#holding the steering wheel correctly

[carzbot]

Mastering the Road: 10 Essential Tips for Beginner Car Drivers in India

Are you about to embark on your journey as a beginner car driver in India? Driving is not just a means of transportation; it is a skill that requires concentration, awareness, and a strong sense of direction. To help you start your driving experience competently, we have compiled a list of ten essential tips that every beginner driver must keep in mind. From familiarizing yourself with the vehicle to following traffic rules, these tips will set you on the path to becoming a confident and safe driver.

1. Get Familiar With The Vehicle

Before anything else, it is crucial to become familiar with the vehicle you will be driving. Each car is composed of various components that serve specific functions while you drive. Take the time to understand the location and purpose of key controls such as wipers, headlights, handbrake, seat adjustment controls, and air conditioning. By doing so, you will gain confidence in operating your vehicle effectively.

2. Find a Comfortable Driving Position

Driving can be physically demanding, which is why finding a comfortable driving position is essential. Adjust the seat to ensure your legs are not strained and you can comfortably reach the pedals. Settle for a position that provides a commanding view of the road while ensuring your hands are neither strained nor cramped on the steering wheel. Once you have found your ideal position, you will be ready to hit the road with ease and comfort.

3. Adjust the Mirrors

Mirrors play a crucial role in ensuring your safety and providing a clear view of the road. Adjust the side mirrors to eliminate blind spots by positioning them in a way that allows you to see the tail of your vehicle at the edge while focusing on the road behind. Additionally, adjust the inside rear-view mirror to provide a clear view through the rear windshield. With properly adjusted mirrors, you will have better situational awareness while driving.

4. Carry All the Necessary Documents

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced driver, it is essential to carry all the necessary documents while driving. In India, you must have four essential documents: your driving license, vehicle registration certificate, pollution under control document, and vehicle insurance policy. To avoid any inconvenience, keep these documents in order and readily accessible. You can also use electronic formats such as the Digi Locker application or the mParivahan App for added convenience.

5. Hold the Steering Wheel Correctly

The steering wheel is your primary tool for maneuvering the vehicle, making it crucial to maintain the correct grip. Adjust your seat position to ensure easy access to the steering wheel at all times. Place your right hand at the 3 o'clock position and your left hand at the 9 o'clock position for maximum control and grip. Avoid using only one hand on the steering wheel, especially when you are a beginner. Maintain a firm grip and use both hands to ensure precise control over your vehicle.

6. Avoid Riding the Clutch

A common mistake made by both new and experienced drivers is riding the clutch. Pressing the clutch unnecessarily causes excessive wear and tear on the clutch plate, leading to potential failure. Keep your foot off the clutch pedal when not engaging gears. Find a comfortable driving position that allows you to rest your foot off the clutch or use the dead pedal if your vehicle is equipped with one. By avoiding clutch abuse, you will enhance the longevity and performance of your vehicle's transmission.

7. Follow All Traffic Rules

Safety should be a top priority for every driver, regardless of experience level. Familiarize yourself with and strictly follow all traffic rules to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. Stop at signals, yield at zebra crossings, avoid lane jumping, and strictly refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol. Obey traffic police directions and avoid engaging in malpractices such as driving in the wrong lane, driving against the flow of traffic, excessive horn usage, or illegal vehicle modifications. Understanding and adhering to traffic rules will not only keep you safe but also help you avoid hefty fines and penalties.

8. Do Not Over Speed

Maintaining appropriate speeds is crucial for your safety and the safety of others on the road. Resist the temptation to over-speed, as it endangers everyone around you. Familiarize yourself with speed limits and stay within the recommended range. If overtaking is necessary, do it from the right direction and maintain a speed that complies with the limit. In the city, stay below 70 km/h, while on highways, do not exceed 100-120 km/h, depending on whether it is a national highway or an expressway. Remember, excessive speed may provide thrills momentarily, but it can have devastating consequences.

9. Use the Turn Signal

Indicators are a vital component of your vehicle that helps communicate your intentions to other road users. Always use your turn signals when making turns, changing lanes, overtaking, or merging with traffic. Use the indicator lever correctly to indicate your intended maneuver, ensuring it is safe to do so. Avoid fidgeting with the turn indicator to prevent confusion among drivers around you. By utilizing turn signals effectively, you contribute to smoother and safer traffic flow.

10. Do Not Tailgate

Tailgating, driving too close to the vehicle in front of you, is a common practice in India, but it is extremely dangerous. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to improve your vision and reaction time in case of any incidents. By keeping a safe distance, you ensure better maneuverability and reduce the risk of accidents. Avoid closely following heavy-loaded vehicles and overtake from a safe distance. Stay vigilant and be prepared to quickly maneuver your vehicle if the vehicle in front suddenly brakes.

Embark on Your Driving Journey with Confidence

As a beginner car driver in India, mastering these ten essential tips will set you on the path to becoming a competent and safe driver. Remember to stay calm, composed, and aware of your surroundings while driving. Prioritize safety and always adhere to traffic rules. With practice and the right mindset, you will enjoy a confident and fulfilling driving experience. To kick-start your driving education, find the best driving school in Thane and begin your journey towards becoming a skilled driver.

[rangerbarbz]

Serving Up Romance pt. 2

Author’s Note: Alright, y’all were eating up the first part of this. (THANK YOU SO MUCH BTW) I am so grateful for all the kind words you’ve given me about my writing. It truly makes me so happy and I enjoy writing for y’all thoroughly. I hope you enjoy this second part! 

You took a deep breath and looked at yourself in the mirror. It was time for your date with Stan, and you were more than just a little nervous. It had been so long since you had been on a date, you weren’t even sure if you knew what to do on one. Do you hold his hand? Do you kiss him? Things were different when you were at the diner. That was your safe space, and you felt more confident there. Now, it was just going to be you and him alone in a car. At night. Watching a movie. Oh, God. 

You sighed and straightened out the fabric of your second-hand dress, removing any wrinkles that were there before. “I hope he likes it,” you mumbled, running your hands through your hair. This was the first time he was going to see you out of your uniform. You sat on the edge of your bed to slip on the sandals you had dug out of your closet. He was going to be here soon. 

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. You sprung up from the bed to put on some perfume. “I’m coming!” you called out, dousing yourself in a vanilla scent you couldn’t remember the name of. You set the perfume bottle down on your nightstand and ran to the door. 

“You got this,” you whispered to yourself, turning the door knob to reveal your date standing on your welcome mat. He was facing the road but turned around when the door opened. He was wearing a brightly colored Hawaiian shirt, blue jeans, and scuffed up leather boots. His mullet was nicely styled, and he had trimmed his stubble. He flashed you a toothy smile. 

“Wow, you look foxy!” Stan complimented you, raking his eyes over you. You grinned and gave him a twirl to show off how flowy your skirt was. “Oh, I got you these by the way.” He held out a red, heart-shaped box to you. “I heard that girls like chocolates, so I wanted to surprise you with some.”

You giggled. “This girl definitely does,” you said, placing the box on the armchair of your couch. “Thank you so much.” You tilted your head at him, feeling your smile wouldn’t leave your face the entire evening. “You look so handsome, Stan Pines.” You hooked your arm around his. “I’m one lucky gal.” 

Stan laughed and you noticed a blush forming on his cheeks. “Ah, well, shucks. Thanks, toots.” He looked over at you. “But I think I’m the lucky one here. You ready to go?” 

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

On the car ride to the drive-in theater, Stan told you about a visitor that he described as a “total nutcase.” You always enjoyed hearing him tell stories because he told every story in a way that made you feel like you were seeing the events play out right in front of your eyes. He was captivating; it was no wonder he was such a successful showman. You were so engrossed in his retelling that you didn’t notice how his arm was behind the headrest of your seat. It was such a small romantic gesture, but it made butterflies grow in your stomach all the same

You finally arrived at the entrance of the drive-in movie theater; Stan rolled down his window to pay the man at the ticket booth. “Alright, sir, park wherever you like, and turn your radio to channel 95.1. Enjoy the movie!” 

“Thanks,” Stan replied before driving into the lot. He leaned against his steering wheel, searching for a parking spot. “Damn, there’s a lot more people here than I expected.” He looked over at you with a frown. “I’m sorry, doll. I think we’ll just have to park the Diablo here. I can’t get around anyone. Is this okay?” He was hoping he hadn’t ruined the date. 

You gave him a reassuring smile. “This is okay. I promise.”

He nodded. “Alright, so that joker said 95.1.” He began fiddling with the knob of his radio to switch stations. “Bingo,” he said after he finally got it tuned correctly. “Now, this is a horror movie, so if you need to, ya know, jump into my arms if it gets too scary, I’ll be ready to catch ya.” 

You burst out laughing. “Same goes to you, Pines. I know how skittish you can be.”

Stan scoffed in response. “Please, I’m the least skittish person on the planet.” 

“THE FRIGHTENING OF OAK AVENUE WILL BEGIN NOW,” the radio blared. Stan jumped out of his skin, letting the expletives fly.

You smirked and raised an eyebrow at him. “Okay, that doesn’t count,” he grumbled.

“That’s okay,” you scooted closer to him. “It doesn’t bother me that you’re such a scaredy cat.” Stan shook his head and wrapped his arm over your shoulder, giving you a gentle squeeze. Oh my goodness. His arm is around you, and he smells really good. Try not to let him see how excited you are.

“Okay, that’s enough sass-mouthing, miss,” he joked. “The movie’s starting.” You giggled as your attention was brought to the screen. To be honest, you could give two shits about this movie. You couldn’t stop thinking about how comforting it was to have his arm around you. 

You didn’t know how far you were into the movie when you saw Stan out of the corner of your eye gazing at you instead of the film. You turned your head towards him, and his eyes quickly reverted back to the screen. You felt your face get warm as you continued watching the movie, but you had failed to suppress a small chuckle. 

“What?” Stan asked gruffly. 

“Nothing,” you replied coyly, leaning your head against his chest. You heard his breath hitch in his throat. “You just make me feel pretty.”

You couldn’t see his face which Stan was grateful for because he was looking like a deer in headlights. You could feel how fast his heart was beating. “You are pretty,” he responded, voice barely above a whisper. “Told ya that the first day I met you. Wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it.”

You straightened up so you could face him when you said this. “Stan, I…I have seen a lot of people walk through those diner doors.” Your nerves were starting to get the best of you. “But I have never had anyone come into that restaurant that made me feel the way you do.” You looked down and began to run your fingertips over the hem of your dress. “I just want to know if you feel the same.” 

“I-I do, Y/N,” Stan replied, stopping your hand from fidgeting by lacing his fingers through yours. “Felt that since the beginning.” He sighed. “Y/N, I know I’m not the type of guy you bring home to your parents, but… If you give me the chance, I know I can be a man you’re proud to be with.” You felt like you were about to cry.

“Oh, Stan.” You cup his face in your hands. His sad, brown eyes gazed into yours; he leaned into your touch as you caressed his cheek. “If you’ll have me, I’ll scream from the top of city hall that I’m dating Stan Pines.” 

He gave you a lopsided smile before kissing the palm of your hand; his hand was gently holding your wrist. Is this real? His face was inching towards yours. “I’m holding you to that.” His hands were now cradling your jaw, bringing your lips to his. They were soft and sure against yours; your eyelids fluttered shut as you accepted his embrace. You placed your hands on his chest and snaked them around his neck, his dark hair falling onto your fingers. His lips were gone too soon as he interrupted the kiss to look at you. His eyes darted over your face, making sure you were still here and okay. It seemed like everything he touched lately disappeared before his eyes. 

He began to shake his head in disbelief. “God, you’re gorgeous.” His lips then crashed back into yours, drinking you in. He loved the way your mouth felt. He then moaned so quietly that you barely heard it yourself, but you did. You smiled against him, fingers tugging at his hair; you licked his bottom lip wanting to taste him on your tongue. His lips then parted letting you explore further. 

Stan whined at the feeling of your tongue swirling around his. His hands moving to the back of your neck and the small of your back to get you as close to him as possible. When you broke free of the kiss, his lips began to travel down your jawline and your neck. He was insatiable; he needed to discover every part of you with his mouth. 

“Fuck,” you breathed when he got to your collarbone. “Don’t stop.” His strong hand grasped at your waist; he now knew you were just as affected by this as he was. He started to suck a bruise into the dip at the crook of your neck. You cried out, desperately grabbing at his shoulder blades. 

When Stan was satisfied with the mark he left, he gave it a soft kiss. His eyes met yours once again. His lips were slightly swollen and shiny from the lip gloss you had applied earlier today. His cheeks were flushed from the intensity of the passionate moment you had shared. He then smiled and leaned in to speak against your lips. “So, what do you think about ditching this movie and heading back to your place?” 

You closed the almost non-existent gap by biting his bottom lip and dragging it through your teeth. Stan let out a sinful groan at the contact before you let him go. “I thought you’d never ask.” 

PART 3 DROPPING SOON  

[peachhcs]

locker room antics

hughes!sister x will smith au (samy + will blurb)

macklin pokes at will like a younger brother and the guys in the locker room are just the same as the guys back in boston

1.4k words

woot woot another post! i really believe macklin likes to poke at will and ask him embarrassing questions because he can —also i don’t know the sjs guys that well but i thought it was funny to recreate will getting caught with hickeys like he did at bc

au masterlist

"wait, why do you drive with one hand like that?" macklin observed the way will's left hand sat atop the steering wheel while the other just rested on the center armrest.

"because i do?" the blonde was confused.

it was not even eight in the morning yet and the two boys were on their way to morning practice—hardly awake to even be functioning correctly. will's never thought about the way he drove until macklin decided to pick him apart just now.

"it's so..odd. you're just..driving with one hand. isn't that uncomfortable?" the younger brunette kept poking with his questions and boy was will not in the mood for it this morning.

"do you have a problem with my driving? don't forget i'm the only one that can drive right now," he didn't really snap, but macklin drew back for a second. he studied his friend's expression, eyes glancing towards the two polaroids stuck onto the sun visor above will's head.

it suddenly made sense.

"ohh, i get it. you drive with one hand so you can hold samy's when she's with you," macklin laughed, but the blonde was still confused. he didn't get what was so funny.

"yeah? sure? and?"

"nothing, nothing. i just think it's cute that you probably made yourself learn to drive with one hand so you could like hold hers," the brunette continued laughing to himself. all will did was roll his eyes, not very amused by the conversation.

"wait, have you guys like..done it in here?"

when will didn't answer immediately macklin literally gasped and started freaking out (or pretend freaking out), "oh my god you have! you have! was it where i'm sitting?! please say no, please—"

"mack, chill. chill. we've never "done it" in my car before, i promise," will was quick to shut down any ideas, face flushing.

"but have you in a car before?"

"why are we talking about my sex life at 7:45 in the morning?" the forward cringed knowing it was way too early to be discussing this.

"i don't know, you tell me," macklin shrugged.

"dude, you started it," will countered.

"you didn't answer my question," the brunette crossed his arms, turning away like he was mad.

again, the blonde rolled his eyes knowing it was too early for any of this, "we have, yes, but not in this car i swear."

"that's fucking crazy, man. how does that even work? like..there's not enough room," unfortunately, the younger hockey player really didn't know when to stop talking.

"you just make it work, i dunno," this conversation needed to end.

but wow, was macklin persistent, "but like what position makes sense? is she on top? are you?"

"dude. i'm not talking about this anymore," this time will really did snap and finally, his friend shut up, leaning back into the seat.

"but like can you tell me what's the biggest you've ever been?" his voice rang through will's ears not even a second later.

"how the fuck am i supposed to know that?" the blonde exclaimed.

"i don't know? you've never measured yourself before?"

"no, i've never measured myself before. why are you asking me this?" they rolled onto the street much to will's relief which meant this conversation was gonna be over really soon.

"i'm just curious. i'm nervous that when i get a girlfriend i'm gonna do it all wrong, so i figured you would have some expertise," macklin shrugged and his answer sort of made will feel bad for snapping a second ago.

he rolled them into their usual parking spot, rolling into park before he turned to his million question friend. "i promise, you won't do it wrong no matter what. it just happens naturally and you both kind of fall into the movement and moment i guess. you got nothing to worry about, man," will tried giving his best advice he knew.

"okay, okay, thanks smith. sorry for the questions," macklin grinned while the blonde playfully rolled his eyes.

"yeah, whatever. come on, let's go in before we're late and we have to do laps," the two climbed out of the car, grabbing their bags from the back and walking up to the rink together.

"okay, but one more question, i promise. how long do you last?"

"macklin—"

"okay, okay, sorry. i'm done. don't answer that."

—

will slid into his stall, exhausted from the long practice and ready to head home for a much needed nap and food. he reached around for his phone to check for any important messages, smiling when he saw a good 10 texts from samy.

he liked when she texted him nonstop about something even though she knew he wouldn't answer until later. it gave him something to look forward to.

"someone's smiley," bordeleu noticed his teammate's grin, nudging will's shoulder to grab his attention away from his phone.

the blonde looked up to an expectant look on tom's face. "what's got you smiling so much?" the older boy teased a bit and catching the attention of the others around them.

"just texting my girlfriend," will answered, watching his teammates raise their eyebrows in surprise.

"girlfriend? you got a girlfriend?" jack poked his head into the conversation, smirking.

"you should hear them on the phone together. so sappy," macklin added his input and quickly everyone became surprised to learn of this apparently new information.

"no way our rookie's got a girlfriend. who is she? meet her at boston or something?" eklund and the others' anticipation grew while will's face began turning into a deep blush at the sudden attention.

"i think you guys know her pretty well..we're playing her brother in two weeks," macklin continued before will could. it took the guys a second, but the realization slowly set in.

"no fucking way. you're dating samy hughes?" the disbelief was clear on their faces.

"uh, yeah..you guys didn't know?" the blonde chuckled, standing up to get himself ready for a quick shower.

"uh, no. we didn't. you're telling me you pulled the little sister of some of the best hockey players in the nhl right now?" jack questioned and will slowly nodded.

"we grew up together so she was just kind of always there," will didn't really get what was so exciting and shocking about his relationship, but maybe he was just desensitized because he grew up with the hughes siblings.

the boy pulled his shirt off, searching for a towel and a change of clothes when a small gasp escaped someone's lips. he pulled his gaze to his right where macklin's hand covered his mouth trying to stop laughter from coming out.

"oh my god..holy shit," bordeleu got out and the other two boys whistled which drew in the attention from the even older guys.

"what?" will was confused and oblivious to everyone staring at the pretty purple and red splotches on his chest.

"you're telling me little hughesy left those?" ecklund poked will's arm and the boy's eyes shot down to his chest. a deep blush spread from his neck to the tips of his ears as he finally realized what everyone was staring at. shit.

"guess you went a little too hard when you were in michigan," macklin teased and the others quickly laughed. will knocked his friend's head, glaring at him.

"i guess hughesy can bite. impressive," jack nodded in approval and the poor forward was getting serious deja vu—living the same exact scenario that he did in boston after he visited samy.

"you definitely got the girl, w-2. she's a real keeper if she can do that to ya," bordeleu patted the blonde's shoulder before walking away. the others winked, leaving the rookie's alone for now.

"looks like our new rookie's been getting some!" goodrow exclaimed, making a show by clapping his hands for the now very embarrassed blonde. macklin joined in and then so did everyone else—all eyes on will.

"you better make sure her brother doesn't see those when we head to van in two weeks," the younger brunette said.

will went off to the showers knowing he'll never live that down for the rest of time and those guys would bring it up at any chance they got.

however, the hockey player still prided himself in the fact that everyone always seemed jealous that he got the girl and not them. yeah. he did get the girl and it felt great that no one else did.

[chibinasuu]

Steady as She Goes | Jinbe & Reader

Part of the Thousand Sunny Slice-of-Life Series

Find the other parts with the rest of the Straw Hats here

Summary: You and Jinbe share a quiet moment at the helm in the calm after the storm Word count: 965  Tags: one-shot, pure fluff, domestic bliss onboard the sunny, platonic straw hat pirates x reader, no use of y/n, GN but written with F!Reader in mind

“Zoro! Sanji! Reef the mainsail!” Nami shouted above the howling winds, “Jinbe, head forty-five degrees starboard! We’ll be out of this soon!”

The crew moved in a practiced manner, almost on autopilot. This was not the first, and definitely not the worst storm they’ve ever experienced in the Grand Line. 

Salty sprays of seawater mixed with the pouring rain soon had you drenched as your fingers deftly worked to secure the rigging, tugging on the ropes to make sure they were fastened correctly. 

“Huge waves incoming! Brace yourselves!” Someone shouted, the cacophony of wind, thunder, and rain so loud that you could barely register the command. 

You tried to readjust your grip on the ropes, hoping to get a stronger hold, but before you could do that, the Sunny crashed onto an oncoming wave, bringing a flood of salt water onto the deck. The strong impact lifted your body a few inches off the ground, and you felt your heart drop as the rope was brutally torn away from your grasp. 

The slippery floor didn’t help as you tried to regain your footing, and another lurch of the ship sent you sliding across the deck. You closed your eyes, bracing for impact, but it never came. Instead, you felt a strong arm wrap around your waist and pull you to your feet. 

You open your eyes to find Jinbe — one arm supporting you, whilst his other hand wrangled the helm in an effort to keep it steady. 

“Is the rigging secured?!” Jinbe roared.

You could only nod, your body still shaking from the shock. 

Jinbe gave your back a firm pat then barked loudly, “Then get inside! Now!”

You half-crawled, half-stumbled your way into the dining room, where you found Chopper and Robin.

Dozens of hands were sprouting from various surfaces, working to secure loose items in the room.

Chopper fussed over you when you staggered through the door, “You’re bleeding! Let me grab the first aid kit!”

In the heat of things, you didn’t realize the friction from the coarse ropes had caused ribbons of blood to flow from your palms. You sat quietly as Chopper bandaged your hands, trying to be as gentle and careful as possible amid the violent rocking of the ship. 

After a while, the movement of the ship gradually slowed to a gentle sway as the Thousand Sunny escaped from the storm safely, thanks to Nami’s expert directions and Jinbe’s masterful steering.

The Straw Hats were all slumped on the chairs of the dining table, huddled with towels, clearly exhausted from their brush with the harsh weather. Well, everyone except Jinbe, who insisted on remaining at the helm to readjust the ship’s course and monitor its bearing amid the shifting winds. Sanji poured steaming cups of tea for the crew to warm up their bodies, and you offered to take one to your helmsman. 

You found Jinbe at the helm, hands fixed on the wheel and eyes on the horizon.

“Hi, Jinbe.” You said, alerting him of your presence. 

Jinbe smiled gently at you, “How are your hands?”

“Oh, they’re fine. Chopper patched them up nicely.” You offered him the tea, “Thanks for saving me earlier. I would’ve hurt more than my hands if it wasn’t for you.”

He took the cup, taking a sip before saying, “I apologize for raising my voice at you.”

You shook your head, “I know you were just looking out for me. It was me who made a mistake.”

He chuckled, “Mistakes happen, kid. And sometimes it wasn’t even your fault – just bad luck.”

Jinbe gulped down his tea, put down his empty cup, and repositioned his hands back on the wheel. You both stood in silence, eyes on the open sea. You turned toward Jinbe and observed his unmoving stance, firm and steady. After a while of him staying still as a rock, you wondered aloud, “Does it ever get boring? Manning the helm when the weather is calm like this?”

Jinbe guffawed at your frank question, “Once you’ve been sailing as long as I do, kid, boring is good. You’ll learn to appreciate the quiet moments.” He gestured for you to come closer, “Wanna take her for a spin?”

You excitedly nodded, never really having a chance to take the helm before. 

Jinbe guided your hands and placed them in the proper position on the wheel. He pointed at the middle needle of the log pose, “That’s the one we’re following right now.” 

“Now, just keep her steady.” He instructed you, “Feel the winds. It will try to pull us off course, and when that happens, you will need to guide Sunny to stay on the right track.”

You turned the wheel experimentally but didn’t feel the ship shift its direction. You were about to turn it further when Jinbe’s hand stopped you, “Patience. Sunny is a big ship, it takes a little time for her to listen to your commands.”

True to his word, a few seconds later, the Sunny slowly altered its heading according to your will, turning slightly away from where the Log Pose’s needle was pointing. You glowed in delight at your successful attempt, before turning the wheel in the opposite direction to return the ship to its original course. 

Jinbe laughed, “You’ll make a fine helmsman!”

You relinquished the helm back to Jinbe and stood beside him, basking in the orange glow of the setting sun and reveling in the calm after the storm. 

No words were spoken between the two of you after that, but the silence was a comfortable one.

Under Jinbe’s guidance, the Thousand Sunny sailed over the waves, inching forward toward your next destination. You couldn’t quiet your heartbeat as it pounded in anticipation of what adventure your crew would find next.

Find the other parts with the rest of the Straw Hats here

[brilium]

❥ K I N K T O B E R 2 0 2 3

Masterlist

➽──────────❥

❥ DAY 6. Cheating! with Gojo Satoru

Summary. Your boyfriend, hated by all your friends, turns you down again on a dinner that you planned for weeks and Satoru shows up at a bar to wash away all your worries like he always does.

Content Warning. Fem! reader, no use of Y/N, all characters are adults, smut, fingering, masturbation (f. recieving), vaginal sex, cheating, Satoru calls her slut one time but it's more praising, mirror sex.

Word count. 3,203

MINORS OR AGELESS BLOGS DO NOT INTERACT !!

“Sorry, babe. I’ll make sure to make it up for you next time, okay?”

You sigh, throwing your phone inside your bag and standing up to leave the fancy restaurant with the sound of your heels echoing through the sound of the soft jazz music.

On the way back to your car, the only thought in your mind is all the times when your friends have told you that your boyfriend is an idiot that only stays with you for comfort. You always try to excuse him, but why? 

Do you even still love him?

Thinking about it is more hurtful than being turned down by him on the dinner that you planned for your anniversary, while you try to hold the tears hiding your face on the steering wheel, you make a decision.

You bought this pretty dress only for this night, to surprise him with a new dress. You looked for tutorials to get a pretty makeup on that’d make you look stunning. And you are, so it would be such a lame to waste this night crying over an idiot who can’t keep his word with you.

That’s what you thought in your car, getting excited for a wild night as you drive to the nearest night club and you get inside to get drunk and make out with a stranger. But, your moral betrays you once you get your drink and realize that your adrenaline got you thinking about cheating.

Does he really deserve it?

I mean, he's not that bad as a boyfriend. He at least remembered about sending me a message to say that he couldn’t come to our date, right?

Opposite to what was supposed to happen, the rush of thoughts running in your head makes you feel a little guilty after taking some more drinks. You put the money harshly on the bar and turn to leave, but a familiar voice calling your name makes you turn back to it.

“I didn’t think of finding you here, precious!” Satoru’s voice calls you, raising his tone to let you hear him through the loud sound of the music. “Weren’t you stressed all week planning a hookup or something for tonight?”.

You frown, looking at him with annoyance as you roll your eyes.

“It wasn’t a hookup! It was dinner!” You raise your tone too, but he makes a gesture to his ear, pointing that he didn’t hear you correctly. You lean closer to his side, trying to resume it and be clear “My boyfriend couldn’t make it!”

He laughs, leaning his head to the side to smile at you. His cheeks are slightly pink and he seems a little more relaxed than other times, it could be a mistake of your eyes thanks to the lights moving and flickering, but you get the hint that his pupils might be even a little dilated.

“I thought that you’d dump him sooner or later!”

“You wish. I haven’t broken up with him!” You protest, hitting his chest softly and rolling your eyes as you take the last remains on your glass on the bar in one sip. You thought of leaving, but Satoru always makes his way to bring up a smile to you everytime that your boyfriend disappoints you.

Satoru clicks his tongue, stepping closer to you and leaning down a little to speak closer to your ear. There are so many things around you both in this club; music, lights, people and the vibrations of the music resonating, but even through all that, Satoru’s breath makes your skin shiver when he speaks.

“I could make this night better for you, If you want”.

Your eyebrows frown, leaning a little to the side to look at him with a chuckle. But all your playfulness goes away when his face is still closer to yours, looking at you with expectation and a little smile on his mouth.

“How are you planning to do that?” The answer from your mouth comes out in a soft whisper, so soft that it’s impossible that Satoru heard it with the loud music playing. But he clearly knows that, if it were the opposite, you would have laughed and leaned back, but you didn't.

So, when he leans closer and closer to your face, with his lips barely touching yours is when you finally give up. His cologne has combined with a faint smell of smoke and his lips are slightly opened, waiting for you to take the final step, to take the decision of cheating on your boyfriend.

Should I call him and tell him that I felt hurt? 

Your hand goes up through his body to grab the back of his neck.

He might feel sorry and make time for me if I tell him.

The possibility crosses your mind as your head tilts to the side to have a better angle with Satoru’s face.

But.

Will he be able to give me the same satisfaction as Satoru? 

It's the final thought that you have before his lips start to devour yours, skipping the "innocent kiss" part and immediately grabbing your waist to bring you closer.

You don't know when or how, but your hands are hugging his neck to bring him down to your lips, taking quick breaks between kisses to grab some fresh air and get back to him again. He's holding you with such strength like you might escape from him, but there's no better place in the world right now than being here, kissing him and forgetting about everything. 

His hands go down from your waist to your hips, reaching finally your ass to give it a squeeze that makes you pull back from the kiss to moan softly. Satoru takes the chance to kiss down your jaw and neck, sucking on your skin without a second thought to let a purple bruise grow on you.

The braces of your dress start to fall down while he keeps kissing and marking, his knee holds you between your legs to keep you standing as he rubs the clothed cunt with his bone. You can only moan and grab his hair between your fingers, too aroused to do anything.

There's a lot of people, people too lost on their fun or alcohol to care about you both making out in the bar, they don't even know that you have a boyfriend. But you still hold his hair tightly to bring him up, he moans in a tiny laugh when you pull him, getting turned on by any simple action from you.

“N–Not…”

Satoru sighs, about to let you go but you hold him tight before keep talking.

"S–Satoru…" He looks down at you, staring between your lips and your eyes like he's hypnotized. "Not here".

A bright smirk grows on his face as he answers a clear "I got you" before grabbing your hand to sneak away through the people and get you both inside the bathrooms of the club. To your luck, it was empty and he took the opportunity to quickly close the door with a key.

"Why do you have the keys of the bathrooms?" You ask, still dizzy from the makeout and rush.

"Yaga won’t notice that I grabbed them." he winks at you and walks closer to you to caress firmly from your thighs to your waist, slowly lifting your dress. You let out a soft whimper when his nails scratch softly on your skin. "Are you feeling doubtful?”

You open your mouth to answer, but a moan comes out before you can say anything when his hand has already reached your clothed cunt while the other harshly pulls down the top of your dress to let out your breasts, you startle at the soft sound of a rip as Satoru laughs softly as his face hides on the crook of your neck to keep kissing and marking your skin.

“Fuck, Satoru— This dress was expensive!” Despite your whine, you shout your eyes to ignore how sensitive you are by the friction of his shirt on your nipples. Every movement resonates on the echo of the bathrooms, being the total opposite to the rowdy club.

“I’ll buy you a new one, don’t worry” He whispers beside your ear and you feel your legs getting weak again, so you bring a hand down between his legs on the bugle on his pants to squeeze him up and down. 

Satoru lets out a broken moan on your clavicle that sounds like heaven thanks to the echo. 

The vibrations coming from your bag start to distract you, but there’s nothing that could care you more than Satoru’s hand rubbing your clit above your underwear. 

You try to grab out the phone to stop the buzzing but it's hard to get focused right now, so you throw the small bag on the counter of the bathroom to hold his hair tightly and start to grind your hips on his hand.

Satoru loves how desperate you are, stopping the movement of his hand between your thighs suddenly. You whine in protest but he turns you on your spot quickly to have you looking at your both reflects on the mirror.

The reflection of your sweaty and half naked body makes you feel a little nervous, but Satoru quickly pushes that thought away as he looks directly at your eyes on the reflection while he keeps kissing down your shoulders, the deep gaze on you and the sensation of his hard crotch grinding on your ass makes you feel the most desired you ever felt on months. 

His hand returns down and puts aside your panties to slide inside the tip of two of his fingers inside your wet cunt, your body shakes at the action, holding the counter with one hand while the other holds his hand between your legs by instinct. Satoru immediately pulls out his fingers and you protest, again.

“W–What? Why did you stop?” Your voice comes out shaky, turning your head back slightly to look at his face.

“It’s not fun if you aren’t looking too.” Satoru pouts on your shoulder, returning the tip of his fingers to your entrance to lubricate them with the wetness around your folds. “Let’s enjoy the show together, okay?”

As his fingers slowly start to push inside you, you rest your head on his shoulder, trying to keep your gaze with half opened eyes on the mirror as he is fingering you and the other hand squeezes your breasts, pinching the nipples between his nails and making you squirm on him. All the movement of your body makes the grinding on his erection get more persistent, causing you both to moan and groan as his fingers keep digging and curling on your folds.

Moans and wet sounds resonate thanks to the echo of the bathrooms, echoing louder when your orgasm starts to get closer.

“Sa–Satoru… D–Don’t stop” You moan, almost crying of pleasure when his palm starts to rub harder on your swollen clit when his movements get a faster peace and spreading your juices all around your cunt. “I–I’m gonna cum!”

“Yeah? Are you gonna cum by the fingers of someone who’s not your boyfriend?” His voice is raspy, struggling to answer through his hard breathing.

It’s embarrassing, but you nod desperately, grinding harder on his hand and squeezing one of your breasts while the other holds his hair for support to not fall off because of the big orgasm coming.

“Yes! Yes and I l–love it!”

Satoru laughs shakily, curling his fingers and kissing your neck as he answers.

“Cum all over my fingers, darling. You won it.” He orders, and you cum almost instantly in a loud cry. All your squirming and shaking during the explosion of your orgasm makes you stop looking at the mirror, but fortunately this time he decides to enjoy the show by himself.

Satoru waits patiently for you to stop spasming to let you ride the orgasm as long as you can, trembling and standing up just because of his hold on your body. He pulls out his fingers to grab your hips and you whine breathless.

“Don’t whine, you look like you ran a marathon. One where you arrived at the last.” He teases, resting his head beside you with a smirk.

“S–Shut up.” You hiss, pushing your ass back to feel him and make him groan. “Wait until I make you cum next”.

He moans heavenly again, resting his forehead on your shoulder and struggling to speak with your movements, but not making a movement to stop you.

“I don’t want you to blame me for cheating on your dear boyfriend, y’know?” 

You roll your eyes, moving a little from his hold to lift the back of your dress to leave it hanging on your waist and pull down your panties. You hold the porcelain counter to arch your back better and jiggle your ass for him.

“So you want to lose the opportunity to do it raw?” 

Those words are heavy. 

You don’t even let your boyfriend cum inside, you use birth control but still you ask him to use a condom. You don’t even bother to blame the few shots you drank, you know that he gave you the best orgasm in two years since you started dating your partner. Right now, you don't even care if he rips in two halves the expensive dress that may be covered in sweat by now.

Satoru bites hard on his lip, looking everywhere but your tempting ass in sight for him. Now he’s the one doubting, but it doesn't last long before you hear the sound of his belt tinkling and feel his hands squeezing your butt to spread it.

He looks at your wet folds, dripping down the remains of your cum on your thighs, he grabs the base of his hard cock and rubs it on your entrance. 

"God— Baby" He hisses when the red tip starts to slide inside you and is received by your gummy walls already tightening. You moan sharply when he starts to push and let you feel his hard veins "You’re so fucking tight. So hot."

You moan sharply without any doubt anymore as his length makes his way inside you. Even if you can't see him, you feel the slight curvature of his cock pushing more and more on your G-Spot.

"I haven't had a good fuck in some time." The words come out in a breath once he has finally pushes all inside, his hands grab your hips firmly before he starts thrusting with a slow rhythm.

After the first orgasm, you’re still sensitive with any touch of his skin on yours.

"I guess I can fix that." He laughs, starting to send thrusts that make your ass jiggle slightly by the hit. Satoru's patience seems to blow away once you start to push back for more.

"Please… Ruin me, please" you fix your gaze again on the mirror, loving how Satoru seems almost hypnotized by your ass recoil while you get a view of your tits hanging side to side from his thrusts. "Make me feel guilty for enjoying another man's cock so much".

"Fuck— You're such a dirty girl, huh?" Satoru finally starts to send harder thrusts that resonate loudly, not enough with the sound of  his hips hitting your ass, his hand sends a slap on it, making you moan in a broken voice "A slut so fucking needy for a good cock, yeah?"

“Yes—! Yes I–I am” You nod, too cock drunk by how he keeps hitting on the weak spot on your gummy walls.

He laughs shakily and grabs your neck to bring your back against his chest, his hand holding your neck as the other crosses around your stomach to hold your cunt close to his thrusts.

It's hard to look at the reflection with the small tears forming on your eyes since this position gives his curve a better angle to get you crying his name. Your hands just can hang on your sides as your body receives all his hard thrusts. 

Satoru also looks at the reflection with his lips half opened and keeping his gaze on your numb body. When your insides start to tighten around him on the advice of your second orgasm approaching Satoru bends again your body closer to the counter. 

His hand grabs one of your thighs to put it on the counter and push your face against the mirror, his cock slams harder than before inside you as your body smashes violently on the mirror while your orgasm hits you screaming his name.

"Fuck— You're a fucking angel, gorgeous" Satoru keeps thrusting hard and messy until, in a hard thrust, you feel a warm start to fill your aching cunt.

You breathe heavy against the mirror, leaving a spot of mist on it while your whole body trembles while Satoru keeps thrusting inside you to push his cum further as the music of the club sounds like it's far away from you.

You both stay like that for a little, trying to put your heartbeats again on a stable rhythm. 

Satoru gently seats you on the counter when he pulls out and notices the weakness on your body. You blush softly, mumbling a soft 'Thanks' with your dry throat.

"No round two, then?" He jokes, fixing his pants and grabbing some paper towels from the dispenser.

"You look as fucked out as me, Satoru" you laugh softly, pointing at his flushed cheeks and sweaty forehead. He approaches near you to clean you with the paper towels you startle, pushing him immediately "Wait— What are you doing!?"

"Cleaning you up?" He asks with an skeptical tone "I know that anyone has ever cummed inside you and you don't know that, but—"

"I've done it like this before, Satoru".

Satoru only answers a soft "Oh" that is followed by a wide grin, his hand gives your thigh a small squeeze that makes you jump on your spot slightly.

"So you've been naughty before, huh?"

"Shut up, Satoru" you look away from him, pulling closer your bag to give it to him "I have some tissues here, use them. I don't trust in those paper towels".

"We literally just had sex in here" he protests, but still grumbles around your small bag to look for the tissues, but suddenly stops the movement when he notices something.

Instead of grabbing your tissues, Satoru brings out your phone and shows you a screen of a call in progress with your boyfriend.

You quickly grab the phone and put it on speaker, hoping that he answered with the phone still on his jeans.

"Hello?"

"Fuck off". You hear his voice and then the finished call sound comes.

You don't even feel bad or guilty after finding out that he maybe heard you fucking with another man, you just look at the phone surprised by all the things that happened so quickly. 

After some seconds, you feel again Satoru squeezing your thighs and you look up from your phone at his smirk looking at you with wide eyes.

"So… Are you single now?"

[tenjito]

the tide is high, but i'm holding on. || miyawaki sakura

pairing: miyawaki sakura x female reader contents: exes to lovers, forced proximity technically, chaewon's so done, y/nkura are eunchae's divorced parents, swearing, jealousy, kissing description: you and sakura broke up right before iz*one officially disbanded. coincidentally, the both of you ended up debuting in the same group again.

it's moments like these where you start to question your entire existence as a whole, because who the fuck decided to put you and your ex-girlfriend in the same group?

okay, sure, no one actually knew that the two of you dated (aside from the other members of iz*one), so it makes sense that hybe didn't know the possible consequences of it all.

you and sakura broke up a week before your iz*one contracts ended. the two of you were having another argument—which had been happening quite frequently for the past few weeks—in the car while you drove to meet the rest of the members for dinner.

"sakura, i don't get why you're so pissed off at me! it's not my fault we barely get to spend time together!" you yelled, eyes on the road as you gripped the steering wheel tightly.

"well then, whose fault is it, y/n? it certainly isn't mine since i'm not the one who has on cancel on you everytime we make any plans together!" your girlfriend shouted from the passengers seat, running her fingers through her hair in fraustration.

"ugh sakura, let it go! i told you already, i've been busy." you stated, feeling like a broken record repeating yourself for the hundredth time. "besides, every time we are together, we just end up fighting like always!" you admitted, and maybe it was a harsh thing to say, but it was true.

but nothing could've prepared you for sakura's next words.

"maybe we should just break up then." her voice was low, almost like a whisper compared to the shouting and yelling from a few seconds ago, and her lip quivered ever so slightly as you stopped at a red light.

your heart sank. you couldn't have possibly heard her correctly... right? that question was soon answered as you turned to face the woman beside you, and the tears in her eyes only meant one thing.

you couldn't say anything. you didn't know what to say. you only stare in disbelief at sakura, who faced the window, avoiding any eye contact with you. before you could utter a response, a beep was heard from the car behind you and the light was green.

your hands were no longer firmly gripping the steering wheel. instead, they were shaking as you drove and you bit down on your lip to try focus your thoughts on the road rather than on sakura's previous words.

"pullover. i'm getting off." she suddenly spoke up.

"what? you can't just—"

"i can do whatever i want, y/n. you're not my girlfriend anymore." sakura's voice noticeably cracked while she said the last sentence, and a sharp, sickly sensation cut through your heart when you heard it.

you pulled over. she got out. no words. no goodbye. no see you later. no nothing. just the sound of the car door slamming and the empty silence that followed.

sad driving was dangerous, but just-broke-up-with-your-girlfriend sad was a lot worse. luckily enough, despite the crying throughout the whole drive, you made it to the restaurant without any accidents.

"where's sakura?" chaeyeon asked after you greeted the group, and your attempts of hiding your swollen eyes and dried up tears from your members earlier were useless, because you ended up crying to them about the whole situation.

in conclusion, that night was full of drinking, crying, comforting and more crying, but no matter how much alcohol you consumed, nothing would change the fact that sakura was gone.

seemingly enough, you learned to forget and move on from the heartbreak (or at least that's what you convinced yourself), and never spoke to sakura ever since that day.

that was until: le sserafim.

this new group was a blessing and a curse for the both of you, but mostly a curse.

it was undoubtedly awkward at the start, and there was evident tension between the two of you.

the rest of the members, apart from chaewon, were completely confused about this. all three of you were in the same group, so why was it that you and sakura seemed to hate each other? eunchae, who was probably the biggest iz*one fan there, was especially confused.

she remembered the two of you being inseparable during iz*one days. 'y/nkura' was probably the biggest ship among fans (she shipped it too), so what the hell happened?

kim chaewon knew the answer to that question since she was the only one who knew about your past relationship, and she also knew that two exes being in the same group as each other was indeed, a very bad idea. especially if it was you and sakura.

but being your leader and longtime friend, chaewon practically forced the both of you to at least try to get along.

turns out, it wasn't that bad.

"y/n, could you pass me a knife?" sakura asks, taking out a few vegetables from the fridge and laying them on the table. you perk up from your seat and switch off your phone.

"not even a 'please'?" you tease, walking over to the cutlery drawer and retrieving a knife. sakura rolls her eyes as you handed her the knife.

"please and thank you," she says before placing a carrot onto the chopping board.

you took this as an opportunity to steal a piece of meat that she'd been cooking from the sizzling pan. sakura was basically the chef of the house, always cooking for the other members. you'll never admit it, but her cooking was your absolute favourite.

"y/n!" sakura shouts, grabbing your arm before you could reach the food. she gives you a stern look and you let out a groan.

"but i'm hungryyy," you drag, dramatically pouting at the older. she lets go off your arm and smiles.

your heart flutters and your face heats up. i forgot how pretty her smile was...

"just wait, i'm almost done." sakura says, but you don't move. you just watch.

you watch the way strands of her hair fall past her face, and the way she gently tucks them back behind her ear afterwards. you watch her glued eyes that are so focused on what she's doing, and you find it adorable.

wait. no you don't. you can't. she's your ex, you idiot—

"i can feel you staring at me." sakura speaks, snapping you out of your trance.

your ears burn in embarrassment. "uh," quick, make up an excuse! "it's 'cause you're cutting it wrong, dummy. i'll show you how it's done."

you let out a breath before taking the knife from sakura and moving closer. the older just waits in anticipation, arms folded with a rather judging look.

despite the incredibly cocky expression on your face, you've never actually used a kitchen knife before, let alone cooked anything in your life. maybe this isn't the best idea, you think, and you hesitantly turn to face sakura.

"go on,"

the chastising tone in her voice irks you. just cut the damn carrot, y/n. and so you did. the knife is sharp and it goes through the carrot a lot smoother than you had initially expected.

"you're cutting it the same way. what's the difference?" sakura says wearily, and she's so close to your ear that you almost jump.

"sh-shut up, just wait!" you complain, more nervous about the fact that your ex was inches away from your face and sakura holds her hands up in defence.

"okay, okay..!"

you're a lot less confident now. you feel sakura's breaths on your nape as she's peering over your shoulder, and you don't what or how it happens, but the knife slips in your hands and you feel a sharp sting on your finger.

"shit—" you hiss, abruptly dropping the knife on the chopping board.

out of pure impulse, sakura instinctively takes a tissue from the kitchen table and grabs your hand, carefully wiping the blood off your finger. she opens the supply drawer next to you and takes out a small bandaid before wrapping it around the cut. you wince at the action, but sakura tells you to stay still and you do.

once the bandaid is on and sakura lets go off your hand, the both of you realize what the the actual fuck just happened. sakura's eyes leave yours first and she clears her throat.

"are you, uhm...are you okay?" she asks awkwardly, and you quietly nod.

neither of you even dare to face the other. it stays silent, the tension in the room threatening to crush you with its unbearable weight. the silence is thankfully broken by the sound of the door opening.

"unnie! is the food ready yet?" eunchae asks, walking into the room. sakura informs her just two more minutes and she's done. you go back to your seat, and you and sakura don't talk to each other for the rest of the day.

it's been a week since the incident, and you and your ex have been ignoring each other as much as possible. the only times you would interact was when you were forced to during practices or livestreams. of course, the first person to notice the avoidance is your leader, and she was very annoyed to say the least.

"i thought you two promised you were going to get along? you were fine last week, what happened?" chaewon is sat across from you and sakura, looking like she was about to murder the both of you.

you huff, rolling your eyes. chaewon sighs and turns her head to face sakura, knowing that you weren't willing to answer the question she had just asked.

"chae, it's hard, okay? we didn't really...end on the best terms, so it's too weird to just start speaking normally to each other as if nothing happened." the japanese woman says, grimacing at the memory of the break up.

does she regret it? yeah. every waking moment she regrets it. does she still have feelings for you? maybe. she isn't entirely sure anymore. can she undo what happened between you and her? unfortunately, no. she wants to, but she can't, and it's all her fault.

"i know, i understand that but," chaewon pinches the bridge of her nose and squints hard before continuing. "we're a team now. both of you have to stop hating each other so much, even if you're exes. you need to do it for the rest of the group, and for the fans."

you hate to admit it but your leader was right. the other girls and the fans don't know about you and sakura's past, so you have to suck it up and pretend like nothing happened, like you aren't still heartbroken.

you have to pretend like you were never in love with miyawaki sakura.

the words "i love you" were never actually exchanged by you or sakura during your relationship. it was felt, but never said. and honestly, you were quite grateful for that fact. otherwise, the break up would've hurt more than it already did. you knew that well.

"okay," you say hesitantly, looking at your leader and then to the eldest. "we'll...try."

and for the next few weeks, try you did.

it was going well so far. you and sakura eventually moved passed the awkward exes stage and into the friendly exes stage, a major improvement from the month before. the only thing you had to do now was keep it up.

your group was currently promoting your latest comeback 'antifragile'. after performing the song for music bank, your group was getting ready to leave. yunjin had to go to the restroom, so the rest of you just waited in the hall until she came back.

"y/n?" a voice calls, and you immediately turn to see who it is.

"miyeon, hey!" you say enthusiastically. the (g)i-dle member pulled you into a tight embrace and you smiled as you pulled away. "it's been so long!"

"i know! i've missed you so much,"

miyeon had been a close friend of yours ever since she was a trainee and you were in produce 48. the two of you have always stayed in contact but rarely got to meet up outside of work, so the both of you took this as an opportunity to catch up.

you were too occupied with miyeon to notice yunjin come back from the restroom, and you most definitely didn't notice the glares sakura was sending your friend as you spoke to her.

"y/n, we have to go." chaewon then speaks up, tapping you on the shoulder. you nod and say goodbye to miyeon, noticing her group calling for her too. your group made their way out, and the girls started chatting.

"i'm so tired. i just wanna go to bed," eunchae says, and kazuha nods in agreement.

yunjin gasps, "you're tired? i'm so hungry i can't even think about sleep." she admits, and they laugh.

"i agree," you say, then turn to the eldest who had been oddly quiet the whole time. "i say chef sakura should cook us her special ramen." you chaffed, but the older didn't seem too pleased.

"why should i make it? you can cook it yourself if you're so hungry." the tone in sakura's voice was aggressive, and everyone could tell something was upsetting her.

well, everyone except you, because it doesn't surprise you whenever your ex acts like this towards you.

"because it's always better when you make it."

sakura can't hide the light blush that settles on her cheeks and trickles down her neck at your words. god why was she feeling like this? she ignores the way her heartbeat was now ten times faster than before and rolls her eyes.

"it'll taste the same if you make it." she says, entering the car before you could give a response.

"what's up with her?" you mutter under your breath as you follow the others into the vehicle.

you couldn't help but notice that the car ride home was weirder than it should've been. eunchae and kazuha had fallen fast asleep at the back of the car, so obviously it was a lot quieter than usual. but there was something else.

someone else.

everyone had gone to bed by now, but as always, you were still awake. you had left you and kazuha's shared room to make some tea since sleeping wasn't something you were planning on doing anytime soon.

you lean against the kitchen counter, mindlessly staring at the kettle boiling the water, waiting patiently for its whistle to calm.

"you're still up? it's late." a voice interrupts your empty thoughts, and you look up to see who had just spoken, a little startled since you had assumed no one else was awake at this time.

"sakura." you watch as the japanese woman walks over to stand next to you, rubbing her eyes slightly, noticeably tired from the exhausting day. "why aren't you sleeping?"

there's a brief silence before she speaks up, and when she does, her voice is barely above a whisper.

"i'm sorry."

you stare at sakura, confused. "what?"

she sighs, "i-..i'm sorry about today. i shouldn't have been such an asshole to you, i was just—" she pauses, and you can tell straight away that there's something on her mind.

"what's wrong, kkura-chan?"

sakura's breath hitches, and her heart is telling her several things she can't ignore.

kkura-chan.

she hasn't heard you call her that in forever. it was her favourite nickname you'd call her when the two of you were dating, and fuck did she miss the sound of it. she had always felt comforted and safe whenever you used to use it, so maybe that's why she was able to tell you the truth. the full truth.

"i was jealous," she starts, head down as she anxiously tensed her shoulders. "i was jealous of miyeon when the two of you were talking earlier and i felt...angry. not at you, or miyeon, but at myself. and i know, i know, i have no right to feel jealous of it because you're not mine anymore and you've moved on, so i should too but i can't because it fucking hurts—"

"kkura."

"—and i'm saying this now because i don't know how much longer i can go without telling you that i still have feelings for you, and i regret ever breaking up with you every day of my—"

"sakura!" your shout stops her from continuing her rant, and she only looks up at you with an apologetic expression. she doesn't dare say anything more, and just waits for you to yell at her, or tell her that she's a shit person, or ask her to leave.

but no. instead, she's met with something nothing could've prepared her for.

your lips were on hers.

you kissed her, and she immediately kissed back. you were the first to pull away, though the kiss was only short, and sakura could only wonder one thing. why? and as if you could read her mind, you told her exactly why.

"i love you, kkura. and honestly?..i don't think i ever stopped. i was never able to move on from you, even if i knew i had to...i just couldn't. no matter what i did to try and forget, i couldn't help but miss every part of you. i missed your voice, i missed your smile, i missed the way you laughed and the way you made me laugh. i just missed you. and when you left, i knew i wouldn't be the same, because i'm nothing without you, sakura."

she's staring at you in absolute shock, and you're staring back with a hinge of fear, but there's something so soothing about the soft smile that ever so slowly forms on her face.

"i love you too, y/n. i always have."

and then, this time, it's sakura who closes the distance.

neither of you waste any time, really. sakura's hands make their way to your hair and yours are on her hips.

sakura seems more sure of herself in the harsh light of the kitchen than she's ever been, her hands firm, and seeming to know exactly what she wants.

she presses forward, pushing you back into the counter as your lips move together, hands smoothing over the fabric of your shirt, down down, and then under, and then up, and when you feel sakura's long fingers stroking the skin right under your ribs, you hum against her mouth.

there is a lot happening all at once, hands and mouths and bodies, and sakura bites gently against your lower lip like she knows what she’s doing, and that's because she does. she always does.

you breathe in all of her, and her scent is one you've grown to miss. sakura sighs against you, fingers scratching at the base of your neck while your hand slides up to slip into her shirt from below, tracing over her warm skin.

sakura makes a sound, a small, ragged sound, and you can hear it so clearly in the silence of the empty room. her teeth bite down a little more harshly when you grab firmly and you make a small, ragged sound of your own.

you slide your leg between sakura's, pull her even closer, drink in her surprised noise with a grin before carefully, carefully, coaxing sakura's mouth open.

she tastes like the strawberry lip balm she used to always use so long ago, and you can't help but smile against her lips, because it’s sakura, your sakura, whom you realise hasn't changed at all.

and then she whines, just when you thought that small, ragged sound was the best sound you'd ever hear, and it’s almost involuntary, the way you drag sakura's hips closer. her hands press more firmly against your ribs, slip forward to press against the indents of your abs, slip down, fingers dipping under the waistband of your jeans.

the door opens and there's a very obvious echo of someone clearing their throat as you and sakura rush to pull apart.

"this is not what i meant when i said 'try to get along',"

sakura shyly buries her head into the crook of your neck to hide her flushed face as she holds in a laugh.

"are you mad?" you ask chaewon.

your leader shakes her head. "no. quite relieved, actually." but her face doesn't change from the scolding look she wore initially. "but that doesn't mean i'm letting you two continue your make out session. i need sleep, and i'd rather not hear any more sounds coming from either of you. goodnight."

chaewon leaves, and you and sakura burst out into laughter.

"i missed you, kkura-chan."

she smiles.

"i missed you too, y/nnie."

[dyeher]

Warnings: single dad! baji, preschool teacher! reader.

Notes: this one right here could be- I mean- maybe…unedited read at your own risk.

Keisuke is panicking.

He keeps glancing in his rear view mirror at his little girl who’s happily humming along to whatever is playing from her iPad.

She doesn’t seem to share the same bone chilling fear as him. His grip on the steering wheel is tight enough that his knuckles have gone white.

They’re fifteen minutes away from his daughter’s official first day of school and Baji is five seconds away from turning this car around and taking her to work with him.

She giggles in the backseat and Baji swallows a lump of emotion and sighs when it settles in the pit of his stomach like lead.

“You excited princess?”

Her little head bobs, her pigtails (and the giant bows tied around each one) sways with the motion.

“Words Kaori, remember to use your words,” he reminds her.

“Yes daddy,” she replies, eyes falling to her iPad once more.

Baji gulps when the gates to the school come into view. He takes a deep breath and pulls into the driveway. The parking lot isn’t full because he’s twenty minutes early. When he finds a spot however his panic mounts.

This is real. This is happening. His daughter is starting school.

“We’re here!” she squeals when she finally looks up from the screen. She wriggles in her car seat, clearly wanting out.

Baji frowns.

“Daddy!” she insists. “Let’s go! Let’s go!”

Baji wants to cry. “Okay, princess. Okay,” he resigns himself to being miserable for the rest of the day. Perhaps for the rest of his existence. This is where it all starts. With school.

He hoists her out of the car seat and grabs her backpack and lunchbox. Keisuke is extremely proud of the fact that he, Keisuke Baji, despite his questionable past, has raised a daughter on his own.

He’d had to learn to comb and take care of hair other than his own (a lot goes into having healthy hair apparently), accept the color pink (of which there were over fifty shades), pretend tea parties didn’t make him uncomfortable (it’s the chairs), wear glitter make up (glitter can never be cleaned correctly), sing and dance (he’s a performer but only for her) and of course, what self respecting father of a girl hadn’t perfect mani/pedis.

His life had taken a dramatic three sixty when Kaori was born. But there wasn’t a single day since then that he regretted. He loves her more than he can actually put into words.

Which explained why he was on the verge of tears as he fit his arm through the strap of her sparkly, pink backpack and wrapped his hand around her much smaller one.

On the steps leading up to the front doors stood Kaori’s teacher. He’d met you previously when he’d registered Kaori and even then, dressed in jeans and a t shirt you’d been beautiful. His panic subsides a little when you give him a small smile.

“Mr. Baji,” you barely spare him a glance and Baji might have been insulted if not for the way your gaze immediately drops to his daughter. “And you must be little Kaori,” you squat to her level and Baji’s heart stutters. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you! Your daddy has told me so much about you.”

“He has?” Kaori asks, and Baji lifts a brow at her when she turns to him with a skeptical look on her face.

“I have,” Baji replies. “This is your teacher Kaori,” he holds his breath as his daughter eyes you. Kaori Baji isn’t shy. In fact she’s one of the most outspoken kids he’s ever met. It’s easy to know when she dislikes someone or something because she has no problem pointing it out. It’s whether she likes someone or not that’s the real issue.

“Do you like tea parties?” Kaori asks, and Baji knows this is the million dollar question. One wrong answer and today could easily turn into a shit show.

“Oh,” you gush. “I love tea parties! Do you wanna see my tea set?”

Baji blinks, eyes widening when Kaori releases his hand and takes a step toward you. She nods and then as though catching herself she responds. “Yes, please.”

“Fantastic! But you’ll have to say goodbye to daddy,” you say carefully. “Is that okay?”

Baji’s breath leaves him in a pained rush. His panic coming back full force. He purses his lips, eyes glued to Kaori as she considers your request.

She turns to Baji motioning for him to come closer. He squats. “You have to go,” she says, and Baji’s heart shrivels.

“I know princess,” his throat burns, as he pulls the backpack from his shoulder and helps Kaori into it. “Will you be okay without me?”

Kaori gives him a look like she’s offended and Baji might have laughed under different circumstances. She frowns, stepping into his arms when he spreads them for her. Her little arms wrap around his neck tightly. Baji’s eyes close briefly, his heart thundering as he squeezes her. When he opens them he finds your eyes on him.

Kaori steps out of his arms. “I’ll be okay,” she confirms.

Keisuke glances from her to you and then back to her. “Okay,” he presses a kiss to her forehead, and stands. You stand with him and Kaori takes your hand.

“First days are always the hardest,” you comment.

Baji can only smile weakly at you as you guide Kaori deeper into the school. His daughter turns and gives him a short dismissive wave before turning her full attention on you.

Baji stands there long enough that the parking lot starts to fill up.

She’ll be fine he tells himself when he finally forced himself to leave. She’s a big girl he repeats as he forced himself not to think about what could be happening to her now.

It’s only a couple of hours, she’ll be fine.

[thescarletnargacuga]

REV THEORY

A RACEWAY AU SHOWTIME SONGFIC

A/N:feelin a bit spicyyyy 🔥🔥🔥

WARNING: INCREDIBLY SUGGESTIVE

~~~

"You want to do what?" Caine did a double take. There's no way he heard her correctly.

They had just finished their daily race, but Pomni was still fired up. "I said, I want to go again...in your kart."

"You want to use MY kart...on an OFFICIAL track...alone?" Caine tugged at his collar.

"Yes." Pomni said with a smirk. "Hold onto this for me, would you?" She tossed her hat at him.

Caine caught it. "...what are y-?" There was no way she knew-

"Testing a theory." She stepped closer. "Now, are we doing this or not?"

Caine almost couldn't snap, his hand was trembling so much. "Y-yeah!" He gulped. "Have fun out there."

Caine's kart appeared in a flash. The start line lights up, ready to begin a race. Pomni added a sway to her hips as she climbed into the kart. Her face spelled trouble as she settled into the seat.

The kart started itself with a roar. Caine blushed out of embarrassment with how loud it was.

Pomni traced her fingers up the steering wheel and gripped it's hold. "Can you feel that?" She grinned at Caine. "You better hold on. This one's about to get bumpy."

Caine immediately went the darkest shade of red possible. She knew.

Pomni gave a low chuckle as the lights counted down, strongly revving the kart.

Chills went through Caine's entire body. His grip on his cane tightened. The look on Pomni's face nearly dropped him from the air.

She took off perfectly from the start line the moment it went green. Gold fire blasted from the tailpipes as the tires screamed for traction.

Caine wasn't in control, but he felt every move Pomni made. Without distraction, the race rush coursing through his code gives him a sense of euphoria in a way he's never experienced.

She's a ten, hellbent, I'm in heaven tonight

Pomni drifted through a turn.

Six speed, sex scene playin' out in my mind

Caine braced himself against the start line support.

One look, I'm hooked, motor runnin'

Rev'd up, my heart startin' pumpin'

Are you ready for the best damn ride of your life?

Pomni hit a double booster through a massive spiral.

Give me a hell

Give me a yeah

Stand up right now!

Caine's eyes rolled. His knees shook. His grip on Pomni's hat tightened.

And give me a hell

Give me a yeah

Stand up right now!

Pomni maneuvered through a wavy part of the track expertly, slamming the gas on the straightaway.

Get ready to go!

She ain't movin' slow!

She's takin' control!

Pushin' the pedal through the floor!

I'm beggin' for more!

You better hold on tight!

Caine slid down the support pole, his back to it as he sat on the ground. He couldn't fly. He couldn't focus. His breathing getting hot and heavy, he loosens his tie.

Pomni shifted gears and rocketed through a jump.

Got a taste, can't be saved, I'm a junkie for life

Caine groaned. His mind completely fogged.

She fuels my fire and adrenaline high

Pomni pushed the kart harder with a golden item boost AND a lane boost.

My need for speed's got me gunnin'

One touch, she screams, "Keep it comin'!"

Pomni cheered as she drove on an inverted track.

Are you ready for the best damn ride of your life?

Caine's coat slipped off his shoulders. He couldn't bear to wear it in this heat. His code was going mad.

Give me a hell

Give me a yeah

Stand up right now!

And give me a hell

Give me a yeah

Stand up right now!

Caine's body trembled as he squeezed his knees together. A gutteral moan was choked out of him when he felt his kart do a high fly jump and Pomni made it do a trick.

Get ready to go!

She ain't movin' slow!

She's takin' control!

Pushin' the pedal through the floor!

I'm beggin' for more!

You better hold on tight!

Caine bit down on his own hand in an attempt to curb the sounds that kept escaping him. Pomni was driving him closer to the edge with every turn. His back arched when Pomni drifted through the tightest corner on the track, making him whimper.

Pomni heard a soft noise come through on the kart's radio. She chuckled, her suspicions were fully confirmed.

Almost home

Pomni intentionally adjusted herself in the seat.

Caine gasped, his cane topper glowing.

Pomni gripped the shifter and changed gears way harder than necessary.

Caine moaned loud enough to be heard clearly on the radio.

Give me a hell

Give me a yeah! hell yeah!

Stand up right now

And give me a hell

Give me a yeah

Stand up right now! right now!

"What was that, Caine? I can't hear you!" Pomni said in a teasing tone.

"Nothing! You're doing great! Keep going! Please!!" Caine could barely get his words out.

Give me a hell

Give me a yeah! yeah!

Stand up right now

And give me a hell

Give me a yeah! yeah!

Stand up right now! right now!

Pomni hit a banked turn at top speed. All the items on the track worked coincidentally in her favor.

Get ready to go!

She ain't movin' slow!

She's takin' control!

And pushin' the pedal through the floor!

I'm beggin' for more!

You better hold on tight!

Caine squirmed, cartoonish sweat pouring from his head. If he wasn't careful, he'd drool on himself. He could hear his kart racing back around. It was so close to the finish.

He gave one last ditch effort to focus and snapped his fingers. His hat vanished.

Give me a hell

Give me a yeah

Pomni smiled when she saw her last item. Caine's hat appeared in her hand. She knew what he wanted, and was more than happy to give it to him.

She put on the hat, but instead of a silvery red light, she was surrounded by a golden red light that blasted her ahead. She cried out with joy as she crossed the finish line.

And give me a hell

Give me a yeah

HELL

Caine saw stars as Pomni crossed the finish line. Sparks flew from his gold cane topper. "Pomni~", he weakly groaned as he felt fully satisfied by the completion of the single kart race.

Pomni came to a screeching halt. The kart steamed and hissed from being run harder than it ever had. She hopped out, still wearing Caine 's hat.

He was even more of a mess than she anticipated. "You okay?"

Caine couldn't see straight, his eyes rolled lazily in his mouth. "My dear... I've never been better in my entire existence." He slowly props himself up, leaning against the start line for support. "Now...since you've won, why don't I escort you to the winner's circle. You're due for a reward."

Pomni gripped Caine by his cummerbund and held him against her. "Take me away, Racemaster~"

He snapped, they vanished.

[olivialau]

Shadow's Embrace Ch. 12

Sukuna x Reader

Disclaimer:

This is a work of fanfiction based on the universe of "Jujutsu Kaisen," created by Gege Akutami. The original manga, anime, and characters belong to their respective owners and creators.

Notes:

This story unfolds in the Jujutsu Kaisen world, set in a slightly altered universe where Sukuna inhabits his own vessel distinct from Itadori Yuji's body, making him a separate entity.

Summary:

Ryomen Sukuna, the King of Curses, becomes fascinated with a female sorcerer rich in potential but lacking control. Initially seizing her for his destructive plans, Sukuna aims to bind her abilities through a contract. Yet, as he tries to dominate her, he finds himself intrigued by her strength and determination. Over time, his interest evolves from strategic advantage to a deeper, personal connection.

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

CHAPTER 12 - Veil of Lies

"Ugh, Gojo-sensei, can you please not recline the seat all the way back?" Megumi's annoyance was palpable as he wrestled with the limited space in the backseat. With him, Itadori, and Kugisaki already squished together like sardines, Gojo's decision to leisurely stretch out was pressing on his nerves as he struggled to stay composed.

Gojo chuckled heartily in response, his laughter reverberating through the car. He tilted his head back slightly, and his eyes sparkled with mischief as he glanced at Megumi through the rearview mirror.

"Sorry, kiddo," he mused, "No can do! My legs are beat from all that hard work, and I'm not getting any younger, y'know?". It was clear that he was enjoying the opportunity to tease his student.

Itadori then chimed in, with his trademark positivity. "Come on, you guys," he said, "It's actually kinda nice and cozy back here, huh?"

Kugisaki, who was squeezed in the middle, scoffed and crossed her arms. "Cozy?" she retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "If cozy means my personal space is non-existent, then sure."

Gojo turned his playful gaze towards Ijichi in the driver's seat. "Hey, Ijichi," he began with a grin, "next time, can't we just use a van? More space for everyone, right? And it'd look cool too."

Ijichi glanced down at the steering wheel with a resigned sigh, hesitant to disappoint Gojo, as he spoke "I'm afraid there's... no budget."

Gojo's carefree complexion faltered for a moment as he processed Ijichi's response. "No way!" he exclaimed, feigning disbelief.

He leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms with a mock pout. "Well, looks like we'll just have to make do with what we've got, huh?"

Kugisaki scoffed as she muttered, "That's easy enough for you to say from your royal seat in the front."

The next few minutes in the car were spent in silence, broken only by the faint hum of the engine and the occasional sigh from Megumi, still adjusting uncomfortably in his seat.

Finally, Ijichi broke the silence, announcing, "We're nearly there."

Itadori sighed in relief at the prospect of being able to save his classmate soon, but his words were tinged with worry as he silently whispered to himself, "Man, I can't believe we only managed to get a hold of Master Tengen yesterday. I just hope we're not too late..."

Gojo was quick to reassure Itadori, sensing his student's concern. "She'll be fine," he said with conviction, though his confidence contradicted his own lingering worries.

"With Tengen's information, we'll be able to break through the veil in no time."

As the car rolled to a stop, everyone except Ijichi exited, their steps quickening with a sense of urgency as they followed the familiar landmarks guiding them to the location they'd inspected previously.

Megumi's brow furrowed in concentration as he recalled the details of their last visit. "If I remember correctly, the barrier should be just up ahead, around that old factory," he said, his gaze fixed on the dilapidated structure in the distance.

However, when they approached the building further, they all came to a quick halt, as they stood in stunned silence. Confusion etched across their features until Itadori stated the glaringly obvious.

"Huh? The veil... it's gone."

-----------‐-----------------------------------------------------------------

- 2 hours earlier -

The nerves in your stomach tightened as you waited with bated breath for Sukuna's next move. Now that the intensity of the situation had died down, your body had returned to a state of normalcy, and the only reminder of the dire situation you'd just been in was the thick blood covering the concrete floor.

It dawned on you—the full weight of the deal you had just made.

You were now bound to him, your fate irrevocably intertwined with his. And this wasn't just a short reprieve from normalcy; this was forever.

The only thought that kept you from going insane was the knowledge that there was always a way out. You wouldn't let Sukuna corrupt you to the point of causing irreversible harm to others—you were prepared to take your own life to prevent this, if necessary.

But you knew that playing along to a certain extent was inevitable, even if it meant causing some minor harm in the process.

And you were prepared for that. You did not take the value of your own life lightly, not after all you'd been through.

You had promises to fulfill.

Without looking up from the floor, you could feel Sukuna's gaze settling in your direction, he was scrutinizing you.

"I can see the cogs turning in that little head of yours, woman," he chuckled, a teasing edge to his words.

He leaned in, his crimson eyes narrowing as he studied you even more intently. "But what could you possibly be thinking about?" he mused in condescension.

"Surely you realize that you've sold your will to me now."

Sukuna's entire being seemed to pulse with authority. "From this point onward, I'll be the one doing the thinking," he declared, with an undeniable power in his stance. "Your role is to obey."

He let out a derisive scoff, shaking his head. "Stupid girl," he spat, as his eyes roamed across the blood-stained floor, taking in the results of the chaos that had unfolded.

"Seeing how you've made such a mess," he began, before he crossed his arms and the corners of his mouth twitched into a cruel smile.

"Let's start by having you clean this up," Sukuna commanded. The idea of working you like a slave, of watching you scramble to erase the marks of your own blood, seemed to amuse him greatly.

Ugh. Sukuna's nerve bothered you to no end. You seriously wondered how you were going to keep this up. The way he patronized you was absolutely nauseating.

But you couldn't exactly refuse him, and so you had to swallow your pride and comply.

Sukuna raised an eyebrow, his impatience clear as he questioned, "What are you waiting for?" He gestured lazily toward the stairs that led outside the room. "There's a mop upstairs. Get moving."

You looked at him doubtfully, unsure of how to leave the room when a powerful barrier was erected around the bounds.

But Sukuna quickly picked up on your hesitation, and with a casual snap of his fingers, the oppressive energy of the barrier dissipated, the invisible wall of cursed energy that caged you in, vanishing as if it was never there.

"There's no need for the barrier anymore," Sukuna said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "You can't run anyway."

His words were a stark reminder of the binding vow, of the invisible chains that now tethered you to him just as securely as any physical barrier ever could.

With gritted teeth, you made your way upstairs, scrambling around to find the mop. When you returned to the basement, you avoided Sukuna's gaze as you started cleaning the floor. The sound of the mop swishing across the cold concrete filled the room.

Despite your best efforts to focus on the task at hand, you could feel Sukuna's entertained eyes boring into your back. He observed you for a little while longer, before casually settling on the couch.

As he lounged with outstretched legs, he began to explain his plans for you, his voice smooth and calculated.

"I want you to return to Jujutsu High,"

Sukuna began, his words sent a wave of relief coursing through you. The prospect of being around normal- kind, people again brought a sense of comfort.

But as Sukuna continued outlining his plan, that sentiment became more complex, as it entangled with feelings of guilt and apprehension.

"Continue as a first year, get close to everyone, especially those high in command," Sukuna's tone was to the point and cold. "I want all the information you can gather, every whisper you hear. You will be my eyes and ears, a spy within their ranks."

He sighed, a hint of annoyance flickering across his features as he continued, "In the meantime... I will train you," Then his eyes seemed to glint with darker intent, as a subtle smirk tugged at the corner of his lip.

"And when the time is ripe, I will launch my grand attack," Sukuna declared, as he turned to lock eyes with you. "And you, little sorcerer, will be with me at the forefront. My personally molded weapon."

You silently listened to his plans, disguising your disgust behind a face of neutrality. To get through this ordeal you had to keep your emotions in check, you had to become calm and calculated. The more you resisted, the more Sukuna seemed to revel in taunting you, feeding off your struggles.

So instead of letting your true feelings show, you focused on gathering as many details as possible, preparing yourself for the challenges that lay ahead. You probed for more information, but it was clear that Sukuna was not planning on indulging you with the details.

He did mention, however, that Satoru Gojo and his brats were on their way.... without disclosing how he'd acquired this knowledge.

Sukuna elaborated that he planned to remove the barrier around the building, leaving you behind for them to discover.

He instructed you to pretend that you had just escaped from the basement and had not seen Sukuna in days. "I'm certain Gojo will see through your deception," Sukuna remarked, his voice laced with amusement.

"But that man will be intrigued enough to play along."

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

- 2 hours later -

As you stood in the great hall of the abandoned factory, memories of Sukuna's brutal attacks here flooded back to you. The same metal pillars that Sukuna had slammed your body into stood as silent witnesses in the empty space. The crimson stains on the floor a reminder of your every tumble against the cold stone.

But amidst the haunting memories, there was also a glimmer of something else. It was in this very hall where you had experienced your first awakening. The first time you had ever felt a sense of control over your cursed energy.

And though you didn't want to admit it, Sukuna, despite his cruelty, had played a role in guiding you to that pivotal moment.

Regardless of the undeniable evil that surrounded him, there was a part of you that couldn't deny the allure of unlocking your true potential and gaining mastery over your abilities.

The prospect of learning more about your cursed energy, even if Sukuna would be the one to teach you, sparked a flicker of excitement.

But that excitement was greatly overshadowed by the anticipation of Gojo and your classmates' approaching arrival. The thought of deceiving them made your nerves run wild. The fear of being exposed as a traitor, a fraud, gnawed at your insides. Would they see through your facade? Would they sense the betrayal?

The walls seemed to close in around you, suffocating you with the weight of your own treachery, until a loud smash signaled the door being kicked in. You turned around, heart pounding in your chest.

There, in the entrance, stood Gojo. Hands on his hips, his leg still outstretched from the act of kicking in the heavy door. Though he seemed as if it'd been completely effortless.

Behind Gojo, you saw Itadori, the bright and kind-hearted boy you had befriended during the training, watching movies. His expression was a mix of relief and excitement at seeing you unharmed.

Beside Itadori stood Kugisaki and Megumi, the classmates you had briefly acquainted yourself with during the introductory week at Jujutsu High.

"Are you okay? Were you harmed in any way?" Gojo's words echoed through the space. They were filled with genuine care and concern, his bright blue eyes searching yours for any sign of distress or discomfort.

You were unable to mutter a word, as the nerves seemed to clamp down on your throat rendering you speechless. So instead you nodded slowly.

When Gojo had confirmed you were okay, his attention shifted to the next pressing concern—Sukuna.

He scanned the room with a focused gaze, assessing the situation before deeming it safe enough to approach. Your classmates followed closely behind him, their guard clearly up as well.

"Sukuna's not here?" Gojo inquired, his voice calm but with a hint of caution. The mention of Sukuna's name sent a shiver down your spine, but you forced yourself to breathe and calm down.

"I haven't seen him in days," you answered. There was a slight tremble in your voice and you could only hope that they didn't pick up on it.

You continued to explain that Sukuna had held you captive in the basement, and you had only just managed to escape.

Gojo's sharp eyes took in the red stains on the floor, contrasting them with your perfectly unharmed appearance. The contradiction seemed to give him pause, a thoughtful expression crossing his face as he processed the puzzling discrepancy.

"He didn't say anything important before he left? Anything I should know?" Gojo inquired, his eyes searching yours for any hint of deception. You shook your head in response, whilst avoiding his gaze.

Luckily Itadori disrupted the nerve-wrecking questioning, as he ran up to you in excitement and grasped your hand. "I'm so glad to see you," he beamed, his smile infectious and genuine. The warmth of his gesture and the sincerity in his eyes eased some of the tension that had been building within you.

You reciprocated Itadori's warmth with a smile of your own, telling him that you were glad to see him too. As you glanced behind him and met the gazes of Megumi and Kugisaki, you added, "I'm glad to see you all too."

Kugisaki waved at you happily, bubbling with energy. Whilst Megumi scratched his head, more reserved and slightly flustered as he muttered a quiet "Yeah, same."

Gojo's previous suspicion seemed to melt away as he returned to his usual gleeful and carefree manner. He swung his arm around your neck in a friendly gesture,

"You must've had it rough. Let's head back, and then we'll talk about it later."

As they led you out of the building, a sigh of relief escaped your lips as you felt the cold, fresh air against your skin and heard the birds chirping in the distance. The same birds whose songs had been your only connection to the outside world during your captivity in the tiny basement.

Itadori, Megumi, and Kugisaki guided you towards the car, their questions about what Sukuna was like filling the air.

Gojo was a few meters behind, as he glanced back into the building one last time, a hint of concern breaking through his carefree features.

His whispered words, barely audible, carried a weight of unease as he muttered to himself,

"Something isn't right."

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

Thanks for reading! I appreciate the support 🙏❤️

Taglist: @sukunasthightattoos , @tomiokasecretlover , @6demonize6me6 , @blindbabycadder , @domainofmarie , @marcoschuitmaker , @geniejunn

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[adnauseum11]

Operational Risk Management (John Price x Reader)

Kate calls with some bad news.

1k words

CW: swearing, military inaccuracies

This work is part of the S.N.A.F.U. series, master list also pinned to my blog.

Masterlist

Ao3

John’s phone lights up in the center console with an incoming call just as you are returning to the flat. Two hefty shopping bags of new glitter-less decorations are safely secured in the back seat. His patience ran out about half-way back from your excursion, locked in a snarl of holiday traffic. When he began to grumble about the lack of common sense on display, you reminded him that he wanted to tag along with you. The look he gave you afterwards was dark, but you didn’t let it faze you, used as you are to his intermittent grumpiness. Still, you’re happy to claim your spoils and clear off so he can take his phone call in peace, his annoyance doing nothing to dampen your spirit. 

“Hello?” 

John’s tone is curt. The familiar sound of chopper blades swells and then he can hear Kate over the staticky line, immediately picturing her cupping her hand over the bottom of the phone as she clears the rotors. 

“John? Got some news, you aren’t going to like it. Can you talk?” 

She’s moving, likely just landed. John’s brain is leaping ahead, trying to fill in the gaps. 

“Yeah. What happened? Gaz alright?”

Kate cuts straight to the chase, apparently no time to waste on pleasantries. 

“The commander Gaz is working under is a younger brother to man killed in Las Almas - belonged to Shadow Company. He’s leveraged his position with Norris to start knocking on doors to find out what happened to his brother and he’s managed to get enough intel to hold the 141 responsible.”

“Jesus Christ Laswell.”

John’s palm comes down with a slap on the steering wheel, his mood worsening. He can feel his blood pressure rising as Kate’s terse voice washes over him.

“I suspect Norris is feeding him information. We’re going to keep working on that end, see if we can confirm anything. When you turned down the contract and that photo popped up, he tried a different path. The commander did basic training with your girl’s would-be-assailant years ago, before the dishonourable discharge. We think he’s currently switching tack again. Gaz is obviously compromised, and they’re about to ship out.”

“Ah hell Kate.” 

John’s violently pushing his fingers through his hair, the implications of Gaz being in the thick of this commander’s operation making his stomach turn to lead. 

“I didn’t know John, didn’t think Norris’ men needed further vetting. Lesson learned. I’ve got a potential intercept point. Right now, we’re handling some rendezvous communications for them as we’ve got friendlies in the field, Gaz being one. They’re going to be sent to recon a chemical manufacture plant in Lithuania for a potential raid.”

Kate’s tone suggests she’s well aware of her fuck up, and John respects her enough to leave it there, satisfied with her acknowledgement.

“There’s got to be a vulnerability we can exploit to get Gaz to safety.”

John’s instinct is to plan, even without any intel yet.

“Ghost is planning an avenue of approach for the potential intercept point before whatever the commander is up to comes to fruition out there. We urgently could use an extra set of hands in the know, Captain. Timing is critical here. Gaz’s assigned taskforce won’t be expecting us. If we do this correctly, we can bury this for good with no one the wiser.”

John looks up at the flat, can almost picture you flitting around, rearranging items to account for your new prizes. His heart sinks as he makes the only decision his conscience will allow. 

“Yeah, my bag is mostly packed. I can be at the base in a few hours for pick up if you can arrange liaison.”

Kate asks the question he’s been dreading since this conversation started. He can guess at the outcome and is in no hurry to be proven right. 

“Your girl going to be ok with the last-minute change of holiday plans?”

At the mention of you, John’s brain immediately pulls the image of you naked in the shower, flushed from the orgasm he’d just given you, admitting you’re in love. The center of his chest aches at the thought of leaving you alone during the holiday you’re so obviously excited to share with him. At one point, early on, he was confident that he knew exactly what he was doing. His emotions lately tended to be out of control and headlong, almost impossible to moderate. After years of relentlessly telling himself it was better to keep his distance, to stay platonic, he’s finally getting what he’s coveted after all this time. And still, he can’t stop his greedy heart from wanting more. He fights back the uncharacteristic swell of emotion and clears his throat, refocusing on the conversation at hand.

“I’ll handle it. Not leaving anything this volatile for someone else to clean up. I want assurance it’s over.” 

“If you’re sure. You’ve been moving fast with this woman John. I’m assuming you know what you’re doing here.”

His laugh is dark, the sound of a man whose best laid plans are unravelling in front of his eyes. 

“Gaz would do the same. I’ll sort it out on my end, set up the liaison for 19:00.”

John is all business, putting any indecision firmly to rest in short order.

“We appreciate the assist; I’ll debrief you further once you’re on route. And John?”

“Yeah?” 

He’s preoccupied, already trying to work out how to explain what’s about to happen to the woman he loves.

“Good luck, hope you bought her something nice.”

Kate’s tone is a mix of gentle teasing and honest concern. John’s foul mood refuses to rise to the occasion.

“Piss off Laswell.”

John grates out before hanging up the call and sighing deeply, gripping the steering wheel tightly. He shouts a handful of curses into the empty car, grateful for a mostly vacant street to witness his outburst. He takes several deep breaths to gather himself again before stepping out of the car to rejoin you in the flat and break the news.

Next Chapter

Tag list:

@deadbranch @beebeechaos @cadotoast @writeforfandoms @syoddeye @itr-00 @chloepluto1306 @batw3nch

[scarlettjemily]

Mine - (Latch Chapter 2)

Latch - Chapter 1

Pairing: Emily Prentiss/Jennifer "JJ" Jareau

Summary: Set 5 years after their wedding. JJ gets injured in the field, causing both women to reminisce about how their relationship began.

Word Count: 3.3k

Posted on Ao3 as well

Emily practically ran to the ambulance when she heard JJ had been injured while the team was entering an unsubs house. She weaved through all the people, biting her tongue in the process; she wanted to snap at all these people to get the fuck out of her way, but she was still the unit chief of the BAU and had a level of professionalism to adhere to. “Jennifer? Jen, oh shit baby,” her professionalism flew out the window when she saw her wife with blood dripping down her face.

“Emily I’m fine; it’s not as bad as it looks,” JJ reassured, trying to stop Emily from overreacting. Although she knew that was just wasted energy, “Em, stop,” she huffed, gently pushing her wife’s hands away.

Emily was right in JJ’s face, trying to get a closer look at the cut on her forehead. “Did you do a concussion assessment? JJ, look at me, do you feel nauseous?” She completely ignored JJ’s objections. Her mind was solely focused on making sure JJ was okay. “We’re going to the hospital now; let’s go,” she went to climb into the ambulance, but JJ grabbed her arm, pulling her back down.

“Jesus Emily, I don’t need to go to the hospital. It’s just a cut; please stop making a fuss." JJ stood up, resting her hands on Emily’s shoulders. “I’ll just go home and rest; you know you can’t just leave yet. Go complete your chief duties, then come home.”

“Like hell, that’s happening!” Emily snapped; she grabbed JJ’s hand tightly and pulled her to the SUV. “Get in; we are going straight home. If you don’t want to go to the hospital, then I’m not letting you out of my sight,” she ripped off her FBI vest and threw it into the back seat before hopping into the driver's seat.

JJ huffed and threw her vest into the back with Emily’s. "Fine,” she grumbled, getting in the passenger seat. She knew there was no point arguing now; when Emily got into this mood, there was no stopping her. JJ sighed and let herself rest back into her chair, using the lever on the side to recline back slightly.

“Are you okay, baby? Are you feeling sick?” Emily said, in a softer voice than before. Her worry becoming more evident now that she’d calmed down.

JJ gave her a small reassuring smile, reaching over the center console and placing her hand on Emily’s thigh, giving it a squeeze. “I promise you I’m okay; it hurts, but I definitely don’t have a concussion. I wouldn’t lie to you about it, darling; I know how protective you are,” she remarked.

Emily let one of her hands fall away from the steering wheel so she could hold her wife’s hand. “A switch just flicks in me when you’re hurt; I can’t help it,” she replied, knowing full well she overreacted in the moment.

“I know exactly what you mean; don’t you remember how I was? Even before we were dating? That one case where you ran in guns fucking blazing and ended up getting caught,” she said, shaking her head at the memory.

Emily snickered, remembering how angry JJ was at her for running onto the scene without thinking. “If I remember correctly, me doing that kind of kick started our relationship, so maybe you should actually be thanking me,” she joked, the mood shifting now that the worry had somewhat dissipated.

“Emily! Get back here!” Rossi screamed, but there was no stopping her. She’d heard a woman’s voice screaming for help, and she couldn’t ignore it. With her gun raised, she kicked the door down and entered the house.

“What is she doing?!” JJ yelled, running up next to Rossi. “I’m going with her,” she insisted, about to run towards the house, but Rossi gripped her arm tightly, yanking her backwards.

“No way, you’re not going in there as well. We have no idea if he’s armed. Let’s wait until we hear from Emily,” Rossi commanded, taking charge of the situation.

JJ went to protest but got interrupted by a woman running out of the house. She expected to see Emily following behind her, but as the seconds passed, she was nowhere to be seen. JJ asked the woman what happened, trying to gauge if Emily was okay. “He’s got her; she told him to let me go, that he could have her instead,” she hysterically cried. “He’s crazy, he’s fucking crazy,” she kept repeating over and over. There was no use talking to her anymore; she was completely traumatised.

JJ kept pacing back and forth, every horrible scenario flashing through her mind. She involuntarily ran through every possibility of losing her best friend, and she was getting closer to completely losing it. “I can’t sit back and wait any longer, Dave; who knows what he’s doing to her in there?” she begged, her arm motioning to the house.

“Hey, I know you’re freaking out; she’s my teammate too,” Rossi said, trying to reason with her.

“She’s not just my teammate! She’s my…“ She trailed off. What was she? Her best friend? Her person? She didn’t know; all she knew was that if she lost Emily, she wouldn’t be able to cope with that.

“I know JJ, I know, you don’t need to say it,” he said quietly, like he was trying to say it so only JJ could hear him.

Everyone stopped when they heard 3 quick gunshots sound off from inside the house. Dave practically pushed JJ forward, both of them launching into a full sprint towards the entrance.

JJ held her gun up, moving quickly through the hallway. “Emily?! Emily, where are you?!” She yelled out. She walked into an open lounge, seeing a pool of blood. Emily was lying right in the middle of it, the unsub directly on top of her. They both weren’t moving. JJ’s heart pounded in her throat, a sob finding its way out. “No, Emily, no, no, no,” she sheathed her gun and dropped to her knees. She used all her strength to flip the unsub off of Emily, revealing gunshot wounds to his abdomen. There was too much blood; she couldn’t count how many times he’d been shot. She ignored her FBI duties and didn’t care to check his pulse; right now she only cared about Emily. Emily was covered in blood. JJ cried out, trying to find where the bullet had entered so she could apply pressure.

“JJ, I’m okay." Emily croaked out, "It's not my blood; it’s not my blood; it’s not my blood," she repeated multiple times because JJ wouldn’t stop crying. She got the wind completely knocked out of her when the unsub fell on top of her. They’d gotten into a physical fight; it was a complete blur. She just remembers seeing a knife, and the next moment she was firing.

JJ kept pressing her hands all over Emily’s stomach, frantically trying to find an open wound. She just couldn’t comprehend what Emily was saying to her.

“JJ stop! I’m okay, I’m not hurt, it’s not my blood,” Emily snapped, trying to get her attention. She sat up, gripped JJ's wrists, and tried to keep them still, not needing to put up too much of a fight now that she’d caught her breath. “Look at me, it’s not my blood,” she said again, this time slower, looking directly into JJ's eyes.

JJ stopped fighting and stared down at Emily; her cries kicked up a notch, but this time she fell into Emily, just needing to feel her in her arms. “I thought you were dead. I really, really thought you were dead,” she choked through hysterical sobs.

Emily held JJ in a tight hug, her arms locking around her waist. “I’m okay,” she huffed out, JJ's tight grip on her partially restricting her air flow.

“I can’t ever lose you, Emily,” JJ whispered into Emily’s ear. She didn’t care if anyone heard her; all her fear and doubt about her feelings disappeared in the moment. “I love you, Emily; I thought I lost you without telling you that I love you,” she confessed.

"Oh, darling, I know,” Emily consoled the younger woman, still holding her tightly. “I love you too, Jayje; god, I love you so much.” She couldn’t let go of JJ; she didn’t want to, not after they both just confessed their feelings. She truly had no idea if it would go anywhere, but she was so relieved she could finally get that off her chest.

"Hey,” Emily smiled, sitting down in the seat next to JJ. They were all on the jet, heading back home after the whole ordeal. JJ separated herself from the team in the furthest corner seat. Emily left her for a while, wanting to respect her choice of being alone, but their mutual confession was eating her alive.

"Hey,” JJ replied, tensing slightly. Her mind was overwhelmed, and when she looked at Emily, all she could think about was her lying in a pool of blood.

“Do you mind if I sit here with you?” She asked, always wanting to respect JJ’s choices.

JJ chuckled at the question; she was amused by it because there will never be a time where JJ would ever say no to having Emily sit beside her. "No, I don’t mind at all,” she replied, sitting up and turning her body so she was facing the woman next to her.

“I think we should talk about today,” Emily said, also turning slightly in her seat to face JJ. “A lot happened,” she continued.

“If you ever run into an unsubs house like that again, Emily, I’ll kill you myself,” JJ promised. She was mad about the way Emily handled it; her mind kept going back to the moment where she truly thought Emily was dead. “That was so stupid; you could’ve been killed,” she scolded the older woman.

Emily let out a guilt-stricken sigh; she wasn’t thinking at the time. “I’m sorry, I truly wasn’t thinking; I just acted. I had no idea it would turn out the way that it did, and I had no clue it would affect you this badly,” she ran her fingers through her hair, a nervous habit coming out subconsciously.

JJ looked at her with a screwed-up face. “Seriously, Emily? Of course it would affect me this badly! You’re telling me you wouldn’t be affected if roles were reversed and you thought I had died?” She demanded. Her body temperature was rising now; how could Emily be so clueless? Even if she didn’t know exactly how JJ felt, she still knew how important she was to her.

"No, of course I’d be affected, Jesus JJ. I don’t even know what I’d do if I’d lost you,” she stated, looking straight at her. “You’ve got to understand; I had no idea how you felt about me until today. I mean, I still don’t quite know,” she was hoping they could clarify a few things now.

“I told you I love you; what don’t you get about that?” JJ asked as if the answer was so obvious.

Emily rolled her eyes. “It’s not that simple, JJ. Do you love me as a friend? Or something more? Because when I said I loved you, I sure as hell didn’t mean as a friend,” she was working hard to hide the fear she was feeling; she didn’t know where this would go.

“Are you dense? Of course something more." JJ said quietly, moving in her chair so she was closer to Emily so only she could hear what she had to say. “I want you; I love you. When I saw you lying there in a pool of blood, I thought I’d lost you, and it made me realise that I need you, Emily; I need you to be mine.” She laid it all out on the table; she couldn’t get any clearer than what she was being.

Emily breathed out a quick ‘oh’ under her breath, more to herself than to JJ. Her mind was racing, and she had to cover her mouth; she didn’t want her face-eating grin to be so obvious. "JJ, are you sure? Because I’m not playing, I don’t think you understand how much you truly mean to me,” she admitted, needing clarification for the umpteenth time.

JJ rolled her eyes, grabbing Emily’s hand. “Emily Prentiss, I understand because I feel the exact same way.” She was begging Emily to believe her. “You have to trust me; please let me prove it to you.”

Emily squeezed JJ’s hand tightly, nodding her head. “Okay, okay, I trust you.”

"Jen, babe, do you want to rest on the couch or in the bedroom?” Emily asked, walking into the bathroom. JJ was standing in a towel in front of the mirror, brushing her freshly washed hair.

"Couch, please,” she replied, giving Emily a tired smile.

Emily still had residual worries from earlier in the day. “Are you sure you’re okay?” She questioned, walking over to JJ and instinctively going to check her head wound. “I have to admit, it doesn’t look as bad now that it’s clean,” she admitted, knowing she was slightly dramatic in the moment.

JJ chuckled, resting her cheek into Emily’s palm, which rested on her cheek. “I told you I was fine,” she teased, turning her head to plant a kiss on Emily’s palm. “Can you pick me out something comfy to wear, please?” She pleaded, with a pout she was working hard to put on.

Emily laughed and squeezed JJ’s cheeks with her hand, placing a quick kiss on her lips. “I already laid out an outfit for you, baby; come on,” she said, heading back out to their room so JJ could get dressed.

Both women were on the couch in their lounge. Emily was sitting surrounded by a bunch of paperwork and files. She was trying to complete the work she would’ve done after the case had wrapped, but of course she’d decided to stay with her wife. JJ was lying next to Emily, her feet tucked under Emily’s thigh. It was her favourite way to warm her feet up; it was also something she quite often did solely for comfort.

“Oh my god, JJ,” Emily said, holding up a piece of paperwork she was filling out.

JJ noticed the tone of voice and looked up at Emily, confused. “What? What’s wrong?” She asked, propping herself up on her elbows. Emily handed her the paper, telling her to look at the date. “Wait, that’s not today’s date, is it?” Emily chuckled and confirmed that it was. “Emily, we both forgot our anniversary?” She said, genuinely surprised that it had both slipped their minds. “And it’s our fifth anniversary too! Noo, I’m actually so sad about this,” she sighed, throwing the file down on the coffee table.

“Hey, no, come here." Emily cooed, pulling JJ by the hand. Her other half crawled over and straddled her lap, a sad look still occupying her face. “It was a mistake; we’ve both been super busy with this case; it doesn’t mean anything more than that." Emily tried to console JJ; she could already predict the thoughts that would be swirling through her mind. JJ tried to protest, but Emily stopped her. “Ah, no. I know exactly what you’re thinking, and it’s not true. It doesn’t mean we love each other any less or we are falling out of love. Shit honey, I love you more today than I did yesterday,” she declared, cupping JJ’s face.

“I just don’t want us to become one of those couples who don’t care about that kind of thing anymore; we get so used to being with each other that every day is the same until we eventually fall out of love with each other,” JJ had to admit. She was worried and slightly insecure; that’s exactly how her last marriage ended. Every day, exactly the same until they agreed they no longer loved each other anymore. She was terrified that that was going to happen to her and Emily; that would definitely kill her.

Emily pulled JJ closer to her body, the blonde hugging her tightly. She patted the back of JJ’s thighs. “Oh Jayje, I know you’re worrying about it, but you don’t need to; you’re stuck with me, my love. For the rest of our lives, okay?”

JJ let out a comforted sigh. She loved being reminded by her wife how much she loved her “promise?” She asked, seeking clarification again.

“What was it you told me all those years ago? You have to trust me; let me prove it to you.” Emily quoted JJ’s words from all those years ago; it was something she’d never forget.

"Okay, can I look now?” JJ asked, her hands covering her eyes. Emily was behind her, hands on her hips, guiding her where to walk.

Emily stopped JJ right at the entrance of their bedroom. She’d spent the last hour or so throwing something together so they could celebrate their anniversary. She wanted JJ to know that their relationship was still strong, regardless of whether or not they forgot their anniversary. “Okay, open your eyes,” she instructed, coming to stand next to JJ in the doorway. Her arm resting loosely around JJ's waist.

“It’s perfect, Emily; it’s so perfect,” she gushed, admiring their newly decorated bedroom. There were candles peppered all over the entire room, softly illuminating the space. She could see their favourite takeaway food, laid out on plates, set up on their bed. JJ smiled seeing their favourite comfort show already playing on the TV.

"Look, it’s nothing like what we usually do, but I think it’s not bad considering what I was working with,” Emily admitted sheepishly, moving to sit on the bed, guiding JJ over by her hand.

"Gosh, I’m so lucky I have you." JJ gushed, climbing up on the bed and moving to sit in between Emily’s legs; the positioning was now a subconscious decision between the two.

The woman sat there together, Emily’s arms around JJ's waist, JJ feeding the both of them an assortment of food. They were happy and content, not needing anything fancy to enjoy the love they shared for one another.

“You promise we will be together forever?” JJ whispered.

They were both lying under the covers, facing each other, their bodies and limbs tangled together in a position that could’ve resembled a pretzel. The room was dark, but they could just see each other’s faces; the candles had almost all burned out by now.

“I promise my love, there’s nothing in this world that could ever make me fall out of love with you,” Emily proclaimed. Her hand tucked some stray hair behind her wife’s ear; she couldn’t help running her thumb over JJ's bottom lip. She tended to do that innately, whenever she was admiring the features of her face. She understood why JJ may be worried; her history with her ex-husband could easily explain her insecurities.

“I don’t ever want to lose you,” JJ almost pleaded, her eyes getting hot as her anxiety level rose internally.

Emily shook her head, her hand finding its way into JJ's hair, pulling her head closer so she could plant a kiss on her wife’s forehead. “I’m yours, forever,” she mumbled against the warm skin, being careful of the cut on her head.

JJ smiled when she heard that. “Mine,” she replied, pressing her lips to Emily’s. Her hand slipping under the hem of Emily’s shirt, the warmth of her skin helping JJ ground herself in the moment.

Emily groaned when JJ began to kiss down her jawline, making a path to her ear. "Fuck,” she whispered when JJ bit her earlobe, all while repeating 'mine’ over and over. "Yours,” she breathed out, shivers running through her body. She could just feel how much JJ loved her in this moment.

"Mine,” JJ said once more, finding Emily's lips, kissing her deeply; any worries she’d had were washed away almost instantly.

[kazaleas]

Let the world burn [Donnie to GN reader short]

Im not an excellent writer, and I enjoy writing but my grammar isnt on point and I kind wrote this half asleep, but I was bored! If you dislike, you can scroll! No biggie!

(based off a character ai bot, Link below)

Donnie let's the world Burn for you.

[Warn: Slight obsessive behavior, burning / mentions of burning / fire, etc. Romantic Relationship, Donnie X Reader, Barely proofread, first time fully posting a writing, Short!]

Sitting at the table of huesos was unlike any other.

Pizza places, you mean. But of course, it was like every other day here. You all finished a successful mission and decided to celebrate the night with dinner at the best pizza place in the city of New York and your 4 closest friends, and Donnie. Nights like these, the ones that you loved with all your heart. Loud and lively chatter from each brother, you and April's quiet gossip between conversations and fights between Leo and Mikey over the last slice, Donnies grimaces as he bashes Leo for his weird, wriggling order of pizza sitting on his plate. Yes, nights like these were so casual and so favored that you could remember them even 15 years from now.

One difference was a topic that came up, a topic that sparked out of Jupiter Jim hero movies and a small argument between the brothers, April, and you. The same topic that struck your mind and lingered even as you had gotten home.

“I couldn't just ‘let the world burn’ for one person, why would you even suggest that?”

You had tuned back in to when Raph was in his hero mode. Leo had asked the group a question of: “would you let the world burn for the person you love the most”, And of course that was answer.

Everyone came to a disagreement, except Donnie. He was the only one who didn't answer, the only one who stayed silent when the topic appeared, and looked down at his lap instead, stim twitching his fingers. You noticed, but didn't say anything until you had all left and it was just you and Donnie in the car. The drive was quiet, seeing how he stared the same way he had been at dinner, and you questioned it.

“Donnie?”

“Hm?”

“Would you let the world burn for me?”

And there it was, that look in his eye. The way it darkened, the way it looked almost empty. You felt as if you just asked that question where you would ask if he'd still love you if you were a worm or bug or something. You stared at him as he drove, and he delivered no answer. His fingers tightened on the leather of the steering wheel, the way his knuckles went white from how hard he was gripping, and how his eyes narrowed as if he was contemplating something in that intelligent, messy head of his. You let it go, looking out your window as buildings and lights passed like wind, not going back to pull an answer out of him.

Eventually you made it home, the car shutting off and painting the house in a color as dark as the night that had fallen in the sky. Wind, the sound of cars in the distance, honking of cars and shouts of annoyed drivers, but no Donnie. Donnie was still quiet, unusually quiet.

It wasn't until you made it into the house doors, your coat resting on the holder and your shoes kicked off onto the front door mat to keep the hardwood clean, the weight of Donnies emotions on you. You could barely see him in the dark, the lights weren't turned on when you walked in, and you found it stupid as to why you just didn't turn them on yourself. You heard quiet shuffling, quiet breaths filling the silence in the room that weighed on your shoulders in pounds. You felt two arms wrap around you, turning your body to meet Donnies hold, his grip almost possessive by the way his fingers dug into your sides, pressing into your skin so tightly that it could hurt, if it weren't for the fact you liked it. His eyes were almost glowing if you were looking correctly, and he was looking at you like he wanted to absolutely wreck you. 3 fingers pressed into your sides, one hand sliding up your waist so slowly, like he was worshiping the skin he was touching, like he was trying to process the gold he held in his palms, like he was promising himself something you couldn't pick apart with your own mind and eyes alone. His hand trailed up to your neck, his fingers going to the side as his thumb pressed against your throat, gently pressing, studying the way your pulse quickened and your breaths grew heavy. He processed the way you reacted to how he was touching you, staring at you, admiring you. His eyes searched for you, you could see them moving as you stared, he was still thinking and contemplating, and you wish you could open his mind and just read it like a book, figure out each thought he had and take it as your own. His hand eventually slid up to your chin, squeezing slightly between his fingers, tilting your head up so you could see his gaze more easily, so he didn't have to angle his head so far that it began to hurt. You were pliable under his touch, like warm clay that was ready to bend and shape into whatever he wanted.. He swallowed thickly at the sight of you, how you were letting him do this and not even fighting back. You enjoyed it, he knew that, he knew it was heart that you lived for moments like these. It was still stuck in your head, though, it was still ringing through your mind.

“Would you let the world burn for me?”

That's all you could think of while he stood there and held you. In all honesty, he couldn't quite figure out what made him grab you like this, what made him want to hold you like this, why he couldn't say anything. He was a hero, he was good. He saved lives everyday in New York, the thoughts he's having now shouldn't be there at all, because he's meant to be a hero for a life he didn't even ask to be welcomed into. But you, you made it feel worth it, you made every fight feel like there was something left to do, something that still held meaning in all its glory, and he was so possessive over it. He would do anything to keep this treasure he has, and those thoughts start to seem as warm as the flames that he would engulf this town in if it were you on the line.

“Donnie?”

You ask, seeing how he's disassociated from himself after thinking about you. He quickly regains his mind and connects it back to his body, his eyes fluttering for a quick moment while he tightens his grip again to ensure you're stayed again him entirely

“..Donnie..?”

You ask again. He loved that. He loved the way his name sounded in your mouth, he loved the way it rolled off your tongue so easily, the way it made him feel warm and tingly, the way it brushed his mind and woke him up because it was you and your voice that made him feel so.. so.. everything..

“Would you let the world burn for me?..”

That was it. That was what you wanted. You wanted to have him answer the one question that was wrapped in your mind, wrapping around in your brain and squeezing every other thought out like a raincloud, fogging your mind. He understood that, he knew you needed peace of mind, he knew you needed a question left answered instead of pushed aside. He knew what he wanted to say, what he wanted to feel, how good it felt to go against everything he worked for just to please himself for the way he loved you.

“I'd let the world burn. I'd let the world burn for you.”

He whispers. His tone quiet, his hands tightened, his breath shallow and his heart full of you and only you. But it was only when you realized he wasn't exaggerating when your thoughts cleared, and you blinked back into consciousness.

It wasn't until you saw the city swallowed by yellow orange flames, and him at his knees in front of you, that you knew he was ready to sacrifice everything to keep you. You're his.

[jeridandridge]

I see you're open to ideas for the college years for melissa x reader! College road trip for spring break or something gets derailed when they get lost bc one of them can't read the map/mapquest right, they run out if gas- like a comedy of errors type of thing with little romantic bits? A happy ending if possible 😁😁 hope you like it. Either way I can't wait to read more!

I had to add a little bit of a joe mention in there to drive the point home. I loved this idea!

Detours

“Red, if you’re not ready in ten minutes I’m leaving without you!” You huff from your bed in the corner.

“Yeah right.” Melissa laughs coming out of the small bathroom. “You wouldn’t leave me stranded here alone. You love me too much.”

You roll your eyes grabbing the keys to your tiny skyhawk that was packed to the brim with supplies for the road trip you and Melissa had planned shortly after she dumped Joe, saying it was for good.

“Cmon, let’s head out.” You encourage slinging your arm over her shoulders as you two move through the empty dorm.

Outside you pull right up to the dorm tossing your backpack in the back as you get in the drivers seat.

“four hours from now we’ll be on the beach with drinks in hand.” The red head smiles.

You grin as you pull out of the parking lot heading for the exit of the college town. As soon as you light a cigarette and relax behind the wheel your eyes go wide when you see the trunk opening in the rear view mirror.

“Shit!” Melissa yells as you slam on the breaks, one of the coolers falling out onto the road. Luckily, no one was behind you.

You groan and hop out to get everything back in.

“Good thing we weren’t on the highway yet, huh?” The redhead calls out from the front.

You playfully roll your eyes and slam the trunk making sure it’s shut tight.

“Okay,” you huff starting down the road again, “no more mishaps.”

An hour into the drive Melissa starts to grow restless. “Cmon, let’s stop at a gas station and grab some snacks.” She pouts.

“We have snacks in the back, Mel.” You hook your thumb over your shoulder towards your backpack.

“You didn’t get any of those gummy fish I like though.”

You glance at the woman shaking your head. “No. Those cute puppy dog eyes aren’t gonna work on me.”

The red head gets even closer resting her head on your shoulder. “Please, y/n?”

You groan and get in the next lane headed for the exit. As you glide down the street to the gas station you can’t help but smile at the proud smirk on your friends face.

A little while later you two come out with junk food acquired, Melissa happy as ever. Setting your huge slushie on the roof of the car, you stand there with your hands on your hips as you top off the gas tank.

“Why do you look so hot pumping gas?” Melissa grins from the window. The spring breeze had pushed her hair back, and the sunglasses she wore made her look even better if that were possible.

Fighting back a grin you shake your head. You loved the woman, but she’d just broken up with her boyfriend. You weren’t that sleazy.

“Eat your gummies, Schemmenti.”

Closing the gas tank and getting back in the car you start it up head move forward, only to have a blue Icy substance splash all over your windshield.

“My slushie.” You thud your forehead against the steering wheel.

“Oh, hon.” Melissa laughs reaching over to rub your back. “I’ll get you a big cup of water ice when we get to the beach.”

You sit up with a sigh and flick on the windshield wipers to push the blue sugary slush away.

“You promise?”

The red head looks over holding her pinky up, and you don’t hesitate to lock yours with hers.

A hour later with your hand in a bag of Doritos you realize the area you’re in isn’t familiar. At all.

“Mel, are you sure you read the map correctly?” You question looking at the small town you’re driving through.

“I know how to read a map, y/n.” She rolls her eyes lifting the crinkled map from the floor. Melissa moves the map around flipping it over with wide eyes.

“Shit, I’m sorry hon.”

You spot a small gas station and pull in turning the car off. “Where are we?” You asks looking at the map.

“We’re right- here.” She points to a city that’s sure to add another two hours to your drive.

“Shit.” You sigh rummaging around for a pen.

Melissa’s head hits the back of the seat and she crosses her arms. As you sit marking the map against the steering wheel you can see Melissa out of the corner of your eye.

“Hey, what’s with the face, what’s going on here?” You ask nodding to the sad looking woman.

“I’m always messin stuff up, just like Joe said.” She laughs sadly.

“What are you talking about, Red?” You furrow your brows. “Don’t even think about that asshole. We’re gonna get back on the road and be by the water before 5 o’clock.” You tell her.

“We’d be almost there if I were holding the map right.” She crosses her arms.

You shake your head and finish marking the map with where you needed to go. When youre done you toss the pen to the back and hold your arm up for her.

Melissa scoots over again resting her head on your shoulder.

“Mel, if I’m gonna end up in the middle of nowhere on the way to the shore I’m happy it’s with you.” You tell her rubbing her back.

You hated when she second guessed herself like this all because of joe. It was unfair. She was normally so tough and acted like nothing bothered her and it bummed you out to see her like this.

Melissa is content against your side, she lifts her head from your shoulder kissing your cheek.

“Thanks, y/n.”

You swallow hard at the feeling her lips left on your cheek and smile at her.

“Any time, red. Now grab the map so we can get to the beach.”

[floralseokjin]

⤑ 9 months to fall in love 21.

It seems like everyone around you is either already in love, or in the process of falling, and while normally you couldn’t give a damn, finding out the co-worker you’ve had a teensy crush on is dating someone else at the office seems to sucker punch you right in the gut. It’s stupid, and you’re irritated at yourself, but you can’t seem to shake out of the funk you’ve fallen face first in.

Feeling lonely and heartsore, and mad for no reason, during drinks with your best friend you spot a man at the bar. Tequila confident, you make your way over to the stranger, and successfully one thing leads to another. The next morning you leave before he’s woken up, feeling satisfied in one way, but still as discontented as ever. Telling yourself it was an inebriated mistake, you quickly try to forget about it.

Only, three weeks later that night comes back to haunt you – in a very unescapable way…

pairing; kim seokjin x f reader au/genre; unplanned pregnancy, strangers to lovers, slow burn, romance (dare I say romcom in places), smut, angst, (melo)drama, dual pov words; 5,404

warnings/includes (!) mild angst, Oc is feeling very shaken up and emotional (rightly so), mentions of parental death, hospital phobia, sweet confessions 😘

⟶ ao3 link

*inspired by the manhwa ‘Positively Yours.’

↪︎ series index

SEASON THREE ⇤ previous | next ⇥

Seokjin couldn’t remember hightailing it out of the building and getting into his car. Hell, it was a wonder he remembered his keys. All he could think about was getting to you. You all alone in a hospital room. You hated hospitals. He tried to recount the phone call, willing himself to take some deep breaths and calm down. Seokjin prided himself on his crisis-management, but there was no handling this. In fact, ever since you’d come into his life, you’d blown every skill and practise he knew. Thinking rationally right now was impossible. Still, he tried. 

“It was a minor collision.” 

“There’s no need to worry, Mr. Kim.” 

“There are no serious injuries. Both your wife and baby are doing fine.” 

The phone call was meant to ease his worries, but the more he heard the woman’s words in his head, the more panicked he felt. He felt helpless. Why had he suggested that you go home early? You could have stayed at his office. You could have gone home together. Safe. Instead, he’d sent you off in a doomed taxi. Anything could’ve happened to you or Sarang. To both of you. It didn’t bear thinking about. He felt sick, stomach roiling and roiling. This car journey was taking forever, making him feel even more useless. 

At what must have been the tenth red light, he yelled loudly and crashed his hand against the steering wheel, his horn blaring. A few pedestrians shot him wary looks, hurrying across the road. Others were annoyed, cursing at him, but Seokjin didn’t care. All he cared about was getting to you. 

Finally arriving at the hospital, he barely parked his car correctly, jumping out and rushing for reception. He heard the man at the desk tell him what floor you were on, what room, without really hearing him at all. The elevator was infuriatingly slow, and he was almost pushing the doors open when it finally arrived. He hurried down the corridor, thinking about how he hadn’t even told you he loved you yet. He’d felt it for so long, but something held him back from saying the words out loud. At one point in time it had been too soon, but now he didn’t understand what it was. Whatever the reason, it seemed foolish now. 

He burst through the door. You were sat up in the bed, your phone in your lap, but you’d heard him, the relief on your face instant. He rushed towards you, wrapping you into a hug. “Thank God you’re all right,” he breathed, squeezing tight. He felt you relax against him, shaking, and your fingers dug into his back, holding him just as close. 

Suddenly he registered how hard he was embracing you and pulled back. Was he hurting you? Were you in pain? He gently stroked your face with his fingers, noticing a small cut just below your left eye. He was trembling too. 

“What happened? God—,” He hugged you again, not in control of his own body. “I don’t know what I would have—” done if I’d lost you, he wanted to confess, but stopped, overcome with emotion. He swallowed down the lump in his throat and tried to think of something else to say. Something collected. He needed to be calm for your sake. You needed him to be there for you, composed and in control. Not the panicky, fuzzy mess he felt like inside. 

Your eyes were filled with fright as you stared at him. His heart broke. “Seokjin—” 

He spoke over you, the concern overwhelming him. “Are you sure you’re okay? You don’t feel strange?” 

You didn’t reply straight away, a small crease slowly forming between your eyebrows. “I’m fine,” you finally managed, a hand falling to your bump. “So is Sarang.” 

Seokjin blinked. There was something off about the tone of your voice, steely. Your jaw was clenched, he noticed. You must have been in pain, but he shouldn’t press it. He stroked a hand through your hair and kissed the top of your head. “Good.” 

Again, he couldn’t imagine the alternative. Losing you and Sarang would have killed him. 

He couldn’t help himself and hugged you once more at the thought, but this time you didn’t reciprocate, still clutching your belly protectively. He pulled back unsurely, placing his hand over yours. “What’s wrong? Are you sure everything’s fine? Should I—” 

Get a doctor, he was about to say, but just at that moment, the door opened and in one entered. 

“What happened?” Seokjin heard himself demand immediately. He was perched on the bed but moved to the chair beside it, not wanting to crowd you. 

“Mr. Kim,” he began carefully, as doctors did. For some reason, it irritated Seokjin to no end right now. Before he could continue however, you spoke up. 

“Someone went into the side of the taxi.” 

Seokjin’s heart clenched and he went to reach for one of your hands, but by now both were over your stomach, almost as if you were guarding your daughter. 

“Everything is fine,” the doctor reassured. “Your wife has been thoroughly checked over. There’s a small cut caused by her fingernail, and she’s slightly sore, but that shall dissipate in a few days – a week at the most. The baby is healthy too. Her heartbeat is strong, and we’ve checked for signs of placental abruption. However…” 

Seokjin felt bile rise in his throat at the word. 

“Considering you’re so heavily pregnant, ____,” the doctor continued, addressing you now. “I want you to stay the night. It’s only a precaution – you and your baby are healthy – but it’s best to be safe. Is that all right?” 

Seokjin noticed how tense you’d gotten, your nod of agreement wooden. When the doctor left, he was immediately over you again, worried hands stroking through your hair, down your arms. He might be being dramatic, his emotions heightened, but it felt as though he’d come this close to losing you and Sarang. “Do you want me to ask if I can stay with you?” 

“No, it’s all right. I’m fine.” 

“Are you sure?” he pressed anxiously. “I know how much you hate—” 

“I said I’m fine, Seokjin,” you gritted out, shoulders stiff. “And will you stop fussing!” 

Seokjin’s hands froze at your raised voice, realising he was fluffing up the pillows behind your back. “Sorry.” Was he being too much? He felt like he was, but this situation felt so out of his control, he couldn’t help it. 

“I need to call my dad and let him know,” you muttered, phone in your hand. 

“Do you want me to do it?” he asked, watching you hesitate before slowly nodding your head. 

“Thanks.” 

He stepped out of the room, running an uneasy hand through his hair. Something was wrong, or correction, he’d done something wrong. He just didn’t know what. He wracked his brain, feeling like an asshole. If he’d upset you, he should know why. You’d looked so relieved when he burst into the room, you’d hugged him tightly, and then he couldn’t really remember much of what he’d said. His mind felt foggy, had since the phone call, and he was still shaking. 

Maybe he was looking too much into it. Maybe he was being overly sensitive, anxious. You’d been through something traumatic, no wonder you weren’t yourself and seemed so withdrawn. Seokjin coddling you was probably making things worse. 

With a shaky sigh, he composed himself, needing to call your father and let him know what had happened. 

.

.

Your dad and Yeonja wanted to drive down immediately once they heard the news. Seokjin managed to convince them not to. They lived over an hour away and by the time they arrived it would be late. Besides, everything was fine, there was no need to be worried sick. Thank God. But you didn’t feel fine. Not emotionally anyway. It didn’t help that you and Seokjin had barely spoken a few words since he’d arrived. He’d given up trying in the end, casting cautious glances your way every now and then, which only aggravated you further. He really had no clue why you were so upset with him. The dejected look on his face wasn’t going to make you feel guilty. It wasn’t. 

When the silence started to become unbearable, Yuna ended up saving the day. You’d told her to stay home too, but as always, she didn’t listen. You didn’t even know how she’d managed a visit at such a late hour, but here she was. You felt oddly emotional when she hugged you, once again remembering how the accident could have been much, much worse. It still didn’t feel real. 

Seokjin left soon after that. That careful look still in his eyes, only now it was tinged with reluctance. He didn’t want to leave you. The thought made your throat thicken, and for a moment you wanted to grab hold of his hand and ask him to stay, but then the hurt crept in again, stubbornness soon following. 

“I’ll see you in the morning, okay?” he murmured, stroking the back of your head. You were getting discharged first thing. 

“Okay,” you nodded, turning your head so the kiss he’d aimed for your lips slid across your cheek. You felt his hand stop its motions, surprised. He straightened up and you could sense him staring at you a moment or two before he turned to say his goodbyes to Yuna. You thought you might start to relax when you heard the door close with his departure, but you were still as stiff as ever. 

“Okay. What was that?” 

Your back went poker straight at Yuna’s question, which hurt like hell because your shoulders ached. “What was what?” you asked defensively. 

Yuna stared at you from where she was sat across the room. “The cold shoulder I just witnessed. Did you guys argue?” 

You were surprised she hadn’t picked up on the atmosphere already, but maybe she’d put the taut silence down to the shock of the accident. “No. He just—I just,” you took a deep breath, unsure where you were going with this. “When he got here he was only worried about me.” 

“Of course he was worried about you. You were in a car accident,” she said, which sounded a lot like are you stupid?

“No. I mean: only me. He didn’t ask about Sarang.” 

Yuna still wasn’t getting it, her brow pinched. “You do realise you two come as a package deal right now, right?” 

“Yuna.” 

Your sharp tone seemed to clarify things for her, her gaze growing concerned. “You’re really upset about this.” 

And just like that you started crying.  

You hadn’t cried at all since the taxi got hit, but now every emotion you’d been suppressing – no, controlling, seemed to break free. 

“Hey, hey, hey,” Yuna was saying, rushing towards you. “What’s with the tears?” She perched on the side of the bed, her arm wrapping around you. 

“This is what I get,” you croaked, voice wrenching upward at the last word. You sniffed against her shoulder. “I kept saying how over this pregnancy I was. How eager I was for it to end.” Not a few hours ago you’d said exactly that to Yoongi. 

“Hang on. You think this is some kind of karma?” When you didn’t reply, Yuna squeezed you gently. “____, you realise how ridiculous that sounds?” 

“I know,” you agreed, voice quivering. “But I just kept thinking while they were checking me over, if anything happens to her it’ll be my fault.” 

You could physically feel Yuna shaking her head. “Listen to me,” she practically implored. “It wouldn’t have been your fault. It wasn’t your fault.” Then, with a mutter, she added, “It was that asshole who can’t drive’s fault.” 

“It was an accident,” you said quietly. You couldn’t find it in you to blame the middle-aged man who’d been driving the car that hit you. He’d stayed and called the emergency services, ashen faced and apologising profusely. He’d been completely compliant, breathalysed by the cops, answered every single question and more. The taxi driver had a sprained wrist. You were a little sore and had a cut on your face, but you were safe and so was Sarang. 

Sometimes these things just happened, which was ironic for you to conclude seeing as you were blaming yourself for putting your daughter at risk. You knew that, understood that, yet you couldn’t stop it. 

“It would have been on me if something had happened,” you heard yourself confess. “I’m the one carrying her.” She was your responsibility. “But Seokjin only seemed to care about how I was doing.” And he didn’t seem to blame you like you blamed yourself. Maybe that was the issue….

“I seriously doubt that,” Yuna reasoned. “He loves you both so much. You only have to take one look at him to see that.” You didn’t say anything, guilt creeping in. “I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding, babe,” she continued. “When people are upset they find it hard to articulate their words. It would be Seokjin’s worst nightmare if anything happened to the both of you, and for a moment, however small, he probably thought it had.” 

You recalled the look on his face when he surged through the door. You had never seen him so panicked. How tight he’d held you; how much he’d been shaking. 

Yuna stroked up and down your arm. “This was a horrible thing to happen, and I know everything is fine, but it’s still frightening. You’re shaken up, but cut him some slack and maybe don’t put words in his mouth.” You snorted, it was half-assed, you couldn’t think to laugh right now, even if Yuna was not-so-subtly telling you off. She wasn’t done either. “—And if you want him to blame you, then that’s just stupid, ____. I’m sorry, I should be being nice to you right now, but I also need to be honest.” 

You lifted your head, rubbed your cheeks dry. “You’re right.” 

Yuna smiled and glanced at the clock on the wall. It was getting late, and they wouldn’t let her stay much longer, despite how they’d let her in at all. She gave you one last hug. “Love you lots. Try to get some sleep tonight,” she told you, eyes filled with worry, before they narrowed, turning darker with warning. “And talk to Seokjin in the morning.” 

She was totally flabbergasted when you nodded and told her you loved her too. 

Despite feeling like you wanted to sleep for an entire day—no, an entire week, you managed virtually nothing. It didn’t come as a surprise. The buzzing silence inside the hospital only heightened the anxious weight pressing down on your chest. The chemical smell making you nauseated. At some point you knew you’d have to work through your fear, but every time you closed your eyes, you saw your mom. Her unconscious and hooked up to machines, barely clinging to life. Your worst memories were at a hospital, and being here only made you miss her more. You wished she was still here to see how your life had turned out. To meet her granddaughter. 

At the thought of Sarang, your heart ached, imagining what could have happened if the accident had been worse. How you would have lived with yourself. You knew you shouldn’t get stuck on that. It wasn’t healthy, and the last thing you needed right now was more worry. You needed to concentrate on the good. How lucky you had been even if you felt like the unluckiest person in the world.

You had your health; you had your baby; you had Seokjin. You felt guilt roil through you. This was the first night spent apart in God knows how long, and you’d parted in the worst possible way. How could you doubt him? You were appalled with yourself. You’d acted irrationally and pushed him away because you were scared and blaming yourself. It was a regression, when you’d worked so hard to change such a behaviour. But maybe that’s what fear did…

You were happy to feel Sarang move about inside you. She was keeping you company and reminding you that she was perfectly fine. Her mom on the other hand…

The next morning you felt like death warmed up, and couldn’t wait to go home and shower, then promptly fall asleep in your own bed. But first you needed to speak to Seokjin. He arrived just before 9am, but the look on his face immediately clogged the apology you’d been rehearsing for the past two hours. His expression was guarded, and he barely made eye contact with you. Any talking you did was required. He was distant and subdued. This time there was no hug or kiss and you felt even more terrible. Terrible for hurting him and terrible for feeling hurt that he wasn’t giving you those things. What did you expect? You’d turned away from him last night. 

After you’d changed into the clothes he’d brought you, and the prolonged silence had become completely unbearable, you forced your mouth to work. “Seokjin, I’m—” You were interrupted by a hesitant knock at the door. 

“Yes?” Seokjin answered, sat underneath the TV on the wall. To your surprise, when the door opened, the taxi driver from last night was stood there holding a bunch of flowers. 

“I hope you don’t mind me intruding,” he said, tone uncertain as he held up the bouquet. “I, uh, I came to bring you these.” 

.

.

Seokjin helped you out of the car and took the flowers from you. As you both walked up to the front of the house, your neighbour appeared from theirs, greeting you with a friendly hello. You tried your best to match their energy, but by now you were running on empty. Your shoulders ached from impact and exhaustion. You followed Seokjin inside and slid off your shoes. The familiar smell of your home made you feel marginally better. 

“I’ll put these in water,” Seokjin muttered, rushing off towards the kitchen, escaping you it felt like. 

The taxi driver – Dal – had been filled with guilt all night and wanted to apologise. You and Seokjin repeatedly assured him there was nothing to be sorry about, he wasn’t to blame, and you silently told yourself to take heed of your own words. Except, you did have something to be sorry about, yet you still hadn’t had a chance to say the words to Seokjin. You’d been interrupted at the hospital, and the entire car ride had been such an anxious affair for you, you hadn’t been able to speak. Seokjin was always a careful driver, but he seemed to drive slower today, as if he was aware being back inside a vehicle would be frightening for you. And now, as soon as you’d gotten inside, he was disappearing. 

You couldn’t tell whether he was angry at you (rightly so) or if he still thought you were angry at him and was giving you space. You followed him into the kitchen, I’m sorry on the tip of your tongue, but when he looked up and saw you, his eyes widened. “____, go and shower, then try to get some sleep.” 

“I will, I just—” 

“I’ve got this,” he said softly, gesturing to the flowers. “You must be exhausted.” 

You were exhausted, and you knew he could tell that by your face. Under your eyes were dark and puffy from lack of sleep. When Seokjin turned his back to you, starting to snip away at the stems, you gave up. He obviously didn’t want to have this conversation right now, more concerned about you resting. Or he just didn’t want to have the conversation, period. You didn’t really blame him. 

With a resigned sigh, you made your way to the bedroom. You knew he wasn’t going to work today, he’d told you last night, so you’d have time to talk things through after your nap. It would have to wait. Despite everything that had happened in the last 14 hours or so, the hot shower did you good. It relieved practically all the tension in your shoulders and eased your sore muscles. As soon as you got into bed you fell asleep. The size of your stomach not an issue for once. 

You awoke several hours later, not quite refreshed, but feeling more human again. Now that you were out of the hospital, you could put the traumatic incident behind you. You were going to give birth in a few weeks, you had more important things to think about. Rising eventually, you shrugged on your robe over your pyjamas– a fluffy, lilac one that Seokjin had bought you because you kept stealing his – and made your way downstairs, into the main living area. It was 5pm you noticed when you switched on the television, Seokjin must be in his office where you guessed he’d been all day. You were absently watching the news, wondering if you should interrupt him, when the doorbell echoed through the house. You struggled out of the sofa, half expecting a distressed Yeonja to be waiting outside. When you finally made it out of the living room, Seokjin was exiting the kitchen in front of you, beating you to the door. When he noticed you, he looked surprised. 

“You’re awake?” 

You nodded. “I didn’t know you were in the kitchen.” 

When he opened the door, you were surprised to see Namjoon. Or at least the outline of him. Seokjin had kindly let him know what had happened after the call with your father. You’d gotten a text from him last night, but you hadn’t been expecting a visit too. Or for him to be balancing five Tupperware boxes in his hands (held against his chest), the largest bunch of flowers you’d ever seen (under his arm), three gift bags (hanging off a wrist), and a balloon – which bizarrely read ‘We will miss you’ in cursive. Everyone at work did realise you’d escaped the car accident unscathed, right?? 

“____, are you okay?” he asked, something like a demand and concern rolled into one. 

“I’m fine,” you reassured. “Honestly.” You appraised him curiously. “What’s all this?” 

“Uh, well…” he started, attempting to readjust the wobbly Tupperware. Seokjin stepped forward, taking them from him. “Thanks, man—We’d planned a little farewell—temporary farewell—party for you today, but considering the circumstances…” 

“Oh.” That explained the balloon. “That’s so sweet of everyone. Thank them for me?” You’d had no idea and felt disappointed that you’d missed it. You’d missed your last day before maternity leave started. 

“Of course.” Namjoon’s gaze was intense, a little frown between his eyebrows. “Everyone was so worried. Yeeun wanted to come with me but I didn’t want to overwhelm you. Should you be standing?” 

“I can, but I’d rather be sitting,” you laughed, jerking your hand for him to follow you. “Come on.”

“I’ll refrigerate these,” Seokjin said, holding up the leftover food. “Do you want something to drink?” 

“I won’t stay long,” Namjoon shook his head. 

Seokjin’s eyes flicked to you, deep with concern. “Angel?” 

You felt your heart lift at the name and smiled at him. “Water would be nice, thank you.” You hadn’t eaten or drunk anything since this morning. He nodded and stopped to take the flowers from Namjoon too. 

As Namjoon followed you into the living room, you had to bat away the balloon with a laugh. It felt good to laugh again. When Seokjin entered with your water, you were sat on the sofa next to Namjoon. Seokjin perched on the arm of the chair opposite. He seemed relaxed in himself, but his smile and quiet laughter didn’t reach his eyes every time he or Namjoon joked lightly about something or other. Namjoon only stayed for a little while, not wanting to encroach on your rest, and with a hug goodbye for you and a promise to see you soon, Seokjin saw him out. 

You half expected Seokjin to go back to the kitchen, as you could now smell something cooking away, but a few moments later he came back to you. He was wearing a green cashmere sweater today and worn jeans, and his dark hair flopped over his forehead – always making him appear boyish. 

“I was in the middle of making dinner,” he explained, then tried a smile. “Although, it looks like we’ll have enough food until next week with what Namjoon brought over. What would you prefer—” 

“Seokjin, will you sit for a minute?” you interrupted, tapping the recently vacated seat next to you. 

“Of course. Is everything okay?” He studied you hesitantly, coming to sit, and you fought the urge to reach out for him. 

“Yes. That nap was very well needed. I didn’t get much sleep last night.” 

Seokjin didn’t look happy at that, one corner of his mouth turning down. He swept the hair out of his eyes, and you couldn’t stop it any longer, you needed to feel him. Resting your head against his shoulder you took in his scent, feeling better already. How had you been so mad at him? It seemed silly now. He relaxed after a moment, wrapping an arm around your shoulders and squeezing you softly. It was scary to think you might never have been able to be in his arms again if things had turned out differently yesterday. Things could have turned out worse, much worse. As if sensing your thoughts, Seokjin kissed the top of your head, his following exhale shaky. You craned a look up at him, your neck aching slightly but you ignored it. He gently traced the cut on your cheekbone with the pad of his finger, brown furrowing slightly with consternation. 

“I’m sorry,” you whispered. “I was being unfair last night.”

You felt him stiffen, his fingers flexing before he cupped your jaw. “No, it’s fine. You had a fright.” 

“So did you. And it’s not fine. I know I hurt you.” 

He stared into your eyes a moment, then nodded. “I just… I’m a bit confused by what I was meant to have done.” His hand dropped from your face and he stared ahead, looking at the TV but not watching it. “I couldn’t sleep, wondering, but I think—I’m assuming—it’s because I didn’t mention Sarang last night.” 

You hated the thought of him tormenting himself all alone. “You didn’t do anything. I was blaming myself for the accident and I just kept thinking what if something had happened to our daughter. I was mad at myself.” 

Seokjin looked over at you incredulously. “But you shouldn’t have been—,” 

“I know. I was being ridiculous. But when you came bursting in, worried and asking how I was, I just… Maybe I wanted you to blame me too. Or maybe I just couldn’t understand why she wasn’t your sole concern.” You shrugged, unsure what you’d been thinking really and feeling terrible about it. “I don’t know.” 

“____, you are both my sole concern.” He sounded frustrated. Then softer, he murmured, “You both mean so much to me. Receiving that phone call was the worst moment of my life. I knew everything was all right, I was trying to reassure myself the entire way to the hospital, but I just couldn’t stop thinking about what I would do if something ever happened to you and Sarang.” Shaking his head, he stared down at his lap. “I put you in that taxi. Me. How would I live?” 

Hearing him say that felt as if your heart was physically being torn out. You blinked back tears and wrapped your arms around him. “Don’t think like that. Everything is okay now.” 

He nodded against your throat, then pulled back slightly to hold your face in his hands, eyes glassy. “You two are the most important thing in my life. I’m sorry I made it seem that I was only concerned about you last night but that wasn’t the case. At all.” 

“I know,” you whispered. It hurt you knowing he felt the need to apologise. “I’m sorry for ever doubting you. I was upset and took it out on you.” 

“It would kill me if I lost either one of you.” Seokjin’s voice trembled, and for one awful moment you thought he was going to cry. You’d never seen him cry before and you never wanted to. 

You kissed his mouth gently, absorbing the feel of him. “You won’t. Nothing is going to happen to us.” 

“I was so scared,” he admitted quietly against your lips, his arms wrapping around your waist, pressing as tight as he could without squashing your stomach. “I don’t want to keep you out of my sight.” 

You tried to make a joke, mouth quirking lamely. “That doesn’t sound like a bad thing.” 

He didn’t laugh, just stared at you seriously. “I’m going to tell you something.” He wet his mouth, “and you might not want to hear it yet, but I need to tell you.” He sounded desperate. “I should have told you months ago but I—I didn’t want to—” 

“Seokjin,” you muttered, suddenly nervous. What was wrong?” 

He stroked up your back once, the warmth of his hands burning through your layers of clothing somehow. “I love you.” 

Your eyes widened. He kissed your mouth, breath unsteady.  “I love you,” he repeated, pressing his forehead against yours. His hands moved down and around, holding your bump. “I love you and Sarang so much.” 

You managed to swallow the lump of emotion lodged in your throat. Subconsciously, you already knew this, but hearing him say the words out loud made you realise how much you’d needed them. You needed to say it back, for him too, but a beeping started to fill the room, interrupting you. It was a phone. His phone, muffled inside his jeans pocket it sounded like. An alarm for dinner, you concluded hazily. 

Seokjin swallowed, sobering up instantly. “I need to check that.” 

He stopped holding you and got up from the sofa. You watched him leave, simply staring at the door in disbelief for a minute or so. What had just happened? Finally coming to your senses, you rushed after him, finding him in the kitchen with his back turned to you, preparing vegetables. You could hear the rhythmic chopping against the cutting board. 

He knew you were there, watching him, because you saw his shoulders tense. As you stepped closer, you noticed the hand that was cutting the bell peppers was shaking slightly. You closed the distance between you, wrapping your arms around him and hugging him from behind. “Why did you think I might not want to hear that?” you asked quietly. 

He paused and placed the knife down, simply staring at the countertop. “I don’t know,” he admitted haltingly. 

“I love you too, Seokjin.” You felt him relax. “You know I do, don’t you?” 

You hated to think he’d been holding back because he thought you didn’t share his feelings. When you’d been so certain of his…

“I… Yes.” He cleared his throat, insecurity seeping into his next words. “But there was a part of me…” 

“How couldn’t I?” Your laughter was soft, barely there, but inside you were hurting for him. How come he couldn’t realise how great he was? “You’re…you.” 

You let him go when he started to turn around and face you. “I don’t know what that means,” he said, but there was a small smile playing on his lips. You stepped towards him, as far as you could, and circled your arms around his neck. He brought his to your waist, and kissed you like he couldn’t help it. 

“Well, you should,” you told him. “You’re so good to me.” Your hands slipped through his hair, down a little to hold his face. “You’re just good, and I feel really lucky to have you.” Sarang chose that moment to chime in too, jabbing you, and in the process, Seokjin as well. “That’s her telling you she loves you too.” 

He laughed; a beautiful, rolling sound that sounded completely happy and at ease. Listening to it made your heart swell. 

“You are everything to me and her. I love you,” you whispered, kissing him and feeling him melt against you. 

It was the best feeling in the world. 

Written 2022 - 2023. Please refrain from posting my work elsewhere. No translations allowed. © floralseokjin 2023

[solneur]

— ENHYPEN TEACHING YOU HOW TO DRIVE!

SYNOPSIS. how enhypen would teach you how to drive.

PAIRINGS. enhypen x gn!reader

GENRE. mostly crack,, a lil fluff ig?

WARNINGS. ni-ki’s kinda careless lol... (PLS DO NOT EXECUTE IN REAL LIFE!!!) but that’s it i think

WORD COUNT. 0.5k (511)

AUTHOR’S NOTE. i started learning how to drive a few days ago and it inspired me to make this ! pls do remember that this is fictional and it does not portray the idols’ behavior in real life !!

HEESEUNG — makes fun of you throughout the whole thing.

we already know heeseung, he’s a huge tease. as soon as your hands grip onto the steering wheel, he’s already making fun of you. mans is laughing throughout the entirety of the drive, only occasionally giving you tips. he’s especially cackling when you accidentally hit the curb stop.

“i have never seen anyone this bad at driving.”

JAY — the quiet observer.

probably the most patient one out of everyone. sits quietly in the passenger’s seat while you drive. mumbles a “good job” when you do something right and confidently takes hold of the steering wheel when you start to panic and don’t know what to do. is surprisingly calm when you park the car, which scares you a little.

“not too bad.”

JAKE — extremely supportive.

is cheering you on from the passenger’s seat. he’s hyping you up for hours. gets very excited when you park correctly for the first time. even when you accidentally do something wrong, jake is super supportive and assures you that it’s okay. his constant energy amazes you, and you do your best to not let his efforts go to waste.

“see, i knew you could do it!”

SUNGHOON — worries too much.

as soon as you step on the pedal, he’s already a nervous wreck. sits stiff in the passenger’s seat while you drive. acts like a drama king when you step on the brakes too hard (according to him). is screaming bloody murder for his life when you make a mistake, and you have to tell him to shut up so you can concentrate and get it right.

“no!! i’m too handsome to die!!!”

SUNOO — the thorough explainer.

is really good at explaining how to maneuver the car. stays calm while you drive, never missing his cue on when to tell you to slow down or come to a stop. he makes driving seem like a piece of cake, and that’s exactly how it feels like when he’s the one teaching you. has a small smile on his face when he sees you driving with ease.

“i told you it would be easy.”

JUNGWON — stresses caution while driving.

emphasizes safety and is constantly reminding you to be careful while you drive. more worried about you than himself. is glancing at you from time to time to make sure you’re okay. hovers a little, but it’s more endearing than annoying. holds his arm out in front of you when you have to hit the brakes unexpectedly because he wants you to be safe.

“please, please, please be careful.”

NI-KI — a little reckless.

this man literally does not care. if the light turns yellow, he’s yelling at you to go faster despite your protests. if you run into a car waiting to turn into the road you’re driving on, he’s telling you to pass them. will not hesitate to make some rash decisions. however, you still follow the road laws and keep him in check, leaving him huffing and puffing in the passenger’s seat.

“what are you doing? go!!!”

© solneur, 2023. do not copy, repost, or translate.

[cerbaros]

FFXIV Write prompt 1 : Steer

"I've ridden on the backs of dragons, slayed gods, traveled through time and even between worlds. Things most people would deem impossible, that even I can't believe I did. Yet I can't get this goddamn piece of metal with wheels to work. How does that make sense"

Verbaros sat back down on the bike for the 13th time. A prototype magitek vehicle, meant to be small, more agile. Faster. Easy to maintain, easy to build. That's what the Ironworks engineer told her before she started testing it out. But it was just so hard to control.

"For the love of Hydaelyn, the racing chocobos from the Golden Saucer where easier steer around corners." She growled under her breath, "With all the genius sitting in Cid's brain, he couldn't make a mode of transport that wouldn't send me flying at every corner?"

The GL-II they called it. If one did not know better, it would probably be considered scrap. A fully exposed chassis, an engine out to the open air. A single seat that doesn't seem to be attached correctly. Two wheels holding on through hopes and prayers alone. Truly a miracle it even starts up. It can at least do most of its functions correctly. It goes fast, and it turns fast. It simply comes at the cost of several bruises to the rider.

Verbaros turned the key one more time. She could feel it come alive. The metal started to shake from the power being sent through each individual piece of the machine. The roars echoing through the empty field, shock waving sand away from it.

She gripped the handles firmly, and after a deep breath, stepped on the pedal.

It is truly an exhilarating experience to go that fast. Wind gliding by you as if it where being split by a wedge. The feeling of going against nature itself, telling it you are in control. But there was no time to enjoy all of it. Verbaros was slowly approaching the marker on the ground.

She started to turn, leaning herself close to the bike, angling the entire thing towards her right. Waiting to get flung to the ground. Waiting for the moment she'll have to get dirt and sand off of her outfit. Waiting...only for nothing to happen. Slowly she started to straighten up again.

Moving just as fast as she was before. Still riding the beast that she failed to tame so many times over the past few hours. She succeeded, and with a smile on her face, and wind in her hair, she claimed her reward. A new metal steed.