#giving love a shot part 60

[petpenname]

❤️‍🔥Red Wine Supernova❤️‍🔥

pairing: dealer!ellie williams x introverterd(f)reader c.w. smoking, drinking summary: modern college au, dealer!ellie x introverted!(f)reader, slow burn with some sad elements, inspired by Red Wine Supernova by Chapel Roan Parts: 1. I Just Want To Get To Know You 2. Mini Skirt and My Go-Go Boots 3. I Don't Care That You're a Stoner + Epilogue: Falling Into Me a/n: this ones long buckle up

Part Two

Mini Skirt and My Go-Go Boots

Music filled House 03 in each room as the girls got ready for that night's party. Olivia and Ivy share a room, blasting 2000’s pop throwbacks and club hits as they adorned themselves with low rise jeans and sparkles. Phoebe was playing 70s hits from the living room. Her and Daniel in matching bellbottoms, lounging on the couch pregaming already. Sage was in your room, as you struggled to form an outfit. Sitting pretty in her 90’s basement grunge attire, she questioned you about the night before.

Sage: “So she actually came over?! And you smoked with her! Look at you!”

“No, don't look at me! I don't know what to wear!” You say, holding up articles of clothing. “But yeah, she texted me while I was in the bath!”

“Oh, sensual,” Sage said with a wink. Seeing your distressed look she dropped the teasing and turned her attention to your wardrobe which was strewn across your room. 

“What about those white boots! You could go as a go-go dancer!” Sage pointed at a pair of knee high white platform boots. You had only worn them out once but they were practically perfect for a 60’s themed look. 

You picked them up, “okay yeah, but what do I wear them with?” “I dunno, a mini skirt?” Sage said laughing, she left the room to start pregaming and give you space to get ready.

You end up putting on a pink and orange plaid mini dress that fits your curves so perfectly. You opt to have your hair down and natural, pinning back one side behind your ear. A simple eye look to complete the look with a signature 60s line above your eye, in pink of course.  

You stand in front of your full-body mirror inspecting yourself. You are usually confident in your looks but tonight you feel an extra form of confidence. Something about the spontaneity of last night after a grueling finals week. 

“Hey y/n, you're almost ready?!” You hear Ivy shout from down the hall.

“Yeah! Coming!” You grab a cute white shoulder bag and put your go-go boots on. Grabbing your phone, extra lip gloss and taking one more look in the mirror before heading downstairs. 

Your roommates are pregaming in the kitchen when you come down too hoots and hollers about how great you look. You return the girls compliments taking in everyone's looks. Phoebe hands you a shot and a lime and you all take one for the road. The walk to House 09 takes less than 10 minutes. You and Sage take up the rear of the group adventure.

“So are you going to see Ellie tonight?” Sage nudges you in the side playfully 

“I don't know, probably, she said she would be here?” You are looking down to hide your obvious blushing. You had confided in Sage the most about your sexuality. Having come out as bisexual last year you've only had two girlfriends, which didn't end the best. You had a tendency to shut yourself away and you guess that didn't sit right with partners. But you also felt like they never respected your space. You decided to focus on yourself but sometimes, stoned, late at night Sage would get you to confess how lonely you were. You yearned for someone to love you, and for you to love them back.

“Wait, Sage, did you set this up or something like some blind date?” You remembered how Sage introduced Phoebe to Daniel and their relationship was solid. 

“No dude!” Sage chuckled. “I promise, Ellie asked for your number, practically begged for it! And plus she's been dropping off to the house for months now, don't you think I would have set you up sooner if i thought about it?”

Ellie begged for it? Intrusive thoughts of Ellie on her knees looking up at you with those emerald eyes flash through your mind, making your heart skip a beat. You sigh, pushing the perverted thought away. “okay yeah i guess not, I don't know she seems cool, i hardly know her though.” 

“Well get to know her!” Sage jumps ahead of you and turns down the path to H09, music already blaring into the street . You take a breath of air before following your roommates into the loud college party. 

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next few hours are a blur of colored lights, dance music, and drinking. You don’t drink alot but you are also more familiar with the taste of liquor than smoke. So in the company of your roommates you take another shot and accept a mixed drink from Daniel, the designated bartender for the house. 

“Do you guys want to go dance?” Ivy shouts over the music

You all exchange nods, leaving Phoebe with her boyfriend at the makeshift bar and head to the living room to dance.

Whatever was in your cup tonight let you let loose a little more than usual. You worked up a sweat dancing to hits from the 50s to the 2000’s. Before you know it the room was getting a little too hot and you were a little too out of breath. You gestured to Sage to get her attention,

“I'm going to step out back for some air!” you say fanning yourself, still stepping to the beat

“Okay girl! Do you want company?” Sage responds over the music

“No no keep dancing! I'll find you guys!”

“Dont Irish Goodbye on us again y/n!” Ivy points and dances in your direction. “I'll come find you if you're not back in twenty minutes!” she blows you a kiss.

You laugh, “I won't leave! Promise!” Dancing your way out of the mass of moving bodies you head through the house and out into the back yard. The cool air instantly gives you a sense of relief as the commotion from inside gets muffled by the closing door. You choose to sit on the porch steps, staring up at the sky and you start to look for stars.

 Due to the light pollution you are only able to see a handful of stars at the moment. While you are looking you hear the back door open and close. Glancing over your shoulder you see none other than Ellie step outside, face flushed and hair slightly damp clinging to her neck. She wore a white tank top, blue flannel and blue jeans, the same dirty converse from last night. 

“Oh hey whats up cutie! You made it!” Ellie says when she catches your eye. She fumbles over to you and sits down next to you, letting out a sigh. “Oh my god it's hot in there, yeah?” “Hey, yeah it is” you try to ignore the butterflies in your stomach. She called you that name again. You both avert your gaze from each other, a beat of awkward silence before Ellie says, “you want to smoke with me?” and pulls out another immaculately rolled joint. 

“Only if you tell me what decade you're supposed to be dressed up as?” you joke, looking her over. Most of the guests had gone all out with their fits. 

Ellie chuckles “Whichever decade that supplies this party with weed.” 

“Sooo 90s?” You say as you watch her face light up as she sparks the joint. 

“Sure let's go with that” she exhales, turning her body towards you, with one leg bent on the deck and the other stretched out down the steps. She leans towards you slightly as she hands you the joint.

“And you are…. No don't tell me…. 70’s?” Ellie guesses as you take a drag from the joint.

You let the smoke out as you giggle, “no! 60’s! I'm wearing go-go boots”  You stick a leg up and gesture to your boots

Before you could think Ellie reaches out and touches your boot, sliding her long fingertips, from the ankle up to the top. “Oh wow, yeah now i see them” flicking her eyes from your leg to make eye contact with you. 

Your ears become hot at the sudden contact and you put your leg back down, take another puff before handing it back. There are those flutterings, they are much lower tonight.

“Wow and you're smoking more tonight! You're like a totally different person than who I met yesterday.” Ellie jokes as she takes the joint and leans back on her other hand. “Miss never goes to parties”, she teases.

Still feeling her gaze on you, you can't bring yourself to look at her so you look back at the night sky, leaning back on your hands. “Don’t get used to it, this is my one outing of the semester.” 

“Yeah me too, honestly.” Ellies tone turns a little serious as she too looks up at the night sky, taking another drag of the joint and using it to point.

“The Big Dipper should be right there, you can see the start of it, but there's too much light to see the rest.”

“Mhmm” you hum, “I wish i could see them all, I could in my hometown.” 

“Yeah me too” Ellie says, “Do you want another hit off this?” 

You look back down and the simple motion of your head moving in space brings your awareness to just how fucked up you are. You know alcohol takes a bit to have an effect but you have also never drank and smoked together. 

“No, thanks, ugh I'm feeling a bit light headed.” you say.

“Oh shit” Ellie puts out the joint and flicks it away, “Do you need some water?” 

“Yeah that would be cool, I just need to catch my breath” You say as cooly as possible.

“Okay stay right here!” Ellie gets up and is gone in a flash,

Your head is spinning and you grab onto the railing for some stability, willing yourself not to throw up in this back yard. Deep breaths in and out help you regain a bit of your strength and feeling. You hear the backdoor open and shut as a few pairs of feet hit the deck. 

“Hey, hey girl you okay?” Sage is next to you with a glass of water, you take and sip it slowly.

“Hey dude yeah, i'm good, I don't know if i'll go back inside though.” 

“Yeah that's understandable, did you smoke too?”

You nod, and take another sip of water. Sage gives you a sympathetic look through her own blood shot eyes.

“I'll walk her home” you hear Ellie say, who you realize had been standing behind you the whole time.  

Sage looks up, “oh yeah, I mean if you don't mind? You cool with that y/n?  

You finish the water and hand your cup back to Sage, “Yeah, you stay Sage, tell Ivy I'm sorry for leaving again”

“Sure babes, and hey it's not an irish goodbye if you say goodbye!” She helps you up and says bye to Ellie and you before going inside. 

“Are you sure you're feeling okay?” Ellie turns to you, a look of worry on her face.

“Yeah I'm feeling better now, I just have never smoked and drank together before.” 

Ellie laughs, “damn what are you a virgin too?” 

Such a direct joke caught you off guard, “uh no, i'm not.” you say defensively, turning away feeling your cheeks flush.

“I'm kidding, I promise! Sorry, come on let's get you home hun”

You curse yourself for being so quick to defend yourself, you were actually quite experienced, at least with your own body. You just didn't know exactly how to express that to your partners. 

Ellie led you out the back garden gate holding it open for you, you felt her hand cup the small of your back as she guided you to the sidewalk. You let her hand rest on your waist as her warmth warms you up in the cool night air. 

“Are you going to go back to the party?” You ask, breaking the silence.

“Nah probably not, i dont really hang out with a lot of people. I just go to sell.” Ellie responds matter of factly. 

“What about your roommate?”

“Oh Dina? She’s with Jessie, I love hanging out with them but I have the dorm all to myself tonight!” She gives you that stupid sideways grin again

You smile back at her before looking forward, feeling a bit nervous realizing how close you two were walking. Her hand still on the small of your back, and her index finger tracing small circles, like she was nervous too. 

You walk the rest of the block in silence and she walks up to your front door, stepping away from you before saying, “You sure you're okay to be left alone? I feel like I need to see you drink another glass of water.” 

Maybe it was the joint, maybe it was the alcohol or maybe it was the feeling deep inside of you wishing for someone to be close to you again. You missed her warmth. Either way you find yourself answering before thinking

“You could just come in? I'll drink a glass of water to prove I'm good!” You hold a hand to your chest like making a royal promise. 

Ellie chuckles, scratching the back of her neck and looking down, “Oh shit, yeah sure, I’ll come in” Did you just make her nervous?

“Cool” You say, fishing your keys out of your purse. You enter the house, flipping on a few lights and tossing your bag on the table. 

“I have to get out of my shoes first!” you exclaim, taking a seat, suddenly out of breath again.

“Here allow me!” Ellie says, skipping to your side and kneeling down, before you could protest she has your right leg in her hands, inspecting for a zipper. “It's on the inside” you laugh at her willingness for chivalry, pointing at the zipper on the inside of your ankle.

“Inside huh?” Ellie said in a tone that made your stomach flip. She finds the zipper, pulls down and slides the boot off your leg. Revealing fuzzy pink socks adorned with a Kirby embroidered at the top. Holy shit you forgot you had those socks on?!

“Oh my god Kirby!” Ellie laughs, “I didn't know what socks to expect but i dont think these were it.”

“What's wrong with kirby?” You counter teasingly, the alcohol giving you some courage post sock reveal.

“Nothing! I just feel like i'm finding out little crumbs of information about you”, Ellie laughs again, “You're like a puzzle, or a riddle? I just want to get to know you.” she looks you in the eyes when she says that. 

That last sentence felt so personal. You sat back in silence as Ellie removed your other shoe, revealing a second, pink kirby sock. She looks up at you and you realize she's on her knees, in front of you. Did you dream this into reality? How did such a pretty girl just fall into your life like this? You almost lose yourself in her eyes before she speaks again.

“You still gotta drink water for me, pretty girl.” 

You nod, as she rises from the floor and looks around for the kitchen. Rising too and guiding her in the dim lit kitchen you grab a glass of water and return to stand in front of her to drink it. Finishing strong with a sigh and a smile, you set the glass down on the counter and turn to her.

“All done” you say

“Good girl” Ellie says with a smirk, staring into your eyes. Your stomach does a flip again, she is way too comfortable calling you pet names. 

Like magnets the two of you slide closer until you are inches away from each other in the dim kitchen light. Both of your breaths hitch as you watch Ellie's eyes dart from your eyes, to your lips, and back up. You swear you could stare at her like this for hours, but you wanted nothing more than to closet the space between you two.

*DING DING*

The ring of Ellies phone sounds off in her pockets, startling both of you away from the tension boiling between you. 

“Ah fuck what now” Ellie says under her breath. She quickly checks her phone and lets out a frustrated sigh. “Fuckers need more weed at the party. I should probably let you get your beauty sleep huh?” She says, shoving her phone back in her pocket.

You involuntarily let out a yawn as she makes the suggestion and you hide your face from her gaze. Partially from the yawn, mostly to hide your disappointment “yeah, I should probably sleep this buzz off, I'll walk you out?” 

“Sure thing” she says.

You both head for the door, Ellie lingers a bit, swaying side to side before saying bye and dipping fast down the steps. You say bye and close the door behind her. Stealing yourself upstairs to take off your makeup and outfit. A quick self care routine later and you are passed out in bed.

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ellie lights a joint in frustration as she walks out of H09. She really didn't want to go back there but ended up staying another hour because Jessie and Dina guilted her into drinking more. Thoughts of you swirl in the girl's head as she makes the walk to her dorm. Your eyes, your legs, your lips, your kirby socks. Ellie laughs to herself, and pulls out her phone. 

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You wake up the next morning with a headache. Checking the time on your phone you're shocked to see you slept in until 11!

You have a few unread messages:

Ellie: want to meet for coffee? Ivy: I made pancakes! Sage: how can you have so much energy all the time? Be right ther Olivia: shhh sleeping

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Meet for coffee??” Sage said, mouth full of pancake. You and your roommates are sitting around the kitchen eating room-temperature pancakes and discussing the night before. 

“That's what she said?!” you say, pouring some syrup over your breakfast.

“Well are you gonna go?” Ivy asks from the pantry

“I mean, yeah? I should, right?” “Only if you want to girl” Olivia say beside you

“Oh she wants to” Sage says with wink in your direction

“I do!” You say blushing, “I'm just nervous! The last times we interacted were so spontaneous. And this is like, she's asking me out!” 

“It's just coffee babes you'll be okay! Its casual” Olivia says with a reassuring rub on your back

You smile at your roomates as you pick your phone up, responding to Ellie

y/n: “Okay :) when?”

30 seconds later you receive a text;

Ellie: “Sweet :), 1pm at the cafe?”

y/n: “I'll see you there!” 

You smile at your phone for sec before your roomates all join in on a group “oooooooooo” 

—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1pm comes fast. After breakfast you help clean then retire to your room to shower and get ready. It's a little chilly out this morning so you opt for a chunky sweater, comfortable wide leg pants, and sneakers. After checking yourself in your mirror and in Sage’s mirror, with her approval and luck, you head out the door. 

The walk to the cafe felt like it took forever. You become hyper aware of yourself, your outfit, anxieties bubbling up in your mind as you try to stay calm. You round a corner and can see the cafe now, and something in you stops you in your tracks. 

Memories of your past relationships flash in your mind. How hurt you were, how misunderstood you felt. Being lonely was familiar but it always stung when someone left your life. You will yourself to take a chance, your roommate’s comment in your mind for comfort. You’re just meeting for coffee, it's casual. With a deep breath, trying to gain some confidence you continue forward. You open the door to the cafe stepping in, warm cinnamon and coffee bean scents fill the air while a lofi beats track plays over the speakers. You look around and it takes you just a moment to find Ellie sitting at a table in the corner. She has a baseball cap on, looking down so she didn't see you come in. 

You take in her appearance while walking over. She's manspreading comfortably in dark green cargos, a gray t-shirt, a black zip up hoodie and black converse. You knock lightly on the table to get her attention, startling Ellie who shoots up, almost knocking her chair over behind her. 

“Hi there” you say sweetly

“Oh y/n! Morning! Er afternoon, hey” She composes her surprise and smiles at you to sit down. “I got you a coffee!” 

You realize there are two coffee cups in front of you on the table. Ellie slides one over and you see your order written on the side in black ink. Medium mocha, with half chocolate. She remembered? 

“Oh wow thank you! Do I owe you anything?” you ask, accepting the drink.

“Of course not,” Ellie says leaning back, “I just made it before I finished my shift.” 

You take a sip of your coffee, and set it down, taking in the girl sitting before you. You realize that Ellie looks exceptionally tired, she has bags under her eyes and her lips are slightly crusty. She seemed to have energy, although that must be from the caffeine she's been having throughout her shift. 

“Did you have a good night?” Ellie asks, breaking your fantasy

“Oh! Yeah, i just passed out after you left and slept so long” You laugh, trying to hold eye contact. 

“Good you got your sleep, I wish I did, i forgot I worked this morning and got woken up by my boss calling me” Ellie sighs and sips her coffee

“Oh shit, we don't have to hang out if you're tired?” You say, secretly wanting to invite her back to yours to cuddle up and watch movies. But your body does not allow the thought to come out.

“No! I want to hang out! I actually wanted to show you something, if you're down?” Ellie asks

So many thoughts fill your mind with what this thing could be. Your curiosity is endless and quickly leads to images of Ellie pulling toys out of her backpack. 

“Yeah sure, I'm not doing anything today” You say, leaning forward on your hand with your elbow on the table. Searching Ellies expression for any sign of what her intentions were. 

Ellie just gives you a big grin and leans forward too, flashing her eyes from yours, to your lips, and back up. Instantly you're reminded of last night, you hadn't even thought about your almost kiss in the shadows of your kitchen. You feel your ears going hot and instinctually pull back to drink your coffee, hoping your eyes didn't display any of your shock from the memory. 

“Sounds good, if you're ready we can head out” Ellie suggests, keeping her eyes on you.

You nod and swallow, “sure, ya” you say, your voice a little quieter. 

Ellie rises from her seat, grabbing her coffee, waits for you to rise and follows you out of the cafe. “Here follow me!” she says when you two are outside, pointing behind her. You skip up to her side and follow her through campus. Making small talk, asking each other about your coffees & the weather. You realize that Ellie is leading you into the College neighborhood, the street that you live on. 

“You want to show me the street I live on?” You ask, laughing because as far as you know, this street is a Dead End. And you have been to that dead end. Maybe she was bringing you to a house? 

“I mean yes? And no, we are going to the end, there's a spot over there.” Ellie says, taking another sip of her coffee

You were pretty sure the dead end was fenced off with a thick forest behind it. Not being very adventurous you had never thought to explore past it. You and Ellie walk the length of the block, passing other college students. You approach the end of the street, the sidewalk seemingly ends and you wait to see what Ellie will do. 

She turns around to face you, “Do you trust me?” 

“I have no reason not to you” you giggle, “you're not going to murder me are you?”

“No! Oh my god, come on, this way” Ellie smirks and nods her head to the side of the street. 

House 10 was the last house on the street, and there was a thick hedge that ran the length of the house and the fence. Ellie walks you over and the perspective change reveals about two feet between the hedge and the fence. Ellie slips into the gap and takes a few steps before making sure you are following. You're right behind her, and comment “there are no spiders right?”

Ellie laughs, “dont worry ill scare them off. It's not too far.”

You walk maybe 10 feet between the hedge and fence before Ellie stops and crouches down. Ducking through a large hole in the chainlink fence and popping up on the other side to face you. “Here hand me your coffee!” she says, sticking a hand through the hole. 

You hand her your coffee and crouch down to do the same, almost slipping on a few leaves on the ground. 

“You good? Here you go” Ellie hands your coffee back and says “i promise its not far now, just through there.'' She walks into the forest. There's a makeshift trail probably formed by other students exploring back here, and you follow her for a few minutes. Listening to the sounds of birds and wind through the trees, you start to hear the sound of running water. The trail winds around, sunlight flashing through the leaves onto Ellies auburn hair. You can't help but get lost in her figure. Your mind trailing off to things too embarrassing to say, you have no idea how long you've been walking. Ellie turns around flashing you a smile, breaking you away from your bedroom thoughts.

“Its just up here! Come on!” She picks up a bit of pace, excitement getting the best of her. 

You follow her around another corner and see a pretty amazing sight. Large concrete structures from half of a building, overgrown with vines and graffiti painting the crumbling walls. There are steps leading up to a large concrete platform with two walls in the back. You take a sec to take it all in, Ellie bounds up the steps, turns to you and puts her arms out framing the scene.

“Ta-daaaaa! What do you think?”

“This place is so cool!” You say, following her up the steps and looking more closely at the graffiti. You read “smoke em if you got em”, & “JC’11” probably from a Jackson College graduate. One catches your eye, it's smaller and closer to the ground. A black heart with red lettering that says “girls kissing girls”. 

“Ya, right.” Ellie looks around with you at “her” spot -atleast she likes to think she's claimed it. “I found it a few months ago, I come here pretty often but don't really bring anyone. I don't want everyone to know about it.”

“Yea i can understand, its peaceful out here” you respond, focusing your attention back on her

“And you haven't seen the best part!” Ellie walks across the platform to the other side, where the other wall is missing. You follow her and realize that the water you heard had gotten a bit louder since you tuned into it. As you approach the opening in the wall you are perplexed with the beauty you see. A small waterfall cascades over moss covered rocks, flowing into a stream only a few feet wide and away into the forest. All the stars aligned for the sun to shine the most on this spot in the forest. The foliage was lush, moss covered all surfaces, and tiny flowers and mushrooms dotted the scene. 

“Yeah, it's pretty great, my own secret hiding spot.” Ellie beams, stretching her arms behind her head, trying to be as casual as possible. 

You looked in awe at the scene and Ellie looks in awe at you. Taking in your features, your soft lips, your beautiful skin. She wished she could capture this image of you forever in her mind. Never had she taken someone here before, but as soon as she met you, she wanted you here, with her. And there wasn't anything she wanted to do more than to kiss you.

“This is so beautiful” you say, “want to sit down?” You say turning to her, blushing at the strong eye contact youre met with.

Instinctually Ellie takes off her hoodie, stepping back and setting it down on the ground for you and her to sit on. You are able to see a large tattoo on her forearm, looks like a fern? You both position yourselves on the makeshift blanket, with your legs hanging over the side of the ledge. 

“Do you want to smoke? I haven't since before my shift.” Ellie says after a moment of silence. 

“Oh yeah, sure! But if you keep smoking me out and buying me coffee i'm going to have to make it up to you!” You say with a smirk, playfully nudging her with your elbow.

“I'll take whatever you give me,” Ellie says as she takes out a joint box from her pocket. Butterflies flutter in your stomach at the possibilities of what your ‘repayment’ could be. 

You take the lit joint from Ellie and you two make small talk about the graffiti and nature surrounding you. Conversations turn more personal when you ask Ellie about her family. You learn of Joel, and the farm back home where Ellie spent most of her time shying away with her journal and guitar. Ellie spoke about coming out to Joel in highschool and how he was one of the only people who supported her through it. Her hometown wasn't the most accepting so she did not have many friends let alone relationships. You share your life too, realizing that you and Ellie have more things in common than you thought. Your family came around after a year or so of coming out but you only ‘came out’ to friends and the public when you moved to college. You had a boyfriend in highschool that ended badly and 1.5 relationships with girls since coming out. You say 1.5 because the first one was really a situationship that ended with the girl deciding she was straight. 

At this point the joint was dead and tossed in the brush. The sun was drifting behind the trees, casting a cool hue across the forest. 

Ellie and you listen to the stream in comfortable silence for a second. The joint is settling in nicely and bringing all your hidden thoughts to the surface. You wanted to kiss her, touch her. Your fingers are a mere centimeters from each other and you could feel the electricity through your whole body. 

Suddenly Ellie takes a breath, like she had been holding hers for a second. “CanIaskyousomething?” she says, in almost all one word. 

You turn your body to her, leaning forward slightly on your arm. “Anything” you say.

“I know… i know we just met, but, you’re really pretty and I was just wondering… canikissyou?

She rushes the last part but you hear clearly and your heart skips a beat. Ellie turns to look at you, searching your face for anything you're feeling. 

You're lost in her eyes again, your mind screaming yes but all you can do is nod at her, doe eyed and longing to feel her warmth.

Ellie breathes in looking at your lips before she leans forward, cradling your face in her hands and setting her lips on yours. The kiss is hot, passionate, slow but needy as your combined lust mixes together right there in the forest.  You feel like hours have gone by before you separate, looking into eachothers eyes, a line of spit connecting both your lips. Ellie looks like she's even higher than the joint made her and you can't help but giggle a little before going in for a second kiss. This time your hands go for her, brushing through her hair and grabbing at the nape of her neck. 

Separating for the second time ellie breathes, “wow, that was… wow”

You hum in approval, untangling your hand from her hair and resting it on your leg. You're both breathing a little heavy, lips tingling and palms sweaty. 

Ellie feels a buzz on her thigh and pulls out her phone to a string of texts, all from buyers hoping to make their Saturdays better.

“Ah fuck, im sorry, i wish we could stay here longer but, work calls…” She says with a sigh. She wishes she could stay here all day with you but Ellie was a business woman, plus she had been saving up for a few things and was so close to meeting her goal. 

You laugh, wanting to stay with her too, but you are getting hungry, probably from the joint. “That's okay, will you walk me back to the house?”

“Of course doll” Ellie says with a smile, making your already hot face burn with desire. You both stand and after grabbing her hoodie and coffee, without asking Ellie grabs your hand and begins to lead you back out of the forest. 

You walk hand in hand down the street in comfortable silence. The touch shared between you said more than you two could manage at the moment. You are submerged in your feelings and barely notice you getting to the walkway in front of your house. 

Ellie stops and turns to face you. Giving you a kiss on the back of the hand she says, “have a great day beautiful, i'll be thinking of you.”

You linger your hand in hers for a moment, blushing, mind blank but you know you need to respond. “Thanks for today Ellie, i'll talk to you soon.”

You start backing up the walkway, both of you not wanting to separate from each other's gaze. You both give one last little wave and you turn to walk into the house. 

Sage greets you from the couch, seeing the look on your face she jumps up and runs to hug you in excitement. Bringing you over to sit with her as you tell her about your time with Ellie. You feel this could be the beginning of something beautiful. Although hesitant to get close to someone again, you feel right with Ellie. You can’t help but imagine what life would be like with her. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

a/n: AHHHHHHHHH thank u sm for the love :3 I'm actually so excited for part 3... might even open submissions for other fandoms? idk I'm just having fun! Tag List: @vqxen @bready101 @sourgummywormsss @a-little-bit-of-everybody

[ttrpg-smash-pass-vs]

Have you seen Dungeon Meshi? Laos is such a monsterfucker I can’t get over it. He asks one of his companions if it felt good to be caught by the tentacle-vine plant monster. He waxed poetic about how cool animal-hybrid monsters are. (I’m sorry if you don’t like a show or this feels irrelevant to your blog, but also I can’t tell my friends ‘hey I like this character because I also think it would feel good to be caught by the tentacle monster’)

Anyway he’s how I imagine this blog’s audience would approach an IRL dungeon expedition

Sorry to take this way too seriously, I mean no ill will. But I've been a MASSIVE fan of dungeon meshi for... oof, almost 7 years apparently, It's a perfect storm of everything I love with fantastic writing and characterization, and I don't think I could disagree with that more. I think you missed a primary running gag of the series. He keeps saying lines that, if anyone else said them would be sexual, but the people around him know he's just a super obsessed wildlife researcher. He does not want to fuck monsters, that's kinda the entire point. Like you need to understand that some biologists will happily and unnecessarily lick poison, get bitten, and pick up dangerous things without hesitation. It's not that they get off to poison play, it's that they love the topic so much that it's their life and they want to know every aspect. When he's zealously asking what it's like for the vine monster to grapple and stab you with seeds, he's saying that because he's just that into learning and wants the firsthand experience! He's here because he doesn't want to just read about his special interest, he wants to live it, be PART of the ecosystem!

...actually, incredibly relevant spoilers below for a monster later on (chapter 58-60, so likely end of this season or start of the next)

They later find straight-up succubi. Chilchuck talking about how they turn into your perfect match, you ALWAYS have to fight them as a pair or you're just screwed because of irresistible magic charming powers. One finds Laios alone...and he's completely unaffected, immediately chokes it and goes to kill it without any issue. The only hesitation is a bit of embarrassment that "Oh no, it misinterpreted my feelings as attraction, if the party finds this it'll lead to a HUGE misunderstanding. This could ruin my friendships, I need to immediately kill it and hide the body." That gives it enough time to convince him "hey, it's impossible to resist a succubus, so obviously I'm not a succubus right?" And it works because he knows that yes, nobody can resist a succubus charm. Except apparently him. Even trying again by combining his thoughts with his all time favorite monster didn't daze him like it did the others. It had to convince him that it could turn him INTO a monster, and that everyone else was ok with it too, to get him to hesitantly submit to being drained. They didn't have to reason with marcielle or chilchuck, but lust just didn't work with Laios, not as a person or as a monster. It's like how nobody gets panty shots except Senshi. it's a subversion joke. There are quite a few in this series, especially ones centered on Laios.

[vinelark]

With the exciting news of Kon being in MAWS season 3 (!!!!!), do you have an specific recs for him when it comes to comics? (I know Young Justice is good for him, but not much outside of that)

hello! exciting news indeed!!! and hell yeah, here are some kon-centric comics outside of yj that i’ve enjoyed reading:

Reign of the Supermen arc (1993)

this arc has kon’s intro, well before he even had the name kon, and it’s worth a read if you haven’t already because of the way he shows up and is peak annoying immediately (said with love). especially Adventures of Superman #501! (the storyline spans a number of titles, reading order here)

(and for a related rec, the reign of the superman (2019) animated movie blends aspects of the original comic arc with the “kon is made with lex luthor’s dna” reveal/retcon; it’s a fun watch! left me with Much To Think About pang-wise, too.)

Superboy (1994)

the most concentrated amount of og jacket and glasses superboy you’ll find in one series; there’s a lot going on here, most of it so very 90s (both in the plot/world and on a more meta level) and also so many adorable kons. special shoutout to my favorite side character, krypto in his “tiny white terrier with a giant attitude” form. (and for a more specific rec i’ll point to issues #60 - 61, in which kon is hopping through multiple realities and we see, among others, robin!kon and “supergrrrl” kon.)

Batgirl (200) #41

this is the issue where cass goes “hmm, i should try to do A Romance” and shows up outside kon’s window to see what all the fuss is about, and they proceed to have the most lavender date of all lavender dates. i adore kon’s inability to shut up here, and also for obvious reasons need to give it a special shoutout for kon taking a “bat-babe” on a date in the clouds.

Adventure Comics (Vol 2) #1 - 6 (2009)

this arc serves to re-settle kon into the world (and smallville) after the whole [waves hand] dying and coming back to life thing. (technically it’s 12 issues, but you’re asking for specific recs so my specific recs are the first six!) this is about kon starting life in smallville and having a prolonged identity crisis re: the superman + lex luthor of it all. cassie, bart, and tim all show up as significant guest stars (one of my fav tim & kon issues of all time is in here) but it’s very kon-centric! i also really enjoy the art, especially when it does wide/landscape shots.

Superboy (2010)

this is a pretty direct continuation from the adventure comics arc, once again feat. kon’s 21st century black t-shirt (sigh) and also kon wearing the tiniest, goofiest pair of Disguise Glasses. that said, it’s a fun, classic “teen superhero juggles school and crushes and a statistically high number of supervillains for a small town (seriously, what the hell was poison ivy even doing in kansas?)” series. also if there were any justice in the world simon valentine would’ve been one of those crushes, but alas.

Convergence: Superboy (2015) #1 - 2

i’ll be honest, i’m not super familiar with the overarching convergence storyline, but i really enjoyed this two-shot featuring a kon who has been stuck in metropolis without his powers, only to suddenly gain them back and immediately start brawling with alternate versions of heroes he knows. i also like the art in this one, and the character designs overall—leather jacket kon my beloved!

Action Comics (2016) #1020 - 1028 (“House of Kent” arc)

this sequence brings kon back into the kent family fold after the timeline fuckery (and i think follows from the young justice (2019) gemworld arc where they re-find kon?)—so basically it’s kon’s re-introduction to clark, and to lois and jon (who’s visiting from his own future adventure) and kara and martha and jonathan. despite spelling conner’s name two different ways in the span of a few issues, it’s a neat speedrun of different kon+superfam interactions, and also a fun time for anyone who’s a fan of kon being solidly part of the kent family. also: jacket kon is back 🙏

this is not at all an exhaustive list, just some of my favs--happy reading!

[jokeroutsubs]

🎈🍰Nace Birthday Special🍰🎈

Nace Jordan's interview for Suzy magazine, published 14.06.2024. English translation by drumbeat and @beeoftheanxieties, proof read by TWT klamstrakur.

📝ENG Translation: Joker Out's Nace Jordan: 60 Kilograms to Happiness

Twenty-nine-year-old Nace Jordan is considered one of the most emotional, thoughtful, and responsible Slovenian musicians.

CAPTION: He’s spreading tolerance and respect to everyone.

He was the last one to join the group of four highly admired young men, but that doesn't mean he's the fifth or the spare wheel. His inspiring story makes him a great role model for teenagers, showing that working on yourself is worthwhile, because you never know when an extraordinary opportunity will come your way. After making a major change in his lifestyle, he got rid of past burdens to focus on a bright, melodic future. With the loving support of his girlfriend, the first signs of a family are already visible. They've been joined by Pino, an adorable dachshund, who brought new responsibilities and lots of joy.

CAPTION: Joker Out gained a first-class member with Nace.

INTERVIEWER: How quickly did you feel accepted as fully fledged member, considering you were not a co-founder of Joker Out?

Nace: Initially it might have appeared as if I instantly took on the role of bass guitarist with confidence, although deep down I was quite confused. The guys already had their banter, even a kind of a jargon I didn't feel familiar with. They are after all five years younger than me, almost a different generation. But they have welcomed me in a very embracing way, we have started to develop a communal story and we have become a unit. Even after we had recorded 'Carpe Diem' and I was offered a permanent place in the band, I was still haunted by the feeling that I might not be perceived easily as a part of the band by the most devoted fans.

Was Eurovision your ultimate test?

Sort of. I was told I aced it, and as a fill-in member, it made me happy when the decision to welcome me into the family was final. The whole idea was to first try and see how compatible we were, without any pressure or expectations. On stage, it was obvious that we were a perfect match. But I tended to hold back when it came to the bigger decisions. Bojan is, after all, the frontman, the dominant one, so I didn't want to interfere with the pre-established dynamics. It was only after the Eurovision euphoria was over that a new era began and with it the most precious gift - the appreciation of the entire group. They are exceptional young individuals, extremely talented, and they wanted someone who could feel their vibe and bring them together, not tear them apart.

This opportunity has come as a reward for your challenging personal journey, a tremendous transformation of body and spirit. How has this affected your self-image?

I am still trying to work on myself. I have lost 60 kilos and broken free from the shackles of a troubled adolescence, when the slightest deviation from the average is frowned upon. It is unimaginable that you can lose so many kilograms, one whole person. It was gradual. After the first ten, you are overcome with excitement. Your reflection in the mirror gets nicer by the week, you gain confidence in yourself and see that it is not difficult to follow your goal. I gained an unstoppable will to keep going, and the most extraordinary things started to happen. I got to play in the backing band of the popular show ' V petek zvečer' ('Friday Night'), and then realised a childhood dream when I managed to join a band as skillful as the Jokers. A time came when I walked around with a huge smile on my face and I hoped that it would not fade from my face for a long time to come. At the same time, I was driven to give it my best shot, because I simply couldn't let this opportunity slip away.

You have used the dark times of COVID for something bright, inspirational. When did you decide you were tired of living in a bigger body?

The stomach pains were the first indicator that I had to roll up my sleeves and work on myself. I had always been chubbier, but I got saved by my height because the kilograms were evenly spread. I was able to exercise, go hiking, [and] be active in water sports, particularly wakeboarding. I wasn't immune to the looks of naysayers, that someone with so much weight could move so capably. I had reached a point where I no longer felt comfortable. I didn't like myself, the walks were getting more and more exhausting, I didn't have a girlfriend for a while, which was a big motivation to change my lifestyle. At the beginning, I was embarrassed to work out in front of others. Would they be thinking, 'What is this fatso doing here now'? So at home I would climb up and down the stairs from the basement to the attic. For half a year, every evening. First for 15 minutes, then I progressed to 45. It seemed like a waste to ruin this effort with unhealthy food, so I changed my diet. I eliminated all the guilty pleasures and after the first 20 lost, I decided I was ready to train outdoors. By running. It might not have been the smartest idea because of my knees, but it all worked out well in the end. Something that I resented for a long time became my norm. To this day, I still enjoy putting on my running shoes to clear my mind. Whenever my mind is in a frenzy, running saves me.

Humans are really odd, shallow creatures. We can't see what's underneath the excess weight. It was only after you have transformed that the requests for more collaborations started coming in. How did you manage to heal these emotional scars from the entertainment business, where the physical appearance still takes precedence over the heart?

That's the hardest part, not to lose faith in yourself. You question your self worth because of the labels the public has stuck on you. Of course, the medical aspect of excess weight is the first signal for a radical change. The results would be significantly better, if people around us were more sparse with negative comments and dismissive attitudes towards anything that is not to their liking. I must confess that I have never felt better than I did after saying goodbye to cigarettes, alcohol, and, for a period, even meat. Imagine you are carrying a 60 kilogram backpack. And then you put it down. A different world opens up.

In all this, music has been your most faithful companion and supporter. Would it have been possible to go through all this without it?

The power of art is amazing. The bass guitar is my lifelong love. Even if I was a butcher or a carpenter, I would play and create for myself. We are used to these kind of stories in the movies, where after a difficult ordeal you find yourself in the midst of your teenage dreams. After the third concert with the Jokers, a girl came up to me and confided that she was contemplating suicide, but our songs had saved her. She thanked us for taking the time for our fans and talking to them. Their honesty is a sign that you are part of something great. The power of music goes beyond the limits of our imagination. There are countless similar confessions. This realisation is also therapeutic for us. You receive confirmation that you are doing something right.

Have you ever wondered why you play music at all?

Many times. The doubts of who will listen to my work, or now our work, are a constant in the career of a professional musician. But if you put your heart first, you quickly get the confirmation that we are not just pretty boys on stage, but individuals with depth and a message.

As a teenager, what motivated you to follow your aspirations?

I wanted to be like my cousin. He is five years older than me and he had his own band. He introduced me to foreign bands, like Led Zeppelin. It sounded rather innocent, but it was the start of a profound passion. Recently, Jan, the guitarist, and I were talking about the role models who have defined us. I told him that there must be an aspiring young teenager in Slovenia who looks up to him and has begun strumming the strings because of him. I am convinced that we have brought a breath of fresh air to the local scene and given a boost to young bands who are not yet established. It is very healthy to encourage others, to be each other's support and competition. I didn't feel that before.

When did you first feel that the stage was your everything?

We had a kind of talent show at the school camp. I wanted to sing the ballad 'Behind Blue Eyes' by The Who, but the teacher wouldn't let me because it wasn't an appropriate song. I cried with sadness, so she mellowed down. I took advantage of her faith, put on my sunglasses and a headscarf. That's when something stirred inside of me. Finally, now that we are touring Europe and are excited to discover how the power of music brings people together, I am calmed. Even as a kid I stood my ground and I am grateful to my stubbornness for getting me this far.

You have a strong bond with your mother. How does she keep track of your exceptional progress?

She is proud to say that she is my biggest 'fan'. She was happiest at Eurovision, which she has always followed. It was the first time she was able to experience it live, she and Bojan's mum cheered loudly and I have to admit that it's the greatest thing to be able to make the most important woman in your life happy. It has only strengthened our bond. We have a trusting, friend-like relationship, but first and foremost she is my mum, with all the worries and all the loving helpfulness. I was not a typical child and she had to endure all my whims. She was constantly encouraging me to take up a sport, but I preferred to stay at home and draw. She tolerated my struggles at school because she knew I wasn't like the others and allowed me to develop to my full potential. My younger sister is also responsible for making me who I am. Her kind words are a balm for a wounded soul.

Have you always wanted to be a musician?

As a child, I had two things in mind - to be a zoo manager, because I love animals, and to be a singer, even though I later swapped the microphone for a guitar. Sculpting fascinated me. In short, expression through art.

Your love for animals has lasted. You have a three-month-old dachshund named Pino in your lap.

Finally! I've been longing for a puppy for so many years, and dachshunds are one of my favourite breeds. If music hadn't drawn me in, I would certainly be a vet. One summer break I was helping out at a wildlife sanctuary instead of playing with my friends. It was a wonderful experience.

You are away from home a lot. How do you maintain your long-distance relationship with your girlfriend?

Some people reassure us that technology helps because we can see each other through the camera. But it is not the same. It's important that all my loved ones and dear ones, meaning my girlfriend, my mum, my family, and my friends, believe in our work and are willing to sacrifice time with me so that I can follow my dreams. But we are in constant contact with each other and we let each other know how much we love each other all the time.

~ -~ - ~ - PLEASE DO NOT REPOST, AND IF YOU QUOTE, PLEASE LINK BACK TO THE ORIGINAL POST!

[levi-venn]

Accolades - Part One

Timeline: Pre-Order 66 Era Bad Batch

Summary: Hunter turns official accolades into something more meaningful for his brothers.

Part One | Part Two | Part Three Available on AO3

Clone Force 99 never accepted accolades. It wasn't their thing. After all, they were created specifically for the missions no one else could do. Being rewarded for it seemed pointless.

And Hunter didn’t disagree…

…but when accolades were assigned, he always ended up sneaking out after his brothers had settled in for the night to speak to Commander Cody. 

The conversation was always the same.

“I’m sorry your brothers couldn’t make it…again,” Cody would say, handing the medals over.

“Yeah, well, they’re tired from the mission.” One of many excuses he had given Cody during this war.

“Tell them that, on behalf of myself and the generals, 'Keep up the great work, soldiers.'"

“Will do, Commander.” Hunter always said this with a smile. 

Cody returned that smile. They both knew Hunter wouldn’t relay the message. They both knew these medals weren't for his brothers, they were for Hunter.

Hunter had a painted box full of medals and ribbons for each of his brothers.

There was a digital skull skewered by a lightning bolt on Tech's box.

A bomb with a happy face for Wrecker.

And a skull with a crosshair vector over one eye for his youngest brother.

Recently, he added a box for Echo too. He went with a blue handprint for his newest brother, to honor Echo's old armor before the Separatists took nearly everything from him. 

With the exception of Echo’s box, Hunter had been filling these boxes since they were cadets. Their earliest medals had simple accolades from simpler times:

“Fastest Swimmer” - Tech. 

“Most Bullseyes in 60 Seconds” - Crosshair. 

“Feats of Strength” - Wrecker. 

“Leadership and Valor” - Hunter

The accolades shifted after graduation. They came from dangerous missions that ended in violence. Assigned to a bad batch of clones who were somehow expendable, yet the only ones who could survive these impossible situations.

This last mission had taken their toll on the whole squad. Too many clankers, not enough intel, they won the day, but throwing medals at them felt like an insult, even if Cody's appreciation was genuine.

Hunter wanted to turn those medals into something meaningful.

And so, Hunter sat on his bunk, a small laser tool in his bandaged hand, etching over each medal with his own accolades for his brothers.

Tech was awarded “Shooting the most clankers while slicing an AAT-1 and throwing barbed insults at Echo”.

For Crosshair: “The most WIZARD precision shot through a tank’s barrel while spitting a toothpick in a clanker’s eye”.

Wrecker received: “The loudest laugh while mowing down four dozen clankers and eating a hamburger simultaneously”. Hunter still didn’t know where he got that burger.

And finally for Echo, “The most somersaults during a stealth mission while throwing barbed insults back at Tech”

Hunter hesitated over his own medal, as he always did.

Giving himself accolades never sat right.  He could never think of anything, anyway.

So he wrote what he always wrote: “This medal is awarded to Hunter for being the proudest oldest brother in this Badass Batch. I love you guys.”

He tucked the medal away in his own box, a skull with cross-vibroblades beneath it, and tucked it under his mattress with the other boxes.

One day, this war was going to be over.

And on that day, Hunter planned to give these boxes to his brothers.

He couldn’t wait to see their faces.

[watchingblsnowandforever]

Hello!!!

Welcome back! =D

Part 2

Warning: long, long post (also a part 2 but I think y'all are used to it by now-) 😊😅

MattMick!! Also, Beer looking between them like that and Q and Toey peeking from behind cracked me up hehe

Also, does that mean Beer is single? Wait, maybe he's aroace. That'd be really cool.

I did see some hints of a throuple of him and MattMick, but I'm happy with either option.

SO CUTE 🥺🫶🏼

Poor QToey 😭

Their romantic moment got rained on so hard-

Exhibit: Here you can see three males from the species Homo sexuals. Two of them are already mated, and the third is in the courting process. We think the other male is interested too.

Oh- But I thought- oh, this makes sense actually. So the others know. I mean not really surprising when you think about it, to be honest.

With his unprecedented levels of obliviousness? Yeah, no, I get where you're coming from, Chain.

That's your biggest concern about getting a penguin?? 😭😭

Why does Peem look like the exasperated mom friend of the group 😭

After all the tiny crumbs of the past *checks notes* 8262 eps, this is a lot of progress.

HANDS. (I will never stop screaming about hands.)

Cuteee

Peem, babe, he hardly ever goes to class anyways. He's too busy following you around like a puppy.

Me, who holds handholding above everything else (yes, even sex): *DEEP BREATHS THROUGH THE NOSE* I'm fine. *SMOKE COMING OUT OF EARS* Totally fine.

Nothing to say, just a really good shot. (Also, Phuwin's exasperated smile seemed too real and then I learned Pond improvised that scene and yeah, that explains it)

ChainPun: only two people with matching pillow cases

QToey: missing (me?) [Sorry I couldn't resist 😭]

TanFang: peacefully asleep

PhumPeem: chronic insomnia, aggravated by Tan's snores

Matt: cuddling Mick

Beer: dreaming of him and his friends and their boyfriends all graduating with good grades

ChainPun. <33

Let me wrap this moment in my memory forever. (I tried to adjust the lighting a bit but it didn't really work out 😭)

AJSSHUJKJ!!!!! THEY GIVE ME TWO MAKE OUT SESSIONS WITHIN THE SPAN OF LIKE 4 MINUTES AND EXPECT ME TO BE SANE ABOUT IT???

No.

Look, we all expected this. I even said on record I wouldn't survive. And all that mental Muay Thai still didn't prepare me for this.

Till now, I have watched 60 BLs, give or take, so I've seen a lot of NC scenes. Compared to some of them, this is very PG-13, but this one really got me, like very few sex scenes have managed to. The intimacy, the palpable love, want. It all came together so beautifully in this scene.

Them saying 'I love you' during sex is canon! Yay! I knew it in my guts (wrote a fic about it) but feels so good to be right in canon hehe.

"I love you too, now kiss me again."

HANDS!!!! (It's canon now, they hold hands during sex, and so I can freely write a fic about it. Not that something not being canon ever stopped me but yeah.)

Fang: my brother is in safe hands. 😌

Also, love how Peem didn't hesitate to at the chance to kick both brothers and make it a streak 😭👍🏼

Honestly though, this scene shows that Peem is going to go to very long lengths to make sure Phum is okay, even kicking his own brother (which assures me that Peem maybe wouldn't hesitate that much to sucker punch their dad either, which is important information to have for possible future fics.)

How can one man be so goddamn cute??

The whimpering puppy noises- 😭

Cakes are so hard to bake, for real. This one is so cute though 😭😭🫶🏼

Puppy Phum- honestly is anyone surprised? No? Thought so.

This smile-

It holds so much happiness and the brunt of so many years of trauma. It's so beautiful. I'm probably gonna rewatch the heck out of this scene.

I end Part 1 here, Part 2 will be out (hopefully) soon!

If you got this far, thank you so much for reading! 😊 (All mistakes are mine, but in my defense, I literally fell asleep while writing this.)

Here, have a pie (of your favourite flavour) 🥧

[humbledragon669]

S2E2 - The Clue Write Up P1 - Land of Uz (2500 BC) and London (Present Day) up to the credits

Ooh it’s been a while since got to use an in-screen caption as one of the headers and I am delighted to be able to do it again! I may well just use the same two headers as we switch between the two time periods in this episode, just for simplicity. Sue me.

There’s a tiny detail that’s been applied to this opening shot that I absolutely love – the video here has had an of effect applied to it to give it a vintage film feel. Sorry, that’s as close as I come to describing it with any sort of eloquence – I’m referring to the “fake” black marks and scratches that appear on the image briefly (you can see a couple on the header above). It doesn’t last long (only until Crawley finishes his first line), but I think this subtle little effect sets us very firmly in a cinematic (cinematographic?) context. I also feel like the colouring of the image has been altered for the same purpose – it puts me in mind of one of those historical films from the 50s and 60s, like Ben Hur and Spartacus (which I suspect is probably the whole point).

There’s something else interesting about Crawley’s appearance in this scene – his sunglasses. Cast your mind back to episode 3 in the first season (Hard Times), in which we saw him appearing without sunglasses all the way up to (and including) 33AD. I did comment on the appearance of the sunglasses in the 42AD scene in the write up for it:

I’m not sure I actually find this sudden appearance of sunglasses some 2500 years earlier all that interesting. There’s a part of me that feels that they have probably been included here because we, as an audience, have come to expect Crawley/Crowley’s costume to include a pair of stylised sunglasses by this point. I’d actually be strangely satisfied with that if it was the case – I feel like the reason behind his choosing to wear them could be so much more interesting if this was simply a “continuity error”.

Just wanted to include this because I am thrilled Aziraphale finally gets a really bad-ass entrance. How many times have we seen Crowley sauntering his way into a scene, looking like the coolest thing on Earth (and knowing it)? So glad the angel gets a turn at that here. That said. Why exactly is it that Aziraphale has happened to show up at this place and time? As we will come to find out shortly, Crawley is actually acting with Heaven’s authority so I don’t think the angel would have been sent there. It would present an interesting parallel to Crowley’s supposed knack of knowing when the angel is in trouble, but also resurfaces the suggestion about them being aware of the other’s whereabouts more often than not. I have to say, based on the conversation between them here, that seems unlikely – this exchange feels nothing but businesslike to me, cold even. Aziraphale even goes so far as to apologise (unapologetically) for having to do his job. We do learn that it has been about 500 years since they’ve seen each other, which is a nice little piece of backstory to have. I also consider it interesting to see Crowley providing a prompt to Aziraphale on how to complete his task, which provides a loose mirror parallel to what we saw Before the Beginning, that time with Aziraphale prompting his newfound friend that the incantations (for want of a better word) were not complete.

Side note: don’t you just love those little goats for staying exactly where they’ve been put? Pretty sure most animals would have scarpered extremely quickly when a huge flaming ball appeared above them, never mind having another being literally appearing from thin air in a really spiky portal of light. They must be some very calm goats.

Given the light show that Aziraphale has brought with him to make an imposing entrance on a demon, I’m pretty impressed with the restraint Crawley shows when he responds here – I mean he’s not exactly known for his patience is he? I also wonder if Aziraphale’s comment about jokes is meant to be a throwback to Hastur’s vehemence that he doesn’t like them, but the line is so throw-away that I can’t see what relevance it would add at this point. What I do find interesting is that, now we’re no longer in the “present day” of this season, we see Aziraphale struggling with his preconceived notions of right/good and wrong/evil. It’s something we saw quite a lot of in the first season, in both historical and “present” timelines. In the second season though, what with Aziraphale no longer working for Heaven, we tend to see it a lot less. We saw it in the first episode in the Before the Beginning segment, and we’ll see it again in the coming episodes, but predominantly in the historical scenes. There’s something about the fact that Aziraphale appears less conflicted about morality once he has been removed from the morality-defining authority, become more connected to humanity, and is found to be exercising his free will that I find deeply profound. No wonder the poor guy took 6000 years to realise that being Good isn’t just about following orders, especially when you consider that instruction is tied to his very existence. That whole thing is a big concept, and I struggled to put it into any words that made sense, so I hope I’ve at least been kind of clear. Basically, what I wanted to say was that I love that the historical scenes are being used as a way to remind us of the character development that Aziraphale has gone through over the millennia – they show us where he came from. And it’s not just the angel that gets this treatment:

We haven’t seen this version of Crawley/Crowley for quite a while, have we? The one that takes such delight in his mischief. And in case you missed it, we really should have known what he was up to – you can see two birds taking flight in the background behind his head, with an accompanying “caw” to draw attention to their presence.

I’m including that gif for no other reason that I find it Muriel’s impersonation of a goose adorable. I do wonder what exactly would have been deemed important though, if Job’s farm, camels, goat, oxen, children, and geese are all disposable. I’m not going to go into the underlying subtext of the bet that has been made between God and Satan here – the story itself is little changed from its original biblical source so I feel like it’s a bit out of scope for an episode write up. What is interesting to see is that the item on the list that Aziraphale balks at is the same as the one that Crowley has previously demonstrated (on more than one occasion) is his “line in the sand” for unacceptable acts – killing children. This will also be the first time, chronologically, that we see Aziraphale take his doubts to other angelic beings (some of whom are his superiors). I’m assuming his way of doing things is a little more diplomatic than Crowley’s was when he was in his angelic state, even if it is just as (un)fruitful.

This attitude towards Sitis and Job keeping their existing children rather than having them replaced with new ones says a lot about the Heavenly standard when it comes to understanding humanity and its eccentricities; his reasoning here being that it shouldn’t matter if Job’s existing children are murdered senselessly, as long as they’re replaced with an equal (or greater) number of different children. There is no appreciation of the complexities behind human relationships, desires, or emotions. I feel like it makes the fact that both Gabriel and Michael claim to understand the difference between the subtle technical differences between “killing someone” and “not stopping someone from killing someone” pretty ironic, particularly when they are taking advantage of this technicality to maintain their stance of being the good guys. And all said in such a convincing (and convinced) tone. Gabriel’s stance really only makes sense when you take it out of humanity’s context, which I think is why it’s just not something Aziraphale would ever be comfortable with.

Alright, we’ve jumped back into the present day to find Aziraphale apparently deep in thought about something. My take on it, and I think it’s a fairly common one, is that the whole Job sequence up to this point is a flashback as seen through Aziraphale’s eyes. (Side note: a cash register ringing noise is an interesting sound effect to employ to highlight the placards here, seeing as we all know the angel never willingly sells a book) There are a couple of things I picked up on during this delightful little scene, the first of which is this line:

AZIRAPHALE: I just didn’t see you coming.

I don’t think it would be a huge leap of faith to say that this line is probably not meant to be limited to this scene, but to Gabriel’s appearance on the whole. I don’t think it’s a huge revelation, I just love that it’s dropped in there so casually. And just as a quick note, I had previously wondered where Gabriel had been that he was able to sneak up on Aziraphale so easily, but it turns out that he would have been in plain sight as he approached the desk:

I love the way Aziraphale is bothered that somebody is bringing order to his chaos. It’s my belief that those books are likely arranged in such a way that only he knows how to find anything. After all, customers can’t buy books if they can’t find them, can they? The idea that somebody might actually be bringing some order to that must be distressing. It’s alright though, seeing as nobody will ever find anything they’re looking for using Gabriel’s sorting system anyway.

We also have the first reference to the Buddy Holly song “Everyday” in this scene. I’m really pleased that it was included in the second season – apparently it was something Terry was really keen to use as a device in the first season. The script book even includes stage directions that the soundtrack for most of the end credits should be stylised versions of the song. The story goes that when David Arnold presented his version of the theme tune for the first season, it was deemed to be so appropriate that the “Everyday” theme was dropped. I do absolutely love the theme tune we got. I also love that “Everyday” was brought back in for the second season. Both things can be true 😊

Last point of interest for this scene. The book that Jim reads from is “A Tale of Two Cities”. I will confess I haven’t read it, and used Wikipedia to summarise the plot, which as I understand it revolves around a central character who is compelled to disassociate himself from the wrongdoings of his family. There’s a drunken man that testifies on behalf of the main character and helps to get him acquitted of a crime. There’s a trip to Paris in 1792 that sees the main character imprisoned in the Bastille and the same man that helped acquit the main character travels to Paris in 1793 in an attempt to rescue him. There’s also a character called Gabelle, whose request for assistance in a prison escape leads to the capture of the main character.

It’s vague I’ll grant you, and I am sure I have missed a lot of the finer plot points. With that said, I don’t think I’d be alone in feeling like there are more than a few similarities to the 1793 Paris scene from Hard Times. Paris, the year, a prison rescue, and that name that’s awfully similar to Gabriel… It makes me wonder if this might be a Clue as to Aziraphale’s true purpose in Paris, and I suspect there might be a nice little project here to look at parallels between the novel and the 1793 storyline, but that would probably involve reading the original novel. In case you had missed it, time is not something I have a lot of right now, and classics bore the living shit out of me so it’s not something I can commit to so if anybody wants to take up that mantel, please feel free.

Don’t you just love that this is the first time we actually see Crowley sleeping in the show at all? There was a scene that didn’t make it to the final cut in the first season that saw him sleeping (in a bed/against a wall/on the ceiling), and one from just after he got out of bed. There is also explicit mention of his love of sleep in the book and we as a fandom have taken that cannon well and truly to heart. Yet this is the first confirmation we have in the show that he does in fact sleep. It’s a nice little touch for us to have – there really is no denying that this demon sleeps from this point on.

I made a note of Michael referring to Aziraphale as a “former angel” at the end of the first episode, and commented on how this feels like an inaccuracy. Interestingly Crowley makes an identical inaccuracy here in referring to himself as a “former demon”. To recap:

I feel the same way about Crowley and his status. I also note that Shax doesn’t correct his use of the past tense, but perhaps that’s because she’s confused at his use of sarcasm. What’s also of note is that she appears not to have any knowledge that Beelzebub and Crowley have already discussed the matter of Gabriel, likely because the former is trying to keep that under wraps. It makes me wonder if Crowley might have noticed that discrepancy had the discussion not turned to talk about the miracle that was performed in the bookshop the night before. And now we can briefly turn to the controversy that I raised from the last episode about whether Crowley actually had anything to do with said miracle:

SHAX: A miracle of enormous power happened last night. The kind of miracle only the mightiest of archangels could have performed.

So from her perspective, it looks like she believes Gabriel (as Supreme Archangel) performed the miracle himself. My theory about Crowley not playing his part in it gets pretty shaky at this point, because Aziraphale supposedly wouldn’t have been able to perform a miracle of that strength on his own. There is a “but” here. Or rather, an “unless”. What if Gabriel contributed to the miracle that was performed, but unknowingly? Possibly even unwillingly? His power, either alone or being added to that of another, might explain the colouration of the plume we see originating from the bookshop on the globe at the end of the episode. Yeah, that’s right, I’m not dropping this theory yet! It’s such a shame we don’t see any other example of plumes, because that would really either lend weight to it or completely discredit it. Shax clearly doesn’t think much of Crowley’s claim to the miracle regardless – she doesn’t even respond to him when he offers the possibility that it was him that did it.

It's also notable that Crowley makes no protestations about Shax’s label of “friend” when referring to Aziraphale. Unfortunately, we don’t get to see his face when she says it, but we do see that it’s unchanged when the close up returns to him. I’m not saying this is a denial of his true feelings, merely pointing out that this would have been hotly refuted prior to the body switch incident. Whether Crowley doesn’t care that Hell knows about his “friendship” or just can’t be bothered to argue isn’t clear at this point. What is clear, is that Shax’s threats are convincing enough that the plants are frightened – you can see (and hear) them shaking in the background:

I’m sure Crowley probably starts the car in a pass-agg response to his being threatened, but there’s a big part of me that believes he really does it because Shax has had the audacity to frighten his beloved plants. I don’t have any evidence to suggest that’s the case, but I won’t be swayed on that regardless. As a final point of note: this will be the second time Crowley has been offered the “opportunity” to help Hell and refused. He clearly has no interest in helping them – his bridges are well and truly burned as far as he’s concerned.

And with that, we’ve arrived at the credits, which feels like an excellent place to wrap this part up. I don’t think this instalment has been quite as controversial as the last one but as ever: questions, comments, discussion, always welcome. See you for the next one! 😊

[trekmupf]

The Gang fights cold war paranoia

Pro

A great short and to the point cold open that immediately flings the viewer into this new time travel setting

Bringing the 60's military and Roddenberry's vision of the future military face to face in this episode is interesting: some things are futuristic and some, by now, have happened (women in the military), some are the same (Kirk's &Christopher's sense of duty)

The balance of silly moments and humour works well with the more serious parts of the episode (Christopher and the crew possibly being stuck, the danger of temporal meddling)

I love that Star Trek roughly correctly predicted two real life Space achievements: the first moon shot being in the 60's on a Wednesday no less, and Christopher's son being part of the first Saturn probe, which in real life launched in 2004 – so roughly around the time his possible son could've been working for NASA

Everyone looks really beautiful in their close ups, once again

I like the change from “actually you contributed nothing” to “shit this guy needs to go back, his son is super important” because even though you yourself might not change the world, a person you influenced (or created) could, and therefore every person is relevant in their own way

The Paranoia and cold war mood is captured really well for a modern audience

The fact that the 60's, highly modern at the time, now feels like a museum to today's viewers just like it does for the crew; At the same time the Enterprise and it's Science Fiction is also old school to us; Old science fiction is always a great window into history also

The original special effects are once again great, the original enterprise is so adorable and beautiful (Video Link)

Kirk flirting with Christopher is its own comedy

Kirk's whole facial journey when Christopher appears

Instead of containment or anything Kirk immediatly shows of his ship and tells him literally everything while still flirting in the lift

That flight suit must be so uncomfortable Captain Christopher, you should totally change into something more comfortable :)

The fact that Christopher is such a straight guy from his time who doesn't clock this at all makes it even funnier, two opposite sites of the sexual tension scale

then Spock swooping in destroying Kirks happy threesome dreams with reality

I mean how else can I interpret Spock's look at Christopher than that of a jealous boyfriend

Spock then sticking around and not leaving Jim and Christopher alone AND casually delivering the sickest “your life was sort of useless” burn

Christopher finding out about his son, the way the others are just as delighted about it as he is and the way he smiles every time it's mentioned is not only sweet but also shows certain things about humanity won't change – the love for our children is something they can bond over despite being centuries apart

Sulu and Kirk solo adventure! Also them working well together! Also just the fact that they casually beam in the middle of a military base and aren't even that sneaky about it

Sulu's large bag is keeping all his secrets

Bones and Spock, flirting their way through Kirk's absence

The entire scene were Kirk and Sulu get discovered is comedy gold: them pretending not to hear the obvious beeping, Spock eyeing the frozen military man up and down, Kirk's absolutely done with this plot reaction, Bones taking the gun and communicator off him in slow motion, it's all so well paced and acted

Us? We are so so innocent and don't know anything :)

The fight scene is so very Trek, but a) just very believable as it's just chaos and limbs b) Kirk reacted so quickly and well to the situation as it was never about winning but about giving Sulu time to escape and c) Sulu reading the situation correctly and doing the right thing

Kirks giving the policemen nothing but cunt and he's such a pretty boy doing it, giving severe I'm beautiful & I don't deserve this vibes

I literally made so many screenshots of kirk being done with what's going on that I made a seperate post

“Oh this little thing? Just something I slipped on” Kirk STOP flirting with the military guys!!!

Con

the entire "Kirks pc is a sexy lady" is just weird, serves no purpose and feels very out of place

The way the situation is solved in the end feels very sudden and fast compared to the rest of the episodes pacing

Counter: Nothing

Quote I made an error in my computations (Spock) Oh? This could be an historic occasion. (Bones)

Moment: It's hard to choose, but the fight itself is so great and classic TOS including Kirk yeeting himself at all three of them

Summary: The classic Sci-Fi time travelling trope done Trek style, with some team shennanigans, including a very "I'm done with life" Kirk trying to flirt with a time traveller, a "I have done nothing wrong in my life, ever" Sulu and some classic TOS fighting. The episode also offers some deep thoughts on the importance of a single person in our society and the dangers of temporal meddling, setting a precedent that will shape future directives for Starfleet and time travel. Previous Episode - Next Episode - All TOS reviews

[anotherbtsffwriter]

hers | jimin x reader

→ summary: y/n travels to seoul with the dream of becoming a kpop dancer. after many rejections, she lands an audition for her favorite group, BTS. a total nervous wreck, she steps onto the stage, only to see all seven BTS members sitting at the judges panel. the music starts playing.

→ genre: 60% angst, 20% smut, 20% fluff

→ warnings: sexual content, cursing

→ wordcount: 30k

______________________________________________________________

Y/N was anything but calm. She paced the small room she rented in a less glamorous part of Seoul, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Her college degree in dance felt like a distant memory as she stared at the endless stream of job rejections. Her phone buzzed, interrupting her gloomy thoughts. It was a message from BigHit that she had scored an audition to be a backup dancer for BTS.

"Maybe this one will be different." She thought. Y/N was a fan of BTS, and she loved all the members equally.

The audition was happening tomorrow. Y/N took a deep breath and decided to give it a shot. She had nothing to lose. Her curvy figure and tan skin had often been the subject of harsh criticism in the Korean entertainment industry, but she had a fire in her belly that could not be quenched. She had always dreamed of performing in front of a live audience, and she was not going to let societal norms hold her back.

The next day, she arrived at the sprawling stadium, her heart pounding in her chest like a drum. As she stepped into the vast audition hall, she saw rows upon rows of dancers, each one seemingly more confident and more in-sync with the Korean beauty standards than the last. She took her place in line, her palms sweaty, her breath shallow. As she waited, she watched the other contestants confidently strut up to the stage, announcing their names and the routine they had prepared.

Finally, it was her turn. She took a deep breath and made her way to the center, her eyes glued to the gleaming floor. As she looked up to introduce herself, her gaze fell upon the judges' panel. There, sitting in a row, was the entirety of BTS. She felt a jolt of nerves shoot through her as she realized that the leader, Namjoon, was watching her with a serious expression on his face.

Her heart racing, she announces her name and the routine she had prepared, her voice a little shakier than she would have liked.

"I'm Y/N, and I'll be performing my own choreography to 'Boy Meets Evil' by BTS." The crowd murmured with interest, and she could see a few disgusted looks from the other dancers. It was probably her foreign appearance, but she didn't care. This was her moment, and she was going to make it count.

The music began to play, and Y/N's nerves transformed into energy. She threw herself into the performance, her body moving with a fiery passion that she hadn't felt in a long time. Her hips swayed and popped with the rhythm, her hands danced through the air as if conducting an orchestra of invisible instruments. She didn't just dance; she told a story, a story of her struggle, her resilience, and her unshakeable love for the art.

As she danced, she could feel the energy in the room shift. The smirks of the other contestants disappeared, replaced by looks of surprise and awe. The members of BTS watched her with growing interest, their expressions morphing from indifference to amazement.

As the last beat faded out, Y/N struck a dramatic pose, her chest heaving with exertion. The room went silent for a moment before erupting into applause. She felt a sense of pride swell within her, despite the tremble in her legs. As the applause died down, Namjoon stood up, his eyes fixed on her. "Thank you, Y/N. That was quite the performance," he said, his voice firm yet gentle. "Now, for the next part of the audition, we would like to conduct a brief interview. Each member will ask a question. Do you mind?"

Y/N nodded, trying to keep her cool. The first question came from Namjoon, the leader. "How do you feel about fusing different dance styles together?" he asked with a hint of curiosity. She took a deep breath before answering, "I believe that dance is a universal language, and by combining styles like hip hop with contemporary, we can create something unique and powerful that resonates with people from all scopes of life." Namjoon nodded thoughtfully.

Next, the maknae, Jungkook, leaned in with a smile, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "What's your favorite BTS song to dance to?" Y/N answered, "'Blood, Sweat, and Tears'." Jungkook's smile grew, and she could see his eyes light up with approval.

While Y/N was touched by Jungkook's friendliness, her attention quickly shifted when she noticed Jimin. He looked much different, a better kind, in real life. He leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed over his chest, and his expression was unreadable. She wondered if he had any questions for her.

The next few minutes passed in a blur of questions from the other members. They asked about her background, her inspiration, and her goals. Y/N answered each question with confidence and grace, her words flowing easily as she talked about her love for dance and her desire to break barriers. When it was Jimin's turn, he took his time, scrutinizing her with an intensity that made her heart flutter. "What do you think sets you apart from other dancers?"

Y/N paused, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. "I think what sets me apart is my willingness to embrace who I am. I know I don't fit the typical mold of a K-pop dancer, but I've learned to love my differences. It's given me a unique perspective and style that I bring to every performance."

The other members nodded, visibly impressed. J-Hope spoke up, his voice filled with enthusiasm, "I love that. It's so important to be true to yourself in this industry." The tension in the room eased slightly, and Y/N felt a sense of ease growing between her and the group.

As the interview came to a close, the members exchanged a few words in Korean, their eyes flicking over her multiple times. Y/N couldn't help but feel hopeful despite the odds. "Thank you all for your time," she said with a courteous bow before making her way back to the line of contestants.

Jimin leaned over to whisper something in Namjoon's ear, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement at the prospect of his words being about her. The rest of the day dragged on, with each dancer giving their all, but Y/N's heart was already racing at the thought of being part of the BTS world.

As the audition concluded, the judges called out a list of names for the second round. Y/N held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest. "Y/N," Namjoon announced, and she couldn't believe her ears. The crowd clapped as she stepped forward, feeling a mix of shock and exhilaration.

The next round was a surprise. They were to do an impromptu dance on a random BTS song that would be played. Y/N felt the panic rising but she had come too far to let it show.

Her name was called and she stepped onto the stage, her heart beating like a drum in her chest. The room went dark, and a moment later, the opening beats of "Filter" filled the air. The spotlight hit her. The lyrics resonated with her, about stripping away the layers and revealing the true, natural beauty beneath. She took a deep breath and let the music guide her, her body moving in a way that was both powerful and sensual.

Y/N's dance began as an expression of liberation, her arms outstretched, her body swaying to the rhythm as if it were the only thing keeping her grounded. But as the song grew more intense, so did her movements. Her hips rolled in time with the bass, her ass bouncing in a way that made the BTS members' eyes widen in surprise. Their eyes held mix of shock and admiration.

Her hands began to trace her body, emphasizing the curves she had once been ashamed of. Her breasts bounced in time with the beat, a teasing display of confidence that had the members of BTS leaning forward in their seats. The fiery end of "Filter" approached, and Y/N knew this was her moment to leave a lasting impression. She dropped to the floor, her body undulating in a wave of pure sensuality. Her moves were bold, unapologetic, and dripping with a sexuality that was rarely seen in the K-pop world.

As the final notes of the song played out, she arched her back, her hands gripping the stage for balance. She was the center of attention. She had never felt so alive. The spotlight on her was like a warm embrace, and she reveled in the power she had over the room. For a brief moment, she had forgotten the audition, forgotten the members, forgotten everything except the music and her own passion.

The song ended with a dramatic silence, and Y/N held her pose, her chest heaving. The stadium was still, the only sound the applause that soon followed. She looked up, meeting the eyes of the BTS members. Jungkook's eyes were wide with surprise, J-Hope's were sparkling with excitement, and V's were full of admiration. But it was Jimin's gaze that held her, his expression a mix of amusement and something else, something she couldn't quite place.

The members slowly stood up, clapping along with the audience. The tension in the room was thick, a stark contrast to the ease with which Y/N had just danced. She felt their eyes on her as she gracefully got up, still riding the high of her performance. Her heart was racing, but she didn't dare let it show. She waited for the members to come out of their daze, watching as they exchanged glances and whispers.

Namjoon was the first to break the silence. "That was unexpected," he said, his voice a mix of amazement and awe. "Your confidence and passion on stage are undeniable. You truly brought 'Filter' to life." Y/N beamed, feeling the heat of their gazes on her, especially Jimin's.

Jimin leaned back in his chair, his arms folded over his chest. "You certainly know how to make an entrance," he said with a smirk, his eyes raking over her form. "I've never seen someone own the stage quite like you just did." There was a challenge in his voice, and she felt it in her core.

Taehyung, also known as V, chuckled softly beside him, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You know, Y/N," he began, his voice smooth and teasing, "you might have just outshone our own Jimin with those moves." The other members snickered, and Y/N felt her cheeks warm. Jimin rolled his eyes, but she caught the hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"Thank you," she said, trying to keep the tremor out of her voice. "It's an honor to be here."

The other members nodded in agreement before Namjoon spoke up again. "Y/N, we'd like to invite you to wait outside while we finish up the auditions. We'll call you back in when we're ready to make our final decision."

She nodded, trying to hide her nerves as she made her way off the stage, her legs feeling like jelly. She watched the other contestants perform, each one talented in their own right, but she knew she had brought something different to the table. As the last dancer exited the stage, the members of BTS huddled together, their hushed whispers filling the now-quiet stadium.

After what felt like an eternity, the other contestants were asked to leave, leaving only Y/N and the BTS members in the vast space. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. What did they think of her? Would they give her a chance?

Namjoon finally broke the silence, his eyes meeting hers with a seriousness. "Y/N, come back up here," he said, gesturing to the stage. Her heart pounded as she made her way back, the echo of her shoes on the floor seeming to amplify the tension.

As she approached, Jimin spoke up, his voice smooth as silk. "Come here. Stand in front of the panel." She swallowed hard, her heart racing as she stepped down from the stage and approached the judges' panel.

Namjoon broke the silence first. "Your performance today was incredible, Y/N. You've shown us that you have the skills and the confidence to stand out in this industry. But we need to know if you have what it takes to keep up with us."

Y/N's heart raced, and she nodded, eager to prove herself. "I'll give it my all."

"Good," said Jimin, his voice low and gruff. "We're going to put you through a series of challenges. If you can handle them, you might just have a shot at joining us."

The first challenge was a dance battle with J-Hope, known for his sharp, explosive moves. The beat dropped, and Y/N faced him, her heart racing. But she had faced challenges before, and she wasn't going to back down now. She matched him step for step, her own style weaving in and out of his, adding a sensual flair that had the members' eyes widening in surprise.

J-Hope grinned, clearly enjoying the competition. He threw in a few complex moves, but Y/N was ready. She had studied BTS's choreography for years, and she had learned to adapt quickly. The battle grew more intense, but she never lost the smile on her face, feeling alive in the way only dance could make her feel.

As the battle came to an end, the other members looked at each other, nodding. The next challenge was a surprise: a vocal duet with Jungkook, her bias.

Y/N felt a knot form in her stomach. "But I'm here as a dancer," she protested, her voice a mix of shock and nerves.

Namjoon raised an eyebrow, his gaze unwavering. "We know that, but versatility is key in this industry. We need to know if you can hold your own with us on stage."

Y/N's heart sank. She had always been self-conscious about her singing voice. It was one thing to dance, but to sing in front of her idols? Her voice was rough, untrained, and didn't hold a candle to theirs. She took a deep breath and looked at Jungkook, his eyes filled with encouragement. "Okay," she said, her voice shaking slightly. "But I have to warn you, I'm not much of a singer."

Jungkook smiled. "Don't worry," he said, his voice soothing. "We just want to see how you handle pressure." The other members nodded in agreement, and Y/N felt a strange sense of comfort wash over her. They weren't expecting perfection; they wanted to see her fight.

The music for "Euphoria" began to play, and Jungkook's heavenly voice filled the room, the intro floating through the air like a soft caress. Y/N took a deep breath, her nerves jangling like a live wire. As the melody grew more familiar, she found herself joining in, her voice tentative at first, then growing stronger with each note.

To her astonishment, her voice didn't just hold up; it soared. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing a hidden talent that even she had never known existed. Her tone was rich and velvety, resonating with the same depth and emotion that Jimin's voice did in the original track. The BTS members' eyes grew wide, their jaws dropping slightly. They had seen confidence in her dance, but this was something else entirely.

Jungkook, ever the professional, continued to sing, but his eyes never left hers, a look of surprise and admiration in his gaze. Y/N felt a strange connection form between her and BTS, their voices intertwining as they sang about the feeling of flying. As they reached the chorus, their harmonies blended seamlessly, creating a sound that was both hauntingly beautiful and unexpectedly powerful.

The music swelled around them, the words of the song echoing in the vast space. When the final note hung in the air, there was a moment of silence so profound it seemed to vibrate. And then, as if breaking the spell, Jungkook leaned into the microphone, his voice filled with genuine amazement. "Wow, your singing voice sounds like Jimin's," he murmured, and Y/N's heart skipped a beat. She had never been compared to the legendary vocalist before, and she wasn't quite sure how to react.

The other members looked at each other, their expressions a mix of shock and admiration. It was Namjoon who spoke up next, his voice firm and decisive. "Y/N, you've proven yourself today. Your dance was fiery, and your singing…well, it was nothing short of euphoric." He paused, his eyes locking onto hers, "You're in."

Y/N felt her knees wobble as she took it in, the reality of what had just happened crashing over her like a wave. She was going to be a backup dancer for BTS. The group she had grown up idolizing, the same group that had inspired her to pursue her love of dance despite the obstacles she faced.

Her eyes filled with tears, and she couldn't help but cover her face with her hands, overwhelmed by a mix of emotions. She had never felt so seen, so appreciated.

The days that followed were a whirlwind of excitement and nerves. Her first assignment was to be a main backup dancer for BTS's new single, the lead track of their upcoming album. It was a surreal moment when she walked into the state-of-the-art rehearsal studio, the same place where legends had practiced their craft. The seven members of BTS were already there, stretching and warming up, their eyes lighting up when they saw her. She felt a flutter in her stomach as she took her place at the front alongside the choreographer.

Y/N knew the gravity of her task. This was not just any performance; it was the comeback of the decade, and she was about to share the stage with the biggest boy band in the world. The choreographer began to break down the routine, and she watched with rapt attention, her eyes never leaving the intricate movements of the members as they demonstrated the steps. The dance was fast-paced and complex, filled with sharp angles and explosive energy that mirrored the song's powerful message.

As she practiced alongside the group, she felt the weight of their gazes upon her. They were watching her closely, analyzing every move she made. It was both thrilling and nerve-wracking, but she knew she had to give it her all. She had to show them that she deserved to be there. With each step she took, she pushed aside her fears and insecurities, focusing instead on the music and the passion that had brought her to this moment.

Rehearsal finally came to an end, and the members of BTS wiped the sweat from their brows, looking exhausted yet exhilarated. They began to gather their things, eager to call it a night and rest their weary bodies. But Y/N lingered, unable to tear herself away from the dance floor. She had dreamed of this opportunity for so long, and she wasn't about to waste a second of it.

Taehyung noticed her dedication and approached her with a smile. "Hey, Y/N," he called out. "You've got moves, that's for sure. But you need to eat, too." He gestured to the others, who were already heading for the door. "We're going to grab some dinner. Want to come?"

Y/N's stomach growled in response, and she laughed. "Yes, I could eat." She quickly gathered her things and followed the group out of the studio.

As they piled into a sleek black van, the reality of the situation hit her like a ton of bricks. She was sitting with BTS, the very same group whose posters had adorned her walls and whose music had been her lifeblood through countless heartaches and triumphs. The interior was cool and spacious, and she sank into the plush leather seats.

"So, Y/N," Jungkook began as the van pulled away from the studio. "How did you end up here? Tell us your story."

Y/N took a deep breath and began to recount her journey. "I grew up in [insert where you grew up]," she said, her voice soft. "My parents were quite strict, and they didn't understand my love for dance. They wanted me to focus on academics, so I had to sneak in my dance practice whenever I could."

The members of BTS listened intently as Y/N spoke, their expressions a mix of empathy and admiration. "They didn't support my dreams," she continued, "but you guys did. Your music, your message of self-love, it helped me push through the tough times." Her eyes shone with emotion as she spoke. "Whenever I felt like giving up, I'd watch your videos and listen to your lyrics, and it reminded me why I started dancing in the first place."

Jungkook nodded, "We're all about breaking barriers and being ourselves," he said gently. "It's what makes our music resonate with so many people."

Jimin added on, "And you, Y/N, you're breaking barriers just by being here. Your dance today was like nothing we've ever seen before."

Y/N felt the heat creep into her cheeks, "Thank you," she murmured. "But I couldn't have done it without you all. I have so much respect and admiration for all of you. Jin, you are an amazing older brother to everyone and have an admirable positive outlook on life. Yoongi, you are so talented and passionate about your work. Namjoon, you are such an excellent leader and so smart and talented. Taehyung, your hard work to improve your voice and dancing is just incredible. Jungkook, you are so unbelievably sweet and hard working. And Jimin, your presence and effort is overwhelming yet graceful. You all are genuinely amazing human beings and I feel so grateful to be here with all of you."

Yoongi, who had been quietly listening, turned to her with a gentle smile. To everyone's surprise, he leaned over and enveloped her in a warm hug. His embrace was friendly and tight, but it felt like a safe haven, a place where she could let all her fears and insecurities melt away. The other members watched, their smiles growing. Yoongi wasn't one to hug just anyone, and this gesture spoke volumes about the connection he felt with her.

"Thank you, Y/N," he murmured into her ear. "Your words mean a lot to us. We're all just trying to be ourselves, to share our art with the world. And you're doing the same. You're going to fit in perfectly."

The van pulled up to an exclusive restaurant, the kind of place that was reserved for celebrities and the elite. As they stepped out, a wave of cool night air brushed against her skin, sending shivers down her spine.

Inside, the warm lighting and soothing ambiance immediately put her at ease. The group settled into a private booth, the walls adorned with velvet curtains, giving them the much-needed privacy. They talked and laughed, sharing stories of their journey, their struggles, and their triumphs. Y/N felt a sense of belonging she had never experienced before.

At one point, when the conversation lulled, she looked around the table at the seven handsome faces and couldn't resist cracking a joke. "You know," she began, her eyes twinkling mischievously, "I always wondered what lachimolala meant."

The tension in the room broke, and the members of BTS burst into laughter, their heads thrown back in genuine mirth. Even Jimin, who was notorious for his stoic demeanor, cracked a smile that reached his eyes.

"Jimin was so funny that day," Taehyung said, still laughing. The group's laughter grew louder, and she felt a warmth spread through her chest. It was the first time she had made them laugh, and it was heartwarming to know that they enjoyed her little comment.

Jimin leaned back in his chair, his gaze on Y/N. "You're trying to embarrass me, aren't you?" he said with a pout.

Y/N's eyes widened slightly at his words. "I think you already did that," she said jokingly.

After dinner, as the van pulled up to the BTS dorms, Namjoon spoke up again. "Y/N, before we go inside, we have something to tell you."

"What is it?" she asked, curiosity piqued.

Namjoon took a deep breath, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "We have an idea," he announced, and the van grew quiet as all seven members turned to him. "Jimin and I have been working on a solo track for his next album."

Y/N's eyes widened. "Really?" she exclaimed. "That's amazing!"

Jimin looked at her, his gaze unreadable. "We need someone to perform the dance with me," he said, his voice low and steady. "Someone who can match my intensity and bring something new to the table."

Y/N's heart skipped a beat. "Of course. Who do you have in mind?"

Namjoon's eyes lit up. "Well, Jimin," he said, turning to his fellow band member. "You've choreographed this dance for a partner. Who better to bring it to life than Y/N?"

Jimin's gaze remained on Y/N, his expression unreadable. The silence was electric, charged with anticipation. Then, slowly, he nodded. "I agree." His voice was a low rumble, sending a shiver down her spine. " Y/N, would you be willing to perform it with me?"

Her heart was racing, but she managed to nod. "Yes, I'd be honored." The other members looked at each other, their excitement palpable. They all already felt a friendship with Y/N and knew that she would match Jimin's speed and passion.

Namjoon cleared his throat, his expression turning serious. " Y/N," he began, his voice low and solemn. "I know this might seem like an odd thing to say, but it's important." He leaned closer to her, his eyes searching hers. "You're going to be working very closely with Jimin. And, well, in the past, some backup dancers haven't always understood his personal boundaries."

Y/N's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?" she asked.

Namjoon's expression grew sterner. "Jimin is a professional, and we expect all of our backup dancers to respect that. In the past, some have… taken advantage of his good nature. They've crossed lines, hoping to get closer to him than they should."

Y/N's eyes widened, confused. "What kind of lines?" she asked.

"Things have gotten inappropriate before," Taehyung chimed in, his tone delicate. "Some dancers thought they could get ahead by, you know, throwing themselves at Jimin."

Y/N spoke, "I would never do something like that," she said firmly, her voice unwavering. "Jimin is incredibly talented, and I respect him and our professional boundaries."

Jimin's gaze softened slightly, and he nodded. "Thank you for understanding," he said, his voice low. "It's important to me."

Y/N nodded emphatically. "Of course," she said, her voice steady. "I'm here to dance, not to cause any trouble."

The tension in the van dissipated slightly, and the members of BTS seemed to relax. She seemed to truly care about their artistry and the integrity of their work.

As they entered the dorm, Y/N couldn't help but feel like she was walking into a dream. The sleek, modern space was filled with personal touches from each member, reminding her that despite their fame, they were still human. Jimin led her to the dance studio, a state-of-the-art room with mirrored walls and gleaming floors. The air was thick with anticipation as he played the unreleased track for the first time. The beat was dark, seductive, and powerful, resonating through her very core.

"This is going to be intense," he warned her, his eyes meeting hers. "But I know you can handle it."

Y/N nodded, her heart pounding in her chest as she took her place facing Jimin. He began to move, his body a study in precision and passion. His movements were sharp, angular, and utterly mesmerizing. As she watched, she felt something shift within her. This wasn't just a dance; it was a declaration, a battle cry of sorts.

The music grew louder, filling the space with its intoxicating rhythm. Jimin's eyes never left hers as he demonstrated the routine, the intensity of his gaze making it impossible for her to look away. She mirrored his moves, her body responding to his with an ease that surprised even her.

As they danced, Y/N felt Jimin pushing her limits, challenging her to be more daring, more sensual. He was a master of his craft, and she was eager to learn from him. Her movements grew bolder, her confidence soaring as she matched him step for step. The dance was a complex web of desire and power, a silent conversation that spoke of a connection that went beyond the music.

Jimin's gaze was intense, his eyes never leaving hers as they danced. She could see the passion in them, the hunger for perfection, and it fueled her own fire. Every move, every twist and turn, was a declaration of intent, a silent promise of what was to come.

The music grew to a crescendo, and the dance grew more intimate. Jimin's hands slid down her body, resting just above her hips, his fingers flexing with the beat. Y/N could feel the heat of his breath against her neck, his body mere inches from hers.

The final pose approached, the tension in the air thick with unspoken desires. Y/N leaned back, her back arching gracefully, as Jimin bent his knees, bringing their faces so close that their breaths mingled. His hands hovered just under her, a silent question hanging between them.

Y/N's heart hammered against her ribcage, her eyes locked onto Jimin's. This was it, the climax of the dance. He leaned in, their lips almost touching. The heat of his breath on her skin made her shiver, her eyes fluttering shut.

And then, the music stopped. The sudden silence was jarring, like a slap to the face. Jimin abruptly pulled away, the spell broken as he hit the button on the sound system. The air in the room seemed to dissipate, leaving behind a chilly emptiness. Y/N's eyes snapped open, and she took a step back. She reminded herself to be professional like Namjoon told her. She knew the dance would be sexual and had to control herself and respect Jimin.

"You did good," he said, his voice gruff. "For the first run through."

Y/N's cheeks flushed with the praise, her heart still racing from the intensity of the dance. She nodded, trying to keep her voice steady. "Thank you," she said. "Do you have any specific feedback for me that I can work on during my own time before tomorrow's rehearsal?"

Jimin nodded thoughtfully, his gaze still intense. "Your movements are strong and precise," he said, his voice still low. "But I need you to let go even more. You seemed reluctant to touch me. I understand and appreciate that you are respecting my boundaries, but you need to find a balance between giving the choreography justice and respecting my boundaries."

Y/N swallowed hard, nodding in understanding. "I'll work on it," she promised.

Over the next few weeks, the rehearsals grew more intense. Y/N's bond with the BTS members grew stronger with each practice, and she began to feel like part of the family. They shared jokes, stories, and even the occasional heart-to-heart conversation. It was during these moments that she saw the vulnerable, human side of these superstars that the world never got to see.

One evening, after a particularly grueling session, Taehyung suggested they all unwind with some games. Y/N's eyes lit up, eager for a break from the seriousness of the rehearsals. The dorm was a sanctuary of laughter and camaraderie, a stark contrast to the high-pressure environment of their work.

In the cozy common area, the group gathered around a large, low table laden with snacks and drinks. The air was filled with the comforting scent of home-cooked meals and the gentle hum of their laughter.

"Taehyung, I bet you can't beat me in fight," Y/N said jokingly.

Y/N found herself in a playful tussle with Taehyung, his hands wrapping around her neck in a mock choke as they both giggled uncontrollably. She retaliated, her small hands mimicking the gesture. Their eyes met, sparkling with mischief, and she could feel the strength behind his playful touch. It was a gentle reminder of their growing bond, a bond that went beyond the dance floor.

Jungkook, noticing their playful banter, jumped in with a grin, adding his own flair to the mix. Now with two sets of hands around her neck, Y/N laughed harder, her eyes watering. The pressure grew, but it was clear they weren't actually trying to strangle her. It was all in good fun, a sign that she had truly been accepted into their tight-knit circle.

She playfully slapped at their arms, trying to break free, but they held firm. "Alright, alright," she gasped out through giggles, "I surrender!"

The guys laughed and released her, their eyes twinkling with mischief. Y/N took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. The playful banter had been just what she needed after the intense rehearsals. It had been weeks since she had felt this carefree, and she was grateful for their acceptance.

As the game wound down, J-Hope looked at her with a glint in his eye. "You know, Y/N," he said, his voice playful, "you've been holding your own with us in dance and singing. But can you rap?"

Y/N raised an eyebrow, her heart racing. "Oh no."

"Come on," J-Hope said, grinning mischievously. "You've got to have some bars in you. Show us what you got, Y/N!"

Y/N took a moment to consider the challenge. Her rap skills were… minimal, to say the least. But the encouraging looks from the other members spurred her on. Plus, she had nothing to lose. "Alright, fine," she said with a laugh, "but don't say I didn't warn you."

Choosing one of Yoongi's more upbeat tracks, she took a deep breath and began to spit out the lyrics. Her flow was choppy, her rhythm all over the place. The words tumbled out of her mouth in a clumsy mess, and she couldn't help but laugh at herself. The BTS members watched her, their eyes wide with surprise that quickly turned into amusement. They weren't used to seeing this side of her, the one who didn't take herself too seriously.

Yoongi, who had been quietly sipping his drink, put it down with a thud. His eyes were wide with shock, and then a smile began to spread across his face, his cheeks dimpling with mirth. "Oh my god," he exclaimed, "you're terrible at this!"

Jimin's eyes never left her as she rapped, his expression a mix of surprise and something else—something Y/N couldn't quite read. He leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping out a beat on the armrest. And then, without a word, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, quickly hitting record. The moment was so unexpected, so raw, that he couldn't resist capturing it for himself.

Y/N's rap was a hot mess, but it was her courage and willingness to look ridiculous that had him smiling. He watched the screen as she stumbled over the lyrics, her laughter echoing through the room. His thumb hovered over the stop button, but something held him back. He found himself enjoying her imperfections, a stark contrast to the polished performances they usually gave.

As she finished, the room was filled with applause, and she took a dramatic bow. Jimin quickly tucked his phone away, the moment feeling too personal to share with anyone else. "Not bad for a first try," Yoongi teased, his voice light and playful. "But maybe stick to the dancing."

Jin, who had been laughing loudly the whole time, decided to throw his own challenge into the mix. "Y/N," he said with a mischievous smile, "how about you show us what you can do in the kitchen? We've seen you spice up the dance floor, but can you spice up our palates?"

Y/N's eyes widened. "Cook?" she repeated, her heart racing at the thought. "Fine, you're on," she said, rising to the challenge. "But only if you guys promise to eat whatever I make without complaining."

The members of BTS exchanged glances, the tension in the air shifting from one of playful banter to a more intense competition. Jungkook clapped his hands together. "It's a deal," he exclaimed. "But beware, we have a very picky eater in our midst."

Y/N rolled her eyes, knowing he was referring to Jimin, who had a reputation for his particular tastes. "I'll keep that in mind," she said with a grin.

The next evening, the kitchen was a whirlwind of activity as Y/N donned an apron and set to work. She decided to prepare a fusion dish that she hoped would appeal to their palates: spicy chicken with a side of kimchi fried rice.

The BTS members, having drawn the short straw of being the audience for Y/N's culinary experiment, were sprawled across the couch and floor, a romantic comedy playing on the large flat-screen TV. The laughter from the movie occasionally spilled into the kitchen, and she couldn't help but glance over her shoulder to catch their reactions.

Suddenly, a sizzle caught her off guard. As she reached for a spatula, her cheek brushed against the hot pan, sending a jolt of pain through her. "Ow!" she yelped, jumping back.

In a flash, Jimin was by her side, his eyes wide with concern. "What happened?" He reached out, his cool hand touching her cheek gently.

Y/N turned to face him, her eyes watering from the pain. "I burned myself," she said, holding up the spatula as evidence. The smell of burnt skin was faint, lost in the symphony of spices.

Jimin's expression softened, a rare moment of tenderness from the perfectionist and workaholic of the group. He took her hand gently and guided her to the sink. "Let's get some ice," he said, his voice filled with concern.

Y/N nodded, her heart racing from the pain and his sudden closeness. As he rummaged through the freezer, she couldn't help but watch his reflection in the kitchen window, his body moving with the grace of a dancer even in such a mundane task. He returned with a bag of ice, and without asking, he pressed it gently against her burn. The coldness brought immediate relief, and she closed her eyes, letting out a sigh.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the sizzling of the stove.

After a few moments, he took the ice away, his thumb lingering on her skin for a second longer than necessary. His breath was warm against her cheek as he leaned in to blow gently, trying to ease the sting. Y/N's eyes fluttered closed, the sensation sending shivers down her spine. She had never felt so taken care of.

"Does that feel better?" Jimin asked, his voice a soft murmur that sent goosebumps rising on her skin.

Y/N nodded, her eyes still closed. "Mm-hmm," she murmured, not trusting her voice to convey anything but the most basic of responses.

Jimin nodded and turned away, and returned to the living room. "Good," he called over his shoulder. "Finish up, and we'll be ready to taste-test when you're done."

Y/N took a deep breath, willing her heart to slow. She reminded herself that Jimin was just being kind, that they were all just friends. Professional friends. She couldn't let herself get carried away with romantic notions. This was BTS, for heaven's sake. They were all incredible people, and she was just a backup dancer. She had to keep her head in the game, focus on the music, the dance, the job.

With renewed determination, she turned back to the stove and finished cooking the chicken, her mind racing with thoughts of the dance routine, the music video, and the upcoming live performance. She had to nail this dance with Jimin. It was a chance of a lifetime, and she couldn't blow it. The dance was a complex tapestry of passion and emotion, and she had to embody it perfectly.

"Dinner's ready!" Y/N called out, her voice echoing through the dorm. She plated the food, serving a generous portion of spicy chicken alongside the kimchi fried rice. She took a deep breath and carried the plates into the living room, setting one in front of each member. The smell of the food filled the air, making their mouths water.

The seven of them took their seats around the low table, their eyes on the steaming dishes before them. The atmosphere was a mix of excitement and apprehension, as they were used to eating out at the best restaurants in Seoul. Y/N's heart thumped in her chest as she watched them take their first bites, her eyes darting from one to the other, searching for any signs of disapproval.

To her relief, the expressions on their faces grew from cautious curiosity to delight. Jungkook was the first to speak up, his mouth still full. "This is really good!" he exclaimed, reaching for seconds. The others murmured in agreement, their spoons digging eagerly into the rice and scooping up the rich, fragrant sauce.

Y/N felt a warmth spread through her chest. Despite her initial nerves, she had managed to win them over with her cooking. She took a seat on the floor next to Jimin, who was eyeing his plate with a mix of surprise and skepticism. She watched as he took a tentative bite of the chicken, his cheeks puckering slightly from the heat.

"Well?" she prompted, a smug smile playing on her lips.

Jimin took another bite, his eyes widening slightly as the flavors exploded on his tongue. "It's different," he said, his voice carefully measured.

Y/N's heart sank. Different wasn't always a good thing. "But is it good?" she asked, her voice hopeful.

Jimin's eyes met hers, a mischievous spark in them. "It's surprisingly good," he admitted, taking another bite. "The spices are intense, but in a good way."

Y/N couldn't help but feel a thrill of victory. The praise from the group's pickiest eater meant the world to her. She watched as they devoured her food, their laughter and chatter filling the room. It was a stark contrast to the tension that usually surrounded their work.

With a grin, she grabbed a plate for herself, eager to join in the feast she had created. As she took her seat, she couldn't resist the urge to dive in, her fork scooping up a mouthful of rice and chicken with reckless abandon.

Jimin watched her with a raised eyebrow, his perfect posture a stark contrast to Y/N's enthusiastic shoveling. "You know," he said, his tone teasing, "you're supposed to use chopsticks."

Y/N looked up, her mouth full, a piece of chicken precariously balanced on her fork. "What?" she mumbled, chewing and swallowing. "Oh, I know," she said with a grin, setting the fork aside to pick up the chopsticks. But her coordination with the traditional Korean utensils was as bad as her rapping, and she dropped a piece of chicken with a clatter.

The group burst out laughing again, and even Jimin couldn't hide his amusement. "Here, let me help you," he said, reaching over and plucking a piece of chicken from her plate. He held it out to her with a smirk.

Y/N's heart fluttered as she took the offered morsel with her own chopsticks, the playful gesture feeling surprisingly intimate. She managed a few more bites without dropping anything, though her cheeks remained a flushed shade of pink from the attention.

Namjoon, the leader of BTS, broke the momentary silence with a warm smile directed at Y/N. "You know," he said, his voice filled with sincerity, "you're the first backup dancer who has become so close with us."

Y/N looked up, her eyes wide with surprise. The other members nodded in agreement, each of them smiling genuinely at her. She felt a blush creep up her neck, unsure of what to say. "Really?" she managed to ask, her voice a bit shaky.

"Yeah," Hoseok said, his voice filled with a warmth she hadn't heard before. "You're like family now."

Y/N felt her eyes mist up, and she quickly blinked back the tears. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "That means so much to me." She took a deep breath and tried to lighten the mood. "I guess I've got to be doing something right if I haven't been fired yet," she joked, earning a round of laughter from the group.

Jimin's gaze remained on her, his smile gentle. "You're not just doing something right," he said. "You're doing everything right. Your energy, your passion, it's all infectious. And your dance moves? They're mesmerizing."

The room grew quiet, the weight of Jimin's words hanging in the air. Y/N felt her heart swell with pride, but she couldn't help the blush that painted her cheeks. "Thanks," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "That means a lot coming from all of you."

"You're welcome," Namjoon said with a nod. "But it's true. We've had many backup dancers over the years, but none have ever fit in quite like you have."

Y/N felt a warmth in her chest at his words. She had never imagined that she would be accepted so readily into the lives of these global superstars. She took a deep breath and looked around the table at the seven faces that had become her family in the short time she had known them. "Well," she said, trying to keep her voice steady, "I guess I'll just have to keep surprising you all then."

The group chuckled, and Y/N excused herself for the night.

As she lay in her bed in the small room allocated for backup dancers, Y/N's mind raced with the day's events. The dance practice with Jimin, the playful banter in the kitchen, and the genuine praise from the group—it was all so much to process. Her heart was racing, and she found it difficult to fall asleep. Her thoughts drifted to Jimin, and she kicked herself for thinking of him romantically again. She fell asleep convincing herself she only liked him as a work friend.

The next morning, Y/N woke up to the sound of her phone buzzing with a text from Jimin. "Practice today at 10 AM. Prepare for something intense." Her heart skipped a beat at the thought of another day of dancing with him. She quickly showered and changed into her loose dance gear, her stomach fluttering with a mix of excitement and nerves.

When she arrived at the studio, Jimin was already there, his eyes locked onto her as she entered. He had chosen a sleek black outfit that highlighted his chiseled abs and broad shoulders. The intensity of his gaze sent shivers down her spine. He was all business today, the playfulness of last night's dinner gone.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice low and serious.

Y/N nodded, her heart pounding. They were about to tackle the most sensual part of the routine, the part where their bodies would be pressed against each other, moving in a dance that was more than just steps and rhythm. It was a dance of passion, of desire, and she knew it was going to be a challenge to keep her feelings in check.

They started with a run-through of the routine, the music pulsing through the speakers and filling the studio. Y/N watched as Jimin's eyes never left hers, his gaze intense and focused. The dance was demanding, pushing them both to their limits, and she felt the heat rising in the room as their bodies moved closer and closer.

As the beat dropped, they reached the part of the routine that required the most intimacy.

"Remember," Jimin began, his voice low and steady, "this is a dance of seduction, of longing. We need to make the audience feel it in their bones." He paused for a moment, his eyes searching hers for understanding before continuing. "We start with a slow grind, hips locked. Maintain eye contact."

Y/N nodded, her cheeks flushing at the thought of the intimate moves they were about to perform. She had always enjoyed the physicality of dance, but this was different. This was personal.

Jimin took her hand, his grip firm and reassuring as he began to verbally walk her through each motion. His voice was a gentle guide in the quiet studio, describing every dip and twirl, every brush of skin against skin. "We'll start with a slow approach," he murmured, his eyes never leaving hers. "It's like we're two magnets, drawn together by an invisible force."

Y/N felt the heat from his palm as he placed it against her lower back, his touch a silent promise of what was to come. "Now," he said, his voice a soft command, "we lean in, our bodies close enough to share the same breath."

The music began to play, a slow, sensual rhythm that seemed to pulse through their veins. Jimin's hand slid down to the small of her back, guiding her into position. "Remember to keep your core tight," he instructed, his breath hot against her ear. "Let the movements flow through you."

As the beat grew more intense, so did their dance. He spun her around, their bodies colliding in a flurry of limbs and passion. "Now, when I pull you back, arch your spine," Jimin murmured, his hands moving to the curve of her waist. "Let the audience see the tension between us."

Y/N did as she was told, her body bending to his will as the music grew louder. His words painted a vivid picture of their dance, a dance of love and desire that was anything but simple. "You'll need to trust me completely."

Her heart racing, she nodded, her eyes locked onto his as he scooped her up, her legs wrapping around his waist. For a moment, she felt weightless, their bodies perfectly aligned. As they reached the crescendo of the song, he dipped her low, the fabric of his shirt brushing against her skin. The sensation was electric, sending waves of excitement through her body.

They paused, their breaths mingling, their eyes searching each other's for a sign of what was happening between them. Y/N knew she was playing with fire, but she couldn't help the way her body responded to him. She felt a shiver run down her spine as their eyes held, the moment stretching out like a tightrope between them.

"Again," Jimin whispered, his voice hoarse with something she couldn't quite identify. "We need to get this right."

Y/N nodded, her heart racing. She had never felt this alive, this aware of someone's presence before. They started the routine again, their bodies moving in perfect harmony, the heat between them growing with each beat.

As they approached the lift once more, she could feel the anticipation building. Jimin's arms were strong and sure as he hoisted her up, their gazes locked, and she wrapped her legs around him tightly. When he brought her down, their chests brushed together, sending a jolt through her body that was anything but professional. She reminded herself to keep it professional.

"Now, for the final part," Jimin said, his voice a little gruffer than before. "We're going to press our bodies together in a way that shows desperation and longing."

Y/N nodded, trying to play off her unprofessional thoughts, "Of course, Jimin."

Jimin pulls her in, chest to chest, their hearts beating in sync with the music. They move together, their bodies telling a story of passion and desire that transcends the boundaries of the dance. Y/N's mind is a whirlwind of emotions, the intensity of their routine making it difficult to maintain the professional distance she's been clinging to.

"Remember the choreography," he murmurs, his breath hot against her neck. She nods, her breathing ragged. They begin to move in unison, their bodies speaking a language that transcends words. The beat builds, the music enveloping them like a lover's embrace, and she can feel the heat from his body, his chest rising and falling with every breath.

The air around them crackles with energy, and Y/N is acutely aware of every inch of their bodies that are touching. They come closer, so close that she can see the flecks of gold in his eyes. The anticipation is unbearable, a heady mix of excitement and nerves.

Her mind is racing, trying to remember the steps, the routine, but all she can think about is the warmth of Jimin's body, the way he smells—like a mix of sweat and expensive cologne. His hands are firm on her hips, guiding her movements, and she can feel the muscles in his arms flex with every beat of the music.

Suddenly, Jimin stops abruptly, the silence in the studio echoing around them. He pulls back, his eyes searching hers for a moment before he clears his throat. "Let's take a break," he says, his voice a little rough around the edges. He moves to the sound system, his back to her, and hits the pause button.

Y/N nods, trying to catch her breath and regain her composure. "Did I make a mistake?"

Jimin turns to face her, his expression unreadable. "Not exactly," he says, his voice tight. "It's not your fault." He runs a hand through his hair, trying to compose himself. "Let's sit down for a minute."

They sit on the floor, the coolness of the hardwood grounding her. "What happened?" Y/N asks, her voice small.

Jimin says, "I feel like I should try the choreography with other dancers to get a feel for which one is the most natural."

Y/N nods, trying to hide the disappointment in her eyes. "I understand," she says, her voice steady. "I hope you find what you're looking for and the dance is successful."

Without warning, the door to the rehearsal room swings open, and J-Hope strides in, his eyes wide with excitement. "Lunch time, you two!" he declares, breaking the spell. "You've been at it for hours. Time to refuel!"

Y/N looks away from Jimin and playfully wraps her arm around J-Hope's shoulders. "You're the best," she says with a grin, grateful for the interruption. Jimin looks at them both, his expression unreadable, before nodding in agreement.

As they enter the BTS dorm room, the aroma of various Korean dishes Jin made fills the air. Y/N, Jimin, and J-hope fill their plates with food and join the rest of BTS on the couch.

"You know, I've been thinking," Jimin starts casually, taking a bite of his kimchi fried rice. "For my solo track's dance, I think it'd be interesting to explore different dynamics. So, I'm going to try the routine with other dancers."

Y/N's heart once again drops like a rock in her stomach, but she keeps her face neutral. She knew he was going to tell the others eventually. "That's a good idea, Jimin," she says, trying to keep her voice steady. "It's always important to explore all options."

Namjoon nods in understanding. "I get it," he says, his voice calm and even. "It's a big performance, and we want everything to be perfect. I'll arrange for some other dancers to come in tomorrow. You can see how the routine feels with different people."

Jimin gives him a small, tight smile before he turns back to his food. Y/N feels a sharp pain in her heart but quickly shakes it off, focusing on the banter and laughter around the table.

The conversation shifts to more mundane topics—upcoming interviews, fan meet-and-greets, and the never-ending schedule. Y/N tries to keep up, but her mind keeps wandering back to the dance routine with Jimin. She tells herself it's just a job, a performance, but her heart isn't listening.

The next day, the tension is thick as they enter the rehearsal studio. Two other young Korean female dancers, both with the typical K-pop aesthetic, are waiting patiently.

The rest of BTS and Y/N watches as Jimin runs through the routine with the first dancer, Y/N's heart racing with every move they make. The dancer is skilled, her body a good match for Jimin's in terms of size and agility. She is perfect epitome of Korean beauty: skinny, pale, symmetrical, and perfect.

Y/N tries to keep her jealousy in check, reminding herself that this is just part of the job, and Jimin was a friend. She watches the way the new dancer moves, taking in every step, every expression, searching for something that she can offer that the other girl can't. The dance ends, and Jimin detaches his body from the girl's. He turns to the group. "What did everyone think?" he asks, his voice serious.

"You guys looked good," Jungkook says.

Y/N nods in agreement, trying to hide the pain in her eyes. "Yeah," she says, her voice a little too high.

Namjoon clears his throat. "It's good, Jimin. But I can't help but think it could be better."

Jimin nods, his gaze flicking to Y/N for a split second before turning to the second dancer. "Let's try it with you next," he says, his voice a little too even.

The second dancer steps forward, her eyes wide and eager. As they start the routine, Y/N watches, her heart sinking. This dancer is just as good, if not better than the first. Her movements are fluid, her expressions captivating.

As the dance ends, Jimin looks to the group again, his eyes avoiding Y/N's. "Well?"

The feedback is positive before Yoongi interrupts. "We haven't seen you perform it with Y/N yet," he points out, his eyes sharp and observant. "It's only fair to compare."

Jimin nods, his expression unreadable. "You're right," he says, his gaze finally landing on Y/N. "Let's go, Y/N."

They move into position, Y/N feeling extremely nervous and worried. The music starts, and they begin the routine.

With each move, the air seems to thicken, charged with an unspoken electricity. Every touch feels like a spark, setting off a chain reaction of sensations. Y/N's eyes lock onto Jimin's, the intensity of their gaze mirroring the passion in their dance.

The proximity between them is so close that their breaths mingle, each inhale a silent promise of what's to come. Y/N's heart races as she feels the warmth of Jimin's skin against her, his muscles flexing as he lifts her in a series of fluid, powerful movements.

The music transitions to the segment where their hips are to lock in a grind, a dance of unspoken desire that has them moving as one. Y/N can feel the hardness of Jimin's abs against her stomach, his grip firm as their bodies roll together in a seductive rhythm. She bites her bottom lip to keep from gasping, the intensity of their performance blurring the lines between the dance floor and reality.

As they come closer to the almost-kiss, the moment where their chests are supposed to press together, Y/N feels her heart pound in her chest. She can almost taste the mint on Jimin's breath, feel the heat of his skin against her own. A magnetic pull has them moving in perfect harmony despite the chaos of emotions swirling within her.

As they reach the end of the routine, their bodies are a breath apart, their eyes locked in a silent conversation that speaks louder than any words could. The chemistry between them is explosive, the air in the room charged with it. The rest of the group watches, their cheers and applause a distant echo in Y/N's ears.

Jimin pulls away, his expression unreadable. "Good job," he says, his voice tight.

Y/N nods, trying to catch her breath. "Thank you," she says, her voice a little shaky. "Just part of the job."

The other members of BTS exchange glances, the unspoken tension between Y/N and Jimin not lost on them. Jungkook nudges her playfully. "You guys looked like you were really into it," he teases.

Y/N laughs, trying to play it off. "It's all part of the performance," she says, her eyes darting to Jimin.

He nods, a slight smile playing on his lips, but there's a seriousness in his gaze. "So what do you guys think?"

The room is quiet for a moment before Yoongi breaks the silence. "Y/N was the best," he says firmly, his voice carrying the weight of his conviction. The other members look at him, surprised by his straightforwardness.

Namjoon nods thoughtfully. "I agree. I think you should stick to Y/N being your partner."

Jimin looks at Y/N, his gaze intense. "Is that what you all think?"

The other members murmur their agreement. Y/N feels a mix of relief and excitement. She's not just a backup dancer anymore—she's an integral part of Jimin's solo performance.

"Okay," Jimin says, "I'll continue with Y/N."

Y/N nods, her heart racing with excitement. They've been given the green light to continue working together, and she's more determined than ever to make their performance unforgettable. They spend hours in the studio, perfecting every move, every look, every beat of the routine. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and the rest of BTS can't help but be drawn into their orbit.

But as the night wears on and the intensity of their practice reaches a fever pitch, Y/N finds herself unable to ignore the growing ache between her legs. With every grind and press of Jimin's body against hers, the flames of desire threaten to consume her. She tries to focus on the music, the steps, the choreography—anything to keep her thoughts from straying to the forbidden territory of her attraction to him.

Suddenly, with a flustered smile, she pulls away, her cheeks reddening. "I need a break," she says, her voice strained. (It's just her and Jimin in the practice room.)

Jimin nods, "Take your time," he murmurs, watching as she rushes from the rehearsal studio.

Y/N locks herself in the bathroom, her chest heaving as she tries to regain her composure. She leans against the cool porcelain sink, the sound of running water echoing through the small space. She looks at herself in the mirror, her eyes wide with desire, and she can't help but touch her lips, remembering the almost-kiss they'd shared just moments before. Her body feels like it's on fire, the friction from their dance leaving her craving more.

With trembling hands, she adjusts her shirt, the fabric sticking to her skin from the sweat of their intense practice. She can feel the wetness between her legs, a traitorous giveaway of her arousal. She tries to ignore it, to tell herself it's just the dance, just the music, but the ache is too much. She sighs and moves to the stall, closing the door behind her with a soft click.

In the quiet of the bathroom, she leans against the cool metal, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She can still feel the heat of Jimin's body, the way his hands had moved over hers with such confidence. Her fingers trace the path they'd taken, and she closes her eyes, trying to focus on anything else—the smell of the studio, the sound of the air conditioning, the lyrics to their next song—but all she can think about is the way he'd looked at her.

Y/N slides her hand down her body. Her fingertips graze the sensitive area between her legs, and she has to bite back a moan. She's so turned on, it's all she can do not to collapse right there.

With shaking hands, she reaches up to the towel dispenser and pulls out a few sheets. She wets them under the cold tap water, the chill sending a shock through her system. She brings them down to her pussy, gently wiping away the evidence of her desire. The coolness is a stark contrast to the heat that Jimin had stirred within her, but it's a necessary step to regain her composure.

Y/N takes a deep breath and steels herself, willing her racing heart to slow. She can't let him see how much he affects her. This is a job, she reminds herself, a professional partnership. She takes another deep breath and smooths her hair back into place before exiting the stall.

As she opens the door, she's met with the sight of Jimin standing in the middle of the studio, shirtless and glistening with sweat. He's pouring water over his head, the droplets cascading down his chest and abs, highlighting every muscle and curve. She can't help but stare, her mouth going dry. He's so beautiful, so utterly mesmerizing that she forgets to breathe for a moment.

Y/N clears her throat, trying to play it cool. "Ready to continue," she quips, her voice steady despite the tremble in her hands. She strides back into the studio, forcing her gaze away from his bare torso and back to his eyes.

Jimin pulls his shirt back over his head, his eyes lingering on her for a beat longer than necessary before he turns away. "Let's end it for today and meet up with the guys in the BTS dorm to just hang out."

Y/N agrees, knowing she couldn't take any more contact with Jimin. In the BTS dorm, the atmosphere is relaxed and casual. The members are lounging around, playing games and watching movies, a stark contrast to the intense practice sessions.

As they settle into a game night, Y/N tries to focus on the board game, her hands fidgeting with the pieces, but she can't ignore the way her stomach turns. The room starts to spin, and she feels a wave of nausea wash over her. Her cheeks heat up as she excuses herself, rushing to the bathroom to splash cold water on her face.

When she returns, Jimin is there, his hand on her forehead. "Do you have a fever?" he asks, his voice filled with concern.

Y/N nods, feeling the heat radiating from her body. "Yeah," she says weakly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Without missing a beat, Jimin scoops her into his arms. "Let's get you to bed," he says, his voice filled with genuine concern. She can't help but notice the way his arms feel around her, strong and secure, as he carries her to his room.

He lays her down on the bed, the cool sheets a welcome relief against her flushed skin. Y/N tries to protest, not wanting to be a burden, but the room is spinning too much for her to argue. She feels his hand on her forehead, and she nods, unable to hide her fever from his gentle touch.

"I'll be right back," Jimin says, his voice filled with a gentle concern that sends a warmth through her that has nothing to do with her illness. He leaves the room, and she can hear his footsteps retreating down the hallway. She takes a moment to catch her breath, trying to ignore the racing of her heart.

When he returns, he's holding a bottle of medicine and a glass of warm water. He sits on the edge of the bed, his eyes never leaving hers as he hands her the medicine. "Here, take these," he instructs gently. "They should help with the fever."

Y/N takes the pills with a grateful nod, the warmth of his hand lingering on hers. She takes a sip of the water, the liquid soothing her dry throat. Jimin watches her with a soft smile, his thumb brushing her cheek to wipe away a bead of sweat.

"Thank you," she whispers, her eyes shining with genuine appreciation.

"It's nothing," he says. "We're all just looking out for each other."

Y/N nods, her eyes drooping with exhaustion. "I know," she murmurs, her body swaying slightly. "But it means a lot."

Without a word, Jimin slides into the bed beside her, his body curving around hers protectively. He gently lifts her head and rests it on his chest, his hand coming up to cradle her cheek. His warmth envelops her, and she sighs in relief as his fingers begin to massage her temples, the pressure just right to ease the pounding in her head.

"You'll get sick," she mumbles against his chest, her eyes fluttering closed.

Jimin chuckles softly, his hand never stopping its gentle ministrations. "It's okay, Y/N," he assures her, his voice a comforting rumble. "I'll be here if you need anything."

Y/N nods, feeling the heat of his body seep into her own. It's a strange feeling, one she's never experienced before. She nestles closer, his heartbeat a steady rhythm beneath her ear. She can feel the rise and fall of his chest with every breath he takes, and it's oddly soothing.

"Can you keep massaging my head? It feels good" she whispers.

Jimin nods, his hand never ceasing its gentle rhythm. "Of course," he says, his voice low and soothing.

Suddenly, a shout echoes from the main room. "Jimin! What's taking you guys so long?" It's Namjoon, his voice tinged with concern and curiosity.

Jimin sighs, his hand still gently rubbing circles on Y/N's forehead. He leans down, his warm breath tickling her ear. "Y/N, Namjoon's looking for me. I should go," he says softly.

Y/N nods sleepily, not wanting to admit how much she enjoys his touch. "Okay," she whispers, her eyes fluttering closed again.

Jimin hesitates for a moment, his gaze lingering on her flushed cheeks. With a gentle sigh, he stands up, his hand sliding away from her forehead. "Rest," he says, his voice barely above a murmur.

Y/N nods, her eyes still closed. "Thank you," she whispers, already drifting off to the sound of his retreating footsteps. She can feel the bed dip slightly as he leaves, and she sighs into the pillow, the warmth of his body still present in the air around her.

In the main room, the boys are in the middle of a heated game of Monopoly. The laughter and banter fill the air, a stark contrast to the quiet intimacy of Jimin's room. As Jimin enters, Namjoon asks where Y/N is, his eyes darting to the bedroom door. "She's okay," Jimin says, his voice calm. "Just needs some rest."

The other members look at him, understanding that Y/N and Jimin are especially close and care for each other very much.

"Let's keep the volume down, okay?" Jimin suggests, and the group nods in unison. They continue with their game night, while Y/N fights the fever in the safety of Jimin's bed.

Minutes later, the game wraps up faster than anyone anticipated. Jimin had been playing strategically, ensuring he'd lose so he could return to Y/N. He excuses himself, feigning a yawn, and heads back to his room, his steps quick and silent.

Y/N is lying in the darkness, pretending to sleep. She can feel the heat of his body as he slides back into bed beside her. He's careful not to jostle her, and for a moment, she holds her breath, unsure of his intentions. But as his hand finds its way back to her forehead, she relaxes into the mattress with a sigh.

The gentle rhythm of his massage is soothing, lulling her into a semi-conscious state where the lines between reality and fantasy blur. She can feel the tension in her body slowly seep away, replaced by a warm, comforting buzz that has her skin tingling. Her heart races at his touch, and she has to remind herself that it's just Jimin being kind, being a good host.

With a weak smile, she whispers, "Thank you."

"Hey, I thought you were asleep," Jimin whispers back, his voice a gentle rumble against her hair. "Sleep."

Y/N's eyes drift shut once more, and within moments, her breathing evens out into the soft, steady rhythm of sleep. Jimin watches her for a while, his heart swelling with a mix of emotions he can't quite name. She's so vulnerable, and in his arms, she seems so small and fragile. He traces the line of her jaw with his thumb, his eyes lingering on the flutter of her eyelashes as they rest against her cheeks.

Her skin is warm to the touch, flushed with the remnants of her fever. He can feel the heat of her breath against his chest, the gentle rise and fall of her body with each inhale and exhale. It's a heady sensation, one that has him holding her a little closer, his arms tightening around her. He's never felt like this before. There's something about Y/N that's gotten under his skin and into his bloodstream.

As the night stretches out, his thoughts begin to drift back to the dance rehearsal. The way their bodies had moved together, the heat between them almost tangible. With every grind, every touch, his body had responded, his cock thickening and straining against the fabric of his sweatpants. He'd tried to ignore it, to focus on the choreography, but it was impossible. Her curves, her grace, the way she'd looked at him with those dark eyes and tan skin—it was a heady combination that had him fighting to keep his composure.

Even now, lying in the quiet darkness, he can feel himself getting hard again. He shifts uncomfortably, trying to adjust his position without disturbing her. His hand lingers on her forehead, his thumb tracing gentle circles, and he can't help but think of the way she'd felt in his arms, her body pressed against his. And as much as he tries to push it aside, to remind himself of their professional boundaries, the desire is too strong.

With a sigh, he lets himself fall asleep with her in his arms. She feels so right there, nestled against his chest, her head resting on his shoulder. Her breath is warm and even, a steady beat that matches the thud of his own heart. He closes his eyes, his hand still resting on her forehead, and lets the darkness claim him.

Morning light filters through the curtains, and Y/N is the first to wake up. She opens her eyes to find Jimin's arm draped over her, his breathing deep and even. She's surprised by how comfortable she is. Carefully, she extracts herself from his embrace, not wanting to wake him. She glances at the clock on the nightstand, her eyes widening at the time. It was already morning. The rest of BTS had left for their rehearsals. She changes into a loose t-shirt and shorts to be comfortable. Her fever was mostly gone.

Her stomach rumbles, a reminder of her empty state. She decides to sneak to the kitchen to grab something to eat.

Y/N pads quietly through the hallway, the house eerily calm without the usual chaos of seven boys. She enters the kitchen, the coolness of the marble countertops a stark contrast to the warmth of Jimin's embrace. As she opens the fridge, the light illuminates her face, casting a soft glow on her features. Her stomach growls again, louder this time, and she grabs a banana and a carton of yogurt. While she is eating, she sees Jimin come out of the room, hair a mess yet he still looks perfect.

"Good morning," she says softly, hoping not to startle him.

Jimin's eyes widen in surprise, and he clears his throat. "Morning," he murmurs, his voice low and raspy from sleep. He runs a hand through his hair, the messy strands falling back into place as if by magic. He walks up to Y/N, leaning on the counter at which she is eating.

"How's the fever?" he asks, his voice a gentle rumble that sends a shiver down Y/N's spine. She nods, taking a bite of her banana.

"It's gone," she says, her voice still a little hoarse from sleep. "Thank you for taking care of me."

Jimin nods, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he grabs her banana and takes a bite. "It's nothing," he says.

Y/N smiles, feeling a warmth spread through her chest at his casual gesture. They stand in the quiet kitchen until she breaks the silence. "I should go back to my dorm," she says, her voice a little too loud.

Jimin nods, his expression unreadable. "Yeah, we've got rehearsals to get to," he says, taking a step back.

Y/N nods, trying to ignore the disappointment that fills her at the thought of leaving the comfort of his presence. She takes a deep breath and heads to the door, her hand on the knob. "Thank you again," she says, her voice a little too loud in the stillness.

Jimin's eyes follow her as she moves, the light catching the curves of her body in a way that makes his breath hitch. "You don't have to thank me," he says, his voice a low murmur. "You're important to me."

"You are important to me, too."

The words hang in the air between them, thick with meaning. Y/N's hand lingers on the doorknob before she exits the dorm.

At the rehearsal studio, Y/N's mind is elsewhere as she goes through the motions of a BTS dance routine. Her thoughts are consumed by Jimin's tender care and the way his eyes had searched hers.

As she prepares to leave, Jungkook approaches her with a new proposal. "Hey, Y/N," he says, his voice filled with excitement. "I've been working on some new choreography for my solo, and I think you'd be perfect for it. It's a bit more high-energy than what you're doing with Jimin."

Y/N's eyes widen in surprise. "Really?" she asks, her heart racing at the prospect of working closely with another member of the group. She had been consumed by thoughts of Jimin and rehearsing with him. "What's the routine like?"

"It's going to be explosive," Jungkook says with a grin. "Lots of acrobatics, flips, and high-energy moves."

Y/N nods, trying to keep her cool. "I'm up for the challenge," she says, her heart racing with excitement. "But I've never done flips before."

Jungkook laughs, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Don't worry, I'll teach you," he says, his confidence infectious. "We'll start slow and build up to it. By the way, J-hope is also part of the dance."

Y/N agrees, "Okay, let's do it."

Jungkook says, "To manage 2 performances, you'll have rehearsals with Jimin from 5pm to 9pm and rehearse with me and J-hope from 1pm to 5pm. That gives you the mornings to practice and rest."

Y/N nods, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. "Thank you, Jungkook. I won't let you down."

"I know you won't," he says, giving her a playful nudge. "Now, let's get to work. It's 1pm."

Y/N nods, excitement bubbling up inside her. She follows Jungkook into the rehearsal room, her eyes scanning the space for J-hope. He's already there, his intense gaze locked on the mirror as he practices some moves. She greets the bubbly dancer with a playful side hug.

J-hope says, "Hey Y/N! I can't wait for you to learn this choreography. We'll start by learning a backflip."

Y/N's heart drops to her stomach. She had always envied those who could perform such acrobatic feats, but she had never had the guts to try it herself. She nods, trying to keep the panic out of her voice. "Sure, let's go for it."

J-hope sees her fear and smiles reassuringly. "Don't worry, we'll start with a simple backflip onto the mat," he says, pointing to the large crash pad in the corner. "It's all about trusting your body and your instincts."

Y/N takes a deep breath and nods, stepping onto the mat with determination. Jungkook stands by her side, offering words of encouragement while J-hope demonstrates the move. The music starts, and Y/N watches as J-hope flips effortlessly through the air, landing perfectly. She tries to mimic his movements, but fails.

"Let's take it slower," J-hope suggests. "We'll start with the basics."

Y/N nods, her resolve unwavering. They spend the next few hours breaking down the backflip into smaller movements, building up her confidence and strength. Each time she tries, she feels the muscles in her legs and core strain, but she pushes through, driven by the desire to prove herself to them. By the end of the session, she's managed a few wobbly flips with their support.

As the clock ticks closer to 5pm, she takes a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for her session with Jimin. She knows that the sensual dance they've been working on is going to be even more challenging, especially given her tiredness from doing the flips. She gathers her things and heads back to the main rehearsal room, where Jimin is already waiting, his eyes locked on her as she enters.

"How was rehearsal with Jungkook and J-hope?"

Y/N smiles at Jimin, trying to play it cool despite the adrenaline still pumping through her from the intense practice. "It was good. I learned a lot, especially about backflips," she says.

Jimin's eyes widen. "Really? Show me what you've got."

Y/N blushes, the memory of the struggle from her earlier flip attempt still fresh. She takes a deep breath and nods, stepping into the center of the room. Jungkook and J-hope had shown her some of the basics, but she hadn't quite nailed it yet. She runs at the mat, her legs pushing off the ground, and with a grunt, she attempts a backflip. She lands awkwardly, her legs buckling under her and falling on her butt painfully.

Jimin laughs, the sound light and genuine, as he rushes over to help her up. "Don't worry, you're getting there," he says, his grip firm but gentle as he pulls her to her feet.

Y/N brushes off her shorts, her cheeks still flushed from the embarrassment. "Yeah, I just need more practice," she mumbles, avoiding his gaze.

Jimin's laughter fades as he looks at her seriously. "You're doing great, really," he reassures her, his hand lingering on her arm. "You're pushing yourself harder than anyone I've ever seen."

Y/N nods, her heart racing as she feels his touch. She looks up at him, her eyes searching his. "Thanks, Jimin. I don't want to let you guys down."

Jimin's smile softens, his thumb brushing against the inside of her wrist. "You won't," he says, his voice a warm caress. "Now, let's get back to our routine."

They spend the next few hours working on the dance, their bodies moving in perfect sync, the chemistry between them more palpable than ever. Every touch, every look feels charged with an electric current that makes it hard for Y/N to focus. She tries to keep her thoughts on the choreography, but her mind keeps wandering to his touch, the feeling of him being so close.

As the hours wear on, Y/N feels a familiar heat building between her legs. She's so wet that it's becoming uncomfortable, her pussy throbbing with each move she makes. She tries to ignore it, but it's like trying to ignore a siren's call. Finally, she can't take it anymore. "I'm sorry, I need to go to the bathroom," she says, her voice a little too high.

Jimin frowns in concern, his hand reaching out to feel her forehead. "Are you okay? You don't have a fever again, do you?"

"No, no, I'm fine," she stammers, trying to regain her composure. "I just—I just need to go to the bathroom."

Jimin's hands gently massage her temples and he whispers, "You're okay," his voice a soothing balm that does nothing to quell the storm of desire that has been brewing within her. As he massages her head and looks at her worriedly, Y/N can't hold back a soft, involuntary moan that escapes her lips, echoing through the studio.

Heat floods Y/N's cheeks as she stammers an apology and covers her face. "I'm so sorry," she says, her voice trembling. "That was so inappropriate, I don't know what came over me. I'm going to go to the bathroom now."

Jimin's grip on her tightens briefly before he releases her. "Okay, Y/N," he says, his voice gentle. "Take your time."

In the bathroom, Y/N splashes cold water on her face, trying to douse the fire burning within her. She can't believe what just happened. She's supposed to be a professional dancer, not some hormone-crazed fan girl. But every time Jimin looks at her, every time their bodies come together, it's like she's lost in a tornado of desire that she can't escape.

Y/N takes a deep breath and looks in the mirror. Her eyes are dilated, her cheeks flushed. She reached under her panties and massages her pussy, trying to ease the ache that won't go away. She softly moans Jimin's name as she plays with herself, imagining his hands on her, his lips against hers. But she quickly snaps out of it, feeling guilty and embarrassed. She slaps her cheeks lightly to bring herself back to reality. She returns to the rehearsal studio.

"Are you okay?" Jimin asks, his voice low and concerned.

Y/N nods, trying to compose herself. "Yeah, I'm fine," she says, her voice shaky.

Jimin steps closer, his eyes searching hers. "You don't look fine," he says, his voice gentle. "What's going on?"

Y/N swallows hard, her heart hammering in her chest. She can't tell him the truth—that she's falling for him, that every time they dance together, she wants nothing more than to rip his clothes off and feel him inside her. Instead, she forces a smile and shakes her head. "Just nerves. Let's continue rehearsal. I'm sorry for wasting time and being inappropriate."

Jimin's expression softens, and he reaches out to brush a strand of hair from her face. "You're not wasting any time, Y/N," he whispers, his thumb lingering on her cheek. "And as for the moan…it's only natural."

Y/N's breath hitches at his admission. The air between them crackles with unspoken tension as their gazes lock, the heat between them growing more intense with every passing second. "But I disrespected your boundaries and you have every right to be upset," she says, her voice barely above a breath.

Jimin's hand trails down from her cheek to her neck, his thumb stroking the pulse point gently. "You haven't disrespected anyone. I'm not upset," he murmurs, his eyes darkening.

Y/N's breath catches in her throat as she stares at him. She can feel his breath on her face, his scent intoxicating her, making her want to lean in closer. But she resists, aware of the professional line they're tiptoeing. "We should get back to work," she says.

Jimin nods, his hand dropping to his side. "You're right," he says.

They return to the dance, but the energy has shifted. The moves are more intense, the eye contact more lingering. Every brush of their bodies sends sparks flying, setting her skin alight with want. It's as if a switch has been flipped, and all the pent-up tension between them is now a live wire, humming with electricity.

As the music reaches a crescendo, their dance culminates in a move where Jimin dips her low, his hand resting on the small of her back, his body mere inches from hers. She feels his warm breath on her neck, his heart beating in time with hers.

Y/N pulls away, the intensity of the moment leaving her breathless again. She needs another break, another moment to regain her composure. "Jimin, I'm sorry, but I need to use the bathroom again," she says, her voice shaky.

Jimin nods, his eyes never leaving hers. "Take all the time you need," he murmurs.

Y/N practically runs to the bathroom, her heart racing and her pussy aching. She locks the stall and sits on the toilet, her hand immediately going to her throbbing clit. She's so wet she can feel it seeping through her shorts, a testament to how much their dance had affected her. She takes a shaky breath and reaches into her bag for a pack of wet wipes, cleaning herself up as best as she can. She's torn between the thrill of their shared attraction and the fear of what it could mean for their professional relationship. She needed to keep her sexual desires in check but her pussy wasn't cooperating.

Y/N exits the bathroom, trying to compose herself, and heads back to the BTS room since it was past 9pm and rehearsal was over. The other members are lounging around, some playing video games, others scrolling through their phones. They look up as she enters, and she can feel their eyes on her. She tries to play it cool, hoping none of them can see through the facade. She takes a seat next to Jungkook, who flashes her a grin. "How was your rehearsal with Jimin? He's already here, in the kitchen." he says.

Her heart skips a beat at the mention of Jimin's name. She forces a smile. "It was good," she says, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Ready for the official performance recording tomorrow morning?" Namjoon asks Y/N.

Y/N nods, her heart racing. She's been rehearsing the routine with Jimin for months now, and she's ready.

"Yeah, I think I am," she says.

Jimin emerges from the kitchen, holding a bottle of water, his eyes finding hers immediately. The tension between them is so thick, it's almost tangible. He walks over to her, his movements fluid and graceful, like a panther stalking its prey. "You okay?" he asks, his gaze searching hers.

Y/N nods, taking a deep breath to calm her racing heart. "Yeah, I just needed a moment," she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jimin nods, understanding in his eyes. He sits right next to Y/N on the couch, and before she knows it, she's leaning into him, their bodies fitting together like puzzle pieces. The warmth of his embrace seeps into her, easing the tension that's been building all day. The other members of BTS look up from their various activities, sensing the shift in the room's dynamics but not saying anything. They know that Jimin and Y/N have been growing closer, and they respect their friendship.

They all decide to watch a romantic comedy, the mood in the room lightening as they settle in for a good laugh and a heartwarming love story. The film plays out on the large flat-screen TV, the vibrant colors and catchy songs filling the air. Y/N feels a sense of comfort as Jimin's arm drapes around her shoulder, his hand resting gently on her upper arm. She tries to focus on the movie, but her mind keeps drifting back to the way their bodies fit together so perfectly.

Jungkook, his eyes glued to the screen as the heroine delivers a monologue. "Wow, she's so pretty," he says, his voice filled with admiration.

Jimin's voice cuts through the air. "She is," he agrees, but then his gaze shifts to Y/N. "But Y/N is much prettier."

The rest of the group lets out soft chuckles. Y/N feels the heat from his hand spread through her body, and she has to fight the urge to lean into his touch more. She's aware of the others watching them, so she plays it cool, turning to smile at Jimin. "Thanks," she whispers.

When the moment arrives and the couple in the movie finally declares their love for one another, sharing a passionate kiss, Y/N feels Jimin's grip on her tighten. His thumbs trace slow circles on her palms, his eyes never leaving the TV.

Jimin leans in, his breath warm against her ear as he whispers, "Y/N, about tomorrow…" His voice is low and filled with anticipation. She can feel the tension in his body as he awaits her response.

Y/N turns her head slightly to look at him, her heart racing. She knows what he's referring to—the official performance that they've been working on tirelessly. "What about it?" she asks, her voice a mere whisper, matching the intensity of the moment.

Jimin takes a deep breath, his gaze flicking to her lips before returning to her eyes. "You'll do amazing."

Y/N nods, her throat dry. "Thank you," she whispers, the heat between them growing more intense with every shared look.

One by one, the other members start to doze off. Y/N feels the weight of Jimin's head on her shoulder, his breath steady and comforting against her neck. Her own eyes start to feel heavy, and she shifts slightly, her body fitting even closer to his.

Before she knows it, she's asleep, her cheek pressed to his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. She's lost in a dream of their dance routine, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. Y/N and Jimin fall asleep, but the rest of the members were only pretending. They start talking in whispers.

"I've never seen Jimin like this before," Yoongi says, his eyes on the sleeping pair. "They're so connected."

"It's definitely going to affect their performance," Namjoon adds, his gaze thoughtful. "But in a good way, I think."

"I hope so," J-hope says, glancing over at them. "But we can't ignore the fact that they're almost crossing a line. What if it messes with the group dynamics?"

Jin nods, stroking his chin. "It's a risk, but if they can keep it professional, it might just make their performance even more powerful."

"They're both adults," Taehyung whispers, his gaze soft as he watches them. "If they can handle it, we should support them."

Jungkook nods in agreement, "They're not just dancing together, they're performing a love story," he points out. "It's bound to affect them."

The next morning, Jimin is the first to stir, the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains. He carefully moves his head from Y/N's shoulder, his eyes scanning the room to ensure they're still alone. The rest of the members are sprawled out, lost in their own dreams. He takes a moment to just watch her, stroking her hair gently. Her features are soft and peaceful in sleep, and he can't help but feel a deep sense of protectiveness wash over him.

He examines her face, noticing the way her eyelashes flutter slightly with every breath she takes, the way her lips part slightly when she inhales. He traces the line of her jaw with his thumb, feeling the steady pulse of her heartbeat beneath his fingertips. It's in this quiet, unguarded moment that he realizes how much she means to him. The attraction had always been there, a simmering undercurrent to their dance routines and stolen glances, but now it's a full-blown storm threatening to overtake him.

With a sigh, Jimin tells himself that it's just the performance pressure. Once the solo is over, he will feel like friends again. It's the nature of the job—intimate moments shared under the spotlight that feel like something more but are really just a part of the show.

But as Y/N's eyes flutter open and she looks up at him, the tender way she smiles makes his heart stutter. She stretches, her body arching slightly, and the sight of her breasts pressing against her top sends a jolt of lust through him. He quickly looks away, clearing his throat to cover his reaction.

Y/N sits up, rubbing her eyes, and Jimin can't help but notice the way her shirt rides up, revealing her flat stomach and the hint of her toned abs. She's beautiful, and the fact that she's real, not just a figment of his imagination or a fleeting encounter, makes it all the more real.

"What time is it?" she asks sleepily, her voice still thick with sleep.

Jimin checks his watch. "Almost 6 AM. We need to get ready for the recording."

Y/N nods, her heart racing as she stands up and stretches. She's not aware of the way Jimin's gaze lingers on her body, his thoughts a whirlwind of desire and doubt. They both know that today's performance will be pivotal for their careers and their relationship.

The stylist for the group, a meticulous woman, comes in to give them their final instructions. "Y/N," she says, her voice clipped and professional, "you'll be wearing a tight purple sports bra and black yoga shorts for the performance today." She holds up the outfit, the fabric clinging to her hands like a second skin.

Y/N's eyes widen slightly, but she nods, swallowing the lump in her throat. She's aware of the sensual visuals the outfit will create, but she's a professional. She knows that the performance is what truly counts. "Okay," she says, her voice steady.

The stylist hands her the outfit, and she heads to the changing room, her heart racing. She pulls on the yoga shorts, feeling the fabric hug her curves, and slips the sports bra over her head. The material is so thin and tight that it feels like a second skin, leaving nothing to the imagination. She looks at herself in the mirror, her tan skin glowing under the harsh lights, and takes a deep breath. This is it.

When she emerges from the changing room, she finds Jimin dressed in his performance attire. The transparent turtleneck clings to his muscular chest, showcasing some tattoos that snake down his arms and the sharp lines of his abs. His leather pants are tight, hugging his ass and thick thighs in a way that makes her mouth water. She tries to ignore the way her pussy clenches at the sight of him.

He turns to her, his eyes sweeping over her body, and she feels a shiver run down her spine. The way he looks at her makes her feel like she's the only woman in the world, like every inch of her is perfect and beautiful. But she knows that the outfit is a calculated move for the performance—to maximize the sensual visuals. She takes a deep breath and reminds herself of their professional bond. "Ready for the last time, Jimin?"

He nods, his eyes still on her. "More than ever," he says, his voice low and husky. "You look amazing."

Y/N's cheeks heat up at his compliment, and she looks away, focusing on her own reflection. She can't let his words affect her, not now. "Thank you," she says, her voice barely above a murmur. "So do you."

Their final performance is electric. The chemistry between them is off the charts, their movements so in sync it's like they're sharing the same breath. The group watches, their eyes glued to the passion unfolding before them. They've seen Jimin with many dancers before, but there's something different about Y/N, something that makes the air thick with anticipation.

The tension builds as they run through the routine, their bodies brushing, their eyes locking in a silent conversation that speaks volumes. Every dip and twirl feels like a promise, every touch a silent confession. When they reach the part where their dance culminates in a steamy embrace, the energy in the room is almost tangible.

Y/N's heart is racing as Jimin's hands slide around her waist, pulling her closer. Their eyes meet, and for a moment, it feels like the world stops spinning. His gaze is intense, full of want and need. Her own desire mirrors his, and she knows that she's playing with fire. But the flames are too tempting, too alluring to resist.

The music reaches a crescendo, and they perform the final dip, their bodies so close that she can feel the heat radiating from him. As they come up, Jimin's hand lingers on her waist, his thumb brushing against the sensitive skin of her lower back. She gasps, the sensation shooting straight to her core. The group watches, their eyes wide, as the dance ends on a powerful note, the chemistry between them leaving no room for doubt.

The silence in the room is deafening until it's broken by the sound of clapping. The members of BTS stand up, applauding the raw passion and skill displayed in their dance. Y/N's cheeks burn as she bows slightly, her eyes finding Jimin's. He smiles at her, the proud look in his eyes making her heart swell. They've done it—they've created something truly special together.

"That was incredible," Jungkook says, his eyes shining with excitement. "I've never seen you dance like that, Jimin."

Jimin's grip on Y/N's waist tightens for a brief moment before he lets go. "We make a good team," he says, his voice casual, though his eyes betray his true feelings.

Y/N nods, trying to keep her breathing even. "We do," she agrees, her heart racing.

The director claps his hands to get everyone's attention. "Alright, let's take a look at what we've got," he says, his voice gruff. The group gathers around a nearby monitor, their eyes glued to the screen as the playback begins.

Y/N feels a flutter in her stomach as she watches their performance. Every move, every touch, every passionate look feels amplified, as if the camera had captured not just their dance, but their very souls.

The director nods, his stern face unreadable. "Good work," he says, his voice gruff. "Disperse."

The group starts to break up, the members heading to their designated areas for rehearsals.

Y/N finds herself in rehearsal with Jungkook and J-hope, working tirelessly on the acrobatic routine. The hours fly by as they practice flips and lifts, their bodies moving in synchrony despite their different styles. She misses the comfort of Jimin's touch, the way their chemistry made even the most complicated routines feel effortless. But she knows that maintaining a professional distance is what's best for both of them.

During dinner, she forces a smile, making small talk with the other members. She laughs at Jin's jokes, nods in agreement with Namjoon's insights on music, and teases Yoongi about his love for cooking. But every time Jimin enters the room, her heart skips a beat. She catches his eyes on her, filled with a warmth that makes her want to melt into him. The effort of pretending is exhausting, but she's determined to keep the peace.

Later, during a card game, she sits at the opposite end of the table from Jimin, her body rigid with tension. The air crackles with unspoken words, and she can feel his gaze on her like a warm caress, even when she's not looking at him. She throws down a card with more force than necessary, trying to shake off the feeling.

"Guys," Jimin says, his voice cutting through the light-hearted banter, "I need to talk about something."

The room goes quiet, and everyone looks at him, sensing the seriousness in his tone. Y/N grows concerned, worried that Jimin wasn't feeling well or was stressed about something.

"I was watching the news the other day, and I came across a segment that was about me and one of my older albums. The commentators made some bad comments about my voice and dancing," Jimin says, his voice tight with frustration. "And they said I was the type of guy who looked like a heartless fuckboy. Online it says similar things about me. It hurts."

Y/N looks at him, her eyes widening slightly. The other members exchange glances, unsure of what to say. Jimin rarely opens up about his personal feelings, especially when it comes to his reputation.

"You're not heartless, Jimin," she says, her voice firm. "You're a good person."

Jimin looks at her, his eyes searching hers. "Thank you, Y/N," he says, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. "But sometimes I wonder if all people see is a lie."

Y/N nods in understanding, her mind racing with an idea. She's had enough of the way people perceive Jimin. She knows the real him—kind, caring, and talented beyond measure. Without saying a word to anyone, she decides to take matters into her own hands. That night, she creates a fanpage for Jimin on Instagram, filled with adorable behind-the-scenes moments and sweet anecdotes about his personality. She pours her heart into each post, showcasing his playfulness, his dedication to his craft, and the gentle way he treats those around him.

The response is overwhelming. The account grows by thousands each day, and soon it's not just fans praising Jimin, but also industry insiders and even former partners coming forward to share their positive experiences with him. The hashtag #respectthemochi starts to trend, and the narrative shifts. His reputation seems to be changing before their very eyes, and the group notices. They start to see a softer side of him that they hadn't before, and the air around him feels lighter, less charged with the weight of his past.

But Y/N keeps her role a secret, watching from the sidelines as the person she's come to care about starts to shine brighter than ever. She pours her heart into each post, crafting captions that highlight his quirks and the sweet moments they share. It's a cathartic experience for her, a way to channel her feelings without crossing the line they've drawn.

Days pass and the buzz around Jimin's new image grows. He's surprised to find himself the subject of positive articles, praising his growth and maturity. The comments section of his own social media accounts are no longer a minefield of spite, but a place where fans gush over his kindness and charm. He can't quite put his finger on when things changed, but he knows something is different.

One evening, after a particularly grueling rehearsal, Jimin retreats to the BTS dorm room. He finds Y/N's phone there, thinking she must have left it. He grabs it to return it to her, and sees instagram opened up to his famous fanpage that altered his reputation for the better. His heart skips a beat, and he realizes that the change in his public perception is tied to her. He knows it in his bones.

Mustering all the courage he can, Jimin heads to Y/N's small personal dorm room, his heart pounding like a drum in his chest. He takes a moment to compose himself, then gently knocks on the door. It opens slowly, revealing Y/N sitting at her desk, surrounded by fairy lights and the faint scent of her jasmine-scented candles. She looks up, surprised to see him.

"Jimin, what's up?" she asks, her voice filled with curiosity. She's wearing a loose T-shirt and shorts, her hair tied up in a messy bun. She's makeup-free, and she looks more beautiful than ever.

He takes a step inside, his eyes scanning the room. It's small and simple, but it's her sanctuary. Her laptop is open on the desk, the glow of the screen casting a soft light across her features. "I just wanted to say...I know."

Y/N's hands freeze on her keyboard. "Know what?" she asks, playing dumb. But she knows. She can see it in his eyes—the realization, the gratitude, the vulnerability.

Jimin takes a deep breath. "I know you're behind the fanpage," he says, his voice barely above a whisper. "The way you see me, the way you show everyone else… it's changing things for me."

Y/N's cheeks flush, and she looks down at her hands. "I just wanted to show the real you," she admits, her voice trembling slightly. "You deserve to be seen for who you truly are."

Jimin walks over to her, his steps deliberate and sure. He stops behind her chair, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Thank you," he whispers, his breath warm against her neck. "You have no idea what this means to me."

Y/N's heart hammers in her chest as she feels his fingers gently kneading the tension from her muscles. "You're welcome," she murmurs, trying to ignore the shiver that runs down her spine. "You're an amazing person, Jimin. It's about time everyone else sees it too."

Jimin's thumbs trace circles on her back, his touch featherlight yet firm. She leans into the massage, her eyes closing as she sighs with relief. His touch is comforting, grounding her in a way she didn't know she needed. It's a stark contrast to the electric chemistry that fuels their dance routines, but no less potent. She feels his warmth seep into her, soothing the ragged edges of her nerves.

"You're so tense," he murmurs, his voice low and soothing. "You need to relax."

Y/N nods, her eyes still closed. Jimin's touch is like a balm, easing the tension that's been building in her shoulders and neck for months. She can feel his thumbs digging in, working out the knots that have formed from hours of rehearsals and the weight of their unspoken feelings. His hands are strong and skilled, a testament to his years of dance training.

"Thank you," she admits, her voice a little shakier than she'd like. "This is exactly what I need."

Jimin leans down, his chin resting on her shoulder as he continues to massage her. "You've been working so hard," he murmurs, his voice filled with concern. "You deserve to relax."

Y/N nods, her eyes still closed. She's acutely aware of the proximity of their bodies, the way their breath mingles in the quiet of her room. The line between friendship and something more is blurring, and she can feel the pull of it like gravity. "You're not so bad at this," she says, a small smile playing on her lips.

"I have my talents," Jimin replies, his voice teasing. His thumbs make their way up to her ears, gently massaging the tension there. She gasps at the sensation, her eyes flying open. The way he's looking at her is anything but professional, his gaze intense and hungry.

"Jimin…" she starts, but he shakes his head, cutting her off.

"Stop," he says, his voice thick with emotion. "Just let me help you."

Y/N's eyes flutter shut again, her body responding to the gentle ministrations of his hands. She can't help but lean into his touch, her resolve to keep things professional slipping away like grains of sand in an hourglass. The moment feels too real, too intimate to deny.

Suddenly, the air in the room changes, the tension ratcheting up as Jimin's thumbs stop their circular motions and instead trace the line of her jaw, moving up to cradle her face. He leans in, his breath hot on her skin, and for a heart-stopping moment, she's sure he's going to kiss her.

"What are you doing?" she whispers, her voice trembling.

Jimin's eyes search hers, his expression a mix of desire and hesitation. "What we both want," he murmurs, his breath warm against her lips.

In a heartbeat, Jimin's lips are on hers. It's a gentle kiss, a question more than a declaration, but it sends a bolt of lightning straight through her body. She gasps, her hands rising to his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath her fingertips.

The kiss deepens, and she feels the world around them melt away. His hands move from her neck to her hair, cradling her head as he kisses her with a passion that leaves her breathless. Her own hands slide up his chest, over his shoulders, and around his neck, pulling him closer as if she's afraid he might disappear. The fabric of their clothes is the only barrier between them, and it feels like too much.

Y/N's body responds to him, her breasts pushing against his chest, her hips shifting in her seat as she tries to get closer. Jimin groans softly, his hands moving to the hem of her shirt. He lifts it slowly, his eyes never leaving hers, as if asking for permission with every inch of exposed skin. She nods, her breath coming in shallow pants, and he pulls it over her head, revealing the bra she's wearing underneath. In an instant, that's gone, too.

He takes a step back, his eyes roaming over her body; it's the first time he's ever seen her so exposed. He reaches out, his thumbs hooking into the waistband of her shorts, and pulls them down with agonizing slowness. Her panties follow, leaving her naked before him.

Jimin's eyes darken as he takes in the sight of her. He reaches out, tracing the line of her thighs before moving up to cup her ass. "You're so fucking beautiful," he murmurs, his voice thick with desire.

Y/N's body responds to his touch, her core pulsing with need. She can feel herself growing wetter by the second, her arousal soaking through the fabric of her underwear. She bites her bottom lip, trying to hold back a moan. "Jimin…"

He pulls her closer, his own breathing ragged. His thumbs graze the sensitive skin of her inner thighs, and she gasps as he traces the wetness of her desire. "You're so wet, fuck," he whispers, his voice filled with awe. "Don't hold back. Moan for me, baby."

Y/N's eyes roll back in her head as she lets out a low, needy sound. She's soaking wet, her body begging for his touch. She feels the heat of his skin against hers, the warmth of his breath against her neck as he kisses and nibbles his way down her body. His hands are everywhere, exploring her curves with a hunger that matches her own.

When she feels his knees press into the floor before her, she opens her eyes to find him kneeling between her legs, his gaze dark and intense. She can feel the wetness of her arousal against her inner thighs, and she knows that he can see it too. She feels exposed, vulnerable, but she can't bring herself to be embarrassed. Not with the way he's looking at her.

Jimin's eyes never leave her pussy as he leans in closer, his breath hot and heavy against her skin. "Open for me," he whispers, his voice low and commanding.

Her hands move to her thighs, her fingers gripping the soft flesh as she does as she's told. With a gentle yet firm hand, she spreads the lips of her pussy apart, and she feels a rush of cold air against her wetness. She gasps, her body quivering with anticipation.

Jimin's tongue presses down in a firm line along her slit, and she can't help but let out a scream of pleasure. She feels his tongue swirl around her clit, teasing it mercilessly before plunging deep into her warmth. Her body clenches around him, desperate for more, and she can't help but squirm in her seat.

"Open wider," he commands, his voice a low growl. She does as she's told, her legs trembling as she opens herself wider for him, her fingers pushing her folds apart even further. His tongue flattens, moving in a slow, deliberate motion that sends waves of pleasure crashing through her body. He's in complete control, and she's lost in the sensation of his mouth on her.

Y/N's eyes are squeezed shut, her other hand's nails digging into the chair's armrests as Jimin's tongue delves deeper into her folds. He's relentless, exploring every inch of her with a hunger that leaves her gasping for breath. "Jimin," she screams, her voice high and needy. She can feel her orgasm building, coiling tight in her belly.

But just as she's about to reach the peak, he pulls back, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "If you want to cum," he says, his voice a dark purr, "you're going to have to use both of your hands and really hold that pussy wide open for me, baby"

Y/N's eyes fly open, and she stares at him, panting. She's never felt so exposed, so vulnerable, but she also feels a thrill of excitement. She nods, her hands shaking as she spreads her legs wider, her fingers separating her pussy lips for him even more than before, pain and pleasure mixing. Jimin's eyes are hooded, his gaze locked on her exposed flesh.

"Look at you," he says, his voice hoarse. "So pretty, so pink and swollen." He licks his lips, and she can see the hunger in his eyes. "So fucking wet."

Y/N's cheeks burn with a mix of embarrassment and arousal as Jimin describes her in such explicit terms. "Please," she begs, her voice shaking. "Touch me. I need you."

"That's right, beg," he murmurs, his voice thick with desire.

Y/N's eyes never leave his as she feels her body respond to his words, her hips bucking. She's never felt so exposed, so raw, and yet she craves more. Jimin's eyes are like dark pools, drinking in the sight of her. She can feel his breath on her thighs, and the anticipation is almost too much to bear.

"Please," she gasps, her voice barely recognizable. "Jimin, touch me."

The sight of Y/N's open pussy, glistening with her arousal, is almost too much for Jimin to bear. He watches as a bead of her juices rolls down her thigh, her body quivering with need. He's torn between his desire to be gentle and the primal urge to claim her completely. His eyes trace the path of the liquid, his mouth watering as he imagines tasting her sweetness again.

"Jimin," she screams, her voice a mix of pleasure and desperation. Her fingers tremble as they struggle to keep open her throbbing pussy, waiting for Jimin's touch. "Touch me. Please."

But Jimin doesn't move. He just watches, his eyes hooded and intense, as the juices spill out from her, coating her thighs and making her chair wet. "My baby's so fucking wet," he whispers.

Y/N's eyes widen with desperation, her hips bucking as she tries to close the distance between them. "Fuck," she gasps, her voice thick with need. "Please, Jimin."

"What do you want, baby?" he asks, his voice a dark purr.

Y/N's eyes are wild, her breath coming in ragged pants as she stares at him. "Your mouth," she gasps. "I need your mouth on me."

Jimin watches the slickness of her arousal trickle down her inner thighs. He licks his lips, savoring the anticipation, before finally giving in to the urge. His mouth closes over her pussy, his tongue delving into her wetness without hesitation. The sound of his suction fills the room, and Y/N's scream is a sweet symphony of pleasure, "Jimin!"

Y/N's body arches off the chair, her legs trembling uncontrollably as Jimin devours her. His mouth is relentless, sucking and licking with an intensity that leaves her gasping for air. Her hand clutches the back of his head, holding him in place as she rides the wave of sensation. She can feel the tension coiling tighter and tighter in her belly, the pressure building until she's sure she'll burst.

With a final, desperate cry, Y/N's orgasm crashes over her, and she collapses against the chair, her legs shaking. Jimin doesn't stop, his tongue lapping at her sensitive flesh, savoring every drop of her pleasure. He drinks from her like she's the sweetest nectar, his eyes never leaving hers as he licks and kisses her clean, "You're so sweet, baby." Her body quivers with the aftershocks, and she can't help but whimper as the last of her orgasm subsides.

Jimin stands, his eyes never leaving hers as he pulls her to her feet. He wraps his arms around her, lifting her easily, and carries her to the small bed in the corner of the room. He sits down, gently placing her in his lap. She curls into him, her body boneless with satisfaction. His chest is warm and solid against her cheek, and she feels his heart pounding in time with hers. He holds her close, his breathing still a little ragged from his own desire.

"That was fun, baby." Jimin said soothingly.

Y/N nodded, her breathing still uneven from the intense orgasm. His heartbeat was a comforting rhythm beneath her ear, and she couldn't help but let out a small sigh of contentment. But the moment was short-lived as the reality of their situation came crashing back down on her. "What now?' she asked, her voice small and uncertain.

Jimin kissed the top of her head, his hands stroking her back in a soothing motion. "We'll figure it out," he assured her.

Y/N nodded, her eyes fluttering closed as she allowed herself to sink into the warmth of his embrace. The feeling of his arms around her was like nothing she had ever experienced before, and she didn't want it to end.

They stayed like that overnight, their bodies entwined in a silent promise of what was to come. The air was thick with the scent of their desire, mingling with the faint smell of their sweat from the day's rehearsals. The gentle rise and fall of Jimin's chest was soothing, lulling Y/N into a fitful sleep filled with dreams of their future together.

The next morning, Y/N untangled herself from Jimin's embrace with a soft sigh, the reality of their situation settling back into place like a heavy cloak. She slipped out of bed, her legs still trembling from the intensity of their encounter. The sun had barely risen, casting a soft glow over the city of Seoul, but she knew she had to face the day and the rehearsal that awaited her.

Pulling on her workout gear, she made her way to the practice studio where she was scheduled to work on her flips with Jungkook and J-Hope. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions, but she forced herself to focus on the task at hand. The sound of their voices and the thump of the bass from the speakers grew louder as she approached. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself before walking in.

"Good morning, Y/N," Jungkook greeted her with a bright smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief. J-Hope nodded in her direction. She returned their greetings, trying to keep her voice steady.

They began the session with simple stretches, but it wasn't long before they moved on to the cartwheels. Y/N had always struggled with them, her body not quite as limber as the other dancers'. She watched as Jungkook and J-Hope performed them with ease, their bodies moving in a graceful arc. Determined to impress, she pushed herself harder than ever before.

Y/N's feet left the floor, and for a brief moment, she felt like she was flying. But then, reality came crashing down as she stumbled and landed awkwardly, her arm snapping under the weight of her body. The pain was instant and blinding, a white-hot agony that brought tears to her eyes. She cradled her arm, a sickening crack echoing in her ears.

Jungkook and J-Hope rushed over, their expressions a mix of concern and shock. "Y/N, are you okay?" Jungkook asked, his voice filled with worry. She could only whimper in response, her teeth clenched against the pain.

J-Hope helped her up gently, his eyes filled with empathy. "Come on," he said, his arm around her shoulders. "Let's get you to the nursing station."

Y/N nodded, her face pale with pain. She was acutely aware of the eyes of the other dancers on her, the whispers that had started to spread through the room. As they walked, she couldn't help but feel a sense of failure. She had let herself get carried away by the passion of the moment, and now she had paid the price.

When they reached the nursing station, the nurse took one look at her arm and gently guided her to the exam table. "We need to get this looked at," she said, her voice filled with kindness. "You might have a break or a sprain."

Y/N nodded, trying not to let the pain show on her face. But as the nurse began to inspect her arm, she couldn't help but whimper. The pain was unbearable, and she felt the tears start to fall.

Just then, the door to the nursing station burst open, and in rushed Jimin, his eyes wild with concern. "Y/N," he gasped, his voice thick with worry. "What happened?"

Y/N looked up, her eyes meeting his. The pain in her arm was forgotten for a moment as she took in the sight of him, his face etched with lines of panic and fear. "Jimin," she said, her voice small. "I'm okay."

But Jimin wasn't listening. He was too busy scanning her face, looking for any signs of pain or distress. When he saw the tears glistening in her eyes, his expression turned fierce. "What happened?" he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

The nurse looked up, a hint of surprise in her eyes at Jimin's sudden appearance. "It seems she's injured her arm during practice," she said calmly. "We need to get it checked out."

Jimin's eyes snapped to Y/N's arm, his gaze darkening when he saw the way she cradled it. Without a word, he picked her up, cradling her against his chest as if she were the most delicate thing in the world.

Y/N's heart raced as Jimin carried her to the exam table, his arms tight around her. His touch was gentle but firm, and she felt a sense of security that she hadn't felt in a long time. As he set her down, she couldn't help but lean into him, her eyes searching his for reassurance. "I'm sorry," she murmured, her voice thick with pain and embarrassment.

Jimin cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs wiping away her tears. "Why are apologizing?" he said fiercely. "You should be more careful when doing those flips. You have no past experience."

Y/N's eyes searched his, trying to convey her gratitude for his concern. "I know," she whispered. "I wanted it to be perfect."

Jimin leaned in closer, his gaze intense. "You are perfect," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "Don't ever doubt that." And then, as if unable to resist any longer, he pressed his lips to hers in a passionate kiss that stole the breath from her lungs. The world around them melted away, and for a moment, there was nothing but the two of them.

When he pulled back, Y/N's eyes searched his, filled with a mix of surprise and desire. "You don't have to push yourself so hard," he whispered, his thumbs brushing her cheeks. "You're amazing just the way you are."

Before she could respond, the door to the nursing center swung open again, and the rest of BTS spilled in, their expressions a mix of worry and curiosity. "Is she okay?" Taehyung asked, his eyes wide.

Jimin nodded, his hand still cradling Y/N's face. "She's going to be fine," he assured them, his voice tight with concern.

"But what about the acrobatic performance?" Yoongi asked, his brow furrowed. "We can't risk her getting hurt again."

Y/N felt a knot of anxiety form in her stomach as she looked up at Jimin. His grip on her hand tightened reassuringly. "Don't worry, I'll do it," he said, a determined glint in his eye.

The room was suddenly crowded with the rest of the members of BTS, their faces a mix of concern and determination. Jungkook looked at Jimin with a hint of challenge. "You're going to fill in for Y/N?" he asked.

Jimin nodded firmly, his eyes never leaving Y/N's. "Yeah," he said. "We can't let this performance be anything less than perfect, and she's not going to be able to do those acrobatics with an injured arm. Besides I can already do some flips." He gently released her face and took her hand in his, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on her palm.

Y/N felt the color drain from her cheeks as she looked down at her arm, the pain momentarily forgotten in the face of her fear. "Will you guys have to fire me because I got injured?" she whispered, her eyes wide with panic. The thought of losing her dream job, of being sent back to the obscurity she'd come from, was almost too much to bear.

Jimin's expression softened, his thumb still tracing circles on her palm. "No," he said firmly. "You're not going anywhere. We'll wait for you to recover and then give you your next dance assignment."

The other members nodded in agreement, the tension in the room easing slightly. "Let's focus on getting Y/N better," J-Hope said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

With a sigh of relief, Y/N watched as the rest of the group filed out, leaving only Jimin by her side. He didn't say a word, just took a seat next to her on the bed, his eyes never leaving hers. They sat in silence, the only sound the steady beep of the heart monitor.

Y/N leaned into Jimin, her head resting on his shoulder as his arm wrapped around her. His warmth was a comfort she hadn't realized she needed, and she felt her eyes begin to drift shut. She was exhausted, both physically and emotionally.

"Y/N," Jimin began, his voice a soft murmur that seemed to resonate through her very soul, "you're one of the best people I know." He took a deep breath, his eyes searching hers as if trying to convey the depth of his admiration. "You're strong. So much stronger than you think. And your passion, the way you throw yourself into everything you do - it's inspiring. It's one of the things I love most about you."

Y/N felt her heart flutter but simply nodded and hugged him tighter, her eyes squeezed shut as she fought against the tears that threatened to spill over.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "That means so much coming from you."

"You have no idea," Jimin said, his voice earnest. "The way you handle every challenge thrown your way, the way you light up the room with your smile - it's infectious. I've never seen anything quite like it. You're not just a good dancer, Y/N, you're a star. The way your body moves, it's mesmerizing. I can't stop looking…"

Y/N felt her cheeks heat up at his words, a warm blush spreading across her face. She leaned into his embrace, her heart racing with excitement and nerves. "Jimin…" she began, but he placed a finger on her lips, silencing her.

"Shh," he murmured, his eyes searching hers. "Just listen."

Y/N nodded, her eyes wide as she took in the raw emotion in his gaze.

"And what happened here," Jimin said, gesturing to her injured arm, "it's just a setback. It doesn't define you, and it doesn't change who you are. We'll get you better, and you'll come back stronger than ever. I believe in you."

Y/N felt a warmth spread through her, the kind that didn't come from physical touch, but from the depth of Jimin's words. It was the kind of warmth that filled her chest and made her feel invincible. She leaned into him, her eyes closing as she took in his scent, a mix of sweat and the faint scent of his cologne.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion.

Jimin leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, "I''ll never let you go, Y/N. You're a part of me now." His arms tightened around her, as if he could somehow absorb her into his very being and keep her safe from the world. Y/N's heart skipped a beat at his words, a thrill of excitement mingling with the pain in her arm. She had never felt so cherished, so desired.

The nurse returned with a gentle reprimand for Jimin's overzealousness, insisting that Y/N needed rest. He reluctantly released her, his gaze lingering on her face as she was led away for x-rays. The coldness of his absence was stark, leaving her feeling vulnerable and exposed. But she knew he was just outside, waiting for her. The thought of his fierce protection was like a warm blanket, comforting her through the fear and pain of the unknown.

The diagnosis was a fracture - a clean break, thankfully, but one that would require her to wear a cast for several weeks. Y/N felt the weight of disappointment settle on her shoulders like a heavy stone. She watched as the doctor wrapped her arm, her mind racing with the implications. Her dance career, the one thing she'd fought so hard for, was now in delay.

As she sat in the hospital room, her thoughts drifted to Jimin. His words of reassurance echoed in her mind, giving her the strength to face the reality of her situation. She knew their relationship was weird right now because they were technically just friends. Even though they had kissed several times and slept together on many occasions, none of them had confessed any feelings, and Y/N was worried.

The next two months were a blur of doctor's visits, physical therapy, and watching the BTS group from the sidelines. She'd sit in the practice room, her arm in a cast, and watch as the other dancers moved with grace and power, feeling a pang of envy with each step they took. But she also felt a strange sense of belonging. Despite her injury, the group didn't treat her differently. They'd include her in their conversations and their jokes.

Every night, she'd retreat to the dorm room she shared with the other backup dancers, but she'd spend her evenings in BTS's dorm, surrounded by the comforting chaos of the boys. They'd watch movies, play games, and sometimes, just sit in comfortable silence. It was during these moments that she felt closest to them, especially Jimin. They'd share looks that spoke volumes, his hand brushing against hers in a way that wasn't quite accidental.

One evening, J-Hope returned from a quick run to the convenience store with a bottle of soju in hand. "Let's celebrate our friendships," he exclaimed, grinning mischievously. The boys cheered, and the bottle made its way around the room, each taking a shot or two, the room filling with laughter and the warm buzz of camaraderie. Y/N watched from the sidelines, nursing a bottle of water with a small smile. She wanted to drink but was worried about the loss of control that came with it.

Jimin, feeling the effects of the alcohol, grew increasingly playful. His eyes kept darting to Y/N, his smile growing more flirtatious with each passing minute. The other members noticed, teasing him with good-natured ribs and nudges.

"Come on, Y/N," Taehyung said with a grin. "Just one shot."

Y/N's cheeks flushed pink. "No thanks," she replied, her voice firm. "I don't drink."

J-Hope's grin grew wider. "Ah, come on. Just one won't hurt." He waved the bottle in her direction, the clear liquid glinting under the room's soft lighting.

Y/N laughed, shaking her head. "No really, I'm good."

But Jimin's gaze was intense, his eyes dark with something she couldn't quite decipher. He leaned closer, his hand on her knee. "Do it for me," he said, his voice a seductive whisper.

Y/N felt the heat rise in her cheeks, the weight of his hand a brand on her skin. "Jimin, please," she protested, her voice a mix of laughter and nerves.

"Or you can just taste it off my lips," Jimin said, his voice low and inviting. The room grew quieter as the other members watched the exchange with curiosity and shock. Y/N's eyes widened, and she felt a rush of heat through her body. The room was spinning with the anticipation of Jimin's lips on hers, but she knew she couldn't let this go too far.

She leaned in and took the bottle from J-Hope. "Fine," she said, her voice steady. She took a deep breath, her heart racing, and took a small sip of the strong drink. The liquid burned as it went down, but she didn't cough or flinch, surprising even herself.

The room erupted in cheers, the tension momentarily broken by her act of solidarity. But as the noise died down, it was only Jimin's eyes that remained on hers. He leaned in, his breath warm against her cheek. "Good girl," he murmured, the words sending a shiver down her spine. "Let me taste it." Suddenly, his lips were on hers, and she felt the gentle pressure as he sipped the soju from her mouth.

The kiss was soft, tender even, a stark contrast to the fiery passion of their previous encounters. But it was no less intense, the promise of what could be simmering just beneath the surface.

When Jimin pulled away, Y/N's eyes fluttered open, and she was met with the stunned silence of the room. The other members of BTS stared at them, their expressions a mix of shock, confusion, and something else she couldn't quite place. A soft moan of protest slipped from her lips before she could stop it, the taste of Jimin still lingering on her tongue.

Her heart raced as she realized the gravity of what had just occurred. She had kissed Jimin, the heartthrob of millions, in front of his bandmates. This was it. This was the moment that could ruin everything she had worked so hard to achieve. She had crossed a line that could not be uncrossed, and the fear of losing her job and her place in the group.

Jimin's hand remained on her knee, his thumb tracing gentle circles, his eyes never leaving hers. Their faces were merely inches away. The tension in the room was thick, but his grip was a comfort, a silent promise that he wasn't going to let her go. The other members of BTS exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of shock and concern. Jungkook was the first to break the silence. "What was that?" he asked, his voice tight.

Jimin didn't flinch, his gaze still locked on Y/N. "It's none of your business, she's mine," he replied still drunk, yet his voice was firm. The room grew tense, and Y/N could feel the weight of their stares on her, but she couldn't bring herself to look away from Jimin's eyes.

"Jimin," Namjoon began, his voice measured and calm, "you need to think about what you're doing."

Jimin's gaze didn't waver from Y/N's, his hand sliding up to her waist, pulling her closer until their bodies were flush against one another. "What I'm doing," he murmured, his voice thick with alcohol, "is claiming what's mine. Right, Y/N?"

Y/N's breath hitched, her eyes searching Jimin's. She could feel the weight of the room's attention on them, but she couldn't bring herself to deny him. Instead, she nodded, her voice a whisper. "Yes."

The other members of BTS stared, their expressions ranging from shock to confusion to something akin to betrayal. Y/N knew she had to say something, to explain, but the words were lodged in her throat, a knot of fear and excitement choking her. "Guys, I-"

But before she could finish, Jimin cut her off with a sharp look. "You don't have to worry about it, baby," he said, his voice now a low growl, his hand tightening around her waist. "What happens between me and you is our business."

Y/N eyes widened as she felt Jimin's hand slide down her body, his long, slender fingers finding the hem of her shorts. Heat flooded her cheeks, but she couldn't move, couldn't speak. His touch was like a brand, searing through the fabric and setting her nerve endings alight. And then, without warning, his hand was inside her shorts, cupping her pussy with a possessiveness that sent a shockwave through her body.

Her moan was involuntary, a soft gasp that seemed to echo in the suddenly silent room. She felt his fingers move, exploring her, and she couldn't help but grind against his hand. The feeling was exquisite, a mix of pleasure and pain that made her toes curl. Jimin's eyes gleamed with triumph, his lips curving into a smug smile as he watched her reaction.

The other members of BTS stared, their eyes wide and unblinking, their jaws practically on the floor. They had all seen the chemistry between Jimin and Y/N, but this was something else entirely. It was raw, unbridled lust, and it was playing out right in front of them.

Jimin leaned closer, his breath hot against her ear. "You're mine," he murmured, his voice a low growl that sent shivers down her spine. "You always have been, from the moment I laid eyes on you." His hand moved in a slow, deliberate rhythm, teasing and taunting her. "You know it, I know it, and now they know it."

Y/N's breath came in short, sharp gasps as she leaned into his touch, the alcohol in the air making her head spin. She should have been embarrassed, should have pulled away, but she was lost in the haze of desire that seemed to engulf them. "I'm yours," she whispered, her voice a plea for more.

Jimin says, "Look how fucking wet she is for me. Moaning for me. All for me, right baby?" The last part was a soft whisper.

Y/N nods, eyes glazed with lust as she whispers, "Yes, Jimin."

The room feels like it's spinning, the only anchor in this whirlwind is Jimin's hand, his fingers moving with a rhythm that's driving her wild. She's acutely aware of the other members' presence, but the only thing that matters is the man before her, his hand on her, claiming her.

And then, amidst the shocked silence, Jungkook breaks the tension with his candid remark. "That's fucking hot." The words hang in the air, and she feels a strange mix of embarrassment and satisfaction. She can feel the heat in her cheeks, but she doesn't look away from Jimin's eyes.

Yoongi speaks up, his tone measured and thoughtful. "I think we should let them try a relationship," he says, his gaze flicking between them, "as long as they keep it hidden from everyone else but us, it should be okay."

Y/N's heart skips a beat at the suggestion, her eyes darting to Jimin's for any hint of his thoughts. She sees the fire in his eyes, the same passion that had just claimed her moments ago. She knows that this isn't just a drunken confession; it's a declaration of intent.

The other members exchange looks, the gravity of the situation sinking in. After a tense moment, Namjoon nods slowly, "If you two are serious," he says, his eyes flicking from Y/N to Jimin, "then we're here to support you."

A collective sigh of relief fills the room, and the tension eases slightly. Jimin's gaze never leaves Y/N's, his hand still caressing her intimately. He leans in and captures her mouth in a deep, passionate kiss that leaves her breathless. His other hand slides under her shirt, his fingers tracing the soft skin of her stomach before dipping lower, finding her wetness and slipping four fingers inside her without preamble.

Y/N gasps into the kiss, her body arching involuntarily at the sudden intrusion. Her eyes widen, but she doesn't pull away, instead, she clings to him tighter, her hand reaching up to tangle in his hair. His kiss is possessive, dominating, and she can't help but melt into it. The members of BTS watch, their shock now giving way to understanding, a knowing look in their eyes that says they've seen this coming from a mile away.

Jimin's fingers move with a skill that speaks of experience, pushing her closer and closer to the edge. Y/N's breath comes in short, staccato bursts, her eyes fluttering shut as she tries to focus on the sensation building within her. And then, with a low moan that she can't hold back, she cums, her body shuddering with the intensity of her release. She's vaguely aware of the cheers and hoots from the other members, but all she can focus on is the feeling of Jimin's hand on her, the way he's claiming her so publicly.

Jimin pulls his fingers out slowly, a smug smile playing on his lips as he brings them to his mouth and licks them clean. The sight sends another wave of desire through her, and she can't help but whimper at the sight. He tastes her on his lips, a look of pure satisfaction in his eyes as he swallows. The room is silent, the air thick with the scent of their passion.

Jimin leans his forehead against hers, his breath warm and heavy. His eyes search hers, looking for something, and she wonders if she'll ever truly understand what's going on in his mind.

"Y/N," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. "I love you."

The words hit her like a ton of bricks, sending shockwaves through her body. "Jimin," she whispers, her voice trembling. "I think I love you, too."

The room goes still, the only sound the faint beating of their hearts echoing in the tension-filled silence. The other members of BTS exchange glances, their expressions a mix of disbelief and understanding.

Y/N feels her cheeks burn with a blush that spreads across her face and down her neck. She can't believe she just confessed her love to Jimin in front of his bandmates, especially after their explosive encounter. But his words, his claim, his possession - it all feels so right. She looks into his eyes, searching for any sign of doubt, but all she sees is raw emotion, the same passion that had driven him to kiss her so fiercely moments ago.

They pull away, both of them slightly out of breath, and turn to face the group. Jimin's hand is still on her waist, a possessive gesture that she doesn't dare shake off. The room is filled with a tense silence, the air charged with the electricity of their confession. The other members of BTS stare at them, their expressions a mix of shock, confusion, and acceptance.

J-Hope is the first to break the silence, his voice filled with a strange mix of happiness and trepidation. "Well, congrats you two," he says with a smile, raising his bottle in a toast. The others follow suit, their expressions mirroring his own. Y/N feels a knot in her stomach loosen, the tension draining from her body as she realizes they're not going to be ostracized.

"Thank you," Jimin says, his voice strong and steady as he stands, pulling Y/N to her feet with him. "It means a lot that you guys are okay with this."

Y/N's heart is racing, but she manages a smile, her eyes flicking to Jimin's hand on her waist. He looks down at her, and she sees the true smile in his eyes, the kind that lights up his whole face and makes his cheeks crinkle and eyes close. It's a smile she's only seen a few times, reserved for moments of pure happiness, and it sends warmth flooding through her.

The next two years pass in a whirlwind of secret meetings, stolen kisses, and passionate encounters. They're careful, always, keeping their relationship tightly under wraps. Jimin insists she wear a mask during their couple dance routines, a precaution that feels both thrilling and suffocating, to ensure that Y/N remains safe. The mask is a symbol of their hidden love, a reminder of the price they pay for their happiness. Y/N learns to dance with it, to move with it as if it's a part of her, to hide her identity behind the fabric while still conveying the raw emotion of their shared passion.

One fateful evening, after weeks of planning, they sneak away from the dorm for a rare dinner date at an exclusive restaurant known for its private booths. The paparazzi are everywhere, but they're good at hiding, good at playing the game. They sit across from each other, the candlelight flickering on Jimin's perfect features, making him look even more like the angel he is in her eyes. They talk in hushed tones, their laughter mingling with the soft murmur of the other patrons.

As they lean in closer, sharing a secret joke that no one else understands, Y/N feels a rush of emotion so intense it's almost overwhelming. She's in love with him, truly, madly, deeply, and she's never felt more alive than she does in these stolen moments. They're lost in their own world, oblivious to the camera lens that's suddenly trained on them.

A flash of light pierces the dimly lit room, and Y/N's heart stops. She freezes, her eyes wide with horror as she sees the paparazzi hiding in the shadows. They've been found out. The moment of joy turns into one of panic as the camera captures them, their kiss on full display for the world to see. Jimin's eyes narrow, and he pulls her closer, not breaking the kiss, as if trying to shield her from the impending storm.

In a swift move, Jimin grabs his jacket off the back of his chair and drapes it over her, hiding her face. He takes her hand firmly in his, and without a word, they bolt from the restaurant. The cool evening air hits them like a slap, but it's the least of their concerns as they dodge through the crowded street. Rain starts to fall, but it's nothing compared to the fear of exposure.

The paparazzi are quick to follow, their camera flashes like a strobe light in a chaotic dance of light and shadow. Jimin's heart races as he pulls her into a narrow alleyway, his eyes scanning for any sign of escape. He knows that one wrong turn could mean the end of their secret, the end of their fragile happiness.

Y/N's sobs are muffled by the rain that now drenches them both, her body trembling against his. He whispers reassurances into her ear, his hand gently stroking her back as he tries to soothe her fears. His voice is a balm, a warm embrace in the cold, wet world that's closing in on them.

"It'll be okay," Jimin murmurs, his tone soothing despite the urgency in his eyes. "We'll figure this out. I'm here for you."

Y/N nods, her eyes brimming with tears that mingle with the rain as they stand in the shadowy alley. She can feel the tremor in his hand as it cups her cheek, wiping away the wetness that's not entirely rain. His voice is a comforting balm, a gentle whisper that pierces through the cacophony of the storm outside and the storm of fear within her.

"Don't worry, Y/N," he says, his thumb brushing over her trembling lips. "We'll get through this."

And then, as if to seal their pact, Jimin leans in and kisses her again. This time, it's not for show, not for the cameras that have captured them. It's a kiss filled with love and fear, a silent promise to face the storm together. The rain soaks their clothes, mingling with their tears as they stand in the alley, oblivious to the world around them. It's a moment of pure vulnerability, a declaration that no matter what happens next, they belong to each other.

But the moment is shattered by the sound of cameras clicking, the flashes of light blinding them as they pull apart. The paparazzi have found them, their lenses zooming in on their drenched, makeup-less faces. Y/N feels a cold dread seep into her bones as she sees the hunger in their eyes, the eagerness to expose their secret. The whispers turn to shouts as they demand answers, their voices a cacophony of accusations and lewd comments.

"Who's the slut?" one of them yells, her voice harsh and unfeeling.

Y/N flinches, the harshness of the word a slap across her face. The flashes from the cameras are like a thousand tiny explosions in the night, blinding her.

But Jimin doesn't flinch. He stands tall, his grip on her tightening as he addresses the paparazzi with a steely calm. "Her name is Y/N, and she's not a slut. She's the woman I love." His voice is firm, his gaze unwavering as he says, "We're together."

The rain is now a downpour, soaking their clothes, but his words act as an invisible shield, wrapping around them both. The paparazzi are momentarily stunned into silence, their cameras lowering slightly. The interviewer, a sneer still on his lips, asks, "Is this another one of your stunts, Jimin? Trying to clean your image with a girl like that? You only like Korean girls with nice bodies and features. Is being with this dark fat girl some charity?"

Y/N's heart sinks at the cruel words, but Jimin's grip on her tightens. He steps forward, rain plastering his hair to his forehead, and says, "Y/N is not just any girl. She's the one who's put up with my shit, who's seen me at my fucking worst and still believed in me. She's beautiful, talented, and has the biggest heart I know. And she's fucking perfect. You're the one who needs to get your facts straight, and your racist mouth in check."

The paparazzi exchange shocked glances, not expecting such a fiery response from the usually composed idol. For a moment, they're silenced by Jimin's defense, but it's only a moment. The questions and flashes resume with renewed vigor, a storm of intrusion that seems to engulf them. Y/N wants to shrink away, to hide from the harsh reality of their situation, but Jimin's hand on her back keeps her grounded.

"Jimin," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the cacophony. "You may become unpopular because of me."

He shakes his head, a fierce determination in his gaze. "Let them say what they want. I don't care about their opinions. You're worth more than their fleeting approval." His words cut through the chaos like a knife, strong and unwavering.

Y/N looks up at him, the rain blurring her vision as she takes in the man who's claimed her so fiercely. In this moment, she sees the depth of his love, the lengths he's willing to go to protect her. And she knows that no matter what the future holds, she'll stand by his side.

With a decisive nod, Jimin leads her out of the alley, the paparazzi's questions following them like a swarm of angry bees. They run through the streets, the rain soaking them to the bone, but they don't stop until they're in the safety of his car. He slams the door shut, the sound echoing in the confined space, and turns to her, his eyes dark with passion and determination.

"We're going to tell them the truth," he says, his voice a low rumble. "No more hiding, no more secrets. I want the world to know you're mine."

Y/N's heart races at his words, the gravity of what they're about to do hitting her full force. She nods, her voice a whisper. "Okay."

They drive back to the BTS dorm in a tense silence, the rain outside mirroring the turmoil inside. The paparazzi are a distant memory now, chased away by Jimin's unwavering confidence. As they pull into the garage, the quiet is deafening, the only sound the steady thrum of the engine and the rhythmic patter of the rain on the windshield.

Once they're inside the safety of the dorm, Jimin leads her to his room, his hand a reassuring presence in hers. The walls are plastered with posters of their albums and magazine covers, a stark contrast to the intimacy of their stolen moments in the alley. He pulls out his phone, his thumb hovering over the camera app. Y/N looks up at him, her eyes questioning.

"What are you doing?" she asks, her voice still trembling slightly.

Jimin's gaze is focused, his hand steady as he snaps the photo. "This," he says, holding up the phone to show her their smiling, rain-soaked faces, "is going on my social media."

Y/N's eyes widen in surprise. "But, Jimin, your fans…"

He cuts her off with a soft smile, pressing a finger to her lips. "I know, but I've hidden you long enough. I want everyone to see how happy you make me, to know that you're the one who holds my heart." His thumb brushes away the remaining rainwater on her cheek, his touch gentle yet firm.

Y/N's heart skips a beat. The thought of being revealed to the world is terrifying, but the love in Jimin's eyes is a beacon in the storm. She nods, her breath hitching as he takes the photo. The flash lights up the room, capturing the raw emotion etched on their faces—the love, the fear, the excitement. It's a moment frozen in time, a declaration that no one can take away from them.

With a deep breath, Jimin uploads the image with the caption, "my love." The words hang in the air, a silent promise that echoes through the room. The click of the button feels like a gunshot, sending the image out into the digital world for everyone to see. Y/N's heart is racing, her eyes glued to the screen as she watches the likes and comments roll in. At first, it's just their closest friends and fans, but soon, the picture goes viral.

The next morning, the only thing on the news is Jimin's post and the paparazzi footage from the day before. The headlines scream of love, scandal, and defiance. The BTS members, still groggy from their late-night reactions, gather in the living room, their eyes glued to the television screens that line the walls, all displaying various news reports of the viral revelation. The room buzzes with a mix of shock, anger, and disbelief.

"What the fuck did you do?" Yoongi demands, his voice sharp as he turns to face Jimin and Y/N. His eyes are blazing, a stark contrast to the soft light of dawn that filters through the windows.

Jimin holds up his phone, the picture of them in the alley still displayed. "I told the truth," he says simply.

The room falls silent, the only sound the muffled chatter of reporters and the occasional beep of a notification from his phone. The weight of his words sinks in, and Y/N can see the fear in the other members' eyes, the doubt that they can navigate this storm. But she also sees something else—respect. They may not agree with their decision, but they know that Jimin and she are a force to be reckoned with, a bond that can't be easily broken.

Namjoon, the leader, is the first to speak up, his voice calm but firm. "Marriage might be the only way to protect you both from the backlash," he says, looking at Jimin with a seriousness that leaves no room for argument. "If you make it official, maybe people will lay off."

Jimin stares at him, the reality of his words hitting him like a sledgehammer. Marriage? To Y/N? The thought is exhilarating. He looks at her, his heart racing at the thought of spending the rest of his life with her, of having her by his side through everything.

"Namjoon," he says, his voice thick with emotion, "are you sure?"

Namjoon nods solemnly. "It's the only way to show the world how serious we are about this," he explains. "We'll stand by you."

Y/N feels a swell of gratitude for the group's unwavering support, but she's also acutely aware of the gravity of the situation. "Marriage?" she whispers, her voice shaking. "Is that what we have to do?"

Jimin takes her hand, his eyes searching hers. "Do you trust me, Y/N?"

Her heart skips a beat at the intensity of his gaze. She nods, squeezing his hand in response. "Always."

"Then let's do it," Jimin says with a decisive nod. "Let's show them that our love isn't just a fleeting thing, that it's real and it's here to stay."

Y/N feels a whirlwind of emotions—fear, excitement, love—swirl within her. She's never been married before, never even thought she'd be in a position to marry a world-famous K-pop idol. But here she is, holding onto Jimin's hand, ready to face the storm together.

The wedding is hastily arranged, a small, private ceremony held in the early hours of the following day. The BTS members are their only guests, their faces a mix of shock, concern, and support. They stand in a circle around Jimin and Y/N, the weight of their decision heavy in the air. The makeshift altar is adorned with simple flowers, and a quiet, solemn vibe fills the room. They exchange vows, their voices strong and sure, promising to stand by each other through the chaos that's sure to come.

As the sun rises, Jimin takes a deep breath and uploads the wedding picture, his thumb lingering over the 'share' button for a brief second. The image shows the two of them, smiling into each other's eyes, their love a stark contrast to the storm brewing outside their bubble. He writes the caption, his heart racing with anticipation and nerves, "my wife." He hits send, and the digital world explodes with reactions.

The backlash is swift, but so is the support. Fans flood the comments with messages of love and acceptance, praising Jimin for standing up for Y/N and their relationship. The hashtags #jiminy/nforever and #lovewins trend, a sea of purple hearts and loving comments overshadowing the hateful noise. The group's management scrambles to control the narrative, releasing a carefully crafted statement supporting the couple.

The night after their impromptu wedding, Jimin and Y/N lie in bed, the quiet of the night a stark contrast to the chaos of the day. Jimin's arms are wrapped around her, his breath warm on her neck as he whispers, "Mrs. Park..."

Y/N giggles, feeling a rush of love and excitement at the sound of her new name. "Yes, Mr. Park?" she says, snuggling closer to him.

Jimin's grip tightens, his voice dropping to a soft, earnest whisper. "May I make love to you?" The words hang in the air, charged with anticipation and vulnerability.

Y/N's heart races. She'd never thought this day would come, not with the whirlwind of their relationship. But here she is, in Jimin's arms, married and ready to give herself to him completely. She turns to face him, her eyes searching his. "Yes," she whispers, her voice trembling with desire and nerves.

Jimin's eyes darken with passion as he leans in to kiss her.

He pulls off her shirt with surprising gentleness, exposing her soft, rain-kissed skin to the cool air. His hands move to her waist, tracing the curves of her stomach before settling to give her a tender massage. The gesture is both sensual and comforting, a silent promise that he finds her beautiful in every way. Y/N lets out a content sigh, her body relaxing into his touch.

With a gentle touch, Jimin unclasps her bra, allowing her breasts to fall free. He takes his time to knead them, his thumbs circling her nipples with a soft, firm pressure. Y/N arches her back, gasping at the sensation, her eyes fluttering closed. He leans in, his warm breath caressing her skin before his mouth captures a nipple, giving it a playful bite that makes her gasp. His teeth graze the sensitive skin before he switches to the other, the pleasure a delicious ache that shoots straight to her core.

Jimin's own shirt comes off next, revealing his sculpted abs and the tattoos that trace his body like a map of his soul. He presses their bare chests together, the friction causing goosebumps to rise on her skin. She can feel his heart beating against hers, a rhythm that matches the throb between her legs. His skin is hot, a stark contrast to the chill in the air, and she revels in the feel of him against her.

With a gentle tug, he pulls her pants and panties down, leaving her completely bare before him. He doesn't rush, instead taking a moment to drink in the sight of her, his eyes roving over her curves with a hunger that sends a shiver down her spine. "You're fucking beautiful."

Y/N feels a blush creep over her skin, a mix of embarrassment and arousal at his bluntness. But she's also filled with a sense of empowerment, knowing that she's desired and accepted for who she is. He places a soft kiss on her belly button, sending a jolt of pleasure through her, before sliding his face down between her thighs. The anticipation is unbearable as she feels the warmth of his breath against her sensitive skin.

With a gentle nudge, Jimin spreads her legs open wider, his eyes meeting hers in a silent question. She nods, giving him the go-ahead, her cheeks burning with need. He takes his time, savoring the moment, before finally sliding his tongue along the length of her slit. Y/N's body jerks at the sensation, a moan escaping her lips as his tongue delves into her folds. He's tentative at first, exploring her taste and texture with a softness that belies the fiery passion they've shared in their stolen moments. His touch is a revelation, a symphony of pleasure that crescendos with every stroke.

Jimin's praises continue to rain down on her, his words a sweet symphony of adoration. "You taste so good, Y/N," he murmurs against her, his hot breath sending shivers down her spine. His tongue delves deeper, exploring her with a hunger that matches the desire burning within her. He's not just performing an act; he's worshiping her, savoring every inch of her as if she's a delicacy.

Y/N's eyes roll back in her head as his skilled tongue finds her clit, teasing it with feather-light strokes before applying more pressure, eliciting a gasp from her. Her hands tighten in his hair as he continues to taste her, his movements becoming more deliberate as he learns what she likes, what makes her moan and squirm beneath him. His fingers join the fray, sliding into her wet warmth as his tongue continues its dance. The dual sensation sends her spiraling closer to the edge, her body trembling with the effort of holding back her climax.

But she can't hold out much longer. With a cry, Y/N's orgasm crashes over her, her body arching off the bed as waves of pleasure consume her. She feels Jimin's smug grin against her sensitive flesh as he chuckles, his eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and pride at her quick surrender. "Already?" he teases, his voice a low rumble of satisfaction.

Y/N can't help the flush that creeps over her cheeks, even as the aftershocks of her climax leave her trembling. Jimin pulls away, giving her a moment to catch her breath before his hand is on her chin, tilting her face up to meet his gaze. "Don't be shy," he says with a smirk. "I know you liked that."

With a wicked glint in his eyes, Jimin stands, pulling off his pants and underwear in one swift motion. His erection springs free, a testament to his desire for her. He steps closer, the tip of his hardened length brushing against her sensitive flesh, sending a shiver of anticipation through her. Y/N's eyes widen as she takes in the full view of him, the muscles in his legs taut as he moves. His cock is long and thick, a stark contrast to his slender frame, and she feels a mix of awe and fear at the thought of taking him inside her.

He chuckles at her expression, his hand coming up to stroke himself lazily. "Don't worry," he says, his voice a low rumble of confidence. "I'll take it slow." He positions himself between her legs, the tip of his cock teasing her swollen clit, the promise of what's to come making her breath hitch. With a gentle push, he nudges her entrance, the head of his cock slipping through her folds. Y/N bites her lip, her eyes fluttering closed as she feels herself stretch around him.

Jimin bends down to kiss her, his movements slow and deliberate, his tongue mimicking the gentle thrusts of his hips. The kiss is a sweet distraction from the growing pressure inside her, a promise that this will be everything she's ever dreamed of. He pushes in further, inch by torturous inch, his kiss deepening as he feels her tightness envelop him. Her walls clench around him, the sensation so intense it's almost painful.

Y/N's nails dig into the sheets, her body arching up to meet him as he pushes through the final barrier. The moment his cock is fully sheathed inside her, she screams his name, the sound echoing through the room in a symphony of pleasure. "Jimin!" she cries out, the pain of losing her virginity melding with the euphoria of their union.

Jimin says, "Mmmm, baby you take me so well," his voice thick with pleasure as he starts to move. His hips rock gently, the sensation of her tightness around him driving him crazy. Y/N's eyes are squeezed shut, her teeth gritted as she tries to adjust to the feeling of being filled. The pain subsides quickly, replaced by an all-consuming need that has her hips rising to meet his. He starts to pick up the pace, his strokes growing longer and harder, setting a rhythm that has her body singing.

Her walls clench around him as he slams into her, the sound of their bodies slapping together a testament to their passion. She can feel the tension building, the pressure inside her growing with every thrust. "Jimin," she whispers, her voice breathless and needy. "I'm going to cum."

He groans, his own orgasm close. "Me too, Y/N. Cum for me," he urges, his voice strained. His hips move faster, his cock hitting that sweet spot inside her with every stroke. The room is a whirlwind of sensations—the scent of their mingled arousal, the sound of their ragged breaths, the feel of his skin slick with sweat against hers. Y/N's eyes fly open, meeting Jimin's, and she sees the love and hunger in them, a mirror to what she feels.

With a final, powerful thrust, they both climax together, their bodies shuddering in unison. Y/N's eyes roll back in her head, the pleasure so intense it's almost too much to bear. Jimin's cock pulses inside her, filling her with his warmth, and she feels a sense of belonging that she never knew existed. They lay there, panting and trembling, their bodies intertwined as they ride out the aftermath of their passion.

As the waves of pleasure subside, Jimin gently pulls out of her, a soft whine escaping her lips at the loss. He rolls over onto his side, pulling her into his arms, her head resting on his chest. His heart is racing, his chest heaving with every breath, but his arms around her are steady, a silent promise that he's there for her, always.

Y/N snuggles closer, her body still trembling from the intensity of her first time. "I love you," she whispers into the quiet of the room, the words feeling both foreign and utterly right on her lips.

Jimin's arms tighten around her, his chest rising and falling with his own labored breaths. "I love you too," he murmurs, his voice a comforting rumble against her ear. His hand strokes her hair, his touch gentle and soothing.

The sun peeks through the curtains, casting a warm glow over their entwined bodies. Y/N can't believe that she's here, married to the love of her life, a legend, and now, officially a part of the BTS family. It's a surreal feeling, one that she's both scared and excited to explore. She looks up at Jimin, his eyes closed in contentment, his lashes casting shadows on his cheeks. He's everything she never thought she could have, and somehow, he's all hers.

[specialinterestshows]

This post will be updated with every new section of fic that I write in this series. Warnings are at the beginning of each section:

Absolute Smokeshow (Rhea Ripley x lady!reader)

Summary: You meet the famous Rhea Ripley over a joint and she confides in you about her relationship issues. What starts as one night getting baked together turns into a series of stoner adventures as the two of you grow closer.

Part 1: “I Wanna Take You To A Gay Bar”

Part 2: “I Call Shotgun”

Part 3: “When The Bong Breaks”

Part 4: “The Judgement Gay”

Part 5: “Stoner? I Hardly Know ‘er!”

Part 6: “EXpectations”

Part 7: “Getting Two Birds Stoned At Once”

Part 8: “This Is My Bisexuality”

Part 9: “Gone With The Riptide”

Part 10: “Eat, Sleep, Breathe”

Part 11: “Carry On”

Part 12: “Eradic-Ate-Her”

Part 13: “Seeing Green”

Part 14: “Take Charge”

Part 15: “Toy With Me”

Part 16: “You Shouldn’t Have Come”

Part 17: “The Rhea Ripley Effect”

Part 18: “(Smoke) You Out?”

Part 19: “Feeling of (Be)longing”

Part 20: “Get Your Motor Running”

Part 21: “Food For Thought”

Part 22: “Lesson In Restraints”

Part 23: “Give Me The Strap (And Let Me Get Off, Please, Mami?)”

Part 24: “Come (But Don’t Go)”

Part 25: “Smoke And Mirrors”

Part 26: “Kiss The Cook”

Part 27: “Shower Head”

Part 28: “Siren Song (Caught In A Riptide)”

Part 29: “Good Bi (For Now)”

Part 30: “Remote Control”

Part 31: “Meet And Greet”

Part 32: “Backstage Rage”

Part 33: “Riddle Me This”

Part 34: “Worry Less, Liv Mor(gan)”

Part 35: “This Is My Rheality”

Part 36: “Fight Or Flight Club”

Part 37: “Let Me Talk To You? (Yeah!)”

Part 38: “Dynamic Shift”

Part 39: “You, Rhe, And Liv Makes Three”

Part 40: “One-Fo(u)r-Three”

Part 41: “Say It With Your Mouth”

Part 42: “Living The Dream”

Part 43: “R(h)emind Me Who I Belong To”

Part 44: “Definitely A (Fucking) Mark”

Part 45: “Five Is Company”

Part 46: “TJD (Telenovela Judgment Day)”

Part 47: “A Dish Best Served Rolled”

Part 48: “In The Hotbox”

Part 49: “Once You Reach”

Part 50: “The Other Side”

Part 51: “A Prince And His Archer”

Part 52: “Vibe Together”

Part 53: “Shot, Lime, Salt?”

Part 54: “Mari (Wanna?)”

Part 55: “Good Things Come…”

Part 56: “…To Those Who Wait”

Part 57: “Watch Yourself”

Part 58: “Lay Per View”

Part 59: “Pillow-Talk Lullaby”

Part 60: “Working Out Your Kinks”

Part 61: “Sending A Message”

Part 62: “Heart And Sol”

Part 63: “The Best Planned Lays”

Part 64: “Love, Sex, & WWE”

Part 65: “Dear In Headlights”

Part 66: “Lightweight, Heavyweight, Women’s Champion”

Part 67: “Flirty Dom”

Part 68: “Face Promo”

Part 69: “R+D+Me”

Part 70: “Demons In Her Dreams”

Part 71: “News To Me”

Part 72: “Another Bump In The Road”

Part 73: “From One Show To The NXT”

Part 74: “Locker Room Talk”

Part 75: “Fast Feud”

Part 76: “Dom Dom”

Part 77: “Un Poco De Azúcar”

Part 78: “And They Were Roommates”

Part 79: “Monday Night Mami”

Part 80: “Last Call”

Part 81: “Polyagony”

Part 82: “Fights, Camera, Getting Some Action”

Part 83: Coming soon!

[lowcosmic]

—— stay with me . ; shuichi saihara

“ shuichi gently opened your dorm door, his breath catching in his throat. ”

— 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: shuichi loves you tons. so of course, he’d never want you to be hurt. but when he sees those scars on your arm, other people hurting you may be the least of his worries.

— 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞 : angst, fluff.

— 𝐜𝐰 : uncensored trigger words, suicidal thoughts, self - harm mentions, blood, fluff at the end. suicidal gender neutral reader.

— 𝐚/𝐧 : i just need some comfort rn ; the ending is so butt what happened there. THIS IS SO BAD I’M SORRY

“ it’s really hot out here … are you sure you want to keep that on? ” shuichi gently asked. “ it’s been a minimum of around 60 degrees everyday this week, and you’ve been wearing a sweater? … ”

“ it’s just … comfortable. ” you replied.

shuichi caressed your hand, feeling the sweat accumulating on your fingers. “ you seem uncomfortable, though … ”

you disagreed. what a lie.

shuichi continued to drink from his water bottle, tired from the outdoor gym activities. you didn’t bring water, having overslept and unable to bring some to school. your throat was parched, a drought beginning to spread throughout your body.

but most of all, your arms ached. the marks could open up any moment, and shuichi would see. you shifted around at the thought. you didn’t want to worry him anymore about you, he didn’t deserve to be with someone like you. he deserved better, as you were always so used to thinking.

you must’ve had that usual faraway look in your eyes, because shuichi put a hand on your arm to ask again if you were okay.

you simply nodded as you felt shuichi's eyes gaze at your face. you were absolutely gorgeous to him … it never occurred to him that you may not see the same views as him on your appearance.

“ i love you, ” shuichi murmured, planting a kiss on your temple even if it was pretty damp. he then blushed, apologizing repeatedly for not asking first.

you wished that this fuzzy warm feeling could stay forever, but as you knew very well … good things always must come to an end.

< warning . next part contains mild descriptions of self harm . if you wish to skip it , go on till you see these brackets : < _ > . viewer discretion is advised. >

you pulled out a razor, skidding it across your skin. your bloody skin, your scars re - opening and screaming in agony.

you redid the action on a different spot, blood appearing there too. your hand shook. you pressed the razor blades harder into your flesh. blood ran down your arm, the blades sinking further into you.

your mind was fuzzed. your left arm was bleeding uncontrollably. you had to continue. you moved to your right arm, digging the sharp metal beneath your tender wounds.

how would everyone react if they saw you do this?

how far could you push it in till it’d really, really be un - healable?

you felt tears prick at your eyes. until …

&lt; end >

you heard a knock at the door. then the sound of someone … picking the lock?

“ i feel bad for intruding like this … ” you heard someone mutter.

… shuichi?

“ i'm leaving after this, i don’t feel like watching you two make out, so just give me my payment tomorrow. ”

… kokichi.

you heard a click! and your door opened slightly.

“ taaa - daaaa! okay cya now. good luck!~ ” faint, rapid footsteps could be heard fading away ; kokichi leaving, you presumed.

shuichi gently opened your dorm door, his breath catching in his throat.

his breathing became shaky, his voice like a whisper. “ (y … y/n)… ? ”

you could see tears form quickly in his eyes. he tried to form sentences, but all that came out were quiet sobs. you instinctively dropped the razor. he rushed to you and hugged you without touching your arms.

crying, he shot a bunch of questions at you. you didn’t reply to any of them, your own tears finally falling down your face. he continued uncontrollably sobbing.

he needed to help you. he slowly got himself together ( while still crying ) and went to find the dorm’s complementary first aid kits, with you still in his line of vision.

and as he was cleaning and disinfecting your arms, you finally spoke out a hoarse version of his name. his eyes shot up to your face, despite his usual shyness of eye contact.

you apologized as he got out the bandages.

“ why … a - are you a - apologizing? ” he stuttered, his tears being choked back the best they could.

“ for … making you worry like this. ” you sniffed, your own face tired and hazy.

“ i … i'd do this for you no matter what! i - i did worry … but it’s b - because i care for you …! ” he stumbled over his words, unsure on what he should say.

“ you deserve better, ”

“ you’re … you’re the best for me, though ... ”

he finished up bandaging your arms, his hands moving down to yours. he kissed the both of them lightly. you felt two small tingles run up your spine.

“ i need a tissue. ” you mumbled quietly to yourself.

“ me too. ” he said, equally quiet.

in the next few days, shuichi had permission to move into your dorm, danger - proof the vicinity, and he paid for therapy sessions to help you. and as your scars started to heal, you thanked whoever was watching you for blessing you with him.

in the lunchroom the day after that, you lightly kissed shuichi on the cheek as you watched his face turn pink. you watched kaito and maki compliment your relationship. you watched kokichi and miu make lewd observations ( claiming you two had done the do, e.t.c. ). and you watched your boyfriend smile at you playfully.

maybe life wasn’t all that bad.

please don’t repost , translate , or claim my works as your own.

[isawken]

how i got invited to a council meeting for the world's oldest professional clown organization: a reflection on the value of weird niche interests and shooting your shot

it is 2 PM EST. i work from home- i've taken my work laptop to set up in the bedroom along with my personal laptop. i shouldn't be away for more than 30 minutes. call it a late lunch. i've made sure my Zoom icon has been changed from the little gif of a monkey from the video game Ape Escape wiping his ass with a towel over and over again to the far more respectable default icon. i've put my full first name as the username in place of "snart". i am very, very nervous. 2:01 PM. i always wait exactly one minute before hopping into a meeting i'm nervous about. i hate being the first one in a call. the burden of initiating casual conversation is one i particularly hate.

i enter the zoom room key and passcode and enter the meeting.

=================================

those who know me irl or follow me on twitter know that i'm like, really into clowns. i could (and probably will one day) write an entirely different thinkpiece on the reasons why this happened to me. i have not always been Clown Guy. i never hated them, but never loved them, until around 2018 when i started really getting into jesters. the interest in clowns was a lateral move at that point. this makes a lot more sense in my head than in real life, but whatever. you get the point.

i started doing clown make up, getting clown supplies, doing clown photoshoots for fun. a neat little creative outlet. then, as with all of my fleeting interests, i started consuming everything i could about the history of them. and my fleeting interest became a full blown fascination.

one of the more interesting things i learned about was clown eggs. short version: in the 1940s a dude named Stan Bult decided to make a clown organization. and as part of this clown organization he integrated a fun hobby- painting and adorning chicken eggs with the visages of famous clowns, and later, members of the organization itself. these eggs were a staple of the org until Stan's death in the 60s. The practice fell to the wayside for a couple decades, then was rebirthed in the 1980s, with a new group of chairclowns and a new artist. it is once again a staple of the organization, and one i am enamored with. the crazy part about it all is, Stan Bult was a chemist. not even a clown.

=================================

i am on the phone with Dee Dee, the lead chair of the organization. on my application i mentioned extensive social media usage, and she emailed me a few days after approving my application one evening asking if i'd be interested in helping out the organization with their social media presence. i'd be a fucking dunce to say no. she tells me about the current person in charge of their various social medias. she likes her, she says, pausing to add a tone to the next part of her sentence. it's the kind of tone you use when you are expressing dissatisfaction to someone and you're confident they'll commiserate your feeling. "but, she's not even a clown."

i give a very diplomatic (noncommittal) "ah, yeah."

=================================

it is a tuesday summer night and i am drunk, and i am filling out an application for a clown egg before i lose my nerve. i already have my signature make up. i'm actually really proud of it. red lips, blue nose, yellow eyes. red yellow and blue freckles. a red circle, blue square, and yellow triangle pattern above the eyebrows and under the eyes. red yellow and blue checkered button down with cowboy fringe on the chest. a tan stetson given to me by my grandfather. a gaudy clown face bolo tie. i did a pretty good job if i do say so myself.

i send the photos along with the application, 100% confident i will get rebuffed because i'm not a "real" clown. i do get rebuffed, but not in the way i expect. the person fielding applications, Dee Dee, instead gently asks me to submit a membership application first, then she'll be able to send in the order for the clown egg. she says my face design is very cute. i fill out the application and send it back in immediately.

a few days later and i'm sent an email saying my membership fee payment has been processed, and welcome to Clowns International! attached is a PDF of a hilariously simply-edited membership card. it's a sharp, bright red. it features my full name, my clown name, my signature, and my membership number. i'm clown number 22011. text in italics at the bottom of the card says "Members in Good Standing must show cards on request for all CI meetings."

i really hope i can go to one of those, i think to myself, giddy at this eyesore of a rectangle and what it means to me.

=================================

i enter the zoom meeting.

"Oh, there she is!"

i am greeted by a short row of older men and women. i am guessing the youngest aside from me is probably in their 40s. the oldest looks like they could be 80. Dee Dee starts right in.

"So that's what you look like under your makeup! Everybody, this is who I was telling you about, Ken____. She's a bit of a new clown, and she's agreed to help us out with some of our social media."

Dee Dee references a "blog" that i run. i am immensely thankful that she never asked to see my twitter account, and no one else on the call asks either. they just take my expertise on faith. well, faith, and the spiel i give them about how consistent posting will result in increased engagement, and how best to go about engendering social media growth. i throw out plans for posts- history threads, cute memes or art spotlights, posts highlighting members' eggs. the older ones just nod along, but one in particular is very enthusiastic. he tells me he had a tiktok recently get a million views of him and a clown buddy chasing each other in tiny cop cars. i nod along.

the tiktok guy and the guy managing the facebook argue for 30 minutes about whether or not to focus more on social media presence or maintaining the current membership. they go in circles until finally moving on to the horse hospital event (still not sure what that's about) and annual Grimaldi funeral service (i'll make a different post about that one day). then the newsletter. then some other random updates i zone out on. it has been almost 2 hours. i have my work laptop on the bed next to me and am covertly answering emails while the clowns bicker.

turns out even british clowns are exactly as grumpy as regular british people. who knew.

=================================

i am very good at making plans. i love nothing more than making a document detailing actions and ideas in a concise, clear manner. i make a social media treatment, detailing plans for potential posts and even fully written out history blurbs with pictures that can be adapted into threads or instagram posts. i send that out. Dee Dee asks me to follow up with the facebook guy and the twitter/insta girl. the facebook guy just straight up gives me access to twitter. the twitter/insta girl does not respond to any emails.

i've been posting on their twitter account for 6 months now. it's right here if you want to take a look at it. not to brag (lol jk this is definitely a brag), but i've just about doubled their followers in that time. the instagram girl still hasn't given me any log in info, despite my gentle offers to "help" with insta posts. i also notice it has not posted in about 2 years now. i am an interloper, a newcomer. she is the daughter of one of the chairclowns. i am sitting on this information for now. the last thing i want is to instigate a clown war with an old british person. i'd lose for sure.

=================================

i'm not a "real" clown. i don't do parties, i don't work at a circus. i don't think i ever will (i'm only 28 though, who knows what the future holds). all i do is clown around on twitter for people's amusement. but over the last two years i have gained so much understanding and respect for the profession, and all i want to do is share that. i have another board meeting with them soon. i am very curious how this one is going to go. Dee Dee has mentioned a few times how she wants to meet me in person one day. this is all kind of a charade- i am waiting for the day when they realize i'm not an active working clown in the traditional sense, and they kick my civilian ass out. i really hope i get a clown egg before that. it's been about 9 months and no word though, so my hopes aren't exactly high. i go back and forth on whether or not i deserve one. and then i remember that the founder of the whole organization was never a clown. he just really liked them. and it's lasted about 80 years now.

this whole clown thing has been one of the most positive forces in my life over the last few years. i'm sure most of you know how fun it is, to dive headfirst into a new obsession. it's fun to share it with people- most are immediately at least interested if not just bemused when i bring up clown stuff. and it gave me the confidence to apply to a fucking clown organization and get a membership card and become one of their social media managers and holy shit how fucking insane is that??? even if this blows up, even if i get kicked out and never get my egg and it all burns to the ground, that is something i can keep in my heart forever. that is a story i can whip out at any party for the rest of my life, and get chuckles. i may not be a real clown, but i'm definitely addicted to getting chuckles like one.

anyways, the moral of the story here is to apply to whatever your version of a world renown clown organization is. get drunk on a tuesday night and shoot your shot. and even if it doesn't go great you can always make a fun story out of it. or a really, really long post on tumblr.

[silverhallow]

In my head I think Sophie and Benedict have wildly different reactions to Eloise running off to sir phillip.

I think Sophie would recognize the Romantic in Eloise but Benedict would be affronted. Why would she refuse all these men on the marriage mart but keep this Man she is interested from them (and particular him)

Anyways my prompt request is a conversation between Sophie and Benedict before he travels with the brothers to "rescue" Eloise.

Something Stupid

Sophie and Benedict had only been back at My Cottage for two days when an express messenger arrived with a note for Benedict from Anthony stating that Eloise had “run away” and was at a place supposedly close to My Cottage and that he and Colin would be behind the messenger as they were going to rescue Eloise, or make her marry the man that she’d ran off to.

Benedict’s mouth had fallen open as he read the letter from his brother, so shocked that the paper fell from his hands and he was frozen in space and time as he tried to comprehend what had occurred.

Sophie had read the note and frowned “this is very strange” she said.

“I… I know, why… why would she not tell someone… why would she not tell me of all people. I get not telling Anthony… but me!?” Benedict said

Sophie sighed and placed her hands on her husband’s shoulders. “Eloise has always been one who valued her privacy, whilst she might not comprehend it when it comes to the rest of you, she does keep her own council most of the time” Sophie explained

“I know that but… running away… she’s had proposals in town, men who had offered for her… and she refused them all! Even an Earl?! And she’s run off to a baron?!” Benedict mused

“Ben, those men in town where not suitable for Eloise, they wanted the surname, or her dowry… if this Sir Phillip has offered to court her, mentioned marriage… it’s possible that Eloise may have fallen in love during her letter writing… that is something that I can see as being very Eloise”

“But running away?!”

“Your sister is very much like the rest of you, she’s impulsive… something will have happened, Penelope, her best friend, just married your brother… Francesca has returned to Scotland unexpectedly… she could very well be feeling lonely and sought out someone or something she felt would give her comfort and purpose… you surely remember what that is like?” Sophie said

Benedict nodded “i know that but still, Soph, she tells me everything. She always has, we’ve never had secrets…”

“That’s rubbish and you know it… you kept your fair share of things from her… she will have her reasons.”

“But what if this man is in his 60s!?”

“Ben darling, if that was the case she’d have turned up here, she knew we were returning after Daphne’s ball, if she didn’t feel safe, if she didn’t like the man… she would have come here, regardless of how embarrassed she would have been”

“What if she couldn’t… or can’t”

“Ben. She is like you, she’s practically part cat. She’d have found a way out, and she’s the best shot in your family… she’d have gotten out.”

“But…”

“Ben, my love, you will make yourself dizzy and sick by going over the buts and the what-if’s… Anthony and Colin will likely be here in an hour. Get dressed, say goodbye to the boys and in the meantime I shall ask Mrs Crabtree if she knows any of the staff over at Romney Hall and if they know anything about this Sir Phillip but i have every faith that all will be okay” she soothed.

“I guess… but…”

“Ben, if you But once more, i am going to have to slap you. I am trusting you, as I am sure Kate will be trusting you not to do something stupid… and control Anthony… if he nearly dualed Simon over Daphne, I can only imagine what he will do to either your sister or this Sir Phillip…”

“Oh Anthony won’t be the issue…”

“Benedict I swear to God you better get those ideas out of your head… I am pregnant with our fourth child… according to you, the daughter you’ve dreamed off… You have to be responsible. You have to come back to me in one piece. I am not raising four children on my own and if you do something stupid like challenge him to a duel, or get yourself killed then I will drag you back from the afterlife just to kill you myself… or you’ll be banned from my bed from now until the day either of us die…”

Benedict looked scandalised. “You wouldn’t do that?!”

“I will if you do something stupid! I want you to be on your best behaviour!” Sophie scolded.

“I… I can’t promise that”

“Well then you best get used to sleeping alone” Sophie said moving away from her husband, arms crossed over her chest looking furious.

“But… but… you… fine” he sighed “I will do my best… I promise not to do anything stupid… but I am not promising not to hurt this man if he has hurt Eloise…” he said

“That is fair… if he has hurt Eloise in anyway, you better leave a piece for me…” she said seriously

Benedict laughed, “that is fair enough I can promise that”

“Good, now go get ready and I'll go speak to our housekeeper” she said pressing a kiss to his cheek.

Benedict nodded and departed to get himself ready and Sophie had to admit, out of everything that went through her brain as she waved off her husband and three brothers-in-law, she had not expected them to turn back up, drunk as skunks, falling out of the carriage with Eloise in tow, who was sporting a black eye looking furious with her brother’s and filling Sophie in on what happened and as she climbed into bed with her husband who was passed out from the excess alcohol she sighed “so much for not doing anything stupid…”

[twigg96]

MERLE NAME HC

HOLY SHIT @not-so-austen I am so glad you asked this I have been sitting on this one for a hot minute. Also I really hope you don't mind I pulled your comment out to make this because I could not make this fit in a single comment XD <3 <3

So this HC is a doozy but I promise I have a point in the madness.

Mrs. Dixon when she first met Will was a good girl. The farmers daughter or even the daughter of a preacher dating a man who could show her the dark side of life.

Will learned everything he knew of how to be a father from his own father. Let's leave it at that.

Now... I believe Mrs. Dixon was quite young when she gave birth to Merle. A baby having a baby herself. A tragedy of the times. But a commonality of the late 60s when contraception was still viewed as sin and abortion was all but legal.

Will did what was right. He married her although he wanted no part in it. Wounded in the thankless Korean war he was troubled and already self medicating with every elixir he could get his hands on or make in his distillery.

That's not to say he didn't truly love Mrs. Dixon I think deep down he really dearly did love her deep down. It was in moments of lucidity and bliss that the two would talk about Merle fondly. They shot baby name ideas back and forth. They talked about how they would raise him differently than they were raised that was for sure.

But when the time came for Mrs. Dixon to give birth Will couldn't emotionally handle the pressure. He got cold feet. He almost ran. But Merle being born in the middle of a icy spring storm meant Will's truck wasn't making it to the hospital let alone down to his favorite bar.

The ambulance suited with chains on the tires was able to make the trek to Will's shanty shack and help Mrs. Dixon give birth to Merle who was coming ass first.

Will who now not only was bearing the weight of dread and fear of being a first time parent, guilt and shame of wanting to back out, and all the shit he had tacked on top from his shining star of a dad drank himself into oblivion.

When it came time to name Merle down at the hospital. Will was able to remember the name he and his wife had picked on those nights when all seemed good and they loved each other.

Michael

But Will had no control of his tongue after he downed the third jar of moonshine he had made in the still out back. Now on his fifth he was just lucky to still be functioning.

Will slurred out the best thing he could to the nurse waiting with his son's birth certificate.

Merle William Dixon

When Mrs. Dixon woke up she was in pain from the cesarian and feeling the first ebbs of Post Partum seeping in. Hearing her baby boy's name read off his birth certificate she was still in the blissful embrace of the pain medication they allowed her. And the hold Will had over her was strong. Do not disobey. If Will had chosen to change the perfect name they had chosen together to something... unique. So be it.

She would love her son no matter what.

[nonotnolan]

An Excellent Choice

Dedicated to my valentine, the lovely @mergeman​

-----------------------------------------------

“You still sure you want to do this?” Brad texted.  Finn had already spent most of the bus ride on his phone, so he’d already finished reading the message by the time his text notification had finished chiming.  “It’s okay if you get cold feet.  I won’t be offended. ;) I promise!”

Finn couldn’t help but roll his eyes.  “sounds like ur the one w cold feet” he shot back.  “i already told u were doin this”  Granted, he would have been lying if he’d said that he had no fear... but Finn had worked through all of that hesitation when he purchased the bus ticket.  He’d spent far too much time and money on this offer only to back out now.

Brad was offering $150,000 to a like-minded young soul who was willing to merge with him.  The man was pushing 60, and was hoping to absorb enough youth to try life over again.  For his part, Finn was sick of scraping by from paycheck to paycheck, and if that meant giving up 20 years of his life, well... at least he was being reimbursed for it.  Five years of his current job’s wages was no joke, and the funds would go a long way towards buying a reliable car, and maybe even a down payment on a house.

And anyway, it wasn’t like he was going to disappear.  Rather than opting for the type of merge that put two men into one body, this would be one of the more experimental versions where two people combine all of their traits, and each person becomes the average value.  Finn stepped off the bus and started looking around the agreed-upon meeting place to see if the other man was here.

“Guess I’ll tell my bank not to stop that money transfer.  I really didn’t think you were going to show up, but here you are.”  He watched as an older gentleman strolled up to him, looking very out of place in dark navy sweats.  More impressive was the raven black hair, which looked very out of place given his wrinkled skin and frail figure.  “What, you’ve never seen a man desperately cling to youth with hair dye before?” he asked, clearly used to the stares.  “We can’t all have vibrant hair color, Finley.”

“I’m used to your kind trying to over-compensate with fancy cars,” Finn admitted, unable to pull his eyes away from the older man’s thick beard.  “And my name is Finn.  Respect my name, and I’ll respect yours.  Bradford.”

Brad threw his head back in raucous laughter.  “Oh yes, you are an excellent choice.  Come here!”  Brad pulled him in close, and started to kiss him full on the lips.  It took Finn a few moments to realize that the odd sensation in his mouth was Brad’s tongue, and a few more moments to realize that the kiss was how Brad was planning to perform the merge.  His height was one of the first things to go-- he no longer needed to bend down to maintain contact-- and his skin felt a bit stiff as it tightened with age.  But it was the beard that really felt odd.

Brad’s facial hair crept onto Finn’s chin and worked its way up his sideburns like some sort of crawling ooze, while a smaller tendril grew up toward his nose to form a mustache.  The sudden itch of new hair under his nose was a bit much, and Finn briefly opened his eyes.  The man in front of him was clearly a few decades younger, which could only mean he was now a few decades older.

“Just a bit more,” Brad said, panting for breath.  “We need to even out our hair color, and I think our weight is still a bit uneven.  Once we’re done we can stop by the courthouse and file all the paperwork.”  Finn nodded in understanding, and leaned back in for another kiss.

-----------------------------------------------

“Is it normal for hair dye to completely vanish when a merge has finished?” Brad asked, as they sat in front of a mirror in the lobby of the County Recorder Clerk.  “Our hair should be a combination of the two inputs, but it’s like your red hair and my former brown hair mixed together, rather than the deep black I was dyeing it to be once it started to go gray.”

Finn just shrugged his shoulders.  “I don’t know why you’re asking me.  You were my first merge.  I didn’t even really register that this was a technology that existed until you reached out to me.  I’m just glad we just look like twins and not, like... cloned copies of each other.”

“I’m just glad I got to keep my piercings,” Brad said as he absent-mindedly traced the heavy stud with his finger.  “Sorry if you didn’t want to deal with jewelry.  Yours look small enough that it would probably heal shut in a few weeks.”

“I hadn’t really thought about it,” Finn admitted, still getting used to the idea that the man with the thick beard was his new reflection and his new body.  “Do you think they would let us change our names when we register with the state?  I really don’t feel like a Finley anymore.”

“I hope so,” Brad replied, following up with another deep laugh.  “I was planning to change my name to Bradley.  It won’t change my nickname but, it just feels right somehow.  Like our names merged when our bodies did.”

Finn smiled.  “I think you’re right.  Finnegan sounds pretentious and borderline obnoxious, but... I also think that it’s my name, now.”

Brad responded by slinging an arm around his shoulder, giving Finn a supportive squeeze.  “I think it’s an excellent choice.”

[herbs-and-poultices]

A Vaguely Whumptober-Themed Anthology of Folk Songs from the British Isles / Transatlantic Tradition: Part 2

Part 1 Last Year's Part 1 Part 2

(What’s a random American gal with no English/Scottish/Irish heritage doing listening mostly to songs like these? Blame my parents for raising me on murder ballads and ceilidh tunes.)

16) Wound Cleaning: A' Mhic Iain 'ic Sheumais (Son of John Son of James) X

An old traditional Gaelic song.

Dòmhnall mhic Iain 'ic Sheumais was shot with an arrow while leading his clan at the Battle of Carinish in 1601. According to legend, this song was composed and sung by his foster-mother as she removed the arrow and tending his wound. In the tradition it is more commonly sung as a waulking song (women's work song), but this is the first version of it I heard, performed live some 12 years ago, and it has a beautiful aching quality of love and grief.

17) Shipwrecked | "We had a good run": Barrett's Privateers (X)

A Canadian classic from the Folk Revival (20th c)

The ship was a wreck before she even set sail, it's a miracle she held up for the three months it took her to get from Canada to the Caribbean. One encounter with a merchant ship was more than enough to finish the job, leaving the sole survivor to try to make his way back home

18) Revenge: Banks of Sweet Dundee (X)

A broadside (19th c) ballad.

An orphan girl's uncle and a wealthy suitor conspire to have her low-born sweetheart pressed and sent to sea. The intrepid heroine seizes her suitor's weapons and takes her happily-ever-after by force.

He put his arms around her, “Stand off, stand off,” says she “You’ve sent the only lad I love from the banks of Sweet Dundee” She took the weapons from him and the sword he used so free, She boldly fired and shot the squire on the banks of Sweet Dundee Her uncle overheard, and hastened to the ground “Since you’ve killed the squire I will give you your death wound" “Stand off, then,” young Mary cried, “undaunted I will be” The sword she drew and her uncle slew on the banks of Sweet Dundee

19) "Is there anybody alive out there": Battle of Harlaw (X X)

A rather inaccurate account of the battle, most likely composed a few hundred years after the fact, but a fine old song nonetheless.

O’ fifty thoosan’ Heilan’ men but fifty-three gaed hame, And oot o’ a’ the Lawlan’ men fifty marched wi’ Graeme Gin onybody spier at ye o' them that marched awa’, Ye can tell them plain and very plain they’re sleepin' at Harlaw

** spier = ask

20) Emotional Angst: Lovely On The Water (X)

An old traditional ballad.

For Tower Hill is crowded With mothers weeping sore For their sons are gone to face the foe Where the blundering cannons roar

21) Body Horror: Donald MacGillavry (X)

A Jacobite song. Not precisely period trad (having been written some 60-70 years after the fact), but it's a real good one!

Things done to shoe leather should generally not be done to people.

Come like a cobbler, Donald Macgillavry Beat them, and bore them, and lingel them cleverly Up wi’ King James and Donald Macgillavry!

22) "Oh that's not good": Fire and Flame (X)

A memorial to the Halifax Explosion in 1917, composed by the latest generation of folksters.

'Twas in early December 1917 She was packed to the gills with Grade-A TNT They were bound for the fighting in High Germany When towards them the other ship turned The Norwegian ship Imo, some fault in her gears She struck Mont-Blanc's side like the mightiest of spears And the benzol ignited the captain's worst fears As the fire consumed bow to stern

23) "I'm doing this for you": Loch Lomond (X X)

Period trad (as far as I know) from shortly after the 1745 Jacobite Rising.

After the failure of the final Jacobite rising, the victors made brutal examples of their prisoners through public execution. One chose to die so that his comrades (or in some versions of the story his brother) might go free.

The 'high road' is the way over land back to Scotland. The 'low road' refers to the way traveled by the souls of those who die in foreign lands when, in Scottish tradition, they return home one last time.

24) “I never knew daylight could be so violent”: Bonnie Blue (X)

A Jacobite song. Not precisely period trad (having been written some 60-70 years after the fact, and the final verse added more recently).

Thanks once again to General John Cope for his contributions to the Scottish musical tradition.

Fast, fast their foot and horsemen flew, caps were mixed wi' bonnie blue Dirks were wet - but no wi' dew, upon that fatal morning... Run, run, ye gangling crew, this morning's work ye lang will rue The bonnie blue bonnets are after you tae wish ye's a' guid morning

25) Being Monitored | "It's for your own good": The Deserter (X)

When first I deserted, I thought myself free Until my cruel comrade informed against me. I was quickly followed after and brought back with speed, I was handcuffed and guarded, heavy irons put on me...

The resulting three-hundred three (!!) lashes was not enough to deter this desperate unwilling recruit from trying again. The second time around the sentence was execution, but thanks to the Prince's 'mercy' even that release would not be his:

Then up rode Prince Albert in his carriage-and-six Saying where is that young man whose coffin is fixed Set him free from his irons and let him go free -- For he'll make a good soldier for his Queen and country

26) Nightmares: Famous Flower of Serving Men (X)

An old ballad composed in the 17th century, of the gory family strife / star-crossed lovers variety.

After her husband and infant child are brutally murdered in front of her, a young woman takes her fate into her own hands. Cross-dressing, supernatural intervention, and fiery revenge ensue.

But all alone in my bed at e'en It's there I dream a dreadful dream I see my bed swim with blood I see the thieves stand 'round my head

27) Voiceless: One Hundred Feet (X)

A haunting memorial to the wreck of HMS Iolaire bringing soldiers home to the Hebrides at the end of WWI, composed by the latest generation of folksters.

One hundred feet from shore, We will hear their voice no more, Though I’d swear I heard them calling on the wind...

28) Denial | "They caught me red handed": Clark Sanders (X)

An old traditional ballad, another of the gory family strife / star-crossed lovers variety.

A lesson in how to talk your way out of anything... provided you aren't caught with the evidence and are actually awake at the time, that is.

"But you take a kerchief in your hands and tie up both your eyes, you may So you may say your oath to save, you ne’er saw me since yesterday And take the sword from out my scabbard, you can use it to lift the pin So you may say your oath to save, you never let your Sandy in And take me up all in your arms, you can carry me to the bed. So you may say your oath to save, on your bower floor I never tread" But in and come her five brothers, and all their torches in their hands They said "We have but one sister and see her lying with a man"

29) "Who said you could rest": Twa Recruiting Sergeants (X)

One of a family of old recruiting songs, this version aimed to lure poor farm laborers in rural Scotland.

It is intae the barn an' oot o' the byre This auld fairmer thinks ye'll never tire For it's a slavery job of low degree So list, bonnie laddie, an' come awa' wi me

How much their lives were actually improved by this change in career... well...

30) Recovery | "What have I done": Johnny I hardly knew ya (X) / Poor Johnny (X X)

Joining up was not Johnny's brightest idea.

They said he was a hero and not to grieve Over two wooden pegs and empty sleeves They carried him home and they set him down With a military pension and a medal from the crown You haven’t an arm, you haven’t a leg The enemy nearly slew you You’ll have to go out on the streets to beg Oh poor Johnny what have they done to you

31) "I'm alive, I'm just not well": Braes of Killicrankie (X)

I'll leave you with another Jacobite song. A period trad tune from the 1689 Rising, with lyrics added later.

A traumatized Government soldier recounts the horrors he experienced in a stunning defeat at the hands of the Jacobite forces.

The bauld Pitcur fell in a furr And Clavers got a clankie o Or I had fed an Athol gled On the braes o' Killicrankie o

** As best I can figure out: 'Thank goodness the Jacobite leaders were finally killed, otherwise I would have been supper for the local vultures.'

An ye had been whaur I hae beenYe wadna been sae cantie o An ye had seen what I hae seen On the braes o' Killiecrankie o

** an = if, cantie = cheerful