#i blinked and time seized to exist.

[astramachina]

you ever read a fic so good for the first time in ages that you go into a fugue state.

[bluebeary-jay]

A promise softly sung

Astarion x f!Reader/Tav

Summary: before the battle that will decide his fate, Astarion is terrified of losing you to Cazador. you comfort him after a nightmare. (set at the beginning of act 3)

Tags: hurt/comfort, BIG angst and some fluff, poor boy doesn't believe he's deserving of love :( let's hold him until he changes his mind

Warnings: mentions of trauma, self-deprecating thoughts, memories of past abuse and torture, c*zador, being unable to move (briefly), tadpoles mention (idk if that's a trigger)

Word count: 2.1k

A/N: hiiiiiiiii my darlings <33 soo this is something else from what i usually write but i finished bg3 recently and i LOVED IT but i'm on a trip rn so in the absence of my pc i found some inner inspiration to write something again. honestly i missed writing very much but i had the biggest block for almost a year now but maybe it'll get better now that my classes are starting again and i'll be needing a distraction lmao. anyway comments and reblogs are always greatly appreciated and don't be shy to send in a request! and as always, happy reading!!! <3

He was there again.

Astarion loathed those hard, stone walls as much as he feared them. It was here that he once spent an entire night, having infernal script meticulously carved into his skin. It was here that he was punished every time he disappointed his master, every time he didn’t do well enough on his mission. It was here that he was reminded time and time again how worthless, pathetic and meaningless his existence was. It was here he returned in almost all of his nightmares.

But now you were here, too.

Astarion couldn’t believe this, but no matter how much he blinked or willed himself to wake up, the view before his eyes didn’t change. It was you, chained by the wrists to the ceiling where he was hanging so many times before, your toes just barely scraping the ground that was already splattered with your blood. Your clothes were ripped to shreds and cuts and bruises covered almost every inch of your skin. Astarion wanted to run up to you, to get you somewhere safe and far away from this place, but he found that he was unable to move. It wasn’t shock seizing up his limbs, but magical paralysis which he had experienced a couple of times during combat. Even though he knew it was a spell that was holding him in place, he still fought against it with all the strength he could muster – but to no avail.

Your eyes, full of tears and fear, met his briefly before you looked past him at someone else.

“Ah, my sweet, insolent boy,” whispered a voice straight from Astarion’s deepest, darkest nightmares, causing him to tense up in terror. A hand – pale, all too familiar in its deceptive tenderness – brushed his jaw from behind before grabbing his hair roughly. The vampire spawn could do nothing but watch as his head was tilted back and he came face to face with his master.

No, it can’t be… How was Cazador here? How were you here?!

“You’ve been a very bad boy, Astarion,” Cazador tutted, shaking his head. “Running away like that, not returning home for months… It’s no way to treat family, isn’t it?” Astarion felt a sharp sting of his master’s quarterstaff at his back, digging into the scars made by the same hand, but he couldn’t move, couldn’t even scream. “But I’ll forgive you… eventually. After all, you brought me this delectable treat…”

Both him and Cazador looked up at you when Astarion realized what – or rather, who – that bastard was talking about. He tried shaking his head, tried begging for him not to hurt you, but he still couldn’t move, his voice was still stuck past his throat and no word or sound came out. In the meantime, Cazador stood up, walking around his spawn to stand in front of you.

“His own survival was always the most important thing to him,” Cazador said almost pitifully, and only after a moment Astarion realized that this time, he was speaking to you. “He’s a selfish, contemptuous creature, after all. Say, did he tell you he loved you before he lured you here like so many others before you? Did he lie, swearing how much you mean to him?”

“Yes, he… he did.”

Astarion prayed to any higher being that it was just the power of another spell compelling you to say that, and not what you were really thinking. He tried to struggle against his own magical restraints, but whatever scroll or verbal command was used, it was far too powerful for the vampire to beat it with sheer willpower alone. He was helpless again – but worse than that, he was forced to watch you being at Cazador’s mercy, too, all while he couldn’t do anything to save you.

“I honestly didn’t think poor Astarion had it in him,” Cazador continued calmly, gliding gracefully around you and disappearing behind your back. Your own eyes, now full of hurt and betrayal, were trained on Astarion’s. He couldn’t turn away, but in the corner of his vision the elf saw a flash of a blade against your bare skin. “To give away one person who, for some strange reason, saw good in a filthy worm like him… But I’m so very proud of you, sweetling.” Cazador looked at him over your shoulder and licked his lips, so, so dangerously close to your neck. “You’ll live to serve me for centuries to come, and you can watch your lover take your place in my ritual… You did well, Astarion.”

No, Astarion cried in the prison of his own body, unable to reach you or to even stop Cazador from spilling lies into your ears. Not her, no, no, please–

“No!”

Cazador smiled widely and sank his teeth into your fragile neck, and you screamed, still looking at Astarion with this horrible hatred in your eyes…

“No, no, please! Take me, please, just don’t–”

“My love, it’s alright, you’re safe…”

“Stop! Please, just–!”

His body suddenly jerked painfully and his eyes shot open, darting around in confusion and trying to figure out where he was. Astarion wasn’t feeling the cold frigid air of the kennels anymore – instead his skin was almost hot, and damp from sweat, but there was something smooth and soft under his back… the sheets. He was in a bed, at an inn. Still panting heavily, he looked around, noting the details in his surroundings: the crooked chandelier, a little window with curtains drawn shut, his shirt hung neatly over the back of the chair… and your shoes right next to it.

At the memory of your battered and tortured body in Cazador’s dungeon, Astarion shot up with a belated sob, almost knocking you over in the process. Only when your warm hand left his cheek did he notice your presence. You were kneeling next to him on the mattress, expression worried and sorrowful, with the last traces of sleep just leaving the edge of your vision. His red eyes scanned your body, but there were no bruises, no cuts made by Cazador’s wretched blade, no burns on your wrists from the manacles he saw you in mere moments ago.

And there was no hatred in your gaze. Only love and care he didn’t deserve.

Astarion’s eyes filled with tears, but before he could run out of the room or hide under the bed, you opened your arms, gently offering him the solace within. And he, being the selfish, contemptuous creature that he was, didn’t deny himself what he wasn’t worthy of.

“It’s okay,” you whispered, petting his hair softly, while the other hand was – as always – mindful of the scars on his back. “It was a dream, my love. You’re safe here with us.”

His body shook with quiet sobs as he buried his face in the crook of your neck, inhaling the soothing scent of your skin and your blood singing to him just beneath. He saw again before his eyes the way Cazador looked at him before he bit you, right in this place he was now so close to…

To give away one person who, for some strange reason, saw good in a filthy worm like him…

“I’m sorry,” Astarion choked out, finding his voice at last, which made you pause in your ministrations. “I’m so sorry f-for not doing anything… He…”

You were quiet for a couple of seconds, but then Astarion felt the most tender touch of your lips on the crown of his head, and he buried his face more into your chest.

“I’m here, darling,” you whispered. “Whatever you saw, it wasn’t real.”

He didn’t answer, instead lifting his arm and tentatively brushing his fingers just underneath your shirt. He didn’t feel any scars mirroring his own, but could still see the blood flowing from your back and down your legs, could still hear your painful scream… It brought fresh tears to his eyes again.

“I… I swear, I would never do that,” he attempted to explain himself, but his words came out in a pathetic sob, and he shook his head again, curling in on himself. “He– he was lying. I’d never…”

A fresh wave of tears wetted your shirt, but you didn’t seem to mind as you gently rocked him back and forth, cradling him safe in your arms. Old Astarion would probably scoff at the condescending action of being treated like an infant, but he knew better now. He still found it difficult, but with you at his side he was learning what true care and affection looked like, and how to accept it. You were always so patient with him, so gentle, never rushing or angry when he couldn’t give you the closeness and intimacy you deserved. Astarion loved that about you – even if he wasn’t ready to say it out loud just yet.

“My star…” you hesitated, but ultimately asked, “what did you dream about?”

The vampire took a shaky breath, unable to open his eyes or speak about what he saw. Instead, he called on the tadpole in his brain and nudged your mind with it, wordlessly asking for permission, which you immediately granted. There was at least one thing the tadpole was good for, he thought as you lived through the nightmare his weak, broken mind had conjured. If by the gods’ grace all of them managed to get rid of the tadpoles and survive this whole ordeal… and if by some miracle you still wanted to stay with him after all was done… Astarion knew he would have to learn how to communicate his feelings on his own. But not tonight. Not tonight.

You didn’t say anything for a long while, only continuing to hold him close to your chest. In this position he could hear the soothing beat of your heart, proving that he didn’t lead you to Cazador, that he didn’t turn you into a monster like him…

“We’re gonna kill him,” you finally said with your throat tight from emotions. “I promise you, as soon as we get to the Baldur’s Gate, we’ll find him and end him for good.”

Astarion knew what he should say – he should agree, or maybe jest that this is the most romantic thing you’ve ever said, or even argue that it’s not going to be that easy.

But all he could do right now was to continue clinging to you like a child, too afraid to face you.

“I’d never give you away,” he breathed, so quietly that he wasn’t sure you heard it, but he didn’t care. “Even if I had to suffer another two hundred years. I’d never–”

“I know, my darling,” you whispered back, and Astarion felt your own tears disappearing in his white locks. He still couldn’t believe why someone like you would waste your tears on him of all people, and it caused a new kind of pain to bloom in his chest. “And you’re not those things he told you. You’re… you’re everything to me, Astarion. Everything.”

Astarion wondered if he’d ever believe that. You proved to him time and time again that you can make anything possible, even change the worldview of someone like him… but with Cazador’s threat still looming, he didn’t have it in him to try and convince himself of your words.

Maybe after the bastard's dead, he concluded. Maybe then it’ll get easier and he can finally start becoming someone deserving of you.

You stirred slightly, breaking him out of his musings. Astarion hugged you tighter, sharply stopping you from moving away.

“Please. Don’t go.”

You just leaned back on the pillow and kissed his head gently again. Astarion felt the tension in his body melting away just a little, but the tears welled up again in his eyes.

“I won’t. Promise.”

And you kept your promise. Astarion didn’t fall asleep again, but your constant heartbeat under his cheek brought him some semblance of peace as he waited for the sun to rise. It didn’t feel right to let you care for him so much, to gift and envelop him with your love that he didn’t deserve… But it’d be even more wrong to take that choice away from you. He knew all about that, after all, and he'll be damned if he ever treats you the way he was treated.

So Astarion decided that he will let you love him and he will love you in return, for as long as you allow it.

Because, truth be told, he was nothing if not a selfish, contemptuous creature.

[izvmimi]

cw: fluff. isekai au. selfship-coded. female pronouns.

In all your focus on becoming strong enough to protect yourself and not be a burden to others, it hadn’t occurred to you that as a Demon Slayer, you’d be receiving a paycheck. 

A fat one at that.

You’re not exactly sure what to do with it. The envelope had shown up, slipped below the door of your lodgings at the Ubuyashiki mansion with your name on it, and while you’re not completely sure what the conversion rate + inflation would be, the sheer size of the stack was enough to make you quite confident that it was a lot of money. The issue is, you have very little use for money as you receive meals and board by virtue of Kagaya’s kindness, and the things you would buy if you could don’t particularly exist in this timeline. 

As you sit on your futon and think again about what it would mean to save and how banking would work in this timeline, and if it’s even worth it given your particular circumstances, a sudden flash of Tanjiro’s smile comes to mind, and you immediately know what to do.

You should buy him a gift. After all, you wouldn’t have gotten through your first mission if not for Tanjiro, you consider, your face warming as you consider what things you’ve seen him receive that delighted him the most. Then you consider that perhaps a gift is too presumptuous, and you see him happy when he has a nice meal, or perhaps you could get something nice for both him and Nezuko because that wouldn’t look too strange, plus he’s happy when she’s happy, or perhaps you could-

Your thought spiral is interrupted by the sound of a knock on your door. Two gentle raps, and then you hear his voice.

Think of an angel and he will appear.

“___, are you busy today?”

When you ignore your slightly quickened heartbeat to let him in, he looks just like the picture in your mind’s eye, sweet, practically glowing with warmth, save for the fact that you notice his hair is slightly damp and his skin dewy as if he’s just bathed. He’s wearing his Demon Slayer uniform but with his regular green and black checked haori over top and his sword is at his side as though he plans to travel. He smells good, and you hope you smell at least decent to him, too.

You shake your head no. 

“Are you planning on going somewhere? Did you get a new mission?” you ask. 

“No, I wanted to know…” he pauses for a moment, then scratches the back of his neck, looking up at the ceiling, “if you wanted perhaps to go out to town with me. I was hoping to congratulate you for your first mission.”

You blink twice. He really is always one step ahead of you, you realize. 

Tanjiro lets his hand fall to the side and nods at you, now with a steadier expression. “You did a really great job.”

To this, you can’t help but let out a soft chuckle.

“You mean by staying alive while you cleaned up?” you ask. Tanjiro decides to indulge in your humor, insisting, “It wasn’t all me.” he insists. 

Perhaps that much is true. Tanjiro is a good friend and mentor so it’s not odd that he would extend this kindness first. It’s also an opportunity it would be best to seize, treating him to udon or dango, and offering him some gratitude as well. 

Your mind may shift from time to time to the time he used his own mouth to suck turbulent air from your unnatural breathing technique out of your own lungs, but he is simply a friend.

And friends can hang out. 

—

“It’s a beautiful fit,” the shop owner says as you slip on a peach pink jacket with colorful embroidered petals and blossoms, the last of the four you’ve tried on to Tanjiro’s surprising patience, and glance at yourself in the mirror. 

Something about this entire scene feels wrong but also right to you. For one, you’re not the one who suggested this particular shop - rather it was Tanjiro who insisted you consider window shopping with him, under the guise of finding something for Nezuko, but soon you’d realized that he hadn’t exactly picked anything out, content to watch you leaf through hung designs and listen to the shopkeeper’s promise of superior quality compared to the other stores in the district. You consider that whatever would look good on you would look good on Nezuko and with each trying on of a jacket, you offer pros and cons.

This one is a bit airy and light, very comfortable for summer time.

I think this one might clash with her hair color.

The texture’s too thick here, I’m not sure I like this one as much but it’s very high quality, I can tell.

This last one however is simply perfect in feel and design, and you feel somewhat bad when you turn to Tanjiro and sheepishly say,

“This one is super pretty. I know we’re shopping for Nezuko but I think I might buy this one for myself.” Tanjiro smiles as he rises from the chair in the corner. He’s sat politely for the past few minutes saying very little except nodding appreciatively.

“It looks beautiful on you,” he states as casually as if he were describing the weather, then turns to the older lady running the shop, the same lady who had spent a few minutes glancing between him and you as well, and you’d pretended not to notice. 

“How much?” Tanjiro asks. 

Surprised, you wonder if he hadn’t heard you.

The seamstress names her price and Tanjiro is quick to give money, before you finally hold in your need to be polite and nudge him.

“What are you doing?” you whisper. He’s unfazed as he hands money over, then smiles at you.

“Buying you a gift.”

“You don’t have to…” you start, but trail off as the woman receiving the money shoots you a dirty look that has you fall silent.

“You’re right, I don’t have to. But I would like to,” he adds.

You leave the shop promptly with a parcel in your hand and the seamstress’ eyes on your back.

—

Perhaps you do look like a couple, even if that’s the furthest thing from the truth. Tanjiro won’t let you treat him to any of the food, insisting you save your money instead through bites of skewered meat and noodles, and you finally find out which bakery supplies the Castella he brings by for you and your friends, as well as the girls at the Butterfly Mansion.

It’s better than anything you’ve tasted in your time, even if you practically choke on a roll when the baker tells you Tanjiro is lucky to be in the company of a pretty girl.

In your own time, you’ve been called pretty before, but this description today strikes at the very pit of your stomach, filling it with butterflies. Does Tanjiro know that you’re pretty? Does he agree? You ponder this for a few moments, then you’re immediately embarrassed to be thinking something so childish. 

Whether you’re pretty or not is moot. To him, you’re a younger sister to whom he buys gifts and food. Perhaps more pathetic since you are not related, since you have no one else, since you’re trapped here.

Tanjiro doesn’t answer the question you’ve posed in your head out loud, but he grins.

“I’m quite lucky indeed.”

—

As you walk side by side at the close of the evening, Tanjiro enthuses you in your progress, and you talk about all and nothing. There are red bean paste buns in your hand that you chew on idly between thoughts.

You’re not sure how the day went by so quickly, not while you were parallel processing, doing mental math to figure out what he thinks of you - as friend, as someone to dote on like a child, as someone who he could potentially…

No, that cannot possibly be it.

“Did you have fun today?” he asks. His cheeks are a warm pink and he’s looking straight ahead rather than at you, but his shoulders are relaxed and he bites and chews as he waits for your answer.

“Of course, I did,” you tell him. “This is…,” you pause, then continue, “probably the first time I’ve been anywhere nice, just for fun, since I got to this place.” Admitting it feels strange, but it’s true. Your life has now been limited to the mansion and towns you don’t know. Duty-driven, despair-driven, danger-driven. 

Tanjiro looks at you for a moment, and for just a moment his look is wistful. 

“Are you happy here?” he asks. Your mouth opens then closes, and then he quickly catches himself in a nervous laugh.

“Probably a stupid question, given none of your family is here, and you don’t have any of your technology and it’s not even your country and-”

You squeeze his hand for a moment.

“I’m happy now,” you offer him, then let go quickly. “Thank you for spending time with me.”

His mouth opens for a moment, and you wonder if you overstepped but he beams, and you wonder what you’d do without this small friendship.

“We should go back,” you quickly fill in before he can say something else and you can regret touching him. You’re the first to take a few steps forward, practically skipping, snacks and new clothing in hand, and you hear him behind you catching up.

“Yeah, let’s get you home safe.”

[zhongrin]

the art of breathing normally

— or, the ways you make him breathless so effortlessly

◇ characters ◇ zhongli, childe, diluc, al haitham, wanderer, kaveh, kaeya

◇ tags ◇ fluff, angst, comfort, spoiler/hint of al haitham's character story 5

◇ a/n ◇ yes the title is taken from that one chapter title in “for better or worse” webtoon hehe i love dillon and cedric so much they’re cute

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡 ⬙ 𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡

zhongli finds it hard to breathe (in a good way) when you wrap yourself around him in one way or another. you can drape your arms around his waist, nuzzle yourself against his side, or even jump up to koala-hug him (although he will still scold you lightly as he drops everything in his arms in favor to support you - he just doesn’t want you to get hurt.)

but his favorite has to be when you lace your fingers between his own (preferably gloveless) ones, before tightly squeezing, a pressure not enough to hurt but strong enough to leave tingles upon his skin, making the geo markings along his arms pulse and blink in happiness.

he just loves to be reminded and reassured that you’re here. you’re right here in front of him and you are here to stay. you’re here for him with your tender love and warm smile. and you’ll always be here, etched permanently in his heart, the most unyielding stone eroded in remembrance of your beautiful soul.

it was a spontaneous decision on your part when you slip into bed with al haitham and offered to read his book for him out loud instead tonight. he ponders over it for a bit and decides to relent, wanting to know what is it that made you so hooked on hearing him read his books audibly on normal days. your voice fills his senses as he settles onto his pillow, and his lips tug on the corners as you stumble upon difficult terms you’ve never heard before. he decides to show you mercy by telling you the correct pronunciation, and you thank him before continuing, as cheerful as ever, unashamed of your lack of knowledge - it’s one of the things he adores about you, he thinks. this happens several times, and as he relaxes, your lover found his gaze magnetically straying towards you, examining your features as you read.

al haitham’s lungs seizes momentarily when your words falter as you sensed his stare, a patient smile full of such love and adoration blooming on your expression like the freshest bloom of the padisarahs in the garden. a memory lost to time resurfaces in his mind, and he feels himself reliving the hazy scene behind his closed eyelids. he can’t explain it but it feels familiar and nostalgic, yet it’s also foreign and different. when he feels your hand worriedly caressing the stray tear on his cheek, he could only smiles and thinks to himself -

ah. so this is what a peaceful life feels like.

childe’s breath stutters when you kiss his nose or his eyelids. there’s something so adorable and intimate about those two specific places. like a forgotten childhood memory and the intricate vulnerability of allowing himself to be cherished and loved, to know that you won’t ever harm him despite him having his guard down. surprisingly, ajax doesn’t need a lavish display of love despite his repetitively showy endeavors in telling the whole world that you’re his. he’s already content with your soft giggles and tender touches, hidden behind doors and under the blankets in the cold starless sky of snezhnayan winters.

as the trained warrior that he is, he can last a good few minutes underwater, yet one simple kiss from you effectively diminishes his lung capacity, making him gasp and gulp for air, like a fish out of water. he can run for miles and keep his regular breathing pattern, yet a single notion of your well-being put in harm’s way makes his chest constrict and his breath fall into disarray. you’re the bane of his existence and the deity of salvation in his life.

you steal his breath away and with it, a piece of his cracked heart.

as cliche and boring as it was, kaveh’s breath escapes from his lungs whenever you visibly express yourself near him. he’s an empath to the core and he absolutely adores receiving the waves of your emotions like he’s some sentient radio transceiver who’s so attuned to your channel.

you could smile and he would follow, his chest constricting with incomprehensible joy as he drinks the light of happiness like a withered plant that hasn't seen sunlight in days. he loves to listen to your cheerful voice, like your own devoted transcriber, ready to commit your words and etch them into his soft and overwhelmingly big heart.

you could cry and he would bawl with you while holding you close, his lungs seizing with thorny vines that wrap and threaten to crush them to mush with each pearl of tears falling down the puffiness of your eyes. somehow the sight hits him harder than when the realization of his father not coming back hit him, or that time his mother told him she was going to move to fontaine and remarry - oh, it’s so much worse, because he’s holding his entire world in his arms, and he resonates with your bleeding heart.

kaeya would never admit to it but you would notice that his breath hitches whenever you yank his shirt to kiss him. he can try to deny it all he wants, but he finds your assertiveness hot - there’s just something about having you reaffirming how much you can affect him.

it used to irk him, actually - no one should have so much power over him. his life is already crumbling enough as it is, why would he want someone to shake it all up and potentially make it all crash down? and yet, throughout your relationship, he sees you fix the cracks, changes the rusted nails out, and solidifies his foundation. you’re so patient, your touch firm and gentle, and with each fissure healed he finds himself laughing breathlessly… and he lets go of his inhibitions. you can steal his marred heart away, and take his breaths too while you’re at it.

diluc finds his breathing spectacularly failing when your finger brushes against his nape as you help him tie his hair into a high ponytail. he still does not understand why you prefer this hairstyle, but he understands fully that the lack of air in his voice when you worriedly ask if you’ve tugged on his hair too hard is, in actuality, caused by how he wishes he could spend the rest of his life with you. to be with you, just like this, tranquil mornings full of domesticity and love, a replica of the little bits of memories he remembers of his late parents when they thought he was still asleep.

he’s so in love with you, he burns brighter in your presence, and he doesn’t even care if it uses up all the oxygen in his lungs; for he is sure his love for you is an eternal flame not born from the borrowed power of the gods, but from the deepest part of his heart.

wanderer has no need for these two specific atoms chemically bound to form an oxygen molecule that these weak humans seem to need lest they keel over and asphyxiate. and yet he still feels something compressing itself into an ever-consuming black hole within his hollow chest whenever you touch his white wooden skin with the most tender of touches as if he was something to be cherished. as if he was worthy of your presence. as if he was human. as if you truly love him.

ridiculous, he hisses and slaps your hand away every single time. his throat clogs and his lips purse, his vocal chord failing to enunciate how foolish you are, and the feeling got worse when he sees you merely chuckle at his ‘prickliness’.

you touch him again with the same hands five minutes later, and he struggles to squash the urge to smile.

© zhongrin | 2023 ◆ no repost. reblogs much appreciated. feel free to reach out to submit suggestions, feedback, comments, or if you just want to talk!

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[cinnamxnangel]

𝔯𝔲𝔫, 𝔡𝔬𝔫'𝔱 𝔥𝔦𝔡𝔢 (mlist)

ℑ. 𝐒𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐌 !

my head hurts.

all i can hear is the pounding in my head. i open my eyes but all i can see is dark. everywhere.

after blinking a few times, my vision comes back. i'm in a foyers with plush red carpet and fake candles lined against the wall for light. i pull myself to my feet, wondering how i got here.

all i remember was being at the party with everyone. there was drinking, dancing, and laughing over the roaring music but i can't remember what happened after.

i start to walk around in what looks like a old victorian style house. a huge chandelier hangs from the ceiling between two grand staircases. the house is eerily quiet, and a chill runs through the air.

fear starts creeping through my veins, making my movements small and calculated. i decide that i'm done staying in this creepy house and go to open the front door. i push the door knob but it feels stuck. i push again, but it won't budge. panic starts seizing my throat but i continue. when my efforts remain fruitless, i lean against the door trying not have a full blown panic attack.

there's obviously there's a reason this is happening. you'll be fine.

i repeat the words like a mantra, as if i can somehow wish them into existence.

i decide to call someone but everytime i try, it cuts off immediately. i keep trying but with no avail. i notice several unread texts and decide to read them. maybe they'll have a clue to where i am.

i roll my eyes, a smile finding its way on my face.

idiots.

i try to think but i have zero memory of leaving the party with anyone.

i try texting them and my texts goes through! but when i do i hear a couple pinging sounds, coming from up the stairs.

the sound makes me jump and i feel my heart beat wildly against my chest.

"who's there?" i call out. only silence answers my question.

"hello?" no answer. i decide to investigate, using a crowbar I find leaning against the wall as a weapon. i slowly creep up the stairs trying not to make any noise.

my heart continues hammering in my chest.

thump thump. thump thump.

the upstairs also has red carpet floors, and rich, intricate wallpaper. there are several closed doors, leading me to believe there are several rooms. I slowly open the first door I see, but it's completely dark.

I use my phone as a flashlight, flashing it around. i keep looking, not seeing anything particularly wrong.

thump thump. thump thump.

i creep inside slowly, inspecting the room more closely. it looks just like a regular bedroom but with more vintage furniture. I reach out to touch a huge blanket lump that sits on the bed. but as I walk closer, I hear a crunch under my foot. I look down to see a phone. I lean down to pick it up and see a black mask laying right next to it.

thump thump. thump thump.

unease starts to flood my veins, the only thing I want to do is leave. I slowly back away, but I feel my back hit something.

a person.

my breathing becomes ragged.

thump thump. thump thump.

"who are you?" my voice shaking a bit. they say nothing, just place my hand on my shoulder. I let out a choked breath. "what do you want?" they don't respond, in fact they don't move.

after several moneys of labored breathing, they place their hand on my head slowly turning to face them. my eyes go wide with fear to meet face to face with…

“panda!” i kick him, pushing away. “what the fuck is wrong with you??” i yell. he laughs while holding his abdomen in pain.

“wow jesus. that was some kick," i hear toge say as come out behind the door, causing me to gasp. he and panda continue laughing their asses. 

“guys, what the fuck! what the hell are you doing?” 

“you should’ve seen your face.” toge says, between laughs. “oh shit, i should’ve take a picture.” panda snickers. 

“i should’ve kicked you in the balls.” i say glaring at him. “where are we? why would you bring me here?”

“bring you here? we didn’t bring you here.” 

“then what are we doing here?”

“idk.” they both say unison. i sigh. 

“you both are completely useless.” i mumble. “i just woke up at the front of this place and i couldn’t open the front door.” 

“weak ass.” toge mumbles.

“excuse me?” i give him an incredulous look. “you try opening it.” 

“okay.” he shrugs with a smirk. we jog down the stairs approaching the front door. i cross my arms over my chest, nodding at toge to open it. 

he gives me a smug expression while pulling on the door knob. it barely even budges. his confidence falters and i stifle a laugh. he tries again harder, but his efforts are fruitless. 

i’m just about to make a joke when he says, “don’t even think about it.” i let out a laugh. 

“who’s the weak ass now?” he glares, like he’s fighting against the thought of strangling me. 

“you both are weak. let me try.” panda says. he cracks his knuckles before slamming against the door with his shoulder.

it doesn’t open. 

“god damn.” panda rubs his shoulder before trying again. and again. 

and again.

“panda, stop. you’ll hurt yourself.” i pull him back. 

“oh fuck.” toge curses. “if panda’s fat ass can’t break us out of here, i don’t think we can get out.” 

“hey!” panda exclaims. he runs over to toge but i stop before he can hurt him. 

“guys stop playing around. this is serious. what if we were kidnapped or smth?” 

“then this has to be their first time kidnapping. why wouldn't they tie us up or, you know, be here?” 

“well my bad, i don’t have an explanation for this situation.” i roll my eyes. “maybe there’s another exit.” i suggest. “let’s look around.” 

“do we split up?” toge asks.

“no. are you dumb? in every horror movie, whenever they split up at least one of them gets killed off. you need to be with someone at all times. got it?” 

“yes sir.” they both salute and i shake my head.

out of the people to be in a survival situation with, why would it be with them? just as we're about to go we hear a thump up the stairs.

"oooh." toge makes wiggly gesture with fingers.

"can you please take this seriously? we should probably see what that was."

"okay have fun. it was nice knowing you dumb asses." toge says, leaning against the wall. i roll my eyes.

"toge, if me and panda go, you'll be left alone here. that's probably worse than coming upstairs." he contemplates that for a minute before sighing. "alright, let's go. but i die, i want it written on my gravestone 'it was y/n's fault'".

"sure." we slowly creep up the stairs, toge and panda behind me. "you guys are pussies." i say, but fear shakes my hand as we continue to the source of the sound.

we hear muffled sounds behind the door of another bedroom. i mouth 3, 2, 1 before i quickly burst through the room, crowbar in hand.

i see maki, nobara, yuta, yuji, and megumi all freeze.

"holy shit." we all say unison.

"what the fuck is going on?" megumi says, his jack skellington makeup smudged.

"that's we're trying to figure out." i sigh, dropping the crowbar to my side. "how'd you guys get here?"

"i have no idea." megumi answers. "we just-"

"woke up in here?" toge cuts him off, pushing off the door frame. megumi nods.

"who would do this?" yuta asks. none of give an answer. we tell them how the front door won't open and how none of the phone calls would go through.

"there are no windows either." megumi chimes.

"what?" i ask. but when i think about it, i didn't notice any windows. what kind of house is this?

all of our phones buzz at the same time. we all look at each in confusion before l\seeing what it was. all our screens are frozen with a message typed on.

you have until tomorrow morning to confess your sins. if you do not, i will see to it that none of you will ever see the light of day again. you will rot in this god-forsaken place for the rest of your miserable lives. xoxo

"what the fuck?"

his pov

i watch as she walks. she's so elegant.

like a swan gracefully floating in water. or figure skater on ice.

the way her lips move as she speaks sends chills down my spine.

she reaches her hand up to rub her neck. a nervous tick.

i guess old habits die young.

the thrill i get from watching her is sinful, but i can't help it.

no matter how many times i tried to stop. to to leave. to forget about her i couldn't.

she is my everything. she is the air that i breathe. she consumes me.

she will be the death of me.

a/n - guys i feel like my writing is shit plss 😭 hopefully it's not as bad as i think it is. happy spooky season! stay warm and safe!

taglist ! - @stillnotherapy, @megumislovedoll

[vorrentis]

M Reader x Momo - Forbidden Love (Part 3)

So, it's NOT the final chapter.

AN at bottom for explanation.

WORDS: 18151

===============================================

"Momo...I..."

Your words failed to escape as her words literally crushed yours.

"..."

"..."

"..."

You cleared your throat, shifting uneasily in your place. 

"Momo," you began, your voice soft and tinged with regret, "...I'm sorry, I-I didn't know you were-"

You gulped as Momo didn't respond.

"..."

"...I'm sorry I haven't been here for you as much as I used to, but you work, our parents have me tied down and-" 

"It's always about work with you," she said, her voice trembling, feeling a mixture of vulnerability and honesty, "is that honestly more important than me?"

"..."

Momo's eyes flared for a second till almost closed and she hugged herself while looking away.

"S-sorry, sorry I-I didn't mean to-..." Momo took a deep breath while you sat there.

You hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words to convey the depth of your emotions.

In those ticking moments, your brain went into overdrive. 

It was like a mental race, thoughts sprinting in all directions, the air heavy with unexpressed feelings as a rush of conflicting emotions surged within your chest.

In the hushed silence, your mind raced, thoughts colliding like a storm and each choice presented its own set of consequences, and the pressure to choose loomed large but as time collected, you felt the weight of the right choice settle, a realization echoing in your mind. 

With determination etched on your face, you took a deep breath, seizing the seconds to embrace the uncertainty that lay beyond.

"..."

"..."  

"..."

GRASP (Gently)

You reached out and took her hand, squeezing it to provide comfort as Momo turned to you, her eyes evident of her feelings as you swallowed your feelings and needed to say something back.

"I...I miss those times too, Momo. I can't tell you how sorry I am about you feeling like this. You know I never, ever want you to feel even a percent of what you're in now," Momo very slowly moved her head, "of course, I thought about us together. I truly do think about being with you daily Momo."

"..."

"And I never meant for work or any other responsibilities to overshadow us Momo," you continued, your gaze locked with hers, "My job or our parents aren't more important; it's just...complex, but trust me I want to be there for you to Momo. To cherish the moments we shared just like we used to. I don't want you to feel neglected or unimportant. You mean the world-no everything to me."

Her grip on your hand tightened, and a small, hopeful emotion came upon feeling it.

"..." you took a deep breath, "and I promised you ever since I could that I would be there for you no matter what Momo, first as a brother, but now as something deeper. I was there for you when you needed me the most before and I'll be damn if I left you feeling like this. I want to be there for you for as long as I can Momo. I'm sorry for you going through a tough time, but you don't have to worry any longer. I can't promise how quickly, but I'll be here. To be there for you to get through it together like we've always done."

Momo's eyes glistened with delight as a tear descended with her hold on your hand tightening.

You appear to have done the right thing as Momo quickly got on her knees and hugged you; nuzzling into your neck and digging her free arm around your neck with strength rivaling a boa.

"T-Thank you (YN)...you-you are the best..." she whispers in your ear as you hug back, no words needed from you.

The world outside ceased to exist, and all that mattered was the connection between you and her.

Though you felt the heaviness of the decision settling in, all decided in the blink of an eye.

But as the hug deepened, you could feel the unspoken words echoing between your hearts.

That's also when you realized that you two were still nude as Momo's naked body was pressing against yours and common sense returned as you cleared your throat.

"Uh, Momo, I hate to ruin this, but we should get dressed, no telling if any of the girls will come."

Momo pulled away, much to her dismay, but it was a more pleasant sight...

was adorned with an infectious grin that stretched from ear to ear. 

Her eyes sparkled with an inner light as if happiness itself had taken residence within her, revealing the depth of their joy, and a contagious warmth emanating from them.

There was an unmistakable sense of fulfillment, a silent acknowledgment that, yes, this was the right decision.

"Yeah, you're probably right, Mina and Chae are out walking too, but we're talking more about this."

You nodded as you two stood from their spot and went to gather their clothing.

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

TIMESKIP

14 Minutes Later

"So how close are we?" Mina asked Chaeyoung while fanning herself from the heat, "The heat is agonizing,"

"You should hear the water in a minute or two." Chaeyoung waved held hands hers and Mina's up and down.

After a long walk and lugging what's left of their lunch from their picnic, Chaeyoung decided to take Mina to the waterfall, the same one where you and Momo were at the moment.

"Good, I need to be in the water ASAP. You think (YN) and Momo are there?" Mina asked as Chaeyoung shrugged.

"Who knows, if they are great, if not, even better."

"How is that better?" Mina turned to her girlfriend who turned back to Mina.

"Cause we get some alone time~" Chaeyoung smiled as Mina rolled her eyes.

"We already had plenty before coming here,"

"Oh don't act like you don't want it too~" Chaeyoung's smile turned to a devilish grin as Mina pursed her lips, "knew it,"

Mina's response was side-bumping Chaeyoung as the younger one giggled back.

It was a few moments later in peace Mina started to hear something...

SHHSHSHSHHSHSHHSH

"And there's the water." Chaeyoung pointed forward and started to pick up the pace, "Come on Mina!" eventually dragging Mina forward as they were linked.

"Ah-Chae relax." Mina almost fell, but she picked up the pace to match Chaeyoung and another few moments later...

"Now this is a sight," Mina complimented as Chaeyoung stared with the memories of her family and herself being here long ago.

"It sure is...oh! And there's (YN) and Momo." Chaeyoung pointed at the two sitting on the shore, both positioned to be looking at the duel waterfalls.

"Hey! (YN)! Momo!"

The two turned quickly to Chaeyoung's voice and saw her waving fast and high as Mina was at her side.

You and Momo waved back, surprised at the sudden appearance of the two as you turned to Momo.

"Now I'm really glad we got our clothes on." You noted as Momo nodded while her sisters walked towards you both sitting where the water was to your mid-torso.

"I see you found the place." Chaeyoung started while being near the two.

"We did. It's pretty relaxing," You said to them as they dropped their bags near the water end.

"It seems like it," Mina answered, "it's truly beautiful,"

Looking at the two, you remembered what Momo said about the two being together.

Mina was one of Momo's closest friends from Sixteen till now and Chaeyoung was fun and energetic throughout the week, they do seem nice together.

"It's like I remembered," Chaeyoung took a look at the scenery and inhaled a large amount of the outdoor air, "I'm hopping in," Chaeyoung then grabbed the helm of her shirt and pulled it over, revealing her pink bikini top, "Mina?" 

"In a bit Chae."

"Alright, you two?" Chaeyoung asked dumping her shirt and started walking into the water.

"We're worn out," Momo said as you nodded, "now we're planning stuff,"

"Suit yourself, you better come with me Mina," Chaeyoung dipped her toes into the water as Mina smiled at her back, "and it's perfect~" 

She took off her sandals as Mina joined you two sitting, dipping her feet into the temperate water while Chaeyoung was already swimming away.

"Full of energy she is," Mina stated, but she talked in Japanese since the trio shared the same language, "so, what are you two planning?" Mina asked turning to you both.

"About (YN) staying in Seoul permanently," Momo answered in Japanese as well.

Mina took a look at you and then Momo.

"Really?" She repeated.

"Yeah," Mina turned to Momo nodding as she smiled afterward.

"Wow, well that's wonderful, but uh, but can you?" Mina asked you as you shrugged.

"That's why we're discussing. It's gonna require a lot of planning, it's not as easy as you would think. Especially in the position I'm in with our parents."

"Your parents? What's wrong?"

"(YN) is...well, we'll talk about it when we get back with the others," Momo capped the conversation as Mina nodded.

"Alright. Regardless, it does sound like it'll be some effort, but the eight of us can help too." She stated while you smiled at Momo's J-line partner.

"Arigato Mina," Momo said to her nodding back. 

"Mina!" Chaeyoung's voice echoed in the area. 

"Alright, I'm coming! The things I do for her," and removed her top to reveal a lilac floral bikini top, "at least the water isn't too cold," Mina slowly went in and within half a minute, she was swimming towards her girlfriend.

As Mina swam towards Chaeyoung, the sun cast a warm glow on the serene waters of the isolated water spot. 

The conversation about staying in the city permanently lingered in the air between you and Momo, creating a sense of uncertainty about the future.

After a few seconds of side-eyeing Momo moved her feet in the water, head hung watching the ripples being caused, you turned forward and let a silent sigh out.

Navigating family expectations and planning for a permanent stay in Seoul wasn't as simple as you made it be, or what Momo seems to think. 

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

TIMESKIP

"And here you go Tzuyu," you walked over to her side and placed a plate in front of her, "careful, it's hot," 

Tzuyu smiled at her well-prepared meal.

"Looks good," she turned to you, "thank you (YN),"

You nodded.

"No problem, but all the credit goes to Jihyo and Nayeon, they did all the work," you pointed at them towards the island table.

"And thank you for your instructions." Jihyo stated while cleaning up her section as Nayeon kept stirring the pot of curry, "And you better leave the recipe too."

"It's not much different from a Japanese Curry, it's my variation of it."

"Someone knows their cooking." Nayeon gave a grin as you turned from Tzuyu and towards the two.

"Google helps," you joked as they both smiled, "now then, you two can serve yourself, I'll clean up."

"You sure?" Jihyo asked.

"Go ahead,"

"Cool," "Thanks (YN)," both girls stopped their tasks and helped themselves to a plate, and started to serve.

You looked at the table after and the other seven girls were enjoying themselves, each one digging into the meal along with Momo eating, but slowly.

You let a silent sigh out through your nostrils.

Since coming back from the lake, Momo's energy seemed shot, not to the point of being miserable, but not the high energy she had the whole week, she was like another Tzuyu.

Understandable though.

The emotional baggage Momo had been carrying, the weight of decisions and plans, seemed to have taken a toll on her usual vibrant demeanor. 

As you observed Momo slowly consuming her food, you had a sense of concern for her.

The meal continued, laughter and chatter were filling the air, and the other girls, immersed in their enjoyment, hadn't noticed the subtle shift in her mood but you.

Jihyo decided to sit next to Momo as there was an empty seat.

"Momo tell your brother to send us more recipes, 'cause this is good~" Jihyo already took a spoonful on the way to the table as Momo nodded.

"He cooked this all the time, huh Otouto," Momo said from her seat as you nodded at her.

As they exchanged glances, she managed a small smile, appreciating the unspoken support.

"If anyone wants seconds there's more in these pans," You informed the girls. 

"Me!" "I'll get some more," Dahyun and Chaeyoung rose from their seats as you continued to clean up.

5 MINUTES OF CLEANING UP LATER

After seconds were served, you were lucky enough to have enough for two more servings, but now it wasn't the time.

You nodded to yourself and looked at the table of Twice sitting and finishing up their meals.

"Guess by the number of plates you girls ate, looking at you Sana," you pointed at the second J-line member while heading towards them.

"Hey..."

"You girls enjoyed it?"

"Very," "Yup," "I need the recipe (YN), I mean it." Jihyo pointed at you nodding back at her.

"I'll write it down for you in a bit."

"Thank you."

"But right now, there's something Momo and I need to talk about to the rest of you."

The atmosphere shifted as you addressed the group, their attention was now focused on the upcoming discussion.

"Everything okay?" Nayeon questioned with you nodding.

"Yeah, we told Mina and Chaeyoung this before coming back from our hike, but Momo and I had a serious conversation about me staying in Seoul permanently."

"Really?" "Ohh," "Nice,"

"Yeah, I think it's best if I stay here and be with Momo supporting her and you girls as well. It's gonna take some planning though." You added after and it was evident the girls were happy as most looked to Momo who was all smiles.

"So how long do you think till you can stay?" Chaeyoung wondered.

"Hard to say. It's not as simple as moving to another town, and my job is an obstacle along with-"

"Oh! Maybe you can work with our company," Chaeyoung added, "I'm sure our place could use someone like you (YN)," she pointed at you, "you have lots of responsibilities,"

You smiled at her description of your job.

AN: It could be any high-job

"That's not a bad idea," Mina stated, though none of the girls knew the extent of how ludicrous this can be.

"Well thank you, but it's not a job I'm worried about, but I appreciate it Chaeyoung. It's convincing my parents. And I do need perfect convincing for them to understand that I want to do this. It won't be easy."

Now the girls were confused.

"Wait? Why do you have to talk with them?" Sana asked and you knew her opinions of your parents from Momo's stories, "You could do whatever you want right?"

"They're still my parents." You answered back, but for most, it wasn't an ideal answer, but didn't want to say it.

One, however... 

"No offense and I do mean no offense," Jeongyeon spoke up, "why do you have to try to talk to them about it? I thought you weren't even close to them?" Jeongyeon spoke up.

"I mean, I'm not 'that' close, but I can't just leave them either." 

"That's stupid," Jeongyeon retorted.

"Jeongyeon." Jihyo's voice boomed as Jeongyeon pointed at Momo.

"Jihyo you know how they were treated behind Momo's stories. If their parents didn't care for them, why should he to them?" Jeongyeon brought the table as the girls were silent, though they shared the same opinion, "I'd tell them I want to be with my sister. Isn't that a good enough reason?"

Jeongyeon's direct and assertive stance echoed through the conversation, raising a valid point in the situation. 

Momo, caught between the two perspectives, wore an apprehensive expression shifting between you and Jeongyeon, not wanting to pick sides between one of her sisters or her brother.

"...she's right," you started as the girls turned to you, "you're right, it may be stupid, especially after everything, but that's exactly why it's difficult for me to leave. I've been with them since the start and with everything that's happened, you would think so, but for some time now I attempted to convince our parents to reconcile with Momo. They haven't at all spoken with her since the start of her training, training," you said twice, "and I can't leave without convincing them to forgive Momo."

"..." "..." "..." "..." "..." "..." "..."

"I thought after these years, we could be close like Momo and I wanted since we were younger. I know Momo got used to it, but I thought I could make that a reality that the four of us could hash things out and have dinner or camp or...something. And I know, if I tell them this, that's it, that slim dream we had is gone and I can't come to that. And despite the amount of times I bring her up, they won't even listen and move on, but I haven't let that stop me."

Your response carried a sense of responsibility, an acknowledgment that, despite not being 'that' close to them, you couldn't turn a blind eye to the struggles you faced. 

The girls were heavy hearing your reasoning.

"So I'm sorry Jeongyeon, it is stupid to think that it-"

"No," Sana spoke very quickly, "you're far from stupid (YN). It's not wrong for you to believe in that." 

The other girls nodded except Jeongyeon and Momo who stared at you.

Momo recalled what you said when they were at the lake outside the cabin, the conversation about being a family, she didn't know you were still trying till the waterfall location before Mina and Chaeyoung joined.

Imagine her surprise when she heard your reasoning of why it wasn't as easy to leave.

Jeongyeon, while sticking her to opinion, did feel for you, though she couldn't forgive what your parents did, or didn't do in this case.

You eyed Momo for a few seconds before your attention lowered to the table.

"...I'm gonna lie down and charge my phone." You hushed towards the end and didn't wait for an answer as you started walking away from the table as the girls behind.

"..." "..." "..." "..." "..." "..." "..."

The heavy silence that followed your revelation hung in the air. 

The vulnerability in your tone, coupled with the genuine desire for a reunion resonated.

Some of the others looked at you leaving and once you were gone from their sight, they turned to Momo eyeing the table.

"I'm sorry Momo," Mina spoke up, but Momo merely nodded and...

SCREECH

It didn't take a genius to know Momo was going to follow behind as she scooted her chair and headed in your direction.

Once gone...

"Poor (YN)..." Dahyun muttered as some nodded.

"Jeongyeon, you're better than that." Jihyo started watching Jeongyeon as her eyes were set on the table too.

Hearing her, the girls turned to their second eldest as Jeongyeon sighed and looked up at her leader.

"I didn't mean to be rude, honest. I'll apologize later, but you know I'm right Jihyo." Jeongyeon pointed at her as Jihyo exhaled hard through her nose.

"I didn't want to say it in front of him, but I'm with Jeongyeon," Nayeon started, "I understand (YN) for wanting what he wants, but from what Momo told us, it's not right to her that he wants to keep the ones who didn't raise them. If you ask me, I think it's too late for them," Nayeon stated.

"As much as I hate to say it, I think so too," Sana agreed, "even Momo says it's passed and she got to used to it."

"She used to get sad about it, but when (YN) comes to visit she's more happier than ever," Mina finished as Chaeyoung nodded.

"He's all she needs," Jeongyeon cut in, "I'm sorry for being negative, but he's making it more difficult than it has to be."

"Well look at (YN)'s side here," Dahyun spoke up, "it was easy for Momo to pass on because she had us to fill in for that family. I don't blame her one bit for not feeling the way her brother feels, but after leaving him, who did (YN) have to replace that role?"

The girls took in Dahyun's words.

That's true, the nine of them treated themselves as a family, even labeling Jeongyeon and Jihyo 'father and mother' along with their managers being aunts/uncles of the groups.

But for you, it was just your 'parents'.

It was no wonder for them as to why Momo was able to move on as you were still hinged.

"Well right now, it doesn't matter who is right or wrong," Jihyo started, "it's about finding a solution that works for everyone, even if we don't agree," Jihyo urged, her leadership shining through her words, "the same goes for (YN), family is important to him, even if he is a less-knitted one."

"..." "..." "..." "..." "..." "..." "..."

"But enough about them. Let's wait for them," Jihyo leaned forward, "it's not our place to meddle or talk about their problems behind their backs. Until they need our help, then we'll talk about it. If we're done eating, let's clean up." Jihyo sat up from her seat, shifting the focus away from the Hirai family, redirecting the conversation with a decisive tone. 

The room fell into a wordless silence after that; the scraps of plates, utensils, and water were heard as each member, while your problem was lingering on their minds, contemplated on the memories of their own families: the good and the bad.

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

SCREECH

It didn't take a genius to know Momo was going to follow behind as she scooted her chair and headed in your direction.

Following into the hall, she spotted the different doors and peeped into the first two on the right and left and didn't see you.

Going further to the next set of doors, she looked into her room and she spotted you sitting on the edge of Sana's bed.

No word was said as she stepped inside, closing the door behind and in the quiet glow of their shared bedroom, Momo sat next to her younger brother, who looked average after the explanation.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"...You okay?" She asked as you nodded, "You know Jeongyeon didn't mean it when-"

"I understand. I'm not upset or anything. I told you I figured this would be their reaction. I just needed a minute," Momo nodded, "I get what she meant. Wouldn't surprise me if the others agreed with her." You answered, your eyes fixed on the floor.

Momo gently placed a hand on your arm, lowering towards your hand and gripping it, offering a warm closure. 

"You should have told me that you were talking to them about us sooner." She questioned and you nodded in response.

"Didn't bother to tell you since it wasn't going anywhere. I didn't want to hurt you more especially after you said if it's too late for that. I've been trying for a while, a long while..." You sighed, looking forlorn and then your sights set on your sister, "it was like you said with us sitting by the lake with your friends, I thought time would fix things and them looking back and thinking about what they did or didn't do in this case," your eyes lowered once more and then forward at the furniture of the room.

"but nothing...I'm sorry Momo, I know your opinion of them, but I didn't want to believe you were right about them. Deep down I truly thought that they might have changed and..." You shook your head, "I don't want to lose you Momo," your eyes adjusted to her once again, "I love you, truly I do, and what you said to me, believe me, I took it to heart but as I told you at the lake, once I tell them that I want to leave to be here, that's it, it's over. And the four of us are just-..."

Momo looked at you with a mixture of understanding and sadness, her gaze softening as you poured your heart out.

She leaned in, but instead of speaking, Momo brought her other hand up to your left cheek, stroking it softly, trying to convey her feelings through the warmth of her touch.

"I get it," Momo whispered, "That's who you are (YN), that's the (YN) I fell in love with," she noticed a raise in your lips, "I thank you for trying, I mean it. And I know it's not easy for you, and I appreciate that you tried to keep going on what we wanted. I don't blame you for thinking that things could change now, I thought like that too." Momo's smile dropped, "but," there it was, "I don't want you to be hurt (YN) while having a second chance with them could be great, I hope you understand that...well..."

"That it won't happen." 

You finished for her as Momo felt awful for hurting her brother, but she had to put it through.

She didn't say this at the lake but figured now it was best to voice her thoughts.

"...I'm not saying it won't. But at this point, I'm afraid that it's close to it. I'm not saying what you're doing is wrong or bad or a waste. I love that you're trying, but I don't want you to dwell on it for too long for us. Just like you mean the world to me," Momo continued, her voice softening with each word, "unfortunately the Hirai company means the world to them; then, now, and always."

You remained silent, absorbing Momo's words. 

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

Momo's expression fell, thinking that maybe this wasn't able to go through.

"...if you want to stay with them (YN), I'd understand. If I knew you were like this then I wouldn't have asked you to-"

"Give me one more try."

You stopped her words.

"Just one, if it doesn't work out, then...it'll be you and me only."

Momo was split down in her emotions.

Fifty percent of her was jumping with joy, the other was devasted that you going to lose that link with their parents like her.

Trust her, she knows how that feels and she's ready to help you if that happens to you in any way.

"You sure?" 

"...yeah." Hearing that made Momo feel the opposite of what she wanted, "I need to know, for myself and maybe for them, that I did everything I could for this to work, and if not...then so be it."

Momo nodded slowly.

"And I'll help you in any way I can. I am sorry (YN)."

"Don't be. I was in denial."

"No, they're in denial." Momo corrected, her eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and concern, "I can't feel the way you feel (YN), but I'll do everything I can to make this workout. I owe it to you to give it my best shot."

You offered a small smile, appreciating Momo's sincerity. 

"Thank you Momo."

As the two of you delved into the challenging task ahead, Momo couldn't help but admire your resilience. 

The weight of the situation hung in the air, but there was an unspoken agreement to face it together.

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

TIMESKIP

23 MINUTES

CLING-CLANK 

SHHHHHHHHHH

"Here Jihyo," Jeongyeon brought four plates with her to the sink and placed them near Jihyo doing the dishes.

"Thanks,"

Jeongyeon nodded while stepping on the other side of her, picking up a dishcloth and started to dry some more dishes that Jihyo washed.

Meanwhile the other six girls were in the living room with the TV turned on watching some people running an obstacle course, but it was one of those joke type of runs.

Most likely Chaeyoung's way of turning the mood as she was the one to put it on.

"Jeong," Jihyo called her friend as Jeongyeon turned to her, wiping a cup, "do you mind checking up on (YN) and Momo?" 

Jeongyeon nodded and placed the cup on the side with the cloth.

"Sure,"

"And Jeong-"

"I know,"

Jeongyeon knew it wasn't just to check on them, Jihyo didn't need to say it as her leader nodded back.

She walked away from Jihyo and turned to the group as Chaeyoung and Mina were watching the screen, the other four on their phones.

Turning away from them, she headed down in the hall and locked eyes at the closed door of Momo, her and Sana's room.

Standing in front of the wooden panel, Jeongyeon exhaled, brought her hand up and...

KNOCK KNOCK

"Hey uh, are you two busy?"

"Coming," upon opening the door, Momo met Jeongyeon with a simple expression.

"Hey Jeongyeon," Momo greeted but her eyes showed a hint of concern as she noticed the pensive look on Jeongyeon's face, "what's up?"

Jeongyeon looked behind her to see her younger brother sitting on the bed.

"I would like to talk to (YN) for a minute. Alone if that's okay." Jeongyeon questioned as Momo turned to you already standing from the bed too.

"Sure," you said and headed towards the duo with a questioning expression, "be right back," you informed Momo as your sister nodded.

"It won't take long," Jeongyeon gestured toward the hallway, signaling for you to step outside for a private conversation. 

As they walked a few steps away from the closed door after you two left, Jeongyeon turned and you stopped, her lips pursed for a few seconds before taking a breath.

"I need to apologize for what I said," 

She began, her voice wavering slightly, "I came off too strong and I didn't help the situation. It was careless of me to say something like that and I'll be honest, it is difficult for me to understand. What Momo went through got to me and the others and hearing what you wanted got the best of me and, I'm sorry." She gave a slight bow and in return, you looked at her with a surprised yet understanding expression.

"Hey it's okay Jeongyeon," you started as she resumed form, "you don't have to apologize. I appreciate it, but I understand why you said so after what you and the others heard from Momo."

Jeongyeon felt a wave of relief wash over her. 

She had feared your reaction, but hearing what Momo said about you, she should have figured.

"So we're okay Jeongyeon. Trust me, I want to be with her to support her and everything and now we're planning something to find common ground here with my sister and our parents, but ultimately, I'm staying in the end."

Jeongyeon nodded slowly.

"Alright. Again, I'm sorry, I, well all of us want the best for Momo, and you too. "

"And I'm grateful for that. If anyone should be thanking it's me to you for caring so much about her. We're extremely lucky that she's with you."

Jeongyeon gave a warm smile.

"If anyone's lucky, it's Momo having a brother like you," now it was your turn to show a ginger smile, "and we're here as well (YN). If you need anything, don't hesitate to tell us. We want to help too."

You couldn't contain your joy knowing Momo was surrounded by a group of amazing friends who wholeheartedly supported her. 

Momo had always been a kind and caring soul, but seeing her with the other eight who appreciated and uplifted her was something truly special for you and her. 

It wasn't just about the number of friends she had; it was about the quality of the relationships she had formed.

And she couldn't have formed a better eight.

"I will," you smiled at her as Jeongyeon smiled back.

"So, we're okay?" She asked as you nodded.

"We're okay," 

Hearing that, you raised a fist as Jeongyeon smiled and fist-bumped back.

"Alright, thanks Jeongyeon, if you don't mind, Momo and I kind of need some more time to ourselves." 

"Say no more, we'll be waiting in the living room until then," Jeongyeon finished for you as you nodded.

"Thanks," and with a nod, you two headed back out, you into your room with a final nod to her as you entered Momo's room and Jeongyeon back to the living room.

Upon entering, she spotted the girls sitting still and turned to Jihyo's back who still doing the dishes.

"Hey," she alerted Jihyo once she got closer and she turned her head to her approach.

Jihyo turned the faucet off and turned her body to face her as Jeongyeon got on her side.

"How'd it go?" Jihyo asked as Jeongyeon gave a thumbs up.

"We're good. It didn't bother him. Seems like Momo is doing well too. They want their space though for now. Seems like they're discussing things."

"That's good," Jihyo responded as Jeongyeon nodded.

"It is. I'm sorry to you and the others as well," Jeongyeon gave a side pout, "I was harsh."

"It's okay Jeongyeon," Jihyo claimed for the group while she patted her left shoulder, "you had Momo on your mind. We don't fault you for that, just the approach wasn't it." 

Jeongyeon nodded.

"Hopefully whatever happens, it won't end badly," Jeongyeon stated, "I want Momo and (YN) to be happy."

"Oh I wouldn't worry. With what Momo told us, they had each other's support since at a very young age. And if doesn't go their way, then we'll be there for Momo as much as we can." Jihyo proclaimed as Jeongyeon nodded at the statement.

"Right, well, until then, these dishes aren't going to get done themselves," Jeongyeon pointed and returned to her original spot with the cloth as Jihyo nodded and assisted her in drying and putting them away.

On a lighter note, the atmosphere was more relaxed now, and Jeongyeon felt a weight lifted off her shoulders.

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

CLICK

SQUEAK

"Hey," you said upon entering back into the room.

You closed the door behind you as Momo was lying on the bed, phone in hand but now sitting up and turned to you.

"Everything okay?" She asked and you nodded in response.

"She apologized for what she said at the table. I told her it wasn't necessary but thanked her."

"That's nice of her," you nodded and sat down on the edge of the bed with Momo.

"Yeah, you have an amazing group." You complimented as Momo chuckled.

"Hehe~ indeed I do." You nodded, "Hey so, I'm not too sure, but I think I have an idea."

"Hmm?"

"While on my phone, I googled something, and that led me to another thing and well I'm not sure if it's a good one or an idea at all." Momo pointed at her phone and shrugged.

"At this point, anything will be good, what'd you got?" Momo fixed herself on the bed for her legs to bend and turned to you.

"Okay, so our parents love their company, right? Like a lot?" You nodded, "And they still want to become a grand success right?"

"It kind of is already, our distribution is in all of Japan. Got to credit to them, they know how to run an efficient business," you answered.

"Perfect, so I was thinking, have you three had talks of expanding outside of Japan?" 

"..."

Momo saw your eyes flare.

"What if they want it to make it even more amazing as to bring their work here with you? Companies do that, right? Is that something you can do?"

"...Momo, that's a big-"

"Of course, it won't be as big as in Japan to start," Momo waved her hands to cut you off, "but seeing as how mom and dad made it to what it is now and not to brag but I am a big deal over here, it shouldn't be that hard to get a start if we plan this right, right? So I thought, what if this could convince them that you could stay here and be working under their name while being with me, or close to me, but that means we could see each other every day and you get to be working with mom and dad still. Plus they could expand their business to be more known, so that's a win-win-win for us four."

"..."

"Soooo, what do you think?" Momo asked leaning forward, a smile on her as you looked outward.

"..."

You stared away from Momo, cementing your last thoughts as you considered Momo's proposal.

"..."

"..."

"...I-I mean, saying is one thing, it's doing it another. Expanding here is a bold move, very bold." you finally replied, meeting Momo's eager gaze. "I mean we had a talk here and there but it was always about having a foothold in Japan and even then expanding was difficult but it worked out, but to Seoul...that won't be easy,"

Momo kept her gaze up as you stood up and started to walk a few paces.

"And while there are plentiful amount of businesses here, this isn't a next city over, it's a new country."

"..." Momo saw you turn and walk in the opposite direction as you voiced your thoughts.

"Plus we'll have to have a deep understanding of the market since preferences, trends, and competition are different from Japan. Also, the cultural differences between us might not directly translate to success in Seoul so we'll have to adapt our business model to fit local customs and deal with a new set of legal and regulatory hurdles with business permits, taxation, and intellectual property rights, among other things."

"..." Momo stared at the side of your head as you turned once more.

"Then we'll have to build trust and relationships if we get that far so local partners, distributors, and influencers are essential to gain credibility and visibility in this system so finding the right connections who could help us navigate the market effectively could be challenging since partnerships are already formed."

"..."

"But even if we pass all that, our parents will have to agree. And this will be a significant financial investment and given all that I said, it's going to have to be-"

You turned to Momo...

"And you're smiling."

"You seem to be already planning everything."

A low-tone sigh escaped your lips as your thoughts ran through like a train.

"Well, I'm not saying it's impossible, but even then it's a big 'if' Momo."

"Of course, I know that (YN). But I do feel this can go somewhere. I know it's a lot, but our business is anything but slacking. It is well known in all of Japan, and lots of businesses are with us. It's not like they haven't done this before."

"True, but it doesn't mean that would want to start anew. I'm not trying to sound negative or in denial, but it's a long and I do mean long shot here Momo."

"So was me taking a chance of being an idol, and look at me."

Momo wasn't fazed as she pointed at herself.

Her eyes reflected a mix of determination as you looked into them, searching for a sign, a reassurance that this leap of faith was worth taking and Momo's unwavering gaze spoke volumes.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

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

TIMESKIP

18 Minutes Later

"Hehe~" Sana grinned over Jihyo's shoulders.

Their leader heard and placed her phone down.

"Oh come on Sana..." Jihyo pouted.

"Texting Vor again~" Dahyun teased as Jihyo rolled her eyes.

"I'm just asking how he's doing, nothing much." She responded

"Haven't you been on the phone for twenty minutes now~" Sana poked Jihyo's shoulder as Jihyo sighed.

"And that's why Vor can't update," Nayeon grinned, "too busy with our leader~"

"Oh don't give me that," Jihyo countered and raised her phone, "Ms, 'back off, I saw him first' " Jihyo taunted back as Nayeon's smirk fell to a frown.

"I didn't mean it like that!"

"This is sad." Tzuyu gave a shake of her head as Jeongyeon nodded.

"Alright moving on," Mina shook her hands in front as Jihyo and Nayeon huffed.

"How much longer do you think they'll be in there?" Chaeyoung asked looking into the hallway, already moving past the initial conversation.

"As long as they need Chae, it's not an easy conversation to have," Mina answered as Chaeyoung sighed in return.

"They'll be fine," Sana reassured, "I'm sure it won't be long-...oh right on time." Sana looked onward and saw you walking towards them.

"Hey everyone," 

Your voice caused the other members of Twice to turn too.

"(YN)," "Hey," four of them said.

"How are-" Jihyo was asking, but they all looked at Momo coming from behind you...

...pulling her luggage, which confused the others.

"Uh, why do you have your luggage Momo?" Nayeon pointed at her.

"Momo and I are heading back to Seoul." You spoke up and all gave quizzical looks.

"Is something wrong?" Jihyo asked.

"No. While there, Momo and I were discussing a plan that she came up with that could be beneficial to our entire family. It's quite a plan, but at this point, I'm willing to try anything."

Momo nodded in agreement.

"What is it?" Sana asked for the whole group.

"Well," you started, "Momo came up with an idea. I'm going to attempt to convince our parents to expand the business to Seoul."

The girls had immediate reactions.

"And if it works out in our favor; I could keep in contact with our parents as well as live near Momo, and our parents get exponential growth. So in Momo's words, it's a win-win-win scenario." You finished as Momo nodded with a smile, happy that this was happening.

The others well, were quite stunned at the sudden plan.

"Oh...wow," Mina muttered.

"That sounds pretty difficult," Chaeyoung stated.

"Will it work?" Tzuyu inquired.

"Don't know, it won't be easy, but I'm going to try to convince my parents of this and then we'll go from there. That's why we're heading towards the city to discuss with a firm that'll help us get information about it."

The girls looked at one another for a shared expression.

"I mean, even then, will your parents agree to this?" Jihyo's question was a tricky one as you shrugged.

"That's the trickiest part. Momo figured that since they love their business so much, this will influence them, though I haven't heard of talks from them about leaving Japan," you reasoned, "I won't be able to just say the idea to them like Momo did, they'll have to be convinced and my pitch to them will have to be spot on for them to even consider this. Not only that, they'll have to let me oversee it so...yeah, not easy." You topped it off as the girls weren't so keen on how much this was.

"Well...that's something I guess," Dahyun muttered.

"And what if it doesn't convince them?" Jeongyeon asked.

"If it doesn't...then I hope they understand that leaving is the best for Momo." You answered to Jeongyeon.

"You're going to quit then?" Jihyo clarified and you nodded and their leader looked to Momo, "Momo don't tell me you implied him to-"

"It's my choice," you affirmed, "nor what Jeongyeon said as well," you turned to Momo who nodded at you, "we had a serious talk at the lake before Mina and Chaeyoung showed up and," you turned to the others now, "Momo needed me more than I thought," the girls turned to Momo whose eyes downcast, "it's best that I remain here with her rather than leave and have her feeling...torn."

After hearing that, the girls turned to Momo. 

"Momo..."

"Is this true?"

"Were you that down?"

Momo took a deep breath, lifting her eyes to meet her group. 

"I...haven't been myself lately. I love you eight to death, I do, but," Momo then looked at you, "I need my brother twice as much here. I wouldn't be here nor be who I am without him and now, I need him more than ever," 

The others exchanged glances, sensing the gravity of the situation and Momo turned to her group.

"I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't keep it from all of you but work has been getting to me and you know whenever I feel down, I talk to (YN) to cheer myself up, but talking isn't enough for me anymore. I need him now more than ever." 

They heard her and seconds later Sana quickly came further and hugged Momo, even pushing her a few inches back.

"Momo, gomen nasai. Kon'na fuu ni kanjite ita nante shirimasen deshita. Watashi, motto kizuku beki datta noni..."

I'm so sorry Momo, I didn't know you were feeling like this. I should have known better...

Momo returned the hug quickly.

"Kokorowaketa kutakunakattanda. Ayamaranaide, Sana."

I didn't want you to worry. Don't be sorry, Sana.

Then another member came in, more slowly as Mina joined the trio.

"Sore ni kakawarazu Momo, watashitachi wa otagai o kizukaimasu. Hitori de kakaekomu koto wa shinaide. Watashitachi wa anata ga shiawase de ite hoshī nda yo.

Regardless Momo, we look after each other. You shouldn't keep this to yourself. We want you to feel happy.

"Mina, kimitachi wa mousude ni watashi o shiawase ni shite kurete iru. Demo, (YN) mo issho ni ite hoshii nda." Momo spoke to the two.

You already make me happy Mina, all of you. But I also need (YN) with me too.

The MiSaMo trio were comforting one another as you smiled at the sight of the three who were together before Sixteen started. 

The sister's Momo never had.

"(YN)?" You turned and saw Jihyo waving her hand at her so you walked closer to the group remaining.

"Don't get us wrong, we want Momo to be happy, but are you really okay with this?" She asked upon being near them, "We don't want you to put a dent in your life or with your parents."

"Yeah, I'm sure. If they weren't going to connect with Momo since she started being a trainee and my words weren't going through then, what Jeongyeon and Momo said was true, I just needed to hear it. Plus Momo's well-being means more to me than anything, more than my parents after hearing her at this point. I said what I said, but no point in trying for knows how long and leaving Momo behind like that. So if my parents say no to this then I'll be fine knowing that they're doing well."

The girls didn't give much positive reactions, Jeongyeon the most as the guilt was building up on her.

As you spoke, the remaining group sat in contemplative silence, absorbing the weight of the decision.

The leader that she is, Jihyo leaned forward, her expression thoughtful. 

"Okay..." Jihyo could only agree with your words, "Just making sure that you're okay with it."

"I am," You nodded to her as Jihyo didn't like the outcome, but it wasn't her place to stop you.

"So what's the first step?" Chaeyoung asked.

"We're going to visit a firm to help us. I looked into it and it's a very reliable start. It's called Koisraup."

The girls never heard of it, but then again, they know nothing of business.

"But don't you leave in two days?" Nayeon asked.

"Yes. I'm not going to be able to come back for a while so this will be the only opportunity I get. I doubt I'll get anything done, but a couple of days of work is better than nothing and then I'll figure it out myself back home." 

"Well, I wish you well in that then," Nayeon stated and you appreciated the words.

"Is there anything we can do?" Jeongyeon now brought her voice in.

"Being there for Momo once I'm gone again," you turned to Momo, but the Misamo trio were gone from their spot.

'Probably went in a room.'

"she'll most likely need it after I leave," you and Jeongyeon exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them, "but it won't be for long this time."

"We got her," Jeongyeon stated.

"I know you do. Besides that, nothing else. No offense, but I doubt there's anything you can help me for now." You added.

"Really? Nothing?" Tzuyu asked as you nodded.

"Sorry Tzuyu, I would love your help, but in this area, I don't think there's much you eight will know."

"I guess that's true," Tzuyu nodded after hearing you.

"Wait, what's your job again (YN)?" Nayeon asked, "You move stuff around yeah?" She corrected herself.

"In lighter terms, yes, we move stuff around. Why?"

"Well, what about our company? Chaeyoung is right about working with us. Maybe you can talk to producer-nim about getting a deal with us? Our albums and everyone else's in the company sell a ton. Would be pretty big of you to score us~" Nayeon flaunted herself up...

...you smiled at her aid.

"Well that would be a great deal to have you and JYPE, but before we start talking about deals, the main focus is finding a location before setting a foothold. Plus I'll have to see what businesses are around, who's with whom, information like that, but I'll keep that in mind." Nayeon nodded. "And I'll be taking my rental car and I'll come back for you to drive you back," they nodded, "thank you and sorry for leaving early."

"Don't apologize (YN)." Dahyun quickly replied.

"At least we had fun for some days." Chaeyoung gave positive words as you nodded.

"It was, thank you Chaeyoung. Thank you all of you for allowing me to be here." You turned to each one as they smiled or nodded, "You're all great to be with."

"And you as well (YN)." Nayeon reflected as the others nodded.

"So does this mean we won't see you again?" Chaeyoung asked with a pout.

"You'll see me for a bit. Since I'm leaving Sunday morning, we'll be coming back for you girls tomorrow to drive back to your dorm since I'm bunking with you till my flight the next morning." 

Chaeyoung nodded.

"So we have one more night then," she pointed one finger up.

"Yes, we do. Alright, then let me get my stuff and we'll be on our way when they come back." You walked forward as the remaining members gave looks at one another.

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

TIMESKIP

SLAM

"Ready?" You asked Momo nodding as you started up the car and buckled yourself up.

"Be careful Momo and don't attract too much attention." Jihyo was near the passenger's seat speaking to Momo.

"Don't worry. We won't be stepping out of the car. I'll be hidden." Momo explained as Jihyo nodded.

"Good. Keep us updated, and if you need anything, we're just a call away." Jeongyeon added as Momo nodded.

"We will," Momo said to her group.

"And don't forget to take breaks. Make sure both of you get some rest too." Sana added as Momo smiled at their antics.

"We get it hehe, don't worry about us, I'll take good care of him," Momo answered as you rolled your eyes.

"Take care of each other," Jihyo corrected, "be safe you two."

"We will," "See yah,"

"Bye," "Good luck," "Be safe," 

And with that, the group exchanged a final round of well-wishes and reassurances before the car was in drive and you drove into the main road, Momo waving at the girls out her window as they continued to wave back before they left their POV.

"Well Otouto, it's you and me now." Momo stated while pulling her phone out, "I'll put the directions for the first spot...which is what?" 

"Koisraup."

"Ah yes, Koisraup...who was that again?" Momo questioned as you smiled.

"A business development and consulting firm. We'll discuss with them first about the administrative, legal, and tax implications here. From what I read, they'll guide us in what we need so hopefully we'll get a decent amount of info from them."

Momo nodded and typed in the location.

"Kois-there it is,"

Starting route to Koisraup

Continue on this road for # miles and take exit #

"Alright," Momo placed her phone in the middle of the two, "it's an hour and forty-seven minutes to get there. Road trip." Momo leaned back in her seat.

"Get cozy then...are you okay?" You asked as Momo nodded slowly.

"I am, much more now that this is happening." You smiled and nodded.

"Right, by the way, what did Mina and Sana talk to you about? You three left the room for a bit."

"Oh, they wanted to know if I was doing okay, like mentally," Momo answered as you figured as much, "they were worried about how long I was hiding it and if I needed to talk to our boss about it. I said I would be alright."

You side-eyed Momo as she was looking forward and you looked the same again.

"Glad to hear. I'm happy you have your group Momo," Momo nodded.

"Me too (YN)."

You nodded afterward.

"So, any plans for you girls? Any spoilers you can give?" You diverted the atmosphere into a more pleasant one as Momo turned to you.

She figured the business talk would be later, the ride is an hour and a half there.

"Well, there are some plans, there's even one with Sana, Mina, and I."

You raised your brows.

"Really? Can you tell me about it?" 

"As long as you keep it quiet,"

"You know me." You responded as Momo giggled.

"Okay, so our unit is going to be called Misamo, that's our names put together and the video is about..."

And so Momo started to talk about the plans of her and her group as you listened along.

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

TIMESKIP - 11 hours later

"Kuso jigoku..." you swore under your breath while you stretched your back on the couch.

"Take a break (YN)." Said Momo on your right, "We haven't had one since we left the cabin."

You glanced at the laptop's clock, realizing that it was getting close to 11 PM.

"Yeah, no good to overwork ourselves."

Momo nodded and was glad that you finally had a break, lunch didn't count for her as you also worked through that while she stared at the coffee table.

On it was her laptop that she lent to you, with a couple of folders of papers in each and an assortment of notes.

You two have been busy driving around Seoul, especially where most businesses reside such as Dongdaemun.

After consulting with Koisraup, which was pretty helpful in delegating what to do and where you can start, it was off finding sites.

Of course, a very select few buildings were up for sale and ready to be moved in, however, they were problematic as they weren't in the designated areas that you wanted.

The other hand was to buy the land itself; closer, but more costly.

Either way, it wasn't anything new, just extra steps...a complex few steps.

Doable? Sure you can see it.

The question is, can your parents?

"Gomen (YN)," you turned to your sister, "I wish I could help you more. I've been on the side just taking notes. You've been talking to these companies about everything."

"Hey don't talk like that Momo. You right here is support enough."

"Okay but it's only one of me, you have a whole army of workers to help."

"I do, but why would I want a bunch of boring people over someone as beautiful as you," you grinned as Momo playfully rolled her eyes.

Her quick faint smile was turned upside down upon looking over the laptop and then back at you.

"Still can't believe it's a hundred million Won to just start it all."

AN: Unless I'm making a mistake, that's legit the starting investment for a company to buy stocks to be a legal business in Seoul

"Same in Japan. That's business, it's a way to know that you have the money to do this and to properly ensure the government." You explained as Momo combed through her hair at the revelation. "Although, the market here is vast and intricate, much more than Japan, which is good. Lots of potential work and I mean lots and it's not just large but a larger portion of smaller business around meaning many goods are being transported thus needing quite a lot of what our work does."

"And what's the bad?"

"That everyone is set here and being new means we'll have to convince our way to these deals being done and we'll have to figure out where and who'll want to listen to us which isn't something I can do now."

"And you deal with this daily?" Momo picked up a document given by Koisraup.

"No. Only twice I had to deal with this when we expanded to other cities. Dad decided it was time for me to step up in bigger responsibilities. I do smaller, but everyday duties, like your manager, but replace you nine with branches of our building." 

"...do you like it?" She asked after a few seconds while you shrugged.

"It's alright work. It doesn't scream fun, but it's not boring."

Momo nodded slowly.

"...do you like working with Mom and Dad?"

"You know, you would think it'd be great, but..." you shrugged, "they're not easy to work with," you continued, "Mom has this meticulous way of planning everything, down to the last detail. Dad, on the other hand, is all about spontaneity and gut feelings. You would think it wouldn't work between but they mesh very well together. Hearing them discuss is, intense, in a good way. The way they think of everything and I mean everything Momo."

Momo nodded.

"And I respect them a lot. They built our empire from the ground up, and they're trying to find my place in it. It's a challenge, but challenges keep things interesting, right?"

She chuckled.

"Heh, I suppose so," as you sifted through the few documents on your desk, "and that's what they expected of me," Momo took a look at the laptop, "to be like them."

"As I said, you turned out better,"

Momo had another faint smile, but her response...

"...I'm not being selfish am I (YN)?"

Her response caught you off guard, but it didn't faze you for long.

"Sel-why would you think that?" Momo looked away from you, embarrassed of the matter.

"I want you here, I do, but throughout the day, I've also been thinking about what you said with our parents. I don't want to force you into doing anything that was also thinking that maybe I'm being-"

"No you're not," you stopped her, "there's nothing selfish about expressing your feelings," her gaze met yours, and you could see a mixture of uncertainty and longing in her eyes, but you offered her a reassuring smile, "we," you pointed at you both, "wouldn't happen if you haven't told me about the same our first night together. I'm glad you told me how you felt Momo, really."

Momo's eyes softened as she absorbed your words. 

The weight on her shoulders seemed to lift a little, and a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude and she reached out to gently cup your cheek, "I'm really glad you're doing this (YN). I mean it."

"You know I'd do anything for you onee-san," you assured her, your gaze locked onto hers, "Aishiteimasu," (I love you)

Momo let out a gentle breath.

"Watashi mo itoshite iru yo," (I love you too)

And as if on cue, you both leaned in, closing the distance between you.

The kiss was gentle yet filled with the depth of unspoken words. 

It was a promise of understanding and a celebration of the emotions that had brought you to this point.

Continuing with the moment, Momo brought her other hand up and she probed her tongue at your lips as the millisecond you opened; Momo explored your mouth as you both just moaned at each other's touch.

The kiss wasn't an overloaded sexual one, but a comforting one; one that declares your love for another.

You can hear the rumble of her moan vibrating through her naked chest against yours, feeling the gentle cadence of her breathing.

It wasn't long before you both lost yourselves in the dance of passion. 

The environment seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of the sibling's bodies and the sweet symphony of shared desires.

Momo's fingers traced gentle patterns along your skin, leaving a trail of electric sensations in their wake and the air was filled with a heady mix of anticipation and the taboo love the two shared that only the two of you understood, a language of intimacy, trust, and boundless affection.

Of course, it wasn't like that in a few moments...

Momo pressed her hand down hard on your shoulders and straddled you to have your back on the couch as Momo captured you on top, pressing her hands to the side of your head once more and capturing your lips.

Leaning back against the cushion, you embraced her tongue within your mouth, moaning past her lips as Momo nearly collapsed onto you. 

It was an otherworldly experience to be lip-locked with her, no matter how long or much it's been since that first day, it always felt incredible to have her body on you or the naughty feeling of her being your Onee-san gave you thrills.

Either way, the kiss soon ended and you opened your eyes to gaze back at her hues.

Momo pulled her face away with a grin.

No words were needed to know that you two were going to share a time.

"Guess that break will have to wait~" she didn't ask but stated while shoving her hands down between your legs and pressed against your cock as you hissed as she started to rub up and down.

Momo gazed back into your eyes and softly whispered...

"Besides this being our last night, I think you deserve a reward for being doing so much hard...work."

You wanted to chuckle, but Momo kept grinding her hand harder and deeper.

"Momo-"

RING RING RING

"Oh come on..." Momo groaned as you both turned to the coffee table and noticed your phone lighting up with 'Dad' on it.

"It's Dad," you turned to Momo and noticed a flat expression at her side, "...but I'll talk to him later."

And just like that, Momo turned back to you and seconds later, she grinned once more, but not a devious one, but more of a gratitude.

"Oh my Otouto~ someone's being naughty~"

"You're a bad influence," 

"Hehe~ then let me show you how much of a naughty sister I can be~" Momo raised her hands to your body, cupping your face and Momo shoved her lips to yours.

Her plump ass down onto your lap while you threw your arms around her back and pulled her in.

Momo pushed her lips to yours once again and you two continued to kiss as she moved her lips against yours and snaked her tongue into your mouth, her hips began to roll, grinding her ass down into your lap against your crotch. 

And not because she was your girl, Momo had one of the best bodies you've seen in any woman, and for her to be grinding her assets on you, it was never not ineffective.

You moved your hands out from her back, soon feeling her body rub up against you in unison with her hip movements and Momo threw her arms behind your neck, allowing you to feel her slender fingers on the backside of your neck as they enjoyed one last passionate kiss together. 

She pulled their lips apart, moving her hands away from you while grinning.

===============SMUT START================

"I think we should get comfy~" She hinted, pushing her hands down onto your chest, Momo slowly moved up, her heels elevated onto the floor below with a soft touch.

"Can't say no to that."

"You can never say no to me anyway~"

She giggled as you began to remove your shirt and pulled it out from over your head and you were greeted with the sight of Momo's ass. 

She had bent over, removing her shorts and shaking her hips to shake her ass. 

Slowly to the left, then a fast pump to the right. 

You shook your head with an amused smile as her hair swayed down her back and Momo moved her hands down to her hips. 

Her shorts dropped from her hips down to her ankles, your eyes were set instantly on the black thong she wore.

She took one glance beyond her right shoulder, witnessing your eyes while stepping out of the shorts and turning around, crossing her hands, and holding the helm of her shirt, she pulled up to show her strapless black lace bra while throwing the shirt somewhere.

You leaned up, hands on the side of your Onee-san's hips, roaming your fingertips down her sides and bringing her back onto you as you felt her plump ass shove down into your crotch. 

Momo wasted no time beginning to grind her hips down, rubbing her ass up and down with your erection poking up the front.

"God Momo..." You groaned as Momo's giggling voice caused you to breathe heavily as she continued to grind her hips and pump that ass back down into you. 

"You'll be saying that more (YN)-kun~"

Your voice had elevated from the excitement at hand, swallowing your breath and began to slide your hands across her body. 

The smoothness of her skin was felt beneath your fingertips as you took to feel her muscular stomach. 

Momo moaned, still grinding her ass down into you.

"Mmmmm, someone's touchy~"

She made her demands and you didn't neglect Momo of what she desired at this moment. 

As you moved your hands across her stomach, she moved her own hands to the straps of her bra and began to pull at it. 

Watching her, you were greeted with the view of her pulling it to free her breasts as Momo dropped the bra down to the floor below, soon feeling your hands move over her breasts; her hard nipples rubbed against the palms of your hands and cooed to you as you gently squeezed her tits.

"Enjoying this~" 

"Always~"

Hearing her words, you moved your lips to the right side of her neck. 

Momo closed her eyes and then made one last series of movements by grinding her hips. 

She could feel your cock sticking straight up through your pants, poking into her buttocks. 

Taking a deep breath, Momo opened her eyes, still feeling you down below as you kissed and sucked on her neck, though Momo needed more.

She bent her knees, watching the expression change across your face as she brought your head between her tits, soon feeling her right hand roam across behind, her fingernails grazing through your hair.

You had moved your mouth to her right breast, shoving her nipple between your lips as you began to suck it. 

As Momo moaned, she began to grind her hips back down into you.

"That's it (YN)~"

She bit down on her lower lip, softly purring her moans while caressing the back of your head with her hands. 

Momo waited until you moved to her other boob and then she used her hands to squeeze her breasts into your face. 

"Suck on my nipples (YN), bite them," she insisted, as she forced your hands off of her tits and used her hand to pull your head towards her left tit so you could suck on her large breast. 

Who were you to complain?

You opened your mouth and started sucking on her hard nipple, Momo kept moaning as she felt her Otouto suck on her huge tit as if you were a baby.

"Mmmm oh yes~ That's it (YN)~" Momo moaned sexily with you now cupping the bottom half of her breast as you sucked on her left nipple and gave a strong squeeze to her tit-flesh.

Still grinding down into your crotch, she could barely take it for much longer. 

Her desire grew stronger with each passing moment. 

When you moved your head to the other breast, Momo cupped your cheeks against her palms, leaning down to kiss you passionately one last time. 

She took a final moment to rub her ass up against your crotch, coming to a halt with grinding into your lap as their tongues danced together. 

Once the kiss ended, she got back up from your lap and then fell to her knees below, feeling Momo's hands tugging at the lace strings to your pants (let's say pajama pants) loosen up.

Momo glanced up at your chest, grinning when she placed her hands back to the front of your pants, grabbed the helm, and slowly slid them down, letting the bulge sticking up finally release as she came in sight with your briefs.

Biting down on her lower lip, Momo squeezed your bulge and then moved her hand away. 

She surprised you by getting up from her knees, hooking her thumbs down to the thong she was still wearing.

"I forgot to finish stripping. It's only fair I get naked too before I'm done taking your clothes off."

"I can't argue with that." 

She winked back at you in response to your words, swaying her hips left and right, Momo leaned over a bit as she tugged her shorts down.

It didn't remain on her body for long, as Momo hooked her thumbs at the sides and shoved it down to reveal her dripping wet pussy. 

Freshly shaved without a single hair in sight of those beautiful pink folds. 

Stepping her feet out of the thong and shorts below, Momo stood in front of you for a moment, moving her hands to her breasts, squeezing them as she gave a nude pose to you, all before dropping back down to her knees.

No words were needed from her voice, as Momo seemed prepared and truly ready to get down to the business of lust at hand. 

Grabbing the front of your underwear, she tugged it down, watching as your cock flopped freely across your skin. 

You witnessed Momo licking her lips in clear anticipation of this moment. 

As she tugged your underwear down to your ankles, you leaned up and carefully pulled your feet free from them while she wrapped her right-hand fingers around your semi-erect pole. 

Momo wasted no time beginning to stroke it, moving her hand up and down.

"I don't have to remind you that your cock is all mine Otouto~"

"Yes it is dear Onee-san."

No disagreement whatsoever from you. 

You stared down into her big brown eyes as her hand continued to jerk your rod up and down. 

Momo parted her pink lips, revealing her gritted teeth while giving you an expression of absolute hunger and your cock had grown from the touch of her hand, rising in thickness and reaching full length.

Sliding her hand down to the base, Momo smirked up at you before gazing her sight back onto your pole awaiting her mouth.

"Mmm~ nice and big. Just the way I like it."

You exhaled, taking a deep breath now as Momo parted her lips and slid your cock right between them. 

She squeezed her fingers around your pole, using her left hand to drop down and caress your nut sack as she began to slowly suck her way down the first few inches. 

Swallowing your breath, you moaned out to her but didn't utter any words.

There was nothing you could say to ruin a moment like this. 

Momo took her time, slowly bobbing her head up and down. 

She pulled her lips back to the head, making a popping sound as she released your cock, but only momentarily. 

With a quick stroke of her hand, Momo went back down on it; this time, she began to bob her head in sync with her hand stroking from the base of your cock upward. 

Her fingers met with her lips in sync, giving you the pleasure of her hand and mouth simultaneously. 

GULP 

GULP 

GULP

Her mouth began to quickly make slobbering and sucking noises while you bit down on your lower lip as a way of preventing yourself from crying out in pleasure. 

You wanted to play strong for her as you were left at the mercy of her oral talents. 

Stopping the movement of her hand, Momo pulled her hand away and then used both hands to push down into your legs. 

All you could do was rest your back against the cushion of the couch as she began to bob her head up and down your cock, sucking it deeper with each passing second. 

Her efforts paid off as Momo was able to get her lips down to the base and shove the head of your shaft to the back of her throat.

GULP 

GULP 

GULP

"Oh my fucking god..."

Finally breaking the silence between breathing and moaning, you cried out to her in words of pleasure. 

Momo devoured your cock, inch by inch sucking it down. 

Pulling her lips back to the head, she released it again with a popping sound, saliva strings dangled from her open mouth back to your cock as Momo gripped your shaft with her right hand, flicking her tongue and then spitting on the head.

"You like that~"

Her voice was low and seductive in asking her question. 

You nodded back at her.

"Can't complain."

With a grin and licking her tongue again, Momo spat on your dick once more and shoved her lips up to the head, kissing it, and then used her tongue to glide down the underside of your shaft, moving her hand away to lick it. 

Once she reached the base, Momo wrapped her fingers back around that pole as she began to pay special attention to your balls below. 

Squeezing your nuts with her left hand, her tongue licked over them and she stuffed one into her mouth and your toes curled at the sensation. 

You leaned up in a desperate attempt to catch a better view of your Onee-san slobbering all over your balls.

"Damn it feels good~"

Calling out to her in excitement, you bit down on your lower lip again, softly moaning. 

You soon heard the slobbering and sucking noises as Momo loudly sucked them while her right hand wanked your cock up and down, easily gliding across your saliva-soaked shaft. 

You dropped your lower lip as you felt such blissful pleasure at this very moment.

"Ohhhhh, fuck..."

As you moaned out to her once more, Momo pulled her mouth away, releasing your balls from her lips. 

She leaned back up, gazing up at your face with her devious eyes.

"Put your hands on my head and fuck my mouth~"

And that you did, hands now on the back of your sister's head. 

Momo closed her eyes, just as she felt you push her head back down; her lips sealed around your long dick and she began to suck on it once more.

'Mmmmmmmm', she softly purred a muffled voice against your shaft. 

You began to slowly buck your hips forward while holding her head in place, taking control as you fucked her mouth.

"Oh god...!" 

"MMMMMMMMMM-GWAH-GWAK-GWAK-GWAK-KWAH-GWAH"

Her mouth began to create a fusion of sucking and slobbering noises as you slowly fucked her oral hole. 

Back and forth, you rocked her lips while your cock pushed in and out. 

"MMMM-GWAH-KWAH-GWAK-GWAK-GWAK-KWAH-GWAH." 

Strings of saliva began to dangle down from the corners of her lips as you pushed her head all the way down, forcing her to devour every inch of his long pole. 

As Momo's mouth pushed down to the base, you moaned while holding her there; listening to her mouth, gagging after a few seconds. 

GWAH-KWAH-GWAK-GWAK-GWAK-KWAH-GWAH."

Momo's eyes watered up while her left hand was shoved down her thighs, playing with her pussy while sucking your cock.

At the rate she was going, you feared she would end up forcing you to blow your load in her mouth in the passing minutes. 

She knew you wouldn't be able to hold back long so she tapped your thighs as you felt and stopped your movements to release her.

She breathed in relief while long ropes of saliva dangled from your cock back to her mouth while Momo looked back into your eyes while catching her breath.

"You okay?" You asked while your cock was twitching.

"Mh-hm,"

Momo smirked, reaching out with her right hand to grab your cock once more, and began to wank it up and down as she replied.

"I'd say my mouth had enough, I think it's my tit's turn to have fun no?"

"Hehe, whatever you want."

Her soothing voice was enough to motivate your cock to react with a pulse, pretty much aching at her touch again while Momo bit down on her lower lip, quirking her eyebrows at you.

You rested your hands over the cushions as you watched Momo grab her breasts and hold them up. 

As she moved them on both sides, she reached her hand out to shove your dick between them. 

Her eyes gazed into your long pole, starring directly into the head while she squeezed her tits around it and began to slowly pump them up and down.

You let out a slight moan as you watched your sister begin to fuck you with her breasts. 

This was what any man, even the most innocent, would have wanted from k-pop idols like Momo. 

They'd be lying if they had no interest.

Momo had a body that rivels supermodels and her chest was without a doubt one of the best in the k-pop industry, even outside of it too. 

And to sit here while one of the greatest pair of tits in the world was wrapped around your dick, you couldn't ask for a better time. 

"Fuck Momo..."

Momo concentrated, licking her lips she pumped them up and down slowly. 

Since she was in control at the moment, she wanted to go slow so you could enjoy every second of her beautiful valley of breasts. 

Her breasts were so big that your cock disappeared between them. 

Only the head poked up. 

Over and over, she slowly pumped them up and down, listening to you moan.

She leaned her head down, gazing at your cock between the folds and spitting on the head.

"How close are you?"

"Really fucking close."

"Well, then go ahead and finish yourself off~"

You wasted no time beginning to buck your hips, thrusting your cock between her breasts while Momo chuckled at your increase of speed, gazing up to see the expression of pleasure across your face. 

Dropping her lower lip, she let out another moan as she called to you in a low, slutty voice.

"Fuck my titties (YN)-kun, hmmm~ how does it feel to fuck your sister's boobs~"

Letting out a grunt, you tried to maintain control over yourself. 

Momo squeezed her tits harder around your shaft, never once breaking eye contact as she had made a true attempt to drive you wild with her lust while panting as she felt every inch of your cock pumping up and down between her tits.

"I want to cum (YN)-kun~ cum for your naughty Onee-san~"

Hearing your sexy sister's talking dirty made you go further in lust. 

You started thrusting back and forth, the friction of her big breasts getting tighter around your cock, it was indescribable. 

Momo made sure to keep a firm pressure on her Otouto's cock, watching your face in full lust, and your cock head popping out from her soft, warm, mounds every time you trusted forward.

You moved your right hand to her shoulder, locking her down in place as you bucked your hips as hard as you could. 

She had you right where she wanted you, under her control by using her body. 

Momo lowered her head and began to flick her tongue across the head of your shaft each time it poked up between her tits and the cherry on top with Momo starting to suck the head of your shaft when it poked back up.

Every time you thrust forward, Momo kept licking the head of your cock with her all; fucking her tits with force, making Momo's big tits bounce and jiggle like waves in the ocean. 

You kept doing this until the head of your cock was engulfed by your sister's soft red lips, into her warm wet mouth. 

Momo was sucking you away, towards your mind-blowing orgasm.

"Ugh...Momo I'm about to-fuck!" You yelled as you felt that feeling in your cock and balls that you were about to go.

"That's good (YN)-kun~ Give me my reward~" She said, still keeping her firm grip on her breast as her she let the head of her brother's cock out of her mouth, as you were ready to burst.

She could feel your body tensing up, just as you breathed in hard and and explode you did, the first shot of his incest cum shot into the back of her wide-open mouth, the hot cum running down her throat. 

'Mmmmmm', a muffled moan could be heard from her mouth as Momo drained your balls. 

She could taste wad after wad, flowing into her mouth as your sister just sucked on your dick harder. 

She could hear you taking in a deep breath and moaning out as she milked your cock to the final drops.

You came to a complete halt, watching as her eyes looked up at you with a look on her face still of pure lustful hunger.

She released it from her mouth with a pop sound and Momo leaned up, opening her mouth to reveal to you your white seed drenched in saliva. 

She then closed her lips and loudly swallowed it before moaning.

"Hmm~ you came a lot (YN)-kun hehe~ almost drowned me~ and you're still hard~ Ara ara (YN)-kun~ your energy is impressive~"

You didn't respond as you caught your breath while Momo grinned.

"Now, it's time for some real fucking. No wasting time."

Shoving her body up against you, Momo threw her arms around your neck and began to kiss you passionately. 

You responded by wrapping your arms around her back, slowly sliding your fingers down to grab at her ass cheeks, not caring where her mouth just was or consumed.

Upon feeling your hands digging in, squeezing her plump cheeks, Momo moaned into your mouth and when the kiss ended, she looked back at you and moved her hands, promptly shoving you to sit back down as she wasted no time straddling you. 

She bent her knees after grabbing your cock with both hands, holding it forward so she could properly line herself up and come down on it. 

You attempted to help her by moving the palms of your hands beneath her ass cheeks, but it didn't matter once Momo was ready. 

She gazed down into your face and noticed that you were too busy staring down at her tits. 

That was enough to convince her of the next move, as she slammed herself down and sent your cock up inside of her pussy with a loud gasp.

"Ohhhhhh!"

"Hmmm!"

You began to buck your hips, pumping your cock into her pussy while Momo moved her hands to your shoulders to help herself up. 

She wanted to bounce for you, her huge tits were already jiggling around. 

Phhhhp-Phhhhp-Phhhhp-Phhhhp-Phhhhp

Within a few seconds, the sound of your balls slapping up against her ass could be heard as she pumped herself down into the rhythm of you bucking your hips. 

Momo closed her eyes, arching her head back as she moaned. 

"Ohhhhhh, yeah! Fuck me Otouto!"

That beautiful long brown hair began to wave around while her breasts bounced back and forth.

Momo's pussy hammered down on your cock to the point you were forced to move your hands down to her ass. 

Phhhhp-Phhhhp-Phhhhp-Phhhhp-Phhhhp

She arched her body forward, moving one hand to the back of your neck as she pushed your head down to where her boobs could crash over your face. 

You pushed your lips out to her right nipple, beginning to suckle back and forth to each nipple as your mouth created various slurping and slobbering sounds. 

"Mmmm~"

Momo moaned as she felt her brother's hard cock pumping into her blazing pussy, her lone nipple cold from your saliva with the other being devoured as you took all you could in your mouth. 

Her fingers clenched into your shoulders; this was her moment, as Momo was determined now to ride your cock; her brother's cock.

"Hmph! Oh fuck!"

Phhhhp-Phhhhp-Phhhhp-Phhhhp-Phhhhp

Her voice rose in pitch as she bit down on her lower lip, feeling your cock thrust and throttle into her pussy with the way she rolled her hips. 

"Fuck me! Fuck me!"

Momo shoved you back on the couch from her breasts, leaning your right hand down below as you began to buck your hips forward in an attempt to help her as they were now locked in the act of fucking Momo gasped before coming to a halt, her hair swaying and her breasts beginning to shake as she allowed you to take over.

Phhhhp-Phhhhp-Phhhhp-Phhhhp-Phhhhp

"That's it! Fuck me Onee-san!"

Momo leaned down, rubbing her chest up against you now as you began to buck your hips harder and faster.

"Ohhhh, ohhhhhhhh yeah!"

"Oh shit...oh shit..."

Over and over, your cock pumped in and out of your sister's tight pussy and soon feeling Momo's lips pushing against yours.

A muffled sound was heard of her attempt to moan into your mouth as their tongues began to dance together, all while you continued to thrust your cock through her cunt. 

Wrapping your arms around her, you began to move on the couch in an attempt to change the position. 

Momo threw her arms around your neck, still kissing you as she began to roll on her right side and you found a way to stand up now. 

As the kiss broke, Momo lay on her back, gazing up to see your face; your cock remained lodged inside of her but now in this position, you could look down at her perfect body while fucking her.

"Oh god! Fuck me, (YN)!!"

She cried out to you, begging now as Momo spread her legs and you soon seized them. 

After arching her built legs over your shoulders, you began to buck your hips and thrust your cock into her needy pussy again.

Squealing in pleasure, Momo screamed to you.

Phhhhp-Phhhhp-Phhhhp-Phhhhp-Phhhhp

"Ohhhh, ohhhhhhh yeah!!"

Her breasts shook, bouncing with each thrust you sent into her until she moved her hands to catch them. 

Momo squeezed her tits together, still looking up into your eyes as she felt your fingers around her calves, curling her toes up at the feeling of your hard cock pumping into her, inch by inch. 

You continued, picking up the pace with each thrust.

Phhhhp-Phhhhp-Phhhhp-Phhhhp-Phhhhp

"Fuck me! Ohhhhh, FUCK ME!!"

To hear Momo scream those words to you, you almost couldn't control yourself. 

You continued to thrust, listening to the sound of their bodies smacking together, studying your sister's beautiful body with each passing second; everything about her was perfection in the body of a woman in your mind.

Momo closed her eyes, moving her right hand down below to begin playing with her clit, pinching it between her fingers while using her left forearm beneath her breasts, tilting them up as her fingers twitched at her clit, Momo panted and moaned.

You knew not to stop, as you fucked her to the height of her pleasure. 

Opening her eyes, she cried out to you and then screamed.

"FUCK ME! OHHHH, OHHHHHH, OHHHHHHH (YN)!! DON'T STOP!!"

Phhhhp-Phhhhp-Phhhhp-Phhhhp-Phhhhp

She curled her toes and her feet moving about, as that was only another clue for you you had nearly fucked her into a climax. 

You grunted, trying to hold back yourself as Momo gasped and began panting. 

She dropped her lower lip, gasping at the feeling of your hard cock still pounding into her pussy. 

Her fingers furiously worked her clit back and forth as she suddenly pulled her left hand away from her body and then screamed to you in a high pitch shattering voice.

"FUCK!! OHHH, OHHHH, OHHHHHHHHHHH...GOD!!" 

As Momo screamed in experience of her orgasm, slapping sounds could be heard of your nuts smacking up against her ass. 

You still pumped your dick into her, all while moaning as she swallowed her breath as your balls slapped against the undersides of her ass as you continued to pump at your moderate pace, giving her inch after inch of your long shaft.

You didn't want to stop but the rush of your orgasm was fast approaching and on cue.

"Oh, god! Ohhhh god, I'm gonna cum!"

"No! I want you to cum on my face!"

Breathing heavily, you removed your cock as Momo adjusted herself to be facing to the right as she pushed the palms of her hands down into the cushion surface, lifting herself lightly being face to face with your cock.

You wrapped your fingers around your dick, jerking it back and forth with your right hand as you began to aim it down at her face.

"Are you gonna cum on my face Otouto~?" 

"Fuck yeah...hmm~"

She closed her eyes and opened her mouth. 

"Cum all over me (YN)~ Mmmmmmm, I want my Otouto's cum to drench my face~"

Moving directly under your cock, Momo closed her eyes after she spoke and parted her lips, audibly moaning 'ah' while you continued to wank your cock for this moment. 

There wasn't much time to wait as you soon groaned and felt your explosion begin.

"Ohhhhhh, ohhhhhhh~"

Within just a few seconds she heard you moan and then felt a thick string of cum shoot up over the right side of her forehead, drenching her eye and down her cheek. 

A thick string of cum shot from your cock, flying into the air like silly string, completely avoiding her face, instead landing into the left side of her hair, just above her ear. 

You grunted, and watched the second wad of cum shoot out of your cock and land across her right eye, drenching her eyebrow up the temple of her forehead and down her cheek. 

Momo giggled upon feeling the warm cum splash across her skin. 

A third wad of cum came out of your dick, splashing into her closed right eyelid while Momo giggled again, sticking her tongue out in a desperate attempt to catch any droplets of your seed.

"Oh my god, Momo..."

A few drops rained down onto her forehead, followed by another sticky string that slathered her left eye and forehead and again, Momo giggled and kept her eyes closed. 

She stuck her tongue out again but soon felt the last wad of cum fall directly onto the right side temple of her face, drenching her hair above.

As your spurts began to weaken into drops, he held his cock over her forehead to empty out the final drops. 

You were out of breath and appeared spent and lowered the head of your cock to her lips, squeezing it to get the last remaining drops out. 

Her face was a complete wreck in your hot seed, almost like layers of icing over a beautiful cake. 

As you were finished, Momo slowly opened her eyes. 

She blinked, feeling the cum in her eye lids while a few drops fell from her eye brows, somewhat disappointed she didn't catch a single drop from above and the last bit of your cum had to be squeezed out, rubbing your cock against her lips, watching Momo eagerly part them and suck it clean.

"Damn...fucking hell Momo..."

At a loss of words, you didn't know what to say while standing there and gazing down at her cum drenched face. 

You were satisfied to know you managed to unload several spurts for her as Momo gasped after swallowing what few drops of your semen she sucked from your cock. 

Raising both of her hands, she wiped the cum from her closed eyes and could finally open them and see again.

"Heh~ Glad we did it?" She asked with a shit-eating grin as you nodded.

"Very...much..."

"Well, you know it's kind of unfair that you got to cum twice and me once."

You downgraded to gentle breaths as you smiled.

"I'm guessing you want to change that?"

Momo smirked.

"Get on your knees and turn this way," she commanded as you didn't know what she wanted, but you kneeled and turned your body a bit to the left of her, facing probably 30 degree angle from Momo, "good, now lean your head back,"

You understood now.

With your head leaned back, Momo rose from her lying position, feeling the effects of your onslaught of her pussy, but she's hoping this will be a more softer touch.

Momo now stood in front of you, you were eye level of your sister's pussy and not wasting more time, Momo planted herself down onto your mouth.

"Go ahead~ eat out your Onee-san~"

Soon, Momo was sliding her pussy from your chin all the way up to your forehead, leaving you sticky with her fluids and letting them slide into your mouth. 

"Lick me," she ordered. 

You did as she said while she grounded her pussy against your face. 

Her thrusts were forceful without being painful, and there was just enough time between them for you to breathe a little through your mouth, although it felt like her juices were all the way inside your nose. 

"Oh that's it~ stick your tongue in there (YN)-kun~"

She seemed to be done lubricating your face and now kept her grinding over your tongue.

As she dumped more and more of her pre cum into your mouth, you alternated between lapping it up and sucking it out of her as she grew bolder, really fucking your tongue. 

You licked her faster and faster, and moved your head from side to side, occasionally turning it altogether and biting her thighs so she could fuck the sides of your face again.

"No~ I didn't say do that~" She cooed and ultimately held your head down so you could only face her.

That was fine, you loved watching her titties bounce and collide into each other. 

You could feel her muscles contract around your tongue as you licked her in just the right way, and her lips opening to let her wet juices out as you lapped at them, her face contorting in time with her gyrations and with the spasming of her cunt.

"That feels so good~" she moaned as she looked straight down at you. 

She locked eyes with yours and you could see the pleasure in her eyes as you moaned straight back into her cunt, completely submissive to her desires.

"Ah (YN)-kun! I'm gonna come soon!" she exclaimed.

You moaned into her cunt approvingly as she rode faster and faster. 

"I want you to latch your lips onto it when I cum! Don't you waste a single drop!" 

Her attitude leapt between blissfully absent, dominant and an all out frenzy.

"Hmph~"

You moaned into her cunt again as she kept riding and her moans kept coming with more and more frequency. 

You were in ecstasy. 

She kept grinding and moaning, until finally her moans became quick and heavy. 

"Fucking suck on it, ah!" she was arched over you and you latched your lips around hers, feeling as wads of her cum streamed into your mouth with the pulsations of her body. 

Her nails digging into your scalp and gripping your hair.

"Ah yeah (YN)-kun! Oh my god that's ama-ohhh! Ahhhh..."

Her hips bucked, and she kept grinding away until her orgasm while you licked up the streams of cum. 

"Hmmm~"

"Ohhh...Ohhhh..."

You relished the feeling of her cumming in your mouth, as what was a forceful grip on your hair turned into a caress between sighs and pants.

You swallowed all the juices of your sister in a quick pace, feeling drops on your chin as Momo twitched in her post orgasm sensitivity.

She seemed completely satisfied, and your sure she could tell you were too. 

Half a minute passed and Momo slowly hopped off your mouth, looking to meet your gaze and her work as she brought a hand on your chin, collecting the leftover cum and then smoothing over her slit, feeling your work.

You saw her fingers moist and then pointed at your mouth with them.

Getting the hint, you opened your mouth as Momo inserted her fingers inside after.

You clenthed your lips around her fingers and Momo pulled away, leaving her fingers dryer as the remains of her juices were left in your mouth.

"Good boy..." she complimented and slowly sat on the couch, leaning back on the cusions, huffing from her orgasm.

You joined her on her left as Momo laid her head on her shoulder.

"Amazing work, Onee-san..."

You didn't respond, keeping quiet as you relished the aftermath of the sex with your sister.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

As Momo laid on you, her eyes fixed on the desk with the scattered notes and laptop. 

The dimly lit room was filled with an uneasy tension as Momo wanted close comfort.

The minutes ticked away, reminding her that their time together was drawing to a close. 

You would be leaving in a day, and the thought of being separated from you weighed heavily on Momo's heart.

Even after getting your promise of staying, she still hated that you had to leave again. 

"Aishiteimasu (YN)-kun," (I love you (YN)-kun) she announced as you turned to her sight.

"Soshite Momo-nee o aishiteimasu," (And I love you Momo-nee)

You two smiled at another as their energy was zapped by their actions as Momo started to close her eyes.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"Uhh...Momo..."

"Hmm?"

"I know we're tired, but I think we really need to wash these cushions asap."

Momo opened her eyes and looked down at the couch.

"Oh...uh oh..."

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

TIMESKIP

Sunday morning

THUMP...THUMP...CRANK...

"This is as far as we can go Momo. Sorry." You stated as Momo sighed.

Usually, the airport terminal was bustling with travelers and the hum of conversations, a symphony of goodbyes and reunions. 

But not for a trio. 

You and Momo sat in the back seat of your rental, as a manager drove them to the airport.

After picking up the girls from the cabin, you two informed them of how it was coming along and they were impressed at how much information you two received in a day, but there was much to do.

So after dropping them off at their dorm, you and Momo went to travel around to a couple more companies to discuss several notions and regulations, but seeing as they couldn't do much more, it was a few hours before returning to the dorm and spending the rest of Saturday with the girls.

Sadly, days go faster when fun happens and nighttime quickly came.

You, Momo, Jeongyeon, Dahyun, Chaeyoung and Sana all slept in the living room after a long night of gaming and the rest in their rooms.

Morning came along and with you leaving early, only goodbyes were enough to have before you had to leave.

Saying a goodbye to each one, they bid you farewell as you, Momo and a manager of theirs went off with you and Momo in your rental car and their manager in a car behind to take Momo back when you drop off the car.

The sun was just beginning to cast long shadows across the highway and weighed heavily on Momo, who struggled to hide her sadness.

You tried to break the heavy silence that had settled in the car constantly during the ride, turning to Momo with a warm smile each time, your eyes filled with affection and then concern as Momo kept her eyes out the window.

CLICK

After parking in the free short-term parking lot for Momo to swap cars, her manager pulled up on the right of them.

 You undid your seatbelt and turned to Momo, reached out, and gently patted her on the shoulder. 

Momo turned to you; her silence spoke volumes, and it was a language you understood all too well.

Even with this plan in action, you two knew it wouldn't be simple to formulate something and deliver it to their parents.

This morning before heading off, you had to let Momo know that this could take a bit of more time to figure this out.

It wasn't enough for Momo, but at least it was something.

She was grateful for your efforts, but the reality of your departure was overwhelming and she managed a weak smile, nodding in understanding.

While the week they had was fun, a much-needed reunion, it was time for you to return home.

"Hopefully this will be the last time you return to Japan," Momo said as you smiled at her.

"Come here." 

You raised your arms out and Momo unleashed her seatbelt as well and shifted into your hug, giving you a very tight embrace.

"Don't worry, it'll take maybe a week to get this sorted out and then I'll tell them. I'll tell you when I do okay?" You said to her, your arms around her as well.

"It better be a week," Momo complained as she lowered her grip and shifted her head away, your hands were now on her shoulders, "but I guess if it needs to be good, I'll give a week and one day."

"How charitable of you," Momo chuckled under you, but now it was time for the hard part.

If she was within her manager's sight, Momo would have given you a big kiss goodbye, but with her manager...damn she thought.

You two let the hug go slowly as Momo opened the door on her side.

Momo turned to you from her position as you looked at her.

"I love you," she stated.

"Love you more," you returned as Momo gave one final nod to you as you did the same and closed the passenger door and into the manager's car.

Getting in, she turned to see you driving off, deeper into the airport as Momo watched her brother until you disappeared from view, her heart heavy but filled with hope for their future. 

She knew that this goodbye was just a temporary parting, and she held onto the promise that you had made. 

"I know how difficult it is to say goodbye to family," she heard her manager as Momo nodded in your direction still, "but if it's any consolation, in our line of work, time passes very quickly and before you know it, he'll be back." Her manager attempted to bring some morale into her as Momo turned to him.

"I know. It's just sad to see him go."

"It always is. Ready?" He asked as Momo clicked her seatbelt and nodded slowly, her eyes turning to the airport as her manager proceeded to do a U-turn and leave the airport through the exit.

'I hope everything goes well...I believe in you (YN)-kun,' was Momo's last thought as they left the area.

=================================================

AND THAT'S THAT!

So, yeah, this isn't the final chapter of Momo's story.

As I kept writing, I realized that the chapter felt so rushed and not enough detail to my liking so I went back to the beginning to re-write/add more details here and there and it got to me thinking that it was taking WAY too long to finish up while I got other works to do.

Originally was suppose to have 2 smuts, but decided to extend the first one to that and leave the second one with Part 4.

I have already part of Part 4 but I didn't want to release a semi-crappy/rushed ending. I want it to have feels and such so I decided to cut off from the ending here and go to work on Part 4. 

Now hopefully some of you will see (YN)'s side of wanting to be a family again. It might not be what most of you would be thinking like Jeongyeon said, but being with them and working alongside them, a connection could be formed, even if it's not that close.

And it's not as if they abused or anything, they just ignored you both.

And now my plans going forward.

I won't be working on my ONESHOT book as I'll be focusing on my SMUT and COACH books now.

Smuts I have way too much to write and Coach I really want to progress.

I am sorry for the lateness of my writing, and I'm not making excuses, but I am lazy af and I was holding off on writing for a bit.

Plus, it's pretty difficult to make each story different from each other so I'm trying my best to make each one feel unique-ish.

Anyway, that's all I got to say.

Thanks for taking a pause in your life to reading this! Vote/Comment if you want and thanks again!

[wroteclassicaly]

I Won’t Stand By - Part One

(Steve Harrington x Female Reader)

Summary: Steve has always been worth more. And you won’t stand by and watch him get his heart broken again. He needs to know.

Warnings: Language, pining, unrequited (or are they?) feelings, heavy on the angst, happy ending… eventually.

Pairings: Steve Harrington x best-friend!female reader

A/N: After I made this post, I started thinking heavily on Steve, Nancy & Stancy, a little more than usual. And I just feel like I needed to write this and channel some energy into it, as it basically took on a mind of its own (we heavily into Steve, okay? He’s consuming me). It’s going to have one more part to it (which I’ve already outlined). It’s thick on the angst, but it’ll have a happy ending, I think? I tried some different stuff with Steve and his reactions, so I hope y’all like it? Lemme know ❤️💖

“Are you stupid?”

You’d never insinuated, nor had you ever called Steve anything that would suggest he was ignorant, and you had known him since elementary school. You never made him feel like anyone else could, by a joke or an offhand comment, usually a backhanded compliment. But as he sees you standing under the entryway of the Family Video — three lunches in your hand, your neon pink windbreaker covered in rain drops, eyes steady in their focus on him and Robin — he’s never felt more like his IQ is non-existent.

Robin looks briefly confused, tapping her purple painted nails on the cheap wooden counter, unsure where to look. However, her mouth opens before she can stop it. “Hey, what’s going on? Is that a ham croissant I smell?”

You’d laugh if your lungs weren’t full of a scream that you’re sure is about to rip itself free. Your heartbeat is thumping so hard against your ribcage that it’s echoing all around your chest, playing ping pong. Steve opens his mouth to speak, starting to shift his posture enough that he can work himself around the counter to get to you. He can’t stand to see you this upset, especially at him. You don’t let him come within an inch of your trembling form, afraid that you’ll say things you can’t take back, or you’ll vomit your breakfast all over his green vest.

You want to berate yourself for the way he looks struck, physically recoiling as if to console himself. His sneakers stop on the rug you’re standing on, your wet loafers drenched and dripping. Nike and leather. You can’t take how good he smells, the way that it always greets you with a hug, but instead, you walked into his conversation with Robin about his upcoming date with Nancy. He really meant it, he saw her as his future, he never got over her, and now that she’s realized what she lost — she wants him back.

Steve is about to call a code for backup, when you decide to say something, stepping around him, paper bags full of food clenched and wrinkled in your vice. You damn near spit the words, tone laced with acidic venom. “Why would you do this to yourself?”

His chest aches with the bitterness of confusion, a hunger to understand that’s clawing at his throat and attempting to seize his tongue. He’s fumbling for words and that seems to fuel your excitement. Robin, meanwhile, her irises widen, eyes darting back and forth between the two of you. It's a simple & soft, “Oh, shit.” As she watches your feelings unfold in real time, understanding.

You throw the sacks onto the counter, Robin barely able to catch them before they can slide off, and you turn back, right as Steve shakes himself clear and attempts to meet you. Your finger jabs into his chest, breath getting caught in your throat. He bites his tongue when he sees your sclera is flooded with unshed tears. You know if you blink that it’ll all be over for you. How can you convey how you’re feeling?

Even if you weren’t ass over elbow for the guy, you still wouldn’t want him back together with Nancy Wheeler. She might be your friend too, but you were there for Steve. You saw everything he had to go through, and even though you didn’t leave his side, he was still dealing with their relationship and monster land — alone, trapped in his head. It wasn’t until he graduated that he was able to let go of each mental blockage that she and the whole situation caused him to put up (enough so), and truly let you in. She didn’t share his goals and Steve deserved better than a relationship that seems like nothing more than pure nostalgia.

Neither of them should settle. They are still vastly different.

Fuck, you really need to scream. Your chest is heavy with it, weighted. You’re sinking, choking on oxygen, your body rejecting it. Panic.

Steve practically begs Robin for help, jaw unhinged and tongue slicking across his lips. He tries to find something to say — anything. You roll your eyes and the tears finally salt your lash line, cooling and burning. “Actually, you know what? Fuck this right now!”

And if customers didn’t just come in, the little bell dinging and electrifying your anxieties — you’d have run right out the front door. But you do the next best thing — your only other option. You dart for the family labeled restroom in the back. Steve doesn’t even have to ask, Robin nodding her head. “Go. I got this.”

~*~

You curse yourself for not locking the door, for Steve’s thoroughly kind behavior (why can’t he just be an asshole and make this easier?). You’re practically bent over the sink, sobbing quietly into the fluorescent expanse, and you hear the door open and close. His cologne invades your senses — all delicate traces of woodsy spice. His freshly laundered clothing, even his minty breath from the spray you know he carries in his back pocket. It’s slow motion when you meet his concerned stare in the mirror.

His large palm clasps over your shoulder, wrist watch catching in the light. He turns you, but you find solace in the tile flooring and your loafer covered toes. His fingertips, ever-so gentle and calloused, filter beneath your chin — tilting. You try to look away but it’s a pointless effort. Steve’s brown is pitched high in an attempt to understand, to relate.

Your torso wants to give in and collapse, legs dead and heavy, stuck to the floor. Your mouth is dry, but your throat is wet with tears. It’s suddenly Tina’s Halloween party all those years ago, and you’re holding Steve as he’s crying, showing himself like you had never seen before. Your nose wrinkles into a scrunch, you reach up to swat his hand away. He catches your wrist with his other, and shakes his head, thumbpad caressing the healing cut on your cheek, even a month later it still remains.

When you went to battle with Vecna and the four of you were attacked by his little tentacle hive minds, you’d gotten the sharp end of one to the face. That very fear settles in his stomach at the memory, sloshing about with the gnawing worry over what’s currently going on with you. He tucks a strand of hair back behind your ear, a line of goosebumps shrouding your arms like invisible sleeves. His voice is so gentle with concern that you choke on an outright whimper.

“Talk to me, honey. What happened? What did I do?”

To a fault, this man is too good for anyone. And that’ll be his ultimate downfall. That’s enough to push on your anger, because you��re already riding the inevitable tidal wave of heartbreak, just waiting for the water to drown you. You don’t try to move his hold on you, you’re more than smart enough to know that he won’t budge if he doesn’t want to. You force yourself to talk to him, voice wavering and weak, and the word puke releases. “That’s the problem, Steve. It’s not what you did, but what you’re going to do to yourself by going back to her.”

“Wait, so you heard me and Robin—“

“I heard you in the RV, I heard you in the fucking upside down, and yes — I just heard about your stupid fucking date.”

He shakes his head, thumb tracing over your healing wound, a brief look of guilt flickering, his voice hoarse and tired. “So that’s why you think I’m stupid then, huh?”

“Do you remember when you cried all night after Tina’s party? When you spent money on flowers for her, or lost your entire friend group? Yeah, they were assholes, but you gave up everything because you thought something was wrong with you, that you needed to change.”

He’s briefly glancing at his own shoe wear, an audible swallow heard from him. How could he forget that night? He couldn’t stomach the word bullshit for months after.

You continue, unable to stop if someone duct taped your mouth shut.

“You dealt with torture, with trauma, with being cheated on. You became a more mature person, but that doesn’t mean you were ever an awful boyfriend, Steve. And now that she and Jonathan have grown apart, now that she’s seen you — it doesn’t make it okay for her to decide that you’re suddenly worth something again.”

He knows you’re right. Fuck, he can feel your statement carve itself into his every internal organ. He can’t disagree, he can’t fight you, because he fought with himself one too many times since Nancy destroyed him. His pride wants to argue, wants to blame himself, defend her, but he also knows you. And he knows you’re not taking shots at Nancy, nor are you trying to hurt him.

You’re surprised at how calmly you’re able to articulate yourself. You keep going. He needs to know.

“We were all kids when everything happened, and I don’t blame her for dealing with her own shit. I’m not excusing how she treated you. But I understand, and I love her. I just know that she doesn’t want the same things you want, Steve. It’s like you’re both trying to fit pieces into a mold that was never meant to work together, past what it was in the first place… So I’m fucking begging you, don’t do this to yourself.”

His hand drops, far too quickly than you’re ready for. His back falls against the door, his tresses dusting his forehead. Your body feels as if it’s been paved into the asphalt, unprepared for what he says next. “Any reasons other than that?”

“Steve—“ Your voice wobbles.

“No, you’ve made yourself clear. Me and Nance? Bad idea — I got that.”

“It’s because —“

“Why? There’s more to it than what you’re telling me, I know there is. Don’t fucking lie to me!” You’ve hit that spot in him, that wounded pride. He’s lashing a bit, arms crossing over his chest, biceps flexed beneath his white t-shirt.

“Because, I..” Your sentence topples.

He inches forward. “Because you what? Talk to me!”

Does he realize? Maybe he has an inkling, maybe he’s pushing it. You aren’t able to decipher, your emotions swirling, everything becoming too much all at once. Your instincts fly out the window, shattering glass, heart catching on your throat as it leaps out of your mouth and floats into the room. You lurch forward and grab Steve’s cheeks, his stubble tickling the backs of your fingers — and you press your lips to his.

He’s stiff at first, arms remaining tight and bound together. You’re crying, salting his mouth slick. He tastes like peppermint and coffee, with a hint of that creamer you’ve gotten him hooked on. His mouth is soft, becoming pliant. He begins to kiss you back, but it’s for a fraction, yet it’s there. His nose nudges yours, bumping, your lips parting with a smack as he uses his hands (arms uncrossing), to pull you away, cradling your face.

Heated, like a syrupy honey, he talks to you. He’s got it this go around. “Why didn’t you tell me that this was going on?”

You go to leave him, he won’t dare let you. His hold tightens, index finger rubbing along your cut. Your eyes flutter closed, fresh tears dowsing the raw skin of your cheeks. The moisture pours over Steve’s fingers.

“Don’t.” It’s him who is begging, chained undercurrents cutting into the depth of his voice. “Please don’t cry.”

The way that he strokes you, his grazing thumb soothing your cut, like you’re right back in the underworld and he almost died twice over seeing you hurt. He swipes at your tears, trying to wipe them away, but they blotch. More keeps coming. You’re dangling over that precipice of an anxiety attack that he can also sense. Like he’s coddling a wounded deer, Steve pulls you closer, bringing his lips to your forehead — pressing, voice gravelly, mouth moving away to utter, “Come here. Stay right here.” And helps you rest in his arms, your head sliding beneath his chin.

Whatever you attempt to say, it comes out as gibberish whimpering. Steve’s own chest cavity is scorched, throat blazing, eyes misty. You find solace in his broad physique, nose at his sternum. He’s confused, so many things running through his head, that it fucking aches at the base of his skull. Your cherry lip gloss-flavored kiss lingers, making him think of things he thought were just passing feelings for you a while ago.

There’s many things he wants to say, but his brain has a case of coward, working him into a settled question instead. “How long?”

“Everyday since I’ve known you, I think.” It’s an automatic whisper, a ghostly caress of your broken voice, but he still hears your answer.

He’s nodding, an annoyance filtering, a sadness. How could you not tell him something like this? All those nights you shared, talking about everything. He’s been more vulnerable with you than he’s been with anyone in his entire twenty years. This, he has to call you on.

“In all of the time you’ve known me, have I ever given you any reason not to trust me?”

Still buried in his embrace, you shake your head no.

“Is it — do you… Shit.” He isn’t sure how to phrase it, not wanting to make an ass of himself, the word also scaring the hell out of him.

He gets his answer, thankfully — when you speak. “Don’t ask me if I love —“ You cut yourself off briefly, before adding on, “— just… don’t, okay?”

His lids close, a sigh escaping. Holy shit, you love him. Someone else loves him, his best-friend is in love with him. And he could never see that? He talked about sex with other girls, about Nancy.

And not once did you ever stop him or act like it wasn’t alright. You hyped him up, you were always there to boost his spirits and his ego. He feels like a total asshole. His previous sigh has you shaking your head, especially after he lets out a quiet “I’m sorry.”

You break off his embrace, finding a hold on his forearms, squeezing. “Steve, look at me.” You find your courage again.

He complies immediately, rich hazel catching, nearly stealing your breath. You clear your throat lightly, inhaling through your nose to relax yourself. Steve’s hands are still on your face — unrelenting. “This thing with Nancy, it’s not even because of how I feel, not completely. You’re more than some trophy husband, you’re more than some minimum wage video clerk, even though I think your jobs have been pretty fucking cool.” His softened gaze dips off and he chuckles himself into that cheekily, familiar grin.

“Please don’t do this to yourself again, Steve. You deserve better than this. You always have. You’re the fucking heart of our group, don’t you understand that? Fuck the thumps on the head, fuck nostalgia. I’ve never stopped seeing what a good man you are, even when you used to be a bitchy jerk sometimes.”

He laughs again, music to your ears that gets you to stop crying briefly. You slide your fingers along his bare arms and he’s thoughtful, pausing, wanting to look away from you. Because what he’s going to say, he can’t bear the expression on your face. He just wishes, he almost begs the universe that Nancy hadn’t brought back her bullshit and confused him. And you kissed him and released a bunch of things he’d pushed away, things he didn’t even know existed.

Someone’s going to get hurt and he thinks it should be him, but as he’s gentle with you, fingertips splaying down the sides of your neck, he’s brought back down to the messy reality he’s a part of. “It wasn’t resolved on my terms. Honey, I have to try. Can’t you see things from my perspective, please understand?”

You decide instantaneously what you’re going to do, your ribs aching at the sudden drop in your heart rate, your throat feeling like it’s swollen to twice the normal size. Your hand leaves his wrist, combing the hair off his forehead — memorizing every mole and freckle, his cupid's bow, his jaw, those hauntingly warm eyes. He thinks you’ll get it, that you’ll stay. And you do get it, but the latter? You’re eerily firm, new tears seeping out, flooding your vision, making him a blurry silhouette.

It’s gonna be bad, he can feel the twisting in his gut. He tries to say something, beginning a reason. You cut him off. “I need you to understand that I can’t stand by and watch this. I care about you both, but you can’t ask me to watch you two try and sweep everything under the rug, and you can’t expect me to watch if your heart gets broken. I won’t watch you fall apart again. I can’t do it, Steve.”

“What are you saying?” He sounds pained, like you’d socked him in his stomach. It sure fucking feels like it. Even the tip of his tongue is aching, his own vision becoming cloudy. “How do you even know things won’t work?”

“If they do, then great. If she’s your person and that’s what was meant to happen, I hope it works for you.” If he’s happy, you mean that. But you just don’t think he deserves this, he deserves more, despite your feelings. And there’s some things that you just know.

He straightens himself against the door when he sees you reach around for the handle. He shakes his head and tries to keep your touch. You drop it, tears dripping off your lashes and onto the cheap flooring below. “Let me leave, Steve.”

“No, not happening.”

“Don’t do this.”

“You’re my best-friend, I can’t just be without you.”

“You have Robin. You can handle this.”

“I don’t wanna fucking handle this,” he lashes out, stepping forward and cupping your cheeks, making you look at him, his touch searing into your skin, “I want you.”

“Steve.” You’re a little heavier in your command, pulling his hands away, impulse leading. You lift onto your tippy toes and permit yourself a kiss to the corner of his mouth.

His breath is choppy, a sudden heat leveling off the room, his nose bumps, sliding off your peck, his lips crashing into yours. You kiss him back with everything in you, mouths wet and tear stricken. He’s crying too, everything wet, spit stringing as your lips separate.

“I really hope it turns out to be what you want.” You pant your sorrows against his mouth, drinking him in — seeing. You’re falling, abandoning emotions and nearing sobbing territory.

Steve’s hands drop as you say this and it gives you the leverage you need to leave him alone in the bathroom, one last pleading cry from him cut off as you close the door behind you. You keep your head down and you walk through the store alone, its popcorn and candy coated scent striking you. You only stop when you’re at the counter and Robin has a piece of her sandwich pinched between her fingers, a pitiful look on her face as she sees your tear-stained features. She doesn’t get the chance to ask you anything, not before you request, crushing her heart into pieces. “Make sure he’s okay. He’s gonna need you.”

And your presence is gone in mere seconds, that bell signifying something much more than anyone was ready to comprehend. You make it to your car, rain pouring around you, right as Steve leaves the bathroom pinching his nose and sniffling, watching you from the window. You don’t break down, not until you’ve driven away and found somewhere to pull over.

Over…

// Eat me paragraph //

[aplaceinme]

Little something inspired by the results of this poll (I decided to write a scene with both the first and second place results). I also took inspo from the stills and the speculation going around but I still gave it a twist lol

The feeling of something pinching his chest wakes Tommy up.

In reality, he is still in that half-awake and half-sleep state where you are vaguely aware of something happening but, simultaneously, you can fall back asleep extremely easily without having recollection of anything. 

Intending to fall asleep again, Tommy ignores it and moves his position just a bit, exhaling in contentment as he settles once more. 

A couple of seconds later, though, he feels that pinching sensation again. Annoyed, he carelessly moves his arm, trying to swat whatever is bothering him without opening his eyes. 

As his hand makes contact with the culprit, he hears, “Ouch!”

Startled by the exclamation of pain, Tommy wakes up fully, his eyes opening in both surprise and worry. 

“Evan?” Tommy asks groggily. “What’s going on? Are you ok?”

“I- yeah, yeah,” Evan replies, rubbing his hand above his eye, just where his birthmark is. 

Blinking the sleep away, Tommy focuses on Evan and his facial expression. 

“I hurt you?” Tommy replaces Evan’s hand on his brow and softly caresses the birthmark. “I’m sorry, baby.”

“It’s ok. I just wasn’t expecting a swat,” Evan chuckles. 

“You sure?” 

“I promise.” 

Tommy studies Evan, wanting to make sure he didn’t accidentally hit him too hard. After seeing Evan’s eyes sparkling and the small smile tugging at the corner of his lips, he relaxes and smiles back. 

Stretching across the bed, closing the little distance that exists between them, Tommy softly and tenderly kisses Evan’s birthmark. 

He has always thought that the birthmark is adorable, and it suits Evan well. Time and time again, Tommy finds himself brushing his fingers across it, and kissing it as well. 

If Tommy didn’t love it as much as he does, he would still do it because of Evan’s reaction to it. He always gets this deer-in-the-headlights expression, blinking up at Tommy as if surprised by the action. But then, well, then a radiant and loving smile will paint itself on his face, making his eyes crinkle and sparkle. A blush will creep up his neck and he will act all bashful for a couple of seconds. It’s a sight for sore eyes and after the first time it happened, Tommy swore to himself to keep doing it. 

As he goes back to his previous position, Tommy smiles at seeing Evan’s expected reaction. It will never get old. 

Suddenly remembering the reason for all of this, Tommy asks confused, “Were you pinching my chest?” 

Evan chuckles and curls up against Tommy. 

“Well… not so much pinching. It was more of a…” Evan trails off. 

“More of a… what?”

“Me biting your pecks,” Evan replies with no regrets or shame. 

Tommy shakes his head in bewilderment and arches one of his eyebrows in question. 

“Hey! It’s not my fault you have a very biteable chest,” Evan teases, placing his chin in the middle of Tommy’s chest and looking up at him through his eyelashes. 

Running his fingers through Evan’s curls, Tommy says, “You’re a menace.”

“Your menace?” Evan places a kiss on Tommy’s chest.

“Yes, my menace,” Tommy agrees, feeling his heart seize with all the love he has for the man lying half on top of him. 

“Good,” Evan nods, satisfied.

“So, you didn’t have a real reason to wake me up, then?”

“No, not really,” Evan shrugs his shoulders. “I woke up to go to the bathroom and when I came back... there your chest was, in all his glory.”

Tommy chuckles fondly.

“I just couldn’t resist and I also couldn’t fall back to sleep.”

“Ok, move please,” Tommy says, already starting to move to lay on his side, and dislodging Evan from his chest. 

Completely baffled, Evan asks, “Wha… Why?” 

“I want to cuddle,” Tommy replies.

“We were cuddling,” Evan insists, letting himself be turned around and put in whatever position Tommy wants him to.

“Ok, well, I want to spoon you.”

“Oh, ok, then.”

They get into position, Evan’s back against Tommy’s chest, his head resting over Tommy’s right arm, and Tommy’s left arm wrapped around Evan’s waist. 

Tommy breathes deeply, smelling Evan’s shampoo. He kisses the back of Evan's head and then the juncture between Evan’s shoulder and neck. 

“You know, I was having a weird dream when you started to bite me,” Tommy mumbles against Evan’s shoulders.

Reaching out, Evan covers Tommy’s hand across his stomach and starts to play with Tommy’s fingers, “What was the dream about?”

“Well, it was Halloween,” Tommy starts. 

“I love Halloween,” Evan exclaims.

Laughing, Tommy continues, “I know, and you did so as well in the dream. You went a little crazy and bought all kinds of stuff to decorate. Including a Mummy.”

“Really? Cool!”

“Yeah, not cool at all,” Tommy shakes his head. “The Mummy gave you an infection, or some type of allergic reaction. You started to get hives and boils all over your face and body.”

“Ew.”

“It wasn’t pretty, no,” Tommy shudders. “And I couldn’t be near you because what if it happened the same to me? That was the worst part.”

“Aww… though if you had hives and boils, I would still go near you and kiss you and even do more,” Evan says. 

“I wouldn’t let you. I would want you to be safe.”

“You do love me,” Evan jokes. 

“Of course, I do, love.”

“I love you too,” Evan whispers, squeezing Tommy’s hand and then intertwining their fingers. 

“What else happened in the dream?”

“Well, I was really worried and I didn’t know how to help you. So, in a panic, I called Eddie and…”

They stay like that, talking about nothing too important while cuddling and spooning, until the sun is high up in the sky and their stomachs start to growl demanding food. 

Only then, do they get out of bed and go looking for some food. 

Even though it was a funny way to wake up, Tommy knows that he will always remember this morning fondly.

Waking up next to Evan always feels like a good dream and he knows that he doesn’t want to wake up without him next to him.  

It’s high time for Tommy to start figuring out how to ask Evan to move in with him.

[bleachification]

⸻ WE SAIL THE STARS PT. 2

pairing: zoro x reader

word count: 2.1k

synopsis: As the sole heir of a prosperous and powerful kingdom, you have long forsaken personal desires, placing your country’s needs above all else. When talks of political marriage turn into formal certificates and a pending ceremony, you find yourself locked in a delicate struggle between duty and the pulls of a forbidden love.

Roronoa Zoro is a man of few words, but slightly more when he is by your side—which is practically every moment of every day. As your personal guard, the knight is sworn to protect you against all threats, including the existence of his own illicit feelings—ones that he must keep hidden. But can he truly do so?

note: PART ONE OF THIS FIC: we sail the stars

+ + + + + + + + + + + +

Your day begins with orchestra symphonies and sea lilies—a perfectly woven setting for idyllic matrimony. It is the embodiment of a dream wedding for someone else, under very different circumstances. Nonetheless, the venue is utter visual perfection. 

Until everything goes wrong… to an almost impressive degree. 

You are only halfway down the aisle, rose petals crunching under your heels, when the blackout occurs. In the span of a breath, every single candle lining the windows and aisles loses its flame, and the heavy crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling quickly die out in succession. One blink, and the hall is entirely robbed of all its light. 

Plunged into complete darkness and disarray, anxious voices swiftly fill the venue, each one louder and more frantic than the previous. A familiar voice rings out from the far left, shouting your name across the clutter, but before you register who it is, thick arms encircle your waist from behind in a tight lock and the sweet stench of chloroform fills your lungs.  

Panic shoots through your bloodstream, seizing your movements. For one terrifying second, all you can do is freeze in horror. This is how you die. Weak, scared, and alone. With no witnesses, no one to intervene, no one to save you. If Zoro were here—if you had not pushed him away and cast him aside over such petty grievances—this never would have happened. If only you had just been stronger, faster… smarter. 

If only….

Awful, deprecating thoughts engulf your hazy mind, slowly imbuing your panic with something much deadlier—surrender. Somewhere in the background, piercing shouts fade into muffled murmurs, and your consciousness dutifully follows, slowly slipping away from your slackening grasp on reality.

A sudden, shrill scream snaps you out of your stupor. 

Mom. 

Her cry cuts off abruptly, and that is enough to shake you. Your senses return in full force, along with the painfully dry sensation in your lungs. Her distress sets your nerves alight, and you immediately begin thrashing. Limbs flailing, you try your best to pull yourself away—to get out of your assailant’s suffocating hold. Now, all your thoughts revolve around your mother’s survival instead of your own. 

Can’t breathe. 

Your throat and eyes burn as the chemicals continue to invade your senses. There isn’t much time left. You have to do something…anything!

A sudden thought strikes you. A small memory tickling the back of your mind—something Zoro once mentioned to you offhandedly during a training session. Something about… 

That’s it. 

You brace yourself, and with as much force as you can muster in your sluggish state, you slam your elbow into your attacker’s side. Sharp bone meets soft flesh, and a flicker of satisfaction comes to life when you feel the depth of your strike.

You hear a loud grunt, and the pressure around your waist loosens a little, but the man grabbing you is sturdy and unrelenting. 

It’s not enough.

Your heart thunders. 

Frenzied voices fade into silence. 

With one last thought, you lose consciousness. 

I hope your ribs are broken. Bastard. 

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

ZORO

The room is spinning. 

It hadn’t been very long since you left—thirty minutes at most. Zoro had been polishing away, desperately trying to suppress the strange ache in his chest and his intrusive thoughts full of haunting imagery of you walking down the aisle, when the Queen herself breaks down his door. The woman, who usually exudes elegance and regality with every heeled step she takes, is stripped of any and all poise. Mascara runs down her cheeks in grey streams and her dress is torn at the hems, frayed edges brushing against the stone floor. She stumbles past the threshold and her glazed eyes meet Zoro’s own. A flicker of hope comes to life in them at his presence, but still, the queen’s dignified features are marred with fear, distress straining her every word as she chokes out sobs. 

Immediately, Zoro’s blood runs cold and a sinking feeling washes over him. Your mother, gaze wide with panic, runs up and grips his arms. Her manicured nails draw blood as she digs into him. Zoro barely notices. 

“You must help [name]. You must!”

No. 

He can’t answer. There’s a clotting sensation in his throat. Like a handful of cotton rounds were shoved down his gullet. 

“I cannot lose my child! Not like this! Not like…” She collapses, shivering. Her cries continue, but Zoro can hear none of it. 

The room is still spinning. 

The swordsman steps back and bumps into the table. A hoarse sound rips from his throat. He tries to speak—barely managing coherency. 

“Your Majesty. Is [name] hurt…? Who?!” Zoro’s tone is harsh. Cracked. Much too abrasive to be addressing the queen, but he finds himself foregoring propriety. He can’t bring himself to care for it. Not when you are seemingly in danger. 

The queen is far too absorbed in her own shock and grief to answer Zoro’s frantic questions. He is about to run out, blindly searching for you within the palace, when someone comes running down the hallway and stops right in front of the open doorway. It takes the knight a moment to realize who it is, and when he does, the world tints red.

“You,” He snarls. 

Sanji raises his hands. “Look, I just—” 

It doesn’t matter what the prince was about to say because he doesn’t get a chance regardless. Zoro grabs the blonde by the collar and throws him backward with brutal force. Sanji collides against the wall, pinned by Zoro’s forearm pressing against his neck. 

“Hey! What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Sanji spits, hands pulling at the unrelenting muscle threatening to choke him. 

“What did you do to [name]? TELL ME!”

“Are you out of your damn mind?!”

Maybe. Yes. It most certainly feels like it. He is going mad. It is the only explanation for the emotions overwhelming him—for the shrieking beast inside him; a red hot fury clawing at his innards for release. Every moment you are gone is another splitting pain bursting anew in his chest. 

“Fucking think, you green-headed brute!” Sanji rasps, trying to get his words through the rage-induced fog consuming his assailant. “And get your paws off me, swordsman. Unless you’d like to waste precious time that could be spent in search of my fiancé.”

“What do you… what do you mean by search?” Zoro’s arm slackens. Sanji uses that chance to shove him away. Zoro doesn’t react, only stares at the blonde in a daze. “[Name] is gone…?”

Sanji rubs his neck and lets out a rough cough before answering. “Taken, actually. Straight from the ceremony.”

“And you just let those bastards do it?! You should have protected them!”

Sanji whips his head up, anger flashing in his eyes. “In case you forgot, that’s your job! If you would have set your ego aside for one second, maybe [name] would still be here! But you didn’t. So now, instead of throwing the blame around like it’s a game of catch, you can shut the hell up and deal with it. We need you to pull yourself together, Commander. It’s the only way we’ll get [name] back.”

“Fine. Fine.” Zoro’s anger doesn’t drain—not completely—but it is overtaken by steely determination as he sobers up to Sanji’s words. As much as he despised it, the prince was right. Saving you was top priority. 

“Gather the corps. This is not only a search and rescue. It is a manhunt.”

Both men set off in silence, their only thoughts center on finding you and making the ones responsible pay. In less than ten minutes, Zoro has his unit of soldiers gathered in the main conference room. Sanji sits across from him, opposite the head of the circular table. 

“What information do we have so far? I….” Zoro’s jaw works as guilt creeps up within. “I was not present.”

“Highly premeditated. They were able to infiltrate your security system flawlessly,” Sanji answers, eyes boring into the swordsman. 

One of Zoro’s advisors speaks up. “We are in an era of peace. The country faces no enemy—no uprising or rebellion. And there has been no claim for this crime. They clearly do not seek ransom, or else we would have received word by now. What would be their purpose?” 

A soldier nervously shuffles. “Commander. We must consider the possibility that—”

Zoro slams his fist down. The stone table cracks under the force. “[Name] is not dead. The next person who suggests such an idiotic thing will have their tongue cut out for heresy.”

Before anyone can linger on the sincerity behind that threat, the sturdy oak doors burst open, hinges squeaking in protest at the sudden force.

Luffy strolls in, a serious expression on his face. A rare sight. 

“Why don’t we just ask [name] ourselves?”

Zoro narrows his eyes at the captain. “What do you mean by that?”

Luffy only ignores him, opting to scan the ceilings in search of something. “Do you hear that? Have you figured it out yet?” 

The soldiers all stare at the boy with a mix of confusion and irritation, the most agitated being Zoro himself. 

“Luffy, I have no time–”

“C’mon, [name]! I know it works.”

Zoro steps forward, but stops dead in his tracks as an eerie crackle flickers to life in the echoing chamber. 

“Hel–Hello? Am I connected?”

Everyone freezes at your soft voice. Zoro barely manages to catch himself as he stumbles in shock and heart wrenching relief. 

You are alive. 

Luffy pipes up. “It’s an emergency communication device. I brought it to [name] years ago, and they had it set up in this very room. The Strategy Hall, right?”

“[Name],” Zoro rasps. All he can focus on is you. Your voice. “Where are you?”

You chuckle humorlessly. “If I had the answer to that, don’t you think I would have told you by now? I was drugged. Blindfolded. Next thing I knew, my surroundings turned into concrete walls and steel bars.”

“I’ll find you.”

Zoro can visualize your smile as you reply. “Zoro, I do not wish for you to blame yourself for this. If anything goes wrong–”

“It won’t. I will find you. That’s a promise.”

A brief pause. No one else has dared to speak a word this entire interaction.

“...Another promise, huh?”

Zoro’s stomach drops at the disappointment in your tone. It kills him that your relationship with him was left on such rocky, uncertain terms. 

His mind is racing, random words tumbling out of his mouth as he struggles to hold himself together and think of the next step. A plan. “How did you know to set the communication device in here?”

You laugh again, a little more genuine this time. “Because I know you, Zoro. I know how you think. How you operate. Is that all you have to ask me? To say to me? You might not have much time left. Best get everything out in the open.”

“Everyone, leave,” Zoro murmurs in a low tone.

The soldiers and advisors quickly shuffle out, even Sanji and Luffy bear no resistance. As soon as the door shuts behind the latter, Zoro collapses into his seat. 

“Please don’t talk like that,” he whispers, head dropping onto his crossed forearms. “Are you okay? Are you hurt?” He mentally kicks himself for not asking that first. So distracted by the news that you were alive, all rational thought fled his mind. 

“A little bruised…a little battered. Only slightly traumatized, but overall I’m alright.”

Zoro nods… then realizes you can’t see him. “Good. Good.”

“I’m… Zoro, I’m really tired. Exhausted, in fact,” you sigh. “I heard them in passing conversation as I came in and out of consciousness. They do not plan on releasing me.”

Zoro stiffens.

“Not alive, at least.”

He starts saying your name, but is cut-off as you continue.

“You were right, we are… ill-fated. Doomed from the beginning for whatever it is we actually are. Two ships passing in the dead of night on unbroken, infinite paths.”

Why does it sound as if you have given up? As if he would not fight through hell itself to bring you back?

“Stop.”

“Zoro, I–”

“Stop.” His voice trembles. 

You sigh, weary and defeated. “Can I say it? Will you let me?”

You don’t wait for an answer and he does not give you one either. Time has run its course.

“I love you, Zoro. I’m sorry I won’t be able to say it in person.”

Those are the last words you utter before the connection flickers out, leaving Zoro alone in an empty silence, with nothing but regret and despair taking hold of him.

FIN.

Okay. Yes, it is an open ending. Please don’t murder me. If people would like, I am open to writing both the original ending (as well as an alternate ending) as shorter epilogues at a later date :P

˚ · . tags: @oonlykooii, @3v37773, @dimplewonie, @heilee, @naomihatake, @sinmp, @mrsspector-grant, @chixkadee, @fangeekkk, @cavillxhenry, @theawkwardbutterfly, @iwillalwaystrustwhoiam, @hollxe1, @bababahannah

[quinnyundertow]

Picking up the Pieces

Chapter 2

What we Lost

Choso x Reader

Chapter 1

THERE WILL BE MANGA SPOILERS BELOW

Summary: The fight with Sukuna has finally ended. Before he’s wisked off the battlefield the boy named Yuji begs you to try and save what’s left of his older brother.

TW Extreme disabilities, hospital setting, amputation.

AN: Writing this fic so far has been incredibly cathartic. I’ve found writing to be incredibly difficult since my back surgery. At first I thought it was the heavy duty pain killers and meds fogging my mind. Maybe it was. Now I’m just depressed. In the blink of an eye I went from no disability to unable to drive and using a walker to get around. Even then the pain is extreme. Thankfully my body is not as wounded as Choso’s is in this. Choso will not regain his limbs or full function in this story. But that doesn’t mean he can’t have a happy ending. Choso will have disabilities moving forward but that doesn’t mean he’s something broken that needs to be fixed. He still has value despite his physical limitations. I’m trying to convince myself that I do too.

Chapter 2

What we lost

All he could feel was pain. He had never experienced a sensation like this before. Wave upon wave of raw agony rolled over him. There’s this screeching mechanical noise blaring near him. Muffled voices are discussing something but it’s like all the sounds are under water. He’s trying to focus his blood manipulation ability to assess the damage to himself but something is terribly wrong. It’s like trying to grasp threads of information in a typhoon. The capabilities he used to summon with barely a thought before are slipping through his fingers. He can’t tell the extent of the damage Sukuna left but he knows this is a very bad sign. The pain has him gritting his teeth and straining his exhausted muscles.

Is this how his brothers felt before they died? Kechizu and Eso? Hell, even Yuji when he had practically killed him in that bathroom in Shibuya. Yuji. Had he been able to save Yuji? He thinks he did, hopes with every fiber of his being he did. If he failed, he hopes to die sooner rather than later. He tries to open his eyes but they’re too heavy. A racking wet cough bubbles out of his mouth to form the words to ask the only thing that matters, “Yuji?”

Someone is responding but he can’t make out the words. A small soft hand takes his own. It’s not Yuji. It reassures some part of him all the same. It feels like a life preserver has been thrown into the roiling ocean around him. Sudden relief from pain.

Time passes in a state between waking and dreams. He can tell when Yuji visits. His hand is large and calloused on his own. Yuji’s distressed. He knows he’s the reason and he hates it. Blood pressure rising as he’s struggling to open his eyes. Hands are on his shoulders as he seizes violently. Those small delicate hands are on one side and Yuji’s on the other. That familiar flow of pain relief pulls him under.

~~

Yuji Itadori has been through so much at this point yet he’s still smiling. It’s an exhausted, stressed out smile but a smile all the same. You feel cripplingly guilty. You may have kept Choso alive but the state he’s in is barely human. Er, curse. An existence at all.

“I can’t thank you enough for watching over him.” Yuji’s voice is sincere as he bows his head. You hate that he’s thanking you. Yuji has been at the hospital on campus more than he’s been home. Everyone he loves, still alive, is here in some capacity after all. Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara Kugisaki have their own rooms but they tend to gravitate towards one another and stay in Megumi’s room. Much to Megumi’s pretend chagrin.

Your voice is heavy with exhaustion, “It’s the least I can do.” You haven’t left the hospital in the week since Sukuna was destroyed. Neither has Shoko nor Nitta. There are so many injured people. Every few hours someone codes. Heart stopping, lungs failing. You three manage to bring them back but it’s taking everything you have. You’ve never felt so helpless. You know Shoko and Nitta feel it too. When your eyes meet each other in the hall as you pass. Grim expressions rather than greetings.

Yuji scratches the back of his neck; a gesture you’ve come to learn means he’s not sure what else to do with them. “Please don’t diminish what you’re doing.” He pauses to look back in the room where Choso is sleeping fitfully. “He’s calmer when you're close.”

You give a tired chuckle, “I’m a walking painkiller. Can you blame him?”

Yuji tilts his head as if considering your words. He looks like he wants to say more but words fail him. “If it’s okay with you, I’m going to go check on Fushiguro.”

You nod, “Of course.” Yuji’s low bow before he leaves seems excessive. This is the boy who saved all of Japan after all. You sigh. Yuji doesn’t see the situation the same way. He sees it as him failing to protect all of Japan. You duck behind the curtain pulled around Choso’s bedside and sink into the chair beside him.

Choso looks like he was chewed up and spit out again by a meat grinder. Maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration; but not by much.

You had managed to nap for about an hour the ate some food Yuji had brought up alongside fresh flowers for the room. That was enough to give yourself a little more cursed energy to expend. You are trying to improve his quality of life while keeping him drugged up so he’s not in excruciating pain. Even with all your advanced pain relieving jutsus he moans for hours on end. Throat so raw he coughs up blood.

You place your fingers right behind his ears near his jaw. His right eardrum is just about healed. He should be able to hear something at least. The left ear is irreparable. Well technically it’s not the ear. Shoko said it’s the nerves from the brain to his ear that were destroyed. He has a gnarly scar on the back of his head. His dark locks will hide it in time. That’s probably the least of his worries.

You pick up his medical chart and jot down some notes. There’s a human figure at the bottom of the page. The figure shows front and back with notes on all injuries. You had to start numbering the locations because it was too much to write in the area provided.

“Left cranium injury, loss of hearing and sight to left eye. Severe burns to the inside of the throat and lungs from breathing in super heated air. Six broken ribs, right lung punctured, arms with severe burns from the elbow down. Right hand missing pinky and index finger. Left hand and forearm required amputation.” You can’t read anymore. Needless to say nothing survived below the knees.

When he’s up moaning in pain all night you wish you never would have tried to help him. He probably would beg you to let him die if he could manage it.

You stroke the right side of his forehead gently. He remarkably hasn’t had a fever today. He’s gradually improving. Shoko says he’s out of the woods now. He won’t die but he can’t regrow any of the pieces missing either.

Tracing his brow you hope the light sensation brings the tiniest bit of comfort. You’re terrified he’ll hate you when he wakes up and registers his condition. The only thing proving he’s aware of anything is he cries out for Yuji intermittently only to stop when Yuji or you hold his hand. What’s left of it. You hesitated at first to put any pressure on his hand but when you finally did his three undamaged fingers wrapped around your own. He didn’t let go until Yuji took your place.

His fingers curl comfortably around yours now. The sharing of warmth between you both seems to help you both relax. His blood pressure goes down to a healthier level and you can finally manage to get some much needed sleep. You don’t even realize when you doze off. Something feels wrong when you wake up. The hospital room is dark except for the green glow of the machine running his intravenous and keeping his pulse and oxygen rates tracked. Disentangling his finger from yours, you stand, examining the numbers on it to be sure there isn’t anything wildly out of the ranges he’s been in. “It doesn’t look bad. All things considered.” You’ve been talking to him since the moment you found him in the rubble. It comes naturally now. You don’t expect a response.

The relationship you have is one sided. You and Choso had never officially met before the fight against Sukuna. You had seen him in passing. Especially in the months leading up to the climactic battle of good vs evil. He was referred to as the curse protecting Sukuna’s former vessel by those who didn’t care for him and Itadori’s older brother by those who did. You hadn’t formed an opinion either way at the time.

You change the bag of urine collected and make sure his catheter doesn’t have any kinks in the line. Finding nothing else to occupy yourself with you slide back into the chair you had been seated in. “I think I’m starting to lose it.” You’re not sure what woke you up but you doubt you could fall back asleep anytime soon. You place your hand under his again and his fingers wrap back around your own.

You adjust pulling your legs up onto your chair, your thumb lightly rubbing the back of his hand in what you hope is comforting circles. That uncomfortable feeling falls over you again. It’s like you're being watched. You jerk awake, your eyes quickly scan up his face only to lock on the dark brown eye watching you. You gasp in surprise and shock. He looks cognizant, his pupils are almost back to normal size. Your mouth opens and shuts a few times in shock, “I-I gotta tell Yuji.”

You go to reach for your phone but your attention goes back to him when he tries to sit up and speak. Eyes widening, you're shaking your head. You let go of the hand that is holding his to urge him to not move; but his grasp on you is surprisingly strong. It doesn’t hurt at all but it’s definitely firm. “Choso, please don’t try to get up yet. You’ll tear your stitches open.”

He must be able to hear your plea because he pauses and rests back into the pillows laying about him. His eyes are scanning his surroundings briefly. They pause on the wall clock only to wander until they rest on your face. “It’s 3:20 AM.” You hear yourself stupidly explain what he clearly just saw. “..but you know that because you read the clock. Sorry.”

He looks confused as to why you're apologizing. You flush in embarrassment before picking up your phone again. “Yuji is going to be so happy you're aware now.”

His fingers squeeze your own briefly to get your attention. You pause to glance up at him in surprise. His voice is deep and scratchy sounding but it’s there. “Don’t.”

You blink in confusion several times. All Choso has done is ask for Yuji the whole time he’s sick and now he doesn’t want to see him? Clarity hits you a moment later, “You don’t want to wake him up?”

The corner of his lip curls slightly in the smallest smile. His fingers flexing once around yours in what your guessing is approval. You can’t help but smile back, your eyes burning with relief that his mind seems intact. “How about I text him as a compromise?”

His response is so light it’s barely a flutter of his fingers. His head is leaning back into his pillow. The eye he doesn’t have covered with bandages sleepily blinks at you. His eye is starting to look unfocused as it drifts shut. Each time it closes it’s a little longer than the last. He’s still holding your hand. You text with one hand to Yuji telling him the good news but not to rush over that Choso is going back to sleep. When you finish the message you tuck the phone into your pants pocket. Now free your spare hand wanders to his brow again. Still cool to the touch. You caress his forehead lightly stroking his hair back. You hope you aren’t overstepping your boundaries by doing so. Thankfully, you're reassured when he gives a long breath out and his brow relaxes as he fully falls asleep.

AN

I really enjoyed these fics with themes of loss and surviving with a caregiver reader. Please consider checking them out.

@umemiyan Postmortem/Postpartum

Buttholesupreme “I’ll be seeing you”

[dearly-somber]

Sharp Teeth | j.jk

-> pairing. wolf shifter!jungkook x human!reader (f)

-> genre. fluff, angst, unrequited love, pining, f2l (friends-to-lovers), high school!au

-> w/c. 1172

-> rating. 13+

-> a/n. Heavily inspired by the Sharp Teeth animatic on YouTube created by Dead Sound. The song I listened to while writing this was a song included in the animatic by Wes Hutchinson called One Down Dog. Give them a watch and a listen.

-> warnings. N/A

-> collection. mini-series

-> started. Wed., Jun. 30th, 2022 @ 18:18

-> fin. Wed., Jun. 30th, 2022 @ 19:18

-> edited. Mon., Jul. 18th, 2022 @ 23:35

-> divider credit. @mmadeinheavenn

Jungkook’s mother let her son cuddle into her side as he so often did before bed, showing him the book cover. Jungkook’s eyes sparkled at the sight of a particularly intriguing and somewhat familiar sketch of what he recognized as wolf canines. The book was bound in burgundy leather, the image of the canine carved into the cover so when his fingers brushed over it, it sank before evening out again. His mother turned to the first page and Jungkook got transported into the story, imagining himself in an open field with grass growing green and a gentle summer breeze, somewhere quiet and calm.

The point of view shifted from the delicately flowing grass stems to a herd of sheep gathered by a river’s edge, grazing peacefully.

On the opposite side, however, an ewe laid; looking curiously at two lambs curled into her side.

Jungkook’s mother read, “‘Are you… mine?’”

The ewe blinked carefully at the little lamb who stood on four shaky feet, tail wiggling excitedly at its mother.

“Mother is confused. She’s looking for a sign.” Jungkook waited with bated breath for his mother to continue, looking on as the ewe stood up herself. She nuzzled into the limp lamb’s side before pulling away slowly. “The rest seem unmoved.”

On the next page, the ewe turned to the eager little lamb, nuzzling and licking it before pulling away. Jungkook’s mother continued narrating in a chipper voice.

“‘Yes, you are mine!’ The mother stated with glee. ‘You’re small, and round, and helpless, but I can tell; from your blunt teeth.’”

The lamb baaed in response. Jungkook tilted his head in slight confusion. Blunt teeth? He brought his hand up to touch his teeth experimentally. He pulled them back after feeling around his mouth. No, his teeth weren’t blunt. Sure, some of them were blunter than his canines, but they were significantly sharper than what was considered ‘normal’.

Mother sheep lead her lamb to the riverbank, an establishing shot showing other animals on the opposite side of the river, grazing and whatnot.

“‘Most outside are friendly—the swift’,” a group of deer. “‘The strong,’” a herd of horses. “‘Who fly.’” Swans overhead. “‘Being so close to ground, it’s nice—to have more eyes.’” The lamb looked at its mother timidly, its weak legs quivering with fear.

“‘Don’t worry!’” Its mother soothed at the same time Jungkook’s mother brushed a hand over his head. “‘Blunt teeth, and beaks, and four feet… none here have sharp teeth. Just stay close to me.’”

As Jungkook’s mother turned to the next page, the illustrations took an unsettling turn, zooming in on the animals opposite of the mother and her young. “The swift ones run away, the strong ones turn around—both with heightened senses, and stuck so close to ground.” The point of view shifted back to the mother and her lamb.

“Will make them run in fear? Mother is confused. An evil monster is near! Her young as she cannot lose.” The ewe stood defensively next to her lamb. Panic seized her heart.

“Mother is to defend—slow but tough and firm—her young one not so behind her, the young bones. Every twitch another monster mother is convinced! She’ll never leave her youngster, even monsters do exist!”

A wolf rushed out of the shadows, snapping its jaws around the helpless little lamb.

“The young one cries out, but mother was too late. The evil monster lunged, and sealed the young one’s fate.” Jungkook instinctively held his mother close, lower lip quivering and tears glossing his vision. The ewe fell to her knees, panting fearfully by the river’s edge.

“Mother’s instincts shattered, scared. Confused of what became. So round and small and helpless, with only herself, to blame.” Jungkook sniffled, appreciating his own mother when she gave him a moment to recover. She paged over: a wide-shot of the wolf walking with a lifeless lamb hanging from its jaws.

“With this broken mother, seems the evil does no good. But the evil doesn’t eat—the young was not its food.” Jungkook frowns quizzically, his mother sparing him a glance and smiling fondly at his confused pout.

She turned the page a final time, opening the last two pages. “The evil, has it’s own young.” Jungkook’s mother brushed her thumb over the page with the wolf standing over a pair of pups, each small and round and helpless, with a whine slipping between their teeth. “Evil, could these be?”

Jungkook opened his mouth to protest when his mother closed the book gently, but hushed quickly when she brought him into her lap. She cupped her son’s face, thumb brushing over his cheekbones tenderly with a loving sparkle in her eyes.

“‘I think not,’ says their mother. ‘Simply born,’” Jungkook’s mother leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead, “‘with sharp teeth.’”

Jungkook’s eyes closed unwillingly as she whispered the words into his skin. He pulled away to look at his dear, beloved mother with freshly stained cheeks, smiling adoringly before throwing himself forward in a tight embrace.

🌕🌖🌗🌘🌑🌒🌓🌔🌕

Jungkook’s hearing slowly refocuses, two warm palms pressing against his cheeks.

“—hear me? It isn’t your fault you were born with sharp teeth, I promise I’m not ma—“

Y/N lets out a surprised yelp as Jungkook falls into her, nuzzling into the crook of her neck while weakly wrapping his arms around her waist. She stands in shock for a moment at his shaking shoulders, before she eventually maneuvers her hands around his torso, rubbing calming circles into his back.

Jungkook is unsure of exactly how long they stand there, but he pulls away when her scent starts to cloud his senses. She smells like daffodils and raisins—an addictive combination.

Cupping his cheeks again, Y/N brushes away rogue tears with the pads of her thumbs. “You alright?”

He smiles softly at her, nodding his head in a small motion. They stare at each other for a second—Y/N with a comforting half-grin and Jungkook admiring her thoughtlessly. He eventually brings a hand up from her waist to place it over the hand resting on his cheek, hesitantly pulling it away from his face to place a close-eyed kiss to her injured palm. He only realizes once his lips touch the fabric of the bandaid that she had wrapped it, guilt forcing him to leave his lips there a second longer than necessary.

When the shifter pulls away, he watches her staring mystified at her palm, light pink hue dusting her cheeks. “I really am sorry about your hand. I didn’t mean to snap at you.”

Y/N shakes her head, wrapping her arms around his neck to capture him in a hug. “I told you already that I forgive you, dummy. Like I said,” she smiles knowingly into his shoulder. “It’s not your fault you were born with sharp teeth.”

Jungkook allows a reminiscent smile to grace his features while he rests his chin on Y/N’s shoulder, holding her close. She smells so nice, he could probably just… fall asleep.

[thus-spoke-lo]

OUGHoooohhhh you're accepting smut drabbles?? Decisions decisions… What about breathplay with Sanji? He's got the sluttiest hands, I bet they're perfect for choki-AHEM umm anyway thank you so much in advance and take your time Lo! Have a lovely weekend <3

ok i am having the most ridiculous Sanji brain-bees lately and these requests are not helping sooooo anyway, enjoy! <3

CW: NSFW/18+; afab!reader [no pronouns used]; choking/breathplay; fingering; soft dom sanji WC: 800

“Do you remember our signal, my darling?” Sanji asks you, running the back of a finger down your cheek, his other hand working its way under the hem of your dress as he presses you to the wall.

You nod, blinking softly while his fingers move your panties aside, running along your sensitive slit, and you hear him barely contain a groan as he feels how soaked you already are for him.

“Ah-ah,” he tuts, swiping his thumb across your kiss-bitten lips. “Use your words, my sweet—let me hear that angelic voice of yours.”

“Oui, chef.”

“I see. Feeling feisty tonight, are we?” Two fingers thrust roughly inside you, curling up to press against your already-fluttering walls. Sanji kisses you through your soft moan, then pulls away and cocks his head, raising an eyebrow. “Shall we try that again?”

 “I-I tap you on the arm at least twice and we stop,” you finally manage while he slowly moves in and out of you, teasing you with those long, skillful fingers of his. “Better?”

“Perfect,” he purrs, running his tongue along the contours of your jaw, “just like you, my love.”

Sanji’s lips meet yours, distracting you with soft, feather-light kisses as his free hand creeps up your chest, soft fingertips grazing the base of your neck. Long, slender fingers wrap around your throat, and he begins to squeeze, applying a gentle, persistent pressure to the sides of your delicate neck, just below your jaw.

“That’s it, angel. Oh, you look so beautiful like this.” He licks his lips as he watches your mouth fall open, your breaths coming in little fits and starts, and the hint of a smug grin creeps up the corners of his mouth as he feels just how drenched you are for him, his palm dripping with your wetness as you grind against his hand. After a moment, he releases his grip on your throat, kissing you through your gasps and moans, wanting you to breathe him into your lungs.

“Ready for more?” he smirks as his thumb starts to gently press against your aching clit. “And don’t ‘oui, chef’ me again, little brat, or I’ll take my hand away from this pretty pussy. And you don’t want that, do you?”

“No, don’t stop, please,” you implored, blinking at him innocently through the tears that started to form on your lashes, your hips rocking as you fuck yourself on his hand. “Do it again.”

“As you wish, my darling, but only because you said ‘please.’”

He squeezes tighter, pressing at the sides of your neck again, keeping his hand positioned just-so to force your head straight, wanting your eyes on him at all times, wanting every sense to be inundated with him and only him. Breathing becomes more challenging, every gulp of air a privilege that Sanji grants you, and you can hear the tidal waves of your pulse grow louder and louder in your ears as he thrusts his expert fingers into you urgently, pushing you closer and closer to the edge of a profound passion.

Your legs shake, your core tensing and propelling you forward further into the firm grip around your throat, and the vision at the sides of your eyes begins to darken, little bursts of galaxies forming in your field of view. And how quickly you peak as he holds your precious existence in his grasp, a wail managing to force itself from your burning lungs as you’re seized by a rush of sensation so intense, and you clench and spasm around him while he urges you on, murmuring praise that sounds like it’s being uttered a thousand miles away.

It doesn’t even feel like you’re operating of your own will anymore as you sluggishly tap him once, then twice on his forearm; his hand quickly releases and he grabs you around the waist, holding you against him, trying to keep you aloft as you drape your arms over him and keen into his shoulder.

“Oh, you did so well for me, mon amour--you were absolutely stunning with my hand around your pretty throat,” Sanji whispers in your ear as he holds you tightly to him, both of his sturdy arms now wrapped carefully around your quaking body, holding you like the most precious piece of porcelain. Every inch of your neck and face is completely covered in sweet, tender kisses while he showers you in adoration, the words flowing from him like wine.

“You were magnificent, darling. But I need you to pay close attention now,” he says after a few moments, his tone laced with a shameless perversion, the pretense of sweetness starting to melt away. “I’ll give you a little time to catch your breath, but don’t think I’m done with you yet—this was only an hors d'oeuvre.”

[aletterinthenameofsanity]

Edwin, Charles, and Monty (Cinderella AU)

The thing is that it would be easy to take care of the cat. Monty's been his mother's servant for years. He knows how to deal with strays and pets and other animals, how to subdue them without hurting them in order to get them off of the property so that his mother won't hire someone to actually take care of them.

Monty could actually try to capture the cat. To pin it down and rip the key away. It's a decent sized cat, but still far smaller than a human.

But that would be cruel. And after a lifetime of living in a cage, with a lifetime ahead of remaining in that same prison, Monty wouldn't want to doom anyone else to the same.

Monty has always dreamed of escaping his life, but it's about time that he learns that fairytales don't exist and it's time to settle for the few snatches of happiness he can make for himself.

Resolve enters his veins. If this is all he's ever going to have, these few hours with Edwin, then he's going to seize it with all he has.

-aletterinthenameofsanity, i blink in sight, your blinding light (but you're good to me)

Be as you've always been (Lover, be good to me) Be like the love that discovered the sin (Lover, be good to me) That freed the first man, would do so again Be that hopeful feeling when Eden was lost (Lover, be good to me) It's been deaf to our laughter Since the master was crossed (Lover, be good to me) Which side of the wall really suffers that cost? Oh, lover, be good to me

-Hozier, Be

@deadboy-edwin @icecreambrownies @anonymousbooknerd-universe @ashildrs

@tragedy-machine @orpheusetude @jaysbraindump

@pappelsiin @itsbitmxdinhere @rexrevri @sweet-like-h0ney-lavender @saffirez

@the-ipre @sunnylemonss @days-light @agentearthling @helltechnicality

@sethlost @catboy-cabin @secretlyafiveheadeddragon @vyther15

@anything-thats-rock-and-roll @queen-of-hobgobblers @every-moment-a-different-sound

@nix-nihili @mellxncollie @tumblerislovetumblerislife @lemurafraidofthunder

@likemmmcookies @wr0temyway0ut @thelakeswillbreakourfall

@sapphic-corgi

[klanceogies]

klance existing in a space war is soooo good cause they're the most selfless motherfuckers on this entire fucking universe ever. they would die for who they love in a heartbeat it's not even funny.

like imagine there is a life or death situation, one of them has to stay behind to buy the other time to escape and give them a chance of survival. they would both turn to each other and would tell the other that they're the one staying. they argue and it's desperate and messy and they've never been more terrified in their lives, but mostly for the other. in marriage they say until death do us part but they've been this devoted much much earlier. after fighting gor years in an ingergalactic war, they've accepted that they might die at any moment, during any mission, in any planet. but trying to accept the other dying is just soul crushing. because he's too good to die and if there is anyone who deserves to live is him. and they both have this train of thought until then. until they're face to face with the unevitable.

(more under cut this cause it was just a ramble and then i ended up kinda going insane????)

they're both determined to stay. when lance realizes that keith won't budge, and he is probably the most stubborn person in the universe, he says "fine." keith is relieved for a split second, but lance isn't done, "but i'm staying with you." and he has this look on his face. it's the same look he gets when they're entering on the battlefield for a serious mission. it's the same look he gets when tasked with shooting a tricky target. it's pure determination.

keith's gaze snaps back to lance's face, brows furrowed. "what? no! you're not- just one of us can be saved. voltron needs five people. you have to go, lance. you have to live."

""voltron needs five people"" lance scoffs. "this isn't a math problem, keith! you, out of everyone in this universe should know this. and if this is all about saving the universe or whatever then you are the one who should go! you're objectively the best pilot, the best soldier, the best leader to put an end to all of this. voltron needs you. the universe needs you."

"i'm not-"

"but i know you. i know you're going to dismiss everything i just said because you're stupidly humble when you're not trying one-up me. and i know that you're not changing your mind no matter what i say. so if you already decided to be so goddamn stupid and stubborn then i'm not leaving you behind either! i just can't leave you behind." then, quieter, "i don't think i could live with myself if i did."

keith shakes his head. he scoffs and blinks back tears, with a disbelieving, desperate smile on his face. he thinks he is losing his mind. "lance, this isn't logical. you-"

"since when do you even try being logical before doing something?!"

keith grits his teeth together. this isn't how this is supposed to end. how they're supposed to end. "since there was the chance of you surviving this to go back home alive and well and see your family and you're not taking it!"

lance inhales sharply. speechless, the first tear falls.

keith sighs, "i don't have anyone to go back to, lance. you do. you can go and move on and live and be happy."

"move on," lance repeats flatly. it's his turn to look at keith with confusion, as if he had grown a second head. "after leaving you behind," he asks, more like a statement.

"one day!" keith holds lance's shoulder, in a motion as to shake him awake. he needs lance to believe this. "one day so much time will have passed that i'm just gonna be a funny memory of some guy who was old annoying rival-teammate."

lance keeps looking at him. he shakes his head, almost imperceptibly. his cheeks are painted with tears. keith seizes his opportunity.

"please," his voice cracks. "please lance, if you can't do it for yourself do it for your family."

keith is suddenly plunged into the frozen waters of guilt with the thought that he was the one to cause the pain that is painted on lance's face.

"you're an idiot to think i could ever move on from this."

*from you* goes unsaid. it is spoken through lance's warm lips on his.

keith doesn't close his eyes; it's over before he can even register it. the slight taste of blood and salty tears and the feel of bitten but soft lips. lance's hand cradles his face as his eyes scan over his face, as if to keep it in memory. keith is left stunned, speechless.

"goodbye, keith," lance mutters.

keith looks at him. really looks at him. he opens his mouth, with so much to say and nothing at all. he hopes his eyes show how much he means, how much he feels. his only reassurance is lance's last small smile. it's fond and bittersweet.

suddenly, laser shots can be heard in the distance, and lance's hand falls from his cheek. keith snaps out of his trance as lance walks away hurriedly. he's wiping his face with the back of one hand, readjusting the grip on his bayard with the other. keith still looks at the empty hallway long after lance has turned the corner.

once again, keith is alone, with the shots getting louder and louder with every tick. lance left, and keith is going to die, and keith didn't tell him he loves him. he doesn't know if saying it would change something. if he would stay. maybe out of pity. maybe out of fear that keith is only doing this because he is blinded by love or something stupid. maybe out of love too.

for the first time since they've gotten into this ridiculous situation, keith allows himself to cry. it's silent, and it isn't messy, however. there still is one last mission to complete. perhaps, he thinks, the most important mission of his life.

he squeezes his eyes together. then, he picks up his bayard and leaves the hiding spot. with a deep breath, he rises his shield and channels all the anger that built up inside of him. he hates the galra, even if he is one of them himself. he hates the galaxy garrisson officials and all the people who underestimated him. he hates voltron for choosing his friends and taking them away from their families. he hates this stupid war for taking everything from so many. he hates the stupid empire for making lance choose.

he starts walking to the opposite side of the corridor and into the darkness.

that's it i feel like i just passed out and when i woke up i had written this monstrosity even though i have never written like ever. this was supposed to be just a ramble so yeah it's messy but idc i just had to share my demons.

i also wrote this:

"and this is when lance is selfish. he is so goddamn selfish because he turns around." so yeah. lance goes back. and they survive this unlikely situation and get together and kiss yes because in my mind klance can never have a sad ending ever in the world so

[redsaurrce]

i really loved your wednesday work!!

is it possible to request a wednesday x gn! reader fluff, perhaps continuing 'mystery to me' if youd like??

-<3

MYSTERY TO ME 2

summary . Wednesday started to fall in love harder than she knew she had with you.

pairing . Wednesday x gn!reader

warning . lot's of fluff and kissing T_T me and who?

MYSTERY TO ME 1

Author's note: Thankyou so much everyone for showing your love and support mwah mwah and thankyou to you anon that now a mystery to me part 2 exists! &lt;;3 hope y'all like it ^_~

--x

You and Wednesday have been on a rollercoater ride ever since you both started dating. The phrase- "Life is full of surprises"- was hard to believe for Wednesday because all that had occured in her life was predictable, she knew what would happen to her due to her actions, she knew what would happen to others due to her actions.

But this was a first, as much as it haunts to not know what comes next, Wednesday was thrilled to say the least. Emphasis on thrilled. She liked mysteries afterall, mysteries which are too easy to crack are no fun. But trying to predict you and failing to do so everytime.. was fun in it's own.

Like the time you kissed her neck.

🍥Little ice cream dates

Tyler had suggested you a good icecream parlour so you insisted Wednesday to hang out with you there.

"I came for an icecream, not to see your mouth smeared with some overly whipped cream." Wednesday commented while giving you a judging look.

You chuckled, "The same goes for you." She contorted her eyebrows as you suddenly leaned closer.

"Let me wipe for you." You said and you kept leaning further until your lips were mere centimeters away, as much as that she could clearly smell the flavour of the icecream you were having from your lips. She immediately shut her eyes as reflex and you couldn't help but laugh and backoff as you cleaned the lips with your finger. Did she think we were about to kiss? How adorable?

Wednesday immediately opened her eyes feeling embarassed and now she wanted revenge, therefore before you could seize your laughter, she leant in as she kissed the cream of your lips leaving your eyes wide open in shock.

You looked at her speechless as your heart beat increased it's pace. You started fanning yourself, "You sure are bold huh? In open public?" She smirked at your reaction, "You teased me first _________! Winning is in my nature." You wiped your mouth with a tissue as you listened to her with narrowed eyes. "Oh Miss Addams, are we competing against each other?"

She shrugged, "Whatever it is, I won." "Then watch out." And before Wednesday could decipher your warning, you grabbed her by shoulders catching her off gaurd and then you did what Wednesday never saw it coming in a million years. You kissed her.. on neck.

She took in a sharp breath, "I won." You said with a victorious smirk.

She blinked at your sudden action, you were making her feel foreign things and she needed to cool off immediately. The icecream was long finished and now all she wanted was to run. She started walking away when you laughed loudly and called out to her, "Wednesday that's the wrong direction." Good, now she was getting directions wrong, way to go Wednesday! She mentally facepalmed herself as she reversed her direction with a straight face.

But even though it was somewhat embarassing, Wednesday for the first time didn't desire to kill someone who embarraseed her.

Your relationship was filled with teasing, loving and a lot's of physical affection.

Simply put Wednesday YEARNED for your little acts of touch any time you got the chance to do so.

It wasn't just you who did unpredictable things, even Wednesday surprised you at times.

Like the time she cupped your cheeks.

🍥Little touch and lots of kisses

Early in the morning when you waited outside Wednesday's room, she'd come out and you would place a goodmorning kiss on her cheeks while she offered you your favorite candy she had asked Thing to arrange. It was sort of unbelievable how Wednesday had remembered the candy you mentioned in passing when she had asked you what you used to consume sneakily during class.

It was unbelievable because you had stopped eating that candy as you had run out of it, that was two weeks before you both started dating- which means that she had noticed you in classes even before you both were together, isn't that surprising? You kicked your feet in air when you realised it while screaming into the pillow.

After she comes out of her room, you both would go to class while holding hands. And the biggest tease- Xavier would blabber non stop on how much skinship you both displayed openly. "Are you sure you both are dating for the first time? Normally people take months to get onto the stage that you guys are in right now."

"I like speed Xavier." Wednesday's sudden confession gave you butterflies, "what do you mean by speed?" Enid raised her eyebrows with a mischievous expression. "Totally not what you are thinking Enid!" You said flustered while she narrowed her eyes further.

"What are you all talking about?" Wednesday asked in a confused state as she tried to observe the looks you both were exchanging.

"Uh- oh Wednesday I just remembered Ms. Thornhill had summoned you." You said while dragging her away.

Wednesday gave you a questioning look with her eyebrows raised, "I know you lied to get out of there___________. Is it something I'm not supposed to hear?" She asked as she sat down next to the fountain in your campus.

"It-it's nothing." You said not being able to look into her eyes. "The way you are avoiding the question makes me even more curious." She titled her head and crossed her arms.

"Wednesdayyyy" You whined in desperation. "Whatttt?" She mimicked your whining with a poker face. "Ugh this isn't gonna do." You grabbed your forehead and sighed, "Fine I'll tell you." You hissed.

She looked at you amusingly, she wasn't actually that much interested about the conversation before, rather she liked the way you were acting. You were so cute afterall.

"Fine if you don't want to tell then don't." You jumped in happiness at her words but she continued further, "Only if you give me a kiss." She demanded.

You poked your inner cheeks with your tongue, "Why not?" You felt relieved at such an easy task, you loved to kiss her anyway. So you went ahead and kissed her forehead.

She sighed in dissapointment so she cupped your cheeks and looked at you intently. You blinked, "d-did I make a mistake?" And why would she suddenly cup your cheeks? You totally didn't see that coming.

"Yes!" She said, "You were supposed to kiss here." And she leaned in to kiss your lips with great passion, it was like you were kissing an experienced kisser. She kept on changing angles during the kiss making it even more steamy.

Two floors above near the window, Enid squealed and kept hitting Xavier's arm as she looked at you both kiss there. "Wednesday is such a quick learner, I'm so proud of myself." Xavier looked at her and scoffed, "What do you mean?"

"I taught Wednesday how to kiss!" She said in absolute thrill. Xavier's eyes went wide, "Wait! Don't- don't tell me you taught her how to kiss by.. by .. kissing each other?"

Enid gave him a nasty look and waved her hands, "Hell no! Wednesday just saw me and Ajax kissing and took some notes." Xavier raised his eyebrows in shock, "So you are telling me you both caught her taking notes while you both kissed in secret?"

She laughed, "What secret? She had asked me to show her so I called Ajax over and she stood there looking at us making out."

Xavier's jaw dropped, "She willingly became a third wheel?" It was as if Xavier started having physical pain in cringe.

"Yeah, it amazes me how much Wednesday loves ___________ to go to these extents. Doesn't it amazes you?" "Yeah it totally does." Bianca shook her head as she came from behind and gave a breathy laugh.

"Me and who?" She sighed as she picked up the textbook lying next to Enid. "Right Wednesday and __________ really be making us feel so single. I hate it here. I'm out." Xavier grunted.

When you both parted for air, you looked at Wednesday with a lovesick gaze, you loved her so much so being drunk in her love you finally confessed, "I love you, Wednesday."

She felt surprised and joyous at the same time so she breathed what she wanted to tell you so eagerly since past few days. "I love you too __________." She did it! SHE DID IT FOLKS!

And that was another first in your flowery and fiery relationship as you both continued to kiss again!!

--x

AYO WHATYDGAGA@#($U@( what wht? Tysm for reading luvs brb crying :")

[infernalodie]

OKAY SO I GOT THIS REQUEST — former!ellie x reader, current!abby x reader; based on the song Left For Dead by Kiki Rockwell, specifically the part “my lover left me for dead, my pretty little body keeps the wolves fed.” The lover being Ellie and the wolves (obviously) being Abby😫 just a bunch of angst and smut (if possible😗). Where Ellie chooses Dina over r in a life or death situation and like Abby (coincidentally) finds R half dead from other humans and takes her back to her hideout or whatever and like nurses her back to health:) sorry it’s so long and it’s fine if you don’t want to, can just ignore this🫶🏼 luv u and your writing!!

a/n: Took me a long time to pick this one up, but here we go!

𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 || 𝐀𝐛𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧

Inspo: Jacob Banks - Devil That I Know Kiki Rockwell - Left For Dead Max Richter - The Young Mariner

Pairing: Abby Anderson x Black!Fem!reader

Summary: Left for dead with a heart of love...

Warnings: Angsty as fuck with a large bit of torture

Part Two - Finale

Words: 4858

Ragged breaths filled the air of the small janitor’s closet. The surface of the workbench and small shelves holding cleaning chemicals are covered in dust. Dirty old rags on the ground. Some left previously, and new ones that had crimson seeped into the fabric. Pieces of medical tape were ripped and discarded along with the garments that had been torn to fashion some sort of bandage.

Your mouth was gagged by your shirt and jacket you bit down on. The soft cold breeze inside the room sent chills down your exposed stomach as you pressed the fabric from your shirt against the bullet wound. A groan fell from your lips as you ran a stripe of tape over the fabric, feeling extra pressure causing white hot pain to flash behind your eyes.

Pants fell from your lips as you released the articles of clothing from your mouth. A speckle of spit left on your lips as you blinked tiredly. “Fucking, Wolves.” Your soft hiss slipped from your lips as you grabbed your gun from beside you. Carefully, you sit up near the door and press your ear to the wood.

It’d only been minutes ago that you had been chased down. Left for dead by your now ex-girlfriend and friend, who you weren’t even sure made it out. If they did and if you made it out of here, you were going to kill them, literally. After saving their asses countless times back in Jackson, this is how they were going to repay you? Oh, yeah, you’re going to fucking gut the two of them.

But that would be the last thing you ever did as footsteps approached the closet. And before you could even respond, the door swung open. Light projected into the room, blinding you as you raised a hand to try and allow your eyes to adjust.

“I found the demon!” The person called as your brows furrowed together.

You crawled back, lifting your gun and aiming at the large figure before gunshots filled the air. The air lost in your lungs was regained with your gasping when seeing the Seraphites body thud against the ground. You kept to the corner of the room as a full-on firefight took place beyond the doorway. But with your mind still in a daze from your wound, you weren’t to put up a fight. Needing more rest than anything else.

It took a while but the gunfire soon seized to exist. Incoherent yells were heard outside as you blinked tiredly, swallowing the lump in your throat as you held your stomach. Footsteps approached, then stopped. “Manny, Mel, we have an outsider!”

Still, in a slight daze, you lifted your head. Your eyes shot wide as saucers as you made eye contact with her, Abby. The entire reason for you being out here and following Ellie to Seattle. Hell, in a way, Abby was the reason why she was bleeding to death in this janitor’s closet alone.

Two other figures, Mel and Manny you guessed came behind Abby. “You know the orders, Abs,” Manny stated, sending a knowing look to the muscular girl.

Their knowledgeable conversation left a horrible dread in your stomach. But you knew that if you put up a fight, you died. Even if you didn’t they would kill you nonetheless. And either way, you hadn’t killed someone before. You were out here to keep Dina and Ellie alive with your medical skills, not kill anyone.

So, it piqued the trio’s interest when you slid your gun their way. Staring down at the Baretta before back at you, finding you shaking your head. “Kill me if you have to,” you breathed. “I’ll put up less of a fight than Joel and Tommy did.”

With the mere mention of the two men, one she killed, Abby felt her chest tighten. “You’re from Jackson?” Abby asked, coming over and dropping to a knee beside you.

A shaky laugh fell from your lips. “Born and raised,” you said half-heartedly. “I shouldn’t even fuckin’ be here right now. Goddamnit, Ellie.” You muttered aloud, feeling Abby carefully lift the hem of your shirt to see your wound.

The bandage you had crafted had done very little to stop the blood flow. It caught a decent amount, restraining the slash of the blade performed by one of the cult members you ran into, but it wasn’t enough to hold everything else in. The cotton had become so damp that your blood began to slither past the bandage and down soaking into your pants and down your waistline.

“Is there anyone else with you?” Mel asked, coming to join your side, shrugging off her backpack and beginning to take out a medical kit.

Manny, who seemed confused by the two girls helping you, said, “Guys, Issac told us to deal with any Outsiders if we encounter them-”

“Manny, shut up for a second, alright?” Abby interjected, silencing him. He pursed his lips, turning towards the door to keep watch.

“There were people with me, but they left me for dead,” you answered the doctor’s question. “I thought I killed one of your people, but I don’t even know who the fuck is out there. I mean, I can’t kill anyone - I’ve never killed anyone - and it was just in the heat of the moment and I- I-”

Your rambling was stopped by Abby, who placed a hand on your shoulder. The touch made you flinch away, mind still conscious of the fact that this was the same girl that killed your mentor. A man who had cared for you and saved your life a handful of times. And you should be exacting the revenge you sought out here to do. To get payback, but truthfully, you were more inclined to not do it in spite of Ellie.

But you knew Joel wouldn’t you risking your life for something he caused to save Ellie. Unlike your ex, you weren’t clouded in rage. Sure, you were angry that you lost someone close to you, but that was the way of life. You mourn them and then you have to carry on. Nothing more than that. And Joel would’ve wanted you to have a healthy and careful life.

When Mel began to apply a new bandage, you cried out. Hand flying to Abby’s arm where you held on for dear life. Head thrown back against the wall as your face scrunched up in pain. “There others here, in Seattle,” you told them, trying to distract your mind from the pain surrounding your abdomen. “I don’t know where they are now. But your friend, the guy with the scar across his face and Leah, they’re both dead.”

The trio looked at you, shock evident in their eyes as you stared at them uneasily. “Leah was killed by those cultists and Ellie… she killed the other guy when he had a bag over my head,” you said. “If I could, I would’ve saved him and talked to him civilly. But my girlfriend was more inclined to make fun of him. I’m sorry.”

“What’s your name?” Abby asked, changing the subject purposefully. Although it surprised you, you cleared your throat with a groan.

“Y/n. Y/n Y/L/N,” You answered.

She nodded. “Well, Y/n, we’re going to get you proper medical treatment,” she told you. “Can you walk?”

You pursed your lips in doubt, and she opted to just lift you up, arm under your knees and the other around your lower back. A squeak falls from your lips with your arms wrapping around her neck. Tucking your face in her shoulder to hide the evidence of pain on your face. Abby successfully got you out of the janitor’s closet of a school that Ellie and Dina left you some time ago. Leg’s still aching from the debris that had prevented you from following the pair in a classroom somewhere down the hall. That and the door Ellie had consciously blocked with a desk, leaving you inside with a Clicker.

Stepping outside, you were quick to spot the truck that had a dog inside, sitting and waiting patiently. “Wait. Wait, a sec.” Abby stopped at your request, looking down at you in question. You bit your bottom lip, looking at her and the truck and shaking her head. “If Ellie finds me with you, she’s going to kill us. Maybe you should leave me here or something. I promise you, I’ll be out of Seattle before you know it. I don’t want to be locked up in a cage or killed by-”

“You’re coming with us.” The soft, yet, the unwavering firm tone in Abby’s lips silenced you. Lowering your head as Mel popped open the hitch and helped Abby pull you inside. “Manny, drive us back to the stadium. Mel and I will see how we can help, Y/n.”

“Abby, Issac’s going to kill us for bringing an outsider back-”

“Manny, just fucking drive,” Abby ordered. “At most, he’ll question her about the people that she was with.” The Hispanic man pursed his lips, cursing quietly before hopping into the truck and starting it. Leaving Abby to close the hatch and crouch by your side with Mel on the opposite side.

Retrieving items from her bag, Mel pulled out a set of bandages. “I’m just gonna replace the one you made so we can stop you from losing any more blood,” she explained. “When we get back to the base, I’ll clean the wound and stitch you up.”

Although the idea sounded great, you shook your head. “We need to disinfect it now,” you told her. “In my pack are a few bottles of Vodka. We can use that as an antiseptic until we get to your base.”

“You’re a doctor?” Mel inquired, eyes slightly widened in surprise.

You nodded. “Learned enough to know how to patch me or others up,” you explained. “Father taught me.”

Grabbing your bag, Mel grabbed one of the bottles you spoke of and took off the lid. “This is going to hurt like a motherfucker.”

“Oh, I know,” you chuckled, teeth slightly gritting in anticipation. “Let’s just get it over with.”

There seemed to be a pause where you built up the preparation in your mind and Mel tried to find confidence in doing the action. But those milliseconds didn’t carry on for too long before you were screaming in agony. Head slamming against the truck bed, nails creating crescent moons in your palm. You hadn’t even realized the sudden flailing of your arms and legs.

“Abby, hold her down!” The taller girl did as told, placing her hands firmly on your shoulders as you cried. When the stream of the intoxicating liquid seized, you were painted on the pale side of the visual. Mel quickly worked to bandage the wound and Abby tried to keep you at ease and not throw up anywhere or pass out.

Which was fruitless when you let out a sigh before your eyes fluttered shut from exhaustion. Abby clenched her teeth as she sat on the side benches along the edge of the truck bed. “Her body is just tired and in pain, Abs,” Mel stated. “But you need to know that Manny is right. Once I patch her up, Issac is just going to put her in a cage and torture her for information.”

“I know.” Abby ran a hand down her face, unable to retract her gaze from your sleeping features. So at peace and finally calm after all the bullshit you had been through. Truthfully, she had no reason to believe you and she didn’t, but she did believe you when you said you shouldn’t be out here. You were smaller in frame and height than Mel. Standing at full height, you were around Abby’s bicep and you didn’t have any defining muscle on you that screamed power in any fight. And that fact that you hadn’t killed anyone and were out here chasing after her showed that you were mentally strong. She just didn’t know if that would be able to carry on when Issac got his hands on you.

A groan shook at the back of your throat as you stirred awake. Face wincing in pain as your body ached and wished for you to rest for longer. Attempting to move your arms resulted in the harsh burn of something around your wrists. Eyes flickering open to find yourself in the center of a poorly lit room. An old fashion torch lamp was set on a few crates near a window that was blocked out by the sun by some white curtains.

Looking down at herself, she found herself in her old pair of dirty jeans with the same shirt on. But her wrists and ankles were tied together. Restrained to a chair with the harsh burn of rope being her reminder of defiance.

“Ah, good. You’re awake.” You watched with fearful eyes as the man stepped inside with a bottle of water. Shutting the door behind him and locking it before making his way over. Grabbing a discarded chair and dragging it towards you. The sound of the hind legs scratching across the ground made you wince. Sitting in the chair opposite of you, the man took a seat and smiled. “Now, we can talk about why you’re in my city.”

Issac. That was who you guessed this guy to be. He didn’t seem like some middle-class wolf taking orders from a higher power. He maintained a level of intimidation that came off as something natural. The way he talked, walked and even looked. Nothing got past this man without his say-so. And telling by how he seemed already annoyed told you that you were suspect number one for some of his troops roaming the city were dying.

Sloshing the water bottle around in front of him, he silently held it toward you. Looking between the bottle and the man, you let out a strangled sigh through your nose and nodded. Twisting the cap off, he held the open end to your lips and tilted it back enough for you to take a sip. Parting when you felt the dryness of your throat subside.

“Now, tell me where you’re from, who you’re with and how many of you there are,” Issac said in his gruff voice. “If you don’t, I’ll make this helluva lot worse for you.”

Swallowing the lump in your throat, you let out a slow controlled breath. “I’m from Jackson,” you started. “Came here by myself when I ran away from home-”

A loud laugh fell from Issac’s lips as he shook his head, and leaned back in his chair with a sigh. His dark eyes never strayed from your own. “Do I need to bring in my three soldiers that saved your life and ask them what you told them?” He asked, leaning his arms on his knees. “Or am I going to have to force the truth out of you?”

“I am telling you- MOTHERFUCKER!” You groaned eyes clamped shut at the feeling of a blade stabbed into your thigh. If he had stabbed any higher, he might’ve hit your femoral artery, but this would be easy to patch up. Of course, that’s if you survived past Issac’s torture.

“Y/n.” The use of your name on the man’s tongue was vile. It left a shiver running down your body as your eyes opened to find the man staring at your pained expression intently. “Your girlfriend left you for dead, right?” You let out a shaky exhale, tears brimming in your eyes with your lips pursing. The man frowned, shaking his head slightly as he asked, “So, why the fuck are you protecting her?”

Your lips wobbled, eyes flickering shut with your hands clenching. Breaths began to be choked up as you shook your head. Letting out a quiet cry at the thought of the auburn-haired girl. The girl that saved you from Clickers on a patrol run. The girl that had promised to keep you safe and one day, have a family with you.

Where was that now?

Where was she?

Hadn’t you risked enough coming out here with her and Dina? You lied to your father and left Jackson, your home. You’d given every waking moment of your time to this girl for the past 5 years, and this was how you were repaid. Being tortured for actions that you hadn’t condoned or acted upon. All you wanted was to keep her safe, but she must’ve not wanted the same as you.

With tear-soaked cheeks, you lifted your chin and shook your head. “I don’t know who you’re talking about,” you wept. “I came here alone and sought out Abby for killing-”

Your scream was muffled by the door that was dividing Abby from you. Her face scrunched up in aggravation. How could you be so loyal to someone who left you for dead? She couldn’t wrap her head around it because you shouldn’t be putting yourself in your girlfriend's place. Issac had promised Abby that he would allow you to rest before eventually sending you on your way, but that had been if you would tell the truth. Yet, you were putting up a useless fight for someone who wasn’t coming to save you.

Tears streamed down your cheeks as Issac coursed the knife down your forearm. Red breaching through the crack of your flesh and staining your pale flesh. Body trembling in the hot restraints of the rope that strained against your clenching limbs. Feeling the mounting pain to fizzle to a gentle stream of stinging when Issac pulled the blade from your flesh. Sitting back in his chair to take in your dishevelled and broken figure. From his doing, cuts were inflicted along your arms, legs, and one along your cheek. The blood slithered down your skin and sunk into your clothes. Hair astray from his hands that grabbed locks when he cut your face. And your eyes were bloodshot from the tears that never seized to fall.

“I came here alone,” you said through sobs. “I sought out Abby for killing my mentor.”

Issac sighed, shaking his head in slight astonishment. “You’re resilient, I’ll give ya that.” He rose from his seat, water bottle in hand. “Fighting for someone that isn’t coming to save you. It takes guts and I respect that. Really, I do. But I wonder how long it’ll take until you realize that your girlfriend left you behind- No, keep your eyes open.” The man tapped your cheek, forcing your head up. Finding your eyes hollow of emotion as you stared back at him.

“She isn’t coming to save you, Y/n,” he said quietly. “Whatever you thought of your girlfriend was a lie and you need to realize that before you die for someone who didn’t give a shit about you.” Crouching down in front of you, the man took your hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “If you tell me the truth, I can guarantee you that your girlfriend will be brought to justice. I’ll make my men go out and find her. From there, you can do as you wish. Kill her, torture her- I don’t care. But I need the truth, Y/n.”

In a drowsy state, you managed to keep eye contact with the man. Licking your dry lips as you swallowed the lump in your throat. “I’m from Jackson. I came here alone and sought out Abby for killing my mentor.”

All the man could do was stare at you, shell-shocked. You choked on your breaths, keeping the man’s gaze. A knock at the door grabbed your guys’ attention, seeing the door slightly open with Abby stepping inside. Her eyes focused on your dishevelled and broken form that was barely holding up. Eyes glossed over with tears as you broke the eye contact, bowing your head.

“I’m in the middle of something, Abby,” Issac grumbled. “Whatever you have to say is going to have to wait.”

“Issac, we both know she is going to keep this up until you kill her,” Abby protested. “If you aren’t going to do it, then let her recover. This isn’t getting us anywhere in finding her girlfriend.”

The man stared at you, taking in his soldier's words for a moment. Standing to his feet, placed the knife down on the chair and looked at Abby. “Keep her awake and give her this.” Placing the bottle in the girl’s hands, he walked out without another word. Leaving Abby to hold onto the bottle and stare at your figure that could be mistaken for dead if it wasn’t for your rising chest.

It was sad, honestly. How you could still hold love for someone that left you for dead was astonishing to Abby. Of course, she didn’t know your life story and she didn’t know shit about what you and your girlfriend had been through. But what she did know is that you weren’t made for this. You had skills that people dreamed of having, yet, you were out here hunting her for reasons that you may relate with, still didn’t change the fact that you weren’t built for surviving in the wild.

Walking over, Abby moved the knife, placing it in her lap as she sat down. Twisting the cap as she said, “Have some water.” You didn’t respond and you didn’t move. “Y/n, look at me.”

Still nothing. So, with a gentle hand, Abby grabbed your jaw and lifted your head. Finding your eyes heavy with exhaustion. Standing to her feet, Abby placed her thumb on your bottom lip and gently parted your lips. Realizing what she was doing, you willingly opened your mouth, allowing her to slowly pour the refreshing drink into your mouth.

Although she was your enemy, her touch was warm and soft. Treating you like a fragile ornament that could break with the faintest amount of squeeze. She cared. Her eyes watched you softly with the faintest hint of darkness that you couldn’t distinguish. She was worried. It was all that you had hoped to find from Ellie right about now, but you were receiving it from the woman you had been told was a monster. A woman who killed a man you deeply cared about. Who was she, truly?

Greedily drinking all of the water, Abby pulled away, placing the bottle on the floor. Taking a seat, Abby leaned back in the chair, eyes intently taking in your sorrowful expression. “I can’t understand you.” Her words made you raise your bloodshot eyes to her in question. Abby groaned, leaning her elbows onto her knees, closing the space between the two of you a little more. “How can you still love her after what she did to you?”

You bit your bottom lip, breaking eye contact and looking down at your legs. The steady ache from the stab wound had numbed to a point as long as you didn’t move the limb, you could forget it. But you couldn’t forget the wound so freshly cut into your mind. One that seemed to come up every single time Issac questioned you about your reason for being in Seattle.

“She changed me,” you finally answered, breaking the silence. “It’s something I can’t repay, but I thought… I thought that if I did everything to save her from trouble, maybe it would be enough.” You chewed on your bottom lip, shaking your head in thought. “I just can’t believe she would leave me behind. I can’t.”

Sniffling, you looked up at Abby. “That doesn’t make me foolish, okay?” You defended. “Ellie won’t leave me. She loves me. She loves me more than killing you, alright?” Exhaling deeply, you shook your head. “So, please. Just… Just let me go. I’ll convince her to go back and we’ll leave. She needs to know I’m ok.”

Abby stared at you sadly, pursing her lips at your denial. It was hard to hear that you, so pure of heart, wanting to do everything you could to support someone, were so clueless to signs of your fate. Ellie wouldn’t stop. You and Abby knew that. But you were too caught up in love to realize the pain you were trying to protect yourself from. Bargaining for something that wouldn’t come true.

Then it popped into her head, why would someone hurt you this bad? Or, how could someone hurt you this bad? It was damn near soulless the way Ellie had been able to inflict this much pain in one action in seconds. No verbal response, just a single action.

“Y/n, I’m sorry,” Abby whispered, piquing your interest. “I’m sorry for what I took from you.”

You frowned, staring at the girl in question. “What do you mean?”

“Joel,” she answered, making your expression lower into sadness. Abby ran a hand down her face, shifting forward slightly. “If I didn’t do what I did, maybe things would be better for you. You wouldn’t be here and dealing with what you’re dealing with.”

A faint tremble of your lips could be seen as you glanced up at her for a split moment before looking down. Letting out a shaky sigh and blinking away the fresh set of tears that were brewing in your eyes. Inhaling sharply as you bit the inside of your cheek. “Why did you do it, Abby?” You inquired quietly, looking up at the girl. Finding her expression shifted into one of regret as you shifted in your seat. “Abby, he was my mentor, a friend, the last person I got to call my father. He was one of the only people I had left, and you took him from me. So, please, I need to know why you took him from me if I can trust you.”

Abby let out a shaky breath. Hands clasping together as her lips parted. A fumbling of a sentence formed in her mind before she swallowed the lump in her throat. “Joel killed my father in Salt Lake,” she confessed. “I never got over it. I gathered information and searched for answers that could tell me where he was. So, when I found out he was in Jackson, I hunted him down with my group, and I killed him.”

Her confession left the room in a cold stillness as she waited for your response. So, she continued. “I hated him so much for what he took from me,” she muttered. “Finding my dad stabbed in the throat, having no chance to say goodbye or to give him a hug. Joel took that from me and I took that from you, and I’m so fucking sorry.”

Looking up, she found you staring down at her empathetically. “I’m sorry for your loss, Abby.” That was the last response she thought to receive. She’d taken so much from you, yet, you still had a softness in your heart that wasn’t afraid of being given out. “We’ve dealt with enough pain and I don’t want anymore. I just wanna go home with Ellie and be happy, you know?”

Falling to a knee, Abby grabbed your hands and held them softly. “You gotta listen to me, Y/n,” Abby said. “Ellie, she left you behind. As much as I don’t want to agree with Issac on this, he is right. If she loved you, she would’ve done anything to keep you safe and alive.”

A hard pill to swallow, that statement was. It felt like the imaginary knife Ellie had stabbed into was twisting further and further into your heart. Stealing whatever love that you had left for the girl and using it for her own personal gain. Because, in the end, that was the whole point of you coming. Getting guilt-tripped into seeking revenge for a man that only wanted the best for you. You didn’t even get to mourn his loss. You were just thrust into this quest that you wanted no part of. But your love for Ellie was something you couldn’t extinguish. It burned brighter than any flame imaginable.

And she used it against you.

Burning your heart and leaving a permanent scar that reminded you of how your trust could be twisted and forced against you in a selfish act.

“We were travelling with another woman- Dina,” you said out of the blue, making Abby frown. “I don’t know where they’re staying, but we were on our way looking for somewhere to set up camp until we found you.” Inhaling deeply, you closed your eyes. “She has a revolver, a Baretta, and a hunting rifle. Dina is pregnant, so if you go looking for them, don’t hurt her, please-”

“Y/n, you don’t have to tell me this if you don’t want to.” Abby surprisingly placed a hand on your cheek. Her warmth and comfort were enough for you to lean into the touch. The cold pinch of your tears covered her palms as you opened your eyes.

Pursing your lips, a thin-lipped smile appeared as you shrugged. “What else do I gotta lose?”