#cof memories

[koushirouizumi]

{Young Me was Funny at Times, Maybe} DigiAdvs x P.K.M.N ~ "The Fate of Four Worlds"

{DO NOT Copy} {DO NOT Use}

[corvidaeconundrum]

Cry of Monsters in a nutshell

[abeluser]

I dream in gold src engine

[rxshl]

[werecreature-addicted]

Imagine an alliance between 2 tribes, the werewolves and the humans, lately there have been many disputes and grudges between the two tribes, so they planned an alliance, a marriage, the daughter of the leader of the humans should marry the leader of the opposing tribe, a young werewolf with the desire to start a beautiful family

He coughs trying to calm his heart as he imagines the great difference in size between the two and the good sex they would have COF COF

You were ready to do whatever it took to keep your people safe, and if marrying the Alpha of the werewolves to keep the peace, so be it. Really this was a good thing, it would double the land your people had access to, double the resources and riches, not to mention werewolves had proven to be formidable adversaries, and they were sure to make invaluable allies. so why were you shaking? why were you so scared? this was clearly the right thing to do for you and the people you served.

You supposed the fear was natural. you'd spent almost all of your adult life fighting these monsters. almost dying to their sharp claws and vicious teeth. it would probably be a while before you stopped seeing all werewolves as a monolithic enemy. Although, you already knew all werewolves weren't bad. When you were a child you would sneak away into the woods and play with a werewolf pup around your age. Now looking back you cringe thinking about how dangerous that was, no doubt one of you would have been killed if either of you had been caught. Still, he'd been sweet, if one werewolf child could be kind, couldn't they all be?

Your wedding was hardly even a ceremony. Guards on both sides lined the walls of the office, fully armed and tense, ready to strike if something should go wrong. you smiled tensely at your husband-to-be as you signed the paperwork officially making you a married couple, he did not smile back. The marriage license meant almost nothing to him, werewolves sealed their romantic ties in a different way.

Every human in the room goes stiff as the werewolf alpha tilts your head to the side, cupping your jaw with one hand and pulling the collar of your shirt to the side with the other. your heart races and you try to be pliant in his hands, but your mind is flooded with your memories from battle. how many times have you been bitten by a werewolf? how many times had you felt the searing pain of their bear trap-like jaws clamping down on you, crushing your armor, and tearing your skin? he bites you just as you start hyperventilating. You scream. he's killing you, he's going to rip your throat out this was all a trap, you're going to die.

He lets go of you and you collapse, your legs shaking too badly to keep you up, The werewolf pulls you back into your arms, licking at the wound he just left, you struggle, still panicked. "sorry, I know it hurt, humans are so weak," he murmurs still licking at your neck. it does soothe the pain, slowly you start to relax too. you hadn't died, he hadn't betrayed you. you were bound together now, Mated as they called it.

You put yourself together again in time for the celebratory banquette. you were a warrior and a leader, you had to be stronger than this, or at the very least look stronger than this. You stood statuesque next to your new husband at the head of the table, humans and werewolves alike cheered in joy, the war was over, the tribes united. People ate and talked merrily, although no one seemed brave enough to cross the invisible boundary line, werewolves ate with werewolves, humans with humans.

there was a lavish meal set in front of you but you didn't feel up to eating, instead, you examine your reflection in the back of a spoon, despite the wound only being a few hours old it's already scared over looking months old. You knew werewolves had some healing properties, you were surprised this magic could be transferred to humans.

"Does it hurt?" you jump at the rough voice, you'd almost forgotten your husband was right beside you.

"no. I'm just surprised that it doesn't," you admit. he reaches over and lays his clawed hand on top of yours comfortingly.

"I'm sorry it scared you," he says and you feel your face go hot you were embarrassed at your reaction. you knew he was going to bite you as a way to mark your union, you should have been better prepared. you look in his eyes, they're a strange yellow color, it's captivating, even if his expression is stoic his eyes are looking at you kindly. you remember again the werewolf boy you were friends with, and you wonder if he remembers you if he's even still alive. You hoped he was, you hoped you could see him again in this new life.

you blink, realizing you'd gotten lost in thought just staring at him. "I- It's alright I mean. I'll live," you stammer. He squeezes your hand reassuringly.

"Of course, you're so tough a single bite wouldn't be enough to take down my mate," he's teasing you you realize, it makes you smile a little. this wouldn't be so bad after all.

[cherriegyuu]

crossing the line | two | kmg

pairing: mingyu x fem!reader genre: smut, angst, fluff (ish) word count: 3.7k warnings: smut (18+), minors do not interact, oral (male receiving) kissing, swearing part one

this is part of my series, seventeen as songs from lover (ts)

Mingyu ➝ Paper RingsI hate accidents, except when we went from friends to this↳ Mingyu had always been your best friend and that line had never been crossed before, then, one day, you woke up naked ion his bed with a vivid memory of the previous night.

Ever since he was a kid, Mingyu had this sort of life motto: regret nothing and own up to the consequences of your actions. And for twenty-six entire years, he managed to do just that. Of course, there were things he wished he could have done differently. However, once something is done there is no going back. He could apologize for it, had it been a mistake, or he could just move on.  And although he didn’t regret a single moment of the night he spent with you, the owning-up part was a little trickier than he had expected.  

Mingyu was sure that your reaction would be bad, he knew that you’d get scared. But he thought that you would stay back so the two of you could talk. Or, at the very least, follow through with what you had said to him. Tomorrow morning, we go back to what we are, was what you said. But when morning came and Mingyu finally woke up, you were no longer in his bed. The only thing left of you was your perfume on his pillow.  

He figured that he should give you time. You got scared and that was normal. He had known you for four years and he knew that you weren’t the kind of person who enjoyed changes. You loved your routines and being inside your bubble. It was a surprise that you had let him get close to you at all, even more so when both of you grew attached to the other.  

Chan said that it was weird but he and Soonyoung were happy that you were finally allowing yourself to just be freer.  

Mingyu wanted to be that person for you but was it so bad that he also wanted to be more than? 

Truth be told, Mingyu had been interested in you since the moment you met. You, on the other hand, didn’t seem at all interested in him so he didn’t press you. When you opened up to him and allowed him to get closer to you, he was dating someone else.  

It was around the same time he started to let himself be touchy with you, like he always was with all his friends, that he noticed that the way he first felt about you didn’t change or disappear.   

He had been idiot enough to stay with his girlfriend, thinking that maybe he was reading too much into what you were doing. Then his girlfriend started to get uncomfortable, the fights started and they just broke up. 

Though he didn’t feel nearly as heartbroken as he made it seem, Mingyu let you nurse him through his breakup. You’d sit with him for hours, his head on your lap while you played with his hair. 

“I think you’d look great with long hair,” you said randomly one day. 

“Why?” he looked away from the tv, eyes focused solely on you.

“You’re disgustingly handsome. I think you should try”

He didn’t need to be told twice. Mingyu started to let his hair grow and he was too lazy to get a proper cut so you were the one cutting his hair for him. I don’t want to hear a single complaint about this, you told him while he sat in the middle of your bathroom. 

It was physically painful for him to hold back from touching you. Mingyu was well aware that if you got scared you’d just run away from him and there was a high chance of him never seeing you again. And that wasn’t something he wanted. 

Desperate moments call for desperate measures. He needed, God help him, Soonyoung’s help.

“So, how long will you keep avoiding Mingyu?” Soonyoung asked when you set his coffee in front of him. 

Your lifelong friend had asked to meet you once your shift was over, and you agreed. Much to your surprise, he had gotten there an hour early and was now just bothering you.

"Shut up and drink your coffee"

"Come on, there's no one here. Sit down and talk to me"

The problem with working at a café that had a homely feel was that your friends, honestly just Soonyoung, thought that they could just pretend that it was your own home. 

"I'm working"

He rolled his eyes at you.

"At your brother's café," he tugged at your shirt "Sit down, humor me for a second"

With a sigh, you dropped your body on the couch next to his. 

"He asks about you every single day, you know? He said you guys fought, so he's giving you time. But I don't think he will be able to hold himself back for much longer"

You pinched your nose, your heart suddenly aching at his works. 

Truth was, you missed Mingyu. Desperately. You regretted leaving his side the moment you closed his apartment door but you also couldn't bring yourself to go back.

You figured that you should give yourself a little time to understand what happened and maybe get it sorted out in your mind. But you couldn't stop thinking about him, about the way he kissed you — so tenderly, with so much care, as if you were something precious that he would never give himself the luxury of breaking. 

His touch was engraved in your body, just thinking about it made your skin electric. Mingyu was the first thing you thought about in the mornings, the last thing on your mind before you drifted off to sleep. He found ways to sneak up on you when you least expected it.

He texted you every day like he normally did, but you left all of his messages on read. You had been obsessed with your notification bar for the past three of weeks.

Though your actions said otherwise, you were scared of facing Mingyu, terrified that things between the two of you would change. 

"Tell me what happened" Soonyoung nudged you with his knee "Maybe I can help.  You know I always have killer advices"

There was no way you'd tell Soonyoung you slept with Mingyu.

"We just fought, it was stupid" you shook your head.

You watched in complete distress as the two working wheels inside his brain moved. Soonyoung went from furrowed eyebrows that said this fucking dumb girl to wide eyes.

"You guys fucked!"

You pressed your hands to Soonyoung's mouth, looking over your shoulder to make sure that your brother was still in the kitchen. Soonyoung kept his eyes wide open, his words muffled by your hands.

"Shut up!" 

He managed to push your hands away, looking over your shoulder before leaning on the table with his forearms, his voice barely a whisper.

"You're an adult, I'm pretty sure your brother knows you have sex from time to time"

"He doesn't need to know with whom" you pushed his head back. 

"Well, at least you're not denying it"

It would have been stupid to deny it when you felt as if you were walking around with a sign that said I slept with my best friend hanging over your head.

"Listen, I'll be as honest about this as I possibly can. You guys like each other, and have for a very long time. I mean everyone thinks you're dating" when you started to shake your head, Soonyoung rolled his eyes "I can count the amount of times I've hugged you in the past ten years. Twenty, if you're wondering. One for my birthday and one for yours, which I always have to force you to do"

"yn, you're not someone who's very into physical touch, which is fine. But with Mingyu? You guys touch each other the whole time, anywhere. The only time you guys weren't all over each other was when he was in a serious relationship, which mind you, you cried over"

Soonyoung was a fantastic friend, always. Despite his loud personality, at least around your group, he gave advice quietly. He never made a big deal of situations, he never went around screaming your secrets away. But in that moment you hated how much he was able to read you, like the only thing hiding your feelings was a thin glass wall.

"I didn’t cry" you sighed, dropping your head to the table.

"Sweetheart, you sobbed. I had no idea what I was supposed to do with you"

Soonyoung had laughter in his eyes, and at that moment he reminded you so much of the boy you met in high school. He had changed so much, from the way he dressed to the way he behaved. But still, somewhere inside, he was the same kid from ten years before.

"What are you afraid of?"

Of a life without Mingyu, was the only answer you had. 

You met Mingyu for the first time at twenty-two, fresh out of college, scared of life. You hated your major, marketing, and hated your job too. Mingyu had been a breath of fresh air, with wide eyes and a beautiful smile. 

It was always hard for you to let people close. You were just too shy and introverted but ever since Chan introduced you to Mingyu, you enjoyed his presence. He was always too much. Too tall, too large, too loud, talked too fast. But whenever he spoke to you, his voice was a little quieter, softer somehow.

Mingyu was larger than life itself and you were afraid you were too little compared to him. 

He was out there with his fancy corporate job, a financial manager, while you worked at your brother's café. It was what you wanted, yes, your shit degree had some use and you got to test out recipes with your brother. It was a much simpler life than the one Mingyu wanted.

"We're too different" you whispered, blinking away your tears.

You wanted Mingyu, not just like your best friend but in all ways one can have someone. You wanted to be able to kiss him whenever and do all the romantic shit you had seen people around you do.

"You're not and even if you were, what's so wrong about that? Don't people say that opposites attract?" he patted your hand "Won't you rather regret a decision than spend your life wishing you could have done something different?"

Soonyoung's Words still echoed through Mingyu's mind hours after they spoke on the phone. 

yn thinks she's not enough for you.

He didn't know what he was supposed to do with that information. How he was supposed to convince you that you were more than enough? Not just that, that you were the only one he wanted.

As soon as he ended the call with Soonyoung, Mingyu had gotten up from his desk, ready to call it a day and go after you. Everything else could wait. There was nothing more important than you to him. 

It didn't seem to matter to his boss though, as he not only made Mingyu stay but also work over hours. Managers make their own schedule, my ass. It was already past midnight when he got inside his car. 

It was too late to go to your place and try to talk with you.  It was almost the middle of the night and Mingyu wanted to have a clear head to speak with you. He needed to be the most eloquent version of himself so that he could lay out in front of you, all of his cards, and hopefully maybe have you back in his life. Even if you were to remain just friends. 

So he dragged himself home, feeling defeated once again. Three weeks of no contact with you had been pure torture. His messages were read the night before, which gave him a little bit of hope, but still, he didn't get an answer. His phone calls were obviously screened. 

"Fuck" he cursed turning the lights in his living room on.

Mingyu rubbed his eyes to make sure that he wasn't imagining things. Because there you were, sleeping on his couch

In complete silence, or at least trying to be as quiet as possible, Mingyu took off his shoes and locked the door behind him. He never took his eyes off of you, scared that maybe if he looked away or even blinked you'd disappear.

He kneeled on the floor by your side, his hand immediately going to your face. 

Ever since you met Mingyu, four days was the longest period of time you went without seeing each other. Six hours was the longest you went without talking. Needless to say, those three weeks had been hell, both for you and him. 

You had been stubborn and Mingyu was determined to give you space. It was a lose-lose situation. 

“yn” he whispered your name.

Slowly you opened your eyes. And god, how much had he missed those eyes. Mingyu found out, very early on, that your eyes held all of your truths. You went about your life thinking that no one had a single clue of what was going on through your mind — and for the most part, you managed to succeed. But there were moments when you allowed him to see all there was to you. 

And maybe that wasn’t your intention but your eyes gave away your truth. You missed Mingyu, desperately so, just as much as he missed you.

“Sorry I fell asleep,” you said pushing back a yawn.

Mingyu smiled at you, his hand on your head, lightly massaging your scalp.

“It’s okay, it’s really late”

You nodded, eyes closing again.

“Can you lay with me?”

You tugged a little on the sleeve of his shirt.

“Yeah, give me just a minute”

Mingyu leaned down and kissed your hair quickly before standing up. He got out of his working clothes and grabbed whichever comfortable ones were closer to him. With a blanket in his hand, he went back into the living room. 

You scooted back onto the couch, your back pressed against the couch, giving Mingyu enough space to crawl in by your side. 

As soon as you felt Mingyu’s body next to yours, you wrapped your arm around his waist, getting as close to him as you possibly could. 

With a content sigh, Mingyu nested your head against his neck, his lips never leaving your forehead. 

It didn’t take long for him do fall asleep too.

You were the kind of person who didn’t like sleeping in places that weren’t your bed, your home. In fact, you had a really hard time sleeping in unknown places. And yet, wrapped in the warmth of Mingyu, you felt as if you had slept for the first time in weeks. 

You missed Mingyu like crazy and craved his touch each waking minute of the day. 

You tilted your head back a little, to look at him. How you managed to go three weeks without him was unknown to you. But now that you were in his arms again, you would never let him go again. 

Even if that night had changed everything or nothing at all, you decided that you wanted Mingyu in your life in whichever way he was willing to be. 

Talking with Soonyoung had helped, more than you could have imagined. He walked you home that night, going over with you through everything that you felt, and why you decided to bolt in the morning. His answer was for really smart people, both of you are dumb as fuck.

During the entire day, you built up the courage to go to Mingyu and try and see if there was anything salvageable about your friendship. 

Mingyu stirred awake, his arms tightening around you, causing a small laugh to escape your lips. 

“What?” he asked, voice low and raspy. 

“You’re squeezing me”

It wasn’t a complaint, in any way, shape, or form. You liked the feeling of him all around you, almost way too much.

“It was intentional”

He squeezed you again, shifting on the couch and pulling you on top of him. His eyes were foggy with sleep but it was easy to spot the same thing you saw that night. The emotion you refused to acknowledge then. 

Longing and adoration. 

“Sorry, I left that day. I freaked out” You shook your head, pushing his hair from his forehead. You wished you could be more vocal about all of it, have prettier words for him "I thought that if I stayed our relationship would be over because I don't think I can go back to how we were before that night. I…"

You groaned and hid your face on the crock of his neck.

“I like you” you admitted quietly “I have for a really long time now”

Scared, you looked at him.

"I want it all with you, yn. I've liked you from the start. So can we, please, stop pretending that there isn't anything more than just friendship between us? We’ve had our fair share of miscommunication, missed opportunities, and unspoken feelings. Our friendship is everything to me, but I can't ignore these other feelings anymore”

His eyes never left yours. His emotions weren’t hidden in his sleeve, they were on full display for you. Everything that Mingyu was, he showed to you without any reservations.

So, instead of giving him stuttered words, you pulled his face close to yours, capturing his lips into yours.

The kiss was the same as the ones from the other night but also entirely new. That night you were friends testing the waters, entering unknown territory. In that moment, though, you were more. 

“I missed you so much” you whispered against his lips, trailing soft kisses down his neck. You felt his semi-erect cock under you, his hands on your ass “So much, Gyu”

“yn?” he asked as you moved lower on his body.

“I never got a chance to do this that night”

You kept on moving down over his body, nails lightly scratching the exposed skin of his lower stomach that was uncovered by his shirt. In one swift movement, you pulled his sweats and boxers down, revealing his cock. 

“I can never predict you,” he said with a laugh “Two seconds ago we were confessing, and now, look at you”

You ran the tip of your finger over the length of his cock while looking at him, trying your best to keep a neutral face.

“Do you want to talk some more?” you asked, voice sweet.

“Looking at you, all quiet and sweet, no one would ever… Jesus, fuck”

You didn’t wait for him to finish, taking him as deep as you could in your throat. You stood still for a second, eyes still on Mingyu watching his reaction. His head was tipped back, eyes closed, mouth slightly open. Slowly you started to bob your head up and down, one of your hands on his balls as the other held the base of his cock.

“Fuck, yn” he moaned. 

Mingyu snaked his hand on your head, fingers gripping your hair and slightly pulling it, while forcing your head down on his cock, making you moan in exchange. You pulled your head back, licking his tip and small drops of precum. You felt him twitch as you teased his tip with your lips and tongue, your hands pumping him up and down. 

Another moan left his lips, louder this time, followed by a grunt.

Abruptly he pulled you up. 

“If you keep going, I’m going to cum in your mouth”

You smiled at him, which made him moan again.

“That’s what I was going for” you complained, kissing his neck, hand going between your bodies, running down once again, until you reached him. 

“But I want to fuck you” he whispered against your ear, biting the sensitive skin.

Mingyu took your lips in his, his hand still on your hair. Without ever breaking the kiss, he stood from the couch with you in his arms, pushing his pants and underwear past his ankles. The pieces of clothes lost somewhere in the hallway.

“I’m going to stock this entire goddamn apartment in condoms, every single room” he grunted as he dropped you on the bed “Pants off”

“Aren’t we bossy” you teased with a laugh, but still complied “You too, shirt off”

He rolled his eyes at you, pulling his shirt over his head. How many times had you ogled his body over the years, watching the transformation of going to the gym every single day? And now he was in full display for you.

“I want to ride you” you whispered.

Mingyu didn’t complain, settling against the headboard of the bed.

“I’m all yours”

Something in the way he said it felt real, final. He was yours and you were his.

You climbed up his body and took his cock in your hand again, pumping him once, then again, before angling him under your wet pussy.

Slowly, painfully so, you lowered your body,  taking every inch of him in. You moaned, feeling full of him. Mingyu reached over and pulled your shirt off too.

Lazily you started to move up and down, deliberately so. 

“Baby, you have to go faster” he moaned, pulling your face close to his, nibbling on the skin of your neck. You knew he would leave a mark, and so did he, but you didn’t mind. 

Mingyu suddenly grabbed your hips with both hands, firmly holding you as he started to move his hips up and down, faster than the pace you were willing to give him. You wanted to torture him, but he could do just the same to you. He smiled when you clutched onto his shoulder, head tilted back.

“Ah, Mingyu, fuck” you cried “fuck, fuck, fuck”

He moved one of his hands, his thumb pressing over your throbbing clit, mercilessly rubbing in circles. 

“Ah… oh my god”

“Are you gonna cum, baby?” 

He pressed harder against you, hips moving faster. The sound of his skin hitting yours was loud, dirty, and enticing. 

“Cum for me, baby, all over my cock” he whispered.

With a cry, you felt your pussy clenching around his cock as your orgasms took over you. Your entire body shook as you held onto Mingyu, biting his neck while he fucked you, thrusting to the hilt, again and again, until he too found his release.

You pulled back slightly and kissed him.

“Give me two minutes and I’ll eat you out”

You laughed and pushed his face back.

“You don’t have it in you, big boy”

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[demusewriter]

Baked with Love

Summary: You once dreamed of having your bakery where everyone could use it as a safe refuge from reality, similar to the shop from your childhood. It seems to work as one of the famous boy groups uses it to hang out to temporarily escape the spotlight, especially by one member who seems to be fond of the place. Genre: Fluff Pairing: Idol! Jungwon x Baker Fem! Reader Word Count: 6.3k Warnings: Slow-burn (?); the reader is slightly oblivious; mutual-pinning (?); the introduction is too long, it took 1k words before Jungwon is introduced lol; the reader and Jungwon is both in their mid-20s Author's Note: This is my first time writing fanfic, so I apologize if the story does not fit to your liking. 😅 English is also not my first language, so forgive me for the wrong grammar and lack of vocabulary. 😔 I will try my best next time. ☺ Regardless, I'm hoping that you all will like this. Enjoy reading! ☺

Ever since you were a child, you've been wanting to own a bakeshop. You remember how you accidentally stumbled into this shop when you tried to hide from the kid who constantly bullies you. Your trembling body and the constant sob that came from your mouth magically disappeared when you saw a bunch of colorful pastries displayed on those shiny glass cabinets.

You recall how the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies engulfs your small body with a sense of comfort, and the soft jazz music that plays in the background whispers in your ear, easing your fear.

"Why is such a pretty young lady having a sad look on her face?" `You look up to the source of the soft voice, and your eyes settle on the old lady on the counter with a warm, gentle smile on her face.  You intertwine your little hands and shyly look down.

"I am hiding," you mumbled.

"Hiding?" You nodded. You heard a footstep coming near you, then a gentle hand rubbing your small back.

"Why don't you eat something while you hide?" You look up once again at the lady. You see how those wrinkles stretch with the soft smile she has on her face; that softness somehow brings security to you.

"Cookies?" you said in wonder. The lady let out a giggle when you spoke with sweetness, your eyes twinkling in the process. How can she turn down such a cute lady like you?

"Yes, cookies! And you can also have some of those sweets that we have!" You wipe your teary eyes, then hold the hand of the old lady and let her guide you to the rest of the shop with the widest smile on your face.

At that moment, the little Y/N always finds herself munching on sweet pastries in the old lady's bakeshop. The shop becomes your escape, which eases your worries about the bullies. In return, you try to assist the old lady with baking by simply putting flour on measuring cups, cracking eggs, and sometimes kneading the dough.

However, the shop that had grown to be your safe refuge was lost when the old lady died from sickness. Due to this, the bakery has to be taken down, as no one claims to continue the business. You remember crying for days because of the sudden loss of the person you adored and the shop that became your home.

That event brings blossoms to your dreams of having a similar cozy shop where people entering the place instantly light up their eyes when they are greeted by rows of pastries that you freshly bake with passion.

You looked up to the small shop where there were tables outside, each with a brown vintage-style umbrella with brilliant lighting inside. You smiled when you saw the big signage that left you sleepless for nights from thinking of a perfect name for the shop.

'Sweet Greets Bakery'

As you make your way through the transparent door, a blanket of the sweet smell of baked pastries engulfs your now-grown body bringing back your childhood memories of the old lady's bakeshop. You also smell the roasted coffee beans that saturate the air.

As you grow older, coffee becomes your best buddy every time you pull all-nighters, which becomes endless when you enter college. Drinking coffee also helps you relax your mind while reading your favorite book on weekends, which fuels your growing addiction.

Because of this, you consider offering various coffee and tea drinks that will perfectly match the pastries that you bake.

"Noona?" You looked at the counter and saw one of your employees with wide eyes. You chuckle at his reaction like he has seen a ghost.

"Hi!" You greeted as you joined him at the counter.

"You're back!" He joyfully exclaims and even claps in excitement. A door from the storage room burst open, slightly startling you. You saw two ladies emerge from the room with the same disbelief on their faces.

"Unnie!" You let out a giggle when they engulfed you in a bone-crushing hug. You wrap your arms around the two teenagers and return the gestures while swaying their bodies from side to side.

 "We miss you!" Narae one of your employees pouted. You playfully flick the girl's head.

"I'm only gone for a week, 'Rae"

"Still" she mumbles while massaging her forehead. You only shook your head at her silliness and reached for the brown cap under the counter that was similarly worn by the three teens.

"How's Switzerland?" Chuwon asked while drying the mug using the table napkin designated for it.

"As usual, loaded with work." You sigh. Owning a bakery is your ultimate dream, and you did achieve it. However, the process of getting you where you are right now is a rough path. You apply for different jobs and dribble tons of tasks to save money for your dream shop, and up until now, you’re still doing it to keep your business running.

And it happens that one of the jobs for which you apply requires you to travel to different places. It gives you a lot of money, so you have no problem with it. Although it somehow makes you feel sad as it lessens your time to spend working on your bakery.

"Did you find yourself a potential Swiss boyfriend?" Seoyun asked while wiggling her eyes, helping you to divert your attention from stressful work. You pulled your tied hair on the hole at the back of the cap and slightly tugged the visor to adjust it in your head before sending the girl a playful glare.

"I have no time for that." A disappointed groan erupted from the three teenagers at your reply. You only chuckle and shake your head while continuing to put on your brown apron. Being the only full-grown adult working in the bakeshop with the civil status of single, your young employees can't help but wonder about your romantic life.

But your reply stands true; you have no time to get into a romantic relationship.

Nevertheless, it does not mean that you will turn it down once you meet someone who captures your heart. You, yourself are a hopeless romantic. The books in the romance genre displayed on the bookshelves at the right corner of your shop say it all.

And if it happens that your 'the one' walks someday in your mundane then, who are you to deny. Right?

The sound of a bell chimes in, indicating that someone has entered the shop. You immediately smile and greet the customers with enthusiasm.

"Hello, welcome to Sweet Greets Bakery!" You bowed along with your three employees. You saw the seven young men return the gestures and proceed to the counter while looking at the menu drink display at your back and the pastries on the glass displays. You keep your genuine smile on while waiting for their orders.

You can't help but observe that every single one of them has different fashion styles, which you can easily identify by whether they are into casual style, semi-formal, aesthetic, or just want to wear comfy clothes. They have different tastes, but it seems like they all get along as they are in tune with each other while discussing their orders.

The only similarity they have at this point is that all of them wore facemasks that covered half of their faces.

"Good morning! We would like to order a three-chocolate chip Frappuccino, two iced Americanos, one vanilla latte, and a mint chocolate drink." You nodded at the guy who wore a snapback and quickly punched their order on the monitor in front of you.

"Would you like to add some pastries to match your drinks?" You ask politely. All of them look once again at the glass cabinets where the pastries are displayed.

"Ah, we'll take slices of chocolate and strawberry cake. That's all." You smile and completely place their orders.

"That will be 71,432.91 won." The men look in unison at the guy whose fashion style gives you rich uncle vibes.

The man flinches and then lets out a disappointed sigh while reaching for his pocket. He gives you his black card, and you quickly slide it at the card reader. You heard them all chuckle at the poor man and slap his butt for comfort.

"You can find comfortable seats while we arrange your orders. Thank you!" You gleefully thank them as you give back the card accompanied by a receipt and a small round pager with your two hands.

"I bet they're idols" Narae whispers beside you as you grind some coffee beans. You saw her staring at those men on her tippy toes to get a better look.

"How'd you know?" You wonder. Although you grow up in a country where being an idol is everyone else's dream and exposes people to that kind of industry at an early young age, you seem clueless about it. Guess your mind is so focused on building a bakery that you missed that part as you grew up.

And it seems that you're right when Narae looks at you like you just grew two heads.

"Unnie, look!" She simply gestures at the men who found themselves sitting in a secluded corner, quietly observing the interior of your humble shop.

"They are obviously wearing masks to avoid the crazy media" she pointed out.

"They're seated at the back of the shop, so fans won't notice them." Seoyun chimed in beside you.

"And they chose this small, unfamiliar bakeshop so no one would find their location" Chuwon added. The three squeeze themselves beside you, looking at the men while hiding behind a huge espresso machine.

"They're indeed idols" all of them whisper at you in unison. You shook your head at their silliness and poked their sides, which earned you squeals and giggles.

"Okay, okay. If they are idols, then we need to stop staring and leave them alone." You scold, to which you only receive a playful stick of their tongue before they proceed to help you with the orders.

While filling the cups with ice cubes, you can't help but glance at those men. Chuwon is right; your bakery is still unfamiliar since it is new and has only been running for five months. Although there aren't a lot of customers, you remain optimistic as your business has only just started.

If ever those young men are indeed idols, then you're glad they found your bakery a safe place to hang out, even just for a minute. That's been the main purpose of your shop: to become a safe refuge for everyone, even an idol. With those thoughts in mind, it made you smile throughout the day.

Weeks passed, those young men kept coming back to your bakeshop, to the point that you already memorized their regular orders. Due to this, your three employees become busy browsing the internet to find out which group these mysterious men belong to.

You put both of your hands on your hips when you saw the three once again inside the storage room, gathering in front of your laptop to find the identity of these men during their lunch breaks.

"I told you to quit doing that, you're invading their privacy." Your words fell on deaf ears when they didn't even give you a single glance. You sighed and decided to leave them alone. You proceed instead to stack the single pack of colorful macarons that you made last night.

"Oh my god!" Your head snaps back at the storage room where you hear the scream.

"Unnie, your bakeshop will finally become famous!" Narae squeals once you enter the room.

"What?" Your brows furrow.

"Noona! Those men are hella popular!' "Chuwon exclaims.

"They’re Enhypen!" The three shouted. You were startled by their loud voices, which made you put your hand on your chest to calm your beating heart.

"Okay," You calmly respond. "What's the connection of them making my bakeshop famous?" you dumbfoundedly ask.

"Unnie, if people saw them here in your shop, there would be plenty of customers who would come here to see them. And if they came here, they would also buy your delicious pastries because their idols seemed to like them for constantly coming here." Seoyun explains with matching exaggerated hand gestures.

"So you're saying we would expose them that they've been constantly hanging out here to make the bakery well-known?"

"Exactly!" The three of them exclaim in unison like you just announced that you won the lottery. Their faces lit up when you pulled out the sweetest smile you could muster.

"No." You flatly said. Their jaws dropped as they didn't expect you to disagree despite knowing that it would help your shop. Just like a light switch, your face suddenly turned serious.

"We're not going to use their vulnerability so we can gain something. Leave them alone and let them enjoy the privacy they have in this shop." You put back your sweet smile.

"If I ever find out that you all still did it behind my back, your vacation leave will be denied." You warned on sing-song and returned to the counter when you heard the chime of the bell.

And it seems that your threatening worked when more weeks passed and those men still went to your bakery without getting recognized or mobbed. You're thankful; however, the three are starting to become their fans that the only topic you can hear from their mouths is about the group's music, variety shows, and concerts.

The slow jazz that was used to play in the background in your shop? It was now replaced by the group's songs.

Although sometimes you find yourself humming and bobbing your head to their music.

But the soft jazz music makes a comeback to your bakery, as today is the start of the exam week. Meaning, the three crackheads are off duty as you did not allow them to work during the exam.

The shop is not that busy, so you have no problem handling the tasks alone for a week. As a good employer, you want them to focus on their studies without worrying about their work shift.

The day went by quickly, and the night sky was quickly blanketed with stars that stretched to infinity. The pale crescent moon started to shine like a silver claw, outshining the bright city lights.

The night just started; however, for your shop, it's closing time.

You often close your shop by 10 p.m., but since you don't have any staff around, you decided to close it earlier as it becomes dangerous for a lone worker to work at a very late hour, which you also strictly apply to your three employees, especially since they are minors.

As you neared the door to flip the 'open' signage to 'closed,' the bell chimed in for the last time. Then a man in his iconic orange hoodie steps into the shop.

"Hi, thank you for visiting, but we're closing early," you sadly informed. The guy's tired eyes flickered with sadness before he nodded and turned around without a word to reach for the door.

You felt your heart squeeze with sadness as you saw how tired his eyes were. Even though his face is hidden with a mask and a thick black beanie, you can practically imagine the dejection on his face. You felt like you had failed to fulfill the main purpose of your shop.

"But if you want, you can stay while I'm tidying the shop" you tried to offer. The man halted his step and looked at you with hopeful eyes.

"Is that alright?" He asked. His voice immediately sends a tingling sensation to your body that you cannot explain. This is your first time hearing his voice, despite him constantly coming into your shop since his friend often order for the rest of them.

His voice is so soft and soothing, yet it sounds very manly.

"Yup, it's not a problem," you quickly reassure him. You heard him heave a sigh and bow at you.

"Thank you." You smiled and returned the gesture.

"You want your usual?" You continued to flip the signage and went to the counter to prepare the food he usually orders.

"Yes, please." You give him a thumbs up and quickly arrange his meal.

Instead of sitting in the back corner, where he and his friends are usually seated, he opted for the table near the counter you were working on. For the first time, he removed his mask and proceeded to busy himself on the phone.

Although the group often visits your shop, they are still cautious about removing their masks; they only do it if the food is ready to dig in. So, seeing him remove it comfortably surprised you a little.

If you remember correctly from the various videos and images that are forcefully shoved in your face by your annoying staff, his name is Jungwon. He is Seoyun's bias, as she claimed that she was captured by his cute but manly features, his adorable yet savage personality, and mostly by being an amazing singer and performer on stage.

A complete package, according to Seoyun.

Even though you cannot confirm any of those claims against the man as you don't know him and don't pay much attention to the group's performances that your three employees are constantly watching, you can totally agree with one thing that Seoyun said.

He is indeed handsome.

"Here's your chocolate chip frappuccino and strawberry cake. Enjoy!" You smile as you serve the food on his table. For once, you saw him smile, and although you could tell it was a tired smile, that still didn't stop his dimple from showing and his eyes from forming into a crescent moon.

You quickly turned around like a soldier in training and tightly hugged the tray in front of your chest when you felt your heart suddenly beating like a horse on a race track. You don't know why your heart reacted to a simple expression, so you tried to shrug it off and didn't make it a big deal.

As you put the cake and pastries back in their respective containers before placing it in the refrigerators to preserve them, you take a quick glance at your only customer for the night.

You immediately stopped in your tracks when you saw him leaning on his knees with eyes closed while pinching the bridge of his nose.

From the look of it, he must have been stressed out about something that made him this exhausted. You felt a wave of sadness as you could practically imagine how tired he must have felt.

You can't help but wonder. 'Is being an idol can be this draining?'

Now, you were pondering whether it would be a good or bad idea to give him a slice of Oreo cheesecake that you baked yesterday to try to cheer him up. Plus, this cake is still not officially on the menu yet, so you can't help but overthink if he will like it or will find you weird as you try to offer him something.

As you paced back and forth inside the storage room while eyeing the poor cake, the bell rang from the counter which is used for the customer to call a staff member. You were startled by the sound and hastily put the sliced cake in the box.

"Done?" You politely ask when you see him waiting in front of the counter. He lightly smile and nodded in reply. You smile and punches his order to the monitor to compute the total of his purchase.

While waiting for the receipt to be printed out, your mind is still trying to contemplate if you're going to give him the piece of cake. You bit the side of your cheek when you gave him the receipt, and he started to make his way to the door. You sigh and give yourself a try.

"W-wait" you called out. He immediately turned around and gently raised his brows at you. You secretly pinch your side to give yourself courage. You left the counter and finally gave him the box.

"I can't help but notice that you seem quite a bit exhausted." You averted your eyes to the floor as you felt yourself getting embarrassed. "H-here's a piece of Oreo cheesecake to cheer you up a little" you nervously said, while slightly nudging the box at him.

"Oh, no. I've been intruding on you too much." He gently tried to refuse your offer. You shook your head and let out a genuine smile.

"Trust me, you did not. You're always welcome here, anytime." His face washes with gentleness, and it feels like some weight on his shoulder has taken off from the sincerity of your words. The softness of your voice made him smile, then he reached for the box and accepted it wholeheartedly.

"The stress has been draining my energy lately, so this will really help. Thank you." His appreciation made you smile and eased your worry earlier. Suddenly, your mind made a suggestion, just like a light bulb.

"Just a second." You quickly made your way back to the counter and tried to reach something on a cupboard with your tippy toes, which made Jungwon chuckle as he found you cute while doing it.

You mentally cheered when you saw the box of tea that you were finding. You went back where he stood and gave it to him.

"Here's a chamomile tea. This might help you relieve your stress." Your thoughtfulness brightens Jungwon's mood and quickly sends a warm feeling to his heart.

"Is there anything I can do to repay your kindness?" he asked. He cannot think of ways to express his gratitude, but if you request something, he will grant it devotedly.

You, on the other hand, were ready to decline and reassure him that he didn't need to do it when something popped an idea into your head once again.

"How about you give me your honest taste review of the cake?"

Ever since your interaction with Jungwon, you've started to get a little bit curious about him and his group.

At first, you just wanted to see current news or articles about them to find some answers about the reason he was exhausted that day. But now, you find yourself rewatching their performance videos on various music shows that Narae and Chuwon showed you before. This time you paid attention, and you got to admit, they are pretty good.

Especially, the guy with similar eyes of an adorable cat.

You can't help but get a little bit excited for their comeback, which is said in one of the newest articles you find about them. You came to the conclusion that this might be the reason behind the stress that Jungwon felt that night.

"Welcome to Sweet Greets Bakery!" You automatically greet without looking up when you hear the chime of the bell. You were so focused on putting the icing on top of the cupcake that you failed to notice a young man that you were just thinking about looking at you with full admiration.

"Would that be on the menu?" You looked up when you heard a familiar voice speak. Your smile immediately made its way to your face when your eyes made contact with his boba-shaped ones.

"Yup!" You put down the bag of icing you were holding and went to the counter where Jungwon was leaning over, ready to take his order. You looked at the back corner and saw his friends already seated comfortably there.

"The usual?" He nodded and let out a chuckle, as he found it amusing how you grew used to their presence. While you're busy punching their usual orders, he can't help but stare at you with softness in his eyes.

That night was the first time he actually paid attention to you. He might be hanging with his members here often, but he kept his interaction with anyone minimal as he didn't want to gain anyone's attention. But now that he got to talk to you, he can't help but regret those times that he could have used to get to know you.

Nonetheless, he was thankful that he made the right decision to go to your shop that night to unwind.

"Can I still have the slice of cake you gave me?" He shyly asked while rubbing the back of his neck. Your fingers stop pressing the items on the monitor, and you look at him with a hint of hope in your eyes.

"Did you like it?" Your question came in whispers, afraid to hear his answer about disliking your cake.

"The Oreo cheesecake was fantastic!" He looked up like he was trying to remember about its taste. "It felt smooth, and the sweetness definitely tasted like home," he praised, then he looked at it with full sincerity swimming in his eyes.

"I enjoyed every bite of it."

As the words hung in the air, the bulletproof shield around your heart trembled. Of course, you had heard compliments before, but none had touched you the way Jungwon's heartfelt words did. His simple compliment tore open a new doorway to your emotions, making your heart flutter like a trapped bird, banging against the confines of your narrow chest.

"So, I was wondering if it can be my usual order now?" He mumbled and lowered his head trying to hide his apple cheeks, which were blazing with redness.

Just like Jungwon, your cheeks are now a deeper shade of red, and your heart is still dancing in the confetti of admiration.

"B-but it is still not yet on the m-menu." You stutter as you put your attention on the monitor once again and slowly complete the orders. You bite your lower lip and look at the young men through your lashes. You tried to suppress your giggles when you saw a sad pout adorning his face.

"Though I can make an exception for you." 

From the moment you handed him the slice of cake he specially requested. A friendship unexpectedly blossomed, stretching far beyond the typical baker-and-customer set-up. Jungwon, being the leader of a well-known boy group, felt comfortable letting go of his duties when he was with you inside your comfy bakery.

Soon, Jungwon's late-night visits to the bakeshop became a tradition.

"How many eggs should I put in again?" Jungwon asked you, clad in a brown apron similar to the one you were wearing.

One such evening, while you were discussing with him the recipe for your Oreo cheesecake, he suddenly got the idea to let you teach him the process of making it so he could use it as content in his short vlog and impress his Jay-hyung.

And so, you and Jungwon's baking adventure began. Your simple and quiet evening in your shop was now filled with laughter, occasional flour fights, and piles of failed cookies he tried to make. Slowly, you began to look forward to his late-night visit.

"You ready?" you asked him while you carefully took the Oreo cheesecake out of the oven, which he had solely made without your help.

With eyes closed, he nodded in anticipation.

"You can now open your eyes." Once his eyes did, his mouth slowly hang open.

"I made that?" You softly laugh when he eyed his cake with disbelief.

"Yes, you did!" You cheered. The cake really turned out great for his first attempt, you couldn't be even more proud of him. Jungwon jumps with happiness making you giggle.

He raised his hands at you, asking for a high-five, which you quickly reciprocated and clapped hands with him. You thought it was just a brief contact, but Jungwon decided to intertwined his fingers with yours and clasped them tightly.

A wave of unexpected electricity rushes through your veins and sends your heart to flutter.

Every time you spend your night with Jungwon, you always experience this peculiar feeling. Making the fluttering of your heart more frequent and pronounced. These little flutters seemed to build into a crescendo, filling your heart with a strange yet sweet emotion.

"Y-you want to t-taste it?" You quickly removed your hands from his hold and quickly turned around to find some utensils and to hide your flushed face from his heart-melting stares. As you did it, you failed to see how his face filled with disappointment from the lost contact.

Unbeknownst to you, Jungwon was also experiencing the same surge of electrifying waves within him. His insides also fluttered in a way he only felt when he first walked into the cozy, aromatic haven of your bakeshop.

However, this time, the butterflies were not from the sweet baked goods but from a newfound emotion he felt for you.

"Can you send me the cake instead" You halted your action when you heard his request. It was odd, however, you just thought that he wanted to show his members the cake he made. Although you're quite disappointed that you couldn't taste it.

"Sure, when would you like me to send it to you?"

"On February 9." That's three days from now; the usual span of the cake is 4 to 5 days before it expires. The cake will still make it.

"I'll take note of that." You smiled.

The slow jazz music that helped set the mood for your relaxing shop was short-lived when your three staff members returned after the long week of exams and a well-deserved vacation leave that you granted. You were judgingly watching them as they danced to one of Enhypen's songs while they arranged the chairs and mopped the floor.

"Omo! Jungwon is on live!" Your ears suddenly perked when you heard Seoyun exclaim. The two immediately surrounded the girl, who was watching something on her phone. You tried to stop yourself from joining them, as you didn't want to be seen as suspicious for having a sudden interest in him.

Although you somehow did.

You were saddened that he failed to visit the shop three days in a row, and you got to admit that you missed his presence, which slowly became part of your small shop. However, you understand that his job can be a little demanding.

Still, you're slightly thankful that he didn't suddenly show up, as your three staff members will literally scream with enthusiasm and confusion when they see him having a comfortable conversation with you since you never told them about your growing friendship with him while they were gone.

You got a little bit curious behind their giggles, so you tried to sneak a peek from behind them.

Indeed, you saw Jungwon, with a wide smile, having fun talking to his fans. On his back were blue foil curtains with silver balloons around them, while in front of him was the cake he made that you just delivered this afternoon with a cake topper and candles.

Then it hits you.

Today is his birthday.

"Where did I get the recipe for the cake? From 'Sweet Greets Bakery!' They sell the best pastries, yoii~"

You know your heart is in trouble when it automatically flutters like a kite in the wind at the sound of his voice, even if he is away from you.

The unusual skipping beat of your heart when you heard Jungwon's laughter at your dry jokes, the always-fluttering when he listened to you attentively, and the feeling like something was missing when he was away were so unfamiliar, yet they made your heart full of so much happiness and affection.

This realization shattered the protective wall around your heart that you had meticulously crafted. The only one thing that you had never felt before was happening.

You are in love.

You are falling in love with Yang Jungwon.

Eventually, words about Jungwon liking your bakeshop spread like wildfire, sending fans into a frenzy. Your shop, which was almost empty of customers, was now filled with people trying to taste your baked goods, especially the Oreo cheesecake.

It was overwhelming not only to you but also to your three employees, as this is your first time taking so many orders in a day. It is tiring, but it feels like it magically vanished every time you saw the genuine reaction of your customers at every bite they took from the pastries you passionately baked.

It was a long, eventful three weeks, but your heart is grateful.

You were just basking in the quiet surroundings, as you had already closed your bakery and let three teenagers go home earlier, when someone knocked on the door.

A bright smile immediately made its way onto your face when you saw Jungwon in his thick gray hoodie and dark bucket hat waving his hand cutely at you through the glass door.

"What are you doing here?" are the first words that come out of your mouth once you unlock the door.

"I was supposed to visit you earlier, but the bakery is quite busy." He scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "I really wanted to see you, so I came back."

You tried so hard not to put a meaning behind his words, but your heart seemed not to want to listen as it beat like crazy, and it feels like a cage of butterflies has been set free in your stomach.

"W-well, thanks to you, my bakeshop got a lot of recognition." You sincerely thanking him, even though you use it to try to ignore the last thing he said.

Jungwon felt his heart torn into pieces when you brushed off the words that reflected his overflowing affection for you. Yet, his heart is still filled with hope.

"You watched my live?" You were frozen from his question.

In fact, you did. Not the only part where you sneak a peak on Seoyun's phone but the whole birthday live. You personally made an account just to watch the replay of his live that day.

"I d-did" You averted your eyes. "Although it was a replay," you pursed your lips as you felt ashamed of yourself for doing it and letting him find it out.

Jungwon felt his heart jump with giddiness when you showed signs of interest in him.

"Yoi~" He adorably cooed and gently brushed his shoulder with yours. The sound of your giggles from what he did sends butterflies to his stomach.

"Oh, I have a surprise for you!" You exclaim after you remember the gift that you prepared for his birthday, even though his birthday was three weeks ago. You went to the storage room, leaving Jungwon full of anticipation.

Soon, you emerge from the room, holding your present for him. Despite the excitement of seeing his reaction, you were still nervous as it took you so many attempts to make your gift presentable. Plus, it was your first time making this design in your entire baking life.

However, your worries dissipated when you saw his mouth hang open in amazement at the cat-shaped cake that you were holding. You started singing him the birthday song while slowly making your way to him.

As you softly sang, his vision magically became blurry, and the only thing he could see clearly was your pretty face, which was always clad with gentle and genuine expressions. Your soothing voice is like a whisper in his heart that slowly dances and sways to its rhythm.

Those days that he couldn't see you, he felt something was missing. Your smiles, the melody of your laughter, and your comforting presence keep lingering in his mind. The only thing running through his head is to see you and spend his time with you once again.

The three long, agonizing weeks of not seeing you make his heart yearn for your presence, like a parched desert yearning for rain.

From the moment you hand him the slice of cake as an offer to relieve his stress, he knows he is down. Being away from you only confirms his feelings for you.

He is in love,

with you.

"Make a wish," you said after finishing the song. You expect Jungwon to close his eyes as he makes his wish, but your heart begins to race when he looks you in the eye, gazing at you with only a soft and gentle stare.

"I wish—" He removes your hold on the cake and carries it instead with one hand. Then, his other hand found its way to yours and slowly intertwined them without breaking eye contact.

"—I can spend the rest of my birthdays with you."

A torrent of emotions—warmth, joy, and love—fused together, igniting an electrifying light show within your chest. It feels like a burst of the sparkling fireworks display, not in the sky but in your heart.

You felt his thumb softly draw small circles in your hand, quickly sending tingles through your body.

"My bakery will go bankrupt from sending you birthday cake each year," you joked. Jungwon chuckled and gently squeezed your hand, still looking at you with sparkles in his eyes.

You pressed your palm on his cheek and rubbed your thumb against it with full affection, making him lean to your touch.

"Your wish is granted, Jungwon."

It was like both of your hearts exploded into an incandescent shower of feelings that mingled with the colors of the frosted night sky—a vivid, heart-pumping confetti of joy and love.

You both giggle at the strange way of confessing to each other. Although it was an odd confession, it was enough to convey the euphoric feelings you have for each other.

You and Jungwon's bond, baked and constructed in the 'Sweet Greets Bakery' hearth, had matured into love. From friends, you both seamlessly become lovers, with the love story orchestrated by fate and shared fondness for the bakeshop that brought you two together tying in the sweet, aromatic embrace of love forever.

Jungwon thought that the bakery was the only safe refuge he could have away from the limelight. He thought it was a place.

But it was a person.

You are his safe place.

©2023 Demuse Writer. All Right Reserved.

[piratefishmama]

Fake it 'till you make it | Part 5

Eddie was almost half certain that he was either hallucinating, or still asleep and dreaming the whole thing. But Steve Harrington was in his living room, perusing the mug collection as if it were fine art or some shit, and he wasn’t there to buy drugs. The van had gotten uncomfortable pretty quickly after Eddie’s tragic realisation, and while his Uncle was definitely there, and giving Eddie a very obvious what the fuck Ed’s ‘look’ while he made them both coffee, Steve seemed pretty at ease in the place.

He didn’t look like he belonged in any way shape or form, with his mega-bucks hairstyle, the polo that probably cost more than Eddie was making per day on those dates, and the jeans that probably—okay he needed to stop pricing up what Steve was wearing.

Needed to stop making assumptions about him.

“You take sugar, kid?”

“Uh—yes! Yeah, uh, cream two sugars, please. Thank you.” If Steve noticed the surprise on Wayne’s face at the presence of manners well… he didn’t seem offended by it. in fact he was still pretty amazed by the mug collection. “Where’d you get all these?”

“Spent a few years’a my life as a long haul trucker before Ed’s landed on my doorstep back in the day, the road ain’t no place for a kid so I packed it in, but there’s always lil knick knacks in pit stops along the way, had people say they’d probably be worth somethin someday, bit‘a history an all that, but… that ain’t why I have em. Each one has a memory attached to it, makes somethin as mundane as a mug, precious.” Memories, the walls were littered with memories.

Such a small space packed with so much. So many little bits and bobs, clutter that told stories, personalities told by clutter.

Steve loved it. He found it… comforting.

Eddie couldn’t stop the foot he so ungracefully stuck into his mouth however with the quip “must seem messy to you, huh?” That wiped the smile right from Steve’s perfect face. Replaced it with a little frown of confusion.

“Hm? No… no, not at all, what? What makes you think that?”

“Well, I’ve seen your house dude, it’s looks straight out of a showroom or somethin.” Couldn’t take the foot out of the mouth now, best just chew on it until his uncle whacked him round the back of the head with a newspaper, hissing,

“Manners don’t cost nothin boy, I raised you better than to be a little shit to guests. The hell’s your problem?”

“I honestly have no idea.” Eddie didn’t even complain about the whack, it didn’t hurt, but it did dislodge the foot from his mouth, allowing him to level Steve and his confused face an apology “sorry man, I’m just…”

“Defensive?”

“Mmhm”

“S’fine, I get it.” And wasn’t that just fucking heartbreaking. Especially since he smiled so sweetly when Wayne gave him his own little steaming mug, it had mickey mouse on it. “For the record though, I like it. The collection I mean… I think I’d like something like this in my own house someday, just… memories everywhere… neither of my parents are big on collections, I think the only ones they have are my mom’s vinyl’s and my dad’s wine.”

“Your mom has vinyl’s?” The wine collection was predictable but vinyl’s?

“Mm, up in the attic, I’ll show you sometime.” He had a player in the sun room, could probably bring a few boxes down and let Eddie rifle through them someday, maybe even convince his mom to bring some of them with them to the chalet, Eddie might get a kick out of at least a few of the records in there. “If you still wanna be seen with me after all this” an if she wouldn’t take them, best get the idea that they could still be friends after it all out in the open!

Eddie wasn’t bad, and Dustin adored him, constantly trying to get him to give Eddie a chance, sneaky little shit setting this up, probably had ulterior motives, so… why not?

Eddie didn’t get a chance to answer though, although his mouth was open ready to speak, Wayne beat him to it. “Now, it’s none’a my business but… what do you mean by all this?” Leaving Steve awkwardly sipping his coffee, looking at Eddie over the rim of his cup in question. Was it okay? Would it be okay to talk about it?

“As much as I’d love to say, ‘Steve’s invited me somewhere for a week!’ and have that be totally believable and not cause you a stress aneurysm… Wayne’s cool, Steve, you good with me talking about it?” There was obvious hesitation, more strangers who knew the riskier it could be for him, but— he nodded. He’d trust Wayne, as insane as that was, he didn’t even know Wayne, but… the man gave off a weird kind of trustworthy energy. And Eddie vouched for him so, “You know how I do that whole… date thing to freak parents out for girls? Stevie here needs my services.”

“You aint plannin on doin what I think you’re doin, are you boy? Are you out of your damn mind? Do you know how danger—”

“It’s okay!” Steve blurted cutting off the expected worry rant “it’s safe, I promise, my parents are… well… they might seem really detached from reality but—you don’t know them. I recently realised that neither do I… he’s not… gonna be freaking them out either, he’s just… playing a part to get them off my back for a while… I’m uh… I’m—” he looked at Eddie, briefly but long enough to catch the little nod of encouragement. It was okay. It was safe. So far things had been fine for him coming out, so far he’d been okay, there’d been no danger, and maybe doing it so many times had made it easier or something because it just… came out “I’m bisexual, they know, and have been throwing both women, and men at me trying to get me to finally settle down with someone and… while I agree, that’d be nice… I would love to do that, i’m not jazzed about the quality of the people they’re throwing at me.”

“…Your parents. The Harringtons, rich folk. Those folks… they’re safe?”

“Apparently, my dad’s even restructuring his company values to include people like me, trying to make it a safer place for us, and this was before I told them.” Something he’d had no idea about, something that he couldn’t believe, hence why he kept bringing it up, it was insane to him, how little he actually knew his parents, how wrong he’d been about them.

How wrong everyone had been about them.

“His parents are takin him to this chalet in Canada next week, Steve thinks they’re gonna ambush him with some random person that he’ll have to spend a whole week avoiding, so… he’s hiring me to act as his boyfriend. That cool with you, Wayne?” He didn’t have to ask. Eddie was a grown adult, he could do whatever he wanted, go wherever he wanted, but… Wayne deserved to know.

“… Can I meet em before you go?”

“Of course!”

“Not a chance.”

The worst part was, they both spoke at once. And Steve’s very positive answer, happened to be louder.

Part 7

[sugarprincessbitch]

Imagine if rhaenyra had a younger sister, one that in appearance is very similar to her mother, Aemma. She is not very close with the other members of her family and often is cast outside because of their differences in attitude, she appears to not have that supposed "blood of the dragon" thing that most of Targaryen have or had.

Because of her tranquil and soft nature, she is very close to her mother never leaving her side, specially when she was with child.

Viserys sort of neglected her as a child, being too occupied with his kingly duties and also with rhaenyra, the apple of his eyes, giving all his attention to her. That is not a factor for the sisters to create resentment with each other or have a bad relationship, in fact they're very close with each other.

When Aemma dies giving birth (cof cof when she was literally murder) everything changes. She snap at her family, specially her father, blaming him of the death of her mother. Claiming in front of everyone that he is a murderer, creating a fracture beyond repair in their relationship (Viserys tried to fix it, but his daughter threw venomous words at him each time he dare to come closer). Her relationship with her sister also went cold, because Rhaenyra was to occupied with her new duties as heir and also due that she didn't want to talk with rhaenyra or anyone at that hurtful time. She close herself to her family, and spent most of her time secluded in her chambers not wanting to talk with anyone.

When the marriage between Alicent and her father was announce (She was angry that viserys married without having at least mourn a year Aemma's death being that super disrespectful, in her opinion, to her mother's memory), that was the straw that broke the camel, and in that same night she escaped from Kings landing at the back of her dragon after robbing eggs from the dragon pit and some expensive jewelry. Viserys was heartbroken at knowing he was guilty of her daughter escape (Also two very angry Rhaenyra and Daemon guilt trip him), but Otto convince him to get angry at his daughter instead, banning her from Kings landing forever. This was part of Otto's plan to get rid of any potential threat. Without his sister as a possible ally, Rhaenyra was more vulnerable at court.

She went to Essos, at first jumping from place to place in were they let her stay for a time. She finally decided to stay in Qohor as the wife of a merchant prince who didn't want to pass the opportunity to have as a wife a Targaryen princess.

When Viserys became old and ill, his last wish was to know the parade of his younger daughter, wanting to see her one last time before he was gone. That was the reason that made her came back to Westeros, but not as the sweet princess that her family and the court remeber, instead as a powerful and ferocious merchant woman (Due to her husband early passing she begun to run his business and exploited it to its maximum potential, making her social status to grow equal as her richness, due to this she became part of a select group of powerful merchants in Essos) known in all the free cities as the "Golden dragon".

Her sudden arrival after 15 years of not knowing nothing about her was a surprise to her family, a glad one (only for the blacks, because the greens where not that happy that she came back). The children of alicent didn't know about her existence, so for them it was a bigger shock to know that they had another sister all this time (Viserys didn't want anyone to talk about her deserter daughter, acting as if she never existed in the first place), and also an exotic one (due to her foreign accent and way of dressing). For aemond and specially Aegon (he is a pervert and likes to see women in little clothes) this was super attractive (Also whe know that Aemond likes older women, Soo...).

[atechnobladeapologist]

Paralels between Emerald duo and Codebreakers (canons and headcanons).

First of all they are my favorites character, I cannot even put in words how much I like them, my brain is gonna rot.

Personally I dont like to see the relationship that Phil have with them as something pathernal, but more as something close to the idea of the Moiral quadrant that we had on homestuck.

For you who saved your ass and stayed farrr away from this webcomic (just joking dont take that part too serious), Moirail basicly are besties that has a strings and specials bond, Moirail it’s that person who you feel safe to open up and talk about problems and feelings. That’s it if I dont mistaken me, omg my memorie is so poor, but look if Im wrong this is still the concept that Im looking for okay :c

Based on it, we should normalize kiss your best- COF COF, I mean, normalize writing an open love letter to your best friend in a pretty platonic way (Im not being ironic).

In short, they are best friends, bros, buddys.

Yeh I talk too much, too much, lesgo then.

The totem thing. I like to think Philza is pretty concerned with the boys, because Techno and Elotes are almost two ambulant suicidals just because of the totens, yet Phil is just like omggg sit down and stay quiet just for two entire minutes. I imagine Phil have constantly to bandage and sew up their wounds, SPECIALLY with Etoiles, that French Beast thing and his way of looking at thing intensifies this a lot.

I have a really strong headcanon that in both codebreakers and emerald duo Techno and Etoiles have a very strong relationship with Mumza because of the times they almost died (a pretty fun relationship btw, I bet she gives advices and philosophizes about life with them), at the point they know her even BEFORE know Philza or as long as they know him, and all this often without Philza even knowing, and when he descovers he goes like: WHAT?!

Even though Philza doesnt look physically as strong as them (I like to think he is, for real) the two still admire the man as if he were a super cool older friend, and besides none of them show it to Phil or tell him, they both are like: LOOK that cool guy is MY FRIEND, how cool, isnt it?

Headcanon, the warriors already cried in front him.

I know that Techno is pretty concerned about his reputation in a certain way but I really like to pass this to Etoiles too, Imagine a moment where they are showing friendly affection for eachother with a hug or something, and out of nowhere they break up and Etoiles says, “man, I’m enjoying this but it hurts my reputation”, even when theres NO ONE close to see it, they’re just so out of touch they have ashamed of it, in the most fluffy way you can imagine that, it’s pretty funny imagine beasts, unshakable warriors that just cant deal with a hug of their best friend.

Techno hear voices, Etoiles get the paranoid <3

They have wavy and curly hair and sometimes Phil helps them to finish their hair, for techno he usually braid his all hair and for Etoiles he do a tiny terere on the side. Philza encourage both to take more care of their hair because he likes the curls and waves.

Techno and Etoiles have completly unexpected hobbies, I like to think that tech know how to sew and he have a whole sketchbook just for crosquis and Etoiles constantly draw and makes small wood sculptures, cute things because he usually gives to Pomme. We can invert this too btw, I think it matchs with both!

Despite Phil’s warnings they simply refuse to have a healthy sleep schedule.

If it was necessary they would sacrifice themselfs for keep the oldman safe.

I didn’t talk much about Phil :c but I was trying to do something more focused on Tecchnoblade and Etoiles in the relationship with him ya know? Maybe another time I’ll do something for our blondie girlie pop.

I truly like how those duos are simillary with eachother even when one of them are different people. Btw codebreakers should be more contrast on the fandom hihi.

Just to remember English is not my mother language so sorry for the poor words choose.

[metal-organic-au]

Bionic, can you download music and games into your brain?

Ask [109]

Although he can't download things into his brain, he is someone with a good memory, so good that he would never forget the smell and face of a person whom he hates a lot, or simply has a certain resentment towards.

Cof COF! Sonic and Eggman

[c0stiffen]

Howdy! I have a question about your blind Arven AU

Well, a few to be exact

1. Is there gonna be fanfiction or something for the AU, or is it only told through drawings (I do love your drawings btw!)

2. I know you did the Paldea kiddos, I was wondering what would Kieran and Carmine be like in this AU (I think that was mentioned on this blog, though I don't remember. My memory is not the best)

3. Would the story of ScarVio play out as normal in your AU or are there major story changes?

Sorry if its a lot, your au is one of my hyperfixations and it is kinda a comfort thing for me, so yeah-

I never thought anyone would say that my art would be someone's comfort-Hyperfix. THAT HIT HARD, THANK YOU!!

Now answering your questions…

Is there gonna be fanfiction or is it only told through drawings?

I have one that focuses on the entire story of the game, including the DLC and the epilogue. I haven't posted any chapters yet, but I plan to post them on AO3. I'm doing it from the perspective of Nemona, Arven, Penny and the leaders of Team Star (base game). Cof cof mi AO3 Profile spam moment

Nemona's story doesn't change much honestly, but she is accompanied by Juliana and Florian.

The story of Team Star focuses on the academy's past, the difficulties of its members' disabilities and conditions, and a couple of other things. (For example, the fact that Giacomo before the events of the base game was able to talk and Penny did not need a wheelchair).

Arven's story focuses on how he tries to save Mabosstiff, his only friend, by himself. He only has his staff, a Smartrotom at the beginning trying to search for the Titan Pokemon. (Yes, he went down to Area Zero).

I have a couple of one-shots that I want to post based on some drawings I've been doing these days, some have to do with Giarven (I'm definitely the CEO for a reason) and the rest are cute interactions between characters (Like Nemona and Giacomo exercising their roles as president and vice president of the student council respectively).

For now I think I'll just make comics that tell some Lore facts, but I'm fine with the questions!

What would Kieran and Carmine be like in this AU?

I've been thinking that Kieran is a boy who constantly had to be hospitalized for much of his life (I still haven't really decided what disability he would have), I haven't thought much about Carmine's disability in this AU so for now it's just like the Carmine canon, she cares about her brother (maybe a little too much) because she doesn't want him to get hurt. Kieran still loves Ogerpon here, the stories helped him not hate hospitals so much.

Would the story of ScarVio play out as normal in your AU or are there major story changes?

There are some changes in the story but it wouldn't affect the gameplay of the game to be honest, here are some story facts:

Turo and Sada Co-exist in this AU, they are both pokemon teachers but they have been missing for 5 years. (No contact with the outside world, not even with Clavell or Arven).

Giacomo and Penny were not disabled before the bullying.

The Starmobiles are adapted for the leader, example: Atticus's one covers him from the sun.

Juliana and Florian co-exist.

The academy claims to be an inclusive institution for students with disabilities. The majority are healthy students but a considerable part of the students have some disability or condition (usually so mild that it allows them to live day to day without many difficulties).

Saguaro is one of the teachers who is in charge of the education of students who must be in classes adapted for them. (Like Arven!)

Team Star and Arven are more related than in the canon game.

[acasualcrossfade]

Steddie Week: Day 3

@steddie-week

Prompt: Discover

Words: 1311

His & His

Steve discovers that Eddie loves stealing his sweatshirts. So he gets them matching ones. And then years later, he upgrades them. 

--

Steve watched Eddie wiggle his fingers excitedly over the box on the kitchen table before tearing into it. The wrapping paper ripped easily and Steve felt a smile play at his lips at the sight. Eddie always looked like the physical manifestation of excitement whenever he was opening a gift and he swore it was because the man just liked to rip through the wrapping paper. 

“Steve,” Eddie said slowly as he peered into the box. “Is this what I think it is?”

Steve made a noncommittal sound, allowing Eddie to piece his surprise together. Eddie unfolded fabric and gasped. It was a black sweatshirt.

“Steve, you didn’t,” Eddie breathed, holding the sweatshirt to his chest and looking at Steve in shock. 

They’d seen some commercial a month or so ago from a company bragging that they made the softest sweatshirts. They’d argued if that was even possible; was there a way to test that it was indeed the softest material?  Eddie had nudged Steve, asking if he would ever get one. And Steve had laughed, and told him he was contemplating it since Eddie had taken ownership over most of his sweatshirt collection.

“Well, if we got matching ones, I’d have one and I wouldn’t have to steal yours all the time,” Eddie had joked.

And thus, Steve had called the number from the commercial the next day to place his order. 

“Holy shit, you got ‘em,” Eddie breathed.

Steve nodded slowly, and grabbed the matching black one from the box. He unfolded it and Eddie’s face widened exponentially. 

“You’re kidding me, Harrington. You really got them!” He took the sweatshirt from Steve as if it was a prized possession and then yelped before burrowing his face in it, and falling into Steve’s shoulder with gleeful giggles.

“It’s so soft,” Eddie mumbled into Steve’s neck. 

Steve wrapped Eddie closer, kissing his wild curls. “Perfect for someone I know.” 

Eddie giggled and pulled on the sweatshirt and Steve bit back a laugh at the way Eddie’s hair popped out comedically as pulled it over his head. It fit him perfectly, and as Steve glanced at the matching one in the box for himself, already excited to match his boyfriend.

The sweatshirts were put to use immediately after Steve gave them a wash, and he had a feeling they’d be around for a long time.

And they were.

Time went on  and through the next few years of college applications with the kids, job hunting, touring for Eddie, the sweatshirts stayed through it all. They’d seen late night study sessions, early morning make out sessions, road trips, movie nights and even stayed over at Robin’s for a night or two. 

Then Steve got a job in Chicago and they packed up the house and moved. Eddie went on a summer tour not long after and it wasn’t until Steve was unpacking the last of the miscellaneous things from Hawkins when he came across an unopened box in the corner of the closet. It was labeled MISC in Eddie’s scribbled handwriting. 

Curiously, Steve grabbed a pair of scissors and slid the blade over the plastic tape. The box sighed open easily, the cardboard tired after years of use. Steve cocked his head curiously as he pulled the worn black sweatshirt from the box. Dust floated around as the sweatshirt unfolded. Over the years, the sweatshirt lost its softness and now smelled like nothing more than worn cardboard. 

Steve fingered the fabric, his mind racing with the many memories of Eddie in this sweatshirt. He’d made his famous pancakes in it and gotten batter on the sleeve. He’d cuddled into it on that misty morning they’d spent at the state park. Eddie had even written songs in it, the very songs he was playing on tour right now.

Steve pressed the cardboard-smelling sweatshirts to his chest as an idea formed in his head.  

He knew what to do.

--

Steve set out the box and finished pouring Eddie’s tea. Although Eddie usually loved coffee, tea was a must after touring.

Steve had gone through a few of Eddie’s returns from tour to know what to expect when he returned, and now Steve was diligent about prepping the house for his return. There were blankets set out on the chairs and couches, and Steve had picked up a few easy meals that either of them could whip up in a few minutes between periods of sleep. Eddie’s favorite massage gun was charged and next to the couch. 

Steve’s head turned as he heard Eddie’s familiar sleepy gait come from down the hall, and when he looked up, Eddie was rumpled with sleep and rubbing his eyes. The afternoon sun caught his shirtless torso as he padded toward Steve.

Even after years together, the sight made Steve’s heart flutter. 

“Morning sunshine,” Steve greeted, taking Eddie into his arms. The man’s body was still bed-warm and he felt Eddie’s chest rise as he yawned into Steve’s chest.

“M’rng,” Eddie mumbled from Steve’s shirt. 

Steve rubbed Eddie’s back slowly, letting Eddie take his time waking up. After two months on the road and six shows a week, Eddie was exhausted. 

Eddie had gotten back around midnight and had all but crashed on Steve’s chest upon arrival. He’d woken a few hours later to finally give Steve a proper greeting, and they’d fallen asleep again around sunrise. 

Eddie perked up as he registered the box on the kitchen table. 

“S’this?” Eddie asked, sleep still sticking to his voice. “Donut Day?” He remembered Steve laughing about coming home with a dozen donuts from his office’s monthly celebration. He’d almost wished he could transport himself to their couch and be there eating donuts with his boyfriend.

Steve smiled. “Donut Day isn’t until next month. And nope, this is for you.”

“Moi?” Eddie asked playfully, perking up slightly. He pushed his hair away from his face as he peered closer at the box. “It’s not our anniversary or anything…” Eddie mused before stopping and looking at Steve. “Right?”

Steve shook his head. “You haven’t missed anything, babe.” He nudged Eddie’s shoulder. “Go on, open it.”

Eddie eyed the box again and then smiled before setting down his tea. The next second, Eddie’s gleefully tearing at the wrapping paper. 

Steve smiled, still amazed that Eddie could come alive so quickly. 

“Stevie, you didn’t,” Eddie breathed. “Again?”

“Again,” Steve laughed. 

Eddie looked down at the contents of the box before looking back up at Steve, his brown eyes wide and dancing.  Slowly, he reached in and pulled out a soft, black sweatshirt. It was identical to the one from years ago, but newer and just as soft as ever. 

Eddie squealed happily. “It’s like they upgraded their softness recipe!” He gave Steve a look before wrapping his arms around Steve and kissing him deeply.  

Kissing Eddie still felt like the best kind of drowning and when they broke apart, Steve sucked in air. Steve felt his ears go red. “There’s one other thing.” With Eddie still against him, he reached for the sleeve of the sweatshirt. “They had a section where you could include a message on it this time, so I decided to add one.”

Eddie blinked, peering at the sleeve before going still.

There, in small, white printed letters, right under the cuff of the sleeve, was one word.

His.

“Stevie, I–” Eddie gaped at the word and then at Steve. 

Steve pulled Eddie in closer. “Thought it was time for an upgrade.”

Eddie buried his face into Steve, and Steve cuddled him close. “I love you so much,” he breathed.

“I love you, Eds,” Steve said easily.  

And later, when Eddie is sound asleep against his chest, Steve catches sight of Eddie’s sleeve. 

His.

Steve glanced at his own sweatshirt sleeve, the words never so true. 

He was Eddie’s and Eddie was his.

[call-of-fruity]

Call of Fruity: CoD Dating Sim

Download latest: Demo

Archive: (TBA)

-----------

CoF is just a silly lil dating sim featuring our beloved task force boys. Set in a somewhat alternate universe where the members of TF 141 (Price, Ghost, Gaz, and Soap) are loosely doing missions and also König is there. There is no set plot and references to canon are subject to interpretation (my memory).

Written from a male perspective, the game focuses on homosexual romance and includes mentions of homophobia, religious trauma, and military related humor.

This is a fan game for fun, there will be bugs and issues, updates will happen when they happen! Please report any problems so that they may be fixed. (Keep in mind this is a passion project and I will block people who are rude. Good vibes only on my gay dating sim.)

[tojixz]

Masterlist   ☆   Heart Without Beat Masterlist

HEART WITHOUT BEAT: Chapter Four

Pairing: Neteyam x Fem!Reader

Notes: Cof cof* I got slightly carried away with this chapter. I wasn't going to end where it did, but if I kept going, the chapter would get VERY big! And big chapters are tiring to check for possible mistakes (if with 2k words I already make a lot of mistakes 🥲). So, let's leave more angst for next time! This chapter was more to introduce your new life, your current relationship with the Sullys; the way you had to mature and how you are dealing with past events. Well, it will be better built up next time, I promise!

Summary: Time passed, you grew up, and a new life began.

Warnings: Injuries, blood, a little anguish.

Word Count: 4,8k

Yawntutsyìp (n) - Dear; little loved one

Previous | Next (wip)

Time has no mercy. It will always be in constant 'motion', advancing its seconds, minutes, hours… and all we are left with are memories. Memories of things that have already happened and will never come back.

Memories of good and bad times. They should be enough to overcome the feeling of longing. The constant need to relive what has long ended.

As painful as it may be, those who are gone will only continue to exist as long as you keep thinking about them. And remembering moments that will never come again is certainly something that hurts more than a thousand needles piercing the flesh.

In the end, everyone will have to grow up. And as you mature, the dark will no longer be your worst nightmare. With responsibilities, the weight of life is finally crushing on your shoulders.

And if you are not strong enough, you will be your own worst enemy.

Years passed and, as the inevitable, you grew up. You were now the best warrior of your age, or nearly so. You were second only to Neteyam, but not an absolute loss, since you didn't have a glaring difference in skills.

You have become more agile, more consistent with your own movements; your aim with bow and arrow has become exceptional and your hand-to-hand combat is fluid. Jake has certainly taken great pride in your evolution, and you are happy to make him happy.

After your mother's death, Jake and Neytiri became almost like father figures to you. They welcomed you with the greatest love they could provide. They cared for you, held you through nightmare nights, and were thrilled to see your development. You were lucky to have them.

And it is because of this trust that you have built up with them over all these years, that now, as a warrior, you are on your first direct contact mission with the People of Heaven.

You, Neteyam and Lo'ak have been tasked with being aerial observers. Stay on the lookout in case some strange flying machine came close to the place where the warriors were looting the equipment. That was the initial plan.

But you live with the Sully family, and if there's one thing you've learned over all these years…it's how extremely difficult they can be to deal with.

"Bro, we have to go there", Lo'ak said, nodding his head down to where several Na'vi were gathering weapons and ammo.

"No chance, Dad will skin us-", Neteyam didn't even finish his speech before you walked in on the middle of the conversation with a not at all happy expression on your face.

"Lo'ak, don't be an imbecile and just follow the orders laid down."

It may have sounded rude, but you were used to treating each other like that. You were best friends after all. However, no matter how much you loved Lo'ak and his exploitative ways, you hated the way he often acted recklessly. So you and Neteyam were always there to put his head on straight. But sometimes it wasn't enough.

"What are you two afraid of? Aren't you two the best warriors? Don't be cowards." The second question came out as a taunt. It was typical of Lo'ak.

You didn't blame him for being jealous of the visibility his brother, and even you, received. Lo'ak also wanted to be seen, to be praised. And well, many saw him, but the preoccupation of the constant war just didn't allow that to be shown in the right way. Lo'ak was like a neglected child. He felt alone just as you did before you met him. That was why he was so special to you.

You didn't like many of Jake's attitudes, but you knew that some of them were necessary.

Death in war has no age. Much less does she expect a child to grow up to be able to deal with such situations. So there are just different sides of the story, not who is more wrong.

It turns out that regardless of the case, choices have consequences.

"Lo'ak, don't make me repeat- Lo'ak!!", you hissed at him and then growled in indignation as you saw that Neteyam came down right behind Lo'ak toward the ground. You felt like you were taking care of babies. "What the hell!"

Instead of following them too, you continued flying overhead to keep an eye on the 'aircraft', as Jake instructed you. If you were going to protect them, it was best to do it the smart way.

Despite that, you never took your eyes off the two down there. Her ear twitched as she realized that Lo'ak had a weapon in his hands, with Neteyam at his side, probably trying to convince him to come back. You would have continued watching if not for incoming enemy reinforcements.

You would promptly go to alert Jake of the approach, but just as the object located you, it began firing in your direction. "Shit."

You started flying with agility, making fluid movements but also abrupt to divert the shots toward you. There was a moment then that you finally got an opening to finally press the communication device on your neck. Not that it was very useful now, Jake probably had noticed the new drive.

"Jake, new vehicles in the sky!"

Jake's response wasn't long in coming, but he certainly wasn't happy: "I already know! Why the delay with the message? You guys need to report it right away, dammit!"

You unconsciously flinched a bit, "I'm sorry, sir...", you didn't have time to apologize before new shots came your way. Catching the sound of an explosion in the distance, you prayed that Neteyam and Lo'ak had long since left and were safe.

Even with her agile movements, one of the shots ended up grazing her thigh. It wasn't a fatal wound, but it certainly cut deep. You winced at the painful sensation of the cut, but relaxed a little when you realized that they finally managed to explode and bring down the aircraft.

You noticed that Jake was taking off again, with an extra body in his Ikran. Lo'ak was flying behind him with his head down, looking shaken. You startled slightly when a deep, angry voice reached your ears through the headphones: "Back off. Let's go back to base."

You arrived shortly after Jake and Neytiri landed. You had trouble getting off your Ikran. Her thigh throbbed. You could feel your heart beating in the place of the wound, the blood trickling down to your foot. You winced, but you weren't sure if it was from the impact with the ground or the way Jake looked like he was going to rip your heads off. Lo'ak and Neteyam were already in formation, it wouldn't be good if you took longer.

"What did I order you to do? What were your duties?? Hm?!", Jake paced back and forth staring at the two in front of him, turning around only when he realized you had arrived.

"We're supposed to be watching-"

"Right. Watching. At a distance!", he growled, "I send the geniuses to war and you disobey direct orders! God."

Kiri and Tuk soon arrive at the location as well. Kiri going directly to his older brother to analyze his bruises and Tuk going into Neytiri's arms.

"Kiri, go help your grandmother with the injured, please." Jake tried to throw her off. He wasn't finished with his scolding, not anytime soon were his children going to escape.

But Kiri, not happy with the proposal, just countered: "Father, my brother is injured."

"Tuk, go with her. Come on, both of you." Rolling her eyes, Kiri huffed out of there. Tuk followed closely behind, she hated to see her brothers hurt, but most of all, her father fighting with them. She hated that Lo'ak had to get into trouble.

You were glad that Kiri hadn't seen her wound as well, since it was a little behind her thigh, a place her vision couldn't reach. She probably wouldn't have left the scene if she had known.

"Sir, I take full responsibility-"

"Yes, you do. You must. You are the eldest, you should act like it."

Her ears flattened against her head at the harsh words. Not knowing what to do, you looked down at the floor. Neteyam was not to blame for anything that had happened. He didn't deserve that reprimand, much less that all that responsibility was placed on his shoulders.

You noticed how Lo'ak was also cowering, the only thing you wanted now was to hug him and tell him everything was fine. Everything would be fine.

Jake looked at you now, making you flinch. "You did well not to go with the idiots. Someone needs to follow orders here." What should have been a compliment was more like a stab through her heart. Would Lo'ak and Neteyam be mad at you for getting attention even in this situation? You didn't want that.

Your leg was going numb from the blood loss and you wanted to scream from the pain. It stung, badly. As a warrior you were supposed to endure it. As a living being you wanted to cry. The whole situation was frustrating. It all could have been avoided. You wanted to hit Lo'ak for his recklessness – but how much of it was your fault?

You were in a war. Any one of you could get hurt; the perimeter where battles take place is in constant danger. But it was certain that there were things that could be avoided.

You nodded at Jake's statement, and when he finally looked away, you finally relaxed your shoulder. But only for an instant. You let out a low, pained groan. The burning in your leg was becoming unbearable at this point.

Neytiri who was nearby, opening her mouth to warn her husband of the fact that her son was indeed bleeding, immediately fell silent. She promptly turned her head towards you and looked for the reason for her discomfort.

She took a few steps towards you quickly, alerted to your status. "Yawntutsyìp? What happened?"

You backed up a little. Damn. Neytiri would be worried and you would surely get a scolding. "It's nothing, really-", your words were invalidated as soon as Neytiri saw the cut on your leg.

You noticed his face of astonishment and fear. Her ears twitched and her tail was wagging restlessly behind her, showing her instant stress. "Silly child! Why didn't you tell me you were hurt??"

Jake focused attention on you again at her mate's words. He looked down at the wound on her thigh and his frown deepened. Neteyam was alarmed and Lo'ak confused. Would he feel even more guilty knowing you're hurt too? It wasn't his fault, it was his lack of skills.

The domino effect. It's hard to keep everyone satisfied.

"It's not-", you thought to again deny the seriousness of the situation – even though it really wasn't an emergency. But you thought better of it, swallowed and just said the truth: "It was that aircraft. I tried to swerve, but one of the shots ended up grazing me."

"And why did you just keep quiet? You should have said, don't be quiet when you're hurt!" Neteyam boiled over. He wasn't angry directly at you, but at himself for not noticing. He was angry that he had left you alone, and frustrated that you had hidden it. You just looked away from him; you wouldn't have a good argument now.

Jake snorted at the impending stress. His head was throbbing from the sequence of events, and his mood was definitely not the best. Looking at Neytiri, who was already giving him a firm look, as if to tell him to say something about his actions, Jake looked away half-heartedly, and said, "Dismissed. Both of you, go heal."

Jake ordered Lo'ak to stay behind; he still had some words for him. But you were no longer there to listen, you just hoped Lo'ak would be okay. Neytiri was accompanying you and Neteyam, one of her hands meeting firmly on your shoulder. She would surely have scolded you more if it hadn't been for the fact that Jake had already done enough.

Your leg was more painful now, so you were limping much more. Neteyam approached you, took your arms and put you over his shoulder, while he supported you from behind. "Lean your weight on me."

You didn't want his help. Not out of pride but because he was hurt too. He should worry more about himself. "You shouldn't exert yourself, you have big cuts on your back." You took a break. "What happened?"

"Explosion." It was the only thing he said and you didn't insist anymore.

Upon arriving and entering Mo'at's tent, Neytiri helped you to a seat, while Neteyam stepped aside to sit across from his grandmother. Kiri promptly went to get more herbs to grind and help her grandmother with the dressings. Not even a few minutes later Lo'ak arrived at the tent as well, along with Spider.

Kiri was in charge of taking care of you while your grandmother was taking care of Neteyam beside you. You were happy, Kiri was good at using medicine that didn't burn as much.

"Eywa. What a nasty cut", she grimaced as she said. You laughed at her mocking face. If Kiri wasn't sincere with her words (which she actually was in many situations), her facial expression spoke for itself.

Neteyam tried to get a better look at his wound, but he was interrupted by the burning sensation on his back. He also wanted Kiri to tend to his injuries. Not that he disliked his grandmother's care, but she was sometimes too rough. "Ow. Ow. Ow!"

"Hold still. Stop moving around so much", Mo'at pressed more ointment into Neteyam's cuts, causing him to complain even more. You laughed and he looked crookedly at you.

Lo'ak who was standing next to Neteyam watching his brother suffer through recovery, was laughing at his situation. "Own, the baby wants a kiss?"

Kiri rolled her eyes and walked away from you momentarily, only to pick up another grinding tool. "I would use yalna bark."

"Huh? And who is Tsahik?", Mo'at countered. She could be very difficult at times, and Kiri was frustrated by that.

"You, Grandma. Turns out yalna bark would burn less." Kiri came back to you and approached her wound. She got some of the ointment on her fingers, slowly and carefully she applied it to her wound.

You shivered slightly. It clearly didn't burn as much as Neteyam's looked like it was burning. But it still caused a numbness.

You looked outside the tent as a distraction. Neytiri had long since left the tent and left you and Neteyam for the necessary care. Now she found herself crouched beside Jake talking about something. They looked serious and shaken.

It broke your heart. You hated to see them sad. You would do anything, anything at all, to make each of those people important to you happy.

Her ear wilted a little. Kiri just assumed it was because of the bruise, but Neteyam noticed her melancholy. He followed her gaze and understood her sadness. He did not want to disappoint his parents in any way. He works hard every day to make them proud. Then he felt guilty when it happened.

It was all so difficult.

After finally finishing the healing session, her wound was patched up nicely with a bandage wrapped around it to protect it. It had been a while since you left Mo'at's hut, now you were sitting on one of the tallest rocks in High Camp. You enjoyed hanging out there, watching the eclipse, observing all the beautiful flora that made up your planet, your home.

Breathing in the fresh air of the new night, your heart was soothed by the tranquility. Today was a full, tiring day. Constantly dealing with wars wore her down, even if today was her first time in the field. The adrenaline of everyone around her, the tension that overwhelms her clan. It's all very suffocating.

Growing up was good. You learned new things, understood the true meaning of things. You become freer, in a way. But it's also scary. Growing up you get new responsibilities, new decisions to make. It is oppressive in many cases.

Sometimes your only wish was to go back to being a child again.

Where you would be lying next to Neytiri, listening to the incredible stories of your past life. Where Jake would run after you like an imaginary monster, even though you were a little too big for that…

Or even the time your mother was here.

You missed her so, so much. Missing your affection, your hugs, your tender kisses. The loving way she cared for you and was always there to help you. The sound of her laugh, the way her nose crinkled up when she was angry.

You miss every moment with your mother. It was painful and often you felt alone because of it. Even though Jake and Neytiri were always there to tell you that everything was okay. You were loved.

Her eyes filled with tears at the feeling of longing. Being alone in these moments was good precisely because of that, you could release some of this oppressed hurt inside you.

But then your ear was able to hear a thud close to you. You were startled and quickly began to dry your tears in case it was someone. But you already sensed the presence right next to you, if the person had noticed you well enough, they would have known that you were crying.

The person silently sat down to the side. You kept your head down, away from the figure's gaze, but that made it impossible for you to know who was beside you.

A few seconds passed in silence. Just the nocturnal sound of the forest covering the environment, calming everyone's hearts. You were able to hear a silent sigh before finally hearing the individual's voice. Her ear perked up at the sound.

"Are you okay?"

You didn't answer the question, too embarrassed that he saw you in that situation. Neteyam was always perceptive when it came to those close to you with negative emotions.

But beyond that. He knew when you were in a state of distress. When you were suffering from your inner demons. You were grateful that he was kind enough to help you, but you were frustrated to be caught in such a vulnerable state. In your mind, it was shameful.

Having received no answers, Neteyam cleared his throat and directed his gaze at you. "Does anything else hurt?"

"No. Kiri did a good job", you replied simply. If you continued with your silence, Neteyam would make sure you were okay before leaving you alone again. He was difficult sometimes.

"May I ask why you are crying?" The question came out as a simple, soothing whisper, a whisper where only you were able to hear.

To be honest, it was not the first time that Neteyam had found you in such a delicate state. Just as it was not new that he comforted you every time.

Turns out you felt like a nuisance. Just one more problem to deal with in an environment that was already upset because of the various responsibilities. Neteyam already had a lot to deal with: his training as an Olo'eyktan, caring for his younger brothers, his development as a warrior... you didn't want to be a hindrance anymore.

So you suffered in silence. Alone. But it was really impossible to escape Neteyam's doe eyes. He would always know when you were distressed, in need of support. He knew that although you pretended to be a mighty warrior, without weaknesses, you were as fragile as any other child.

And Neteyam didn't blame you for that. You had been through a lot in your life, in your childhood. So he did his best to make you understand that you were no longer a burden on his back. He took care of you because he cared. Neteyam hated to see you in this state.

"I don't…", you sighed, "Same old same old. I just miss my mother."

You still had your head down, refusing to meet Neteyam's gaze. But he was already looking at your face in profile, from the moment you started talking. Lately you've noticed how his gaze has lingered a little longer on your features. You assumed it to be more concern, so you didn't think too much.

Neteyam slowly raised his arm and rested his hand on your neck, near the nape of your neck, giving a little pressure in place. You tensed under the sudden touch, but it lasted only an instant. You soon relaxed at the warm contact on your skin.

More tears filled your eyes and you held them back as long as you could. It wasn't time to cry anymore, you couldn't be a crybaby forever. Her body trembled slightly, a sob wanting to escape her throat.

Eywa. What was all that whining about now? It had just been a tiring day, but you should be able to handle it. Neteyam must certainly consider you a pain in the ass.

"You can cry, you know. It won't make you weaker", he paused. "It's okay, I'm here."

And then you found yourself unable to hold it in any longer. It was unfair. It was unfair the way Neteyam had the power to make you crumble in seconds. The way he could see into your soul with just one look.

You laid your head on Neteyam's shoulder, hiding your face as endless sobs and tears escaped you.

In all those years, you and Neteyam had become good friends, close friends. You supported each other in each and every circumstance; whether Neteyam was suffering because of new scoldings from his father or tired from the increasing responsibilities of each day, it was you who were there to calm him down. To tell him that everything would be fine, everything would pass.

He loved to hear your soothing whispers.

Neteyam loved how confident you were, with the soul of a leader. But at the same time, it was fragile. And that just like a child, you needed affection and protection.

Just as you cared for Neteyam, he cared for you, being there whenever you needed him. Neteyam would be there to calm your nightmares, silence your agonizing screams or comfort you on sleepless nights.

A smile opened on Neytiri's lips whenever she saw you together, the way you treated each other. The way the two of you, together, cared for Kiri, Lo'ak and Tuk like the most precious people in the world.

You would be strong warriors in adulthood. Individually, but mostly united. You and Neteyam were two parts that completed each other and that is what made you so powerful. But just as unity is a strength, it can also be your greatest weakness.

Neteyam was understanding with you, allowing you to cry as much as necessary for your heart to be at peace. He lowered his arm from the back of your neck to your waist, slowly embracing you. Conveying warmth and protection.

Neteyam noticed how much you liked hugs. This became more frequent after her mother's death. Neytiri was the one who gave you that kind of affection the most, always there, willing to hug you and caress her hair, like a mother would. And you were forever grateful for that, you missed that kind of love so much.

So when you felt the firm arms around you, you sank even deeper into the embrace.

You stayed there until you calmed down. All that was left were silent sniffles and your sighs.

Night had already arrived and Pandora's night lighting came to life. It was so beautiful. You loved looking at the life around you, appreciating the creation of the Great Mother. It is unfair that the People of Heaven come here to take such goods as if they had a right. If the mother, creator of their planet, was dying, it is their own fault; it's selfish to want to get it from somewhere else now.

But that's what humans are, isn't it? Selfish, sinful, and monstrous. You learned as you grew up that they are not all bad, there were good humans too, like those who lived next to you. But compared to the number of those who wanted to break up your home, it was something very small.

But there was really no use dwelling on this. Your only option was to fight, to fight these intruders and to protect your people.

That was the only way to nip this evil in the bud. Fight.

"We should go now, it's late. Your parents will be worried", you said, already pulling away from Neteyam's warm embrace. You felt awkward at the loss, but didn't think much of it.

"Right. We should." Despite him agreeing, Neteyam still took a good look at your face to make sure you really looked better. You were great at changing the focus of the scene, so he knew he should keep a closer eye on you.

Standing up, you stretched slightly before inhaling a copious amount of air. The night was cool today.

You and Neteyam started walking leisurely towards your Marui. Upon arrival, you smelled delicious food, apparently dinner was already ready. It was at that moment that you noticed how hungry you were, the day was definitely full, you didn't even remember what your last meal was.

You went in first, with Neteyam right behind. As you entered, Tuk was the first to spot your presence. She ran up to you immediately.

With its impact on your body, you took a step back, bracing yourself with your injured leg. You let out a silent groan of discomfort, which by the looks of it, didn't escape Neteyam's exceptional hearing.

"Tuk, more careful!"

Tuk startled and turned away from you with her ears perked. She had completely forgotten about your injury. Tuk made you feel pain, didn't she?

You noticed that Tuk's big eyes filled minimally with water. You immediately went to hug her and comfort her from the fright. "No, no, it's all right. You didn't hurt me, it was just unintentional, hm?", you made her look at you, "How about you show me what we have to eat today?"

Tuk nodded and soon a shy smile took over her lip. She took one of your hands and carefully pulled you over to the campfire, near Neytiri, who was finishing chopping some fruit.

Neteyam just sighed and went to sit down too, between Jake and Lo'ak. Neytiri had given her permission to start eating after a brief thank you to Eywa. You had a good morsel, already basking in the gaze. You were starving.

Dinner was silent. It wasn't such an oppressive silence, but it certainly wasn't as cozy. Everyone was on edge. This is the expected result of a war.

Today's results were good from a technical side. But bad from a family side. Neteyam was in a lot of danger, who knows what could have happened... no, it was better not to think about it. The important thing was that he was here now, along with all of you.

You noticed how Lo'ak seemed more sullen too. In those hours he would be making some disgusting joke just to annoy Kiri, but he was quiet. You didn't know if it was from Jake's scolding, the punishment, or the way he felt guilty about his brother. Either way, you would have to stroke his sorrows a little later.

After everyone finished eating and felt full, you helped Neytiri put away the utensils that were used for eating, and then everyone began to organize themselves to finally rest. The energy was depleted and everyone there seemed very stressed. A good sleep should be enough.

You, as always, snuggled between Kiri and Neteyam. Tuk still couldn't sleep away from her parents, so she slept between Neytiri and Jake, but still close to her sister. And Lo'ak slept on the other side of Neteyam.

Many times you woke up in the middle of the night to find half of Lo'ak's body on top of Neteyam. Sometimes you even got a kick or two. But it wasn't too inconvenient, as the warmth of your considerably new family soothed your spirit. It was a kind of tranquilizer for you.

Releasing the air you didn't even know you were holding, you stared at the ceiling for a few more seconds, before closing your eyes to try to drift off to sleep. You fixed your attention on the quiet sighs and snores of the others. They already seemed to have begun to fall asleep, really no longer able to stay awake.

Another day has gone. And all you hope, no, all you pray for, is that better days will come ahead. You hope to find peace one day. No aliens on your planet, no destruction.

Just you, your family, and your beautiful home, flourishing as it should be.

As Eywa made it to be.

🏷; @mashiromochi @im-in-a-pansexual-panik @narutoboi @ilovejakesullysdick

God, it took work to post this chapter 😭

｡･ﾟ♡ﾟ･｡🍓｡･ﾟ♡ﾟ･｡🍒

[risen-from-stardust]

A taste of blood

CW: Violence / Blood / Torture

3317 words

Toyhouse

Note: HELLO UHHH HA i wanted to post this here cuz why not? I really wanted to do something a bit dark for a while soooo... Remember that english is not my first language and I have no beta reader, enjoy, or not, idc. Vix and Sushi are the OCs of @whereisxyro, the rest are mine.

Note 2: I'm probably going to do more mini stories to tell the lore of some of my OCs, i have a lot in mind and even if "Risen from Stardust" is slowly being published on Wattpad (Still a WIP and is in spanish and i'm not updating soon cof cof), i preffer to use this way

Note 3: Writing is so complicated, i admire people who do this omfg

Vix was walking with Dan'dchei and Tai'ytu in this new, or at least unknown for him, space station. There were plenty of interesting things around, almost forgetting why they had come here initially. Things for their ship? He doesn't remember, and neither cares right now. He was happily listening to them talk as he was included time to me in the conversation.

— Too much tech stuff for me, go and do whatever you two need. I'll be fine, I want to explore

Dan'dchei clicked his tusks a bit.

— Don't you want one of us to come with you? Security, I mean

— I can take care of myself! See you in a while

Without waiting for an answer, Vix just moved away to explore by himself, ignoring how Tai'yu loudly huffed. Why did they even care about him? He's not lying, the past days had been... Nice. He supossed. Dan'dchei and Tai'yu were gentle with him, ignoring again how their relationship started. It was pretty much probably due to the fact he was like some kind of trophy. Another pretty thing in a stupid collection of ego-filled creatures... But... He had expected to at least be called to come back, and here he was, almost screaming to be stolen again. These two actually cared? Then why was he here?

His head turned at the glance of something shiny in one of the stores. One of the first things he noticed when he arrived here. Ah, now he remembers.

He didn't knew what it was, nor did he care. Shiny was shiny, and distracting enough to keep him out of his thoughts. Yeah, that was a good plan.

After a while a scent made him wipe his head around. What is that? He asked himself. Too familiar, but too faint in his memories. Decided to investigate, Vix started to walk around the shops until he saw a little brown Yautja? With a peculiar look. It was adorable, like an oversized axolotl. Curious, and lured by the scent, Vix decided to get closer and started to follow. Why was he alone in this place? Poor thing. Maybe he could help to find his parents or whatever took care of him.

— Hey little thing, — Vix said, walking closer to the slimy yautja. — You look lost, may I help?

The creature chirped happily, he was about to take Vix's hand until he decided to suddenly stop, his expression changing to instant worry.

— What's wrong? I'm not going to hurt you don't worry

Vix tried to use his most calm voice possible, seeming to be useless as the yautja darted away, tripping on things and chirping broken apologies.

— Wait!

Vix darted too to follow him, being easy to catch the thing in his arms due how much he was bumping on things. He started to wiggle on Vix arms, surprisingly loud screams coming from him.

— Calm down! I said I'm not-

That smell...

Unwittingly, Vix used his poisonous spikes to prick the soft skin and release a paralyzing venom. At the feeling of the sharp things, the yautja stopped moving. Whatever the reason was, fear, his poison, that didn't matter. He sunk his fangs on the squishy meat, savoring the addicting taste of his warm blood as it started to coat his mouth.

Loud stomping started to come close to them, before Vix could even look, he was trashed violently against a wall, whining due the sudden pain of all his body.

Dizzyingly, Vix looked up to see a massive creature... Yautja too? Holding in his arms the much smaller one, who was now curled on himself and whimpering in pain. Oh no, no, no, what he had done?

— Sushi... Sushi... I'm here — His deep voice sounded worried, those webbed hands petting the recently discovered to be called Sushi and pulling him into an embrace. Mumbles being said to the little one.

Vix tried to get up and noticed how the yautja tensed. He wasn't even looking at him, so in little hope he had to escape, he tried to slowly, carefully, to get up. Again, in a blurry movement everything was agony. The yautja used his weight to crush one of Vix's legs. A nasty crack echoing in the silence. The few people that were around decided to leave. Being near an angry yautja was dangerous, being the reason why they were angry was far, far worse.

His scream was stopped when he held his throat in a deadly grip. The feeling being something Vix already got used to, so his body slightly tensed and instinctively got lax again. All of this while he was being pushed against a wall.

— You, — The yautja snarled, his only dark eye looking straight into his very soul. — are going to feel something far worse than regret.

After that, he found himself being half-dragged around the station. Having to forcefully walk due how high he was hanging. Vix tried to take out at least one of his spines to stab the stranger with these, however, every time he moved, the hand on his throat choked him until he was almost unconscious and repeating over and over again. This little game actually excited Vix in some twisted way, having your life hanging off a cliff like this was dangerous, and it was exactly what he liked... Even if it wasn't a good situation for those thoughts, he just couldn't help it.

He was tossed again once the yautja entered a building, leaving the slimy one in a table and calling for O'Twei.

Once this said yautja with blue hide was with them, the much bigger one picked Vix up and chained his arms behind his back, picking carefully some of his spikes and pulling away, making Vix hiss.

— I'll go to see what this thing does, — The bigger one, O'Steaab, as O'Twei called him, looked back at Vix. — Pray this doesn't kill Sushi.

And with that he was gone, leaving him with O'Twei and an agonizing Sushi.

— What are you going to do with me...? — Vix asked, for some reason his voice sounded a bit scared. Was he scared? This wasn't the first time someone chained him.

— Not me. He — Replied calmly the blue yautja as he started to work in the bite Vix caused, trying to calm down Sushi and reassuring him with being back at home.

— I didn't mean it! I swear I don't know why I bit him! It just.... Happened

— Unfortunate. Try to explain that to O'Steaab and he may not be so cruel with you

Curiosity pricked him a bit. Some part of Vix wanted to know what he was actually able to do. The other... Wasn't happy at all about this whole situation. Dan'dchei and Tai'yu will be worried if something happens to him, and he really didn't wanted to worry them this way.

— What you say is true...? — Vix lowered his voice a bit, tilting his head down to don't look threatening in any way. He also used his best tragic eyes, concern and a slight hint of fear in them.

O'Twei looked at him for some long seconds and sighed, slowly petting the trembling brown ball in the table.

— No — He finally replied, not even paying attention to Vix anymore — But accident, as you call it, or not, you're going to be dead. — A soft purr started to sound in the depths of O'Twei's chest, picking Sushi up and nuzzling his mandibles on the little one's head — Eventually. Start begging for it.

Groaning, a burst of blood came out of Vix as he puked on the floor. A little pool of neon magenta blood creating in front of him. This was bad, really bad. He was probably bleeding internally due the crude handling from earlier. Cursing internally he was picked up again, this time by O'Twei, left in another room and locked there. Like if he was able to scape with a broken leg.

Some time passed since they left him alone here. Barely catching some noises from the outside. Some things were hanging from the ceiling, probably useless whires and some steel boxes scattered around. Nothing useful here.

He was starting to feel dizzy due to the lack of blood. The floor around him being a mess of magenta and pink. His mind wandered back to situations like this in the past. It was all he had right now to distract himself. For how long they are going to keep him here? 

The sudden slam of the pad outside was his answer, O'Steaab entered the room and darted his tongue to taste the air. The way he looked at him had Vix shivering. A faint feeling that he was going to die right here and then started to make him nervous.

He was about to explain what happened, but his words ended up in a squeak when O'Steaab picked him up and shoved him hardly on the steel table near a wall, forcing him to cough some remains of blood still in his throat. Vix was about to try again and excuse his pathetic self when a hand pressed his head against the table, the other pulling out the poisonous spikes of his body. They sometimes fell, so it only made him feel a slight discomfort.

— You have to try harder to make me not enjoy this

Vix teased. He knew he was digging his own grave. Whatever.

— Make yourself comfortable then

O'Steaab growled, leaving the spikes aside and pressing Vix's back. He seemed to take a second to calculate before ripping open his back, five long trails made by his claws started to bleed and coat Vix, a pained hiss coming from him, but just as a natural instinct. He actually enjoyed that a damn lot, melting as the warmth of himself leaked out. Vix tail slammed O'Steaab on his side, just as a reflex, in response, he just took it and ripped it apart from his body. Again, this sometimes happens, but it hurt a lot due to the sudden move, making him roar this time in surprise.

O'Steaab carelessly turned Vix around and let him rest on his exposed flesh, making him squirm uncomfortably against the table. Then he left. Leaving Vix alone in his misery for who knows how long.

•  •  •

Vix lost sense of time after some hours. Gods, he was starting to get hungry, and dehydrated due all the bleeding and puking. Where were Dan'dchei and Tai'yu? They said they'll be with him if he had any issues. Well, now, he was stuck in one.

From time to time O'Steaab came back to just do more damage on his back, it was weird how his claws teased his spine, but in a good manner... At the beginning. It was starting to get seriously uncomfortable due how long he took his time, searching for sensitive spots and abusing them until Vix was whimpering in discomfort.

He tried to not care and somehow enjoy it. If he's going to be stuck here for a while, he really had to search for ways to not make this unbearable, convincing himself that it could be worse. How long since he has been here? He tried to count and already lost track after half an hour.

— Where are they...

Whispered Vix under his dry voice, shifting time to time with the chains still in his arms pressing against his abused back. He could swear that he was torn enough to have his bones slightly touching the surface under him.

— Who?

— Like if you cared, asshole

A pitch yelp came from him when O'Steaab buried deep a dagger he was sharpening near him in the internal part of his tight near the beginning of his leg, jerking aggressively due how sensitive and also damaged that zone was.

— FUCK! — Vix cursed, baring his inner fangs — If you're going to kill me, do it already!!

— Cool off, — O'Steaab snarled, twisting the dagger — It's been only three days

— Three days?! — How was he even alive? His body couldn't produce that amount of blood. Well, he also time to time fell unconscious, giving him enough time to heal at least a bit.

— And half — O'Steaab mumbled, his free hand exploring with curiosity Vix's gills. This sent a pleasant shiver throughout his body, even if he knew they were being considered his next zone to damage.

Gods above. Where are they?? He was having enough of this.

— They... They are going to come and find me, they care about me... — Vix was disrupted when a claw hooked in the inside of one of his gills, at the verge of feeling so damn good and painful.

— If they really care, then where are they?

There was a momentary pause. He just used what Vix just said but in a way that had him doubting the insecurities Dan'dchei and Tai'yu tried to take away, clawing back at him and holding Vix like a vendetta. He really wanted to ignore O'Steaab, but he was right, they already gave up on him? Just like that?! He shouldn't be surprised. They were all the same after all.

Looking how the thing seemed to crash in a wall of realization, O'Steaab took the opportunity to rip open the gill he was hooking, an actual painful, hoarse cry coming from Vix.

— Take a break — O'Steaab pulled the dagger out of his leg, licking the blood as he walked away. — I'll give you time to think.

Think... That was the last thing he wanted to do right now.

•  •  •

O'Steaab actually left Vix alone, first making sure to have he forcefully hydrated again, which meant coughing water out of his lungs. Trough these three days O'Steaab noticed the two yautjas asking for their companion. What a shame he was having some fun with him, the magenta blood looking interesting on his claws.

Sushi in his own way insisted to don't kill the thing. He didn't knew why even if Sushi was noticeably more quiet since the attack. Miraculously the spikes weren't deadly, only paralyzing, but still he's not forgiving him soon for scaring like that the little one.

He was surprised at himself at how protective and attached he had become to the pup, trying to teach him how to hunt small things so he could learn the basics, even if Sushi was basically blind. That feeling of pride striking O'Steaab unexpectedly hard when Sushi managed to get something, a little fish, it was all he needed.

He couldn't help the curl in his upper mandibles, smiling at the memory. Doing a last check to see if Sushi, and Kiloun apparently, were comfortable in their nest, he made his way to the other nest of furs in the room, nuzzling against a sleepy O'Twei and occupying most of his little personal space due O'Steaab's size.

Maybe he could let the creature go for tomorrow's morning. But not before giving him a reminder to never, fucking never get close to them or this station ever again. One that he was sure the masochist thing couldn't enjoy. Yeah, that sounded good. Yawning and stretching O'Steaab curled around O'Twei, letting his faint purr drift him to slumber.

•  •  •

— Wake up

A kick near his injured gill made Vix realize he was on the floor, his arms free. Or at least not chained, O'Steaab was holding one of them behind his back. Wait, he was going to...? A hard shake made him slightly hiss in protest.

— I'm awake, I'm awake... Going rough today, big one? I still can sing for you~

O'Steaab kicked him again, harder this time, and growled, obviously pissed by that.

— Don't. Congratulations, you're getting out of here

— Ha. Didn't know you where funny

— I'm being serious. Tai'yu and... Dan'dchei are your owners, right? Well, I can give them the important piece of you — He then used one of his feet to press Vix head against the warm ground, slightly curling his back to be closer. — But I'll take something first

— You already have my tail, what else... — He stopped when his arm was pulled further backwards, reaching his stretching limit.

— Let me show you... — He growled, a slight popping coming from Vix sore muscles.

— No... Wait, WAIT, WAIT!!

With a grunt, O'Steaab used his strength to rip off the arm out of his body, tossing it to the table. Vix was unable to scream due how hard he was hit in his head with something, falling unconscious once more.

The next thing he knew was muffled voices, bright lights... Why was it so bright?! His eyes hurt, so he decided to fall into oblivion once more. When he woke up, his body was heavy as stone, none of his limbs cooperating. A faint shadow made Vix open his eyes, looking at the blurry figure hovering over him. Glass? Where am I... His back wasn't in pain anymore, in fact, he didn't felt anything at the moment.

Groaning, he moved to touch the glass, his left arm didn't respond, so he used the other to catch the attention of the shadow. Slightly glowy eyes stared at him. First in surprise, then confusion, and finally moved away in a sudden motion. Okay, it was gone, what else did he had around him? He was floating in some kind of liquid? Strange.

Wanting to go back to sleep the liquid was drained and now he was resting against a soft surface. When the glass moved away Vix took the opportunity to sit and look around, feeling a bit dizzy. He noticed the other beings in the room, three of them being particularly close.

— Vix... — Whispered the one with a familiar glowing pattern all over his body, it seemed to be fearful to speak any louder, which Vix appreciated due a faint hint of a headache. Wait a second.

— Dan'dchei...? — Vix mumbled, leaning closer to look at him.

A purr was his answer, a warm hand coming to cup his cheek. He couldn't help but lean on the touch, he was craving for this since...

— For how long I've been out?

— A week and a bit more — Tai'yu — Lost too much blood. Need time to recover, Thakiar decided to finally take you out of your slumber. Also need to recover your strength

— How am I even here? — Vix darted his only hand to the sticky and cold bandages in his supposed to be right arm place. He was going to be okay, if he could grow back his tail, why not limbs? Right?

— We received a message of your location, when we reached the zone, this... Yautja... — Dan'dchei hissed in disgust, seeming to despise sharing species with O'Steaab — Tossed you to us and left, not without warning us to never come back again or he's going to actually kill you.

— We are not afraid — Continued Tai'yu, growling — But we are neither risking you, or anyone here

Vix decided to say nothing this time, he just didn't know what to say. Sighing, he let them carry him up to stretch his legs, noticing more bandages and how much they were trembling. This was going to take a long time to heal.

•  •  •

With Vix out of his sight, O'Steaab was back at O'Twei's little home. Gods, he wanted to get out of here for yesterday, a good warm sun and a mud bath screaming for him. He gathered some of his stuff and left them for easy transportation for the next hypothetical morning. That night his tail was pulled hard enough to turn around and see what happened, Sushi being a bit more annoying than usual.

— What? — He growled, his voice rumbling like that due how sleepy he was.

A soft squeak was his only answer. He tried to teach Sushi many times how to communicate in Yautja, the task being slightly impossible because the little thing was stubborn about keeping his squeaking noises. O'Steaab just picked him up and also curled around him, a faint smell of fear coming from Sushi. 

When he was ready to go, Sushi picked his tail again and refused to let go, a bit surprised at how hard Sushi was holding him.

— I'll be back later, you know O'Twei will also take care of you

Still, Sushi refused, so he decided to say his goodbyes to his friend and bring Sushi with him. A slight feeling of compassion and guilt for seeing him like this and lowering his guard to let this happen poking his brain. Probably Sushi also needed some time outside, so this was going to be necessary for both of them.