#it's only a gambling problem if you're losing

[spencerslover-blog]

welcome to vegas, baby. give me the money, give me diamonds, give me rubies, baby.

[straylightdream]

collateral damage

part one: you’ll never leave me

feat: artist!hwang hyunjin x f.reader

↳ “He was left out in a sea of debit drowning. His only chance at surviving was marrying you. ”

arranged marriage au

warnings: mentions violence and death, gambling and drinking, dealing with past heartbreak and angst, unprotected sex, oral (both receiving) body worship, mentions of pregnancy. More warning to come in each chapters.

status: this series is on hiatus

an: this is a part of my arranged marriage series I’m working on. I’m going to post this in short chapters and then when it’s finish post it all together.

series masterlist

𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰. Please fill out this form.

𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐬.

A young talented artist with the world at his fingertips, had one major flaw. He loves to gamble. That wouldn’t be an issue if he kept winning, the real problem is he kept losing. Each loss pushes him further and further underwater. He was left out in a sea of debit drowning.

A rough night at a poker game left him tied to an overpriced Italian leather chair fearing this was the end of the line for him. With a blackeye and a busted lip, he was waiting for the end to come. The door to the dark office opens and the one man he feared most walks into the room with a bodyguard on each side.

“Hwang Hyunjin, why do we keep meeting like this?” The man dressed in an extremely expensive black Dior suit walks in front of him.

Hyunjin winces looking up at him slowly. The man had a wicked grin playing across his lips. Hyunjin’s eyes travel to the gun the man holds in his hand. He doesn’t respond, he just stares at him. He knew whatever happened to him was his own fault. He was the one who couldn’t stop gambling. He would be his own undoing.

“Answer him,” one of the guards shouted, kicking Hyunjin's already broken rib. Hyunjin gasps in pain, closing his eyes trying to stay with it. The beating he took before being tied up was already taking a toll on him.

“I don’t know Sir,” he finally says, groaning in pain.

“Hyunjin, you're such a promising artist, with such a nasty habit for losing money,” the man in the suit walks towards him. “You know how much money you owe me right?” he crouches down so he’s eye level with Hyunjin.

“A lot Sir,” he groans.

The man reaches forward, grabbing Hyunjin’s jaw tightly. “You have no way to pay me back,” he growls. The look on the man’s face let Hyunjin know death was closer than he expected.

“I’ll figure it out sir,” Hyunjin had been trying to figure out for a while how to crawl his way out of debt. Every option he could think of still left him drastically short on money.

“I’m feeling overly generous today. I have a one way ticket out, you either take it or you have twenty-fours to figure out how you’re gonna pay me,” he lifts Hyunjin’s chin so he’s looking at him. “Every single god damn penny you owe me.”

“What is it sir?” No matter what it was he knew he had to take it, because there's no way he could get all the money he owed him in twenty-four hours. He’s as good as dead if he doesn’t take the offer.

“Marry my daughter, and all is forgiven,” he releases Hyunjin's jaw before gently smacking his cheek lightly.

Hyunjin’s eyes grow wide as he tries to process what he was just offered. He didn’t even know the man in front of him had a family let alone a daughter.

“How old is she?” he asks without really thinking of anything else.

“She’s your age,” he lets out a laugh.

“When will I marry her?” It didn’t matter who she was. He had no choice but to marry her. His life was hanging on the line.

“Is that a yes Hwang Hyunjin,” he walks away from him and takes a seat at his expensive oak desk. “If you’re wise you’ll marry her.”

“Yeah, I’ll marry her,” he had never even seen her, but she’s his only chance of surviving.

-

Laying in bed you’re awoken at four in the morning to your fathers phone call. Frantically you answer the phone worried something is wrong. Your father simply tells you to open the front door. Walking through your house in a robe wrapped tightly around your body you open the door to find your father and two of his guards standing on the other side.

For the longest time your father went out of his way to protect you from the evils of his job, but as you got older you saw what his job was truly like. You always tried to distance yourself from him, and had even tried to run away once but you were quickly found less then a week later.

“Hello darling,” your father says casually.

“Dad, what’s going on?” you say completely confused.

“I’ve brought you something,” one of his guards Minhyuk pulls a man with dark hair that reaches his shoulder in front of him. The boy immediately winces in pain, grabbing his side.

“What?”

“Darling, say hello to Hwang Hyunjin, your soon to be husband,” your father says as Minhyuk pushes the boy towards you. He can barely stand on his feet and you catch him before he falls.

“What the hell are you talking about?” you hold the boy up as you look at your father completely confused about what he is even talking about.

“He has a large debit to pay me, and that can only be paid by marrying you,” your father says too casually. As if forcing you into an arranged marriage is completely normal. “If you don’t want to marry him it’s fine. Tae will take care of him.”

Your heart sinks knowing exactly what will happen if you tell your father no. You literally hold this man’s life you’ve never met before in your hands. If you say no, Hyunjin most likely won’t even see the sun come up.

“Why?” you can’t help the tears that are threatening to fall as you stare at a man who has been clearly beaten by one of your father’s men.

��You’ll never leave me again, if you have him with you.” The older you get the tighter the grip your father fights to hold on your life. He tries to be in control in any possible way he can. You can’t do anything without him having a say. Your father made sure that when you opened your flower shop he had full control over the building, and clearly this is his way of having control of your romantic life.

“I’ll marry him,” you look at the beautiful man and see a guilt ridden expression on his face. Hyunjin is nothing more than a pawn in your father's game that is your life.

“I’ll have Yeji plan your wedding this week. Expect an extravagant wedding in two weeks. Oh and Hyunjin, and my darling daughter if you try anything funny to try to get out of this. Just know Hyunjin, I have no problem permanently removing you from this or any situation ever.”

Minhyuk pulls the door shut and you’re left standing there holding up a boy you’ve never met before. He steps away from you and stumbles over to the couch. You rush over to him, dropping to your knees trying to examine the damage your father left behind.

“I’m so sorry,” you say as you start to cry.

“Why are you sorry?” he groans, reaching up to brush away the dried blood from his lip.

“He’s just using you to make sure I can’t leave again,” reaching you to rest your hand on his cheek. You finally take a good look at him and realize how handsome he is.

“We’ll figure this out. I guess we’re a team now,” Hyunjin sighs. He reaches up resting hand on yours.

-

You realize your apartment isn’t really set up to have a second person living in it. You live in a one bedroom apartment with nowhere to put a second bed.

“My place only has one room,” you look into his warm eyes.

“That’s fine I can sleep on the couch,” he groans holding his side.

“I should probably clean up your cut,” you stand up holding your hand out. You don’t even know this man that is supposed to be your husband, but all you know is you want to help him.

Rushing off to your bathroom you pull out a first aid kit. You pause for a moment and look into the mirror at the site of your tear stained cheeks and puffy eyes. You knew your father went out of his way to control your life but you never thought he would arrange for you to marry a man you’ve never met. You couldn’t help but suddenly feel completely trapped by your father and he was making Hyunjin a pawn in his game.

Regarding taglist:

If you aren’t interacting with my writing outside of liking the new post I’m gonna have to remove your name from the taglist. You will also be removed if I try to tag you and your blog is listed as "invisible". If you've changed your URL and didn't let me know I will also be removing your name. I’m sorry for the inconvenience but my interactions outside or likes feels like it’s nonexistent right now. All of my taglist are still open though. If you request to be added to one via this form, I kindly ask for interactions in the form and feedback and reblogs. To be quite honest, those really encourage my writing.

[madelynraemunson]

CALL OUT MY NAME ♛

(Book #2 of the Hellfire Gentlemen's Club Series)

CEO!bachelor!steve × fem!college grad!reader

MODERN AU • 18+ | BOOK #1 (e.m.)

slight age gap (Steve is 31, reader is 23); reader goes by the nickname "Sweets"

CW: slight age gap relationship, drinking, smoking, gambling, physical altercations, manipulation, abuse (DV, emotional, financial, mental), profanities, eventual smut

*loosely inspired by sara cate’s salacious players club*

↳001 (PROLOGUE) // 002 // 003 // 004 // 005 // 006 // 007 EPILOGUE

Summary: 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐀 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐄. Steve Harrington has the WORST luck with the ladies. His high school sweetheart left him for another dude, his former fuck buddy married his roommate, and his dream girl is a lesbian. ‘King Steve’ is losing hope. That is until he meets you — a newly graduated university student from Seattle — when your paths cross on a fateful night in Sin City. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas... that is until your risky business trickles over to Hawkins, Indiana, a town your best friend knows of a little too well.

theme song: call out my name by the weeknd

tag list is open 💌✨

Chapter 001: PROLOGUE

word count: 1.7k words

♛

Winter 2024

“WATCH OUT INDIANAPOLIS — you're about to get... absolutely SOAKED!”

The booming voice of a man in Steve’s bedroom stirs him awake.

Letting out a ferocious yawn, The King rubs his eyes free of the annoying crust in the corner of his sockets, flopping around one more time before doing his routine stretch.

“Google,” Steve commands. “Turn off the TV.”

The TV immediately switches off. It’s nothing personal to meteorologist Marcus Bailey, but if Steve ever needed an accurate forecast of Indianapolis, all he would have to do is look outside his penthouse window. And that, after brushing his teeth, is just what he does.

"G'morning Indy,” he sighs happily on his balcony before going back inside.

Steve then makes his way over to the kitchen to fix himself some breakfast.

“Google,” he calls out again. “Open the curtains, please.”

Google replies:

“Opening curtains. Good morning — Steve.”

"Google, what's my schedule looking like today?" "Google, text Dustin." “Google, what is the weather looking like in Nevada?” “Google, turn on my shower tunes.”

The best thing about not living with Eddie Munson anymore, is that Steve can shamelessly sing Amy Winehouse in the shower without being hounded about it.

“We only saaaid GOODBYE, with WORDS!” Steve sings, confidently off-key. “I died a hundred times! You go back to her, and I goooo baaack toooo…”

"Scanning fingerprint...”

an automated voice announces at the entrance of Steve's walk-in closet.

Swish...

The door slides open. Sauntering his way inside, Steve ventures for some slick black athleisure down to the shoes, his usual musky cologne, and some matching sunglasses (despite the gloomy forecast prediction).

Black. 🎶

Steve Harrington is ready for the day.

---

"Google, make reservations for 3 people at Tony's Steakhouse at 7pm please."

All Steve had left to do for the day now was grocery shop. Which was always a hassle. Because sometimes, the store doesn't have the specific brand he's looking for so the shopper has to opt for an alternate version. Or sometimes, the shopper assigned to him that day chooses produce that is nearing its expiration date making every fruit in his bag a mushy mess. It doesn't happen too often, but it sure feels inconvenient as hell when it does. There are worse problems in life though, so Steve really can't complain.

*Ring, ring. Ring, ring*

The very distinct and custom ringtone has Steve bolting across the room to answer the call. One of his best friends was on the other line.

"Yello?" he says into the phone.

"Hey, it's Shy Girl," comes a voice. "Eddie and I are pulling in."

"Pull off to the side. Valet's got it. I'll send you guys up."

A bottle of cabernet sauvignon a la Steve awaits the pair when they make their way over. Consider it a Tony's pre-game.

"GameWorld stock is up 4% today,” Steve's buddy, and owner of Hellfire Gentlemen's Club Eddie Munson announces as the two clink glasses. "I don’t have much faith in it though, figure I’ll get my pie slices from actual grocery stores. Like Meijer.”

“Everyone's always gonna need groceries,” Steve points out. "Definitely. Just don't day trade. Not now."

"Ooh, you hear that, Eds?" Shy Girl nudges him. "You gotta be careful where you put your money."

"I gotta be careful with my money, period," Eddie smirks. "You're a danger to my pockets, angel."

"Oh but you love me," she says.

"Yeah," Eddie gives in, grabbing his lover's dainty digits, trailing his fingers across hers, and rubbing the glistening rock that took up most of her left hand on the distal side. "I sure do."

"I'm just... so proud of us," Steve sappily reflects. "So much has happened over the past two years and we've all come so far."

"Yeah," Shy Girl agrees. "And it's about fucking time we celebrate."

"I agree," Eddie chimes in, raising his glass once again. "This weekend trip is going to be... one for the books."

"Viva Las Vegas," Steve toasts. "Cheers."

"Viva Las Vegas!"

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Black and red.

They're the two colors that occupy your closet the most. But of course, after graduating from Washington State University (or Wazzu, for short), you expected nothing less.

You could do with some more sequins though, you think to yourself as you pack your bags.

"What do you think of this, Sweets?"

Peering over your shoulder, you see that your best friend, Elle has started festivities early, managing to hold two glasses of champagne in one hand, and six-inch stilletoes in the other.

"Can't take the party out of the girl, that's for damn sure," you respond.

When you left Seattle to attend WSU Pullman, Elle was your only friend in business class. Mainly because the class was predominantly for dudes, but eventually you found out that you two have a lot in common.

Elle is everything you would want in an older sister figure: she is both book smart and wise, she is sexy, and she eats men for breakfast. And, now that she's about to celebrate the launching of her lingerie business (along with her Dirty 30s Era), and you're about to enter your new-grad era, you two are hitting up Las Vegas to go ham together one last time.

It's all so bittersweet. You owe everything to the Warrens, having taken you in when you were a lost undergrad. It also sucked quite a bit not having a support system after graduating high school. You and Elle were all each other has. Which makes this inevitable separation so much more painful.

"Are you sure you're okay with Vegas by the way?" you question. "I know since the split, being surrounded by gorgeous girls 24/7 can kinda be triggering.”

"Don't worry about it, love," she shakes it off. "The past is in the past. This is a new era of me."

Cheers to that. Clinking your airport-pregame champagne glasses with one another, you raise a toast to yourselves, celebrating how far the two of you have come over the past four years.

"To friendship."

"To friendship."

"To being elegant and educated."

"To elegance and education."

"And to being girl-bosses for the rest of our lives."

You giggle as you raise your glass of champagne even higher.

"To being girl-bosses for the rest of our lives," you two take a sip at the same time. "And no matter how near and no matter how far, we're always gonna be besties."

"I love you, Sweets."

"I love you too, Isabelle."

divider from @plum98

🏷️ taglist: @potatobeanpie @xblueriddlex @angietherose @winchester-angel @aactuaaltraash @hugdealer @hazydespair @frostandflamesfanfic @mediocredreams @bl0ssomanddie @corkadymu @eddiesguitarskills @mrsjellymunson @cadence73 @m-chmcl-rmnc @n-slayaaaaa @corrodedcoffincumslut @kennedy-brooke okay i think i tagged everybody

10/23/2024 -- @micheledawn1975 @maisiepotatobeans @1deverland just updating the tag list :))

[dawndelion-winery]

Fortune's Blessing

Meeting the God of Luck! Reader

Ft. Capitano(pt.2), Diluc, Dottore(pt.2), Pantalone(pt.2), Zhongli

Part 1

Capitano:

Fortune favours the bold

Or so he's heard, which is why he's once again at your altar, flowers in hand, along with his usual offerings

He takes more time in getting to his requests with each visit ever since you've started entertaining him in person

Terrible, really, the way he stalls, smoothly transitioning between topics the moment he sees you begin to lose interest

He knows there's only so long s mere mortal could hold your attention

Still he tries, adamant to make it work, to leave an impact on you, even if only a fraction of the impact you've had on him

Perhaps it really was time to be bold - what he planned to do would toe the line between courage and foolishness

"What is it you wish me to bless this time, Captain?" You murmur, tilting his chin to have him look at you as he knelt at your feet. He rose, kissing the back of your hand in reverence. Had you been anything but a god, you would have surely melted stthe intensity of his gaze, so steadfast and sure as he looked at you like there was nothing else in the world.

"It is a more...personal endeavour this time, Fortune." You raised an eyebrow at the captain prompting him to continue.

Diluc:

He's never considered himself particularly lucky or unlucky

Nor does he consider himself a devout believer of any god

Like yeah sure, gods exist, good for them, not his problem

Y'all failed him and let his dad die

So his first offering had been more of a formality since you were a friend of their archon and chose to visit their fair land of Mond

It just do happened his wine was the finest you'd tasted, and he found himself in much good fortune over the next few days

It felt odd to him, suddenly having this much good fortune after turning into a recluse

Greater still was his shock when you sat comfortably in his living room when he arrived home

"You are young lord Ragnvindr, yes?" you asked gleefully. "Your offering was received with much gratitude, and I am most regretful to inform you that it has run out."

He blinked a few times as you smiled at him expectantly. "You're...Fortune..." You nodded enthusiastically. "And you...you're asking for more wine?" His question sounded clipped, as though he were weighing the consequences of acquainting himself with yet another alcoholic god.

"Indeed, I took the liberty of installing a small shrine by your cellar for your convenience."

Your words left Diluc sighing, yet he couldn't help the small smile tugging at his lips as you left.

Dottore:

Attention whore.

You thought you were dealing with a genius mad scientist?

Well, technically yes, BUT he is also an attention whore

Why did you not shower him with praise when he showed you the experiments he had used your luck for?

He takes it as your cue to him that he hasn't impressed you sufficiently

Which does make him grumpier

And he's not professional enough to hide it

"Take a look at this, Fortune."

You nodded in response, gingerly lifting the small device from his hands and raising it to the light to observe it. Your face remained impassive since you didn't really understand just what you were looking at, but of course, to Dottore, he'd expect a god to know these things.

"Well?" Dottore tapped his foot impatiently, his gleeful smile fading, slowly replaced by a frustrated scowl when all you comment is that "it's nice". Only nice?

The little office chair he pulled out for you is now carting you off around the lab to look at larger scale projects at speeds it was certainly not designed for.

Pantalone:

It's an investment, as you should know

Except luck is always a gamble, and who's to say his competitors don't worship you as well?

He finds out the hard way that his competitors were, in fact petty enough to come together and pool their offerings to one up his offerings

He does call for a business meeting with you over dinner

Enjoy it? Lovely, he certainly hopes you do

Gives you an ultimatum, in a way, because at the end of the day, he's got more to offer you long term

"Forsake them, Fortune. Whatever it is you want from me, it's yours. Is that not tempting enough of an offer to you?"

He's batting his eyes at you, plastering a pleading expression on his face, but you can tell it's an act. You know full well he'd cope just fine even if you declined, that this was just the most direct way out for him. Yet you found yourself caving for the sly, coy grin that tugged at his lips. So against your better judgement you agree. For a second, you note how serpentine his victorious smirk looks, and he seems to believe he has you trapped in his coils. No matter. It amused you for the time being; and you would continue to humour him for as long as he intrigued you.

Zhongli:

It's been a while since he's met another god who wasn't one of the seven

Heck, it's been ages since he'd even seen the seven, each of them preoccupied with their own affairs

So he's more than obliged to show you around, to accompany you when you visit Liyue

He has no need for luck, just as you have no need for material wealth

It's an odd sort of comfort, not being exalted, and it feels like two ordinary old friends walking along the harbour together

The two of you definitely jokingly exchange gifts as "offerings" and tease each other about your respective abilities

"Do you recall our contract?" Zhongli mused as he fidgeted with a single mora, rolling it between his fingers.

"Which? When you were only known as Morax? Or when you first were revered as Rex Lapis?"

"From our first farewell." You nodded, thinking back to that moment, back when Zhongli had kept his hair more unkempt, and worn the most fitted of shirts, flaunting the geo lines that adorned his arms. Back then, he'd lost Guizhong not long ago, and it was beginning to get lonely as more and more of his friends succumbed to erosion. So he'd proposed a contract, that no matter what, as long as he remained in Liyue, you'd one day return.

"Well, I did return," you hummed. "That you did," he agreed. "And I'd like to propose the same contract when you depart again. Something to look forward whole you're away."

Taglist:@myluvkeiji @aqui-soba @favonius-captain @tiredsleep @raincxtter @gensimping-for-all @irethepotato @almond-adeptus @mx-kamisato @chaosinanutshell @heizours @haliyamori @callmemeelah @sadlonelybagel @plinkuro @thevictoriousmoon @mastering-procrastinating @cxlrose @astrequa @eowinthetraveler @ajaxstar @boundedbyfate @the-lost-anime-dad @moonbyunniee @greyrain23 @heavenlyfloof

Commissioned by @monstersealclubber

[powdermelonkeg]

Something websites (*cough* Tumblr *cough*) need to learn is that what retains an audience isn't an abundance of new bells and whistles to play with, it's a coherent experience overall.

When someone joins a website, you don't need to grab their attention and hold it. They're already testing the waters. They've agreed to sign up. You've won on that front, and they're there for something specific you already have that they're hoping works well.

What drives them away is frustration.

Frustration, frustration, frustration.

Learning curves are going to be a part of any new website experience; they're something the user comes to terms with, in their own time. But broken or bad features are going to make them jump sites.

On top of that, constantly adding new features makes them feel like all the hard work they've put in to learning what you have isn't worth it; your website looks unstable and your staff looks incompetent, because it gives the impression that you don't know what you're doing.

You are floundering. It makes your new users nervous. It makes your old users hesitate to bring anyone else on board. And why should they? Why should they put effort into it if you're going to throw that effort away next Tuesday? Why get used to a UI that you're not going to bother to keep? Why customize anything if you're going to whittle that customization away?

Between that and the broken, unattended features of this site—the tag organization failing, the inability to look up posts word-for-word, the video player either refusing to play or yanking you to the top of the dashboard, images taking forever to load, advertisements blaring at full volume when you scroll past, you have your problem.

You have the reason why your numbers are failing.

It's not that you're not interesting enough.

It's not that you're too difficult to understand.

It's that you aren't improving what you have, yet you keep adding more half-broken things and unwanted copycat features to the pile.

It's that you're losing your identity in pursuit of a hypothetical perfect customer.

It's that you are actively telling your user base that you prefer those hypothetical customers over them. And your user base, your real people who make you happen, are smart enough to know where your priorities lie.

The bulk of this post talks about Tumblr, but other sites have gone the same way. Twitter is dead and its corpse is decaying in the street. Reddit has sabotaged any trust its users had in its management. If you'd like a really old example—I used to use Fanfiction Net. It's not the most intuitive website in the world, but it was the first one I called home.

I used it to host my works. The adware now on it makes it a hassle to navigate. The bots make comment sections and private messages a dread rather than a joy. So I moved on.

I also used to use it to collaborate on stories with my now-roommate. The message limit was 300 a day. When you're writing dialogue between characters, that's nothing.

So I moved on. We started messaging on Facebook. It was better, it didn't have a limit. But then I learned Discord existed, and I could edit messages, make dedicated channels, etc. So I moved on from Facebook to Discord. And Discord had a steep learning curve, especially if you're trying to make your own server rather than contribute to one. But, most importantly, the payoff was worth it.

If Discord changed its layout every other month while I was learning it, and broke how its reactions worked, and kept shifting what it meant to create a channel? If it opted me into servers I didn't sign up for, in hopes of engagement? If its text never formatted correctly, or its search function only went back a day or two?

I would have gone right back to Facebook. Even if it's a more basic experience, basic is always preferable to unstable.

Figure out what you want, websites.

Slow growth, or a gamble?

You're paying for your magic slot machine in users.

[hunters-vigil]

Her Champion - Mavuika x Kinich's older sister!Reader - Part Three

First Part Previous Part Next Chapter

request: do you think maybe you can do another one which talks about how the reader is Kinich’s older sister and having an affair with Mavuika?

Warnings: pasts of domestic violence, childhood trauma, abandonment, child abuse, neglect, death, alcoholism, gambling. Present: sparring, violence kinda, implication of prostitution (does not happen), Ajaw being rude still trying to figure out how to write Kinich and Ajaw, so characters may be ooc - I read Kinich's lore a lot to write this… R is written to be not interested in men. R's fighting style is Jingliu inspired from Honkai Star Rail.

Fic under the cut, don't repost my stuff on other platforms, i have ao3 which my fics are also available on.

"Everyone I've spoken to about you either knows nothing or calls you cynical, so I thought I should learn for myself what type of person my champion is." Mavuika explained, her eyes dancing all over your body, from your boots, up your legs, your torso, your arms, your hands, how your fingers gripped your weapon... your face, the confused look in your eyes, and finally your scar.

"Especially after your performance in the Pilgrimmage, and the Night Warden Wars for multiple years now. You never hesitate, even when the Abyss took the form of those you love-"

"No." You cut her off quickly, not caring that you had technically interrupted an Archon. The Archon.

"No?" Mavuika raised an eyebrow, watching how your grip tightened on your weapon.

"No. The Abyss did not." You tried to relax your jaw, feeling the cryo energy churn under your feet, but you pushed it back. Your eyes flicked to the side for a moment, acknowledging something, before focussing back on Mavuika.

"I see. I apologise, I didn't realise I was encroaching on something so personal." Mavuika sighed, looking up at the sky as you huffed, flexing your wrist, and thus flexing your weapon.

"My reward."

"Excuse me?" Mavuika waited for you to elaborate, since apparently you weren't a fan of full sentences with people you didn't know.

"My reward for winning. Spar with me." You waited for a response, watching Mavuika carefully as she glanced at your weapon.

"I see. That's all you want? Nothing else will do? I spar with you or give you nothing at all?"

You grimaced at her wording, before letting out a sigh, "I have no need for pointless glory. I want to keep testing my skills. You're stronger than the Abyss, so..."

"Usually, if someone is brave enough, they issue the challenge at the stadium, but tonight, Kinich and Ajaw alone will be our audience. Kinich, may I borrow your claymore?" Mavuika's gaze remained on you as you stared at her, unbothered by her question as Kinich walked over with his weapon.

"You knew he was there the whole time, didn't you?" Mavuika quietly asked, only gaining a curt nod from you as you watched her hold the claymore like it weighted nothing.

The smirk on your lips was evident as a brief spark of excitement ran through you. This would be a challenge you could learn from, and you could see if what was so special about this version of Harborym that everyone worshipped so dutifully.

You nodded to her before charging forwards to make the first move, using your cryo vision to your advance as the ground iced over beneath you. For any regular person, one would lose their balance, but not Mavuika. Her pyro energy had no problem melting the frozen ground, but you didn't even blink.

"Boring! Kill her already!" Ajaw shouted before he was dismissed, Kinich giving him a look as he even wondered who the almighty headache was shouting at.

Mavuika could block most of your attacks, but playing pure defense wasn't her style, she wanted to see what you could do. How far you could push her. Your fighting style reminded her of multiple warriors from a generation ago, ones that had long since retired now. You even used some moves that reminded her of Atea... a coldness ran past her cheek, scratching it... impressive.

Mavuika was holding back. You could feel it behind each attack, each block, her flames could be hotter, brighter more intense, but they weren't. She blocked your attacks with the claymore too easily, even your most powerful attack, one that Kinich had seen you practice, but never use against him. Leaping into the air, you sent icicle after icicle of cryo energy crashing down at her. You didn't see that one icicle almost nick her ear, or how amused she looked after. Her claymore was at your throat, but your weapon was pressing into her chest over her heart, far too close for comfort. You left yourself exposed for that move...

Mavuika had won, but she disagreed, "you were pressing at my heart."

"You were holding back. The abyss would cut my throat open." You deadpanned, before shaking your head, drawing your attention to where the claymore had caught your arm earlier.

"It was a friendly spar." Mavuika stated, watching with intrigue as a icy fog-like gas escaped your wound, healing it immediately.

"Thank you for granting me such a reward."

"Maybe we could spar again sometime? This was fun, besides, your fighting style is quite interesting. I'd like to see it again." Mavuika smirked a little, but you completely missed it, distracted by the question she posed you.

"What would you want in exchange for granting me some of your time?" you asked, waving Kinich off as he gestured that he was leaving for a hunting job, reminding you to not wait up.

"Well, I'd like to get to know you more. So I don't need anything in return... but judging by the look on your face, that won't do. You you live by quid pro quo I take it?"

"Everyone always wants something in return. Some want gifts, favours, things to be done for them... some have tried to bargain for more than they deserve, some have asked for things I'm not comfortable giving, but-"

"Nobody has forced you, have they?" Mavuika's hands tightened into fists, a fire brewing inside of her at the implications of what you just said, but you shook your head, the fire going out instantly.

"I'm not comfortable with... that. Especially not with men, or drunkards." Your nose crinkled up, flickers of a memory of your drunken father in your mind, "plus, they can't even beat me in a fight, so if they tried anything, I'd just freeze them solid." Your eyes widening as you directed your gaze away, you were saying too much... to someone you shouldn't even be talking to.

Mavuika stared at you with an expression that made you keep your eyes averted from her, but you blinked a few times, taking a breath that caused the Archon to almost feel like she should shiver. She usually couldn't feel the cold, but the air felt cooler around you in that moment.

"People always expect things in return. Figure out what you want, then we'll spar again. Goodnight." Mavuika watched you walk away, her mind full of more questions than answers but you weren't giving them away easily, or for free...

[deviantlair24]

Not the Deal You Expected (Demon x FemHuman)

Books littered the floor as you meticulously looked over the spell in front of you. You had been researching for months, anything that could save your family from the hole your father had dug.

Your father had wasted the family fortune on horrible bets, he had a problem. But you weren’t doing this for him, no, you were doing it for your mother and younger siblings. If they lost everything because of your father's mistakes you would never forgive yourself, not when there was something you could do. 

You read the inscription out loud and used the silver dagger you had sold one of your grandmother’s broaches to buy to slice across your palm. 

A pained whimper left you as a few drops of blood spilled into the bowl. 

Please, you have to work...

“I offer myself to the Demon Azaezal should he grant my boon” You say lowly after a few moments when nothing happens. 

As soon as the words leave your mouth the bowl of herbs and now blood light on fire and the sound of a low chuckle could be heard behind you making a shiver go up your spine. 

“It has been a long time since someone has offered thier soul, I had thought this new generation had grown boring” The large red man, or Demon said. 

He was larger than any man and his features were slightly beastly but mostly it was the red skin and two large horns protruding from his head that made it clear what he was, a Demon. 

The sight of him frazzled you but you were quick to gather your wits as you turned to him, your back straightening. “I’m not offering my Soul.”

A red brow raised, amusement still in the demon's eyes as he looked down at you “Oh? And what are you offering? You don’t presume my powers come free do you?” 

You got slightly offended at the condescension in his tone, though another part of your awakened, you chose to ignore the reaction your body had. 

“I offer my virginity in exchange for my father's gambling debts being expunged and my family not being affected by my Father's poor choices any longer.”

The Demon didn’t lose the look of amusement on his face but it did look interested “And why would you think your virginity holds value to me? Little Mortal?” 

You lick your lips, the only show of your nerves as you answer but you can see as the demon’s eyes darkened at the action. 

“My grandmother told me about you, the deals you offer, and what you seek” Your eyes meet his red eyes that remind you of a roaring fire that seemed to gleam as he grinned and took a deep breath, as if he was taking in your scent. 

“Ah yes, I remember her. So, you want to follow in granny’s footsteps, do you? Well, she left quite the impression. I’m not sure you're up to it, Little Mortal.” 

You jutted out your chin stubbornly, determined to see this through “I’m up for it, do we have a deal?” 

The grin that crossed the demon's face was shark like and part of you was both excited and unsure about what was to come “You have a deal, just sign here” he said, producing a contract from thin air. 

You weren’t a fool and took the time to read such an important contract twice before signing, only making the Demon more pleased. 

Your hand hovered over the contract for a few seconds, pen in hand before you took a deep breath and signed. 

When your eyes met his you knew you had either made the best or worst choice of your life. 

“Well little mortal, we have a deal”

 

TO BE CONTINUED (FOR FREE) on Patreon (Cuz Tumbler dousn't like the dirty shit. lol)

Full Story - 2.6k Words

Kinks - Exhibition, Dum/sub dynamics, restraints, sharing, forced orgasm, degradation.

[karinadele]

Object Permanence

pharma x reader, yandere x yandere

music: depeche mode corrupt, judas.

this is a mess from 2nd pov to 3rd and its all my brain vomiting at 2am, maybe i'll flesh it out properly for ao3 eventually

-----

"Leave Tarn."

He tilts his helm slightly. it can't be seen, but he's got a smile on him. He wanted to see more of this tiny creature. Something so small that can be crushed under one pede. Yet it dares threaten him? Intriguing. He takes a step forward.

"Don't you dare. One more step and I'll blow this joint sky high. You decide. Play with a fleshling and lose your lifetime supply of t-cogs, or take your leave and continue what you do."

The pistol was practically half her size, but it didn't matter. She's got both of her tiny arms wrapped around the trigger, her legs bent and spread out to give her leverage. She was not joking, pointed at the clinic's main energon supply line, one shot and all of them- including the patients will go up in flames.

------

desire? obsession? limerance?

it doesn't matter. you respected him enough to let him do his job. but that's because you *let* him. You have no problem sharing him. Only if you allow it. Are these thoughts right? Logically, you know it's not. Therapy? only a crutch. You won't hurt anyone, just him.

And he knows. Takes one insane idiot to know another. He's no different than you. Working away on a patient's energon line, you sit on the console watching him. Both of you wanted each other. But the real game is who will *consume* the other. And you know you'll win.

mc worked with pharma on delphi, it was an encounter like no other. Humans stepping foot on Messatine? unheard of. but you? you're special. Growing up in the hospitals and being a guinea pig for the labs, you're body (allows you to function without oxygen.)

pharma never wanted to work with organics either. he never even expected to see one.

(lore of mc stumbling into delphi when tarn was collecting cogs, and mc threatened the shit out of tarn.)

it was just impulse. you love life too much. specifically, *playing* with it. and theres no better playground than delphi. they were fascinating. giant alien robots that live and breath? truly a work of art. and pharma? living to serve his kind? yet secretly working with the enemy just to save their asses? thats dedication. dedication you want to take.

pharma was facinated by the human. despite a fraction of their size, with quick thinking, managed to go against tarn. and came out without a scratch. he knew that this human was special. one of a kind.

she wanted his wings. to snip them and ground him with her forever. but that would be too easy. he can rebuild it anyways. or maybe *she* can rebuild it. again and again. have him come to her so he can gain his ability to fly again.

she can take his cog, after watching him remove hundreds of cogs, she can permanently take away his transformation ability.

or she can posess him with a simple line of code. a little phrase that will have him forever obey him. sent straight to his neuronet.

but she didnt want any of these. she wanted him to *crawl* to her. to want her. to be obsessed about her as much as she is. his processors were too precious to be tampered. why physically change it when she can twirl him around her finger because he wants her?

she's worked at delphi for months now. always maintained a professional relationship. but pharma knows. he can see the hunger in her eyes. and he's absolutely enamoured. never had a creature taken so much interest in him. everyone respected his work, but never has never taken interest in his *spark*. to the point she's willing to gamble with tarn for him?

but he's also scared. shivers run down his neuro circuits from both excitement and fear. to give himself to such a small creature? Ludacris. his ego won't let it. After all, he's the cmo. *his* delphi. he's the best medic out there. no one is capable of his feats. and no one will control him.

she in the end does put a virus in him, slowly corrupting him to think nothing but her.

unbeknownst to her, he's been poisoning her with a deliriant, so that she'll stay forever in a trance.

[shadowed-yet-vibrant]

Today, our firm hosted a CLE about mental health and substance abuse in the legal profession. It was a well-done presentation, trying to fit the breadth of a decades-long systemic issue into a neat PowerPoint while keeping it at only one hour long (not .1 more or .1 less).

It feels like a pointless uphill battle. You're asked to make 2100 billed hours per year (or more). As a junior associate you need to achieve perfection - but you don't even know where the standard is, not yet, you're too new and you're trying your best. You're asked to attend non-billable CLEs and networking events and participate in bar associations and look ahead to business development and go out with your colleagues and socialize with clients in non-billable events and. and. and. You know who at the firm is an alcoholic - maybe you are too. You laugh at jokes about online gambling - you know the partner who gambled away his last paycheck, and he's laughing. You know who's filing for their third divorce. Who's about to lose the kids. Who missed their son's state-level championship game because they had a call with a prospective client (he won't forget, he'll never forget).

But they ask you to take care of your mental health (but you're chastised if you don't respond to the 1am email from the partner within 10 minutes). But they ask you to take care of your physical health (but there's a beer fridge in the break room). But they ask you to practice well-being (but they expect you on-call 24/7). But they tell you to get enough sleep (but the junior associate got less than an hour because of the partner's poor planning). But you need to look out for signs of mental health concerns in your peers (but you're also thinking about dying).

I could write a novel on this. Many attorneys have written similar ramblings, articles, studies, surveys, so I don't really need to. It's a problem. But there's been no real attempts at change. Sure, yes, there's awareness. But billable demands keep rising. So do standards in not just federal court, but state court. But you're at a firm that pays so well you'll endure whatever demands they put on you because that's just too damn good to lose. But you feel like shit every day. But- hey, well, the partner has been doing this for 45 years now. Why can't you?

[imtotallynotthere]

Random thought that won't leave me alone:

Has anyone ever thought of a crossover between Transformers (Bayverse or Tfp) and SCP Foundation? Granted, Bayverse would make the most sense.

The absolute chaos that would unfold would be amazing.

The autobots end up figuring out there is a LOT more to Earth than just the known animals and humans. Reality benders do exist. Behind those doors is torture, death, and a bit of wholesomeness mixed in.

God exists? Yeah, in a way. Stay away from the Scarlet King and stop thinking about him before he gets even closer to tearing through reality.

No, you don't recognize the bodies in the water. Optimus, tell Lennox he doesn't and take him away before you lose him.

Imagine their reactions when they get closer to Earth and see a giant creature in space only to find out later that it's called a lobster. President, what do you mean keep quiet about it?!

I have a feeling finding out about the Foundation would be an accident. Maybe an SCP got loose? Maybe they saw a reality bender bend reality? Who knows?

They would definitely be sworn to silence though and I'm sure they wouldn't have too much of a problem once they realize how disastrous it would be if word got out about them and the Foundation. Yeah, some might think they people deserve to know of the danger, but the cons outweigh the pros.

Now, whether the SCP Foundation supports the autobots during the hunting of them under the government's nose would be a gamble. However, I doubt they would really intervene.

They would probably feel a bit intimidated that their lovely hood is truthfully one decision away from being locked up. One misstep and it's into a cell or some other reinforced area.

Deceptions want to use some of those SCPs? Good luck finding a site. They want site-19? Oh boy.

You wanna hunt them down? Okay, give us some of the parts you get. Make us some good guns out of it while you're at it.

It's an idea to think of. Anyways, till next time people of Tumblr!

It would be a sort of small alliance.

[thecarnivorousmuffinmeta]

The problems I have with HP's world building and the Wizarding World as a whole can be summed up perfectly with Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans. Sounds like a appropriately whimsical treat for a secret magical society. But, they beans flavoured like bodily fluids. We know there's ear wax and vomit flavoured beans, but I bet there are... other flavours.

And the question is, why? Why do that? Why sell something to children where there's a chance they might end up eating a bean that tastes and smells exactly like human shit.

Like, obviously, Rowling wrote it as a funny bit in a children's book that I doubt she expected people to dissect and nitpick over twenty years after she wrote it. But, in-universe, it shows that wizards just lack basic common sense. it's a wonder they made it to the 21st century without going extinct.

As weird as it sounds, I actually find the wizarding world fascinating in that it makes an eerie amount of sense: it's just not what JKR nor anyone else thinks it is/what it's supposed to be.

There's a larger post to be made but to me the wizarding world reeks of an extremely isolated and inbred society, complacent in their use of a technology they no longer understand and slowly forgetting aspects of that technology including the underlying fundamentals, neighbors to very different societies they feel threatened by for all they won't admit as much, and a society that has roots in western traditions but missed out on much of the Enlightenment/Post Enlightenment British history.

So, we see a world that's like Britain but... not...

The professors are there to teach, not go provide emotional guidance or emotional intervention of any kind with the students (read anti-bullying measures). There doesn't seem to be a child welfare or any kind of welfare system in place (orphans get a stipend to attend Hogwarts, but we see no mention of a wizarding orphanage/foster care system or money allotted to those like Ron Weasley who are poor but not Muggleborn). There are two historians ever mentioned and from what we see of Hogwarts a History it is not a modern western historical approach that's covered there. Everyone's extremely closely related and there are no actual positions beyond those a) made for yourself through entrepreneurship b) the ever bloated Ministry. They have no understanding of Muggles at all and those who claim to or wish to tend to be... grossly offensive is the only word I can think of.

It's a great satirical world of a decaying society and, most important, not quite one we'd be familiar with.

But this has nothing to do with your actual question (well, it does, but it's tangential).

To get back to the damned beans, from what we see, the wizarding world loves practical jokes and slapstick humor. Given they're wizards, serious injuries seem relatively easy to repair. If you start vomiting slugs all day, there's a potion for that. If you lose your bones, there's a potion for that. Blow off your hands, there's probably a potion for that.

What that means is that physical injuries in the wizarding world tend not to really matter. Unless you're using dark curses (see Bill's torn up face in HBP), you can probably get whatever it is fixed quickly. Which means that wizards find slapstick style practical jokes very funny.

Which gets us back to the candy.

The beans aren't alone, there are also the acid pops that actually burn through your tongue, blood pops that taste like blood, chocolate frogs which will jump away from you, ice mice that do... something I forget, but point being that we see wizards get very excited about the prospect of not only magic in their candies but some element of danger/just awfulness with it.

That's the exciting gamble of the beans. Sure, you might end up with a nice flavor, you might, but then you could end up with vomit or diarrhea flavored. When the latter happens, you can make a big show to your friends, "OH NO, I GOT THE VOMIT BEAN! OH HELLS, I GOT THE VOMIT BEAN! THIS IS THE WORST! I GOT THE VOMIT BEAN!" and everyone laughs at and with you over your terrible rotten luck over getting the vomit bean while Jimmy over there got strawberry.

It's kind of like a demented version of playing one of the first few editions of Mario Party: someone's going to be fucked over, that's just how the game goes, the delightful enjoyment of it is seeing who the loser is and lording it over them when you steal all their stars they eat the vomit bean.

Basically, you're kind of right about Bertie Botts Every Flavor Bean. They exist because it's funny, I just think the wizards find it funny too.

[danieyells]

"Lulu~!" Taiga called out cheerily as the doors to the VIP room were pulled closed behind him. Romeo glared up over the corner of one of his security laptops at the sudden intrusion, but he couldn't truly be angry at his underlings for letting Taiga in without question. No matter their factions, Taiga was Captain at the end of the day and they all listened to him. Except Romeo, of course.

"What is it now." He returned his eyes to the Eyes In The Sky on his screen, carefully monitoring the cameras for any foul play. Despite that he was paying close attention to everything happening, somehow what Taiga said next was a surprise.

"Ran out of cash again!" The boss laughed, throwing himself carelessly onto the couch nearest Romeo, as he snapped his head towards him with fury in his eyes. Taiga only grinned in response. "Gimme some more money and I'll pay you back, eeeh, before tomorrow morning!"

"Are you serious, you BTH!?" How Taiga's luck worked never really crossed Romeo's mind--he assumed it was part of his stigma or his pact--but he knew he was being honest about getting the money back to him eventually as Taiga always wound up with more than enough. It didn't make his frivolity regarding wealth any less annoying however. "How did you lose all of it!?"

"Gyahaha! If you keep yelling like that, your pretty voice's gonna get all raspy, Lulu!" As if paranoid, Romeo reached for the drink on the table. "You've been watching the cameras, you shouldn't have to ask me how I lost. That's just how gambling is. You win some you lose some."

"Why should I give you more money if you're just going to lose it all!?"

"Because you know I'll make it all back." He wasn't wrong. He always paid back what he owed, usually with interest Romeo hadn't even asked for. Taiga put his arms behind his head and made himself comfortable, watching Romeo try and bring some semblance of calm to himself before he started getting wrinkles. "You know I don't lose in the long run."

"And what happens when you don't." Romeo sounded tired. He returned his attention to the cameras, not wanting to be distracted. "What happens when someday you lose it all and I'm not there to give you more?"

Taiga rolled over, resting his cheek on his hand. His eyes never left Romeo's face. "All you've gotta do to make money in this world is get your hands a little dirty."

His sharp grin widened as Romeo cringed. "I'd prefer not to have to get dirty at all."

Taiga reached a hand out towards Romeo's scrunched brow, to which Romeo leaned far out of his reach, judging his filthy hand. "That's what you've got me for, Lulu." He took his hand back and smiled at him. It was almost gentle, as sweet a smile as someone as vicious as Taiga could manage.

"I'm here so your pretty hands can stay pretty and clean." Taiga crossed his arms under his chin, resting them on the armrest. "I made you a casino so people would hand you everything they've got for a chance at fortune, and so you could see people who judged you feel just as bad as you did when you lost everything. You've got me so you'll never lose everything again, not for long."

". . .and why do you do all of that?" Why do all of that for someone he fights and terrorizes and hurts and hasn't gotten along with for months, if not a year? Why do all of this, saying it's for him, then give him more problems? Taiga's sweet smile turned toothy again. It was still a little sweet even with the row of fangs in his mouth.

"I do all this so someday I come home--to my own place, not to this place--" Taiga scooched closer to Romeo, draping his arms over the arm of the couch to loll comfortably. Romeo glanced at him to make sure he wouldn't try and touch him again before returning his gaze to the EITS. "I come home, a mess of blood and shreds of someone else's life. And you look up and tell me to stop tracking blood on your floor."

Romeo blinked and looked back at his grinning captain. ". . .why am I there?"

"And I drop a stack of cash in front of you and you stop being mad for long enough to say 'good job, BTH. Your dinner's in the kitchen BTW.'"

"This little story of yours sounds one trip to Mortkranken away from me being KU."

". . .'Knocked up?'" Taiga cackled after giving the acronym a thought. "Gyahaha! I mean if that's all it takes to get you to sleep with me, we could go to Mortkranken right now and take the rest of the week off!"

"It's Sunday."

"It'll be a long week." Taiga rolled over again, and Romeo snapped at him for putting his shoes on the couch. He was ignored, as always. "You wouldn't be the one cooking, by the way. You pay people to cook and clean. With the money I give you."

"And the Institute?"

"Eh. Jin calls me if he needs something or someone dead. Sometimes I still help out because anomalies taste better than just about anything else I can eat."

"And what's the timeline for this little prediction of yours? If that WNP is in charge it must be a ways off."

"Not sure yet. Just making my plans for the future." The ideal future. One he won't want to abandon. It won't be this one, he's pretty sure. But it's nice to think about.

"And what exactly am I doing in this future?"

"Whatever you want, Lulu!"

"And you think I want to spend the rest of my life with you!?"

"I think you'll want the sure thing. And you and I both know I can be the sure thing. And I don't think anyone else will be able to afford," Taiga rubs his fingers together to emphasize the monetary meaning, "to give you the life you want without asking for anything in return."

Romeo watched Taiga silently, trying to banish a blush from his face. Taiga watched the EITS, occasionally criticizing the choices of customers, the behavior of dealers, and the casino overall, insisting Romeo make changes he knew he wasn't listening to.

The distant thought of returning to a carefree and wealthy life like in his youth, the only payment he had to make being that he would see Taiga every day, didn't sound bad at all. The only bad part(aside from that he would ultimately be relying on Taiga of course) was that it sounded like Taiga imagined him staying home all day.

He didn't particularly want to work hard--he would happily lean into the brand influencer lifestyle, or perhaps become a socialite and do nothing but attend parties and events(the thought of attending an Institute event and matching fake smiles with Jin for photos crossed his mind making his eye twitch--perhaps not that)--but he couldn't imagine himself not getting restless after a while.

Perhaps he would find a creative outlet--get into fashion design maybe--or. . . .

He imagined himself doing what he does now. An unassuming front business hiding illegal activities. Perhaps he wouldn't have to handle the more sensitive things himself, in such an ideal world--Taiga would give him trustworthy people who would dirty their hands at his command--but the ones with debts would grovel at his feet and be at his mercy nonetheless.

The thought of losing everything again crashed the rising high of this shared daydream.

". . .There are no sure things." He finally sighed, trying to get a grip on what he'd missed on the cameras while zoned out. "Least of all with money. And gambling."

"Yeah, yeah." Taiga agreed, of course. Anyone in their line of work would have to know how fragile wealth and power were. "But do you really think I won't be able to make back what I'm asking for? C'mon, help your boss out~!"

"You already lost everything I gave you!" Taiga laughed and admitted that was true. Nonetheless, Romeo pulled his wallet out of his pocket and fetched a decent amount of yen to offer to him. "Your interest is double the total. Per day!"

"I'll give you triple by tomorrow afternoon!" Taiga cheered, hopping up and snatching Romeo's whole wallet and heading out the doors before he could do more than aim his rifle at him in protest. "Thanks, Lulu~!"

"YOU BTH, GET BACK HERE--!" Romeo yelled after him, slamming a fist into the table and starting to rise. He grit his teeth, hearing Taiga laugh through the slammed VIP room doors, but didn't want to abandon the cameras in case there was more trouble than Taiga out there. Tucking the intended loan away in his pocket, he watched Taiga exchange a large amount of his money for chips and make his way to a table and put a stack down and play. He cursed his name and resumed security, occasionally glancing at wherever he caught Taiga's red head, counting the chips as they increased with every win.

By the time it was time for him to take a break(watching screens all day would do terrible things to his eyes, for one thing) and a certain 'BB' had arrived to keep an eye on the cameras for him, Taiga had made enough to pay him back. His luck was the only somewhat reliable part of him.

He kept playing anyway, perhaps set on that triple repayment. Taiga didn't think of money as strictly as Romeo did--he made it, he threw it away, if he lost it the biggest problem was hearing Romeo complain, not having no money. Romeo envied that lackadaisical mindset. Once upon a time he felt similarly--money was something to be spent, and he would always have it.

Taiga had no problem getting money one way or another, even if Romeo wasn't fond of his methods.

If not for Darkwick he'd likely never have to borrow a cent from Romeo.

Taiga's little fantasy crossed his mind again, the idea that he was the closest to a 'sure thing' Romeo could safely get. Of a life as cushy and privileged as he could want, his only payment that he would have to deal with Taiga for the rest of Taiga's life(because he most certainly would outlive that buffoon.) Essentially the sugar baby of a yakuza.

Well, sugars didn't usually live with and care for the houses of their benefactors.

He'd jokingly called the imaginary future version of himself a housewife, but that was the closest thing he could imagine between them in such a scenario.

That Taiga would be his Blundering Thoughtless Husband.

He slammed his hand in frustration against the bar, cursing Taiga's name and finishing his drink before demanding the laughing Rui make him another.

"It really is good to hear about you guys spending time together again, though!" Rui chimed, sliding Romeo his spritz. He hadn't told him the whole story though, just that Taiga had taken his wallet but he had enough to pay. "It's like all's right in the world when you two are together, y'know? You were together when we all got here, so it doesn't feel right having you apart!"

Somehow that only made him feel more embarrassed. Him being with Taiga being right.

It had always felt right.

Taiga had also proved right about his gambling, passing Romeo his wallet and several stacks of ¥10,000 notes when the vice captain returned to Sinostra a little tipsy, before making his way to the depths of the ship where his own room was, complaining to one of his guards about being hungry again.

Romeo counted it once he'd returned to his own room. Exactly what had been in his wallet times three.

A shower and a lengthy bedtime beauty routine later, and Romeo lied in bed, drifting off after a long day.

He hated it when Taiga was right.

But he hoped Taiga might be somewhat right about a better future.

[vylithscat]

coming to meet your parents - obey me! hcs

trying to be a little more consistent with posts, so here's a couple thoughts that came to mind when discussing families with a friend! {also, don't mind any format changes, trying new things!}

prompt: you've got a visit with your parents coming up, but you're not sure who'd be a good choose to bring.. genre: general, you/your pronouns, gn!mc pairings: bros + dateables (minus luke)

You were visiting home soon, very soon actually, and your family wanted to meet these new brothers. After you said that you met them on an exchange program, they were all very sweet towards you.. And who knows what else you spurted out when rambling on and on about them. Your parents always gave you weird looks when you talked about how good they were, and you never realized when you talked about it until they cut in, “Are you sure they’re everything you say they are?”

With a pounding headache creeping up at the thought of all seven of them coming up with you and causing chaos in your parents home, you snapped your pencil lead and cursed under your breath before looking through your bag for your sharpener, only for a familiar hand to appear beside you with one in his palm.

“How’s my favorite student doing?”

“Oh, haha,” You dryly responded, your nose scrunching up at Solomon as you took his sharpener, “You only said that because I snapped my pencil, huh?”

“You were also staring rather intensely at your paper beforehand.” You let out a sigh and began explaining your situation to him, his face beamed and you couldn’t help but worry at the look of pure joy on his face as the two of you approached..

Lucifer

He didn’t like the idea when it came from Solomon

But then he saw your pleading eyes,, He can’t say no to you,,

When going up, he goes by Lucien around family

He doesn’t need to act any different really, but he doesn't exactly go with the flow, so..

But for the most part, you’re fine sending yourself up with Lucifer!

Don’t stumble over his name though, he might correct you incorrectly

Your parents will most likely enjoy your time with him

Well spoken, good manners, and looks put together when he first steps in the house

I mean, have you seen his outfit in the human world? C’mon..

Bring him along for some tea, lunch, really anything involving food and drink and a quick chat, he shouldn’t be a problem

Just be sure somebody will be able to check on his brothers while you’re gone

Mammon

He doesn’t like being called Mason

But if it’s you, he might give it a chance..

Don’t go out somewhere, he’ll somehow end up blowing his money and setting a bad first impression

Leave any money at home, seriously..

Away from gambling, he’s a great time!

Good humor, really chipper and generally a good man

Just don't let ANY bets get on the table no matter what, please..

Keep your time busy with eating and chatting

Follow it up by some board games or card games if you’re up for it

You could be up late at night, fucking around, and your parents would get a nice impression

As long as you keep bribes and bets out of the photo, you’re fine

Leviathan

Unlike everyone else, he didn’t need to go by anyone else, so slipping up wasn’t a worry!

But getting him to even come with you?.. Good luck

He’ll be practically begging you to think it over, invite someone else

Literally anything to get out of it.. He loves you, but not other normies

He’ll be beyond nervous meeting your parents

You don’t have much to worry about unless somebody brings up anime or TSL

Really quiet, nervous shuffles while you eat

Find a way to include games into the bonding, one that he could pick up as easily as any other game

Although he might get a little ramble-y in his explanations, it shows he’s very passionate!

Your parents most likely will find him sweet, a bit on the quiet side though

And, praise him afterwards.. That was a lot for his shut-in otaku self..

Satan

If you call him ‘Sully,’ even for a joke, he’s gonna lose it. So, Samuel it is! (please..)

He’s well spoken and usually doesn’t cause problems, unless he’s pissed, so really do anything

Best bet would most likely be a café, cat themed, maybe with books and actual cats

He’ll be in absolute BLISS

But save it for the end, especially if your parents like cats too, just to end it off on a high note

Will be fine with giving book recommendations to your parents

He can do most other things though, that’s just your best bet

Parents want to have a chat over some coffee? Sure, about what?

A dinner? Fine by him, he’ll try anything

As long as they don’t get under his skin too much, he won’t have a problem

And your parents didn’t have a problem either, they find him knowledgeable and friendly

And if they saw him with cats, they believe he’s more gentle when alone with you, so they're happy

Asmodeus

He finds his human name of Atlas to be very alluring

So he doesn’t mind, but you need to make it up to him

Fuck, good luck with him though..

He’s really bad at holding his tongue about you and anyone who’s attractive to him

Not to mention he’s an influencer, so he may care about photos before touching any food

And you can’t really take away an influencer’s phone..

But, if your mom enjoys makeup and nails, they’ll get along fine

And if you’re dad’s open minded, they’ll get along fine

It all depends on what your parents are like, really

For the most part it can go super well, or super bad!

Not saying to not to pick him, just,, know it’s a dice roll

Beelzebub

He didn’t understand the whole human name thing,,

Beel isn’t a bad name is it? Regardless he’ll go along with the Bryan thing

There’s no way your parents can hate this gentle giant

I imagine he looks terrifying but then he starts talking and you can’t feel anything but safe

Just be careful on the food wait and how much he eats, or he might get bad looks from your parents

But for the most part he’s a safe choice!

Big ol’ sweetheart, you can’t go wrong if you’re careful

If you’re ever nervous about how he might react to waiting, bring a few snacks

Just explain he’s a sports guy and maybe they’ll look past the absolute speed at which he eats

Overall, your parents will probably feel good about Beel

Just,, warn them if he’s coming, so they can cook some extras or cancel the outing plans,, please.

Belphegor

He was half asleep when you explained meeting your parents and the whole him being called Beau for the day..

He shrugged, “Okay.” Slept again.

When he realized how soon it was coming up..

He didn’t get enough sleep for him to stay awake really

Best to go to some sort of observatory with stars so he can point out anything he knows, either directly or indirectly to your parents

He is practically falling asleep on you though, so good luck

When he is asleep, just explain he’s been working hard and must’ve exhausted himself

Parents will be concerned, but understanding (hopefully)

When he is awake though, let him enjoy the stars and the silence

You may need a few more visits for your parents to form a proper opinion, though..

Diavolo

A chance to go to the human world and avoid his work!?

Sign him UP!.. Oh, a new name? Damien? Okay!

He’s gonna accidentally introduce himself of Diavolo, no matter what

Your parents are,, confused to say the least

I mean, you’re with a man who owns a HOTEL? Definitely hit high, kiddo..

Good news, you don’t have to worry about stumbling over things!

Bad news, Diavolo wants to experience so many new things in the human world that it may slip he wishes he had it back home

Even simple things, like certain fair foods,, like hot dogs.

It confuses your parents beyond belief but you can play it off that he was sheltered (I mean, he was..)

Overall, they have a fun time! Taking him to an amusement park was a great idea

They saw a great man who was willing to experience new things, aside from thrill rides..

Bring the man back, he really wants to experience that again :(

Barbatos

His duties should take priority, but Diavolo gave him permission to go for the day

With a cleared schedule and a carefully picked out outfit,, fuck does he make a good impression

But, he’s stiff and really wants to help out, especially with things like teas

To a point your parents are furrowing their brows at you

And you aren’t about to force Barbatos to not be a butler, it’s in his nature by now

Once he does sit, he doesn’t answer much about him

But he always smiles when he responses, is quick to refill drinks and checks on you often if you seemed stressed or tired

It’s a great impression, showing he deeply cares for you

And that he comes off as hardworking or at least caring for others

So, you really can’t lose unless your parents have problems with not knowing everything at once

Just,, know if you fall asleep at all, he may lightly tease you with your parents

Simeon

Seriously, how can you fail with bringing him?

When he found out from Solomon you needed a plus-one, he offers to join you if nobody else can

Accept on the spot or later, he’ll manage to bring something for your parents

Usually some food, like his sandwiches, or something Luke made with proper praise of the boy

Your parents do accidentally assume that Luke’s your son though..

Consider dismissing that before Simeon starts joking at having kids

Aside from the first-first impression, he’s overall very sweet

He can talk about anything for a good amount of time, and always has honeyed words about you

If your parents manage to bring up TSL, slip in that he wrote it

It’s good praise, albeit a bit embarrassing for Simeon

But if your parents enjoy the series, meeting the author would be nice!

They feel blessed to have him in your life,,

(Regardless if they know he’s an author or not)

Solomon

Yeah, this was his idea, but after all the trial and error..

You invited him instead of the demons, for your own sanity

His title carries some weight, so there’s no doubt he’s known by your parents

But you assure them he’s not as bad as the rumors say

Get used to him intentionally trying to embarrass your ass, because he will do it ALL the time

If you’ve told your parents about your training, he’ll non-stop praise you and your skills

If not, he’ll praise your general learning skill and how you’re a great listener

In any sense, you’ll be very embarrassed by the end

Your parents will give you many smiles and laughs about it too

He does say some stuff weird, and dances around personal questions, but that's about it

He’s not a bad choice at all, just a little odd for a human

Your parents will get a good impression of him and (hopefully) change their views about him

[janicekao]

Your Choice (bwam)

Pairing:Gong Yoo x Black OC (dark smut) Summary: Based off of the details in season two of the series "Squid Game." Bella Haven,a fellow gambling addict, close friend, and neighbor to Gi-hun helps with tracking down the recruiter who once played Ddakji with Gi-hun many years ago. That one game of Ddakji changed his life for the worse and ultimately sent him to the Squid Game after receiving a business card that starts it all. When Bella finally catches the recruiter for her friend, she gets caught up in a gamble like none other... far from a game of Ddakji. Warnings:age gap, bdsm, weapons, violence, r0ugh s3x, smut, gambling, mental illness, fanfic, dubc0n, etc. 6367 words Wattpad link:

Enjoy my babies <3 -------------------------------------

"The recruiter is six feet three inches tall." Bella Haven seems to have a knack for making odd friends. She sits on the floor of her friend Seong Gi-hun's apartment as they share two piping hot ramyeons. Gi-hun being twenty-six years her senior, activates his fatherly instincts as he lets Bella get full off of the majority of the rice cake and shrimp that they share. She reminds him of his daughter that he hasn't seen in years, both smart and beautiful girls... surely Bella can help him with this problem that he's been having, he could really use her craftiness.

Gi-hun continues as Bella listens in while slurping back noodles. "The man I need you to look for wears expensive suits with his hair neatly pomaded back into a style. But what stands out about him the most is his actions. He carries a briefcase of money and asks people to play Ddakji with him. The whole game is a gamble, if you lose, he slaps the taste out of your mouth... if you win he'll begin to hand out money. He preys on the poor, the citizens in debt! People who will foolishly continue to play with him. At one time in my life, I was one of those people."

"Sweetie, I don't think you're listening to me." He pouts. "This man hands out a card that entraps people in the Squid Game after calling the number on it. Out of 456 players I was the only one who made it out alive, Bella if I don't find this man, he will do it again. The recruiter will continue to give innocent people this card and usher them into the games where they have no idea that their life is at stake! Bella please!"

"Gi-hun, I hear you." She sighs with slight defiance.

Insanely worried about the mental health of her friend and neighbor, Bella hates when Gi-hun talks about his time at what she believes was a mythical place where the in-debt citizens of South Korea risk their lives playing deadly children games to get a large lump-sum of cash. If he were the winner, and the only one who made it out alive, where is his huge stack of money? "I just don't understand what I have to do with this? I mean really, what can I do? Aren't you paying some of Seoul's biggest gangsters a lot of won to find this man at the subway station? If they can't do it, what makes you think that I can?"

"Because Bella..." He insists. "I still remember what happened with that American fiancé of yours. When he was stationed here in Korea and the asshole tried to leave you. He tried to take the money you both saved up together and go back to the States without you. I don't mean to bring up old dirt my dear, but the way you tracked him down in days before he could even book a flight, that's the kind of person I need on this."

The memory of being nearly left at the altar three years ago makes her cringe. But he's right, Bella has the unnecessary skill for tracking.

Taking a pause on their meal, she sighs. "Fine... So I'll go look for the tall handsome guy playing Ddakji at the train station and slapping people around, happy?"

"You're the best." Gi-hun finally smiles. "You find him, and I'll have a hundred-thousand won waiting for you."

She immediately refuses it. "Not necessary, keep your money, that's what friends are for."

Gi-hun nods with a warmed heart. "Right, friends."

"But you can pay me in that last rice cake however." Already nearly swallowing the rice cake whole, she doesn't await an answer. Watching the cute twenty-six year old with full cheeks of rice cake makes Gi-hun chuckle.

...

"Bella?" He asks, suddenly becoming curious. "I'm glad you stayed in Korea, but can I ask why you never went back home to America?"

Bella ponders for an answer... Truthfully, why would she want to go back to the States where the men are spineless and her family hasn't reached out to her in years? Most of all, how would she even get there? Her money has gotten low and having the same addiction to gambling as Gi-hun does, really doesn't help with the fee of a plane ticket... Honestly, for the meantime it might just be best for Bella to stay exactly where she is— keeping an apartment with low rent and a decent landlord, and surrounded by people that actually care for her.

Finally she shrugs. "Go back to America? Have you seen the president they elected? I think I'm fine right here in Seoul."

———

A week of time passes and with Bella's incredible luck and skill she finds a man who fits Gi-hun's description of the recruiter just right. At first she wasn't sure if it were the man he was looking for... Do you know how many men wear nice suits and carry a briefcase in Seoul? A lot. But it was the man's actions that lead her to believe that he was exactly who she was looking for.

As Bella trails him, the man stops at a local bakery where he makes a purchase of a hundred pieces of bread and a hundred lottery tickets.

He walks to the nearest park with pride and an uneasy smile on his face as he presents the homeless people who live in squalor there the choice of choosing bread that they are starving for, or a lottery ticket...

A gamble, a game.

The impoverished dumbly all choose the lottery ticket instead of feeding themselves today. And when they are given a coin to scratch the ticket, to no surprise they all are duds, no winners at all.

Although Gi-hun and Bella are both a victim to the greed of money and gambling, seeing starving people choose a lottery ticket over food that they need really shows how bad the hidden side of poverty in Korea has gotten.

After the homeless have made their choices, the recruiter does the unthinkable. With bags still loaded and full of bread, he pours it onto the concrete and stomps the pastries to absolute mush.

The hungry onlookers watch in disbelief, but who is there to blame when they chose the lottery ticket instead.

As the recruiter slicks back his hair, taking himself out of the wild outburst, Bella realizes how psychotic he really is. The man seems to be proud of himself. Having enjoyed teaching people a lesson and forcing them into difficult choices.

He laughs... he's excited, maybe even aroused.

Bella thought that the man she is spying on couldn't be crazier, but after a few more hours of researching him, he surely proves her wrong.

After the incident at the park, Bella continues to follow carefully after the man when she recognizes a familiar face that sneaks behind him. One of the gangsters. She recognizes the man as one of the gangsters Gi-hun also hired to help look for this man. But the recruiter isn't pleased by their company. Unimpressed with being followed around, he attacks the gangster, leaving him limping and bruised by the brutal beating of his briefcase...

Bella knows now that coming into the man's space isn't the best idea and she decides to give Gi-hun a call about the good news... Even though the man is dangerous, at least they have finally found him.

During the call, Gi-hun clearly worries about Bella's safety. "Don't approach him!" He warns. "I'm on my way, just stay on his tail but stay hidden!"

And so she does. Bella keeps her distance as she follows the man to his next destination, and sure enough he enters the subway station offering the poor and vulnerable a game of Ddakji.

From a distance, she watches the recruiter play this game one after the other. People continue to play the game and accept his slaps each time that they lose, all in hopes of winning a hundred-thousand won in the next round... After a while of watching from a far, it gets to be too much for Bella. She can't stand to watch him take advantage of another financially irresponsible person again! Clearly these people need help! Not to be assaulted and humiliated for their greed of money.

She takes Gi-hun's advice with a grain of salt, soon ignoring his pleads for her safety and approaching the man after all.

"Hey! You!" Bella's blood warms to a near boil off of her courage alone. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

Finally crossing the train track and entering the platform on his side, she soon realizes that the man is much taller than she expected... finding herself cranking her neck upwards to try and talk 'down' on him.

"Me?" He asks sarcastically. "Just playing some Ddakji."

She scoffs. Bella looks towards the slapped-red faced gambling victim and tells him to scram. "You ought to be ashamed of yourself you know." Her scorning continues, "how dare you take advantage of people in a bad situation!?"

"It's you." His head cocks to the side as he finally recognizes her. "Yeah, you've been the one trailing me, haven't you?"

Never having made eye contact with the man the entire time she spied on him, she isn't sure how he knows exactly what she has been up to... a lie spills from her tongue. "I-I don't know what you're talking about."

He gently chuckles at her terrible fibbing. "Is there something that you want? Who has you spying on me?"

"What you do is no secret." Bella snaps in a hushed tone to keep from onlookers. "I know about the Squid Game. Gi-hun told me—"

"Ahhh..." He coos in interruption. "Player 456."

Damn it... Maybe great at tracking someone down, but holding her tongue? Not as much.

"How old are you?" The recruiter asks.

She gulps. "Twenty-six."

He bites his lip at the unsure thought of their near twenty year age gap, however Bella's spunk and eye candy appearance surely is amusing. "I'm glad to see Player 456 is spending his earnings well." The man instantly assumes that Bella is paid for... Gi-hun's play toy that is.

Offended is an understatement. "Excuse me?"

He snickers. "Well how else would you know Gi-hun? He's twice your age."

"He's my friend asshole!" Bella scoffs. "Which is why I know everything about you... and your employer too!"

"Oh do you now?" The man questions. "And you actually trust everything your friend has told you?"

...

For years now Bella has thought Gi-hun's talk about the Squid Game were only a crazy delusion of his... But still she rather trust her friend than this lunatic that she has witnessed today. "Without a doubt in my mind. He's on his way here by the way, he needs to speak with you. I want you to stop your running and listen to what he has to say. A meeting with you has been on his mind for a long time now."

"I'll meet with him." The recruiter agrees. "What's better than seeing an old friend again. But first, would you like to play a game with me?"

"I've sat here watching you play this same game over and over again with people... No thanks, I'd rather not be slapped and humiliated." Her tone comes out harsh, just as she means it.

"Slap you?" Diamonds glimmer from his expensive watch as he lifts his hand to Bella's face, lightly caressing her cheek and tucking her fro behind her ear. "A face this pretty? Never."

The compliment was unexpected and Bella blushes red hot. 'Games' she tells herself. 'Don't let him get to you, all he plays are games.'

"Not even an attempt at a hundred-thousand won?" He opens his briefcase to the sight of money, trying his hardest to convince the girl with hopes that she too is a gambling addict.. Little does he know, Bella is.

She licks her lips at the sight of the money thinking that maybe one game wouldn't hurt. With an unhealthy love for lottery and games, she finds it impossible to say no. However she still knows his ploys and tactics. "Fine I'll play, but I don't want a card to the Squid Game. I know all about it, I'd never go."

As Bella reaches for the Ddakji pieces, he instantly refuses her. "No Squid Game, just a night with me."

He doesn't want to play Ddakji, this causes Bella utmost confusion. "A night of what?"

"A night of more games." He persuades with a handsome smile. "So, what do you say?"

———

The Pink Hotel.

One of Seoul's oldest and most well known hotels although currently it's closed and going through renovation.

"Here is fine." The recruiter insists.

Bella looks around at the street becoming uncomfortably empty now that night is falling. "Here? Isn't this place closed?"

"I have a room." He begins to cross the street. "Are you coming?"

...

She'd be such a fool to go into this building with a man who's done the most atrocious things today... From assaulting people, to belittling them... What could he have planned for her?

Rain begins to fall, soaking Bella and her rags of clothes as she stands with a stranger on a corner of a strange street. "You'll get sick out here, the rain is ice cold. What are you waiting for?"

"Maybe we should go back, Gi-hun expects you and I to be at the station still..." As rain pounds them, Bella raises her soft voice to be heard over the sound of the rain's drum.

"I've told you once before, if Gi-hun would like a word, I'll be sure to come to him. We can go back after this storm." The man uses his sly tactics to get Bella exactly where he wants her. "Sorry, I just thought you'd want the chance to make a few hundred-thousand won."

"A few?" Mind back on money, she doesn't think straight any longer. "I thought I'd earn only one hundred-thousand if I won... I'm a few million won in debt, so what are you saying? I could actually earn more?"

His slick hair with partnered raindrops drips and compliments his chiseled jaw. Instead of answering, another handsome-toothy chuckle escapes the depths of his baritoned voice. He continues towards the hotel, and instead of staying out in the cold becoming drenched by rain, Bella follows right behind him.

The two enter the hotel and just as Bella thought, the building is clearly under reconstruction. The place is absolutely empty tonight with not even an employee behind the lobby's desk.

Together they enter a sketchy elevator, taking an awkward and quiet ride to the fourth floor. At their stop, Bella follows behind the man as she tries her best to keep up with his steady stride and long legs. He uses a key to unlock the room's door and as they enter, Bella doesn't realize that he locks the door behind them.

"Can I get you anything?" He asks. "Water, Soju maybe?"

"No thanks... I'm fine." Bella takes notice to the stale smell of the old room. Although it's not exactly warm and polished, it still very clearly untouched. Is this really his room? Or is it also the first time he's been here himself? "So what's your name? What do I call you?"

"Hmm." He ponders slightly as he pulls a chair out at a small circle table for Bella to sit in, and soon sits in one across from her. "Call me whatever you and Player 456 have been calling me."

"Fine." Bella shrugs. "The salesman, the recruiter, the devil..."

He chuckles. "Then that'll do just fine. Let's play."

Bella awaits their game of Ddakji, however the recruiter has something else in mind as a gun is suddenly pointed at her.

Her first response is to immediately jump up from her chair.

"Sit down." His voice, a usually calm and collected tone has quickly become a demanding threat.

Afraid of being shot, Bella slowly lows her body back into the chair. Tears stain her cheeks and frustration clouds her head. She's just as bad as the rest of his victims today... Just as naive and money hungry, and now look what has happened.

The recruiter stands from his chair and loads his gun with one bullet. "The game is Russian Roulette." He begins. "My revolver holds six bullets, yet I've only filled one round. I'll spin in it, and the both of us are clueless to where it landed yet we have equal chances of being shot. Shall we begin?"

"The fuck?" Bella fumes. "I thought we'd spend the night putting money down on a card game o-or having the loser take shots of soju if they lose in Ddakji."

"Child's play." He shrugs.

"Fuck you, I won't play." She snatches her teary eye contact from him and it injures his heart.

For her, he'll even switch up the rules a little. "Fine, I won't be so rough on you. I'll allow you to skip your turn, by doing this enough, you'll never have the trigger pulled on you... you would end up winning. You could have the entire million won in my briefcase right now and it would be rightfully yours."

A million won? If Bella had a million won, she'd finally be out of debt.

Seeing that she's already here and in his possession, she pokes at seeing exactly what she'll have to do for it.. "What do I have to do to skip my turn?"

"Endure the gun." The recruiter states clearly. "...Between your legs that is."

...

She nearly chokes.

Did he really just ask that?

"You're sick." Teeth gritted together, Bella could absolutely spit on the lunatic for asking something as vile as that.

Onto his knees, the man nearly begs for her participation. His voice begins to tremble with desperate need and desire. "Five million won?"

Her eyes widen into dollar signs. Five million won? It would pay her debt, her bills, and keep money in her pocket.

Five million won to play this game, and risk getting shot, or to just go and fuck his gun.

After taking it into consideration, Bella decides to go for it and when the night ends, she'll place this evening behind her and live a wealthy life with an erased memory of it.

Standing from her chair, the recruiter watches the trembling young minx lower her denim shorts along with her lace panties— sitting back into her chair with the bottom half of her body completely bare.

He catches a glimpse of her womanhood below, nearly salivating and drawing his eyebrow up in tempted curiosity.

"So let's play." Back into his own chair, the man points the gun at Bella's chest and pulls the trigger.

The gun clicks... no bullet.

With a heart beating out of her chest, Bella screams bloody murder. How could he!? How could he pull the trigger on her without even giving her the choice!? "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!?"

"I knew you were lucky." He states calmly. "There wasn't anything to worry about. Now we are down to the probability of two out of six. My turn."

The recruiter comes across the table, not even an inch from Bella's face as she watches in horror. Her nostrils fill with his handsome cologne and the sight of stained blood on his cheek from beating up the gangster earlier becomes even more prevalent.

The man refuses to break eye contact as he opens his mouth and deep throat's the barrel of his gun.

So close to this man that if the bullet decided to land this round, his brains would absolutely drench her. "Please don't." She begs.

He does it anyways.

Click... no bullet.

He chuckles... a laugh that is overly maniacal. "Your turn again, what will you choose?"

He begins to tease her. "You see, it really isn't all that difficult."

Bella gulps.

Knowing that she isn't about to aim this gun at her head, she trembles as she slowly widens her legs.

"Ahhh I see..." He groans in clear utter excitement.

The recruiter walks in her direction and eases his free hand into her lap. She watches the large palm with handsomely long fingers ease between her thighs, biting her lip at the infatuation of how a man's veiny hand looks paired with an expensive watch on his wrist between her legs.

His two most middle fingers invite themselves to her cunt. Circling softly and bringing her to quiet moans. Bella grabs his wrist. "What are you doing to me?"

"Shhh." He hushes. "You wouldn't want this to enter you, unwarmed, now would you?"

Bella pushes his hand away. "I can do it myself."

Her defiance is breathtaking. His infatuation with her grows to an astonishing high. "Then maybe I'll just help from behind."

As Bella leans back and widens her thighs for better access to playtime within her folds, the man watches from behind her and begins to assist.

His freehand slides down the front of her blouse, touching at her breasts and slowly teasing her hardened buds. As Bella plays with herself, her eyes loll closed from the high adrenaline of her two most favorite things, sex and a gamble.

The recruiter begins to slowly kiss her cheek, whispering lewd nothings in her ear as his lips trace her curly sideburns and edges. "Isn't this fun?" His strong grasp chokes her throat and causes Bella to moan out loud. "And don't tell me it's not, I hear the stirring of your cunt as if you were cooking sticky ramyeon. You fucking love this don't you?"

Beginning to notice her uncomfortable stirring in her seat, the recruiter refuses her orgasm unless it's on the tip of his weapon. Interrupting her masturbation, the man steps between Bella and the table, hiking her legs around his waist as Bella gasps and watches above her.

Her legs are spread wide around his large frame and shame fills her as she fails at an attempt to close them. "No, please."

"Shut up." The barrel breaches her entry causing Bella's back to arch from the chair. The metal is cold, unrealistically hard, and slightly sharp in some areas. But it's all part of their agreement.

He fucks her with it. Forcing at least four inches of cold steel in her each pump so he can find his satisfaction at the slight tug of her snugness around his barrel.

Her breathing is so rapid, she can't take her eyes off of what he's doing to her. Never in her life has she been fucked by anything but a cock or a vibrator, but tonight she watches an actual revolver pump into her as if the gun were to breed her with bullets.

"God!" She weeps from his brutish behavior. "S-Slow down!"

The recruiter grins. Although his wrist is becoming tired, the last thing he'll do is slow down. His eyes glue on the sight of pretty brown pussy soaking his gun and fingertips as it reddens each time he thrusts inside her. His jaw falls open and quickly tightens clenched shut as his erection against his dress slacks aches him like nothing before.

"Nuh-mmm!" Bella tries to refuse it and shout out 'no' but feeling so full has never felt better, instead of her refusal, a moan of clear thrill and discomfort fills the room, however the web of arousal soaking the black metal says otherwise about her enjoyment.

Feeling her climax beginning to fall over the edge, Bella grabs his wrist to end her torture.

"I wouldn't do that." He warns, sweating and brain short-circuiting with how turned on he is. "One little slip and I could pull this trigger, if you're not lucky this third time around, it could be you having a hot bullet soaring through your insides and splitting you in half."

She can't believe the thrill that trembles through his voice. He's loving every second of this.

Watching up at the older gentleman who has started to lose himself— sweating his pomade out and panting in desperation. Bella's eyes widen into fear and disbelief. "You—You frighten me."

He catches Bella by her throat, lifting her from her seat and into his gaze. The pumping of the gun as if it were a dildo quickens and roughens into deeper blows as she dangles in front of him. "And isn't being frightened absolutely exhilarating?"

He catches her gasps for air with his tongue kiss. He kisses her so well, Bella jolts feeling as if she is being fucked in a second place.

Pulling from the kiss he's given, the man notices his gun finding a harder time fucking her as Bella's hips buck and her walls tighten around it. She makes a strangled noise as her soul ascends, orgasming and falling limp into the recruiter's chest. It was never the steel of the gun that got her there... it was who was conducting it.

"You are just so pretty aren't you?" His grin is everlasting as he holds up his play toy of the night in his arms. For a taste of her fear and exhilaration, he licks a salty tear from her cheek. "Gripping this gun like you should, you might just be my best girl. Hm?"

Dumbfounded, sore, and fucked out, Bella nods with half-lidded eyes. Her legs are no good, trembling like a baby deer as she is placed back in her seat.

The recruiter wipes his weapon with his suit's handkerchief, soon wiping his own shot of cum as he reaches down his belt to adjust the erection that has been plaguing him for the last half hour.

"If you want to fuck me, you should've just lead with that." She watched his indecent adjustments. Bella catches her breath, biting the inside of her cheek as her nostrils flare with anger and hatred for the man.

"That would be nice, yes, but I want your fear and desperation just as much." He swipes his hair backwards and back into place, shooting Bella's round at the ceiling to find out it was just another empty shot and her time of being fucked by a weapon was for absolutely nothing. This alone makes him chuckle as Bella falls into even more disgust with herself. "It's all about the choices we make, isn't it sweetheart?"

He sighs with the gun to his head. "Well, I guess it's my turn again."

This image has been deemed unsafe and will only be visible to you.Learn more

The recruiter falls back into his chair as if he were drunk, maybe high off their kinky sex. He aims the gun at his skull and crosses the table back closely into her face. He begins to shake maniacally. The fourth shot. The probability of getting the bullet is much higher than it ever has been now. He knows the risks, however he's crazy and doesn't exactly give an entire fuck.

The fourth shot clicks, firing no bullet.

He takes a deep breath, nearly moaning as he sighs in relief.

It's time for the fifth shot... Bella's turn again.

So eager for another round of fucking her with his gun, it's clear that he's excited to pull the trigger and waste her shot on the ceiling so they can begin their fun again... But to his surprise, Bella has had a change of heart.

Embarrassment has eaten away at her during his turn. Twenty-six and living a life of gambling and debt so bad that tonight it's gotten to the point of allowing a strange man to fuck her with his weapon.

"Shoot it." Nearly suicidal and over this game of Russian Roulette, Bella hopes that the gun goes off.

...

"What?" His expression has changed to fear and worry. He attempts to keep up with his poker face, but he doesn't actually want to fire the gun worried that it could be the shot that kills her. This alone makes him angry. No one has ever made him come out of his character, never in his life has he second guessed a decision during a gamble.

"Sorry." She tilts her head in curious sarcasm. "Were you enjoying yourself too much when I'd skip my turn instead?"

He scoffs with a light chuckle, frustrated yet intrigued about her sass and defiance.

"This is stupid." He refuses. "Don't make me do this."

The recruiter's hand begins to tremble as the gun points in her direction.

She ignores him. Bella clutches her eyes tightly shut and awaits her last fifty-fifty chance. "Shoot it."

It pains him to pull the trigger without a clue if this could be the last time he ever lays eyes on the girl he has become infatuated with, but being that he is an employee of the Squid Game... no game should ever go unfinished.

The recruiter pulls the trigger...

They both sigh in relief being that the gun didn't go off. However, that only means one thing. The bullet is in the last round, and it's also his turn.

Beaten at his own game. How embarrassing, yet how impressive.

He begins. "The last shot... this bullet is going to kill me."

...

Bella refuses it. She doesn't want to see anyone die, she just wants it all to end. "Don't do it."

"You win." His smile now seems more like a goodbye instead of his mischievous smirk. "It's been a pleasure playing with you. I'd like to admit to having had one of the best evenings of my forty-five years of life with you tonight. I have found you to be incredibly delightful, it is sad that our time has come to its end. Call it a crush if you will."

"I don't even know your name!" Bella exclaims, trying her best to buy time. "You don't even know mine!"

"The code to my briefcase is four zeros." The recruiter ignores her. "Goodbye now."

The raised gun to his temple makes Bella panic.

He can't... She won't allow it.

With his finger on the trigger, Bella takes the opportunity to flip the table and smack the gun out of his hand as the shot fires. Bella and the recruiter watch the bullet shatter the hotel's glass mirror as the smell of both of their fright fills the entire room.

...

Able to breathe again, Bella realizes that it's finally over. No care for the money or there being a winner in the end, it's finally just over.

It's done and no one is dead. As Bella takes a moment of air to realize this happy ending, the recruiter quietly takes in her image instead.

In his line of work, there aren't happy endings. They usually end in a selfish moment with opponents who would have gladly taken his life for the briefcase full of money... but not her. Not Bella.

Without a selfish bone in her body, he watches the beauty who put his life before the money that she needs and he's never desired anything more than her. "I want your name."

Finally taking her eyes from the shattered glass mirror, she turns towards the recruiter in curiosity. "What? Oh— it's, Bella."

"Bella." He repeats with eyes swelling into full beating hearts. "Bella, Bella, Bella."He presses his lips to her neck with a gentle kiss. The most gentle and stable he's been all night.

The man lifts Bella's top from over her head, leaving her completely bare in his presence. His touch is soft as he pulls her closer to him with earth-shattering kisses against her lips, Bella accepts them without any hassle. He begins to strip out of his clothes, revealing a handsomely toned body with an enticingly long erection pressed against her belly. In the very moment, actions become much more important than words. The recruiter cherishes her body like gold, thanking her with heaven like caresses and gratitude. Their lips unlock for only a moment in time, as the man lifts her and places Bella gently on the bed, he licks his middle most fingers and slowly brings her back into heated passion with his gentle petting.

Biting her lip so hard that she tastes faint blood, Bella arches her back as the fingering collides with his tongue. Groaning in her pussy the man reacts to her taste as if he were starved. His breath and lapping tongue on her pearl brings her to hysterics. Wanting only to cum this next time on his cock, Bella's fingers dive deeply into his jet black hair as she slowly guides him towards her face with a hair pull. Together they share Bella's taste within their kiss and Bella widens her thighs, stretching open with need to feel his penetration.

Her hands reach down his washboard chiseled abdomen until her palm is wrapped around his rod directing him into her entrance. As his cockhead breaches her, the recruiter's jaw laxes into an opened drop. "Fuck..." He dissolves into pleasure as his most sensitive body part weakens him. The tip of his cock is no match for how well Bella is soon to make him feel.

Plummeting inside her cunt for a first stroke tightens his muscles as he begins to buck his hips upward, sleeving himself in the tightness of her heat. Bella wraps her arms around his neck as she quiets her own hushed sobs of pleasure.

His strokes are absent-minded power drives. Enamored and rushed with the feeling of perfect sex as he already wishes to relive this moment every day for the rest of his life. The recruiter takes a firm hold of Bella's ankle and places it over his shoulder, nailing her to the mattress as his cockhead continuously kisses at her cervix.

"Sweet baby." He complains. "God, I'm so close." Bella's purrs are throaty and weak, a spring in her core tightens and nears its release each time he makes a complaint— a beg from a fully grown man, like music to her ears.

"Faster, cum for me." Feeling his cock quake and pulse makes her world stutter on its axis, Bella explodes into oblivion. Moaning as a gasp of air drains her of all energy. Covered in her nectar, his cock even glistens in the moonlight. He pulls out once more and rams his erection inside for a finale. Her pussy spoils him with a lewdly tight hug and begins to drain him of cum, he pulls out a second too late, feverish and skyrocketing a design of his jizz from her cunt towards her belly button. A failed attempt, being that Bella's sex blew his mind and silenced the room into nothing but blank white noise.

A moment to stare at his mess nearly makes him dizzy. Not a day of work goes by ever this phenomenally. In this very bed, a deliciously gorgeous young woman continues to moan for more of him with his semen already trailing down her skin...

His Ddakji duties at the subway will just have to wait another night. Tonight the world has completely stopped, and well, the Squid Game will just have to wait.

The recruiter lifts the comforter over his head as he lays on top of a hypnotizing giggly Bella and swallowing her whole. Their bodies intwine beneath the covers and as Bella arches her back again for his taking, the recruiter realizes that the night is still young, extremely far, from being over.

———

Morning light wakes the two through the blinds of the hotel room's windows. Both too afraid to look at their phones knowing that Bella's will be filled with calls and messages from Gi-hun and the recruiter's will be full of his employer having long awaited for an update by now... they decide to just dress instead.

The tension is awkward. They are both sure they'll never experience a night like that again in their entire lives... but Bella is even a bit sad from the lack of eye contact and communication. After a night of being a man's toaster strudel and repetitively receiving his icing, makes it feel a bit impossible to just become strangers again.

Although silent, the recruiter still acts as a gentleman although he has now returned to his business like ways. He holds the door for Bella and even assisted in dressing her, however he can't bring himself to look at her in the eyes from the fear of wanting something that he knows in his line of work he can't have... a companion.

Out of the vintage hotel and back on the streets, the two begin to part ways... but the recruiter can't bring himself to do it. "Before you leave, I believe you still deserve the money you won from our game of Russian Roulette last night." He craves one more conversation from her, even if it means giving her everything that he has in his briefcase.

Hearing his voice is nice, but to Bella it's also a bit heartbreaking and bittersweet. He seems to be strictly back to business with no regard of what happened last night. "Double it and give it to the next person." She shrugs, voice cutely hoarse from a night of shouting from his sex. "Just don't give them as hard as a time to get it as I had."

He's again dumbfounded by her surprise response. Again reminded of how selfless the young woman truly is as his heart begins to swell. "Really?"

"Really." Bella begins to kick rocks in her baby blue pair of dusty old high-top converses, boredly waiting by her lonesome for the next bus to come her direction.

The recruiter tries his hardest to leave her as he continues to walk ahead, but something stops him, forcing him to turn around to her with a hand proposed outwards. "I'm looking for a business partner, are you interested?"

...

Staring at the handsome outstretched hand, she's strangely interested in taking it.

"Well, I can't say I like what you're doing." Her honesty is a breath of fresh air to the man who is used to constant finessors.

He chuckles. "You don't have to like it, just me."

...

She can't argue with that, because indeed she does.

Bella Haven thought that the biggest gamble she'd ever have to take was having her life on the line during a game of Russian Roulette, little did she know her biggest gamble would be to accept this man's hand and see where it takes her...

She does it anyways.

Fitting into his hand like a glove and against the side of his body as if she were made to be there, Bella accepts his offer to continue what they had started. "And your name?" She frowns in disbelief that they still have yet to be on a first name basis. "What should I call you?"

The recruiter gently tugs her closer to him, staring down upon her with a smile, he finds comfort in her being there beside him. "Call me yours."

[avasassisstant01]

All the possibilities

Janine Teagues x Gender Neutral Reader

Summary: After 3 years, you finally confess your feelings for Janine to her. Of course, its not without some misunderstandings. Wordcount: 6.1k

Angst with happy ending

Warnings: None really

Shoutout and idea credit to: @lilfartbox1 for being the only reason this has come to be what it became. Thank you.

The chatter of your 4th graders working on an art project filled your classroom while you sat with your headphones on, trying to grade their most recent maths papers. Your favourite songs played, loud enough to help you stay focused but not loud enough to miss something happening between your students. 

It wasn't the conventional approach to quiet time, but your kids (although they tried) were terrible at keeping quiet and letting you focus. You had to make some kind of plan.

You looked up at the kids every few seconds to make sure there was still order.

Content with what you saw, you looked at your desk, sticking a sticker onto one of your most struggling maths student's test, a calculator with the words 'proud of you' on its screen. You smiled, proud that he was finally making some progress with his long multiplication.

A knock came at your door. Your heart jumped and you threw your headphones off out of instinct. Although you took pride in your headphone analogy, if one of the older teachers saw you, like Barbara; you'd be horrified. You had worked hard for the past 3 years to prove yourself to all the teachers at Abbott, especially Mrs. Howard. You'd hate to lose that respect so soon into the 3rd year.

You fiddled with your messy desk, then you turned while you fixed your clothing, planting a fake smile on towards whoever was there. You stood up, grateful that your door was closed at the kids request.

"Kids, keep working quietly, I'll be right back."

"Ummm…" Came Bella, your most paranoid student's voice from the front group, closest to your desk. You were almost certain she was going to ask for some form of protection against her other classmates when things inevitably got out of hand. 

Another knock came simultaneously. 

You turned your attention to the door for a split moment, then back to Bella.

"Coming," you said to the either very eager or very angry person on the other side. 

Your brain worked to find a solution to your Bella problem quite quickly, "Courtney, you're in charge of keeping Bella safe if I'm not back in ten minutes." 

"Sure, teacher L/n!" Courtney said with her charming yet never all that reassuring smile.You were surprised that she hadn’t at least asked for 5 dollars in exchange for her work; she always did. 

Now questioning if your impulsive request was worth the possible aftermath, you stopped once again to think. Courtney was, in the kindest way possible, a major gamble. And with her track record with Janine for the first part of the year before, you weren't sure if you were willing to risk it. 

Yet another impatient round of thuds came through to your side.  

Whispers came from across the maze of desks. The kids were basically challenging you to leave them to create chaos by themselves.

With no time to think, you sighed- Courtney was your best bet for Bella and the rest of the group was gonna have to protect themselves.

"I'll be right back. Just please. Don't break anything, or anyone." You said, far too desperately considering the authority you had compared to the kids.

Getting a patchy, "Yes, Teacher L/n!" from some of them, you looked at a few of your more mischievous kids, pointing at all of them so they knew not to try anything.

Opening the door, a more filled "Yes, Teacher Y/n." came from your class, satisfying you more than before. A sigh left your system when no loud crashes came from the room seconds after your departure.

"Y/n!" Your best friend said in a winded manner as you got out of your room.

Janine Teagues, in all her glory, smiled widely at you. Realising that it was just Janine and not Barbara brought a smile to your face, until you realised that it was… well, Janine. 

Now your mind raced even more. 

How did you look? Were you smiling too widely? Were you taking too long to answer her?

"Hey, Janine!" You decided to say. You looked at her outfit, one of her warmer dresses, in an orange colour. You couldn't help but love it on her. 

"Wow. You look…" Your eyes scoped her entire body out, all 4 or something feet of it. As you hit just above her head, the dreaded mic and camera appeared just behind her, stopping you from pursuing any further words. 

Appropriate words shuffled through your head, now. You didn't want the camera crew -or whoever watched the footage- to get any ideas. 

Janine frowned slightly "Is the dress really that bad? I really tried hard this time." 

Your heart melted at that, and somehow the cameras weren't so important. 

"No, you look amazing. I mean the dress- The dress looks amazing." 

Your preferred ‘Janine’ expression returned to her face and you avoided any eye contact with the camera. 

Usually you were all for the camera's, having the same excitement for your job experiences as a possibly slightly more chilled version of Jacob. However, Moments like these were the times you couldn't stand them. You couldn't hide your emotions very well to begin with, and they only made it harder. 

Janine must have been in her own world too, because she didn't point out your weird behaviour.

"What do ya need?" You continued, fearing that your gawking was taking up precious minutes of your surprisingly still quiet class. 

"Melissa told me to round up everyone who ordered valentine's decorations from her decorations guy." 

Oh. 

Your head finally found its balance, and you nearly laughed at how disconnected you'd been for the past few days. You almost forgot that Valentine's day was only a month away. 

Embarrassed from the exchange; you nodded, shook the nerves off and continued following Janine to the teachers lounge. 

Janine rambled on your short trip there, something about what her kids were making you presumed. She was in her true element, talking about her kids. 

You, having gotten a lot of the students that she had taught in her and your first year at Abbott this year, could see the impact she had on the kids. It was always good. 

"That's really nice, Janine." You said softly as you arrived at the door.

“Stop encouraging her, Y/n.” you laughed at Ava’s words, looking into the box Janine had somehow gotten while you were in your daze. 

You handed Ava her sugar as you kept looking into Janine’s box. It had basic craft supplies for kids in it, just mostly in red, pink and white. 

Too self conscious to admit your absence of mind, you tried to make out what she’d been talking about. 

“Ava stop. I’m sure the, uh,” your pause and lack of ability to finish the sentence made Ava scoff and leave the room, taking the camera’s with her. 

“Janine, I’m sorry,” you said, ready to admit that you were clueless, “can you tell me everything you just tried to say again. I’ll pay attention this time, I swear.” 

She gave you a concerned but sympathetic smile and continued to tell you about the Valentines that she was going to help her kids make, while you waited for most of the teachers to fade out of the room so you could retrieve your box of things. 

You listened as she somehow changed the conversation to her valentines plans. 

“Do you have any plans?” she asked. 

“Actually I-” 

“-Y/n. Jacob and I have been debating on what you and your class are making.” came Melissa’s voice, prompting you to look up at her and consequently at Jacob who was holding a very large box and inspecting it. 

As if on cue, Ava and her camera crew came back in. You looked at Jacob who looked mortified, and then at the camera that stood in the opposite direction. 

“Look guys, whatever’s in there was the kids' idea. I had no control over it. I let them write the supplies list. Is that not what they wrote down?”

“Oh, they wrote down supplies alright,” Jacob stared blankly into the box.

“Supplies for a homicide,” Melissa added. You looked at her, concerned at how she knew that. 

“How do you-” you started.

“-Don’t ask.” 

Taking the box from Jacob, you looked inside it once, then shut it out of fear that the camera’s would catch what was inside. 

“I’ll throw this out and go shopping tonight.” you decided. 

Spending your own money on supplies was well worth avoiding getting fired for child endangerment. 

You put the box to the side, while Jacob continued to talk about how scary your 4th graders were. 

He was still getting used to the 6th graders that had come in this year, previously your first group of 4th graders at Abbott. For months he had been insistent that your class was cursed somehow. 

You didn’t actually entertain the idea, really. But you enjoyed teaming up with the 6th graders to make his conspiracy more believable. 

As he went on his rant, Janine sat next to you. 

“Huge bummer that you have to go shopping tonight.” 

“Oh it's fine. I was going to go anyway. I had some things to collect for something special.” 

“Ooh,” she nudged you, “Something special. Does that include someone special?” She pried more and you couldn't help but smile at her oblivious statement. 

You were planning something big alright. Something big for her Valentine’s day. After 3 years of pining, you finally felt prepared enough to admit your feelings to Janine soon. Although, technically you weren't very subtle. 

You’d been planning since new years day, 

“It might.” As soon as you said this, you covered Janine's mouth with your hand, preventing a squeal from leaving her lips. 

“Shhh, okay. I don’t want everyone to know.” 

You could barely keep yourself together as she tried to calm herself down. Watching her in her excitable moments was like watching a child. It was fun.

Once you were sure that she was calm, you removed your hand. 

“Who is it, then?” 

“I can't tell you, “ 

"Do I know them?" 

You smiled, "Yeah, you know her." 

She gasped, racking her brain for all the women you both mutually knew.

"Aw, okay. Gave me a clue!" 

"Okay," you said. You decided to just let her figure it out, even if it ruined your surprise. You looked around the room to see who was still around. Surprisingly, you were the last two in there.(besides the filming crew.)

“She’s sweet. And she’s short.” 

“Oh, like me.” she breathed out, not in a knowing way, just acknowledging the similarities. 

“Yeah,” you looked at her, and realised how close you were to each other, “Like you.” 

“She’s the most exciting person to be around. I see her all the time. She makes me laugh, and sometimes when I’m alone, the thought of her makes me cry.” 

“Why?” she gasped. 

“She’s always with someone else. Like, always. She’s only been single for a few months now.”

Janine fell silent, and you were almost certain she’d figured you out. You stared into her eyes and waited. Waited for something to happen. 

“What does she do?” 

Leaning into her direction you whispered, “She’s a teacher.” 

Right before your bodies could make contact with each other, you stood from your chair to reach for something on the table behind her. Your bodies grazed against one another. The skin that touched hers tingling. 

Returning back to your seat, she stood. Giving you a sheepish smile, she walked out of the room slowly. Not saying a word. 

Doing the same, you smiled, happy that you’d just told her how you felt. 

When one of the producers asked you to answer a few questions outside, you weren’t even annoyed. 

“What just happened?” they asked. 

Looking straight at the camera for the first intentional time that day, you smiled. You were still stunned. 

“I think I just told Janine I like her.” you answered confidently. 

Five minutes later, across the building by the second grade classroom, Janine stood. 

Tears threatened to fall at the news you’d just given her. 

“What just happened?” someone behind a camera asked.

Janine looked down, embarrassed at her behaviour. 

“I think Y/n is in love with another woman.” she barely got the words out. A punch to the gut is what that sentence felt like. 

She tried to smile, the tears still freefalling even though she violently wiped them away promptly. 

“It's okay. I’m okay,” she lied, “I’m happy for them. I really am.” 

The surrounding people didn’t  believe her for even a second. They all just felt quite sorry for the woman. 

She cleared her throat, straightening up a bit at the pitied looks. 

“They deserve to be happy.” 

They all stood there not moving as even the cameraman decided to stop recording. Janine was the one person who was always open to talk to them. It made their jobs really easy. He didn’t want her saddest moment completely on tape. He’d probably cut and delete the whole ordeal later on in the day. 

Instead of continuing, he let her get back to class.

ONE MONTH LATER

Valentine’s day at Abbott started out slow. Most of the kids still at home or on their way to school. It was an hour or 2 before the school day started, and you’d been working tirelessly for days, trying to make your big day perfect. 

After your conversation with Janine on that January morning, things had been awkward between the two of you. You were still close and all, but there was some distance that never previously exhibited lingering around the two of you. 

You chopped it up to not knowing where your friendship stood now that you’d basically confessed your love for her on that day. 

Of course, confronting this issue was harder than it looked. The two of you skirted around the matter easily. 

But, after weeks of avoiding it, your day was finally here. You’d successfully planned everything out as much as you could and you were determined to make sure that Janine and yourself could be closer after it was all well and done.

Nonetheless, that hadn’t happened just yet.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Janine.” you said it to her as you passed her classroom. Seeing Jacob behind her you corrected yourself, “Oh and you too Jacob.” 

They politely responded, wishing you the same before you left to tend to your plans. 

“I know that Janine and I have been a bit distant lately,” you said to the camera that followed you, “but I think today might change things.” 

In a silly way, you said it out loud so that the crew could assure you that you were right. They didn’t, obviously. But they did go in a separate direction soon after so you took it as a win. 

Clearly they were just leaving you to get ready. Everything was going to be perfectly fine.

Janine walked into the teacher’s lounge in her usually happy mood, holding the random valentine that she found in her mailbox only minutes after Jacob left her classroom. She was excited for the day, although it hadn’t been the most romantic month since your silent rejection only weeks prior. 

“Hello everyone!” She said cheerfully as she told her faculty of teachers about the valentine, hoping that somebody would confess to having been the alleged ‘secret admirer’.

Even with her heart still recovering from getting her hopes up about you having a crush on her, she still looked around hoping to see your face light up and silently expose yourself as the above mentioned. Her head and heart rarely ever had the same idea, so no matter how she tried to ration with her valid feelings of rejection. Her heart still refused to accept the facts. 

She deflated only momentarily after seeing that you weren’t in the room like usual. 

“Where’s Y/n?” she asked anybody who was possibly still listening. 

“Somewhere preparing a date, I believe.” Gregory said out into the open. He wasn’t aware of your plan in any way, but being that the two of you (Plus Mr. Johnson) were the more punctual staff members, word travelled around over the past week. 

He was merely stating a fact that he knew. 

Janine on the other hand took this as a taunting act of further humiliation in general.(Not because it was Gregory.)

She was still holding out hope for you even after you’d clearly shown that you weren’t interested. 

She let the conversation go on in its natural state. Swiftly moving out of the room, where immediately she had a camera in her face. 

Janine, being someone who enjoyed being around the camera and finding talking to the crew to be quite therapeutic, stood in her usual spot and looked into the main lens. 

“What are your plans for Valentine’s day?” Rob, the man behind the camera, asked her. She’d found out his name in the first few weeks of filming.

“My Valentine's day plans? Well, Mo,” she paused to emphasise Maurice’s name, “is coming by after school with a surprise gift.” She continued. 

She tried her best to put on her regular smile as she talked about him but truly she was a bit uninterested. 

You’d been her first and only really intense crush for years now, and those facts still stood. Although she liked Mo, she felt bad that he wasn’t even a second option. 

There was no denying the chemistry that her and Gregory possessed. It was nothing compared to yours, but it was still better than Mo. 

Unfortunately, the stars didn’t seem to want to align with any of Janine’s love interests. Gregory was with Amber and judging from the lego bouquet, he was really in love with her too. She couldn’t interject with that. 

Besides, Mo seemed like a nice guy, with good intentions. Janine couldn’t not give him a chance. No matter how seemingly incompatible they were. No matter how little Mo knew about her, or what she liked. 

So she went the rest of the day not seeing you, wishing that she’d responded with more in the morning when you passed by her door. Wishing that she’d at least gotten you something, even if you wouldn’t take it as a romantic gesture. 

She smiled as widely as she realistically could when Mo gave her the Telfar bag, wishing that she could at least trade it in for Amber’s lego set. 

As the day concluded, and Janine greeted Gregory and Amber goodbye, she couldn’t help but be disappointed at the way that the day had gone.

“Janine, wait!” you yelled as you turned the corner after seeing her leaving with someone. 

She paused, hearing you so determined to stop her, and for a moment it felt like the day's events were going to change. 

“Yes?” she said almost immediately. 

You got to her, breathless from doing all the work for your surprise while teaching your class. 

As you caught your breath, you looked at the situation you’d landed yourself in. Janine was with Mo, Gregory’s friend. She was holding the most Un-Janine-like bag that must have been a recent gift because you hadn’t seen it before. 

“I-uh,” you started. 

“I was just going to say, happy Valentine’s Day.” you refrained from handing her your gift. 

“Um, okay,” Janine said disappointed once again, “Happy Valentine’s day, Y/n.” 

You hummed some type of response, letting her go and enjoy her night.

Avoiding anyone left in the building, you went to the empty class/storage room that you had spent the whole day setting up in. You took everything down slowly, careful not to be too rough with anything and accidentally break them. 

After packing everything, you walked to your classroom and packed up there, then slowly made your way down the hall of the building. 

When you reached Janine’s classroom, you froze, unwilling to move. 

You took out the box that you’d been too afraid to take out just shy of 2 hours before. 

It held a jewellery set that you thought would finely match her style and her taste. It didn’t come very cheap but you felt like the price didn’t matter if it was for Janine.

Regretting not giving it to her then, you turned and entered her classroom, placing it discreetly on her desk so as not to stir the wandering eyes of the 2nd graders she taught on Monday morning.

After setting it down, you left. Deciding to just call it an early evening and go home.

The halls felt abnormally cold as you left, the warmth that usually encompassed your body no longer existing. It left you frozen both physically and mentally. 

You were frozen on one thought and one thought only; had you made a mistake telling Janine what you told her all those weeks ago? Was she mad at you for liking her? 

Lastly: was your friendship even salvageable?

After Pecsa

“Janine!” you yelled out as you hugged yourself to keep yourself warm as you waited on her doorstep, shivering as you waited for some type of response. 

You’d been struggling to keep warm since days before Valentine’s day, where - although you didn’t know it yet- you had caught some type of flu from one of your kids. 

Besides the occasional visit to pick up some work to do at home, you hadn’t been to Abbott since then. You’d missed Pecsa weekend and you had the most ridiculous doctor's consultation fee to pay in only a few weeks. 

You’d been quite miserable, and all the previous events before you got sick weighed heavy on your mind now that you had barely anything to do but lay in bed. 

You spent hours deconstructing what happened between you and Janine. Looking at every possible angle of how everything went so wrong so quickly. 

The two of you barely spoke about anything besides Janine checking up on you every few hours to make sure you were okay at home. 

Luckily for you, even when she was upset Janine was still your best friend and she cared dearly for you. 

You hoped she felt the same about you. That she thought you still cared. You hoped that she saw your gift on her table on the day after Valentine’s day and realised that it was you, and that you loved her. 

You spent even more time contemplating texting Janine back and telling her that you were the secret gift giver. Just to reassure her of whatever it was that the two of you were was still actively being pursued. You settled on not doing so. It would look too desperate. You thought better than to look desperate. 

However, it was wishful thinking to assume that Janine didn’t see you as desperate now. You were in your very much “home clothes”, having spent the day resting once again. You looked rather unwell for someone who’d been on meds for so long, and you stood at her house, banging on the door for her to open it on a Friday night out of nowhere. 

“Janine!” you said again, making a less noisy attempt at knocking on the door. By the third round of knocking, the door opened, and she stood in complete shock at the figure that you knew looked a complete mess. 

“Y/n I-I,” she stumbled through her words, stopping herself mid-sentence to wave you inside her home. 

You graciously accepted the invitation, walking in before she closed the door. Her house was warm and welcoming, the smell of autumn spices filling your nose and soothing your churning stomach almost instantly. 

It felt good to smell her house again after so long. It had been nearly a month since you were there for your weekly Friday-Sleepover, where you’d stay for the night and help each other set up for the following week of school, while having much needed fun together. 

Though you could blame your illness for the abrupt stop in this almost instinctive routine, there was no denying that it had already become inconsistent weeks before you got sick. 

You’d had a few sleepovers after your ‘confession’ but they were always so much more awkward than the two of you had ever been around each other. 

Standing in this house again- it felt like months since you’d comfortably been there. 

“You’re shivering. Here, wear this.” Janine handed you a blanket to wrap around yourself as she inspected you. She led you to her couch, where you remember nursing her back to health when she got food poisoning.

“Hi,” you said, and chuckled as casually as possible, looking straight ahead while you saw her in your peripheral view, trying to get comfortable. 

You could feel her looking at you directly, her expression of concern not being something you could ignore. 

“Hey.” 

Silence surrounded the little space between the two of you. You- trying to get warmer- and Janine- trying to think of what she could give you to make you feel somewhat better. 

She figured tea was the best she could do, so she got up and went to her kitchen, cutting her usually distracted way of making tea short to get it to you as quickly as possible. 

By the time she’d gotten back, you were already starting to drift off to sleep on her couch, clearly feeling warmer from the blanket. 

Opting to let you rest, she put the tea next to you in case you woke up, and got you another blanket to cover you again. Your straight sitting position looked strange, but not wanting to ruin the moment of peace, she left you that way. 

The week had been all but calm for her, and her mind had been all over the place,from having to check up on you constantly to make sure you were resting and not taking cold and risky trips, much like now. 

Simultaneously, her kiss with Gregory at Pecsa had been all but what she expected. 

Feelings that she was so sure of only days before got completely jumbled up once again and her emotions couldn’t keep up. Her life was feeling a lot more like an all white 1000 piece puzzle, where trying to put any two pieces together and not matching them up perfectly was becoming more and more frustrating. 

Her and Gregory agreed that what happened wasn’t a big deal, and they unspokenly agreed to not speak about it. Regret laced most of her decision to do this as she thought of her love for you, the love that only grew after so long apart. 

She called Mo that same weekend and broke it off with him, mostly because she couldn’t continue to lead him on like she had been. That was probably the least complicated thing she realised about her love life over the week. 

Everything else wasn’t so easy. 

She left you on her couch to get some rest, slightly relieved to know that she didn’t have to worry about you without taking a few steps and peaking to see if you were okay, now. 

She’d previously been watching a show, so she decided to just go into her bedroom and find something to occupy herself instead. 

As quickly as she entered her room, her eyes landed on the gift that she’d avoided since the day after Valentine’s. She found it safely but secretly hidden on her desk and had assumed that one of her students accidentally left it on their desks and Mr Johnson had put it on her desk for safe-keeping. 

She had brought it into the teachers lounge the next day when none of her students claimed it, and asked the man directly. 

“I for one have never seen that before, but it's definitely for you.” he smiled not so convincingly and Janine questioned his words, only to turn the gift bag around to see her name plastered on the other side, not easy to miss. 

She took it home that day, but had refused to open it until the week before Pecsa. 

There, she found a set that consisted of a beautiful set of gold jewellery; a bracelet that fit perfectly into her growing set of bracelets, some earrings, and most importantly- a necklace with her name carefully engraved in it. The font was of a familiar handwriting, one that Janine was sure was yours, but considering how things were, she immediately put it all back and pretended she didn’t get anything. She didn’t want to be wrong about the identity of the gift giver and felt like she was becoming too attached to her broken heart, masking her hurt by associating everything around her with you. 

When Jacob asked her what she got the next day, she made up some lie about some really nice chocolates that she had as a treat the night before. When he didn’t ask any further questions, she went on, and tried to erase every other memory of Valentine's Day. 

Her date with Maurice went quite terribly after the Telfar bag incident, and Janine could already feel herself getting over the ingenuine talking stage with him. She kept nothing but what she thought was your gift, even giving away the Telfar bag. 

Now ,she went and opened the gift again, looking more deeply into the jewellery. After inspecting every piece, she would put it on, happy to accessorise even in the late evening.  

When it came to analysing the bracelet, she took a really long run through of it. As much as the doubt crept in, she couldn’t deny that she couldn’t convince herself that anyone but you could have thought of it. 

She slowly moved her hair away and put it on, going to her mirror to see her reflection. She was in awe at how good it felt to wear the gift. She couldn’t help but smile, not sure if it was even because of the necklace- or if it was the idea of you giving it to her. 

As she sat on that thought, there was no denying it, she was in love. 

Additionally, something about being in love with a good person made it all so surreal. 

“Janine.” you whispered when you woke up from the unintentional slumber. 

“Hey, sleepyhead.” her voice came from behind you. 

You smiled, feeling a lot less tense than when you had arrived. You weren’t as cold either. You looked at her as she came to the couch, with a cup in her hand. 

“I made you some tea when you got here but it got cold when you fell asleep, so I- I made you another one.” 

You graciously took it, and scooted to the left to give her space to sit next to you. She did just that, sitting in a position that faced you, before placing her hand on your head. Satisfied at the temperature she must have felt, she placed her hand down, and let it fall to sit behind you. 

You turned to face her; the steam from the mug coming up to your face, making it more moist than it was. 

You took her presence in more intentionally now, taking note of the dress she chose to wear, and which side she chose to part her hair today. 

As you let your eyes roam, they landed on her neck; more specifically the accessory she wore. 

Your lips parted in a surprised question that never came to be verbalised. 

Janine watched you make this discovery, and she too searched for words to answer the many questions that roamed in her mind all day. 

“I’m glad you finally got my gift.” you decided to say, and the sigh that left Janine brought an even wider smile to your face. 

“I thought it was you,” she started, fiddling with what you now saw was the bracelet you bought her. Looking closely now, you realised that she was wearing the entire set. 

“You don’t have to wear them all at once, you know.” you kind of laughed, finding yourself quite amusing in your still drowsy state. 

“I know. I was just testing them all out for the first time. I’ve been avoiding them since I found them after…” 

“After Valentine’s Day.” you pushed. You were a lot more casual about it, only slightly starting to feel comfortable talking to Janine about the entire beginning of the year’s events. She seemed to confirm your words, avoiding your gaze for a while. 

“Y/n, I need to tell you something,” She said, waiting for your go-ahead. You nodded, prompting her to continue. 

“Gregory and I kissed at Pecsa Weekend.” 

Your heart shattered at the words. Were you shocked? No. You saw the chemistry between the two just as much as the next person, but you’d hoped that you still had a chance. You were certain that what you had with her was so much more special. 

“Oh,” you let out a breath. 

“I’m happy for you?” you begged the question to yourself though you said it out loud. Were you really happy for her? Who knew.

You took the last sip of your tea, having been sipping it slowly for the past 10 minutes that you’d been sitting there with Janine. 

You attempted to get up, wanting desperately to remove yourself from her line of vision, so you could kick yourself in the back and scream. You’d waited too long now. 

She stopped you, “ Y/n. It was a mistake. I was so confused.” 

You sat back down, although nothing indicated that this was going to be a conversation that turned out to be in your favour. 

“After Valentine’s, I was sure you’d probably had a great day with your crush after hearing everyone talk about what you had planned for her.

I was in such denial of my true feelings about it all. Gregory seemed like the least heartbreaking potential and after the weekend we’d both had, it kind of just happened.It didn’t mean anything” 

She took the mug from you, putting it on her table and taking your hands. You let her- not sure what to do at that point. 

Only after about a minute did her words set in. 

“Janine, I set up a valentine’s surprise for you.” 

“What?” 

“It was for you, Janine. You’ve been the one I’ve had a crush on this whole time. There was never anyone else.” 

She let go of your hands slowly, clasping hers together to let herself think. Time passed and not a word came out of the both of you. 

“Huh,” she let out, “ well, now I feel really dumb.” 

“You’re not dumb.” you took her hands back in your, looking into the brown eyes that entranced you for 3 cycles around the sun. 

“Gosh, I’m so sorry Y/n. I got so caught up trying to avoid your rejection, I didn't stop to think about you. You must have felt awful that day.” 

“Kinda,” you said, trying to protect her from feeling too bad.

“I’m sorry.” she repeated. 

“Don’t apologise,” you started, “I don’t know what's going to happen but don’t apologise.

I get it, complicated feelings were on the rise.” 

All she did was nod at that, looking at you with such an intense feeling of guilt, it scared you. 

“Come here.” you said to her, taking her into your embrace.

The two of you melted into each other and Janine let out a few tears as you weren’t turned to see her. She laid her head on your shoulder- wanting not to put too much weight on your still weak body but also not being able to help herself. 

You didn’t notice the extra weight of her head weighing on you, your only concern being that she stopped feeling guilty. 

“I love you, Janine.” you whispered, tracing circles on her back to soothe her sorrow away. 

“You’re the only one I want and need in this world, and I love you.” 

Waiting for a response was excruciating. Regrets poked through as you anticipated the inevitable. That the kiss between her and Gregory did mean something after all. 

Your long days of longing would be over if she didn’t mean what you thought she did, and she really didn;t feel the same way. 

“I-” you waited for the punch to hit, your eyes shut in anticipation. 

“I love you too. More than you could imagine.” 

And with those closing words, Janine lifted her head, wiped her tears away, and led you into the most worth-the-wait kiss you’d ever experienced. 

Authors Note: My first Abbott Elementary Fic! I must say I'm fairly proud of what I ended up with considering the hectic writer's block I've been experiencing this month. Also my first Gender Neutral reader so if there are any mistakes in that regard, please bare with me. Still getting used to that. I really hope you enjoyed!

[rockstaryuta]

ASTEROID BLUES is a cowboy-bebop inspired, x afab! reader fic series that revolves around the futuristic misadventures of easygoing bounty hunter, ln yn.

──── ✈︎ asteroid blues ...

info. wanted posters are not full plot synopsis. for individual fic information, please click on the 'here' underneath each section. sfw fics will be posted on 00127AM, while all nsfw works will be posted on ROCKSTARYUTA.

soundtrack. tank! seatbelts young jesus logic kimidakenotenshi soul scream interlude: past to present nct u

living bounty to bounty, who's your first target?

WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE ──── ✈︎ sfw johnny suh ⌖ space cowboy ― fellow bounty hunter wanted for his ... unorthodox methods. the only problem? he's hunting you too. SESSION I. black dog serenade kim jungwoo ⌖ high roller ― wanted for a number of debts owed to some of the galaxy's most powerful syndicates. try not to get too distracted by that charm of his, or else you'll find yourself toeing the line between professional and personal. SESSION II. gateway shuffle huang guanheng ⌖ bartender ― wanted for the commodification and underground auction of information. secrets traded for a drink. watch your words and your glass. SESSION III. easy come, easy go lee donghyuck ⌖ con artist ― wanted for fraud, embezzlement, and that silver tongue of his that seems to constantly get him into trouble. or save him from it. whatever you do, just don't manage to become his next mark. SESSION IV. see you space cowgirl, someday, somewhere! liu yangyang ⌖ pilot ― wanted for illegal gambling and racing. in his world, the most important thing is staying one step ahead--so don't fall behind. SESSION V. boogie woogie feng shui zhong chenle ⌖ heir ― wanted for his outrageously large fortune tied to his namesake. he's playing a dangerous game in the galaxy's elite circles, so tread carefully, lest you become entangled with his high-stakes world. SESSION VI. honky tonk woman oh sion ⌖ journalist ― wanted for learning something he shouldn't have, wrong place, wrong time. whatever you do, don't underestimate him. after all, you know what they say, the pen is mightier than the sword. SESSION VII. stray dog strut maeda riku ⌖ thief ― wanted for his most audacious heist yet. a heist that involved stealing from the wrong person this time around. a person who wants the phantoms thief's head on a platter. be vigilant, or you might miss him before you even know he's there. SESSION VIII. see you space samurai click here if you have any further information about these fugitives

BOUNTY WORTH ₩2,500,000

WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE ──── ✈︎ ®️ nsfw moon taeil ⌖ ceo ― wanted for the enterprise he has built from the ground-up. it's a shame that the only way to get to him is to become his personal assistant. SESSION IX. you're gonna carry that weight lee taeyong ⌖ hacker ― wanted for the infiltration and theft of millions of megabytes from the 119 conglomerate. he probably knows where you are before you do. ever heard of a digital footprint? SESSION X. cowboy funk nakamoto yuta ⌖ hit man ― wanted for the assassination of the galaxy's most prominent politician. watch your back. in his line of work, you rarely see him until it's too late. SESSION XI. hard luck woman qian kun ⌖ igp officer ― wanted for arresting the son of one of the most notorious cartels in the galaxy. he's not very willing to roll over and be captured, certainly not when he's trying to arrest you. SESSION XII. waltz for venus kim doyoung ⌖ doctor ― wanted for preforming back room operations and illegal modifications. his medical expertise is only second to his ethical ambiguity. try not to lose a limb. SESSION XIII. ganymede elegy xiao dejun ⌖ entertainer ― wanted for his most recent scandal involving a heated affair with the igp chief's wife. one that was destined to end poorly from the start. the world is his stage, avoid getting caught in the spotlight. SESSION XIV. pierrot la fou mark lee ⌖ collector ― wanted for the prized artifact that lies deep within his vault. seems like your employer is willing to do anything to get their hands on it, including sending you to charm your way into stealing it. SESSION XV. brain scratch lee jeno ⌖ informant ― wanted for the dissemination of information regarding neo zone tech. hailed as a whistleblower, he's wanted galaxy-wide. just don't believe everything he says, or you might just find yourself amidst one of his rumors. SESSION XVI. sympathy for the devil click here if you have any further information about these fugitives

taglist. @evilsailorsenshi @222brainrot @firstdonutllamafarm @yangasm @sunflowerbebe07 @scinclaitnoir @hyuka-bby thank you for supporting me! ♡ ⤷ for those who are / are not on my general taglist : please let me know if you would like to be included on any of these fics taglist!

──── ✈ see you space cowboy ...