget to breathe for a moment—your breath engulfs your throat. You’re astounded by the Adonis of a man before you.

Bristles of scruff grace his defined jawline—his low man-bun neatly styles his dark chestnut hair. A grey short-sleeve button-up shirt hugs his toned arms; a white tank top clings to his lean, fit frame; cuffed slim-fit khaki pants, help up by a bronze braided belt, embrace his thick thighs; and weathered, chunky brown leather shoes don his feet.

Through the rose-colored glasses that surround your heart, your soul imagines a life with a perfect stranger. The hopeless romantic in you can’t help but steal glances, hoping to catch a better glimpse of him. The moment he turns to walk away, your heart sinks to your stomach. You hope this isn’t the last time you see this gorgeous man.

A few minutes later, you’re mulling over a collectible edition of The Catcher in the Rye, attempting to justify purchasing yet another copy of your favorite book. A melodic voice interrupts your pondering. “That’s a pretty edition of The Catcher in the Rye you’ve got there.”

You turn towards the charming voice. Lo-and-behold, it’s the love of your life: the handsome stranger you’ve mentally lived a lifetime with. His beauty is even more profound up close: now you can see that his eyes are a lovely shade of blue. His eyes, haunted by a subtle sadness, draw you in, unlike anything you’ve experienced before. You find yourself entranced in his sea-blue current; you could easily drown in his gaze. You attempt to hide your awestruck expression and converse with him like a normal human being. “I agree! I already own a copy though, do I really need a new one?”

“I think we both know the answer is always yes,” he assures.

“Okay, you’ve convinced me. I'll get it! Thank you for justifying my unnecessary purchase.”

Your words hang in the air, everything going quiet as you wait for the ravishing stranger to introduce himself. The two of you stare in silence at each other, the tension thickening as the seconds pass by. After a few moments, his face flashes in realization—you were waiting for his name.

“I’m Bucky,” he offers with an enchanting smile, extending his hand out to you. You share your name as the two of you shake hands. Your eyes stare down his veiny arm to his ring-studded fingers grasped around yours. You allow yourself to imagine for a few moments how amazing those fingers would feel tracing your arms, tangling your hair, and teasing your inner thigh. Your lustful reverie comes to an abrupt halt at the sight of the book nestled inside the crook of his elbow: The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka, the bane of your existence. You scoff with furrowed brows; of course, Mr. Handsome Stranger would be interested in the one book you despise.

“Got something to say there, sweetheart?” he questions with an amused grin.

“Out of all the classic novels in this entire store, that’s the one you chose? The Metamorphosis?”

“What’s wrong with this one?” he jives.

You pause for a second, debating whether it’s worth it to argue with a stranger. The pondering lasts only a few seconds; the exhaustion from your day disintegrates your filter. Besides, you loathe The Metamorphosis.

“What isn’t wrong with it? The dude wakes up thinking he’s an insect? The reader has to sit there throughout the entire book, wondering whether he’s a man or a bug? What the actual fuck? I didn’t appreciate the existential crisis that book gave me at fifteen; if I can help someone else avoid the suffering caused by that monstrosity, I'm going to do my part,” you huff, unamused by the joy Bucky seems to gain from your zealous analysis.

“Wow, what a passionate review! Perez Hilton would be envious of your slander. Okay then, what classic would you recommend instead?”

You cross your arms, expecting him to challenge your response. “The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.”

“That’s a play,” he counters.

“It’s published as a book; it counts! It’s witty, playful, and has a happy ending, which is the most important point of all. It also doesn’t make you want to pull a Fahrenheit 451 and burn every copy in existence,” you attest.

He steps closer to you, tucking loose strands of his hair behind his ear. “Life doesn’t always have a happy ending, sweetheart.”

Great, there he goes again with that freaking pet name; it’s going to be the death of you. He knows your name, you just gave it to him, yet here he is, infuriatingly insisting on calling you sweetheart instead. Stupid pretty boy with his ocean blue eyes and amorous smile.

“That’s exactly the point,” you sigh, pinching the bridge of your nose. “So, why would I want to read something that doesn’t end well? If I’m going to escape this reality for a while, it better be for a happier one.”

“And if it's not?”

“Then I’ll throw the book across the room and make up my own happy ending!”

“Ooh, aggressive,” he tuts. “The owner of this place might not be too happy with you if you’re throwing books all over the place; it’ll scare away the customers.”

“Then it’s a good thing the owner isn’t here,” you interject confidently, knowing full well you have no idea who the owner is.

“Well, that just isn’t true, sweetheart. You’re looking right at him.”

He’s lying—he has to be. Why would a dreamboat like Bucky own a bookstore?

You scoff, “you’re not the owner of this place.”

“I’m not? What makes you say that?” he banters.

“People like you don’t own bookstores!” you exclaim.

“People like me?” he goads, cocking his head to the side. The action erupts butterflies in your stomach.

“Attractive people!” you groan.

“So you think I’m attractive?” he plays, stepping to close the gap between you.

“Psh, no, you wish,” you muster. The heat spreading across your cheeks betrays your bluff.

There are mere inches between the both of you now; you hope he can’t hear your racing heartbeat. You watch his eyes go down from yours to your mouth and back up again. He eyes you with a smirk, his teeth playfully tugging his bottom lip. It takes everything in your power not to give in to his spell.

“I’ve known you for what, five minutes? I don’t go around kissing strangers, Bucky,” you falter, taking a step back from his closeness.

“Then let’s not be strangers, sweetheart. Grab a coffee with me; I know a nice place, not far from here,” he flirts, gesturing to the counter at the back of the store.

“Let me learn more about what goes on in that pretty little head of yours,” he purrs, his breath tickling your cheek.

“Okay, fine. I’ll have a coffee with you,” you surrender.

A bright, honeyed smile dons his face.  

“It better be good, though. Not the stale crap you usually get in the middle of the afternoon.”

“I’d only give you the best, sweetheart,” he winks, extending his right hand. You take it; he gives you a soft squeeze before weaving you through the towering shelves.

Your discussion continues with another passionate book review as he prepares your drink. He’s a sucker for gritty dystopian novels while you gravitate towards sappy romances. He shares his passion for painting as he guides you to the reading nook. The artwork hung on the edges of the bookcases is crafted by him—a detail you hadn’t noticed at first glance. His stunning work features both landscapes and people. He loves to sit in a picturesque landscape and paint for endless hours. Occasionally, he takes his old polaroid as he explores the town, snapping moments between strangers, translating their intimacy to canvas when he gets home.

He gestures for you to take a seat in the reading nook before handing you our steaming cup of joe. You sit with your legs crossed, your hands hugging the mug in your lap. Bucky sits with his leg draped over the side of the bench, his left foot pressing into his right thigh. The conversation shifts topics; the two of you divulge your desires and unfulfilled ambitions. You aren’t sure if it’s the look in his eyes, the sweet cup of joe in your palms, or the aroma of coffee surrounding you, but in his presence, your senses feel wide awake.

Before you know it, the mesmeric moon replaces the sizzling sun, melting away the blistering heat, and the steaming cup of coffee in your hands has long chilled. Bucky’s employee interrupts the blissful rendezvous, informing him that all the closing duties are complete, and he’s headed home for the night.

You stare at your watch in shock—it's five past nine. Where did the time go? You apologize profusely to the poor kid who had to close up alone; he assures you it’s no problem.

A melancholic pit in your stomach forms as you turn back to Bucky. He’s nestled himself into your soul; you don’t want to say farewell to him so soon. He has a sad glint in his eyes; you hope it’s because he’s also dreading the end of this perfect night.

“Can I walk you to your car?” he asks timidly, his earlier suave demeanor gone from his voice. He stands up in front of you, offering his arm to escort you.

“I’d love that,” you reply with a shy grin, grabbing his arm and hugging it tightly.

In the blink of an eye, you’re in front of your car. You let go of his arm and lean against the trunk. You stare into his eyes, hoping that he can see without the use of words how much you don’t want this moment to end. There’s a few moments of painful silence before Bucky clears his throat.

“So, now that we’re not total strangers, how about that kiss?” he flirts with pleading eyes.

“Okay,” you reply with a bashful smile.

He slowly reaches his hand towards your cheek, softly stroking it with his thumb. He presses his forehead against yours. “Are you sure you want to do this? ‘Cause if we do, you might not be able to get rid of me, sweetheart.”

“Yes I do, Bucky,” you giggle.

He grins as he gently presses his pillowy pink lips on yours. The kiss steals all the air from your lungs—his touch sends tingles throughout your body, electrifying your veins. You’re breathless when your lips finally part.

“Let me get your number before I let you go,” Bucky insists. You nod and hand him your phone, unable to form a coherent thought.  The ghost of his lips and fingers trace your figure. You’re barely acquainted with his tender touch, yet you feel naked without it, yearning to once again be within his grasp.

You exchange phones—adding your number and name with a sparkling heart emoji and swiftly passing his phone back before you can change your mind. Bucky snaps a quick selfie for his contact, smirking for the camera. You grin when you see he also put emojis by his name: a beetle and a kissy-face.

He pecks your cheek before opening the car door for you. “Hope to see you around, lovebug.” The new pet name burns your cheeks and erupts butterflies in your stomach.

He doesn’t leave the parking lot until your car disappears completely from his view.

You drive home with thoughts of Bucky swirling in your mind. You send a silent thanks to the universe for bringing this beautiful man into your life. His voice, touch, and smile echo in your thoughts for the remainder of the evening—his presence paving its way through your dreams. You’re falling hard and fast; you only hope he’ll be there to catch you.

tagging a few mutuals who expressed interest in this story🥰please fill out the taglist form if you’d like to be tagged in the next story! 💖

@ritesofreverie @midnightf @certainaesthetic

[jibber-jibber-chicken-dinner]

I wish you would write a trans male! Reader where they’re planning to go pride together and Buck surprises reader with a bunch of trans pride things to wear! Example t shirt shorts necklaces etc

Evan Buckley x Trans-Male!Reader -- request

♡ Title: Next To You

♡ Word Count: 1,053 words. 

♡ Relationship: Evan Buckley x Trans-Male!Reader 

♡ Rating: General Audiences 

♡ Warning: Not Applicable 

♡ Summary: Buck surprises you on a morning, shortly after you'd told him you are transgender, with a box full of pride items as his way of reminding you that you've both been planning to go to L.A. Pride together.

♡ Beta: Not Beta Read 

♡ Notes: A request for the lovely @evanbuckos! Thank you so much for requesting, we hope you enjoy!

You woke up early that morning to an empty bed and Buck's pyjamas folded neatly (Neat is subjective! As Buck would say) on his pillow beside your head. You stretched your arms above your head and yawned, scratching the top of your head as you pulled yourself into a seating position.

You scanned the room and smiled to yourself as you heard pans clanging in the kitchen and you smelled eggs cooking, coffee brewing, and could hear the sizzle of what could be bacon or sausage in a pan. You bit your lip as you got out of yours and Buck's bed in your shared bedroom, changed out of your pyjamas into your Adidas joggers, a binder, and a grey t-shirt from Buck's side of the closet. It wasn't uncommon for you two to share t-shirts and sweaters, even though Buck's size always fit baggy on your smaller frame, and your size always fit tightly over Buck's toned chest and broader shoulders.

You gave yourself a once over in the mirror, running your fingers through your cropped hair which sat messy on your head at the moment. You smiled at your reflection; you were still pre-testosterone, but the changes to your appearance (i.e. cutting your hair, wearing clothes from the men's section, the small tone definition to your arms from lifting weights and working out more, etc.) that you had made since coming out to your friends, family, and your boyfriend made you happy. You were being your true self, after so many years of denying and hiding.

You took a breath and made your way out into the kitchen. You smiled at the view of Buck's back facing you as he cooked.

"Is that Evan Buckley, up before noon on his day off-shift, cooking us breakfast?" You teased, biting your lip softly as he turned to face you. Buck grinned.

"Good morning, Y/N." He said, sounding as if the sight of you took his breath away.

You approached him and pressed a kiss to his lips with your hands finding their perch on his hips. Buck smiled into the kiss and pulled away to flip the sausages. "I actually have something to show you," Buck said, picking up the spatula to move the scrambled eggs around in the pan. "I ordered some things and they came in this morning; I got the email notification last night that they'd arrive in the mail by 7:30, that's why I got up so early. They're in the box by the front door, go check 'em out."

You lifted a brow at him but his focus was still on the food. "Buck, you know you don't have to buy me gifts, we just got this place, you should save your m-"

"Shush," Buck said, placing a finger over your lips with his free hand and locking eyes with you. You pouted. "Just go look in the box."

"Alright, okay." You said and shook your head, smiling fondly at the blonde man. He grinned.

You hurried over to the box sitting by the front door, seeing that the tape was already split which meant Buck had already opened it. You pushed apart the flaps on the top of the box and a little gasp fell from your lips when you saw the contents on the inside.

You could hear Buck putting breakfast on plates in the kitchen, silently thankful that he couldn't see the tears welling up in your eyes at that moment. You stuck your hands in the box and pulled out a folded, packaged trans pride flag. You set it on the floor by the box and pulled out two rainbow-beaded necklaces that had a red heart on them with the two words "His" and "His" written on them; you guessed it was like those cheesy "His and His" t-shirts, one for you and one for Buck.

You sniffled and pulled out pronoun pins next; he/him written on both pins, again you guessed one for you and one for Buck.

You smiled upon remembering how Buck began putting his pronouns in his bio's on social media after you came out and told him it'd really help you to feel supported.

You wiped your nose and eyes on your forearm before pulling out the last items; two t-shirts with hearts on the front in the patterns of the bisexual and trans pride flags. A little sob escaped your lips when you realized which t-shirts were for who, and you realized what all this was for.

Buck was taking you to Pride, and he was going to wear the bi-heart t-shirt next to you as you wore your trans heart t-shirt (as well all the rest of the items in the box).

You turned around when you heard footsteps and stood on your feet to meet Buck on his level. He looked shy.

He clasped one hand in the other and gave you one of his famous Buckley-dazzler smiles. "Um, I- I just remember how we said we'd actually go to Pride this year, your first Pride after coming out. I know how difficult it was for you to make that giant step and tell everyone," Buck said as he stepped towards you, taking your hands in his. "I am so proud of you, Y/N. And I want to go to my first Pride ever with my handsome boyfriend next to me and be an out-and-proud bisexual man next to him."

There was no way you could stop the tears then. And you didn't feel shy or embarrassed about it. It was something you and Buck had been working on as a couple; reminding one another that crying, showing emotions, and being vulnerable does not take away from your masculinity, having feelings does not make either of you "less than a man", despite what society still insists on trying to tell everyone.

"Buck, I... Thank you. I love you, so much, Evan." You said, leaning forward and tilting your head up to press a kiss to his lips.

Buck pulled you close, nuzzling into your temple after pulling away from the kiss and breathed your scent in for a moment before he smiled. "I love you, too, Y/N. I love you, so much. Let's go eat now, before it gets cold."

We hope you enjoyed! Please consider reblogging & leaving a comment/review on this post! <3

[mypimpademia]

hey girly !! i have no clue if your request are open are not but can you do the “hey shawty your man around” tik tok trend with bakugou,shinso,mirio or whoever you want

Bakugo x reader, Shinso x reader, Mirio x reader

TW: Swearing

Notes: my requests are open as long as my bio says so

Lmfao ummm.... ngl I had a request before this but my ideas for this one have been sittin in my head since I got this and my brain is this close || to straight curb stomping me if I dont write it💀

On Mirios part, he still has his quirk

Tags:

@myhoodacademia @bnhainthewoo @iiminibattlehero @ecao @v-vpluto @cheerfulpeople1234 @strawberry-ice @mixxfi @renzai @liltodo @deepsleepysheep @wolfkid22 @mythiccheroacademia @soy-diablito @myfandemons

BAKUGO

Chile... do you have a death wish?

If so, then continue reading❤

Katsuki actually doesn't know about this trend... because he's a nerd and stays on pro hero fan tiktok

And really only hears about trends like theses from Denki and Sero

So yall are probably chillin, and you just decide to do it

Sitting next to each other on the couch, youre using Katsukis legs as a footrest, and you pull up the audio

You were scared for your life, but you wanted to see what happened

Plus, if you do shit like this and you date Katsuki at the same time, you just prepared to see God when you feel like bein on yo bs💀

And when you hit that play button, you completely accepted that fact

Hearing the ring tone, Katsuki perked up, and side eyed you, wondering who it was

"Yo whats good shawty, yo man still around?"

Honestly...

As soon as he heard a male voice that he didn't recognize he snatched your phone out of your hand

"WHO THE FUCK IS THIS, AND WHY ARE YOU CALLING MY S/O?!"

This man defined 0 to 100 on the spot and did it flawlessly, award winning type shit

When he cools down after yelling his lungs out for 10 more seconds, he finally looks at the screen

Your phone got turned to ash before you could blink

"KATSUKI, IT WAS A JOKE, YOU JUST BROKE MY PHONE."

"This is your own fault."

"I DIDN'T MAKE YOU BLOW UP MY PHONE!"

"And I didn't make you do what you just did."

Hes highkey petty about the whole thing too

"Katsu, can I use your phone?"

"Where's yours? Oh wait, you decided to make a stupid decision and don't have one anymore."

But he eventually buys you a new one when he feels like he tortured you enough (a month later btw)

SHINSO

Now this man...

You can never tell what he's thinking

So you really didn't know what to expect

You're probably in his dorm, chillin on Hitoshi's bed while he's in the bathroom taming his unruly ass hair

At first, you were just scrolling through TikTok (sound low for plot purposes, he can't know whats going on) and suddenly you came across one with the audio

You scrolled through some of the ones using the audio, and found them pretty funny, and decided to try it out yourself

So you turn up your volume, and opened up the sound

You reposition yourself so that your camera would be pointed towards where he comes out of the bathroom

And you started recording

"Yo whats good shawty, yo man still around?"

There was a second of silence before you faked a reply

But as if on command, right when you uttered a single syllable, Hitoshi stepped out of the bathroom and just stood there and just looked at you

Again, you can never tell what he was thinking, so you didn't know if his reaction was good or bad or somewhere in between

But regardless of what it was, it cracked you up

You started laughing hysterically and got up from his bed and walked up to him and held the camera up to his face and then stopped the video

And then a second later you feel his palm hit your forehead, and when you blink yourself back into reality you follow him back into his bathroom

"What kind of reaction is that??"

"It wasn't a reaction, I already knew about the trend."

"So you just hit my forehead for no reason?"

"I didn't hit you."

"Then what did you do, Hitoshi?"

"It was a love tap."

MIRIO

Usually, he doesn't ever have negatively reactions to anything

So you weren't scared going into this, especially since it was just for a tiktok

Youre lying down on his couch, and just scrolling through your tiktok

When you came across a TikTok using the audio

The video was light hearted, and all the boyfriend did was laugh and play fight with the person behind the camera

It honestly made you think of your own boyfriend, and you wondered how he'd react if you did it

Hearing distant footsteps, you made a split second decision to do it then and there

You quickly opened up the audio, and when the footsteps were close enough, you pushed the record button

"Yo whats good shawty, yo man still around?"

A second later, Mirios upsidedown face was in front of yours

"Who are ya' talkin' to Sunshine?"

Tilting his head back up, he saw that you were just on TikTok

"Oh! Haha, gave me a real scare for a second babe."

Mirio gives you a long kiss to your cheek, wrapping his arms around you

Then looks up at the camera and winks, sticking his tongue out

When you post it, the entire comment section just calls him adorable and says you're both so cute together

If youre looking for the most wholesome reaction you could get, Mirio is the way to go

[swampofiniquity]

The Luckiest (Chris Redfield x Reader)

Part One of Two

Rated: Explicit

Word Count: 2,531 (oops) 

Summary: After work tears him away from your honeymoon, Chris surprises you by coming home early. 

Warnings: sexual content, thigh riding, fingering

Cross posted to AO3

It was a beautiful night and you had the windows open to enjoy the sweet, fragrant breeze as it carried the scent of night-blooming jasmine into your new living room. You had just spent the better part of an hour covering the carpet with a tarp and methodically taping off the trim, getting ready to paint the boring eggshell white walls a more vibrant turquoise. As an artist, there was something soothing to the actions, to even just the intent to paint, to transform your surroundings into something brighter. It was a balm to your frazzled mental state.

It had been a stressful day to say the least, overseeing the movers and contractors while juggling phone calls from your day job and trying to keep the dogs calm in a brand new environment. It was made all the more worse by the obvious, looming absence of your newly pronounced husband. He was originally supposed to be there to help with the move, but now it looked like the same incident that him cutting your honeymoon short was likely to extend into another week.

You were disappointed of course, but not exactly surprised. You knew what you were signing up for when you agreed to marry the BSAA Captain, but it didn’t stop you from wishing that the man could take at least one well earned vacation without it being interrupted by bio-terrorism.

At least with Chris being away for a while, you had some time to make the new house feel a little more homey before he got back. As of now, you had only managed to unpack the essentials, a few kitchen boxes, some stuff from the master bathroom, and some sheets for the bed. The house itself was still a maze of bare walls, moving boxes, plastic wrapped furniture (unfortunately including your bed frame) and stray bubble wrap.

That, along with the usual worry-induced insomnia that always gripped you when Chris was called away on an extended mission, led to you setting up to paint at 8 o’clock at night.

You had decided to make a night of it, cracking open a cheap bottle of wine, the only one you had that was twist-off since you had no earthly idea where your bottle opener was hiding in the mess of boxes, and dragging out the old boombox to keep you company. You popped in one of the mix CD’s you made back in college and cranked the music up just loud enough to avoid pissing off your new neighbors.

About an hour into painting, you were half tipsy and partially covered in paint, but you were actually having fun and had managed to make decent progress, completing two of the four walls. Your first CD of the night ended, so you took another swig of wine straight from the bottle and selected a new one.

As a new song played and you picked the paint roller back up, your two dogs started barking from where they were sequestered in the other room. You didn’t think much of it since they had been outside recently and been going off at every little noise all day, still not quite comfortable in their strange environment. You knew the doors were all locked and bolted, so you just let them get it out of their system and went back to work with a shrug.

A decision you’d come to regret when you soon felt a hand on your shoulder.

You shrieked and spun around, brandishing the paint roller as a makeshift weapon. The intruder dodged at the last second, narrowly avoiding a bright splat of turquoise across the chest. Your heart beating wildly, your legs almost gave out when you recognized the man standing in your living room.

“Easy there,” came your husband’s familiar rumbling voice, his hands outstretched towards you like he was trying to approach a particularly feisty feral cat.

“God, Chris! You scared the shit outta me,” you dropped the roller, not bothering to look where it landed, and launched yourself into his waiting arms.

He laughed, catching you and lifting you off your feet. “Baby, you are covered in paint!”

“I don’t care. You’re home,” you said into his neck, your body relaxing for the first time in days as you inhaled his scent. He was still wearing his travel-rumpled uniform and probably hadn’t showered in days, but you didn’t mind. He was alive and back where he belonged, that was all that mattered.

“Mmm yes I am. I like what you’ve done with the place,” he quipped, craning his neck around you to survey the half-painted, mostly empty living room. The only furniture that had made it in so far was the sectional couch, still covered in plastic to protect it from any stray paint. You had also set-up a lopsided ‘table’ out of boxes to hold your boombox and half empty wine bottle. It was a far cry from the clean, perfect household you had planned on welcoming him home too.

“Hey,” you whined, shimmying back down to your feet and pulling away to put your hands on your hips. “Don’t mock the process. I’ve been working my butt off to-”

“I hope not,” Chris interrupted, reaching around and groping your ass through your shorts.

You laughed and smacked him in the chest. “You’re a real comedian tonight, huh?”

He bent down and kissed you, and you lost yourself in the feeling for a moment. “I’m anything you want me to be, baby.”

You hummed and wrapped your arms around his neck, letting him pick you back up and going limp in his arms. His lips found your neck and started to leave a series of soft, wet kisses from your jawline to your collarbone. You sighed contentedly. “I just want you to be Chris. I missed him.”

“He missed you too.”

Chris took a deep breath, the action making his chest press even more firmly against yours. This was what he loved most about coming home, even back when home was your old cramped apartment. Being able to leave Captain Redfield and the BSAA and whatever horrors he had faced in the field behind, and just be Chris again. Wrapped in your arms, everything was simple. He was just yours. Your husband. He wondered if that would ever get old, and hoped to god it didn’t.

Fingers playing with the short hair on the nape of his neck, you pulled back so you could see his face. “You need anything, hun? We don’t actually have any food yet, but I could order something. There are a few places nearby that should still be open.”

Chris shook his head. “Nah, I’m good. This,” he leaned down and pressed his lips to yours again, his arms tightening around you. “This is everything I need.”

You felt your heart clench and used your hands on his neck to bring him back down for another, deeper kiss. He hummed, coaxing you to open your lips so he could slip his tongue in to tangle with yours. A rush of heat whooshed down between your legs.

“I need you too,” you breathed after separating for air. Chris’ eyes went dark.

“I know, baby. Let me take care of you.” Two strong hands cupped your ass and hoisted you up higher until you instinctively wrapped your legs around his waist. He turned and headed for the wrapped-up couch. “My poor wife, I promised her she wouldn’t be able to walk after our honeymoon and didn’t come through. I need to make it to you, don’t I?”

A sudden surge of arousal stole your voice and you could only nod as Chris sat down on the arm of the couch. He moved you effortlessly until you were settled, straddling one of his muscular thighs. You could feel the heat from his body through your flimsy gym shorts and didn’t bother to hold back a moan.

“You’re so pretty like this, dressed down, no make-up, paint in your hair.” He reached up and tugged at some strands of your ponytail that must have gotten in the way while you worked. You smiled sheepishly. “And I gotta be the luckiest person in the world to be the one to come home to you.”

You felt flushed at his words. “I love you so much.”

Chris kissed you as a response and you got the message as clearly as if he had spoken it. You felt his adoration in the way his hands roamed your body, caressing you gently and finding all the familiar spots that made you shiver. Your own hands shot out to his shoulders, anchoring yourself as the fire he was building inside of you slowly began to ramp up.

Desperate for more, you rocked forward as he continued to kiss you, making you gasp against his mouth as the movement dragged your core against his leg, your underwear and shorts putting delicious pressure on your clit. Chris swore, using his hands to guide your hips into moving again and again until your body took over and you started to ride him in earnest.

“Can I take this off, baby?” Chris tugged at the old, over-sized shirt you threw on before you started painting. Once again, all you could do was nod, your focus split between him and your approaching orgasm. Warm hands trailed up your body after the fabric as he slowly, deliberately rolled it up and over your head.

“This too?” He asked, fingers hooked into the band of your sports bra. “You wanna let me kiss your beautiful breasts while you ride my thigh?”

“Oh god, Chris,” you panted, throwing your head back. You were getting close.

He squeezed you through your bra and your hips stuttered from the added pleasure. “That a yes? Come on, let me hear it.”

“Yes,” you nearly screamed and he wasted no time in sending the restrictive garment flying across the room to join your shirt.

Your skin was hot, but his tongue was hotter as he bent to give much needed attention to your sensitive breasts. He licked and kissed your skin, skimming the edge of your nipples, not quite giving you enough to send you over the edge.

You whimpered. “Chris.”

“I got you, baby.” Finally, he took one of your nipples into his mouth as one of his hands snaked down the front of your shorts. Deft fingers pushed inside you, his thumb finding your clit and rubbing it relentlessly.

Now riding his hand, your legs turning to jello as your climax built. “Fuck,” you shouted.

“That’s it. You’re so wet for me, my little wife. I want to see you come. Can you do that for me, baby?" He asked, his breath ghosting across your skin as he rambled. He switched sides and pulled your neglected nipple into his mouth, teeth scraping the overly sensitive flesh.

The sweet burst of pain sent you careening over the edge, your whole body shaking as your orgasm hit you. Your mouth dropped open, a scream caught in your throat as he finger fucked you through the aftershocks until you were so overly sensitive that your body squirmed involuntarily away from his hand.

"God, you're perfect." He carefully gathered your still trembling body into his arms and cradled you close to his chest. The soothing thud of his heart beat helped you come back to earth as you buried your too hot face in his shirt. Chris rubbed your back, fingers tracing little circles that left goosebumps on your skin.

"Mmm that feels nice," you almost purred.

You stayed cuddled together like that for a long while, both of you reluctant to move or speak, not wanting to break the quiet, loving spell that had fallen. For the first time since you moved in, the new house felt full. Like home.

Then a loud bark from one of the dogs made you jump. Chris laughed and you relished being close enough to feel it rumble through his chest. "I guess I better go say hi to Dumb and Dumber."

"Don't be mean," you scolded. "Poor things missed you too. I mean, I came back from our trip without you, then packed up all our stuff and moved to a completely different place. They probably thought they'd never see you again."

"Then I better not keep them waiting." When he started to stand, you made to get up too, but Chris shook his head and gently transferred you from his lap to the couch. "You stay, I'll go let them outside. I need a cigarette anyway."

You frowned. Chris had quit smoking back when you first started dating, however he had taken it back up this year and you hated it. Mostly because you knew it was due to stress from his job and he refused to talk to you about it. But he had only just gotten home and you wanted this blissful moment to last as long as possible. You bit your tongue and saved the usual argument for another day. "Don't be too long."

"Don't worry, I'm not done with you tonight yet." He pressed a quick kiss to your forehead and walked off. You couldn't help but laugh at the sound of him greeting the dogs from the other room. Chris had been against getting a pet at first, putting on a stern face and relenting only when you dragged him to the shelter and placed an adorable, wiggly puppy in his over-sized arms. You left that day with two and he'd been a huge softie for the pair ever since.

A similar story to when you first started dating, you mused as you laid out on the couch, the plastic sticking uncomfortably to your bare skin, but you couldn't muster up the energy to move. You also had to wear Chris down with your unbearable cuteness before he brought you home. When you had first met him, he had done little else in your presence but smoke cigarettes and brood.

You must have dozed off in your post-orgasm haze because the next thing you knew, your husband was gently shaking you awake. You stretched out languidly and moaned as some of your joints popped.

"I can carry you up to bed if you want."

You shook your head and grinned up at him. "Just resting up for round two."  

"Oh really?" Chris helped you up and spun you back in his arms. You pressed yourself up against him and the rough fabric of his uniform felt amazing against your bare chest.

"Of course. Why don't you go upstairs and start the shower? I need to put the paint up for tomorrow, but I'll join you."

"You saying I stink?" You squealed as he tickled your sides with the accusation. After a moment of enjoying the torture, he let you wrestle his hands away and place them on your hips.

“No,” you replied, hopping up on your tip-toes to peck his lips. "I'm saying I want you wet and naked and completely at my mercy."

Chris growled, pulling you back into a kiss. His teeth grazed your bottom lip. “Yes, ma’am.”

Part Two Available Here

[dogcopter]

Jane is Lore 2020

Ok, here’s the round up of the ghost part of the situation with @keepbeachcitysafe​ and @keepbeachcityweird​.

Theory: Ronaldo’s girlfriend Jane is the key to figuring out Rose Quartz is not gone, largely via a constellation of background clues. If that sounds ridiculous, I understand. I’m Ronaldo. Actually I’m not Ronaldo, but hopefully I’ll have a post about him too soon. I hope we can all have fun together tho

This post is very, very long and involves a lot of images. It will be confusing at first, but please entertain the thought and keep reading, and I hope it clicks into place. I may need to update it later. 

Three sections for supporting evidence:

1. Restaurant Wars, Jane, KBCW/KBCS blogs’ interaction & contents

2. Astral projection/ghosts/fusions

3. Dogcopter secrets

Restaurant Wars Saga & Jane’s appearances

So Ronaldo has a blog at @keepbeachcityweird​ - he also published a book based on his blog called Keep Beach City Weird: You Can’t Hide the Truth!!!, which is available for purchase.

On April 23, 2014, Lion 2: The Movie airs. Jane appears for the first time working the ticket booth at the movie theater and sees Lion and the kids fight a killer robot. Dogcopter 3 is playing at the theater.

April 23, 2014, Ronaldo at Keep Beach City Weird also posts about seeing Dogcopter 3 at the movie theater, where the parking lot is a mess, presumably from Steven, Connie and Lion’s robot training fight.

He mentions “First of all, it’s a huge mistake to turn the last Dogcopter book into THREE movies.”, but that’s less relevant to this particular post. The important thing is that he, like Connie, follows Dogcopter, who’s also associated with Jane. (We’ll get to Dogcopter’s appearances in SU in the last part of this once the context is established) 

Ronaldo’s posts in general document specific events and details in his home Beach City, but that’s another post entirely.

Exactly a year later, Ronaldo on April 23, 2015 posted about receiving a mysterious letter, which might be from Jane because (beneath a great deal of smudging) it appears to call Ronaldo the CUTEST GUY EVER! (This isn’t crucial or anything, just noting it as one of our first Jane points).

I GOT A LETTER TODAY!!!  But for some reason it was all wet and I can’t even tell what it says.  Is it a love letter?  Is it a death threat?  Please tell me!  I need to know if I should lock my doors or open my heart!

Jane also appears in Beach City Drift. After Beach City Drift, keepbeachcitysafe posts an episode reaction blog, on July 22 2016, and takes special notice of Jane.

Hey did you guys notice that girl that keeps appear. We saw her when Steven took Connie to the movies and now she’s here. I wonder if she’s involved in something. Hmmmm. So Stevonnie raced Kevin down the hill in his Himitsu X12, that’s secret in Japanese.

(Kevin’s Himitsu X12 is his car, in the middle there. We’ll come back to this and what KBCS means in a second.)

July 25 2016, Restaurant Wars airs, the third of Jane’s four appearances in SU. In this ep, Jane comes a long way to return Ronaldo’s Koala Princess DVDs, and catches Ronaldo with Kiki and is upset. 

KBCS posts another episode reaction blog, pays attention to Jane again, and says they plan to message Ronaldo.

Ronaldo says he can’t do it because of his girlfriend. Ooo, he has a girlfriend, that’s pretty cool, you just know whats gonna happen next.

Ok so, Ronaldo’s, GIRLFRIEND, (imagine me saying that in slow motion) showed up at the worst possible moment.

Everything was back to normal. Except poor Ronaldo, I should sent him a letter to cheer him up. Seen ya next week.

Almost immediately the KBCS and KBCW blogs play out a little interaction online:

Ronaldo goes through some stuff.

No post today.  If anyone needs me I’ll be at Brooding Hill… where I’ll be CRYING. I usually cry at Crying Canyon, but it’s closed right because of some flash flood warnings.  

Then Ronaldo posts KBCS’s letter.

Note how KBCW caps this message so the name is clearly visible? It’s referring to Ronaldo’s bio:

It’s not very cheering...but things work out shortly thereafter. Jane likes one of Ronaldo’s posts and all seems well.

I think it’s going to work out you guys.  Thanks for all your support.

After this, Ronaldo doesn’t post again until Rocknaldo several months later, and one last time after publishing his book. 

That’s April 18 2017. The KBCW tumblr is never updated again. KBCS’s final post is not long after, Jul 4, 2017.

Finally, Jane makes a cameo alongside Ronaldo in the very last scene of Steven Universe Future, “The Future.”

Koala Princess, Astral Projection and Psychic Ghosts

So some interesting patterns come up when you connect the two blogs, the clues associated with Jane, and some understanding of Steven’s powers. Let’s revisit Keep Beach City Weird, a Ronaldo’s primary blog, and Keep Beach City Safe, which contains mysteries too big for this simple Dogcopter/Jane-hime lore post.

Keep Beach City Weird - Ran from September 2013 to April 2017, with a lot of posts made in October 2015 and July 2016.

Keep Beach City Safe - Ran from June 2015 to July 2017, with most posts in 2016 of course.

Let’s look at a timeline of posts. I’m going to call out things that we’ll connect to the Jane lore at the end.

Keep Beach City Weird: Ronaldo’s blog

Nov 1, 2013, days before Steven Universe first airs: KBCW’s first post is all about Astral Projection.

Astral Projection!  The ability to travel outside your physical body and into other planes of existence!

I began to feel lightheaded and before I knew it, I was floating above my body.  Amazing!  I walked out onto the boardwalk in my new ASTRAL FORM, and you know what the weird thing was?  Nobody even said hello to me.  I was COMPLETELY INVISIBLE!  I mean, usually nobody really notices me, but this was a different kind of not being noticed.  This was not being noticed on another plane of existence - so I didn’t feel bad about it.Anyway, after being ignored in the arcade and Fish Stew Pizza, I got bored and I went back to the fry shop to re-merge with my body. 

Astral projection is a power Steven demonstrates a number of times, and you’ll see among these posts that certain powers of Steven involving this stuff are called out by the blog. 

Connie: What? Where are you? How are you...? Steven: I’m not sure, but I think it’s a classic psychic ghost type situation. Connie: Ah, of course! So, what’s the plan?

from Reunited

Steven: Oh man. I fell asleep and had this weird dream. I opened the door and Lapis was there, and- Pearl: Well, that doesn’t make any sense. Lapis is fused with Jasper at the bottom of the ocean. Steven: You’ve never had a dream before, huh? Pearl: Uh, I don’t think so.

from Chille Tid

August 28, 2014, Joking Victim, Ronaldo posts about ghosts. And an arsonist from about 150 years ago.

September 04 2014, Steven and the Stevens, Ronaldo posts about "cross dimensional travelers”

And all the cross dimensional time travelers I know don’t want to go on the record about their experiences.  

Not mentioning posts that don’t mention ghosts/astral projection/dimensions in some capacity, but in realtime Ronaldo liveblogs in response to episode events.

Ronaldo also answers some fan asks. On October 31 2014 after Keep Beach City Weird he answers this question about floaters with “BACTERIAL GHOSTS” in all caps, this one about his first encounter with the supernatural (the events shown in Horror Club, which aired February 12, 2015)

Nov 2014, Ronaldo posts twice about Watermelon Stevens and a review of the anime Soul Blaster, “Like every anime, Soul Blaster is about a high school student.  Our hero is a cool dude, with even cooler hair named Kyosuke.  He battles rogue spirits with the help of his Soul Blaster - which happens to be powered by the spirit of his deceased younger brother, Kettaro. “

On December 4, 2014 Ronaldo posts about Koala Princess, who will become important in this post when we get back to Dogcopter and Jane. Koala Princess is repeatedly used as a stand-in for talking about Steven’s journey. In this post Ronaldo says:

AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Ok, so I just finished the final episode of Koala Princess and I don’t want to get too emotional on you guys but I CAN’T STOP CRYING!  Koala Princess goes on a walkabout and enters dreamtime and finally MEETS HER KOALA MOTHER FOR THE FIRST TIME!!! SLKDJFSDJ:FS

I’ve got so many feels!  These feels are the real deals!  On wheels!  WHAT AM I SAYING?! I’M GOING CRAZY!!!

Lion 3: Straight to Video aired on the same day as Ronaldo’s post. In this episode Steven meets Dogcopter in a dream, and then sees his mother Rose Quartz for the first time - she speaks to him via a VHS tape.

After Alone Together, Ronaldo posts about Stevonnie, who is a fusion. He also gets stuck under a fridge for a bit after Future Vision in January 2015.

And I want TO GET OUT FROM UNDER THIS FRIDGE!

He posts like five times about it in the same day because he’s freaking out.

And also I want my body to be shot into space with a print version of my blog so an alien civilization can find me reconstruct my body and worship me.

On February 19 2015 after Winter Forecast, he posts about using time travel to fix bad decisions:

Sometimes I think about all the bad decisions I’ve made and how they’ve affected my life, and I wish I could go back in time and change them.  But unless I can find a way to break into the Pentagon and steal a time bike, I’m just stuck with having regrets.  

After Political Power Ronaldo claims glowsticks are filled with ghost blood.

Anyway, then stuff happens. 

January 4 2016, after The Answer, Ronaldo posts about seeing Dogcopter 4 and shares the poster for it.

One interesting thing about the poster is that if you invert it and mess with the contrast a bit, a strange diagram appears on the left. A true mystery.

And after months of avoiding and spoilers or teasers or trailers, I was in line for Dogcopter 4, and then some dummy walking out of the theater TOTALLY SPOILED EVERYTHING and was like, “I can’t believe that Dogcopter’s parents are actually cats.”  

Coming back to Dogcopter in a minute, but these are relevant details.

Dogcopter dies defending the planet but then he comes back to life because he’s actually part cat and cats have 9 lives.

On Jan 5, Steven’s Birthday, Ronaldo posts about celebrating his birthday on a different date every year.

Every year, I celebrate my birthday on a completely different day.  Why?  To keep my birthdate a SECRET so that no clandestine government agencies can steal my identity!

July 2016, the saga with Jane and KBCS above happens. When he’s sad about Jane breaking up with him, the same day Kiki’s Pizza Delivery Service comes out (in which Steven astral projects into Kiki’s dream), he listens to sad music.

Ugh, I wish I had some sad music to listen to at work.  All I have is a playlist of video game soundtracks and some EVP recordings of ghost hauntings.  I guess ghosts are sad.  I’ll just listen to those.

But if you’re feeling happy, I do suggest listening to the “Go-Go Gorilla Go-Go Kart Racing” soundtrack.  Some solid 16-bit J-reggae.

This post may partly be a reference to the Sadie Killer song G-G-G-Ghost, which is performed in The Big Show and wouldn’t air for a bit, but is also astral projection related.

Why can't you see me? Why can't you see me? I think I might be A g-g-g-ghost. Can't you see that I exist? And I don't need an exorcist To let me out Look at me and I'll appear Why can't you see that I'm right here? That I'm right here? Why can't you see me? Why can't you see me? I think I might be A g-g-g-ghost. I'm calling you from the other side

Once Ronaldo has gone through grief and anger, he resorts to begging her to come back. This post is from July 28, the day Alone at Sea aired in which Jasper begs Lapis to return.

Much like Koala Princess’ vision in the Eucalyptus Jungle in Season 5, Episode 13 what you saw on the Boardwalk the other day was not what it seemed. I was only pretending to date Kiki to defend my family’s honor, just as the Kanga-ronin did in Season 1, Episode 3!

Here is another Koala Princess reference. There are a couple SU references in the episode numbers in this post.

The events of Season 5, Episode 13 of KP was not what it seemed: for Steven Universe, this is Your Mother and Mine, in which Garnet tells a story told to her by Rose Quartz. It later turns out to be a false origin story to cover the truth that Rose Quartz was Pink Diamond.

Kanga-ronin pretended at something to defend family honor in Season 1, Episode 3, which in SU is Cheeseburger Backpack - where Steven buys a novelty backpack so he can carry things on missions to be useful for the gems, fails his first mission and pretends he’s fine. The events of this ep are later referenced in The Test.

Finally, Koala Princess’ vision in the Eucalyptus Jungle is a reference to Stevonnie’s vision in Jungle Moon, which is Stevonnie’s first interaction with Pink Diamond via a memory dream. In this dream, all was not as it seemed either.

Then the KBCW blog doesn’t post until Feb 2017, after Rocknaldo. A couple ghost and dream-y quotes from here:

In my searches for THE TRUTH, I’ve done a lot of listening.  I’ve listened to haunted houses to hear ghosts from other dimensions.  I’ve listened to radio signals from the cosmos for signs of alien life.

I’ve also learned that HUMANS NEED TO SLEEP.  I didn’t sleep for 48 hours and I PASSED OUT FOR DAYS.

Ronaldo’s final post is an ad for his book, which comes out during a hiatus, and he references Koala Princess again: 

I did have a little help from some fellow truth-stigators I met on a Koala Princess forum, Ben Levin and Matt Burnett, but most of the work was definitely done by ME!  

Now let’s look at Keep Beach City Safe.

Keep Beach City Safe: [???]’s blog

For KBCS, I’m only going to skim to address ghost/astral projection related content that comes back to the business with Jane, Dogcopter, Koala Princess and Rose. The rest of this blog is a little too big for right now. 

It’s interesting that KBCS seems to have mostly flown under the radar, but between the Jane arc and a couple other things I believe it to be legit. Suffice to say I’m treating it as real and you will see why in a minute.

For KBCS I’ll mostly mention which episode a post is associated with, but not the date like with Ronaldo’s.

KBCS’s reaction blog to Nightmare Hospital includes a couple relevant lines:

Where was the Gem M.? I heard footsteps behind me. I turned around! It was mom!

Don’t tell me It’s on the other side of the hall corner. That would mean it saw mo- Connie’s mom!

KBCS posts a blog between Too Far and The Answer, in which they review a number of events. (They post another blog about fusions in which they describe Garnet and Stevonnie’s components as well)

During the movie the TV just shut down and they were being chased around by a “ghost”. It was actually a gem stuck inside the house, making the house seem like it was possessed.

They also get pretty excited about Steven’s birthday.

Only a few more minutes until Steven’s Birthday!

Eeeeh! Only a few mins left until midnight. We finally get to learn about Garnet’s past! Are guys happy, I know I am. I can’t even express how happy I feel, but I’ll try. And I will not act crazy while doing it, Imma keep it cool. So it’s like Peace and Love had a son, and his name was Steven! Then Steven fused with Connie, who was the daughter of Happiness. And they formed Stevonnie, who was made of everything right within the universe!

On Steven’s Birthday they also post about the Dogcopter 4 movie.

I’m gonna be a Smart Spoiler and drop hints in my post for you guess. Only those who have watched it will notice the clues. Yep, watching it 9 times.

This clearly references Ronaldo’s post about Dogcopter having nine lives, but KBCS is a little more considerate about spoilers.

In KBCS’s “It Could’ve Been Great” post, they’re still talking about Steven’s birthday. There’s a promo image attached as well.

To start things off I just wanted to say: I did see Steven turn into a baby? And I would also like to say: DID YOU SEE STEVEN TURN INTO A BABY!?!?

So, by now your probably wondering what the second image is aren’t you? We clearly it’s a pic of Rose holding a cupcake candle.

We, here at Keep Beach City Safe, thought that Steven would’ve liked to have his mom at his birthday party. Happy Birthday from all of us at KBCS. Hope you like it.

Future Vision reference. (Some of this is less relevant to the Jane thing but I’m pulling quotes that are related to fusion and stuff in the hopes it gets clearer)

This reminds me of the time that Garnet gave Stevens her future vision. I don’t know what happens exactly, but I think you see what’s going to happen in the future hence the name future vision. Being able to see into the future would be awesome, yet terrified at same time.

There’s a great post about Pie Day - in fact, KBCS posts about Pie Day a few times. They call out Pearl, too, which reminds me of a certain prolific fandom video editor’s handle.

You know who else knows about Pi. Pearl, but also Peridot.

Pearl Doesn’t Like Pie. Happy Pie Day!

This is not a good photo of Pear let’s see if we can find a better one. Now that’s better.

Sorry for the tangent. Let’s talk koalas now.

KBCS posts about The New Lars. They have thoughts about Steven’s ability to hop into other bodies, namely the question of whether Rose could do this as well.

Steven is worried that Lars isn’t being truthful about his feelings. So through his dreams, Steven jumps into Lar’s body, and trys to make his life better. But he only makes things worse.

Steven somehow possessed Lars’s body through his dreams. He’s done it before and he’ll do it again, we have a word for it now: Dream Possession. But he can also enter dreams.

He did it with Lapis, the Watermelon Stevens, and now Lars. That’s one gem, one sentient plant, and one human. Well with lapis he was merely communicating with her. This, new power, is seems to activates itself whenever Steven wants to help someone, but can’t because something getting in the way. Could this be a power passed down from Rose, or is this a power he himself posses?

#koala vs sloth

in The New Lars, koalas come up twice. Koalas in SU are associated with Steven’s astral projection powers. Remember how Koala Princess met her mother in the dreamscape? 

Steven: For your consideration...The koala, a marsupial from the forests of Australia, and the sloth, hailing from the forests of South America. Who should be crowned the king of the "Hanging Around Doing Nothing" mammals!?

Steven in Lars’ body: Whatcha doing? Hanging out? Buck: Yeah. Steven: That's cool. Would you say you hang out more like koalas or sloths? Uh, I'm asking for Steven.

Steven: Um... I'm really, really sorry about yesterday. I got you a card, it's got a koala and a sloth.

From The New Lars. Steven references koalas three times.

KBCS gets to Beach City Drift. They take notice of Jane and of Kevin’s car.

Hey did you guys notice that girl that keeps appear. We saw her when Steven took Connie to the movies and now she’s here. I wonder if she’s involved in something. Hmmmm.

So Stevonnie raced Kevin down the hill in his Himitsu X12, that’s secret in Japanese.

So while we’re back on the subject of Jane, here’s something interesting about Dogcopter and the Himitsu X12. They both show up in advertisements together in the background of Empire City.

Mr Greg

Same Old World

This is what KBCS is talking about - Dogcopter has a secret.

For Kiki’s Pizza Delivery Service, KBCS has more to say about dreams.

She has a nightmare and Steven, coincidentally, falls asleep after eating and enters Kiki’s dream. Now Steven The Dream Warrior, must help Kiki battle her dream, and finally end this nightmare once and for all.

Steven, who for some reason keeps going into people’s dreams, goes into Kiki’s dream.

Steven fought for about week, and he’s was tired by day four. And we know from experience that a sleepless Steven, is a cranky Steven.

This is the same power Steven used in Chille Tid. and look who showed up again?

After Monster Reunion airs, KBCS posts a liveblog and includes a far-fetched accusation that Rose Quartz is Pink Diamond.

Think about it! A Diamond should have access to all gem controlled tech, right. And if Rose Quartz was Pink Diamond, which she is, then she should be able to too, right. And Steven has Rose’s gem. So now Steven can access gem tech. And one more thing to prove this theory once and for all.

But there’s one thing that doesn’t add up. Rose Quartz… is a Quartz. How could she be a Diamond?????? Maybe I’m wrong, she could have been just working along side Pink Diamond. Maybe this just a crackpot theory about the impossible. I don’t think gems can turn into different gems? who knows, I guess we’ll find out sooner or later. 

When KBCS gets to Crack the Whip, they take note of Lion and tag him thrice:

Crack the Whip! Is it just me or is that foreshadowing?

Oh, did I mention that Lion was there. He was just there, when Connie opened the door, he walked up and just started hanging. It was so cool! It was like, Just Lion Things 2! So the snack break, that takes the whole day, ends at the beach, where the idea originally began.

Amethyst faces off Jasper, gem to gem, while Steven and Connie, and don’t forget Lion, fight the corrupted gem.

Lion was keeping the Gem Monster busy while all of this was happening. I was so stunned when Steven and Connie fused, without doing a fusion dance! How well they worked, together, they rode on Lion, and defeated Jasper, and poofed the Gem Monster all at the same time!!!

#just lion things 2 #lion fights #lion still fights

There’s also a weird Google Slides slideshow connected to the KBCS account, which includes this image featuring Lion, Tiny Floating Whale, (and Connie and Greg) and the word TRUE with Steven’s affirmative!

More Koala Princess

Two more Koala Princess references - although only one is immediately relevant - 

In Gemcation, Ronaldo keeps texting Steven about Koala Princess. Steven’s lockscreen is a selfie with him and Lion.

Also, as a sidenote, Koala Princess is implicated in sneople trolls on anime message boards.

Dogcopter

These are just the Dogcopter appearances (Thanks to SU wiki as well as my brain) Dogcopter fights robots in at least one timeline, and the book is allegedly really long. Bold Dogcopters are the pink dogcopter, everything else is an ad or grey.

Lars and the Cool Kids - Poster

Lion 2 - The movie they all go see.

Lion 3 - Gives Steven advice.

Chille Tid  - Shows Steven how to find Lapis. Meows. (Dogcopter’s parents are cats.)

Same Old World & Mr. Greg - Advertisement

Kiki’s Pizza Delivery Service - flies Steven away.

In Dreams and Growing Pains (Note this is grey Dogcopter) - Flies away in Stefan’s nightmare, proposes to Drew the driver (or at least offers them something) in the Dogcopter 6 Till Death Do Us Bark I Now Pronounce You Man and Woof trailer.

Snow Day - Pupcopter, a spinoff for babies.

And for Steven’s Birthday - Connie points out a Dogcopter constellation.

Astral Projection

Another quick summary. I’ve written a lot on this psychic ghost stuff so check my blog if you want the tags, idrc. Summary of astral projection powers Steven has shown:

Leaving his body (Reunited, Escapism)

Possessing other bodies (New Lars, Escapism, SWI)

Traveling to others’ dreams (Kiki’s Pizza, Chille Tid)

Interacting with fusion components within the fusion’s mind (Chille Tid, Mindful)

Regarding KBCS’s question of whether Rose could have done this, it doesn’t seem impossible - and as of Fragments and Homeworld Bound, we know that Gems don’t die when they are killed. (Lol.) That is, the personality/soul can appear in the same gem if it’s shattered and repaired. And Steven’s mom’s gem is perfectly intact, inside him. 

Literally what is the point of all this

So after KBCS and KBCW spent so long talking about astral projection, ghosts, dreams, fusions, etc etc. they never actually got to the point - just pointed us in the direction of a bunch of clues that 

Rose Quartz isn’t gone.

Obviously. She’s in his gem in him, like Lapis and the mirror, or the lighthouse gem. She uses astral projection to help Steven in his dreams as well as see him in Rose’s room, like other fusions speak in the mindscape. (There’s a lot more to this but this is enough to ask anyone to wrap their head around atm) 

She also interacts with him through other bodies, the same way Steven takes over Lars’ body, or the Watermelon Stevens. 

Remember this?

We, here at Keep Beach City Safe, thought that Steven would’ve liked to have his mom at his birthday party.

Who came to Steven’s birthday in which Connie points out that Dogcopter constellation?

Who gave Steven advice when he wished he could talk to his mom?

Who showed Steven where to find the tape?

Who else could have asked Steven, “What do you want” in Susan Egan’s voice? 

(Why did they choose to hire Susan Egan to voice a cameo in Under the Knife in the first few seconds of Fusion Cuisine, where she says “It’s my son!” while Lion is onscreen)

Or reassured him that Rose’s tape was telling him the truth?

Who first brought him to Pink Diamond’s moon base?

Who knew where Rose’s armory was and how to train with it? (Note the giant penny)

Who showed Steven the location of Pink’s fallen palanquin?

Who found Rose’s lost scabbard?

and knew where Pearl would run to when she’s upset?

Who (reluctantly) brought Steven to the landfill and Pink Diamond’s ship?

Who showed him how to find Malachite?

Twice?

Who showed him how Pink Diamond tried to stop the Earth’s colonization, and who to ask for the truth?

Who tried to entertain him on Mask Island when he was trapped on Homeworld?

And then rescued him from the open sea?

Who showed Stevonnie the password to Yellow Diamond’s moon base?

Much like Koala Princess’ vision in the Eucalyptus Jungle in Season 5, Episode 13 what you saw on the Boardwalk the other day was not what it seemed. 

So yeah Rose is Lion 2020. Thanks for reading this extremely long nonsense.

Also thanks to @babybeetlebongos​ for both mindscape lore and fixing Ronaldo’s cheek in the banner image, lol. I made a Twitter thread about this as well (and the more in depth Lion and astral projection theory threads are quoted at the top, if you need them. the #mindscape deeplore 2020 tag/tags on this post have stuff too.)