#matt in the red and yellow devil suit

[pastafossa]

Pastafossa's Daredevil Masterlist

To stop my massive Matt Murdock x Reader fic, The Red Thread, from devouring my Daredevil masterlist, it now has its own masterlist, which can be found here! For organization’s sake, I’m still leaving the fic link and summary here. All of the romance in the fics below are Matt Murdock x Reader, save for those fics where there is no romance mentioned.

🔥 = Smut // 🌧️ = Angst // 🌻= fluff // ⚡= Reader Favorite // 🐧 = Set in The Red Thread fic universe, though not always required reading

Full Fics

✞ “The Red Thread” [AO3] (F!Reader)🔥🌧️🌻⚡

It's said that every soul is connected to another by a red thread, and that these two souls are destined to meet. The thread, though it may tangle or stretch, will never break. That's not your experience, lucky or unlucky enough as you are to see the strings that bind people together. A red thread is developed and grown, not born, and you've worked hard to weed out any semblance of crimson that might cling to you. You pay your bills, you keep your head down, and you find whatever lost people or items you're hired to sniff out. Then the Devil of Hell's Kitchen tags along on a job, and your plan falls apart. 

✞ "Moan For Me" [AO3] [Tumblr] (GN!reader)🔥⚡

You wanted every last bit of him, whether his body wanted to give it or not, and he’s just as eager to share.

✞ "Ode to a Coat” [AO3] [Tumblr] (F!Reader)🔥

Inspired by Born Again set shots. Matt wears his new coat to Josie’s and your thoughts turn to pure sin.

✞ "Do I Need to Beg?” [AO3] [Tumblr] (F!Reader)🔥

Inspired by Born Again's leaked trailer showing Matt with a beard. After a long trip away, you come home to Matt sporting a new beard. Fortunately, he's been missing you, too...

✞ “This is a Code-F” [AO3] [Tumblr] (GN!Reader)🌻⚡

Matt gets the flu, and it’s up to you to look after him. How hard could it be?

✞ “It’s Really... Yellow?” [Tumblr] (F!Reader)🌻🐧

Foggy needs you to help him convince Matt the new red and yellow suit is terrible. Unfortunately for Foggy, you find Matt just as attractive in red and yellow.

✞ “A Brief Existential Crisis” [Tumblr] (F!Reader)🌻🐧

After the events of She-Hulk, Matt requires a little pep talk... and maybe some head scratches while you’re at it.

✞ “I’m Sending A Raven” [AO3] (F!Reader)🌧️🐧

After you're kidnapped by The Man in the White Coat, Matt and his allies are in a race against time to save you. But will he make it before all hope is lost? (Now with fanart. Click with caution, it's dark)

✞ “Hubris” [AO3] [Tumblr] (Vague MM x F!Reader)🌻

Bucky Barnes and Matt Murdock are human disasters without a lick of sense. At least Sam and you are there to keep things under control.

✞ “I’ll Be Better, I Promise” [Tumblr] (GN!Reader)🌧️⚡

You get insecure and think Matt deserves better, so you try to leave him.

✞ “Appreciation” [AO3] [Tumblr] (F!Reader)🌻⚡

You show your appreciation for Matt’s chest by planting your face in it while he teases you about it.

✞ “Poor Thing”  [Tumblr] (F!Reader)🔥

Based on the prompt 'Somnophilia' for Tuna-Tober 2024's prompt challenge.

✞ “Sharing is Caring”  [Tumblr] (F!Reader)🔥

Based on the prompt 'Are you blushing?' and '69' for Tuna-Tober 2024's prompt challenge.

✞ "Memory” [Tumblr] (F!Reader) 🌧️🐧

Amnesia angst in which The Red Thread’s Reader loses her memories of her romance with Matt just before she comes back from her 3 months away.

✞ “Haunted” [Tumblr] (F!Reader)🌧️🐧

A sequel to the above. You give yourself one month to see if your memories return, but Matt finds himself in a depressive spiral over the loss of what he had with you.

✞ "We’re Not Keeping Him” [Tumblr] (F!Reader)🌻🐧

You bring home a kitten and Matt is resistant... at first.

✞ “What Was That?” [Tumblr] (F!Reader)🌻🐧

Matt and you have to stop into a haunted house and things get spooky, at least until Matt’s catholicism saves the day.

✞ “The Biggest Tree In All The Kitchen” [AO3] [Tumblr] ( F!Reader)🌻🐧

Matt figures out you want a big Christmas tree, and the two of you attempt to drag an 18-footer into your apartment. It goes as well as expected.

✞ “And The Holly Cookies, Too” [AO3] [Tumblr] (F!Reader)🌻🐧

Matt is determined to be your Christmas cookie taste tester, even if it kills him.

Ficlets and Drabbles

✞ What If: Matt presents you with a courtship rock in front of the penguin’s zoo exhibit, and Foggy loses it. (F!Reader)🌻🐧⚡

✞ What If: You and Matt develop a tradition of hiding the rock for each other to find when either of you has a bad day. (F!Reader)🌻🐧

✞ What If: Matt is marrying you and gets a penguin cake topper (F!Reader)🌻🐧

✞ How on earth did Matt get his new red and gold Daredevil suit through airport security? (F!Reader)🌻

✞ Matt is basically a big cat, which means you have to cup, smoosh, and kiss his face at least once. (GN!Reader)🌻⚡

✞ A peaceful start to Valentines for you and Matt (F!Reader)🌻🐧

✞ Art-inspired drabble of you topping Matt (art included) (F!Reader)🔥

✞ To contrast above: Devil!Matt topping and biting you (F!Reader)🔥⚡

✞ Matt Murdock and his sensitive thighs (F!Reader)🔥

✞ Melting Matt Murdock with some head scratches (F!Reader)🌻🐧⚡

✞ Matt Murdock hearing you sing under your breath in Josie’s (F!Reader)🌻⚡

✞ Ask response drabble: “What would Jane and Matt get each other for Christmas?” (F!Reader)🌻🐧

✞ Tuna-Tober 2024 prompt: flower crowns (F!Reader)🌻

✞ Headcanon drabble: Crying (GN!Reader)🌧️

✞ Headcanon drabble: Hands 

✞ Headcanon drabble: Romance (GN!Reader)🌻 

✞ Headcanon drabble: Affection (GN!Reader)🌻

✞ Headcanon drabble: Scars (F!Reader)🌻

✞ Headcanon drabble: Sex  (F!Reader)🔥

✞ “Do you think Matt’s skin is more or less sensitive when he’s drunk?” (GN!Reader)🌻🔥⚡

Flufftober '21 Ficlets and Drabbles

✞ Flufftober '21 drabble: Winning A Teddy For The Other (F!reader)🌻

✞ Flufftober '21 drabble: Lazy Sunday (GN!reader)🌻⚡

✞ Flufftober '21 drabble: Pillow Fight (GN!reader)🌻

✞ Flufftober '21 drabble: Love Notes (GN!reader)🌻

✞ Flufftober '21 drabble: Sleepy Kiss (GN!reader)🌻⚡

✞ Flufftober '21 drabble: Silly Traditions (F!reader)🌻

✞ Flufftober '21 drabble: Costumes (F!reader)🌻

✞ Flufftober '21 drabble: Flirting At Work (F!reader)🌻⚡

✞ Flufftober '21 drabble: Caught In The Rain (F!reader)🌻

✞ Flufftober '21 drabble: Cuddling and Snuggling (F!reader)🌻

✞ Flufftober '21 drabble: Up Against The Wall Kiss (F!reader)🌻⚡

✞ Flufftober '21 drabble: Fall Asleep In My Lap (GN!reader)🌻⚡

✞ Flufftober '21 drabble: Holiday Traditions (F!reader)🌻🐧

For other characters and prompts, see my Flufftober '21 list!

Kinktober '21 Ficlets and Drabbles

✞ Kinktober '21 drabble: Telepathic Sex (F!reader)🔥🐧

✞ Kinktober '21 drabble: Sensory Deprivation (F!reader)🔥

✞ Kinktober '21 drabble: Temperature Play (F!reader)🔥

✞ Kinktober '21 drabble: Praise Kink (F!reader)🔥

✞ Kinktober '21 drabble: Biting (F!reader)🔥

✞ Kinktober '21 drabble: Bondage (F!reader)🔥

✞ Kinktober '21 drabble: In Public/Stealth (F!reader)🔥

✞ Kinktober '21 drabble: Edging (F!reader)🔥

✞ Kinktober '21 drabble: Masturbation (F!reader)🔥⚡

✞ Kinktober '21 drabble: Gags (F!reader)🔥

For other characters and prompts, see my Kinktober 2021 list!

Headcanons

✞ Headcanon: Four random headcanons for Matt Murdock and You🌻

✞ Headcanon: Matt is a great cook, he’s just a little unconventional about it.🌻⚡

✞ Headcanon: Does Matt Murdock like getting pegged? 🔥

✞ Headcanon: How Matt hugs you🌻

✞ Ask: “Thoughts on Dominant Reader with Matt?” AKA: Why Matt Murdock is a switch. 🔥

✞ Ask: “What kinks do you think Matt has?” AKA: answer followed by a fic-list of ten of Matt Murdock’s kinks with you. 🔥  

✞ Ask: “What are some other pet names Matt might use for F!Reader?”🌻

Find more Matt Murdock on my Flufftober 2021 and Kinktober 2021/2022 lists!

[theimpossiblescheme]

a pair of plausible fellows: playlists for mungojerrie and rumpleteazer

mungojerrie: 01. london calling - the clash | 02. movin’ out (anthony’s song) - billy joel | 03. leroy and me - no more kings | 04. parklife - blur | 05. all along the watchtower (instrumental) - devlin | 06. hold out your hand - brandi carlisle | 07. quiver a little - benjamin clementine | 08. devil may care - charming disaster | 09. be who you are - the kooks | 10. color on the walls - foster the people | 11. something for sellers - henry mancini | 12. tubthumping - chumbawumba | 13. catch me if you can - matt walden | 14. smooth criminal - alien ant farm | 15. secret worlds - the amazing devil | 16. come on eileen - dexys midnight runners | 17. drive It like you stole it - sing street | 18. sunflower - vitamin string quartet ft. thatviolakid | 19. how far we’ve come - matchbox twenty [x] rumpleteazer: 01. helter skelter - dana fuchs | 02. we are golden - mika | 03. all through the night - cyndi lauper | 04. lowlife - poppy | 05. sweet child o’ mine - postmodern jukebox | 06. suite v electric overture - janelle monáe | 07. should i stay or should i go - the clash | 08. red tide - neko case | 09. harder, better, faster, stronger - pomplamoose | 10. authority song - john cougar mellencamp | 11. and everything becomes a blur - hellogoodbye | 12. into the wild - lp | 13. lollipops and roses - herb alpert and the tijuana brass | 14. it’s for my dad - nancy sinatra | 15. making a lady - daniel pemberton | 16. freak show - ingrid michaelson | 17. everywhere - fleetwood mac | 18. venom - ravyn lenae | 19. goodbye yellow brick road - yola [x]

[descaladumidera]

My contribution to @bangyourselfminibang! Big thank you to the organizers and my partner in crime @ultimateundesirable-bwpp, who wrote a fantastic fic for this piece.

You can read it here:

ID in alt text and under the cut.

[ID:

A drawing of Mike Murdock (Earth-616), Matt Mur(der)dock (Earth-65), and Matt Murdock (Earth-616).

Murderdock is sitting in a wooden armchair with red velvet cushioning in the middle of the drawing. He is lounging, right arm propped on the armrest of the chair, head resting on his hand. His right foot is propped on his left thigh, while his left foot is placed on the ground. His red hair is neatly combed and parted in the middle, some strands hanging into his face. He is wearing red glasses and a red suit with a black tie and a white shirt, but no shoes and no socks. His cane is resting against the chair and he is smiling smugly, as his left hand is raised towards the height of his shoulders, holding a leash.

On the other end of the leash is Matt, collared and kneeling on the ground to the left of the chair, hands neatly propped on his thighs. The collar is red as are his briefs, which are the only articles of clothing he is wearing. His naked skin is on display, showing his freckles. He also isn't wearing his glasses, blue eyes staring ahead emptily, mouth slightly open, while red, slightly longer hair, is hanging into his face. The briefs are not hiding his erection, straining against the fabric, the tip of his cock peaking out, with precum dribbling down.

On the other side of the chair, half behind and half next to it, is Mike, standing with his arms perched on the backrest. He is standing with his right leg slightly bent, standing on his toes with that one, while his left leg is holding most of his weight. He is wearing a white shirt with a brightly yellow Hawaiian shirt with green palm trees over it, as well as blue jeans and yellow Converse sneakers. Sunglasses are pushed up into his red hair, which is a bit shorter than Matt's, and he is smiling, while looking down at Murderdock. Like his twin he has freckles and blue eyes.

End ID.]

[daredevilhub]

[ID: Four comic edits of Matt Murdock on alternating yellow and red backgrounds. 1: Matt is opening his buttoned shirt to reveal his Daredevil suit underneath. Next to him is text that reads, “All I want to do, all I’ve ever wanted to do, was help people.” 2: There is a yellow circle with Matt in his black suit inside. The text above him spells “dare” and the text below spells “devil.” 3: Matt is looking over his shoulder to the right, holding a baseball bat. There is a white rectangle next to him that reads, “Matt Murdock.” 4: Matt is dressed in a white coat and speaking on the phone. In front of him are two text boxes that read, “You called me ‘street level’ earlier? I call it ‘people level.’” End ID.]

[sawcondeezicons]

→ bisexual MATT MURDOCK / DAREDEVIL icons.

[ID: 6 circular icons of Matt Murdock aka Daredevil, in the Daredevil TV show. Matt is a white man with dark brown hair and stubble, and light brown eyes. Behind him in all 6 icons is the bisexual pride flag.

The first icon shows Matt in his full Daredevil suit. The suit is dark red and black, features small devil horns, and covers his entire body apart from his lower face. He’s turned diagonally away from the camera, and is leaning on something, his head tilted slightly downwards.

The second icon shows Matt facing the camera and smirking, fixing his tie. He’s wearing a white button-up shirt, a dark grey blazer, and a black tie, along with his signature red-lensed glasses. His knuckles are bloody, he has a split lip, and his temple is grazed slightly.

The third icon shows Matt in his full Daredevil suit. He’s turned side-on from the camera, with his head turned slightly to face it. He’s smirking slightly.

The fourth icon shows Matt standing with a disturbed expression on his face. He’s wearing a blue and yellow “NYPD” T-shirt, and is missing his glasses.

The fifth icon shows Matt wearing his Daredevil suit without the headpiece. He’s facing the camera, however his head is turned away. He has a neutral expression on his face, and looks like he’s listening to someone.

The sixth icon shows Matt standing with a neutral expression on his face. He’s wearing a white button-up shirt, a dark grey tie, and a black blazer, along with his usual glasses. /End ID]

[daredevilexchange]

The Daredevil & Defenders Exchange 2021 is over... and  there were So Many works, that this time there will be TWO wrap-up posts :D

Here we go, for the multitudinous fics! You can find them on AO3 in the dedicated collection :D Tumblr link (from this blog, because when OP changes their URL the link won’t work any longer) and AO3 link so you can like, kudos, comment, tag, etc !

Art wrap-up post is here!

[ID: cut-outs of the Defenders, draw in in shades of grey in cartoony style; the cut-outs are set on a floorboard-like background. First on the left is Jessica Jones on blue paper, holding her camera; then to her right Daredevil in his TV horned suit, snarling and holding his batons on a magenta background; then Colleen Wing and Danny Rand on a green background. Danny is powering up his fist and Colleen is brandishing her katana. To their right on a yellow background, holding a chain and with his hood up, Luke is smiling. Finally, Frank is holding a coffee cup and wearing his Punisher vest with the skull, on a white background. His dog is sitting at his feet. They are all very cute even while trying to look fierce! End ID]

You can find more of Sn0otchie’s fantabulous art on twitter https://twitter.com/sn0otchie or IG http://instagram.com/sn0otchie/ !

Teeth, by @unwanted-animal for @lovetincture (AO3). Beware the tags, but this graphics + playlist + fic Fratt work will. uh. rattle your teeth. Guaranteed :D

nothing but a vision trick (AO3) by @alexeishostakoff’s for @roipecheur... for your Jessica/Karen AU needs (oh yes, you have them! check this out and say you don’t with a straight face!)

The hilarious gen fic Application (AO3) and the cute af, Matt/Foggy The Billboard (AO3) by @happybeans for @weepingalpacafuneral !

Two Dads Chillin' at a High School Graduation (AO3), @the-real-peter-parker’s  cute and funny gift for @jackboxjesse featuring stealth Matt/Foggy at Peter Parker’s graduation :D

Kiss Me Awake (AO3), @beforejuko’s gift fic for @amazing-spiderling ! A hilarious Deadpool-as-matchaker for our avocados in love... Awww!

Adult Content (AO3), @djclawson’s super-duper entertaining gift for @happybeans, featuring Matt AND Deadpool!

Death in Devil’s suit (AO3) by @anna-hawk for @felixbrattikayla - both team feels and Fratt feels? in ONE fic? in THIS economy? YUP!1!1!!

As Foggy Is My Witness (AO3) by @pomegranate-belle for @iheartallthethings - some delicious Matt/Foggy pining with a side of Team Red, oh my!

as you are, not as I wish you were (AO3), by @thesecretdetectivecollection for @maniskordaze - Fratt with a side order of feels, whump, realizations, soft and bittersweet moments!

Kintsugi (AO3), by @pixelbypixelfanfic for @politikfic, for some wonderful gen with Matt finally practicing self-care in unexpected yet wonderful ways!

Strayed and Astray (AO3) by Iithril for @thesecretdetectivecollection - an atmospheric Fratt fic with dogs, whumpage, and concerned Foggies... all your Fratt needs met!

Defenestration (AO3), from @roipecheur for @pixelbypixelfanfic ! A fantastic Frank, Matt, and Jess team-up where Our Girl is really done with manipulative assholes, Kilgrave flashbacks, and manly posturing!

Tell Me About The Seaside? (AO3) by @stripedscribe, a sweet sequel for a wonderful merpeople!Fratt AU (featuring a... fishy *winkwink* Deadpool!) and Joy And Misery (AO3) for the unrelenting mega-angst lovers (you know who you are ;-) for @barionyx!

Brace for All The Pain And Bitterness with @missmoochy’s gift to @katbelleinthedark, The Man Of Your Dreams (And His Beautiful Wife) (AO3) - for the Big Angst lovers around here! C’mon, you know you love it :D

Dating your boo (AO3), @confusedandhopeful’s for @coolthingtragedy - a clueless Matt and All The Misunderstandings, for your Matt/Foggy pleasure!!

Burn (AO3), @kowaiyoukai’s Matt/Foggy gift for @inkforhumanhands - delicious angst with a happy ending!!

Tattoo (AO3), @maniskordaze’s gift for neko_kohaku! Team shenanigans? Fratt? All your faves in one fic, for you pleasure - guaranteed!

looking at stars (AO3), @b-421′s gift for @unwanted-animal! A meet-cute with Frank and Foggy? A dog!??!!? It’s absolutely *chef’s kiss*!

Cat Murdock (AO3) by @ijustreallylovedaredevil for @misterknife... Hint: the key word is in the title ;-) get your dose of giggles right there!

Cacophony (AO3), @matt-murdok’s fic for @soulfireinc - or when Matt’s senses and memories horribly collide... but he’s not alone :D

Misericordia et Misera, et Misericordia (AO3), @metaderivative’s Sister Maggie-centric fic for @sandyeffingfrank - brace for the conflicted, oh-so-human feelings of Matt’s mom *sniffles* !

Memoria (AO3), for all your crack AND angst BUT ALSO fluff needs, featuring Matt, Frank, AND Deadpool - what more can you ask for? By SaturnChild for @the-real-peter-parker !

Absence (AO3), a fic where @funkybetsy tears our heart out and stomps on it for Matt living through the Infinity War events, written for @downeystarkjr !

Golden Smile (AO3), a fic by @soulfireinc for @gracenm for all the Matt/Karen lovers out there - come and get your beautiful, moving Karedevil fix!

underestimation (AO3), aka some sweet, deserved Danny love by @b-421 fo @djclawson!

(mother) on the surface (AO3), @katbelleinthedark’s straight in the (sad, complicated, conflicted) feels fic for enthusiasmgirl about Foggy and his mother. Brace yourselves!

North Star (AO3), @lovetincture’s fic for @bleedxblack-art - whumped Frank and a Matt angry at god? Damn yes! The good stuff, right there!

kismet (AO3), @hueyhuee’s fantastic gift for @stripedscribe featuring alcohol, booze, spirits, inebriation, and [redacted for spoilers] ;-)

bulletfire and brimstone (AO3), @batmurdock’s beautifully written fic for Longdaysjourney - a deep dive into Matt’s relationships and his mind!

When I Call (AO3), a sizzling fic by @beguilewritesstuff for @mock-arts where Matt and Frank are teasing, challenging, and winding each other up to a (red-)hot conclusion!

Won't you be my neighbor? (AO3)  by @metaderivative for @sandyeffingfrank - all the feels, sad and funny and hearteyes too... a treat for all the Brett, Bess, and Foggy lovers and the Rosalind-NOT-lovers!

Kintsugi (AO3) by @mitch-pell for @clayfaced, where our avocados work on rebuilding their friendship and we cheer them along a roller-coaster o emotions!

Hell's Kitchen Survivor: Couples' Edition (AO3), @siriuslyyellow’s cute Matt/Foggy fic for @certaintendencies, packing pining, reality TV, shenanigans, AND where true love prevails :D

legacies (AO3) by @b-421, a Fantasy AU with lots, lots of magic - a real treat for all the supernatural lovers around here and a fantastic gift for @batmurdock!

A new start (AO3) by @ironwingedhawk for thebeespatella, where the whole team faces IKEA furniture :D Brace for giggles, banter, and maybe missing screws ;-)

where there’s life (AO3) by @gracenm for SaturnChild, where two lady badasses, Karen and Dinah, make friends... or more!! Finally!!!

Coping Mechanism (AO3) by @inkforhumanhands for @carrionbeast for Waid-style silliness, terrible Matt coping mechanisms, fantastic Foggy, and all your Matt/Foggy needs :D

Between the Bars (AO3) by @8daysuntiltheapocalypseiguess for @metaderivative, or how to deal (or not) with loss... be ready to Feel Things!

rainstorm laundry (AO3) by @weepingalpacafuneral for Mystery Anon - Foggy is totally just doing laundry, and if your face is wet it’s not happy tears it’s only the rain, promise!

nudge (AO3), thebeespatella’s fic for Sn0otchie with a beautiful dive into Matt’s head. Also, there’s A DOG :D

You Keep Saying That (AO3) by @darlingshane for @unkind-ofravens, with all the Kastle emotions, the Karen love, and the Frank feels (and a collage!!) !

The Piano Has Been Drinking - Not Matt (AO3) by @drewcas68 for @djinnj, a wonderful found family, team & Co fic with Fratt on top, for all those of us who want to see Matt happy!

Polka Dots and Leather Jackets (AO3) by @these-violet-delights-fic for @alexeishostakoff, the New Girl/Jessica Jones crossover with Hamilton bonus and f/f buildup you didn’t know you wanted!

Just in My Head (AO3) by @a-silver-sun for @confusedandhopeful - Brett Mahoney, his mom, friendships, and telepathy? HELL YES!

Another Day (AO3) by @djinnj for @8daysuntiltheapocalypseiguess - Jessica Jones case fic AND all the gang?don’t walk, run to this great story!

Snipped the Scorpion Grasses (AO3) by @artbymintcookies for @beforejuko - if you’re in need of some angst, feels, bittersweet endings AND some Matt/Foggy goodness, this is the fic for you!

Fear (AO3) by @ceterisparibus116 for @mitch-pell, for all the Matt & Foggy friendship feels you might want - and then some! Featuring a wonderful Danny too!

Not for Honor, But for You (AO3) by @amazing-spiderling for @siriuslyyellow - brave knights and en evil one, a brave blacksmith, team red, a hidden prince... nothing’s missing in this fantastic medieval AU tale!

All The Light We Cannot See (AO3) by @beguilewritesstuff for @ijustreallylovedaredevil - the Star Wars AU with perfect characterization and all the Light and Dark angst you ever dreamed about... and more!

Unmapped Territory (AO3) by @iheartallthethings for @kowaiyoukai, for some delicious soulmates AU world-building AND Matt/Foggy pining!!

Lost and Distant Shore (AO3) by Longdaysjourney for @ceterisparibus116, for all your post-S2 angst needs!!

[smokeybrandreviews]

Objection!!

She-Hulk ended today and i was pleasantly surprised. These last two episodes are some of the best MCU TV has had to offer, which is a shame because the entirety of the show is aggressively mid. Overall, it’s probably the weakest of the entries but that’s not saying much because none of them have been really completely “good.” Well, that’s kind of a misnomer because both Loki and WandaVision were excellent, most of the time. WandaVision fumbled the bag at the goal and Loki was just all over the place in term of tone but generally good the whole way through. It also had the benefit of being THE entry that moved the overall Phase needle forward with them solid f*cking Variant shenanigans. She-Hulk, by comparison, felt like filler. Entertaining filler but filler, nonetheless. I know that seems like I'm rather apathetic toward the show but, truthfully? I had a pretty good time with it. There are some great aspects about this show. Not enough to distract from some atrocious writing, but enough for me to want to binge it all over again.

Obviously the best episode of this show was the one with Daredevil. Feige had blue-balled us enough and we got some solid Matt Murdock action that felt earnest, respectful of his brilliant Netflix adventures (which are technically canon because of the multiverse so good job, Sylvie!), and really introduced the character with aplomb. I Loved the Yellow/Red suit and the fact that Matt was still very much Matt, thanks to Charlie Cox just breathing that character. I absolutely adored the chemistry he had with Tatiana Maslany (who is the very best thing about this show, even when it’s trudging through the mire of mediocrity) and i genuinely hope we get more of that in the future. Other stuff i enjoyed were the many, many, Easter eggs and D-list villains that sprinkled throughout this ridiculous farce of a show. Sh*t should have been called She-Hulk: Eater Egg Vehicle because these callbacks were a plenty. Obviously, i loved Wongers and his new bestie, Madisynn. Blonksy was a surprise, genuinely thought this change to his character was brilliant. Kind of hoped they would have went farther with it but i can see the potential. And that’s where the disconnect is with me; This should never really capitalized on that ridiculous potential.

The execution of this show was VERY bad. Like, some of the worst I've seen in the entirety of the MCU.  I would verge to say it WAS the e worst, but Thor: The Dark World exists. That steaming pile throws the curve but i digress. The writing in She-Hulk does not even come close to what this show wants to explore. It’s all superficial virtue signaling and that sucks because the messages this show wanted to champion, are very real. The reasoning behind Jen CAN control her rage much better than Bruce, makes sense to me. She’s never shown to be “better”  her cousin, just different. Jen is shown to be strong, sure, but nowhere near as powerful as the Hulk. She is, however, far more agile and quick on her feet, just like in the comic. I loved the commentary about Intelligencia and the trolls and all that sh*t because it is very relevant in this age of revenge porn, incel rage, and anonymous doxxing. This stuff makes sense and it’s wildly intriguing, specially framed around the strongest female hero in the MCU’s pantheon. Like, individually, all of this stuff works. Jen struggling to come to terms with being She-Hulk. The existential crisis of people wanted the giant green mommy and not scrawny, human, Jen. Her struggle to find love in a world of seemingly endless inferior men. I get that. I’d watch that. I did watch that. I just wish it was better and this sentiment can be attribution to all of the MCU TV outings.

I love the idea of long form storytelling for the MCU. I would love to see an hours long character study of Dr. Doom, interwoven with political intrigue or follow a Shana the She-devil serial as she survives in the goddamn Savage Land. But the Frank Cho one, with the secret Nazi Super-Soldier cloning origin. That sh*t was dope. The problem is that Feige hasn’t cracked this nut just yet. Similar to how She-Hulk was solid on paper but poor in execution, the MCU hasn’t figured out how to actually make compelling TV yet. It’s there, i can see it with stuff like Falcon and Bucky or Moon Knight but it’s not quite ready to BE MCU, you know what i mean? Like, this is Phase Four and, in a lot of ways, it feels as clumsy as Phase One, which makes sense. The Infinity saga was eleven years of coherent, canonical, storytelling but it ended with Endgame. What we have now is another start to, hopefully, a decade’s long journey culminating in  something just as exceptional but it has to start somewhere. And it’s starting just like the entire MCU did: Stumbling out the gate. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law was fun. It’s not great but it’s nowhere near as bad as certain, very vocal branches of the fandom, would want you to believe. You can have a great time if you go in with the understanding this ain’t Phase Three Marvel. It’s closer to Phase One and a half. But that can be said about all of the other shows, too so, you know, pick your poison i guess?

[tytach]

As a big fan of the Daredevil from the netflix show, one thing I'm really concerned about his return in the MCU is that we lose what made him such an interesting character. Marvel has had a tendency to go more light-hearted recently, which doesn't align with the Daredevil we've been introduced to. So I watched the latest episode of She-Hulk, and here's my thoughts on Matt's return.

She-Hulk spoilers below the cut.

First of all, I understand that She-Hulk has been a really light-hearted and carefree show so far. So it's obvious to me that DD being introduced in that context will have an impact on his characterization, and I'll adapt my commentary based on that. As desapointing as it is, I am not expecting a Matt as profound and tortured as the one from season 3. Here are the notes I took alongside the episode.

Fight between Jen and Matt: fun! And we can see that Matt is having fun too. We know he has a tendency to put himself in danger, near suicidal sometimes, so fighting a Hulk would defintely give him his adrenaline spike of the month and I can believe he would enjoy it. He might be a bit too open about it though. I have a big issue with how good he looks at fighting. As in, the movements are too fluid, it’s obvious they’re CG. He’s too graceful. I would expect that kind of moves from Spidey, not a DD who doesn’t have heightened agility. The original show was more gruff, the stunts were made by real people and there was more weight to the moves, and to me it’s a loss that we don’t have that here. The fight was still fun to watch though. Bonus point for Matt being disorientated after a blow to his hearing.

Matt’s suit: I’m divided on it. It’s a nod to the very first suit from the comics and I appreciate that. I really do. However, in the previous show it’s been established Matt is aiming to create fear in his ennemies. We had that with the first black suit, then the full red devil suit. Yellow and red though, I find that less fear inducing, so it’s a bit of a loss on the character in my opinion.

Matt being flirty: Matt and beautiful women. It’s been established he’s a charmer. This def gets a pass (even though I’m team Karen).

Matt being corny: that one itches me in the wrong spot. I find that out of character in most instances. "He’s lying. Don’t ask me how I know, I just know smirks". Why would he say that in court except to match the light hearted tone of the show and tell us, the viewers, "yes, that guy has powers too", which is not aligned with the DD we know? I don't mind a joke here and there, but corniness only gets a pass when he's flirting. Not in serious situations.

Also I’m not too sure about Matt being so lenient about his secret identity and his senses. Even if Jen is also an attorney and a super-hero. Matt is a vigilante. If his identity gets leaked, it's not only him that will be sentenced to prison, but most likely Karen and Foggy too (assuming they exist in this reality and know about Matt's nighttime activites.)

THE USE OF DAREDEVIL’S THEME KSOEUHIEUHPIUTH I know you’re trying to get me in the feels, Marvel, and it’s working.

Where’s his gruff Daredevil voice though

Corridor fight: ok, now we have DD. Even if that corridor fight wasn't a corridor fight(TM). Love that the batons are back. Still can’t explain how DD could knock that guy out with his baton without even being the room though.

Overall I had a good time watching the episode. Matt's characterization was a bit lacking, but it was to be expected seeing the context he's reintroduced into. It was nice to see him a bit more light-hearted than we're used to though. However I would have really appreciated it even more if his Daredevil personna stuck closer to what we know. Yes Daredevil is broody and very garded. I don't mind that he looses that façade once Jen knows his identity, but at the beginning it would have been nicer to see the Daredevil we know (as well as later on in the final fight against the goons). I'm still worried about how much of the netflix show will be canon in the upcoming retconned show. And, ngl, I'm still worried we won't get back what made Daredevil such an amazing and unique series; even though I've kind of grieved season four by now. Rest in peace, amazing storyline gone too soon. I hope your descendents will honor your memory and stay true to your essence (even though I don't really believe it'll happen anymore.)

[othelle]

IT IS FINALLY DONE. Many thanks to Miri, @daresplaining, @hornheadonmain, @artbymintcookies, and @tofuthebold for all of their hard work on making the Mike Zine happen! This is my submission, and after months of screaming over it I am finally able to share it with you all. I highly recommend getting the zine (it’s free!) if you want to see the other gorgeous art in there by some very talented Mike fans, as well as an incredible fic by none other than Daresplaining themself (plus other bonus content).

[Image ID: 7 full body images of either Matt or Mike Murdock, each showing a different frame of a walk cycle such that the full image looks like a time lapse of him walking. Each frame is wearing a different outfit. The first outfit is Mike’s first outfit from the comic, with his white fedora, yellow waistcoat, and blue pants. The second outfit is another Mike outfit, this time his green tartan suit with white fedora. The next outfit is Daredevil’s yellow suit. The fourth outfit is Mike’s orange and yellow striped blazer from the comic with black pants. The fifth outfit is the red public identity suit from the comics. The sixth outfit is the classic “I’m Not Daredevil” jumper from the comic, plus fake devil horns. The seventh outfit is Mike standing still, slightly separated from the other frames. He is wearing his trucker cap and button-up from when he was made real by Reader. End ID.]

[daresplaining]

Should we see a fusion of normal Daredevil and the public domain Death-Defying Daredevil? And why is it yes? :P

    Yes! Well, maybe. I’m not sure I would want a fusion, necessarily, but I would love a team-up! 

    I realize that some people might not be familiar with “the OG” Daredevil and the Golden Age, and I haven’t discussed them yet on this blog, so here’s a little history: 

    Daredevil debuted in Silver Streak #6 (Lev Gleason Publications) in 1940, as part of the Golden Age of superheroes kicked off by the success of Action Comics (Superman) in the late 30s. This Daredevil was an orphaned, mute (for a little while, anyway) circus acrobat named Bart Hill, who wielded a boomerang and fought the bad guys in a spiffy red-and-blue costume and spiky belt. 

[ID: A comic illustration showing Golden Age Daredevil standing poised to throw a boomerang. He is wearing a head-to-toe spandex suit split down the middle (red on the left and blue on the right), little red-and-blue superhero undies (blue on the left and red on the right), and a yellow spiked belt. There are two WWII-era soldiers on either side of him, firing guns, and a big American flag in the background.]

    The comic was hugely successful. Alongside his thrilling swashbuckling, Bart did all of the typical World War II-era superhero things, like punching Hitler and fighting racist Japanese caricatures. However, the end of the war brought with it a severe drop in readership across the whole genre. Suddenly, people were no longer interested in reading about superheroes, and many comics publishers went under, taking their characters with them-- including, sadly, Lev Gleason Publications and Daredevil. This slump marked the end of the Golden Age. 

    Two of the surviving companies were Detective Comics (DC) and Timely/Marvel, which continued to make money with other genres of comics-- romances, horror anthologies, westerns, etc. But then, in the early 50s, the clever people at DC had an idea. They would try and revive the superhero genre-- not with new characters, but by salvaging code names and concepts from defunct Golden Age comics and reinventing them. They tried this first with the Flash, transforming chemist Jay Garrick, who got his powers in a lab accident involving hard water, into forensic scientist Barry Allen, who got his powers in a lab accident involving a shelf of chemicals and some well-placed lightning. And it worked! The new Flash debuted in 1956 and took off (...as it were). And so they did it again, repurposing lost Golden Age heroes like Green Lantern, Blue Beetle, and the Atom into newer, shinier forms and selling them with great success to an audience that was once more becoming receptive to superheroes. 

    Timely/Marvel didn’t revive their own superhero success until a few years later, but they did it almost exclusively with their own characters. The debut of the Fantastic Four in 1961 was a rousing success, and then Spider-Man appeared the next year and changed everything. Superhero comics were popular again, and the creative minds at Marvel went into overdrive to pump out more issues and new characters to feed the fans. As I said, most of the characters were their own creations, but a few key exceptions were Ghost Rider, the infamously lawsuit-plagued Captain Marvel and, first of all, our guy Daredevil, who was snapped up out of public domain obscurity and salvaged for parts. Matt Murdock bears almost no resemblance to his Golden Age predecessor, but he certainly wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for Lev Gleason's Daredevil. 

    There’s one more detail to mention, and it’s relevant to my answer: 

[ID: The cover of The Flash #123. In the foreground, a man is cringing as a steel girder falls toward him. The image is split down the middle by a brick wall. On the left side of the wall, the Silver Age Flash is running forward toward the man, and on the right side, the Golden Age Flash is doing the same. The man is saying “Flash! Help me!” and both Flashes are saying “I’m coming!” A red caption box in the bottom left corner reads, in yellow lettering: “Featuring ‘Flash of Two Worlds!’ A spectacular story that is sure to become a classic!”]

    DC could have just taken their fancy new Silver Age heroes and moved forward from there, but they didn’t. In the groundbreaking story “Flash of Two Worlds” (The Flash #123), Silver Age Flash Barry Allen meets Jay Garrick, the Golden Age Flash, and rescues him from the parallel dimension in which he has been trapped. With this story, Jay was integrated in his full original form into the new DC superhero universe, and soon the same was done with all of the other Golden Age heroes, bringing them back alongside their younger, hipper counterparts. This process was not only a wonderful way of preserving those original characters, but it also created the DC Universe’s rich tradition of superhero legacies, which has continued to this day. 

    Marvel did not do the same with Bart Hill, and I think that’s a huge shame-- not necessarily because I want a Daredevil legacy (I am very attached to Matt’s origin story as it is), but because it would've been fun to have his character kicking around the Marvel Universe. Fortunately, he is still around-- as mentioned, he has been re-dubbed the Death-Defying 'Devil and has appeared in comics from both Image and Dynamite Entertainment. But he and Matt have never teamed up, and I really think they should. I would read the hell out of a “Daredevil of Two Worlds” story. 

[pastafossa]

“It’s... Really Yellow?” (Matt Murdock x f!Reader, Fanfic)

Ok so in honor of ALLLLLL the good Charlie news today and us getting a little more of him in the red and yellow suit in the trailers, I’ve decided to finally pull this little drabble out of my folders and finish it since I’ve gotten some requests about what The Red Thread!Reader’s reaction would be to Matt’s new suit. You do NOT have to have read TRT to get this, it’s just a nice bonus (and for those who DO read it, just know this is set *waves* in their future).

Ship: Matt Murdock x F!Reader

Rating: Mildly NSFW at best. There’s some suggestive stuff, lots of innuendo, but no sex or anything.

Summary: Foggy needs you to help him convince Matt that red and reflective yellow are ridiculous colors to wear as a stealthy Devil. Unfortunately for Foggy, Matt knows exactly how to convince you otherwise.

Wordcount: 2,942

Warnings: innuendo, language, Matt turning the Devil voice on you, bad use of puns, Matt’s ability to look good in literally anything

“Look at me,” Foggy said fiercely, pointing at your eyes and then his. “You can’t forget what we talked about when he shows up. Ok?”

You scoffed where you’d leaned up against the humming a.c. unit, relaxing on the rooftop as you both waited. At least it was the rooftop of your and Matt’s building. There were far less things to worry about up here. “Of course I’m not going to forget. That’s ridiculous.”

“Good. Because it’s—I don’t know how you missed it last night—”

“I told you. I was asleep when he came in, and he had to leave early this morning for that case.” You rolled one shoulder in a shrug. “I knew he was going to pick up the new suit last night, and I tried to stay up but passed out on the couch. Woke up in bed when he kissed me bye before work. I figured he could just show me tonight when he was done with his patrol.”

“Yeah, see, that’s my point,” he said quickly, absently shaking out one foot. He was probably trying to keep himself awake. It wasn’t often you both tried to stay up for the moment Matt came back from his circuit around the Kitchen. There had to be at least one person who kept normal human hours. “It should have woken you up. You wanna know why? Because it’s—”

“It’s yellow, I know. You’ve said.”

“Yellow!” Foggy thundered, flinging his hands up towards the sky in an apparent show of outrage. “Yellow and red, ketchup and mustard! How is this stealthy unless you’re disguised as a hot dog? He’s-he’s reflective! This is anti-stealth, and he already gets into too much shit when he is stealthy! He should have woken you up like a yellow disco ball or a mustard torch!”

“What even is a mustard torch?” you mused.

“A mustard torch is what he is now,” Foggy groaned, reaching up to scrub at his face. “It’s absolutely ridiculous. ‘Why not black?’ I asked. Do you know what he said? He just blinked at me like he was shocked and said, ‘but I’ve already done black twice, Foggy.’ That’s what he said!”

“I mean… he has, though, so...”

“Listen to me.” Foggy tapped his temple, trying to psych you up. “No getting distracted. He’ll try it. He’ll use every trick he has on you. You’ve seen him in court. And you are our only tiebreaker. Karen’s staying out of it, Jess just mocks every suit he wears, and Spider-kid is too innocent to bring into this. You need to hold the line. You’re the only one who can talk some sense into him about the hot dog colors. I need reconfirmation you’re with me on this. We need to be a united front.”

And granted, you hadn’t actually seen the suit yet since Matt had only gotten it last night and despite your best efforts, you’d unfortunately fallen asleep  before he’d gotten back. But from what Foggy had said, it did sound… a little silly. It was red and yellow—and not just yellow, but apparently a reflective, gleaming yellow. Matt wasn’t exactly the best judge of color, obviously, but surely even he’d realize that painting himself like a reflective road marker would make the whole sneaky devil thing a whole lot more difficult. This was smug. It was cocky. It was…

Alright, so maybe it was just like him, but still. That was what you were here for. You’d be able to tell him he’d gone a little over the line again.

“Trust me,” you told Foggy firmly, nodding your head. You even widened your stance and crossed your arms, determined to stand strong. “I’m on your side.”

“Thank you! We can teamwork this, ok? So he comes, you see it, you point out the obvious, we get him a can of spray paint or something. Literally, any other color as long as it’s dark. I’d take fucking dark blue at this point, I’d take grey, anything but that ridiculous—”

The sudden burst of warmth inside your chest was the only warning you had before you felt the rush of a breeze overhead.

Years ago you might have ducked, but you’d gotten used to it by now, and instead, you barely blinked as Matt’s acrobatic leap carried him over you. The second he'd passed you, he twisted in the air, the movement transitioning into a smooth roll as he hit the ground. The rise to his feet was just as smooth, just as clean, the finish progressing in one fluid motion as he spun to face you before standing still to await your judgement.

“Theatrics!” Foggy barked, poking Matt’s arm. “That’s cheating, and you know it.”

“She needs to get the full effect,” Matt said defensively as Foggy poked him again, and…

Oh, you thought, your eyes sweeping down.

It had been a while since you’d seen him in anything like his first Devil suit, but you remembered fondly the way all that tough leather and strange fabric had drawn your attention to his broad shoulders, the powerful thickness of his thighs, and the endless breadth of his chest. This new suit looked much like the last in shape and in form despite a few obvious and less obvious changes—and if anyone besides Matt would know, it’d be you, since you’d stripped him out of that old suit often enough. And goddamn if you weren’t being reminded once again that Matt Murdock was always a five-course meal no matter what he chose to wear.

Your five-course meal.

“You are literally the color of a highlighter, that’s the only effect she… hey. Hey! Look at me!”

You darted your eyes guiltily back over to Foggy, breathing a little more quickly. “Yup, looking at you. I am focused.”

“The yellow!” he said quickly, jabbing urgently at Matt’s mask. “Remember what we talked about. Ok? Stay strong.”

Matt hummed. “Have you been tampering with the witness, Foggy?”

“It’s called preparing the witness. I’m not about to let you pull your Devil mind tricks on her.”

Right.

The yellow.

You could look at him and think about just the yellow.

Matt fixed his attention once more on you when he sensed your gaze return. And ok, so the mask was different. The dark, opaque eye lenses of the mask seemed an almost liquid-black in the low light, endless pools of shadow that saw right through you, saw into you beneath skin and bone, fathomless eyes made all the more startling when set within the gleaming, burnished gold of the full helmet. Because it was gold, not yellow, but gold: rich, rough as if weather-beaten, and luxuriously, dangerously warm, and yes, maybe also abso-fucking-lutely reflective, it was true. It would draw attention, maybe too much. But it… it wasn’t as bad as you’d thought, was it? Somehow, it still managed to look dangerous, like something belonging to a wild, untamed thing that you just wanted so foolishly to touch—

No, no, you needed to focus.

Matt parted his lips the slightest bit, drawing the air in across his tongue on a slow inhale. He swallowed, once, as if savoring the taste. And then…

The corner of his mouth tilted up in a smirk.

“Stop it with the sniffing and tasting thing,” Foggy snapped. “Seriously, she’s not gonna fall for that.”

Matt let his head gradually tilt, his chin tucking down. You knew that look. It was the look of a predator, the motion confident and dripping with intent, with knowledge of what was around him. It was how he hunted, how he hunted you, and your heart skipped a beat on instinct, a reaction far beyond your control. He opened his mouth bit by bit, drawing your attention to his full lips, to the curl of his tongue as he shaped the word.

“Don’t you dare, Murdock!” Foggy bellowed.

“Sweetheart,” Matt purred, his smooth voice nothing but warm smoke and a low, throaty hunger.

“Shit,” you groaned as your knees went weak, your body flooding with heat. It was that voice, damn him: that rasping Devil voice you always swore you could feel drag along your skin like a physical thing, like torn strands of silk, like the burning brush of his mouth and the heat of a flame. When combined with that familiar silhouette and the smooth motions of his body, there was little hope of resisting. “Shit, shit, shit.”

“The color!” Foggy shouted, throwing his hand in front of Matt’s face as if it would break the spell Matt had cast on you just now, cast on you months ago, years ago. “It’s fucking yellow! Focus, woman!”

“I, um… it is… yellow.” You swallowed hard as Matt dragged his tongue across his lips, trailing his fingers smoothly along the billy clubs at his hip. In fact, the rhythm his fingertips took up looked more than familiar enough to have certain parts of your body clenching. “It’s… it is… yellow, and that might be… attention-grabbing. Which is… not a good thing.”

“I think she needs to see the back,” Matt said abruptly.

“Don’t even think about it!” Foggy thundered. “I’ll throw you off this goddamn roof, I don't give a shit about your training!”

“Sweetheart,” Matt crooned. “Would you like to see the back?”

“She would not!”

Fuck.

“...Yes,” you whispered because the only thing as good as Matt’s front was his back, and you’d never seen his ass look like anything less than a five-star masterpiece that belonged in art museums across the world. “Yes, Jesus, let me see.”

“No-ooo,” Foggy moaned, dropping his face into his hands in defeat as Matt pointedly began his gradual spin, showing off his outline with a smug grin. “Jesus, woman. You’re selling your soul for an ass?”

“But it’s his ass,” you mumbled because it was. Matt had the best goddamn ass you’d seen in your life, and that glorious roundness was now cradled deliciously in tight red leather. And maybe Foggy was right. The yellow pattern along the side of Matt’s thighs was a little obvious, but it also brought out just how much muscle was packed on those thighs of his.

You needed him to get over here.

“Does no one see how obvious the yellow is? Am I the only person—”

“D, come here and let me touch your ass,” you whispered.

“I’m absolutely shocked at how scandalous this trial has become.” Matt shook his head as he finished his spin, doing his best to sound at least mildly dismayed, his mouth the mouth of a poor chaste soul who had definitely not fucked you on a church rooftop last month. “And how would your husband feel about that? I see that ring.”

“You two are literally the worst. You cannot be flirting over the ketchup-and-mustard suit. You cannot.”

“Can and am. As for how my husband would feel, he’s given me a free pass for the Devil since Daredevil saves the city on a regular basis,” you said breathlessly as you fixated on the breadth of Matt’s chest. Yeah, you could get used to the yellow. It was a lot but he’d find a way to make it work. “He’s known about my crush on the Devil for ages. So come over here and let me grope the evidence before I rule in your favor.”

Matt let out a playful growl and ran at you, catching you around the waist and throwing you up over his shoulder with ease as you shrieked before bursting into laughter. Matt quickly spun, slapping you once on the ass and making you squirm as he grinned at Foggy and you pointedly began to run your hands curiously over the suit. “Sorry, counselor,” Matt sighed. “Sounds like the verdict’s been rendered in my favor. Better luck next time.”

“You only won because you cheated!” Foggy groaned as Matt sauntered backwards towards the rooftop door. Hopefully Foggy thought that stumble was because Matt had misstepped, and not because you had, in fact, begun to grope hungrily at Matt’s ass. He couldn’t blame you. It was right there. “This was not a fair trial, and I object!”

“Objection denied. No cheating needed,” Matt snorted. “You should have known better than to put my wife on the stand.”

“I’m a weak woman when it comes to my husband’s ass and chest, especially when paired with the Devil head tilt,” you agreed. “I have not hidden this. I acknowledge my flaws.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t know you were this weak,” Foggy scoffed, crossing his arms.

Matt spun, slapping your ass again as you shrugged at Foggy, somewhat difficult considering you were still lazily draped over Matt’s shoulder, but you did your best. It wasn’t like you minded, after all. You had a great view of Matt’s ass from here. “Sorry, Foggy. I’ll make it up to you, but I gotta side with D on this one. I rule in favor of these ass-ets.”

“Oh,” Matt sighed, as Foggy made a retching sound. “Now I’ll really have to punish you, because that was a crime.”

“How many more years will I get if I slap your ass right now as an additional crime?”

“A lifetime sentence, Mrs. Murdock. I’d advise you to think very carefully before acting.”

You pretended to think about it for all of about point-five seconds. “Done.”

Smack!

His chest rumbled against your legs as a heated shudder rolled up his body beneath you, a motion easy to track with you draped over his shoulder, with your gaze fixed firmly on the line of him. And you’d gotten him good. The texture was a little different than the last Devil suit, but you still got a nice, loud sound of it, even if nothing would compare to bare, unobstructed skin.

He tilted his head very, very carefully, his lips brushing against your side. “You’re going to pay for that one when I get you inside, sweetheart,” he murmured, so quietly you knew it was just for you.

You were counting on it.

Foggy rolled his eyes as Matt wrenched open the rooftop door, and you threw Foggy a salute. “Despite my utter betrayal, I want you to know I love you, can’t wait to see that movie tomorrow. Use the other door on your way out, we’ll be locking this one.”

“Mustard-lover!” he threw at you, as you dropped your head to blatantly watch Matt’s ass again, the door shutting behind you both.

The second you were inside, Matt set you down carefully. Then he turned and stepped into you, herding you back with the broad line of his body. You gave in happily, ceding ground as he prowled forward until your back hit the wall, a shiver of anticipation running through you.

This never got old.

Your breath caught when he dipped his head, tilting it as he listened to the sound of your body, his tongue darting against his lips as he tasted you on the air, and you swallowed down an eager moan. He swayed in closer then, tempting you, inching closer until his mouth hovered over yours. Only then did his arms rise so he could brace his hands on either side of you, caging you in. Just like that, you were trapped, the Devil looming over you in heated shades of red and gold, rich lust and glorious indulgence. “Mm, now, sweetheart, I have one very important question before we start.”

Fuck, there was that voice again, nice and low. You couldn’t resist reaching out to touch him again, sliding your hands boldly up from his waist to fan out across his chest. “Uh huh?”

“Suit on,” he purred, his lips feathering against yours with each sinful world, “or suit off?”

“Suit definitely on,” you hummed, sliding your arms around him to drag your nails down the line of his back. “Someone’s gotta break it in, right?”

He threw you a feral grin, then, the low huff of his laugh rolling rich across your skin. “Did I ever tell you I love you?”

“Every day, D. Every beautiful day.”

-x-

“Ok, but is it… how yellow is it, really?”

“I mean, you’re not mustard-colored like Foggy says. More gold. But let’s just say if you polish that helmet too much, you might cause a car accident. That shit is really reflective now that I think about it.”

“Hm. I may have to change that in the future.”

[a-kitten-with-claws-archived]

𝙲𝙷𝙰𝚁𝙰𝙲𝚃𝙴𝚁    𝙰𝙴𝚂𝚃𝙷𝙴𝚃𝙸𝙲𝚂

COLOUR.       ——       red.brown.    orange.   yellow. green.    blue.   purple.  pink.  black.white. teal.  silver.    gold.   grey. lilac.  metallic. matte.  royal blue.strawberry red.charcoal grey. forest green.   apple red.  navy blue.  crimson.cream.    mint green.   magenta.  pastels.  bubblegum pink.   blood red.    ivory.

ELEMENTAL.      ——        fire. ice.  water.   air.  earth. rain.   snow. wind. moon.    stars. sun.   heat.   cold.  steam.   frost.   lightning.    thunder. sunlight.   moonlight. dawn.    dusk. twilight.   midnight. sunrise.    sunset.  dewdrops.   clouds.   light.  dark. shadow.

BODY.       ——       claws.   long fingers.    fangs.   teeth. wings.    tails.  lips. bare feet. freckles. bruises.  canine.    scars.   scratches.  ears.    wounds.    burns.    spikes.   feathers.    webs. eyes.  hands.  sweat. tears. feline.    chubby.   curvy.     short. tall.     normal height.   muscular. slender. trained. piercings.tattoos.   strong.   shape shifting.    svelte.  long hair.       short hair.   dark circles.   big.   small.   prosthetic.    experimented.    cyborg.   halos.    horns.    wolfish.

WEAPONRY.        ——      fists. sword.  dagger.    spear.    scythe.    bow & arrow.    hammer.    shield.   poison.   guns.axes.    throwing axes.    whips.   knives.    throwing knives.   pepper sprays.    tasers.   machine guns.    slingshots.    katanas.    maces.    staffs.    wands.   powers.    magical items.    magic. rocks.   power loader.   flamethrower.  metal rod.    shotguns.   needles.

MATERIAL.        ——       gold.    silver.    platinum.  titanium.    diamonds.    pearls.    rubies.sapphires.    emeralds.    amethyst. metal. iron.  rust.   steel.   wood.   porcelain.   paper.   wool.  fur. lace.leather. copper.   silk.    velvet. denim.    linen.   cotton.  charcoal.   clay. stone. asphalt. brick.   marble.   dust. glitter.   blood.   dirt.    mud.    smoke.    ash. shadow. carbonate.    rubber.   synthetics.    yarn.    slime.    ivory.

NATURE.       ——       grass.    leaves.   trees.   bark.    roses. daisies.    tulips.    holly.   lavender.   lilies.   petals.    thorns.     sunflowers.    seeds.    hay.    sand.   rocks.snow. ice.roots.   flowers.   ocean.   river.    lake.   meadow.forest.    desert.    tundra.    savanna.    rain forest.    swamp.    caves.    underwater.    coral reef.    beach.    waves.   space.stars.  clouds.mountains.    fungi.  cliffs.   sunlight.

ANIMALS.       ——       lions.    wolves.   black panther.    eagles.  owls.    falcons.    hawks.   swans.   snakes.  turtles.     ducks. bugs.    roaches.    spiders. birds.   whales.   dolphins.  fish.sharks.    horses. cats. dogs.  bunnies.  praying mantis.   crows.   ravens.    misc.   lizards.   frogs.    bears.    werewolves.    unicorns.    pegasus.    dinosaurs.    dragons.   felines.  foxes.     centaurs.

FOOD & DRINK.      ——     sugar. salt. water. candy.    bubblegum.    wine.  champagne.hard liquor.      beer.  coffee.    tea.  spices.    herbs.     apple.    orange.    lemon.   cherry.   strawberry.   watermelon.  vegetables.  fruits. meat.   fish.    pies.   desserts.    chocolate.    cream.    caramel.    berries.    nuts.cinnamon.  burgers.   burritos.    pizza.    vanilla.    cookies.

HOBBIES.       ——    music.   art.  piercing.    watercolours.  gardening.   knitting.    smithing.    sculpting.  painting.  sketching.    fighting.    fencing.    riding.    writing.   composing.  cooking.  sewing.   training.  dancing.     acting.    singing.  martial arts.   self - defense. electronics.   technology.    cameras.   video cameras.    video games.    computer.   phone. movies.    theater.   libraries.  books. magazines.   poetry. philosophy.  cds.    records.  vinyls.  cassettes. piano. violin.    cello.    guitar.    electronic guitar.    bass guitar.    harmonica.    synthesizers.    harp.    woodwinds.    brass.    trumpet.    flute.    drums.   bells. playing cards.    poker chips.chess.  dice.    motorcycle riding.    eating.   climbing.    tree climbing.    running.   vivisection.

STYLE.       ——       lingerie. armor.    cape.    dress.  robes.   suit. tunic.    vest.    shirt.  boots.heels.   legging.   trousers.  jeans. skirt.  shorts.  jewelry.    earrings.   necklace.   bracelet.   ring.    pendants.hat.   goggles.   crown. circlet.    helmet.   scarf.  neck tie.   brocade.   cloaks. corsets.    doublet.   chest plate.    gorget.    bracers.  belt.    pauldrons.    sash.   coat.   jacket.   hood.   gloves.socks.    masks.    cowls.    braces.   watches.   glasses. sunglasses. visor.    eye contacts.   makeup.    pantyhose.    stockings.    thigh highs.   eye patch.    collar.

MISC.       ——        balloons.    bubbles.   cityscape.  landscape.  light.dark. candles.war.   peace. money. power. percussion.    clocks.  photos.mirror.   pets.    diary.   fairy lights.   madness.   sanity.   sadness.happiness.optimism.pessimism.realism.  loneliness. anger. family. friends.assistants.    co-workers.   enemies. lovers.loyalty. smoking.  alcohol.   drugs.kindness.   love.    embracing.

tagged by: @skyler-bane​ (thanks chick!)​

tagging: @breathingliife, @hyperverbalbillionaire, @ericbrandonrp, @consultingsister, @blue-eyed-devils and anyone else that wants to x,

[ladymaigrey]

From what I understand, it is commonly recognised that the arrival of Frank Miller as the artist and, later, the writer of the Daredevil comics, saved the series from a slow death and created the storylines without which the Netflix show would not have existed (or would not have been as compelling). However, just before Miller’s arrival, there was a short run of comics by Jim Shooter/Gil Kane (##146 – 151), which were then taken over by McKenzie as the writer (##152 – 157, with Miller joining him at #158). These comics were already sold bi-monthly (due to the falling sales of the series), and this whole pre-Miller run tends to get overlooked as an unimportant prelude to Daredevil’s proper heyday. Even Marvel.com doesn’t carry it digitally (except #146; EDIT as of Jan 2020, they do). Yet there are so many amazing “firsts” in this handful of comics, which are such obvious harbingers of Matt Murdock’s future.

During these 11 issues, we see the first cover art depicting an actively-bleeding Daredevil (from a gun-shot wound inflicted by Bullseye; issue 146). His total lack of self-preservation, suicidal stubbornness and rage even terrifies Bullseye, to the extent that he gives up a winning fight out of sheer belief that Daredevil is truly insane. This is something that, until then, was really a hallmark of the villains of the series, but which, later, became a key personality characteristic of the “Devil of Hell’s Kitchen”.

As a direct result of that confrontation - his injuries, and his lack of attention to details - Matt goes through one of the biggest failures of his life as Daredevil. His mistaken evidence incarcerates an innocent man, who then commits suicide in prison, while the real villain of the story-ark (Killgrave) escapes. We then see Matt lose his girlfriend, Foggy’s friendship, and his faith in himself, until the final confrontation with Killgrave, which has Matt make the first semi-conscious decision to allow a criminal to die out of revenge, rather than prevent the death and force the villain to face justice.

Ben Urich gets introduced during this run.

Becky Blake gets hired by Nelson and Murdock’s “Storefront” law firm, where her interview, with a sore and concussed Matt, becomes a wonderful rant against ableism.

And, for the first time, in #156, Matt’s alter ego is portrayed as a personification of his darker impulses, rather than as a pure hero. Until then, even when Matt had renounced his Daredevil side as something that is ruinous to his life and friendships, its moral incongruity was not examined. In this issue, while delirious in a hospital, Matt dreams about fighting Daredevil, who is dressed in the first-incarnation “yellow” suit and is armed with knuckledusters (highlighting the underhanded sinister advantage of that side of his identity). The “Yellow” Daredevil taunts Matt with the knowledge that he is the force of destruction and death, which has been stalking Matt all his life, while another version of Matt (as his lawyer-self) cowers away and tells him that he can’t win. The only part of Matt’s life and personality, that seems to be in his corner during this identity crisis (or identity revelation), is the memory of his father - Battlin’ Jack Murdock – who begs him to never give up.

Matt doesn’t give up. That part of him proves to be the strongest of all. Yet, this dream/hallucination is the clearest representation (up to this point in the comic’s timeline) of the contradictory - and destructive - forces that constantly battle within Matt’s psyche and drive him to the extremes of decisions and actions.

This is a theme that was explored by many writers that came since (including Miller himself). It is the conflict that is central to Charlie Cox’s Matt Murdock. And, from what I can tell, it started here, on these nearly-forgotten pages.

[ID: DD in the original yellow costume, but with a red-eyed mask confronts Matt Murdock, who is in his red costume. They are in a boxing ring. Battlin’ Jack Murdock is in Matt’s corner, encouraging him. Another representation of Matt, in his lawyer’s suit with a cane, stands aside and warns the real Matt that he cannot possibly win.]

‘Yellow’ DD: Daredevil! Of course, you blind fool! Who did you expect? I am the one foe who knows your every thought, your every move! And I am the one foe you can never defeat.

Matt: No!

[ID: they fight and the ‘Yellow’ DD, who has knuckledusters, seems to easily get the upper hand]

‘Yellow’ DD: Give up, Murdock! Make it easy on yourself! Do you hear me, Murdock? Give up I say! Life just isn’t worth all this pain – all this suffering!

Matt: No! Never!

[ID: ‘Yellow’ DD turns into an image of Death]

‘Yellow’ DD/Death: I need disguise myself no liner, Matthew Murdock. You are mine, even as your father - and, before him, your mother – were mine! But then everyone is mine, sooner or later. Everyone belongs to …

[ID: Matt, in hospital, whimpers, “Death! N-no—NO! I… It isn’t time … yet…”]

Battlin’ Jack Murdock: … Time! There’s still time, son! Time to get up – to fight! You haven’t been counted out yet! Matt! Please! You promised me! You promised me you’d live!

Matt: Yes…I… I did! … And I will! I will! I will!

[ID: Matt beats up Death and eventually comes out of coma in the hospital.]

[daredevilhub]

Matt Murdock in Devil’s Reign #5

[ID: Four comic edits of Matt Murdock in his Daredevil suit.

1: Matt is facing forward with a neutral expression. The background is dark red.

2: Matt is leaping in the air, yelling. He has both of his batons in his hands. The background is yellow.

3: Matt is crouching and looking towards someone off-screen. He is holding his arm out towards them. The background is yellow.

4: Matt is jumping in the air, slightly bent over. The background is dark red. End ID.]

[goalcaufield]

pink - spencer knight

requested: yes! // I need something to cheer me up so imagine lowkey dating spence buy you guys haven’t told your families yet (his mom knows somethings up though, the boy is clearly smitten). when he asks if you can come to the draft its obvs but she lets you think she’s convinced by the “just friends” story. But then later, after everything, you find time alone and you congratulate spencer on everything and you guys are kissing in some dark hallway only to be broken apart by his mom going “so just friends?”

words: 1916 but it feels like so much more jesus

“Are you ready?” You ask, poking your head out of the bathroom while you put your earrings on. Spencer stood in front of the mirror in the bedroom fixing his tie. You had to leave for Rogers Arena in about twenty minutes, so it was time to start wrapping everything up and start heading for the draft.

“Yeah, yeah, I think so,” Spencer says, and he turns to face you. His jaw immediately falls slack as his eyes rake up and down your body, taking in your attire for the night before they finally settle on your eyes. “Do you know how hard it’s gonna be for me to keep my hands to myself tonight?”

You can feel your cheeks flush, and you bite your lip to prevent a smile from breaking out on your face. You turn back into the bathroom so Spencer can’t see the lock on your face. “Contain yourself, Knight,” You tease, knowing you hadn’t told anyone about your relationship yet. You reach for the light pink lipstick Spencer adores on you and you apply it. He walks into the bathroom, his suit jacket on completing his outfit, and he stands behind you. “Can I help you?”

“You look beautiful, that’s all,” He smiles placing his hands on your hips, his eyes meeting yours in the mirror. You place the lipstick back down on the bathroom countertop and lean back into Spencer’s chest.

“To be fair, it’ll be hard for me to keep my hands to myself too,” You say and reach your hand up to cup his cheek before leaning up to press your lips to the underside of his jaw. Spencer breaths out a sigh of content. “I’m proud of you, Spence,” You murmur, and Spencer turns you around in his arms. He goes to lean down and kiss you, but his phone begins to ring causing him to draw away.

“It’s my mom,” He grumbles and answers the phone. You take this as your opportunity to go and get your shoes on; a pair of silver heels that go with your navy dress perfectly. They also gave you a few inches more, which was perfect with Spence being as tall as he is.

“You ready, gorgeous? Mom wants to head out now, they’re all in the lobby,” Spencer says walking into your bedroom. After insisting you two had to share a room - being “best friends” and all - Lilly insisted there at least be two beds in the room. Didn’t mean you had to use both, though.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” You give him a reassuring smile, grabbing both of his hands when he’s standing right in front of you. “What about you, goalie boy? You ready to find out what city is lucky enough to snag you?”

Spencer smiles widely. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” He echoes back to you, and he leans down to finally press his lips to yours. “I’m just glad I’ll have you by my side through it all.”

“Trust me, love, I’m not going anywhere,” Your thumb runs over his knuckles and you give him one last smile before releasing your hold on his hands. “Okay, let’s go before your family gets more suspicious than they already are.”

When you get to Rogers Arena there are people everywhere: boys your age talking amongst one another, professional looking men hurrying through the concourse, and families taking photos and conversing before having to head to their seats. Everything then begins to hit you right then and there. Spencer was finally getting drafted. Tonight was the night you two had waited two years for and it was finally here.

“Y/N, do you wanna sit with my parents, Hannah and Claire or do you wanna come with me to see the boys?” Spencer asks, and he doesn’t have to flat out ask you; you can see it in his eyes he’s begging for you to come with him.

“Yeah, sure,” You say, and you can see the soft little smirk Lilly is sending you that causes your cheeks to turn pink.

“Take care of her, Spencer, don’t let anything happen to her,” Lilly points at her eldest sternly, and Spencer smiles the million dollar smile that could melt any girl’s heart. Yours obviously included.

“Never let that happen,” He’s turned to look at you, but you’re facing straight forward, your eyes locked with Lilly’s. You’re biting your lip to prevent the smile, but that only eggs Spencer on as he scans over your blushing face. Part of him is wondering what he did to get the beautiful girl standing next to him - his best friend - and the other doesn’t want to question it at all and just accepts it gratefully. “Okay, let’s go,” Spencer’s hand on your back finally snaps you out of it, and the two of you are walking towards god knows where.

You end up meeting up with pretty much all the boys projected to go in the first round: Alex, Trevor, Cole, Bobby, Matt, and of course Jack. When the time finally comes, you wish all the boys good luck, and you’re heading towards where your seats for the night would be. With your hand clutched in Spencer’s, you can tell the nerves are really starting to get to him.

“Spence,” You say softly, and he glances over at you. “Love, I promise everything will be okay. You’ve proven yourself to the best of your ability and any team that passes up on you is so incredibly stupid it isn’t even funny. You’ve got this, love, and the team that drafts you has got the best one there is.”

You’ve stopped walking now. You’re standing in the middle of the concourse, Spencer’s face cupped in your hands forcing his blue eyes to look down into yours. His hands are squeezing your hips which finally settles the shakiness of his hands. “Have I ever told you how much I love you?”

Those three words still make your heart race. “Maybe once or twice,” You tease and lean up to press a kiss to his lips.

Back at your seats you’re sat the farthest away from Spencer on the other side of Hannah. Lilly and Chris are sat on either side of their son, which was expected. You weren’t thinking you’d be sitting next to him anyway; this was for his family, not you.

Finally, the draft goes underway. You’re sneaking glances at Spencer every now and then, mouthing ‘I love yous’, anything that could potentially calm his nerves.

Jack, like expected, goes first overall, and soon it seems like the teams have begun to realize how special the development program boys are, and they’re slowly getting picked off one by one. Jack goes to the Devils, Alex to the Kings, Trevor to the Ducks, Matthew to the Wild, Cam to the Flyers, and that’s when Florida finally takes the stage. Literally.

And that’s when it finally comes. “From the United States development program: Spencer Knight.” It’s like slow motion. You can barely even hear the words coming from the GM’s mouth, but along with all of the other Knights you rise at the sound of Spencer’s name.

Slowly, but surely, Spencer hugs his parents, then both his sisters, and then you. “I am so proud of you, Spencer Knight,” You whisper into his ear as you rest your head on his shoulder. His arms around you tighten around your waist.

“I love you,” He says quickly before he’s releasing you from his hold and whisked away down to the floor. Tears well up in your eyes watching your best friend and boyfriend finally live out his dream.

“Are you okay?” Lilly asks you, and you laugh quietly at yourself for the pathetic moment.

“Yeah, I just can’t believe it finally happened,” You laugh. “The past two years we’ve been waiting for this moment knowing it would come eventually, and now that it did, I have no words. It doesn’t feel real.”

You wipe away the tears that are falling from your eyes as Spencer crosses the stage, shaking hands with each member of the Florida Panthers management. He then finally gets back to center stage and slips the red and yellow sweater over his head, completing the look with the baseball cap.

Hannah grabs your hand. You know it’ll be tough for her big brother being gone all the time now, and you give her hand a reassuring squeeze. And then he’s gone, and going through post-draft protocol.

A few minutes pass, and you’re finally able to head backstage to see Spencer. It’s hard though; watching him get his photos taken in the new jersey and not the team USA or Boston College. Watching him do interviews knowing this is officially his team, and Sunrise, Florida will soon be his home. It’s all too bittersweet.

Finally, though, you’re all in the lounge room for families and their draftee son. Spencer hugs his family again, and then finally gets to you. This hug lasts so much more longer than the one back in the seats, his arms around you so much tighter as you rock back and forth.

“I’m so, so proud of you,” You whisper, squeezing your eyes shut to prevent yourself from crying again.

“You and me against the world, got that?” He asks, pulling back to look at your face. His thumbs wipe at the few tears that have made their way down your cheeks.

“Got it,” You smile to the best of your ability, your hands resting on top of his.

You end up with Jack, Alex, and Cole talking with them and Spencer about what the future brings. Jack hopes to make the Devils straight out of development camp, Cole wants to go to Wisconsin, Alex is gonna strive to make the Kings roster, and Spencer still wants to attend Boston College in the fall. That was your plan, after all. When the conversations start to die out is when Spencer grabs your hand as is tugging you out to the hallway.

“Spencer, what’re you-“ You begin to ask, but he’s quick to cut you off as he presses his lips to yours to shut you up.

“I’ve been waiting so long to do that,” He pulls away briefly to say, but his lips are right back on yours.

Your hands lock around the back of his neck, your fingers toying at the little hairs sticking out of the back of his hat. His hands are resting on your lower back, his lips moving harshly against yours.

And then you hear someone clear their throat.

Startled, you pull away from Spencer, and of course Lilly is standing right there, a smirk on her face. “So, ‘just friends?’” She asks, her arms crossing over her chest.

“Surprise?” Spencer chuckles, and Lilly can only give you two a smile.

“I had a feeling,” She teases, and you can’t help but smile at the boy towering over you. “But make sure you wipe that lipstick off, Spencer.”

You look at his lips, and sure enough your pink lipstick has transferred all over is own lips. You giggle and start to wipe at it.

“Don’t be out here for two long, okay?” Lilly sighs and the two of you nod. She heads back into the lounge, and Spencer waits until the door closes behind his mother to speak.

“Absolutely no promises,” He whispers before leaning back down to kiss you again.

[thestorytellerofkpop]

The Steps in Finding Love; Patience

Title: The Steps in Finding Love; Patience 

Word Count: 7.2k+

Rating: T with eventual M

Genre: Realistic fiction, slice of life, drama, fluff with eventual smut

Warnings: Smoking, Established member x member relationship, angst that heals, bad made up makeup names and references, mentions of bad past relationships, a supportive yet sassy maknae line. This is part two of a four part series.

Pairings: Female Reader x BTS members, Jimin x Jungkook (Jikook)

Summary: “Mama said the next step was always the worse for the women in our family, and that step, was patience.”

1, 2, 3 (coming August 9th)

Tonight was the night. Tonight was the launch of the Cake palette you and your team worked tirelessly for, for months. You worked through the pain of your breakup until you passed out from exhaustion, filling the painful and broken void of your heart with the struggles and stress of work. You worked yourself to the bone up until tonight, making sure everything was in place for the party and informing security that Kim Seokjin was removed from the guest list and shouldn’t be allowed entry under any circumstances. Eventually Taehyung’s words started to make sense to you: you felt enlightened now that you’ve experienced a real heartbreak. The amount of tears that you cried grew less and less with each passing hour and day of work until you couldn’t come up with a logical reason to cry anymore. And the pain? Well, most of it was gone. But then again, no one ever really gets over the pain of their first real heartbreak, do they? Now here you were with your three friends in Jimin’s and Jungkook’s apartment, getting ready for the night of celebration.

“Babe, you need to chill.” Taehyung pursed his lips at you, bopping the eyeshadow brush he held against your nose. “I’m gonna ruin your makeup if you keep shaking like that.”

“Sorry Tae,” you said absentmindedly, playing with the hem of your bright turquoise dress. “I’m just nervous.”

“About the party or about you-know-who?” Jungkook asked from across the room, carefully applying Jimin’s eyeliner. He smiled and clicked his tongue when he was done, holding up a mirror to show Jimin his work.

“Beautiful as always Kookie.” Jimin smiled, straightening out his husband’s tie before moving to sit next to you. 

He held your hand, and the warm gesture made you relax enough to allow Taehyung to finish applying your bright white eyeshadow, the shade you dubbed ‘Bavarian Cream’.

“Y/N. It’s been three months honey. If Seokjin was going to try something he would’ve done it by now.” Jimin tried to calm your nerves.

“Yeah, I’m surprised he didn’t pull our distributor out from under us.” Jungkook chuckled, touching up his smoky eye look.

“Seokjin may be a jerk, but he isn’t as low as to destroy our business. He believed in us, believed in me.” you felt tears well-up in your eyes from the fond recollection and before they could fall Jimin and Taehyung were on you in an instant.

“Nuh-uh babe, no tears tonight. This is a happy night! And if you cry you’re gonna ruin your look.” Taehyung fussed, placing a tissue under your eyes to catch the stray tears.

“Oh honey. You’re too good for that asshole. I know you loved him, but you’re so much better than he is.” Jimin kissed your knuckles in reassurance. “Prove that bitch wrong, Y/N. When he sees pictures of tonight’s launch he’s going to be wishing he never cheated on you.” you laughed at Jimin’s exuberance, nodding your head at him. 

“You’re a motherfucking woman, you don’t need an ass like Kim Seokjin to make you happy! He’s not worth your tears or your time. He’s just a scrub compared to you; a self-made, independent business woman who don’t need no man.” Jimin snapped his fingers at you, making a new wave of giggles expel from your lips. 

“You’re right Jiminie. I’m gonna prove him wrong.” you spoke with a newfound confidence the boys haven’t heard you have since the breakup, and they all smiled at each other. 

“That’s my girl.” Jimin squeezed you hand in determination. “Now, let Tae finish you up so we can leave and celebrate!” Jimin cheered, allowing his husband to place a kiss on his colored lips. You smiled at the boys, turning back to Taehyung with confidence in your eyes.

“Make me look like a bad bitch, Tae.” he giggled at your words, giving you a boxy grin.

“That’s what I’ve been trying to do girl!”

You chuckled as Taehyung finished up your eyes, and you made funny faces at him when he put on your highlighter and blush (”Only the best of the V line for you, my dear”). You looked at each of your boys and pride swelled in your chest at how far you all have come. They all looked radiant.

Jungkook was the simplest of the group; his brown hair was quaffed and his foundation was basic, but his eyes were dark and smoky with underlying sins and promises, and his suit was form fitting with a black tie to match. Jimin was pristine. His eyes were in the deep matte purple of the famous ‘Mixed Berry’ color from Cake, his eyeliner was a rich blue that came from his own collection and his mouth held a nude lip color that he was touching up from the kiss he shared. He wore all white, drawing more attention to his eyes and freshly bleached-blonde hair. And Taehyung? He was absolutely gorgeous. His eyes reflected that of a sunset: the reds, oranges, and yellows from all your palettes blended in to create a cacophony of color that matched beautifully with his red hair. His full bodysuit was red as well, and even though it was a women’s cut, Taehyung’s curves and ass filled it out perfectly. His custom made six-inch heels from Gucci were drool-worthy, made with red velvet material so that he “Could walk the red carpet all the time”. His lips were thick and blood red from Jungkook’s Devil line, and you prayed for Taehyung’s boys for when he returns home that night, because god damn if you didn’t jump your friend, you knew his boys would.

“And…there! The most beautiful one of us all, is complete.” Taehyung flourished, turning you around to meet the gaze of Jimin and Jungkook. 

Your eyes were white with glitter and a sparkling liner to boot, shining wonderfully against your bright turquoise dress. The dress was low cut, revealing the skin of your chest and thighs in the most seductive way. Your lashes were long and luscious and your cheeks glowed under the lights of the apartment. Your lips looked divine, the tint of pink Taehyung applied made your lips look natural, yet enticing to the eye. And when you stood and toed on your sparkling Betsey Johnson heels, you suddenly became as tall as Taehyung, spinning around to give the boys a complete 360 view. Jimin ‘ooo’ed and Jungkook whistled low in his throat.

“If I wasn’t gay I would be all over you Y/N.” Jimin said in awe, gently running his fingers over your cheek. “Taehyung, you did an astonishing job. Your technique is superb with the winged shapes.”

As Taehyung giggled and thanked the eldest of the group you felt a pair of arms wrap around your waist, and you knew it was Jungkook when he chuckled behind you, his hands splaying around your hips.

“Well, I’m not completely gay, so I have every right to hang off of my incredibly gorgeous friend.” You saw Jimin purse his lips at the man behind you and Jungkook whined softly. “Oh c’mon Jiminie, can’t we whisk her off into bliss for one night? They always say that two is better than one.” he teased. You rolled your eyes and removed yourself from his hold.

“I already told you Kookie, I’m not indulging you in your threesome fantasy.” you laughed as he pouted, crossing his arms like a child would.

“But why not?” he whined. Jimin sighed and linked his arm with Jungkook’s, a coy smile playing on his face.

“Because she doesn’t want to Kookie. You’ll just have to deal with me, your loving husband.” Jimin teased, pressing numerous kisses into Jungkook’s pouty cheeks.

“Children,” Taehyung sighed fondly, linking your arm with his. “Now c’mon, or we’re going to be late for our own event!” Taehyung guided you out the door and you couldn’t help but giggle at Jungkook who whined behind you, 

“Oh, so he can hang off Y/N but I can’t?! Totally unfair.”

~*~

“What kind of sick game is he trying to play!?” you yelled in frustration, causing numerous heads to turn towards you. Jungkook chuckled nervously at your outlandish display, guiding you towards the empty bar and away from the public eye.

“Get her a drink, anything, please.” Jungkook turned towards the bartender as you groaned in frustration.

The launch had been going smoothly. Everyone adored the palette, the media attention was great, and you and your boys were having a blast. But right in the middle of it all, when you were talking to the executives of Jancôme, your phone went off. Normally you would ignore notifications during events like this, especially one you worked so hard for, but it was Seokjin. It was Seokjin and you couldn’t help but excuse yourself from the conversation to peer at the Tweet he posted. Jungkook followed in confusion, asking you why you left so abruptly when you exploded, leaving him to guide you to where you were now.

“I can’t believe the nerve of this guy,” you huffed as the bartender brought you a glass of wine. You quickly chugged it down and asked for another before turning on Jungkook. “Look at this!” you slid your phone to him.

The main part of the Tweet was a picture of the four of you in front of the Cake palette display, right next to the actual cupcake display that the owners of your favorite cake ship in Seoul catered for the event. You all were smiling as the owners of the cake shop held cupcakes in their hands, the four of you holding the palettes like you didn’t have a care in the world.

“‘I’m so proud of @BeauVCosmetics for releasing their new #CakePalette, it looks good enough to eat! Almost as good looking as @y/n_l/n007 does in that beautiful dress, own it BeauV Team!’“ you read out loud to Jungkook, shaking your head in disbelief.

“Who does he think he’s fooling, trying to play it off as if we’re friends I mean c’mon! He’s just trying to get a share of the limelight we’ve taken from him and his Bloodlust line.” you shook your head, gripping your second glass of wine hard enough that your knuckles turned white. Jungkook chuckled nervously beside you, awkwardly patting your shoulder in some semblance of comfort. 

“Maybe he really is just trying to be supportive? I mean you said earlier that he believed in us and our business?” Jungkook tried to reason with you. You huffed, standing and grabbing your wine.

“I need some air.” and with that you left him, ignoring Jungkook’s calls of your name and to wait.

You took the elevator up three floors to the rooftop lounge, and once you were out in the open air you allowed yourself to scream in frustration, running a hand through your styled hair as you kicked off your heels. You took a deep breath, looking up at the open sky as you tried to calm the rising anger you felt. But no matter how many times you took deep breaths and counted the stars, you still felt angry. The rooftop was pretty, with lounge chairs and low lighted lanterns in the planter boxes of flowers and small shrubs, but your eyes traveled to the hot tub in the back corner. You marched over to the edge of the hot tub, sticking your feet in the searing water with a shiver as you took a sip of wine.

“I’d give that scream a solid eight.”

You jumped at the sound of another voice, placing your hand over your heart when you realized you weren’t alone. There was a man standing a good couple of feet away from you, leaning against the railing of the roof, and with the low lighting and nighttime sky around you, you couldn’t make out any of his features. How had you not noticed him before?

“You gave me a fright. I’m so sorry for screaming.” you chuckled, splashing the water around you with your right foot. 

“It sounded like you needed it.” he admitted, moving closer towards you as the low lighting began to illuminate his features. 

The man was good looking, extremely so. He wasn’t the traditional kind of handsome like Seokjin was, but he had is own unique charm about him. His cat-like eyes were piercing and when laced with the light, you could clearly read the nonchalant attitude they held. His lips curled up to his left cheek in a half-sided smirk as he sauntered towards you, plopping himself down next to you on the edge of the hot tub with his back facing the water. He tilted his head in your direction, clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth.

“Penny for your thoughts?” he offered, his gaze never leaving yours.

“It’s silly, really.” you admitted, staring into your glass of wine as if it was the most interesting thing in the world. You heard him chuckle next to you.

“Do you mind?” he asked, his long fingers wrapped around a pack of smokes. He raised his brows as you looked at the package, gently taking his lower lip between his teeth as he waited for your response.

“Go ahead,” you said. You watched as he put one between his lips, flicking the old zippo lighter he had until the tip of the cig burned bright amber. He puffed out a breath of smoke and looked up at the sky, his eyes wandering over the light of the stars.

“Whenever you want to talk, I’m ready to listen,” he smirked, bringing his attention back on you. “And I know you want to. I can see it behind the hesitation in your eyes.”

Your mouth fell in a gape when you turned to look at him. The man didn’t seem to care though, puffing at his cigarette in content as he looked back up at the sky. You pursed your lips as you mulled over your thoughts, idly kicking at the water. You had already embarrassed yourself in front of this man when you screamed, why not indulge him even further?

“It’s my ex.” you started and the man next to you snorted.

“It always is,” he said through a stream of smoke.

“He cheated on me with some random chick and we broke it off on bad terms. He hurt me and broke my heart when I was in a growing phase in my life and I’m just now getting over him. But then he tries to act like we’re close on social media, complementing me and my team like he cares about us or some shit. It’s fucking pathetic.” the man hummed softly, tapping his foot as he pondered his next words.

“Seems to me like you really cared about him.” you could tell this stranger chose his words carefully and you sighed in defeat, downing the rest of the wine in your glass for liquid courage so you could tell him the truth.

“I did. He believed in me, believed in us, before we were large. He was the one that got us our connections, our distributors, without him our business would be nothing. Without him, I wouldn’t know what pain truly felt like.” you admitted softly, blinking away your tears before the stranger could see you break. Silence greeted you for a few moments, and all you could focus on was the man’s puffs and the bubbling from the hot tub.

“Seems like you’re at an internal war with yourself. On one hand, you thank him for your success, but on the other hand he hurt you beyond the point of repair. You’re not really angry at him for putting on a façade for social media. Are you?” he questioned.

“No,” you sighed. “I’m not mad about that, not really.”

“You’re upset because you feel like he’s playing you, right? Using you for his advantage and knowing he’s over you even though you’re not over him.” the stranger sighed, dragging the nub of his cig across the titles of the hot tub to put it out.

“How do you know all this?” you couldn’t help but ask. The stranger laughed through his nose, looking over at you with a sad smile as the corners of his eyes turned up.

“Because I’ve been there before.” he simply said, chuckling as he pushed himself off the hot tub. “But you know what princess? Things get better. You live, you learn, and you heal eventually. Patience is but a virtue and you have to have a lot of it to heal a broken heart completely.” he held his hand out to you, helping you out of the hot tub with a surprising gentleness. He didn’t let go of your hand as he walked you to your shoes, bending down to pick them up and hand them to you.

“These aren’t my style, but y’know what they say. Every princess needs the perfect pair of shoes. Whether they are heels or Converse, it doesn’t really matter,” he knelt down, taking your foot in his hand as he slid on one shoe, than another. He stood up, grabbing your hands as a smirk laced through his lips when he saw that you towered over him. “As long as they have the perfect fit.”

This man’s words were disarming; you never met someone who spoke as eloquently as he did. And his smile was something else, reserved but open at the same time. He intrigued you in the best of ways and you wanted nothing more than to just sit and talk with him for hours.

“Who are you?”

The man opened his mouth to speak but before he could, the elevator dinged open and out rushed Taehyung, his heels clicking against the ground. You both turned to look at him and when he saw you two his eyes widened, his lips falling open in a soft gasp. You followed his eyes to where yours and the strangers hands were linked, quickly dropping them down to your sides.

“Y/N.” Taehyung broke the silence, moving towards you in swift steps. “We were worried sick. Jungkook came running up to us, saying you stormed off and we couldn’t find you anywhere-”

“Taehyung,” the stranger cut him off. “Y/N’s fine, she’s been up here with me. She just needed to vent for a little bit, isn’t that right?” the stranger playfully nudged your side

“Wait, wait, hold up. You two know each other?” you asked Taehyung, your eyes darting between the two men.

“Y/N, this is Yoongi-hyung, my plus one.”

“Taehyung invited me because he said I needed social interaction,” Yoongi smirked, looking up at his lavish friend. “And much to all our shock I did in fact engage in conversation, even though it wasn’t in the setting you expected, huh Tae?”

“I’ll admit I am surprised hyung. I’m proud of you.” Taehyung smiled, patting his friend on the back. “But c’mon back downstairs you two, the party is still alive and well and people are still dying to chat with you Y/N.” Taehyung grabbed yours and Yoongi’s hands, dragging you into the elevator much to both of your dismays. 

“So how did you two…?” your thought trailed off, wondering how two contrasting men ever came to be friends.

“Meet?” Yoongi chuckled. “At an art gallery in Daegu. Taehyung found me and he was utterly enamored.”

“Hyung,” Taehyung whined. “Don’t say it so lamely. When I heard Yoongi’s music, I knew that we had to be friends. I couldn’t just let raw talent like that walk away from me!”

“I made the music for the event,” Yoongi explained, noticing your confused look. The elevator opened back out into the party and Yoongi clapped his hands together.

“As much as I enjoyed this, I really should be on my way to the other guests. I enjoyed myself tonight Y/N, hopefully we’ll meet again.” he left you and Tae with a parting smile and a flick of his wrist, escaping into the throngs of people. You chuckled, stepping off the elevator with Taehyung, shaking your head.

“Oh, I know that look.” Taehyung frowned, his eyes squinting at the expression he saw in your face. 

“Don’t worry about it Tae.”

Taehyung sighed when you went back out into the crowd, shaking his head in disbelief before immersing himself into the talk of makeup and brand deals.

~*~

Yoongi idly walked through the art exhibition, cigarette between his fingers as he examined the pieces with mild interest. The art gallery was in an outside hotel plaza, fairy lights adorned the trees as Yoongi’s jazz compositions flew through the open air, embracing the guests in the warm comfort that only pianos and saxophones could bring. He hummed along softly to the wordless music as he wandered, coming to stop at a piece depicting an alien world in some nameless galaxy. He chuckled, his eyes never wavering from the painting as he shook his head.

“Y/N?” he called, “Come out from hiding, I know you’re there.”

You cursed under your breath, coming out of the shadows to stand next to Yoongi.

“How’d you know I was here?”

“I guess you could call it a seventh sense,” he told you, sending you a half-sided smirk as he took a drag. “How’d you know I’d be here?”

“Taehyung told me you would. He said you always compose for Art Walk.”

“For good reason. They fund local artists, showcase their work to potential clients. It’s a good organization and event.” Yoongi deliberated, flicking some ash away into the open air. You both stood there in silence for a few minutes, staring at the painting before Yoongi flicked his spent cigarette to the ground, crushing it beneath his foot for good measure.

“Come walk with me.” he told you, turning to stroll through the rest of the gallery. You followed him, idly looking at the various displays with little interest.

“So, why’re you here?” Yoongi asked.

“Can’t I just be here to support local artists?” you defended, making the man next to you chuckle.

“I would���ve believed that if you weren’t hiding behind those trees.”

“Okay, fine, I just really wanted to talk with you again.” you admitted with blush on your cheeks.

“Y’know, most people would just call and ask for a date right?” Yoongi smirked when he saw you sputter, his eyes growing soft when your blush grew.

“W-Who said I wanted to go on a date with you?! Maybe I just wanted to see you in a merely platonic way.” you stuttered. Yoongi hummed, looking at you with a small smile on his face.

“Right.”

You two continued walking through the plaza, thanking god you chose to wear flats to this event instead of heels. Without the added height from your shoes, you were almost level with Yoongi, give or take a couple of inches that his dress shoes gave him. He looked handsome under the soft glow of the lights, his dark hair shining and his all black attire made him look mysterious and provocative. Sure it was just black jeans, a button-up, and a leather jacket, but he made the simple clothing look great. He had in silver earrings, noting that he didn’t have them in at your launch. Could he have been insecure about them enough to take them out as to not make the wrong impression in front of potential clients? You knew Jimin and Jungkook did the same thing (Taehyung, honestly, couldn’t give two fucks about it and kept his earrings in always) but you would’ve thought Yoongi wouldn’t care about trivial things like that. 

“Have you been to the music plaza yet?” Yoongi asked you suddenly, making you jump slightly at the sound of his voice.

“No, I haven’t.” you admitted.

“Would you like to?” he asked, holding his hand out to you. You glanced between his face and his hand for a few seconds too long before Yoongi rolled his eyes. “Fine, don’t hold my hand then.” he teased, dropping his hand back to his side as he walked away. 

You scurried after him, hearing his soft chuckle when you laced your fingers with his. His hand was calloused, but smooth and oh so warm as his long fingers loosely gripped your own. Yoongi began to swing your hands lightly as he guided you out of the art gallery and down the block towards where the bands were playing. He squeezed your hand gently, looking over at you expectantly.

“So, what’re you in the mood for?”

“Hmm,” you pondered your next move carefully. You didn’t know what kind of music Yoongi liked, all you knew was that he made soft jazz. And THAT didn’t help much considering the fact you couldn’t hear any brass elements in the air that made up jazz. 

“Can we wander? Stop at something we both like?” you suggested. Yoongi gave you a nod, before taking you along the avenues of music. Everyone was good, and everyone was talented. Different genres rang through your ears the more you walked and nothing really caught your attention, until you made it down the end of the street. You gripped Yoongi’s hand a little tighter, making him stop in his stroll.

“I didn’t take you as a soft rock fan.” Yoongi chuckled, guiding you closer towards the stage. There were four or five couples slow dancing to the sounds of electric guitar and pounding drums, the tempo slow and steady. The singer’s raspy voice made your heart pound in anticipation as you looked at Yoongi. Would he allow you to slow dance with him and savor the music? Yoongi hummed along to the melody, gently letting go of your hand. You almost whined in protest.

“Now don’t pout,” Yoongi smirked, his eyes light and full of mischief. “Otherwise I may take back my thoughts of asking you for a dance.”

Yoongi’s smirked turned into a full smile when you blushed, taking a step closer to him. Yoongi’s hands guided your arms to drape around his neck, his own wrapping loosely around your waist as he led you in a slow shuffle. You both swayed to music as you turned in slow circles. You noticed Yoongi’s eyes never left your face, even as yours shifted focus from him, to the band, and down to your feet, his eyes were steady like the music. 

“What’re you staring at?” you couldn’t help but ask.

“You,” Yoongi’s voice was soft and endearing, and his bluntness made you part your lips in shock. “Aren’t you supposed to look at your partner when you dance?” Yoongi countered back snidely. You had no comeback for that, so instead you just laid your head down onto Yoongi’s shoulder as you moved.

“So, how’s the business?”

“Going strong, we’re taking a break before we start coming up with more products. We want the Cake hype to die down then wait a couple months before trying to come up with new products.” you spoke softly and Yoongi pulled you closer, whether it was to just hear you better or create more contact you didn’t know, but you liked it.

“And the ex drama?” Yoongi asked. You scoffed, shaking your head into the leather of his jacket.

“Over it. It was silly and he hasn’t done anything since.”

“That’s good to hear. You’re too strong to be hung up over an idiot like that.”

Yoongi’s words made you smile, and you finished the slow dance in silence, clapping and leaving a tip for the band as they packed up their equipment. Yoongi walked you back to your car, making you laugh and making you smile, making you intrigued to want to know more. To know more about him, what he does, what his passions were. You knew you made the right choice when you asked for his number, because the smile he gave you was one like no other as he punched it into your phone. You knew Yoongi was something else, because the only other smile you’ve seen that radiant was from Taehyung, and you wanted to make it appear over and over again.

~*~

Days turned into weeks, and the time you spent with Yoongi increased with each day that passed you by. The more you both talked, the more you both laughed, the more you realized you had some sort of feelings for the man. You didn’t know if it was love, but whatever it was, it was there, and it was growing, and it was so much better than anything you felt with Kim Seokjin. Seokjin was seductive and Seokjin was society’s standard of perfect. But Yoongi? Yoongi was provocative, not in the way he acted, but the way he spoke. His words never failed to make you breathless as your mind pondered over his thoughts. Yoongi was ragged around the edges, but he was beautiful in the way he spoke, the way he acted, in the way his eyes would flicker with sparks when speaking passionately and in the way he really smiled, a thing you’ve seen more as time went on.

And his music was just like him. You couldn’t remember how many times Yoongi asked you to listen to his music, new and old alike to get your opinion. You didn’t realize the extent of his passion and work, originally thinking all he did was instrumental pieces. Oh, was that far from the truth. He rapped, his way with words making memorable compositions that you begged him to let you download for your personal use. He also produced music for others; some fellow rappers and some singers. The variety of music though, is what surprised you the most. Whether it was classical or jazz  or rock or rap, Yoongi always added his own flair of life into the music with hip hop undertones and beats you could always count out when listening to the song. 

That’s what you were doing tonight. And as you sat on his bed, waiting for him to start the song, you noticed the hesitation in his eyes.

“You alright Yoongi?” he sighed at the sound of your voice, turning to look at you with a solemn expression, as if he was about to confess his sins to you.

“I want to listen to this song with earbuds this time.” he said, laying down on his side of the bed as he plugged the buds into his phone. This was unusual for him, he always played his songs from his laptop with the speakers on his desk.

“Is there any reason why?” you probed.

“This song…is very dear to me,” he explained. “I wrote it when I was in a very dark place, when my ex broke up with me. I’ve never shared it with anyone before, besides the woman that sings it for me. But I want you to hear it. Because I trust you, Y/N.” he confessed.

“Yoongi-”

“I’m sure I want to do this.” Yoongi stole the words right out of your mouth, the corners of his lips turning upwards at your shock. “You’ve been asking why I act the way I do and speak the way I speak. Well, this explains it all. So come, lay with me.” he patted the open space with one hand, the other offering you the other earbud.

You sighed and laid yourself down next to Yoongi on his bed and allowed the music to consume your entire focus. The bass reminded you of a heartbeat as the vocalist sang behind it; her voice powerful and strong. Soft electronic undertones and piano joined the composition, and your ears felt light as the lyrics dug deep into your heart and rooted themselves in with no intention of coming out. You listened carefully to Yoongi’s words and the emotion he had laced into them. Your eyes welled with tears as the song went on and you tried to blink them away, but Yoongi reached out for your hand, meeting your gaze in dim light of his room. His eyes were dark and stormy and matched the lyrics of the songs perfectly. He shook his head, and with that you allowed the tears to roll freely down your cheeks, squeezing his hand back as the song ended. You both laid together in silence, holding each other’s hands as if they were your lifelines to the real world. 

“You were really hurt.” you stated softly, looking into Yoongi’s soulless eyes. He hummed in acknowledgement, tentatively brushing his fingers along your cheek.

“I was,” he whispered. “I still am sometimes, but it’s okay. I guess that’s why I act and speak the way I do now. I don’t want to be personable nor do I want to be relatable. Reading people comes easy now after that experience, and I keep my distance to keep from hurting again. But it’s okay.”

“Yoongi,” you sat up, pulling Yoongi with you as you took the earbud out of your ear. “I care about you a lot. More than I probably should for knowing you only for a few months. But I really like you. I like you so, so much and I don’t want you to live with the memories of that hurt anymore.” your sudden confession was met with silence at first, but then, Yoongi laughed, removing his own earbud.

“Are you sure?”

“Well, yeah I’m sure.” you chuckled nervously, running a hand through your hair as you blushed. You weren’t planning on sharing your growing feelings with Yoongi, but it was out there, and you couldn’t take it back now. Yoongi didn’t say anything for a minute. He just stared at your fingers that were laced with his. With a sigh, he let go of your hand and you felt your blood run cold.

“I can’t.” he said, shaking his head at you. “I’m sorry.”

“But aren’t you tired Yoongi? Aren’t you tired of living in an inescapable trap of pain?” 

“Of course I am-”

“Then why can’t we heal each other and stop hurting?” you asked. “I want to move on completely, and I want to be happy again, and I want to do it with you. I know it’s hard, living with that hollow feeling pain brings you. But pain doesn’t last forever, I should know, but-”

“I can’t because you don’t love me.” Yoongi said simply, finally turning his head to look at you. “Not really.”

“You don’t know how I feel Yoongi.” he just chuckled, pulling out a smoke and lighting it up.

“You’re right. I don’t know how you feel Y/N. But I do know what love is. And what you have isn’t it.” he paused, contemplating his next words.

“Love isn’t that easy to come about,” Yoongi explained with a sigh of smoke, standing from the bed to languidly pace around the room. 

“We aren’t in a John Green novel or a 90′s rom com. Love is insatiable. Love in the real world isn’t like the Disney fantasies that’ve perpetuated everyone into believing that you can fall in love in a short period of time. Love is-” Yoongi stopped his movement, turning to look into your eyes from across the room. His lips pulled up into a half-smile as the cigarette hung between his teeth.

“Love is raw. Love grows with time, and patience. You can’t just jump into love. You have to earn it, respect it, and let it grow.” Yoongi moved towards you, his gait slow and each step he took felt like minutes were passing by. Finally, he stood in front of you, your head level with his chest. You looked up at him, the white of your eyes growing red with tears. Yoongi blew out a puff of smoke, extinguishing the half used cig with the tips of his fingers and shoving it in his pocket. He gently cupped your cheeks with his hands, tilting his head as his eyes roamed your face. Yoongi sighed out a laugh, gently biting his lower lip as he shook his head.

“Y’know, I told myself I was never going to fall in love again. And that plan was working just fine until I met you. What I feel isn’t true love, not yet anyways. But it’s enough to know I can’t deny my feelings for you.” his thumbs rubbed your cheeks as he spoke, his gaze never wavering.

“But you, princess, are surely mistaken. You don’t love me. You love the idea of me. The idea of a happy ending after the pain you’ve just been through. An easy way out. Hmm?” Yoongi wiped at the tears that fell down your cheeks, mascara caking onto his thumbs. He gently shushed you, guiding your head to lay against his chest as you hugged him around his middle. Yoongi began to hum, gently rocking you as you cried. 

You cried because he was right. You cried because you were mistaking friendship for love; and everything became clearer once Yoongi said those words. Because what you felt, felt like how you did with Taehyung, only intensified from the newness of the experience. All the blushing, all the nerves and racing heartbeats, came because you had only done those things with past lovers, and with Taehyung. And the idea of Yoongi being in the same realm as Taehyung never crossed your mind, only the thoughts of a potential lover did, spurred on from impatience of finding some semblance of love again to rid yourself of the lingering pain in your heart. Even though Yoongi was more reserved than Taehyung was, both men had that flirty edge to them, and both loved contact. Maybe you had really undermined them and their personalities; they were more alike than you thought. Once you realized this you just cried harder, for not only leading Yoongi on, but for being so stupid as to mistake what you felt for romantic love. Were you really that desperate?

“I’m sorry.” you gasped into his chest.

“It’s okay Y/N. Just let it out.” he coaxed, placing a kiss into your hair. 

“You’re right. You’re always right about how I feel. I’m such a fool.” you sniffled, peering back to look up at Yoongi’s blank face.

“You’re not foolish to want something, Y/N. It’s not foolish to want love, not at all. But that love won’t be with me. Princess, you’re beautiful. Smart. Insightful. You’ll find your Prince Charming eventually. I promise you that. You just need time, that’s all.” he smiled down at you sadly.

“I’m willing to wait.” you tried to give the man a feeling of hope, but he just chuckled.

“I’ll believe you if you can come back to me and say those same words of confession in a year.” he smiled. “I’ve been patient all these years, what’s a couple more added on? I don’t think I’m going to hurt very much anymore, now that I know you.”

“I’m sorry Yoongi. But I do like you, platonically that is, can we still be-”

“Don’t.” Yoongi cut you off, shaking his head slightly. “Don’t say the ‘f’ word yet, because once you say it, everything’s going to change for me.”

“Yoongi…”

“Can I do something? Can I do something before we shift into being just friends? So I don’t regret anything.” Yoongi’s words were ominous, but you nodded anyways. He stared at you with a newfound determination at your approval, his eyes searching yours intently. 

“What’re you waiting for?” you whispered.

“I want to remember every detail of this, so I don’t forget.”

Yoongi nodded once before leaning down to place a kiss on your lips. His lips were firm and warm, the taste of smoke filling your senses as your lips moved against each other. His movements were languid and slow and you wrapped your arms around his neck to relish in the feeling of being kissed again. You felt fingers tug at your hair, angling your face up to give Yoongi better access to your mouth as his tongue gently parted your lips, meeting your tongue with calculated strokes.  There was no rush to the kiss, nor was there any urgency behind it; the two of you were content in just savoring the feeling of warmth spreading through your veins. To savor the feeling of being held with such love and care, of feeling protected and safe within the grasp of another. 

You parted from Yoongi’s lips with a soft gasp, your noses bumping together as you caught your breath. You could’ve sat there and kissed Yoongi for hours, you didn’t want the feelings to end. Yoongi chuckled low in his throat, leaving a peck against your lips.

“Thank you,” he whispered. “That was amazing, and more than I could’ve ever hoped for.”

“Of course,” you whispered.

“Y’know, Taehyung told me about the time you both kissed in middle school, how you were each other’s first kiss.” Yoongi smiled, moving to sit next to you. “Since I figured our friendship is gonna be like yours and Tae’s, we should kiss at least once. That and because I just really wanted to.”

You groaned in horror that Yoongi knew that secret, burying your face in your hands. The mood was completely gone now.

“I’m gonna kill that son-of-a-”

“Easy there tiger,” Yoongi chuckled, “No need to get all worked up. It’s cool.”

“It was supposed to be a secret though.”

“I think it’s cute. Since you’re both still close.” Yoongi admitted and you smiled sheepishly at him.

“Taehyung called me after the Cake launch y’know? Telling me that you were curious about me. He also told me not to hurt you if anything happened between us. He really cares about you, you know that?” Yoongi continued on, a small smile gracing his lips.

“Taehyung…” you paused, trying to come up with the right words to say. “Taehyung means the world to me. He’s been with me through thick and thin.” you admitted.

“And you mean the world to him too.” Yoongi said.

“How long have you known that I didn’t really love you?” you couldn’t help but ask, the curiosity was eating you alive.

“Art walk,” Yoongi shrugged. “You didn’t have that spark, and even though your body language said differently, I think it was because you were nervous. And to be physically intimate like that with a new person always gets pheromones running.”

“Hit it right on the head,” you chuckled. “I wanted to know more about you. I love the way you talk and provoke the mind with your thoughts.”

“That’s an overtly sexual way of saying ‘You have a cool brain, let’s be friends so I can talk to you.’“ you giggled at Yoongi’s bluntness, shaking your head at him.

“You really meant what you said?” you asked.

“About?”

“About me finding love, you think I can?”

Yoongi just smiled, taking your hand into both of his own.

“Well, I never lie. And yes, I do. Like I said, you’re beautiful, smart, an amazing kisser,” Yoongi paused to send you a cheesy wink. “You’ll find love and get your happily ever after. Believe me, you will. Even if it isn’t with me, I’ll still be happy when you finally meet the right person for you, and I expect every single detail when it does happen. And like my mother always said; good things come to those who wait.”