#not quite the climbers course it was presented as

[remcocoa]

also: niklas behrens, a 1.95 classics-weight guy, just won u23 worlds on the same circuit the elites will use on sunday. something to consider.

[gottawritesomething]

A God's Folly (2/2)

Their connection deepens.

(Link to Part 1 of God!Gale)

Huge thank you to @ceasesanity for their GodGale Gif

And thank you to the people who left comments or messaged me about this work, you really helped to inspire me!

____________________________________

The God of Ambition ran his fingers carefully over the edges of the viewing pool. The scene shifting between various practitioners, lingering on those of particular acclaim or interest to the God. Every few visions, the images would return to Tav's diplomacy excursion. She’d been needlessly reckless, entering the battlefield between the two groups, only narrowly missed by a deluge of spells. He’d told her innumerous times to accept a boon from him or avoid such needless peril. He’d bordered on barring her from such journeys until she’d refuted him. Highlighting how it served to bolster his reputation when his Chosen could foray into battle unaided by her God, such was her talent and by extension, his selection of her. He had not been entirely convinced until the arrival of new recruits to his temples, citing his Chosen as the cause after one of her more dangerous stints. He’d wondered aloud if she’d conscripted them herself to prove her point; she’d always been clever in such ways.

His attention returned to her present; talks between factions had gone well, it seemed. A legion of thankful civilians and ideologues alike charged her to offer their thanks. These were the accolades he’d promised her. His time with Mystra had served to instruct him on the many ways Chosens went unlauded. He leaned nearer to the pool, waiting to glimpse her grateful features as they showered her in their munificence. Only to be rewarded with a polite smile and gifts refused. The God dismissed the scene with an irritable flourish, reverting his gaze to his more appropriately appreciative followers. He listened listlessly to the prayers of a few unimpressive social climbers only to feel an unplaceable pull to return to her image. The crowds had thinned to a few choice individuals, one in particular, Tav was engaged in ardent conversation with. The God paid little heed to her conversational partner, instead carefully observing her newly emboldened features. She smiled brightly, gesticulations punctuating her statements. She was doing this to infuriate him, he was certain. 

“You do love your little games, so,” he quietly muttered, absent-mindedly gripping the chain that spilled from his chest as though it could physically pull her to his side. Tav seemed to falter in both speech and smile like she’d been made aware of his gaze somehow. He hastily released the cord as Tav ran a hand over her chest. She glanced about as though expecting to see him materialize in front of her.

“A pity. Though it is quite a potent tonic…a love so steeped in tragedy." 

The God of Ambition had been so singularly focused on the scene before him he’d been unaware of the manifestation of another deity. 

“Sune. The summons to discuss the combination of our temples in Candlekeep was not to be treated as an open invitation.”

The Goddess of Beauty, Love, and its many consequences brushed her impossibly long hair back from her face. Her features changed frequently, capitalizing on what was most attractive to the most souls at that very moment, her hair flaming red hair remaining her only constant. 

With a musical laugh, Sune affixed her eyes to the God of Ambition.

“And yet you call upon my doctrine regularly enough to entrap and inculate your followers. Seems that alone should earn me a place at your side or your audience, at least.” She strolled to the edge of the pool, running a finger down the face of Tav’s reflection. The God of Ambition followed her with his eyes. “It will unravel her, of course. True links to godhood are not meant for mortals.” 

A hint of agitation flowed through the features of the God. 

“I think you’ll find I’ve achieved Godhood solely through mortal efforts.”

“Spare me the sermon, your Lordship. I aim only to highlight what you’ve done with it. Allegiances to your mortal ties that threaten the very grasp you hold on your province are a poor use of your machinations.” She gave him a pitying look.

“Shall I put it less artfully? Your Godhood will burn her from the inside out. And while she lives, your lady love, quite ironically, remains my domain. For even the greatest devastation in the name of love is still a love. But worry not; I spurn not what form a love so strong takes. After all, to witness its power to break someone upon the wheel is breathtaking. I've witnessed wars waged and more lives ended than you've seen born at my discipline’s hand. But to have a mortal so utterly undone by love… I've truly surpassed myself.” 

The Gods regarded each other, their eyes meeting. Two otherworldly beings reflecting the same infinite, tranquil, unperturbed mirrors, endlessly. The God of Ambition knew better than to truly clash with such a widely adored and ancient deity. While her followers preached a highly sanitized doctrine, he knew the true reach of her powers. As was with his own dominion, there was a balance to be struck; where there was love, there was obsession and consumption. He did not doubt that she, like he, could wield and guide these more unseemly aspects in mortals to great effect. For a moment, he wondered if his hold on Tav could be used to flaunt the instability of Sune’s power. If it could be used to humble her into conceding that Tav’s mortal love for him was so great, it eclipsed Sune’s possession of her.

“If I weren’t otherwise aware, I’d say you seek to claim involvement in my ascension, a boast that few can claim. While it is certain I was aided by love, it was not accomplished by it. Only I had the aptitude to see it done. Karsus crumbled under the weight of his doubt, where the God of Ambition soared.”

Sune tossed her hair over her shoulder and considered him once more. A perfect smile imbedding itself in her features. 

“Well then, for all future matters, I will avail you of my services. Whether that privilege involves a call to your bedside or perhaps a dissolvent of your pet’s leash remains to be seen.” With an ethereal sigh and a blooming column of flowers, the Goddess made her exit, leaving the God of Ambition once again alone. He stood like a statue in the empty halls of a temple to himself, natural emotion once as readily attainable as the power now in his command, burned away like so much else. To rage was a gift bestowed by the shackles of mortality. 

By the time Tav arrived back in the God of Ambition’s realm, he’d returned to his throne. The sense of his awaiting judgment enveloped the hall. The God had no doubt that Tav recognized the perturbed air about him and the lingering scent of chocolate accompanied by the tumble of sparse petals across the temple floor. If it pained her, her face showed no indication, further sending a jolt of exasperation through him. Tav bowed deeply, the God noted a slight sway in her posturing. 

“Did you enjoy your jaunt, my dear? You seem unwell; let me attend to you.”

“That is not necessary, my Lord.” Obstinate as ever, he could not assist her if she barred herself from him. He gathered the fibers of his Weave around himself. Combing through them for her essence, seeking to unlock that which she would not share. As he searched, Tav had begun to sway in earnest, suddenly dropping to her knees, her face turning to a pallid complexion.

The God of Ambition rose in time to prevent her full collapse. Providing her a soft landing, matching her in size to better assess her. A shudder ran through her, the pain clear across her features. In tandem, the God felt a surge of power course through him. As she stilled, the wave of agony seemingly over, he, too, felt the power ebb away from his grasp. With its absence swelled a wave of what another might have mistaken for shame, he shut his illuminated eyes tightly for a moment. Only to open them to Tav’s full attention, she seemed to be contemplating their closeness. Her body still filled with the tell-tale warmth his now lacked. She’d seemed unfazed by the discomfort of the moments before, practiced even…The God of Ambition spiraled further. 

“How long have you been withholding this?” Tav only looked up into his face with a silent resignation. Words rose like bile in the God's throat, forcing their way out without his consent. 

“Why do you do this to yourself, why do you seek to break your own heart? I could provide anything you desire with the snap of my fingers. You need only ask and anything you wish will be yours. The man you loved could give you nothing but himself. My perfection now mirrors yours and still you refuse to see reason.  I could give you life eternal, if not in longevity then in renown. You cannot expect me to withstand your constant denial. You must understand no one knows you as I do. No one can love you as I love you.”

“Is that what this is?” There was no accusation in her tone, only a slow, matter-of-fact question.

The God warred with himself. Half of him desperate to reel back in the parts of himself he'd allowed to run rampant and the other previously silenced part, driven by a need for her to understand, for her to see…

“How could you say that?” The light in the God of Ambition's eyes burned like it would reduce Tav to ash. He stretched to his full height once again, towering over her. “If this is your attempt to suggest reclaiming mortality, you have sorely failed. You’ve only served to make me despise him further; he was nothing, and yet he keeps you from me. He did not deserve you. His only means of protecting you required his death.”

Tears gathered in the corners of Tav’s eyes, glimmering in the light of the God of Ambition’s divinity. The God quieted his voice like the weight of his words would shatter them both.

“I know you love me, but just for a moment… prove it.”

“Where you go, I go, my lord, as ever, driven by my heart which you occupy. What else could you want from me, what would you have me do? I needn't prove it. You already know.”

“Then why can't I feel it?”

The silence that followed echoed through the columns of the temple like they, too, sought an answer. An age seemed to pass before the God of Ambition mastered himself again. With a swipe of his hand, a soft, glittering fog enveloped his Chosen. The vast, unending hurt and confusion that pooled in her eyes began to flow from her face. Her face took on a soft, hazy-like quality as she smiled softly like she was recalling a pleasant memory. The mist dissipated as quickly as it had arrived, leaving his Chosen swaying gently in the middle of the floor. Her eyes soon refocused as she looked up into her God’s face.

“Did you enjoy your jaunt, my dear?”

“Of course, my lord, the diplomatic efforts were a success. Repairs on the temple have already begun with talks of another wing in the works.”

“As ever, you’ve represented the faith with the utmost grace, as I knew you would. You must have tired from your journey. Rest, and I will call on you again.” He watched as she stepped back into the newly summoned portal. For a moment, she gleamed in the light of his Weave, and then she was gone.

He examined the space she’d occupied only seconds ago, once again twirling the fated chain between his fingers. He clenched his fist and placed it carefully on the floor of the temple. From his opened hand, an illusionary Tav rose from the floor. She dusted her road-worn robe off and looked up at him curiously, a smile dancing at the corner of her mouth like they were sharing a joke. She walked towards him, arms outstretched. Her stride lightened by the absence of any chain and emanating a warmth she’d had for a man who wasn’t a God.

“Gale.” She whispered.

____________________________________

[facelessxchurch]

RE: Young thing falls in love with Nefarian Serpine Playlist

Ever since the lanky boy he once was grew up to be a tall, handsome man, Nefarian had been using his good looks and charm to get what he wants and, occasionally, what Mevolent wants. A smile and a wink spelt out a promise he didn't intend to keep, but -dear gods- did it make it easier to fool people. And a few broken hearts along the way only helped to fuel his ego.

That was until Mevolent rose enough in power that not only he was an eligible bachelor for a social climber, but so was his right-hand man. It's all fun and games until the daughter of an Old Blood family whose support Mevolent needs falls for Nefarian and he is forced by his master and lover to marry this stranger.

It did not end well.

His first wife had fallen for his looks. Plenty of men in positions of power were old or ugly or both, so Nefarian was quite the catch in her eyes. Certainly, it would make the duty of producing an heir for her family less of a chore. He wasn't loyal to her, but frankly neither was she. His lack of interest in her and her jealousy turned the marriage spiteful and toxic. And once Mevolent no longer needed her family she had a quite unfortunate accident during a carriage ride to her parents. Nefarian was in a different country handling diplomatic affairs for Mevolent, so it could not be pinned on him.

His second wife was a social climber and too ambitious for her own good. She was loyal to him, ignored his affairs, and pretended to share his interests. She was like a shadow to him in an attempt to use him to gain Mevolent's favour. Finally, after pulling Nef into the bedroom any chance she got, she became pregnant. She fully intended to use the child to secure her position as his wife and to force him to behave more in a way she deemed suitable for a husband. Unfortunately, she and the child died during the birth. Mevolent was furious since he'd rather liked this one and he beat the living hell out of Nef despite him swearing up and down he had nothing to do with it. Mev already hadn't believed in his innocence when the first wife had met her demise, he believed him even less now since Nef had been present when she died. Nef insisted that of course he was present for the birth of his first child but Mev was having non of it. He warned him that if his next wife were to die too all Hell would break loose.

His third wife actually did love him. She had been a sweet, innocent thing that had fallen for his devilish charms. This was the only one Nef had bothered to warn that he'd be her ruin, that she should run as long as she still could considering divorces weren't allowed in the Faceless Church. She did not heed his warning and instead mistook it as a sign that he fancied her too. This time Nefarian actually tried to make it work, half bc she good and sweet and he could tell she actually did adore him, half bc he was afraid of what Mevolent would do if this marriage was to fail too. But that was exactly her folly, she was too sweet. Her parents had sheltered her too much and failed to prepare her for the cruelty of the church and its followers. Tho he supposed he couldn't expect better considering that while her family was wealthy and influential, and owned land in a few key positions Mevolent wanted to station soldiers, they were new converts to the church. Nef had been kind to her, at least he tried to be. The devil in him was easier to hide when he had to be among people for only a few hours, but since they were living together he kept letting things slip. The glee in his smile when he talked about torture and death, the glimmer in his eyes when he was covered in blood, the disdain in his voice when he spoke about fellow nobles, the hatred in his heart when things didn't go his way. Kindness is not stupidity and she came to understand that the man she loved was a monster. But he ensured her he would let no harm befall her, including from himself. She came to understand the other higher-ups were just as bad and would sell them both out if it meant gaining Mevolent's favour. But he ensured her he would not let it come to that for he was twice as clever as them. She came to understand that Mevolent was the worst of them when she tended her husband's wounds from prior 'punishments'. He insisted that he deserved this and not to worry, he would not fail their master again, but she knew that he loved him, it wasn't hard to tell by the excuses he kept making for him. She came to understand that the Sanctuaries were just as bad when her parents died during an attack on the family castle that Mevolent had been using as an outpost. He tried to comfort her as best he could, but he lacked the humanity to do so in any meaningful way. She came to understand that she didn't want to live in a world filled with monsters. And he wasn't there to stop her, he was in Mevolent's castle worshipping his master in the bedroom. Nefarian found her hanging from the ceiling of their shared bedroom when he returned home one day with a suicide note on the nightstand that spoke of the cruelties of the world.

After that Mevolent gave up trying to wed Nefarian. For even when he's trying, he can't keep his wives alive. Either he despises them because they are as wicked as he is, or they are too sweet and he'll ruin them by being himself.

[jobs-and-opportunities]

How To Handle First Date Like An Expert Playboy

Rock hiking is everywhere nowadays. From the Sunrise Wall to your Instagram feed to the new exercise center going up in the neighborhood, climbing is at this point not the periphery sport it used to be. Kids are beginning to climb nearly before they can walk, and presently like never before, there's not a great explanation for you not to check it out too. In any case, climbing can be one of those scary leisure activities to start. Many inquire, "How would I get everything rolling?" referring to dread and feeling overpowered with stuff and wellbeing as colossal hindrances to section. It makes sense to us, thus the thing follows is all that you really want to be aware of to get out of the stone. Indian Gigolo Club

BEFORE YOU START

The expression "rock getting over" envelops an incredible number of disciplines, from bouldering to enormous wall moving, to hiking and mountaineering. Before you start, it may very well be critical to initially recognize what way of climbing you are keen on, or maybe to inquire, "For what reason would I like to climb?" Would you like to culminate tops, rock at your neighborhood exercise center, or maybe figure out how to lead move at the nearby precipice? Would you like to make companions, be outside, or get in shape (or every one of the three)? When these inquiries are responded to, you can sort out the potential advances you'll have to take to arrive. Underneath (in the Game versus trad versus bouldering area) we endeavor to illuminate this choice by separating the different styles of climbing; each has its own particular culture, stuff, and expectation to learn and adapt. Gigolo Bhubaneswar

Step with the aid of using step commands to Get the whole lot rolling

Climbing is a complicated game: it's possibly costly to get into, challenging to track down coaches, and can be risky in the event that it is not done accurately. With the development of climbing exercise centers, notwithstanding, it's simpler than any time in recent memory to check moving out: simply get a companion and go to the closest exercise center, lease a couple of shoes and a saddle, and hop on the bouldering wall. Notwithstanding, if and when your movement drives you to hopping on ropes and outside, specialized abilities become crucial for wellbeing. Many decide to gain from companions; notwithstanding, security is vital to such an extent that we suggest signing up for a conventional class. The simplest and most ideal way to get familiar with the fundamental abilities, which incorporate belaying and tying appropriate bunches, is by taking an early on course at your nearby exercise center. Or on the other hand, on the off chance that you're keen on moving outside or much more explicitly moving in the mountains, search out a class either through your exercise center or a neighborhood guide. Indian Gigolo Videos

INDOOR Versus Open air

The main indoor climbing rec center opened in Seattle in 1987. Presently only 30 years after the fact, there are 430 exercise centers the country over, with north of 50 additional in development at the hour of composing. Regions like the Denver city have upwards of 10 exercise centers, all stuffed to the limit every day. Though climbers used to be a minuscule local area of for the most part grown-up men with admittance to the wild, the climbing exercise center transformation has carried moving to the majority. Any reasonable person would agree that a larger number of individuals presently climb inside than outside. The climbing rec center has fostered its own way of life, and moving inside - "pulling on plastic," as climbers frequently say - is incomprehensibly not quite the same as climbing outside. It is seemingly more secure, substantially more advantageous to get to, and undeniably more friendly; thus, the exercise center is a brilliant spot to start climbing. Exercise center passes cost somewhere in the range of $6 to $30/day, with month to month enrollments being the most ideal choice for the people who go routinely. Outside getting over happens on stones, on precipice groups, and in mountains - anyplace where there is strong stone, climbers can be found. Probably the most well known sorts of rock to climb incorporate stone, sandstone, limestone, basalt, and aggregate mixes. Gigolo service in Mumbai

Every one of these sorts of rock has its own way of moving, from overhanging containers similar to exercise center trips, to specialized pieces, to splitter breaks. Climbing outside requests a more significant level of mastery than moving in the rec center, as there are more factors and risks on genuine stone. Weather conditions can be a component, as well as rock fall. Climbers will likewise have to have significantly more stuff to move outside, including their own rope and outfit, quickdraws or other insurance, an individual anchor and locking carabiner, and a protective cap. Although numerous climbers start in the rec center, some figure out how to climb promptly outside, most regularly with the assistance of an aide or an educational course.Gigolo site

SPORT Versus TRAD Versus BOULDERING

Rock climbing is for the most part separated into three classifications: sport climbing, customary (trad) climbing, and bouldering. Climbers will generally have practical experience in or lean toward one discipline over the others, however numerous climbers partake in every one of the three. Sport climbing is a way of climbing where the pioneer joins quickdraws to previous bolts, circling the rope through the quickdraws for security while rising the precipice. Sport climbs are much of the time one-pitch climbs where the pioneer then returns to the ground subsequent to fixing the rope to the anchor, however now and again these trips could go on up to bigger countenances for various pitches. As a discipline, sport climbing centers around troublesome development, perseverance, figuring out how to confront fears, and gambling with a fall (and being gotten by the rope, obviously!). Trad climbing is the most rootsy and verifiable type of moving, in which the pioneer climbs shortcomings in the stone (by and large, breaks) and places gear in these shortcomings that will hold the rope on account of a fall. In spite of the fact that trad climbs can be single-pitch courses like most game trips, they frequently rise including more than one rope length and end at a highest point (these are designated "multi-pitch climbs"). How to join gigolo

Trad climbers by and large love long and gutsy long stretches of moving in wild regions, zeroing in on development, strategies, specialized rope and stuff abilities, and organization. Bouldering is maybe the most present day type of climbing, and positively the quickest developing. Boulderers raise stones or short bluffs (by and large 20 feet and under), involving cushions and spotters at the base for security rather than ropes. Bouldering is a type of climbing that spotlights on troublesome development and critical thinking, and is more friendly than different disciplines. We'd be neglectful in the event that we didn't specify a couple of different types of climbing: help climbing, elevated rock climbing, speed climbing, and profound water soloing. Choose the lesser evil (or will we say enthusiasm): each has its own arrangement of delights and difficulties! Call boy jobs

Picking A Trip

One of the principal things you'll realize while beginning to climb is the manner by which to pick a course that suits your capacity level. In the exercise center, climbs by and large are named with a trouble rating; outside, climbers use manuals and frequently a telephone application called Mountain Undertaking to distinguish the trouble of getting over. In the U.S., climbs are appraised utilizing the Yosemite Decimal Framework; so, 5.3 is a very novice climb, and 5.15 is a specialist level course. These appraisals don't signify risk, just trouble. As a fledgling, you'll undoubtedly be picking courses 5.7 and under, and frequently courses that can be top-roped. Top-roping implies that the climber lays out an anchor from the highest point of the trip so the rope is now set up, as opposed to driving the course from the base. Many courses in the rec center are set up with top ropes; outside, climbers can frequently climb to the highest point of the precipice or component to let a rope fall down over the trip. Call boy

[doursports123]

Discover the Thrill of Dour Sports: Where Grit Meets the Playing Field

   Discover the Thrill of Dour Sports: Where Grit Meets the Playing Field In a world saturated with sporting events that celebrate athleticism, agility, and glamour, there exists a niche that revels in a different kind of allure—one that thrives on resilience, determination, and unwavering resolve. Dour Sports is the captivating realm of dour sports, where athletes find themselves in a constant battle against adversity and the elements, pushing their physical and mental limits to the extreme.

Dour sports encompass a range of activities that are characterized by their grueling nature and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity. From the unyielding climbs of mountaineering to the relentless endurance required in ultramarathons, dour sports are not for the faint of heart. Participants in these sports willingly subject themselves to harsh conditions, both physically and mentally, as they navigate treacherous terrain or endure extreme weather.

One of the most iconic dour sports is mountaineering, a pursuit that involves scaling some of the world's tallest peaks. The world's tallest mountain, Mount Everest, stands as a testament to the sheer audacity of these athletes. Battling freezing temperatures, thin air, and the ever-present risk of avalanches, mountaineers endure unimaginable hardships to conquer summits that seem to touch the heavens. The allure of reaching these lofty pinnacles lies in the indomitable spirit of the climbers, who must rely on their grit and determination to overcome the most forbidding conditions nature can throw at them.

Ultramarathons, another category of dour sports, push the boundaries of human endurance. These races often cover distances far beyond the standard marathon, with courses that can stretch for 50 miles or more. Participants in ultramarathons must not only contend with the physical toll of running for hours on end but also grapple with the mental challenge of enduring when every fiber of their being screams to stop. The attraction of ultramarathons lies in the transformative journey they offer, pushing runners to discover untapped reservoirs of strength and resilience within themselves.

Endurance cycling, particularly in events like the Race Across America (RAAM), represents another facet of dour sports. Covering over 3,000 miles from coast to coast, RAAM participants pedal through scorching deserts, steep mountain passes, and endless stretches of road, often battling sleep deprivation and physical exhaustion. The unrelenting nature of this race epitomizes the spirit of dour sports, where participants must summon the willpower to continue when their bodies beg them to quit.

Dour sports are not confined to extreme outdoor endeavors alone; they can also manifest in indoor pursuits like competitive weightlifting. Athletes in this discipline push their bodies to the limit, lifting increasingly heavy loads with precision and determination. The grueling training regimens and unwavering focus required to excel in weightlifting reflect the same principles of resilience and commitment found in other dour sports.

In essence, dour sports celebrate the human spirit's capacity to endure, persevere, and thrive in the face of adversity. They provide a stark contrast to the glitz and glamour often associated with mainstream sports, highlighting the beauty of simplicity and the raw power of determination. These sports are a testament to the fact that true greatness is not always measured in medals and trophies but in the unwavering resolve to conquer the challenges that life presents.

In conclusion, "Discover the Thrill of Dour Sports: Where Grit Meets the Playing Field" invites individuals to explore a world where the pursuit of excellence is synonymous with unwavering determination and a refusal to yield to adversity. Dour sports teach us that the journey itself is the ultimate reward, and that the thrill lies not in the destination, but in the relentless pursuit of one's limits. Whether you're scaling a mountain, running an ultramarathon, or lifting weights, dour sports offer a unique opportunity to discover the depths of your own resilience and the boundless potential of the human spirit.   

[thewmhii]

First Aid Training Is Fundamental For All Individuals

At present managers of various callings are expected to embrace medical aid preparing, which might change relying upon the various work environments they work in. There are various kinds of courses that offer emergency treatment preparing for staff. You may be intrigued to look further into them, realizing that this could save somebody's life.

There is a fundamental or supposed standard medical aid course that is otherwise called Crisis mental health first aid training treatment, which is reasonable for all intrigued individuals - understudies and understudies, guardians and older individuals, as no custom curriculum is expected to take this course. The overall population might be signed up for it to get familiar with the rudiments of medical aid preparing, as it isn't intended for places with higher percent of mishaps.

These unique spots are expected to be taken care of by experts who have gone through further developed courses. Such is the high level life support course, which trains how to utilize computerized outer defibrillators and oxygen in basic circumstances to help the people in question. This course isn't so much for overall population, yet for proficient medical aid representatives, as well as all staff that works in an office that has breathing devices and tanks.

Then again, individuals who are proficient salvage jumpers, lifeguards, mariners, jumpers or other various callings connected with saving individuals' life in the water, will profit from taking marine emergency treatment preparing. They need to figure out how to pull the muffle casualties of the water and what medical aid can be given while holding up to the rescue vehicle. They can likewise help individuals, which can't arrive at the facility quick.

There is one more sort of emergency treatment course planned to show how to offer individuals first guide in quite a while. It is called Wild or Far off Emergency treatment and trains proficient climbers and mountain salvages to assist individuals while they with sitting tight for proficient clinical assistance and for specific gear that could be postponed.

Nonetheless, there are unique medical aid courses, which offer emergency treatment for actual infirmities, yet for mental sicknesses or for individuals who are going through an exceptionally distressing circumstance as well. This psychological well-being course will permit members to become familiar with the underlying side effects of a psychological issue and will know how to help endures sufficiently. School advisors and physiologists can exploit such course to acquire a high level specific information.

There are a lot more first guide courses accessible that are in quite a while of looking after children, care, front line, and so on. Basically every individual relying upon his/her calling can find a reasonable medical aid preparing to know how to offer assistance in instances of crisis. Taking a specific course will help likewise individuals who might want to go after specific jobs to be considered before others.

It is essential to understand what to do during a crisis, in the event that you are a parent as well, since your kids ought to get sufficient assistance in time. Information on what to do when a mishap happens will give you a certainty that you will respond in the most ideal manner under the pressure and tension.

For more info. Visit us

mental health courses for employees

mental health resources

Mental Health Awareness Poster

[collymore]

Is Britain turning into some kind of a theme park?

By Stanley Collymore Every time I see the perverse,   self-entitled and avid social   climber woman, the totally   in my estimation of her, undeniably vile Waitie Katie, plus that dumbo husband   of hers and their three sprogs it simply   rather starkly reminds me, of the quite   charming and outstandingly exclusive   London “official residence” situated in   Kensington Palace which they equally   have allocated as one of their several   homes. Kensington Palace - that was   actually acquired as a direct result of   shares in the notorious Royal African   Company and evidently in which, the   British monarch, and their perceived   royal family quite indisputably had a   monopoly and was actually secured   through their agent, Edward Colston   the infamous nefarious slave owner   from Bristol plus a principal director   in the same Royal African Company.   The luxurious lifestyle of this family:   William, Kate and their sprogs, has   irrefutably come about as a direct   result of the enormous and blood soaked   profits made through the evilly, abhorrent   Transatlantic Slave Trade and the odious   human suffering of significantly, millions   of black people over several centuries. A   monopoly which the British Royal Family   luxuriously basked in and attendant with   the privileged consequences the likes of   William, Kate and their offspring lavishly   happily luxuriate in, notwithstanding the   truly evilly consequences of Kensington   Palace's terrible legacy; that still lingers   on most excruciatingly painful and also   rather enduringly for countless millions   to this very day within the 21st Century. (C) Stanley V. Collymore   26 May 2023.   Author's Remarks:   Whether it’s accepted or not the overwhelming majority of white Britons, plus their Coconut and House Nigger Useful Idiots, are brainwashed into thinking that the UK’s monarchy is such an indispensable part of British history, culture and the country’s continuing future that it must be retained at all costs and quite ludicrous as well virtually unchanged. So here’s my solution to this impasse as far as those who do not subscribe to the idea that a Middle Ages mind-set monarchy is relevant in the 21st Century and also well aware that there’s not going to be any referendum on this matter. Turn the entire monarchy status quo into a London type Pearlie King and Queen ongoing celebrity showcase with the firstborn of the Windsor family, as is the present case: and whether male, female or transgender, appointed monarch for life, or unless he or she chooses to retire or abdicate, and on their departure whether through death, retirement or abdication, the relevant successor takes over, assuming of course, and why not, they want the job.   Meanwhile the palaces, stately houses and huge multiple estates enjoyed exclusive at present by the Windsor family could be turned into posh financial entities: hotels, recreation areas, whatever that brings in the money and makes them all a massive Disneyland type affair. In addition to all that the really prized assets with their longevity could be turned into 24/7 museums manned by members of the Windsor family as paid employees; enabling them to get off their lazy asses and do some real work for a change, and in the process of so doing pay their taxes like everyone else. As for the UK’s real political situation, those daft enough to could carry on striving for a fairer voting system coupled with true democracy, equality and meritocracy. But why would idiotic Brits go for any of this when the aforementioned systems that I pointed out is making them all money, whether they’re actually working or on the dole and these ingrained morons can still carry on being the plebeians, serfs, call them what you will, to their perceived societal better.

[talldarkandroguesome]

4th of Rain’s Hand, Tirdas

We have seen all the properties now. The one in Ebonheart was well maintained, but it is not a particularly suitable abode for Sildras with the arcane interest that he bears. It is designed far more for leisure and luxury than for anything practical.

Uncle Urnel’s home was, as I had suspected, the one that SIldras was the most delighted with. He had been there before, of course, though it has been nearly a year since last visit. He was excited when he saw the stores for arcane ingredients and the vast library. Uncle Urnel was never much for dicing into the reading side of things and he kept the alchemical stores mostly for a friend of his, who has recently passed.

The whole place is spectacularly furnished, but practical. It is not as though uncle Urnel was the consummate socialite, he kept to himself for the most part. He is very good with numbers and has always helped with maintaining the House treasury. As such, he tried to minimize his own spending. He keeps his staff well and his home besides, but does little for himself unless it is necessary.

The home itself reflects this attitude, and knowing Sildras as I do, I believe it shall be kept in a similar manner. Sildras will, I am sure, be putting most of his personal funds into books and spell components.

His sisters ran around the house and climbed the pillars and shelves in various rooms, as is their habit. And, as I am growing used to, I went behind the anxious staff to reassure them that the girls were natural climbers and that unless they were in danger of harming something, to simply let them have their fun.

Later that night I met with uncle Urnel. It was so good to see him. I fear for his health, though. He has lost quite a bit of weight. He seems to have aged a century since our last meeting. He does not seem to be sleeping.

Of course he dismissed my concerns, saying it was just the weight of being Grandmaster in such a political climate. I feared for what that truly might mean. My plump, jolly uncle was now lean and worn, as though he had been left too long in the sun and dried up. Deep wrinkles have formed above his brow that I cannot recall being there before.

We met by the lake outside of the Temple where we went fishing. I know that he must miss being able to go fishing whenever he had a moment free. The meeting was as much an excuse to fish as it was to discuss the deed and title. He had a solicitor along with him and an order was drawn up for the delivery of title upon Sildras’ completion of his apprenticeship and his official presentation into adult society.

I know that uncle Urnel wants to share the news sooner, but I asked that he present this gift upon Sildras’ nameday. He is turning twelve, after all. It is a bigger birthday and it will be such a joyous gift. I only wish that Sildras could have all of his siblings there. Perhaps I could try to persuade Nabine to let the girls come. If I gain some grand blessing, perhaps I could even persuade the Clan Mother to allow Qau-dar to bring Little Khes, well, she is likely to be all grown up by then. But if they could come, and any of the other of the spouses and children who would be interested. I know it would be a great gift for Sidlras to be able to see them all.

Besides, the House wants me to get Qau-dar and our spouses’ permission regarding this mistress nonsense, it would be the perfect time to take care of all of that. I will have to submit my request in writing.

I shall do this immediately. I have precious little time to be able to find the clan, who will soon be to the gathering place of the clans. Yes, I imagine they are already traveling there now. It is my chance to find them. This is not something to chance at a letter that may only reach them every month or few months. This has a time pressure upon it.

There is still some time before the Council closes its session, I need to get this request to them today. It would be the greatest gift I can provide my son.

[warukunaimirai]

Tonight at a Jazz Bar ♦ A Quartet of Freedom and Passion | Episode 10 「Boundless Passion」

After the bar’s closing hours—

Einsatz: Everyone, do you have your beverages?

Night: Yep!

Alto: I have mine!

Ruma: Nobel, please do the honours.

Nobel: This may be rather arrogant but—

Let’s toast in celebration of the success of our jazz band. —Cheers.

Everyone: Cheers!

⋆　♦　⋆

Night: That was our best show yet! It’s a shame that it has to end here.

Ruma: It was truly an enjoyable experience. I could really feel that so-called “groove”.

Einsatz: The final number of guests exceeded 140% of the bar’s capacity. There were even those that watched whilst standing.

Old Barkeeper: It’s been years since the last time we were that busy. It’s all thanks to you guys.

—Oops, I’ve already emptied my glass. Darn, I’m going to end up drinking more than I intended to tonight.

Night: If you don’t mind could I use your shaker? I’d like to make something too!

Old Barkeeper: Oh? A climber like yourself knows how to bartend too?

Night: Oh…a-ahaha, it’s just a side job I do. Could you keep this a secret please?

Old Barkeeper: Of course. Show me what you’ve got.

Night: Okay!

Ruma: You’ve been working hard too, sir. —That reminds me, did I happen to see you speaking with someone just before the venue closed?

Einsatz: There were multiple guests present. They differed from any of the regularly visiting customers. Who are those people?

Old Barkeeper: Ahh yes, them. Those were people from the jazz bands that used to play here.

Ruma & Ein: !

Old Barkeeper: There’s someone I was hoping to speak directly to about that matter but…it seems he’s nowhere to be found?

Alto: Nobel-san is missing. He was here just a moment ago…I’ll go look for him.

Old Barkeeper: I’ll join you.

⋆　♦　⋆

Alto: Nobel-san! So this is where you’ve been.

Nobel: Doctor…sir, you’re here as well.

Old Barkeeper: What’re you doing out here?

Nobel: I’m just taking some time to reflect. Our shows were a success but because of me, we had to take a detour.

I’m half pleased yet half sorrowful too…I feel somewhat ashamed to show my face in front of everyone.

Alto: Don’t say that. There’s nothing for you to be ashamed of, Nobel-san.

Old Barkeeper: That’s right…before you go feeling all embarrassed, I’d like for you to hear me out.

Nobel: …?

Old Barkeeper: It looks like those fellows that were about to retire are making a comeback.

Nobel: !

Old Barkeeper: They said they couldn’t keep quiet after hearing music like that. You’ve fired those grandpas up.

Those kids stopped by to listen after catching wind of your shows too. It was giving them motivation not to be defeated.

It sounds like they plan on stopping by to play from time to time…you brought them back.

Nobel: What does that mean for the bar…?

Old Barkeeper: There’s no need for it to close down. I plan to keep it running for a while to come.

Alto: Really…!?

Nobel: —As a fan of jazz, I cannot express my gratitude for your decision enough.

Old Barkeeper: Well…this is a hobby after all, so I can’t call it quits during all this fun.

Alto: This is wonderful news…!

Nobel: …Certainly. Nothing could be greater than this.

Doctor, I want to express my gratitude to you again. I couldn’t have saved this bar without all of you with me.

Alto: I haven’t done a thing. This is the result of all the effort you and the rest of the band put in.

Nobel: Thank you for your kind words. This ordeal has turned out to be a wonderful experience for me.

—-I thought I’d been in operation for quite a long time but it turns out there’s still a lot I must learn. I have a long way to go.

Alto: ! A long time…

(Just how old is Nobel-san…? How did he come to this point…?)

Einsatz: Master Nobel, Doctor, this is where you have been?

Alto: Ein-san!

Einsatz: You were absent so I came to collect you. Master Ruma says he would like to play one last time.

Nobel: Oh, that does sound nice. Sorry for the inconvenience, Ein. Let’s go, Doctor.

Alto: Ah, okay!

Nobel: I’d like for you to listen once more too. To the results of our trial and error. To music they’ve conducted…

To the groove that suspires in this wonderful place, together.

Back

[volkswagonblues]

 2021 in review - my fave books I read this year:

[you can find my 2020 roundup here]

1. Substance: Inside New Order, by Peter Hook + 2. Touching from a Distance, by Deborah Curtis

Okay, let me make you a pitch for reading these 2 books, plus 2 that didn’t quite make the list but that I think about CONSTANTLY (Chapter and Verse, by Bernard Sumner and Record Play Pause: Confessions of a Post-Punk Percussionist by Stephen Morris).

I love their music, but what really fuels my weird obsession is that like, New Order/Joy Division is some sort of experimental literature DREAM. They have not one but TWO movies made about them. Each of the three surviving members of JD have written autobiographies. Ian Curtis’s widow, Deborah, also wrote her own memoir. So you have 4 competing and often contradictory (!) descriptions of the exact same events.

It’s like Rashomon but like, with real, actual people, and because they’re real people they are infinitely bizarre and interesting and complicated. Read alltogether, I’d say the 4 autobriographies are an incredible portrait of loneliness, they’re 4 portraits of people whose lives are so intertwined, yet they can’t connect. incredible

3. Craft in the Real World, by Matthew Salesses

I like this book on writing because Salesses acknowledges the difference between western/asian storytelling, and also because he offers some very good tips for plot. Move events from the past to the present. Visualise the contents of a single written page. Create a ticking time bomb.

4. The Sympathizer, by Viet Thanh Nguyen

The prose...the prose! So dense but chewy and flagrantly anti-skimmable. I’m in a book club for this and every time we rave about how good Nguyen’s sentences are. Also, I always have a soft spot for grimy 1970s spy shit. The Commited, the sequel set in Paris, is also fantastic because it’s so specifically merciless against the French intellectual bourgeoise, which I find hilarious

5. I’m Not With the Band, by Sylvia Patterson

Part of my ongoing fascination with 80s-90s music. It’s so good for journalism nerds as well, I find Patterson’s writing just so breezy and readable. And of course the various little snapshots into 90s music personalities like Kylie Minogue and the Manic Street Preacher lads and the members of Blur-- *chef’s kiss*

“I was always hopeless at drugs. I was never psychologically robust enough for drugs, and yet I persevered like a stoic climber with one leg, no arms and spinal tuberculosis up a vertical Alpine precipice. Growing through teenhood in Scotland in the early 1980s there was no escape from drugs, permanently present in the local post-punk whirligig.”

6. White Ivy, Susie Yang

Ok in 2021 I actually found myself drifting away from “literary” fiction into “mass market” fiction (ACTUALLY THESE DISTINCTIONS ARE DUMB BUT LMAO). Anyways, I think the synopsis definitely missed the point of the book, and it tried to make it a Gillian Flynn grifter-narrative when really it’s influenced so much by Edith Wharton and society novels. It’s about a Chinese-American girl trying to marry her way into a rich, WASP family. I’d say that half of the novel set my mind on fire, and the other half was a slog that desperately needs a good edit. Overall, excellent read. The world needs more Asian-American protagonists who are incompetant idiots <3

7. The Collected Novellas, by Stefan Zweig

So Zweig is the author referenced at the beginning of Grand Budapest Hotel. He’s fantastic. Half of these novellas have one (1) premise, which is, “what if you’re on a boat and another dude was on the boat and then this dude tells you the fucking bonkers shit that ever happened to anyone ever”. But seriously, after reading a lot of contemporary fiction with “flat” emotional affects (think of those millenial pink Instagram novels with garish blobs, etc), reading an early 20th c realist narrative where emotions and interior journeys are taken really, really seriously feels so refreshing. I read it and immediately summarised the plot of every single one to my partner, just because they’re so fun to talk about.

8. First Kyu, by Dr. Sung-Hwa Hong

First Kyu is about Go. It’s about a guy who is so obsessed with becoming a professional Go player that it takes over his life. It’s such a good portrait of post-WW2 Korea and that specific generation of men, it’s a reflection on Go but also on philsophy and religion and family relationships. It’s about a guy who plays a lot of board games and sleeps with a bunch of woman, and it rocks. 

It’s written by a non-professional writer and Go enthusiast (I believe Hong was a dentist in Vancouver), but it’s one of those stories where the characters are so sincere, and the plot is so exciting, that the quality of the writing really does not matter. It doesn’t. The sheer burning urgency of the story shines through regardless. I put it on here because I found it a lot more interesting than writing that’s more technically sophisticated, but also more stifled and primped by a million MFA workshops. I think it’s a good reminder that what really matters in art is telling a good story. Not crafting a beautiful sentence. Just tell a good story. That’s what connects with people. Beautiful sentences are nice, but the story is what sticks.

[spinster-sisters]

ohh okay! so to kick it off, can we get ateez members’ reactions to their very successful partner taking them to a company party like their trophy wife/husband/partner — not in a derogatory way tho!! but just like,, flaunting the members around and going on about how handsome and hardworking and amazing they are, even though everyone’s attention should be on their partner in that big event?

This is very different from the stuff I normally write but honestly I had so much fucking fun doing it. Like genuinely this made me smile like an idiot the whole time.

-

Hongjoong:

It's ur birthday or sum shit, but here's the dealio, he had some big work promotion at some smaller company. Most people haven't heard of it and it's nothing like the major corporation you work for so most people there just think of him as your trophy husband cuz he's so good-looking. while the party and presents were for you, you just could stop bring up how proud you were of him. He would immediately shut it down every time you brought it up, "yeah thank baby, I appreciate it. Hey, guys don't you think my baby is beautiful tonight?" Just won't let it distract from your attention no matter how much you bring it up. He doesn't think that he should be praised for doing what he should be doing. It's a nice sentiment and it makes him giggle but he wishes you would just let the guests congratulate you.

Seonghwa:

It's some work party on your behalf at your home. And Seonghwa planned the whole thing. Your not gonna deny you were just looking for a hot husband with social perks (read: rich parents and rich friends) but after meeting Seonghwa you genuinely fell so hard and so fast for how humble he was despite his wealthy upbringing, and you wanted to work even harder to provide him with the lifestyle he had always had at home. And he is happy to fulfill his house husband role for his doting partner. So yall are just happy and in love. Everyone at the party is your coworker and honestly, he would probably have just been your arm candy under any other circumstances, except you keep reminding people how great of a job he did getting everything set up. From a 5-star catering company to a live band, to imported wine from somewhere fancy, the whole thing took him weeks to put together and you will be dammed if he doesn't get the recognition for a job well done. He takes the praise blushing and mumbles quiet thank yous to all you and all guests who praise him, but he leaves it at that. If they ask him questions about the things around him he will keep his answers short and minimal yet polite before slipping away. Despite planning it, it isn't his party and he wants to keep it that way.

Yunho:

it's actually your friend's launch party for something or other. But you had a fair amount to do with the starting of the company as an investor and your friend had wanted to honor you as much as her. But here's the thing. Yunho's also pretty fucking cool, he doesn't have a permanent job, instead, he bounces around to all kinds of random things to keep himself entertained instead of just being at home all the time. the entire fucking time you're like "oh but have you heard what Yunho's been up to lately." He tries to one-up you with praise. Every time you say something cool he does, he brings up something cool you have done. And it just gets more and more intense as the night goes on to the point where the other giggles just fucking giggle cuz yall are so obvious in love.

Yeosang:

Yalls wedding is gonna be the social event of the year. You both come from very prominent families, but Yeosangs family got their money from fame not business. So when yall got engaged there was quite a bit of gossip about how "real" the relationship even was. Who the "throphy" was would change based on who you asked and it was getting annoying reading all the headlines. It was your wedding shower, and it was no secret that most of the people there were there for you and not him, but he couldn't care less. People kept coming up to you trying to talk business, and you were endlessly shutting them down because this was a day for both you and your soon to be husband, not for social climbers to try and get on your good side. The wonderful thing about Yeosang however is how much he can read you emotions even when you are trying to hide them. His course of action was simple. You both just fucking leave. You both had already talked to your actual friends and at a certain point you couldn't be bothered to keep up appearances with people who didn't respect both of you equally. So you left. Probably went and got some food in your cocktail attire. Much better use of time anyway.

San:

You're some kind of model or something. So it's like fashion week. So the whole time u have cameras shoved in your face and are being followed everywhere you go. But ur mans San is also incredibly beautiful, so you play a little game where whenever you go out all you do is put on sweats and a hoodie and you bring him out with him dressed in full fashion week regalia so the photographers are fucking confused who they are supposed to be taking pictures of. He thinks it's funny ao he plays along, wearing whatever you put him in and posing dramatically for literally every photo he can. You two go through the posted photos absolutely howling at them all night.

Mingi:

Your some big-time producer and Mingi is this like an underground rapper. Yall have been together long before you ever made it big and back before you got the job you lived almost exclusively off Mingi's part-timejob. But now the turntables have flipped and he can live mostly of your income allowing him to focus on his music and yall wouldn't have it any other way. But here's the shit. Some dopey fucking pop star you produce for comes over for dinner and makes a "joke" about mingi being a freeloader and you get so fucking petty. Especially after seeing Mingi's dejected face. So basically you help mingi produce a professional track and release it legitimately and not just on SoundCloud or in some shitty nightclub, and it fucking blows up way more than the other person music ever did and you just do nothing but talk up how amazingly talented Mingi is to your boss and he gets signed after the other person is dropped from the label. It's a great time.

Wooyoung:

Allow me to paint you a picture(this is a pun just wait for it.) Your an artist 😃 and Wooyoung is your husband and your muse. Almost everything you paint is either of him or reminds you of him. And your opening this big art exhibit and it's just this super fancy cocktail party with all the art snobs in the city and of course you bring him. As soon as yall walk in people immediately notice he's the guy in all the paintings and you're just like "yes isn't he stunning" and he's like "yes I am stunning" he's only half kidding. Whenever you go on and on to some art blogger about your muse he just sits there drinking it in with a smirk on his face, occasionally adding things like how you owe your success to his beautiful face. In that case, he's completely kidding cuz he knows damn well your talented enough to make anything beautiful with or without him.

Jongho:

ima say you married rich. You didn't have much growing up but Jongho has done nothing but spoil you. Despite the fact he came from a big business family, singing has always been his passion. When you begin to work in his father's company you rise through the ranks alarmingly quick due to your skill. It's some party for your father in laws retirement and everyone coming up to you betting your gonna be the next CEO. Here the thing though, Jongho left the company not long after you joined, so he could pursue singing and most people there haven't seen him since then and they keep giving him side-eyes, clearly thinking he threw his life away and he's just gonna be your "trophy husband" for the rest of his life. Not on your watch homie. You expected this so you and your supper supportive father-in-law set aside time for him to perform to the whole room and you're standing there all proud and satisfied as all your coworkers are dumbfounded at his amazing talent.

[theoriginalladya]

Has Aubrey ever climbed on a tree (or something similar)? If so, how did it go? When was the last time he climbed a tree-ish thing? If not, can you make him, and how does that go? :D

Well, my initial thought is No, he's never been in a location where there would be a climbable tree, and even if he had, the opportunity never presented itself.

That said, at some point after his main story, he and Kaidan head back to Earth - not sure if it's related to events in the story or simply a 'get to know the family' kind of thing where Aubrey meets Mama Alenko, a couple of Kaidan's cousins, and an uncle and/or aunt.

Sometime during that trip, they go for a walk and Kaidan realizes Aubrey hasn't had the experience. In his day, Kaidan was an excellent tree climber, so of course they have to try it. After determining Aubrey has no fear of heights, Kaidan helps him up into the tree and they spend an afternoon just sitting around, sometimes talking, sometimes not.

It's a different experience for Aubrey. He's never really had time to stop and do something just 'for the fun of it' or 'because he wants to' like that. It gives him insight into a number of different things, not the least of which is looking at the world in a slightly different way.

Kaidan glances over, his fingers still twirling the stem of the leaf between his fingers. "So, what do you think?"

Aubrey, arms looped around one leg he's pulled close to his chest, stares off into the distance, eyes unfocused. "Things look...different up here."

"Different? How?" There is genuine curosity in Kaidan's quiet question.

The branches above rustled as Aubrey searched for words to explain. "Things are...smaller. Further away." He frowned. That wasn't quite what he meant.

"So...you have a new perspective on things, maybe?" Kaidan offered.

He thought about that. "Yes."

He was about to say more, but something hit the top of his head - not hard, necessarily, but certainly unexpected. Rubbing the sore spot, he breathed, "What the...?"

Both he and Kaidan glanced up just in time to duck out of the way of another missile dropped by the furry little beastie scrambling back into the cover of the leaves. Aubrey's hand shot out on instinct, snatching it in his fist. Kaidan chuckled. "Looks like someone has a new perspective on you," he said.

Opening his fist, Aubrey's eyes fell on the acorn in his hand, another frown forming.

"It's just an acorn," Kaidan assured him. "They're supposed to fall this time of year."

"What do they do?"

"Start new trees." Both are silent for the moment as they listened to the gentle breeze drift through the grove mixing with soft chirrups and more mad scampering around them before Kaidan adds, "Start their life."

Closing his fingers back around the acorn, Aubrey tucks it into the pocket of his jeans and leans his back against the trunk, a small smile working across his lips.

"Like that idea?"

Closing his eyes, Aubrey inhales deeply, savoring the scents, the breeze ruffling his hair, enjoying the first truly calm moment he's ever experienced. "Yes..."

Okay, there you go. Totally off the cuff, spur of the moment. Looks like it's a pretty positive experience for him at that point. :D

[withkun]

visage | j. jaehyun

genre: enemies to lovers... kinda? with some fluff and smut :) word count: 5.2k  pairing: reader x jaehyun warnings: graphic hetersexual sex (oral, penetration, etc), swearing, excessive world building summary: Your first day of work at your first real job began terribly. You hadn’t got enough sleep, you could barely eat your breakfast, and you managed to get lost on the way. Soon, you discover you’re working alongside serial charmer Jaehyun Jung and that he will stop at nothing to be the best. 

a/n: this is a mess im sorry lmao. i somehow managed to use jaehyun 86 times in here ... girl...

You felt completely, utterly, and hopelessly lost – all on the first day of your first real job. That morning, you awoke two hours earlier than you had to. If you had a choice, you would’ve face planted into your pillow and died right there. However, your anxiety decided against it. And with that extra time, you managed to pull off an extended morning routine. A warm, long shower. Ten-step skincare routine. Eggs, toast, and black tea. Despite your attempts to regain your confidence, all was lost as you circled the office building.

           The orientation guide you received hadn’t helped much. All you knew was that you should report to building B. Whichever building that may have been, you had no idea. Your feet grew weary and you cursed yourself for wearing heels. You rounded the corner of the office park for your fourth or fifth lap, only to be cut off by an overdressed jackass. Before you could sidestep him and continue your hopeless journey, the perpetrator turned to face you.

           “Oh, no. He’s hot,” you thought to yourself, praying your cheeks weren’t stained red. Despite wearing a well-tailored gray suit, you realized that he was likely your same age. He took in your slightly disheveled appearance, probably noting your ruffled hair and askew skirt.

           He tilted his head in the direction of the closest building. “Are you here for orientation, too?”

           Of course he had to be in your hiring class. Twenty-two and already looking like he owned the building. You nodded, then turned on your heel to rush inside. Trailing your steps, you heard him chuckle lowly.

           You finally joined the rest of the new hires in the security lobby, managing to fix your appearance before you reached the door. To your gratitude, they dressed similarly to you. Just plain business casual. The boy you met earlier definitely stood out, making the others wonder if they hadn’t dressed well enough.

           Within ten minutes, you all received security badges and shuffled into your orientation room. You preferred the back, whereas the business boy sat directly in the front. Rolling your eyes, you realized his game. You met plenty of people like him in college, ruthless climbers that destroyed everything in their paths. He knew he had to make more than an entrance, he had to make an impression.

           You grew to dislike him more and more as your training sessions progressed over the course of two weeks. An insufferable know it all, answering all the questions managers prompted. Volunteering for everything first, unafraid. You on the other hand, did not find his actions necessary. He left a glowing impression, yes, but you found it meaningless. Like hell the trainers cared about how well you completed your general training. Maybe he wanted everyone to relate this to his future performance, for you to watch out for his dominance. For you to fear him. Worst of all, he saw you struggle with the most simplistic task on your first day.

           He easily made friends within the group, as there were plenty others like him. All recent college graduates, fantastic resumes, and working for one of the best companies in the field. You, on the other hand, did not have such luck. Your social circle consisted of yourself and another quiet trainee, a quiet finance major named Doyoung. The two of you kept to yourselves and became the outliers of the group, so much to the extent that you sat alone for training sessions.

           Two weeks came and passed, and you finally received your team assignments. You found your name on the bulletin, right next to Jaehyun Jung’s. Of course. It had to be this way.

           Jaehyun approached the bulletin board aside you, and grinned as he found his name. “Looks like we’re working together,” he commented, still wearing the same expression. You realized why he appeared so happy. People like Jaehyun would not recognize someone like you as a threat. You barely appeared on his radar.

           You grit your teeth and forced a smile. “I look forward to it.”

           With your whorish luck, you found that your desks were right next to each other and you’d be essentially working back to back. You already hated being watched, and Jaehyun could easily look over his shoulder and see you struggling to keep up.

           Jaehyun settled into his seat with ease, already look at home in his new desk. You sat gingerly on your office chair, gathering your surroundings.

           Your desks sat right in the view of your department lead’s office, likely to Jaehyun’s excitement.

           Being on the same team, you and Jaehyun had the rest of your training sessions together.  Just you two and your manager. He always seemed to grasp the new concepts immediately while you merely pretended and made notes to ask Doyoung later.

           They assigned your first project sometime later, one that you and Jaehyun would have to complete jointly. You dreaded it, knowing he would try to take over the project.

           That first morning, Jaehyun was already at his desk. You glanced at your watch, nearly scoffing as you read off 6:59. Despite having the ability to make his own schedule, Jaehyun chose to arrive before seven. You collapsed into your desk chair, jealousy eyeing Jaehyun’s full coffee mug. He already had time to help himself to coffee. Typical.

           “Morning,” he greeted, fully awake and energized. “I set up a meeting for 8 today to start working on the project.”

           You powered on your desktop, mentally groaning at the hundreds of emails present in your mailbox. “That’s…fine,” you murmured, praying that you could address all your client emails in a measly hour without the aid of caffeine.

           He glanced behind him to see you hunched over and lifelessly typing. “I’ll make that 9.”

           And yet again, you were caught in a moment of weakness. Great. “Yeah, okay.”

           Those two hours passed slowly, but at least you managed to prepare a cup of tea. By 8:55, Jaehyun already settled into the conference room and wrote diagnostics on the whiteboard. All while you still went through your emails.

           You joined him, a fresh cup of tea in one hand and your laptop in another. “All right, I see that you’ve already set up the basics,” you said monotonously, nodding towards the whiteboard. “I conjured up some of my own ideas as well.” Without prompt, you rose and added a few bullet points under Jaehyun’s “approaches” section. You scanned his ideas, noting that they weren’t bad, but not what you had in mind.

           “I see,” Jaehyun commented, still standing. He put his hands on his hips, carefully mulling over the options. “They’re quite good.”

           You felt ashamed of your satisfaction for his response, but also surprise. He sounded genuine enough, but you knew that his type always had some angle to work. Prodding you board at your second option, you decided, “I think this is our best bet.”

           Jaehyun remained quiet for a moment, eyes flickering across the board. “What if we combined a couple?” he inquired. He pointed to your idea, then his. “It would streamline the process more holistically.”

           “Holistically??” you thought. You hadn’t heard that word since high school English class. It was so painfully pretentious to you.

           He went on to explain how it would work, but you were still caught up on the pure obnoxiousness of the word “holistically.”

           “Y/N,” Jaehyun tried. “Hello?”

           You blinked, finally hearing your name. “Sorry, I was thinking about how this will impact everything.” A lie, Jaehyun didn’t need to know how long you caught yourself on a single word.

           “So, what do you think?” Jaehyun leaned against the wall, eyes searching yours.

           Oh god, now you were thinking about his eyes. Pushing those thoughts aside, you answered, “So long as we put a heavy emphasis on my part, I think it’ll work.”

           He agreed and you went on, mostly working quietly. You avoided asking him questions, even when you became desperate. Jaehyun, meanwhile, tried to engage you in small talk.

           “Where did you go to college?” he asked, to which you gave him a one-word response.

           “Are you from here?”

           “Do you have a boyfriend?”

           “What was your major?”

           You barely answered, but he failed to get the point until he finally inquired to something relevant. “Did I do something that offended you?”

           You drew in a breath, fumbling for the right words. If you were honest with him, you wouldn’t have to put on a façade. If you lied, you wouldn’t get on his bad side. Even pretty boys like him could be ruthless if given the opportunity and reason. You saw it before, you knew you would see it all over again.

           “No,” you decided, pulling on a tight-lipped smile. “I just want to do really well on this.”

           That last part, at least, wasn’t a lie. You felt that you had to prove yourself, especially against the Jaehyuns of the world. If only briefly, you saw his relief. His face relaxed a little, and his shoulders lost some tension. “Me too,” he agreed.

           The following month went on similarly. You completed the project quietly, only interjecting to make corrections and provide your input. When you finally reached the day of your presentation, your nerves caught you once more. You woke up far too early and arrived at the office at the same time as Jaehyun. A new record.

           If he was on edge, you couldn’t tell. Outwardly, he appeared the same. Nothing could take away his quiet glow of confidence. Jaehyun worked, unbothered, sipping his coffee almost casually.

           “Are you ready?”

           Jaehyun turned to face you. “Never been readier.”

           You raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know if readier is a word.”

           With a shrug and smile, Jaehyun returned to his work again. Odd, considering he was always chatty.

           You attempted to mimic him, to work without doubts and review your notes. But your hands shook as you tried to type. You knew you couldn’t focus until you finished the presentation.

           Although you hadn’t noticed him leave, you saw him approach your desk. Jaehyun gingerly placed a styrofoam cup on your desk. Your eyes met his. “Jaehyun?”

           “Just some tea before the presentation,” he explained. “I noticed you like black tea with honey.”

           You brought the cup to your lips, delighted to find that it was the perfect temperature. For once, you didn’t care about his motive. “Thanks,” you said. And you meant it.

           He gave you wink. “We’ll be great today.”

           You hoped he was right.

           The presentation crept up on you suddenly, much faster than you had anticipated. Jaehyun found you outside the conference room, where you managers and team lead had already gathered, pacing and talking to yourself.

           “Are you okay?”

           He caught you again, there was no use in denying the truth. “Absolutely not.”

           Jaehyun laughed lowly and put a hand on your shoulder. A part of you wanted to shrug it off, but you felt a strange comfort. “I’m nervous, too.”

           You almost burst out laughing. Like hell he was nervous. But his concession, fake or real, made you feel some comfort.

           Having reeled yourself in, you entered the conference room together.

           And together, you made it through the presentation. You both had prepared excessively, ready to answer any question thoroughly. Management applauded your efforts, declaring that you had exceeded expectations. They rewarded you with a gift-card to a nearby steakhouse and urged you to celebrate together. Hastily, you attempted to invite the managers, only to be declined. They had work to complete in the office.

           Your cheeks lit up red with embarrassment, but you agreed to make reservations for that night.

           Jaehyun offered a ride over, to which you vehemently wanted to reject. Before the eyes of your manager, you took him up. You assured yourself that he was still the same person you knew. Nothing different. Nothing could’ve changed that. Seeing his car certainly helped. You never knew any recent college graduates that drove a Tesla, and yet…

           Once you arrived at the restaurant, you quickly ordered yourself a martini. You didn’t care which one, so long as it had plenty of alcohol. Jaehyun simply ordered a beer, quoting driver safety commercials. “Just this,” he promised you, then proposed a toast. “We pulled it off.”

           You drank your martini with gusto, and then prompted the waiter for another one. Jaehyun watched as you became drunk, consistently grinning as began to ramble. “You know I hate you, right?”

           Your question caught him off guard. “You hate me?”

           With a smile, you brought the martini glass to your lips. “You’re too perfect and try too hard.” His expression fell, but you forged on. For months, he made you feel inadequate and beyond anxious. You befuddled mind justified this bluntness. “Every day feels like a goddamn competition.”

           Jaehyun reached across the table, taking your hand. “I had no idea,” he admitted quietly. “I’m so sorry.”

           “It’s whatever. You’re no different from most in our hiring class.”

           With a sigh, Jaehyun took an elongated sip from his beer. “They’re not all bad.”

           Despite the alcohol coursing its way through your system, you realized that a few strands of hair fell out of place. He hunched over, brows furrowed, lost in thought. It wasn’t the first time you saw that either. Just out of your periphery vision, you saw him buried in work while you finished the project. 

           Jaehyun swept his hands through his hair. The way he bit his lip made you wonder if he was holding himself back. And the waiter arrived with your meals before you could muster a response.

           You sat in silence, Jaehyun haphazardly cutting his steak. He refused to look at you.

           As you absentmindedly twirled your pasta onto your fork, Jaehyun finally spoke up. “I’m not perfect, and you’re not easy to work with either.”

           “Excuse me?” You couldn’t conceal your anger at this sentiment.

           Jaehyun met your gaze, eyes determined. “You had to control every part of the project. Had everything your way.”

           That, you had heard before. And you absolutely hated it. “We did well on the project because of me,” you said defensively. “Lest you forget.”

           The two of you went on bickering like this, angrily finishing your meals and drinks. The waiter hesitantly approached your table, and you demanded the check. The sooner you could leave, the better.

           Once paid, you managed to not storm out of the restaurant. But you wore a disgruntled expression and balled your fists.

           You reached your work parking lot, and instantly ejected yourself from the Tesla. It wasn’t until you reached your car, however, that you realized that you didn’t have your keys. Probably left it in the passenger seat.

           Angrily, you stomped back to Jaehyun’s space where he twirled the keys around his index finger. “I’m not letting you drive. You drank too much.”

           You gritted your teeth. “I sobered up plenty.”

           Jaehyun approached you and held a square device in front of him.  “Well, then you can prove it.”

           You yanked the breathalyzer from him, not bothering to ask why he had it. Made sense for someone like him. With a groan, you realized he was right. 0.1.

           Not wanting to admit it, you continued your enraged march to the nearby retention pond where a lone bench sat in front of the water. You crossed your arms, and bitterly stared at the water from there.

           Jaehyun followed you, leaning onto the back of the bench. “I didn’t know this place existed.”

           You laughed bitterly. “It’s because you never leave your desk. You’re always working. Always networking. Always trying something.”

           To your surprise, Jaehyun appeared to calm down from earlier. He regained his flawless demeanor. “It takes me a lot longer to do things.”

           Well that, that took you off guard. “Doing extra work,” you said, making a weak attempt to correct him.

           “No.” After a long pause, he asked, “Do you really hate me?”

           His tone made you feel some guilt. “Don’t you hate me?” you shot back, remembering his comments at the restaurant.

           “I don’t,” he affirmed. “I never have.”

           You considered that. In your college career, you made plenty of enemies with the same behavior. Those times, you ensured yourself, were valid. Those classmates never completed their work and simply didn’t care about the performance. You had been left with ten-page papers to complete on your own. You turned poorly written trash into works professors recommended for publishing. But you knew Jaehyun wasn’t the same as them at least.

           Behind Jaehyun, the sun had just begun to set. The sky lit up with orange and pink hues. “I shouldn’t have taken over the project,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. A part of you hoped he wouldn’t hear.

           “Oh,” Jaehyun said softly.

           You gave him a warning expression. “Do not let that get to your head. You came into this job with an agenda.”

           “Jesus Christ, Y/N,” Jaehyun groaned. “Where the hell are you getting these ideas from?”

           You couldn’t bear to look at him, imagining the smug look on his face as he basically told you that you were crazy. “People like you are always ruthlessly ambitious.”

           “And what am I like, then?” Jaehyun mused.

           Without skipping a beat, you explained, “Attractive, charming, overcompensating.”

           You could feel his eyes boring into the back of your head, and just knew his smug smile made another appearance. He chuckled and said, “Sounds like you.”

           “Funny,” you mocked. “Last time I checked; I’m only overcompensating less outwardly.”

           He joined you and took a seat on the bench, stretching his arm over the top of the bench. Only inches away from being on your shoulders. Disgusting. “You’re wrong.”

           Without prompt, he suggested a game of twenty questions. Jaehyun clarified his intent, stating that perhaps you misunderstood each other. Sensing your doubt, he held his pinky finger out and searched your eyes. You hesitantly connected your pinkies and brought your thumb to your lips, both promising to be truthful.

           “Do you think I’m good at my job?” you inquired first, eyes cast out to the sparkling pond.

           Almost instantaneously, Jaehyun firmly answered, “Yes.” You concealed your satisfaction, biting your lip to prevent you to smile. “Do you think I’m good at my job?”

           You replied almost as quickly, “Of course I do.”

           The questions got progressively less serious, some among the likes of favorite movies and which books you were currently reading. Somehow, you felt relaxed. Jaehyun didn’t feel like competition, but rather just a normal stupid boy. He let you have another try at the breathalyzer, and you felt relief in the .05 reading before you. At the same time, you wanted to remain beside him.

           “I don’t think I hate you anymore,” you conceded, accepting your words as truth. “If you stop coming off as perfect all the time.

           He let out a laugh, a sweet sound of joy and relief. “Hey, you come off as perfect too. You were just quiet around me.” With a devilish grin, Jaehyun ventured, “Is it because you think I’m attractive?”

           You glared at him from the corner of your eye. “Are you trying so hard because you find me attractive?” you challenged him.

           Jaehyun turned his body to face you. “That depends on whether it’s working.”

           Now games like these you didn't mind as much. A harmless game of chicken, testing your limits. Work had its difficulties, but boys? Easy. You cupped his cheek, amazed at how soft his skin felt to the touch. Your eyes met, beckoning the other to try something. "So, this is why you asked me if I was dating anyone?" you dared. "Under the guise of getting to know me and making small talk. I thought someone as perfect as you would have more...subtlety." You let the last word slip out of your mouth slowly. Registering his surprise, you continued, “I don’t forget things easily, hence why I’ve been able to hate you so long.”

           Jaehyun grinned cockily, placing your hand on his chest. You felt defined muscles straining against his button-down. Already, you figured his body would match the rest of his veneer. “You really have nerve being out here like this,” Jaehyun overserved, gesturing the office park a short walk away.

           “Oh, uncomfortable here?” you drawled playfully, then took his hand. “I know somewhere you may like.”

           You felt a wave of confidence wash over you, and you realized this what you assumed Jaehyun had always felt. Then you decided that you’d make it up to him one way or another. He followed you, only letting your hands detach as you got closer to the infamous “B” building you worked in. You noted his nervousness and gave him a reassuring smile. “Trust me,” you urged.

           Entering through the side door, you managed to avoid security. Your entry would appear on a log, but you could easily bristle over it and say that you forgot your laptop at your desk. Most of your coworkers avoided the stairs, so you led Jaehyun away from the elevator. Though, you had forgotten that you were wearing heels. You struggled up the steps by the second flight, clinging onto the railing for dear life. Jaehyun noted this, but said nothing as he swept you into his arms.

           “I wish you did on the first floor,” you joked. “Or maybe I could’ve just taken them off.”

           Jaehyun refused to let you down until you reached the fourth floor. Whenever you found yourself in a vulnerable state, you hid out beside the decommissioned wing. The unused nursing room featured its own bathroom and a small futon. Having visited the location so often, you knew that the cleaning staff rarely came by. You asked once and discovered that they only visit at the beginning of the month. No one else ever came by in your experience. It appeared that only you knew about this place, and now Jaehyun. “This is where you run away to,” he deciphered. “I always thought it was the café.”

           “I prefer privacy.” You leaned against the door as Jaehyun took in his surroundings. “And I wanted to go somewhere you couldn’t find me.”  

           He fell back onto the futon, looking at you in awe. “Just when I think I know you.”

           You fumbled for the lock behind you until you heard a distinct click. “Do you remember when you first met me? When I was so stupid and got lost?”

           Jaehyun rose, appearing concerned. “I didn’t know. I just thought you were cute.”

           He cornered you against the door, body close enough to feel your shaky breath. All that time just hating him when you could’ve been seducing him for the purpose of hindering his goals and ultimately find the truth much sooner. You wasted so much time, held so much resentment. In front of you, you saw a seemingly perfect boy study your movements, waiting. A position you would have never imagined yourself mere hours before. Yet, you saw it all in hindsight and perhaps always knew the truth. It was then that you decided that you didn’t want to play games anymore or mull over an agenda.

           Jaehyun angled his chin downwards, gazing into your eyes with a mix of emotions. Excitement, fear, desire. You kissed him, gently and slowly. More carefully, you wanted to know him in this way. Feel the way his lips moved against yours, his increasing heart rate. He rested his hands on your hips, gripping them as if he couldn’t support himself without them. Soon after, you wrapped your arms around his neck and gradually deepened the kiss. These moments you shared felt like high school, so unassuming and simple.

           You pulled away, resting your forehead on his. You caught your breath and entangled your fingers with his. “I’m sorry,” you murmured.

           He idled, drawing kisses down your cheek and neck. “For what?” Jaehyun ventured.

           “For not knowing you until now, and maybe still not knowing you.”

           With his thumb, he drew circles on the back of your hand. “Do you want to know more?” he asked, his voice quietly sultry.

           “Yes,” you whispered. With this admission, Jaehyun’s butterfly kisses became more daunting. He crashed his lips upon yours and held you closer. Your tongues soon met, messier and carelessly. Feeling daring, you ran your hand under his shirt, digging your fingernails against his abs. A bit lower, and you realized he was straining against his slacks. 

Jaehyun bucked under your touch, gasping against your lips. You gripped his clothed cock with more certainty than before and Jaehyun fumbled to reach your breast. Still against the door, you held each other. “We’re lucky this room is soundproof,” you commented, noting your precarious position. 

Not waiting for his response, you quickly undid Jaehyun’s belt followed by his zipper. You tugged his pants to his ankles and brought your attention to boxer-brief covered erection as you supported yourself on your knees. Laying a flat tongue against his balls, you drew a line from shaft to tip. He sucked in a sharp breath and watched you with hungry eyes as you finally removed the final layer of clothing. 

His erection sprung upwards, precum already forming. Zealously, you took the tip into your mouth and ran your tongue over the wet slit. You leaned back, seeing Jaehyun absolutely desperate as he stood over you. Continuing, you wet his dick with sloppy kisses. You wanted him to have everything, feel every part of your mouth. With one hand on the base, you craned your neck to take in more of him from the tip. You used your whole body to rock your mouth further down his dick. When he reached the back of your throat, you gagged slightly but didn’t care. Gently at first, he began to rock his hips. Becoming restless, Jaehyun held your head and pushed his erection further down your throat with messy thrusts. You looked at him with wide eyes, conveying for him to continue. 

Jaehyun instead picked you up as if you weighed nothing and placed you precariously on the couch. While naked from the waist down, you were still fully clothed. Wasting no time, Jaehyun ripped your blouse off - buttons and all flying wildly around the room. He pulled your bra cup down to reveal a nipple, to which he immediately pinched between his fingers. Already excited, he removed your black jeans and panties. Jaehyun lowered himself to your glistening pussy and brought a digit to his mouth before pushing it inside you. The penetration left you unwinding as he added another finger. He curled his fingers upwards, each push and pull hitting your g-spot. As you thrashed, he held you down with a firm hand, especially after he began sucking on your clit. In mere minutes, he brought you to your orgasm. You wished you had the words to describe the way you felt that immense pleasure, but nothing would ever be sufficient. 

Breathlessly you beckoned Jaehyun to the bathroom. “I have an IUD,” you confirmed. With your new found trust, you knew Jaehyun wouldn’t even attempt to sleep with you if he had an STD. There, you gazed at him from the mirror. Watched him approach you and run his hands up and down your body. He positioned one leg so that you were half propped over the sink and still standing on the other. Jaehyun’s dick teased your aching pussy as he dragged it from your folds to your clit to your entrance. Both facing the mirror, your eyes locked as Jaehyun pushed himself fully in you. You both drew in strained breaths. Once he ensured that you adjusted, he fucked you. Neither of you ever watched yourselves have sex, but you were even more turned on watching Jaehyun clutch onto your tit and whisper obscenities in your ear. 

“You’re so fucking hot,” he growled, burying himself deeper in you. 

Jaehyun slowed his pace, suddenly lifting you and pushing you against the wall. He supported your entire weight as he fucked you there. 

“I’m going to ride you,” you said breathily, to which Jaehyun obliged immediately. He sat up straight on the futon, leading you to his cock once more. In that position, you put yourself to work. You bounced atop his dick, only stopping to grind your clit against his pelvis. You came unexpectedly, the sensation getting fucked and stimulating your clit becoming too much for you. Jaehyun and you both were surprised when a stream of liquid sprung out of you. 

With his mouth agape, Jaehyun looked at you. “You can squirt?”

Before that moment, you would’ve answered that no, you couldn’t squirt since you never had. Until then. He registered your shock and turned you so that your back rested against the futon. Jaehyun hovered over you, hair askew and face reddened. You imagined that you appeared the same. He kissed you, breathing “I don’t know how I got so lucky,” on your lips. 

Jaehyun unraveled quickly in this position, and you urged him to come on your tits. Following his orgasm, you attempted to clean yourselves up in the bathroom. “Everything smells like sex,” you observed, frivilously spraying Febreeze everywhere you could. Between futon cushions. The door handle, Jaehyun’s general direction. You didn’t realize you were shirtless until you saw a mess of buttons on the floor. 

A weak solution, but Jaehyun offered you his suit jacket. You’d have to walk out of the building crossing your arms and praying a nipple wouldn’t escape, but something. Once the room was clean, Jaehyun and you fine-tuned your own appearances in the bathroom. Neither of you looked refined or polished, but human. 

“I want more,” you admitted. 

At the same time, Jaehyun asked, “Can I buy you dinner?”

You shook your head. This version of Jaehyun, the one messily fucking you in an office nursing room, you preferred. “I just want to spend time with you.” 

Jaehyun smiled and agreed.

You left the room separately as to not arouse any suspicion. Jaehyun met you outside your car, once more carelessly spinning your keys. The sun had set by that time, leaving you both shrouded in moonlight. Despite the sun’s absence the air remained warm and inviting. “We’re going stargazing,” you decided. “After we change.” 

Jaehyun arrived at the agreed upon park first, sporting a loose shirt and Adidas joggers. You never had seen him dressed so casually. He already set up a blanket at the top of the hill and rested on his back. 

You wore a nearly identical outfit, and went without makeup. Normally, you hated it when your partners saw you without anything on. But you wanted Jaehyun to see this part of you, too. Despite living in a well-populated city, the stars appeared very clearly that night alongside a waxing crescent moon. 

“Do you think the managers set us up?” Jaehyun pondered, wrapping an arm around your waist as you joined him. 

“Without a doubt. And we’ll probably have to tell them about this at some point.”

And he kissed you again. How many times that night, you lost count. Looking at him, the image of the boy you met months ago flashed before your eyes. The one with the suit, the dashing smile, and dough-like dimples. You, a nervous wreck getting in her own way. 

You fell asleep on his shoulder that night, head buried in his neck as he snored quietly.  

[trickstercheebs]

How about gordon comforting borrower! Benery after something scary happened? -HLVRAHigh 💖

alright here u goh! takes place a lil bit in the future of my fic :V

He was still getting used to knowing he had roommates, specially roommates he had just only found out about four months ago living with him. Since then everyday felt like he was learning a dozen or so more rules or facts about his new tiny group of...friends?

Tommy and Coomer were always more than happy to inform him about new things he was clueless about, and in return he did the same for anything they didn’t know that he did. He found out Coomer could access his computer with a level of ease he considered concerning...until he found out all Coomer liked to do was get lost in the endless holes of information that Wikipedia offered, along with some various cooking videos on youtube. Tommy would sometimes sit with him and read along on the screen, it was kinda cute watching the tiny pair sit on his wrist rest and scroll for a few hours. 

Bubby strangely would only come over to join the mini group when cooking was the subject..He seemed to only calm down when watching someone make some sort of dish...and of course when Coomer was beside him. Gordon found out after several scorching trial and errors that Coomer was a expert at getting Bubby to calm down and not set fires out of rage or stress. But he had been noticing lately even without Coomers help the mini firestorms had gone down considerably, for which he was ultimately thankful for.

Though...Gordon had taken notice that whenever he was in the kitchen, Bubby somehow always happened to be nearby to watch and sometimes give a few tips from the counter, and his few bad attempts never seemed to get too burned to warrant throwing out nowadays. Maybe sometime soon he ask Bubby officially to help him cook something for everyone.

Benry though...he was very strange to figure out at first. The others had fled being seen by him for weeks aside from him. Benry had come out the moment the so called “jig” was up and started talking with him for hours on end...And despite all that talking Gordon still had little to no idea what the tiny borrower was about. The “sweet voice” he did most of the time, while very pretty to watch float around his head, was just as strange.. He had asked Tommy from time to time to translate when he found out the other borrower seemed to know inherently what the colors translated to and would happily lend a hand in the form of some honestly cute little rhyme to make it easier to remember for them both. Eventually Gordon got the idea after a few weeks of this and started to slowly map out Benrys feelings throughout the days when the sweet voice was more present than his actual voice.

Today was one of those days, Gordon had woken up to the sounds of heavy rain and after a quick look to the weather channel saw it’d be like this most of the day with possible chances of thunderstorms. He personally liked when the heavy storms rolled through, the town really needed it after the dry spell it’s been having for the last few months or so. The resulting day was a sleepy one at best, Gordon setting up a slow cooker of his favorite soup to dig into when it was time to eat with everyone.

Until then he sat on the couch with some snacks and caught up on some shows he had been prompted into watching by his tiny group, knowing they’d all be out and about soon enough, he could already hear Coomer and Bubby on his computer. Tommy was likely with Sunny....or Sunkist as Tommy had renamed her these days.. It didn’t take long for him to feel a tiny weight settle itself on his right shoulder and a even tinyer yawn to reach his ears.

“Sup Gordo....sleepy day today? Fuckin...lofi chill rainstorms to sleep to man..”

“Mornin Benry, and yeah seems like today’s a sleepy one. Weather forecast says its gonna rain all day today.”

“Mhm...niiice, cosy bro mode today..”

“Pfft, you sound like you’re about to pass out on me Benry, didn’t you just wake up?”

“Maybe....? Not my fault big bro Gordo gotta be all fuckin warm n cosy. S’fuckin cheating..”

Gordon couldn’t help but chuckle at that last very tired sounding quip and glanced down at the borrower in question. Benry was splayed out almost like a cat on his broad shoulder sucking up his residual body heat, only to be jostled a bit by his laughter.

“C’mon dude get down from there, I don’t wanna knock you off on accident or something.”

“Mmm maybe later, comfy here just fine bro, won’t fall off I got like..excellent climber hacks trust me.”

“Alright then, but I’ll warn you when I feel like movin or something.”

“Hell yea man no worries here. Your lil buddy Benry’s got it all on lockdown.”

Gordon let out another laugh before they both settled down to watch whatever show he had picked out.

----

A few hours had passed in relative comfortable silence amidst the rain, the soft background noise making Gordon a tad bit sleepy even now when it hit. A bright flash lit up the somber gray world for a brief second, just long enough to rouse him into a bit more of a alert state when the second half came.

It sounded like a gunshot had gone off, the thunder rolling loud enough to rattle the windows with its concussive force. From his computer he could hear Bubby let out a surprised series of curses followed by what he could assume was Coomer rattling off the wikipedia article on thunderstorms. So far so good right?

He heard a soft but tinny noise sound off beside him, or rather next to his head before another crack of thunder sounded off and made the lights flicker briefly with the charge.

“Jesus hell, guess this is quite the storm huh Benry? ......Benry?”

He looked to where the sleepy borrower should of been laying...only to find him missing entirely, and instead felt something..or hopefully someone clutching the side of his neck in a surprising death grip.

“Benry..? You alright down there? You uh...kinda gripping the living hell out of my neck there dude...Something wrong?”

That same tinny noise kicked off again and Gordon could see some small orbs float up...they looked alot like..rancid beer? He sat there for a moment and let the rhyme come to him given Benry’s reaction and refusal to talk or let go of him..

“Color like rancid beer...means acute fear? Benry lil bro..are you scared right now?”

He placed a hand against the spot he felt Benry clutching at him and felt the briefest nods against his fingers. Shit if it was loud to him then it must be outright deafening for someone like Benry and the others...though it seemed like Benry was the only one being affected right now.

Gordon let out a slow sigh and tried to gently ease Benrys death grip on his neck with both hands.

“It’s all good Benry, I’m here I gotcha..c’mon dude it’s fine I won’t let anything happen to you okay?”

Slowly he felt the grip lessen until he felt the weight shift slowly into his awaiting hands. Cupping them gently he moved to bring Benry up to face him and opened his hands. Inside was a clearly frightened borrower..Gordon felt a pang of saddness seeing that expression on the usually chill borrowers face. So instead he offered a warm smile and shifted to lay down on the couch, grabbing the blanket pooled around his lap in the process.

“It’s alright man, thunderstorms scare me too sometimes, y’know? They scared the hell outta me in college for years. But I learned about it and I slowly stopped being afraid..”

“...s’loud...wish the sky would shut its fuck..”

“Yeah it’s really loud..might mean it’s right on top of us..but I think it’ll move soon..wanna know a secret on how to tell its going away?”

“...tips and tricks from...big Gordos book of hacks? ..okay.”

Gordon snorts softly and lays his head against the far armrest of the couch and gently deposits Benry on his chest before adjusting the blanket over them both, Gordon seeing the soft blue glow of Benrys little eyes staring up at him as he got settled and placed a hand behind him for bonus warmth and protection..It seemed to do the trick as those vivid blues dulled to a soft sky blue and he felt Benrey sag against his chest after a few moments.

“When you see the lightening you count a few seconds..and when the thunder hits, that’s how many miles the storm is..the longer the pause means the farther away its getting..If you want I can show you and let you know how far or close the storm is.”

“....okay, sounds fucky but big science Gordo gotta know the good science..”

Gordon waited for a moment or two for the next flash and mentally counted down the seconds until the thunder sounded out...it was only a few seconds but it was already moving out by the sounds of things..possibly down the valley like most other storms did.

He relayed the message to Benry and saw that he did perk up a bit at the news.

“If you want, you can stay in there and I’ll tell you when its moving away, alright?”

“Mhm...sounds good to me man..”

What Gordon didn’t know though was that Benry had already nearly forgotten the storm thanks to a new sound overtaking the noise itself... Gordon had unknowingly placed him over his heart, or close enough to it that Benry could hear it as he laid against the other.. Coupled with the heat radiating off the giant human and darkness he felt...safer. He knew Tommy was going to rag on him later but..he felt nice being like this with the human. He might of had a little crush on the human and relished being close to him whenever he could. He was terrified of storms, the noise hurt his ears like hell and reminded him of...not so epic times..But thankfully Gordon pushed all those thoughts away and now he was here and safe.

It was all just enough to make him wanna sleep, he was warm and certainly cosy enough. Letting out a yawn he let those fail ass thoughts drift away as he looked up at Gordons smiling face and felt his own heat up a bit..Yeah he could sleep knowing someone like that was nearby.

“Gettin sleepy already Benry?”

“...maybe, wake lil Benny bro for supper please?”

“Pffft, yeah alright, I’ll let you know when it’s time to eat..get some rest Benry”

“M’kay boss, you got it.”

Benry smiled and mouthed something else privately before letting the slow thrum of Gordons heart and heat lead him into dreamland. Gordon being the comfortable man he was..accidentally nodded off as well shortly after.

Bubby woke them both up by threatening to burn Gordons beard off a few hours later. But for once the malice was not present in his voice.

[guksthighs]

Elf || jhs (i)

Your childhood stories of Santa’s magical reindeer are missing one crucial fact - that they’re all hybrids who once a year transform into the famous flying icons to help with present delivery/ If only you’d been told this as a young elf, before growing up and insisting on looking after one on Christmas day.

header by @jiminspjm​

wordcount: 6.5k

genre: fluff, crack (smut in pt.2)

The sunrise was just appearing over the snow-covered mountains when you finally reached your cabin, the orange light glinted off your keys as you pulled them out of your bag, before you let yourself pause for a second to appreciate the view in front of you.

Your village sat in the middle of a huge valley, peaked snow capped mountains surrounding it from every angle and because of your position in the Christmas Team, you were able to live in a cabin situated away from everyone else.

Snow dusted the cabin’s roof and as you turned to let yourself into one of the nine identically built houses, lined up in a place where everyone from the village could look up and admire, you heard female laughter from inside the wooden walls.

Of course, your peaceful morning wouldn’t stay that way for long, you mused. With a satisfied smile, you unlocked the door and swung it open, “Rise and shine Jung Hoseok!”

Your voice echoed around the corridor before you heard a heavy thud followed by Hoseok’s low morning voice, “Fuck!” There was a short pause before you began to walk up the stairs towards his door, when Hoseok quickly shouted, “You cannot open this door.”

The presence of red heels that weren’t yours and the vague scent of floral perfume were further clues to another female presence in the cabin apart from yours, “Why not? Is someone here?” The sound of your trainers against the wooden floor was quieter without the crunch of fresh snow underfoot, but Hoseok still heard you approaching.

Finally, as your hand was reaching for his door handle, he opened it enough to frown at you, “What are you doing here?” Hoseok’s brown hair was dishevelled, strands sticking up at odd angles and you raised an eyebrow at the huge lovebite on his neck.

“What is she doing here?” You questioned back, tilting your head as you went to look past his topless figure into the room, “You’re on a strict schedule right now and your coach said no more flings!”

Hoseok frowned before lifting both of his hands and moved them as if to smooth down his hair, but you knew he was actually checking that his antlers hadn’t appeared - which they tended to do when he felt any sort of intense emotion. Then with a smile, he sighed and leant against the door frame, “it’s only November babe, don’t get your ears all twisted up about it.”

You could feel your pointed elven ears straighten in anger at his comment because he knew just how conscious you were of them and just as you were getting ready to shoot back an insult, a voice called from the other room, “Hoseokie, baby, don’t be so mean to her! You should be so lucky an elf wanted to look after you in the first place with her high status.”

The house fell silent as Hoseok watched your face in embarrassment; he had slept with a social climber and it seemed he’d only just realised it from the way he was squeezing his hands together in front of him, like a child ready to get told off for drawing all over a wall.

Luckily, you were expecting her to be respectful of your position as an elf so with a slight shake of your head at Hoseok, you began walking away, calling, “You better be gone by the time I finish writing this email to Hoseok’s coach.”

Hoseok watched you walk away with a smirk, you wouldn’t send an email and as he mused about the small pout on your face and how good your lips would feel against his, a warm hand wrapped itself around his waist and his mind froze.

“When they say you’re the best of the elite they really mean it Hoseokie,” she laughed, fingertips dancing lightly against his bare stomach until he took a step forward and out of her reach.

Hoseok awkwardly cleared his throat, “you need to go now. Last night was fun but a man stays elite by following his regime.” His eyes darted up to take in the amused look on the girls face as she zipped up one of his hoodies over the candy cane striped dress that had caught his eye in the first place.

“I guess I can be your little secret then-“ her statement was cut off as she watched you open the door and begin throwing her heels and purse out of the cabin and into the snow. Hoseok watched in a mixture of intrigue and amusement as the girl stormed out of the door, turning to scream something at you which was promptly cut off when you closed the door on her.

No words were exchanged between the two of you. Hoseok walked back into his room to get changed and you collapsed onto the sofa, exhausted from a night of studying to remember that keeping Hoseok in line was also a job.

The town you lived in wasn’t normal, it was a place where legends were real and your job was to make sure that on Christmas Eve, Nicholas had his nine magic reindeers ready to pull his sleigh. It had been your dream to be a Reindeer Carer since you were young and even after being shut down and told it was impossible because you were an elf, you kept going until finally you were introduced to Jung Hoseok.

It was your first year on the job and from the moment you’d moved in with Hoseok, it felt like he’d decided to make you quit but it was going to take more than a bratty, egotistical reindeer shifter for you to give up on your dream job.

++

+++

++

“So are you starting to regret claiming this was going to be your dream job?” Yoongi was sitting at the table, sifting through your paperwork absentmindedly because of his amusement at watching you tidy up after Hoseok.

You turned to look at him, holding a pile of dirty plates with two jumpers resting on your shoulder, “I’m a glorified babysitter Yoongs, it’s exactly what I thought it would be.” The fact that you had to tidy up after Hoseok, who was currently training when you knew Jimin, Yoongi’s partner did everything in his ability to make it easy for the older boy, annoyed you at how good he had it.

The opposites in the reindeer shifter’s behaviour was impressive but you weren’t really complaining because Hoseok was nowhere near as bad as you’d been warned he would be. So walking into the kitchen you placed the plates in the dishwasher before folding his jumpers and placing them on the table next to Yoongi who was watching you with an unreadable look.

“I will admit Y/N,” Yoongi tilted his head with a smile as you sat down in front of him with a sigh, “Hoseok has been much better with you. I feel like you’ve really had an impact on him and let me say a lot have tried before you.” He watched your pointed ears perk up slightly before the ends began to darken in a display of your embarrassment at the compliment from a veteran manager.

Quickly you opened your laptop, pulling up a file before darting your gaze up to look at Yoongi and nod slightly, “that was out of nowhere dude, you can’t just be nice to me without a warning.” Yoongi shook his head before he went back to looking through your work, helping you to separate Hoseok’s documents from your dissertations and research.

He tried not to smile at the irony of you mixing up your studying with the boy that had obviously taken up more of your life than he was meant to. Managers are really only meant to ensure that the reindeer shifter they’ve been assigned to are attending training, following their regimes and it’s only during their heat period which lasts from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day that their duties become slightly blurred.

But officially, managers were merely there for support. Yoongi raised an eyebrow as he looked up to see you typing away on your keyboard; officially you weren’t meant to work as hard as you. Even if Hoseok was a special case.

The crackle of the log fire, turning of paper and the tapping of your keyboard filled the silence of the cabin as you both busied yourselves. It was unusual to have a visit from Yoongi, you mused, risking a glance up at the elder boy who was sat engrossed in a piece of your writing.

Yoongi had always been like a brother to you, but in the professional setting you felt like you had so much to learn about how to be the most useful resource for Hoseok as possible. Even then, Yoongi hadn’t come today at your request or because he wanted to offer tips, he’d come to hand-deliver the invitation for the Christmas Ball - which was merely an event to remind the people of the high status the reindeers possessed in their society.

You’d been attending them from a young age because your parents ran the present wrapping department, as well as being pure-blooded elves. But the idea of going as Hoseok’s date had made your head swirl with worry at the idea he would try and make a move on you, or even complain and try and bring someone else.

A frown was beginning to form at the idea of having to defend your place as his date to the ball, which you’d been given strict instructions from Yoongi to do, as the last few years Hoseok had brought his own date. But before you could get properly worked up in all the possibilities, Yoongi cleared his throat opposite you, obviously aware of your spiralling mind.

“Have you seen him transformed, in person, yet?” He ventured, an eyebrow raised as he tapped a photograph on the table of Hoseok’s form. You shook your head thinking of the way his antlers had only popped out a handful of times since you’d been living together.

Yoongi grinned, “you’re in for a surprise then. A lot of managers quit after seeing them transform for the first time,” he noticed the frown on your face and shrugged, “you’ve read the brief I’m sure. They’re experiencing their heat period so their transformations don’t turn them into cute fluffy reindeers but huge, powerful animals that only have eyes for the people who have looked after them for the last few months. It can be a lot for a newbie.”

“If I can handle him in this annoying, messy form I’m sure I can handle a horny reindeer,” you laughed before your ears pricked up at the sound of footsteps crunching in the snow outside. Yoongi noticed your shift in posture and gave you a questioning look because Hoseok’s training didn’t finish for another hour, even though you could hear his keys in the door.

When you looked up, ready to make an excuse for Hoseok skipping training you saw the grin on Yoongi’s face before he rocked back on his chair and crossed his arms, as if daring you to go put your boy in check - which you knew you were going to have to do the second the waft of pizza met your nose.

“Nice to see you back so early,” you greeted him with a smile, leaning against the doorframe hoping to obscure Yoongi from his vision, so he wouldn’t change the topic. Hoseok had frozen, eyes wide as he slowly tried to hide the pizza box behind him with an embarrassed smile playing on his lips.

It wasn’t the first time he’d broken his strict diet, or even come back early from training, which you could see he’d attended for a bit from the way his hair was sticking up at odd angles. Once the pizza box was completely tucked behind his back, Hoseok laughed, “Coach told me I did well today and could leave early,” you raised an eyebrow and nodded dubiously.

“At least give me a slice of your pizza instead of scoffing it all yourself,” you grinned, taking a step forward and reaching behind his back to grab the box from his loose grip. Once it was in your hands, you ran into the kitchen, skidding on the polished floor before placing it on the table in front of Yoongi. Both of you quickly grabbed a slice each, and you let a quiet moan at the taste of greasy deliciousness against your tongue.

Hoseok walked over with a smile, clapping Yoongi on the shoulder before raising an eyebrow at his friend, “are you visiting my girl often?”

“Your what?” You choked, eyes wide at the term he’d used and the possessiveness Hoseok was showing about you. That was until you saw the look Yoongi gave you, reminding you of his early warnings about the intense nature of the shifters during this time.

It seemed even Hoseok was shocked by his choice of words as he laughed and grabbed a slice of pizza before shrugging, “you guys don’t really have official names. I feel like my manager is even worse than my girl. Plus I don’t even see you like one of those stuck up boring helpers, you’re just more interesting.” He grinned at you before busying himself eating the pizza but Yoongi was fixing you with a warning look.

Hoseok was being fuelled by his hormones right now, and no matter how sweet he was being, you needed to stay professional to the bitter end.

++

+++

++

Hoseok was late.

It wasn’t like the meeting was hugely important, it could be worse you thought, eyes darting from the typed pages in front of you up to the door with the hopes he would burst through at any point.

But he didn’t and the sponsor in front of you was beginning to look agitated, the tap of her pen hastened before finally she stood up, walking to the whiteboard before nodding at you. “I feel we’ve waited long enough.”

Your back straightened instinctively as you pretended to absentmindedly flick through the papers of her proposal, hoping the sponsor would see his tardiness as a business “mind-game” to get them to see how desired he was. In reality, it was merely his crappy personality but they didn’t need to know that.

With a smile, you placed the papers on the table, “I understand this meeting was scheduled to start fifteen minutes ago, however you must understand that Hoseo- I mean Mr Jung is a busy man. I do apologise for his lack of appearance however he is often swept up with interviews that run over and he takes his training very seriously in preparation for the big day.”

The lady in front of you nodded, her eyes had been narrowed slightly as if she was questioning your words but now she seemed more understanding. Then with a quick glance at her watch, the sponsor nodded, “I’ve got another meeting soon but our company want to sponsor Mr Jung, his lack of presence will be noted, but his face being associated with our candy canes would greatly improve sales and-“

“I’m sorry to keep you beauties waiting,” Hoseok’s hair was messy and his cheeks were flushed from the cold air outside. You tried to hide your smile when he sat down next to you and placed his hand on yours that was absentmindedly tapping on the table.

Your heart stuttered and you quickly moved your hand out of his grasp, worried that the sponsor would see this and think that you weren’t professional enough for her company. Luckily, she was busy rifling through her bag for something and with a smile wider than the ones you’d previously been receiving, the sponsor reached over the table and shook Hoseok’s hand.

“It is so lovely to see you Mr Jung,” her voice sounded slightly forced and your eyes darted up from the contract papers to watch her in slight confusion, “don’t you think it’s a shame that even with your new elf manager, you’re still late to meetings.”

Hoseok frowned, watching the sponsor sit down and now she seemed much more professional than before. She placed a pen on top of the contract details for the sponsorship that you’d just pushed in front of him, fixing you with an intense stare. “Are you aware that this is the third time we’ve offered him a sponsorship? Every time we end up cancelling it for one reason or another.”

Something about what she was implying frustrated you and not only was the feeling of your ears heating at the implication that you were unworthy of this position because of your status - which wasn’t the first time you would’ve heard that you should be something better than just a reindeer manager. But the fact that she was belittling Hoseok, with no reaction from him was frustrating you.

So without really thinking, you took a deep breath and relaxed into your chair, placing your hand on top of Hoseok’s as he was about to write his signature, to grab the pen from his grip. “If you don’t feel Hoseok is the correct fit for your company image, then there is no need for this sponsorship.”

You could feel Hoseok turn to look at you in confusion, possibly because this morning, over breakfast, he’d warned you that this meeting was useless and that he had no interest in being the face of a candy cane product. Now he was wondering if maybe he shouldn’t have shared this information with you, even though he was finding seeing you defend him like this quite hot.

The sponsor was busy looking between the two of you in slight confusion but you hadn’t quite finished yet, picking up the contract you placed it in front of the woman, “it looks like this year Jung Hoseok won’t be signing with you again.”

With a self-satisfied smile, you stood up from your chair, leaving your pages of research and information about the company on the table and with a squeeze to Hoseok’s broad shoulder, you both walked out of the room without another word.

“Are you kidding me?”

Hoseok’s hands were on your shoulders, his grip was firmer than you were expecting and quickly ice ran through your veins at the idea that maybe, he had wanted that sponsorship. Maybe you’d read the situation completely wrong and were about to be fired.

But instead, Hoseok pulled you into his chest, squeezing you tightly and you felt your whole body relax at the scent of pine trees overwhelmed your senses. Then with a final squeeze, you were realised from his grip, “Y/N! I’ve sat through those dumb meetings more times that I can count and finally someone fucking listened to me! I’ve already got an offer to be the face of a new shoe company so don’t worry about that side of things. You’re fucking great!”

His smile was contagious and you scrunched your nose slightly at the compliment, “you can’t be late for meetings just because you don ’t want to sign Hoseokie,” you laughed, both of you walking out of the centre and into the icy air of the village, “you left me all alone with her you dick!”

“Let me make it up to you then?” Hoseok’s tone had changed, his smile broadened before he winked at you.

You rolled your eyes, “or you could make it up to me by coming to meetings on time?”

“We both know that won’t happen, so I’m going to make it up to you tomorrow on my day off,” he grinned before watching you check the time and look up at him with a raised eyebrow, because he’d obviously forgotten about training, “I’m going to training! Tomorrow wear something very warm, we’re going on a long walk!”

++

+++

++

The forest was beautiful in the winter, with its huge snow covered pines mixed in with the barren, lifeless branches of other trees. The jacket you’d chosen to wear wasn’t thick enough for the temperature of the morning air that bit against your nose and made your fingers go numb. But you were willing to put up with the discomfort to watch the look on Hoseok’s face as he took in the scenery around you.

It could only be described as magical, you decided, following the footprints left by Hoseok that were the only thing denting the perfect blanket of pure white snow covering the floor. The snow here in the forest was so different to in the village, it was undisturbed and you felt like a child as you found yourself placing your foot perfectly in the print of the boy ahead of you.

“Isn’t it amazing?” Hoseok laughed, arms spread and head tilted back as he took in the scenery and just as he finally closed his eyes, you bent down and quickly crafted a snowball. It only took a few seconds for you to stand back up, before aiming and getting it to land directly on the crown of his head.

You laughed, before squealing when Hoseok locked eyes with you and started running in your direction, his laugh echoed in the forest and knowing you’d be unable to hide from him, you quickly hid behind a wide tree.

“Found you!”

Hoseok had pinned you against the tree before you could even try and dodge his attack, and the sudden action caused a branch above you to dump its pile of snow on top of your heads causing you both to laugh again.

You hadn’t felt this carefree in years, and looking up at Hoseok’s flushed and smiling face, you wondered if he felt the same. Between pants you managed to gasp, “it’s beautiful here.”

He nodded, before leaning forward and pressing a kiss to your forehead, “I’m happy you let me share it with you.” With that he dropped your arms from his grip and went back to walking through the forest, turning for a second to gesture for you to follow, which you’d forgotten with how loud your mind had become following that simple kiss.

Maybe he’d meant nothing with it, but maybe he’d meant more than just a friendly kiss to the forehead.

You didn’t have time to question Hoseok as you went back to wading through the snow behind him, but your heart still didn’t slow down and you found all he’d done was raise questions you weren’t sure either of you had the answers to.

++

+++

++

“Why’re you still awake?”

The starlight was no longer your only company as you looked over your shoulder to see Hoseok standing at the door of the balcony, eyes barely open with a blanket resting on his broad shoulders. His nose scrunched as his bare feet landed on the snow covered wood outside before he shuffled over to you, the blanket grazed your arm before he moved to throw it over your shoulders as well.

For a bit you were both silent, watching the steam of your hot chocolate drift up in the cold night air, but Hoseok cleared his throat before nudging your side, “so? It’s four in the morning.”

“I’m not sure,” you replied, squeezing your hands around the mug and fixing your eyes at the sky wondering why you weren’t telling him to go to bed so he would make his morning practice and not skip it again. But for now you were okay to stand next to him and absorb the peaceful quiet together.

It didn’t take long before Hoseok cleared his throat, hand reaching out as he picked up a handful of snow from the balcony, “I’m sorry. You’re not a bad manager, maybe we just don’t work well together?”

Finally he had caught your attention and you turned to look at him in confusion, “you don’t think we work well together?” It was a blow to hear that from him when everyone had been congratulating you on keeping the notorious rule breaker in such good shape and you wondered if you were being too strict to him, if maybe you were making this stressful time even worse.

Hoseok stepped away from you, the blanket slipped and landed on the floor but neither of you moved to pick it up.

He stood staring at you before looking down at his hands that had turned pink from the cold, “No, I just think that- well I’ve been thinking that maybe- not maybe- you just- you’re awake at four in the morning Y/N!” Hoseok sighed, running a hand through his hair before bending to pick up the blanket, shaking it out before moving forward with it spread as if to drape it over your shoulders,

But you weren’t having it, “so you think I should quit because you think I can’t handle you,” you smiled before placing your hands atop his and squeezing, “I think I can manage for another few days.” And it was true, the reason you were awake wasn’t because Hoseok was hard to handle but because your head was swimming with thoughts and feelings for him.

And how were you meant to tell him that? That maybe sleeping with him curled up behind you, feeling his languid heartbeat against your back made yours race uncontrollably. It was unprofessional and as much as the way you liked the way he would sit down next to you and pull your legs onto his lap, or the sound of his voice in the morning when you were waking him up, it wasn’t worth disrupting him by swapping managers or even sacrificing your dream job for.

You looked up at him, placing a hand atop his head before stroking his soft hair slightly, he looked so deep in thought that you smiled before poking the crease in his forehead gently, “stop frowning and go to bed. I’m not quitting and you’re not the reason I’m still awake.”

Hoseok tilted his head slightly in consideration, before reaching up to grab your hand and intertwine his fingers with yours, his other hand holding the blanket before he walked back into the cabin, dragging your figure with him.

“Time for bed,” he looked over his shoulder and grinned at you, before squeezing your hand, “I don’t want my manager to become an iceblock.” You sighed and shut the door behind you, hoping that your thoughts of pressing your lips against his, feeling his icy hands run through your hair and his delicate kisses pepper your skin.

Instead you would be happy with his tight grip on your hand, as he dragged you into your room.

Hoseok paused as he watched you climb into bed, shifting slightly from foot to foot and you looked up at him with amusement, “you okay there Seokie?” He tried to hide his smile at your nickname for him before he rolled his neck once as if debating saying what he was about to.

“I’m just still so cold from going outside to rescue you from your early morning thoughts so I was wondering if maybe I could cuddle with you tonight?” His nose scrunched slightly as he tried to hide his smile when you shifted over in your bed, patting the empty space with a dramatic roll of your eyes.

As someone who had lived in freezing conditions for six months of the year, you knew that he was exaggerating but this once you were going to let yourself indulge in your needs. As Hoseok slid into the covers next to you, shifting closer to you and resting his hand on your waist, you justified your actions by telling yourself this would be the last time you did this.

But as you slowly slipped into sleep and felt Hoseok’s hand move to hold your hand that rested in front of your chest, his warm fingers tracing your cold ones, you knew it wouldn’t be the last time you felt his embrace.

Just before sleep claimed you with its warm, comforting grip, you could’ve sworn you felt Hoseok kiss the back of your head, his thumb slowly stroking the back of your hand but it wasn’t the time to obsess over inaccuracies encouraged by your need of sleep. So you let yourself shift closer to his chest and fall asleep, surrounded by the scent of pine trees and hot chocolate.

++

+++

++

The bed was cold when you woke up, hand instinctively stretching out to feel the empty space where Hoseok had been previously curled up, which was now icy. It had been like this for a week now; waking up to Hoseok’s weight dipping the mattress late at night and then finding him gone in the morning.

Your cabin felt empty and as you got up, shuffling into the kitchen to make a coffee, you wondered when the snow stopped being a beautiful feature of the landscape to something that made you feel suffocated by. The snow turned the view into a blank canvas every morning and as you sipped at your coffee, steam warming your chin as its long tendrils grazed across your face, you felt yourself being lost in that silence again.

Hoseok was confusing, a mess and obviously in the process of hiding from you.

It hurt your heart to go from feeling like you knew exactly what was going through his mind to being cast out and unable to even see him for long enough to try and decipher the inner workings of his mind with a few hints. But as his manager, you knew that wasn’t your job, you nodded at that thought, maybe this distance he’d created was to remind you of your place.

The slight buzz of your phone broke your attention from staring out at the landscape and you quickly fumbled to answer it, voice croaky from having not been used yet, “this is Y/N speaking, Hoseok’s manager.”

“Good morning, Jung Hoseok hasn’t attended his training this morning and he missed it yesterday, I was wondering if you could account for his whereabouts?” The voice was gruff on the other line and your eyes widened in embarrassment hearing that Hoseok wasn’t attending his compulsory activities. You had a sick feeling that it would get to the big day and he’d find himself unable to transform or worse lift the sleigh.

Quickly you cleared your throat and placing the cup on the snow covered table, you walked back inside and grabbed your laptop, “I’m sorry to hear that. I’ll make sure he attends his next session-“ you paused busy tracking his phone from your computer when the voice on the other line finished your sentence.

“Tomorrow. He has a session tomorrow and if he’s not there on time, I will be forced to report both you and him.” You nodded, before realising the caller couldn’t see your reaction and quickly stuttered an agreement before hanging up, staring down at Hoseok’s location with a heavy sigh.

He was sitting on his bench.

With that slight revelation and the fact it was only a few minutes walk, you slid your feet into your trainers and pulled on the thickest jacket you owned, before walking out of the front door and heading further up the hill towards where you would find Hoseok.

The walk was calming, your heartbeat finally began to slow down from the stressful idea of being reported and with a sigh you let yourself pause to take in the view, trying to enjoy it instead of criticise it. But that was when you caught sight of Hosoek’s figure, slightly hunched over on the bench and quickened your pace when a gust of icy wind rolled over your face.

“You’ve been ignoring me.”

Hoseok seemed smaller than usual and when he looked up at you, his eyes were swimming with problems too difficult for you to begin to understand. So following your instincts as a friend over a manager, you sat down next to him, placing your hand on your knee as you tried to find the words to comfort him in a problem you didn’t even understand.

“Don’t you find the snow suffocating-“

Your words were cut off when Hoseok’s lips pressed against yours, and for a split second all you could taste was the hot chocolate against his lips and the heat from the sigh that left his mouth once he’d pulled away slightly.

He turned to you, a slight smile playing on his lips, “what are we doing?” You tilted your head in interest at his question but he continued, “I like you and- well- I can’t stop feeling that way.” Hoseok looked down at his bare hands that had were slightly pink at the fingertips, “trust me I’ve tried to stop.”

A rush of feelings filled your chest, slowly reaching out your hand and placing it atop his, “maybe you don’t have to stop.” That was when you finally reached up and pressed your lips against his, eyes closing as you let yourself get lost in his touch before quickly pulling away and running a hand through his hair with a grin, “also you have to go to training tomorrow or else we’re both getting fired."

++

+++

++

It was finally Christmas Eve, or ‘The Big Night’ as everyone called it in the village and in your opinion it had come sooner than you would’ve liked; the barn was full of the other shifters and their managers with everyone cheering and laughing in excitement for the event that was counted down to the second it finished.

But as you looked at Hoseok, admiring his chocolate brown eyes and the long, pointed antlers that were currently nestled against his curly hair, you wondered if maybe now was the time to admit that you liked him.

“Are you nervous?” Hoseok whispered, bending down with his lips so close to your ear that they grazed the flesh slightly. He quickly straightened his back and grinned at you, “this is your first time seeing my form.”

“Why would I be nervous?”

He rolled his eyes, turning away to begin stretching his limbs before glancing at you and winking, “maybe because you’ll realise I’m not completely human and some find that scary.”

With that you tucked your hair behind your ears, rolling your eyes, “I’m sure I can handle it.” The racing of your heart said otherwise as Hoseok leant in and pressed a kiss to the tip of your ear, quickly you reminded yourself that he wasn’t fully himself, that if you allowed yourself to fall into these feelings you’d end up hurt.

And maybe it was the festive spirit of optimism that filled you in that moment, or something even more magical like fate, but in a rush of confidence, you locked eyes with Hoseok and leant up to press a chaste kiss against his lips. When you pulled back it felt like the barn had disappeared, leaving just you and Hoseok with his huge round eyes that were looking you in shock.

“Can we do that again?” He mumbled, already leaning in to place a kiss to the tip of your pointed ear. The feeling of your heart racing and knowing that you only had a few more moments with Hoseok spurred you on to place your hands on his hips and kiss him again.

It was passionate, probably too much for a public setting and you felt your bodies lean into each other so close that it felt like you were merging into one being. His lips moved against yours in an effortless dance and when Hoseok sucked against your bottom lip before licking at the seam of your mouth, you quickly deepend the kiss.

The feeling of him kissing you was something completely different to anything you’d felt previously: in the forest with his chaste, stolen kisses and even the languid ones shared when you woke up wrapped in his arms. You felt desired, you felt wanted and for the first time you felt what might be love conveyed through the simple action of kissing.

Hoseok’s hands traced down your spine before he pulled away from you, crouching for a second to grab your thighs and haul you up, so you were being carried in his arms with your legs wrapped tightly around his slim waist. It was only then, when you heard the gasps and slight applause from around you that you remembered just where you were and against your better judgement, let Hoseok place you firmly back on the floor with a little giggle.

“You two really know how to put on a show,” Yoongi laughed, rolling his eyes at your flushed face and Hoseok’s slightly swollen lips. “Now that those two have stopped, I think it’s time for everyone to get into their positions?”

Nodding quickly, you began walking to where Hoseok’s position was in the line, only to feel his hand grab yours and interlace his fingers with you, pulling you into his chest so he could press one last kiss to the crown of your head. And when you turned to tell him off for the scene you’d both made, he pressed a kiss to your lips before gesturing with his head that you should move out of the way.

You felt an arm sling over your shoulder, turning to see Yoongi looking at you with a smile as he squeezed and said, “I’d close your eyes for this bit.” Which you did, casting on last look at Hoseok, watching him smile and wink at you before his antlers began to grow and then your eyes were covered by Yoongi’s hand.

It was probably a good thing he did that as well, the prospect of seeing a human morph into a reindeer isn’t the most attractive thing and when Yoongi finally moved his hand, you were face to face with Hoseok’s reindeer form. His pelt was a deep brown and with a tentative hand, you stroked it slightly, smiling when he moved to rest his head on your shoulder, nosing slightly into your ear.

“Everyone get strapped up!”

You nodded, stepping away from Hoseok and stroking his furry cheek, you leant in and placed a light kiss to his nose, “stay safe.” He snorted slightly and you could see that even in this form, his eyes still had the same mischievous sparkle.

It was unheard of for a manager to have a relationship with who they were assigned to but as you watched Hoseok trot off, your mind was already beginning to fill with questions and then a wave of calm hit you. You had feelings for Jung Hoseok and he felt the same way, everything else would fall into place but those were the two most important pieces of information.

This year it would be your first Christmas spent with someone who truly loved you, for you.

++

+++

++

Jessnote: soooo it’s been a while! Honestly, I’m not happy with this but I already had one extension with this huge collab and felt weird not posting it now. to put a long story short can y’all pray for my love life bc she’s a mess right now,, anyway, i think my writing style has changed a lot?? what do you guys think? i’ve missed you all and would really appreciate to hear from you!!

also thank you to @jiminspjm​ for the amazing header and being a complete angel,,,

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A PART TWO (+SMUT) ?

> MERRY CHRISTMAS <

[mnemo-ink]

Aladdin AU Cherik

Wrote this for marvel bingo 2019 (free prompt) but I only posted it on ao3, not here.

Takes place in an Aladdin AU with alpha/omega (it's the reason Charles must marry and can't become King but it never really comes up so it can be pretty much ignored), no powers

            The day had been one long deja vu. More politics webbed behind his back, more talks about the necessity of his marriage. It was a trap made of gold, one he had no way to avoid.

Even Prince Magnus' grand entrance was doing nothing to change the monotony of his life. He paraded his wealth more literally than most. That didn't make him any different.

Charles was pouring himself some wine as the unknown prince finally makes his way to the throne room, exchanging greetings with the King. He listened in a dispassionate way, his back to the group, with no desire to join them despite knowing he'd have no choice. Delaying was the only power he had left.

"Charles will like this one."

"And I'm pretty sure I'll like Prince Charles".

The voice was nice, but with an undertone, some kind of untold joke that put him on edge. Yet his father sounded delighted. All Charles saw was a new suitor bidding for his hand without knowing anything about him but his supposed beauty, a propaganda well spread to soften the distaste at his paralyzed legs.

As if any of them cared as long as they got the throne.

The chancellor spoke up. Of course he would... After all, he was the one who really controlled the politics of the land, and he didn't want to let that power disappear. This time his manipulations involved a fake concern toward the Prince. Charles restrained a laugh. How dared he? That man whose eyes always seemed to burn into his skin. That man who killed...

The only hope Charles had left was to marry someone who'd get rid of that snake without being an even worse option for his country.

"What makes him think he is worthy of the Prince?"

It was rather fitting that they all pretended to care about him while ignoring him, just a few feet away from them, in a corner of the same room.

"Your Highness, I am Prince Magnus. Just let him meet me. I will win your son."

'Win' him. That... That was too much. Charles knew how he was seen. To hear it so bluntly was another thing. He rolled toward the group, all his anger spilling out of him:

"How dare you? All of you? Standing around deciding my future."

They looked embarrassed. It gave him no satisfaction. He knew they wouldn't change their plans in any way. The hypocrisy of it all... Before leaving, Charles let out the words that were bleeding into his mind, words he wasn't sure he believed in anymore:

"I am not a prize to be won."

---

He thought he'd get some peace, finally alone in his rooms, when Magnus broke the calm with some ridiculous attempt at seduction. Just more deja vu. Compliments, fake smiles, he knew it all. The only effect was reminding him how unsafe his rooms were, open to any slightly motivated climber.

There was something in Magnus, in some of his movements, that echoed... It only made Charles more bitter. That this man dared reminding him of...

For the second time today, he unleashed his anger at Magnus. Another suitor, like all the others.

Except. Except the man appeared sorry. Understanding. Charles was puzzled, unprepared for such a reaction. Where was the hurt pride? The insults?

Then Magnus jumped from the balcony and reappeared on what could only be described as a flying carpet.

All these years, Charles had prepared himself for the worst, but not for the magical.

As he touched the flying carpet, felt it react with some form of sentience, with some personality even, Charles smiled. The first genuine smile he had had in months. Or was it years? How long had it been since he felt anything at all?

His disbelief turned into wonder and it made him realize how everything had been muted until now. How his dreams were mere longing he couldn't really manage to be passionate about.

How could it be an different when he had lost all hope?

And yet now...

He felt, imagined, wanted. Oh, how he wanted...

What Prince Magnus was offering to him was something he never thought he could get. A sense of freedom, the ability to travel and discover and doing so without being stopped by the strict rules of the palace or by his unfeeling legs. It wasn't reasonable. In fact, it was even quite foolish of him, entertaining the idea of following a man he didn't know, knowing the country's future would be at risk if anything happened to him.

"Do you trust me?"

Magnus' voice brought his attention back to the present. Charles turned pale, sure he misheard the man, that his mind was playing tricks on him. He found himself truly looking into this new suitor for the first time.

"What?"

"Do you trust me?"

The obvious answer was no, why should he?

But the words send him to the past, back to the market when he could still walk, back when he was a naive fool hoping to change the world. When he met a young man named Erik, filled with passion and anger and kindness. A man who died because of him.

The words were the same, the gesture too, even the flicker in Magnus' eyes. It was, in every way, heartbreakingly similar and in that moment he almost believed that Erik... Could he be? Wasn't it too little to hope again?

Perhaps Charles was still a hopeful idiot after all, or perhaps he was too tired of the stillness of his life and too desperate for change. In the end, it didn't matter why. He simply couldn't stop his smile, nor ignore the shiver that went through him when he took the hand offered. With a genuine belief that shocked him, he answered:

"Yes"