#like babes why are you traumatizing your kids in so many ways and still expect them to want to be associated with you?

[undertheredhood]

i’ve said it once and i’ll say it again, dc really needs to get better writers because how do they expect people to like batman if he’s constantly being portrayed as an abuser

[annaphoenix1994]

Baler's First Christmas

Previous Chapter - Masterlist - Next Chapter

"Stop fumbling with it, Soap." Simon warned from the driver's seat, watching him continue to look at the ring he was finally able to get with Simon's help, almost as if he couldn't believe he got to take it with him after eyeing it in its case when he went to make payments on it. The box opened and closed repeatedly throughout their drive home. 

"What? Can't help it." 

"You've been practicing how you're going to open the box when you ask her, Johnny," Simon arched his brow. "It's not rocket science. You get down on one knee, open the box, and ask the question." 

"Don't listen to him, Johnny. He was shaking like a leaf when he proposed to me." Kiera giggled from the passenger seat, ignoring Simon's glare as she smiled at Soap from over her shoulder. 

"No, I wasn't." 

"Mhm, I saw your hands shaking when you put the ring on my finger." 

He huffed at her response, knowing she was right, but he didn't want Johnny to know that as he pulled onto the gravel of the ranch's long driveway. "You two banter like a married couple." Price scoffed, he too loving to push Simon's buttons. 

"I thought the same thing!" Kiera giggled. "Even my own mom said that after I gave birth to the twins!" 

"Looks like I'm not the only one..." The Scot commented, keeping his gaze on the ring after opening the box yet again to look at it. 

"Johnny, we're here. I suggest you hide that ring before you blow your cover." 

"She's still out with the herd, L.T.," he waved his hand. "I won't blow my cover." 

"Well, you need to hide it somewhere while we take that furniture from Kiera's mum's guest room-" 

"Why? What? Since when are we moving furniture?" 

"Since now. We're making the kid a bedroom of his own for Christmas and her mum said we could have the furniture that's in their guest room instead of buying it." Simon replied, parking the truck in the driveway of the house he and Kiera shared to help carry in the many bags of gifts and groceries. 

"Wow, you definitely have heart in that body of yours, L.T." 

"Wasn't my idea." He grumbled, exiting the truck to walk around to the passenger side to open the door for her. 

"It was his idea." Kiera whispered over her shoulder, giggling as she took his hand to help her out of the truck, Johnny and Price laughing at the glare Simon gave them through the back window of the truck as he and Kiera began gathering bags to take inside. 

"Remind me to traumatize him with that bloody elf like we did last year." Simon commented, following Kiera into the house and setting the bags on the kitchen island while she proceeded to open Kimber's crate. 

"Oh, I'm sure you won't forget since you look forward to it every year," She giggled, leaning down to pet Kimber between her ears. "I'm going to start cleaning that room. What're you bringing over first?" 

"Probably the bed and frame, love." He replied, always resisting the urge to turn her to face him so that he could kiss her for just a second longer after he had gone a long time without her lips on his. 

She giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck as she inhaled his cologne, twining her fingers through his hair and embracing the scratch from his stubble against her top lip. "I love you." 

"I love you too, Simon." She smiled against his lips. 

"Need any help with this stuff?" He nodded his head towards the grocery bags. 

"I've got it handled from here, babe. I'm going to wrap his presents in our bedroom after I get done putting the groceries away." 

"Okay. We'll hustle to get that furniture over here. I don't expect them to be back for another couple of hours. I'm sure you want it to be a surprise for him." 

"You know how I am with keeping surprises." 

"Well, it's a good thing Christmas Eve is tomorrow. Just contain your excitement until Christmas Day, yeah?" 

"I'll do my best." 

He smirked, pressing another kiss to her lips before he made his way back to the truck and driving to her parent's lodge, knowing he'd have to use the truck to tote the furniture back and forth. 

After she put the groceries away, she began taking Baler's gifts to their bedroom to wrap, sitting on the floor as she folded the new clothes into the gift box, wrapping it in Christmas-themed paper as well as taking the advantage of wrapping Simon's gifts while he was occupied. She knew he didn't know how to react to gifts, but she hoped he liked what she got him this year. 

A new tactical knife, a few new shirts for him to wear under his uniform, and a large framed collection - more like a shadow box - of the group photos - including the mission of Operation Kingfish - he had been present for after their hardest missions as well as a wonderful display of his awards, a copy of his dog tags, and his favorite hard shell skull balaclava. It was a large display, but it was honorable for her to make and she knew he would love it as the photos that were in it were the group photos of him and the Task Force, also the most recent one being the group photo of the Task Force with Alejandro and Rudy, Kiera being able to see herself present in the photo in the back of the photo coincidentally next to Simon. She wrapped the shadow box with two layers of tissue paper after the first layer of bubble wrap before setting it in the cardboard box and wrapping it in a special themed paper, the couple doing it to ensure that each gift was wrapped with certain paper to avoid confusion. 

She smiled after writing the tag: 

She shuddered when she heard the door open, hearing three male voices follow the sound of the open door as they heaved heavy breaths. "For fuck's sake, Johnny, lift it!"  

"I am! I'm sorry I don't overdose on pre-workout and lift five-hundred pounds in the gym!" He sneered back. 

"Fucking hell, I can bench at least four!" 

"Bloody shite, boys. Can we get this in that bedroom before so I can light a cigar?" Price scoffed at their playful bickering. 

Kiera giggled as she leaned against the bedroom doorway, watching them work together to tote in the bed frame for Baler's room. "I guess I forgot to mention that it's a log bed frame..." 

"We figured it out," Johnny replied. "Pivot, Simon! Pivot!" 

He grumbled, moving the bed into the room before easing it down to sit as it should on the floor. Wiping a bead of sweat from his brow, he rested his hands on his hips before exhaling deeply, "I'd rather go back to Mexico than do that again." 

"Surprised it wasn't the oil rig." She arched her brow. 

"No. I got wet and cold after that." 

"Yeah," Johnny scoffed. "And after that we got stuck in that small town having to improvise. Remember that, Kiera?" He asked blindly. 

"No, I was too busy being interrogated and beaten within an inch of my life in that black site prison," She shook her head. "But I'm sure you guys had more fun." 

Johnny immediately regretted what he had asked, hoping he didn't offend her in any way. He looked at her with a sorry gleam in his eye, relieved when he saw a playful smile plastered across her face. 

"What else do we have to bring over?" Price asked, changing the subject. 

"Just the mattress, two side tables, and the dresser. We can fit it all on the bed of the truck." 

"Thank God. Hopefully they're lighter than this thing." Johnny added. 

"I'll start dinner," Kiera said. "You boys look like you could use something to eat." 

"Best news I've heard all day." 

Kiera was genuinely pleased with the pout on Simon's face when he found out they all had matching pajamas for the holiday, but he felt less embarrassed when Baler had a matching set too. 

The couple each toted an infant against their chests, entering the lodge that smelled of a simple, yet big enough dinner to feed them and Simon's Task Force for a traditional Christmas Eve dinner. "You all look so cute!" Eva smiled, "You know I'll have to get a picture!" 

"Okay," Kiera smiled. "I have some things I want to make that I saw on Pinterest." 

"Christ." Simon mumbled, sounding like he loathed anything that had to do with arts and crafts, but if he were being honest, anything that involved Kiera and their children made his heart flutter. 

"What is it, sweetheart?" Eva smiled. 

"I'll tell you about it at dinner," She giggled. "We have a long night ahead of us."

"That we do! After dinner, I'd like to make cookies with Baler. He already told me what movie he wanted to watch tonight." 

"He'd like that." 

Later that same evening after dinner and when Price, Alice, Johnny, Teeter, Gaz, Alejandro, and Rudy went off to their designated rooms in the guest house after much-needed laughs and a competitive game of friendly poker. It was the first time in a long while Kiera had seen Simon laugh that much. 

She lay on the couch with her head in Simon's lap, enjoying the lazy circles he was drawing in her hair as she had her arm around Evie's sleeping form nestled against her while Jacob was snug against Simon's opposite leg, his thumb gently rubbing along the bridge of his little nose, unaware that Jacob thoroughly enjoyed the sensation as it put him to sleep the quickest. 

"Falling asleep on me, yeah?" Simon whispered down to her, moving a piece of hair from her face and glancing over to see Baler tossing pieces of popcorn into his mouth while atop a makeshift area on the floor by using multiple toss pillows and a fleece blanket while Eva had fallen asleep herself on the other couch, her mouth barely agape. 

"No." She mumbled, looking against her chest to check on Evie, satisfied that she was still sleeping. 

"Don't lie, love." He chuckled, moving his hand back to her hair to continue running his fingers through it. 

She nodded instead of replying, letting her eyes close while she felt content with her head on his lap. "I don't blame you; this movie is about to put me to sleep too." 

"Well, it's a good thing we're staying the night." 

"Too bad you couldn't leave the dog at home," He chuckled. "Now I have to worry about that little lass curling up at my feet." 

"I don't blame her. You're warm to cuddle up against." 

He sighed heavily through his nose, "Well, it's time for bed anyway. Especially if Baler here is expecting a visit from Santa." 

Baler glanced over his shoulder and scoffed, "Santa? How old do you think I am? Six?" 

"Who else is going to give you presents?" Simon arched a brow. "Because it certainly wasn't me." His face was stern, hoping Baler believed the folk tale as he truly wanted to make Baler's first Christmas special for him, wanting him to experience the excitement every kid deserved to have. 

"Kiera?" Baler questioned, hearing her hum in response. "Is he serious?" 

"What? You don't believe in Santa Claus?" 

"...No?" 

"Well, he might forgive you and still bring you a present anyway," She assured him, watching his face light up with excitement. "Let's go to bed. We'll see how it goes in the morning." 

On Christmas Day, Kiera awoke to the feeling of a hand grasping her bicep. She couldn't help pulling her arm away at the sudden sensation. "Miss Kiera?" Baler whispered. "I-I'm sorry to wake you up." 

She rubbed her eyes, slowly sitting up in the bed before Simon awoke next to her, sighing as he was upset he was awakened out of a deep and peaceful sleep for once. "No, no, it's okay honey. What is it?" She waved her hand before laying back down. 

"Um... I went downstairs to get something to drink, and I saw a bunch of presents at the tree." He answered nervously. 

Kiera couldn't help but smile, glancing over at Simon to see him mirroring her expression, hiding his excitement for Baler's first Christmas by bending his elbow over his eyes, shielding him from the morning sun. "Oh... Are you saying that Santa may have come?" She arched her brow. 

"I-I think so?" 

"Well, who else would it have been?" 

"...I don't know." 

She breathed a laugh, "Give me a few minutes to rub this sleep out of my eyes and get the babies fed." 

"O-Okay. What should I do?" 

"Whatever you want, just don't open your gifts without us. I need to get in the habit of taking pictures every holiday when our two get older." She giggled. 

Baler breathed a laugh, "Of course you do." 

Simon waited until Baler completely exited the room before he turned to his side and spooned Kiera close to him, craning his nose into her neck. "You're excited for today, aren't you?" He whispered. 

She nodded, "I'm too excited. I hope we made the right decision." 

"I'm sure we did," He assured her, pressing a kiss behind her ear. "I love you." 

"I love you too," She smiled, turning around to face him and rewarding him with a kiss. "Merry Christmas, baby." 

He hummed against her lips, "Merry Christmas." 

After Kiera had fed Jacob and Evie as well as refreshed herself, Simon did the same before helping her with whatever she needed before they met her parents in the living room, taking a seat on the couch as Baler stood nervously close to the tree, eager to see what "Santa" had brought him for Christmas. 

Eva entered the living room with a pep in her step, bringing Kiera and Simon a glass of eggnog to sip on while Baler opened his gifts. "What're you waiting for, sweetheart?" Eva giggled. "Those gifts are for you! I have a few under that tree - one more than what Santa brought you." She winked. 

"Um... I-I don't know where to start?" Baler shrugged. "I've never had a Christmas before..." 

His answer brought an instant tear to both Eva and Kiera's eyes, the mother and daughter sharing a glance at each other with a frown to complement. 

"You can pick whichever one you want to open, honey." Kiera assured him with a nod, watching him gulp nervously as he sat with his legs crossed on the floor. 

He nodded, reaching toward the first gift in his line of sight, slowly ripping the paper to reveal a cardboard box. He curled his fingers along the top, ripping it open to reveal a remote-controlled drone - something he had always wanted as he had always been curious about seeing structures from the air. "I-I don't know what to do with this..." He sighed, seeing that it required an Apple device to operate the remote control in order for video to sync its data.

"It's okay, Simon knows how to use those." Kiera smiled. 

He smiled, keeping the box of the drone close to him as he briefly thought the drone was his only gift. "You've got more gifts, sweetheart." Eva encouraged, watching him reach for the next wrapped box. Seeing that it was smaller, he wondered what it could be as he slowly opened the box, seeing that it was an iPhone 12 with the red back, knowing it was one of Baler's favorite colors. "Holy sh- I mean...wow," Baler gasped to himself. "Miss Kiera... I don't deserve this. I was saving my money for one-"

"Guess you'll have to take your complaints to the big man in red." Simon commented, stretching his arm along the back of the couch and touching his fingertips against Kiera's shoulder. 

Baler chuckled at Simon's remark, rubbing the pad of his thumb along the box of the iPhone before reaching for another gift, smiling at the tag that was stuck to the gift wrap:

He smiled as he opened the box, seeing a camouflage set of hunting clothes he had also been saving for as he recalled Simon promising to take him hunting at one point, smiling once he saw a small box at the bottom containing a rather nice pocketknife - a pocketknife so nice in fact that Simon bought one for himself. "T-Thank you, sir." 

"You're welcome, lad." 

Kiera smiled when he reached for the gift box she had wrapped for him, the teen smiling at the Merry Christmas handwriting on the tag, knowing it was from Kiera and Simon themselves. He smiled when he revealed the new clothes from inside the box, growing eager to try them on as they were clothes he could wear to either a casual or a formal occasion. "Thank you, really." He said, holding back his tears of gratitude. 

"Before you open the rest of your gifts, you have something else at the bottom of the box." She smiled excitedly, Simon knowing she was eager to see his reaction when he pulled her closer to him, rubbing her shoulder with the pad of his thumb. 

Baler nodded, looking at the bottom of the box to see what looked like an envelope. He furrowed his brows as he opened the envelope, seeing a customized Christmas card with a photo of Baler, Kiera, Simon, Evie and Jacob all posed in front of the Christmas tree in their matching pajamas - the same photo they had all taken the night before. He paused to look at the photo, We all look like a happy little family. I wish I had that, he frowned to himself before noticing the cursive handwriting below the photo. I hope he can read my awful attempt at writing in print, Kiera thought. I knew he probably couldn't make out my chicken scratch cursive! 

He couldn't hold back anymore at the compassionate words. He bowed his head and shed his tears into his hands. Kiera and Eva began shedding tears of their own, Kiera shifting her weight to meet him for an embrace when he got up before her, rushing to Kiera and Simon on the couch and embracing them both at once. He knew Simon wasn't keen on physical touch, but he tolerated it because he knew he was helping make a change in the young man's life. Kiera's arms wrapped around Baler's torso, cupping the crown of his head with her left hand as her right rubbed against his back. "I'm sorry we made you cry, sweetheart-"

"N-No, I needed to," He shook his head, his tears absorbing into her hair. "It means the world to me that someone wants me." 

She couldn't hold back a sob, pulling him closer into her, "We've wanted you since day one, sweetheart." 

Baler was at a loss for words as he pulled back to look at her, smiling back at her as she reached up to cup his face and wipe the tears from his eyes. "Well, I guess now is the perfect time to give you guys the gift I got for you." 

"You didn't have to get us anything." Simon assured him. 

"I wanted to." He smiled. 

"How did you even sneak gifts over here?" Kiera giggled. 

"I've learned a few things from Simon when it comes to sneaking gifts... Except I can keep it a secret longer than he can." 

"Don't go giving all of my secrets away." Simon glared. 

Baler breathed a laugh, moving to the tree to bring two small boxes to them, reaching the gifts towards them with a rather, interesting, technique of wrapping paper. 

Kiera laughed at her gift - a mug with the following phrase:

"I figured... since you don't want to hear me cuss around you... I didn't think it would be so bad if it was where you could read it." He breathed a laugh. 

"I love it," She smiled. "Thank you." 

Simon couldn't help but chuckle at the gift, knowing gag gifts were always entertaining to receive, which made him wonder what his gift was when he began ripping the paper from the medium-sized box, seeing what looked like a shirt that was poorly folded, knowing that Baler spent a lot of time to make it as presentable as he could. He held the shirt up to view it, breathing a chuckle knowing that Baler was referring to the oblivious mis confusion from when he had asked Simon about his rank when he and Kiera were playfully bickering about his role (Author's Note: refer to Thankful - Part 1 for context!):

"I couldn't find one with a British logo, but I figured you'd know what it meant." Baler admitted. 

Simon shook his head, a grin smearing his face, "It'll do." 

"So... were you a private?" 

"Lieutenant." 

"You can call him private, he likes it." Kiera giggled. 

"I was going to get him something different, but that guy who calls himself after a bar of body wash told me it would be funny to call him something other than his actual rank." Baler explained, referring to Soap.

"Of course he did." 

[yuta-nakamots]

summer 127 - l.ty

Pairing - Boyfriend!Taeyong x Fem!Reader

Genre - Smut, Fluff, Established Relationship!AU

Warnings - reader is wearing a bikini, public arousal, public groping, oral (female receiving), fingering, multiple orgasms, unprotected sex, creampie, cockwarming, slight overstimulation

Summary - Going to a waterpark was a great way to beat the summer heat though things only seem to get hotter while you’re there. 

Word Count - 2.3k

Written for the Sunny Side Event hosted by @neosmutcollective​​​. Check out the masterlist here.

Seeing your boyfriend Taeyong play with kids was always a delight, especially when there were so many of them splashing him in a wave pool. With Taeyong’s insistence, you joined him in being a leader at your local YMCA’s summer program and though you begrudgingly gave in, it was all worth it to see his bright smile while taking care of these kids despite how tiring it really was.

All the shouts of “Mr. Taeyong! Mr. Taeyong!” when the kids wanted him to join in on their game of kickball or when they wanted to show him their drawings or other mischievous antics, those little moments were the ones that made your day just the slightest bit lighter. But that’s not to say that your own kids weren’t as equally energetic.

You led a group of kids that were the same age as Taeyong’s. However, no matter all your efforts, they’d always find things more entertaining when Taeyong and his group were around. You didn’t mind though, because you felt the same way and today was no exception.

Every year, the entire program would go on a field trip to the water park, and every year, Taeyong would come back absolutely drained. As you checked off your kids’ names while they boarded the bus, the anticipation for your impending doom by them only grew. Taeyong stood next to you, doing the same for his kids except with much more excitement, even greeting some of them with a handshake they seemed to have come up with.

Once all the rascals were accounted for, Taeyong followed you onto the bus, thanking the driver and apologizing in advance for how loud it may get. The apology did not go to waste. You had to stand up and tell them all to quiet down more times than you could count on one hand and every time you received whines of frustration and mutters of disapproval from them. “It’s fine,” Taeyong comforted, “on the way back, they’ll be too tired to even speak. I can promise you that.”

“They better be,” you scoffed, just wanting to get the day over with.

Once the bus arrived at the waterpark, the kids all but stampeded through the park, you and the other leaders struggling to herd them into a reserved private area where they could store their belongings and meet back at once their time was up. You sat at a table with your boyfriend and the other leaders, discussing the plan for the next few hours you’d be at the park.

“Mr. Taeyong, I want to go on that slide!” A boy exclaimed from behind you.

“I’m not too sure if you can, Jordan. It looks quite large and there may be a height requirement,” Taeyong told him sympathetically while rummaging in his own backpack.

The younger boy, Jordan, let out a huff of disbelief, “what do you mean? Why can’t I go on it?”

“Some rides have rules about your height or weight but it’s for your own safety,” Taeyong explained while his hands continued to search around for something.

“If you come with me will I be able to ride it?” Jordan asked.

Taeyong paused to think of an answer. “That depends if the ride allows more than one person at a time.”

“Will you come with me to ask them?” The younger quickly rebutted.

“Now who said I was going to stand in line with you when I could be going on rides myself,�� Taeyong teased, giving up on whatever he was looking for in his bag.

Jordan rolled his eyes, “That’s so boring. Going on rides by yourself? Boring.”

“What makes you think I’m going alone?” He put an arm around your shoulders, “I have a beautiful girlfriend that I can take with me-”

He leaned in to kiss your cheek but before he could, Jordan ran off with a scream of “ew, Mr. Taeyong is gross and boring!”

The other leaders started laughing at the kid’s reaction and complimenting the way Taeyong handled the situation before getting back on topic. While they continued discussing, he leaned over and whispered “babe, can I use your sunscreen, I think I forgot mine at home.”

You handed him your bottle of it, not expecting him to take off his shirt right then and there and begin lathering sunscreen on himself but you didn’t say anything, not wanting to interrupt whatever the others were saying. He quietly whined at you for help once he tried to cover his back, knowing fully well that he wouldn’t be able to reach all of it. The meeting ended while you were still helping Taeyong, the leaders having decided to meet back at the same spot at 2pm. They announced it to the kids and released them into the park, the whole lot of them running for the wave pool right as an alarm rang, signaling for the start of the waves.

All the other leaders headed out too, leaving just you and Taeyong in the private area. “Do you want me to help you?” He asked, continuing to smear the white paste onto his face.

“Sure,” you sighed, standing up and removing your clothing, revealing your minimally covered body before grabbing the bottle of sunscreen from Taeyong and squeezing some onto your hand.

“I know I see you every day but gosh, you’re just so beautiful,” Taeyong gushed.

“I’m wearing a bikini, I’m nearly naked and you’re trying to not think about fucking me, I know,” you bluntly stated.

“I- W-wha- well you’re not wrong I guess,” he stuttered, bashfully looking away and making sure he was absolutely covered in sunscreen.

“I’ll wear it again once we get home and you can dive into your fantasies or whatever,” you teased, grabbing at the band of your top and acting like you were about to flash him.

Taeyong’s cheeks turned red as he rushed to pin your hands down while frantically looking around. “Not now,” he said through gritted teeth, “there could be kids around, you know.”

“And if there aren’t any, what would you do?” You propose while handing him the sunscreen and turning so he could spread it across your back.

His hands were warm as they spread the lotion on your skin. “I’d have you naked underneath the sunlight while I make love to you and your beautiful body.” A shiver of excitement ran down your spine from the ghosting sensation of him inside you with the sun warming both of you.

He continued on, “I’d let you have me any way you wanted to, just as long as you’re satisfied and you know that you’re the most gorgeous woman to walk the planet.” His hands left your back and came from under your arms to grasp at your boobs, his fingers sliding underneath the fabric of your bikini in order to feel the softness of your breasts in his palms.

When his clothed erection came into contact with your lower back, you knew you were in for it when you got home. Abruptly pulling Taeyong’s arms away from you, you took off in the direction of the wave pool, leaving him in shock. “Come on! Last one in the wave pool doesn’t get to cum tonight!” With that, he took off after you, both of you running into the surging water at the same time.

Upon seeing their beloved ‘Mr. Taeyong’, the kids began swarming him and splashing him with water, allowing you to escape from him even if just for a moment. “Guys look, Ms. Y/n is completely dry! That’s not right!” In less than a second you were absolutely drenched as they targeted you instead, sending their own mini waves and splashes while you futilely tried to cover yourself.

It soon became a full-blown water war between the kids in your group versus the kids in Taeyong’s group until the waves started to die down, most of them ;eaving and get in line for a ride at that point. You and Taeyong did the same, following the mass of your kids just to keep an eye on them.

“What you did earlier wasn’t very nice,” he quietly growled into your ear as you waited in line for the slide Jordan had pointed out earlier, which turned out to be a single-person ride.

“Hm? What did I do?” You asked, faking your cluelessness.

One of his hands grabbed onto your hip, pulling you closer to him. “You know what you did. You could at least have helped me out first before running off.”

You shrugged, “I wanted to get into the water already. Oh look, it’s my turn.”

The day continued on like this, doing things to rile Taeyong up now while there was nothing he could do about it, then escaping by means of a ride or the kids. By the time the field trip ended and the two of you reached your shared apartment, Taeyong was frustrated in more ways than one.

Not even a moment after the door was closed, Taeyong hands were up on your body, pushing off the slightly damp shirt you were wearing and revealing your bikini top once more while you both stumbled into the bedroom. “You’re such a dangerous person, getting me all excited when we’re out in public. There were even kids around! Imagine how traumatizing that would’ve been.”

“You liked it though, I know you did.” You bragged, tugging off Taeyong’s shirt to match your state.

He let out a sound akin to a growl as he pushed you onto the bed, quickly pulling off your shorts while still leaving on your bikini bottoms. He didn’t even wait before moving the fabric to the side and diving into eating you out. The warmth of his tongue felt so nice in comparison to the coldness of the still-wet fabric and it made you squirm in pleasure.

Taeyong continued to spread his warmth to you as he began rubbing at your clit with his thumb while inserting a finger from his other hand into you. “More,” you urged, having been aroused for nearly the whole day. He added a second finger to scissor you open before adding in a third when he was sure you’d be able to handle it.

He licked at your clit while thrusting his fingers inside of you. You flew towards your first orgasm easily, the white waves of pleasure washing over you as Taeyong slowed his movements to let you settle down. You were so wrapped up in your own bliss that you didn’t even notice Taeyong undressing and climbing back on the bed until he was on top of you and lifting your legs from your calves and bringing them up to his shoulders.

His enlarged member slid into you with ease, the heat from it warming your insides as it stretched you out. He, too, was nearly in paradise from just the feeling of your soft walls around him. When he began to shallowly thrust into you, who was already so full of him, you felt your second orgasm start to build. Taeyong held onto your legs as he sped up, chasing the bliss that was his own orgasm.

You knew he wouldn’t last long from how erratic his movements were getting. His eyes were shut tight in concentration, getting lost in the clenching of your warmth around his desperate cock. His hips kept slamming into yours until he released your legs and fell on top of you, his arms wrapping around your shoulders as he held you tight in his grasp, his cum filling your insides while you came along with him.

“Fuck, you feel so good,” he moaned. He didn’t stop thrusting into you just yet, though. As if one orgasm wasn’t enough, he continued to rail into you while you were riding the high of yours. The firm grip he had on your shoulders felt like he was about to break you but you were grateful for having something to anchor you or else you might have passed out from pleasure. “This is for teasing me in the water park and not even bothering to help me.”

Taeyong’s speed was even faster than before as he became blinded by lust, only thinking about the way your body looked under his. The way your breasts had been pushed out from under your bikini top, the way your bottoms had become soiled from the juices seeping out of your pussy, the way your lower lips had gotten swollen from enduring his actions. He was drunk on it all and his eyes were glued onto the place where he entered you, his length glistening and covered in a mix of cum and arousal.

“Taeyong, please,” you cried out, overstimulation starting to take over, “it’s too much.”

He came with an elongated moan as he once more finished inside of you, his breath hot and heavy on your neck while he was sent reeling from his orgasm. You could feel his dick twitching inside of you, pushing out the last bits of his cum, making your core overflow, the combination of liquids slowly seeping out of you.

Feeling exhausted from what Taeyong had just put you through, you were about to succumb to the sleep calling you until you felt him sit up and start to gently knead at your breasts. You turned your head to look at him and were met with the sight of his wide eyes looking at you as if yours had all the stars in the sky. “I love you,” he blurted out.

“I love you too,” you told him with a giggle before looking down at his hands playing with the soft skin of your boobs.

“You should wear this one more often, I like it.” He remarked.

“Remind me to never wear a bikini to a water park ever again,” you joked.

[pinkhairedlily]

Blue Fire Tree

Prompt: Everlasting (last day omgggg) | Gift for @tinaillustrations ! Hope you like this fluffy piece! I enjoyed writing this one. 🤗| Happy HitsuHina Week! @hitsuhina-week 💛💙

“Fire trees should be blue not red,” Ichika mumbles while filling in the traced pattern of the tree on the canvass as Hinamori gathers her unruly red mane into a semblance of a bun. Her charge was a Shinigami apprentice and had the hodgepodge attitude of both of her parents. She was sarcastic, blunt, inquisitive, passionate, and kind.

Renji thought she was the best person to teach his daughter common spells to start off her training. Not that Hinamori disliked being the resident kido expert. She particularly loved the monicker, but there were times she felt she didn’t deserve the title. Like today when, for some other reason, Ichika and her was blindsided by arts and crafts.

“Wouldn’t you like the flowers to resemble your hair?” Hinamori clips the last of the strands and looks over the child’s shoulder. The colors spill out of the lines and the scenery seems to change from summer to winter.

“But blue is the hottest color. Imagine trees blooming with the brightest flames, the most intense warmth, and the most lasting flowers.” Ichika finishes the piece with a last dash of blue paint. The apprentice turns to her and asks, “Does it look so desolate?”

“No, not really. To me, winter has always been warm.“

Someone coughs behind them to get their attention. Hitsugaya Toushiro, captain of the 10th Division, stands awkwardly at the entrance of the dojo with a tray of tea and pot of biscuits. It doesn’t escape her notice that he used the tea set she gave last Christmas, and this observation makes her feel giddy inside.

Maybe I’m just appreciative of people who use my gifts, Hinamori justifies to herself.

“Hello, Captain Hitsugaya. Is that for us or for Vice-Captain Momo?” Ichika greets him as she takes the tray off his hands.

The blush creeps on the captain’s face just as quickly as his brows furrow in annoyance. He quickly glares at the mischievous remark of Ichika and redirects his gaze to his equally flustered childhood best friend. “This was not of my own good will. I was threatened by Byakuya to take good care of his precious niece, and it just so happens that this space is under my jurisdiction.”

Hinamori tilts her head in a slight apology. “I hope we don’t bother you too much. Would you like to join us for some art session? Ichika loves to paint today.”

He almost says something, but he stops himself. His stance goes from alert to rigid, and tension fills the air. “Maybe some other time.” Ichika glances from her current teacher to the captain and back to her teacher again.

“Oh, sorry for taking up your time.” Hinamori slightly bows, unsure of what transpired just now, and Hitsugaya nods in return. Before he is completely out of her sight, she calls out to him again.

“Shiro-chan?” He glances back at the sound of his nickname. “Thanks for the tea.”

He smiles in mild annoyance before he flash-steps out of their sight. “It’s Captain Hitsugaya to you.”

--------------------------

“Something’s bothering you,” Rangiku says to Hinamori as she slides beside her in the ramen booth. “Your treat in exchange for my wisdom.” She proceeds to order her usual ramen and sake combo.

“How was your trip to the Land of the Living?” Hinamori asks, obviously skirting the issue she wishes to raise.

“Kazui is subdued and gentle like his mother, but somehow, he manages to get into fights with bullies on the street. It’s his Ichigo genes.” The combo meal arrives along with two shot glasses. “How are you doing with the chaotic devil spawn Ichika?”

“She’s progressing really fast with the kido, but she gets so distracted easily. It’s cute though that Renji and Rukia are not pressuring her. Great parents. How nice it must be.”

Rangiku side-eyes her while slurping the thick noodles. “How nice what now – “

Hinamori plays with her empty bowl and fidgets with her chopsticks. “To not be alone.”

She chokes on her noodles and quickly downs half of the sake bottle. “Oh, this is great news! I have someone on my mind who would like to be in your company forever.”

Hinamori gives no response and instead continues fiddling with her bowl. “How nice it is to be also like Shiro-chan, content and busy enough to be single. How do I become like your captain, Rangiku?”

The smile fades from the woman’s face and is replaced by a bustling vein near her temple. “I’m sorry what did that short man do or say to you?”

“I asked him if he would like to do some art with us, you know, help me with babysitting for a few minutes, but he literally stiffened like a stick. Seems like he doesn’t want to waste time with kids or do any family-related activities. Or maybe he’s just too busy, captain duties and all.”

And yet he took the time to bring you tea, a voice screams inside her mind.

“That’s….rude,” an exasperated Rangiku remarks. She pours a glass for Hinamori and decides on a plan. “Unless you’re seeing him as….?”

“Huh? Oh no no no.” Hinamori downs the liquid in one gulp, suddenly embarrassed by her friend’s insinuation. “We’re just friends, childhood friends. I…don’t see Shiro-chan that way.”

“Sure, whatever you say Momo. Do you want me to introduce you to some people?”

Hinamori looks up at her, doe-eyed.

“I guess that’s a yes.”

--------------------------

Hinamori actually forgot about her request to Rangiku as she and her student started to settle in a rather serious kido training. The plan apparently was set to happen after a week when she came across a bulletin announcing her quest for a perfect match through a one-day interview application. This was the first time Hinamori wanted to be swallowed by the void and never return to Seiretei.

She finds herself visiting Division 10 HQ every afternoon but to no avail since coincidentally, Rangiku has some errands to do in Karakura, and won’t be back until the date of the interview. Or maybe it has also something to do with Hinamori avoiding Hitsugaya and having to do all the explaining. And so she had no choice but to wait for the inevitable day.

“Uhhh Vice-Captain Matsumoto, you said introduce, not organize a whole dating screening process!” Hinamori’s voice goes a pitch higher for each word, but Rangiku is too busy arranging the people lining up to notice her.

Her current captain, Shinji Hirako, chuckles beside the blondie, amused by the growing line of eligible Shinigami singles in their HQ. “You are quite the eye candy in our division, huh. Didn’t expect you’d have this many suitors.” He squeezes his vice-captain’s shoulder as form of reassurance. “You should have told me, Hinamori. I could have set you up in an arranged marriage.”

“Captain, that’s atrocious!” Hinamori protests. She walks over to Rangiku to disperse the line, but Yumichika and Ikkaku move to her side and grabs her midway through her litany of objections. They lead her to a makeshift container with two chairs facing each other and a table in between.

“This is ridiculous,” Hinamori mumbles her breath, her energy already defeated by the two dumbasses in front of her.

“Well to be fair, Hinamori, this is a long time coming,” Yumichika says.

“And the result necessitates this kind of method so stop mumbling and screen your admirers, babe,” Ikkaku supplies. Irritated, Hinamori chases them off with two fireballs.

The first ten Shinigami ‘applicants’ were too insufferable as they were clearly aiming for the prestige of her position.

“If dating a vice-captain would give me a higher seat in Gotei 13 then why am I still single?” she bats the question to the 11th person who sat across her. When they didn’t give her an answer, she sighs, “Next please.”

“Would you know what’s my favorite brand of tea?”

“Uhh, Robusta.”

“I believe that’s coffee. Next please.”

“Hello, vice-captain Hinamori, I brought you peaches. They’re my favorite.”

“I’m allergic to them. I’m sorry. Next please?”

“What are your strengths?”

“Well, I can do shunpo.”

“That’s basic Shinigami skills.”

“…………..”

“…………..”

“I’ll see myself out. Thank you for your time, vice-captain.”

“I know you’re traumatized by Aizen-“

The container collapses as Hinamori summons Tobiume.

--------------------------

“I think I will be forever alone.” Hinamori looks on as her fellow vice-captains clean up the mess she incurred over the unfinished statement earlier.

“I’m really sorry if I did the whole thing over the top,” Rangiku tells her sincerely. She hugs the raven-haired girl and waits in silent for the commotion to die down. “Though the last one was really foul, and you were valid to be angry.”

“I was afraid I’d burn down Captain Shinji’s quarters.”

“You can, just to piss him off. The whole process is so draining, huh?” Hinamori nods at the observation. Rangiku continues, seemingly voicing her own thoughts, “It’s hard to put yourself out there especially when they don’t know batshit about you. Would be easier if you have common interests or when they’re already your friend.”

The last phrase is said so pointedly that Hinamori’s mind automatically pictures Hitsugaya. She runs along with her imagination. How easy it would be indeed to spend the rest of her life with him. And as if her mind conjured him, the 10th Division Captain comes into view alongside Ichika. It looks like her student dragged him to the unfortunate event.

There’s an angry glint in his eyes that Hinamori noticed. It was the torn expression he wore when she wounded her knees back when they were kids, the same frown when she told him she would kill for the traitor, the same worried eyes when she almost died. But his eyes refuse to meet hers.

“You missed all the fun, Captain.” Rangiku stretches out her arms as she stands up. She gestures for the rest of their friends to come nearer so they could re-group and go home. “It was a bad plan, and I owe Hinamori one. So we’re kinda ready for your scolding.”

Hitsugaya stays silent throughout the shuffling of his fellow Shinigami, in fact he remains frozen for too long that Ichika elbows him to get a response out of him. “Come on, you ruminated one week for this, and I had to physically stop you from harassing the interested applicants.”

“Shut up, Ichika,” the silver-haired captain mutters.

“I’ll tell on you to Uncle Byakuya!” the redhead sticks out her tongue and runs over to the side of Rangiku.

More annoyed than ever, Hitsugaya grunts and storms off towards Hinamori. “I’m not here to scold anyone. I’m here for the….dating application,” he gulps amid the collective gasps that ran through the group and the muffled laughter of Rangiku who clearly foresaw this.

“Well, what can I say, but fucking finally!” The blonde swigs a new bottle of wine from inside her robes and goes to do a little crowd control.

Hinamori’s eyes get a little bit bigger, and she stares at him with mouth agape, but she lets him grab her hand, in a gentle manner that he usually does, and brings her to the farthest fire tree in the area.

“Shiro-chan, what did you mean……” She continues to stare at his hand who somehow refuses to let go of her yet.

Ironically, he is also staring at the same hand, unsure whether to let go right now before he can actually say something. “I don’t know why you had to go through all of that.”

“I’m..I’m still confused, to be honest. It was just a passing feeling of loneliness, and I rambled to Rangiku which she took seriously….” Hinamori knows she is starting to word vomit out of nervousness, but she halts when he finally lets her go. Maybe she has misunderstood his presence again.

Hitsugaya raises his palm to her. “Would you let me…uhhh…word vomit this time?”

She slowly nods, rather shocked at his insistence, and even more so when he chooses to ramble.

“Momo, I have a cold reiatsu. My touch is never warm. But I know you like green tea, steeped in warm water for exactly 10 minutes, and that you don’t put sugar. You are afraid of storms, and you need a blanket around you to calm down. You like watermelon, but I think it’s because I subjected you to multiple summers of conditioning. You’re my childhood best friend. You’re hardworking. You are a kido expert. You earned your right to be a vice-captain, and you’ll do greater things.

And I know it’s not enough to say that I know you, I’ve always known you, but will it be enough for you to allow me to stay beside you?”

Hinamori leans against the trunk of the fire tree, breathless from his train of words. “Oh my god, this is too overwhelming. I thought you hated being not single.”

“What?” Hitsugaya looks at her with a puzzled expression.

“You don’t like Ichika. Or doing art…with kids.”

“Well, Ichika is a brat to me, but she’s a good student and will be a good Shinigami like her parents.” He nurses his temples for the growing headache. “Momo, listen to me.” He steps closer to her and makes sure she’s only looking at him. “I panicked because I visualized you and me….and you know. It wasn’t right when I haven’t even told you anything yet.”

“Oh.” The moment of realization dawns on her. “Oh, that’s great.”

“So we can finally go back to how we were.” Hitsugaya lets out a shaky breath as he sits on the grass and watches as the red petals of the fire tree shower them lightly.

A blushing Hinamori crouches down to his level. “Well, not quite. You should know, Shiro-chan, your reiatsu has always been warm and comforting to me.” She reaches out to take his hand and intertwines their fingers.

Hitsugaya smiles as he silently thanks himself that he outgrew her by two inches so he could easily slip a kiss on her forehead. “It’s Captain Hitsugaya.”

--------------------------

Ichika tries to see beyond the wall of spectators but Rangiku is not letting anyone through. She huffs indignantly, wanting to know whether her incessant prodding and pestering of the oblivious Hitsugaya bore some fruit. She has no choice but to juice out all the details later on from her uncle.

On second thought, maybe she won’t have to. Blue petals swayed with the light breeze of the wind, and on the far edge of the Fifth Division’s HQ is a lone blue fire tree.

[thiswaycomessomethingwicked]

What do you think Grima and Eomer are most scared of? Apart from being left alone with each other, of course :) I think Eomer is terrified of spiders - he has to ask Eowyn to remove them. Grima's fears are probably grander and more philosophical e.g. non-existence, failure, imperfection. But I bet he's terrified of weird stuff as well - exposed knees, clowns, steep stairs...

Oooooooh I love this question!! (granted I love any and all questions about these two)

[Oh god this got so long, I’m sorry but also not sorry.]

So I mean, it would depend what kind of fear we’re talking about. 

In terms of day-to-day fears/things that spook you or creep you out. I think Eomer has a REAL problem with house (mead hall?) centipedes. 

‘Too many legs, Grima. They have too many legs. I did not sign up for this.’ 

Once. when Eomer was like 10, he woke up with a house centipede on his chest and he’s never recovered. 

Grima just shoos the critter outside. Eowyn lectures her brother about their importance in the grand ecosystem. Eomer doesn’t care. 

Like when Eomer sees a house centipede all the hair on his body stands on end and he feels that cold wash of terror. I mean, if he had to, he could deal with it himself. But he’d be internally screaming the entire time. Stoic externally, of course. He is a brave rider of Rohan! But inside? Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

-

I think Grima gets creeped out by uncanny valley things. Mostly dolls. I think he assumes 90% of all dolls are cursed. One time his niece left her doll behind and Grima had to lock it in a box and hide it in a storage room and he was still a little convinced that it was going to escape and murder them all. Chucky style. 

Eomer: I want to get my sister a doll for the baby she and Faramir are about to have. How about this one? 

Grima: W h y would you traumatize a baby like that Eomer? Are you a monster? 

Eomer: This .... this is a cute doll. It’s not going to haunt them. 

Grima: You don’t know that for certain. Look at those beady eyes. Always watching. 

Eomer: Ghosts and draugr are fine but not dolls?

Grima: My undead brother might be a pain in the arse but at least I know what to expect from him. Mostly his trying to eat people. But it’s within the bounds of reason. That fucking doll on the other hand? Who knows what it thinks in the dark hours of the night. Who knows what secrets it holds in its heart. 

Eomer: . . .I think I’ll just get the kid a stuffed animal horse. 

Grima: Much better. 

I also think Grima gets easily spooked by flying insects. Like once he ascertains that the sudden movement within his line of vision isn’t going to hurt him, he’s fine. But his initial reaction is to get up and leave very quickly and let Eomer deal with it. Grima has a strong association between sudden movements and getting punched. Reasonable, really. 

Shared thing? I think Eomer and Grima both find teeth to be really creepy. 

Eowyn: They’re just bones in your mouth. It’s fine. 

Grima: MOUTH BONES??? DON’T CALL THEM THAT. 

Eowyn: Mouth! Bones! Mouth! Bones!

Eomer: I hate all of this. 

Eowyn: Mouth bonessssss! 

Eomer shows up in Osgiliath, hasn’t seen Eowyn in like two years, she gives him a hug and whispers ‘mouth bones’ into his ear just to freak him out. Because they’re loving and caring siblings like that. 

Eowyn: My daughter is just starting to get her mouth bones in.

Grima: I refuse to engage with this.

Faramir: Babe, why are you like this??

Eomer: I brought this doll for her. 

Eowyn: That is so cursed, I’m surprised Grima let you buy it. 

Eomer: I don’t know, I think it’s kind of cute. 

Eowyn: hmmmm yeah well you’re sleeping with that thing over there so I don’t know that your judgement can be trusted. 

Grima: h e y.

Faramir: What kind of family did I marry into??

/

Now, for deeper fears. 

Eomer is the one who has a deep seated fear of failure. Of not living up to the expectations set on him from a very young age. Both as son of Eomund, who is like local hero 101, and as nephew to the king. Being orphaned at a young age, I suspect he had a lot of pressure placed on him to Be the Man in the Family. To Take Care Of Everyone etc.  

And it’s hard being the son of someone who has a bit of a legend around them when they’re alive, let alone when they’re dead and so they become an impossible standard to live up to. 

This isn’t to say Eomer is a stick in the mud and doesn’t get up to mischief. This is the man who drops sick burns for a living and can be described as “compulsively truculent”. Like, Eomer at 18 was absolutely a bit of a mad lad. But, there was always this fear and anxiety hanging over him of having to live up to great expectations - most of which he’s placed on himself but he’s not aware of that. 

Later, I’ve always headcanon-ed that he does a bit of that daft thing of comparing himself to Aragorn and is like “I’m not living up to the story book legend who rules the neighbouring kingdom” and despairs. 

Eowyn: You’re doing fine. And really, Boromir and Arwen run 80% of everything. Aragorn disappears into the mountains at any given moment. 

Eomer: But what if I’m somehow failing everything at all times? Have you thought about that? That I’m failing our parents and ruining our father’s legacy and destroying our uncle’s trust in me??

Eowyn: .  . . yeah that’s not happening. You’re fine. 

Eomer: BUT AM I???

Eowyn awkwardly pats his hand, ‘You’re fine.’ Eomer despairs. 

Grima: Can’t do worse than me. 

Eowyn: Yeah! You can’t do worse than Grima. 

Eomer: That bar is so low it’s underground. 

Additional to this, I think Eomer is scared of letting things go - like giving up control in situations. Because he’s got it into his head that so long as he is in control he can keep everyone safe and no one will die (i.e. his sister). And he’s terrified of things heading down the Road of Chaos. 

Which like, Eomer, good luck with that. You live in Middle Earth and Grima’s still around being the agent of chaos that he is. 

Grima: I’ve had a thought. 

Eomer: Oh no. Put it back where you found it. 

Grima: Too late, I’ve told Eothain and he thinks it’s great. 

Eomer: Gods preserve me. 

Eothain: Ok but hear us out -- 

-

For Grima - he’s got a long of weird, existential fears. The World Ending being the biggest of them. He’s got a bit of a nihilistic, hopeless streak in him that can get quite philosophical in terms of dread. 

But for more personal, grounded fears, I think the main one is that he’s terrified of being seen. Of being vulnerable. Because if people see him/know him, surely they’ll hate him and leave him and that would hurt so, so much. Therefore, if he’s mean to everyone, including himself, then people can’t hurt him because he’s already doing their work for them to himself. 

Yet, he’s also afraid of being alone and so desperately wants to love and be loved but doesn’t know how to go about making that happen in a healthy, normal manner. So he self-sabotages. Tells himself things like, “I was not a lovable child, and I’d grown into a deeply unlovable adult. Draw a picture of my soul and it’d be a scribble with fangs.” - Gillian Flynn 

This just creates a fucked up freeze/thaw cycle of “I want to fit in and belong somewhere, but if people know me they’ll see what an ugly thing I am, better that they don’t know me, so let me shut them out/be mean to them etc., no one cares for me because I am unworthy of it, this hurts a lot, and I think fitting in and belonging would probably stop it hurting, but if people know me they’ll see what an ugly thing I am, better they don’t ... so on and so forth.” 

So yeah. His deep seated fears of being vulnerable + being along make for some twisted thinking and lots of self-sabotaging. 

Grima; What is emotional vulnerability?? Never heard of it. 

Theoden: You could give it a try, you know. 

Grima: No. I refuse. 

Grima does that thing that Carrie Fisher talks about: “Of all the violence I have known in my life, I have not known violence like the way I talk to myself.” 

/

Thank you so much for the ask! This was an absolute blast to answer. I loved every minute of it. 

I love all Grima and Eomer questions. 

<3 <3 

[sukirichi]

— 💌 ; a love letter from @kyriaan

long post below regarding broken records. cw includes adultery, physical assault, toxic relationships, broken records spoilers, and mature content

[ from the ask ] BROKEN RECORDS ; track 005

Okay! I finally had time to actually sit down and properly read chap 5 cause ill be damned and burned if i dont pay special attention to one of my favorite series here! Rather drown or be sting by bees slowly 😒

🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙃 I for the first time don't even know where to start so allow me to be all over the place cause my emotions are also all over the place with this chapter ✌️

Ill start by y/n's dad caN GO FUCK HIMSELF? Like okay sir you might have fallen in love with our mom (ill give him the benefit of the doubt regarding his feelings) BUT SIR YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN HONEST? FROM THE BEGINNING? ALSO BRUH YOU KIDDING ME??? SIR YOU LEGIT ABANDONED YOUR OTHER DAUGHTER AND THEN YOU PROCESS TO 'LEAVE US' I- YOOOOO I WOULD BITCH SLAP HIM I SWEAR!!

Also ALSO ILL SCREAM FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK NO KID HAS EVER TO BE BLAMED FOR BEING BORN!! Y/n mom's line: 'we have to atone for our sins' its legit BULLSHIT it wad NOT y/n fault her DAD COULDNT KEEP HIS DICK INSIDE HIS PANTS NOR ITS Y/N FAULT THAT HER DAD CHEATED!!! ATONE FOR OUR SINS MY ASS!! the father is the one that has to take responsibility for all this shitty situation we do NOT nor any kid out there in this situation has to be taken accountable by this!!

And now Suna 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 bruh im just gonna cry... Everything he does just makes me heart swell i feel so cozy when i read his parts like how sweet and present he is I- bruh I never had that... Actually seeing y/n breaking up with him when shes clearly falling in love with him just breaks me cause Girl for real Suna would be there for you... I get it shes afraid and shes acting on that fear but girl... Pls he truly loves you deeply not everyone is like your dad. There are happy endings. There are good people Sunas one of them pls 🥺🥺🥺 also MY LOVE TSUMU BEING A SUPPORTIVE FRIEND EVEN THO SUNA GOT THE GIRL BRUH TSUMU I FUCKING LOVE YOU MY CHILDISH YET ADORABLY SMUG BOY 😭😭😭😭😭

Nagisas a bitch btw ✌️ so far i see no redemption not excuse in what she did so far. I get her reasons but that does NOT excuse her behavior. She has to lash out at her cunt of a dad not at a innocent woman who was also a victim all along. Nor even her half sister. I get her mentality behind this but doesnt excuse her behavior at all- its basically the same as being a victim from a bully and playing bully after aswell.

Overall YOU MADE ME CRY AGAIN SUKI! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS BUT ALSO UGH MY HEART SUKI!

[ from suki ] 

BROKEN RECORDS IS UR FAVE SERIES??? babe pls you’re gonna me cry !! nah nah fr his dishonesty caused all this mess. YEAHA SAKLAA tbh I love mama lucy but her words of ‘atoning for their sins’ or her mindset of ‘we don’t deserve to be happy when we’ve hurt others’ really messed up YN. she was only 21 and vulnerable with all the shambles happening in her family + the sudden assault from nagisa, that when her mother said those words, she struggled to let go of it. to her, it became like a final verdict that dictated how she lived her life.

SUNA URGHHH PLEASE GIVE SUNA A CHANCE HE HAS PURE AND GOOD INTENTIONS BUT I CANT BLAME HER EITHER AHSJAKA. and the comparison of nagisa being a bully’s victim only to become the next bully is true. nagisa should lash out at their shitty excuse of a father. ALSO AAAAHH THE NEXT CHAPTER (007) IS WORSE AHSJKAAL

[ from the ask ] BROKEN RECORDS ; track 005

I know shins attractive I mean mans perfect?? Does he even have any flaw?? And the way he cried when he got his jersey MYGOD FHDHFHFJSKS but I still look at him and im like.... Hmmmm nah i wouldnt date him its just not my... Do i dare say type? Cause i dont think i have a type ghfhfisofbd but like I just 🧍‍♀️

I love him i just dont love him i guess

The makeout scene tho ill give you that 🥵🥵🥵 made me bark (i would still walk out next day like was a good fuck kita byeeee🚉🏃‍♀️💨)

... More drama regarding mari... And you said this will have like 10 chapters... And from 8 on will be angsty.... 🙂 *traumatized noises*

[ from suki ] 

YUUHHH KITA IS PERFECT HERE AHSJKAA IDK MAYBE ITS MY SIMPING FOR NAOYA CONVERTED TO KITA ALREADY BEING PERFECT AS HE ALREADY IS AND I AMPED IT UP BCOS THE SIMP MODE IS ACTIVATED AHSKAA. the make out scene !! pls sir i’m on my knees spare some love in ur heart AAAAAAHHHHHH. also. i assure you. businessman! kita got game. he’s gonna make you walk funny if you give him the chance HSJKA

yeah i just finished writing the outline for track7 right now and the drama is HSJKAA it gave me a headache sobs 

[ from the ask ] BROKEN RECORDS ; track 006

I want to give you my usual thoughts on the new chapter and at the same ahm...

I just saw myself on Suna... Deeply....and it kinda slapped me harder than i was expecting...there were too many things from him giving himself to mari/treating her like he wants to be treated... To deleting his best friend from social media thanks to his girlfriend... And it really hurt me ahah..

I would vent but.. Yeah

But yes this chapter i saw myself in suna and i had to take quite the long breaks cause it was getting to me 😅😅😅 also if anything i learned from my experiences is that MARI SCREAMS RED FLAGS and even Osamu can see that pls

I would honestly end Mari there, i wouldnt even bother to just retort i would walk my way into to the damn apartment and fucking take Suna for myself cause Mari does not deserve him. Shes manipulative, and in a way abusive.. Not allowing him to keep contact with his best friend his a total redflag and o know its because Suna had feelings for y/n and vice versa but Suna never gave het a reason to distrust him.

The moment he said he was best friends with y/n and was single she immediately clinged himself to him and for what? To then dump him like he was trash...

He gave himself to her, he proved he was there for her he even took her back this boy deserves the fucking world and its not Mari...

I kinda want to say it's not y/n at this point either cause the way she broke his heart was kinda the same Mari did.. Y/n disregarded his feelings and just broke it up.. Mari disregarded his feelings abd broke it up... But y/n stated from the very beginning that she would eventually break up Mari just shrugged and didn't care so i can in a way forgive y/n i cant forgive mari

Besides y/n was supportive from the beginning while Mari was obsessive and controlling.

Another really insanely well written chapter as usual (albeit this one making me ball my eyes off harder because yeah) but yes~ eagerly waiting for the next one~

Take your time tho 😌🙌

Mari can go fuck off 💗💓💞💕❣️❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤🤍💯💝💖💋💅

Suna x y/n pls

Y/n deserves to have a healthy love life with someone she loves (hence why npt Kita) and loves her back

And Suna deserve the fucking world and be treated right

[ from suki ] 

NAHHHH cuz when you said suna was treating mari the way he wanted YN to treat her... that’s right. on point. they’re all so complicated sobs. MARI IS A WALKING RED FLAG THAT OSAMU CAN SMELL FROM A MILE AWAY. ALSO yes mari is manipulative and borderline possessive when it came to suna. like yeah, let’s be real, she could tell a long time ago that suna was in love with YN and it made her insecure / jealous, but the whole time, YN kept her distance. she was supportive over their relationship from afar as to make mari comfortable. suna also did everything he could to make sure she was well cared for. for three years, he was focused on her and only her. he gave love a second chance despite being brokenhearted. suna never mari a chance to doubt because he, too, was sure he could be happy with her.

until mari left him.

and now suna is back with YN because they will always have each other. but honestly,,,if we think about it, if mari never broke up with suna or at least gave him the chance to explain himself - if mari didn’t do the exact thing YN did to suna years ago - he honestly would’ve been really happy with mari. they were going well. like yeah mari has always been toxic by pushing suna’s boundaries and asking him to unfollow his own best friend on social media, but he did it anyway. because he trusted their relationship. he wanted the best for them. 

also yeah, the parallels between mari and YN were intentional !! 

HEHEHEHE THE KITA X YN SHIP everyone loves them im so happy about that bcos kita is so amazing in my eyes. PREACH FOR THAT THO !! SUNA DESERVES THE BEST. SUNA DESERVES TO BE TREATED RIGHT. HE DESERVES THE WORLD AND SO MUCH MORE

thank you for taking the time to send me this, kya, it means a lot to me and it motivates me to work harder on the future chapters !! <33

[backtobackbakubabe]

Baby its Cold Outside (PART 11)

Bakugo x Reader 

It’s never too late to go back to school

Words: 2720

PART 1 HERE, PART 2 HERE, PART 3 HERE PART 4 HERE PART 5 HERE , PART 6 HERE PART 7 HERE PART 8 HERE PART 9 HERE PART 10 HERE PART 11 HERE PART 12 HERE PART 13 HERE PART 14 HERE

*****************************************************************************************************

Due to your current condition hero work was just not a thing anymore. And you’d be damned if you ended up as someones secretary. So that’s how you ended up here at UA attending a meeting with All Might and and Principle Nezu.

There wasn't exactly a spot open on the teaching staff. You werent exactly qualified either. But after all your work with Dylan you thought maybe you had some unique insight on how you could push your quirk and applying it in other ways.

You really wanted this job but you didn't want to come across as desperate. It had only been about a week since you and Bakugo found out you were pregnant and you hadn’t told anyone yet. You knew you would have to tell them though and you just hoped it wouldn't be a deal breaker.

“So Y/n” All Might took his seat as he addressed you, “Why do you want to be a teacher at UA? Hero work not what you thought it was going to be?”

You tried not let your emotions show on your face. You assume he's talking about when you were shot a few months back. They probably think you’re looking to retire from hero work.

“Well I dont think it’s ever what anyone expects if we’re being honest. Sure we’re told it’ll be dangerous and it’ll be hard but we’re never told about how gritty it can get. But no I wouldn't say that’s why I’m here. In fact I cant think of anything more heroic than helping the next generation grow to be the best heros they can be.”

Principle Nezu spoke up, “I couldn't have said that any better myself dear y/n. Teaching is very rewarding in its own way. But it also has its challenges. Students can be quite stubborn, disobedient, or emotional sometimes. They are children after all. Are you equipped to deal with such challenges?”

You refrained from scoffing instead giving him a soft smile, “With all due respect sir. I live with Bakugo Katsuki and I think we know he is all three of those things you just mentioned.”

He nodded and took a sip of his tea, “Yes I remember... Very passionate that one. So aside from your desire to help and your plethora of patience, what do you have to offer UA?”

You took in a deep breath, “Well ever since my accident I’ve been working with a quirk trainer and she has taught me to look at quirks in a new light. Sure by the time most students reach UA they usually have a pretty decent understanding of what their quirks are but I want them to look beyond their basic applications. I want to teach them to push themselves and to look beyond their known limits and find all the many ways they can apply themselves.”

All Might smiled, “Ah yes I heard about all of your new tricks. As someone who was once your teacher I can say that I never would have thought they were possible. I took your quirk for what it was a face value and didn't think to try to expand beyond that.”

Principle Nezu nodded, “Yes but as impressive as that is I don’t believe you ever truly answered why you want to retire from hero work? You said why you wanted to teach, but a lot of our teaching staff also still work as heros. You have expressed a desire to be a full time teacher. Why is that?”

Alright this was it. You knew you had to tell them. It was only ethical but you had just wanted to keep it a secret for a little longer. “Well there has been a recent development that I believe would hinder my ability to preform to the best of my ability...”

All Might sighed, “Are you referring to your injury a few months back?”

You assumed Midoriya had told his mentor all about that night. You could see in All Might’s eyes that he knew how traumatic it must have been. “Actually no although I can understand why that is what you would assume.” You took a moment to collect your thoughts. “As you both know Bakugo and I have been dating for a better part of a year now. And although we haven't told anyone yet... so we would appreciate your discretion... but we’re.. well more specifically I... am uh... pregnant...”

It was the first time you had said the words out loud to someone other than Bakugo and it just felt weird, but in the best way possible.

All Might slammed his cup of tea on his desk. “I wasn’t expecting that! Oh my goodness congratulations! I am so very happy for you! I promise we won't tell a soul!” His emotions caught you off guard, “I apologize for my outburst but you guys where my first round of students and in a way I think of you like my children.. and to think one, NO TWO of them are having a baby... TOGETHER! Oh it’s just all so overwhelming!”

Principle Nezu put a hand on All Mights shoulder in an attempt to calm him down. “Well seeing as you answered all of our questions better than most other faculty members here, I would think its safe to say that we could find a position here for you. Temporarily of course should you choose to return to hero work once the child is born.”

You shot straight up out of your chair, “Thank you sir! You have no idea how much this means to Bakugo and I!” You bowed, “I promise I will not disappoint you!”

He giggled, “You never have before, so I don’t know why you would start now.”

The second you stepped through the door to your home Bakugo was there sweeping you up into a hug and carrying you to the couch like the idiot he is, “I can walk you know! Put me down you caveman!”

He plopped down on the couch with you in his lap, “Can’t a guy be nice to his pregnant girlfriend?”

You gave him a shit eating grin, “Well seeing as most boyfriends wait to carry their girlfriends over the threshold until after they're married...”

He narrowed his scarlet eyes at you, “And you say I’m impatient.” He clearly didn't want to talk about it right now because before you could push him on it he changed the subject, “SO! How did the interview go? Did you get the job?”

His hands were starting to rub soothing patterns on your thigh. You knew he wanted you to get this job. Shit he probably wanted you to get it more than you did. It was also no secret that he would totally be okay if you stayed there after the baby was born and just made it your new profession.

“Well I had my interview with Principle Nezu and All Might. We had tea, it was lovely. It didn't last very long though, I’d say probably only about fifteen minutes or so. They both say Hi by the way. And congratulations, I felt like it was only responsible to tell them but they promised they wouldn't tell any-”

“Did you fucking get the job or not?! Just spit it out!”

You loved how easy it was to get under his skin, “You know once this kid pops out you're going to need to learn some patience. Kids love to tell long and pointless stories. They’re all long middles with no beginning and no end.”

“Ugh much like this conversation! Just tell me already! I’ve been anxious all fucking day!”

You gave him a small smirk, “Yes babe, I got the job.”

He crushed his lips to yours, “Fuck yeah! That’s my girl! You’re going to be the most badass teacher at UA! You won't take shit from any of those snot nosed kids.”

You cocked and eyebrow at him, “I believe you were once one of those snot nosed kids babe...”

He laughed, “Yeah and look at me now! A functioning member of society all because of you.”

You just rolled your eyes, “Says the guy who just yesterday yelled at Zuko, who is a dog by the way, because you didn't like his tone?”

He huffed, “Well yeah! He was arguing with me when I was trying to get him to go outside while it was raining! He needs to man up and pee in the rain! Kids are different they know better and talk shit anyways!”

You chuckled, “Speaking of kids remember we have that dinner with Dylan and her family tonight.”

He gripped you tighter and groaned, “Ugh do we have to? I kind of wanted to celebrate your new job... you know sans clothing.”

“As tempting as that sounds how about we celebrate, you know with clothes on first? Then when we get home we’ll revisit the naked option?”

He whined, “But you’re always so tired! Not that I’m complaining you're literally growing a whole ass human but I miss our sexy time!”

You gave him a weird look, “Did you really just say sexy time? You’ve been spending too much time with Denki.”

“Dont you dare compare me to that degenerate pervert!”

You laughed as you stood up and headed towards the bedroom, “Whatever you say babe. I’m going to get ready, she said to be there by 5. I’ll lay out an outfit for you.”

He grumbled as he followed you, “I can pick out my own clothes you know.”

You rolled your eyes, “A black t-shirt and sweatpants are not appropriate attire for dinner.”

“UGH! FINE!”

And that's how you showed up to dinner with an irritable Katsuki because you made him wear a nice button down shirt with khakis. “Who am I? Jake from fucking state farm? What if we run into a villain? I can’t work in khakis.”

“Well its a good thing we have today off then. No villains to fight.” You gave his hand a squeeze. Now remember her kid is like obsessed with Ground Zero so... try to play nice.”

He scoffed as he reached out to ring the doorbell, “Okay Mom...”

Next thing you know the door is being ripped open by girl who couldn't have been older than 6. She was wearing a Ground Zero t-shirt and her hair was pulled into two tight black ponytails. She stared straight in Katsuki's eyes for a few seconds before she whispered, “Hi Mr. Zero. Did you know you could use your quirk to turn your hands into guns?”

Bakugo gave you a weird look and you just shrugged, “Huh?”

“Kitty! What did we talk about?” Dylan was now standing behind her daughter looking angry.

“Asking permission before reading someones quirk?”

“Exactly now say you’re sorry.”

Kitty looked up at your boyfriend with the most epic puppy dog eyes you had ever seen and you could Bakugo melting on the spot, “I’m sorry Mr. Zero. Please forgive me”

You could tell Bakugo was freaked out so you gave him an encouraging nudge, “Uhh. yeah whatever. dont worry about it shrimp.”

Her eyes lit up, “MOM! DID YOU HEAR THAT HE CALLED ME SHRIMP!” She was now tugging on Dylans sleeve.

Dylan gave you an apologetic look, “Sorry she’s just really excited. We’ve talked about our manners for a good part of the day but it seems thats all gone out the window.” She started leading you to the diner table, “I heard you like spicy food so I’ve made spicy pad thai. I hope that’s okay.”

You could just feel the heartburn now but you didn't want to be rude and you knew Bakugo would love it.

You took your seat next to Bakugo and being the caveman he is he immediately started eating without waiting for anyone else. “I apologize Dylan. You see we had the same talk about manors on the way here but it looks like he wasn’t listening either.”

Kitty leaned over to Bakugo and whispered, “Is your mommy as strict as my mommy?” It took a few seconds to realize she was referring to you but when he did he lost it. He started laughing louder than you had ever herd him laugh, well at least while he’s sober.

He put a hand on your thigh, “She is a mommy but she’s not my mommy even though she may act like it sometimes.” He chuckled and gave your thigh a squeeze, “But believe me she can be a pain in the a- neck sometimes.”

You elbowed him in the side,”Watch your language.”

He looked offended, “Hey I caught myself didn't I?” He turned back to Kitty, “See this is what I’m talking about. She’s being mean to me and I didn't even do anything.”

Dylan gave you a wide eyed expression, “I’m sorry did he just say you’re a mommy?”

You sighed as you slapped him on the back of the hat, “Yes. He did. I was going to tell you tonight anyways but I guess the cat is out of the bag. I won't be able to keep training with you seeing as we are expecting.”

Even though you just hit him, he still had a super goofy grin on his face as he leaned over and put a hand on you stomach. “Yeah so Kitty if you ever see her scolding me it’s just because she's practicing to be a mommy, she’s not really being mean.”

Kitty’s eyes went to where his hand was on your stomach, “OH MY GOSH! THERE’S GOING TO BE A BABY GROUND ZERO!”  

Dylan shot daggers at her daughter, “Kitty inside voice please and please whatever you do don’t tell any of your friends school. This is top secret okay? Do you understand?”

She just grinned and nodded her head before whispering something in Bakugo’s ear that made him laugh. Well you guess he had a new friend now.

The rest of the night was basically just Bakugo playing with Kitty while you and Dylan talked about pregnancy. It was nice to be able to talk to someone about it. She was very excited about your new job and promised she would continue to help you anyway she could.

Only after Bakugo had thoroughly worn Kitty out after a game of heros and villains did he return to the adults. “Hey Dylan what did Kitty mean earlier when she said I could use my hands as guns?”

Dylan stared into his eyes for a moment and you could see the chilling affect it had on him. “Much like how guns use very small explosions to propel their bullets, if done correctly you could potentially pick up debris, rocks, or small objects and explode them from your hand much like a gun. It would be a smaller and quieter alternative to the explosions you’re prone to using. Feel free to stop by the gym sometime and maybe we can figure it out”

He stared at his hands, “Huh... I just might take you up on that.”

Later that night you were walking up the walkway to your home when Katsuki snaked his arms around your waste, “Hey so what do you say? Did I behave myself well enough to earn a little dessert?”

His mouth was on your neck as you fished for your keys in your purse, “I’d say so.. Mr. Zero.”

You could feel his smile on your neck, “That brat was adorable wasn’t she?”

You finally got the door open, but you froze, “Hey Katsuki? I thought you left a light on for Zuko?”

He stepped infant of you protectively, “I did.. someones been in the house...”

“SURPRISE!”

The lights were flicked on and everyone was coming out from their hiding spots. The poor couch Midoriya had been hiding behind had a light singe from where Bakugo had shot at it. “WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU EXTRAS DOING IN MY HOUSE!”

All Might stepped out from the kitchen rubbing his neck, “That would be my fault. I know I promised I wouldn't tell anyone but... I kind of told everyone. I’m SORRY!”

Kirishima was running over towards you, “Holy SHIT! I can't believe this is happening! I’m going to be an uncle!”

Katsuki gave him a death glare, “I gave you a key for EMERGENCIES ONLY DAMNIT!” 

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #330

“and i don't want ya  /  and i don't need ya  /  don't bother to resist, or i'll beat ya  /  it's not your fault that you're always wrong  /  the weak ones are there to justify the strong”

If you have a job, do you like it? I'm unemployed. Do you like any kinds of fruit? Well of course. Are you waiting for something right now? Covid and this headache to fuck off, May for my tattoo, to be paid to take some pictures again... What is your favorite kind of animal? Kind, not the actual animal itself? In that case, social species, usually mammals. What kind of Dippin' Dots do you like? Holy shit, I haven't had that in like a damn decade or something. I don't know, I barely remember the taste. Who is the most badass woman that you can think of? My mom. My mother is a fucking warrior. Do you have a Pinterest account? Yeah. I get a lot of photography ideas from there, as well as base pictures to make Mark icons, haha. If you were to write a book, what would it be about? The stories I and my friends have weaved in RP. Have you ever seen the television show The Munsters? AHHHHH YES!!!!! Mom loves that show, so I used to watch it with her growing up. Have you ever written one of those 'Roses are red...' valentines? I don't think so. Would you/have you spent more than $200 on any one person for a holiday? I haven't, but I would for certain people. Do you have a favorite Robin Williams movie? Probably Night at the Museum. Thoughts on Slender Man? Have you even heard of him? I think it's a cool creepypasta; he does look pretty unnerving with his height and especially lack of a face. The movie was good too, btw. Do you know what the Tardis is? I think almost everyone does in this generation, haha. Doctor Who ain't no joke to a whole lot of people. Are there any children's shows that you'd watch today if they were on? Sure, like Pokemon or Avatar: The Last Airbender, among others. I wouldn't at all be opposed to watching The Lion Guard, either. I actually want to, with my whole TLK love. I'm not embarrassed to watch "kids" shows or movies at all. What would you call yourself the King or Queen of? Having not an ounce of knowledge on how to love things in moderation/avoid total obsession with things, haha. If I paid for you to take karate lessons, would you? No, especially not now with my legs. Do you read more fiction or non-fiction? Almost solely fiction. What modern technology are you especially grateful for? Laptops, ig. Do you have a favorite science topic? Genetics. Very fascinating stuff. Have you ever read any Sherlock Holmes stories? No. What is the saddest movie that you've ever seen? Either Johnny Got His Gun or Boy in the Striped Pajamas. What's your most popular post? On what? If Facebook, I don't really know. Possibly my "coming out" one or a lovey-dovey essay when Sara and I were together. On Tumblr, it's definitely the gif I made of Mark and Chica (his dog) with I think over 10k notes. Manga or anime? Anime. I don't read manga, though I've been tempted with Deadman Wonderland since the show only had one season and ends on a ginormous cliffhanger, but there's more story to be had. A card game that you're good at? None, really. A popular book you haven't read yet? To Kill a Mockingbird. I feel like every school student has read it at some point. Favorite Mean Girls quote? I don't know any. It's a fine movie, but I've never understood the hype. Name your top 3 albums from your favorite band/artist. Black Rain, Ozzmosis, and... then I can't choose. I love so, so many very dearly. Name your top 5 music videos. I don't really watch music videos, so I definitely can't name five. My #1 favorite is probably "Wrong Side of Heaven" by Five Finger Death Punch; I absolutely cannot watch it without crying. What are you most passionate about? How did this passion develop? Animals. I was born simply adoring animals and have always wanted to protect them and their environment. Do you like monkeys? Do you believe in evolution? Yes and yes. We've literally watched it in action. What embarrasses you the most in front of other people? Discussing RP if you're not involved in it. I'm terrified of people thinking I'm weird. Have you considered running for president? Absolutely not. Which famous person would you like to be BFFs with? I'd say Mark, but I'd be way too interested in dating him instead of being just friends, haha... So with that said, maybe Bindi Irwin? Would you ever go skinny dipping with the last person who commented you? Lyndsey would be that person, so no. She's a great friend of mine, but realistically I'd probably only ever - if ever - do that with the company of my s/o. Are you still friends with the last person who broke your trust? No. How long did your last relationship last? Around two years. Have you ever been banned from anywhere? Online, yes, as a little kid on the Animal Planet forum, haha... Has anyone kissed you when you weren't expecting it? Yeah, Juan. Did you like it? It was a sweet moment, but I didn't want it. Does your dad smoke? Like a chimney. Is your mom over 50? Yeah. Are you currently listening to anything? Yeah, kinda hooked on "The Horrible People" by Manson. I've found a lot of great music lately. Would you ever consider getting breast implants? No, but once (if...) I lose all the weight I want, it's going to be a moderate priority to get a breast lift. I've hated my body way too fucking long and am dying to be satisfied with it again, and with how much weight I need to lose, I would essentially have grandma tits. :x Do you know anyone who is bisexual? Me, haha. Among some friends. Who would you tell, or who did you tell when you lost your virginity? That's not something I'd just go to tell someone afterwards for no reason... I'd only ever mention having lost my virginity if I was actually asked or if it was relevant to a conversation. Is there something you have been trying to learn lately? I'm really trying to practice opposite action and behavioral activation, among other things I've learned in group therapy. When you think about your future career, do you envision yourself becoming the head honcho or CEO? If not, why not? Well, I want to be my own boss as a freelance photographer. In any other job, I definitely wouldn't want that. Too much responsibility and leadership skills. Can you think of a time when you seriously misjudged a music artist based on their name? I don't think so? Have you ever kissed someone that you didn’t really want to kiss (not assault, just indifference)? Why did you go along with it and how did you feel after? Yes, Tyler. I felt like I was "supposed to." I felt really uncomfortable afterwards. If you have to wake up early for something, what time is just TOO early for you to be there and be presentable and sentient? Have you ever had to be somewhere that early? Probably like, 5:00. No. Have the majority of your romantic relationships started with a physical attraction or a deeper connection? Always an emotional connection. Did you ever write a fan letter to a celebrity? How about submit something to a magazine? No to both. What hair color is the most attractive on the opposite sex? Of natural colors, black, but I like unnaturally dyed hair most. Where do you like to go to when you are stressed? On a carride, so long as I'm controlling the music nice and loud and not talking. Where do you go to get your hair cut/dyed? To a family friend's little salon/small business. Why do you want the career that you want? Because I adore art and think it's pretty darn magical that you can freeze a moment forever to not just remember in your head, but actually see. Have you ever watched iCarly? Yeah, I enjoyed it when I was younger. What was your favorite class during your sophomore year of high school? Art. Do you wear bandanas in your hair? No. Have you ever been on a blind date? No, not interested. How many living grandparents do you still have? None. Have you ever worked in an office? No. Who does the grocery shopping in your house? Mom. Have you ever stayed in a hotel without your parents or older relatives? No. Did you have an Easy-Bake oven when you were little? Sure did. Have you ever seen a donkey? Yeah. Have you ever made out in a hot tub? Pretty sure no. Do you always flush the toilet after you use it? Yes. What were the last words you said to your dad? Probably "bye, love you." Have you cuddled with someone you weren’t dating? Nah. Who has the ability to hurt you the most emotionally? JASON. Are you a really understanding person? Yeah, very. Are you the type of person that enjoys getting hugs? Yes. When’s the last time you wore a wig? For a witch costume many years ago. Why were you last hospitalized? Suicide attempt. What’s the longest you’ve ever gone without food? At least 12 hours, but I think I almost went a day once back when recovery started and my appetite was non-existent. What was the last name of your third grade teacher? Mrs. Britt. How was the last chicken you ate cooked? They were chicken tenders. What is your favorite kind of chip? Hot crunchy Cheetos. What grade did you have your first boyfriend? 7th. Have you ever been told that you’ve lost weight? Yeah, back when I actually WAS losing loads of weight. >> Do you have the same political views as your parents? Some things, but definitely not all. Does anyone call you babe/baby? No. Have you ever made a significant other cry? Sadly. If you could make your lips bigger, would you? Maybe just a teeeeny bit. Are you one to sneak food into movie theaters? Yep. Fuck them prices. Are you prone to illness? Definitely not. What races do you usually date? History says Caucasian, but I have no actual preference. I'll date any race. What’s your cup size? C. Ever flirted with a teacher? Yikes, no thanks. Who was the main cook of your Thanksgiving meal last year? My older sister made the most stuff. Have you ever been dumped really harshly? Well, considering it literally traumatized me... Do you have any ex’s you can’t stand anymore? No. Are you more of a phone or a computer person? Computer, definitely. When was the last time you made a sandwich? What did you put on it? Yesterday for lunch. Ham, American cheese, and mustard. Have you ever made friends with someone that you didn’t expect to get along with? Yeah. Do you own any accessories with your name on? No. What brand of eyeliner do you use? I pay no attention to this. Have you ever been sexually harassed? No. Have you ever sent a naughty text message? Suggestive ones, yes. How long have you had your pets? Roman, around two years. Venus, around three or four years. Who was the last person to tell you that they love you, other than family? Sara. Has one of your friends ever tried to hook you up with someone? Colleen tried obnoxiously hard to push Girt and me together. We all went out to eat pizza once just as friends hanging out, and this bitch prefaced an uncomfortable and nosy question to him with an even more uncomfortable "because I'm trying to get you in her pants...", and that, my friends, was the closest occasion I've ever come to slapping someone right across the face. I looked at her in absolute disgust, and Girt was clearly thinking "what the actual fuck" as well. I do not miss her feral mouth. Are you good at staring contests? No. Eye contact is very difficult for me to maintain. Do you like peanut butter? I love peanut butter. When was the last time you had to present something to your class? In this mandatory but entirely pointless entry class at my last college, we all had to do like this PowerPoint introducing ourselves. I hated it. Who was the last person that told you they missed you? I think my friend Chelsea. What store is your favorite shirt from? It's not a real store, but rather an online brand: Cloak. Mark is one of the owners/creators so I obviously support them intensely. Have you ever fell off your bed while you were sleeping? No, thankfully. Do you have something you’re supposed to tell someone, but you haven’t yet? No. What type of food do you never really eat? Vegetables, oops. Have you ever cut someone else’s hair? No. Do you like going to weddings? Not really, if I'm being honest. I'm only interested in photographing weddings for the only the couple pictures and pay, really. I'm not big on formal events. What’s your favorite flavor squash? I don’t like squash. Do you or anyone in your house have a severe allergy? No. Who was the last guest in your house and what were they staying for? Our landlord/family friend, just to hang out for a little bit and chat with Mom. What fad were you actually into? Hm. What was the last spontaneous thing you did? I'm not a very spontaneous person, so I really don't know.

[maidenof-thesea]

Snakes & Butterflies | Part II

Pairing: Jimin x reader

Genre: Soulmate Au!, Fluff, Angst, Smut (Maybe, still debating)

Words: 2.9k

Warnings: None

Note: Here’s part 2 of my story, I hope you enjoy and understand that although Jimin has yet to come into the story, I hope you may find some of yourself in the character I am imagining and although BTS is important, I believe they would want us to value ourselves as much as we value them. 

The drive to San Ysidro was uneventful… I wish I could say that. My mom’s friend had always rubbed me off the weird way. Maybe it had to do with the fact that my mom took me to her once my Soulmate mark never appeared by the time of puberty, which is the latest it should have, in some rare cases. It was straight out of cult movie, people chanting, this random lady rubbing essential oils and raw eggs on me. That was enough to traumatize me as a child. I respect my mother’s culture but brujeria (witchcraft) is where I draw the line. My father took the more medical route, I had seen countless doctors and all could not tell my parents what was wrong, having no mark was unheard of, they were very rare cases. 

Miss Cassandra was the only one who could actually give my parents an answer. It is common knowledge that Marks are there just to guide people’s souls to one another and the rest is up to them. When my grandpa died, grandma’s mark started to fade, but it never completely faded away. Although my case is rare, Miss Cassandra told my parents that my Soulmate did not exist in this lifetime, that perhaps in my past life, I had sinned and now I was being punished. I rolled my eyes at the memory. She was such a witch, literally. Now here I am about to knock on her door.

“It’s about time you got here!” a small lady with long black hair whipped open the door, regarding me with annoyed eyes. “I’m trying to watch my novela! It’s not like Netflix, okay I can’t just pause it!”

“Hello to you too, Miss Cassandra '' I said entering in the small house and almost coughed with the smell of lavender and sweet lemongrass smell. Above the door hung some dried flowers, almost whacking me. “I love what you’ve done with the place very welcoming.”

“Haha, very funny” she said pulling my coat off and ushering me to her kitchen. “Hurry up I don’t have enough time for this. I have a cleansing to do in thirty minutes.”

“What another person with pink eye?” 

SMACK.

“OW!”

“Cállate!” she yelled. “You’re gonna wake up Miguel!” As if her yelling won’t. I sat on the bar stool and saw that she had already prepared all the ingredients for the henna tattoo.

“I don’t like that we’re appropriating Indian culture,” I muttered. 

“I don’t either,” she said stirring the mix. “But business is booming.” Great, consumerism trumps morals. Wait-

“Hold on,” I said in surprise. “What do you mean booming?”

“Ay Díos mio,” she exasperated. “You’re mother wasn’t kidding! It’s like you’re living under a rock! Do you really not watch the news?”

“Well I didn’t think it was such a big deal!”

“Of course,” she said rolling her eyes. “Those girls have all come to me for help.”

“Huh, did you tell them they were sinners too?”

“Of course not!” She said putting on gloves. “I said they were cursed.” 

“I love how nonchalant you are about all this.” I said as she wiped my arm down and began to apply the henna. 

“I’m being very serious, but I know you have a hard time believing me, you are your father’s child.” She said not taking her eyes off my arm. “You never told me why you always want this specific sword as a mark.”

“Besides the fact that you told me marks as weapons were rare,” I said averting my eyes from her family photos across the room. “Which they aren’t since I helped a couple with arrow tattoos yesterday, there’s not any other reason.”

“Arrows?” she said dapping the tool in more henna ink. “That’s strange…”

We fell into a comfortable silence and I let her continue to focus on her task at hand. My phone buzzed in my pocket and making sure she was focused, I pulled it out and sure enough, there was a message from Jungkook.

Jungkook [6:30 pm]: Hey noona, it’s me Jungkook. Is everything ok?

Me [6:32 pm]: Yes, I should be home around 7.

Jungkook [6:33 pm]: Okay, I’m making pasta. Let me know when you are on your way.

Me [6:35 pm] OK.

“Is that Jungkook?” Cassandra said as she stepped back to look at her handiwork. I was momentarily taken aback, but realized my mom must have already told her. “How did he take it?”

“I have no idea what you are talking about.”

“He knows,” Cassandra said already cleaning up the ink. “Take a look to see if you like it.”

“How do you know-” I stuttered in shock. “It’s fine, I don’t need to look and I’ll make some excuse, I’ll say that my mark was burned off too just like those girls.”

“Your scars are too old for that.” she said regarding me with pity. “Just tell him the truth.”

“I can’t.” I said with finality in my tone. I wanted this conversation to end. “I don’t need any more pity from anybody.”

“Ah you see, you say that, but that is not what you want.” She said sighing. “You may be able to fool your mother but you can’t fool me. Soy una bruja. (I’m a witch)”

“I’m not having this conversation,” I said standing up and getting my bag and coat, I pulled out a couple of twenties and placed them on the table. 

“Do not be afraid of fate, Y/N” she said placing the money back in my hand. “I’m not entirely sure why but there’s something different, a spark in your future.”

“So you can see the future now?” I said scoffing as I walked towards the front door. 

“You had a dream last night? About the past?” 

I stopped in my tracks. Feeling the color drain from my face.

“A dream that felt like a memory? But you don’t remember?” she said as she approached me from behind and when I refused to turn around, she continued. “Destiny always finds a way, no matter how hard you try to erase it.”

“Well,” I said shivering. “If destiny decides to come knocking on my door, I could tell it to fuck off.” Cassandra laughs and smacks me on the back, making me flinch. This woman hits me more than my own mother. 

“That is something you would say mija,” she said hugging me. “Promise me you won’t cry too much.”

“Huh?”

“Ve con Díos” she replies and closes her door, leaving me in confusion on her doorstep. 

“‘Don’t cry too much?’” I repeated softly to myself as I made my way back to my car, only to see a man leaning against my passenger side. Great. “Can I help you?”

The man looks up at me from his phone. He looked at me up and down and started to approach me but stopped when I reached into my bag. He holds his hands up.

“Hold on!” He says, “I’m not gonna hurt you, I just wanted to talk that’s all.”

“Well you can talk from there I can hear just fine.” I said clutching my taser in my hand.

“Are you Y/N?”

“How the hell-did you follow me here?!”

“NO!” He yelled. “God no! Look here look!” He pulls up his sleeve to his jacket and shows me his arm. Nothing. No soulmate mark. “I’m just like you.”

“Excuse me?” I said offensively. “What the hell do you know about me?”

“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to sound rude. Let me explain.” He said pulling out his wallet, he pulls out a card and attempts to hand it to me. When I refuse to take it, he places it on the windshield wiper of my car. “My name is Minho. Lee Minho. I’m a professor at the University. I heard about your situation. I-”

My phone rings and we’re both startled and I quickly pull it out of my pocket and answer without checking. 

“Noona?” Jungkook says his voice laced with worry. “Where are you? It’s already ten minutes past seven.”

“Oh Kookie,” I say cooing even though my heart was beating rapidly. “Don’t worry, I just had to stop by for gas real quick. I’ll be there in 30.”

“Oh okay Noona” Jungkook says softly. “Drive safely okay?” I hum in response and he hangs up. 

“Okay bye babe! Love you!” I say as I hear the dial tone. I look back at Minho and he seemed a bit confused. “I don’t know what you are talking about. My Soulmate is waiting for me, so if you’ll excuse me.”

“I’m sorry,” He said moving away from my car. “But you are Y/N right?”

“I’m sorry but how in the hell-”

“Your father sent me here.” He said, “He said you would be here. He told me everything. If there’s somewhere more private you want to go to dis-”

“Look,” I said stepping up to him. “I don’t know why you think it’s appropriate to approach me like this but I am definitely not interested in what you have to say or offer and as a matter of fact you can forget that I even exist.”

“I’m sorry but I can’t do that,” Minho said with a hint of desperation. And with a shake of his head, he took a step back. “I didn’t want to meet you in these circumstances either, but I was just so curious and-”

“Look,” I said interrupting him. “I’m sure you have good intentions, but you are not the first man my father has pushed on me. You are the first to approach me this way though and trust me you are not making a good first impression.”

“But-”

“I have to go,” I said with finality, entering my car. “I have someone waiting for me.”

Instead of stopping me, Minho just watched me go. I sighed with relief once I got back on the highway. I would have to break so many laws just to make it on time and I was grateful that the traffic wasn’t too bad. Once I had a view of the cottage, I slowed down not wanting to scare the beach goers. My phone started to ring again and instead of Jungkook’s name like I expected, it was an unknown number. I answered and a deep gruff voice resonated from the speakers of my car.

“Why do you always have to disappoint me?” My father said with an eerie calm voice. 

“How did you get my number?” I responded back, clenching my hands on the steering wheel. “Mom pro-”

“Do you really think she had a choice in the matter?” 

“And do you think you have the right to decide she has no choice?” I scoffed. “You must have threatened to divorce her again. And you’re supposed to be Soul-”

“ENOUGH.” He all but roared and I flinched causing me to jerk the car. 

“I’m driving right now,” I said rolling my eyes. “So if you don’t mind, can we keep this conversation civil?”

“You’re gonna want to talk to this professor.”

“Why? Because he has money?” 

“His research-”

“So what now I’m gonna be a lab monkey for this guy?!”

“Y/N did you see his Mark?” He said calm once more, and when I said nothing, he continued. “He doesn’t have one either. Just like you.”

“What?” 

“Talk to him.” He said and the phone call was disconnected. I had managed to park on the driveway of the cottage. On my windshield, I could see the business card that Minho left. I felt my breath leave my lungs and I could feel tears starting to pool in my eyes. My thoughts were racing and it made me dizzy. I quickly got out of the car and made my way to the beach, not even going to the cottage. Thank goodness it was a short walk. Once I stepped onto the uneven sand I sat down and hugged my knees to my chest. I then proceeded to take deep calming breaths and once more I focused on the sound of the waves, willing myself to think logically and calmly. 

He doesn’t have a mark? Is he one of the victims too? Or was he really just like me? Did he never have one like me? And if so, what does that mean for me? Could it be possible that no mark could be a Mark?

“Is he my Soulmate?” I thought out loud. 

“Noona?” 

I jumped up from my position that I almost lost my footing, and strong arms caught me. Looking up, Jungkook was staring down at me in confusion and shock once he saw my tear stained cheeks. I quickly scrambled from his embrace and wiped my cheeks.

“Jungkook!” I said avoiding eye contact. “How did you-”

“Why are you crying?” Jungkook said cupping my cheeks in his hands. I felt my face get hot. “Is this about your Mark?”

“Let’s go inside,” I said tugging his hands from my face, but I held his hand as I led him back to the cottage. “Did you start the movie?”

“Y/N,” Jungkook said stepping his way in front of me, blocking the path. “Why were-”

“Just got off the phone with my dad,” I shrugged. It wasn’t exactly a lie. “The usual: ‘You are such a disappointment’, ‘You’re not my daughter if you are useless.’ The works.”

“I don’t remember him being like that,” Jungkook said, pulling me to a hug. I cleared my throat as I felt my face once again go hot. This boy was gonna give me heart palpitations. 

“People change,” I replied, wrapping my arms around him. “Like you. When did you get so tall! I still can’t believe you’re the same Kookie that used to pull on my pigtails.”

“Noona,” Jungkook whined and bent down to tuck his face in my neck. I felt myself stiffen and almost immediately he released me and started up the path to the cottage. I quickly followed, not wanting to be out in the cold anymore. I followed him inside and Luke Skywalker’s face was on the TV screen and I squealed and jumped onto the couch getting myself comfortable for the movie marathon. Jungkook comes back from the kitchen and hands me a bowl of pasta to which I hum in thanks, my eyes never leaving the screen. “People never really change.”

I looked at him and he was staring right back. I put the pasta down and grabbed the remote to pause the movie. We sat in silence for a bit. Yuki jumped onto the armchair across from us and was staring intently at me, almost as if waiting for me to speak up.

“Jungk-”

“Noona,” Jungkook says, “You don’t have to explain anything to me, if you’re not ready.”

“I-” I sighed. “Depends on what you want to know..”

“Since when?” He sighs. “How long has it been?”

You should tell him the truth

“If I tell you,” I say as I clench my fingers. “Will you promise not to look at me differently or walk on eggshells around me?”

“Noona,” Jungkook says, turning to face me. “Why would I look at you any different?”

I turn to look at him with incredulous eyes and his eyes shined with sincerity. It threw me off. I look back at Yuki who started to purr, almost as if to encourage me.

“Well when I hit pube-”

“No Noona,” Jungkook said with a sigh. “How long have you shut yourself off from the world?”

“I’m not sure I understand,” I said confused. “Why does that matter?”

“Seriously?!” Jungkook shouted, standing up. “Noona, why aren’t you acting like yourself? You were never one to hide, there’s moments where you seem like yourself but then you’re this completely different person-almost like your mem-”

He stopped abruptly almost if coming to a realization or as if he said too much. 

“Jungkook,” I said standing up as well, wanting to comfort him but not sure what to do. “You aren’t curious as to why I don’t have a mark? I mean that’s what everyone-”

“Noona,” Jungkook said almost exasperated. “Mark or not, you’re you. I know that life changes people, I understand that but you act as if you’re ashamed.”

“Kookie,” I said stepping back. “You have no idea what my life has been like.”

“I’m sorry,” Jungkook said covering his face. “You’re right, but I can’t but feel guilty-”

“Jungkookie,” I said rubbing his back. “You have no reason to feel guilty.”

“I’m sorry that we-that I wasn’t there for you.” Jungkook sighed as he wrapped his arms around me, using my head as a headrest. Normally I wouldn’t be comfortable with this amount of skinship, mostly because I never let myself get close to anyone besides my mom and Jennie. But with Jungkook, it felt so natural and I felt a sense of relief. “Jimin and I would have never let you hide…”

I felt myself stiffen with the mention of Jimin’s name, and I almost recoiled from him, almost as if my body felt a sense of shame. But why would I feel that way?

“Noona?” Jungkook said, cocking his head in confusion. “Are you-”

Jungkook’s phone rang, interrupting him as we both came to our senses. He quickly ran to get it from the kitchen table as I gathered Yuki in my arms, requesting cuddles from her. 

“Speaking of the devil,” Jungkook said, his voice laced with a hint of anger. He showed me his phone and ‘Jiminie Hyung’ was facetiming him. 

Prev / Next 

Masterlist 

[obeymematches]

Hi! I hope you don’t mind if I ask for a matchup. Just don’t push yourself, okay? You seem to have a lot to handle. I’ll try not to overload you with too much, but I apologize ahead of time if I write a whole book or get too personal. I just wanted to make sure I added a good chunk for a good comparison! I’ll try not to get too into it, though. Sorry again if I put too much!

Basics : I’m a 5’6, 19 y/o, chubby/curvy female who is a bit of an anti-social shut-in. I come across as very shy, quiet to the point of how I usually never say a word otherwise unless I’m asked a question, though can also be seen as ‘lazy’ and someone who is too addicted to technology. I’m also rarely affectionate, though not against being given affection as long as I’m asked. I’m not a touchy feely person.

Layer 1 (Flaws, problems, etc) : My behavior stems from social anxiety and from bullying experiences that have traumatized me growing up, as I had to deal with it up until maybe a year ago. Some of it was from my own family, and some from the school. I ended up with a fear of expressing myself to strangers, especially around boys. I found my way of coping was to dive into video games and anime, alongside art. Outside of this, I’m a mess. I usually suffer from many health problems (that I don’t feel comfortable sharing, but can mention it makes my efforts to find a way to get comfortable in my body with a new Workout routine very difficult) due to my body being extremely weak. It has been ever since conditions related to my birth, and my medications Needed to keep me around cause me to be big boned. I’m physically strong enough to fight for myself if I needed to, but when it comes to illness and the like, I’m the loser here. I also have a hard time keeping eye contact. I also tend to apologize a lot for everything. I can’t handle crowds, or I’ll likely pass out after a while. My body is hard to take care of despite my best efforts. However, I do have sensitive ears and tend to be jumpy when someone raises their voice. It’s not too difficult to scare me, which in the past is what usually managed to convince me to go along with things like the bullying. To this day I still can’t handle being yelled at, since I also tend to yell at myself later for messing up for whatever caused someone to yell at me. I’m extremely hard on myself. I also tend to take things to heart. My ‘laziness’ also is because I have my own fight with depression to deal with that adds a factor into this too. Consider it a double edged sword, but despite that I tend to destroy myself trying to put others first before me.

Layer 2 (Opening up) : if I do open up to someone, I’m more prone to have my ‘quirks’ show, such as bouncing in place when I’m excited. I occasionally ramble about my interests (and apologize after). I may not be the best at showing how I care, but I try to do the best I can with what little skills I have. But I do become a bit more social with a person the more I know them. However, it doesn’t change that one might have to message/approach me first, since at times it takes me ages to send a message for fear I’m bothering someone. I’ll be more willing to head out with someone if I’m closer to them, though I’m still insecure about my appearance.

Layer 3 (Pro’s?) : I’m not against trying new things, within reason. I’m not difficult to please. I would be fine sitting in a room watching critical role for the next 10 hours with someone just being quiet and consider that a bonding moment. I don’t mind over the top, but I don’t usually favor it due to my insecurities telling me that this wasn’t deserved. (Not that it isn’t appreciated, but it’s hard to fight ones inner demons, ya know what I mean?) From what my few friends say, however, they would trust me to be a leader to my friend group should the need arise, and I’m usually serious, mature, calm and collected. That doesn’t mean I don’t have my own sense of humor (usually dark humor, with the occasional laugh from a joke I didn’t expect to hear). Due to a bit of my background, I know a lot on self defense due to being in a former military family (All retired) who thought I should know how to fight due to how the world can be. This is also why I’m usually trusted to make decisions for my friend group, even if it’s in games where survival is key. I’m usually the last one standing, while being cautious enough. I also can be a hard worker when I can put my mind to it- reading a whole manga series in one day or finishing an anime? Finishing art? You name it. Though a double edged sword trait I know I have (Since it can be both a blessing and a curse) is my perfectionism. Everything has to be perfect. The decorations? Yes. Everything has to match? Yes. I have to make the most detailed building in Minecraft? On it. My fashion sense also plays a part in this too, as I try to make it work with my task too. (I can tend to overdo it and sometimes don’t give myself breaks when I’m in this mood though.) I’m usually good on saving money, and I try to see the best in people despite my experiences. I’m not easily persuaded by looks, as I usually don’t care for them much. I am a creative person as someone who strives to be good at art, but also as someone related to a medic, I also have been learning what to do when the need arises for someone to need a medic. I can be motherly at points, considering some of my other friends to be like my kids. I fret over them constantly. There are times where the tables end up turned. I love acquiring new knowledge that’s something I’m not used to. Oh, you’re a witch? Cool I’m a (religion I’m not sharing due to it being a touchy subject to most). Can you tell me all about it? I’m really curious.

Layer 4 (Hobbies and everything else?) : I do like swimming, drawing, creating characters for my own stories (as a dungeon master in dnd), reading (mostly manga), collecting gemstones and anime merch, playing video games, and cooking on occasion. I also love my pets (currently a rabbit and a puppy) and enjoy cuddling with them. Despite finding cats to be cute, I happen to be allergic to them (as in my skin will break out mostly- it’s not severe but annoying nonetheless). I also have a fear of bugs. Despite only losing myself maybe 3 times in my whole life, I do have a nasty temper if someone gets on my nerves too much. I usually end up punished for it, hence my bottling up of emotions. So otherwise, it’s hard to get me truly angry to the point of where I’m raising my voice unless someone crosses a line. I’m slowly learning to speak up for myself more.

Alright, that’s the end! Again, I’m so sorry if this is too much information! I have never done one of these before. ^w^’

------

Hi!!!!

I put a keep reading button because it’s a long text and sometimes it gets very personal, so yeah

Sorry for the wait, and I hope you like the result!

Tbh I was thinking and I had several ideas while reading it, for example I can see you with Levi and maybe Belphie. I decided to go with Levi. Your sense of humour is a good match with Belphie but he can be so sassy and can have such an attitude that I think Levi works better, as you said you tend to take things to heart. I know you said it’s hard to actually upset you but I think Levi occassionally calling you a normie is so much less stressing than Belphie and I think you really deserve someone who doesn’t give you a hard time. (No offense to Belphie hes cool and as a friends thats alright but yeah)

So I think Levi is good with someone who’s not too affectionate, like he can get so flustered, it’s easier for him with someone like you!

He also has a quite severe social anxiety so he really gets you when you say you’d rather stay at home than go to a convention or party.

My hyphothesis is that he has online classes because of that. Like I don’t think he was bullied, he really just can’t stand being around people that much

He is also accepted in his family, like everybody is chill with him being an otaku. (I guess sometimes he gets teased but it’s mostly just him talking down on himself) So the point is that at home he can be himself! I think he would reassure you that liking what you like is totally fine.

At first he will 100% call you a normie until you prove yourself otherwise but that shouldn’t really be an issue - especially if you open up to him about it. I think he is the best candidate to understand your feelings. Not just “oh that sucks babe, iloveyou” but like really get you, you know what I mean. Even if he is not always great at expressing himself, you’d just know he means well.

I think he would also accept you the way you are. Of course your well-being is going to concern him sometimes but he knows you can take care of yourelf. Although if you need help he will do whatever you need. He can be pretty determined when it comes to something/someone he loves

I think he would be very surprised by the fact that you are physically strong in a good way! Like wow babe you can really do that...🥺

He would definitely see a part of himself in you and he would make sure to remind you that you don’t have to apologize for everything you do. Even if he does so himself, that doesn’t mean that you have to be insecure like him! ���

He’s not really the one to shout at you since you can probably accept him, and he can accept you even if at first he thinks you a boring normie

I think after you two actually spend time together and open up and really get to know the other he will see that you are soo hard on yourself because of your past and he will definitely try his best to cheer you up and have you loosen a bit.

Or if you’re not into that then he can just listen. If you don’t want to talk he can play multiplayer games with you or watch anime, etc, anything to make you feel better!!!!

I think he is also more likely to get into DnD than Belphie, thats also a reason why I decided that Levi is better. I’m personally not into it so I don’t know for sure but if you have an anime/Japan related game/story then you don’t have to say no more, he’s in a 100%!!!

After that he will probably try like...less otaku-friendly DnD games/stories! Just be patient with him. He will learn all the rules and read all the books to a T but actually speaking in front of a group of people he doesn’t know won’t be so easy!!!! 🥺  

After that he will probably convince his brothers to play too and now you have DnD night with the bros, yay! (i let you imagine how the details go!!)

I think he would approach you first with his anime-related topics and I think you could probably answer him! And that would be the beginning of a beautiful friendship!

He can also ramble about the things he likes and he would make sure that after a while you don’t apologize for talking about things you like! He probably likes something similar too, so he could suggest some things!

He said he prefers someone who he can be in the same room with and not really interact that much actually? so like you watching critical role while he watches anime is a good way to spend time!! stay at home dates are dates too!

Hmmmm i think he would definitely like to play a survival multiplayer with you, so be prepared!!!!!!

Hm I think he would take your fashion related suggestions for him, even if he himself isn’t a perfectionist. But I mean if you look at his room he is pretty organized and not too messy, so that’s a bonus I think.

I think he is a good match because you can balance out his reckless money spending tendencies! Not sure if it’s possible to change that completely about him, but at least one of you is responsible with money, so thats a good enough!

Hm I think he could talk a lot about being a demon with you, so thats really nice that you’re interested in his culture! I don’t think he has ever considered that as anything special, but now is the time!

It’s good that you can’t have a kitty because he has a fish and that wouldn’t really be a good combination now, would it?

I think he relly appreciated a responsible and caring partner like you, because he really needs all the extra care he can get to boost his confidence! He is usually rather child-like, so that is also probably a bonus!

Conclusion; definitely he is the one to initiate first interaction, but it’s probably just looking at the other for a while until he gains enough confidence to actually talk to you. This is a very accepting relationship with lots of caring and confidence boosting involved on both sides! Theres also this deeper understanding due to insecurities and social anxiety. I think after a couple years in the relationship both of you change in a good way as you are very mindful of the other’s insecurities. Definitely not a lot of arguing going on, he is a very loyal and caring partner once you earn his trust, so zero lines crossed! Dates are mostly at home, but thats cool! You are the more responsible one while he can be kind of reckless with his impulses, but that just leads to a good balance and he knows he should respect your advice regarding impule buyig stuff for example.

[inyournightmares97]

Behind the Laugh

For Youngjae, laughter wasn’t beautiful. That was until the day he saw yours.

Word Count: 6.2k+ 

Warning: Just language. This was merely an attempt to get over the severe writer’s block I’ve been having and I wrote it all in one sitting of like 5 hours so don’t judge me too harshly, I might wake up and delete it in the morning if I hate it or realize there was some gaping plot hole I didn’t notice. I was mainly trying to gain some momentum for a different fic.  

He fell in love with your laugh.

Youngjae didn’t understand why. He himself laughed all the time. He laughed when he was happy, when he was nervous and even when he didn’t know how to react.

For Youngjae, laughter wasn’t beautiful. It was a mask that covered all the dark things that lurked underneath. Laughter came to him more easily than everything else. Why tell the world about your suffering when you can just show them a bright smile?

Pain, insecurity, loneliness. That was what a laugh had always really meant to Youngjae.

That was until the day he saw yours.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

He first laid eyes on you at a group date.

Youngjae hadn’t wanted to go, mostly because forced social gatherings made him nervous and he never knew what to say to girls. You’re cute but you lack substance, a girl he liked had once blurted out to him while drunk. Youngjae had laughed it off awkwardly while his heart broke. He wasn’t as funny and charming as Jackson. He wasn’t as intelligent and mysterious as Jinyoung.

But he was a pushover, which was how he found himself seated opposite you at a fancy restaurant that night while Jackson flirted shamelessly with your friends and Jinyoung wooed them with his opinions on classical literature. One of the nicer girls had been polite enough to ask Youngjae about what he did and what sort of things he liked, but he’d been unable to maintain anyone’s interest beyond that.

He sat back and let Jackson steer the conversation. It was easier for everyone.  

You were seated across from Youngjae. Youngjae wasn’t sure why a girl as pretty as you had been forced to sit across from him, but the reason became evident as soon as Jackson turned his well-trained eyes on you and asked you a question.

“So, Mina tells me that you’re a lawyer!” Jackson said brightly in an attempt to include you in their conversation. He particularly enjoyed making quiet and shy girls talk; it was his speciality. “I saw this case in the news the other day where a woman was awarded half of her millionaire husband’s fortune. Do you do stuff like that often? Help women loot their husbands?”

You blinked at Jackson calmly. “Do you think divorce is a joke?”

Jackson blinked. “Uh. Not really-”

“That woman had been abused and gaslighted by the husband for two decades. He forced her to abandon her career and be a stay-at-home Mom. He controlled her and refused to let her speak to her friends. He lied, cheated, and when she finally got the courage to leave him he even tried to beat her. Are you saying that the amount of money she got from him is going to change the fact that he’s left her traumatized for life?”

Jackson didn’t know how to respond. The entire table had fallen silent but your red lips were pressed together as you waited calmly for an answer. Jackson cleared his throat and laughed awkwardly.

“Of course not, that… that sounds awful,” he stammered out.

You frowned at him. “Yes, I agree.”

“So, I guess your work isn’t particularly fun then?”

“No, I wouldn’t say so.”

Jackson nodded and quickly started a new conversation with your much nicer friend. You rolled your eyes before turning your attention back to the glass of wine. It was empty. Youngjae reached for the bottle in order to pour you more, but he found himself frozen when your harsh glare focused on him. He nervously dropped his hand.

You poured the wine yourself and didn’t look at anyone for the rest of the date.

The three men left the restaurant after saying goodbye to you and your friends. Jackson was giddy with happiness over the fact that Mina had agreed to meet him for a second date and that they had exchanged numbers. Jinyoung had also given his number to another of your friends. Only Youngjae had had a fruitless night.

“Sorry about that man,” Jackson clapped Youngjae on the back with a sympathetic smile. “I didn’t meant to make you sit across from her. Did she even say a single word to you throughout the date?”

“She glared at me when I tried to pour her wine,” Youngjae muttered.

“Don’t take it personally. Mina told me she just gets like that around men. Apparently she’s a lot more fun when she’s just around her close friends but she doesn’t really like socializing or dating. Can you believe she even paid her own share of the bill even though I said I would take care of it? None of the other girls did. What a bitch.”

Jinyoung raised an eyebrow. “Does paying for herself make her a bitch?”

“No but she didn’t need to go off on me about the divorce thing when we were all having fun,” Jackson complained. “There are two types of pretty girls; those who love attention and those who think they’re too good for everyone else. I think it’s pretty evident which one she is. Don’t worry. You can ignore her the next time we meet them. I’ll set you up with a nicer girl, Youngjae.”

Youngjae frowned. “We’re meeting them again?”

Jackson laughed awkwardly. “Mina said they’re going clubbing on Saturday so I offered to get them into the VIP section of my club. You guys have to come! I’ll look like such a loser if she brings all her friends and I’m there alone. I’ll pay for everyone’s drinks. Please?”

Youngjae sighed.

Sometimes he wished that he was better at saying no.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You were excellent at saying no.

Youngjae learned this at Jackson’s club. After the group date and your cold behaviour he hadn’t expected that you would be the sort of girl who enjoyed a nightclub or party atmosphere but you were right there with your friends.

You looked beautiful. Your hair was down and you were dressed in a cute and flowy skirt that grazed your knees. It wasn’t as revealing or glamorous as the other women but it still made you look dazzling. You had been downing shots when Youngjae approached with Jackson, Bambam and Yugyeom. The moment you spotted the men your eyes narrowed and you instantly shot a sharp look at Mina; a look that screamed why did you invite them?

Mina didn’t seem to care. “Jackson!” she cried as she threw herself at the man happily. “This club is amazing, thank you so much for getting us in! We’re all having a great time!”

Jackson placed his hand on her waist and grinned. “No worries, babe.”

“Youngjae! It’s so nice to see you again! And who are these handsome men? You seem to have so many attractive friends, Jackson!” Mina giggled as she turned her attention to Yugyeom and Bambam. The two younger men were delighted to see a group of pretty girls that were interested in them and they basked in the attention that they received.

You stood where you were. Youngjae watched as you picked up two shots, downed them one after the other in quick succession and then tapped one of your friends on the shoulder.

“I’m going to dance,” you informed the girl.

“Alone?” Bambam asked you in surprise, having overheard your sentence. He perked up eagerly, never one to pass up a chance to join a girl on the dance floor. “I’ll join you-”

“No thanks.”

Bambam blinked. “Uh…”

You turned around and left the group instantly, not even glancing back as you headed to the dance floor. Bambam cleared his throat and turned to look at the other girl. He wasn’t used to being rejected, especially not as bluntly as you had just done.

“Does she usually do that? Go and dance alone?” Bambam wondered.

The other girl rolled her eyes. “She loves getting drunk and dancing alone. If you try to join her she’s just going to ignore you so don’t even bother.”

“Huh,” Bambam replied. “No problem. To each their own. Who wants a drink? Come on Youngjae-hyung, let’s go get these pretty ladies some drinks.”

Youngjae wasn’t sure what happened for most of the night because he was too busy downing the expensive whisky. He danced with a few girls but found himself feeling uncomfortably and stuffy while surrounded by the drunk girls who smiled at him a little too stupidly and threw themselves at him a little too wildly. It wasn’t until one girl practically fell on Youngjae in a giggling mess and he had to physically lift her entire weight and deposit her in a chair that he decided he’d had enough for the night.

He needed a smoke.

Youngjae was trying to wriggle his way through the dance floor so he could go to the smoking area when he spotted you. You were dancing alone. Your eyes were closed as you swayed to the music and ran your fingers through your hair. A few guys were standing nearby you and eyeing you; a beautiful girl enjoying herself on the dance floor could hardly escape male attention. One of them approached you and tried to dance with you, holding his hand out but you ignored him and turned away.

Youngjae blinked in surprise. Your friend hadn’t been kidding, you really just liked dancing alone. The man trying to dance with you wasn’t giving up. He moved up close behind you and tried again but you finally opened your eyes and shot him an intense glare. He leaned down and got closer to you on the pretense of whispering something in your ear. You flinched away from him when his lips got too close to your ear and physically pushed him away.

Youngjae tensed. Should he do something? You evidently didn’t like this man and he was still trying to get close to you on the dance floor. Before Youngjae could think to step in, you had separated yourself from the man and walked off the dance floor. You stepped outside into the smoking area and Youngjae followed you hesitantly.

The man had followed you as well.

“Hey! We were having a conversation, why did you walk off like that?” the man demanded. He tried to grab your hand but you wrestled it out of his grasp and glared at him.

“Can you please leave me alone?”

“Sure, but only after you dance with me.”

You sighed and folded your arms across your chest irritably. “I don’t want to dance with you. I don’t want to talk to you either. I’d like it if you could just leave me alone, thanks.”

“Oh, come on. I couldn’t bear to watch you dancing alone on the dance floor like that, you looked so lonely. I just wanted to keep you some company. One dance with me?” the man insisted as he reached out to grab your hand and pull you back towards the dance floor. Your eyes flashed as you yanked your arm out of his grasp harshly and glared at him.

“Hey fucktard, what part of leave me the fuck alone do you not understand?” you snapped. Everybody around was starting to stare. Youngjae watched in shock and hurried over to you. He was a little scared of you, to be perfectly honest, but it was evident that a fight was about to break out and he couldn’t just stand there and watch.

The man glared at you. “You bitch-”

“Come on man, just leave,” Youngjae insisted. He stepped in between you and the man in order to shield you from him. He glanced back at you, half-expecting you to tell him to fuck off as well, but there was a small flash of relief in your eyes as you looked back at him.

The man glared. “Who are you? Her boyfriend?”

“Uh, no-”

“Don’t bother even trying with her. Girls like that keep their vaginas locked up as if they’re made of fucking gold or something. Stupid bitches,” the man ranted.

Youngjae swallowed helplessly. He wasn’t sure what to do. He opened his mouth in an attempt to diffuse the situation but you had already pushed him aside and stepped up to the man.

“Hey dickhead,” you snapped as you shoved the guy hard and made him stumble backward. “If I hear one more word out of your mouth then I’m going to call a bouncer and get you kicked out, do you hear me? I will fucking get you kicked out of this club so turn around while I’m still being nice and find someone who actually wants to be groped by you.”

The man stared at you for a few moments. He glanced up at Youngjae and then back at you before rolling his eyes.

“Fine. Bitch.”

“Leave.”

“Fine, I’m leaving!”

He walked away and the moment he left the smoking area, your shoulders slumped in relief. You leaned against the balcony railing and pressed your fingers to your temple in exhaustion.

“That was dangerous,” Youngjae blurted out. He couldn’t believe that you’d just yelled at a man twice your size. Even he had been terrified. “He could have tried to hit you or something, why would you yell at him like that?”

You blinked at Youngjae. “I tried telling him nicely.”

“I know, but…”

“But what?”

Youngjae didn’t really know what to say and the way you were glaring at him left him speechless. He had a feeling that he would lose any attempt to argue with you. Instead, he rubbed the back of his neck and laughed awkwardly. “Right. I guess so. I’m sorry, I probably should have done something about him sooner-”

You raised an eyebrow. “Why would you do anything? It was my problem to deal with.”

“I know, but I’m a guy, so…”

“Don’t. I hate fake chivalrous gestures like that,” you replied firmly. “It’s so dramatic and unnecessary. I’m a grown woman and I can handle myself. It’s not like he could really have done anything to me in the middle of the club.”

Youngjae frowned. You sounded cool and confident now but he had seen the relief flash in your eyes when he had first stepped up. Why were you lying? You had been glad to see him. You had been just as scared as he was. Perhaps even more.

“If you say so,” Youngjae muttered.

Your eyes narrowed. “Are you patronizing me?”

“No. I’m agreeing with you.”

Something about your expression looked hesitant and you sighed as you leaned back against the railing once more. Then you silently dug in your purse and pulled out a cigarette and lighter. Youngjae watched as you calmly placed the cigarette to your lips and light it. You took two drags and then held it out to Youngjae.

Youngjae stared at the cigarette held lightly between your pretty fingers.

“Uh…”

“You came out here to smoke, didn’t you?” you demanded.

Youngjae nodded and took the cigarette. There was a faint lipstick stain on the end and he blushed at the thought of placing your cigarette against his own lips. You were watching him so he quickly took a drag and then handed it back to you with trembling hands. You stared down at the cigarette and frowned.

“That asshole ruined my good mood,” you grumbled. “Why is it that when a girl is alone men automatically take that as an invitation to hit on her? Can’t a girl just fucking dance in a nightclub without attracting desperate men? And then they wonder why we’re bitches.”

Youngjae looked at his feet. “Uh…”

You glanced at him sharply. “Don’t lie. You and your friends must have thought I was a bitch after the last group date. Be honest. Didn’t at least one of you call me a bitch? I’m placing my bet on it being Jackson.”

“I mean…” Youngjae didn’t see a point in lying. “Yeah.”

You looked at Youngjae for a long moment. He was handsome in a quiet and unassuming sort of way. You noticed how he always seemed to be smiling and laughing but the smile never reached his eyes. At first glance, Youngjae looked cheerful and innocent. But there was something deeper going on behind those eyes. There was a longing but it was also accompanied by fears and insecurities.

It was almost like looking into a mirror.

“Are you lonely?” you asked him suddenly.

Youngjae’s eyes widened. He looked stunned for a moment and then he let out an awkward, half-hearted laugh. He rubbed the back of his neck and you wondered how a smile could be so fake. Doesn’t he have the cutest laugh? your friends had gushed about Youngjae after the group date. You hadn’t thought it was cute at all.

You had thought it was fake.

“Lonely?” he asked with a chuckle. “I don’t-what do you mean-?”

You shook your head quickly. “Never mind. I’m sorry. I’m a little too drunk. I think I’m going to head home. Can you tell my friends that I’ve left?”

“Sure. Do you, uh, do you need me to take you home or something?” he wondered.

“What do you think?”

Youngjae couldn’t help but chuckle. “I think you’d hate that.”

“That sounds right. Thanks, Youngjae.”

And for the first time since he’d met you, Youngjae saw the corner of your lips tilt upward in the hint of a smile. It was only the gentlest curve on a face that was otherwise exactly the same as it had always been but there was no denying the truth.

It was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two months after Youngjae first met you, he decided that he was in love.

The entire group had gone out bowling that evening. Ever since Jackson and Mina decided to start dating exclusively there had been an increasing number of opportunities for Youngjae to see you. He used to be reluctant to attend social gatherings with Jackson, but these days he found himself more willing to tag along whenever he knew that you would be there.

The few words you shared with Youngjae each time excited him more than entire conversations with other girls. Youngjae was forced to admit that he was interested in you. He knew that his situation was hopeless, but Jackson took every opportunity to remind him anyway.

“I don’t understand you, Youngjae,” Jackson complained on the way to the bowling alley. “I introduce you to all these perfectly nice and pretty girls but you’re only interested in the ice princess? I give up. You deserve to be alone. You have no idea how to be grateful.”

Jinyoung sighed. “He can’t control who he likes, Jackson.”

“But she’s so mean!”

“If that’s what Youngjae likes, then let him. You’ve dated some pretty bitchy girls in the past and none of us have ever complained. Remember that girlfriend of yours that puked on my carpet and refused to get it cleaned?” he snapped.

Jackson fell silent after that.

The girls had already arrived at the bowling alley and everyone was forced to watch while Jackson and Mina shared a very public and wet french kiss in the lobby. Youngjae grimaced and turned to make eye contact with you. You were rolling your eyes. The two of you exchanged an amused glance and Youngjae felt his heart skip a beat.

Get a hold of yourself, he tried to remind himself. Fuck, all she did was look at you.

There was no avoiding the fact that Youngjae was growing slowly and steadily more attracted to you. He had never imagined that he could like someone as cold and stiff as the girl from the first group date, but the more time he spent with you the more he noticed the little things.

He noticed how you always looked out for your friends and made sure that each of them got home safely at the end of the night. He noticed how you were kind to the people who required kindness; a waitress had once been harshly fired at a restaurant while the group were having dinner and Youngjae had caught you slipping her your number while telling her to contact you for legal advice. He noticed how your phone lock screen was a picture of an adorable puppy and how you had tried to hide a blush when he asked you about it.

I adopted her from a shelter, you’d told him quietly. She’s adorable.

Youngjae thought you were adorable.

“Okay! Who’s ready to go bowling?” Jackson cried out cheerfully once he had successfully put on his bowling shoes. “Let’s do boys versus girls. You ladies are about to be dazzled by my unrivalled prowess. Try not to fall too much in love with me. I do have a girlfriend.”

You rolled your eyes as you plopped down on the sofa. Youngjae hurried to take the spot next to you.

“Is Jackson really any good?” you wondered drily.

“Not as good as Mark-hyung,” Youngjae replied with a chuckle. “But he’s not bad. He’d be better if he focused on hitting the pins and not on how cool his posture looks.”

“I can imagine.”

Jackson spent an unnecessarily long time choosing his bowling ball and talking about how important it was to use the ball best suited to your size and ability. You folded your arms across your chest and watched impatiently while he continued to talk about posture and technique.

“Just bowl, Jackson,” Jinyoung complained. “The rest of us need to take our turns too.”

“You can’t rush genius,” Jackson scolded him as he turned back to the lane. He pulled his arm back in perfect posture and rushed forward to toss the bowling ball at the pins…

...only to slip, land flat on his butt and send the ball rolling into the gutter. Jackson looked so confused by his own fall that he stared at everyone else with a shocked expression on his face.

You burst out laughing.

The only thing more shocking than Jackson’s absolute failure of an attempt was the fact that you were leaning back in your seat, your head tilted backward as you laughed your heart out. Nobody had ever heard you laugh like that before.

Youngjae’s heart skipped a beat. It was one thing to see your small smiles and the way you sometimes playfully rolled your eyes at him. Those were enough to drive him crazy. But to watch you let down all your guards and laugh your heart out at something so completely absurd filled Youngjae with this sudden love for you. You weren’t mean or cold or a bitch like everyone else seemed to think.

Behind your mask was a kind, beautiful and golden-hearted woman.

Youngjae decided, in that moment, that he wanted to watch you laugh forever.

“Oh my god,” Jackson cried as he stared at you. He seemed to have forgotten about his own fall. “She can actually laugh? I thought that frown was permanently drawn on her face. Who knew that the ice princess could actually find something funny like a normal human being?”

You stopped laughing and your cheeks flushed a deep red.

Fuck, Youngjae thought. He wanted to hit Jackson. Why would he do that? Why would he make you self-conscious about the most beautiful thing about yourself? Everybody was staring at you and you suddenly jumped to your feet. Youngjae saw the embarrassment in your eyes. He wanted to grab your hand and hold you to reassure you that it was fine, but he knew that would only make things worse.

“I… I’m going to the bar,” you mumbled. “Somebody else take my turn.”

You hurried off, leaving the bowling lanes and heading towards the bar on the other side of the bowling alley. Your purse was left abandoned on the seat and Youngjae felt a sudden burst of anger. He glared at Jackson, who was still sitting on the slippery floor.

“Why would you say that to her?” Youngjae snapped.

Jackson blinked. “Huh?”

“You can really be a dick sometimes, Jackson.”

“But what did I do…?”

Youngjae ignored him as he grabbed your purse and hurried to follow you. You had already found a seat at the bar, and were currently downing vodka shots. He took a seat beside you. You didn’t lift your head to look at him. He cleared his throat.

“Are you okay?” he asked carefully.

“Of course I am, I’m not a child,” you snapped.  

“Jackson can be a dick sometimes.”

“I know.”

“Can I have a drink too?”

“Buy your own.”

Youngjae smiled. Your cheeks were still flushed red and even though your words were harsh he found himself able to see past them. You were feeling shy, he realized suddenly. The knowledge made him feel even more affectionate towards you. He waved to the bartender quickly.

“I’ll have whatever she’s having, please. Keep them coming.”

The bartender passed him another shot and Youngjae quickly downed the alcohol. It burned as it went down his throat but it gave him the confidence to say what had been on the tip of his lips for a long time. He took a deep breath and looked into your eyes.

“Why do you hide all the most beautiful things about yourself?” Youngjae demanded.

You stared at him, wide-eyed. “What?”

“You’re kind and caring. You take happiness in the most innocent things and you’re always helping people who need help. You’re even shy and humble. Why do you hide all these things with your cold exterior? You’re so beautiful underneath that I don’t understand why you would want to hide these wonderful things about yourself.”

Your eyes widened and Youngjae wondered if he had gone too far, maybe he had pushed too hard too soon. You blinked at him for a long moment and then you looked up at him. The look in your eyes was intense but Youngjae refused to avert his eyes.

“Why are you asking me this? Is it because you hide the ugly parts of yourself?” you demanded.

Youngjae tensed. “This isn’t about me.”

“Isn’t it? You assume that I’m hiding things that I’m ashamed of because that’s what you do, Youngjae. You’re hiding your sadness and your insecurities behind your smile because you don’t want people to see them. I’m not hiding things I’m ashamed of. I’m hiding things that are precious to me because I don’t want people to destroy them,” you replied quietly.

Youngjae stared at you. “What?”

“The only thing worse than letting people know what makes you insecure is letting them know what makes you happy. Insecurities and pain are always there, there’s nothing you can do about them. But some things are too precious to me. If I let the wrong person in then they don’t just learn my insecurities, they learn my happiness too and they can turn that against me so easily.”

“But-”

“But nothing,” you mumbled. “It’s the same mask, we just choose to hide different things behind it.”

Youngjae didn’t know what to say. He fell silent and simply watched you reach for another shot and drink it. Your lips came in contact with the shot glass and he noticed the light lipstick stain that it left behind. It reminded him of the cigarette that you had passed him in the nightclub. It reminded him of the relieved look in your eyes when you had seen him step up to help you.

“Do you want me to leave you alone?” Youngjae asked quietly. “You know that I’m developing feelings for you. If you don’t trust me enough to let me in then I don’t want to push.”

“I-I don’t know,” you admitted.

“Okay. Just… tell me when you figure it out.”

“I will.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

The first time you fell in love with Youngjae was when he finally revealed a glimpse of his insecurities to you.

It was ironic because you loved seeing Youngjae laugh; his genuine laugh, the one where he threw his head back and expressed every last drop of happiness left in his body. You hadn’t imagined that anything could inspire more affection towards Youngjae than his contagious and angelic laugh. It made him look incredibly handsome and warmed your heart.

That was until the night of Youngjae’s birthday.

Jackson had thrown him a party, since Jackson Wang used absolutely any excuse to throw a party and you had all been invited. Despite yourself, you spent a lot of time choosing your makeup and finding the perfect dress to wear. It felt foolish since you had never bothered with things like this before, but with Youngjae you really wanted things to go well. Somehow the man had weaselled his way into your heart.

That was scarier to you than anything else.

Hopes are easily destroyed.

“You know what? I am so tired of seeing Youngjae alone. Tonight, I am going to set him up with somebody,” Jackson declared loudly and within earshot. The party had barely started and you had only briefly managed to wish Youngjae a happy birthday before his attention was diverted by other people. You lurked around with your friends after having found a drink.

“Leave him alone, Jackson,” Mina scolded.

“On his birthday? No way. He deserves to be loved. I’m going to find him a nice girl.”

You ignored him. This wasn’t the first time you had heard Jackson say that he would set Youngjae up with somebody and it had never worked out so far. Deep down, a part of you secretly wanted to believe that the reason for this was that Youngjae liked you too much, but you didn’t want to go down that rabbit hole. It was scary.

It’s too easy to think you know a person when you don’t. You’d helped enough unhappy couples divorce in order to be certain about that truth.

The truth was that you didn’t know Youngjae that well.

And perhaps you never would, because the only thing you knew for sure about him was that he liked to put up walls around himself just like you did. It wasn’t the best connection to base a relationship on.

“Love,” Jackson kept ranting on drunkenly. The party had barely started but he was already deep in the booze. “Love doesn’t base itself on any logic. You know the only thing necessary for love? YOu need to be ready to fall. That’s it. Everything else is irrelevant. You just need to be ready. What do you say, miss divorce lawyer?”

You rolled your eyes. “You can love whoever you want but think twice about who you marry.”

Jackson frowned. “Hmm. That’s good advice.”

“Thank you.”

“Are you like, jaded because you help so many couples split apart every day? Have you given up on love? Are you embittered and left unable to trust, is that why you won’t give our Youngjae a chance?” Jackson demanded suddenly. You stared at him while Mina tried to get him to shut up awkwardly.

“Jackson, shush-”

“Did he say that I wasn’t giving him a chance?”

“No, but it’s obvious he likes you and you’re just so cold and mean all the time…”

Mina finally placed her hand over Jackson’s mouth and gave you an apologetic sorry, he’s drunk. But you could already feel your stomach turn. Youngjae had hinted that he was developing feelings for you but did he really like you? Enough that it was obvious to someone as obtuse as Jackson? The thought simultaneously terrified and excited you. You didn’t know how to feel.

You just really wished your mind would decide what it wanted.

You had a few more drinks and after dancing for a while with Mina and the other girls in the living room, you felt the need to sit down. Youngjae was nowhere to be seen. Unable to find any unoccupied seating space in the living room or dining room, you found yourself opening random doors in search of somewhere to sit.

The third door let out an oof! as you opened it.

“Youngjae?”

He had been sitting behind the door while leaning against it. He looked up at you in surprise and quickly shut the door so that you were both plunged into semi-darkness. The only light in the room was a small night-light in the distant corner.

“Shhh, not so loud. Jackson keeps looking for me.”

You narrowed your eyes before deciding that your legs hurt too much and you needed to sit down. You plopped down onto the floor beside Youngjae and smiled at him.

“Are you hiding from him? Why?”

“He keeps saying he wants to set me up with some nice girl,” Youngjae admitted with a sigh. He leaned his head back against the door and his dark hair flopped into his tired eyes. “What’s the point? He keeps trying but none of them will ever stick.”

“Why do you think they won’t stick?”

Youngjae turned his head to glance at you. “Isn’t it obvious? I know what they’re all thinking. I’m cute but I lack substance, right?”

You stared at him in disbelief. “You’re not serious. Who told you that?”

He looked uncomfortable and then shrugged. “A girl I used to date. It’s okay. I’m glad she was honest with me because until she said that, I had no idea what I was doing wrong. I don’t blame her. It must have really sucked to deal with me everyday.”

You didn’t know what to say. How could such a kind and sweet person feel so insecure about himself? It was one thing for an ex-girlfriend to say that about him but had Youngjae really accepted the criticism as part of his personality? He was a million times more sweet, caring and kind-hearted than any other men you knew. It pained you to see that somebody so wonderful would think so little of themselves.

“You’re wrong,” you told him.

He blinked at you. “What?”

“You’re wrong. You have plenty of substance. You’re sweet and you’re humble and you’re trustworthy,” you told him. You felt your stomach turn as you glanced up at him. “I don’t say things like that unless I mean it. I deal with a lot of selfish and proud men every day at work. You’re not like them. At least… I don’t think you are.”

Youngjae looked at you. In the dim light his eyes were shining. “But you don’t know for sure. That’s why you’re always tip-toeing around me these days, ever since I told you I had feelings for you.”

“It’s hard to know anything for sure about a person,” you mumbled.

“I used to hate going on the dates that Jackson set me up on because I didn’t think that I could keep any of the girls interested long enough to have a relationship,” Youngjae told you quietly. “But now I hate going on them because none of those girls are anything like you. I keep comparing them to you and it’s torture.”

You stared at him. “Are you trying to make me feel guilty?”

“No,” he said. “I’m just telling you the truth.”

There was a long moment of silence and then you took a deep breath. Maybe it was time you were honest about the little things that you’d been feeling as well.

“I bought this dress and a brand new lipstick just for tonight,” you admitted reluctantly. Your cheeks flushed red. “I wanted to look pretty for your birthday.”

Youngjae chuckled. “Really?”

“Yeah.”

“You look really pretty,” he told you softly. Your heartbeat thudded as Youngjae softly scooted closer to you. His shoulder pressed against yours and the warmth of his body made your skin tingle. Youngjae’s dark gaze slowly drifted down to your lips.

Your heart skipped a beat.

“Youngjae…”

“Hmm?”

“Come in.”

He stared at you for a long moment and then gave you a reluctant smile. You could see the mixture of emotions swimming in his eyes; relief, anticipation and excitement. You didn’t know what else could be hiding behind those dark orbs but for the first time you wanted to plunge into them regardless.

“Are you sure?” Youngjae wondered. “You might get bored of me. You might not like what you find if you get to know me better.”

“You might not like what you find either,” you reminded him.

“Hmmm.”

“It’s a risk but maybe we can accept that and take it anyway?”

He nodded. “I like the sound of that.”

You pulled him down and pressed your lips against his. Youngjae kissed you back sweetly, the way he had always wanted to. His arms pulled you closer and you enjoyed how warm and reassuring Youngjae’s hands splayed on your back felt. You wondered if the way your heart was racing in your chest was normal.

Youngjae’s lips caressed yours carefully, his tongue slowly sliding along your lower lip until you opened your mouth to him. Your entire body felt warm and when Youngjae’s fingers slid into your hair you felt yourself tremble. Fuck. Youngjae pulled away for a moment to take a breath and looked down at you. His eyes were dark.

“I can’t really see your new lipstick but it tastes great,” he told you with a chuckle.

You stared at him. “Oh my god.”

Youngjae smiled as he rubbed his thumb over your cheek. “I love seeing you blush and laugh,” he told you. “So I’m going to try my best to keep you blushing and laughing. That’s my current game plan. What do you think?”

“Sounds exhausting.”

“So you don’t like it?”

“I love it.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------

[iphoenixrising]

For 800 Followers!  Broken Trust: Continued

So. SO. The original Broken Trust was pretty traumatic, but I got so many wonderful comments on the post that I did write a second part. Just a warning tho, the previous part to the story contained a suicide attempt.  Here’s the aftermath.

A bit of a warning: one of my babes cried when she read this. It will hit your feels.

**

Raven and Gar stand behind Cassie when they firmly tell the Batfamily no, none of them can come to the Tower right now.

Nightwing and the Red Hood exchange a look while B is the usual silent and stoic, the darkness of the Cave behind them.

“Wonder Girl,” N hold up placating hands palms up, noticing the way Gar doesn’t look directly at the camera, and Rave is almost completely hidden by her cloak. He gets the impression of things not good. “We only heard Red Robin is in critical condition! Can you tell us anything about what happened if at least one of us can’t come see him?”

The family of detectives can pick out all the tells.

“My hands are tied until he wakes up,” the de-facto leader of the Titans goes with, as diplomatically as possible, “right now he’s being monitored twenty-four seven while he’s comatose–”

Because Kon and Bart won’t leave him alone for a second.

“–and we’re taking care of him–”

As we have been since he finally called out to us for the fun time against the League of Assassins in Gotham.

“–I’ll keep you updated with the latest news.”

“Comatose?” All three Bats on the screen echo with different pitches to their voices.

The sigh coming out of her is just on the edge of her patience.

“How?” Dick chokes out, “what the hell happened to him?”

Cassie just stares back, lips pursed.

“That ain’t good ‘nough, y’ feel me here?” The Red Hood’s helmet is turned toward the screen, arms crossed over his chest, “Baby Bird’s a Bat first n’ foremost–”

“Not in the last few years,” Cassie counters gently, firmly, “and the last instructions he gave us? Back when there were assassins all over your city? It was to keep the Bats out of his business. I’m only calling because–”

The Batman holds up a hand, “Wonder Girl, I’m grateful you did. But. I’m still Tim’s mentor and the only legal family he has. I’m asking you, please at least let me in the Tower to see him.”

“Batman,” and she massages the bridge of her nose, “I can’t. Not until he wakes up and tells me what he wants. I’m sorry, but I can’t.”

She looks at the screen again, “please don’t try to force this. Gar’s family still owns Titans Tower, and I will authorize the security system to activate if you try anything. If–” her breath hitches, “when Tim wakes up, I’ll let you know.”

Gar finally seems to be able to move, stepping around Cassie to grin half-heartedly down at the camera. “You heard it from here. We’ll keep in touch. Tower, outtie.” And flips the button to cut the feed.

**

The monitor beeps steadily, the only comforting thing in the room.

Kon doesn’t need the soft noise to assure himself Tim is still alive.

He can hear it through his Robin’s chest.

For the last seventy-odd hours, he’s been sitting, laying, floating right in this spot next to the medical bed where his best friend is stretched out, comatose. He’s only takes short breaks to run to the bathroom.

The team keeps close tabs on them, bringing him food, someone always trying to stop by and stick around to keep him company.

(He knows what they’re trying to do.)

Food makes appearances and things get tucked away in the niches of the room. Tablets, books, a half-done knitting project, old school Playstation hooked up to the television, origami cranes all over the place.

The team is worried about both of them, and Kon still hadn’t told everyone what really happened out there, how he came to be flying madly in the Tower, sobbing while he carried Tim’s body, limp and still, blood everywhere. They’re worried because Kon’s been exhibiting signs of shock, white as a ghost, and quietly crying while Raven, BB, Cassie, and Miguel sprinted into action, getting their former Robin into the medical bay and working fast to try saving his life.

Kid Flash had watched from behind his working teammates, holding Kon tightly in both arms to keep the super on his feet, eyes wide when he catches glimpses of Tim’s slack, white face, blood on the pillow, on gloved hands, making everything more red than the old Robin tunic.

Since then, Kon’s been a wreck, unable to talk about it without breaking down, his immeasurable strength utterly useless in the face of whatever had happened to Tim.

(Raven and Gar went into the Safe Room of the Tower to talk it out, wondering if Luthor had some tech still hidden in their Superboy, if it was just like the time he’d broken Tim’s arm–)

So, the Titans absolutely close ranks, stay on edge, monitoring, waiting, watching, trying to be there for their teammate, trying to console him when Kon admitted he couldn’t stop Tim in time, he couldn’t stop him, didn’t know what he was going to do until it was too fucking late–

It’s enough to put the pieces together without forcing Superboy to come out and say it directly, keeping the pressure in the room for if...when Tim finally woke up.

New Protocols start appearing in the database the very next hour.

**

When he comes to, his mouth is so dry and his head is killing him.

Seriously.

The familiar room in the Tower’s Med Bay is soothing at least, not like he wants to be caught by the Joker right now or anything because that? Would not be conducive to Good Morning, Robin.

His senses gradually come back online, and turning his head on the pillow is just short of agonizing.

Conner Kent, Superboy, is sitting by the bed, head in his hands, shoulders shaking gently and Tim Drake’s eyes go wide, all the pain in his head forgotten when he sees his Superboy look up with red, watery eyes.

Tim shoots up in bed, can’t look away, can’t focus on the pain rolling down his spine with the movement.

“Kon?” Is a whisper, a broken sound, “Kon is it really you?”

Because fuck, he’s going to cry too, isn’t he?

(Oh yeah. Yeah, he is.)

“Tim! Oh my God, you’re awake! Tim, you’re awake!” The super barely has enough time to get to his feet before Tim Drake launches himself out of the medical bed, wires and IVs be damned, hurling himself straight at the red S shield against the black t-shirt.

Just like he expects, Conner Kent, Kon-El, Superboy, his best fucking friend–

–catches him.

Kon’s knees give out and they’re on the floor, sobbing against each other, Tim’s arms tight around him, holding on like he thought Kon would disappear the second he let him go, and all Tim is saying sounds vaguely like, “you’re alive, you’re alive! How the hell are you alive?!” where his face is buried in the side of Kon’s throat.

The camera are apparently working just fine because KF is in that room in the two seconds it took for Tim to launch himself out of bed and send the two sprawling all over the floor, ripped out wires all over them.

The speedster, his own eyes wet with relief, is gentle when he kneels next to them, when he touches Kon’s shoulder and lays a hand softly to the center of Tim’s back.

Bart’s mouth opens, ready to say something smarmy to cover up the emotions, something like, “hey, hey. Almost dead guys have to be in bed,” when Tim’s watery eyes are looking up at him and his expression is utterly fucking broken.

“Bart?” Cracks in Tim’s hitching chest, his eyes wide and wet and spilling over, and hands shaking but moving so fast to reach out and grip Bart’s shoulder. “Bart, you...Oh my God, you too! You’re back? You’re alive! You’re both alive.”

He has every intention of leaping up to throw both arms around Kid Flash as well, to bring him down and hold on to both of them forever, but when he tries to stand this time, his legs won’t hold his weight.

It’s only because the two of them are so super that he doesn’t go falling back down to the ground, both muscling a shoulder under his arms, sliding free hands around his waist. This time it’s Tim’s shoulders shaking while he bites down on his lower lip hard and tries to stop his eyes from spilling the fuck over, tries to keep the sobs trapped in the center of his chest where it won’t come out.

(Because he’s Robin, and that shit doesn’t happen…

And yet, here we are.)

He totally fails, and now they’re never going to let him live it down.

Bart darts across the room, viciously slams the intercom and yells for everyone to get to the Med Bay because their bird is awake, and someone needs to come down and put his damn IVs back in!

Then he’s hot-footing it back across the room, sliding on his knees to be right on Tim’s empty side, squirreling both arms under Tim’s since Kon’s is around his shoulders.

“I can’t believe it,” Tim sobs against the side of Kon’s face, wrapped in both of them. “I can’t...I can’t–”

“Tim, my bro,” Bart frees a hand to wipe across his eyes, “that’s our line. For fuck’s sake, you’ve been a coma for days. Do you have any idea how worried everyone is? Cassie is might literally punch you hard enough to break your head open again.”

“After you’re okay,” Kon’s voice is muffled and watery against his shoulder.

“After you’re okay,” Bart parrots back, “you asshole, you stupid, stupid asshole.”

“Asshole,” Kon chokes out, “how could you be so fucking stupid? Why didn’t you call me? Why...why didn’t–”

“You were dead. Both of you were dead, Kon. How could I have–”

And it’s a whoa moment right there.

Something very not crash.

“Tim what are you talking about? We’ve been back almost–”

With a terrible feeling in his gut, Kon cuts right in, “what’s the last thing you remember?”

With wide eyes, the super grabs both of Tim’s shoulders, “Tim. What the last thing you remember?”

“I...I moved to Blüdhaven. Because Steph. Steph...and you and you right after my dad,” He falters, pulling back, being Robin, trying to keep it the hell together.

(But he was literally the only one left standing. Just him and Dick and B, but that still didn’t make it better, didn’t make the pain go away, didn’t fill the void, didn’t bring them back.)

“What?” Kon mumbles, numb, not realizing his grip has gotten tighter and tighter until Tim flinches in his hold and Bart is pushing the center of his chest.

It takes a minute. A very long minute for him to breathe because Kon has such a bad feeling about where this might be going.

It takes Bart just a few more seconds than Kon. “Tim, Stephanie Brown isn’t dead. She’s alive.”

“Wh-what?” And even if his head is starting to hurt again, even if the nausea is building, he can push it all away with that sentence, with someone else he loved apparently alive. “She’s–she’s what now?”

Bart and Kon are looking at him intently from both sides, noticing how his expression crumbles, his shoulders slumping in shock, his eyes are blown wide, and he’s pulling back from them both, looking pale and unsteady.

Unconsciously, they tighten their grips around him, ready to catch, ready to hold him up, ready to be what he needed.

(It’s time to stop running.)

When Cassie slides almost past the door to the Med Bay, beating Gar literally by a hair, the small leopard gets with the program and leaps over her shoulder effortlessly transforming so they come to the three idiots on the floor.

“What the hell are you doing? Why isn’t Tim in bed?”

“Totes pulled out your IVs, man,” Gar tisks at him, the trembly kind of relieved to see one of his besties, a good teammate, a good leader, look up at him again instead of unmoving and unnaturally still. “Rave’s gonna get moody, right? No one wants to see that.”

He and Cassie are gentle, keeping in mind he’s the only one on the team that could get this fucked up and not die, while they get him back to bed.

Their resident supernatural specialist and part-time nurse comes in more serenely than her teammates, eyes warm when she spots Tim’s dazed eyes just watching them reinsert his IV and put patches back on his chest, a tube under his nose.

Looking up at Cassie, sees her I’m relieved you aren’t dead expression and just smiles dopily up at her (he can’t help a flash of awkward because, well, he’d kissed his best friend’s girl – they thought he’d been dead at the time, but...wait, does it still count?). His brain is fuzzy with the crazy emotional rollercoaster since he’d woken up and see his best friends alive, is still reeling a little bit from Steph. It makes him literally itch to get back to Gotham even if he’s sinking further down into the softer-than-it-should-feel medical bed with most the team scrambling around them.

He glances up when he catches Raven injecting something in his IV, smiles at her too.

But, it’s fine. He’s going to stay long enough to let them take care of him because he doesn’t have to go back to Blüdhaven and that shitty hovel he’d been holding up in after things went so, so wrong. Bruce had taken them training, had worked with Dick to bring Tim back from a terrible edge.

The three of them were working better together, and he’s staying at the Manor instead of his...his parent’s house or the Carriage House where he’d passed the heck right out more than once in his tenure as Robin.

Things are finally better.

And now? Now that he’s got Conner and Bart back, now that he can head back to Gotham and Steph...his Steph will be alive–

He’ll have cases to work and school to eventually go back to, or at least the GED test to take. He’ll have Gotham, dirty and dingy, corrupt and cold and cruel while being a beacon to the best and brightest and the dreamers and the innocent. He’ll have the Cave and his room down the hall from Bruce. He’ll sign the paperwork to change his last name–

(Drake-Wayne, who would have thought?)

–and try to make friends with Damian, again.

When it gets too much, he can come back to the New Teen Titans, and work it out with his team.

Life? Life is finally going his way.

(And if he doesn’t remember anything from before clearly enough to explain how he got hurt, well, that’ll wait until he wakes up.)

*Note: I imagine Tim’s memory is stuck on the One Year Later arc where after Tim, Bruce, and Dick went on some kind of training journey and afterwards, he comes back to reform the New Teen Titans, Cass is in the wind, probably not even Black Bat yet, and he’s sporting a red and black suit. It’s after he tried to clone Bart and Kon? I’m a little fuzzy on how the events fall, so I’m pretty much making it up as I go along :D

[starker-stories]

An Accord (WIS), Chapter 5

I’ll be re-creating my individual chapter posts for An Accord over here on the blog that replaces starkerstories. Until I hit the current chapter, I’ll be posting daily. They’ll have links to both tumblr and AO3 chapter links. I’m sorry if that bothers people who’ve seen this all before in the tag. I’m content to leave all my other fic as AO3 only, but this is my current favorite child, so I’m spoiling it rotten.

This fic is on a weekly update schedule. Hopefully every Friday. More chapters may appear sooner if the writing is going well. Because I have 0 self-control.

Tumblr Chapter Links: ch1, ch2, ch3, ch4, ch5, ch6, ch7, ch8, ch9, ch10, ch11, ch12, ch13 AO3 Chapter Links: ch1, ch2, ch3, ch4, ch5, ch6, ch7, ch8, ch9, ch10, ch11, ch12, ch13

Tags: Post-Captain America: Civil War (Movie), Post-Spider-Man: Homecoming, Anal Sex, Oral Sex, Polyamory Negotiations, Polyamory, Cheating, Past Bucky Barnes/Steve Rogers, Domestic Nightmare Tony Stark, Reconciliation, Nightmares, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, WinterIronSpider, Happy Ending, Clothed Sex, Domesticity, Peter Parker is legal age in the state of New York, College Student Peter Parker, Takes place about 2 years after Civil War. Closeted Character

Summary: “Steve Rogers is the one and only voice of authority for the entire world.” Bucky ducked his head. “I may have asked him when he was going to be fitted for his armband.” ——————————————————————————————

Chapter 5: On accounta the stew

“Oh god that smells good,” Peter said, padding barefoot from the bedroom around ten into the kitchen, wearing a baggy pair of sweats and an even baggier, threadbare MIT t-shirt. “But y’know you don’t have to keep cooking for us.”

“I have to eat,” Bucky said with a shrug.

Tony followed next out of the bedroom, slightly less dressed, wearing only a pair of boxers, but apparently a shower had been taken because he was wearing considerably less dirt. “You don’t have to earn your keep here, Bucky.” Tony opened the drawer next to the fridge. “If I don’t have a menu for a place in here, it’s because their food sucks. FRIDAY, give Bucky level 1A access to you and 2 access to everything else.”

“Yes boss.”

“There ya go. Order what you want whenever you want it. Though not if you want to spend seven billion on a microscope.”

“And put a huge dent in the thing,” Peter chided.

Tony rolled his eyes. “It’s the casing. It doesn’t affect how it works, just how it looks. If it offends you so much, I’ll fabricate a new one out of gold-titanium alloy that’s harder to dent.”

“Oh god you’re gonna do that anyway just to make it red and gold.”

“You know me so well babe,” Tony said, grinning. He went over and looked into the huge pot simmering on low on the stove. “What is that?”

“Our late dinner.” Peter stuck a long spoon into the pot. “Stew. And it’s delicious.” He got a bowl and filled it.

“It’s all right,” Bucky said. “I ate about… oh… four hours ago. Y’know, Tony, soundproofing might be an investment worth considering,” he added, laughing.

Peter turned bright red. “Oh god.” He sat the bowl of stew down at the end of the table for Tony and filled another for himself.

“This is actually… good,” Tony said. “Tastes like the Irish stew Jarvis used to make.”

“Vision cooks?”

“Not JARVIS, Jarvis. Our butler.”

“You had a…”

“Of course he did,” Peter said with a sigh. “You get used to him dropping things like that as if everyone in the world grew up in a huge mansion with a butler and a staff. Do not ever expect him to change the sheets.”

“That’s what the staff is for.”

Bucky sat at the table across from Peter, next to Tony. “Steve would say it’s not proper Irish stew because you didn’t have any stout. Like Sarah ever kept liquor in her house…” He stopped suddenly, caught by the memory. “Sorry.” He hesitated. He wanted to talk about it but wasn’t sure of the reception. He decided to chance it.

“Even after your dad’s experiment changed him, he was still Steve. He was different, but underneath the whole Captain America thing, he was still the kid I grew up with in Brooklyn. He was a soldier, like the rest of us. A little headstrong, rubbed up against orders sometimes, but he took them.”

“I’m sorry,” Peter said, he reached his hand across the table and touched Bucky’s.

“Which is why I couldn’t understand…” Tony shook his head. “A hundred and seventeen countries, including this one… and half of his team… thought accountability was a reasonable request that the world was making of us.”

“It is,” Bucky said. “I spent the last year, since I left Wakanda, listening to Steve. The way he described it, in the context of what happened to SHIELD, not trusting another World Security Council sounded reasonable.”

“Why’d you change your mind?” Tony asked.

“I read them. He had his copy still. I couldn’t sleep. I’d read just about everything else where we were staying. So I actually read the Accords for myself.”

“They’ve been amended since then.”

“I saw that when I signed. I made them wait until I read the addendum pages.”

Tony laughed. “I bet they loved that.”

“After I signed, that’s when I got into it with him. He’s mad I signed. I still don’t understand why he didn’t. You guys, the Avengers, he said you were soldiers.”

Tony scoffed. “I’m not a soldier.”

“Well, you take orders better than one former U.S. Army Captain.” Bucky huffed in anger. “Without an effective chain of command, without oversight, there’s nothing to stop an army from turning on the people and putting someone like Hitler in charge. We both saw that happen. But no. Steve Rogers is the one and only voice of authority for the entire world!” Bucky ducked his head. “I may have asked him when he was going to be fitted for his armband.”

Tony sputtered around a forkful of stew. “I’d’a paid money to see his face.

“But you get it,” Tony continued. “When I found out what Stark was doing — what it was allowed to do — not only by my negligence, but because the DoD writes checks and never pays attention to what’s done with the money — I got out of the business. I couldn’t be a part of that. Is it still a problem with other companies, sure. I can’t right every wrong in the world. But I don’t have to be complicit with it. Rogers, he’s like — anyone who’s an Avenger can do whatever they want, whenever they want, anywhere in the world they want to do it. Which, okay, maybe. There’s less than two dozen of us and we were a team. That’s less of a problem. But there are many more Enhanced who the Avengers Initiative has no authority over.”

“The Accords still don’t,” Peter said. “I haven’t signed.”

“No. Neither has Murdock, Cage, Jones, Skye, Elena, and a whole lot more. A lot have signed, though. But since I’ve been unofficially running things, we monitor those who haven’t. What’s left of SHIELD handles the situation if an Enhanced becomes a threat. You’re not a threat, baby. And if you ever do decide to step out of the ‘friendly neighborhood’, you’re going to have to sign.”

“I will. I’m just not ready yet.”

“And I’m not ready to put you at that level of risk yet either. It’s above your paygrade. Keeping the world safe is my job. Keeping the streets safe is yours.”

“Fury said that for him to be able to debrief me, I had to become part of the Avengers Initiative.”

“So you’re on world-saving duty along with Tony.”

“Peter, that is the highest end dishwasher they make in the world. You don’t even have to rinse the bowl. Just put it in the machine. God,” Tony said exasperatedly as he watched Peter start to lower his bowl into the sink.

“And all you have to do is stretch the elastic corners over the ends of the mattress,” Peter said, noisily clattering both bowl and silverware in the sink.

Bucky laughed.

“Sorry. Old fights,” Tony said.

“We’ve only been together nine months, how can they be old fights?”

“They were old fights two weeks after you moved in and started leaving dishes in the sink and failing to notice that there’s a laundry hamper in the dressing room.”

“Elastic corners, Tony. You don’t even have to tuck them in the way I bet Bucky used to have to do.”

“Oh no. I am not getting in the middle of this. He’s the one who lets me live here, you’re the one who keeps me from destroying the room when I have a nightmare. Nope.” Bucky headed for the sofa. “I’m also not doing the dishes. I cooked.”

“You don’t cook so you can eat,” Tony said in a revelatory tone. “You cook so you don’t have to clean up after!”

“They did tell me you were a genius,” Bucky said, scrolling through Netflix. “After I learned how to cook, my sister got stuck with the dishes because she cooked like Peter says you do.”

“Staff, you guys. We. Had. Staff.” Tony got up shaking his head and emptied the sink of its dishes. He picked up the pot and poured its contents into the side of the sink with the disposal.

“What did you just do‽” Bucky said, leaping up from the sofa.

“You cooked too much. It's no big deal.” Tony started the disposal.

Bucky sputtered. “That was for the next three, maybe four days.”

“Uh, no.”

“Leftovers. Don’t you know the concept?”

“Didn’t most of your generation die of food poisoning?” Tony rinsed the pot and stuck it in the dishwasher with the bowls.

“Because we tried to keep food cold with ICE! Not a fridge that’s more technologically advanced than my arm! Stew is always better on the second day.”

“So’s salmonella.”

Peter came up and put his hand on Bucky’s arm. “It’s useless. I tried to keep leftover Chinese once. Got the same lecture. You learn to live with it.”

“It’s wasteful,” Bucky said, shaking his head. “There are people who…”

“Are eating tonight at one of seven homeless shelters the Stark Foundation funds every year. I am not getting food poisoning over either of yours guilt.”

“Used to be six. But then he threw out my leftover Chinese that I was saving.”

“Make it eight on accounta the stew.”

“If it’ll save my stomach, I’ll make it a round ten. No leftovers.” Tony grabbed Peter’s hand. “Thanks for dinner, pretty. It was good.”

“Woulda been better tomorrow,” Bucky muttered as he headed for the sofa and Tony and Peter headed for their bedroom.

Peter ducked his head back around the corner of the hall. “There’s wireless headphones in the drawer under the TV. Not as good as soundproofing but,” he added with a shrug before disappearing.

~~~~~

“I was worried,” Natasha said, answering Bucky’s call.

“It's not bad. It's good actually,” Bucky said. “Tony and Peter — the spider kid — are together.”

“Together?” Natasha asked

“Yes.”

“Together together?” she asked again, her voice rising in inflection.

“A couple. Yes.”

“He's a child.”

“He's seventeen. Which is, as he likes to remind everyone, the age of consent in New York state. He’s happy. Both of them are. Deliriously. Noisily. Often. He calls you Ms. Widow.”

“No. Really?” she tried hard not to laugh.

“Yes. It's adorable.” Bucky didn’t bother to try. “You should come back,” he said after a pause.

“I'm a criminal.”

“So was I. Tony can take care of that.”

“Tony's the one who made me a criminal,” Nat said pointedly.

“It's more complicated than that and you know it.”

“I'm not agreeing to house arrest.”

“Lang isn't an Avenger. You are. I am.”

“You are?”

“Part of the arrangement Tony made,” Bucky explained. “Instead of another session with Everett Ross, Fury’s handling my debrief. For that, I had to agree to the Avenger Initiative.”

“Did you want to?”

“There are worse things.” Over the phone, Natasha couldn’t see his shrug. “It’s a chance at a little redemption.”

“I thought SHIELD was mine.”

“From what Tony tells me, SHIELD isn’t what it used to be. HYDRA’s been purged.”

“You believe that?”

“No. But I can help them make sure it is.”

“We’ve been away almost two years.”

“I thought it fell apart because of me. It was the Accords. Tony’s right on this one. It’s been such a waste of time. Running. For what? Steve’s ego?”

“I told the same thing to Tony. It was his ego.”

“I’ve yet to see it show up, Natasha. No worse than anyone else’s. Steve’s wrong.”

“What about Wanda? There was the issue of her not being a citizen.”

“When did you become a citizen? It’s not an issue. Not if she signs.”

There was a long pause. “He’ll be on his own.”

“He’ll come to his senses then,” Bucky said with more heat than he’d intended. “He won’t as long as he has someone to follow the righteous Captain America into battle. The issue if he comes back isn’t the Accords. It’s the damage he did after. Tony says he’ll leave when he returns.”

“And you say you haven’t seen his ego?”

“I’ve seen the pain that Steve’s lies about me caused. The Accords? Steve signs and that’s over for Tony. What happened in Siberia? That’s a broken trust. Harder to set aside.”

“He set it aside for you, apparently.”

“I had no choice in what I did. Steve had a choice.” He paused. “I doubt Tony will walk away, no matter what he says. He won’t trust Steve. But there are very few people who Tony trusts. He works with the others anyway. He’ll reach a peace with Steve, if Steve will let him.”

“We’ll talk about it,” Nat said.

“Talk to the others before Steve. If he knows, he’ll start one of his ‘rally the troops’ speeches and everyone will follow him into hell. On their own, the only hold out will be Sam. He’s starstruck.” Bucky paused. “I’ve seen it before,” he said sadly.

[master-sass-blast]

When the Clock Strikes Midnight and Time Stands Still.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Summary: You and Piotr ring in the New Year together --but some fears from the past come back to haunt you.

Rated T for: Moderate angst, adult language, and alcohol consumption.

Pairings: Piotr Rasputin x Reader and Nathan Summers x Wade Wilson

@marvel-is-perfection

“Somebody pinch me, I’m dreaming.”

You roll your eyes and laugh. “You’re the one that asked for this. You were there when Xavier approved it.”

It’s the end of the year, and you’re helping set up for what promises to be an epic New Year’s party.

And, unlike last year, all of the students are out on a winter break trip or with their families, which means it’s just adults this year.

Which, in turn, means that booze is allowed.

You aren’t looking to repeat your basement drinking disaster --and the hangover that had followed the next morning--but you are excited to party without having a bunch of kids around.

Next to you, Piotr huffs, seemingly less cheery than you are as he wipes down the kitchen counters. “This is still supposed to be controlled event, Wade.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. But we can actually drink booze! Hey, do you think I can trick Scott into a shot drinking contest?”

You wrap your arms around your boyfriend’s thick waist when he sighs through his nose. “Relax, babe. It’s gonna be fine. Besides, who knows? You might even have fun.”

The corner of his mouth turns up, but you suspect it’s more for you and less for the celebration this evening. “Forgive me if I am skeptical, moya lyubov’. I am not ‘party person.’”

“No one’s asking you to be, Pete.” You press a kiss against his side. “Just try not to ruin the evening for yourself before it even starts, is all.”

The final seconds between old year and the new find you in Piotr’s arms, smiling while everyone else talks around you.

He smiles down at you while the crowd in Times Square on the TV counts down. “I think this is happened before.”

You grin back up at him and place your palm on the back of his neck, tugging him down. “Sometimes life lets you repeat the best things.”

The ball drops, the calendar rolls over, and you and Piotr herald the New Year with a sweet, soft kiss. The sound of fireworks are audible on TV, picked up by one of the boom mics no doubt--

And then the sound of fireworks and screaming are all too audible outside. “Shitfuck!”

You can’t help but chuckle when Piotr sighs and mutters something about Wade under his breath and smooth out his furrowed brow with the pad of your thumb. “Relax. He can’t actually kill himself. Besides--” you nod over to Nathan, who’s already walking out the back door with a fire extinguisher in hand “--someone’s already got it covered.”

Piotr relaxes, just a little, and kisses the top of your head before hugging you against his chest. “Happy New Year, myshka.”

“Happy New Year, Piotr.”

Once Nate puts Wade --and the bush he’d accidentally blown up--out, the party swings into full gear.

Wade, Nate, and Logan are all sipping at beers --well, Nate and Logan are sipping, Wade is chugging because he can--while they watch the twenty-somethings play a game of beer pong. Jean and Neena are stationed off to the side, sipping at glasses of wine, considering Neena’s been banned from playing to prevent one of the teams from having a clear advantage.

You bounce between the groups, bottle of hard soda --that you are slowly nursing, at Piotr’s worried insistence.

Piotr, however, isn’t really bouncing between groups. Or hanging out with anyone. He’s simply watching everything, holding a glass of vodka --ever the stereotypical Russian.

You sidle up next to him, nuzzling his side. “Hey, babe. You alright?”

He hums an affirmative and sets his glass on a side table so he can wrap an arm around you. “Da. I am just not one for parties.”

You tilt your head up at him. “Wanna head up to our room? It’s not like we have to stay here if we don’t want to.”

“I would not want to leave everyone else--”

“Babe, everyone here’s an adult, and Nate’s on Wade duty. You don’t have to chaperone anyone.”

He relents with a sigh and an easy smile. “If you’d like.”

You smooth your hand down his back --and squeeze his ass playfully. “Oh, I would.” You grin cheekily at him and set your glass next to his. “Race you upstairs?”

He smirks down at you. “Do you really think you can win?”

“I like my odds.” You dart away from him and scamper down the hall and out the front door.

It’s bitterly cold outside and snowing softly, but you ignore the chill --and Piotr’s confused calls of your name as you lift yourself off the ground and fly towards the balcony outside your shared room.

Piotr belly-laughs when he realizes what you’re up to. “Really? Really?”

“The shortest path between two points is a straight line!” you shout down at him. “Have fun losing!”

In hindsight, though, you probably should’ve put on some shoes before darting outside. A decent layer of snow’s already collected on the balcony, and it soaks into your socks while you fumble with the door. You practically tumble into the room as soon as you get the door open, stripping your sopping socks and clambering onto the bed so you can tuck your frigid feet into the comforter.

Piotr opens the door and turns on the light not a couple moment later, chuckling at the sight of you. “Pleased with yourself?”

“No. My feet are freezing. I think my toes are gonna fall off!”

He chuckles again and closes --and latches--the balcony door before retrieving a towel from the bathroom. “Well. We cannot have that.”

You sit back against a pillow as he dries your feet off and starts warming them with his hands. You smile --mostly to yourself--and marvel, again, at how you managed to land such a wonderful man.

You’ve had an amazing year of it with Piotr --an amazing couple of years, actually. You never thought you’d feel so loved, never thought you’d have someone that coaxed the best of out of you while weather your worsts in equal measure.

It seems like a miracle, considering that, when you first arrived at Xavier’s, you’d been little more than a ball of nervous rage and smart-ass comments.

What did he see in me? you ponder as he moves from rubbing your feet to massaging one of your calves. Fuck, I was such a terror back then. What did he see in me that made him go ‘yeah, that one?’

Though, considering that he’s dealt with Wade, there probably much about you that he hadn’t seen in some way, shape, or form before.

And now...

Things are good. You’ve got Piotr, friends, a little family to call your own, and a sense of purpose. A sense of identity.

And yet...

As much as things have changed, they feel like they haven’t. You feel like time has barely passed since you’ve arrived at Xavier’s.

As much as you are better, you aren’t. Sure, you’re off the mutation repression serum and aren’t having episodes on a regular basis, but no one can figure out what’s wrong with you --and, until someone can, you can’t really move forward with your treatment.

And until you move forward with your treatment...

How is the future supposed to come when the present keeps standing still? You can’t --don’t want to--press into the future with Piotr --marriage, a home, kids--without some sort of answer to what’s wrong with you, but if that answer never comes, if no one can ever figure out why you keep hallucinating during your episodes, why your traumatic memories manifest clear as day--

Piotr’s hand are warm and gentle on your face, wiping away tears you hadn’t even realized were falling. “Myshka? What is it, what’s wrong? Did I hurt you?”

You shake your head and press yourself against his chest, shoulders shake as muffled cries force their way out of you.

Piotr wraps his arms around you without prompting, kissing the top of your head while he murmurs various comforts in your ear. “Tische, tische. Deep breaths, lyublyu. Tell me what’s wrong.”

“I’m not --I’m not getting b-better,” you gasp out between sobs.

His lips are soft against your forehead. “Nyet. You have come so far in past couple years. I am so proud of you.”

You shake your head and sit back. “No. I’m not. I --no one knows what’s wrong with me!”

“It takes time,” he says, smoothing your hair away from your face.

“But... but what if...” Your stomach churns, and you opt to stare at the comforter. “Maybe... maybe you should find--”

“Nyet.” Piotr’s hands cup your face and he --gently--tips your head up so he can kiss you. “Do not even finish that thought. I am not going anywhere.”

“Piotr--”

“Y/N. I knew what I was signing up for when I told you I loved you. I have no expectations about how things are going to go or how your recovery will look. All I want is to be by your side while you go through it.”

“But what about getting married? Or having kids? Would you honestly trust me to raise kids if we don’t know what’s wrong with me?”

He kisses your cheek softly. “There are many people in this world who do all of that without having full diagnosis. If you told me you wanted to get married without diagnosis, I would ask you then and there.”

You sniff and lay your head against his shoulder. “Really?”

“Da. You are love of my love, and I want nothing more than to spend it with you.”

“But I don’t--”

He rubs his hand up and down your back as you start crying again. “I already have my life with you, married or not. A ring, a wedding, it is all icing on cake. Do I want it? Da. Do I need it? Nyet. I don’t care what our future looks like together, as long as it has us. As long as we are happy and healthy and safe. Marriage does not change that.”

“And what about kids?”

He kisses your forehead. “Many couples cannot have children, for one reason or other. If that is us, then that is us.”

You sniffle and look at him with watery eyes. “But you want kids.”

He smiles, eyes just as misty as yours. “Da. I do. And I know you do as well. But if you do not feel safe having them --raising them--then we won’t. That would not be fair to them, and it would not be fair to you.”

You let out a choked sob and tuck you head against the crook of his neck. “You deserve better than what I can give you.”

He takes one of your hands and places it over his heart before pressing a gentle kiss against your ear.. “But all I want is you.”

You’re not sure what the new year holds for you. You’re not sure what the future holds at all, or if any of the dreams you’ve concocted in your mind are even attainable.

But you’ve got Piotr by your side. And you know that, with him, you can get through whatever life throws at you.

Bring it on, new year.

[jj-ktae]

Fragrances - Final -

Title : Fragrances

Genre : Fluff, Angst, Romance

Pairing : Jaebum x Reader

Summary : You are a perfume composer, he is a lyricist, and while you’re left with too many possibilities, he is out of inspiration. Your only bond is an unknown fragrance. Second part of the Fragrances series.

Warning : Mentions of suicide. Don’t read if you’re uncomfortable with the subject please <3

- Teaser - Wisteria - Metallic - Sillage - Accord - Finale - 

Finale

“Weren’t you supposed to come back in two days?” Jaebum’s mother look surprised as she sees him enter their house’s huge living-room. “Youngjae had schedules so we came back earlier than expected.” He bents down to kiss his mother’s cheek.

She simply laughs, getting up, “Did you eat? I believe the cook is still around.” She puts her book on the table and walks toward the kitchen, her steps light and face full of joy.

“Nah, I’ll be heading out soon. I have a lot to do.” Jaebum answers, entering the big kitchen.

“You came back already.” They both stop at the sudden deep voice, turning around to meet Jaebum’s father.

His hands are full of folders. “What are you doing?” the woman asks, shocked to see him home.

“I had to get some papers.” He lifts his arms and nods towards Jaebum, “What are you doing here?”

Jaebum stops dead in his tracks. “Father. I... wanted to pay a visit.” He had countless phone calls with his mother while he was away, but his father would never speak to him. His mother would always tell him he wasn’t mad about the whole situation but just busy and Jaebum never believed it.

“Oh.” The man nods, and when he smiles at his son, none of them want to believe this is actually happening.

“I Have to go but I’ll be back for dinner, you could join us.” He proposes, not daring enough to meet his son and wife’s eyes.

Jaebum blinks. Is this reality? “Hm. Yes. Okay.”

“Good, I’ll see you tonight.” He turns around so fast the files almost fall.

“Did you drug him?” Jaebum breathes and his mother simply bursts out laughing.

“I told you he wasn’t mad at you!” She taps his shoulder, her laugh echoing in the kitchen and Jaebum doesn’t understand why he is so happy, suddenly.

---

Sleep is important. Jaebum loves sleeping. Your bed is the warmest place ever. He could stay in it for days.

But the alarm clock doesn’t agree with him.

Bambam is supposed to come in thirty minutes, but you don’t feel like going out of bed. You barely slept and your body is too numb to even budge.

On top of that, the body next to you is way too snuggled against yours to leave room for any type of movements.

You grunt when it goes off again and the arm around your waist tightens.

“Turn it off.” You breathe, head already dipping into your pillow to get more sleep.

A kiss lends on your nape, “You have to get up.”

It’s always surprising. You’ve been sleeping alone all your life but recently, you have to deal with someone snuggling close to you.

Not that you mind, though.

“Let me sleep, Jaebum.” You warn, but he doesn’t care about your threating voice and kisses your neck next, snorting against your skin.

“Bambam doesn’t want to see us naked in bed. We’ll traumatize him.” He jokes, sticking his body even more and sighing. “Get up.”

You wine and turn around, eyes still closed and mouth half opened. “Why are you so cruel...?”

Jaebum doesn’t answer and sighs instead, his legs wrapping deliciously against yours and bringing your closer. His hand goes to your hair, cleaning your face off the messy locks. He doesn’t know if he will ever get used to you being so stunning every morning. “Babe...” he simply says, not even able to stop himself from pecking your lips numerous time. “I promise we’ll get plenty of sleep tomorrow.”

You grunt and open your eyes, your lips softly inching upward to reveal one of the most beautiful sleepy smile Jaebum has ever seen. “No alarm?” You ask and he nods, mesmerized by your hazy state.

“Anything you want.” He confirms, which makes you laugh.

“You’re too in love.” Jaebum is an interesting boyfriend. From the moment you started dating, he was nothing but perfect. You thought it would be hard at first, considering his condition, but he never showed it to you and always did his best to heal. He never complained, always did his best to please you, bought you presents, took you places, cooked, baked, cleaned, massaged, laughed for you.

“You deserve even more.” You literally melt at his words. Jaebum is a poet, a romantic guy with enough calmness to make you see things on a whole new point of view.

He has a soothing capacity you never thought he would have.

“I love you.” You tell him out of nowhere and he suddenly looks like a puppy you gave a treat to. “Stop, we don’t have enough time for me to do all the things I’d like to do to you.” He whispers, kissing you until you end up on top of him.

Everything is warm with Jaebum, and most importantly; he left his odour everywhere in your flat. It’s pure bliss.

“And what are those things you’d like to do?” Your innocent voice makes him contract every muscle with delicious pain. “Maybe you could show me...?”

Jaebum’s hands immediately go to your legs, spreading them so you can finally straddle him. “Don’t you love teasing me...” his face approach yours and a second later, he’s kissing you with full force, his breath itching against your skin and his tongue caressing yours agonizingly slow.

You love when he becomes fierce.

You both make out for so long that you don’t even notice someone knocking on the door.

But Jaebum hears it and releases your lips with a soft noise. “Time’s up.” He mumbles, pecking you one last time, “Your crazy assistant is here.”

You let your head fall on his chest while he softly scratches your back. “Ignore him, he’ll go away.”

Jaebum laughs, turning around to let you lend on the bed. “He won’t.”

---

“I couldn’t sleep. I’m going crazy!” Bambam walks around the kitchen, his cup of coffee shaking with every movement of his hands.

“You’ll do fine! Your perfume is great.” He did great, he really did. Bambam has always been a bit too wild, but his skilled were solid. Now that he had the opportunity to finally become a good perfumer and unleash his talent, he was freaking out.

“Yes but if I become an official perfume maker and get a contract for another company, who’s going to bear with me? I love being your assistant, boss.” He stops and pouts, one of his hand resting on his hip.

Jaebum comes back from behind the counter with food and kisses your temple. “Eat and stop worrying. You guys can still be friends and it’s a good opportunity for you. Stop freaking out.”

Bambam simply nods but starts going crazy as soon as Jaebum sits next to you. “What if they say it smells like shit. Maybe it does!”

You laugh. “It won’t happen!” You scoff before stealing food from Jaebum’s plate, “I’ll go with you anyways. Come and sit down, Bam.” The latter only moans. “Okay. Okay.”

“When will you be done?” Jaebum asks you when Bambam decides he talked enough. “We have to be at my parent’s house at 8 tonight.”

You stop moving. “It was today? Two days ago, you said-”

“Two days ago, on a fine Tuesday morning, I said ‘My parents invited us for dinner this Thursday’ and you agreed.” Jaebum answers, tapping his fingers against the table.

“Shit, Thursday is today.” You breathe, looking at Bambam who can do nothing but shrug.

“We can still celebrate tomorrow. Let me tell Jackson.” Bambam tries, already grabbing his phone.

“You were supposed to eat with them?” You know this tone. You know Jaebum. He isn’t fond of the idea that you are still friends with Jackson, even if he doesn’t want to show it.

You slap Bambam’s arm, “Look at him being jealous.” And you both start laughing.

“Forget it, my parents don’t want to see you anyways.” Jaebum answers, already getting up to leave the kitchen while you both giggle at his cute annoyance.

“But baaaabe, I was just kidding!” Being cute is your only way out.

“Jaebummie! Come celebrate with us!” Bambam screams from the kitchen and Jaebum doesn’t know why he is even putting up with such weird people in his life.

---

“I’m freaking out. I’m totally freaking out.” You’re not ready for that. From what Jaebum told you, his parents are not the usual parents and you highly doubt this is the best idea he ever had.

You’re both in front of the door. Jaebum’s parents insisted on meeting you and there you are, both not ready for what is going to happen.

“They won’t hate you.” Jaebum puts a hand on your shoulder, rubbing it sweetly. “You’re awesome!”

“It’s not about me being awesome. I’m just... not the type of well-brought girl they might want in the family.” You know about how hard it has been for Jaebum to deal with them. They are filthy rich; they expect the best for their son and you only have your stupid nose and perfumes.

“They might want what? Do you really think my parents are going to disapprove of us?” Jaebum laughs because you apparently know nothing about them.

“This is not funny!” He is too chilled; you hate it when Jaebum looks like nothing is happening while you’re losing your damn mind.

“My parents gave up a long time ago. They’re certainly not going to command my love life; they know that’s not going to work on me.” Jaebum rings the doorbell, “They’ll love you babe, I swear!”

You nod but still make a face, which totally disappears when Jaebum’s mother opens the door, her face lighting up as soon as she sees you.

“Right on time! Come on in!” She takes your vests and it surprises the both of you.

Didn’t Jaebum said they had a ton of staff in their huge house?

She seems to feel your astonishment. “We thought it’d be more cosy with just the four of us. I even did the cooking!” she sounds so genuinely proud of herself, and you feel Jaebum relaxing next to you.

“Are you okay?” You ask him when the classy lady leads the way to the living-room.

“I’m just...surprised.” he breathes, clenching your hand tighter.

He never thought they could do this just for his sake.

“How can you be so depressed when we offered you everything!” Jaebum’s father is furious.

“I don’t care about that! Can’t you see I just need a normal family! Is it that much to ask? I want you to act like real supportive parents instead of trying to inject your money everywhere in hope it’d make me feel good with my damn useless life!” Jaebum doesn’t know why they came all the way to him just to yell. He escaped because he needed peace, because he wanted to face them when he’ll be ready but luck seems to be a stranger to him.

“Why are you so ungrateful?” His father’s words are like venom to him.

Jaebum knows he will never win. “It’s not about that! You know what, forget it. You’ll never understand so just disown me now if it makes you happy. If you want to act like you never had a son I’m okay with it too. Do as you please.” Jaebum had enough of the fighting. It’s a lost case.

He doesn’t want to cry in front of his father, but he does nonetheless.

His mother is quick to react, jolting up from her spot on the sofa where she had been crying ever since they arrived.

“No sweetheart. Don’t cry.” She is close to cry again, but calms herself, gathering the strength to try to save the situation. “Can we stop yelling at each other? Can’t we listen to what everyone has to say instead of yelling?”

Her husband rolls his eyes, a hand going to his hair as a sign of his frustration.

“Jaebum, sweetie. What is it that you want from us?” She uses her most caring voice because she doesn’t want her son to be that way. She also had enough of the endless fights and arguments. She wants her son happy as much as she wants a real family life.

“I just want you to tell me I’m doing well. All I want is for you to stop planning my life based on what you want me to do. I want you to care about me, to support me and life choices. I want you to act like every parent should act.” Jaebum doesn’t know why he pours his heart like that. Maybe because he knows he is about to do something terrible and has nothing to lose anymore.

“Yes, okay. We will. We will support you, don’t do...this.” She doesn’t want to say it because it hurts, and when she turns to her husband, her eyes are nothing but dark. “We’ll care about you just like you want us to, right?”

Jaebum’s father doesn’t answer but when his son raises his head and he is greeted by his miserable state, he thinks that maybe, just maybe, he should stop giving a hard time to his shattered son.

Jaebum doesn’t recognize his father in the living-room. He is wearing a plain black polo shirt and it’s been such a long time since he last saw him out of a suit.

He gets up and extends a hand, his face a bit unsettled. “I’m Jaebum’s father.” He introduces himself to you and you swear Jaebum is about to collapse from shock.

He knew there would be no hostility but he didn’t expect them to be this unhostile.

“Sit, sit! I’ll get the appetizers!” Jaebum’s mother is already back on her feet, leaving them three together.

Jaebum doesn’t know what to do anymore.

His father sits right in front of them, “I told her not to overdo it but I think she prepared too much food. If it’s not good, we can still call a caterer.” He whispers, apparently scared to be heard and you giggle gently, nodding.

Jaebum isn’t moving at all.

You feel the nervousness between the two and soon, a silence settles. It’s one of those times you want to disappear into the ground and never come back.

Jaebum’s mother comes back and saves the situation. “Why is it so calm here? Here you go,” she puts two huge plates full of appetizers. “There’s foie gras, salmon, goat cheese, cured ham...” Everything looks sophisticated and pretty, and you look at her happy face with a wide smile.

It’s only when everything is ready that you start to chat for real. Jaebum’s parents seem curious to know about your job and you answer the best you can, explaining perfume making and talking about brands.

Jaebum’s mother looks so pleased.

“You definitely have to make a perfume for me.” At some point, she feels like your own mother, and her perfectly manicured hand lands on your thigh, sweet and gentle.

Jaebum is silent next to you, but also pleased to see you two get along well.

Like you had any reason to panic.

“How is everything going?” He hears while you’re still chatting happily with his mother.

He looks at his father, who sounds eager to finally starts a conversation with him.

“The usual.” He shrugs because he knows his father doesn’t really care about his life, but is merely trying to act nice for them all.

He appreciates the gesture, though.

“No, I mean, your mother told me you wrote a big hit song?”

Jaebum blinks, not getting the sudden interest. “Yes. It’s a love song. I wrote it for a young singer as a debut song. It worked out well.” He explains, earning a whistle form his father.

“I’m glad it worked out. You seem to be quite famous in the music industry.”

To this everyone stops. Jaebum’s mother lifts her brows, you don’t even swallow the food you have in your mouth, and Jaebum almost chokes on his drink.

“What,” Jaebum’s father blinks, looking at the three of you with embarrassment, “My son is a successful songwriter, you should be happy for him!” he defends himself the best he can and coughs to change the subject, “These are too salty, I told you not too cook!” He mumbles, turning his face away because he isn’t used to compliment his son and didn’t except it’d feel this good.

Jaebum starts laughing so loud it startles you and right at this moment, you know he will be alright.

---

The ride home is quiet, the type of quiet you like to see on Jaebum’s face. He looks lost into his thoughts, and a small smile paints his face.

You arrive home with your hands full of food as Jaebum’s mother insisted on giving the leftovers. Jaebum takes off his shoes and aims for the bed as soon as you close the door and you join him.

“Are you okay?” You ask, taking your clothes off. “You seem off.”

Jaebum sits, his tired face showing nothing but bliss. “He said I’m his son. He never told me I was his son.”

“It’s awesome! How do you feel?” You sit next to him when you’re fully changed and raise a hand to slip it into his hair.

He closes his eyes and hums. “Great. I feel like I’m going to wake up any minute.” he leans back, grabbing your arm to push you against him. “I’m glad you were with me. I’m glad you’re with me.”

“I love you.” You simply say, your mind exhausted and body tired.

You fall asleep rapidly, both of you too spent to talk any longer and when Jaebum wakes up, you’re still here and everything seems real. He hugs you tightly, thinking about how luck is finally by his side.

And he can rest again.

---

AN : It’s finally the end of Fragrances! I shall thank everyone who read this and liked and reblogged because I wouldn’t have continued if not for your amazing support and feedback. I’m a bit sad to finish this but it was a very fun to write. Hopefully you’ll like the ending as much as you loved the whole story. It took me a lot of time to do researches on perfume making so I could be as accurate as possible because this subject is not very common, and i’m glad if I was able to make you discover the world of perfumery ❤️ Lots of love to everyone, I love you so much ❤️

[emmelfish]

So, it looks like the roaring success of a wedding party added to Brandi’s reputation. You sure you don’t wanna roundhouse kick your BFF Dina there for smooching your firstborn son?

(John Burb – lover of drama, sitter of fences, gossip extraordinaire and never met a dirty joke he doesn’t like – glides by without a word but a mental note to regale his wife with all the sordid details.)

I still don’t know which of the two of them initiated that, but I guess this is what happens when you combine cute blond Fortune sims, one of whom has recently reached an... eligible age?... and our old friend ACR.

Darren had at least five of those six beers, so this doesn’t surprise me in the least. Dreamer, I’m cutting you off!

Time to celebrate the transition of the terrible twins, the perfect ending to this... interesting wedding.

Growing up next to a rain puddle, is it everything you ever dreamed of Skip Jr?

Sadly, it’s also time to say goodbye to the Mortimer Goth cosplay and the buzzcut...

... and hello to... this! I’m pretty sure given he’s Sloppy and Playful, SJ’ll be a Nature sim, so it’s not even like this is hobby-appropriate costuming (it’d be better for his sister, she’s bound to be Sports or Fitness with her personality points).

There’s something so ritualistic about the way they stand around cheering somebody aging, I love it. It’s even better in weddingwear.

I’m also a big fan of how different Skip Jr looks to his older brothers. And this genetic correctness! I’m not sure how we ever put up with the gender-reversed Brandi clone EAxis stuck in the vanilla game. THANK YOU @meetmetotheriver 💟

I’m excited that he grew up well, but scared of what kind of child he’ll be. Nowhere near as terrified as I am re: Suse though.

Darren finally told one dirty joke too many? And in front of A CHILD?! No wonder he and John Burb get along so well.

Beau: Hey I’m gonna be a teenager in like a day, I can take it.

We’ll be the judge of that.

Oh god, I don’t know if I even really want to do this, but here we go.

Yo Bran, when did you change into your afterparty gear? (Seriously, I had no idea she had that maternity formalwear lurking in her wardrobe.)

Susie: *stares at fire* Yes, yes, consume the souls of my nemeses...

Skip Jr: Uh, Mr Dad, I think you’re supposed to put her down.

Beau: This is gold.

Skip Jr: Seriously DreamerDaddy, I really think she’s meant to be on the floor...?

Skip Jr: I can’t watch.

(Legitimately though, at this point I was hiding from the screen and peeping through my fingers to take these screenshots. I love a good glitch, but this was beyond terrifying.)

OH MY GOD.

THEY’VE MERGED INTO SOME KIND OF MONSTER.

Oh thank heavens. I just had Darren do the ‘put Susie here’ action and while her arms did get stuck like this for a while, everything went back to normal and she was a child and not some warped giant baby. Good bloody lord! Darren, had you forgotten how to transition a toddler? Dirk’s not that old!

Hey Suse, you’d better not be hunting bugs just to set fire to them.

Susie: Well I won’t be setting fire to anything if my stupid jar stays this empty.

While I’m kind of loving Susie’s blazer and jeans, gotta get those twins into the colors they were in as tots. It’s my rule! (When feasible.)

Yeah we get it guys, you love each other because you’re both pretty awful. Had enough of this yet Beau?

Beau: Urgh. I’m disappearing into a place where I can control everything, thank you very much. This here dollhouse.

That sounds like a strangely familiar concept.

Ah, back to some semblance of a (relatively) normal life! Skip Jr’s already making good use of those Playful Grouchy traits by beating Beau to death with a pillow, and Susie’s slyly charming her way into an older brother’s affections just as she did with Dustin.

This loading screen will look rather different... imminently. Room for two more?

Oh yeah! Remember Dustin’s strange schoolfriend who marched brazenly into the Broke trailer and randomly picked up and snuggled the twins when they were but babes? Skip Jr clearly does, and now that he can articulate this experience, is telling Beau just how traumatic it was.

Back to plate-making, you! Yes I know you want a vacay, and you’ll get one when you sell several more of these. Also what’s that ‘get caught cheating’ fear? Why is cheating even crossing your mind? You literally just got married and it upped your chem with Daz by one whole bolt – three is the magic number, don’t mess with perfection!

With Susie being an active-grouchy sports lover, I got her a nice Goal of Paul to play with. Of course the first thing she does is stand in it and jeer her brother.

Skip Jr: Listen sis, this is your game not mine.

I’m fine with whatever happens as long as that ball doesn’t hit poor Darleen’s gravestone.

Susie: So what we got going here.

Beau: Well we have this whole saga, see. Shirley here has been struggling with her feelings towards Muriel for quite some time now –

Susie: So she sets fire to Muriel’s hair in a passionate fury and then these two ladies over here come and chop her good with samurai swords to avenge Muriel?

Beau: Uh, no –

Susie: ‘I curse the day Shirley was born!’ ‘As do I, we will demand blood for blood!’

Beau: *sighs* Not really what I was going for. How exactly are we related again?

Susie: This is great! Do you have any of those little green army men? Let’s have them explode the house in an act of WAR.

Oh hi! Tinkering Lady is COOL! Dirk finally bagged the elusive invite to go play with cars and trains and robots. I think he’s our first too.

I am going to aggressively marry her into one of the families at some point, I have to. Boho style, badass purple streak in her hair and pink eyes too? She has it all!

Brandi, that is not acceptable. You have a pottery badge for crying out loud.

Oh okay, you’re going into labor. I suppose that’s a fair excuse.

Even cool Tinkering Lady is running to see the miracle of life!

Darren: Oh, you’re having the babies, love? That’s nice.

THE MOTHERFUDGING VERTICAL RING GLITCH IS BACK AGAIN ON HIS SECOND FRIGGING MARRIAGE

Susie?

Susie: Astarte and Proserpine are busy avenging Muriel and fending off acts of terror, god, leave me alone.

Dirk looks like he’s singing a power ballad and I’m loving it. Meanwhile Beau is like, this ain’t my first rodeo.

Here we go... again. AGAIN.

The cramming into the doorway while Brandi gives birth in the narrowest place in the whole house is a treat tbh.

And here they are! We gots two gals. Not saying they’re not lovely, call me a picky sim breeder but I was expecting them to be... at least S3? The genetics in this game confuse me sometimes.

Speaking of genetics, look at this brown-eyed babe! Take your pick, they could be from Brandi’s dad or either or Darren’s parents. I’ve named them after surrealist artists (because I figured their parents’d be into that), so we have little Frida here...

... and mere seconds younger, her sister Remedios!

As per usual everybody cheers the firstborn twin and poor Remy doesn’t get a look-in. Even Susie dragged herself away from her macabre soap opera to say hi.

Susie: Who run the world? GIRLS! Who run the world?

Skip Jr: Bang bang!

Beau: No. I only have three Playful points. I refuse to engage in your nonsense.

And here are the twin ladies in their matching rubberbabybuggybumpers. Next up, we have our dearest Beau hitting teenhood! I’m gonna miss him as a kid.