#i am 8 years behind everyone else

[stormkpr]

[creature-song]

working nights is soooo good for my nighttime brain until it isn't and I have to cancel a driving lesson on 5 hours notice bcos i haven't slept at all bcos idk i guess I'm fully nocturnal now.

birds are singing tho that's nice

[thatnewweeb]

Childhood Sweethearts | Bakugo Katsuki

Summary | You moved to America when you were young, having to leave behind your childhood sweetheart. After moving back to Japan, you'll find out if things have changed between you two

Content | Fluff, honestly I can't think of any warnings for this so let me know if you see anything that needs a warning

Word Count | 1.7k+

A/N | I love the idea of Bakugo being in love with someone through his whole life, I have no idea why. At the time of posting, I wrote this forever ago

It had been almost 5 whole years since you moved away. You missed home. It wasn't like you'd wanted to move away in the first place, but your dad's job took you away from Japan all the way to America.

Finally, at 18 years old, you finally convinced your parents to allow you to move home. Having attended an elite hero school for the past 2 years, you managed to have some special arrangements made for your return home.

And so, that is how you got to where you are now, nervously walking down the halls of UA next to Principal Nezu. He had spent the first half hour of the morning before classes began showing you around and explaining a few things to you.

At the start of homeroom at 8:25AM, he walks you to the classroom of Class 3-A, the class you will be joining, starting today.

Everyone looks over as the door opens, the principal strolling in and standing at the front of the class. You follow nervously. These people have had nearly 3 whole years to get to know each other, and here you are, the new girl joining in the final year, not knowing anyone.

At least, you didn't think you knew anyone, until you force yourself to look at the class properly.

Your eyes immediately fall on a blond boy in the second row. His own eyes are widened, locked onto you. A moment later, you rip your eyes away from him, prompting him to look away also.

When you realise Nezu has stopped speaking and is now looking at you, you snap out of it and look at the whole class.

"My name is Y/N. I have two Quirks, which I am sure I will have more time sometime soon to explain. I look forward to spending this year with you." You say and bow slightly to the class.

Your homeroom teacher, Aizawa, points you to your assigned seat, so you sit down quietly, not saying another word.

It isn't until lunch, almost four hours later, that you say anything else, besides answering questions in class. Your fourth period was English with Present Mic. Having lived in an English-speaking country for almost 5 years, it was quite an easy class for you.

Almost as soon as you are dismissed from class, you're surrounded by people, wanting to talk to you, get to know you. You're fine with that, but you did have someone else you wanted to talk to. They already walked out the door though.

"Y/N!" Someone says, popping up in front of you out of nowhere.

"Izuku!" You smile, excitedly throwing your arms around your old friend.

You see a brown-haired girl blushing as she watches you hugging Midoriya.

"I can't believe you're here! I didn't know you were coming back!"

You nod. "I know, I'm sorry I didn't say anything."

He shakes his head, wanting to reassure you. "It's okay! We fell out of touch, that's not anyone's fault."

Izuku invites you to spend lunch break with him and his friends, being introduced to them all, him explaining a little about how he got into UA at all.

After classes have finished for the day, you don't give Bakugo the chance to run. As soon as you're dismissed from class, you walk over to his desk, standing in front of it and resting your hands on the surface.

"It's nice to see you again, Katsuki." You smirk.

He looks up at you from his chair briefly, quickly looking away. “Yeah, it is.”

You lean down so you’re closer to his height, him still avoiding eye contact. “Would you mind walking me back to the dorm? I haven’t actually been there yet, Nezu didn’t have time to take me.”

He tuts but stands up, picking up his bag and slinging it over your shoulder. Not saying a thing, he leaves the classroom, you following him. You know what he’s like, you know to follow.

As soon as you're out of the halls and outside, he decides to say something. "I didn't know you were coming back." He mutters.

You're just happy to hear him say something to you. "Yeah. I know."

He takes a deep breath. "I'm sorry."

You pause where you are, stunned. You hadn't expected him to apologise to you.

When you don't say anything, he sighs and turns to you, also stopping walking. "I shouldn't have stopped responding. I was upset you were gone, and I went about things in the stupidest way. I... I regret it."

It takes a moment for you to say anything, blinking in shock. "It's okay." You smile brightly up at him. "I understand. It was hard on both of us, after all."

"Yeah, but I ghosted you. I shouldn't have done that. Not to you, you don't deserve that."

"I agree you shouldn't have done it, dummy. But I'm saying I understand, okay?"

He smiles a little, looking down at you. "Come on, let's go to the dorms." He tugs on your backpack, indicating that you should take it off. When you do, he slings one strap over his shoulder, carrying it for you.

"Since when did you become a gentleman?" You ask with a small laugh, making him grunt a 'shut up' to you, his cheeks going slightly pink.

Finally reaching the dorms, Bakugo opens the door for you, letting you into the large building.

Everyone else is already there, the people in the communal area looking at you as you enter. Other than Izuku, people seem a little surprised to see you with Bakugo, and even more surprised that he doesn't look as annoyed as he typically does.

With everyone staring, Katsuki shoves your bag back into your arms before walking over to the stairs to go to his room.

You smile a little as you watch him, shaking your head.

Izuku is the first person to come up to you, smiling. "Everyone wants to get to know you a little. If you have some time, come sit with us?"

You do what he says, walking over and taking a seat between him and a boy with a black streak in mostly blond hair.

You end up spending a couple hours with them, telling them about your Quirk and what it's like to live in America. When they ask about you seemingly already knowing both Izuku and Katsuki, you tell them that you grew up with them.

A girl with pink skin, who you learn is Mina, asks you for some stupid stories about them as kids, Izuku going red and telling you that you don't have to talk about anything you don't want to, trying to save himself the embarrassment.

Even though you're unsure if Bakugo will be annoyed at you for telling them this, you also tell them a few stories from when you and him were dating before you left for America.

Everyone seems surprised, a small uproar coming from the class. No one had ever even seen an indication that he had ever been interested in anyone, yet alone had a girlfriend. It appeared to be a ludicrous idea to most of them.

Kaminari seems to deflate a little upon realising you dated one of his best friends. Guess he thought you were pretty.

Not long after, you go find your room, needing to unpack. Right before you close the door, a foot stops it from closing. A second later, Bakugo comes into view.

"Well, hello there." You smirk a little, looking up at him.

He smirks back, placing a hand on the doorframe, standing in front of you. "Hey. Care if I come in?"

You move out the way for him to come in but tell him it's a little messy because you're still unpacking.

He doesn't even look at the room, closing the door as soon as he's inside and standing close to you, essentially pinning you between him and the door.

That's when you really realise how much he's changed. He's so much taller now than when you last saw him, his shoulders broader, entire body more muscular, a few visible scars now. The whole thing makes you a little flustered.

"So, do you have a little American boyfriend now?" He asks with a slight snarl, expression turning into a smirk as soon as you shake your head. "No? Then, would you mind if I kissed you?" He whispers in your ear.

You don't verbally respond, but the look on your face gives him the answer he needs. He keeps one hand on the wall, the other coming to rest on your waist, leaning in and pressing his lips against yours. Your own hands find your way to his chest, gripping onto his shirt.

A moment later, he pulls away a little, smirking. "Guess we haven't missed a beat, huh?"

You laugh, not letting go of his shirt. "Suki, you're an ass." You say, making him laugh too.

"Yeah, but you love it." He whispers, leaning in to kiss you again. "It's starting to get late, and you haven't finished unpacking yet. If you wanted to stay in my room tonight, you're welcome to."

You look up at him, a little surprised by the proposal. When he sees the look on your face, he panics a small amount. "I didn't mean it like that! I meant we can spend the night sleeping together- no, not sleeping together! Not like that! I just meant- we- we can- I meant-"

You giggle at his nervousness, making him look a little angry. You move your hands to rest on his cheeks, standing on your tiptoes and smashing your lips against his.

When you finally break the kiss again, both a little breathless, he stares at you, mouth open slightly.

"Sorry, I had to find a way to shut you up." You smile. "I'd love to cuddle tonight, Suki."

He looks relieved, taking your hand. "Come on, let's go."

You spend the rest of the night in Bakugo's dorm, cuddling and eventually falling asleep in his bed.

Before he falls asleep, he spends a few moments just watching you, barely being able to believe that he got lucky enough to get you back into his life. He gives you a soft kiss on the forehead, holding you tighter, closing his own eyes and falling asleep.

[xneens]

wasted summer - one

series masterlist

watching jj like someone else hurts, thankfully, you finds comfort in rafe’s arms … and his bed.

Music boomed in your ears, the party in full swing as you made your way upstairs, away from the guys smoking weed and girls dancing to Kanye West. Using a guest room on the third floor, you opened the window and crawled out onto the roof. With a drink in hand, you watched partygoers jump into the Cameron's pool, observing the party from afar.

Taking a sip of the cheap vodka JJ had gotten, you glanced at the blond, a frown on your lips as you saw him sweep Kiara off her feet, jumping into the pool with her. Kiara likes JJ, that much you know is true after she had drunkenly confessed during a girl's night out. Bitterness grew inside you as you watched him respond to her subtle flirting, praying desperately he didn't return her feelings but your own.

You look away, downing the rest of the cup before throwing it off the roof in hopes of it hitting someone. Hopefully either one of them, but they were still playing in the pool. Together.

"Littering on my property? Harsh." a voice behind you murmurs as he crawls out the window, sitting beside you on the roof. Rafe grins at you, bringing the blunt to his lips.

You roll your eyes, keeping them on him instead of the heartwrenching scene below you. "Like you haven't littered at my house before. Payback."

"So vengeful ever since you started hanging out with those Pogues." Rafe chuckles, offering you a hit off his blunt. You decline it with a wave of your hand and he shrugs, taking another hit off of it.

Glancing back at JJ and Kiara, you can't help the pang in your heart as you watch them play in the pool, splashing each other with large smiles on their faces. Sighing, you look back at Rafe, suddenly wishing you'd brought a bottle of Titos with you.

Rafe arches a brow, a smirk dancing on his lips. "What're you doing up here, anyways? Shouldn't you be hanging out with the Scooby gang?"

Not wanting to be in his eyesight, you lay down on the roof, staring at the night sky, the lights from the party polluting the starry sky. "I needed a break."

"From those dirty Pogues?"

You smack his arm, causing the blond to burst out laughing. "Stop bullying my friends."

"Bullying works," replied Rafe, shifting to mirror your position. He groans softly as he lays back on the roof. "Remember Agatha Haynes? She no longer smokes fifty cigarettes a day after you called her Hagatha."

A snort escapes your lips before you can stop it. You shake your head. "God, I was a bitch."

"You still are." Rafe dodges another smack, a teasing grin slapped across his face. "Still the spoiled, snobby, selfish girl you were. You're just better at hiding it now."

"Oh, and the hits just keep coming." You groan out dramatically, smiling back at him. "I'll have you know that I am very empathetic and care about other people's feelings.”

The blond shakes his head, taking a hit from his blunt. "Is that why you're hiding out from your gang of mutts? Because you care about them so much you don't want them to know you're suffering in silence?"

"I wish you'd suffer in silence."

"Woah, don't violate the thirteenth-year truce," Rafe replies, drawing out a reluctant smile from you.

Rafe was ... Rafe. Born with a golden spoon in his mouth, acted like every rich kid from Figure 8, only worse, and knew how to get his way. The only fight the blond had lost was to a coked-out tourist to who Rafe ironically sold the coke.

Most people didn't see that he could be nice when he wanted to. You always held it above everyone that Rafe Cameron had a soft spot for you, even if it only came from being his little sister's best friend. Still, it was nice to be one of the few people not to be on the receiving side of his hostility, a side Sarah was constantly on.

It was a weird friendship built on a truce made by four and six-year-olds. During your fourth birthday party, Rafe had gifted you with a promise to never be the cause of your tears and you promised to never cut holes in his tighty whities again.

After a few minutes of silence, Rafe turns his head to look at you, exhaling out smoke. "Seriously, though, why are you hiding?"

"Not hiding, taking a break." You correct him, refusing to meet his eyes. He wasn't completely wrong, you were hiding from your friends, specifically two of them.

"That's such bullshit." scoffs the man next to you, rolling his eyes at your words. "Tell me."

You groan, covering your face with your hands in hopes of hiding your embarrassment from him. "No. It's nothing."

"Tell me."

"Stop being nosy."

Rafe snickers, putting his blunt out before grabbing your hands and pulling them away from your face gently. Eyes filled with serenity, a sight only you and Wheezie ever got to see. "Tell me, you know I won't tell anyone."

Your playful pout makes his grin widen. "You'll make fun of me."

"Me? After our truce?" asks Rafe, throwing his head back in laughter. "Never."

After contemplating whether to lie to his face, you sigh, rubbing your temples. It couldn't hurt to tell him, it's not as if he ever told anyone stuff you've told him before. "Kiara likes JJ. And ... I think he likes her back."

An awkward moment of silence hangs in the air before Rafe inhales sharply. "Oh. I didn't realize you wanted to fuck the help."

"Rafe." your tone made him throw his hands up in surrender. Staring back up at the sky, you scrunched your nose. "I kind of like him. It just sucks a little seeing them so touchy with each other and flirting in my face. If they become official, then I'll literally be the only person in the friend group without anyone. I'll be a seventh wheel and that's so fucking pathetic."

"You're getting ahead of yourself," says Rafe, scoffing. "My sister found someone who puts up with her shit, you'll have an easier chance finding a boyfriend. If you don't like anyone, I'll volunteer."

You can't help but roll your eyes at his not-so-comforting words. "Thanks. You really know how to make a girl feel better."

The blond chortled, sitting up. "I'm serious. Anyone who isn't blind can see you're clearly much better than those idiots you hang around. The girls you hung out with were annoying as hell but at least they were better than those group of Pogues."

"How very Kook of you to say," you mutter back, not taking Rafe's words earnestly. Shifting, you sit up, eyes flickering back to the pool, immediately spotting Sarah and John B., Pope and Cleo, and JJ and Kiara still playing with each other. "I don't know, they probably don't care I'm not with them right now."

You could feel Rafe's eyes burning a hole in your face, his lack of insults to throw at your friends making you uncomfortable. Anything was better than silence when it came to Rafe. Silence meant he was thinking and you almost always never liked what he was thinking of.

He stands up before holding his hand out, gesturing for you to take it. "Come on, let's get you something to drink. It'll cheer you up."

You immediately take his hand, standing up. "Don't need to convince me."

"None of that cheap shit you've been drinking. My dad has some expensive whiskey he keeps in his study." Rafe adds, climbing back through the window with you right behind him. He doesn't let go of your hand, even after you climb back inside.

Rafe leads you through the swarm of people in the hall, heading towards the second floor for his dad's office. He pushes a guy away from the door, unlocking it and holding it open for you to enter. You step across the threshold, glancing around Ward's office as Rafe shuts the door behind him.

You'd been in Ward's office a handful of times, most times with Sarah and one time with Ward himself when you had skinned your knee riding a bike and he bandaged it up. Being inside the warm-lit room with Rafe felt strange and slightly tense.

Plopping down on the big leather couch, you watch Rafe walk towards the desk, raiding his father's desk drawer until he finds the big bottle of GlenDronach. He grabs two glasses, sitting down beside you as he pours the amber liquid.

You scrunch your nose at the smell. "God, I can smell the hangover."

Rafe smirks, pouring too much into both of the glasses, capping the bottle back up. "Nah, if anything this will help you sleep. It goes down smooth."

You take the glass from Rafe, wincing at the strong musk of the whiskey before downing half the bottle like a shot, immediately coughing after swallowing it down. Rafe's brows furrowed as he watched you slam the half-filled glass down on the coffee table, exasperated. "That did not go down smooth."

"It's sipping whiskey, you don't drink it like a shot of vodka." the blond clarifies, judgment and confusion in his tone. "Who the hell takes a shot of whiskey?"

Glaring at him, you cough out the burning in your throat. "Get me a Sprite, motherfucker."

An amused smirk dances on his lips as he stands up and opens Ward's mini fridge, pulling out a cold can of Sprite. He opens it before handing it to you, sitting back down. "I just witnessed a crime."

You gurgle half the can, soothing your burning throat before glaring at him. "I don't like the taste of alcohol, I just drink it to get drunk. Besides, people who actually enjoy the taste are psychopaths."

"You never miss the chance to tell me I am," Rafe replies, grinning as he takes a more moderate sip of his whiskey. He makes an approving expression, swirling the liquid around the glass.

"You can have mine. I hate it." You push the glass in front of Rafe, leaning back on the couch. Rafe sipped his glass of single malt whiskey while you drank a can of Sprite. "Worse thing I've swallowed. And there's competition."

Rafe makes a face at that, shaking his head. "Please, no details of how the help was in your mouth."

Smacking his arm caused a drop of his whiskey to spill over the side. "Stop calling my friends the help, you snarky asshole."

The blond gives you a look, setting his glass back down on the table. "Maybank helped me carry my golf clubs at the club last week. I can't think of a better title for him. It's in the name."

You roll your eyes, downing the rest of your drink. Rafe could carry his own golf clubs so you knew he sought out JJ's help specifically to taunt and mock him. "If I get the lifeguard job, are you gonna start calling me the help?"

His eyes softened slightly, head tilting towards yours. "No, of course not. You're far better than anyone else, even if you decide to get an unnecessary job.”

"Even better than you?" you arch a brow, watching his lips quirk up in a genuine smile.

"Always," replies Rafe.

Heat pools in your stomach, the whiskey's delayed effect. You glance away from Rafe's sharp eyes. Clearing your throat, you shift on the couch, making yourself more comfortable. "It's not unnecessary, by the way. The job. It looks good on my transcripts."

"Hm, still going to Charleston?"

You shrug, staring at the insurmountably large portrait of Denmark Tanney in Ward's office. "I don't know. My parents want me to, and I'll get into it but I don't wanna be so close to home, you know?"

Rafe's brows furrowed, a frown tugging on his lips. "Where are you thinking?"

"Either New Orleans or London," you answer, pulling a laugh out of Rafe. "Yeah, a wide range of possibilities for me."

"You don't wanna go to Charleston?" questioned Rafe, his eyes never leaving yours. A look of displeasure passes his face. "It's not that close, seven hours."

You make a face, shaking your head. "Seven hours is too close for me.”

The blond scoffed, leaning forward to sip his whiskey.

A smirk tugged at your lips as you observed him. Teasingly, you ask. "What, you gonna miss me when I leave?"

"I thought it was obvious," Rafe replied, downing the rest of his glass. He shifts on the couch, placing his arms on top of it, giving you a sardonic grin. "I think Charleston is far enough."

Rolling your eyes for the millionth time that night, you lay your head back, sighing. "You can come visit me anytime. Just don't bring anyone. Especially not Topper or Kelce."

"Ah, I wouldn't wanna walk in on you and your victims." jokes Rafe, patting your thigh softly. "Wouldn't be the first."

You laugh, winking at him. "Maybe you'll be my next victim."

Rafe raises a brow, leaning back slightly as he stares at you. "Don't tease me, I have no self-control when it comes to you."

"Yes, I think that was clear when you sent Tom Schnitzel to the ER for trying to drug me," you reply, inhaling sharply at the memory. You were positive you still had Tom's blood stained onto the white top from that night. "Thanks for that, by the way. I don't think I properly thanked you for that."

Rafe waves it away with a hand, standing. "Don't worry about it. I needed to get it out that night, anyway. Come on, I have something to show you."

Curious, you follow Rafe out of the office, walking down the hall to his room. He opens the door, motioning for you to enter. Immediately, you plop down on his bed, laying out on the soft mattress as he closes the door behind him. You watch him walk towards his dresser, turning around with a small jewelry box, a bow sitting on the top.

"What's that for?" you ask, taking the box from Rafe, and inspecting it.

He sits on the edge of the bed, eyes watching you fiddle with the box. "Your birthday present."

"It's not for another month."

Rafe shrugs, grinning. "Consider it your early birthday present, then. Come on, open it."

Tilting your head, you lift the top from it, the diamond tennis bracelet sparkling as soon as the light hits it. You gasped softly, taking the bracelet from its mold, watching in fascination as the diamonds danced in the light.

"Holy shit, Rafe," you mutter, inspecting the bracelet. "What the fuck? How much was it?"

The blond chuckled, taking the bracelet and unlocking the hook. He gestured for you to put your wrist out. "Real diamonds. None of that lab-grown bullshit. Don't worry, the cost didn't even dent my account."

You give him a look, allowing him to put the bracelet on your wrist and shake it as soon as it's on. "I told you before that I don't want expensive gifts from my friends. Just my parents."

"I'd like to think I'm more than one of your obnoxious friends," replies Rafe, causing you to give him a look. He snickered, throwing his hands up in surrender. "Last time, I swear."

"Highly doubt that." you turn your attention back to the bracelet, smirking at how it looked against your skin. "Thank you, though. It's really pretty."

Rafe stares at you, blue eyes watching you admire his present. "Yeah, beautiful."

You glance up at him, cheeks flushed from the whiskey and drinks prior. Heat pools in your stomach as your eyes meet his. Clearing your throat, you tuck your hair behind your ear. "Best present I got this year."

He smirks, laying his head down on a pillow, watching as you mirror his movement. "Yeah? Do I get to be your favorite until I piss you off?"

"Of course. I give it five minutes." you tease, grinning when Rafe smacks you with a pillow softly. You dodge his second hit, rolling closer to him, your arm pressed against his. "I was kidding! You'll be my favorite forever."

"That's more like it," Rafe says, a satisfied grin slapped across his face.

You groan softly, rolling onto your side to face the blond, eyes closing. The party was still going on downstairs, the loud thumping of the music heard two stories up. Your mind briefly flickered to what was happening with JJ and Kiara until Rafe's fingers ghosted over your side.

"I swear to god if you're gonna tickle me, Cameron," you grumble, eyes still closed, feeling his fingers roam around until they hit your stomach.

Rafe chuckles quietly, fingers stroking the ribcage tattoo you had gotten with Sarah. "When did you get this?"

"A week ago." you giggle as he runs his fingers up, touching your neck. Your eyes snapped open and you immediately slap his hand away, your brand new bracelet swinging slightly from the movement. "Rafe. You know how ticklish I am."

"Sorry," he smirks, tone unapologetic. His hand drifts to your hips, fingers playing with your cutoff shorts. "Wouldn't want a repeat of the Jenga incident."

Your nose scrunches at that, remembering the night you spent at the ER. "It was an accident."

"Still sticking to that story?"

"You moved your head."

"You threw a glass at my head." Rafe corrected, a smile tugging the corner of his lips up.

Scowling at him, you shake your head. "No, I threw it at the wall behind you. You moved your head at the last second and had to get five stitches."

"If you weren't so fucking competitive ..." Rafe teases, trailing off.

You bite your tongue, letting the subject go with great difficulty, but managing to not bite back. Closing your eyes again, you let your muscles alleviate. "Hm. Whatever."

You both lay in silence for a few minutes, the alcohol in your system and Rafe's soft bed allowing you to relax despite the loud music creeping through the walls. Despite feeling his eyes on you, you felt your body intense, the bed cradling you.

Rafe's hand drifts slowly up your hip, fingertips softly brushing against the sliver of bare stomach before slipping slightly under the hem of your top. Your eyes flutter up at the movement, watching as his thumb draws circles on your skin.

Goosebumps arise, and you suddenly realize how close he is, not even a foot away. His eyes flickered to your lips, his tongue peeking out to wetten his own. Your breath gets caught in your throat, his face somehow closer now.

Maybe it was the alcohol you've consumed trying to forget your own despair or an excuse to get your mind off JJ and Kiara, but you watched as Rafe brought his lips to yours, not pulling back when the taste of whiskey invades your mouth.

A hand caressing your cheek, Rafe rolled over on top of you, his elbows holding up his weight as he kissed you. His tongue sought entry to your mouth, biting your bottom lip. You gasped slightly at the feel, allowing him to deepen the kiss. You melt into his touch, your lips parting slightly as Rafe's tongue sweeps in.

Rafe breaks the kiss, trailing his lips down your neck, leaving a string of soft kisses along your collarbone. Tilting your head back, you give him better access, running your hands through his hair, a soft content sigh escaping your lips.

He nips at your collarbones before sucking a mark into your skin, just right above your breast causing you to mewl at the touch, your hands drifting to his shoulders, freshly manicured nails digging into his skin. You meet his eyes, his ocean blues now darkened like the water during a storm.

Something comes over your body, seeing Rafe in a new light. Suddenly needy and impatient, your hands tugged at the hem of Rafe's black polo, pleading silently for him to take it off. Taking your hint, he sits up, taking it off in one swift move, tossing it on the floor.

You'd never admit it, not even to Rafe–especially to Rafe, but you'd always loved his abs. The definition of the, so toned, tanned, and delectable. He may have been your friend, but you weren't blind to his looks, and definitely how his abs looked when he flexed them.

As your fingers traced the defined line down his stomach, Rafe's hands slid under your top until the tips of his fingers met the fabric of your bikini top. Needing more, a lot more, you sit up, ridding yourself of the offensive clothing. You heard Rafe groan, pushing you back onto the bed, eyes roaming the sight of the hot pink bikini top you still wore, the top so little it was hardly covering your nipples.

"So fucking beautiful," he murmured, reaching out and pulling off the top quickly, the thin string breaking at the force, your tits spilling out. You gasped, nipples hardening in the cold air. Rafe groaned at the sight, hands cupping your breasts, his breath hitting your nipples. "Fucking incredible."

You arched your back, moaning softly as his tongue wettens a nipple before taking it into his mouth. His teeth nibble it, sucking and teasing the hard bud while his fingers play with the other, rolling it between his fingers. Rafe pinches it gently, looking up at you with a smirk when you mewl.

Running your hands over Rafe's back, you feel the warmth and firmness of his muscles, wetness pooling at the thought of kissing every single inch of his torso. Before he could take the other nipple into his mouth, you pull his lips back to yours, wrapping an arm around his neck as a hand runs down his back, nails scratching his spine.

Rafe's hand moves down your sides, fingers playing with the button of your shorts. Pulling back from the kiss, he unbuttoned your shorts, slowly–and agonizingly–sliding them off. The cutoffs pile onto his shirt on the floor.

You know Rafe's experienced, so are you, but you swore he almost looked nervous as he stared down at you, his hands slightly shaky as he hooks his fingers under the waistband of your matching pink thong. Those join the discarded clothing on his bedroom floor.

He looks like a man starved as his eyes focus on your bare cunt, hungry and almost animalistic as he leans closer to your glistening pussy, nose nearly touching the clit. "You're already so wet."

Instinctively, you spread your legs wider, hands grasping the sheets as his finger leisurely dips into your wet pussy, your lips parting slightly. His thumb touches your clit, rubbing it gently. You groan, hips bucking at the feel, needing more. "Fuck."

Rafe smirks, pushing a finger into your cunt, watching as your face contorted in pleasure. He adds a second before you could come down from the small high. "Look at you, so needy and desperate."

Before you could think of a retort, he leans down to replace his thumb with his tongue, licking and sucking at your clit as his fingers continue to thrust inside you, gaining speed. The sight of Rafe's head between your legs, his tongue flicking your clit was so erotic, the vision enough for you to get wetter. You throw your head back, your fingers tangling in Rafe's hair as you pull his head closer to your dripping pussy, a moan filling the room.

His fingers hit that spot inside you, causing a surprise whimper from your lips to escape. Rafe pauses, glancing up at you, pride in his eyes before he doubles his efforts, his fingers curling to reach that spot. He sucks your clit, nibbling it when you tug his hair.

"Rafe," you moan, arching your back. You push his head deeper between your thighs, pussy clenching around his fingers, so close to falling off. "Fuck, fuck, fuck!"

"That's right, say my fucking name when you cum on my fingers," Rafe grunted, his fingers plunging in and out of your soaking wet cunt. He licks your clit, staring up as you come closer.

A dripping mess, you buck your hips up as Rafe continues his relentless actions on your pussy, moans of pleasure filling the room. His free hand moves up your torso, cupping your breast before rolling your nipples between his fingers.

You lose it when he pinches it harshly, moaning loudly as you come undone, pussy clenching around his fingers, throbbing. You whimper out his name, your hand gripping his hair. "Fuck!"

Rafe laps it all up, replacing his fingers with his tongue, hands holding your legs open as you attempt to close them, your clit sensitive. He runs his tongue along your pussy, lapping up your juices, groaning at the taste, unable to pull himself away.

He licks his lips, staring possessively at your cunt before looking up at you with a proud smile. "You taste so fucking good."

He then proves it to you, lips meeting yours in a kiss. You taste yourself on him as you kiss him back, lips moving against each other. As you come down from the high, you roll him over, straddling his torso. You move your lips to his neck, marking it until you kiss down his chest. Meeting his eyes, you run your tongue down his abs, kissing every individual one.

You move to straddle his legs, quickly unbuttoning his pants, much opposite of his agonizingly slow approach. Rafe lifts his hips, helping you take off his jeans, sitting up to pull you in for another kiss. Giggling, you push him back onto the bed, your fingers sliding underneath the band of his boxers.

You bite your lip as you take out his cock, your hand wrapping around it immediately. The size of it made your mouth water, licking your lips in anticipation as you stroked it slowly causing Rafe to groan. With an approving hum, you lick the tip, meeting Rafe's hungry gaze.

Smirking, you run your tongue along the length of it, pulling back when Rafe bucks his hips up, glaring at you for teasing him. Chuckling, you decide to end the shortlived torture, taking his cock into your mouth, your warm, wet lips wrapping around his cock.

He groans, fingers pulling at your hair, guiding your movements, and urging you to take more of him. The sight of your soft, pink lips wrapped around his cock was something he'd never forget. "That's it, baby. Suck my dick like a good slut."

You felt your pussy clench at his words, growing wetter as you suck him off, eagerly bobbing your head up and down his dick. Pre-cum drips onto your tongue and you savor the taste, moaning around his cock, Rafe grunting at the feel of the vibrations.

Not wanting him to cum down your throat, you stop, slapping his cock on your tongue, smiling innocently when he narrows his eyes at you. He looked so hot staring down at you, chest heaving as he panted lightly, his knuckles white as he tried to restrain himself. His cock bobbed up as if begging for attention.

Shifting, you move up his body until your pussy is inches from Rafe's cock. You tap your clit with his cock, whimpering quietly, your clit still sensitive. Rafe's hands drift to your hips and you smack them away, giving him a smile as you rub your cunt against his dick, wanting to tease him just a little bit more.

He grits out your name, hands by his sides as he clenches them into a fist. "Stop teasing.”

"Or what?" you arch a brow, smirking as you let the head of his cock slip into your wet cunt. Temporarily speechless, Rafe lets out a guttural groan as you sink down unhurriedly, watching as your pussy wraps around his cock until he bottoms out. The size of his cock stretches you out, your walls fluttering around him as you rock slowly. "Holy shit."

"Jesus Christ." Rafe growls, his hands cupping your tits as you begin to bounce on his dick. He squeezes them, watching as your pussy swallows his cock like a vice. "So tight. Made just for me."

You moan at his words, leaning back and placing your hands on his thigh, giving him a view men would kill for. You ride his cock, throwing your head back at the feel of his cock stretching you out. Rafe reaches down, slapping your ass as you ride him, and you mewl at the gentle pain. "Rafe."

Rafe's thumb touches your clit, rubbing it as he watches you ride his cock, his lips parted slightly like he is seeing one of the seven wonders of the world. His eyes dart between his cock sliding in and out of your cunt and your face contorts with pleasure, moaning every time you slide down his cock.

"Fucking gorgeous." Rafe whispers, thrusting up into you, his pupils dilated when you whimper loudly. He sits up, his hands gripping your waist, moving his face in front of your bouncing tits, taking a nipple into his mouth, swirling it with his tongue. "So much better than I imagined, baby."

You place your hands on his shoulders, pussy clenching around his cock. You moan into his ear, kissing his neck as he thrusts up into you, your legs trembling as you draw closer to cumming. "Rafe, I'm gonna cum."

The words cause him to double his efforts, gripping your waist so tight it would leave bruises, his cock filling you up as he fucks you fast. His lips drag across your neck, leaving a mark as his cock brushes against your cervix. "Cum for me. Cum all over my cock like a fucking slut."

You cry out as you come, your cunt tightening around his cock. You bite Rafe's shoulder, muffling your ungodly loud moan. "Fuck, fuck!”

He pulls you back in for a kiss, spilling his seed into your awaiting pussy. Rafe slows to a stop, groaning against your lips, his cock nuzzled deep inside you. Rolling you on your back, he doesn't separate from you, keeping his dick warm as he kisses you languidly. Taking a breath, he breaks the kiss, staring down at you, a small smile gracing his lips. "You alright, sweetheart?"

Tired and content, you return his smile, pussy throbbing around his softening cock. You nod, eyes heavy. "Yeah, you?"

Rafe chuckles quietly. "Yeah, me too."

As your eyes drift close, you feel Rafe press a kiss to your forehead.

[crescenthistory]

carinaaa congratulations on 2k!!!🥹 could I pretty please request an 'argue' with 66 and 26 from list a and 8 from list c with our resident cassanova Remus Lupin <3

✶・•・✦・•・✶・✶・•・✦・•・✶

i will ARGUE for prompt 66 "half-finished crochet projects" and prompt 8 "i want to go home to my wife" with remus lupin

carina's 2k celebration

✶・•・✦・•・✶・✶・•・✦・•・✶

cw: fem!reader, alcohol, drunk!remus, established relationship, idiots in love

wc: 902

There were many versions of Remus that you could fish out of various bottles of alcohol.

There was the philosopher you would find in a bottle of whiskey. There was the loud and outspoken boy you would find in a few shots of tequila. The limoncello giggler, the cocktail dancer, the vodka idiot.

Your all-time favourite, though, would selfishly always be wine drunk Remus – because there was nothing on his mind but you.

Wine drunk Remus was an enamoured Remus.

When Lily invited you all over for a relaxing wine night, you had been a bit giddier than perhaps normal and Remus just shook his head and smiled at you. After this many years together, he had to know what he was like when he had enough red wine, but he was kind enough to silently indulge you.

After spending 40 minutes in the kitchen, getting sidetracked by talking at length with Pandora about what type of incense was best for the various days of the week, you heard a slightly slurred voice that warmed your heart all too well.

“Where is dovey?” 

You lit up at the love smeared across every word he said, holding back a laugh at the petulant tone behind them that told you he was surely talking to James or Sirius – the only ones apart from you that he showed this side openly to. The lovestruck side. 

Everyone else saw it too, of course, but what Remus didn’t know couldn’t hurt him.

Pandora tapped the side of her nose knowingly. “I think somebody’s looking for you.”

Your laughter rumbled low in your chest as you handed her the bottle you had originally gone off to fetch together, kissing her cheek briefly in the passing. “I want to hear all about how the moonwater turns out!” you called over your shoulder as you exited the lovely kitchen, searching for your husband.

“She’s in the kitchen or something, Moons,” you heard James say in the same tone he often spoke to Harry in, sounding as if this was not his first time saying this. “She’ll be back soon.”

“I want to go home to my wife.”

You found Remus and James sitting on the plush chairs in the little seating area squeezed in between the living room and dining room – truly, Potter Manor was too large for their own good. Remus’ bottom lip was just slightly tutted out and you saw the mirth swirling in James’ eyes, skin wrinkling happily around them at the sight of his best friend having had one too many.

“Home to your wife? Am I not here, baby?” you asked, unable to hide the laughter coating your words. You came up from behind him to place your hand on his shoulder.

The speed at which Remus’ head seemed to whip around immediately made him dizzy, but his smile didn’t dim on account of it – on the contrary, it seemed to widen painfully as he took you in.

“Dove,” he breathed out happily, stretching his cracking limbs to pull you closer to where he was seated, pressing his face to your stomach. “You disappeared.” 

“I’m sorry lovely, I was just chatting away with Pandora and lost track of time. Didn’t know you were looking for me.”

You met James’ gaze, an unspoken understanding between your more sober selves as you let yourselves be thoroughly entertained by the sight before you. One of your hands held Remus closer as the other came up to card through his tousled hair, earning you an immediate sigh of contentment. 

“‘M always looking for you.” Remus buried his face further into you as he spoke with a decided slur.

Your body shook with laughter as you kept petting him carefully. “Did you want to go home? Perhaps it’s time to sleep a little.”

Remus propped his chin up on your stomach to stare up at you, eyebrows furrowed in question. His hands came up to cling to your hips, but you suspected it was partly a matter of balance. “Why would we sleep? We have so much to do.”

“Like what?” James was the one who spoke through a laugh this time and Remus seemed genuinely surprised he was still there.

“We have half-finished crochet projects to throw ourselves into!” Remus insisted. He looked back up at you, almost pouting again. “I wanted you to show me how to do the jasmine stitch again. I forgot. It’s so much easier to knit, but you make crochet seem so… beautiful.”

The way he trailed off at the end of his sentence made you think he forgot what he was going to say and concluded on beautiful simply because he was looking at you. It was ridiculous how content you were.

With kind fingers, you brushed over Remus’ cheek, heart warming as he nuzzled against your hand. “Okay, my love. We can crochet in bed together.”

James gave you a yeah sure look, flashing his teeth as he laughed, clearly not having any faith in Remus’ ability to stay awake for much longer. You rolled your eyes with a smile, despite being more than aware he was right.

“Come now,” you whispered to Remus, helping him up and out of his seat. “Let’s get you home to your wife.”

His responding grin told you that somewhere within him he knew he was being ridiculous – and that he was loving every second of it.

“Yes please."

[womanofwords]

Darling Demon (Part 2)

Yandere!batfam x betrothed!neglected!male!reader x yandere!demon!spouse

You woke up with the sun in your eyes from the holes in your curtains. You'd been asking for new ones, but Bruce thought they were unnecessary and said no. Hopefully, you would still get to make yourself your birthday cake like you'd been planning. You only turn eighteen once, right?

You did your best to avoid your siblings. They were unenthusiastic about being related to you at the best of times. Damian, your biological brother, was openly disgusted at your existence. He showed you in his words, his hits and kicks, and the twisted stunts he orchestrated to remind you that you didn't belong.

"I did you a favour. You're too old for that thing," Damian said. You could only stare at your stuffed bear in horror, its cotton innards and brown felt skin making your room into a crime scene.

"My mother got me that bear," you said.

"Your mother was a waste of space. You resemble her in that regard. Have your stupid bear." Your bear's severed head was tossed at you, and all you could do was wail.

When your eighteenth birthday came along, you were hoping for something quiet. Alfred had agreed to let you have the kitchen to yourself so you could bake yourself a birthday cake. This year, you'd been thinking of apple and strawberry loaf cake.

"What to have for breakfast? Toast, or cereal?" you murmured. Jason shoulder-checked you out of the way without even a murmur of apology. Never mind, you could wait.

You grabbed some granola bars and ate at your chair, the chair that was far removed from everyone else's. As you chewed, you tried to remember what your mom used to tell you about your birthday.

"You came into the world at 9 AM sharp! That was how I knew you'd be a morning person!"

What time was it now? 8:59. You were going to be chewing granola bars through your eighteenth birthday like the biggest loser in the world. Nobody even knew it was your birthday. Not Bruce, not Dick, and certainly not Damian. Best case scenario, you could bake your cake uninterrupted.

A whistling sound came from the ceiling. Was there a draft in here? You decided to ignore it. After all, everyone else ignored you.

A portal widened in the middle of the dining hall. Two horned, bipedal creatures in tunics emerged from it, roaming around the room in search of something.

You weren't sticking around to find out what it was that they wanted.

With shaking legs, you got up and ran, getting away from them like no tomorrow. A guttural howl ripped through the manor as they noticed you and gave chase.

You ran faster than you had ever run in your life, because you had to. You could feel the space behind you grow warm, but you certainly weren't going to look over your shoulder to see if that heat was fire or the creature's hot breath. You felt a thick, coil of rope wrap around your waist, tighten and drag you back towards one of the demons.

"No, no! Don't eat me! I don't know what I did, but I'm sorry!" you sobbed, as the demon held you tightly and brought you to its friend. You felt cold, heavy metal clamp around your wrists and ankles. The other demon looked you up and down hungrily.

"Y/N WAYNE!" it roared. "YOU ARE NOW CLAIMED AS THE PRIZE AND SPOUSE OF AZRIR ACCORDING TO THE RULES OF BATTLE AND PRIOR FORFEIT OF YOUR SOUL!"

Well, that just might set this birthday apart from all the others you'd had in Wayne Manor.

Taglist: @tinybrie, @bunniotomia.

First/previous

Next

[marixrose]

Can you do yandere jinwoo headcannons?

Yessss you don’t know how happy I am to have a request! It’s been a few years since someone’s requested something, I am so so happy!

𝐉𝐢𝐧-𝐖𝐨𝐨 𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬 + 𝐎𝐧𝐞-𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭 [EXTRA!]

One-Shot pt2 is NSFW so 18+ ONLY

1. Silent but deadly obsession:

Jinwoo isn’t the loud, chaotic type of yandere. He’s quiet, methodical—his obsession with you builds slowly and dangerously, until you’re the only thing he thinks about. You’d never even know until it’s too late.

2. Shadows everywhere:

He always knows where you are. Always. There’s a shadow following you every second of the day, even if you can’t see it. If anyone gets too close to you, that shadow reports back to Jinwoo—and depending on who it is, that person might not be around much longer.

3. Cold to everyone else:

Jinwoo barely acknowledges other people anymore. You’re the only one who gets to see his softer side—his smirks, the way his gaze lingers, how his tone lowers just for you. Everyone else gets the cold, calculated Hunter. While you get the soft, loving, possessive side of him.

4. Manipulative protector:

He frames everything as “protecting you.” That friend you used to text late at night? “Too suspicious.” Your job that keeps you late? “Too dangerous.” He’ll find a way to get you fired, isolated, and fully dependent on him—and you’ll never be able to prove he did it.

5. Possessive touch:

He’s subtle with PDA—hand on your lower back when others are near, standing a little too close when you talk to someone else. His presence alone is a warning to anyone daring enough to look at you the wrong way.

6. You're his greatest weakness:

For all his power, Jinwoo’s terrified of losing you. If you ever tried to run, he’d search the entire world for you. He’d burn cities if he had to. He can’t let you go—not now, not ever.

But it is almost certain that he will catch you even before you try to run. He knows all and sees all so don’t even try to run away. If you do, there will be consequences.

7. Sweet in private, terrifying in public:

Behind closed doors, he’ll cradle you in his arms, whisper promises that sound like vows and threats all at once. But in public? No one dares touch what’s his. Not after what happened to the last guy who tried.

8. “If I can’t have you…”

It’s not said out loud, but the threat is always there. He doesn’t even need to say it. The possessiveness in his eyes, the way his shadows shift when you talk about leaving—it’s clear. You’re his. Forever.

𝐎𝐍𝐄-𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐓!

𝐉𝐢𝐧-𝐖𝐨𝐨 | 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐆𝐨

Yandere!Sung Jinwoo x Reader | Y/N’s POV | Slightly NSFW / Obsessive, possessive, soft-dark vibes

I knew he’d find me.

The door clicks shut behind me. My breath is sharp in my lungs, the silence too still—like the moment before a predator pounces. I press my back to the wall, praying to a god I no longer believe in. And then… I feel it.

The shadows shift.

Creep across the floor. Curl around my ankle like a leash.

“You knew I’d find you.”

His voice. Low. Controlled. Drenched in that terrifying calm he wears like a second skin.

I can’t move. Can’t even look at him when he steps out of the dark, dressed in black like the reaper he is. I can feel the weight of his stare—hot and possessive—like hands on my skin.

“You said I was free,” I whisper, my voice barely holding steady.

“I lied.”

Of course he did.

He moves closer. I stay frozen. My legs would betray me if I tried anything now anyway. He’s always been gentle with me—dangerous, yes, but gentle—and that’s what scares me most. He doesn’t need to scream. He doesn't need to threaten.

He just needs to look at me like that.

“I didn’t hurt anyone,” I try again. It’s not a defense. It’s a plea.

“I know,” he murmurs, almost like he’s proud. “You’ve always been good for me.”

His hand lifts. Fingers trail down my cheek, soft, reverent. Like I’m precious. Like he owns me.

“You just forgot,” Jinwoo whispers, “who you belong to.”

My heart stops.

Then restarts under his thumb—now brushing lightly over my lips.

I should say something. I should scream or slap him or run.

But I don’t.

Because part of me missed him.

Because part of me wants this.

“Say it,” he breathes, stepping closer. His hand slides down to my throat—not tight, just enough to remind me he could. “Tell me who owns you.”

God help me.

“You,” I whisper. “You do.”

His eyes flash. Like that’s all he ever needed.

He kisses me then. Deep. Claiming. And I melt into it, my fingers curling into his shirt before I even think to stop myself. His shadows crawl up around me—wrapping, coiling, *binding*—and I don’t resist. How can I, when part of me was already his?

“You can run,” he says against my lips, his voice hoarse. “But I’ll always find you.”

He lifts me like I weigh nothing. Carries me toward the bed like he’s done it a thousand times. And I don’t fight him.

Not because I can’t.

But because I don’t want to.

Because no matter how far I run, some twisted, broken part of me will always want to be tangled up in his darkness.

And Jinwoo knows it.

Alright—this is where things get *intense*. You're in Y/N’s POV, wrapped in shadows, trapped under the man who says you belong to him. It’s possessive, slow-burn, and toeing the line between dark obsession and deep desire.

𝐉𝐢𝐧-𝐖𝐨𝐨 | 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐆𝐨 𝐏𝐓 2

Explicit content. Obsessive love. Soft but intense dom Jinwoo. Slight dubcon due to emotional manipulation/control.

His mouth never leaves mine as he lays me back on the bed—slow, deliberate, like he has all the time in the world. His hands explore like he’s relearning a body he’s memorized in dreams. Every brush of his fingers sends shivers through me.

I hate how much I feel like I’m sinking. Like I want to drown in him.

“I should punish you,” he murmurs against my throat, his lips dragging heat down my skin. “But I missed you too much.”

He pulls back just enough to look down at me—his eyes dark, burning, hungry.

“I waited,” he says, almost like he’s blaming me. “You were gone for four days. Do you know what that did to me?”

I try to look away, but his fingers grip my chin.

“No hiding,” Jinwoo says softly. “You ran. You knew what that meant.”

His hand trails down my neck, across my collarbone. My shirt disappears—literally—his shadows unraveling the fabric like smoke, leaving my skin bare under his gaze.

“You’re mine,” he breathes, his mouth brushing over my breast, tongue flicking slow circles around my nipple until I gasp. “Say it again.”

I arch into him, both from the heat and the command laced in his voice.

“I’m yours,” I whisper, and he groans like he’s finally home.

His mouth travels lower, kissing over my stomach, teeth grazing my hip. He drags my thighs apart slowly, reverently. Shadows curl around my wrists—not restraining, just reminding. He doesn’t need to chain me.

He knows I’m not going anywhere now.

His lips press against the inside of my thigh. “You don’t run from me again,” he says, voice low and lethal. “Or I’ll keep you locked away where no one can even look at you.”

And then he devours me.

His tongue is relentless, patient and punishing at once. Every flick, every swirl—he knows exactly what he’s doing. I’m gasping, moaning, trembling under him. The pleasure is overwhelming, hot and dizzying.

I come undone under his mouth, and when I cry out his name, he doesn’t stop.

He doesn’t stop until I’m shaking, until my thighs are twitching and my voice is hoarse.

Only then does he pull back—eyes full of obsession and pride.

“Good girl,” he whispers. “So sweet when you remember who you belong to.”

Then he’s kissing me again, deep and rough, and I taste myself on his lips. His clothes vanish in shadows, and I feel the heat of him against me—hard, ready, unrelenting.

And when he enters me, it’s not rushed. It’s not angry. It’s possessive. Every thrust is slow and deep, like he’s staking a claim. Like this is a warning to the universe.

She’s mine.

My fingers claw into his back, my name a whisper against his ear, and I feel him everywhere. His shadows curl tighter, holding me open, keeping me still while he drives into me again and again, making sure I feel it in my bones.

“I’ll never let you go,” Jinwoo groans against my neck. “Even if you beg.”

I believe him.

God, I believe him.

And when I come again, he follows—his name ragged in my ear, his teeth in my skin, his body pressed tight to mine like he could fuse us together.

When it’s over, he doesn’t let go.

He wraps himself around me, fingers in my hair, lips on my shoulder, voice a broken whisper.

“No more running.”

And I don’t answer.

Because I don’t know if I want to.

[sp0o0kylights]

Part Two / Part Three

Ao3

It's 8:45 am. 

The Red Barn, which is neither red nor a barn, has been open since 7, catering to the early morning crowd with rounds of coffee and pancakes.

It was no Benny's, but given the size of Hawkins and the lack of alternatives?

No one was complaining. 

They were all too happy someone had opened up another watering hole for the working class man (or lass, as Foreman Shelly will dutifully remind you) which meant the place was packed with both day and night shift regulars, passing each other in staggered waves. 

It also meant Wayne was sharing the packed breakfast counter with a warehouse worker by the name of John Cheese on one side and Police Chief Jim Hopper on the other.

He doesn't mind it.

Wayne's a man on a budget thinner than his shoelace, but he's also a man who understands that small indulgences need to be made in life or you didn't truly live it.

This is how he convinces himself to get a coffee at the Barn after work everyday, reading the morning newspaper and chatting with the other regulars before he heads home.

Bonus, it gets him out of the rapid-fire franticness that is his nephew in the mornings.

(All the love in the world wouldn't change the fact that all that Eddie came with a lot of noise. 

The kind of noise that was a tried and true recipe for a headache right after a long shift.)

As a trade off, Wayne went to bed early so he could wake up in time for dinner with Eddie.

 It was a nice little system that worked for them. 

A routine Wayne was reminiscing fondly on, when the pager on Chief Hopper started to chirp. With a sad moan, the man fished out a few crumbled bills and threw them on the counter, abandoning his coffee to trudge out to his truck.

This was not unusual.

Particularly recently, given they were but a scant few weeks past that whole mall ordeal. A fact all too easy to remember when one caught sight of the Chief’s still healing face. 

What was unusual, was when he came storming through the doors a minute later, face now a furious shade of red with his hat clenched in his hand. 

The energy in the room shifted, taking on something a little watchful as Hopper swept his gaze from side to side, like a dog on the hunt.

Judging by the way he stilled when he caught sight of Wayne, the latter assumed he found what he was looking for and could only pray it was the person behind him. 

(He liked John, but Wayne had enough trouble this year and he wasn't looking for any more.) 

"Munson." Hopper called, striding over and dashing all his hopes. There was a choked fury emitting off him, and given the way John audibly scooted his chair away, Wayne knew everyone had clocked it. 

"Chief." Wayne greeted, inclining his head towards him.

Idly he wondered what the hell his nephew had done this time.

'So help me if he stole all the town's lawn flamingos and put them in that damn teachers yard again….'

Wayne didn't even get to finish his threat, the Chief was already next to him. 

"Mind if I have a word outside?" 

Dammit Eddie.

"Ah hell, what's he done now?" Wayne asked with a sigh, eyeing the coffee he had left morosely. 

There was still almost half of it left and the pot had tasted fresh for once. 

"What?" Hopper said, and then Wayne got to watch as the man ran through an entire chain of thoughts, each one punctuated by things like; "Oh," and "No. " 

"This is something else." He finished, flushed and fidgeting, anger making him antsy. 

Wayne stared up at him. 

"Something else?" He repeated, not sure he heard.

"Yes, something else." Hopper snapped impatiently, before leaning forward, voice dropping low. "This doesn't involve your nephew, but we both know you owe me for how many times I've let that kid off, Wayne. That's a damn big favor I've been doing you and I'm calling it in." 

If it were any other cop, it'd sound like a threat.

It was Hopper though. The same Hopper who Wayne had gone to school with.

They'd never been friends exactly, but they had been friendly and remained so. Even now, after Wayne had taken Eddie in, who’d gone on to be an undeniable pain in the local PD’s ass. 

Hopper really did let the kid off easy. 

Wayne really did owe him. 

So he put down his coffee with a sigh, passed his newspaper over to John and stood up, motioning for Hopper to lead the way. Got into the Chief’s truck when he waved him in, and didn’t make a big fuss when Hopper tore out of the parking lot like hell was about to open up under them. 

"Not a lot of the kids involved in the mall fire could be identified, but a few of them were." Hopper started, which felt nonsensical given the utter lack of context. 

Wayne hummed to show he’d heard. 

“Some of them got banged up more than others, and a lot of people wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t make it.” 

A pause, Hopper white knuckling the steering wheel as he swung the truck hard around a turn. 

“For certain people, those kids dying is the preferred outcome.” 

A mix of fear and warning swopped low in Wayne’s gut. 

"Jim." Wayne said, dropping the use of a last name because if any situation called for it, it was this one. "What exactly are you saying here?" 

The Chief chewed on his split lip. 

"I know you're smart, Munson. I know you, and plenty of others are aware that something's happening, been happening in this town." 

Which was a hell of an understatement if you asked Wayne. Plenty of the upper classes might be able to bury their heads when it came to the military parading about and the flow of “accidents” they brought in their wake, but then, they didn't see all the other signs of trouble. 

The absolute oddity that was Starcourt’s construction. 

How it had been built using primarily outside crews and anyone who'd taken a singular look at the site could tell you they were building it weird. 

Weird as in it looked like it would have a multi-level basement, and not what a mall should have. 

Then there were the constant electrical problems. The backups upon backups that failed. The late night delivery vans headed out to the Hawkins Lab. 

The things in the woods that kept spooking all the deer and the weird markings they left behind that unnerved even the hardest of hunters. 

This didn’t even touch the Russian military that more than one reputable person swore was hanging around. 

The very same Wayne himself had seen, on more than one occasion. 

(And you couldn’t deny it; those boys were military. Past or present, it didn’t matter. They moved like a threat, and Wayne treated them like one, staying well clear.)

"Yeah." Wayne admitted. "I also know better than to stick my nose in it." 

"That makes you a smarter man than me.' Hop complained under his breath, but the anger was self directed. 

"The point is, there are some government types crawling around, doing shit they shouldn't be doing, and more than a few of them are in the business of making people disappear.” 

This was absolutely not where Wayne had thought this was going. 

Hopper took a breath. Than another.

A third.

It was starting to make Wayne nervous, in a way he hadn’t felt since a social worker had brought Eddie to him for the last time and final time. It was the feeling that things were about to shift in a way that would change the course of his life. 

"Steve Harrington is sitting in my office right now, beat to absolute shit.” Hopper admitted.

Wayne gave him the floor to talk, letting him go at his own pace without interruptions. 

“He's there because some of those government types finally figured out his parents are never fucking home.” 

Wayne sucked in a breath. 

"We both know his parents, Wayne. Harassing them to come back and take care of their kid won't work, and frankly, I’m beginning to think all the phone lines are tapped anyway.” He winced here, like voicing such a thing pained him, and Wayne understood.

It sounded a little too out there, a little like he was buying into a conspiracy. 

Except he wasn’t. Wayne knew he wasn’t. 

Jim Hopper might have been an alcoholic, a man living in pain and unconcerned with his own life, but if there was one thing he was solid for, it was shit like this.

He didn’t jump to conclusions. Didn’t believe the first thing people told him. Even at his worst, he did the work to see what was really happening, and made his decisions from there. 

(Even if that decision was to accept the occasional bribe, or drive an intoxicated 13 year old Eddie home instead of hauling his ass into the drunk tank.) 

“Harrington won’t admit it, but he’s got a hell of a concussion if not a full blown brain injury and he’s not reacting as well as he should to Suites trying to run him off the road.” Hopper continued. Angrily, he added, “Damn kid didn’t even come to me until they tried to break into his house last night.” 

His fingers squeezed the wheel so hard Wayne heard the leather creak in protest. 

“I’d take him, but my cabin is being renovated from…” He trailed off, heaving a sigh.

 “A storm, so me and my kid are bunked with the Byers right now and we’re full up.” 

Hawkins hadn't had a storm like that in years, but Wayne wasn't going to call him out on the blatant lie. 

“I need a place to stash him for the next few weeks, until I can work with some of the higher ups sniffing around, and get them to call off their attack dogs.” 

“And you want to stuff him with me.” Wayne finished. 

“I know you don’t have the room.” Hopper admitted easily, stopping his truck at a red light and locking eyes with the other man. “But I also know you’ll be the last place anyone would look for him.” 

'Ain’t that the damn truth.'

“You’re really gonna go this far for a Harrington?” Wayne asked, instead of the million of other questions leaping to the forefront of his mind. 

This one, he figured, was the most important. 

“He’s not his dad.” Hopper said, as firm as Wayne had ever heard him. “He’s not either of his parents, and he saved my little girl.” 

Wayne hadn’t even known Hopper had another little girl, but he also knew better than to ask where the guy had found one. 

It wasn’t his business, just as nothing else Jim was involved in, was his business.

Except, apparently, Steve Harrington. 

“I’m gonna need my own truck if I’m takin' Harrington home.” Wayne said easily, instead of bothering to ask anything else.

If Jim said the kid was different than his daddy, then he was--because when it came to things like that, Jim didn't lie.

No point in it. 

“I know. Just needed to talk to you first, without anyone overhearing.” Jim said, before swinging the police truck around and heading back to the Barn. 

“I’ll stay in contact with you, and I’ll make sure Harrington pays you for the pleasure of your hospitality. Just--” Here Jim cut himself off, looking like he was struggling an awful lot with the next thing he wanted to say. 

Once again, Wayne waited him out.

“Don’t let Steve fool you. He’s good at fooling people, letting them think he’s okay. Too good at it, and between the two of us, I have a real good idea of the reason why.” 

A memory came to Wayne unbidden, of Richard Harrington and Chet Hagan, beating some poor kid in the highschool bathroom bloody. The grins on their faces as the poor guy wailed for them to stop.

How they almost hadn’t. 

“Alright.” Wayne agreed.

Hopper swung back into the Barn's parking lot, and Wayne moved right to his own beat to shit truck, ready to follow Jim back to the police station.

He wasn’t a praying man, not anymore, but Catholisim wasn’t a thing that let you go easy. 

He found himself sending up a quick prayer, fingers flicking in a kind of miniature version of the sign of the cross. 

Considering his own kid’s history with Harrington, and the sheer small space of the trailer? 

Wayne had a feeling it was needed.

[deliciousangelfestival]

The Imperfect Couple - 6

Character: politician!Bucky x ex-wife!reader

Summary: A separated couple must pretend to be happily married while the husband runs for Vice President, dealing with old issues and political pressures during his election campaign.

Warning: The couple's arguments could be triggering.

Chapter 1 , Chapter 2 , Chapter 3 , Chapter 4 , Chapter 5 , Chapter 6 , Chapter 7 , Chapter 8 , Chapter 9 , Chapter 10 , Chapter 11 , Chapter 12 , Series Masterlist

Main Masterlist || If you enjoy my work, please consider buying me a coffee on Ko-fi 🙏🏻

By the way, I publish my book Arrogant Ex-Husband and Dad, I Can't Let You Go by Alina C. Bing on Kindle.

Thank you to everyone who has read this chapter. Leave a comment and Reblog, please. I'd love to hear your thoughts. ❤️

“How long have you known him?” Bucky’s voice was calm, but his eyes were sharp, watching every reaction.

“Five years,” you answered, keeping your tone steady. You didn’t want him to pick up on any hint of tension.

Bucky frowned, a strange sense of familiarity tugging at him. Ian seemed like a typical journalist, but something else about him gnawed at Bucky's instincts.

He rarely interacted with foreign reporters, so why did Ian’s presence feel… off? He was sure he'd figure out why this feeling wouldn't leave him.

Before either of you could say more, Greg appeared, clipboard in hand, and gave you both a pointed look. “Alright, you two, time to get ready. The event’s about to start. Let’s make sure everything runs smoothly.”

You nodded, feeling the butterflies in your stomach begin to stir. You’d been on stages before, but not like this. Not with Bucky, not under the gaze of an entire country.

Bucky noticed your hesitation and moved closer, placing a firm hand on your lower back. “It’s going to be fine,” he whispered, his voice low and reassuring. “I’ve got you.”

You looked up at him, trying to read his eyes. Was he just saying that for the cameras? Or was there something deeper there? It was getting harder to tell. You nodded anyway, more for yourself than for him, and straightened up. You had to play your part, just as you always did.

At the Convention

The large venue buzzed with excitement, lights shining down on the stage like spotlights in an arena. When Steve Rogers walked up to the podium, the room went silent, all eyes on him. He was the golden candidate—charismatic, confident, the embodiment of what the people wanted.

The room buzzed with anticipation as Steve Rogers approached the podium, every eye in the venue locked onto him. He stood tall, his presence commanding, radiating the quiet strength he was known for. After a brief moment, he began speaking, his voice steady but filled with passion.

"Ladies and gentlemen, fellow Americans," Steve’s voice echoed with gravitas, "Today, we stand at the threshold of a new era. We face challenges that require not just strong leadership, but leadership rooted in integrity, honor, and the unyielding belief in the power of the people."

The crowd quieted further, hanging on his every word.

"For too long, we’ve watched division grow. But I believe in the strength of unity, the strength of standing together—one nation, bound by a shared responsibility to protect our freedom, our families, and our future. And I pledge to lead with the same unwavering commitment that I’ve given to this country my entire life."

He took a brief pause, allowing his words to sink in, then continued, his tone growing more impassioned.

"I am not just here as a candidate, but as a father, a husband, and a son," he said, gesturing toward his wife, Peggy, and their children standing nearby, his parents behind them. "I want a better world for my family—just as I want a better world for yours. A world where opportunity isn’t reserved for the few but shared by the many. A world where every child grows up in safety, with access to education, health, and the opportunity to pursue their dreams."

The applause began to rise, but Steve held his hand up gently, signaling for quiet once more.

"This is not just my campaign. This is our campaign. Together, we will fight for a future that respects the dignity of every individual. We will build an America where justice is not selective but a right for all. Where leadership is about service—not power."

His voice crescendoed, igniting the room.

"Because I believe in us. I believe in the promise of America, and I believe in the strength of the American people. Together, we will rise to meet the challenges of today, and together, we will create a brighter, fairer, and stronger tomorrow."

The room erupted into thunderous applause as Steve’s words settled over the crowd. He stepped back, waving, as Peggy and their children joined him at the front of the stage, a living testament to the family values he championed.

With that, Steve Rogers sealed the moment—an electrifying speech that echoed far beyond the walls of the convention hall.

The crowd erupted into applause as Steve stepped aside, making way for Bucky.

Now it was his turn.

You watched as Bucky walked to the podium with the practiced ease of a man who was born for this. His dark suit was perfectly tailored, the overhead lights catching the sharp angles of his face. As soon as he began speaking, the room hushed again.

“I want to thank everyone for being here today,” Bucky started, his voice strong, yet warm. “Serving alongside Steve has been the honor of my life, and I am proud to stand here as the candidate for Vice President. My family—my parents Julius and Caroline, my siblings Shawn and Hazel, my nephew Nate, and my brother-in-law Tim—are with me today.” He motioned to the side, where they all stood. Caroline’s expression was as rigid as ever, while Julius offered a rare smile.

Then Bucky’s eyes found you.

“And of course, my wife. She’s been my rock. She’s stood by me through the hardest times, and I can’t imagine being here without her.” His voice softened, but the sincerity in his words cut through the noise in your head.

You smiled on cue, the kind of smile you’d perfected over years of practice. But inside, everything felt muddled. Bucky spoke as though you were his whole world, but you knew the truth. This was a performance. A calculated move to protect his image.

The applause was thunderous, but it sounded far away as you fought the emotions swirling inside you. Bucky looked the part—strong, dependable, built for this kind of role. He was doing everything right.

But you? You were pretending. The smile you wore for the cameras wasn’t for him; it was for the part of you that wanted to see Caroline suffer, to see her envy every look Bucky gave you on that stage. But underneath the spite, you felt something deeper, something far more complicated.

'Can I really keep doing this?' The question lodged itself in your mind as the applause rang out again.

You watched Bucky continue his speech, looking every bit the man of the moment. He thrived in this atmosphere, while you felt like you were drowning in a sea of lies. Every glance from the audience, every flash from the cameras, reminded you that none of this was real.

When he finished, the room erupted in applause again. Bucky turned to you, offering his hand. The warmth of his palm against yours was meant to be reassuring, but it only deepened your confusion.

As you both exited the stage, his grip tightened slightly, just enough for you to notice. He leaned down, voice low in your ear. “You did great,” he whispered. His words were laced with a strange tenderness that made your stomach flip.

You nodded, but deep down, the weight of this act was crushing you.

🌸🌸🌸🌸

As the convention wrapped up and the crowd began to disperse, you and Bucky maneuvered Tim’s wheelchair carefully. The excitement of the day was still buzzing in the air, but you could sense the underlying tension between Bucky and Ian as Ian approached you and Tim.

Ian greeted you with a friendly smile. “Hey, I’m working on a piece about the election from the perspective of the candidates’ families. What’s it like for you and your family during all this?”

Bucky, standing beside you, made a subtle move to place himself between you and Ian, a protective gesture that didn't go unnoticed. “I’m not sure if that’s appropriate,” Bucky began, but Tim cut him off.

“Of course! I’ve never been interviewed before. It’ll be good to share my side,” Tim said eagerly, his eyes bright with enthusiasm.

Bucky looked at Tim, then at you, his frustration evident in the tightness of his jaw. He sighed and stepped aside, unable to argue with Tim’s excitement or your reluctance to refuse a friend’s request.

Ian turned to you, his expression curious. “You never mentioned your brother before. It’s clear you two have a strong bond.”

“She’s a private person,” Tim interjected with a hint of pride.

Ian raised an eyebrow, glancing back at you. “You really seem to know her well.”

“We may not always show it, but we’re very close. She’s been like a second mother to me, especially after I lost my leg,” Tim said, his voice carrying an unusual warmth.

You felt a blush rise to your cheeks at the unexpected praise from your brother. It was rare to hear him speak so openly about his feelings.

Ian smiled as he jotted down notes. “This story is going to resonate with a lot of people.”

After a while, Tim excused himself, leaving you and Ian alone. Ian’s demeanor shifted subtly, becoming more serious.

“Thanks for giving him the chance to speak,” you said with a slight edge. “You know, it feels like you just handed him a chance to embarrass me.”

Ian chuckled softly, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. “Isn’t that what siblings do? Cherish these moments of difference before it’s too late.”

You raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean,-?”

Before you could ask, Ian pulled you aside, his face set with determination. “I heard there’s a divorce in your marriage.”

You stiffened, your eyes widening in surprise. “How did you find out?”

Ian’s smirk was almost smug. “Don’t underestimate my skills. You vanished, then reappeared, acting like everything’s perfect. I pieced it together from the campaign.”

He leaned closer, his frustration evident. “Not once did you mention him. And now, suddenly, you’re playing the loving wife. It’s irritating.”

You crossed your arms, feeling a wave of anger and discomfort. “Are you planning to use this information?”

Ian’s expression softened, though his eyes were intense. “I don’t know yet. But a few people already know.”

You flinched at his words, a shiver running down your spine.

Ian’s voice dropped to a reassuring whisper. “Don’t worry. They’ve only heard rumors. No one has solid evidence. I could protect you. Because you deserve someone better.”

You gulped, unable to speak. Ian’s concern seemed genuine, but you couldn’t shake off the pain from your marriage with Bucky. Your emotions were still tangled, and you didn’t want to get involved with Ian’s feelings, especially now.

You glanced up and saw Bucky watching you from across the room. His eyes were locked on you, his gaze sharp and intense. It felt like he was assessing every movement, every word. The tension in his stare made your heart race, and you could almost feel his frustration and jealousy from afar.

🌸🌸🌸🌸

As the car sped through the night, the backseat felt increasingly cramped, the air thick with unspoken tension. You stared out the window, trying to avoid Bucky’s piercing gaze. The city lights flickered past, a blur of neon and shadows, as you stewed over the conversation with Ian and the unresolved questions it left.

Bucky's silence was more oppressive than any words. His jaw was set tight, and the muscles in his neck were rigid. When he finally spoke, his voice was cold, laced with an edge of command. “Don’t meet Ian anymore.”

You continued to look out the window, your reflection a ghostly image against the darkened glass. “He knew about the divorce,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper.

Bucky’s breath hitched, his grip on the seat tightening. He was silent for a moment, the weight of your revelation settling in. Then, unexpectedly, he chuckled, a dark, humorless sound. “Well, that means I’m on the right track. Every politician has skeletons in their closet.”

You turned your head sharply to face him, eyes narrowing. “You’re not afraid if the rumor leaks out?”

Bucky’s gaze remained steady, but his jaw tightened slightly. “I’m not gonna lie, I am afraid. But I’m more worried about how it’ll affect you.” He paused “But look at the bright side. It narrows down the list of people who knew about our marriage.”

You turned to him, eyes narrowing in frustration. “You’re playing with fire, Bucky.”

He leaned closer, the space between you shrinking rapidly. His expression softened into a smirk, but his eyes held a dangerous glint. “I’ll win this for you. I still remember that moment when you wished me to win, just to spite my mother. I need that brave Y/N.”

You could feel the heat from his body, his breath mingling with yours as he drew nearer. The car’s dim lighting accentuated the intensity in his eyes, a smoldering gaze that made your pulse quicken. “Don’t make this about me,” you said, trying to keep your voice steady.

Bucky’s smirk deepened, and he moved even closer, his face inches from yours. “But babe, this is all for you,” he murmured, his voice a low, seductive growl.

His proximity was overwhelming, and you could feel the heat radiating from his body. You swallowed hard, the line between anger and something else entirely blurring as his lips almost brushed against yours.

Your breath hitched, and for a moment, you were caught between the anger at his manipulation and the undeniable pull of the unresolved feelings you still harbored for him. The confined space of the car seemed to shrink around you, the air charged with a mix of frustration and unspoken desire.

Bucky’s gaze locked onto yours, his smirk fading into an expression of intense focus. His hand reached out, fingertips grazing your cheek in a feather-light touch that made your skin tingle. “I need you to trust me,” he said softly, his voice carrying an almost desperate edge.

You hated him for the pain he’d caused, but his touch betrayed your emotions, making it hard to stay firm. And he knew it. You wanted to wipe that smug look off his face.only the charged, almost unbearable closeness between you.

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[st4r-th0ughts]

Mk11 characters x Shinnok’s spawn! GN reader intros.

masterlist

>pt.1 pt.2 pt.3 pt.4

tw/cw: possible ooc, I’ve been watching mk11 intros and binging the story lol, reader here is by technically, a young adult/ just pushing adulthood in immortal? years (that’s why Raiden and Kitana will refer to them as child) so all intros are strictly platonic, not proofread so may have spelling mistakes!

Character list (part 1): Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Kitana, Jade, Raiden. (Most of these characters are the pre time merged ones, basically non revenant, and no dark Raiden)

Reader’s background: Reader is Liu Kang’s adopted child, a young one he found between Netherealm and Earthrealm. Kung Lao absolutely adored Liu Kang’s child, his very own nibling. As did almost everyone else when they met you.

It is revealed in Mkx, reader was the spawn of Shinnok, made to take his place should he ever perish. Raiden, who was now so obsessed with Earthrealm’s safety, even if it means attacking and shunning all those he deemed a threat, he banished reader from Earthrealm, demanding all those who ally with him to kill reader upon sight.

Now, in Mk11 after the time merger, reader can’t bring themselves to trust anyone. Not after being betrayed, left behind, and hunted. Living in an abandoned mansion, alone, in the dark.

Liu Kang- Your father. A man who loves you to pieces.

⊹₊🔥⋆｡°✩ (1)

LK- Come back to your family, NAME.

R- I am your child no longer, Chosen One.

LK- Please, it is breaking my heart seeing you like this.

⊹₊🔥⋆｡°✩ (2)

R- You side with Raiden? After all he’s done to us?

LK- The Lord Raiden you know is not the one I know, NAME.

R- Yet he’s the one who will send us to our demise.

⊹₊🔥⋆｡°✩ (3)

LK- Your fate is a tragic one.

R- One Raiden’s mistakes caused.

LK- One that he regrets deeply, child.

⊹₊🔥⋆｡°✩ (4)

R- Remember those times you’d bring me for those sneaks of sweet treats?

LK- Of course. Your smile always made me indescribably happy.

R- It’s a shame, the only sweets I eat now are in silence.

⊹₊🔥⋆｡°✩ (5)

R- Uncle Kung Lao. How is he?

LK- He’s doing well, but he misses you dearly, NAME.

R- I don’t see the need to come back if he is doing fine.

⊹₊🔥⋆｡°✩ (6)

LK- It’s just so… odd, seeing my child all grown up.

R- It has been decades since I last saw you as the man I once respected.

LK- I am here now, NAME. I shall not be going anywhere.

⊹₊🔥⋆｡°✩ (7)

LK- You neutralized Shao Khan with practiced ease.

R- Having to fend for yourself for decades does that.

LK- I regret not having to have been there to keep you shielded.

⊹₊🔥⋆｡°✩ (8)

R- I never thought I’d see you alive, much less not look at me with malice.

LK- My revenant counterpart is a warped version of me.

R- The people I loved have either left me or have become shadows of themselves.

⊹₊🔥⋆｡°✩ (Revenant Liu Kang)

R- My hate for you goes beyond the realms.

R! LK- Is that any way to speak to your father, child?

R- I am not your child. I have stopped being anyone’s child decades ago.

Kung Lao- The greatest and funnest uncle! Well, he was, once.

─ ⊹ ⊱꒰☆꒱⊰ ⊹ ─ (1)

KL- Your dad really misses you, NAME.

R- I don’t need his care. I didn’t need anyone for a long time.

KL- Never let him hear you that.

─ ⊹ ⊱꒰☆꒱⊰ ⊹ ─ (2)

R- Uncle Kung Lao? Is this another hallucination of my mind?!

KL- The greatest uncle, in the flesh.

R- Let’s see if kombat proves it.

─ ⊹ ⊱꒰☆꒱⊰ ⊹ ─ (3)

KL- Your kombat has gotten much better than last I saw you.

R- Yours hasn’t, Uncle.

KL- Okay, now we need to fight.

─ ⊹ ⊱꒰☆꒱⊰ ⊹ ─ (4)

R- Raiden’s incompetence killed you.

KL- It was Shao Khan who did me in.

R- Yet, Raiden was the one who allowed you to fight him knowing the outcome.

─ ⊹ ⊱꒰☆꒱⊰ ⊹ ─ (5)

R- Despite what everyone says, you’re one of the greater warriors I’ve known.

KL- Finally, someone who knows just how great I am.

R- Which is exactly why I want to fight you.

─ ⊹ ⊱꒰☆꒱⊰ ⊹ ─ (6)

R- Raiden is a fraud. I don’t know how anyone can trust him.

KL- My trust in him is shaken after seeing my Revenant.

R- Glad you agree, Uncle.

─ ⊹ ⊱꒰☆꒱⊰ ⊹ ─ (7)

KL- Liu Kang says I’m too hard on Raiden.

R- I think you should stop listening to that old thunder man entirely.

KL- I have some faith left in him, despite all that has happened.

─ ⊹ ⊱꒰☆꒱⊰ ⊹ ─ (8)

KL- The Shaolin will gladly welcome you back.

R- *laughs* I have better luck fitting with the Tarkatans.

KL- Just what has these decades of banishment done to you?

─ ⊹ ⊱꒰☆꒱⊰ ⊹ ─ (Revenant Kung Lao)

R! KL- You know, Liu Kang will be glad to have a heir for his throne.

R- Rotting in the shadows does me better.

R! KL- Join us, or we will have to use force.

Kitana Khan- She will never have the chance to be closer to you as Liu Kang would like you two be.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ (1)

K- Many miss you, NAME.

R- If they did, they would have ignored Raiden’s words and tried to help me.

K- As Khan, Outworld welcomes you if Earthrealm doesn’t.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ (2)

R- Liu Kang really loves you, doesn’t he?

K- Should you not be referring to him as father?

R- His Revenant counterpart tried to stab me in the back quite literally, your Highness.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ (3)

R- Seeing you as a compassionate human and not a Revenant trying to kill me…

K- I promise you, NAME, I am no undead abomination.

R- I will believe it when I see it.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ (4)

K- Outworld will warmly welcome you to be a citizen of our realm.

R- The offer is lovely, but I do not wish to take advantage of your kind nature.

K- The offer still stands, should your mind ever change.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ (5)

R- It hasn’t been too long, and your reign already allows Outworld to flourish.

K- I hope it will remain that way.

R- Long live the Queen.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ (6)

K- I can’t help but notice you are rather… distant, with many of us.

R- Forgive me if being in your presence makes me remember all the times your Revenants tried to murder me.

K- As difficult as it may be, we are not the same as our future counterparts, NAME.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ (7)

R- Tell Liu Kang to stop coming to my place of residence to bother me.

K- He just wants to reconnect, NAME.

R- It is the darkness that connects with me best.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ (8)

K- My Revenant self is the empress of the Netherealm?

R- A ruthless one at that.

K- I hope I shan’t turn out like her.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ (Revenant Kitana)

R! K- I will slice you into pieces with my blades, child.

R- Not if I burn you first.

R! K- A threat that many have made but failed to achieve.

Jade- She would have loved been the aunt who spoiled you rotten.

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩ (1)

J- You have changed much, since we last saw each other.

R- I’ve made changes in every way I know how.

J- Sometimes, changes don’t always mean good.

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩ (2)

R- Is Kitana doing good as Outworld’s Khan?

J- She is doing an excellent job.

R- Good. Better than Raiden, at least.

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩ (3)

J- Tell me about the future, NAME.

R- Raiden abandoned many during a moment of weakness, which resulted in you and many other’s deaths.

J- Tell me something I don’t already know.

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩ (4)

R- Your Revenant self is but a shadow of you.

J- She also had a shadow of my skills.

R- That, we will have to see.

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩ (5)

J- Have you fought my Revenant counterpart?

R- Many times. She is one I don’t wish to face ever again.

J- Is it because of her skills? Or her demeanor?

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩ (6)

J- Your father is getting close with Kitana.

R- He isn’t my father anymore, Lady Jade. We are too far apart to be called that.

J- He cares for you as much as he did decades ago.

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩ (7)

R- Give Kotal my thanks for giving me his hospitality.

J- He is a reputable man of honor, NAME.

R- That, I can agree wholeheartedly.

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩ (8)

R- Her Highness is lucky to have a person like you, Lady Jade.

J- I am honored to be able to serve Kitana.

R- You are close after thousands of years, still…

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩ (Revenant Jade)

R! J- I will bring you to your father, NAME, whether it is by force or not.

R- I have no father. I have no friends or family.

R! J- You say that as if you have yourself.

Raiden- Oh, how you hate Liu Kang’s former mentor. You’d tear his throat and gouge his eyes if you could.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ϟ ⚡︎ ϟ ˖ ݁ 𖥔. (1)

R- Do not think just because you are not the one I know, you are forgiven.

Rai- How can I be forgiven for crimes I have not yet committed?

R- You won’t ever be.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ϟ ⚡︎ ϟ ˖ ݁ 𖥔. (2)

Rai- Liu Kang and Kung Lao both miss you dearly, NAME.

R- My return is unbeneficial, it is also too long, too late.

Rai- It is never too late to come back to your family.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ϟ ⚡︎ ϟ ˖ ݁ 𖥔. (3)

Rai- Your anger towards me is intense, NAME.

R- I’ll take it out on you today.

Rai- Your anger will drive you mad, if you aren’t already.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ϟ ⚡︎ ϟ ˖ ݁ 𖥔. (4)

R- Your mistakes have cost me my family, my friends, and my right to be one of Earthrealm’s champions!

Rai- That is a mistake that I cannot believe I would make.

R- Well believe it, because if you didn’t make such a mistake, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ϟ ⚡︎ ϟ ˖ ݁ 𖥔. (5)

R- My mistake was listening to Liu Kang about you.

Rai- That wounds me deeply, child.

R- You won’t be remorseful for long, Raiden. You never are.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ϟ ⚡︎ ϟ ˖ ݁ 𖥔. (6)

Rai- Liu Kang still keeps the drawings you left behind.

R- He… does?

Rai- He truly wishes for you to be his child again, NAME.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ϟ ⚡︎ ϟ ˖ ݁ 𖥔. (7)

Rai- Your anger is understandable, NAME, but it should not be me you direct it to.

R- Should it not have been for this time bullshit, Kung Lao would have died.

Rai- I am grateful that fate gives me a second chance. Allow me to prove my good faith.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ϟ ⚡︎ ϟ ˖ ݁ 𖥔. (8)

R- I shan’t forgive you for making me the… person I am right now.

Rai- Come back to us. To Liu Kang. Their love will heal your soul.

R- The only thing that’ll cure me now is my vengeance for my mistreatment.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ϟ ⚡︎ ϟ ˖ ݁ 𖥔. (Dark Raiden)

D! Rai- You are an abomination, I should not have allowed Liu Kang to foster you.

R- I should have done better to convince him you were trouble.

D! Rai- Shinnok’s spawn isn’t one who can tell me that.

fin.

© st4r-th0ughts 2025, I don’t allow reposts, reuploads, translations, or copies.

notes: first time writing for mk11! Please, would love to hear all your feedback abt my intros, whether their ooc, how to improve, etc!

[goldensunset]

mutual 1: [this post contains filtered tags]

mutual 2 (who has been gone for 24 hours): sorry about the hiatus guys i'm finally back!!!!

mutual 3: ugh i need him so bad <3 i love him more than his creator does <33333333333333

mutual 4: y'all really love to hide behind 'it's just media!' as if it doesn't have immediate and obvious effects on the people who consume it. sorry you think your obsession with bluey is more important than oh idk the lives of real people????

mutual 5: guys i just wanna say i'm so grateful for the rest of the bluey fandom. it got me through the worst years of my life and taught me a lot and i'm so glad we can all celebrate and talk about it together :)

mutual 6: [this post contains filtered content {url of detested mutual-in-law}]

mutual 7: good morning everyone! i am handing you all a small flower (*≧ω≦*)

mutual 8: i am in severe financial crisis

mutual 9: BLORBO/BLIMBUS NATION LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO THEY LOOKED AT EACH OTHER

mutual 10: [completely untagged and unfilterable spoilers for something that just came out]

mutual 11: [this post contains four different filtered tags]

mutual 12 (does not actually follow you back but like. in your heart in your dreams): anyone have any drawing requests? :-D

mutual 13: i'm going to personally throttle my pharmacist why do i have to jump through hoops to stay alive

mutual 14: [the same post reblogged 10+ times in a row]

mutual 15: is tumblr mobile doing this weird glitch for anyone else?

mutual 16: that's why squibbus makes me cry- authorus squibbithon just writes his story so beautifully and delicately and dives deep into the troubled beauty of his soul and the way he strives to overcome his trauma every day...

mutual 17: i used to jump in the river and let the current take me

[staylovesmiley]

Collision— Chapter 8 (finale)

ᯓᡣ𐭩Pairing; Stray Kids x afab!reader

ᯓᡣ𐭩 ᯓᡣ𐭩Summary; You’ve known him for years but you never would have guessed the charming guy you’ve been online gaming with has been an idol this whole time. (masterlist here)

ᯓᡣ𐭩 ᯓᡣ𐭩ᯓᡣ𐭩Warnings; implied afab reader (only they/them pronouns used for reader), mild angst?, pls I haven’t written fanfics since 2018 patience and kindness is appreciated

—one year later—

“I can’t believe you actually went through with it.” You giggled, fingers carding through the aussie’s now silver and blue locks from where you laid in between his legs on the couch with your head resting against his chest.

Felix smiled, sticking his tongue out at you as he paused the game he was playing on his phone. “Why not? I think it suits me- plus Neuvillette is awesome.” You didn’t disagree with him, but it was still funny to you that he kept his word to do his hair like the character for their comeback.

As the two of you discussed what fictional character’s hairstyles would suit you the best, Seungmin made his way from the kitchen with two large bowls of popcorn, one in each hand and set them down on the coffee table. “Could you two come help me get the rest of the snacks? Everyone will be over for date night soon.”

It honestly hadn’t taken much convincing for the boys to get you to agree to moving in with them permanently, helping you apply for a longer work visa so you could stay for more than a few months. It did however take some getting used to when the company split everyone off into smaller groups, yourself sticking with Felix and Seungmin.

Not being under the same roof didn’t change much, with each apartment only being about a five minute walk from each other you were always spending time with one another either at your own apartment or someone else’s just like tonight, which had been designated polycule date night where everyone would come over for movies and snacks.

The sound of the front door opening caused the three of your heads to turn and see the first two members to arrive. “Hi Channie!” You called out to him, giving a small wave from where you now sat up on the couch in front of Felix. “Hey baby!” He called back just as cheerily, both his and his roommate’s dimples on display as they made their way into the dorm after slipping off their shoes.

Chan made a beeline for the pair of you on the couch, leaning down to give both you and the silver haired man in front of you a peck on the lips before Seungmin whined behind him about how he had been completely skipped. “Maybe your vision is starting to go with your age, old man.” He teased, a smirk on his face and arms crossed over his chest smugly until the oldest pulled him close.

Seungmin’s arms instinctually wrapped around the leader’s waist, a little squeak slipping from his lips as Chan cupped his face with one hand and pulled him in for a deep and slow kiss. Jeongin laughed at the sight of the second youngest’s ears turning a bright red and the way his hands fisted in Chan’s shirt at the small of his back. “Ya- leave some for the rest of us, hyung!” The maknae teased as he gave a kiss to Felix lips and the top of your head before moving to pull the puppy-like singer away from the oldest.

The two youngest gave each other a quick peck on the lips before Chan gave a little pout. “No fair- wasn’t done with our puppy…” Jeongin rolled his eyes and plopped himself on the couch so that you were now sat between him and Felix. “Oh get a room then- unless you plan to put on a show for us.” He laughed, pulling you to cuddle into his side. “Missed you- how’s work been?” The youngest questioned, looking into your eyes with his full attention and causing your heart to flutter.

No matter how long you been with them it all still feels so surreal, you don’t think you’ll ever get used to it. “It’s been good! A little boring compared to you guys but I’m happy where I am.” You gave the man a smile as you shifted to lay more comfortably against his side with his arm draped over you to intertwine his fingers with Felix on the other side of you. “They are being modest, innie- Star here went and got themself a promotion and they’ve barely worked there for five months now!” The freckled man beamed, his pride for you shining in his eyes as the fox-like man beside you gasped and poked at your side. “You should have said something sooner!! We should be celebrating-“

A blush crept up your cheeks as you hid your face in the crook of his neck. “It’s not that big of a deal-“ From the kitchen, Chan followed Seungmin in with more snacks since it seemed the three of you sat on the couch had no plans of moving any time soon. “Don’t worry the three of us celebrated plenty when we found out…poor Star was so worn out after they were almost late to work the next day.” The singer teased, ruffling your hair as he passed by to set the refreshments in his hands on the coffee table. You felt your blush deepen and a groan leave your throat at the teasing. “Yeah well I wasn’t the one begging for more rounds even in the shower after we’d been at it for hours.” You teased back, the pout on your lips turning to a smug grin as it was now Seungmin’s turn to blush. “Well I- ugh that’s not fair how can you use that against me?” He whined, lower lip sticking out in a pout as the singer felt strong arms snake around his waist from behind.

“Awe Minnie no need to be shy~ we all know how insatiable you can be sometimes.” Came the sweet voice of their resident dwaekki. Seungmin’s hands came to cover his face, whining behind his hands as embarrassment flooded him. Changbin laughed, giving the younger man a wet kiss to his cheek as Hyunjin sat next to Jeongin on the other side from you to begin playfully fluffing up his hair. “This new hair suits you so well ayen~” the artist cooed, rubbing his face into the youngest’s cheek as he groaned and tried to pull away. “Thank you? Can you please stop that-“

Hyunjin whined but pulled away reluctantly. “But you’re just so cute I can’t help it- wanna absorb you.” Jeongin made a face but the lot of you erupted into fits of laughter as the last pair made their way into you, Felix, and Seungmin’s apartment. “Hey what’s so funny? What did we miss?” Jisung said with a pout as he walked into Chan’s open arms and accepted a kiss from the oldest. “Jinnie being weird again.” You said with a giggle, blowing the dancer a kiss and mouthing an ‘I love you’ when you noticed his pout at your comment.

Minho chuckled and bent down over the back of the couch to give you a quick kiss before pulling Han towards the kitchen so they could both unpack and fill the fridge with containers of different foods the second oldest made for the three people living in the apartment. With the hours you worked and the disaster the lovers you lived with were in the kitchen Minho had taken pity and started preparing extra food for the lot of you so you wouldn’t have to constantly order in or starve to death instead of potentially burning down the apartment in an attempt to make some for yourselves.

Changbin sat down on the other side of Felix while Chan and Seungmin took their spots on the floor in front of the couch, Jisung and Minho joining shortly after as you scrolled through options for what to watch first.

Upon Han’s request, and pleading boba eyes, you settled on howl’s moving castle and you snuggled into Felix’s side after pressing play. “Ya know you and Jinnie look kinda like howl and Sophie with your new hair styles.” You whispered into his ear with a playful smile.

The silver haired man chuckled lowly and shook his head at your remark, pulling you closer to his chest and planting a kiss to the top of your head before changing the subject. “Did your job approve of you working remotely while we are on tour?” He whispered to you, soft eyes gazing down at you fondly as he waited for your response. Nodding, you gave him a thumbs up before lean up to peck his lips. “Yup! I’m all set to go with you guys! If that’s still the plan-“

Some months ago while they were in the process of getting their announcement for the first set of stops for their world tour the kids had all approached you to ask if you’d be willing to tag along, working from hotel rooms during the day and coming to their shows at night to cheer them on. Of course you couldn’t promise that your new job in Korea would allow for that so you told them you would put in the request and see how they would respond. Thankfully this job seemed to like you enough to want to be flexible with your needs and even wants, quickly letting you know that as long as you are able to complete your work in a timely fashion that you were free to work from wherever you needed as you followed your eight boyfriends across the world.

Felix beamed at the confirmation that you would be joining them, squeezing you tightly and peppering your face in kisses loudly until Jisung started to complain that the two of you were interrupting his favorite part. You giggled as Felix stuck his tongue out at his fellow sunshine twin before planting one last kiss to your lips before settling down to continue enjoying the movie with everyone.

In the back of your mind you began mentally preparing for how crazy life was about to get living on the road for months on end with the men you cared for most, not being used to that side of their lives just yet but knowing now you were about to be thrown head first into it all.

-one month until the first Seoul show-

“Oh come on just one more- please?” Came Chan’s voice from outside the dressing room you we’re currently standing in clad in only your undergarments as you put the last outfit he had passed to you back on its respective hangers and onto the almost completely full rack in the room with you. “Fine, but this is the last one- I’m starting to feel claustrophobic in here.” You said with a chuckle, listening as Jeongin and Chan argued quietly over what to dress you in next before yet another outfit was passed over the door and into your awaiting arms.

With their tour approaching the pair had declared you needed new clothes to wear to their shows, and you had reluctantly agreed to let your oldest and youngest boyfriend take you shopping for said clothing. You figured it would just be a couple of items, not practically a new wardrobe entirely as over the course of many hours they two of them took turns picking things they thought you would like or look good in before sitting and waiting eagerly for you to step out and show off what they had chosen as they would clap and take pictures to send to your other boyfriends who were busy preparing for other aspects of the tour.

“Okay….this one is a bit too much you guys- when would I even need to wear this on the tour?!” You said as you stepped out of the dressing room in a long silky backless dress, the deep shade of red matching the blush on your cheeks at how revealing and elegant the garment looked on you. Where they sat on the small couch in the dressing room area both men’s attention was fully drawn to you.

Jeongin’s jaw was dropped comically wide as he looked like he could faint at the sight of you whereas his older lover merely smirked and looked over you as if he wanted to devour you there in front of everyone in the waiting area. “Baby you look incredible…” the youngest finally spoke up, voice sounding strained as he swallowed deeply to keep from drooling as you did a little spin in front of the floor length mirror. “That doesn’t answer my question, ayen~” you teased, confidence building the more their hungry and admiring eyes lingered on your body.

Chan came up behind you as you were busy looking yourself over, adjusting one of the straps that threatened to slip off your shoulder before placing a soft kiss to the bare skin there. “It’s for date night, obviously. Did you think we were gonna bring you with us around the world and not take you out somewhere nice?” His eyes gazed into yours from over your shoulder through the mirror, causing your face to heat up and your heartbeat to race. “I guess that is fair- I didn’t think of that…”

Ever since that almost scandal when you had first come to Korea and Chan had carried your sleeping form to his car the company tried to play it off as you just being a staff member that Chan was carrying for like the gentleman he was, but Felix wasn’t having it and went live one night with you by his side. At first it was absolute chaos as he hadn’t gotten permission from the company to do the live or to reveal your identity, but once everyone saw that stays seemed to enjoy the live you were told that you should join the aussie for his mukbang live streams more often.

It didn’t take long for them to find your socials and begin flooding the comments with compliments, questions, and unfortunately some negativity as came with anyone even remotely in the spotlight. The leading theory after a slip up on one of his lives was that the two of you were more than friends, stays being too clever for their own good and noticing the way stray kids resident sunshine seemed to fluster easily around you. At the very least they were convinced the freckled idol had a schoolboy type crush on you which the others used to their advantage to tease the both of you, mainly Felix.

Since then the boys have been less hesitant to be seen with you in public, or even on their social media. With you joining them on tour you were all certain the rumors would spike that you and Felix were involved, if not you and one of the other members. They wouldn’t necessarily be wrong, but they didn’t know the full story and probably never would has relationships such as you and the members was taboo in places like South Korea.

Still here you were in the early evening with two of your loving boyfriends as they carried the absolute mountain of items for you to the counter. “Seriously I don’t need all of this, you two…the clothes I have are perfectly fine-“ You said with wide eyes as you tried not to look as the total rose with ever item scanned at the check out. “Nonsense! You looked so cute in everything so you deserve it all.” Jeongin said cheerily while trying to hand the cashier his card only for Chan to bat his hands away and have the woman his card instead.

“I feel bad having you guys spend so much money on me, especially when it isn’t a necessity-“ the older of the two men shrugged, while Jeongin placed a kiss on the top of your head before picking up two of the shopping bags of your new things. “We like spoiling the ones we love, and you fall into that category.” The youngest said simply as Chan grabbed the remaining bags and began leading you out of the store so they could get to the parking garage where his car was waiting for the three of you.

You sighed, realizing there was no use arguing over it and seeing the smiles on their faces in the days to come when they saw you wearing one of the items they had bought made the awkward feeling of accepting such lavish gifts worth it.

-September 1st, end of Seoul day 4-

It was the night after the last show in Seoul and you were sat on the plush couch in Jisung and Minho’s living room with the later humming along softly to himself while he bustled around the kitchen making dinner for the three of you, the former sat in front of you with a bottle of polish in his one hand while the other held one of yours to carefully paint the nails there a soft shade of pink. “You have really steady hands for someone who can never seem to sit still, Hannie-“ you giggled, watching as the man across from you pouted as he concentrated on finishing the nails on your right hand.

“Ya- I’m trying to be sweet and paint your nails for you and you are teasing me? How is that fair?-“ Once he finished you leaned forward to peck his lips in apology, batting your lashes at him as you pulled away. “Sorry baby, I didn’t mean to offend you.” He blushed, stuttering a bit after the kiss with a big goofy smile on his face. “Apology accepted! Now don’t touch anything until those are dry!” He said with a serious look on his face, putting the cap back on the bottle of polish before standing to put it away with the rest of his stash.

As Jisung was in the bathroom you heard Minho call out about dinner being almost ready and you pouted. “How am I supposed to eat if I can’t touch anything-“ this caused the oldest in the room to smirk and shrug his shoulders. “Guess you’ll have to starve, cutie~” he teased as you gasped loudly. “You wouldn’t do that to me-“ just then Han returned and plopped back down in front of you once more. “No we wouldn’t. Don’t worry baby they should be dry in time for you to eat.” You nodded hesitantly, keeping your hands out in front of you which Jisung took into his own and began blowing lightly onto the still damp polish.

Just as he had assured you, your nails were in fact dry by the time Minho set the food on the table and called for the two of you to join him for dinner. The three of you talked about the show, what your favorite moments were and what you were looking forward to at the next line of tour stops as you ate your meal together. Once it was over you and Han offered to clean up since Minho had cooked to which he accepted and went to draw himself a bath and soak his sore muscles from the performance earlier that evening.

As you washed the dishes Jisung would dry and put them away, stealing sweet kisses every time he took a clean plate or piece of cutlery from your hands causing you to giggle and blush furiously.

After everything was cleaned and put away your boyfriend insisted on the two of you doing face masks before bed, laying you down on the mattress before straddling your hips to carefully place the sheet mask on your face and smooth out any wrinkles in the material so it was flush against your skin. You did the same for him before the two of you lay side by side scrolling through tiktoks on your phones, showing ones you thought the other would enjoy to each other every now and then until Minho joined the two of you and made a comment about your appearances looking scary with the masks you wore.

“Any good cat videos?” He asked as he wiggled his way into the small space between the two of you. “Funny you say that- yes! Look at this compilation of cats being savage, you and dori are in it!!” You said with a giggle as you pulled up the video you had shown to Jisung only a few minutes prior. As the familiar scene of Dori as a kitten attacking a sleeping Minho came on the screen the older man couldn’t help but watch fondly with a little chuckle. “Still can’t believe that went so viral- it is funny though.” You laughed along with him at the rest of the clips in the video before going back to your routine of scrolling until you saw something you thought they might enjoy, turning your phone to them to show it off eagerly.

The timer you had set for the masks went off soon enough and Minho sat up between you both before carefully peeling the masks away and discarding them in the small trash bin beside the bed.

Gently he massaged the remaining essence from the mask into both of your faces before planting a quick peck to the tips of your noses.

Giggling, you shook your head at him while Jisung spoke up with a pout. “Um I believe you missed- my lips are a little bit lower than that, jagiya~” Minho rolled his eyes playfully before giving you each a peck to the lips as well. “Much better, thank you.” Han said smugly before the older man pulled him into his arms and against his chest.

“Hey where are my cuddles?” You whined and it was your turn to pout at the dancer before he turned to lay on his back and use one arm to pull you to him as well. Now with Jisung tucked into his left side and you at his right, Minho sighed contentedly and let his eyes fall closed. “I could die happy like this, you know.” He said in a relaxed tone. Han gasped and hit at his chest playfully. “Ya! Don’t even joke like that- you aren’t going anywhere anytime soon do you hear me?” You giggled, snuggling in closer to the dancer while draping your arm over his chest to card your fingers through your younger boyfriend’s hair.

“Relax, Hannie he was just being sentimental….he just- isn’t good with his choice of words.” You narrowed your eyes a bit at the older who simply blushed and turned his head away bashfully. “Sorry jagi I didn’t mean to scare you- I just meant this moment is really nice….special.”

Han relaxed visibly and nodded, placing a kiss to the palm of your hand as you moved to rest it against Minho’s chest. “Hmmm okay you’re forgiven. But don’t say stuff like that again it puts that kind of shit out into the universe and that’s not good-“

Minho nodded in understanding and kissed the rapper’s forehead softly, his lips lingering for a moment before he pulled back to look down into soft brown boba like eyes. “Okay, Han-ah I promise I’ll choose my words more carefully in the future.” You smiled fondly as you watched them, head resting somewhat on the older’s chest and shoulder while the three of you mumbled soft affirmations to one another to help calm down Han’s spiked anxiety that Minho’s words had unintentionally caused.

Soon, soft snores started to echo throughout the bedroom and you watched your two lovers get some much needed rest after working so hard for their fans and for you, your heart full of affection for the two of them as well as the others as you too drifted off to sleep.

-September 27th, day before Singapore show-

It had been a few weeks since the tour really kicked off after the shows in Seoul.

Now in Singapore, you sat on the couch in Hyunjin’s hotel room with a switch controller in hand as you, Changbin, and the room’s occupant himself raced against each other in a heated game of Mario kart.

You had learned pretty quickly that your two lovers played dirty, sticking a hand out in front of each others face or pinching the other to get them to fall behind. You yourself had fallen victim to their tricks even as you were just about to win your second race in a row when Changbin reached out to quickly poke at your side causing you to squirm and your finger to slip from the controls, your character slowing to a stop on the screen for just a second but it was a second long enough for stray kids’ dark rapper to push past you and claim the victory for himself.

After that you decided it was only fair to fight fire with fire, leaning over to place a kiss at Changbin’s neck during one race causing him to hit the banana you had just dropped and go spinning around until he was driving the wrong way on the track. Hyunjin had laughed but your actions didn’t remain amusing to him when the next race he had somehow slipped past you into first place so you leaned up to press your lips to the shell of his ear and whisper lowly. “Stop being so sneaky, Jinnie~” and even though the line itself was ridiculous and had no sexual connotations whatsoever the tone mixed with your breath on his ear caused the artist to tense up and accidentally drop his controller into his lap allowing you to pass him and cross the finish line with ease.

“You guys are too easy.” You teased after your third win in a row, sticking your tongue out at them playfully as you stood up to stretch out from where you were hunched over playing video games for hours. “Ya! It’s not fair when you play like that-“ Changbin whined, tossing his controller onto your empty seat with a little huff. Hyunjin followed his lead and poured at you with as much conviction as he could muster. “Yeah! You are using our love for you against us!” You simply laughed, shaking your head as you pointed a finger at them both. “As if you two weren’t playing dirty as well! If you can’t take the heat don’t play with fire, babes.”

You started heading towards the little kitchenette in the room to grab a glass of water, feeling someone come up behind you briefly before strong arms were wrapping tightly around you and you were lifted off your feet effortlessly. “Seo Changbin if you do not put me down right now we are gonna have a problem!” You squealed, no malice in your words as laughter erupted from your chest. “Nope! You are gonna get back here so I can beat you and regain my honor!” You shook your head, squirming in his arms but his hold on you was firm.

The rapper sat you back on the couch but instead of in your own seat he was sat beneath you, cross cross so that his thighs pressed against your hips lightly where you sat in his lap. “Binnie- If I’m on your lap like this then it’s only easier for you to cheat-“ you groaned, head falling back to look at him upside down. Your boyfriend merely smiled and gave you a kiss to your forehead before handing your controller to you. “Come on, just one more game?” You sighed, nodding in agreement before selecting which character and vehicle it was you wanted.

One game turned into two and as the hour turned from late evening to early morning you decided it was time to call it quits. “Okay okay you have both beat me multiple times now- we need to go to bed you guys have practice in the morning for tomorrow’s show.” You moved from where you had been sat in Changbin’s lap to take both controllers from the men and put them away on the coffee table. “Chan will stress if you guys are late, so no sleeping in!” You pointed a finger at them in a playfully scolding manner and Hyunjin stood up to pull you against his chest.

“M’kay baby but can you stay with me tonight? Don’t wanna let you go yet-“ Originally you had plans to go back to Changbin’s room, the older of the two claiming his time with you while on the plane ride over to the foreign country. “Ya! It’s my night and you know that-“ the rapper pouted as he jumped up from his seat and tried to pry the taller man’s arms from around you to no avail. “Shit, Jinnie- joining me at the gym has been paying off.” He huffed, a proud smile on his face as he struggled against the dancers newfound muscle.

You giggled, watching the two struggle as you carefully wiggled free from Hyunjin’s hold causing the weight to be shifted and the two men to crash into each other and fall to the floor. “Hey- that’s no fair Star what the hell!” Hyunjin whined dramatically as he rubbed the spot on his head where it had bumped into his other lover’s shoulder during their descent to the carpeted ground. “Maybe next time you guys can learn to share. I’m gonna go see what Innie is up to-“

Before you could step away a hand shot out and too hold of your calf, successfully pulling you into the heap of limbs on the floor with a loud howl of laughter from both boyfriends. “What if we can share now?” Changbin proposed, looking over at Hyunjin with a raise of his brow. The artist smiled wildly and nodded with enthusiasm. “I think I like that idea~ but can we move this cuddle puddle to the bed? I’m a bit uncomfortable here-“

You laughed lightly and gave a kiss to his cheek, standing carefully as to not step anywhere that could hurt either of them before making your way to the bedroom adjacent to the rest of the hotel room. Before you could make it far you were once again scooped up by Changbin, your boyfriend landing a sharp but quick slap to your ass with his little giggles echoing in the room. “Bin I swear if you do not stop picking me up without warning I will wear platform heels for a week and make sure I stand right beside you as often as humanly possible!” Your threat made him gasp dramatically and Hyunjin to laugh loudly as he followed behind the two of you into the bedroom.

-October 20th, Sydney Australia-

The weather was nice, warm with a slight breeze causing your hair to blow into your face slightly as you hopped out of the passenger seat of the car before walking around to meet Felix on the other side.

The two of you watched as the others took off running to the ocean, the freckled man almost buzzing with excitement beside you causing your eyes to roll playfully. “Go- I’ll start unloading the car.” He turned to look at you, eyebrow raised skeptically. “You sure? I can give you some help first if you-“

“I got it! Go have fun, you deserve it after how hard you’ve been working.” You cut him off, giggling as you shoved him slightly and gave him a kiss to the cheek.

Felix beamed and pulled you close to him, giving you a firm kiss to the lips before taking off after everyone and running straight into the sea after quickly kicking his shoes off somewhere in the sand. You sighed as you watched them fondly, turning to head to the trunk of the car to get the cooler and other beach supplies you and your boyfriends would need for the evening.

“Need a hand?” Came a soft voice from behind you and you turned to see Seungmin standing with a warm smile while dripping wet from head to toe where Chan had unceremoniously thrown him as far as he could into the sea. “After I get you a towel, yes.” You giggled, digging around until you were able to find the rolled up fabric tucked away in a bag full of thick colorful beach towels. “Here, dry off a bit first then we can start setting everything up. You know how to start a fire?” The younger man shrugged and began drying him self off. “I’m sure we’ll figure it out.”

You indeed did figure it out, with little trial and error, and soon you had a pretty decent fire going with the little grill plate settled on top.

The boys slowly returned from the water, Minho taking over the grill while Chan started on some of the side dishes alongside you under the tent you and Seungmin had struggled to set up for the better half of an hour.

“Star, open-“ you heard the oldest of your boyfriends call and you turned to see where he held out a spoon with some sort of paste on it. “I tried making a dressing my mum was telling me about, try it?” You hesitated a bit, but eventually opened your mouth and allowed him to feed you the mystery dressing.

You gasped a bit, eyes widening at the taste. “Oh that’s really good! Don’t do anything else to it- that’s seriously perfect.” You pointed at the now empty spoon, a smile breaking out on the older’s face. “Really? Oh thank god- I was afraid I added too much vinegar.” You shook your head, giving him a thumbs up after slipping a piece of pineapple you had cut up into your mouth.

The rest of the meal went by smoothly, and once everyone was finished and the leftovers were put away you snuggled up next to Seungmin in one of the large camping benches you had brought while the two of you watched the others fondly.

Felix and Bangchan were rough housing in the shallow parts of the ocean, water barely meeting their hips as they splashed around and laughed as Chan hoisted the younger aussie up onto his shoulders before throwing him further out into the sea as you assumed he had done with Seungmin earlier when they had first arrived.

Han and Hyunjin were busy searching for seashells, a small bucket held between the two of them for their growing collection as the artist had mentioned wanting to paint them when they got back home as gifts for his family and friends.

Jeongin and Minho were somewhere to the left of you, laughing hysterically as they attempted to bury Changbin in the sand with only his head visible while the buff rapper giggled and continued to wiggle his toes free much to the disk of the pair burying him.

You laughed softly at the display, head coming to rest against Seungmin’s shoulder as he reached for your hand to intertwine your fingers. Seungmin pulls you closer with his free arm that rested around your shoulders before kissing you atop your head. “I’m so happy I decided to stay..” You said with a smile so large it started to hurt your cheeks, though you couldn’t seem to stop. “I can’t wait for many more years with all of you.”

author’s note: and with that…this story comes to an end ໒꒰ྀིっ -｡꒱ྀི১ thank you so much to everyone for showing this series love! If you ever wanna see more into certain aspects of the lives of the polycule (even just member x member without star) feel free to send me a request while they are open~ I’d love to know what more you would like to see from them as I’m not fully done with this universe and will most definitely pop up with blurbs here and there for them as they are my first series and will always hold a special place in my heart~ once again thank you for showing me so much love and kindness and I really hope that although bittersweet you could enjoy this last chapter along with me ᕱᕱ₊˚⊹♡

taglist; (pink users mean I wasn’t able to tag) @softkisshyunjin @coastinglove @palindrome969 @amara-mars @whiteghostt @ihrtlix @queen-in-the-shadows @soaplickerrr @skzswife @reallysparklychaos @sebastianswhore13 @velvetmoonlght @katsukis1wife

[ywpd-translations]

Ride 807: Kyofushi's giant attack

Pag 1

2: Every-

6: -one... is here....

Pag 2

1: Where are you going!!

Pag 3

1: Waaaaaa

Pag 4

1: Hiiiii

4: Ah, ah, what.... what the hell is going on!?

I felt like I was licked by the giant tongue... of a giant body!!

Pag 5

1: Hii.... Higashimura-san, what's with this guy

He should just be catching up normally, but he looks huge, abnormally huge... he looks like he's getting closer....

2: and knocking down the trees around him!!

3: Gr....

Pag 6

1: oooss!!

Waaaaaaa

That's his pressure!? He looks so big because of his pressure!? Higashimura-san!!

2: All the times I've ran in the Inter High before we made a deal to cooperate....

Pag 7

1: This is... the real.... form of Kyofushi's Midosuji!!

3: Here

4: Do you wanna eat? You look very hungry

5: Kakaka, Hiroshima-san got surprised!! Is it the first time for you?

Pag 8

1: Where are you going!?

To have a picnic?

2: The fastest, flashy, full-throttle picnic at the gate where the victory feast is served!!

3: That's funny, puku

Don't play dumb!!

4: This is what you been aiming for from the start, tearing off everyone behind!!

You're drooling!! You can't hold back!!

5: Puku, I'm that easy to read? So should I

Pag 9

1: do it?

Of course!!

2: They collided!!

Sohoku isn't shaken by Midosuji's pressure!!

What's with that red little guy!!

3: Puku!!

Kakaka

4: The red little guy isn't budging at all!!

Pag 10

1: Oruaaaaaa

Gross gross gross gross gross!!

2: But before that

3: Puah?

4: The one who's clinging behind you

Pag 11

1: Introduce that huge guy!!

Mi!!

2: It's funnier if we know all the members going to the picnic, after all!!

3: Kyofushi lost Kishigami because of a flat tire

Still, they're not worried about it

4: As expected, this means they have a second plan

5: Number 46, first year...

6: Even though I saw the list before the start

7: Unknown background and unknown experience, 175cm of height and 82kg of weight...

Pag 12

1: Physically, he's the perfect power player!!

Mi!!

His name is Hacchoubori..... kun

2: Komari-kun suddenly brought him one day

It's my launching pad, you know!?

3: This is the lead, mi?

Yeah...

Here is before the finish line... mi?

4: Yeah...

Pag 13

1: If we pass all these guys we win? Mi?

Yeah!!

5: Doesn't look possible...

Mi!!

6: Puku, but there are 9km left....

From here on...

Pag 14

1: We'll enter the long downhill towards the sea, right!?

Pag 15

1: Ohou!!

2: Ohhhh

3: Downhills are fun!!

4: So fast!

They looked like motorbikes!!

The cyclists are entering the downhill one by one!!

There are four teams, Kyofushi, Hakogaku, Sohoku, and Hiroshima!!

Pag 16

1: Ugh!!

They're leaving us behind on the downhill!?

2: The difference in weight is more evident during downhill races!!

Pedal, Ninoshima!! Kyofushi's first year is fast!!

Yeah!!

3: “Four teams”.... it's a pity, but... puku

That's not true

4: Huh!?

Pag 17

1: There's one more team chasing the lead that's entering the downhill!!

What

2: They intend to catch up on the downhill!?

4: Fr... from behind!?

It's pressure again!!

5: They're coming

6: Phew

7: There was no way he wouldn't come...

Pag 18

1: The man who wants the crown the most!!

Pag 19

1: Gunma Ryosei's Kiji Kyuui!!

Yon

2: Gunma-san, who had fallen behind, appears!!

3: Looks like he's not satisfied with just the sprint!!

4: E... even more people!!

5: You want MTB.... you want road racing too...

Pag 20

1: You're greedy like no one else!!

Kiji Kyuuuuui!!

2: It really doesn't fit with my values

3: I'm free to accept challenges, am I not?

4: ou don't have many friends, do you?

5: Only a selected few

Pag 21

2: Even Gunma...

Everyone is here...!!

3: I think....!! These are all the

4: “Five teams”

Ten people...!!

Pag 22

1: These are all the jerseys that.... will aim for the Inter High's first day's finish line!!

[lemotmo]

Yes forever grateful that they didn't go that route now because the Eddie hate would have been more than I would tolerate.

Q. I don't understand why it's taking so long though. It's been years of stalling. We're all tired. Give us Buddie now.

A. It's been years for us, but it has not been years as far as the show is concerned. Yes for us it has been 7 years of build up, and yes, the show gave winks and nods to it throughout the seasons BUT it has never been acknowledged within the actual text of the show until this season. The show didn't start the build up clock until season 8, we could probably technically say they started it last season with episode 7x4, but the actual possibility was never mentioned on screen until season 8. There is a tried and true formula for telling a friends to lovers storyline. There are particular story beats each character has to hit and there are particular plot points the storyline has to have as well. Everyone pretty much follows the same formula. They could have had the two of them hook-up out of grief over Bobby, grief hookups are one of the paths you could take with that formula. But if they had gone down that particular path the formula dictates that one of them, in this case it most likely would have been Eddie, would have to say the hook-up was a mistake. Even though they wouldn't really think that the trope dictates they say that. That's how you get to the mutual pining stage of the formula. The insane, unnecessary, and frankly inappropriate amount of Eddie hate that would have caused is something I am forever grateful the show avoided. I do not allow Eddie hate.

The formula is feelings realization, awkwardness, mutual pining, everyone else in their lives being painfully aware, but the protagonists being unaware, canon event that propels some kind of confession, first kiss, more awkwardness, canon couple. There are various paths along this route they can choose to accomplish each of these things but this is the formula. And I don't want it rushed. TikTok, clip reels, and YouTube shorts have ruined an entire generation, maybe two, ability to take in media in real time as it happens. Let them tell the story. I want the story. I don't want a 2 minute TikTok reel. I want to see the realization moment for both of them. I want the awkwardness. I want the mutual PINING. I want all of it because we, and Oliver and Ryan, have earned this storyline. And I want it spoon fed to me. I want to watch Oliver and Ryan swoon and kill me with chemistry. FEED ME.

Thank you Nonny!

It's most definitely true that, ever since season 7, they have obviously been building up to Buddie canon. I never really thought we'd get Buddie canon until ABC took over and they started promoting season 7. They were really giving focus to Ryan and Oliver and Buddie.

And then, when season 7 aired and Buck came out as bi? Well, I was certain then and I'm still certain now.

I do think we were supposed to get something more during the latter half of season 8 than we ended up getting. Whatever it was that went down behind the scenes, Bobby's sudden death really messed up the rest of the season and one of the stories that got pushed to season 9 was Buddie.

But season 8 gave us sooo much to work with that I'm not complaining. I had hoped for something more in 8x18. Some kind of a bigger nudge in the right direction, but ultimately I'm not really mad about it. We got sooo much in 8x17 that I'm okay with the tiniest hints in 8x18.

Besides 8x18 gave us heroic Eddie Diaz and I'm still swooning over those scenes. 🤗😌

And yeah, I agree with Ali. I need to see it all! I want to see their story unfold on my TV screen, so I can yell and scream and go crazy over them. Having one of your ships go canon is an amazing feeling. I'm ready for it. 😋

Heads up! For anyone who is giving me the shifty eyes for reposting Ali's updates instead of reblogging. Read this.

Remember, no hate in comments, reblogs or inboxes. Let's keep it civil and respectful. Thank you.

If you are interested in more of Ali’s posts, you can find all of her posts so far under the tag: anonymous blog I love.

[nadas-dirthalen]

I Saw Solas's Origin in an Achievement Icon and It Opened My Eyes on 15 Years of Lore

— PART ONE —

[ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ] [ 6 ] [ 7 ] [ 8 ] [ 9 ] [ 10 ]

Welcome, friends and travelers! I wanted to get some thoughts recorded before Veilguard's release so I could see if I am right about an absolute BOATLOAD of theories I have.

In short: I saw the achievement list when it was released. I have seen the backstory hints for Solas included in said list. AND MY MIND WAS BLOWN.

You have been warned: THIS COLLECTION OF THEORIES INCLUDES SPOILERS FOR EVERY DRAGON AGE GAME AND ALL PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL UP TO AND INCLUDING OCTOBER 18, 2024.

Come sit down with me. Make a nice cup of tea (and hide it from Solas). We've got a lot of unpacking to do.

(this photo isn't the spoiler, I just like it.)

On the docket for this post:

What are we actually seeing?

So what does that... mean?

Previous hints to this origin

What this implies for Solas's past and present

SO, without further ado...!

What Are We Actually Seeing?

So. First we need to briefly go over the details of what is IN this image, before anything else.

This memory is called Manifestation. That's as close to the word "Origin" as I've ever heard. Whatever we find here, it's going to tell us where Solas came from.

And what we do find had blown my mind wide open.

We see that the figure displayed is embedded in a stone ceiling. Its branches extend deep into the stone. It also has what looks (to us) like a tail extending below the ceiling, into the open space below. The tail also fans out into branches, like a long and bending twig. What does this remind me of?

Lyrium. Always depicted as coming out from The Stone, bending like twigs and branches into open air. We know now, Lyrium is the blood of the Titans.

The achievement icon's figure has six eyes at the top center, as well. And you know what those remind me of?

The Dread Wolf.

Put those together, and I have concluded: Solas was originally a part of a Titan. He was removed from this Titan and given physical shape.

So What Does This... Mean?

If we confirm that Solas is Titan-born, there are unending implications (and that's why this big collection of theories has six parts). For now, I'll go over the absolute most basic ones.

Solas has connections to a Titan, which has implications for his history, his magic, and every single one of his motivations and his relationships.

Solas was likely created/mined/taken/inspired by Mythal (more on that later). That means that she is the reason he has a body at all, and informs a lot of things about their relationship and, again, Solas's motivations.

Everything we know about the elves and the Evanuris has evolved. If everything they've done is related to the Titans, then every dwarf main is about to be screaming in glee during Veilguard.

Everything we know about the entire history of Thedas has new context. Again, hell yeah for everyone who wanted more dwarf/Titan lore!!

Understanding Solas's origin story is understanding Solas himself. Not only that, but the world he came from. Not only what he's doing now, but every historical reason behind why he chose to do what he has been doing all along.

In short, our entire understanding of Thedas has changed, because we know how one of its oldest beings came to be.

If all that seems like a lot right now, that's because it is. But think about it. Fen'Harel was the god who could walk among both godly clans. The one who could imprison both sets, away from each other.

Knowing what he comes from tells us a LOT about why "both clans" thought he belonged to them. It tells us a LOT about who—and what—he is taking into consideration with his plans to tear down the Veil.

Oh, yeah. We're going to be talking about everything in Thedas.

Previous Hints to This Origin: This Was Always BioWare's Intention

So many people have been calling Veilguard a "reset" on Thedas lore. And regardless of your opinion on the worldstate choices, I will say this: absolutely none of Solas's lore is a retcon. Having just played DA:O and DA2 over the summer, in addition to several playthroughs of Inquisition, in addition to reading Tevinter Nights, The Missing, and both volumes of World of Thedas, I can say with certainty: there have been little hints placed for this reveal over all 15 years.

Yes, I will be dissecting most of these as we go on.

NOTE: This is not a 100% exhaustive list, especially by the time we get to DA:I!

Origins:

the earliest Fen'Harel lore: Fen'Harel walked between both clans of gods, for each of them believed him to be one of their own.

Oghren remarks that the Temple of Sacred Ashes is built around a lot of lyrium, and suggests (perhaps falsely) that that is why the Sacred Ashes of Andraste have healing powers

DA2:

literally Mythal is there, guys. she's there right in the prologue. of course DA2 was also an Evanuris game!! they ALL are!

the focus on the lyrium idol: being the Titans' blood, and being used so extensively in Veilguard (as the dagger) after its mention in Tevinter Nights (where Solas was looking for it and called it "my idol"), my assumption is it has always been a part of him or related to his Titan

red lyrium in general: showing us its effects, setting up the reveal for what it is in Inquisition

Corypheus' appearance in DA2, and how BioWare brought Corypheus in just so the player could see, without a doubt, that Hawke killed Corypheus. This was always meant to be a "HUH?" moment in Inquisition, where the player would see that Corypheus did, in fact, fully come back to life—opening up the door for future questions on how immortality is possible in Thedas

every Merrill mention of Fen'Harel, and having the legend from previous Dalish codices and Fen'Harel statues be placed in dialogue from her personal quest, where far fewer players would miss it or accidentally overlook it

taken together: everything having to do with Corypheus and lyrium in DA2 was preparation for us to establish a connection between lyrium, the Evanuris, immortality, and the blight in DAI.

Inquisition:

Cole's dialogue. Here's just a few lines: (at the lyrium coffins in Trespasser) "They're all singing. Coffers, coffins, corpses that aren't dead. A song crying out in the dark." // (telling Dorian why he doesn't need to eat) "I thought I had to. But I don't. The Old Songs can pull me." // (about wanting to be bound as a spirit) "You should ask Solas to bind you, too. And then someone can bind him."

Also this Cole/Solas exchange:

The entire Well of Sorrows quest. Lyrium, once refined, is a liquid. The Well of Sorrows houses memory: the memories of all who pledged themselves to it.

Solas' dialogue with Sera includes him saying elvish phrases that translate, loosely, to Titan-esque things (more about that in a later post!)

The insight we get into Templar and Seeker magic. Notably, Cole remarks over and over how it's connecting to "that other thing" (Titan magic, presumably) that counters mages' Fade magic. (ex: "The lyrium helps, but their bodies always want to connect to… something older. Bigger than they are. That's why they block magic. They reach for that other thing, and magic has no room to come in.")

Every Vir Dirthara codex has something to do with either lyrium, slain Titans, or that "other" magic (coming from the Pillars of the Earth).

The lullaby found in the Deep Roads in Trespasser is actually an elven explanation of Solas's origin. (more on that in a later post!)

External Media:

Solas calls it HIS red lyrium idol in Tevinter Nights. When the Dread Wolf descends upon the Mortalitasi, he says "MY lyrium idol."

Solas speaks to the Eye of Kethisca, presumably made of lyrium, in Vows & Vengeance Episode 1. The Eye then stops singing.

There is more in this list than I have posted! Much of it requires other explanations and context, however, and would not fit neatly in this list.

What This Implies for Solas's Past and Present

Past:

I think Solas's origination as part of a Titan has HUGE implications for the entire elvhen empire.

I think all of the Evanuris did Lyrium Crimes™, and they can be identified when we look at their vallaslin (later post!)

I also believe that Dirthamen/Falon'Din were originally also split by Elgar'nan, and it is very possible that they are the same kind of "spirit" as Solas.

I think this has huge implications for his relationship with Mythal.

I think that if Solas shares his lyrium/Titan-based lineage with any elves (as possibly evidenced by the lyrium coffins in the Deep Roads), then his rebellion might take root in how many elvhen may not have asked to be born.

I don't think he had to absorb magic from Mythal to get his powers. If anything, he may have been getting those abilities back.

Present:

I think that the Titans may have been injured/sundered when Solas created the Veil, and that is why they forget how to wake up.

I think the Titans, therefore, are the Forgotten Ones.

I think Solas wants to tear down the Veil to wake the Titans.

BIIIIIGGGG Blight implications, seeing as red lyrium is the blood of blighted Titans.

I think, if Solas dies, he may be "returned to the Stone" in the same way we saw in the Descent DLC.

But ALSO? I think this has the potential to explain a LOT of the lore we've been questioning for the last 15 years. And that is why this post is scheduled to have 6 parts by the time I'm through.

Stay tuned. <3

Up Next: (Almost) Every Hint the Elvish Language Gave Us About Solas's Origin

[stellar-haikyuu]

start somewhere ☆ nishinoya yuu x reader

synopsis: second-year reader sometimes feels like their physical education class is out to get them. but maybe, their classmate might help turn things around. details: mild hurt/comfort | romantic/platonic relationship | ~1.6k words | gn! reader | my entry for @phantasmaebg warnings: this is based on my insecurities related to exercise and sports back in high school, so please be cautious if it’s sensitive for you!

Physical education could be fun at times, but if there was one thing you dreaded every period, it was the warm-ups.

They were necessary, sure. You’d heard all the reasons: injury prevention, elevated body temperature, mental prep—the whole spiel.

The problem was that your physical education teacher seemed to enjoy torturing your class. Or maybe it was just you.

It always started the same way: some stretching and light jogging that lulled you into a false sense of security. But then came the dreaded laps. Ten relentless minutes of running around the court.

It also sucked that for this school year, physical education happened to be your first period—the prime time of your lethargy. 

You at least had the foresight to fuel yourself with breakfast, but it still felt like an entire day had passed by the time 9:00 AM rolled around.

And now, at 8:00 AM, your class is walking to the school gym, chattering normally as if your impending doom wasn’t looming ahead.

You sigh to yourself when your teacher waves at all of you, far too cheerfully.

“Alright, you know the drill. We’ll be practicing handball again before our practical exam in two weeks. But first, our warm-up laps.” She grins before continuing. “Remember, if I reach the last person and touch their shoulder, one additional lap!”

As always, the class groans in unison. You avoid making eye contact with anyone. 

You’ve always wondered if anyone was secretly annoyed by how slow you run; it’s just a miracle that you’ve managed to avoid adding any extra laps so far. 

Everyone lines up their water bottles against the wall, proceeding to do some stretching and jogging in place. You follow suit, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in your gut.

Eventually, your classmates situate themselves behind the makeshift starting line: a long strip of masking tape on the hardwood floor. You drag your feet, trying to position yourself somewhere in the middle, a little closer to the front.

The sound of the whistle blows, and everyone starts running. 

Despite the “head start” you give yourself, you’re reminded of why your attempts are always futile.

One by one, your peers start to pass you by the halfway mark. By the time you’ve completed one lap, you’re dead last. Again.

Your lungs start to burn, your breath turning ragged. The sharp and constant inhale-exhale rhythm makes your throat dry.

Internally, you scream at yourself to keep going, noticing the gap between you and the classmates in front of you starting to make itself clear.

You survive three laps before your teacher yells, “Let’s go, guys! Keep it up!” And at this point, you think she must be a sadist as she picks up the pace.

By now, your heartbeat pounds wildly in your ears, drowning out everything else. You lose count of the laps, just desperate for it to end. 

A small pain also starts to stab you in the side. How unfortunate it is to get a stitch now, of all times.

“I’m almost there!” When you look behind you, your PE teacher is just a few feet away, laughing as the other students yell in protest. “Finish the lap! Come on!”

Cursing internally, you grit your teeth and keep running.

You will not be the reason your classmates will be inconvenienced. 

You can’t, even if you feel like you’re going to drop to the ground any second now.

Though the starting line felt impossibly far, you managed to step over the tape through sheer willpower. 

Cheers erupt from the class. You’re not sure if they’re celebrating the end of the warm-up or your miraculous escape. You’re too exhausted to care.

Whatever it is, it’s over.

“Good job, everyone! You survived.” Your teacher announces. “Now, take a little break, I’ll just call the staff to help get the rest of the equipment.”

You barely register the rest of her words. At last, the agony for the week is over.

The world spins for a while as you wait for your heartbeat to slow down. All you can do is collapse onto the floor, breathing heavily.

A dry itch rises in your throat and you cough to relieve it. However, you hold yourself back from overdoing it—you’d prefer if your stomach’s contents don’t make a reappearance. 

Man, you hate this feeling.

“Hey, are you okay?”

The unfamiliar voice cuts through your thoughts, startling you. You blink, vision still a little spotty.

“Huh?” You breathe out, disoriented.

You vaguely see a hand extended toward you, and you take it. Your classmate helps you to your feet, guiding you to a nearby bench where you can sit down.

“Here.” He hands you your water bottle. You thank him before taking a long, long sip. Briefly, you wonder how he knew it was yours.

“I thought you passed out on the floor! Are you feeling dizzy or something?”

Putting your bottle down, you come face-to-face with Nishinoya Yuu.

Oh.

“Uh…” You’re a little overwhelmed by his concern, as no one usually bothers to ask. “Well, kinda, but I just need a breather. All that running is, um, a lot for me.”

You avoid his gaze. 

Nishinoya was always behind or right next to your teacher. You remember how he’d ask for permission to run ahead, only to have his suggestion turned down every time.

You were in his direct line of sight these past few weeks.

What would he think of you? 

“That’s alright.”

At his response, you freeze.

“What?”

“I said it’s alright,” he gives you a gentle smile, a contrast to his usual exuberance. “Running isn’t easy.”

You pause, unsure of what you could even say. He seems to notice your shift in mood. 

“Is something wrong?” He tilts his head. “You feelin’ anything weird?”

“No, it’s not that.”

When you take a hesitant look at Nishinoya, there’s something about his expression that seems so…welcoming.

It feels like you could tell him anything. 

“Then what is it?” His tone is laced a with genuine curiosity.

Just like that, you cave.

“I know I’m unfit,” you admit quietly, your eyes falling to the floor. “I know it’s not great for my health, and I’m trying my best. But it’s hard when… when everyone can see how far behind I am. I feel like they’re judging me.”

He doesn’t interrupt, patiently waiting for you to finish. You feel the weight of his stare as you continue.

“Maybe I’m just making excuses. Everyone else seems to be doing fine, it might just be me. And that probably sounds insulting to people like you.”

“People like me?” His voice softens as he moves a little closer to you.

“You play volleyball, right? I assumed that’s where all the bruises on your arms are from.” You gesture to them.

“Ah, yeah. You’re right.” He lightly brushes his arms, mottled with small purple and yellow marks. “But, what do you mean, insulting?”

“Well for one, you’re a school athlete,” you state. “You’re exempted from PE, yet you still-”

“Wait,” he cuts you off. “Exempted?”

“Yeah?” You turn to see him wearing a very perplexed expression.

“That’s a thing?”

A silence falls between the two of you.

Does he not���

You clear your throat. “You didn’t know?”

“I don’t actually know what exempted means?” He chuckles nervously.

You blink, momentarily stunned at the sudden turn in the conversation. “Um, it means that because you’re an athlete, you’re not required to participate in PE classes.”

“But why?” His disbelief is evident, like the idea of skipping PE is absolutely incredulous.

“Well, you already do a lot of training, don’t you?”

He nods. “Morning and late afternoon. But a short PE class doesn’t hurt, though.”

You stare at him, speechless. Wow.

“Anyway, that’s the rule I know of,” you reply. “They started it this year after the other sports teams complained.”

“Oh,” Nishinoya says blankly, trying to take it all in.

“You really had no idea?”

“Nope.” He scratches the back of his neck.

You nearly chuckle yourself at the absurdity of it all. “No wonder sensei looked so surprised when you asked to join PE. I thought she seemed hesitant when she let you in.”

“Yeah!” His eyes widen, as if he’s just pieced it together. “I thought it was weird that she kept double-checking, but I didn’t think much of it.”

There’s a brief pause before he grins at you. “Anyway, sorry, what were you saying earlier?”

It takes you a second to remember what he’s talking about. “Ah, right. Um. It’s just that I feel a little stupid making excuses when athletes like you do so much physical activity every day.”

“But you’re not an athlete?”

“Ah, yes, but-”

“Then no one expects you to train like me.” He frowns slightly. “Unless that’s what you want?”

Your breath hitches.

What do you want?

You swallow, shaking your head slowly. “No. I just…I just want to do well enough.”

“Well enough?”

“Just enough to stay active. Or maybe…enough to catch up to the rest.”

Nishinoya grows quiet for a moment, and you rush to explain.

“Sorry, I don’t really know the specifics-”

“Want me to help you out?”

You nearly give yourself whiplash as you look at him. “What? Help me?

“Yeah,” he says like it’s the most normal thing in the world. “Wanna run in the morning together? Could help you with endurance. We’ll start slow, see what you can handle, and go from there.”

Your jaw drops at his offer. 

“You want to…but wait, you have training and-”

“It's fine! I’m always happy to help anyone out!” He beams. “Plus, training is always more fun with a partner. What do you say?”

Warmth blooms in your chest.

“You’d really help me?”

“Of course!” He replies earnestly.

Would it be crazy to think Nishinoya was sent by the gods?

“You sure?” You lower your voice. “I don’t want to bother you over something that seems so simple.”

“Nah.” There’s a convincing glint in his eye that gives you hope. “Besides, we all start somewhere.”

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