#he's just so easy to dunk on

[nanomooselet]

The thing about Knives is that he is fundamentally ridiculous but he believes he has natural gravitas because everyone around him is trembling with dread and trying not to cry.

Man, that's because you kill people. They're in fear for their lives. You are not a badass.

The guy over there with his silly-ass hair and his brightly-coloured coat and his sweet nature and his dedication to the bit? That guy there stuffing his face with donuts and flailing around like an inflatable tube man? The guy whose friends are constantly giving him shit?

He's the badass.

And I think you know. I think you find it infuriating.

coming or going Knives just cannot win. if he uses a gun everyone is 'ohhohoho where are your knives mr millions point and laugh my friends point and laugh' but when he uses knives the masses shriek with renewed laughter because the boy really do be having millions of knives so on the nose so silly, it's no wonder he wants to end mankind

[what-the-floofin]

Get it?

Got it.

[bumblingbabooshka]

Thinking about marriage/women's rights on Vulcan Some may think that T'Pring not being allowed to divorce Spock was because he was going through the pon farr but if she were allowed to divorce him at all she probably would have done that a long time ago, confirmed by T'Pol when she's speaking with Koss, who isn't suffering from the pon farr. She says that he can choose another mate (without invoking a fight it seems: note the difference between a 'mate' and a 'challenger') and after he makes it clear that nothing she says will change his mind about marrying her, she finally threatens to declare a kal-if-fee. It's clear that Vulcan women cannot divorce/refuse to marry a man they've been betrothed to under any circumstances if A) He himself doesn't consent to ending their marriage or B) She doesn't have someone else waiting in the wings to be given to in his stead. Though, if the challenger she selects fails to win the fight, she'll have to marry her betrothed anyway unless (again) he decides he doesn't want her after the challenge. That seems like an incredibly unfair system, heavily biased towards men. SNW is an alternate universe in many obvious respects but most egregiously in that T'Pring has a lot of non-canonical agency over her relationship with Spock. It's interesting to me that Vulcan society has women in many positions of power and treats women as equal to men from what I've seen despite these laws. We don't really see Vulcans exhibiting a misogynistic attitude towards women in general but in TOS (perhaps because of its general writing style but it's still interesting to note) both Sarek and Spock take on patriarchal attitudes specifically regarding wives. Amanda says that 'of course' Sarek commands her because "he is a Vulcan and I am his wife." It's worthwhile in my eyes to note that she specifies 'wife' instead of attributing this attitude to women as a whole. Again, with TOS' writing style it wouldn't be out of place for her to say "he is a man and I am a woman." Spock, while in a pon farr induced irritation, states that it's "undignified for a woman to play servant to a man that isn't hers" - again implying that there's something specific about being a Wife in Vulcan society which is different from being a woman in general and demands subservience to a husband. This could perhaps stem from the extreme sense of ownership that Vulcan law has permitted men to have over women. A woman legally cannot point blank refuse marriage. There is no option which guarantees she won't have to marry her betrothed other than death. When T'Pau speaks of T'Pring she refers to her as being 'property' and Stonn, before being interrupted, states he's made 'the ancient claim' - we don't know what this is because he gets cut off but it's obvious they're both using the language of Vulcan law. Men are permitted true freedom to choose. If a woman wants to choose someone else to be with there is no option available to her other than the kal-if-fee which might result in the death of the one she wants to be with. And, if her lover fails, her husband can still just decide he wants to marry her and she'll be forced to. T'Pring gives two scenarios: One where Spock 'frees' her and one where he doesn't - it's still ultimately his decision which is clear when he ends the conversation with "Stonn, she is yours." This again isn't just because of the pon farr as T'Pol also goes through this. Koss can choose another mate and when the option is talked about there's no implication that this would result in any sort of fight (both by the casualness of its mention and by the fact that there's no formal word for it unlike the kal-if-fee.) Also, the fact that Koss does eventually grant T'Pol a divorce and it's all fine means that T'Pol isn't lawfully required to have another man waiting if her HUSBAND doesn't want her. It's ONLY required if SHE doesn't want her husband. Tradition must take precedence over individual desire UNLESS!!! You're a man. Then it's fine. Like, your parents might not be happy but legally you're golden.

[cybertron-after-dark]

Optimus Primes + how they would react to you telling them your preferred name and pronouns

G1: "hello (chosen name). I am Optimus." He is TAKING that chance for a "dad joke," as he hears Spike call it, but he'll make it clear right after that he'll be committing that information to his memory banks. He will offer to reintroduce you to the Autobots all at once with your "updated specs," as he calls it, but understand that meeting will be as painfully awkward as it is sweet.

Primal: He's honored you felt safe enough to come to him with this. Especially since renaming yourself after a new transformation and announcing it to those around you is a Maximal tradition. He's fascinated and ecstatic that there are humans with an experience so similar, and he'll start to wonder whether his kind picked it up from Earth after the Great War in the first place.

RiD01: Not above making a deadpan one-liner or a terrible pun about your name. Supportive, but very casual about the whole thing. It doesn't change a lot for him, you'll always be a trusted human ally.

TFA: He doesn't really register the significance of being let in on this information at first. He'll pick up if you're nervous about something but he won't really understand why it's eating at you. It's just a name, don't those change all the time? But still, he'll have the sense to try to ease your worry and tell you he's "glad to meet you- er, again."

TFP: He is so proud of you, and you'll get the warmest, softest smile you've seen in your life from him. If you allow for it, he'd like to hear about the significance of your new name. What it means, what drew you to it, what humans associate it with. And if your pronouns are less common and he hasn't heard of them before now, that'll spark his curiosity like nothing else, and he'll happily descend into the research rabbit hole.

Cyberverse: Will fumble a bit to try to read how you're feeling about all this so he'll know how to approach. Will be awkward no matter how he tries to play it, but very, very accepting. You're far from the first of his allies to go through such a change.

Bonus

Bayverse: do not approach. Unclear if he's transphobic, but he'll take your face off no matter what you identify as.

[makimacult]

[sparkyscissorhands]

had to look up the names of oncie’s mom and brothers for something and i think its so funny all of them have normal names. like i think his mom just hated him LMAOO

[lazarusthirsting]

Supernatural *is* a horror show first and foremost.

it has been said before but i feel the need to state again that the finale of supernatural is not only the most insane case of accidentally making a soul crushing psychological horror while trying to make a satisfying conclusion but the only case of that happening ever (at least to my knowledge.) i’ve seen bad tv endings, but never a tv ending that was trying to be comforting instead telling me that all of my worst nightmares are true and that me and the ones i hold close will never ever love openly without fear. again, so many before me have made this point but god. they killed him on rebar. he never got to be free

[futurefind]

//note to self: revamp / clean up maras bg n profile & finish ccr before february. And after the former maybe shake her around like a tin can for more ff7 moots

...also watch a cutscene comp for the double prologue game bc gestures vaguely at endive being the beta test ++ mentoring the big three in their youth

[drewsephrry]

Love Island: Episode 5 - Tangled Hearts

series masterlist

pairings: rafe cameron x fem!reader

words: 5.7k

warnings: cuss words, sexual innuendos

It’s been two days since the Never Have I Ever game stirred things up and the villa is finally back in its rhythm. Bonds are forming, friendships are solidifying and for some, feelings are getting harder to ignore.

This morning, the boys are hitting the gym, hyping each other up between sets, while the girls lounge by the pool, spilling tea and dissecting every look, touch and lingering moment from the past days while also splashing around. 

"Rafe, can I talk to you for a sec?" John B waits until Rafe finally drops his weights, breathing hard as he grabs a towel, wiping the sweat from his face and chest. He nods and follows John B toward the kitchen, both of them grabbing cold drinks. John B leans against the counter, settling onto one of the stools.

“I think I’ve got a problem.” He says casually, cracking open his drink. That catches Rafe’s attention. He drops into the seat beside him, brow raising. 

“You good, dude?” He asks and John B nods. 

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. It’s just…” He hesitates, gaze flicking toward the girls across the villa. “I think I like someone.” Rafe grins immediately, slapping John B on the back. 

“Oh, shit! Who’s the lucky one?” He pulls back, his grin faltering. 

“Don’t say-” “It’s not Y/N!” John B cuts in before Rafe can finish. He glances around, lowering his voice. 

“I think I like Sarah.” He reveals, making Rafe’s eyebrows shoot up. 

“Sarah?” He asks and John B exhales, rubbing a hand over his jaw. 

“We’ve had these moments lately. Like, she gets my humor. And obviously, she’s gorgeous…but I don’t know. It just feels like something’s there.”

Rafe listens, nodding knowingly, as his gaze shifts toward the pool. His expression softens as he watches Y/N laugh loudly, trying and failing to pinch her nose before Maddy shoves her into the water. A splash erupts and she surfaces, coughing. Rafe chuckles under his breath before turning back to John B.

“Okay, so you’ve got a crush. Big deal.” He shrugs, cracking open his energy drink. John B shakes his head. 

“It’s complicated, man. You see how Topper looks at her. He’s smitten. And I have no idea how she feels. I could be reading this completely wrong.” He exclaims. Rafe leans back, tilting his head. 

“JB, man, just go for it.” Rafe says, taking a sip of his drink. “I’m sure Top will understand. And I mean…if anything goes wrong, there are still plenty of fish in the sea.” John B nods.

“Just-” “Not Y/N. Yeah, I know. Don't worry.” John B shakes his head. “Not my type, anyways.” 

Rafe glances back at the pool, where Y/N is now floating on her back, laughing as Maddy tries to dunk her again. His smirk lingers for a second before he looks back at John B. 

“Good.” He replies. “I mean, she's out of your league anyways.” John B chuckles at Rafe's comment and walks away.

“Sure, Cameron.” He shouts as he heads to the firepit where JJ and Pope are sat.

The villa glows under the bright sun, buzzing with low chatter and the occasional splash from the pool. Y/N leans back into Rafe, comfortably nestled between his legs at the edge, his arms loosely draped around her waist. He's absentmindedly tracing circles on her skin. Topper, Pope, Kiara and Sarah are spread out nearby, drinks in hand, the mood easy and relaxed.

“Hey, guys.” Kelce’s voice cuts through the warm air as he approaches. Everyone greets him cheerfully, motioning for him to join. Rafe's hands tighten slightly around Y/N's waist and she glances up at him before her eyes shift to Kelce.

“I...I actually wanted to talk to Y/N.” Kelce says, looking at her directly. “If you don't mind.”

She swallows and looks up at Rafe, who only shrugs. Her gaze returns to Kelce and after a short sigh, she untangles herself from Rafe’s arms. She presses a quick kiss to his cheek.

“Be right back.” She murmurs, before slipping out of the pool. Rafe watches her intently, eyes following the curve of her bikini-clad figure as she walks away with Kelce.

“Man, chill it with the staring.” Topper jokes.

“Shut up.” Rafe mutters, arms crossing over his chest.

Kelce and Y/N settle near the firepit, facing each other as she pushes her sunglasses up onto her head.

“Look, I…” Kelce begins, his voice uncertain as he fidgets with the mic cord. “This is…weird.” Y/N raises a brow, her arms folding as she sits back a little. 

“You're not wrong.” She mutters and he chuckles nervously. 

“Okay, good, so it’s not just me. Um…I know I was kind of a dick.” 

“Kind of?” She lets out a dry laugh. He winces, holding up his hands in surrender. 

“Fine. I was a dick. A full one. Like, capital D.” He corrects himself. Y/N tries to hold back a smile, but it tugs at the corner of her mouth. 

“Better.” She adds. He nods slowly, then exhales, gaze flickering around before settling on her again. 

“It’s just…being here, seeing you again, it’s been…a lot. Like, I didn’t expect it to mess with my head this much. But it did.” He pauses, eyes dropping to the ground. 

“Our relationship meant something to me. And just ‘cause we broke up doesn’t mean I didn’t care. I did. I still do. And it hurt, Y/N. Like…a lot.”

She opens her mouth to speak, but he cuts in gently.

“Let me finish?”

She nods, watching him carefully.

“I want you to be happy.” He says, voice softer now. “With Rafe or whoever it is. That’s what matters. And I’m sorry for coming in here and acting like that. I guess I just…missed my best friend.”

Y/N exhales slowly, some of the tension in her shoulders melting.

“Kelce…it wasn’t easy for me either. Our breakup…it really messed with my head. I had to put myself back together after that. Learn how to trust again. Let people in.” She lets out a quiet laugh, shaking her head as she starts fidgeting with her ring. 

“So yeah, seeing you here? It was a total curveball. I didn’t know how to feel. Still kinda don’t.”

He smiles faintly, his tone lightening. 

“At least you didn’t throw a drink at me.” He says. “Yet.”

“It’s early.” She gives him a look. They both laugh and the tension finally starts to lift.

“I’m sorry if it sucks seeing me with someone else.” She says, more gently this time. “But Rafe…he’s good to me. He actually…he cares. A lot.”

“You're making me sound really awful right now.” He groans and Y/N laughs, reaching over to smack his arm. 

“You’re such a baby.” She exclaims and he grins, rubbing his arm. 

“I know. But seriously, I’m happy for you. I really am.” Then he hesitates, scratching the back of his head. “But, like...did you have to go with the fake orgasm thing?” He asks, making Y/N laugh, loud and unapologetic. 

“You were airing out all my embarrassing moments! I had to strike back somehow!” 

“Alright, alright. That’s fair.” He throws up his hands. “So…we good now? No more public humiliation?”

“Yeah. I’d like that.” She smiles. Kelce opens his arms slightly, like he’s testing the waters. Y/N pauses for a beat, then steps forward and wraps her arms around him. It’s a little stiff at first, but then something softens and they both just stand there, holding on a little longer than expected.

“God, this is weird.” Kelce mumbles into her shoulder.

“You’re ruining the moment.” She mutters back.

And just like that, they laugh again.

It doesn’t fix everything, but it’s something.

Some time later, a loud ping echoes through the villa, causing everyone to turn toward the sound. Kelce, who’s now in the middle of a conversation with Maddy, grabs his phone with a grin.

“I got a text!” He announces, sitting up straight as the others look his way, with JJ stepping closer to the couch.

“Spit it out, man.” JJ urges. Kelce glances at the message, his eyes widening before he grins even wider.

“Islanders, tonight’s a big night. There will be a recoupling.” He begins.

“Holy shit!” Topper exclaims, earning a smack from Rafe.

“Kelce, you’ll have the chance to couple up with any girl of your choice. So, think carefully. #thechoiceisyours #makeitcount.” He finishes and a collective gasp rises from the group. 

Y/N sits on one of the kitchen stools, with Rafe behind her. Rafe tightens his arm around Y/N and she looks up at him.

“No need to worry.” She says quietly. “We’ll be fine.”

“Oh, I’m not worried about him picking you.” Rafe replies confidently with a smirk. “I’m more concerned about what I’m going to say when I choose you.”

Y/N grins, raising an eyebrow.

“Better ‘make it count’.” She teases, quoting the text. He leans down to peck her lips.

“I can’t believe I’m gonna have you back in my bed.” He murmurs, their lips almost touching. She chuckles softly before closing the gap again.

The girls are deep in glam mode. Curling wands heating up, makeup brushes flying, shimmer getting dusted on like fairy dust and absolute chaos over outfit choices.

“I talked to Kelce today.” Y/N says casually, wrapping a strand of hair around her curling iron.

“Everything cool?” Maddy asks, rummaging through the cabinet for a missing shoe.

“Yeah, yeah. We cleared the air. He said he’s happy for me, glad I’m moving on. Said he wants the best for me, that whole thing.” She shrugs and the girls nod along.

“That’s good.” Cleo says. “Always better to keep it civil in here.”

“Oh my god, where is it?” Maddy groans, making everyone laugh.

“Wait, is that the shoe John B wore?” Sarah squints at the one in Maddy’s hand.

“Why was John B wearing my heels?” Maddy deadpans and Sarah bursts out laughing. 

“He was trying to act like a girl, said he needed heels and I handed him those. You had to see it. It was iconic.”

“You and John B seem pretty close, Sar.” Kiara chimes in while brushing highlighter onto her cheekbones. 

“I second that.” Cleo adds, smirking.

“What? We’re just friends!” Sarah says, cheeks flushing pink as she finally finds the missing heel and tosses it to Maddy. “We’re just having fun.”

“Babe…” Cleo grins. “Gonna channel Ariana real quick, but…this is Love Island. No one’s here to ‘just have fun.’” The rest of the girls hum in agreement.

“So how’s it going with you and Topper, anyway?” Kiara asks, spinning around with an arched brow. Sarah flops down in her seat, letting out a sigh. 

“I mean…I don’t want to sound harsh, but-”

“There’s nothing there.” Cleo finishes for her. Everyone giggles. Sarah fidgets. 

“It’s still early. He’s sweet, he’s good-looking, I just…”

“Girl, stop lying to yourself.” Cleo interrupts. “You don’t like him. And that’s okay.” 

Sarah stares down at her nails. Y/N notices and reaches over, gently taking her hand.

“Hey. It’s totally valid to be unsure. You don’t owe anyone an explanation. We’ve got your back, alright?” Y/N reassures her and Sarah smiles softly. 

“Thanks.” She murmurs, grabbing her eyeshadow palette to finish her look.

“Alright, new topic.” Y/N says, switching the vibe. “Who do you think Kelce is gonna couple up with?”

“I forgot about that!” Alyssa gasps.

“Honestly, I think he’s got his eye on Miss Maddy over there.” Kiara teases, pointing with her lip liner.

“Again, I second that.” Cleo adds with a smirk. Maddy rolls her eyes. 

“Don’t start.” She mutters.

“Oh please.” Kiara grins. “You know there’s something there.”

Maddy drops into her seat, struggling with the heel straps. 

“No comment. And Sarah, your boyfriend stretched these out.”

“He is not my boyfriend!” Sarah calls back.

“Not yet!” Kiara and Cleo shout in unison, making everyone crack up.

“You guys are ridiculous.” Alyssa says, smiling as Cleo reaches over and kisses her cheek, leaving a lipstick mark.

“But you love us, Aly.” Cleo grins.

“I do. Unfortunately.” She says, wiping the mark off with a makeup wipe.

The room settles into a comfortable rhythm as the girls finish getting ready. But just as they’re about to head downstairs, they notice Y/N pacing, biting her lip and looking around frantically.

“You okay?” Sarah asks, slipping in her hoop earrings.

“I…yeah. I just-” Y/N throws open a drawer, rifling through her clothes. “I can’t find my ring.”

“The one you always wear?” Maddy asks, frowning.

“Yeah.” She sighs. “You guys can go ahead-”

“Uh-uh. We’re not leaving you.” Cleo cuts her off, turning back and searching through Y/N’s vanity. The others follow suit, checking drawers, makeup bags, under clothes, even their own stuff just in case.

After a few minutes, they all pause, exchanging defeated looks.

“Maybe it fell outside?” Alyssa suggests. Everyone nods, trying to stay optimistic.

“Hey, we’ll find it.” Maddy says, wrapping an arm around Y/N.

“Was it special?” Kiara asks gently.

“It was my grandpa’s. He made it for me.” Y/N swallows hard, glancing down at her bare finger. A pale ring mark lingers where it used to sit. 

“I’ve never taken it off.” She blinks and plasters on a smile. “Let’s just head downstairs.”

The girls nod, quiet but supportive, each silently determined to help her find it later.

The sky fades into a dusky violet as night drapes over the villa, a cool hush settling across the space. Laughter hums through the air as the group lounge on the couches, drinks in hand and energy buzzing.

Rafe, JJ, John B, Sarah and Y/N sit together, scattered in relaxed positions, chuckling over something just said.

“So…” Sarah starts, swirling her drink. “How’s everyone feeling about tonight?”

The guys offer casual shrugs.

“I think one of us is a little more excited than the rest.” JJ says, nudging Rafe with a grin. The group laughs. Rafe smirks, a hand resting lightly on Y/N’s thigh.

“What can I say?” He shrugs with mock bravado.

Y/N gives a small, unreadable smile, her eyes scanning the group. 

“You don’t look too thrilled, Y/N/N.” JJ raises a brow, noticing her expression. All heads turn toward her. She blinks, caught off guard, mouth slightly open.

“No, no, no, I am! Totally.” She waves her hand dismissively. “Just tired, that’s all.” She lets out a well-timed yawn and melts deeper into the cushions.

The group chuckles and the conversation veers back to tonight’s drama, Kelce and his looming decision. But Rafe’s gaze lingers on Y/N.

“You sure you’re alright?” He murmurs, leaning in. She looks up and nods, offering a gentle smile. 

“Yeah. I swear.” She replies. He brushes a strand of hair behind her ear, eyes soft.

“If something’s on your mind…you can tell me. You know that, right?”

“I know.” She replies, her smile widening as she reaches for his hand. She starts to fidget with his signet ring, twisting it absently. Rafe glances down at the gesture, about to say something.

“Rafe!” Sarah’s voice cuts through the moment, startling them both. He snaps his head up.

“Y/N was just telling me about that disaster of a drink you made her the other day.” Sarah says with a mischievous grin. Rafe groans and laughs. 

“Yeah, you don’t wanna try that.” 

“It was awful.” Y/N chimes in, grinning as she looks at Sarah.

“Hey.” Rafe protests. “It wasn’t that bad.”

“It tasted like feet.” She deadpans. “I’m not even exaggerating.”

“How do you know what feet taste like?” JJ squints. John B claps a hand on JJ’s shoulder. 

“Just…don’t follow that thought, man.”

“Now I really wanna try it.” Sarah leans forward, eyes bright. Y/N widens her eyes. 

“Were you dropped as a baby? I just said it tasted like feet!” She exclaims.

“So?” Sarah shrugs, already getting up. “I’m curious!”

She grabs Rafe’s arm, tugging him off the couch. “Borrowing him for a sec.” She announces, dragging him toward the kitchen as Y/N watches them go, still laughing.

“She’s insane.” Y/N mutters, grabbing her drink off the table as she watches Sarah disappear into the kitchen with Rafe.

“Yeah, she is.” John B replies under his breath. Then he pauses. “I mean, she’s not. She’s...totally sane. She’s just-”

“Dude, you’re glitching.” JJ cuts in, laughing. Y/N smirks and leans in toward the boys.

“You like her, don’t you?” She asks, dropping her voice just enough. John B doesn’t answer right away. He glances toward the kitchen where Sarah’s laughing with Rafe over some chaotic drink-mixing, then looks back at Y/N.

“Wait...did Rafe tell you?” He asks, suddenly suspicious.Y/N’s eyes go wide. 

“You told Rafe?” She asks, incredulous.

“Shit.” John B groans, rubbing his face. “I thought he told you or that he would!”

“Okay, okay, back up.” She says, holding up a hand. “That’s not even the point right now. The point is: you like Sarah.”

He takes a slow breath and JJ shakes his head with a grin.

“Man, it’s been obvious. You’ve been giving her heart eyes since day one.” JJ says.

“It’s not that simple.” John B mumbles. “She’s with Topper-”

“Who she has zero chemistry with.” JJ interrupts, then looks at Y/N. “What’s she told you?”

“I probably shouldn’t say.” Y/N hesitates, pursing her lips. 

“So she has said something!” JJ gasps, mock offended. Y/N laughs. 

“Not directly. But…she talks about you a lot. Like, a lot. And she blushes constantly when your name comes up. She hasn’t said the words, but I bet she likes you.”

John B looks back at the kitchen again, clearly overthinking.

“I think you should go for it.” Y/N adds gently.

“Go for it how? What does that even mean?” He asks, looking truly stressed.

“Well…” She says with a sly grin “We are about to have a recoupling…”

“You think I should pick her?” He asks, eyes wide.

“I think.” Y/N says, taking a sip of her drink. “When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.”

JJ freezes. 

“Oh my god.” He says slowly. “I just got that. Like, literally just now. Twenty-five years on this floating rock and it finally makes sense.”

Y/N and John B burst into laughter.

“Thanks, Y/N.” John B says with a grateful smile.

“Anytime, JB.” Y/N nods.

In the kitchen, Rafe grabs a glass and starts pulling random ingredients from the cabinets.

“I’m warning you now.” He says with a grin. “This drink is genuinely terrible.”

Before he can start pouring, Sarah reaches over and snatches the marshmallows out of his hand.

“Yeah, I don’t actually want the drink.” She says plainly. Rafe pauses, brows furrowing. 

“Wait…then why are we in here?” He asks. She glances over her shoulder to Y/N, who is still on the couch with the boys, laughing.

“Something’s up with Y/N.” She says softly. Rafe stiffens, the smile slipping from his face. 

“What happened?” He asks, voice low, already bracing for the worst.

“No one hurt her.” Sarah assures quickly. “She just…lost her ring.”

“Her ring?” Rafe’s face twists in confusion. 

“Yeah. It meant a lot to her. Like, emotionally. She’s trying not to make a big deal, but I can tell it’s getting to her.”

He nods slowly, taking that in. 

“Right.” He mutters, rubbing the back of his neck. “That explains why she was messing with mine earlier.”

Sarah points at the ring on his finger. 

“Exactly. So maybe don’t bring it up. Just…let her do her little fidget thing. I think it helps.” Sarah suggests. Rafe looks down at his hand, twisting the ring instinctively. 

“Got it. Thanks for the heads-up.”

Sarah offers a small, approving nod. Then she glances back at the counter, squinting.

“Okay but seriously.” She says, wrinkling her nose, “what the fuck were you about to make with tequila, hot sauce, and marshmallows?”

Rafe laughs, grabbing the things to put them back. She grabs a White Claw from the fridge and cracks it open. “Come on, cocktail genius. Let’s get back.”

They walk back toward the group, the sound of laughter echoing.

Soon enough, a loud ping suddenly echoes through the villa, cutting through the chatter. Kiara, lounging with Cleo and Pope, grabs her phone.

“Oh, fuck me.” She mutters, eyes wide. “I got a text!” She shouts, instantly grabbing everyone's attention.

“Can all Islanders gather around the fire pit? #decisiontime #nogoingbacknow.” She reads aloud. Climbing out of the beanbag, she helps Cleo up beside her. One by one, the Islanders make their way to the fire pit. The boys take their seats, while the girls line up opposite them, hands linked tightly in anticipation.

Another loud ping breaks the tension, this time from Kelce’s phone. He reads the screen.

“Kelce, since you are the newest Islander, you get first pick. #alotofhottiesinthevilla.” He exhales sharply, slipping his phone into his back pocket. Rising from the couch, he adjusts his mic and scans the line of girls.

“I’d like to couple up with this girl because, from the moment I walked in, she caught my eye. She’s stunning and even in just a few conversations, I can tell we’ve got a lot in common. She's hilarious too and I’d really like to see where this could go. So, the girl I’d like to couple up with is…” He pauses, letting the silence hang.

“Maddy.”

Y/N gives Maddy’s clammy hand a reassuring squeeze. Maddy’s eyes go wide in surprise, flicking briefly to JJ, who’s sitting at the edge of the fire pit with a single eyebrow raised. The girls cheer and urge Maddy forward. She flashes them a nervous smile before stepping toward Kelce.

He holds out his hand and she takes it. They share a quick, tight hug before sitting down side by side.

“That was nerve-wracking.” Kelce whispers.

“Wait 'til you're on the other side.” Maddy replies with a soft laugh.

Next up is John B. He adjusts his Hawaiian shirt as he rises, his gaze settling on the fire flickering in front of him.

“I’d like to couple up with this girl because...I feel like there’s something there, even if neither of us has really said it out loud yet.” He begins, voice a little shaky but sure. “She’s beautiful, she’s hilarious and she’s got this bright energy that lights up the villa. Always knows how to make us laugh.” He pauses, takes a breath. “So the girl I wanna couple up with is… Sarah.”

Sarah’s eyes go wide. Cleo squeals next to her.

“Knew it.” She whispers under her breath, making the girls around her laugh as Sarah gets to her feet and heads toward John B.

Topper’s jaw tightens as he watches them hug, a bitter scoff slipping out before he turns his attention away, eyes scanning the girls instead.

“He’s pissed.” Sarah murmurs to John B as they sit back down.

“Yup.” He says, still staring into the flames.

Then Pope stands, running a hand through his curls as he steps forward.

“I’d like to couple up with this girl because ever since the public paired us together on day one, I’ve had the chance to really get to know her and she’s really amazing. And honestly, she’s just…really beautiful. I wanna keep learning more about her, seeing where this goes.” He doesn’t miss a beat. “So the girl I wanna couple up with is Kiara.”

Kiara offers a tight, polite smile as she walks toward him. He leans in and pecks her cheek, but her arms barely wrap around him.

“Thanks?” She whispers awkwardly before sitting beside him on the couch. 

Y/N shares a quick glance with Cleo, both of them catching the shift in tension.

Then Rafe stands, smirking as he rises to his full height.

“I’d like to couple up with this girl because she’s…amazing.” His eyes lock on Y/N and her cheeks flush as she grins. “She’s sweet, she’s kind and she’s ridiculously gorgeous, inside and out. And to be honest, I’ve missed her hogging the blanket at night.”

Laughter breaks out around them, Y/N included.

“So, the girl I wanna couple up with is Y/N.”

Without missing a beat, Cleo nudges Y/N forward. She laughs, walking up to Rafe and slipping her hand into his. Her eyes flick up to meet his, then down to his lips and before anyone can blink, he leans in and kisses her softly, drawing her closer. The islanders erupt into cheers and teasing hollers. When they break apart and head to their seats, Y/N leans in. 

“Happy now?” She murmurs. Rafe nods, still grinning.

“Very happy.”

She chuckles, tucking herself into his side.

Topper stands up slowly, clearing his throat as his gaze settles on the fire.

“I didn't think things would go like this, but, uh…” He trails off for a moment, then continues. “I want to couple up with this girl because she’s really pretty. We’ve had a few good talks and I feel like she actually gets me. So…I’d like to couple up with Alyssa.”

He reaches out his hand as Alyssa makes her way over. He gives her a quick, gentle kiss on the cheek before they both sit down.

Last but not least, it’s JJ’s turn. He stands with a grin and lets out a small laugh.

“Okay, yeah…I didn’t think this would happen either. But I want to couple up with this girl because she’s hilarious and I feel like we have a similar energy.”

“No, we don’t.” Cleo cuts in dryly, sending everyone into laughter. JJ smirks. 

“She’s also really pretty. So yeah, I’m coupling up with Cleo.”

Cleo walks over but swerves dramatically when he leans in for a cheek kiss.

“Ew!” She yells, laughing and the rest of the group cracks up with her.

With the recoupling over, the islanders begin to scatter. Some settling into quiet corners to chat, others cozying up with their new matches. John B pulls Sarah aside to the daybed, both of them sinking into the cushions with a bit of hesitation.

“Look, I…how-how are you feeling?” He asks, stumbling over his words. Sarah fidgets with a pillow in her lap, her expression unreadable.

“Honestly? I’m okay.” She says after a pause. “I was actually talking to the girls about…this. Us. And John B, you’re really sweet. We’ve had some fun moments already. And I think that’s what this whole thing’s about. Trying stuff out, seeing what works. So I’m glad you took that risk.”

John B’s eyes widen, surprised. 

“Really? You mean that?” He asks and she nods, smiling.

“Okay. That’s…that’s good.” He lets out a breath, then leans in slightly. “Because I think I like you, Sarah. And I meant what I said back there. I do wanna see where this goes.”

She looks up at him, softer now. 

“I do too.” She replies. They share a quiet moment, the kind that doesn't need anything more.

Across the villa, Cleo and Y/N perch on kitchen stools, picking through a bowl of chips. Rafe and Pope lean casually on the other side of the counter, half-listening to their conversation.

“He’s a good guy.” Cleo says between bites. “I’m not saying he’s not. I just don’t think we really have anything in common.”

“You could give it a shot.” Y/N suggests, reaching for more chips. “You never know.”

Cleo shakes her head, grinning. 

“He reminds me of the kids I work with, I swear. There was this one boy, Tyler. Same blonde hair, blue eyes, same ridiculous jokes. Always confused about what I was saying.”

“That sounds exactly like JJ.” Rafe chimes in, making everyone laugh.

“Seriously.” Cleo continues. “He even had the same look on his face when he didn’t understand something.”

“Maybe give him a chance.” Pope offers. “And if it doesn’t click, someone else will come in and have your head spinning.”

“Yeah… true.” Cleo mutters, her eyes drifting toward Pope as he pours himself a drink. She stares a second too long.

Y/N snaps her fingers in front of Cleo’s face. 

“You good?” She asks. Cleo blinks, startled, then quickly looks down and takes a sip of her drink.

Pope, unaware, clears his throat. 

“Did you see how pissed Topper looked?”

The group shifts with a new wave of laughter and commentary as the night rolls on.

The rest of the night passes easily, with the islanders lounging around outside, talking, laughing, soaking in the last bit of warmth before slowly peeling off to head inside for some much-needed sleep.

Upstairs, the girls settle into their routine, wiping off makeup and changing into soft pajamas.

“Oh, hey, Kie?” Y/N says, glancing over as she dabs her face with a makeup wipe.

“Yeah?” Kiara responds, tugging on a pair of shorts.

“I noticed something earlier…when Pope picked you tonight, you kind of…hesitated.”

That grabs everyone’s attention. They all pause, waiting for her to go on. Cleo’s eyes widen. 

“True! And that hug? That was the most awkward hug I’ve ever seen.” She exclaims, making the girls laugh, but Kiara just lets out a sigh.

“Look, Pope’s a great guy.” She starts. Cleo snorts. 

“Yeah, that’s never a good sign.”

Laughter bubbles up again, softer this time. Kiara shrugs.

“I mean it. He’s smart, sweet, attractive…but I don’t know. It’s like there’s just no real spark. We don’t click. Every time we talk, it either feels forced or uncomfortable. And I don’t like that feeling.”

The girls nod, taking her in without judgment.

“Do you think you should talk to him? Maybe clear the air?” Y/N asks gently. Kiara hesitates, then shakes her head. 

“Not yet. I just need to figure out how to say it…without hurting him.”

The room quiets for a moment, everyone giving her the space to sit with it. Then, slowly, the night routine picks up again soft conversation, makeup wipes tossed, drawers closing. The kind of silence that comes with knowing not everything needs to be fixed right away.

The girls finally descend downstairs, taking their places on their beds, some familiar, some new.

“We are putting pillows between us and I don't want to hear a word.” Cleo announces, already shoving a pillow wall between her and JJ.

“Oh come on, Cleo. You don’t wanna cuddle with me?” JJ grins. Cleo groans while the rest of the room erupts into laughter.

Y/N smiles quietly, making her way over to Rafe in their bed. She sets her water bottle down, then practically launches herself at him, wrapping her arms around his torso. He lets out a surprised yelp before chuckling and hugging her back just as tightly. She rests her chin on his chest, looking up at him.

“Hi.” She whispers.

“Hey, pretty girl.” He replies, brushing a strand of hair out of her face and tucking it behind her ear. His eyes drag over her like he's seeing her for the first time, soaking in the curve of her shoulders, the way her shorts ride up, the warm flush on her cheeks. 

“Oh, I almost forgot.” He gently nudges her back and pulls off his hoodie, handing it to her.

“What are you…Why are you giving me this?” She asks, eyeing the oversized Ralph Lauren hoodie in confusion.

“I want you to have it. I know you get cold at night.”

Her features soften, lips curling into a small pout as she leans in and kisses him.

“Thank you.” She murmurs. “You didn’t have to.”

“I wanted to.” He says simply. “And uh…Sarah told me.”

Her brows pinch together.

“Told you what?”

“About your ring.”

Her eyes immediately drop to the chain around his neck, her fingers instinctively reaching out to fidget with it.

“It’s whatever.” She mumbles nonchalantly.

“No, it’s not whatever.” He says, voice low and steady. “It means something to you. I’ll help you look for it tomorrow, alright?”

She shakes her head.

“No, Rafe. It’s okay.”

“I'm serious, Y/N. I’m gonna turn this whole damn villa upside down.” He says, unwavering. “And I’m not taking no for an answer.”

That gets her. She gives him a small, grateful smile.

“Thank you.”

He nods as she pulls the hoodie over her head, adjusting her hair.

“How does it look?”

“Like it was made for you.” He says, eyes locked on her. She rolls her eyes and shoves his shoulder, laughing as she slides off his lap and under the covers. He follows, pulling her in close, her arms naturally curling around him. The lights go out and he presses a kiss to her forehead.

“Good night.” He whispers.

“Good night, Rafey.” She teases, but his smile breaks wider than expected.

“Don’t ever stop calling me that.” He says seriously.

She pauses, caught off guard by how much he means it.

“Okay.” She replies softly.

He leans down and kisses her slow, but deep, like he’s trying to memorize the way she tastes, the way she fits against him. There’s a pull between them, something warm and steady and when her thigh shifts over his hips, he lets out a quiet groan.

“Sorry.” She whispers, starting to pull back.

“Don’t be.” He mutters, voice low as his hand slides beneath the hem of his hoodie, smoothing over her waist. “It’s okay.”

She smiles softly, leaning in again. Her nose brushes his and her fingers trail lightly across his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat under her palm.

“I just like being close to you.” She says, barely above a whisper.

His eyes flick down to her lips, then back up.

“Yeah.” He breathes. “Me too.”

They kiss again, slower this time and when it ends, she rests her forehead against his, both of them catching their breath in the hush of the room.

Rafe shifts beneath the covers, pulling her in tighter until her body fits snug against his. Their legs tangle, skin brushing skin and everything else fades, like the world outside them has softened.

She leans in again, lips finding his and after another long kiss, he gently presses her thigh a little lower. The motion earns another groan from him and he shifts slightly, adjusting himself with an embarrassed wince.

“Sorry…for that.” He mutters. Y/N giggles into his chest, her voice low and teasing.

“It’s okay.” She whispers with a smirk. “It’s kinda cute that you’re already, well, you know.”

He groans louder this time, burying his face in her neck, completely undone.

With his arms wrapped around her and her head tucked just below his chin, the chaos of the villa fades into the background.

to be continued...

taglist: @cherrygirlfriend @judesgfirl @slickdickwitchbitchh @leather-n-velvet @alinavalentine @littlelamy @nami11 @madiisynnxx @ts1mp0ne @starkeyslibrary @venusluves @rafecameronsfavourite @lolharrystylesissexy @nofacenocase00 @k4yr14 @drewslefttoe @tinie03 @angielvsnick @dellevans @malibuhearts @sabrina-carpenter-stan-account @harryweeniee @imawhoreforu @fastlovela @jjmaybankmylovee @miserablebl00d @nemesyaaa @drewsnr1slut @laniirackssss @emotionsmgcbabe @oconnrs @missabsey @amterasuu @cornliastreett @pvyden @italk2god @swagmoneydrew @lerclec @emmaaas-posts @rafecameronxxx @dorcas4meadowes @isabellaxlilah @xoxosblogsblog @bxbychxrry @julesbog @annaaaamichelle @st8rkey @lewispool @my-name-is-baby @silkylovey

[catboyieejeno]

NEED MORE BF MARKKK

bf! mark would be so, so easy to love effortlessly.

Just imagine the way he’d show up on your first date—a little nervous but doing his best to hide it with that signature easygoing smile. He’d bring a hoodie or jacket for you “just in case it gets cold,” with that mix of boyish charm and thoughtfulness that makes your heart race. Might overdo it with the cologne ngl... but it's unbelievably endearing.

"Jeno. Smell this."

Jeno snorts, pushing it back. “Dude, I’m not smelling your sweatshirt.”

“Come on, man. Just smell it.” Mark insists, wiggling the fabric at him.

With a sigh, Jeno brings it to his nose and takes a cautious sniff—then immediately recoils, gagging and waving his hand in front of his face.

“Bro, did you dunk this in cologne?” He gasps, holding it at arm’s length. “She’s gonna need a gas mask just to survive.”

Mark frowns, glancing at the sweatshirt. “I thought it needed a couple sprays…”

As things get more serious, he’d make a habit of sending you little surprises that show he’s thinking of you. You’d find a random playlist from him waiting in your messages one day, labeled “For you” with the one giggling emoji, filled with tracks he thinks you’d love. He’d stay up late making it, mulling over how you’ll react to each song.

He’d invite you to hang out with his friends one weekend, blending you seamlessly into his life. When you’re there, you’d see his quiet, protective side come out—he’d stay close to you, keeping an arm around the back of your chair or brushing a hand over your shoulder to make sure you’re comfortable. He might not even realize he’s doing it, but everyone would notice the way he softens around you, the way he’s always got a careful eye on you, ensuring you're having a good time. If you so much as shiver, he’d immediately offer his jacket with a shy, “Here, just take it, okay?”

And if he sees that you’re having a rough day, he wouldn’t ask too many questions or push you to talk; he’d just show up with your favorite drink or snack, a hoodie, and some silly videos he’s saved just to see you laugh. When you’re ready to open up, he’d listen so intently, holding your hand, never interrupting.

When he’d kiss you, it would start out gentle, with him leaning in a little slowly, his eyes flicking to yours to make sure to watch how dazed you become when he gets so close. His lips would be soft, barely brushing against yours at first, before he’d press in a little deeper, savoring the feeling. He’d hold your face in his hands or let his thumb trace along your jaw, taking his time. He might laugh softly into the kiss, his hands slipping to your waist to pull you closer or just hold your hips, rubbing slow circles on your skin or squeezing if you make any kind of sound. God, hearing you hum or moan during a kiss would absolutely drive him insane.

"Just like that," he'd mumble, "I love the pretty sounds you make for me."

"You like it when I kiss you there?" and if you didn't answer, he'd let his hips hover, not giving you what you want.

"How about this?" A kiss on your shoulder, "Hmm?" another on your chest, "Is this okay?"

"Shit, baby, c'mere." if you've been kissing anywhere but his lips for too long, he always finds himself craving them.

His lips would be anywhere, on the corner of your lips, on your cheek, your jaw, your neck... fingers trailing on your waist and squeezing your flesh. I feel like he's on the shyer side when the two of you are doing mindless tasks or around friends, but for some reason, when he's so wrapped up in you in these private moments, he'd groan and whimper without restraint. There's a sliver of shyness left, a tell being his flushed skin and the way he'd bite his lips, but otherwise, he's giving you his all.

[savanir]

DP x DC prompt [6]

Weapon design always came easy to Jack Fenton. He grew up with it, all the way back in Atlantis, when he was just a little guppy.

What he wasn’t aware of at the time was that his parents were from a long and prestigious line of scientists and weapon manufacturers in Atlantean society. But things had been getting dangerous. 

The King at the time cast them out when they refused his demands of greater, stronger, deadlier weapons. The kind of weapons they knew would not only destroy their enemies, but themselves as well.

They fled and went where they thought they would never be found, the surface.

Jack had the easiest time adapting, being as young as he was getting used to breathing air was a lot less of a struggle. 

He adopted one of the most generic male names he could, and adapted the family name of Fenestratus into Fenton. And then it was just living as a human, as humanly as possible, nothing to see here.

By now Jack basically doesn’t know any better. but this piece of heritage is coming back now all these years later, when his son is looking to him for help from the government.

But first he holds his boy close and apologizes, because he sees the fear, and he understands a little too well, and he doesn’t like the picture he’s seeing now that all the puzzle pieces are falling into place.

“I almost became the thing I hate the most. I’m so sorry Danny, I’m sorry I made you feel unsafe in your own home”

The hug is long and warm and tight and Danny isn’t ashamed to admit he might have clung a little bit.

Then Jack holds Danny tightly by his shoulders and gives him a big grin, “Good news though, you’re only half ghost, the other half is not only human but also Atlantean, and there are laws protecting us now” Jack mutters to himself, “I wonder if the whole ghost stuff would actually be put under the meta protection thing… hmm”

Danny blinks for a moment, Jazz gapes, Maddie is suddenly no longer spiraling about how her baby boy got in a terrible accident in their lab and she didn’t know.

“I’m also what?”

“Dad!?”

“oh did I forget to mention that? I thought I did, I know for certain that I had been meaning to”

“Jack sweetie, are you-”

“oh yes, and I remember now, I decided to tell you after our big breakthrough because I didn’t want to distract you, and-” Jack looks sheepish, “I hope you aren’t too mad at me Maddiecakes”

“mad? oh I would never be mad at you about this but we could have- I don’t know, accommodated- Atlanteans are aquatic, well I guess that explains how you could always put away so much water, and when you gave me your umbrella and I thought you were just making an excuse when you told me you didn’t mind and in fact loved getting pelted by the rain-”

Maddie goes on, and Jack thinks to himself that this is exactly the reason why he kept it to himself at the time, Maddie never half asses anything, he’s sure a lot of things are going to change in the house now, it honestly only makes him fall in love with her even more.

Meanwhile Jazz had filled up a bucket of water and then dunked her head in, then came back out not even slightly gasping for breath, just saying “oh my god” over and over.

Danny timed it, “yeah okay, I guess that proves it. now I’m starting to wonder if my weird relationship with air is ghost related at all”

[yugsly]

I think you should do a little more research on the development of YIIK and it's developer :(

So here's the thing- YIIK and it's developers (just two brothers) have been the targets of nasty hate campaigns and misinformation since the launch of the original YIIK in 2019. Since the very beginning- it barely had a chance to live before people deeply mischaracterized things. People perpetuating rumors based on random things folks were saying on the internet, not fact checking anything. Can you imagine that? Working on a passion project for so long, only for people to dunk on it and lie? A game made by just two young people, trying to make art? A pretty substantial part of the targeted hate was because the game was calling out a certain type of guy -a privileged, entitled gamer drunk on nostalgia to put it the most simple- and so, people didn't like that the game was making them look in the mirror- many didn't even understand that. They didn't get it, so they attacked anything they could. A lot of the hate was spread by people who hadn't even played the game. They just took these posts and ran with them. They didn't bother to form their own opinions. A lot of the "rumors" are addressed in this interview. I recommend you read it! On the internet, it's incredibly easy to buy into misinformation for the sake of "justice". To feel like you're doing good for "warning others". But you really, really, have to take a second look at what you're spreading around, what you're repeating. At times it can be correct to spread warning, but other times can be extremely damaging and traumatizing. This is one of those cases. It's really really sad to be honest. Over the past couple of months I've gotten to know Andrew (one of the two devs), and he's great. I was genuinely so disgusted to hear what had taken place when they both put their game out there. It's sad and horrifying. In today's internet, dunking on things, calling them out, has become social currency in a way. I think we need to be really careful about that. It's up to us to stop misinformation. This is the last time I'm gonna comment on this 'controversy' I think.

[solxamber]

Possessed || Ace Trappola

Something’s going on with Ace. He's being nice which either means he's possessed or has done something extremely illegal. (Spoiler alert: It's neither)

“You’ve been weird,” you say, squinting at Ace from across the cafeteria table. “New levels of weird. Scary kinds of weird. Are you possessed or something?”

Ace just leans back in his chair, balancing it on two legs with that infuriatingly carefree grin plastered across his face. He tosses a piece of bread into his mouth before raising an eyebrow at you, clearly not fazed by your accusation.

“I wish,” he responds with a dramatic sigh, rolling his eyes. “Then I could blame all this weirdness on a curse or something and not just... you know, life.”

You cross your arms, not letting him brush it off so easily. “No, seriously. You’re being freaky. You helped me carry books to class the other day. Without asking for a favor in return.”

“Yeah, so?” Ace shrugs, but the slight twitch in his grin gives him away. “Maybe I was feeling generous.”

“Maybe you’re losing it,” you counter, leaning forward. “Since when do you do anything without an ulterior motive? I’m starting to think you’re planning something.”

“Me? Plan?” Ace feigns innocence, one hand over his heart. “You wound me, Prefect. You’re thinking of Azul, not me.”

“Nice deflection,” you deadpan. “But it’s not just that. You haven’t pranked Deuce all week.”

Ace’s smirk falters. “Okay, first of all, Deuce is too easy to prank. It’s like dunking a biscuit into water and calling it an achievement. Second—”

“I heard that!” Deuce calls out from the next table over, turning around to glare at Ace.

“You were supposed to hear that,” Ace shoots back without missing a beat, tossing a crumpled napkin at his friend.

You wave your hand in the air, trying to reel the conversation back in. “See, this is what I mean! You’re off your game! The Ace Trappola I know would be messing with Deuce every chance he got. Not sitting here, being... helpful and nice. You even opened the door for me yesterday.”

Ace looks horrified. “Wait, I did?”

“Yes! And you said something ridiculous like, ‘You can go first.’ It was spooky.”

He seems to visibly recoil, his face scrunching up as if he’s genuinely disturbed by the thought. “Wow. That is scary. Who am I turning into?”

“That’s what I’m saying!” you exclaim, throwing your arms in the air. “You’re possessed!”

He leans in toward you, voice dropping conspiratorially. “Okay, real talk? Maybe I’m evolving.”

“Into what, a decent human being?” you ask, sarcasm dripping from every word.

“Ha. Ha. Very funny.” Ace rolls his eyes again but leans closer, his expression strangely serious now. “Look, I’m just trying to... I dunno, be more... considerate.”

You squint at him, not buying it for a second. “Why? Who put you up to this?”

Ace huffs, running a hand through his hair, his face growing a little red. “No one put me up to anything, alright? I just thought... maybe you’d like it.”

Your mouth opens, then shuts. You’re not sure what to make of that.

“What?” Ace asks, noticing your bewildered expression. “Cat got your tongue?”

“No, I’m just... processing. You’re being nice because you think I’d like it?”

He shrugs, averting his gaze now. “Yeah, well... you’ve been giving me a hard time lately, so I figured, why not? You know, mix things up. Be nice for a change.”

“Uh-huh.” You narrow your eyes, suspicion creeping back in. “But... why me?”

Ace avoids eye contact, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his collar. “Does it matter? Just... shut up and let me be nice, okay?”

You stare at him for a long moment, trying to figure out what’s going on in that mischievous head of his. Finally, you let out a sigh, leaning back in your chair. “Fine. But I’m still convinced you’re up to something.”

Ace smirks, the cheeky glint returning to his eyes. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

Over the next few days, Ace continues acting suspiciously... well, nice. He doesn’t trip you in the hallway or throw random jabs at your study habits like usual. He even brings you snacks during lunch—without eating half of them first.

It’s weird. Unsettling, even.

And every time you ask him about it, he brushes it off with a nonchalant “just felt like it” or “don’t read too much into it, Prefect.” But his little quirks keep poking through. Like when he sneaks up behind you, pretending he’s going to scare you, only to offer a helping hand with your bag. Or when he gives Deuce a hard time, only to turn around and cover for him when he forgets his homework.

Deuce, for his part, seems equally as confused. “Is he dying or something?” Deuce whispers to you one afternoon. “He’s not usually this nice unless he’s pulling something.”

“I know, right?” you whisper back, eyeing Ace from across the courtyard where he’s currently chatting with a group of students. “It’s unnatural.”

“He even let me borrow his notes last night,” Deuce continues, shaking his head. “His good notes, too. Not the ones he scribbled in crayon to mess with me.”

“Okay, now I’m seriously concerned,” you mutter. “He’s definitely plotting something.”

But the more time passes, the less it feels like a trick. There’s no punchline, no grand reveal. Ace is just... being Ace, albeit in a more considerate, slightly awkward way.

One evening, you’re leaving the library when you spot Ace waiting for you outside, leaning against a wall with his usual lazy posture. He looks up as you approach, flashing you a casual grin.

“Yo, Prefect,” he calls out. “Need help with your stuff?”

You raise an eyebrow, adjusting the books in your arms. “Are you really offering, or are you about to ‘accidentally’ trip me again?”

Ace chuckles, pushing off the wall and walking over to take some of the books from you. “What, you don’t trust me by now? I’ve been an absolute angel lately.”

“Yeah, and that’s the problem,” you retort, but you let him take the books anyway. “You’ve been too nice. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

Ace smirks, walking beside you as you head toward Ramshackle. “Maybe I’m just growing up. Becoming a responsible, dependable guy.”

You snort. “Now I know you’re lying.”

“Hey!” Ace protests, nudging you with his elbow. “I’m serious. I can be responsible when I want to.”

You side-eye him. “Sure. And pigs can fly.”

Ace rolls his eyes, but there’s a soft smile on his lips. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“Takes one to know one.”

The two of you walk in comfortable silence for a while, the moonlight casting long shadows on the cobblestone path. It’s peaceful, almost... nice.

Then, out of nowhere, Ace speaks again, his tone quieter this time. “So... you really think I’ve been weird lately?”

You glance at him, surprised by the question. “Yeah, kinda. Why?”

He shrugs, looking up at the sky. “I dunno. Just curious.”

You narrow your eyes at him. “Are you seriously still playing this ‘nice guy’ act? What’s your angle, Ace?”

He doesn’t answer right away. Instead, he stops walking, turning to face you with an uncharacteristically serious expression.

“There’s no angle,” he says softly. “I just... wanted to see if it’d make a difference.”

You blink, caught off guard by his sudden sincerity. “What do you mean?”

Ace rubs the back of his neck, looking unusually nervous. “I mean... I’ve been trying to... y’know, be a better person. For you.”

Your heart skips a beat, but you’re not sure if it’s because of his words or the fact that he’s actually being vulnerable for once. “For me?”

Ace avoids your gaze, his cheeks tinged pink. “Yeah. I figured... maybe if I stopped being such a jerk all the time, you’d... I dunno... like me more.”

You stare at him, your mind racing to process what he’s saying. “Wait. Are you... confessing to me?”

Ace scowls, clearly embarrassed now. “Ugh, don’t say it like that. You’re making it weird.”

“You’re the one making it weird!” you shoot back, feeling your face heat up. “I didn’t ask you to go all soft on me!”

Ace glares at you, but there’s no real malice behind it. “Well, excuse me for trying to be nice for once.”

There’s a beat of silence as the two of you stand there, staring at each other, before you both start laughing.

“You’re an idiot,” you say, shaking your head.

"Yeah, but you hang out with me anyway," Ace finishes with that signature smirk of his.

You roll your eyes, but there's no denying the truth in his words. There's something about his brash honesty, his ability to keep things light even when they're serious, that you can't help but be drawn to. His quick wit, the way he keeps you on your toes—it's always been part of his charm.

"Maybe I do," you admit, crossing your arms and giving him a playful look. "But you're still a jerk sometimes."

Ace grins wider, stepping a little closer. "Oh, I'm totally a jerk. But I think that's why we work so well. You need someone to challenge you, and I need someone to keep me in check."

You snort. "So that's why you've been weird? Trying to impress me?"

Ace shrugs, his gaze softening just a bit. "Something like that. I just... didn't want you to think I'm always messing around. Sometimes, I actually want to be serious."

It's strange hearing him say that, but in a way, it makes sense. You've always known there was more to Ace than the mischievous, carefree front he puts up. He's clever and observant, and maybe—just maybe—he's been paying attention to you in ways you hadn't realized.

"So, what now?" you ask, feeling the tension between you shift from playful to something a little more... real.

Ace takes a breath, glancing up at the stars for a moment before meeting your eyes again. "I dunno. Guess I was hoping you'd say something like... 'I like you too, Ace.'"

You can't help the smile that tugs at your lips. "And what if I do?"

His eyes widen, just for a second, before his cocky grin returns in full force. "Well, then that'd be great. 'Cause I'd say I like you too, Prefect"

You both stand there for a moment, the air between you charged with something new and exciting. It’s not the usual back-and-forth banter, not the endless teasing. This is real, and Ace’s normally confident posture seems just a little unsure, like he’s still figuring out how to navigate this new territory.

"Alright, fine," you say, your voice softer now. "I like you, Ace."

He blinks, clearly taken aback that you actually said it. For once, he's the one who seems at a loss for words.

"...You serious?" he asks, sounding almost vulnerable. It's a rare thing to hear from him, and it tugs at your heart just a little.

You nod, feeling the heat rise in your cheeks. "Yeah. I mean, you've been acting all weird and nice, and it kind of freaked me out, but... I get it now. And I like you too."

Ace lets out a relieved breath, his grin softening into something more genuine. "Well, that's good. 'Cause I was starting to run out of ways to be nice. It’s exhausting."

You laugh, the tension finally breaking as the two of you slip back into the ease that’s always existed between you. But now, there's something more. Something deeper.

"So," you start, tilting your head at him, "does this mean you're going to stop being a jerk to me?"

Ace snorts. "Nah, that’s part of my charm. Besides, you’d get bored if I went all soft."

You roll your eyes, but you're smiling. "Fair enough."

Without warning, Ace reaches out and ruffles your hair, grinning like a kid who’s just won a prize. "You know, you're not too bad. Maybe we can make this thing work."

You swat his hand away, laughing. "Maybe. If you stop being so weird."

"Deal," Ace says, though you can tell from the look in his eyes that he’s already planning his next prank.

Deuce, who’s been watching the whole thing from a distance, finally decides to pipe up, calling out to the two of you from the other side of the courtyard. “Hey! Did you guys seriously just confess? In front of me?”

Ace turns around and shouts back, “Yeah, what of it?”

Deuce groans, looking exasperated. “Couldn’t you have waited until I wasn’t around to witness that?”

“You’re just jealous!” Ace calls, slinging an arm around your shoulders with a triumphant grin.

Deuce rolls his eyes but grins anyway. “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t go getting all mushy on me.”

Ace laughs, giving you a sidelong glance. “No promises.”

And as you walk back toward the dorms, Ace’s arm still around you, you can’t help but smile. It’s a weird, unexpected kind of happiness, but somehow, it fits. Just like Ace.

Masterlist

[laddertek]

Etho immediately choosing Decked Out 2 (+Tango's reaction) xBCrafted's Season 10 Episode 17 Hermit Q&A

xB: So, question number three. What has been your favourite project, build, and/or event since joining HermitCraft? Etho: That I did? Or that other people did? xB: Uh, just, whatever. Whatever you...y'know, your favourite. Just, whatever. Etho: Oh, that's gotta be Decked Out 2, then. xB: Okay. (laughs) Etho: (laughs) Easy answer! xB: I mean, you only played it a little, though... Etho: Ahh, it was a few months. A few months of my life, there. Got a little bit involved. xB: (laughs) A couple minutes, here and there, you know. Etho: Yeah. xB: I know how you are. No. (laughs) ---- xB: I feel like your answer is gonna be the same as Etho's. Tango: Oh, did he say Decked Out? xB: Yes he did. (laughs) Tango: Ohhhh, my hero! Yeah, Decked Out is definitely my answer. Slam dunk. xB: I was like, 'Yeah, what do you mean? You only played, like, a little bit...' (both laugh) Tango: Well, that -- Honestly, the fact that he said that, means -- means everything to me. That's great, that he values it that high. That's great. That's great. xB: Oh, yeah, yeah. He was like, he was like, 'That's easy. Decked Out 2.' I was like, 'Okay!' (laughs) Tango: (laughs) Fantastic. Good! Good!

[vanillakook]

DOPAMINE (PT. 2) ꔫ - JJK

synopsis: jungkook has a question for mingyu’s sister

paring: brothersbestfriend!jk x fem!reader

info & warnings: explicit language, angst, risky rendezvous, forced proximity, tones of corruption, established crush, sexual tension and slow burn, oral sex (m. receiving), face fucking, hair pulling, manhandling, dom!jk, pretty short but it’s preparing to transition into a much longer pt 3 🙈

a/n : part 2/3! comment to be added to the taglist for this series! first part here: <3

“do you think i’m stupid?”

jungkook’s irritated voice rang through you. you had officially pissed him off, and for the last time at that. annual vacations with your family to jeju were usually jungkook’s favorite. your parents owned a cozy little house by the beach that you went to a few times a year. he had the privilege of getting away from school and work for a week. just a full week of kicking back by the ocean with some beers and seeing his favorite girl in a way too revealing bikini that mingyu planed on burning when you were back at the house. even jihyo tagged along, this being her first vacation with the kim family, to which your parents were ecstatic, and oh– and he’s here. jaehyun.

jungkook knew he didn’t hate anyone... but it was all too easy for him to hate jaehyun, all because of your maniacal actions on this getaway. having jaehyun win stuffed animals for you, sharing boardwalk treats with him, and clinging by his side had been enough for poor jungkook, who really enjoyed annual vacations to jeju. things escalated from a simple boardwalk treat to rubbing sunscreen down your back, and drying you off with his towel after dunking yourself in the ocean. he was no longer enjoying his annual vacation to jeju.

the worst part about it all? it was his fault. he knew you’d never touch jaehyun, not even with a ten foot pole. yet after the moment you and jungkook shared in his car, you might as well. after he dropped you off at home something changed. jungkook was around less and when you needed a favor he was suddenly busy. it was like nothing had mattered. all of the things you had done together, the things you had said, nothing mattered anymore. he left you in the dark, and you were two strangers with a secret now, nothing more. he had to be the bigger person. if jungkook couldn’t tell you no then he would just have to start acting on it, even if it meant ignoring your existence all together.

if jungkook wasn’t going to fuck you, there was someone who wanted to. and who better than jaehyun, who’s pants form a tent when you do as much as smile at him– and who better to flaunt your power around than jungkook. which bought you here, laid out on your beach towel, sipping on your soju mixed cocktail and reading a novel when jungkook came to you with a scowl on his face and a question ready on his tongue.

“do you think i’m stupid?” he couldn’t hold himself together anymore. you were prancing around in a tight bikini and letting another man touch you. a man that wasn’t him. so he took his chance when your brother, jihyo, and jaehyun joined a volleyball game on the far side of the beach. he finally caught you after you made yourself very unattainable during this trip.

“you’re blocking the sun, too big. move.” you moved your sunglasses up on your face.

“listen, come back to the house with me. i think we should talk–”

“about? about how i was another pussy to you, is that the conversation you want to have?” now he had your attention, because talk? about what?

“get up.”

“no.” you turned a page on your book.

“y/n,” a very frustrated jungkook pinched his nose. “i said get the fuck up.”

“and i said no. the fuck do you think you are? my brother?” you spat back.

“nah, i’m worse.”

now you were being dragged by your arm down the beach, up the boardwalk, and back to the house. you stumbled up the sandy porch with your things in hand, jungkook angrily flinging your arm from his tight grip and trailing behind you. once the door was unlocked and you were being pushed inside, coming into the dimmed living area that had sun sneaking in through the curtains. “okay, i’m here. now what? and make it quick because they’re probably looking for us.”

“i let gyu know i walked you back to change.”

“to change? i– okay sure. my parents will be home soon though.”

“they’re out at dinner. so i’ll ask again, do you think i’m stupid? just picking at me, trying to piss me off.” he had you corned, taking another step back with every word that fell from his lips until your bare back hit the door. “you’re gonna get that lil boy hurt y/n. mingyu’s one thing, but me? tsk tsk.” he sucked his teeth. “he won’t walk intact around me.” his voice dropped a few octaves and you had nowhere to look but his disrespectfully, good looking face.

“who’s fault is that?” you couldn’t help the smirk that came onto you when jungkook indirectly confessed just how bothered he was. “you’re the one that’s gonna get him fucking hurt. now hyunnie has to get whacked by mingyu because you wanna ghost me.” jungkook thought it was comical. your mouth was too big for your body, constantly trying him, picking at him, and now you were folding under his strong gaze. his eyes were darker than what they usually were, holding something more intense.

“hyunnie?” he raised his eyebrows, letting out a loud cackle. jungkook actually laughed out loud. “you’re so full of shit. both of you, probably made for each other even.”

“mhm pretty much.” your eyes rolled dramatically. he was close enough to where you were able to poke at his hard chest, landing your finger four times to match the speed of your words. “such. a. fucking. hypocrite– i can’t take you! god forbid i flirt with jaehyun to pass some time. i forgot you’re the only one that can eat my pussy and dip out as if it never happened.”

he put his hands on his waist, shut his eyes, and took a deep long breath. “i never forgot about us, i didn’t want to just forget, but i had to.”

“two months! two jungkook!” you screamed, waved your fingers in front of him. “that’s how long i’ve waited for you to speak to me, touch me– fuck– something! this right here,” you gestured to the little space around you. “i’d rather have us arguing like this than nothing at all!” it was hard to mask the hurt in your voice, it certainly didn’t go unnoticed by jungkook. yet his own jealousy had been too persistent for him to calm down right now.

“and that’s how you went about it? hopping on mediocre dick to spite me?” his voice, his fucking voice. you hated how it made your bikini bottoms cling to your pussy. “have fun fucking on somebody that can’t make you cum. thought that’s what you wanted though, right baby?“

“get a fucking life, jungkook.” you couldn’t even look at the man. probably because the atmosphere was getting thicker and you could hear his voice dripping with the same condescending tone that got you into this mess.

a maniacal smirk spread across his face. he could do this all day with you, he wanted to do this all day. “jaehyun too? mhmm just gonna ruin that boy’s life. that’s cool, when im telling mingyu about his backstabbing friend i wont tell him how much of a slut his lil sis is. secrets safe with me.”

“but you’re gonna leave out how you had his slutty little sister first?” you stepped forward, closing the gap between you. the two of you couldn’t help your wandering eyes, his eyes taking in your lips and sandy skin, yours being stuck on his mosaic of tattoos and the piercing in his lip that you desperately wanted in between your teeth. it was all a matter of who was going to break first now. “going on and on about how pretty my pussy is, so wet and tight for you wasn’t it kookie?”

“mouth way too big for your body, baby.”

“what? can’t handle it? oh and you are fucking stupid by the way. and you’ll look even stupider when jaehyun is balls deep in this–”

“go upstairs.” his voice was so quiet, yet ringing in your ears like bells. his resolve was the thinnest it’s ever been when it’s come to you. “i can show you what’s stupid, come on.” he titled his head towards the stairs, starting up them while you stayed put, defying him for the last time.

“come and get me then.”

just like that, the composure, the respect, all came crashing down. without warning, jungkook tangled his fist in your hair, wrapping the strands around and around until his hand was full. his grip was rough, making sure to make a statement, not with pain, but control. “on your knees. you woke me up now baby.” before you could do you were being forced. here he had you, making you crawl for him while he pulled you along by your hair. like a fucking mutt. it was a scene so lewd and degrading to where you didn’t even think you could muster up the thought of it.

“jungkook– ouch!”

jungkook stopped your journey mid way. with a fistful of your hair still, he turned his half naked body towards you, ducking down just so the metal of his piercing was grazing your ear. “oh uh uh, where’d she go? what happened to my big, bad pretty girl? what? can’t handle it?” he cooed, spitting your words right back at you as he ignored your whining and continued to walk you up the stairs and into your bedroom. a bedroom he’d known since childhood due to how much he and mingyu terrorized you in it during family vacations. now decades later he was dragging you into the same bedroom, ready to fuck some sense into you. still on your knees, you rested yourself against your door and watched him.

“gonna ruin that cute face, but we’re gonna clean up that attitude.” adrenaline ran through you when you realized just how much bigger he was than you. his broad shoulders, veiny forearms, meaty thighs– it had just occurred to you how screwed you were. jungkook yanked down his swim shorts, damp cloth still clinging to his legs and outlining the muscle. he bit back a laugh when he heard the way you audibly gasped when his cock slapped against his stomach. he was already leaking for you, fuck he’s been leaking since your tits were ready to fall out of that excuse of a bathing suit.

“clean up my attitude?” and still your mouth was moving. “if you can–” jungkook quickly made use of your mouth, taking ahold of your locks again and sank inside of your warmth. deeper, deeper, deeper, until you became a drooling, slobbery, babbling mess who struggled to adjust to his size. he mustered up a groan when he began moving. bottoming out, dragging himself back down your warm tongue, and leaving you just to suck on his tip. he repeated the same motion which felt like a thousand times over. you breathed in sharply when bullied his cock just deep enough into your hole so that your nose tickled his pelvis. tears started to prick your eyes, your face flushed with violent heat, along with muffled cries for him to slow down. your cunt had a mind of its own, only wanting his torture to continue further.

“aht aht. pretty girls don’t talk with their mouths full.” this was who he really was, mocking and plain evil. “that’s how you listen? when you’re full of my cock huh?” no response. now you were being pulled up for air, your once comfortable and full mouth now deserted. he held his thick cock in one hand and your hair in the other. “i asked you a question doll.”

you nodded slowly through stained tears and plump, glistening lips. slow nods transitioned to quick and now he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. his snippy girl finally had no more fight left in her. “i– i listen.” you nodded frantically. “i listen when im full of you.”

“full of me? use all those nasty words you learned.”

“i listen when im full of your cock koo.”

a laugh rumbled through him, now it’s koo and kookie again when he’s making a mess out of you. “well look at that, i fucked this cute hole into obedience.” he pushed himself back down your throat with the goal of watching you slurp up his nut– until you both heard the front door creak open, followed by the familiar footstep pattern of none other than–

your brother.

your face morphed with panic, trying to push back at the same man you weren’t supposed to be giving into. jungkook wasn’t letting you off easy, you were going to finish exactly what you started. he didn’t give a fuck who came in, he wasn’t done with you. so if he had to finish you off with your brother knocking on the other side of your door so be it. “y/n! jungkook! where are you guys?!” mingyu called throughout the quiet house. your names rang from each end that he searched. “guys? you’ve been gone for like an hour!” your fear filled eyes locked with a way too calm jungkook who did nothing but move to lock your door and hit the back of your mouth with his tip again. his tatted finger went up to his lips and now you were wondering if you’d come out of this alive.

both of you.

“gyu!” jungkook called out. you could hear your brothers footsteps get closer until they stopped at your door. your heart thumped against your chest so loudly you felt like he could hear. he tried the door, jiggling the knob. “hey man calm down, i’m naked.”

“naked? in here?” mingyu said with disbelief.

“relax, y/n just let me use her bathroom. you know her room has the best shower,” he sounded completely at ease. way too at ease for someone face fucking his best friends sister. “she isn’t here, changed and went back out to the boardwalk, you probably walked past her.”

mingyu sighed. “fucking figured, all her shit is all over the living room. just dropped it and went back out?” why did the thrill of potentially being caught have you opening your mouth wider, tongue resting against the underside of his shaft while you waited for him to spill into your mouth. “we’re finishing up on the beach though now. also we’re doing snores tonight, so we might have to make a store run. she left her phone downstairs so if you see her just let her know.”

“gotcha, i’ll be– sshit–” jungkook didn’t mean for that to come out as a grunt, but he was so close and you felt so goddamn good. “i’ll be on the lookout for her.” he said just as he spilled down your throat. he kept himself so well put with mingyu on the other side, you’d think he’s snuck around like this before.

“thanks man, and hey, i’m glad you and y/n are talking again. hated this vacation at first.” you heard mingyu strut back down the stairs. you felt like you could breathe once you heard the front door slam shut. jungkook pulled your head up, his cock dropping from your mouth with a pop! he didn’t even have to tell you to swallow. it was already done, and you were already showing him that you swallowed it all like the big girl he knew you were.

“did so well for me doll, s’ pretty and all mine.” he caressed your face with gentleness after using you as if you were nothing to him. you’d never done something like this, so lewd and obscene. now you felt like an addict, aching for your next fix. jungkook’s jaw tensed as he gazed at you, a flicker of guilt breaking through his cocky exterior. “if we’re going to do this, we need some ground rules… are you sure you want this?” he said firmly, though his touch betrayed his reluctance to let you go.

“jungkook,” you sighed softly. “we’re too far gone.”

“i didn’t ask you that. i asked you if you want this.”

you stared at him, the weight of his question settling in your chest. “this is all i’ve ever wanted,” you whispered, the words barely audible but firm. jungkook’s eyes softened for a split second before a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

“good,” he muttered, pulling you up from your spot in the floor and into his arms. his mouth was on yours before you could say another word, firm and demanding, yet fleeting enough to leave you wanting more. when he pulled back, the cocky glint in his eyes was back in full force. “see how you just saved a man’s life? your little boyfriend gets to live.”

You rolled your eyes. “you’re insufferable, you know that?” you shot back, grabbing a nearby throw pillow and launching it at him. He dodged it effortlessly, laughing as he caught your wrist before you could grab something else.

“had you choking on this insufferable dick though,” he quipped, his hand lingering a moment too long before he finally let go. the moment he did you landed a hard punch on his chest. “now, get dressed, with actual clothes.” as much as he liked looking, you were no longer prancing around like that for as long as jaehyun was here. in fact, jungkook was declaring him banned from any family vacations from here on out.

“i hate you.” you said, but the smile tugging at your lips betrayed you as you followed him into your bathroom.

later on that night while the boys were helping setting up with your parents, you and jihyo stayed in the kitchen to prepare some smores. you thought you were the only one who knew about your secret rendezvous with jungkook, to which you were about to learn– was completely wrong. as you and jihyo yapped about everything under the sun you learned a lot about her that you’d prefer you didn’t know. yet she knew more about you than you did. “jihyo– okay ew. anymore talk about my brothers private parts and no one’s having smores because my throw up will be covering them.” you cringed for hopefully the last time after she thought it was hilarious to tell you how good mingyu was with his tongue.

“okay fine, you then lil gyu.” she grinned deviously, nudging your side while assembling the smores stack. “someone’s been pinning after you, how’s that going?”

“oh– me and jaehyun? that’s never gonna happen,” you let out a nervous giggle. “he’s nice and all but not my type. gyu also wouldn’t ever let me date his friends. over before it started.”

jihyo’s silence and smile only grew. “i wasn’t talking about jaehyun… in fact, i think you guys are more obvious than you realize.” you froze. before letting panic settle you remembered, it’s just jihyo. however you still looked around the perimeter of the kitchen and living room, even glancing at the sliding patio doors to make sure mingyu was far away from them.

your hands stopped their actions and you breathed in once, a heavy sigh following. “do we make it too obvious?”

“umm with that cold war that you two dragged everyone else into? hell fucking yes!” she turned to you dramatically, growing serious for a moment. “don’t worry, mingyu doesn’t have enough brain cells for it to click for him yet.”

you stared outside, taking in the sight of your parents joking around with jungkook. jaehyun and mingyu were still throwing wood into the pit, ready to chuck one at jungkook for being the one with the most muscle yet not helping. “do you think he’ll be mad at us? at him?” jihyo gave you a small pout at first, but her lips quirked into a smile. you never cared about yourself in this situation. you knew you’d always be mingyu’s sister, his full fledged family.

but would jungkook always be mingyu’s friend?

jihyo walked you over to a stool and sat you down. she took your hands in hers and gave you the best she could. “i think it’ll be… an adjustment. there’s no thought in the back of his head telling him jungkook might have feelings for you. so when he knows, yeah he might be taken aback.” in other words, mingyu was going to have yours and jungkook’s heads on a stick. she tried to sugar coat it as much as she could, but you knew her sweet words for you had a double meaning.

“feelings?” you could laugh out loud. “if you count feelings as leaving me high and dry and then randomly deciding to look at me again when you feel threatened by someone else then yeah, feelings… i guess. we’re still working out the kinks.”

now you had jihyo laughing out loud, slapping her knee even. “you two don’t even have to acknowledge each other. it’s seeping off of you. you really are lil gyu, plain ole stupid.” the two of you giggled like schoolgirls, hitting each other lightly. it felt good to have someone to speak to about this. your friends were heavy liabilities, if they knew then mingyu knew. you couldn’t even speak to your sibling, and you couldn’t even imagine his hurt when he’d find out. suddenly all the cares you never had were coming to the surface, you understand jungkook now. could you… really do this?

your thoughts were interrupted by three rowdy, hungry boys who made their way through the sliding doors and into the kitchen. in just a matter of seconds they had managed to steal half of your prepared smores stacks, which earned them a nice scolding from a very mean jihyo.

as the banter continued between the five of you, it had been distracting you long enough to realize that jaehyun’s repeated attempts at you had finally come to a halt. mingyu must have given him a stern talking to while jungkook was busy dragging you to the house to give you an equally stern face fucking. with a few beers cracked open and everyone working in tandem on the smores, there left a lot of room for usually unnoticed things to start coming to light.

mingyu, who was still lazily holding jihyo’s waist, suddenly straightened as the chatter in the kitchen became background noise. he took another swig of his beer, but his eyes stayed locked on the way jungkook leaned slightly toward you, his shoulder brushing yours as you both laughed softly at something only the two of you could hear.

it wasn’t anything obvious—no stolen glances or shy touches— but just the way jungkook’s body naturally angled toward you, like he couldn’t help it.

mingyu’s grip tightened on the beer bottle, his gaze narrowing ever so slightly. he knew jungkook well—better than anyone—and this wasn’t just friendly. realization hadn’t settled just yet, maybe he was just mistaken, reading too much into it.

it was just odd. the way your smile lingered just a bit longer for him than anyone else, it was odd.

masterlist

taglist <3: @jungshaking @junecat18

[infinite-orangepeel]

most people assume steve doesn’t mind having his hair touched because, y’know, he’s steve ‘the hair’ harrington.

he’s always just kinda gone along with it.

letting teammates ruffle his sweaty waves after long basketball practices in an attempt at fratty camaraderie. giving past girlfriends the go-ahead simply because it seemed like something he should be into. allowing family members to tease him about getting a haircut on pretty much every single holiday.

but, deep down steve hates it—

really hates it.

the feeling of sticky fingers carding through his hair without his express permission is uncomfortable to say the least.

it’s like being dunked under water while you’re still fully dressed.

it’s like a stranger stealing the last bite of your sandwich & expecting you to just smile back at them in return.

the idea that anyone should have that kind of intimate access to him is terrifying—makes his skin crawl.

his sense of bodily autonomy has only gotten more fucked up & confused since he started fighting monsters after school & experienced true torture, but truth be told it’s always been there. the fear & mistrust.

he tries wearing hats, cutting his hair shorter, geling it so it stays out of his face, but people keep reaching for him—taking the hat off without asking, shoving into his space, making offhand comments about his ‘new look.’

it’s not until eddie comes into his life that any of this changes for steve.

see, eddie gets it—

he’s spent most of his life batting grabby hands away from his curls, snarling at those who tell him his long locks need to be shorn off, cussing out his fellow students who tug on his hair in class just to be cruel.

similarly to steve, hair is a big part of eddie’s identity. it makes him who he is. it’s the one thing he likes about himself when everything else seems gnarled & flawed.

it’s not something they directly communicate about for quite some time even once they start dating. yet, neither ever crosses the invisible boundary.

there is a mutual respect—one unlike anything steve’s ever experienced before.

eddie never touches steve’s hair without asking first.

often, the answer is no—not because steve doesn’t love eddie or want to be physically close to him, but because sometimes it just doesn’t feel good.

at first, steve worries he’ll push him away by denying him access, but eddie never gets mad, never comments on it—he just smiles softly & says, “no problem, babe” & they move on.

it’s as easy as that—steve is shocked. completely convinced that eddie must harbor some secret resentment towards him for saying ‘no.’

so, he brings it up one day—

“eds,” he nervously looks up at him from where they’re laying on his bed, “do you ever—does it ever bother you that i don’t really let you touch my hair much?”

eddie laughs, which throws steve off for a moment, until he intertwines their fingers together & says, “steve harrington, there are a million ways for me to love you & playing with your hair doesn’t ever have to be one of them if you’d rather it not be.”

“really?” steve whispers, amazed that eddie is so willing to listen & adapt to his wants, needs, & boundaries.

“really,” eddie smiles, “you’re always safe with me.”

&, for the first time in his life—steve actually believes it.