#i'm fine. i'm good. i'm normal about this.

[cherrreid]

𝜗𝜚 MY LOVE , MINE, ALL MINE, ALL MINE ❤︎𝄢..

📞 — aftercare with JASON TODD 𝜗𝜚

✉️ — contents : : aftercare , mentions of jay's scars , fluff , yearner!jason todd , first time having sex ( in their relationship ) , grammatical errors , ooc (?)

✉️ — word count : : 1.9k

✉️ — vi whispers : : woohoo !! we reached 700!! also,, i'm still in the hospital, unfortunately. but i will be doing an event 😋 just expect,,, late responsdjes. back to my oldoldold format!!! NOW. this is acc for @fromdove !! like,, remember when i told you that i'll write you a reply?? well, here it is !! lol, how dare you be upset. + will be redoing my m.list. couldn't edit this bc my mom took my laptop

your skin still tingles. it's as if your entire body is remembering what just occurred in waves ▰ the weight of his palms, the way he spoke your name like it was something sacred. the air smells of sweat & heat & him. all is black except for the warm yellow light from the hallway seeping in through the half-open door. the blankets are kicked halfway off the bed, wrapped around your ankle. you're there with your chest rising & falling slow, like the only thing holding you to earth is the weight of his body beside yours.

he's on your side, one arm slung over your waist, forehead against your shoulder. breathing hard like he's still trying to come down. his palm glides up. your ribcage ▰ not sexually, just there, anchoring himself with you. his lips brush the back of your neck. you feel him smile a little.

"you okay?" he asks, but it's softer than normal. almost like he's afraid to screw this up.

you hum, nod, still panting. "yeah. better than okay."

jason pulls nack a little so that he can see your face. his hair is standing up in a dozen different directions, cheeks flushed, lips puffy. his eyes are dark & gentle & so, so exhausted. but they're all for you like you're the only thing in the world that exists. like perhaps he still can't get his head around you being with him, still with him after ▰ & not just forgotten like everything else.

"good," he mutters, but he still scans your face like he's trying to verify something. then, a beat behind, he adds, "didn't mean to be too rough."

you snort. "you weren't."

he's not looking convinced. his fingers are drawing small circles along your hip now. he doesn't say a word, just presses a kiss to your temple & exhales like his entire body is deflating. you reach down, grasp his hand in yours & bring it to your lips. kiss his knuckles. it's slow, gentle, & something in his chest stutters. cracks. hitched.

he rolls onto his back, arm still wrapped around your waist, & glares up at the ceiling as if it has answers scribbled all over it. his throat bobs as he swallows hard. you can tell he's thinking too much. his walls are still up, just thinner now ▰ llike he's cracking his door open a little, even if he's afraid.

"you sure you're okay?" he repeats. & it was the first time you both had sex ever since you two officially became a couple. & it's not just sex. it's everything. about how much he wishes he could be good to you. about the thousand demons in his chest that tell him he can't.

you shift closer until you're half on top of him, nose bumping his jaw. "jason," you whisper, & that's all it takes for him to relax a little.

his arm wraps tighter around you as if he's scared you'll disappear if he releases you. his other hand runs through your hair, hesitant at first, then more insistent, like he remembers you like it that way. he kisses your forehead, your cheek, the edge of your mouth. over & over, slow & soft, worshipping. he doesn't speak but his hands do ▰ they say thank you & i missed you even though we live in the same apartment & don't go.

his voice is hoarse when he speaks again at last. "lemme get you water."

"don't wanna move."

"i'll carry you."

you laugh into his neck. "you're naked."

he smiles, a little. "so are you."

"bold of you to assume i'm getting up."

"fine," he breathes, leaning his head to kiss you again on the jaw. "we'll dehydrate together. tragically romantic."

he doesn't actually get up for another couple of minutes. just stays there with you on top of him, fingers brushing the curve of your back, languid & awed. but after a bit he rolls over, pats your leg.

"alright," he says softly, "give me two seconds." & already he's slipping under & away from you.

he stands, stretches, runs a hand through his hair. & god ▰ you look. he's hot. you can't help it. the way his back curves, all that muscle shifting under skin like a sculpture made of marble that stood up & decided to look at you like that. he notices you looking & grins, wicked. bitch.

"take a picture," he jokes, picking up his sweats from the floor. "it'll last longer."

you toss a pillow at him. he catches it in mid·air, smiling. "what, can't handle the view?"

"get me water, todd."

he salutes, tugging the sweats on. "yes ma'am."

you watch him walk out & your heart kind of… swells. not just because he’s hot ▰ he is, but it’s more than that. it’s the way he hums under his breath when he thinks you’re not listening. the way he double checks the temperature of the water before bringing it to you. the way he wants to take care of you, even if he’s still learning what that means.

he returns with water & a protein bar. holds the cup to your lips like you're royalty & he's your servant, which cracks you up again. until he says "drink" with this expression that shuts you up real quick. you sip a few times. he stands there the entire time like your health is the most important thing in the world.

you remove the cup from him & place it, then pull him back onto the bed. "your turn," you tell him, pushing his hair behind his ears. "you okay?"

he stiffens a little. as if he wasn't expecting that. as if he forgot that people are allowed to ask him that too.

his voice is gentle when he speaks. "yeah. i just…"

he trails off. but you know. you know.

you run your fingers over his chest. "you don't have to say it."

he nods, then leans in & kisses you again. slow & deep & a little desperate. like he's trying to memorize this. the safety. the closeness. you let him. you kiss him back until he sighs against your lips, until he lets his shoulders relax under your hands, until he's not red hood or a broken boy or the bat's second sidekick ▰ just jason. just yours.

he buries his face in your neck afterwards, whispering, "you're really okay?"

you kiss his shoulder. "yeah. are you?"

he pauses. "i will be."

you hug him closer.

he's so close. you can feel the thump of his heart in the way he presses his chest against yours. it's a slow thrum. not quick, but gentle. intimate. honest. he's not letting you go anytime soon, & honestly, you don't want him to. his mouth leaves tiny kisses along your neck, slow & deliberate, like he's playing catch-up. perhaps he doesn't realize that you see it, but the way his hands are trembling ever so slightly is all you need to know. he's still hesitant, still so goddamned starved for you even though he already has you. there’s something in him that doesn’t stop needing to touch, to feel, as if it’s the only thing that keeps him grounded.

you bite your lip, pushing your fingers through his messy hair. his eyes flicker open & meet yours, half-lidded with exhaustion but intense.

“you’re really here,” he murmurs. like he needs to hear it out loud.

"yeah, jason," you reply softly, tracing your thumb over his cheek. "i'm right here."

he leans his forehead against yours, releasing a breath as if he's not saying anything. his arms wrap tighter around you once more, as if he's worried that you're going to get away if he doesn't hold on. you roll over onto your back, pulling him along with you, the blanket wrapped around your ankles. it's silent for a bit, the only noise is the constant thrum of the city out there & the slow, thudding pulse of his breathing.

then, out of nowhere, he begins kissing you again. slow at first, just his lips grazing against yours. but then, he goes deeper. soft & hungry, his hands cradling your face like you could break. it's warm, it's soft, & you can feel every inch of him. when he pulls back, he gazes at you with uncertainty. his lips red, his hair disheveled, his face too vulnerable for the jason todd you once thought you'd known.

"don't go," he utters softly, & it's as if his entire universe hangs in the balance.

you smile, weaving your fingers through his hair once more. "i'm not going anywhere."

he sighs, a little relieved. but the moment doesn’t last long before his fingers start feeling your body again, gently this time ▰ tracing the line of your spine, the curve of your hip, your stretch marks. his thumb runs over your wrist, brushing lightly, like he’s memorizing you, like he’s trying to make sure he doesn’t miss a single detail of you.

you reach up to touch his chest, & feel his muscles tighten beneath your fingers. he winces a little when your hand slips down, causing him to brush across a scar, but doesn't flinch. instead, he appears to lean into the touch, as though he's finding peace in it.

"sorry," he grunts softly, looking down. "forgot about the scars."

you glance at him, tracing the line of his jaw with your hand. "don't apologize for them," you tell him softly. "they're part of you. and i… i like all of you, jay."

he swallows hard, his chest tightening. "yeah? even the broken ones?"

"especially the hurt ones," you answer ( & corrected ) without hesitation, your eyes locking with his with all the sincerity in the world.

he nods, lips shaking, before he leans in to kiss you once more. this is a softer, slower kiss, like he's trying to say everything he doesn't know how to put into words. when he pulls back, his forehead pressed against yours. his hand wraps around your waist, his fingers digging in a little.

you lay a hand to his chest, tracing little circles over his heart. "you're good, jason," you whisper. "you're more than good."

he shakes his head slightly, closing his eyes for a moment as if your words are too much to take in. then, he nuzzles into your neck, his breath warm against your skin. “don’t think i know how to do this,” he says quietly, his voice muffled against your shoulder. "like. this. i don't know what you need."

you smile gently, tracing your fingers through his hair once more. "just be here with me," you breathe. "that's all i need."

he grunts in his throat. but he does not argue. instead, he glides closer, holding you against him as if he is afraid you might slip out of his hands. his lips brush the top of your head, & he stays there, his breathing slow & even against your skin.

you can tell he's going out of his way. attempting to do this right ▰ despite not knowing if he knows he's doing it wrong or not, he's learning, kiss by tender kiss, touch by tender touch. he wants you to feel at peace with him( you are ). he wants to take care of you, even though he's terrified that he's going to get it all wrong.

you lean into him, your body against his, & shut your eyes. "you're doing it right," you whisper. "this is perfect. so are you."

his arms wrap tighter around you once more, & for a second, you think you're the only thing that matters to him. his voice is husky when he talks, low & rough. "i'm not perfect, you know."

you kiss his chest, your lips touching the scar on his ribs. "you don't need to be," you say. "just.. be you. that's all i need, jason."

© MINORLYATFAULT 2025

[emmyrosee]

Rintaro feels guilty leaving this time.

You’re expected to deliver your twins any day next week, and he’s expected to fly across the country for a charity event he really can’t even think straight for. You've assured him you'll be fine, his sister is more than capable of taking care of you while he's gone, but there's a pit in his stomach about the idea of leaving you.

But you send him anyways. With a kiss on his cheek and a promise to call him every day (if he had it his way, it would be every hour, but you wouldn't go for it).

The trip goes smooth enough, and he's grateful for you staying true to your word and calling him every night. It does make the time pass, you're safe, but he's more than eager to make it home to you.

He practically pushes his teammates out the door, he's the first one on the bus, his knee bounces anxiously the entire time- especially when the bus driver makes a wrong turn into straight construction, thrusting them in traffic for far, far too long without any service.

But you won't call him, right? Why would you, you've called him at night every day he's been here, and nothing of note has happened (not that that’s a negative to Rintaro, he’d rather your days be mundane and boring than active in your pregnancy).

His heart finally starts again once they pull into the airport parking lot, all of the teammates trying to not be annoyed at the events of the morning and trying to stay focused on the next steps of boarding the plane in a few hours.

Rintaro sighs, slipping his phone out and immediately calling you, not taking notice of just how many notifications bombarded his phone.

The line ring once, twice, and his shoulders relax as you finally pick up the phone. "Rin?" You ask, and you sound like you're in discomfort. But he merely brushes it off. You are very pregnant, after all, surely discomfort is normal.

"Hey babe, just got service from being in the bus, we've got a nasty delay because the fuck-head made us miss our fucking flight, so I might be home later than expected-"

“Rin, I'm in labor.”

Silence fills the line.

“No you’re not,” he says simply.

“As much as I would love to be kidding, I’m not. I’m 10 centimeters, babe.”

How you’re so calm right now, is beyond him.

Him, on the other hand, leaps up with absolute panic, a screechy “WHAT?” echoing through the airport. It catches more than a few looks from other people, but all Rin can think about is you.

You in the hospital, legs up in stirrups and gown being the only thing adorning your body. There's probably nurses and doctors everywhere, and Kaiya and Akito on the couch at home with his mother, waiting for the news.

"WHEN?"

"My water broke a few hours ago, got to the hospital with your sister and now they're getting ready for me to push. Your timing truly is impeccable."

“And you thought now was the best time to tell me?!”

“I tried to tell you earlier, but you had no service!” You defend.

Fuck, he could scalp the bus driver for getting fucking lost.

"okay, okay, okay lets calm down-"

You snort, "yeah I'll get right on that."

"Please, for everything unholy, don't joke right now," he pleads, and he hears you offer him a laughy 'sorry' on your end of the line. "Are you okay? Do you feel okay?"

"Well I don't feel particularly good, for all intents and purposes." You direct your attention to something else and he hears bustling in the background, "Rin I have to start pushing. Stay on the line.”

"No! Wait for me, I'll-"

"Yeah I'm not waiting for you," you snip. “I'll... be fine. Just stay on the call okay? For me?

Rintaro tries not to pass out as you start pushing, doctors encouragement coming through on the line, followed with your grunts of agony as you try to bring your two new babies into the world. He knows you’re strong, you don’t need him there, but there’s something deep inside of him that hurts at the idea that you don’t, he’s so close yet no where near close enough to be right there next to you, and he anxiously looks around him as he tries to find a private place for him to cheer you on, call your name, scream it, his soul in agony over something he has no control over.

It could be four minutes or four hours, rintaro has no idea as you finally scream in agony as a small wail breaks over the line, one akin to Akito and Kaiya’s as the two of them entered the world all those years ago.

“Beautiful!” His sister cheers, “just a bit more for Sachiko sis, you’ve got this!”

“No more,” you weakly whimper over the line, and Rintaro tears up as he chews on his thumb.

“Baby,” he chokes, “you’ve got this, okay? You can do this, I’m right here.”

“No you’re not!” You scream.

“Yes I am! I’m right here okay? I’m not going anywhere!”

“Rin I need you-“

“And I’m right here. I promise. Just close your eyes, I’m there, okay?”

Hes not there. He knows you know that. But right now, he can’t feel sorry for himself. He goes silent and listens to the bustling of the doctors and nurses preparing to bring Sachiko into the world, and rintaro has no clue how long it’s been before you’re ready to push again.

“Ready, momma?” He asks, and you let out a sob.

“Im so tired, Rin.”

“One more big push okay?” He chokes. “Push!”

And you do. You let out another shriek as you start to push, rintaro can practically see your legs tremble and face scrunch and throat tight as you let out another blood curdling cry, and before he can think, another set of crying fills the line.

His twins are here.

And he’s not.

“Good job, angel!” He hoots.

“She did so good, Rintaro,” his sister assures.

“I know she did,” he says, hand clutching his heart.

“They’re so handsome Rin,” You babble, and instantly, Rintaro’s face drops. “Such beautiful boys, they're so sweet, so handsome…”

Boys?

Oh fuck. Rintaro briefly thinks back at all the purples and pinks in the closet at home.

Immediately, Rin tries to conjure up an excited tone, squealing out a soft “boys?” in confirmation.

“She’s messing with you," his sister snickers. You’re laughing exhaustedly too, among your sniffles of agony and above the screaming of the newest twin.

“You’re a fucking asshole,” he says, breathless and his chuckles easing out.

“You've got new baby girls, Rintaro," his sister coos.

“We got them, boys!” He announces, causing an uproar of cheers to come from his teammates. He feels his heart sink to his stomach as his throat begins to swell. “I’m so proud of you baby… my good girls.”

“They’re so beautiful, Rin. So beautiful," you cry.

He sits on his suitcase and tries to imagine them, desperately, tiny hands pawing at the air, crying at the newness of the bright light and the world…

All without him. He’s not there.

“Who was born first?” He chokes, desperate to keep his voice steady. It was a complete tossup with the names, whoever was out first or second is precisely how the names would fall. But he just needs you to keep talking to him.

You understand, and you answer shakily, “Sachie,” you sigh. “Sachiko was 20 minutes later.”

“Late; just like momma.”

“Watch it.”

He chuckles around a flood of tears, a hand coming up to bring his hand up to cover his face. Hot, bubbled tears slip down to roll over his thick fingers, trying to stay composed in the airport that’s bustling with too many people.

“Im so proud of you,” he chokes, eyes screwing shut. Not long after, a massive hand claps down on his shoulder, Komori’s eyes flickering with understanding and apology. He’s got nothing to apologize for, but Rintaro takes the kindness regardless and puts a free hand on top of his to squeeze the emotions out. “My amazing girl. Fuck, I can’t wait to see you.”

“Rin, I have to go,” you say, and he hears the gruff voice of the doctor. “I love you so much. Come home safe, you’re no use to me dead.”

“Okay, princess,” he sighs shakily, burying his face in Komori’s stomach to cry. “I love you.”

“I love you too, baby. You’re gonna be fine.”

He’s 99% sure he should be saying that to you, and not you to him. But regardless.

He waits for the line to die before taking the phone from his ear, blinking up at Komori with absolute heaviness in his heart.

“I should’ve been there,” he whimpers.

“You couldn’t control it, buddy.”

“But I should’ve been there. Not three cities over for some charity that I don't even care about."

It doesn’t matter the assurances Komori could try to pass him. It doesn’t matter that you’re okay, you’re strong and you don’t need him in this moment.

He should’ve been there to squeeze your hand, watch his two babies come into this world with you, kiss your forehead and whisper loving words in your ear.

And he couldn’t manage even that.

[writerblock]

More Than Fate

I was just so sure.  This was the moment Fate had set aside for me.  Everything that had gone wrong today had been on purpose; to have me sitting here the moment she walked through the door.  She was simultaneously the most beautiful and perfect woman I'd ever seen and the most normal, unassuming on the planet.  There was just something about her that made her shine like a supernova, and I couldn't look away no matter what.  Our eyes met and I smiled at her.  She smiled back and gave me a friendly wave.  For a moment we sat in the room in silence.

"Rough day?" I asked, trying to fill the silence, struggling to get past my own nerves and say anything.

"Yeah, that's one way to put it, I guess.". Her voice was angelic.  "Everything that could go wrong did.  I was supposed to be here two hours ago.  I'm hoping they can still fit me in.  I just need them to take a look real quick at my laptop.  It's just keeps rebooting."

A tech walked out and looked over at me, then her.  "Sorry, I got no more free slots today."

"Actually, she's with me.". I lied.  Poorly, if I'm being honest.  "We're both bringing our laptops in together.  She was just parking the car while I came in to sign in."

The tech rolled his eyes.  "Fine.  What's the problem."

I handed over my laptop.  "Charging port is loose on mine.  She's got an endless reboot cycle."

"Ok.  Hand em over.  I'll call you tomorrow when they're ready.". 

I smiled at her, stood and took her laptop, handing them both to the tech.  As we walked away she, in what I thought was the greatest acting job I had ever seen, put her arm around me as we walked out of the repair center.

Outside, she immediately hugged me.  "Thank you, thank you, thank you!  You saved my butt in there, I cannot be without that laptop over the weekend, I have a huge project due."

"Yeah, um, don't mention it.". I was not good at playing it cool, and this girl hugging me was not making it easier.  "I, um, guess I should get your number so I can call you when they call me."

"Oh, right, duh.  Can you imagine?  I'd be out here stalking you.". As she pulled out her phone I saw the tattoo on her wrist.  "Damon". My heart sank.

***

Nobody knows how or why it happens, but as far back as we can find records, we've all been born with a name tattooed on our wrist.  They say it's the name of your soulmate, the one you're meant to be with.  First name only, which could be difficult.  People get around it by giving their children's names unique spellings.

Some people think it's an old superstition or a really dumb tradition, but the numbers seem to back it up.  Marriages between soulmates are almost always successful.  Marriages that ignore fate tend to end badly.

***

"I never even asked your name." She said as we exchanged numbers.  I'll admit, I was tempted to lie.  But unless the universe had a sick sense of humor, that only would complete half of the circle.

"Asher"

"Lily." She said.  She almost sounded sad, but I was fairly sure I was just projecting.  "So, call me tomorrow when you hear from them and let me know what I owe you.  I can probably kick in a little extra as a thank you."

"You don't have to do that."

"Well, I really appreciate it and I'd like to do something nice for you."

"How about," I took a breath, knowing I was setting myself up for failure.  "How about we grab a drink Monday night?  It sounded like you've got a lot of work to do this weekend but maybe after it's done we could hang out and talk?". The words just came spilling out, and as soon as I opened my mouth I regretted it.

Her face lit up.  "I'd like that."

"Ok.". I took a deep breath, trying to compose myself.  "I'll call you tomorrow and then we can sort out Monday when we see each other.". 

She smiled and gave me another hug.  "See you tomorrow, Ash.". I almost stopped her.   I hated that nickname.  Why did it sound different when she called me Ash?

"Bye Lilly."

***

The next day I called her right after I heard from the repair shop..  We met up, paid our bill and I figured that was it for the day.  But Lily had a different thought.

"I know we were talking about hanging out Monday, but I only have one class today and I'll be done at 2.  I was thinking we could grab lunch today.  You know, if you wanted to."

"It's up to you, Lily.  I just figured Monday you wouldn't have to worry about rushing.  You said you had a lot of work to do this weekend.  I thought we'd have a chance to actually hang out and talk on Monday.". Part of me was thrilled, not just at the chance to see her again, but the spontaneity of it left me less time to overthink things.  Of course, part of me also thought, after a night to sleep on it, she just wanted to get this over with.

She smiled.  "I mean,we could still do that too.  I was just hoping to see you sooner."

"Ok, sure.". Deep breaths, I reminded myself.  "Want to meet at the Bell Tower?  There's a few spots we can grab lunch at nearby.". I was trying not to stutter, but I was more nervous than I'd ever felt.

"Sounds great!  I'll see you there." She hugged me and walked off.  Of course, I was on the way to the only class I had today, so I was now faced with several hours of waiting around and trying not to think about all the ways this could go wrong.

***

I'd always hated the idea of being fated to be with someone.  It was a growing sentiment in my generation to hear the news tell it and, in their words, a problem.  The numbers tell a simple story.  Marry the right person, and it really is 'til death do you part.'  Ignore (or outright defy) Fate, and in a few years you'll be sorting through the rubble, trying to figure out how it all went so wrong.  

Of course, part of that was because the stats on failed marriages between the unconnected and successful marriages between Fated didn't tell the whole story.  Fated marriages tended to see a high rate of suicide; people who couldn't fathom the idea of staying with their soulmate but also couldn't follow through with the idea of divorce.  Unfated, meanwhile, could easily rationalize divorce and split up with little backlash from society.  Divorce was almost unheard of among fated couples, and usually the result of much larger issues.

When you're young, it wasn't uncommon to play the field.  Dating was really just something you did until you met your Fated.  They were practice relationships; you were never supposed to get attached to them.

I wasn't sure what lead to me asking Lily out.  There had been plenty of cute girls over the years that I'd had a thing for.  Maybe it was the way she put her arms around me, the way it just felt normal.  Maybe it was her personality.  Maybe it was that damn smile.  At the time all I knew was I was head over heels for this girl and that scared the hell out of me.

***

Lily's class was apparently in the building right across from the Bell Tower.  Seeing her come out and immediately look around until our eyes met, I finally understood what they meant when they say "my heart skipped a beat.". She had gotten changed in the intervening hours, and wore a dark sun dress and had her hair down.  She looked stunning and I knew I was in love.

Feeling a bit underdressed and more nervous than ever, I waved at her.  She smiled and walked over and hugged me again.  I'd learn later that this was normal in her family, hugging people that you liked.  At the time I saw it as a sign she was really into me.  Not that she wasn't, but the hugs weren't part of that.

"You look amazing." I told her as we walked over to one of the small cafes.  She blushed, and I decided to take a chance, and reached over and held her hand.  When she didn't pull away or scream, I figured I was good, but I certainly wasn't expecting the smile I saw on her face.  The walk really wasn't far, but it somehow managed to feel both instantaneous and forever.

As we sat there eating and talking, eventually she asked the obvious question.  "What's her name?"

"Cristina.". I held out my wrist.  "I saw yours when we first met.  I honestly thought about telling you my name was Damon."

"When we started talking, I just felt something click, and I kept trying to see your wrist.  When I asked your name I kept thinking 'please say Damon, please say Damon.'. But honestly, I didn't really care at that point.  I don't know what it's supposed to feel like when you meet your soulmate, but it has to feel like this."

Oddly enough, there are moments from that day I remember crystal clear, but the rest of it was a blur.  She ended up cancelling a study session with her friends and we just walked around campus for hours.  We grabbed dinner to go and ate on the lawn outside the student center.  Eventually, I told her she had to go study, as much as I didn't want her to go.  We made our plans for Monday, a real date this time.  She didn't hug me when she left this time, instead draping her arms around my shoulders and leaning in close.  I took the hint and kissed her.

Our first real date was wonderful, if anticlimactic.  That first day had been everything you want in a date and more.  Still, walking around together, knowing this was actually real, was special.  She told me she woke up on Saturday morning and checked her phone, rereading the exchange we'd had after we went our separate ways, just to be sure it happened.

***

I remember our first major fight so clearly.  It was just about 5 months later.  Fights happen all the time in relationships, and we had plenty throughout the years.  But every time we both drifted back to the same thought; that this was going to be the end for us.  Not because the fight was that big, but because it was just so easy to walk away from each other because of those damn tattoos.  We talked about it at one point; I was shocked that she felt that way too.  In a way, the fact that we weren’t Fated brought us back to work things out.

We weren’t living together yet, but she was spending more and more time at my place.  I even bought a second dresser so she could leave some clothes at my place.  Sometimes I’d see a shirt I thought she'd like, I’d buy it and stick it in with her stuff. Sometimes, I admit, I’d think about buying other things for her to wear.  This time, I pulled the trigger and bought her something: a little black dress.  Something a little sexier than the first dress I’d seen her in.  Something I was hoping she’d wear when we got to our 6 month anniversary and the big night out I was planning.

She didn’t like my pick, to put it mildly.

“What, you want me to dress up like some cheap whore that you can parade around on your arm?”

I tried to plead my case.  I tried to take into account that she was getting absolutely crushed by schoolwork.  I tried to keep my own emotions under control.

“I should have known this was doomed to fail and just walked away from you at the shop.”  It was one of the easiest ways for her to hurt me, and she knew it.  Knew I loved her with all my heart and was insecure that I was going to blow it all.  

Look, I’m no saint.  We had arguments down the road where I said worse things.  If she hadn’t walked out angrily at that moment, I probably would have had the first entry on the list.  When she stormed out, I wanted to sit down on the bed and just die.  But as I heard the front door close, I ran out after her.

I caught her in the parking lot.  My instinct was to reach out and grab her.  If I could just make her stay and listen.  I couldn’t do it.  Couldn’t lay a hand on her.  Couldn't force her to stay.  Just as she had used all the times we had talked about relationships and Fate to learn how insecure I was, I knew how she felt about people who walked away.  I knew if I could just get her to see that she was doing the one thing she said she hated, she would at least give me a chance to speak.  “You’d rather take the easy way out?”

She stopped, dead in her tracks.  “What?”

“We both knew there’d be bad days.  Fated couples have bad days, why wouldn’t we?  But because my name isn’t on your wrist it’s easy to walk away, isn’t it?  Easy to throw away everything we’ve done together, all those nights out on the balcony, just sitting hand in hand and looking at the stars and talking about the future we were going to build.  It meant nothing because my fucking name isn’t on some mystical tattoo on your wrist?  Cristina could walk up to me right now and be the most beautiful, perfect woman on the planet, and I’d still turn her down because I love you.  I won't give up something great just to chase the chance of something better.

"From the moment I laid eyes on you, I wanted to spend my life with you.  Not because you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, but because there was something more when I looked at you.  Your eyes, your smile, your touch, that little laugh of yours, all of it just melted my brain.  It still does to this day.  I bought that dress because you always talked about wanting to go out on a date and be the girl every guy couldn't take their eyes off of and watch necks snap as you walked by.  So I booked the dinner, I rented the car and I planned to make our 6 month anniversary the night you got to feel like a queen.  Maybe I should have asked you before I bought the dress, but I’d never make you wear something you felt uncomfortable in.”

Lily turned around and looked at me, and I could see the tears starting to well up in her eyes.

“I just,” she tried talking and fighting back the tears, but it wasn’t going particularly well.  “Too many times guys have approached me because of my body.  They weren’t looking for their Fated, just a good time until they met them.  I always told you you weren't the first guy I dated.  But you were the first that didn’t seem to always be trying to sleep with me.  That dress, I thought of all the times I got dolled up to look good for guys that cared about nothing else, and to think that you were looking at me that way too…”

“Lily, I think you are the most beautiful, gorgeous, desirable woman walking this planet.  And I’ll admit I’ve had plenty of those kinds of thoughts about you; it’s hard not to sometimes when I see you in some of these outfits.  Honestly, half the time I worry that I'm not affectionate enough, that I should be holding you more, kissing you more.  That you'd think I don't find you attractive.  I do.  I find every aspect of you incredibly alluring.". I walked over to her, seeing the tears on her cheeks.  "I love you." I told her, wiping away a tear.

"I know.  And I love you too.  I'm sorry I screamed at you.  Sorry I immediately said the most hurtful things I could think of."

This time, I was the one hugging her.  "It wouldn't hurt if we didn't care, right?". I took her hand and led her back into the apartment.  "Let me see if I still have the receipt from that dress.  We can go and return it and you can pick out something else."

"No."

I looked at her, a little puzzled.

"I like the dress.  It's a beautiful dress, and I know you put a lot of thought into it.  I want to wear it.  For you.  And for every guy that we pass that night, so they're all jealous of you."

***

That anniversary date went amazingly well.  She turned a lot of heads in that dress, rightfully so.  I spent most of the night trying not to stare at her.  But two interesting things came out of that night.  The first was I asked her to move in with me, full time, with the idea of starting to look for a place of our own.  The second was when we talked about the possibility that this might actually work out.

***

“I’ll be the first to admit, I’m amazed you’ve stayed with me this long.”  I said, between bites of food.  “I figured we’d go on a few dates, the novelty would wear off and eventually you’d dump me.  My friends had a pool going for how many dates we’d go on.  I think Jeff was the most optimistic at 6.”

She giggled.  “Good, supportive friends, huh?  Did you place a bet?”

“Nah, they weren’t giving odds that we’d never get to a second.”  I laughed.  “No, I never did.  You remember Dave’s Fated, Candace? Early on she was my sounding board for a lot of stuff.  She kept telling me I had to live in a positive mindset when it came to us, so I had to not think about how it could all fail spectacularly.  But they’ve all been supportive, which surprised me.  I told them I honestly could see us having a real future together, and nobody laughed or told me it would never work.”

“Well, I’m glad your friends are that way.”

“Your friends weren’t?”

“Most figured you were just another fling, I think.  But even from the beginning I talked about you differently.  Kelly, I don’t know what her deal was.  She’s never made a big deal about relationships with non-Fated before, but I guess this bothered her.  She told me I was playing with fire by flipping off Fate.  We really don’t talk anymore; it’s crazy to think she just cut me out of her life over who I’m dating."

"That's a shame.  It's not like you did anything that would hurt anyone.". We both got quiet, but I had to ask the obvious question.  "Lily, did you think this would work when we started?"

She set her fork down and wiped her face.  "I hoped it would.  I'm not sure why.  You know you're not my first.  But this felt different, from the very start.  When my friends doubted us, I wanted to work even harder to make this work.". She looked at me, and I could see her mulling over a question of her own.  "You never told me why you helped me that day."

"Part of it was very much an attraction to you.  But we had both had pretty lousy days.  We weren't supposed to be there at that moment.  It felt like, well, Fate.  I felt something from the moment our eyes met.  And then you put your arm around me, and I was so damn sure you were Cristina."

"Were you disappointed that I wasn't?"

"Not in the least.  If anything it made it better because I knew my feelings were real.". I smiled and reached across the table and took her hand.  "You didn't have to go along with it that day.  Not to the level you did."

"You were cute.  You were sweet.  There was something about you from that first look.  And then, for you to stand there and lie for me, to help out someone you didn't even know, I figured it was worth the chance.". She reached across the table and took my hand.  "You proved me right too."

"When I did it, I was just trying to help someone who had the same kind of bad day I had just gone through.  I never thought about asking you out, that thought came when we walked out of the store and it felt so nice having your arm around me.  Those words just came out.  I regretted saying them immediately because I felt like I was going to scare you away.  I was just hoping to talk and see if things went anywhere.  Even in my wildest dreams I never imagined we'd get here."

***

While Lily hadn't gotten any support from some of her friends, her family was wonderful.  I mean, her Dad told me they'd never find my body if I hurt her, but that's to be expected for his only daughter.  But neither of them seemed bothered by the fact that she and I were seriously trying to make a relationship work; down the road her Mom helped us get through a few of our inevitable rough patches.

To say things were different with my parents would be an understatement.  I had a feeling things would be rough at the start, but hoped they would come around.

As we got closer to that first get together, I thought a lot about my parents' relationship.  Growing up you tend to be only slightly aware of most of the fights that happen.  I definitely knew that they had their moments.  But reflecting on things I started to wonder if my parents were the type that stayed together simply because they were fated to be together.

So I tried to keep expectations low.  I told them Lily and I were seeing each other, but neglected to mention how serious we were.  My mother, of course, figured things out pretty quickly and stopped me when I went out to grab something to drink.

"What the hell is going on with you?"

"What's your problem?"

"My problem is my son is apparently in a serious relationship with someone he's not Fated to.  Moving in together?  What about Cristina? Can you afford to break the lease on the apartment when she comes along?  You can't make these big decisions without thinking about her."

I took a deep breath.  "Actually, I can.  It's very easy once you stop caring about what it says on your wrist and just start living life.  Lily makes me feel alive.  I don't know where or how our story ends, but I like that.  I like not being tied to one ending.  Not being stuck with someone that makes me miserable."

Yeah, in hindsight, that last part was a mistake.  When I get angry sometimes I think the part of my brain that keeps me from saying things like that just shuts off.  But hearing her talk about how I should be prepared to just throw Lily to the curb, discard her like a toy I didn't want to play with anymore, it hurt.  So I said it, and I learned that I get my temper from my mother.

"You think this is easy, don't you, living with someone?  Sure, it's all sunshine and rainbows at first.  But the bills, and the responsibility of being an adult puts a strain on any relationship.  Maybe that's my fault, not raising a son with an understanding of responsibility.  Your father and I sacrificed to make sure you had a good life, an easy life."

I should have held my tongue.  I should have let her vent her frustration and maybe we could salvage things later.  In the back of my mind I knew the best thing to do was shut up.

But I didn't.

"I'm sure you sacrificed so much for your loving marriage.  You were both always so happy and pleasant to be around.  Please.  You two are proof positive that Fate has a sick sense of humor.  You are the most miserable couple I have ever seen and if it wasn't for some misguided belief you'd have gone separate ways long ago.  And just like marriage, it was some duty the two of you carried out.  Marry your Fated.  Have a kid or two.  That's how the world works.  I guess because Fate never told you to be happy, or enjoy your life you never bothered to do it.  Well fuck all of that bullshit, I'm going to focus on being happy and finding someone that brings out the best in me, Fate be damned."

She smoldered for a moment, and I braced myself.  That's when dad walked in the room and stepped in between us.

"You need to leave."

I wasn't sure if he thought he was saving me, or if he knew no matter how bad I got it, he was going to get worse when we left.  Didn't care much either.  I took Lily's hand and walked to the door.  I stopped, fully prepared to say something I'd regret.  'Don't expect an invitation to the wedding.' was on the tip of my tongue when Lily squeezed my hand and led me out the door.  She brings out the better side of me, brings that balance.

She finally stopped me when we got to the car.  "I've never seen you like this.  What happened?"

I put my arms around her and held her.  "I love you, Lily.  They don't understand it.  And I think it scares them, that happiness is possible without Fate.  She totally dismissed us, told me to build my life so that I could drop you the instant Cristina came along and brace myself for you to do the same to me.  To hear what we have, what we've built together be dismissed so casually, it hurt and it made me angry.  I lashed out, worse than I should have at her.  I had hoped, maybe, if she met you, I could change her mind.  But I always knew this was going to end badly, even if I didn't want to admit it.  I knew what we have, they could never accept.  I knew I might have to make a choice, and I'll always choose you over anyone."

***

Losing my family hurt.  I threw that in Lily's face once during a fight, that choosing her had cost me them.  It was stupid and hurtful and she'd have been right to leave me then and there.  But just like when I had fought to keep her, she fought for me.  We thought we were pretty battle tested and bulletproof.  After graduation, we started making plans for the wedding.  And that's when things went to hell.

***

 We found this beautiful little bed and breakfast in the countryside on a weekend drive.  As we walked up to it, Lily told me that this was the place.  We weren't looking for a place for the wedding at that moment, but I knew she was right.  

The best part was they had done plenty of weddings.  They had someone that handled everything, all the planning.  Lily and I were fine with that, until we met her.  Tall and athletic, with jet black hair, she was every pin-up girl I'd fawned over as a teen.  And when she introduced herself as Cristina, I was ready to run out that door and never come near this place again.

Lily and I had taken to wearing matching wristbands that covered our tattoos in place of engagement rings.  So, thankfully, Cristina couldn't see her name on my wrist.

But Lily definitely noticed mine on hers.

"Ok, then we change venue.". I said to her later that day.  "We ask for someone different.". I was trying to calm Lily down and ignore my own panic.  I had feared this moment for years, feared that I wouldn't be strong enough.  That I'd break my promise.  And when Lily started to cry, I knew what I needed to do.

I went to see Cristina the next day.  She smiled as I walked in the door, alone.  Before I could say a word, she put a hand on my chest.  

"I'm sorry to break you two up.  She seems really sweet.  But we both know this is how it's meant to be."

"Cristina, don't take this the wrong way, but that's not why I'm here.  We're going to do the wedding somewhere else.  I know the deposit we put down before we met with you is non-refundable, and that's fine. If there's anything I need to sign, let's get it over with."

"Asher, that's not how this works.  I have waited my whole life for you to come along and this is what I get?  We finally get a chance to talk and the first thing you say isn't 'I've waited my whole life for this moment'?"

"Look, I'm sorry.  I honestly never thought about how this would affect you.  Selfish as that may be, you weren't ever a consideration, not once I met Lily.  She and I are happy.  We're in love.  Not because of some mystical tattoo, but because we genuinely developed a real relationship."

"I'm not asking you to kill her, for God's sake, Asher.  I'm asking you to be realistic and accept your fate.  You said you didn't think about me then.  Think about it now, about the fact that this affects 4 sets of lives.  Think about the domino affect you're having, destroying other people's lives."

"Because I found someone who makes me happy, someone that I make happy?"

“You were supposed to wait for me!”

“Why?”

“Because we're soulmates.  That's how it works!”

"Yeah but, why?  Why should I have passed up the chance to be happy with her for a chance to be happy with you?”

“Because our relationship will work; yours is destined to fail.  They always do.”

“Because they're supposed to or because people have a way to rationalize walking away from random relationships, but can't be the weirdo who leaves their soulmate?”

“You can't fight fate!”

“So, you're telling me, because you're my soulmate, we'll never have a huge, devastating argument?”

“Yes”

“We're having one right now.”

Cristina threw her hands up in disgust. “How did I end up with an asshole for a soulmate?”. She glared at me.  "Fine.  I'll cancel everything.  It'll be like you guys never were here.  But when she leaves you, don't come crawling back to me, just because there's a tattoo on your wrist with my name on it."

***

"You cancelled it over her?  You could have said something to me about it beforehand, Ash.  That's a lot of money we just threw away."

"I know.  I did the math.  I'm going to pick up some extra shifts and go back to packing lunch like when we first moved in together.  I'll make it work without you having to make any sacrifices."

Lily put her arms around me.  "You don't have to starve yourself, or work yourself to death.  We'll figure it out together.  Like we always have.". She kissed me on the cheek, the way she always did to cheer me up.  "How did she take it?"

"To say poorly would be an understatement.  I probably didn't help matters by being a smart ass."

"You, a smart ass?  I find that hard to imagine."

"Regardless, that bridge is very burned.  I'm 100 percent yours, same as I always was."

"Thank you, Ash.  For choosing me."

"I'll always choose you."

***

I thought, once we got past that we were in the clear.  For a while we were.  We still had our fights and our bad days, especially when money was tight.  But our good days were always amazing, and things kept getting better.  We both got decent jobs out of college.  She was the main bread winner, I had better benefits and things balanced out.  We decided to put marriage on the back burner for a little longer and started looking to buy a house instead.

We tried realtors, but most were pushing us to buy cheap fixer upper types, or houses that were far too big for the small family we hoped to start one day.

It was by chance we drove past one of the first houses we looked at.  Or maybe it was Fate.

Detours, one way streets and a spotty cell phone signal had gotten us lost in a small town just north of where we lived.  We drove through the main street all the time, but in all that time we never looked around.  But as we drove around the surrounding neighborhood, we found a beautiful little house with a for sale sign out front and decided to make the best of the opportunity and knocked on the door.

A man answered the door; he was about our age.  And as soon as he walked through the threshold, Lily took a step back.  I didn't think anything of it at the time.

"Can I help you?" He said, smiling at us, his eyes shifting instantly to Lily.  That I noticed, but it wasn't the first time I caught someone checking her out.

"Yeah, we saw the for sale sign out front, but there's no realtor number to call, so we wanted to see what you were asking."

"Hey, Ash, I just realized I forgot my purse at home.  We should probably head back and we can come bother this gentleman another time.". She turned and started to walk away when he spoke up.

"I was kinda hoping we could at least talk this awkward situation over Lily."

As I looked at him, my first thought was that he was an ex.  A fling from before we met.  Until I looked at his arm, leaning against the doorway, and on his wrist I saw her name.

"I'm sorry Damon.  There's nothing to talk about.  I'm engaged, and happily so.  I know that probably hurts, but please, don't do this."

"I just was going to ask you to tell me what happened.  How I missed out on my soul mate."

***

I could hear them talking in the kitchen.  I had feared this day for years, and the meeting with Cristina had compounded my fears.  It had honestly been very difficult to turn her down.  It's why I had reacted the way I did.  I was pushing her as far away as possible in the most blunt, mean spirited away I could.  It wasn't the nicest way to handle things, and I wasn't proud of it, but in my mind it was the only way.  Pushing away anyone that might upset what we had.  But I couldn't push Damon away.  Lilly had to do that.

I gave them space to talk, but I could hear every word.  The house wasn't that big, and with all the windows open the words carried.

“So, why him?” Damon asked, more curious than anything it sounded.  Unlike Cristina, he was taking all of this pretty well.

“What?”

“What made you decide to be with him rather than wait for me?”

“Well, for one thing, I knew him.  I didn't know you.  You were just a name.  He and I went through a lot together.  It brought us closer.  And, honestly, I never believed in all this Fate stuff.  Neither of us did.  He felt like he was my soulmate, despite what my wrist said.”

“And now?”

“I'm not sure.  It's gotten very complicated.”

“I knew the moment I saw you.  I didn't need to see your wrist, I didn't need to know your name.  It was a feeling, like nothing before.  Did you feel it?”

“Honestly?  I felt sick.  Torn.  I think a part of me knew.  A part of me was afraid you might be my soulmate.  That I might have to choose.  Ash isn't perfect, but we've been through so much together.  He's been so good to me, I don't want to leave him.  I can't hurt him like that."

There was an air of inevitability in her voice.  She sounded resigned to her fate.  Defeated.  Still, I sat there.  I would not force her to choose; she needed to make this decision on her own.

"Look, I'm not trying to break things up between you guys.  I mean, you've made it this far and bucked the odds.  If you want to stay with him, I'll understand.  Just, think about it, ok?"

"I will."

I heard the chairs move and stood, walking out of the house and waiting to accept the inevitable.  It was hard to believe this was how it would end.  After everything that had happened, this was what was going to destroy our relationship.  I'll admit, my mind raced with a million thoughts, most of them bad.  But when she walked out the door  and smiled at me, I felt that familiar buzz return.  She was as beautiful as the first time I saw her, maybe more so because I knew every scar that had made her into the woman before me.   And I did something I'd never done before.  I walked over, I grabbed her and I kissed her with every ounce of my being.  The kind of kiss you save for the wedding.  I poured my soul into her.

She stepped back, looking half confused and half excited.  "What brought that on?"

"I love you.  Always have, always will."

Her smile faded.  "I know, Ash.  I love you too.  And we've had a lot of wonderful times together.  I never imagined anyone would make me feel the way you do.  When he opened the door and spoke, I understood what you talked about feeling the first time you saw me.  That's what makes this whole situation so difficult."

"I just-". I stopped myself from saying that I didn't understand.  No, I understood.  I'd felt it when I saw Cristina.  She was like a living fantasy, standing before me ready to be mine.  There had been significant portions of my brain telling me to end things with Lily, to reconcile things with my parents.  To be normal.  "No, that's not it.  Lily, look, you make your decision.  You're not wrong, to want to not have to deal with explaining this to your children, to not want to have to cover up so people don't ask questions.   I understand if you choose normalcy. We chose a difficult path.". I leaned back against the trunk of the car.

Lily settled in next to me and leaned her head against my shoulder.  "We did.  And I don't regret a minute of it.  The arguments, the bad days, the screaming match in the living room of that first apartment.  I slowly realized why I got upset with you, why your words hurt like nobody else's.  Why things felt different with you.

If I go with Damon because of fate, then what's the point of life?  Everything is already planned out, and nothing I do matters.  It's all out of my hands, all preconceived and written in stone.  And yeah, maybe on some primal level we don't yet understand, there's something that makes this automatic connection between two people who are meant to be together.  But that isn't love, not like what we have.  That takes time, struggle, passion and pain.  All the things we've been through, all the times it would have been easy to walk away meant nothing if it ends here, over some cute guy I just met.  If I end it here, then I have been lying to you and to myself for the last few years when I tell you I love you.

I never intended to leave you, but I couldn't just crush him, not like you did with Cristina.  I had to talk with him.  I wanted to know what it felt like to spend your whole life searching for someone.

But in the end,I knew we had something special.  Something more than Fate.  We have true love, and I want us to keep writing our story."

I was almost in tears.  This woman, who meant more to me than anyone ever had (and, save for our kids down the road, more than anyone ever would).  She had stared her fate in the eyes and not blinked, not backed down.  I knew it wasn't an easy thing to do.  That she did it successfully made me love her more.

***

Lily and I had 3 kids; Ada, our oldest girl was the spitting image of her mother and Daddy's little girl.  Eva, our youngest, was a tomboy and a wild child; my mother would have adored her.  Leo was the apple of his mother's eye; he stole her heart with that first look just like his Dad.  When they got to the point they were old enough to date, we told them the truth.  Told them the tattoo on their wrist was a suggestion, but that there was no predestined path.  Life, it turns out, is about the choices you make along the way.  Enjoying the company you keep and the ride you take and making your own decisions.

Life is about more than Fate.

Everyone has the name of their supposed soulmate printed on the inside of your wrist. You, however, are defiant, and begin dating someone that’s not your soulmate. It turns out that not meeting someone with the magic expectation that you’re ‘meant to be for each other and will get married and live happily ever after’ actually made you two get along pretty well, and you’re now deeply in love with them. However, after several years of dating this person, both your and your S.O.’s real 'soulmates’ find you, and they’re both furious that you didn’t wait for them.

[askoverkill]

Go see Loop, you can't let your party see you like this right now.

transcript below:

(...Isabeau is in the way again.) (You wonder if you...)

(Wow.) (He didn't even notice you.) (That's good, then?)

Have you seen Lupus?! I haven't been able to find them anywhere!?!

What??? How, aren't they with you at the start of the loop?

No, I mean, they ran off yesterday, remember? And normally when we loop, they'd come to me at camp, but they hadn't today either.

(...Wait a second.) (Stars blast it, Lupus!!!!)

...Stop worrying, Lupus was with my party this whole time.

...What?

They said you said they could, I didn't think they'd-

And you believed them???

Why wouldn't I believe them, you're always trying to get rid of them, so I thought-

I don't want to get rid of them?!!

But I thought you said you weren't the boss of them?

...That's not the same.

Really? Which is it, are you their caretaker or not?

I'm not.

Okay, fine, my party will take them in.

Wh- what?

That's basically what's been happening anyway. So don't worry about Lupus, we'll take care of them.

(Not like you could get rid of Lupus at this point.)

I didn't, but-

...?

...Tell them to talk to me next loop. They'll come back when they get bored with you.

(Sure, whatever.)

[tranquilreign]

the next step | oneshot

- © tranquilreign - all rights reserved | DO NOT STEAL, TAKE, or COPY any of MY WORK without MY PERMISSION.

pairing; jungkook/reader genre: fluff, smut, boyfriend!jk virgin!reader warnings; sexual themes, soft sex, oral (f. receiving), protected sex, awkward moments (it's normal), discomfort, slight pain, swearing, jungkook is so precious in this word count: 5.4k synopsis: you and jungkook have been dating for nearly four months, yet have never taken it to the next step. with valentine's day on the way, you try to fight your nerves and make an attempt to seduce him, with the help of your best friend, seokjin.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ♪ .⋅} ────── ⊰

You sat with your face in your hands, peering out through your fingers. Seokjin, your best friend, had dragged you into Victoria's Secret, tossing every piece of lingerie he could find in your size into your hands. You had told him that you were finally ready to take the next step with Jungkook, your boyfriend.

You had been dating for four months, and he couldn't have been more patient with you. He never pushed you to do anything you didn't want, even when you noticed his bulge straining in his trousers.

"Don't worry, baby. I can sort myself out."

He would reassure you that you didn't need to do anything for him, simply because he was turned on. You always felt guilty when you pulled away from his kisses, growing shy at the thought of it going further.

So, who better to go to than your best friend, Seokjin? You had asked him to meet up for coffee and have a catch-up. You had then dropped the question on him.

"No."

"Seokjin, please! I really need your help," you pleaded.

"No offence, Y/n, but you're a lost cause."

You frowned, pulling out 200,000 won. Seokjin stared at you for a moment. He snatched the money out of your hand and quickly counted it through. He hummed, nodding.

"Fine."

"Jinnie, you know red isn't my colour," you whined, holding up a matching set of crimson lingerie.

The sight of the revealing clothes made you blush. You felt mortified at the thought of Jungkook seeing you in something so minimal. Tossing the outfit to the side, you noticed Seokjin standing in front of you with his hands on his hips.

"If you're going to discard every one of my suggestions, I may as well not help you."

"Seokjin, you've thrown everything in this store at me. I don't really know what to do with all this. And I certainly can't afford it all," you explained.

"Well, obviously you're not going to get them all," Seokjin stated as if it were obvious.

You shrank in your seat, feeling embarrassed by his scolding. You were clueless about how to wear the extra pieces. Simply put, you didn’t understand.

Seokjin moved, grabbing one of the sets and holding it up to your chest. After a moment's thought, he threw it at one of the store assistants.

"These are simply no good," he scoffed, throwing another set at the assistant. "Samantha, we're going to need these set in black, white, green and red."

The woman nodded and hurried off to the back of the store. You watched in awe at how quick she complied with his request. You leaned forward slightly, placing your head in your hands.

"Seokjin, I told you red isn't my colour."

"Trust me, Y/n. Red is your colour," he reassured. "Come with me."

Seokjin pulled you up and escorted you to the changing rooms on the other side of the store. Samantha stood, waiting for you to arrive and handed Seokjin the items he had requested.

"Thank you, Samantha," Seokjin muttered, pushing you into one of the changing rooms. "Here." Your friend handed you every single set Samantha had found. "Change. And when you're done, show me."

"W-what?! I'm not going to show you," you stammered, subconsciously covering your chest as if you were already exposed to him.

"Honey, how am I supposed to know what is best for you if I can't see it. Besides, I've known you since we were kids. And the fact I'm gay."

You huffed, drawing the curtain and began to undress. Pulling your top over your head, you glanced at yourself in the mirror. Your bra dug into your sides, and your breasts were spilling out of the cups. You never could find the right size.

You unclasped your bra and picked up the black lingerie beside you. Staring at it, you felt confused about where the extra straps were meant to sit.

"Um, Seokjin, I don't really know how to say this," you confessed shyly. "I don't know how to put this on."

You were quick to cover yourself when the curtain flew open. Samantha had walked in and stared at you. She helped guide your arms into the bra and adjusted the straps, making it more comfortable for you.

"This part sits here," she explained, sorting the extra strap that sat underneath your bust. "And the other ones," she pointed to your breasts. "They are just for decoration; they don't serve any purpose."

"Right, thank you."

Samantha smiled and left the room. You turned around to look at yourself in the mirror. You were surprised at how beautiful your figure looked. Your breasts were perfectly positioned in the cups, and you appreciated that the straps didn't pinch or dig into your skin.

You were quick to put on the underwear, calling on Seokjin when you had finished. He entered, placing a hand under his chin, examining you. You looked around the room, awkwardly waiting for him to say something.

"Good. Next!"

You smiled gleefully, your confidence growing by the second. Seokjin walked out and waited for the next set.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ♪ .⋅} ────── ⊰

Two hours had passed by the time you finished trying on lingerie. After going through the many sets that Seokjin had picked out, he finally decided on three: green, black, and red. You attempted to argue with him about the red set, but to no avail; Seokjin's decision was final.

"They are already bought," Seokjin mentioned as you exited the changing room.

"Jinnie, you really didn't need to do that," you pouted.

"It's no big deal, besides, I just used the money you gave me. So really, I wasn't paying for all of it." You rolled your eyes, knowing that would be something Seokjin would do.

"So, where to next?" you asked as you both left the store.

Seokjin stood for a moment, pulling out his phone and texting someone. You were silent, watching him patiently, until he closed his phone and brushed his hair out of his face dramatically.

"We will continue tomorrow. We need to boost your confidence. So I've booked you in for a boudoir session."

"Excuse me?"

"Don't worry, Taehyung will be doing your photoshoot, so he said it was on him," Seokjin casually responded. "I'll see you tomorrow, Y/n."

With that, Seokjin left you on your own, mouth hanging open. Of all the things to help, he had to book you into the most extreme of them all.

⊱ ────── {⋅. ♪ .⋅} ────── ⊰

The following day had come around quicker than you had hoped. You were sitting in the waiting area of the boudoir studio while Seokjin was speaking with the receptionist. You fiddled with your cuticles, trying not to pick at them from nervousness.

It was nearly 2:00 PM when Taehyung walked out from the back of the studio to greet Seokjin.

"Hello there, Jin. It's been a while, hasn't it?" Taehyung greeted, giving his friend a tight hug.

"Tae, it's always good to see you. I apologise for this being so last minute, but Y/n here," Seokjin gestured to you, "is having a little trouble having some confidence in herself at the moment."

"I see," Taehyung said softly, observing your posture. "Don't worry, love. By the end of this session, you'll feel like a new woman." Taehyung was gentle and encouraging with his words as he guided you through the back.

You were surprised to see the various toys displayed on a small table to the side of the room. In the centre, multiple sets were arranged, showcasing a bedroom and a kitchen.

"We don't have to use any of the items I have here if you're not comfortable with them. However, once you get started and build some confidence, I think you'll want to give them a try," Taehyung explained.

You remained silent, your eyes scanning the room, absorbing everything. You felt uncertain about how to respond. This situation was so far outside your comfort zone that standing there made you feel foolish.

"Here, love, if you get changed into your lingerie behind the curtain there, I can get the camera set up. And if you'd prefer, there's a robe in there for you to put on over the top of your lingerie, okay?"

You only nodded, shuffling to the small room and glancing around. You were hesitant to change, trying your best to stall the situation at hand. It was only when you heard Seokjin's voice that you started to move.

"Y/n, you can't be wasting Taehyung's time like this. He has other clients today as well."

You had wrapped the robe around you, just as you moved out from behind the curtain. Taehyung smiled at you, placing his hand on the small of your back to bring you to the centre of the room.

"Now we typically do a full face of make-up. But from what Seokjin has told me, you prefer it light. Minimal foundation. However, I would like to do a skin-tint and a smokey eye if that's alright?"

"S-sure."

With that, Taehyung brought you over to a make-up chair and spun you around to look at him. He was quick with his work, but gentle. Applying little pressure to your eyes when he applied the eyeshadow. Not even ten minutes later, you were finished and ready for your photoshoot.

"Now, would you prefer your photos taken in the bedroom or kitchen first. Most ladies who are a little more on the shy side prefer the kitchen to begin with, as it's not as... intimate a room," Taehyung explained.

"We can go to the kitchen."

"Perfect," Taehyung beamed, gently taking your hand and escorting you to the kitchen. "Now, I just want you to relax, okay? I'll help you get into positions so you aren't overthinking anything."

You stayed quiet, trying your hardest to let yourself relax. Taehyung sighed slightly, seeing your stiffness. He approached you and gently grabbed your arms.

"I know this is difficult for you, Y/n. But it will just be harder if you don't work with me. Trust me, I'll take good care of you. That, I promise."

With that, you let your arms drop completely to your sides, nodding. Taehyung smiled, gave you a quick thumbs up, and handed his camera to Seokjin. He motioned for you to take off your robe, and you did so, reluctantly.

"First, we'll get you up onto the counter and have you lying down."

You climbed onto the countertop, following Taehyung's instructions. He asked you to prop yourself up on your elbows, bending your leg furthest from the camera while keeping the other leg straight.

"Perfect, now finally I want you to just let your head fall back, okay? Look straight up at the ceiling," Taehyung finished.

You looked up, staring at nothing in particular. You started to laugh at the awkwardness, but Taehyung loved it.

"Brilliant!" he praised, snapping as many shots as he could.

Over time, your confidence grew as you began to enjoy the photoshoot. As the session continued, you moved from the countertop to one of the chairs, sitting backwards with your legs spread wide.

"Beautiful, Y/n. Beautiful!" Taehyung beamed. "Your partner sure is lucky indeed."

"I would like to take the rest of the photos in the bedroom set, if that's okay?" you asked, smiling hopefully.

"Of course, love. Just make your way over and we'll get the lighting moved for you."

You walked over to the bed and sat down, waiting for everything to get set up. Taehyung once again, instructed you into position, sitting you on the floor to begin with.

"Now, if you could bring your arms up over your head, and bend one across the way. Yup! Perfect."

The camera flashed repeatedly, capturing your beauty from every angle. You had caught sight of Seokjin, who was giving you the thumbs up.

"Great, now if you move onto the bed. Would you like to try some of the toys? Maybe if we have you put on the handcuffs and maybe a blindfold?"

You nodded eagerly, showing your enjoyment. Taehyung and Seokjin laughed as they gathered the necessary items. Taehyung carefully tied the restraints around your wrists, checking in with you from time to time to ensure they weren’t too tight. Lastly, he placed the blindfold over your eyes gently, being careful not to mess up your hair.

"Right, I'll need to move you myself into position. Is that alright with you?" Taehyung asked.

"Of course," you responded.

Taehyung was careful where he touched you, making sure not to touch anywhere above your knees when moving your legs. He stepped away once he had finished, and you heard the snapping of the camera once again.

A few more positions and toys later, you had finally finished your session. Taehyung allowed you to get dressed back into your regular clothing and called you over to look at the photos.

You were stunned by how beautiful you looked. Your confidence shone in the images, and it was clear you were having fun.

"I'll print all of these and send them to you in a couple of days. I just need your address." You wrote your address down on a notepad Taehyung had handed you.

"Thank you so much, Tae. I really appreciate you doing this for me. Are you sure there's no way I can pay you for this?" Taehyung laughed.

"Don't worry about it, Y/n. Working with you was payment enough. You would be an incredible model." You smiled shyly at the compliment. "I'm sorry to rush you both, however, I have another client due in five minutes."

You hurriedly hugged Taehyung and bid him farewell as you and Seokjin exited the building.

"I'm really proud of you, Y/n," Seokjin smiled. "You've already come a long way."

⊱ ────── {⋅. ♪ .⋅} ────── ⊰

A few days later, Seokjin got in touch with you again. This time, dragging you to a salon, having you booked in for a manicure, pedicure and getting your hair styled.

"Jimin~" Seokjin cooed upon entering the salon. You followed behind quietly, allowing the two men to greet each other before introducing yourself.

"Seokjin!" a man beamed. He was shorter than your friend, but a very beautiful man. Shimmer glittered his eyelids and cheekbones, enhancing his features. "And you must be Y/n. I've heard so much about you!"

"It's lovely to meet you," you said, holding out your hand.

"Oh, honey, we don't do that here," Jimin teased, pulling you into a hug. "And I most certainly don't bite."

Jimin escorted you into the salon chair and fluffed your hair, examining it. He hummed quietly to himself, pulling strands of your hair in front of your face, trying to imagine the perfect style for you.

"First, we will get your mani and pedi done. Then I'll have you back here for your hair. Sound good?" You nodded, hopping out of your chair and into one at the manicure section of the salon.

When you returned to Jimin, you had a new set of French-tip nails that matched your pedicure. He beamed upon seeing the matching set, praising his co-workers for their expertise.

"Now, honey, if you just sit tight, I'll get your hair looking brand new. Trust me, you'll love it."

Jimin had begun his work when your phone buzzed. Looking down, you noticed a message from Jungkook. A smile crept onto your face upon seeing his name. You unlocked your phone, opening the message.

'Hi baby, I know you know I don't do Valentine's Day, but I booked us a table at that Japanese restaurant you love so much. xx'

You smiled reading the message. Normally, you would be ecstatic about this reservation. But this time, you wanted to focus on him only.

'Hey. I actually have something planned for us already. Would you mind cancelling the reservation? xx'

Ping. He responded immediately.

'Oh? What are we doing?'

'It's a surprise. xx'

You giggled a little, catching Jimin's attention.

"Is that the boyfriend, honey?"

"Yeah, he's asking what I have planned for us on Valentine's Day," you laughed a little when Jimin grinned.

"Jin informed me of your boudoir session yesterday. He mentioned how well you had done, despite you being so nervous to begin with," Jimin smiled warmly.

"Yeah, I wasn't expecting to have so much fun with it, and to enjoy feeling myself? I guess?"

"Well, from what I've been told, you expressed confidence Seokjin himself had never seen from you. That's a big achievement," Jimin explained, pulling your hair in different directions, making small cuts.

"I honestly wouldn't have any confidence if it weren't for Seokjin and Taehyung. And you, of course."

"Your confidence comes from you. No one else. Taehyung and Seokjin just helped you realise your potential. It was you who made it happen."

It was only ten minutes later when Jimin had finished your hair. You gasped, impressed by his styling and his swiftness.

"You're very lucky, Y/n. You're hair is already so luscious and healthy. I just needed to shape it a little bit," Jimin explained, placing his hands on his hips.

"Thank you so much. I appreciate you doing this for me." You moved to take your purse out when Jimin stopped you.

"Oh no, honey, this is on me."

"I can't have you do that. Taehyung did this yesterday, please. If you won't take a full payment, at least let me tip you," you pleaded, holding out 30,000 won.

"Fine, but that's all you're allowed to pay," Jimin scolded, playfully tapping your head with a magazine. "Now go, enjoy the rest of your day, and have a lovely Valentine's Day."

"Thank you, Jimin. I'll be back next week for my haircut, and all the details," Seokjin called, earning a smack on the arm from you.

"Jinnie!" you frowned.

"Oh, like you won't tell me everything that happens the next day," Seokjin fired back, making you go quiet. "That's what I thought. I am your best friend after all." You laughed lightly.

"That you are Seokjin."

⊱ ────── {⋅. ♪ .⋅} ────── ⊰

Valentine's Day had finally arrived. You paced back and forward in your bedroom, waiting for Jungkook to arrive. Everything that Seokjin had taught you had gone out the window. You were overthinking. It was one thing to be confident in yourself and even find yourself sexy.

But having your partner think that of you was completely different. You had spent forty minutes deciding on what lingerie set to wear, calling Seokjin frantically.

"Y/n. The red one," was all Seokjin said before he hung up, leaving you to yourself. You didn't agree with him, but still put it on nonetheless, trusting his judgement.

Your makeup was simple, yet sultry. A robe was tied loosely around your waist, and your hair was as perfect as the day Jimin had styled it. You looked perfect, but you didn't feel it.

Your head snapped to the sound of the front door opening, indicating Jungkook was home.

"Baby? I'm home."

"Now's not the time to get scared," you told yourself.

Quickly, you tightened the belt around your robe and grabbed the envelope on your bedside table, which held the boudoir photos. You quickly pushed your hair out of your face, sitting down on the bed and crossing your left leg over your right, making sure to expose your thighs.

"Baby?" Jungkook asked, opening the bedroom door.

He stopped when he saw you, surprised to see you the way you were. You attempted to use the envelope to fan your face slowly, but with your nerves getting the better of you, your fanning was becoming more aggressive.

"Are you okay, Y/n? Did you not hear me come in?" Jungkook asked, pulling off his jacket and placing it onto the bed.

"I-I'm fine," you stammered. "Just a little warm," you added.

Jungkook looked at you quizzically. He went to unbutton his shirt when you suddenly stood up. He halted, watching your movements closely.

"I actually have something to show you." Your attempt at sounding sexy was backfiring, making you feel foolish.

You went to untie your robe when you ran into a problem. It was too tight. With your back to Jungkook, you fiddled and tugged at the belt, a poor attempt to untie it. You cursed un your breath.

"Baby? Are you sure you're alright?"

"Yes. Yes, I'm fine," you responded, your voice failing you as tears began to well in your eyes.

Jungkook recognised the tone of your voice immediately and made his way over to you. You shrugged off his hand when he placed it on your shoulder, growing more frustrated.

"Darling," Jungkook cooed.

You stopped, allowing tears to cascade down your face, accepting you had messed everything up. You spun around, burying your face into Jungkook's chest as you cried. Jungkook was confused, but he stayed silent, running his hand through your hair lovingly.

"Tell me what's wrong, baby," Jungkook comforted, leading you over to the bed and sitting you down. He knelt down in front of you, his heart breaking at your tears.

"I-I just wanted this to be perfect," you choked.

"What did you want to be perfect?"

"I was finally ready. I wanted- I wanted to fully give myself to you," you sobbed, your head hanging low.

Jungkook finally realised what was happening. He couldn't help but smile at your efforts, finding it cute that you would go to such lengths for him. He placed his fingers under your chin and tilted your head up to look at him.

"You don't need to do any of this for me, baby. I love you just the way you are. You're nothing short of perfect."

"But I had done all this for you. I just wanted it to go right," you sighed, wiping away your tears with the sleeve of your robe.

"Well, how about we start again? I'll help you get this untied, and we can go from there. But only if you are sure you want to do this," Jungkook stated, seriousness in his eyes.

"Yes, I want to."

With your verbal consent, he pulled you to your feet and allowed his hands to move from your shoulders to your belt. With ease, he untied the belt. He looked at you one more time, silently asking if he could continue.

You moved your hands to the opening of your robe, pulling it back and allowing it to fall off your shoulders to the floor. Jungkook bit his lip, looking at how perfect you looked.

"You look breathtaking in red," he breathed, his eyes landing on your breasts.

He watched as your chest rose from your nervous breathing, the sight almost making him lose control. He moved his hand up, lightly tracing the back of his forefinger down your cheek. You shivered at the contact, making him smirk. Moving his hand down to your bra, he gently tugged at one of the decorative straps lying over your breast.

"God, you are stunning," he whispered, moving to wrap his arms around your waist.

He pulled you in close, letting his lips ghost yours, leaving you breathless. He moved to your cheek, planting soft kisses down to your shoulder. He moved further down, just above your breasts and kissed the same spot. You let out a quiet moan, feeling him suck and nibble at your skin.

When he pulled away, he smirked at his work. A small hickey was now placed above your left breast. His gaze moved up to your face, taking in your expression. Your eyes were closed, breathing heavy, biting your lip to suppress your moans.

"Can I lie you down on the bed, baby?" he whispered. You nodded.

"Yes."

He lifted you with ease, bringing your round to the side of the bed and lying you down. He stripped himself of his shirt, giving you a moment to stare at him. You had seen him shirtless plenty of times. But now, it was different. You took in every inch of him, admiring every muscle and tattoo. Without thinking, you sat up, placing your hand at the hem of his trousers, sliding upwards toward his neck, kissing his torso as you did so.

He let his head fall backwards, muttering quietly under his breath. Your touch drove him crazy, and he couldn't explain why. How soft your skin was, and your delicate touches. All he wanted was for you to constantly be touching him.

You had pulled back, noticing the bulge in his pants. You brought your hands to his trousers, unbuttoning them slowly, teasingly. He watched you, his gaze intense. Only when you leaned back down onto the bed did he move, removing his trousers in a shift motion and climbing on top of you.

"Please, let me kiss you," he pleaded, his tone taking you by surprise. You had never heard him so needy.

"Of course, Kook."

Jungkook wasted no time closing the gap between the two of you, letting your lips mould with one another. Your breath caught in your throat when his hand traced down to your waist, gripping it tightly. He pulled away, looking over you to make sure you were okay.

"Don't stop," you whispered, pulling his back down.

You felt him slowly begin to grind into you, adding to your excitement. He moved from your lips and peppered kisses down until he reached your stomach. He looked up at you, hooking his fingers around the band of your underwear. You nodded eagerly.

In one swift motion, your underwear was pulled off and discarded on the bedroom floor. He lay flat on the bed, wrapping his arms around your thighs and pulling you closer to him.

"If there's anything I do that doesn't feel right, let me know, baby," he reassured. You silently agreed. He moved his face closer between your legs. His breath tickled your thighs, making you giggle slightly.

You gasped when Jungkooks lips wrapped around your clit, sucking gently, while his tongue moved up and down in a rhythmic motion. Your hands moved to his hair, back arching as a moan escaped your mouth.

"I-I'm sorry," you panted, flustered.

Jungkook pulled away, chuckling softly at how cute you were. He gently kissed up your inner thigh, then back down.

"There is no need to apologise, baby. If anything, it gives me confidence that I'm making you feel good. So let me hear you moan for me."

Jungkook moved back down between your legs and continued. A string of moans left you as Jungkook pleasured you. Every now and then, he would change his pace, slowing down or speeding up. You grew frustrated with his teasing, whining from the pleasure.

"Please."

Jungkook stopped.

"Please, what?"

"Please, make me come," you pleaded, looking down at him.

His eyes were filled with lust and love, grinning mischievously. He moved back one more time, this time keeping the same pace. He flicked his tongue against your clit, feeling your grip tighten in his hair, he knew you were close.

Jungkook felt you come undone against his tongue, your body shaking in ecstasy. He moved down to your entrance, licking from the bottom up to your clit, tasting you. You jerked at the sensitivity. He breathed out a laugh, the cold air hitting against you.

"Did that feel good, baby?" he asked while kissing your thighs.

"Fuck, yes."

Jungkook took the opportunity to move back up, so he was hovering over you. You avoided eye contact with him, becoming shy at how easily you came. He waited until you looked back at him.

"We can stop here if you-"

"No," you answered a little too quickly. "I-I want to go the whole way."

"That's a good girl," Jungkook smirked, standing up and pulling his boxers off.

You couldn't help but stare as he did so, unable to take your eyes off his size. You swallowed a little, your nerves beginning to return. He reached over to his bedside table and opened the drawer, pulling out a small silver packet.

He tore it open with his teeth, pulling out a condom from the foil. He pulled it over his cock and rolled it down, making sure it sat securely at the base. Jungkook then crawled back on top of you and grabbed hold of himself.

"I'm going to ask one more time. Are you sure?" he asked, noticing how your face changed.

"Y-Yes, I'm sure. I'm just nervous," you replied shyly. Jungkook planted a soft kiss against your forehead.

"It's okay to be nervous, baby," Jungkook soothed. "But I will say, with you still being a virgin, this may hurt a little bit. Okay?"

You nodded in response, wrapping your arms around his neck. Jungkook rubbed his tip against your entrance, coating himself in your wetness.

He was gentle, slowly easing in and out a little bit at a time, getting you used to the feeling. Your eyes scrunched shut when he began to push further in, the stretch becoming painful. Your nails dug into Jungkook's shoulders. He took that moment to stop, allowing you to adjust to his size.

"Please tell me you're almost in," you winced.

"I'm afraid we're only halfway," Jungkook informed. You laughed a little, trying to take your mind off the pain you were feeling below. "You're taking me so well, baby. Just a little further."

Jungkook's words filled you with reassurance, and you gestured for him to move again. With one final push, Jungkook was all the way in. You let out a quiet grunt in pain at the feeling. Like before, Jungkook stayed still, waiting until you were ready.

He kissed your face, attempting to take your mind off the ache. You breathed heavily, trying to allow yourself to relax a little more. Jungkook whispered praises in your ear, telling you how good you were doing.

When you felt that you were finally ready, you nodded, signalling for Jungkook to move. He moved his hand behind your back, raising you up slightly. Slowly, he pulled out and slid back in, making you both moan in unison.

"Fuck," he whispered.

The feeling of you tightening around his cock had him fighting not to finish. He often fantasised about how you felt, but he had never thought you'd feel this good.

"Oh my God," you gasped, feeling him stretch you with every thrust.

He continued his steady pace, sweat beginning to form on his forehead. He moved his hand from your back to your face, making you look at him.

"Will you-" he grunted, "will you come with me?"

You couldn't speak, only nodding in response. He took the opportunity to pick up his pace a little, thrusting deeper. The feeling had you in a state of euphoria, eyes rolling to the back of your head as your orgasm grew closer.

"Fuck, Kook- I'm gonna-" you couldn't finish as you reached your high. You pulled yourself up to his chest, needing to be close to him as he came shortly after. His breathing was uneven, hair sticking to his forehead as he rode out both your highs.

He finally stopped, slowly pulling out of you, and moving to lie on the other side of the bed. You closed your legs, pouting at the sudden loss of contact.

Jungkook rolled off the bed and made his way to the bathroom. Confused, you sat up and waited for him to come back. He returned shortly with a damp washcloth and sat at the bottom of the bed.

"Open your legs for me, baby."

You complied, slowly spreading your legs again. Jungkook brought the cloth to your entrance, gently wiping away any excess saliva and sweat, being careful not to brush your sensitive clit.

"I did rip you a little bit. I'm sorry," Jungkook apologised, wiping away a little bit of blood that had mixed in with your orgasm.

"It's okay," you replied. "Was I- was I okay?" you asked sheepishly.

Jungkook pulled back from you, tilting his head, giving you a knowing look.

"You know you were more than okay. You were perfect. I'm glad you were confident enough to show me all of you," Jungkook praised, leaning forward to cup your cheek in his hand.

"I love you, Kook," you hummed, closing your legs and moving slowly to him. He wrapped his arms around you, pulling you into him. He nuzzled his face into the crook of your neck, taking in the mixture of your scent and sweat.

"I love you, too, baby."

⊱ ────── {⋅. ♪ .⋅} ────── ⊰

hey there! thank you so much for reading! i will say, I am really proud of this piece, as it's the first time I've wrote smile in a while! please let me know what you think and if I should do more in the future!

if you've made it this far please take a look at my other works. or you're interested in making a request please look at the links below!

masterlist | requests | request rules | prompt list

tranquilreign~

[starlordsandrockets]

Midnight

pairing: college!Peter Parker x Reader: 18+

Avengers Compound fic - not MCU canon

Word Count: 7.4k

summary: Tony threw his annual New Years Eve party and Nat and Wanda have a plan to get you and Peter together by the end of the night.

a/n: Lord I posted this before and forgot to give it a title... Anyway the universe is against me but this fic is done. I don't know if it's good and I don't know if I'm satisfied but it's done.

Every holiday was the same, Tony Stark threw a stupid party and you put on a dumb dress and drank the night away. 

The only saving grace was that you got to spend the night with Peter Parker. Little did you know, part of the reasoning for Tony's parties was to get Peter and you together. But every party ended the same, Peter failing to tell you how he felt.

The compound hummed with music as you took one last look in the mirror. You wore a black dress with a deeper neckline than you were used to, in an attempt to grab Peter’s attention. The dress was Nat and Wanda’s idea, something they schemed up after Tony announced he was having the party.

**

“I don’t know,” Your words slurred as they fell from your tongue. You found yourself having drinks with Nat and Wanda in the lounge.

“It's obvious,” Wanda spoke, studying the lipstick she had left on her wine glass, “Is it not?”

“He follows you around like a puppy,” Nat added.

“We- we’re the same age,” You defended, “I mean I have no problem hanging out with you two, but the guys,” You almost laughed at the thought of Peter attempting to hang out with the rest of the Avengers, “He just… there’s a generation gap or something I swear,”

“I don’t know, I could see Bucky liking Legos,” Nat joked.

“He doesn’t like me, okay,” You assured, “Plus, we barely talk. And when we do it’s like… super awkward half of the time,”

“Well Peter’s awkward all of the time,” Nat smiled, taking a sip of her whiskey.

The whole compound knew Peter had a crush on you from the moment Tony hired you. Everyone besides you. The thought of him liking you was just impossible to comprehend.

Peter was Spider-Man. And you were just you.

Sure, you were Tony Stark’s assistant, but you are replaceable. There was nothing special about you so there was no reason for Peter to like you.

Right?

“Right. So, next subject… please,” You stared into your half empty glass. Moving your glass, you stirred the ball of ice that sat in the whiskey.

“Fine,” Nat shrugged, not wanting to pry.

“Any parties Tony is having you plan,” Wanda questioned, earning your gaze.

“Yeah… New Years,” You laughed, “I sent out so many invites for meetings, lunch-ins, dinners…”

“Perfect. We’ll pick you out a dress,” Wanda smiled, her teeth bright from behind her dark red lips.

“What,” You questioned, “I have dresses. I’ll just wear the one I normally do, that black one,”

“Yeah,” Nat chimed in, locking eyes with Wanda, “We’ll pick you out a dress. I’m sure Peter would notice if you dressed up a bit,”

**

Standing in the room you were given on the compound. You walked over to the mirror that hung on the wall. You watched as your shoulders fell heavily, eyes scanning your reflection. Maybe you should just change dresses, you had so many options that were safe.

You decided on adding a necklace to sit against your exposed skin; feeling like your intention was less obvious that way.

Suddenly, the floor of your room began to hum with the bass of the music that began to play from the first floor of the compound.

You still had time to change, you liked being fashionably late anyway. However, as your phone began to vibrate, from what you could only guess was multiple texts from Nat and Wanda. So, you touched up your makeup before heading to the elevator.

The elevator ride grew louder and louder as you neared the lounge, the music already beginning to overwhelm you.

Entering the large room, you counted the bodies that had already arrived. So far, there were around twenty people. Tony’s parties were almost always in the fifties to eighties. He knew everyone and only invited the people he wanted to be there. However, you recalled last New Years where the party passed one hundred, most of the guests Tony had never met. But he was too drunk to care.

“The dress looks good,” Nat’s voice cut through your thoughts. She watched you jump slightly, “I’m sure he’ll notice,”

“That’s not…” You trailed off, attempting to speak over the music, “I’m not trying to seem desperate,”

“Of course not,” Nat smiled, her red lips against a glass of whiskey, “The dress isn’t obvious at all,”

You looked around the room, taking in the way others were dressed, you wanted to turn on your heels and change before Peter came out of his room, “You did this on purpose,”

“It’s New Years- Listen, I’m sure once the rest of the invites get here they’ll be tons of girls wearing much worse,”

“That doesn’t make me feel any better,” You laughed. However, the weight on your shoulders lessened a bit as Nat joked with you.

“Y/N, you look fine- amazing even. The most beautiful one in the room, probably,” Nat smiled.

“That’s only because you toned it down for my sake,” You watched Nat laugh, “I’m not wrong,”

“No… No you’re not,” Nat smiled, “But I’m not trying to impress anyone tonight,”

“Have you seen Wanda,” You questioned, however your words were cut short when a hand fell to the small of your back. Turning your head, you met Tony’s smiling eyes.

“Look at you,” Tony exclaimed, his words slightly slurred, “The kid is going to lose his mind. I really think you might kill him,”

“Then I should change,” Tony’s claim gave you the perfect excuse. You turned towards the elevator, “I’ll-” However, you only made it a few steps before you found Peter entering the room, “shit,” You spoke under your breath before his eyes met yours.

“Good try. He’s not going to let you out of his sight now,” Tony somewhat jokes, however his claim stemmed from truth.

“I’m- I’m getting a drink,” You told Nat and Tony as you watched Peter attempt to make his way through the crowd.

The invites somehow doubled as Peter attempted to get to you, watching you head towards the kitchen.

“Peter,” Nat spoke, stepping in front of him, slowing his path to the kitchen, “You seem like you’re in a rush,” She took a sip of her drink, raising her brows.

“Just… getting a drink,” Peter spoke.

“I’m surprised… with your heightened senses and all,” Nat continued, “So how does that all work? Could you eventually get buzzed or would you have to drink a whole liquor store?” She laughed at her own joke.

“Yeah…” Peter replied, eyes still eyeing the top of your head in the crowd, not wanting to lose you.

“Am I boring you,” Nat questioned, watching Peter almost bouncing on the balls of his feet. He looked as if he was a dog waiting for the command to go.

“Not at all,” He replied, “I’m just really thirsty- I was actually heading to get some water,”

“Right,” Nat smiled, finishing off her glass, “Could you do me a favor? Could you find Y/N?” With the sound of your name, Peter instantly met Nat’s gaze, “Ask her if she could make me a drink? She makes them exactly how I like them,”

“Y-Yeah! I mean,” Peter cleared his throat slightly, “Yeah, if I happen to see her,”

“Yeah. You don’t have to go out of your way to find her for me,” Nat almost laughed, handing Peter her empty glass. Stepping aside, she nodded her head towards the kitchen. It was as if her silent command released him. Nat watched as Peter swiftly moved through the crowd towards you.

You glanced into the open fridge, nose wrinkling at all of the beer in the lit appliance. All of the wine bottles were somehow already empty and you were not planning on overdoing it tonight.

“H-Hey,” Peter’s voice echoed through the open fridge, making you jump. In doing so, you smacked the top of your head on the fridge’s shelf, “Sorry! Are you okay?” Peter reached out with his free hand, wrapping his hold around your arm; helping you back out of the open fridge.

“Y-Yeah,” You spoke, skin heated from embarrassment, “Ignore that- please,” You watched as he laughed to himself, “Can you believe the wine’s already gone?”

“That’s a great sign,” Peter laughed.

“Guess I’ll buy double for next time,” You turned your head as you spoke, coming face to face with him. You were not expecting him to be so close, but I guess he was helping you only a moment before. You watched as Peter’s gaze fell to your lips before meeting your eyes once more. You pushed past him, heading towards the liquor, “I- I guess I should make a drink, right? That’s why I came in here,”

Peter studied your dress for a moment, not wanting to come off as offensive, “Oh! Nat asked me to find you,” Peter interrupted his thoughts of you. Little to his knowledge your expression reflected your disdain of Nat’s forward request.

“Did she?”

“She wanted you to make her a drink- she said you’re good at making them,” Peter walked up next to you at the kitchen’s counter. He set Nat’s glass down in front of you. Watching as your head turned towards him, he gave you a small smile, “and um… maybe you could make me one too?”

“Sure but you’re both just getting vodka cranberries,” You admitted. You were not great at making drinks. Nat lied to give Peter a reason to approach you, so you were not about to out the situation by handing over a shitty drink.

“Sounds great,” Peter smiled as he awkwardly leaned on the counter.

His smile was crawling under your skin, heading towards your heart. You poured the shot of vodka in your glass. Staring at it and grabbing the glass, beginning to bring it to your lips.

You felt Peter’s gaze burning into you, hotter than the liquor. Turning your head, you met his eyes, “Sorry- Did you want to do a shot with me?”

Peter felt a, somehow already drunk, body hit against him. The kitchen volume grew louder as he attempted to read your lips, “W-What?”

“D-Do you-” You spoke loudly, however your lips closed quickly. You hated yelling at parties, and you were not trying to lose your voice for the rest of the work week. Taking a step towards Peter, you spoke again, “You want to do a shot?”

“Oh- I…” The shot would have no effect on him, however he really wanted to do something with you. Anything, “Sure,”

Grabbing some shot glasses from the cabinet, you poured two shots. Sliding Peter’s over to him, you watched as he reached out for it. However, you did not find yourself removing your fingers. Peter’s touch tickled your skin as your hold hovered on the shot, “Sorry,” You pulled your hand back to your glass, “...Ready?” You questioned loudly.

Peter raised the glass to his lips, “Sure,”

You both exchanged one more glance before you tilted the shot back. Peter watched as you winced at the shot, “Mmmm,” You hummed sarcastically, “Great,”

Peter laughed next to you, lips still against the empty shot glass.

“You- You didn’t even take the shot?!” Your voice grew louder as the space between the two of you grew smaller. You watched as Peter continued to laugh, “What the fuckk-”

“You didn’t even count down or anything!” Peter attempted to talk over you.

“Take the shot!” You grabbed his wrist, raising the glass back to his smiling lips.

“Fine- Fine!” Peter spoke, “Let go- You’re spilling it!” His eyes fell back towards you after you released him from your hold.

“What?”

“No countdown?” Peter spoke, the question almost teasing.

“Shut up,” You replied. Sure, Peter was always super awkward. However, he always surprised you when his cockiness showed through. Peter stared back at you as you felt yourself begin to crumble at his cocky gaze, “Just take the fucking shot, Parker I swear to god-”

Peter tipped the glass, feeling the vodka warm him. He hated shots, they tasted disgusting and he had no beneficial outcome, but he did it because you asked. Hell, he would take more if you pressed him, “Happy?”

“Barely ever,” You joked back sarcastically. Turning back to the empty glasses on the counter, you poured more vodka.

“More,” Peter questioned.

“I’m making the drinks,” You replied, “But you should do another just for fucking with me,”

“You know I feel nothing,” Peter spoke.

“Like ever?” You quipped, watching him throw you an unamused glance, “Humor me?”

Whenever you drank, you were overconfident. All your insecurities flew out the window, along with your boundaries and Peter hated it. He did not hate it exactly, he actually loved when you drank. Your touch always lingered just a bit too long on his skin. Your swaying body would use him as an anchor. You would dance, sing, truly be yourself in front of others and Peter loved getting a glance at the real you; it made him feel like you let him through your Avenger facade.

Peter snapped out of his thoughts as you placed a hand on his shoulder, anchoring yourself as you raised up onto the balls of your feet, attempting to place the shot against his lips, “Th-Thanks but I got it,” Peter stuttered, taking the glass from you. Taking the shot, he winced at the vodka, “How about you make Nat’s drink?”

“Right,” You spoke, turning back to the counter, removing your hand from Peter’s shoulder, “and yours,”

“And yours,” Peter reminded you.

“Right!” You reached into the cabinet, retrieving another glass, “How about doubles? Doubles sound great,” You spoke, needing more alcohol to numb your growing feelings. As you spoke to yourself, you did not even realize Peter had retrieved the cranberry juice from the fridge until you felt him press the cold bottle against your skin, “FucK- I swear to god,”

Peter sat the juice down on the counter in front of you, “What? You weren’t paying attention,”

“Watch it or I’ll make you a bad drink,” You threaten.

“It’s vodka and juice,” Peter spoke, watching your eyes narrow at him.

“It’s a skill,” You corrected, “Plus- Nat said I’m good at making them, right? And Nat… never gives compliments,” Your voice wavered in and out as you concentrated on pouring the same amount of juice in each glass, “Here,” You handed Peter a glass.

“Thanks,” He took a sip and immediately winced, “It’s so strong,”

You drank some of your own glass before pouring some more juice, “Need it to work quick… with all the pda tonight.”

“R-Right,” Peter stuttered. Somehow, he almost forgot it was New Year's Eve. He took a generous sip from his glass as he mentally strategized how he could possibly kiss you at midnight, “Not a New Years kiss kind of person?” He forced out, testing the water.

Peter’s question caught you off guard, thankful that you were not taking a sip of your drink because you definitely would have choked, “I- I just…” You sipped your drink, “Never really had to deal with it before… which is fine by me because I’d rather not…”

“Really?” Peter spoke with a bit of a shocked laugh. His claim earned a sharp glance from you, making him clear his throat, “I haven’t really spent New Years with anyone besides my aunt,” Peter spoke, watching your nose wrinkle, “Y/N- Not funny,” You laughed around the rim of your glass.

“I didn’t say anything,” You spoke, finger pointing towards him from where it sat around your glass.

“Yeah- yeah,” Peter spoke, “You want me to bring out Nat’s drink?” With his question, he watched your eyes light up, remembering you even made Nat a drink.

“No! No, I made it,” You spoke, reaching out to the glass that sat on the dark marble counter, “She asked me to make it… so, I’m giving it to her.”

“Right,” Peter laughed, watching you clutch the glass towards your chest. The glass was cold against your exposed skin, reminding you of your dress’s neckline, making you jump slightly. Some of the drink spilled against your skin, making you groan, “Y/N,” He spoke, watching you struggle after your shot and strong drink.

“I’m fineee,” You looked down at your wet skin, “Is it bad,” You questioned, pushing out your chest towards Peter, allowing him to study your skin.

Peter had never seen this much of your skin before and he felt as if you were affecting him just as strongly as two shots of vodka. Was it bad that he was looking at you so intently? You did ask him to study your skin. He just hoped you could not feel his imploring and lustful gaze burning into your skin, “Y-You’re fine,” He answered, face flushed, “I mean- Your dress looks fine. Can’t even tell- since it’s black,”

“Thank god,” You sighed, “Let’s go,” You turned, realizing just how many people had piled into the kitchen, “Where was she,” You questioned over the growing music.

“Huh?” Peter spoke loudly, following you through the crowd. He watched you stop and turn towards him, standing on the tips of your feet. You leaned against him slightly, unable to put a hand on his shoulder to steady yourself.

“Where was Nat,” You ask in his ear, “When you talked to her- earlier.”

Peter felt a chill run through him, “She- she was near the hall,” He watched you nod before turning back towards the crowd. You swayed before him as you took a sip of your drink. The heels on your feet made you stumble slightly and without a thought, Peter extended his hold to your side. His sweaty palm almost stuck to the fabric of your dress, making him mentally cringe. He studied you for a reaction, however he just watched your eyes scan the room for Nat.

“I don’t see her anyyyywhere,” You told him as you shoved the drink towards his chest. Removing his hand from your side, Peter took the glass from you quickly, “I’ll text her,” You loudly slurred over the music.

Y/N: Naattt!! I made your drink. Don’t dump it on me just to set us up PLEASE.

You sent the text before taking a sip of your drink. You listened to the music, trying to identify the song playing.

Peter stood before you as you suddenly switched, eyes studying your phone screen, leaving him in silence, “Did… Did she text you back?”

“Huh?” You looked up at him, “Oh! Oh- Sorry,” You spoke, stuffing your phone into your small purse. That was another reason why you hated that dress. You had to carry your purse at this party just to have your phone on you, “No. She probably won’t- knowing her,”

“Why not,” Peter questioned, walking closer to you so he did not have to scream.

Your mind searched for any answer that was not ‘so she can set us up at this stupid party.’

“Uhh,” You drew out, “Well… you know. You know how Nat is,” You spoke, not finding an excuse.

“Yeah… true,” Peter took a sip of his drink, nose wrinkling at the taste of the vodka.

“Come on,” You spoke, catching a confused look from Peter, “It’s not that bad. Give me some credit.”

“Thereee they are,” You heard Tony’s drunk voice draw out from behind you. His arm draped around Peter’s shoulders, “What are you drinking Pete?”

“I…” Peter’s eyes studied you as you almost glared at Tony. However, your glance fell back onto him as soon as his name left Tony’s lips, “The best drink I’ve ever had,” Peter spoke, watching your eyes narrow. However a smile curled your lips at his response.

“I made it for him,” You slurred, turning towards Tony. You brought the glass to your lips, pressing your tongue against the rim as you studied Tony and then Peter. Tony’s hand extended, grabbing the full glass from Peter’s hand. You bit your tongue, knowing Nat would not even come back for the drink.

“Hwoooo,” Tony spoke after a large sip, “She’s strong,” He looked to you, leaning closer, “That’s why you’re my assistant. You do great work,” He tilted his head back, finishing what was in the glass, “This is great work,” He slurred, “Well… was,”

“Thanks,” You spoke sarcastically, sipping on your own drink as well, “I only do great work,”

“Eh,” Tony cocked his head. Peter laughed as the two of you bickered, “How about some shots? Huh,”

“I dunno Mr. Stark,”

“Whiskey,” You questioned.

“You read my mind,” Tony spoke, giving you a wink.

“Y/N,” Peter spoke, “You haven’t even finished your drink.”

You looked at your half empty glass, “Right,” You spoke before you tilted the remaining drink back. You winced, “Right- I’m good now.”

“That’s not what I meant,” Peter watched as Tony and you attempted to find your way to the kitchen. He followed, entering the kitchen as Tony poured two shots of whiskey. The glasses sat between the two of you on the counter, “I don’t think this is a good idea,”

“Pete, I’m helping,” Tony’s head motioned towards you, “She’ll be easier this way,”

“What’s that supposed to mean,” You questioned.

“Come on! Not like thatttt,” Tony replied, “You know how you are. You’re easier to talk to after a few drinks. Less bitchy,” Picking up his shot glass he gave you a cocky smile, “Cheers,” Tilting it back, he slammed the glass on the countertop, “Come on Y/N. I’m not wrong,”

He was not wrong. The alcohol helped you let go of your insecurities. You were literally surrounded by Avengers, you could not help but feel insecure. In return, you put up a facade to shield yourself from some of them, “Yeah yeah… cheers,” You snapped back, tilting the glass against your lips.

“Pete, how about you,” Tony questioned, pouring another shot into a glass, “A little shot of confidence maybe? It’s 11.”

Peter glanced at the nearest clock. 11:13pm. He groaned, not only at the time but at the thought of taking a shot that would not even affect him, “Fine- Cheers,” Peter grabbed the shot from Tony’s grasp, throwing back his head like he was ripping off a bandaid. 

You watched as Tony stood up from where he was leaning against the countertop, “I just- I saw someone I need to talk to,” He spoke, attempting to leave the kitchen and navigate himself through the growing crowd. You could not tell if that was just an excuse Tony made to leave the two of you alone, or if he truly did stumble off to make a fool of himself in someone else’s presence.

However, in your tipsiness, you found yourself thankful to be alone with Peter, “Thank god he’s gone,” You breathed out, breaking the silence Tony had left you both in. Well, as silent as it could be with the blasting music and yelling bodies around you.

“Yeah,” Peter questioned, taking another sip of his drink, “I thought you loved spending time with your boss,” He joked.

“Yeahhh,” You spoke sarcastically, “I love having to hangout with him and not get paid for it.”

“I’m sure he pays you enough,” Peter replied.

You took in the sight of the expensive kitchen, “I dunnnno,” You drew out, “Looks like he’s got enough to share,”

“Yeah?” Peter laughed around his glass, “Yeah I guess-” His eyes met yours, realizing that at some point you ended up right next to him. Finishing off his drink, he closed his eyes for a moment, wishing to feel any effect that might aid him in the next thirty minutes or so, “Do you want… Is there any spot you want to secure for the ball drop,” He questioned, “Somewhere you can see the tv or do you not care about watching?”

“Do you like watching the balls- ball! Ball- drop-” Your question was interrupted by your intoxicated laughter, “Sorry! Sorry-” You attempted to collect yourself, hands lightly hitting against Peter’s chest with each laugh that passed through your lips. To be fair, anything was funny this far into the night for almost all the people at this party. 

Your touch was driving Peter insane. The fingertips of your left hand tickled against the fabric of his dress shirt while your other hand held onto his bicep. You held yourself steady as you attempted to stand up straight from your fit of laughter, “Yeah… yeah,” Peter finally answered, “I mean, when it’s just me and May- sure,”

“We can try and find a seat,” You suggested, “I’m sure there’s a seat somewhere. Somewhere near a tv.”

“Sure,” Peter spoke, “As… As long as you’re good?”

“I’m great!” You assured him, “But I wouldn’t mind holding onto your arm,” You squeezed his bicep a bit, reminding him of your lingering touch, “You know it’s sooo crowded- I could get lost,” Your fingers wrapped around his muscle. You could not help but mentally swoon, and the social lubricant helped you vocalize your thoughts with no filter, “I never noticed this…”

“My- My arm?” Peter stuttered.

“When did this happen,” You questioned as you began to drag him out of the kitchen.

“It-It’s been there,”

“You hide ‘em in those baggy graphic tees,” You say as your eyes search the connecting room for a spot. The room off of the crowded lounge still had a decent crowd, but it was somewhat quieter, allowing conversation.

“I think they’re funny,” Peter replied as you pulled him over to the room’s large couch. Every couch in the compound was a variation of those huge ‘L’ shaped couches, since Tony had to buy them with all of the Avengers in mind. Well, Tony would send you a few links and you would order them with his card.

You threw yourself down in the couch’s corner, “Yeah?” You pulled Peter down with you. You watched his hand catch the back of the couch, stopping himself from falling down on top of you.

As he stared down at you, he swore for a second you pouted at his instinctual catch, “Yeah.” Peter finally replied. His eyes glanced over at his watch.

11:45pm

“Yeaah,” You pulled him down on the cushion, “I’m not making fun of you! I think they’re cute,” You leaned into him now, personal space out the window. You watched him raise his eyebrows at the comment, “Like… I see you wear them and I’m like, yeah… Yeah they’re cute and funny so of course you’d wear them,”

“What’d you mean?” Peter tested the water.

“Well… I think you’re funny,” You hummed, smiling inches away from him.

“Just funny,” Peter questioned, “Not the first part?”

“What part?” You teased him.

“Don’t make me say it,” Peter spoke quietly, watching you inch, somehow, even closer to him.

“You’re no funnn,” You drew out, “Yeah… Yeah I think you’re cute,” You admit, “And maybe Tony’s right about me being easier after a few drinks,”

Peter leaned away from you a bit, out of shock. Not only at your confession but your choice of words, “...Does sober Y/N think I’m cute?”

“She does…” You respond.

“Yeah?” He laughed.

“You’re cute…” You assured Peter, “and yeah, your nerdy shirts are cute. And your movie night choices are cute… and,” You raked your brain, “and I guess you make working for Tony tolerable,”

“Good,” Peter spoke, eyes flashing away from you to his watch, “Cause, I don’t want to think about the compound without you in it,” 

11:58.

“What’s that supposed to mean,” You questioned with a smiling gaze, “You’d be lost without me?” You joked, recalling Nat’s puppy comment. Without a thought, you leaned in closer to him.

The crowd around you began the countdown. Their voices poured from the filled lounge, mixing with the handful of others that occupied the room the two of you were in.

“The countdown,” Peter pointed towards the screen.

“Answer my question,” You interrupted, “How do you feel about me?” You watched Peter’s gaze bounce between your eyes, then lips. He was silent in front of you as the countdown grew louder as the numbers grew smaller, “Ten… Nine… Eight,” You spoke.

Your teasing scrambled his thoughts and he no longer remembered his plan for how he would kiss you at midnight. He sat there in silence as you continued to stare at him.

Studying him, you slowly began to lean out of his space. Giving up on your quest to find out how Peter felt about you. You were ready to welcome a new year where Peter found it awkward to even speak to you in the morning. Hopefully you were drunk enough to forget everything you said.

“Five!”

“Four!”

Peter watched as you sulked back into your corner. It looked as if you wished the corner would engulf you. You questioned how he felt about you and he did not even give an answer. He did not blame you for moving away from him.

“ThrEE!”

He wanted nothing more than to kiss you. If he did not, he felt as if there would be a new, awkward boundary for you two to overcome. Peter reached out, his fingers brushing the skin of your cheek. His fingertips dug into your warm, plush skin as he directed your gaze away from the tv and back to him.

“TWO!”

Bringing his leg up and onto the couch, he leaned into you, eyes leaving yours and falling onto your lips.

“ONE!”

His lips found yours. The kiss was gentle and hesitant.

The loud “HAPPY NEW YEAR!”s were barely audible in your spinning mind. The kiss caught you off guard somehow, even though moments before, you were haggling him on how he felt about you.

“Too far?” You heard Peter question above you.

Opening your eyes, you found Peter leaning over you. His arm rested against the back of the couch as his frame sheltered you from the busy room. It was somehow like the corner of the couch became your own little corner of the world.

“W-What?” You stuttered. You felt like your head was spinning. Was it from the kiss? The alcohol in your system? Or maybe the stifling, heavy air that hung between the two of you.

“I-I know you said you hate pda…” Peter spoke, “but you asked how I felt about you, and I…” He studied your face for an expression, well, any expression that was not shock, “I wanted to answer your question.”

“Y-Yeah,” You nodded, “Yeah,” Was all you could stutter, “I mean- it’s, it’s fine,” You could not meet Peter’s gaze and he realized it. You felt his hand on your skin once more, this time he held your chin in his grasp. His fingers were pressured against your chin, attempting to force your gaze to his.

“But was it okay,” Peter questioned, “Is this okay?”

“Happy New Year, you two,” You heard Nat’s voice from behind the couch. Her voice hummed above you, making you jump. Your forehead slammed against Peter’s making him groan. Sitting back on the cushion, he brought his head into his palms, “Didn’t mean to interrupt…”

“You-” You shot her a stern glance, “You didn’t- Weren’t,” You lied through your teeth.

“If looks could kill,” Nat spoke around the rim of her glass, “Just wanted to apologize for being held up all night. Tony’s guests love to talk.”

“I bet they do,” You spoke sarcastically, “Well thanks,” You expressed bitterly, “You know, I’m done for the night,” Rising to your feet, you did not dare look at Peter, “Happy New Year.”

You almost bolted through the crowd. You could not even tell if you wished Peter was following after you like a puppy, you were too lost in thought.

Should you have reciprocated? Probably. But there was no way you were about to get sloppy at your work’s holiday party.

You were thankful Tony had given you a room at the compound to run off to. 

Weeks after you were hired, Tony persuaded you into staying at the compound. He claimed it would be easier that way. Now you wondered if that was also for Peter’s sake. You did not complain though, you did not have to pay for rent or gas.

Shutting the door to your room you let out a loud groan. Were you mad at Nat for interrupting? What was she even interrupting? What else would Peter have done?

Every inch of you wanted him on that couch and you were thankful that the shock of his kiss sobered you up. 

Somewhat.

You stood back against the door and daydreamed about swinging your legs over his waist, straddling him on that couch.

Should you just text him? Your hand flew to your purse.

Or it would have if your purse was on you. 

Fuck.

You mentally prepared for the walk of shame back down to the lounge as you swung open your door. Before you could take a step into the hall, you spotted Peter as he turned the hall’s corner.

Peter met your gaze, watching you slink back into your doorframe a bit, “I… I uh- forgot my purse,” You spoke awkwardly.

“Yeah I know I…” He raised his hand, presenting your small purse in his grasp.

“Oh! Thanks,” You smiled awkwardly as you extended your grasp, “And…” You drew out, “Look. I didn’t mean to book it- It’s just that…” You grabbed the fabric of your purse from his hold. You studied his hands. The sight of his slender fingers stirred something within you. You wanted them to touch you again. You would take any touch he would throw at you, “Nat loves to like… fuck with me and I didn’t want to give her the satisfaction.”

“Right,” Peter spoke, “but… I didn’t make you uncomfortable right?”

“What? No,” You pulled the purse closer to you, however Peter was not letting go, “No I… I didn’t hate it,” You spoke bluntly, “I just- No one wants to get sloppy at the work party. Right?” You laughed awkwardly.

“You were going to get sloppy,” Peter questioned with a laugh. He watched you almost crumble from embarrassment, “You said it was just ‘fine’,” You attempted to pull the purse away from him, however he was not budging, “Was it better than fine?”

“I told you I liked it okay-” You shot him a look, “That I didn’t hate it- I was just- I wasn’t ready for it.”

“It was a New Year's kiss. There was literally a countdown,” Peter teased. His voice was laced with newfound confidence as you crumbled before him, “You had like a whole minute to expect it.”

“I-I, I wasn’t expecting it! How was I supposed to know you were going to kiss me?” You stuttered.

“You asked me how I felt about you,” Peter spoke, “You asked for it.”

“I-” Your eyes left his, darting literally anywhere that was not his imploring brown eyes, “What is that supposed to mean?”

“I was just answering your question,” He stepped closer with every step you took back, attempting to pull your purse from his grasp and escape into your room.

“Well- well! I wasn’t ready,”

“Ohhh,” Peter drew out. Reaching back, he closed your door behind him. The two of you were now shut off from the rest of the party that still hummed from the floor below, “How about now?”

“W-What?” You stuttered.

Why was he suddenly so forward? Sure, you have seen Peter’s cocky side a few times. It was mostly when he won during a trivia night, or his movie pick won over yours for movie night, but it caught you off guard every time.

“Or I could leave,” Peter spoke.

“...N-No,” You replied. Your desperation embarrassed the hell out of you, “Unless… unless you want to.”

“No,” Peter replied.

“Okay.”

“Are you ready now,” Peter questioned.

“What?”

“Or do you need a countdown,” He teased.

You met his eyes for a brief moment, shooting him an annoyed glance, “Sh-shut up,” You watched his head tilt to the side slightly, like a damn dog.

“60… 59… 58-” Peter spoke cockily.

“Not that fucking long,” You shot back.

He laughed above you as he slowly occupied your space. You took a small step back, “5…” Peter spoke. The number left his lips with a bit of a stern tone, as if to stop you from retreating, “4,”

You stood in place, breaths becoming sharp and shortened with each decreasing number until you found yourself holding your breath.

“3,” Peter’s eyes studied your face. Your eyes were shut, brows furrowed as you waited. He could hear your heart beating out of your chest. His eyes studied your lips as they finally realized a held breath.

“S-Stop fucking with me,” You spat, eyes still shut.

Peter laughed, not realizing that he had stopped counting as he studied you, “2… 1…” Bringing his hand up to your cheek, he cupped your cheek gently before bringing his lips to yours. This time his kiss was hungry, it was as if he was holding back in the packed lounge. He felt your hold on the purse drop, allowing him to blindly toss the purse towards your bed. Raising his now free hand, he brought it to the fabric of your dress, “T-This okay?” He broke the kiss for a moment, waiting for your response.

You nodded against his lips.

“Tell me,” He instructed.

“Mhm,” You hummed, afraid to hear your own, desperate voice, “Y-Yes.”

“J-Just,” He kissed you once more, “Tell me… tell me when to stop,” He felt you shake your head against him before you brought your hands to his neck.

Peter backed the both of you towards your bed as well as he could remember. Feeling the bed frame hit the back of your legs, you slowly began to sit on the plush mattress. Navigating you onto the mattress, Peter positioned himself between your somewhat spread legs. Breaking the kiss, his knee pushed aside your leg, spreading them more and allowing him to crawl further up your body.

Meeting your lips once against, his hands bunched the fabric of your black dress. The fabric pooled around Peter’s wrists as he brought his hands up your thighs. He broke the kiss, eyes studying the necklace that sat against your skin, “Is this too much,” Peter questioned, “I can stop… We can go slower,” You stared back at him as he rambled, “You just- The dress really got to me tonight.”

“Nat and Wanda made me wear it,” You spoke, “Tony said it’d kill you-”

“Yeah?” Peter almost laughed. Bringing his smiling lips to your collarbone, he kissed your skin gently. His lips trailed against your skin until they were met with something on the surface. The drink you had spilled earlier made your skin slightly tacky. Leaving wet kisses on the sticky surface, Peter tasted the cranberry on his tongue.

“P-Pete-” His name came out from shock, ringing in an almost whining tone.

“You taste so sweet,” Peter spoke, watching you begin to roll your eyes.

“Shut u-” However, his kiss cut you off and made you realize he could taste the spilled drink from earlier. His kiss tasted like cranberry and the sweat from your skin in the crowded lounge, “Mmmm,” You hummed against his lips at the taste.

Peter’s touch turned somewhat rough against your plush thigh. His grasp pushed your leg up, bending at the knee then hip. His kisses traveled from your neck, lower and lower with each heavy breath that fell from your lips.

“You sweet everywhere?” He questioned you, only to hear you almost whimper at the claim. That small noise sparked a wave of confidence and that wave ran through him. His fingers fell to the fabric that kept him from you. He looped his fingers around the thinnest part of your panties, pulling them to the side slowly, giving you enough time to protest if you desired. 

Soon, your hidden skin was before him. Peter’s eyes flashed to yours for a moment, almost silently begging to continue.

So you returned the desperate gaze, without a sound, telling him how much you wanted him. You took in a breath, preparing for Peter’s next move.

Peter studied you. Lips pressed together, holding your breath and brows furrowed, “5… 4…” He spoke, purely to mess with you.

“Shut up!” You groaned. You were sick of Peter teasing you and you did not want to admit how wet it was making you.

Peter’s two digits trailed their way from your entrance to your clit, “Man… you really didn’t hate it, huh?” He referenced your claim from earlier.

“Please…” You groaned, “stop teasing…”

“But I like messing with you,” Peter spoke, “and it’s making you so wet.” He watched as you covered your face up with a pillow from the top of your bed. Reaching out, he grabbed the plush fabric, “I want to see you…” His eyes met yours before his finger returned to your clit, “want to see how good I make you feel.”

You felt your cheeks heat up at his claim and your gaze fell to the ceiling. You could not meet his gaze, not while he was being this cocky. However, that would not matter, especially as Peter began to stimulate your clit. Your gaze faded as your eyes squeezed shut, “ffuCk-” You moaned.

“Yeah?” Peter almost laughed, “How’s that feel?”

“Mmmm,” You hummed, not wanting to answer his cocky attitude.

“Hm?” He leaned into you, “I said how’s that feel?” Peter’s speed increased. He watched as your body twitched beneath him, making him groan in response.

“...G-Good.”

“Yeah?” Peter hummed, “I’m glad. Want to make you feel good.” His fingers left your clit and soon entered you. He pumped a finger in and out of you as he made his way down the mattress.

You felt Peter’s hot breath between your legs, making you take in a breath. A moan escaped your parted lips as he planted a wet kiss onto your clit.

Peter focused on keeping a steady rhythm with both his tongue and his fingers.

“MMmm Peter…” You moaned, hand snaking down into his brown locks. Pushing back his hair, you stared down at him attempting to catch a glimpse.

Peter met your gaze, watching you immediately throw your head back on the bed. A small laugh passed through his lips, vibrating against your sensitive skin. Curling his fingers, he hit your g-spot as he focused on bringing you closer to your orgasm.

“I’m- I’m gonna…” Your words fell between sharp breathes, “Peter-”

“Hmmm?” He hummed against you, making you moan once more.

“I’m cu-cumming,” You moaned, “Oh my god-” Your body twitched and jutted against him but he did not slow down, “S-sStop… god!”

Peter laughed, “Fine,” Pulling away from his spot between your legs, “How was that?”

Your chest rose and fell heavily as you attempted to catch your breath, “Huh?”

“Are you good?” Peter spoke, “Or do you need me to keep going?”

“You… You’re not going to fuck me?”

Peter took a seat next to you on the bed, “I mean… I want to,” He admitted, “but I also want to take things slow,” He watched you send him a look, “Okay… Well I wanted to make you cum. I got carried away and I wasn’t going to just stop and leave.”

“Okay but what about you?”

“What about me?” Peter questioned.

“Don’t you want me to…” You gestured to his visible erection.

“You can return the favor some other time,” Peter laughed, “I mean… as long as you’d want to- Or you want to take things slow,” He looked down, watching you stare back at him from your spot on the bed.

“Is that you attempting to ask me out?” You laughed.

Peter rubbed his eyes with his palms out of frustration before falling back onto the bed with you, “Yeah,” He laughed, “Yeah I guess it was.”

You turned towards him, “Then sure.”

Peter turned his head, meeting your softened gaze, “...Cool,” He smiled awkwardly, watching your lips curl into a smile, “What? Sorry, I don’t know what to say-”

“It’s fine,” You laughed before leaning into him. Meeting his lips, you could taste yourself on his tongue, “Just don’t forget that I owe you.”

[rootbeerrex]

@saedyne LET'S FUCKING GO SOMEOEN WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT IT THIS MEANS I HAVE PERMISSION TO BE UNHINGED ABOUT THEM LMAO ok so I wrote this whole post this morning and fun fact I was almost late to work bc I lost track of time while writing it BUT I WASN'T SO IT WAS FINE anyway. here it is.

jackbat nation how do we feel about a dana/dick b plot. I think it would be funny to make Tim's parental life worse. his ex-step mom who is still living with him + his adopted dad + bio dad who are co-parenting him starts dating his sort of older brother.

-they meet bc dick needs physical therapy after his gunshot wound in war games, and he can safely get it from her without identity questions bc she already knows. dick starts flirting with her almost instantly bc Vulnerability? no no no I must instantly cover it with my irresistible charm.

-Dana is unimpressed bc she's had patients like this before, and she can tell he's just trying to distract her from her job. it doesn't work. (plus she is still "on a break" so with Jack, and she is Loyal and wouldn't cheat on him)

-Eventually he finishes physical therapy but they keep hanging out together bc they became Genuine Friends, and they enjoy each other's company.

-then one day they come back from an outing with tim (they are his escape from all of Jackbats fighting) and walk in on Jackbat in a. questionable situation. Dana turns and walks right back out the door, and Jack runs after her being like "it's not what it looks like!!!! I'm not gay!!!!!" (Bruce audibly scoffs at that)

-dick rips the fuck into Bruce ("how fucking could you he is still MARRIED she was WAITING for him she never would've done this to him I can't believe you would destroy a marriage like this" "oh because you care about the sanctity of marriage so much. remind me, when was the last time you spoke to Emily?" "don't you fucking DARE talk to me about Emily" )

-Dana decides Ok You Know What Fuck You I was a good person I didn't cheat I was willing to stick it out for our relationship and give you time to work your shit out but you clearly don't care about us so we are over. I have better options anyway.

-Dana files for divorce and dick and Dana start dating

- jack's misogynistic ass is so jealous cause YEAH he said he didn't wanna be in a relationship anymore and he was already moving on but that doesn't mean he wants HER moving on >:(

-Bruce calls him out on this bullshit and says she's a grown woman who can do whatever she wants and then he privately pulls dick aside and is like "you're not doing this. stop. you're making everything worse. plus she's a civilian. you can't. this is stupid. I know you're only doing it bc you're mad at me about the way I handled things with Jack so you're trying to cause drama to prove a point." and so dick is ofc like "GOD Bruce not everything is ABOUT you sometimes I have my OWN thoughts and feelings about things ever think about THAT huh?????" and like. yeah it's not ALL about that. they genuinely like each other. but this conversation does for sure make him want to date her even harder just to spite him.

-tim is fucking miserable because Jack and Bruce are mad at each other, Bruce and dick are mad at each other, jack and dana are mad at each other, and dick and Jack are mad at each other. The two pairs that aren't beefing are dick and Dana because they're currently in the honeymoon stage of their relationship, and Bruce and Dana because Dana blames Jack for the cheating, not Bruce, and Bruce blames dick for Dana and dick dating. because he's totally normal about when grown women make their own choices.

anyway how do we feel about this? I know it's A Lot and there's really no canon basis for Dick and Dana but honestly I just think it would be really really funny. I tried to be pretty accurate with Dana's characterization but also she isn't very centered in the narrative while Jack is alive so it's hard to make sure I'm getting it right. if anyone has any critiques about her please let me know, I don't wanna get her wrong

+ this tag from @starcrossedconverse

I think I agree, I think they almost definitely won't end up together because this is a Deeply Unhealthy basis for a relationship and they'll both eventually realize that. tysm for the input <333

[weaselle]

#i have a solution for a lot of this i'd love to implement but it means completely changing how people acquire and own dogs so#idk if i'll ever figure out how to make it happen

Would love to hear your proposed solution! I've been thinking a lot about providing satisfying enrichment to dogs, since right now I have a five-month-old puppy of unknown/mixed breed who of course has a steadily increasing amount of energy. She seems to enjoy doing obedience-type stuff with me, and I'm planning to try nosework with her soon, and when she's bigger I'm hoping to take her running/hiking.

ooooooo now you done it! :)

first of all, congrats on a great dog, sounds like you two are going to be really good together! I l really love the interest you are taking in enrichment. If you are not a runner yourself but want to run your dog, i can recommend biking your dog with walkydog (or any other similar product by some different brand, but i use walkydog even though the name drives me crazy because it's not for walking your dog lol)

i used this for 8 years with my own dog, and i've also been doing it professionally for other people's dogs (tho i did have to upgrade to a whole rig i designed and built for running dogs, i actually spent most of today working on a redesign to fix fit six dogs and just be generally better, but here's the original)

anyway, biking with my dog was so fulfilling i decided to make it my main job, so, i totally recommend it. You gotta wait until your dog is at least 18 months though, because regular long runs on hard surfaces can create lifelong joint issues if you start them on it too soon. But once you decide to start it will be easy i'm sure, 95% of the dogs i've done it with understand the assignment and decide they love it within the first 10 minutes of trying it. Even small dogs, as long as they are proportional in the leg department. What i mean is a jack russel is fine for this (they make a low attachment for small dogs) but a dachshund has stubby legs and a long back and should not be considered for this activity. And if they are a breed that has big fat paws (most bully breeds, giant schnauzers etc) you have to check their foot pads often and possibly get them some mushing booties.

OKAY, on to the actual ask! you came here from a specific post, dear Anon, but i'm going to paste the relevant part of that post here for other people

"Human lifestyles and canine lifestyles used to be a ven diagram that was much closer to a circle. We used to both live in the woods and hunt creatures and defend territory. Even farming or ranching is not too far from this lifestyle. It has been a great match up for a long time. But now, modern™ society has us living in a way that is much less of a match up. Clients want me to train their dogs not to bark, and are not encouraged when i explain that we spent literally thousands of years asking them to bark more, actually, so it’s going to be an uphill battle. Humans used to have very physical lifestyles, and it use d to be much rarer to spend a day where your dog couldn’t be with you all day doing normal dog behaviors. Now our lives are full of very strict and confining rules of behavior we expect from a dog, and yet people are spending less time than ever socializing/training their dogs to be functioning members of their own pack. It’s sad."

Now, what did i come up with that would be a much better system for how people acquire and own dogs? this post is already getting long, so, answer below the cut

First, specifically what problems am I solving? So for me, the main issues is nobody is teaching dogs how to be a good fit for a modern home. Let's break that down

People want dogs to have a lot of boundaries. For example don't bark unless someone is literally breaking in but also i haven't trained you what that looks like so how are you supposed to know -- be with me in public but do not interact with almost anything at all -- don't run up to greet people or other dogs unless we find out if it's okay with them first. Right? there's a lot of stuff we want from our dogs.

People want their dogs to be able to amuse themselves and not need a person, like, they want their dog to go lay down on their dog bed and chew their dog toys for hours at a time or whatever, the way we would happily spend a few hours online or watching TV shows or something. But most of what a dog would naturally do to amuse themselves is off limits -- no going out and exploring the world on your own -- no digging things up, taking things apart, or getting into things like the food cupboards -- no barking at other dogs, chasing cats, or eating random ground scores ... dogs aren't allowed to do almost anything they would do to amuse themselves, we basically tell them, "you can only do fun things i pick out for you and most of them only if i'm supervising, and i'm only available for about an hour a couple times a day. The rest of the time you have to be bored and waiting on me for fun, but also don't be so bored that you decide to bother me, i'm busy and you can't be involved"

We wish they would have fun by themselves in a way that doesn't involve them getting into trouble, but "getting into trouble" is most of their natural desires, and we tend to not find things they can spend time at on their own. Plus they'd rather do it with us anyway, it's like, you don't want go to an amusement park alone, you only want to go if your friends are going, and life is often one big amusement park to a dog.

But if your dog is trained to be in public, you can involve them with a lot more of your day!

And people aren't socializing their dogs right either. A puppy would normally spend a year or more, 100% of their waking life in the company of their littermates, teaching each other things like "if you are an asshole others won't want to play with you and you might get bit" and "paying attention to what others are communicating to you is important" and "biting me that hard is okay for playing but biting me this hard hurts actually and i hate it and play time is over now" all kinds of super necessary things for a young dog to learn

But we take them at 8-10 weeks! and then WE don't teach them this stuff! and we expect them to be alone for long periods of time! and not sleep in a giant cuddle pile of loved ones, and not be participating in what their siblings or mother are doing 100% of their waking life.

It's crazy, we're basically severing a dog from the experiences they need to be a well adjusted member of our pack, and then we go like "why are you like this!?"

Oh dear, i still haven't gotten to the actual solution

SO. Here it is:

Dogs, should be born and raised in a facility (not like a sterile warehouse building or whatever, yuck, but yes like, a place designed inside and out for the sole purpose of raising dogs)

At this facility would be adult dogs that also help teach the dogs (important, in terms of socialization and even in modeling behavior, dogs can often learn more from other dogs than we can teach them on our own) And of course there would be a staff of professional dog nannies/trainers.

Dogs would learn things like, proper barking etiquette, go to the bathroom where they are told it is okay (not just in the yard, but where in the yard, and how to be told where is okay if, for example staying in a hotel or overnight with friends or family) no resource guarding (no threatening to bite anyone who gets too near their food or toys etc) how to behave around children and small pets, how to behave in public, how to calmly let someone feel between their toes, clip their nails, enjoy a bath, behave at the vet, not beg for food, heel off leash, how to learn new home and pack responsibilities using a basic toolkit (so for example they know basic task "carry", and understand that they may be asked to do jobs involving that, such as "help me carry groceries in from the car. Dogs LOVE to be a functional part of the pack). All this and more.

all the things that give a pet dog access to a better life. If they are calm at the vet they don't have to be held down or other things that can cause panic, if they behave in public they can go with their people more places more often, etc. As well as some additional bonuses like get outside if you hear a fire alarm, don't be scared of fireworks, the difference between safe sidewalks and dangerous roadways...

The time, energy, and skill to do all this for your dog? nobody has all three. Getting a dog from a facility like this would result in a dog that had actually been given the tools to be a really good fit for a modern home, which means a better life for the people, and a MUCH more fulfilling life for the dog.

But people want puppies. I get that. Here's how it works. Keep in mind that most dogs become fully adult at about 2 years old, and that once the facility was operating the exact ages and periods of time would probably be adjusted and fine tuned, but here's the basic idea

you come see the puppies at about 2 weeks old, visit as many days a week as you want. At twelve weeks old (3 months) specific puppies and people are matched. Continue to visit as many days a week as you wish, and take your puppy home for 24 hours every other week (remember most people bring puppies home from a breeder at 8-10 weeks, so this is prime puppy age)

Meanwhile you start taking our one class per month, year long dog course, matched to the stage of development your puppy is experiencing, held at the facility where you have access to, for example, watching trainers work with dogs, and observing groups of dogs in areas alone together, so that you understand dog behavior and communication, understand the basics of dog training, etc, and we are all on the same page when your dog does come to live with you.

At six months old your puppy is this much of a puppy still :

They start joining you for most of your classes which can become more personal, helping you practice whatever you are trying to accomplish at home. Also starting at 6 months you take your puppy home every other weekend.

At 8 months you take your puppy three weekends each month (actual days don't mater, if you work in restaurants and what to have your dog on your "weekend" of wednesday/thursday that's fine, it should just be your days off so that you can dedicate enough of your time to being with your puppy) At ten months you take your puppy every weekend, or perhaps something like for one week in the first half of the month and one weekend in the second half.

One year old puppies are starting to look like a whole dog but are still only half baked

At a year, your once a month classes end, and you take your dog home every other week. You are half a dog owner, you spend half your time with your half grown dog.

Between 18 months and 2 years is a normal age for wolves to begin setting out on their own; being 18 months is sort of the dog equivalent to being 17 years old.

So when your dog is a year and a half, 18 months old, you take one follow up class and your dog starts spending 3 weeks per month with you.

At a year and nine months old they are only spending 1 weekend a month at the facility (again, could be any two days of the week) and the rest of the month they live with you.

At two years old you take your final class which is mostly a group Q&A with a little graduation party, and your dog comes to live with you full time as a newly adult dog. But they've already been spending at least 3 weeks a month with you for the last half a year, and about half of every month for the six months before that.

And then for the next year they come back to the facility for a weekend of training touch-ups and trouble shooting, once every three or four months if they are having no issues, once a month if needed.

If this was the norm, dog owners and their dogs would all have better lives.

Costs of this raising could be augmented through boarding and daycare, since the facility would be an ideal place for dogs to stay, as well as the programs outlined below, such that each dog is not too expensive for people. Currently people spend a lot of money for purebreds and very little money for random adopted dogs, and something like this could still be true, (responsibly bred) purebreds for more money, mutts for much less, but all with access to the full training -- it's important that the dogs all not cost too much or it won't be normalized and puppy mills and backyard breeders etc will still provide a huge percentage of the dogs people get and then only rich people's dogs will benefit from what i am trying to do, so, these other programs and pure-breed mark ups etc would be necessary)

So these facilities should also be training service dogs of all kinds, and, depending on the location of the facility (city or countryside) different jobs like search and rescue, herding, anything related to law enforcement (simply because i 100% do not trust the cops to be training their own dogs) hunting... any and all dog jobs.

AND this would be a perfect way to ensure my other dog idea gets done

Because i think there should be battalions of diagnostic dogs.

I think there should be a few diagnostic dogs at every public event, every sporting event, every concert, every mall, and certainly every hospital... Every crowded place there should be a few dogs moving though, or posted up at walkway intersections, etc. Dogs that diagnose heart murmurs, diabetes, cancer, whatever; dogs can diagnose all kinds of things. It only takes a few sniffs or a few seconds of listening and they can know. As a free diagnostic service paid for by municipalities, states, or federal healthcare funding, they could be pointing out all the people who have these conditions to their handlers (who would have little business cards that just said, hey you've been dog-diagnosed with ____, you should probably check with your doctor about that"). And you could get like, special little lightly scented bracelets or key chains or necklaces or something that would let dogs know if you've already been diagnosed with their thing.

Many of these conditions currently require lab work and weeks of time and a bunch of money to diagnose, and you have to realize you might have it and ask for it and your doctor has to agree that it's necessary, it's a whole thing... but a dog could do it for free in 10 seconds while you were walking into a shopping center.

Anyway, those are some of my dog thoughts

[a-vibing-potato]

Absolutely love this imagery, and the Philippines has some of my favorite folklore of all time, but I'm going to lovingly go off on a tangent about something that happened to me that barely relates lmao. (I am going through my drafts which was starting to grow a collection tonight, so this thought is also from like at least a month or two ago now but I made a note to do this then so I guess here I am).

One day, I was at work, and I was working the drive thru. Typical for me, everything's pretty normal and chill.

I hand the guy in the car the tablet we use for him to sign his name so he can pick up his stuff, and I'm patiently waiting for him because it takes a minute for people to sign their names. Totally fine, I just busy myself by looking around, and looking past him and his car where the road goes right down the middle of town and by my work and everything.

And wouldn't you know it, as I'm watching all the cars go by, I see... well, it wasn't the exact thing and I'm not good with cars, but something really similar to a 1967 Chevy Impala. I think it had to be a Chevy Impala, just maybe not the '67, because if I remember right (which I probably don't because this happened to me like two months ago lol) it looked a little... shorter? Squatter? Wider? I don't know how to describe it, and I was looking from a distance and was keeping one eye on the customer, waiting for him to finish up, but it just looked different. BUT it was black, and it looked close enough that I'm dead sure it was an Impala, even as a teenage girl who knows jack about cars.

So yeah, Sam and Dean were in my neighborhood and I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a worrisome thought or two cross my mind.

I'mma be real with ya'll. If I ever see a 67 Chevy Impala around, I'm severely cooked. I would leave. You will never see me again

I live in the Philippines, I'm not ready to find out what fucked up mythical beast the Winchesters are out to get here and confirm are real

Like, most mythological creatures here can be placated by just turning your shirt inside out, or just saying "Tabi Tabi po!" (just passing through) when you go somewhere unfamiliar. Sam I feel like would be nice about it, but Dean is gonna get his ass handed to him by HorseMan (Tikbalang) and SmokeGiant (Kapre) for saying fuck you to a tree. Man would end up cursed with warts the second those boots hit the ground

Then there's the fucking ghosts

Yeah, how the fuck are they gonna burn a body incased in cament? Good fucking luck trying to subtly desecrate the grave yards here.

Have fun finding a mananangal's (Filipino Vampire) lower half and not traumatizing someone's husband

Castiel alone would bring an entire city of mothers to their knees to be blessed by him if he showed up full angel. Man would never leave the church, ever

[067supremacy]

Ellie Proposes

Ellie Williams x Fem reader

Warnings: None

Ellie Williams proposes to the reader….

Ellie Williams masterlist

Ellie had been quiet, a little too quiet today. You notice her nervous ticks coming through so obviously that it has taken a toll on you. Every step toward your destination makes you wonder what is floating through the mind of hers. You held off asking for a while, believing that it could be to do with going outside the walls, but you had been out with her a thousand times and never saw anything remotely close to this.

"El, are you okay? You've been acting a little,,, weird today?" This much was true; she seemed completely fine last night; what had gotten into her since then, you wonder.

"I'm good, just a little tired." Her voice doesn't sound good; in fact, you noticed how she was talking as her being nervous the first time she asked you out, and even when she asked you to move in with her sounded precisely like this.

"Hey, we can still turn back to the horses and let someone else do the shift for us if you're too tired to be out here," you suggest carefully; you knew better than to go against Ellie's wishes and knowing how stubborn she could be it was unlikely this would happen. Besides, Dina and Jesse would never let Ellie live it down.

"We're almost there; I'll be fine," Ellie assures you.

"Almost where? The next outpost is in the town over." Your curiosity once again spikes at Ellie's odd behaviour.

You had known Ellie for a few years now and quickly hit it off. She became something of a constant in your life to the point you could no longer ignore a rising feeling. Everything she did was unique to you. It quickly became a running joke with members of your friendship group; you were utterly infatuated with the emerald eyes that met yours.

"Just keep following me; you'll see." Ellie picks up the pace slightly and follows a path that goes way off course; you couldn't help but wonder why she was now taking you away from your route. You knew Ellie wasn't one to follow the rules, but even this was a new one for Ellie to go off track, especially because she knew this trail better than anyone.

A few minutes pass before you enter a clearing; the trees split to uncover a beautiful waterfall—the water cascades down the rocky surface with an addictive sound. Sun rays shine upon the water to give it a crystal-like view. You are mesmerised by the beauty. The girl in front of you has a tiny grin playing on her face, most likely from your reaction.

"Holy shit, Ellie. It's beautiful here." your voice doesn't give in as you unmount your horse to sit at the edge of the water pool. "Surprise, " Ellie says with a loving kiss to the top of your head.

You can't believe that in a world full of chaos, death and destruction, a place like this exists. It didn't feel real, but every sense you had was on fire. This was as real as it gets. " Ellie, what is this?" you question. The smile on your face eases Ellie from a slight panic attack that was building inside.

"Come on, " Ellie says while setting her rucksack down on the side and taking some articles of clothing off. Her hand extends within distance of your own.

"But, but what about our job? We have to get to the next lookout and relieve Tommy and Joel of their duty."

"Don't worry, Jesse and Dina are taking care of that. Now come on, don't make me get in on my own." Ellie says. The words are convincing, but the puppy eyes she produces makes you cave in. Hand in hand, you take a step at a time with Ellie by your side. The water is cold and rises up your leg as you venture in; it's soon to your abdomen, and the waterfall gets closer, but Ellie's hand gives you the comfort to follow her to the ends of this earth.

You could have spent all day here with the girl of your dreams; it was one of the best days you had experienced in a while. For once, life felt,,, normal. You knew it would have to end sooner or later, and with the sun eventually starting its descent, you begin to swim back to your backpack, but two arms wrap around your waist from behind. A light kiss to the apex of your shoulder makes you shudder in her arms; a glance down show the ferns glistening wet with the pools water. You lean back into the comfort of Ellie, some sweet words get whispered into your ear, and that's the start to your slowing sinking of a dream-like state.

Ellie, let's go for a second and instantly, you relish the feeling of those arms again, but her trip to the backpacks is quick. The same face she held this morning, the nervous look had returned, had you done something wrong?

She reaches for your hand and stares deep into your soul. They don't divert or flicker for a second, she wants your full attention, and that's what she has. You begin to worry when she doesn't say anything for a while, just something; anything would do.

"El, what's going on? You're kinda freaking me out?" You say softly, just loud enough to be heard over the roar of the waterfall.

"I don't want to do this without you, " Ellie blurts out soon after your question. The fear in her voice is evident, no doubt a reaction to Ellie's past life.

"El, I'm here. I'm with you, forever and always."

Ellie cursed herself mentally for not getting where she wanted with the admission, so instead, she pulls her hand from behind her back to reveal a beautiful looking ring.... An engagement ring.

Confusion, that's the current state of your mind as Ellie thinks of a way to ask you the important question. It hadn't even registered that Ellie was asking you one of the most important questions of your life.

"I want this; I want you and me for life. Y/N, will you marry me?" Her voice remains calm, but her large exhale carries the weight of the world. She felt sick, nervous, but from the look on your face, Ellie was also excited. Your smile grew wide, wider than she could have anticipated.

"Yes! Yes! Fuck yes!" you scream without any thought needed. Your lips connect with Ellies in a passionate kiss that seals the love you share for each other. Ellie gently takes your ring finger to place the ring on it; sure enough, the ring fits like a glove.

You cut your squeals of excitement short to poke a little fun at Ellie for her nervous behaviour. "You know, you're not slick when you are proposing"

"Pshh, I'm like the proposal master."

[nakylvr]

would anyone like dealer dani angst/fluff...

like i keep thinking about dani having a bad high from all of the stress with being in jail and having to start all over so ofc she's going to smoke weed to feel more relaxed but sadly it doesn't go well and having to help her through her high ☹️

my shayla ☹️ this is so ☹️☹️

— troubled waters

warnings/tags: angst, hurt/comfort, established relationship, f!reader, dealer!dani au, language, drug usage (marijuana), arguments, happy ending yay

part of the substance series

in the nearly three years you've been dating daniela, there were only a few times where she would have a bad high. she would usually just get paranoid about random things which left you picking up the pieces to ensure that she doesn't do something stupid or maybe say the wrong thing.

then there was this time.

barely a month after everything went down, and things were starting to feel a little normal now. it was going to be a slow process, you knew that. it would take time for things to be fully back to normal. but this was the last thing you expected to happen.

you made dani lay low for the month, not doing any deals or anything related to the sort while everything dies down, and you could tell she wasn't happy about it. she tried to argue with you, but you gave her a look that told her how serious you were and she reluctantly agreed to it. which meant she was stuck in the house even more than she normally would be. you thought it would be fine considering she rarely leaves the place anyways. apparently you were wrong.

you texted dani that you were on your way home from work, asking if she needed anything while you were driving, and you received no response. while this wasn't exactly odd, it wasn't normal either. if she was asleep she would wake up because you're notifications sounds were different than everyone else's. you tried not to think too much on it, just driving home and unconsciously preparing for what you might walk into.

you should've been more prepared.

the second you walk through the front door you're met with the smell of smoke, which would be normal if it weren't for the burning smell along with it. you walk past the living room straight to the bedroom, opening the door and seeing her.

"dani," you say, but she doesn't look up. you can see the beer bottles along with half smoked blunts across the bedding, and you have to bite your tongue to keep you from instantly snapping at ruining the bedding. you take a step closer, then spotting the actually lit blunt burning into the sheet. "daniela!" you say more sternly, grabbing her hand and taking the blunt from her, quickly putting it out in the ashtray.

daniela finally looks at you now. and when you look into her eyes, your breath hitches. red and glossy, but filled with more emotion than she could explain.

"dani?" you let out softly.

"am i a bad person?" is the first words that leave her mouth.

"what?" you question.

"i'm not." she shakes her head. "i'm not a good person."

"dani, what are you talking about?" your hands reach for her face but she grabs them and moves them away, a pang of hurt going through you at the action.

"you don't deserve me," she mumbles. "i don't deserve you."

"daniela, what are you saying?" you ask, trying to remain calm and collected.

"why didn't you leave me in there?" her eyes meet yours, and you swear your heart stops for a second. "why?"

"because i love you," you immediately respond. "i wouldn't do that for just anybody."

"not megan?"

"dani." your voice lowers an octave, already seeing where she was going with this. "don't start that."

"start what?" daniela suddenly gets off the bed, standing in front of you. "start saying the shit i want to say?"

taking a deep breath, you manage to keep yourself from snapping. "you're drunk and probably higher than you should be. you don't know what you're say–"

"i know what i'm saying!" daniela interrupts you. "i know what i am saying!" you subconsciously flinch when her voice raises, but she doesn't seem to notice. "i don't deserve someone like you. you shouldn't be with me of all people. i-i'm not a good person. i-i don't do anything good. you should've left me. you should've stayed with sophia or someone else just not me."

your body tenses up when she mentions sophia. you know sober she knows better than to speak of her, but with the alcohol and weed mixed in her system she's spilling it all out. "you know sophia wasn't good to me, dani," you say to her. "you're a good person, daniela."

"what do i do for a living, yn?" she looks at you expectantly. "i sell people weed. that's my lame fuckass job! yo-you have a real job! you work in an office! you have people under you! you have people who respect you! you can call out and still get money that day! meanwhile i haven't done shit for a month and now we're barely making rent money!"

"i am doing my best and you know that," you tell her, pointing at her. "i worked my ass off to get this job. i'm working my ass off keeping our house while you lay low like i told you to. you can go back to it in a few weeks, that's what i told you. i didn't say you had to."

"obviously i have to!" daniela throws her hands around in the air. "if i don't listen to you god knows what will happen!"

"what is that supposed to mean?" you ask, crossing your arms over your chest.

"it means i'm not your fucking puppy like you treat megan," daniela tells you.

"excuse me?" you let out surprised.

"i mean–"

"think very carefully before you say your next words, daniela," you cut her off sternly, losing your patience by the second. "don't say something stupid."

"you think you can tell me everything. what i can do, what i can't do, what i shouldn't do, what i have to do. everything!" she exclaims. "i'm done listening to you!"

you take another deep breath, your fingers twitching showing you were close to snapping. "look, daniela. i never said you had to listen to me, you just did. you always have. do not put that on me when i have never once told you to do anything and made you do it. you–"

"just listen and do! i know!" daniela yells. "i do because i'm scared you'll leave if i don't!"

a moment of silence passes before she continues. "i fucked up so fucking bad that i ended up in jail and you ended up traumatized because i didn't even hear you out! i listen because i'm too stupid to figure out anything myself! i-i can't remember the last time i did my own taxes, or even the last time i double checked the income because you help me. you help me with everything and i appreciate that so much but fuck i feel so useless." her voice cracks and she balls her hands into fists, covering her eyes that were furiously tearing up. "i-i feel like i can't do anything anymore, or i fuck it up when i try. and i don't want to fuck up what i have with you. i love y-you so fucking much a-and i'm fucking terrified of screwing up again and you l-leave." the tears start rolling down her cheeks, her breaths coming out shallow and short. "i don't know wh-what i'd do without you."

your gaze softens when she starts rambling, and you uncross your arms and take a few steps towards her. hesitantly, you reach out and grab her arm, pulling her into your arms and holding her tightly. she tries to push you away, murmuring "let go" under her breath, but your arms tighten around her, keeping her close to you.

"it's okay, you're okay," you mumble as she cries into your chest. "everything's okay, i promise. nothing's going to happen. i'm not going anywhere." you press a gentle kiss on the top of her head. "i love you so much, i'm staying right here. i promise."

daniela's body trembles with the sobs wracking through her, her arms finally wrapping around you and allowing herself to feel vulnerable for once in her life. "i'm s-sorry for ev-everything."

"don't do that." you shake your head. "you don't have to apologize, i'm not mad. i promise." you kiss her head again. "everything is okay."

she still mumbles incoherent words that you can't understand past her cries, but you can get a gist of what she's saying through the sobs. you keep her close to you, feeling your shirt getting progressively more damp with her tears, but you didn't mind.

you were unsure how long it had been of her crying before she went quiet, her head still pressing against your chest trying to calm her breathing back down. her fingers were curled around the material of your shirt, loosening slightly as she finally calms down.

"are you okay?" you ask softly, running your hand through her hair.

"yeah," she mumbles with a nod, pulling her head away and looking at you. "i'm sorry. i didn't think–"

"it's okay," you interject, shaking your head. "everyone has bad highs once in a while, and you drinking doesn't help. but it's okay."

"i didn't mean it," her voice cracks, and you can see the tears building again at her realizing what she said. "i'm so sorry."

"hey, hey." you move your hands to cup her face, wiping away the few stray tears with your thumbs. "it's okay. i know you're–we're still going through everything, but we're together in this, okay? the two of us, like it's always been. it's still us. nothing else matters. i love you so much, and i don't want to lose you if this happens again. you are a good person, daniela. even if you don't think it, i do. i love you, and only you. forever."

daniela's bottom lip trembles as you speak, a choked sob escaping her mouth and she nods. "i love you too," she whispers. "i love you so much."

"i know." you smile softly at her. "but you're gonna have to pay for the new bedding, okay? i spent too much on this last one."

"okay." she nods again. "you'll help me pick it out, right?"

"of course," you respond. "i know you wouldn't pick a good color."

"rude," she laughs.

"you love me." your smile grows bigger.

"i do." she smiles back.

[theredcuyo]

More of the au with Sqq deciding that he's had Xie Lian for a few months but if anything happens to him he's killing everyone in heaven and then Jun Wu

"Ah, so you did like the new robe we got the other day!" Xie Lian was rather embarassed on this kind of topic, but really, it had been a gesture of good will and Sqq was just so happy to see him wear it "Yes, it's rather beautiful, Shen-Ge"

"Isn't that right? The butterfly motif really brings it out, it's good that we got that spell that keeps it from getting dirty, it would be a shame if not, don't you think?" It would surely sound normal, if Sqq wasn't glaring daggers at every single official they came across from behind his fan while he said it

"It's good it'll stay like this but i still think Shen-ge shouldn't brother himself with things like this" Xie Lian, appreciated the gesture, he really did, but this much for his sake wasn't necessary "Nonsense! Our A-Lian is so pretty, he should be allowed to shine even brighter, ah, but it is true that even if something happened we will be able to clean it up perfectly, not a trace left, i'm sure Chengzu would know what to do even if i didn't"

Covering his face with his hands, Xie Lian didn't know wheter to laugh or cry with such a direct treat to everyone else "Shen-Ge, please..."

"Fine, fine, i'll stop" Sqq conceided, happy to see the other officials squirm on their places and quickly run away. "After all, i wouldn't want A-Lian to get mad at me and sent me away, ah, what would i do then? I would get so worried about A-Lian"

"Shen-Ge..." Xie Lian had to look away, although he knew it was a joke it reminded him of old things, but well, Sqq patted his head again, like he did everytime he was feeling down "I know, i know, our A-Lian has a kind heart, there's almost nothing he could get angry at and if there is, it's surely deserved"

Xie Lian hadn't told him about that person, and didn't plan on doing it anytime soon, little did he know, there was no need, for his brother in law knew already and had experience dealing with abandonment issues, and had also, decided he was to be protected since he reminded him so much of a white lotus he had once helped bloom and decay "But still, even if A-Lian got angry at me and told me to leave, i wouldn't"

"Huh?"

"Ah, i mean, that wouldn't work, i would get too worried about you, so i would stick around and wait so we could solve it out" Xie Lian kept his gaze down, a memory catched on his throat. "After all, if i did something to anger A-Lian, then i should find a way to apologize and make amends, since i care about you, i would much prefer that you feel happy"

"Even if you didn't do anything wrong?" Sqq sighed, what was with him having this heart to heart conversations lately? Ah, really, married life was making him into an emotional old man "Then A-Lian is not mad at me, and i should help him out, you know? My Binghe wasn't at his best before either, when i died, and it took me a while to understand that. That kind of pain, really, i wouldn't wish it on anyone, much less if i can help"

"But... What if i hurt Shen-Ge?"

Sqq opened his fan, the faint memory of Binghe's face in the roof flashing before him "... I don't think A-Lian is the person to do it without reason, whatever it could be"

Not for the first time, Sqq lamented the lack of modern psicology advancements, he wasn't exactly a psycologist and all he knew came from his sister's rants about it "And... if it was a bad reason?"

"Everyone makes mistakes" Xie Lian thought it was probably easier for him to say it, not knowing what he had done, and much less knowing of the regrets Sqq couldn't possibly tell him about "And we learn from them, we fix what can be fixed"

For the first time in a while, Xie Lian lifted up his head, and just for a second, he found that in Shen Qingqiu's gaze was an all familiar guilt "... Is there something Shen-Ge regrets?"

Sqq's hand around his fan tightened "...many things, A-Lian, maybe not enough"

Ah, so it was like that. Maybe it wasn't the same, and they're really weren't the same, but at the same time, he felt like perhaps, there was someone who did understand, as those were thoughts he often had too.

And so, they kept on walking, a topic much softer came, while Sqq hoped that the intention of derailing their path to walk by certain generals' palaces was worth something, he might not like them too much, but Xie Lian deserved friends, friends who could share things with him, that he could not with them, a friend from the same Hometown was a rare gift. "Ah, Shen-Ge i've been meaning to ask... Did ah... Shang Qinghua use to be a heavenly official?"

Sqq huffed. "Someone like him could only wish such thing"

"Ah, then it wasn't a secret inmortal language he was talking in?" Xie Lian had never been one to interact with other inmortals, or even heavenly officials back in his first ascension, so, of course he wouldn't know, or so thought Sqq, but he didn't know either, or he hoped for Airplane's sake that he didn't "Perhaps it's a foreign language? May i know what he said?"

"He said uh... Something like 'buddy, you're awakening Cucumber-bro's daddy instincts, or is it mommy instincts since he takes the heavenly pillar back there?, is he a milf now?, you made Cucumber-bro into a milf' i think...?" Xie Lian's broken try at English didn't make the words less clear on Sqq's brain "Ah, i see, didn't you ask him what it mean?"

"He said it was something about a deal he was working on" Xie Lian's innocent smile didn't betray that he had conveyed this information on purpose, for he hadn't ignored the path they had been walking on, he didn't really know what it meant tho "A-Lian cover your ears"

"Ah... Shen-Ge-"

"Cover. Your. Ears." And Xie Lian did, because those eyes reminded him a little bit too much of Guoshi, when he sent him to copy the sutrhas for a whole night.

The heavens were shaken, just enough for Ling Wen to wonder if someone had ascended again.

Shang Qinghua, on the northen palace, sneezed and felt a sudden urge to hide under Mobei-Jun's bed.

--

Lil' extra on Wwx's imput on this, because Sqq is not leaving him out of seudo group therapy:

"Wuxian, may i ask you something?" Sqq asked when the three of them were drinking tea, as they recounted the latest heavenly gossip for Wwx "Yes, Shen-Ge?"

"... Do you have something You regret?" Wwx kept his smile, and waved his hand around his body, of course, he'd rather joke "What do you think Shen-ge? Do i?"

Sqq sighed "You know that's not what i meant, do you remember that which you regret?"

Wwx kept his smile as he scratched his head "Aiyah, well, my memory is never been that good, you know! I couldn't even remember my own little radish and the love of my life, how could i remember that?"

Sqq and Xl blushed a little at his wording, really, only Wuxian would be capable of saying 'Love of his Life' with such a straight face, even if that was the only straight thing about him. Xie Lian tho, could feel in his smile something familiar "Wei-Ge... I know you said that now you stay for Wangji and Sizhui-er but..."

Wei Wuxian, who had not long ago convinced Xie Lian to call him ge, was still a little bit weak to it. "I know, i know, but there are things that can't be fixed, right, Shen-Ge?"

Sqq sighed, it was like they were birds of the same feather, and he knew that, but still he didn't want such a sad face into someone he cared for, so he reached out to pat Wwx's head, and he, who had been expecting to get hit with the fan again, froze "We fix what can be fixed, but sometimes when we want to put back together a bowl, we get cut with the pieces, so we should also bandage ourselves and not just think about the bowl"

"I..."

"Since you're a mess, i'll bandage it for you if you wanted to" Wuxian huffed something similar to a laugh "And My Binghe would try to heal you with his blood, again"

"Shen-Ge, i think San Lang's butterflies work well for those too" Xie Lian smiled at both of them, a supporting hand on Wwx's shoulder "Ah, but i also know some ways! Rouyue wouldn't mind helping you too, Wei-ge!"

Hearing its name, Rouye popped up from Xie Lian's sleeve, rolling itself friendly on Wwx's hand "Ah, but, you know, A-Lian? I think Wuxian would much rather have Wangji kissing it better"

At that, Wwx actually laughed, his usual shamelesness back with him "Aiyah! Shen-Ge knows me too well, Lan Zhan's kisses are truly magical even when he makes a fuss about it!"

-------

I think the metaphors are pretty on the nose for this one? And not me again considering to write a damn fic already, tbf, i wanted this one to be short, it didn't ask me when it decided to keep on going

Sqq deciding he's going to protect the others because they're his family now is my second favorite thing about this au, the first one is Hua Cheng having a family that loves him-

[medeaft]

Demon seed

Author's note: This is a scene from before the events of Bloodlines, during the time that my self-insert PC is getting to know their future Sire. Maybe it bears explaining that the "symmetrical sensations" is just a thing that I do; sometimes I feel a sensation, and I feel an urge to feel it on the other side to make it symmetrical, and maybe repeat it a few times on each side. This scene was prompted by the excellent idea of @essie-essex, as written in this post.

Contents: slice of life (unlife?); friendly conversation; discussion of reproduction (with unfavourable sentiments); discussion of semen; discussion of food substances; very cursory discussion of illness; secrets

Characters: Kai (Tremere PC's Sire); Medea of Angelopolis (future Tremere PC, at this point still alive, viewpoint character)

881 words

I crouch and scoop the can out of the vending machine. It's cold and smooth and slippery with condensation, so I run it along the inside of one arm, then the other, then one arm again, then the other again, so that the sensation is symmetrical. Then I straighten up and pop the tab.

At that moment I hear a familiar voice calling out "Wait!", and before this brief word could even be completed, the can is snatched out of my hand by an extremely speedily returning Kai.

There is a moment of silence as I stare at him in confusion, still arranging the events of the previous second in my mind.

"I wouldn't drink that if I were you."

I'd probably be angry normally, but I trust him, and he's looking like he just managed to pull me out of the way of a car in the nick of time. So I just ask, "Why, what's wrong with it?"

He grins lopsidedly. "Well, not wrong, it's useful for what it is. I've used it as a reagent before. Don't drink it though. It's called that for a reason." He holds the can out to me so I can see. It reads, 'LIQUID DEMON SEED - Genuine demon semen - Stygian flavour'.

"They can't really make it out of real demon seed, right?" I ask. "Besides, I eat fish sperm just fine, you know, in soup. I'd drink demon seed if it tastes good and has good texture."

He turns the can around a little and puts it back in my hand. "The label is more obvious on the bottles," he says apologetically. "You'd probably have noticed if you saw those first."

The label is legible enough now that I look at the can from the other side. 'Win a real demon baby,' it says.

"Most people think it's just there to be edgy," Kai says. "It's absolutely for real though, you could get pregnant. It's not probable, but it's possible, and you can't take that chance."

If it was anyone else saying it, I'd take it for some kind of fundagelical tinfoil-hattery. But it's Kai, and what use is it to be friends with an occultist if I don't even believe him about demon seed? So I nod.

"Or is it okay as long as it's not human?"

"No," I say. "It's better if it's not human, but make no mistake, I'd still rather disembowel myself than reproduce."

He nods. "I thought so."

I look warily at the can. "I mean, I'd be putting it in my mouth, normally that doesn't, you know, cause reproduction…"

"Normally. But this does. It's meant to, I mean, it's sold as a drink, and it's as a drink that it says you can get a demon baby, so…"

"Right."

"Not that you should put it in any other orifice either."

I laugh. "No, now we're looking at a yeast infection and a demon baby."

"Exactly."

"I admit I'm curious what 'Stygian flavour' is, though," I say. "Or any of the other ones. …Do you think one gains arcane knowledge from ingesting demon seed?"

"Not by itself," he says, "or Los Angeles would be full of wizards."

I smile and raise my eyebrows. "I mean, I don't know that it's not. I did meet you here, and I don't really know anyone else…"

"Okay, that's fair." He grins. "But it's not. You were just lucky."

A feeling of warmth spreads in my chest. "I really was, you know. I'd like you even if you didn't have arcane knowledge."

His expression grows very earnest all of a sudden. "Thank you," he says. "I hope I can be your friend forever."

I'm so flustered I don't know how to answer, even more by his tone than by his words; I just sort of crumple the edge of my cloak and pull it to my face, like I'm playing peek-a-boo, which I'm sure is extremely dignified of me. So I eventually go back to my previous thought process. "I really am curious about this though. I wouldn't ever actually drink it, but I'm very curious."

"I very much understand. You know," he says, "if you do want to try, someday it will be safe."

"After menopause?"

"Oh no, I wouldn't put it past this thing to still work after menopause. After the initiation. It'll make sense, I promise."

I fall silent for a moment. I mean, I kind of knew. It was in the air. There were obviously things he was waiting to reveal to me, it was already pretty clear he must be in some kind of secret society, so I already have been assuming there had to be the prospect of an initiation of some kind if he is talking to me the way he is. But I think this is the first time he's said it openly, and it makes my heart beat faster. "The initiation," I say. The word tastes like honey and destiny.

He nods, his expression serious but warm. "The initiation."

"Can you tell me about it?"

He smiles. "It's a secret, of course. You'll find out soon."

I hand the can back to him. "So… do you want this, to use as a reagent?"

"Thanks," he says. "I'll get you something else to drink. Fruit juice?"

"Yes, please."

[gennabi]

sweet

solomon x gn!reader • 0.8k

romantic; fluff

[ oopid goober solomon , based on a barbatos-solomon chat where a devildom's confectionery store sells chocolate that mimics certain historically(?) known figures including him , reader is slightly flirty , cw pda lmaoo ]

obey me masterlist | main masterlist

An ominous smile. That side-swept bangs. The damned long coat- Or cloak maybe? And those dangling accessories. If you blink, you think you might even catch the gleam in his eyes. Such artistry for small details. The Devildom residents obviously has an eye for beauty, albeit said beauty is a chocolate.

"It sure does looks like you."

You finally open your mouth, voice all contemplative as you flip the treat around. The sorcerer shifts his gaze from the same carved dessert in his hand to you. There are other demons, witches, mythical creatures and the likes surrounding the area, munching his chocolate head off they just bought with a loud chomp and a death stare to his head. Solomon pays them no mind. You're not quite sure if you'll be as composed had the same thing happened, knowing the infamous tradition of the head-biting chocolates to be a form of stress relief. In times like this, you're reminded yet again how those same swirls of blue and brown in his eyes you have come to adore are the exact ones the demons loathe.

"Does it? I think they made me look better than I am."

He chuckles and you follow, shrugging noncommittally. You point out more similarities until the food starts to stick to your fingers. Satisfied with the assessment then, you opt to clink your Solomon-shaped chocolate to his with a playful 'Cheers'.

Your silvery white haired friend tears the head— his head —off with his mouth to follow the trend he thought was funny. Talk about nonchalance, or guts, or both. Maybe neither: He does have unusual humour, that guy.

Solomon relishes the first bite. Thankfully, it's as good as it looks. He had opted for a raspberry-filled one and although it's not his usual preference, it's not bad. Perhaps he would suggest the Solomon way for the Solomon chocolate, if the confectionery store would listen. He's about to have his second bite before he realizes there's no sound coming from you. Are you waiting for something? Just as he's about to look your way, a soft 'mwah' reaches his ears first, his vision barely catching your lips leaving his face of the chocolate.

W-wha...

An awkward cough bubbles up his throat, his face turning the other way just as fast and the ugly sounds escape his mouth in an overconsuming wave. Your palm reaches his back in the next few seconds, rubbing it gently as you murmur words of worry and affection.

Shit.

Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.

The wise sorcerer could sense the constricting of his chest, and the upwards spike in his heartbeat. Definitely not the supposed effects of your relieving touch. He lets one last cough out, listening to the frown in your voice, and his face only flushes more. Soooooo not wise.

"You okay? You want me to grab a drink?" Eyebrows furrowing, you give the store's counter a distance away a glance. He finally turns to you and quietly shakes his head. "I... No need.. Mm.. I'm fine... It's just.." He trails his words while his eyes wander to the melting chocolate in your hold.

.....

.....

.....

"I didn't..," he wrings out one last cough to be sure, "...expect you to do... that." Rising his hand, it covers his face in a lame attempt of hiding his blush. He knows you saw it anyway, when the laugh that exits your mouth is a little choked.

You don't shy away like he expected, finally looking at the chocolate before having your first taste. Your eyes widen then, the heels of your feet bouncing in suppressed giggle of their own. Shit. You're so cute. Solomon lets his face warm up this time, hand slowly falling in exchange to bare a little of his soul to you.

"It's delicious," You answer instead, invading closer into his personal bubble, "You got the raspberry right? I got the normal one." Solomon's breath hitches as your tongue licks away the earlier residue of chocolate on your lips. This close, he'll only be making a fool of himself.

"You wanna try?" The question seems more intimate from his mouth than he'd like to admit, yet the twinkle in your eyes only brings the sorcerer more courage to continue.

"From my mouth?"

Or more stupid.

This is it. He made things awkward. Maybe your action earlier was only an act of kindness amongst other buyers and he wrongly assumed. Solomon parts his lips, an apology on the tip of his tongue but you're closer than he remembered, a playful tilt in your words. "You're right..."

Something slightly rough swipes over his lips— Your thumb maybe? He's too love-drunk to look away from you although the confirmation is just there in front of him.

"Why kiss the chocolate when I can kiss the real thing hm?"

edited during my work, im tired of re-editing so here ya gaurs 😋

[magicluckystars]

would i date my ikemen favourites in real life?

I saw a post a WHILE ago that talked about the idea of their favorite characters meeting their parents, and I was procrastinating on work really bored so I decided to do a spin-off of that!! why not?

CW: crack, spoilers for: kenshin's route, ikerev prologue, and some of jonah's route, long post,

I am still a beginner writer so characters may be inaccurate/ooc! constructive feedback and reblogs help <3

---

Chevalier (Ikemen Prince)

-I would have to tell him to tone down the ice prince behaviour. how are you almost 30 and still calling yourself "the brutal beast" 😭

-he's really smart so we won't have an issue with that

-we don't have a lot of common interests though

-the "show me your worth" and "when someone is no longer of use, that's that" is a major turn-off

-he's so tall?? +1 for that

final rating: 3.5/10 okay guy with questionable morals, i wouldn't date him

William (Ikemen Villians)

-again, really tall

-we won't have many issues, this man knows how to talk to people

-he can play piano too?! +2

-decent guy overall, so higher than chev

-final rating: 6/10 we could be friends, but he's not my type

Harrison (Ikemen Villians)

-I don't even have to mention the height, do I...

-the "am i lying or am I telling the truth?" thing would probably get old fast

-but he is the most normal (i mean, as normal as you can get in ikevil) out of all the boys

-he is pretty fun so the lying part doesn't matter

-final rating: 8/10 good partner

Vincent (Ikemen vampire)

-he deserves the world.

-I love sunflowers and you're telling me you PAINT THEM??

-he's friendly and a good person so we would get along fine

-that said he also doesn't have many strong opinions so that would be a bit frustrating and I also cant draw for the life of me

-brush is now my child. no he doesn't get a say in this.

-vincent can be mischevious sometimes though iirc so that's good

-final rating: 5/10 could be friends, but not really good friends

Kenshin (Ikemen Sengoku)

-i'm starting to notice a pattern in this list with the blondies with lore...

-i don't know how we'd even get close in the first place, considering I don't like conflict (and this man loves fighting)

-but he's considerate of MC's emotions in several routes so that's good

-YOU HAVE BUNNIES?? MULTIPLE OF THEM?? marry me rn /j

-he also doesn't seem like the person to like loud people but then again he lives with Yuki and Shingen (and they're chaotic in and of themselves)

-one thing i would definitely have an issue with is when he tries to keep the MC "all to himself" by KIDNAPPING HER. oh absolutely not.

-final rating: 3/10 potentially friends, but would NOT date him

Hideyoshi (Ikemen Sengoku)

-don't like the hostility towards MC in the beginning stages but he gets better towards her so it's fine

-i don't know how i feel about his many female admirers

-he's really kind though and pays attention to details (which I do not) so that's a plus

-i can respect his dedication to nobunaga

-the fact he has a MONKEY as a pet is adorable.

-he's also very justice-aligned, so thats also a plus

-don't really have much to say other than he's a good guy 👍

-final rating 6/10 we could be friends :)

Jonah (Ikemen Revolution)

-i'm sorry trying to arrest the MC as soon as she falls into Cradle is a big no

-he can be super nice but at the same time super insensitive to other people and I don't think I can get past that

-also not a big fan of expensive gifts, especially when we just met

-he likes sweets though and so do I so he at least has one redeeming quality

-not much other things to say here.

-final rating 2/10 i don't see how we would even click in the first place

---

gonna end it off here cause i wanna get it out of my drafts and also to avoid it getting too long

but anyways thanks for reading! if you decide to try this please tag me I wanna read it!

bye for now and see you later <33

[ofeliaxoxo]

charlos moment(s): carlos carefully balancing out when sharl is like 2% mean to him by being 2% mean back.

exhibit A: at the end of this one when charles is like "you won because you crashed meeee" and carlos immediately is like "well i won by letting him crash himself 😇" https://youtu.be/Betds-RV01g (video also notable for charles Angry Noises and carlos "what's going on with youuu sharlouuuuu" / lopsided jaw the whole time)

exhibit B: in the middle of this foundationally important interview where they're doing the "we know each other so well we'll answer the questions for each other" bit. carlos gets actually for real annoyed about charles saying (jokingly) he's bad at golf? and so he hits back by saying charles doesn't have the talent to do music full time lmfao... the whole moment is like "you know better than to say that, here's what happens when you do" https://www.tumblr.com/newbromantics/763293828871536640

exhibit? C?: sort of tangential but same genre of incident. post spain 2024 bitchfest in the media pen, carlos happy to go without talking about charles until he's told what charles said (iirc something like "he shouldn't have done it, if he sees the onboards he'll see my point of view"), at which point carlos is like "sometimes he complains after a race" https://youtube.com/shorts/c3wwd1MxRPg

that's all i got for now but i'm #noticing the #pattern 🤓📝 fascinating implications for how carlos typically handles Spiky Charles. don't know if this type of retaliation(?) is something carlos would do anyway or if he had to learn to be a little mean about it with charles specifically. bite or be bitten etc etc. when u get low grade bitten every day of your life for a few years you learn to do a low grade bite back every time, or something

ok im gonna answer this one with caution because people might misconstrue our point. so LEGAL DISCLAIMER. i like charles. if i didnt like charles i wouldnt blog about him or do any fic/rpf of him. if i had an issue with him i would simply not acknowledge him. he is good looking and talented and i enjoy his personality. going forward through the post keep this in mind. im literally not hating nor will i ever hate on this blog because i dont give a fuck about that

"Carlos carefully balancing out when sharl is like 2% mean to him by being 2% mean back." absolutely and i think he would feel the need for it more than charles would.

i think when it comes to personality the clearest and most striking difference between them is that charles has a steel core. he has an unbendable will of iron. he can and will be mean if it suits him. moreover he is better at being casually mean, and his meanness carries a sharper impact. carlos, dont get me wrong, is also a Sicko on levels the normal human mind cannot comprehend, but there is undeniably a sense of vulnerability to him that is not there with charles. now AGAIN this is not hate. i think its good actually. if i personally could choose whether i was sharp and untouchable or more sensitive i would choose the first option.

ANOTHER DISCLAIMER: and this should also not be seen to mean that i view carlos as a sopping wet creature i do not. like i said they are both lunatics. i think we should never underestimate the sheer lunacy it requires to not only be in f1 now but to have essentially wasted your entire life on just Car. its not a waste since its their passion but like to anyone else it would be. they both have an unbelievably narrow minded focus and intensity. i said charles has a steel core but its not like i think carlos lacks conviction lol

exhibit a

at 2:06 when carlos goes yeah i just let him crash ha ha and you see charles little face of ah fuck fine then. love it.

exhibit b

i like this moment because i love the whole interview. they're laughing so much, and also charles "it's true but i take it very badly". its so funny because its such a reversal of the typical dynamic. he says he takes it badly but in fact this is one of the few moments we see him take it super well. and then carlos being like you know how much time and money i put into my golf and you said im bad. bitch. literally proving your point that he only said charles is bad at music to get the little hit back in lmao

exhibit c

this moment is more serious than the other two obviously since it involves actual racing as well as speaking to the media. i think this is less carlos trying to be mean back and more a sort of resignation. like he doesnt actually say anything particularly cutting about charles or about the race itself he just essentially goes why does he have to say this:/ also backing up the point that charles is more able for the back and forth.

in conclusion: i fully agree. carlos seems (SEEMS. idfk the guy and anything i say is obviously just speculationnnn) aware that charles has both a scarier bark and a harsher bite. and yet he is not actually intimidated by that necessarily. his Charles Management skills only go so far but when they fail him hes still able to engage with Charles on the level of ok ill meet u where ur at. bitch. i dont think charles being mean actually GETS to him in the realest of senses. i dont think he loves it but i think he can absolutely manage it. of course the examples in this post are very minor and lighthearted, except the final one which is still ultimately not super serious, but i feel like we can extrapolate.

i know carlos gets the dog motif but i do feel like theres space for a reversal there of. what if you were the scariest and snarlingest german shepherd and i petted and loved you and we had so much fun together and when you got too into the game and snapped and bit me i bit you back until you accepted it and calmed down and we could play nicely again