#is it moving? is it functions? then that's enough

[sparklingblu]

Infinite Impossibilities: A Pervert's Dream Journal

Day 1: Karina

You sit in the lecture hall, struggling to focus on professor Karina’s lecture. It’s not that the material is boring - you’re quite interested in the works of John Keats. But fuck, it’s nearly impossible to pay attention with a goddess like her standing at the podium.

Karina is weaning a tight-fitted blazer that hugs her curves in all the right places. The fabric stretches taut over her ample breasts, the buttons straining to contain them. Your eyes keep drifting to her deep cleavage, wondering if she’s wearing a bra and what kind. Lacy and sheer, maybe? Or something more functional and practical? Maybe she’s not wearing anything at all.

She turns to write on the whiteboard, and your gaze zeroes in on her ass. The skirt she’s wearing is just long enough to be appropriate, but it rides up enough to give you a tantalizing glimpse of her smooth, toned thighs. You imagine hiking it up even further, exposing her plump ass cheeks and giving them a firm spank.

But you shake those thoughts away quickly, feeling your cock twitch in your pants. Christ, get it together. Karina continues speaking passionately about Keat’s metaphors and symbolism, her full, glossy lips moving hypnotically as she forms each word. You picture them wrapped around your thick shaft, sucking you off with the same enthusiasm and dedication to her craft. Your erection grows, straining against the confines of your jeans.

She runs a hand through her long, silky black hair as she considers a student’s question, and you fantasize about gripping that hair, holding her head in place as you fuck her mouth. Those dark, soulful eyes of hers would look up at you pleadingly as you use her throat for your pleasure, forcing her to gag and choke on your huge cock.

Jesus, you’re in trouble. How are you going to make it through this class without jumping her right here in front of everyone? The things you’d do to her if given the chance….you bet she’d be a quick learner. Eager to please. Such a good girl, desperate for a nice, hard cock.

You imagine bending her over the podium and hiking up that prim little skirt. Ripping her panties off and rubbing your hard cock between her ass cheeks. Spanking her when she begs too loudly for it. Teasing her pussy with the tip until she’s dripping wet and aching to be filled.

Maybe you’d let her suck you off first, giving a taste of what's to come. Making her swallow every last drop before shoving your cock in her soaking cunt and pounding her until she screams. Until she forgets all about fucking Keats and only remembers the way your cock feel splitting her open.

You take a deep breath, trying to will your erection away. The thoughts of Karina naked and writhing beneath you are not helping. Fuck, you need to get a grip. Think about something else. Anything else. Like Keats’ fucking Odes. Right. Odes.

You barely register the end of the lecture, just barely picking up your stuff in time before she dismisses the class. You follow the herd of students filing out, forcing yourself not to look back at Karina. She probably doesn’t even know you exist. Why would she? You’re just another horny student. Not worth her notice.

As you reach the door, you hear your name called out in a melodic voice. Your heart stops for a moment as you turn around. She’s looking right at you, her dark eyes intense and focused.

“Mr. Raphael, could you stay after class? I’d like to have a word with you”

Fuck. You swallow hard, nodding mutely as you watch her bend over the podium, rummaging through her notes. Oh god, you’re in deep now. She’s going to realize what a pervert you are. What you’ve been thinking about doing to her hot little body.

You approach Karina’s desk, hands trembling slightly as you try to think of an excuse. You didn’t do anything wrong….right? Maybe she just wants to discuss your grade or assignment feedback.

After a while, Karina takes her seat and looks up at you with a warm smile, her dark eyes twinkling. “ Mr. Raphael, thanks for staying. I wanted to speak with you about your latest assignment on Keats’ odes.”

You nod, feeling a bit awkward. “Oh, uh, yeah. What do you think?”

She leans back in her chair, the fabric of her tight blazer stretching obscenely across her huge tits.. “I think it’s excellent work. You clearly have a deep understanding of the material and a real knack for close reading”

You feel a surge of pride at her words, but it’s tempered by the way her gaze seems to linger on you just a moment too long. Is it your imagination, or is there a hint of something more in her eyes?

“That’s great to hear,” you manage to say, shifting from foot to foot. “I really enjoy the subject matter”

“I can tell,” she says, a small smile playing at the corners of her glossy lips. “I’m glad you appreciate it. I aim to be very….hands-on with my students. “

Your mind immediately conjures images of those elegant hands all over your body, gripping your ass, stroking your cock. You shift uncomfortably, feeling yourself grow hard.

“And I couldn’t help but notice how much you seem to…admire my tits,” she continues, toying with the buttons on her shirt. “The way you stare at them during class. Like you’re aching to free them and bury your face between them.”

“Professor Karina, I….” you start to protest weakly, but she cuts you off with a wave of her hand.

“Oh please, spare me the innocent act,” she scoffs. “I’ve seen the way you look at me. Like a starving man eyeing a feast.”

She stands up and walks around the desk, hips swaying hypnotically. She comes to stand right in front of you, so close you can feel the heat radiating off her body. Her tits brush against your chest and you bite back a moan.

“You want to fuck me, don’t you?” she whispers, her breath hot on your ear. “You want to bend me over this desk and pound my pussy until I scream.”

You whimper, your cock now rock hard and straining against your zipper. “Yes,” you admit hoarsely. “Fuck yes.”

She grins wickedly, backing up slightly to give a good look of her body. “Then why don’t you show me what you’ve got? Fuck me like the horny little cumslut I am”

Before you can react, she’s unbuttoning her shirt and shrugging it off, revealing a lacy black bra that barely contains her massive tits. You gape at them, mesmerized by their perfect roundness and softness.

She reaches behind her back and unclasps her bra, letting it fall to the floor. Her tits spring free, huge and heavy and perfect. The rosy nipples are hard little peaks begging to be sucked.

“Touch them,” she demands, pushing her chest out invitingly. “Grab my fucking tits and worship them like they deserve.”

You don’t need to be told twice. You reach out and cup her massive breasts in your hands, marveling at their weight and softness. They overflow your palm, the warm flesh spilling between your fingers. You squeeze them gently, feeling the heavy globes respond to your touch.

“Mhmm, just like that,” she moans, arching into your touch. “Play with those big fucking titties.”

You pinch one of her sensitive buds between your thumb and forefinger, tugging on it and rolling it back and forth until she’s writhing against you with desire. Her other nipple is just as needy, begging for attention. You give it the same treatment, watching her face contort with pleasure.

“You like that, don’t you?” she asks, voice hoarse. “Feeling my big tits in your hands. Groping them like you’ve always dreamed of”

You lean down and capture one of her nipples in your mouth, swirling your tongue around the rigid peak.

“Oh fuck, yes,” she cries out. “Suck my tits like a hungry baby. Suck them until I leak milk.”

You switch to the other nipple, lavishing it with the same attention as you palm and squeeze her breasts. The flesh is soft and pilant in your hands, yet firm with muscle beneath the surface. You could spend hours exploring those incredible tits, learning every inch of their curves and hollows.

But Karina has other ideas. She pulls your head back by your hair, a wicked gleam in her eyes. “Enough playing with my tits,” she growls. “I need you to eat my cunt. Now.”

She shoves you down onto your knees and hikes up her skirt, revealing a skimpy thong already soaked through with her arousal. The scent of her pussy fills your nostrils, musky and sweet.

“Taste me,” she hisses, grinding her crotch against your face. “Shove your tongue in my fucking hole and lap up all my juices.”

You bury your face between her legs, licking and sucking at her pussy through the thin fabric of her panties. The taste of her is divine, heady and intoxicating.

“Pull my thong aside,” she pants, fisting your hair. “I want to feel your tongue on my clit.”

You comply, tugging the soaked fabric to the side and diving in with renewed fervor. You swipe your tongue along her slit, moaning at the first taste of her nectar on your tongue.

“Oh fuck yes,” she cries out, riding your face shamelessly. “Lick my cunt like a good boy. Make me cum all over that pretty mouth.”

You alternate between lapping at her folds and flicking her clit with the tip of your tongue, sucking the sensitive bundle of nerves until she’s thrashing against you.

“Fuck fuck fuck I’m gonna cum!” she screams, her thighs clamping around your head. “Don’t you dare stop!”

You double your efforts, plunging two fingers as she squirts all over your face and mouth, gushing hot cum down your throat. You swallow it greedily, relishing every drop of her essence.

When she finally comes down from her high, she pushes you away and backs up, panting heavily. “Now get up and strip,” she orders, eyes dark with lust. “It’s time for me to return the favor.”

You scramble to obey, yanking your clothes off in record time. Your cock springs free, hard and ready and straining towards her.

“Mhmm, such a nice big dick,” she purrs approvingly, stroking it with one hand while unzipping her skirt with the other. She lets it pool at her feet before stepping out of it, leaving her in just her thigh high stockings.

She turns around and bends over the desk, reaching back to spread her ass cheeks apart. Her pussy glistens with juices, pink and perfect and so fucking ready for you.

“Fuck my cunt,” she demands, looking back at you over her shoulder with a challenging glare. “Pound me into this desk until I can’t walk straight.”

You grab her hips and line up your cock with her entrance, rubbing the head teasingly through her slick folds. She moans impatiently, wiggling her ass against you.

“Stop teasing and fuck me already!” she snarls. “Impale me on that huge fucking cock!”

You can’t deny her a second longer. With one hard thrust, you bury yourself balls-deep in her tight heat. She cries out in ecstasy, her walls clamping down around you like a vice.

“Oh god yes!” she wails as you start to move, sawing in and out of her with powerful strokes. “Fuck me fuck me fuck me!”

The desk creaks and shakes beneath you as you rut into her like an animal, driven by pure primal lust. She meets every thrust with the roll of her hips, slamming against you with wanton abandon.

The sound of flesh slapping against flesh fills the room, mingling with her high-pitched moans and your low grunts of pleasure. Your hands reach around to grab her tits, squeezing the soft mounds roughly. You pinch her nipples between your fingers, twisting and pulling on the sensitive buds.

“Ahhh! Fuck yes play with my tits!” Karina moans, arching her back to push her beasts further into your grip. You comply eagerly, kneading the pillowy flesh and rolling her nipples between your fingers until they are stiff peaks.

Your hips piston faster, driving your cock deeper into her sopping wet cunt. The head bumps against her cervix with each thrust, making her yelp and shudder. You can feel her getting tighter and tighter around you, her body tensing as she nears her peak.

“I’m gonna…I’m gonna cum!” she cries out, her voice high and breathy. “Don’t stop, don’t you dare fucking stop!”

You double your efforts, pounding into her harder and faster than ever. Your balls slap against her clit with each stroke, the lewd sound making your cock throb with need. The pleasure is intense, building and building until it feels like you might explode.

“Cum inside me,” she pants, pushing back onto you with bruising force. “Fill me up with your hot seed. I want to feel you pulsing in my cunt”

Her words send you hurtling over the edge. With a roar, you bury yourself to the hilt and let go, spurting jets of cum deep into her waiting womb.

She cries out in rapture as she feels your release flooding her insides, triggering her own orgasm. Her pussy spasms around you as she comes hard, milking every last drop from your cock.

You collapse on top of her, both of you gasping for breath as the aftershocks of pleasure course through your bodies. She turns her head and captures your lips in a searing kiss, plundering your mouth with her tongue.

When you finally break apart, she smiles at you wickedly. “Mhmm, now that’s what I call a productive study session,” she purrs, giving your softening cock a squeeze. “But don’t think we are done yet. I’m going to drain those big balls of yours until you are completely empty.”

She strokes your semi-hard length, coaxing it back to full mast. You groan at the sensation, still sensitive from your recent orgasm. But your body responds eagerly to her touch, your cock hardening in her grip.

“I want you to fuck my tits,” Karina demands, pushing you down on the desk chair. She kneels before you, squeezing her breasts together. “Cum all over those perfect tits. Coat me in your juice.”

You can only nod dumbly, too turned on to form words. She takes your rigid cock and nestles it between her soft mounds, enveloping you in warm, pillowy flesh. Then she starts moving, sliding up and down your shaft with a steady rhythm.

“Oh fuck,” you groan, mesmerized by the sight of your dick disappearing between her tits over and over.

You can’t believe this is actually happening. The hottest professor on campus, the one you have fantasized about for weeks, is on her knees before you, her luscious tits wrapped around your aching cock. It’s like something out of a daydream.

As Karina works your shaft with her perfect breasts, you reach out to grab her hair, guiding her head down further. She takes the hint, hollowing her cheeks and sucking hard on the tip of your cock each time it pops out from her cleavage.

“Oh fuck, yes,” you groan, hips bucking up to meet her movements. “Suck that cock you dirty slut. Show me how much you love having my dick in your mouth.”

She moans around you, the vibrations sending shockwaves of pleasure through your body. Her hands cup your balls, massaging them gently as she blows you. You are so close now, your thrusts becoming erratic and desperate.

“I’m getting close again,” you warn her, hips thrusting like a madman into her pillowy tits. “Fuck, I’m gonna cum soon!”

“Yes, do it!” she urges, squeezing her tits tighter around you. “Paint my tits with your hot cum. I want to be covered in it!”

Her dirty words push you over the edge. With a guttural moan, you explode, your cock pulsing as thick ropes of semen spurt out and splatter across her chest. She aims your cock so that each shot lands on her breasts, glazing them with your essence.

When your orgasm finally subsides, you collapse back in the chair, chest heaving. Karina releases your spent cock, admiring the mess you’ve made of her tits. She scoops some of your cum onto her fingers and licks it off with a moan.

“Mhmm, you taste even better on my tits,” she purrs, sucking the last drop from her digits. “Such a good boy, giving me exactly what I wanted.” She stands, leaning down to give you a deep passionate kiss, sharing your combined taste.

Before you can plead for more, she breaks the kiss. “Now it’s time for the main event,” she says, rolling onto her hands and knees. She looks over her shoulder at you, ass high in the air. “Come and claim your prize, tiger. Stick that big cock in my ass.”

Despite having cummed twice, your cock has already begun throbbing at the sight of her magnificent ass. You kneel behind her and rub the head on her slick folds, coating yourself in her juices. Then you notch it against her puckered hole and start to push.

“Oh fuck,” Karina gasps as you breach her tight ring of muscle, “You’re so big. Stretching me so good.”

You groan as her ass clench around you, hot and velvety soft. You grip her hips and start to move, slowly at first, letting her adjust to your size. But soon you are pounding into her, hard and fast, just the way she needs it.

“Yes, yes, yes!” Karina wails, taking your pounding like a champ. Her tits bounce and jiggle with the force of your strokes, the lewd sight spurring you on.

Unable to resist, you reach around and grab her melons, kneading the soft mounds and pinching her nipples. You use her tits to your heart’s content, tugging and twisting her sensitive peaks as you rut into her from behind. The dual stimulation has her writhing in ecstasy, her pussy clenching around nothing as her ass milks your cock.

“I’m close,” she warns, voice tight with impending release. “Fuck me harder! Make me cum on that big cock!”

Your hips snap forward like a piston, hammering into her ass with brutal force. Karina’s ass clenches even tighter around your cock as her lips spill a string of curses.

“Oh god, I’m cumming!” she screams, back arching as her orgasm overtakes her. Her ass spasms around you, her inner walls rippling along your shaft as she comes hard.

The feeling of her clenching and fluttering pushes you over the edge. With a roar, you slam into her one last time, emptying your balls into her ass.

“Fuck,” you growl as you erupt, painting her walls with your thick essence. Jet after jet of cum spurts from your slit, flooding her ass and leaking around your shaft.

You keep your cock buried in her for a moment as you catch your breath before pulling out, letting a waterfall of cum pour out from her now gaping hole.

It feels like every bone in your body has been turned to lead, your breathing ragged and shallow. You collapse, finally broken after three continuous fuck session.

As you lay there on the cold floor contemplating what the hell has just happened, Karina’s face hovered into view, looking too energetic for someone who has just gotten their asshole stretched loose.

She leans in, hinting at a kiss before pulling back with a wicked smile. “You know we are not done yet, right?”

-

In this series, I intend to focus purely on smut. There won't be much plot, just 99 percent smut. Some dialogues and sceneries might not even make sense. But that's the point. Because it's pure fantasy.

[prettygirl-gabi]

Special Guest

Pairing: Paige Bueckers x Reader

POV: First-person

Fandom: UConn’s Women’s Basketball

Word Count: 1,500+

Summary: we have a special guest for the podcast

Tags: @paigeshirleytemple , @unknowngirlypop , @paigeluvvr , @melpthatsme , @authentic-girl03 , @lessi-lover , @courtsidewithlani

I adjust my mic and glance at Kayla, who’s lounging comfortably against my pillows, setting up her recording equipment.

“So, let me get this straight,” I start, tilting my head at her. “You, Kayla Williams, decided that my dorm—my bed, specifically—was the best place to record this episode?”

Kayla smirks. “You act like this isn’t the most comfortable setup ever. It’s cozy, it’s intimate, it’s giving vibes. Plus, do you really think I was about to record in one of those stiff chairs in the common room? Be so for real.”

I shake my head, laughing. “You just didn’t wanna book a studio.”

“Correct.” She grins, popping a piece of gum into her mouth. “Now, get comfy, and let’s start—”

Before she can finish, my dorm door swings open, and in walks Paige.

Scratch that—drags herself in.

She looks exhausted, still in her practice gear, her low ponytail a little frizzy from sweat, and her duffle bag barely hanging onto her shoulder. She doesn’t say anything, just lets out a deep sigh and makes a beeline for my bed.

“Uh, hey?” I say, watching as she tosses her bag to the floor, taking her ponytail out and flops onto the mattress like she’s been carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders.

Without hesitation, she burrows into me, laying her head directly on my stomach, her arms loosely wrapping around my waist.

I blink down at her. “Paige?”

She hums in response but doesn’t move.

Kayla raises an eyebrow. “Yo, is she good?”

“She had morning practice,” I explain, running a hand through Paige’s locs. “Guess it wiped her out.”

Kayla snickers. “Nah, this is crazy. She didn’t even say hi.”

I poke Paige’s shoulder. “You good, baby?”

Paige nuzzles deeper into me, sighing. “Mhm.”

“Wanna move?”

“No.”

I glance at Kayla, who’s grinning like she’s witnessing something hilarious.

“Oh, she’s whipped,” Kayla says, adjusting her mic. “You sure you still wanna record? Your girl looks real comfortable.”

I glance down at Paige, who’s already breathing slower, her body completely relaxed against mine.

“She’ll be fine,” I say, settling back into the pillows. “If she’s tired enough to fall asleep while we talk for an hour, she probably needs the rest.”

Kayla shakes her head, still smirking. “Alright, your relationship is crazy soft, but let’s get into it.”

She presses record, and just like that, we start the episode.

—

Thirty minutes in, Paige hasn’t moved an inch.

She’s completely knocked out, her breath warm against my hoodie, her arms still lazily wrapped around me. Every now and then, she shifts, sighs, or tightens her grip, but for the most part, she’s dead to the world.

Kayla, of course, is having way too much fun with this.

“Okay, so what I’m gathering,” she says, pointing at Paige’s sleeping form, “is that you got this superstar, face-of-UConn-basketball, Paige Bueckers, so down bad that she literally needs to be on you to function properly?”

I roll my eyes. “She’s just tired.”

Kayla gives me a look. “Nah, see, I’ve known Paige for a while, and I ain’t never seen her like this with anyone else.”

I fight a smile, absentmindedly running my fingers through Paige’s hair. “She likes being close to me. Is that a crime?”

Kayla grins. “Not at all. It’s just hilarious how you try to act all nonchalant about it.” She leans toward the mic dramatically. “Y’all, let it be known that Paige Bueckers is a clingy girlfriend. Possibly the clingiest.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “She’s not that clingy.”

Kayla gestures at Paige. “Bro. She fell asleep on you mid-podcast. You might as well get her a ‘Property of Y/N’ shirt at this point.”

I bite my lip to keep from laughing. “She does have a hoodie that says ‘Y/N’s Favorite.’”

Kayla howls. “Oh, nah! That’s crazy. Ain’t no way.”

I nod, grinning. “Got it for her last Valentine’s Day.”

Kayla wipes a fake tear. “This is beautiful. True love.”

I shake my head, still smiling as we move on to the next topic.

—

By the time we wrap up the episode, Paige is still dead asleep.

Kayla stretches, cracking her knuckles. “Alright, that’s a wrap. Great episode, and we got bonus content of you being the human equivalent of a teddy bear.”

I snort. “Glad I could provide entertainment.”

Kayla stands, gathering her stuff. “I gotta bounce, but good luck getting your girl off you.” She nudges Paige’s leg. “Yo, Bueckers, you alive?”

Paige groans, barely lifting her head. “Barely.”

Kayla smirks. “Your girl’s free now. You gonna let her move?”

Paige ignores her, instead snuggling back into me, her voice muffled against my hoodie. “No.”

Kayla cackles. “Yeah, I’m outta here.”

She gives me a knowing look before heading for the door. “Text me when you finally escape.”

I roll my eyes. “Bye, Kayla.”

Once she’s gone, I glance down at Paige, brushing a few stray locs out of her face. “You good, sleepyhead?”

Paige hums. “Better now.”

I smile. “You slept through my whole podcast, you know.”

She grins sleepily, eyes still closed. “Best nap I’ve ever had.”

I sigh, shaking my head. “You’re so spoiled.”

She finally cracks one eye open, looking up at me with that soft, lazy smile of hers. “By you? Absolutely.”

I can’t even argue with that. Instead, I kiss her forehead, letting her sink back into me.

She’s gonna be wide awake later, and I should make her get up soon.

But for now?

I let her stay exactly where she is.

---

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                 -Thank You For Reading!🩵🩶

                             -prettygirl-gabi🎀✨️

[bitchlessdino]

Good Roommates Don't (m)

for @ddeonghwa-s secret cupid collab i recieved you @haologram!

Pairing: roommate! Minghao x barista!afab!reader Word count: 14.1k rating: R Summary: Xu Minghao had been the most ethereal being you've ever laid your eyes on to the point being unable of functioning like a normal person, but now you're roommates. Only time will tell when you lose your mind keeping your hands to yourself, so there needed to be a list of things you don't do if you wanted to be a good roommate. tags: meet-ugly, strangers to roommates to lovers, college au, barista au, down bad!reader, mentions of band, brief bdsm, mc fell first he fell harder, cum swapping, spitting, oral (giving and receiving), face riding, unprotected sex author note: thank you @lovetaroandtaemin and @gyubakeries beta-reading this with me. after writing towtsyfdtotbycf (holy shit) i was in a little bit of a slump and had several and i mean SEVERAL versions of this and for months racked my brain how i wanted to do this. Alta, i care for you deeply and we've gotten close in the last year or so, so i really wanted to write something that would amuse you and that you'd enjoy. and if you hate it you can use it as leverage to berate me on discord lol. but please, my valentine, enjoy my gift to you. happy Valentines day Alta (and tell me was i really not that slick) <3

When you first met Minghao, you almost killed him trying to save his life. At least, that's what you thought you were doing.

All you had to do was bear a normal shift at the Coffee Shop, attempt a semblance of a smile for the oncoming customers, and clock out at your normal hour, but the universe couldn’t even give you that. Instead, they sent you the hottest guy imaginable, along with the swiftness of a gazelle, the strength of a gorilla, and the intuition of a garden gnome. That day just confirmed that some things were better left alone.

A few things were already going wrong that day. For one, your alarm didn't go off. The alarm being your mom, who usually kicked you out of bed first thing at 9 am, since she had a doctor’s appointment. Fair enough. The strings of fate got you there. All the more reason why moving out seemed like a distant dream rather than a close reality. Were you really capable of being a functioning adult? 

Then there was the bus and having to shell out twenty bucks for a Lyft when the next scheduled bus was reported to have broken down and was no longer an option. That twenty bucks could’ve been your meal for the next week, but no, being fiscally responsible was a circus act, and you were the clown being pied in the face repeatedly. As if you weren’t already putting on a face and juggling multiple things enough on a daily basis, today was no different. 

And then, you were late to work—which again, was nothing new—but you were hoping that Nayeon, who was scheduled as the shift manager, she’d let you off with a warning. Yet, somehow, that went wrong as well, seeing that the shittier manager on your shift, Manager Fi, was present instead. And, by the look in the old man's eyes, he wasn’t happy about it either, especially considering he assigned you bathroom duty for the end of your shift to make up for your tardiness. He never liked you since you started. Then again, he didn’t like anybody, and vice versa.

This morning was bad omen after bad omen.

Leading up to finally meeting Minghao—tall, scorchingly hot Minghao, , with lips that looked soft as clouds. You hadn’t seen him around before until today, and perhaps it should’ve stayed that way, because you couldn’t see yourself facing him ever again.

He walked in with his large group of friends, all almost nearly as charming as him with a handful of faces that you’ve seen once or twice, but none that stood quite out like his. He had the kind of face that made you want to paint murals, write ballads, or stare long enough to linger too long over the same spot you were cleaning on the counter, windshield wiping until the wet streaks you wiped off devolved to discoloration and damaged the countertop’s cheap sealant. Eventually, you averted your gaze to conceal your flushed cheeks—turning away in clear embarrassment, thinking about how much of a fucking creep you probably looked overtly gawking at him—but you’d soon realized that was the least of your worries. You’d soon wish it ended with you looking like a creep.

The next moment you lifted your eyes towards him again, you found him in a compromising position, one that had you thinking—and that was your first mistake. His face twisted with discomfort, and he gasped as he covered his mouth. A million thoughts raced through your mind, considering all the possible reasons for his distress, and one screamed the loudest above all, setting off alarm bells. So you—being meddling and troublesome you—acted on instinct.

Hopping over the counter, you raced towards him, pulled him off the booth which he was luckily on the edge of, and immediately attempted the Heimlich. Finally, your CPR certification could be put to use. You embraced him from behind, putting pressure on his ribcage as you launched and thrust yourself against him, forcing whatever was lodged in his throat out of his body.

“I’ve got you!” you exclaimed heroically.

You put in as much strength as you could muster, truly hoping to save a life today, thinking out of all things that have gone wrong today, at least this would be one thing you’ve done right. You could feel your ancestors looking down on you to witness a proud moment in your otherwise boring and mundane life. 

After several rough collisions with his body, he eventually spat something chewed up and unsightly onto the booth’s table, drawing the attention of several onlookers if your boisterous shouting hadn’t already. His friends were quick to look away, wincing in disgust while the cute boy doubled over in pain, holding himself by the ribs as you ran your eyes over at him in concern.

“Are you alright, sir? That must’ve been terrifying to suffocate on something so suddenly.”

He then finally lifted his head. His cheeks were flushed as anguish took over his features. “I wasn’t choking,” He rasped.

“...Come again?”

“Oh my god!” A third-party witness stood up dramatically from their seat. “This barista just saved this young man’s life!”

Suddenly, you were punished with attention, cheers specifically. All except the people who sat at the cute boy’s table clapped for you—or, rather at you now—and gave you standing ovations for your grand heroic act, when in fact, it wasn’t heroic at all. Meanwhile, you attempted to settle them down, flapping your hands dismissively and growing hot all over. You looked over the man you so-called saved as he strained to sit back in his seat, being tended by the friends he came with.

“Dude, you okay?”

“Shit, that looked like it hurt.”

“You probably shouldn't have been drinking it that fast, Minghao.”

It turned out you had severely miscalculated the situation. What appeared to be choking, prompting you to improperly administer a rough but appropriate Heimlich maneuver, was simply a mildly exaggerated reaction to hot coffee followed by a muffin to alleviate his burnt taste buds. You, of course, profusely apologized, as if you weren’t embarrassed enough for staring at him the whole time working your entire shift at the coffee shop because he was the most breathtakingly stunning person you’ve ever seen in your life. You might’ve just about broken his ribs and made his life flash before his eyes by abruptly slamming your body against him repeatedly, and not in the fun way.

Rather than an apartment, you were in desperate need of a hole deep enough to lead you to the core of the Earth to hide you from everyone else on the crust, ideally with cheap rent and good air ventilation. 

You bowed your head in humiliation, unable to meet any of their eyes, especially with the possibility of them remembering your face with a lawsuit waiting to happen. “I can’t believe that happened, I am so sorry. If there’s anything I can do to make it up to you, please let me know.”

“It’s okay, really, but I think we’ve had enough excitement for today if you don’t mind.” 

The attractive stranger—or Minghao, as you’ve learned from his friends who immediately rushed to him in concern—shook his hand in the air reassuringly. “Just, no more of that, alright? Make sure someone’s actually choking before trying to save them.”

“Right, please have a wonderful rest of your day,” you said, before returning to your station and disappearing behind the breakroom, screaming into your cubby and avoiding human interaction for as long as you could.

That scene replayed in your mind over and over like a recurring nightmare, burning the image of his beautiful face with such disdain for all eternity, while his name etched into your brain in permanent ink, embedded in every wrinkle in your brain. Minghao. A devastatingly beautiful name for a devastatingly beautiful owner.

Ugh. Get a fucking grip.

You just needed to get through the rest of the day. It would just be a couple more hours until your shift ended, and then you’d leave on the dot. It’d be just in time to make your appointment to meet your new potential roommate. Hopefully, it would be the silver lining of today’s catastrophic mess.

You met on electronic class forums while attending the same Cultural Studies course and somehow ended up relying on each other for notes. By your chat history, you seemed to have a lot in common—with the exception of his preference for tea over artisanal coffee—and you’d be lying if you said you didn’t get giddy seeing the green circle next to his username. Recently, he had just talked about moving into town after pondering the idea for so long, and as fate may have it, you’ve been looking for your own place to stay. You figured he seemed nice enough, and he even offered a reasonable quote on rent. It wouldn’t hurt to take a look. You just hoped he was as friendly in real life as he was online—with the day you had, you needed a win.

And, that win started with Chinese food, his choice, and it was a good one. You hadn’t been at this location before, taking note of the old-fashioned aesthetic touched by the harshness of modern neon signs that lit even the darkest of hallways. You were now thinking you ought to come more often as the heavenly notes of soy, ginger, and whatever concoction bled through the kitchen curtains and wafted through your nostrils the moment you passed through the double doors. Immediately, you were greeted by the host, visibly tired and overworked, with dark circles under his eyes, before he led you to a table in the center of the restaurant. You settled your nerves with a glass of water, trying to let the horrific events from today fade to as black as the soy sauce loitering on your table, waiting for a plate of dumplings to accompany them.

Funny how you could still have an appetite after everything that happened.

It wasn’t too long after you heard the same doors you walked through open, setting off the familiar sound of its wind chimes. You peered behind you, catching a glimpse of the new arrival, and immediately spun back in your seat, startled by the face that passed through your eyes. Trepidation brewed within you as the unsolicited visitor had your stomach in knots. 

You couldn’t take another incident tonight. 

You slunk into your seat, burying your chin in your shirt, hoping you’d somehow camouflage into your seat, facing away from the new arrival. Meanwhile, his eyes skimmed the room, walking in with purpose without guidance and greeting the employees as if he were right at home. Fortunately, he had yet to notice your presence as you slinked out of view the moment he passed by you to sit at the bar, while you made way into a booth in the dark corner of the restaurant, cursing the fates for their cruel games once again. You just had hoped that your new roommate would hurry it up already so you could get out of here before you were discovered.

And after about ten minutes, it felt as if all hope was lost. There was no sign of them and you were wondering if you had been stood up. Amid your anticipation, you were forced to pay attention to the person you were avoiding, seeing his patience wear thin with the tap of his foot as he sipped the last of his iced tea. Not a moment too soon, you saw him pluck his phone out from his pocket, fingers skittering over the screen before bringing it to his ear and scanning the restaurant’s floor plan. In the same instant, your phone went off,  blaring your cursed ringtone, ‘Pocketful of Sunshine’, and the realization—along with the panic—quickly set in. 

Alerted by the noise, his head whipped up from his screen. His eyebrows rose in shock, not all expecting the outcome that arose, and he dropped to his feet and quickly darted toward the sound that you—for the life of you—could not turn off fast enough. His footsteps matched the rate of your heart pounding in your chest, growing louder and closer until he found the source and located you cowering in the corner.

You lifted your head to lock eyes for the first time since this morning just as you finally managed to silence the ringtone and gave him an awkward laugh, waving with your phone in hand. Taking a nervous gulp, you awaited his disappointment, expecting him to make his quick exit after evaluating in the two seconds of your meeting that this arrangement would not work out because you were a deranged psycho with a savior complex. To your pleasant surprise, that didn't happen. Instead, you were met with a gentle smile and a glint of curiosity in his eyes. “There you are.”

You forced a sheepish chuckle. “Here I am, ha.”

Minghao softly chuckled before tucking his phone in his back pocket. “And to think just this morning you ‘saved my life.’”

You shut your eyes tightly, hands pressing together as if begging for forgiveness. “Again I am so, so sorry for that. It did look like you were choking.”

He shook his head reassuringly. “So you’ve said. I’m Minghao, or PalE8. Nice to meet you, CafeMixr0.”

“Is it…nice to meet me?” You asked dubiously.

“Why wouldn’t it be?”

You blinked incredulously. “Well, for several reasons.”

He shrugged before entering the booth and leaving a healthy distance to sit just across from you. “Can’t think of any. Have you ordered anything yet?”

You shook your head, befuddled by his nonchalance, waiting to see the catch, if there was any.

“Good thing I know everything worth ordering.” His hand shot up before grabbing the attention of a server to get his order taken.

You weren't sure where the night was going. All you knew was the boy that you almost killed this morning was sitting across from you looking as breathtaking as he did this morning, even while slurping up his stir fry that was glossed with a sheen of chilli oil and swelling up his already full lips. Rather than a roommate meetup—if that was still the case—it felt like a date, a date you were exceedingly ill-prepared for.

Suddenly, you could feel the sweat on the back of your knees, feeling the strong urge to sniff the clothes on your back, unsure when the last time you did a fresh load of laundry and if your current attire was included in that load at all. Not to mention that bathroom duty that was forced upon you, which no doubt seeped into your clothes. You were better off naked, but then that would be an entire different kind of meeting, wouldn”t it?

“You’re okay, right?” You asked, trying to distract yourself from your spiraling thoughts as you barely finished your portion of chow mein—which was absolutely heavenly, to put it lightly.

He let out a light chuckle before kindly reassuring you. “How many times are you going to ask me? You and everyone from this morning. I’m fine, able-bodied and everything.” 

“I just felt really bad. You looked really hurt.”

He couldn’t suppress his grin, finding your cautiousness amusing, but it only added to your unease. “I was hurt. You’re really, really strong.”

You winced. “Again. I am so sorry.”

“Don’t be. It’s a quality of a good roommate.” He finished the last bit of his meal before dropping a couple of bills without asking for the tab. “Come on. I’ve got to show you the apartment.”

You raised an eyebrow while sipping your warm tea before tapping your mouth with a napkin. “You still want to room with me? After this morning?”

“There’s not a lot of good options for roommates in the city, and what are the odds that you’ll try to kill me twice?”

He had a fair point, and it wasn’t like you had options lining up either. You just had to hope he didn’t regret taking this chance on you.

A big reason why you wanted to move out was to learn to be on your own, but in addition to that, the city had pretty much everything to offer. The city had it all, from job opportunities to the right people to meet, and the apartment Minghao led you to was the center of the entirety of it. High above the town square, in a room several floors up, there was a nook that had a view through a large window overlooking everything within about a two-mile radius. If there was anything nice to say about the city, it definitely looked better from where you were standing. The street lights illuminated streets, neon signs brought the local businesses to life, and people that ran the night life lived it to the fullest in the flashiest clothes imaginable. You had never seen your city like this before.

Meanwhile, the apartment itself was gorgeous and already fully furnished with stylish furniture and greenery that touched the kitchen and living room. It was graced with Minghao’s taste in art and an eccentric—but tasteful—color palette of warm browns, olive greens, and rustic oranges. It felt like walking into Minghao’s mind, seeing into his world, and you were given the opportunity of it being yours, being part of his world. He was generous enough to even let you pass through the front door.

“So?” he asked, gauging your interest, watching as you looked down at the city from the large window nook in awe.

You softly scoffed, unable to take your eyes off the beautiful view calling to you like a siren at sea.  “Um, I’m sorry, you had trouble finding a roommate, how?”

He crossed his arms, admiring the sight with you, glancing at you through his peripheral vision and grinning when he saw the childlike sparkle in your eyes. “I’m new to the city, and everyone I know here has their own living arrangements. I didn’t want to go too far in looking for a new roommate. I thought we'd work well together, since we’re based in the same city now and have a lot in common based on our conversations.”

“I almost killed you this morning,” You’ve pointed out to…death.

“Although you’re…impulsive and unpredictable, I’ve seen worse. I think I’ll manage.” He splayed his hand in front of you, gesturing for a shake to officially seal the deal. “What do you say? Do you still want to be roommates?”

Everything about this screamed it was a bad idea. Putting aside the fact that you nearly killed the man, you could barely stand in the presence of him without your mind drifting to dark waters. It didn’t take rocket science to understand that putting you in that same living quarters with Minghao meant you might have to live every day together with your hands tied behind your back and thighs taped shut. You’ve surprised yourself with how you’ve managed to keep your composure sharing the same air—the air you were even thinking of savoring as you contemplated this offer.

You were down-righteously-bad. You weren’t a fit roommate for Minghao in the slightest.

Yet, you took his hand, letting his cool palm clash with your warmth as his digits wrapped around you in a tight squeeze before shaking. “Let’s do it.”

And that marked the start of a new chapter of your life, unraveling the challenge of being Xu Minghao’s roommate. Only, he wasn’t the challenge. He was a breath of fresh autumn air. He was kind beyond words and accommodating in every step of your move. You were already familiar with his gentle and patient nature, as he had frequently taken the time to clarify complex ideas for class, and you’ve learned about the majority of his interests prior from your online discussions, but seeing PalE8’s traits in person—embodied in Minghao—was bizarre. You realized he was still a stranger after all. A stranger that claimed your breath with a single bat of his eyes and turned your stomach inside out worse than a bad case of food poisoning, no less.

Meanwhile, the neighbors knew him by name, were endeared by his presence, and found him to be a delightful conversationalist as well as a helping hand when the situation called for it. He was better than your friendly neighborhood spiderman. He was your kind, considerate, intricately woven, beautifully complex, and knees-bucklingly handsome Minghao. 

You weren’t usually a sexual deviant, at least not to this extent, but Minghao brought something out of you that you hadn’t felt for another person. However, if you were going to live together, that had to change. This crush was going to have to dwindle out of existence if you wanted to live together—emphasis on you—in peace.

So, that’s when you decided to make a list of rules that only you had to follow. Sure, you were an adult, and the thought of giving yourself rules to keep your hands to yourself was juvenile and stupid, but for the sake of your sanity, you were looking for anything that might work. That’s when you decided to make a list of things “good roommates don’t do”, thinking it would be shorter and easier to sum up than a long redundant list of things good roommates would do, and the first thing to top the list was easy.

Good roommates don’t almost kill each other (again).

That seemed easy enough to remember, considering the first time was traumatic enough, and fortunately, it didn’t take too much effort, considering you hardly saw each other despite living together. 

You ended up taking up more shifts at work, desperate enough to even join the catering team, to keep yourself busy and afford the new expense of rent, sacrificing a lot more of your free time. Meanwhile, Minghao’s work schedule was not only demanding, it was inconsistent. Working at a popular art gallery as an artist and attendant with frequent and erratic events to go to until late at night prompted your roommate to be seen home a lot less than expected. By the time either of you got home, there wouldn’t be so much of a hello or goodbye either, just the sounds of bodies falling on beds in either rooms as the day’s fatigue engulfed you until you succumbed to sleep.

You’d be lying if you said that you weren’t a little disappointed by these circumstances, but then again, perhaps it was a blessing in disguise. Seeing him as little as you did meant less opportunity for you to screw things up around him, because it seemed to happen quite frequently when he was around. The few times you did cross paths, you still found ways to humiliate yourself.

“That’s mine.”

You held the toothbrush mid-scrub, bubbles foaming at the corners of your mouth, “Eh?”

“I think you’re using my toothbrush.”

Your cheeks immediately grew warm, and you shielded your face with the back of your hand. You spat into the sink and splashed water on your face to rid yourself of toothpaste residue before turning back to respond, his words jumbling in your head and bouncing from corner to corner to process them. “I-I don’t think so, this is the one I always use.”

He snickered, leaning against the door frame and crossing his arms, delectably dressed down in a gray tank top and sweatpants. The tempting taste of domesticity was sweet and permeated your tastebuds. “If that’s the case, we’ve been sharing, because I’ve always kept my brush there in the marble cup. Yours should be behind the medicine cabinet where you first left it.”

“What? You sure?” you pinned the used toothbrush on the sink’s porcelain before cracking open the medicine cabinet. “I’m pretty sure I took it—Ah!”

Startled by your findings, you dropped the toothbrush you gripped in your hand onto the floor when you’ve proven Minghao right as his toothbrush fell to the ground, now defiled with your oral bacteria and whatever was on the floor. The one day you take a shift later than usual because a member begged to take on more shifts, it blew up in your face. Seokmin, you will rue the day. “I-I’ll clean it!” You offered in a panicked tone.

He pushed himself off the threshold, waving his hand dismissively. “Don’t, please. It’s dirty; I can just replace it.”

Filled with guilt, you stepped aside to watch him pick up the dirty brush before disposing of it in the waste bin, “Sorry.”

“You say that a lot.” 

He pulled a fresh toothbrush out of a drawer and ripped it out of its packaging. It was notably identical to his previous and your current abandoned toothbrush, down to the bristles. “No worries. See,” he turned the new hygiene tool for inspection, “Clean.”

“Regret having me as a roommate yet?” you joked anxiously towards his reflection in the mirror.

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Nothing I can’t manage. I lived in a boarding house full of guys that shared things without asking and it didn’t stop at toothbrushes. You’re the first roommate I’ve had that’s apologized. I say that’s an upgrade.”

He went on to brush his teeth with his newly obtained brush, christening the bristles with a squeeze of fluoride toothpaste before scrubbing against his pearly whites. He never ceased to amaze you with his aloof attitude towards the situation, as if he’d become accustomed to your chaos when he didn’t need to be at all. This situation, however, did indicate that you had another thing to be added to the list.

Good roommates don’t use each other’s toothbrush (even by accident)

In your room just before you left for work, you haphazardly added to the list you put on a crumpled piece of paper you kept in your wallet, ensuring you held your list close before setting the pen aside. Your heart pounded against your chest, thinking what that had meant all this time. How you’ve pretty much swapped saliva nearly every day with Minghao since moving in. The fact that it had gone on for so long repulsed you, but not anymore than the tiny part of yourself that maybe had always known and continued to do it. 

You held your digits to your lips, brushing the pads against the slit of your mouth, ragged breaths slowly leaving your lungs as you reached your enamel. Tension pooled in your stomach as the images that infiltrated your dreams were currently being conjured in your consciousness, while arousal chased down your legs as you clenched them together. Jolted back to reality, you wound your eyes shut, remembering how little he cared about the matter, how nonchalant he was when he found out. Meanwhile, here you were: perverse, losing your mind, and letting your imagination run wild like a hormonal teenager with her celebrity crush. 

Fuck. You needed a night out. You had been cooped up in the apartment for too goddamn long. The only other place you went was work, and knowing labor laws, they had to give you a night or two off for all the time you’d been putting in. There was a whole outside world, and you needed to buck up and take advantage of it. You had to do something other than fawn over your very hot roommate. Losing some spare change was worth the sanity. At least, you hoped it was.

“You going out tonight?”

Hearing a familiar tenor voice, your head lifted up from fixing the strap of your shoes to see him remove his coat and store it away in the front entrance closet. “Oh, you’re home,” you stated.

“Yeah. The gallery is closed tonight for a bigger show this weekend, so I have a couple days where I’m off earlier than usual.”

More time for Minghao to be at home. Great. 

You nodded, keeping your cool at the sight of his turtleneck hugging his lean and toned frame, making your heart work overtime in place of you this evening. “I see, but yeah. A couple of my friends and I are trying out that new place that just opened up in midtown.”

“Oh, let me know how that goes. Me and some friends had plans to go there too.”

“Okay.” You hurried your way to the door. “Don’t wait up.”

“Wait.”

Hand on the door knob, you cursed under your breath, squeezing your eyes shut as if bracing for impact before opening them, and turned around with an innocuous expression. “Yes?”

He held out his hand. “Your phone please.”

“Hmm? Why,” you asked, unlocking it before complying.

He smiled accepting it, before swiping his fingers off the screen. “I’m sending myself your location.”

And there your heart when pitter-patter again at thoughtful and kind hot as fuck Minghao. “I just told you where I’d be.”

“That could always change. Here,” he said, handing your phone back, beaming back at you warmly. “Just in case something happens, and you can always call me if you feel unsafe, okay?”

You gave a soft pout, cheeks growing warm at the thought of Minghao’s concern over you. It pleased you more than it should’ve. “Thanks. What are you gonna do tonight?”

He shrugged, taking a quick glance over his shoulder. “Maybe do some light reading and tea, paint if inspiration hits me.”

You gave a small grin, thinking just how Minghao those activities sound. “Sounds enlightening. Okay. I’ll be home soon.”

“Be safe.”

Even long after you’d left, you kept thinking about that interaction. How domestic it felt, how safe it made you feel, how seen you really were. It made you wonder if he was tracking you right now, looking at his phone, staring at the dot indicating where you were located. You wondered if he was thinking about you right now, because you were most certainly thinking about him.

Your mission of trying to forget Minghao by going out definitely was not working, but you took that as a sign to keep drinking. Your friends didn’t get to see you often with how much you worked, so they were just happy to see you were having a good time, not knowing you were trying to drown out the consuming thoughts of a certain man with a peculiar color scheme. 

They wouldn’t have known the way you let yourself get felt up by a stranger near the dance floor, standing so close you could smell the knock off cologne he was practically bathing in as his breath hung in the air against your neck. When it went nowhere, he eventually left, looking for prospects elsewhere, while you stuck to your mission, seeing it work at some point at night. Until it didn’t, but you didn’t remember because eventually it’d all fade to black.

Your eyes ripped open, waking up with the biggest headache, blinded by the natural rays of light bleeding through blinds—only your room didn’t have blinds. You specifically made sure to have blackout curtains because you couldn’t stand waking up to the sun, and that hasn’t ever changed. Grumbling irritatingly along the lines about who turned on the lights, you flipped on the other side of the bed with a half awoken daze, your blurry vision making out a lumpy figure underneath the covers.

You drew closer in confusion, trying to make sense of what you were seeing before taking in the fact the lump had a face as blinding as the sun you turned away from, startling you upon recognition. Your eyes shot open, wide awake now, and you nearly stumbled out of the mattress before his arms grabbed you, latching on you before you could fall off and safely secured you in his tucked embrace. 

“It’s a bit early for your charming antics, isn’t it?” Minghao chucked with closed eyes.

You blinked back at him, licking your lips anxiously. “How am I here right now?”

His eyes slowly opened, adjusting to the light. “You mean alive or in bed with me?”

Your cheeks grew hot. “B-both.”

“I wish I had an answer for the first question, but it seems your creator had more plans for you. As for your second concern, you seemed confused and tired, and I assumed you confused this bed for yours.”

“You should’ve kicked me out.”

He shrugged nonchalantly, rubbing his hands over your shoulders and sending a chill down your spine. “I didn’t want to wake you up.”

You let out a soft sigh, ridden with guilt. “I’d deserve it. I must’ve been annoying to deal with.”

He knitted his brows together, the corner of his lips softly turning down. “You really don’t like yourself.”

“No—well, maybe not lately. Maybe I’m just coming to the realization I’m not a good roommate.”

“No one is good at anything their first time.”

“You’re not denying it!”

“You’re a fine roommate.” Patting you on the back, he threw off the covers and pushed himself out of bed, leaving his room to trod toward the kitchen. You followed after curiously, like a duckling that imprinted on its mother, watching as he pulled out ingredients from the fridge’s shelves. “Anything you’re allergic to?” He asked over his shoulder.

“Nothing comes to mind.” You answered hesitantly.

“Good. The recipe is fairly easy anyway, it shouldn’t kill you.”

Your eyes widened and you quickly stood by his side as he set all the items down, he followed with gathering bowls and cookware. “You’re cooking for me?”

“Mmh-hmm.”

“You don’t have to.”

He turned his head slightly. “You have a headache, don’t you?”

“Yes but—”

“It’s just egg drop soup.” He patted your shoulder nodding his head over at the counter stool either of you would often have breakfast. “Sit. It’ll be done in a few minutes.”

You sat patiently by the counter, watching him chop and throw ingredients into a small pot, which filled your shared residence with a savory aroma. As soon as he was done, he presented the dish in front of you, garnishing it with fresh chopped scallions and parsley. He picked up a serving with a soup spoon and gently blew on the top before taking a quick sample and grinning at the result. Scooping with the same spoon, he held a serving towards you with proud eyes.

“Try it,” he urged.

As you accepted the offering, you tried not to think about how you were about to share yet another household item that would enter both your mouths and let the simple flavors fan out on your tongue, the warmth of soup dispersing throughout your body. You hummed in delight, already feeling it work its magic. “It’s delicious,” you said softly.

He grinned. “Feel better.”

“Thanks, Minghao.”

“No problem at all.” 

As you enjoyed your thoughtful breakfast, your roommate cleaned up his mess. He wiped down whatever residue was left behind before heading to his room and coming out properly dressed in brown slacks and muted green patterned sweater when you were just about done eating. “Heading to work now.”

“You had work?” You asked surprised, “Why did you waste time cooking? You could have left already.”

He softly scoffed heading to the door. “I spent—what, five or ten minutes? It’s fine. See you later.”

In the last 24 hours, Minghao managed to make sure you were safe by tracking your location, gave you a good night's rest by not disrupting your sleep, and made you breakfast right before work. Then there’s you, black out drunk with almost no memory of last night (probably good you didn’t), annoying your overly nice and overly hot roommate, hogging a bed that isn’t yours, and eating a home cooked meal that probably set back his schedule. You were the worst. All the more reason for a new addition to the list.

Good roommates don't sleep in their other roommate’s bed piss drunk (again)

It seemed that this list of “don’ts” was getting longer, probably because you’re an awful roommate, and if there was a reward, yours would already be at the front door. You really, really had to make an effort to do something about this arrangement. Now that some time had passed and these interactions were becoming more frequent, avoiding him seemed to be out of question unless you wanted to give him the wrong impression. You would just have to become a better roommate, and that started with making up for this morning.

In the following months together, to atone for the bed incident and good deeds that followed suit, you shared the occasional breakfast if you had time (that is if you didn’t burn anything), even sometimes grabbing dinner or a late meal in the small gap before or after work. While in the late hours, when both of you should’ve been sleeping, you’d have a cup of your favorite beverages. He’d have his brew of tea for the night while you’d have a mug of coffee, awake under the stars and basking in the night, watching from the nook that you both grew fond of that was in the direction of the moon when it’s at its peak.

Of all people to share these moments with, you couldn’t imagine it with anyone else but Minghao. He was the peace amongst the chaos, the quiet you came home to after dealing with the noisy world that helped you heal like nothing else. You liked that about him, and now you were liking him too much, to the point you thought of him every day. What it’d be like for him to hold you in his arms, letting his warmth envelop your entire being the way his voice naturally does with a simple “it’s okay.” 

You’d imagine how he’d look at you, how lovers do when they ache for one another so desperately they could feel it down to every atom. You’d thought of the words he’d say to you, the words he’d say to someone he’s madly, irrevocably besotted with, and every letter and word and sentence would be spoken poetry. He’d feel like love. You didn’t think it was possible for you to grow more attracted to him, but learning all these wonderful things he does and seeing up close and personal how beautiful inside and out he was, you were developing feelings and growing all these desires that you were ashamed to admit out loud.

And with that, you pulled out your list and a pen, jotting in a new item.

Good roommates don’t live in every waking moment staring at them or thinking about wanting to kiss them (no matter how hard it is)

You’ve lost count of how many times you’ve already broken that rule, but the least you could do was hold yourself accountable.

However, writing the rule didn't prevent future instances. Not from fantasizing, not from wet dreams, not from imagining a life together where you rid all your inhibitions and clothes and succumb to drowning in each other. Unlike every other rule that you’ve managed to avoid, this one was the outlier, flipping your world on its head and preoccupying every second of your thoughts with all things Xu Minghao. And what sucked was you were so guilt ridden, you couldn't even let yourself enjoy it. 

This was your roommate for crying out loud. Your wholesome, nice, forgiving, and tolerant roommate that went beyond what was necessary to make you feel at home and comfortable. Only time will tell when he’ll see through you and finally kick you to the curb.

“Let’s go out.”

Your head lifted up from your phone with eyes large as saucers. “What?”

“We haven't really done anything together,” he suggested, cleaning up the dishes of the dinner you both had just had.

It was one of the few nights that you were both free. The coffee shop had more than enough staff, and you’ve exhausted the hours put in, while the art gallery was planning a grand exhibition, so they needed all hands on deck for the mornings for a few weeks, but evenings would be free until the week of. That left you two a lot more free time than you knew what to do with.

“We see each other all the time,” you pointed out.

“At home. We don’t hang outside the apartment aside from that one dinner the first day we met, so let’s go out.”

You blinked, watching him grab his coat before you could argue as he waved you over, his smile luring you closer and putting you under his spell without you realizing until it was too late. “Uh, where? It’s 9PM.”

“Anywhere.”

For someone who had only arrived in town a couple months ago, Minghao knew a lot of the good spots in the city.  If it wasn’t food, it was book stores. If it wasn’t book stores, it was tea shops. He had a clear plan of the city, and without so much looking at a GPS, he could find his way around better than any native. And considering all the people he came with that day you met the coffee shop and all the staff at the Chinese restaurant, his index didn’t stop at places. He seemed more familiar with the people in your hometown than you were. Between you two, he looked like the real local.

Walking alongside your roommate, you turned to him curiously, “How do you know the city so well when you’ve moved in somewhat recently?”

He gave a soft smile looking into the distance, as if the gust of wind that passed through you both hit him with a wave of nostalgia. “I’ve been visiting for about four years. I only had the guts to become a resident recently.”

“Why’d it take you so long?”

“Student visa processes, paper work, all those things. Also, this city is great, and everyone I've met and have become close with is amazing, but home is just home. It’s all I’ve ever known.” He let out a deep sigh, taking in a deep breath before stretching out his arms and let fall back to his sides, turning slightly to you. “This country and town has become a second, though, some things even my home can’t beat.”

You mused at that, intrigued that he could find something appealing in here, then again you've been here all your life, yet Minghao showed you more you could ever imagine of it. “Like what?”

He simply smiled as their feet stopped at their final destination, a location they both aimlessly walked towards just a little off the center of the town. “I’ll tell you, as soon as we try this place out.” 

Just off the center of town was a bar you had never heard of with a theme you’d never thought to put together on your own and definitely a place you’d never think to walk into with your roommate you were trying to keep platonic feelings for.

“Hey sexy babies, welcome to the Love in Leather BDSM Bar, where all your sexy dreams can come true.”

Oh, my god.

You were petrified. Every wall was decorated with leather or latex, either on display in a box, on a vulgarly displayed mannequin, or on an employee that was dressed in next to nothing, leaving no room for imagination. You weren’t shy about the theme of BDSM—there was always a small part of you curious about it—but it’s not like you’ve talked extensively about it with Minghao. The same person you were trying really hard not to think about sleeping with, which was especially hard in a place that served ‘cum shots’ and with their special for tonight being ‘buttery nipples.’

Glancing back at your roommate to get his reaction, he seemed to be just as startled with his findings as you were, but perhaps not as terrified as he should be, taking you by the wrist and weaving through the crowd with a marveled expression. You were grateful for the loud music playing the explicit versions of songs you wouldn’t otherwise hear on the radio, drowning out the sound of your heavy breathing and the loud thrum of your heart. You just had hoped he couldn’t feel your pulse under his fingertips, unable to untangle from his grasp as you felt the heat of his touch spread out through your whole body. You were trapped in a web you didn’t want to leave and that was the hardest kind to be in.

Suddenly, lights poured on the center stage of the bar. The music then slowed down, transitioning to another song, and a scantily leather clad woman entered that would erupt cheers of all clients seated in the chairs in front of her, to which she sent an air kiss and wink. Following the crowd, both you and Minghao decided to cheer along with them, your sounds of encouragement drowned out in the more enthusiastic and obscenely creative audience members of the establishment. Walking across the stage, she made a show of it, caressing her body in ways that would have a man on his knees howling at the moon (which you swore you heard once or twice in there) as money was thrown strewn stage like confetti, enough to pay for a few nice dinners uptown. After garnering the excitement, she descended down the steps of the stage, walking into her live audience. Her eyes skimmed through the endless crowds of people, landing on and picking one lucky front row member—a young, spry man no older than twenty-five—and brought him on stage, ensuing roars and applause, indicating the start of the real show.

What happened next was something you did not want to get into detail, but in layman’s terms, that audience member was having the time of his life with the use of a flog while everyone watched. You could only make the distinction of excruciating pain and pleasurable pain by the very loud affirmations coming out of his mouth and bouncing off the board he face planted on, and the words that passed through one of your ears and never wanted to come out the other. You were slack jawed from the scene, not at all expecting this scene today, and holy shit, you could not feel more suffocated knowing Minghao was witnessing all of this beside you. 

He stared back at the scene, expression unreadable, but he seemed interested and unable to look away like it was an oncoming train wreck, looking as if he was stuck on the tracks and was making sense of what he was seeing. Suddenly, his eyes locked with yours and you watched as they softened with a glint of something behind them before you swiveled your head, feeling yourself burn from your face to your ears, clenching your free hand. This felt eerily like a date, but unlike the first dinner, this felt like a real one. An immense sexually charged one. 

You were surrounded by sex at all angles, being tested to the most extreme degree. Tonight, you’ve learned dominance wasn’t particularly your thing, but if it were Minghao, perhaps you wouldn’t have minded. 

But this, this was overwhelming. As if sensing your turmoil, Minghao tugged your wrist, making you fix your gaze on him again and read the words that he mouthed from his lips. “Time to run.”

Your fingers interlocked and feet picked up speed as you headed toward the door, running aimlessly for miles out of the bar in fits of smiles and laughter. There was no plan and no destination, you both just wanted out, and you’d only stop running when you reached a bridge, both your bodies collapsing against the metal railing. You both gave out in heavy pants, your breaths mingling as you faced one another. 

“That’s crazy,” you managed to rasp. “Why did we think we could go in there?”

He gave you a tired grin back, looking in the direction from which you came. The light layer of perspiration made his shirt cling to his skin, and you get a sliver of his chest as he aired it out for comfort. “I don’t know. Try something new, but that.” He pointed where he faced. “That’s how I know so many places, I just walk inside.”

You ran your hand over your chest, baring the biggest grin. “Gosh. I feel like dying.”

“Iced coffee?” He kindly suggested.

“And tea?” You cared to offer.

Nodding back at each other, you both decided to walk the rest of the way back around, making a stop at a light night cafe and occupying their second floor balcony to taste the crisp air. As you sipped on your iced coffee and Minghao sipped on his warm tea, you quietly basked in the moonlit sky, as you’d done many times before. The adrenaline of tonight coursed through you still while you leaned against the railings and stared up at the stars, your elbows grazing close enough to spark that electricity that you’d feel whenever he ever got too close. This time, you were too tired to fight it, or you learned it’s about time you stopped trying to.

“I don’t drink coffee.” He abruptly confessed, penetrating the silence.

You softly scoffed, turning your head to him, taking his reminder as a jab for your ‘inferior’ tastes before taking a bigger sip of your delicious fresh roast press. “I know that. You prefer tea.”

“I mean, I don’t drink coffee, but the day you ‘saved me,’ I did.”

You hummed. “Oh. Yeah, you did. Funny. You got a coffee that day instead?”

He shook his head, smiling. “No, ask me why I drank coffee that day.” 

You rolled your eyes, placing your drink on the side table before leaning your elbows over the railing. “Okay. Why did you drink coffee, Minghao?”

“I drank my friend’s mug on accident, thinking it was my tea, then tasted how scaldingly hot and wretched it was—”

You gasped, offended as a barista, “I work really hard on those!”

He waved his hand to calm you down. “Let me finish. I mistook my normal tea for coffee…all because I got distracted, unable to stop thinking about the cute barista who wouldn't quit staring at me from behind the counter.”

“...I apologize for being a creep.”

He shook his head smiling and set his tea cup aside. “Not my point.”

You stared into the contents of your drink, shaking the ice inside as you stirred the straw, trying to find any remains of your beverage and stalling for time to follow up with a response. Lips pressed in a firm line, you glanced at him from the corner of your eye, silence met on the other end as he keenly observed you, mirroring your posture while he sipped his tea. “So…You thought I was cute,” you managed to sum up.

“Thought…think…know.”

“Why are you telling me all of this?” You timidly asked.

“We’re roommates,” he reminded you, plain as day. “We should be honest with each other, right?”

“Honest,” you repeated, lethally soft.

“Yes, honest,” he confirmed just as quietly. “Don’t be afraid to tell me whatever is on your mind, just as I’ve told you what was on my mind.”

His honesty was cute, flattering. Your honesty could write up a restraining order. “Is that necessary? We only really live together.”

“It’s necessary because we live together, so yes, be honest about your feelings. Let me in on your thoughts, whatever they may be.”

Good roommates don’t forget to be honest about each other’s feelings.

He stood in front of you dangerously close, the lingering smell of his cologne that reminded you of the ocean wafting into your nose as he drew near. His gaze beckoned you close without so much a word passing through his lips, and you felt his presence close in on the distance as he leaned against the railing. You softly batted your eyes, adjusting to your sense being overtaken by all things Minghao, mind just filled to the brim with Minghao, as if you couldn’t get enough of him.

“You’re really committed to being a good roommate. I respect that,” you stated, harshly gulping. “Honesty. Where can I start?”

“Well, what are you thinking about right now?” He asked, face mere inches away from you, lips so plush you let out a wistful sigh.

“I’m thinking that…it’s really hard to think with your face so close in front of me.”

Despite that, he didn’t move, and instead he pushed a lock of your hair behind your ear, brushing against your helix to feel your flustered warmth bloom between his fingers. “Fair enough. What else?”

You wrapped your hand around the railing, stabling yourself on the floor in hopes of not falling over on your two feet, your breath being stolen in real time by your roommate who was looking more and more inviting by the second.

“And if I knew any better, I’d think you're about to kiss me.”

“Let’s wager that then,” he said as he reeled even closer, his fingertips once in your ears now guiding your chin, letting the surface of your lips feel the ghost of his as your breaths mingled against one another. “You can predict one of two things. One, I kiss you. Or two, I pull away. You get a prize if your answer is correct.”

“How is that a fair wager? You can easily change your response depending on how I answer,” you pointed out, ultimately playing along.

“I won’t,” he reassured in a coaxingly smooth tone. “I’ve made my choice.”

You raised a brow, attempting to look only subtly intrigued when in reality you’ve let him enchant you. “What’s my prize?”

“Loser grants whatever the winner wishes.”

“That’s irresponsible.”

“Knowing you, your request would be far from unreasonable.”

“I’m talking about you.” You narrowed your eyes, swallowing at seeing him come at you so close. “But, okay. I’ll play.”

The corner of his lips lifted mischievously, tilting his head to the side as his eyes narrowed back at you. “So, what’s your answer?” 

Your eyes flickered up to him, rounded up in intrigue as you tried to follow his gaze. “You’ll…pull away. Public displays of affection are cute, but maybe not your cup of tea, at least not grand ones like kissing, unless maybe it’s one the cheek or on the forehead.”

He smiled and gently tilted his head, eyes piercing into yours and taking a sharp breath before pulling away, crossing his arms with a soft pout on his lips. “You’re good.”

You felt the sting of rejection despite your victory, as if you’d hoped you’d be wrong. That he’d take you right there against the railing and give you a fervid kiss that broke you down to your knees and you could even taste in your dreams, but a win was a win. A predicted loss was better than a false victory.

“I guess I won.”

He sighed defeatedly, crossing his arms. “You did. So tell me, what desire would you like for me to fulfill for you?”

You shuddered at his choice of words, clamping your legs together. “Well, what would you have wanted me to do if I got the answer wrong?”

“Is that your wish? For me to answer the question?”

You softly scoffed. “Don’t be so cheap.”

He rolled his eyes before taking a sip of his tea, “Doesn’t matter, you didn’t get it wrong. You get the wish. So go on, tell me your wish.”

“…Fine. Grant me your wish as if you had won.”

“You want me to grant my own wish? That defeats the entire purpose,” he chortled with knitted brows.

“It’s my wish, so come on. What’s your wish?”

“You don’t have to do this.”

“And we didn't have to place bets, but it doesn't seem like there’s any rules against it, so go ahead. Tell me.”

Minghao sucked his teeth before complying. “Fine.” 

He moved toward you, hands settling over your hips and settling you on the floor beneath your feet as he gravitated toward, steadying his gaze on you. His face, inches away from you, and your breath hitched in your throat as he drew his lips near your ear. You heard the subtle squelch of his tongue as they licked his teeth, moments before the wish he dared you to grant poured out from his lush lips. “My wish is for you to…make me tea every morning, afternoon, evening, and every time I ask you to. Like my little tea gremlin.”

“Now that’s just evil, Xu Minghao,” You protested, lightly shoving him off.

He laughed. “No, it’s not! Think of it like pour over coffee.”

“Don’t try romanticizing it like it’s anything like my beautiful beans. Tea is tea. Coffee is coffee.”

“It was your wish to grant my wish.”

“Can I take it back?” You whined.

“It’d be dishonorable.”

You groaned. “Fine.”

He chuckled, “Let’s go home, hmm?”

Heading back home, you were embraced by a warm comfortable silence. There was a kind of silence that sanctioned your amicable living arrangement with Minghao to turn into something warmer, feverish even, something that you can’t even help but notice and your hands would occasionally graze one another on the way back, taking turn exchanging timid glances at you walked your path home.

“That was fun,” You admitted, taking off your shoes at the front door.

“Yeah, I think so. We should do it more often.”

You smiled at each other’s reflections as you stood in front of the bathroom mirror, seeing you take the same tube of toothpaste and started brushing your teeth. You smiled as he purposely bumped into you, raising his eyebrow as you stared pointedly at him in the mirror, not expecting you to retaliate with a light shove. Ensuing a nudging war, you attacked each other’s shoulders, getting caught in fits of giggles before you forced yourselves to split up, knowing nothing would get done if you both let it go on.

“Do you work tomorrow?” You asked through the gaping door of your room as he cleared a glass a water before bedtime, freshly out of a shower and the smell of his clean, light fragrance was beguiling even from a distance.

“Yeah. Do you?”

“Yeah.”

“Mmh.” He stalked over in your direction, a feign innocent smile on his lips. “That's too bad. We only really have nights like these together, it seems at least only for a little while.”

“It is,” You said, lathering up the last bit of lotion up your legs, feeling his eyes on you as they traveled the path of your hands.

The silence engulfed you, as if both of you were waiting for the other to make a sudden move, yet both of you remained still. Like a predator with its prey, unsure who was who, you both stood with uncertainty and palpable tension hanging in the air, waiting for the other to strike when the moment was right. Even the usually confident Minghao stood back as he observed you from a distance, eyes flickering over at you as you strided slowly towards him guarded with crossed arms.

“I guess, I’ll go to sleep now,” You finally said.

His gaze softened, nodding. “Okay,” he smiled, “good night.”

“Good night, Minghao. Sleep well.”

If only you had taken your own words to heart. 

That night, you couldn’t help but stare back at the ceiling, fiddling with the covers as the night’s events replayed in your head like a home movie, your thoughts traveling at a million miles a minute, too fast for you to stop and collect them—let alone process them—and stole your precious slumber. So, as you lay in bed awake at night, squeezing your eyes shut and waiting for the night to take you, waiting for the fatigue and sleep to come, it never arrived. Instead, your eyes ripped open, heart pounding in your chest as you sat up from the mattress and tore the covers off your body. Your legs pushed you off the bed and lifted yourself off, carrying yourself out the room and out the hallway with determined steps until faltering at the threshold of another front door before you softly knocked. 

You turned the knob, the door creaked open and you peeked your head through to see your roommate on the other end in bed, torso visibly bare as he slowly sat up at his late night intrusion. “Hey,” He mumbled, rubbing his eyes. “You’re up.”

“I think it’s the coffee,” you excused, clutching the edge of the door, “I can’t sleep.”

Wordlessly, he nodded, stretching an arm to beckon you towards him, and you slowly inched closer to him until you were completely under the covers. Occupying the space beside him, you nestled into the contours of his body as his arm cushioned the side of your head before facing one another, silence enveloping you. The only sound that bit into the silence was muted traffic, infinitely alive outside the walls of your confines. While it looked peaceful, and you felt as though you could melt into his arms, neither of you looked as if you were trying to sleep.

Rather, you stared at one another, making sleep even harder to attain as you traced every feature and took them in as if they were brushstrokes on a painting. Minghao may have worked with art every day, but he was a work of art in his own right, and you couldn’t help favor him above all others. You didn’t need a Van Gogh or Picasso, you had an original, a one of a kind Minghao.

And that’s when you saw his eyes begin to drift, lowering to the bottom half of your face, lips parting in intrigue as his breath fanned lightly against your cheeks. Your face flush in response, pushing your bottom lip between your teeth before they were caught, finding yourself doing the same with him and watching his mouth move in anticipation. You felt your pulse in your throat as much as you felt it between your legs, feeling arousal pooling and soaking your shorts.

“Do you want to wager another bet?” Minghao softly offered.

“What kind?” You breathed.

“The same bet, same prize. Do you think I’ll kiss you, or will I pull away?”

You mused at him, fingers extending toward him reluctantly, aiming for a lock of his hair laying stray on his forehead before smoothing it over his head, softly stroking him, feeling him lean into your touch. “Hmm, this time you’ll…kiss me,” you whispered with absolute certainty. “The tension is practically eating you alive.”

A grin stretched wide across his cheeks as a hand softly clasped over your face, thumb swiping across your cheek. “Right again.”

He closed the gap, slotting his lips between yours and languidly moving against you, letting you chase after his pace. You sighed against him, feeling his hand on your hip as he pulled your torso against his, the other rested against the nape of your neck as he reveled in your heat. Hands flying in his hair, you softly moaned as he kneaded your skin, feeling him trace the inside of your mouth with his tongue before he roughly pulled your weight from the mattress to topple you over him, letting your legs card between his.

“Minghao,” you quietly sounded against his lips, crushing your hips against his groin and hearing his sweet moan in response.

His muscles tensed as you pressed against him, while his legs clung to your thighs. His hands ran over the shape of your figure, unearthing an ungodly moan from your lips as he slipped beneath your shorts, etching over the curve of your ass and claiming your raw flesh in his hands, pushing you against him assertively.

You whimpered, grinding against him. “I know my wish.”

“Anything,” He tenderly mumbled.

“Call off work tomorrow.”

He smiled against your lips, bringing one of his knees to pin your bodies closer together. “Means you should too.”

“Oh, definitely,” You confirmed before reconnecting your mouths in a frenzied liplock.

Feeling the grind of your hips as his pelvis crushed against yours, his grunts slipped through every caress as his hand moved up your back. Soon, you started feeling something you had yet to see from Minghao in all your time living with him, the part of him you managed to evade but have envisioned a multitude of times, growing in his sweatpants and rubbing against your thigh the closer your bodies were.

“I have never wanted someone so bad,” He whispered in a soft ache. 

His hands crept underneath your shirt, brushing against your skin, pressing against the small of your back. Pressing his torso towards you, his erection adhered to your thigh, the tension coiling in your stomach burned like wildfire, at an unstoppable rage. “Minghao,” you mewled, impatience singeing on your tongue.

“Somehow, I can still taste coffee on your breath, but I don't really mind it. It tastes really good on you,” He admitted before kissing you deeper, his moans buzzing against your mouth, hungry and alive as his hands dug into your flesh with utter greed.

“You taste really good too.” Your hand body scoured south, cupping his size under your palm and tasting his gasp as you sucked him between your lips. “I wonder what else tastes good.”

“You are something else,” he mumbled, through quiet chuckles. “Just like you to act on impulse.”

You let out a light scoff. “You are so—”

“Don’t start things you can’t finish,” he softly warned with a smirk.

“I’m not the one you have to worry about finishing.”

You moved down, the covers draped over your head as you kept your eyes on him and resting on the hem of his sweats. Minghao’s breath hitched in his throat, gulping while he felt your nails lightly claw against his bare torso, tugging the waistband off the tent he forged, revealing the lack of underwear and restraint he had left, now sprung against your face.

“Shit,” you said grinning, claiming him by the shaft, thumbing over the precum glistening at the tip. “Even your cock looks pretty.”

A soft pink decorated his cheeks and a hand meekly shielded part of his face. “You staring is how I got myself hurt in the first place.”

“Then I’ll be careful not to hurt you this time—that is, unless you want me to.”

You spat on his cock, a translucent ribbon stretching from your tongue to his length. Your saliva lubing your knuckles, you squeezed his girth in your grip as you stroked and felt him pulse in your hands, growing bigger the tighter you clenched. Minghao’s arms propped himself up and behind him as his chest heaved, blood pumping with every drag of your fingers, shallow breaths slipping out of him as he fisted the sheets beneath him.

You kissed the curve of the head, lips pursed to wrap lightly around him, suckling down his shaft, and feeling him twitch against your mouth when you chuckled. He softly whined, his hand extended toward you to tenderly caress the side of your head and tacitly pleading with you as you teased him. Showing him mercy, you took him with an eager mouth, closing your lips around his cock as you steadied your gaze on him. Moans vibrating around his girth, your tongue tucked on the underside of his shaft, hands wrapped tightly around his base.

“Mmmh like that.” He swallowed, exhaling through his teeth the deeper you took him. His abdomen flexing overtly as you moaned around him, vibrated against his skin, your pink muscle tracing over his veins as you worked your jaw to hug a tighter grip. “God, you’re perfect. Don’t stop, please…” he panted.

He palmed at your hair headily, his motor skills not properly functioning as he sucked in his breath, feeling his presence explore deeper. He leveraged his hips to regain some ounce of control, but the sounds of moisture and squelching burned his ears, and the heart in his chest was running like a marathon. His eyes, fluttering in and out of focus, trained his gaze on you while his stomach tensed, grasping the vision of you getting wide-eyed and bold as you gingerly ate him alive. Burning the image into his retinas, it made him want to explode inside you.

Threading through your hair, he pulled them up and off your shoulders, showing off your pretty features, doing everything in his power not to give his climax an early appearance. “I’ve never seen such a pretty mouth take my cock so well. Then again, I’ve never had a pretty roommate like you, or anyone like you.”

Flustered from the flattery, you sucked him like your life depended on it as you grew hot, making Minghao’s task to regain control strenuous to achieve. You hollowed out your cheeks, leaving no room to breathe, and felt him in your throat as your vision rolled to behind your skull to the point your language deduced to the sounds of gagging. You gripped his hips, nails plunged into his flesh as your drool dribbled down his groin, slobbering over his cock in an erratic, hungry mess.

“Yes, like that. My god,” He praised through ragged breaths, hips jerking gently up into you. He lightly threw his head back, the urge to ram himself down your throat getting exceedingly more tempting, but he suppressed it as he dug his nails into his own palms. “I’m so close to cumming, can I–in your mouth or should I…?”

You hummed a confirmation before you swallowed him whole until you met the base, meeting his groin as he vanished inside you, breathing oxygen not even an afterthought. Images in front of you dulled in color, pictures shapeless and unclear, and you pushed past your boundaries to let him find home in your mouth, deeply intent with him finishing inside you one way or the other.

“F…f…fuck...”

Pleasure rippling through him, Minghao pushed himself up from his position, thrusting weakly as he cradled your head, pouring his thick, ivory load into your mouth, which was insistent on receiving every drop. He filled your cheeks, allowing warmth to coat the inside of your mouth as he tenderly stroked your hair in gratitude. Cupping your cheeks as he let his hips falter, he gently pulled himself out of your mouth, amused at how carefully you were trying to not let any of his cum seep past your lips as you sat between his legs.

His fingers danced under your chin. “Are you gonna swallow?” Minghao tiredly chuckled.

With smiling eyes, you tilted your head, as if asking if you should.

He pushed your hair behind you, softly pressing his lips against your tightly shut lips. “Don’t if you don’t want to.”

An idea occurred to you then, and in an instant you pushed yourself up to board him as your knees took either side of him, looming over him. His hands naturally found your waist as you lifted his chin, eyes staring at you curiously as his hands ran up body and gently clawed down, awaiting your next move. You then thumbed over his bottom lip before dipping between the slit of his mouth and saw it naturally part, taking the digit and settling it between his teeth.

Now confidently, you lowered your head, swirling the contents in your mouth before pushing your thumb deeper, prying the entrance wider, and finding no protest as he sanctioned it. He dug the pads of his digits into your flesh in anticipation. His eyes fluttering, he watched as your mouth withdrew the generous gift he gave to you before you gave it right back to him as it gracefully streamed down on his pulsing, eager tongue. And nothing satisfied you more than hearing him sigh wistfully as it landed.

It sent you shivers how beautiful he looked despite how vulgar the act was. Only Xu Minghao could make tasting his own cum look so ethereal, and it only made you wonder what other things a face this beautiful was willing to do. You swiped whatever fell from the corner of his lips with your thumb, sucking the residue like leftovers before you connected your mouths, sharing and tasting his lewd tang in violent swirls, and pulling away to watch it stretch between your tongues.

“I guess toothbrushes aren’t the only things you like to share,” Minghao teased before pushing you on your back, grinding his resurrecting arousal against your clothed heat and lathering the thick, viscous substance flat between your tongues in your mouths as it dribbled down your chins until there was nothing but slobber. It was a mess, and the most unmannerly you’ve ever seen him, and you’ve never been more turned on.

“My turn.”

With a rough hand, he tugged you by your legs towards him, hearing you let out a yelp, and shoved down your shorts to expose your glistening, mouth-watering, arousal soaked entrance. Be still his heart. He felt himself throb seeing you ruin his bed, but hell if he wasn't going to be sucking those juices out of the sheets until he’d tasted every drop.

He kicked off his sweats, leaving him entirely vulnerable while you witnessed his cock slowly twitch back to life before he laid on his stomach between your arched legs. “If we want to talk about pretty things, your pussy is high up on that list.”

Not waiting for a response, he licked a thick stripe up your inner thigh, flickering over your folds before sucking them in his mouth, using the tip of his tongue to tease your entrance. He felt the flutter of your core before spitting, lathering at the juices, coating at entrance but not peeking to see what was inside. “You’re already so wet, fuck.” 

“Hao…” You whined.

“Mmmh, I love how you sound,” he chuckled, running long strokes up your slit, wedged through you with every swipe, looking arm around your leg to hold you in place as his thumb brushed over your clit. “Are your moans always this delicious? Or are they reserved for when you’re thinking about me?” 

Shaking your head, you were too turned on to answer verbally, while his mouth closed around your clit and sucked, utilizing his fingers to assume their previous position. You clenched your stomach, fisting into the sheets as you spread your legs, feeling them already clam up from the tension as his tongue flicked against your sensitive bud in unison with his fingers twisted up into, and you couldn’t help but writhe underneath him.

“Yes, spread those pretty legs for me,” he encouraged with a haughty smile before burying his face, his moans vibrating up your walls as his tongue massaged your walls and tasted your cock pulsing nectar, sending chills up your spine.

You mewled, and feeling reserved, you held your hands up to your face to shield the tears collecting at your eyes threatening to fall, but Minghao grabbed you by the wrists, roughly pinning them to the bed.

His eyes narrowed back at you before softening almost menacingly, “Don’t cover your pretty face, watch me.”

“But—”

“I want you to watch me fuck your pretty pussy with my mouth. Don’t make me say it twice.” He warned before he got you a quiet nod, earning you a kiss against your inner thigh.

His hand flattened against your inner thighs again, pressing them further away from another and delving his tongue deeper as he rubbed your clit, working your insides until he tasted every inch of you possible. He buried his face, but his eyes were clear, staring at you as he worked his jaw, engorging with his mouth that sent you above and beyond and his eyes that saw you at the result of your undoing. You had no choice but to cling on, freeing yourself from his grasp to have your fingers fly in his hair, navigating him as you took him for a joy ride, his tongue shifting gears as it picked up pace.

“S-shit!” You rolled your hips, threading your fingers through his locks and clamping his head between your thighs as you pushed him deeper.

“Yes, ride my face—fuck, use me, please,” he pleaded in a cracked voice, pouring his heart into his feast until he was practically suffocating, worth it to worship you and bring you to the highest peak of your pleasure.

Your legs trembled as his moans infiltrated your heat, the intense flicks of his tongue titillating you to the brink of ecstasy until he used it to fuck you in time with his fingers thrusting inside, clutching you as you held him in place and grinding against him. “My god, Hao!”

Hips shaking, you bucked into his mouth, and even after your release, he made no effort to stop, lifting you to his mouth as he got on his knees, eating you like a meal he’d never have again until he worked his tongue raw, tasting you and only you as your cum coated his mouth. You squirmed, the suction of his lips on your sensitive core in tandem with his tongue viciously swirling inside you overwhelming you beyond words, unable to kick him off as he held both your knees above his head.

“You’re gonna kill me, Hao,” you cried desperately. “Just put it in me.”

He chuckled before setting you down, meeting your lips halfway as he stroked his fully erect cock, massaging the evening’s concoction against your tastebuds, mingling the contrasting flavors as they battled in your mouth while the knowledge of it all pebbled your skin. Meanwhile, he ran his hands over you beneath your shirt, found your nipples, rolling them against his thumbs as his cock rubbed between your folds, ebbing your moans as they buzzed against his lips. “What if I want to play with you first?” He taunted.

You whined, brushing your lips repeatedly over his. “I want you inside me.”

“You’re cute even when you’re needy,” he gushed.

You clasped your hands over his soft, warm cheeks. “Minghao, please…”

He playfully rolled his eyes, kissing into your palm then down your wrist before his teeth playfully started nibbling at your skin. “Fine, because you asked so nicely. Just to let you know, though, I don’t have a condom on me right now, but I’m clean.”

“Then, we don’t need one.”

He grinned, stroking the back of your head. “I had a feeling you’d say that.”

Rubbing his tip down your slit, he savored your whimpers as he drew circles against your clit before sliding his length through your folds and stretching your walls, letting you slowly adjust to his presence. Your jaw slightly dropped as you took a sharp inhale, fingers digging into his shoulders and clinging on to him before you felt him sink deeper inside you, pacing his thrusts in a steady rhythm. Your eyes flit to meet his, feeling the back and forth of his hips as they snapped, while you reveled in each collision.

“Yes please…”

Before losing himself in his pleasure, he was determined to remember how you looked getting lost in yours, taking in your features as they distorted under his care. He first found your eyes–lost in a galaxy with an infinite amount of stars out of the way. Then, his eyes started to follow the slope of your cheeks, flushed to the touch against the back of his hand, saliva leaking out of your swollen lips. And your body with the shirt adhered to you by the sweat on your skin, clinging to your form and proving to him time and time again that you were not only the object of his desires, you were something straight out of his dreams.

“You look, taste, and feel good? Where have you been all my life? Really?” He landed a harsh thrust, pressing down on your nipples and smiling manically at how you whimpered in response, clutching you as you shuddered against him. “You like that?”

You nodded, clawing your hand up his back.

“Mmh, me too,” he drew his lips to your ear. “And I like you. A lot. I wouldn’t let someone go on and use my toothbrush for months if I didn’t.” He slowed down his thrusts, cupping your face to meet your eyes. “You like me too, right?”

Feeling your ears burn, you frantically nodded again, mewling after you felt him nip at them, teeth scraping under your earlobe before an open mouth pressed against the side of your neck. The warmth of his breath sweltering against you as you struggled to carry on with the conversation Minghao was determined to have.

“Yeah, you want me to take you on a real date?” He said into the nape of your neck, moaning into your skin as he dragged his hips, rutting into you like an animal.  He barely made out your soft ‘yes’s in your sharp gasps. He gritted his teeth, taking you by the hips, pushing himself flushed against you. “Fuck, you’re so cute,” he groaned.

His hips took flight while he separated your mouth in a loud moan, feeling you becoming malleable under his touch and growing weaker as you recoiled against him. He lifted your shirt above your chest and neared your stiff peaks, rolling your bud against the base of his tongue as he pinched the other, moving out of pure instinct. You threw your head back, going mad with sexual gratification. Your body spasmed out of your control, yet you craved more.

“Harder,” You gasped.

He scoffed under his breath in disbelief. “You want even more?”

“Yes…I want you to cum inside me. I want to feel everything that’s yours, Minghao.”

Knees buckling at your titillating request, he gripped your ass in both palms, clutching you against him as he rammed himself up inside you, and you’re forced to hold on. “I’ll do you one better,” he offered, “why don’t I just make you mine?”

“I…Oh, god…” Your brain was becoming mush, only processing the sound, taste, smell, sensation of Minghao’s cock as he plunged himself inside you. It fogged up your thoughts, clouded your judgement, and only formed incoherent gibberish that took place of real vocabulary as they passed through your swollen lips.

“Be mine, hmm?” He asked, pleading. “That way I can be yours.”

Captivated by his words, you nodded, feeling him suck the life out of you as your body felt close to giving out, the hilt of his cock bottoming out inside you. You anchored your legs around him, following his pace before you felt something within reach, just seconds away from ripping a scream out of your throat that would surely ensue a noise complaint from one of your neighbors.

“Hao, I’m going to cum, I’m really close,” you meekly warned.

His hand settled against your thigh, nodding. “I can feel it. You’re shaking so hard. Let me have it, I’ll catch you. Every last bit of you.”

Ecstasy was just a word, but Minghao was everything, and you could breathe in that everything. 

Your bodies crushed against each other, lost in heat as you became one. Breaths blended, bodies embraced, only faltering after you long finished the initial orgasms, coming back for more. You embraced  the sheer carnivorous lust that quelled this several month long push and pull, adhering you by the sweat misted on each other's skin before your mouths tenderly met repeatedly.

Sleep felt futile, while the night felt everlasting. Minghao’s company was more than you could ever ask for, and by the time you did sleep, you were too tired to move. You collapsed against each other, bodies drowning in each other’s releases, sheets and pillows stained by the arousal from the evening’s lack of inhibitions. Minghao should’ve been just as tired, but instead he tended to your tired body, leaving kisses in its wake as he cleaned you off and slept alongside you in your clean bed, letting him worry about laundry in the morning.

With your eyes closed, mind in another world, Minghao was brushing the hair away from your face, softly smiling as you gently stirred and nestled closer to him. In response, he pressed a sweet kiss to your temple, warmth blooming in his chest as a grin developed on your face.

“I’ll take you on a proper date. I promise,” he said while you slept. “And If I don’t, pull the bad roommate card on me. You can punish me however you like.”

“…ok, I will.”

[cherrycheolkat]

• random slutty thoughts, feat. mingyu •

the valentine’s day / co-worker crush one

mingyu has sat in the cubicle next to yours long enough to know exactly how shitty your ex made valentine’s day last year, plus he knows you definitely haven’t even thought about a valentine’s date since you just accepted a stack of last minute work, because to quote you, “fuck this pretend holiday”

but he really hopes to change your mind

mingyu’s had a crush on you since you started working in his group, maybe before that even when he would just see you in the break room sometimes

at first he thought you were a bit unapproachable, but the longer he sat next to you, the more he realized you were a really good co-worker and friend - you always have great ideas for projects and you don’t make him feel like shit for not knowing every single thing like most people in the group, plus you’re always happy to grab coffee when he wants to complain about how something personal

he was glad when you had offered to exchange phone numbers so he could message you “just whenever” - it took him a week to finally decide what to send - a photo proving that he really uses the name ‘james’ as his ‘coffee order name’ because he was tired of the misspellings and you would not believe him - you had practically cackled at ‘james’

he was surprised when you asked if he had a date that night, “no, i haven’t really been talking to anyone” besides you, he thought

“at least you won’t be stuck here all night, though,” you smiled, leaning towards your computer to read something

he nodded, “yeah, true,” even as he spoke, he started to poke around seeing if there were any assignments he needed to complete (he knew there weren’t)

“wait, actually, sorry - there’s this part i kind of need help with,” you mumbled from your slouched over position

he blushed and scooched his chair over to your side of the barrier, you had already moved so he could see your screen - he was glad that you seemed to always have problems with excel functions

he started tinkering with the spreadsheet while you read some documents next to him - before he realized it, he was ready for dinner

he leaned back, “want to take a break?” it was a totally normal question

you nodded, “yes, please, I’m so tired of looking at this,” you whispered and then stood up to look around the office, “wow, it’s like a horror movie in here - absolutely everyone is gone but us”

he smiled knowing you mean zombie movies, which you proclaim to hate but still seem to know a lot about

“so what were you thinking?” you asked as you sit back down next to him - he notices when your knee bumps his leg

“hm, how bad do you think the waits are across the street?”

“oh fuck, i forgot, couples out in droves, right?”

he nods, watching you scrunch your face as you start checking for reservations close by - it takes a few minutes but you’re suddenly grabbing his sleeve, “oh my god, if we leave right now, we can just make it to a decent place,” you practically drag him along

the ‘decent’ place is actually really nice, way more than he was expecting, but he was glad for once that he was in dress clothes - he actually looked like he was your date

they seated you in one of the open booths, another couple were right next to you - he had started to look at the menu when you nudged him with your foot, he glanced up to see you covertly glance at the other couple - mingyu almost laughed when he saw the girl’s foot was practically buried in the guy’s crotch and moving at a concerning pace

he blushed slightly at the scene and glanced back to you, seeing the dangerous smirk on your face, he suddenly felt the toe of your shoe press gently to his calf - he was quick to slip a warning hand onto your thigh, squeezing gently

“i think we can do better darling,” he whispered

you looked too game, “oh, can we, sweetheart?”

he wasn’t sure what to make of your sugary voice, but he knew you were horribly competitive (both of you, if he were honest, could be a bit scary at company retreats)

he didn’t hesitate to nod, “of course we can,” he answered in a low tone, his thumb tracing circles against your thigh

when the waiter came back, you both ordered drinks, but he noticed quickly when the other couple conspicuously got up at the same time and wandered towards the bathroom

he sipped his wine, “did they really just go to the bathroom?”

you giggle, “they definitely did”

he swirled his glass gently, “okay, so if we go into the men’s room after them, do we just need to be louder?” he was genuinely asking

you laughed behind your hand, “seriously?” you grinned, “it’s not like we get a peleton this time,” you shoot back, voice soft in a way that makes his stomach flutter

“yeah, but,” he wasn’t sure where he was going with this, “they were annoying, why not be, you know,” he shrugged

“be more annoying, my darling, dearest,” you smiled and covered his hand with yours

he flushed but had a sudden thought, “look if we freak them out, i will literally pay for a full weekend at that glamping place you keep ogling,” he was very serious

“oh, okay, no wait, it has to be the one with the hot tub that overlooks the trees,” you were getting serious

he nodded, “i’ll give you my card, book whatever you want,” he was too sincere

he noticed the slight blush blooming across your cheeks, “you know it’s like a couples thing, right?”

“so, you can book for two and go alone, whatever,” in his mind this was completely reasonable to offer a co-worker who he clearly had just a crush on, especially when he hadn’t confessed

he watched you bite your lip lightly, “okay, but shouldn’t we both go? it’s like a group activity,” he flushed, knowing you’re looking at him much too clearly

“just come on or we’ll miss our chance,” he stood, glancing around and walking towards the bathroom

he pushed the door open and was immediately assaulted with sounds, really wet sounds

he caught you as you walked through the door, knowing you would laugh at the sounds, he pressed his hand across your lips and guided you to the stall next to the occupied one, locking the door

you glance at the stall wall, rolling your eyes at the sudden feminine cry of “oh, baby - yeah, just like that”

you lean close to him, “make it good, okay,” you whisper, your hands suddenly ghosting down his chest and stomach

he’s shocked when you ran your hands down the front of his trousers, “fuck, daddy, show me how hard you are,” you say in a breathy voice as your hands press roughly to his hips

he bit his lip hard to avoid laughing in total shock, “that what you want baby girl, my hard cock filling that tight pussy?” he asked, his voice lower than he expected, even though he was leaning down close, whispering against your throat, obviously in character

“mhmm, yes, i want you so badly - i’ve thought about it all day, daddy - i’ve just been sitting, waiting for you, all wet and ready for your cock”

he paused hearing this, his mouth immediately dry, he could feel your hand working him through his pants

he kissed your throat gently, “daddy’s good little girl, just waiting at her desk, hoping to get fucked,” he nipped your earlobe gently, “my naughty little girl,” he whispered as he bit your throat

he was momentarily stunned when you pulled your shirt down enough to expose your tits and your perfect nipples, but he didn’t even think before he dipped down, latching onto one and then the other, hearing your moans, as he licked and sucked “yes, daddy” - “yeah, just like that” - “fuck, i bet you could empty me”

he leaned up, catching your mouth in a soft kiss, he licked into you, tasting you as he pushed up your skirt, his cock was way too hard at the idea of your full tits

he slid his fingers under the hem of your panties, immediately feeling the slick waiting for him, “oh, baby, so wet for me,” he barely broke the kiss to murmur

he watched your face as he plunged his first two fingers inside your hot, wet pussy - you gasped softly, pulling his hair roughly as you did, “yes, daddy, play with me, you’ve kept me waiting so long,” you whimper as he crooked his fingers to hit the soft spongy spot he knew your ex had never been able to find

he had completely forgotten the other couple - all he cared about was the way you were writhing in pleasure in front of him - that and the way your cunt was clenching around him, it was so fucking tight and already dripping

he pressed close, “come for me baby girl, i can feel you holding back, just let go, make a mess for daddy to clean up,” he whispered

you pressed close, “give me one more finger first,” you breathed heavily against his skin

he was happy to slip his third finger in, stretching you and then scissoring you open too, pressing against your tight walls

you moaned loudly, “oh, fuck, yes - daddy, don’t stop, make me feel good”

he wasn’t worried about how loud you were - it was part of the point, but when your pussy suddenly gushed, “fuck,” he breathed, feeling your juices wet his thigh

he held you close as he he still worked his fingers inside your pussy, you yelped as a second orgasm tore through you, a new splash of hot pussy juices running down his thigh as you shivered with pleasure in his arms, grasping blindly for him, needing him to hold you as your orgasm worked through you

“mhmm, daddy, oh, fuck, did i do good?”

he was quick, “yeah, baby, you’re so perfect, so messy and wet for me,” he pressed soft kisses to your cheek, nuzzling close to you

it was obvious that you were more fucked out than either of you expected - he definitely didn’t hear anything from the couple in the other stall, but he wasn’t especially concerned either

he suddenly turned you around, pulling your back to his chest, as he unbuckled his belt and unbuttoned his pants, “still want daddy’s cock, baby girl?”

you nod, “yes, please, use me like a toy, make me yours”

he breathed slowly, lining his cock up with your cunt, he needed to control himself or he would come too fast

he plunged in, pausing to breathe, to feel your slick cunt stretching so wide to take all of him - he listened to your whimpers and soft pleas as you adjusted to being full

but he waited to move - and when he did, he was slow at first, feeling every bit of you squeezing him, wanting him

and when you leaned back, “fuck me daddy, fuck me like you want”

the way you gazed up at him told him everything - that you knew - you already knew exactly how he felt

and so he plunged in, setting a quick pace, not being afraid to snap his hips - he wanted to fuck you raw

and when he felt you clenching and fluttering around him, he pulled you close, holding you tight, and reaching down to work your clit, he gasped at the feeling of your third orgasm, the feeling of your slick against the head of his cock was too much

he came, he clenched his teeth together tightly, moaning low against your skin, his cum filling you, he kept moving, slowly fucking his cum deeper into you

“keep it inside baby,” he demanded, breathless, finally letting you go

you nod with a little smile, “what do i get if i do?”

he laughed softly, shaking his head, and fixed his pants

he helped you fix your clothes, glancing to see how massive your pupils were

he stopped and nuzzled close, feeling nothing but tenderness for you, “want to leave?”

you nodded, holding tight to his lapels, “can we still fuck though?”

he smiled, “mmmh, of course we can baby - we can fuck all you want,” he kissed you softly - he meant every word

⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ⋅˚₊‧ ୨

a/n: happy v day - if you’re not getting fucked tonight, just think of mingyu ^^ we all know he would do it right …every time

♡ kat

tags: @syluslittlecrows

if you want to be tagged, go [here] my [master list] if you want to read more

[chrollohearttags]

nobody knows • portgas d. ace

another drabble for sneaky link/ex boyfriend ace bc I have one functioning brain cell and all of it is focused on him atm teehee 🤭

wc: 1.8K

more infidelity (y’all both still AIN’T SHIT 😭 reader got that dog in her I’m sorry), straight porn, modern au, black fem reader, phone sex/sexting, squirting, oral sex, calls reader bitch, a eating + anal, recording, backshots, rough sex, heavy breeding, idk what else will come out

he’s so ooc in this and I don’t give a fuck (I’m ovulating and stressed w life + therapy is too expensive)

═✿══╡°˖✧✿✧˖°╞══✿═══✿══╡°˖✧✿✧˖°╞══✿══

nobody knows why you and ex-boyfriend!ace broke up in the first place. Honestly, it seemed like such a waste…three long years down the drain with nothing to show for it but the two of you left in shambles. Friends and family consoling you both as you learned to navigate life without one another. (Y/N), moving on fairly quickly with the son of one of your dad’s friends..a byproduct of military nepotism and the very antithesis to what Ace was. A stiff working a cushy desk job and reaping the benefits..pushing papers and always playing it safe. He was very kind, sweet and damn near ideal in every sense of the word. Not too much of a drinker, a partygoer or anything of the sort but he always took you on dates. All of your girlfriends liked him well enough, thinking that he more matched your speed than the thrill seeking, goofy, chaotic daredevil that was ex-boyfriend!ace. Who rode motorcycles and climbed mountains in his spare time, when he wasn’t holding life by the tips of his fingers as an EMT. Covered in tattoos, he looked like such a quintessential, stereotypical ‘bad boy’… “God, (y/n). I don’t know what you ever saw in that guy. He’s a loser, through and through.”

However, what nobody knows..is that you never truly left him alone! He was your ideal match and you couldn’t shake it. You could actually laugh, joke and make mistakes with him. There was no need for faux perfection and lies. You saw each other for who you really were.

Nobody knows that while you’re at work, he’s constantly sending you filthy messages to get you aroused and worked up. Making you chew your lip and the tip of your pen as you twirl in your chair..reading how he’s going to make sure you feel it in your stomach the next time you two link. Nobody knows he shamelessly sends you nut videos, uttering your name with the sexiest moans. Nobody knows that when you tell your assistant that the hour where you refuse any meetings is designated for you to choke on ex-boyfriend!ace’s cock in your cute little business attire..loving the way those glasses hang off the tip of your nose as he pushes your forehead to his pelvis.

“Goddamn, babe..I knew I couldn’t quit you..you’re eating my dick up so good.”

“It’d taste even better if you let me come on it first.”

loving that you were willing to abandon all of your morals for him so easily. Nobody knows about the second phone you keep stashed away in your glovebox just to call him late at night when your new man is sleeping or working overnight and you want some company..

“Can you please come over? I miss you..he won’t be back tonight. I promise.”

“Of course, baby. Anything for you..I’ll always come running when you tell me.”

or in need of a good orgasm because that dummy couldn’t give you one if you handed him a roadmap to the clit! With ex-boyfriend!ace on the other line talking you through it with that deep voice and lewd commands.

“Oh my gosh, pretty girl. Did you call me just so you could touch yourself to the sound of my voice? You’re so cute..” making you FaceTime him because he wants to see the mess he helped create.

nobody knows that whilst you're out at dinner with your new man, alongside loved ones as he boasts about how he knows you’re the one and how you guys make such a lovely couple, (y/n) is daydreaming about ex-boyfriend!ace riding you on the back of his Suzuki through the city, knowing the rush gets you turned on. That rather than dealing with an insecure little boy who felt intimidated by your looks and success, ex-boyfriend!ace would go drinking and partying with you, loving when you showed off your body because he wasn't worried about another man taking what was his. Nobody knows that you have a small tattoo of ex-boyfriend!ace’s name right above your private area. Hell, it's not as if your new man touched you enough to notice and when he did, the lights remained off.

When your girlfriends are divulging the dirt about their relationships and how envious they are of you. Claiming that you hit the jackpot with such a structured, well mannered guy who works a high paying job and always comes home to you. But what nobody knows…is that he could never replace the man you truly love. So much so, when you kiss him on the cheek that Friday evening before heading to the ‘airport’ for another business trip..you’re secretly meeting ex-boyfriend!ace in the top floor suite at a luxury hotel hours away from home where you two go every month to fuck each other's brains out for three days straight. Akin to addicts who can’t be satisfied, you rabidly devour one another until your bodies quit.

“I’ve waited all week for this…I’m so not sorry for how I’m about to fuck you.” ”I wouldn’t expect anything less.” Wrapping his hands around your throat, shoving his tongue into your mouth as he corners you against a wall. Nobody knows that ex!boyfriend!ace has you face down on a mattress with your ass up in the air as his tongue explores both of your entrances. Practically seating you on his face to suction around that clit, flicking his tongue in and out of your tight cunt before prodding your asshole, leaving a sloppy trail of saliva on each of them. Because you wore that adorable little heart shaped plug to help prep you for the weekend.

“You taste so fucking good…especially when I know you’ll let me have it anytime I want.”

nobody knows that you’re somewhere gripping the sheets for dear life as ex-boyfriend!ace delivers the most insane backshots you’ve ever felt. Those perfectly round, thick cheeks ricocheting off of his lower half..the contrast in your skin and that pearlescent scream surrounding his shaft making the sight even better…ripping orgasms from your body with no shame because he deserves it. After all, you belong to him.

“That’s right..come on this dick, bitch. Give me what I want..” he still loves and respects you all the same. But ace knows you prefer rough, degrading sex far more than the mundane and vanilla. Especially when it was in short supply with your current situation. Even going as far as to place a foot on your head, tugging your arms behind your back so that he can really bury his cock inside of you.

“Yes! Keep fucking meeee, just like that, daddy. ‘S so good!”

“You love when I dig you out like this, treating you like a little slut..’swear this pussy’s going to get me in some serious trouble one day. But I don’t care, I love you.”

rambling on as he feels you twitching around him for the third time, leaving splatters of warm juices each time; squirting immensely from the constant stimulation to your spot.

“Damn, you’re coming so hard, pretty girl. Is he not fucking you right?” Laughing before he could even get the very rhetorical question from his mouth. Leaning down to place a trail of pecks and licks on your spine to console you before placing you into a prone position. ”Of course not..nobody knows this body better than me. Isn’t that right, gorgeous?” All but confirmed by the way you’re tightening around him..he can’t help but to grip your throat and steal sloppy kisses from you whilst he drills you into the mattress. “Nooo, babyyy. You’re the only one who can fuck me this good..oh my Goddd—“ placing his camera in your face so that he could have it for safekeeping..(and in case he gets wind of your man running his mouth about him again!) Making you call his name and scream it to the heavens. “Aceeee, fuck meeee..”

Nobody knows that you’ve been fucking for damn near an hour while your phone buzzes with missed calls and texts from your boyfriend and whatever little girl he’s deciding to entertain for the moment. As heinous as it was, you were just filling the void and you’d always find your way back to each other. Perhaps it was the thrill of sneaking around that kept this charade going. Either way, you weren’t giving each other for a long time and it’s so obvious why..no one else will do the freaky shit that you both crave so much.

“Oh my gosh, I can’t believe you’re letting me fuck your ass again..feels amazing.” glaring up at him with the most adoring gaze in your eyes and smile on your face as you proudly hold a vibrator to your clit..allowing him to stretch that opposite opening. Practically coming on spot when you began to show your gratitude for this pleasure…

“Thank you, daddy..using all my holes like this. I love it so much.” That much apparent by the tears pouring down your face alongside that toothy grin. Only he could give it to you so good, you begin to cry!

“Oh shit..of course, gorgeous girl. I’d do anything for you..anything to see my baby smile.” Including pinning you down by your throat and letting trails of saliva drip into your mouth. Even feeding you a couple slaps when you all but pleaded with him to treat you like an object.

nobody knows that on the sparse occasions when you have sex with your current man, he’s forced to wear a condom because you’ve discussed several times that you don’t want children and you’re not taking any risks. But ex-boyfriend!ace gets the privilege of feeling that hard cock sliding in and out of you raw..and to breed you as many times as he can muster! Letting load after load spill into your aching womb. Filling every hole with that dripping seed.

“You look so pretty stuffed with my cum, sweetheart. Just how I like it.”

nobody knows why you left ex-boyfriend!ace in the first place but you knew why you’d always come running back!

@violetxxvenom @shamelesshoefairy @lwop-kpop

[identifying-wrestling-moves]

Wrestling Move Explainers: The Irish Whip

I figure we should start simple. As simple as possible, with the move that’s so frequently used and so integral to wrestling you may forget it’s even a move at all: The Irish Whip.

The Irish Whip gets its namesake from the man widely considered to be its innovator, Danno O’ Mahoney. This move is also known as a Hammer Throw. 

O’ Mahoney’s Irish Whip is slightly different from the Irish Whip we think of today, but they’re similar enough to where it still kinda counts.

Modern Irish Whips, however, look like this:

(Except, yknow, it usually doesn't have that power walk included.) Simple move. A wrestler grabs their opponent’s arm, and pulls it while rapidly turning before letting go of the opponent’s arm, leaving the opponent running.The Irish Whip’s primary purpose is function. The existence of the Irish Whip allows the vast majority of all wrestlers in existence to access or flow into certain moves in their arsenal more easily. Most Irish Whips are done into the ropes, allowing the wrestler to use their opponent’s momentum to hit some harder offense. These moves tend to be more valuable a lot of the time because adding momentum means adding damage, so wrestlers will go for them a lot to get an early advantage or at the end of a match if they've got some particularly nasty offense for opponents running into them. Irish Whips are also frequently done into the corner to set up for a wide variety of corner-based attacks. 

The Irish Whip is somewhat risky however, as the distance and speed it creates allows a wrestler’s opponent to counter them with some hard and explosive offense. Because of this, a lot of momentum shifts and comebacks in wrestling will start with a wrestler being Irish Whipped and then countering their opponent as they run back into them.

On some occasions, an Irish Whip itself can do some damage. Sometimes you’ll see a wrestler go for an Irish Whip and put all of their strength into it, effectively launching their opponent into the corner so hard that the impact does significant damage to the opponent’s back or chest. This is usually done to show that a wrestler is more powerful or more dominant than their opponent. 

Additionally, there’s the simple act of throwing one’s opponent into some kind of hazard. This could be the outside ring post, a barricade, a cage, or some exploding barbed wire, among other things. This is more common in matches with some kind of hardcore or deathmatch stipulation. In standard wrestling matches, an Irish Whip like this is used to indicate a willingness to get a little rough or dirty during a match either due to viciousness or desperation.

Lastly, sometimes a wrestler will simply choose to not let go when doing an Irish Whip. This allows a wrestler to quickly pull their opponent into them in order to catch them off guard with some higher velocity offense from short range. This is ironically more akin to how Danno O’Mahoney originally used it. Wrestling has a way of coming full circle like that sometimes.

Anyway, that's the Irish Whip just in case you didn't know the name or some of the particulars. Some of these Irish Whip gifs were surprisingly difficult to find. Hopefully I can find them more quickly next time on the next one!

[saebyeokbliss]

JUST MEET ME AT THE APT.— K. SAE-BYEOK

CHAPTER ELEVEN

synopsis: managing a rising rock band is already chaotic enough, but when you're stuck touring with four reckless musicians, things get even messier. between late-night facetime calls, teasing that feels a little too knowing, and a certain guitarist who might just be your biggest problem, keeping things professional is getting harder by the second. but hey, no one said the music industry was easy.

warnings: mutual pining, intense eye contact, teasing that borders on flirting (or maybe it is flirting), friends who refuse to mind their business, secondhand embarrassment, slow burn that burns, emotional whiplash

playlist: spotify

You were going to throw up.

Not in the cute, haha-I’m-nervous-but-still-functional way, but in the actual way where your stomach was twisting and turning like it was personally offended by your existence.

Because this wasn’t just any event.

This was the Grammys.

The biggest night in music. The night where HOT DIVISION—your band—was nominated for two awards. The night where the entire world would be watching them.

And, more importantly, the night where you were responsible for making sure everything went smoothly.

Which meant no wardrobe malfunctions, no missed cues, no PR disasters—just a flawless, effortless evening where everything went according to plan.

No pressure.

The limo ride to the venue was filled with a mix of excitement and chaos. Ji-Yeong was buzzing, practically bouncing in her seat as she scrolled through Twitter, reading fan reactions in real time. Se-Mi was dramatically practicing her “Oh my god, we won? I had no idea!” face in the mirror. No-Eul was—well, No-Eul, calm and composed, quietly observing the madness.

And Sae-Byeok?

She was sitting silently beside the window, arms crossed, her jaw set in that unreadable way that meant she was thinking too much.

You, on the other hand, were gripping your phone with a death grip, mentally running through your checklist for the hundredth time, trying not to spiral.

Okay. Arrive at the carpet. Do the interviews. Smile. Keep them moving. Don’t let Ji-Yeong say anything that will get her canceled. Check their places for the ceremony. Manage post-show plans. Keep them out of trouble. Oh god, this is a disaster waiting to happen—

A gentle squeeze on your hand pulled you out of your thoughts.

You blinked, looking down to see No-Eul’s fingers wrapped around yours.

It wasn’t obvious—wasn’t dramatic or attention-grabbing. Just a quiet, steady warmth, grounding you.

“You’re doing fine,” she murmured, her voice low enough that only you could hear.

You swallowed, suddenly aware of how tightly you had been holding onto your phone, your shoulders hunched with tension.

No-Eul gave your hand another squeeze.

“Breathe,” she said simply.

And somehow, you did.

Sae-Byeok saw the whole thing.

She had been sitting across from you, watching the way your fingers trembled slightly, the way your breathing had gone shallow. She had felt the nervous energy rolling off of you, had wanted to say something—do something.

But before she could, No-Eul had beaten her to it.

And now, Sae-Byeok was watching you relax under her touch, watching the way you leaned into her comfort, watching the way No-Eul was able to calm you down in a way she hadn’t.

And it pissed her off.

Not at No-Eul.

Not really.

But at herself—for hesitating. For sitting there, watching instead of acting.

She clenched her jaw, looking away, forcing herself to ignore the uncomfortable twist in her stomach.

This wasn’t the time.

The limo pulled up to the venue, and suddenly, it was real.

The red carpet stretched ahead, cameras flashing, reporters lined up, calling out names. Fans were screaming, banners waving in the air, the energy electric.

And then the door opened.

Ji-Yeong stepped out first, exuding effortless confidence in a stunning baby pink gown—soft, elegant, the fitted bodice flowing into a delicate train behind her. She looked like a princess who could either charm you or absolutely destroy you, depending on her mood.

Se-Mi followed, dressed in a sleek black suit with a deep red pocket square, her hair styled in effortless waves, looking every bit the rockstar she was.

No-Eul stepped out next, wearing a similar black suit, but with a silver chain accenting her waist, her look sharp and refined, effortlessly cool.

Then Sae-Byeok.

And god—if looks could kill.

Her suit was jet black, tailored to perfection, the crisp lines making her look absolutely lethal. Unlike No-Eul’s refined style, Sae-Byeok’s was dangerously effortless—like she had barely tried, and yet, somehow, she looked like the most powerful person in the room. A single silver ring adorned her finger, a thin chain peeking from beneath her shirt collar.

And then there was you.

You stepped out last, the moment slow, almost surreal.

Your dress—deep wine red, shimmering subtly under the lights with tiny jewels woven into the fabric—hugged your figure perfectly. It was elegant without being overwhelming, a statement without trying too hard.

And on your feet?

The heels No-Eul had bought for you.

The second you stepped out, the cameras focused on you—flashes going off, murmurs passing through the crowd.

You weren’t the celebrity.

But standing next to them, you looked like one.

Sae-Byeok’s jaw tightened.

Because now, it wasn’t just No-Eul who had noticed you.

It was everyone.

And she hated that she wasn’t the one standing next to you.

The energy in the Grammy arena was electric.

You sat sandwiched between Se-Mi and No-Eul at your table, your heart still racing from the red carpet frenzy. The girls had handled the interviews like pros—Ji-Yeong had been her usual chaotic self, Se-Mi had flirted with at least three different reporters, No-Eul had stayed effortlessly cool, and Sae-Byeok had been… quiet. Focused.

You weren’t sure why.

Now, settled into your seats, you tried to relax as the ceremony unfolded around you.

Tried being the key word.

Because holy shit, they were nominated for two Grammys.

And the nerves were absolutely killing you.

“Relax, sweetheart,” Se-Mi murmured, nudging you playfully. “You look like you’re about to pass out.”

You exhaled sharply, gripping the stem of your champagne glass. “I might.”

Ji-Yeong, who had been casually fixing her lip gloss in the reflection of her spoon, grinned. “Well, if you do, at least make sure to do it dramatically. Give the cameras something to talk about.”

No-Eul rolled her eyes, but there was warmth there. “You’re worse than the reporters.”

The show continued, performances lighting up the stage—Olivia Rodrigo’s haunting vocals, SZA’s effortlessly stunning set, a rock tribute that had Se-Mi absolutely losing her mind.

And then—

Then it was time.

The first award.

“And the Grammy for Best Rock Album goes to…”

The presenter—a legendary rock artist whose posters had once covered Se-Mi’s childhood bedroom walls—paused, tearing open the envelope with a smirk.

“HOT DIVISION, ROCKSTAR!

For a second, there was silence.

As if none of you had actually processed it.

Then—

Ji-Yeong shrieked, grabbing Se-Mi’s arm in a death grip. No-Eul let out a rare, genuine laugh, shaking her head in disbelief. Sae-Byeok exhaled sharply, a small but unmistakable smile breaking through.

And you?

You felt everything all at once.

Pride. Relief. Overwhelming joy.

They did it.

They hugged each other, still half in shock, before making their way up to the stage.

You stayed at the table, watching them from below, your chest aching in the best way possible.

Ji-Yeong, of course, grabbed the mic first. “Holy shit—wait, can I say that? No? Whatever—holy crap, we just won a Grammy.”

The audience laughed.

Se-Mi took over, grinning. “This is insane. We started as four idiots playing in garages, and now we’re here. Thank you to everyone who believed in us.”

No-Eul spoke next, her voice steady, sincere. “This album was everything to us. To our fans—this is yours as much as it is ours.”

And then—

Sae-Byeok stepped forward.

She wasn’t one for long speeches. Usually, she let the others take the spotlight.

But this time—

This time, her eyes searched the crowd.

And found you.

“This award means everything,” she started, her voice softer than usual—but firm. Sure. “But there’s someone who isn’t up here with us who deserves just as much recognition.”

Your breath caught.

Sae-Byeok’s gaze didn’t waver.

“Our manager. Our best friend. The person who’s been with us since the beginning, making sure we didn’t completely ruin our own careers.”

Laughter rippled through the audience, but you couldn’t move.

Couldn’t breathe.

“She’s the reason we’re here,” Sae-Byeok continued. “The reason this album even happened the way it did. She’s the one who picks us up when we fall, who believes in us even when we don’t believe in ourselves. And she never asks for credit.”

She exhaled, gripping the mic a little tighter.

“So this is for her.”

You felt your eyes sting.

“She might not be on this stage,” Sae-Byeok said, a small, almost-smirk tugging at her lips. “But she’s just as much a part of this band as the rest of us.”

The applause was deafening.

And you—

You had never felt more seen.

You could see a camera pan toward you and you waved, holding back tears with a smile. They weren't tears of pain; just pure tears of joy for your girls.

You were still reeling.

Still trying to process the fact that Sae-Byeok had just dedicated a Grammy to you in front of the entire world.

Your heart hadn’t slowed down since she stepped off that stage, her words still echoing in your head. Your best friend. The reason we’re here. Just as much a part of this band as the rest of us.

You weren’t going to cry.

You refused to cry.

But when Sae-Byeok sat back down next to you, her knee brushing against yours, her gaze flickering toward you as if to check if you were okay—yeah, you almost lost it.

Instead, you swallowed the lump in your throat, forced out a small, shaky laugh, and muttered, “That was—um. That was a lot.”

Sae-Byeok smirked, her voice low, just for you. “You deserved it.”

And that was definitely not helping your whole don’t cry on national television thing.

Before you could respond, the next award category popped up on the screen, and suddenly—holy shit—it was happening again.

The presenter smiled, glancing down at the envelope in her hands.

“And the Grammy for Best Rock Performance goes to…”

A pause. The dramatic build-up.

You gripped the edge of the table, heart pounding.

“HOT DIVISION, ROCKSTAR!”

For a full second—absolute chaos.

Ji-Yeong screamed so loudly that Se-Mi actually jumped, knocking over her champagne glass. No-Eul blinked in shock before breaking into a rare, wide grin. Sae-Byeok exhaled, shaking her head like she couldn’t believe it.

And you?

You just sat there, hands covering your mouth, watching them win again.

Two Grammys. In one night.

Your girls.

Your band.

They pulled you into a tight group hug before rushing back onto the stage, still half in disbelief.

Ji-Yeong, ever the chaotic menace, grabbed the mic first. “Okay, now we’re freaking out.”

Laughter rippled through the crowd as Se-Mi practically bounced next to her. “I don’t even know what to say—holy shit—”

“Language,” No-Eul muttered, but she was smiling.

Sae-Byeok took a step forward, shaking her head slightly as she looked out at the audience. “This song…” She paused, looking back at the girls. “This song was everything to us. It wasn’t just about making music—it was about proving to ourselves that we belonged here.”

The audience quieted, hanging onto her words.

“And now, standing here, holding this—” She lifted the Grammy slightly. “—it still doesn’t feel real.”

Se-Mi leaned into the mic. “But it is, babe.”

More laughter. More applause.

Then, before they ended their speech, Ji-Yeong grinned mischievously. “Oh, and one more thing—” She turned toward you, still seated at the table, eyes wide. “Our manager? Our favorite person in the world? She’s two-for-two tonight.”

Se-Mi nudged the mic closer. “Which means she officially has to party with us after this.”

No-Eul smirked. “No excuses.”

Sae-Byeok, standing slightly behind them, simply met your gaze.

And for a moment—just a moment—everything else disappeared.

No cameras. No flashing lights. No roaring applause.

Just her.

And the silent, knowing look that said, We did it.

We did it together.

taglist: @everly-summers-solace @knfthxv @madebysae @knfthxv @katieschry1 @imlackingsleep @lyzem @stellssxo @wiltingconquest @peelover25@monroesturnns @laurenkens @yenyu1s @idontliketoread2137 @bitchybananaflower @lyuuw

[goquokka00]

SKZ vs Shark Week (Minho ver.)

How would each member of Stray Kids handle you while you're on your period?

BANGCHAN | MINHO | CHANGBIN | HYUNJIN JISUNG | FELIX | SEUNGMIN | JEONGIN

WARNING: This is a female reader going through their period. If the topic of a period/anything that has to do with a period makes you uncomfortable, then don't read it. Just remember that there's nothing wrong with a woman's period. It's a perfectly healthy body function :)

THE MOODS When your period is close to arriving, it's very safe to say that you become an absolute nightmare. Even Minho thinks so. Your mood swings are seriously no joke, and so when you woke up crying only to yell at Minho for no reason, Minho knew that your period was close. Oh, joy.

The issue with this is that one itty bitty slip up from Minho would just send wave after wave of emotion, and Minho barely had time to recover before the next switch. If he accidentally brushes his hand against your chest, it's game over. He's getting chewed out about how he's always trying to have sex, and then the next minute your in tears because you feel bad about yelling at him.

So, how does Minho help you? He can't. There's no saving you. All he can do is just take blow after blow, apologize for something that really wasn't a big deal, listen, and comfort you. Carefully. He knew it wasn't you and it was just hormones. He could just pick at you after your period was done.

THE BLOOD God, you think your mood swings are bad? Your flow is worse. You only bleed for 3 days, but holy hell, you bled and you bled HARD. A lot of times, you were on the toilet for the majority of the day because your flow was so bad. And when you weren't, you had to wear a heavy duty pad and a heavy duty tampon. Fucking sucks.

Minho, understanding this, usually does his best to support you. Sometimes, if you're in the bathroom on the toilet just to let blood drain, he'll come in and play games with you. If you don't want him in the bathroom, you and him will do local play video games so you aren't completely alone. And if you're walking around, he'll set up small dates for you both to do at home since you'd rather die than go out in public when your uterus is ripping itself to shreds and making a tidal wave of blood.

THE PAIN Thankfully, you don't deal with too much pain. God decided to have some mercy. Key word? Some. While you didn't deal with pain, you did deal with constipation, bloating, and extreme nausea. It...it was bad.

So what does Minho do? First, he makes sure you're drinking enough. He'll also make sure you eat at least something. He knows that you genuinely don't feel good and are really queasy until your period eases it's choke hold on you, and so he doesn't force you to eat a bunch. But he'll still give you some rice and eggs or foods that'll stick in you instead of making you feel like throwing up.

And once your nausea and bloating is gone, he'll make you whatever you're craving, making sure that the food will also help your intestines loosen up so you aren't uncomfortable when you sit down or move around.

THE PRODUCT There's not a whole lot that Minho can do for you on your period. It kills him every single time, and so he'll always help wherever he can. And if that means running to the store to get you what you need? He's on it.

He knows exactly what you prefer and use, and so he will make sure to buy a lot of it since you go through it quickly. There's zero complaining, zero whining, zero teasing. He's doing whatever he can so you suffer less.

And of course, he's getting anything else that you ask for as well. You want a coffee from a place that's 30 minutes away? Bet, he'll happily go and get it for you. You want croissants? He'll make them from scratch. You want Felix's brownies? Well, Felix is coming over to bake them right here for you. Simple as that.

Hey! Firstly, thank you so much for reading this post, and I really hope you enjoyed! If you did, please like, reblog, or comment so I can see how I'm doing with writing and getting feedback! I hope you have a lovely day! Sleep well, stay in good health, and eat something if you haven't! ❤️❤️❤️

Taglist: @miss-daisy04 @kayleefriedchicken @wolfs-archive @stayyyyyyyyyyyy21 @wolfs-howling @rose-w-00-d

[bismuthburnsblue]

THE STAYS ARE FINISHED!!!!

I still have to bury a bunch of threads, and I might add a lining in at some point, but functionally!!! They're done!!!

I've summarised everything I did for them below the cut, but!!!!! ah I'm so happy. It's my first time making stays & I'm pretty pleased with the outcome! I'm sure ill find things I want to change some day but for now... yeah I did good

I started off with redthreaded's 1750s stays pattern, but I ended up making a variety of modifications to it, so if you follow the same pattern, yours wont look exactly like this.

from most to least drastic, here's what I did:

completely moved the seam between the side front and side back to more accurately reflect historical patterns

realigned the tabs to be even again after I changed the pattern pieces

redrew most of the boning channels- partly because of my seam change, and partly to angle the bones towards the centre more as i thought the front panel stayed too vertical

took in more on the seams around the bust to fit me better

raised the height of the back panels (for no particular reason, I just liked it)

(heres that side seam!)

I made my stays from three layers- my fashion layer, a cotton drill & a coutil to form the structure, and I used light steel bones to bone the entire thing- as I said as I was making it, I've never found synthetic options offer the support I need.

I bound the entire thing with bias binding to match the light parts of the motifs, keeping it as narrow as I felt I could get away with. The tabs were sewn entirely by hand, right and wrong side, and the top edge was hand sewn on the second side. Overall, it took me about 19 hours to do!

The eyelets are all metal except for the four for the straps, which I sewed by hand, since they're far more visible. It was my first time hand sewing eyelets, and I'm pretty happy with how I did :) The ribbon is a placeholder, but I'm not sure what colour to get for the real ones yet.

The back is spiral laced, as was the historical standard- I probably marked them a little closer than needed, but I like the look of it all the same. I've been lacing them upwards as I've found I need the tension around the waist more than the bust. It makes it harder to lace on my own (or at least securing the knot anyway) but I did manage to do it by pulling the lace firmly, then tying a knot, then loosening it back down evenly again.

The horizontal bone is removable- I made the channel by sewing a piece of twill tape (folded in half, but only because that was the width I already had. The bone sits next to the fabric) along the marked lines. The channel went right into the armpit, so I caught one end under the binding, but tucked the other side of the binding under the twill tape (I'd left it a little loose at the end to make this possible) i then hand tacked the end down, leaving open the short side so I can slot in the bone. It's kind of dirty, but I think it should function- there's enough tension through the curve of the channel that I don't think it'll slide back out, but if I have issues ill find a way to secure it in. The bone I've cut is actually a tiny bit too long, as I have to trim that down at some point, as it's almost out enough to poke me.

I think I want to make some pads to support my bust at some point. The stays fit really well after all my modifications, but I don't have a whole ton to work with, and I feel like I could do with a bit more in the front of the stays to really hold everything how I'd like it to be (at least for this costume, anyway) At the moment it almost acts like a binder on me, which whole cool, is not the look I want.

I'm just! I'm so happy with how these came out. When I bought this fabric two years ago, I knew I wanted to make a pair of stays with it, but they've come out better than I could have ever imagined. I'm so proud of myself and what I achieved here, and I'm glad I put in all the extra work into these, instead of just rushing through something to have the garment for the rest of my costume. I think I made something here that stands on its own. I'm just... really proud. I'm going to bask in the glory of these for a while, I think.

[miraculouslbcnreactions]

Does anyone actually say that Ladybug and Adrien are fake somehow?

Yeah, people absolutely have that take. It's what spawned the original post. One too many fics and shipping poles that treated Marinette and Chat Noir as somehow wrong for their crushes. (I apparently read fast. My ML fic's read count is in the thousands at this point. It's enough to let me notice trends that bug me whereas one fic would just be a shrug and move on thing.) On the Adreinette side you get, "Chat Noir is the true Adrien! Civilian Adrien is just a mask! Marinette only loves the fake Adrien so she doesn't deserve him!"

Chat Noir gets less flak, but I've seen it enough to know it's very much a thing. There's a reason Marichat wins out over Ladynoir in almost every poll. If you ever see one, read the comments for the logic and you'll see what I mean. People with this view seem to think things like, "Chat Noir doesn't really love Marinette because Ladybug isn't stuttery and awkward around him! He has to love her when she's a mess!"

This kind of thing is so popular that I had to stop reading fics that paired Marinette with other people because the "Marinette is the true version" thing showed up all the freaking time. So many of these fics felt less like shipping stories and more like Adrien bashing where he was punished for liking Ladybug and not Marinette. It was draining. Even my favorite one has a scene to make sure Adrien feels bad for missing what he could have had and it's a freaking no powers AU!

I actually had a really lovely conversation about this topic when the blog was young because this is one that gets under my skin whenever I come across it and I occasionally need to vent a bit. The kind person who indulged my annoyance straight up said that they used to think that the square "have to fall in love as Marichat bc that's when they can be real with each other." Which was not a stance that was unique to them by any means. They were just validating my first-hand observations of the way SOME people view the ship/characters.

There is a version of the true selves stuff that's genuinely sweet though. It's the version you basically summed up where it's less about these two being the "true" versions and more about Marichat letting the two get to know each other without the pressure of the crushes complicating things. After all, the canon square is only a few hours removed from love at first sight which certainly adds pressure that Marichat removes. The existence of this version that means I don't hate Marichat or even the words "true self", I'm just warry when I see them as I never know what I'm about to see.

While I get why canon's near insta love and subsequent writing issues would draw a person to Marichat, I'll also once again argue that the issue at hand isn't the various ship dynamics, it's canon's writing as the awkward Marichat arc shows. Even though the crushes only flipped after four whole season, canon Marichat doesn't feel any deeper than canon Adrienette or canon Ladynoir. It's played incredibly superficial and doesn't even bother to acknowledge that Chat Noir and Marinette have a functional friendship as established in episodes like Evillustrator, Glaciator, and Glaciator 2. Elation writes Marichat as if they've never interacted before and Chat Noir is just going on a date with a fan he's never officially met. Passion writes Ladynoir as awkwardly as Adrienette always was. Ladybug's months of platonic partnership did nothing to change how she acts when she has a crush or how successful she is at confessing.

In a better show, canon's Marichat arc would be used to set up Adrienette as a more solid couple. Marichat would allow Adrien to see that Marinette loves him even when he's being goofy, but they'd agree to not date because a hero and a civilian dating is too risky. Then Adrienette would happen and, oh look, Adrien can occasionally crack jokes and be silly because he knows Marinette can love him even when he's at his most Chat Noir in addition to being his most Adrien. Marinette is a little surprised, but fine with it. Canon doesn't go there though. As far as the show is concerned, Marichat essentially never happened. It was a one-off fever dream both characters completely forgot. Canon Adrienette has Adrien playing the perfect flawless boyfriend who never annoys Marinette with his jokes.

In summary, that post wasn't about saying that Marichat is bad or unhealthy or that there's no version of the true selves thing that's cute. It was me venting a bit after seeing one too many instances of people acting like Ladrien, Ladynoir, and Adrienette could never be healthy because friends to lovers is some sort of golden standard when it's absolutely not. It's a neutral preference. Each side is fine. What matters is how you write it.

Why the "True Selves" Theory is Insulting

Image for a second that you have a friend who's a bit of a ditz. She's also fun, creative, and sweet. You enjoy being around her, but you've never seen her as more than a friend. Then, one day, a fire breaks out at an event that you and your friend are attending. Your lives are suddenly in mortal peril and the same goes for everyone around you because you can't find the exit. You think that you're going to die.

Then, suddenly, your friend transforms. Not in a magical way, it's just a personality shift, but it might as well be magical because it's like nothing you've ever seen! The ditziness is gone, replaced by laser focus and a take-charge attitude that has everyone following your friend without question. When all is said and done, everyone lives because of you friend. As it turns out, her tendency to get easily distracted means that she's a fantastic in-the-moment problem solver.

Going through that completely changes how you see this girl. You no longer just like her, no, you're now deeply in love with her. You tell a mutual friend about this and they laugh at you, then say, "Don't be silly, that wasn't really her! Her true self isn't that brave girl who saved your life! That was special circumstances that don't count. All that counts is the way she acts when there isn't a crisis going on. It doesn't matter that you've always liked her and enjoyed her company, if you didn't fall in love with based solely on her ditzy self, then you don't really love her."

Most people would call this mutual friend insane because of course going through crazy experiences changes the way we view people! Imagine if you had an allergic reaction and your significant other's reaction was to panic and run away, leaving you to die. You only live because you manage to grab your phone and call '911.' That would understandably lead many people to reassess if this is the person they want to spend their life with just like the opposite experience might make you see a person as a good life partner.

Marinette is Ladybug. She gets full credit for everything she's done in the suit and it's perfectly fine for Adrien to become attracted to her after he sees her in action. It doesn't mean that he only values her Ladybug side. He quite clearly cares for Marinette, he just hasn't seen her in the right light for him to fall in love. (And, if we're being frank, Marinette acts like Ladybug all the time when he's not around or when he is around, but a crisis is going on. She's really not that different from her alter ego.)

Along similar lines, Marinette isn't wrong for being drawn to Adrien's sweeter side more than his over-the-top jokey side. There's a reason why Glaciator ended with her blushing. Compare the end of Glaciator to the end of Origins and, yeah, same energy because - in that moment - Chat Noir was letting his Adrien side out by being more sincere and vulnerable, which are the things that Marinette values most in a romance and the things that he rarely shows while in the mask. It doesn't mean that she hates his jokey side, it's just not going to win her heart when Adrien's right there being sweet and sincere while Chat Noir hides his feelings behind a smile and a laugh.

In fact, it's pretty insulting to Adrien to say that someone shouldn't be attracted to his more vulnerable side. That his sincerity is worth less than his jokes. Almost as insulting as telling Marinette that her Ladybug side doesn't count and she should get no credit for being brave as that's not really her. Loving her only counts if a person falls in love while she's behaving in her most over-the-top, cringe, embarrassing way.

I don't know about you, but I would never want someone to hold me to that standard nor would I hold my significant other to that standard! It's perfectly normal to have things that you don't love about your significant other. In fact, I'd argue that part of the magic of a real, lasting romance is having someone who loves you even though you're not perfect. If you are looking for a partner who never annoys you or does something wrong, then you will never find happiness because that person does not exist.

Now that I've said all of that, I want to add that I do think that marichat, "love both sides" stories can be cute. It's just not One True Path to Real Love. It's totally fine if the square starts dating based on the things that they find attractive about each other and then just continue to be in love as they learn about the other side. If anything, that's normal. Learning about a person is what dating is all about! A good relationship is no different than a good friendship, you just get some bonus perks if you're into that kind of thing.

I'll also note that I'm not criticizing stories where Marinette feels like she's the "real" version and Ladybug is the fake because that's a really understandable thing to be nervous about. Tikki saying that shit? Hard no. Terrible mentoring.

[earthlyangelbby]

Cupid's Curveball Chapter 8: Cupid's Ball Word count: 9k

NSFW

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Summary: After your afternoon together you can't wait to see Eddie again. He takes the next day off from school to make your Valentine's night extra special. You and Diana convince some friends to take the other Corroded Coffin guys to the ball. The day of the ball is here. How will it go? How about the after dance events? Will it be all you hoped for? CW: Smut, P and V penetration, Oral, Virgin! Reader and Virgin! Eddie Um I don't think I missed anything ! but lmk if I did

February 12, 1986

The countdown to Friday felt endless. The dance had been marked on your calendar for weeks, but now that it was so close, time seemed to drag. Every passing day felt heavier with anticipation, your mind  consumed by thoughts of what the night might bring.

You twist the phone cord between your fingers as your heartbeat quickens from the sound of Eddie’s voice as it crackles through the line. His usual teasing lilt is there, but underneath it is something else, something warmer. Like he knows exactly how much you’re looking forward to this. You try to play it cool, but there’s no hiding the way your stomach flutters every time he speaks.

“You know,” you say, trying to sound casual, “it’s not gonna be so bad.”

Eddie snorts. “Says you.”

“No, really. Everyone’s going. Gareth, Grant, and Jeff are all coming too.” You pause for effect, then add, “With Diana, Debbie, and Tina.”

There’s a beat of silence on the other end. Then, a quiet exhale. That does help. He’s not about to admit it, but knowing the guys will be there makes the whole ordeal feel less like he’s about to be paraded around like some out of place metalhead. It’s not just him being dragged into some over the top school function, it's the whole crew.

Then he asks. “Just the two of you at a cabin at Lover’s Lake? No distractions. No curfew.”

Your breath catches. It was supposed to be just a dance. But now, there’s this..,this quiet, thrilling possibility of something more. A moment outside of time, away from the noise, where it’s just you and him. The thought alone sends a shiver through you.

Eddie holds his breath, waiting. Hoping.

“Absolutely! you squeal.” Sighing out a plan, “I’ll just tell my mom I’m staying at Diana’s.” 

His lips curl into a slow grin.

Friday can’t come fast enough.

February 13, 1986

Thursday was uneventful. You didn’t get much time to talk to Eddie, except for a brief moment when you saw him in passing. You were getting in the car with Diana and the girls when you spotted him standing by his car with Gareth, Grant, and Jeff.

You waved at them, shouting across the parking lot to Eddie and the guys, “Are you guys ready for tomorrow?” The girls in the car with you whooping and cheering. 

Eddie flashed a grin, his voice warm, “Can’t wait for it, my pretty girl,” and the words hit you like a wave.

A rush of memories flooded your mind. Memories of the day the two of you had shared, just you and him. His touch, his smile... everything felt like it had been leading up to this.

The girls in the car didn’t miss a beat. “Ooooh, pretty girl!” Tina teased from the backseat, and the others quickly joined in with their own playful jabs. “Girl, he’s already got you swooning!”

You tried to hide your blush, but it was hard. The teasing only made it worse, especially when Gareth shouted across the lot, “Can’t wait to see you, Diana!” The teasing shifted gears, now fully directed at Diana, and the laughter filled the car. “Ooh, Diana I can’t wait to see you!” Tina mocked playfully.

As the car pulled away you couldn’t help the smile tugging at your lips. Eddie’s words, his excitement, it was all too much. Tomorrow was going to be unforgettable. February 14, 1986 

Eddie arrives at your house with his Uncle Wayne just as your mom is finishing up your hair, securing a blue ribbon in place. She moves to pack your clean pajamas into your overnight bag when she spots something else, something red, lacy, matching, and clearly not meant for sleeping.

She pauses, raising an eyebrow before smirking. “Pfft. This for Diana’s?” she teases, holding up the fabric just enough to make your face burn. “You’re grown alright. Just be careful, okay?”

You groan, snatching it from her hands, but she only laughs, shaking her head. “Just tell Diana to wear protection,” she adds, snickering at your mortified expression. “Actually, tell everybody to.” She deadpans “Just in case.”

“Mom!” You practically whine, covering your face as she cackles at your misery.

Before she can push it any further, the doorbell rings. She gives you a knowing look but thankfully drops the subject, heading downstairs to answer it. You take a deep breath, smoothing your dress before following after her.

As you descend the stairs, Eddie is standing in the open doorway, His suit is perfect. A timeless black tux, tailored to fit him in a way that made your heart flutter. The long blue necktie and matching pocket square tied him to you effortlessly. He looked unfairly good, like something out of a dream. He was looking nervous for all of a second before he saw you. Then his face softens into something amazed, something reverent. As you descended the stairs, the soft rustle of fabric filled the quiet foyer. The warm glow of the overhead light casts a soft sheen over your dress, the iridescent light blue fabric shifting between periwinkle and icy sky with every step. The fitted bodice hugged your torso, cinched at the back with delicate corset lacing before flaring into a voluminous, knee-length skirt. The halter strap framed your collarbones and shoulders perfectly, leaving just enough skin exposed to make Eddie’s breath hitch. His eyes swept over you, lingering on the way the fabric shimmered as you moved.

“Wow,” he breathes, stepping forward to wrap you in a hug before pulling back just enough to take your hands in his. “You look so beautiful.”

You squeeze his hands, feeling the warmth of his touch. “You’re looking pretty handsome yourself.”

Your mom suddenly lifts a camera, and the soft click of the shutter makes you glance her way. “Oh, don’t mind me,” she says. “I just need a few pictures before you go.”

Eddie groans, but Wayne grins. “Hell yeah, take as many as you want. Not often I get to see my nephew all cleaned up.” He pauses before adding, “And I’d like a few copies, please.”

Your mom laughs. “Of course, Wayne. I’ll make sure you get some.”

Then she shuffles the two of you toward the center of the room. “Alright, stand togetherrrr closer! Eddie, put your arm around her waist.” She snaps a few shots, then has you turn toward each other, your hands clasped as she takes more.

Then come the solo shots. First Eddie, then you. He gives you a lopsided grin when he steps back, murmuring, “Bet yours turn out better than mine.”

Before you can respond, your mom waves Eddie back to your side. “Okay, one last one together.”

You barely get into position before Eddie slips something into your hands, a small box.

“I, uh… got you something,” he says, his voice softer now.

You blink at him before carefully opening it. Inside, nestled against the soft lining, is a delicate silver necklace. Your breath catches when you realize it’s the locket. The one from just a few days ago.

“You—” Your voice wobbles as you lift your gaze to him. “You actually got it?”

Eddie just nods, rubbing the back of his neck. “Turn around, let me put it on you.”

You do as he asks, holding your hair up as he fastens the clasp. The metal is cool against your skin, but his fingers are warm, lingering at the nape of your neck for a second before you turn back to face him.

Your mom grins, snapping one last picture. “Perfect.”

From beside her, Wayne lets out a chuckle. “Well, ‘bout damn time.”

Your mom smirks. “I was beginning to wonder if they’d ever figure it out.”

Eddie groans. “Okay, okay, we get it.”

Wayne pats his shoulder with a laugh. “Just sayin’, kid.”

Your mom waves you off, finally satisfied. “Alright, you two, you’re free to go. Have fun, and don’t do anything we wouldn’t do.” She and Wayne are laughing as they go to watch you leave. 

Eddie takes your hand, leading you toward the door, and soon enough, you’re climbing into his van, his fingers still loosely laced with yours as he drives toward the dance.

When you and Eddie arrive at the Cupid’s Ball, the school gymnasium is nearly unrecognizable. Pink and red streamers drape along the walls, heart-shaped balloons float along the ceiling, and a banner reading Cupid’s Ball hangs proudly over the entrance. The scent of punch, perfume, and excitement fills the air as You Make My Dreams by Hall & Oates plays from the speakers, setting an upbeat, lively tone for the night. 

Eddie holds your hand as you both step inside, his thumb brushing against your knuckles. “Damn, sweetheart,” he murmurs, eyes trailing over you in your gown. “I know I already said something but you look…fucking gorgeous.” He shakes his head. 

You smile, warmth spreading through you. “Oh well I think you look fucking hot, Eddie.” 

He scoffs, tugging at the lapels of his suit jacket. “Weird, huh? Me, in this?” 

You look up at him holding onto his arm, “Well I like it.”  The two of you step onto the dance floor together as the song shifts into My Best Friend’s Girl by The Cars. The beat is infectious, and soon, you’re moving along with the crowd. Eddie isn’t much of a dancer, but he keeps up, laughing as you pull him along. He spins you once, then playfully tugs you back into him, his grin never fading. Around you, your friends are arriving, joining in the fun. Gareth and Diana are already moving in sync, Grant is showing off some ridiculous footwork that makes Debbie crack up, and Jeff is twirling Tina around dramatically. The energy is high, the nervous anticipation of the night barely noticeable under the rush of music and laughter.  A few more songs play but, As Uptown Girl by Billy Joel fades, the groups naturally separate girls drifting toward one side of the gym while the guys head toward the other.

Eddie looks at you one last time before parting, giving you a smirk. “Don’t go falling for some jock while I’m gone, alright?”

You roll your eyes but smile. “Don’t get too cocky over there, rockstar.”

While the guys are off whispering among themselves, you and the girls huddle in a tight circle, excitement buzzing between you.

Debbie leans in, eyes glinting with mischief. “So, I did tell Grant I wanted to go to the diner after…” she starts.

Tina hums, smirking. “Uh-huh?”

Debbie grins. “Which is true, but I also want him to take me back to my dad’s mattress store. It’s closed, and I have a store key.”

Your mouth falls open. “Oh my god.”

Diana bursts into laughter. “Debbie! That’s diabolical.”

“I know,” she says proudly. “It’s perfect. Privacy, comfort. What more could a girl ask for?”

You shake your head, amused. “You will have to be blunt. You know Grant’s a bit–”

Debbie waves a hand dismissively. “Oh, I know. That’s why I like him. He’s gullible and cute. No games, no mixed signals just him being a clueless little sweetheart.”

Tina giggles. “Meanwhile, I told Jeff we’re going to Lover’s Lake.”

Diana raises an eyebrow. “In his station wagon?”

Tina shrugs, smirking. “What can I say? I like a little adventure.”

Diana rolls her eyes but grins. “Well, I went ahead and made sure Gareth knows I expect a hotel room.”

Everyone turns to you next, expectant. You hesitate for a second before saying, “Eddie taking me to a cabin near Lover’s Lake.”

The girls gasp and immediately start talking all at once.

“A cabin?!” Debbie repeats, eyes wide.

“Oh, that’s fancy,” Diana teases.

Tina bumps your arm with hers, smirking. “Well, if you hear screaming, just stay in your cabin, it's just me and Jeff.”

The whole group erupts into laughter, the giddy energy of the night bubbling up between you all.

As the girls huddle together, whispering and giggling, the guys stand in their own little circle near the refreshment table. Gareth is the first to break the silence, running a hand through his hair, looking slightly dazed.

“So…” he starts, rubbing the back of his neck, “uh, Diana might’ve been a little suggestive earlier.”

Eddie raises an eyebrow. “What, did she hold your hand for longer than five seconds?”

“No, dude,” Gareth shakes his head. “She straight-up asked if I could get a hotel room after.”

Jeff nearly spits out his punch. “Okay, yeah. That’s not suggestive, that’s just a full on proposal.”

Grant snickers. “Debbie told me she wants to go to the diner after this.”

Gareth nods. “Yeah, That’s a normal and much cheaper after-party plan.”

Jeff shrugs. “Sure, but Tina said she wants to go to Lover’s Lake in my station wagon.”

There’s a brief silence before Gareth whistles. “Damn. She’s not even being subtle.”

Grant shakes his head, grinning. “So what about you, Munson?”

Eddie smirks, crossing his arms. “Taking her to Reefer Rick’s cabin.”

The guys all ooh at that, exchanging knowing glances.

Then Jeff, with a mischievous glint in his eye, jokes, “We should all ride together.”

Grant frowns. “Why would you wanna go to Lover’s Lake?”

Every guy in the circle immediately turns to look at him like he’s grown a third head.

Grant blinks, confused. “What?”

Jeff stares. Gareth shakes his head. Eddie lets out a small, incredulous laugh.

“The diner is less scary and it’s indoors,” Grant continues, “what’s up with everyone being so obsessed with being out—” He stops. His face slowly changes as realization smacks him in the face. “Oh…”

The whole group loses it, bursting into laughter, and clapping Grant on the back as his ears turn red.

Eddie chuckles, shaking his head. “Jesus, man, took you long enough.”

Grant groans, running a hand over his face. “I hate all of you.”

The laughter continues, the energy high as they all revel in the excitement of the night ahead.

The DJ booth is buzzing with energy as everyone rushes to request their favorite songs. You and the girls are still together, laughing as you head toward the booth, while the guys do the same. Diana and Gareth are shouting their song requests at the DJ and one another, already excited about what’s coming next. Diana grins widely, requesting "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper, and Gareth follows up with "Can't Get No Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones, both of them clearly caught up in the fun of the night.

You walk up to the booth and scribble down your song request, trying to catch Eddie’s eye across the booth. Your hand pauses over the paper, thinking of the perfect song before you write down "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica, the quiet intensity of the song appealing to you. As the fast-paced energy of the night continues, the DJ’s voice crackles through the speakers.

“Alright, lovebirds! We’ve got a few more upbeat ones for you, but after that, we’re slowing it down for a while. So if you’ve got a special someone, get ready to hold them close!”

That’s all it takes for the groups to dissolve as everyone rushes back to their dates.

Diana immediately spins on her heel, grabbing Gareth’s hand before he even has the chance to react. “Come on, we need to make the most of these last fast songs!” she grins.

Across the gym, Jeff is already jogging toward Tina, while Grant makes a beeline for Debbie, who giggles as she takes his hand.

And then there’s Eddie who moves through the crowd with purpose, locking eyes with you the moment he spots you. The second he’s close enough, he reaches out, tugging you effortlessly into him.

“Miss me?” he teases, voice warm in your ear.

You roll your eyes but can’t help the way your body naturally fits against his. “You were only gone for, what, ten minutes?”

“Felt longer.” He grins, squeezing your waist just as "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston kicks in, the gymnasium erupting with cheers.

With one last glance at your friends, all of you throw yourselves back into the music. 

As "(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones blares through the speakers, you and Eddie lose yourselves in the rhythm, singing along, locking eyes in the short distance between you. His grin is playful, teasing, as he mouths the lyrics dramatically. You mimic him, swaying your hips, exaggerating your movements just to make him laugh.

Then "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" takes over, and the entire gym erupts with energy. Diana shrieks, grabbing Debbie and Tina as they all jump and twirl together. You laugh, twirling away from Eddie to join them for a moment before he pulls you back, his hands catching your waist.

"Where do you think you're going, pretty girl?" he teases, pulling you flush against him.

The shift happens when the opening chords of "Tangerine" by Led Zeppelin float through the speakers. The song carries that lighthearted, playful energy, but the tempo slows just enough for the mood to change just enough for you and Eddie to melt into each other.

Your bodies pressed together, swaying in time, the heat between you rising. He slides his hands down your back, his fingers grazing just above the curve of your hips. You feel the quick glance he steals at your chest, the way his breath hitches ever so slightly as he leans in.

His voice is low, rough, edged with something thick and wanting. “I can’t stop looking at you…”

A shiver rolls through you, the words sending a rush straight to your stomach. You meet his gaze, your fingers curling against the lapels of his suit.

“You don’t have to.”

As the soft, longing notes of “I Want to Know What Love Is” by Foreigner fill the gym, Eddie pulls you even closer, his arms tightening around your waist as you sway. Your bodies move in sync, slow and deliberate, a subtle press of hips here and there. The moment is intimate, a world of just the two of you despite the dozens of couples surrounding you.

Eddie’s voice is barely above a whisper as he sings along, his lips close to your ear. “I wanna know what love is…” Then he pulls back just enough to meet your eyes, a soft intensity there that makes your breath hitch. “And I want you to show me.”

The words linger between you, thick with meaning, before he leans in and captures your lips in a kiss filled with every ounce of feeling he’s ever had for you. The world blurs, the music fades, and all that’s left is Eddie, his lips moving against yours, his hands warm on your back.

When you finally pull apart, breathless, you rest your forehead against his, swaying gently as the song continues to play. And then, with a soft chuckle, you murmur, “So… you’re like my boyfriend, right?”

Eddie lets out a bark of laughter, shaking his head in amusement. “God, I sure hope I am,” he teases. “I don’t buy necklaces and go to dances with girls who are just my friends, sweetheart.”

Your heart flutters as you smile, nuzzling into his chest. The song fades, and for a moment, it’s just the two of you.

Then, the DJ’s voice crackles over the speakers.

“Alright, lovebirds, this next song is a long one! If you’re into metal and slow dancing, you’re gonna wanna stay on the floor for this one.”

As "Nothing Else Matters" plays, Eddie’s grip on you tightens just a little, like he’s making sure this is real. 

“Finally!” you both say at the exact same time, laughing at the realization.

“You requested this?” he asks, a crooked grin spreading across his face.

“So did you?” you counter, grinning just as wide.

His forehead is still resting against yours, and when he pulls back to really look at you, you see that his eyes are glossy. 

"You know…" He swallows hard, his voice thick with emotion. "The first time I showed you this song, I wanted you to know… this is how I felt about you." He laughs, shaking his head at himself. "I couldn’t just say it back then, but I thought maybe if you listened, you’d understand."

Your heart squeezes as you stare up at him, realizing just how long he’s carried this.

"Eddie…"

His fingers trace gentle patterns along your back as he exhales shakily. "Every time I played it, I was thinking of you. And now—” His voice cracks slightly, “now we're here, and we both requested it without even knowing. If that’s not fate, I don’t know what is."

A few tears slip down his cheek. Without thinking, you reach up, your fingers brushing against his skin, catching them before they can fall any further. He leans into your touch, warm and familiar, and your chest tightens at the way he looks at you like you’re the only thing that has ever mattered.

His hands find your face, thumbs sweeping gently over your cheekbones as he exhales shakily. His voice is barely above a whisper.

"I love you." His breath shudders. "You're my dream girl. Always have been."

You feel the sting of tears in your own eyes, but then you remember your makeup. With a quick gasp, you tilt your head back, blinking furiously. “Oh, no, no, no damn it, Eddie! I spent way too long on my eyeliner for this.”

He huffs out a laugh, shaking his head. “God, I love you.”

That makes you giggle as you finally look at him again, the heaviness of the moment breaking just enough to let in something softer, sweeter. You press your hands against his chest, still swaying together.

“I love you too,” you whisper, resting your head against him, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breath.

He sighs happily, his chin brushing the top of your head. “Only my dream girl would request a six-minute Metallica song at a dance just for us.”

You laugh softly against his chest, and together, you sway as the music plays on, wrapped up in something that feels like forever.

As the music swells, he murmurs against your hair, "Every day with you really does feel like something new. Like something good." He pulls back just enough to meet your gaze, his voice tender and certain. "And you know what? Nothing else really does matter, not when it’s us."

And in that moment, swaying in his arms, you know he’s right.

As the final notes of "Nothing Else Matters" fade out, you and Eddie stay close, wrapped in each other’s warmth. His thumb gently strokes your back as you both savor the moment, lost in the feeling of finally having everything out in the open.

Then, the DJ’s voice cuts through the hum of conversation.

“Alright, lovebirds, this is the last song of the night! Grab your sweetheart and soak it in. I think this one’s the perfect way to end our Cupid’s Ball here’s ‘Heaven’ by Bryan Adams.”

As the soft, heartfelt melody fills the gym, Eddie lets out a small laugh through his nose, shaking his head. “Jesus, could this night get any more on the nose?”

You smile up at him, lacing your fingers with his. “You complaining, Munson?”

“Not a chance, my pretty girl.” He pulls you even closer, his arms wrapped securely around you as you sway to the song.

Around you, other couples are doing the same Gareth with Diana, Jeff with Tina, and Grant with Debbie. The atmosphere is thick with something electric, the weight of the night settling in as everyone realizes what comes next.

Gareth, ever the instigator, walks up with a smirk. “Man, Eddie, I’ve never seen you this soft before. Kinda weird.”

Eddie doesn’t even bother looking away from you as he flips Gareth off behind your back, making Gareth laugh before walking back to Diana.

As the song nears its end, there’s a silent understanding between everyone. This night is far from over.

Slowly, everyone starts breaking apart, heading toward their own plans. The diner, the mattress store, Lover’s Lake, the hotel. Jeff slings an arm around Tina, whispering something that makes her giggle. Grant and Debbie head toward the doors, her hand pulling him along with a clear sense of purpose. Diana links arms with Gareth, shooting you a wink before leading him out.

And then, it’s just you and Eddie, standing in the middle of the dance floor as the last notes of “Heaven” play out.

Eddie leans down, his lips brushing against your temple. “You ready to get outta here?”

You nod, your heart pounding, knowing that tonight was only just beginning.

As you and Eddie leave the dance, the excitement in the air grows with every passing mile. The further you get from the gym, the more the tension builds between you. The van hums with energy, the weight of the night settling around you both.

Eddie breaks the silence, voice low but sincere. "Never thought I'd be someone who deserved this," he admits, glancing at you before focusing back on the road. "You, me, this whole night... It’s more than I ever thought I’d have. Especially not a cabin on the lake." He chuckles. "Though, it’s not exactly a dream getaway, it's Reefer Rick’s."

You arch a brow but smile. "Honestly? I don’t care. I’m just happy to be with you."

He grins, fingers twitching near yours on the gear shift. "Well, I cleaned it up. Promise it’s not that bad."

As the trees thin and the cabin nears, the mood shifts, playful now. Eddie smirks. "You know, tonight’s a first for a lot of things, huh?"

You meet his eyes, heart skipping. "Yeah. I’m excited that it’s with you."

His grin turns mischievous. "Couldn’t have asked for a better person to share this with."

You smirk. "Did you see Gareth and Diana? I think I just got all of Corroded Coffin laid tonight. Pretty sure that makes me the best friend ever."

Eddie barks out a laugh, nearly swerving. "I didn’t think it was possible. I was starting to wonder if it was a full moon or something!"

You both dissolve into laughter as he pulls up to the cabin. With a dramatic flourish, he swings open your door and offers his hand. "And here we are, milady. Your humble abode for the night."

You laugh, shaking your head at his dramatics, but take his hand. He helps you out of the van, still with that goofy smile on his face. “After you, princess,” he says, guiding you up the steps with an exaggerated bow, like he's escorting royalty. As you both walk toward the front door, Eddie gestures grandly. “Allow me, princess,” he says with a smirk, making a show of opening the door for you.

You laugh, stepping inside. The cabin is cozy, if a little mismatched, with vintage furniture and a few old decorations scattered about. But the view of the lake from the windows is breathtaking, and it already feels like a special place.

Eddie starts giving you a little tour, showing you the snacks he brought chips, soda, and a couple of beers and the toiletries he packed. “I’ve got everything covered,” he says with a wink, “You’re my guest tonight.”

“Guest?” you laugh, raising an eyebrow. “I’m not royalty.”

Eddie grins, leaning against the counter as he looks at you. “Oh, I beg to differ, princess,” he says, his voice teasing.

You smile, but there’s something more in his gaze now. “So, what’s next?” you ask, feeling the tension shift, the air between you suddenly charged. 

He steps closer, his voice dropping a little. “Now we enjoy it,” he says softly. 

Your smile deepens, and your heart picks up pace. “I like that,” you whisper. Eddie’s hand brushes along your back, his fingers lightly trailing down your spine as he moves past you. "Let me show you the bedroom," he says, voice low and inviting. "It’s not much, but I think you’ll like it."

You follow him through the cabin, the cozy, mismatched furniture giving the place a lived in feel. When you enter the bedroom, you immediately notice the familiar bed sheets. "Wait a second," you laugh, recognizing them from Eddie's room. "You really brought your sheets?"

Eddie chuckles, running a hand through his hair. "I thought they’d make the place feel... a little more homey. Plus, I like them."

He gestures to the bed with a playful grin, his fingers trailing over a red scarf that drapes over one of the lamps. "And for the mood lighting." He winks, clearly proud of his little touch.

You laugh at the sheer cheesiness, but it’s endearing. "Mood lighting, huh? That’s what we’re going with?"

He shrugs, feigning innocence. "Hey, I like to set the scene."

You glance at the bed, then back at him. "You know, I think I might want to get out of this dress," you say, your voice a little more suggestive. "You think you can help me with that?"

Eddie’s eyes follow you, the playful tension thickening in the room. He catches your look and smirks, "I’ve got you covered, princess," he responds, his voice low and confident. Eddie steps closer, his hands already moving to the laces of your dress, his fingers brushing your skin with a gentle, deliberate touch. His gaze doesn’t leave you as he works, and you can feel the heat between you both growing as he slowly undoes the laces, one by one. As the last lace loosens, he meets your eyes again, his voice dropping. "All yours now," he says, his tone both soft and charged with his anticipation.

You shimmy out of your dress, and the silky fabric glides down your body, slipping from your curves and pooling at your feet. The air feels cooler against your skin, as Eddie’s eyes darken, taking you in. You stand there in nothing but a strapless bra and simple cotton underwear, and yet, from the way he’s looking at you, you might as well be wearing something far more scandalous. Eddie doesn’t move, standing still as if trying to commit every inch of you to memory. His fingers toy with the button of his shirt, almost absentmindedly, his usual playful demeanor gone for a moment, replaced by something more intense.

You hang your dress on a nearby hanger, giving him a brief glance over your shoulder. "Enjoying the view?" you tease, a small smile playing on your lips, as the heat in your chest mirrors the heat in his gaze.

He shifts, blinking as if snapping out of a trance. "Yeah," he mutters, his voice a little hoarse. 

You step toward Eddie, your voice soft but teasing. "I can help you," you murmur, as you kneel before him your fingers reaching for his belt, the one he always wears, the worn leather and handcuff buckle so unmistakably Eddie.

Eddie swallows hard, watching you as you undo it with ease, the metal clinking softly in the quiet cabin. You don’t rush, unfastening the button, then slowly tugging the zipper down. His breath hitches just slightly, but he stays still, letting you take the lead. You notice his red briefs and how tight they are in the front. Just knowing what you do to him drives you wild.

The pants slide down his legs, pooling at his feet like your dress had just moments ago. You meet his gaze, tilting your head playfully. "Step out," you instruct, and he obeys without hesitation, kicking them aside. You bend down, grab the slacks and carefully hang them up next to your dress. When you turn back around, Eddie is still watching you, shirt hanging open, eyes hooded with something unreadable but definitely not innocent. "I'm gonna go change now," you say casually, grabbing your overnight bag and heading to the bathroom.

Eddie just stands there for a second, watching you go, absolutely undone at how bold you are. He exhales a shaky breath, running a hand through his hair like he needs to physically ground himself. With you out of sight, he turns to the rest of his suit, forcing himself to focus. He hangs up his dress shirt, smoothing it out even though his hands are still a little unsteady. The tie gets draped over the hanger nicely. When he’s done, he glances toward the bathroom door and with a smirk, he decides to be a little shit. Instead of his pajama shorts, he ditches them in favor of just his red underwear, pairing them with his well worn Corroded Coffin tee. He figures it’s only fair, if you were going to tease him by walking around like that, he might as well return the favor. Eddie sprawls out across the bed like he owns the place, one arm resting behind his head, the other draped lazily over his stomach. His legs are stretched out, one knee slightly bent, looking as effortlessly comfortable as ever.

He smirks to himself, tapping his fingers idly against his stomach. Yeah, real casual, Munson. Totally cool. Not at all dying to see her walk out of that bathroom.

His eyes flicker toward the door, anticipation buzzing under his skin. He knows you’re in there, slipping into whatever you brought, and the thought alone is enough to make him twitch in his boxers.

He shifts, trying to get comfortable not that he’s uncomfortable, but patience has never been his strong suit. With a slow exhale, he forces himself to keep it together, though his heart betrays him with every over eager beat. The bathroom door creaks open, and Eddie turns his head just in time to see you step out. His usual smirk falters, replaced by something softer, something almost awestruck.

You look ethereal. Your makeup is gone, revealing every natural feature he adores, and your hair is brushed out, cascading over your shoulders in a way that makes you look untouchable like something out of a dream. The soft nightgown drapes over you, light and delicate, making you look almost weightless as you move toward him.

Eddie swallows hard, blinking as if to make sure he isn’t imagining this. His breath catches, and for a moment, all he can do is stare.

You don’t say a word, but your gaze never leaves his as you walk toward the bed. There’s an ease in the way you move, like you belong here, with him, in this exact moment.

Then you climb onto the bed, crawling toward him, your hands pressing into the mattress as you move closer. Eddie’s fingers twitch where they rest on the sheets, like he’s resisting the urge to reach for you.

“Hey there, rockstar,” you murmur, your voice teasing as you settle beside him, close enough for him to feel the warmth of your skin.

Eddie exhales a quiet laugh, but there’s no teasing in his eyes, just something tender, something real. “Hello, pretty girl. You’re looking beautiful,” he murmurs back, his voice low and warm. His hand finally lifts, fingertips grazing along your arm like he’s making sure you’re really here.

You smile, “You’re too sweet to me Munson.” You lean in to press a soft, lingering kiss to his lips. Eddie melts instantly, his hand sliding up to cradle the side of your face. He kisses you slowly, and deeply, savoring every second.

When you pull back just slightly, noses brushing, he lets out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “You look unreal,” he whispers, voice rough with emotion. “Like… too good for this place. Too good for me.”

You roll your eyes playfully, trailing your fingers down his jaw. “Well, good thing you’re stuck with me anyway.”

Before he can say anything else, you kiss him again, sinking into him completely. Eddie groans softly, his hand curling around your waist. As Eddie’s hands trace over your back, his fingers pause at the strap of your bra beneath your nightgown. He leans back slightly, brows furrowing.

“Wait… you really kept your bra on to get comfortable?” His tone is a mix of surprise and amusement.

You smirk. “Yeah? Why does that shock you?”

Eddie sputters, shaking his head. “I just thought they weren’t comfy, is all!”

You laugh, running your fingers through his hair. “Not really.”

Eddie hums, hands sliding lower. “Just think you’d be more comfortable without it”

“Oh, do you now?”

“Purely in the name of comfort,” he murmurs, lips grazing your jaw.

You smirk, whispering, “Ya know it’s not the bra you saw earlier.”

Eddie blinks. “Oh, really?”

Shaking your head, you sit up, straddling him and lifting your nightgown just enough to reveal the red lace beneath.

His breath stutters, eyes locked on you. “Holy shit.”

You take his hand, guiding it to your waist. “You can touch me, Eddie.”

His fingers trace over the fabric, slow and reverent, like he’s memorizing every detail. He cups your breasts in his hands. Squeezing as he goes on. After a moment, he exhales, voice soft. “I love this… a lot. But I want you to be comfy too.”

You hold Eddie’s gaze for a moment, then, without a word, you reach for the hem of your nightgown and pull it over your head, letting it drop beside you.

Eddie sucks in a sharp breath, his eyes widening as he takes in the sight of you in nothing but that red lace. His hands flex at his sides like he’s physically restraining himself.

Then, you reach behind you, unfastening the clasp. The straps slip down your shoulders slowly, and the bra falls away.

Eddie's jaw goes slack. “Oh, fuck,” he breathes, his voice barely above a whisper.

You giggle at his reaction, the stunned expression on his face making heat rise in your cheeks. Slowly, you grab your nightgown and slip it back over your head, the fabric cascading back into place.

“There,” you tease, settling back against him. “Comfy now.”

Eddie swallows hard, blinking as if trying to process what just happened. Then, with a groan, he wraps his arms around you pulling you towards him, then burying his face in your shoulder. “You’re bad. You know that?.” You laugh softly, threading your fingers through his hair as he clings to you. “Oh, I’m bad?” you tease, tilting your head to press a kiss against his temple. “I thought I was just getting comfy.” Eddie lifts his head, eyes still wide, still wrecked. “Yeah, right,” he scoffs, though there’s no heat behind it. His hands slide up your back, warm and steady, his fingers pressing just enough to remind himself you’re real. He exhales sharply, shaking his head. “You—” He huffs a laugh, dazed and breathless. “You’re gonna be the death of me, sweetheart.” “So,” you murmur, shifting just enough to tease, to test, wiggling your hips against him. “What should we do now?” Eddie lets out a sharp breath, his grip tightening on your waist. Then, without warning, he ruts his hips up, making you gasp. His smirk is downright sinful. “Oh, I dunno,” he muses, voice low and dangerous. “But if you keep teasing me, you're gonna find out.”

You roll your eyes, feigning innocence as you rest your hands on his chest. “Hmm. No idea what you’re talking about.” You tap your fingers against his skin. “But I think I’ll count your freckles.”

Eddie groans, but his hands stay firm on your hips, grounding himself as you start.

“1… 2… 3… 6… 10…”

He frowns, trying to glance down at himself. “What are you counting?”

You hum, dragging your fingers across his chest in slow, lazy patterns. “Whatever I feel like.”

Eddie's smirk grows wider as his hands grip your hips, flipping you over effortlessly so you're lying beneath him. The moment he settles above you, his gaze sharpens with a mischievous glint.

"It’s my turn to count now," he says, his voice rougher than before, the playful edge replaced by something more lustful.

You raise an eyebrow, meeting his intensity head-on. "Oh? And what exactly are you counting?" you tease, though a part of you knows exactly what’s coming.

Eddie leans in, his lips brushing against yours in a slow, teasing kiss before pulling away with a smirk that sends a shiver down your spine. "Whatever I feel like," he says, his voice low, sending heat rushing through you.

Your heart pounds as his weight settles more comfortably on top of you, his body pinning you in place. He shifts, settling his crotch more deliberately against yours. The heat between your bodies flares, and you gasp softly as he begins to grind his hips against yours. It's a slow, tantalizing movement, a promise of more to come. His hands slide up your thighs, pushing your nightgown higher, until he exposes your chest to the cool cabin air. You feel a rush of excitement as he starts counting, his voice low and husky.

"One," he whispers, placing a soft kiss on the curve of your breast. His lips brush against your skin, sending tingles through your body.

"Two," he continues, his mouth tracing a path to the other breast, where he leaves another gentle kiss. The sensation is intoxicating, and you can't help but arch into his touch.

"Three," Eddie murmurs, his lips grazing the hollow of your throat. His hips continue to move against yours, building a slow-burning fire in your abdomen. As he counts higher, his kisses become more insistent, more passionate. You feel yourself getting lost in the sensation of his mouth on your skin, and  the pressure of his hips against yours. Eddie's gaze locks onto yours, his eyes burning with desire. 

The counting continues, each number marked by a soft kiss or gentle bite. The sensation is overwhelming, and you feel yourself melting into Eddie's touch. Your breath comes in short gasps as he works his way down your body. As Eddie's fingers brush against the waistband of your panties, he gives a gentle tug and looks up at you with a silent request. You lift your hips to allow him to slide your panties down, your wetness is evident, shining on your skin. Some dampness runs down to the top of your thighs, lost in the soft curls below. "So wet already?" Eddie says, his voice laced with shock. "I've barely even touched you," he adds with a smirk, his confidence and cockiness taking over, "Guess I don't need to do much to get you ready, huh?" Your cheeks flush red, and you put your hands over your face, trying to hide the embarrassment. "Shut up," you mumbles, though a small smile. "It's... it's just that I've been thinking about this all day." He smiles up at you, “I’m just teasing you pretty girl, I like that you get so wet f’me.” Then he returns back to counting. "25" is marked by a series of soft, teasing kisses that dance around your mound and lips. His mouth grazes your skin, leaving a trail of delicate sensations that build anticipation and desire.

And then, on "30", Eddie's tongue makes its first contact, tracing a slow, deliberate stripe into your slit. The sudden jolt sending electricity through you is breathtaking, and for a moment, the air seems to leave your lungs. Each gentle suck and lick as his mouth works the area with a steady rhythm, sending waves of shock through you that make it hard to think straight. Involuntary little sighs and moans leave you. Making him rut his hips into the mattress for some kind of friction. 

As Eddie reaches "35", he increases the pressure of his lips, his tongue dancing across your sensitive skin with a gentle yet insistent touch. Your hips arch upwards, seeking more of the friction, and he notices, his mouth now moving in perfect sync with your body.

The counting continues, each number a reminder of the building pleasure. "40" brings a soft bite to the inside of your thigh, making you shiver. "45" is marked by a gentle suckle on the curve of your hip, which you never thought would be something that felt good.

At "50", Eddie's mouth returns to your slit, his tongue now with more pressure than ever before. The sensation is almost too much, and you feel yourself teetering on the edge of release. “Eddie,” Your breathing comes in short gasps as he continues to lick and suck, his hands gripping your hips to hold you in place. The soft sound of your moans filling the room makes his cock harder.

The counting grows more labored now, Eddie's voice husky with want as he struggles to maintain control. "55" brings a series of quick licks circling around your clit. "60" is marked by  his mouth creating a suction around your clit as he continues with his tongue in circles. 

"Just like that," you gasp, “Please don’t stop, Eddie,” your fingers instinctively clutching at the sheets as you try to arch closer to him. He's holding you still, right where he wants you.

Eddie hums “Mmhmm,” and the vibrations send you over the edge. Your whole body buzzes, tingling everywhere, even in your toes. You start to shake, first with small tremors that quickly build in intensity. Eddie doesn’t stop he keeps humming, sucking, and licking.

With a cry that surprises you, the wave of pleasure crashes over you. You squeeze your eyes shut, holding on tightly as your body clenches and releases in powerful pulses. Soft breaths and moans escape your lips. “Okay, okay, no more,” you manage to say, not even sure how it’s possible to feel this way. Eddie slowly eases up and stops, looking up at you as you continue to shiver from the overwhelming pleasure. As the last tremors fade away, you finally catch your breath. “You’re too good at that,” you say, eyebrows raised in disbelief.

Eddie grins, a playful smirk spreading across his face. “Honestly, I just kept responding to your noises,” he replies, a teasing lilt in his voice. “Guess it worked out, huh?” There’s a hint of surprise in his gaze, showing he didn’t quite expect to be this good at something so new. “Who knew I had this hidden talent?” he adds, the lightheartedness in his tone easing the tension as he leans back, still catching his breath and feeling a sense of pride.

"So, what's next?". Your eyes linger on the slight dampness on the front of his red underwear. "Feeling a little excited, are we?"

His blush deepens. "Easy for you to say,"  his voice is a little breathy. "You're the one dripping down your thighs, remember?" He runs a hand self-consciously through his hair, but the playful glint in your eyes keeps him from getting too flustered.

"Are you sure you want to continue?" 

You don't wait. Your eyes light up. "Absolutely! What do you think I've been waiting for?"

He chuckles, happy you're so eager. "Alright, alright. Just making sure," he says, brushing hair from your face. "Well... I want to feel you around me." He pulls you close, hands around your waist, and kisses you hard. It's a slow and deep kiss. He stops suddenly, his eyes locked on yours, a silent question, before reaching for the hem of his shirt. He pulls it off, tossing it carelessly to the side, revealing his broad frame and toned chest and arms. 

"Fuck," you whisper, looking at his arms. "You are so hot, Eddie." You lean back and slowly slide your nightgown off.

He meets your gaze, his breath catching in his throat. He reaches for the waistband of his red underwear, his movements suddenly deliberate and slow, drawn out by the intensity of the moment. He slides them down his legs, his eyes never leaving yours, and kicks them away, then, with a fumbling that's endearing, he reaches for a condom. The foil crinkles, and he tears it open with his teeth. His fingers are clumsy as he rolls it down his shaft. You watch, your heart pounding as you really see the size of him. He then takes you in a very needy kiss as your hands wander all over each other for the first time. He pulls back from the kiss, his eyes dark, his chest heaving with each ragged breath. "I need you," he murmurs. 

"Oh Eddie, I need you too. Please," you whisper back, your voice trembling with a mix of desire and vulnerability. The raw honesty in your words seems to ignite something within him, a spark that flares to a raging fire as he reaches for you once more.

This time, the kiss is fierce, all consuming, a collision of tongues and lips that leaves you breathless and wanting for more. His hands move to your hips, his fingers digging into your skin as he lifts you slightly, positioning himself against you. His tip circling at your entrance driving you wild. A sweet ache builds as you feel yourself clenching at nothing. Then he finally pushes into you. Eddie gasps at the feeling. “Fuck, sweetheart. You’re so warm.” he slowly pushes forward and sighs out “Fuck, and tight.” He pushes the rest of the way forward. The sting of him entering you is sharp, a momentary flash of discomfort that quickly fades into a burning pleasure as he fills you completely. You feel him stretch you, a gentle, insistent pressure that sends shivers down your spine. It's a sensation unlike any other. Eddie struggles to find the right motion as his hips rock slowly, until he finds a gentle, rolling motion he slowly starts pumping but then builds up speed. Your body responds instinctively, as your hips move in counterpoint to his, creating a rhythm that's raw, wild, intense, and electrifying "Eddie," you breathe, your voice husky, "you're so big." A thrill shoots through you as the words leave your lips. You reach out to him, gripping his forearm. "I like the way it stings," you confess, a shiver running down your spine from making the confession, "as you stretch me out." The anticipation thrums in your veins, a mix of excitement and delicious pain.

His breath hitches, a low groan rumbling in his chest. "Saying things like that..." he rasps, his voice thick with desire, "is gonna make me lose it." He leans down, his lips brushing against your ear. 

You rasp out "Uh huh? You want to lose it for me, Eddie?", your body tightens around him, pulling him closer as he pumped. You whisper “Cum for me, Eddie..please.” The whispered words, especially the way you say his name, sends a wave of pleasure through him. He can't hold back anymore, and with a groan, he gives in to the built up pressure, cumming hard as your muscles clench around him.

He collapses, his head falling to your shoulder, his breath hot against your skin. "God," he breathes into your neck, his voice still thick and raw. "You... You feel... Fucking incredible, sweetheart."

You shift, meeting his gaze, a smile playing on your lips. "You felt pretty amazing yourself," you confess, your voice still catching. "A little... big. But amazing."

He laughs, a low, rumbling sound, and buries his face in your neck, kissing the sensitive skin there. "I'm sorry," he murmurs, "I tried to be gentle, but you were talking dirty... you know."

"It's okay," you assure him, running your hand through his hair. "I liked how it felt."

He pulls away, sitting up and swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. "I'll be right back." He walks to the bathroom, the sound of the condom being discarded and the rush of the water filling the air. He returns moments later, a damp washcloth in hand, gently wiping you clean.

"So," he asks, settling back beside you, his arm sliding around your waist, "what do you want to do now?"

"How about," you suggest, your voice playful, "A movie? And some snacks?"

He grins, leans down, and kisses you, a long, lingering kiss. He pulls you to your feet gently out of bed, both of you still naked, and together, as you make your way to the kitchen. The air crackles with the lingering electricity of the aftermath. Eddie, his eyes sparkling, glances at you, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "So," he begins, his voice laced with curiosity, "you think you liked the way it felt, huh?"

You laugh, a genuine, happy sound. "Yeah," you say, the corners of your mouth curling into a smile. "I think I might have. Just a little bit." You reach for a handful of chips, your eyes meeting his. "You, however, were a bit of a wild man. But... I liked it."

"I tried to be gentle," he says, feigning a pout, "but, you know..." He meets your eyes with a playful look. "You're a dangerous woman, you know that?"

"Oh, am I?" you challenge, tilting your head.

"Definitely." He chuckles. "But I like it. Speaking of dangerous, you noticed I got all of your favorite snacks?”

You laugh, the surprise still evident in your voice. "I was just thinking about that! I was so shocked when I saw all of this! You really remembered?"

"Of course." He shrugs, his voice filled with a casual confidence that disguises his thoughtfulness. “Known you for damn near a decade. Which is a lot when you’re 19. Besides," he adds, leaning closer, "I wanted to make sure I had everything you needed. You know, so we can focus on other things." He winks again, and a blush creeps up your neck. The air around you thrums with a shared understanding, a silent agreement of the pleasure they both shared.

He reaches out and takes your hand, his thumb tracing lazy circles on your palm. "So, snacks," he says, his voice turning back to the task at hand. "Are we doing the classic combo? Popcorn and…?"

"Popcorn and Milk Duds? Or are we thinking peach rings?" you finish, your eyes lighting up.

"You know it! I got both," he says, his voice laced with satisfaction. He pulls you towards the refrigerator. “You get the drinks and I’ll meet you in the living room.”

Finally, he joined you on the couch with all the snacks in hand, bathed in the soft glow of the television. Eddie turns to you, his eyes filled with a depth of emotion that makes your heart swell. "I love you, sweetheart," he says, his voice filled with a sincerity that leaves you breathless.

You reach up, cupping his face, your own eyes mirroring his love. "I love you too," you whisper, and as the movie begins, you know, with a certainty that settles deep within your soul, that this is where you're meant to be.

AN: Thanks so much for reading! It means the world to me :) I hope you liked Cupid's Curveball and I hope you stick around and read more of my stories later. Sorry for posting late! Happy Valentine's Day !!!

Taglist: @emxxblog @punkrockmlchael @ali-r3n @g3n3zshack @exploding-bonbon @sheneedsrocknroll92 @punkrockmlchael @api0calisse @callmytherapistplease-blog @arabellagreenleaf @hellmastereddie @am0iur @taniamunson @mothhballl @brightsunanddarkmidnight2-0 

[kamimarroco]

happiest valentine's day to you guys! <3

cw: slightly suggestive, Fox plays with the reader's nipple in a painful way (but still tame compared to what he can do)

He runs his clawed hands over your chest possessively, rivulets of blood forming across your fragile, soft skin. You feel the adrenaline consuming your mind, your heart pumping to the rest of your body, your fight or flight instinct activated in a moment that should be intimate, delicate, rewarding.

But instead, you feel in danger. A prey being made a toy by the cat — fox — who holds you hostage. You can't move, you shouldn't. The chains do the job of keeping your hands and feet firmly in place.

“Already so anxious... and I haven't even done anything to you yet”, his breath sends chills down your spine, both of your legs spread uncomfortably on the mattress. You can feel something pressing insistently against your entrance, and you can't help but feel at least slightly aroused.

This has always been characteristic of him. Every sexual act, every act of violence, was mixed up in the emotions of the moment. There was no way one could exist without the other.

Just like there was no way you could exist without him.

Two fingers reach for one of your nipples to pinch with sharp claws, the act making your face contort in agony and take on highlights of genuine discomfort. Your legs respond in kind and you rub against him unconsciously, the pain making you feel things other than fear.

This is strange. He's being nice to you. Nicer than usual. You don't like to think about what this means to you.

Fox flashes a toothy grin from ear to ear as his tail acts like a whip, easily breaking the air due to the speed at which it moves. “Fuck, you really don't make things easier when you react like that”, he increases the pressure on his claws and violently twists your nipple to the point where you start to whimper, tears threatening to form in the corners of your eyes.

You are generally much more resilient than this given the fact that you have been through much worse. You can't imagine how pathetic you must look right now for getting so worked up over something so small — fuck, he almost made you rip your guts out live!

You can only blame the fact that Fox gave you time to recover after everything. Gave you time for your wounds to heal and your body to function reasonably again. Which didn't automatically free you from his sick amusements, but it made you forget for a brief period what it was like to be played with.

“You are sensitive", he comments as he continues to twist, twist, and twist. It's agonizing. You assume that your nipple may just be bleeding at this point because of the burning and sensation of fluid appearing in the area.

Fortunately — or perhaps unfortunately — for you, he stops when he's satisfied enough with this, letting your nipple go as your breathing makes your chest rise and fall. He takes a moment to revel in your pained expression — which, by the way, must only be making him harder.

Fox suddenly feels comfortable enough to sit on your lap, his body not being much of a problem for you since you are bigger than him. The beastkin holds your cheeks tightly with both hands and brings your face closer to his, his eyes maintaining unbreakable eye contact as your noses touch. He smiles big at you, and you now feel more desperate than ever to be this close to him.

“I really missed you, darling. Let's make up for all those days you were recovering…”

[fortytworedvines]

If you're still taking prompts: I'd like 14 :)

Send me a prompt! This is a sequel to Summer heat, but can be read as a stand-alone. T rating.

14. The water is too cold

The heat hadn’t lessened; the air was hot and sticky and still. Siegfried struggled through his calls, desperate for some relief from both the heat and the vision that was constantly in his mind’s eye. Early that morning, before dawn, he’d happened upon Audrey bathing in the forest pool in the pre-dawn light, like a nymph, a goddess. He’d watched, unnoticed, unable to turn away.

He’d arrived home after her and the house was dark and quiet, and when she’d greeted him that morning, her usual prim and proper self, a calm smile on her face, he wondered if he’d dreamt it. But it was too vivid. The water cascading down her as she stood, the slim curves of her body… He couldn’t stop thinking about her.

By the time he went to bed he was in a state; desperately hot, tormented with longing.

He managed to sleep. He dreamed of her. Woke up with a groan and full of need. He glanced at the clock – nearly three. He could do nothing about his feelings, but he could get cool. The forest pool called him.

He crept from his room, fetched a towel from the cupboard and was down the stairs and out of the house in no time.

How was it still so hot outside? This heat wave had to end soon, surely! Sweat dripped down his forehead as he walked up the path.

Finally, he reached the pool. The still surface looked inviting, and he stripped off his clothes eagerly. The rocks around the pool were rough under his feet and he stepped carefully towards the edge. Dipped a foot into the water.

It was cold. It was beyond cold. It was too cold.

Ridiculous; all he wanted was too cool down, but his foot in the water felt like a block of ice.

Audrey had managed it, yesterday. She had looked like she was enjoying herself thoroughly. Siegfried gritted his teeth. He would get in.

Jump, the voice in his head that sounded like Tris whispered.

“Oh God,” he murmured to himself. He peered into the water – it looked deep enough. He steeled himself, and jumped.

It felt like shards of ice pricking him all over. He surfaced shivering and certainly not hot any more.

“Gah,” he said, slapping his arms around himself. Get moving, he thought. He struck out across the pool in the inelegant but serviceable breaststroke he’d learned years ago at school.

He reached the other side, turned – stopped. Surely he was hallucinating.

Standing on a rock by the edge of the pool… “Good morning,” Mrs Hall said with a smile.

“Mrs – Mrs Hall!” He shifted in the water, trying to prevent her from seeing – anything, well aware of his hypocrisy given his own ogling the day before.

“I see we had the same idea,” she said. “It’s far too hot. Do you mind if I join you?” She was already undoing the buttons on her blouse.

Siegfried’s brain ceased functioning. He mumbled something that might have been agreement. He swam back across the pool – there was no other option really – trying not to watch her avidly as she removed blouse and skirt, kicked off her sandals.

She stood there in bra and knickers, apparently unselfconscious. He reached her.

“It’s ever so cold,” he said, inanely.

“As I’m hoping.” She sat on the edge of a rock and dangled her feet in. “Bliss,” she said with a smile.

“Ngh,” Siegfried said, and turned back to swim back across to the other side. He was feeling more comfortable with the temperature now. The only discomfort left was his wild attraction for his semi-clothed housekeeper.

There was a splash and he turned to see her surfacing, water dripping down her face. She was even more beautiful than she had been yesterday. “So much better,” she said with a sigh. She lay back idly in the water, unaware, or uncaring, of the way her cotton bra clung to her skin, almost see-through.

“I came out here yesterday at this time.” Water swirled around her and Siegfried tried to stop looking at her. “It set me up for the day, it really did.”

It was the cold; that was why his brain wasn’t working, that was why he blurted out, “I know.”

She flipped onto her front and eyed him. “You do?”

His face flushed with shame and he swallowed. Didn’t want to compound his misdeeds with a lie. “I saw you.”

“Oh.” She was still for a moment, her face unreadable.

His brain still wasn’t working. “You looked beautiful. Like a goddess.”

Colour tinted her cheeks. “Daft ha’p’orth.”

But though she was blushing, she wasn’t shouting at him.

His heart pounded and he dared to swim nearer.

“I assume you didn’t follow me on purpose…?”

He shook his head ferociously and droplets sprayed from him. “Of course not! I was coming back from a call and I remembered this place and I was just so damned hot!”

She laughed at him and the tension in him eased. “And I was here and spoilt it for you. I am sorry.”

“No,” he said, and his voice was suddenly tight in his throat. “You didn’t.” He was close enough to touch her now, reached out a hand through the cool water and found hers. “You are so beautiful.”

She pulled him closer to her and there was a speculative look in her eye that made his heart pound. “I think,” she said slowly, “that you should return the favour.”

“… Pardon?” She wasn’t really suggesting… was she?

She was. “Out you get, Siegfried.”

“I – I…” but it was only fair, he supposed. He swallowed. Nobody had seen him naked since Evelyn, and he was years older now. “Very well Audrey. But please, promise me that you won’t run screaming.”

She laughed, her amusement and affection clear. “I promise.”

He let go of her, swam to the edge and climbed out slowly, extremely aware of her gaze on his naked body. He steeled himself to stand, feeling water drops slide down his body. He breathed in, out, and turned.

She was lying back in the pool and watching him avidly. He fought not to cover himself. “Well?” he demanded.

She laughed again. “You’re at the top of the hill, but you’re not over it. You’ll do, Siegfried, you’ll do.”

With a sigh of relief he jumped into the pool, surfaced spluttering, and swam to her side.

“There aren’t so many poetic comparisons,” she mused, taking his hand and pulling him to float next to her. “I don’t suppose Poseidon will suffice?”

“Humph,” he grumbled. She was still holding his hand and the water between them seemed to be heating. He put his feet firmly on the rocky floor of the pool. “Audrey?”

She floated into him, put her arms around his neck. He found her waist and pulled her tightly into him, barely able to think of anything apart from the feel of her silky skin against his own. His body was reacting to her and he knew she could feel it but she didn’t pull away and the expression on her face was one of need.

She ran her fingers through his wet, tangled hair. “Will we be forgetting this?” she asked quietly.

“I don’t want to forget,” he said hoarsely. “Whatever we do… whatever happens, I want to remember it.” She brushed a kiss to the corner of his mouth and his heart nearly exploded with it. “I want this to be the start.”

Her lips found his, and she kissed him fiercely.

“Audrey,” he whispered as they kissed, “oh, Audrey.”

[meowo-owo]

Chishiya Shuntaro × fem!reader!!

(open for your inquiries~)

word count: 1639

Chishiya was always an observer. At medical university, he did not seek to make friends or join the team. He preferred to stand aside, assessing people the same way he studied anatomical atlases-carefully, coolly, with cold interest. Most of the students acted predictably: they were stressed before exams, formed friendship groups, fell in love, became disillusioned, and burned with ambition.

(Y/N) has always been out of this rhythm. She didn't just memorize the information - she absorbed it, trying to see a real person behind every line of the textbook. When the others were immersed in the competition, she helped those who were lagging behind. When someone lost hope, she found the right words. Shuntaro initially thought she was naive, but eventually realized that he was wrong. She wasn't simple-minded-she was strong. Her humanity didn't stop her from thinking logically, but somehow she managed to combine both qualities.

They were working at the same hospital now. Chishiya chose neurosurgery, following his intellectual curiosity, and (Y/N) became a cardiac surgeon, of course. She has always lived with her heart, literally and figuratively. Their working approaches were radically different: Chishiya was calculating, precise, and worked coolly, like a living scalpel. The girl is passionate, emotional, involved, always putting patients first, even if it required going beyond the protocols.

Despite the difference, they often clashed.

- You were particularly cynical today, - she said one day after surgery, taking a cup of coffee from the tray, - When you tell patients that "their chances are average," it doesn't really help.

- But it's true,- Chishiya replied calmly, lazily leaning on the counter.

- It's also true that the support of a doctor can help a patient struggle. Aren't you curious about what's going on outside of statistics?

- I'm interested in how the brain functions, not irrational emotions, - he retorted, but there was something like mocking recognition in his gaze.

She snorted and turned away, but she knew he could hear her. And, more surprisingly, sometimes he did change. Unnoticed. Barely noticeable.

The romance between them did not suddenly arise. There were no passionate confessions, no dramatic scenes in the rain. Instead, there were small moments. Chishiya always knew when she was tired, even if she wasn't complaining, and left her an energy bar on the table without a word. The girl, in turn, somehow guessed when he stayed late at the hospital and brought him coffee, even though he never asked for it.

— — —

There was a night when they both stayed in the hospital. The operation lasted longer than expected. All the staff looked exhausted, but (Y/N), although tired, did not lose her soft smile.

- You know that for someone who claims he doesn't care, you're too often there when you need to be, - she remarked, warming her hands on the cup.

Chishiya raised an eyebrow slightly, the corners of his lips twitching in a barely noticeable smirk.

- Maybe it's just a coincidence.

- Or..., - she paused, looking at him a little more closely, - You're just not as insensitive as you want to appear.

He didn't argue. Instead, after a moment, he moved his cup closer to hers, creating a space between them that became slightly less cold.

And that was enough. While.

— — —

They continued to work together, day after day, night after night. Their world was full of chaos: critically ill patients, emergency calls, hours without sleep. But in this chaos, they have their own rituals.

She always brought coffee, even if Chishiya said he didn't need it. Shuntaro always stayed by her side during her difficult surgeries-even if his presence wasn't required. He was watching her as intently as he had at the university, only now there was a barely perceptible warm note in his gaze.

But, of course, change does not happen without shocks.

/One night/

It happened during heavy duty. The patient, a ten-year-old boy, was admitted with heart failure. (Y/N) fought for him for several hours. She held herself as she always did, but Chishiya could see the tension in her every move. I saw how her fingers trembled when she finally completed the operation, how she took a deep breath when leaving the operating room.

- (Y/N), - he said softly when they were alone in the hallway.

She didn't answer right away, just leaned against the wall, tilted her head back, and closed her eyes.

- He's going to survive, - she said at last, but there was no joy in her voice. Just fatigue.

Chishia was looking at her. He knew he could have said something cool and logical to her. Something like, "you did your best," or "that's the job of a doctor." But that would be a lie. He knew it was more than a job for her.

He wasn't a comforting person. He didn't know how. But he could have done something else.

Silently, without further ado, he reached out and gently squeezed her wrist. Just a little bit, just a touch, but there was everything about it that he couldn't put into words.

The girl froze. She opened her eyes. She looked at him, intently, scrutinizingly.

- You..., - she smiled a little, but there was something else in her eyes, not surprise. Understanding, - Thank you.

He didn't answer. He lingered just a little longer than necessary before removing his hand.

And at that moment, she realized that something in him had already begun to change.

— — —

A few days later, they worked late. The hospital was quieting down, the corridors were emptying. The girl was sitting in the resident's office, sorting through papers, when Chishiya came up to her and, to her surprise, sat down next to her.

- Aren't you going home? - he asked.

- And you? - she retorted.

He didn't answer, just put a package of her favorite chocolate on the table in front of her.

- Do you remember such things? - she grinned, but there was no mockery in her voice, but gentleness.

- I only remember what matters, - Shuntaro replied calmly.

She stared at him a little too long. There was always a mystery about this man. She knew that he was good at manipulating people, that he preferred to stay one step ahead, not letting anyone get too close. But now she saw something else: he was letting her see him in a way he hadn't shown himself to anyone else.

The silence between them was no longer awkward.

- Chishia..., - she said softly.

He looked at her-without looking away, for the first time allowing emotions to flash in the depths of his eyes.

- Yes?

She smiled a little.

- Nothing. Just thank you for being here.

He didn't answer. But the next time he took her hand, he didn't let go right away.

And that was enough. While.

— — —

It was one of those sleepless days when time loses its meaning. Operations followed one another, blood, numbers, decisions on which life depended. (Y/N) I've been used to this rhythm for a long time, but today everything felt different. Heavier.

They lost a patient in the afternoon. The middle-aged man she was trying to save. She did her best, but it wasn't enough.

Chishiya knew that this was not just another case for her. He didn't try to say that it wasn't her fault-he knew that such words didn't make sense. Instead, he was just there.

When the night was already approaching morning, the girl went out onto the roof of the hospital. It was quiet here. The city below was ablaze with lights, but the air was fresh and clean. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and tried to pull herself together.

Chishiya found her without difficulty. He knew where she was going.

- You're running away again, - he said calmly, coming closer.

- I'm not running away, - she muttered, not turning around, - Just... needed some air.

He stood next to her. They were silent, but this silence was filled with something new. The blond man looked at her, at the dark circles under her eyes, at the tense shoulders.

- You can't save everyone, - he finally said.

- I know, - she replied softly.

- Then why do you experience it like this every time?

(Y/N) smiled bitterly and turned to him.

-Why don't you ever worry?

He didn't look away.

- Because I'm not you.

She nodded, accepting his answer, but there was another question in her eyes. Then why is he here? Why did he come to her again if he didn't want to get attached?

The wind touched her hair, and Chishiya stared at her for a little longer than usual. And then, before he could think about it, he reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair from her face.

Her breathing hitched. It was unexpected-not the gesture itself, but how carefully he did it.

- Chishia..., - her voice was barely audible.

He didn't let her finish.

The next moment, he leaned closer and kissed her.

It wasn't an impetuous or greedy kiss. It was the kiss of a man who had resisted for too long, but eventually allowed himself to succumb to the feeling. Careful, measured, like everything he did, but at the same time - real.

The girl froze for a second, then reached closer, answering. Her fingers tightened on the sleeve of his robe, as if she was afraid he would pull away. But he didn't pull away.

When they parted their lips, she looked at him, a little confused, but with a warm smile.

- It turns out you can feel, - she said softly.

He chuckled.

- Maybe you've infected me with your humanity.

She shook her head, still smiling.

- What do you think?

He didn't answer. He just bent down and kissed her again.

This time, he had no doubts.

[ablueboxandabentley]

Discussion of the S3 Leaked Set Pics Below:

Edit: Just to be clear I am not shaming any one at all for having theories different to mine. I understand that tone can be different for some people, myself included, to parse out sometimes. I just wanted to clarify in case it at all sounded like that’s what it sounded like I was doing. These are all my own opinions and ideas. Please DO NOT go after/ harass anyone who has ideas about the story’s direction that is different from your own.

No one has done this in my comments as of me making this edit, but I just wanted to give a reminder. Let fandom remain a space for people to enjoy together.

I do, as always, encourage RESPECTFUL conversation and debate however.

Okay, okay.

Here’s the thing. I legitimately HATE the “Aziraphale and Crowley become humans” theory. They are supposed to have eternity together. A major part of their characters is that they are eternally watching/learning/ protecting humanity. Crowley especially thinks of himself as human anyway. (“For my money, the really big one is going to be all of US (i.e. humanity) against all of them”).

After 6000 years, those two getting only a few short decades together would be a genuine tragedy. They are already human.

Aziraphale and Crowley have never, ever angsted over their immortality. Oh, I’m sure there are people they both miss, places they wish had lasted, but they aren’t the Tenth Doctor. They like all of the perks of not having to worry about money, getting expensive stuff. They would be bored, transcendentally bored, without the ability to perform miracles, and honestly they probably wouldn’t know how to function without them. To them, after enough time, the fall of a certain ancient civilization probably feels like your favorite local restaurant going out of business. (Ooh, I quite like that as a line for a fic in future). Sure it’s quite a shame, but there’s the memories.

I don’t even really want this to be a “they get tricked into thinking they’re humans” because I don’t think a story like that would work in such a short time. I actually think people are underestimating how much powerful storytelling can happen in 90 minutes. Would I have liked the full, promised series? Absolutely yes. But acting like movies can’t be moving is underestimating them. Obviously the writing has to be good, but I’m hoping we’re in good hands.

Now, what I would love for this to be is some sad, pathetic “what if we had met as humans and everything was easier?” daydream that Crowley is having because it feels very on brand for him. He doesn’t want to imagine THE bookshop because he had his heart broken there.

Now.

As for the wardrobe. The whole vest/peacoat/slacks look…yeah it does kinda look like he’s adopting bits of Aziraphale’s style, but he was also wearing a cardigan with sweater garters last season so…

Also, this is also a lot more aligned with Crowley’s clothing style in the NOVEL. In a season 1 BTS feature, David even talks about how the gothic-rocker style was a choice made for the show, that his character’s novel counterpart was specifically mentioned to wear suits.

Oh and that flat, Bill Masters hair Aziraphale has is probably his sad corporate hairstyle.

[t4ct1c4l-fluk3]

There's a crack and a pop, though Nuke just takes a moment to feel his shoulder, grab his arm, and push the joint back into its socket. He shakes his arm out, and then it's as if the hit didn't happen.

Or, at least, didn't dislocate anything or impede the function of it.

"Oh, you're smart enough to move away after."

That was... probably ominous sounding, but it was true. Peter wasn't letting him have contact.

He knew he was going to have to charge up more for this, swaying side to side for a moment before launching forward again.

His plan was to get close, side-step, and then swing an energy-filled kick into him. Hopefully it worked.

Peter knocks on Nuke's door. He's got two large meat lovers pizzas and a two liter of coke zero in hand.

@bstandsforbabydaddy

Nuke was sitting at his kitchen table, playing the knife game idly while he was waiting.

"Come in, door's unlocked. Unless you've got your hands full. Do you need me to open the door?"

The game continued even as he spoke, leaving deep gouges in the wood. He didn't care. Maybe the knife would break. Would it? It hadn't so far.