#i promise i will finish my rep event

[djarinova]

finished making my new theme (probably will change it some time next month, or march...) and now I'm redoing my selfship pages and making individual pages for each one so. I think this writing procrastination is going really well

[reidrum]

surprise songs | s.r.

A/N: okay listen i am not a fan of unrealistic professions for reader who’s dating reid, BUT i just totally know penelope is one to hyper analyze every surprise song and definitely has theories for when rep tv is coming. it’s canon idk. enjoy this silly little thing it’s just for funsies <3 (not proofread im lazy)

spencer reid x popstar!reader

cw: literally none, reader is basically taylor swift for convenience purposes, angry penelope?

summary: garcia yells at reid because you sang sad songs on tour, how could you do that reid

wc: 0.5k

——————————————————————————

Penelope’s heels clack through the bullpen with a vengeful mission to find a certain stupid boy genius. She walks past Derek’s desk who lets out an amused whistle and turns his chair to watch her wreak her wrath.

Hell hath no fury like a Penelope scorned.

“What the hell did you do?” She exclaims, lightly smacking the back of Spencer’s head.

Spencer reacts in shock, “Hey! What was that for?” He tries to rack his brain for what Penelope could be upset about. Did he miss her birthday? An event?

She pulls out her phone and shows the screen to Spencer, who leans closer and strains to read it.

[“SURPRISE PIANO SONG N1 WEMBLEY: Teardrops On My Guitar/The Last Time!”]

Oh.

You and Spencer had been dating for a year now, a little before you embarked on your world tour. Every night you would perform a few acoustic songs that differed each show, and some fans liked to read into the diabolical combinations you’d come up with.

“Garcia, I didn’t do anything!”

“Then why, would she sing those together! Do you not understand how insane those choices are? Together?! You obviously did something to make her do that, and as the only person close enough to you to do something it’s my job to reprimand you.” She huffs.

Spencer chuckled to himself, he knew Penelope was a huge fan of his girlfriend but he found it amusing that she was analyzing their relationship from song choices.

She playfully thwacks his forehead again. Spencer shouts, “Maybe she just wanted to sing sad songs, I don’t know!”

“Bullshit, Reid.” She narrowed her eyes at him.

He held his hands up in mock surrender, “Do you want me to ask her?”

“Oh my god, no! You dummy, don’t do that. I don’t want her to think I’m like, a crazy fan or something.”

Derek snorts from the back of the bullpen, Spencer shakes his head, “Okay, would you prefer I sit in a corner and think about my actions?”

“Actually, yes that would be nice.”

He raises his eyebrows in amusement and stands up, walking to an unoccupied corner of the bullpen and sits down, looking back at Garcia with a faux sad look on his face, “This good?”

Penelope nods triumphantly and clacks back to her cave. Spencer laughs to himself as he pulls his phone out, opening up a flower delivery website.

It can’t hurt to cover his bases, right?

The next day Spencer gets a text from you,

Thank you for the flowers, my love. They’re almost as pretty as you. Can’t wait to see you soon, love you :)

He smiles and replies lovingly to you, and sets his phone back down to finish the rest of his work.

Later that day Penelope comes back into the bullpen to deliver something to Hotch, and passes Spencer’s desk, and before he has time to brace for impact she gives him a cautionary smile, “You did good, but you’re still on thin ice, Reid. “

Happily confused, Reid pulls out his phone again to google search what you sang today, piecing together the obvious reason for Penelope’s change in attitude towards him.

[SURPRISE SONG PIANO N2 WEMBLEY: This Love/Ours!]

His cheeks rise in a blush, feeling bashful and loved. He sends you another loving text with a promise to call you tonight.

Safe to say, Penelope is more than pleased with the following surprise song choices in the next shows.

[destroymeinherz]

The Party

A little while back someone posted about a fantasy of being passed around a stethoscope party, with different people listening to their heart. I don’t remember who did so if it was you, I hope you like this. It sparked creativity,

I could continue if anyone wants another part. But I wanted to do the basic idea.

The Party

I’d just signed with a modeling agency. It wasn’t the most exclusive, sometimes the jobs weren’t exactly what I hoped but college was expensive, so I took what I could. How bad could it be? It’s not like I planned to run for office or something.

My agent called me after classes one afternoon asking if I’d be interested in a gig that was more unconventional. After a few basic questions for my safety, nothing seemed too offensive even if it was secretive, and a rep from the agency would be there in case of trouble, I decided to take it.

Friday night I arrived at a big mansion just outside the city. From the looks of it this was old money, probably descendants of oil barons and railway tycoons. Which meant the paycheck would be huge. They’d promised a large payout for anyone who stayed til midnight.

I was let into a large foyer and usher back to a small hallway to a butlers parlor. A woman checked my ID, checked my name off a list and then looked me over.

“You will be required to wear one of two outfits tonight,” She instructed, pulling two hangers off a rack of clothes. “Black is standard, you are willing to do anything that would be clothes on. Call it PG-13.”

She held up a black Herve Luger bandage dress for emphasis. Then in her other hand, she held up a red one nearly identical to the former.

“Red,” She continued. “You are open to sexual behavior, and by wearing red you are giving consent to sexual advance,”

Well, I was single and I was never a prude, so I took the red. Might as well have a bit of fun. Once I accepted my color choice, she handed me an iPad with a waiver basically stating that I would take proper precautions, assert myself and under no circumstances attempt to contact anyone I met here after the event. I would ask for aid if I felt unsafe and leave without a scene. If I did not make it to midnight, I’d be compensated $200 per hour worked.

I shrugged and signed. She then held back a curtain for me to change in a small closet. I slipped inside, squeezed into the dress and as I was ushered to a door she fit me with a bracelet.

“If you need out, press the red button. Security will extract you.” She informed. “Are you ready?”

I blinked. Extracted? My heart started to pound, suddenly feeling crushed by the tight dress. What did I get myself into. But… the money was clouding my judgement. So I nodded, and the door opened. Once I cleared the threshold, it closed behind me.

Just walk around. Be eye candy. That was my only instruction. So that is what I did.

The room was a parlor, antique and dimly lit. It was full of golds and deep rich red textiles, dark wood and gold finishes. Old leather bound editions of classic literature adorned the bookshelves. I felt like I’d gone back in time. Or I was in a vampire’s house. My heart thudded at the thought.

The room was also full of people, in fine clothes, expensive tuxes and dresses. All of them wore masks like a masquerade. As I started to work through the crowd they watched me, with hungry eyes. Maybe I was in a vampire’s den. I was about to be dinner. There were a few other girls dressed in the red or black, varying heights and hair colors and skin tones.

I swallowed and tried to will my poor heart to stop trying to escape my chest. Until finally, a man approached me.

“Well, aren’t you lovely,” He said, holding out his hand.

I took his hand, and he brought it to his lips. He then moved his fingers down my wrist, stopping to feel my pulse. He offered him a soft smile. Then, he nodded before he motioned a waiter over.

The waiter came with a silver cloche, removing the dome top and extending the tray to the man. But there wasn’t food. It was a line of various stethoscopes. His fingers danced along them as he made his selection, a red tube that matched my dress.

He waved the man off, then examined it before placing the buds in his ears.

“Now, deep breath for me. Like a doctor’s office.” He said as he placed the diaphragm on my chest,

I was surprised, but I did as he asked, breathing in deeply and feeling my heart kick in my chest. Ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump.

He must have enjoyed the sound of my heart because he moved the diaphragm around my chest, smiling to himself and eventually he stopped. He listened for a long time, and even behind a mask I could see his eyes were closed.

I blushed. Ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump

Finally, he opened his eyes and moved the diaphragm away. He took the ear pieces out and looked around. Then he must have seen who he needed, because he waved to someone.

“You have a perfect heart, my dear.” He said.

“Uh, thanks…” I replied.

Another man approached, he also had a stethoscope. He looked to the first man oblivious to me and waited for why he’d been called over.

“I think she’s the one. Take a listen.”

The new man finally looked at me. I smiled at him but he simply leaned in with his own stethoscope and listened to my heart. I took a deep breath like I had before.

Ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump

“I think you’re right,” He replied. “Take her in, I’ll grab the others.”

The others? I blinked in surprise. Is this all it was? A bunch of cosplayers listening to my heart for a few hours? That didn’t seem so bad. Even if they wanted to listen to it during sex or something. That was actually, kinda hot.

“Come with me,” The first man said.

I nodded as he took my hand again. This time he lead me down another hallway to a different room. He opened the door and brought me in, then closed it behind me. It was more of a sitting room with a beautiful chaise in the center, raised up on a platform.

I recognized some medical equipment from various movies or doctors visits. Nothing seemed too concerning.

“Now, lay down on the chaise,” He instructed. “You may stay clothed for now. But do remove your shoes as to not damage the upholstery.”

I did as he asked. Once I was settled, he returned to my side. He brought the steth out again and gently placed it on my chest. He let out a content sigh as he listened to my heart pound.

As he listened, others started to fill the room. They lined up behind him. I had never expected anything like this. Just lay here and let them hear my heart beat.

“Before we continue, could I get you anything? Water, soda, wine?”

I smiled. “What would you like me to have?”

“Oh you are cheeky.” He grinned. “Perhaps a little caffeine, to stimulate you. What does everyone think?”

There was a nod of agreement from the group and some muttering of approval. The first man smiled and had one of the caterers being me a soda can on a platter with a straw beside it.

“Go ahead and open it, then use the straw to limit your movement to drink.” He instructed.

I did as he asked. Once the can was open and the straw was in, in leaned over to the table where it sat and drank a few gulps. As I did, the man placed the diaphragm on my chest again.

He closed his eyes, listening and seemingly very content with the sound. Finally he opened them, took my hand and kissed the back of it. He stepped aside and the next person in line stepped up.

There was no clock in the room but it felt like time slowed in this room. Each person took their turn stepping up to my seat and just listening to my heartbeat. Some had me drink the soda, some had me lay down, some had me sit and stand quickly. I’d stand there and pant through running in place and jumping jacks in a too tight dress, as they listened to my heart’s reaction and then recovery.

Ba-dumpba-dumpba-dumpba-dump ba-dump ba-dump ba-dump

I had to admit, this was fun.

The last person was a woman, she couldn’t have been much older than me. She seemed more keen then the men had. Her eyes were bright behind her mask. She took a deep breath as her gold and white stethoscope settled on my chest.

“My… your heart… it’s by far one of the loveliest I’ve heard.” She said to me, her voice was lustful. “May I rest my head on your chest? Hear it directly with my ear?”

“Sure. I don’t see why not.” I replied.

“Would you like to hear your heart while I do?” She removed the stethoscope and offered it.

The people in the room all watched, eager to see how I would respond. Well, why not? If it made them happy it was my job tonight. I don’t think I’d ever heard my heartbeat before, not like this anyway.

“Okay. Sure” I replied with a smile.

That was the right answer as she grinned with excitement and placed the ear pieces in my ears. Then she placed the diaphragm down on my skin and rested her ear next to it.

I inhaled as I had before and my head filled with the rhythmic thumping they’d all been indulging in for the last few hours.

Ba-dump ba-dump ba-dump ba-dump

I closed my own eyes and lost myself in the sound. Maybe I should come to these parties more often. Hearing the steady beat, knowing it was mine… that was intoxicating.

“Do you like it?” She asked.

“Yeah. I think I get the vibe.” I responded.

“Are you ready to try something a little more interesting?” The first man asked, approaching me slowly. “You can refuse any of the requests, we won’t take offense or change your compensation. These would be granting special requests.”

The stethoscope was removed from my ears and I almost whined about it. I liked hearing my heart, understanding what they were hearing. What they enjoyed that brought me here.

“Sure,” I said. “What do you have in mind?”

End?

[acknowledge-reigns]

Swipe Right | Roman Reigns x Black!fem OC (18+)

Description: Iris meets up with Roman at Smackdown but it doesn't go exactly how she expected.

Chapter: 2/6

Face Claim: Ciara

Warnings: Mention of alcohol use, strong language, flirting, making out and foolin' around, love bites, hints at a D/s dynamic.

Word count: 1,378

This is set in an AU in which the og bloodline reunited before wrestlemania 40 and Roman retained. As always my stories are about Roman, not Joe. While there is not smut in the first couple of chapters, there will be in others. This is very much an 18+ BDSM based romance with some comedy thrown in there. You have been warned.

Chapter 1 can be found on my Masterlist.

Iris stood in front of her mirror, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Her sisters and daughters were helping her get ready for the big night, making sure she looked her best for Smackdown. She wore a little black dress with a black and red jacket and matching heels, wanting to rep the bloodline without wearing Roman's merch and looking like a crazed fan.

"You look gorgeous, sis," Kiley said, fussing over Iris' hair, having just obsessively laid her edges for her.

Jax nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Roman won't be able to take his eyes off of you."

Imani, who was sitting on the bed, grinned. "He's gonna love you, Mom."

Amira, who was sitting quietly on the bed alongside her sister, looked up at her mother. "Are you going to marry Roman?" she asked innocently.

Iris chuckled and shook her head. "No, sweetie, I'm not going to marry him," she said, "We're just going to meet and talk for a bit."

Amira looked a little disappointed, but then she smiled mischievously. "Well, if you do marry him, can I have his autograph?"

"Of course, baby. I'll make sure to get you an autograph." Iris chuckled.

The girls finished getting Iris ready, and soon it was time for her to leave. She hugged her daughters goodbye and promised to call them later to tell them goodnight before they went to bed.

"Good luck, sis," Kiley said, giving her a thumbs up.

"Have fun!" Jax added, winking.

Iris took a deep breath and headed out the door, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness about what the night would bring.

As Iris made her way to the arena, she couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed. She had never been to a wrestling event before, and the sheer size of the arena was intimidating.

She gave the guard her name and stated that she was a guest of Roman Reigns. To her surprise they actually did let her in without a problem.

Once inside, she found herself in a sea of people, dressed in wrestling merch and chanting loudly. The energy was electric.

The guard led Iris through the crowded arena, past the various vendors and merchandise booths. She could feel the excitement in the air as the crowd waited for the show to start.

Finally, they arrived at what she could only assume is Roman's locker room. A large set of doors with his name on it. The guard knocked on the door and a voice from inside called out, "Come in!"

Iris took a deep breath and stepped inside the locker room, the guard taking his leave to give them privacy. Roman was sitting on a leather couch, his hair tied up in a slick man bun and wearing his usual merch shirt, sweats and Js. He looked up as she entered, and his eyes widened in surprise.

"You must be Iris.." he said, standing up and walking over to her.

Iris nodded, feeling a little starstruck as she looked up at Roman. He was even more handsome in person than in his pictures.

"Yes, that's me," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'm sorry if I'm interrupting anything."

Roman smiled and shook his head. "No, you're not interrupting anything," he said, gesturing for her to sit down on the couch. "I'm just getting ready for the show."

She sat down next to him and the air was thick with tension. Iris could feel her heart racing in her chest.

Roman leaned back on the couch, studying Iris with an intense gaze. "So, you're the one who matched with me on Tinder," he said, a hint of a smirk on his face.

Iris chuckled and nodded. "Yeah, that was me," she said, feeling a little embarrassed. "I have to admit, I wasn't expecting to match with a professional wrestler."

Roman chuckled, "Look, I'm gon' be straight forward with ya. I got a bit.. intoxicated last night, my cousins set up the tinder profile and... here we are."

Iris couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. She had been hoping that Roman had actually wanted to talk to her, but it turned out he was just being a silly drunk.

"Oh, I see," she said, trying to keep the disappointment out of her voice. "So you don't actually want to meet up with me?"

Roman shrugged, "It's not that I don't want to meet up with you, it's just... I'm a busy guy, ya know? I have a lot going on in my life right now."

He leaned forward, his eyes locking onto hers. "But hey, since you're here, why don't we make the most of it?"

Iris felt a flutter in her stomach as Roman moved closer to her. His gaze was intense, and she could feel the heat radiating off of his body.

"What do you have in mind?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Roman leaned in even closer, his face just inches from hers. "Well, there's something I've been wanting to do ever since I saw your picture on Tinder," he said, his voice low and husky.

Iris felt a shiver run down her spine as Roman's lips brushed against her ear. "And what's that?" she asked, her heart racing in her chest.

Roman pulled back and looked her in the eyes, a wicked glint in his gaze. "I want to kiss you," he said bluntly.

Iris' breath caught in her throat as she stared up at Roman. The thought of kissing him made her feel both nervous and excited.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" she asked, trying to sound confident but failing miserably.

Roman chuckled, "Why not? We're both adults, and we're here together. Besides, I think you're gorgeous."

He reached out and gently tucked a loose curl behind her ear, his fingers lingering on her skin.

Iris couldn't deny the chemistry between them. The way Roman was looking at her, towering over her, the way his touch made her skin tingle... it was all too much.

"Okay," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Then kiss me."

Roman smiled and leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, gentle kiss. It was electric, and Iris felt a jolt of desire course through her body.

He deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring her mouth as he pulled her closer.

Iris wrapped her arms around Roman's neck, kissing him back with equal passion. She had never been kissed like this before, and it was making her head spin.

Roman's hands roamed over her body, his touch sending shivers down her spine. Iris felt a rush of heat between her legs. She couldn't believe how turned on she was just from kissing him.

Roman's hands continued to explore her body, his fingers tracing the curve of her hips and the swell of her breasts. He leaned in to kiss her neck, his lips trailing down to her collarbone.

Iris moaned softly as Roman's lips found her sensitive skin. She tilted her head back, giving him better access to her neck.

He began to suck and nibble on her skin, leaving a trail of redish marks behind. His hands moved to the hem of her shirt, his fingers slipping underneath to touch her bare skin.

Roman pulled back from her neck, his eyes dark with desire. "You're so soft... so submissive," he said, his voice low and commanding. "I like that."

Iris couldn't help but feel a thrill at Roman's words. She loved the idea of being submissive, letting someone else take control for once.

They continued to kiss, their mouths moving together in a heated frenzy. Roman's hands roamed over her body, his touch possessive and dominant.

Roman suddenly pulled away from the kiss, his expression neutral. "Well, it was nice meeting you," he said, his voice calm and controlled. "Enjoy the show."

Iris was left feeling confused and a little hurt. She had thought that they had a connection, or at least the start of one, but now Roman was acting like nothing had happened. She was speechless.

"Wiseman!" Roman called for Heyman, "Show Iris to her seat."

Heyman appeared from the shadows, a smile on his face. "Of course, My tribal chief. Right this way, Miss Iris."

Previous chapter ●◉◎◈◎◉● Next chapter

[cariantha]

Favors

Book: Open Heart, Book 1 Pairing: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Sawyer Brooks) Rating: General Category: Angsty Fluff, Christmas Word count: 2.5K Summary: Sawyer is worried that her crush is getting the wrong impression and is later hurt when she thinks he has taken advantage of a situation. A/N: This takes place during intern year (pre-Miami) shortly before the events in Merry Christmas, Rookie.

Events/Prompts: • Photo prompt from @jerzwriter • Participating in CFWC Holidays 2023 • Participating in Choices Flashfics Holiday Prompts 🎄12: “The tree isn’t the only thing getting lit this year.” 🎅21: “It looks like Santa threw up in here.” 🎁67: “What’s wrong? Do you not like your gift?” • Participating in Choices Flashfics Week #64 Prompts 👨🏻‍⚕️2: “I’m not in the mood for a lecture.” • Participating in Choices Holidays Winter 2023

While waiting in the lunch rush lines in the cafeteria, Sienna reminded her roommates of their party assignments. “...I’ve got the treats covered, Elijah is handling the music, Jackie is making jingle juice-”

“Hell yeah!” Elijah exclaimed, giving Jackie a high-five. 

“The tree isn’t the only thing getting lit this year,” she said coolly.

“Oh, and don’t forget your white elephant gifts!” Sienna also reminded them.

“Shit, I forgot about that. What are the rules again?” Jackie asked.

“The only rule is you can’t buy anything,” Sienna answered. 

“I’ll go shop the lost and found when we’re done here.”

“Or, I saw some pharma reps in the atrium earlier. You could try to hit them up for some swag,” Sawyer chimed in. 

When the group reached the front of the line, a heavy arm slipped around Sawyer’s shoulders. “Thanks for saving my spot, Brooks,” Bryce winked, cutting in line.

“Do you meatheads have to cut into everything?” Jackie barked.

Bryce chomped into the apple he hadn’t yet paid for. “Yep,” he nodded with a big toothy grin. “I’m just trying to get on the naughty list. If you all want to join me, we could save Santa a trip this year,” he joked.

“You’re already looking at Santa’s favorite ho,” Jackie quipped.

“Brooksie, I actually am in a hurry. I need to scrub in for a lymphadenectomy. Do you mind?” he asked seriously.

Sawyer tilted her head to the register, gesturing for him to go ahead.

“Thanks.” When the cashier asked if they were together, Bryce said yes.

“Bryce, you don’t have to-”

He placed a hand on the small of her back. "I've got you, Ipo. I'll see you later," he promised before hurrying away.

“Girl, what are you holding out for? He's hot and he's totally into you,” Sienna teased, once Bryce was out of earshot. 

Sawyer lifted her tray and turned to her friend. She opened her mouth to say something, but froze when she spotted a six-foot-four-inch, blue-eyed attending at the adjacent register. Not knowing how much he saw or heard, a blush of embarrassment colored her cheeks. Feeling like a shy teenager at a school dance, Sawyer hoped the interaction with Bryce hadn’t given her crush the wrong impression. 

As Ethan raised his eyes to her, he gave no indication. Pocketing his wallet, he stoically turned and exited the cafeteria. 

As their shift ended, Sawyer approached her roommates who were walking in the opposite direction down the hall.

“Locker room is that way, Brooks,” Jackie pointed. 

“I know, I just need to run and check on one more patient before I clock out.”

“Do you want us to wait for you?” Sienna asked.

“No, don’t wait up. I’ll be right behind you.” 

After making sure the coast was clear, Sawyer slipped behind the plastic curtain that sealed off the construction wing. Naveen spiked a fever earlier in the day, and she wanted to check on him before going home. She found him fast asleep, and after checking his monitors and medications, she quietly tidied the room. When she finished, she softly closed the door behind her, whispering, “Goodnight, Dr. B.”

On her way to dispose of some trash, Sawyer’s phone buzzed in her pocket.

Bryce knocked and let himself in, making a beeline to the kitchen to find Sienna. “Help?” he asked, lifting a roll of wrapping paper and tape.

She looked at him puzzled. “Where’s your gift?”

“You're looking at it.” He beckoned her to the living room, where he laid down on the floor. 

“You’re ridiculous, you know that?” she laughed, kneeling next to him.

A few minutes later, Sienna placed the last piece of tape, securing the wrapping around Bryce’s torso. Using all of her body weight, she rolled him to his back and slid him under the Christmas tree. 

“Si?” he called, his voice muffled. “Do me a favor and start the game sooner than later. I already have to pee.”

In the locker room, Sawyer traded her white coat for her winter one. As she gathered her things, her phone buzzed with an incoming call.

“Hi,” she answered.

“Hi. By any chance, are you still at the hospital?” Ethan asked.

“I am.”

“Could I ask you for a favor? I’ve had something come up at the last minute. Would you be able to stay with Naveen for a few hours?”

By now, Sawyer had come to know Ethan Ramsey well enough to know that he would not ask for help unless he was desperate. “Sure. Is everything okay?”

“Yes. I’m pressed for time right now, but I’ll explain later. I’ll relieve you as soon as I can.”

“No problem.”

“Thanks, Rookie.”

Sawyer was about to text Sienna when Danny entered the room.  

“Hey, Sawyer,” he waved. “I thought you’d be at home getting ready for the party. I’m heading there now if you want a ride.”

“Danny, I’m so glad you’re here! Could you take something to Sienna for me? I’m not going to make it home for a while.”

“How come?” 

She made sure they were alone and lowered her voice. “Dr. Ramsey got tied up with something and asked if I would look after Patient X for a few hours.”

“You should go and have fun with your roommates, Sawyer. I can stay,” he insisted, having been recruited by Ethan shortly after Naveen agreed to be treated.

“That’s really sweet of you, Danny, but I know you traded shifts so you could be off tonight. Besides, Sienna baked a batch of peppermint chocolate chip cookies just for you.”

“She did?” he smiled.

“Yeah. Go. Have fun. I’ll be there as soon as Dr. R gets here.”

After Danny left with what appeared to be a wrapped bedpan, she updated her roommate.

Later, Sawyer was in Naveen’s room, scrolling through Pictagram when her phone vibrated with a new text notification.

Several hours had passed when Sawyer felt a hand on her shoulder. 

“Rookie?” 

“Hiiiii,” she managed through a yawn. 

“I’m so sorry,” Ethan apologized.

“Huh? What time is it?” Sawyer reached for her phone, noticing several missed calls from Sienna and Bryce. 

“It’s almost four in the morning. I would have been here sooner, but I accidentally dozed off,” he explained, helping her to her feet.

“It’s okay. There's no doubt you probably needed it. And it’s been quiet here. His fever finally broke a little while ago.” 

“Good. Go home and get some sleep,” he instructed, “I’ll tell Ines that you’ll be in this afternoon.” 

“Okay.” Sawyer shouldered her bag and headed for the door. “Good night."

“Sawyer?” 

“Yeah?” 

“Thank you.”

With a shake of the snow from her coat, Sawyer entered her apartment and found Landry eating breakfast at the kitchen table. “Oh boy. It looks like Santa threw up in here.”

“Smells like it too,” he grumbled. 

“I’m surprised you’re still going in early after…,” she circled her hand in the air, “all of this.”

“Yeah, well, not all of us are lucky enough to get preferential treatment from Dr. Ramsey.” 

“Excuse me?” 

“What? This is the second time he’s personally assigned you a case. To my knowledge, he hasn’t assigned cases to any of the other interns in the competition.”

“Wow. Well, maybe if you ever crack the top five, he will.” She let him chew on that as she hung her coat and walked to her room.

Bryce turned from the surgical board and spotted Sawyer approaching. “Finally coming to collect your prize, Brooksie?”

Sawyer rolled her eyes.

“What’s wrong? Do you not like your gift?”

“You’re ridiculous,” she shook her head with an amused smile.

“So I’ve been told. By the way, this gift comes with a night on the town.” 

Unbeknownst to her, Dr. Ramsey inconveniently emerged from a nearby patient’s room, catching the tail end of their conversation.

“Bryce-” 

But before she could protest, he backed his way down the hall. “I’ve gotta run. Check your schedule and let me know when to pick you up. And you should know, I have a strict ‘no rejections’ policy.”

She sighed deeply once his back was to her, then turned to find Ethan standing a couple feet away, his eyes focused on the tablet in his hand.

“Dr. Ramsey,” she acknowledged sheepishly.

Ethan glanced at her with a side eye. “Brooks.”

“Rrrrr! Of course he is here right now!” As they moved on to their next tasks, Sawyer told herself it was time for a heart to heart with Bryce.   

"Excuse me, would you please page Dr. Ramsey?"

A few minutes later, Ethan met an attractive woman at the nurses’ station and led her away from the busybodies seated at the circular desk. As they walked down the hall, she handed him a small box. “Thank you, Jen. I really appreciate this. I’ll send you the outcome report as soon as the trial period ends.”

Stepping in front of him, Jen pulled him to the side until their shoulders hugged the wall. "It was great to see you again." She paused as a couple nurses walked past. "We had a good time last night, didn’t we?"

“It was nice to catch up.”

She didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but when Sawyer heard the familiar voice, she wondered if her ears were deceiving her. 

“Listen, I would love to see you again tonight,” Jen continued, reaching for the end of his tie and running it through her fingers. “I’m staying at The Langham. Come have drinks with me and…,” she shrugged, "we can see where things go from there.” 

“I-”

Stepping out from the vending machine alcove, Sawyer turned her head in their direction. 

Ethan’s surprised eyes met hers, finding only hurt. He moved Jen’s hand back to her side as Sawyer spun and walked briskly in the opposite direction. 

“Jen, you’ll have to excuse me. I need to go,” he apologized, watching the woman he longed for retreat and disappear from sight. “I appreciate your assistance. I will speak with you later.” 

“Later tonight?”

“I’ll text you,” he said as he sidestepped her.

Ethan’s long strides carried him down the hall quickly. He nearly collided with a visitor as he rounded the corner. “I’m sorry. Excuse me.”

In the far corner of the cafeteria, Sawyer watched the snow fall in the empty courtyard. The sound of metal chair legs scraping against the tiled floor jarred her from her thoughts.

“I’ve been looking all over for you.”

“Why? Need another favor?” she said, words laced with disdain.

“Rookie, that-”

“Dr. Ramsey, I haven’t been helping you to win favor or get a leg up in the competition. If you want an intern to run errands and cover for your ass, then let me suggest Dr. Olsen. He'd be more than happy to fill that role.”

She lowered her voice, hurt replacing anger. “I canceled plans with my roommates last night, because I believed that if you were asking for help, it must have been important. If I had known I was only covering so that you could go on a date and get…” She let the rest of the sentence die on her tongue. “Sorry. I know it’s none of my business how you spend your free time, but I won’t let you take advantage of mine.” 

Visibly disappointed, she avoided eye contact. Ethan keenly observed that her disappointment went beyond merely thinking he would take advantage of her kindness. If he was reading the situation correctly, it was the same disappointment he had felt seeing her with the surgical intern.

“Sawyer, let me explain. Jen works for Phlaum Pharmaceuticals. They are currently conducting a trial on a new antibiotic for sepsis. I reached out to her when I heard about it. Her team is in the area promoting a new product this week. You may have noticed her reps in the lobby. She made herself available to meet with me last night. And after some convincing, she agreed to pull some strings to get Naveen into the trial. She was here this afternoon to drop off the treatment.” Ethan pulled a small vial from his pocket and placed it on the table.

“It sounded like you convinced her all right,” she muttered.

“Rookie. I know we haven’t known each other long, but do you honestly believe I’m the type of person who would trade sexual favors? I agreed to a testimonial and a couple expo appearances. That’s all.”

“What? Can you blame me for going there? She said she had a ‘good time,’ and you told me you were late because you ‘accidentally dozed off,’ then she asked you to meet her again tonight…At. A. Hotel.”

He shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose at her teasing dramatization, failing to hide the crack of a smile.

“So, how’d you get out of it?” she wondered.

“I told her I would text her later.”

“You don’t text.”

“Exactly.” His knee touched hers, but neither one attempted to move away. “I need to get back upstairs. Can you meet me later to review the trial protocols?”

“I have a few patients to check on. I’ll page you after?” she answered.

Ethan scooted back in his chair, but before standing, he covered Sawyer’s hand with his own. 

“Sawyer, your contributions and the sacrifice of your time have not gone unnoticed. And as far as I’m concerned, you are my partner on this case. I should have filled you in on the drug trial. I just didn’t want either of us to get our hopes up.” 

“Thank you, Dr. Ramsey.” When he moved to stand, she followed. “I’m finished here. I’ll head back up with you.”

The elevator doors were halfway closed when a fellow intern squeezed his way through. 

“Hi, Brad,” Sawyer greeted.

“Sooo, who’s the lucky guy?” he quizzed, embarrassingly indiscreet.

“Pardon?”

“Come on, girl. Why else would you ditch us last night? Your roommates say you’re never home. You rarely come out for drinks anymore. And, you��ve parked Bryce in the friend zone.” Brad nudged her shoulder with his. “Spill the tea.”

“Sorry to disappoint, TMZ, but I’m not dating anyone. I got stuck here with a last minute case.” She made her eyes big and subtly tipped her head toward Dr. Ramsey as a warning. Luckily, Brad picked up on the cue, sparing her from having to tell any more white lies. 

Ethan hid a smile, pretending not to notice the act.

“Any chance you guys will host again for New Years? You’re the only ones with an apartment big enough,” Brad asked as they exited the elevator together. 

“Talk to Elijah. He’s the party planner of the group.” 

Once Brad was on his way, Ethan reached for Sawyer's elbow drawing her back. “You skipped your own party?” 

She shrugged. “You needed my help, and our patient wasn’t in any condition to be left alone.”

“You should have told me. I would have figured something else out…” He looked into her eyes with a sense of wonder. “Thank you. I owe you one.”

She smiled up at him. “You’re welcome.”  

“So, what excuse did you give your roommates?” he asked as they walked side by side down the hall.

“About that…” she said with a tense grin, “I’m gonna need you to assign some of your cases to the other interns in the top five.”

“Come again?”

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics @peonierose @potionsprefect @trappedinfanfiction @jerzwriter @queencarb @coffeeheartaddict2 @quixoticdreamer16 @jamespotterthefirst @liaromancewriter @zealouscanonindeer @tveitertotwrites @tessa-liam @youlookappropriate @kyra75 @socalwriterbee @txemrn @choicesflashfics

[an0ther1]

Untitled pt.2

Leah x OC

A/N: A little more in my current project. I’m still getting a feel for my characters. Feedback/thoughts welcome.

“What are we at, one more week?” Kim adjusted the weight on the bench press bar.

“Abouts yeah. I make it to the end of the week without any pain and things feel normal, I’ll get to run on the grass with everyone next.”

Kim laid down on the bench. “Well I’m sure you know what I’m going to say, but I’m going to say it anyway. Don’t do anything stupid and listen to your body. If something is off, waiting an extra day or 2 isn’t going to kill you.” She pushed the bar up off the rack. “Trust me.” She grunted as she lowered the bar to her chest.

“I hear you. And I won’t.”

“Hey Caps.” Beth came bouncing to the end of the bench. “Le, what time do we have the venue for Saturday?”

“Umm, 9 until whenever really. Though I told ‘em it would probably wrap up around 5. 6 hours for a baby shower seemed like more than enough.” Leah answered as she spotted Kim.

“Probably right on that. So we have 2 hours to decorate? That should be plenty. I think Steph has the catering scheduled for between 10 and 11.” Beth twisted her lips as she tried to remember.

“What did I do?”

“Catering. What time is that showing up?”

“Ah, yeah. 10:30 bouts. I’ll call and confirm on Thursday though.”

Kim put the bar back on the rack and sat up. “If we can get in at 9, I’ll schedule the cake and sweets to come around 10.”

“So we just need all the girls to show up at 9 to set up?” Leah switched with Kim after removing a few pounds from either end of the bar.

“Yeah, that should be about it. Caitlin promised that she kept a check on Katie and the games, but Stina is going to claim that she will be the one running the games so she can see what she came up with.”

“Good idea Meado. When Katie called dibs on games and said she was going to use a few “McCabe family classics” I was a bit worried about what those would entail. You really never know what you might get with an Irish family that large.” Kim helped Leah lift the bar to start her set.

“I thought most of Katie’s siblings were younger than her?” Steph asked.

“Ask her to name all her cousins some time.” Lotte interjected as she joined the group. “We talking about Erin’s baby shower?” The group nodded. “You know she’s right there.” Lotte pointed across the room to Erin, their social media content creator, who was sitting in a chair with a laptop balanced on a very round belly. “I thought this was supposed to be a surprise.”

“She has her headphones in editing. She can’t hear anything.” Beth shrugged. “You have everything worked out with Dylan?”

“Yeah. Him and Tao have some plan that Dylan swears Erin will fall for. They’re going to tell her I have a children’s event to attend so I can help set up.”

“Great. And Viv has been talking to Erin’s family, she just needs to confirm the time with them.” Beth added.

“What about Dylan’s family?” Leah said as she finished her set in the bench press. “I know they're American, but is Dylan’s parents planning on being here when Gemma is born? They might be in by then.”

Lotte shook her head. “Dylan told me and Tao he doesn’t talk to anyone in his family besides his cousin Rose.”

“Wait, isn’t that the middle name they’re giving Gemma?” Steph asked.

“Yeah. Rose is the cousin he grew up with. Dylan talks about her like a sister. I think she’s a year or two older. But she’ll be there. So he’ll at least have some family.” Lotte finished.

“Sounds like this is going to be a fantastic party for our little Gooner and her mum.” Kim looked around the group. “But now, finish up your reps. We’re on the pitch in 30.”

Everyone saluted their captain before dispersing.

**************************

The week for the most part had gone smoothly. The team didn’t have their first January game for another 10 days. But Leah was finally going to be able to join team trainings next week, after almost 9 months, and the anticipation was wearing her thin. Several times she was asked if she was excited, or nervous, and repeatedly reminded that the wait was almost over. Almost. She was sure Saturday was going to be full of the same, though the full Arsenal staff and then some would be at Erin’s baby shower, so Leah would hear it ten fold. She needed a break. Which is how she found herself out to dinner on a Friday night, alone, sitting at the end of the bar top of the restaurant she had come to the previous week. She had come in a little earlier this time though, hoping it would be less crowded before the dinner rush, and she had been right, allowing her to get the same seat at the end with her back to everyone else. Tonight she would be any other diner. Not soon to return from injury, Leah Williamson.

Leah greeted Colin as she took her seat, ordering a glass of Chardonnay. The bar keep was placing the glass in front of Leah with a menu before she had even gotten comfortable.

“Would you like the chicken again?” The ginger asked.

“Might do an app first. Take my time and do some reading on my phone if it’s no bother.” Leah smiled.

“Not at all. I’d say the hummus is great. That and the pitas are made in house.”

“Yeah? Alright. I’ll start with that, thanks.” Leah pushed the menu back towards Colin. “And I’ll order the chicken a little later.”

Colin reached for the menu. “I’ll have that right out.”

Leah leaned back in her chair and pulled up the book she was reading on her phone. Picking the wine glass up off the bar, she took a small sip and relaxed. Colin placed a plate in front of her a short time later and for the next 20 minutes or so, she enjoyed her wine and appetizer completely uninterrupted while she read. The noise in the restaurant slowly rose as the main dining area filled and the seats at the bar top were taken one by one. Colin had just refilled her wine and was putting in her dinner order when someone finally claimed the last seat next to her.

“Is this seat taken, miss?”

Leah had heard that voice before. She lowered her phone. “No it’s not. By all means.” She smiled at the new guest. “Hello again RJ.”

“Miss Williamson.” RJ smiled softly as they pulled out the chair before placing their coat over the back. “Nice seeing you here again.”

“Will you be watching another football match?” Leah asked as she watched RJ prop their phone up on top of the bar.

“I was planning on finally watching Sinclair’s last international match. Figured if I did it in public I wouldn’t cry.” RJ waved at Colin and gave him a thumbs up. Clearly not needing words to order.

“Are you Canadian?”

RJ chuckled and shook their head slightly. “No. But as a kid I just kind of decided she was my favorite player and that was that. Figured after a month I should finally just bite the bullet and watch the damn game.”

“Mmmm, yeah, retirement games are hard to watch. She’s still playing one more year for the Thorns though, yeah?” Leah finished the last of her wine and caught Colin’s eye, signally for another glass.

“She is. But that doesn’t make watching this any easier.” RJ picked up their phone and waved it before unlocking it. Leah couldn’t help but notice that their background looked like an abstract black and white print of some sort. Once RJ had the game queued up they set it back on the bar top. “You’re welcome to watch. But I won’t bother you if you wish to continue what you were doing.” They hit the play button on the screen.

“Thank you. I think I might try to finish this chapter of the book I was reading.” Leah turned back to her phone as Colin placed RJ’s drink down and refilled Leah’s wine glass. The pair sat in companionable silence as Leah continued reading.

“Who do you think is going to take the armband in the future?” Leah broke the silence after putting her phone down. “Sinc has been captain far longer than I can remember.”

“Fleming.” JR’s said with a seconds hesitation.

“Seriously? She’s so young?”

RJ turned in their chair and looked Leah straight in the eye. “Really?” They paused for a moment. “You, the youngest captain in England history, is going to say that Jessie Fleming, who is 25, is too young.”

“Oh. Yeah I see your point.”

“Aside from her age.” RJ turned back. “She’s been a regular fixture on the national team for about 9 years. When Sinc and Schmidt stepped off this field she was the 4th longest tenured player on the team.” RJ took a sip of their drink.

“You aren’t just a casual fan, are you?

RJ side-eyed Leah. “What makes you say that?”

“A casual fan generally doesn’t know those types of statistics for a player who don’t play for their team”

“How do you know she doesn’t play for “my team”?” RJ used air quotes. “She may not play for the US, but.”

“Ew. You’re a Chelsea fan?” Leah dramatically recoiled further from RJ who just laughed.

“No.” RJ smiled. A full bright, cheerful smile. “I am a fan of the players individually, especially Fishel and Macario. But not the team as a whole.”

“Do you even have a WSL team?” Leah raised an eyebrow.

“I do.” RJ smirked. “And don’t worry. They wear the right shade of red.” They leaned back in their seat. “Can I ask you something? None football related and not terribly personal.” They rushed out the last bit. “And you obviously don’t have to answer.”

“Well with those conditions, sure.”

RJ tilted their head. “If you hadn’t become a pro footballer, what would you have chosen to do?”

“Probably an accountant or something like that. I’m pretty good with numbers and enjoy that there is always an answer to any problem.”

“Figures.”

“What’s that s’pose to me?” Leah asked, offended by the assumption, regardless of what it was.

“You play football like a mathematician, calculated.”

“Oh.” Leah adjusted in her seat, sitting up a bit straighter. “Thank you.”

RJ just hummed in response.

“What about you? You obviously know what I do and now what I would do.” Leah relaxed a bit in her chair. “Colin said you did something in media, I think.”

RJ glanced down the bar at the mentioned bartender. “Digital media.”

“What do you do in digital media? That seems like a, a very broad field. And do you work for a company in the UK?”

RJ took a long slow sip of their drink, clearly stalling as they then swirled the liquid in the glass before answering. “The company is US based. I do a lot of behind the scenes stuff, sometimes editing, camera work, desk stuff.”

Leah picked up her phone. “Must be a small company if you’re doing all of that. Is there an Insta page I can check out? Give a like.”

“Yes, we have an Instagram account.”

“Okay. What’s the name of the company?” Leah had the app open and was just waiting.

RJ had their glass to their lips when they answered. “-third.”

“What was that?”

“Attacking Third.” RJ repeated.

“Really? That’s the show that covers the NWSL, right?” Leah started looking at the company's account on their app. “If they cover the NSWL, what are you doing here? Covering former NWSL players or something?”

“Something like that.”

Colin approached with a plate in hand. “Ms. Williamson, your chicken.” He slid the plate onto the bartop. “Enjoy. RJ, did you want anything?” RJ raised their now empty glass. “Be right back.”

After Colin dropped off the drink, the pair continued watching the game in silence as Leah ate her meal. Her plate was finished and cleared away when the match hit halftime. “I should get going. I have an event I need to be at tomorrow morning with the girls that will be far more mentally draining than 90 minutes on the pitch.”

RJ chuckled. “I can only imagine.”

The footballer gave the other patron a soft smile. “It was good to see you again. Maybe we’ll get lucky again.”

“I’ll get my hopes up.” They smiled. “Have a good evening Ms. Williamson.”

[rustyvanburace]

SMT VV review'ish

Okay so I had finally finished Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance the other day and have a lot of thoughts about it.

TL;DR: I'm going to be real when I say that, while VV is certainly loads better and brings much needed and highly appreciated improvements to the writing, characters, and gameplay; I personally still felt disappointed with VV and even felt let down in some areas.

Full thoughts and major spoilers under the cut.

Others have commented before that CoV starts off really strong and promising before just kind of fizzling out following the events at Shinjuku (or even during), and tbh I have to agree with that assessment. VV hits a gripping climax with the Qadistu and Tiamat's emergence, completely altering the narrative with the deaths/disappearances of several key characters and pitting the (what I call) "creation war" at a grave new stake. …But then it just fizzles away after Tiamat emerges and you fuse with Koshimizu. The Qadistu disappear then without any proper conclusion, having effectively served their sole purpose in the game (I was so confused that I wondered if they died off-screen). You enter Taito with new circumstances and stakes, but ultimately Taito remains largely the same as it was in CoC as a battleground for Who Wants To Be A Creator. It honestly felt detached from the new narrative and maybe even tone deaf to the extreme shit that just hit the fan moments ago. The "creation war" resumes just the same as if there weren't no Tiamat, with only relatively minor differences. At the very least, I'd have expected the other Bethel branches to comment on Tiamat's emergence and maybe take her threat a lot more seriously. But the bosses there treat the Nahobino as if he's the sole important figure.

The Qadistu, I had expected there would be more from them after Shinjuku instead of them ceasing to exist once their purpose was fulfilled. All that build up only for them to just disappear immediately after felt very anticlimactic. I understand now they were absorbed into Tiamat (and Lilith into Yoko), but honestly, I would have liked one more boss battle with them for a proper conclusion. This could've served as an opportunity to personally get back at them, especially for taking Aogami away. The Qadistu, or at least just Lilith, could've remained as consuls to Yoko as guidance in her new goddess role.

On that note, Tao and Yoko are great characters and I honestly hadn't expected Atlus to write them as CoV's new Law and Chaos reps. It works remarkably well with V's trend of subverting usual alignment rep expectations. And it's excellent that the two Canons differ in that regard; that we can have Tao and Yoko as alignment reps in CoV and Dazai and Yuzuru in CoC. It's also just really great being able to see alignment reps interact with each other and grow on-screen after the lacking presentations with Dazai and Yuzuru in CoC. It's fantastic that, through Tao and Yoko, we are presented with ethical questions beyond just the demon sidequests. I especially love that they comment when you complete said sidequests. Yuzuru's and Dazai's (and Yakumo's to an extent) scarce and vague development were one of my big gripes with vanilla V, making it hard to identify with the cast and I am glad that some of this was improved on. I'm also glad that Yuzuru and Dazai got some much needed character expansion and on-screen time in CoV. They are much more fleshed out now than they were in vanilla/CoC alone…

…That said though, I still have misgivings with the boys' prominence in CoV. When guest characters were revealed for VV and we got footage of Dazai and Yuzuru as guests, I was really excited and hopeful they would have a much more active role throughout the main story. And to an extent, yes they do have a much more active role than in CoC. But I was also disappointed that their guest roles were cut extremely short and last only as long as the Khonsu battle; a fleeting moment in the game. The short length of time is especially pronounced when you're dropped off just outside of Khonsu's arena and are hardly given any time to explore and bond with your temporary allies. At the very least, I'd have preferred it if you were instead dropped off at the Tokyo Bay Bridge and had to travel to Khonsu's arena. Maybe even fight Seth along the way. I can't be too disappointed though as they were still fleshed out in CoV even with their arguably smaller roles in that canon. I do still feel though that their sole opportunity as guest characters was woefully underutilized.

I realize of course though that their minor prominence is partly because Tao and Yoko are the main focus in CoV. I think I would have minded this a lot less if Dazai and Yuzuru had a lot more prominence in CoC to balance this out. But aside from the addition of new superbosses in CoC (which I think is great and gives incentive to playing the original story), that canon remains virtually unchanged. I expected this, but I was lowkey hoping that CoC would also be fleshed out more to sort out its own unique shortcomings.

That being said though, I DO like that--as lacking as CoC is--it still stands out as its own story and still has merit in playing. There's a lot of scenes and contexts that are not shown in CoV, requiring you to play both canons to fully understand the entire V story. I really like this and I'm glad that CoV doesn't "replace" the original story or renders it pointless to play. It's a much more interesting approach than Atlus's usual standard of expanding/altering the one storyline as with their previous enhanced editions, something which sparks controversy with fans. All the same, I still find myself wishing that CoC was expanded even just a bit so that it could be more level with CoV…

While playing VV, I often found myself wanting and wondering "what could've been" with the original V. I still get the pervasive feeling that V as a whole comes short of what it wanted to be. V had a troubled development over the pandemic hitting mid-development and the shuffling of key staff, and who knows what else, that led to it feeling so…unfinished. And while CoV does help close some of the gaps and seems to have reintroduced concepts that were originally cut (Yoko was said to have originally been intended for vanilla before being cut), the impression I get from CoV is that it is still a new creation added onto the original concept. It's a side-story, for both good and bad. I still wonder to myself what V could've been originally.

This isn't so much exclusive to VV but, ultimately though, my biggest frustrations lie with Taito. I have never had good experiences with Taito and VV just reinforced my hate for that area as opposed to alleviating my grievances with it. My main issue with Taito is the massive level spike between when you first enter and the bosses therein, compounded by how open and non-linear the area is. Openness and non-linearity are generally considered good things in game design, but in V's case, it ends up being the opposite and antithesis to the design principles of past Da'at regions.

What I mean is this: previous Da'at regions follow a linear progression where, although they are presented as semi-open worlds, they are still basically just gigantic corridors that follow a single, generalized path. This isn't a bad thing at all and works to V's benefit, as the levels of enemies and bosses grow along this general path. You grow along this path. It feels very natural. But with Taito, you are not given a single, linear path to follow and are free to explore it and face the bosses in any order desired. But there is no active buffer between the bosses, or even between the Abscesses or even some of Taito's sidequests, so you can go up to any boss and immediately become overwhelmed by how woefully underleveled you are. At least in my experience, this makes for an especially frustrating experience where it just feels like you're getting nowhere no matter where you go in Taito. Then you're left fumbling for 10-20 levels playing catch up. Perhaps the region was purposely designed in such a way to aid with the chaotic and "every man for himself" vibes there. The intention seems to be that you're meant to stop and do sidequests, but in my experiences with both V and VV, even when I did do the sidequests they STILL were not enough to bring me on par with Taito's bosses.

People have repeatedly assured me during pre-release that Taito would be bearable now because Atlus had fixed the level scaling. And while that certainly did help a bit with the game, I ultimately saw no real difference in Taito as I was struggling to reach adequate levels. For me, Taito was acutely frustrating and I am not exaggerating when I say that Taito is a major reason why I cannot bring myself to love the V games. In both story and gameplay, V takes a nosedive upon reaching Taito. When I played vanilla, I ultimately bought the Mitama EXP DLC to get around Taito's level spike. I tried not to do the same in VV and tried some grinding strategies, but in the end I caved again and bought its Mitama DLC as well (the whole DLC bundle actually). I really do not appreciate how this game seems to almost incentivize the need for EXP DLC just to progress. I don't know if Atlus/Sega actually intended for it to be that way, but if they did, then it is incredibly scummy and predatory.

There's stuff I do still enjoy about VV and it is certainly better in almost every regard from vanilla. While I am still disappointed in the end result, I am also glad that this chapter in the SMT franchise can now finally be closed. I hope this means that Atlus can now move forward with the experiences gained and lessons learned from the fifth entry. What happened with V's troubled development is very unfortunate and not wholly the team's fault given the pandemic. Minus some genuine concerns over predatory consumer practices, I am excited for the future of SMT and have more optimism that Atlus will be able to make the next entry a solid and cohesive one. At least more than vanilla V.

[luzdaydreamer]

Kitty Invitation

Prologue

As dusk falls, the neon-lit streets transform into a dazzling dreamland. After completing today's inspection of the Wanderers, I walk toward home.

MC: (The cry sounds frail... Maybe it's hurt?)

Following the sound, I soon discover a small robot with mechanical cat ears hovering around the corner.

ОТТО-РНО: Meow, good evening! Fate brings us together. Miss Hunter, how about we take some stunning photos for posters?

It speaks in a tone too lively. I instinctively step back.

MC: Sorry, but I'm not really interested...

To my surprise, the little robot zooms toward me and stops right in front of my face, its electronic cat eyes widen pleadingly.

ОТТО-РНО: Hold on! Miss Hunter, just give OTTO three more minutes. I promise you'll be intrigued!

MC: One minute.

ОТТО-РНО: Great! Let me introduce myself, l'm OTTO-PHO, the star sales rep from Twinkle Photobooth! Our studio has just rolled out a new couple photo shoot event. The participants' photos will be displayed on our show window. And that's not all, we're also holding a vote for the best couple photo! Miss Hunter, you're so stunning, stylish and cool. Your photos will absolutely dazzle the entire street— And you have a chance to win our top prize and the exclusive Photobooth Ambassador frame!

As OTTO-PHO speaks, its speed picks up, and its mechanical cat ears flap wildly in excitement.

MC: Alright, that sounds pretty good, but..

Before I finish speaking, images of all kinds of small animals pop up on its screen.

ОТТО-РНО: I knew you'd be intrigued! Miss Hunter, you came over because of a kitty's meow, right? You must like animals a lot. Our theme this time is adorable pets. You can interact with various small animals while taking couple photos with your boyfriend.

MC: (Small animals... Zayne should be fine around them now, right?)

ОТТО-РНО: And if you like, feel free to dress up as cute animals—we provide all sorts of props for you!

MC: (I'm kind of how Zayne will look with cute animal ears and tails... Actually, I'm super curious!) Okay, it sounds good enough. I'll sign up myself and... my boyfriend.

ОТТО-РНО: Thank you, Miss Hunter! I promise this photo shoot won't be disappointing! Meow!

[ N E X T ]

[ G U I D E ]

[xaviernottheprofessor]

Check-in With: Dr. Alejandro Reyes Date: Thursday, 2/22/24 A/N: Xavier has a check-in with his therapist after weeks of not being ale to. Mentions of: @thomas-meier, @juniwilson, @aldrichpalermo, @fletchervanhall

“So, you are looking well!” Dr.  Reyes offered Xavier a friendly but professional smile. He was happy to see him as their last check-in was weeks ago. Both their schedules didn’t align but Xavier had promised to send an e-mail or text if there was anything bothering him.

“Thank you, Dr. Reyes. I feel well.” Xavier sat back into his chair, looking into his computer screen. The Zoom sessions were easier to manage for now until things settled.

“And your mom is in remission! That must have been a joyous occasion. Tell me about that.”

Xavier smiled, clearing his throat a bit and unable to resist reminiscing on his trip to London that took place recently. “Well, going back home was lovely as always. Seeing dad, mum, Clayton, the kids. It felt right. They’re due back to visit soon. At least mum and dad. Clayton thinks he’ll make a trip too if work allows it.  Mum looks amazing. She keeps showing me how thick her hair fuzz is getting. It makes her happy. She will always claim she is so vain. Can’t fight her on that!” He laughed and shook his head. “But she’s happy. Overjoyed and relieved that she’s fought this thing.”

Dr. Reyes nodded, eyeing the pink bracelet on Xavier’s wrist. “I see you’re still repping those colors.”

“She defeated breast cancer. I’ll rock the pink forever.” Xavier bit his lip. “I’m glad we all get more time with her.”

“I am too. And I know It was touch and go for a bit. She has an amazing support system. You spent quite some time there over the summer, after your breakup. Is it tough having to come back after so long?”

Xavier took a deep breath. “Look, London isn’t home anymore for me. I love everything about it and the people there, but I could never stay for too long. Traveling back and forth and staying for longer periods of time was good for all of us. I got to help my mum and get my mind off things. I’ve got the kids now and their schooling and the adoption process is my priority. Especially knowing mum is doing so much better.”

Dr. Reyes tapped his portfolio. “And the anxiety of being away from home?”

“Home is here. The states. I still suffer from being overly concerned as Clayton would say but it does help knowing mum has defeated …it. You know.”

“I do know. The C word.” The therapist smiled at Xavier. “I’m happy to hear that you’re managing the traveling and prioritizing. And how’s the adoption process going?”

“So far so good. We finished the home visit a few days ago. I told Winter what my plans were, and she was well, incredulous at first. It was quite devastating listening to how hurt she sounded. She felt as if I were only looking forward to adopting Henry and she’d be back in the system somehow.” Xavier turned the ring on his finger. “She is turning 16 today. Woke her up with balloons and birthday pancakes. I rearranged my schedule so I can be here.  I plan to focus more on domestic work and less on traveling. But that’s more soon. I want to be around more for them.”

Dr. Reyes nodded, “And with your career taking off and with your projects taking a shift in location, I feel like that is attainable.”

“It is. Yeah.” Xavier paused and then added, “She told me today she’s never had a birthday.”

“Winter did?”

“Yeah. She said she’s never had a celebration. Never had a cake. Henry has had a few. Some Chuckie Cheese events but never anything meaningful. Imaging 16 years no birthday celebration.” He frowned. “I’m glad she’s getting this party.”

Dr. Reyes pressed his lips together into a line, taking in what Xavier has told him. “She’s been in the system for too long. Both of them. I’m proud and glad that you’re ending that. It’s tough being a parent in this world. Add a strenuous schedule and having to do it alone…I imagine it’s a lot.”

“Mostly because I didn’t think it’d be permanent. I wanted to foster kids that were in danger of aging out, to be the buffer between that and the system. But I fell in love with those kids. But yeah, I don’t know how my friends do it sometimes though I’m very fortunate to have friends that teach me plenty. And my kids are older, so I must cast a wider net when it comes to parental advise.” He chuckled. “It helps to have a middle school teacher, a father to a twenty-something and a single dad to a tween in the mix.”

Dr. Reyes chuckled, “And now you can give advice too. Something tells me you’d be very good at it.”

“I can’t pretend to know everything! But I can certainly try. I’ve got a few friends with little itty bitty bebs. Just born too. Parenthood is everything, isn’t it?”

Dr. Reyes nodded and picked up his framed photo of a graduate and displayed it on the screen. “And expensive. But yes, it’s quite the privilege.”

Xavier leaned in to check out the photo and then smiled. “He’s gotten so big! High school graduate, how did that happen so quickly?”

“Those were the graduating photos. Graduation is in May. I can’t believe it myself. Soon, it’ll be Winter’s turn.”

“Don’t remind me.” Xavier groaned but then let out a content laugh.

“You’re doing an amazing job. And now you’ve got the Oscar’s lined up. Booked and busy. I think that also helps with everything, right?”

Xavier nodded in response, “It does. I don’t have to worry about overthinking. I’ve been ignoring a lot of the gossip train though.”

“I see. Why’s that?”

“Trash television likes to throw me under the bus after what happened last year with Jeremy. They think I’m going to mess up. That’s what my assistant, Eliza tells me. DJ has been amazing about helping me make statements here and there.”

“Hopefully, Jeremy is off doing his own thing and staying out of your life. He’s done enough.” Dr. Reyes was usually objective and unbiased, but Xavier’s old relationship was a big part of their conversations this time last year. The culmination of that was a sadness he knew his patient struggled with for months. Seeing him so happy and put together made his job worthwhile.

“He is. Or so it seems. I haven’t heard from him at all. I’d like to keep it that way and any upcoming interviews he has for his show, I’d rather skip them for now along with the Oscar’s coverage. I have a good thing going. Ruth E. Carter has asked to be my stylist and I couldn’t be more thrilled.”

“Ruth E. Carter? Black Panther Ruth E. Carter? Get out, Xavier! That’s phenomenal! Oh, you’re going to look amazing! I’ve got to tell my husband about this!” Dr. Reyes made a note on his notepad with a smile on his face.

“Yes, sir. That would be her.” Xavier smiled, proud of himself and the direction his career was going.  

“Incredible. You’re making great strides and doing well in your personal and familial life as well as with your career. I think it’s a good idea to stay away from the gossip train until the smoke clears about Jeremey’s career. From what I remember, he’s known to say things that are out of bounds, so I feel like your approach is the mature approach. He could try to phish a response from you, and we don’t want that. Just remember that you’re only human and if you do fall into trap, it’s not your fault. I know that you have a couple of things going on right now and while they’re all positive, I do worry about you putting too much on your plate and then everything else sort of bubbling over so don’t forget to do things for yourself too. A movie night, a concert. Have you considered going back to the dating apps?”

Xavier snorted, “No. Not doing that again. I dated Thomas’ friend for a month before I realized I wasn’t ready and then the apps, even just for fun, were not fun.”

Dr. Reyes smiled, “Understood. So perhaps you’re looking for something a little more serious?”

“Yes. Well, with the right person. It’s not like I’m out there trying to fall in love at first sight or whatever but...” He chuckled and then paused for a few seconds.

Dr. Reyes arched a brow. “…but?”

“I’ve met someone. Everything is quite new. I enjoy him. Enjoy his company. Plenty. So much that I look forward to every encounter anyway I can have it. I wouldn’t call it infatuation. God, I hope not. It’s like a deep desire to know him better. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt that. And in such a short time, he’s managed to help me feel different, unchartered emotions?”

Dr. Reyes nodded once more. “Hmm. Sounds exciting. I wouldn’t call it infatuation either. Perhaps, smitten?” He grinned.

“Definitely that.” Xavier tapped his fingertips along the side of his arm rest. “I don’t want to blow it. It’s a nice feeling. Feeling wanted and having a connection with someone …you know, in the romantic variety. God, I sound really incohesive, do I not?”

“A tad but I belive it comes with the territory. Catch me making any sense talking about my husband way back when.” He laughed.

Xavier laughed as well. “Well, it’s all brand new. Nothing too scary or resplendent.”

“Resplendent. SAT word. I think you’re trying to tell me it’s not something, but it may be and you’re scared and that’s okay. Listen, Xavier just go with it and have fun and enjoy those unchartered emotions because the fact of the matter is you’re young and brilliant and if it’s not meant to be with this person then you’ve already conquered those feelings and can use them in the future or recognize them better.”

“Not trying to sound sophomoric but, how do I know I have feelings for someone?” Xavier chuckled and ran a hand over his face.

“The temperature of your skin right now is burning. I can tell. And your demeanor is well, off. In a good way. Giddy and funny, even. It’s endearing and you know the answer to your own question. Not sophomoric. Just brand new. And deserving. You’e doing great but I fear our time is running out and you have a party to prepare for.”

“Hah. Yes, to all of that. I do. Thank you, Dr. Reyes.”

“Young man, just be yourself. Anyone will adore that. And have fun with Winter and I will speak to you in two weeks before the Oscar’s unless you need me otherwise. Stay away from the gossip train.” He waved and Xavier did too before leaving the conversation.

Xavier took a deep breath and gripped the arm rests of his chair, standing up to his full height. “Alright, let’s get this party started. Quite literally. Henry! Where’s the princess of the party?!”

“Don’t call me that, dad! I am stressed out enough as it is!” Winter yelled out from down the hall. “God, I don’t know what I would do without Aldrich and Juni. I think I might faint. Do you thinking fainting is too overdramatic?”

“You’re so dramatic, Winter. It’s on brand for you!” Henry chimed in.

“Says you Mr. Meltdown if you find a single mushroom in your salad!” Winter continued yelling.

“I beg your pardon! I don’t feel like eating slime for food, okay? Can I borrow your phone so I can call Leo? We’re supposed to coordinate outfits!” Henry yelled from his room.

Xavier stood in the hallway and smiled, shaking his head some. “We have about four hours, kids. Let’s get to it.” He stepped over a Pokémon tin and picked it up to bring it to Henry’s bedroom. “And stop leaving your stuff around. Louisa is going to be ultra mad at us.” He continued walking down and stopped when he spotted Winter curling her hair. He leaned against the doorway with a smile, admiring the young woman who would soon be his official daughter.  “Need help with that?”

“Mm hmm.” Winter handed him the curling iron and Xavier stepped in, gathering some hair for the next curl. “You know, before I was a comedian, I was Beyonce’s hair stylist.”

“Shut up, dad!” Winter giggles.

“Why doesn’t anyone ever believe me?!” Xavier feigned his protest and twirled the hair onto the metal. “She was SUCH a diva! But I was her favorite, of course.”

“Daaad! Stop!” Winter continued her giggles and Xavier continued with his fake story. Everything was the way it needed to be.

[echodrops]

The Promises I’m Making (2023)

Oop, a little late on this this year, but it was really hard to come up with 50 different promises this year. Some years it is so easy, but this year I just drew a total blank. I think the complete unpredictability of the past two years has left me with the sense that I shouldn’t try to plan for anything--the wild events of the year might just send those plans up in smoke in an instant!

Still, the show must go on! So, 16 years later, I’m still making 50 promises a year. Definitely hoping that this year will be better than the last and I’ll be able to keep quite a few more promises, including some of them that have been rolled over for multiple years--maybe, maybe! Without any more ado, here they are:

2023 Promises

1) Work on the Texas house yard. It’s still never really recovered from the frost that killed everything in 2021 and it looks pretty shabby right now.

2) Get both bedroom floors sanded in the Utah house upstairs.

3) Get the Utah house sprinklers up and working ALL the way for this summer.

4) Actually get the back fence fixed up and the greenery back there trimmed and managed.

4) Put a new sink/vanity in the downstairs bathroom of the Utah house.

5) Related to that, lose at least 20 pounds. 2020-2022 was not kind to me and the stress eating was real.

6) Take my mom on a road trip to one of the U.S. states that she has not been to before.

7) Get back in touch with the allergy specialist to continue working on my allergy/inflammation issues.

8) Go through my closets and donate or throw away clothes that I know I will not wear.

9) Finish at least five books this year.

10) Organize my documents (especially student papers)—my desktop and documents folders give me nightmares just looking at them. 

11) Help Kacchan through her first semester as a teacher! Exciting!!

12) Get a decent paper shredder to shred old mail. 

13) Clean off my back patio/car port area so I can park my car there again.

14) Get the Texas house dishwasher fixed… I’m so tired of washing dishes by hand… How do people do this, oof.

15) 100% complete FF16 babyyyyy!!

16) Talk to an HR rep about my retirement savings so that I can consolidate my retirement accounts. I have been putting this off for like five years now.

17) Do at least one artwork to actually use that new paint program I bought. 

18) Pay my credit debt down by at least $2000. I’m still paying off the hell year but I hope I can make progress on this.

19) Finish making changes to master courses. No more major revisions!

20) See a zone-tailed hawk. This is another rare-but-possible bird for my area.

21) Attend the FFXIV Fanfest in Las Vegas!

22) Update HaaH at least once. Please, Echo???

23) Get the small leak fixed in the side bathroom of the Texas house and have the faucets replaced.

24) Look into the cost of light housekeeping services to give myself a little more time to do things that aren’t work.

25) Catch up with hanging up all the charms/pins I’ve gotten recently on my corkboards; these are just sitting in boxes/bags around the house. D;

26) Use Spotify more often or cancel my Spotify Premium subscription; it’s not worth it if I don’t use it.

27) Get an art display book to preserve my great grandfather’s artworks (which we discovered my now late uncle STOLE from me even though they were willed to me when my grandfather passed away???)

28) Fix the screens on the Texas house.

29) Bird watch at a specific location in Texas. It’s my secret where since I’d rather not share my specific location on social media, but let’s hope I can finally make it to this place!

30) Finally get rid of the dirt pile in the front of the Utah house.

31) Sign NeNe (my puppy) up for the intermediate dog training course.

32) This is super nerdy, but my bro got me the FFXIV cookbook and made me promise to actually use it, so I guess I’d better at least try to make something from it.

33) Take down the remains of the wooden fence posts at the Utah house.

34) Take part in the fitness challenge at work this coming semester.

35) I will remember to take my medicine on time, all the time. Taking them late is messing things up quite a bit.

36) Get a stand for the toaster oven in the break room so we can finally use it!

37) Get my car detailed because the inside really needs to be vacuumed.

38) Go horseback riding on the island. I’ve never ridden on a beach before!

39) Eat healthier. Maybe cutting out snacks is too much to ask, but at least replace some average meals with salads, etc. and overall make an effort to actually eat better. Sometimes the fact that I feel like garbage is my own fault.

40) Wait, I should probably acquire a Playstation 5 so I can actually play my new copy of FF16, lol.

41) Help make sure the new tutoring requirement for the English classes goes over well.

42) Finish decorating the main office. I’ll feel better if my workplace reflects the level of professionalism and school spirit that I envisioned it having this year.

43) Catch every variant of Vivillon in Pokemon Go. I’m currently missing Icy Snow, Marine, Meadow, Monsoon, Ocean, Polar, River, Sandstorm, Savanna, Sun, and Tundra, if anyone would like to be friends!

44) Try to be more comprehensive with giving feedback to students. I’m always good at providing detailed comments on essays, but I’d like to spend more time commenting on smaller assignments too this year.

45) Make sure the retirement party for my coworkers who retired this year goes off without a hitch and honors them well.

46) Take part in more activities on campus; I have a tendency to not attend many events because they’re in the evening when I’m tired, but I should really stay more often.

47) Write some Chainsaw Man fanfic for @mistystarshine!

48) Help my parents tear out the carpet in my old childhood bedroom.

49) Do something to destress (massage, pedicure, something?) at least once per month. I gotta take better care of myself…

50) I will keep my promises! 

Wish me luck!

[lostyetfinding]

cold without you

Hoseok is in Chicago to perform alone for the first time, Lollapalooza is a huge event and his nerves plus the distance from Jimin means he is not eating well. Also spending a lot of time in the studio. Jimin isn't much better, struggling to sleep in an empty bed. So he decides to hop on a plane and support his boyfriend in person.

read on ao3 or below

 Jimin has never been a big morning person. Unless he avoided sleeping the night before, those mornings he felt energetic and prepared to take anything on. The only other way he would enjoy a morning is if he woke up to sweet kisses on his forehead. Silly puns whispered to him.

     As he opens his eyes, the empty cold bed makes his morning worse. No sound of the shower running and no note to explain the absence.

     Oh. Right.

     Hoseok is in Chicago, Jimin kissed him goodbye and promised to cuddle Mickey everytime he missed his hyung. Jimin forgot how hard it was when Hoseok wasn't in the same country as him. Spending years together, in the same apartment or hotel room or tour bus makes Jimin feel like he is missing an arm.

     So he closes his eyes and decides to stay in bed until he feels better.

     Jimin knows this is just temporary, Hoseok will be home in a week. But the hiatus and push from the members to take a break and breathe has left him feeling a little untethered.

     *whine*

     Mickey jumps onto Jimin's back and starts licking his ear while he continues to whine.

     "Okay okay I'm getting up I promise," Jimin grumbles. The pillow muffles his words bit he does stick to them, sitting up as Mickey hops around the room. "Do you want to go outside? Is that what you want?"

     *Bark*

     "Hoseok should have never taught you to answer in bark form."

     *Bark*

     Jimin rubs his face and swings his legs over the bed, feet dangling over the side. "Ugh your appa is an evil man, he trained you this was because he knew one day I would try to sleep in, the evil mastermind."

     Mickey seems to agree, leaping into Jimin's lap with a bark. The dancer let's the little dog lead him to his slippers and a thin hoodie to slip over his head. Jimin blindly grabs his phone off the nightstand and heads to the door.

     Mickey already has the leash in his mouth, waiting for Jimin to catch up with him. Like father like dog.

     By the time they are on the rooftop garden his phone starts ringing. Hoseok's smile fills his phone screen, bright and beautiful. Jimin let's Mickey roam free since no one else is in the area made for resident's dogs.

     "Hi hyung."

     "Hi baby, good morning!" As always Hoseok is smiling and happy, even without being on the roof with Jimin he already feels more alert.

     So jimin smiles, "How did you manage to know exactly when I woke up?"

     "I may not be in the country but the camera on the doorbell is still hooked up to my phone Jimin. I got a ping when you left the apartment and thought I would call and say hi, anything wrong with that?" His hyung's face is too adorable to even try to pretend being mad. "Nothing wrong at all hyung, just think you are silly. What time is it for you?"

     "It's only 6:30pm, I'm in the dance studio trying to make sure my new choreo works." Hoseok pans the camera to show a large wooden floor and walls full of mirrors.

     "So you have already had dinner or you are getting ready to go eat dinner?" Jimin knows he hasn't eaten. Mickey runs into his legs to grab his attention before Hoseok can respond. He throws the rope toy that the dog had somehow found up here and brought to him.

     "Well I was just taking a break, I think I'm gonna get a bit more practice before fo-"

     "Nope." Jimin doesn't even want to let him finish.

     Hoseok whines, "Jimin I'll eat I swear but I need a few more reps before I call it a night!"

     That makes Jimin sigh. "You remember when we first started training? How we were the only 2 who refused to leave the studio until the others had to force us out? We promised each other that we would keep each other in check. Making sure we both eat and sleep and take breaks."

     "I know! But babe I will eat this is not the same, I have left the studio today, multiple times," they both know how excuse is not going to change anything.

     Jimin sits himself down on the single bench on the roof, throwing the toy Mickey brings him again. "You got to say I would take 2 months off from everything so I get to force you to leave that dance studio right now and eat something. Something nutritious."

     He doesn't need Hoseok to say anything, already hearing the shuffling of his duffle bag.

     "Fine, I will go eat but I am coming back right after to get a few more reps, happy?" Hoseok pleads his boyfriend.

     "If you go back it will only be for an hour, or I will call Soobin and tell him to come find you." Jimin states. If he has to wake up to an empty bed then Hoseok has to promise to rest some too.

     "How is Soobin going to enforce anything? I'm his hyung!" Hoseok sounds exasperated and a bit muffled, slipping a mask on. Jimin can see him starting to walk and placing his earbuds in.

     "Soobin is stronger than you hyung and I am going to give him permission to throw you over his shoulder and put you to bed." Mickey has gotten bored of his freedom and climbs back into Jimin's lap, watching the phone.

     Hoseok grumbles something that Jimin cannot hear but he waits for his boyfriend to provide an actual response. "Ugh Jimin there is a vegetarian place on the corner and I am headed there for something with lots of vegetables, and then I want to practice for an hour and a half."

     "Deal, I'm going to text Soobin now that he needs to check in on you in about 2 hours and you have to go to bed then. Please eat well hyung and I miss you." Jimin gives him a big smile and blows a kiss.

     Hoseok blows a kiss back, "Mickey you better take care of my boyfriend."

     Jimin giggles, "I love you hyung."

     "I love you too baby, you eat breakfast and rest for me. I'll call you before I go to bed," Hoseok tells his boyfriend.

     As soon as the call ends Jimin shoves his phone into the hoodie pocket. Now that he is more awake he realizes it belongs to Hoseok. He looks at Mickey and sighs. What is he going to do with his day? He has spent the last month or so being in charge of feeding and putting Hoseok to bed when he stayed in his studio to long. Now Jimin has to find something else to do with himself.

***

     "You cannot be serious."

     Jimin simply says, "I'm dead serious."

     25 hours, that's precisely how long Jimin lasted before he went stir crazy. He tried playing the video games that Hoseok has set up but he finds no enjoyment playing them alone. He went and grabbed the kit to make your own jewelry at home. He broke his pliers on the first earring he tried to make. Mickey and him have even been on 2 walks and watched a grand total of 5 romcoms.

     In fact he is proud he even lasted this long, being on a break has driven him crazy.

     Being on a break and missing Hoseok? Not possible, if the members are going to keep enforcing this "Jimin must rest" rule they cannot expect him to willingly be separate from Hoseok.

     "Look, Taehyung I know this makes me seem needy and honestly I feel needy but I miss him. And I miss performing and having a set schedule, having my full day planned and all the free time spent in a studio."

     Jimin can hear Taehyung sigh even if he also knows that his soulmate tried to hide it. "You know why you are taking a break right? Jimin we had 2 years of a pandemic without huge performances and somehow you managed to stress your system the same amount as before. You know what the doctor said, you are not in the danger zone or anything but you are always stressed. We are just trying to help you."

      Jimin has heard the speech.

     He has heard the speech from all 6 of them. From the management team. From his mother when he spent his 1st week off at her house. The reason the members were so supportive of him and Hoseok was because they both overworked and together they somehow forced each other out of it.

     "Okay I get it, but I agreed to your terms okay? 4 months with no more than 2 hours of dance practice a day and avoiding any and all studios. I just feel like I'm missing an arm and now Hobi-hyung is gone so I guess I'm missing a heart and an arm." If Jimin knows anything, it's that his best friend in the whole world is a suckered for romantic sentimental shit.

     "Ugh fine buy the damn plane ticket," Taehyung concedes. To be fair he lasted much longer than was expected but they both knew he would cave.

     "Oh I did an hour ago, but I needed to tell you because I'm dropping Mickey at your place." If he can get Taehyung to dogsit and his bodyguard to take him to the airport he will be good.

     "Of course, I mean what else would I do since you don't need me to help you make decisions!"

     "Aw you know I love you, I'm just excited. I mean he is going to perform alone for the first time."

     Taehyung let's out a loud laugh, "Wait, you have to call Bang-pdnim!"

     Crap.

     "Oh no I forgot he was there too, do you think he will try to stop me too?" Jimin asks.

     "No but I do think he will tease you and give the whole 'be careful boys' speech again which I need you to record this time," Taehyung sounds giddy as he talks.

     Jimin can handle that. As long as he gets to hug his boyfriend while it is happening.

***

     Hoseok grumbles at the ringing phone. It's too far away for him to shut it up. He would have to move. He doesn't want to move. After a minute it stops and he sighs back into the pillow he has over his face.

     *RING*

     And there it is again.

     Resigned to his fate of a lack of rest he throws the pillow away, paying little attention to where, and moves towards the phone with as little movement as possible.

     This results in a very ungrateful rolling off of the bed paired with a short crawl to the coffee table. Of course he does not raise his body off the floor, instead just grabbing the phone and bringing it down to his face. Proud that he never even opened his eyes.

     "Hello?"

     "Ah, hello Mr. Jung, I apologize to disturb you but you have a guest waiting for you in the lobby."

     That gets his eyes open. "A guest? Is it Mr. Bang?"

     The concierge politely says, "No. He told me to tell you his name is Christian. I'm terribly sorry, I know you have a strict no guests policy but Mr. Bang brought him in and told me he could be trusted."

     "Did you say Chirstian?" Hoseok is still groggy, crashing from his long morning in the studio. He sits up.

     "Yes sir. Should I tell him to go or come back later?"

     "No no, send him up. And um, could you just give him a key to my room, he will be staying here."

     "Of course sir."

     Hoseok is left sitting there with the phone in his hand. He must be hallucinate from the lack of sleep. Or maybe he did fall asleep and this is all just a dream. These are the logical explanations he can come up with, because why would Jimin be here?

     That's why when Jimin does enter the room he finds one Jung Hoseok slouched over a coffee table in front of a king sized bed.

     And it's only 10am in Chicago.

     "Are you serious?" Jimin chuckles.

     All Hoseok does is hum into the glass surface.

     Jimin grumbles, "How come I was the one put in practice jail while you got to work at all hours of the night to release an album and exhaust yourself practicing the day before the performance?"

     Another mumble, this time the words 'silly dream' are intelligible.

     Jimin just sighs and drops his handbag bag at the door, his suitcase is in the small living room area that attaches to the bedroom. His hat gets thrown to the ground and his sleeves get rolled up. Jimin steps closer to the exhausted man and crouches down next to him.

     "Hyung," he says softly. Kissing his boyfriend's head and combing his fingers through the sweaty hair.

     "Jimin-ah," Hoseok whines. His voice is low and scratchy.

     Jimin smiles, softly saying, "Hi there hyung how about we get you into the shower and then to bed?"

     "Hm kay jimin-ah but you are in Seoul."

     Jimin holds back a giggle as he says, "You are right hyung, I was in Seoul but I got on a plane to come see you. Now stand up for me."

     Jimin slings Hoseok's arm over his shoulder to hoist him onto his feet. Of course first he needs to lift up his head which means Hoseok actually sees him. His eyes grow, mouth forming a big O.

     "Wait Jimin?" He asks, his voice is a little more focused but still low.

     "I told you hyung, wanted to test out the whole plane thing, thought it seemed sketchy to fly," Jimin jokes.

     He gets his boyfriend to a standing position and starts walking him towards the bathroom. Ignoring the confused looks on Hoseok's face as he leans him on the counter. Jimin leans down to wiggle the bright tennis shoes off and throw the smelly socks as far as he can.

     Suddenly there is a hand in his hair, gently tugging him up. "Wait you are actually here?" Hoseok asks once Jimin's face is level with his.

     "Yes hyung, I'm really here and now I'm really going to put you in a shower because you smell." Jimin kisses him quickly before turning and pulling his boyfriend into the bathroom.

     He opens the shower door and turns on the water, trying to adjust the temperature as fast as he can. He does have to kick the pillow that somehow made its way into the bathroom door and then further when Hoseok and him shuffled in.

     Hoseok does his part and undresses himself, throwing the clothes willy nilly. Eyes trained on his boyfriend's back the while time. Once he is down to just his boxers he steps forward, wrapping his arms around Jimin.

     "Why hi there, are you ready for your shower?"

     Hoseok just nods into his back, starting to lift Jimin's shirt up as he does.

     Jimin turns around, "What are you doing?"

     "If we go into the shower you need to undress too," Hoseok pouts. He may be the hyung but he knows Jimin and him care for each other equally.

     "Why would I get into the shower?" Jimin smirks, looking up at Hoseok's face.

     Hoseok knows that means yes and just starts undressing him without responding.

     Jimin smiles and says, "I am only going to shower with you hyung if you promise to take a nap with me after, deal?"

     Hoseok smiles at that, "Deal."

     And he keeps to his word, they shower, maybe a little slow and maybe they kiss a lot but it remains just a shower. Then they both end up in the bed wrapped in soft bathrobes and curled up together. Hoseok falls asleep first, his soft snores fill the room and make Jimin smile.

     "Sleep well hyung, I love you." He kisses his boyfriend again and rests his head so Hoseok's snores move his hair around.

     That's how they both fall asleep.

***

     It's hot, so much so that Jimin worries the sun will never leave the sky. He seriously regrets going along with Hoseok and wearing all black. Jimin was too distracted by making sure Hoseok ate after their 2 hour nap to argue when his boyfriend dressed him to go to the festival.

     Of course Hoseok is now talking to some music producers and American artists, the English is too difficult for Jimin's basic knowledge.

     Hoseok seems to be shining, he is in his element. Even with limited ability to communicate he is networking with some of the biggest names. Said man does his best to involve Jimin in every conversation with the help of the translator who is tagging along with them.

     Right now Hoseok is getting to talk to his idol J. Cole. He makes Jimin stand next to him and keeps gripping his forearm to keep from vibrating.

     Jimin just does his best to follow along and ancor Hoseok without being too boyfriend-y. Mr. Lee, their translator, does tell him the bullet points of the whole conversation. So Jimin keeps his nerves at bay, this isn't about him. The festival is important for his boyfriend.

     "Omg Jimin, he noticed my album Hope World is named like his Cole world!" Hoseok's grip tightening grabs his attention. His boyfriend is smiling so big and Jimin can see his feet shifting back and forth. The need to move intensified through the excitment.

     "Of course he did hyung, you are so talented," Jimin tells him.

     This does the impossible and makes Hoseok smile even more.

     "He said he wants to get some photos with us, is that okay?" Jimin just smiles back and nods, it's the real reason he let Hoseok talk him into dressing up.

     Mr. Lee and J. Cole's assistant take the photos for them. Jimin only let's himself be in one photo and pushes Hoseok to take more.

     Mr. Lee comes to stand next to him while Hoseok says goodbye. "Tomorrow x together are performing soon. Bang Si-Hyuk just asked me to remind you."

     "Thank you so much, we will head over now. Do you remember where we can go to watch?" Jimin asks him. He knows the wristbands they were given are full access but Bang PDnim said something to them about how to watch the younger boys perform.

     Mr. Lee nods. "You can go stand in the barricade area with other VIP guests. You will be close to the stage so it may be louder than expected."

     "What will be loud?" Hoseok asks as he joins them again. Jimin is hyperaware of how he stands next to him and avoids holding his hand.

     Dating in secret sucks.

     "Mr. Lee reminded me that TxT are performing soon and we get to stand in the barricade area." Jimin brushes his pinkie finger against his boyfriend's.

     Mr. Lee nods and checks his phone again. "Would you like me to accompany you?"

     They make eye contact and Hoseok answers. "I think we will be okay, thank you so much hyungnim for helping us out."

     "Of course, please contact me if you need me. Until then I am going to help out backstage with TxT." Mr. Lee bows to them. They both bow back.

     "So let's head to the barricade, or do we need to get anything first?" Hoseok turns to face him.

     "We should probably go grab some water," Jimin responds.

     So they do. And they watch their dongsaengs kill their performance. They keep talking to each other about how they are proud.

     Afterwards they make sure to go congratulate the boys. Both of them do give a couple of critiques on their performance. Although they are things probably only Jimin and Hoseok would notice.

     When Bang Si-Hyuk joins them he suggests a company dinner and the couple cannot say no.

     Of course the whole night they try to be normal friends and not boyfriends who want to kiss. Bang PDnim may know but they haven't told the younger boys yet, they are still new to the secret keeping side of this business. Plus even in an empty restaurant someone can photograph them.

     Which means when they manage to get back to Hoseok's hotel room they both collapse onto the bed and...well let's just say it was not PG13. Not to be a very descriptive narrator but Hoseok does need to let off some steam. Afterall, Jimin doesn't want him to be too nervous for tomorrow. 

***

     After crashing the night before (and other activities), Hoseok having to place his boyfriend in bed early. He may have let Jimin drink a little bit. Which always leads to Jimin flirting at him loudly while he tries to brush his teeth. And Jimin's teeth.

     Surprisingly Hoseok slept well too.

     He even allowed himself to be cajoled into a lazy(ish) morning. Which equalled about an hour for breakfast, coffee, and chatting before he headed to the stage. Soundchecks always made him feel both nervous and goofy. So small of a crowd that it feels more intimate.

     Jimin claimed to want to stay behind and sightsee a small amount. Hoseok happily predicted it would not last. So he found himself 10 minutes into soundcheck when his boyfriend appeared on stage next to him.

     This led to the performer's attempts to just be serious to fail.

     Jimin was handed a mic and they may have gotten goofy.

     May have. Now that he is getting into position for the performance, he focuses on that memory. Allows the goofy morning performance to battle with his nerves that grow with the sounds of the crowd.

     Then of course, he jumps.

***

*cringes in unsmooth transition*

     Jimin has watched so many performances in his life. Varying from small dance performances to huge stage productions. Last night he got a feel for how the crowd is so varied and loud.

     Still he feels that this is the one performance he looks forward to most.

     Apparently dating the person on stage brings you to the same emotional state as performing on one. Hoseok had asked him to be objective and provide critism.

     That was not going to happen. No, because the moment his hyung popped up on stage Jimin felt himself fall in love again.

     He saw the serious man who he would spend hours in a dance studio with. Hair thrown everywhere and eyes full of passion. Hoseok's voice was even deeper somehow, than it ever sounded on a recording.

     Jimin felt pulled towards him. The beat filling his ears.

     He even found himself singing along, he cannot always rap as well as Hoseok. But he has heard all the hours if practice so he is decent. Jimin also notices the crowd. He thought they would be very diverse. People who may not know who his boyfriend or he are.

     Instead he sees it filled with army bombs, hears them chanting the lyrics along with him. That's why Jimin is proud. He is proud of his boyfriend who looks effortlessly gorgeous on stage and proud of army who support them no matter what.

     Jimin misses the stage.

     He misses practice.

     And he really misses cuddling Hoseok even though he was just kissing him good luck an hour ago. So Jimin jumps up and down he sings and raps. He responds to Hoseok's banter while his hyung catches his breath.

     When dynamite starts playing he mimics the dance moves. Playing around since he doesn't exactly know the new moves. He has no critique. He loves every moment. He loves every glance in his direction.

     Jimin is as much of a fan as everyone in the crowd. He wishes for an army bomb.

     Jimin also wishes to run his fingers through Hoseok's sweaty hair but all in due time.

     Then Becky appears on stage. Jimin knows this dance, although he is aware he is in a crowded space.

     Becky makes eye contact with him a few times and he always gives her a big smile.

     Then he watches as Hoseok finishes off his set. His boyfriend is definitely sweaty so Jimin will be forcing him to take a LONG shower. Sweaty boyfriends are only attractive so long into a relationship.

     Jimin even leaves a little early to be waiting for Hoseok back stage when his boyfriend gets there.

     "So..." Hoseok pants. There is a makeup artist handing him a hand towel for the sweat.

     Jimin just smiles. "Hyung I love you." And then he grabs his boyfriend and gets him to the privacy of the trailer they have been using as a changing room. He kisses his hyung.

     Hoseok laughs when he is allowed to take a breath. "That good huh?"

     "Jung Hoseok you belong on that stage. I have nothing I would change. I loved it, I was singing and dancing and I just love you," Jimin says. He keeps his hands wrapped in Hoseok's shirt to hold him close.

     His boyfriend seems to smile brighter than he has all night. Of course this means Jimin needs to kiss him. Like a lot. Maybe sweaty boyfriends are attractive after years of dating.

     Also maybe he really likes watching Hoseok perform in front of thousands and get him alone after.

     Jimin does his best to convey his feelings to Hoseok through the kiss. When they finally pull apart neither feels the need to talk. Maybe Hoseok chuckles and maybe he giggles.

     But it's theirs. It's private and special and Hoseok is with him, his.

my other works are here!

[bestsmmpanelworld]

3 Mistakes in Social Media Marketing That May Come Back to Haunt You

Picture this.

You request a thing on the web and it requires much more investment to show up than it ought to. Furthermore, a couple of things are absent in the bundle. Disappointed, you take to the merchant's Facebook channel to voice your interests and hope to be redressed.

Also, in spite of continued nudging, there is finished radio quiet at the opposite end.

best smm panel

The experience didn't feel significantly better right? You think perhaps this business couldn't care less about you - how you confided in it to give you a decent encounter and it broke this trust all things considered. So you do what any baffled individual would - you promise at absolutely no point ever to arrange anything from here in the future and hit the "in contrast to" button.

For web-based entertainment specialists, there is an illustration to be learned here. A web-based entertainment promoting system can ultimately flounder with a couple unlikes and negative remarks.

As an entrepreneur, virtual entertainment allows you restricted opportunities to establish a decent connection. How you make the most of these possibilities could make your business or break it.

The evidence is in these details:

71% of clients who have a positive online entertainment experience with a brand are probably going to suggest it - Diplomat

As per a review, scarcely 20% of web-based entertainment posts barely produce any profound response via online entertainment - Havas Media

42% of Twitter clients hope to be anticipate that a business should answer their requests in something like 60 minutes - Minister

As a web-based entertainment advertiser, the most ideal way to further develop your virtual entertainment system is to initially find the reason why it flounders in any case. Here are a few slip-ups that you could have neglected:

1 - Being thoughtless with negative input

In the event that you have at any point managed a sales rep, you wouldn't anticipate that he should become cautious when you have a protest or be thoughtless about your interests.

So how could your devotees via web-based entertainment?

Remember, at whatever point anybody criticizes you via web-based entertainment, your other supporters can see them. Furthermore, they will be as intrigued to perceive how you answer.

For organizations, this is a nail-gnawing situation. Yet, it is absolutely avoidable. How it's done:

Put somebody equipped in the driver's seat: Experienced experts like online entertainment specialists will adopt an impartial strategy to the cynicism and know that being imprudent about it fills compelling reason need.

For instance, they know that being inert to remarks like "your administration sucks! I need my cash back" doesn't actually help anybody. An eloquent answer then again, helps both your standing and pacifies rising attitudes.

To represent, your answer ought to resemble, "We are grieved that you had a terrible encounter. Could you at any point tell us precisely what occurred so we can offer to set things straight?" Along these lines, you are bound to ease baffled clients.

Perk up to makes reference to by utilizing on the web apparatuses: It's not difficult to disregard something you don't experience consistently. Remarks via virtual entertainment are something very similar. You can't follow all of them. Nobody inboxes them to you and there is no assurance that devotees will label you.

To monitor all remarks, you can utilize instruments like Google Alarms which tell you when anybody utilizes your watchwords on their virtual entertainment fields.

2 - Utilizing web-based entertainment the board apparatuses to plan same posts on all stages

Web-based entertainment the board apparatuses permit advertisers to post similar substance on a few virtual entertainment stages immediately. Numerous organizations use it to plan posts. What's more, it has worked for them as well, saving the time they need to zero in on different errands.

Be that as it may, customarily, individuals utilize these instruments as an easy route to plan same posts on a few stages. It's a languid strategy and shows that it doesn't matter at all to you how your substance is gotten by crowds.

Remember, what works on Facebook or Twitter will not be guaranteed to deal with LinkedIn. Each web-based entertainment stage was made in view of explicit interest groups. A 140 person tweet, for instance, will not agree with LinkedIn crowds who anticipate more exhaustive posts.

Use devices to plan upgraded posts

To take advantage of social sharing apparatuses, further develop your web-based entertainment procedure first. Carve out opportunity to find out about the interesting capacities of every stage. Restrict yourself to a few stages in the event that that is the stuff. For instance, posts that are wealthy in symbolism are more effective on Google+.

Hootsuite and HubSpot are two of the numerous virtual entertainment the board apparatuses that you can use to robotize posts and even see which channels are driving the most commitment. Notwithstanding computerized content sharing, these stages additionally offer free web-based social showcasing instructional classes that can assist you with taking full advantage of every stage like advancing your posts for various online entertainment channels.

3 - Holding back on friendly offer buttons

Entrepreneurs ordinarily save their best happy for their sites. Content like enlightening online journals, for instance, lay out them as specialists in their specialties.

It likewise allow guests an opportunity to remain longer on these sites. Maybe they might want to glance around to see what else is on offer?

Sadly, you could highlight content that everybody couldn't imagine anything better than to share - yet in the event that guests have no method for sharing it, it won't get the openness you are searching for.

To make this work for you:

Make your social sharing work on portable: Insights show that more than 15% of tweet specifies are from the tweet fastens that are implanted on your site. This likewise demonstrates to show that individuals share a ton on cell phones.

Apparatuses to make social offer buttons for WordPress: You can utilize online devices to make tweaked social offer buttons for various crowds.

While choosing fitting modules, a decent guideline is to choose those that permit you more opportunity in the sort of friendly offer buttons you can make for various stages.

For instance, to further develop commitment with versatile crowds you can advise your engineers to download WordPress module instruments like Straightforward Offer Buttons Snake to make modified share buttons for your web or portable crowd and add them to each of your virtual entertainment posts. Another module apparatus is Addthis.

Have a social spending plan: On the off chance that anything merits doing, it merits doing well. Apparatuses like Straightforward Offer Button Viper are allowed to download and utilize. Be that as it may, if you truly need to make your portion buttons sparkle, it's ideal to have a spending plan for itself and use it to buy their ace or premium bundles. These proposition more customization choices and retail for around $10 to $100 dollars.

Select shareable substance shrewdly: to exploit virtual entertainment, your substance should be something that individuals would need to share. Picture rich posts, for instance, are shared significantly more than text-based content.

To delineate, consider infographics. Concentrates on show that infographics are shared and "loved" via web-based entertainment multiple times more than some other kind of happy.

Wrapping Up

Use apparatuses to keep yourself alarm to negative remarks and depend on proficient assistance. Try not to take the sluggish way out by dumping the auto posting methodology. Focus on the sort of satisfied you post, how your supporters share content on your social foundation of decision and upgrade it for versatile to extend your range.

[lemonandlime22]

Ask from @dance-till-the-death : can i request dia, luci, bar and simeon with mc doing class rep : "Shout out to the demons and angels for fucking up bs and also solving them"

Lucifer, Diavolo, Barbatos, and Simeon with an Mc that is doing a special little class presentation

Warning(s): cussing, suggestive? i think (does that count as nsfw???)

A/N: im a bit confused but i think i got it, hope you enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lucifer

he just wanted to check in on you and see how you were doing

he was not expecting to be met with you giving a presentation on the early events of your stay in the devldom.

he nearly had a stroke.

but he was able to compose himself and turn off the projector

then drag you out of the class all to the meeting room

where you guys had a little "chat"

rip Mc

He is eternally embarrassed.

You might be hung upside down from the ceiling longer than even Mammon

Actual rip that shits dangerous.

Overall? How dare you-

Diavolo

Was just doing his rounds, checking in on how the classes are doing

And when he got to your class he was surprised to see you giving a presentation

Usually you’d tell him about whatever big projects you have at the time

so he decided to stay an extra minute or two out of curiosity

and oh boy!

he was not disappointed!

will without a doubt clap at the end of the presentation

doesn't matter if you bad mouthed him or not

he's proud of my no matter what <3.

tho I can't promise you won't die when Luci or Barbs sees/hears what happened.

Barbatos

He was most likely with Dia

so your dead.

I'm sorry

but ya are-

he is nice enough to let you finish tho.

after that tho?

yeah your fucked bro ( ͡❛ ͜ʖ ͡❛).

he will drag you to the castle and into the labyrinth for a proper punishment.

and depending on who you are that could be a good thing.

Simeon

He came into the classroom looking for his pen he forgot

and immediately regrets his life choices as soon as he looks up and sees the title of your personation.

he stood in the back kinda frozen for a sec

and in that second

you spotted him

then you continued to do the whole thing

all while keeping eye contact with him

you never once looked away the entire time

he's not even sure if he saw you blink at all.

as soon as you looked away to turn off the projector he slowly made his way out of the class

he was very confused for the rest of the day.

maybe he should go talk to Barbs about that whole Mc being related to Lilith section of the slideshow

but they were probably just joking around or something.

right????

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[solarwonux]

84.  “I can tell you’re stressed, let me fix that.”

roomate!junkook x f!reader

genre: smut

w.c: 3.2k

warnings: smut, fwb, Jungkook and his tattoos, tattooartist!jungkook, dom!jungkook if you squint, spiting, cum eating, oral sex (m receiving), a brief mention of voyeurism, briefly edited, also Jungkook is kind off fluffy, this couple is weird af y’all. 

note: hello, Idk what I did but I’ve done it lol. This is also a drabble that will eventually be part of a bigger story that I have half outlines lol, so I hope you enjoy this preview. I hope you like it please let me know your thoughts. Enjoy.xx

MASTERLIST || PROMPTS

Fourth time’s the charm.

Jungkook thought as he made his way to the front door of the tattoo shop. He pulled on the handle rather harshly making sure it was closed. Last week he had forgotten to lock the door, resulting in a drunk stranger walking in demanding a tattoo. Thankfully, the stranger’s intrusion triggered the security alarm, waking Jungkook in a fright. He ran down the steps of his apartment - the one located above the shop, half naked, carrying the bat you and him kept by the front door, his heart pounding against his chest. 

To say the least he was terrified. Scared that something would happen to the expensive tattooing equipment. Scared that Yoongi would fire him and therefore kick him out of the apartment, scared of something happening to you. His nerves subsided when he found the drunk stranger, passed out on the couch in the waiting room. 

The equipment, his job and you were all safe. 

Ever since then he had made it his mission, even writing it down on a highlighter yellow sticky note as a reminder; to check not once but four times if the front door was locked.

Jungkook sighed, giving the door one last pull, making it rattle against the locks, before deeming it locked. A fifth time wouldn’t hurt. 

He turns around, walking past the waiting room and the reception desk. He does one last look over, mumbling underneath his breath, checking to see if he had done everything he needed to do on his to-do list before turning off the lights. Quickly, he pushed aside the colorful paint splattered curtain that hid the front door to his apartment to the general public. He pressed in the code, waiting for the lock to click, going over the appointments or lack there off he had the following day. 

As of late, Jungkook, Yoongi, Jimin and Hoseok hadn’t had many clients come into the shop or request an appointment via instagram. He blames the rival shop that opened a few blocks away, and their stupid flash event, where they tattooed people for free. Of course they weren’t intricate pieces, small basic ones that you would pick out from the generic tattoo binder. But it still caused a dent in their clientele. 

That night you came home after work to find the four tattooists, on the couch, shooting glares at the shop door, with a large bottle of whisky in between them, and their man-size ego down in the slumps. The solution was simple, at least it was in your head. 

“Hold an event like theirs, maybe shirtless. I’ve only seen Jungkook’s abs because he loves walking around the apartment half naked but I’m sure you guys have a promising pair.” You suggested with a shrug, earning groans and complaints from the four artists on the couch. 

Yoongi stood up first, holding a hand out as an attempt to regain his balance from the sudden movement. “I’m not degrading myself or my art for clients. I’m also not giving away my talent for free.” He slurred, pointing an accusatory finger in your direction, “and my abs are better than Kooks.” 

“Alright, it was just a suggestion.” You held your hands up in defeat, taking a step back. “I’m going to bed, enjoy your pity party.” You smiled at them before making your way to the front door and disappearing. 

In hindsight, maybe you were right. Except for the half naked part, that’s dangerous and goes against all tattoo etiquette. But maybe holding a flash event and offering tattoo’s half off was not a bad idea. It would surely bring back their clients and make way for new ones. He would have to bring it up to his coworkers tonight when they came over.

Jungkook sighed, stopping at the top of the stairs facing the final door that led to his living room. He could hear the loud poppy music you were playing behind the door. Living with you wasn’t as bad as he thought it would be when Yoongi first offered you the vacant room. You were clean, organized and relatively respectful of personal space, but he hated your music. It was generic and just way too bouncy and happy, it was a good thing you gave a great head, if not he would’ve begged Yoongi to kick you out long ago. Before he got attached.

He wasn’t a dick he just thought with his dick ninety nine percent of the time and right now it was very much needing a stress release. Jungkook punched in the final code and opened his front door, revealing you in nothing but a tight pair of leggings and a sports bra, sweat droplets running down your body as you followed along with the exercise video on youtube. You looked very much like you would look after the two of you finished fucking and it made his cock stir in his jeans.

“Did you lock the door?” You said in between breaths, squatting down, finishing your last rep of squats. Jungkook bit his bottom lip, nodding in response. His hands were down by his sides, itching to squeeze your ass, to pull you against him and take you on the couch. It wouldn’t be out of pocket either. He knew you would give in the second he gave you that lust filled look of his. The one that was desperate and needy and practically begging for your touch.

You stopped pausing the video and turned to look at him, hands on your hips, chest heaving in a poor attempt to catch your breath. Jungkook knew he was fucked. “Are you sure you locked the door?” 

“Yes I checked five times tonight, have you had dinner?” He blinked rapidly, stuffing his hands in the pocket of his jeans hiding his hardening cock as best as he could.

“An hour ago.” You reassured, unpausing the workout video and positioning yourself in downward dog. 

Jungkook looked up at the ceiling, taking deep breaths following your haggard ones and counted to ten. He couldn’t take it anymore; he needed you. Needed your mouth around him until he was painting the back of your throat white. Counting to ten once wasn’t enough to calm him down. It wasn’t until he was halfway through his third recount that he felt your arms circle around his waist, a faint kiss left underneath his earlobe, that he knew he was done for. 

“I can tell you’re stressed, let me fix that.” You whisper leaving opening mouthed kisses down his neck tonguing the spot between his clavicle and neck. Jungkook’s eyes opened wide, his lips parting in an inaudible sigh. 

“Fuck baby please.” He caved, taking your head in his hands and pushing you away before leaning down and capturing your lips with his, in a wet, messy and needy kiss. He didn’t care that your lips were salty due to the sweat, they felt like heaven against his. 

You moaned into the kiss feeling the wet muscle of his tongue swiping against your bottom lip asking for access, in which you so rightfully gave him. His hand left your cheek and traveled down your neck until it was groping your boob through your thin sports bra. You pulled away to catch your breath for a few seconds, whimpering as his palm worked against your hardened nipple diligently before kissing him again, teeth clattering against one another. 

He pulled away pushing your sports bra up releasing your boobs, his index fingers and thumbs pinching your nipples and pulling on them gently. “Jungkook, w-what do you want?” You moan, closing your eyes as he rolled your nipples between his sweaty palms. Not only did Jungkook love touching your ass, he also loved playing with your boobs, claiming they were the best pair of boobs he had ever seen in his entire twenty six years of life. 

“Get on your knees baby girl, want to see your lips wrapped around me.” He mumbles against the crown of your head while he continues to knead at your boobs. 

You nod kissing the outline of the tattoo that was peeking against the neck of his white t-shirt. You send him a wink. A deep hum leaves his lips as you slowly kissed your way down his clothed chest, until you were face to face with his jean cladded bulge. You looked beautiful, your eyes glossy with need and your mouth watering as you couldn’t wait for the weight of his cock against your tongue.

He puts his hand on the back of your head and pushes your face against his jeans, he was so hard he could feel himself pulsing with need. It didn’t help that your fingers were walking up his thighs at an agonizing pace, while your mouth was now kissing him through the fabric, satisfied hums leaving your lips. “You’re so fucking hard Kook.” You pull away finally unbuttoning his jeans, your fingers brushing against him while you unzip his pants slowly.

“You’re such a tease baby girl, almost makes me think that you want to get punished tonight.” He tilts his head, pushing his hips into your hands as you palmed him over his boxers, while your other hand pushes his jeans down, leaving him in only his t-shirt and black boxers. 

You look up at him smirking, leaning in to kiss the tattoo decorating his thigh. You had gotten off on it many times before, it was your favorite pastime when you were needy and bored. “Maybe I do, take your shirt off.” You demanded, biting down on his skin making him jump. 

He grabs your face, squishing your cheeks making you face him, “Be careful I’m not feeling very nice today.” The sinister look behind his eyes makes you shudder, “open your mouth,” You smile, parting your lips sticking your tongue out before Jungkook leans over, a glob of spit hitting your tongue making you moan in delight. “What do you say?” His grip on your cheeks is hard. 

“Thank you sir.” You mewl, hooking your thumbs underneath the waistband of his boxers, wasting no time in freeing him. His cock was pretty, you had once told him that and it made him double over in laughter. No one had ever called his cock beautiful. Maybe big but never beautiful but you were a character and he should’ve expected a comment like that from you. 

“Good girl, now go on, this is all you’re getting tonight so you better enjoy it.” He wraps his hand around himself, spitting down onto his length using it to lube himself up before guiding it to your slightly parted lips. He knew you loved to watch him touch himself, sometimes if you weren’t home and he was needy he would sit on the couch fucking his hand knowing you would walk at any minute and help him finish the job. Or sit in front of him on the coffee table, legs spread wide touching yourself, moaning his name like his fingers were inside of you instead of yours. If Yoongi knew the dirty escapades that happened behind the walls of the apartment above his tattoo shop he would never step foot inside again. Thankfully he didn’t know, yet. 

You stick your tongue out and lick his head, rolling your nipples against the palm of your hands. The sight was award winning and Jungkook wanted to so badly get his camera out and capture the moment. To add to your shared collection. “So fucking sexy baby girl, always so good for me.” He tapped the head of his cock against your tongue before you close your lips around him, running your tongue underneath the head of his cock. 

Jungkook’s hand came behind your head, guiding you further down his cock sending a thrum of arousal up his spine. You hollow out your cheeks looking up at him with watering eyes. He moans, gripping your ponytail, giving you an experimental thrust making you gag around him. It sounded like the beginning of a beautiful melody, not the ones that belonged to your shitty pop music but the one that would keep you up at night lost in thought. 

“Fuck, your mouth feels like heaven.” He thrusts again, while you tug on the hem of his shirt. “Want to see me, look at my tattoos while I fuck your mouth?” He grunts, quickly discarding his shirt once he hears the needy moan that escapes your cock filled mouth. He knew his tattoos were your ultimate turn on. The reason you had gotten on your knees before him the first time after living together for a full year. He couldn’t say no, not when the only thought running through his mind was the stain your red lipstick would leave behind on his cock. 

Calm him a douchebag or compare him to a hormonal filled teenager, he didn’t care. He was a man after all. One that hadn’t had sex in two years after his last girlfriend cheated on him with his brother. 

Frankly, he needed an ego boost and you were there to give it to him, so he caved.

You pull off of him breathing heavily, a thread of saliva connects your lips to the head of your cock as you try to catch your breath. The sight was anything but underwhelming and enough to make him cum, but Jungkook hated his cum going to waste. He was healthy and young and it should go to good use.

 “I-I want you to use my mouth, please.” You croak before dragging your tongue up and down his shaft. “Want you to cum in my mouth sir.” Mumbling, you tease his head with the tip of your tongue making him groan. 

“Such a dirty mouth, it's a good thing I’m making good use out of it.” He says, a cocky smirk evident on his face. You nod happily, humming with please as you take him into your mouth again, sinking further, hollowing your cheeks moaning around him as you watch his face scrunch up in pleasure. His abs contract as he tries to control himself, at least until you give him the go ahead. And you do with a slight tap of your fingers against his thighs. 

He growls, thrusting his hips into your mouth, guiding your head up and down, gagging around him. His cock feels hot and heavy against your tongue, making both of you moan simultaneously. “Always letting me use you, what would our friends say if they walked in. You know I invited them over for drinks, right?” 

You whimper around him, closing your eyes at the thought of getting caught with him, balls deep down your throat. You hated that he had caught onto your slight voyeurism kink as it was only a matter of time where he threw all tattoo etiquette he knew and lived by out on the window and fucked you in his workshop, with only a thin curtain separating you and the rest of the shop. 

His thrusts get more desperate. His orgasm was approaching quickly as he twitched inside of your mouth. You dig your nails into his thighs, creating crescent moons as you feel your lungs start to give out. He mutters a low fuck followed by a quick apology before he pulls away. You gasp resting your hand against your chest, your eyes are filled with tears, bubbles of saliva painting your chin. Jungkook swears he’s never seen a sight as beautiful as this one and once again he’s cursing himself for not giving himself enough time to grab his camera. 

“Can you go more or do you need a break?” He whispers, eyes filled with concern while he caresses your cheek with his thumb. 

You shake your head, “Just give me time to regain my breath.” With a soft smile you leave a chaste kiss against the tattoo decorating his hip. It was part of a bigger piece, one that adorned the entire right side of his body, but nevertheless for some odd reason it was your favorite one. 

Jungkook nods, wrapping his hand around himself, muffled curses escaping his beautiful lips. “I’m so close, baby girl, just let me cum on your face.” He all but begs, gripping his cock tightly and thrusting his hips into his hand. 

You pout, a sound of protest leaves your swollen lips making Jungkook roll his eyes. “You can blow me again later, open your mouth baby.” He tucks his lips in between his lips, hips casting into his hand desperately. The pool between your legs grows, overflowing as you watch the mesmerizing sight in front of you. God, he was so fucking sexy. 

You open your mouth sticking your tongue. Jungkook throws his head back moaning your name in a sweet incantation, ropes of cum hitting your tongue and cheeks, while you moan along with him. 

Jungkook opens his eyes, riding out his orgasm, painting your chin watching as you drag your tongue into your mouth swallowing his salty substance, humming in satisfaction. “J-Jungkook.” The needy way you say his name makes his cock twitch and he has to keep himself from getting hard again. 

“You look so pretty baby girl, so fucked out and pretty, only for me.” He whispers, collecting the cum that was dripping down your chin with his thumb before bringing it up your lips, coating them. “So filthy too, thank you baby.” He leans down, running his tongue against your cheek collecting his cum before kissing you slowly and sensually, pushing his tongue inside of your mouth, coating the inside with his cum. 

Jungkook hates his cum going to waste. You whimper, snaking your arms around his neck pulling him closer, sucking on his tongue. He grins against your lips and moves away, chuckling as you continue to chase his lips with yours. “I need you Kookie.” You sigh, a pout forming on your swollen lips. “Please just fuck me, use me. I don’t care anymore.” You let out a sob, your pussy throbbing begging to be touched. 

He helps you up, circling his arms around your waist, nosing your hair as he sighs. He wants to give him, lead you to the couch, but the guys were going to be here at any minute and he couldn’t have time to please you the way he wanted to. 

“Let’s go shower, I promise the second the guys leave I’ll eat you out like a starved man.” He suggests, leaving a light kiss against your forehead. He didn’t feel as stressed as he was earlier, but that’s all thanks to you and how easy it was for him to get lost in your world.

“Is that a promise?” You tilt your head curiously, toying with the hair resting against the back of his neck.  

“I always keep promises, baby girl.”

[andypantsx3]

defiant | bakugou/reader

pairing: Bakugou Katsuki / Reader

status: complete

length: 4,485 words

summary: There are a lot of benefits to managing your pro hero boyfriend, but dealing with the PR nightmares he generates is not one of them. After Katsuki gets way too mouthy with a hapless reporter, you take it upon yourself to put him in his place.

Katsuki, however, has other ideas.

tags/warnings: smut, arguing, possessive sex, light bondage, aged up characters, reader attempts to dom bakugou (keyword: attempts)

notes: This is based several years after the events of my fic savvy though you do not need to have read it to enjoy this one!! This is also unedited because I am too lazy, my apologies for the various mistakes within. I will come back and fix them at some point. Dedicated to @bobawithpomegranate​ for reminding me I was supposed to be working on this.

It was a Friday afternoon at approximately three p.m. when Bakugou Katsuki lost his fucking mind.

You knew this information because you had been watching the press coverage of your boyfriend’s latest fight, an operation in which he and Kirishima Eijirou had paired up to defeat a villain with an earthquake quirk.

Katsuki and Kirishima had taken the man down in record time, mere minutes after the reporters showed up. You’d watched them pound the villain into the very street he’d ripped up in the first place, and now Kirishima was puttering around in the background of the news coverage, smiling as he chatted up civilians against the wreckage of the city street behind him. Which left Katsuki to saunter over to the gaggle of field reporters and give the customary interview.

His blonde hair was disheveled, and his mouth was quirked up into a sharp smile, the way it always was after he’d just come out of a good fight. But he looked otherwise unharmed, just as intense and savagely handsome as always. He even looked like he might be in a good mood, pleased with the results of his fight, and you thought he might actually keep the swearing to a minimum this time.

He ducked under the police tape, flaxen hair glinting gold under the afternoon sun, and stalked over to the nearest reporter, already opening his mouth to crow over his latest victory.

Which is when something off screen caught his attention.

There was a muffled question from one of the reporters--not from the network you were watching or the mic would have caught it--and Katsuki’s scarlet gaze cut to the side. You watched in horror as his expression slowly morphed into one of apoplectic rage.

“You fucking piece of shit,” Katsuki snarled, eyes narrowing, an explosion already crackling between his fingers.

The camera jerked to the side, catching the startled expression of another reporter. He looked vaguely familiar to you--tall, handsome in a bland kind of way, teeth bleached for his job as a television personality. You thought you might have met him briefly at the last Hero’s Gala, but you didn’t have time to linger on the memory--Katsuki was already on the move, fighting his way through the pack of reporters, looking ready to commit a murder.

“--think you can just fucking talk to me, asshole?” you heard him shout.

“What did he say?” a voice murmured off screen.

“--he just asked Dynamight how he feels about his success today,” another voice uttered, closer to the camera, sounding bewildered and more than a little alarmed.

“You’re gonna wish you had never fucking been born, asswipe!” Katsuki shouted over them.

He’d nearly reached the reporter when there was a blur of red and Kirishima was there, one bulky arm seizing Katsuki around the middle. He hauled Katsuki out of the sea of journalists, even as Katsuki struggled, spitting and snarling like a wet cat.

“You fucking try that shit again and I’ll fucking blow your teeth straight into your brain!” Katsuki hollered, drowning out whatever Kirishima was muttering to him.

Your phone screen lit up next to you, several notifications pinging simultaneously. You let out a gusty sigh, glancing down at the contact names. News outlets, looking to scoop their competitors by getting the first statement from the Dynamight Agency on Katsuki’s behavior.

You swiped over a screen and dialed the number for the PR department, watching Katsuki continue to rage on screen, struggling against Kirishima’s hold. The crags in Kirishima’s skin told you he was close to going Unbreakable, and the sight sent a hot bolt of irritation through you.

You had no idea what the hell Katsuki thought he was doing, launching himself at a reporter like that. A reporter who had apparently done nothing but ask him how he felt about the success of his fight, a question Katsuki--the smug fuck--typically reveled in answering.

It had been a long time since Katsuki’s last PR disaster (tackling pro hero Deku over the side of a buffet table after an innocuous comment at one of their first Hero’s Galas), and you’d gotten him to promise you to be more careful after that. You’d honestly thought he’d pretty much moved past that sort of thing now. He’d grown somewhat calmer with age--though not less foul mouthed--and as his girlfriend, you were able to exert some level of influence over his actions, as each year, your understanding of how to play him grew deeper and deeper.

So what the fuck he thought he was doing right now was absolutely beyond you. And also absolutely not appreciated, as you had much better things to be doing than cleaning up after him for a shit fit that he definitely could have controlled.

If there was something bothering him, you were going to make him tell you. And if he was up to his old tricks, maybe he needed a refresher on exactly why it was inappropriate to go off like a bomb at every little thing.

As Katsuki’s primary PR rep picked up on the other end of the line, already speaking to you in a brisk tone, you resolved yourself to the task. You were going to get to the bottom of whatever had sent Katsuki into a fit--and you were going to remind him how and why to behave himself.

Whether he wanted to or not.

The trickiest part of your plan was catching Katsuki off guard.

That kind of a feat was nearly impossible, as Katsuki had reflexes honed by years of experience, an alarmingly keen intellect, and a single-minded determination that was frankly terrifying to contemplate. It had been years since he’d been outmaneuvered by anyone in the field, and the odds were against anyone who thought they could get the jump on him.

Luckily for you, you knew that his single-mindedness was the one thing that could also be used against him.

You left the agency slightly earlier than normal, shooting off a message to Katsuki to let him know you’d meet him at home. And then you yanked open your proverbial bag of tricks.

You helped yourself to a long shower, lathering on some of Katsuki’s body wash instead of your own, a trick that--you’d learned after once running out of your own--sent him into something like a possessive frenzy, knowing you smelled like him, that anyone you encountered would know you’d helped yourself to a man’s personal effects and understand that you were already spoken for.

Then you rustled around in your drawers for a nicer pair of lingerie--not anything super fancy that would suggest you were up to anything special, but nice enough that Katsuki’s interest would be piqued.

And then you dug around in the closet for the most essential element of your plan--handcuffs. Your face warmed with the memory of the last time these had been used--a blur of rough palms and sharp teeth all over you, while you all but sobbed for more--but you frantically quashed the thought. Tonight, if all went according to plan, you wouldn’t be the one strapped helpless to the headboard.

You weren’t the one with a lesson to be learned, after all.

The scrape of keys in the door sent you dashing to hide the handcuffs underneath your pillow, and then the stomp of boots in the hall told you your boyfriend had made it inside. You hastily yanked a sweater and jeans over your lingerie, then went out to meet Katsuki in the kitchen.

He clearly hadn’t had time to change after his fight, still slightly disheveled, blonde hair mussed and scarlet eyes sharp as they narrowed in on you. His handsome features were twisted into a suspicious expression.

“The fuck’re you up to, ditching early? Thought I was gonna get fucking screamed at when I made it back to your office,” Katsuki growled, watching you intently as he stripped off his gloves and boots. They hit the ground with a dull thud.

Your heart shot into your throat, but you pasted on your best placid expression. “I ditched because I didn’t feel like dealing with every outlet in the entire country blowing up my office line. Thought I could get more done here where it’s quieter.”

You didn’t mention exactly what you planned to get done here, hoping Katsuki would assume it was all PR and damage control.

In a way, it was damage control. Just...not via traditional methods, exactly.

Katsuki’s eyes tracked you closely. He still looked skeptical. “You gonna let me have it then, princess?”

Oh you were gonna let him have it, alright. He just had no idea.

You watched him for a while, pretending to contemplate unloading on him the way you wanted to. “Just...not now. I’m too tired, I don’t even want to deal with it.”

He scoffed. “Bullshit. You live for giving me shit. Fucking out with it.”

You glared at him. “I don’t think you’re in any position to be giving me orders. And if I was gonna say anything before I’m certainly not now. Now go clean yourself up. I have work to finish, thanks to someone.”

You retreated back into the bedroom, smothering a grin.

Nothing got Katsuki jumped up like defiance. Years into your relationship, he knew on some level that he wasn’t actually in charge of you, but he still got just as worked up when you got mouthy with him as he had on day one. It wouldn’t be long until he came back in, trying to pick the same fight, altogether too interested in the attitude you’d give back to him.

He was such a boy.

You lounged around on the bed, pulling out your work laptop and firing off a couple emails while you waited, just for something to do. Katsuki’s PR rep seemed to have things well in hand, but you helped where you could.

Soon enough, Katsuki was stalking back into your room, hair dark from a shower, looking like he hadn’t even bothered to dry off before stomping back in. He wore only a dark pair of sweatpants, the hard planes of his chest on full display--you suspected he’d foregone a shirt on purpose, knowing how the sight of him usually distracted you.

Which it still did, somewhat, but you were too heady with your own plan to truly be diverted.

You smothered a laugh at the way Katsuki’s eyes immediately honed in on the lace of your bra strap, strategically peeking out of your sweater as you had arranged it.

Two could play at that game.

“Think you’re real fucking smooth, don’t you, princess?” he demanded, stalking over to loom over you in a vaguely threatening manner. You caught the clean scent of his body wash, just a hint of his syrupy sweet quirk under that.

Your thoughts fogged a little with his proximity so you pretended to ignore him, typing out some nonsense notes into your calendar for something to keep your attention off of him. The less you looked at him, the easier this would be. You were weak to his appearance, it was true, and nothing riled him up like not having your full attention.

“I don’t know what you’re on about,” you said vaguely, doing your best to sound distracted.

A rough palm shoved your laptop closed. “Oh I think you fucking do, princess. Think you’re gonna get all dressed up for me and then ignore me?”

You looked up into his face, just as his arms came down around you to cage you against the mattress. A thick spike of arousal jolted through you, but you pushed it down. Much as you were into this, he was not going to be in charge for much longer.

“And if I did?” you asked, victory surging through your veins at the dark look that entered his eye.

He leaned down, putting his face near to yours. “Gonna be real hard to ignore me when I’m fucking you so hard you’ll feel me for weeks.”

“You’re awfully confident for someone on such thin ice,” you breathed. You didn’t even have to pretend at being affected by his choice of words, your stomach fluttering with anticipation.

Katsuki wasted no time covering your mouth with his. The weight of him pressed you back into the mattress, your laptop tumbling to the floor with a loud clatter. Rough hands trailed up your sides, gathering up the fabric of your sweater and pulling it over your head.

Carefully, you eased him over, kissing him as hard as you could, so that you were the one on top, your knees braced on either side of his slim hips.

Katsuki swore, pressing you down on him with a rough palm on your back, evidence of his interest hard between your thighs.

And that’s when you struck. Using his momentary distraction, you pulled the handcuffs from beneath your pillow, weaving them through the headboard. You grabbed his hands as firmly as you dared, pressing them up over his head.

Katsuki noticed what you were doing the second before the handcuffs snapped shut over his wrists.

“The fuck you think you’re doing, nerd?” he demanded, flexing against the tight hold. You watched with interest as his bicep pulled with the effort. “Unlock these or you’re in for it.”

You sat back on his hips, smirking down at him the way he usually did at you. Triumph swelled in your gut like a symphony.

“No, you’re in for it, Katsuki. What the absolute fuck did you think you were doing today?” you asked, raising an eyebrow. “You think I was just gonna let you get away with throwing a tantrum on national television for no discernable reason?”

“That’s none of your business,” he ground out. A bright spark lit up the skin of his palm, a sharp crackle slicing into the silence of your room. “Now unlock these while I’m still asking nicely.”

You trailed absent fingers down the warm skin of his abdomen, watching appreciatively as the muscle tightened under your touch. Katsuki hissed out a sharp breath.

He might be threatening, but he ran the risk of blowing off his own hands if he resorted to using his quirk right now. You didn’t think he’d chance his own skin just to get out of this situation.

“I’m your manager and your girlfriend--it’s one hundred percent my business. You’re not getting out of those until you tell me what the hell you thought you were doing,” you promised darkly. You let your nails scrape over the skin of his hip, just under the band of his sweatpants.

You felt his hips shift in interest.

“You’re really asking for it, huh, princess?” he said, his voice rough. “I’m not gonna be gentle with you when I get out of this.”

“Keep avoiding the question and you’ll never get out of this,” you said. You let yourself lean over him, reveling in his minute intake of breath as you pressed a kiss over his neck. “You want something, I’ll give it to you. But only if you tell me why you did it.”

“It’s between me and that fucking slimeball and that’s all you need to know,” Katsuki snarled.

You let your teeth scrape over his skin, the way he usually did with you. “Not good enough,” you said.

Katsuki’s hips shifted again as you pressed back harder onto him. You felt your own abdomen coil tight with hot excitement at the unconscious little circles he was making. But you couldn’t be distracted--you had a mission to accomplish.

“Mind your damn business you fucking nerd,” he growled, defiant to the last.

Well, you hadn’t thought this was going to be easy.

“You are my business,” you informed him tritely. “And if you ever want me to take care of your business again, you’re going to tell me exactly what is going on.”

“Fuck,” he said instead. “You’re so hot when you get mouthy.”

“Not the answer I was looking for,” you told him. You shoved down the hot flush that tried to rise through you at his admission. Even years later, you were weak to his praise and he knew it.

He bucked a little under you, like he was unable to help himself. “Let me touch you, princess.”

“Still not an answer,” you intoned. You held very still, careful not to squirm like he was making you want to, even as his thrusts grew more deliberate.

If he would just hurry the fuck up and give you an answer, you both could be getting what you wanted. But everything had to be a production with him, as usual.

He was lucky he was so hot, and so charming on the rare occasion when he wanted to be, because he really was a piece of fucking work. You deserved some kind of sainthood for your service to him.

You slid forward on his chest a little when he gave a particularly strong thrust, bracing your hands over his sternum, and the abrupt show of strength had you clenching your thighs unthinkingly around him.

Katsuki’s mouth twisted in a savage grin, like he knew exactly how he was affecting you. “This is your last warning, princess. Let me out or you’re fucking in for it.”

You frantically schooled your features back into some form of haughty disregard, reaching down into your nightstand for the keys. You twirled them absently around your fingers.

“I don’t think you understand what kind of position you’re in,” you said firmly. “The only way you’re getting what you want is if you tell me what kind of stick that reporter stuck up your ass. Or maybe he didn’t, and you’re just being a fucking brat. Either way, you’re not in charge here--I am, and you are the one who’s in for it.”

No sooner had the words left your mouth, however, than the tang of hot metal met your nose. Katsuki’s savage smile was bordering on feral now. You looked up in alarm to see that above his head, he’d worked his palms over to press to each opposite wrist, but he wasn’t blowing through the cuffs like you’d known he couldn’t. Instead, he was melting them.

You swore, scrambling off of him. You threw yourself off the edge of the bed, racing for the door like the devil himself was behind you.

You weren’t fast enough.

The world upended, the white of your ceiling paint swirling up over your vision. The next thing you knew, you were thrown flat on your back in your bedding, bouncing a little from the impact against your mattress.

Katsuki braced himself over you, hands firm around your wrists, eyes alight with the challenge.

“You were saying, princess?” he asked smugly.

You wiggled underneath him, trying to work a leg underneath his hip to kick him off you the way you’d learned in self-defense. Katsuki just shifted into the cradle of your hips, huffing out a rough laugh.

“I fucking taught you that move, nerd. Think you’re gonna get me with it?”

His hips pressed forward, his body a hot line all along yours, and you suppressed a groan at the feel of him hard against your core.

“That’s right, princess,” Katsuki breathed, pressing his face into your shoulder to bite at your throat. “Now I’m going to remind you who’s in charge here, and you are going to be good for me and take every single thing that I give you.”

He gathered your wrists in one hand, reaching down with long fingers to work off your jeans.

You shivered in delight at the thought of his dark promises, but some other, more stubborn part of you resisted. You had a fucking job to do, and no way was he going to reroute you so he could get out of talking about things.

“You’re not giving me shit until you tell me exactly why you tried to blast some innocent reporter into the sun,” you said hotly.

Katsuki paid you no mind, too focused on pulling your jeans off over your ankle, so you leaned in and bit his shoulder.

“The fuck--?” he demanded, reeling back.

“I’m serious, Katsuki,” you said, irritation rising. “You tell me what is going on this second or it’s just you and your hand for the next month. I’m not fucking around.”

“He’s not some innocent reporter, he’s a piece of shit,” Katsuki said. His fingers worked at the clasp to your bra, like he thought that was enough of an answer.

“And you know this how?” you asked, trying to shift to crush his fingers underneath your shoulder.

He glared at you for a long moment, red eyes hot on your face, looking like he was strongly considering just abandoning the conversation altogether and stalking off to blow something up instead.

“I know,” he finally ground out, looking like every word cost him, “because I overheard him in the men’s room at the last Hero’s Gala.”

So you did know the reporter from the Hero’s Gala. A dim memory came to you of shaking his hand, leaning over to get Katsuki’s attention to get him an answer to some question he’d asked. You were fuzzy on the details, as you’d had other things to worry about that night--the Hero’s Gala had ended with Katsuki in some kind of mood with Kirishima, the arm of Kiri’s suit burnt off, and Katsuki had refused to say more on things. They’d patched things up almost immediately after so you hadn’t pried, but now you wondered if there wasn’t more to the story--more including this reporter.

“Overheard him what?” you asked.

Katsuki’s fingers resumed their questing, releasing the back of your bra with the ease of constant practice. You let him, considering he was still giving you answers.

“Overheard him fucking talking about you,” Katsuki growled, his fingers digging into your waist, his touch turning more possessive.

You froze. “What?”

“Saying the nastiest shit about how you looked in your dress, what he’d like to do with you if you didn’t already belong to me,” Katsuki said, sounding disgusted. “Wanted to incinerate him but fucking Kiri got in the way. Told me I’d lose my license if I attacked a civilian and he took me to court.”

“Which you would,” you pointed out, your tone going breathier than you wanted when Katsuki slid his fingers up to pluck at your nipple. “That--um--that was still the case today, too. What did you think you were doing?”

“Didn’t think,” he grunted, palming your breast. He didn’t look like he was thinking a lot now either, eyes turning on your chest with that single-minded focus he was famous for. “I just saw him and saw red.”

You were starting to see colors too--white, mainly, as Katsuki released your wrist to trail his other hand over your panties with obvious intention.

“Oh, um. Well I’m glad you didn’t kill him and have to lose your license,” you said, your breath hitching when Katsuki found his way into your underwear. “I’m gonna--have to--ah--thank Eijirou.”

“You belong to me,” Katsuki announced imperiously, leaning back in to bite at your throat again.

You couldn’t bring yourself to be annoyed with him, now. Instead, his words relit some fuse within you, your arousal sparking back to life behind your navel.

Katsuki’s fingers curled within you and you couldn’t hold back a pleased little noise, shifting your hips to allow him better access.

That was all the affirmation he needed. In mere minutes, he was working you up to the edge of your pleasure, fingers hot and skilled and exactly right inside you. He trailed soft bites and hot kisses all over your neck and shoulders, looking supremely satisfied with himself every time you caught sight of his face. His thumb worked tiny, maddening circles over your clit, just like he knew drove you fucking insane, and he had you writhing and squirming underneath him embarrassingly fast.

Soon, he was hitching your leg over a broad shoulder, sinking into you right where you wanted him.

“That’s right, princess. You’re mine. Gonna fuck you so good you’ll never forget it,” he promised, already working up to a brutal pace that left you short of breath.

Your vision swam as he ground into you. He leaned down to catch a nipple in his mouth, sucking softly, in sharp contrast to the wicked thrust of his hips.

“Look at you,” Katsuki said around your breast, scarlet gaze burning into yours. “Spread out and trembling. Look so fucking good for me, only for me.”

“Katsuki--ah!” you barely managed the syllables of his name.

“So fucking hot when you think you’re in control. So fucking mouthy--” his fingers brushed over your mouth “--I’m gonna fuck you so stupid you can’t even string together a sentence anymore.”

You rather thought he’d already achieved that, considering you could barely manage anything other than single syllable words now--nothing but there and more and please and oh!

Katsuki gave a particularly hard thrust, snarling your name--and your climax hit you like a truck.

You cried out, writhing, and his hands came up to hold you down against the mattress, still fucking into you hard like he meant to fuck the sense right out of you. He fucked you straight through your orgasm, and only when you were gasping from the aftershocks, shivering and near tears, did he follow you, flooding your insides with warm heat.

“That shut you right up, didn’t it, princess?” he said smugly as he rolled off of you, leaving another love bite over your shoulder on his way.

You groaned. It had been fucked up but kind of romantic that he’d attempted to murder a guy for you, but he was really killing the mood now.

“Is there anything that would shut you right up?” you replied, still catching your breath.

Unexpectedly, a smirk twisted your boyfriend’s mouth, and his hand trailed carefully down your thigh.

“There is, princess. Too bad it sounds like you can still string together a sentence,” he said, watching you intently.

You stared at him, wondering where he was going with this.

Until he moved, shifting backwards until his chin met your thigh, still watching you intently with those scarlet eyes.

“I can think of something that would fix both of those problems,” he said, his voice rough even as his hands came up to gently pry your thighs apart. “Now you have thirty seconds to call out of work tomorrow before I finish punishing you for that little show earlier.”

Your breath caught in your lungs again. You didn’t waste precious time defying him.

This time, you obeyed.

Deleted scene: What did Deku say to Bakugou that got him tackled over a buffet table at the Hero’s Gala?

[san-fics]

Life Lessons

Felinette

Ao3

Part 3. Flys and bees

“Can you imagine, Alya!” Marinette wailed when her classmates began to disperse for lunch break. “Another project! And she should have given it to us right this week!”

“Come on, girl!” Alya tried to reassure her friend. “It’s not that big, and…”

“It might not be big by itself, but with all the class rep meetings, and the new costumes I promised to Kitty Section, and helping my parents in the bakery, and you-know-what…” She sighed. “I don’t know if I will survive the week!”

“Don’t be so dramatic, dear!” The journalist assured her, gesturing to her boyfriend, who again peeked into the classroom, beckoning her. “Listen, girl, I promised Nino that we would have lunch together. So if you don’t mind…”

“Of course, of course…” Marinette muttered in a little distracted voice. “Go!”

Marinette flopped back into her seat dejectedly and dropped her head on her hands folded on the desk.

“You know your friend is right about something.” She heard a voice behind her.

Marinette didn’t notice that he was still in the classroom, apparently watching their conversation.

“And what is she right about?” Marinette grunted at Felix without looking up. “That I should smile and pretend that everything is fine with me when the world is trying to deprive me of my last strength?”

“There is a difference between the popularized concept of positive thinking, where people just lie to themselves that everything is fine, and the correct perception of the world.” Felix replied patiently.

Marinette tore her face away from her hands and turned to face him.

Felix sat in his place behind her, leaning lazily back in his chair with his head tilted slightly to one side.

“And what do you think is the correct perception of the world?” Marinette asked, trying to sound sarcastic, but already knowing inwardly that his opinion might be useful to her.

“Seeing opportunities instead of problems.” Felix replied, not buying her tone.

Marinette rolled her eyes.

“You realize that you just explained nothing, right?” She said.

Felix sighed and looked at her as if she was a student who didn’t put in enough effort in her studies.

“A person accepts bad news much more readily than good ones.” He said knowingly. “This is how the brain of any animal is arranged, so that it doesn’t get crushed by a stone falling from a mountain while it enjoys gnawing grass below.”

“And we are talking about animals now, why?” Marinette asked, narrowing her eyes at him.

Was he trying to hint that she thinks like an animal?!

“Because as long as you don’t know how to see the possibilities, it can hardly be said that you are using the potential given by nature to humans.” Felix explained patiently. “There are people who are used to seeing the world of problems. Let’s call them ‘flies’.” He smirked like a storyteller who was preparing an unexpected turn of events. “Tell me, Marinette, what is a fly looking for when it flies through a meadow full of flowers?”

“Hmmm.” Marinette was actually very curious to hear the story. “And what is it looking for?”

“Poop, of course.” Felix smiled, obviously anticipating her reaction. “Moreover, the fly will find it and sit on top of it.” He continued, watching her face twist in disgust.

“This is gross!” Marinette exclaimed.

“It kind of is,” Felix agreed with a short laugh. “Which doesn’t prevent people from living like this.” He added, making a serious face again. “People always find exactly what they are looking for. And people-flies are only looking for... ” Felix paused, not finishing the obvious. Then his eyes flashed triumphantly. “But there is another type of person. Let's call them ‘bees’.  And do you know what the difference between them is?”

“What?” Marinette asked, forgetting to feign boredom and indifference, so engrossed in his story she was.

“Even flying past the garbage, the bee is looking for what it used to look for everywhere.” Felix said, and solemnly added. “It is looking for flowers. And you know the most interesting part?” He asked mysteriously.

Marinette shook her head.

“The bee will find them.” Felix said, looking with his deep green eyes right into hers.

Marinette stared back at him, and though she wasn’t sure she understood all the meanings Felix put in his story, she already felt like a different world was shown to her.

The world of opportunities.

And Marinette could already imagine herself seeing the opportunities instead of the problems around her.

“How do you know so much?” She said at last.

Felix stood up and stretched slightly.

“Oh, my secret is unique, I don’t think anyone can repeat the trick.” He said mysteriously, and leaned toward her conspiratorially as if to entrust her with said secret. “I can read.” Felix said quietly and smirked.

Then he winked at her with a smile and walked out of the classroom.

Marinette looked after him, not quite believing that her frenemy just smiled at her in such a way that her heart even stopped for a moment.

She stood for a few more seconds, still slightly stunned by what happened.

And then it hit her.

If not for all the troubles that fell on her shoulders during this week she would never have had with Felix this conversation that made her think about her life differently.

At that moment, it seemed to her that she was that same bee that, even flying over the garbage dump, found a flower.

And this flower just got out of class.

. [about the project] .

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