#issues and i have to explain every time that no i actually eat more when im on meds bc i Remember To

[hyunebunx]

⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 ⏖ ’ skz and the reason you aren't together !

⁺ 𖹭 . genre: angst

⁺ 𖹭 . a/n: i loveee me some angst so i hope you'll enjoy! <3 seungmin's part is slightly longer because i wrote it for my beloved keisy @starlostseungmin <3

𝜗୧ chan 𝜗୧ - he chose work over pursuing his feelings for you.

He knows how you feel about him, and you know how he feels about you. Things couldn’t be simpler.

But in reality, things were more complicated than ever. Yes, Chan did in fact confess, but with the same breath he also told you this could never go any further.

You were devastated, confused and sad, not understanding what was going on through that bright mind of his.

You liked each other, you both wanted this – so, what was the issue?

It wasn’t you, it could never be. It was him, as always.

He was too busy, his job too demanding to leave any room for you and the precious feelings you’ve developed for him.

Chan felt like he didn’t deserve your love, because he could never be there for you in the way you needed a boyfriend to be.

He could never be there every morning when you woke up, kiss you goodbye each time you left the house or greet you with a big hug when you returned. He just couldn’t, too caught up in work to even notice the hours tick by.

You didn’t deserve an absent lover, one that could not put you first.

No matter how much he cared, how much his whole being longed for you, his job would always be his main priority. Then, his seven brothers. While you, would end up being third on his list.

It pained him to admit it, and even more so admit it to you but since he respected you so much, you deserved nothing but the truth.

This information crushed you, every word that left his mouth a stone that contributed to the mountain you were quickly getting buried under.

“But I love you.”

He shook his head, brown curls getting into glossy eyes. “I love you too, but we – I, can’t.”

At the end, just as you were preparing to depart his studio, he stood up. Without thinking, you hugged tightly, aware this would be the last time before things would change forever.

“Please don’t be sad because of me.”

How could you not? How did he expect you to not mourn the beautiful relationship you could have had, if only he wasn’t so against it?

If only he would have chosen you.

𝜗୧ minho 𝜗୧ - because he broke up with you.

Yeah, pro idol Minho ended your relationship on a random Thursday night, taking everyone but most importantly you, by complete surprise.

“Let’s break up.”

You can’t believe your ears, especially since you’re in his house, eating the food he just prepared for the both of you, in his kitchen while wearing one of his shirts.

Nothing was amiss, nothing even prompted it. Things have been going great in your relationship – there was no recent argument or disagreement that could explain his sudden decision.

Blames it on his work and his hectic schedule, trying to appear as detached and unaffected as he possibly could. But you know better; you see it all.

The way his fist clenches over the dish rag, how his eyes won’t meet yours even for a split second. This isn’t something he wants to do, not in the slightest. Yet, here he is, breaking both of your hearts for a reason he doesn’t even bother revealing.

It stings in the worst way possible, even more so when you stand up to hug him and he just puts a hand up, stopping you in your tracks.

“Please, Y/n. Don’t make this harder for me.”

Tears well up in your eyes and that’s when he looks away, slumping against the counter as a sniff reaches his ears. He’s gripping the wood with such force you’re afraid it might actually snap.

“Why are you doing this? What’s going on?”

But Minho doesn’t respond, not even as you start crying and begging him to talk to you, to tear down the wall he suddenly plopped right between you two in your relationship.

He’s so close, mere inches away, but his heart that belonged to you, that always responded to yours, is suddenly grabbed harshly out of your hands and shipped away to an unknown destination.

“Minho.” You sniff, not hiding your tears or the pain that’s slowly ripping your heart to pieces and letting them fall all the way down to your stomach, trying to escape from the torture. Because even the idea of not having him in your life was pure torture.

“I think you should go.”

He walks past you, head hung low as he throws the dish rag on the table without saying anything else, putting an end to the conversation. An end to your relationship. Throwing it all away like the time spent together meant absolutely nothing to him.

Like it was the easiest thing in the world.

But it wasn’t, not like he’d ever let see you the way he broke down as you slammed the front door shut, walking out of his life for good. Even if you didn’t agree, it was better this way.

Your life was better, and happier, without him in it. That’s what he kept murmuring to himself as he slid to the ground, against his bedroom door, crying while clutching his chest, afraid his heart might stop beating.

It was all for the better.

𝜗୧ changbin 𝜗୧ - is already in a relationship.

The most stupid thing you can ever do in this lifetime is fall in love with someone who’s already in love with another.

Not only is he in love, he’s also in relationship that’s been going on for three beautiful years.

The thing is, you haven’t always had feelings for Changbin.

It was weird, really. For the longest time now, he was just your bubbly co-worker who laughed so loud the whole department could hear him. The mood maker of the company.

It happened on the annual Christmas party, where you drunk a little too much as you were nursing a broken heart after your ex dumped you out of the blue.

The whole world was spinning but you were happy – happier than you’ve been in months.

Noticing you could barely stand, Changbin ever the gentleman, offered to drive you home.

You complained and complained but after some more convincing from him, Changbin managed to coax you onto the passenger seat of his sports car.

You were silent the whole ride but as he parked on your driveway, he gasped, worriedly grasping your hands and exclaiming about the tears on your cheeks. You didn’t even notice you were crying.

But that’s when the dam broke and it all came to the surface, tears flowing freely down your face and neck as you sobbed, telling Changbin everything from beginning to end.

And he listened, holding your hands and nodding when appropriate, offering you the occasional sip of water or a tissue to wipe your face, not interrupting once.

His heart broke for you, unaware his mere presence was already working on mending yours.

The next morning, you almost didn’t show up to work as you remembered everything, how you made a fool out of yourself in front of everyone but especially Changbin. But something pushed you to do so.

As you arrived, a care basket was on your desk, accompanied by a little note with a crooked smiley face and then, he appeared, doing the exact same expression.

And you laughed, wholeheartedly. And you continued to do so as you began taking your lunch breaks together, working side by side and even taking turns on driving the other home.

Falling for him was inevitable, but you didn’t mind, all warm and fuzzy on the inside as the heart your ex broke was anew.

That is, until you met her. You and Changbin became so close that he couldn’t help but want to introduce you to his other half, the woman who loved him unconditionally that knew a little too much about you.

And just like that, your heart shattered once again, the pieces so tiny they were easily blown away in the wind, leaving behind a big whole were all of your love once resided. How could you be so stupid to believe someone could ever love you again?

𝜗୧ hyunjin 𝜗୧ - you found out he was in love with someone else.

Plain and simple, as heartbreaking as it sounds.

Let me paint this picture: you two are best friends, each other’s safe places. You always talk about everything and anything with one another, feeling comfortable to share even your darkest secrets.

Because of that, you genuinely thought he might even reciprocate your feelings at some point.

But one day, as you’re both hanging out at your house, watching a movie, all of the hope and daydreams you held in your heart for a happy ending with him just get crushed.

He suddenly dumps this new information on you while he’s casually munching on some popcorn, watching the couple on the screen confess their love for each other like your heart didn’t just stop beating.

You’re so taken aback that you stop breathing for a moment, looking at him with wide eyes.

For some strange reason, Hyunjin doesn’t meet your gaze even as it goes silent between you two and your eyes keep burning holes into the side of his head.

Only when you finally tear your gaze away, eyes glossy as you try to murmur encouraging words does he finally turn to you.

His breath hitches in his throat at the sight but other than that, he doesn’t comment on it.

The whole ordeal feels like a slap in the face, hurting more than any physical injury you’ve ever sustained but, it’s not like you could blame anyone but yourself for it. You’ve missed your chance and now, Hyunjin was going to be in a happy relationship with someone else.

So, as expected from any best friend put in that situation, you say through gritted teeth.

“You should confess.”

Hyunjin searches your face for any sign of discomfort and finds many – but, as expected, doesn’t say anything, just looks away and nods slowly. Like he just can’t maintain eye contact for more than five seconds at a time.

And that’s the end of it. The whole vibe changes, now uncomfortable and cold and it’s clear that neither of you is paying any attention to the movie anymore.

But he still remains till the end, and when the credits start rolling, you stand up first and bid him goodnight without your usual warm smile or departing embrace before sprinting up the stairs to your room.

His heart squeezes painfully in his chest as your door slams shut, the tears in your eyes bringing him unexplainable sorrow.

And as he leaves your apartment that night, down in the dumps, you know things between you have changed forever.

Because that’s the last time you and Hyunjin talk.

𝜗୧ jisung 𝜗୧ - he hasn’t confessed yet.

Jisung has liked you for a while now but for some reason, every time he wanted to take that leap of faith and finally confess, something always came up.

You were interrupted, plans had to be cancelled or you were simply too busy to even talk to each other.

It was driving him insane, especially when he’d spot you at an event surrounded by people he felt he couldn’t push through, missing his chance at your attention every time.

He felt forced to watch you from the sidelines, a background character in your life that would never get his moment to shine.

You were friends, but he often felt he cared about you more than you cared about him and it was tearing him apart.

Each time you smiled or laughed at one of his jokes, everything around him disappeared as time seemed to come to a stop, making you look even more beautiful. Which was a hard thing to do since you were already perfect in his eyes.

His insecurities and crippling fear of rejection were literally ruining his life, preventing him from experiencing the love story he’s been yearning for.

Jisung was good at hiding his feelings from you, but sometimes, he slipped up.

Like that time, he held your waist for a little too long, or guided your hands over the piano keys like it was the most natural thing in the world. Those moments when he wasn’t overly conscious, when he got lost in the moment, were your favorite.

You see, in his mission to prevent you from discovering how insanely in love he was with you, Jisung managed to make you believe the opposite. That he hated you. Okay, maybe not hate, just strongly dislike.

Always avoiding being left alone with you, barely meeting your eyes or pulling away when you got a little too close. He seemed repulsed, and it hurt you.

Where you really that unpleasant in his eyes?

He was nice and bubbly around everyone else, no matter the gender. Why couldn’t he be the same Jisung whose smile made your heart skip several beats around you, too?

This went on for a long while, which solidified the idea he hated you in your head, until you couldn’t take it anymore.

One day, Jisung almost walked in on you and Felix…hugging on the practice room floor? His heart dropped, brows furrowing in confusion. Felix knew how he felt about you, he would never disregard that, right?

Everything clicked when he heard your muffled sobs and pained voice.

“I give up, Felix.” You said, hiding your face in his chest as a loud sob escaped you. “Jisung hates me, it’s official! I tried so, so hard but it was no use.” Felix murmured something back, deep voice uncharacteristically soft as he comforted you, caressing your back.

Jisung couldn’t hear what he said though, eyes filling with tears as the only thing resonating in his ears was the pounding of his own heart. You thought…he hated you?

𝜗୧ felix 𝜗୧ - because your relationship is too…complicated at the moment.

Complicated didn’t even begin to describe your relationship with the ray of sunshine.

He was your ex that somehow slithered his way back into your life again, only this time, as a friend. Not even, just an acquaintance that knew too many of your secrets and biggest aspirations.

There was no denying the feelings you still harbored for him, the flame flickering in your heart each time he was around; each time he spoke, he smiled, he laughed or even as much as looked at you, your heart thumped so loudly in your chest you were afraid he was able to hear it.

It was embarrassing, especially since he didn’t seem as affected.

Your relationship ended on a sour note – arguing, screaming, crying, the whole package.

Yet a few months later, when you happened to be at the same party, Felix accompanied by a friend walked up to you like nothing even happened, greeting you brightly.

It was horrible, and you almost cried right there and then, missing the way his doe eyes took in all of the little details that changed about you ever since you broke up, desperately committing them to memory.

Like he never wanted to forget, because he didn’t. Felix never wanted to forget about you, even if you didn’t love him anymore.

And so, this happened a few more times until the inevitable took place.

You kissed. And never spoke about it.

And then you kissed again, and again, until he was coming over to your house in the middle of the night to do more than kiss.

It messed with your head, the way he was looking at you – like you hung the stars on the night sky for him and him alone. Like he loved you and wasn’t breaking your heart each time those plush lips kissed every inch of your skin, worshipping every part of your body.

“Why do you keep coming back?” You’d whisper one night, resting your head on his naked chest as the moon bare witness to your unspoken feelings.

“You keep calling.”

“And when I’ll stop,” you move to look at him, face mere inches away from his, hands supporting your weight on his chest, “will you still come?”

He hesitates, staring straight into your eyes. “Most likely, yeah.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know.”

Yeah…complicated.

𝜗୧ seungmin 𝜗୧ - because he is your best friend.

For most, the transition from best friends to lovers was as natural as breathing, something inevitable that was bound to happen one way or the other. Not for Seungmin.

He didn’t even allow his mind to go down that road, to think about being more than friends with you, one of the people he held the closest to his heart.

Not because he didn’t have romantic feelings for you, but because he was afraid.

Yes, he was afraid that once that line was crossed, the one that kept you firmly in place in the beautiful friendship that only blossomed and became very special over the years, it would all disappear.

Things would change and shift, which would bring forth your downfall.

In his eyes, the risk of fighting and breaking up was too big for him to even consider taking your relationship to the next level. He didn’t want to lose you, never.

But what he failed to take into account was that you would not stay single forever.

That’s why, the moment you skipped over to him and squealed about having a date, his heart almost stopped beating.

His world was spinning, like an earthquake started in his head which was quickly crumbling down every single wall and boundary, and rational decision he ever made over the years.

“You…have a date?” He gulped, ignoring the alarms going off in his head that were deafening him. “With who?”

“This guy from work.” You shrugged, excitement dimming as your gaze met his, serious. “He isn’t the one I like, but I guess it will have to do for now.”

Seungmin wasn’t stupid but his heart understood your allusion before his mind did, thumping loudly and stealing his breath away.

You were talking about him. You were going out with another guy but were thinking about him – he was the one you liked!

Still, he didn’t vocalize a response, choosing to nod and pat you on the back gently, staring at anything else other than the disappointment that overwhelmed your whole frame, making you appear oh so small.

The day of your date arrived sooner than he’d like, and Seungmin was miserable, especially since you texted him the location ‘just in case’.

Usually, he was more than happy to know where you were, safe and sound, but this time he would have preferred you didn’t let him know you were with another guy at the restaurant you frequented together.

Hours passed, and night was making its presence known, but still no sign from you. Was he worried? No. Because for once, you staying out meant the date was a success and you were having the time of your life with this guy that wasn’t him.

That’s until, a mere half an hour later, loud knocking had him off the couch in a second, opening the door to find you frowning, and with tears in your eyes. Opening his mouth to speak, shocked, thinking something had happened on the date, your finger hitting his chest stopped him.

“Why didn’t you come?” You sniffed. “I thought going out with someone else would finally prompt you to admit that what we have is more than a simple friendship! Do you hate me that much?”

He was speechless, grabbing you by the elbows as you barged in, tears streaming down your face.

“Answer me, Kim Seungmin!” Well, he was fucked.

𝜗୧ jeongin 𝜗୧ - isn’t sure what he feels for you yet.

Or better yet, his commitment issues prevented him from admitting to any feelings he might have.

See, you weren’t just friends. You were a little more than that, spending most of your free time together going to cute cafes and what would be considered dates, acting all lovey dovey.

That is, when you weren’t spending the weekend bound to his bed. That wasn’t fair, sometimes he was the one tied up. A very mutual arrangement.

Jeongin managed to drag you into a situationship you were now too deep into to break off, having developed actual feelings.

But each time you tried to speak to him about said feelings, he’d close off quicker than a frightened snail, impossible to reach.

After each one of these occasions, he wouldn’t contact you for days on end, sometimes even weeks, leaving you wondering if he’d ever come back.

He always did, he couldn’t stay away from you no matter how much he tried.

Even if he messed with other people in that time, he’d still make his way back to you, smiling like nothing even happened and ready to give you all of his attention and affection again.

It was exhausting, and very, very painful.

But you still welcomed him back with open arms, too happy to see him to even care that each time he appeared in your life again, you were not the same.

Every time he disappeared and you didn’t say anything, a piece of your heart was ripped off harshly, stomped on and then thrown in the trash, devoid of any color or life. Like an old toy, forgotten in favor of a new, shiny one.

But Jeongin didn’t care. It’s not like he could be bothered to pick up your scattered pieces – they didn’t interest him, you did.

Not like he ever noticed the light in your eyes dimming each time he stormed back into your life after pretending you didn’t exist for weeks.

To be honest, you don’t think you’ll ever be together.

Not now, or in the future.

No matter how much you hated to admit it, the facts were neatly laid out before you – Jeonging didn’t care about you at all, no matter how sweet, loving or good you were to him.

He thought you couldn’t notice, that your love for him was too blinding for you to see anything else other than him.

But you did. And he also did when one day, for the first time since he met you, as he stumbled out of a bar, giddy and tipsy with his phone to his ear ready to hear your sweet voice, his call didn’t go through.

[luuce]

wordcount: 5,105

summary: walking your dog really does make you meet new people. When in search of a new sitter for your dog, he seems to have chosen it himself. 

warnings: none, just fluff. 

part 2

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Sunny days only come every once in a while here in rainy London, so it is no wonder you and your furry companion take advantage of that and take a walk, although with him walks are required at least twice a day every single day, no matter the weather. His tail is up high and swinging side to side as he vigorously stops to smell every few steps, happy trotting once he's satisfied with himself. It takes you a bit to arrive at your regular café near the park and you quickly spot the only free table there is and tug Bowie towards it. You easily tie his leash to one of the chairs and take out a treat for him.

“Sit” You tell him and he immediately looks up to you, does as told and eats the treat you give him. “Good boy. Now, mama is gonna go inside to order coffee and a treat, and you are gonna stay here guarding our table, okay? No singing while I’m gone, I know you have a beautiful voice but we don’t want you turning famous and leaving mama, what would I do without you?” 

He looks at you and sways his tail as if he’s completely understanding every word you are saying. With a quick pat on his head you go inside the café to order. There’s a bit of a queue so that leaves you with time to think what you want to order, even though you will probably end up ordering the same thing you always do. You look at the croissants and then turn your sight to the left where you spot the pain au chocolat, okay, maybe you are leaning towards chocolate today. Just as you see that it is your turn, you hear howling coming from outside. You turn your head to see Bowie with his head tilted back howling, or singing, as you like to put it. You quickly look at Marg, the lovely barista and smile apologetically.

“Sorry, you know how he gets” you tell her.

“Oh, it’s totally alright, there’s nothing that furry ball could do to make me mad” She laughs and proceeds to take your order. “The usual?”

“I’ll take the pain au chocolat today, instead”

“Perfect, coming right up”

You pay and move to the side to wait for the order. After another peek outside you see Bowie doing more of his singing while the man sitting on the table next to him seems to be talking to him. As soon as you hear your name called from another barista, you grab the tray and head outside to your artist of a dog. As soon as he spots you, he stops howling. The man beside you laughs.

“I’m sorry if he bothered you. He tends to miss me when I’m not on sight” You begin to apologize to the nice man.

“Don’t worry about it, it’s completely understandable. What 's his name?”

“This is Bowie, and he has attachment issues.”

“Oh, that explains the singing.” He laughs and reaches to pet him. “Nice to properly meet you, Mr. Bowie. I have to say that I’m a huge fan of your singing”

Bowie proceeded to bark at him as an answer. You both laugh as you take a seat on the closest chair, which is diagonally to his and a bit separated.

“I believe he said thank you” 

You take a moment to look at the guy and your breath stops. You can only see his side of the face since he’s leaned down to pet the dog. He’s wearing a cap and sunglasses which doesn’t let you see much of him. He has a nice mustache and he’s wearing a short sleeve shirt that lets you take a peek into a few tattoos that take over his skin. The shorts that he’s wearing are so short that you can see more ink on his thigh. You are absolutely captivated by the stranger man with the mustache and the tattoos that you don’t take notice of him turning to you and speaking.

“Sorry, what?” You ask and shake your head as a way to get rid of your thoughts.

“Did you name him before or after he started with his singing?”

“Oh, I actually named him Bowie because of his eyes,” it’s true, he has one blue eye and one brown, “but then he started his singing sessions while I was at work. I only found out because my neighbour complained about it and had to install a camera to see for myself. I often think he’s trying to make a living out of it so he can help with rent”

The man laughs and you follow. You take a sip of your drink and look around, seeing people walking around, seeming to be enjoying the nice weather. The conversation seems to quiet down as he looks at his phone and starts typing, so you take out your book and throw another treat to Bowie to keep him entertained for a while as you enjoy your moment. Your mind starts to wonder as to why the stranger sitting across from you looks familiar, but you can’t seem to put your finger on it. You might have seen him before here in the café, or around the area. Yes, that must be it. You watch him put his phone in his pocket and get up from the chair.

“Have a nice day you two. Bye, Bowie, it was so nice to meet you” He leans down to give a final pet to his head and then looks up to you.

“Have a nice day!” You wave at him and he does the same before he turns and walks away.

You watch him leave towards the direction you came from and you come to the conclusion that yes, you probably knew the man from the area. You finish your breakfast and leave the café so you can take Bowie through a walk in the park and maybe throw the ball around a bit.

You get back home a few hours later and you can’t help but think about the handsome man you crossed paths with today. Something inside you hopes you will meet again, but London is quite big, so you don’t know if that would be the case.

The next day, you wake up early to get ready for your shift at the hospital. You do your normal routine of preparing everything for Bowie to eat, and refill his water before putting on his leash and taking him for a very early walk. You don’t like leaving him alone for the very long hours of your shift, but you are looking for pet sitters that are able to adapt to your shifts so they can take care of him while you’re gone, but so far you haven’t found anyone. 

It’s the day after when you find yourself in the park with Bowie, throwing the ball at him so he can run around and tire himself up before your night shift. You usually do this every time you have a night shift so then he can sleep all night and not worry that you are gone to work. 

You throw the ball and he runs to catch it, and as soon as he has it in his mouth he drops it and runs in another direction.

“Bowie!” You yelled and ran to see where he went.

When you finally catch up to him, you see him lying on the ground belly up and getting pets from a man. 

“I’m sorry! He jus- Oh, hi!” You immediately recognize the man as the one you saw at the café just two days ago.

He looks up at you and smiles. You see dimples popping out and you think you could just melt. He’s wearing a cap and sunglasses again, and he’s wearing a cardigan that covers his tattoos.

“Hello there. How are you?” He politely asks while still petting your dog.

“I’m great. Trying to tire out the beast before my shift tonight.”

“Oh. What is it that you do? If you don’t mind me asking, of course.”

“It 's alright. I’m a pediatric nurse. I do twelve hour shifts at the hospital. I worked yesterday and now I work tonight, so I’m trying to spend the most time with him before I have to leave him at home.”

Bowie gets up to look for the ball, and once he finds it he brings it towards the man and leaves it at his feet. He barks and steps back waiting for the ball to be thrown. The, at this point, less stranger but still nameless guy, picks up the ball and throws it way farther than you usually do. Bowie sprints away in search of it.

“Oh wow, I think you are going to get me out of my job with that throw. I don’t think mine could cover even half of that” You tell him and can’t help but laugh.

Bowie comes back again with the ball and leaves it again at the man’s feet. He picks it up while laughing and he throws it again.

“He is such a nice dog. I wouldn’t mind doing this all day”

“I don’t think you would say that after a few throws”

You both look at Bowie, who brings back the ball only to be distracted by a butterfly that flies by. 

“I was on my way to get some coffee. Would you like to join me?” His question takes you by surprise. You would have never expected it.

“Oh, yes, that would be perfect, actually”

You whistle for Bowie to come back and he does so. You put on his leash and walk besides the man towards the same café you met at. You both make some small conversation before you arrive and tie Bowie to one of the chairs. 

“We’ll be right back, okay, bud?” You throw him a few treats and go inside. 

“What would you like? It 's on me.”

“Are you sure you want to pay for my coffee? We don’t even know each other’s names”

He laughs and throws his head back. “Touché.” He then reaches his hand out. “I’m Harry”

You shake his hand with a smile and introduce yourself.

“Beautiful name. Now that we have introduced ourselves, what would you like?”

You laugh and tell him your order, he then proceeds to order for you both while you take a look outside to see Bowie sitting and looking through the window to you two. When you turn back to look at Harry, he’s already looking at you with a smile. You immediately blush and look down. You don’t know how you ended up here, one minute you are meeting a cute guy thanks to Bowie’s howling, the next you are on your way to get some coffee with said guy thanks to Bowie’s run towards him in the park. You will have to give some more treats to the fluffy dog later.

“Here we go. Let’s head outside before the boy begins singing” He has both of your drinks in hand and he’s nodding so you can start walking.

Once you are both outside you sit across from each other and have Bowie on the ground between you two.

“I hope I’m not taking too much of your time before your shift.” It’s the first thing he says once you are both sat.

“Oh, no. I still have a few hours before it starts, don’t worry.”

The truth is, you usually take a long nap before your night shifts, but there is no way you are going to tell him that. It wouldn't be the first time you don’t take a nap before your shift, and it probably won’t be the last.

“Do you enjoy your job?” He asks before taking a sip of his coffee.

You nod your head while swallowing the bit of coffee you had in your mouth. “Yes, I do for the most part. It’s obviously a hard job when it comes to see sick children, but it helps a little when you are involved in their healing and can get them to smile”

“I can’t imagine. It must be hard.”

“There are days where everything can go as planned, and there are days that don’t. Honestly, it’s part of the job, but I don’t think I would change it for anything in the world.”

He smiles at you and nods. He has taken off his sunglasses and now you can see his eyes clearly. They are the most beautiful eyes you have ever seen, soft emerald green that could trap you in if you let it.

“Now, enough about me. What do you do for a living?” 

He looks down trying to hide his smile and starts petting Bowie as a way to distract himself. 

“I’m a musician, actually.”

“Oh, that’s so nice. What instrument do you play?” You ask with genuine interest.

He shakes his head and looks at you. “I can play a few. Guitar, piano, a bit of drums, but I mostly sing”

To say that you are in shock is an understatement. You would have never guessed.

“Oh, wow, that’s impressive. Do you have music out? Something I might have listened to?”

He smiles and takes out his phone. He can’t actually believe that you have no idea of who he is, and honestly, it’s refreshing. He taps a few times and music starts playing out of his phone. He can’t believe that he’s doing this. You can hear the piano play for a bit and then finally singing.

“Just stop your crying, it’s a sign of the times.”

“Shut up. This is you?” You ask, completely surprised. Your mouth opens in complete shock as you continue to listen to the song.

You thought the man looked familiar, but you never would have thought it was because he’s a famous singer. Your dog barks next to you and that snaps you out of your surprise moment. Bowie swings his tail from side to side happily.

“Did you know that?” You ask your dog as if he could reply to you, “Is that why you showed him your singing? So he could help you out?”

Harry laughs next to you and reaches to pet Bowie's head. “Artists are always able to identify each other. Isn’t that right, Bow?”

“I can’t believe I didn’t recognize you, I’m embarrassed. To be fair, I have always been bad at names and faces, and I really don’t pay attention to new artists. I’m an old soul who likes old music, I’m sorry” You laugh and shake your head. You can’t believe what is happening.

“There’s no need to be embarrassed. Honestly it’s quite a relief that you didn’t know who I was.”

You don’t reply, because honestly, you don’t know what else to tell him. Your cheeks are flushed with embarrassment as you try to take some sips of your drink to distract yourself. 

You take a look at the time and realize that you should probably think of trying to tire out Bowie a bit more before going home.

“Would you mind going back to the park so Bowie can play a little bit more? He needs his bit of exercise before going home to sleep.”

“Of course, let’s go.”

You both stand up and pick both of your drinks, taking Bowie with you back to the park. As soon as you enter the park, you unleash him and throw him the ball. Harry can’t help but laugh.

“Hey. No making fun of my throw now, you were warned.” You point at him with an eyebrow raised. 

He laughs as he pulls his arms up. Bowie comes back and leaves the ball at his feet. Okay, it seems he has a favourite thrower. He barks and starts jumping around while waiting. The ball is thrown far away and he sprints to get it.

“I know this may come a little bit forward, but I could look after him while you are at work.” 

That’s the second time he has said something that has taken you by surprise. Or should you say three? Honestly, everything has been full of surprises since meeting him.

“Are you sure? You are not just saying that, are you?” 

He shook his head, “Of course not. I would really love to, he’s a really nice dog, and I wouldn’t mind the company.”

“But I’m sure you are busy with your job, there is no need to take care of a dog who’s not even yours.” 

“I’m taking a break from my job, there’s nothing I would love more than to look after him when you are working.” He’s very persistent.

“We just met and you are already asking for half custody of my dog?” You joke and he can’t help but laugh.

“I know it sounds crazy, but maybe Bowie and I can look after each other. It would be a mutual thing.”

You look at him trying to decipher him. You really don’t think he knows what he’s talking about. But on the other hand, you would really like for Bowie not to spend so much time alone. What are the odds of this going wrong? He’s a famous musician, he couldn’t afford to have bad press like failing to look after a dog. 

“Are you sure? He tends to be a little bit needy. He likes to play a lot and when he gets tired he demands cuddles. You would have to take him on a walk at least twice a day. Oh, and he likes to sleep on the bed, and I’m sorry if this is not to your liking but he’s a great cuddler and I don’t think I could ever say no to him.”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

 “Okay.” You nod your head and look at Bowie. “Okay.”

Harry throws the ball again and Bowie runs after it. He’s the perfect boy, and although you are a bit shocked still, you are happy that you are leaving him with someone he gets on well with. You take your phone out to look at the time.

“Would you like to walk us home so I can give you his things? Unless that’s a problem and you would prefer to meet later so I can drop him off.”

“No, it’s okay, we can go to your place first.”

“Okay, let’s go Bowie!”

Bowie comes trotting with the ball in his mouth and lets you put the leash on. You grab the ball and put it in your bag and start leading Harry to where you live. You both start talking a bit about music and about what you often listen to. You tell him about your deep love for Fleetwood Mac and how much you would have loved to have seen them live.

“I love Fleetwood Mac too. Stevie is one of my closest friends and she has taught me a lot.”

“You know Stevie Nicks?” You were yet again surprised.

“I’m surprised you even know who she is.” He elbows you and when you look at him he winks. 

“Ha ha, just because I had no idea of who you were doesn’t mean I don’t know who the main singer of my favourite band is.”

“Okay, okay. That 's fair.” 

You both continue talking while walking until you reach your building. You fumble to take out your keys and Harry seems to stand there just awkwardly. Just as you get the key into the keyhole, he receives a call. 

“Sorry, I have to take this, it’s my mum. I’ll wait for you here.” He says apologetic. 

“Okay, no problem. We’ll be right back.”

You tug Bowie with you and walk towards the elevator. You take your time to make a mental list of all the things you have to prepare for his little extravaganza. As soon as the door to your flat shuts, you can’t help but share your thoughts aloud.

“What the fuck?”

Bowie just barks as an answer. 

You start by taking his food and putting it into a bag, along with some treats and more poop-bags just in case. Some dog bowls for his water and food and a few of his toys. You also take his bed, even though he probably won’t sleep in it, but just so he has something familiar in a foreign house. 

“Do you want to bring something else?”

As soon as you ask, he goes into your room and comes back dragging his favourite blanket. Okay, he’s so smart. You take it from his mouth and fold it so you can put it into the bag, and then take a look around to check if you’re missing something.

“Okay, Bow, I think that is all. Now, a talk before your first night away from mama.” He sits expectantly looking at you. “I know that you are a really good boy, so you’re gonna behave. Make sure to listen to Harry and don’t do much barking, okay?”

He barks as a response.

“Yeah, that’s not what you’re gonna do.”

You take all of his things and go back to Harry, who seems to have finished his call and is just looking around the area curiously. You smile at him as soon as he spots you and he smiles back. Bowie runs towards him and almost makes you fall, making Harry take a step forward quickly and grab your arm.

“Woah, are you okay?” He grabs both of your arms then tries to stabilize you.

“Oh, yeah. I think someone’s excited for a sleepover.”

You both laugh and he reaches to take the bag from your shoulders and algo the dog bed. 

“Here, let me take that. Anything I should know?”

“You have his food and his bowls inside the bag. It’s usually one cup of food at night and another cup in the morning. I also put some of his treats in case you want to give him some, but don’t give him too much, even if he gives you the puppy eyes. There are also some toys for him to play with and his blanket, he’s really attached to it so he will probably want to sleep with it. And I think that would be it. Do you have any questions?”

“No, I think you’ve covered it all, actually. What time do you get off tomorrow? Just so I know when I can drop him off.”

“I’m usually back home at around 8:30, so if it’s not much of a bother you could drop him off around that time? Day Shifts are a little bit different, I usually leave home at around 7:15 in the morning and come back at around 8:30 at night.”

“Okay, no problem, I will bring him tomorrow at that time.” He makes a move to take Bowies’ leash “I will give you my number in case you need something from me, or I need something from you.”

You nod your head and look at Bowie, who looks way too happy to be there. You’re nervous of how he will act with a stranger, if he will behave or if he will miss you, because you know for sure that you will miss him. You know that this will be what’s best for him, he won’t be alone and Harry actually looks like he knows what he’s getting into, even if you gave him an out on this craziness. You squat down to be at the same height as Bowie and give him a kiss on the head.

“I promise I will give you updates on him. I can send you pictures so you won’t miss him too much. I promise I will take good care of him, as if he was my own.”

“Thank you so much, I don’t know how I will repay you.”

He’s shaking his head and you’re not even finished talking. “No, there’s no need to repay me, really”

“Of course, I do. There has to be something I can do.” 

“No, I’m not going to accept it.”

“Well, then I’m not going to accept that you won’t accept it.”

He laughs and continues to shake his head. “Then I guess we are both stubborn people who won’t agree on this. Come one, no need for anything, you will be late for work if we continue with this nonsense.”

“Okay, yeah.” You agree and lean again to leave a final kiss into Bowie’s head. “Behave, I’ll see you tomorrow.” You stand back up and look at Harry, “thank you, Harry, really.”

“It’s my pleasure. Here, give me your phone.”

You take it from your pocket, open it and give it to him. Soon he’s typing away and a bit later you can hear his phone ringing and then it stops. He returns your phone and you smile at him.

“Have a great shift.” 

“Thank you. I hope you have a good night with him, I will be waiting for those updates.”

He makes sure he has everything he needs and then he turns around and starts walking away with Bowie tagging along, who occasionally looks back to see if you’re following behind, and it breaks your heart in a thousand pieces. As soon as they turn around the corner, you turn back around and head back to your apartment. This is the first time you leave him for a long period of time with another person, and you’re scared of how he’ll react to it and how it will affect him. You try to busy yourself getting ready to head to work and try not to think about how the flat is completely alone and Bowie is not there. 

The first update comes one hour into your shift. You find it funny how he saved himself in your  contacts, as “Bowie’s sitter (Harry)”. He texts a picture of Bowie sitting next to a very clean food bowl and his tongue is out mid lick.

“Just got dinner!” is attached to the picture. You only have time to reply with a heart before you’re swiped into an emergency surgery, and by the time you get out, it’s well past 3 a.m. and there are three pictures of Bowie waiting for you. 

One of him lying on the sofa watching television. You can see a bit of Harry’s leg as he’s lying next to him. The message next to the photo is, “I’ve heard Bluey works wonders for dogs, although I don’t know who’s enjoying it more, me or him.” You react to that with a laughing emoji. 

Next is a picture of Bowie with a toy on his mouth, bum up as if he was playing, and it comes again with another message. “A little play before bed.”

And last one in one of Bowie lying in bed, probably Harry’s but you try not to go too deep into that thought, and he’s resting on a pillow and has his blanket wrapped around him. You smile at how relaxed he looked. “Goodnight mum, see you tomorrow, have a good rest of the shift. -B”

You truly miss him, but you can see that he’s been having a great time with Harry, and you could not be happier. 

You get back into your shift and focus on what’s in front of you. You don’t stop at all, and by the time the shift ends, you cannot help but sigh, it’s been a long one. You change your clothes and say goodbye to a few of your coworkers before making your way home. You receive a picture of Bowie with his leash on and waiting by a door. 

“Onto our morning walk just after having breakfast, see you in a bit.”

You smile and reply. “Just got out of my shift and on the way home. See you guys in a bit.”

By the time you arrive, you have time to leave your things at home and clean the dishes you took to work, and when you receive a text from Harry announcing he’s downstairs, you head down to see your favourite boy. 

Bowie sprints as soon as he sees you and you cannot help but laugh.

“Hi, my love. I missed you so much. Did you have a great time with Harry?”

You squat down and he starts giving you kisses all over your face. Harry laughs at the sight.

“We had a really good time, he’s such a nice dog. Zero complains, honestly.” 

“Thank you again for looking after him, Harry. You have no idea how nice it was to think that he was being taken care of instead of being alone at home, it made me stop thinking I was a bad dog mum.”

“Oh, don’t joke with that. You’re not a bad mum. You would be if you had no worries about him at all. Don’t think of yourself like that.”

You smile at him, and you get up from the ground and immediately hug him. When you realize what you’re doing you quickly step back.

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to invade your space just like that. I just wanted to say thank you.”

He smiles and takes you back in to give you a proper hug. “You don’t have to be sorry.”

Bowie barks and that makes you break apart. Harry proceeds to tell you everything they did together and he’s returning everything he took with him. He tells you that he has already eaten, he did his business on his way home and will probably be okay until later for another walk. He tells you about how he took almost all the space in his bed and how Bowie had to sleep next to him all the time. 

“Thank you so much, Harry. I really don’t know how I could repay you.” You tell him as you begin to walk towards your door.

He stops and smiles. “Maybe you could go on a date with me.”

You blush immediately, and you smile shyly. “Okay, you’ve got yourself a deal.”

He smiled and shook his head. “Have a good sleep and good rest of your day. I’ll text you later.” 

You smile and wish him a good day too and head into the building with Bowie. You put everything in its place, put on your pajamas, and flop into your bed. Bowie is not much behind before he comes along tugging his blanket and takes his spot on the bed. 

You go to sleep with a smile.

[mytheoristavenue]

DS Kyojuro Rengoku x Reader 🍋 - Something In The Air

Kinktober 2024 - II

Sex pollen + public sex

Summary: You've been training to go out for missions with Rengoku for ages, but nothing could have prepared you to have a demon with the power to stimulate arousal- in the middle of a crowded market, no less!

Warnings: Sex pollen trope, public sex, unprotected sex, creampie, fem!reader, breeding, rushed/short, fluffy ending, pregnancy, Senjuro mentioned, mentor x mentee dynamic at first

You could hardly contain your enthusiasm, you'd trained for what felt like forever in order to have the privilege of accompanying hashiras on missions. Today was finally the day of your first one and you couldn't be more excited to show off what you could do- especially to the man walking beside you. You'd admired Rengoku ever since meeting him shortly after final selection and it was only natural that that respect would grow into attraction the more you got to know him.

Currently, he led you to a bustling trade village, home to a well-known market which many people tended to come far distances to attend. He was rattling off lists of why this market was so special, and you were trying to listen in earnest, but you couldn't focus, too stuck on some sweet smell that had suddenly hit your nose. Apparently, he smelled it too.

"I love coming to this market," He smiled over his shoulder at you. "It's a long pathway, filled with all things tasty." You couldn't help but giggle at his sunny disposition, feeling even more fond of him than you usually did. "Though, I've never smelt this scent before, one of the vendors must have something new to offer. We should try it before we leave, providing the demon doesn't cause too much damage to the surrounding area, of course."

You nodded with a shy smile, catching up to him as the village came into view. Dusk was beginning to settle in and the many lights of the town were starting to flicker on. It was like watching the market awaken over the horizon, casting a lovely amber glow over the pair of you.

As you drew nearer, that smell persisted, gaining potency with every step. The saccharine aroma began to overwhelm your senses as you approach the village gate, so you decided to pick up the conversation, hoping to distract yourself. "So, do we know anything about this demon?"

Rengoku thought for a moment before smiling again. "I took the time to do some reconanance before this trip," He began, slowing his pace so you could walk side by side with him with less issue. "It would appear this demon is match maker."

"A match maker?" You repeated curiously. "Like someone who arranges marriages?"

"Precisely." He replied with a proud grin. "According to locals, marriage and birth rates in this area have skyrocketed over the last decade."

"Isn't that a good thing?" You tilted your head up to look at him, something that made his heart skip a beat. "What's so bad about people falling in love?"

"Love is a human emotion, it's not something that a demon can feel or replicate." He explained, quickly regaining his composure. "So what these people are experiencing is just an intense, prolonged infatuation, they're not actually falling in love. The effects seem to wear off after about a year, or when stress is introduced to the relationship."

"And babies can be quite stressful," You finish his thought, filling him with pride at your intuitiveness. "And divorce isn't legal in Japan, so these people are just stuck in loveless marriages. How awful! Why would any demon do this, just toy with people's hearts?"

"It would seem the children of these unions have been going missing," Rengoku reveals, suddenly turning serious. "It's possible one of the reasons is to cultivate a lasting food source." You were horrified, to say the least. Interfering with the hearts of men, eating children? Just how evil was this demon? "Don't fret, my dear," His voice suddenly pulled you out of your thoughts, charming and full of tender confidence. "Together, you and I will slay this demon and free this village from its torment."

"And what about the couples affected by it?" You asked quietly, thoughts flooding back in quicker than he could dispel them.

"We can only hope that they'll genuinely fall in love through bonding over their shared experience." His smile faded a bit upon realizing he couldn't fully put you at ease, but was somewhat relieved when you asked a slightly unrelated question.

"So, how will we know when we find this demon or their work?" You asked curiously, tilting your head up at him again. This time, not only did his heart skip a beat, but he also felt heat pool in his belly. It must be some sort of anxiety for the battle ahead, he decided.

"Rumor has it that the demon puts off a distinct smell that's been likened to sugared flower-" Suddenly, he paused, pale as he swallowed dryly. "Petals..." How could he be so naive? That heavenly aroma was never a new type of pastry sold at the market. He'd lead you both into a trap. "Plug your nose, now."

You stiffened as his tone suddenly turned sharp and you wondered if you'd angered him, raising your hand to cover your nose with your haori sleeve. "Mr. Rengoku is everything-"

"Hold your breath." His command killed the words on your lips and you sucked in a deep breath, holding it in your cheeks as you followed him into the village.

Rengoku's mind raced. Had the power already begun to take effect, or did he have time? Was there an antidote or some way to dull the reaction? In the back of his mind, he knew it was too late, he could smell it for miles back, God knows how long you'd both been exposed. A tug at his sleeve stopped him dead in his tracks and his thoughts shattered like glass. Looking back at you stalled him like a car with a ruined transmission.

You looked like an absolute mess. Cheeks red and burning, eyes tired and submissive with brows knitted upwards. Had your lower face not been obscured, he would have seen the drool dripping down your chin.

"S-Sir, I don't feel well..." You confessed timidly, hoping he wouldn't look down on you too harshly. Instead, he softened, pulling you close with a hand on the small of your back, pushing his needs aside in favor of yours. "You're going to be just fine, my dear, I swear it." He reassured though he wasn't sure if even he believed it to be true.

He led you through the bustling market, expertly dodging pedestrians and obstacles alike, before pulling you into an alleyway to explain things more privately. "Don't be alarmed, everything will be alright." He started, resting you against the wall. "I believe we've been poisoned by the demon's scent, but rest assured, my intentions are pure." Nothing could have possibly made you think otherwise, you were so enchanted with him. "I fear this reaction could have dire consequences for us if we don't find a way to satiate it, but I swear to you, I will not waiver in my convictions. You are safe with me."

He almost seemed stressed, trying to convince you that he was trustworthy. You never would have thought otherwise, but it seemed like he was losing trust in himself. The longer he looked at you, the worse he ached. You looked positively disheveled, breath ragged, hair beginning to fall from your pin. He couldn't stop himself from wondering how much more of a mess he could turn you into.

You began to grow disappointed with his rocksteady refusal to give in. A part of you was excited by the situation, by the thought of the object of your admiration claiming you in a dark alleyway, feet away from civilization. Another part of you worried that suggesting you satiate the need might make you look cheap to him. None of it mattered, though, because he had already began to run on fumes, his body inching closer before his mind could tell it to stop.

His lips crashed to yours like a speeding car, all firey need and firm pressure. Before you could pull him closer, he tore away from you, wiping your taste from his mouth. "F-Forgive me, my dear!" He stammered, horrified with himself for giving in so easily. "M-My body reacted on instinct, it won't happen again!" He swore, beginning to tremble. Your response made his blood run cold, blazing eyes becoming even more owlish.

"It won't...?" Your tone dripped with sugar and disappointment, only one of which he'd normally seek out in you, but in this moment, both tasted the same. "If we've been put under the demon's influence, does that not make us...matched?"

"Matched?" He repeated dumbly, despite knowing all too well what the word entailed. He wanted to hear you explain it.

"If this demon matches individuals together for marriage and conception via this sweet smell..." You trailed almost seductively. "And the pair of us have been exposed, and are only in need of one another, does that not stand to reason that...we have been matched together?"

"I-I suppose it does," He admitted, swallowing dryly. "But we are here to slay the demon, not fall under its enchantment."

You carefully pushed away from the wall, leaning against his chest for support, prompting him to wrap you up in his embrace for the sake of your stability. "Are you not enchanted?" You whisper, dazed and desperate.

"I-I am." He trembled, holding you tight to his chest. "But enchantment be damned, I would never force myself upon you for any reason."

"What if I asked you to?" You giggled drunkenly, nuzzling into his uniform.

"A-Asked me to do what, my dear?" He swallowed, already knowing what you'd say. He desperately tried to convince himself to hold steadfast, that you were unconsenting to his whims, but how could he go on when you were throwing yourself at him?

"Take me, Kyojuro." You cooed, calling him out by name for the very first time. The way his given name rolled off your tongue sent shivers down his spine and he could no longer deny the inevitable.

"M-My dear, you mustn't tempt me..." He warned lowly, bushy brown twitching with restraint. "I-I may not be able to resist you much longer."

"I'm counting on it," You confessed, leaning up and pressing a gentle kiss to his Adam's apple. The moment your lips graced his skin, his resolve gave way like unsteady ground and you were pressed against the wall again. One shaky hand held your chin still and the other dove for your belt, eager to unobscure your lower half to the cold night air.

Hardly any words were spoken between the two of you, but there was a silent understanding between you both as he shimmied your uniform trousers down, your hands pawing at this belt buckle all the while. The moment was clumsy and escalated to a fever pitch almost immediately, but it was also passionate and driven by something other than the toxin in the air- something mutual that had always been there.

Once your trousers were far enough down your thighs where he could access you, and his erection was free, he immediately hoisted you up against the wall, holding you there with his upper body strength alone, pressing your knees into your collarbone. The ache in your core became soothed instantly when he came into contact with it, spit-slicked fingers coaxing it gently before briefly dipping inside. His fingers parted inside you, in a vain attempt to prepare you for breach.

Within minutes, Rengoku was sinking into you, a soft, almost pained sigh escaping him as his forehead dropped to rest on your shoulder. Like an antidote, the soreness inside you was eased, massaged away by his tedious pace and hot, breathy praise. "D-Divine..." He murmured into the cook of your neck, bottoming out time after time, patiently working a rhythm into motion.

He was so much more than you'd imagined, in all ways. Longer, thicker, gentler, more passionate. Nothing could have ever prepared you to finally have him in all his desperate glory, but here you were, trapped between him and a hard place with nowhere you'd rather be.

You couldn't think on that in the moment, though, too overwhelmed by the feeling in your hypersensitive state. Just his steady pace was enough to drive you both mad, whispering near silent worship to each other, hooked together like puzzle pieces. He held you so close, you felt like one being, as his hips lazily rolled into yours, not needing more than that to come close.

Judging by the tension leading up to this moment, you'd imagined he'd ravage you right there in the alleyway, but that isn't what happened. When Rengoku claimed you, he did it as softly as he could, his touch filled with affection and care, as if he were handling a glass figuring, centuries old. The throws of passion overwhelmed you so much that, you hardly even noticed when his tenderness had brought you to the edge, pushing you into the void with a sweet kiss and a whispered "I love you, my dear."

Sensing your undoing by how tightly you constricted him, his eyes squeezed shut, quivering lips peppering kisses to what little of your neck was exposed, repeating his confession however many times he felt it needed to be said. He never ceased his romantic chant as he stalled inside you, spilling what all he had to give, hips straining to keep moving, as if driven by the carnal need to plant life.

After the pair of you were spent, he continued to hold you just like that, reluctant to withdraw from you for fear that the fertilization may not take. Afterward, though, Rengoku began to feel the fog clear from his mind, plastering a confident smile on his face as he gently set you down and helped you redress. Now that he'd faced this hurdle, he was confident that slaying this demon would be easy. It was the consequences of the spell which would be challenging, or so he thought.

-----

"Kyo," You called sweetly from the garden of his family home, led down the pathway by his sweet younger brother. Rengoku beamed at you, returning home from another long mission to his beautiful wife on maternity leave. Your belly was round and full and your gait was reduced to an unsteady waddle, but luckily, Senjuro was unwilling to leave your side until his brother was there to relieve his duties.

"My match," He cooed, dropping his sword and bag to run to you, happily peppering kisses on your face. "You're positively glowing, how are you?"

"I'm wonderful, darling, how are you?" You answered sweetly, pecking his cheek.

"Over the moon," He replied, crouching down to press a kiss to your swollen tummy. "How is our little flame?"

"Never better, thanks to Sen," You laugh lighthearted, reaching out to the boy, who had stepped away, pulling him into your side. "He's taken good care of me since you've been away."

"Have you, now?" Rengoku's eyes lit up even further, standing to place a hand on his brother's shoulder. "You're growing into a fine young man, Senjuro."

The boy's timid features softened at your combined praises, and he pressed his face into your stomach, hugging you both tightly. "I can't wait to meet my niece..."

[becausegoodheroesdeservekidneys]

I love the way you publicly forgive people who apologize after you’ve called them out. Visibly demonstrating a willingness to allow people to grow and change is really important and you have a big platform so it’s great to watch you do it. Genuinely and sincerely with no condescension, you demonstrate the line between not just eating whatever the internet hands you and also not just holding a grudge all scorched earth. It’s meaningful to see and I admire it.

Thank you so much for saying this! It's something I've worked at. I certainly haven't been so good at this in the past lol. I was very reactive in my 20s, but I learned eventually that I'm a lot happier when I give benefit of the doubt and don't try to say the most aggressively bitchy thing possible when riled. It feels good in the moment, sure, but it never ends well; you don't get to drop a satisfying zinger and have the whole bus applaud and then your opponent goes away to sulk alone and yay, you've won! What's more likely is (a) your opponent responds and now you're in a war of attrition with no good answers and zero satisfaction, (b) your opponent turns out to have said something completely different from what you thought and everyone thinks you're a cunt, or (c) your opponent cries because you've given them a breakdown and now you're just a bully.

Or. Or you can just. Explain the issue without apology or censure, and let them explain. And then go from there based on their response. And it's amazing how often they apologise because they hadn't intended it that way, or hadn't ever thought about it that way, or what have you. And thus you spare both you and them a whole lot of unpleasantness that makes you feel worse in the long run.

Although, ha, what's a bit weird about this approach is the number of random bystanders who try to insert themselves completely unnecessarily in a sort of mediator role. Like someone will make a Problematic Comment, and I say "That has Problematic connotations" so that they can explain themselves and either double down or clarify/apologise, and suddenly a whole bunch of others step in and go "I think they may have just meant this Non-Problematic thing." And every time I'm like... yeah? Yeah they might. Which is why I'm giving THEM the chance to explain that's the case. Your conjecture is completely useless. I, too, can think they MIGHT have meant that. I'm asking them to confirm or deny. You do not have that answer; only they do.

It's a very strange and very common phenomenon. And, you know, I get it; these are people who think they're being helpful, because they've seen internet clashes before and they want to head them off at the pass. It's not actually harmful as a practice either. It's just unfortunately utterly useless in every way lol.

In any case, though - thank you, so much, for sending me this! It's very kind. I hope you have a great weekend

[crimsoncandy04]

I'm still stuck on Wanderer actually eating cunt and fucking you. Like it's just been in my visions for days and I want to share more about what I keep seeing.

Like each time I'm thrown into whatever I'm being shown it's the same thing. He acts like he doesn't really want to at first but there's something about his eyes that give him away. He'll scoff a little and maybe call you desperate or slutty but he doesn't outright say he's uninterested and if you try to seduce him he NEVER pushes you away. If anything he always starts going crazy with it once he realizes that you're still interested.

Wanderer likes watching you undress too. Like for some reason I always get the distinct impression that he's actually a thigh man too. Or at least appreciates stockings a lot and likes seeing you pull them off. And it shows because when you sit on his face he is NOT shy with it and usually forces you against his mouth by holding onto your thighs and hips and pulling you against him. He has zero issues with the weight of someone and doesn't breathe so he basically just keeps you on him until he gets bored and wants to switch positions. Which sometimes is HOURS.

In these visions I always feel his energy shift when he realizes you're getting limp too. Like he enjoys it when he knows you're succumbing because for some reason he likes the idea of making a normally strong woman weak for him. I think it gets him off a little to know he's affecting someone so much.

Also his tongue is long. And he DOES use it. You'll be struggling to remain upright and the entire time he's just devouring you.

Also Wanderer seems to like noisy fuck sessions. I notice that every vision involves us being in the middle of nowhere so I think he does that on purpose so no one but him hears you.

Like in one vision we were on a mountain I think? There was a small waterfall too and Wanderer seemed more enthusiastic with his movements whenever I just started screaming and moaning wildly. Also he knows if you're faking it. You can't fake it with him.

He's very good at reading body language and even if he doesn't know something all you have to do is explain it to him once and he always remembers after that.

So if he sees what you look like when cumming he'll just try to make your body replicate those movements basically.

Also he's a snuggler. It's cute actually. Afterwards if you just lay with him for a bit he starts to get touchy and does stuff like caress your cheek or kiss your forehead. He doesn't say anything but he talks with actions and you FEEL how attached he is to you when he pulls you against him and just keeps you there. It's not a dominant energy either. It feels more like he clings to you instead.

[harrywavycurly]

Worth the Fight: Bad Energy

Masterlist: Here

CW: language, mentions of baby stuff, pregnancy symptoms and one moment where Ethan is mean (not to you lol)

A/N: I feel like y’all are working your way to a good place and maybe y’all can be friends soon if nothing happens that could potentially get in the way?👀✨

Tag List: @kookjipao @msolbesg @lomlolivia @namoreno @outofthisworl-d @mema10 @watarmelon212 @natykn @sassamanda77 @st-ev-ie @ghayda0 @hannah9921 @indierockgirrl @chaoticthoughts2022 @lizsogolden @gmikaelson @styleswithaseaview @sofaritsalrightt @babegoals @fangirl509east @one-sweet-gubler @stylesftcher @umadirectioner @last-saturday-night @montgomery-929496 @laughterismytherapy @hisparentsgallerryy @jerseygirlinca @behindmygreyeyes @mads3502 @tpwkdpr @unfuckwitablenarry @itscoucouharry @latedirectionerera @ell0ra-br3kk3r

Summary: You and Harry have sort of an odd routine going and the two of you begin discussing baby names and rocking chairs✨

“Morning.” Harry softly greets you when you open your apartment door, you give him a small smile as you move out of his way so he can enter your apartment allowing him to head straight for your kitchen. You let a yawn escape you as turn so you can follow him after closing the door but Harry pauses right before he enters the archway of your kitchen and turns his head to look at you over his shoulder. “Don’t forget to-”

“Lock the door.” You finish for him with a tired sigh making Harry have to bite his bottom lip to keep the soft chuckle to himself. He enters the kitchen while you turn and quickly lock the door so you can join him and take your usual spot at your little table while he busies himself with cutting fruit and the random veggies.

It’s been almost two and a half weeks since Harry came over to your house far too early in the morning just to make you some green juice and since then he’s been coming over every other morning. The only difference is he now changes what he puts in the juice depending on how you’re feeling about certain fruits or vegetables and he also secretly adds a bit of protein powder because he knows you’re in more of a snacking stage and the odds of you sitting to eat a whole meal are slim. Most of the time the two of you engage in some simple small talk while you sit at the table and watch him cut things up, not getting too deep about anything minus Harry asking questions such as how you slept and if you’re feeling okay or if your ankles are still swollen.

“Do you want pine-”

“Oh please don’t even mention that evil fruit.” You say with a groan making Harry just nod as he puts the pineapple back in your fridge and grabs a mango instead. “I don’t understand why something that tastes so good has to hate me so much.” You pout as you place your chin in the palm of your hand while your other one rests on your bump as you lean over your small kitchen table.

“I’m guessing it’s still causing you some reflux issues then?” He asks as he looks around your fridge for the bag of spinach he just brought over the other day.

“Yes but sometimes I think it’s worth it but not today.” You explain with a yawn making Harry take a half step back from the fridge so he can turn his head and look at you with a raised brow. Normally you’re a bit sleepy when he comes over for your morning juice before you head off to work or he has to go run an errand or attend a meeting but he’s never seen you this tired before and it makes him a little concerned about how well you slept last night.

“How did sleep last night?” He questions as he hears you let out a small sigh as you close your eyes and give him a shrug.

“I don’t know if I actually got any sleep last night so I guess that would mean I slept horribly? No that sounds a bit dramatic. I’d just say I slept not very well.” Your mumbled rant like explanation makes Harry chuckle as he shakes his head and closes the doors to your fridge, he places the fruits and veggies for you juice on the counter near the cutting board and then turns so he’s fully facing you.

“Well come on then.” You slowly open your eyes just as Harry takes a few steps towards you with his hand out. “You can drink your juice in bed and take a nap afterwards or something. But you need rest. It’s important.” He tries to not sound bossy or rude because he knows the two of you are in a weird place right now and he doesn’t want to do or say anything that would make you upset enough to kick him back out to just being allowed in your hallway.

“You’re just trying to get me out of the room so you can put weird stuff in my juice.” You accuse him with a playful glare as you sit up and take his hand so he can help you get up from the chair.

“You caught me.” He jokes as he wraps his hand around your smaller one before taking a step back so you have room to stand in front of him. “I’m just trying to load your juice up with things you hate.” He adds as you let go of his hand and head out of the kitchen, he stands there for a moment not sure if you want him to follow you or not since really the only rooms he’s ever been inside of in your apartment are the living room and kitchen.

“Can you grab my water for me please? I left it on the counter.” You call over your shoulder as you make your way to your bedroom. Harry doesn’t hesitate as he turns and grabs your green and pink water bottle off the counter and walks out of the kitchen into the living room.

He catches a glimpse of you just before you enter your bedroom at the end of the hallway and for some reason he feels nervous as he stands there with your water bottle in his hand. For a moment he worries that you’re only being this relaxed about him entering your bedroom because you’re exhausted and don’t really know what you’re doing or saying. But then again he knows you well enough by now to know you are usually always the one who tries to be polite and civil out of the two of you, it’s usually him that messes it up with his unkind words or actions. So he just shakes off his nerves and heads down the hallway to leads to your bedroom, he can’t help but pause at the door on his right that he knows is your spare bedroom because you told him one morning how you’re happy you splurged for the two bedroom unit when you moved in so the twins won’t have to share a room with you.

When you get to your bed you look over your shoulder and when you don’t see or hear Harry you quirk a brow as you turn and take a few steps towards your bedroom door. You poke your head out and you can’t help but smile when you see him standing in front of the twin’s room, you take a few more steps so your about halfway between where he’s standing and your bedroom.

“You can look inside if you want.” Your voice being so close to him makes him jump a bit causing the ice in your water to clink against the metal sides of your bottle.

“Oh uhm I don’t-”

“You don’t what? Want to see where your children will be sleeping and playing while they’re with me? That’s rude.”

“Well when you put it like that then okay yeah I’ll take a look.” You chuckle as you reach for your water bottle so you can take it from him, Harry chews on his bottom lip as he turns to look at you and when you just give him a reassuring nod as you take a sip of your water he places a hand on the doorknob and twists it open.

Harry feels his heart beat faster as he takes a step inside the room, he obviously knows that you’re carrying twins meaning two babies but seeing two cribs set up really seems to make it feel all the more real for him. He steps further inside the room and places a hand on one of the cribs as he looks around the room. The walls are a soft white and to no surprise you’ve hung up a little bookshelf in the corner that has a few books already on it, the cribs are also white and when he looks down he sees you picked out matching sheets for them that have little story book animals on them such as Pooh Bear and Petter Rabbit.

“It’s not done yet but sometimes when I can’t sleep or I’m restless I come in here and-”

“Did you put these together yourself?” He asks as you walk over to the dresser on the opposite side of the wall the cribs are on.

“I did yeah.” You answer as you turn and look at him, his eyes are a little wide and you know he wants to say something about how that couldn’t have been good for your back or your ankles. “It wasn’t very hard and it didn’t take long.” You explain as you place a hand over your very obvious baby bump, giving it a soothing rub as you walk over to the bookshelf.

“I haven’t uh-I haven’t gotten cribs or really anything yet.” He informs you as he runs his hand that’s not gripping the side of the crib through his hair as all of a sudden a feeling of being unprepared and overwhelmed with things he needs to get begins to hit him like a tidal wave.

“That’s fine Harry these were just on sale so I grabbed them. You have plenty of time to-”

“What if they come early and I don’t have anything still? Or what if they hate the cribs I pick and never want to sleep in them or-” A soft hand landing on top of his that’s gripping the crib makes him stop his rambling. He blinks a few times as he tries to calm his breathing down before he looks over at you and sees you giving him a small yet comforting smile.

“They’ll like whatever you pick Harry because you’re their dad and they’ll know you picked it just for them. Now I’m sure there’s going to be days and nights they don’t want to sleep but it won’t have anything to do with the cribs you get them.” You do your best to reassure him and ease him away from the edge of the small anxiety attack you know he is mere moments away from having.

“Would you uhm maybe want to help pick some things out for them?” He knows he could ask his mom or sister to help him but honestly for some reason he feels like picking the furniture for his nursery would be a good experience for the two of you to have.

“Sure oh actually your mom invited me shopping tomorrow she wants me to help her pick some crib sheets so would you want to just join us for that and we can look at cribs and stuff as well?” You feel a tinge of nervousness as you tell him about the plans you made with his mom, not sure if he is aware that she reaches out to you to see how you’re doing and even comes over for the occasional cup of tea.

“She told me about the two of you having plans tomorrow.” You let out a sigh of relief as you move your hand off of his and place it back on your bump. “Are you sure you would be okay with me joining you? I don’t want to get in the way.”

“She’s your mom Harry so of course I don’t mind you joining us.” Harry watches you closely as you speak so see if he can find any hints that you’re lying just to save yourself from hurting his feelings. But when you just stare at him for a few moments before taking another sip of your water he knows you’re being honest, you really don’t care if he comes with the two of you tomorrow and oddly enough he doesn’t know how to feel about the fact he’s going to be shopping for his twins with their mother and his mother.

“Okay I’ll uhm call her later to set up the details.” You just nod as you turn and head for the door while Harry still stands with a hand on the crib closest to it. “I’ll uhm go-go get started on your juice.” He fumbles over his words as he finally releases his grip on the wooden frame of the crib and turns around so he can see you standing in the doorway with your back towards him.

“Okay but don’t try to sneak any carrots into it this time or I’ll probably start crying.” You warn as you take a step into the hallway.

“Carrots are good for-”

“I don’t care what they are good for Harry they ruin the juice and make it a disgusting color.”

“The juice is already a gross color? It’s green.”

“Says the man with big dumb green eyes and green shorts on?” To that Harry decides to ignore your comments about his eyes and takes a moment to look down at his outfit, having forgotten he came here from the gym so he is in fact wearing green athletic shorts and a gray tank top with his neon colored running shoes.

“Just go lay down and I’ll bring you your carrot free juice okay?” You give him a smug smile as he stands at the end of your hallway near the living room with a hand on his hip while you stand in your bedroom doorway with your water bottle in one hand and the other also on your hip.

“Okay.” Harry rolls his eyes at how happy you sound all because he agreed to not add any carrots to your juice, he watches as you turn and enter your bedroom and waits a few moments till he hears the sound of your water bottle being placed on your nightstand before he turns to go to the kitchen.

“Oh and Paris is in the living room!” You shout as you fold your covers back so you can climb into bed, wanting to give Harry a heads up on the orange cat’s whereabouts since he still doesn’t seem to like Harry therefor thinking it’s okay to still use his ankles as little chew toys.

As if on queue Harry hears the all too familiar sound of a bell jingling from behind him just as he begins to cut up the mango that he decide would be a good substitute for the pineapple in your juice. He freezes the moment he feels the soft hair and slightly pointy whiskers rub against the back of his calf, Paris’s go too move before he sinks his teeth into the flesh right above Harry’s ankle bone. Harry takes a deep breath in preparation for the pain he knows he’s about to endure and sure enough maybe two seconds later he feels Paris bite down on his ankle as he starts to purr while Harry releases his breath and lets out a groan.

“Fuck sake Paris how long are we gonna be doing this mate? I’ve been here how many times now and you still don’t like me? I’m making your mom homemade green juice for Christ sake what else do you want from me?” Harry rambles on as he looks down at the orange cat who is just sitting there staring at him all innocently as if he didn’t just make a meal out of his poor ankle.

“One day you’re going to like me. I just know it.” Paris tilts his head to the side and looks up at Harry for a brief moment before he decides he’s done in the kitchen and walks off leaving Harry standing there with a half cut up mango in one hand and a knife in the other.

Harry isn’t sure if he’s dreaming or not, because surely there’s no way you actually said what he just heard come out of your mouth.

“I’m serious.” Your simple statement answers his question as you cross your arms over your chest and stare at him with a very stern look in your eyes that he’s never seen before, granted he hasn’t been around you for very long but still he’s never seen you look so serious.

“It’s a rocking chair how can it be haunted?” He wonders as he looks at the wooden chair in question that’s currently sitting in between the two of you.

The two of you are in the middle of a antique shop looking for some things to go on the wall in your nursery and also to see if they have any baby furniture that could potentially go in the nursery at Harry’s house. While it upset you a bit it’s no surprise to Harry that his mom suddenly “wasn’t feeling well” as soon as she found out you had invited Harry to tag along on today’s shopping trip, he knows very well she’s fine at home on her couch watching her shows and researching things for her garden. And while normally Harry would be annoyed at her subtle ways of trying to interfere in his personal life he’s thankful his mom isn’t here to witness him look absolutely lost on why the mother of his children thinks used rocking chairs can be haunted and refuses to buy one.

“Not haunted but it could hold bad energy from the last person who used it.” You explain for the second time as you scrunch your nose up while looking at the chair. “What if the last person who sat in that chair was a weirdo? Or was a serial killer?” Harry rolls his eyes at your ridiculous reasoning for why the chair could have bad energy.

“Oh come on what are the odds Ted Bundy used to rock his kids to sleep in this rocking chair.” Harry playfully argues as he points to the chair while you drop your hands from your chest so you can reach over and smack Harry’s arm with an annoyed huff making him glare at you.

“Why would you say that? Now we really aren’t getting it you asshole.” You snap as you give his arm one more smack before turning around and heading further down the aisle of old vintage looking furniture. Harry lets out a sigh as he runs a hand over his face because it’s only been half an hour since the two of you started this shopping trip and at this rate he’s not sure if the two of you will still be on the decently good terms you’ve been on the past few weeks by the time it’s over.

“Are you really mad? I know you’re more emotional than normal right now but it’s just a rocking chair and it doesn’t have to go in your house it can go in mine.” He tries to reason with you as he follows behind you down the aisle, he hears you let out a scoff at he mention of you being emotional and he instantly knows that wasn’t the correct thing to say.

“It’s not just a rocking chair Harry.” You quickly turn around to face him making him take a step back so he’s out of reach making you unable to smack him just incase you get the itch to do so again. “It’s where you put your babies to sleep while singing a lullaby and where you soothe them when they are upset and-and where you sit and read to them before bed and I just don’t want one that someone has already had all those special moments in. Even if it’s not going in my house I know my babies will still be sitting in it with you and I just-”

“Okay okay we can get you a brand new chair that no one has ever sat in just-just stop crying.” Harry’s words are rushed as he takes a small step towards you so he can place his hands on your shoulders, you didn’t even realize you were crying until you finally feel a few tears roll down your cheeks. You sniffle a few times as Harry bends his knees so he can be eye level with you. “I promise you will get whatever rocking chair you want. Just please stop crying.” He’s practically begging you at this point and giving your shoulders some gentle squeezes as you wipe your eyes with the sleeve of your cardigan

“Oh sorry am I embarrassing you?” Your voice is a mixture of harsh and watery making Harry let out a sigh as he stands up and drops his hands from your shoulders. “Because news flash Harry pregnant people cry a lot okay?” He doesn’t want to start a fight with you so he just stands there and lets you take your frustration out on him because it was his poor choice of words that caused this reaction from you in the first place. “It’s not like I can control it either. I just cry all the time over the stupidest stuff.”

“I just don’t like seeing you cry.” You almost don’t hear his admission as he looks down at his feet while rubbing at the back of his neck. “I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean to make you upset I didn’t know you uhm had such strong feelings about rocking chairs that’s all.” He explains as he looks up at you making you let out a huff as your arms fall to your sides.

“It’s okay.” You tell him as you adjust the strap to your purse, Harry watches as you make a face of slight discomfort and he can’t even stop himself before he’s reaching over and grabbing the strap, he raises an eyebrow as his silent way of asking if this is okay and when you just let the strap of your bag fall into his hands he smiles as he takes your giant purse and puts the strap over his shoulder.

“I read somewhere that most people hyper fixate on one thing during their pregnancies and I just think mine has been the nursery. Mainly the furniture in it. So that’s why I uh had my-my little moment about the rocking chair.” You tell him as a way to help him get a better understanding on what’s going on in your mind, since you know having a breakdown in the middle of a store isn’t ideal especially for him. Mainly because anyone within a few feet of the two of you would be able to tell instantly who he is thanks to the short sleeves of his worn out Rolling Stones shirt letting his more recognizable tattoos be on display.

“Gemma’s was the car seat. She read every single safety review on hundreds of car seats and I swear she still doesn’t even like the one she uses everyday.” You smile as Harry talks about his sister, doing his best to help make you feel like he really does get it and that you being very particular about what you want in the twins nursery is totally normal.

“Oh speaking of Gemma I was thinking of Nora if one of them is a girl.” Harry feels as if his feet all of a sudden don’t know how to work as you turn around to begin heading down the aisle, tossing out a baby name as if it’s just a suggestion on what the two of you should eat for dinner and not a possible name for one of your children. “And I like Anne as a middle name and I know it’s her middle name and obviously it’s your mother’s name so I thought it would be cute?” You add having no clue Harry is still frozen in place a few paces behind you.

“Uhm-uh you’ve been thinking of-of names already?” He asks as he quickly rushes to catch up to you before you turn to head down another aisle that has framed art.

“Yeah? I’ve been thinking of names since I found out I was pregnant but I’ve just now narrowed the girl name down to that one.”

“And it’s Nora?”

“Yes I like Nora.”

“Nora is nice. I think I like it.”

“I’m glad.”

“So Nora as in Jones?”

“Uh more like Roberts.”

“And who’s that?” You stop mid step and turn to face Harry who has a very curious expression on his face as he flips through a bin of floral themed art.

“Nora Roberts is an author.” You answer making Harry just nod as a small smirk forms on his face.

“Should’ve known.” You roll your eyes as he looks over at you. “Of course you want to name our daughter after an author while I want to name her after a musician.”

“Well at least both Noras are talented.”

“You’re missing the most important part of this whole thing.”

“And that would be?”

“We just agreed on something.” The grin he gives you leaves you no choice but to smile back. “Nora Anne Styles? Or did you want them to have your last name? I’m fine with hyphenating it if you-”

“Styles is fine.” Harry feels hit with an odd swirl of emotions at your answer, knowing that you want the twins to have his last name makes him have a sense of pride but also makes him feel slightly nervous that one day they might hate having the same name as him. “I haven’t thought about boy names yet.” You tell him before you turn to look at a bin that has framed posters.

“Uhm how do you feel about Edward?”

“Edgar? Like Allen Poe?”

“Uh no I uhm said Edward not Edgar.”

“Oh sorry. Edward-Edward what?”

“James?”

“Edward James Styles.” You whisper it at first making Harry nervously rub his lips together as he listens to you repeat the name a few more times before nodding. “Okay yeah I like it.” You say with a smile as you place both hands on your bump before you turn to face him.

“Wow we are two for two.”

“Better stop before we break our streak or you even worst you make me cry.” Harry rolls his eyes as you take a step towards him while holding a hand out. He doesn’t know what you want his hand for but he turns so he’s facing you and gives it to you anyway with a quirked brow. “Can you feel that?” You ask as you place his hand on the side of your bump, he’s about to shake his head no when all of a sudden he feels like tiniest something press against his palm.

“Is-is that one of them?” You just nod as Harry stares down at his hand that’s pressed firmly against your bump. You watch his eyes go from wide and shocked to soft and glossed over so you place a hand over his and give it a small pat just as he lets out his first sniffle.

“Figured it was your turn to cry in public.” You joke as he blinks a few times trying to stop the tears from actually falling and rolling down his face.

“Thanks.” He says with a wet chuckle as you move his hand to the other side of your bump so he can feel another tiny little movement.

“I think they are stretching or something.” You explain as Harry just stares at his hand with a look of pure amazement. “They’ve been extra active today though.”

“I bet it’s because of the carrots I snuck in your juice this morning.”

The laugh you let out has Harry imagining for a moment this is what it would be like if the two of you weren’t just a few levels above being complete strangers who are having kids together and instead you were just two people happily shopping for nursery decor for their twins. It’s moments like this that he desperately wishes he could remember more about the night he met you because it’s glimpses of you like this, laughing at a stupid joke he said that have him feeling like you are so easy to be around and he’s sure that’s how he felt about you that night as well. But the harsh reality that Harry is very aware of is moments like this are rare for the two of you, he’s already made you cry today so he just tries to live in this moment that has him feeling a comforting sense of happiness as long as he can because sooner or later he knows it’s going to come to an end.

You let out a groan as you stretch your legs on your couch letting your sock covered feet land in Ethan’s lap which makes him just roll his eyes when he looks down and sees you wiggling your toes at him. He turns to look at you and lets out a laugh when you poke your bottom lip out and continue to wiggle your toes, a combination you know he can’t resist. Ethan lets out a huff as he places his phone down on the table next to the couch so he can use both hands to gently rub your slightly swollen ankles.

“You’re so lucky I love you because I usually never touch feet for free.” He states making you laugh as you get comfortable and go back to reading one of the pregnancy books Anne gave you the last time she came over. “Oh so how was the shopping trip the other day? Didn’t see you two on the news and you never called me to bail you out of jail so that must mean it went well?” He asks with a teasing tone that makes you roll your eyes as you flip a page in your book.

“It did go well actually I got a few new books for the twin’s bookshelf.” You begin as you lower your book a bit so you can see Ethan’s face over the top of it. “We picked baby names and-”

“Excuse me?” His eyes are wide and his hands momentarily stop rubbing your ankles as he snaps his head in your direction. “You did what now?”

“We sort of agreed on two baby names. I told him the one I’ve been thinking about for a girl-”

“Nora Anne?”

“Yes and he liked it but he thought it was because of Nora Jones.”

“Well yeah you can’t expect Mr. Asshole to know who Nora Roberts is.” You glare at Ethan for a moment making him just shrug because he doesn’t get what he did wrong so you just continue on explaining the baby names.

“But then he had an idea for a boy name and it’s uhm well it’s Edward James St-”

“James? As in Ethan James your super attractive young neighbor?” He all but shouts as he stares at you with an excited grin on his face and you just nod and laugh because you knew he would react this way to finding out the middle name Harry picked unknowingly wanting to give his son just so happens to belong to the very man he can’t stand.

“Exactly.”

“Weird way to ask me to be their godfather but I accept.” He says with a shrug as he goes back to focusing on rubbing your ankles.

“Don’t get crazy Ethan no one has asked you to be anyone’s godfather.” You explain with a laugh making him let out a dramatic sigh.

“Here I am rubbing your feet and ankles and you don’t even think I’m godfather material? That’s just rude.” You playfully glare at him when he turns his head to look at you with a smile. “But really I’m glad it’s going well with him I know you’ve been through some shit with that asshole so I’m happy that he seems to be making an effort to do things that are actually nice and helpful.” You just nod as you try to focus on the page you’re reading in your book.

“Yeah it’s been-”

“I saw photos of him out with another girl last night.” You drop your book to your lap as Ethan lets out a sigh of relief, feeling ten times lighter now that he’s spilled the beans about something he wasn’t sure he was going to tell you about or not but he figures you deserve to know the whereabouts of the father of your children.

“What are you talking about?”

“I saw photos of Harry out with some chick in a god awful tacky green silk dress with yellow-”

“Ethan.”

“Right sorry.” He runs a hand through his hair as he turns his body a bit so he is facing you, but makes sure your feet are still comfortably resting in his lap. “He was out at some club with her and they left hand in hand and got into his car and the only reason I known it was his car is because I recognized the driver.”

“Is that all?” Ethan raises an eyebrow at your question because you’re handling this rather differently than he expected.

“Uh yeah-yeah that’s all.”

“That’s okay.” You say with a slow nod before you grab your book. “He’s single he can be seen with whoever he wants.” You explain as you turn to the page you were just on, ignoring the look of confusion on Ethan’s face and the way your heart feels like it just dropped to the pit of your stomach.

“It’s okay if it’s not okay you know that right? He’s the father of your babies and it’s perfectly normal to feel attached to him in a way that no one will ever understand.” You can’t look at Ethan as he speaks or you’ll lose it so he just gives your feet a little squeeze before he reaches over and grabs the book out of your hands. “Look at me.” He says as he tosses your book onto your coffee table, you slowly look from your hands that are resting on your bump over to his face and then finally you meet his stare.

“He told me he had plans with his mom last night. That’s why he couldn’t come over to help put up the curtains I got for the nursery but he said he’d do it the next time he’s here to make my juice.” Ethan lets out a sigh as he watches your eyes get glossy as you let him in on a piece of information that you weren’t going to share with him because it seemed unimportant until now.

“God this wouldn’t be happening if you would’ve went with Zayn for your baby daddy.” His voice is serious but you know he’s joking as he reaches for one of your hands.

“Zayn wasn’t an option.” You explain with a sniffle as you try to stop the tears from falling with a few blinks.

“That’s a shame because that man is-”

“Was she pretty?” You mumble as you look away from Ethan and down at his hand that’s got a firm hold of yours as it rests on your bump. You don’t know why you asked because you know it doesn’t matter but you can’t help but be curious.

“Fuck no. She was hideous.” He watches the corners of your mouth twitch as you fight off a smile. “You’re the hottest woman that man has ever been with. Hands down.”

“You’re just saying that so I won’t cry.”

“No I’m not.” He argues as he gives your hand a squeeze. “I’m saying it so you’ll make me the godfather.” He smiles at the sound of your laughter even if it’s a littler watery sounding it’s better than the sound of you bawling your eyes out, that’s one sound he is sick of hearing from you. “I love you. You’re going to be okay.” You let out a sigh as you give his hand a squeeze making him smile.

“Thank you. I love you too.” With that Ethan lets go of your hand so he can lean over and grab your book off the coffee table and hand it back to you. The two of you silently deciding that you’ve had your fill of gossip for the evening so he picks up his phone with one hand and scrolls his social media pages while his other lazily rubs at your ankles. While you try to focus on the words on the page of your book you can’t help but let your mind wonder to the reasons why Harry would lie to you and if you should even bring it up to him. But as you get comfortable on the couch and Ethan lets out a soft sigh you decide that you’ll just deal with Harry later and enjoy your time with one of your bestfriends, refusing to let the man with the big dumb green eyes ruin anymore of your evening.

[kyokutsu-sama]

Sweet heart

Haganezuka x f!reader

A/n: Today I'm bringing a cute scenario for our anger issues boy haganezuka❤️ I would cooked mitarashi dango for him all day if he want🤭

I hope you like☺️

Tw: A bit suggestively if you squint

"There, here are your onigiris." You handed the plate to the young Slayer

"Thank you, Mrs. Y/n." Tanjiro thanked you with a smile before starting to eat

"Are you feeling better?" You sat down on the bed next to his

"Yes, I don't feel as much pain as before and I already have more energy."

"Have you been taking your medicine?"

"Always."

"I'm glad to hear, the important thing is that you're feeling better." You sighed and he looked at you as he took another bite of onigiri

"And what about you, Mrs Y/n? You look tired, don't you think you should take a moment to rest?" He noticed but you shook your head, composing yourself

"Don't worry, I'm fine."

But he was right, you were already missing a good night's sleep. Working at the Wisteria house wasn't exactly an easy task. You had to check on the health of the sick, prepare and distribute food, wash clothes, hang them out, fold them. Sometimes you had to leave tasks halfway through when Shinobu needed your help. And it was tiring. But you liked what you did and so sometimes you didn't even realize you were tired, until someone told you that you needed to take a break.

"These onigiris are very good." The boy commented and you smiled

"Oh, thank you. I'm glad you liked them."

"Kanamori-san hasn't arrived yet?" He asked and you tilted your head to the side, frowning

"He was supposed to come here today?"

"Yes, it's just that I broke my sword and he, along with Haganezuka-san, were supposed to come to visit me." He explained and you changed your expression, widening your eyes in surprise

Hotaru Haganezuka, how you missed him...

You still remembered the letters he had sent you two days ago, saying how much he missed you and would like to see you. He also wrote about all the swords he forged and about the love he had for each one of them, and for you too.

You used to giggle when you read them, deep down he even had a hint of cuteness and kindness that was mostly hidden by his hot head that was like a hard shell. However, the day he met you, that hard shell softened, although he was still reluctant and didn't want to admit his feelings openly to anyone. He could be quite shy and you saw that when you confronted him the first time.

His face burned with embarrassment beneath the mask and his hands trembled. He was grateful he was wearing his mask, thus hiding his embarrassed face from you. However, you slowly removed it and he looked at you and you at him, staying like that for a short moment until you smiled at him, after finding a cute and handsome face behind that mask. He looked away, but you held his face and kissed his cheek, making him shiver.

Poor swordsmith, he wasn't used to so much affection.

He never thought he would find someone who would give him that care, since everyone said he had a rough personality and that no one would like him. It seems that life proved him wrong. He felt welcomed and loved, a feeling he wanted to experience again, and that was when he started wanting to leave the village more often to visit the Wisteria house secretly to see you or sometimes just to take a peek without you noticing. He only felt at ease when he saw with his own eyes that you were fine and out of danger. He always showed his love through actions; he rarely used words, since he was very shy.

The two of you always made the most of every moment you had together, since sometimes it was hard to have quality time because of your both responsibilities. Even so, you wrote letters to each other so you could communicate. Yes, he kept all the letters you sent, keeping them hidden from anyone.

You were happy to know that he was coming to visit you once again. Well, actually it was to stab Tanjiro with his sharp knives for breaking his sword again, but yes, he was also happy to know that he was going to see his beloved.

"Miss Y/n?" He called out to you, seeing that you seemed distant. "Is everything okay?"

"Oh, yes, yes! It is." You nodded."I just need to go take care of some things now. Take care of yourself and make sure you're okay." You patted the boy's head and he nodded

"Yes, you can rest assured."

You then left and went to the kitchen to prepare more food for the patients who were still under care.

~~~

"HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU TO BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR DAMN SWORD DURING MISSIONS?!!!"Haganezuka screamed as he grabbing Tanjiro's neck and shaking his body

"Haganezuka-san...my injuries."The boy groaned in pain

"Screw your injuries, what mattered was my sword and you broke it." He scolded, his voice carrying anger at the event

"Haganezuka, calm down, you'll kill him if you keep grabbing his neck like that."

Kanamori stepped between the two to separate the blacksmith from the Slayer

"I'll kill you, you hear?" Haganezuka pointed at the boy who flinched

"Haganezuka, that's enough! Besides, we came here to give him the new sword."

"For what? So he can break it again?!"

Kanamori sighed and picked up the new, sheathed sword, handing it to Tanjiro.

"Here you go, your new sword. Haganezuka forged it even though he was angry at you for breaking the old one."

"I'm really sorry, I ended up getting careless during the battle but thank you for making a new one. I'll be more careful this time." Tanjiro scratched the back of his neck with a smile but Haganezuka crossed his arms

"You're nothing but a liar, always saying the same thing only to end up breaking it again." He muttered. "Anyway, stay there. I have something to do." He said before walking towards the door, leaving Kanamori and Tanjiro intrigued.

"Where are you going?" The other swordsmith asked

"None of your business." Haganezuka left and slammed the door

"What the hell is wrong with him?"

"Haganezuka-san seemed strange." Tanjiro frowned in confusion

~~~

You were in the kitchen, distracted while preparing mitarashi dango. Something that reminded you of Haganezuka since he was only in a good mood when he ate it. You had been busy for a while making the balls and putting them on the thin wood sticks and repeating the process. Suddenly, a strong arm wrapped around your waist from behind, making you jump and scream.

"What the--" You looked back and saw the masked man you knew well and sighed in relief. "Damn! Haganezuka, you caught me now." You put your hand to your chest with a giggle

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, and glad to see you too." You smiled, composing yourself

"Is that what I see?" He pointed to the plates with dango and you looked at the plates and then at him, nodding

"Yes, your favorite. I was preparing it for the slayers who are here due to injuries from missions and training."

"And for me? Didn't you remember me?" He crossed his arms and you could see a jealous pout under his mask and smiled

"Of course, my dear." You picked up a plate where you had put his and he removed his mask, revealing the beautiful face underneath that you loved to see. "Here for you!"

He placed the mask aside and received the plate, starting to eat the dangos you had made. He immediately felt his heart soften at the sweetness of the treat you had made. And you could see it in his eyes that seemed to shine now.

"Are they good?" You asked

"Delicious." He said, licking his fingers dirty with the sweet soy sauce

You were happy to see that he had liked it. Besides, he was picky when it comes to mitarashi dango and not everyone knew how to prepare it the way he liked. When he finished, he put the plate aside and you approached him with a napkin, cleaning the corner of his mouth that looked dirty and he looked at you.

"You had some sauce here." You put the napkin in the trash and smiled at him. "I think I deserve a reward for the treat, don't you think?" You suggested and he looked you up and down

He looked back and to the sides to see if you two were alone and when he was sure, he pressed you against the kitchen counter and kissed you passionately. You wrapped your arms around his neck and kissed him back, finally having the kiss you had been longing for for weeks.

How good it was to see and have him again. He could say the same but he preferred to use his actions to show his lovefor you once again.

It was a breathless kiss, just like he always did. You moved your hands to hold his shoulders, leaning your forehead against his, trying to catch your breath after the kiss, but he didn't give you much time, claiming your lips again.

"Haganezuka..." You grinned against his lips.

"I missed you." He confessed and you felt your knees weaken

Haganezuka confessing what he felt? That was something unusual... At least when there were other people around. He had an easier time doing it when you two were alone in a corner where no one could bother you.

But it turns out that you were at a place where Aoi or the girls could come in at any moment and as much as you wanted to hold back, the sweet taste of his lips were letting you get carried away by his making out.

He picked you up and sat you on the counter and lowered his lips to your neck while you held onto his long strands of hair.

"Baby, someone might come in." You warned but he seemed too oblivious to your voice now

His hands slid down your thighs, pushing your skirt up and sliding them under to reach your panties, but you held onto his hands, making him look at you.

"We can't do this here, and you know that too, right?" You said and he sighed, taking his hands away from you with a with a downcast look

You got off the counter and raised your arms to reach his face, since he was taller. You turned his face to you and looked him in the eyes. He melted every time you looked at him with those beautiful doe eyes.

"I'm not denying you, okay? It's just the place. If you want, you can meet me tonight. I'll leave at midnight and go home." You suggested and he thought about it for a moment before nodding slightly

"Okay... midnight, right? Sure."

"But be careful when you come here because of the demo---" You were about to finish your sentence when he gave you a kiss that silenced you

You were trying but he was only making things more difficult. He was very stubborn. His strong hands pulled your waist against him while one of your hands went to his face.

"I need to do this... I need to... have you."He whispered between the kiss and you gasped against his lips

You were trying to hold yourself back but it was his damn touch, that voracity that was destroying you and your self-control.

"You made me miss you and now I can't forge a sword properly because my mind is too busy thinking about you." He said as his hands tightened on your waist and probably leaving marks under the fabric of your uniform. "Fuck, you have an effect on me."

You couldn't tell if it was the longing or the dango but he was too talkative. Maybe it was both of them or maybe it was just you. After meeting you, he realized that life is not just about forging swords, there is something much more than that.

You held onto the collar of his kimono, delighting in his lips once more.

"Oh, so you were---" Kanamori said, entering the kitchen and, seconds later, realizing what was in front of you.

The two of you quickly stopped and looked at him, just as surprised as he was.

"Here." The swordsmith muttered the rest of the sentence

"What are you looking at, idiot? Are you going to stand there for the rest of the day?" Haganezuka grumbled

"I was just looking for you to go back, but it seems you were very busy."Kanamori scratched the back of his neck and you looked away, feeling your face flush with embarrassment

"I'm sorry, Kanamori-san. It was my fault." You muttered

"No, it's fine. I'm just surprised. Are you two dating?" He pointed and Haganezuka narrowed his eyes at him

"Mind your own business."

"Yes, we are." You confessed and he glanced at you

"Well, I'm glad about that since I didn't think Haganezuka had someone."

"What if I have? Is there a problem with that?"

"Not really, do whatever you want." Haganezuka gave you one last look and you understood what he meant by the gesture. He was leaving but he would be back as he had agreed before.

He grabbed your hand and gave it a discreet squeeze before leaving with the other swordsmith. You smiled and adjusted your skirt and hair before returning to work.

The two men were now heading back to the village. Kanamori looked at his friend, unable to contain his comment after what he had seen before.

"So after all, you always have an affair with a beautiful young woman from the Wisteria house. For someone who wouldn't give in to anyone..." Kanamori laughed and Haganezuka pulled his collar

"Not a single word about this, you hear me?"

"Okay, I'll keep this just between us."Kanamori raised his hands in resignation and the other released him

Haganezuka continued on his way, but now in a better mood, knowing that he would soon be coming to meet you.

[quimichi]

-ˏˋ . . . ⇢ ˗ˏˋ CRUSH HDCS ࿐ྂ Pt. 1.....

WARNING: × pure fluff in my opinion

SUMMARY: just some idiots with a crush...you :)

CHARACTERS: Aether, Albedo, Al-haitham, Amber, Arlecchino, Ayaka, Ayato & Baizhu x F!Reader

WORD COUNT: 1.537

AETHER

ᯓᡣ𐭩 Paimon is so done with his constant ranting and crying about you

ᯓᡣ𐭩 She had to stop herself from telling you so often like "Just PLEASE date him already" because she couldn't just fall into her besties back like that

ᯓᡣ𐭩 you would think he doesn't really like you cause he's all quite. Wrong, he actually jusz tries to cope with his rising heat and nervousness around you

ᯓᡣ𐭩 did he once tell you that you smell nice even tho you were sweating lile a sinner in church? Yes

ᯓᡣ𐭩 did he also tell you that you look a bit different and like you haven't slept good after a haircut?...yes

ᯓᡣ𐭩 listen, he was concerned for you-

ᯓᡣ𐭩 everything was so embarrassing for him he thought you hate him now--- well, you didn't. Its hard not to find this weird and awkward ball of sunshine nice

ᯓᡣ𐭩 he also helps you out a lot, no matter whats the issue he's ready to help. And Paimon is the third wheel

ᯓᡣ𐭩 sometimes when he's nervous and talks to you he like suddenly needs to swallow down spit cause it gets stuck in his throat?? Idk how to explain it but i have this issue lol and its so hard to cover up the swallowing cause then people know youre nervous-

ᯓᡣ𐭩 literally once walked into a wall because he was looking at you. Luckily no one saw...except Paimon--she won't let him forget that ever

ᯓᡣ𐭩 speaking of Paimon, bro literally asked her for advice, and she was useful? Hey, look. Shes more than just emergency food-

ᯓᡣ𐭩 she was like, "If you truly love someone, you cook them something good! Love goes through the stomach!"

ᯓᡣ𐭩 and thats why he desperately cooks for you every day---just put Paimon out of her misery and kiss him already

ALBEDO

ᯓᡣ𐭩 has no idea how and why it happened but he won't complain, you are pretty so-

ᯓᡣ𐭩 kinda takes it as an opportunity to study love a bit lol. Its not like he's dumb, far from that, he knows what hes feeling and why he feels attracted to you.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 but somehow he can't tell you, words fail him to explain why although he knows

ᯓᡣ𐭩 is confused and is irritated lol

ᯓᡣ𐭩 did tell Succrose about it and my girl can hardly keep secrets-

ᯓᡣ𐭩 oh and like around a week after he noticed his crush on you he confessed

ᯓᡣ𐭩 he's pretty blunt and honest, straightforward if you will.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 there's honestly not much to say, he knows he likes you, also probably knows it's mutual, logic conclusion would be that he confesses so you two can consider a relationship after some time

ᯓᡣ𐭩 easy??? Like what's not to get???

AL-HAITHAM

ᯓᡣ𐭩 the strongest feeling he ever had for someone else was a book character-and that's also pretty rare cause he doesn't read fiction he only reads facts-

ᯓᡣ𐭩 treats you normally with a sprinkle of kindness

ᯓᡣ𐭩 you don't notice, no one would notice. Good for Al-Haitham cause ew what if people realize hes just a regular human being?? Can't have that

ᯓᡣ𐭩 would tell you to take breaks and eat an apple or other fruits in those breaks so you can concentrate better afterwards. Oh and take a breath of fresh air

ᯓᡣ𐭩 keeps the bitch face on. Only drops it when you're not looking.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 finds it incredibly cute when you play with your hair or bite your lip. Your concentration is adorable...

ᯓᡣ𐭩 if you read like him, he would consider reading one of your favorite books, even if it's stupid and not his thing at all. He wants a good reason to talk to you

ᯓᡣ𐭩 has no idea how to get out of the "I'm so fucking cool" bs to actually get closer to you without seeming cringe or needy

ᯓᡣ𐭩 feelings aren't his thing but hey, he trys. Just pay more attention and maybe you make it easier for him by doing the first step

AMBER

ᯓᡣ𐭩 nah cause she's so honest about it-

ᯓᡣ𐭩 probably all Mondstadt and their granny's know that Amber has a crush on you, except for you....dumbass

ᯓᡣ𐭩 she always asks you if you wanna join her on god knows what adventures

ᯓᡣ𐭩 she also always packs lunch for you

ᯓᡣ𐭩 like i said, she is pretty vocal about it and shows it quite well that she has an interest in you....and youre just brushing it off as kindness

ᯓᡣ𐭩 always ready to help! And she doesn't even need a thank you. Helping you is enough to make her happy, seeing your relieved is all she needs.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 gifts you flowers on a regular basis because they're just as pretty as you ♡

ᯓᡣ𐭩 she's so straightforward about her crush on you it's insane. People think she's dating you already, well wrong--

ᯓᡣ𐭩 big talk and actions but when it comes to beinh very vocal about her feelings she shuts down-she would stutter and blush not knowing what to say-

ᯓᡣ𐭩 like, pls stop being so oblivious to her attempts and just tell her you like her--then she'll confess too!

ARLECCHINO

ᯓᡣ𐭩 look, she's a busy woman (father), she doesn't have time for stupid crushes. She'll either tell you immediately once she figured it out, or just waits till the feelings disappear over time.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 why? If she is uncertain that this would work out with a fatui harbinger, then she wouldn't confess at all. You won't notice a thing.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 but if she does feel like it could work out, maybe not immediately because you need time...and yeah maybe she needs to know a 100% too, she would court you (??)

ᯓᡣ𐭩 presenting you the finest things from all nations. Also giving you ifts from your home region cause...well maybe you miss it? And if you're from Fontaine she gives you only the most expensive shit hidden from all normal ordinary people-

ᯓᡣ𐭩 she sneaks her way in your heart ngl-

ᯓᡣ𐭩 and if she ever sees you with one of the things she gave you, she would make sure others know. Who knows who might have an interest in you.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 would also make some space in her schedule just for you. Lets you know too. No, not to make you feel bad, nahhh. She wants you to know how important you are to her.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 and that she will always have time for you no matter what.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 she's kinda advertising herself. "Look, I'm the baddest bitch around."

AYAKA

ᯓᡣ𐭩 also makes space in her very busy schedule just for you. And if she can't find the time so you both can be alone, she takes you with her to her appointments and everything.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 wants her brothers 'ok' for it all. She wouldn't feel quite comfy if Ayato wouldn't like you. Thomas opinion is also very important to her.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 if she every plays this weird cooking game with you, she trys to make it tame. She doesn't want you too disgusted or near throwing up cause then she'd feel bad

ᯓᡣ𐭩 and also trys cooking for you normally. She trys ok, she's getting better and better. Takes this as an excuse to cook your favorite meals.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 dances with you! She's shy about it but she does. Ayaka teaches you her favorite dances and moves, and would get quite close to you by doing this...plus for her

ᯓᡣ𐭩 but besides this she's very shy about her crush on you and won't admit it very fast. Even after months she wouldn't dare say a word about it to you or hint anything to drastic.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 tbh, it has to be you who would need to make the first step lol

AYATO

ᯓᡣ𐭩 very obvious...I mean...he gives you flowers, jewelry, new clothes. He takes you to events or dinners, important meetings. Lets you stay in the Kamisato estate for free. Bitch you even have your own room??

ᯓᡣ𐭩 ITS SO OBVIOUS

ᯓᡣ𐭩 i can't tell you more, except, just...just talk with him about it. Confront him and say, "yes" that's all he wants to hear from you.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 and see you happy ofc

BAIZHU

ᯓᡣ𐭩 if Chansheng can keep her mouth shut he wouldn't tell you at all. Or at least not so fast.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 if you know, you know. Baizhus story is...something. i won't spoiler tho

ᯓᡣ𐭩 because of that he needs to be very sure about it all. He can't just jump into something that might not work out at all or have no future in the beginning.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 he would show his interest with nice little gestures. Giving you medicine for free, helping your loved ones when sick also for free, smiling just a bit more at you or teaching you about herbs and all.

ᯓᡣ𐭩 he's very gentle with you, scared he might break you. In truth it's actually him who would break--

ᯓᡣ𐭩 Qiqi would notice, she's a smart girl ofc she would. Yeah she knew you two were a thing before you two knew lol

ᯓᡣ𐭩 oh yeah and Changsheng blew it all-

ᯓᡣ𐭩 "Your hands wouldn't shake so much if you wouldn't love her"

TAGLIST ♡

@hehothrowawayfae @lucienbarkbark @ryu--19 @theblades @rikasurl

[inkdrinkerworld]

Inn Love Chapter 3

one two

cw: money issue talks, feelings of failure, james and reader being in love and idiots, a little angst (?) friends to lovers

wc: 2.6

“It’s not looking good,” you mutter to Mary, head in your hands as you go over the accounts one more time. 

“It’s the off season, we’ll find something else to do.” 

She’s too kind, too understanding. You wish she’d blow up at you and quit for not being able to pay her on time. 

You sigh, long and hard. You have to figure it out. The Secret Garden is your baby, and even though this is your second year owning it, you’ve still not figured out how to supplement the off season so you make a profit. 

You don’t know if you’ll ever be able to. 

“We might have to. How do you feel about starting up line dancing lessons for a little bit? Just until I figure it out?” 

Mary grins, nodding her head. “I’ve missed it some. Won’t exactly be hard to get back into.” 

Mary’s the best worker you have. The only one you have really, but she’s still the best. 

You close up your books, and double check that all the rooms have been checked out of and begin locking up. 

James is waiting for you on your front steps, hat tipped low as he leans against one of the beams. 

“Hey Jamie, didn’t know you were stopping by.” 

You try for chipper, a smile in your voice as you hold your tote bag on your shoulder. 

“Wanted to see if you wanted to get lunch with me.”

You pause, reaching right in front of him. It’s instant, the way a frown fights for the space of your smile. It’s also instant the way James notices. 

“What’s wrong?” He takes your bag from you, leading you to his truck. 

“Nothing. Where are we getting lunch?” 

James frowns a little bit, but doesn’t press. “Had Chinese dropped off to the house, got all your favourites.” 

You grin, James does this a lot and it makes your stomach flip every time. 

“Meet you there?” 

James frowns again, then shrugs. “Yeah, darling.” 

You double back to your own truck, James setting your bag in the bench seat. 

You watch James pull out first and take a moment to collect all your worry and all your anxiety and stuff it deep in your chest, burying it with a bit of hay before sighing. 

You can’t let James see you’re worried or anxious, he’ll sniff the information out of you and if you tell James then you’d have failed. 

The first year it was understandable, the second year; you’re not sure you could tell the person who helped you build the inn from the ground up that you’ve been having months of money troubles. 

You pull up behind James, sliding out of your car and racing him to the front door. 

“You still cheat.” he says with a smile, you shrug while pushing open the door. Inside James’ house, you’d think it was hot, all the southern heat trapped in the walls, but it’s always cool. 

He’d explained it to you once, the stone and wood kept it cool, but also he had put in a central air con to maintain the chill. 

“I got shorter legs than you James, it’d never be fair.” 

James shakes his head, following you to his dining table where all the boxes are already laid out. 

“How much noodles am I allowed?” James rolls his eyes. You always eat most of it and he always gets you your own box because why deprive you of your favourite thing?

James doesn’t think there’s actually anything he could deprive you of. 

“Does lack of sleep mess with your memory?”

You grin when he passes you an entire box, and then the rest of what you usually like.

As you eat, the talking kind of subsides, which is weird by yours and James’ standards.

“Are you sure nothing’s wrong?” He asks when you migrate to the living room, laying out long on his sofa while he sits with your feet in his lap. 

“What do you mean, Jamie?” You try hard not to stiffen your body as you respond. 

He sighs, hands squeezing the arches of your feet. “I dunno, something feels wrong. Like you feel down.” 

God you could cry right now. James has always been in tune to you like this, as you are with him, but it sometimes gets to be too much because lying to your best friend hurts. Especially when he can tell something is off. 

“Just tired I guess.” you shrug one of your shoulders. James hums but doesn’t say anything and you feel guilt like a hot poker in your stomach. 

You wiggle your toes in his lap and his hands fall back to massaging them. 

“Wanna watch ‘How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days’?” 

James never has to ask twice. 

You don’t mean to, but you and James fall asleep right there on his sofa. Some time during the night you’ve shifted, he’s laying under you and your head is on part of his chest with your legs tangled up. 

The only reason you wake up is because James’ alarm is blaring and you’ve got the worst crick in your neck.

“Make it stop,” you grumble, hiding your face in his chest as he stretches. It’s comfortable even for friends, the way James holds onto your waist as he leans over you to grab his phone. 

“Shit, s’nearly four. You gotta go darling.” 

You’d lasted nearly a whole three minutes without thinking about the fact that The Secret Garden wasn’t doing well. 

Almost awkwardly, which is strange for you and James, you sit up. As you stretch all your joints crack and you sigh where James winces. He’s always hated how you can just crack your bones like that- he worries you’ll break them one day. 

“Nah I got the day off.” 

James’ eyebrows shoot up. “So the TSG is closed today?” 

You wish your friend wouldn’t ask so many questions. Lying to him is hard work. 

“Mary’s running the morning shift today.” James looks a little sceptical but drops it, making his way to the stairs. 

“M’gonna get ready. You staying on the ranch then?” 

You nod, what else is there for you to do? Plus if you use your ‘day off’ to be anywhere but the ranch, say going job hunting or to the bank, your quiet little town will somehow have your going-ons back to James in no time. 

“Heat up breakfast and I’ll make us coffee.” James is back down in ten minutes, showered and changed into his wranglers, a thin white t-shirt and his work boots. 

You’re sure you’ve got yours around here somewhere.

James and you work like a well greased machine, making breakfast and coffee and doing the dishes all in one go. 

He tilts his head to the screen door in the kitchen that leads to his side porch.  

“Wanna watch the sunrise with me and then go round do some ranch chores?” 

“Still got my boots in the coat closet?” you ask and James rolls his eyes. 

“When has anything of yours left this house? You’re everywhere in here.” His gaze is too intense for you to laugh it off. It also makes you feel like you’ve caged race horses in your stomach and they’re butting their fences. 

“You say that like it’s a bad thing, Jamie.” is all you can manage before going in search of your boots.

James doesn’t think it’s a bad thing at all. Honestly, he wishes there were more of you in his house; he’s just not sure if saying that to you will cost him everything. 

Shoving your feet into the boots you sigh, then take a peek out at the sky and shiver. “I’m taking a coat.”

“Take anything you want.” 

This is why you can’t tell James about your money troubles. He’s going to give you anything to turn it around, but you’re not sure if anything he can give will. You also can’t use him anymore than you already do. 

“Race you to the stables!” James takes off before you can even put down your empty mug. 

“You’re such a cheater!” You whine as you race behind him, his laugh floating back to you as you reach the stable doors. 

“Takes one to know one,” he says playfully, causing you to roll your eyes.

James holds the door open for you and as soon as you get in you head for Snowglobe. 

“My baby,”  you coo, already kissing the side of his face while James lets his own horse, Landslide, out.  

“You’d swear he wasn’t nearly twenty three.”

“Don’t remind me Jamie.” you grab a brush and go through the usual maintenance just as James does with his horse. 

“We’re riding up to the fences to check on the horses, then we’re feeding them.” James talks about his day like it’s easy, but you remember the hard work that goes into ranching. You’ve got your work cut out for you, and you’re not even doing the hard stuff like moving hay or any of that. 

“Lead the way, Cowboy.” 

After a couple hours, you go back to the big house and take a shower, well and truly exhausted. James wouldn’t let you haul hay, so you’d been feeding the animals, cleaning the stables and doing a bit of general cleaning up around the ranch while he and his farmhands mended parts of the fence, herded the cows and hauled the dried heaps of hay. 

By the time James comes in, you’re halfway through preparing dinner- beef stew. 

“I would’ve cooked after my shower, darling.” James says as he hangs up his hat and boots. 

“Yeah, but now by the time you come back down, we can eat together.” 

James frowns again, you’ve never been away from TSG for this long since it’s been opened and it’s worrying him that you won’t talk to him about it. 

If he’s honest, you haven’t gushed about the inn since you left it yesterday- which is very unlike you. That place is your pride and joy and everyone knows it. Especially James. 

He holds his tongue on his worry and nods. 

“I’ll be back in ten.” 

Through dinner, you’re on your phone, checking your accounts, trying to see where you can make more money or if you’ll have to do the one thing you don’t want to. 

After your sixth sigh in ten minutes, James sets his cutlery down and reaches a hand for you.

“Darling, I know you said it’s nothing, but it’s clearly not. Can you tell me what’s wrong, please?”

Before you can answer, Sirius bursts through James’ house. 

“Did you see TSG’s been closed all day? Wonder if everything’s okay.” 

You freeze in your seat when James turns to you with wide eyes and a slack jaw. 

Sirius coughs to dispel his embarrassment. “Sorry doll face. But why are you closed? Is everything alright?” 

You can’t even be upset with Sirius because for all of his faults, he’s always concerned about you. He feels very much like an older brother in that way, even when he’s giving you shit. 

You rest your head on the table and sigh. 

“Don’t be upset Jamie,” you start, slow and more than a little nervous. You don’t know how you’ll feel if James is angry with you. You don’t want to feel like a failure to him. You don’t want to fail yourself even more. 

“I think I’m gonna have to close the inn.” 

Sirius gasps, James frowns. “Forever or for a while?” 

You lift your head, “For a while. I’m not sure how long. I’ve got to go over the account but we’re not making a profit right now.” 

“Darling,” he says at the same time Sirius swears. 

Tears spring in your eyes. “I know, it hasn’t been making profit or any sort of money for a couple months but I thought it would pick up again, but I guess late summer is not our season.” 

James stands quickly when your first tear falls and Sirius ruffles your head. 

“There’s nothing to be ashamed about, it happens. I can help you work through it.” You shake your head at James’ proposal. 

“You helped me start it up and I can’t even keep it running through the entire year. I can’t expect you to help me every year that I have a slow period.” 

Sirius tuts, “You could always sell your bakes in the off time, dollface.” 

James wipes your tears away, “I can still help. I don’t mind helping out.” 

You shake your head. Sirius seems to get it before James does, and what it is you’re trying to say. 

“No Jamie, I think maybe working on the ranch or doing a little baking on the side would be good. Right doll?” 

You nod, “I don’t wanna keep using you Jamie.” 

James tuts, tilting your chin up. Sirius takes his cue and goes into the kitchen, looking through James’ pantry. 

“You don’t use me. You’ve never used me.” It’s hard to argue with James when he speaks with such conviction but you know you have. 

“But I did. When I was opening up TSG, it was you helping me.” 

James smiles then, “Yeah I helped, darling. It was a mutual thing. We’re friends, of course I helped you. And I can help again, but if you want to do this part on your own, I’d get it.” 

James wipes your tears, gentle and sweet as ever. “I need to go do a final closing for the season and set some things in place, but can I stay here in the meantime?” You force the words out, soft and whispered against the space between you and James. 

“You can stay here as long as you like,” 

“Thanks Jamie.” 

He shrugs, dimple poking out in his cheek as he smiles at you. “You’re always welcome darling, c’mon I’ll drive you to TSG and help with lock up.” 

As it turns out, telling James you’d been struggling wasn’t that bad. It was hard and you’d felt like a failure for a little bit, but he talked good sense into you and now you’re staying with him till the start of autumn. 

“I can work the ranch, Jamie.” You proposed on your second night on his sofa. 

“You cannot work the entire ranch.” James wasn’t even being funny about it either. You really can’t. You get cut up easily and you blister worse than he does. 

“Okay, I can work the stables.” 

James rolls his eyes good naturedly, tossing a bit of popcorn at you. You’d both been watching a new horror that James had seen advertising. Watching is a generous word because you both talk through all the dull parts and you squeeze his fingers in anxiety during the freaky parts. 

“As opposed to?” 

You giggle, “Hey, I can work the garden or help milk the cows.” 

James chuckles then, his dimple on display making you want to poke your finger in it. “Same cows you’re afraid of? You can work the stables darling, you know your way around it.” 

You squeal, leaning up and closer to James to kiss his cheek. You love doing it because James goes red hot and can’t stop his flush. Even as kids he’d go beet red the minute you gave him a kiss to his cheek. 

“You’re the best James. The best ever.” 

He grins, “I’m glad you finally noticed.” The pillow behind your head whacks him in the face as you groan. 

“That was yuck, don’t ever say that again.” James laughs through your disgust, slotting your pillow behind your back again and holding your feet in his lap as the horror builds. 

[saltedsour]

Why the lens of NPD makes Blixer the funniest possible character.

NPD standing for, obviously, Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

Lets get a few things out of the way. Mainly that I do not aim for this to be a demonising lens. Moreso a "hey if i was in this circle's situation id do the same". Villains being vain, narcissistic abusers is a very, very common trend, even in media that claims it is more progressive than it actually is. This isn't being written to show why Blixer is evil, but how he does everything.

Secondly. A crown on a narcissist is usually just an easy sign to go "this guy's a narcissist". Most clipart you see for "surviving narcissists" has one guy looking into the mirror, and the mirror self having a crown and being cool and evil and whatever. This sucks for obvious reasons (its a disorder. normal people have disorders, not evil kings?), but it is also a REALLY GOOD symbol to 'reclaim'. I personally love it.

Why is this circle so fucking angry?

A pretty frequent feature in the NPD package is when anything that feels like an attack on you is one. It's not an accident, that person was trying to sabotage you. In a JS&B lens, this helps explain two key moments.

Why Blixer didn't really enjoy the player at the start of the game (exploded, plus the lost chapter stuff). If you've been in a cave for one morbillion years or whatever, and someone just Dodges All Your Attacks and then walks away when you explode, it'd be pretty infuriating. Also why this guy beat up an innocent bystander. Fly high, flower.

Annihilate. This is actually the biggest one for me. Your whole little evil pink kingdom just got fucking destroyed, and then the person who did so takes a representation of your ego and just goes "hey this is mine now :-)". When NPD makes you maladaptively regulate self esteem AND you just got insulted (in your eyes) in every way possible, you might get a little upset. You might become a blood centipede monster. I would too.

He doesn't do that much bad stuff directly.

Most of the issues ingame seemingly happen from the giant industry + tower he spawned and the corruption in general. Other than beating the shit out of a guy (we don't care about them) in the opening cutscene, he really doesn't do all that much in person until the player appears.

Why? What is he doing? We all know this. He is playing guitar on top of the tower for most of the game. This is someone who finally got the ego boost / supply he needed and then had fun with his own hobbies. From the lens of "guy who feels like he needs to literally rule the world to be seen and understood."

But he still did all that shit.

He still corrupted the world though. Which was probably a bad thing. However. If all your AUs are going to make it so he originally felt isolation over the corruption, then I raise you this:

Being an absolute nobody is the worst feeling in the world.

And as soon as he took over the world and basically forced everyone to call him his king, then and only then did he just start having fun and #playing. A possible way to frame this is him being too stupid to effectively rule over the world, but I don't think thats fun.

If his main goal was to make it so he was the centre of attention AND that everyone was like him (pink (which is called bad in a fucking In-Game Tip)) then he would've basically won already in his own head by the time the game fully starts. And he can finally do regular people - shape - things. He did all that stuff, but clearly this geometric circle didn't really have any other option considering he got so pissed off he made the world evil and that's hard to come back from.

Also it's important to mention that during the moment where he actually kind of Takes Over The World he's definitely not thinking rationally after eating the tree of life.

I think he took the world takeover thing too seriously.

Or maybe not seriously enough. Depends on how you look at it.

This is me mostly making fun of this circle but can you imagine getting all this power, and the first thing you do is take over the world. That's normal. The second thing you do is make yourself a crown. Okay. The third thing you do is absolutely nothing else. He seems more focused on the image of a ruler than anything.

If everything went right, he would have even had a sign showing he was the actual final boss. Which becomes a funny meta example where that level isn't even the actual final boss and instead he (it's his tower's sign, after all) put all that work towards the image of a final boss rather than actually being one. Although this doesn't hold much weight when we consider that he became a cannon just to kill us, I think he tried pretty hard.

Why not just fix what you've done, Blixer?

Admitting you're wrong and also getting rid of the only thing keeping your ego afloat isn't easy. In fact, it's genuinely painful. If he managed to actually calm down after basically eating the energy equivalent of a hydrogen bomb, then it'd kind of be almost impossible to look at all you did and say "damn, I was wrong".

It's easier to actually know you did something wrong when the consequences hit you and you can't do anything else but accept what you did. Postgame fans write that down.

Him learning and growing to be a better person would be awesome if it's also from the lens of NPD.

If fucking Kuzco (of Disney fame) could do it he could too. NPD is a disorder and thus has disordering traits, but I do think working with this for the character kind of helps when it comes to improving it in postgame stories. He starts off with basically NO ways to work with what are life-shatteringly important needs, and does maladaptive things in order to help.

Anger? Lashing out at people that Slighted him. Being a vain little prick? Trying to keep himself on a pedestal before it crumbles underneath him. Turning yourself into a blood centipede nightmare monster? A reasonable* reaction in his perspective.

You can learn to care about people's thoughts even if you started off. Um. Taking over the world.

There's a lot more to NPD than being an evil person and abuser. Starting off with no empathy doesn't really mean a death sentence. You can have him learn helping others is Good Actually but still slip up. Imagine a beautiful world with a postgame Blixer who has friends now and still has NPD. Imagine. If he's still pink and "corrupted" while being good, you can understand a world where he can be narcissistic and still be good.

I can take you to that world 🕊️ 🌾 🌹 ☀️...

Finally: NPD is a comedic disorder

It's true. Sometimes the world feels like it breaks apart because you are being Unloved and potentially hated. Not EVERYONE likes you, and that makes the world feel like it's being torn apart at the seams. You go from feeling at the top of the world to feeling like shit.

And then as soon as you're back up and running you look back at that and go "hmm. maybe not as serious as i thought".

You can do so much with this. There's more to NPD than what the masses know. "guy who literally did all this to be cool to himself" is just an insanely funny concept to me. He could've just been at the club.

NPD isn't always about physical vanity unlike what clipart tells you. It's about Pretty Unsafe levels of self esteem (from high highs to low crashes), and him fitting the bill makes him feel like a more interesting character to me.

[kaleidoscopic-quiddity]

i cant stop thinking about how fucking illegal bluelock is...

as has already been pointed out, these kids are NOT getting fed properly

also the whole 'score more goals and you'll get better food' thing like, has to be against the geneva conventions or something

directly tying sufficient nutrition to physical labour performance CANNOT be legal

also you're telling me none of these kids have dietary restrictions? like oh you're celiac and can't eat miso soup or gyoza? have fun surviving solely off of white rice ig

why does the bluelock building have no windows. do these kids get sunlight and fresh air any time other than when they're playing football?? are they all just super vitamin D deficient???

is the grass on the football pitches in bluelock even real? or is it all artificial?? im pretty sure not being around any kind of nature/plantlife for months at a time is bad for your mental health

(it probably explains why everyone in bluelock is so rabid, when's the last time any of them saw a tree?)

also the lack of windows is a fire hazard, does the building even have fire escapes? smoke detectors? emergency exits?

none of these kids fucking consented to being a livestreamed reality TV show/sports documentary

do they get royalties from BLTV? its obviously making money but somehow i doubt that ego is giving all the bluelockers a cut of the profits

also; i forget which volume its from but theres an extra with the top 5 most popular BLTV clips, one of which is kaiser confronting/issuing his declaration of war to isagi in the BM locker room

this suggests that theres cameras and mics in the locker rooms in bluelock, the locker rooms where people change clothes, the locker rooms where TEENAGERS change their clothes

idk the exact intricacies of sports academy type situations but japan has child labour laws and im pretty sure that making kids work out so much every day theyre regularly throwing up or can barely stand goes against said labour laws

also like; safe guarding, and duty of care, and child protection laws, probably

schooling is only compulsory up to the end of middle school in japan so technically none of the bluelockers have a legal requirement to be recieving an education

BUT; doesnt bluelock essentially make them high school drop outs?? its not as if they can miss months of class and then still graduate on time

what happened to all the kids who got locked off?? are they just repeating a year or did ego crush their regular career prospects along with their footballing ones?

do the NEL coaches (minus loki i suppose) have the correct legal permissions to be coaching minors?

typically, adults need qualifications and background checks to be in a position of authority (like coaching) over children or teenagers, so like do we think the NEL coaches have that orrrrr... ?

also like how the fuck does all that work with Loki, who's only 17?

the way pre-NEL, ego was constantly popping up to chime in on conversations suggests that he was visually and auditorally monitoring these kids 24/7, including in the communal bedrooms

if thats not technically ilegal then its at least DEEPLY FUCKING CREEPY

whatever the fuck is going on with kunigami and the wildcard HAS to be some kind of illegal, like i think we're actually bordering on human experimentation and/or psychological torture at this point

the NEL is like multiple weeks long right? what fucking VISAs are all the non-japanese players on?? a solid chunck of them are probably under 18 too right?? this is a paperwork nightmare

does the NEL bidding system constitute as gambling under japanese and/or international law? what laws are there when it comes to betting on u-18 athletes/athletic leagues? is this extortion? i feel like this may be extortion

this is such a minor detail but that one colour spread of ubers doing barou's hair shows aiku holding scissors and like im pretty sure sharps being accessible to minors (not aiku obvi, but most of the other bllkers) with no adult supervision is a safeguarding issue

there's fucking tasers in their suits, tasers that they didnt know about

im like 99% sure even manufacturing those clothes is illegal, let alone having people, especially minors, wear them

also, again, isnt that a massive safeguarding issue? what was ego gonna do if he sent shidou into cardiac arrest?

so i know they all 'consented' to participate in the bluelock project and live at the facility (if you can call impulsively running through a door 'consent') but that wasnt with the knowledge that they'd basically never get to leave unless they flunked out

so like, does this count as unlawful imprisonment? there was something about parents consenting too so maybe not, but it still feels iffy, especially considering most of them didnt get their phones, their ONLY means of communication with the outside world, back until after the u20 match

which is, again, a safeguarding issue; denying anyone (but esp kids) communication with the outside world for weeks at a time is cult shit, if it's not specifically illegal in japan it's still, in the very least, immoral

speaking of the u20 match, did the bluelock XII get paid for that or what? it counted as a professional football match right? i feel like they should be getting paid for it

same goes for the NEL actually too, like even forgetting about the BLTV aspect, the bluelockers are playing in a professional football league on the u20 squads of professional football clubs, they should be making fucking wages from this

i know theyre getting bid on but theyre not actually GETTING that money rn so are they just doing all this work for these clubs for free currently?

do the tracksuits have the taser function too or is it only the athletic body suits? what if team Z had decided to jump kuon in the communal bedroom after lights out? does ego have any way to stop these kids from beating each other to death when theyre not on the pitch??

like, are there any staff at bluelock other than ego, anri, the canonically-mentioned-but-never-seen-medics, and what i assume must be a decently sized team of catering and cleaning staff??

also; no way was putting shidou in a fucking straightjacket and muzzle legal

like, even the cops in japan are only allowed to handcuff people or hold them in restraint positions, let alone ego and anri having someone forcibly cosplay hannibal lecter, shidou should sue

honestly i think the whole 'throw away your self preservation and dedicate your every breathing moment to football' ideology probably counts as emotional abuse and/or brainwashing

in chapter 204 after he collapsed at the end of the BM vs MC match, isagi wakes up in a bed in noel noa's office

he'd been changed out of his clothes whilst unconcious and then, rather than kept in the infirmary or sent back to his own room, was left alone with an adult in a room with (im pretty sure) no cameras or other people for literal hours???

not that im saying noel noa would do anything creepy, but just that conceptually that whole situation is an absolute legal nightmare on so many levels

do you think the non-bluelock NEL players get to leave the building orrrrrrrr..?

im fully aware that half of these thing are explainable by suspension of disbelief and also that kaneshiro and nomura werent thinking about this stuff when they wrote it, but please consider the following; i love being a hater <3

[imagineredwood]

Group HC - The Boys reactions to getting caught stealing your panties 👙

I know. I know. It’s terrible and gross and icky I KNOW 😭😭 but I saw HCs for another shows characters around this idea and I couldn’t get it out of my head and it triggered the memory that this is actually canon for Juice and…yeah. Here we are 🧍🏻‍♀️

He’s not sorry. Or embarrassed. He loves you, loves everything about you. He thinks you’re the best thing since sliced bread. He worships you and the ground beneath your feet. So why wouldn’t he steal your panties? They’re yours, and they rest against his most favorite part of you all day 🤷🏻‍♀️ He won’t apologize, not even when your face heats up and you cover it with both hands. On the contrary, he probably makes a show of taking one out of the secret pile and sniffing it. He’s nasty, and he knows regardless of how you feel about it, you know he does it out of love and devotion. So he’s ok with it. And he’s not gonna stop.

He’s ashamed. He knew he shouldn’t have done it. Felt weird and invasive, but he couldn’t help it. He just loves you so much, and he gets lonely when you’re apart, and it smells like you. What else was he supposed to do? He would never cheat, would never even dream of it. But the stress of the club gets to him, especially the more complicated things get, he just needs comfort and relief, and when he saw them laying there in the hamper, he snagged it without thinking. Then he couldn’t stop, even when he knew he should. Even goes as far as offering to take apart the washer saying that maybe the machine is eating them 👀 He apologizes, cheeks tinted red, eyes downcast and hopes you don’t hold it against him. He’ll ask before he takes them next time, scouts honor.

Like Angel, he’s not embarrassed. He just shrugs, telling you that you’re his girl and your pussy is his, so why can’t he just take them? 🙄 He buys you new pairs every now and then anyway. So he wants to smell you randomly throughout the day, whats the harm in that? He just misses you. And likes to look at the pair and reminisce about times he’s taken them off of you. Is that a crime? He even reaches into his kutte and pulls out the pair that he’s kept on him today to show that it’s no big deal, and they’re the ones from yesterday, you recognize.

He’s bashful, arguably, but not necessarily embarrassed. It’s more about getting caught than it is the actual act. Like a kid with his hand in the cookie jar. He’s not sorry for taking them, he’s just sorry that it’s kinda awkward for you to find the stash. He laughs awkwardly, shrugging it off or trying to anyway. Explains that he just rarely gets time to himself, so he is uses them when he’s alone in Templo to get his mind right. That your scent calms him and helps his focus. He didn’t think you’d mind too much, he just also never expected you to find out.

He's not sorry in the slightest and he makes sure you know it too. He bought every pair anyway, what's the issue? He could buy you 30 pairs by lunch 🙄 He wasn't up from about it, no, but he also didn't necessarily hide it. It just wasn't entirely in the open. You're respectful and don't go through his stuff in his office so how would you have known he had an entire drawer of his desk with them all collected in there? You'll get over it, a few new lingerie sets will make sure of that.

The OG of panty stealing and sniffing himself. It’s canon after all. He just can’t help himself. You’re his moon and stars and he just can’t get enough of you. Even when you’re perched in his lap, cockwarming him, face nuzzled in the crook of his neck, it’s not enough. He needs to be in your skin. But he can’t. So stealing your panties is the next best thing. It’s a compulsion he can’t fight. God knows he’s tried. And he tells you as much. Lists all of the things he did first to try and not have to submit to that desire. But in the end it didn’t matter. He just needs to have your most intimate article with him at all times. Keeps He doesn’t want you to think he’s a freak but he also just need you to know how much he absolutely loves, adores, and worships you. He’ll even hand over the pair in his pocket if you ask him to.

He's nonchalant about it. It's just panties. You have a bunch more. Not like you were gonna miss them or something. He just loves you and likes to have something of yours that he can keep nearby when he misses you. One in his pocket, one in the sale bag of his bike tucked away hidden. His stash is dispersed, not because he was necessarily hiding them, but because there's one each place that will serve a purpose.

Also not embarrassed. Hits you with that famous smirk, his shoulders shrugging as you stare at him waiting for an answer. "Just miss you sometimes, Darlin'. Just somethin' to get me by." Like it's perfectly normal. He left you your favorite pairs after all. He only takes the ones you're not the biggest fan of, so you wouldn't notice as quickly. It's not a big deal, he can give them back. Sometimes he just needs to sit in the chapel with them over his face while he strokes himself before Church so he can make sure he has a level head before this important vote.

General taglist

@piccasoe @ateliefloresdaprimavera @gemini0410 @woahitslucyylu @my-rosegold-soul @that-chick212 @everyhowlmarksthedead @glimmerglittergirl  @fanaticfangurl21 @encounterthepast  @svintsandghosts @starrynite7114   @destynelseclipsa  @queenbeered @iamthegraham @emoengelfurleben  @otomefromtheheart @rosieposie0624 @papa-geralt-of-cirilla @beeroses @weirdosandhopelessromantics @kola95 @black-repunzel99 @xonickibaby @cruzwalters @myakai13 @mrsstevenbuchananstark @lyly00 @kaystacks17 @cole-winchester  @alexxavicry  @savagemickey03  @fanfic-n-tabulous   @choochoo284 @xbloodyxangelx @carma-fanficaddict @gillysoldlady

Mayans MC taglist

@dazzledamazon​  @abunnykisses​ @briana-mishell24​  @wrcn9fvlcver​  @thesandbeneathmytoes​ @krysiewithak​  @appropriate-writers-name​  @blessedboo​  @megapeacelovemusic-blog​ @emoengelfurleben​ @blowmymbackout​ @abby-splace​ @kola95​ @black-repunzel99​ @redpoodlern​  @myakai13​

@cruzwalters​  @danimals1096 @po3ticb3auty​ @lyly00​ @im-just-a-mississippi-girl​  @angel-121​ @fanfic-n-tabulous​ @90sisthenew80s​ @lovelytricia @librarian1002

[olderthannetfic]

Feels like the consent-porn and "realism" porn people don't get the actual issue with the PSA BDSM dreck.

The problem isn't "consent porn" or the failed attempt at "realism" the huge problem is that people with no prior knowledge of actual kink and BDSM are trying to write PSA's while having absolutely fuckall idea what they're talking about. It's like watching toddler trying to explain to you why eating dirt is bad, and their reason is that sand tastes better. You know fuck about dick, don't present it like an actual guide to BDSM.

Or how the general "consent porn" isn't some "Oh babe you like that?" it's more like some weird moralizing "Don't forget to ask about every move" while completely ignoring and dismissing the huge part of consent being non-verbal, and some times even just based on vibes with the person.

It's so easy to notice the difference in writing between "consent" and/or "realism" porn, and Nugget McNobody trying to write a PSA about something they've not even dipped their nosehairs in.

Consent porn is one thing, someone writing the worst underfucked version of what they believe is needed for consent to exist? And being 100% serious, and treating it like this applies IRL? That's what's annoying. It's one step removed from just straight up going full bureaucracy and having each party sign 10 pages before they even start breathing near each other.

--

The thing I find most offputting is when they're clearly trying to write a good partner checking in, but it comes across as a top who's been pressured into this and who is extremely uncomfortable but also unwilling to set any boundaries. It reads as a shitty partner ruining things for the bottom at best and some kind of skeevy dubcon with the top as the victim at worst.

[harmonicakai]

Midas Touch

Part 2 of the "Somebody Else" series

Pairing: Soobin x Reader, Yeonjun x Reader

Summary: As you and Soobin work on becoming a more believable fake couple, you both realize your initial impressions of each other aren't as accurate as you thought.

Tropes: love triangle, unrequited love, fake dating, frat boy!yeonjun, nerd!soobin, roommates, college AU, childhood best friends

Word Count: 2.8k

Warnings: sexual TENSION (mdni!), swearing, yj is an asshole, mentions of masturbation and sex

A/N: Yeonjun is barely in this sorry guys :-(

"The look of you when I open my eyes So bright that I couldn’t dare to approach My heart that wants to be like you Gets colored, filled with you" —New, Yves

Your room is much nicer than Soobin’s, albeit messier. There’s clothes scattered all across the floor, and your twin sized bed is covered in stuffed animals.

“Sorry,” you apologize, piling things onto your desk chair. “I didn’t think anybody would actually be coming over tonight. I mean, not like anybody is here any other night, either.”

“That’s okay,” Soobin reassures you. He’s relieved to hear that you don’t tend to have any late night visitors. You grab one of your favorite throw blankets and chuck it at him.

“Hope you’re okay with the floor,” you say. “If this actually becomes a regular thing, I’ll work out a more comfortable sleeping arrangement.”

“I’m good with whatever,” he says. Really, he thinks that if you let him sleep in your bed with you, he’d probably explode, so this is a good thing.

“Here,” you say, handing him a spare toothbrush. “Let’s get unready.”

Soobin is mesmerized at watching your nighttime routine, but he’s especially interested in the way you remove your makeup and layer on a complex combination of skincare products. You’re even nice enough to share and guide him through each step.

“This one brightens your face,” you explain, “And this one helps with texture.”

Soobin’s never considered any of these issues before. He kind of just rinses his face with water and things work out okay for him. 

You watch him to make sure he goes in the right order, and he can’t help but notice how you’re equally as beautiful without makeup. You’ve got a silly plush headband pushing your hair out of your face, and you’ve given him one to match.

It all feels a bit too real standing at the bathroom sink together. 

“All done?” you ask, snapping him out of his daydream. He nods, and you lead him back to your bedroom.

When you get back, your roommate, Jia, is sitting in the common room eating a tub of ice cream and watching TV. She’s cool with you bringing Yeonjun around all the time, but isn’t used to seeing new faces pop up. 

“Hi,” you greet her, before gesturing to your guest. “This is Soobin. Soobin, this is my roommate, Jia.”

“Hi,” he says, giving an awkward wave. Jia gives a half grin, her mouth full, before waving and shooting you a look that says she’s going to need every detail later.

“We’ll be in my room,” you say, grabbing Soobin’s hand and dragging him along. 

While things felt blissfully domestic in the bathroom, they’re as awkward as can be in the bedroom. The two of you really know nothing about each other, except for maybe the classes you take. 

Soobin wonders if you’re just tired or you just don’t want to talk to him. For his sake, he decides on the former, watching as you switch the lamp off and turn to face the wall. 

“Goodnight, Soobin,” you say, hoping he’s comfortable enough on your floor.

“Goodnight, Y/N,” he replies. His heartbeat is still racing, and he spends a good portion of the night listening to the way your breathing becomes slow and steady, willing himself to match its pace. That night, all he dreams about is you.

—————-

If things were awkward right before bed, they’re even worse when you and Soobin wake up to a fire alarm. 

“Soobin,” you say, crawling out of bed and shaking him. He must be a heavy sleeper. “Soobin, get up.”

His eyes flutter open and he’s got a dopey smile when he sees you. “Huh? What time is it?”

“It’s only six, but there’s a fire alarm. We have to go outside.” You offer a hand to help him up, but he looks at you funny. “Is something wrong?”

“I can’t get up,” he gulps, glancing at his crotch. “Morning wood.”

“Nobody will care,” you huff, covering your ears in an attempt to dampen the siren. “I’m sorry. I just—I can’t stand loud noises.”

A little embarrassment is nothing compared to making sure you’re comfortable. In an instant, Soobin is up, your blanket wrapped around him like a cape as you file into the crowd of evacuating students.

“Hold my hand,” you whisper, and he doesn’t need anymore convincing before lacing his fingers into yours. To everybody, you look like a real couple. People mostly know you around campus as Yeonjun’s friend, so hopefully they’ll start to talk when they see you with another guy for once.

Soobin notices how you’re shivering in just a t-shirt and sleep shorts and wraps the blanket around you too, pulling you in to share his body heat. He’s so cozy, and his chest feels more solid than you expected. 

“Thank you,” you say, peering up at him, your arms finding their way around his waist. His hair is messier than you’ve ever seen it, but it somehow works for him. He smiles back at you, and you note his dimples and the way his eyes light up.

Choi Soobin is cute. He might not be your type, but any girl would be lucky to have him.

Even though he doesn’t really want to, Soobin heads back to his own room after the fire alarm is over. It was really sweet of him to keep you company while you waited, you think to yourself.

When Soobin gets back, Yeonjun is sitting in the kitchen, nursing his hangover with a huge spread of breakfast. 

“Look who’s back,” Yeonjun slurs, wearing sunglasses indoors. “Have fun with Y/N?”

“I did, actually. She showed me her skincare routine.”

“Is that all she showed you?” He’s lifted his sunglasses up now.

“Yes.” Soobin knows if he says more, it’ll be too obvious the relationship is fake.

“So the girl of your dreams took you to her bedroom and you didn’t hook up with her?”

“It’s not like that between us,” Soobin asserts. “I want to take my time. Treat her right.”

“Soob,” Yeonjun starts, a grin plastered on his face. “You’re a virgin, aren’t you?”

“And what if I am?”

“I knew it!” Yeonjun leans into the couch, clapping.

“I’m going to shower,” Soobin says, walking towards the bathroom.

“Don’t take too long jacking off to Y/N,” his roommate calls after him.

“You’re gross!”

“Maybe, but I’m right, aren’t I?”

Yeonjun is right. As soon as Soobin steps under the hot water, he can’t get you off of his mind. The way your fingers felt laced through his hair, or the taste of your lip gloss. Your cute moles that your foundation usually covers up and the way you snuggled into him to keep warm.

He’s got it bad, finishing after he’s barely even touched himself. That’s the kind of effect you have on him, and he knows that if he’s going to be around you more and more, he’s going to have to learn to control himself.

When he gets out of the shower, you’re sitting on the couch, looking as beautiful as ever. Soobin stops dead in his tracks, blinking back the water that’s dripping from his hair. In an attempt to cover up his bare chest, he almost drops the towel from around his waist.

“Y/N! Hi–hey!” he stutters, his eyes wide. What were you doing here and why were you so dressed up?

“Hi, Soobie,” you smile at him, standing up and hugging him. “Ooh, bad idea. You’re getting me all wet.”

“That’s probably the only way he can,” Yeonjun chuckles. You turn and shoot him a dirty look.

“Hurry up and put some clothes on,” you tell Soobin. “I don’t want to lose our reservation.”

“Right, yes. Sorry,” he says, walking past you and into his room.

“Please tell me you’re not just messing with that poor boy,” Yeonjun sighs, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t think he’d ever recover.”

“No, Yeonjun,” you cross your arms. “Unlike some people, it matters who I bring home with me.”

“So, you actually like him?”

“He’s sweet,” you reason, refusing to elaborate any further.

“Am I not?” You couldn’t tell if you could sense a tinge of jealousy in his voice.

“Why don’t you ask one of the other girls you kissed the other night and get back to me?” Your anger catches both you and him off guard. Usually, you’re Yeonjun’s doormat. 

You stare at each other in silence before finally looking away. It feels like hours before Soobin comes back out of his room, wearing his glasses and a white button down. It’s nerdy, but in a cute way. It’s quintessentially him.

“Ready?” you ask, holding out your hand for him.

“Yeah, ready,” he says, lacing his fingers into yours. “Bye, Yeonjun. We’ll see you later.”

“Bye,” he mutters, eyes locked on his phone screen. “Have fun.”

You close the door behind you without a word.

—————-

“This isn’t what I was expecting when you said we had a reservation,” Soobin says, eyeing the study room in the library that you’ve rented out for the next couple of hours. “I could’ve at least brought some homework to do.”

“This isn’t a study date,” you clarify. “Well, technically it is, except we’re studying each other. If we’re going to be a couple, we need to look and act like one.”

“Agreed.” Soobin’s palms are already starting to sweat. He had always thought of you as quiet and sweet around Yeonjun, but you seem so confident when it’s just you and him.

“I brought a game for us to play to get to know each other better,” you say, opening up your tote bag and digging out a deck of cards. “We’ll start with level one. What was the first thing you noticed about me?”

“You’re beautiful,” Soobin blurts out. His wording sticks in your head. Usually, people call you cute or pretty, but beautiful has a whole other meaning to it.

“Thank you,” you say, hoping he can’t see you blush. “I noticed how nice you were.”

“Or you didn’t notice me at all,” he says, staring at the floor.

“What do you mean?” you ask, looking at him in confusion.

“We’ve technically met twice. You were drunk the first time, and you didn’t really remember, so the second time we met, you thought it was the first. I had to reintroduce myself.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know that.” He thought you were beautiful even when you were blackout drunk.

“It’s okay,” he shrugs. “It gave me a second chance to make a good first impression.”

“And you did,” you assure him. “All of Yeonjun’s friends are dicks, so it was really nice to meet one who isn’t.”

“I don’t think me and Yeonjun are friends,” he mutters.

“You don’t?” It had never occurred to you that Soobin didn’t like Yeonjun.

“Does it seem like we’re friends?”

“Well… no, I guess not,” you say, looking back at the deck in your hands. 

“He’s kind of an asshole,” Soobin laughs. He’s right, you think to yourself, but it’s not something you’ve ever been willing to accept.

“He wasn’t always like that,” you quip back. “He used to be really sweet. I don’t know. Something just changed between highschool and college. He wanted to be cool and went on this whole journey to reinvent himself.”

“So, he’s completely different, but you’re still in love with him?”

You have no idea how to answer that question. Soobin knows he shouldn’t have asked it.

“Let’s skip to level two,” you change the subject, digging through the cards. “What's the most attractive thing I do without realizing it?”

Soobin swallows hard. He thinks everything you do is attractive. Even the way you’re looking at him right now, the corners of your mouth slightly upturned, makes his heart beat faster. He weighs his options. “You’re bossy.”

“You like that?” you laugh. There were so many other things he could have picked about you.

“Yes. You know exactly what you want and you aren’t afraid to tell me. It’s–it’s very attractive.”

“Fair enough.” You lean back in your chair, eyeing him up and down. “You have nice hands.”

“Really?” he says, looking at them. “Nobody’s ever told me that.”

“Dude,” you say, taking one into your grasp and comparing it to yours. “They’re huge. It’s hot.”

“Thanks,” he mutters, pulling his hand away and hiding his face.

“Did I say something wrong?” you ask him. He looks up at you, surprised.

“No! I’m just, I’m not used to being complimented. Especially not on my appearance.” It’s never occurred to you that some people don’t get showered with comments on how good they look all the time, especially someone as handsome as Soobin. 

“Soobin,” you say, locking eyes with him. “You are very attractive. From one pretty person to another, okay?”

“Okay,” he laughs awkwardly. “It’s hard to argue with that.”

“You know what?” You set the deck of cards down on the table. “Fuck the game. Let’s do something more fun.”

“Like what?”

“Kissing lessons,” you grin.

“What!?” Soobin looks terrified. He checks behind his shoulder to make sure the room’s blinds are shut.

“If we want to make Yeonjun jealous, you’re going to have to look like you can kiss me better than he can. That’ll really get on his nerves.”

“Was I… bad at kissing the other night?”

“No, but you were a little desperate,” you explain.

“Sorry.” He’s looking away again.

“Stop apologizing to me. I didn’t say I didn’t like it.”

“Oh. Then why do I need lessons?”

“Listen, I’m all for my fake boyfriend seeming obsessed with me, but if you keep kissing me like it’s the end of the world, it’s not going to seem like we do it on the regular.”

“Makes sense.”

“Exactly. So, let’s practice. We’ll start easy with cheek kisses. Don’t flinch.” You lean over and place a quick kiss on Soobin’s cheek, and he does his best to stay still. “See, was that so hard?”

“I guess not,” he breathes out.

You raise an eyebrow at him. “You guess?”

“It wasn’t,” he clarifies. “What’s next?”

You grab both of his hands and pull him to his feet. “Hug me like you missed me.”

He doesn’t need much more instruction, wrapping his arms around your waist until there’s no space between the two of you. “Now what?”

“Kiss the top of my head.” Soobin places a gentle kiss at the crown of your head, your shampoo smelling like citrus. You look up at him with a smile.

“Good job,” you say. “Now my forehead, and then my cheek, and then my nose.”

One of his hands moves to cup your face, following your instructions carefully. Once he’s placed a kiss on the tip of your nose, he doesn’t pull away. “And your mouth?”

You nod, leaning in until your lips connect. He’s more cautious this time, making sure it doesn’t seem like he’s trying to swallow you whole. 

“How was that?” he asks, breaking away. 

“It was nice,” you say. “Maybe a little too gentle.”

Instead of replying, Soobin pulls you into another kiss, his grip on your waist tightening and his mouth open. “Better?”

“Better,” you affirm before kissing him again. Your hands slip into his hair, tugging on it slightly. Soobin leans further into you until you’re pressed against the blackboard.

His tongue finds its way into your mouth and to your surprise, you whimper. And just like that, Soobin is hard, all of his nervousness melting away to focus on pleasing you. He pulls away, his lips kissing their way down your jaw and onto your neck.

“Does this feel good?” he asks you, sucking on the sensitive skin. The best answer you can give him is a strained moan. You pray he doesn’t leave a mark.

“You—you’re a fast learner,” you stammer. One of his hands brushes the hemline of your shirt, prompting you to snap into reality and push him away. “That was good. You did good.”

Soobin steps back, his body no longer keeping you upright. You both do your best to regain your composure, wiping your lips dry and fixing your hair. 

“I have a good teacher,” he says, suddenly feeling awkward again. He prays you don’t notice his hard on, even though it was just pressed up against you. Except it’s all you can think about.

If it were anybody else, you’d probably laugh and tease them about it, but not Soobin. You had no idea how much you’d enjoy this. Sure, kissing him while drunk and heartbroken at the party was fun, but this was different. 

“Well, I think we’ve had a successful day,” you say, quickly gathering the cards off the table and shoving them into your bag. “I have to run. I’ll see you later, okay?”

“Oh. Yeah, okay,” he smiles, his stupid dimples showing. “I’ll see you later, Y/N!”

And with that, you’ve slammed the study room’s door behind you, willing yourself to think about literally anything or anyone else on the way back to your dorm.

—————-

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P.S.: Please shoot me an ask or a reply if you’d like to be added to (or removed from) the taglist! Also, I struggle to keep up with different lists for individual members, but if you really don’t want to be tagged on all of my works, just let me know and I will do my best to keep things separate <3

[casualsnickers]

round. friend-shaped. iconic, dare i say. in the world's weirdest polycule. also, could he be anymore obvious as to his mission being a trap? "i was simply testing your strength, my fellow explorer" YOU'RE A TERRIBLE LIAR. super pmd kept him as a bastard man and i wholly appreciate it.

been thinkin about dusknoir and his less-than-optimal history with the player

i do feel like dusknoir should've been given more screen time pre-betrayal as there was never really any backstory as to him being all-knowing and wise. that and the fact that he just never came off as being inherently trustworthy during my initial playthrough of the game. big hulking ghost type... and he's also a warm, jolly fellow? something's not adding up here.

in my own version, dusknoir isn't a famous pokemon nor is he world-reknowned. he's strong, he's knowledgable and he's intimidating. he's been in the past plotting and scheming the same amount of time the hero has. and after all, you don't need other team members to become an explorer.

word would probably reach him via travel about the time gears going missing and he'd immediately scour every inch of the continent for info, eager to throw hands with grovyle only to run into officer magnezone who's investigating the case alongside their fellow magnemites. dusknoir would make up some believable excuse that he's a hobbyist explorer looking to catch grovyle to bolster his own reputation and after explaining what he knows, chief magnezone would take him back to treasure town to have him work exclusively with the wigglytuff guild. it's magnezone who spreads the rumor that dusknoir is well-traveled and intelligent.

dusknoir is both thrilled and exasperated as he now has more access to information via chatot (who actually has the history, skills, documents and reputation of being a head of intelligence) and via wigglytuff's connection to other groups- that, and he now has to work harder to conceal why he's really trying to stay ahead of the guild in tracking down grovyle. he'd be damned if somebody gets their hands on that detestable lizard before he does.

he just lurks around treasure town, mostly in the guild discussing possible locations for the time gears. sometimes, he's gone on solo missions. sometimes, he's in the town buying things. it's understood that he's literally just there to reap the social reward of capturing grovyle and nobody makes a big deal about him just showing up and helping. talking to him is completely optional- he still puts on the fake jolly voice and is very social- but he doesn't really take notice of burr or watts since they're both just guild apprentices doing mundane tasks... that and one of them eats rocks.

one day, he tells chatot that he needs to take a break to reservice his equipment and is pointed specifically in burr's direction to get his wonder orbs repurposed; something only the wigglytuff guild knows about. it's canon that nobody really knows where wonder orbs come from nor how they get their power; they simply exist. same thing with wands, scarves, looplets, etc. not even dusknoir knows the deal with where dungeon items come from or why they replenish themselves.

to dusknoir's knowledge, the only person he once knew who could tinker with wonder orbs without breaking them was grovyle's lost partner... the one who's orbs grovyle still uses to escape being caught. the one who's been conveniently off the radar for some time yet. dusknoir takes the time to ask burr to repurpose his wonder orbs and as she does, he recognizes that she and grovyle's partner share the same name, the same mannerisms, and the same way of actually disenchanting and enchanting orbs (via heat, pressure, and a bit of footprint rune know-how). it's when he catches watts casually making a joke about burr's amnesia to another apprentice does he finally begin to put the pieces together.

the issue with the water float arises. marill & azurill come to the guild looking for hero & partner and make a big scene. almost immediately, burr quietly pinpoints that it's in amp plains (via the dimensional scream ability) and leaves with watts to go and retrive it, dusknoir tagging along because he's familiar with the luxray clan lore and because he has no idea how burr would be able to pinpoint the water float's location so quickly having overheard her.

he comes in handy for the luxray pack and for chasing off team skull once they're found out. the three of them take the float back to town and deliver it back to the marill brothers only for dusknoir to take them both aside later and question their abilities. watts is completely ordinary apart from his relic fragment but being the talkative one, he persuades burr to tell dusknoir about her special ability and to keep it a secret that burr is actually a human.

it's a done deal after that and dusknoir immediately begins laying the bait for both grovyle and his amnesiac partner.

[mintconditioned]

it's literally too hot to function

okay so real talk — is it just me or is the sun beefing with us this summer?? like, i went outside and instantly turned into a sweat puddle. fans are useless, a/c is EXPENSIVE, and honestly i’d rather chill in a walk-in freezer than deal with this heat.

but here's the thing: this isn’t just "ugh summer is gross" — this is climate change, and spoiler alert: we're kinda all part of it.

see, the planet’s heating up because of greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide and methane) we’ve been pumping into the atmosphere for decades. and yeah, cars and factories are big players, but here’s the kicker: it’s the whole economy that’s behind it.

our economy runs on this idea that we always need more — more products, more money, more growth. and that means companies are constantly burning fossil fuels, chopping down forests, and mass-producing stuff that ends up in landfills. fast fashion? runs on sweatshops and oil. those 2-day shipping sprees? burn tons of fuel. even our food system — full of processed snacks and factory-farmed meat — is a massive contributor to emissions.

we’re so used to this “buy more, toss more” lifestyle that we don’t even think about it. but the stuff we see as normal — weekly hauls, upgrading our phones every year, cheap $5 shirts — all of that feeds into a system that’s literally cooking the planet.

and the wild part? the people paying the price aren’t the CEOs in corner offices — it’s everyday folks, especially in lower-income areas and countries that are already dealing with floods, droughts, wildfires, and power outages. all because rich corporations won’t stop chasing profits.

but here's the hopeful part: we’re not powerless.

you can’t fix the whole system on your own (and you shouldn’t have to), but small changes still matter:

thrift your clothes instead of buying fast fashion

support local or sustainable businesses when you can

eat less meat (even one veggie meal a week helps)

vote for leaders who actually get climate policy

call out greenwashing when you see it

talk about it — awareness spreads change

basically: the more we question the "normal" stuff that’s actually harming the planet, the more pressure we can put on the people who can change the system.

so yeah, it’s hot. but it’s not just the weather — it’s the economy running wild. and we deserve better.

stay cool (literally and figuratively), SOURCES:

Attenborough, David, and Christine Lagarde. “Nature, Climate Change and the Global Economy.” Finance & Development, International Monetary Fund, Dec. 2019, https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/fandd/issues/2019/12/nature-climate-and-the-global-economy-lagarde-attenborough.

“Economics of Climate Change.” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 5 Aug. 2024, https://www.epa.gov/environmental-economics/economics-climate-change.

Kaplan, Sarah, et al. “June Is the New July: Why Intense Summer Heat Is Arriving Earlier.” The Washington Post, 25 June 2025, https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2025/06/25/global-heatwave-climate-change.

Reyes, Marisa. “Millions of U.S. Kids Attend Schools in 'Urban Heat Zones.'” Axios, 30 June 2025, https://www.axios.com/2025/06/30/students-schools-urban-heat-islands.

“Reuters Explains: What Is a ‘Heat Dome’ and How Does It Power Heatwaves?” Reuters, 30 June 2025, https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/cop/what-is-heat-dome-how-does-it-power-heatwaves-2025-06-30.

Woody, Christopher. “We’re Looking for Climate Solutions in the Wrong Places.” Time, 25 June 2025, https://time.com/7294746/capitalism-climate-activism-local-solutions.