#i have an adapter we grabbed from work to try when i get home.

[crimmson]

between my computer deciding to rebel, and work, and life, and I feel like I have a perpetual minor cold with that kinda slightly stuffy feel and that taste in the back of my throat,

I am kindly requesting someone to just Old Yeller me at this point

[moviecritc]

good luck, babe! ⋆ lestappen

pairing: lestappen x driver!reader

summary: charles doesn't want to accept that he has feelings for both of max and you

word count: 1.1K

warnings: charles being stressed, idealizing, insinuations, making out

a/n: so, ik that good luck, babe! is tecnically abt a sapphic relationship. but it adapted perfectly to the plot and i love chappel with all my heart so i couldn't resist

masterlist | wattpad | letterboxd

part 1 | part 2

It had been three weeks and Charles was still feeling guilty. Just by feeling them close to him, Charles saw all the problems that this would bring to his work. Just the rumor would have terrible consequences. It was illegal to be with a man in countries they raced in, it would be unthinkable. But this was just the tip of all the emotions he was dealing with.

He couldn’t get them out of his head. Neither of them.

Having to see them almost every week didn't help at all. Both Max and Y/N seemed totally unconcerned; they were present in interviews, responding normally and acting naturally. Not Charles, he was tired and it seemed his mind was elsewhere. Because it was. He excluded himself from conversations with the other drivers while he overthought all his interactions from the last few years. He even wondered if he was the first person they had asked to do that.

Y/N had tried to approach him several times, asking how he was or how the race went, Charles always answered in monosyllables or directly escaped the conversation. Y/N noticed his discomfort but kept trying to talk to him because she didn’t want to lose a friend.

“Let it go, Y/N,” Max would tell her after she told him how Charles had responded. “We can't do anything if he doesn't want to accept his feelings.”

“I know,” she responded, curling up under Max’s arm. “But it still annoys me.”

That week was the Monaco Grand Prix, so the attention would be especially focused on Charles. Between that and his urge to mess up his home race, Charles was on edge. Somehow Y/N noticed, as there had been several times when Y/N had noticed the nervousness of her teammates and had talked to them.

"Charlie!" That nickname again. After the interviews, she managed to corner him in his garage. “Can we talk?”

“I don’t think so…” he said, although he struggled to swallow the words.

Y/N grabbed him by the arm. “Please,” she leaned her head a bit, with a compassionate look, almost as if she pitied him.

Charles didn’t resist, feeling submissive to Y/N’s touch. He couldn’t say no, nor even make a gesture of denial, her presence paralyzed him.

They went to his room in the motorhome. Charles realized it was a bad idea too late.

“Are you nervous about the race?” asked Y/N, with a sweet smile.

“Do you really have to ask?”

Y/N didn't take Charles’s sharp tones seriously, knowing he was just trying to put space between them.

“It’s normal, Charlie,” Charles wanted to tell her not to call him that, because it wouldn’t end well. “Everyone expects you to win your home race. It's usual.”

“But you always end up winning. Or Max,” Charles shrugged, leaning against the wall while Y/N had sat on the cot in the room.

She averted her gaze with a little smile. It was true that she was on a very good streak, if she won in Monaco it would be her sixth victory in a row.

“You and Max don't talk much, do you?” asked Y/N, although she knew the answer she wanted to hear Charles talk about them. She was dying to hear his name from his lips.

“No, obviously not,” Charles started biting his nails.

“Obviously?” She seemed confused.

Charles clicked his tongue, knowing it was all a ploy to seduce him again. He was just a kink for them.

“If you came to talk to me about what happened… it's better that you leave,” He tried to sound confident, though his voice said otherwise.

Y/N pursed her lips and stretched out her arms for Charles to sit beside her. He didn’t even need to be touched, he went to her side without resisting.

“Charlie, it’s eating you up inside,” She made a gesture to put her hand on his knee, but changed her mind at the exact moment.

“Y/N, it's wrong,” That sounded sure. “Do you know the problems it could bring us?”

“People don't have to know,” Now, she placed a hand on his knee and moved Charles’s chin so they could look at each other.

“Y/N, no,”

Charles looked at the wall again and Y/N repeated the gesture. “But you want to,”

“Of course I want to!” he burst out, running his hands over his face. “But…”

“No buts,” Y/N decreed. “Kiss me already. Satisfy yourself.”

Charles licked his lips, staying still for a moment. “And Max?”

Y/N suppressed a laugh. “Aren’t I enough for you?” “If we do this, we do it right,”

Charles still thought it was going to be a one-time thing.

“Then let's go to our penthouse,”

Charles slightly frowned. “Do you and Max live together?”

“Sure. For about three years or so,” Y/N was almost opening the door.

Charles understood that getting involved in their relationship would surely bring problems. Seeing that Charles wasn’t moving, she turned, seeing him still seated.

“Y/N… I'm not a homewrecker,”

She rolled her eyes instead of letting out a groan in front of Charles. “Do you really think you’re going to wreck our home?”

Y/N took a couple of steps toward him, kissing him. He followed the kiss for a moment, but then pulled away.

The next day Max caught him off guard and practically cornered him after practice.

“What… what’s up?” Charles stuttered.

“Damn, Charles,” Max grunted. “Why is it so hard for you to understand that we want a relationship with you? That you're not a homewrecker? On the contrary, you're going to improve our relationship, damn it. We need you.”

Charles grabbed him by the shirt collar and kissed him as if his life depended on it.

“Where’s Y/N?” he questioned, with his lips and cheeks reddened.

She won that, with Charles P2 and Max P3, and the feeling on the podium was incredible. The way they looked at each other and touched each other occasionally "accidentally". They didn’t go to any club to celebrate, although they practically didn’t sleep that night.

Six months later, Charles had practically all his clothes in Max and Y/N’s penthouse. One morning, Max simply dropped the question that had been going around the heads of the three.

“Char, why don't you move in here? Officially,”

Y/N loved the idea and it showed on her face.

Charles didn’t even hesitate. “I’d love to,”

They took advantage of the winter break to move, and although it took Sassy and Jimmy a while to get used to the presence of Leo, everything was so simple and natural that it was almost perfect.

[zepskies]

Basic Instinct

Pairing: Alec McDowell x F. Reader

Summary: You and Alec adapt to the realities of a human/transgenic relationship, especially during your pregnancy. 

AN: Well, thanks to these lovely souls @winchestergirl2 @sunbeambarbie, and my patrons over on Patreon, I’m back with more of the Being Human storyverse! This idea could become a series of loose one-shots as I come up with more ideas around this premise (navigating a relationship with a transgenic that has…shall we say, animalistic tendencies).

Also, this is my first entry for Jacklesverse Bingo '24!~ @jacklesversebingo

Prompt: She whispers in his ear, and he breaks into a smile.

Word Count: 2.4K

Tags/Warnings: 18+ only. Protective Alec, fluff, elements of scenting, marking/claiming, hint of spice~

💜 Series Masterlist || Bingo Masterlist

Alec shrugs the snow flurries off his jacket and dusts off his hair. He works past the shiver that accompanies the icy slush running off his head and shoulders, down to his boots.

He doesn’t mind the cold in these Seattle winters, but he hates slush. It’s messy and muddy, and the gray, placid sky doesn’t care about how many sectors he has to hit before his run of Jam Pony deliveries are done.

It doesn’t care about how he has to spend a few extra moments dragging the soles of his boots across the faded welcome mat into his apartment, but you do. You’ve got a thing about tracking in mud across the wood floors, even if they are already cracked and squeaky in certain places.

He savors the warmth of the living room when he finally gets inside and closes the door behind him.

“Honey, I’m home,” he calls out tiredly, but with a note of playfulness. He half-expects you to be napping, as you tend to do in the afternoon at this stage of your pregnancy, especially now that the days have gotten so much shorter. It’s already pitch black outside, looking more like midnight than half past four.

To his surprise, you’re not only awake, but you’re zipping up the purple winter coat he got you—the one that actually fits you over your rounded belly. Your head raises, and your face brightens to see him as you wrangle your shopping bag over your shoulder.

“Hey,” you greet him, adding a kiss when you approach him at the door. “I’ll be back in a bit.”

Alec stops you from moving past him with his hands meeting your waist.

“Hey, whoa, where’s the fire?” he asks, his brows furrowing.

“I’m just going to the market. We need a few things. So, you know, we can eat,” you say with a tease of a smile. “You probably had a long day, so you can shower up and chill if you want. I’ll be right back.”

Alec makes a sound of refusal and doesn’t let go of you when you try to keep heading for the door. You raise a brow at him in confusion.

“It’s dark as hell out there. Cold, wet, and muddy, and not to mention crazy traffic with people trying to get home,” he says. “And since I just came from that frigid hellscape, I’m gonna have to insist that you stay here and warm me up.”

His hands begin to sneak under your jacket and sweater layers, and you squeal and squirm a bit as his cold fingers find your skin, teasing your sides. You bite your lip against a smile and push at his chest, no matter how impossible that may be. Alec’s tall, lithe frame might not look particularly strong, but there’s no moving him once the transgenic plants his feet.

Just like there’s often no changing his stubborn mind on certain things, you’ve noticed, particularly in situations like this…

“I’ll be right back,” you say. “An hour, tops. Unless you want rice and canned tuna again, we need food.”

Alec pauses, his lips threatening to frown. But in a moment, a decision is made in his mind, and he grabs your bag off your shoulder.

“Fine, let’s go,” he says.

You pause, watching him open the door and hold it open for you. You sigh at him, but you adjust your winter hat and slip on your gloves before you step outside. Alec once again locks the door behind him and joins you on the sidewalk, slipping an arm around your waist to guide you snug against his side.

It’s both affection and protection. You can tell in the way he “casually” scopes the street, the neighborhood you’ve lived in relative peace for the past six months.

Still, he positions himself between you and the road, where a van zips by. It veers widely to avoid a pothole, looking like it might just take the sidewalk curb along with it. Alec tenses for a moment, until the van finally passes.

“People are freakin’ crazy in this city,” he says, shaking his head. “Just because the streetlights are more suggestion than law—”

“Alec, you drive like a maniac,” you point out. He scoffs at you.

“Oh, don’t even,” you say, cutting him off from whatever smartassed retort he was about to give. “Remember that time you ran into a chicken coop? You came home wearing bird shit and feathers in your hair.”

“Okay, but who keeps live poultry on the corner of a busy four-way intersection?” he grouses. “Make it make sense.”

Although you roll your eyes, it’s hard not to smile at your boyfriend’s antics. You two walk together amiably down to the market while he tells you about his day of deliveries. It weirdly makes you a little jealous. You stopped working after the whole Ames White debacle, when you were kidnapped. (You're still trying to block that traumatic episode out of your memory.) 

First, it was just a challenge to figure out where you and Alec were going to live. Logan is generous to a fault, but you couldn’t take up room in his apartment forever. He did make good on his promise to scope out the safest apartment you two could afford: a walkup on the moderately less skeevy side of town.

Alec hasn’t outright tried to ban you from working, but you two agreed that it would be better for you not to return to Jam Pony, both for logistical and safety reasons. Ames White is dead, but the rest of his radical organization—a damn breeding cult—is too well connected for Alec to want to take any chances. They’d likely known where you worked and followed you when you went to Alec’s old apartment that day.

All that aside, however, it’s a simple fact that your poor bladder won’t last five minutes on a bike. It’s really all you can do to walk to the market. The third trimester hasn’t exactly been easy on your body, but Alec hovers close behind you, making sure you choose whatever meat and vegetables you want, regardless of the price.

“Hey, they’ve got turkey. That’s new,” he says, grabbing a large bird off the row of hanging poultry. The smell of its rawness triggers a bubble of nausea, making you turn your face away and cover your nose and mouth with a sound of disgust.

Alec quickly holds it away from you, but he has the guy running the kiosk bag it up for him. You stop him with a hand on his arm.

“That’s too expensive,” you whisper to him in warning, your eyes widening. Alec gives you an easy smile.

“Sweetheart, if there’s one thing you and the baby need right now, it’s protein,” he reasons. “I was planning on picking up some extra shifts this week anyway.”

He gives the man the money without a second thought. You don’t know whether to frown, or shed pitiful tears when he does stuff like that. You’re still not altogether used to it, having someone who takes care of you for a change. You’ve spent most of your life doing that part yourself.

When Alec turns back around, grinning all proud as a peacock at the good deal he got and the haul he has slung in the bag over his shoulder, his expression falls at seeing the tears in your eyes.

“What’s the matter?” he asks, touching your arm. You shake your head with a smile.

“Nothing,” you sniff and wipe at your face. “Goddamn hormones.”

Alec smirks, but before he can tease you, a broad frame knocks into you from behind. It would’ve sent you to the ground hard if Alec’s reflexes hadn’t been quicker. His arms come around you, firm but gentle as he rights you. He glances behind him and bristles with anger, his spine stiff and his body taut. You rarely see that kind of sharpness in his eyes.

They’re gentler when they turn to you. 

“You okay?” he asks with furrowed brows of concern. You have to catch a winded breath, but you nod, meeting his eyes. He doesn’t let go of you until you get your balance back.

Then, his gaze flicks up to the man who bowled you over. He stands at the same kiosk Alec got the turkey from. Meathead is trying to buy the last one.

“Alec,” you warn.

“I’ll just be a second,” he says. You reach for his arm and try to tell him that you’re fine, but it’s like a switch has been flipped inside him, narrowing his gaze. He slips out of your grasp and leaves you with the bag of groceries.

“Damn it,” you mutter.

Not even a minute later, Alec swings a quick, exacting fist. You wince as the larger man nearly breaks his jaw on the pavement.

You can’t help but giggle and try to squirm away as he noses along your throat. It tickles. His arms are a loose, comfortable embrace in the familiar peace of your bed. You’re swathed by pillows and warm blankets while Alec is tucked along your side. His long legs bend at a slight angle with his knees brushing your thigh.

“Would you stop already?” you say, swatting his thigh. You feel his smirk against your skin.

“How’re my girls doing?” he asks. You chuckle. He was a bit stunned at first to find out that you’re having a girl. You thought he might’ve been hoping for a boy, easier for him to connect with someday. But the way he dotes on you sometimes, now, you can already tell he’s going to spoil your daughter rotten.

“We’re good,” you reply.

He sighs and settles in comfortably against you. This is your favorite thing, and you think it’s his too. After a long day, it’s your time to just rest and be with each other, either watching TV or catching up about the day. It’s everything and nothing at all.

Eventually, his voice interrupts the quiet again.

“You smell different, you know.”

You quirk a brow at that one. “What do you mean?”

When he shakes his head, you feel the tickle of his hair under your ear.

“Hmm, I dunno. Earthy, I guess,” he says. “Pregnant.”

You have to laugh. “I smell pregnant? Not sure if that’s a compliment.”

“Oh, it is,” he nods. His lips press a line of tantalizing kisses down your throat and collarbone. You smile and curl up a hand to sink your fingers into his hair, gently massaging his head.

It’s taken you some time to figure out exactly what a transgenic is, exactly, and you’ve come to realize that all of them are spliced with a little something special. Each and every one of them, from Alec and Max, to Joshua and the others who live in Terminal City—whether they look human or not, they’re unique in some way. It gives them certain…traits. Ones that betray the animal DNA they were partially created with.

As the events of this afternoon replay in your mind, your smile begins to slip.

“That was too much today, at the market,” you tell him, now that he’s calm. “What happened there?”

Alec stills.

“Nothing, just…you didn’t hear him. The guy was a smartass,” he says.

“What, couldn’t handle a taste of your own medicine?” you quip, but you squeeze his arm gently. It rests above the swell of your belly. “No, it was more than that.”

His jaw clenches; a telltale sign that he knows exactly what you’re talking about, even if he doesn’t want to answer you. You turn your head and scooch back a little so you can see his face better. His playfulness is long gone, but he meets your gaze.

“I think…” you whisper in his ear, tapping his arm with a finger, “that you have a bit of wolf in your cocktail. Not as much as Joshua, obviously, but still.”

Alec blinks in surprise, and he breaks into a smile.

“Oh, really? What gives you that idea?” he asks.

“Do you want the list chronologically or alphabetically?” you say. Alec rolls his eyes, but you level him with a wry look. “Sense of smell. Excessive protectiveness—”

“Excessive?” Alec raises a brow.

“Not to mention the biting, Count Dracula,” you finish, gesturing with a smile at the back of your neck. There’s a mark there that he refuses to let fade away.

Now, he becomes sheepish. His plush lips form a bit of a pout.

“I thought you liked that,” he says, his eyes glinting with mischief. You reach out a hand to cup his cheek.

“Oh, it’s hot as hell,” you tease back. You draw him in, guiding his face to yours for a slow kiss, simmering with heat.

“But it’s…possessive,” you say, after you break from him. Your words are a mere whisper in the small space between your faces. “Like you’re claiming me.”

The green in Alec’s eyes have darkened a touch. They roam your face.

“Well, you’re mine, aren’t you?” he asks. But his tone is deceptive. It’s anything but a question.

Your lips curve into a smile. You thumb at his chin.

“Yeah,” you reply.

Alec’s hand slides up your neck to cup your cheek, guiding you to him this time as he claims you in a more devouring kiss. He steals your breath, over and over, plying you with his tongue and with the weight of his body wrapping around you. He moves you gently onto your side and swipes your hair out of the way, so he can kiss his way down your neck.

He stops for a moment at that mark, where he grazes over the sensitive flesh with a hint of teeth. You shudder. Hot tingles run down your spine, pluming warmth and wetness between your legs.

“Alec,” you breathe, almost on a gasp. You feel him already hard and ready, pressed against you.

“I got you, sweetheart.”

His voice is smooth in your ear, but you’ve known him long enough to hear his need. It echoes your own. You take his hand and begin to lead him where you want him, all while he buries his face into your neck and inhales your sweet, familiar scent.

“Always,” he says.

AN: Short and sweet, but I had fun revisiting the Being Human world. I'd love to dip back in again someday! Until then, I hope you enjoy! 💜

I have a few more stories for Jacklesverse coming soon...

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[myeagleexpert]

Throw wood on the fire

Pairing: Tim Drake/Red Robin x YN AFAB Warning: yandere fic, toxic relationaship, he's possessive, you're stubborn, obsessive, emotional manipulation, nswf (pt 2) Summary: You  and Tim have always been soulmates, but it's so suffocating that you've reached your limit. It's time to break up with Tim. Note: Reader is described and represented as YN or as "You" because, grammarly, I'm trying to adapt the text so that it is more harmonious! Eng is not my mother language, so often the way I write does not relate to the translator and I have to translate most of my works manually. Therefore, thank you for understanding!

After a great night spent with your friends, having fun and bringing lightness to life, without even worrying about the time. But as the night is young, you have an annoying alarm telling you that it's time to go back to bed: Tim. You enter yours a luxurious apartment in the city center. Your shoulders immediately tensed when you heard his voice demanding answers.

"YN where were you??" He immediately grabs your arm and demands to know where you've been and why you were so late getting back

"Relax Tim, I just went out with my friends" you say taking off your red high heels, sighing heavily as you have this same conversation…for the fifth time.

Tim's expression remains stern as he crosses his arms across his chest. "I don't care if you were out with your friends," he retorts.

 "I told you to be back by 10 PM. It's midnight." mentally you ignore him as you take off your fancy suit and place your bag on a couch in the living room.

Tim follows after you, his annoyance growing with every step. "That's not an excuse," he snaps, his voice sharp. "You knew what time you were supposed to be home, and you didn't even try to keep track of the time."

He watches as you start walking to your room, and he grabs your hand to stop you. "We're not done talking about this." he says firmly. "You need to understand how worried I was about you being out so late."

"We just talked about it. I came back late by accident, it already happened there's no way back. I said I'm sorry. I won't do it again. Happy now?" Irritated, you release your hand from his grip and return to your route.

Tim's jaw clenches tightly as he listens to your response. He clearly isn’t satisfied with your dismissive attitude.

"No, I'm not happy," he replies with a mix of irritation and frustration in his voice. "You don't seem to understand how big of a deal this is for me. You're supposed to be mine, and I need to know where you are, what you're doing, who you're with. It's for your own safety."

"When did such a healthy relationship become so suffocating? Where is the Tim I knew? Why is it getting more and more tiring to continue this?" YN thinks, searching the timeline for where and when the red flags started to appear… and when she started ignoring them.

"I'm your girlfriend, I'm not an object to possess Tim." I look at him seriously "We've talked about this before, I'm going to sleep now. You can't control me 24 hours." Tim's expression hardens even more as you challenge him. He's not used to being contradicted or questioned, especially when it comes to you.

Your therapist said that in moments like this it was ideal to remain calm and that counting to 10 would help to calm down and not explode at others.

1....2....3.......

"You're my girlfriend, and that means you're mine," he insists firmly. "I'm not trying to control you, I'm trying to protect you. Can't you see that?"

He takes another step closer, closing the distance between you. "I care about you, more than anything else. I can't stand the thought of something happening to you. It drives me crazy when I can't keep an eye on you."

4......

You increase the distance and turn your back to Tim, ignoring his words while you change your clothes and put on satin pajamas. He looks at you irritated as you lie down on the big bed, covering me with the soft linen blankets. Tim’s eyes follow you as you changed into your pjamas and climbed into bed, his irritation growing with every movement you make. He stands there, his fingers clenched tightly into fists as he watches you get comfortable in bed.

“You’re seriously just going to go to sleep now?” He asks, his voice tight with frustration. “We’re not done talking about this.”

"I would love to talk about this with you, but as you can see, I'm already asleep. And good night dear, be careful the bogeyman doesn't get you" you say sarcastically as you cover your head with the sheets, mentally praying that Tim will give up any upset tonight, your patience has been...very little.Tim's jaw clenches even tighter as he listens to your sarcastic retort. He's clearly not amused by your dismissive attitude and attempts to end the discussion.

5....

He takes another step towards the bed, his hands balling into fists at his sides. "You're seriously being a brat right now? I'm trying to talk to you like an adult, but you're just acting like a child, YN."

He stops at the edge of the bed, looking down at you with a mixture of irritation and frustration in his eyes. "You can't just shut me out and expect this conversation to go away," he continues, his voice firm. "We need to talk about what happened tonight. You can't just pretend it didn't happen!"

"Tim." you look at him seriously "I don't want to talk about it now, I'm tired and sleepy. We'll talk about it tomorrow."Tim's expression softens slightly as he meets your gaze, but his stubbornness remains. He sighs heavily before replying.

"I don't want to wait until tomorrow," he says, his voice still firm but slightly calmer. "I need to know what happened tonight. Where were you? Who were you with? What were you doing?"

6.....

"If you keep insisting, I'm going to go out in my pajamas and sleep at a friend's house." You threaten him as you run your hand through your hair, for a moment, Tim's gaze turns dark, he knows you have the audacity to do this.

"You're really going to leave in the middle of the night and go sleep at one of your friends' houses? Over this?" he asks, his voice filled with a mix of irritation and disbelief.

7.....

"Goodnight darling." You get up irritated and give him a kiss as you get out of bed. Still in your pajamas, you take your car keys and I go out to the garage where my beloved car awaits me. Tim follows hot on your heels, his expression a mix of alarm and determination.

"Wait, what are you doing?" he calls out, his voice tinged with worry.

He can't believe you're actually leaving in the middle of the night. He catches up to you just as you're about to get in your car.

Tim grabs your arm, trying to stop you from getting into the car. "You can't just leave like this," he says urgently. "We need to talk about what happened tonight. I need to know that you're safe."

You take his hand off your arm and say dryly "I'm fine and safe as you can see, see you tomorrow. I'm not going to talk to you irritated!" YN say, getting into the car and turning on the ignition, pressing the control to open the gate.

8.....

Tim's expression turns to one of frustration and helplessness as he watches you get into the car. He knows he can't stop you from leaving, but it kills him to see you so upset and willing to walk out in the middle of the night.

"Damnit, don't do this," he says, his voice pleading. "Please don't drive off in anger. Just come back inside and we can talk about this like adults."

He takes a step closer to the car, leaning down to look at you through the open window. His expression is a mix of concern and desperation.

9....

"Please, just don't drive off like this. It's the middle of the night, and I'm worried about you being out alone. Just come back inside, and we can talk this out."

"I don't want to talk right now." you start the car and start walking when he stops irritated, and almost crying, in front of the car "Excuse me, I need to pass if you don't mind" you say disguising the anger and frustration, honking the horn calmly. Tim takes a step back, his arms falling to his sides in frustration. He watches with a mix of anger and helplessness as you start to drive away.

But just as you're about to pass him, he steps in front of the car, blocking your path.

“TIM!”

Fuck counting to 10...

"What the hell are you doing?" he blurts out, his voice tight with irritation and worry. "You're really going to drive off like this in the middle of the night? It's not safe!"

He stands in front of the car, his eyes locked on yours through the windshield. "God Damnit, just stop and talk to me," he pleads, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and desperation. "We can't just leave things this way. You can't just walk out and leave in the middle of the night without talking to me about what happened tonight."

"I'll text one of your robots to read." you respond sarcastically while rolling your eyes, but after taking a deep breath, you try to negotiate with him "If you stay quiet, I'll come back and sleep on the couch. If you keep insisting like this, I'll leave now and only come back in the morning" I turn on the car and make the engine make a loud noise.Tim listens to your response, his expression growing more frustrated by the second. He clenches his fists at his sides, clearly fighting the urge to argue further.

Tim considers your offer for a moment, his mind racing with frustration and worry. But he knows he doesn't really have a choice right now.

"Fine," he finally says, his voice tight. "But we are going to talk about this in the morning. And you better not try to sneak out again tonight."

He takes a step back, allowing you to drive off, but his expression is still filled with irritation and worry. He watches as you drive off, his mind racing with frustration and insecurity.

"Damnit," he mutters to himself as he watches you drive away. "Why does she always have to be so damn stubborn."

The powefull Red Robin, stands there for a moment, his arms crossed tightly across his chest. he's torn between the need to go after you and the knowledge that you won't listen right now.

His mind races with conflicting thoughts. he's worried about your safety, but he's also irritated by your stubbornness. He knows he should just let you go for the night, but the thought of not knowing where you are or what you're doing is driving him insane.Tim takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. he knows he can't just follow your car and chase you down. That would only make things worse. But the thought of you driving off in anger and irritation, alone in the middle of the night, is eating him alive.

At that point, it was like throwing wood on the fire, fueling anger and rebellion.

As time passed, YN saw the love she felt for Tim gradually turning into a prison. Like a perfect fairy tale it lost its color, slowly turning into a horror film where she would be the only victim.

“Baby, we need to talk…”

The constant need to be together and Tim's obsession with protecting her created a web of possession that left her increasingly suffocated. Constant calls, constant paranoia, constant accusations… it was all getting too much. As heiress to her father's company, YN always tried to be at the height of the company and it was very difficult with a boyfriend demanding to know who she was with all the time, why she cared about all that and why… that man was shaking her hand .

Each day was a desperate effort to maintain some of his autonomy, while Tim became more controlling and domineering. The feeling of being constantly surrounded by a hyperprotective guard was oppressive, depriving her of space to breathe.

“How will I know she’s really your friend? !What if she wants to poison your head about our relationship?!”

YN tried to rebel against the prison that had become her relationship, her stubbornness and her independence at stake. She began to become more indifferent towards Tim's possessive efforts, trying to create the distance needed to have more control over her life. Increasing and rebuilding the walls that were previously knocked down with sarcastic, poisonous comments, trying to get back to having a busy and festive life like before. However, each attempt to regain her autonomy was met with resistance from Tim, who desperately clung to the illusion of being her protector. With every step she took toward freedom, he strived to hold her back, increasing his possessiveness and desperation to keep her by her side.

“Why do you want to go to this event alone? We're a couple, aren't we? What are you going to do there that you won’t need me?”

Little by little, the web was made by Tim's efforts and undone by YN's stubbornness, it was a tiring, exhausting process and honestly YN was already at the limit of it all.

Like a butterfly that turns and convulses its way out of its web, so YN was determined to fly free again.

The plan to sleep over at a friend Daisy's house failed, leaving only one friend on the other side of the city. YN breathes a sigh of relief as she turn off location, cell phone, and any other service that has anything that connects to it. While at his house, you took advantage of the time away from Tim and focused on your training, finally a full workout without Tim hacking the gym. You posted some photos and videos on social media, recording your workout and the breakfast you were having with your friend you met the other day.

Meanwhile, Tim was anxious and worried, unable to focus on anything other than his absence. He became even angrier when he saw your posts on social media. He knew that you were making these posts on purpose to irritate him, which only increased his anger and frustration. he tried to control himself, but he couldn't help the feeling of helplessness and anxiety that overwhelmed him. He wanted to know where you were, what you were doing, who was with you.

It was noon when you called Tim, giving him the air of your presence "Tim, are you home now? Do you want me to bring you lunch?" YN say hoping he would forget the conversation as she gets into the car, reapplying lipstick and putting on sunglasses.

Tim answers the phone, trying to control the frustration and anxiety in his voice. He was in the apartment, busy with work, when you called.

"Yes, I'm home," he replies, trying to remain calm. "But there's no need to bring lunch, I'll order something." He tries to keep the conversation casual, but he can't forget the argument from the night before.

"I'll order… Your favorite" You say trying to lighten the mood, the calm before the storm. Tim hesitates for a moment, his frustration with the situation still present. But his favorite's offer makes him relent.

"Okay, fine," he says, trying not to show how much he was looking forward to your return. "But you'll be here soon, right?"

"If I say I'm going to help the chef, will you let me take my time?" I try to bargain with him. Tim is holding back.

Tim takes a deep breath, his possessive and controlling side taking over for a moment. He really wanted you home where he could keep an eye on you and make sure you were safe. But he also knew that you wouldn’t give in that easily. He tries to remain calm as he responds.

But he also knew that you wouldn’t give in that easily. He tries to remain calm as he responds.

"For how long?" he asks, irritated. "And why do you need to help the chef?"

"I'm going to make the special recipe with him" you say without even realizing it, a little evil in the intonation, but soon swallow it to be a decent person, , as if she hadn't thrown wood on the fire.

Tim raises his eyebrows when you mention "the special recipe." What the hell were you doing? The “Special Recipe” was a dish that only the two of you made. Period. It was a couple thing and not a delivery from a fancy restaurant. It wasn't a different seasoning or something exotic, the fun of the “special recipe” was making the YN and Tim recipe, a pasta where the two make romantically in the kitchen, an illusion of domesticity and togetherness.

"The special recipe?" he repeats, irritation and suspicion evident in his voice. "Why the special recipe? You didn't mention anything like that before."

"Isn't it your favorite, love? I'll be there in 20 minutes"

"Okay, cool," he replies, his voice tense. "I'll be waiting for you."

Tim notices the sarcastic tone in her voice, but he tries to ignore it, his irritation still present. He knows you're joking, but he can't help but wonder what's really going on. He was sitting in his office, trying to stay calm and work while he waited for you. But his irritation and frustration were quickly growing as the minutes passed.

YN arrived at the shared apartment within 40 minutes, ready to talk. "Good morning Einstein" she takes off her heels and goes to the living room, placing the delivery in the kitchen watching the fuming man leave the office

When you finally arrived, he quickly got up from the office and left to meet you in the living room. His look was serious and full of anger.

"Six hours" was the first word he spoke, without even greeting you. His tone was cold and controlled, but the irritation was evident in his expression and in every word he said.

"Six fucking hours," he repeated, "No news, no messages, nothing. I was on the verge of madness, not knowing if you were okay or not." He approached you, his eyes locked on yours. He wanted to hug you, pull you into his arms, but the feeling of irritation and frustration prevailed at the moment.

"Explain to me," he demanded, his voice firm. "Where were you? What were you doing? Who was with you?"

"I went to celebrate our company's profit with my friends from work" friends that he hated "Then I went to that restaurant that opened now, the Japanese one" That Tim hated "As it was early at night, I was invited to a party at the other city ​​with the girls." girls who hated Tim "As we had a disagreement yesterday, so I slept at Galileo's house" the guy who hit on you

With every word you spoke, Tim's expression changed. He felt his veins pulsing with anger and frustration as you mentioned your friends and the guy who hit on you while you explained in an indifferent way, as if you were talking about the weather and not turning on warning sirens in Tim's head.

He tried to contain his possessive and controlling side, but it was difficult to control his feelings. The thought of you spending the night at another man's house drove him completely insane.

"Did you sleep at another man's house?" he repeated, his anger evident in his voice. "Daisy wasn't home, my closest option was Galileo." "He's gay baby, relax" YN says

Tim snorts when you say Galileo is gay. Even though he knew he wasn't interested in women, the idea of ​​you spending the night at another man's house was irritating to him, especially because Tim saw him hitting on you and was paranoid since from the first time the two of you were introduced. He tries to calm down, but the anger still clings to him like a thorn.

"That doesn't change the fact that you slept at another man's house," he snaps. "Because my man wouldn't let me sleep in peace" I retort with the same intensity

Tim takes a deep breath, his hands clench into fists in anger. He knows you're right, but he doesn't want to admit it. He feels the guilt slowly creeping into him, but the anger still prevails.

"You ran away from me," he responds, his voice firm. "You just left our house without a word and i didn't hear from you for hours." The muscles in Tim's neck tighten as he speaks, anger and frustration mixing in his words.

"I was worried," he continues, "I was desperate not knowing where you were or if you were safe. I tried calling and texting you, but you left me hanging." His voice becomes lower and more intense as he continues to speak.

"And now, I find out that you spent the night at another man's house, the guy I detest, for God's sake."

He moves closer, invading your personal space, chest rising and falling with each hectic breath.

"How do you think I feel, huh?" he asks, his voice tense. "What do you think I was like, not hearing from you, not knowing where you were, what you were doing, who you were with?" He places his hands on both sides of her face, forcing Yn to look directly into his blue eyes. Mentally trying to connect his stormy eyes with your lovely ones. How cute, you might think….

A boyfriend desperate for his girlfriend's well-being, and everything for her protection, hmm?

Apart from the fact that they've had this conversation before.

How a prey follows the natural instincts that the predator will attack, turning on the fight or flight button…..

So YN remains firm and upright, she can notice the gentle changes in Tim's gaze, his worried speech, his dominant touch trying to make her “stay in her place”, but there is not a hint of guilt in her eyes.

YN had seen this film many, many times, the same script with the same characters. It's time to leave the cinema and live real life.

"Sorry, it won't happen again." you press your hand against his for a few seconds and then remove it from your face, looking at him seriously, your eyes as steady as a mountain weathering the storm. Tim's smile widened, but it closed realizing something was going to happen. Tim looks at you, his face showing a brief expression of relief and happiness as you rest your hand against his. But that feeling quickly fades when she realizes something isn't right.

He tries to stay calm, waiting for you to say something.

"What it was?" he asks, the anger and irritation still evident in her voice. "I know that expression. What are you going to do?"

The silence lasts for a few seconds as you remain quiet, your gaze serious and determined. Tim feels the atmosphere getting tense, he knows something is happening but he doesn't know what, and he hates every second of not knowing what goes on in Yn's head.

He crosses his arms, his gaze fixed on you, waiting for you to speak. His patience is starting to run out.

"Come on," he scolds, his voice brusque. "Speak quickly."

"I think we better break up." In the same way I speak abruptly, and I see his world turning upside down. Tim's expression changes immediately, as if he's been punched in the stomach. He stays frozen in place, his mind trying to process what you just said.

What? No… it can't be….. No…..it's not real. She must just be mad….

He babbles for a few seconds, unable to form words.

"I-I didn't hear you right," he finally says, his voice shaking slightly. "Repeat please."

"I think its better if we better break up, Tim. It's not working out, sorry." The words fall like a hammer on Tim's heart. He remains still, his mind trying desperately to find the words to argue, to change your mind.

He opens and closes his mouth several times, his hands shaking slightly. Finally, he manages to speak, his voice fragile and shaky.

"But…but why?" he asks, his words coming out almost like a whisper. ' "You know why."

Tim remains silent, his gaze fixed on his. He knows exactly what you're saying, but he still doesn't want to accept it. Millions of conversations about the relationship, the opinion of friends and family, the indirect ones, the distance… he knows he's being too much, that he's trying to imprison you, that he's pushing you away with all his obsession and paraoic… but he He can't stop, you're his drug. Slowly killing and addicting him until he can no longer live without you.

He runs a shaky hand through his black hair, trying to control himself but failing miserably.

"I…" he tries to say, but his voice trails off. He takes a deep breath, trying to muster the courage to speak. "I can change."

He won't change. Yn thinks, already knowing where this story would end.

"You don't need to change, Tim. I'm the problem here." I put my hand on his shoulder, "I'm sure someone out there will appreciate and value all your concern and your temper. But we've been hurting each other a lot lately."

Tim holds your hand, his fingers intertwining with yours. He knows you're right, that things weren't working between you. But he can't accept it.

"I-i don't want it to end," he murmurs, his voice lowering. "I love you. I want to make it work."

“Listen Tim… I-” your sentence is cut off when Tim hugs you tightly, his head resting on your shoulder as he starts to cry. He tries to control himself, but emotion takes over him.

He squeezes you tighter, like he's desperately trying to keep you from leaving. Trying to bring you close, inhaling your scent, feeling your heat, trying to mold your body to his.

"Piplease," he whispers, voice shaking from crying. "Please don't leave. Please stay with me."

Tim continues to hold you, his body shaking with the emotions he's trying to keep under control. He doesn’t want to let you go, desperate to keep you by his side.

Anything other than us breaking up…

I don't accept it… I don't want it!

How will I exist without you by my side?

Why don't you want to try again?

He lifts his head, looking at you with red, teary eyes.

"I'll change," he promises, his voice husky. "I promise I'll change. Just don't leave. Please don't leave me."

He holds your face and looks at you, with hearts in his eyes, knowing that you won't give in anytime soon. He uses emotional blackmail to make Yn stay, after all, she always liked beautiful words, covered in honey.

Don't you love him anymore? Why do you want to hurt him so much?

Tim desperately tries to find a way to change your mind. He knows words aren't working, so he takes desperate action...

He holds your face tightly, looking directly and deeply into your eyes.

"If you leave…," he murmurs, voice shaking. "I won't be able to live. I'll go crazy without you. Please don't leave me. I won't survive."

"You're Red Robin, you've survived worse things." YN says trying to free herself from him which makes him increase the emotional blackmail, holding you against him, she tries to cut off his line of reasoning, the blackmail, the depraved words but it seems like it only makes everything increase more…. Tim remains holding you, his grip becoming firmer as YN tries to break free. He can see that you are not giving in easily and desperately grasps at any means possible to make you stay.

He presses his face against your neck, his voice shaky as he murmurs.

"It's not just a matter of physical survival," he says, voice muffled by the contact of his face against her skin. "I won't be able to live without you. You are my reason for living."

"I'm going to die without you…..I'll kill myself if I don't have you by my side…" He threatens, increasingly serious and desperate, for a moment, in the name of all the love in your relationship, you fear for his life.

Tim continues to murmur against your delicate neck, his embrace becoming almost painful. He seems desperate to keep you by his side, whatever the cost. He puts one hand on your back, the other wrapping around your waist. He pulls you against him, as if he's afraid he'll let you escape.

"I love you," he whispers, his voice rough with emotions. "I love you so much. Please don't leave. Please stay with me." Tim continues to beg the same words, his embrace becoming more and more desperate as he tries to stop you from leaving.

He looks completely vulnerable, as if his life depended on it. His voice is low and full of emotion as he repeats as a pray:

"I love you. I love you. I'll get better, I promise. Just don't leave me. Please don't leave me."

When he hears your silence, his voice rises as if to prove he is telling the truth, almost shouting in your ear as he shakes and sobs in fear. Tim raises his voice as he desperately tries to convince you to stay, his words increasing in intensity as he sobs and shakes in fear.

He clings to you as if you were his anchor, his body shaking with emotion.

"I'll do anything for our relationship," he repeats, his voice almost desperate. "I'll get better for you. I'll change. I'll do whatever it takes. Just… please… don't leave me."

Tim's sobs grow stronger as he tries to hold back the tears. He's clearly desperate, his hug growing tighter and tighter as he desperately tries to keep you by his side.

With pity, YN runs an involuntary hand through Tim's hair, making him hope. "Are you really going to change?" I know he won't change, but maybe I can push the breakup further, in a month or two when he gets used to the idea.

Yn makes a mental note of the idea, without knowing that Tim himself already had plans for the two of them stay toguether forever.

Tim seems to perk up slightly when he feels your hand running through his hair, feeling you give in a little. He lifts his head, looking at you with a hopeful look.

He nods, his eyes still red from tears, but a little calmer.

"I'll change," he promises, voice firmer. "I'll be better for you. Just…give me another chance. Please."

"Okay…. the last one" with that he kisses you and cries more, relieved that you changed your mind. Tim takes the opportunity to kiss you, his tongue penetrating your mouth in a desperate and needy way. He cries as he kisses you, the relief evident in his gesture.

You still haven't said you love him too….. You do not love me anymore?

However, he is not satisfied with just the kiss, the insecurities and the countless scenarios running wild in his mind. He uses everything he can, pressing your body against his as he murmurs low, desperate words.

Will you still leave me? No, please no! You still love me?

"I won't survive without you!" he whispers, arms squeezing you against him. "You are everything to me. Just give me one more chance, please."

Tim repeats the same words, his hands roaming her body as he presses YN against him. He's desperate to keep you close, his embrace becoming almost possessive. He brings his mouth to her neck, kissing and biting the skin gently.

"I'm a dead man without you," he whispers, voice hoarse with emotion. "I won't survive without you. Just give me one more chance, please. Just one more, Yn. I love you so much..."

"…..I love you, Tim. Let's get better okay?" I confirm it when I hug him back

Tim takes a moment to process the words, his hands shaking with relief and hope. He hugs you tighter, his facial expression softening slightly. He closes his eyes, taking a deep breath as he tries to contain the tangle of emotions inside him.

"I'll make you happy," he promises, voice hoarse. "I'm going to be the best man I can be. Just… have a little more patience with me."

Tim remains hugging you for a few minutes, trying to calm down as his mind seems to spin with all the emotions. He takes a deep breath, trying to control his heart that feels like it's about to come out of his chest and YN is the only thing keeping him sane, stable, preventing him from becoming another Gotham madman.

He lifts his head again, looking at you with an almost vulnerable look.

"I'll get better," he whispers, his voice firm but soft. "I'm going to do everything differently. Just… don't leave me. Please." He continued to hold your face in his shaking hands, trying to hold you against him. Trying to breathe your air. Trying to get into your heart.

YN kisses him on the mouth, catching him off guard "I know you're going to do it differently, my love. It's going to be okay."

YN feels so exhausted by this argument, fed up and patiently reaching the end, realizing that he won't let them end that easily. So, YN changes her mind, mentally changing her strategy before Tim arrests her and chains her in the apartment.

you tuck a strand of his hair behind his ear. "Let's watch a movie, hmm?" She suggests he calm down, cutting off any obsessive or paranoid trains of thought with a gentle smile.

Tim seems almost surprised by the unexpected gesture of the kiss, but he quickly recovers. His hands lightly squeeze her waist as he returns the gesture.

He nodded, his voice a little calmer.

"Yes, a film." He responds, his facial expression less tense. "That sounds good. Like we did before."

Tim moves away from you a little, but he doesn't let go of you completely. As he takes you to the couch, he remains close, with one hand on your waist, melting into Yn's warmth, the familiar scent bringing him a sense of comfort and security that only she can bring.

It looks like the film will repeat itself again.

The beautiful butterfly is caught in the spider's suffocating webs.

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Every like, repost and comment is very welcome and appreciated. ♥

[salemrph]

Breaking down "Where Drakeshadows Fall"

We are far from done, breaking down Sylus Myth. Grab pens and paper. This feels like connecting dots on a crime scene.

I came across this comment under a video on TikTok, the creator explains everything so well. Here is the video: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGd6j4Eb2/

@Gem: sylus mentions that one of those weapons in the cave was used 108 times or something, and I thought "maybe the 109th time it will actually work with MC" and then I thought "109....109??? 109!!"

I will try to connect every moment we have seen on the current timeline to reference the Myth. (If I'm forgetting something, leave it in the comments)

We start at the very beginning. Sit back this may be long.

Our first encounter.

Violent, just like the first time they met in the Abyss.

MC attacks Sylus with her knife, cutting under his eye.

He strangles her. In the Myth, she is the one—

The voice in her head urging her to claim the power inside Sylus’s eye.

"After all, you and I are the same. True kindred spirits." This hit different too. Now that we know that they're bond by their soul.

And again, the second attempt. He hands her the gun and pulls the trigger himself. MC doesn’t truly want him to die, so she presses against the wound, and Sylus heals.

"Save that for the day you actually succeed in killing me."

Main Story: Cap. 1-8

MC and Stylus are at Philip's Lab (I think that was the name of the Shopkeeper). So, Sylus is desperate to resonate. And Philip is just like "she is either rejecting you, scared of you or disgusting by you..."

Um… yeah, that must’ve hurt. A lot.

There she is—his beloved, weak, without her memories, and outright rejecting him. Maybe he’s angry at her, but maybe he’s also furious about whatever happened to bring them to this point.

We know he isn't a patient man.

Main Story: Chapter 2-1

Little Girl "... He's a monster with huge wings that never dies. And he has horns!"

Midnight Stealth

MC sneaking in the cave, where Sylus was laying on the a pile of treasures. Obviously he caught her because her footsteps were too noise. Well, we have the same with the brooch.

Sylus recreating the scenario with MC, playing that game to get the brooch. Which I think never was important. He would have helped us, anyways, right?

Oh, and the drawing of Sylus with horn and tail.

The Auction: Chapter 2-10

Of course we have the flashback to the Myth before MC is finally able to resonate with Sylus.

"That life you own me—now is not the time to repay me."

When they return to the base, the MC brings up her vision, asking if it was real. His response:

"If I say yes, will you give me a sincere apology?"

I suppose the apology would be related to the curse—like, "Hey, you killed me, and then you brought me back. So…"

Nightplumes

"Do you know what you look right now?"

We hear in both the same sentences. I just love Nightplumes.

Midnight Warmth

"I want to leave a mark too"

Even if he isn't a vampire, the need to leave a mark on MC. Argh... Just beautiful.

Continuous Symphony.

The song and the conversation.

*A wounded person might never wake up again if they fall asleep"

We have the dream and the song. I don't need to explain but...

MC asked him why he stopped playing the song and him replying "There is no “after”". Which is not the whole true. She refused to continue because it’s a requiem for the departed. Since he was injured because of her, she didn’t want to be the last thing Sylus heard.

"Sincere feelings are hard to forget"

Grassland romance

Both talking about where Home is...

"I can adapt to any location and call it home as long as I'm willing. But... now I have one condition. If you're not there then I am not interested"

I would relate this to their conversation and this dream-like memory we have in black Chapel. Being their home.

This happens in the Event of Grassland. When Sylus gives MC the self-made crown, maybe he is just responding to the flower MC put him in hair at the Chapel.

Melodic Weave

"Unfortunately... the string of fate connecting us can't be cut that easily."

Immobilized

The Snake analogy about their evol linkage, made me remind what MC said in the Myth: "...Sylus, did you already know that we would instinctively want to devour each other?"

This also a reference the curse they share.

"When two snakes are devouring each other, one will inevitably be crowned the victory"

I'm 90% sure that Sylus must know why the evol linkage appears.

"Does this mean, that one day, even without the linkage, you'll choose to stand by my side?"

Destiny Café

The Hand interaction: Sylus bites our / MC hand. Like she did before.

Heartbeat cheeking: "If our heart rates sync up, then maybe we can resonate" After bonding their soul, they were like one. More coordinated then begin just one. This made me think about Luke and Kieran. (That's another topic).

Outfit "Soft Distance": The Golden Crow's Feather of Eternity was something from the cave—can’t remember if it was a weapon or not. Either way, there’s a little nod to it in his outfit: a golden feather on his shirt that ties back to the artifact.

Maybe there is more, but I'm just Lvl 76 with Sylus.

Anecdotes

MC and Sylus are the two faces of the same coin. Is insane.

Searing Touch & Call: Remote Support

I'm mentioning the call because, with Searing Touch, we learn or in another way, he admits once more that MC is his biggest weakness.

"Who could ever do anything to me except you?" (Call)

After the Myth, we have the absolute and devastating confirmation: She is life and death for him. In the broadest sense.

MC asked him about why he was at that place. Half joking if it was because of her. Well...

"Yeah, you're right. I went there for you."

"I'd rather risk exposing my weaknesses when I protect you then see you injured."

Again, he would rather sacrifice himself...

Gem Hunting: Charon

No need to say much, the N109 Zone is basically Taurus City. No need for over-explaining.

If destiny continues their way, maybe MC will leave the Hunter Association. Maybe she’ll end up branded as a traitor. But like Sylus said, if she really wants to understand his world, she has to step beyond light and shadow.

Back to the event. I love their interaction and the style.

By the end, after finding the gem split in two, MC comes up with a great idea. She decides to use the gem and add it to the two bracelets she bought.

MC doesn’t care about the bad omen—in fact, she actually prefers it this way. Once again, she gives Sylus the curse of being tied to her forever.

"Living and dying by your side doesn't sound like a bad curse"

So that all, for now. Maybe I update this when I find more connecting points.

[samoankpoper21]

Kento Nanami Drabble

A/N When I eventually get around to uploading my masterlist please note that the characters will ALWAYS be chubby! / plus size! reader and is a poc 🫶🏽 Anyway this is something "light" 🤣 Enjoy~!!

Word count: 967

Content warning: slight smut, slight fat shaming if you squint really, really hard, small cursing

Random drabble of how Kento Nanami adores his chubby, fiesty secretary that doesn't take shit from anyone. She will put you in your place if she feels that you have disrespected her.

The moment you were hired you reminded Kento of a fire log: you brought warmth within the office, if that made sense. He tried not to pay too much attention to you, only talking when saying "thanks" and "that'll be all" but found the task of ignoring you impossible considering that your desk sat outside his office making it convenient for you to be at his beck and call. He watched through his tinted glasses admiring your full figure as you clacked away at your computer -you're efficient he'll give you that- getting up to retrieve documents from the printer, stopping every once and in a while to talk to your coworkers with that warm smile on your face that he was slowly falling for.

What really sealed the deal for him was how you always looked out for him, taking care of him in your own way: leaving small squares of dark chocolate on his desk with a note scribbled in your neat handwriting: Not saying you look like shit but it's been proven that if you eat one dark chocolate a day it'll benefit your heart, teeth, and help you sleep better^^ try to get some rest ~^^ you look a bit tired today :-( ; always making sure that he actually stopped working to eat and rest. "Minnie," the nickname you adapted to calling him when it was just you two. "Ya need to eat something."

"Let me just finish this-"

"When was the last time you ate?"

"Uh-"

"Too long. Come on!" He inwardly shivered at the spark that zapped through him as you grabbed him by his forearm attempting to pull him out of his seat. Squeezing you joke, "Sheesh. Didn't realize how built you were." Leading him towards your desk he wondered whether you knew what effect you were having on him.

The day that really killed it for him was when you both showed up to work practically identical: you wore a white, mid length pencil skirt with a thin black belt, satin blue blouse tucked in with the first two buttons undone, and some black heels. As you were gathering the notes to lay on the conference table you giggle. "Minnie, we look like a couple." After the conference he went home early claiming to be sick. Oh the naughty thoughts that were running rampant in Nanami's mind as he fisted his aching cock in the cold shower: he wanted to hike your skirt up, squeeze the supple flesh of your thighs, rip the blouse apart making sure to bring out your breasts from the confines of your bra and pound into you on his desk as you pant his name. "Na-nami" he imagined your half lidded eyes, mouth agape as he watched your breasts bounce with each of his thrusts, his fist stroking faster, teasing and rubbing at his sensitive, tip. "Minnie, I think ima-" Nanami groaned as rope after velvety rope painted his walls. This was driving him mad. He needed to make you his asap.

Sitting at the head of the conference table with a potential client, sneaking glances your way, he watched as you typed away at your laptop, alternating between typing and writing in a notebook. He was grateful that the lights were dimmed as the company's CEO and representative were giving their presentation, lightly palming himself underneath the table.

Oblivious to Kento's internal struggle you stood directly in front of him, so close that if he were to lean forward just slightly he could sniff you. Meanwhile he was admiring how your love handles looked in the midnight blue, sleeveless blouse you were wearing and how the black pencil skirt complimented your ass. As you both were saying goodbye to the CEO he clasped his hand on Kento's shoulder saying, "Mr. Kento, I look forward to working with you. But, take it from an old geezer who's been in the game for a while now, if you want more clients you need to hire someone who's more easier on the eyes. You know what I'm saying?" Your eyebrow shot up and as you were about to defend yourself Nanami replied with, "Unsolicited advice is never welcome. You disrespecting my secretary is a direct hit towards me. I can't do business with someone who only wants to look good on the outside. Please allow the security to escort you out."

"What?! You're joking right?"

"I never joke when it comes to the well being of my employees."

"This is preposterous!"

"Security please escort he and his representative off the premises."

"You will regret not merging with us!"

"Highly unlikely."

As the scene died down you tilted your head glancing at Nanami. "You know I coulda handled it."

"Why? So you could get reported to HR and lose your job?"

"I wasn't gonna hit him." Nanami stopped to stare at you intently. "Ok maybe I wanted to shave his bushy ass eyebrows." Shaking his head he chuckled. "The shorter you are the closer you are to the devil." You lightly smacked his shoulder. "Besides I can't afford losing you."

"Awwwww why? Minnie, you make it seem like you actually like me." Stopping in his tracks he turned to looked at you. "I do. I do like you."

"You better not be playing because I swear to gawd-" Nanami pulled your body flush against his causing you to silently gasp, biting your lower lip. Leaning down to whisper against the shell of your ear, "Need more proof?" You shook your head, you could feel the dark chuckle erupting from within his chest. "Use your words baby girl."

[letmereadinpeace4]

Love Sea episode 1 Commentary

So yesterday the first episode of Love Sea was released. After watching it, I decided to put down my thoughts and impressions. Hopefully I can keep it up until the end of the drama.

First, a few things:

I have bought and read the Love Sea novel. I will try my best not to spoil anything, but this knowledge informs my perception and my commentary. I have also read Love Sand, which chronologically happens before Love Sea, and I will spoil minor plot points if I think they can help understand elements in the drama.

There will be no Mame hate in this post, or in any other posts.

With that out of the way, let’s start:

The drama opens by separately introducing the main characters. Masahamut is diving, checking and noting damages, while Tongrak is on his way to the island, wearing the most impractical travel outfit he could have possibly worn. We learn that his stay on the island was booked by Connor Warrington, a close friend of his.

The character introduction is pretty well done. Masahamut is set up as a character who deeply cares about the well-being of the island he lives on. He is shown interacting with his friend Palm (they are not biologically related, they are senior/junior) and we get an impression of someone who communicates well with others and has a joking, playful side to him. Meanwhile, Tongrak is shown alone, even as he talks with Connor, we do not hear his replies, so we get the sense of someone cut off from other people. His outfit is also very fancy, showing his financial comfort, but also wildly impractical, showing that he is not very down to earth.

To explain who the characters are in the Mame universe, Masahamut is the best friend of Khom, who is Type’s childhood friend (from Tharntype). Khom is dating Connor, who is close friend with Tongrak. Tongrak is also a novelist, and his novels have been adapted by the movie director Aphros, who is Prapai’s uncle and the director who inspired Sky after his breakdown (not going to lie, with all those connections, I am low-key surprised that the closest we ever got to incest was Tum and Tar’s relationship).

At the docks, Tongrak is not exactly impressed with the place he will be staying at. We have it confirmed that Connor booked his stay because Tongrak’s next novel will be about the ocean (Connor my beloved I love you so much you asshole). Masahamut meets Tongrak at the docks and decide to piss him off by speaking in a Southern accent and not driving an appropriate vehicle to transport his suitcases. After Tongrak blows a fuse, Masahamut cuts him off and borrows a cargo tricycle.

This develops the characters a bit further. Tongrak shows a rather childish side and a lack of control over his emotions, while Masahamut’s confidence and capacity to adapt is set up. We also see more of his playful, “troll” side. I also like how his popularity on the island is subtly shown by having him borrow a bike from someone with no issue whatsoever. People trust him!

Tongrak immediately calls Connor to complain and demands to go home, further showing his childish, needy side. We get to hear Connor, who is mostly amused. Meanwhile, Masahamut unloads Tongrak’s suitcases with an amused expression and grabs the phone to chat up with Connor.

For more explanation about Connor and Masahamut’s relationship, they met when Connor stayed at the island for the holiday. He met Khom, who was working as Masahamut’s assistant and as Connor’s guide, and Masahamut helped Connor in his pursuit of Khom (in exchange for monetary compensation. Truly a win/win situation for everyone involved).

I love how entertained Masahamut is with Tongrak’s prissiness. He doesn’t care or take it personally, just rolls with it and takes advantage of it to troll him.

Masahamut escorts Tongrak to his room, who immediately pushes him out and ignore his offer to be at his disposal if he needs anything.

Sidenote, but I love Tongrak raging against the suitcase and later at the blankets. It is so cute, childish and relatable at the same time. I have definitely “scolded” a zipper because it wouldn’t open or the printer because it had issues.

We cut to Mook, Tongrak’s assistant/secretary, who is looking very busy and overworked. She is so far the most relatable character in the drama for me, down with the messy hair. She is called by Vi, Tongrak’s best friend, who promises to keep her busy. I love her, she is such a troll! Also a cameo appearance by Ja, which is definitely great to see! Hope he’s been well!

We cut back to Tongrak as he goes to a bar, wearing a really awesome sheer shirt and enjoying the attention he gets. Palm is his waiter, and immediately start hyping up Masahamut. We get confirmation that Masahamut is really popular both with the residents and with the tourists. We also learn that he is bi, which is great! We always love to see bi representation.

Tongrak seems pissed both at the fact that Masahamut is popular and by the fact that people would assume he is attracted to him, which he is definitely not! One hundred percent not! Not a trace of attraction here! Who cares if Masahamut is handsome anyway? Not him that’s who! And his sulking has nothing to do with it.

Next morning, we get to see how much Masahamut is involved in his community. While it may seem a bit heavy-handed, I do like that this aspect of Masahamut is so strongly enforced. It gives him a lot more depth and shows his maturity.

This mature impression is immediately countered when we see that he has a double of Tongrak’s keys and didn’t tell him. He immediately takes on the caretaker role and as he cleans up the room, we learn that Connor paid Masahamut to serve as Tongrak’s caretaker/nanny/guide/sitter during his time on the island. Is it like some kind of gift reciprocity? Masahamut helped Connor date his best friend so Connor helps Masahamut get with his own friend? I also really like the comparison of Tongrak to a cat. It suits him so well. We also have it mentioned again that Tongrak is very lonely (initially, Connor filled that loneliness void, but once he started dating Khom, he could no longer give as much attention to Rak as he used to, hence why he is trying to find a solution.)

Connor wakes Tongrak up. Not going to lie I would punch him! Do not bother me before I had my tea and breakfast! As he tries to punch him Tongrak falls on the ground, giving Masahamut a perfect view of his body.

The “seduction” scene is really well-done. You can see the switch as Tongrak finds himself in a more familiar territory and tries to seduce Masahamut by removing his robe/shirt. He really seems to enjoy having power over Masahamut, especially since the latter has annoyed him so much. However while Masahamut is admirative, he does not lose his head and starts commenting on Tongrak’s lack of body hair. You can really see the switch back as Tongrak loses his confidence. Peat acted really well in that scene!

I love how offended Tongrak is by Masahamut’s lack of sexual interest. Poor kitty got his pride hurt! Speaking of which I also love how Masahamut speaks of Tongrak like a kitty he is taking care of.

Tongrak tries to provoke Masahamut by constantly asking for a different breakfast and being picky, to no success. I always enjoy seeing Tongrak’s bratty side, especially when his brattiness doesn’t work.

Masahamut is such a troll! I love him already!

Meanwhile, Tongrak has found out a way to get Masahamut to do what he wants (to some extent). He pays him to get him to speak in a Central dialect. It really sets well the economic difference between them. Tongrak has money to burn and Masahamut will do anything for money. I love how much he doesn’t care about being bought and getting money from his clients. Masahamut is there singing “Material Girl” and doesn’t care about what anyone thinks!

I love it any time Tongrak’s more vain side is shown. The way he jumps when Masahamut mentions wrinkles. Also he is supposed to be in his late twenties/early thirties.

Masahamut offers his sexual services and can obviously see that Tongrak is more interested than he lets on. “Even if you were the last man on Earth, I still wouldn’t want you”. Oh hey! I heard a cool girl named Elizabeth Bennet say the exact same thing. I wonder what happened to her….

We cut back to Mook rehearsing her speech to Vi to not have to work as her assistant. By the way I love her shirt! As she dares Vi to call her, she answers her prayers and does so! We get to see that Mook has an itemized list of how to deal with Vi! That is some thoroughness! Anyway Vi claims a light bulb in her room is busted and that Mook needs to come and change it. I see Vi subscribes to the “pulling her hair” strategy in courtship. Meanwhile Mook is getting more and more erratic and her faces are amazing! She looks offended, outraged and confused at the same time. Also I love how messy her hair is.

“I’m a frail lead actress who can’t do anything on her own” as she sits on the ladder she used to bust her own light bub to get her crush to come to her place! I love Vi she’s such a troll! Also does she have Mook’s picture? I can’t really see well.

In his room, Tongrak is having trouble writing the sex scene and we learn he needs to have sex or to hug someone to properly write sex scenes. It really is interesting that Tongrak needs an intense physical situation to describe a romantic sex scene, because it suggests that he cannot conceptualize the intensity of the emotions involved unless he experiences a “similar”, physical sensation. It really goes with him being lonely but also suggests he never truly offered his heart to anyone.

The next day, Tongrak is working on his novel, looking extremely cute with his round glasses, while Masahamut is waiting. He soon gets bored and starts reading what Tongrak is writing. I wonder if the sex scene he reads out is a random scene that was written especially for this or if it was taken from another of Mame’s novels. I cannot place it.

Anyway Masahamut is bored of it and takes Tongrak on a boat to show him around. I love how Masahamut gently scolds Tongrak and tells him to sit properly so that he doesn’t fall, causing Tongrak to sulk. It sets up their future dynamic. Also Masahamut don’t scold the kitty! He’s a city kitty and has never been on the sea before.

Tongrak is called by Mook and doesn’t hear her well. Yeah in the middle of the sea it is a lost cause. Masahamut decides to take a dive while Tongrak is on the phone, causing him to panic. I actually agree with Tongrak here! For safety reasons Masahamut should have warned him.

Tongrak freaks out and starts crying. Masahamut tries to reassure him by poiting out that he’s fine but is unsuccessful. I love how he takes the freak out seriously and only reaches to touch him after Tongrak has been unresponsive. Tongrak scolds him and Masahamut reaches out to hug him and apologize. I love the light little kiss on the forehead and how Tongrak slowly accepts Masahamut’s hug.

Afterwards, Tongrak is embarrassed about his crying episode (don’t worry baby it happens to the best of us) and plays the shy Victorian maiden when Masahamut moves to remove his shirt as if he didn’t wear a sheer shirt in public two days before. Masahamut offers to show him the good stuff, and just like Tongrak I was not thinking of clams when he said that! Again, I love how confident Masahamut is! He is aware of his charm and sees well the effect he has on Tongrak. The episode ends with them still on the roof of the boat.

Overall I really enjoyed this episode. It was a good set up for the characters and I love the atmosphere they created. I look forward to seeing more of it.

[idcbabyialreadylostmymind]

Painter Baby pt.2

Pairing- Sully family x Sully!reader

Summary- After moving in with the Meykayina it was hard living your work behind and when you finally find another muse, but what are you supposed to do after you get shot?

Warnings- getting shot, blood, I think that's it lmk if it's not

Pt.1 Pt.2

"We have to leave." When the words left your father's mouth it was like a piece of your soul chipped away. You had to leave your home, your life's work what were you to do? Start over you have years of work here. You felt like you should just turn into a puddle and just evaporate but you couldn't. For your families sake you put a happy and calm face on.

You traveled for many days and Manny nights, through rain and through shine. It was a rough and tiresome journey but you finally made it. Your father was leading you to a strange land, you traveled over a beautiful ocean and then you saw a island many people saw you and surrounded you as you got off of your banshee. It was uncomfortable to have so many eyes in your before. Your father put your hands up to show he means no harm your brother Neteyam mirroring his actions. You watched your mother and her suspicious expression.

Your father had a conversation with the Olo'eyktan of this clan and the Tsahik came and interrogated your family said you would be weak and slow in the water, she said you had demon blood. And then your mother hisses at her and it seemed they had a dominance battle who would back down first. Your father stepped in before it escalated. And it was decided that you would stay there learn the way of water. You had to learn to adapt your father said. "Sully's stick together." Was what he said before you and your siblings to your first lesson.

Tsireya and her brother taught you how to 'breath' it took a while but you got the hang of it. "How about we free dive we can show you the beauty that the Great mother blessed the water with." A boy named Rotxo suggested. Everyone agreed but your eyes were glued on the way the rocks reflected the water creating ripple like shapes on the rock. Lo'ak tugged at your tail making you yelp and you it that. "What did dad say about pulling my tail." You say pinching him hard on his arm. "Ow, It's the only way I could get your attention come on we're free diving." He said and you only rolled your eyes getting up and jumping in behind them.

You kick your arms and legs to get deeper and farther into the water. Everyone seemed to be trying to figure where to go first, but you didn't have that kind of patience. Slowly you drifted farther from them swimming with a school of fish, and then it was as if Eywa herself led you here it was beautiful. So many colors of coral, different sea creatures played and mingled around the plants you've never seen before. So caught up with the beauty in Pandora you hadn't noticed the other teens coming towards you. Your hand caressed a pink tinted coral and then Lo'ak reaches out for you and you turn around and roll your eyes as you swim upward.

Cat hing your breath you smile as you swim toward the shore. "Y/N! Where you going?" Lo'ak called out and you stood out of the water. "I just remembered something I have to do!" You yelled back running to your mauri running past your mother and father. You grab your bag and take a little box that sat under the pillow in your hammock. It had multiple painting colors and leaf made brushes. You shoved it into your bag and ran back to your the beach. Your parents only watched as your ran back and forth. "Think shes up to something." Jake asked. "Most likely." Neytiri replied.

You hopped into your ilu and rode out far, farther than you've went with anyone and you found the perfect spot for your new studio. It was a medium sized cave it had smaller humps of rocks you could paint and the walls inside were smooth it was perfect, absolutely perfect. And you sat all the paints down along with the brushes and your hands just started there magic. You painted the coral and all the beauty the water around them held it had been several hours and you didn't realize to caught up in your art work. Only stopping when you realized it was getting to dark for you to see.

"Damn it." You whisper to yourself you used the last bit of light that was left to do the last stroke of paint you needed to finish it. You stared at it, it had been the first time you painted since you left home and it was amazing all the stress from learning a new way of life kind of just washed right out of you as you painted.

You left the art supplies there deciding that this would be your new studio. Jumping into your ilu and connecting to her you ride back to Awa'atlu. You hopped off and washed your hands off in the water, jogging to the mauri your father was standing outside. Giving him a cheeky smile you wave. "And where were you." It was more of a statement than a question really. "Oh um just looking around lost track of time." You reply, you could have told them about your new art cave but painting is the only time you can be yourself and not feel judged so you kept it on the down low.

Everyday two hours before Eclipse you would sneak off into the cave and you let you mind and hands run wild with the paint. And as time went on your the artwork on the walls and rocks of the cave grew and grew and so did your talent. Everything was perfect, until it wasn't.

The same people who made you and your family flee your home had found you once more and they had Lo'ak, Tsireya, Kiri, and Tuk. Hearing they had your siblings it made your heart stop, the blood in your veins froze. Your father had gathered the clan and was getting ready to attack but you had a plan you put in motion. The man who's man was Quaritch held a gun to your brothers head as he talked to your father over the microphone. ''Sacrafice yourself to save all these people that's all you have to do Jake.'' He said and your fathers face had a look od defeat as you saw him come closer, was he actually going to do it?

But before you could think a creature came from the water it looked like a Tulkun but it didn't have a fin and then it clicked Lo'ak bonded with Payakan he was protecting his soul brother. He flipped over onto the ship some of the soldiers flipped overboard others got crushed under him and some barely got away. You jumped onto the boat and Tuk squealed, ''Y/N!'' You put a finger up to your lip telling her to be quieter and she shook her head.

You cut everyone loose and as you cut Lo'ak loose you laughed. ''Who's the mighty warrior now?'' You joked and he only laughed. You ushered them in front of you as they went deeper into the ship finally finding a way out. And Lo'ak picked a gun up, ''Do you even know how to use that?'' You ask picking one up as he did. ''Yes.'' He rolled his eyes and then before Kiri and Tuk could jump they were snatched by the one and only Miles Quaritch. Tsireya fought to get them out of his arms but he was to strong and he pushed her back.

He held up a gun and shot, you yelped feeling a pericing pain through your shoulder and down your arm. You and Lo'ak fell into the water Lo'ak cheered.

You could barely hold yourself up in the water, ''Lo'ak I-I was hit.'' was all you could say before dipping back into the water. ''Oh shit I got you Y/N just stay a float.'' He said grabbing your uninjured arm as Tsireya gently held your injured arm wrapping it around their neck helping you swim to the rock your father and Neteyam were on.

''S-she was hit.'' Lo'ak said as he watched your chest cave in with every breath you took, he scared- no petreified. Was he going to lose his big sister? Neteyam dropped next to you he patted your face keeping you awake barely as he puts pressure on your wound. ''Your other sisters where are they?'' Jake asked gripping your hand to let you know he was there, but you were slipping in and out of consciousness. ''T-the boat.'' was all Lo'ak could say. Neytiri landed and she saw your body and the blood leaking from you.

''Neytiri we have to go they have the girls.'' Lo'ak stood up ready to follow his father before Jake pointed at him. ''You are not coming, you've done enough.'' he said eyes glancing to you. ''Get her back to Ronal she will help.'' Neytiri said before getting on her banshee riding to the boat. Lo'ak jumped into the water. "W-what are you doing Lo'ak." She cried as your eyes shot open and cried in pain. "I have to help."

"No..." Was all she said before Neteyam dragged you to his ilu. "Let him go we have to get her back."

And Ronal saved you, for the most part. You wouldn't have movement in you arm for a few weeks if not a month, and having said that you couldn't be left unattended in case the leaf wrap she used as bandages ripped you could get infections, deadly infections. Your father put you on lockdown in the marui and someone was always by your side.

Until Lo'ak was asked to go get something for your father and you were finally alone. You just wanted to paint, it was your safe space so now you find yourself looking around to make sure no was around and you jogged towards the ilus.

"Y/N Sully where in Eywa's name do you think you're going?" You hear your father's seen voice behind you as you hop off the ilu you just mounted. You rolled your eyes as you drag yourself from the shallow water and next to your father. "No where now." You whisper walking back to the marui. Jake knew where you wanted to go, well he didn't know exactly where but he knew you found somewhere to paint, he knew you felt at peace in your art studio but he couldn't let you go he doesn't know what to do, he doesn't want you to be miserable. But he also doesn't want his baby girl to get hurt.

So here he sits watching you look out at the ocean of the window opening of the marui as he cuts up some fruit. And then he got an idea. "Hey baby girl I need to go do something I'll be back please stay." He said waiting for your response before he leaves. "Okay." You say only looking at the ocean. He sharply inhales before walking out.

He stepped over to the men and women who gathered wood for communal dinners. "Hey! Hey, could I have some of these bark pieces, like the flat ones?" He asked two of them looked at him questionably, before gathering five or six of them and handing them to the older man. He tilts his head down before going to the beach sitting down on the warm sand.

He used the dull side of his knife he sanded down the rough side of the flat piece of bark in his lap. He did this to all of the barks he picked them up. And then Neteyam caught his eye, "Neteyam!" He yelled out and Neteyam turned around jumping up and running to his father. "Yes father?" He asked looking at the bark and the wood chippings around his feet. "Do you know how to make that paint that Y/N uses?" Jake asked his eldest son.

Neteyam pondered for a minute and then he remembered. "Yeah she taught me how to make it one day let's get some plants." Neteyam said going to the buses that grew around the place. "Okay so we need this one, this one, and this one." Neteyam whispered to himself as he plucked a red, blue, and purple flowers. He picked a few other colored flowers putting them in his bag. "Here you go all you do is smash them into powder and mix it with hox tree maple and you should be good." Neteyam instructed Jake handing him the bag of flowers. "Thank you son." He replied patting his shoulder.

"No problem, I got to go I promised Tul I'd take her to Three Brothers Island." Neteyam said as he jogged to his little sister who had been yelling his name for the past fifteen minutes.

The Jake did as Neteyam told him.

He grabbed a pot and first started to smash the red flowers up into a fine powder, and then he mixed the hox tree maple into the dust mixing it in until it created a paint like consistency, then he grabbed a small wooden box and filled it with the paint and put the wooden lid on top of it.

It took him a while but he finally made all of them putting them in their own little boxes. He put them all into a bigger box along with the wooden canvas he made. He picked the box up and walked towards the Marui stepping inside he looks at you, you hadn't moved since he left. "Hey baby I got you something." He said you turned your body as his paint covered hands put the box down in front of you. You looked inside and your face contoured into one of happiness and tears in your eyes.

He saw the tears and worry washed over him, "Oh my god did I do something wrong I'm sorry if I did I can take it back." He said reaching for the box not wanting to upset you. But instead of crying with a frown you have a soft smile on your face touching his hand and shaking your head. "I love it, thank you." You say wiping the tears from your face and then you see his arms covered in multiple colors of paint. "You hands." You laugh and he turns them over. "What? I think look very artistic don't you think?" He jokingly asked and you burst into laughter shaking your head up and down.

After a while the laughter died down, you picked up a canvas and opened the multitude of blues he made. "I'm glad you like it now I'll let you be-"

"No!" You yelled making him sit back down. "I haven't done a portrait in a while so now you get to be my victim." You laugh and he lets a chuckle out as you begin to outline his face. He watches how focused you are and that smile he has wanted to see for so many weeks now has finally came back.

[aruanimess]

Hi! Back at it again with another Reverse AU idea that popped into my head while rewatching episodes of AOT. Mainly to do with Armin and Marco's relationship in the canon. I'm feeling a bit cruel with this one!

Obviously, we know how these two had a pretty good bond together for those three years, how Armin paid attention to detail to his craftsmanship - (if that's the way to say it?) - while working on his ODM, which changes two scenes in my head. First, Marco's death. Obviously, I think that moment was tragic for RBA as a whole in the canon, though I do believe Armin losing a friend, needing to kill him because of Reiner's demands. I don't think Armin in the end would follow with Reiner's demands, trying to somehow possibly figure some scenario where everyone goes their way, before Reiner simply ends up killing him. Either that be via. Titan or using his blades to stab Marco and then later be eaten. (Although, I think Reiner would still take his ODM gear, for.. plot purposes.) (Also, wanted to mention. I like to think that the scene before & after Eren recuses Armin from the Titan's mouth, it was in a way just.. giving up. Witnessing the cruelty that he was one of the reasons of it happening, completely breaking down after Eren, his friend, saving him.) Second, the investigation of their ODM equipment. When Annie, Connie and Armin being there. We know how Armin originally knew for a month that Annie had SOMETHING to do with Marco's demise, leading then him to figuring out later, that she was the Female Titan. Though how does that play when he's the Titan? I personally think that nobody would catch on that it is Marco's equipment, though the guilt would slowly eaten within him and begin to mentally drain him to the point of nearly spiralling. That's all I really have.. sorta? I have more to yap about, since this is definitely a personal favourite AU to talk about, though I'll not bore anyone to death yet.

I'm grateful for you to listen to my silly ramblings!

Hello!!! 🤗

Trost huh? Oof... That's a hard one to adapt in a reverse AU since Armin played such an important role in the Paradisians winning the day. His absence leaves pretty big shoes to fill in on the Paradisian side. Like who comes up with the idea to seal the gate? Who figures out how to use Eren's titan or how to retake HQ? Who persuades the Garrison to allow Eren to live?

The storyline would need to get tweaked quite a bit. At the same time, it's a pretty big event in the timeline, the reason Eren is revealed as a titan in the first place.

Some random ideas in a desperate attempt to make it all fit: Eren pulls Armin out of the titan's mouth (I love the idea of Armin giving up on life btw, it's pretty consistent with the character), then when the Garrison captures him. Instead of arguing with the soldiers, Mikasa and Annie just grab Eren and make a run for it, escaping in the titan infested Trost. Meanwhile, Armin argues with Pyxis in favor of Eren's life because he feels indebted to him. Reiner actually helps with this since he needs Eren alive. Back in Trost, Annie spots the boulder and comes up with the plan to seal the gate. Unlike Armin though, she suggests they do it to halt the endless flow of titans that have put her, Eren and Mikasa in a tight spot. Eren transforms and freaks out. Both Annie and Mikasa help him come to his senses by using a combination of motivational speeches and tough love. Then Eren executes the plan with Annie and Mikasa protecting his path. The Garrison soldiers and Pyxis see this unfold from atop the Wall. Armin catches on what EMA are trying to do and encourages the soldiers to help them, with pretty much the same argument he used in canon.

Now, the Marco incident... Perhaps Bertolt and Reiner are talking about Armin's alliances, wondering whether he's still on their side, and Marco overhears this. I agree that Armin would probably not aid in his murder, especially if we assume that he has no one waiting for him back home. The way I would solve the equipment inspection is have them kill Bean and Sonny some other way. Maybe they steal someone else's gear and pin it on them, or perhaps they release the titans from their bindings so they wreak havoc in the city and the Survey Corps are blamed. Idk, Armin is a smart boy. He'd figure something out I'm sure 🤭

Anyway! That's all I've got! I love hearing your ideas for this AU, I'm so happy everyone has found it so inspiring 💕

[ahgasegotarmy116]

Semantic Error | A Jeon Jungkook Series | Chapter 2

Based off of Semantic Error (bl) by J Soori Summary: While y/n starts to discuss her vision for the game she finds out that JK was someone she had hoped she would never have to deal with again. Giving up on her game for now she focuses on work and school but Jungkook has other plans for her this semester. Pairing: Techie inexperienced fem!reader x Artist fuck boy Jungkook Word count: 2.4k~ Warnings: Explicit language (a little bit). Idk that's pretty much it for this chapter. A/N: This is heavily based off of the original bl (boy love) and it covers chapters (episodes) 2-12. I've switched around the timeline and got rid of a few scenes here and there so they're not exactly alike but I would like to stick close to the original story so let me know what you think! P.s. If you don't mind spoilers I would highly suggest reading the original story. I read it on the app Manta with the english adaptation being done by Angy and you can also find the Kdrama on Viki :) Read from the beginning

Sitting down with JK and explaining my vision for the project is becoming increasingly annoying, he picks out the flaws in the designs that Hana drew up as well as called my whole concept boring, basically making me want to just start ground ground zero at this point.

"Are you sure you'll be able to actually be able to create what I want? In terms of functionality and the coding behind it all on your own?" he asks, questioning my abilities.

"If you give me a chance I'm sure I'll be able to create a fully functioning 2D application" I say simply, knowing what I'm capable of. 

"You know there are other aspects that you have to think about besides the design factor of it all. Have you figured out how you're going to go about that or would you be needing my help as well?" he asks getting cocky, trying to belittle me.

"I am aware and it's your choice what you plan to help with. I just need a character and gaming environment design from you. I'm able to handle the rest if need be" I say plainly stating my intentions.

"Well if you want me then I'll work on it with you". We work out a rough layout of how this will all go and when I feel it's time to end the meeting I hand him my phone and ask him to put his number in so I will have a ways to contact him to set up future meetings. 

"Looks like you already have my number" he says and I tilt my head curiously, not sure how I would've found myself in a situation where I would need his number.

He calls himself from my phone so he has my contact as well and I see the name Motherfucker pop up on his screen. "Wait you're a girl?" he says clearly as confused as I am. JK = Jungkook, how did I not put that together?!??!?!

I snatch my phone out of his grasp and see the contact name I've assigned to his number and my heart drops seeing the name Freeloader 3 on the screen. Grabbing my bag I run out of that study room and don't stop until I've made it home. 

Closing the door behind me I pray I've somehow lost him and that he didn't chase after me to see which way I took to go home.

I'm a girl so there's no way that he could cause physical harm to me. Right? He seemed somewhat of an intimidating guy so I guess he could go either way. Guys like him seem like they could get away with murder if they wanted to.

I shiver as I feel all of my hairs standing on end praying that that somehow won't be my fate. 

That was a shit way to start off my summer but hopefully I won't have to bump into him ever again since I won't really have any reason to go to campus these days.

I'll just focus on working at the PC cafe and save up so I won't have to worry about working when classes are back in session.

~~~~~~~

My summer is uneventful just as I had hoped for and just when I thought that I had forgotten that disaster none other than Jungkook walks into the the cafe.

I keep my head down hoping he won't see me but as soon as I hear a lull in the conversation he was in I knew I was screwed.

I look up at him and see that he's clearly staring me down and as soon as he confirms it's me he rolls his eyes and scoffs before he makes his way over to one of the open PCs.

Why couldn't he have just turned around and gone somewhere else? There's another perfectly good cafe on the other side of town so why did he have to pick this one? 

Who am I kidding why would he go out of his way to go across town when all we had was a little argument and he's mad at me because he thinks I'm to blame for keeping him from graduating.

As soon as I finish restocking the snack bar I get a notification of a customer placing an order and I check the notification and see that low and behold it's from Jungkook.

After retrieving his food from the cook I make my way over to him and place his items down in front of him. He looks me up and down before opening his mouth to say something which I could only assume is utterly irrelevant to me.

"Hey we seem to have gotten off on the wrong foot, do you think there's a chance that we could just start over? I could even introduce myself since I never really got a chance to do it in the first place. Hello my name is Jeon Jungkook and I'm a visual arts major" he says while holding out his hand as a peace offering. 

"And that matters to me why? I don't think we have any reason as to why we should be interacting anymore since I don't want to work with you anymore. It's best if we just forget it and remain as strangers" I say turning to go so I can get back to work.

He follows me over to the front desk where I unfortunately am forced to stay so I'm stuck having to listen to him until he goes away.

"I'm not looking for a fight I promise. I just want to start over. You seem like a pretty nice girl and I would love to get to know you better" he says flashing me a smile that I'm sure many girls have fallen for before but I don't find it the slightest bit charming. 

"Sounds like you should try to get a bit more creative with your pickup lines, I'm not interested" I say and look through the system begging for someone to give me something to do.

"I promise I just want to get to know you, no ulterior motive on my part, but if you wanted to go about things that way then I can't lie that I find you extremely attractive a-" 

"I suggest you go back to your seat unless you would like me to call management to get you permanently banned and file a restraining order for sexual harassment" I say taking care of some emails from our vendors for next week’s shipment, finally having found something productive to do.

"Okay I get it I'll back off, I didn't mean to offend you like that. For what it's worth, I really did want to be your friend" he says and goes back to his seat, finally providing me some peace and quiet.

~~~~~~

The first day back at school I fall back into my usual routine.

I always get up at a certain time so I have time to exercise and take a shower before class, I get my bike downstairs at 9:16 on the dot and I have my whole route calculated down to the second. I make sure to get to class half an hour early everyday so I don't have to worry about rushing and I have time to mentally prepare myself for the rest of the day.

Walking into the lecture hall for my Chinese class I find myself buffering at the sight of a bag on top of the usual seat I sit in. It's the perfect seat that provides me with the best view of the board and allows for next to no distractions. It's kept at a comfortable temperature and it gives me the best route out of the classroom when the lecture is over. 

Glaring down at the bag I'm temped to just move it but decide that I'll just wait until the owner comes back and ask them to switch seats.

I'm surprised that out of all the seats in this big lecture hall that they picked my exact seat.

I brush it off and go through the material we are going to cover today until I'm greeted with the mysterious owner of the bag that has caused me so much turmoil this morning.

Looking up to make eye contact with them I'm left with the sight of a smug looking smile from the bane of my existence, Jungkook. 

"What are you doing here?" I whisper since more students have started to make their way in. "I'm recruiting for my pyramid scheme. What does it look like I'm doing?" he says while taking a seat.

"Switch seats with me" I say standing up expecting him to do as I say. "No this is my seat" he says and starts to get out his class materials.

"Just switch seats with me" I demand starting to lose my temper, but before he's even able to mumble a response our professor comes in and asks us all to sit down, prohibiting me from trying to get him to give me my seat back. 

"Oh Mr. Jeon what a pleasant surprise, I thought I saw that you signed up to be my TA this semester. Class this is Jungkook, he lived in Beijing for a year so feel free to ask him a lot of questions. You'll also be turning in all of your assignments to him so if you have any questions please feel free to reach out to either of us. Right Mr. Jeon?" she asks to confirm.

"Yes I'm here to help" he announces to the class. "And I'll be right there to hold your hand the entire time y/n" he mumbles to me, using my name to address me for the first time. It some how sends a shiver through my spine and I can see from out of the corner of my eye that he's pleased with my response.

Why can't my body just cooperate with me just once? He's just a mildly attractive guy that's it, don't let his antics distract you.

~~~~~

After class ends I rush over to my next class and am greeted with yet another bag on my favorite seat.

He couldn't have gotten to this one before me as well right? Is he some kind of super villain that is hell bent on making my life miserable? Maybe it belongs to someone else and I'll actually be able to reason with them this time.

As I sit waiting for class to start I see a flash of red show up in my peripheral vision "Oh are you in this class too?" I hear him buzz right in my ear as he sits down next to me yet again. "Jungkook what are you doing here? This class isn't even close to what your major is. It's also one of the more advanced classes so I know that you're just here to annoy me" I grumble while taking my textbook out. 

"And how do you even know my class schedule?" I ask and widen my eyes as the sight of the notebook I thought I lost a few months ago.

"How did you get that" I ask while reaching for it, which he childishly moves out of my reach. "You left it at the library that one day that you ran away from me. I was going to try to stop you to tell you but by the time I stepped outside the door you were already gone. Was I really that scary?" he says mockingly.

"No, you were just unpredictable so I didn't feel comfortable being in a private room with you, that's all. Now give me my book back!" I demand, trying to reach for it again and as soon as I think I've got a chance at reaching it I hear the professor walk in. 

"Mr. Jeon is it?" he asks, unamused at the sight he's presented with.

"Yes sir" he says while both of us quickly take our seats. "If you plan on taking this class just for the purpose of flirting then I suggest you drop it, especially since it looks like this isn't required for your major" he says clearly already annoyed with the both of us already.

Thanks for getting me on his bad side already Jungkook, I think to myself, trying to control the blush that wants to grow from the embarrassment he has just caused me.

"I'm sorry professor it won't happen again" Jungkook says apologizing for both of our behavior. "See that it doesn't" he scolds and starts the lecture.  

He finally gives me my book back and doesn't speak to me again, but he sure as hell still makes his presence know with all the fidgeting he's been doing.

As the minutes tick by I feel myself losing more and more of my concentration and as soon as the lecture ends I'm up and out of my seat and head out of the building as fast as I can. I can sense that someone is following me though so I decide to stop and then feel someone bump into me.

"Hey you could've knocked us over!" he says acting like it's my fault. "Well if you hadn't been following me then we wouldn't have had this problem now would we?" I finish crossing my arms.

"What is it that you want from me? Or are you just trying to make my life miserable because you failed that class and you feel like it's my fault?" I say genuinely curious as to why he's acting like this. 

"Well I mean I'm willing to put the class thing behind if you just start being nice to me. I'm actually a really nice guy to be around and I really meant it when I said I wanted to be friends. Plus you've got me interested in that game of yours so I was wondering if you would take me back?" he finishes really making an effort to start over just like he said before.

"So your way of trying to make amends is by annoying the crap out of me? You're a lot dumber than I thought you were" I say walking away and much to my distaste he ends up following me.

"Come on just think about it, I saw the way your eyes lit up when you saw my portfolio, admit it you need me" he says regaining that cocky attitude.

"I don't need anyone, and I especially don't need you. There are plenty of designers out there, you're replaceable" I say and storm off hoping my honest feelings stopped him from wanting to talk to me for the rest of the day.

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[herbatalover]

Hello, hope your having a good day/night?

I dont know if your still taking requests but if you are could I request HH Arthur Morgan x LH Male S/O

A/N: I'm sick, so I might write more fanfics now. Hopefully you'll enjoy <3 I'm sorry if it's not what you had in mind!

HH Arthur Morgan x LH Male Reader

"Crazy bastard"

You were sitting by the fire late at night, drowning your sorrows in some whiskey. It was the usual time where dark thoughts came over you. You were a bad man. A horrible one. You lived a bad life. Not by choice... You had to adapt to the life you were thrown into.

Taken in by a strange couple and their unruly son when you were just a kid. Saved from getting shop by an angry shop lifter. What an interesting day.

"Hand them over boy..." The man growled at you. You hugged the two cans of beans closer to you, glaring at him. You were desperate, starving. You didn't know how to use a gun, how to hunt, so you had to steal. This time however, you got unlucky.

"Piss off" you hissed at him. The man looked furious, pulling a gun out, pointing at you. You froze, feeling like a caged animal. Nowhere to go, getting killed over some food... Not exactly how you wanted to die. Your pa would be disappointed.

No, he'd be disappointed if you gave up. You won't. You held the cans tighter, only raising one hand slowly. The man watched you, hoping you'll pass the cans over to him, and instead was greeted with a middle finger. You gave him a grin.

"I am not dying yet partner" you pushed down the fear, getting ready for a bullet. If you're going to die, then at least with some honor.

There was a gunshot.

But the bullet never came. Instead, the man fell on his knees, wide eye, blood slowly leaving his mouth. He fell on the ground, face first. You looked at him confused before noticing a hole in the back of his head. There was a quiet chuckle behind him.

"Nice work Arthur" said a black haired man, you soon-to-be leader, walking over the man, approaching you. "Now who do we have here?"

From that day on you joined Dutch's boys, becoming their second son. You grew close with Arthur, akward conversation turning into late night talks. But, it wasn't a family you hoped for.

You killed many people. Men, women, children sometimes too. Robbed people, both wealthy and poor. Became an errand boy, especially when Herr Strauss joined, having to go around collecting debts. Beating the crying people who begged for mercy.

You were there when the Backwater mess happened. When John got brought back from being torn apart by wolves. When they brought the woman, Mrs. Adler and the "not O'Driscoll" in. When they brought Sean back home.

And now you were stuck near Rhodes, staring at the fire, thinking how your life would look if you'd try to be a good man. If you tried to behave. If you didn't stole those damn beans.

You got up, sighing heavily, feeling the alcohol go into your blood. You headed over to your tent, passing Dutch. You could've stayed quiet, but something pushed you to open your mouth.

"There he is... When are we going to Tahiti, boss?" You scoffed at him, only to get a confused look. You narrowed your eyes "we both know you plan is bullshit, so how about you tell everyone the truth that we're fucked?" You growled. Dutch, now turning irritated turned to you.

"Cut it out, son. I get you're stressed, but we don't need that right now."

"oh I ain't stressed... I'm just seeing clearly" you grinned, but got yanked away to the side. You blinked confused and turned to yell at whoever grabbed you, until you realized it was your beloved Arthur Morgan.

"What are you doing Y/N?" He frowned and looked at Dutch with a sigh "he's been drinking again.... Don't mind him. You'll work it out, you always do" he nodded to him, pulling you away. You rolled your eyes, pushing him away, yet going in the same direction he was pulling you to - his tent.

"Why do you have to lick everyone's ass?" You muttered, walking in. Arthur frowned, following you.

"We're in a tough situation, no need to steer up more commotion" he walked closer to you. You turned to him, glaring at him.

"Of course, because you're the high and mighty Arthur 'Perfect Son' Morgan, aren't you?!"

He looked at you surprised. To be honest, you yourself wasn't quite sure where that came from.

You loved him. He was the love of your life, you'd never hurt him. But you were jealous. Jealous about how he was better than you. How he was nice to everyone, how they all adored him. How he got smiles and pats on the back while you got scowls and scoffs. You were a bad man, you knew that. But you wanted to be adored. To be known.

Yet being nice seemed to be pathetic.

Arthur furrowed his eyebrows, placing his hand on your cheek. You let out a quier sigh, turning your head away. He was looking at you a bit, then cupped your face, turning to him.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing" you pushed his hands away "go be adored. Go find someone who won't ruin your reputation. Go suck everyone's dick so they love you"

"The hell are you talking about?" He laughed, but stopped, noticing you were serious. He frowned, taking your jaw, turning your head to face him.

"I am not leaving you."

"I'm not good for you, Arthur!" You glare at him. "I'm a monster! A good for nothing killer, I don't deserve you, I'm not good for you!"

"Horseshit" the man rolled his eyes. "You're perfect for me"

"I'm not! Maybe you're perfect, but I-" you couldn't even finish because Arthur captured your lips in a soft kiss. You wanted to push him off, but sighed, melting into it. He snickered quietly to which he earned a hit (more of a tap) on the chest. He slowly broke the kiss, looking you in the eyes.

"That's not true" he smiled. "You're everything I could ask for"

You were staring at him quietly, before burying your face in his chest.

"... You smell like cigarettes" you changed the subject. You always did when you got embarrassed or didn't want to face the truth. He sighed softly, petting your head.

You stayed like this for a bit, before you could hear his voice again, jumping a bit as you didn't expect it.

"Hey Y/N?"

"Yes?"

"Have you had the dark thoughts again?" He placed his head on top of yours, petting you softly. You blinked.

".... Maybe a bit"

"You know what it means~" he hummed, one of his hands sliding down, grabbing your ass. You tensed up surprised before chuckling quietly.

"Crazy bastard...."

[lord-of-the-harvest]

Red Rut Ch 1

Chapter 1 Unsettle Before The Storm

Summary: You’re a former OF model/gore wore, turned beloved housepet by the infamous snuff streamer, Fox. He had been scoping you out for months, and now you’re all his! It’s just a few months into your bizarre “relationship”, and you’re about to learn a lot more about what makes beastkins like him tick!

Contains: Abuse, hurt/comfort, drug mention, omegaverse

NSFW

MDNI

Notes: Hey guys! It’s that time of year when I HC Ren goes through his heat/rut cycle! As a treat, I’ve configured that part of my fic, Pleasure Pain and Power, into an XReader! Some parts have been rewritten, so even if you’ve read my fic, it’s still worth the read! If you want more, check out PPP, as I’m working on a new chapter as we speak :D

It’s been months since you were abducted by your former top client, Ren. You’re not sure why he targeted you, he’s said something in the past about wanting someone in a “similar industry”, but you’ve largely given up caring about his motives. Shockingly, even to yourself, you’ve grown fond of the beastkin, despite the circumstances. You live in a large penthouse, have all your wants and needs paid for, and you’ve been gaining little privileges back each day with good behavior. Besides a few slip ups here and there, you’ve become a nice little lapdog for Fox, and you’re even enjoying your new position. He’s adapted well to the partnership as well, giving you gifts and showering you with as much attention as you could ask for. Recently, though, Ren has become much more possessive over you. It started out with small gestures, like holding you tighter when he came home, or doing various tasks around the house for you. You only started to notice the change a week or so into it, when he started hurting you. He would pinch you for getting off the couch without him, sometimes he would leave scratches while cuddling. He even grabbed your arm and yanked you back down to your chair when you got up from the table without asking first. One night, you were sitting at the dinner table and discussing his day as usual. “I’ve had better days, Pet. Profits are steady, but I had to meet with a new client around lunchtime. He was referred to me by another client I’ve had for some time now, but Christ I wish he didn’t.” Ren has made a consistent point to talk at lengths about his time at work, but never discloses too much information. He’s not once let a client’s name slip, revealed the location of his work, or any finer details. The one thing he would talk about semi openly, and semi fondly, is his coworkers. Trying to lighten the mood, you decided to bring them up. “Hey you haven’t talked about your coworkers much, how are they? How’s Kangaroo doing?” Kangaroo had visited you a few times while Ren was out of town. Usually just to bring you food and other care items you’d need since you weren’t allowed to leave on your own. Sometimes, though, he would linger, and the two of you would talk and enjoy each other’s company. Ren put down his fork and stared into his plate. “I can talk about whatever I want, why the Hell do you want to know about him?" You looked up at him, confused at his sudden pissy tone. “I’m just curious, Ren, you usually talk about them a lot.” “No, why do you want to know about Kangaroo so bad, huh? Did you two do shit while I was away?” His voice rose, causing you to back into your chair. “What? No, you know neither of us would do that.” “Right, and now you’re fucking lying to me. That’s it, give me your phone.” He got out of his seat and stood over you, extending his hand. “Ren, what’s gotten into you? You’re usually not like this, and besides, my phone’s in the other room.” He grabbed your arm and pulled you to your feet. His claws sank into your wrist and you yelped in pain. “Don’t fucking lie to me, Pet, I saw how you smiled at him the last time we went out.” He dragged you to the bedroom, and you yelled at him to stop. “What did you two do, huh? Did you fuck on my bed? Did you initiate it? Did he make you scream his fucking name?” He threw you to the floor and dug his foot into your back, forcing you down. You cried out in pain, begging him to stop, and he grabbed your phone off the bedside table. It had been a while since he checked your phone, even though it was mirrored onto his. He went to your messages, and immediately went to Kangaroo’s contact. He swiped through, but all he saw was a short back and forth about a show, dating back weeks ago. Still, he threw your phone on the ground in anger. “Ren, please, I didn’t do anything! Why are you doing this?” He looked up at the mirrored ceiling above the bed and saw himself. He was skinny, and his tail was less puffy than usual. He had noticed more hair coming off in the shower, much more than usual. He sighed, and lifted his foot off of you.

You crawled up and backed onto the edge of the bed, holding your bleeding arm. “Ren, for the love of God, what is wrong? You’ve been fucking crazy lately, what’s wrong with you?” He looked down at you, ears pinned pack and eyes staring daggers into you. “Nothing is fucking wrong with me!” He yelled back, and walked out of the room. You followed, only to see him lock himself in his office again. Lately, he’s been going in there whenever he gets heated, whether that be sexually, or due to anger. “Ren, open up!" You yelled and slammed your fist on the door. “I don’t give a shit about what you’re doing, or whatever business trip you’re planning." Your blood smeared on the wall and dripped down to the floor. You knocked for a while, but got no response from Ren. Eventually, you got tired of yelling, and resided back in the bedroom. After cleaning your arm, which was now starting to scab, you angrily marched to the bed and tucked yourself in. What the Hell’s gotten into him? Work has been stressful before, but it’s never been this bad for him. He’s always a little weird and possessive, but this is just excessive. Maybe he’ll be in a better mood tomorrow…

You woke to Ren’s alarm going off, and not to him cuddling you. You rolled over and were met with his back facing you. Not remembering the night before quite yet, you lazily threw your arm around his waist and nuzzled your face in his back. When you got no response, you shook him a bit. Still no response. “Ren, your alarm is going off, shut it off.” Still no response. You sat up, turned off the alarm, and looked down at him. His eyes were still shut and he was drooling onto his pillow. “Ren, are you dead? Wake up." You shook him harder and he finally started to rouse. Now remembering the night before, you didn’t feel bad about shaking him so hard. “Did you stay up all night? What were you doing so late?” Ren rolled over, rubbing sleep from his eyes, and barely looked up at you. “…hm?" You looked down at him, now with pity instead of irritation, and brushed his hair back. You hate to admit it, but he looked so adorably pathetic when he was half asleep. “Hm, poor Ren. Come on sweetie, you need to get up.” With a soft groan, he rolled back over. Was he hit with a tranquilizer dart or something? You took it upon yourself to brew the morning coffee and start on breakfast. Ren’s coffee almost had more creamer and syrup in it than actual coffee, but it’s the only way he’d drink it. You set fresh fruit, coffee, and bowls of oatmeal out on the dining room table before returning to their bedroom. Ren, of course, was still knocked out cold in the bed. You ripped the blanket off of him and pushed him on his back. You grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him awake, and his eyes shot open. “What, what?! What’s wrong?” “Ren, wake up, you slept through your alarm.” He sat up and asked what time it was while rubbing his face. “It’s not too bad, it’s 7:30 and breakfast is on the table…what’s that?" You focused on a pill bottle you hadn’t noticed before on Ren’s nightstand and pointed at it. “What, that? Oh, nothing, don’t worry about it.” He stood up, grabbed the pill bottle, and made his way to the bathroom, mumbling something about getting dressed under his breath. You sat on the bed with your arms folded. Great, he’s being mysterious about drugs now too. Who said relationships get boring? I’m always finding out new shit about him. 

Ren entered the dining room shortly after you and sat down. He was still in his pajamas, but had washed his face and was much more awake than before. “Thank you for breakfast, Pet. I’m so sorry, my medication makes it hard for me to wake up in the morning." You bit your lip and looked at him. “Is that what was in that pill bottle?” “Yeah, it is, I won’t be on it long though…shit, I’m sorry about last night, Pet.” He noticed the bandage on your arm and focused on it. “I know I haven’t been myself lately…let’s go out to dinner tonight, alright? Let me make it up to you.” He seemed genuinely remorseful, but you were still annoyed with him. “Sure, let’s go out tonight. I take it Kangaroo won’t be driving us.” Ren took a deep breath and a long sip of his coffee. “Delicious coffee, darling, let’s get your arm bandaged again after breakfast.” Deflecting again, at least he isn’t furious this time. Sure enough, he tended to your wound before getting changed himself. You sat on the edge of the bed and he kissed your arm as he wrapped it. “You’ll heal just fine, darling. Spend today relaxing and picking out what you’ll wear tonight.” He kissed your temple and went to get dressed. While he was in the bathroom, you made the dangerous choice of snooping through his bedside table. There’s no way a medication is making him act like this, what’s in that bottle? You opened the drawer and held up the medicine bottle. It dawned on you that you never asked for his last name, you only ever knew him as Fox or Ren. Hm…Hana, doesn’t that mean lily or something? You flipped it over and found the name of the medication, but didn’t recognize it. Inside it were blue and white pills you also didn’t recognize. Ren walked out of the bathroom and you quickly put the bottle back in his nightstand and laid back on the bed. He didn’t notice, and kissed you again. “I’m leaving, darling, is there anything else you need?" You smiled at him and shook your head. “Nope, I’ll be fine till you get back, I’m excited for our date night.” He smiled and bit his lip. “I am too, Pet, I’ll try to rush home.” He left, and took his pills with him, leaving a very irritated and confused Pet behind.

Ren got home early, and you had some time to calm down. Even though your arm still stung, your new concern for Ren overpowered your irritation for him. You already had your makeup and hair done, and was waiting for him to come home before getting dressed. “Hi Ren! I’m almost ready, when did you want to lea-” he cut you off with a tight hug from behind. “Hmmm I missed you, Pet, I missed you sooo much.” He buried his face in your back and his claws threatened to scratch your waist. “You smell so good, good enough to eat~” “I missed you too, sweetie, when do you want to leave for our date?” He hugged you tighter and backed you to the bed, pushing you down. “Hmmm, how about we forget the date, and instead we stay here and-” He looked at your bandage and noticed the confusion on your face. “-and…uh, yeah, let’s…let’s leave soon, just give me a minute.” He rushed out of the bedroom while patting his pockets, assumingly looking for his pills again. Greeeat, I’ll be lucky to just see him by dinner time. You didn’t want to let on too much, but this time his dashing off actually hurt. Even though you were sort of used to his new flakiness, you foolishly thought this time would be different. He promised you’d go out, and you were looking forward to it. You tried not to let your tears fall, since you had spent so much time and effort on getting ready. Your phone buzzed, and you looked over at it. It was a text from Ren. “We’ll go soon, I need to take care of something. Shouldn’t take longer than half an hour, I’m sorry.” A faint smile grew on your face, and you dabbed at your tears with the tie on your robe. Forty five minutes passed and you got upset again, but tried keeping your cool. You gently knocked on Ren’s door and waited on a response. “Ren, sweetie? Do you want to go soon? I’m all ready, I just need to put on my shoes.” “Yes Pet! I’ll be ready in five minutes!” His breath was shallow, almost as though he had been exercising the whole time. “O-okay! Take your time…” Sure enough, a few more minutes passed and he finally came out of his office. “One more minute, darling, I need to get changed before we go.” As he passed, you caught his scent and a glimpse into his office. Maybe I’m right, it sure smells like he’s been working out, and I think that’s exercise equipment in there. You followed him into the bedroom and put on your shoes. You were wearing a strappy, skin tight, dark red dress with a slit going up each leg. You decided to go with your taller open toed heels, knowing they were one of Ren’s favorites. After you slid them on, you walked to the mirror and looked at yourself. Ren appeared behind you, wearing a dark blue suit. He took a deep breath as he looked at you and placed a hand on your waist. He brought you down to turn the apartment’s perimeters off your collar, and whispered in your ear. “Ravishing, Darling, let’s go.”

They took the elevator down and met a face not yet familiar to you. “How are we feeling tonight, Fox? Fox’s Pet?” Fox rushed towards him and waved. “Oh just fine, Rhino, I’m fine. Pet, this is Rhino." You looked up at him, he was even bigger than Kangaroo, and made Fox look incredibly small. “H-hi! It’s so nice to finally meet you!" You extended your hand to shake his, but he just nodded in return. He opened the door and you climbed in, but Rhino shut it before Fox could follow. You looked up and saw them talking, almost as though they were settling an agreement together. Rhino opened the door again, and Fox climbed. “What was that? Is everything alright?” He kissed your cheek and took your hand. “Everything’s fine, Pet, um…He’s actually going to join us tonight. He’ll have his own table, though, so we’ll still have our time to ourselves.” He grinned, and you raised an eyebrow at him. “He’s our driver and our bodyguard tonight, Pet. That’s why I brought Rhino instead of Kangaroo.” “Do we need a bodyguard? Are we going somewhere dangerous?” His smile fell and he pinched your hip, making you squeak. “One more question and I’m turning us around.”

The three arrived at the restaurant, another fancy one you hadn’t been to. Other women, dressed much more conservatively than you, snickered as they walked by, but looked up in awe as Rhino followed. You looked down, embarrassed by the idea of having a chaperone on your date with Ren. You overheard one of the women whisper something under you breath. “…can’t believe that animal’s out of its cage…” Are they talking about me, Ren, or Rhino? Luckily, Ren seemed to have calmed down enough to either not notice, or not care about the people staring at them. They approached the hostess stand, and Ren flashed a big smile at her. “Hello, my dear, we have two reservations. One for two, and one for just one.” She looked at him worriedly, but nodded and led them to their tables. Sure enough, Rhino sat a few tables away, but they could still see him clearly. “Well I am absolutely starving, what are you in the mood for, Darling?” He asked, opening the menu and snapping you out of your thoughts. “Oh, um, I’m not sure yet. Let me see…" You opened your menu as well, which mostly featured steak and other high end meats. You decided on a shrimp cocktail as an appetizer, and a Moscow mule for your drink. Ren went ahead and ordered his entree, an extra raw steak with three sides. “You’re really hungry, honey, what did you have for lunch?” “I had leftovers from last night. I’m just really starved today, not sure why." Your shrimp arrived, and you playfully fed one to Ren, trying to rekindle whatever romance you could from the night. To your surprise, he ate the whole thing in one bite, including the tail. When your entrees arrived, you simply sat back and watched Ren scarf down his food while nibbling on your salmon. “Ren, for the love of God, calm down. No one’s going to take your food from you, and people are already staring at us.” He looked up, midway through shoving more of his barely cooked steak into his mouth. He swallowed, and whipped his mouth with his napkin. “Sorry Pet, I’m just so hungry.” He calmed down and you looked back at Rhino. You followed his gaze, and landed on a table of people snickering and pointing at Ren. After dinner, Rhino drove the couple back to the apartment. Ren looked like he was on the verge of passing out, and even “rested his eyes” on the ride back. You were also exhausted, but more so due to the nagging embarrassment you felt the whole night. From Ren acting out, to the stress of being watched all night, you were ready for it to end. All you wanted to do was go to bed, but Ren insisted on taking a bath together first. He drew the water while you took off your makeup. He looked at you, and then at himself in the mirror. “Shit!” He leaned into his reflection and touched his face. “I forgot my concealer! Fuck, that’s why so many people were looking at us tonight.” He had hidden his tail and ears well throughout the night, you hadn’t noticed his marked cheeks. Still, you kissed them, and led him to the bath. You stripped, expecting some comments or light groping, but were met with nothing. You didn’t know whether to question it or be relieved. While this was very unlike him, you were still turned off of him from dinner. Ren got into the bath, and you shortly followed. You laid back on his chest and held each other in silence for a while. 

While keeping your focus on the ceiling, you broke the silence. “Ren, I need to ask, what the Hell are in those pills you’re taking? You haven’t been yourself lately, and I miss how you were.” He rolled his eyes and took a deep breath. “Darling, how much do you know about Beastkins?" You raked your brain, trying to remember any bits or pieces of knowledge you could. “I know a decent amount, I guess. I’ve done research here and there, and I used to have a friend who was a wolf beastkin back in the day. Why do you ask?" You looked up at him, and he avoided your gaze. God this is never fun to talk about. Come on man, spit it out, she needs to know what she’s in for. “How much do you know about um…heat and rut cycles?" You narrowed your brows at him, but then your eyes got wide. “Oh I um…oh-OH!" Your jaw fell and cupped your hands around your mouth. “Oh Ren, is this what this is? Oh my God, that explains so much!” His ears pinned back, his cheeks blushed, and he still wouldn’t look at you. “Yeah, and this is why I don’t like talking about it, you people always get so weird about it.” Having this talk with past captives has always been a mixed bag. He’d been met with misinformed excitement, confusion, and repulsion. Most of the time, though, he’s been met with fear. “N-no, Ren, I just didn’t know that’s what was wrong. God, I thought you had a drug addiction or cancer or something.” He finally looked at you, now it was his turn to be confused. “A drug addiction? Cancer? What the Hell would make you think…” Ren stopped and thought for a second. “Oooh, no, my medication? Those are my rut suppressants." You let out a sigh of relief and put a hand over your heart. “They don’t work too well in my actual rut, but they help with the lead up to it." You rested your head back on Ren’s chest, and he put his arm around you. “How long does your rut usually last?” He sighed, preparing himself for your questions. “Usually a week, but I’ve had lead ups last almost a month. Of course that was when I was younger, though. With my suppressants at my age, I can operate just fine and go to work, but I take off the week of my actual rut. Then there’s my peak, which lasts a day or two right in the middle of it." You brushed his chest fur, a tuft coming off in your hand. “So that’s why you’ve been so upset lately, and why you’ve been spending so much time in your office.” He nodded along, finally validating Your suspicions. “Don’t worry though, Pet, we’re about to spend a looot of time together." You sank a little into the water, now realizing your role in this. If he’s acting this possessive now, I don’t know if I can handle him at his peak. Sure you were bigger than Ren in almost every way, but he still had sharp teeth and claws. Not to mention, he could put you in a collar whenever he wanted. “Well, um, what are you like at your peak?” Ren chuckled softly at your sudden meekness. “All the instincts of an animal with the intelligence of a human. Soooo an apex predator, basically.” Cocky bastard. You sat up again and looked back at him, not amused by his ego suddenly jumping out. “I'm kidding, Pet…Well, not really, that’s kind of accurate. I don’t think you’re going to hate it, though, you’re tough." You raised an eyebrow, even less amused with his snarky comment about you. “I just get really horny, is all. And I nest, and I knot real bad, and I get kind of…aggressive.” “Okay, define aggressive.” “It’s not too bad, I just might not let you leave the nest is all.” Thankfully, you were already familiar with nesting, and now his insistence on leaving the bed a mess made sense. “Ren? Are you lying to me.” He scoffed, acting offended, but you wouldn’t bite. “You’ll be alright, Pet. I have some medical supplies ordered just in case.” “That doesn’t make me feel any better!”

Ren kept the conversation as light hearted as possible, and did a good job of keeping you just informed enough while not making you too scared. He talked about how his breeding kink goes up, but left out how he tried hiding birth control pills from a past pet. Similarly, he said he knotted worse, but didn’t say how frequent and how painful it would be for both of them. You rested your head on Ren’s chest and took his hand in yours. You lifted it out of the water and looked at his fingertips. “I’m cutting your nails before this.” He barked out a laugh and made you jump a bit. “Like Hell you are, Pet.” “Come on, give me a fighting chance at least, Mr. Apex Predator." You sat up and straddled him, running your fingers through his hair. His claws were long, and strong enough to be acrylics. Sometimes, even when he didn’t mean to, he’d hurt or scratch you with them. He looked up at you and smiled at his new nickname, not acknowledging how demeaning it was meant to be. “I have mitts somewhere. Maybe if you’re good I’ll find them for you. Then, if you put up a good fight, you can wrestle them onto me." You rolled your eyes and smiled, bending down to kiss his cheek. He also went into detail about his medication. They repressed any and all sexual appetite up until the big week of his rut. The only reason he was acting so crazy is because he would forget to take them, or would insist he didn’t need them. This is a common behavior amongst beastkin, who insist they have power over their animalistic urges. “So you don’t feel anything right now with your meds? Not even…this?" You rolled your hips on his lap, but Ren kept his stare at you. “Nope. I mean, I can feel it, but it doesn’t do anything for me.” “Huh, I think I can get used to that." You smiled, but Ren looked annoyed. “Get your jokes out now, Darling, you won’t be smiling so much soon.”

[jswayman1]

hi could I pretty please request a jacob trouba imagine? maybe some like off day fluff (or perhaps smut lol)? troubs doesn’t get enough love on here :(((

sketch me in your notepad with the stain of this city, stitch my anxious heart, painter; let's get lost in the chaos together

IN WHICH, the captain is spared from errands for his well-deserved day off, and finds perfection in imperfection.

2.3k words with pure FLUFF😮‍💨 hope this is good for you anonymous

— a song to listen to while reading: THE ONLY EXCEPTION, PARAMORE

Manhattan and I, we had a love-hate dance going on. The city's unyielding audacity seemed to waltz right into my nose with the scent of gasoline, sugar, and gross hot food—a ghostly perfume that clung to my clothes as I walked like some persistent ex-lover, refusing to take a hint no matter how much I quickened my pace. It was as if the city was trying to leave its mark on me, insisting I carry a piece of its soul wherever I roamed.

I had just moved here recently from Saskatchewan, settling into the chaos with my boyfriend, Jacob Trouba, and adapting to our new life together.

Despite the upheaval, my work remained uninterrupted; thank God for my employer's understanding of my desire to work abroad. From our charming apartment, I was able to immerse myself in the lively energy of the city. The move went surprisingly well, and I credit Trouba's steady support, even with his busy schedule.

Errands around here just seemed like an entirely new ball game. Thankfully, I already had the time this morning to grab myself some coffee and note that we needed groceries to keep the fridge from being declared an official disaster.

It’s also Jacob’s first day off in what felt like ages, so I had decided to let him off the hook from the usual grocery run. I'd actually much rather have him around, his tall frame towering over me as he fumbled through the many aisles, showing me right where to go rather than to fake-smile and actually talk to the folks in New York who are just absolutely known for their polite and kind nature.

Plus, seeing him navigate through everyday tasks with his usual mix of boldness and sincerity has yet to fail to bring a smile to my lips.

Lost in my thoughts, I almost collided with a hurried pedestrian. "Sorry!" I called out, sidestepping just in time to avoid a collision. The woman shot me a brief smile before disappearing into the crowd, leaving me chuckling at my near-miss.

I shake my head thinking about my own mistake, continuing my walk, feeling the concrete beneath my feet as I attempt to avoid another near-injury mistake on my way to the nearest grocery store. The familiar sounds of honking cars and distant sirens forced to fill my ears. While it didn’t feel new, and I guess I have no choice not to mind it, it didn’t feel familiar either.

As I entered the store, I grabbed a cart and weaved through the aisles, making mental notes of our usual essentials. Bread, milk, eggs—simple items that grounded me amidst the whirlwind of city life. I reached for a loaf of artisan bread when I felt a tap on the shoulder from familiar fingers.

Startled, I looked up to see Tate Green, the girlfriend of one of Jacob’s teammates and another person who had helped me find my footing in this city.

"Hey, you," Tate greeted me with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with familiarity. Seems she had the same idea, picking up a few groceries herself. "What a small world, running into you here," she remarked, falling into step beside me.

I returned Tate's smile. "Yeah, hey!" I quickly reply, adjusting my grip on the loaf of bread. "Always nice to see you."

Tate glanced at my selection. "Mmm, going for the good stuff I see. The other half must be home today, then?"

I nodded, a fond smile tugging at my lips. "Yeah, well, it’s finally their day off, so I figured I'd let him relax at home for once. How about you?" I asked, gesturing to the items in her basket.

Tate chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, no. Adam is out with the guys, probably watching some game or something, and they'll probably be out for the night. I decided to take advantage of having the apartment to myself and catch up on some reading." She held up a novel, its pages well-worn and loved.

"Apartment alone? Sounds like a dream." I commented, glancing at the book in her hands. "Hope you enjoy the peace and quiet."

Tate nodded, a content expression crossing her features. "It's rare to have the apartment to myself, so I'm, well, savoring every moment of it.”

I chuckled and couldn't help but envy Tate's solitude for a brief moment. The idea of peaceful silence sounded like a luxury I rarely indulged in, especially now that I moved in with Jacob.

Sure, I guess he’s not the most chatty person during the week, but those moments of complete quiet are few and far between. And when he is silent, it's usually because he's rewatching old plays on TV. I don't mind having some space, especially with how much I actually receive, but even thinking about it I can picture sounds of him right now replaying those games over and over, talking down on himself.

Shaking that off, Tate and I continued down the aisle, sharing tidbits about our week as we picked up various items.

We reach the checkout counter, and Tate and I bid each other farewell, promising to catch up soon over coffee—plans that will probably not be acted upon.

Bags in tow, I made my way back to the apartment, smiling of the thought about sharing this encounter with Jacob. The idea of him unwinding at home brought a sense of warmth to my chest. I couldn't wait to see the surprise on his face when I told him about bumping into Tate at the store.

The walk home was quicker with that thought in mind, and before I could finish that thought, green stairs loomed ahead as I climbed up to our floor, the bags feeling heavier with each step. Finally reaching our apartment door, I juggled the bags in one hand to fish out the keys from my pocket. The familiar jingle of keys against metal announced my arrival as I unlocked the door and stepped inside.

I look down at the floor of my entrance. Come on, Jacob. Put your shoes away.

The apartment was quiet, a rare occurrence when he has time off with both Jacob and me bustling around. I set the groceries down on the kitchen counter, taking a moment to appreciate the cozy space we had carved out for ourselves.

I exhale with a breath I didn't know I was even holding and see the sunlight filter through the windows, casting a warm glow over our living room. I smile to myself. I really did do a great job on this room, huh?

Unpacking the groceries, I heard a faint sound coming from the direction of our bedroom. Okay.

Curious, I made my way down the hallway, my steps quiet on the wooden floor. Pushing open the door, I found Jacob laying on the edge of our bed, my side by the way, engrossed in what seemed to be a sketchpad.

He was sprawled out, his white t-shirt and plaid pajamas creating a unique contrast only he could make work. Jacob's forehead was creased in deep thought, and I couldn't help but wish I could observe him unnoticed, just to see what had captured his attention so intently.

When he spots me, his eyebrows raise as he puts the book to his chest. “Oh, hey. You forget something?”

I couldn't help but laugh at his question. "No, I remembered everything. But it seems like someone forgot to put their shoes away once again," I teased, pointing to his discarded sneakers by the doorway.

Jacob chuckled sheepishly, running a hand through his scruffy hair. "Fuck, my bad.” He explains. “Got caught up in this idea and lost track of time," he smiles now, holding up the sketchpad for me to see.

On the sketchpad, bold lines and vibrant colors danced across the pages, forming a chaotic yet mesmerizing pattern. I leaned in closer, taking in the intricate details of his latest creation. My head turns to him, mouthing a 'wow' before looking back at it for another analyzation.

In a word: it's messy, but that’s usually what made Jacob's art so captivating. The raw energy and passion that bled through every stroke and splatter of paint never failed to draw me in. His unconventional method of skating into canvases was a reflection of his personality on the ice – fierce, unapologetic, and completely his own.

"What's the story behind this one?" I asked, genuinely curious now, taking the pad from his hands.

He looks at me with a mixture of pride and sincerity in his eyes, a rare combination that always tugged at my heartstrings.

"Well, it's a work in progress," Jacob began, his eyes locked onto mine, which were still eyeing over the drawing. "I think I’ve been so focused on hitting the mark lately that I forgot about the beauty in the mess. This is my reminder that perfection isn’t — always the goal." His words were gentle but carried a sense of vulnerability that he rarely showed. "And that it's okay to embrace what's not perfect."

I traced a finger along the chaotic lines, feeling the energy crackling beneath the surface. Jacob's vulnerability in his art was a side of him that he only shared with a select few, and I cherished these moments when he let me into his world.

"It's beautiful," words that spill from my head to my mouth, my voice filled with a smile and admiration for the intricate mess laid out before me.

Jacob's eyes softened as he watched me study the sketch, a hint of uncertainty flickering in his gaze. I could tell that sharing this piece with me meant more to him than he let on, his guard momentarily down as he waited for my reaction.

"It's powerful, Jack," I emphasize my statement, using the nickname I have for him, which has a story behind it that's too lengthy to explain. I finally tear my eyes away to meet his gaze. "You've captured something raw and real here. It speaks volumes."

I watch a wave of tranquility wash over Jacob's features, his shoulders relaxing imperceptibly as he took in my words. "Thanks," he murmured, a small smile playing on his lips. "Sometimes I forget why I started doing this in the first place. Your perspective always helps me see things differently."

I returned his smile, feeling a rush of warmth at his words. My hands dipped to put the sketchpad back on his chest, and now I returned to standing upright.

“Y’know, I just ran into Tate.” Biting my lip.

Jacob's eyes widened slightly at the mention of Tate, a flicker of curiosity passing over his features. He sat up a little straighter, setting the sketchpad aside as he focused his attention solely on me. "Oh yeah? How's she doing?"

"She's good, just keeping busy with work and all that." I paused, studying Jacob's face for any sign of jealousy or discomfort, but found only curiosity in his expression. "We had a nice chat at the store. It's always good to catch up with her."

Jacob nodded, his gaze fixed on me as if waiting for more information. "That's cool. She seems nice," he remarked, his tone casual but attentive.

"Yeah, she is." I shifted slightly, feeling a pang of guilt for bringing up Tate in our intimate moment. But honesty was key in our relationship, and I wanted to share everything with Jacob. "She mentioned that Adam and some of the other guys seem to be going out tonight. Did you plan to go, or…"

Jacob's eyebrows furrow, he ran a hand through his scruffy hair, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "I think I'll pass on tonight.” He nods as he speaks, confirming his decision. “Got some things I want to work on," he finally replied, his voice tinged with a hint of reluctance.

“I'd also rather spend the evening here with you.” He paused, his gaze locking with mine. "If you didn’t have plans already."

A smile tugs at the corners of my lips, touched by the sincerity in his voice. "Sure," I reply, a warmth spreading through my chest at his words.

I could feel the tension of the day melting away, replaced by a sense of contentment that only Jacob could evoke in me. I will make sure I keep the way he looked at me right in this moment— for myself.

Slowly, Jacob shifts on the bed, making space for his hand to pat twice beside him. As I settle down next to him, our shoulders brush lightly, and his hand found mine almost immediately, intertwining our fingers.

He leans down, his eyes pressed closed, and his warm breath brushes against my hand as he presses his lips gently against it.

The contrast of the cold city air against the warmth of their connection sends tingles through my upper half. I can feel the heat radiating from Jacob’s touch, and for a moment, I forget about the biting cold of Manhattan.

"I'm grateful for you, you know that?" Jacob utters, his voice soft and sincere.

His mouth still rests in between my thumb and pointer, grazing the two fingers lightly, obviously not aware to the chapped texture.

I smile at his chivalry, tilting my head and lifting my free hand to push hair behind his ears. “Mhm. Grateful for you, too." I reply softly, letting my hand linger against his cheek for a moment before leaning in to press a gentle kiss to his lips.

Jacob's arms wrapped around me, pulling me closer as the sketchpad lay forgotten on the bed. I guess you could say his art mirrored the three best describers of what we have - messy, passionate, but undeniably real.

Maybe getting married isn't such a bad idea.

[thatoneterrariaplayers-vault]

Dangerous Moons - Chapter 4 - Sipping Through the Void

The stars out in space look stunning, far better than any view on the planets, here they shine in full, nothing to obstruct their glow. Likewise, natural oddities like mountains and rivers can never actually be made by people, we are unable to match the sheer beauty of that which the planet originally created. The same can also be said about the natural beauty of people, no artificial intelligence or surgery can match that of someone who is naturally beautiful. Why is this important you ask? Evelyn… is stunning and I’m just here casually lying between her arms as if I didn’t just bawl my eyes out hours prior. The embrace is warm and comfortable, warmth felt only near the I worm my way out of the bed making sure not to disturb the resting Evelyn.

It’s time to take a walk around this ship of hers. It’s not large by any means, I mean realistically how much space can one or two people take up? I reckon the ship itself is a small freighter ship modified and adapted to her needs. The cargo hold itself contains very little except the corner that has been made into some sort of tool station. Moving on from there I find the kitchen, like the rental apartment back on Parlin, it has the bare essentials, refrigeration and dehydration systems, cooking equipment, a couple of pieces of cutlery, plates, cups and some source of water. The artificial gravity is enough to keep everything grounded but still floaty enough not to enjoy outer space. Despite being a industrial ship it has a homely feel, soft lights that illuminate rooms gently. Further down the hall is what appears to be a lounge, a circular-shaped red leather sofa is sunken into the floor, and the slight seam reveals that the centre will rise to form a table. Against a wall lies a bar with many exotic boozes and liqueurs locked on a shelf. The entire room has been decorated with digital posters displaying ancient films, actors and much more. There is another door in this room that is sealed off. A small dirty window is on the window and peering in reveals an array of weapons. “What are you up to there Violet?” Evelyn taps my shoulder, causing me to turn around with a jolt. “Hey, Evelyn. I didn’t hear you sneak up behind me. I promise I’m not looking to cause trouble here.” I’m afraid she sees my exploration around as invasive, it probably is, seeing as I am wandering around her ship. “You’re so cute when you get flustered.” Evelyn teases, “I see you have decided to check out my ship. Anything interesting you want to see.” My cheeks go piping red, embarrassment plastered across my body. “Oh, you are as red as a beet. It’s so adorable.” Evelyn grabs my hand, “Come sit, let me prepare you a drink. I’m only pulling your leg.” Evelyn guides my body to the couch and hits a button that brings up the table in the centre of the couch pit. She then waltzs over to her bar and takes out some cocktail components. “What do you like love? Something, bitter, sweet, sour… perhaps something fruity!” Evelyn begins masterfully crafting the drinks. I’m no bartender so watching her work is like trying to understand a foreign language. A few minutes go by and she presents me with the drink she made. A take on an old drink called a tequila sunrise. Served in a Collins glass from who knows when two layers of colour forming a beautiful gradient, a red pomegranate grenadine base and an orange float that appears to be a bubbling layer teeming with freshness. The cup is rimmed with sugar, some lemon zest and a orange peel. “Tequila is supposed to be difficult to get out here so far from the earth, especially after its collapse. We still make this stuff in some space colonies but vintages like my stock are the real deal. It might have cost me a fortune to buy that barrel but it was worth every credit, nothing matches the authentic stuff, consider yourself lucky to have tried the genuine spirit.” I take a sip of the drink and my body lights up with activity, the somewhat spicy spirit is contrasted by a zesty fruit Evelyn said was a ‘crude recreation of an orange’. My usual drink is just some beer or whiskey that is piss cheap and ‘unauthentic’ according to Eve. However this drink has changed my outlook entirely on my standards for drinking. Evelyn catches me zoning off as i stare at the drink and glass in my hands. “So someone has not had any good drinks in her lifetime I see?” Evelyn teases. “Oh uh, no, not really. Never really had the funds or will for it. Just drank to take some pain off while resting.” “Oh right, yeah, running away and being broke go hand in hand don’t they.” Evelyn then goes quiet, “Say. What made you run away in the first place?” “Oh its a long story. Maybe I can tell it to you over more occasions like these but for now, I can tell you the start to it.” “Do tell, we have plenty of time.” Evelyn urges me on with intrigue.

‘It started when-’ Over the next few system hours I would retell the story of my home-world, the ravages of the Syndicate government and my eventual capture. Evelyn is hooked onto every word, her face tells me all I need to know about what she is feeling. The finishing of the drinks interrupts the story, just as I was about to reach my capture at the station. “Your eyes are puffy. Come closer” Evelyn asks me to do. I had not even realised it at the time how emotional the air had become. Her eyes are also swelling up with tears, though she is holding them back to appear strong, an ever persistent persona of hers. Pulling her in I embrace her in a hug.

Time passes slowly, even though we only sat for a couple of minutes it felt like an eternity. The sombre silence is disrupted when Evelyn slips away. “Sorry, just, I need to stand up for a second.” her words catch me off guard. “I don’t blame you, if you want to abandon me I really would not blame you.” Silence stenches the air, momentarily but loud. “So. What’s your plan?” the question I’ve always been afraid of. The idea that I need to bring about revenge for those that lost their lives but part of me has been afraid to confront even the mere thought of revenge. “I'm not sure yet, I mean how can I even think of doing such when only recently have I found any form of stability.” my answer dissatisfies even me. Evelyn leans over the couch, her back arched and hands held together, “So are you just content with living this life? Knowing the people who did this are still out there, sipping on fancy drinks paid in the blood of innocents.” “No, I’m not exactly eager to return to my captors anytime soon either. The things they have done are evil, vile and unredeemable but they are also a galactic superpower, last time I checked, we are just two people, the resistance maybe a couple thousand. The Syndicate? Hundreds of thousands, if not a few million. Of course I’m fucking scared, I could barely take on a small group of them, how could I take on entire armies of them.” This flurry of feelings, it feels like its sweeping me off my feet and lifting me to the ceiling. Floating away into space does not sound like a terrible idea right now but something. No, someone grounds me. Evelyn’s warm body wraps around mine and she cradles my head against her body. Glancing upwards her eyes only show concern for me but I can't help but feel like a burden on her. If there is ever a person to bring back hope into my world, it’s her. I however, am not sure if I possess the strength to carry that hopeful torch to its rightful destination.

Authors note: Thanks to my best friend who was up (at 3 am) to proof read for me. You're a real one thanks! <3

[primecat9]

Chasing the Light

Summary: Nora Armstrong, a no-nonsense former Navy vet who lands a job as a secretary at Da Kine Bail Bonds. While adjusting to her new life in Hawaii, she quickly becomes part of the crew. As Nora takes on her first bounty, sparks fly between her and Leland. Soon Nora discovers that she's not just a part of the crew-she's beginning to find a home in their hearts. Will the chase lead to more than just captured fugitives?

For Reference: This story starts at the tail end of 2005 and will go through the following year. Leland is 28, and Nora is 27.

Pairing: Leland Chapman x OC (Nora Armstrong)

Author's Note: Uuuuuuh.... I can explain. I had a really rough week of life and my brain grabbed onto it's favorite comfort character from when I was teen. And just ran with it.

Fun fact: I wrote a Leland fic when I was like 10 and it got found by my mom. So maybe this is my way of revenging what could have been the start of my fanfic career.

Flexing Under Pressure (S1:E1)

The office buzzed with energy as phones rang and the faint smell of coffee lingered in the air. Nora Armstrong, a poised yet unassuming woman with sharp brown eyes and a subtle air of military discipline, adjusted her necklace as she jotted notes on a bail inquiry. Her first week at Da Kine Bail Bonds was a whirlwind, but if her time in the Navy taught her anything, it was how to adapt quickly and handle high-pressure situations.

But right now, that mountain of manila envelopes looked like a formidable foe. And she was only equipped with her Starbucks coffee and muffin to trudge through it.

Nora had just turned on the radio-an old George Strait song crooning through the speakers-when Beth swept in with her usual presence.

Beth Interview "We met Nora through an old friend of my dads. She just got out of the service and was a little lost on what to do next. So she worked for Bobby for a bit before I convinced her to come try out Hawaii. Bobby already had enough good girls working for him." Beth explained, fanning herself with a file while smiling.

"Good morning, your Starbucks is on your desk." Nora smiled as Beth mouthed a silent 'thank you' before disappearing into the office behind her. It didn't take long before the sound of steel-toed boots hitting the carpet brought her attention back to the door. This time it was the infamous Dog, strutting in like he owned the place.

Well.... he did. But he acted like that in every place he walked into.

"Good morning. Beth had me get you some tea. Should be on your desk." Nora announced with a smile as she opened the next file.

"Thanks, Sunshine. Been a while since we had someone to run coffee. Did you get Leland anything? He's kinda grumpy in the morning." Dog chuckled as she nodded, having already asked Beth days before everyone's preference.

Dog Interview Dog is sitting in his office chair while drinking the tea Nora had just brought in for him. "Now, I call Nora 'Sunshine' because she's got this energy about her. When she first walked into the office, we'd been through a pretty rough patch-lots of slip-ups, fugitives getting away-and the place was a bit... heavy. But then here comes Nora, all calm and smiles, and suddenly everything feels a little brighter. She's not like the others-she's got this way of handling pressure with a quiet strength. It's like she's got a little light of her own that makes everything better."

"Yup, it's on his desk and Duane Lee has a monster in the fridge," Nora confirmed taking a sip of her own coffee.

"Good girl. You're a quick learner." Dog praised before disappearing into his half of the office and turning on the TV. Nora turned back to start working on the computer when Leland walked in this time. This time he beat her to the greeting.

"Morning." He grinned, tapping the desk as he walked by toward his little safety corner to help his dad out today. Nora, unabashedly, watched him walk by in the camo pants and black t-shirt before she turned back to the paperwork.

"Morning, Nora. You're up bright and early... or is that just because of the view?" Beth asked suddenly appearing at Nora's side, causing her to startle a bit and the flush to come to her cheeks awfully quick.

"Just used to early starts. Hard habit to break." Nora shrugged trying to regain her composure as she looked up to Beth who was already giving her a grin with a knowing look. "Beth...I..."

"Just be careful..." Beth warned as she walked past to go sit with Dog and go over today's bounties. Wesley, the more senior admin, was busy getting some bonds ready for court. Nora let out a long held-up sigh before turning back to work.

In the other room, Dog had gathered the team, Nora could see the whiteboard being more and more filled with notes as she took a sip of her coffee.

But then she heard her name being called. Well, that was new.

She stood up quickly and walked into the room, almost falling in attention when Dog addressed her.

"Yes?" Nora tilted her head as now several sets of eyes were on her.

"We need your help on this guy." Dog pointed toward the headshot taped onto the whiteboard. Nora hoped her jaw didn't drop open.

"What can I do to help? Need his file?" She asked, taking half a step towards the other half of the office.

"No. You're gonna help us trick this guy. You're gonna call him up and say that you work for us, and you messed up his paperwork and he need to fill out a new one. Have him meet you up the street to fill out a new copy." Dog explained and Beth glanced back at me before turning back to Dog.

"Duane... this guy is dangerous... do we really want our new secretary to be the bait?" Beth asked, maybe a little protective or a little bit hesitant to trust her just yet. Maybe a bit of both.

"She's a vet. She can take him if he tries anything, right?" Dog asked resting his hand on his hip and Nora took a breath before nodding.

"Yeah. We train for combat. But I rescued folks.... not detain them." She joked before Dog waved at her comment.

"Same training. Just a different outcome. We'll be in our vehicles nearby, as soon as he starts walking towards the car, BOOM, we'll nail him." Dog tried to reassure me, but Nora still felt a little nervous.

"Leland, you need to be ready to chase him. Don't let him get to her." Beth ordered, causing both her and Nora to turn to him for his confirmation. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed.

"I'm just saying, maybe it's a little early to throw her into the fire. Let her get her feet wet first." Leland tossed up and it was hard to miss everyone's surprised look.

"What's the matter, Leland? Afraid she'll outshine you?" Beth asked with a shit eating grin on her face as I stood awkwardly in the middle of the room.

"Just don't want her getting in over her head, that's all." Leland quickly returned, trying to brush it off just as genuine concern. Are his cheeks pink? I opened my both to agree but Dog stepped in first.

"Leland will get him before he touches you. That's what we keep him around for." Dog chuckled before tossing half of his blonde locks over his shoulder.

"Alright. I'm in." Nora smiled as Dog gave his own approval and called for everyone to suit up.

Nora moved to get waters for the vehicles, trying not to dwell too much on what she had agreed to do. She had just finished loading up the cooler when Leland appeared at her side with a radio in hand and the file.

"Here. You're on the right channel. Just click this to talk." He explained, showing her the little button on the side before handing it to her.

"Thanks. You better catch the dude if he runs." Nora teased, knowing in this group it seemed a bit of roasting helped bring everyone a little closer.

"Yeah yeah..." He chuckled waving her off as he headed over to get suited up as Dog whistled for them to return inside.

"Okay, go ahead and make the call. Just be calm so you don't set this guy off." Dog explained as he handed Nora the phone that was already on the speaker phone. She took the phone and dialed the number before sitting down on one of the nearby arms of the sofa.

Fugitive: Hello? Nora: Hi this is Debby from Da Kine Bail Bonds, is this Jace Calloway? Jace: Yes. Nora: Great, hey I'm in some hot water... I forgot to have you fill out some papers here and Beth chewed my ass out this morning. Could I maybe meet you at the...

Nora paused looking for a suggestion and Leland mouthed the 7 Eleven just a few miles up from the office.

Nora: ...The 7-Eleven on _____ street? It should only take like 5 minutes. Jace: Uuuuuhhhh Dog won't be there, right? Nora: No, they are on the big island. It's just me. giggle Jace: Uuuuh sure. Does 10:30 work? Nora: Sure. I'll call you when I pull in so we can find each other. Jace: Okay.

Nora said goodbye and hung up the phone with a chorus of praise. Beth beside her laughed a little that she was the bad guy in her story.

"Chewed you out, huh?" She teased pulling the little ponytail Nora had.

"What, I had to make it sound legit! And everyone knows you're the real boss around here." Nora laughed as Beth shouted in excitement.

"She's going in my car. Let's go." Beth praised wrapping an arm around her shoulders as they headed out to the two black escalades to roll out. She gave Nora a loving pat on the back as she climbed into the seat catty-corner from Beth and adjusted the vest she had on and her radio. The equipment feeling both familiar and odd.

Nora scrolled through her phone until Leland climbed into the car beside her and smiled at her. He digs at something in one of his bags and hands Nora a pair of shiny silver cuffs.

"Just in case. Doubt you'll get to use them today." Leland added and Nora raised a brow.

"Well that sounds like a challenge, Chapman." Nora chuckle before tucking them in her back pocket and watching as the landscape outside of the car started to rapidly change.

"We gotta test you out somehow, Armstrong." Leland added with a gentle tap to her arm. Nora rolled her eyes as Beth turned the radio on and drove to the meeting place.

Once they arrived there, Nora called up the defendant and moved to go sit at one of the nearby picnic tables as instructed by Dog and the crew.

Nora: Hey, Jace, it's Nora from Da Kine. I'm here at the gas station. At one of the benches. Just roll in when you get here. Jace: Okay. I should be there in like a minute. Nora: Okay!

Nora hung up the phone and tapped her radio twice, the signal they had agreed on. From her spot at the picnic table, she scanned the area. Beth and Leland sat in their black Escalade near the gas pumps, keeping a low profile. A few spots down, Dog and Duane Lee's SUV idled, barely visible past the rows of parked cars.

Dog's voice came through her earpiece, calm but charged with anticipation. "Alright, Sunshine. Keep your cool. As soon as he's in range, we've got him."

Time stretched unbearably thin, the seconds ticking louder in her head. Finally, a black truck roared into the lot, its tires screeching as it parked at an odd angle.

It was him.

Nora tapped the radio again. "Target's here. Black pickup, left of the pumps. He's getting out."

The tension crackled in the air, electric and heavy. The man stepped out of his truck, scanning the area with a wary gaze before locking onto Nora. She plastered on a nervous, slightly apologetic smile, playing the part of the frazzled clerk.

Dog's voice cut in. "Stay put. We move as soon as he's close enough."

The fugitive started toward Nora, his gait deliberate but cautious. Suddenly, the loud slam of a car door shattered the silence.

"Move! Move! Move!"

In a blur of motion, Dog and Leland exploded from either side of the lot, their sheer presence cutting through the man's bravado. Leland slammed him against the hood of a nearby car with practiced ease, Dog right there beside him.

"Get your hands behind your back! Now!" Leland barked, yanking the man's arms into place as he struggled and spat a flurry of expletives.

"Son of a bitch!" the fugitive snarled, twisting futilely. "You got nothing on me!"

Beth appeared at her side; Beth's grin wide as she clapped Nora on the shoulder. "And you thought being the bait was scary. Looks like you survived just fine."

Nora let out a shaky laugh, nodding as she watched the guys work. Leland didn't miss a beat when the fugitive turned his venom toward her.

"You set me up, you little-"

Before he could finish, Leland shoved him into the backseat with a satisfying thud.

"Watch your mouth," Leland growled.

The man sneered, attempting to spit at her feet, but Beth tugged Nora away with an amused shake of her head. "Let the boys handle him," she said as they made their way to the other SUV.

"Asshole," I muttered under my breath. Beth laughed, patting me again as we climbed into the safety of the car, leaving the fugitive to stew in his own rage.

Dog Interview Dog grins, flipping his long blond hair over his shoulder. "That's how we do it. Teamwork, timing, and a little bit of Sunshine to lure them in. They always fall for it."

"Nice work." Leland praised, holding out his fist for Nora to bump. She gently tapped it with her knuckles as Beth nodded in the rearview mirror.

"Wasn't too bad. He didn't seem very happy though." Nora joked as she pulled the cuffs Leland had given her out of her back pockets and returned them to him. Paying a little too close of attention to the way their fingers brushed.

The car ride on the way to jail was quiet, but maybe that was just because everyone was tired from the adrenaline dump.

At the jail, Duane Lee took in Jace to get him booked, the guy seemed a little less calm and to Nora's surprise, Leland brought him over to apologize.

"I'm sorry ma'am. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that." Nora nodded with a soft smile, seeing Leland's hand still holding onto the guys arm just in case.

"Thank you for apologizing. No hard feelings. I'd be mad too." Nora said with a laugh as the guy nodded and Duane Lee took over from Leland and let him up the steps to hit the buzzer.

Leland leaned against the car next to Nora, chewing something idly, while Dog stepped over with a proud grin. "Not bad for your first bounty, huh?"

Nora stretched and let out a relieved sigh. "Nah, it could've been worse." She pushed her sunglasses up and over her forehead, eyes glinting from the sunlight.

Leland, now smirking, caught her attention. "Didn't even flinch when he spit at you."

Nora turned toward him, shrugging with a playful glint in her eye. "Guess I'm tougher than I look." She raised her arm, flexing a muscle, a teasing smile on her lips.

Leland immediately stepped up beside her and flexed his own arm in response, his grin widening. "You got nothin' on me!"

Nora rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Hey, I've been out for a minute. And I'm not doing it for the girls, like you are." She pointed toward the camera, making sure they caught the lighthearted jab.

Leland laughed, shaking his head as he waved her comment off. "Yeah, whatever!"

Nora smiled, climbing into the car beside him. She shut the door, her gaze lingering on Leland for just a moment before they both settled in, the weight of the day beginning to catch up with them.

Dog's Final Interview: Dog leaned back, his eyes twinkling as he watched Leland and Nora settle into the car. A small chuckle escaped him. "Another successful bounty, and I'm proud of Nora. She didn't just step up-she excelled." He gave a knowing glance, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "And hey, a little muscle doesn't hurt either. Might be some more 'tests' in her future." The camera panned out as Dog winked, the hint of mischief in his eyes. "We'll see what happens next, huh?"

[readingadream]

BE THE LIGHT

Chapter Two

1,553

1 | 2 | 3

MINGI POV

The first night having a new member in our group has always been the most exhausting. I wasn’t sure why Hongjoong picked the boy though. Wooyoung looked too kind, just like Yeosang and Jongho, though Johnho was also the youngest in our small group. Laying in my bed I just enjoyed the quietness besides the birds chirping outside. Today would be explaining to Wooyoung exactly what it was that they did, seeing if he could fight, and as well as getting his stuff from his place.

Of course he didn’t need to live with them forever, they all had their homes as well but Hongjoong liked them staying close most days. Especially when we’d need to train the boys, figure out plans, as well as less risk of anyone getting found and hurt. Safety was Hongjoongs main priority. Turning to look at my phone I hear rustling downstairs where the kitchen was, someone was awake very early, it was only 6am. Pushing myself up I walked to the window that faced the living area, it seemed like Wooyoung wasn’t able to sleep.

Walking down the stairs I pat his shoulder. “Don’t be afraid to grab something you want, we all share the food. Things we want for ourselves we tend to keep in our rooms. San likes to steal our snacks so it became a habit for us all.” Letting out a small chuckle as I grabbed a cold bottle of water from the fridge. “We all usually sleep until 10am, sometimes earlier or even later. That all depends on our schedule to be honest. Hell Joong has made us be awake at 4am. We all had wanted to kill that little pain in the ass that morning.” 

Wooyoung let out a small giggle, taking a bottle of water as well. He seemed unsure what to grab, though he turned to face me.  “I could cook us breakfast? I am used to cooking large amounts of food since I worked as a chef for a restaurant.” 

“Honestly mother Seonghwa might be thankful if you did, he doesn’t mind cooking for just a few of us but 8 mouths to feed is too much for him.” 

Watching the new member bring out eggs, milk, and searching around grabbing other ingredients I was surprised how easily this boy was adapting. A question I wanted to ask but knew it probably would be best to wait for the others. “Why did you agree? I’m sure our tiny captain didn’t explain what we do. Especially because Hwa mentioned you had agreed so easily.”  Running my hand through my hair I sat down at the bar table. “We don’t do anything super illegal I promise, Joong and I will explain to you more later though during our group meeting.”

”Honestly, I said yes because I thought maybe it would be a nice change.” Wooyoung started out, “I’ve been stuck in the same routine over and over , and I really was starting to hate it. Something needed to change, something new needed to happen ya know?” Cracking 5 eggs into a bowl and then pancake mix. 

Mingi understood that, it was the same reason Yeosang and Seonghwa joined. 

“I get that, some of the others joined for the same reason, I joined first after Joong got the wild idea and Yunho a day later. Yunho is probably the one member who truly believes in the goal… following all orders but also being possibly the most deadliest besides Hwa, god damn watching those two train is hot. Ah, also Hwa and Hongjooong are dating. I’m sure they will mention it but I just didn’t want you to be confused if you saw them giving each other a kiss when they came down.” I felt like I was talking way too much, I hadn’t planned to but from past experience talking with less people was a lot easier then everyone being circled around members interrupting someone left and right.

Everyone usually was calm and could keep their cool when things were too chaotic but I usually get way too overwhelmed, which is funny since I’m the second in command and then Seonghwa was third. 

“Fighting? I’m no good at that to be honest.” Wooyoung made a face at the thought of even trying to harm someone. “Though, I'm good with gossip and getting information. I probably won't be much help huh?” 

“Getting information is always needed, all our faces are known by the people we are dealing with… so you'd be helpful.” I was going to continue talking when I felt a warm hand on the back of my neck rubbing it.

“Morning you both, Woo I see you've adjusted to the kitchen rather quickly. Which for me is a damn blessing.” Hwa spoke as he walked to the coffee machine and started brewing a pot for the boys. “Coffee is a must, we tend to drink a lot of it.”  

We did, to be honest all of us probably drank coffee more than water. Which yes we all were well aware of the fact it wasn’t healthy. Coffee was our favorite drug. Dealing with 7 un-caffeinated was like dealing with hungry wolf's needing to feed as soon as possible. 

“I’ll keep that in mind. Usually though I don’t wake up this early on my own, but I felt a lot of different emotions once I laid down. I think maybe 3 hours of sleep was all I got? I honestly have no clue.” Watching Wooyoung start finally cooking the pancakes I realized how hungry I was, my stomach growling which had caused Seonghwa to turn his head. 

“Looks like our fake maknae is hungry.” Bringing me over a cup of coffee.

We 3 spoke for a while, Woo kept his focus to the food cooking as well as asking questions like how much we all could eat, who was the oldest, and just simple small questions that were okay to answer without the others. 

Probably an hour later everyone was awake, grabbing plates of food and their coffee, all thanking Wooyoung for cooking even though it had been his first morning with us. Hongjoong was the most surprised, mentioning that Woo had seemed like he’d been with ‘em for more than a day already. 

Wooyoung finally sat down next to me and San, looking at our captain he just shrugged taking a bite of the soft sweet pancake. “To be honest I adapt easily, also easily make friends. My best friend Changbin loved dragging me out to parties for that reason, I could be the life of the party, hype people up, and even make it so things were less awkward.” Changbin? I looked over at Hongjoong, I knew that he wasn’t going to be that happy about the newbie knowing one of our enemies.

Clearing his throat Joong looked over at him, “How did you meet Changbin?” Asking this wouldn’t be weird at least since Wooyoung had mentioned him first, plus Joong was acting like he only cared  about the boy's friend. 

“Ah, I met Binnie in school! He was a basic nerd I swear. I was the pretty face and he was my nerdy best friend. We did everything together and even lived with each other for 2 years. Now he’s handsome and loud, but even now I’d risk it all for him. As long as my best friend is happy and safe that is all that’s important to me.”

”You sound like you are in love with him.” San finally spoke for the first time today, and to be completely honest he wasn’t wrong, it did sound like Wooyoung was in love. Friends since childhood or not.

Shaking his head, Wooyoung set his fork down. “No, but I see him as my brother. Binnie had a hard past just like I did, so when we met we both took care of each other. One day last year he had  come home covered in blood, never explaining what had happened that night but it made me realize that I would be alone if I lost Changbin. He’s my family, sure we aren’t always hanging out now but I still make sure we meet 3 times a month.”

A year ago? That was when we’d met the group that was known as Stray kids, they wanted the same thing like us so to anyone who didn’t know the story behind everything would think that both groups hated each other to the point there was no hesitation to try and kill one another. Though, I knew deep down one day if we really wanted anything to work we'd need their help.  

Watching Hongjoong give a fake smile was terrifying. Probably the only members who didn’t know the full story besides Wooyoung were San and Jongho, so they, of course didn't understand why we were all surprised. Half of us expected the leader to lose his shit and tell Wooyoung he’d never be able to talk or see Changbin again. “That’s nice to have someone like that in your life. Woo, but now you also have us. I promise we will be there whenever you need us. Ateez is a family who never ever leaves someone behind. No matter what happens.”