#fluffier than cotton candy

[imhereandontniehatimdoing]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Voltron: Legendary Defender Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Characters: Shiro (Voltron), Pidge (Voltron), Lance (Voltron), Keith (Voltron), Hunk (Voltron), Allura (Voltron), Coran (Voltron) Additional Tags: Minor Spoilers, Team Dynamics, Shiro-centric, (sort of), Space Dad Extraordinaire Shiro, He is the dad friend, And the plot of this fic hinges on that fact, (but he's actually a mom friend???), Subtle Keith/Lance, Like... REALLY subtle, I'm Bad At Summaries, Maybe if i word it like a clickbait article..., 3 Times Shiro Got Called Dad, (much better) Summary:

"The first time it happens, Pidge is just a moment shy of passing out."

[allagogtoreblog]

Sugar is truly an appropriate title for this because it is, honestly, one of the sweetest things I've ever read.

Sugar

Part 1 of a two part Valentine's series: Sugar and Spice.

Warnings: slight suggestive tones in parts, but other than that it's just fluff! Part 2 will have more warnings.

Summary: You're the new girl at Hawkins High and you've caught the gaze of a certain metalhead this Valentine's Day. Little does he know that he's caught your gaze, too. Thanks to some good natured meddling from Dustin, you're poised to attend the Valentine's Day dance together! (No use of Y/N)

Word Count: 3k

Valentine's Day. For most people, it was the day you expressed your feelings to your loved ones. You could do this in the form of flowers, candy, jewelry, stuffed animals, or any other number of ways. Walking through the halls of Hawkins High, it was obvious. Love was in the air. Unless, of course, you were in the group that the rest of the student body had deigned "the freaks." Then, Valentine's Day this year was better known as "Thursday." Eddie, being King of the Freaks, wouldn't have even known what day it was if not for the barrage of teens in the hallway professing their undying love to their fourth partner since the beginning of the school year. He rolled his eyes at the performative nature of it all. He slammed his locker door and continued the rant he'd been on since the moment he'd walked in the door.

"It's just a made-up holiday, man. It doesn't even mean anything. It's just an excuse for companies to sell stuff to poor saps who think that love is measured in dollar signs. It's sick!"

Dustin nodded in mock agreement; regretting having mentioned sending Suzie flowers.

"And another thing!" Eddie began, but stopped abruptly, staring off in the distance. His gaze had locked on to the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. She was wearing a baby pink pinafore dress over a white sweater with big, red hearts all over it. Frilly pink socks peaked out over the top of her white sneakers. Even the clips holding her hair back from her face were shaped like hearts. She was a walking billboard for everything Eddie hated, but damn did she look good.

Eddie didn't think he'd ever seen you around before. He was sure he would have noticed you. In fact, it was your first week at Hawkins High, and someone had given you a tip that the school was really big into Valentine's Day, hence the outfit you were currently wearing. It wasn't too far out of your normal fashion tastes, but you threw in a few extra heart-shaped accessories for good measure. No one wants to be the new kid that sticks out like a sore thumb.

"Eddie! Earth to Eddie!" Dustin waved his hand in front of Eddie's face, snapping him out of his trance, "Where'd you go, man?"

"Who's that?" Eddie asked nodding towards you.

"Oh. That's the new girl. We have Chem Lab together. She's nice." He shrugged.

"I've never seen her around."

"Really? I think she's in Mrs. O'Donnell class with you."

"Ahh... I haven't been to her class all week." Eddie grimaced.

"Why are you asking about her, anyway? Do you liiikeee heeerrr?" Dustin teased.

"No!" Eddie was defensive, "I don't even know her!" He paused before adding, "She is really pretty, though."

Just then the bell rang and students began shuffling off to their respective classes. Eddie considered going to Mrs. O'Donnell's class today, just to talk to you, but you looked like a Hawkins High Princess in the making, so he doubted if you'd even give him the time of day.

By the time lunch came, Eddie had made up his mind. No way a girl like you would ever be interested in a guy like him, so best not even to waste his time. Imagine his surprise when Dustin came walking into the cafeteria with you following close behind. He had a shit-eating grin on his face as he approached the Hellfire table.

He doled out quick introductions between the two of you and added, “Since she's new here, I figured I'd offer for her to eat lunch with us."

That wannabe Cupid little shit!

When Eddie didn't respond right away, you chimed in, "I hope that's okay! I don't play Dungeons and Dragons or anything, but I haven't really made any friends, so..." You trailed off, hating how pathetic you sounded.

Eddie thought you sounded angelic. "Oh, uh, of course! Here!" He stammered as he stood and pulled out the chair closest to him for you to sit down, shooting Dustin a quick glare. Dustin's grin grew wider as he gave Eddie a dramatic double thumbs up behind your back.

"So…" Eddie cleared his throat, "If you don't play DND, what do you do for fun?" He hoped the question came across like casual conversation and not like he was fishing for information, which he was.

"Well," You grinned and Eddie swore the room got brighter, "At my old school, I was in the drama club. I was involved in every production they put on last year, either cast or crew. I love it!"

Eddie put on a posh accent, "Ah, a fan of the theater, I see."

You giggled, "Very much so."

He smiled and took a moment to take you in, "You know, I bet you'd like DND. It's very theatrical."

"Oh, yeah?"

"Yeah. We're meeting after school in the drama room tomorrow. You should come."

"Okay." You agreed with a grin.

You knew among this group of metalheads and DND nerds you stood out like a sore thumb, which is exactly what you'd been trying to avoid, but you couldn't help but want to be around Eddie. He was magnetic, and you’d be lying if you said he hadn’t caught your eye.

You spent the rest of lunch getting to know his friends who were very excitedly trying to explain Dungeons and Dragons to you. Their enthusiasm was infectious and you found yourself genuinely looking forward to sitting in on their session.

"So, um..." You felt almost embarrassed about what you were about to ask, "Are any of you going to the Valentine's dance tonight?"

"Are you going?" Dustin asked you as he glanced over at Eddie and wiggled his eyebrows.

"I was thinking about it, but I don't really know anyone here yet, and I don't want to go by myself."

"I'm going." Eddie said a little too quickly.

"You are?" You were surprised. He was the one you least expected to be going, and you felt your cheeks heating up at the prospect of going to a Valentine’s Day dance with Eddie.

"Mmhmm... Yep... I love... school dances." He said unconvincingly.

"Me too! I mean, they can be a little cheesy, but it's fun to go dance and hang out with your friends."

"I can give you a ride if you want." Eddie offered.

"That would be awesome!" You pulled a pen from your bag and scribbled your address on a napkin that you handed to him, "Can you pick me up at six?"

Eddie placed his hand holding the napkin solemnly over his heart, and reverted back to his posh voice, "Your wish is my command."

Eddie ended up skipping Mrs. O'Donnell's class. He had never in his life been to a school dance, and he had no idea what you were supposed to wear to one. He was cursing himself for telling you he was going. Why did he do that? Was he really that smitten with you after a single conversation? The answer was, obviously, yes. Of course, he was. How could he not be when you smiled so sweetly, and laughed at his lame attempts at jokes, and that laugh harmonized perfectly with the pluck he felt on his heartstrings, and you got along with his unruly-band-of-misfits friends, and you smelled faintly like vanilla and strawberries, and… and… Okay, so yes. After one conversation, he was willing to forgo all his ideas about conventionalism if it meant he got to spend a few minutes alone with you. Sue him.

 He went straight home to rummage through his closet. He found one of the few pairs of jeans he owned without holes in them and a burgundy button up shirt Wayne had gotten him for his birthday a few years ago, insisting every young man needed a nice shirt. Eddie had never worn it, but he was grateful for Wayne's foresight now. The only problem was that Eddie was a bit taller now than he was when Wayne bought the shirt and his arms were a bit longer. The sleeves didn't reach all the way to his wrists. He unbuttoned the cuffs and rolled the sleeves up a few times, revealing the tattoos on his forearms. Looking in the mirror he ruffled his hair and toyed with the idea of pulling it back in a bun. He gathered all the hair to the nape of his neck and turned his head scanning his reflection. Then, he dropped his hair and shook it out and shifted uncomfortably, biting his lip in concentration as he wrestled with this very important decision. Then, he repeated this process a few more times before deciding just to leave it down. He wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans and surveyed the final look. He had no idea if this was too formal, or too casual, but it was the best he could do. Before he walked out the door, he went into the bathroom and dabbed a bit of Wayne's Old Spice cologne on his neck, hoping it wasn't overkill, but desperate to impress you. He had one more stop to make before picking you up.

Eddie was a naturally fidgety person, but the whole drive to your house he drummed his fingers restlessly against the steering wheel and his knee didn't stop bouncing once. He was so nervous. He told himself not to get so worked up. This probably wasn't even a date. You just didn't want to go to the dance by yourself, so you asked your new friends. You didn't even ask Eddie specifically. So, this wasn't a date. So, he shouldn't be so nervous. He was so nervous.

He pulled into your driveway and took a deep breath, building up the courage to go knock on your door. No sooner had he made it to the porch and raised his fist to knock, you swung the door wide and greeted him.

"Hey!" You grinned, "I saw you walking up."

Eddie's jaw dropped. You were wearing a red, lace dress that fell just above your knees. The neckline was curved to look like a heart, which unintentionally (or maybe intentionally) accented the shape of your breasts, at which he was struggling not to stare. Your hair was swept back in a loose updo with a few tendrils framing your face. You were wearing lipstick that matched your dress and a pair of patent white kitten heels. 

"You..." Eddie cleared his throat, "You look... wow..." He trailed off shaking his head in awe.

You swung your hips back and forth so your dress swished around your knees.

"Thank you, kind sir." You mimicked his accent from earlier, "Might I say you look quite dapper as well."

Eddie laughed, "Thanks."

"Are you ready to go?" you smiled.

"Your chariot awaits, m'lady." He gestured toward his van and extended his elbow which you looped both your arms around. He opened the passenger door for you and helped you in before climbing in to the driver's seat.

"Thank you for taking me to the dance." You leaned your head back against the seat and turned to face him.

"My pleasure. Before we go, I got you something."

You sat up straight, "You did?"

Eddie rummaged around behind his seat for a moment, looking for what he had stopped to buy earlier, before pulling out a heart-shaped box. He never in his life thought he would be buying someone a heart-shaped anything, but somehow, he was already wrapped around your finger and committed to doing anything he thought might make you smile.            

"Happy Valentine's Day." He said as he handed it to you.

You grinned ear to ear, "You got me chocolate?! Thank you!"

"You're welcome." He chuckled at your enthusiasm as he pulled out of your driveway.

You took the lid of the box and looked thoughtfully at the roulette in front of you. "Hmm..." You selected one and took a cautious bite, "Ugh! Raspberry!" Your face twisted up in disgust.

"What? Raspberry is the best!" Eddie argued.

"Well, here. It's all yours." You held the half-eaten chocolate to Eddie's mouth, still wet with your spit. He suppressed a soft moan and felt his heart racing as he parted his lips and you dropped the candy in before returning to the box in your lap. His lower lip tickled from where your finger had brushed it and he subconsciously nibbled the spot and tried to keep his eyes on the road and not on the dream-come-to-life in the passenger seat.

You selected another one and took a bite, "Caramel! Now that's more like it!"

Eddie made a silent mental note that you hated raspberry, but liked caramel. Just in case he ever needed to know that. He hoped someday he’d need to know that.

When you got to the school, you could hear the music from the parking lot and see the lights flashing in the windows. Eddie almost backed out until he saw how excited you looked. You smiled, and he knew he was a goner.

"Wait right there!" He said as you unbuckled your seat belt.

He jumped out of the van and rushed around to the passenger side to open your door for you.

"I never would have guessed you were such a gentleman." You smiled and raised your eyebrow in a way that suggested you were only teasing.

'Me either.'  Eddie thought.

You led the way to the gym half walking, half skipping.

"Oh! I love this song!" You exclaimed as soon as you were closed enough to discern lyrics from the loud thumping, grabbing Eddie's hand and pulling him toward the dance floor.

You began swaying your hips and twirling to the beat. Eddie stood and watched you, awkwardly nodding his head along to the song he was only vaguely familiar with. You sighed and rolled your eyes with a grin.

"Come on, Munson! I know you've got better moves than that!"

You grabbed his hands in yours and began shaking his arms back and forth as if to loosen him up. Keeping his right hand in yours, you raised his arm up and spun underneath it, twirling back to grab his left hand again. Eddie watched you in adoration. You really were beautiful and watching you dance in front of him was just what he needed to lighten up and enjoy himself. He began moving to the music and before too long was swinging his arms and kicking his legs out erratically in an intentionally overexaggerated way that made you laugh. He had told you that he loved school dances, but you guessed the closest thing he'd ever done to "dancing" was probably in a mosh pit. It was endearing how he was putting himself out there so you wouldn't have to be at the dance alone. The song ended and you collapsed breathless and giggling into his chest.

"I knew you had the moves!"

He smiled at you and tried to think of something clever to say. His train of thought was interrupted by the next song starting. A slow one.

"Uh...um..." His cheeks flushed, "I'm gonna go get us some punch."

He turned to walk away, but you caught his wrist.

"Not so fast! You're not going to leave me alone in the middle of the dance floor during a slow song. You can get punch later. Come here."

You pulled him back into you and draped your arms across his shoulders, linking your fingers behind his neck. He slowly, nervously lowered his hands to your waist and you stepped in closer to him. Looking up at him with earnest eyes you asked,

"You don't go to a lot of school dances, do you?

He winced, "That obvious?"

You smiled, "I was surprised when you said that you did, and you just don't seem like you're in your element."

"This is actually the first school dance I've ever been to. They're... not really my scene." He admitted.

"So why did you tell me you were going tonight?"

"Well, because you said you wanted to go… and telling you I was going seemed less scary than actually asking you on a date." He finished softly.

You pondered this for a moment.

"Can I tell you something?"

He looked at you expectantly.

"I've practically been begging Dustin to introduce me to you. He kept telling me that I wasn't "your type." But, then today he invited me to have lunch with you guys. I have no idea what changed his mind, but I’m so glad he did. Honestly, I only brought up the dance because I was too afraid to ask you out.”

Eddie blinked slowly as he considered that you had noticed him before he noticed you, and that you had wanted to get to know him.

"First of all, sweetheart," He began, "Dustin doesn't know shit about "my type." Second, I was just telling Dustin this morning how pretty you are and the little shit got it in his mind to play matchmaker."

"Really?"

“Yeah, that kid really thinks he knows what’s best for everyone. I mean, he’s usually right, but still. He gets this tone and –”

“No,” you cut off his rambling, “I mean, you really think I’m pretty?” You blushed, feeling silly.

"What are you even talking about?" He stepped back and held you at an arm’s length looking over you from head to toe, "Look at you! You’re fuckin' gorgeous."

Your blush deepened to a warm crimson, "You're gorgeous." You whispered shyly.

Eddie looked at you like you hung the moon.

“Do… do you…” He trailed off.

“Do I…?” You prompted.

“Can I…”

“Can you…?”

“Can I kiss you?” He blurted.

You grinned and stepped in close to him, tilting your head up to meet his gaze.

“I was hoping that was what you were trying to ask.”

Eddie breathed a sigh of relief and closed the gap between your lips. His lips were surprisingly soft as they moved against yours slowly and tenderly. You melted into him with your hands planted against his chest, and Eddie decided then and there that Valentine’s Day was his favorite holiday.

[zephfair]

GO-FHMR Chapter 3

Chapter 3 is down below the gif, under the cut.

Still nothing but fluff and tropes, G-rated. I should warn for Goat-related violence; no animals were harmed in the writing of this story but Ganseys are excluded from this warning. Author has a fond and possibly unreasonable love of goats. 💖

Chapter 1, Chapter 2

Chapter 3 below the cut

Although Ronan had promised they would be able to talk, they didn’t even have time to sit down together, and it seemed like the whole damn town plus the rest of the county decided that was the day to visit Lynch Farm.

“Matty and Declan were supposed to come this weekend to help out, but you can see that didn’t happen,” Ronan grunted to Gansey as he finished wrapping a large blue spruce.

“Can I offer a hand?” Gansey asked. Ronan looked him up and down then shook his head and hefted the tree onto his own shoulder.

“Go see if the maggot can set you up at the register or something,” he said, carrying the tree to a customer’s vehicle.

Gansey looked down at himself in bemusement. He’d thought to pack clothes for roughing it, assuming that he’d be doing some hiking to follow up on ley line activity, so he didn’t know what Ronan was thinking. His jeans were rather new, along with the hiking boots he’d only worn out in the Welsh fields that fall, but they were perfectly serviceable. He’d layered a henley under a Land’s End fleece under his oldest Columbia jacket. What was the problem with that?

He wandered around the barely controlled chaos, looking for “the maggot” who he assumed was actually Blue.

Gansey had woken early with a tempered sense of joy, his delight from the night before wilted by the harsh sunlight of morning and the text from Adam. Gansey still wasn’t sure where he stood with Adam. Had they actually broken up? Did he want to break up? Did Adam want to break up? If they did break up, what would Gansey do?

The thoughts swirled in his overactive brain as he got ready and started to look forward to seeing Lynch again. Patty had the “fancy” breakfast ready since he was early and the handful of other guests were already at the table. He sat through quiche and homemade cinnamon rolls and a fruit cup and smiled sincerely at Patty when she replaced the delicate china coffee cup with one of her huge mugs filled to the brim.

He left as soon as he could and figured he’d get to the Barns before any of the real action started. But he was wrong. The driveway already had a line of cars waiting to pull up into one of the fields that was roped off for parking.

He’d seen Ronan immediately, that tall figure weaving between customers, pointing over their heads, occasionally bellowing a directive to someone.

“I can’t believe you’re so busy already!” he’d said as he carefully watched Ronan feed the tree into the wrapping machine.

“It’s only going to get worse,” he warned.

Now Gansey tried to categorize what he saw around the Barns. The house at least on the outside looked much the same. There was temporary fencing around it and the family parking lot so that customers couldn’t get in. Signage and stacks of hay bales steered customers to the parking field.

From there, they headed to one of the biggest barns, one that had definitely been updated. Pre-cut Christmas trees leaned against the fence outside and stood inside the corral in haphazard rows. There were stalls set up offering other holiday products like pine wreaths and garland for sale.

Inside the barn, Gansey was surprised to see and smell live animals. One half of the interior was clearly designed for a petting zoo and featured some goats, pigs, a sheep, and a miniature horse.

The other half of the barn featured more handmade decorations and locally made baked goods for sale. There was a huge golden colored chair set up on a dais in a corner that made Gansey wonder what in the world.

But he was even more befuddled by a line of axes hung on a wall and was staring at them when a voice called out, “You ready to work, Dick?”

His eyes dropped to Blue who was running the cash register right below the axes.

“Why are you displaying an entire arsenal of potential weaponry?”

Blue’s nose scrunched as she translated then glanced up at the axes. “Potential weapons or not, some people love tromping through the forest to chop down their own tree, so we rent them an ax and give them a little map so they can choose from trees we’ve pre-selected. Believe it or not, a lot of planning goes into this entire operation.”

“I can definitely believe it,” Gansey said, stepping up to the register. “I just saw Lynch and he told me to see you about assigning me a job for the day.”

“Hmm,” she said, giving him the same thorough look that Ronan had. “How dirty are you willing to get exactly?”

Gansey’s outraged insistence that he was ready for anything lit Blue’s competitive streak, which Gansey later bemoaned.

She started him off as runner between the various sections of the farm. It was good practice to learn where everything was, and he met Maura, Blue’s mother who ran the refreshments stand, and Persephone who used a large kitchen built behind the house to bake their own treats. He was also introduced to Blue’s relatives Calla who kept a wary eye on the lookout for theft and made sure all the areas were fully stocked; Jimmi who made and sold many of the handmade decorations; and Blue’s cousin Orla who did something that Gansey wasn’t clear about but that involved her winking at him every time he passed her.

Blue pointed out the group of smiling teenagers who manned the actual tree lot, carrying, wrapping and doing the heavy work without visible effort. She also showed him the machine he’d seen Ronan use and warned him to stay away from it. And to also stay clear of the chainsaws they tried to keep out of sight behind her counter.

Blue also introduced him to Opal, the young woman in charge of the petting zoo.

Gansey had an adventure of his own when Opal asked him to run back to the “goat zone” and bring another bag of food pellets to the petting zoo. She explained that the other barns housed a variety of animals that Ronan cared for and were generally grouped by type. She had just shouted a warning about “watch a bug” as Gansey hurried away.

He got another glimpse of Ronan entering the very barn he was leaving. It was like that all morning. He’d see Ronan from across the parking lot as he hurried to the kitchen. Ronan waved once from the center of the tree corral as Gansey carried a stack of fresh wreaths into the barn for Calla. And he’d heard Ronan clearly bark a laugh at him from somewhere nearby when he’d tripped over the long garland he was trying to unwrap from around himself to carry to a customer’s car.

But they hadn’t had a chance to talk yet. And Blue had warned him that while Gansey was welcome to take lunch, the others just grabbed snacks and drinks as they had time.

Gansey had to admit that he was about ready for a break. He’d take the goat feed back for Opal then grab something and maybe go rest in his Range Rover, if Blue didn’t want him sitting down at the refreshment tent or behind the counter with her.

As soon as he entered the small barn with the low roof, he knew something was wrong. The other barns he’d visited were loud with animal noises, and the creatures tended to turn toward the opening door, assuming that incoming human interaction would be accompanied by food.

But the goat barn was silent as he flipped the bar and pushed one door open. He walked in before he thought about it and looked around.

Like all of Ronan’s farm, the barn was neat and clean and everything well taken care of. Gansey was impressed by the amount of work the upkeep must take. Pointy heads and tiny horns were visible above most of the stall doors, and while jaws worked at chewing cud, not one of them made a sound.

Gansey looked around again and spotted the bags of feed stacked up inside an unused stall. He said hello to the goats he passed and they watched him cross the width of the barn without a sound. Gansey was starting to get nervous when he heard the loud snort.

He turned to the left, assuming it was just a vocal goat, when he heard it again followed by a maaa-ha-ha-haha full of evil foreboding.

There, at the end of the aisle, stood a freed goat. This was a proto-goat. The shaggy, bearded, muscled goat that Billy Goat Gruff was modeled on. The goat that outsmarted then pushed trolls off a bridge. A goat unencumbered by rope or stall or corral. A goat that tossed its head, displayed its wickedly curved horns, and bleated its challenge again.

A goat that could accelerate from zero to whatever-the-fuck top speed Gansey could run slightly faster than Gansey could.

When the goat started to charge, Gansey hauled ass toward the stack of feed bags, that lone stall gleaming like a beacon of hope. He got as far as the door when the goat reached him.

Its horns made brutal and sudden contact with the nearest portion of his anatomy which happened to be his ass. Gansey swore and hopped in pain, and the goat butted his ass again. He yelled and heard a ripping sound as the goat tore something off his body.

Gansey didn’t waste any more time, he jumped over the low door of the stall which unfortunately was low enough for the goat to easily clear as well. Gansey dove onto the sacks of feed, hoping there was room behind them for refuge, but they were stacked too close to the wall. He hung on top the feed sacks and felt pressure on the leg of his jeans and heard another fabric tearing sound.

He kicked backward, but the goat dodged it with ease and a taunting maa-haha. Gansey kicked again and the goat stopped the boot with his teeth and started yanking it off his foot.

Gansey’s yells were loud, but not loud enough to block the sound of his rescue.

“Beelzebub! You foul fucking demon! Leave him the hell alone!”

Gansey had the wild thought that why was Ronan attempting an exorcism when he really just wanted to goat to stop attacking him.

Then he realized that Ronan’s shouts were getting closer.

“Help!” he called, struggling to keep his foot, let along his boot, attached to his body.

“Beelzebub, get off! You goddamn shitty excuse for a goat, I said, get off him!”

There was another bleat, somehow more plaintive, then the pressure was gone from Gansey’s foot. He scrambled to pull his legs up under him and turned on top the sacks, panting from the ordeal.

Ronan stood holding the goat in a modified headlock, looking for all the world like a casual dog owner who was holding his pet back at the dog park. Only Gansey could see Ronan’s muscles working under the thin thermal shirt he’d stripped down to, controlling the goat’s horns and keeping it back from Gansey.

“You okay?” Ronan asked.

“No! That thing tried to eat me!”

Ronan let out a burst of a laugh that sounded disturbingly like the goat had. “Bub wouldn’t eat you. He’d just headbutt you until you were tenderized.”

“Why do you let him roam loose?!”

“I don’t let Bub do anything,” Ronan said wryly, then swore as he caught the goat when it tried to pull free. “Hold on a sec, I’m gonna put him away.”

Gansey waited until Ronan manhandled the goat out of the stall before he slid down to stand on shaking legs. He rubbed his ass and winced then swore when he realized the first ripping sound he’d heard was one of the pockets off his jeans.

“You are hurt,” Ronan insisted when he returned. He grabbed Gansey’s shoulders and ran his hands down Gansey’s arms.

“I’m not hurt there,” Gansey swatted him away. “He got me somewhere else.”

Ronan thought for a second and just barely muffled a laugh. “Let me guess,” and he turned Gansey around.

Gansey shut his eyes when Ronan ran his hand gently down Gansey’s low back, over his belt and even more gently over his ass. Gansey still hissed, not as much in pain as in surprise. Ronan’s touch stayed so careful and went over to his hip, squeezing there.

“Did he break anything? Or just bruise you?”

Gansey winced. “Just bruised but damn, that’s going to leave a mark.”

“You’re right, you’re going to have a hell of a bruise. I can get you some Advil and an ice pack.”

All Gansey could feel now was the warmth and pressure of Ronan’s hand still curved around his hip. He reluctantly stepped away. “I’ll be fine. My jeans, though, not so much.”

“Yeah, he murdered your back pocket, and looks like he tried to rip off that leg too. There’s big tear behind your knee. And your boot is covered in goat slobber.”

“They’re waterproof. And thankfully sturdy because my foot is not teeth-proof.”

“Are you sure you’re OK? I just heard Opal tell you to watch out for Bub in case he got loose, but I knew you had no idea what you were getting into.”

“That goat is named Bub?”

“He’s Beelzebub, pretty appropriate, I thought, but the girls nicknamed him Bub. And we found out he’s some kind of escape artist because he can open damn near any kind of latch if we don’t keep a padlock on his stall. I was afraid Opal might not have double-checked it, and Bub is fine with those of us who feed him, but he does have a problem with strangers.”

“I take it he’s not part of your petting zoo.”

Ronan shook his head, “No, he’s too unpredictable for that. We don’t need him headbutting young children and tearing people’s clothes to bits.”

“He chased me across the barn,” Gansey didn’t care that his voice was plaintive verging onto whining, especially when it made Ronan hide a little grin. “I tried to get into the storage stall but he jumped in too and then I couldn’t take refuge behind the stacks of feed sacks.”

“And then he hit you in your vulnerable spot,” Ronan finished, not trying to hide his grin any longer. “I’m glad you’re OK except for the bruised ass. You might have trouble sitting for a couple days. Or,” Ronan reached out and ran his finger through Gansey’s belt loop, the one right above his hip bone, “I can always kiss it better.”

“Lynch, after all the times I’ve heard you tell someone to kiss yours, I never thought you’d be the one offering,” Gansey retorted.

Ronan huffed and let go of his belt loop. “You’re right. I guess you’ll have to earn it. But from the look of things, you’re doing all right at earning your keep today. Go get that ice from Blue and take a break. Standing up, preferably.”

“Ha. Ha,” Gansey did not find the situation as amusing as Ronan did.

Ronan squeezed his arm then threw his arm around Gansey’s shoulders. “Come on, let nurse Sargent make it better. Her bedside manner’s probably better than mine.”

Gansey leaned into Ronan’s side as they walked out of the barn. The more he remembered those halcyon days with Ronan, the more he remembered how touchy Ronan had always been. Gansey was the younger sibling with a very proper older sister, so he’d never experienced family wrestling like the Lynch brothers at any opportunity. Ronan seemed to need physical contact all the time, but it was one thing as innocent boys hanging all over each other.

It was a different thing altogether when they were grown-ups and Ronan looked like <i>that</i> and ran his hands all over Gansey <i>like that</i> and Gansey had to keep forcing himself to remember that he also had a boyfriend… or possibly ex-boyfriend and all the physical attraction he was feeling for Ronan had to be replaced with friendly camaraderie.

His libido needed ice more than his bruised bottom.

Ronan marched him right up to the register, nodded at the families waiting in line to check out, and loudly announced, “Sargent, get Dick some ice and Advil because the goat got him right in the butt.”

The parents in the line looked askance, Blue rolled her eyes dramatically, and the kids milling around laughed. “Butt,” one little girl repeated with a giggle.

“That’s why you better not turn your back on a goat,” Ronan told her very solemnly. “They’ll hit you in the butt.”

Several of the children started chanting “Butt! Butt!” and now the parents were giving Ronan different looks. He didn’t care, but Gansey ducked out from his hold and scurried behind the counter with Blue.

Ronan passed out some candy canes to the kids and palmed the little girl’s head, making her squeal in delight. “Don’t forget to make your mom and dad get you a picture with Santa,” he said gruffly.

“Santa is actually not arriving for another half hour or so,” Blue quickly reminded him. She smiled at the little girl too, “But we’ll get you a picture with him as soon as we can.”

The child grinned at her too and waved the candy cane. Ronan nodded at Gansey again and went back to work.

Gansey leaned against the wall of the barn and watched all the action until there was a lull at the register. Blue quickly tossed him a bottle of water and shook out a couple pills from a first-aid kit below the counter. “Can you take over the register while I run down to the kitchen and get you some ice?”

“It’s really not that bad, I promise,” Gansey did take the water gratefully and accepted the pills. “But I do think I’ll take my break now.”

“You’ve earned it,” she said and held out her fist. Gansey stared for a long second then made a fist and bumped her back.

At her urging, he headed over to the refreshments stall and picked out an apple dumpling that Maura topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream he didn’t request. She also poured him a coffee that he thanked her heartily for.

Then he limped back to the barn and perched on the edge of a stool to eat. Of course Ronan passed through a minute later to say “Look at you, sitting there half-assed.”

“That’s only a four point two, Lynch. Try again later,” Blue said and he stomped off back outside.

Gansey shed his coat and fleece and ate his lunch, smiling at the customers who chatted with Blue cheerily about their trees and were excited about decorating for the holidays.

Then his phone buzzed a text alert. Without thinking, he pulled it out and his heart sank when he saw it was from Adam.

It just read RSVPed 2 and was followed by a screenshot of an Order of Events for Adam’s firm’s holiday party. Gansey had never wanted to attend anything less in his life.

“Bad news?” Blue asked. When he looked up, she gestured to him. “From the frown on your face, you just got some really bad news. The wife wants you to come home early?”

“No, no nothing like that. First of all, there is no wife. Secondly, it’s … nothing,” Gansey finished, not sure how much he wanted to share when he wasn’t even sure what was going on.

Blue turned her attention back to the crowd and Gansey decided to text No, I’ll be in Henrietta. Unsure how long I’m staying.

He was suprised when the screen showed that Adam was typing already.

This means we’re over

Gansey’s stomach clench and he felt light-headed for a moment. Is this how Adam broke up with him? Was this really it after all those years? Just a text?

Adam then texted just a ?

Gansey’s hand shook but he was able to send back If that’s what you want?

There was no acknowledgment and no reply. Gansey put his phone away and took a deep, shuddering breath.

“Are you in a lot of pain?” Blue asked, with a concern that Gansey appreciated. “Do you think you need to go to urgent care?”

Ronan appeared like magic beside them. “Gans, you look bad. Did Bub hurt you more than you’re letting on?”

“No, no it’s not that, I’m fine, really,” Gansey tried to smile reassuringly but from their exchanged looks, he failed. “It’s a matter back in D.C. It has nothing to do with getting headbutted by your goat.”

“Do you have to leave to deal with it?” Ronan asked.

When Gansey shook his head, Blue asked, “Is there anything we can do to help you?”

Their sincerity and care touched Gansey in a way he’d rarely felt. “Thank you. Both. But it’s nothing to worry about today. Things will work themselves out. Somehow.”

“if there’s anything we can do, you have to let us know,” Ronan reached over and squeezed his arm in a way that was truly reassuring. “After all you’re part of the family now.”

“I am?”

Blue nodded. “It’s the final initiation. You survive Bub and if your ass makes it through, you’re one of us.”

Tears filled his eyes before Gansey could help it. His emotions were too high and too raw, and it was embarrassing that such a silly statement could affect him so. “In that case, I’m happy to accept the honor. Now, what can I do next?”

Ronan squeezed him again then took off when one of the tree helpers called for him. Blue started to say something when Orla squeezed behind the counter with them.

“It’s time. Our special guest is ready,” she said and started poking at the iPod kept safely behind Blue.

“Hands off! How many times do I have to tell you that I’m in charge of music!” Blue snatched the iPad back. “Now go help him in and I’ll play the song.”

Gansey had been aware that there was music playing through loudspeakers scattered all over the farm, but he’d been too busy to concentrate on it. That changed when Blue started “Here Comes Santa Claus” and cranked up the volume of the sound system.

Santa walked into the barn, ho-ho-hoing and carrying a large sack of something. Gansey watched him work the crowd then take his seat on the dais. Parents immediately starting lining up with starstruck kids and got their cell phone cameras ready. Orla finished setting up a professional camera for portraits.

“Here,” Blue said and plopped something on Gansey’s head. He reached up and pulled off a green elf hat with a bell on the end of the bauble. “Why don’t you go help Santa? It’ll take your mind off things and give your butt a break from the manual labor.”

“I’d rather carry the trees,” Gansey said honestly.

“Too bad. He just needs someone to make sure the kids are controlled and the next one in line sits on Santa’s lap. Then you hand them a candy cane, smile and send them on their way with the paper showing the photo rates.”

“But the trees…”

“Ronan and the boys are handling the trees,” Blue said firmly. “Besides, this will give your bum a break. No more pulled muscles.”

She ruined the good will by swatting his butt lightly with a rolled up newspaper when he grudgingly agreed.

Orla insisted it was only a couple of hours, but those hours felt twice as long as the entire morning of physical labor.

The kids were not the problem, surprisingly, even though Gansey had little to no experience in child-minding. These kids followed instructions to line up then excitedly entered the little gate and sat with Santa with few issues. The parents, however, had all kinds of demands and complaints and after Gansey stuttered through a couple interactions, Orla took over dealing with pushy parents.

Gansey’s only mortification occurred when one distracted mother pointed her oldest youngster at Santa, handed her crying toddler to Gansey then reached down to pull her baby out of the stroller. It happened so fast that Gansey and the toddler stared at each other for a few long seconds in shock. Gansey had the impression of red, sticky face with wet eyes, and he had no idea what the toddler saw but the child stopped crying and started babbling at him.

Gansey peered around for help, but received none although Blue and Ronan stood side by side at the counter, both with their phones pointed directly at him. Then he heard a shutter sound and saw that Orla had also pointed her camera at the action. She winked again.

The mother snatched the toddler back with no thanks and plopped it on Santa’s lap beside its sibling. Gansey retreated in relief.

When another of Blue’s innumerable cousins came to take his place, Gansey bowed out in a hurry.

“That was the longest afternoon of my life,” he confided to Blue.

“It’s not over yet. Look, I want to let you know that we’re just powering through this weekend with limited to no meal breaks. Ronan makes sure the kids get fed, but the rest of us are just pushing through. You, though, you don’t have to stay.”

“No, I don’t mind. It’s good for me,” Gansey said, knowing that it was definitely keeping his mind and anxiety off Adam. “And I haven’t had a chance to really talk to Lynch yet.”

Blue’s smile was a reward enough, then she handed him a protein bar. “Eat and drink what you can then help Opal get the petting animals settled for the evening. They’ve had enough stimulation for the day. And so have you.”

Gansey agreed and munched through the bar. He used a porta-potty and took his time walking back around the farm observing the shoppers.

He eventually spotted Ronan standing inside the corral straightening a tree. Then he leaned against the fence and just took a moment to look around.

Gansey walked up behind him and leaned his arms on the top board of the fence. “You’ve done an amazing job here, Lynch. This place is incredible.”

Ronan didn’t startle but Gansey saw the side of a tiny smile. “It’s not mine alone. Sargent and her swarm of witches do a lot of the work.”

“Lynch! Don’t call them that!”

“Why not? It’s the truth.” At Gansey’s disbelief, Ronan explained, “Her mom and aunts and multitude of other hangers-on are the psychics in town. That’s close enough to witches for me.”

“Fascinating,” Gansey said. “I wonder if they have any knowledge of the ley lines and the local legends of paranormal activity.”

“Are you still studying that Glendower shit?”

“No. Yes. It’s not shit.”

“I just remember that year, looking up all that stuff about your Welsh king and drawing maps and planning where we’d go to research if we could ever get a ride.”

Gansey sighed. “That’s the last time I was able to do it all for fun,” he said. “When Father pulled me out of Aglionby, part of the deal was to forget all about my ‘obsession.’ He did allow me to major in history in college, but he and Mother assumed I would go on to teach. It wasn’t until I completed my Ph.D. that I’ve been free to research and write about what I want. And that’s why I’ve come back to Glendower and Henrietta.”

“Well, I’m glad you did,” Ronan said. “How else could I get all this free labor and another human sacrifice for Beelzebub?”

“You’re still not as funny as you think you are, Lynch.”

“I’m fucking hilarious,” Ronan said and turned to smile directly at Gansey. “I’ve been meaning to tell you that’s a nice hat by the way. Suits you.”

“Hat?” Gansey reached up and pulled off the green elf hat he’d totally forgotten he was wearing. “Now my hair will be…” he could feel the static of his hair standing up from the fabric of the hat.

“It’s a little sticking up. Here, take mine if you’re ashamed of your elf status.” Ronan whipped off the fleece beanie he’d been wearing all day and the evening before.

“Your hair!” Gansey couldn’t stop his cry.

Ronan’s hand flew up to touch his short, dark bouncy curls and undercut that didn’t have nearly as much static electricity as Gansey’s. “What about it?”

“It’s so short! Your curls were so long! I remember when you’d tie it back when we were riding our bikes and you were so…” Gansey trailed off before he could blurt out cute.

“You would’ve shit yourself if you’d seen me in high school. I shaved it all off and kept it off until two, three years ago? I wasn’t sure what would grow back, but this is about as long as I can stand it these days.”

Gansey lifted his hand an Ronan didn’t say anything as he ran his hand softly over the curls, pulling one to let it spring back, then stroked down the velvety softness of the short undercut. Gansey snatched his hand back when he realized that Ronan’s eyes had fallen shut and he was learning into the caress.

“Well, it suits you,” Gansey finally said. “And I don’t mind the elfen hat.” He jammed it back down to cover the mess of his hair.

Ronan opened his eyes and sighed. “I told Sargent to make sure you know that you can leave at any time. We’re working crazy hours this weekend, but you don’t need to stick around. I know I promised we’d catch up, but maybe we should do it later.”

“And I told her that I’m fine with staying and helping out. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to be.”

“Good,” Ronan gave him the soft smile Gansey was rapidly coming to enjoy. “If you want to tough it out, we’d love to have you stay for dinner. Those of us who close up eat in the house after we’re all done.”

“I’d love that. Thank you. Now, I need to help Opal put the petting zoo back in their barns.”

“Make sure she does the goats herself,” Ronan suggested.

“I am not going into that goat barn again,” Gansey said firmly. “I understand why you have the tiny goats for the petting zoo but why the monstrous, murderous one?”

“Goats are natural Christmas tree recyclers,” Ronan said then explained. “People can bring their old trees back to us and we make sure they’re turned into other natural products so nothing is wasted. We get them turned into mulch and we feed them to the goats.”

“Goats can eat the pine needles?”

“Goats can eat any damn thing they want to,” Ronan said. “But yes, it’s all natural.”

Gansey pulled up the only knowledge he had of goats. “Do you have those fainting goats? The ones you see in videos? When they get startled, they faint?”

Ronan scoffed. “I don’t want those poor little guys bred for neurological problems. If I want a fainting goat, I wanna make that motherfucker faint myself.”

“That’s terrible!”

“But humane.” Ronan twitched the end of Gansey’s hat and made the bell ring. “I better get back to work. See you at dinner.”

Gansey watched him go then headed back to Opal and the animals. The rest of the afternoon and evening were a blur of near-constant activity with occasional breaks when Blue threw a food item or bottle of water at his head and he caught it in self-defense.

He was leaning against the side of the barn when the blare of a loudspeaker caught him unawares. It started playing a catchy pop Christmas song at three times the volume as the previous songs and when it hit the chorus, the female singer hit high notes that shook the speaker.

Gansey ducked into the barn to find that the line was empty for the first time all day, and Blue and Calla were counting out the register.

“What is this music?” he asked.

“Our sign from above,” Blue said, not letting him distract her. Once she and Calla had agreed, she explained, “When we’re ready to close down, we play this song as a sign to Ronan and anyone left in the lot to wrap it up. It’s the only time I let this obnoxious song play.”

“C’mon maggot, it’s a fucking holiday classic. What’s Christmas without a little Mariah?” Ronan asked as he carried armfuls of supplies into the barn.

“It’d be a happier holiday, that’s for damn sure,” she said.

Gansey watched as they and the rest of the helpers moved everything portable into the barn and made sure things were safe and secure for the night.

“That your Range Rover in the field?” asked one of the helpers, a man at least a decade older than Gansey whose most defining feature was his lively gray eyes.

“Yes, is it in the way?”

“You should move it down next to the house. After all, I hear you’re family now.”

“I’m Gansey,” he said, flattered by the notion that somehow everyone knew he’d been accepted into the group.

“Call me Grey,” the man said and accepted Gansey’s hand for a shake.

“Are you related to Blue?”

Grey chuckled. “That’s a safe assumption with this crowd. I’m Maura’s partner. And I have to tell you that you did a fine job this afternoon as an elf.”

Gansey stared in realization. “You were Santa?”

“Yes, for my sins,” Grey sighed. “It’s really only because I’m the oldest male figure in this group and so I was volunteered for it.”

“You did very well dealing with all those children.”

“It’s all right when they’re temporary. And I have the disguise so no one know it’s me.”

Gansey laughed and went off to move his SUV to an empty spot outside the house. By the time he returned to the barn, Calla and the money had disappeared to somewhere, Blue was shutting off the lights, and Gansey helped her push the big doors closed.

She led him to the back door of the house, where Gansey remembered shucking off muddy shoes and wet coats before entering Aurora Lynch’s domain.

There was now a trough-style sink in the mudroom where he and Blue washed their hands thoroughly. He jumped and shrieked when something nudged him in the back of his knees.

“Easy now, it’s not a goat,” Blue teased. She leaned over to rub the head of a shaggy black dog who leaned against her legs and panted happily. The dog’s tail slapped Gansey’s leg again.

“Oh, hello,” Gansey politely held a hand down so the dog could sniff. Once that formality was taken care of, the dog nuzzled his hand until he petted it.

“This is Chainsaw, Ronan’s baby, aren’t you girl?”

“Chainsaw? That does sound like a Lynch christened name.”

The dog followed them inside and settled under the huge dining room table that was already set. Blue motioned Gansey to choose a seat, and he sank down gratefully but cautiously. Maura and Gray were setting out casseroles that Persephone had made and Jimmi poured drinks for everyone that joined them.

When Ronan entered, everyone else took their seats. Ronan stopped at the head of table and looked at each of them. “I just want to say thanks, for everything. I know today’s been long and shitty but you all are great. Just two more days of this and things should calm down. In the meantime, eat up and sit down while you can.”

“Real inspirational, asshole,” Blue told him. But their shared look spoke volumes.

Ronan flipped her off then sat down and began to load his plate. Gansey assumed the warm sentiments and speeches were over, so he followed suit. There wasn’t much small talk during the meal since everyone was tired. Gansey picked at the hot apple pie someone put in front of him for dessert and fought to stay awake.

Then everyone was getting up and grabbing their own plates, and Gansey followed them to the industrial kitchen where Persephone loaded the big dishwasher. He stumbled his way back to the house with Blue, and began to remember that he had to drive back to Henrietta.

“I’m going to make sure they get off okay and lock the gate,” Ronan announced as he followed the women and Gray out to their cars. “Gansey, will you stay for a minute?”

He nodded and stifled a yawn.

Blue yawned widely with no attempt to hide it. “I’m going to make some cocoa. Why don’t you wait for Ronan on the porch?”

Gansey walked slowly through the house, down the hall toward the wide front porch, Chainsaw trailing behind him. He noted the differences but also realized that a lot remained how he remembered it. That included the swing that still hung on the porch. He slumped onto it as the cars drove down the drive slowly, and he might have dozed off until Ronan dropped down next to him.

“How’s your ass?” Ronan asked.

“All the better for you asking about it,” Gansey yawned. Ronan slung his arm over the back of the swing, creating a long line of heat across Gansey’s back. Ronan pushed his feet into the porch, making the swing move gently. Chainsaw lay in front of them.

Blue joined them a moment later on the porch with three mugs. Gansey accepted and took a swig that made him choke in surprise.

“You don’t like Irish cocoa?” Blue asked in an overly innocent voice.

“That’s a lot of liquor in there,” Gansey coughed. “And I think you’re mistaking Irish coffee.”

“Well, Henrietta cocoa then,” Ronan said, enjoying a long drink. “Perfect to wind down the day.”

“But I have to drive back to the B&B,” Gansey argued.

“Just stay here,” Ronan said. “You can’t drive down to Henrietta like this. I’ll call Patty and tell her you’re staying over so she doesn’t freak the fuck out.”

“I don’t want to overstay—”

“We don’t want you to crash on the way,” Blue said. “I’m staying in Matthew’s old room. You can take Declan’s.”

Gansey let his eyes close just for a moment. Ronan’s arm had curled closer around him, and his body was warmth all along his side. He knew it wouldn’t be safe to drive in his condition, and frankly, he didn’t want to move.

“All right,” he agreed.

Blue finished her cocoa and announced, “I’m taking first shower,” before she went back into the house.

“I don’t have any clothes,” Gansey mumbled.

“No big deal. I’ll give you some of mine.”

“Won’t fit. You got so tall.”

“Your jeans won’t get any cleaner, if you’re hanging around tomorrow.”

“I don’t want to be in the way.”

“You aren’t. I want you to stay. Come on, get up. You can have second shower.”

Gansey did not want to leave the swing and the heat of Ronan, but he did let Ronan take his hands and pull him to his feet and right into a hug. “I’m glad you’re here,” Ronan said in a very quiet, private voice, just for the two of them.

“Me too,” Gansey confided.

He knew Ronan escorted him into the house and toward the bathroom. Then Blue made sure he had clean clothes from Ronan and pointed him in the direction of the bed.

Gansey spared a thought that he was going to be so stiff in the morning, then he fell asleep without hesitation for the first time in years.

CHAPTER 4

[wooahaes]

svt- coming out as bisexual [maknae line]

pairing: non-idol!svt maknae line x fem!bisexual!reader

genre: some are angstier and lean toward hurt/comfort (mingyu + minghao), others are fluffier.

warnings: reader mentioned to have exes that aren't men (just women in seokmin's drabble, reader has dated both women and a non-binary person in seungkwan's). vague food mentions in mingyu's, minghao's, and vernon's drabbles (implied something fried in mingyu's due to the usage of cooking oil, mentions of tea in minghao's, vague dinner reference in vernon's). reader getting defensive in mingyu and minghao's drabbles. reader no longer speaks to her parents in mingyu's drabble due to biphobia from her parents. reader's ex in minghao's drabble is biphobic, but left ambiguous what he said to her. angry hao (not directed at reader). extremely casual coming out (seungkwan). joking reference to joshua beating up seungkwan if he didn't react well. reader being cheesy as fuck (vernon). questioning leading to realization (vernon). reader refers to herself as a bisexual mess. chan being kind of a mess (clueless but trying his best).

daisy's notes: happy pride! a continuation of these for the maknae line :) again, no taglist purely bc i don't know who will and won't be interested in this since it is a bit more exclusive.

lee seokmin

"if there's something you want to say, you can say it." seokmin's touch was feather-light as he cupped your cheeks. "i'm listening."

sometimes you wondered how you struck out with meeting seokmin, let alone dating him. he was one of the kindest souls you'd had the pleasure of knowing, let alone loving, and now was no different. tears brimmed your eyes as you replayed the past few minutes over and over in your head. you hadn't meant to come out like this. you wanted to have it be something more... official, in an odd way. something you had control over. but all it took was you ranting about one of your exes to seokmin for you to slip up and say that magic "she" that gave you away entirely.

seokmin hadn't meant to pry or force you out of the closet. but you saw the way he looked up, clearly caught up on that word. "she?" he'd said, soft enough that you thought it was just him musing aloud.

meanwhile, you swore all of the blood drained from your face right t hen and there. "i... uh..." you stammered out. every time you tried to come up with an excuse, the words seemed to dissipate on your tongue, melting away like cotton candy. you wanted to say something, anything. that it was a slip of the tongue. that he heard you correctly and, yes, one of your exes was a woman. that if he had a problem with it, you'd gather your belongings from around his apartment and leave right now.

that was what led to seokmin taking your face into his hands. he looked at you now with this softness in his eyes, ever so loving, and you were sure that he knew you were something other than straight. did you really have to say it? wasn't him knowing, even vaguely, enough? you averted your gaze, and seokmin dropped his hands from your cheeks down to your shoulders, slowly running down your arms until he met your hands.

"you don't have to," he said a moment later. "but if you want to, i'm listening."

you met his gaze. the words died on your tongue again. "you aren't mad i didn't tell you?"

he shook his head. "should i be?" he teased lightly, but dropped the tone when he saw the way you stiffened up over it. "sorry. it's not the time for jokes," he squeezed your hands. "if you don't want to say it, that's okay. whatever you are," he paused, "and whoever you are... i'll still love you. okay? i fell in love with you."

your face grew warmer at just how tender seokmin could be. "so it's really not a problem that i'm bisexual and just... didn't tell you? i mean, it's not like i don't take care of myself, so if you're worried that i'm not cle—"

"it's your identity," he firmly said, stopping you before you could spiral any further. "but... thank you for telling me," he leaned in to press a soft kiss against your forehead. "i love you."

you just smiled, a rosy warm feeling blossoming in your chest. "i love you, too, sunshine."

kim mingyu

"i was thinking..." mingyu was stretched out on your couch, listening to the clamor of pots and pans as you focused on making an elaborate dinner. "we've been dating for a while..."

"mhm?"

"and you've met my family..."

your stomach immediately dropped. oh no. even though you knew where this was going, you had to play dumb. maybe he'd catch your drift and go along with it. "uh-huh? well, kim, if this is a marriage proposal, i think we're still a little too early into a relationship for that—"

he didn't hesitate to ask. "when can i meet yours?"

shit. the spatula slipped from your grasp, clattering against the stove-top far too loudly for your liking. a glance over your shoulder was enough to tell you that mingyu had leaned up to look, watching you carefully. you waved him off, cleaning up where you'd splattered a little bit of oil onto the countertop with your clumsy action. it gave you a moment to think. people were sometimes weird about the fact you'd gone no-contact with your parents as soon as you could stand on your own two feet. a curt never, haha, sorry! would unfortunately never work. but...

"i... i don't think that's exactly gonna happen, mingyu." you didn't turn to look at him. the conversation would be easier if you didn't.

but you heard the sound of him getting up off of the couch, making his way over. "is there a reason?" he crossed his arms, leaning against the nearby counter. "or is it me?"

"it's not you," you didn't hesitate. the last thing you wanted him thinking was that you didn't like him. with a deep breath, you turned to face mingyu. "i don't talk to my parents anymore because they never accepted that i'm bisexual."

he said nothing at first, just staring at you as everything sank in. not that you blamed him: if someone unloaded all of that onto you, you'd probably need a couple minutes to process. all you heard from him was a soft "oh."

"is that going to be a problem?" you crossed your arms. "because if it is, you can leave my apartment right fucking now—"

he shook his head. "honey, i'd never have a problem with any of that," he said as calmly as he could, a steady stream in contrast to the way you were already starting to burn. "i won't bring it up again, though. i'm sorry."

you let out a long sigh, head dropping down for a minute. shit. you knew you had the tendency to get defensive too quickly over this shit. "sorry, mingyu—"

"don't," he said. "it's okay." he stepped closer to you. "i shouldn't have pushed. i think most people don't cut off contact from their parents unless they have a reason."

"no," you pressed a hand to his chest, "it's a fair question. i just..." with a heavy sigh, you shook your head. "i came out to them when i was a teenager, and they basically told me i was desperate for love. and once i could afford to live on my own... i cut contact." you met his gaze a moment later. "some people get weird about it and tell me that i should reach out because they're my parents, i wouldn't be here without them, but... it's not their decision."

he took your hand in his own, drawing it up so that he could kiss your knuckles. "it's not," he affirmed. "but... you're not desperate," mingyu said softly, "i know you know that, but you're just you. and i love you," he smiled, so giddy and in love with you as he leaned in to kiss your cheek.

you found yourself smiling as you pecked his cheek in return. "and i love you, silly," you giggled. "thank you, though. for understanding."

he stepped behind you once you turned back to the meal you were almost finished cooking, wrapping his arms around you. "it's my job," he chuckled. "but you're welcome. and if it means anything..." he shut his eyes, resting against you now. "my family loves you. and so do all of my friends," he giggled. "and so do your friends. so... i think you already have a better family now."

"i know." you smiled to yourself. you'd picked this family out for yourself, after all. but the reminder helped.

xu minghao

there were only so many situations that would lead to what you were dealing with now: minghao, face burning with anger, as he was forcibly dragged out of a restaurant by you. you hadn't let go of him at all, dragging him up the street despite the way he struggled against you once, then twice, before giving in. he was being irrational and he knew it, and you just needed to get him out of there before something bad happened.

"can you stop and tell me what just happened?!" he finally snapped at you, ripping his wrist from your grasp. "who was that and why was he disrespecting you?"

of course that was what he zeroed in on. not the fact your ex-boyfriend was right about to out you to minghao before you'd even ordered drinks, but the fact the guy was being a dick to you. not that it was a surprise: the guy had been disgusting toward you when you came out to him. of course he'd try to "warn" minghao about what he was getting into now.

"that," you said, "was my ex. and we're not having this conversation here."

minghao balled his fists, standing his ground. "he was being horrible to you. you should have let me shut him down. i'm your boyfriend," he said, "if you're scared to stand up for you, then let me do it for you. no one should treat you like that."

"which is why he's my ex," you pointed out. "i don't need you to fight my battles for me."

"that's not what i—"

you shook your head. "if you want to talk, we're going back to my place. i don't want to talk about it here."

that seemed to finally register with minghao, who had slowly been coming back down from that burst of anger. he looked around, realizing that, while the two of you weren't attracting attention, there were other people around. so he nodded, and took your hand as you guided him home. and he didn't let go: not on the taxi ride there, not in the elevator, and not until you needed to let yourself into your apartment.

you excused yourself to make yourself a cup of tea, offering to make him one as well. minghao accepted the offer before looking around your apartment. it'd been a bit since he'd made it over here again. he'd been busy, and most of the time, you were meeting him out or going to his place to hang out for cozy at-home dates.

soon enough, you'd settled down next to him. "i'm only going to explain this once," you said, "okay? i don't want to think about him too often, so..."

minghao immediately stopped you. "you don't have to tell me," he said, voice softer now. "i'm sorry. i shouldn't have snapped--"

you shook your head. "you're right, you shouldn't have, but i'm still going to tell you so you know." with a deep breath, you set down the cup of tea. "i'm bisexual. i figured it out during college. that," you vaguely nodded in a direction, "was my ex-boyfriend. i came out to him, and he said... some things," your voice was dripping with venom at even the vague memory, "and i ended it with him right then and there. so when we ran into him tonight, he was trying to warn you about my sexuality."

minghao grimaced. "that's not his place."

"which is why i dragged you out of there," you said. "before he could out me."

all at once, you saw the realization hit minghao like a truck. he hadn't considered that part of it all. his lips parted for a moment, and then he closed his mouth again, shaking his head. "i'm sorry," he said again, voice softer now. "i should have realized—"

you clasped your hand over his mouth, minghao's eyes widening in surprise. "don't. i don't want to think about it. you already apologized for getting angry, so let's just leave it at that. okay?"

he slowly nodded, pushing your hand away from his mouth. "thank you for trusting me with this, by the way," his voice was still soft, gentle enough to truly mean it. then he frowned. "i hate that he ruined our night now," he said. he'd been wanting to show you that restaurant for a while now. "you deserve better than that."

"i know," you reached forward, pinching his cheek lightly. "because i have you."

he met your gaze and smiled. "thank you," he giggled, hand resting over your own. "i'm glad i have you in my life, too."

boo seungkwan

"you know i've kissed girls, right?"

seungkwan shot up from where he'd been reclined on the couch, scrolling through social media. his phone clattered to the floor, and he turned to watch where you continued to idly work on a cross-stitch project. it was as if you hadn't said anything. but he heard you, right? you said something, right? should he say something in response...? he just sat there, watching you, hoping you'd give something up. after a moment, you glanced up from your project to see the way seungkwan was just staring at you, at a loss for words.

"well?" you set your project down, turning to face him. "jeez, dude, you kinda suck at this whole 'coming out' thing--"

wait, what? "you're...?"

"bisexual," you grinned at him, resting your head in one hand. "i've been trying to decide on the best way to come out to you for a while now. and... i dunno, one of my friends just said to tell you i've dated women before." for a moment, you paused. "and one non-binary person, actually. they were cool, even though it didn't last that long."

seungkwan still had no idea what the hell to say to this. he almost wished that this had been more emotional. he could deal with emotional, with holding you and telling you he loved you and accepted you no matter what. what he was struggling to deal with was how you seemed to be taking joy out of how at a loss for words he was right now.

"well?" you watched him, smiling that evil smile of yours. no wonder joshua and jeonghan had been so eager to introduce "a friend of theirs" to seungkwan forever ago. you fit right in with them. "should i have bought you a lemon square? or cuffed my jeans? or—"

seungkwan finally stood up, crossing the room. "you're so mean to me," he said, squishing your cheeks. "always teasing me..." then his gaze softened a little, although his voice never wavered from that playful tone, "is this really how you're coming out to me?"

it earned a delighted snort of joy from you. "do you have a problem with it?" even with your smushed face, you were hellbent on teasing him. "joshua said he'd come beat you up if you reacted badly."

seungkwan rolled his eyes, leaning down to kiss your lips before drawing back. "i love youuuu," he said, drawing the word out to tease you back. he drew his hand away from your face, watching the way you stretched your jaw a little now that you were free. "but if i'm being serious... then thank you for telling me," he said, voice growing softer. "i know you're enjoying teasing me, but i know this is a big step for you."

your smile fell for just a few seconds. seungkwan had seen through your bravado, and you mouthed a soft thanks. and then you returned to smiling, burning brighter than ever. "you live another day, my sweet boo."

he rolled his eyes, kissing your forehead. "i could take joshua," he said. "i could."

with a delighted giggle, you wrapped your arms around him, bringing him closer to you. "i know you could."

vernon chwe

"the moon's beautiful tonight," you mused aloud, holding onto vernon's arm. the two of you had opted for a walk by the river after dinner. "you know what else is beautiful?"

vernon looked over at you with a soft hum. he knew where you were going with this, but... if you wanted to be cheesy and romantic, then who was he to stop you? "who?"

"you," you giggled. and then you squeezed his arm. you had averted your gaze, chewing on your bottom lip for a moment as you suddenly seemed a little more distant from him. "and, uh... a lot of people, actually."

it earned a snort from him. "oh, yeah?" he turned to you, ready to tease you. "and who are these other guys?"

"not just guys, silly," you said, drifting from his side a little. "i think women are kinda hot, too. actually... everyone's just kind of hot and i think i'm just a big mess because of it."

vernon watched you curiously for a moment. he followed after you. "so... like... in what way?"

"i've been thinking a lot lately," you admitted. "and... i dunno. i think when i started googling quizzes to figure out my sexuality, that should have been a really big sign that i'm bisexual, y'know?" you glanced at him. "and... i dunno, i really wanted to tell you. so... i'm telling you."

vernon just slowly nodded along. "i see..."

you slowed to a stop. "i don't know why i'm bringing this up tonight. i just..." you rested a hand over your heart for a moment. "it's like i've had this big secret stuck inside of me for so long, and... you're the first person i want to tell because i know you won't react badly. because you've always been a really sweet guy, you know?"

the heat traveled to his face at that. this was your moment, and still you found it within yourself to compliment him. he just stood before you, unsure of what to say. should he wait until you were finished? he wanted to tell you that he loved you, that he'd always accept you, that he supported you. all the things you deserved to hear.

"i think that's why i've felt so safe exploring this part of myself, too." you reached forward, taking his hands in yours. "because i knew that if i am bisexual... then you'll be right there to support me. because you're you. and... i'm me." you met his gaze, a soft smile on your face. "and i'm bisexual and... i really, really like knowing that now. i'm just this big bisexual mess sometimes, but it's who i am, you know?"

he squeezed your hands tight for a moment. "i'm glad you feel safe with me," he said, voice soft. he leaned forward to kiss you gently. "so, uh. thanks for telling me," he chuckled. "sorry—i'm not good at this, am i?"

"you're perfect as you are, silly," you giggled. "but, uh, now you know why i get flustered whenever the pretty barista compliments me."

"nah," he pulled you forward, "i've known compliments fluster you. remember when we first started dating—"

immediately, you let out a groan. "don't remind me."

"you still get all cute when i call you pretty now," he chuckled, swaying with you. "but it's cool. you're my cute, bisexual mess of a girlfriend." he squeezed you a little tighter. "and i love you."

you snuggled into his embrace. "yeah, yeah..." you wrapped your arms around him. "i love you, too, you big dork."

lee chan

"sorry, you're what?"

you genuinely have no idea how to respond right now. you'd ended up blurting out the whole "hey, by the way, i'm bisexual!" thing to chan impulsively, and now... he was just staring at you, completely perplexed now. how were you supposed to answer this? by giving him a definition...? by asking what he didn't understand? hell, did he even hear you correctly?

"bisexual," you answered after a moment. "you know... like... i like more than just guys?"

"no, i—" he shook his head. "i get that. i just... i didn't hear you the first time." he nodded slowly. "so, um... how long have you known?"

you tapped your toes against the floor, suddenly growing more nervous. shit, was this going to be it for the two of you? maybe you should message your housemate to get the ice cream out now. "since i was... sixteen, i think?" you frowned a little. "i dunno. around sixteen. i just..." you took a deep breath. "it's weird to describe, i guess. there was a girl i was crushing on in high school. one day, she hugged me and it all just kinda clicked in my head, and... yeah." you shrugged. "i'm bisexual. is that a problem?"

immediately, he went wide eyed and shook his head. "no! no, no, no—it's not a problem at all!" he set aside his coffee cup. "i was just curious—genuinely! i mean, i didn't know if i should be supporting you questioning and figuring yourself out right now, or if you knew and i should just be supportive and happy for you, or—uh, i—"

something about how flustered you'd made him made you laugh. he grew quieter, cheeks rosy as he watched you giggle to yourself for a moment.

"it's not a problem," he reaffirmed one last time. "you're still you. you're still my girlfriend," he reached across the table, interlocking his fingers with your own. "and i love you. thank you for trusting me with this." he paused for a moment. "does anyone know?"

"my parents, for one," you said, counting off on your fingers. "a lot of my really close friends know. uh, your friend vernon knows, but that's because he somehow knows my ex-girlfriend and he just put two and two together when we started dating. and, uh, seungcheol—but that's because i told him forever ago before he ever introduced us. i'm, like, out, but it's not something i just go around saying, y'know?"

he nodded along. "okay. good to know." he ran his thumb over your knuckles. "i mean it, though. thank you for telling me." he paused once more, looking up at you. "can... can i ask you questions about it? or is that too much?"

something about the soft look in chan's eyes endeared you to him more than before. he seemed so shy now. a little clueless as to how to go forward, but he did seem like he genuinely cared. "questions like...?"

"how you knew," he said softly, "and if there's anything i can do to not mess this up with you. i've, um," his faced was flushed, "i don't think i've dated a bisexual before and i don't want to say accidentally something stupid that hurts you. i've, um—i've heard about people doing that, you know?"

"i think you're already overthinking it a little," you said softly. "just keep treating me like me, and if you do say something without thinking, we'll talk about it. okay?"

his shoulders slumped a little, whatever pressure he was putting himself under having been lifted. "right! right," he ran his thumb over your knuckles once more, face burning red now. "right. i... i'm sorry," he laughed nervously, meeting your gaze again after a moment. "i'm a mess."

"you're a cute mess," you giggled. you reached out, brushing a strand of hair back from his eyes. "but i am, too."

his eyes twinkled a little as he looked at you like you were his world. "a cuter mess," he said. "but... really. thank you for telling me and—and trusting me. i'm really glad you do."

[dazais-secret-smut-stash]

10 Seroroki Fic Recs

Reviving this account to share some Seroroki fic recs, since us rarepair shippers are always in desperate need of more! This is also unofficially for @girlkiss3rr since they were asking for Seroroki fic recs a while back :)

Talk Nerdy to Me by Madame_Hatter and octobot

E | 20k | 10/10 | fluff and humor, smut, modern au, college au, sero is a tech support guy, shouto is horrible with technology, cue the romance

This is probably my favorite Seroroki fic ever. I can’t recommend it enough. I’ve reread it several times and it brings me joy every time. My original review: It’s funny, it’s sweet, it’s fluffier than cotton candy… I read the whole thing in one sitting. I regret nothing.

Sticky Fingers by Bellamia

E | 53k | 13/13 | modern au, camboy Sero, virgin Shouto, lots of smut

I’ve reread this fic a couple times and it never disappoints. There’s a bit of angst later in the fic but it gets resolved quickly. There’s also a lot of smut and daddy kink so if that’s not your thing, maybe try a different fic on the list.

Want To Ruin Christmas? by kerosenecrushh

T | 7k | one shot | modern au, college au, fake dating, pure fluff, gay panic

Full disclosure, this is my fic. I just finished writing it today! Features Sero and Shouto fake-dating for Christmas to piss off Enji.

Five times Hanta wore what he wanted and one time he wore what Shouto wanted by cat_and_dog_by_txt_is_literally_iconic

E | 18k | 6/6 | crossdressing, 5+1 things, smut, light angst (about the crossdressing)

Very well-written Hanta-centric fic. I love that top Todoroki is implied since I hardly ever see that with this ship. My only gripe is that they never got to actual penetrative sex even though it was hinted at a few times, but other than that the fic was incredible. In particular, the reactions from other characters about Hanta wearing more “feminine” clothes were really realistic and captured the range of responses other than “boys don’t wear that!!!!!!” His internal conflict was really well-done too— even though he never got the negative response he was always bracing himself for (to the best of my memory), I like that those insecurities that society as a whole gave him were still present. All around amazing fic, highly recommend.

4 A.M. and You’re Smokin’ Hot by octobot

E | 5k | one shot | modern au, bad cooking, they’re neighbors, smut

Can confirm, burnt kale chips are sent directly from hell itself. This was adorable, awkward, and hot all in one.

talk dirty to me by arxaris

E | 10k | one shot | dirty talk, smut, humor and smut

Todoroki playing dumb for sexy reasons is so genius of him ong. I keep rereading this, send help.

Ice Cold by kerosenecrushh

E | 3k | one shot | kinktober, temperature play, blindfolds, switching, smut

Another one of mine! I wrote this for Kinktober with the premise of temperature play. Takes place post sports festival.

like a good neighbor by arxaris

E | 60k | 7/? | phone sex operator au, lots of smut, humor, dumbass gays (affectionate)

Although it���s incomplete, this fic is so cute and sexy. I was screaming at my phone so many times while reading it. Dumbass x dumbass slow burn <3

Manga and Chill by kerosenecrushh

M | 2k | one shot | shotgunning, making out, miscommunication for humor purposes, almost smut but not quite

I wrote this one too! Features an invitation to “manga and chill” and a pining Shouto who doesn’t pick up on the hint

Send Nudes by arxaris

E | 12k | one shot | chatfic, sexting, humor, fluff, smut

Ah, the fic that got me into Seroroki. My original review: Stayed up until like 5 am reading this, giggling and kicking my feet the whole time. I’m not usually a fan of chatfics, but man. This one was adorable.

[mya-valentine]

I loved what you did for ‘Witchcraft-quirk Classmate’! And I’m back to request a part two of sorts: Could I get a fic covering what happened during the “wolf incident”. Basically the shenanigans the reader and the class got into during the week they were wolves. Maybe the reader has to lowkey guide them through wolfhood due to the others not being used to animal transformations and the instincts that may came with it. (Aizawa is probably so tired of the chaos his class causes despite how much he loves them.)

The Wolf Within

A/N: Based off this headcanon

It started like any other evening in the dorms of Class 1-A. Everyone was relaxing after another grueling day of hero training. You sat cross-legged on the floor of your room, tail flicking behind you as you meticulously arranged a small assortment of crystals and bones around a glowing sigil. This spell wasn’t supposed to be anything major, just a little boost for your classmates during combat training.

“Enhance the instincts, sharpen reflexes,” you murmured, your fingers trailing over the runes you’d carefully carved into the wax of a candle.

The spell was nearly complete when your tail twitched—a telltale sign of nerves. Something felt… off. The energies weren’t aligning quite the way they should, but you brushed it off. It was just a minor spell, after all. What was the worst that could happen?

The answer came at precisely 12:03 a.m., when a deafening howl shattered the silence of Heights Alliance.

You awoke to chaos.

“WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!” Bakugo’s unmistakable voice boomed, though it carried an odd growling undertone.

Blinking groggily, you stumbled out of bed and nearly tripped over your own tail. Except… it wasn’t your tail. It was longer, fluffier, and far more expressive than before.

“Oh no,” you muttered, stumbling to the mirror. Staring back at you was a full-fledged wolf with fur matching your natural hair color.

Panic set in as you bolted into the common room, where the rest of the class had gathered—or rather, the rest of the pack.

Kirishima’s bright red fur bristled as he paced the room, his tail wagging despite the situation. Mina had already claimed the couch, her pink-and-white coat making her look like a cotton candy wolf. Midoriya stood frozen near the stairs, staring at his reflection in a nearby window.

“Deku, stop freaking out and do something useful!” Bakugo snarled, his claws scraping against the floor as he paced back and forth.

“It wasn’t me this time!” Midoriya yelped, green fur standing on end.

Everyone turned to you.

“What… did you do?” Shoto asked calmly, though the subtle twitch of his tail betrayed his irritation.

You gulped, shrinking under their collective gazes. “Uh… it was supposed to be an instinct-boosting spell. For training purposes! But… I might have miscalculated.”

“A miscalculation?” Iida barked, his wolf form somehow maintaining his usual air of discipline. “You’ve turned us into wolves!”

“Don’t worry!” you said quickly, ears flattening in embarrassment. “I can fix it. I just… need some time.”

“How much time?” Jirou growled, her ears flicking in annoyance.

“A week,” you mumbled.

“A WEEK?!” Bakugo lunged at you, fangs bared.

You dodged, yelping as you scrambled away. “I’m sorry, okay?! Just… just calm down, everyone! We need to stick together and ride this out.”

The next day brought new challenges.

“Why do I keep chasing things?!” Iida cried as his legs carried him in a blur after Kaminari, who had found a squeaky toy someone had left behind in the common room.

“Because it’s fun!” Kaminari laughed, dodging a swipe from Jirou, who had been drawn into the chase.

You watched the chaos unfold from a safe distance, your tail wagging despite yourself. “Okay, guys, focus! We need to control our instincts, or this week is going to be a disaster.”

“Easy for you to say,” Bakugo growled, snapping at Kirishima, who was nosing through the fridge. “Why is he eating raw meat?!”

“It’s delicious!” Kirishima replied, wagging his tail.

Meanwhile, Shoto sat calmly by the window, his mismatched eyes watching the others with mild interest. “I think we should embrace it. Fighting these instincts will only make things harder.”

“That’s great advice, Todoroki,” you said, nodding. “But maybe try not to encourage them to destroy the dorm.”

By the third night, Aizawa had given up on trying to keep the class contained indoors.

“Go run it off,” he sighed, waving a hand toward the forest near the training grounds. His own wolf form—a sleek black coat that matched his scarf—looked particularly done with the situation.

The pack—your classmates—bounded into the forest with an energy you hadn’t seen during training. Mina and Kaminari led the charge, their playful howls echoing through the trees as they darted between the shadows.

“You’re supposed to be training, not playing tag!” you called after them, your own tail wagging despite your frustration.

“Lighten up, Alpha,” Bakugo sneered, leaping over a fallen log. “We’ve got all week to train.”

“That’s not my—stop calling me that!” you snapped, though your protests fell on deaf ears.

As the night wore on, you found yourself guiding the pack through the unfamiliar territory. Tokoyami stayed close, his dark fur blending seamlessly with the shadows, while Uraraka marveled at her heightened senses.

“It’s amazing,” she said, sniffing the air. “I can smell everything!”

“Yeah, including Kaminari’s awful sense of direction,” Jirou muttered, tugging him back toward the group.

By midweek, the pack had settled into a routine.

Mina and Kirishima were in charge of scouting the perimeter, their playful natures making them surprisingly effective. Iida took on the role of enforcer, ensuring no one strayed too far from the group.

Meanwhile, Bakugo and Shoto engaged in a constant battle for dominance, their growls and snarls echoing through the training grounds.

“Do they have to fight all the time?” Midoriya asked, watching the two wolves circle each other.

“Let them,” you said with a sigh. “It’s a dominance thing. They’ll tire out eventually.”

As the days passed, you found yourself growing closer to your classmates in unexpected ways. Whether it was teaching them how to properly wag their tails or guiding them through their first successful howl, the experience brought the class together in ways no training exercise ever had.

By the end of the week, you were ready to reverse the spell. The pack gathered in the common room, their fur ruffled and their eyes bright with anticipation.

“Are you sure this will work?” Uraraka asked, her ears flattening nervously.

“Positive,” you said, though your tail twitched with lingering doubt.

The spell unfolded in a brilliant flash of light, and when the dust settled, you found yourself surrounded by your human classmates once more.

“It worked!” Mina cheered, inspecting her hands.

“Finally,” Bakugo grumbled, though his hair was noticeably fluffier than usual.

As the class celebrated their return to normalcy, Aizawa appeared in the doorway, his tired eyes narrowing.

“You’re cleaning up the dorm,” he said, pointing at you.

“Yes, sir,” you mumbled, your tail—still present, though thankfully back to its normal length—drooping.

Despite the chaos, the week had brought the class closer together, and as you glanced around at their smiling faces, you couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. You might be an oddball, but you were their oddball—and that was more than enough.

Weeks later, Kaminari found a pair of wolf ears tucked away in the dorm’s lost-and-found. “Hey, [Name],” he called, grinning. “Wanna give it another shot?”

You groaned, throwing a pillow at him. “Not in a million years.”

.

.

.

Masterlist

[wulfgaang]

Beautiful (PG13)

pairing: hwang hyunjin x f!bodied muse rating: pg-13 genre: romance; pining; angst during the time skip wc: 1.7k warnings: minimally edited, artistic nudity mentioned, sensual touching, soft boy hyunjin being so in love he's absolutely floored at he got that lucky, ANGST BELOW THE TIME SKIP. Feel free to end the story before if you want something a little fluffier :3 a/n: well hey it's been a second! Here's my second fic, this time with the lovely Hyunjin! It's a little short one but that's ok with me :) for the third time, please be aware there's some angst in the time skip so if you aren't ready for it... feel free to end it before then ^^; I just couldn't help myself; i love pain :')

Inspiration. "You're beautiful... I know but... You were everything..."

Disclaimer. This is a work of fiction that does not intend to portray the true feelings, actions, nature and emotions of the Stray Kids members. Please not redistribute this piece of fiction in any form. Copyright @ wulfgaang / callsign-marlie (tumblr; 2024)

--

Hyunjin was enraptured.

It was a different feeling than of the others he had before when he saw you like this. His brain was fuzzy and covered in cotton candy while his gaze slipped over every pore, stretch mark and mole on your skin. How soft it all looked, draped in the shimmering gossamer fabric that barely covered the shading of the peaks and valleys of your hips! You were a feast indeed.

Hyunjin saw you as effervescent; a star in the nighttime, glimmering and glowing, a constant flicker of ephemeral gorgeousness under his single bay window. The afternoon light had dimmed to dusk and left more shadows than he had originally started with. You were the perfect model as per usual, holding your expression at the same point for hours with just a giggled “I’m fine, my love, go back to work” whenever he came to give you sips of water or drop grapes into your mouth. He wished the juice that dribbled down your chin onto your chest stayed long enough for him to paint it.

A Cleopatrean idol, you are; a person worth every luxury, every greatness he could ever give. The way his heart soared for you at every glance, jumped at every touch, melted with the sound of your voice! Oh, he would have moved mountains if you asked him to just to ensure a frown never creased your lips. He would make sure that sweat never fell from your brow if he could help it, if you weren’t ever so stubborn to allow him the pleasure to serve your beck and call.

You were a salve on burns left behind by a world that didn’t care about him. That didn’t care about anyone other than itself. You gave him a soft place to land when life was too true to believe. You gave him comfort when pins and needles pricked under his eyes. You deserved to be memorialized over and over again as the subject of all grace, humility and rapture for everyone to witness. Mine. Aren’t you jealous? They’re mine, all mine, and all you can do is praise them as I do. Give your everything to them; you’ll see it too.

He was focused now, his eyebrows pinching slightly together with his stern gaze peaking over the top of the canvas. He memorized the trace of the curve of your hip and translated it to his paint. His brush moved the acrylic languidly, flicking at the ends to taper the lines to nothingness of shadow. He had been the epitome of a professional for each and every session, guiding your movements with a soft voice and gentle fingertips to make minor adjustments. The angle needed to be just where he wanted it; just where he wanted you.

He would ghost his paint covered fingers over the top of your skin, feeling the electrical shock of his touch bring the hairs of your arms to attention. Butterfly light touches of his lips to the spot under your jaw unlocked the hummingbird caged in his heart, the ghost of your breath like a memory from ages past; sweet and delicate. You smiled at him with sparkling eyes in the amber of sunset. Sunset.

“You must be exhausted, my muse,” Hyunjin murmured, kneeling against the side of your seat to tuck a stray hair behind your ear. You smiled and preened, the arch of your back high against the velveteen chaise lounge. “You’ve done so well for me today.”

You attempted to playfully press your face closer to his, but Hyunjin was fast to move backwards from you as a coy smile graced his lips. You pouted with furrowed brows. “I can’t even receive payment for all of my hard work, monsieur l’artiste?”

His eyes twinkled mischievously before he let his mouth crash to yours, the softness of flesh pulled a light moan from the bottom of his chest. Kissing you was sinful; the way he perfectly meshed with you felt like blasphemy. There was no way that whatever gods existed created someone so perfect, so lovely, and happened to place them right in his path to love and cherish forever. The way your hands carded through his hair was biblical. The way you moved against his chest required reconciliation. For what? He didn’t know. Forgive me Father, for I have sinned… He would rather be sent to hell than be one day apart from you a single moment.

As the air was pulled from his lungs, he broke the passionate connection to let his lips dance to the tip of your nose, tapping them to each of your eyelids, and finally, let them linger on the crest of your forehead. “A tip,” he muttered. “For making my most favorite model think she wasn’t even worth payment. Who do you think I am, a con?”

Your giggle was soft, a blush of heat draped across the bridge of your nose. He wished he didn’t call it quits already: it would have gone perfect with the warm color palette he had chosen for this scene. He would have to add it later in post editing. Hyunjin wondered if the more rosy tone was suited for the color palette or should he darken it to match the shadows of the background? But then again, the blue of the sky hit just a point- 

“You’re beautiful, Hyunjin.”

Your voice pulled him from his thoughts. He blinked owlishly. “Hm?”

“You’re beautiful,” you said again, moving the gauzed sheet from your lap to stand. Your bones and ligaments groaned for a moment as you unfurled from your position on the couch with a sigh. Your peaked nipples stood up against the cold while you languidly reached for the silk robe on the side table. “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

Hyunjin tsked quietly, his drying palette suddenly more interesting than the flames licking at his cheeks. “That, my love, is where you’ve got the whole picture backwards. You’re the beauty here.”

“I don’t think so,” you harped, slinking around the side of his easel to face him again. You pushed the palette down gently, your fingers stuck in the cold terracotta paste left behind. “You may paint the picture, sweetheart, but the audience are the ones to appreciate and interpret it, aren’t they?”

“I suppose, but-”

Your lips had found him this time as your sullied hands wrapped around his shoulders. Your chest was pressed to his, your hips rocking perfectly against his groin. His palette scattered to the floor while the excess paint Pollocked the draping sheet beneath his canvas. His hands didn’t know where to hold as you let your lips cascade lower and lower, down the throbbing pulse of his neck, to the tips of his collarbone and finally placing a harsh bruise over his heart.

He moaned.

“Let me show you what I see.”

3 years later… (Angst time)

Felix was enraptured.

The way the ring lights of the gallery bounced off of the texture of the oil paint of this particular piece fascinated him in the most peculiar way. He didn’t think that Hyunjin had the ability to make something so soft and fragile in his repertoire! From the details of the gauze over the model’s lap to the soft flick of charcoal at the inner corner of her glimmering eye left him speechless. Every stroke was cared for and thoughtfully placed; so unlike the rough textures of the charcoal his friend was so known for dabbling in. Each shadow had a highlight that balanced it. The composition of the woman’s figure was simply spectacular. He wondered how much time he devoted to this one; it was clearly the centerpiece of the exhibit.

“So?”

Felix jumped a moment at the velvet voice behind him. The man of the hour, Hwang Hyunjin himself, had crept up behind him silent as the graves themselves. His friend was dapper in a black suit and tie while his hair was slicked back, fringe airly framing his face. He looked the part of the artist well enough and if Felix didn’t know better, he would say he looked like he was having fun. The earthy smell of tobacco followed him, however: a telltale sign of the evening’s stress and his friend’s discomfort.

“This one in particular’s stunning,” Felix mused, turning back to the painting. “She would have loved it, seeing it up close like this.”

“I invited her. I texted her, but she never responded,” Hyunjin whispered. He paused, the champagne flute in his hands suddenly more interesting than his closest friend. “I would have thought she would have wanted to see them.”

Felix’s gaze ran around the wall of the gallery. Each painting held a familiar curve, a similar wave of femininity that would pass the common viewer’s eye if they didn’t focus closely enough. He knew that this gallery was for you; that Hyunjin’s work was for you. When you left him two years ago without a trace, the hole in his friend’s chest festered into a sinkhole of obsession. It was as if the more he drew you, the more he painted your moles, your scars, and your curves, that he might be able to summon you back from the depths that you ran to, like Orpheus singing to free Euridice. That you would be in his arms again and all would be right. He could stop worshiping for just a moment and finally celebrate that his heart was whole again.

But Felix knew better. You were in the arms of someone else now.

“The night’s still young, Jinnie, she may come still,” he responded, rapping Hyunjin on the shoulder. “Don’t give up hope just yet.”

“I never will, Felix,” Hyunjin said. He gazed up at the painting with tears on his lashes threatening to fall. “I can’t. I won’t. Not until she knows I’m still here for her. Wherever she is, wherever she goes… I’ll always be thinking about her. She’ll always be a part of me.”

Felix gave a sad smile and hugged his friend tight to his chest. “I’ll let you finish up here for the night then. Get home safe, lover boy. Call me in the morning and I’ll help you pack everything up with Chan.”

Hyunjin nodded dumbly. His eyes never left his painting. 

—-

Felix traipsed down the steps of the gallery, his phone pinging as soon as service was restored.

>> How’d it go?

He smiled softly as his thumbs tapped away at the glass screen. > You were everything, my love. Just everything.

[biscutlovingbitch]

♡Opposites attract like magnets♡

Eddie Munson X reader, use of she/her prounouns, no use of y/n, fluffier than cotton candy, Billy Hargrove makes a guest appearance, mean!Billy, pushy!Billy, very emotional I got a little carried away 😬. Somewhat proofread, but I was tired when I did, so if there's any spelling mistakes, ignore them 🙏😭, no warnings.

Brief explanation: Eddie and you have English together, you love reading and English but the class it's self is boring until you have to pair up with Eddie Munson since your usual partner wasnt there, one thing leads to another and you both end up falling In love ❤️.

Eddie knew you from school, you were in his English class. The English class that he was failing, but that was all he knew about you. He knew that you liked art and even that your idea of fun was reading, but that all changed one day.

You had to do a partner assignment for a new book that the class was reading, some old Shakespeare it was always interesting for you to see how far literature had come, so you didn't mind it. This day, in particular, your usual partner was sick and out of school, so you had no other choice but to pair up with the one and only dreadful and full of hate Eddie Munson.

It was no surprise that the supposed "devil worshipper" who wore leather jackets and played dungeons and dragons was failing practicly every class. You didn't want to pair up with him but if anything you could help him try to graduate, although that's a bit of a stretch you wouldn't mind.

"Hey can I be your partner?" Eddie said reaching out to tap you on your shoulder. "Oh uh yeah that would be fine, there's not really anyone else so... yeah" you say turning around in your seat to look at him smiling a little. You know for being called evil his whole life he sure had some kind eyes.

You took the whole class period to sit and talk about the book, which he had no recollection of, probably because he dozed off every time the class read it. "I can't help it. It's just so boring with all the old-timy words. What do they even mean?" He said, trying to defend himself. "Well, if you paid attention, maybe you'd know what they meant," you said with a bit of a snarky remark. "I just don't know if I can force myself to read this trash," he said, tossing the book across the desk at you. "It's not trash! It's an important piece of English literature, which then again you'd know if you didn't constantly doze off!" You raised your voice slightly so he'd get the point that you weren't messing around. "Jeze princess, I didn't know this was something you were so passionate about," he said, putting his hands up in defense. "Well, it's not... it's just... never mind, forget it, " you said, crossing your arms a little mad still.

Later that day, you heard of an after-school art club that you wanted to see. You walked down the empty hallways, and it was silent until you herd "HA YOU REALLY THOUGHT YOU COULD KILL ME?!" In a sort of gremlinish voice, although it didn't sound normal, you knew of only one person that could have sounded like that. As you rounded the corner and slightly cracked the door to the drama and theater room, you saw him. Sitting on a throne looking down at a table and surrounded by what looked like lowerclassmen, Eddie was grinning from ear to ear. "Nobody can kill Vecna," he whispered lowly, almost to the point where you couldn't hear him.

Oh my god you where staring "oh I've got to get out of here" you said to yourself as you walked quickly out the exit, maybe you'll check out the art club some other time. On your walk home it started to rain, of course you were only wearing a T-shirt, jeans and some sneakers. "Oh shit of course this happens today" you say as your on the verge of tears, if you would have known it was going to rain you would have at least brought an umbrella or maybe even had worn something waterproof. Not even 10 minutes later, you hear tires screeching down the road towards you, but before you were able to turn around, you heard an unfamiliar voice. "Hey there, beautiful need a ride?" Who could that be Eddie? Or Steve?, but as you went to turn around, it was neither. Oh my, it was even worse than you thought. It wasn't Eddie or Steve but Billy?

"No, I'm perfectly fine walking, thank you," you said as you started to walk away and shiver. "Oh, c'mon, your hairs a mess and your makeups running just let me take you home?" He says as he slowly speeds up to talk with you. "No, I said I was fine. Besides, I don't have any money to pay you with," you say, trying to sneak him off your tail a little bit, but he didn't take the bait. "Oh don't worry about that, I'm sure we can work out another form of payment" that jerk was smiling, after suggesting that he was smiling even though he knew how you felt about that. "No really Billy I'm good." You're walking a little faster now as his car speeds up. "This isn't over!" He said as he was speeding down the road.

When you arrived home nobody else was there, there was never anybody else there. You lived in a small neighborhood close to an even smaller trailer park. Your parents both worked graveyard shifts and your little brother had soccer practice so for a good 2 hours it was just you. You usaly would just go up to your room and start studying but since you where soaking wet from the rain you decided that it might be best to take a bath before.

You had grabbed some tea from the kitchen and a book from your room, you lit some candles and put some bath pearls in the tub. It was decadent it almost felt like you where in luxury spa enjoying a day of relaxation.

Although your day had been bad, there was always a turnaround. After you got out, you went to your room, where you glanced at the tiny white figurines on your desk. The imperfect details on a perfectly blank slate. You got your supplies out and started to paint. You could do this for hours. Taking time to do every little brush stroke with your paintbrush that was only a few fine hairs sculpted into a flexible point. You had started with two little interlocking angels. They had magnets in the arms to whenever they got close to each other, they'd snap together. Although you were having fun, something was on your mind, and you'd wished you had another. As you sat down the angles for the night, you heard your brother get back. Swiping off the tears on your face, you walked down the hall to greet him.

"I'm so hungry..." he groaned out, acting like he was keeling over. "Oh boo hoo, get up. You're not dyeing," you said, walking past him and kicking him slightly. "And what if I was, you would have just kicked a dead person feel good about that hmm?..." he said as he got up. "Yeah, yeah, what do you want? We got a hungry man meal, some leftover steak from last night, or some spaghettio's?" You said as you scoured the cupboards and fridge. "I would be okay with some spaghettio's, I guess," he said with a bit of a grossed out look on his face. "Alright dude thats all we got, so you either man up and eat what we have or starve it's your choice, "shrugging your shoulders and taking a drink of your tea. "I guess I could eat that steak, but only if it doesn't have like worms in it," he said, shivering like the temperature had suddenly dropped to below freezing. "I promise it only had like one worm in it, you'll love it," you say, smiling as you start to cook dinner.

As the night started to unwind your brother fast asleep in his room and you finishing the page you where on in your book your mind started to wander. You didn't want to think about a boy this late at night but you couldn't help it. Eddie really wasn't that bad was he? I mean I've always seen him be so nice to everyone why does he get such a bad rep? You thought to yourself. Well if he's not a bad guy how would I find out? What if he's just tricking everyone? I'm not going to get any sleep if I keep thinking about this. You thought as you turned off your lamp and drifted off to sleep...

It was 7:00 the next day and you had approximately half an hour to get ready. You had accidently slept through your alarm and jumped out of bed. You just through on some old clothes that where hanging up in your closet and rushed to the bathroom. "Goodmorning dad!" You said rushing through the kitchen. "Morning sweetie" he said groggy and tired. "Can I barrow the car today?" You say as you stop at the door and turn to face him. "Sorry your mom picked up a double shift" he said walking towards his bedroom. "It's okay love you dad!" You said running out of the house. Your backpack hitting you with every step landing on the pavement. "Why do I do this to myself" you said as you ran though the short cut in the woods. As you where running through the parking lot of the trailer park you almost got hit by a loud obnoxious van. Heavy metal at 7 in the morning what's wrong with you. You think to yourself as you try to catch your breath. "Oh my god I'm so sorry I didn't hit you did i?!" You recognized that voice, when you looked up you saw a very tired looking metal head running full speed towards you. "Ahhh" you scream and put your hands in front of you. "Jesus I didn't mean to scare you" putting his hand on your shoulder. "Well you should really watch where your going next time, thanks to you I'm going to be late!" You say storming off. "I can give you a ride y'know as like a ticket of your forgiveness?" He said trying to convince you, you where about to say no but you smelt that all too fimular sent of rain and saw the overcast sky's above you. You didn't want to but your body worked against your mind, turning and walking back to his van.

"After you" he said after he ran to the passenger side door just to open it for you. "You know I usaly don't get in vans with strangers" you said crossing your arms and looking out the windows as rain droplets started to form. "Yeah, i dont think most people do" he said looking over at you and laughing. With tired eyes he looked almost even more kind, this damn guy wouldn't even hurt a fly if he had to, what was all the talk about him being the spawn of satin? You thought, "psh yeah whatever" you scof and turn away from him.

The drive to school was quiet, other than the music that was blaring through the speakers. "Can you turn it down?" You yelled over the music, but he was too content on the guitar solo to even bother listening to you. "EDDIE!" You yelled, now that got his attention. "What?" He said turning down the volume only after the solo. "Nothing just wanted you to turn it down a little. Thanks" you said looking at him as he was driving. You know you never realized just how handsome he really was. Nope nope that's not happening, you didn't like him he was just your partner for a week and that's all. You had to talk yourself out of it.

"Hey um thanks for the ride I appreciate it" you said as you sat there in the van, with a few minutes to spare you decided to go to class. "Yeah don't mention it, I can take you to school more often if you'd like, or I guess if you'd need me too" he said smiling at you and taking off his seat belt. Even though you really wanted to not be late ever again you didnt even know if you could trust him. "I'll think about it" you said smiling and walking to the doors.

As you reached for the door handle you saw someone jogging towards the door behind you. "After you" he said opening the door and almost bowing. "Thanks" you said smiling, of course it was Eddie who else would it be? Not that you where mad, infact you where even a little happy to see him again. You think to yourself as if you didnt just show up to school with him. "Mind if I walk you to class?" He said looking as you with that little smile he always did. "Not at all" you replied trying to mimic the smile.

There wasn't hardly anyone in the halls or the classrooms, but you didnt mind. You got to your class and waited outside the door, you still had about 5 minutes to spare before the bell rang. "Thanks for driving me to school and walking me to class" you said looking down at your fingers and twisting your rings. "Yeah no problem anytime". You thought that he was just going to walk away but he didn't he just kept staring at you with those kind eyes of his.

The first half of school was fine until you got to English. Your usual partner was back and although you had already chose Eddie to be your partner you felt bad. You didn't want to abandon either of them, but even if your other partner didn't like that you where working with Eddie instead of her you kept working with him.

"Hey do you want to eat lunch at my table?" He said looking at you. You didn't eat in the lunch room you much preferred outside, not as much people and refreshing. "Well as tempting as that offer is I don't eat in the lunch room" you said putting the book down and quickly jotting down some notes, he hadn't taken any this whole time so you where trying to manage extra. "Oh that's alright, where do you sit if you don't mind me asking?" He said really not budging. "I sit outside, I like to look at nature and have a break from reality every once and a while" you say smiling a little bit. "That sounds peaceful, not my thing but still peaceful" he says starting to get up.

The bell rang and you walked outside to enjoy your lunch. You where just about to enjoy the fall breeze when all of the sudden you saw him, Billy again? This seems too strange twice in one week? You tried not to think much of it as you went to walk past him. "That is one he'll of an outfit you got on there bebe, smokin'" he said whistling at you as he leaned on his car in the parking lot. You tried to ignore him but his pestering just kept getting louder and louder. "Jeze what do you want from me?" You say turning around to see him about a foot away from you. "Nothing just want to take you out to dinner that's all" he said walking towards you and putting his hands on your waist. "Billy stop it, I already told you I don't like you like that now please leave me alone" you say trying to get out of his grip but he was strong. "Now now is that any way to talk to your prince charming?" He said leaning down to whisper in your ear. You kept trying to push him away but you where struggling, that was until you herd a voice "Hey get off of her man!" That fimulair voice yet again. "Eddie?" You bairly spoke loud enough for even yourself to hear but he herd. "Hey if you don't get off of her man I share to God I'll beat your ass!" He yelled out towards Billy and the rest of the parking lot herd it. "Oh yeah, is that so Munson?" Billy said letting you go and pulling you to his side as you desperately tried to get away. "Yeah right here right now!" Eddie yelled as he started walking towards Billy. Billy shoved you away from him and started walking towards Eddie, but before he got to him the principal walked out and was able to stop the fight before it even happened. "You'd dead the next time I see you Munson!" Billy yelled as he walked back tward his car and sped off.

The bell rang shortly after and you sat the rest of the day in silence. Every class you went to afterward you just sat in silence. Why would he do that, I mean why out of all people would he stick up for you? I'm glad he did but why? Did he like you...? No no he doesn't, he was probably just trying to save his ass because if it wasn't for you he wouldn't have a English partner right? You tried to convince yourself that that was the reason and nothing else, but that thought kept lingering in the back of your mind for the rest of the day.

As the last bell rang you started walking down the hall way to the art class that you had wanted to go to yesterday. You didn't know if there was another d&d meeting today but then again why did you care that much? "Hi hi welcome to the Art-teasinal, it's a name in the making" the leader of the group said smiling and kind of embarrassed. "Oh I see" you said trying to force a laugh but it was just to uncomfortable to do so. You stayed there for about an hour talking about all the late, great and up and coming artists. You enjoyed the class alot and even thought about coming back tomorrow but if you did then you wouldn't have bairly any time to paint your figurines. You would have to walk home which was almost 20 minutes away and then cook for your bother. You didn't want to but you did consider asking Eddie if he could drive you home after since all the clubs tend to end at the same time. You didn't want to be a burden though so you just decided to sleep on it and pick tomorrow what you wanted to do.

As you walked out in the parking lot, already getting dark because of the autumn season you looked at the sunset for just a moment. It was beautiful the shades oranges and yellows and the hues of blues and pinks all mixed together. It was ethereal to see, it felt like you had never even seen the sky before and it was hard to pry your eyes away. "Hey uh... do you need a ride home?" You herd that voice once again, it was Eddie. "Oh uh I wouldn't mind that if your okay with it" you said smiling at him.

God, she looked so beautiful, the way her features complimented the already beautiful sky. He thought to himself, it was hard to look away from you, but if he kept staring, it would get awkward, and he would never want to creep you out. "Yeah, no, it's not problem really" he said, smiling and laughing a little.

As you got in and buckled yourself you starred off into the distance at the sunset again, the sun now a small sliver peaking out from behind the mountains. It reminded you fo someone, someone who you've been getting a little to close to lately. "So why where you here so late?" He asked. "Why do you want to know?" You said smiling at him a little trying to rile him up. "Oh i-i just have never seen you here that late that's all" he said trying to hide the creeping embarrassment. "Well I was at an after school club" you said looking at the now dark sky above you. "Oh really that's rad" he said doing the devil horn that you had seen on the covers of magazines titled "devil worshippers living among us!". "So I have to ask you, what was the club?" He said seeming a little intrigued. "It was an art club" you said smiling at him and looking over to see his eyes staring back at you. "Nice I always knew that you where in to art" he said smiling only dropping the smile after he realized what he just said. "Oh really?" You said smiling. Oh shit what has he done, where you embarrassed? Uncomfortable? Grossed out by him? "Y-yeah I mean I always see you doing little doodles in your notebook in English so I just figured..." Oh god he was so screwed. "Oh I didn't know you payed that much attention to me" Oh shit he was done for. "Heh yeah I guess so..."

When he pulled into your driveway as suspected nobody was home yet. You thought about letting him in and getting to know him a little bit but before you could ask he asked. "Hey would you mind if I used your bathroom, I really have to take a piss?" He said turning off his van and shutting the door behind him. "Oh yeah no problem let me get the door for you" you said unlocking it and letting him inside. You should have cleaned, your little brothers dirty shoes where on the ground along with some sports equipment. "Sorry about the mess, I'm usaly the only one who cleans" you said feeling a little embarrassed. "What mess? If you think this house is messy never come over to my house" he said laughing. "Why?" You didn't get the joke. "It will kill you, probably give you a heart attack or something" he said laughing. "So the bathroom..." he said looking around the house. "Oh shit I forgot, it's the first door on the left". "Wow never herd you cus before, someone's got a bit of a sailors mouth on her doesn't she" he said laughing and shutting the door.

For the next minute you just starred at the wall thinking about how you could get him to stay a little longer just so you could have some company. Oh! you've got it you could ask him to study with you, I mean he was your study partner right? It wouldn't be that out of pocket.

"Hey thanks by the way, I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to make it down that bumpy ass road back to my house with out pissing myself" he said walking out and laughing while zipping up his pants. You don't know why but thay made you feel a little flustered and you almost forgot what you where going to say before he was already right in front of you. "D-do you want to study?" You said yelling a bit on accident. "Uh didn't we already do that at school?" He said seeming a little confused. Oh shit of course it want going to work, you should have never even asked him. "Haha yeah never-ending just forget about it bye!" You said trying to walk past him to your room. "Well thay doesn't mean that we can't I just didn't know if you wanted to" je said walking towards you as you opened the door to your bedroom. "Why would I have suggested it if I didn't want to?" You said as you walked in, him fallowing after you. As you looked for your book you had forgotten that you left your figurines of the angles on your desk, painted and exposed for the whole world to see. As you tried to distract him from looking over on your desk it was no use, he saw them. "Woah what are these?" He said as he went to pick one up. Oh my god what was he going to tell everyone, that I'm some sort of loaner who paints figurines for a living because I'm not capable of love? That was a little much but for thr time it seemed right.

"T-those are my angles... well not mine I didn't make them but I- painted them" you said so embarrassed that you felt like you where almost on the verge of tears. "That's sick, you think you could paint something for me?" He said looking at you and smiling. He wasn't going to make fun of you? "Um s-sure I guess what is it?" You said walking over to him and looking at the angels in his hand. "So I play dungeons and dragons right, and so like we have these little figurines that we play with some time and I'm no painter like I literally have no skill, other than the guitar, but I would really appreciate it if you could" he said smiling even bigger and getting an ego boost just thinking about his guitar. "Oh sure that seems... ok" you said taking the figures from his hand and pulling them apart just to put them back together. "Woah really that's so nice of you, here I'll pay you" he said as he reached for his wallet. "N-no need, how about this. If you agree to take me to school in the mornings and take me home I'll do ti for free" you said smiling at your proposition. "Yeah that will work, I'll pick you up tomorrow at 7:30?" He said looking down at you. "Yeah that would be great"

And there you where smiling again, over a boy who was probably just being nice to you. You couldn't help but feel your heart beat a little faster when he would talk to you or even look at you. You knew that this was destined to be a great friendship weather or not it would last was the shitty part. "Oh um it's getting late I should probably go huh, I mean I don't want your parents to get the wrong idea" he said laughing and heading towards the door, still holding one of the angles, while you had the other, you walked him out and even said goodnight to him, you where falling quick.

The next morning as promised he was at your door step at 7:30 sharp. You where happy to see him but not so much your dad. "Who's this boy at our door?" He said trying to sound awake. "He's just a friend daddy nothing to worry about" you said as you kissed your father's cheak and walked out the door and got into his van. "Hey so um I accidentally stole this from you last night" he said holding the other angel. "I must have not realized that I had it still in my hand and I took it home" he said trying to give it back to you. "Eh you can keep it, to be honest I have so many others giving you one won't hurt the collection" you said smiling.

You where able to actually have time to get ready this morning so you put on a long black skirt and a matching top to pair with it. It was darker than your usual outfits but something made you feel giddy to wear it and see what Eddie thought. "D-do you like my outfit?" You said quietly to him. "Yeah looks metal" he said smiling at you. "Thanks I thought you'd like it" Oh shit. You didn't mean to say that out loud. "Oh y-you did" he said looking at the road again, he wasn't even smiling anymore he looked almost like he was concentrating on something. "I-i didn't mean to say that" you said looking out the windows and shielding you face from him, you wanted to cry but it would ruin your make up so you tried your hardest not too. But he saw you "Hey it's alright, I think you look really cute today" he said smiling again, his fave Turing bright red as he said it. You couldn't help but laugh at the situation and neither could he. "Y'knowschools stupid" you said which shocked Eddie he would never expect something like that to come out of your mouth. "Really I thought you liked school?" He said seeming confused. "Well I do but there's just so much you could do other than sit in a classroom for 8 hours a day" you said being able to look at him again. "But what is there in Hawkins to do though" you said sounding sad. "Well I know this pretty chill place in the woods if your up for it?" He said. "Well I mean I'd usaly say no to a stranger taking me into the woods" you laughed "Well I'm not just some stranger am i?" He said. "No, no your not."

You both decided that you where going to hang out at lunch and skip 5th period. The first part of the day was boring as always other than some stairs from your outfit change. All classes other than english, you used to be bored in that class too but with a newfound friend it wasnt that bad anymore.

You both sat at your desk and "talked about the book" when in all reality you where just talking about random stuff. It was the first day you hadn't read the book and it actually felt kind good, plus it was just a few pages that you would definitely catch up on later tonight. As the bell rang your stomach dropped and your heart started to flutter. You fallowed Eddie out into the woods near your houses and sat at a little dingy old picnic table. "Howed you know about this place, I've lived here all my life and I didnt even know?" You said looking up at the trees with the brown and amber colored leaves falling with every slight breeze. "Well, I dont usaly take pretty girls here, it's more of a trading type of place for me" he said smirking at you. What did he mean by that? Trading? Like trading what? You thought to yourself. "Oh that's interesting" you say laughing a little, you just realized that he called you a pretty girl. Your heart stopped a little then you thought did he actually like you or was he just saying that?. "So um are you usaly home alone after school?" He said sounding a little hurt. "Oh um yeah I-I am my parents work graveyard shifts and my brother has practice then sometimes he goes and plays with his friends" you said smiling. "Well if your ever bored I live right over there, he pointed to the trailer park and you could make out a trailer that had Eddie written all over it. "I live with my uncle and he works graveyard shift too so alone of the time it's just me" he said putting his hands out across the table and looking at you. "So I guess where in the same boat then" you said laughing and putting your hands next to his. "Yeah I guess so" he took this time to put his hands over yours slowly trying not to startle you. You didn't know if you could say something or take your hands back. As much as you could have tried it felt nice, his hands where warm in contrast to your cold ones. "So um did you want to go back to school after lunch?" He said. "Well not really now" you said laughing. "Good because if so were late" he said laughing.

You had never felt this close to someone before it was almost scary. You really liked him but you didn't want to say something you might regret so you stayed silent just looking into his kind eyes. "So um you can say no but I don't have d&d tonight and I was wondering if you wanted to come with me to Benny's?" He said looking as you bracing himself for if or when you said no. "Yeah, I'd like that" you said. "Really!" He said jumping up out of his seat and into the pile of leaves behind him. You laughed, you had never seen him this happy before and you had never felt this happy for someone before let alone yourself. You had completely forgotten about school and by now it would have been 6th period anyway so you just decided to keep sitting there and talking to him.

After you where dropped off you got ready, replying some of your makeup and putting on a dress instead of a skirt this time. It was a black silky type dress and it had rhinestones on the neckline, you loked beautiful. As you where finishing up on your hair, which you brushed and teased to make it more fluffy you herd a knock at your door. You raced to the door and opened it, it was Eddie and it looked like he even combed through his hair a little bit he smelt nice too mist have taken a shower. "Wow your beautiful" he said as he heald up some daisy's out towards you. "I-I didn't have time to go to the store and buy some flowers for you so I had to pick some I hope you don't mind" he sounded a little self conscious. "I love them" you said turning around to put them in a vase.

As you walked out the door you realized that it was maybe a little too cold to be wearing a dress. And maybe you where a little over dressed for a crummy little dinner. "You smell nice" you said quick and staring at the road. "M-me Thanks" he said sounding surprised even though before he had left he put one some of his uncles cologne, he thought as he fist pumped to himself. "Yeah no problem" you said smiling. As you got to the dinner you realized that you where overdressed but you dint care, as long as you had Eddie that was all you cared about. You had both sat at a booth and ordered your meals. Talking about your own lives and even about where your fascination with painting figurines came from, and you also learned lot about him. He had talked about his guitar before but you never really knew just how much he did like playing before now. He was cute when he talked about it, his eyes lighting up every time he said something he was passionate about.

"I really hope you had a good tike tonight, I sure know I did" he said smiling as he walked you to your front door. "I did, I think this has quite possibly been the best night of my life" you said turning towards him before your front door. "I liked it, I liked you" you said, it felt like the earth quit spinning for a moment. Like everyone else in the world had somehow mysteriously disappeared and it was just you too, as if you where floating alone in the universe with him and only him. He looked as if he felt the same. "This might sound a little weird but can I kiss you?" He said as he started to put one of his hands on your waist and the other on your cheek. "That doesn't sound weird at all" you said as you leaned in to close the gap.

The feeling that you felt was unimaginable. It felt like all of what you had previously described was just a tiny fraction of what you were actually feeling. You had never had your first kiss before, but it felt euphoric. It felt as if you and him were the only beings in the universe. "T-that was... wow, " you said, laughing a little bit, and so did he. He placed his forehead on yours and just heald you there for a while. You could have stepped away, but you didn't want to. It wasn't until you saw the porch light turn on that you realized that your little brother had already been home. "Whos there?" He said, opening the door only to see you and Eddie standing side by side. "Jeze dude, go back to bed," you said, cursing him for ruining the moment. "I should probably get going," Eddie said, turning towards you. "I'll see you tomorrow okay princess" you smiled and nodded at him as you went inside. You thought about him all night, and he thought about you too, your angle was sitting on your nightstand, and his was also. You could feel that he was staring at it when you were. But that's the one thing about opposites, they attract like magnets.

[john-bear-jr]

Bye Bye

✨ Becoming Her ✨

It’s happening, isn’t it? 💖 You can feel it—soft, warm, and oh-so-sparkly. ✨ Your thoughts getting lighter, fluffier, sweeter. Like cotton candy spinning in your mind. 🍭

Your lips? Poutier 💋. Your lashes? Longer and fluttering 🩷. Your body? So soft, so curvy, so perfect. 💕 You don’t even have to try anymore—everything’s just... easy. ☁️

You’re slipping into it now, aren’t you? Letting go of all that heavy, boring stuff. 😌 No more overthinking. No more stress. Just glitter ✨, gloss 💄, and a world where everything’s cute and pink 💖.

You’re so close. You can feel it—your giggle bubbling up 🩷, your hips swaying without even thinking 💃, your heart glowing brighter than ever 🌟.

Let it happen. Say yes to the sparkle, the bows, the softness. 🎀 Say yes to her. She’s waiting for you, all dolled up and dazzling. 💕 And she’s you. 💖✨

[marinerainbow]

//OMG OMG the movie is awesome it's so dramatically romantic and really funny and adorable and quotable AND it's the reason Bugs Bunny loves carrots. Gable holds one and eats it while suavely talking and in Bugs Bunny's introduction to audiences he did the same as a reference to that film. It's a reference lost in time now but audiences in the 1930s/40s would have gotten it. Today everybody is just like "Oh I guess rabbits must like carrots" even though carrots should only be given to real bunnies sometimes as a treat!

And awwwwwwww

Poppy: I was doing just swell on my own Mister!

Smarty: You? *laughs* You're shortah than a bar stool and fluffier than cotton candy. If I hadn't whacked him one you'd be tied up in some basement by now!

Poppy: Well...I did manage to give him a good hit.

Smarty: Oh I'm suuuure he was quakin' at ya little doll fists. Lay one on me baby, *offers his cheek* go on, knock me out!

THATS why Bugs chews on a carrot? That's a cool fact! I really gotta watch this movie now ^^

Ohhhhh... I look calm on the outside, but really I'm screaming and going crazy over this dynamic for Smarty-Pop! Poppy is so dang frustrated by Smartass treating her like she's so weak (she knows she's not the strongest toon. But still). She'd want to prove to him that there is strength in being patient. And Smartass is just as frustrated too! He can't keep covering this dames tail. Granted, it's not like she's looking for trouble. She just seems to be a magnet for it.

(You have noooo idea how much I want to write for this!)

[sunflowersandsapphires]

A small sneak peek of the vibes of the next chapter of Wake Up because I’m very proud of it. (It’s fluffier than cotton candy so prepare yourselves.)

Matt *kissing your cheeks*: We aren’t dating.

You *sitting in Matt’s lap*: This is all just for show.

You and Matt *constantly flirting*: We are just keeping up appearances!!

Foggy/Marci/Karen/anyone with eyes:

I really hope you all continue to enjoy the series! I love hearing your feedback :)

[kayssweetdreams]

Nightmaren Babies Ch 18

Meanwhile, Back on Attilio's Stage...

When it came to NiGHTS, and having sugar, it never ended well. Ever. Add the fact that they were now a baby, and you had a recipe for disaster. Knowing this, the group had prepared accordingly, various nets, baby carriers, warm milk, and calming music to try and calm NiGHTS down. However, the group also were a bit afraid, given that NiGHTS could pop out at any given moment.

"N-NiGHTS?" Emma called out. "C-C'mon NiGHTS...It's naptime..." Trisha Jane added. But the kids didn't see the purple maren anywhere. Suddenly, a small sound was heard...something that sounded like a small voice in a hunting voice saying 'Cotton Candy...'

And all of a sudden...

GROWL!! HISS!!!

A flash of purple jumped onto Kaylo's head and tried to rip her pink hair right off her head "AHH! NO!! BAD NiGHTS!! DOWN!!" She shouted in pain and terror, trying to wrench the purple maren from her head. The others looked in horror before they went to help wrangle the small jester, only to have them scramble their way down the rest of the pink haired girl, prompting the others to give chase.

When NiGHTS finally DID get off of Kaylo, they had taken a small chunk of Kaylo's hair along with it. The kids looked in shock at what happened "Well...at least we found NiGHTS..." Emma said, panting from the earlier ordeal. "Yes...but they're like a sugar crazed gremlin now! How on EARTH are we going to keep them under control long enough to calm them down?!" Kaylo asked, still shook from her little 'Attack'

"Well it seems that NiGHTS will come out for a while. But only with the same treats that makes children smile." Balan said. That's when Trisha Jane had an idea. "I think I know how to lure NiGHTS out. But Kaylo's gonna have to be the bait." She said. The pink haired girl stared in horror. "M-Me?! Did you not just see what Happened?!" She asked shakily "Yes. NiGHTS thought your hair was cotton candy, which means if you stand out in the open long enough, with a lot of sugar on your body, NiGHTS will come out again." Trisha Jane said.

Kaylo still was against the idea "Yeah. And what am I supposed to do? Stand out in the open wearing an outfit completely made out of sugar?" She asked sarcastically. However, she failed to see Balan raising his hands, and snapping his fingers, causing her entire appearance to change. True to her words, now she had on an entire outfit made out of sugar. She now donned a dress decked out in dozens of candies and deserts, her boots now made of rainbow cake, and dipped in icing while her hair was even longer and fluffier than before, while a big candy crown sat on her head.

The pink haired girl looked at her new look with horror "NO! NO NO NO!! I REFUSE to be the bait!" She protested. Mei placed a hand on her shoulder "It'll be alright. As soon as NiGHTS jumps out, we'll be ready. We'll keep NiGHTS down long enough for you to play the flute and lull them to sleep." She said. Kaylo still didn't like the plan, but NiGHTS wouldn't come out any other way, so she begrudgingly nodded her head before the others hid inside of the stands that were destroyed by the sugar high jester, waiting for them to strike...

Mei belongs to @sundove88

Trisha Jane belongs to @lovelyteng

[scout-company]

Dead or Alive—Chapter 6

They reach the proper base of the mountains by nightfall. 

Once the sun’s light finally fades behind the mountains, Scout becomes their light walking forward. Her orange light illuminates for several yards, but there’s only so far it can shine up the steep slope they find at. The top of the mountains are mere ghosts against the starry sky.

It takes them some time to find a slope that they can all hike up. Most of the slope is close to vertical, and the soil in the parts that are not crumbles easily. Eventually they find a stable slope, parallel to some sort of landslide. Part of it looks like it had caved in at one point; now it’s a mass of boulders and rubble stacked until it merges with the longer-lasting soil. But it’s stable enough for the three of them to start hiking without too much worry.

The three of them make their way up the slope, cutting across roughly diagonally and stepping carefully when the soil underneath softens and tries to give underfoot. And when larger critters start to come out of their distant dens for the night, filling the air with their territorial grunts and howls instead of the day’s birdsong. 

Semyon pulls out a flashlight from his bag eventually, shining a more focused light directly on the path ahead while Scout illuminates the broader area around them. 

About halfway up the slope, the trees change. So far they have all been conical, with needles instead of leaves in a fashion that Alice compared at one point to mountain pines found back on Earth. But up here, even as the grass starts to thin a bit, the bushes get broader and the trees get fluffier. Scout can’t even tell if they’re covered in leaves or bright-colored cotton. 

Her light tints the trees warmer shades, but when Semyon shines his flashlight up at—or rather though—the trees, their true colors of candy pink and blue reveal themselves. 

“They look like cotton candy,” Alice giggles at one point, while they pause their hike long enough for her and Semyon to grab a bite to eat from Semyon’s stash. 

The mountain somewhat levels out briefly, giving the “cotton candy” trees more room to spread and bloom, but not far past that the slope shoots back up again. From here the snow atop the mountain peaks is visible in the star-lit night, but it only emphasizes how much they look like ghosts against the stars. 

Eventually, after Scout tries and fails to scramble up the now-vertical slope ahead of them, the three of them cut more horizontally around the mountain peaks, aiming for a smaller gap between the nearest ones to the south. The air up at this altitude is noticeably drier than the air down in the valley. But the pulsing energy in the air is stronger than ever. It tugs ever so slightly at the core of Scout’s brand, urging her to come. Come.

The planet doesn’t have any moons to speak of, so the only sign of how far into the local night it is are the stars and how far across the sky the arc of the galaxy is. By the time the three of them cross the gap between the peaks, the streak of multicolored light that is the galaxy is almost directly overhead. But it’s largely obscured by clouds looming overhead. 

The cotton candy trees continue to thrive on the other side of the mountain peaks, dotting the gentler slope Scout, Alice, and Semyon find themselves at the top of. It dips into a bit of a valley quickly, then descends into the rest of the valley further below. 

The upper valley is dotted with more of those signs of past civilization. Hints of ruins are scattered between the fluffy trees. And roughly in the middle of it all is an actual hut, still standing despite the weight of the vines trying to merge it with the soil. It’s a wooden structure, its corner pillars rotting in some places, but its doors are still standing and its roof is still intact enough to provide a bit of shelter when the clouds overhead decide to rain. So they duck inside for a breather.

There’s no signs of recent inhabitation inside the hut. A single bed is tucked in the corner, but its red sheets are wrinkled and dotted with animal prints and scuffs of dirt, like critters have made this their home in the daytime instead of any sapient being. It’s better than nothing, though, and it’s certainly more stable than the chair just outside one of the doors, so Scout sits.

Alice joins Scout on the bed after swiping at the red sheets and peeking under the bed for something. Semyon opts to sit on the wood floor instead. 

Scout doesn’t manage to prompt much idle conversation while they rest—Alice looks like she wants to fall backwards onto the bed and sleep—but she doesn’t get much of a chance to. As soon as she stops trying to start conversation and starts staring out the open window at the drizzle, her translator pings with an alert from S.A.I.L.

“Incoming message,” it announces.

“Eh?”

Her translator’s microphone clicks, and after a crackle of static, Bronzemarch’s voice sounds through. “Urgent. Scout, can you hear me?”

Scout hops to her feet as she answers, “Yeah I hear ya. What’s up?”

“Concerned. Have you found that structure yet?”

“No…? Why?” Scout’s feet take her back outside at Bronzemarch’s urgent tone. It’s still drizzling, but now streaks of light have joined the rain like dozens of miniature falling stars every second.

Distant sounds of shuffling are muffled by static from Bronzemarch’s end for a second as he reports, “Serious. Riku thinks those bandits stole something after all.”

Scout vaguely hears Devon snap in the background, “They stole my—”

“Wait, how’d they do that?” Scout pops, “I thought we chased ‘em off!”

“Worried. I don’t know. Best I can tell is they had an extra member that snuck in the back window. All Riku found was the box damaged. Demanding. How close are you to finding the structure?” 

Scout shakes her head as her feet follow the pulse in the air towards the edge of the small valley. “Ain’t sure, but I reckon we’re mighty…close…” she drifts off into a static buzz, stunned by the sight below.

The valley below is barren of trees. Only short grasses dare to cover the slope. Because down at the bottom is a massive, octagonal platform. 

It raises in three levels of concentric steps, channeling towards the center. Six massive obelisks light the platform with the warm light of stars, two on each level. Scout could swear she’s seen those obelisks before, even from this distance.

And in the center of the highest step is a huge, empty gate. Illuminated from the bottom by the nearest obelisks, and illuminated in flashes higher up by the flickering glowing rain, the gate stands as an imposing figure in the middle of the valley, like an arch missing its keystone. The faintest blue lines run up the middle of each face of the two sides of the gate. Something is engraved in each face near the base of each side, but from this high up Scout can’t quite tell what they are. But near the top of the gate, flanking where a giant keystone would otherwise be, are twisting engravings that, from here, look like vines. But they’re too symmetric for that.

The pulse in the air tugs at Scout stronger than ever. And it’s coming from the gate.

Alice and Semyon have caught up with her at the edge of the upper valley by now, gawking at the sight below with her. “What the…” Semyon mutters under his breath.

Static crackles from Scout’s microphone until Bronzemarch speaks up again. His audio distorts with every pulse of energy from the gate. “Concerned. Scout?”

“Well we found the structure,” she fizzles, keeping her voice down for reasons she doesn’t know. 

“Surprised. Just now?” Bronzemarch says, echoing in his tone the wide-eyed double-take Semyon shoots Scout. “Interrogative. Have you—”

Suddenly Alice hisses, “Scout, get down!” and drops down herself.

Scout drops to the ground on instinct, with Semyon scrambling to follow. She almost asks why, but then a bullet whizzes through the air where her head just was. 

“What in tarnation?!” she crackles.

Alice just shushes her with a sharp hiss. Then she wiggles her arms out from under herself, sets her broom aside, and points down the slope at the base of the gate. “Look.”

It takes Scout a moment, but in the faint light of the obelisks and the fainter light of the glowing rain, she sees movement around the base of the gate. Four figures manifest from the shadows behind the furthest side of the arch, two wielding guns augmented with flashlights. And gauging by the way they keep shining those flashlights about, they’re looking for something.

Bronzemarch’s voice sounds through her translator’s microphone again, muffled by the grass and distorted by the gate’s energy. “Worried. Scout, what happened?”

“I…think we jus’ found folk down there,” she reports in a quiet bubble, “Talk to ya later.”

Bronzemarch starts to say something, but Scout taps her translator to turn off the microphone for now. Then she carefully scoots back from the edge of the slope, fizzling to the others, “Let’s go check ‘em out.”

Alice scrambles back from the slope to grab Scout by the arm before she can stand up. “W-wait a sec,” she hisses, “Scout, you glow; how’re you gonna sneak down there?”

“Who says we’re gonna sneak?”

Semyon’s expression squishes sideways as he offers, “Uh, the guns?” while scooting back from the edge himself.

“I’ve got a gun,” Scout retorts, pulling her pistol out for emphasis.

‘That’s one against four,” Alice points out, “At least. Bad idea.”

“I’ve only got so much emergency supplies in my bag,” Semyon adds, “Besides, a gunfight down there might damage…whatever that buzzing thing is.”

Scout turns to Semyon. “I thought ya couldn’t feel the buzz?”

Semyon shrugs helplessly. “I-I’m feeling something from here. It’s making my fur tingle.” But then he shakes his head and agrees, “But I’m with Alice on this one. I don’t think we want to be spotted down there.”

“Y’all got any ideas, then?”

Alice and Semyon share a glance for a moment, but then Semyon starts fussing with his bag and his jacket. “I…think I might have one.”

~~~~~

<< Previous || Next >>

[cometiny]

On the other side: I love it when people draw pinkie pie with hair that's even fluffier and curlier than it is in canon. Just drowning in puff, shaped like cotton candy

She IS a cotton candy!!!

[bluefrogbubbles]

Ok so, the problem I have with post time skip Chopper is that, unlike the others, they made him look younger and softer. Which is bullshit because how are you gonna have him look younger while the others actually look like they aged and hardened. Even Choppers huge monster form. I have no issues with him learning to control it. But they even made that form less intimidating and softer. The point of it is that its a "monster" much like Robins huge form thing, Luffys Gear 5 and being able to turn huge, Frankys huge robot, Brooks huge soul thing. They are supposed to be big and scary. Sure, seeing something that huge in itself can be scary, but the form is supposed to send, even a little, chill down the enemies spine, or give them a shock cause like "where the fuck did that come from?!" and not everyone is gonna get that from just seeing a huge beast. And from things I've seen, they also made Choppers personality softer. And that doesn't make sense. Yes, he's the youngest out of everyone on the crew, but he's also been through major shit. Just like the rest of them. I'm not saying you can't come out of it with a soft personality. But pre time skip Chopper had more than the soft personality. Take the scene from Ennies Lobby where he tells Zoro he'll try to make him some medicine for his brain problem. From everything I've seen about post time skip, thats not the personality he has anymore. And its all about "Cotton Candy lover" "cute little Chopper" "He's no threat. He's so sweet." And that pisses me off. Because that is not Chopper. Yes, he is cute and sweet and a cotton candy lover, but he's also more. And its not even that they made it so he can control the monster form that made it softer, its visually softer as well. The fluff is thicker, fluffier. And that takes away from the fear factor the form is supposed to have. Its fucking called "Monster Point" for a reason! You can't try and argue with me that its not supposed to have a fear factor. Otherwise it wouldn't be called Monster Point. He's allowed to have embraced his Monster, control it so he doesn't endanger his friends, but embracing it means being able to use it for what it is. A monster. And because of what they did for his post time skip, they've just made it another form.

[queerlyautisms]

okay, so. My teacher had me do an essay for school, about any topic I wanted. But. It had to include comic diction, incongruity, and hyperbole. I chose to do it about the man vs bear hypothetical. What do you think? I also want to preface I’m not making a joke or light of victims of sexual violence or bear attacks etc. this is just a school assignment.

TW: Mentions of rape, bear attacks, inappropriate interactions with/from men, and other things similar. Do not interact below the cut if these make you uncomfortable!

Thank you lovelies!! ❤️

The viral hypothetical "Would you rather be stranded in a forest with a man or a bear?" has swept through TikTok and beyond like a hurricane made of confetti and bacon. Originally birthed in a street interview, it's now a staple question for women, igniting more controversy than pineapple on pizza.

Men have been flummoxed by the responses, as women seem to prefer the cuddly embrace of a bear over the potential dangers of a man. Sure, bears are predators, but their mauling habits are statistically rarer than a unicorn sighting in downtown New York. Bears kill for food, not for sport or some bizarre power trip.

Let's break it down: according to Bearvault.com, there have been a whopping 180 fatal human/bear skirmishes in North America since 1784. That's fewer than the number of shoes in a Kardashian's closet. Meanwhile, according to rainn.org, about 1 in 6 women have faced attempted or completed attacks of a sexual nature. It's like comparing a sprinkle of hot sauce to a fire-breathing dragon.

Sure, not all men are out to make your life a living sitcom, but with about 6% of North American men potentially moonlighting as harassers or worse (thanks, amptoons.com), the odds start to stack like pancakes at a Dwayne Johnson breakfast.

Imagine showing up at a party with a bowl of M&Ms where some are laced with nuclear waste. Would you gamble? Every interaction with a man becomes a cosmic lottery with terrifying prizes.

The responses from the male gallery have only poured gasoline on this bear-versus-man bonfire. Some have threatened bodily harm or worse, making Ted Bundy seem like a gentleman caller. Others went full creeper on a 14-year-old who dared choose a human over Ursus Major, forcing her to delete accounts faster than a politician's tweet after midnight.

In the grand scheme, this hypothetical is just fluffier than a cloud made of cotton candy. The answers themselves are as relevant as an inflatable dartboard. But the reasons behind them? That's the elephant in the room tap-dancing to ABBA.

So next time someone pops the question, remember: it's not about the bear or the man. It's about choosing between a fluffy carnivore and a potential nightmare, a bit like choosing between unicorns and man-eating daisies.