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guardian5tiger3 · 8 months ago

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Waddup B) . Another general reading

Pick an album ! -

1 2

3 4

1. Ice cube group

In da house!! Haha I feel like y'all in da energy of being bout yo money. Or the color green is significant. Shoot y'all might be about the green rn if u kno . This doesn't have to be a super conscious thing a lot of you either way though are in the energy of richness like that so you gonna be attracting money or it's because you're destined to be prosperous at this time or in the near future like that. For some of you it's because you're supposed to use that to help get rid of some form of negativity in the past some how. Others of you should consider getting a new pet if that will make your heart happy you know or confirmation if that's what u been thinking bout. Spirit wants you to make sure you're open to receiving at this time and in the future though cause some of you have an imbalance were you're a bit too humble maybe struggling with your own worth and self perception and this is making me feel sad so I'm really sorry and you guys need to maybe use your logic to conclude it's only the truth that you're a human with a good heart that deserves good things and anyone who ever told you other wise..... Is tripping like they're wrong and delusional and probably a hurt person anyway. If your childhood was bad you're manifesting a lot to replace stuff from all that time and make up for it and stuff and you all are just heavily in a deep great energy I can see y'all auras are mostly either green , blue and a very few of you purple. One specific person has some red. Make sure you stay in touch with your feelings though as I can see how the world might be making you a bit numb or you feel like a bit depressed actually when it comes to the fact that things constantly happen like , in the past I've been depressed and contemplated like how could it be that I have to drink water then go to the bathroom over and over again and it would wear me down thinking about it. It's good to practice having control over your own mental and perspectives ok. Just hella green and gold so wealth wealth money $$ . One love

2. Group KORN !!

You guys are winners in my book . I don't even know why I felt I had to say that . If you actually listen to Korn, while either way you got to listen to their first two albums you know... After that they were cloned for sure just saying . Ok anyway ...

You might catch something right in time whatever that might mean. This could be anything it depends on the individual, someone saying something, something falling almost, idk.if that does happen it must also be a confirmation of something. So I'm seeing a complete ending and then a revival. This group is somehow dealing with the general concept of time ... I'm seeing for some of you this is all past energy some of you right now some of you the future this could even be like way in the future ok. So it just depends . Someone most likely am adult male is speaking well on you and possibly other people you care about or can be related to yourself. This is looking good for your reputation and it might even be saving your reputation. U know what for a few of you this could be someone that's catching something right on time that's what that is for you . Something about something working and smoothly at that, or a job or you working with someone . This could be someone you know from work. Looks like they love you like they have love for you and a lot of other people , this is someone with a good heart even if you can't tell by their personality . Something's " falling apart " I heard and someone's getting away smoothly from anything affecting them . There's an energy of some type of trick being played or more so just an attempt at that. Maybe some type of verbal communicative manipulation. Maybe trying to convince someone to do something they shouldn't like join a group, sign a contract, say something wrong or that can be taken out of context so be careful but I see it being a separate energy that just has no place anywhere and is kind of awkward lol. I got 3 7's . Be careful of deceit at this time and moving forward. Especially regarding people's words and your own. People might be analyzing you or someone else or a situation . I'm getting almost like an investigation for some of you maybe a real investigation . Like the feds even. Especially if by the time you're reading this this as an older post. Holy f*********** I picked up another deck started shuffling and a card that says I investigation popped right out and a little magnifying glass I drew it's also an orange card like I d***n near wanna take a picture and show you guys. Strangely the other card I got is cult

So this is super deep in some way some form of group of people, big or small, serious or silly, depends on who is reading, has attempted to silence someone. I'm guessing a great majority of you it's you that was or is trying to be silenced. I'm getting the metaphor... If you can call it that this isn't even a metaphor I just don't even know I'm kind of appalled cause what I'm getting is that like if you like just decided ok this one needs to go to another life not stay on earth you know so they took something away and try to deprive them of something so either that happens or so that they do not have the energy , capacity, capability of being able to speak the truth but guess what that's the desert card and after that I have the wave card so not just here's a glass of water let's throw you in the ocean and let a wave roll over you ... Metaphorically for whatever you were being deprived of...... And also a card that says break through which also has rain in it :) . So this is gonna hit really fast cause of course that's the universes will. It's kind of like actually a miracle type of energy im even getting the word biblical and also maybe the story of the guy who parted the red sea or together is significantly sorry I should remember his name I read the bible 300 times as a kid haha. But, you guys this is really good the final two cards are the ace of sword , y'all know that's the truth, and four of pentacles so I feel in my heart chakra specifically a sense of calm and that everything is gonna be set right and you'll be feeling good and a there's a good amount about stability. Maybe church is significant to someone. Or a house of worship I don't know. Or a house in general too for some of you. Or a bulldozer ..? Also substantial evidence for a very few of you .

3. No Doubt !!!!

You guys might be family oriented, live with your family, I can pick up on some people's energy of a kind of busy household maybe the sound of pets nails on a hard floor (cute I miss that with having dogs )

Do not drink any open drinks at this time whoever I'm talking to you wouldn't expect this either you trust someone who would do something or you wouldn't expect it of the brand...or something I don't know I don't want to make anyone paranoid just keep your drink on you in your sight or drink unopened ones you know . I can also sense baked chicken I think or grilled you know when it's not fried or anything though ?? You think someone is loyal to you also if you have a dog this is significant. Im getting calm energy somewhat I think spirits around you are in that and trying to stay around you and have that energy around you :) honestly someone around you might be dangerous this isn't a matter of you getting paranoid this would , if it is true for you, be a matter of you coming to terms with something you've probably had hints about for a prolonged period. Maybe since you were young or it's multiple people even for someone else that this also resonates for. Y'all feel really cool like you investigate things kind of like a mystery vibe it's dope . Rainy days and cabins maybe you can dig that or that's what you give other people if they can read energy well. The things you might be into or interested in in the past too might be significant and spirit considered it to have been or be technically research y'all are really smart don't let anyone block you or stop you from anything ? . For real. Yep y'all are super cool and a smaller group y'all might have anxiety or any big or small issue you should practice breathing exercises. You know I make tea and breath in the air when it's hot it also helps asthma or I placebo that for myself but either way it's nice haha. I'm feeling like my brains working faster you guys are really sharp you might also like caffeine lol me too. You guys are so dope you're like putting together a puzzle or intuitively trying to figure something out and you will this is kind of a destiny situation like I can feel in my heart you guys are just the dopest but seriously w really intelligent pile I feel that something is time restricted , destiny, everything youre supposed to get to and have happen and do and it feels super fast paced and so do you , even if u don't notice cause youre used to it. You also feel like you avoid really negative things as easily as a ghost can avoid a human. Better days a head too even. Your bed is significant somehow . One thing I'll note is you may have to, and if so should sooner than later deal with any negative ideas ever put in your mind about yourself make sure you heal your heart and mind . You're moving so damn fast . Your soul has a PLAN . Like, a mission dudes. It'll all make sense in the end I suppose. Keep going 💯💯💯

4 . The Maiden !!!!!

I feel like you guys have some good philosophy or mentalities in life like you know how to and when to go with the flow. Like picture floating down a river and it's to chill out then you're like alright now I gotta get up and out cause there's a rock that will hit me in three feet. Your intuition might make stuff easier . Sometimes your intuition might surprise you or it would if you pay attention you know. You may get a bit frustrated because you don't get to straight up know the future lol I can relate. To. That.

The movie ice age might have something to do with something or if you remember watching it at any point maybe the memory is significant??,

Or someone you remember watching it with for someone. The universe wants to give you what you want and need but you already seem like a generally content soul just with like yourself existing I noticed from the start this is a super chill group . You guys definitely see danger before it comes. Breathing exercises to the point of deep relaxation might be helpful. You're just not supposed to consciously know the future though I'm not sure why but I guess it would technically like by law mess it up possibly . Remember to be calm , at peace when doing any form of work but also remember work is play deep down just like deep down we're still the kids we once were when we were young , which is a good way to realize every person is not so different and I was going to say also that you should maybe focus somewhat on your relations with other people and your social interactions. Just to sharpen your social skills I guess. There looks like there's chaos around you but I don't see it touching you so you're good . Mellow vibes just enjoy the moment and work on patience and stuff maybe. Working would be beneficial you might get joy out of that even if it's building something or it could even be playing in the woods, going to the store, but I am also getting to go play outside and they want me to say like play like you could go pick up a stick and start digging in the dirt hell kinda sounds like fun . Peace and rock on .

#pac reading #free tarot readings #pick a card reading #pick a pile #pac #pick a card #pick a picture #tarot reading #tarot pac #pac tarot #free intuitive readings #tarot free reading #free tarot

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love-and-deepspace-polycule · 11 days ago

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As usual: I am posting my poly relationship headcannons. I include MC, but I don't give many (if any) headcannons for MC due to the nature of the game being MC=you. These are just silly HC I thought of randomly. Hopefully you enjoy? I do occasionally swear in my Headcannons or make minor pop culture references. I also don't consider gender when using a gendered descriptor to get a silly point across (for example, Sylus is a wine Aunt. Aunt refers to a female individual, but used to portray a stereotype even though referring to a man). I think that really covers my headcannon style. I am also an adult so I will in the future post adult content and I will block ageless accounts and under 18 accounts.

Cooking and food related HC:

Zayne:

- For breakfast he usually just has a coffee, most days he works he is on the go and just needs something to keep him going. His coffee will be very simple with usually just a little bit of sugar to cut the bitterness.

- He always preaches having breakfast, but will almost never have breakfast in his own practice. When he does eat it's usually something light, but still high in protein to keep himself feeling full like yogurt. Since he is usually awake first (Sylus is often awake too due to the insomnia. He will sometimes find Sylus in the kitchen pouring himself a glass of wine.)

- he doesn't want to make a lot of noise and wake up the others, so he doesn't cook a lot if it's just him, instead opting for options that don't require pots and pans or any other loud cookware. The few times he has a later start to work and will catch Xavier and MC getting up and ready for work he will take that extra time in the morning to cook a simple meal for them to make sure they get the proper nutrients for their very physically demanding job.

- He is a decent cook. What he makes is always very well thought out for the needs of the whole group as far as nutrition goes, but sometimes that can leave something to be desired in regard to variety and flavor. He is a "by the book" kinda cook. Not much of an experimenter. His food is usually a 6-7/10. Not too bad.

- He will sometimes bring Sylus some food if he hasn't seen him in a while cooped up in his office.

- Prefers a sweet breakfast over a savory breakfast.

- When he does get a day off, he doesn't usually sleep in too much because he doesn't want to ruin his sleep schedule, so he usually is still one of the first people awake and will sometimes make breakfast for everyone.

- He's not a very picky eater except for a few items he refuses to eat.

- Lunch? What lunch? He usually doesn't eat lunch if he is busy, or just something quick from the hospital cafeteria. Sometimes Rafayel will make him a lunch the night before for him to take to work usually considering of leftovers from the dinner before or something simple.

- Zayne is usually the go-to guy to grab last minute groceries. Either because of his work schedule getting off right before dinner time (if he doesn't have to pull extra hours), or the hospital being closer to a grocery store than wherever Xavier and MC might be stationed. Plus Zayne would probably be the only one who could remember a grocery list and not forget anything.

- He is not usually the one to cook dinner, but he is definitely the one who helps clean up. This man is dish daddy for sure (probably another nickname given by Rafayel).

- Usually just has a glass of water with dinner. Sometimes if a special occasion he will have a glass of wine or champagne.

- He's sits at one of the ends of the table. Not for any particular reason but the other s just naturally sat where they sat.

Xavier:

- forgets to eat, or rather he would rather sleep in than take extra time to eat breakfast. If there is an "on the go" food option available he MIGHT grab something.

- Energy drink guy

- Knows how to cook well enough to not eat anything raw or burnt because of sheer amount of years he has been alive, but he doesn't like to cook and very much has the attitude of "eat to live" not really caring what his food tastes like.

- When presented with good tasting food, he will always compliment it and say that it tastes good but will still never put any effort into his own cooking if he is just feeding himself. If he is making food for someone else he will try and put effort into it but he doesn't cook very often and will sometimes over, or under season the food. Because of this he is also a "by the book" type of cook when he actually tries to cook things for others. He still somehow ends up over seasoning or under seasoning something.

- The only time he will burn something is when he forgets he's cooking something.

- He loves when Zayne cooks breakfast for him. Has no preference for savory or sweet breakfast.

- Not that picky of an eater.

- Although I do feel like he would have an allergy to something simple like peanuts, or maybe he is lactose intolerant. I don't know I just get that vibe. Although I feel like it would be a minor enough allergy to where he would still eat that food because he just doesn't care enough to ask. He will sleep it off anyway. I'm convinced nobody in the house knows he has an allergy simply because he does not care that he has one. Zayne would be the first to find out for sure. Zayne: "Really? You didn't tell anyone?" Xavier: "I didn't think it really mattered."

- Lunch is very 50/50 much like Zayne it is really dependent on if he is busy or not whether he has lunch or not.

- He usually isn't home to help prep dinner so he usually will help clear the table and clean up everything after dinner.

- Usually we'll have light beer or water with dinner.

- Xavier, its on one of the long sides of the table with MC opposite of the kitchen. This is mostly so key is out of the way of Rafayel placing the food down on the table.

Rafayel:

- Usually makes his own breakfast since he is on his own independent work schedule. He usually kills the last of the coffee in the coffee pot. A decent amount of creme and sugar. Probably the one to convince the group to get a whole coffee bar with all the bells and whistles. Ends up using it the least, but Sylus uses it the most and loves it. If I knew more about coffee I would tell you his order, but unfortunately I don't know anything about it. He likes the flavors though like vanilla or caramel.

- he will usually have a mix of a sweet and savory breakfast, but nothing too heavy.

- Sometimes if he has a meeting with Thomas, he will have Thomas come to the studio and bring him a Latte and a muffin. If he can make Thomas do his errands for him he will. This includes breakfast.

- He sometimes skips out on lunch, especially if he is particularly invested in a painting. Either because he has found inspiration and can't seem to bare the thought of stopping painting, or because he is stuck in a block and has been using all his extra mental energy on this piece, to the point of being unable to focus on eating.

- if he does eat lunch it will either be something he ordered for delivery or something he might already have at the studio. He doesn't really want to leave the studio while he is trying to work on his newest painting.

- When it's his turn to cook dinner, he will constantly forget what ingredients he needs. Very experimental with cooking and will think of a bunch of last minute groceries that he promptly texts Zayne to pick up on his way home. All in separate texts at vastly different times.

- Makes THE BEST tacos.

- Usually uses any leftover food to make quick lunches for everyone for the next day.

- Champagne with dinner? Maybe just water? I don't know he seems like a mixed bag, really just drinking whatever suits the meal best. Low-key the bartender for the group. So he will sometimes make everyone drinks that go well with whatever dish he and Sylus have whipped up. This isn't with every meal, but it is especially so if it is something new that they are trying. Or will take inspiration from a recipe that says it pairs well with a certain drink. Probably ooc, but I vibe with this Rafayel.

- Rafayel side on the long side of the table closest to the kitchen. This is usually because he is helping bring food to the table when it's done cooking. He has the most space to place the dinner spread.

Sylus:

- forgets to eat. Breakfast is a state of mind. This guy will never know what time it is and will eat whatever he feels like eating at any given time of day, or rather WHEN he has time. He genuinely does not have any sort of food schedule due to the nature of his "work" as well as his insomnia. This man will have a steak at 4am because he doesn't have any perception of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This poor man need a schedule and some melatonin.

- It's 5:00 somewhere... Will have a glass of wine for breakfast, Bourbon for lunch, Whiskey for dinner. Quite literally has no sense of meals. Period. The only thing keeping this man from scurvy is Zayne and any formal dinner events he has to attend to keep up appearances as the leader of Onychinous. Those are probably the only real meals he makes time for as well.

- He always makes sure to eat lots of protein when he does eat.

- How is this man simultaneously the busiest and also has no schedule? I don't know, but it's really messing with his sleep and diet. Really only eats one meal a day. Started having "family dinners" to force him to keep a schedule and spend time with his partners. Usually tired off his ass though.

- "I'm going to wrap up this meeting here, I have an important dinner to attend that I cannot be late for." He will literally end meetings on the spot to make dinner time regardless of the meetings importance. All of his 'business partners' are always too afraid to get on his bad side to question Sylus... It's taco Tuesday.

- He is a decent cook but doesn't ever have time to cook. Prefers a savory breakfast but he does love when he gets a sweet breakfast from Zayne. It's a nice change from his usual heavy protein meat dishes.

- Will also sometimes cook breakfast with Rafayel if he is not busy and if he hasn't eaten anything in a while.

- When he does get a free chance he likes to cook with the others as a way to spend time together, this is usually everyone's dinner time. Sylus and Rafayel will spend the evening cooking together and setting up for dinner while waiting for the others to get off of work.

- Wine Aunt

- Sylus sits on the opposite end of the table as Zayne. He has the longest reach and can pass dishes and food around easily from this side.

General:

- Rafayel and Sylus are the main dinner cooks, Zayne does dishes, MC dries dishes and put them away, Xavier puts away leftovers and cleans up the table.

- Dinner is really the only time everyone might be able to have a meal together. If Zayne, Xavier, and MC all get off at their regular scheduled hours it's a good day and a guaranteed family dinner.

- seating chart Rafayel gets the long end closest to the kitchen Sylus gets the short end to Rafayels left, Xavier and MC on the other long side, then Zayne on the far short side.

#lads rafayel #lads sylus #lads xavier #lads zayne #love and deepspace #headcanon

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ash-says · 8 months ago

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Saviour Complex Fever:

Let's address the saviour Complex today and no I am not talking here only in the romantic sense but also in platonic, familial,etc ways.

Ohh my traumatized girlies you better get your attention piqued up here cause this can be a call out or triggering post.

Speaking in my corporate babe language I am going to adopt both top to bottom and bottom to top approach to make sure you understand the problem. So without circumventing much I am going in for the goal.

1) Top to bottom Approach:

Starting with the OG," I can fix them" attitude.

Calm down babe, you can't. How about first fixing your sleep schedule for the starters?

We usually see this attitude being discussed a lot in the romantic hemisphere but I profoundly believe it plays a pivotal role in other bonds we have with people and tend to bleed into our romantic life so on and so forth.

Example: Take a child who is five years old and the parents are irresponsible. The child learns early on not only to look after itself but also acts as a therapist to his parents if one of them has zero sense of emotional boundaries and tends to trauma dump on the child. The child will look for ways in which he/she can make things easier and happier for the parent. In a way try to fix the parent and take on the role of being an adult.

How does it affect the bonds you create as an adult?

You become the mom friend.

The mama duck of the group who is always making sure everyone is taken care of properly.

You go above and beyond your comfort to help your friends out.

Take responsibility for your immediate surroundings.

Always trying to be the best and act like a saviour.

Last but not the least, people violate your boundaries time and time again but you forgive them and treat them like a child despite them being functioning adults.

So your homework is to assess your friendships, familial relationships, romantic relationships and check whether you are babysitting a adult?

If yes, are you getting paid for it enough?

No, drop the role.

2) Bottom to Top Approach:

Even the saviour dreams of being saved at times.

One of the potent reasons we tend to pick on the saviour role is because deep down we want to be saved. Salvation is what we desire.

Someone to lean on. A rock solid support. To lower our guards and be present without a worry.

Then we are faced with the harsh realities and realise it's not as simple as we think it is.

Therefore, whenever we see someone in need our instinct activates and we automatically start babysitting. We fill the void by embodying the persona that we deeply crave in our life.

It's the Chiron in us. We take on the role of the wounded healer.

That's where you need to remind yourself you don't need an external person or support to protect you. Many times we are sold this idea that we are fixed by someone else.

It's your job to fix your own house. Not your neighbours.

Your body, your mental health is where your spirit lives. Others can aid you but at the end of the day you won't be trusting your house to a total stranger. It's you who takes control and dictates the course of it.

So kill this idea that someone out there is going to walk into your life and then everything will be rainbows and roses.

Fine, if you believe life is a Disney movie you can go ahead and kiss a couple of frogs to find your prince charming. Your life, your rules.

But don't be surprised if you catch a disease or two while kissing the frogs .

After all, I always say:

There are no fucking saviours in real life. You are your own saviour, darling.

And if you do want to be a mother badly there are plenty of orphaned kids out there you can spend some time with them rather than those ungrateful, therapy inducing, namesake adults.

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twisted-wonderland-shenanigans · 1 year ago

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Twisted Wonderland Marine Biologist!AU Snippet: Mini!Yuu meets a Mermaid

Ugh, I've been so busy with real life stuff lately, but to show you guys that I am reading everything that's being sent in, here's a snippet of a fic response to an ask! The person asked about the mermaid!AU/Marine Biologist AU and wondered: would the boys be more comfortable/curious interacting with mini!Yuu versus older Yuu?

Some notes as a reminder: the boys in the Marine Biologist AU don't speak human languages, but they can understand words based on context and observation. Aside from the Octotrio, everyone is a mermaid/harpy based off of the animal nicknames that Floyd gives them in game!

Also to note (and I will be working on designs once I sit down long enough to do so), the boys will have a less human look to them yet will retain enough details for us to recognize who they are supposed to be.

----------------Begin Snippet----------------

When Yuu woke up, they found themselves alone in the room. Rubbing their tired eyes, they looked around in confusion before they called out, “Mama? Mama!” They waited to see if she would appear, only to be met with silence. This wasn’t the first time they’d woken up in one of the rooms at their mom’s job, and it wasn’t unusual for the adults to be busy with their work.

It also wasn’t the first time they’d snuck out to see the animals.

Excited at the thought of seeing the pretty fish and cute animals again, Yuu climbed out of the cot and pulled their otter plushie Felix with them before toddling out of the room. The hallway was empty, the ceiling towering over them as their footsteps were muffled by the fish tanks and computers. Creeping quietly past the rooms where they could hear adults talking, they couldn’t help but catch a few mumbled words. “-maid…otter……turtle…”

Of all the words, however, the one that caught their attention was ‘otter’, a happy grin crossing their face as they hugged Felix close. They had otters again! Maybe they could play with them and give them shiny new rocks to play with and feel better? The thought was enough to make them hurry over to one of the largest rooms nearby.

Yuu stopped and gasped in awe, staring up at the vast size of the room and the seven large tanks willed with different colors and decorations. Some were more sparkly than others, while some had a more rough and mysterious look to them. Giggling, Yuu toddled over to the closest tank and peered inside. “Oooo,” they cooed, watching as some of the glowing fish flickered in and out of the dark tinted glass. Even the jellyfish looked so gorgeous, mesmerizing the tiny toddler. Seeing a tiny fish flickering close to them, they giggled and waved Felix around to make him dance as they sang, “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming~!”

The fish seemed to follow along with the dancing otter toy for a moment before it suddenly bolted away, Yuu giving a disappointed pout…until something caught their eye. It was big…bigger than anything they’d seen in the tanks before. For a moment Yuu thought that it might’ve been an adult swimming with the animals again, but the shape looked…wrong.

Closer and closer the dark form got, flickers of pink, green, and blue lights running along its body before it emerged into the bright fluorescent lights. Pink and black mottled skin flashed with colorful lights, bright red eyes that seemed to glow staring down at Yuu as they gazed up at it. Short octopus tentacles shifted and settled on the sand as the creature leaned in to get a closer look. The face looked human-ish, but the vampire fangs in its mouth and the flared hair on its head gave them the impression of being a vampire octopus. The sight of this creature with large arms and an eerie look would have unnerved anyone. Yuu, however…

“Wow,” they uttered, eyes shining bright with awe as they reached out to touch the glass with a free hand. “Are you…a mermaid??”

A warm smile crossed the octopus mermaid’s face as it—he, they decided—reached down and placed his own hand where their own was, Yuu marveling over the sheer size of it. A soft, low warble echoed in the water, somehow managing to be loud enough to be heard over the tank motors yet soft enough to be soothing to the ears. He blew out a few bubbles, waving a finger from his free hand around them…and creating shapes in a shower of sparkles!

Gasping, Yuu happily stamped their feet in pure joy as the bubbles—guided by the mermaid’s finger—began to move like the animals he created from them. Dolphins spinning and twirling around, jellyfish gracefully drifting along, eels and octopus floating and swimming along…it was so magical that Yuu didn’t even notice the large form that had quietly landed nearby and was stalking up to them with bright green eyes.

--------------End Snippet-------------

Curious baby meets equally curious non-humans, more at 11!

I'm having so much fun writing this with mini!Yuu, so I hope you guys enjoy it once I find a good stopping point (which may take a while because thoughts of cuteness have taken hold of me 😂)!

#twisted wonderland #twst #twisted wonderland marine biologist au #twst marine biologist au #lilia vanrouge #rook hunt #twisted wonderland mini!yuu #twst mini!yuu #rook is not gonna hurt the baby he is just moving like a wary cat investigating something new~! UvU

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demon-guardian · 2 years ago

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I live for adult comfort - child/teen reader! Can you do Opera, Balam and Kalego with a student reader who wants to be like them? Do the same job. So, they ask them to help them realize this dream. Because Opera/Kalego/ Balam is their model in life? Ur work is amazing

This is a cute scenario! Thank you for enjoying my work. For the story you are in the misfit class. Also takes around the harvest festival.

Opera

After seeing Opera fight at Walter Park, you were inspired by them and wanted to follow in their footsteps

When you go up to Opera and ask if can they teach you how to be like them

Opera is caught off guard for a second but then looks at you to see if you are serious

Opera, "Y/n you being a security demon means a lot of work right. You need to have a dependence on your serve. You need that "trust". Are you willing to do that?"

Y/N: "Yes I am willing!"

Seeing you so willing to learn and have that "trust" in another demon, Opera understands

After that day you start working with Opera at the Sullivan household

Even in a similar suit as Opera wears

Iruma was excited to see you there and try to interact with you like he would at school but Opera stopped him

Opera: "Sorry Master Iruma they are in training right now. So please treat them like you would me."

Iruma: "Oh alright. Good luck Y/N!"

The first week was a bit difficult, to say the least. You were surprised by how Opera does

But you never gave up and your hard work begin to show during the harvest festival

Opera taught you even during that time as well

You team up with Gaap and Agares and end up helping them by temporarily serving them

You help them fight and protect the base

At the end of the festival, you were able to go up a rank

You were proud of what you were able to become with Opera teaching you

(Who would have thought Opera would become your teacher again in your second year as well)

Kalego

While you knew Kalego was not the nicest teacher out their

You can appreciate how much he dedicated to his job

Seeing how well detail he is in his notes when you go up to him to ask a question he answers

Even turning the Walter Park Event into a teaching experience (No matter how bad it was)

You won't outright go and ask him to teach you on to become a teacher, because you don't think he will be too thrilled about that

So you go to him and ask him other questions about school and classes

But he catches on quickly to your plan and sees how you want to be a teacher

He takes pride that you see him as a good role model and when you come around he will start giving more tips and advice on the subject you ask

While both of you never admit to the true intentions of your interaction everyone else can see how you become Kalego's favorite student

Balam

Unlike the other two, you started to look up to Balam before the Walter Park event

It was during the crazy studying for your exams when you went to the class on the imaginary creatures due to you having trouble in the subject

That was when you met Balam who was substituting for the class

You were nervous to meet him of all the stories you had heard about him

But once you stepped into the class and heard him teach, his excitement for the subject made you want to stay

You try to go talk to him more after that class but you can never find the right time to do so

But when you got to Walter Park you saw this as an opportunity to learn more about him

Seeing him fight and how he use his demon knowledge to win a fight made you really love the subject and want to learn more about it

After the fight, you went up to him and ask him to teach you more about the subject

While you don't know if you want to be a teacher like him, what you do know is that you want to be a biologist like Balam

#welcome to demon school iruma kun #mairimashita! iruma kun #iruma kun manga #opera x reader #kalego x reader #balam x reader #balam sicirue #naberius kalego #platonic #teen reader

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agattthaa · 4 months ago

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Anna's Effect

Paring: Anna/Lane

Word count: 1.130

Rating: T

Summary: Lane was a person that never had difficulty to understand people's feelings. What she had now was the difficulty to understand her own.

Tagging: @rc-catalog

Working on her bed was extremely impractical. Lane knew that. But the Siberian winter was colder on that day than it has been in a long time, and even with her room being one of the warmest in the manor, it was simply too cold to concentrate sitting on that small desk.

So she took one of Anna's long sleeved turtleneck and took all her books and notebooks to her bed and covered her legs with the thick woven blanket.

The translation was not progressing very fast. Actually, it wasn't progressing at all. Lane was sure that she needed whatever content the two missing pages carried but she had nowhere else to look for it. Soon Dimitry would start pointing out her delay, as if it was her fault that translating a book in a language no one alive knew and that the alphabet was a complete mystery was as easy as falling asleep.

She didn't even want to imagine his face when she told him she hadn’t made any progress.

-I don't want to see his face for a long time!

The slam of the door and the pacing woman took her out of any of her worries about her job. Anna was completely angry. Angrier than Lane has ever seen her.

She walked around the room completely mad, so displeased with whatever happened that she didn't even notice that Lane was staring at her. Her face completely red and her mumbling almost inaudible. The only words the woman could understand were “Dimitry” and “stupid”. They were repeated at least eight times.

-Did he catch you?

The woman jumped and turned around to look at Lane, making it completely clear that indeed her presence was unknown until that moment. But the surprise soon enough left Anna's face, the red started to subdue and she was visibly less upset than she had been when she got into the room, as if Lane’s mere presence would be enough for that.

As if.

Lane was sure that out of everyone that could have a calming presence, she would be the last. Of course, she knew how to calm people, she had to learn it fairly early due to her parents and the need for her to act like an adult when she should've been a normal kid. But her ability to calm people down came from her ability of understanding and analyzing human feelings, it didn't come from her ability to be a comforting presence, it didn't come from her being a friendly shoulder, it didn't come from her being a good source of support.

That Lane didn't know how to do.

And yet, Anna was no longer pacing around, she was now standing in front of Lane's bed, her breathing normal again, her face no longer red and her anger vanished. She looked down at Lane as if the translator had asked the wrong question and that she wanted something else. What, that Lane didn't know, so the two of them stared at each other for minutes or seconds or the entire eternity before Anna sighed.

-I tried to reach out to the girl in the cafeteria again, and out of nowhere the general showed up.

-I assume he was pretty upset.

-You have no idea. I don't know what he expects from me. There's people getting like that, we have no idea of why, of how they are contaminated or how to prevent the contamination. So he keeps a microbiologist on his squad just out of decoration? Am I supposed to sit still and drink some tea while there's people that I could help and that are simply dying?

Lane didn't know how to answer that. They both knew that in his stoic way, the general was protecting Anna by keeping her away from the locals, and they both also knew that Anna was right. That it was her duty to at least try to solve this mysterious pathogen just as it was the general's duty to prevent her to. So, indeed, what was Anna supposed to do? The silence came back while Anna searched for the answers to her questions on Lane’s eyes and searched for something in Anna's.

From the start, Anna had been the biggest mystery for Lane to understand. She had an extreme facility to understand people's emotions, including Anna herself.

What wasn't understandable was what Lane denominated “The Anna's Effect”. To stay sleeping close to Anna, Lane had spent an entire night listening to endless snorings from a man she didn't like and that didn't like her back, to be able to have lunch and dinner with Anna, she had started to eat with the entire squad and even participating on the cooking and the talking, and when Anna was sad or mad or displeased, like now, Lane felt the same.

She didn't want to calm Anna just because, she wanted because seeing Anna hurt caused pain to her.

“Oh.”

She knew it as soon as she thought of getting up to hold Anna in her arms. The need for human contact had never been a thought that Lane believed that she could have. But she also never believed that she would take someone else’s hurt to an extent. She was more upset at the general now that she has ever been before, and he had done a lot of things to make her upset. The sadness in Anna's eyes hurt more than anything she could remember, so it wasn't a life-changing realization really. It was more of the understanding of the matter per say.

That now it made sense that every time she got into a room, her eyes would immediately search for Anna's, or why she always prefered to take the closes Anna stored in her closet than that the ones she left out for Lane, it made sense because the scent of a beloved person helped to reduce stress levels, it made sense why the air left her chest everytime that Anna smiled at her.

-You could help me with my job.

Anna immediately smiled, once again taking the air from Lane's lungs, but at least now she knew her thought about having lung cancer was nonsensical.

-You mean watch you as you do your work?

Lane didn't answer, simply moving a few books away and lifting the blanket. The cold air got in, but so did Anna, so it wasn't that upsetting.

And the microbiologist wasn't lying when she said that she was just going to watch. Her head rested against Lane's shoulder and she watched and soon fell asleep. And as Lane moved the books away as quietly as possible and slowly laid the two of them down, Lane noticed that she wasn't the only one affected by an effect.

#rc anna #rc lane #rc heaven's secret requiem #romance club #fanfic

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prettypinkporkchop · 4 months ago

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Leah clearwater x Fem Reader

TRIGGER WARNING: MENTIONS OF ANGER, SUICIDE, DEPRESSION, MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

Save Her

Y/n is emotionally broken. Her life is not easy. She had to escape her home. She's an adult now. She can do as she pleases.

She steps forward over the cliff that leads down to the water. Her life plays out in her mind like home videos. She takes a deep breath. She jumps.

Your pov:

"Damn it!" A woman's voice growls. You feel your chest being pushed down. Your eyes open, and you begin coughing. Your chest stings, and your stomach hurts. You catch your breath and look up to see none other than Leah. When you moved into Forks, you bumped into Leah at a restaurant with her cousin named Emily. You felt something for her. It's something that makes you feel alive. The thing is, you are scared of loving her. You are angry at the world. You don't want to hurt her.

"Y/n, what the hell is wrong with you?!" She cries out and wraps you up into her chest. Her body heat feels nice after jumping into freezing water. "I'm just tired." You mumble. She pulls away and then helps you stand up. "I'm taking you home. I'm not leaving you until I feel like you are okay."

The whole ride there she held you while driving. You never questioned why her body feels like she has a fever. Either way, you love it.

You guys walk in and she tells you to shower. She sits on the couch, waiting for you.

Leah's pov:

I'm so hurt that I'm failing my imprint. I think now is a good time to tell her. I keep my head in my hands when I suddenly hear glass breaking and y/n screaming. I jump up and smash my body into the door to open it. She's throwing things at the mirror, which is now into pieces on the floor. She lifts up a glass perfume bottle but I step in front of her, grabbing her hand to stop her. "Hey, y/n. You're okay. I'm right here. Just breathe." I speak softly and look into her eyes. Her shaking stops, and she drops the perfume. My grip on her wrist loosens. I wrap her arms around my waist, and I pull her in. I start to tear up and kiss the top of her head.

Back to you:

I wake up in my bed, on top of Leah. I look at her sleeping features. God, she's so beautiful. Her eyes flutter open, and her arms tighten around my body. "Today, you and me are going on a walk." She mumbles.

Her fingers that are wrapped with yours untangle. She steps back and looks over you. "Leah, I'm confused. What is this?"

"After yesterday, I had to come to terms with something. I'm failing you when I have a job to do. I hope me telling you this will save you." Her eyes look down at the ground. You literally have a question mark floating above your head.

"The legends of my tribe are real. I am a wolf. We protect everyone from vampires." You put your hands on your hips, rethinking your sanity. "Leah, this is crazy." You scoff. "I'll show you."

She hides behind a tree, but you can see her arms moving. She's taking off her clothes. Bones cracking and a large growl is heard. Big paws hit the ground and come around the trees.

You see a gigantic wolf. It's beautiful. You look into its eyes. Yes, that's Leah. You step forward with your hand out to pet the wolf. She gets down on the ground. You let your fingers run through her fur. "Oh my god." You gasp.

The wolf walks back around the trees. You're in shock, staring at the ground. What is happening? Leah comes back fully dressed. "I'm not done." She spoke. You slowly lift your eyes to her. She steps closer, "We imprint." You raise an eyebrow. "Imprinting is a chosen person from the universe. They choose our soulmates. When we look at them, it's a change to a wolf's life. When I saw you, I saw us. I am here to protect you, to love you. I can be a friend, a lover, whatever you need. But I've never been so attracted to a woman before."

Your stomach is doing flips. Suddenly, all of the anger and sadness you've ever had disappears. You feel like a yellow glow is taking you in. Looking at Leah is a purpose. You have everything you want and need right in front of you.

A smile lifts on your face. It's obvious she can sense how you feel because she smiles and laughs with tears forming. She runs to you, grabbing you and lifting you up. "I love you!" You gush out. She sets you down, and you kiss her hard. She holds your face and kisses back. "I love you too." She mumbles on your lips.

Hand in hand, you guys walk to Billy's house where everyone is chilling. "Look! Lesbians!" Jared points. You and Leah burst into laughter. "It's good to see soulmates together." He stands up and pats your shoulder. "Welcome to the family." Jacob smiles at you.

Okay so A/n: IMMA NEED YALL TO STEP UP ON LEAH STORIES MKAYYY! I LOVE THIS GIRL SO HARD AND THERES BARELY ANYTHING ABOUT HER ON HERE. PLEASEEEEE DAMN IT!

#leah clearwater x reader #twilight #embry call #jacob black #jared cameron #paul lahote #quil ateara #sam uley #seth clearwater #twilight wolfpack #leah clearwater

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withered--s0uls · 8 months ago

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Nuzi Hellspawns (this took may more time and effort than I wanted it too sobs)

More info on the twins, Scrapped child outfit for Orita & the AO3 comment(er) who gave me the name ideas (bc I'm bad at names lol) under the cut 💕

Orita:

N calls her his "sweet Violet" due to the color of her optics being a light purple

Personality wise she mostly takes after N, however she did inherited Uzis unhingedness so she has her moments

She got Uzi's skill in robotics, engineering and hacking

Her and Uzi help each other with their projects once Orita is old enough to help Uzi (Uzi always helped her daughter when asked ofc)

Once the twins switch to their Teen/Adult bodies, she starts to basically upgrade herself by custom making DD forearms so she looks more like N too

The above point worries N a little because she actually gave herself weapons in them -- N always refused to have her look at his weaponry, having a strict "no weapons around the kids unless it's absolutely necessary" rule.

Because of the above rule, Orita went to V instead because V doesn't mind her looking at her weapons. She thinks it's cool that she's interested in them

Her childhood body used to be Uzi's when she was a kid (same with her Pill Baby body lol)

She placed a sticker of the DD logo on her cores cover as a child to kind of honor her Dad, she loves him dearly <3

N did her hairstyle :3

She probably picked up the phrase "Biscuit" from her dad

Scrapped outfit:

Rexim

He takes more after Uzi with his personality so he's more angsty

He continues the catch phrase "Bite Me" from his mother and Grandmother

He inherited Ns love for animals & cute things and one might catch his angsty persona slip when it comes to that

He has a bad habit of picking fights or getting involved in them

This resulted in his main camera being severely damaged in one confrontation, resulting in him primarily using the Headband optics as camera

Said headband was made Uzi (both of the twins headbands were) because the twins code included Ns "real eyes" / headband optics, which resulted in them having issues with their sense of orientation and depth perception without said optics. They aren't nearly as advanced as their dads when it comes to features and accuracy, but they get the job done

He kinda goes through a "my dad is boring" phase at one point, but that's swiftly put to an end when he actually sees N in action

He had severe problems balancing using WD legs, seemingly not having enough footing to do so. So Uzi made him custom ones based on Ns lower legs so that their son has more surface to stand on and distruste his weight on

The WD symbol on his cores covering ends up scratched up and with chipped paint as he gets older, due to him getting into fights a lot

Both Twins

Both kids inherited the downsides that come with being a DD/Solver user - meaning they can't go out in the sun, have issues overheating and do need to feed on oil (these issues don't start until they are transferred to their first functional bodies. As babies they're fine)

This probably means Uzi went out of her way to improve their internal cooling system a bit

Other

Seeing as Oritas childhood body is that of Uzi, I am debating on if I make Thad child-free and he offered them his for Rexim

This idea comes from me hc N and Thad as having a brotherly bond & feeling like the CoolKids Trio would still be very close later on. Thad is practically the twins uncle :) (he spoils them lol)

Thank you to this AO3 user for the name ideas <3

When I looked up the two guns in question I found out Orita also is a brand for stuff like dish soap and laundry detergent & Rexim is also a candy brand lmao

#murder drones #md oc #murder drones oc #md ocs #nuzi #n/uzi #n x uzi #ship child #ship children #soulsocs #MD Orita #MD Rexim #oc: Orita Doorman Elliot #oc: Rexim Doorman Elliot #oc: Orita Doorman #oc: Rexim Doorman #souls art

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minisugakoobies · 2 years ago

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Into the Rush - Part One | KSJ

Pairing: Seokjin x Reader

Genre: angst, fluff, smut, crack, Best Friend's Brother!AU, Dodgeball!AU

Rating: M (18+)

Warnings: swearing, drinking, mentions of feeling rejected and unlovable, a little angsty but you know me, pansexual!Taehyung in the house, side VMin, Wooga Squad alert, Himbo NamKook alert, dance leader Hobi is reimagined here as a dodgeball team captain, implied sex, the smut is to come (heh) in part two

Word Count: 7.3K for part one; total wc tbd

Disclaimers: NSFW, obviously I don’t own BTS - they just inspire me

Summary: When your best friend Taehyung tells you he has the perfect thing to help you get over a broken heart, you’re surprised to learn he means dodgeball, the beloved game of sociopathic gym teachers everywhere. But even more surprising is the way you find comfort in the game, and so much more, as you fall into the rush with the help of another teammate - his brother, Seokjin.

A/N: Happy belated birthday, Jin! This was written as part of the Catch of the Century collab, hosted by MVPs @raplinesmoon @joheunsaram and @kithtaehyung!

Sooooo this underwent a few rewrites and then my life blew up as the December deadline got closer and then I decided to do Kinkmas because I'm just a gal who can't say no. I knew I could either rush to get this done, be upset at how shoddily written it is, and then hate myself for putting out something I wasn't proud of just to meet the deadline, orrrrr I could be kind to myself and recognize that I am a human and not a machine and sometimes despite my best efforts I fall short, and release it as a two-parter. Et voilà! Here is part one.

Unbeta'd as usual.

Please don't be a silent reader 🥺 I'd love to know what you think! 💕

Masterlist 💜 Find me on AO3 💜 Part Two

“Dodgeball. You want to play dodgeball?”

You stare at your roommate incredulously. Taehyung nods.

“Dodgeball. The kids game? The beloved sport of sociopathic PE teachers everywhere? That dodgeball?”

He can’t be serious. Neither you nor he are the athletic type. But from the solemn look on his face as you continue to sputter in surprise, you know he’s not joking. Taehyung is many things - an artist, a daydreamer, the kindest soul you’ve ever met and your best friend of five years and counting - but he’s not a liar.

Still, when he’d walked into your room five minutes ago, yanked back the curtains to let the late-morning light in, and told you to get up because he had an idea, you’d assumed he’d wanted you to go with him down to the coffee shop on the corner so he could covertly admire his latest crush, the cute barista with the pink hair. Dodgeball was nowhere near the possibilities your mind conjured up.

Taehyung sighs. “Yes. Dodgeball. There’s an adult league that plays at the rec center on Saturdays and I want to join. And I want you to join, too.” He flops down on your bed, nudging you over so he can lie next to you, ignoring your grumbles as you make room. “I think it would be good for you to get out a little. Get some fresh air.”

“I have plenty of fresh air,” you inform him, gesturing to your bedroom window, which is currently cracked about an inch. It might be spring, but the chill that clings in the air still feels like winter.

“Uh-huh. Sure you do. But out of curiosity, when’s the last time you actually left the apartment, besides for work?”

“Um.” He’s got you there. Casting your mind back, you can’t even remember the last time you left the safety of your home to do anything other than clock in at the bartending job where you both work. “Does going to the mailbox count?”

It doesn’t, and he doesn’t even need to respond, just gives you his signature exasperated look, but the warmth in his brown eyes shimmers just beneath as always. “Pumpkin,” he begins, using one of the many silly nicknames he loves to address you by, knowing how much you hate cutesy stuff like that, “you can’t hide in here forever.”

An instant rebuttal floats through your mind. You absolutely can hide in your room for the rest of your life, if you so choose. The internet brings the world to your fingertips. Everything can be delivered these days. Okay, true, you’ll still need to leave for work, but that’s only until you finish your novel and net yourself a publishing deal. Then you can quit your crappy bartending job, build yourself the perfect blanket nest, and become the hermit you were always meant to be.

Joining a dodgeball team doesn’t fit into that plan. It’s going to require you to go outside. Outside is dangerous.

Outside is where he is.

At the sharp pang that stabs your gut, you turn to your roommate with a grimace. “I don’t know. I’m not really a… sports…person - and neither are you, frankly. And it’s a team sport, which means others will be relying on you. You really think this is something you can commit to? I mean, remember the gym?”

Last year, the two of you had joined a gym together at his suggestion, which you both had visited a grand total of one time. He later confessed he’d only signed up because a hot customer at the bar had convinced him to after a long evening of flirting. That short-lived commitment ended the moment Taehyung arrived at the gym and discovered that the hot patron’s promise to give Tae a full-body workout was not, to Tae’s disappointment, a euphemism, but only a sales pitch.

Again, Taehyung doesn’t respond to your question. Instead, he uses the one weapon in his arsenal that destroys you every time the two of you argue over what to do.

With a tilt of his head, Taehyung flashes you his big sad puppy dog eyes.

You sigh. “Goddamn it. Fine. Fine. Let’s play dodgeball.”

Immediately, Taehyung’s countenance changes, a brilliant, boxy smile crossing his face as he grins at your caving. “Great! Sign-ups are actually this afternoon, sooooo… up and at ‘em, cupcake! Let’s get moving.” He jumps up, holding out his hands, and you begrudgingly let him pull you out of bed. “You’re definitely going to need a shower before we meet the other players.”

“Have I ever told you how annoying you are?” you mutter as you follow him down the hallway towards your tiny kitchen to brew some coffee, knowing you’ll need the caffeine if you’re going to be socializing with strangers this afternoon.

He beams again, tossing his dark bangs out of his eyes. “All the time.”

The rec center is only a few blocks from your apartment, but you’d never stepped foot inside before Taehyung drags you down there to sign up for the league. Still, there’s a familiar scent when you walk into the building, the smell of rubber mats and sweat mingling together, stirring up memories of PE classes from grade school. The flashbacks make you shudder.

Taehyung shakes you out of your memories as he steers you towards a folding table that’s been set up in the lobby. “Come on, we check in here.” A friendly woman in a purple tracksuit sitting at the table waves you over.

“Hiya! Are you team leaders or free agents?” She laughs at your blank stares. “Okay, I’ll take that to mean you’re not here to sign up an existing team, but you’re free agents in search of a team to join!”

“Oh, yeah, that’s us,” Taehyung nods sagely, as if he knew that.

“Great! If you’ll just fill out these forms…” she hands you both a sheet of paper, “I will process your fees, and then I can point you in the direction of some teams looking to add some new players!”

Forms? Fees? This is more complicated than you’d expected. You’d figured you’d just walk in and play, like joining a pick-up game of basketball or something similar that people who like sports might do. “So, um, how does this work?”

The smile never leaves her face as Ms. Purple Tracksuit explains that you’ll be joining a team for the next ten weeks to play against other teams in a tournament ending in a championship match between the two best teams. “And the fee covers your uniform!”

“A uniform?”

She leans forward, whispering conspiratorially. “Don’t get too excited. It’s just a t-shirt.”

After you hand in your form and make Taehyung pay your fee, Ms. Purple Tracksuit tells you to head into the main gymnasium, where the team leaders looking for new recruits are waiting. There’s another dose of déjà vu as you enter the room to find several clusters of players standing around, sizing you up as you walk in. It reminds you of being a kid, waiting on the sidelines while the other kids whisper to one another about who to pick.

“Uh, this is a little intense,” you whisper to Taehyung, clinging to his elbow as he blithely strolls between the groups. “I feel like I’m being judged.”

“Nah, this is a numbers thing,” he says. According to Ms. Purple Tracksuit, teams consist of six to ten players, so there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find a team together. If you’re picked at all, that is. “Whatever team needs two players will take us, I’m sure.”

Your roommate just wanders through life with a natural confidence that you’ve rarely seen in others. You suppose it makes sense, given how handsome and talented he is. Still irks you a bit.

“And what makes you say that?” You scan the room, taking in the other players. There are several others who wear similar expressions to your own, looking a little overwhelmed. It strangely gives you hope that you won’t be the only one here who doesn’t know what she’s doing.

And then there are those who look like they live, eat, and breathe dodgeball, like the two tall, muscle-bound gods to your left, both wearing a shirt that says “Rock the Balls.” Team leaders, you assume.

“Uh-huh, sure,” Taehyung replies distractedly, and you frown, following his gaze to see what caught his attention, since he’s clearly not listening, only to spy pink hair and a gorgeous smile that you recognize from your favorite coffee shop.

Grabbing his arm, you force your roommate to look at you as you hiss his name. “Taehyung. Tell me we’re not here because of that barista!”

“Hmm?” Tae’s starry-eyed expression is all the answer you need. Of course. Of course he dragged you here so he could flirt with his crush. How did you not see this coming? “What? Noooo, I told you, I want to play dodgeball! But isn’t it a nice coincidence that Jimin is here?”

“Right. Coincidence. You’re unbelievable.” With an exasperated sigh, you give him a push. “Well, go talk to your man. See if his team needs two new players.”

Taehyung doesn’t need telling twice, happily bouncing towards the barista. And now you’re alone in a gymnasium full of strangers, feeling left out again. As you slowly revolve in place, looking for somewhere to hide and wait for Taehyung to return, one of the muscle-bound gods approaches.

“Hey,” he says, giving you a little head nod. “You looking for a team?”

Technically, you suppose you are, but you should probably see if Taehyung will be dragging you on to Jimin’s team with him first. But as you glance at the god, with his wavy dark hair and silver lip ring nestled in the corner of a pair of rather pink lips, you’ve the urge to say yes. He and his buddy are mind-meltingly hot.

“I’m not sure. I’m here with a friend,” you finally respond. Super glad Taehyung forced you to shower today.

The god nods, eyes dragging over your frame. If you touched your cheeks right now, you’re pretty sure they’d be blazing hot under his gaze. “That’s cool. I’m Jungkook, by the way, and this is Namjoon.” He nods to the other god, whose lips quirk in a cool half-smile.

“Sup,” he rumbles, jerking his chin in your direction. He runs a hand through his short, dark hair, fingers scratching over the lines buzzed into the sides. “We run Rock the Balls. And we’re looking for two new members.”

“Actually, that’s gonna be three new members,” a familiar voice declares behind you. Your eyes widen before you spin to find yet another handsome man behind you. But this one you know well.

“Jin-ah!” Throwing your arms around his neck, you attack Seokjin with a hug, grinning as his squeaky laugh echoes through the gymnasium. It’s been nearly a year since you’ve seen Taehyung’s older brother, but he looks mostly the same - the same warm brown eyes surrounded by ever-deepening laugh lines, the same perfect cupid’s bow twitching as he smiles as you. The only difference is that his hair is a little shaggier now, a fluffy brown cloud that bounces when you finally release him.

“I could get used to a hello like that,” Seokjin grins.

“When did you get home?” you ask, vaguely aware that the gods have drifted away. “And what are you doing here?”

“Got in two days ago. I would’ve stopped by to see you and Tae-yah, but I needed to get my land legs back first.” Seokjin probably means that pretty literally, since he’s spent the last year on a research station in the middle of the ocean. As a marine biologist, he works at a local lab run by a federal agency, studying the effects of ocean pollution on various species of fish. Occasionally, he has to do field work, but this last round was his longest stint yet, taking him away from home for nearly twelve full months. “When I texted him this morning, he mentioned that he was joining a dodgeball team, and I… well, I had to check that out for myself.” You both laugh. “So I thought I’d surprise you.”

“You definitely did that!” you confirm. “I want to hear all about your research trip. Did you find anything interesting? Discover any new species?” You lean in excitedly. “Did you finally find some mermaids??”

Seokjin tuts. “Aish, how many times do I have to tell you, I’m not a deep sea diver, I’m just a guy pulling water samples off a dock?”

“Yeah, whatever, Jin Cousteau.”

He rolls his eyes. “I was really hoping that that nickname would’ve died out in the last year.”

“Oh no, that one’s for life. And listen, you can downplay your job all you want, but I know the deal. You just can’t tell me anything because the government forces you to keep those secrets locked down. But I’ll get the truth out of you someday.”

“Oh?” Seokjin cocks an eyebrow. “And just how d-”

“Hyung!!”

“Oof!” Seokjin grunts as your roommate launches himself at his brother, tackling him in a bear hug. When the affectionate embrace becomes a wrestling match in the middle of the gym, you feel a presence at your side, and turn to find Jimin and another man watching the melee with a surprised look on their faces.

“Don’t worry,” you reassure them, “they’re always like this.”

“Uh, okay,” the barista chuckles. “Um, I wanted to introduce you to my friend, Hoseok. Hoseok-ah, this is YN, Taehyung-ah’s roommate.”

“Hey.” The other man grins a smile that can only be described as a beam of pure sunshine, and you wonder if this dodgeball league is for models only, because you’re basically surrounded by nothing but gorgeous people.

“Hi. Um, and that is Seokjin, Tae-yah’s brother,” you gesture to the skirmish.

“Mmmice to meet eww!” Seokjin’s response is a little muffled by Taehyung’s armpit, but he manages to wave.

“Hyung, why didn’t you tell me you were going to be here?” Taehyung whines.

“Anted oo urprise!” Seokjin finally untangles himself from his brother’s headlock. “Wanted to surprise you,” he says again, more clearly.

“We’re starting a new team, and we could use three players, if you’d all like to join us?” Hoseok asks.

“Are you sure you want this on your team?” you reply, gesturing to Taehyung and Seokjin.

“I think we can handle them,” Jimin grins, and Taehyung’s smile turns blinding. “Besides, we could use that energy on the court!”

“Yeah,” Hoseok agrees. “Also, we’re a brand new team, so we’re desperate!”

“That’s my favorite word.” Seokjin’s shoulders shake as he cracks himself up. “We’re in!”

Hoseok smiles. “Fantastic. Welcome to the Seven Slamurai!”

Once you’ve finished signing up for Hoseok’s team, you, Taehyung, and Seokjin decide to grab some dinner together. Another thing about Seokjin that hasn’t changed during his time away is his voracious appetite, so you take him to an all-you-can-eat bbq restaurant not far from the rec center.

As the soju starts flowing and the plates start piling up, Seokjin tells you about his year on the ocean. He starts out with a disclaimer, warning you that his research isn’t interesting, and he’s not entirely wrong. Most of it goes over your head, since it’s been years since you last took a biology course. But it’s not really what he’s talking about that keeps you focused on him, it’s how he talks about it that holds your attention. You’re fascinated by his passion for his work. His dedication to studying ocean life in order to preserve and protect it. It makes you wish you had a cause of your own to defend.

And then, of course, as the liquor catches up with him, he tells you all the gossip about the other crew members on his station - the hookups, the fights, all the little scandals that brought the drama to the high seas. Seokjin’s always been a good storyteller, knowing just what to say to keep you and Taehyung laughing.

“But what about you?” you ask when Seokjin pauses to stuff some pork belly in his face. “Did you have any flings with any of the other scientists? Hmmm? Dip your fishing rod in company waters?”

“Gross,” Taehyung mumbles around a mouthful of beef bulgogi.

Seokjin shakes his head. “Nah. I didn’t click with anyone there like that. Honestly, we spent so much time together each day that by the end of it, I was dying to get away from most of them, which was really hard to do since we were basically stranded together in the middle of nowhere! So I spent a lot of my downtime hiding in my bunk, reading old research papers that I found in the station’s library.”

“You read research papers for fun?” Taehyung looks horrified.

Downing another shot of soju, you lean towards Seokjin, licking the peach-flavored drops from your lips. “Come on. You’re telling me you went an entire year without hooking up with anyone? Not even a little making out?”

“Nope.” Seokjin pops the ‘p.’ At your incredulous look, he laughs, lifting his shoulders. “What? A year’s not that long! I made it just fine.”

“Yeah,” Taehyung agrees, “it’s not that long. Besides, he was probably jerking off nonstop.”

Soju flies out of Seokjin’s nose as you and Taehyung burst into raucous laughter. Seokjin scolds his brother, who argues back as he always does, telling the elder to loosen up, while you sit quietly, chin in hand, smiling to yourself as you watch the fireworks, realizing how nice it is to have Seokjin home again.

He and Taehyung are pretty much a package deal. You’d met Taehyung first during your senior year of college. At the time, Seokjin was finishing up his graduate program at the same school, and his plans to move out of his and Taehyung’s apartment upon graduation and roll right into some field work had Taehyung feeling like he was being left high and dry. You’d ended up becoming Taehyung’s new roommate that summer, and then it had turned out that Taehyung’s worries were all for naught, because Seokjin still spent most of his free time hanging out at his (now your) place, anyway.

You didn’t mind then and you don’t mind now. Seokjin’s a good balance to all of Taehyung’s extremes. Where Taehyung has his head in the clouds, Seokjin’s feet are firmly planted in the ground. Taehyung can be mercurial, even flaky sometimes, but Seokjin’s rock-steady. They’re not complete opposites in everything, though. Just like his brother, Seokjin has a big heart.

Once Seokjin runs out of steam, Taehyung shrugs. “I’m just saying, being with someone isn’t the only way to be satisfied. Just look at me. I’m single and I’m happy.”

He looks almost smug as he states this, and something inside you snaps. The last thing you want to hear from Taehyung is another speech about loving yourself. You’ve heard plenty of those over the last few weeks. You do love yourself.

You just wanted someone else to love you, too.

Pointing your chopsticks at him, you frown. “Oh, please don’t start! One, you were just dating a guy last month, so it’s not like you’ve gone an entire year without being with someone, and two, you literally just dragged me onto a freaking dodgeball team so you could start dating another! So I don’t want to hear any platitudes about embracing your singleness or anything like that.”

Taehyung is silent for a moment after your outburst. “Sorry,” he finally says, poking at the remains of the kimchi on his plate. “I wasn’t thinking.”

Seokjin’s gaze bounces between the two of you. “I feel like I’m missing something.”

Taehyung sees you nibbling on your bottom lip and he turns to his brother. “I can explain. Buttercup here-”

“Buttercup can speak for herself,” you interject, “and don’t call me that.” With a sigh, you slug back another shot of soju and look at Seokjin. He’s waiting patiently to hear what you have to say. “I was… kinda seeing someone a few months ago. And I thought that I had something with them, and it turned out that I was wrong. They didn’t feel the same way I did, so…” You trail off, not sure how to say ‘so I spent the last few months crying in my room over a broken heart.’

Luckily, Seokjin spares you this confession, nodding sympathetically. “I gotcha,” he says simply, and you nod back, stuffing some rice into your mouth so you don’t cry at the warmth in his expression.

“I don’t know why you’re being so cryptic about who it was,” Taehyung frowns. “She’s talking about Yoongi.”

Something passes over Seokjin’s face quickly, so fast you almost miss it as you smack your roommate on his arm. He yelps in shock.

“What? He was going to find out eventually, they’re best friends!”

You know this, but it doesn’t make you feel any better. Seokjin is actually the one who introduced the two of you, at the party he threw before he left for his research trip. You remember that night very clearly, can close your eyes and picture Yoongi standing there, with silver hair and silver hoops in his ears, dark cat eyes shimmering as Seokjin gave him your name, and you feel that same swoop in your stomach as you did then. Only now it comes with a painful twist of your heart as well.

Falling for Yoongi happened so quickly. You’d immediately bonded over a shared love of hip-hop and whisky, spending the party huddled together on the couch, snarking over Seokjin’s music collection and liquor selection, talking until the sun came up and Seokjin started throwing everyone out. As you left, you’d asked Seokjin for Yoongi’s number. But before you even entered it into your phone, a text appeared from Yoongi himself. He confessed he’d asked Seokjin for your number as well.

“I haven’t talked to Yoongi-yah in a while.” Seokjin glances at you. “You know how hard it was for me to keep in touch. There’s no cell phone reception in the middle of the ocean, and the internet seemed to come and go at will. At least I heard from you two occasionally, but I didn’t hear from Yoongs except on my birthday, and we didn’t… you didn’t come up.” He looks apologetic as he says those last words, and your heart pangs again.

“It’s okay, why would I have?” you snort. “Like I said, it turned out to be a big bunch of nothing between us.” Despite what you thought. What you felt.

A server appears at the table to drop off the bill, and you welcome the interruption, wanting to go home and crawl into the safety of your bed again, feeling like it was a mistake to leave in the first place. Taehyung and Seokjin fight over who is going to pay, with Taehyung winning, practically throwing his card at the server, but you’re too distracted by your thoughts to enjoy the scene.

Texting with Yoongi had turned into late night conversations. Going to concerts and bars to check out new musicians, doing whisky tastings and visiting distilleries. It felt like you were glued at the hip for a few months, and the more you got to know him, the harder you fell. Like the way you fell into his bed, over and over.

But nothing sticks out in your memory more than that last night, the last time you saw him, when you finally found the courage to tell him how you felt. You’ll never forget the sad look on his face. It told you everything you needed to know before he even spoke.

“Buttercup?” Taehyung’s voice pulls you from your reverie. “You ready to go?” He and Seokjin are staring at you, both on their feet already, waiting to leave.

With a nod, you rise, and follow them out into the night.

Despite the name, the Seven Slamurai consists of nine players. (When you asked why, Jimin rolled his eyes and said he’d tried to argue with Hoseok over the moniker, but Hoseok was insistent that the name stay true to his favorite movie.) In addition to Hoseok, Jimin, Seokjin, Taehyung, and yourself, there are four others at your first practice session on Monday night at the rec center - Wooshik, Sunghwan, Seojoon, and Hyungsik. You exchange a few quick greetings with your new teammates before Hoseok gestures for you all to sit on the bleachers.

“Welcome everyone to our first team practice!” Hoseok smiles, clapping, and you lightly clap along until you realize no one else is. “Before we do some warm-ups, I thought I’d take a minute to explain the rules of the game, for those of you who haven’t played before.”

He launches into an overview of the sport. Most of it is familiar from your school days, but there are a few things that are new, like something about a rush, and a neutral zone, and a burden ball? You glance around to see if anyone else looks confused. Most of the new guys wear bored expressions. It’s safe to assume they’re experienced players. To your left, Taehyung is whispering something to Jimin, completely ignoring Hoseok’s spiel.

At least Seokjin, on your right, seems slightly dazed by the long list of rules that Hoseok’s rattling off. Now that you think of it, you’ve never seen Seokjin in any athletic context. As far as you know, he doesn’t play any sports, just like you and Taehyung, and he’s not a gym rat. So you have no idea what to expect from him on the court. Maybe he’ll be just as awkward as you’re expecting to be.

“Any questions?” Hoseok finishes up. There’s a moment of silence from the group, and then he claps his hands. “Okay! Then let’s warm up a little.”

You move from the bleachers to a mat on the floor and Hoseok leads everyone through a series of stretches. It’s been a long time since you’ve done any, so you’re not surprised when your toes remain fully out of your reach. Jimin, on the other hand, has folded himself in half, forehead practically touching the ground as he holds on to both feet. Turning to Seokjin to make a comment, you’re surprised to find him in a similar position.

He catches you looking. “Yoga,” he explains with a wink.

“Damn. Maybe I should start,” you grunt, giving up.

“The games are played with teams of five, which means we’ll have four alternates for each match,” Hoseok explains once everyone’s limbered up. “For today, I’d like us to run through a practice game, four on each side. I’m going to stay out and watch, to help me get a feel for who might be a starter and who might be an alt.”

The group splits in half, with you, Taehyung, Seokjin, and Jimin on one side, and the rest on the other. Hoseok stands at one end of the line in the middle of the court, where six balls lie waiting.

“Okay, ready, set!” And with a sharp blast of the whistle hanging from his neck, Hoseok brings the game to a start.

Immediately, Jimin and Taehyung run forward towards the center line, reaching for a ball each, while the other team mirrors their actions, rushing forward. But you? You freeze in the scramble, hands automatically coming up to shield your head. And as the first balls fly towards your side, you scream.

And so does Seokjin.

“Shit!” you curse as one of the rubber balls bounces off your arm. That’s definitely going to leave a mark.

“Fuck!” Seokjin yelps as he’s smacked in the shoulder by another ball.

Tweet!

The action stops as Hoseok blows his whistle. His sunny smile is gone, replaced by an intense look, eyebrows furrowed, mouth turned down. It’s intimidating, especially since it’s aimed directly at you.

“That was… not bad,” he says slowly through gritted teeth, speaking as though the words hurt him. “But maybe this time, you two should try joining the opening rush? Remember, no one can throw a ball at you as long as you’re in the neutral zone, so you’ll have time to grab and get back out of the line of fire.”

He glances from you to Seokjin, who nods as you grin in embarrasment. Great, you’ve already been identified as a weak player. You were hoping you could at least pretend to know what you were doing for a little while. Fly under the radar.

Taehyung wraps an arm around your waist. “Come on, ladybug, it’s not that scary. You just gotta jump in. Don’t think, just go.”

You shake him off with a scoff. Easy for him to say. You saw the way he was running around the court a minute ago, taking to the chaos like a duck to water. Should’ve known he’d turn out to be a natural athlete on top of all his other annoyingly amazing traits.

The game restarts, and this time you make an attempt to run towards the center line, but still hesitate, flashbacks of being pelted with balls running through your brain. Why did you agree to this? You always hated dodgeball in school!

Seokjin, on the other hand, joins Jimin and Taehyung at the line, and scoops up a ball before dashing back to where you’re frozen. The balls start flying again, and once again you’re out before anyone else. After a few more minutes, Hoseok ends the play.

“That was better!” he nods. “But let’s try it again, and this time maybe you can make it all the way forward, huh, YN?” His tone is encouraging, but his smile seems strained.

As you shuffle back towards the end of the court, you nudge Jimin. “Is Hoseok okay? He looks a little stressed.”

Jimin shoots you a lopsided smile. “He��s trying not to be as… intense… as he usually gets. We got kicked off our last team because he went a little overboard with his, uh, enthusiasm during the practice matches.”

The whistle blows before you’re ready, and you decide to take Taehyung’s advice, so you bolt forward without thinking, snatch up a ball, and then back away, not wanting to turn your back to the men behind you. In doing so, you catch Wooshik’s eye, and he grins coldly, winding up.

“Shit!” you yell, jumping out of the way in time. Taehyung dives in to catch it, sending Wooshik out of the game. But you’re not safe, as Seojoon takes aim next. Seokjin is next to you, trying to decide where to throw the ball in his hand, so you duck behind him, mimicking his movements. Eventually, he realizes he has a shadow.

“Are you using me as a human shield?” He bobs to the left. You follow.

“It’s not my fault you’re so broad!”

Seokjin honks a noisy mix of delighted laughter and insulted exclamation. Seojoon tires of waiting for you to emerge from behind Seokjin, so he pitches the ball forward, a low toss heading for Seokjin’s legs. Seokjin bends gracefully to catch the difficult throw, taking Seojoon out of the game, and as Seokjin doubles over, you snap the ball in your hands towards Hyungsik, hitting him directly in the side. Another ball rolls towards your feet, so you scoop it up and nail Sunghwan dead center of his chest.

And with that triple play, your side wins, with all four players still in.

There’s no whistle to end the game, as Hoseok’s mouth falls open, gawking wide-eyed at you. “She’s a sniper,” he whispers in an awed voice. Everyone turns to stare at you.

“What?” you ask, looking around. “What did I do now?”

According to Jimin, it’s tradition for the dodgeball teams to go out for drinks after practices and matches, so after hitting the locker room, the nine of you meet up at the Pied Piper, a quiet bar around the corner from the rec center. Thank god Taehyung convinced you to bring a change of clothes. You’d foolishly assumed you wouldn’t break a sweat, but you sure as fuck had.

Since the rec center isn’t that big, the practice schedules are staggered out, with only two other teams meeting on Wednesday nights - the Dodging Divas and Rock the Balls. By the time your team arrives at the bar, the others have already claimed most of the tables. As Taehyung and the others push the remaining tables together, Hoseok, Seokjin, and you sidle up to the bar to start ordering drinks.

Once the bartender drifts away to start pulling drafts, Hoseok turns to you with a bright smile. “Congrats, the two of you are definitely going to be starters.”

To say you’re surprised would be an understatement.

“Me? Really?” you squeak, glancing at Seokjin, who also appears dumbfounded. “Why?”

Hoseok leans against the bartop. “Look, I’ve been playing this game for long enough to know a strong arm when I see it,” he declares solemnly, tapping your bicep with two fingers. “I think with my help, you could be one of the best snipers out there. As for you,” he nods at Seokjin, “I think your flexibility is going to come in handy, like it does for Jimin. Also, I saw the way you two were working together on the court. If we can hone your skills, you’ll be an unstoppable duo for sure.” He grins. “The rest of the league won’t know what hit them, when the Seven Slamurai come through.”

The bartender returns with the first three beers of your order, and Hoseok carries them away with another nod, leaving you and Seokjin staring at each other in silence.

Then you both burst into laughter.

“Is he for real?” Seokjin asks, eyebrows raised. The bartender sets more glasses in front of you, and he grabs one, taking a long sip.

“I think so. I got the idea from Jimin that dodgeball means a lot to him, but wow. What he said is absolutely ridiculous, and yet… I do feel oddly inspired.”

“I know what you mean.” Seokjin grins. “Should we correct him, though?”

“About what?”

“Us working as a team. We weren’t working together so much as you were hiding behind me.”

His grin turns teasing, and a retort builds itself on your tongue. But before you can fire it off, a figure at the other end of the bar catches your eye. One of the Rock the Balls gods. Namjoon, maybe? He nods at you, dimple popping as his lips curl into a slight smirk. You blink, then raise one of the glasses of beer in his direction.

Seokjin follows your gaze. “Friend of yours?”

“Not really. One of the other teams’ leaders. We met at the sign up.”

Seokjin hums, giving Namjoon a second look. He taps the bartop while you help yourself to one of the pints. “Hey, so what you were talking about at dinner the other night… about Yoongi? I just wanted to say I’m sorry.”

You should’ve known the subject would come back up. With a little shrug, you attempt a grin, but only succeed in a grimace. “You don’t have anything to apologize for.”

“I know. But I’ve also been where you are, having feelings for someone that go unreciprocated, so… I’m sorry. I know it hurts.” He pauses, gaze locked on the glass in his hand. “For what it’s worth, I think he’s a total idiot.”

“I’m not going to argue there,” you quip, letting out an airy laugh. "But I'm the one who imagined the whole thing, so really, I'm not any smarter."

He looks at you then, a sober expression on his face. “I mean it. He’s the idiot. Not you. So just - just don’t let his stupidity have any bearing on how you might think about yourself, okay?”

You blink, wondering if you’ve suddenly gone completely transparent, because he’s seeing right through you. How are you not supposed to take Yoongi’s rejection as proof that you’re unlovable? If you were lovable, then wouldn’t he love you?

“I… okay.” Nodding, you reach for the glasses that have been sitting in front of you for a few minutes. “Um. We should probably get these to the rest of the team before they get antsy.”

Taehyung pats the seat next to him when you return to the group, and Seokjin takes the empty seat on your other side. “Hoseok just told us the good news,” he informs you, happily grabbing one of the beers in your hand.

“What, that Jinnie and I are gonna be starters?”

“That we are gonna be starters! You, me, hyung, Jimin-ah, and Hoseok-ssi.” Taehyung beams brightly as Jimin leans across him at the mention of his name. “He said we’ll work on our teamwork next practice, so we’re ready for our first match next weekend!”

“Oh! Well, damn, look at us go!” You lift your glass and everyone else does the same. “Cheers!”

“To teamwork!” Seokjin adds, eyes crinkling as he clinks his glass against yours. You grin back before taking a big sip. Maybe you’ll survive this season after all.

You’re not going to survive this season.

“Come on! Faster!”

A shrill whistle blast sounds as you hit the wall, spinning around before running back towards the center line. It’s Thursday night, so you’re at practice again. Your team has been running drills for only ten minutes now, but you’re pretty sure you’re going to die, panting terribly as your toe hits the crosses the line.

“Pick it up!” Hoseok yells as you spin again, heading back for the end of the court. As your fingertips reach the wall, he blows the whistle again, and you flatten your palms, pressing your forehead against the cold cement.

“I did not sign up for this,” Seokjin huffs next to you. “I signed up to dodge balls. This is not dodging balls!”

“Are you two okay?” Taehyung is neither panting nor huffing as he eyes you both with concern.

“How are you not dying like us?! You don’t work out!” Yelling takes up too much of your oxygen, and you sink to the ground, legs folding underneath you.

Taehyung shrugs. “It was only a few running drills. Nothing to get worked up over.”

Unable to respond, you settle for giving him the evil eye. You jump as Hoseok’s whistle sounds again.

“If he doesn’t stop it with that thing, I’m gonna make him eat it,” you mutter under your breath. Seokjin’s shoulders shake with silent laughter as he reaches out a hand to pull you to your feet.

Hoseok’s inner drill instructor doesn’t take a break when the practice game starts, alternates on one side, starters on the other. Somehow, he manages to run, catch, throw, and yell instructions the entire time, like a demented multihyphenate. It would be impressive if it weren’t irritating.

You play a total of three rounds against the alternates. The first round is awkward, filled mostly with Hoseok’s manic shouting. At one point, he tells you to cover the right and Taehyung to flank the left, and as the two of you run to switch sides, you run smack into each other. The alternates win.

In the second round, things go better. There are no collisions, but there’s also not much cohesion, either. You try to repeat last practice’s winning move, ducking behind Seokjin, but he’s too unpredictable, jumping all over the place to try to catch throws, and you’re not able to keep from getting hit. Your team loses again.

When the whistle signals the end of the round, you head for the bleachers, where you’ve stashed a bottle of water and a towel, having realized last practice that both items were desperately needed. The rest of your team follows.

“Well, this isn’t working,” Hoseok sighs, fanning himself with his shirt. “They’re kicking our asses.”

“Maybe - and just hear me out - yelling isn’t the way to motivate us?” Jimin suggests, tossing his sweat-soaked hair out of his face. You can practically see little hearts dancing in Taehyung’s eyes as he watches the motion.

Hoseok’s head twists towards his friend, but instead of swearing at him like you expect, he just stares. “I’m. I’m doing it again, aren’t I?”

Jimin claps him lightly on the shoulder. “Yep.”

Hoseok stares for a few more seconds, and you’re on the verge of asking if he’s okay when he finally speaks. “Okay, new plan. Let’s just go out there and, ugh, have fun, okay?” His smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes as he leads Jimin and Taehyung back out onto the court.

Seokjin leans over. “If we lose, ten bucks says he snaps and eats that whistle himself.”

You laugh, gently pushing Seokjin back onto the court.

“Hey. Should we try that shield thing again?”

“Yeah,” you nod. “I mean, I was trying last round, but you were kinda all over the place.”

“I’ll try to be more obvious with my moves. Or I guess you can guide me? Just tell me which way to go.”

You nod, and then you’re off, running for the center line as the round starts. Without Hoseok barking orders at the group, there’s a definite shift in the atmosphere. As you stoop to sweep up a ball, quickly diving behind Seokjin’s tall frame, scoping out your next target, it hits you - not a ball, but a thought.

You’re having fun.

Grinning wildly, you hiss “Left!” Seokjin immediately darts left, and you line up behind him, ready and waiting. A throw from the other team goes high, and Seokjin leaps towards it, snagging the ball out of the air. As soon as you peek out from around his side, you hit Wooshik, ball bouncing off his thigh with a satisfyingly loud “thock!”

“Yes!” Seokjin throws his hand out for a high five. You slap it quickly, ducking another toss. On your other side, Hoseok and Jimin make tandem catches, and the match ends with your team victorious.

“That was so much better! I really feel like we’re an actual team now,” Hoseok beams, looking genuinely happy again. “One more week of practice and then it’s match time!”

The others drift towards the locker rooms as Seokjin nudges you with his hip. “Did that work better for you this time?”

“Yeah, it did. I guess that’s how it should always work, huh - me giving you orders and you following them blindly?” You wrap your towel around your neck, flashing him a cheeky grin.

Seokjin laughs, running his hand through his fluffy hair, which has gotten curly in the humidity from the game. Rather than spout off a snarky retort, he tugs on the ends of your towel, pulling you towards him. His deep brown eyes trail over your face, landing on your mouth, before his gaze snaps back to yours.

“That works for me,” he murmurs, soft smile playing on his plush lips. “Just say the word and I’ll follow.”

And then he walks away.

You stare at the locker room doorway that he disappears into for a good minute after he’s gone, mind racing. That’s not the first time the two of you have been that close - both Seokjin and his brother are very cuddly people, and you’ve always been comfortable with showing them affection in the form of warm hugs or snuggles on the couch.

But whatever just happened was not that. The moment between you felt charged. Full of something like… possibility.

With a sigh, you shake off the confusing thoughts and gather your things to head for the locker room, desperately needing a shower. And a drink.

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