#i mean this is assuming they crop up at all they might not

[rqg179]

listened to the magnus protocol trailer and i am constantly torn between the knowledge that i really liked mag200 as an ending for jon & martin, i personally love that we don't know what happened to them, and i think any appearance, even of a Somewhere Else version or alternate timeline version of them, would cheapen that. and the knowledge that if i hear jonathan sims talk in anything ever i will start crying immediately

[alwaysurvalentine]

scary movie marathon - st fic

Written for Day 27 of @steddie-spooktober prompt: scary movies - wc: 1.6k - cw: some cussing

enjoy! 💛

Steve’s idea of a great date night? Scary movie marathon. If you pick the right movies, your date will hide their face in your shoulder and you have an excuse to hold onto them for the duration. If you’re lucky, you might even get them in your lap where you can provide some distraction.

At least, this is how things typically worked when Steve went on dates with the girls of Hawkins High. He should’ve expected that, like most things with Eddie, that wouldn’t be the case with the other boy. When he’d first suggested the movie night, Eddie had assumed it was a group thing and started talking to Robin about what movies she was going to bring. Luckily, Robin can read Steve’s mind, and also his rapid signaling behind Eddie, so she made up an excuse on why she was busy that night. Eddie had shrugged and turned to Steve with a smirk that sent butterflies straight to Steve’s stomach. 

~

The night had come faster than Steve expected and he eyed the movies in his front seat warily when he pulled up to Eddie’s trailer. He knew the other boy would probably like anything they watched, a huge fan of any and all horror no matter how bad. But Eddie also had a habit about seeing Steve more than other people. What if he realized something about him that Steve didn’t mean to reveal? What if he thought the movies he chose were dumb? Or too mainstream to be considered bad enough to loop back to good? This was a terrible idea. Steve’s hand rested on his gear shift, ready to put it in reverse and call Eddie with a fake illness cover story when the boy in question stepped out of the trailer and waved. 

Steve had just gotten used to the black jeans and leather jacket Eddie normally wore, but nothing could’ve prepared him for the cropped Black Sabbath shirt displaying the underneath of Eddie’s chest all the way to his navel. The sunset painted the scars adorning his stomach into a soft pink, like a gentle swoop of a paint brush. Steve’s own matching scars never looked so soft, instead red and angry any time he caught a glance of them in the mirror. Eddie’s grin sharpened as he approached Steve’s car, brown eyes alight with something when he cracked open Steve’s door.

“Cat got your tongue there, Stevie?” 

If blinks were audible, Steve knows his would’ve been deafening. “Whatever Eddie, hope you’re ready to be scared.” He didn’t dare to look at Eddie when he grabbed the movies, scared the older boy would know what he was thinking. 

“Ha! Me, scared? I’m a connoisseur of horror, a weaver of terrible tales, it takes a lot to scare the likes of me!” A cartoonish evil laugh erupted from Eddie as he walked forward, sliding his slippers off at the front door. The trailer felt just as welcoming as it had done all the times before, but now there were orange string lights covering the wall behind the TV and it smelled distinctly of popcorn.

In seemed in the time it had taken Steve to go home and change, Eddie had set up a full array of snacks for them. Popcorn in one bowl, M&Ms in another, even a bag of red vines sat to the side. “I, uh, wasn’t sure what you’d want to drink. We have coke and beer.” Eddie cringes at his words, though Steve can’t imagine why, and he’s already heading to the kitchen.

“I’ll just have what you’re having.” The fridge door opens and Steve sets his movies on the table, eyes catching on the starting menu for The Fly. Eddie comes back with two opened beers, passing Steve’s over by the neck before taking a quick swig of his own. 

“Okay, so we’re starting with one of the best horror movies ever.” 

~

“What the fuck?! Eddie, what the fuck?” Steve can’t look at the screen anymore, the transformation from man to fly sending his stomach into a riot. He’s tucked his face behind his hands and leaned towards Eddie like that’ll save him from the screen. Which is when he notices Eddie’s got an arm around his shoulders and he can feel him laughing against him. How did he not realize Eddie using his own moves against him?

“I know. It’s fucked up isn’t it? And the special effects are so good!” Eddie almost sounds excited, which would be nice if Steve couldn’t hear the sound of Jeff Goldblum’s character losing the last of his humanity. He gags and covers his ears instead, leaning fully into Eddie and turning his head towards the cologne he can smell on Eddie’s neck instead of the screen. 

“It’s disgusting is what it is.” Steve’s breath ghosts over Eddie’s collarbone and he swears he can see the moment Eddie’s heart starts beating faster. Interesting. He’s hopeful so Steve leans closer and feels Eddie’s arm tighten incrementally around him. 

“Steve?” He nods against the metalhead’s neck, newly focused on figuring out just what the older boy smells like under the cigarette smoke that follows him around. “Can I say something crazy?” Eddie’s tense as he talks, arm slipping from Steve’s shoulders so he can reach for the remote. “I mean, maybe it’s not crazy compared to you know, the entire Upside Down and like the last four years of your life. But it’s a big deal to me. Robin said you were fine with her, and clearly you are because she’s like your whole soulmate. Platonic, I know.” 

All of the air is stuck in Steve’s lungs, making his chest tight and he’s just waiting for the pit in his stomach to swallow him whole. He’s opened his mouth to speak a couple of times but nothing is coming out – Eddie’s drowning in a sea of insecurities and he’s doing nothing to help. 

“Okay. I’m just going to spit it out. I’m gay and I have the biggest crush on you.” 

I have the biggest crush on you.

Steve can breathe again. His cheeks are hot and he knows if he looked in a mirror they’d be bright pink. 

“Can I kiss you?”

It’s quiet enough in the trailer that Steve can hear when Eddie chokes on his inhale. 

“..what?” Eddie’s shoulders aren’t tense anymore, and he tilts his head at Steve with furrowed brows. He almost looks like a puppy. 

“Sorry, yeah, totally cool with the gay thing. Even more on board with the crush thing, so can I kiss you?” 

Eddie’s still just looking at Steve with wide, brown eyes. 

Alright, that’s fine, Steve can close the distance. Steve leans forward slowly and brushes the curls away from Eddie’s face, watches his eyes go wide with wonder before leaning in. Their noses bump when their lips first meet but then Eddie tilts his head and Steve’s world with it. Eddie’s hands come up to cup Steve’s jaw, cold rings sending sparks along his face and Steve smiles into the kiss. They part for a moment, matching grins on their faces. After a beat, Eddie leans in again and Steve shifts closer on the couch. 

As soon as he starts shifting, Eddie’s hands start tugging him closer until Steve’s straddling the older boy’s black jean clad lap. Steve boxes him in easily, resting slightly on Eddie’s lap to change the angle again. Eddie nips at his lip, gaining full access to his mouth when Steve gasps at the sensation. The sounds of the movie have completely faded now, Steve more focused on the soft smacking of their lips when they disconnect and meet again. 

The need for air causes them to part, but Eddie doesn’t go far, tucking his face into Steve’s neck. If it wasn’t for how warm Steve was already feeling, he might’ve been able to feel the warmth from the blush on Eddie’s face. Instead he feels Eddie’s lips against his skin as the metalhead murmurs. “Holy shit. Holy shit. Am I dreaming right now?”

“Not a dream, baby. If it wasn’t obvious, I have a huge crush on you too.”

Eddie leans more into Steve’s neck, placing a kiss at his pulse point. A couple more kisses are placed on Steve’s neck and he feels himself melt into Eddie’s lap. He feels Eddie’s hands clench slightly at the movement and then they slip under his shirt, fingertips pressing gently at Steve’s lower back and hips. A gasp escapes him when Eddie nibbles at his neck, teeth pulling at the skin in a way that Steve knows will leave a mark. 

For a moment he imagines the older boy leaving different marks on him and lending him his signature leather jacket for everyone knows who Steve belongs to. But Steve’s getting ahead of himself, this is only their first kiss. There’s no guarantee that Eddie wants this to be a serious thing. 

“Sweetheart?” When Steve glances down, Eddie’s pupils are still blown slightly even though his eyebrows are scrunched in confusion. “Did you hear me?” He must see his answer in Steve’s eyes because the confusion leaves and Steve’s looking at the softest expression he thinks he’s ever seen. 

“I asked if you wanted to be my boyfriend?” There’s an edge to Eddie’s voice and his hands tighten for a moment before loosening again. As though he’s worried about Steve’s answer, like Steve’s not already on the precipice of falling in love with he boy in front of him.

“Only if you let me take you on an official date.” All of the tension leaves Eddie and he grins, leaning up towards Steve again.

“I think I can agree with that.” 

And what else is Steve supposed to do but lean in for another kiss?

[atinystraynstay]

Guardian Angel - Jeon Wonwoo

Synopsis: Wonwoo is a mysterious individual. Not that he tried to be, but he always had his guard up. He didn't want to fall casualty to a world that could turn so cold. Can you be the one person that finds the secret passage into his world?

Pairing: College Student!Jeon Wonwoo x fem. reader

Genre: "I'm here for you" girl meets "I'm not good at opening up" boy

Inspired by @aaniag - thanks for tagging me in this post ♡ cannot wait to bring all of these into reality First Encounters Mini Series: #1: #2: #3: #4: Wonwoo #5: Jeonghan #6: #7: #8: Dino

Warnings: mentions alcohol consumption

Word Count: 3.7k

Being friends with Kim Mingyu came with a lot of perks. You always had an invite to the biggest parties on campus, knew someone who could walk you home when you had a bit too much to drink, and a constant study partner who would bring coffee to the study sessions.

On the outside, it is easy to assume you and Mingyu were a couple. And you knew one day, Mingyu would make a woman very happy. I mean, he was the poster child of what it means to be a Golden Retriever Boyfriend.

Yet, you have never been attracted to Mingyu like that. Of course, he treated you like royalty, but in some ways, he was showing you the way you deserved to be treated. Mingyu was always the one to give you dating and relationship advice, which was extremely helpful given he was able to give the male perspective. And vice versa, you were always there to hype up and encourage Mingyu to go after women he found attractive. Despite the confidence he exudes, he was a rather shy individual.

Your friendship with Mingyu was a prized possession in your life, and you never wanted to do something to risk. Even though you had a crush on his best friend, Jeon Wonwoo.

Unlike Mingyu, you knew next to nothing about Wonwoo. You often saw him every now and then when he was out with Mingyu, but the two of you never seemed to exchange words. There was just something about him that lured you in.

And you were hoping tonight would be the opportunity to change that.

For the past few weeks, you have been trying to gather intel on Wonwoo. Most of the time when you hung out with Mingyu, you asked about his best friend. It didn't take long for the giant man to put the puzzle pieces together. Instantly, Mingyu devised a plan to try to get his two favorite people together.

Midterms would be coming to an end on Friday, and he knew everyone would want to come out and celebrate. Rather than going to the bars, Mingyu suggested he hosted a house party filled with his closest friends. Both so everyone could be comfortable and enjoy themselves, but also so Wonwoo might open up more during the party. He wasn't the type of guy who preferred going out on the weekends. Often, his weekends were filled with either studying or playing video games. Mingyu was almost certain that a house party could get his introverted best friend to come out of his room.

After sending different outfit options to Mingyu, and each text was responded with "looks good," you decided on a black jeans and a black, long-sleeved crop top. You wore gold jewelry for the comparison, but also decided to wear your hair down for now. You did keep a white scrunchie around your wrist, in case you or someone else might need it throughout the night.

Your goal was to look presentable, but not too over the top. It was a house party, after all. Tonight would be a great opportuntiy not just to hang out with friends you haven't seen in a while, but also maybe know Wonwoo on a deeper level. While yes, you did like him, you were unsure of where his mind was at. Even Mingyu was clueless on Wonwoo's love life as it was a topic rarely they engaged in. Being friends with Wonwoo could always be the start.

With a bottle of vodka and a bottle of Berry Lemonade held by your hip, your free hand knocked on the door. You could already hear music and chatter coming from inside. Growing out of hopping from frat house to frat house, house parties were becoming more of your comfort zone. Maybe that's what it meant to be an upperclassman?

"Hi Barbie!" "Hi Ken!"

Mingyu quickly retrieved one of the bottles from you, making your load lighter. You could have managed carrying both, but that was Mingyu just being himself. He wrapped his free arm around you to pull you into a hug. "Woah, you're wearing perfume tonight? Must really want to impress someone."

Quickly, you pulled back from the embrace and slapped his chest. Your eyes narrowed on him before he broke out into a fit of laughter. Yeah, Mingyu definitely was not your boyfriend.

"You do look great though, y/n!" "Not half bad yourself, Gyu," you laughed.

The two of you ventured into the kitchen after closing the door. Mingyu's parties never got too crazy. He always knew who was invited, and it was always known nobody else unless an invite was extended by Mingyu himself or you asked if you could bring someone along with you. He just never liked the unpredictability of strangers entering his home. Wonwoo and him also despised the clean-up afterwards too when people didn't respect their home. That was one way to never get invited again.

Upon entering the kitchen, you were greeted with cheers. Both from the guys invested in the game of Flip Cup but also by the ones that noticed you. Seungkwan, Dino, and Hoshi were all grinning at you. Currently, it seemed like Seungcheol and Joshua were going head-to-head in a match with Dokyeom and Jeonghan waiting there turn. Vernon, Minghao, Jun, and Woozi were all spectating. All that was missing was Wonwoo.

Noticing you take a headcount, Mingyu grinned. He's gotten to know you all too well over the course of your friendship. "He's out back on the patio," he whispered into his ear.

He must have been able to escape with the guys distracted, and the bodies that filled the first floor of their college townhouse apartment.

"Y/n! Wanna take a shot?" Hoshi shouted to you. "Hell yeah."

A little liquid courage never hurt. Mingyu chuckled as he got to work preparing your mixed drinks for the two of you. Hoshi was eagerly pouring out shots for the 14 people. He must still think Wonwoo is in the room.

"Hey, where's Wonwoo?" DK finally asked once he finished his turn with flip cup. "Oh, I think he must have slipped outside," Mingyu quickly responded. "I can go check on him after," you offered.

It was not unusual for you to take on almost a 'mother' role. Like Mingyu, you liked being there for people. You liked when people felt uncomfortable around you or that you could help someone out, no matter how big the task might be.

"That's our eomma," Dino shouted.

You rolled your eyes playfully but couldn't wipe the smile off your face. It did really feel good to be seen in positive light.

Mingyu placed your red solo cups in front of you. You smiled at the sight of your mixed drink, knowing that it would help the liquor slid down your throat. You weren't the biggest fan of vodka, but if you had something to chase? You were golden. Plus, you were now able to take your drink and able to slip away to find Wonwoo.

"Alright fuckers, some of us are seniors. Top dogs, but we always have our pack to support us. " Hoshi began. Oh boy.

Promptly, DK started barking which encouraged the rest of the boys to join in. Sometimes you question why you are friends with them, but you knew they were all irreplaceable.

"I just love you guys so much." Uh oh. Looks like Hoshi has already had a bit more to drink than the rest of the group. "Here's the last few months before we become boring."

The shot glasses dropped down to the table before meeting all of your lips. You cringed a bit at the feeling of straight vodka hitting your mouth but quickly swallowed. With your free hand, you were able to rid of the taste with the mixed drink which made you immediately relax. You sighed as you could already feel how warm your stomach felt from the liquor entering your system.

"Go get your boy," Mingyu teased you in a hushed tone. "HEY! Secrets makes frenemies and I want us all to be besties," Hoshi shouted as he caught you and Mingyu talking. "Relax, tiger. I'm just telling her where I think Wonwoo ran off to."

Hoshi seemed to relax before instantly distracted by the next game Jun proposed. Mingyu sighed, knowing he was going to be on Hoshi duty tonight. Again. You patted his shoulder comfortingly before slipping away to the porch.

Keeping your drink above your head, so you wouldn't accidentally spill or drop it on anyone or anything, you navigated through the crowd of people. For someone who liked to keep parties small, there was always a large turn out for Mr. Popular. You offered friendly smiles at familiar faces, as you kept your eyes locked on the back patio.

As the people around you began to dissipate, you saw a figure sitting on the steps of the back porch. It wasn't much of a porch really. Just a set of wooden steps with a deck, but it was like luxury to any college student. It also is why people favorited Mingyu's spot for partying on the weekends.

You were able to easily identify the person outside just based off the broad shoulders. It has been quite a few weeks since you last saw Mingyu, but you liked seeing how long his hair has gotten since then. You always thought he looked better with a bit of length to his haircut.

Gently, you slid the back patio door hoping not to startle him. He did, however, whip his head around to see who was responsible but then immediately relaxed when he saw it was you. While you two were not close yet, he recognized you. Wonwoo also knew just how important you were to Mingyu, so you were never seen as a threat. Quite frankly, he just didn't know how to approach you since the two of you had not had a proper conversation one-on-one.

"Oh hi, y/n," he called out gently. His voice was always calm in his deep tone. It was oe of the things you adored about Wonwoo. His voice was calm to you like the ocean, and you always seemed to cling onto every word he spoke.

"Hey Wonwoo," you said in your usual tone, not wanting to be perceived as a threat. "Mind if I join you?"

His eyes slightly widened as he heard you. Only the guys ever really approached Wonwoo, so it was a bit surprising that someone would want to accompany him.

"Oh um sure."

Wonwoo scooted over from where he was sitting, offering his spot for you. You smiled appreciatively before fully stepping into the patio. You closed the door behind you, both to respect Wonwoo's privacy and to keep the house warm. It was apparent that Wonwoo had wondered out here for a reason, so you wanted to respectful and show through your actions you were someone he could trust. You also were not wanting to hear Mingyu nagging at you for causing the electricity bill to rise in the month of March.

Slowly, you made your way over until you sat down next to him. You set your drink but the edge, so if you accidentally spilled, it could go into the grass rather than the cute boy beside you.

"Enjoying the party?" Wonwoo asked in a soft tone.

It wasn't monotone. It was his usual deep tone. But as he spoke, you noticed that his gaze was seemed to be locked on the moon above the two of you. It was still a bit chilly when the sun was hidden, but you were comfortable. The alcohol definitely aiding.

"Yeah, actually. Much better than being coped up studying," you joked.

"Yeah, I feel you," he sighed. You watched the way he pushed his glasses up on the bridge of his nose. It was such a little thing, something he probably doesn't even think about it. Yet, you found it to be the most adorable thing. "You're in the political science program, right?"

Your heart undeniably did a little flip knowing that he remembered that detail to you. Maybe Mingyu has held up his promise and talked to Wonwoo about you, not just saying he had to make you feel more at ease. You nodded your head as you looked over at hi. It was just a habit of yours. You didn't expect him to look over at you, but you wanted to show him that you were present in the moment and ready to listen to whatever he wanted to say. Or even if you two just sat here in silence for a little. There was just something screaming within you that you he needed you tonight.

You just had no idea that he knew anything about you given that you only were on first name basis.

"Yeah," you spoke softly, unable to wipe the gentle smile on your face. "And you're in the computer science program?"

Wonwoo nodded, smiling a bit as well. Wonwoo never was the guy he thought people took interest in. Honestly, every day, he feels just blessed to say he has some of the best friends who want to drag him out of his bedroom. Most people might not even notice his absence. And Wonwoo did that subconsciously, just as a defense mechanism. He has been on the receiving end of bullying and life's unfortunate events. He just found himself isolating more as a way to cope.

"If you don't mind me asking," you began, biting your lip. "Why are you out here by yourself? Is everything ok?" "I think?"

You couldn't help but frown at Wonwoo's response. You were too familiar with the uncertain feeling and knew how troubling it can be. While everyone faces their own difficulties in life, you never liked hearing that other people are struggling.

"I just," he began to open it up.

Now you were the surprised on. Never before would you expect to be Wonwoo's confidant, but you knew it was a job title of upmost importance. You just hoped your surprised expression was not portrayed on your face. If Wonwoo needed someone to vent to, you'd gladly step up.

He glanced at you to see if you were listening. Satisfied to see your eyes on him with a soft gaze, he let out a shaky breath. For the first time in a while, he felt like he was able to confide in someone. He knew the guys were always in his corner, but he ever wished to worry them too much. To some extent, Wonwoo prided himself in his own ability to take care of himself.

It was just that he's been struggling for some time.

"Everything is changing," he chuckled almost out of self-pity. "It's just been hitting me that all of this," he motioned to the party behind him. "Will not be here in a few months. Hell, not even in a few weeks since we all graduate soon. I know I should be in there partying it up, living in the present but I cannot help but think of how we all won't be together like this and it makes me sad."

It was almost like looking into the future as Wonwoo described his inner turmoil. You and Mingyu, and a few of the other guys, were still had another year or two left in college. However, Wonwoo and the other guys would be graduating this upcoming May.

"Do you know where the other guys have decided to go?" You asked in a quite tone. You hope you weren't upsetting him by your questions.

Wonwoo slowly nodded. "Yeah, I think Seungcheol and Jeonghan are moving to the city. Seungkwan has talked about moving in with them once he graduates next year. Joshua and Jun have jobs lined up in their hometowns, so they'll be moving out probably at the end of May. Hoshi? I have no clue. He hasn't even applied to any jobs yet. And Woozi and I have been applying to graduate schools. He's leaning towards business and I think I want to go in a more software engineering route."

"Have you heard back from any schools yet?"

Wonwoo couldn't fight the smile creeping on his face. He knew you cared deeply about Mingyu's friends, but he never thought he would be looped into that circle. He always kept his distance just because it was just convenient, it's what he knew. It also kept him safe in a world filled with chaos and unpredictability.

"Yeah, I actually heard from two schools, so I'm trying to decide. One of the schools is here."

He whispered the last part. It spoke volumes to you. The thought of Wonwoo staying here meant that you might be able to make things work with Wonwoo. That is, if he was opened to the idea of you dating.

"Like part of me wants to run away from here," he explained.

While you weren't quite at the same stage as life, you understood the need. It was part of the reason why you chose to go away for university whereas all your high school classmates chose more local programs. You wanted a change of scenery, a new beginning.

"So much has changed since freshman year. I'm definitely not the same person I was. I've had my challenges like losing my mom a year and a half ago," he explained. "And all those hard times happened while I was here, so I almost have a need to move and leave the pain behind.

His casual mentioning of his mother's passing brought back memories. You remember how all the guys rallied behind Wonwoo. Some of them even skipped final presentations and exams in order to be there for Wonwoo at the funeral. You knew it wasn't in your place to attend the funeral, but you cooked a warm cooked meal for all of them. It was Wonwoo's favorite dish. It at least wanted to do a nice gesture, so Wonwoo knew he wasn't alone. You still remember dropping the dish off with Mingyu with re-heating instructions.

To this day, he has no idea how that dish arrived. He just figured one of the guys ordered DoorDash.

While Mingyu begged you to stay, so you could give it to Wonwoo himself, you didn't want to overstep. You knew grief takes all shapes and forms, os you thought the best thing you could do was give the space for Wonwoo to feel his emotions.

Little did you know he's been harboring those emotions this whole time, almost two years later.

'But then part of me worries about the younger guys. I don't want them to feel abandoned. I don't want the group to fall apart once we all move, and it feels like if I stay here then I can keep us together even while the other guys go off."

"Almost like you are the glue that keeps them all together?" "Yeah, I guess that's the best way to explain it." "But Wonwoo, what keeps you together?"

He furrowed his eyebrows as he fully looked at you. What an odd question. And based on his reaction, you felt the need to elaborate.

"I mean, it's great that you always look out for everyone. You're a real nurturer," you explained.

Wonwoo has never been described in such light before. He bit the inside of his cheek to keep the blush from overtaking his cheeks. He shrugged though as if it was no big deal.

"But what are you doing to take care of yourself? I'm not asking you to make a decision now to either stay or go because going to grad school is a big decision. Congratulations, by the way. That's incredible!"

How could you always see the positive side of things? How hasn't life damaged your spirit like it has for him? How could you see good in him when he often failed to see it in himself?

"I know it's easy to feel like you need to harbor your own emotions because it's easy. But Wonwoo, that shit can break you."

Woah. Who would have thought y/n could swear.

"I'm always going to be here if you need me, you know. I'm not just Mingyu's friend, but I could like to consider us friends too, if that is something you'd like. I'm always here if you need a place to vent, especially if it's away from the guys. I know they can be…" you trailed off.

You didn't want to offend Wonwoo as that was his core group of friends. You were just a side character brought in every now and then.

"A lot," Wonwoo finished for you.

You both shared a laugh as you nodded, confirming to Wonwoo that was the word you were looking for. Silence fell over the two of you for a moment. All that could be heard was the sound of people laughing from within the house and the crickets chirping in the backyard. It was peaceful.

"You know, I've always wanted to say more than hello to you, y/n. Thank you for letting me vent. I wasn't expecting for it all to just spew out like that," he confessed.

Looking at him, you nodded a blush had fully taken over his cheeks but a wide smile remained on his lips. He looked too adorable. The moonlight was highlight his facial features which left you starstruck. He truly was built like a God.

You scooted closer so you could wrap your arms around Wonwoo. He tried his best not to let his body go tense. Wonwoo just wasn't accustomed to someone showing him affection in such a physical way. To be honest, he couldn't remember the last time he actually had a hug.

Slowly, his arms wrapped around you to pull you in closer. You didn't mind his hold on you was a bit tight. He clearly needed it. Your head rested on his shoulder, which allowed you to get a whiff of his cologne. Teakwood and oak. It made your heart fluttered.

But what really sealed the deal was feeling Wonwoo's head rest on top of yours gently.

"Always here for you, Wonwoo." "Promise?" He whispered. "I promise."

[takes1]

I'm gonna start by saying that your fics are amazing! I love the way you write and I always get immersed in them. I would like to request an Osamu x reader fic, i was thinking about a childhood friends pining for a decade!au happening while working in his Onigiri shop, you might add Suna if you want,perhaps as a love triangle and misunderstandings as in Osamu thinking that the reader like Suna. As for the smut, I'll leave that to you 👀

thank you so much for supporting!! i love getting these requests and hearing from you! it really helps. not gonna lie, this one challenged me, but i think it turned out well! hope i got this right :) thanks again for the request love

warnings. lite!nsfw. minors DNI info. hq lite!nsfw / safe consent practices / mutual pining / some angst, some hurt, but pay-off / husband material!osamu / timeskip!osamu / childhood friends to lovers / miscommunication / r.i.p suna's unrequited feelings / misunderstandings / osamu gives great hugs / osamu is a wine snob / osamu is a little shy / 2.5k words 🤍haikyuu collection. more of my hq here more links. my ao3 / masterlist / request box is open so give me some ideas pls!

Your heart gave an all-too familiar squeeze at the sight of an old friend.

There he was, clad in a black cap, apron, and a well-fitting shirt. His face was one of slight concentration, his mouth in a straight line, jaw flexed. A strong arm lifted the black bag he carried high into the trash in the alley with ease.

"'Samu!" His nickname was like a sigh of reassurance on your tongue.

He turned, a stern face letting up as soon as he recognized you coming towards him. He quickly discarded his gloves in the trash and made forward to meet you. It ended in a hug in the middle of the sidewalk.

Business was so slow today, he really wasn't expecting any surprises- especially not any pleasant ones.

"(Y/n)." Was a mumble against your hair, charged relief on his breath. He was lifting you off of your feet and melting into you at the same time.

Your eyes stung a little when you tucked your face into his comforting shoulder. It'd been so long since graduation, but everything was coming back to you, all at once, against your will.

Maybe it was because you could still taste the onigiri you just finished, but those lunches he used to prepare for you kept cropping up. You weren't sure why it kept making you want to cry, though.

"I missed you!" You whispered, swallowing a sob.

He gave you a crushing squeeze in return. He certainly hadn't stopped working out since your high school days. There was a hesitation in letting each other go.

"God," His quick blinking made you feel better for getting emotional, "What are you doin' all the way out here?"

You sniffled and turned to Suna, briefly forgotten at the table, "I told you those fillings tasted familiar!"

There was an unmistakable shock in Osamu's eyes when you turned back to him, "We were just grabbing lunch. I had no idea 'Onigiri Miya' would actually mean you!"

He missed the natural beat to respond- instead of letting your declaration die, you kept up the attempt to rekindle things.

"Did you get a new number?" You asked, quieter, trying to catch his eye, so you leaned your head further between him and Suna.

He looked down at you with a much softer expression, "Hm?"

"I- texted you a couple months ago, I just assumed you got a- new number," You trailed.

It felt a bit forced and loser-esque to ask the reason why he hadn't texted you back. Two months was a while to get 'caught up' in something, after all.

If he didn't want to talk to you, he technically didn't owe you an explanation.

He blinked. It didn't cross his mind that you would've texted him-- his fingers fumbled for his phone in his pocket to show you a new iPhone.

"Yeah," He sighed, "Shit, I didn't think to tell anyone but 'Sumu..."

This time, he felt like the loser. He didn't have many people to text, nowadays. But he certainly didn't want you and Suna to know that.

Relief flashed across your face as you admitted in a light laugh, "Oh, thank god. I really thought you were ignoring me!"

"Let's all exchange numbers," You suggested.

You looked back to Suna and thought you saw some hostility in his eyes, "So we can all meet up sometime, when you're not working."

The process of getting each other's contacts was quiet and stilted. You thought better of making plans here and now, because there was an indescribable feeling that something was wrong.

Maybe the timing.

Osamu frowned at his phone after getting it back from Suna.

Maybe the place.

Suna gave a subtle sigh when Osamu put his number in.

Your text to Osamu that night garnered a response so quick that it made up for the months of uncertainty and pseudo-grieving. Your oldest friendship was not buried as deep in the ground as you had previously thought.

It ended in a suggestion you weren't expecting.

There was nowhere you both wanted to eat at, and no activities you could think of that would allow for the long conversations you both favored.

I could cook for us.

You knew better than to deny him the chance to cook, but it was clear to both of you that it felt a little too forward. A little too intimate for just two good friends.

That wasn't enough to keep you from agreeing immediately.

Certain that he didn't feel the same, you rationalized that you had nothing to worry about.

Dark red swirled slow, unending circles in your glass. You weren't one for red, but he brought out a vintage just for you tonight.

The perfectly plated dinner in front of you didn't last long. Osamu made it so easy to like foods you swore up and down you hated; you didn't question his choices despite your usual pickiness.

There were a number of times you had to pretend not to notice him watching you eat. He was pretty obvious, because he'd raise his spoon full of food, then let it hover mid-air, and turn his whole head to watch you chew. It was as if he was waiting for you to declare it was the worst thing you'd ever tasted.

He was still working on his -most likely cold- plate minutes after you cleaned yours off. It left you to catch up to him in glasses of wine. The bottle was nearing empty and you were still on your first.

"Do you have any roommates?" You asked, glancing around a spacious apartment.

It was so still. You'd surely die of loneliness, if you were him.

He shook his head. It made sense with his preference for solitude, but it still made you sit back and sip on your wine to keep from voicing your concern.

"It's quiet," Osamu wiped his mouth with his napkin and pushed his plate forward, "I know."

Was your discomfort that obvious?

His chuckling won out over your insistence that it wasn't that bad, and you eventually were resolved back to slouching in your chair again.

"You just need some- flowers," You motioned to the center of the table, not believing in your advice in the slightest, "Or... something like that."

"To be fair, I never sit at the table."

He poured the last of the wine into his glass. You stared down at yours. He still spoke and acted stone-cold sober. You had to wonder how much he drank, with this bleak living space.

"Not a fan of Merlot?"

This was getting a little embarrassing.

This time, you gave in, "Not feeling this one as much."

His brow raised. He had a layered expression, like he was torn between two sides of himself for a split-second.

He eased up and slid his elbows on the table, wine glass looking absurdly tiny in his hand.

You admired the gentle way he held the delicate glass, how he knew just how the weight was supposed to be distributed in the webs of his fingers.

"You drink wine much?" He had that completely immersed look on his face that was always so difficult to return.

He mistook your trouble to return his gaze as discomfort, and laughed, retracting his body from the table, "I-'m sorry--,"

"No-no it's okay-!" You put your hand on his arm and scooted your chair closer to affirm that you didn't mind his proximity -that you in fact welcomed it- and rambled, "I- don't, drink wine like that. So I- wouldn't really know what's good."

His gaze sent a shiver surging through your whole body. What an intense pair of eyes. He leaned forward on his elbows, thumb rubbing his freshly shaved cheek.

"It's an expensive hobby."

You were wracking up inappropriate questions by the second. First, the lack of love in his sad apartment, then his potential alcohol issues, now his salary.

The quiet clink of his glass on the table. A heavy, warm hand stilled yours on his arm, and he caught your troubled gaze.

"But it's just a hobby," He smiled.

The apartment filled with shared laughter. You were getting read like an open book, you couldn't help but cool your face down with the back of your hand.

"I-I promise, I'm not trying to judge," You sighed and grinned at what you noticed as his slightly tipsy giggling, "I just... care about you."

Osamu took a breath to say something, but something else flickered across across his face.

His hand was starting to slip from yours.

"So, you and Suna again?"

You laughed at what you thought was a joke. He didn't return it; instead, he let go and took another big sip from his almost empty glass.

"Oh-," You realized he was mistaken, "We're not together."

"Mm!" He swallowed and laughed, "Oh- that's good."

His focus faltered with a small cough, "I mean, not good, but-,"

"That's not something I want to go back to," You saved his embarrassing admission gracefully and looked away, only thinking about that short-lived relationship in high school.

Suna was just a distraction. A temporary filler for your unbearable emptiness. You never stopped loving Osamu, even when you had everyone else fooled. In the end, Suna just made you miss your friend more, since it sparked an unspoken drift in the process. It wasn't one of your brightest moments.

The look on his face was asking for more information. A 'So... why?' was on the tip of his tongue. You saved him the breath.

"He reached out. I was free, and I wanted to make sure we were alright after things ended like that."

Osamu nodded slowly, swirling half a sip of wine in his glass with careful consideration.

"You talk about it like you never liked him," He sighed against the rim, then shot it back in a way that made you realize why he was drinking so much.

He didn't have the courage to talk to you like this without it.

Your thumb, still resting on his forearm, rubbed thoughtfully. If he was being this candid through his actions, you didn't mind coming clean about a few things.

"I didn't," You admitted in a breathy half-laugh, "It wasn't real to me."

You shut your eyes tight and seethed, "I know that sounds so cruel--,"

"Yeah," He chuckled.

"Okay- I meant it like..." Your thumb was tapping on his raised skin, "I needed a distraction. You know I was struggling. He really was sweet. I know I should've treated him better."

It was clear that there was no hero to the story. You were all flawed, to some degree. Osamu's hand returned to yours. This time, he squeezed.

"You know I don't judge you for that."

All things considered, that break-up was still fresh. It was only briefly before your graduation date.

"Hey-," He reached up to turn your head towards him. It was a bit much and left you both warm and fidgety, "You know that I know that you're a good person."

His hand fell to your forearm.

It was fleeting, but you felt an energy between you. It was different. It filled that space in your heart you'd long since carved out for him.

Fleeting must be reiterated, because it was gone in an instant as he cleared his throat and stood, collecting the dishes in one trip with skill you could only attribute to the nature of his work.

You chugged the rest of your wine with a shudder so it wouldn't go to waste and skittered after his swift movement towards the kitchen.

If there was any place in the house that didn't feel lifeless, it was the kitchen. Spacious and clean, sure, but every tool and appliance here was cared for and used often.

It distracted you to slow down.

There was a level of respect you felt was necessary for a space so important to Osamu.

He began washing the dishes.

"Please let me do something," You begged from behind him.

All you got was a stoic head shake.

You leaned on the countertop behind him, staring at his back in that clean, black shirt. Would you ever get over him?

His words and actions from tonight turned over in your head. That hug you shared yesterday afternoon made your hands slip from the counter.

It may have been the wine that inspired your resolve to actually follow through, but your motivation did have years of pent-up desire behind it.

His body stiffened at the feeling of your arms around his waist, the side of your face pressed against his warm back. He smelled like a woody, musky cologne.

"Thank you," You muttered, mostly for his kind words, but its roots extended much farther than just recent events.

The sound of the water shutting off encouraged you to loosen your grip. The doubt started settling in as he dried his hands with a hanging towel, wordless.

His hands just barely grazed yours as you retracted, heart racing at the fact that you couldn't take that back.

He turned around to face you. Your eyes were busy avoiding his, so you were taken by surprise when he leaned down to pick you up from the waist.

It was just as easy and comfortable as the first time-- his shoulders spacious enough to bury yourself in, his hold so secure you didn't have to spare any strength holding on. He could support you all day.

A breathy groan, like he was a settling house, brushed your ear and sent tingles down your spine.

He set you down, but guided your arms to stay around his neck. You looked back and forth between his eyes, no longer unsure about his feelings.

"I missed you so much."

He was a clumsy kisser, but you didn't mind.

His hands were skilled and sure. It was more than enough to make up for his hungrier, rather than soft kisses.

One kept you steady by the back of your head, the other taking up your entire shoulder to guide you backwards against the kitchen island.

He rendered you breathless quickly- you pulled away for just a moment and he took it as a good sign to lift you up onto the countertop.

No part of you questioned this intense show of affection-- it felt like a fitting release of years-long tension and unspoken feelings.

They still remained unspoken, for the most part, but it could wait.

His hips pushed hard against your own, eliciting a soft, fluttery sound against his mouth.

He ate it up, wanting another so bad that one hand grabbed at the bend in your hip and thigh to keep you against him.

Your tummy twisted in a mixture of delightful pleasure and desire, everything below your waist all giddy and jittery as his fingers squeezed your hips with a need you never knew he was harboring.

Thighs trembling with nerves, his steady grasp pushing down helped to calm and stall you. You caught your breath with your forehead pressed against his. You unhooked your legs.

"W-hat?" You swallowed, praying to God this wasn't some mistake.

His wine-flushed face answered your question with no response.

"We shouldn't...I'm not--," He bit his cheek at his own restraint, brow tight with regret at his own actions from earlier.

You nodded, a little buzzed yourself, and laughed at his concern, "I'm okay with just kissing."

my masterlist.

requests are open!

[foreverisntenough]

- YOU’RE MINE -

Summary: While you daydreamed about his face an ocean apart, he had no idea what yours was about to do to him. With a twist of fate and the heat of summer, a new relationship would completely ransack his heart - Everyday heavy with the thought of one another, neither of you were going to let the unexpected love of your life go. You were going to be his, you were his, and you were going to stay his.

Warnings: This story will contain fluff, suggestion, smut and angst- not sure yet!

Note: I was planning on keeping this just for myself so please be nice. I hope you like it! There will definitely be more parts (don’t know how many just yet though)

Chapter 2 - ‘You’re Mine’

“Any notes on what I should wear?”

A few hours had passed when you received another message. It was cute he cared. You cared about what you were going to wear and had been thinking about it for what felt like forever. It made you feel better he wanted to be dressed right too.

“You’ll look good in anything. Not worried”

“Wasn’t my question”

“Seriously, anything is fine. It’s just a regular restaurant...”

Trent rolled his eyes at the concept of a ‘regular’ restaurant. What did that mean to you? He was beginning to get nervous. He paced around his room as his friend laid across his hotel room’s couch pestering Trent with questions about you he didn’t know the answers to yet. This shouldn’t be that hard but knowing nothing about you made him both curious and terrified.

You finally landed on a pair of denim shorts… your sister would definitely say they were too short to wear on a first date but you weren’t upset about Trent getting some ideas. You pulled on a white cropped tank top. In the mirror it was hard to tell how sheer it might have been. Was it just this specific light in your room highlighting your nipples through the material? You stared hard but decided you were okay with that. You wanted him to see. You wanted to tease him and push him to the edge. If you were going to go on this date at all you wanted him to want you. You couldn’t risk him thinking you weren’t down. You picked out a pair of black heels that wrapped and tied around your ankles. Your legs looked long and toned in them. You were happy with the look but it felt like a lot, maybe a little too obvious, to just be bare in a tank top. In an effort to ‘cover up’ you opted for an oversized blazer on top. You grabbed a black Chanel flap bag from off a shelf filling it with essentials. You felt comfortable but hot and that’s how you wanted your night to go.

Trent took a car to your apartment that night after you gave him the address. It sunk in further how little he knew about you. It was more terrifying than it was a curiosity now. The driver opened the door for him and he thanked him politely. Trent stood in front of your apartment building apprehensively. He felt the breath leave his body, relieved. He wasn’t sure how he felt about himself that he was suddenly evaluating you based on where you lived. The luxury building with white marble floors, chandeliers, and a suited doorman made him relax in a way that he almost felt disappointed in himself. He didn’t like to imagine or assume that people were trying to use him but he couldn’t always shake it. The building brought him level that you two maybe would run in the same circles should you ever been in the same place before this. You more likely didn’t have an agenda to use him so he calmly texted you, hands still shaking a little

“Here 😉”

Your heart began to beat faster now he was downstairs. You locked your door behind you unsure what kind of night you were about to have. Unbeknownst to you, you were considerably less nervous than Trent. But your assurance about your outfit and the date fell to pieces the second you saw him. You felt small as you approached him from behind. He didn't see you yet as he stood facing the street. You could smell him as you got closer. The amber scent you liked early made you feel warm, the images you saved of the sun on his hand as it stroked your arm flooded back. You snaked your hand up his arm squeezing at his bicep. He raised his eyebrows as he turned around with a sly smile. Alternatively, he completely cooled finally at the sight of you. He felt calm; like this was meant to be his normal.

He pulled you into a hug without a word. He engulfed you. You were surrounded by him and couldn’t have been happier. He tucked you under his chin. He could feel your long nails and ring adorned fingers drag around him. His heart beat faster at the sensation. His hands slowly slid down your back towards your ass but he managed some restraint. It was the most perfect hug you ever received. He felt so good like you were supposed to be in his arms and he thought so too. He hummed at your embrace. He liked you this close to him. He wanted you in his arms all day after you met. He reluctantly began to pull away not wanting to weird you out. You softly closed your eyes at the idea of his body coming off of yours. You wanted the exact opposite from him. He took a small step to back away and smiled sweetly at you.

“Told you” he spoke into the crisp summer night.

“Hmm?” You looked at him for a moment trying to workout his words.

“I told you I’d see you” he put his finger under your chin raising it to look him in the eye. You felt butterflies being so close, his hand back on you.

“You were right. To my defense though, you’re quite famous and.. “ you paused as he smirked. “..I’m only just me so I thought this was pretty far fetched” you turned your head away from his gaze self conscious because he wouldn’t break his stare.

“The word ‘famous’ is also pretty far fetched” he joked using your words. “I needed to see you though” he moved his head to be in your new line of sight.

“Needed?” You questioned the word choice.

“You drove me mad the rest of the day, you know that?” He confessed honestly in an effort to make you more comfortable but it only made you more nervous in front of him.

“Sure” you agreed facetiously looking at him skeptically even though his words sounded heartfelt.

You both couldn’t look away from each other now.

“So the subway…” you muttered out a transportation suggestion for dinner. Trent’s breath hitched a little. He was trying to remember if he’d ever been on the subway. He wasn’t sure he wanted to go on the subway to be honest. His face was evident of his growing anxiety.

“I’m kidding, we’re going to walk. That okay?” You soothed his racing mind. He sighed relieved but reluctantly.

“You’re not as funny as you think” he quipped. You walked next to him up to the corner of your block towards the restaurant.

“No one has ever told me that. That’s so mean.” You feigned being hurt by the comment.

“I’m obviously kidding” he stopped walking, nervous he had somehow messed things up already.

“And so am I” you snapped and giggled stepping into the road to cross.

“..so this is my little world; my dry cleaner, where I get my bagels when I’m hungover, my friend lives a few blocks that way..” you kept talking filling the void. Trent was entranced, he wanted to listen to you give a tour of the entirety of Manhattan. He nodded and hummed at your remarks starring blatantly at your face. As you approached the restaurant you looked at him, catching him. He wasn’t embarrassed though he just winked back at you. The ruse that he was shy now was crazy to you. How did he often present so meek in the media.

“Hope Italian is okay. I feel like it’s sort of a neutral ground” you sung as your eyes remained locked on his.

“It’s regular” He was making fun of your text earlier and it made you smile that he was so light with you. He wasn’t afraid.

“You’re not as shy as everyone thinks you are huh?”

“Do people think that” he looked at you inquisitively as you pointed to the door of the restaurant.

“I mean I did. You kind of give off that vibe….online at least?” You raised your voice with question at the end because you thought that but on what ground. You’d never met the man till today. Your basis was just off how you wanted and assumed him to be in your head.

“Hmm, didn’t know that. I guess I’m reserved around new people but if im comfortable, I’m comfortable. I wouldn’t go as far as saying I’m cocky but I back myself in most situations.” You watched his lips move slow. His honest reveal had your heart fluttering, he was so real. So human, which seemed odd because he solely existed behind a screen and in your dreams before this.

“New people?” You repeated... “doing pretty okay so far with me” he just laughed. You went up to the hostess for your reservation and she ushered you to a small two top table tucked away in the dimly lit restaurant.

“All good?” He asked you as he held onto your hand to help you tuck into your seat against the wall. The contact had you overwhelmed but you nodded at him.

“Feels like it’s just us in here” he spoke again softly.

“that an okay thing?” You asked nervously trying to read his face. He reached over the table and traced around your open palm with his finger. The touch had you screaming inside. He was so pretty. God, in the low lit room he was glowing. It felt unfair. Who looked like this.

“A really good thing” he interrupted your thoughts and kept talking. He aimlessly looked around the restaurant, easily flowing through conversations about everything. It felt energizing to be with him. Vibrancy came naturally to him. He was effervescent in his appearance, his words, his actions. You smiled in the middle of one of his sentences. He stopped talking and looked at you.

“Sorry” you giggled “you are actually just so beautiful” he rolled his eyes shutting them.

“I’m supposed to say that to you.” He quipped.

“Yeah, if you think it. If you don’t.. don’t get my hopes up please” you continued in your fit of giggles. Completely lost in your juvenile crush trying to ignore the idea that he might very well be into you.

“I like that little laugh.” He cooed. You slowed and composed yourself. You smirked pulling your glass to your lips trying to hide the blush coming over you. He swallowed at the look of your lips pressed flush against your water.

“Do you drink? I don’t even know?” You changed topics. He laughed quite hard at your segue.

“Yeah, I do. What do you like though?” He asked you.

“You pick. I’ll get what you get. Happy with anything.” You were trying to be relaxed.

“That easy to please?” He inquired giving you a cheeky look.

“If you’re asking..” you paused.

“I’m asking” he filled in the gap.

“I’m a tequila girl butttt honestly I’m happy with anything.” He grabbed the waiter and ordered two drinks politely. You asked what he picked but he withheld and wanted you to guess when they got there. When they did you rattled off guesses on what was in the cocktail in front of you.

“Agave” he hummed at your correct guess. He watched you scramble with a puzzled look on your face he liked. You kept staring at the drink hoping for some visual clues.

“You know you’re gorgeous, don’t give me that shit” he cut your train of thought again “if I think that..get your hopes up” he mocked your tone

“Huh?” Your puzzled face stuck

“Come on baby, don’t be coy. You know exactly what you do to people, me in particular now.” He said sternly. The pet name had you internally freaking out. It was so seamlessly woven into his words. You loved it. You wanted to hear it again and again.

“No, no it’s not like that” you shyly retorted

“You don’t see the heads turn?” He pried

“It’s not something I ever thought about I guess. It doesn’t register that it might be because I’m anything special I just assume it’s like one off.”

“A one off that happens every single day?” He joked with a smug look. His argument was ironic coming from someone millions of people adored yet shied away from the word ‘famous.’

“You’re very” he slowed his words trying to tame his eagerness “very beautiful… like just unreal baby”

You felt the word hit your ear again. You could listen to it all day.

“Yeah, yeah. Okay I’ll take your word, baby” you stressed the word. Wanting to give it a go and see his reaction. You weren’t sure if he even knew he had called you baby but your emphasis pulled a smile from him.

“Yeah?” He questioned at nothing. You just hummed smug with the situation.

“I like your little world” he reminded you of your earlier comment walking to the restaurant “it’s nice, like you, you’re nice” his eyes trailed from the table up your body and onto your face.

“Please stop” you quietly mumbled. You placed your thin manicured hands over your face hiding from him in embarrassment. He seemed amused at the child like action.

“Honestly” he moaned out. You peaked through your fingers to look back at him.

“What are you being shy for now, huh?” He cooed pulling your hands from your face with his. Your hands lingering in his. “Seducing strangers on the street… but now you can’t take a compliment, yeah?” He shook his head but you were quick with your words.

“Okay, seducing is a strong word” you laughed.

“Come on just let me tell you how much you’ve been running through my mind” he pushed.

“Sorry” you apologized to which he seemed confused at.

“For…” he paused.

“Being in your head I guess” picking up your drink to hide your flushed cheeks. He hummed.

“yeah, I don’t exactly mind you in there” he said suggestively.

“stoppp” you quietly cried out laughing a little. “Why are you like this” moving your drink to hold it directly in front of your face now.

“I’m genuinely not doing anything but talking. Do you want me to stop, turn around, talk to you with my eyes closed or something” he joked

“you’re ridiculous” you pushed your chair in, needing to be closer to the table, to him, accidentally brushing your smooth leg over his. It wasn’t intentional but the touch gave you both a buzz. He pushed your drink down away from your face.

“Don’t hide that face from me baby” he continued raising his eyebrows. You playfully rolled your eyes in return.

You had no idea what time it was now but you didn’t want your evening with him to be over. You had finished your dinner and you hadn’t looked at your phone once, neither had he. You can’t remember the last time you went out to eat without resorting to it.

“You want dessert?” you asked him hoping to prolong your date. He contemplated in silence before speaking.

“Might get little something later, don’t know… still seeing if it’s an option.” The growing cheek this boy had developed since you first spoke was surprising you.

“Hmm it could be, never know.” You said lying through your teeth. Your answer to literally anything he would ask you to do would be yes tonight. You would do absolutely anything but you couldn’t have him know that.

You fumbled over a few more conversations, your legs rubbing intertwined beneath the table like you were keeping it hidden from the other that you were doing it.

“You want to split it?” You asked as the bill came.

“Is that a joke?” He coughed out. Shocked at your seriousness.

“No, what do you mean? We ate together… I’m not expecting you to get it.” You emphasized the word together. He laughed at your answer.

“No, absolutely not. That’s absurd. This was a date baby.” He continued laughing. He stopped when he had to speak again. “What’s the normal tip percentage thing here again?”

“Let me see, I’ll do it” you went to pull the pen from him.

“Stop, I got it baby.” He shushed you. He was so rattled by the fact you were adamant about assisting in this process “I can’t even recall the last time someone asked to split a bill with me. That’s really sweet honestly.” He cooed at you and he meant it. All he wanted to do was take care of you, show you that he could, he just needed you to let him.

“Whatever you say” you retorted unamused with a grin.

He pulled the table a little letting you stand up in the tight space. You adjusted your shorts and top. You were quick to remember just how bare you were without the blazer over you now. You felt confident when you had left your apartment but under his gaze you weren’t so sure how you looked. You wanted his approval so badly, you wanted him to want you.

“You look so good” he whispered to the back of your ear sending shivers down your spine. You walked in front of you him, unable to turn around hiding how flustered you were by the comment. He pushed his chair back in. He stared up and down your body as you walked away. He felt his mouth water. The tequila was not helping how desperate he was for you. He quickly caught up to you and placed his hand on the small of your back. His touch was warm. It made your head spin. You wanted his hands everywhere but you were too nervous to push for something. He got the door and held it open for you. You uttered a thank you unsure what to do now that the possibilities were endless. One very real one being you going home separately.

You were looking down the street when he placed himself in front of you. He tucked a piece of your hair the wind had blown misplaced behind your ear. Keeping his hand next to your face, he stroked at your cheek. You smiled up at him, analyzing him, trying to memorize every single fleeting feature. This was so surreal. Every time you looked at him you felt the need to pinch yourself to wake up but he was here, real, in front of you slipping his other hand low around your waist. You purred at his touch. You felt yourself crumbling in front of him. He sensed that you weren’t totally present; he just didn’t know if it was good or bad.

“Have an okay time?” He quizzed you

“mmhmm” you shut your eyes at the dream unfolding in front of you. The tequila was racing through your blood. You were having a hard time suppressing your obsession for this man. You took your hands and slid them up his chest. He almost moaned at the touch but tried to remain calm. Your hands grazed over him slowly wrapping and entangling around his neck. Your nails scratched at his soft skin. It felt so intimate to be so close, touching him.

“I don’t want to go home yet” you spoke shyly avoiding his eyes.

“I definitely dont want you to go home unless im… uh” he trailed off insinuating but not wanting to say what he was hoping for. You giggled a little more. You probably could’ve been pushy and maybe a little sluttier with him and got what you wanted but it felt wrong. He was so nice to you. He was so soft and open with you. You wanted a little more time to get to know him. You wanted to try to imprint yourself on him before reducing yourself to some random girl he fucked on holiday. It broke you a little bit that that was the ultimate outcome of this. You leaned into his chest speaking into his shirt.

“Any interest in going somewhere else for a little? A bar?”

“Thinking I’d follow you just about anywhere” he whispered. Your heart warmed at the sentiment. You pulled away from him and you watched his eyes flutter closed trying to hold the feeling of you to him.

Trent knew it. He didn’t know if you felt it or not yet but he did. Something was different. This wasn’t normal. This wasn’t the run of the mill first date. He couldn’t put it down as one thing or another but this worked. It really worked. Despite your dramatically different lives you had a lot in common. You had similar interests and values. He needed to know you intimately. He wanted you to read him a biography about yourself. He hated that there wasn’t a Wikipedia page that he couldn’t sneak a look at to know more. He kept his hand low wrapped around your waist as you led him up a couple blocks to a new destination.

“Okay, come on. Just trust me” you grabbed at his hand and squeezed it before releasing. He was confused to say the least but comforted by your touch. He was sure you said a bar but now he was thinking he misheard you. You walked into a diner. It was very quintessential New York to a degree it was almost comical like a movie set. Trent’s eyes darted around the place. He noticed you smiled at the men behind the counter. Did you know them? You walked towards a utility closet door. He had to say something, he just couldn’t not know anymore.

“Soo…” he dragged. You turned around smiling at his impatience.

“One second! Trust me okay.” You reaffirmed. Pushing the closet door open only to reveal a staircase. You glided up the stairs illuminated by a neon sign atop simply reading ‘bar.’ You were a few steps ahead of Trent. He watched your legs stretch up the stairs, your ass hanging out a little from your shorts. He had the filthiest thoughts running through his mind; it was hard for him to focus on the task at hand.

“God, your ass. You’re so hot” the words fell out of his mouth. He almost slapped his hand over his lips as he heard it echo up to you. You turned around with a smirk and just stared at him content with the compliment, finally feeling a little better about your outfit. You stood at the door now waiting for him. He stopped you there though and slipped both his hands around your waist leaning into you.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you or anything it just came out” he was embarrassed but something about the lack of control he was feeling about you had you dripping. You brushed your hand on the side of his face, gripping onto his hair a little bit. You leaned up closer to him. Your noses now touching.

“I don’t mind if you want to talk about me or to me like that” you whispered. He could almost feel your lips movement they were so close to him. He just hummed at your suggestion, slightly afraid at what he might let slip. You made your way in, to Trent’s surprise to a rather crowded normal bar, it just happened to be upstairs hidden above a diner on the Upper East Side. You both sunk into two chairs at the bar. He pulled yours closer to him by the back of the seat.

“C’mere” you swooned at his words.

“What are you thinking?” he asked you sweetly trying to initiate an order but you stopped him.

“I want to play a game” the giggle he loved before, squeezed between your words, came flooding back.

“Yeah? Alright, go on” He liked the idea of being competitive with you.

“Alright, only if you want”

“ I do” he restated his interest.

“Okay, so” you began to ramble on but he was stuck mesmerized at how he had gotten into this situation. Here. With you.

“Got it?” You finished up.

“Wait, no, I have no idea what you just said I’m so sorry”

“Distracted?” You inquired smugly as his eyes were stuck on your chest. Anyone else you might be a little annoyed with but he could have whatever he wanted. He could look anywhere he wanted. You stuck your chest out a little more as you leaned to order a few shots. Trent was overwhelmed at the liquor appearing before him and your tits in his face. He rubbed his hands over his head snapping back and smiling at your hand now on his thigh.

“Essentially you make an assumption about me and if you’re right I take a shot, if you’re wrong…”

“Not likely but go on” he confidently interrupted your sentence smugly. You huffed, squeezing his thigh in feigned annoyance.

“Like I was saying..You can either take one. Or not. Up to you. Not sure how many shots you want to be ripping through” you laughed a little more, continuing to press your palm further into his leg. He took a deep breath

“Yeah, sound” he said. You smiled to reassure him it would be fun.

“You go first, you’re visiting and all that” you said leaning a little closer to him. His smile dropped and he looked serious. He didn’t know how far he wanted to push this but felt if you were being cheeky in the hallway then he could here.

“You purposely wore a see through shirt so I would stare” he blatantly threw out in the open. Your mouth was left open but you gathered yourself more excited than anything by his words.

“Stare at….” You wanted to push your limits with him to see where he was at and he was happy to indulge.

“Baby, you wanted me to see your nipples” a chill ran down your spine. You would do anything to have this man but wanted to keep playing to hear more from him. Maybe this would help him make a move.

“To be fair” you started and he cut you off. His hand coming to grip around your ribs. You were thin and his hands were massive around you. His finger grazed under your boobs. You couldn’t think straight when he spoke again

“baby… come on it’s the game, answer honestly” you smiled at his press.

“Fine, fine. Sure. I wasn’t exactly trying to put them on display but I’m also not hiding I guess.” You poured the shot into your mouth and whined dropping your head in your hands after being called out. Trent bit and pulled at his bottom lip knowing now that you really wanted him see you. It was your turn.

“You want to see more?” you stated and stared cold back at him. If he wanted to go this route, you were going to as well. He laughed, throwing his head to the side. He looked away and grabbed at the shot glass.

“At least make it hard for me to get out of. I think I embarrassed myself on the stairs I'm so eager to see more.” His hand moving down your ribs to sit on your waist. He made a face as the tequila went down.

“Nah” he moaned.

“You’ve thought about fucking me” the word stung as it left his lips. God did you ever but hearing him say it made you panic. Is that all this was to him? Did he just entertain your foolish naivety at dinner to get you to go home? It seemed like a lot of effort at this point for something he could’ve just asked for blatantly earlier.

“Baby, I’m asking you if you’ve ..” pausing slowing he was quick to notice the drop in your face. His hand moving again on your body off your waist up to your face. He swiped his finger over your skin. You weren’t going to let yourself but you felt like you were going to cry. Why did you care so much if he was genuinely interested all of a sudden.

“Hey” he was quietly whispering close to you. “Sorry I took it too far, I don’t want you to think… You know I maybe could’ve..” he stumbled around his words. Your hand came up and laid over his on your cheek. You blinked your eyes a few times, readjusting in your seat before looking back at him. You softly smiled and he felt slightly relieved.

“Sorry” you laughed “you caught me off guard in my own game” you shook your head back and forth at how silly you felt. “I mean it’s hard not to think about.” You finally answered him. You removed your hand from his, placing it back on his thigh, higher up this time.

“Oh yeah?” He felt better with your admission and touch.

“Mhhhm” you confirmed, staring back into his eyes, swallowing the tequila.

“Me too” he whispered coming close into the crook of your neck. His hand on the bar pushed the tequila away from you both.

“I don’t want you drinking anymore” he told you. It was commanding and hot. His lips ghosted over your skin. You could feel your core go hot and wet.

“Yeah” you whispered back to his ear. Your voice was breathy and he couldn’t help but imagine how it sounded in bed, what you would say underneath him.

Trent wasn’t sure how to navigate this now. It was obvious and out in the open that you were both interested but he wanted to be nice to you. You felt sensitive and soft to him. He felt an overwhelming amount of affection for you. He wanted to protect you. He wanted to take care of you. He swiftly grabbed the check from the bar. Pulling your chair out. He stood behind you wrapping his arms around your small waist tucking his head back into your neck once you got up. You leaned back into him pressing your ass against his crotch, tilting your head giving him more space to nuzzle into as your hands ran over his arms in front of you. He could smell your perfume circling around him. It was fresh and clean. He grunted softly in desperation.

“Baby… you’re killing me” he let out quietly. You smiled that he was starting to get wound up. You pulled at him to let go to leave but he didn’t let go of you, instead just moving with you pressed to him out of the bar. He held onto you in the street as you stared at each other trying to decide who was going to have to be brave first. It felt inevitable but someone also had to actually say it.

“I don’t really want to sleep alone tonight” you whispered as your head tilted back further against his chest.

“You’re not sleeping alone tonight” he cooed back at you. Suddenly his phone rang, cutting the soft moment directly in half.

“Sorry it’s my brother. He wouldn’t call if it…”

“You’re fine” you told him. He then put a little space between you. You could hear another thick accent on the other end of the phone call and it made you laugh.

Trent stepped back into you. Arms around you again, resting his lips on your temple. He didn’t know if he could kiss you yet but regardless he just wanted to be that close. The feeling of him on your skin had you fantasizing.

“Everything okay?” You asked him, nuzzling back against his body.

“So.. I kind of forgot I have to go to this club tonight with my friends and brothers. I have to go in order for them to get this table and …it’s all very stupid” his words were discombobulated. You turned your face away from looking up at him now. Sadness washed over you. Your eyes sank, your lips falling. Trent didn’t know how to handle the look on your face and he definitely did not like being the one who put it there.

“No, no, I totally get it. Go ahead! I’m so sorry I kept you so long” you felt the tequila buzz leave your body so fast you were shaking at the sobering thought he was going to go.

“Thank you so much for tonight though. I really had a good time. Sorry if it was too much.” You stumbled over your words panicking that you had over done it. An international footballer was in the US with boys to have a good time at clubs and here you were making him tell you about his childhood over a dinner. You wiggled away from his body now running your hand through your hair.

“Oh god this was so stupid” you muttered looking further away from him. He watched you pick yourself apart for a moment. He couldn’t let you keep spiraling.

“Was going to ask if you wanted to come with me… but you seem adamant that you’re going home” his sarcasm was not appreciated but you walked back up him still. Your hand reached for his and he felt his heart stop.

“I’d want to go” you said more confidently than you were feeling.

“Good, I told you I wasn’t letting you sleep alone tonight anyways” he smiled walking with you to the curb. You grabbed a cab sliding in across the leather seat, Trent followed you like a love sick puppy.

“Errmmm 59th and 5th please… right?” You cocked your head at him. He shrugged, not sure of the exact location of his hotel. Trent looked at you with such admiration it confused you. .

“What” you asked him. The smiling getting bigger on his face.

“That was cute.. you just know all the streets and that.” He was babbling.

“I live here, it's not something to be impressed by” you laughed at him. Trent groined and jokingly strained his voice

“Just let me compliment you. Oh my dayss!” You laughed at the drama and rolled your eyes at him. Your hand was back on his thigh. You liked it there and he liked having it there. He slid his arm behind you around your waist and pulled you closer to him. You pulled your lips in a tight line trying to not be awkward about the sexual tension filling the cab due to your proximity and the touches exchanged but also the idea that you were going to be with a bunch of guys you didn’t know, crashing their trip.

“They’ll like you, I promise.” He quieted your thoughts like a mind reader.

“And what about you.. you like me?” you pressed into him. Trent grabbed gently at your chin tilting you up to him forcing you to lock eyes with him. You took your hand off his thigh and snaked it up and around his neck meeting your other arm.

“If you don’t know the answer to that…” he paused, just losing himself a little in your stare. He jumped ahead, his desire reaching a head “are you going to kiss me tonight or are you going to just tease me till I black out?” You smiled at how dramatic he was still acting about things but you liked that he was expressive with you.

“You could’ve kissed me, you know?.” You whispered quietly to him. He leaned in to you more

“Yeah? You’re not going to stop me?”

“Definitely not”

“Good, because I can’t take it any longer” he said, licking his lips. You were in the same boat. You were itching for him to kiss you. You pulled at his neck as he finished his sentence.

His lips met yours in slow motion. Your entire body relaxed at the contact. He wasn’t just what you wanted but he was exactly what you needed. It was slow at first but heated up quickly. Your lips pressed hard against each others. He pushed his body into yours, his adoration for you had threatened to spill out of him the longer he kept waiting for this kiss. You drew a subtle breath, your emotions started to pool behind your closed eyes. You were so attached to him. Something about him made you absolutely melt. It was the most magnetic pull you ever felt. You couldn’t let go even if you wanted to.

You let out a soft moan as his hand moved to grab your ass. He palmed at it and grabbed firmly onto you. He slipped his tongue into your mouth while he had the chance. It was erotic. The buildup over the night was too much. Whilst you were trying to be considerate of the taxi driver, you also needed Trent now but he soon pulled away a little to breathe as you arrived. The smile spread across his face was the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen.

“God, thank you” he exhaled. Trent’s mind was racing with thoughts.

“You’re thanking me?” You questioned his unexpected innocent words. He laughed realizing how down he was as he paid for the cab, then slipping out and holding his hand out for you to grab. You stood up next to him and he grabbed your face, he pressed another kiss to your lips as you opened your mouth to push for more. Your hands were all over each other.

“You still want to come upstairs right” he wanted to check. He liked tonight but ultimately you were physically strangers, he didn’t want to assume. You looked at him with a disapproving look for the silly question.

“Alright, alright, I was just trying to be nice but if you want to act up” he jokingly brushed the attitude aside walking into the hotel lobby. The staff greeted him personally. It felt like a lot of pomp and circumstance but he was more than polite.

“Yeah, you alright?” He asked one of the men working who seemed thrilled at the simple acknowledgment. Trent held you so close and so tightly. You could feel a sense of possessiveness but you weren’t sure if it was authentic. It was hard to deduce if this was how he was with every girl or if this was specific to you. You got into the lift and he pressed PH. You weren't surprised so you jokingly rolled your eyes at him to poke fun.

"I wasn’t the one who booked it" he tried to unnecessarily explain.

“Uh huh” you joked. You paused though to shuffle your body “You said I had an attitude outside…"

"You did" he hummed looking down at you curiously as you moved around him pushing yourself up against his body now. You leant towards his ear. You were feeling a little more confident that you got him to take you back to his hotel. Your lips kissed at his ear, your teeth grazing his ear lobe pulling at it as he groaned tightening his grip on you.

“I promise I can be a good girl for you too” you whispered. He let a strangled breath out. His eyes widening and then shutting tight. The unbelievable urge to just rip your clothes off in this lift was tearing him apart.

“Come on” he moaned lowly at you. Sliding his hands all over you inching towards your bare breasts. You were so wet already and if you weren’t so needy for him you might be embarrassed.

“Need to get you to my room now” he whispered, stepping out of the lift but he didn’t return back to your touch. He just walked to his room's door, opening it. You curiously followed under the false pretense that maybe he was leaving you untouched. You stepped into the room after him eyes begging to find him again. Your voice broke the silence. It was meek but a wholesome comment slowing the advances made in the lift.

“I’ve never actually been in one of the rooms here, I’ve only ever been at the champagne bar downstairs” you told him. He turned to you with a soft smile. The innocence of what you were saying sounded like you were his friend. It felt comfortable but he wanted so bad to do things friends never did with you.

He sat himself on the edge of the big white bed. He leaned back onto his palms. His eyes glued to you.

“and you think…. What now?” He asked about your objective opinion on the room.

“yeah, really nice” you answered his question sweetly. Avoiding him a little, you needed to distract yourself from completely undressing him with your eyes. You began to walk slow around the room inspecting his stuff. You looked at all his shoes neatly lined against the wall. It made you giggle a little. He seemed so detail oriented. Thoughtful. You brushed your hand over some things guiding yourself through the room. It shouldn’t have been but it was turning him on. Knowing you’ve touched absolutely everything of his. Your fingers dragging over the materials, your scent drifting along. You let out a small giggle again at a bag he had left on the table. You had been obsessed since the Louis Vuitton bag was released. It was funny to you, seeing it in person. It was funny he might’ve had a similar taste to you but also the means to buy absurd items like this. His cheeks flushed hearing your laugh.

“Find anything good, baby?” He tilted his head. You swirled around on your heel. You nodded and explained how much you would’ve killed for the bag.

“Take it” he said casually.

“Um, no” you replied sternly.

“Why not?” He asked. You went back and forth. You were oblivious to the fact that Trent was throwing himself and literally anything else at you to get you to like him. He felt like a little boy. He had a massive crush on someone he just met and right now he also had a massive hard on.

“I can’t, but it was sweet to offer” you walked away to one of the windows pressing your hand against it looking out into the darkening night. Your hand steadied you on one leg as your other hand pulled at the tie of your heels.

“C’mere” he said smoothly. “Let me help you take them off baby” hearing him talk about removing anything from you had you throbbing at the idea. You walked over to him. You had lost your smile due to the nasty direction your thoughts had gone in. You were getting to a point where you were desperate for his touch but also absolutely terrified of the implications.

Trent’s hand pulled your leg onto the bed making you shiver. It was silly because you both wanted the same thing. You were adults but you felt childish in front him. You couldn’t find the courage to tell him you wanted him. You felt good about it in the lift but seeing the bed, the distressing thought of getting dressed and going home after made you upset. Why were you so attached to this person? He didn’t owe you anything close to what you now wanted. You wanted him to fuck you like he wanted to, because he liked you, not just because he could.

You felt his hand grip under your knee. You flinched. “Alright?” He questioned starting to feel your energy shift. You weren't sure if you should be honest about your emotions or just suck it up and chalk tonight up to something that would be physical only.

“Mmhmm” you nodded sheepishly. He didn’t believe you but he kept his hand on you to hold you there. It was soft and caring. He slid it from your knee down to your ankle. He pulled at the bow holding together the black leather tie of your heel. He pulled your shoe off, placing it down gently on the floor. There was something so calming about his movements. He wasn’t rash, he was methodical. He undid your other heel. You stood in between his legs now at the edge of the bed. He stared up at you. His angle was everything he could have wanted. Your face softened from the glowing lamps behind him, your tank top cut and hung just so he could see a good amount of your boobs from underneath. Your abs were taut. The waist of your shorts gaped a little due to the contrast between your small waist and full behind. His hands wrapped around you, unintentionally but happily landing directly across your ass. He just wanted to look at you for hours but his dick was getting impatient.

“Do I only get the one kiss?” He looked up at your face feigning innocence to see the reaction to his question.

“Hmm” you pretended to think your hands sliding over his chest, up his neck to grip his hair. He hummed at the sensation of your fingertips on him.

“No” placing your knee on one side of his thigh. He stared intently at it as it pushed the bed down.

“Did you think I only wanted one kiss?” You said asking him to initiate despite you wanting to be all over him. Even though you were falling apart for this man like you’d never before, it was no different logistically than any other hook up you’d had. You hated the feeling of throwing yourself at someone. You’d do it for Trent but you didn’t really want to give yourself the room to embarrass yourself.

He pulled at your other leg; still straight, up to the side of his other thigh. You straddled over him looking him in the eyes with lust but you were overthinking every single movement you made. He brought his face and lips into your neck. He was bold and slowly licked up it. The feeling of his tongue on you was excruciating delicious.

“Relax f’me” he spoke into you as he kissed and nibbled at your sensitive skin. What had he done to you. You were practically quivering. You exhaled at his command. Sinking down on his lap. You felt him hard beneath you. You snickered a little after finally feeling him.

“Y/N” he pulled away from your neck. It was short and a bit harsh. Was he mad? Had you drawn this out to far?

“I don’t think you want one kiss at all. I think you want me and you aren’t doing anything about it and it’s driving me crazy. Please” he was begging you. You pulled one of his hands from you guiding it with your own up your body. From your ass, around your hip, up your stomach, racking your ribs, under and over top of the side of your boob, over your collarbone. Your hands moving painfully slow for Trent. He just wanted to ravage you. He wanted to protect you, love you but destroy you at the same time. He needed to know what you were like in bed. Now.

Trent licked over his lips and pushed his covered cock up into your hips. You pulled at his hand again and slid two of his fingers between your lips. You sucked around them. The warmth of your mouth had Trent dizzy. Your tongue drew around and under his fingers. Some of your spit pooled at the corner of your mouth. Trent had never seen someone so perfect.

“Jesus” he mouthed. He couldn’t imagine anything but your tongue all over him now. He closed his eyes at the thought as you popped his fingers out of your mouth.

“Trent” you spoke getting closer to him. He held you tighter. His fingers gripping harder into your skin. You were so scared of him. You felt like he was going to break your heart after this but you needed to know him physically. Curiosity and desire coursing through you.

“Come here” you said slow before your mouths clashed into each other. A small gasp escaped Trent when he felt you grind yourself against him. His hand on the back of your neck crept upward, grabbing at your hair. With the tug of your hair, you moaned. Trent felt his whole body light up. He was asking the same question you were. What had you done to him? Just the sound of you had him crumbling. You pushed him backward onto the bed. There was nothing he wanted more right now than you on top of him. It felt heavenly. You could feel the anticipation building.

•

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed it. Please let me know what you think.

Moving slow but we’re just getting started xx

Next part is up - Chapter 3

[meatballlady]

It's time for the fandom to start Looking Where the Furniture Isn't

For a bit of background, one of my irl professional responsibilities is to identify and avoid making undue assumptions. There are a LOT of things that we humans assume. We assume that terminology means the same to other people as it does to us. We assume everyone has the same context of a situation we do. We assume that we aren't missing any information.

We operate on the information we have.

There was an ask before season 2 aired asking whether many of the plot points had been revealed by the clips (which almost all took place during the first half of the first episode). Neil's response was something like "oh you sweet summer children you know nothing yet." And boy was he right.

Neil Gaiman is a master of controlling assumptions. Just look at his Tumblr askbox replies.

Here's a few s2 examples of assumptions we all made (as I'm starting a rewatch):

Why did Crowley do the (very fun and distracting) apology dance? You might say it was because he walked out on Jim, but he never specified, did he? And Aziraphale was surprised that he proposed they would hide him "together"

How did Shax get a rumor about something going down in the Up (presumably) before Gabriel even went downstairs?

Did Jim need to bring Aziraphale something other than the box? He never actually specifies; Aziraphale just assumes it's the box.

Why did Aziraphale assume Maggie could feel [Michael, Uriel, Saraquael] arriving?

Why does Aziraphale say Heaven would notice even a small miracle? Crowley is seen doing a miracle before their large miracle (traffic light), and later Aziraphale makes the guy leave the table at the pub

To go deeper:

Are we assuming that characters are telling the truth? Example: "Miracles don't work like that," "[Extreme sanctions] was just something we said to frighten the cherubs" etc.

Are we assuming that nothing of note happened between apocalypse v1 and s2? (ex. the claims that Crowley didn't tell Aziraphale about the trial in heaven despite him referencing it in s2s1) What if we the audience are just jumping in near the end of this story?

Are these assumptions correct? Or are we just working with the information that we have?

Now that I'm looking for it, there's also SO many corrections of assumptions (usually for the sake of a joke, but still) (these are just the ones that happen while I type them out while watching e2):

"Can I be a blue one?" "You haven't annoyed me yet" "But can I be?"

"You recognized [Michael, Uriel, Saraquael] those people who were in the shop just now?" "Of course, they were in the shop, just now!"

"oh my god!" "blasphemy, angel, that's not like you", "no, oh, my god"

Many of the themes were about hiding things in plain sight: the kids (and kids), Jim, "aim for my mouth but shoot past my ear." Clue (1985) was heavily referenced in the lead-up. The whole point of that film was looking at what was going on elsewhere. Looking where the furniture isn't, you might say.

The more I watch s2, the less certain I am that any of it makes sense on its own.

I'm currently combing through it to see if there are any discrepancies with where people are (easiest example is when Crowley just disappears from the bookshop while they're reviewing the Job story). It'll be a lot of data and might not lead anywhere, but I'll definitely share once I finish looking into it.

I will also honestly admit that these things are all circumstantial, and I could be going insane. But they just keep cropping up all over the place. I've got a lot of time before S3 comes up and I intend to investigate the furniture. And try to not make assumptions.

[doomsayersunited]

A Decade Of Doom!

I started this blog ten years ago to compile the growing evidence that our planet would not longer be able to sustain human life by 2050, thanks to our continued, capitalist-fueled efforts to destroy all the systems we rely upon to sustain life. The first thing I put up here was this essay, on February 20, 2014. Now, a decade later, I thought it might be "fun" to look at what's changed: 1) Earth Overshoot Day

In 2014, "Earth Overshoot Day" (the day that humanity collectively consumes more resources from nature than it can regenerate over a year) was August 19th. Now, in 2024, Earth Overshoot Day is August 1st, 2.5 weeks earlier. At this rate and assuming things don't accelerate (even though they are likely to), Earth Overshoot Day will be around June 17th by 2050. 2) Biocapacity Biocapacity is the amount of resources contained on the planet required available to sustain life, measured by area. In 2014, I calculated that the planet had a biocapacity of 1.7 hectares per person. By dividing the total available biocapacity today in 2024 with the current global population as I did then, it now appears that there are just 1.5 hectares of planetary resources left per person to extract all the materials needed to sustain life, as well as all the area available to dispose of waste. That's a 12% loss over ten years. At that rate, we can expect to lose another 30% of biocapacity by 2050, going down to just 1.05 hectares per person by then, and that's assuming that the rate of biocapacity loss does not accelerate further and that the global population suddenly stops increasing after a run of non-stop increases spanning five centuries. Oh, also a reminder that the average human requires 2.7 hectares of land to sustain its current consumption habits/levels. So. 3) Individual Conservation To illustrate the futility of individual conservation at this point in the apocalypse, let me give you an example: If you were: a fully-vegan localvore living in a one-bedroom apartment with nine other people and using 100% renewably-generated electricity; who did not ever use motorized transportation of any kind or buy new clothing, furnishings, electronics, books, magazines, or newspapers and recycled all the waste you generated that was recyclable, you'd only require 1.4 hectares of biocapacity to sustain yourself. That is close to the kind of lifestyle extremism it would take to live sustainably. Deviate from that level of stoicism even slightly (say by living in a two-bedroom apartment with three other people instead of a one-bedroom apartment with nine other people and taking a single, four-hour roundtrip flight, once a year) and you're now consuming 1.6 hectares of biocapacity, which means you're using more resources than the world has available for you if everything was divided evenly among everybody. Of course, biocapacity, like all resources, are not divvied up evenly among everybody, which is why there are currently 114 different armed conflicts happening worldwide - the highest number of armed conflicts since 1946. 2023 was the most violent year in the last three decades. 4) Other Signs Of The End Times In my 2014 essay, I referenced the work of geologist Dr. Evan Fraser, who studies civilization collapse. In his book Empires of Food, Dr. Fraser noted common signs of a civilization about to collapse, which began to appear about two decades before it all goes completely to hell. Those signs were: -a rapidly-increasing and rapidly-urbanizing population We've added 700 million people to the planet since I began this blog in 2014. And where is everyone moving to?

-farmers increasingly specializing in just a small number of crops " "As farm ecosystems have been simplified, so too are the organisms that populate the farm.  A farm that specializes in a limited number of crops in short rotations does not, for example, look for plant varieties that do well in more complex rotations with intercropping.  A beef feedlot operation wants breeds that gain weight quickly on grain diets and does not want cattle breeds that digest well pasture grasses and thrive in all year outdoor environments on the range." The result? Recent estimates put the loss of global food diversity over the last 100 years at 75%. Over the 300,000 species of edible plants that exist, humans only consume about 200 of them in notable quantities, with 90% of crop plants not being grown commercially. -endemic soil erosion Climate change and the need to raise more crops have combined to increase the rate of agricultural soil erosion globally. Back in 2014, when I started blogging about the end of everything, the UN had already determined that there was only enough fertile soil left to plant 60 more annual crops. So, by 2074, we won't be able to grow food, full stop. This of course comes at a time when the global population continues to increase, and with it the need to grow more food. If projections are accurate, we will need to increase food production by 50% over the next three decades to feed everyone. -a dramatic increase in the cost of food and raw materials When I started this blog in 2014, I noted that 2011-2013 had seen the highest food prices on record. So what's happened since then?

It's important to point out here that the current food price spike started in 2020, so if Dr. Fraser's calculations are correct, the food system will collapse sometime around 2034, taking civilization with it. I closed my debut essay on this blog with a quote from the (now deceased) climate scientist Dr. James Lovelock, who advised a Guardian journalist to "enjoy life while you can. Because if you're lucky it's going to be 20 years before it hits the fan." That interview was published in 2008. We have four years left to enjoy.

[wrrrenff]

How the Stardew Valley Bachelors React When the Farmer Injures Themselves

TW:// slight injury

Ahh... The crops have all been watered and the animals all have been fed. I deserve a snack!

The farmer starts their trek back to their farmhouse, thinking about what they might throw together in the kitchen. Suddenly you adorable pet bolts in front of you trying to chase a bird, and trips you! You land hard on the ground. You groan, your body feeling sore but overall fine, and get up. You dust yourself off only to notice that you landed on some sticks and they scraped up your arm pretty bad. It honestly didn't really hurt. It did look pretty ugly though. Hopefully no one will notice it once it's all cleaned up...

Harvey:

'Hey Far-'

Notices IMMEDIATELY

I mean c'mon of course he does. HES A DOCTOR

Doctor mode activated

Asks if he can take a closer look and fully inspects your arm

Asks what you used to clean it and scolds you when you say you just rinsed it off

Drags you back to his office and properly washes and bandages you

He's been so worried about what caused this the whole time but doesn't ask. He want you to share the cause only if you're comfortable

Let's out the biggest sigh of relief when he finds out it wasn't anything serious that caused this

Is on your ass making sure you are properly cleaning the wound and changing your bandage

Will softly kiss your bandages and forehead

'Thank yoba you have such an attentive doctor to take care of you'

Alex:

Despite how tough and nonchalant Alex may seem, I think he would be pretty worried and maybe even a little squeamish toward your injury

He does get injured sometimes playing gridball but the man is clueless when it come to caring for those injuries

He would usually just go to his grandma for help... which is exactly what he did with you

'Grandma can you help the farmer? They're hurt pretty bad. I-I just want to make them feel better'

After Evelyn patches you up, he grabs a blanket and something from his room then suggests you two go take a walk on the beach

Once at the beach he lays out the blanket and you both sit

That's when he pulls out his mothers music box and opens it, letting the soothing music play

'Mom would hum this while taking care of me and it always help me feel better. Maybe it'll be the same for you'

He will hold you and kiss you to help you forget about your pain

Shane:

I feel like he wouldn't notice immediately. Maybe 2 or 3 days after it happened and it's already pretty scabbed over

'Woah farmer, did one of you chickens get you?'

Tries to keep it together but is freaking out inside

Buys you a drink to 'help with the pain'

Gets a drink for himself to calm the fear of other things that could hurt you

Starts taking more 'walks around the valley' just to stop by the farm and make sure you stay safe

Sam:

'How'd you get that mean scrape farmer?''

He wasn't even fazed

He almost immediately assumed you just hurt yourself farming

He knew it couldn't be serious since you were still acting like your usual self

Sam has had some nasty injuries from skating around so he was a PRO when it came to cleaning and bandaging

Kept on you to change you bandages

Once he got a bad infection from not cleaning his scrape enough and he DOES NOT want you to have to deal with that

Will force you to hang with him and watch movies/eat snacks to keep you from overexerting yourself

Elliot:

If he sees your injury fresh I fully believe this man would faint

'Oh darling what happened? Did someone hurt you? Was it an animal? O-oh it was some... sticks? Those dastardly sticks!!"

Man will treat you like you broke you arm

I'm talking, making your food for you, drawing you baths, tucking you into bed, even doing your farming for you

You insist your fine but he wont hear it

Will cover your arm in kisses to make you feel better

Stays on top of cleaning your wound

He will definitely take inspiration from this moment for his novel

Sebastian:

Noticed it as soon as you walked into his room

He didn't want to say anything about it but you noticed his eyes were basically glued to your arm

His mind immediately went to the mines since he's seen you go in and out many times while he goes out to smoke

Is so relieved that is was just from some stupid sticks

He will absentmindedly rub the injury lightly when he's sitting near you

Lets you lay in his bed while he works to make you feel better, definitely not because he wants to keep an eye on you and make sure you don't hurt yourself more

[kingofthering]

how to make a gif : the very basic steps

Hello, I've been asked about advice on giffing lately and I am by no mean a Photoshop expert but I think I can still show the basic steps I go through every single time I make a very basic gif (essentially, everything I create throughout a race weekend).

I am using Photoshop 2024 and unfortunately for the non-French speaking people, the texts in the screenshots are in French. However, I have translated everything in text so you should be fine. I decided to still include the screenshots because no matter the language of your Photoshop, things should be in the same place.

Overall, giffing is very much a trial & error activity, in my experience. There are several ways to go about things and with practice and fiddling around with options, you will figure out what works best for you.

This will be our end product today :

I'm going to start this tutorial assuming you already have a video to use. When I do MotoGP gifs I end up with .mov videos from screen grabbing and when I download tiktoks and reels, I end up with .mp4 videos, which work just as well.

We're going to go File > Import > Video Frame to Layers. You pick your video and then use the sliders to pick the moment you want to gif. Don't worry, you don't have to be extra precise as you will be able to trim that later (obviously your life later will be easier if you get it right the first time but it's not a big deal, better to take more just in case if you're unsure).

That last line is asking you if you want to import one in every two (or more) frames. I tend to not do it but it's honestly a preference thing. I will say, it can help when you're trying to gif a long moment (less frames for the same length of video treated).

The next three steps (choosing the frames, setting the speed, cropping) can be done in any order. I myself sometimes change things around depending on what I'm doing. The way I'm going to present is the one I use most often.

Now that the frames are here, you're going to play the gif to make sure you got the exact moment you wanted to gif.

[OPTIONAL] This is also the moment to delete frames if :

You don't want the first/last frames (can easily happen with longer videos because obviously it makes the sliders less precise),

There are frames you simply don't want in your gif (for example, I dislike seeing the flashes from camera when I gif press conferences so I tend to get rid of those),

Your have too many frames.

There is no absolute rules about that last one. As of now, you need to keep your gif under 10 Mb for tumblr to accept it. Obviously, the number of frames and the size (in pixels) of your gif are two factors that will largely impact the size (weight) of your gif.

This might be the biggest thing where experience and trial & error will help you. With my 540x386 gifs, I tend to be able to keep around 80 to 100 frames. When I do the 268x268 square ones, I'm more easily in the 200-250 range.

Once you're happy with your frames, you can set the speed of the gif (essentially how much time there will be between each frame).

To do so, you need to select all of your frames (select your first one, hold shift and select your last one) and then click on any of the current speed, if you choose Other, a window will pop up and you can choose the speed you want.

Again, very much an appreciation/try and see what you prefer thing. I tend to just double the length I was given when I imported my frames (so in that case I went up from 0.03 to 0.06).

For some reason, the speed when you play the gif in Photoshop is always slower than it ends up in real life (or it's just mine but I'm just saying you can't always exactly trust that to make your choice).

Once I'm done with that, I tend to take care of cropping next. Technically, this is something that you can still do at a later time.

Cropping is where you decide which physical part of the video you actually want in your gif.

Photoshop has some basic ratios registered but you can also set up your own preferences, which will make your life easier/faster. My usual race weekends gifs are 7:5 but sometimes when I want zooms/bigger gifs I go 540:442 or 540:415, I also have a special ratio for my cards series.

Next step : click on the three little lines above your line of frames and then click Convert to Video Timeline.

If you have deleted frames before turning your frames into a video timeline, this is the moment to be careful.

You will go check all your layers (on the bottom right of your screen) and you'll see that every deleted frame (turned layer) is missing the eye symbol (which make them easy to find). You're going to delete all of those layers.

Then, select all of your layers, right click > Convert to Smart Object.

And now we move onto the fun part, I named : coloring.

I will honestly be the worst at giving you advices on that because I am still very much learning and not exactly always understanding what I do to get the results I get. Every coloring tutorial I have saved can be found here.

The one thing that matters is to make sure your adjustments (coloring) layers are above your smart object.

If you hadn't cropped your video before, now is the last time to do it. Or, well, I've seen people do it after sharpening their gifs but I always have doubts about whether or not it has an impact on the quality of the gif. Anyway, this is the last moment where I would do it personally.

Note : if you are happy with the size of your gif but want the video to be a little more to the right/left/top/bottom, select your smart object and use Move to move your video around (quick Marc apparition because I thought of this when writing the tutorial).

I personally have an action set up for the next steps. I click on one button and it takes care of resizing my gifs and sharpening it. I will go into the detailed version of things (how to do it without an action) below. A bunch of people have also made actions ready to use downloadable. You can find some in my big everything photoshop related tag and a tutorial on how to build your own here.

If we want to post this on tumblr, we're usually going to want this gif to be 540px wide or 268px (two gifs side to side).

Let's go to Image > Image Size.

For sharpening, I'll admit that it should depend on the quality of your video but I always do the same things. Here is a tutorial on sharpening if you want to understand how things work better.

Make sure to have your Smart Object selected and go to Filter > Sharpen > Smart Sharpen.

And we're finally done. Time to export this bad boy.

To do that, we're going to hit File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy).

Here, there are a couple of things you can touch, a couple you shouldn't (compared to the image below).

The main one is going to be the number of colors you will accept on your gifs. 256 is your maximum and the lower you go, the more the quality of your gif will decrease but so will its size. This is where you can spend time trying to find a compromise to get under 10 Mb (a second solution to diminishing the number of frames, often times those two options go hand in hand).

This is a great post to explain the different options of the other settings.

And were we go, a pretty decent gif :)

If I didn't make sense at all and think you need a tutorial by another person, you can find a bunch of resources here and I personally (re)learned with this one. I've already link my general photoshop & coloring tags but I also have some dedicated to : typography & blending.

[cal-kestis]

HOW TO: Do a Motion Blur Transition Using Timeline or Frame Animation

Hi! Someone asked me for a tutorial on the transition effect in the second gif of this set (also featured in this set and the text on this set). So, here it is! This is one of the easiest and least tedious of the gif transition effects in my opinion — and I’m going to go over how to do it both in Timeline and Frame Animation (using the screencap method). Disclaimer: This tutorial assumes you have a basic understanding of gif-making in Photoshop.

PHASE 1: PREP

This phase applies to both the Timeline and Frames method!

1.1 – Prepare your caps. (New to gif-making? Check out my basic tutorial here!) 

The key to this kind of gif is making sure your final gif, with all the transitions, won’t be too long or too big of a file to post (Tumblr’s limit is 10 MB). 

If your gif is going to be big like mine (540x500px), you might want to keep your total frames between 50-60. I decided to try getting away with a whopping 70 frames total... because I like to test fate (spoiler: my final gif ended up being 9.6 MB 🙈). Since my gif is transitioning between two scenes, that means each scene was 35 frames. 

If you aren’t doing screencaps like me, just make sure your clips are equal in length. And if you’re transitioning between more than 2 scenes (like the Mando example I linked at the beginning), you’ll have to use shorter clips/fewer frames per scene. In my Mando gif, each scene was 16 frames and my final gif was 64 frames. 

1.2 – Crop, sharpen, color, etc. as you would. For this, since you’ll probably have 2 more more sets of coloring, just make sure your coloring is only being applied to the appropriate gifs. The way I do that is by aligning my adjustment layers with my gif as you can see in the screenshot in 1.3 below.

1.3 – Arrange your frames or clips. If you’re working in Timeline, drag the clips/layers of your second gif so they’re immediately after the ones of your first gif. I like to keep things separated in Groups: 

Note: I’m keeping my text layers separate because I don’t want the motion blur to affect them. But if you wanted to make your text transition from one word to another, you can either follow the same steps I’m about to show you and apply them to your text layers, or simply merge your text layers with your gif and adjustment layers, so they can all get the motion blur filter applied to them!

If you’re working in Frames, simply paste the frames of your second gif after the frames of your first gif. Again, you can either keep your text separated or part of the motion blur.

METHOD: TIMELINE

T.1 – Divide the Timeline. Using the Scissors Tool, you’ll want to divide each gif so there are 3 small segments at the beginning and end. (3 is my go-to, however, for my Mando gif, I actually only did 2 segments because each section was already so short.)

Now there are two options for this:

OPTION 1: Simplest, 00:01 Seconds Each, Makes Duplicate Frames

You might be wondering, why on earth would I want duplicate frames? You wouldn’t, usually. But this method only causes the duplicates to happen on the blurred frames, so it’s not noticeable at all! However, if you’re like me (read: Type A) — just knowing there are duplicate frames may bother you. If that’s you, go to Option 2.

Each of these segments are the absolute smallest Photoshop will allow, a duration of 00:01. 

Sometimes Timeline won’t let you cut things that short (for me, this typically only happens at the end of a clip). So my work around is to cut the segment so it’s 00:02 seconds long, then drag the clip until it’s as small as it can be. Here’s a gif showing that process:

You can see that after I dragged the clip so it would be 00:01, I also dragged the big clip over so it would still continue as normal. Timeline is neat because, even if you divide a clip, each segment can be dragged back to its full length. 

OPTION 2: 00:02 / 00:01 / 00:02, No Duplicate Frames

Timeline works in a weird way... when you move forward one frame by clicking the right arrow, you don’t always see movement in your gif. And if you don’t line up the clips properly with the movement, it can create duplicate frames. The easy way to fix this is by making the 3 segments 00:02, 00:01, and 00:02 seconds respectively. This goes for the segments at the beginning and end. 

You can see the duration of each segment and an example of how the gif doesn’t move on certain frames in this gif of my workspace:

T.2 – Apply the Motion Blur filter in varying distances or strengths. Now that we have all of our segments, it’s time to apply the blur. Motion Blur is under Filter > Blur > Motion Blur! 

This is the window you’ll see when you click it:

Note the fields where you can change the angle and distance. 

The angle is basically the direction in which you want the blurred effect to stretch. I always do 0 because I want my gifs to blur together horizontally — I just think it looks smooth. You can play around with it if you want to get a different effect!

The distance is what I like to refer to as the strength of the blur. But really, it’s distance because it’s how long the blurred effect is being stretched.

The rule of thumb here is to apply the filter in a gradation. The part at the beginning of one gif should go from strongest (greatest distance) to weakest (least distance). The part at the end of one gif should go from weakest to strongest. 

I keep things easy to remember and do 20, 15, 10 for the beginning and 5, 10, 15 for the end. The reason the numbers aren’t the same is because I don’t want the end of Gif 1 (which is blurred 15px distance) to be the same as the beginning of Gif 2 (which is blurred 20px distance). If they’re the same amount of blur, I don’t think the transition looks as smooth.

Here’s my entire timeline and the strength of blur I used for each of the transitional clips:

T.3 – Export That’s it! Convert from Timeline to Frames, export your gif, and there you go! 

Reminder, if you decided to do Option 1, you’ll have duplicate frames, and therefore more frames than you started out with when you initially imported caps.

METHOD: FRAMES

F.1 – Apply the Motion Blur filter in varying distances or strengths. In Timeline, we created segments. But in Frames, each frame acts as one of those segments — so we don’t need to divide anything. We can just get straight to the filter!

Now, disclaimer: the way I’m working with Frames right now is with the adjustment layers merged with the frames. I typically work in Timeline, so I colored in Timeline and then converted into Frames for this. However you work, just make sure the coloring from one part of your gif doesn’t affect the other part.

Anyway, here’s where to find Motion Blur again:

And here’s what the window will look like:

Now just apply the filter in increasing and decreasing degrees. In case you didn’t read the Timeline section, I’ll paste exactly what I said there:

Note the fields where you can change the angle and distance.

The angle is basically the direction in which you want the blurred effect to stretch. I always do 0 because I want my gifs to blur together horizontally — I just think it looks smooth. You can play around with it if you want to get a different effect!

The distance is what I like to refer to as the strength of the blur. But really, it’s distance because it’s how long the blurred effect is being stretched.

The rule of thumb here is to apply the filter in a gradation. The part at the beginning of one gif should go from strongest (greatest distance) to weakest (least distance). The part at the end of one gif should go from weakest to strongest.

I keep things easy to remember and do 20, 15, 10 for the beginning and 5, 10, 15 for the end. The reason the numbers aren’t the same is because I don’t want the end of Gif 1 (which is blurred 15px distance) to be the same as the beginning of Gif 2 (which is blurred 20px distance). If they’re the same amount of blur, I don’t think the transition looks as smooth.

Here are all my frames and the strength of the blur I used for each of the transitional frames:

Note: I wanted to mention again that I kept my text layers in a separate group and didn’t apply the transition to them:

F.2 – Export Finished! Easy peasy! 

EXPORTING TIP

If you’ve read my other tutorials, you already know this tip — but since I’m part of Discord servers where members are encouraged to share embed links to their creations, I often rearrange the order of my frames before saving them. (This tip is also handy for making sure the best frame of your gif is visible for Tumblr users who turn off auto-playing gifs.) In this case, I made frame 27 my new frame 1 because I didn’t want my embed preview to look like a blurry gif. Everything will still be in the same order, but anywhere your gif is paused, the best frame will be displayed!

Anyway, that’s it! If you have specific questions about this tutorial, my ask box is open. Hope this helps! <3

[kaisfruit]

Do you hate me? | Sam SDV x farmer!reader

A/N: haiii im back ^-^ i literally hate this, but im posting it anyways <3 warnings: possibly ooc Sam, smut, cunnilingus, unprotected p in v, creampie, doggy style, no gendered terms used, AFAB genitalia, Y/N used, maybe more but i cant think of them words: 2k

Life on the farm was tough. Everyday it seemed as if you were working yourself down to the bone in order to just get the bare necessities. Sometimes, it was enough for you to wonder if it was even worth moving out here and taking up work on your grandpa’s farm.

But other times, you were reminded of why it was worth it. A good pay after a day’s worth of busting your ass fishing, a nice yield of crops, and most of all, helping the townspeople and getting to know them. That last one had to be the ultimate highlight. The smile on Maru’s face when you found the right ore for her latest invention, or the genuine side of Haley you got to see when presenting her with a blackberry to take her next picture to the next level. It was things like that that kept you working hard and making the most of your days. 

Though, there was one villager that you always seemed to avoid: Sam. Sure, if he had a request on the bulletin board then you’d fulfill it, obviously, but your conversations were kept brief and you knew he was starting to notice. “Avoid” may be a strong word, but that’s how he was bound to see it. You’d hand him a pizza without looking him in the eye and when he showed his gratitude your face would flush and you’d quickly scamper off. And it’s not like you went out of your way to give anyone else special gifts. Sure, if you came across a piece of driftwood you’d offer it to Leah or if you happened to find some amethyst in the mine you’d give it to Abigail, but otherwise you would just chat to the other villagers and show your kindness through other means. 

“Hey, Y/N, got a minute?” A voice rang through your ears and you jumped a bit from where you were watering your pumpkins. Without turning around, you replied. “Yeah sure what’s up-” You replied casually until you realized who it was that came to speak with you. Instantly, you felt your palms become sweaty and your heart began racing in your chest. Your watering can fell to the ground and instantly began drowning your crops. “Shit,” you murmured, quickly dropping down to pick it up. 

“Sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you!” Sam spoke as he also dropped down to try and grab your watering can. You had already grabbed it and stood up, so he had nothing else to do but stand up as well albeit a bit embarrassed. “I’m sorry, again.”

“It’s-it’s all good.” You silently cursed yourself as you stumbled over your words. “Umm…what did you want to talk about?” You asked, wanting to get the conversation over with. 

“Oh! Yeah, um, this might sound a little silly, so I really don’t know how to ask it.” He started, staring down at his feet. “Do you, y’know, hate me?”

That’s NOT what you were expecting. “What.” You replied, shock evident on your face.

“It’s okay if you do! Well, I mean, I’ll be upset of course, but I just wanted to know if I upset you in any way or-or if there’s something I can do to make it better-”

“Sam, I don’t hate you.” You said plainly, probably the first coherent sentence you’ve ever said to him within your entire time of living in the valley.

“What?” It was his turn to exercise confusion. “But…but then why do you always run away when I try to talk to you? Or why do you keep our conversations so short? Sebastian and Abigail talk about you and what you say to them all the time, so i just assumed…” He trailed off, a frown forming on his face.

You let out a sigh and sat your watering can down beside you. Resting your hands on your hips, you looked up at him. “Wanna talk inside?” Your head motioned to your house, “I’ll explain there.”

He followed you into the house and quickly found a seat at the lone chair next to the table. You took a seat on your bed and sighed once more. He just seemed overwhelmingly confused. 

“Sam….” You began, trying to muster up the courage to say what you needed to say. It made you feel just terrible that your actions have led up to him thinking this. The silence began to draw on and on for what seemed like forever to Sam. To you, it felt like seconds as you licked your lips out of nervousness. “I like you…like, really like you.”

Sam was taken aback, shock apparent on his face. “So, you don’t hate me? We’re friends?” He smiled, relief seeming to wash over him. To that you shook your head which confused him once again. Why were you doing this to him?

“No, I, uh, think I’m in love with you, Sam.” You murmured, but he heard it and his face lit up with a blush. “So, yeah, I don’t hate you. Quite the opposite.” You tried to joke, trying to make the sting of his upcoming rejection hurt less.

“Y/N…Yoba, what a relief. I’m so glad you feel the same way.” It was your turn to be shocked. With your silence ringing out, he continued. “Your gifts are just so thoughtful and when we do talk, you’re just so cute and I can’t help but admire how hardworking you are. You’re the driving force behind all my music at this point, y’know.” He admitted with a big grin on his face.

You sat there, stunned, as this revelation dawned on you. He liked you back?! Even if you have treated him so much differently than the other villagers. Your gaze on him softened. He was too sweet. 

“You know, Sam, you’re the only person I buy and make gifts for…” You shared an admission in return for his. 

“Really?!” His grin not wavering, his eyes lit up completely. If he had a tail, you’re sure it would have been wagging like crazy. “Awww Y/N, you like-like me.”

“I literally just said that.” He laughed at your response. Sam seemed to be vibrating with joy at this new information, but then his neverending energy seemed to pause as he stared intently at you. He looked like he wanted to ask something and you tilted your head, a silent conversation happening between you two.

“Hey, Y/N, can I, like, kiss you?” He asked, looking away for a moment out of nervousness. Your face deepened in hue, but slowly you nodded. He saw this out of the corner of his eye and instantly the happiness shakes seemed to return. Sam doesn’t think he’s ever stood up quicker and he covered the distance between the two of you in a few large strides. You stood up from where you sat on the bed. The two of your shared a glance before Sam finally leaned down and your lips locked. Your eyes slowly closed as you enjoyed yourself and felt sparks fly around you. 

Sam is the one who pulled back, his gaze half-lidded as he looked you in the eyes. Then, his hands cupped the back of your head and pulled you forward into a deeper kiss. This one more intimate than the first. Sam was clearly eager as his tongue licked at your lips, seemingly begging for entrance, and you returned his eagerness tenfold as your mouth opened to allow your guys’ tongues to collide. 

You leaned back out of the kiss, breathless, as you quickly started pulling your overalls off. Sam looked stunned at your actions and you looked at him bashfully. “Did I read the room wrong?”

“Not at all.” Is all he said before he began mimicking your actions and stripped himself of his clothes. You two didn’t speak until you were both down to your underwear. Sam was clearly hard in his boxers and you couldn’t help but stare. Him, on the other hand, was trying his best to be respectful. His eyes were tempted to stare, but he was forcing himself to look you in the eyes despite the situation you two were in.

Slowly, your hands went up to unclasp your bra and you let your breasts fall free from their confines. Then he couldn’t help but stare. Taking the initiative, Sam walked on forward, closing the distance between you two, as he rested his hands on your chest. He leaned in for another kiss as he began tweaking your nipples. His hands were unpracticed, but Yoba did it feel good. It’s not like you had much practice yourself with most of your time being spent farming and fishing. It felt better than your own hands and that was a plus in your book.

“S-Sam,” you breathed against his lips, getting his attention. “Can…can you eat me out?” You asked tentatively. Like earlier you were expecting rejection, but one look at his face was enough to cast away any doubt. He looked over the moon at the mere prospect, as if he was waiting his whole life just to serve you.

“There’s nothing I want to do more.” He admitted as he watched you lay down on the bed. You looked divine. He never thought that he would ever get this chance with you and here you were, splayed out asking for him to devour you. Sam could feel his cock strain in his boxers at the thought. 

He crawled on top of you and was quick to remove your panties and throw them somewhere in the room. If any word were to describe Sam in this moment it would be overzealous. He wanted to take his time with you and unpack you fully, but Yoba were you just too perfect. You were too much for his senses. You drove him crazy. 

Sam sat there for a while just admiring your pussy until he remembered you were waiting for him to make a move. Slowly, he licked up your slit and both of you let out a moan. It took him a moment to get into it, but once he did, Sam was sloppily licking up your juices and making just the most obscene sounds as he made out with your pussy.

Your hand latched into his hair and pulled, which caused a groan to escape him, and you were a complete mess above him. Yet, your noises ticked up a notch when his tongue circled around your clit and began stimulating you there. He took note and began focusing there. Your moans may have been the sweetest song he has ever heard. Sam worked hard at your folds as his tongue continued to pleasure you.

To your surprise, you felt two fingers plunge into you which caused a yelp to leave your mouth. Not only was his tongue attacking your clit, but two fingers were, somehow, expertly working in and out of you in order to bring you pleasure. Unbeknownst to you, Sam found himself rutting against the bed as your sounds and your taste were turning him on beyond belief. 

“Sam…S-Sam,” you moaned out the only warning you gave before you came all over his face. He greedily licked up all your juices and continued licking until you pushed his head away due to overstimulation. 

You were both out of breath and took a moment to get air back into your lungs. 

“Hey, Y/N, can you flip over for me?” He asked so gently, no sign of demand in his voice, and your heart couldn’t help but flutter. You followed his request and even stuck your ass up in the air and rested your head on your arms to create the most comfortable position you could.

All you could feel was movement behind you, surely Sam taking off his boxers and lining himself up behind you, but he sure was taking his time. That was your final thought before he pushed himself inside you. An elongated moan escaped your throat that harmonized with the groan he let out. He seemed to fill you up completely. Whether or not that was true was irrelevant, all you knew was this was way better than what you could do with your hands. It took a moment for you to feel adjusted, but when you did you let out a soft “m-move” and Sam began pounding into you.

Your small little farmhouse had soft moans and the sound of skin slapping against skin echo around the space as Sam fucked into you. 

“F-fuck Y/N…” He whimpered from behind you, “you’re perfect, so perfect, fuck…” Sam’s tone was breathy and whiny as he babbled on and on. He did nothing but praise you and say how good your cunt felt as his cock bullied your insides. He could feel your walls tighten around him, signifying how close you were to climax, and he couldn’t help but be close himself. His grunts and whimpers got more frequent. Finally, your pussy clenched around him and formed a vice grip causing him to pause in his thrusts and he moaned at the tightness. Once again, you released around him and a high pitched keen escaped your throat. Sam kept fucking you through your orgasm into overstimulation, but he just kept going as he chased his own release. 

“Y/N, I’m close…” He groaned, his hips beginning to stutter. Sam leaned down and began to lick and suck at the back of your neck as he thrusted. Your moans were softer now as you tried to regain energy, yet he was still making you feel good. He straight up whined as he released into your pussy, his thick cum painting your walls. Sam humped against your cunt letting out whines as he did so as he let his release spill into you. He stayed situated there for a bit, letting himself truly enjoy your warmth against his softening cock.

Slowly, he pulled out and was transfixed by the combination of his cum and your slick that leaked out of your pussy. The sight was enough to get his dick kicking back to life and he bit his lip. You flipped yourself over onto your back to look up at him only to see his pupils blown wide as his gaze flickered up to yours.

“Wanna go for another round?”

[taesancult]

BND legal line reaction to you teasing them at public !?? I feel like taesan and leehan won’t show a single expression at first even they know what your intentions are but they will lead you somewhere else and make it clear that you were wrong for assuming that they would let it go easily

ehehe i love this concept so much! i had a lot of fun writing this, which is why it took me a bit longer because i rlly put my pea brain to good use <3 (i am so sorry this ended up being so long my bad-)

warnings: fem!reader dirty talk, being downbad in public, i went overboard in taesan’s (degradation + hair pulling in his).

18+ stuff under the cut. mdni.

sungho: definitely laughs at the audacity of you to tease him. at first, he might not even notice. if you were to abruptly bend over in front of him, he’d kinda just raise his eyebrow but pay it no mind. however, when you get more aggressive with your little game, he quickly starts to get the idea. it would go from bending over in front of him to literally not keeping your hands off of him. it would start innocently, maybe putting your hand on his thigh, but wouldn’t stay that way. at one point, you just fully grab his cock in his pants just to rile him up and he’s so taken aback all he does is look at you for a moment and then laughs. “you can’t control yourself, can you?” and you would pout at him and nod your head, agreeing with him. “i can’t, not when you look so good i mean you’re in a crop top!” he would just laugh at you again, a sweet smile on his face because he truly can’t resist you. he’d take you home and literally fuck you SO good- he’s not one to deny you, he’ll give you what you want.

riwoo: teasing is like torture for him. he gets easily shy, and you absolutely take advantage of that. you would be out on a cute lil date, but all you could focus on is how good he looks. his big bright eyes, his precious smile, his perfect dancer body- wait…yeah you were having a hard time and were determined to make him suffer with you. you whispered in his ear, snaking a hand under his shirt to touch his sensitive skin, and he would be so gone. all it takes is you saying “my riwoo~ you’re so pretty you know that? you look even prettier when you cum so hard for me” and he’s blushing and rushing to take you home so you can do exactly what you talked about. he doesn’t even have the patience to tell you off about how MEAN it is to tease a man, he just wants to go home so he can have you all to himself. lawd- do i love this man

jaehyun: baby boy is so dramatic, i mean clearly. it’s so hard to tease him in public because he’s the least coy guy (i love u myungjae never change). he’s the type to raise his voice just a bit if you were to whisper something in his ear, telling you that you can’t say things like that in public! you would give his neck a gentle kiss before whispering in his ear, saying “wanna go home? i really want you, i’m so wet for you.” and he’s like ??? he gets all blushy telling you “please, you can’t say things like that.” his response would make you smirk, causing you to want to push his buttons a little. “why don’t we go home and you fuck me with that pretty cock of yours?” you would say in his ear again, licking it just to really rile him up. he would flinch at the feeling, and nod his head then letting you take his hand to lead the way home. the fact that you teased him makes him cum even faster than usual because his mind was running a mile a minute thinking about your sweet pussy.

taesan: oh he’s a fun one to tease, especially if you’re a bratty kinda person. he gets so pissed it’s almost comical. however, you would never know because he’s good at keeping it contained. when you weren’t looking he would be glaring at you, giving you the worst side eye, and plotting how he was going to ruin you. he would giving you a warning, whispering in your ear, “no one really likes desperate sluts, do they?” LIES! he loves this side of you. so, when you persist and don’t listen to his warning, that’s when he takes you away. he would take you to a private spot and as soon as he knows the two of you are in a closed off area, he grabs your hair to make sure you’re looking directly at him. he would stare at you for a second, seeing the way you were looking at him with such excited eyes, before saying “you’re such a whore, what am i going to do with you?” you would pout at him. “i need you so bad. feel!” you’d whine out as you guided his hand under your bottoms, so he could feel your soaking cunt. he would glide his fingers through your folds. he would smirk, taking his hand out and of course licking his soaked fingers while looking directly at you. he wouldn’t do anything else, just laugh a bit and walk away.

leehan: this man does not care. you could be slutting yourself out in front of everyone to get his attention and he wouldn’t even be phased. he would just smile and laugh, making your blood absolutely boil as he’s so unbothered. if you bend over, causing you tits to be exposed, he would just say “you’re really desperate huh?” you were giving him a show, and he was enjoying it to his heart’s content seeing you so needy. he was playing a game with you, and he found it so funny seeing how frustrated you were getting when he wouldn’t react. once you finally get home, he changes completely. he’s blunt, saying “alright, you want my cock? you can have it all you want, pretty girl.” and would quite literally jump you. he’s another man that wouldn’t deny you. he’s not going to punish you for simply wanting him, he finds it cute! he would make sure to take such good care of you, fucking you until you physically can’t take it anymore.

[luffyvace]

Tanjiro x male reader<3

Tanjiro x male reader won second place in the poll!! :) enjoy tanjiro stans<3

Starting back at the final selection let’s say that’s when you met

just to clear things up

and you two started dating some time after that

of course eventually making it official

tanjiro was quite flustered when he realized his sexuality might be different from tradition

but he wasn’t afraid to be bi/gay/pan or anything

he just thought- ..! Actually he never really thought of that type of thing..

I mean he was kinda too young

but now that your together!

he has time to figure it all out :)

tanjiro is such a sweet lover!

and helpful!

and caring!

(Really he’s a ball of love)

if you feel tired he carries you

(Even if your both beat up after a mission)

if you need water he’ll spare you some of his or go fetch some

And he’s always down to spar at any type of day!

I will say he’s not thinking about you in that way when you take your shirt off

but when you do he definitely admires you!

you might have abs seeing as though the demon slayer corps has………...harsh (brutal) training 😅

if you do then he sees it as a result of your hard work!

same with scars!

especially with scars<3

he can 100% relate and you two share stories about each one

if you have any—you probably trauma bond

you guys just end up talking all night long about your past, everything that happened, your pain, whether you want revenge or not and so on!

It strengthens your trust and relationship with each other

btw if anyone asks why your together as two males or how you know you actually like men..

tanjiro will humbly and politely educate (lecture) them on how important you are to each other, how you met, why/when you started dating and even if they don’t like it, it’s simple to walk away instead of disrespecting your relationship!

I hope y’all don’t run into uzui..

(y’all do)

that man has THREE wives why wouldn’t he question when he sees you two?? 😬🧍‍♀️

tanjiro had to hit em with the quick fix cuz when I tell you he did not let that slide 😂

especially with how slick uzui mouth be gettin..😒

Tanjiro also has learned to adjust to scavenging for food (he grew crops with his mom)

as well as inosuke (he grew up in the wild) and zenitsu (he used to have crops with his sensei)

so if you can too, great!

if not the 3 of them work together to make the 4 of you meals

and after they learn how to stop burning them

theyre pretty tasty too!!

don’t expect inosuke to share.

do expect inosuke to take

-note to self, m/n.

zenitsu doesn’t see the attraction to males instead of females

he won’t judge but will ask you two if your sure your into males

and after tanjiro gives him that lecture about being respectful-

he doesn’t question it again

LOL

inosuke straight up don’t care

he doesn’t really view relationships in a romantic way

its more so between “they’re beneath me” , “they’re above me, I must beat them”

so no worries about him judging either 😋

if nezuko doesn’t like you

it’s not to say tanjiro won’t date you because of it

but I’ll honestly say it plays a factor

If sweet nezuko doesn’t like you it prob means something..🤨

she has good instincts so tanjiro might start to assume you have ill intent or smth 😬

he’ll try to get her to like you and if she warms up to you he assumes it might’ve been personal 😂🤷‍♀️

but if she doesn’t..

he finds you like 30% less attractive🧍‍♀️

if she does like you from jump, she starts to protect you as well

and loves to spend time with you when she’s outside her box

tanjiro adores this and you three cuddle or play in each other’s hair whenever you have the time

It also makes him happy if you accept nezuko as a demon quickly

after missions tanjiro finds you, nezuko, zenitsu and inosuke

then cries

like your all just a crying mess tbh

i mean unless your like emotionally unavailable..

BC I DON’T SEE HOW YOU COULD NOT CRY AS A MINOR WHO HAS TO KILL LITERAL HORRIFYING BEASTS FOR A LIVING?!?!?!?

Tanjiro will help you achieve your goals as you likely help him achieve his

even more so after that night you had where you opened up to each other about your past

(again, only if you have truama)

tanjiro is really grateful for you

before all he had was nezuko

and aside from zenitsu and inosuke

now he has you!! 💗

tanjiro’s love languages are acts of service, quality time, words of affirmation and (shy) physical touch

actually maybe some gift giving when he can too!!

so all?!

such a green flag 💖

for acts of service as I said he’ll genuinely do any sane thing you ask of him

he cares about you that much

he won’t bother to complain about being tired either

he automatically assumes your either doing worse or he’s fine

as for quality time he gets really relieved when he gets sent on missions with you

at least he can be there to see and protect you

(or maybe vice versa 😂)

he’d beat himself up about not being able to protect you more if you get serious injures

tends to your wounds everyday then trains vigorously

to get stronger and protect you as you fight along side him when he fights muzan

if your gonna fight along side him in that battle? He’s gonna need to be strong enough to protect you.

he doesn’t want to loose you.

especially not to that man.

he lost everything to him.

he won’t let it happen again.

💗💕💖🍡♥︎

for quality time outside of missions ✌︎('ω')✌︎

tanjiro likes to train, cuddle, go on walks, go shopping, chit chat :)

All that good stuff <3

with words of affirmation he really just praises you all the time

”you did your best today in training! I could tell! :D”

“You look great today m/n!! I’m glad your wearing the (favorite men’s jewelry piece) I got you!”

”I can definitely tell your getting stronger, m/n!!!”

c:

it can also be

“get a good nights sleep, m/n! I love you!”

”be careful on your mission okay? I love you, m/n!”

“thank goodness we surviveeeeed!!! I love you m/n!! I love you so much!!”

now lastly for (shy) physical touch

he is nervous to touch you

he doesn’t wanna make you uncomfortable, yes that’s the last thing he wants

he doesn’t know how to execute it so he ends up either asking or making it very obvious of what he’s trying to do

that way you can shut him down early on just in case

and you won’t feel pressured to let him if you dislike affection

which mind you he does asks if your okay with it first

so that’s likely not the case

if you did mention your distaste for physical affection, however, it’s duly noted in his mind and will keep it to a minimum

your gonna have to discuss boundaries or else he’s gonna act like you have the plague trying not to upset you 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️

Tanjiro doesn’t dislike pda or anything

he’s just a bit embarrassed about it

maybe if it’s more subtle like resting your head on his shoulder, then yeah that’s okay!

hugging too!!

but direct kissing or hand holding?

his face is a cherry and he’s apologizing to the passerbyers for disturbing them

even if they don’t mind

he’s self aware when it comes to not disturbing others

tanjiro can be a little flustered/shy about things but he’s certainly isn’t embarrassed about your relationship!

he’s quite proud, actually!

will happily tell/correct anyone that asks or misjudges♡♡♡

It’ll make me happy if you enjoyed this, so hopes to you did!

(apologies for the procrastination, and thank you for your patience lovelies!)

[bunnypansy]

The Perfect Fit

Rated R for EXPLICIT CONTENT!

You're new to the Devildom and you'd love some positive attention from Lucifer- you suppose now is your best chance to get it, but you might be in over your head.

Featuring: Lucifer, and you! Beware! This film contains: cis!male!reader, lightly dubious consent, erotic asphyxiation, worship kink (reader acknowledges Lucifer as god in a few parts), Lucifer has a poorly hidden praise kink, facefucking, semi-public sex, light degradation (Lucifer calls reader a slut/whore a couple times), use of "good boy", light orgasm denial, mirror sex, begging, hair pulling, no condoms, Lucifer is overall a meanie, erhm it gets kinda messy even though I didn't mean to whoops

Lucifer doesn't use the lord's name anymore- but God, you were testing his patience.

This trip was fully necessary, you'd been dragged to the Devildom in an instant, left with no time to pack and you couldn't wear your uniform all the time. Lucifer usually would've employed another one of his brothers for this task, as a shopping trip with a human was a bit beneath him, but Asmodeus was busy, and the rest were generally unruly. 

He wasn't sure why you had to show him everything you tried on, but he was sure that it was making him feel things he'd rather not. The Devildom was hot, yes, but fucking hell; could you wear anything else?

The tight hug of tiny shorts around your thighs, the expanse of your skin visible beneath an all-too-small crop top, the dangerous swish of a skirt, the urge to lift it higher- no. No. About 20 minutes ago, he asked you to "dress more respectably", and now he was starting to regret it. 

The end begins when you peek out of the dressing room, to make a small request of Lucifer; a zipper is giving you trouble. Lucifer has half a mind to tell you to "put it back then", but for some idiotic reason, he follows you into the small stall. The door shuts behind him with a sense of finality.

"It's here, on the back." You turn your back to him, a funny thing to do when in such close proximity to a demon. He follows your hands and finds a small zipper at the waistline, tucked slightly beneath your fingers, an invisible one- the kind that always gets stuck. "Can you just pull it closed for me?"

Lucifer assumes this will be an easy task, giving you a little nod in response. He pinched the zipper between his thumb and forefinger, then pulled the zipper up- or tried to, anyway. The zipper stays firmly in place.

"You've really gotten yourself stuck, hm?" You watch Lucifer through the mirror in front of you, his lips pressing into a firm line. 

"Mm, yeah I guess…" It would've been nice to impress him with your more refined clothing choices, you'd like his approval, but this zipper seemed to be ruining things for you. 

Lucifer's grip shifted and your breath hitched, a hand moving to your hip and squeezing tightly. "Hold still."

You suppress a shudder as his breath ghosts across your skin, only responding to his command with a quick nod. Lucifer's fingers bear down, squishing the flesh of your hips until they find the points of bone beneath.

The tightness of the shorts is felt far before you recognize the sound of the zipper fastening shut. The black fabric squeezes around your waist and thighs with unforgiving firmness, the fat around your hips puffing out around the hems. You instinctually yearn to rip them off, but Lucifer's hands don't leave your hips.

Here, standing in front of the mirror in the dressing room, Lucifer finally got a good look at your outfit. A white chiffon blouse, the fabric beautiful against your skin, the black bow draping over your chest matching perfectly with the shorts you'd tucked the blouse into.

"This is better." A finger slips under the waistband of your shorts, pinned against your skin. A disapproving hum rises in his throat. "A bit tight." 

Under statement of the century, the shorts might as well be strangling you. Your throat is dry now, you lick your lips and try to force out words. "Yeah, I think they're a little too small."

Lucifer disagrees. The fabric pulls tight around your body, the high waist riding up high enough that he gets a peek at your ass and gives him a near-perfect imprint of your bulge. Hands slowly stroke your sides, up and down, from your ribcage to your hips; you and Lucifer are holding eye contact through the mirror.

Slowly, painfully, you watch while Lucifer's hand brushes its way down the front of your body. His hand lands on the soft swell in your pants, and you draw in a sharp breath. Surely, he won't do it- right? Lucifer, the refined, prideful man, would never grope a lowly human such as yourself.

"How does it feel?" Your thoughts come to an abrupt halt when Lucifer’s voice rumbles in your ear.

"How does-" You begin to turn, to look back to Lucifer and beg the question that burns you, but he squeezes your growing hard-on and you fall still with a strained gasp.

He reiterates the question, trying to burrow through the thickening fog of your brain. 

“How do the shorts feel?” Lucifer’s long fingers wiggle beneath the hemline of your shorts and briefs, smoothing over the skin of your tummy. It’s hard to think while he’s drawing circles on your skin, the soft leather of his gloves fueling the heat between your legs. 

“They, uh,” you swallow hard, “they feel good.” A strangled whimper spills from your throat when one of Lucifer’s hands encircles the base of your cock, his touch so faint it’s tantalizing.

“How good?” His is velvet-smooth in your ear, breath hot against your skin.

This was a terrible idea, the dressing rooms aren’t noise absorbent and Lucifer is a man of high status, it’s best if you both put this idea out of your minds. Logically, you both know better than to go on.

“Lucifer, we shouldn’t be doing this-” Your hand slaps itself over your mouth on instinct, muffling the dangerously loud whine that ripped from your throat; the demon had squeezed your shaft so tightly that it ached.

You can’t help but squirm when Lucifer lets out a disappointed sigh next to your ear, his hands sliding from your shorts. “That’s not what I asked.”

Your head spins as Lucifer shoves you up against the dressing room mirror, his hand on the back of your head and forcing your cheek into the cold glass. The popping of stitches is so loud that it feels like a gun has gone off in your ears, you flinch all the same when Lucifer unceremoniously tears off your shorts. 

“Now, let’s try again,” Lucifer discarded his glove in a heartbeat, and the sensitive nerves of your precum-slicked dick are exposed to the demon’s calloused skin. “Tell me how good it feels.”

Now, it’s not a question, Lucifer has given you a demand, spurred on by the quick and rough way he strokes your cock. Your body craves his touch, arching and bucking into Lucifer’s hand almost wildly with a chorus of pitiful whimpers. “Good- oh, f- good! It feels so-”

Lucifer abruptly stuffs his leather glove into your mouth with a scoff of disgust- you realize it tastes of the precum you leaked all over his hand.

“You’re too fucking noisy,” His stroking hand slowed to a near halt, squeezing so tightly around the tip of your cock that you wail into the glove between your teeth, pre dripping down your shaft and onto the dingey carpet in thick globs. “Are you trying to get caught? Do you know what will happen to you if Lord Diavolo hears of this?”

“A demon of such high ranking, like myself, having intimate relations with the human exchange? A much weaker,” the rough skin of Lucifer’s thumb brushes over your slit and you groan at the sting, tears gathering on your lash line, “more vulnerable creature.”

“A scandal like this would take a terrible toll on my standing.” He takes care to trace over the veins of your length, seemingly lost in thought and paying little mind towards your pathetic cries. “We’d have to get rid of you, of course.”

Blood stills in your veins; how painfully vague of him. Your attempts to argue are quickly dismissed, Lucifer only stuffs the glove further into your mouth with a condescending coo. 

“Hush, hush, no talking.” He pats your thigh comfortingly, like trying to quiet an anxious pet. “Perhaps my brothers could find some use for you before you’re discarded…”

Lucifer hums in thought, trailing his hand over your balls, then back towards your ass. Precum-slicked fingers draw tight circles over your rim, pausing to just barely press inside you and watch you squirm back against him. “Or maybe, we’d get to keep you.”

The suggestion has you beyond delighted, grinding back onto Lucifer’s hand with a moan and a trembling grin as he finally forces two fingers into your tight ass. “You’d look good in a cage, don’t you think?”

You’re in no position to disagree, bracing yourself against the mirror as you rock into the thrusts of Lucifer’s hand urgently. You need a little more, just a little more and you can cum. Your moans grow higher and higher in pitch- you’re not being subtle in the slightest. Your cock is twitching and throbbing vigorously, the rough tips of Lucifer’s fingers scraping against your insides only worsening the heat in your tummy. 

Your moans are beginning to sound more like sobs, turning utterly incoherent as you finally, finally- there’s a slick pop as Lucifer pulls his fingers out, leaving you dazed and needy. At last, you let the glove fall from between your teeth, turning back to plead with Lucifer but scarcely getting a whimper out before he grabs you by the cheeks. 

“You’re such a mess,” he laughs, actually laughs into your hot, tear-stained face. and drags you to the ground, leaving scuffs on your knees. “What makes you think you’ve earned the right to cum? What have you done for me?”

Lucifer’s hand tangles in the hair at the nape of your neck, forcing your face into the tent in his pants. “If you do well, I’ll consider letting you cum, how’s that?”

You can feel the warmth of his erection on your cheek, your own cock spasming in response. Like a bitch in heat, you can’t help but nuzzle against his bulge, eager to get it out of his pants and inside you. Your clumsy hands make quick work of the buttons and zipper on his slacks, freeing his cock in a matter of seconds- you don’t even need instructions before you take the head of his dick in your mouth, sucking away the pre that had gathered at Lucifer’s tip. The taste is tangy, salty, and beckons you to take Lucifer’s cock further into your mouth. 

The promise of an orgasm makes you work hard; bobbing along Lucifer’s length, tracing your tongue over the veins on his length, squelching obscenely as you suck away at him. A hand tangles in your hair, pushing the stray tufts away from your face and tilting your head to stare up at Lucifer. You’re helpless to do anything but watch as he slides his hand to the back of your head, slowly pushing you to sleeve the rest of his cock into your throat. For a moment, you struggle against Lucifer’s grip, throat constricting around his dick as you attempt not to choke.

“Don’t struggle,” Lucifer warns, pressing your nose against the short hairs at his pelvis more firmly when you don’t listen. “Don’t.”

Finally, you go lax against him, tongue lolling out to lick at Lucifer’s sac while you go on attempting to slurp at his dick. Hesitantly, as if waiting for you to fight him once more, Lucifer pumps his hips against your face with a satisfied sigh. “Good boy, good boy; you’re doing perfect.”

You can feel the ridges and veins of his cock sliding over your tongue and scraping the inside of your throat. It aches but you don't move, you're too drunk on his praise to even consider it. 

He starts with a slow in-and-out pump, reassurance that you're not going to choke on his dick, before his grip shifts yet again. The hand once positioned in your hair slides down to your neck, Lucifer's wide palm covering the column of your throat with ease, his fingers digging into the soft flesh on either side–he's getting a firm grip. You panic on the first sharp thrust into your mouth, hands smacking at Lucifer's thighs frantically while you gag and retch around his length, but he hardly seems to notice.

The demon is utterly lost in his own pleasure, his head tilted back in hitched sighs as he fucks your throat with the same mindless ferocity as a toy. Wet gargles fill the small dressing room as you desperately attempt to get a single breath, fingers curled in the fabric of Lucifer's pants. Air, you need air, you can't get a proper breath in with Lucifer's dick filling your throat. The corners of your vision are starting to go dark, your head fuzzy, your lungs are beginning to burn. 

Only when you're sure that Lucifer is going to let you suffocate does he pull you off his cock, thick webs of saliva stuck to his tip and your lips. You gasp and cough wetly, the lightheadedness fading with each new inhale.

"Up on your feet." The command comes and you nearly sob, nothing sounds more impossible to you than standing.

With deer legs, you stumble into something resembling a standing position, still huffing and whimpering weakly. 

"Hands against the mirror, now." Lucifer motions with a hand for you to turn around and stand against the mirror and like an obedient bitch, you do so.

Mostly, you're leaning on the mirror, chest pressed up against the glass and hips tilted back for Lucifer, you're too exhausted to do much else.

"No, not like that." Lucifer sighs in annoyance, grasping you by the hips and pulling you back until you're bent over at the waist, only your palms flat against the mirror.

The moments of silence between his words left you trembling with anticipation, sweaty palms leaving sticky prints on the mirror. A fingertip traces a trail of fire down your spine, before smoothing flat against the small of your back, steadying you as the tip of Lucifer's cock squishes up against your rim. You expect him to push forward, to finally fuck you like you need- but he waits, the head of his dick pressed to your entrance, with no sign of moving. Your impatience grows, cock leaking precum over your thighs, slickening your skin as you rub them together.

"Lucifer…?" With a small rock back, you whine of his name, trying to coax him into fucking you.

He only pulls his hips back, drawing a pitiful noise from your throat. "Beg. Beg for me to fuck you."

Your words catch in your throat, shame keeping you quiet. When Lucifer's hand strikes your thigh, you have to bite your lip to muffle a yelp.

"I could leave you here; a dripping, needy, slut." His words are a cruel hiss, forcing tears to well in your eyes. "Just beg, tell me how badly you want me inside of you, or you get nothing." 

Still, your jaw is firmly closed, far too ashamed to say anything- until Lucifer begins to pull away. 

"No! No, no, please," the threat becomes real and you panic, bracing one arm against the mirror and using your free hand to spread yourself open for him. "Please Lucifer, I want you so bad, I need you…"

Every word is a whisper, still afraid of getting caught, but too worked up to possibly go without Lucifer's cock now. A self-satisfied smile spreads across Lucifer's face as he retakes his place behind you.

"So you can beg, what an obedient whore." The tip of Lucifer's dick taps against your hole, before he slowly slides past your rim with a low groan. "Fuck… are you this tight for everyone, or am I special?"

"Jus- just you…" You barely manage to murmur back, but Lucifer is beyond pleased with your answer, finally driving cock to the hilt with a low groan- you are a perfect fit for his cock.

Now he sets his pace, something steady and forceful that fucks the thoughts from your head on every inward stroke, the walls of the dressing room one hard thrust away from trembling beneath your weight. With every pull back, the head of Lucifer's dick drags over your prostate, your legs twitching and quivering in sensitivity- it's taking everything in you to stay quiet, but that's not what Lucifer wants.

"Talk- come on, talk for me, pretty boy, tell me how good you feel." With that gasping command your mouth falls open and a flood of praise rolls out.

"You feel so good, thank you, fuck, thank you- harder, please-" Any thought of silence is lost in the haze of lust, pleading for Lucifer to go harder, to go faster, for more, more, more. 

Lucifer throws his head back with an unrestrained groan, slamming his hips against yours with unprecedented speed and force, tearing moans from your chest with ease. 

"Oh God-" Lucifer grips your hair tightly to cut off your cry, his tone turning furious.

"Don't you-" he loses his words in a slew of curses for a moment. "-don't you ever call for anyone else, fuck, I am your god, understand?"

The moment he asks, you nod- but that's not enough. The hold on your hair tightens, and Lucifer pulls your head back, forcing you to face your reflection in the glass; covered in your own spit and tears, the thin white fabric of your blouse turned sheer from sweat.

"Say it." Lucifer's voice drops to a dangerous hiss, his free hand moving to stroke the length of your dick in time with his thrusts.

You let out a wail the moment he touches you, a fresh stream of tears welling up and rolling down your cheeks.

"You! You're m-my God!" It's slurred and sobbed, but at this moment, you mean your words completely. 

Abruptly, Lucifer pulls you back against his chest by the scalp, then locks his arm around your neck, constricting your airways. 

"Who?" Lucifer presses on, prompting another answer from you.

Even though your voice is strained through his tight grip, you call out for him, an obedient worshipper. "Lucifer!"

He lets out a shuddering sigh of pleasure. "Again."

"Lucifer!" You answer, and his pace falters for a moment. 

"Again, louder." He commands once more, and you follow.

"Lucifer!" His hips pump into you even faster, and your cock is beginning to throb erratically, you're so close. 

"Louder!" Lucifer's voice pounds through your skull, you think this must be madness.

"Lucifer, Lucifer, Lucifer!" At last, your orgasm hits you all at once with an ear-splitting scream, every muscle in your body drawing taut within Lucifer's hold.

You arch against him, legs kicking at his shins as Lucifer holds you up by nothing but his arm around your throat, your cum splattering against the fitting room mirror. With all your tightening and convulsing, Lucifer's orgasm isn't far behind, his thrusts have turned irregular and unsteady- but you're struggling for breath, clawing his prim black dress shirt in desperation.

At last, you feel hot cum flood your insides in tandem with Lucifer's shuddering groan, and a heartbeat later, he lets you go. You crumple beneath your weight, letting his cock slip free from your ass as you fall forward against the mirror. You can't help but see yourself- rather, the mess you've become. Heaving and panting, your face glistening with saliva, tears, and snot, strands of your cum caught in your hair and smeared over your skin from where you hit the mirror.

"Well, then." Lucifer is already tucking his dick back into his pants, retrieving his discarded gloves from the floor. "Get up, we've been here long enough."

Tongue heavy in your mouth, you can barely even form the words to protest. "I… I can't…"

A firm hand grasps your upper arm and yanks you up to your feet. Feeling Lucifer's cum ooze from your ass, you can't help but shiver- a few drops hit your calves and soak into your boxers, still looped around your ankles.

Lucifer huffs out a disappointed mutter when you sag against him, then guides you to wrap your arms around his neck. Luckily, Lucifer helps you redress yourself, pulling your boxers back up, then stuffing you back into your uniform dress pants- however, you're left in the sweat-stained blouse. 

Lips press against your ear, a whispered threat. "You're going to walk by yourself. If you stumble or don't keep up, I will whip you bloody- understand?"

There's nothing you can do but nod. You've given yourself to Lucifer completely, mind, body, and soul- and a worshipper does not deny the requests of his god.

That will be all for today's showing folks, as always, thank you for viewing!

This was made based on a prompt I submitted to @akunya in uhhh... checks watch oh god February. I didn't mean to take this long. I started writing half of this several months ago, then I opened it this morning and suddenly blasted through the rest in like 5 hours. Possessed by the spirit of horny I guess...

[ladykailitha]

The Magic of Christmas 8/8

And here we are at the end. Now there will be a cute little New Year's Eve story that I'll put up on the 31st that is a sequel to this. I wanted to write the exhibit but the story was already bursting at the seams so it'll be a New Year's present for you all.

Also don't be an Argyle, it might seem cute at the time, but it's really not.

***

To say Eddie was nervous would be an understatement. Not only did he want Dustin and his friends to be happy about what Steve gave them, but he hoped that Steve would love what Eddie got him.

He got there early before Dustin and his friends arrived. They had all gone out ice skating before the party so Eddie could sneak in the wrapped canvasses.

He rang the doorbell, bouncing on his toes in excitement. Chrissy had to smack him twice before he looked calm enough.

Then all that went out the window when Steve answered the door. He wasn’t dressed in a suit or anything like that, but fuck Eddie thought he looked beautiful.

He was wearing a Star Wars Christmas sweater with the tightest of blue jeans. He had silly antlers on his head and his cheeks were rosy.

It took everything in Eddie’s will power not to just kiss him right then and there.

“You made it!” Steve greeted warmly. “Do you need help bringing in the gifts?”

Eddie nodded and they went out to get them, while Chrissy went to make herself comfortable with the hostess, Robin.

Steve grabbed the large piece and two of the smaller ones. Eddie grabbed the remaining two smaller pieces.

“You know,” Eddie said. “I don’t think I ever asked you who the purple dragon was going to be for. I assumed you, but that doesn’t seem right now that I think about it.”

Steve smiled. “You’ll get to meet her tonight,” he said with a fond smile. “She doesn’t really play D&D, but she’s inspired many a campaign and NPC. We call her El because that’s all she could remember of what her name was when the kids found her lost and alone in a forest. They’ve tried for years to find her real family but when she turned eighteen she asked them to stop. They were her real family.”

“Poor kid,” Eddie said. “I’m glad she found you guys.”

“She sweet,” he agreed. “And she will love your hair.”

Eddie ran his fingers through his long curls. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” Steve said, “she’s been trying to grow hers out for years but something keeps cropping up and she has to cut again.”

“Oof!” Eddie said. “That’s horrible. Has she thought about getting extensions.”

Steve frowned. “What are extensions? I mean obviously the extend the hair, but how does that work?”

Eddie launched into the explanation about them and Steve was just so enthralled that he didn’t realize that Eddie and he had lingered under the mistletoe.

“Kiss!” Chrissy cried, pointing about their head.

Eddie and Steve looked up and then at each other. Steve held out the packages and Robin and Chrissy rushed forward to take them from both boys.

Eddie watched as Steve slowly cupped his cheek and leaned in. His breath caught in his chest as Steve’s eyelashes fluttered close. Eddie leaned the rest of the way in and pressed their lips together.

Fuck.

It was like everything that made Christmas special in a single fucking kiss. There was no going back after that.

“Wow,” Steve breathed. “That was even better than I imagined it would be.”

“You imagined it a lot?” Eddie asked, his heart beating a drum against his rib cage.

“Since August,” Steve admitted shyly.

Eddie chuckled and rubbed their noses together softly. “Since you hired me.”

Steve looked up at him in shock. “Holy shit.”

“Yeah, Stevie. Holy shit.”

Steve kissed him fiercely.

Eddie broke it off. “Shit! I left your present in the van!” He dashed off.

Steve laughed out loud, clear and bright. He turned to his audience. “I am in love with that idiot.”

The women all laughed too.

Claudia came up and gave him a huge hug. “You found yourself a good one, Steve. He’ll be good for you.”

Steve blushed deeply. “I know.”

Eddie came back in with rosy cheeks and breathless. In his hand was another neatly wrapped gift. He handed to Steve. “There you go, pretty boy. Just for you.”

“I have a present for you, too,” Steve said with a smile. “But we’ll have to wait until everyone gets here.”

Just then there was clatter behind them as said kids came bursting through the open front door.

Eddie turned to see four girls with the boys he had been acquainted with. The one was clearly Lucas’s sister. She had the same broad features and knowing eyes. One was a red head with a piercing gaze and a knowing smirk. Eddie could tell he was going to like her. A lot. The third girl was pretty sort of plump, her blonde hair in beautiful ringlets. The final girl was El. There was no doubt in his mind, this was the lost girl.

She had dark curly hair that brushed her shoulders and thousand yard stare. She looked like Wayne said he did sometimes. Lost and unsure of what to do.

Introductions were made and Eddie was right in all counts. He loved Max, the red head. El was the pretty girl with the dark curls, Erica was Lucas’s sister, and the last girl was Dustin’s long time girlfriend, Suzie.

Steve did a head count. “Where Jonathan and Nancy?” he asked Will.

“Getting Argyle from the airport,” Will said. “His flight had to make a stop in Salt Lake City because of a fuel issue, so he was late getting in.”

Suzie snorted. “No it didn’t.”

Everyone turned to her.

“He just didn’t want to tell anyone that he was picking up my sister, Eden so she could join us for Christmas.”

Steve blanched at the thought of another person for Christmas.

She touched his elbow. “I told Claudia a couple weeks ago, she made sure there was enough food and space.”

He relaxed. Claudia and Steve had made a deal, he would cook for Thanksgiving, if she did Christmas. So if she knew than everything was fine.

“Come gather around!” Steve yelled over the din. “Dinner is a light thoroughfare with lots of snacks and goodies. We’ll have a big breakfast tomorrow. Help yourselves, we’ll do presents when the remaining four get here!”

A cheer went up and everyone filed out.

Soon it was just Eddie and Steve in the hallway.

“Is my Christmas present you?” Eddie asked, getting his fingers underneath the sweater.

Steve jerked back.

“Ooh!” Eddie said with a grin. “Someone is ticklish.”

“No!” Steve squealed. “Absolutely not!” He tried to squirm out of Eddie’s grasp but Eddie was too fast for him.

They were laughing and giggling when the last of the guests arrived.

Eddie wasn’t sure what he was expecting when Suzie said her sister was coming. But it wasn’t the skinny Goth chick with the black hair and teardrop tattoo by her eye.

He had ruled out the other girl on the sheer fact she looked too much like Mike to be anything other Nancy.

Steve welcome them in but gave Argyle the stink eye which prompted Eden reading him the riot act for not telling people she was coming.

Argyle kept arguing that she was supposed to be a surprise for Suzie, but since Suzie already knew the argument fell apart.

There was hot chocolate and cider, eggnog of both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties.

Food spread as far as the eye could see on the table but no one sat down to eat there, mostly they wandered in and out of the living room.

Finally it was time for presents and Steve was bouncing in the corner. Eddie slipped his hand into his.

“They’ll love it, sweetheart,” he murmured.

Steve let out a slow breath and nodded. He had gotten Max a Tony Hawk signed skateboard and Erica, the whole 5th edition D&D set so she could start her own campaigns when she started college next fall. She had taken a gap year, because her last year of high school had been so hard on her.

They hugged Steve tightly as thanks. And then it was time for the remaining five to open theirs.

“El, honey,” Steve said, “you open yours first. Then Dustin, Will, Lucas, and Mike. Don’t glare at me, Mike. You’re not last because you’re my least favorite. You’ll see.”

El opened hers. It was of the purple dragon. It’s human-like form pulsing near the heart.

“Steve,” she whispered. “It’s beautiful.”

Dustin unwrapped his wizard to stunned disbelief. “Steve...” he said, his voice wobbling with gratitude.

Will opened his punk rock rogue. “Oh wow.” He ran his fingers reverently over the surface. “Steve, it’s amazing.”

Mike noticed the pattern and looked up at Steve in shock. “No way.”

Lucas opened the ranger leaping into the air with his bow drawn. “Oh holy shit.”

Mike’s hands trembled as he stared down at the wrapped canvass. He looked up at Steve. “There’s no way it’s as awesome as everyone else’s.”

Steve came over and knelt in front of him. He took Mike’s head in his hands. “Of course it is. You are just as important to me as the rest, Mike. Okay?”

Mike’s lip quivered as he nodded. He pulled the wrapping off to reveal his paladin in shining gold armor. A beacon on harsh landscape. Tears dripped down his face as he pressed his hand over his mouth. He set the painting carefully to the side and launched himself at Steve, enveloping him with a huge hug.

“It’s perfect,” he whispered.

Steve hugged him back.

Suddenly there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Finally they broke apart, both men wiping their eyes.

Dustin looked at the signature on his. “Is this an Eddie Munson original?!”

Like the universe did a record scratch, suddenly five heads all turn to Steve and Eddie.

Eddie waved his hand at them and Steve nearly burst on how cute it was.

“It’s even better than that,” Steve said with a grin. “El, stand in the middle. Lucas, Mike on the right, with Mike on the outside. Same for you and Will, Will on the outside. Hold up the paintings.”

He pulled out his phone and took a picture. “Now set them down and come over here.”

The five of them crowded around Steve and his phone.

They all gasped when they saw the full picture.

Steve was suddenly bombarded with hugs and thanks and kisses.

“I know next year you’ll all be going your separate ways and wanted to get you all something to tie you together for life,” he explained.

“That is wicked cool,” Max said.

“Yeah,” Erica agreed.

“I have one more present to give,” Eddie said and pulled out the remaining package and handed it to Steve.

Steve unwrapped and gasped. “It’s a yellow dragon!”

“And his knight friend having tea together,” Eddie explained. “I kinda based it on that old cartoon, The Reluctant Dragon, where the knight and dragon didn’t want to fight.”

“Eds,” Steve whispered. “I love it!” Then Robin was placing something in his hand.

Steve looked down at it and then nodded. “This is my gift to you.” He handed it to Eddie.

It was an envelope about the size of Christmas card and Eddie fought hard against the disappointment that burned in his gut. He had painted a yellow dragon for Steve, it would have been nice to get something more than a gift card.

He pulled it out and frowned when he realized it was an invitation.

“Newfield Museum of Fine Arts

You are cordially invited

to an art exhibit featuring the art

of

Eddie Munson

Dec 31st 8pm-1am

Fundraiser for the charity ‘Roll for Initiative’

starting at 4pm

Silent auction from 6-7pm”

It was Eddie’s turn to cry.

“You okay there, son?” Wayne asked, concerned when Eddie just stood there, tears streaming down his face.

Eddie nodded. He held out the invitation for Wayne to take. Wayne read it over and over.

“You do this, Steve?” he asked.

Steve nodded. “It was my plan for a while to do the fundraiser for the charity on New Year’s Eve, but after really getting to know Eddie, I knew that he deserved to be showcased too. So the exhibit came afterwards.”

Eddie kissed him fiercely on the lips. “This is the best Christmas present ever, baby.”

Steve blushed to the cheers from everyone.

This year was good, but next year was going to be even greater.

***

Well that's the end for now. Thank you so much for coming along with me on this wild ride. Merry Christmas!!

Tag List: @spectrum-spectre @estrellami-1 @zerokrox-blog @artiststarme @swimmingbirdrunningrock @gregre369 @pyrohonk ​@a-little-unsteddie @chaosgremlinmunson @chaoticlovingdreamer @maya-custodios-dionach @goodolefashionedloverboi @messrs-weasley @val-from-lawrence @i-must-potato @danili666 @carlyv @rozzieroos @wonderland-girl143-blog @justforthedead89 @emly03 @bookworm0690 @itsall-taken @vecnuthy @bookbinderbitch @redfreckledwolf @littlewildflowerkitten @yikes-a-bee @awkwardgravity1 @scheodingers-muppet @mira-jadeamethyst @cinnamon-mushroomabomination @genderless-spoon @anne-bennett-cosplayer @irregular-child @carlprocastinator1000 @mogami13 @samsoble

[roboticspacecase]

You should write Nun Dipper and Demon Bill trying to tempt Dipper into gay kissing (This is not a request, but a demand bozo)

Fine, fine, I'll write something

Stepping out to get fresh air had always been a way for Dipper to calm himself after a long day. Sleep never had been a close friend, so walking the temple grounds in the cool night air helped pass the time.

He had grown up there and knew every rock and twig on his path, easily stepping over them while keeping his back straight and head held high. Dipper enjoyed not having to think about every step he took. It gave him time to work through some of the problems his people had brought to him, which often had to do with their crops taking their sweet time coming in.

They could do plenty of things to help themselves, but with the school in town being no better than a few bookshelves with an old, loud librarian, it was up to him and his family to help them. Dipper took pride in his work in the temple, and having the time to think about it all made the following day easier to get through.

Of course, that time only helped when he was alone.

"Hey, Pine Tree," a voice echoed through the trees. "Didn't think you'd come out so early. Normally, you give laying in bed a shot for at least a few hours."

Dipper waved a hand at the empty path in front of him, still walking forward at his even pace. "I didn't want to bother with that tonight. I have too much to think about, and lying in that stuffy room with the sound of my sister snoring down the hall never helps."

"Ooh, I see. Someone's mind is busy tonight, then?" A faint, yellow glow flickered behind one of the trees up ahead. "I could take a peek in your head and help sort it out! I've always been a master of puzzles. Or, I could just take your place tomorrow and help them face-to-face! Bet they'd love to see me!"

"All are welcome in the temple if you embrace our teachings. So, it might be a bit hard for you to saunter in." Dipper stopped walking, watching the dim light grow stronger. "And we both know that I have no interest in letting you into my head."

A suave, neatly dressed man stepped out from behind a tree, the glow from before completely disappearing as he did. His yellow suit had such a stark contrast to the dark trees, however, that Dipper always assumed he made the thing out of whatever made the light. "You still don't want to let me in? It's been years, Pine Tree. How long is it going to take for you to realize what they're selling you is bogus? Everyone knows that what I've got is the real way to live life."

Dipper rolled his eyes. "You know as well as I do that your tricks aren't going to work on me. We've been over this, like, a million times, Bill. You're more than welcome to spend time with me, though. Maybe some of the true meanings of life will start to rub off on you."

The demon walked right up to Dipper, standing less than a foot away from him. "I like the sound of rubbing you off." He wiggled his eyebrows, earning a groan from Dipper.

"You know that's not what I meant."

"Isn't it, though?" Bill lifted a hand, his black, leather glove softly tracing over Dipper's cheek. "I see the way you look at the human shape I take," he said in a low, rumbling voice. "How could I not notice, when every time we're together, your heart rate picks up and your holy eyes wander to my lips?"

"That's not true." Dipper's voice came out strained, though he held his unimpressed expression. Bill's eyes were locked onto his, no doubt looking for the slightest flicker of interest in his words. "I don't look at specific parts of your fake body on purpose. Sometimes I just happen to look there."

The shrill laugh that came from the demon bounced off the trees, scaring a few birds away. "Don't you know that lying is a sin, my little Pine Tree? I can see the want in your eyes." Bill pressed their noses together, his skin hot like the fiery pits he had crawled out of. "You might think your thoughts are pure, but you're still just a soul trapped in an animal's body. That meat suit you're wearing chooses what it wants, and right now, it's begging you to kiss me."

Every word the demon spoke brought with it his warm breath. It fell over Dipper's lips and cheeks like a warm blanket, his cinnamon and lemon scent inviting him to dive underneath to wait out the chilly night.

"Part of being a nun of the temple is learning to restrain any sinful whims of the flesh. I'm an adult, and therefore have already gone through the training needed to easily refuse you." Dipper's lips had gone dry, but he dared not lick them while Bill was so close.

Bill hummed, once more using his hand to stroke Dipper's cheek. "That's such a shame," he sang softly. "You've been stubborn for so long, it almost makes me believe you. But I know you, Pine Tree. I know you better than you know yourself. And I know that you're smart enough to see through all the lies that temple tells you." The demon leaned forward, nearly closing the tiny gap between their lips. He pulled back at the last second, his sharp grin filling his face. "You'll see one day. You'll all see."

With room to breathe, Dipper let out a sigh. The heat that had filled his cheeks remained, warming him more than the thick robe he had thrown on. "Well, if you're done being tempting and cryptic, then would you like to join me for the rest of my walk? I believe it's my turn to try and tempt you. Into joining the temple, of course."

The demon's grin somehow grew wider. "Of course, of course. The usual, then."

He moved beside Dipper and the two began to walk, the demon managing to whistle a tune while also humming and speaking. Each note lingered for longer than what Dipper thought could be possible, but then again, demon magic never did make much sense to him.

"Alright, your turn to tempt me, then. Go on, my Holy Savior, get on with it." Bill's intense gaze stayed on Dipper while they walked, the demon effortlessly stepping over any obstacle without turning his head. Perhaps he had also grown used to that path.

"Tonight, I'll tempt you with silence. Keep your mind clear and listen to the world around us." Dipper glanced over at Bill just in time to see the scowl on the blond's face. "I know, it sounds boring. But trust me. Sometimes hearing the gifts of nature we've been given by our god can help remind us that we are treasured by him."

Bill gave an exaggerated eye roll. "Fine, whatever. I'll listen to the birds and the bees. Even though you won't let me demonstrate them."

They both chuckled at that, then fell into silence.

Dipper had no idea how many more years the demon intended to try and tempt him, or even how long he would stick around that night. But he did know that walking next to Bill in the shaded moonlight, listening to the rustling of the leaves and the quiet wildlife, had been better than walking alone.