#maybe she stays at the temple afterwards because she's not necessarily ready to try to get used to a new master

[antianakin]

Okay, okay, a Wrong Jedi arc AU where instead of Ahsoka getting framed, it's Anakin. Maybe Barriss sees Anakin as the epitome of everything that's gone wrong with the Jedi instead of the Council, so her entire plan isn't about attacking the Jedi, not truly, but about framing Anakin and getting him OUT of the Order to try to purify it again.

Maybe Barriss asks Letta for help somehow, and it's Letta's plan to use the nanodroids to cause some damage to the Temple and then blame it on Anakin. Barriss thinks the nanodroids are going to be in a piece of equipment Letta's husband drops off, she has no idea that Letta is turning her husband INTO the bomb.

It goes sideways and the nanodroids go off early when there's still people in the hangar, and Barriss hadn't wanted to hurt and kill so many innocents, so many of the Jedi she's trying to SAVE. But she can salvage this still maybe, she can still pin it on Anakin.

And she does. Letta gets captured, as planned, and calls Anakin in to speak with her instead of Ahsoka. The plan was for Barriss to pretend to choke Letta while Anakin's in the cell just enough for it to be caught on camera and look like Anakin tried to kill Letta, but neither of them counted on just how violent Anakin could get when Letta goads him into anger. Neither of them counted on Anakin actually killing Letta.

Anakin doesn't try to break out of the prison, he fully believes he can talk his way out of this, that the Council will step in to protect him, or that he can get Palpatine to step in for him or Padme. He has no reason to run, so he doesn't.

But the Council doesn't step in for him. He lashed out in violence and killed an unarmed prisoner, they're being asked to expel him from the Order so he can stand a trial because the Senate believes Anakin was the true perpetrator. Palpatine claims his hands are tied on the matter, much as he'd love to help. Padme probably still ends up being his lawyer because he'd guilt her into it despite Padme knowing that legally she probably shouldn't due to their marriage.

Palpatine knows that if Anakin is pronounced guilty and permanently expelled from the Order, it'll push him even closer to darkness and more susceptible to temptation and persuasion, so he ensures that Anakin's past is brought up, tells Tarkin about shit like the Tuskens and the secret marriage that make it look like PADME betrayed Anakin.

Barriss of course is dutifully consoling Ahsoka about all of this as things start getting revealed. A part of her obviously is faking it, but she just thought Anakin was insensitive and irreverent and reckless, she had no idea he was a MURDERER or that he'd married a senator.

Barriss keeps her silence about the truth behind the bombing because it really doesn't matter anyway if Anakin had been behind it or not, he still murdered Letta, he murdered the Tuskens, he broke the Jedi oaths he took, he lied about it all, and he's refusing to apologize for any of it, so he's never going to be a Jedi again even without the bombing accusation.

[freesidexjunkie]

NSFW alphabet tag post

Tagged by the amazing and wonderful @commander-krios!! I am. A little too ace for some of these, so some answers are gonna be partial or skipped. I'm also doing both Sarissa (Dragon Age/solavellan) and Maevris (BG3/durgetash) because some of these I feel like i have answers for one and not the other. Sometimes both.

Leaving this open for anyone who wants to but i also specifically feel like. @spaceratprodigy. you got some ideas abt faith and max don't you? 👀👀

A = Aftercare (What they’re like after sex)

Sarissa: very clingy, touchy snuggling. Like, every square inch of skin on skin contact available clingy. Like, stay locked in an embrace in the same position you were in at the end for hours kind of snuggling. Probably very much "okay now stroke my hair and tell me you love me" vibes. Not a "okay now we're done see you later" kind of person. She's gonna stay there for ages afterwards hugging and saying dorky cute things.

Maevris: probably depends? If it's just a casual thing she's probably ready to leave right after. If it's with gort less casual, probably some more emotionally intimate stuff like snuggling and maybe helping each other clean up etc.

B = Body part (Their favourite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

Idk what their favorite parts of their own bodies would be, but

Sarissa's favorite part of Solas is probably gonna be forearms/hands. I feel like he'd have those really hot arms that look good in rolled up sleeves. You know the ones i mean.

Maevris: listen. He's not called Enver Gortit for nothing. Those bitches are pillowy. Heavenly. Grade A++ tits.

C = Cum

Gonna be honest. This is not a part of sex that I think about very much. Both for asexual reasons and for sensory reasons. But i will say that in all the stuff i write between Mae and Gort, pull out game is the last thing on their mind. If you catch my drift.

D = Dirty Secret

Idk man i think Mae's deepest darkest secret is that she actually does enjoy being loved and cared for and treated tenderly. Which is disgusting. To her.

E = Experience

In terms of Sarissa: i kind of alluded to this in the latest chapter, and i have more in depth stuff about it in my character notes. She was like 20 when the Inquisition started and very... not exactly introverted, but it's hard to go have a normal life in your clan when you don't have any family and you're basically the heir to the person taking care of everyone? She's got Aang in the air temple syndrome kinda. She didn't really get opportunities to explore relationships before the Inquisition, let alone anything physical. So, when she leaves home and starts hooking up for the first time with the well mannered hobo apostate elf and he ends up... doing what he does. Well. It certainly adds an extra layer of betrayal and sting to the situation (: She did try to date around a bit (or at least rebound) after the whole Trespasser thing but. Well. Trauma and trust issues (((: i promise i love her i just have to Put Her Through It

F = Favourite Position

Mae is 100% a pillow princess. Okay. So her favorite positions are going to be anything that lets her sit back and let someone else drive. Idk if that counts towards positions necessarily but there you go. Sarissa's favorites are again gonna be anything super touchy and close and clingy. She would probably very much prefer to be facing her partner and very entangled.

G = Goofy (Are they more serious in the moment, or are they humorous, etc)

Sarissa is 100% a little goofy. Mostly in terms of like. Bad jokes and innuendos and anything a little silly. Mae is probably a little more serious, just by virtue of being a lot more no nonsense (especially when Gortash is doing something she considers nonsense (like flirting with her while she pretends to be unbothered)).

H = Hair (How well groomed are they, does the carpet match the drapes, etc.)

Iirc, elves in Dragon Age don't have a lot of body hair to begin with (comparatively). But Sarissa is Dalish, so. Like yeah she's very on top of her hygiene (you have to be when you're outside 95% of your life) but. She would be very much natural in terms of hair. Whatever amount is natural for elves i guess.

For Mae, idk enough about tiefling biology to know about their body hair, but all the tiefs I've seen in the game are pretty hairless? And while yeah she might not bat an eye at being covered in blood and guts, she does have meticulous personal hygiene routines. And very extra ones. She's a cult leader and part god and her boyfriend probably has multiple mansions with the finest bath oils and soaps and etc etc. She's pampered as fuck in that aspect.

I = Intimacy (How are they during the moment, romantic aspect…)

Oh yeah, the romantic aspect is my bread and butter baybee. They're both very emotionally and romantically driven in the moment, though Mae is more loathe to admit it. For Sarissa, it's more of a giggly, butterflies, "you are my person and i just want to be with you all the time" kind of intimacy, whereas for Maevris it's more like. This crushing need to be touched, to be held, to have sweet words of affirmation and affection whispered to her. To be cared for and wanted. Like an anchor, like clinging onto a lifeboat in the middle of an insanely awful and fucked up storm.

J = Jack Off (Masturbation headcanon)

This is another thing i just don't really think about for asexual reasons lol. But going off vibes alone first thought without really considering much detail? Sarissa not really, Maevris sometimes maybe?

K = Kink (One or more of their kinks)

Maevris my beloved you are never going to escape the praise kink allegations if i have anything to say about it. Also the bratty allegations. More on that later maybe?

L = Location (Favourite places to do the deed)

For Sarissa, my first thought was "probably in nature, that would make sense right" but on further thought. I think a picturesque outdoors spot would be a lovely idea to her, but the most enticing aspect of any location would probably be the privacy. Which is hard to get outdoors. Growing up Dalish you learn not to take privacy for granted, so having her own private quarters in Haven and in Skyhold to do ~whatever~ she wanted was a very welcome novelty. Not to say she was above indulging in other locations, though.

For Maevris, probably those big fancy satiny luxurious beds Enver has. Like, we saw the temple of Bhaal. That bedroom isn't shabby. But the unnecessarily lavish and showy and decadent beds Enver has (for impressing company and not himself, we know damn well that man will sleep curled up in his workshop if it's just him) are...something else. A bit like stepping into a different world.

M = Motivation (What turns them on, gets them going)

I saved this one for last bc it was stumping me the most and im still at a loss for like. Specific turn ons? I guess? But in general for Sarissa it would be the kinds of things that give her butterflies and catch her off guard in sweet ways. Like hearing Solas refer to her as his anything (partner, love, vhenan, etc etc) to someone else would make her insides do a little happy dance; hearing him say it directly to her in a ~private moment~ would short circuit her brain (in a good way). Innocent little things like a hand on her back as he passes, bringing her something she didn't realize she needed. He's probably got a lot of court rizz that would set her insides on fire when he used it. For Mae, i think she likes the challenge; or specifically, being the challenge. Very "what are you gonna do about it" "oh yeah? prove it" kind of girl. Homegirl wants to be cornered like a hare and she wants to sass the fox the whole time. This is all a bit of a front to hide the fact that she just wants someone else to be in control and tell her she's a good girl.

N = NO (Something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

Sarissa's would be multiple people at once. Threesomes and such wouldn't be her vibe. My soft girl also wouldn't be super comfortable with anything rough or harsh. For Mae, i know this puts me in the minority for durges, but anything to do with like. Sexualizing her specifically for the murder and violence aspect? That's her day job, she is taking over the family business but not bc she's super passionate about her work. Not that the violence and blood itself is the turn off part of that, but feeling like she's almost being used as someone else's fantasy? She's above that. She's a child of a god and she's the Chosen of a god. She's nobody's bucket list lay.

O = Oral (Preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc)

I'm positive there's a tweet somewhere from Patrick Weekes saying that Solas definitely eats out so. There's that for Sarissa. But I haven't given it a ton of thought ig. I will say that as far as Mae's concerned? Gale isn't the only ambitious Chosen in Baldur's Gate with a practiced tongue. (as i may have written in this fic)

P = Pace (Are they fast and rough? Slow and sensual? etc.)

All i can think to say for pace is that Mae is definitely very needy. Like, desperate bucking kind of needy. Idk if that counts as pace?

Q = Quickie (Their opinions on quickies rather than proper sex, how often, etc.)

I don't think either of them would be opposed to it vs like, something long and drawn out and w/e? It would probably be depend on the situation but i doubt either of them would be super against it?

R = Risk (Are they game to experiment, do they take risks, etc.)

I am certain Solas learned a lot of neat tricks in his "explorations of the Fade" and Sarissa is definitely down to learn. For Maevris, i feel like it almost goes without saying that any durgetash pairing is gonna have a very high tolerance for risk.

S = Stamina (How many rounds can they go for, how long do they last…)

Uhhh. No idea. Their stamina is however long i can write without running out of new words for penis, i guess.

T = Toy (Do they own toys? Do they use them? On a partner or themselves?)

This is another one i just haven't really put much thought into for ace reasons. But for Mae at least, i feel like if you date an artificer, there's gonna be some kind of invention or tool brought in eventually...?

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

Ahahaha did i mention that Mae is kind of bratty? Did you check out the fic I linked earlier? Not so much that she likes to tease, but that she has. A certain enjoyment in pretending to be annoyed at Enver's teasing. And in being vocal about not going along with it while she's very enthusiastically going along with it

V = Volume (How loud they are, what sounds they make)

Let me plug another fic for Mae to say that she has no problem being loud and no problem being heard by others. With the right inducement, that is.

W = Wild Card (Get a random headcanon for the character of your choice)

Sarissa is definitely aspec. She has a lot of parts of my personal experience and make up and that's one of them.

X = X-Ray (Let’s see what’s going on in those pants, picture or words)

Both AFAB

Y = Yearning (How high is their sex drive?)

Okay so when i think of yearning, i think of the soul crushing, deep seated emotional need for someone that feels like your throat is closing up and you need them like you need to breathe. Which is definitely Mae when she lets herself be a little more vulnerable. For Sarissa, depending heavily on the point in her story, it's less all encompassing inescapable yearning and more touchy, constant hand holding/arm linking/hugging yearning and definitely "okay but if i do get you alone i wouldn't say no to anything that meant being closer to you."

Z = ZZZ (… how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

Sarissa is gonna be snrk mimimi not long after most times. She is also not going to let go. We're going to bed now, comrade kinda deal.

this was really fun to write and think abt, thank you so much for tagging meeee 💖💖 some picrews of my two wonderful and perfect girls that i be putting thru situations for those who stuck thru to the end

[cheri-translates]

[CN] Kiro’s Poetry and Wine Date (Eng Translation)

🍒 Warning: Detailed spoilers for a date yet to be released in EN! 🍒

Candlelit Night Collection: Gavin // Lucien // Victor

Trivia regarding the name of the date:

The date is called 诗酒趁年华, a reference to a poem called 望江南 (”wang jiang nan”) by Su Shi, a Song Dynasty poet

A loose translation - “Write poems and drink wine - take advantage of the age.”

This poem conveys how you must make full use of youth to pursue your dreams - it’s the time you’re most energetic, aggressive and courageous 

-

[ CHAPTER ONE ]

The date begins with MC in the office and realising she missed several calls from Kiro

When she calls him, he sounds really really sad :<

He states that he’s in the hospital

Without waiting for him to finish, MC hangs up the phone so she can hurry over

It turns out that Kiro was in the hospital to visit a fan, who is suffering from cancer

Kiro: [in the saddest voice ever] When she was diagnosed with late stage cancer, she planned to break up with her long-time boyfriend. But he decided to get a wedding certificate immediately and hold a wedding. Isn’t it very moving? 

He explains that after the wedding, the fan’s condition worsened, and she only has a few months left to live

Kiro: [sighs] When I just found out about it, I was really sad. [sniffs] But after you came, I feel a lot better. 

MC: Why is that so?

Kiro: Because I still want to believe that love can prolong one’s life. 

He looks into my eyes, his gaze twinkling with a strange light. 

Kiro: I believe miracles will happen. It definitely wouldn’t just be a few months. Maybe it’d be a year, two years, ten years... a lifetime. 

There is a tinging sensation in my nose, and I’m unable to suppress the tears in my eyes from flowing.

MC: Mm, I also believe so.

Kiro: Don’t be sad.

Kiro wipes my tears with his fingertips gently.

Kiro: Even though I couldn’t attend the wedding, the bride looked very happy in the recording. Happier than anyone else in the world. 

MC: She must have experienced the happiness from a wedding. 

I blink hard, suppressing my tears. Even though this story is filled with sorrow, it also feels romantic and happy at the same time. 

Kiro: Which is why I’ve decided to shoot a short film, in order to prolong that moment of happiness. 

Kiro explains that he will be the director and male lead in the film

As for the female lead...

MC: Who’s the female lead? Is she an actress I know?

Kiro: You definitely know her. 

MC: Not necessarily...

Kiro: This is the first time I’m a director, so for the other lead in this “wedding”... I could only think of you.

-

Phone call between Kiro and the fan: here

-

[ CHAPTER TWO ]

After a recording, Kiro sits in the backseat of the car. He looks out at the night scenery outside the window, and suddenly reveals a happy expression.

Kiro: She agreed.

He says this very softly, but it sounds abrupt in the quiet car. In the front seat, Savin whips his head around, his eyes filled with a cautious “what are you trying to do this time?”

Savin: Who agreed? Agreed to what? 

Kiro: I said before that I was going to shoot a short film for the fans. Miss Chips agreed to be my female lead!

Savin: MC? She can’t... wait, it seems she’s better than other actors within the circle. At least she wouldn’t try to rub off from your popularity. 

Within a short span of a minute, Savin’s words twist and turn numerous times. 

Kiro: You’ve agreed?!

Savin: No, I didn’t agree. I was just saying that her status isn’t bad, not that her acting skills are passable. 

Kiro: I’m not worried about that at all.

Savin: Why do you have so much faith in her? 

Kiro: Because I’m the groom!

Kiro speaks with exceptional confidence. After hearing this, Savin rubs his temples.

Savin: I’m starting to suspect that you’re shooting this short film with an ulterior motive in mind. 

Kiro: What ulterior motive? The reason for the shoot has always been simple. 

There is confusion in Kiro’s expression. After giving him a long stare, Savin gives up and retracts his gaze. 

Savin: That would be best. 

After Savin turns his head back to the front, Kiro secretly sticks out his tongue. 

Kiro: [whispering] I am a tiny bit selfish. But... I won’t tell anyone.

He still has many things to prepare. For instance, the location of the wedding shoot, the attire they would wear that day, and purchasing one particular item. 

That “token of love”... she will definitely like it, right?  

Thinking about this, Kiro is unable to control the corners of his lips from curling upwards. 

-

[ CHAPTER THREE ]

The day of the filming arrives. After helping MC with her outfit and make-up, the make-up artist leaves the room. Soon after, MC hears a knock at the door. She lifts up part of her head veil and opens the door.

MC: Kiro? 

I’m stunned for a second. He also seems to be frozen. His eyes contain undisguised shock, and scarlet slowly creeps up his cheeks. 

Kiro: I came to find you. 

Kiro is wearing a matching set of wedding attire. His golden hair has been tied with a ribbon. Such a bright colour makes him look as though he came out from a painting.

Kiro: Are you the only one in the room? 

He leans over, using his hand to lift up the other end of the veil. I subconsciously place my forefinger to my lips, signalling him to keep his voice down. 

But he simply winks and laughs happily. 

Kiro: Miss Chips, you look really pretty. Even more gorgeous than I imagined.

The dim sunlight does not reach this corner of the room. Dappled light passes through the lattice window. This moment seems to be slowed down infinitely, turning it into frames of light and shadow.

His eyes gleam, and the tenderness within them are reminiscent of a puddle of water, gently flowing across my heart. 

MC: W-what are you doing here? 

I try to dodge from his line of sight, but Kiro doesn’t allow me to leave. He grasps my hand and brings it to his lips. The gentle touch is like a lingering feather.

Kiro: I’m just wondering... what if I could take you away right now...

His serious tone doesn’t sound like he’s joking. I’m at a loss, waiting for him to continue. Then, he releases my hand.

Kiro: Did I scare you? I was actually just kidding. I wanted to see how you looked like in wedding attire immediately, so I secretly came over. 

MC: You...

I’m about to say something, but impending footsteps resound from outside the door, followed by knocking.

MC: Someone’s here!

She hides him near the window just as the makeup artist comes in

[Trivia: In Chinese tradition, it is considered “inappropriate” for the bride and groom to see each other the day or the night before the wedding.]

From behind, Kiro places something in her palm

Once the makeup artist is gone, Kiro asks whether she likes it - it’s the Fairy Pendant from the previous Qixi Festival (i.e. Kiro’s Valentine’s Night Date)

MC: Why is this with you? 

Kiro: Because this wedding requires a token of love. I think it’s very suitable. 

[Trivia: Tokens of love are used as promises between lovers. Unlike rings and roses in Western cultures, the ancient Chinese people were more casual. A comb, a hairpin, or even half a mirror could be used as a token of love. The value of the item itself isn’t as important as the emotions attached to it.]

Filled with nostalgia, I toy with the Fairy Pendant in my hand. I still feel slightly confused. 

MC: The script doesn’t seem to have a jade pendant involved though.

Kiro: The script... well, I have the final say!

Along with Kiro’s words, an assistant calls him from outside the room.

Kiro: Wait for me to fetch you!

His tender voice enters my ears, as light and soft as a drifting cloud. It makes one’s heart sink into it. 

[Trivia: In traditional Chinese weddings, the groom will journey to the bride’s family home on the day of the wedding to fetch her (接亲 - “jie qin”). Before he can get to his bride, he has to get past her bridesmaids by satisfying a number of tasks.]

-

[ CHAPTER FOUR ]

Watching Kiro’s retreating figure, I suddenly have the urge to ask him to stay.

As if he can sense my thoughts, he turns his head right before he leaves the courtyard, forming a “wait for me” with his mouth. 

A��warmth enters my heart, and I nod my head vigorously. I return into the room, waiting for him to “fetch me”.

The “wedding” officially starts at dusk

MC stands at the doorway, waiting for the first scene

Kiro appears on a HORSE.

After the scene:

Kiro: Miss Chips, didn’t I look very cool just now?

Heat is still emanating from his body from the earlier exercise, and I subconsciously take half a step back.

MC: Yes, everyone was in a daze!

Receiving my approval, he crinkles his eyes and looks contented. 

Kiro: I’m guessing you were in a daze too. Are you ready for the next shoot?

MC: Mm, but I’m still a little nervous. What if I trip and fall because I can’t see? What if my expression doesn’t look natural when you remove the veil...

Counting on my fingers, I list down everything I’m worried about. 

Kiro: In that case, we can film it over and over again. Besides...

He lowers his head to my ear, in a volume only the two of us can hear. 

Kiro: I want you to experience the happiness of being a bride, and not just for the film.

After calming down, she puts on the veil

Kiro: I’m here to fetch you - my bride. 

MC: Mm.

Surrounded by the noise of gongs and drum, MC is carried over the threshold, then led down the red carpet

Kiro: From now onwards, you can leave everything to me. There’s still a lot in our future...

He speaks incredibly solemnly. His lines bring with it a touch of sadness, but infinite hope afterwards. 

MC: I believe so too.

I place my hand in his, and he leads me into the sedan. The little sedan sways, and my heartbeat seems to follow its ups and downs, unable to stop for a moment. 

I used to hear of people complaining that weddings are cumbersome and tiring.  But right now, the feelings I’m experiencing are incomparable to everything else.

When I disembark from the sedan, one end of an embroidered silk ball is placed into my hand. Its other end is held tightly by Kiro.

Master of Ceremonies: Things which are destined will eventually come to pass. Even across a thousand miles, people destined to marry are connected by a thread. 

I am led by this red silk, passing through the crowd and crossing the threshold. I can’t see the people surrounding me, nor can I see the cameras. 

I can only see the patterns on my skirt moving while I walk. The end of the red silk sways gently. Only one name is written in my mind and heart: Kiro.

-

They carry out the wedding procession, and MC is glad she's wearing a veil to hide her blush

The next scene happens in the newlywed room, and he removes her veil

Kiro: Because of this moment, I feel that everything is worth it.

The affection in his eyes makes it difficult for me to breathe. The candlelight flickers, casting a red glow on every corner of the room, giving a certain charm to everything before me.

For a moment, I can’t differentiate what’s in the film and what is not. Kiro holds up a pair of wine cups linked together with a red thread, and hands one to me. 

I take the wine cup, shifting my eyes furtively to look at him. I avert them when I meet his scorching ones. 

Our arms are linked with each other, and the distance leaves me unable to avoid his eyes. His breath infiltrates my body.

Kiro and I raise our heads at the same time, downing the wine.

[Trivia: Linking arms and drinking wine (交杯酒 - “jiao jiu bei”) is a traditional Chinese wedding custom. This is because the Chinese word “wine” (酒 - “jiu”) sounds like the Chinese word “long time” (久 - “jiu”). This act symbolises how the couple will be together forever... T^T)

We agreed earlier that the wine in the cup would be swapped with water. However, I taste a slight sweetness. I look towards Kiro in shock, and he winks at me secretly.

-

[ CHAPTER FIVE ]

During a break, Kiro brings her outside to the streets and brings her to a restaurant

Kiro feeds her a leaf-shaped dessert, then finishes the remaining half of it (causing MC to blush because indirect kisses are just so SPICY 👀)

The restaurant gives them a free dessert they’ve never seen before

Kiro tries it and realises it’s extremely spicy

Kiro: Whoa huff huff, water!

He frantically reaches for the cup on the table. Before I can stop him, he downs the entire cup.

Kiro: W-why is it wine?!

MC: Here! Water!

I hurriedly stuff my cup into his hands. He gulps it down, then plops onto the table weakly.

Kiro: [groans] I’m finally back to life...

MC: Are you all right now? 

I reach out to brush his bangs to the side. Despite the cold winter, sweat droplets are on his forehead due to the earlier incident. 

Kiro: I’m fine. I actually feel like having another piece now that the spiciness is gone... why does the boss always like to experiment with these strange things?

Kiro comments that the boss’ wine is amazing, so MC takes a sip

They drift into a peaceful silence

Kiro: Actually, I have a selfish motive for shooting this short film...

Kiro’s posture is rather casual. Without realising it, he has finished half a pot of wine. The collar of his clothes has fallen apart, and there is a drunken look in his eyes.

One hand is holding onto the wine cup, and the other is supporting his chin as he looks at me. There is an undisguised joy in his eyes, and a look of intoxicated longing.

Kiro: Miss Chips, I... want you to become my wife. 

Perhaps due to his drunken state, his words are especially straightforward. It’s as though he’s saying something that's completely natural.

I’m unable to hide when faced with such straightforwardness. There’s a sudden tingling sensation in my nose, and the happiness in my heart is about to overflow.

MC: Mm!

Kiro’s eyes crinkle as he continues, his clear eyes reflecting only me. 

Kiro: Once the filming is over, we can give this short film to the audience together. Our names will be put together. Just like on a wedding invitation. It will say: Kiro and Miss Chips.

As he speaks, he fails to control the upward curl of his lips. 

MC: Why are you so happy?

Kiro: Because...

He tilts his head and thinks for two seconds, then responds with certainty. 

Kiro: People from ancient times often said that there are four great things in life: Rain after a long drought, meeting an old friend in a distant land, success in the imperial examinations, and... the wedding night.

His breath turns into a white mist, dissipating in the thin rays of light. The noises from our surroundings seem to disappear, and even the cold melts in his eyes.

Kiro: The wedding night.  

He repeats. The words on the tip of his tongue seem to be dyed in the scorching warmth of his breath.

Kiro reaches out and brings a lock of my hair to his lips, giving it a kiss. We are only separated by a small and narrow table in the middle. 

Kiro: Even though my wish has already been fulfilled, I still want more. Am I being too greedy?

I have no idea how to respond. His eyes are scorching, making my heart feel flustered. 

Reason tells me to shift backwards, but I don’t move at all. I watch as he leans closer, and wait for his breath to enter my territory like a patter of rain.

Suddenly, the corner of the table reaches its limit and flips sideways. Kiro, whose hand was on the table and is unable to react in time, falls towards me. 

MC: !

The red ribbon in my line of sight flies. Before I can react, I fall heavily onto the couch, but Kiro has subconsciously protected my head by placing his hand behind it.

Kiro: Are you hurt? 

Our clothes are tangled, and our loose hair is spread out under us. His arm is at my ear, supporting himself, and the shadow he casts has almost completely enveloped me. 

The spilt wine on the couch emits a fragrance, causing the temperature of the room to rise. 

With our close distance, our breathing quickens and becomes ragged. It’s as though we are taking up each other’s space to breathe, and yet are unwilling to move away. 

Kiro: Miss Chips, close your eyes. 

Only after a few seconds can my mind comprehend his words. But Kiro doesn’t wait. 

Under the swaying lights, everything in front of me seems to emit pure light. His eyelashes sweep across gently, like a butterfly’s wing. His lips are soaked in wine and stained with a lustre.

In the next second, my lips and tongue are claimed by Kiro’s scorching breath.

I close my eyes, wrapping my arms around his neck. 

The darkness amplifies my senses. Noises from the street and from people, and the sound of footsteps seem to be right at my ear. 

My heart beats rapidly, trying to break free from my chest. 

Kiro: Miss Chips...

In a half-lidded daze, I see Kiro’s tender gaze, the hazy lights and shadows, and the ends of our hair entangled together. 

Kiro: Having you... is really nice. 

I tighten my grip, bringing him closer into my arms. 

-

In this corner of Loveland City, on this ordinary winter night, Kiro hugs the girl in his arms, fully satisfied. 

There are still many things he has yet to tell her-

“It was fate which allowed us to meet. It was only when I met you that the ‘nucleus’ belonging to Kiro started to operate. 

It’s you who enabled me to become a star.”

-

[ CHAPTER FIVE: Extras ] 

Kiro: Miss Chips, your face is really red.

After the shoot is over, Kiro suddenly says this. After being stunned for a moment, I respond without thinking.

MC: Your face is really red too.

As Savin walks past hurriedly, he hears our conversation and asks in bewilderment:

Savin: Why are both of your faces so red?

Kiro: It’s because... [sheepish laugh]

MC: I-it’s a little hot! Maybe I stuck on too many heat packs!

Savin: You two can open the window to get some air. Be careful not to catch a cold.

Kiro opens the window, and he starts musing about how Western weddings are romantic, but Chinese weddings have a certain solemnity to them:

Kiro: You only have one life, and you only have one person. Kowtow to the heaven and the earth, drink from linked wine cups, and the rest of our lives will belong to each other.

Kiro shares his fears of not being able to convey his thoughts to the audience through the film

While MC assures him that everything will turn out well, she brushes against the Fairy Pendant

She wonders why it wasn’t featured in the film

Kiro ties it onto her waist

[Trivia: Jade pendants are believed to bring people good luck, and protect its owner’s body and spirit from harm. The colour green in jade also signifies balance, wealth, fertility, luck, harmony, and long life - qualities essential for every happy marriage.]

Kiro: Since you’ve accepted my jade pendant, you belong to me now!

MC: What...?!

Before I can even express my confusion, my hands are held tightly in his.

His fingertips are warm, as though they are about to melt the air. Time passes slowly, brewing this moment into a beautiful dream.

[lynnthevirgo]

When You’re Cheated on - Namjoon

WC: 2k

Summary: Namjoon helps talk you through a day of mental breakdowns after a breakup. 

Warnings: mentions of self harm, mental breakdowns, mentions of bodily harm

A/N: I’m still taking my break, just wanted to post and go because writing is the only thing keeping me going at this point. Yes, this is personal to me. Please don’t ask. Unedited!

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

I was lying on my bed, scrolling through my Tumblr feed with Namjoon just a few seats away from me. He was here as emotional support, having messaged him about the current state I was in. His laptop was open, headphones on and his head bobbing to the beat of a song I’m sure he’ll show me weeks from now when he’s out listened it. But should another episode or attack spring on, he’d be right there ready to talk me down.

It’s not like I was unstable….okay, maybe I was. But I was really good at containing it inside myself, but certain memories will crawl back to the surface and snap my hold on reality. It was so exhausting to go through this cycle. I’ve been spending most of my days in bed, not really doing much because doing too much required energy and effort I couldn’t muster.

He knew I had been with her for a long time. How much she meant to me and the parts of me I let her see, that weren’t always pretty, but I felt comfortable sharing. She shared so much of herself with me as well and that’s why I thought, this is it. She’s it. She’s the one that I’ve been waiting for. My twin flame.

Only for me to be hit with the news that she cheated. We had found ourselves in a predicament where I made her feel alone, unknowingly at the time, her mental demons playing with her over my silence. Then I couldn’t give her the things she needed when she was needy. The two made her reach out to someone who helped her, was there for her when I wasn’t. He gave her comfort and fulfilled the needs she wanted.

She felt bad afterwards and wanted to try to fix things. But I pushed her away. Only afterwards, when I thought we should try to fix things did I find out she had already fallen for him. So she no longer needed me, I was just a piece in her game of life. One that she wanted, because I helped complete the game for her, but didn’t necessarily need.

“Namujoon, please..” I croak, my voice already broken. The pit in my stomach swelling in size, the need for air heightening and the tears falling so fast they double. They’ve already left streaks on my face by the time he looks at me. Instantly he’s at his feet and setting the headphones and laptop to the side, before taking his place beside me.

“What happened? Where are you?” He asks, his fingers through my hair and the other hand rubbing small circles on the center of my back.

“Y/N, it‘s okay. You‘re okay. We‘re okay. Everything will be okay.” He says like a mantra beside me. He’s been using this as a way for me accept things, keep me grounded in reality.

“I hate this. I hate her. I hate him. I fucking hate e-everything.” I bite. My anger lashing out now, I swat the empty space between us on the bed. Only to curl into myself further, fetal position being the only thing to provide me comfort anymore.

“Shh, I know. It‘s okay to hate everything. You‘re allowed to hate this.” He offers as comfort. His big hand sliding down my spine slowly from top to bottom. The other hand out of my hair and holding the hands clutching my chest.

“I don‘t hate her. I don‘t even hate him. I just want things to be like they were. I want her, I want this back and to forget anything happened. Why can‘t I have that back? Why can‘t I have her back?” I ask, more to myself than Namjoon. My emotions peaking, my voice breaking and all the thoughts spilling out.

“I know you don‘t. But you also know why you can‘t have her back, why you can‘t have it back. She made her choice, it‘s time for you to heal.” He replies softly, fingers brushing against my own as he tries to find my eyes.

“You need to help fix this heart of yours. It won‘t work right if you don‘t. She chose her journey, now it‘s time for you to find your own again.” He offers, trying to give me a new perspective to consider.

“I‘d love to! But all I keep seeing is him and her and I‘d rather die than keep reliving it! I‘d rather gouge out my eyes than have to remember that she wanted him to do those things to her! Fucking slit my wrists again than know that every time she‘s not talking to me, it‘s because she‘s talking to him!!” I scream, the sobs ebbing through and the last of my dignity leaving with it as I whine into his chest.

“You don‘t mean that. I know you don‘t. It‘s okay. Just let it out, let everything go.” He whispers in my hair. He holds me so tight that I can’t feel the hurt anymore. It slowly numbs inside myself as the mess on my face wipes onto his shirt. His mantra from earlier being repeated and the sound of his voice lulling me into a sleep.

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

“Look who‘s awake.” He says, putting a tray of food in front of me. I scrunch my face at it, the want and need for food nonexistent.

“If you don‘t eat, I‘ll be forced to feed you myself and you know how much you hate that.” I look to the soup stains from this afternoon on my comforter and sigh. Unhappily, I eat small spoonfuls of the porridge he made.

“How are you?” He asks, sitting at the end of my bed. His full attention on me as one of the BTS soundtracks plays in the background.

“That was a pretty bad one earlier.” He defends for his worry. I just stare at him, wanting to find the perfect words to give him but not having the voice or reason to.

“I know this was the last thing you wanted. Especially after all the promises she made and you told her you‘d believe.” He starts, my eyes already brimming with tears.

“But you keep saying you‘re happy so long as she is. So why don‘t you try?” He offers. His hand resting on my ankle, gently massaging up my calf.

“It‘s so hard, Namujoon.” I manage to croak out. After I place the tray to the side of me, I curl my legs into my chest again.

“I am really glad that she found someone who takes care of her needs like she wanted. A part of me knew going into this that it wasn‘t going to last forever. But-” I can’t even finish, another scream trying to come out in it’s place. I’d been doing so much of that the past few days. I’m sure Namjoon is sick of me.

“Hey, let it out. Stop holding in your emotions. You‘re mad, so scream and yell. You‘re upset, so cry, sob and wail all night if you need to. This is how you heal, y/n. So start allowing yourself the chance to.” He advises, his hand in the center of my back just like earlier. He’s found that I calm down faster when he leaves it there. The other hand of his is still enclosed around my ankle, holding me in place.

“You‘re allowed to have feelings and to express them. It‘s just us here. So let it all out. Your health is the most important thing to me right now.” The bed shifts and I feel his body heat behind me. His arm slides under the pillow and my head, while the other wraps around my stomach and pulls me close to him.

My emotions calm, but my voice is still shaky and broken when I speak.

“This is just so hard. How do I go from asking her everyday if she took her meds, if she‘s eaten to not talking at all some days? She was my best friend, my only friend some days and I love her. I‘m still in love with her.” I finally get out, my sobs breaking again. He squeezes me tighter, I can feel his heartbeat against my shoulder blade. His face buries into my neck, keeping me so close that I can’t tell where I start and he ends.

“Everything works out like it‘s supposed to. You needed her to see that it is possible for someone to love you, all of you, as a whole. Someone to love you as deeply as you love them.” He says low with emotion in my neck.

“You needed to see that. Now that you‘ve seen it, you don‘t need her anymore. She left as quick as she entered and now it‘s up to you to pick up your pieces. To look for the person who isn‘t going to go running to another‘s arms when things get rough.” He explains, his voice just above a whisper now. A low hint of emotion showing with the way his jaw clenches.

“You deserve to be happy and to be cared for fully, without fear. Someone to give you their all for once, instead of you always giving yours.” He adds, my hair sticking to my neck in wet patches from his tears.

“You can beat whatever this is. You‘ve been through hell and back, this one bad heartbreak isn‘t going to ruin the rest of your life. Please believe me. You have to.” He finishes, the breath he exhales coming out shaky.

I wipe my tears, fight the urge to cry again and turn myself to face him. His eyes closed, but his cheeks full of the streaks he didn’t want me to see. As I exhale shakily, I wipe his face with the palms of my hands. His hands coming up to grab my wrists and bring them between our chests. I watch his eyes open and see the pain inside them mirroring my own.

“I‘m okay. You‘re okay. We‘re okay. I will be okay.” I say back to him. Reminding him of the mantra he’s implemented in my head.

“Just don‘t leave me alone. I can do this, so long as you don‘t leave me too.” I say with tears already starting to form and my voice faltering.

He pulls me close, his scent overtaking whatever negative thoughts I was having. The fingers he tightens in my hair, a reminder that he’s there.

“Even if you left me, I‘d never ever leave you. I‘ll still be waiting for you to find your way back home. You‘re family to me and always will be.” He says, leaving a kiss on my temple.

Namjoon was right. I had told myself that so long as she was happy, so was I. So that’s what I would have to start doing. I’ll still let myself grieve over what I lost, who I lost. But at the end of the day, someone else was making her happy. I should be happy for her. Not angry because I don’t have her. She’s happy and because I love her, I want her to stay happy. Even if it means it’s not with me.

I deserve someone who doesn’t break their promises that they won’t leave. Who won’t break their promises that they’ll be there for me too, knowing I’ve been used so many times in the past. Someone who’s willing to still fight for what we had, instead of throwing it away for something that seems exciting right now but might not be in the long run. I deserve better.

Namujoon might just be a friend. But so far he hasn’t broken those, in fact, he’s done everything he can to assure me that he’s always going to be here. Which is what I never got from her. So maybe he’s right. I should fix up this broken heart and work on my journey, because I think I know where I need to go.

[thebeautifulgame7]

Reputation

CHAPTER INDEX

CHAPTER TEN:

Sergio’s POV:

I woke up with Iris still wrapped in my arms. One draped over her middle, the other under her head. I had slept better than I had in a long time and the smile on my face said it all. She was still here, and we hooked up last night. Sure we didn’t go all the way, but the potential is there. She was after all, still in my bed.

I pressed a soft kiss to her shoulder before admiring her sleeping form. She looked so lovely even with her mess of hair splayed across her face.

I couldn’t wait for her to wake up so I could make breakfast with her and enjoy the morning before I left for training. I could have only dreamed of this until last night.

I gently moved my hand from her middle and brushed some of Iris’s hair from her face before kissing her temple. She stirred and groaned lightly.

“Good morning hermosa.” I whispered softly. Iris only responded with another groan before she slowly blinked her eyes open.

She turned In my arms to face me, “Good morning.” She said in a hoarse morning voice, her eyes looked tiredly at me.

I tucked some hair behind her ear before leaning in and kissing her. I couldn’t help the smile on my lips as I did so. I could feel Iris’s hand trail up to my chest, softly pushing me away.

“Sergio, no.” She spoke in a gentle voice. I pulled away puzzled.

“What do you mean?” I asked, sitting up as she did as well.

“I mean this.” She gestured between her and I before she moved to get out of bed.

“You and I? I thought that’s why you came here.” I responded, still sitting in my bed.

Iris searched for her clothes, the small pile was sitting on a chair. “Last night we had a good time.” I added before she looked up at me.

“Last night shouldn’t have happened.” Iris said and I felt my heart drop. I frowned and looked at her more confused than ever.

“But I thought you chose me.” I breathed out softly, watching her slide her pants back on. I could feel my heart breaking a little, a sensation that was very new to me.

“It’s not that easy Sergio.” Iris said plainly. “I can’t just jump into this with you.” She added.

“I’m not asking you to, but I thought you left him for me though. Surely you can see there’s something between us.” I responded, desperation creeping into my voice.

“Is there? Or did I just like what I couldn’t have. Did you just like what you couldn’t have?” Iris answered back and I felt my heart sink even more.

“Iris, what are you talking about?” I raised my voice slightly. I knew what I was feeling and it wasn’t just lust.

“Sergio come on, you’re Madrid’s most eligible bachelor, it’s hottest playboy, why would you want anything more than just sex with me? Lust is powerful and maybe that’s what we felt.” She responded, causing anger to boil inside of me.

“You’re kidding me right? You’re gonna stand here and tell me that what we have is nothing? Why would I have even bothered if that’s all I wanted.” I shot back and Iris just stared at me. “If you remember correctly, there’s been plenty of opportunities for me to make that happen and I haven’t.” I added. We could’ve had sex months ago, but we didn’t.

“Maybe you just love the chase.” She responded with an indifferent tone.

“Pr maybe I just wanted to see where we could take this. You can’t handle the fact that what we have could be amazing. You’re scared of what would happen.” I answered, a glare fixed on my face.

“That’s not true.” Iris said quickly, not holding eye contact.

“It is Iris. You’re scared because of what everyone says about me and you’re finding every excuse to not give us a fair chance.” I spoke, trying to keep calm.

“There is no us, Sergio. It’s just not meant to be.” And with those words still echoing in my head, Iris made her exit.

I quickly followed her downstairs and out to my front door. “Iris come on, just give me a chance.” I practically begged.

She stuck her hand out to keep my at arm's length. “Enough Sergio, it’s just not the right time.” She said softly, turning to head out.

“Then when is the right time?” I asked, a glimmer of hope still in my voice.

Iris turned and looked at me sadly. “I don’t know.” She practically whispered before walking off.

I yelled after her, but she never turned around. I even watched her drive off, hoping she would come back, but she didn’t.

***

“Iker I just don’t get what I did wrong this time.” I said in a sad tone as we headed to our cars after training.

“What happened, like the whole story?” He asked as we stopped at his car.

“She called saying that she needed a place to stay. I said yes and sent Ana home before she got there. We had a drink, I showed her the suit you picked out for the wedding, and we hooked up.” I said looking at my friend for any facial cues that what I did was wrong.

“What do you mean you hooked up?” Iker asked with a puzzled look on his face.

“Okay well we didn’t have sex. We just made out a lot and I fingered her. It’s so high school I know, but I didn’t think us having sex right after her breakup was a good idea..” I shrugged. “So we just cuddled and went to bed afterwards, she wore my shirt and it was amazing.” I added, looking at Iker, hiding my feelings of sadness and rejection.

“And this morning she just flipped on you?” He asked to make sure he got the story right.

I nodded, “yeah we kissed and then she pushed me away, talking about how all we had between us was lust and it wasn’t the right time.” I spoke, looking down at my shoes.

“You know what the worst part is?” I glanced back up at Iker who prompted me to continue. “I was so ready for it all. I woke up thinking about what we were gonna make for breakfast and how the day was gonna go. I’d call her after training and we’d hang out. I was ready to take it all slow with her but be by her side while she worked through everything. I was excited about a girl for once and she just crushed it all while she still had my t shirt on.” I confessed, not embarrassed but upset.

“I know how you feel about her.” Iker said, pulling me in for a quick hug. “We’ll fix this. It’s going to work out.” He added, trying to be supportive.

“I don’t think so, I want her, and I really thought she felt the same. I’m just confused and I’m hurt. I wasted so much time.” I practically mumbled, still feeling the emotions of this morning. “It just sucks because I thought I did everything right this time.” I said quietly.

I had to let her go, at least for now. Iris didn’t seem to want much of anything to do with me. I guess I would just back off for a while. There was only a month until the wedding anyways, I’d see her soon, maybe by then she’d be better.

***

Iris’s POV:

I know, I freaked. I messed up, but what else was I supposed to do? I couldn’t just let him think everything was okay, it wasn’t.

I can’t pretend with him, he’s too real with me. I had to leave because if I didn’t, this thing that Sergio, and maybe I, want so desperately to work out wouldn’t. Being around someone who’s ready, or at least seems like it, when you aren’t feels wrong.

I know the whole argument about him just wanting my for sex was a cop out but what else was I supposed to do? Why would someone as famous and good looking want me for anything more than that? I know Sergio said that wasn’t true, but the seed of doubt had been planted in my mind. I needed to focus on me for a while, free from distractions.

It was hard for a while, coming home to an empty apartment, not being able to text Sergio to come over. I wanted to see him, but I knew if I did things would happen and I needed to be sure I was ready for that.

The last month leading up to the wedding I did most of the planning duties myself, Sergio kept bailing on me for interviews or photoshoots. It was all very convenient, but who could blame him after the way I acted. I would send him pictures of layouts and color schemes and I would get short, one sentence responses. It was disheartening to say the least, but this time away was needed. I just had to hope and pray that he would be there waiting when I was ready. I wasn’t sure if he would be.

Joey had proceeded to text and call me almost everyday, desperate attempts to get me back. I never answered, I had outgrown him. It was easy to keep my mind off of him for the most part, but getting Sergio out of my head was a whole other challenge.

Recently Joey’s attempts to talk with me had gotten more invasive. He had shown up at my work multiple times and even tried to get into the apartment building we used to live in together, thankfully I had changed the access code. Our anniversary date was not something I needed to be reminded of every time I wanted to get into my building.

I wasn’t necessarily scared by it, but it was a little unnerving. I just wanted him to get the hint that I was done. I thought I had been clear enough when I dumped him, but he could be quite thick when he wanted to be.

About a week before the wedding I was the last to leave the office on a late Tuesday night. I gathered my things and grabbed my bag, taking the elevator down to the parking garage. It was empty except for the night crew’s cars, my own, and an unfamiliar black Mercedes sedan.

To be honest I didn’t think much of it, I worked at a large building, it could’ve been someone on another floor who was pulling a long night like myself. I went about my business and got into my car, starting the engine and looking out the rearview mirror. The black Mercedes has started its engine as well.

I frowned and shifted into drive, pulling out of the garage swiftly. I started driving towards my apartment when I noticed the Mercedes was following me. I took a few unnecessary turns, hoping  I was just being paranoid, but the Mercedes was still on me. Now was when I began to feel scared.

If it was Joey, I didn’t want to know what had made him go mad to the point of stalking me. If it was Sergio, I would have been more confused than anything and I highly doubted he had the time and motivation to do something so creepy. He never struck me as the crazy obsessed lover type, so I guess I could rule him out. If it was some stranger, well, I wasn’t sure if that was scarier than Joey.

My heart began to race, I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t call Sergio, surely he wouldn’t answer. I needed a man, someone who could protect me in a situation like this. I reached into my purse, glancing between it and the road until I found my phone, dialling Iker’s number.

“Pick up, come on Iker, pick up.” I groaned to myself listening as the call went to voicemail. “Fuck.” I shouted to the empty car, the Mercedes now following closer to me. I could feel my heartbeat in my chest heavily now and my palms started to sweat.

I couldn’t stop the car, I was too scared that the person would get out, and I certainly could not go home right now either. I cursed quietly to myself before dialing up the man I had no hopes would answer.

Three rings and I could feel my anxiety increase from the situation and the fact that Sergio could pick up at any moment. At this point, I really hoped he did. The Mercedes sped up and tapped the back of my car. I screamed and began to shake.

“Iris?” Sergio’s voice asked through the phone. I audibly sighed with relief as I listened.

“Oh thank god you answered.” I responded, glancing in my rearview to see the Mercedes.

“Is everything okay?” He asked me in a slightly concerned voice.

“Um actually no. Look I’m sorry that I called and bothered you but someone is following me right now and it’s really late and I’m very scared.” I blurted out quickly. The Mercedes revved it’s engine and hit the back of my car a little harder this time. “Oh my god!” I screamed, tears welling up.

“Wait what?” Sergio said, sounded much more interested in the conversation now.

“I’m driving around Madrid right now with a black Mercedes following me and it just hit me! I don’t know what to do and I’m scared.” I cried into the phone, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Why did I even bother to call him in the first place it wasn’t like he could do anything right now.

“Drive to the police station right now.” Sergio’s voice turned serious and stern.

“Huh?” I asked a little confused. The Mercedes picked up speed, almost hitting the back of my car again.

“Drive to the nearest police station, if this person is trying to hurt you, they won’t do it in a police parking lot. Call the police, explain to them what is happening, tell them you’re coming. They should have someone outside waiting when you arrive. You can file a report, or wait it out with them and then have a police unit follow you to your apartment and check everything out.” Sergio explained calmly through the phone, his voice steady and reassuring.

“And that works?” I whimpered through the phone.

“I’ve done it, and it works.” He said. “With my job I have to watch my back, one of my teammates told me about this.” He added.

“Thank you.” I practically whispered.

“I’m gonna hang up now, call the police, do what they say and I’ll be waiting for you at your apartment.” Sergio spoke.

“Sergio you don’t-”

“No, I need to see that you’re safe.” He interrupted. I thanked him again before hanging up and calling the police.

***

Just as Sergio promised, he was parked on the street outside of my apartment, lent up against his car waiting. He waved at me as I pulled into the secure parking garage underneath the building and the cop car behind me parked behind him.

I quickly gathered my things and walked out to them both who were already chatting.

“Ms. Leiker, would you like me to come up and inspect the apartment?” The policeman asked and I nodded. I glanced at Sergio and he gave me a soft smile.

I let the three of us in and we rode the elevator up in silence. The cop went ahead of us checking the hallway and Sergio placed an arm across my shoulders, pulling me into him. I went with it, feeling safe nestled against him.

I handed the cop my keys and he unlocked the door, “Now you two just wait out here while I check everything.” He instructed and we both nodded.

He walked in and began searching the large flat. Once he was out of sight I turned to Sergio, dropping my things and wrapping my arms around his middle, tears welling in my eyes.

“Shh, shh, it’s okay, you’re safe, I’m here.” He whispered, holding me tightly in his arms and resting his head on mine. “You’re okay Iris, I won’t let anything happen to you. You did the right thing.” Sergio said softly.

We stood there for a while, him just holding me in silence while I sobbed quietly, the stress of the situation catching up with me. The cop returned after almost ten minutes, “All clear Ms. Leiker.” He said and handed the keys to Sergio’s outstretched arm. Sergio thanked him quietly. “You two have a good evening.” The officer said and I mumbled a thank you from my place on Sergio’s chest.

Sergio thanked the officer as well and released me once he got into the elevator. “Let’s get you inside.” Sergio said encouragingly, bending down to pick my stuff up.

I nodded and sniffed, walking inside cautiously. “Why don’t you go take a warm shower and I’ll keep watch.” He smiled softly. “You’ve had a tough evening.” He added, taking my hand and leading me up to the bedroom.

We made our way into my bedroom and towards the bathroom. “I’ll just wait downstairs okay?” Sergio asked, looking at me with concern clear on his face.

“Could you actually just sit in the bathroom?” I asked him sheepishly. “I don’t want to be alone.” I added softly, a tear rolling down my cheek.

I felt Sergio’s thumb move to wipe it away and I looked up, seeing a small smile on his face. “Of course.” He answered.

He took a seat on the bathroom counter and covered his eyes as I closed the bathroom door. “Let me know when you’re in the shower so I can open my eyes and keep watch.” He said, trying to make a little joke.

I laughed nervously and quickly undressed, glad that he was respecting my privacy. I stepped in and turned on the hot water. “Okay, I’m in.” I said softly.

I let the water run over me, the warmth calming me slightly. It was silent for a few minutes before I heard Sergio again. “Iris?” He asked.

“Yeah?” I responded, rinsing the shampoo out of my hair.

“What made you call me? Not that I’m not glad you did but, you know.” He trailed off and I could imagine him looking down at his hands at this point.

“Truthfully, I didn’t want to, because of how things have gone, but when Iker didn’t answer, you were the only person I could think of. I was scared and my mind kept telling me to call you.” I said. “I didn’t think you were gonna answer.” I added quietly.

“I’m glad you called.” He responded in a gentle voice. “I’ll always answer when you call.” He added as I shut off the water.

“Here.” Sergio said, handing me a towel with one hand and covering his eyes with the other. I smiled slightly and wrapped myself in it.

I quickly dried off and changed in the bathroom, leaving Sergio to sit on my bed. He smiled gently when I came out.

“I should get going.” He mumbled.

“No.” Was all I could say, “Please, stay.” I quietly begged.

“I just, I don’t know. I’m glad you’re safe but I don’t think I should stick around.” Sergio said, not really looking at me. It hurt knowing I did this to him.

“I can’t be alone right now.” I answered, tears coming back to my eyes. I sniffed quietly.

“Is there a couch or a guest room or something?” He asked, seeing my eyes filled with tears.

“Sergio please, I’m sorry I’ve treated you so terribly but I am so scared right now.” I begged. “Can you please just sleep here with me.” Tears were running down my face at this point.

I sniffed as I waited for his response. “I’m sorry I’ve been awful to you and I’m sorry for leading you on and I’m sorry for being such a bad person. I’m horrible I know and I don’t deserve your kindness but please.” I said, not bothering to hear what he had to say.

“I never said those things about you, and I don’t think that.” He said calmly, still sitting on the edge of my bed.

“Well you’ve done a great job at avoiding me.” I whimpered, tears still falling.

“I had to do that for me, for you and I, but tonight when you called, I couldn’t just leave you. I had to make sure you were safe” Sergio answered, getting up and walking over to me. “I’ll stay.” He whispered as he hugged me tightly again.

With that, he undressed down to his boxers and t shirt and we slipped into bed. He laid on his back as I reached to turn out the lights. Without hesitation I moved to lay on his chest and cuddle him.

“I forgive you.” Sergio whispered, wrapping an arm around me.

I needed this right now.

I needed him.

[bullybyulyi]

all the time in the world for you

merry christmas moos! got this written just in time it seems ^^;

read on aff | ao3

In the 6th year since their debut, Yongsun gets caught in a dating scandal. Or, it’s not really a scandal, because Yongsun and the company very cleanly and softly deliver the news, but she’s an idol. Everything is a scandal.

Crushed, my heart is broken. Solar how could you ㅠㅠ

Why did this happen?? I am so sad ㅠㅠㅠㅠ

Her reputation’s gonna die. Dating? Should know better. I give up.

I still love you Solar!!!

She had expected negative feedback, a lot of it, but there was less backlash than she had anticipated. Somehow, despite that, it still hurt. She was a human being, and almost 30 years old to boot. Shouldn’t she be allowed to love?

But she loved her fans dearly too. She loved the ones who understood, and she even still loved the ones who got angry, because she could understand, to some degree, the feeling of betrayal that comes simply from realizing that the people you idolize are human too.

She’s home alone and she reads the news, the comments, and she feels bad. And as always, like telepathy, Byulyi arrives and pretends to annoy her when Yongsun clearly knows she’s just trying to make her feel better.

When Yongsun takes a shower, Byulyi gives her a glamorous photoshoot afterwards. Soon enough she’s changing through different pajama sets and onesies and dancing like she’s the sexiest woman alive and Byulyi jumps around with the camera to get all her best and worst angles. She’s happy, and tired. Byulyi singing her praises fills her up with love and assurance. They throw all the comforters she has onto her queen bed and Byulyi fluffs them around her so much she feels like she’s sleeping on a cloud. That night, amidst the thousands of posts in mourning of Solar’s status as single, there’s an update in the fancafe. A simple picture of Solar in silk white pajamas, melting into her bed, face bare and hair tangled and just a hint of a smile.

A woman of many charms Solar-unnie who loves Moomoos dearly! Moomoos rest well tonight too, the sun is setting

(Posted without permission, ㅋㅋㅋ)

#1 Yong-fan MB

Before she falls asleep that night, Yongsun feels a kiss on her temple.

-

Seven months later, a month after their latest comeback, Solar ends up on the news again.

MAMAMOO Solar ends relationship after 7 months!

It happens because of Byulyi, of course. The news part, not the breakup.

They’re in her apartment, doing a VLive because it’s been a couple of weeks since they got to interact with the fans. They were randomly humming and reading comments when Byulyi suddenly turned to her and looked just a bit too smug.

“Unnie how’s your love life?”

Yongsun glares at her, tries really hard to make it look real, but Byulyi opens her eyes wide and innocent and she cracks.

It feels just like when she explained her Best Couple Award with Eric a few years ago. She’s happy it happened, but she doesn’t really think she should talk about it, especially to Moomoos. But as usual, Byulyi is tactless and blunt.

“It’s nice right? Being single.”

“Okay, Byul-ah. Whatever you want me to say, Byul-ah.”

But she giggles and leans her head on Byulyi’s shoulder anyway.

ㅋㅋㅋ forgot she even had a bf

Was the bf even real? ㅋㅋㅋ never saw him ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

Moonbyul looks so happy <3

Solar please go out with me!!!

Did Moonbyul scare him away? Yongfan Byulie won’t have it

He was real. They didn’t break up because of Byulyi, and the thought of it makes her laugh. They had gotten together because he had understood. He understood she wasn’t just personality extremities packed into one, that flipped like the page of a book depending on what outfit she had on. She was multifaceted and human, just like anyone else. He saw that, and he dropped his ideals and his expectations and got to know her, and she really, really liked that. So, they dated.

If Yongsun could describe him in one word, it would be ‘compliant’.

There was once that she and Byulyi were taking a walk around their neighborhood. New lights had been strung about in preparation for the holidays and the twinkling canopy made their stroll a little bit magical. The lights had been out for a week already, but lately Byulyi had been busy working, trying to help produce an album. Yongsun wanted to see them with her first, so she waited.

The ran into him. Yongsun smiles, because they hadn’t met up in a while, only texting sweet nothings. Byulyi bows a little and greets him nicely. Yongsun goes for a hug and a kiss and they talk for a little bit before she realizes he wants to take this chance to spend time with her.

And she realizes she doesn’t really have the energy to be with him right then. She says something that’s subtly dismissive, and he smiles, because he understands, goes in for one last kiss (just on the cheek) and is on his way. Byulyi gives her a quick side-hug after he leaves, and they continue their walk undisturbed.

That’s when it starts for Yongsun. The realization that she doesn’t need him.

“Am I a bad girlfriend?”

“I don’t know Yeba, you’re not my girlfriend.”

Yongsun throws a pillow at her. “I’m being serious.”

Byulyi smiles and catches the pillow, because she saw it coming. “I am too. I don’t know if you’re a good girlfriend or not,” She reaches over and squishes Yongsun’s cheeks with both her hands. “But you’re a good person.”

Yongsun still looks unsure, so Byulyi pushes her cheeks around for extra measure and Yongsun lets her.

“You might even be the best person, unnie.”

The next day, she breaks up with him. He nods when she finishes talking, not like he’s sad, or conceding, but like he’s thanking her for her time. Yongsun looks into his eyes and sees that the more he understood who she really was, the more he probably realized they weren’t meant to be together. When they depart, he squeezes her hands (and his own are so much larger) and wishes her all the happiness in the world. She realizes she did love him, loved how he never pushed and loved him for the fact that he loved her too, despite the fact that they were never in love.

-

The first time Byulyi comes out with a relationship, they really can’t say they’re a girl group anymore. They haven’t technically disbanded, sure, but the last time they promoted as Mamamoo was a couple of years ago. They don’t really hit the news as hot topics, aside from when they release new music, or if Moonbyul and Solar star on yet another reality TV type of deal. They’re a duo that can’t be missed. Everyone knows, they’re just good together.

But when Byulyi’s relationship is revealed to the public it takes the industry by storm. She’s not the first to come out, but she’s the biggest name to do so. Legally it’s been okay for almost two years. Socially, things are still on the rocks.

It stresses her out so much, they break up a month later. The girl cries, and so does Byulyi. She spends the next few days at their company, and then Yongsun takes her home because she wrote six songs and they’re all sad and she hadn’t eaten in three days.

She wasn’t necessarily in love with the girl, but it was the first time in a long time that she let someone in like that, and in the end, she was the one to shove them back out into the cold. Byulyi thinks it proves her thoughts that she’s a bad person.

When Yongsun opens the door to her apartment, Daebakkie and Haengwoonie run circles around their ankles and jump up.

“I brought them over while you were gone.”

Byulyi kneels down to pet them and they stop jumping to lick at her palms. She can’t believe she left them while she was off being depressed on her own. It doesn’t make her feel better.

“Thank you, Yongsun-ah. I’m sorry you had to take care of them because of me.” Yongsun is quiet behind her. “I should have been better. They don’t deserve to be left alone.”

She feels arms slide around her sides and the gentle pressure of Yongsun leaning against her back.

“Byul,” She speaks softly. “You can’t be perfect. You can’t live your whole life without hurting others and being hurt. But you don’t have to punish yourself like this.” Yongsun slides one of her hands from Byulyi’s waist, to her hand that’s stroking Daebakkie’s fur. “And you don’t have to be alone.”

Byulyi turns to her then and Yongsun can tell she’s ready for a real hug. They lose their balance and fall back against the wall, but Yongsun pulls Byulyi into her lap and Byulyi lays her head on the older woman’s chest and they stay like that for a bit, Yongsun stroking Byulyi’s hair. Daebakkie and Haengwoonie snuggle themselves onto either side.

Byulyi stays with Yongsun, and after three months she cancels the lease on her own apartment. It’s a non-event, really. She’d told Yongsun she was going to save up and buy them a new TV, and Yongsun had jokingly asked her how she was going to do that when she was throwing money at an empty flat. Over the weekend they clear out her old place and donate away all the furniture what wouldn’t fit into Yongsun’s apartment. Their apartment.

-

At age 35, Byulyi officially claims that she’s off the market for dating. Really, she hasn’t seen anyone in over a year. But she makes the big sweeping statement to Yongsun one night when they’re doing a movie binge because Yongsun, yet again, got dumped.

“You know, I always thought Daeyoon was the best.” Yongsun sighs.

“But you still dumped him.”

“Exactly. But everyone since him, they hadn’t even understood me, or who I had to be. Maybe it’s unfair, but I can’t devote so much time to them like, I don’t know, other people can.” Yongsun doesn’t mention how she notices a pattern that they text her with anxious questions every time she’s with Byulyi, and how annoying it becomes. Every time it begins to fall apart she wonders why she started a relationship in the first place. But she’s 36, and she should be in a steady romance, even if she doesn’t feel like it.

Byulyi shifts so her body is facing Yongsun.

“Aren’t you tired of dating already? Yonghee-unnie’s got three kids now doesn’t she? I don’t think your parents are pestering you for children. There’s not anything pushing you to settle down.”

“What about you? Isn’t it weird that Seulgi has a son? Your younger sister got married and had a kid before you.” Yongsun huffs. “I feel like a relationship is the last thing I want, but shouldn’t I at least try?”

Byulyi shrugs. “My parents have stopped trying to tell me what to do. And I don’t know, I kind of realized I wasn’t really dating to make myself happy, I was just doing it because I thought I should be married by now, like a certain somebody,” She gives Yongsun a pointed look that the other woman pouts at. “Once I stopped trying to chase that idea…” Byulyi takes one of Yongsuns hands and lays it flat against her own. They look almost the same, except Yongsun’s palm is rounder.

“I don’t know. I’m happier now.” Byulyi interlaces their fingers and Yongsun feels something click. Like so many times, when their conversations become deep, Byulyi is right. Yongsun is happy now, happy in ways that she was always fighting to be when she was dating people. But right now, it’s effortless.

Yongsun hums in thought, but really she’s made up her mind, too, that she’ll stop looking around for something she doesn’t need. Everything that completes her, she already has. Her career, the people she loves

And Byulyi. 

[lady-divine-writes]

Kurtbastian one-shot - “Watching Christmas Burn” (Rated PG13)

After Kurt’s bad day, Sebastian comes up with a (slightly dangerous) way to make his husband feel better.

Until their son comes home. Then Kurt’s day goes from bad to worse. (1840 words)

Notes: I had written a version of this for Klaine, but I was originally writing this for the Hummel Holidays prompt "unexpected/bad luck". Anyway, I think this turned out cute, too.

Part 32 of the Daddies verse

Read on AO3.

“I want a hippopotamus for Christmas … Only a hippopotamus will do … Hey, babe!”

“Hey, Bas.”

Oh no. Sebastian frowns when he hears Kurt’s reply. His husband, who had been a vibrating thread of excitement earlier that morning - singing Christmas carols, and bouncing from room to room, quadruple checking that everything looked parfait - has gone monotone.

Sebastian hangs up his coat and heads to the living room. It’s a hop, skip, and a jump from the front door into the main family room, but with the massive amount of holiday decorations they’d put up this year, Kurt is a little difficult to see at first glance. But as he approaches, Sebastian finds his husband - slouching on the sofa, still dressed in his brand new Alexander McQueen suit. He’d loosened his tie, unbuttoned a few buttons, and kicked his shoes across the room. There they lay, overturned in front of the fireplace, too close to the heat to be good for the leather.

If Kurt is letting the finish on his shoes get ruined and one of his favorite suits wrinkle, his day can’t have been good.

“Uh … how was the photoshoot?”

“I need a drink,” Kurt grumbles, waving his fingers at his husband, signaling Sebastian to get him one.

“It’s only two in the afternoon!” Sebastian kicks off his own shoes and takes a seat on the floor beside his husband’s left leg so he can rub his foot.

“And?”

“And you don’t drink.”

“It’s never too late to start.”

Sebastian focuses his knuckles on Kurt’s arch, knowing that’s the spot to hit when Kurt’s in a sour mood. “That bad, huh?”

“That bad?” Kurt laughs dryly. “You might say that. Look at the tree.”

Sebastian gazes at their Christmas tree, overflowing with an eclectic collection of expensive heirloom ornaments and handmade creations by their son, and sighs. “It’s a beautiful tree.”

“It is, isn’t it? But did you know it’s uneven?”

“It is not!” Sebastian tilts his head from side to side, trying to see it. He can’t. It must be one of those miniscule things that only photographers notice, like the fact that Kurt’s right earlobe is supposedly longer than his left.

“Well, not the tree so much” - Kurt scoots closer to his husband - “but the presents underneath it. Apparently it was bereft of presents.”

“But we have presents.”

“Not enough presents …” Kurt moans when Sebastian hits just the right spot. “Apparently, in order for me to be convincing in my role as Executive Fashion Editor at Vogue and earn my right to be featured in the center spread for Christmas, our tree needed more presents. Extravagance is the key. Excess.”

“Excess has never been a problem for me, babe. You should have hit me up. I would have had Bergdorf’s delivered.” Sebastian does a double-take of their tree, at the stacks of presents that weren’t there when he’d left gathered anew around the base. “I was wondering where the avalanche of gifts came from. I thought maybe you’d gotten motivated.”

“They’re not ours. They’re empty boxes,” Kurt mutters, sinking into the couch cushions. “They’re there to make our tree look fuller.”

“I feel sorry for the poor prop guy who got stuck wrapping all those.” Sebastian snickers … until he feels his husband’s knee knock him in the ear. He looks up at Kurt glaring back at him, and his final snicker shrivels into nothingness. “I take it by the bony joint digging into my temple that you wrapped them?”

“A-ha.”

“How many?”

“Roughly five dozen.”

“Oh, babe!” Sebastian sympathizes, but he’s still laughing – mostly at the image of a put-off Kurt in his expensive suit, sitting on the floor and cursing under his breath while he wrapped sixty Goddamned gift boxes. “Don’t they pay some schlub good money to do that kind of stuff?”

“Yeah, well, supposedly his wife went into labor,” Kurt groans, his head falling back as he pinches his eyes shut, “so he had to leave early … the jerk.”

“That bastard!” Sebastian is one hundred percent behind his husband … though, in reality, they probably can’t blame the man for rushing off to be with his wife when she gives birth to their baby. But there had to be someone else they could call in to do the grunt work. Isn’t that what interns are for? Speaking of … “Nice to see they left you to clean up the mess.” Sebastian scoffs, looking at the number of boxes underneath their tree. “We’re going to have to deal with these before the peanut comes home. We don’t want him getting the wrong impression about the size of his haul.”

“You know, all I’ve wanted to do since the crew left is set one of those little motherfuckers on fire with my mind.” Kurt squints hard at the box closest, checking one more time that he can’t. “Could you imagine how satisfying it would be to hear the paper crackle … see the sparks fly as it burns …?”

Sebastian considers that. Even though he himself has never wanted to throw a wrapped present into a fireplace, other things come to mind: Calculus textbooks, his high school uniform, a few ex-boyfriends. He understands wanting the satisfaction of watching something you loathe devoured, consumed out of existence, slowly and painfully (maybe from the crotch out). A pop from the fireplace draws his attention there, to the fire Kurt had lit for ambiance, its single log still burning, breaking down in its cradle. He knows that burning a present in their fireplace probably isn’t the smartest thing to do, especially wrapped in metallic paper, but smart hasn’t necessarily been a pre-requisite for a lot of the things Sebastian has done.

Besides, if it makes Kurt feel better, then where’s the harm in disposing of one?

He gets up from the floor. Kurt whimpers as he leaves, raising his foot to remind Sebastian what he was doing and that it was important. But when Kurt opens his eyes, he sees Sebastian by the tree, juggling one of the smaller fake presents in his hands. “Why don’t you chuck one in the fireplace then?”

Kurt sputters a laugh, but his brow draws together when Sebastian stays put, tossing the package up in the air and catching it.

“Are you … are you serious?”

“Why not? I mean, it’s not going to be as fun as lighting it Firestarter style, but you’ll still get to see it burn.”

Kurt rises from the sofa. Without fixing his suit, he walks towards his husband.

“Come on.” Sebastian hands the present over. “It’ll be great for stress relief.”

“What about sex?”

“We can do that afterward.” Sebastian winks, grabbing a healthy handful of Kurt’s left ass cheek. “But for now, let’s set some presents on fire!”

“I … I can’t,” Kurt says, but takes the present out of Sebastian’s hands with a quickness that makes him laugh. “It’s just … it’s crazy!”

“It’s crazy that you had to wrap them in the first place! And for your own Life and Style shoot, too. Your a-hole boss should be ashamed!”

“Shhh!” Kurt slaps a hand over his husband’s mouth. “Anna Wintour has eyes and ears everywhere! I wouldn’t be surprised if one of these presents is bugged!”

“Uh … creepy. All the more reason to burn them then, in my opinion.”

Sebastian watches Kurt contemplate the gift in his hands, taking longer than he’d anticipated – long enough to start re-thinking himself. So he comes up with a solution to move this party along. “Well, if you’re not, then I’m sure as hell going to.”

He reaches for the box. With an angry flash of Kurt’s blue eyes, Kurt tosses the empty box over the safety grate and into the fireplace. Sebastian and Kurt watch as the fire engulfs the package, immediately eating away at the wrapping paper. Black holes form, their edges curling back, the entire thing throwing off a sprinkle of gold and silver. They watch the box burn until the paper is gone, the remaining cardboard innards collapsing into ashes.

“God!” Kurt moans so deeply it sounds sexual. “That felt better than I thought it would!”

“See?” Sebastian licks his lips, ready to attack Kurt’s neck after that. “I told you this was a good idea.” Especially if Kurt makes that noise because of it.

Kurt reaches past Sebastian and grabs a handful of presents. He shakes them to make sure they’re empty, and then tosses them into the fire. For a moment, the boxes overwhelm the flames, and Sebastian thinks that Kurt may have snuffed them out – the power of the presents and their sparkly wrapping too strong. But with an impressive whoosh! the stack lights on fire. Even before those boxes are properly singed, Kurt grabs more.

“I don’t think we can burn them all!” Sebastian laughs. “Our fireplace isn’t big enough!”

“That’s okay,” Kurt says, chucking one more in for good measure. “I’ll hide them behind the real presents. Then every time Thomas misbehaves, I’ll pick one up and toss it in as a warning!”

“That’s awful!” Sebastian laughs. “Even I’m not that mean!”

Kurt raises a skeptical brow, but he refrains from commenting. “I’m just kidding! I’d never do that! In fact, we should probably stop now. Thomas is going to be home any min---”

“Daddy! Papa, I’m … aaahhhh!”

Kurt and Sebastian, huddled close together and laughing into one another’s shoulders, stop with a choke as the bloodcurdling scream of their only son fills the room. They turn and stare at the little boy stopped short before them with his loyal dog by his side, both mentally preparing with breakneck speed to field the questions and accusations that Thomas is sure to lob at them.

“Tom-Tom …” Sebastian starts first, seeing as – in his pressed dress shirt and slacks - he’s the parent who doesn’t look like a desperate madman, as opposed to Kurt, who looks like he spent the afternoon sleeping on the sidewalk in a $2,000 designer suit.

“Wha---wha---?” Thomas pants, his eyes darting from Kurt, standing beside the fireplace with two presents in his hands; to Sebastian, in the process of handing over one more; to the fireplace, flames climbing higher as the charred skeletons of other gifts burn to a crisp.

“Thomas” - Kurt puts the empty boxes carefully back on the pile and raises his hands in surrender - “it’s not what you think.”

“Daddy? Papa? I … ah!” And with that, Thomas faints, positioning himself beside his dog Hepburn first, then dropping on top of the Labradoodle gently with a hand thrown over his forehead. Kurt and Sebastian look at their little boy, probably honestly devastated over the loss of what he thinks is a genuine present … but so obviously faking.

Sebastian looks at Kurt.

Kurt looks at Sebastian.

Sebastian points at the heap of overdramatic child lying atop his dog, and says, “Okay, now, that’s your son.”