#its like the Lets go gambling! but we win every time

[blueberrymilkcookie]

being a vanilla milkshaker is like being on copium 24/7 but then the copium actually works and we keep winning

[yanfeiimain]

"Sure, I'll play along" - Aventurine x Reader

c/w: not nsfw, suggestive at most! Aventurine saving you from your ex. strong language used.

words: 1.3k

a/n: I was literally playing, farming character exp and his voice line made my brain go boom. I'm still working on flip a coin tho so this isnt necesarily perfect >.< Possible part 2 with smut??

You were sitting at the casino's bar, nervously playing around with your glass. you look around carefully, checking if he followed you. There were no faces you knew. You let out a shaky breath. The bartender shoots you a glance but you pay her no mind.

As someone sits down next to you, you jump and get ready to leave. "Just leave me alone asshole. I don't-" you say, wanting to escape as fast as possible.

"There's no need to be so mean." a young man says, giving a male bartender a note. "Oh gosh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to! I thought you were someone else…" you excuse yourself. You look at the man next to you, admiring his features. He has pretty blonde hair and captivating eyes. Your gaze lingers. And he notices.

"It's okay, don't worry." He says, smirking. "You got problems?" 

You sit back down, sighing, "Well, kinda, but what's it to you?" You continue nipping on your drink, not too sure of what to think of him. 

"Oh, nothing really, you just piqued my interest, dear," he says, "I mean, you just tried to cuss me out..." He fakes a hurt expression, swiftly changing back to his charming grin. 

He makes you smile a little, and you finally give in. "You want me to tell you about it, huh..." You take the final sip of your drink and put the glass back down. 

"Mhh, I bet it's interesting," he smirks, something glinting in his eyes. "Oh no, it's rather sad, honestly. Would you tell me your name first, though?" you ask, tilting your head slightly. You notice his fancy outfit, taking note of his extraordinary taste.

"Aventurine, pleasure to meet you..." - "y/n." - "Dearest y/n." 

They way Aventurine said your name made it sound oddly special. He certainly had a silver tounge. You feel your cheeks heat up, smiling a little wider, "Likewise, Aventurine." 

"Alright, y/n, tell me your story," he says and orders two more drinks for you both. You breathe and start telling him about your ex-fiance and how he treated you at the end of your relationship. He manipulated you and made you feel horrible. He used you as his personal servant, and every time you both went out, he belittled you and made you feel small. After a lot of thinking and gathering courage, you finally called off the engagement and left him. 

"And that's why you're so paranoid, I understand." He says, looking into your eyes. It makes you blush and feel slightly exposed. "Yeah... He's been following me, well, stalking me. Trying to get me to go back to him." Aventurine gently puts his gloved hand onto yours, and you admire his rings.

After a moment, you decided to break the silence, "Ah, but enough about me. What brings you here?" 

Aventurine hums, smiling once again, "Interested are we? But there's no special reason. I'm just here to gamble and I bet I'll win something good tonight."  He says it so nonchalantly like it's his daily life. It made sense, this is a casino after all. And there is this glint in his eyes again as he looks at you, clearly interested.

You both continue talking and order a few more drinks. The bartender watches you and probably has been listening in on your conversations but you, as well as Aventurine, pay it no mind. As the night progresses, you relax. 

However, just as you got comfortable, the alcohol playing its part, a tall figure enters the casino. You only noticed as he joins you and Aventurine at the bar, ignoring the latter. "Shit, that's him" you whisper, slightly nervous.

"Aventurine, could you help me out if he tries anything?" you feel insecure, basically asking a stranger to help you with your creepy ex. "Sure, I'll play along." Aventurine smiles. It was softer this time.

"Hey there, sweetheart, enjoying your night?" The guy on your right, your ex, says playfully, yet his face tells a different tale. He is annoyed, no, absolutely pissed off. "Oh, for the love of god, leave." you scowl. 

"Why should I? C'mon, I'm giving you one last chance to go back home with me, no consequences." he offers, but you know his disingenuous tone too well. "No way. Forget it. We are over." you deny him.

Looking to Aventurine for help, you blurt out, "And I'm already with someone who doesn't treat me like shit!" Proving your statement, Aventurine wraps his arm around you, his fingers grab your waist possessively. "Yes, that's right." 

"And who are you, peacock?" Your ex asks, looking at Aventurine with disgust, yet amusement.  "Aventurine, her lover," the blonde lies with ease, his face adorned with the usual smirk he wore so often that night.

"You whore, already sleeping around again? Have you forgotten who owns you?" he spits, insulting you like usual. The bartender starts to giggle. "Relax dude, they only just met. There's no way he would ever be with a gal like her." Aventurine shoots her a deathly glare and your ex laughs. 

"Oh my god, you are an embarresment. Get your lying ass out of here and come with me. And you, Aventurine, you should leave your dirty claws off of someone else's property." your ex scoffs.

"Ahaha... lovely but we're not playing pretend, are we?" Aventurine laughs and promptly pulls you onto his lap. You feel your stomach twist and heat creeps onto your cheeks. You now sit on his lap, facing him. You feel his soft breath on your neck as he pulls you to his chest.

"Right, darling?" You could feel his heartbeat quicken and Aventurine felt yours. "Of course not," you manage to breathe out. He lifts your chin with his gloved hand, you can feel the cold rings on your skin. They send shivers down your spine. 

Aventurine pulls you into a heated kiss, his soft lips moving against yours and you gasp in surprise, not expecting him to go so far. You melt into the kiss, completely giving in to the blonde. 

Your ex simply stares at you, his mouth slightly agape.  "Tch, that doesn't prove anything." Pretending it doesn't faze him, he rolls his eyes, the bartender scoffs as well and leaves.

You break the kiss, gasping for air. Aventurine smirks complacently and gently tucks a strand of hair behind your ear. "Whatever you say, friend." 

"Fine, have her. Just know that she is a filthy and unfaithful brat." With that, he turns around. "And this isn't over yet."

You let out a sigh of relief. He is finally gone. "What an asshole..." Aventurine mutters, making you realize what just happened.

"Oh gosh, I'm sorry! I asked for your help but you didn't have to go this far. I hope it didn't make you uncomfortable. I apologize! How could I ever thank you..." you ramble but Aventurine just cups your face and gives you a second, soft kiss. 

"No need to apologize, y/n. To be honest, I thoroughly enjoyed this night. It was certainly a nice surprise." He gently rubbed your cheek with his thumb, reassuring you. "As for how to thank me... There's no need." 

Your eyes widened, "Ah well, I'm glad you felt that way. But... Are you sure? You want nothing in return?" He shook his head, resting his other hand back on your waist. "Although, there is something you could do for me. If you want, that is." 

He grins mischievously. To be honest, he finds you alluring and wants to know get to know you. 

"Sure, what is it?" you ask, genuinely interested. "Spend the night with me."

[rayghosts]

its been months since i watched puss in boots: the last wish, and i havent stopped thinking about how good it is. specifically, how it used its own genre as a plot device

when you go in to watch an animated family film, you think, surely no character will die in this. or if they do die, theyll probably fall off a cliff and land offscreen or something. no one actually brutally dies in a cartoon. theyre not even allowed to show blood! but then puss DOES bleed. and just as that scene is the turning point that makes him realize that hes not invincible, it makes the audience realize that this movie can get dark

but its not like the entire movie is grimdark after that. its still a family film! silly stuff still happens! its just that every so often in the middle of all the silliness, the wolf appears, and both we and puss are violently reminded that he very much can die die. this doesnt affect any of the other characters' goals, because why would the prospect of puss's death affect them? but for puss, who thought he was immortal, it's enough to send him into a fucking panic attack. it's a perfect illustration of how concepts like death are always lurking in the background

and i havent even started talking about THE SONG!! when i first saw this movie and heard puss singing fearless hero in the beginning, i thought, "oh, this is a musical!" but its NOT. no other song is sung by the characters throughout the film, but the same song is sung over and over, and it fits because puss is trying desperately to hold on to his past glory as a "fearless hero." and the lyrics: "Who's the gato who rolls the dice? / And gambles with his life?! / Who's never been touched by a blade? / Puss in Boots is never afraid!" hearing them the first time, they sound like normal lyrics youd hear in a song about how heroic a character is, but then it turns out to be clever foreshadowing because these traits (gambling with one's life, pretending youre never afraid, etc) are the very traits that puss had to let go of in the end to finally be able to confront death. i could go on and on about how amazingly this song was used in the movie, but the point is that they never would have been able to pull it off if this werent a family movie where characters bursting into song is seen as normal

seriously, this movie is SO cleverly done. even the fact of it being a 10-year-late sequel adds to the whole idea of puss being a past legend at the start. like, the concept of someone trying to evade death has been done many times already in other forms of media, but the way that puss in boots 2 executed it could ONLY have been done as an animated PG shrek spinoff

its SO SO GOOD and i hope to god it wins the oscar for best animated film

[nellynee]

Open season huskerdust fic concepts cause I'll certainly never write them (use as you like but lmk if you write I'll gobble that shit up!)

A Peggy Sue (character goes back in time with knowledge of future events) Husker fic. Key points include things like

Husk building an Overlord Au empire. His vice is gambling and he's pretty lazy, so the original version who sold himself to Alastor simply amassed personal power and riches he could gamble and coasted on fame but didnt build infrastructure. He does so the second time to give himself a power base he *can* safely gamble with and a potential safe space for Angel. In other words, canon overlord Husk was a singular gambler, au Husk builds an empire out of spite.

Husk and Val drop into hell at about the same time. If Husk goes after Angel right away then this is still early stage Val who's charismatic and sweet and gives Angel any drug he pleases. Angel is the old blood here.

Say it with me folks. Husk would let Angel do sex work! Angel likes it and Husk isnt the jelous type!

Husk genuinely contemplates just sitting back and letting Angel be until he regrets Val's deal because like he's hasn't hits that self reflection and isnt the same Angel yet and Husk can't force him and not be an asshole and OG Angel wouldnt apreciate being babied like this but on the other hand he could save Angel a few lifetimes of suffering. Maybe he'll loose a game and a pretty valuable angelic weapon to Angel to give him a way out when he needs it (that would be such a bittersweet ending!)

Husk still ends up betting his soul to Alastor. Not because of outside tension but becaue of his own vices and moral failings. Husk doesn't sing about his drinking or laziness in looser baby it's his gambling addiction. He knows it's a bad idea. He always swore *if he could only go back*. But *what if he wins?*

2. Soft porno AU. In the wake of Ozzie declaring his love for Fizzie, there's been a small, but noticiable and steadily climbing, trend of demand for softcore schmaltzy porno. Starting with the hellborn, but its infecting the pride ring sinners too. *then it turns out someone witness and recorded looser baby*. Now theres a pretty loud conversation about Angel's apparent secret soft daddy, and demand is going from annoying to picking at sales numbers and it's not going away.

Val *haaaaaaaates* this. Like. From a moral standpoint. He's into corruption and pain and non con and fucking up nice things. He's literally gagging, and maybe even seething inside because he might not want it with Angel but not being able to have it irks him

Angel and Husk are in fact not sleeping together (but want to)

Husk suddenly gets horny fans. He's not a fox hes a cat damn it. What the fuck is a grungy daddy. ANGEL STOP LAUGHING

Angel starts getting soft flirting as pick up lines and it's legit uncomfy as fuck for him

Val tries to make soft boy porn to various degrees with various people and not only does it suck he's actually throwing up in his mouth

Val: look, just fuck my bitch (who I know you are already fucking you cunt) in front of a camera while looking in his eyes and I will give you so much money. Husk: my contract literally forwards all my worldly possessions to Al that means nothing to me Val: *chews his own arm off*

Val: hey can I use your soul for a movie I'll give you money and women. Alastor: *pissing himself with uncomfortable laughter* Val: men?....

Husker: how about we play a little game. Every time you win I'll make a little film with Angel. But if I win you gimmie something I want

(Bonus if he loses some to escalete stakes up to souls. Double bonus to finding a work around to Al owning Angel. My top picks are Charlie being so aggressively thankful to Al helping to free Angel that he's peer pressured into releasing the contract, or Angel being so aggressively suggestive on what his contract is for that Al would rather break his chains than deal with that)

Alternate of above. Husk and Angel make unintentionally silly and loving amateur porn that just reeks of akward sentimentality. There's giggling and tickling and bad jokes and like *kissing* and bad angles and it's kinda terrible and wonderful and takes the internet by storm. It's on Angel's personal harddrive but that all technically belongs to Val per contract. In same spirit as above.

(Bonus round. If you dont understand poker, don't use is as a two person game.It's possible, but two person poker is a very unique beast. Poker is about the read. Early hands are used to get beads on people and judge attitudes and trends. Between two people, you end up folding +90% of hands until you have something. If you bet, the other person is judging you bluff, and they most the time fold. It's boring as fuck.

Husk's Overlord flashback sugests he and Alastor were playing Old Maid, a game still better with more people, but perfectly possible with two. Honestly one much easier to learn, easier to build tension with, and much better thematically for these kinds of stories. STOP USING POKER FOR INTENSE MOMENTS IF YOU DONT PLAY

Honestly two person poker would be a better game for Husk and Angel, as it gives space to bullshit between a dozen shit hands and folded bluffs as pots swing back and forth. Willingly building a pot and tricking someone into taking it is a pretty hard gamble to take ya know?)

[unofficial-book-of-quotes-tm]

My series 9 thoughts:

I like this one a lot. Might actually be one of my favourites and it’s dearly needed after series 8.

Rose Matafeo and Katy Wix are probably the two contestants who I enjoyed watching most, and I would have loved to see Rose win the series, but alas. She had almost as many misses as hits, but I loved her unbridled enthusiasm and 110% commitment to every task (I hope she thrives on Junior Taskmaster). Katy was a lot quieter, but definitely the same level if not even more unhinged in her strategy. I think the calm with which she approached tasks, only to turn around and do something absolutely surreal and unexpected, kind of scared me. I like contestants who, even if they’re not going to win, understand the show and try to match its freak, so to speak, and I think they both managed to do just that.

Now, I know I said Rose and Katy were my favourites, but I also loved David Baddiel and Jo Brand. Was Greg a bit too harsh on David? Yeah, kind of. I think if David had been scored accordingly we could be looking at quite the different end result, but it was undeniably funny. That man was out of his depths so many times. He was baffled, nay, bamboozled. He could have kicked up a fuss or be butthurt once Greg had decided on how he’d treat him, but instead David played into it. Now, Jo’s a bit different, as the thing I enjoyed most about her were her dry remarks and her resolution to put in as little legwork as possible. You could say she was a bad contestant as her strategy seemed to be to put in minimum effort in most tasks and I wouldn’t disagree with you, however, I think she worked well in this series in contrast to the others and their high-energy input.

All right, here it goes, I don’t know how to feel about Ed Gamble. On one hand, he seemed to be a fan of the show, knew Alex’s tricks, made an effort to think outside the box, put in the legwork, and he brought some genuine competence along with humour. On the other hand, he just annoyed me, and even though he wasn’t, I don’t like his arrogance (yes, I know this doesn’t make sense at all, but I can’t explain it). I’d still put him down as a great contestant, even if I’m not as sympathetic towards him as I am towards, let’s say, Kerry Godliman. Not that it matters at all, but I feel Greg favoured Ed over the others. It’s not a criticism and I’m pretty sure Ed would’ve won this series either way, but I think this is the first time that being mates with Greg might have actually aided a contestant, but anyway.

I think the greatest missed opportunity of this series was to decide against putting David and Ed in a team. It made sense to team up David and Jo, and Ed, Rose and Katy, but imagine the carnage if Ed and David had been in a team together.

But that’s pretty much everything I have to say, a few quick mentions of things I noticed: Greg appeared more often during the interstitials this series (really like that a lot), this is the first time a contestant can’t be there during the entirety of the studio recordings (but Kerry Godliman and Katherine Ryan do a great job at representing Katy), Greg’s also more involved during the live tasks (always a win). The tasks were fun, Greg and Alex were amazing. In short: I really, really like this series. Now on to series 10 of which I don’t remember anything at all, not even who was on ^^ Thanks for sticking around and welcome to all those of you who are new here!

[the-kipsabian]

i really just need kip to be on tv more. i just need it

not just for the sake of my sanity, but hes seriously so fucking talented, but also so underrated cause they dont showcase him enough. back when we still had dark and elevation he still had a solid platform to showcase that almost every week; now its a shitty gamble to see if he can get any time, let alone a whole ass match

and tonight he fucking delivered, unsurprisingly, with a very solid showcase yet again. even going as far as pulling out the finisher he hasnt used in MONTHS. and it got a win. ..for someone but thats not what this is about

the point is that he needs to have that platform again. kip deserves to shine cause he really is that fucking good. give him literally anyone and he can hang, no problem. hes also shaking off all the ring rust fantastically, hes had three matches now in a short span of time and hes better than ever and it shows

its just a fucking shame aew isnt capitalizing on him like they should be and actually letting him showcase more of what he can truly do

[ryverbind]

Faceless Fixation (Sal Fisher): Twitterpated Brat [17]

TW/// smut!!! :D

__

Ash throws a cold, soggy fry into her mouth, stumbling around with her arm linked through Larry's. The two look like they're about to start line-dancing through Caesar's Palace. They kick their legs up with each step, giggling about nothing and everything all at the same time.

And that leaves Todd, Sal, and me to scramble around and try to cover their tracks.

Between the two of them, Larry and Ash managed to kill all three dozen jello shots. When you slap those on top of the giant daiquiris they both drank earlier, and then the screwdrivers they grabbed somewhere on the way back to the hotel-- they're pretty sloshed. 

"Let's take the stairs," Ash gasps, squeezing Larry's toned arm. She points up at the spiral staircase that she and I climbed just two days ago. 

"This is why I love you," Larry whispers, leaning toward the woman with his best, award-winning smile. In reality, he looks deeply pained... but he's trying, I guess. "You have the best ideas," he praises, booping Ash's nose with his index finger.

Ash scrunches her nose and closes her eyes, pushing her face closer to emo buff daddy.

"Yea," Sal says nonchalantly from beside me. I glance over at him-- his hands are stuffed into the pockets of his black cargo pants, cerulean gaze focused on our mutual friends milling about in front of us. "So that's what we're not gonna do," he continues, shifting his stance and tilting his head. "It's time to head up to our room."

For once, I'm inclined to agree with him. Have pigs started flying? Did Sal miraculously become a nice person in some alternate universe? The world is spinning off its axis.

Ash turns her head over her shoulder, her hair slapping Larry in the face. She's wearing a pretty pout, eyebrows furrowed and lips puckered in disappointment. "But I want to go gamble and walk around. Larry wants to, too. Right, Lar?"

When she looks back at Larry, he's too busy pulling strands of Ash's hair out of his mouth to even realize he's been brought into the conversation.

Sal and Todd simultaneously sigh.

"Do they... do this often?" I ask no one in particular, staring at the pair that start bickering. It's kind of wholesome, actually. Ash is fussing at Larry for not moving out of the way when her hair swung around and Larry's just telling her about how pretty and soft each little strand is.

Todd casts me a glance. "Every time we go out somewhere. Every single time." He bites into his cheek, turning his attention back to Larry and Ash to keep an eye on them. "Sal and I have to parent them. We're just lucky that they somehow have some common sense packed into their brains even when they're drunk."

"Larry is even more of an issue when he has alcohol in his system though," Sal murmurs, adding on to Todd's overview of drunk nights with The Faces. "His actions are already questionable when he's sober, but when he's drunk, there's nothing holding him back."

Yea, I watched him decimate the entirety of today's photoshoot so I have no doubt that he's capable of some pretty bad things when the consequences don't matter. 

Wincing, I nod subtly. Maybe letting Ash and Larry wander around, even with the three of us watching them, isn't such a great idea. This wouldn't be a good look for them online, especially if they would end up getting involved in some risky (cough, illegal) business.

"Hey, Larry," Ash whispers loudly. "Do you still have weed? Or like... something better?"

"Hell yea, I do!" Larry chirps back to the beauty, squeezing her arm closer to him. "We're in Vegas, baby, it's time to live it up!"

I dip my head down, pursing my lips. Todd flinches and Sal jumps into action, walking up to the two and grabbing their arms. It's definitely time to bring them up to the room. "Hey," Sal snaps, but ultimately lowers his voice after checking to see if anyone was watching us. "Let's not do this right now. Come on, you two can do whatever the fuck you want in our room, but not here."

Watching Sal take on the authoritative role for Ash and Larry is... something. He's obviously worried for them, trying to keep their reputations intact. He's handling them with care too, tactfully gaining their attention with physical touch. Keeping eye contact while he talks to them. He really must do this often.

We somehow manage to convince Ash and Larry to get into the elevators. I think what really got them to comply was our promise to let them be once we finally get to the suite. Right now, they're planning this slumber party. Where they're going to do it-- I have no idea. But Todd and I are carrying everyone's leftover food and clothes. Sal has a good grip on both of our drunk friends, his pale fingertips digging into their skin. 

Poor little Sally Face does not seem impressed. 

I don't really have an opinion on the current matter. Ash and Larry just want to have fun, but I can also understand why its stressful for Sal and Todd. Having to take care of them when they can't do it themselves. They're the designated dads. Not drivers-- dads.

Our ride up to the suite doesn't take too long and we don't run into many people, thankfully. I guess since it's evening, everyone's either in bed or getting lit in the casinos. No issue there. Makes things much easier for us.

By the time we burst through the doors of our suite, Ash has tears running down her face and Larry's a giggly-gaggly mess. They're on two opposite ends of the drunk spectrum. Ash is reminiscing on her past and Larry's just vibing.

I let out a quiet groan when I finally put the bags of leftover food and clothing down on the dining table. Todd's right next to me, pulling boxes from the plastic bags. 

"Help Sally," he says, opening one of the boxes to see what's inside. "I've got this."

"Are you sure?" I ask, brows furrowing as I take a hesitant step away. Putting me and Sal together with a task to complete isn't exactly the best idea to exist.

Todd just hums, focused on his job. Okay then, that's fine. I'll just help Ash get ready for bed and Sal can take Larry to their room. It's not like I have to be stuck with the sexual bane of my existence.

Still, as I walk over to where Sal has corralled our friends into one section of the couch, I feel this nauseating sense of destruction slowly climbing up my spine. It's like a knife in the back, utter betrayal. It's a bit humorous given that I'm the one with the own knife to my back. I chose this. 

Had I just never created this online persona, Sal and I never would have become this. The topic of y/n would have died with that one Youtube video. Nothing would have come of it-- I would be back in LA going to work and paying bills like I always have. 

I don't think I regret making this decision, I just think I should have gone about this differently. Of course, I don't regret it-- just the thought of getting a second alone with Sal fills me with a kind of giddiness I've never experienced. But the fact that I'm still stuck arguing with this man constantly makes it all seem... not so worth it sometimes.

Ash suddenly looks up at me with her watery green eyes and I find that my depressing internal monologue is replaced with mind-numbing love almost instantly. 

Things with Sal are weird and they kind of suck, but this was worth it. If I didn't start streaming, Ash and I would have gone much longer without seeing each other. And she's someone that will always be worth any struggle of mine.

"I don't feel good," Ash mumbles to me, her words slurred and her arms wrapped around her tummy. 

I gulp. Okay, so that's not too good. I should have expected it too. 

I grab onto Ash's wrists carefully. "I know, honey," I tell her softly, looking into those forest green eyes of hers. She's on the brink of tears. "Look, let's go to the bathroom. We'll sit in there for a while until you feel better." I try to keep my voice as light and comforting as possible. Feeling sick while you're drunk alters the mood so quickly and it sucks. All the freedom and happiness gets replaced by shackling anxiety and fear in a moment's notice.

"No," Ash yanks her hands away from me and curls in on herself. I glance at Sal who's watching the ordeal, sitting between Ash and his step-brother with his hand on Larry's back, trying to get him to sit up. And poor Larry looks like he's just about to fall asleep right here. "I don't want to throw up. I really don't wanna," Ash speaks again, pulling my attention away from our one-man audience.

I frown at my friend. Poor thing, I know that fear. 

Instead of trying to force her to stand up, I scoot in beside Sal. It's not ideal, but I don't really care. If he has a problem with my thighs squished against his, which I doubt he does, he can just move.

I wrap my arm around Ash and pull her into my side. Her head plops onto my shoulder, a soft whimper leaving her lips the moment we touch. "I didn't say anything about throwing up, sweetheart," I coo, setting my head on top of hers. I run my hand over her hair, gently threading my fingers through her slightly tangled hair. "We can just go sit in there until you feel better. And if you do end up feeling so bad that you have to use the bathroom, we'll already be there. You can take a shower if you want."

She's quiet for a moment. I sit there, staring ahead at Todd who's opening his laptop on the dining table. At the same time, Sal sighs softly and uses his hip to forcefully push himself away from me and closer to Larry. It takes quite a lot to not roll my eyes.

One second he wants to fuck me, or something akin to that, and the next moment I'm carrying the bubonic plague, measles, and various other diseases. This guy needs to pick a struggle and go with it.

I feel Ash's head move up and down against my shoulder, so I glance down at her and frown at her quivering bottom lip. Sweet thing. I know she's just drunk, but seeing her so upset and feeling sick really pulls at my heartstrings.

"C'mon then," I murmur, rubbing my hand over her back before slowly standing up. Ash struggles to follow me, so I grab onto her elbows and shoulder most of her weight with a grunt. 

With her tall stature, the force of her falling into me makes me stumble a bit. I blink through my struggle and keep a good grip on her, looking up at her as she purses her lips and wraps her arms around my shoulders. Okay, she's up. Now we just have to take the short walk to the restroom.

I tilt my head back down, making quick eye contact with Sal. He's bearing dead eyes and that forever numb-projecting prosthetic. But our gazes turn opposite ways in a moments notice. Not like I really care to begin with. I'm more worried about Ash than anything else.

Ash drags her feet to the bathroom, her arms latched around my neck as she voices unintelligible pleas to help her feel better. I feel like my heart is about to snap in two. It's hard to remind myself that she's okay when she seems so miserable like this.

After a couple seconds, I gently kick the bathroom door open and flick on the light. My eyes squint against the sudden brightness, but I still lead Ash into the room and shut the door behind us. 

Sighing, I help lower Ash to the floor. Her legs are spread out in front of her and her pretty head is leaned against the wall behind her. "I feel so icky, Vi," she mumbles, the words slurred as they tumble from her lips. 

I shrug halfheartedly. "At least 'Vi' is a default now," I whisper to myself. I'd have been fucked hours ago if she hadn't been calling me Vi all this time. "I know you feel yucky, love," I tell her, my voice a little louder for her to hear. I squat down in front of her, running a finger over her forehead to push a strand of hair away from her face. 

Ash's vibrant green eyes open to glance over my face quickly, then they close again as a soft, pained moan falls from her pale lips. In fact, her entire face is a bit paler than it was moments ago.

I chew on the inside of my cheek. She needs to be closer to the toilet. 

I gently grab onto her dainty hand and pull her over to the toilet, squatting beside her again. "Tell me if you feel sick, Ash," I say, pushing her hair behind her ears again. "You might feel better if you get it out." 

She groans again, but her arms grab onto the back of the toilet almost instinctually. "I know, but it sucks so much," Ash admits. 

I pinch my lips together, smiling tightly at her. "Trust me, I know," I reply, moving to stand behind her. I can't do much for her right now. She can't take any medicine with alcohol still in her system and I don't want to leave her to get a bottle of water. I'd hate to not be here for her if she does get sick. So I do the only thing I can do and gather her hair into my hands. I pull a ponytail from my wrist with the intention of wrapping it around her hair, but she cuts me off.

"Play with my hair," Ash whispers, head lolling to the side. 

I smile a bit at that and let the band fall onto my wrist again. So Ash and I sit in silence while I run my fingers through her hair. I braid it, then undo it, twist it around my hands, then braid it again. It's a back and forth motion in loud quietude. But only for a few minutes.

The bathroom door flies open, the wood hitting the wall with a deja vu-like thunk. I can almost hear my dad running through the house to check out what happened in my memories. 

Mine and Ash's heads both snap to observe whatever the hell is happening, but all I get to see is a blur of blue and brown. I hear the squeaking of quick footsteps, and then "Bathtub, bathtub, tub!"

My eyebrows scrunch together as I assess the situation. Not Larry too...

I swivel my head around like an owl to look at the tub just in time to watch Larry drunkenly dive into it like it's some kind of pool. Then the sickening sound of vomiting follows immediately after.

I suck in a breath, turning my gaze up to Sal. He's leaning over the ledge of the bathtub, his hands holding Larry's long hair away from his face.

"Oh, fuck," Ash groans, her voice shaky. My attention leaves Sal quickly upon hearing the inconspicuous alert she gives me. I gather her hair in my hands again and rub her back as she mimics Larry. 

It's a mess and it sucks for all four of us.

After a couple minutes of what feels like a never-ending rendition of The Exorcist-style vomiting, but in double, both Larry and Ash are finally in the hard relaxation phase of their drunkenness. And hopefully it'll stay this way.

I sigh to myself, feeling relieved now that the worst part of this is over.

Ash is moaning and groaning about how gross she feels, and about how her teeth feel like fresh cement. Sal just leapt to his feet and bolted out of the bathroom, likely to get something for Larry. 

"Here," I murmur to my friend, helping her to her feet. My hands are gently pushing on her arms, giving her some leverage to stand. She and I stumble over to the counter in the bathroom and I start looking for necessities. Because, oh, Ash, I understand. "What color is your toothbrush?" I ask her.

"Purple," she sighs. "For VioletViolence."

I blink, my gaze cutting to my friend who smiles gently. I can't help the smile that grows on my face either, or the way my cheeks warm up a bit.

"You're so silly," I giggle, opening up a drawer where... apparently all members of The Faces keep their toothbrushes? I just pack mine up in my suitcase every night. I guess they feel like family. 

But I find the purple toothbrush pretty easily. It's glittery and a deep, dark purple. Just my style, in fact. 

I put a bit of toothpaste onto the bristles, wet it (because what psychopath doesn't wet the toothbrush before brushing?) and then turn to my friend. "Open up," I chirp. "I'm playing dentist today."

Ash frowns at me. "But I hate the dentist," she grumbles, crossing her arms over her chest. "And what if I throw up on you?" 

"Then I'll take a shower," I reply with a tilt of my head, trying to ease her worries. She seems to think of everything while drunk. Who stresses when they're drunk?-- well, Ash does, apparently.

At that moment, Sal walks into the bathroom again. He has a frantic, exhausted look in his bright blue eyes when they meet mine. For a moment, I'm wondering why he's even acknowledging me, but then he holds out a hand, gesturing to me. I narrow my eyes then look down, noting the bottle of cold water in his grip.

"For Ash," he says quietly, pushing the bottle closer to me.

"Oh." I snap myself out of my confused state and take the bottle from him, nodding. "Thanks."

I get nothing in response, but I expected as much. Sal simply turns his head back to poor Larry who's sitting on the edge of the bathtub and rushes over to give him some water.

The bathroom actually smells horrid, but I power through just like the other three people in the room are doing. Sal's getting Larry ready for bed and I'm doing the same with Ash. Both of us silently and simultaneously prep our friends for a good night's sleep. Hopefully. Even though I know they're both going to wake up with the worst case of acid reflux known to man-- headaches and body aches too. But they'll be fine.

It doesn't take me long to brush Ash's teeth. The time consuming part was trying to stop her from biting down on the toothbrush-- and my fingers.

At long last, which is only five minutes later, I rinse Ash's toothbrush and hand her the bottle of water that Sal so graciously brought. 

"I'm going to go grab some clothes for you, 'kay?" I inform Ash, putting her toothbrush back into the�� drawer near the sink. I help move her over to sit on the floor so Larry can brush his teeth or use some mouthwash-- I don't know. Something.

Ash sleepily grumbles in acknowledgement of my statement. I'll just take that as an 'okay.'

I grab onto the doorknob with the intention of slipping out then quickly slipping back in, but Sal calls to me.

I pause, turning my head over my shoulder to look at him. He's holding Larry up with one arm and digging in the same drawer I just returned Ash's toothbrush to with the other. He glances up at me, hair falling into his eyes and forming a halo around his forever expressionless prosthetic. "Can you get Larry some clothes too?" He asks, looking down at the drawer again. "He's sleeping farthest from the door. Stay away from my shit," he tacks on.

I roll my eyes. Typical Sal behavior. But I reply with a quick, "Sure." It's not about Sal and I fighting right now, it's about making sure that our mutual friends are safe and comfortable.

My heart beats a little faster when I slip out of the bathroom and quickly grab a change of clothes for Ash in our shared room. She already had her pajamas laid out and ready to go, so I didn't even have to go looking. But walking to Sal and Larry's room puts me on edge. Something about being in a place that Sal would never even allow me to get a glimpse of in any other situation is both invigorating and terrifying. Imagine I still pick the wrong bed by accident? Suppose I knock over his guitar or something? These are high stakes.

I swallow the anxiety building in my belly and throw open the bedroom door, trying to keep my eyes downcast as I walk to the bed occupying the far end of the spacious room. Todd must have gone to bed by now, that or he's doing work in his room. He wasn't in the dining room when I passed it. Somehow, that makes being in here feel criminal. 

If I snooped, no one would know.

But I'm not a fucking idiot, so that's not even on my bucket list of things to do in Vegas. I'm already on Sal's shit-list. I don't want him to put me even higher on it-- though, maybe working my way up that list might make for a good hate-fuck or something...

A side-tracked mind results in borrowed time. And my borrowed time is probably going to end up with Sal murdering me in my sleep if I take any longer.

I still can't help but look up though. Just to see something. To keep my knowledge of this room a secret forever.

My eyes glaze over the entirety of the room as I reach Larry's bed. The mattress itself is cleared, but all of his clothes are thrown on top of his suitcase that's hiding beside his bed. My guess is that Sal told him to clean up the place and this was Larry's definition of "clean."

I sink to my knees and dig under Larry's pile of clothes. There's a couple pairs of shirts and shorts still folded way at the bottom of his suitcase, so I grab those and then pinch the waistband of a pair of boxers between my index and thumb. I have no idea if they're clean and I have no desire to find out if they're dirty. 

I fold the clothes under my arm then acknowledge the room once more. It's pasty white, as are the beds. But I pay closer attention to Sal's side of the room for... reasons.

There's a glass of water on his bedside table. I have no idea what it's there for. Maybe he gets thirsty at night. But there's also a guitar case leaning up against his bed. His suitcase rests neatly on top of the white comforter on his bed, all his clothes folded to perfection and stacked inside. He's so much more organized than Larry. In fact, he'd have been better off rooming with Todd.

It's so... normal. And I didn't think his belongings would be normal. I didn't think his room would look so domestic. I half-expected to find a blue wig hanging off the bed post, or taxidermy animals, or furniture made from skin-- inspired by Ed Gein, of course.

But he's normal. Hell, he seems more normal to me right now than Larry given the different states of each half of this room.

I swallow down the odd feeling of having different results than I'd originally expected. It's not saddening, it's just... weird.

My time here is done though, so I quickly skitter out of the bedroom, shut the door behind me, and speed-walk back to the bathroom. 

When I walk in, I happen upon another thing I didn't originally expect to see tonight. Or ever, for that matter. 

Sal's standing on the toilet seat, all focus and dedication as he carefully brushes Larry's teeth for him. Much like I did for Ash earlier. I don't even know how to react upon seeing the scenario because Larry's even holding onto Sal's waist. It makes me want to laugh my ass off, but it's also kinda cute. Seeing them work together and not caring about how others perceive it is just sweet. But it's still fucking hilarious. 

My eyes tear up a bit as I try to hold in the laughter bubbling up my throat. For God's sake, I need to get out of here before I lose it.

I put Larry's clothes onto the bathroom counter then drag Ash into a standing position. "Larry's clothes are near the sink," I say, my voice wavering as I try to bite down the giggle that so desperately wants to be released.

Sal answers me with a nonchalant, emotionless, "'kay."

I puff out my cheeks as I help Ash over to her room, biting my lips to hold in my little giggles. But once I finally get us both inside and shut the door, I let the giggles flow. Not like anyone but Ash can hear me anyway.

"What are you laughing at?" Ash asks, her words drawn out and so, so soft. I lift her shirt over her head and push her arms through the new shirt I'd grabbed for her. "Do I look ugly?"

"No, no. You're gorgeous, as always," I quickly say, grabbing onto the collar of the shirt and pulling down until her head pops through the hole. Her hair is a static-y mess and splattered across her face. "I'm just laughing at the position I found Sally and Larry in earlier." I use a finger to brush strands of hair out of her face, then I run my fingers through it to tame the frizz.

"Oh, yea," Ash opens her watery, sleepy viridian eyes. "I saw that. Sal wanted Larry to sit for him but Lar said something about not wanting to hurt the bacteria living on his skin." Ash squints her eyes in obvious confusion, then closes them again.

Larry is so ridiculous. He's just like Ash-- worrying about things that don't need to be worried about. Come on, body bacteria?

I just shake my head, smiling at my sweet Ashy-poo while she unfastens the button on her cargo pants before shimmying her way out of them. They get stuck around her ankles, so I kneel down and gently pull them off of her.

But then she drops her panties without even an ounce of a warning to me. 

I spin on my heels and purse my lips. I take it she's got the rest of this on her own.

I let Ash do her thing, tapping my feet against the ground and acting like this isn't my room too. Just puts me in an odd position knowing that Ash is just... yea.

With the way I'm standing, arms crossed and posted up awkwardly, I feel like a guard. Or a princess's personal knight. Damn, I actually wish I was the princess to that dark knight from earlier.

Oh, no. Now Larry's gotten the Batman reference stuck in my head forever.

Speaking of Larry, he and Sal are suddenly in the doorway and Ash is still getting dressed behind me-- crap.

I rush up to the two men and slap my hands over their eyes. Not that it matters much considering that Sal is wearing a prosthetic and Larry's so tall that his head almost hits the top of the door frame.

"What the fuck?" Sal gripes, grabbing onto my wrist and yanking it off of his face.

He glares at me, eyes so incredibly close that I can see all the different shades of blue populating his irises. I'm momentarily distracted, which ends up sucking because Sal's eyes snap to Ash.

They widen, meeting my own eyes again. And then he does the last thing I'd ever expect-- which seems to be my motto tonight. He grabs my hand and slaps it back over his eyes.

I take a breath, trying to calm the panic that's wreaking havoc on my body.

"What the hell are you two doing in here?" I snap at the boys, blinking at their stone-still figures. Sal and I are shoulder-to-shoulder, but since my arm is raised, it's more like chest-to-chest. And the same goes for Larry, but that somehow doesn't matter as much.

Sal huffs. "Larry wants to sleep with Ash tonight. It's.. it's their drunk thing," he grumbles, though his voice is a tad shaky which suggests that he might be nervous with a little spoonful of shocked.

"Okay, well, drunk ritual or not," I say pointedly. "You could've knocked."

"Fuck off," Sal bites out, but his rebuttal is weak. He knows he can't fight this, and he knows he's in the wrong either way.

I turn my head over my shoulder to see if Ash is done changing. She finally has underwear on-- thank God-- but she's struggling with her sweats now.

Not like these guys haven't seen Ash in panties before, I suppose.

I rush over to my pretty friend and help her as best as I can by grabbing the waistband of her sweatpants. She bounces on her toes, trying to work the fabric up her legs. And I almost giggle when I realize the boys haven't moved farther into the room. Poor Sal must still be recovering.

Once Ash finally has her pants on, I guide her to the bed and pull the blankets back, helping her to flop onto the clean sheets. 

"Take my pants off," she whines, scrunching her face up as she rubs her legs all over the mattress, stretching her arms over her head.

Sighing, I place my hands on my hips and stare down at her. Sal has finally walked over to the side of the bed that I sleep on, trying to help Larry get under the blankets as well. "Larry can help you out of your sweatpants, I just got you into them," I tell Ash, watching as she sticks out her bottom lip in an adorable pout.

"Well then get in bed, I'm tired," she murmurs a bit more, rolling over to throw an arm and a leg around Larry. And Larry, in turn, wraps an arm around her waist and buries his face into her neck. It's quite cute. I can't help but smile at the sweet embrace.

"There's no room for me, lovebug," I say, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "I'm going to sleep on the couch tonight. Get some rest, okay? I'll see you in the morning."

Before I leave. And then not for another long period of time which hurts so, so bad. I gulp down those words before they can leave my mouth though. I don't want to make Ash feel bad for anything. She had fun tonight-- we all did.

"But how will I make it through the night without you?" Ash asks, starting to stir a bit. Larry looks so comfy, I don't want either of them to interrupt their positions or their sleep.

"The same way you always have, honey," I say solemnly, leaning over to run my hand over her hair. "Don't worry, you'll be fine. You're a strong, brave girl."

"Yea." She yawns, settling in beside Larry again. "You're right. I'm strong and brave."

"Vi, just sleep in my bed. Don't rot on Sal's smoking couch," Larry slurs, his voice muffled from Ash's shoulder.

"Fuck no," Sal instantly bites out. I glance to him, noting his arms that are crossed over his chest and the disdain in his eyes that are shadowed by the darkness of the room.

For once, I can agree. I absolutely will not sleep in the same room as Sal. That's the very last place I want to be on my final day in Las Vegas. The smurf would slit my throat. 

"No, that's okay, Lar." I wave him off even though he can't see it. I'd much rather take the couch, especially since I suddenly feel like crying. I have to leave everyone tomorrow. No matter how many nights I've slept wrapped up in Ash's limbs and no matter how long I've gotten to hang around Larry and Todd, it still just doesn't feel like anywhere near long enough. And tomorrow, I'll be back in LA. Back to where I was before. To where we all were before. Distanced and displaced.

"Vi, don't fight me," Larry sighs, squeezing the fabric of Ash's shirt in his fist. "It is my dying wish for you to sleep in my bed. And don't let Sal scare you off either. He couldn't harm a fly, let alone a pretty girl like you."

Pretty girl. That's what Sal called me earlier. Maybe he stole that line from Larry.

I lick my dry lips and swallow down the lump in my throat. I'll appease him with agreement and take the couch anyway. It's not like he'll remember telling me to sleep in his bed anyway. But I just need to be away from the things that make me want to cry. Sal makes me want to do multiple things, so I'll just attach him to that list anyway.

"Fine, fine." I push the words past trembling lips, trying to ignore the way that the weight I've been ignoring for the past couple hours is suddenly starting to crash down on me. 

"You guys fucking suck," Sal hisses, uncrossing his arms and moving to the door. And even though he's voicing his opposition, he hasn't fought against the plan for me to occupy Larry's bed. He's just... going with it. If anything, it seems like he's complaining just to keep up appearances. There's just no bite to his words.

Weird. But whatever.

I roll my eyes at Sal to try and ignore my own concerns about his behavior. I was sad a moment ago, I don't want to circle back to confused. Or maybe I do? I don't even know anymore. I think I'm officially starting to go crazy.

"Um," I voice, chewing on the inside of my cheek as I look down at my two cuddling friends. "Thanks for the bed, Lar. And don't hesitate to call if you need anything. Both of you."

"Yep," Ash mumbles, followed by Larry who says, "Night."

Well, that's that. And I can't hold off the awkward moment where Sal and I are going to walk out of this room together.

I turn on my heel, keeping my head down as I walk over to where Sal's at. But he's already swung the door open and stepped out, making his way into the dining room. 

I close the door softly behind me, making sure to switch off the light right before it's fully closed. I guess it's time to move to the couch. I'd really appreciate Larry's pillows and blanket now, come to think of it. I'm basically a kitten stranded in a tundra-- I can't sleep in this place without a blanket.

Aware that I might get my head bitten off, I awkwardly walk over to the dining room and peek around the wall, eyeing Sal who grabs another bottle of water from the fridge, but this time it's for him. 

He turns to walk to his room, no doubt, but finds me standing there watching him. Which only makes me feel even creepier than I did a moment ago. I should've just said something, but he's constantly so hot and cold. I'm walking on eggshells here.

"Would you, um," I purse my lips, trying to think of a way to put my thoughts into word form. "Could you bring Larry's blanket and one of his pillows to me? I'm just going to sleep on the couch." I try to keep my voice as even as possible. I don't want him to know that my thoughts are taking over every inch of me like a never-ending typhoon. That I feel so out of control right now with no way to organize my emotions. 

His eyes go from wary to disbelieving. "Don't be weird about it," he says, a tad aggravated. "Just take his bed. I don't care."

"You really think I'm just going to sleep in the same room as you?" I ask him, quite seriously in fact. He must know how much I don't trust him.

He seems to raise an eyebrow beneath his prosthetic as he tightens his hold on the bottle in his hands. The plastic crinkles, the sound echoing through the large room. Disrupting the quiet. "Nothing bad is going to happen to you. The most you'll get is fucked, like I said I'd do earlier."

My immediate reaction is a tongue-in-cheek, wide-eyed stare in his direction. He was serious about that earlier? Even after I pelted him with paintballs? Or is this his way of getting back at me for covering him in paint? Hell, neither of us have gotten a chance to change out of the tactical gear we left the shoot in. 

At least I have the clothes I originally wore sitting on the dining table. I can change into those later.

I take a deep breath and hold onto it for a moment. Sal watches me, waiting for a response. In truth, this is the kind of distraction I need right now. To ignore all the guilt and sadness building up in me. Fuck the pain away, I guess.

"Okay," I say, attempting to sound more sure of myself rather than bashful and fucking shy. Of all things. I sucked him off earlier. He's had his fingers in my pussy. I couldn't be more sure about disappearing into his room with him-- but something just makes me feel... "Lead the way."

He doesn't say a word. Simply walks past me and into the hallway, heading for the door to his room at the end of the hallway. So I follow him, tiptoeing behind him and keeping my distance because I'm still wary. For all I know, he could open that door and then slam it shut in my face. 

Very Sal of him. I wouldn't be surprised.

But when we do make it to the room (and we get there way too quickly), Sal opens the door and he leaves it open, allowing me to walk in behind him.

He looks at me for a moment, watches me come to a stop a few steps away from him. 

And just when I'm beginning to rethink my decision of coming in here with him, the air in the room suddenly shifts. The situation I'm in feels primal now, like I'm being hunted. And again, I'm shocked by how quickly Sal's able to diffuse an awkward situation. He hasn't even said a word, hasn't even touched me. All he's done is tilt his head down a bit and change his stance-- the action so small that I hardly even noticed it.

He walks past me, so close that his shoulder brushes against mine as he aims for the door. A chill erupts along my spine and images and ideas of all the other places he could touch me take over my brain like a disease.

Sal slowly shuts the door, the lock falling into place with a soft click. Everything feels tense. He's standing there, I'm standing here. I know he's going to walk over here and dominate me to pieces soon. I'm so enthralled in the idea alone that I don't know what to do with myself. All of the pain I felt just moments ago is gone. Disappeared into thin air.

And I couldn't be happier.

He turns to me after locking the door, but never moves. Only stares. His blue eyes seem dim in the bright room, the ceiling lights reflecting off of his white and pink prosthetic. One veiny, ring-clad hand, decorated with bracelets, rests at his side while the other is safely tucked away inside his pocket. His stance isn't rigid, but it's on guard. It's waiting for a singular move from me to set this plan into motion.

The air condition blows a few strands of his cerulean hair, making him bring a hand up to push it away from his eyes. But other than that, he just stares my way.

I stare back, fidgeting with my fingers and lightly tapping my foot against the ground. Maybe Sally changed his mind all of a sudden. Maybe he doesn't want to do anything with me; he may just want to go to bed. And that's perfectly fine, I mean, I'm leaving in a few hours now anyway. It's uncharacteristic of him to change his mind when it comes to anything sexual, but who knows. He may have lost interest.

Sal's head tilts to the side a bit. "Are you just going to stand there?" He asks, voice coated in a mixture of agitation and hidden expectations. "Are we going to continue where we left off or are we going to go to bed hating each other as always?"

I purse my lips, picking at my fingernails. "Even if we continue, we'll still go to bed hating each other." I look off to the side, a little miffed over his words. We can't stand each other, even if all we crave lately is each other.

"Might as well have some fun before the hate then, right?" Sal says matter-of-factly, seemingly waiting for my consent. "I remember saying something about scaring your fantasies away, after all."

Adrenaline fills up every inch of my body. It happens so quickly, so viscerally. The only thing I can do is squeeze my thighs together and chew on my lip. Otherwise, I'd probably do something weird and ruin this entire moment. "Show me what you've got then. Because I still don't believe you," I say, my voice low and on the quiet side.

Sal takes that as his cue and closes the distance between us. I assume he'll start off like he did last night, but he takes me by surprise instead. 

He grabs me by the nape of my neck, sneering to himself. His strong hands force me to turn around and then he slams me into the vanity against the wall, his painted nails digging into my skin.

I hiss when my chest and face press into the dark oak surface beneath me. I squeeze my eyes shut and pinch my lips together, trying to stay quiet. There was so much in that one little push— so much dominance, anger, even satisfaction. On the other hand, my mask is pinching into the side of my face. It even lifted up to uncover the tip of my nose. I move my hands to hold onto the edge of the vanity, using one to quickly fix my mask.

My heart screams in my chest. He can't see me. Could he have seen me? And he couldn't recognize me just by the tip of my nose, right?

Sal leans over me. His warmth envelops me so quickly and I suck in a breath, shivering when his hair brushes along my jaw. One of his hands is still clutching  the back of my neck and the other comes down harshly against my ass. I flinch at the contact, pulling my bottom lip into my mouth to contain whatever filthy sound that was about to be released.

Things have taken a dark turn and I'm here for it.

"You keep testing me. Every single day. Can't you shut up for once?" he hisses into my ear while his lower half presses into me from behind. More specifically, his thick cock against my ass. The only thing separating our skin is our cargo pants that are covered in neon paint splotches.

He presses down on my neck, pushing my face into the cold wood. "You think you're all special and pampered because I went easy on you last night, don't you?" He harshly says, grip tightening. "You haven't seen even a fraction of what I'm capable of. And I'm not sure you're ready either."

I snort. He doesn't know a single thing about me. This is what I want— I want to be scared. I want to be hurt. Doesn't he realize?

"And honestly, I don't give a fuck whether you're prepared or not. You're walking into my world now." His voice is an aggressive whisper in my ear, making goosebumps rise along my skin. His hand moves from my neck to grab at my hair, right against my scalp. He gives a tight yank, causing me to tilt my head up and arch my back to relieve some of the pain.

My mouth falls open as I stare at him through the mirror before me. He's hovering over me with the most devilish look in his pretty blue eyes. His hand in my hair, the other resting on my butt. He looks like he has perfect control over the situation.

"Do you wish to proceed?" He asks, this time more seriously, taking a second to focus on consent before continuing.

"Not if you talk like that, Todd Morrison," I rasp out, grinning mischievously at his reflection.

His eyes narrow in response. "I'm serious, Vi," he growls out.

My own eyes roll in response while butterflies kick up in my belly. "Fine," I murmur. "Yes, I want to do this." The words tumble from my lips so effortlessly. It was so hard for me last night, even just a few moments ago, but seeing our position fills me with anticipation. I can't pass up such an offer when he already has me bent over a piece of furniture. This is a dream come true.

Sal hums, the vibration transferring from his chest into my entire body, making some unknown exhilaration soar to life within me. I grip onto the edges of the vanity, trying to hold myself together. But the truth is that I'm falling apart in his hands. The world around me is absolutely nothing-- I have no worries, no thoughts so long as he continues to touch me. 

He drags his fingers from my scalp to the end of my hair and wraps it around his fist before shoving my face back into the wood. Thankfully, this time he's a bit gentler so I can adjust my mask by simply moving my face against the wood. "Give me a safe word," he commands hoarsely, palm running up my ass to the top of my pants.

I let out a breath, finding it hard to get in a good dose of oxygen at the moment. His touch is so rough, but nowhere near enough at the same time. I want to feel him everywhere. I want him underneath my skin-- something. Anything more than just this little bit he's giving me.

"Safe word?" My heart skips a beat. "So we're getting really slutty then."

"I won't say it again," Sal warns, absolutely done with my antics. "Don't test me. I'll fuck the brat right out of you."

His words make a shiver crawl up my spine. Yum, how fun.

I shut my eyes again and release another shaky breath. "Okay, uh," I trail off, taking a moment to ponder. Coming up with safe words is always so hard, especially when I'm put on the spot. Naturally, my first thought is to make it something that only he and I will understand. We don't have many memories, but we've done some dirty stuff, so we do have a couple things in common. I think he's hot and hopefully the same goes for him.

"Time's ticking," Sal says, voice monotonous but much deeper than it was seconds ago. Patience wearing thin.

The only thing that comes to mind is the argument that Larry and Sal had the day I got to Caesar's Palace. And then an image of Sal and Larry dressed as deer follow the memory.

"Twitterpated," I quickly spit out, gulping down the flash of embarrassment that's overcome me. I don't want to risk having this moment ended because I couldn't come up with a simple safe word. How ridiculous would that be? The one I chose is ridiculous in and of itself.

Sal snorts quietly. "Alright. Twitterpated. You say that, everything stops. I say that, everything stops. Got it?" He asks me, wrapping his arm around my waist and fumbling with the buttons on my pants.

I lick my lips while my heart jumps into my throat. "Got it."

"Prove it," Sal says, fingers squeezing my hair tight.

My mouth gapes open when a spark of pain ignites along my scalp. It renders me speechless for a moment while I relish in the blissful feeling. "Twitterpated," I say, loud enough for him to hear even though I feel so breathless.

Sal's hands stop. One moves away from my pants and the other untangles itself from my hair, but he still hovers over me. "Good girl," he purrs. "Ready to continue?"

I swallow thickly, my cheeks turning a dark shade of red over the praise. My breasts uncomfortably squish into the vanity while I impatiently wait for Sal to touch me again. "Yes," I say softly, eager to see where this goes.

Without a second of hesitation, Sal's hands are back where they were a moment ago. Only now, he's quickly and effectively undone the buttons on my pants. He hooks his fingers into the waistband, gives a quick tug, and then the fabric is pooling around my legs.

"Pick up your feet," he demands, bending away from me to grab the piece of clothing. His cool fingers lightly trail down my thighs and calves, making an involuntary shiver take hold of my body. He knows exactly what he's doing. That much is obvious when he drops to his haunches and wraps one large, ring-clad hand around the top of my thigh. His fingertips brush the edge of my panties and I feel like I've lost all ability to breathe.

I lift one foot at a time, letting him to pull the article out from under me. He haphazardly throws my pants to the side before returning to me, one hand still wrapped around my thigh and the other palming my bare ass like it's some kind of science project. "How pretty," he purrs, fingers dancing over my skin— down the inside of my thigh then between my legs, teasing my clothed pussy. His index finger presses into my clit with purpose and I flinch, heart racing as I press my legs together. The light touches and teasing make me want to whimper, but I refuse to give in so quickly.

Sal hums amusedly, pulling his hand away from my core to drag it up my back. "You're behaving so well. How long will that last?" He muses. His hand trails down to my underwear again. For a moment, every one of my bodily functions stops. He ripped my panties apart last night, who's to say he won't do it again?

But thankfully, Sal only pulls those down my legs too, allowing me to step out of them.

I let out a little breath of relief, blinking at the cream wall to the side of me. "It'll last as long as you let it. Up to you," I tell him. He must be able to tell that I'm holding on by a thread from the sound of my voice.

"As long as I let it?" He repeats my words, forming them into a question. I can feel his hard dick twitch against my bare ass, the feeling of it sends a shock through my body and straight to my core. My chest feels heavy with satisfaction as I shut my eyes and lick my lips. He's just as enraptured as I am-- the knowledge of that will never not fill me with an insatiable amount of pleasure.

"Treat me well and we'll see how long I can keep up the good behavior," I say quickly, trying to hide how affected I am, though there's no reason to do so. If I wasn't so worried about looking like an idiot, I'd be panting like a dog right now.

I hear a grunt behind me, his fingers flexing against my skin and scalp. "I don't treat anyone well. This is all for me and you'll do well to know that. Now shut the fuck up."

My eyes are still closed when his hand wraps around my waist and moves down to my swollen clit, his fingers expertly teasing the bud. He's skilled. Knows what makes me tick and what gets me going. He's only done this to me once before so I can only guess that he just has a good amount of experience.

Sal's fingers leave my clit, exploring downward to dip into me just a bit, soaking up all the wetness that had collected between my folds. The light intrusion is both unbearable and incredibly pleasing, I can't decide what I want to feel.

My thighs unintentionally squeeze together as my emotions battle each other. I've been waiting for this all day. He's only just brushing the surface of this experience and I feel like I'm going to fall apart. Hell, maybe I've already fallen apart but my pride won't allow me to acknowledge it.

"And there we are," he suddenly grinds out between clenched teeth, the sound of his aggressive tone spooking me momentarily. "Keep your legs open."

"Or?" I say without thinking.

I open my eyes when Sal's fingers leave my folds. Then his feet push my legs apart, keeping my feet firmly planted into the carpet with his own legs. My pussy is on full display for him, my back arched and ass pressed into him.

"I told you to shut the fuck up," he hisses quietly, voice so dangerous and delicious. His prosthetic face is right beside mine and I flinch at his words and our proximity, a little thrum of unease passing through me. It's soon replaced by excitement though.

Suddenly, without warning and despite my initial worry, Sal plunges a finger into me. And he doesn't stop.

Everything moves insanely quickly and I feel like my eyes are going to pop out of my head, that or I'm going to cry— in a good way. Sal's finger thrusts into me at an unforgivably fast pace and each time he sinks into my pussy again, a garbled moan falls from my lips.

The skin of his wrist repeatedly slaps into my ass, creating more friction and tension. There's so much happening— his fingers in me, his skin on mine, his hand buried in my hair.

I squeeze my eyes shut, whimpering when he curls his finger at just the right angle, sending a rush of pleasure through my entire body. I shiver, digging my fingers into the wooden surface beneath me.

Sal yanks my head up by my hair, forcing me to look at this salacious scene through the mirror in front of us. I can see him, bent over me with his prosthetic lips pressed into the side of my head and his arm moving so quickly behind me, so brutal and unrelenting.

The feelings that build up within me hit hard. There's the cliff I'm trying to chase, the one I want to jump over. Reach the peak. Anything to feel more of what he's giving me.

"Look at yourself," Sal says breathlessly, his eyes meeting my own through the mirror as he turns his head, keeping his cheek pressed against mine. "Dirty little whore. You like being used. You like being disobedient. You like being broken," he says these words to me, each syllable coming out in a light, controlled pant. He's definitely enjoying myself. "I'll break you if that's what you want," he continues, finger curling into me again. "But it comes at a price."

My eyes roll into the back of my head. If I could form words, I'd tell him "please" but lucky for him, I'm afraid to open my mouth. With his finger slamming into me like this, I'd wake up the entire suite. I don't trust myself and I sure as shit don't trust him, but what I do trust is his ability to make me cum. He's good at it, after all.

"Come on," he growls out, yanking my hair a bit more. I'm forced to bend my neck due to his grip. My back is pressed against his chest, there's no way for me to move to find some kind of solace. And still, I'm quickly gaining on an orgasm that only he can bring me to.

My legs squeeze together of their own accord, but his thighs keep them from completely closing. He's still pumping his finger into me at that same, beautifully addicting pace that he started at. I think I'm seeing stars.

"You gonna cum for me like a good bitch?" he rasps out, squeezing my hair tighter in his hand. I only moan as quietly as I can in response, still not trusting my ability to speak. Even then, the sound was still easy to hear.

"Speak," Sal commands, hooking his finger into me yet again. He's buried deep, to the hilt with his hand cupping the bottom of my butt and his finger moving quickly inside me. It's overwhelming in the most amazing way. My heart flutters in my chest, already running a marathon regardless. My lungs can't hold in a good breath and my limbs are quaking furiously.

"Yes," I say hoarsely, reaching my arms up to grab onto the back of his hair. I need to hold onto something; pleasure doesn't come to me in sections right now, it's one huge tidal wave that ceases to end. I'm practically drowning in the oncoming orgasm. "Please, I'm so close," I groan, biting down on my bottom lip while squeezing my eyes tightly.

Sal's neck is pressed against mine. I can feel every breath he takes, feel every little grunt that leaves his throat. His skin is hot, a little sweaty. His azure hair is mixed with mine. My mask and his prosthetic are cheek-to-cheek. I can't tell if the deep breaths and panting I'm hearing are coming from me or him.

"Really?" He says, voice condescending. Each syllable reverberates through my entire body, only pushing me even closer to the edge. I don't have enough time to focus on him— the end is in sight and he's thrusting his finger so hard, so deep, so fast. Just one more—

But there's never another thrust. When he pulls his finger back, it leaves me completely. And then I'm feeling empty, out of breath, fluttery all over, and quite frankly, a little pissed off.

I open my eyes, looking up at Sal through the mirror. His gaze travels over the image of my body before meeting mine in the reflection. "I told you all good things come with a price," he says, probably reading the negative emotions in my gaze. "You don't get to cum until I say you do."

Eyes dark with desire, malice, and sinful intentions, Sal lets go of me and turns his head. My hands fall to my sides as I watch him take a step or two away from me. "Move and I'll kick you out," he grunts out quickly. "You're going to be a fucking problem with all the touching," he continues, moving away from the vanity and out of my line of vision. I stay rooted in my spot, orgasm slowly fading away from me and being replaced by an almost painful yearning in my gut. Fuck, how dare he.

But from the sound of it, he's not finished. He just has an issue with me touching him. He said something about that earlier today too, which, fine. Hard limit— okay. I won't touch. I just wish he would get back here and finish what he started because I'm about to go feral.

I can hear what sounds like metal clanking together quietly behind me, and then Sal reappears in the mirror with a leather belt in his hand. I can't help but tense up my entire body, mind going blank.

There's a little glimmer of amusement in his cerulean eyes when he notices my reaction, so he holds the belt up, shaking it a bit. "This scare you?" He asks, but I shake my head, gulping down the exhilaration that threatens to practically crawl out of my skin. I'm so excited.

"It should," he says pointedly, tilting his head down slightly to intimidate me. And... okay, it definitely works. I've never done this type of thing with him before so this could go one of two ways. But I don't say anything, I just stare back at him, lips parted while I try to catch my breath.

Sal blinks then looks down at my bare ass. "Do you like pain?" He mumbles, running a teasing finger down the slope of my butt.

"Yes," is what I reply with, my voice shaking and my thoughts completely clouded. It's like we've gone the complete opposite way from last night. I couldn't get a word out yesterday— too nervous and embarrassed. But now I'd do anything to make him touch me, hurt me. Anything.

His eyes meet mine for a fraction of a second, then he lifts that belt and swings it down, the leather cracking against the skin of my ass harshly.

I yelp and jolt away from him instinctually, my hips slamming into the wooden vanity. My eyes shut as pain closes in on me from all sides and I grip onto the oak in front of me, taking a slow breath.

Then comes the good part, the satisfying feeling of being hurt. The wetness that gathers on my folds, the delightful queasy feeling in my tummy that spreads through my chest all the way to my toes.

I lick my lips, blinking my eyes open when a pleasurable cry threatens to build in my throat.

I'm too close to the vanity to tilt my head up and look at Sal's reflection, but that doesn't stop him. He takes a step toward my retreated figure, palm enveloping the skin he'd just abused. His fingers expertly massage my sore butt, only bringing out more feelings for me to indulge in.

"Well, aren't you fun," he purrs into my ear, chuckling softly. He pulls my hands off of the vanity, putting my wrists together against my back. Then, he moves his hand from my ass to the spot between my shoulder blades and pushes my upper body down onto the surface of the wooden dresser. "Stay there. Be good." His words are drowned out the second he wraps that leather belt around my wrists like he's done it a thousand times before.

He loops the fabric around one wrist, then does the same to the other, leaving absolutely no wiggle room for me to get out. Next, he puts one end through the belt buckle and yanks it tight, making the leather pinch my skin uncomfortably. I hiss at the feeling, squeezing my hands into fists as a spear of gratification stabs into me. This is borderline embarrassing, but definitely worth it.

Sal huffs out a quick, disbelieving laugh at my reaction, his hands pulling harshly at the belt to make sure I won't be able to get out. "I guess I underestimated you," he acknowledges, albeit he does so hesitantly, like he hates to admit that he may have been wrong. "Maybe I can't scare you off. Maybe you've been a freak all along."

His hands spread over my back and to my waist, dragging up my sides and pushing my shirt up with it. His cold, nimble fingers trail over my ribs slowly, feeling each bone and every inch of my heated flesh. Then, two of his fingers push into the skin right below my breast on the left side of my body. I clench my teeth together when a dull ache follows the action. He found the bruise that his paintballs left on me earlier today.

"Did I hurt you?" He asks, tone patronizing in a way that would cause an instant fight in any other situation. Being belittled in this scenario is oddly satisfying in a way I can't quite explain though.

Sal leans over me again, his hard cock rubbing over my skin. His fingers are still gripping my sides as he whispers to me, "I'd bite that bruise if I could-- make you hurt even more."

A groan is ripped from my lips despite how badly I wish I could have kept it hidden within me. I really wish he would bite me.

As quickly as he'd grown closer to me, he pulls away. But this time, I hear the rustling of clothing and my breath is stolen from me again. I can hear my heart, feel it beat in my fingertips. This is it, the moment I've been waiting for for... well, weeks now. 

My legs quake in anticipation when Sal presses a hand onto my lower back, settling me against the vanity. And he doesn't say a word-- neither do I when I feel the soft skin of the head of his dick pressing gently against my cunt. I bite into my bottom lip, my head feeling fuzzy as adrenaline grips me. 

I push myself backwards, hopefully discreetly enough to the point that Sal's unable to tell, but just the very tip of him sinks into my pussy from my motions. A shaky whimper comes from Sal and it's so quiet that it seems to have been ripped from him, like he hated to even make a sound so soon.

"Stay fucking still," he bites out, voice higher pitched than it was the last time he spoke. The way I can tell exactly what he's feeling just from the way he speaks is incredible. He's so easy, yet so hard to read. 

I still don't say a word. Damn him for momentarily taming the brat because this is a violation of my own personal rules. But I can't help myself-- so long as my silence brings him closer to me, I'll give up my voice box. I'd give it up forever.

"Good fucking girl." The words are barely audible, only meant for himself as his thumb rubs over the top of my ass. He pushes his cock just a bit farther into me, taking his sweet fucking time. I don't know how he has so much patience because I'm really about to lose my mind. I can't hold out, I can't.

"Sal," I almost cry out, taking a quick breath to try and regain my composure," Please."

"I said to shut up, Vi," he rasps, but his voice has no aggression or bite. He's losing himself. "When will you learn your lesson?" 

I turn my head in an attempt to shake it, but find that the vanity's surface stops me from doing so. I couldn't care less about his no-talk thing right now. "Can you just--"

The sound of a jiggling door knob results in Sal quickly pulling out what very little bit of his dick had actually entered me. I jolt upright myself, taking staggering and panicked steps back until I bump into Sal's front. His hand instinctually grabs onto my waist to stabilize me as we watch the door. Fear is thrumming through my genes at the terrorizing thought of someone entering this room with Sal and I almost completely naked like this. So much is going wrong-- 

But the door knob stops jiggling and that's when Sal and I both suddenly realize that the door is locked.

I physically fold, bending forward in relief as a cold sweat suddenly takes over me.

Sal removes himself from behind me. When he walks around me, he's holding his pants up by the waistband and taking a couple steps toward the door. He doesn't say a word, confusion and pure, unadulterated fear is written in his body language.

"Sal, I want to come back in here with you." It's Larry, and poor thing. He sounds so desperate. 

Sal glances back at me, his bright, icy blue gaze unreadable. I watch him, glancing between those eyes of his with a pout that I can't hide. We were so close. 

"Okay, Lar," Sal says monotonously. He makes no move for the door though, likely because I'm still half naked. 

"Alright," Larry says, voice muffled from the hunk of wood separating him from us. He sounds so relieved. "I'm going use the bathroom real quick. Can you unlock the door for when I get back?"

"I will," Sal mumbles back in response, walking back to me with a little glare in his eyes.

I suck in a breath. I'm disappointed, in truth. I was excited for this. We had both agreed and we were right there, but the opportunity is gone.

Sal stands behind me, undoing the belt around my wrists. I pull my hands away from my back when the belt is removed and flex my fingers, admiring the red marks left on my skin from the leather.

I glance off to the side after a moment and grab my clothes, quickly pulling on my underwear before I take a chance and turn. Sal has been quiet, which is weird. It's unsettling, even. Makes me kind of uncomfortable.

When he finally enters my field of vision, he even looks a bit awkward. Maybe it's because the moment is ruined and I'm literally almost half naked, fighting to get my cargo pants over my ankles.

"This is over," Sal finally speaks, his eyes boring into mine. Well, duh, it's over. Larry interrupted us. I don't have to say a word for him to see the words on my face.

"This thing," he continues, all nonchalance and unbothered as he gestures between us with a hand. "It's over. No sex over the phone, no hand or mouth stuff, no sex in general. I'm done with you. I was done with you yesterday."

My breath gets caught in my throat for the umpteenth time tonight. His words don't necessarily hurt-- I should have expected them. But the point is that I didn't expect them, and now I'm leaving Las Vegas in the morning... but I likely won't see Sal for at least another year anyway. So why am I shocked? Why can't I think? Why can't I process that he just ended our sex agreement?

I just watch him, trying to hide all of the panic, the disappointment, the fear, and the sadness I've been trying to bite down all day. I don't know how to feel. Again. I simply keep my gaze locked on his as I finally get my pants up my legs and begin buttoning them.

Just like that. It's done and I didn't even get the full experience. I feel... upset. I feel angry knowing that I was just a quick fuck for him. Not that we even got to fuck. But, then again, he was the same thing for me. I shouldn't be angry-- I can't be angry.

I should be relieved.

"Okay," I say evenly, peeling my eyes away from him.

I can't look at him. I'll cry or punch him. Maybe I'd yell at him. I don't know. And I don't know why I'd do any of those things to begin with. Maybe it's just because I'm upset that I have to leave tomorrow and all the negative feelings that come with being separated from my friends again is finally starting to make me crack.

"Okay," he responds, voice just as emotionless as mine.

I do the walk of shame to his door, unlocking it quickly and pulling it open. My head feels heavy, too heavy from my neck. My body weighs too much for my legs to uphold right now. I feel like crumbling to the floor. I said that I was falling apart earlier and now I really am.

Sal and I don't exchange a word as I step into the hallway and start closing the door behind me. I swallow my emotions, trying to keep my tears at bay. I don't need to cry. I shouldn't-- there's no reason. None at all. And crying's only going to make me have a terrible headache later.

I look up, tears brimming my eyes as I make quick eye contact with sleepy Larry. Fuck, terrible timing.

"Hey, Vi," he slurs a bit, smiling gently at me. "I'm not kicking you out, you can bunk with me." He's so sweet, but I need to be alone. I need separation or else Larry's going to wake up to me weeping beside him.

"That's okay," I give him my best smile, which probably isn't even really that great. "I'm going to go lay with Ash. I'm pretty tired. Plus your bed is a twin size-- we wouldn't fit."

"Fine." He pouts, following the expression with a yawn. "I'll see you in the morning then. Night."

I swallow down the lump in my throat so I can answer him without giving my feelings away. "Goodnight," I say quietly, because whispering is easier than saying it out loud.

I continue my trek down the hallway, my footsteps picking up speed as I turn a corner and make my way to the bathroom. I can't suppress the urge to cry and the frown marring my face is horrific. I can't keep it away no matter how badly I wish I could feel differently.

I never should have gotten involved with Sal. I never should have come to Las Vegas. Leaving is so much harder. Missing out on this opportunity to see everyone wouldn't have hurt this bad.

I regret everything.

My hand slaps onto the light switch, flicking it on and enveloping the spacious bathroom with blindingly bright light. I shut the bathroom door behind me and grab onto the counter, facing myself in the mirror.

I look sexed out and exhausted. I look broken. He said he'd break me. Fuck, he said he would. It wasn't just him though-- it's everything. Everything that I should have done differently. And now I'm stuck here, pitifully watching myself holding back tears in the mirror and unable to control my raging guilt, disappointment, and regret.

I should shower. That might calm me down, might shut my brain up for a few minutes. 

Without a moment of hesitation, I yank my paint-stained shirt over my head and spare myself another glance in the mirror as my hands work on the clasp of my necklace.

But seeing the necklace in my reflection-- hanging around my neck and resting right between my breasts makes me feel so, so sick. Because it's not my necklace. It's Sal's. It's his guitar pick. And for the last few weeks that I've had it, I've forgotten it was there because it became second nature to take it off before my shower and put it back on right after. It became a part of me-- so much so that I forgot it was even there. I forgot about the meaning it holds, and the power it holds over me.

I pinch my lips together, aggressively pulling the thing away from my body after unclasping it. I squeeze the pick in my fist while leaning over the sink, watching myself in the mirror.

How could I have done this to myself? Every decision I've made recently has ended up being the ultimate betrayal. Every second. Even since right before I became VioletViolence. The day I met Sally Face is the day that everything started going wrong, and it's my own damn fault.

My reflection suddenly has wet, hot tears flowing down her cheeks and a pitiful look on her face. And she's the only one who feels as terribly as I do right now.

_____________________

A/N::::: hiiiiiiii!!! :3 UGH i've missed you guys so much! and i've missed writing so terribly much as well. it's been over a month and that fact literally makes me SICK. i hate being away from the thing that brings me so much joy :( but the good news is that i have less than a month in the semester which means plenty of time to write starting soon!! i've been hellaaaaa busy with my big, really important courses this semester. the amount of work piled onto me is atrocious, but we'll make it through. pinky promise <333

so about faceless fixation-- GRRRRR I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS CHAPTER so many of you have been asking about the necklace and i've literally been clawing at my own soul with anticipation for this final moment!! i have so many plans for future chapters and the only thing i can say with confidence is that it will literally never get any less shocking. i'll keep you guys on your toes forever.

anywho, it's 3:30am and i have class at 9:30, so goodnight my darlings!! i hope you all have a wonderful morning/day/evening/night! and never forget i love you all with my entire heart and soul <33

[mdzs-owns-my-ass-i-guess]

Gambling man

When Nie Huaisang all but dragged him out of his bed and away from his sappy, romantic K-drama marathon, Wei Wuxian had expected to be taken to some cafe, bar, night club or something down-to-earth like that - not the highest end casino in town in a limo that Nie Huaisang definitely shouldn't have been able to afford. Not after his older brother cut off his allowance due to his abysmal grades, that is.

"A-Sang, how did you even pay for this? Did you start selling drugs or something?"

Huaisang opened his fan in offense. He had dressed in his fanciest clothes and looked every bit as elegant as he did androgynous. "I'd never step on Xue Yang's turf like that, and he's my best dealer anyway, it would be a breach of trust."

Before Wei Wuxian could say anything (since when was Huaisang buying drugs, let alone from Xue Yang of all people? There was no way he didn't know of the massive scandal that broke out at their university over him), Huaisang continued, "And anyway, I only spent half of my allowance on this, it was a bargain!"

"A-Sang, half of your allowance is like 400$."

"Exactly! So cheap! Plus, we can't just show up to the Cloud Recesses in a taxi or something, it's bad taste and we're not poor!"

Wei Wuxian sent him a pointed look. "We are, though. I mean, I am."

A shrug. "Yeah but at least you're finally no contact with that terrible woman! And you have me! I'm also poor but not as poor as you - no offense."

"None taken, it's the truth. But since we're both basically broke, why are we going to a casino?"

Huaisang waved his fan closed. "To get rich, of course! Like hell am I going to live off 800$ every month! That's not even enough for makeup, do you know how much some good foundation costs nowadays?!"

"Uhh, no, not really..."

The fan was pointed so close in his face that Wei Wuxian felt Nie Huaisang might poke his eyes out with it. "Of course not, you people with good skin just don't get it! Da-Ge didn't even want to hear it! And all because old teacher Lan has it out for me!"

"He doesn't, A-Sang, you just only showed up to his class once and slept through it... never turned in an assignment, never showed up for the exam-"

"Who wakes up at 6 am to attend his lectures?"

"Me, Lan Zhan-"

"Okay, let me rephrase that: who in their right mind wakes up at 6 am to attend his lectures?"

The limo stopped in front of the large, lit up establishment. It looked every bit as luxurious and grandiose at night as it did during the day, white marble and light blue accents, the family crest serving as the logo on its large glass doors.

"What if we lose the money we do have?"

"Ridiculous! I never lose! Especially not when I'm wearing my tightest pair of pants. Have a little faith in me, A-Ying, I've been doing this for a long time! Come on in, and try to look as if you belong here!"

Wei Wuxian ran a hand through his hair, trying to tame it. "And how do I even do that?"

Huaisang opened his fan and undid the front two buttons of his silk shirt. "I don't know, just be self-centered and entitled I guess."

"So like Jin Zixuan."

"Exactly like Jin Zixuan!"

---

Nie Huaisang hadn't been kidding, he really was a pro - of course, he was surprisingly skilled playing all sorts of games, from the roulette to blackjack and poker, but if he just so happened to have a losing hand, he knew how to bat his eyelashes or wiggle his assets enough to still win something in the end.

"Men are easiest to distract." Huaisang instructed as he pocketed yet another win to claim at the exit. "Women are a bit more... subtle, and we're not in a position to play the long game right now. Anyway, you try it too, your ass is fatter than mine."

"Let's get a drink first, I'm too sober for this."

But just as they're about to order, Wei Wuxian noticed Nie Huaisang paling, as if he'd just seen a ghost (or their monthly expenses).

"What is- Lan Zhan?!"

Stone-faced, academic extraordinaire, rule-enthusiast Lan Wangji was just... standing there, glaring Nie Huaisang down. And he looked so good doing it, in a white suit so perfectly tailored on his body, and a loose side ponytail styled in such an elegant, subtle manner, a white ribbon woven through the-

"A-Ying, you're staring." Huaisang whispered in his ear as he hid behind him. "But he's staring too. I told you the tight shirt was a good idea."

Snapping out of it, Wei Wuxian let out an awkward laugh. "Uh, what a surprise to meet you here, Lan Zhan, I never took you as a gambling guy."

Nie Huaisang sighed in Wei Wuxian's ear. "His family literally owns the place, how do you not know?"

With a half mouth, Wei Wuxian replied, "I don't frequent the casino world like you rich people, I have a retail job!"

"Wei Ying. What brings you here?"

"Oh just..." he felt Huaisang glare at him subtly, "...just curious, I guess? I've always been good at poker and stuff and I was bored on this Saturday night so I decided to just... drop by!"

"Mn. Have you been successful?"

"Oh, I haven't really played yet... I'm, uh, trying to get used to the... atmosphere..."

"I could accompany you if you wish."

"I-"

"HE DOES!" Nie Huaisang all but shouted, emerging from Wei Wuxian's back and pushing him ever so slightly towards Lan Wangji. "He does want your company. More than you know. But, say, Wangji-xiong, is-is your brother here tonight?"

Lan Wangji gave Huaisang a long, judgemental stare. "Yes."

"Is my brother also with him?"

"Obviously."

You could see the cold sweat form on Nie Huaisang's temples, a wide, pleading smile on his lips. "Say, why don't you go ahead and spend some quality time with A-Ying and you pretend you never saw me?"

Wei Wuxian turned slightly towards Nie Huaisang, and whispered. "Why do I feel like I'm being traded right now?"

"You are." Huaisang whispered back. "Now be a good war prize so Da-Ge doesn't behead me and I'll give you half my winnings, alright?"

Lan Wangji didn't seem to react, but he did place a very respectful hand on Wei Wuxian's lower back, pointedly refusing to look at Nie Huaisang. "Follow me."

"Where are we going?"

"The VIP."

"The VIP?!"

"Mn. I do not like playing with an audience."

"Playing cards, right?"

"..."

"Lan Zhan, that's what we'll play, right?"

"Mn."

Nie Huaisang sighed, relieved, and downed both his and Wei Wuxian's drink in one go. Then, he reapplied his Chanel lipstick and sashayed towards one of the poker tables, where he had already seen someone checking him out from afar.

He had severely miscalculated when he saw who else was among the players.

"Ah, Wen-guniang... fancy meeting you here... haha..."

Wen Qing shot him a bored look. "Drop the act, Nie Huaisang, it's embarrassing."

He clicked his fan closed and sighed. "You're really going to leave me penniless, aren't you?"

"I've already shaken Jin Zixun off half his fortune, I'll go easy on you."

"Delightful."

---

(By the end of the night, Nie Huaisang managed to win some 5K back after a debilitating loss to Wen Qing, but at least Da-Ge never found out he'd been gambling a few rooms away from him. As the saying goes, a win is a win.

Anyway, Wei Wuxian didn't come home that night, but Nie Huaisang had expected that. After all, it was high time he and Lan Wangji confessed their feelings and fucked about it - it was getting insufferable to see them both pine like some cliche romcom.

Nie Huaisang would be more than happy to take the credit for finally pushing them in the right direction (AKA towards each other and a private room), and if it just so happened to have saved his ass in the process - well, that was just his quick wit at work.

Serves you right, old teacher Lan, I'm not as much of an idiot as you think I am!)

[cornerattic]

Anais' Attic- Balatro.

Have you ever wanted to play Poker, but it's actually Yu-Gi-Oh, but it's Slay the Spire? Well that's what you'll get out of Balatro, the latest Deck-builder Roguelike to hit the market.

I'm a fan of roguelikes/lites, both Clo and I have been for a long time. Risk of Rain 2, Rogue Legacy 1 & 2, Hades, even Enter the Gungeon to a certain extent- and of course, Slay the Spire. Hell, even in Honkai Star Rail we ended up only playing through more of the game so we could unlock more Simulated Universe content.

There's just something about the addiction of “Just one more run, just one more run, cmon, can't end on a loss, just one more” that scratches the lizard brain’s itchy rash like freshly manicured nails, and Balatro definitely hits that urge. It's the prestigious winner of two of our personal rewards, one of which is that in an effort to not have to stop playing, we decided to purchase it on both Ps5 and switch. Sure it's only 15$, but that should tell you all you need to know about how good it really is.

But in case you'd like a full breakdown, here you go.

As stated Balatro is, in essence, another deck-builder roguelike. You win battles, earn money, and proceed to use said money to acquire new cards so you can win more battles to earn more money and so on. Same loop, new software. But one of Balatro's unique things is that it uses your standard 52-card deck as its base to build from. It's more complicated than that by the end of the average run, but that is where it starts. If you've seen a 52-card deck, you've seen every card in the starting deck. Where it gets wild is the different jokers you can use to build into getting all sorts of wild combinations, like turning all your cards into the same suit, or giving you a 4x multiplier for playing a four of a kind.

Because that's Balatro's other shtick- it's a poker game on top of everything else. You know all the memes you can find joking about Chess 2? Well this is Poker 2. If you know how to tell a three of a kind from a straight flush, you're a bit ahead of the curve, but you'll find your advantage means little when you need 300,000 points to beat the end boss of an ante, and you're barely making 30k with your hands. You're in Balatro's casino now, and you're gonna play by its rules.. But hey, at least it'll tell you the rules. That's more than you'd get in vegas.

Balatro is, however, all gameplay. Not so much as a scrap of an excuse plot. If you imagine a scale with “Roguelike storytelling” on it, then Balatro is far on the other end, about as far away from Hades as it gets. If that turns you off, no big deal, I don't judge. But I will tell you you're missing out.

Balatro has exploded in popularity, and it's been mostly to its benefit. I say mostly because while the game did manage to sell over 500k copies in two weeks, it didn't manage to escape without an 18+ Pegi rating, and an outright ban in South Korea as of the time of this writing. Banned and outrageously rated for the same reason there's no more game corner in the Pokémon games- it's too much like gambling, even when games that are essentially gambling and encourage gambling are not only allowed, they're shoved in your face.

If you're just looking for a thumbs up or down, let me answer that with a cautionary tale. Clover and I were told to give this one a try by a friend, and it proceeded to consume just over 30 hours of our sadly limited time on this earth over the span of a week. Given we work a dayjob, but have the ability to play for an hour at lunch, that's essentially nothing but Balatro in every spare moment. Which is why Balatro is the recipient of our other personal reward, being awarded the honor of getting deleted just so that we could get any work done.

After all, if the house always wins, then the only winning move is not to play at all. - 🌙

[asinfullangel]

9 Wheel

“Try your luck, but remember that the house always wins in due time.”

What could be fun when you are on vacation in the city of sin beside relaxing in a pool or off doing some shopping. Why not try your luck at one of the slots or gaming tables, we talk all sort of payment and if you’re lucky double your winning. Just remember when to stop and pull away before you lose it all… thought, we got to make a living too and your misfortune becomes part of someone’s paycheck.

So then, what do you see happening when a few buddies out having fun on their little bros trip do when they or someone accidentally bet too much on a game of roulette? I’ll tell you of course. These men arrive in town to enjoy the weekend to themselves and possibly get lucky with some chicks. The group’s treasury/the one in charge of their party funds may have a little gambling problem and one dealer could see this clear as shiny gold. So with a little help from a server (and a share of the pull from this guy) this man was separated from the group over to the dealer’s table without a notice from his mates.

“Welcome, welcome lucky guests to our little oasis and city of sin. I don’t suppose you feel lucky because lady luck may just bless you, but don’t let such a blessing get to your head.” A few flicks and twists of his hand were enough to keep this unlucky man's eyes on his hands then to the cards that appeared like magic. “Care to play and see if you win big or lose a little too much? I promise my game of roulette is fair in luck and fortune.” The dealer flick around with a chip between his fingers before a roulette mable appeared in its place. The man had some cash out and the dealer made the exchange from cash to chips quickly. His bet was placed along with others that soon took notice his table was open. The cash and chips came pouring in, players left and right getting some luck or misfortune from the wheel while the man of interest was on a roll.

It was maybe an hour before one of his buds felt like they were missing something (hint, it was when one of them asked for some more cash). A few phone calls later led them back to the hotel they checked in this morning to find their bud still at the same table, a few chips shorter than when he began. (Now you are caught up and now to finish off his losing streak.) “Sir, I do suggest you withdraw your chips before the house claims the last of your chips.” His friend was trying to pull him away, but he already placed his bet and the roll went rolling… “Sorry sir, no luck. I suppose you are all out of luck.”

The bros were halfway into dragging him away from the table (most likely to fuck his ass and literally once in the hotel room), but the dealer chime in with a stack of cash now on the table. “I suppose you don’t wish to try your luck with our new full refund spin policy.” They halted and turned back to face this blond hair dealer. “You’re bud did spend quite a lot that I’m sure you would enjoy to have back, every last dollar he practically threw at me. Just note that if you fail then he’ll be in debt to us.” He sent the ball rolling and spinning the roulette as if his eyes were tempting this desperate man to take the deal… The dealer got a yes and heard had a bet. The wheel spinning slower by the seconds with the ball bouncing between the allies till… “How sad, I guess that greedy Mammon had his eyes on your wallet today. Now then, secretly.” Fingers snap then one tall giant of a hunky secretary guard came up behind the group and ate them debtor in a few gulps right there & in front of the group. “Sorry boys, cousin policy, but don’t be afraid to try your luck and spend a few. Otherwise I hope you don’t mind that we keep your bud for a while, I know the guard and I are going to work him in until his debt is paid off.” The men had to walk away seeing that they can’t do much now. The dealer took a break to spend some time with the security guard and his new guest (as his tail wiggle happily in his pants).

[carpememes]

OBAN STAR RACERS STARTERS (part 1)

"What's she thinking? If he's never called, he never will."

"I know you're jealous! My dad's famous!"

"He's just too busy to give me a call... Not his fault."

"If you weren't so old and ugly, I could kiss you!"

"Do I look like a young man to you? Can't you see I'm a girl?!"

"You got a day off last year didn't you?"

"Guess what, you're fired!"

"We must join the race or God knows what fate awaits us."

"I'll do my best, you can count on me."

"He's perfect. We'll take him."

"Fly to the other side of the galaxy if you want, but this time I'm coming with you."

"The die is cast. The race has begun."

"What on earth are you doing here?!"

"As far as I'm concerned you're just a surprise. And I hate surprises! have I made myself clear?"

"Watch your step. From now on you are ambassadors of the Earth."

"Sir, I think the welcoming committee has arrived."

"Oh great another surprise. Somehow I feel this won't be the last one today."

"Aren't you a bit young to be running around without parental guidance?"

"Where are YOUR parents, you're no older than I am."

"Don't try to con me, ____. I know you too well."

"What I'm trying to say is, I'm counting on you. We're all counting on you."

"I've got good news and bad news. The good news is we've been granted a rematch today."

"This is not the time for false modesty. I know you'll do just fine."

"I'm a gunner. I break things, it's my job."

"You know, ignoring your problems is no way to solve them."

"Tell that to my dad. He ignored me for 10 years."

"Sir, I think this is totally crazy but for what it's worth I admire you. Even in death."

"I'm only a humble mechanic."

"COME OUT, YOU ALIEN SCUM."

"They may reach the finish line, but they'll have to crawl."

"You owe your victory to a reckless stunt."

"We came as ambassadors and now we're the laughing stock of the entire competition!"

"I told you what you needed to know, when you needed to know it."

"Listen, pal. I already got a father!"

"There are times to talk and times to be silent. Guess which one this is!"

"Tell me, ____. Do you get along with your dad?"

"Who the heck was that guy? ___'s friendly clone?"

"Who said you could just walk in here?!"

"There was no noise! You're disturbing me."

"Such dark thoughts for a girl your age."

"These are normal thoughts for a girl my age."

"That's impossible! I can't be sick!"

"Don't you understand? Racing is my whole life."

"If I find that cat, I'll take all nine of its lives!"

"If I don't believe in them, no one will."

"Well, well, well. I must say I wasn't expecting you to fare so well."

"Our best wasn't good enough, was it?"

"Every champion must know the agony of defeat at least once in their professional career."

"He didn't mean a word of it. As usual."

"You had a rotten day too, huh?"

"I'm always prepared to lose with honor. You should be prepared to do the same."

"I'm just following orders. Like you should be."

"I trusted you, and you let me down!"

"Didn't your father teach you any manners?"

"I'm going to my room and I'm never coming out!"

"Today was a sure win! We lost because you didn't stick to the plan!"

"So you're against me too, are you? Is that it?!"

"You don't deserve a loving daughter like me!"

"And I don't deserve a father like you!"

"Oh great, they're bonding."

"Get lost I'm trying to be sad!"

"Breaking your word wasn't enough? Now you must spy?"

"Stay away from ____ or else you'll regret it."

"I fell. Choking on a .... pretzel."

"What is that monstrosity?"

"Impossible. She'll never make it."

"Another reckless gamble, but i'll take the victory."

"There was nothing reckless about that race and you know it better than anyone."

[ducknotinarow]

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ ( for Usagi - all verses pls uwu )

| For every "♡" I get I'll give a tip on how to win my muse's heart.

*Since I write a few more usgai's I decided to divide the hears up for each one uwu.

So you have fallen for the rabbit Ronin who has lived a life mostly built on solitude? As someone who spends a great deal alone truth be told he loves companionship and

♡ "Someone of great sword skill would be eye catching."

I will forever love that no matter what Usagi and Leo will always, ALWAYS, fight when they meet friendly or not its gonna happen. Usagi may live in New York (which makes me laugh he just there now XD) Usagi even when assuimng the turtles to be bad couldn't help but point out Leo's own skills. Usagi is a swordsmen first so him complimenting another is a big deal for him to show he notices another's skills.

♡ "Those who stick to their honor"

Usagi, is someone who even against his will, sticks to what he finds and sees as honor. Usagi's honor is his whole being. SO the fact Leo is someone who can understand that and even defend his actions when he had to do as Shredder ordered? And helped him out from the situation? How can't usagi be grateful for someone so thoughtful and kind uwu

♡ "Those who will fight to the end."

See this can go for either turtle he has an eye for uwu Both Leo and Don have shown that no matter the odds or numbers of a fight? They are willing to step up and fight. Usagi has fought along both of them and well let's just say he has gotten heart eyes watching them uwu

♡

"Being a warrior comes with a lot of trails, and I have seen many let their hearts be tainted. So thought who stand to be kind still?"

Usagi can't help but find those who are willing to help others to be very appealing. Usagi world is far more hostile even his closest friend Gen cant fall into temptations of gambling and such so kind heart people do tend to get Usagi's attention the most.

♡ "I tend to find stubbornness annoying but also attractive."

Say what you want but Leo's stubborn ass for sure is what got under Usagi's skin enough to fight with him even when they were on the same side later on. Leo can be head strong himself and stick to his guns like when he got upset about the cliff stuff. But this stubborn side was pretty big asset to beating Jei in the end (so they thought but still) uwu this can also apply towards Jei as well seeing how guys about as stubborn as they come about welllll everything XD Look Usagi can find an appealing and seeing how we have that they dated before? I feel it was what started usagi's attractive uwu

♡ "I do not often spend time around others so I do enjoy company when given."

Yeah boys kind of lonely lets be honest uwu Usagi meets people here and there sure but he doesn't often get to meet others all to much. So he also doesn't get to know others all to much either as it stands. But time spent traveling and such? Yeah that dose allow the chance to talk between destinations and learn about each other. I just feel Like Usagi would be very curious about Leo's world and could see them having talked a lot in their travels uwu.

MM Usagi uwu

♡

"Well I kind of find Leo funny? What's not to like about that? " Leo is funny if not a little Awkward but it's cute and enduring to Usagi. He likes how Leo can't really lie or stumbles over his words even. It's hard not to find cute to the rabbit, it makes Leo not seem so intimating but its clearly a side Leo means to display but what can he saw Leo's little quirks have captivated him uwu.

♡

" Leo's very trust worthy "

I haven't posted on Usagi for this verse yet! but I will say Usagi's gonna have trust issues but Leo's just so earnest that its gonna help a long way with getting the rabbit from feeling skittish and needing be on a constant defense around Leo at least.

[raeannabelle]

Summary - Jonah is reunited with his wife when he returns home from a bounty, and she has a certain idea in mind of welcoming him home.

Warnings - smut 18+, gambling, cussing.

Word count - 8.9k

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

"Alright, I'll raise you four more!" Circled around a small salon table were four men, a crowd forming as Angela refused to fold her hand in the poker game that had been going on for hours now. 

"Deal." She'd smile, smug as ever as she slid four more pieces into the center on the table, waiting for the other men before her to take their turn. 

"Alright that's it, I fold. I'm not gonna let a woman rob me of everything I've got." The older man, a friend of Jonahs, would throw his cards on the table. The five cards laid out to be a straight, a good hand but still not enough to end the women's winning streak. 

"She's got to be bluffin'." Another man would call, leaning over his friend's shoulder as he waited for the woman to finally call it. 

She wouldn't though, having learned poker from Mick and perfecting it through history she was a hard one to crack. Always having the perfect poker face. As the town doctor, by the name of Jones, walked into the salon however she'd quickly be finishing up her game. Ending the torment she was causing the men playing against her. 

"Your bounty hunter just got back into town, I'm sure he'll be lookin' for ya after bein' gone so long." His southern accent was heavy, being one of the oldest still alive in the small town of Salvation. 

The determination in her blue eyes would quickly turn to excitement as she turned to call the game. "Alright boys, I'm all in." Laying down her cards and sliding in her chips she'd reveal a royal flush, earning grumbles and curses from the men as they pulled out the money in their pockets. 

"Good game boys. I'll have to come back and show you how it's done again." With a wink and a kiss to the old doctor's cheek Angela would jump on her black and white mustang to set off towards her house. 

She hadn't been in Salvation for too long, but luckily the people already knew who she was. And now that she had decided to stay permanently they had all welcomed her with open arms, keeping her company when Jonah left town on bounties. 

Their small cabin was situated just on the edge of town, the only green left in the area serving as her backyard. She had learned all kinds of things since moving in full time, like gardening and cooking. Things she needed to know to survive in the west. 

When she'd finally make it home she'd be delighted to see Jonah's Tennessee Walker already tied up outside, doing the same with her horse before quickly walking towards the front door. She'd enter quietly, assuming he had gone up to their room to change she decided to surprise him. 

As the old stairs creaked under her feet she'd reach for the handle of their bedroom, opening it slowly before jumping in behind him unbuttoning his shirt. The sudden noise was enough to startle him and have him reaching for his pistol as he turned around to glare at her. 

"Jesus christ Angela, I didn't see you come home."

His weapon would be back in its holster before she could properly hug him, just so that he could return the gesture tenfold even lifting her up in the process. "I missed the hell out of you. Both of you."

His hand would move from cradling her back to instead move her oversized shirt against her stomach to reveal a small bump. She had been doing her best to hide her pregnancy, but it was starting to get harder now that their son was growing like a weed. 

"We missed you too." She'd smile, reaching up to cup his cheek before leaning up to peck against his lips. "I'm just happy you're home safe, you worry me so much every time you take a bounty so far away."

"Well knowing I'm coming home to you makes it easier. My woman, waiting to see me." He'd smile at the thought. "I'm glad we were finally able to manage this, us, I didn't want to worry about you traveling through time without me there makin' sure you were alright."

"Well now I have a piece of you everywhere I go." Rubbing her stomach she'd smile up at the man, before reaching up to toss his hat across the room. "A piece of you that won't get their foot out of my ribs, and is pushing on my bladder. They're getting harder to hide too, people have started asking questions."

They'd both been overjoyed when the doctor had told them she was pregnant, but once the realization came Jonah had warned her not to go around telling everyone yet. If people found out they might come for her, afterall his profession made him a lot of enemies. 

"Not much longer. I just want to make sure nothing happens to either of you, because I don't want to have to go on a murder spree." 

"That's too bad." Moving to unbutton the shirt he had just put on she'd look up at him with innocent eyes. "I think I might like you going crazy over me."

"I'm crazy enough for you already. Whole town is making fun of me now." They had been since he first started courting her. 

He'd watch silently as she unbuttoned the last button, pulling the fabric down from his shoulders to join his other clothes on the floor. He hadn't expected her to meet him with this as soon as he got home, but he wasn't going to complain either. He had been waiting a long time to be able to come home to her after a shit job, and he was going to enjoy it now that he had her. 

Running a hand up and down his chest she'd hum, looking over every scar and mark left behind from his fights until she'd stumble upon a new one. A bullet sized hole in his shoulder that he had patched up himself. 

"Jonah. What happened?"

Before she could get too concerned he'd lean down to kiss her, hard enough to take her breath away as he let his tongue invade her mouth. He didn't need her worrying about him, not when it was his job to watch over her and his future child. 

"Nothin you need to worry your pretty little head over. I'll be fine."

She'd look up at him as if considering arguing with him before sighing and snaking her hand around his neck instead, playing with the hair on his neck. As he'd lean down to kiss her again she'd moan, dropping a hand to unbuckle his belt and lower his jeans to his knees, something he'd have to kick off along with his boots. 

As he'd come to realize she was still fully clothed he'd grumble, pulling away from her only long enough to unbutton and unzip all of her clothes so he could easily toss them with his own. He'd be happy to see her not wearing anything under her button up, licking his lips as her nipples perked from the cold air of their cabin. 

"Damn. How did a man like me get so lucky?" 

Lowering his calloused hand, he'd brush his finger across her breast before squeezing, listening to her moan. 

"Jonah please, touch me. I've missed you so much." Pushing against his hand she'd press herself up against him, lowering a hand to squeeze against his briefs. As he'd buck into her hand she'd take that as permission to rid him of the final thing keeping him hidden, moaning when she'd watch his member spring free. 

She'd be happy to let him have the reins, pulling off her underwear as he helped her up into their bed. It was old enough to squeak under their weight, shifting when he'd tower over her small form. "Did you miss me when you were gone?"

"You know I did."

Letting her legs fall apart she'd be on full display for him, peering over her baby bump at his blue eyes as she lowered a hand to spread herself apart for him to see. "Show me how much."

He wouldn't hesitate to oblige, groaning as he'd watched her play with herself before moving her hand away to be replaced by her own. After a few simple circles he'd have her shaking under him, bucking up into his hand and she mumbled out nonsense. He loved seeing her like this, needy and desperate for him. 

Jonah would move his hand away before she could find her release, earning a whimper from her before he'd silence it with another kiss. As it would grow heated he'd start to pump himself against her leg, getting ready to push inside of her after making sure she could handle him. 

As his tip would glide between her folds she'd have to bite her tongue to keep from moaning too loud, looking at him with pleading sky blue eyes as she tried to pull him down against her with her legs that were wrapped around his waist. 

He wouldn't make her wait much longer, getting his shaft wet from her near orgasm before sliding inside of her. He'd take her pleads and whimpers as permission to keep going, slowly thrusting himself against her until he was completely buried inside. 

"Please. I need you so bad, don't stop please." Her pleas would barely be audible as he quietly shushed her with another kiss. This one being more loving and slow as he began to rock his hips against her own, in a steady motion. 

The longer she'd be squeezing around him the harder he would find it to keep his pace slow, speeding up every time she'd ask him to or he'd see her eyes roll to the back of her head. 

By the time they were both about to reach their highs he'd be thrusting against her so hard the bed frame would groan under every movement, hitting the wall behind them where small scratches were beginning to form. He'd only smile down at her though as her orgasm would come crashing down on her in waves, having her moaning out his name as he angled to hit even deeper inside of her. 

"God damn. You feel like heaven Darlin', squeezing me like that. I don't think I'm gonna last much longer." He'd be telling the truth too as he'd see stars just after her, grunting with his forehead pressed against hers. 

He'd slowly stop his motions, squeezing against her hips as he pulled out. She'd be leaking out onto their bed as soon as his shaft would go limp against her stomach, already carrying their child and having no room left for anything else he'd give her. 

"Let me run you a bath, don't move okay sweetheart."

Aftercare was something he took seriously, wasting no time in running her a hot bath so she could soak in the tub, even carrying her into their bathroom so she wouldn't have to walk.  

"I guess you really did miss me." She'd smile, letting him get into the water first before she'd lay back against his chest in the porcelain tub. 

"Like hell." He'd admit, kissing her shoulder with a smile as his hands came to rest against her stomach again. 

She'd be happy laying there with him for hours, soaking in the time she got with him whether it was spent being intimate or otherwise. As his hands would cup her belly she'd let her smaller ones fall over his, smiling at the thought of their son kicking against them. 

"I've been talking to the other ladies and I think I've decided to have them here. Naturally with you and the doctor." If they could do it after all then why couldn't she?

"Are you sure about that? What if something goes wrong, I don't know the first thing about delivery and Mr. Jones is definitely not Gideon."

She'd chuckle, leaning back to properly look up at him with a smile. "We can have the legends on standby. But I want to do what my body was meant to do, naturally without any help." Thinking for a moment she'd decide. "How hard can it be anyways?"

Words she'd definitely be regretting in the coming months. 

[the-scrappy-stinger]

Okay I'm bored, let's check on KitKat Jesus.

Hoo boy...

Okay let's back up a little. The arc isn't juuust over yet: Bad Big Bad Boss whose name I can't be bothered to remember is forgiven! Tentatively. So it's back to work for everybody.

KitKat has decided that they key to saving (DOESN'T look it up) Goryokaku-tei is to go back to its roots as the first restaurant in the area to serve delicious high-quality curry rice. And apparently the key ingredient is... whale meat.

God damn it Japan... he says it's because Japan ate a lot of it after World War II but... aaaagh, it gets even worse, because it's not even going to be the same recipe every time!

This sounds like disaster! But it was KitKat's idea, so it's perfect, of course.

KitKat makes his way out of the restaurant and onto better pastures, marking the ACTUAL start of a new arc, which starts with-

Japan making fun of American imported meat, which comes up weirdly a lot in the manga I read, but anyway-

We head out to another restaurant! And guess what?

There's an uppity celebrity chef who thinks he's better than his customers. What a surprise. This is Makoto, and he's 20 years old, and he's smarter than everyone else, apparently. If customers complain, critique, or even just get full and don't finish their food, he bans them from his restaurant.

His restaurant, which is ANOTHER branch of Goryokaku-tei.

The ultimate evil of food is franchising, people. KitKat said it himself.

And so KitKat's on his way...

Somewhere else.

Oooh I remember this one... this one's gonna be another long-runner.

KitKat eats the food at Sleepy-Eyed Guy's place and finds... it's good! It's actually good! The guy isn't a bad chef at all! He's got skills and cares about customers! Just not the lobby.

And the reason...

He's Makoto's dad. Makoto got hired by Goryokaku and it broke his heart, so he got really into gambling and is about to close the shop to get a job at a competing place, Hakurai-tei. KitKat can't take a Goryokaku thing sitting down. Literally.

Because the next day he eats there, and then gets right up to talk shit to Makoto. Except the manager of the place gets to him first, not that he has much to say, it's mostly just padding to catch up people who are picking up the manga for the first time.

Makoto and KitKat are like "grrrr" at each other, and Makoto's dad takes the job at the competing restaurant which, surprise, is run by greedy capitalists who want to rule the culinary world of... (checks) Kobe.

Man this manga's repetitive when you binge it...

Anyway, KitKat accepts the offer to take Makoto down a few pegs- I mean teach him the true meaning of cooking or whatever, which means a Spaghetti cookoff!

Beeteedubs Napolitan has always sounded gross to me. You really do take spaghetti and toss it in ketchup and bell peppers with added, like, little hot dogs and stuff. Makoto makes a carbonara.

And wins the cook-off.

KitKat is kicked out of the kitchen and forced to work at the OTHER high-class gourmet restaurant in town, Hark- ush- the other one, which happens to be staffed with all the guys he was punching in the face at the beginning of this story arc.

Karma's a bitch, ain't it, KitKat?

Makoto's dad is watching out for him though. While they finish some grunt work together, KitKat bemoans that nobody liked his cheap ketchup and weenie spaghetti. And Makoto's dad is like "No shit, man, people's tastes change. You can't think that your opinion is the absolute right." and KitKat's like "yeah I fucked up."

Makoto's dad is a cool dude.

Too bad he fuckin' dies.

KitKat's renewed confidence allows him to take over the kitchen while Makoto's dad is down for the count. And he does so good... that the evil managers fire Makoto's dad.

SO uh... thanks for that, Kitkat.

But Makoto's dad begs for KitKat to bring his son to his senses, and to do that... they're gonna have another cooking battle! On a BOAT!

Meanwhile, while KitKat's running the kitchen, he decides that he's gonna shit all over that one burly dude who was punching him both in the middle AND the beginning of this arc. So guess what?

He gets fucking stabbed in the arm.

And then is not going to the hospital OR the police, because that would mean they forfeit the cooking contest for some reason. He is instead just gonna do it with his arm stabbed.

This guy has serious problems.

Padding padding padding 'til the showdown on the boat. Just a bunch of montages of the chefs preparing, including KitKat having to cook left-handed because his ARM GOT STABBED. THEY ON A BOAT.

With international judges! So the cook-off begin-

Both of these chefs have serious problems.

Meanwhile Makoto is... showboating.

Just throwing down here that the boat will turn right or left depending on who wins. Okay moving on, Makoto serves steak, it's very good, yes.

I swear I'm not leaving anything out but pretty manga panels.

(goes to put an example)

I'M OUT OF PICTURES!!!!

You know what? Fuckin' cliffhanger! Continued in part two!

Talley so far: 11 chapters and still not concluded!!!

[f1]

Alonso thrilled his bet on Aston Martin paid off with fifth on grid for first race | 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix

Fernando Alonso described qualifying fifth on the grid for his debut with Aston Martin as “unreal” after joining the team for 2023. He set the quickest time in the second and third practice sessions and was been tipped by many of his rivals as a genuine contender for pole. Despite qualifying behind both Red Bulls and Ferraris, Alonso says he was still delighted with the result in his first qualifying session with the team. “It was amazing,” he said. “I mean, the whole weekend has been unreal for us. “It was like too good to be true every session and every performance of the car. And then in qualifying, our expectation was to be around half a second from Red Bull and I think we are half a second or six tenths from pole position. So it was quite right.” Qualifying has confirmed that Aston Martin’s pace is genuine, Alonso says, after he could not be certain about how their performance would measure up based on testing and practice. “In practice we knew that we were around third or fifth or fourth,” he explained. “We didn’t know exactly what Ferrari was doing. For sure we were behind Red Bull, but I think it was just a couple of milliseconds always that we were in front of them, so the position looked too good. “Now there is not much more to downplay anything because this is qualifying, all in the same conditions and we are in the mix with Ferrari and Mercedes. So again, unreal.” Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free After going nearly a full decade without a race win moving between teams in a bid to chase a third world championship, Alonso admits he is not used to heading into a race feeling optimistic about his chances. “It feels so strange for me to say that we’ll start P5 and maybe we are aiming for more,” Alonso said. “We thought, to be honest, that the first three teams, they were untouchable this year with the advantage they had last year and maybe try to lead the midfield or mix in the midfield. But now we’re saying that we start P5 and maybe we fight with the Ferraris for the podium – so this is just incredible. “So let’s keep on going, let’s keep working, keep the feet on the ground and execute the race the best way possible, no mistakes, good start, good pit stops and let’s see where we are. But so far we are living a dream.” Alonso joined Aston Martin after leaving Alpine at the end of last season. He admitted he had taken a gamble in joining the Silverstone-based squad. “I don’t know even what to say, because eight months ago the project was just a bet,” he said. “But now to be race one with a completely new car, I think we need still to unlock a lot of potential.” Asked if he envisioned being able to fight for a podium in tomorrow’s race, Alonso said “let’s see.” “I mean, I’m laughing because going for a podium in race one,” he continues.” It feels, again, too good to be true. But for sure what we saw so far on our car and also historically, Aston Martin has very good tyre management. So if we have an opportunity for sure, we will take it.” Bringing the F1 news from the source RaceFans strives to bring its readers news directly from the key players in Formula 1. We are able to do this thanks in part to the generous backing of our RaceFans Supporters. By contributing £1 per month or £12 per year (or the equivalent in other currencies) you can help cover the costs involved in producing original journalism: Travelling, writing, creating, hosting, contacting and developing. We have been proudly supported by our readers for over 10 years. If you enjoy our independent coverage, please consider becoming a RaceFans Supporter today. As a bonus, all our Supporters can also browse the site ad-free. Sign up or find out more via the links below: Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix Browse all 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix articles via RaceFans - Independent Motorsport Coverage https://www.racefans.net/

[moonlight-hwa]

FI, TYMI ~ C. S | Chapter 1

Synopsis: Wherein Mikyung does a fake dating agreement with her co-worker, in order to escape the constant pursuits of her ex-boyfriend.

Pairings: lawyer!san x female!lawyer!OC (ft. bff!wooyoung)

Genre: fluff, angst, hurt/comfort, fake dating turned real dating, kinda she falls first, he falls harder

Warnings: Mikyung was in a past toxic relationship, mentions of controlling and possessive behavior, as well as emotional abuse. inaccuracies of lawyers/attorneys, mentions of unsupportive parents, brief alcohol consumption

Word Count: 3,267

Love…Love was such a complicated concept; it could work out with one person and not with another, it was basically a gamble to see whether you’d end up heartbroken or not. And Mikyung took that gamble with someone she thought was the person she’d spend the rest of her life with…but she soon realized that Chanwoo wasn’t who she thought he was.

  When they first began dating, Chanwoo was sweet, caring and empathetic, but his true colors were soon revealed only after four months of being together; Chanwoo was possessive, controlling and even emotionally abusive at times.

Mikyung remembered so vividly not being able to talk or see her best friend, because Chanwoo would get jealous easily and just didn’t like her being around other men. In conclusion, it was far from being the relationship she so desperately hoped it to be.

  After almost two years of being together, one night when Chanwoo wasn’t home, Mikyung packed all her things and left…leaving nothing but a note, saying that she wanted to break up.

But of course, that never stopped him from trying to win her back…he tried every little thing known to man to get her back. However, Mikyung knew her worth, and she wasn’t going to let anyone treat her like some kind of object or property to own…ever again.

  It had just stuck six-thirty and Mikyung was sat at the dining table, drinking her morning coffee as she looked through a new case, that was like her situation…except the roles had been switched; the man was the victim, and the women was the perpetrator.

Mikyung heart broke for the for the victim, because she had experienced some of the same things; she could relate, and she just knew she had to try her absolute best to him this case.

   As Mikyung continued to sit at the table. The sound of the doorbell resonated throughout her apartment. She looked up at the door questioningly, trying to think who could possibly be here at this hour; not even Wooyoung would come here at this ungodly hour, and she couldn’t remember if she had ordered anything online. Mikyung heaved out a sigh, finally standing up from the chair, stepping closer toward the door.

  When she swung the door open, nobody was standing on the other side…but when her gaze turned downward, she was met with a large bouquet of flowers. She scoffed “Ah…you have to be kidding me.” She mumbled, crouching down to pick up the bouquet, before taking it inside. Mikyung wasn’t lying about her ex trying everything known to man to get her back.

  Mikyung set it atop the dining table, beginning to feel annoyance and frustration bubble up inside her at Chanwoo’s constant pursuits…but she couldn’t be that upset, because it was a bouquet of her favorite flowers (pink gladiolus and white roses).

Her gaze remained on the bouquet, until she caught sight of a cream-colored card amongst the flowers; she took the card from its spot, before opening it and Mikyung couldn’t help but scoff again when reading it.

  ‘Baby, can we please talk. I swear I’ll make it up to you.’ She couldn’t believe the absolute audacity of this man; after all the degrading names and words and controlling who she hung out with or talked to…after making her life the most miserable for almost two years, he was asking for forgiveness.

At that point Mikyung wasn’t just annoyed or frustrated, she was fuming; she immediately grabbed her phone from the other side of the table and searched for Wooyoung’s contact.

  It rung for a few moments before he finally answered, Mikyung gave him no time to greet her as she immediately started talking. “Wooyoung, you will not believe what was outside my apartment.”

She heard him chuckle softly form the other line “Well good morning to you too,” She couldn’t help but roll her eyes “but enlighten me as to what was outside your apartment.” He added

  Mikyung breathed out a long sigh “So I’m sitting at my dining table, drinking my morning coffee and reading up on a new case,” She began and Wooyoung hummed “As you do every morning.” He threw in, before she continued “and then the doorbell goes off-which I thought was strange, because I hadn’t order anything and I knew it wasn’t you…you would never come over at such an ungodly hour in the morning,”

Wooyoung snickered “Of course, because I can’t bare to see your face before nine.” He said, drawing out the word ‘bare’ in a very dramatic manner.

  Mikyung scoffed and rolled her eyes for the millionth time “God you’re so annoying.” She commented under her breath, finishing off the rest of her coffee, before placing the empty mug in the sink.

“But you love me anyway.”  He says and she could practically hear the stupid grin on his face “Yeah, Yeah, whatever- Anyway, I open the door and there’s a gorgeous bouquet of pink gladiolus and white roses.”  

“Oh, don’t tell me.”

“Yep…Lee freaking Chanwoo sent me a bouquet of my favorite flowers, thinking I would forgive him just like that and go back to him like he hadn’t made my life absolutely miserable.”

Wooyoung cleared his throat “Do you want me to come over?”

  Even though at times Mikyung found herself wanting to strangle Wooyoung and found him absolutely insufferable…he was also the only person she could’ve turned to, when in her relationship with Chanwoo, even when her very own parents weren’t there.

  He was there, when she couldn’t stop crying and repeated all the horrible things Chanwoo had said to her; he was there, holding her in his arms as she sobbed in his chest, all the while he whispered reassurances in her ear, telling her she was nothing like the things Chanwoo told her. Wooyoung taught Mikyung how to be strong and to never let a person treat her like he had.

  A smile formed on her lips at his offer “No, that’s fine…I need to start getting ready for work.” She answered, even though going to work didn’t sound very appealing in that moment.

“But can you come over later tonight…maybe with fried chicken, beer and soju. I could really use a drink and a talk with my best friend.” She added, voice dropping an octave. “Okay, I can do that. I’ll see you later then?” Mikyung hummed “Yep, see you later.” She said before ending the call.

  Her gaze then turned back to the bouquet…she was going to keep it, but she was not going to talk with Chanwoo.

  By the time Mikyung walked through the doors of Choi Law Frim, she had completely forgotten the events that transpired back at her apartment. She greeted everyone sitting at their desks with ‘good mornings’ and bright smiles as she walked to her office.

When she entered the office, she was met with two of her colleagues “Good morning.” She greeted, with a smile, bowing her head slightly as she stepped closer to her desk. Both her colleagues greeted her back “Good morning.” They spoke in unison, while Mikyung finally took her place at her desk.

   “So…how was your weekend, Mikyung?” Her colleague Eunha spoke after a few moments of silence. Mikyung hummed, pressing the power button to the computer “It was good…nothing super crazy happened.” She answered rather vaguely.  

  She had never told anyone else about what she was going through, and honestly, they didn’t need know…especially when they might shun her and say that she was just being dramatic or Chanwoo was nothing like what she said, because that’s exactly what her parents had done. So…she couldn’t trust anyone with such sensitive and personal topics.

  “How about you two? Anything new?” Mikyung asked this time, spinning around in her chair. Eunha shrugged “Just a lazy weekend with the fiancée.”

Her other colleague Hyunseok nodded in agreement “Yeah…I just had nice weekend with the wife and kids.” He said and Mikyung nodded in response, taking her bottom lip between her teeth, to hide the saddened smile that wanted to take over her features.

  Mikyung didn’t say anything else after that and turned back to her computer, while Eunha and Hyunseok continued talking about their lovely weekends with their significant others.

She wasn’t interested in being in another relationship…but she couldn’t help but feel a bit jealous of her colleagues, who had found their forever partners…all the while she had to deal with the aftereffects of her abusive relationship with Chanwoo.

  She breathed out a sigh, shaking her slightly, putting her focus back on her work…instead of her sad love life.

For the next hour Mikyung spent her time scrolling through her emails, then she began hearing the sweet and melodic, yet deep voice, of someone she had developed a small crush on since working here. She stopped scrolling, almost freezing in place as her heart began to race and a fluttery sensation invaded her stomach.

  And when her gaze moved up from the illuminated screen, there he was…Choi San, in all his glory; he wore a three-piece gray suit, paired with a white button up, a black tie and the glasses he usually wore. A smile was etched on his features, dimples on full display as he bowed and said his ‘good mornings’ to everyone in the office.

  Mikung was one thousand percent sure that every women in the entire firm had a crush on San, including herself.

But who couldn’t help but have a crush on him? He was the epitome of everyone’s ideal type; San was charming, kind, friendly and considerate of the feelings of everybody around him…and not to mention stupidly handsome, so in conclusion he was perfect.

   “Carful now Mikyung…you’re going to start drooling soon.” A voice spoke, causing her to jump slightly and snap her out of her mesmerized state as her head turned to the left, coming face to face with Eunha.

  Mikyung’s eyes widened as heat rushed to her face “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She said softly, gaze turning downward to her desk. “Ah huh.” She expressed, obviously not believing her words “So we’re just going to pretend you don’t have a crush on Choi San.” Mikyung whipped her head in Eunha’s direction.

  She opened her mouth to make up an excuse or just deny it altogether…but before Mikyung had a chance to utter a single word, Eunha stopped her by holding up her hand “Don’t even try to deny it, its so obvious from just your facial expressions.” She said, causing Mikyung to seal her lips shut. 

  Eunha then bumped Mikyung with her hip, a playful smile tugging at her lips “Why don’t you ask him out for coffee or even lunch?” She asked curiously, Mikyung exhaled deeply before replying with “We haven’t really held an actual conversation, it’s all been work related when we do end up talking. Besides it’s just some stupid crush, it’ll go away eventually.”

  Eunha clicked her tongue, shaking her head disapprovingly “How do you know he doesn’t feel the same way?” Mikyung shrugged her shoulders “That’s the thing, I don’t know. But he probably has so many other women trying to get his attention.”  

  She breathed out another sigh “I don’t really want to add to that.” Mikyung concluded, causing Eunha to sigh this time “I guess that’s a good reason. But at least think about it…maybe you’ll change your mind.” She said and Mikyung only nodded in response.

  And just by some crazy chance, when Mikyung looked over the computer screen, San was looking right at her. Her eyes widened as her face became even warmer…but she didn’t try to look away, seemingly entranced by his sharp features. Not even a moment passed, when San smiled once more and bowed his head slightly, before finally continuing to his office.

  Mikyung remained frozen, gaze still locked onto where San was standing only moments ago; call her delusional, but those gestures were directed toward her.

  Once Mikyung was finally standing just outside her apartment later that night, she felt the onset feeling of exhaustion and the strong desire to go to bed wash over her. But when she pushed the door open, after unlocking it, she was greeted with the lights on, along with takeout boxes, bottles of soju and beer set out atop the coffee table.

  “Nice of you to finally join me.” Mikyung jumped slightly at the suddenness of Wooyoung’s voice as she turned to face him. An apologetical expression painted her features “Sorry Woo, I got held up at the firm.” She explained, setting her purse and a small stack of files atop the island.

   Wooyoung hummed, moving to stand beside her “That’s alright, I know you’re a busy woman.” He said in understanding. Mikyung looked up from the file, gaze locking with his and giving him a small smile, before she looked back down at the file.

   It fell silent for a moment before Wooyoung began talking again “How are you feeling?” He asked, obviously alluding to what happened that morning.

Mikyung heaved long sigh, before she shrugged “I don’t know,” Already feeling the familiar sting of tears in her eyes “I…I just don’t want to deal with this anymore.” She answered truthfully, voice breaking slightly at the end.

   A frown tugged downward at Wooyoung’s lips at her words. No matter how many times he had seen her like this, he still wished he could take her pain away…keep him away from hurting her.

  “Come here.” He spoke softly, hand gently wrapping around her forearm and pulling her into his embrace. Mikyung’s arms naturally went around his waist as her head fell to rest in the crook of his neck.

    Tears silently fell from Mikyung’s eyes, while one of Wooyoung’s hands moved up and down the length of her back in a comforting manner. “I’m sorry Woo…that I didn’t listen to you when you first warned me about Chanwoo.” Her voice was quiet, but it was still loud enough for Wooyoung to hear.

  “Don’t you dare apologize, Mikyung.” More tears glossed over her eyes “Its not your fault, it never has been, and it will never be your fault.” He said, putting emphasis on each ‘never’.

Mikyung buried her face further in the side of his neck, soft cries beginning to leave from her mouth, causing Wooyoung to tighten his hold around her as the pair stood there until her tears finally stopped.

   After getting changed into more comfortable clothing, Mikyung entered the main living area again, her gaze ultimately landing on her best friend, who sat on the floor between the couch and coffee table, eyes trained to the illuminated screen of his phone and a glass filled with beer in his other.

   He eventually looked up from the device, upon hearing approaching footsteps. His lips curl into a grin “Feeling any better, Mimi?” He asked as he placed his phone on the table.

   Mikyung cringed at the nickname he used when they were kids and sometimes even now “God, I hate when you call me that.” She said exasperatedly, taking her spot on the floor next to him. He hummed, his playful grin remaining, softly bumping shoulders with her “Oh come on…I know you secretly like it.”

   She rolled her eyes, grabbing a soju bottle before twisting the cap off. “No, but seriously…are you feeling better?” He asked again, the grin falling from his features. Mikyung simply shrugged, pouring the clear alcohol into a shot glass before throwing her head back, gulping down the liquid.

   “I feel better.” She finally answered, turning to look at him. Wooyoung nodded, a small smile on his features and she found herself smiling as well “Thank you, Woo.” Head falling to his shoulder and his resting atop of hers “Of course, Mimi.”

   A brief silence fell around them, before Wooyoung eventually cut through it “How’s your office crush going?” He questioned, causing Mikyung to grow flustered, immediately lifting her head from his shoulder “God…not this again Woo.” She complained, moving to open one of the boxes. “What? What so wrong with knowing about my best friends love life?”

   She breathed out a long sigh, grabbing a fried chicken leg from the box “There’s nothing wrong with asking about my love life…but there is a difference between asking and teasing me about it.” She explained, taking a bite of the chicken.

  Wooyoung’s jaw dropped as a hand went where his heart was, acting as if he was hurt “I would never tease you about such a thing. How dare you, think so lowly of me?” He said rather dramatically and Mikyung turned to him with a ‘really?’ expression on her features, which caused Wooyoung to seal his mouth shut as he slouched against the couch.

  “Ok, maybe I would.” He spoke under his breath, also grabbing chicken from the box. “And you have…multiple times.” She added voice raising an octave and Wooyoung held up his hands in surrender “Ok, ok you got me there.” He admitted “But…what if this time I’m genuinely curious.”

  Mikyung chuckled softly “Impossible.”  She simply said and Wooyoung’s bottom lip jutted out in a pout. Mikyung laughed fully this time, the sound reverberating off the walls of her apartment “Ok, fine I’ll tell you…just stop pouting.” His face lit up immediately at her words, sitting up against the couch, undivided attention on her and her next words.

   She chuckled again, before she finally began talking “I hope you weren’t looking forward to anything super juicy or exciting, because everything is still the same between San and I.” She confessed, grabbing a bottle of beer, along with the opener.

  “You’re kidding, right?” He deadpanned as she poured the amber colored liquid in a glass, her gaze avoiding his, feeling embarrassment crawl up her neck while she shook her head in response. Wooyoung exhaled deeply “Mikyung we talked about this.” He said, a small frown tugged downward at his lips.

  “Yeah, Yeah, I know. But I’m not the only woman to have a crush on San, so he probably has so many asking him out for coffee or lunch. I don’t want to add to that…besides its just some dumb crush it’ll go away eventually.” She explained, taking a gulp of the cooling and refreshing liquid.

  Wooyoung hummed “How are you so sure that he’s even accepted any of these women…or that he doesn’t feel the same?” He questioned.

  Mikyung groaned “You sound just like Eunha.”

  Wooyoung huffed out a breath “Good, because what’s holding you back from telling San how you feel?” He questioned once more, voice raising slightly.

  She scoffed, feeling a lump form in her throat “I don’t know…maybe it’s the lingering fears and trauma from my previous relationship.” She countered, matching Wooyoung tone as tears glossed over her eyes.

  And immediately, at the sight of her glossy eyes, Wooyung regretted asking her that…he knew exactly why. Mikyung slouched against the couch, trying to blink away her unfallen tears and a frown took over his features. “I’m sorry, Mimi…I shouldn’t have said that.” He said, guilt filling the pit of his stomach.

  She swallowed thickly “No, its fine Woo. I…I’m just tired of people telling me that I should confess to San, when I know I’m not ready for that kind of commitment.” Wooyoung nodded slowly “Ok, I understand. I won’t bring it up again.”

  Mikyung turned to him, a small smile on her lips, before Wooyoung continued “Just promise me…when you’re ready you’ll tell San how you feel about him.” She nodded, smile remaining “I promise.”

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